Synergistic impact of -linolenic acid and -tocopherol on in vitro maturation and culture of buffalo oocytes

Abstract The objective of the current study was to investigate the synergistic impact of -Tocopherol and -Linolenic acid (100 µM) on IVM and IVC of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes. Oocytes were obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes within two hours after slaughter and brought to laboratory. Buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes were placed randomly in the five experimental groups included; GROUP 1: Maturation media (MM) + 100 µM ALA (control), GROUP 2: MM + 100 µM ALA + 50M -Tocopherol, GROUP 3: MM + 100 µM ALA + 100M -Tocopherol, GROUP 4: MM + 100 µM ALA + 200 M -Tocopherol and GROUP 5: MM + 100 µM ALA + 300 M -Tocopherol under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5 °C for 22-24 h. Cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation status was determined (Experiment 1). In experiment 2, oocytes were matured as in experiment 1. The matured oocytes were then fertilized in Tyrodes Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP) medium for about 20 h and cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium to determine effect of -Linolenic acid (100 µM) and -Tocopherol in IVM medium on IVC of presumptive zygotes. To study the effect of -Linolenic acid (100 µM) in IVM media and increasing concentration of -tocopherol in the culture media on early embryo development (Experiment 3), the presumptive zygotes were randomly distributed into the five experimental groups with increasing concentration of -tocopherol in culture media. Higher percentage of MII stage oocytes in experiment 1(65.2±2.0), embryos at morula stage in experiment 2 (30.4±1.5) and experiment 3 (22.2±2.0) were obtained. However, overall results for cumulus cell expansion, maturation of oocyte to MII stage and subsequent embryo development among treatments remain statistically similar (P > 0.05). Supplementation of -tocopherol in maturation media having -Linolenic acid and/or in embryo culture media did not further enhance in vitro maturation of oocyte or embryo production.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o impacto sinérgico do -tocoferol e do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) na MIV e CIV de oócitos de búfala Nili Ravi. Os oócitos foram obtidos dos ovários de búfalos abatidos duas horas após o abate e levados ao laboratório. Complexos de oócitos cumulus de búfalo foram colocados aleatoriamente nos cinco grupos experimentais incluídos; GRUPO 1: Meio de maturação (MM) + 100 µM ALA (controle), GRUPO 2: MM + 100 µM ALA + 50 µM -tocoferol, GRUPO 3: MM + 100 µM ALA + 100 µM -tocoferol, GRUPO 4: MM + 100 µM ALA + 200 M -tocoferol e GRUPO 5: MM + 100 µM ALA + 300 M -tocoferol sob uma atmosfera de 5% de CO2 em ar a 38,5 °C por 22-24 h. A expansão cumulus e o estado de maturação nuclear foram determinados (Experimento 1). No experimento 2, os oócitos foram maturados como no experimento 1. Os oócitos maturados foram então fertilizados em meio de Tyrode's Albumina Lactato Piruvato (TALP) por cerca de 20 h e cultivados em meio de fluido oviductal sintético (SOF) para determinar o efeito do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) e -tocoferol em meio IVM em IVC de presumíveis zigotos. Para estudar o efeito do ácido -linolênico (100 µM) em meio IVM e aumentar a concentração de -tocoferol no meio de cultura no desenvolvimento inicial do embrião (Experimento 3), os presumíveis zigotos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos cinco grupos experimentais com concentração crescente de -tocoferol em meios de cultura. Maior porcentagem de oócitos em estágio MII no experimento 1 (65,2 ± 2,0), embriões em estágio de mórula no experimento 2 (30,4 ± 1,5) e experimento 3 (22,2 ± 2,0) foram obtidos. No entanto, os resultados gerais para a expansão das células do cumulus, maturação do oócito para o estágio MII e desenvolvimento embrionário subsequente entre os tratamentos permanecem estatisticamente semelhantes (P> 0,05). A suplementação de -tocoferol em meios de maturação com ácido -linolênico e / ou em meios de cultura de embriões não aumentou ainda mais a maturação in vitro de oócitos ou a produção de embriões.

