Leptin concentration during different trimesters of pregnancy and its relation to other pregnancy hormones

To determine the levels of leptin and other pregnancy hormones [progesterone, estradiol, folliculi stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and beta human chorionic gonadotropin] in pregnant females during different stages of pregnancy and to correlate these levels to maternal weight, body mass index [BMI], babies weight and babies BMI. Leptin level and other pregnancy hormones were measured in 36 pregnant females and 30 non-pregnant females followed at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 2001 in a prospective study. Blood samples were collected at the first, 2nd and 3rd trimester and after delivery. Correlation analysis between leptin level and pregnancy hormones, in addition to maternal weight, BMI, babies weight and BMI. The mean leptin levels during pregnancy and postnatally were significantly higher in pregnant females compared to the non-pregnant controls. Serum concentration of leptin increased significantly [p=0.01] in the pregnant females from 21.24 +/- 9 ng/ml during the first trimester to 26.3 +/- 8.69 ng/ml during the 2nd trimester, but insignificantly decreased to 23.29 +/- 8.62 ng/ml during the 3rd trimester [p=0.073]. After delivery leptin concentration significantly decreased to 17.36 +/- 7.95 ng/ml [p=0.0025]. The changes in levels of leptin during pregnancy were independent to other pregnancy hormones which showed a different pattern of variation. The changes in levels of leptin during pregnancy were independent to other pregnancy hormones which showed a different pattern of variation

Leptin level in pregnant mothers at term and cord blood and the effect of newborns gender

To evaluate the leptin level in healthy pregnant mothers at term and in their newborns and its relationship to their body mass index [BMI] and gender of the newborn. The leptin level was measured in serum of 187 pregnant women at term delivering at the King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in July 2001 and their newborns. Correlation studies were made between leptin level and their growth parameters, and gender of the newborns. Leptin level of the mothers was significantly higher compared to their newborns. There was a significant correlation between leptin level in the pregnant women and their weight, BMI, and the newborns leptin level and weight, but not their height or BMI. A statistically significant difference was found between male and female newborns plasma leptin level. A significant correlation was found between male newborns leptin level and all their growth parameters, while in the female newborns there was no correlation between their leptin level and BMI. Leptin plays an important role in providing a growth promoting signal during pregnancy, but the fat mass does not seem to be the most important predictor of cord leptin level

prevalence of obesity and overweight in 1 - 18 - year - old Saudi children.

The aim of this study was to review the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Saudi children with ages ranging up to 18 years. Subjects and The study was a cross-sectional national epidemiological household survey, and the study group included 12071 children [boys 6281; girls 6420], with ages ranging from 1-18 years. Their height and weight were measured and body mass index [BMI] was calculated. The study group was classified as obese or overweight, using age- and sex-specific cut-off points for BMI for determining overweight and obesity in children. The overall prevalence of overweight was 10.7% and 12.7% in the boys and girls, respectively, and obesity was 6.0% and 6.74% in the two groups, respectively. The children were grouped according to the province to which they belonged, and prevalence of obesity and overweight were calculated for each province. The highest frequency was in the Eastern Province, while the lowest was in the Southern Province. The children were further grouped into 1-6, 6-12 and 12-18-year-olds and prevalence of obesity and overweight was calculated. In addition, at yearly intervals, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was calculated. Among the boys and girls, the maximum prevalence of obesity was in the 2-3 year-olds. A decrease in prevalence was found in both males and females up to the age group of 8-13 years, and then the prevalence increased again up to the 18 years age. This epidemiological household survey shows the overweight and obesity trends in Saudi children based on the international sex-specific cut-off points for BMI. It also shows a variable prevalence in different age groups until after 13 years, when the prevalence rate increases

Prevalence of hypertension in obese and non-obese Saudis

Obesity occurs at a high prevalence in the Saudi population. Studies in literature show that hypertension occurs more frequently in obese individuals. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of hypertension in obese Saudis in comparison with results obtained in non-obese individuals. The screening involved a statistically designed household screening program. Only adults 14-70 years of age were included in the study. Blood pressure [systolic and diastolic] was measured when the individuals were in sitting position and height and weight were used to calculate Body Mass Index. All individuals with Body Mass Index > 30 were classified as obese and hypertension was measured as systolic blood pressure > 140 and diastolic blood pressure > 90 or both. The prevalence of hypertension was calculated in the obese and non-obese group. Chi square analysis was carried out to determine the significance of the difference in prevalence in different groups. In the non-obese males and females the prevalence of hypertension was 4.8% and 2.8%. While in the obese group the prevalence was almost 1.6 times higher in the males [8%] and 3.52 times higher [8%] in the female obese. The results were separated on the basis of the province to which the population belonged and hypertension prevalence was calculated in the obese and non-obese. In each region the prevalence of hypertension was higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese group. Non-obeses females had significantly lower hypertension prevalence than the male in the same province but the hypertension prevalence was higher in the females compared to the male in the obese group. Male in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces did not show an increased hypertension prevalence in the obese. Since the prevalence of obesity is high in Saudis and since obesity and hypertension occur together and cause serious complications, it is strongly suggested that measures are adopted to decrease prevalence of obesity and its underlying complications. Awareness programs are required at the level of the general public for successful implication of preventive programs

