Association of homocysteine with metabolic syndrome risk factors in postmenopausal women

Background: The prevalence of cardio-metabolic disorders is highest among the elderly population and homocysteine (Hcy) is considered as a major risk factor. Vascular aging in women is exacerbated by reproductive aging in response to hormonal changes during the menopause. The present study assessed the levels of Hcy, Vitamin B12, folate, and examined their association with metabolic syndrome risk factors in menopausal women. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the levels of Hcy, Vitamin B12, and folate and their association with various components of metabolic syndrome in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: We recruited a total of 300 women between 35 and 64 year from Bharati Hospital, Pune. They were classified into pre, peri, and post-menopausal groups according to their menstrual history. Results: Lower Vitamin B12 and folic acid and higher Hcy concentrations were found in peri and post-menopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. Women with metabolic syndrome showed lower micronutrients and higher Hcy compared to those without metabolic syndrome. An inverse association of Vitamin B12 with waist circumference (WC), diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and HOMA-IR and inverse association of folate with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR were observed. A positive association of Hcy with WC, fasting glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR was also seen. In a logistic regression model, metabolic syndrome was found to be independently associated with age and Hcy. Conclusion: This study reports elevated Hcy and low micronutrient levels in postmenopausal women. Hcy was found to be independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk in these women. Monitoring plasma Hcy concentrations with adequate B vitamin stores could be an effective strategy to minimize metabolic syndrome risk in middle aged women.

A clickable photoaffinity probe of betulinic acid identifies tropomyosin as a target

Target identification of bioactive compounds is important for understanding their mechanisms of action and provides critical insights into their therapeutic utility. While it remains a challenge, unbiased chemoproteomics strategy using clickable photoaffinity probes is a useful and validated approach for target identification. One major limitation of this approach is the efficient synthesis of appropriately substituted clickable photoaffinity probes. Herein, we describe an efficient and consistent method to prepare such probes. We further employed this method to prepare a highly stereo-congested probe based on naturally occurring triterpenoid betulinic acid. With this photoaffinity probe, we identified tropomyosin as a novel target for betulinic acid that can account for the unique biological phenotype on cellular cytoskeleton induced by betulinic acid.

Combination Of Momordica Charantia And Phyllanthus Amarus For Hepatoprotective Activity In Ethanol And Anti-Tubercular Drugs Induced Hepatotoxicity In Rats

Objective: To evaluate the synergistic protective effect of Momordica charantia and Phyllanthus amarus combination (MC+PA) of doses 200 and 400 mg/kg on the liver in different experimental models of hepatotoxicity. Methods: The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated in ethanol and anti-tubercular drugs (isoniazid-INH, rifampicin-RIF) induced hepatotoxicity models. Hepatotoxicity in both models was induced to all groups except the normal control. Intoxicated rats were treated with silymarin and various doses of MC+PA for 8 d in ethanol-induced and 21 d in INH+RIF induced hepatotoxicity models. At the completion of study, the biochemical markers and the anti-oxidant status (SOD and MDA) were measured and also the histopathological evaluation of the liver tissue was carried out. Results: Combination therapy remarkably reduced the elevated profile of the biochemical markers and thereby improved the anti-oxidant status, thus exhibiting the synergistic hepatoprotective effect when compared with the positive control group (p<0.001). Histopathological evaluation demonstrated that MC+PA decreased the liver damage significantly in comparison with the positive group. Conclusion: The current work suggests that the combined extract showed synergistic effects on ethanol and anti-tubercular drugs induced hepatotoxicity models by significantly decreasing the liver damage.

A study on visual outcomes after cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants at the rural health training center, Paithan, Maharashtra.

A study was conducted to assess the visual outcomes of patients after cataract surgery with intraocular lens implants with reference to visual acuity (VA) and visual function (VF) and to assess patient satisfaction with surgical outcome. The retrospective study was carried out using operation theatre records at the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Paithan, during 2007. Out of 819 cataract surgery patients operated in 2007 a total of 50 were selected randomly. Door-to-door visits were paid by investigator and multipurpose worker to previously operated patients for VA examination and to fill predesigned questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 17.0 Version; 50% patients had VA in fair vision range of <6/18-6/60 and 52% showed the VF in the range of 76-100. Of the 32 satisfied patients, majority were in the age group 70-79 years. The patients with good visual outcomes achieved after surgery would act as pamphlets for the community.

A patient with hypercoagulable state due to tuberculosis.

A 55-year-old male patient presented with status epilepticus following prolonged fever. Investigations revealed miliary opacities in lungs that were diagnosed as tubercular after thoracoscopic lung biopsy. Wide derangement of coagulation parameters was found, indicating a pro-coagulent state. There was evidence of widespread thrombosis.

Ethical issues in pediatric intensive care in developing countries: combining western technology and eastern wisdom.

Application of traditional ethical principles in developing countries may not, indeed should not, conform to the western philosophy and ideology. The principle of distributive justice is of utmost importance when critical resources are scarce. There is no ethical imperative, nor is one followed even in the most advanced countries, that every citizen is entitled to the very best available care. However, a society must establish a uniform code of ethics that can be applied nationally, whereby all citizens are eligible for a minimum acceptable level of care. The traditional principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice are still applicable in structuring an ethical framework that is most suited for the country's needs and resources.

Bilateral tubercular lid abscess--a case report.

Tuberculosis is a ubiquitous disease and a public health problem of major importance in almost all countries. The disease can involve any part of the body. Eye involvement to tuberculosis is also common. A case of bilateral tubercular lid abscess without any active systemic involvement is being reported because of its rare occurrence.