ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defense determines the degree of oxidative stress. Vitamin C and GSH are important antioxidants, protects the cells from toxins such as free radicals. A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. The objective of the present study was to analyze the oxidative stress in elderly women, by evaluating the antioxidant status (vitamin c and glutathione), total protein and albumin levels. Materials and Methods: The study group includes, Group 1 and Group 2 with 50 institutionalized and 50 non- institutionalized women’s belonging at the age group of 50-65 years respectively. 2ml of venous blood was collected for the analysis of the level of Vitamin C, Total protein, Albumin and Glutathione by standard methods. Data were analyzed for the statistical significance using one way ANOVA. p<0.05 was considered significant. Result: The level of Vitamin C, Total proteins and Glutathione were significantly declined (p=0.03, p=0.01 and p=0.006) in institutionalized women’s as compared to non-institutionalized women’s. Conclusion: Antioxidant and Total proteins are considered to be important in the maintenance of health. Antioxidant and Total protein levels were showing general tendency to decrease during ageing.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Rapid industrialization, environmental pollution and overcrowding gradually deteriorate the ventilatory ability or functions of human beings. This requires special and specific breathing techniques to transcend the limits of our physical and mental abilities experienced in everyday life. Hence, in the present study, the beneficial effect of pranayama with reference to respiratory rate and breath holding time was studied. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai after the institutional ethical clearance and written consent from each participant. The participants were divided into control and study groups with 45 members each of both the sexes at the age group of 20±2 years. The study group was asked to perform Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari and Udgeeth pranayama. The duration of the study was eight weeks. The respiratory rate and breath holding time in both the groups were recorded and analysed for statistical significance using students ‘t’ test and p<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Result: In study group, the respiratory rate was decreased significantltly (p=0.000) whereas the breath holding time was increased significantly (p=0.000) when compared to that of control group. Discussion and Conclusion: Pranayama increases the overall capacity of lungs and gradually improves the ventilatory functioning of lungs. Due to proper working of these organs, vital energy flows to maintain the normal homeostasis of the body and thus it helps for prevention, control and rehabilitation of many respiratory diseases.