Leptin levels in relation to marital status and neuroendocrine function in Iraqi females with polycystic ovary syndrome

The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin levels and the hormones related to fertility in Iraqi females with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and marital status. This study was conducted during the period from July to December 2007. Twenty-four women [12 married and 12 unmarried] with PCOS and not maintained on any type of therapy were included in the study. Twelve healthy and normal ovulatory women with an age range matched with that of PCOS women were included. After an overnight fasting, blood samples were drawn from all women at random days. While in those with regular menstrual cycles, blood samples were obtained during the follicular phase of the cycle, except for samples utilized for the assay of progesterone that performed in the day 21 of the cycle [luteal phase]. After preparation of serum, the levels of leptin, luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulation hormone [FSH], progesterone, testosterone and prolactin were analyzed. Both groups of PCOS patients showed significantly lower levels of serum leptin, while prolactin, LH and FSH and testosterone were significantly elevated compared to controls. No significant differences were reported among PCOS patients with different marital status. In conclusion, impaired plasma leptin levels in PCOS women were associated with impaired endocrinological parameters related to fertility

Effects of melatonin and zinc on glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with metformin

This project was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin and zinc on the glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] patients with inadequate response to the oral hypoglycemic agent metformin. A placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial was performed at the Specialized Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Al-Rusafa Directorate of Health, Baghdad, Iraq during the period from February to July 2005, in which 46 type 2 diabetic patients were selected and allocated into 3 groups, these groups were treated with single daily oral doses of both 10 mg melatonin and 50 mg zinc acetate alone; 10 mg melatonin and 50 mg zinc acetate in addition to the regularly used metformin or placebo, given at bed time for 90 days. We measured the fasting plasma glucose [FPG], glycated hemoglobin [HbA1C] and serum C-peptide before starting the treatment [zero time] and after 30 and 90 days of treatment. We also performed post-prandial glucose excursion test [PPGE] for selected patients from the second and third groups before starting the treatment and after 90 days. Daily administration of melatonin and zinc improved the impaired fasting and post-prandial glycemic control and decreased the level of glycated hemoglobin; addition of this treatment regimen in combination with metformin improved the tissue responses to this oral hypoglycemic agent. The combination of melatonin and zinc acetate, when used alone or in combination with metformin improves fasting and post-prandial glycemic control in T2DM patients