Association of hypertension and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Saudi Population

Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus [DM]. Several studies have shown that hypertension [HT] occurs frequently in obese individuals. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HT in Saudi diabetic patients. Subjects and A total of 13,519 nondiabetic and 1286 diabetic adult subjects diagnosed during the National Program for the Study of DM, in which household screening was carried out, were included in the study. The diagnosis of DM and HT was based on the criteria of the World Health Organization. From the total group, the prevalence of HT in nondiabetic males and females was 4.48% and 2.8%, respectively, while it was 11.44% and 15.98% in the diabetic males and females, respectively. The subjects were classified according to the province to which they belonged, and the prevalence of HT was calculated in the diabetic and nondiabetic group. In the Central, Eastern and Western Provinces, female diabetics had a significantly higher HT prevalence compared to male diabetics, however, in the Southern and Northern Provinces, the prevalence rate was almost the same. In all provinces the increase in prevalence of HT in diabetics was significantly higher in the females compared to the males. Since HT prevalence increases significantly in diabetics, and this association leads to several cardiovascular complications, it is necessary to adopt measures for the control of DM and HT in the Saudi population

Prevalence of plasma lipid abnormalities in Saudi children

Lipid levels in children vary in different populations. Due to a close association between high lipid levels and development of atherosclerosis, considerable interest has been directed to investigating lipid levels in children. Materials and We conducted this study on 2914 children with ages ranging from 1 year to <15 years, randomly selected during a national household screening program. Fasting blood samples were used for estimation of triglyceride and cholesterol levels. The overall range for cholesterol was 2.0-5.7 mmol/L and for triglyceride the overall range was 0.1-1.7 mmol/L. The children were separated into 14 groups depending on age, and the cholesterol and triglyceride levels were calculated in each age group. Using published guidelines for estimating "borderline" and "high risk" for coronary artery disease from cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the prevalence of borderline and high-risk groups was calculated. 7.72% of the children fell in the borderline risk group and 1.55% in the high-risk group using cholesterol values, while using triglyceride values, 1.4% and 0.55% fell in the borderline and high-risk groups, respectively. The prevalence of abnormality varied in the different age groups. The paper discusses the need for a lipid awareness program in Saudi children in an attempt to decrease the complications associated with dyslipidemias during adulthood

Relationship between obesity, overweight and plasma lipids in saudis

Overweight and obesity occur at a high prevalence in Saudi population. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the plasma lipid levels in Saudi overweight and obese individuals and to compare them to the values obtained in the normal weight groups. A total of 2035 adult Saudis [males: 927; temales: 1108] were included in the study. Height and weight were recorded and Body Mass Index was calculated. Fasting blood glucose, Hb Aie, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. The males and females were grouped into three groups [one] normal weight i.e. Body Mass Index < 25, [two] overweight ie. Body Mass Index 25-29.9 and [three] obese ie. Body Mass Index > 30. The cholesterol and triglyceride levels were compared among the groups. The resuits showed that cholesterol and triglyceride are significantly higher in the overweight and obese groups compared to the normal weight group. The correlation between Body Mass Index and lipids was positive and statistically significant. We conclude that since the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high in Saudis and since overweight and obesity are associated with hyperlipidemias, it is essential to initiate control and prevention programmes in an attempt to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity and hence morbidity associated with hyperlipi demie states

heterogenicity of the molecular basis of B- thalassemia among Arabs

The molecular basis of beta-thalassaemias [beta-thal] were investigated in Arab populations from different countries. A total of 272 blood samples [5-10 ml] were collected from unrelated beta-thal patients attending the Ministry of Health hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and were grouped according to their nationality into eight groups [ie. Saudis, Jordanians, Egyptians, Syrians, Lebanese, Yemenis, Sudanese and Palestinians]. DNA was prepared from the buffy coat and stored frozen at 70°C until required for analysis. Using Amplification Refractory Mutation System [ARMS], Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis [DGGE] and dot blot analysis, the following mutations were investigated: IVS-1-1, IVS-1-6, CD 15, CD 41/42, CD 8/9, CD 39, IVS 1-5, IVS-II-1, IVS-I-110, Cap+1, IVS-1-3' end [25 bp deletion], CD 6, IVS-II-745, CD 16, IVS-II-654, IVS-I-1 [G-A], CD 17, CD 30, -88 and -28. The results revealed a significant heterogeneity in the molecular basis of beta-thal in Arabs from different countries where each group has a major set of 6-8 mutations accounting for majority [-80%] of the beta-thal. Interestingly IVS-I-110 and IVS-II-1 were found in all Arabs, but at a significantly variable frequency, where they were more frequent in the countries around the Mediterranean and gradually decreased to the East. On the other hand, IVS-1-5, an Asian mutation occurred at a high prevalence in the UAE populations and decreased to the west. Saudi Arabia showed an overlap of both Mediterranean and Asian mutations. The beta-thal gene mutations exhibit considerable heterogeneity in the different Arab populations. These represent either the trend of population movement or new mutations that may have occurred independently. As in the other populations of the world, 5-7 common mutations are characteristic of each country

