Effect of cigarette smoking on lipid profile in the young.

In view of the controversies existing regarding the atherogenic potential of smoking, this study was conducted in 40 healthy young male Cigarette smokers and 40 age and weight matched male non smokers, to find out the difference in the serum lipid profiles of both the groups. Subjects in both the groups were in the age range of 25 and 35 years having no history of alcohol abuse or diseases like diabetes mellitus or obesity. The mean serum total cholesterol (177.3 +/- 32.5 mg/dL) and LDL cholesterol (100.2 +/- 31.0 mg/dL) were significantly higher in smokers (p < 0.05) whereas mean serum HDL- Cholesterol was (43.2 +/- 5.8 mg/dL) was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Mean triglyceride (170.8 +/- 59.7 mg/dL) was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (p < 0.01). In the fed state the total serum cholesterol level and triglyceride level was increased by 10.4 mg/dL and 51.1 mg/dL respectively in smokers whereas the increase was 4.8 mg/dL and 24.3 mg/dL respectively in nonsmokers. There was less rise of HDL cholesterol (1.9 mg/dL) in smokers as compared to that in nonsmokers (3.4 mg/dL) and in LDL-cholesterol (1.8 mg/dL) in smokers compared to nonsmokers (3.4 mg/dL) in fed state.

Malabsorption in thyroid dysfunctions.

Studies of intestinal absorptive functions in 11 hyperthyroid and 14 hypothyroid patients showed that steatorrhoea was common in hyperthyroid patients and rare in hypothyroid patients. D-xylose malabsorption was present in both the groups of thyroid disorders being more common in hypothyroid one. Occasionally vitamin B12 malabsorption was found in 2 hypothyroid patients. Jejunal mucosal changes were almost unremarkable. Both fat and carbohydrate malabsorption in both groups of patients appeared to be casually related to the thyroid dysfunction.

Early onset duodenal ulcer with special reference to serum alpha-1-antitrypsin activity.

Thirteen patients of duodenal ulcer, below 20 years of age, ten age and sex matched controls and 17 first probands were studied to find out (i) the special characteristics of this duodenal ulcer subtype and (ii) the serum alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha-1-AT) activity in these patients and their first probands. Basal and maximal acid output, and serum level of alpha-1-AT were measured, and serum agar gel electrophoresis done, in the above subjects. Special characteristics like positive family history, and high basal (p less than or equal to 0.01) and maximal (p less than or equal to 0.001) acid output were noted in these patients. Serum alpha-1-AT was found to be deficient in nine patients. Five first probands also had the heterozygous level of the enzyme deficiency. Thus, patients of early onset duodenal ulcer seem to have special characteristics with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency in them as well as in their first probands.