Serum ferritin and glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case–control study

Background: High body iron stores have been linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and gestational diabetes. Complications of diabetes mellitus are influenced not only by its duration but also by average level of blood glucose, the latter can be monitored by glycated hemoglobin. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to study the relationship of serum ferritin and glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: The case–control study was undertaken on 100 subjects, both males and females; age 35–70 years; categorized into two groups: Group 1 (Cases = 50 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) and Group 2 (Controls = 50 healthy, non-diabetic individuals). Results: Fasting blood glucose, serum ferritin, and glycated hemoglobin values were 178.96 ± 37.16 mg/dL, 261.29 ± 76.98 ng/dL, and 9.37 ± 1.44%, respectively, in T2DM cases, while the corresponding values were 95.06 ± 12.68, 90.75 ± 67.53, and 4.81 ± 0.88 in healthy controls. Conclusion: Increased levels of serum ferritin were seen in T2DM and significant correlation between blood sugar and serum ferritin was found.

Masculinization in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by androgen immersion: The interaction effect of hormone concentration and immersion time / Masculinização na carpa comum (Cyprinus carpio) por imersão em androgênio: Efeito da interação da concentração hormonal e do tempo de imersão

Synthetic androgens (male hormones) administered to fish nursery are being used in aquaculture to avoid sexual differentiation and unwanted spawning at the eggs or the first feeding fry stage of fish. Present trial was conducted with the aim to produce male common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by egg immersion technique. Through this little insight, the effect of different hormone concentrations (17α-methyltestosterone @ HC:150, 300, 450 and 600 µgl-1) with immersion times (IT: 24, 48 and 72 hrs) and their interaction effect (HC x IT) on the hatching percentage of Cyprinus carpio eggs, percent survival and percent of male's production was evaluated specifically. Results showed that egg hatching percentage decreased with increased IT likewise, survival of treated fry was affected by increasing the IT (P<0.001). The main interaction effect of HC x IT showed that the highest percent of male individuals (95%) was obtained at 450-600 µgl-1 HC for 72 hrs IT, followed by 88-92.50% at 150-300 µgl-1 HC for 72-hrsof IT, 87.50% at 48-hrs of IT for rest of the hormone treatments, and lowest 47.50% was recorded in control (P<0.05). Increased percent male of Cyprinus carpio was obtained with increasing HC across all ITs. It was observed that the immersion treatment at 600µgl-1 for 72 hours was more effective to change the sex ratio of pre hatch Cyprinus carpio. A comparative outlook made from this experimental trial that sex induction of Cyprinus carpio by eggs immersion using synthetic male steroid hormone is an alternative safe technique of fish sex reversal in contrast to oral administration of hormone in fish feed.

Andrógenos sintéticos (hormônios masculinos) administrados ao viveiro de peixes estão sendo usados ​​na aquicultura para evitar a diferenciação sexual e a desova indesejada nos ovos ou no primeiro estágio de alimentação dos peixes. O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de produzir carpa comum masculina (Cyprinuscarpio) pela técnica de imersão em ovos. Com essa pequena percepção, o efeito de diferentes concentrações hormonais (17α-metiltestosterona @ HC: 150, 300, 450 e 600 µgl-1) com tempos de imersão (IT: 24, 48 e 72 horas) e seu efeito de interação (HC x IT) na porcentagem de eclosão dos ovos de Cyprinuscarpio, a porcentagem de sobrevivência e a porcentagem da produção masculina foram avaliadas especificamente. Os resultados mostraram que a porcentagem de incubação de ovos diminuiu com o aumento da TI da mesma forma, a sobrevivência dos alevinos tratados foi afetada pelo aumento da TI (P <0,001). O principal efeito de interação do HC x IT mostrou que o maior percentual de indivíduos do sexo masculino (95%) foi obtido com 450-600 µgl-1 HC por 72 horas de TI, seguido por 88-92,50% com 150-300 µgl-1 HC para 72 horas de TI, 87,50% às 48 horas de TI para o restante dos tratamentos hormonais, e 47,50% mais baixos foram registrados no controle (P <0,05). A porcentagem aumentada de macho de Cyprinuscarpio foi obtida com o aumento do HC em todas as TIs. Observou-se que o tratamento de imersão a 600µgl-1 por 72 horas foi mais efetivo na alteração da razão sexual do Cyprinuscarpio antes da eclosão. Uma perspectiva comparativa feita a partir deste ensaio experimental de que a indução sexual de Cyprinuscarpio por imersão de ovos usando hormônio esteróide masculino sintético é uma técnica alternativa segura de reversão do sexo em peixes, em contraste com a administração oral de hormônio na alimentação de peixes.

