Evaluation of lipids and lipoprotein levels in opium and heroin addicts in Punjabi population

Objective: the present study was conducted to assess lipid and lipoprotein levels in opium [50 subjects] and heroin-addicted men [50 subjects] against non-opium and non-heroin addicted men [25 healthy individuals] as control subjects from Punjabi population

Material and Methods: the biochemical estimations: total lipids, total lipids, TC, TGs, HDL, LDL, VLDL and Chylomicron levels were carried out on fully automatic clinical chemistry analyzer on 12hour fasting blood samples. The variables for each group were presented as means+/- standard deviations. Results were considered statistically significant if p

Results: our study concluded that the cholesterol, triglyceride and Very Low Density Lipoprotein levels were higher in opium addicts than heroin addicts. Total lipid levels were decreased significantly in heroin addicts as compared to control subjects. However, no significant difference in High Density Lipoprotein and Chylomicron levels was noted in heroin and opium addicts in comparison to controls

Conclusion: it may therefore be suggested that opium addicts are at higher risk to develop atherosclerosis leading to ischemic heart disease than heroin addicts

Serum anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients with endogenous depression

A total of 80 subjects were divided into two groups. Groups A included 20 normal healthy control subjects and group B included 60 subjects with endogenous depression Anti-TPO antibodies were performed by commercially available kits. Results were analysed by using students T test and level of significance was done. Anti-TPO antibodies were significantly raised in patients with endogenous depression

Assessment of thyroid dysfunction in children with celiac disease

Celiac Disease [CD] is an immune response to ingested wheat gluten and related proteins of rye and barley that leads to inflammation, villous atrophy and intestinal crypt hyperplasia. 1,2 CD was considered as a rare malabsorption syndrome in the previously that can only occur in children, now it is a common condition that may be diagnosed at any age.3 The aim of this study was to assess the thyroid functions in Celiac Disease patients by measuring serum levels of free thyroxine [fT4] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]. Anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies [Anti TPO] were also measured to assess the autoimmune nature of thyroid disease. Patients and Methods: It was an analytical cross sectional study, on 50 patients of celiac disease and 25 apparently healthy non celiac children were included in the study. CD patients were already diagnosed by elevated levels of serum anti tissue transglutaminase [IgA class] antibodies [>15X ULN]. CD was ruled out in control group by normal levels of serum anti tissue transglutaminase [IgA class] antibodies. TSH and fT4 were performed on Vitros ECIQ immunodiagnostic system and anti-TPO Antibodies were performed by manual ELISA technique. Mean age of the patients included in the study was 5.3 +/- 3.3 [range, 1.5-13] years. Mean age of individuals in control group was 5.8 +/- 2.5 [range, 2.0-12] years. Statistically significant increase levels of TSH and Anti TPO Antibodies were observed in the patient group. No statistically significant difference was observed between means of fT4 in patients and control group. Subclinical hypothyroidism was noticed in 10% patients of celiac disease while anti TPO Antibodies were positive in 16% patients. The present study showed an increased occurrence of thyroid dysfunction and serological evidence of thyroid autoimmunity in patients with CD. Assessment of thyroid function in patients of celiac disease is recommended at regular intervals

HIV Infection, HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among Jail Inmates of Lahore

Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection constitutes an important prison health care concern but data on HIV epidemiology among jail inmates of developing world including Pakistan is limited. The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of HIV infection among inmates of two jails of Lahore, Pakistan. Cross sectional prevalence survey of a total of 4915 jail inmates [4498 male and 417 females] was conducted during a seven months period, from May 2009 to November 2009 in the inmates of "District and Central Jails of Lahore". They were divided into four groups according to age. A blood sample was collected from each survey participant. All collected blood samples were screened for HIV antibodies, HBsAg and anti-HCV with rapid testing immunochromatographic [ICT] kits. All positive test results were confirmed by using the ELISA technique. The overall HIV prevalence rate was 2.01% and 77.78% of them had co-infections. HIV/HCV co-infection was detected in 73.74% of HIV positive inmates. Among women prisoners, one Pakistani and four Africans were found HIV positive. HIV infection and HBV/HCV co-infection was more prevalent in the age group 16-30 years. The prevalence rate of HIV infection and its HBV/HCV co-infection in jail inmates is much higher than the general population and the prevalence rate reported earlier from other jails in Pakistan. Health information on jail populations is important as this is a vulnerable group, with frequent movement in and out of the general community. Urgent prevention efforts are needed as HIV prevalence is already 2%