Epidemiology of G-6-PD deficiency in Saudi Arabia

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is the most frequently encountered red cell enzymopathy affecting the pentose phosphate pathway of glucose metabolism. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological survey of G-6-PD deficiency in Saudi Arabia Twenty-seven thousand, four hundred and seven Saudis living in 31 different areas were included in the study. The activity of G-6-PD was estimated in red cell hemolysates using commercially available kits from Boehringer Mannheim GmbH and the units of G-6-PD activity were calculated as mU/109 erythrocytes. Overall frequency of G-6-PD deficiency was 0.0905 and 0.041 in Saudi males and females, respectively. When separated on the basis of the provinces, the highest frequency was in the eastern province in both males and females and the lowest was in the northern province. Further separation of the data was carried out and significant differences were encountered in the different areas within each province. In each area the deficient females encountered were significantly more that the expected number calculated using Hardy Weinburg equilibrium. G-6-PD deficiency frequently occurs in several areas of Saudi Arabia. In general, this corresponds to malaria endemicity in the past. The Hardy Weinburg equilibrium is disturbed either due to the high rate of consanguinity or to the inactivation of the normal X-chromosome [Lyons phenomenon] in the heterozygote females. Awareness programs about this frequent enzymopathy are needed in Saudi Arabia to prevent the consequences of the deficiency state

sickle cell gene as a multifaceted problem in Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted in 34 areas of Saudi Arabia to determine the prevalence of individuals homozygous and heterozygous to sickle cell hemoglobin and to determine the Hb S gene frequency. Over a 10 year period 30,055 samples from Saudi individuals living in 34 different areas of Saudi Arabia were analysed by alkaline and acid electrophoresis using blood samples drawn in EDTA tubes. The overall prevalence of Hb S homozygotes and heterozygotes was 1.058% and 7.356%, respectively and the Hb S gene frequency was 0.0474. When separated on the basis of the province, the highest gene frequency was in the eastern province while the lowest was in the central and northern provinces where in several areas no case of Hb SS or Hb AS were identified. Within each province the different areas showed a remarkable heterogeneity in the prevalence of the Hb S gene. The expected number of Hb S homozygotes were calculated by applying Hardy Weinburg equilibrium and found to be significantly lower than the actual number identified during the study. Sickle cell gene occurs in several areas of Saudi Arabia and the gene frequency correlates with history of malaria endemicity. The Hardy Weinburg equilibrium is limited in providing an estimate of the frequency and this may be due, at least in part, to a high rate of consanguinity, a mild sickle cell disease or a bias due to collection of samples in health centres. However, the frequency of Hb S is sufficient to place it as the most frequent genetic disorder in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the health care requirements, psychosocial burden that Hb S ensue and economical consideration require an effective control program to prevent the birth of Hb S homozygotes

Plasma uric acid in Saudi Arabs

This study was designed to determine the level of uric acid in the Saudi population in different parts of the country. The study was conducted from 1983 to 1 992 in eight areas of Saudi Arabia, in normal healthy Saudi adult males, females and children and in two areas [Khaiber and Jaizan]; the study was conducted at two different times [1983 and 1986]. Blood samples were collected in heparinized tubes and centrifuged to separate the plasma from the cells. The uric acid levels were estimated on an autoanalyser 'Parallel Analytical System'. The results were fed on computers separately for the adult males and females and children and mean and standard deviation were obtained. Ranges were calculated as mean +/- 2SD and 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles. The overall range for uric acid in the adult males, females and children was 0.263 +/- 0.072 mmol/l, 0.228 +/- 0.068 mmol/l and 0.218 +/- 0.068 mmol/l. Differences were recorded in the uric acid levels in individuals living in different regions of the country with the male mean value ranging from 0.257 to 0.345 mmol/l, female mean value ranging from 0.209 to 0.289 mmol/l and mean value for children ranging from 0.199 to 0.270. In Jaizan the difference in the uric acid level in 1983 and 1986 was statistically significant in adults and children, while in Khaiber the difference was significant only in the adult females. The uric acid level differs significantly in different populations. These differences may be a result of interaction of many factors including genetic make-up and life style. With general improvement in the nutritional status of the populations, the effect on the uric acid levels may be dramatic

frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase phenotypes and sickle cell genes in Al-Qatif oasis