Masculinization in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by androgen immersion: The interaction effect of hormone concentration and immersion time

Abstract Synthetic androgens (male hormones) administered to fish nursery are being used in aquaculture to avoid sexual differentiation and unwanted spawning at the eggs or the first feeding fry stage of fish. Present trial was conducted with the aim to produce male common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by egg immersion technique. Through this little insight, the effect of different hormone concentrations (17-methyltestosterone @ HC:150, 300, 450 and 600 µgl-1) with immersion times (IT: 24, 48 and 72 hrs) and their interaction effect (HC x IT) on the hatching percentage of Cyprinus carpio eggs, percent survival and percent of males production was evaluated specifically. Results showed that egg hatching percentage decreased with increased IT likewise, survival of treated fry was affected by increasing the IT (P 0.001). The main interaction effect of HC x IT showed that the highest percent of male individuals (95%) was obtained at 450-600 µgl-1 HC for 72 hrs IT, followed by 88-92.50% at 150-300 µgl-1 HC for 72-hrsof IT, 87.50% at 48-hrs of IT for rest of the hormone treatments, and lowest 47.50% was recorded in control (P 0.05). Increased percent male of Cyprinus carpio was obtained with increasing HC across all ITs. It was observed that the immersion treatment at 600µgl-1 for 72 hours was more effective to change the sex ratio of pre hatch Cyprinus carpio. A comparative outlook made from this experimental trial that sex induction of Cyprinus carpio by eggs immersion using synthetic male steroid hormone is an alternative safe technique of fish sex reversal in contrast to oral administration of hormone in fish feed.

Resumo Andrógenos sintéticos (hormônios masculinos) administrados ao viveiro de peixes estão sendo usados na aquicultura para evitar a diferenciação sexual e a desova indesejada nos ovos ou no primeiro estágio de alimentação dos peixes. O presente estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de produzir carpa comum masculina (Cyprinuscarpio) pela técnica de imersão em ovos. Com essa pequena percepção, o efeito de diferentes concentrações hormonais (17-metiltestosterona @ HC: 150, 300, 450 e 600 µgl-1) com tempos de imersão (IT: 24, 48 e 72 horas) e seu efeito de interação (HC x IT) na porcentagem de eclosão dos ovos de Cyprinuscarpio, a porcentagem de sobrevivência e a porcentagem da produção masculina foram avaliadas especificamente. Os resultados mostraram que a porcentagem de incubação de ovos diminuiu com o aumento da TI da mesma forma, a sobrevivência dos alevinos tratados foi afetada pelo aumento da TI (P 0,001). O principal efeito de interação do HC x IT mostrou que o maior percentual de indivíduos do sexo masculino (95%) foi obtido com 450-600 µgl-1 HC por 72 horas de TI, seguido por 88-92,50% com 150-300 µgl-1 HC para 72 horas de TI, 87,50% às 48 horas de TI para o restante dos tratamentos hormonais, e 47,50% mais baixos foram registrados no controle (P 0,05). A porcentagem aumentada de macho de Cyprinuscarpio foi obtida com o aumento do HC em todas as TIs. Observou-se que o tratamento de imersão a 600µgl-1 por 72 horas foi mais efetivo na alteração da razão sexual do Cyprinuscarpio antes da eclosão. Uma perspectiva comparativa feita a partir deste ensaio experimental de que a indução sexual de Cyprinuscarpio por imersão de ovos usando hormônio esteróide masculino sintético é uma técnica alternativa segura de reversão do sexo em peixes, em contraste com a administração oral de hormônio na alimentação de peixes.

