Study of Renal Functions in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (PLHA): An Observational Study of Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

Aims: The aim of this study was to find out the involvement of renal dysfunction in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLHA) in India. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Total (n=150) consecutive HIV positive patients between November 2012 - April 2014, who were attending the ART Clinic or were admitted in Department of Medicine at University College of Medical Sciences and Guru TegBahadur Hospital, Delhi, India were recruited for the study. Methodology: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Morning spot urine samples were collected for urine albumin and urine creatinine test. Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated by using urine albumin and urine creatinine and were expressed in mg/g creatinine. Results: The mean eGFR (MDRD) of the study subjects was found 106.8±20.72 mL/min/1.73 m2 and a statistically significant difference was observed between male and female subjects (p = 0.039). The mean eGFR (CKD-EPI) of the study subjects was found 107.53±18.50 mL/min/1.73 m2, however, no significant difference was observed between male and female subjects (p = 0.745). The micro/macro-albuminuria (urinary ACR ≥ 30 mg/g creatinine) was found in 18 (12%) patients and leucocyturia and hematuria was found in 12.7% and 5% patients respectively. The median CD4 counts of the study subjects was 341 (222-467) cells/ mm3 and 141 (94%) were taking highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The most common HAART regimens were zidovudin/ lamivudine/nevirapine (ZLN) and tenofovir/ lamivudine/ nevirapine (TLN); 60.7% & 26.0% respectively. Hepatitis B and C co-infection rate found among subjects was 4% and 3.3% respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, the prevalence of deranged renal functions as indicated by eGFR and urinary ACR is common in PLHA in North India. All HIV infected patients must undergo renal function tests including urinary ACR to detect the renal involvement at early stage.

Effect of low level microwave radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in rats.

Use of wireless communicating devices is increasing at an exponential rate in present time and is raising serious concerns about possible adverse effects of microwave (MW) radiation emitted from these devices on human health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 900 MHz MW radiation exposure on cognitive function and oxidative stress in blood of Fischer rats. Animals were divided into two groups (6 animals/group): Group I (MW-exposed) and Group II (Sham-exposed). Animals were subjected to MW exposure (Frequency 900 MHz; specific absorption rate 8.4738 × 10-5 W/kg) in Gigahertz transverse electromagnetic cell (GTEM) for 30 days (2 h/day, 5 days/week). Subsequently, cognitive function and oxidative stress parameters were examined for each group. Results showed significant impairment in cognitive function and increase in oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increase in levels of MDA (a marker of lipid peroxidation) and protein carbonyl (a marker of protein oxidation) and unaltered GSH content in blood. Thus, the study demonstrated that low level MW radiation had significant effect on cognitive function and was also capable of leading to oxidative stress.

Microwave radiation induced oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats.

Public concerns over possible adverse effects of microwave radiation emitted by mobile phones on health are increasing. To evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress, cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain of Fischer rats exposed to microwave radiation, male Fischer-344 rats were exposed to 900 MHz microwave radiation (SAR = 5.953×10-4 W/kg) and 1800 MHz microwave radiation (SAR = 5.835×10-4 W/kg) for 30 days (2 h/day). Significant impairment in cognitive function and induction of oxidative stress in brain tissues of microwave exposed rats were observed in comparison with sham exposed groups. Further, significant increase in level of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-) was also observed following microwave exposure. Results of the present study indicated that increased oxidative stress due to microwave exposure may contribute to cognitive impairment and inflammation in brain.