Analysis of amino acids by high performance liquid chromatography

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are considered as the key precursors for the formation of hormones and low molecular weight nitrogenous substances with biological importance. Since the analysis of amino acids has been carried out for both qualitative and quantitative purposes with an aim to study their levels in the plasma concentration, the quantitative determination, in particular, also helps in the diagnosis of different diseases associated with their deficiency. This review article deals with the determination of amino acids by chromatographic methods which include ion-exchange chromatography [IEC], high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography [RP-HPLC] and ultra-performance liquid chromatography [UPLC]. The review will also give an idea for the preparation of samples, derivatization methods for the analysis of amino acids [direct and indirect methods] and separation of amino acids by high performance liquid chromatographic technique

Peptic ulcer disease: pathogenesis and diagnosis

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacteria which forms colonies in gastric mucosa and is responsible for peptic ulcer diseases [PUDs]. The present review deals with the strategies employed in the diagnosis of H. Pylori infection. The diagnostic techniques for H. pylori infection are categorized into invasive and non-invasive. The invasive techniques include endoscopy, histological studies, culture and rapid urease test whereas 13C-urea breath test, stool antigen test, blood test, serology and PCR are included in non-invasive techniques. A brief outline of these techniques with their selection criteria has been discussed in this review

Silicosis- a major occupational threat

One of the most hazardous diseases associated with the construction industry is silicosis, which is the outcome of dust inhalation. The prolonged breathing of silica [quartz] or silicon dioxide is considered as a potent irritant that causes the occurrence of this disease. The respiration of silica leads to the formation of scar tissue inside the lungs which diminishes the ability of lung to extract oxygen from air and hence leads towards the pulmonary fibrosis condition. In the present study, the workers engaged in bricks and tiles operation were examined and their percentage cell damage has been determined. According to the statistical analysis performed, there is no significant difference between the cell damage of the workers either employed in bricks or tiles operation and thus they are equally affected by the inhalation of silica. In addition, it has been found that there is a weak correlation between the length of the service of individual worker and the cell damage which signifies that intensity of silica exposure varies and is poorly correlated with the duration of work. However, when compared separately, the workers in both operations depict some interesting and surprising correlations

Pre-implantation and pre-genetic diagnosis-an advanced tool for the forthcoming generation

Genetic disorders are a major cause of miscarriage and fetal death. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis [PGD] is a very useful technique which can be used to diagnose genetic defects before pregnancy. It can be done by creating embryos using IVF technique and then removing single cells which are genetically analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] or by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. PGD has also been employed when it comes to save a child by providing human leukocyte antigen [HLA] matched stem cell. This technique is also been considered an important tool to have a baby with the gender choice of parents. Some couples often demand for PGD to select the embryos having same mutations so that they could be better adjusted in their community because of the particular characteristics of their previous kids while some would like to have some special traits of their unborn child. These features could possibly be done by applying PGD technique. Pre-natal genetic diagnosis aims to identify any fetal abnormality during pregnancy and then leaving the decision to the mother whether to bring the child in this world