Cancer cervix: An uncommon malignancy in Kashmir, India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of cancers among females with particular emphasis on cancer cervix in Kashmiri population, which is geographically and socio‑culturally distinct from the rest of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patient records were screened from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 at Regional Cancer Centre, Srinagar. Most common cancers among females were recorded and analysis of cancer cervix cases was performed. RESULTS: Female cancers comprised of 40% of total cancers with oesophageal and breast cancer as most common malignancies. Cancer cervix did not figure in top ten cancers and only 45 (0.01%) cases were recorded of the total of 3084 adult female cancers. CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to different socio‑cultural and sexual practices, this cancer is highly uncommon in Kashmir and screening or possibly should be directed specifically at only high risk selective subjects.

Evaluation of attributes to hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates in a tertiary care hospital in the Dhaka city.

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the attributes related to hyperbilirubinaemia among neonates. Materials and methods: A total number of 120 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia included in the study. Data were collected using hospital records and by face-to-face interview of mother of those neonates using a predesigned questionnaire. Data were expressed as mean±SD and number (percent) as appropriate. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were considered in data analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Software. Result: Of the total neonates, 57% were baby boys. In age group of 2nd to 7th days were 59.2% of neonates. According to the birth weight, neonates distribution was 38.3% in very low (<2000g), 42.5% low (2001-2500g) and 19.2% normal (>2500g) birth weight group. ABO incompatibility was found in 14.2% and Rh 8.3% cases of hyperbilirubinaemia. Birth trauma was found in 7.5% and congenital anomalies 3.3% neonates. Pre-maturity (gestational age <37 wks) was found in 73.3% cases. Normal vaginal delivery was performed in 59.2% of cases. Exclusive breast feeding was given by 43.33% mothers. Of the mothers 93.4% were housewives. Thirty percent (30%) of mothers were adolescents (<20 years) and 27.5% young adults (20 to 25 years). Of the 120 mothers 56.7% had primary level education. Low birth weight (<2000g to 2500g) neonates had significantly higher (p<0.005) serum bilirubin than the normal birth weight counterpart. Among the neonates of the mothers with GDM, 9.2% had serum bilirubin level above 20mg/dl and the distribution showed significant association (p<0.005). Conclusions: It is concluded that low birth weight and prematurity remained to the major causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. Other common causes, particularly ABO and Rh incompatibility, are also present which could be avoided by meticulous clinical practice and burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality related to hyperbilirubinemia can be reduced.

Precipitating factors, clinical features and outcome of diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka.

Background Information: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). It is an acute complication of type 1 DM. Objective: This study was designed to identify the precipitating factors, clinical features and immediate outcomes of DKA in children and adolescents. Method: This was a retrospective study which was done in the department of Pediatrics, BIRDEM, from January 2002 to April 2007. Data were collected from the hospital record for all diabetic children below 18 years admitted with DKA. Result: Fourty nine children and adolescents were admitted with DKA. Sixty one percent were known cases and the remaining (39%) were new DM. Majority were female (63%). Most (49%) of the children were between 11- 15 years. Infection was the commonest (49%) precipitating factor followed by insulin omission (24%). Major clinical features were kussmaul breathing (94%) and dehydration (94%).Eighty eight percent patients improved after treatment and mortality was 12%. Conclusion: Infection was the commonest precipitating factor of DKA. Kussmaul breathing and dehydration were the commonest clinical features. Most of the patients improved after treatment.

Serum calcium and phosphate level in normal pregnant women.

