Leptin and uric acid as predictors of metabolic syndrome in jordanian adults

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of interrelated metabolic risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies regarding the specificity and sensitivity of serum levels of leptin and uric acid as predictors of MetS are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of leptin and uric acid in terms of their specificity and sensitivity as predictors of MetS in the studied Jordanian group. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 630 adult subjects (308 men and 322 women) were recruited from the King Hussein Medical Center (Amman, Jordan). The diagnosis of MetS was made according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the efficacy of serum levels of leptin and uric acid as predictors of MetS in the studied Jordanian group. RESULTS: Study results showed that for identification of subjects with MetS risk, area under the curve (AUC) for leptin was 0.721 and 0.683 in men and women, respectively. Serum uric acid levels in men showed no significant association with any MetS risk factors and no significant AUC, while uric acid AUC was 0.706 in women. CONCLUSION: Serum leptin levels can be useful biomarkers for evaluation of the risk of MetS independent of baseline obesity in both men and women. On the other hand, serum uric acid levels predicted the risk of MetS only in women.

Diabetes knowledge among patients with diabetes mellitus at King Hussein Hospital

To assess Diabetes Knowledge among patients with Diabetes mellitus at King Hussein Hospital. This study was conducted at King Hussein Hospital. Descriptive research design during the period between September 2010 to October 2010, was used to recruit a convenient sample of 100 hospitalized adult patients with Diabetes mellitus. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using the Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test [Fitzgerald et al, 1998]. This test is composed of 23 multiple choice questions that assess General Knowledge and Insulin Knowledge as well as Total score for Total knowledge. Simple descriptive statistics [frequency, mean, percentage] was used to describe the study variables One hundred diabetic patients participated in this study [50 men and 50 women]. Their age ranged from 19 to 86 years [mean +/- SD 57.8 +/- 10.9 years]. The majority [90%] were married. The overall scores of the total sample were low; Total knowledge was [49.8 +/- 13.4]; General Diabetes Knowledge was [54 +/- 14] and Insulin Knowledge was [43 +/- 19.6]. Men scored higher than women in the total Knowledge [52.9 vs. 46.7]; General Diabetes Knowledge [56.8 vs. 51.1]; and Insulin Knowledge [46.9 vs. 39.8]. Moreover, there were no differences found between patients with type 1 and type 2 Diabetes in study group. Diabetic patients in this study had Diabetes Knowledge deficit about their disease, which in turn will limit their involvement in the management of the disease

[Physicochemical properties of Iranian commercial olive oils]

Types and contents of the chemical compounds found in olive oil, including fatty acids, antioxidants and pigments, indicates the oil quality, which in turn depends on several factors, including cultivar, climate, extraction method, and maturity of he olive fruit. Research has shown that tocopherol and polyphenol contents depend on cultivar and the cultivation region, respectively, while fatty acid content depends on both of these factors. Iranian olive oils have a different chemical composition and, consequently, different oxidative stability. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical composition and physicochemical chartacteristics of commercial types of Iranian virgin and refined olive oils. Iranian olive oils, including four virgin [C, D, F and H] and five deodorized [A, B, E, G and I] samples, as well as two foreign virgin samples [1 and 2] were purchased from local stores. To determine fatty acid compoition and compositional, chemical and physical indicators, national and international laboratory methods were used. All determinations were performed in triplicates. The results showed that the main fatty acids in the Iranian commercial olive oils were monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA], particularly oleic acid [C18:1]; saturated fatty acids [SFA], particularly palmitic acid [C16:0]; and polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFA], particularly linoleic acid [C18:2]. However, the compositional, physical and chemical characteristics, such as peroxide value, acid value, polar compounds, the unsaponifiable matters, phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which affect the oxidative stability of fats and oils, were significantly different among the different olive oils. The available literature shows that no comprehensive research has been conducted on the physicochemical properties of commercial olive oils in Iran, despite the fact that the domestic production of olive oil, because of its special importance with regard to its more desirable fatty acid composition compared to other edible oils, as well as its unique microstructure, has had an increasing trend. Hence, investigation into the effects of climate and agricultural conditions on the properties of olives and a better knowledge of raw material characteristics will make it possible to produce edible oils with higher quality and greater stability

Total knee replacement in King Abdullah University Hospital, early results

To look at the early results of total knee replacement in King Abdulla university Hospital [KAUH], and decide whether we should continue offering this service or not? We retrieved the files of all patients who underwent total knee joint replacement in KAUH since its commissioning in 2002. WE looked at certain epidemiological factors such as age, sex, weight and risk factors. We explained our preoperative plan, surgical techniques, types of prosthesis inserted, and the complications encountered. The number of patients was 210, while the number of knees replaced were 267 joints. 80% of our patients were females, right and left side knees were replaced equally. The mean age of patients was 63.3 years. While the mean weight was 84.6 kgms. Only thirty patients were free of any co-morbidity, and the rest of them had at least one symptom of co-morbidity. The vast majority of patients have advanced primary osteoarthritis. Mobile bearing prosthesis were mostly used. The complications rate was 20%, most of which were in the form of superficial wound infection. Total knee replacement is a thriving surgery in Jordan, to keep going we must stick to the sound principles. Such a major surgery should be done in specialized centers. So far, we think that our results are satisfying and we will continue doing this type of surgery

