Association between microRNA expression and risk of male idiopathic infertility in Iraq

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization defines infertility as the inability to get pregnant after 12 months of unprotected sexual activity. This study was conducted to estimate the levels of gene expression for two mature miRNAs (i.e., miR-122 and miR-34c-5p) to evaluate susceptibility to male infertility. METHODS: This study included 50 male patients with idiopathic infertility who were admitted to hospital from the period November 2021 to May 2022 and another group consisting of 50 apparently healthy individuals used as controls. RESULTS: miR-122 level was significantly highest in azoospermia and followed by oligospermia, 39.22 (31.88) versus 37.34 (20.45), respectively. In addition, there was a very significant difference in miR-34c-5p levels between the study groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Two miRNAs, namely, miR-34c-5p and miR-122, can be used as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for infertility.

Low rate of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) in patients followed for type 2 diabetes: A single centers experience in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of and the clinical and metabolic features of patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) at a single center in Turkey. Subjects and methods Patients over 30 years of age diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who did not require insulin for a minimum of 6 months following diagnosis were included. Data from 324 patients (163 women; 161 men), with a mean age of 54.97 ± 7.53 years, were analyzed in the study. Levels of antibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (anti-GAD) were measured in all patients, and LADA was diagnosed in patients testing positive for anti-GAD antibodies. Results Anti-GAD positivity was identified in 5 patients (1.5%). Family history of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), age, sex distribution, insulin resistance, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were similar in the LADA and type 2 diabetes patients. Median HbA1c was significantly higher (10.8% vs. 7.38%, p = 0.002) and fasting C-peptide was lower (0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.82 ng/mL, p = 0.009) in patients with LADA compared to in those with type 2 diabetes. Among the 5 patients with LADA, 4 were positive for antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. The median disease duration was relatively shorter among patients with LADA (4 years vs. 7 years, p = 0.105). Conclusion We observed a LADA frequency of 1.5% among Turkish patients followed for type 2 diabetes. The presence of obesity and metabolic syndrome did not exclude LADA, and patients with LADA had worse glycemic control than patients with type 2 diabetes did.

Determinants of credit constraint of artisanal fishermen in Ghana / Determinantes da restrição de crédito a pescadores artesanais em Gana

ABSTRACT: Due to the high risk associated with fishing, access to credit becomes very difficult for fishermen. The study was conducted to investigate the determinants of credit constraint on artisanal fishermen with survey data collected from artisanal fishermen in the Western and Central Regions of Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive and IV-Probit model. Most of the fishermen were in their youthful stage. From the study, while boat ownership and off-fishing activity reduce the probability being credit constrained, complex procedure, and disbursement time lag increase fishermen probability of being credit constrained. The findings of the study also indicated that there is a significant difference between constrained and unconstrained fishermen fishing activity and financial status. Therefore, fishermen in need of additional credit should be catered for to increase their production, hence, livelihood.

RESUMO: Devido ao alto risco associado à pesca, o acesso ao crédito se torna muito difícil para os pescadores. O estudo foi conduzido para investigar os determinantes da restrição de crédito em pescadores artesanais com dados de pesquisa coletados nas regiões oeste e central de Gana. Um procedimento de amostragem em vários estágios foi usado para selecionar os entrevistados para o estudo. Os dados coletados foram analisados com o auxílio do modelo descritivo e IV-Probit. A maioria dos pescadores estava em sua fase juvenil. A partir do estudo, enquanto a propriedade do barco e a atividade fora da pesca reduzem a probabilidade de restrição de crédito, procedimentos complexos e atraso no desembolso aumentam a probabilidade dos pescadores sofrerem restrição de crédito. Os resultados do estudo também indicaram que há uma diferença significativa entre a atividade pesqueira e a situação financeira dos pescadores com e sem restrição. Portanto, os pescadores que precisam de crédito adicional devem ser atendidos para aumentar sua produção e, portanto, meios de subsistência.

An investigation of methylation pattern changes in the IKZF1 promoter in patients with childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