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is the physiological process in which progressive anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes occur. Secretion of different hormones during pregnancy is responsible for maternal adaptation to the increasing demand of the growing fetus. The present study was aimed to evaluate serum calcium and phosphate status in normal pregnant women in different trimesters. Materials and Methods: A total number of 140 subjects, age range 20-40 (yrs) were recruited in the study which includes 100 normal pregnant women termed as study group (Group B) and 40 healthy women without pregnant (Group A), served as Control. Group B subjects were subdivided into Group B1 (n=12), Group B2 (n=30) and Group B3 (n=58) on the basis of duration of pregnancy- 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively. Calcium was measured by CPC (photometric method for Ca) and serum phosphate by colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS for Windows, Version 10. Unpaired Student's -'t' test performed to calculate statistical differences between groups. Results: Age (yrs) (mean±SD) and BMI of the pregnant women in different groups did not show statistical difference. Serum calcium (mean±SD) levels in the 1st (p=0.0001) and 2nd (p=0.02) trimester was significantly higher compared to the Controls. In 3rd the value was significantly lower (p=0.015) compared to the Controls and of 1st and 2nd trimesters (p=0.001). Serum phosphate (mean±SD) levels in three trimesters did not show statistical significant difference compared to the Controls and among the pregnancy groups. Conclusion: The data concluded that serum calcium level was lower during third trimester of the study subjects which may be explained by the fact of increased demand of the growing fetus and exposing the mother at risk of complications related to low serum calcium.

Small dense LDL and its Association with Hypertension: a Case-Control Study.

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases affecting humans throughout the world. The commonest variety of hypertension is benign essential hypertension. Cardiovascular risk is more in hypertensive patients as their lipid profile is more atherogenic than normotensive subjects. Traditionally, estimation of total serum cholesterol and LDL-C are used as an indicator of atherogenicity. But subjects may develop hypertension and CHD with normal levels of LDL cholesterol. So assessment of LDL cholesterol concentration may not entirely reflect its atherogenic potential. Because LDL-C is not a single entity rather it consists of seven distinct subclasses of different particle size. The size of the LDL particle is inversely correlated to their atherogenicity. Smaller LDL particles are more atherogenic despite their less cholesterol content than the larger more buoyant LDL particles containing more cholesterol. Therefore individuals having smaller LDL particles are more atherogenic and more at risk to develop hypertension inspite of even normal LDL cholesterol concentration. So measurement of small dense LDL particle is more important than any other lipid measure. With this aim 122 subjects were included in this study, among them 82 were diagnosed cases of essential hypertension with the mean age of 42.56±9.98 years and 40 were healthy controls. Serum apo-B was measured in all study subjects. The amount of apoB is almost similar in every LDL subtypes but the amount of cholesterol increases with the increasing particle size. So the ratio of cholesterol to apo-B decreases as the particle size decreases, thus LDL cholesterol / apo-B £ 1 indicates the presence of atherogenic small dense LDL. So the prevalence of small dense LDL was evaluated by calculating the ratio of LDL-C/apo B. The ratio was significantly lower in hypertensive cases (0.093±0.18) compared to controls, indicating presence of sd LDL in hypertensive patients. When the risk ratio was calculated, the patients having small dense LDL in their plasma were found to have 2.87 times more risk for developing CVD then the persons who doesn't have small dense LDL in their plasma.

Thyroid Status in Patients with Low Serum Ferritin Level.

Iron deficiency is the most important but preventable nutritional problem in Bangladesh. Thyroid peroxidase, an iron containing enzyme, is essential for initial two steps of thyroid hormone synthesis which is a component of tissue iron. Tissue iron diminishes early in the course of iron deficiency. So thyroid hormone level may be altered in iron deficient patients. This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from July 2006 to June 2007. This study was done to find out the changes of thyroid hormonal activity in iron deficiency. In this study 72 subjects were selected from the out-patient department of the hospital. Patients with low serum ferritin level <12 mgm/L were selected as cases (n=36) and healthy persons with normal serum ferritin level were taken as controls. Serum ferritin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were measured in all study subjects. Values were expressed as mean ± SD. Unpaired 't' test and Pearson's correlation test were performed to see the level of significance and p value <0.05 was taken as significant. Serum ferritin level in cases and controls were 6.78±4.05 mgm/L and 79.04±28.08 mgm/L respectively which showed significant difference (P<0.0001). Serum TSH concentration in cases and controls were 3.32±1.54 mIU/L and 1.89±0.86 mIU/L respectively. Serum FT4 concentration in cases and controls were 11.66±1.77 pmol/L and 13/10±1.36 pmol/L respectively and that of FT3 were 3.00±0.68 and 3.31±0.61 pmol/L respectively. All showed significant difference between groups. Serum ferritin and Serum TSH showed significant negative correlation in controls whereas in cases they showed negative correlation which was not statistically significant. Both serum FT4 and FT3 revealed positive correlation with serum ferritin but that too was not significant statistically. Though the study failed to show any significant positive correlation between serum ferritin and thyroid hormones, lower level of thyroid status in iron deficient patients suggest that it could be a reflection of disturbed activities of iron dependent enzymes such as thyroid peroxidase that impairs thyroid hormone synthesis. However, a large scale study is recommeded to establish the fact. This study showed that there was significant difference in thyroid hormonal status between iron deficient patients and normal healthy persons. Therefore it can be concluded that iron deficiency may impair normal thyroid hormone status.