Impact of metabolic syndrome's components on the development of cardiovascular disease in a Jordanian cohort with metabolic syndrome

To assess the gender differences in the prevalence of diabetes, composite cardiovascular disease, and the components of metabolic syndrome [MS] in a Jordanian cohort with MS. Secondly, to evaluate the impact of number of MS components on prevalence of diabetes, ischemic heart disease [IHD], and stroke. We carried out a cohort study among participants who fulfilled the National Cholesterol Education Program [Adult Treatment Panel III] criteria for MS recruited from December 2006-2007 from Endocrine Outpatient Clinics of the King Hussein Medical Centre, Amman, and Prince Rashid Military Hospital, Irbid, Jordan. Patients were divided into groups according to gender, presence, or absence of diabetes, and were evaluated for MS components, presence of IHD, and stroke. Three hundred and fifty-seven patients 207 males and 150 females were included, type 2 diabetes was present in 226 [132 males] patients. No intergroup differences were found on waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or fasting blood sugar. Female group was having a worst lipid profile, higher triglyceride levels and low high density lipoprotein. Metabolic syndrome components were more in males. Diabetic males have more composite cardiovascular disease [CCVD] [relative risk [RR]=1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.59]. No difference in prevalence of CCVD between female subgroups neither between the 2 genders with MS. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, IHD, and stroke increased with increasing number of MS components. Diabetes was the strongest predictor for development of CCVD [RR=1.8] and IHD [RR=2.18]. Females with MS have the worst lipid profile compared to the males, diabetic males have the worst CCVD end point. The prevalence of diabetes and IHD correlates with the number of MS components

Primary hyperparathyroidism. A rare cause of spinal cord compression

We report a case of a 62-year-old postmenopausal hypertensive lady who was treated for osteoporosis with calcium and Vitamin D. She presented with progressive lower limb weakness and paresthesia with sensory level at T4. Investigations revealed high parathyroid hormone 1152 ng/dl, calcium 10.9 mg/dl, and low phosphorus of 2.4 mg/dl after stopping calcium supplement. Chest x-ray showed an expansile mass lesion of the right 6th rib confirmed by chest CT. Thoracic MRI showed a mass lesion extending from the T3 vertebral body and compressing the spinal cord. There were multiple lytic lesions of the scalp, ribs, femur, and pelvis suggesting metastatic lesions. A neck ultrasound and SESTA MIBI parathyroid scan confirmed a right lower parathyroid adenoma. Excision biopsy of the rib lesion confirmed a vascular lesion with features of brown tumor BT. Decompression surgery of the thoracic spine was performed, and the histopathology confirmed BT. Two weeks later the patient underwent right parathyroidectomy that proved to be a parathyroid adenoma. She showed a remarkable improvement in her clinical condition and there were some regression of the bony lesions observed 12 months post parathyroidectomy. This case should alert physicians to the association of multiple brown tumors in PHPT and that the presentation may be an aggressive one mimicking metastasis, patients with osteoporosis warrant at least calcium profile to rule out a secondary cause

Hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis post struma ovarii excision

Struma ovarii is a rare ovarian teratoma that may produce hyperthyroidism. The association with Hashimoto thyroiditis HT, however is rare and has been reported in only one case. We report a case of HT following the resection of struma ovarii tumor, after which the patient became frankly, hypothyroid with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and low thyroxin levels. Her thyroid peroxidase antibodies were positive. She improved after initiation of levothyroxine replacement therapy. We believe her euthyroid status preoperatively was due to thyroid hormone secretion by struma ovarii itself

Routine urine analysis in university candidates: is it worthwhile?

The study aimed to investigate the abnormalities in urine analysis in university candidates. A total of 247 students [150 males, 97 females] [mean age 20.08 years] had a medical check-up including urine analysis. In all, 38 urine samples had abnormalities [one or more abnormality/urinalysis]. Pyuria was found in 20 students [8.1%], haematuria in 15 [6.1%], albuminuria in 12 [4.8%] and casts in 9 [3.6%]. No glycosuria was found. Bacteria were found in 22 students [8.9%] and yeasts in two [0.8%]. Urinalysis is warranted as a routine test in university students because of the percentage of abnormalities found and its importance in disease surveillance. However, it should not be a criterion for refusal by universities

Antihyperglycemic activity of salvia leriifolia benth. leaf and seed extracts in mice

The antihyperglycemic activity of the leaf and seed extracts of Salvia leriifolia Benth. was studied in normoglycemic, glucose-induced hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. A single oral dose [2 g/kg] of ethanolic extract of seed did not significantly reduce blood glucose level in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice, but it did so in the hyperglycemic group. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of the extract of macerated leaf [2 g/kg] showed a significant hypoglycemic activity in glucose-induced hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The results indicate that both seed and leaf of S. leriifolia reduce blood glucose albeit with different mode of actions