BACKGROUND: Ikaros family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) is a transcription factor with an important role in controlling hematopoietic proliferation and function, particularly lymphoid cell differentiation. It was previously shown that various mechanisms and expression patterns of Ikaros are linked to a variety of cancers. We hypothesized that aberrant methylation (hypomethylation) of the IKZF1 promoter region might be one of the causes of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). In B-ALL patients, an increased expression of this gene is a potential cause of B-cell differentiation arrest and proliferation induction. Therefore, as more than 90% of patients with ALL are <15 years old, we investigated the methylation pattern of the IKZF1 promoter in childhood B-ALL. METHODS: Twenty-five newly diagnosed B-ALL cases were included (all younger than 15 yr). In addition, we selected 25 healthy age- and sex-matched children as the control group. We collected the blood samples in EDTA-containing tubes and isolated lymphocytes from whole blood using Ficoll 1.077 Lymphosep. Next, we extracted genomic DNA with the phenol/chloroform method. Two microgram of DNA per sample was treated with sodium bisulfite using the EpiTect Bisulfite Kit, followed by an assessment of DNA methylation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the bisulfite-modified genomic DNA. RESULTS: Our data highlighted a hypomethylated status of the IKZF1 promoter in the ALL cases (96% of the cases were unmethylated). In contrast, the control group samples were partially methylated (68%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a hypomethylated pattern of the IKZF1 promoter region in childhood B-ALL, which might underlie the aberrant Ikaros expression patterns that were previously linked to this malignancy.

Climate change and potential distribution of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Central Iran: Horizon 2030 and 2050

Objective: To investigate and predict the effects of climate change on the potential distribution of the main vector and reservoir hosts of the disease in Yazd province in the future. Methods: Distribution data for vector and reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Yazd province were obtained from earlier studies conducted in the area. MaxEnt ecological niche modeling was used to predict environmental suitability. BCC-CSM1-1(m) model and two climate change scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were used for horizons 2030 and 2050 climate projections. Future projections were based on data of a regional climate change model. Results: With both scenarios in 2030 and 2050, the results of jackknife test indicated that the mean temperature of wettest quarter and temperature annual range had the greatest effect on the model for the vector and the reservoir hosts, respectively. Conclusions: The climate conditions are the major determinants of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis incidence rate in Yazd Province. These climate conditions provide favorable habitats for ease transmission of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in this endemic area. Habitats suitability for the vector and reservoir will be expanding in the coming years compared with the current conditions, such that, in horizon 2030 & 2050, the probability of the presence of the vector and reservoir within 38 580 and 37 949 km

Effect of resveratrol on the biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in monocyte cultures from PBMC’s of patients with myocardial infarction

Globally, one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity is ischemic heart disease (IHD). It has been established that in cardiac disorders, there exists a synergistic correlation between the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. The stabilization and regulation of the oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in these patients is essential for the better management of the disease. Hence, the aim of this study was to study the effect of natural antioxidant, resveratrol, on the oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in cultures of monocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the patients with myocardial infarction. Monocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC’s) of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and healthy controls were employed in culture studies (with and without resveratrol). The 24 h cultures were subjected to evaluation of cytokine/ interleukins levels i.e. TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6 as well as oxidative stress markers like MDA and Glutathione. The patient’s samples exhibited a significantly decreased level of intramonocyte glutathione as compared to samples of healthy subjects. On the other hand, significantly increased levels of MDA were observed in culture supernatants of monocytes isolated from PBMC’s of patients with MI in comparison to those of healthy controls. A significant degree of amelioration in intramonocyte glutathione levels coupled with decreased MDA levels (culture supernatants) were observed in cultures treated with resveratrol (20 ug/mL). Furthermore, 24 h culture supernatants of untreated patients cells exhibited augmented levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. However, co-culturing with resveratrol exhibited a significant decrease in the levels of all the IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Resveratrol—a potent polyphenol from grapes and also a natural antioxidant regulates the oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers and may be used as a prophylactic antioxidant in high risk patients.

The potential role of Th17 lymphocytes in patients with psoriasis

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by increased keratinocyte proliferation due to abnormal differentiation of basal keratinocytes. The etiology of the disease is unclear, and according to the survey results, it is hypothesized that a combination of genetic and environmental factors prompts an abnormal immune response in patients with psoriasis. CD4+ Th cells play a multifaceted role in both immune defense and pathogenesis of certain diseases such as psoriasis. Nonetheless, the exact contribution of different subpopulations of Th cells in psoriasis is still not clear. Objective: The aim of present study was to determine the mRNA expression level of RORC as potential inducer of Th17 cell differentiation and expression pattern of Th17-signature cytokines (IL-17A and IL-22). Methods: Twenty patients with psoriasis and twenty-one healthy subjects were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated and expression of three genes were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Plasma levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were also evaluated by ELISA. Results: RORC, IL-17A and IL-22 gene expression was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls (P<0.05). In addition, a marked increase in plasma IL-17A and IL-22 levels was observed in patient group compared to controls (P<0.001). Study limitations: small number of patients. Conclusion: These data suggest that Th17 response may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Factors Associated With Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and correlates of elevated blood lead level inchildren (6-144 months) of Aligarh. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study wasconducted. Venous blood was obtained for lead estimation and a structured questionnairewas filled. Results: A total of 260 children were enrolled. The prevalence of elevated bloodlead level was 44.2%, seen mostly in children below 5 years of age. Old and deteriorating wallpaints at home was found to be significantly associated with elevated levels. Conclusions:Lead-based house paints are potential source of lead exposure. Meticulous renovation andpainting of the walls with safe paints is desirable