ABO and Lewis Blood Grouping with ABH Secretor and Non-secretor Status: A Cross Sectional Study in Dhaka.

A cross sectional study was done with 42 apparently healthy persons aged 6 years and above from both sexes. Most of them are blood donors in the department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Few, other than blood donor, were selected from the same locality. Five ml venous blood was collected with all aseptic precautions. ABO blood grouping and Lewis phenotyping were done by tube method. ABO reverse grouping was also done from serum. With all precautions 2 ml of saliva was collected from all subjects. Secretor status was detected from the saliva by haemagglutination inhibition method. ABO blood grouping shows 36% 'O' group, 24% 'A' group, 33% 'B' group and 7% 'AB' group. Distribution of Lewis phenotype are Le(a+b-) 19%, Le(a-b+) 53%, Le(a-b-) 26% and Le(a+b+) 2% only. 60% of study population was ABH secretor and 40% non-secretor.

Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on the Growth of Preterm Infants.

Objective: To compare the effect of oral zinc supplementation on growth of preterm infants. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Dhaka Shisu Hospital (Tertiary care hospital). Subjects: 100 appropriate for date preterm infants weighing between 1000 to 2500g were randomized to receive zinc and multivitamin supplement (Group I; n=50) or only multivitamin supplement (Group II). Intervention: Zinc supplementation was given 2mg/kg/ day for 6 weeks along with multivitamin in Group I and only multivitamin to Group II. Primary outcome variable: Increment of weight and length. Results: At enrollment, serum zinc (62.1±12.4μg/dL in Group I and 63.1±14.6μg/dL in Group II) and hemoglobin levels (14.9±2.4g/dL in Group I and 14.4±1.7g/dL in Group II) were almost similar in both groups. Serum zinc levels were in lower limit of normal range. After supplementation, serum zinc and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in Group I (105±16.5μg/dL) than Group II (82.2±17.4μg/dL) (P<0.05). Weight, length and head circumference were comparable in both groups at enrollment. Significant differences in weight gain and increment in length were found in first and second follow up between two groups but OFC increments were not significant (P>0.05). Reduction of morbidity was apparent in zinc supplemented group. No serious adverse effect was noted related to supplementation therapy. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation for preterm low birth weight babies is found effective to enhance the growth in early months of life.

Study Of Serum Lipid Profile In Pre-Eclampsia And Eclampsia.

The present study was designed to evaluate the association of lipid profile in pre- eclampsia and eclampsia. This case-control study was carried out in the department of biochemistry, M.A.G. Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, during July 2005 to June 2006. Total 100 study subjects were evaluated, 40 normotensive pregnant women (mean age 24.90 ± 4.04) as normal and 60 already diagnosed preeclamptic & eclamptic women (mean age 24.17 ± 4.90) as study group. Age range was 15-45 years, gestational age 24 weeks to term were included. Patients with pre-existing hypertension were excluded. Serum lipid profile (total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDLcholesterol) of hundred women with Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia (n=60), normotensive women (n=40) were monitored. The preeclampsia was associated with a significant rise in triglyceride (225.6 ± 28.93 vs 165.6 ± 17.22) and fall in HDL cholesterol concentration (42.4 ± 9.29 vs 55.7 ± 7.11), while eclamptic women showed significant fall in HDL cholesterol (41.8 ± 8.79 vs 55.7 ± 7.11) and rise in LDL cholesterol (133.4 ± 11.75 vs 115.2 ± 10.72) as compared to normal pregnant women. Lipid metabolism plays a key role in the pathophysiology of Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia. Increased triglycerides levels along with decreased HDL-cholesterol levels and delayed triglycerides clearance and high blood pressure are associated with development of preeclampsia and eclampsia. This association may be significant in understanding the pathologic processes of preeclampsia and may help in developing strategies for prevention or early diagnosis of the disorder.

