Leptin and insulin levels in umbilical cord blood of infants of diabetic mothers-relation to fetal birth weight

Diabetes mellitus is a common medical condition complicating pregnancy. The present study is planned to estimate the level of insulin and leptin in cord blood of infants of diabetic mothers to find if there is a relation between circulating levels of leptin as well as insulin in umbilical cord of these infants and their birth weight and length. Twenty four controlled and 32 uncontrolled diabetic women, beside 20 healthy nondiabetic women and their full term infants constituted the subjects of the present work. Patients and controls were selected from attendants of the Obstetric and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of EI-Galaa Hospital, Ministry of Health, Cairo. Assessment of the glycemic state [controlled or uncontrolled] was performed by estimation of glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]. Thorough clinical examination of the infants including birth weight, BMI and height was done. Cord blood was collected from the neonates delivered to those mothers immediately after clamping the cord and serum levels of insulin and leptin were measured. Results demonstrated that cord blood insulin and leptin levels are increased in infants of uncontrolled diabetics more than infants of controlled diabetics and infants of nondiabetic controls. Also, significant increase in body weight and body mass index in infants of uncontrolled diabetics more than infants of controlled diabetic and infants of nondiabetic controls was found. A significant positive correlation was found between umbilical cord plasma insulin and leptin levels and body weight, length, body mass index and maternal HbA1c in all groups. No significant difference of umbilical cord plasma leptin and insulin levels was found between male and female infants of all groups

Assessment of seminal plasma laminin in fertile and infertile men / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To assess laminin levels in the seminal plasma of infertile and fertile men, and to analyze the correlation of laminin levels with sperm count, age, sperm motility and semen volume.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and twenty-five recruited men were equally divided into five groups according to their sperm concentration and clinical examination: fertile normozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), obstructive azoospermia (OA) and congenital bilateral absent vas deferens (CBAVD). The patients' medical history was investigated and patients underwent clinical examination, conventional semen analysis and estimation of seminal plasma laminin by radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seminal plasma laminin levels of successive groups were: 2.82 +/- 0.62, 2.49 +/- 0.44, 1.77 +/- 0.56, 1.72 +/- 0.76, 1.35 +/- 0.63 U/mL, respectively. The fertile normozoospermic group showed the highest concentration compared to all infertile groups with significant differences compared to azoospermic groups (P<0.05). Testicular contribution was estimated to be approximately one-third of the seminal laminin. Seminal plasma laminin demonstrated significant correlation with sperm concentration (r = 0.460, P < 0.001) and nonsignificant correlation with age (r = 0.021, P = 0.940), sperm motility percentage (r = 0.142, P = 0.615) and semen volume (r = 0.035, P = 0.087).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Seminal plasma laminin is derived mostly from prostatic and testicular portions and minimally from the seminal vesicle and vas deferens. Estimating seminal laminin alone is not conclusive in diagnosing different cases of male infertility.</p>

use of spectrophotometer in identification of bloodstains: normal haemoglobin and glycosylated hameoglobin

This study was attempted to apply an easy and low-cost method foridentification, differentiation of species of origin, and aging ofbloodstains. There were quite wide variations in the values of thealpha-ratio between bloodstains of different animal species and those of humanbeings. There was a significant negative correlation between themeans of the alpha-ratio and time in all the studied species extracted withboth ammonia and saline. This work showed an absorption spectrum, in thevisible region, of a minute speck of blood, which can prove that the substance under examination is blood. However, no accurate data could be given for thedifferentiation between animal and human blood, or between diabetic andnondiabetic human blood

Glycosylated proteins in vitreous versus blood as a post-mortem diagnostic measure for diabetes mellitus

The present study was carried out on 79 Egyptian cadavers, aged 14-75 years. They were classified into two groups: Group I [n = 49] included cadavers withnegative history of diabetes mellitus, and group II [n = 30] included cadaverswith positive history of diabetes mellitus. Randomly collected blood samplesas well as vitreous samples from both eyes of cadavers were used and laboratory investigations were performed. The data ultimately obtained were analyzed statistically to be used as a simple model system for postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. It was concluded that the F/A as well as F/P ratios from the vitreous were considered to be better parameters that fructosamine and/or glucose in the postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. They were less expensive and less time-consuming than detecting fructosamine and/or glucose in serum, which need correction due to hemolysis- induced interferences. Moreover, the vitreous fluid being well isolated, sterile and devoid of blood was much more better than blood in the postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