Investigation of BAX and BCL2 expression and apoptosis in a resveratrol- and prednisolone-treated human T-ALL cell line, CCRF-CEM

BACKGROUND: The numerous side effects and chemo-resistance of conventional chemical drugs in the treatment of malignancies have led to consideration of the anti-cancer properties of natural products. In the present study, we aimed to explore the apoptotic effect of two natural components, resveratrol and prednisolone, on the T acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell line, CCRF-CEM. Our findings suggested the incorporation of these natural agents into drug regimens to treat patients with ALL. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effect of different doses of resveratrol (15, 50 and 100 µM) and prednisolone (700 µM) on BAX (apoptosis promoter) and BCL2 (apoptosis inhibitor) expressions following 24 and 48 hours of treatment on CCRF-CEM cells, using real-time PCR, and on apoptosis induction using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results showed a time- and dose-dependent increase in BAX expression and a decrease in BCL2 expression. Apoptosis was induced in CCRF-CEM cells treated with resveratrol and prednisolone for 24 and 48 hours. Combined resveratrol and prednisolone treatment showed synergistic effects on the overexpression of BAX and the downregulation of BCL2. The drug combination had a greater influence on apoptosis induction compared with either drug administered alone after 48 hours of treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that resveratrol exhibited a remarkable efficacy to improve the influence of glucocorticoids drugs, especially prednisolone, to induce apoptosis in the CCRF-CEM cell line.

Could vitamin B12 deficiency mimic erythroleukemia?

Erythroleukemia is a rare form of acute myeloblastic leukemia [AML] as described by the World Health Organization [WHO]; the condition represents less than 5% of all AML cases. It is a great challenge to establish the diagnosis. One of the principal differential diagnosis is megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. A fourteen-year-old Bahraini female was initially diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency based on the clinical history, blood count, smear findings and vitamin B12 level. The lack of response to supplementation with vitamin B12 injections raised suspicion of bone marrow disease. A subsequent bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of erythroleukemia. After establishing the diagnosis with bone marrow biopsy, the patient was referred to the oncology center to receive chemotherapeutic treatment

Antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of two marine algae, Nannochloropsis oculata and Gracilaria gracilis - an in vitro assay

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of two marine algae, Nannochloropsis oculata and Gracilaria gracilis. The extracts were assayed for total phenol and flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, nitric oxide activity, iron chelation activity, and reducing power activity. Total phenol and flavonoid content were found to be high in both algae. Ethyl acetate extracts of both algae were found to exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Ethyl acetate extract of N. oculata exhibited a good capacity for iron chelation, nitrate oxide, and scavenging DPPH free radicals (72.95±2.30, 73.73±1.76, and 39.03±0.97% inhibition at 400 µg mL-1 respectively).

Production of recombinant flagellin to develop ELISA-based detection of Salmonella Enteritidis

ABSTRACT Food-borne diseases, caused by the pathogenic bacteria, are highly prevalent in the world. Salmonella is one of the most important bacterial genera responsible for this. Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is one of the non-typhoid Salmonellae that can be transmitted to human from poultry products, water, and contaminated food. In recent years, new and rapid detection methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have been developed. In this study, recombinant FliC (rFliC) was produced to be used as an antigen. The immunization was conducted in mice with the purified recombinant FliC (rFliC). The mice were subcutaneously immunized with rFliC and elicited significant rFliC specific serum IgG antibodies. An indirect ELISA system was established for the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis. Our results confirmed that the recombinant flagellin can be one of the excellent indicators for the detection of Salmonella Enteritidis.