This study was conducted on a selected population of Al-Qatif in Eastern Saudi Arabia to determine the gene frequencies of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD] deficiency and sickle cell [HbS] genes and to study the extent of interaction between the two genes. A total of 960 blood samples collected from Saudi males [515] and females [445] attending the outpatient clinics and hospitals for minor illnesses were subjected to electrophoresis for separation of hemoglobin types and G-6-PD phenotyping and for spectrophotometric determination of G-6-PD activity. The prevalence of HbS heterozygotes was 25.9%, Hb S/beta-thalassemia was 1.563% and HbS homozygotes was 2.917%. The overall gene frequency of HbS was 0.1666. Severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was encountered in a large percentage of the population with a frequency of 0.392 for G-6-PD Mediterranean and 0.0058 for G-6-PD-A in the male population and 0.2020 and 0.0112 for G-6-PD Mediterranean and G-6-PD-A in the female population respectively. Partial deficiency was encountered at a frequency of 0.0272 and 0.0697 in the male and female populations respectively. G-6-PD deficiency caused by G-6-PD Mediterranean occurred at a higher frequency in individuals with normal hemoglobin [Hb AA] [0.414 and 0.217 in males and females respectively] compared to the HbS heterozygotes [0.338 and 0.168 in males and females respectively] and HbS homozygotes and HbS beta -thalassemia cases [0.3125 and 0.1852 in males and females respectively]. Compared to all areas of Saudi Arabia, Al-Qatif had the highest gene frequencies for HbS and G-6-PD deficiency genes

frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase phenotypes and sickle cell gene in Al-Qassim

This study was conducted in the Al-Qassim area located in the central province of Saudi Arabia in order to estimate the frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD] deficiency and sickle cell genes [Hb S]. Blood samples from 1,015 Saudi males and females were analyzed for hemoglobin types, G-6-PD phenotypes and G-6-PD levels. Only two cases heterozygous to Hb S [ie Hb AS] were identified and the frequency of Hb S gene was 0.000985. The normal G-6-PD was G-6-PD-B+ occurring at a frequency of 0.944 and 0.966 in the male and female population, respectively. Variants identified included G-6-PD-A+, G-6-PD-Mediterranean, G-6-PD- A-, and G-6-PD-Mediterranean-like at frequencies of 0.0164, 0.0282, 0.0023, 0.0094 in the males and 0.0068, 0.0085, 0, 0.0102 in the female population, respectively. The severe G-6-PD deficiency was due mainly to G-6-PD Mediterranean and only one male with G-6-PD-A- [0.0023] was identified. These results showed that Al-Qassim had the lowest frequency of Hb S and G-6-PD deficiency genes compared to all other regions of Saudi Arabia that have been screened thus far

Alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes in Saudi Arabia: a study in the central province

This study was conducted on 204 plasma samples obtained from Saudis living in the central province of Saudi Arabia, to determine the prevalence of alpha- 1-antitrypsin [alpha 1AT] phenotypes. The alpha 1AT phenotypes were separated by isoelectric focusing on ampholine gels [pH 4-5]. The prevalences of PiMM, MS, MZ, SZ, and ZZ were 0.8676, 0.0931, 0.0245, 0.0098, and 0.0049, respectively. The gene frequencies of the alpha 1AT variants, i.e., PiM, PiS and PiZ, were 0.9265, 0.0515, and 0.022, respectively. We describe and compare our results in a Saudi population with those reported for other populations

Reference intervals for plasma albumin and correlation with plasma proteins

This study on 3454 healthy Saudi male and female adults and children was conducted with the aim of establishing the 'reference interval' for plasma albumin and to investigate the effect of age and sex on the normal range. Albumin showed a normal Gaussian distribution and using parametric and non-parametric methods the range in adults was found to be 43.96 +/- 12.2 g/l and 40.6 +/- 12.6g/l in the male and female groups respectively. The male results were significantly higher than the female, except in those >/= 50 years of age and those less than 10 years. This study also showed that the albumin level decreased slightly with age. Furthermore, the correlation between albumin and other plasma proteins showed a positive correlation between albumin and transferrin, IgG and IgA; a negative correlation between albumin and Alpha 1-antitrypsin and no correlation between albumin and IgM and Gc protein

Transferrin C subtypes in Saudi Arabia: a study in the central province

In this study the frequency of transferrin [TF] C subtypes was investigated in 150 individuals from the central province of Saudi Arabia. The frequencies of the TF C1, C2, C3 and D genes were 0.6934, 0.2467, 0.0433 and 0.0167, respectively