ABSTRACT
Aim: To assess the clinical utility of Serum adenosine deaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase in carcinoma breast patients for diagnostic and prognostic purpose. Materials and Methods: Thirty clinically and histopathologically confirmed female patients of the age group of 30-65 years served as cases and 30 normal healthy females in the same age group served as controls. The parameters were estimated by standard biochemical methods. Results: The activities of serum ADA, GGT and ALP were significantly increased in carcinoma breast patients when compared to controls. When all the 4 stages of carcinoma breast were compared with controls ADA and GGT were increased significantly. Whereas ALP showed a significant increase only in stage II, III and IV. Interstage comparison yielded a steady and progressive increase in the activities of these enzymes from stage I-IV. Conclusion: The study concludes that enzyme markers like serum ADA and GGT could be sensitive, specific and cost effective biomarkers for diagnosing carcinoma breast and for monitoring its progression. Serum ALP level can be used as important biomarker for detecting metastasis and for differentiation of carcinoma breast with and without metastasis.
ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: It has been noted that certain factors like diet, malnutrition, genetic traits etc., are known to alter the frequency and severity of lipid pattern. The Indian patient has a different dietary, constitutional and genetic background. Hence, we undertook a study to determine the spectrum of lipid abnormalities in children with nephrotic syndrome. An attempt was also made to correlate the degree of proteinuria and hypoproteinemia, with the rise in serum lipid values in cases of nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Twenty cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, 7 age and sex matched controls were studied. The samples were analysed for Protein profile and Lipid Profile. Lipid profile was measured 8-10 days after treatment of Nephrotic syndrome with initial levels measured within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Results: There was a significant increase in Total cholesterol, LDLC, VLDL, Non-HDLC, serum phospholipids and triglycerides levels in Nephrotic syndrome patients when compared to normal controls (P<0.0001). There was significant decrease in Total protein, serum albumin and HDL-C in Nephrotic patients when compared to Controls. There was a significant difference between the initial and follow-up Lipid profile levels in these patients (p <0.001). Interpretation & Conclusion: Our study concludes that, in nephrotic syndrome, there is generalized hyperlipidemia (except HDL) and hypoalbuminemia. The serum cholesterol level in first episode nephrotic syndrome reaches normal at the end of steroid therapy. Hence there is a rationale for treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2. A survey of the literature indicates that little is known about the influence of the obese condition on the tissue status and metabolism of essential trace metals; however, available data suggest that trace metal status of obese humans and animals is altered. Hence our aim was to study the changes in the micronutrient status in overweight and obese people in comparison with normal weight controls. Methods: Ninety Adults of age 30-40 years were divided into three groups (30 each) into normal, overweight and obese individuals based on their BMI. The serum samples of all the three groups were used for estimation of micronutrient status (serum iron by Bathophenanthroline method, zinc and copper by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy). Results: We found that the mean iron levels in obese individuals were significantly decreased in overweight and obese individuals than those in the control group (P<0.0001), whereas the mean zinc levels were slightly lower than those of the control group (P=0.2080) but not statistically significant. Serum copper levels were significantly increased in obese individuals when compared to controls (P < 0.0003). Interpretation & Conclusion: The presence of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obesity may seem paradoxical in light of excess caloric intake, but several micronutrient deficiencies appear to be higher in prevalence in overweight and obese adults and children. Causes are multifactorial and could include decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased intake of high-calorie, but nutritionally poor-quality foods, and increased adiposity, which may influence the storage and availability of some nutrients. Hence medical practitioners must be aware of nutritional deficiencies in overweight and obese patients and appropriately recognize and treat common and rare nutritional deficiencies.