Renal Function Before and After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Off Pump vs. On Pump.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality and several factors have been identified as predictive of complications. These include renal dysfunction and in particular renal replacement therapy. More than 600,000 coronary artery graft procedures are performed annually in the United States. Of those patients with coronary arterial disease 10% patients undergo CABG surgery. To explore the association of renal function between off-pump and on-pump-CABG. To evaluate the degree of impairment of renal function in on-pump, 80 patients (off-pump group = 50, on-pump group = 30) who underwent CABG were recruited from cardiac surgery dept. of National Heart Foundation and Research Institute Mirpur Dhaka and National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD). Subjects were selected according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. Purpose and procedure of the study were explained in detail and informed written consent was taken from the study subjects. All the information of the study subject including history, clinical finding were recorded in a preformed data sheet. Serum urea and creatinine were significantly higher in on-pump group patients 12 hours after CABG. Serum urea was significantly higher and serum creatinine was slightly in onpump group in comparison to off-pump group. The mean urea and creatinine were found significantly higher in on-pump group in comparison to off-pump group and CCr was slightly higher lower in on-pump but not significantly decreased.

Serum Zinc and Copper in Iron Deficient Adolescents.

Background: Adolescents are vulnerable to iron deficiency. Deficiency of iron may be associated with deficiency of zinc and high copper level. Objectives: To observe serum zinc and copper status in iron deficient anemic adolescents. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, BSMMU, between January and December 2007. For this, total 60 adolescents of both sexes aged 11-18 years were selected. Of them,on the basis of hemoglobin and serum Ferrtin level 15 iron deficient male adolescents (Hb<13g/dl, SF<30ìg/L) and 15 iron deficient female adolescents (Hb<11.5g/dl, SF<22ìg/L)were included into study group as group B1and B2 respectively. Age and sex matched apparently healthy 15 male and 15 female subjects without iron deficiency were taken as control(group A1, A2). Serum zinc and copper status were assessed by measuring serum zinc and copper levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method and | serum ferritin and serum iron levels by micro particle enzyme immunoassay method. Data were analyzed by un paired student t test. Results: In both male and female iron deficient adolescents, mean serum zinc level was significantly (p<0.01) lower and serum copper level was significantly higher(p<0.01) than those of their respective healthy control. No statistically significant differences of these values were observed between A1 vs A2 and B1 vs B2. In this study, hypozincemia and hypercupremia were observed in both male and female iron deficient adolescents Conclusion: Therefore, from this study concludes that deficiency of iron may be associated with hypozincemia and hypercupremia in anemic adolescents and the supplementation of zinc along with iron is suggested for the correction of iron deficiency anemia especially in adolescents when their metabolic demand is high.

Serum zinc level in preterm low birth weight babies and its comparison between preterm AGA and preterm SGA babies.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a major child health problem in Bangladesh and continuing to great threat to child health and child survival in Bangladesh. LBW is a silent emergency but crisis is real and its persistence has profound and frightening impact on neonatal mortality. This observational study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during July 2004 to June 2005. Serum zinc levels were estimated between two groups: group-I preterm AGA (n=50), group II preterm SGA (n=50) babies. Blood samples were collected from the study population in neonatal unit and serum zinc levels were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Observed data were made comparison among groups by Students 't' test. It was observed serum zinc level (60.2+/-15.2) in group I and (62.1+/-12.4) in group II. Serum zinc level was in lower limit of normal range in both groups with more lower level in preterm AGA babies but their difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). So zinc supplementation may enhance the growth of preterm LBW babies in their early months of lives.