Post-mortem diagnosis of renal failure

The present study was carried out on 100 Egyptian subjects, aged 17-75 years. They were classified into 4 groups: Group I [n=20] included healthy subjectswith negative history of renal troubles, group II [n=20] included patientswith previous known history of uremia, and the last group included 60 cadaverswhich again divided into group III [n=18] included cadavers without provedrenal pathology, and group IV [n=24] included cadavers with proved renalpathological changes. Randomly collected blood samples from the wholesubjects as well as vitreous samples from both eyes of cadavers were used forthe estimation of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and G- glutamyl transpeptidaseactivities. In addition, wedge-shaped renal slices from both kidneys weretaken from cadavers to assure the diagnosis, and to make if possible acorrelation between the histopathologic findings and the biochemical results

Assessment of glycaemia in chronic renal failure

The present study was performed to asses blood glycosylated hemoglobin and serum fructosamine levels in patients with chronic renal failure to find whether blood glycosylated hemoglobin or serum fructosamine can assess the glycemic state in those patients accurately. Kidney function test, liver function test, fasting and 2 hours plasma glucose levels after ingestion of 75 g glucose, total blood hemoglobin blood glycosylated hemoglobin, blood glycosylated hemoglobin and serum fructosamine levels were performed in 133 subjects. The results of the study showed that the mean blood glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled diabetics and chronic renal failure patients when compared with normal subjects, with no significant difference between diabetic and nondiabetic chronic renal failure patients. Serum fructosamine levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled diabetics and in diabetic chronic renal failure patients when compared with normal subjects, but there was significant difference between diabetic and nondiabetic chronic renal failure patients. Serum fructosamine/albumin ratio was higher in chronic renal failure patients whether diabetic or not compared to the corresponding serum of healthy controls. These findings point to the ability of serum fructosamine to differentiate diabetic from nondiabetic chronic renal failure patients but both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and serum fructosamine/albumin ratio are unable for such differentiation

Atherogenic index, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins A and B levels in hypertensive patients

In a comparative study, 21 males recently discovered hypertensive patients [mean 166/110 mm Hg] and 18 male normotensive subjects as a control were studied. Both groups were matched as regard age [mean 53y] and body mass index [32.25]. Intravenous gluscoe tolerance tests [IVGTT] and serum creatinine, urea hepatic transaminases activity [ALT and AST] were done with estimation of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides. HDL LDL and serum apolipoproteins A and B. The results showed normal ALT and AST activity in both groups with mild are impairment in hypertensive groups. Plasma glucose levels showed significant higher levels in the hypertensive group especially at the end of the cure. The mean of serum total cholesterol. HDL and LDL cholesterol levels of hypertensive patients were not significantly different from those of the control. However, the athereogenic index [total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol] was significantly higher n hypertensive group. The serum triglyceride levels were significantly higher than the correplending mean of controls. In hypertensive group there is no significant difference in serumapolipoprotein A but there was significantly higher level of apoliproetein B. Such findings denote the importance of serum triglycerides and therogenic index as well as apolipoprotein B levels as markers for lipoprotein abnormalities in hypertension

Serum vitamin C and thiocyanate levels in smokers

Twenty-eight healthy males, non-smokers as well as 28 healthy male smoker subjects matched for age and body weight constituted the material of the present study. Serum thiocyanate and plasma ascorbic acid levels were estimated during fasting in both groups. Moreover, each of the smoker subjects were asked to smoke two cigarettes within five to ten minutes after which by ten minutes serum thiocyanate and plasma ascorbate were measured again to evaluate the immediate effects of smoking on the previous two parameters. Smokers showed significantly lower mean plasma vitamin C and significantly higher mean serum thiocyanate levels compared -to nonsmokers. Also, in smokers, plasma vitamin C mean level after smoking 2 cigarettes was significantly lower compared to the corresponding mean in the same subjects before smoking. Moreover, plasma ascorbic acid levels were inversely and significantly correlated to the age of subjects whether smokers [n: 28, r:-0.4l2. P<0.05] or non-smokers [n: 28. r-0.577. P<0.05], but in smokers in addition, such levels were also inversely and significantly correlated to the number of cigarettes smoked per day [n=28, r=-0.515, P<0.05] and to the duration of smoking in years [n=28. r=-0.480, P<0.05]. Low vitamin C levels in smokers could result from decreased intake, decreased absorption, increased excretion and increased usage for synthesis of catecholamines whose synthesis and release are stimulated by nicotine of cigarette smoking

Serum levels of zinc, copper and iron with recurrent tonsillitis or recurrent otitis media

The present study revealed a marked reduction in serum zinc in the series of patients suffering from recurrent tonsillitis or recurrent otitis media compared with normal healthy control children. The mean serum copper concentration in patients of the present study was higher, but the elevation was not significant, compared to normal controls. The mean serum iron concentration in children with recurrent tonsillitis or recurrent otitis media was found to be significantly lower, total serum iron binding capacity was significantly higher, and serum percent transferrin saturation was significantly lower in patients of the present study compared with the healthy controls. However, the mean serum iron concentration, the mean serum total iron binding capacity and the mean per cent transferrin saturation observed in children with recurrent otitis media were not significantly different from the corresponding means of children with recurrent tonsillitis. A significant positive correlation between serum iron level and percent transferrin saturation and zinc was found and a negative correlation have been demonstrated between serum iron levels with total iron binding capacity, with copper, and between zinc and copper levels. The changes in the trace element status observed in the present study, could be attributed, partly to the combined effects of the recurrent infections and malnutrition