Clinicopathological study of seronegative celiac disease in adults in Pakistan: a pilot study

Background: celiac disease [CD] is usually missed, if the serology is negative. We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of seronegative CD [SNCD] and its response to gluten-free diet [GFD] in adult patients

Methods: this observational study was carried out at the Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan from 2009 to 2015. All consecutive adult patients [>/=17 years] with features of marked villous atrophy [Marsh class>/=III] on duodenal biopsy, negative tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG antibodies [anti-tTg IgA and IgG] and human leukocyte antigen [HLA] DQ2 or DQ8 serotypes were studied. Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and response to GFD were analyzed by SPSS software version 20. Median and interquartile range [IQR] were used for summarizing quantitative data. Frequency [percentages] was used for qualitative data

Results: a total of 12 patients with median age of 31.5 years [IQR: 19.75-46.75 years], of whom five [41.6%] were men were studied. The presenting complaints were: weight loss in 11 [91.6%] and abdominal pain in 9 [75%] patients. Anemia was observed in 10 [83.3%] patients with median hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL [IQR: 6.3-13.25 g/dL]. Median alanine transaminase [ALT] was 21 U/L [IQR: 13-27 U/L] and median albumin was 3 g/dL [IQR: 2.4-3.6 g/dL]. Anti-tTg IgA and IgG were negative in all patients. HLA DQ serotyping showed homozygous DQ2 and DQ8 in four and one patients, respectively; while heterozygous DQ2 and DQ8 in five and two patients, respectively. All patients were advised to receive GFD. Nine [75%] patients showed complete clinical response. Two patients were non-compliant and one with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]-related cirrhosis had partial clinical response. Out of the nine responders, two patients showed response within 6 months while the remaining showed improvement over a year period

Conclusion: the diagnosis of SNCD is rewarding as it responds favorably to GFD in most patients. HLA serology provides an important tool for diagnosis of this entity

Protective effects of melatonin on testis histology following acute torsion-detorsion in rats

Background: testicular damage due to spermatic cord torsion may lead to infertility. It is probably because of changes in oxidative stress factors such as malondialdehyde

Objective: to investigate the protective effect of melatonin [MLT], as an antioxidant, on testicular damage induced by acute unilateral spermatic cord torsion and detorsion [T/D] in rats

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, 48 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups [8 rats/group]: sham group underwent right scrotal surgery only., the T/D group underwent right testicular torsion [for 1 hr] and detorsion, and the melatonin group underwent right testicular torsion, received 25 microg/kg melatonin intraperitoneally immediately after surgery of T/D. Then the histological parameters and malondialdehyde [MDA] changes were evaluated

Results: torsion and detorsion decreased the diameter of the tubules significantly compared to controls [p=0.003]. Melatonin could increase the diameter, but it was not significant [p=0.26]. The heights of the epithelium were constant in sham, T/D, and melatonin groups without any significant difference between groups [p=0.98]. Based on Johnsen's score, spermatogenesis was normal in the sham group. The torsion significantly injured all lineage cells [p<0.001]. There was no any spermatid or sperm in the seminiferous tubules. Melatonin improved the spermatogenesis significantly [p=0.02], but could not improve MDA level significantly [p=0.99]

Conclusion: severe degenerative changes of testis were induced by acute unilateral spermatic cord torsion and detorsion in rats, but it had no effect on MDA level

Comparative evaluation of extract of Bacopa monnieri and Mucuna pruriens as neuroprotectant in MPTP model of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) results primarily from the death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Treatment of PD has been shifted recently towards herbal medicines.Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC (MP) are traditional herbal plants known to have neuroprotective effects due to the presence of bacosides in whole plant extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) and L-DOPA in MP seed extract (MPE). In this study, the comparative effect of BME and MPE in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was evaluated. Twenty four Swiss albino mice (35-45 g) were grouped into Control, MPTP, MPTP+BME and MPTP+MPE (6 mice in each). Experimental mice were given 40 mg/kg body wt. BME, 48 mg/kg body wt. MPE treatment was given orally for one month with prior use of 15 mg/kg body wt. of MPTP for 2 wk. After the treatment period, behavioral study was performed and assessment of neuroprotective effect was done via neurochemical analysis, Immunohistochemical parameters studied included functional viability of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra by Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) using monoclonal antibody against TH and apoptotic study through caspase-3 and m-RNA expression of neurogenic gene in substantia nigra region of brain. Treatment with BME or MPE for one month significantly decreased the elevated levels of oxidative stress found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioral tests, comparative analysis of BME and MPE showed a significant increase in spontaneous locomotor activity and grip strength test. Moreover, it was found that the use of BME considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase activity, caspase-3 and expression of neurogenic gene in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The results suggest that BME may provide a better platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD as compared to MPE.

Anticancer and Antioxidant activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome.