Overlapping of Sturge Weber syndrome and Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) occurs sporadically with a frequency of approximately 1 in 50,000. SWS is a mesodermal phakomatosis. Klippel-Trenaunay Weber syndrome (KTWS) is another very rare phakomatosis. Overlap between SWS & KTWS is very rarely encountered. We report a 19 months old boy with features of both SWS and KTWS. The reported case had seizures, port wine haemangioma of the right side of the body, glaucoma of both eyes, subcortical calcification which were consistent with the Sturge Weber Syndrome; on the other hand he had also hypertrophy of the right side of the including the face and limbs, angiomatous skin naevus, varicosities consistent with the KTWS.

Metatropic dysplasia in children.

Metatropic dysplasia is a rare genetic condition characterized by progressive dwarfism. Metatropic dysplasia is defined as a short limb skeletal dysplasia characterized by dumbell like configuration of long bones, a narrow but normal length of thorax and occasionally a coccygeal appendage similar to a tail. Children born with this condition show different signs and symptoms throughout the childhood. An eight years old boy was admitted in the Paediatric ward of Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka with the complain of swelling in the back for 7 1/2 years. On examination the boy had features suggestive of Metatropic dysplasia. Radiological findings included exaggerated curvature of the spine which was different at the different levels giving rise to "S" shaped deformity, pectus carinatum and flattening of the vertebral bodies which were variable at different levels. From the history, clinical examination and radiological findings the boy was diagnosed as a case of metatropic dysplasia.

Alteration of serum copper in Kala-azar patients during SAG therapy.

We conducted an analytic case-control study in Kala-azar patients during Sodium Antimony Gluconate (SAG) therapy to assess the changes in serum copper. A total of 89 subjects were included in the study. Diagnosed patients of Kala-azar with parasitological evidence of Leishmania Donovani (LD) bodies in bone marrow, were selected as cases (n=54). They were selected from Medicine and Paediatric wards of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and nearby Fulbaria upazila of Mymensingh district. Physically healthy volunteers of similar age, sex and body mass index (BMI) as cases, were included in control group (n=35). The study period was from July 2003 to June 2004. SAG was given intramuscularly (20 mg/kg/day) to Kala-azar patients for 30 days. Blood samples were collected from controls, Kala-azar cases before therapy and same cases during 15-20 days of SAG therapy. Serum copper was higher in cases before therapy than those of controls (p<0.001). However, serum copper reduced significantly (p<0.001) during SAG therapy. So biochemical monitoring may be considered in the management of the disease.

Serum copper in rural women taking combined oral contraceptive.

This prospective case-control study included 78 women between 15 to 45 years of age from rural area to see changes in serum copper level as a consequence of oral contraceptive use. Among the subjects, 34 women were included as controls because of not taking any form of hormonal contraceptives neither during the time of selection nor during one-year period prior to the study. Women in the control group were motivated to consume oral pill (Sukhi) for 3 consecutive cycles. At the 3(rd) month, 25 such women became available and henceforth included as cases on longitudinal basis. Another 44 women were randomly selected as cases on the basis of using combined oral contraceptives (Sukhi) for a duration of 4 months onwards. Considering different duration of oral contraceptive (OC) use, subjects were grouped as follows: Group I (n=34)--> controls, Group II (n=25)--> 3 months, Group III (n=17)--> 4 months - 2 years and Group IV (n=27)--> >2 years. Finally, 103 samples of blood (34 from controls and 69 from oral contraceptives users) were collected for estimation of Serum Copper (mgm/dl) by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using UNICAM-AA Spectrometer. Mean+/-SD of Serum Copper significantly increased in all 3 contraceptive groups in comparison to controls (p<0.001). Further study including larger population from rural area was recommended to see correlation among serum copper and other trace elements with side effects of hormonal contraceptives. This preliminary study tried to explore the possibility of establishing biochemical monitoring of serum trace elements in OC users.