Serum lipids, lipoproteins and apoliproteins in the elderly: Relation to serum fructosamine

This work was conducted on 40 young and 40 elderly subjects. All were healthy not suffering from any disease or metabolic derangement and were not under drug therapy. They were subjected to thorough clinical examination and routine laboratory investigations. In addition, each case was subjected to the determination of plasma glucose levels, both during fasting and two hours after ingesting 75 g glucose as well as the estimation of serum levels of fructosamine, albumin, uric acid, apolipoproteins A and B, triglycerides, total cholesterol [TC] and the cholesterol contents in high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins [HDL-C and LDL-C] with a consequent calculation of the ratios TC/HDL-C, TC/DL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C. Elderly subjects investigated in this study showed glucose intolerance, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia, increased serum levels of apolipoprotein B and a tendency to hyperuricemia. A significant difference between the elderly males and females was detected for the serum levels of HDL-C, apolipoprotein A and uric acid

Serum angiotensin converting enzyme in chronic renal failure patients

In the present study, chronic renal failure [CRE] patients on conservative treatment showed no significant difference in the mean of angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE] activity in serum from the corresponding mean of control subjects. However, in four of these 19 patients [21.1%], the serum ACE activity were lower than the lower limits [15 U/L. at 3°C] recorded for controls, in the present study. Such low level could result from decreased enzyme synthesis, decreased release and/or circulating enzyme inhibitors. Also, CRE patients on haemodialysis, in the present study, showed no significant difference, in the mean of their serum ACE activity compared to control subjects. However, in four of these 18 patients [22.2%], the serum ACE activities were higher than the upper limit of serum ACE activity [60 U/L. at 37°C] recorded for control in this study. Elevated ACE activity could be attributed to damage of vascular endothelium in these cases with consequent release of the enzyme to circulation. No significant correlation has been detected between the serum ACE activities in the three groups: the controls, CRF patients on conservative treatment and those on haemodialysis and either of : the age, body weight, systolic or diastolic blood pressure, serum urea or creatinine, the duration of the uremia or haemodialysis

Serum estradiol levels in patients with ischemic heart diseases

The study included forty three subjects in two groups; a normal control group of twenty and a second group of twenty three ischemic heart disease patients. Beside thorough clinical investigation to all subjects, six biochemical parameters were investigated on each serum sample; namely, fasting and 2-hours postprandial plasma glucose, serum estradiol, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. It has been found that patients with ischemic heart disease [IHD] had elevated mean levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol as well as estradiol and a reduced mean level of HDL-cholesterol as compared to the normal controls. Serum estradiol levels correlated positively with the levels of cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in both groups

Serum fructosamine and glucose tolerance in diabetics with or without microangiopathy

This study included 25 healthy non-diabetic subjects [group I], as well as 40 diabetic patients. The diabetics were 20 patients without microangiopathy [group 11] and 20 patients with diabetic microangiopathy [group 111]. Plasma glucose levels during fasting as well as 2-hours after 75 g. Glucose oral load, serum albumin, fructosamine, urea, creatinine and the 24-hours unrinary albumin were estimated. In diabetics without microangiopathy [group 11], the means of serum fructosamine, the fasting as well as the 2-hours plasma glucose levels, and the 24 hours plasma glucose levels, and the 24 hours urinary albumin were significantly higher, while the mean of serum albumin was significantly lower than the corresponding means of controls [group 1]. Indiabetics with microangiopathy [group 111], the previous findings were also present, but to a significantly greater extent only with respect to the levels of fasting plasma glucose and the urinary albumin contents. The means of the other investigated parameters were not significantly different among the two groups of diabetic patients. In addition, diabetics with or without microangiopathy who showed relatively high fasting plasma glucose levels, showed also relatively high serum fructosamine and vice versa.1 Moreover, serum fructosamine levels showed significantly positive correlation with the fasting plasma glucose levels in controls and both groups of diabetics. However, serum fructosamine levels of each group showed no significant correlation with age, body weight, serum urea, creatinine, 24 hours urinary albumin, or the presence of microangiopathic complications. Thus, in conclusion, fructosamine levels were significantly elevated in this study, this elevation was not related to the presence of diabetic microangiopathy, but most probably, it reflects the lack of glycaemic control in these patients. these findings point to the possibility of using serum fructosamine levels as marker for glycaemic control in diabetics