Dietary components present in foods, spices and herbs are source of natural compounds viz. phenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and carotenoids with potential benefits. Ginger is one such herb commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as medicinal purpose since ancient period. Here, we investigated the methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome (ZOME) for anticancer activity against human cervical cancer HeLa cells and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation decolorization test. Antiproliferative activity was substantiated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay for cell viability and cell proliferation, Hoechst staining was performed to examine apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that ZOME inhibited the proliferation and colony formation in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced typical changes in nuclear morphology, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, membrane shrinkage and blebbing in both cells indicated apoptotic property of Z. officinale. ZOME exhibited potent antiradical activity against DPPH and ABTS. On the basis of the results of the present study, it may be suggested that Z. officinale has promising anticancer and antioxidant properties. Since, Z officinale has been commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as for medicinal purposes since prehistoric times. Therefore, enriched use of Z. officinale as dietary material could be recommended in ethno-medicine for the management of cervical and breast cancers. Moreover, further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the potent compounds for further adjuvant therapy against such malignancies.

Identification of Anticancer and Antioxidant phytoconstituents from chloroform fraction of Solanum nigrum L. berries using GC-MS/MS analysis.

Solanum nigrum is a traditional Indian plant acclaimed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. Among all plant parts fruit berries have shown to be most pharmacologically active part. In the present investigation, we tried to characterize the bioactive principles of chloroform fraction of S. nigrum (CFSn) fruit berries using GC-MS analysis. We could identify 29 compounds belonging to different chemical classes viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, proteins, phenolic compounds, and saponins. More specifically, we found two novel phenolic compounds, benzoiisovanillin and syringic acid (4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxybenzoic acid), which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. Our phytochemical investigation of CFSn was well supported by its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity which we evaluated subsequently. Further, we investigated the anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) as well. Our in vitro results indicated that CFSn exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against both these cell lines and due induction of cancer cell death through apoptosis. Our study emphasizes the need for isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds of CFSn and determination of their mechanism of action responsible for its anticancer activity in breast cancer cells.

Osteocalcin HindIII gene polymorphism not associated with bone mineral density—A study in North Indian postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

Osteoporosis is an important health problem in India owing to the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across all ages, low level of awareness and higher risk of complications. This disease is characterized by decreased bone mass, bone strength and higher risk of bone fracture. Here, we investigated association between osteocalcin HindIII gene polymorphism and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteoporotic and postmenopausal healthy North Indian women, possibly the first study of this kind in the aforesaid population. We investigated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of osteocalcin HindIII in 254 postmenopausal osteoporotic (56.12±7.004 years) and 254 postmenopausal healthy (55.27±5.93 years) North Indian women. BMD at lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, hip and forearm was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The results showed no significant correlation between osteocalcin HindIII gene polymorphism and BMD and we conclude that osteocalcin HindIII gene polymorphism may not have major effects on BMD variation in postmenopausal North Indian women.

Hypocalcemia development in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism: Can it be predicted preoperatively?

ABSTRACT Objective Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is a common endocrine disease, and its most effective treatment is surgery. Postoperative hypocalcemia is a morbidity of parathyroid surgeries, and it may extend hospitalization durations. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive factors related to the development of hypocalcemia and hungry bone syndrome (HBS) in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP. Materials and methods Laboratory data comprising parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate, 25-OHD, albumin, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of the patients were recorded preoperatively, on the 1st and 4th days postoperatively, and in the 6th postoperative month, and their neck ultrasound (US) and bone densitometry data were also recorded. Results Hypocalcemia was seen in 63 patients (38.4%) on the 1st day after parathyroidectomy. Ten patients (6.1%) had permanent hypocalcemia in the 6th month after surgery. Out of the patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP, 22 (13.4%) had HBS. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was higher in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP, who had parathyroid hyperplasia, and who had osteoporosis. Preoperative PTH, ALP, and BUN values were higher in those patients who developed HBS. Furthermore, HBS was more common in patients who had osteoporosis, who had parathyroid hyperplasia, and who underwent thyroidectomy simultaneously with parathyroidectomy. Conclusions As a result, patients who have the risk factors for development of hypocalcemia and HBS should be monitored more attentively during the perioperative period.

Mean platelet volume in patients with prolactinoma

ABSTRACT Objective Prolactin is a multifunctional pituitary hormone. The effect of prolactin on platelet activation is not well understood. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenomas, and they are medically responsive to dopamine agonists. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet function and activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate MPV values before and 6 months of cabergoline treatment when normoprolactinemia was achieved. Subjects and methods A total of 101 newly diagnosed prolactinoma patients and 102 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Patients with hematological disorders that affect MPV and those on medications were excluded. Prolactin, platelet count and MPV levels were recorded before and 6 months after the initiation of cabergoline treatment (0.5 to 1 mg, two times a week). Results There was no significant difference in platelet count and MPV before and after 6 months of treatment with cabergoline in patients with prolactinoma compared with the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that MPV, a marker of platelet function, was unchanged in patients with prolactinoma.