Association of BMI with testosterone in infertile males among local population

To ascertain association of raised BMI with Testosterone levels among infertile males. A cross sectional study was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011. Sample size was 300 males [147 infertile and 153 healthy fertile control subjects] aged 30 and 60 years, selected from the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center [JPMC], Aziz Medical Center and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. All the subjects were grouped to BMI criteria [Ascian pacific region for WHO]. They were selected by purposive sampling after a detailed medical history and physical examination. Semen analysis was done and blood samples were collected for serum Testosterone levels. Data was analyzed via SPSS 16.0 by using Analysis of Variances [ANOVA] and independent t test to compare the means and to observe sensitivity of tests and to evaluate the significant association with in the group. A significant negative correlation existed between Testosterone and BMI .Raised BMI appear to have an association with male infertility with the reduction in Testosterone levels. Obesity is confirmed as risk factor for male infertility in local population

C-reactive protein and statins

Atherosclerosis is now widely considered as a form of inflammatory disorder rather than merely a consequence of dyslipidemia. C-reactive protein [CRP] is an acute phase reactant, seen elevated in case of ongoing inflammation. Measuring both CRP and cholesterol provide a more accurate indication of risk than cholesterol estimation alone. It is observed that lipid lowering drugs reduce the incidence of coronary events and stroke. This is mainly due to the pleiotropic action which is independent of their hypolipidemic action. In this review article, recent developments regarding the role of statin therapy in prevention of adverse cardiovascular events is discussed succinctly

Serum aspartate animo transferase and alanine amino transferase levels in apparently healthy population in Karachi

The reference values for AST and ALT were determined at 37°C in 0.2 ml serum from 339 apparently healthy individuals [188 males and 151 females]. The normal ranges for AST and ALT varied from 1-50 units in both groups irrespective of age. Males had significantly higher levels of enzymes than females. Age had no effect on enzyme levels in males but levels were significantly higher in females above 15 years. Using the formula [mean +/- 2 SD] most of the values of two enzymes in both groups were in 95 percent confidence intervals