Immobilization-induced increases of systolic blood pressure and dysregulation of electrolyte balance in ethanol-treated rats

Clinical and experimental studies revealed that alcohol drinking and life event stresses are predisposing factors to hypertension. Intra and extra cellular levels of electrolytes may play important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of hypertension. Dietary intake of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium is suggested to have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. The present study was designed to monitor the effects of acute exposure to 2h immobilization stress and ethanol administration at a dose of 2.5g/kg body weight [i.p.] and combined effect of acute administration of ethanol and immobilization stress on systolic blood pressure [SBP], intraerythrocyte, serum and tissue electrolytes in rats. Results showed that acute exposure to 2h immobilization increased SBP, intraerythrocyte sodium and decreased intraerythrocyte potassium in water as well as in ethanol injected rats. The concentration of Na[+] and Ca[2+] increased while that of K[+] and Mg[2+] decreased in the heart and kidney tissue. Ethanol administration also increased Na[+] and Ca[2+] levelsand decreased K+ and Mg[2+] levels in the heart and kidney tissue. Restraint stress decreased serum levels of Na[+], K[+], Ca[2+], P, and Cl- and increased serum Mg[2+], glucose and haematocrit. Ethanol administration also decreased serum levels of Na[+], K[2+], Ca[2+], P, and Cl- and increased serum Mg[2+], glucose and haematocrit. The effects of ethanol and stress on the changes of blood and tissues electrolytes were additive and may be involved in the greater occurrence of hypertension in alcoholics. Our results suggested an important role of intra and extra cellular electrolytes in both stress and ethanol-induced hypertension. The findings may help to develop strategies for the treatment of hypertension in alcoholics

Gender and stress perception based differences in BMI, hormonal response and appetite in adult Pakistani population

To evaluate and compare the gender based variations in stress perception induced changes in leptin, cortisol and serotonin [5-HT] trends, appetite and Body Mass Index [BMI]. An analytical comparative study. Neurochemistry Laboratory, University of Karachi, from January to August 2013. Appetite, BMI and serum leptin, cortisol, and 5-HT were measured in 100 men and women of aged 30 - 60 years, working in teaching institutes of Karachi, to evaluate gender based, stress perception induced variations. The samples were identified by stratified random technique. The chemical variables were estimated through ELISA. Results were analysed using one-way ANOVA and multivariate general linear model using SPSS version 17. Mean stress perception, BMI and serum leptin levels were significantly more in women [p < 0.05]. Serum cortisol and 5-HT were found significantly reduced in women [p < 0.05]. BMI, serum cortisol and leptin were found to be increased with increasing level of stress perception [p < 0.05]. VAS for hunger and desire to eat as the measure of appetite was significantly higher in men [p < 0.05]. Stress perception attenuates the positive effect of cortisol and negative effects of leptin and 5-HT on appetite through changes in their circulatory levels. Women perceive more stress and exhibit significantly attenuated changes in hormonal levels and appetite which may be the contributing factor towards obesity. Increased BMI in women despite decreased appetite merits more studies

Role of tutors' training in delivering effective medical education

To determine the effectiveness of training of the tutors to conduct small group tutorial sessions. A descriptive study one hundred and thirty nine students of first till fourth year of MBBS course, were introduced to the subject/topic and the learning objectives. In the following week, they attended small group sessions arranged for their respective subjects. Trained tutors were identified on the basis of having taken the tutor training course/workshops arranged by College of Physician and Surgeons, Pakistan. The tutors conducted the small group tutorial sessions as per their assignment. At the end of tutorial sessions the students were asked to complete a questionnaire encompassing the learning outcomes of the students and behaviors of the tutor during the tutorial classes. Learning outcomes were compared using Pearson test. The motivation of the students and their clarification of concepts increased significantly by attending the tutorial sessions with trained tutors [trained 77.7% vs. un-trained 21.58% p<0.005 and trained 80.58% vs. un-trained 19.42% p<0.005 respectively]. Trained tutors facilitated the sessions in such a way that students discussed themselves and found their own queries help in the clarification of the concepts more efficiently. Effective faculty development program should be designed and implemented to enhance the learning process of the students by trained facilitators

Serum leptin levels correlation with high blood pressure in adult females

To measure serum leptin levels and compare them in lean and obese subjects and to identify correlation between serum leptin levels, heart rate and hypertension in lean and obese subjects among adult females. A case control study. Jinnah Medical and Dental College Hospital's Outpatient Department [OPD] during the calender year 2003. Seventy female subjects with different body mass indices were selected from OPD of Jinnah Medical and Dental College Hospital [OPD], Karachi. Heart rate was counted manually; blood pressure was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer while serum leptin was measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The outcomes hypertension and heart rate were correlated to risk factor leptin. Result: Mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum leptin levels of obese people were 90 +/- 1, 142 +/- 2, 89 +/- 1 and 24.13 +/- 1.7 respectively, which were significantly higher as compared to lean subjects [p<0.05]. All the parameters correlated positively and significantly with increasing BMI. There was a relationship of tachycardia and hypertension with high serum leptin levels in obesity. Serum leptin levels increase with the level of obesity. Hyper-leptinemia is associated with tachycardia and increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obesity via complex mechanisms

Leptin correlates with BMI and fasting blood sugar in lean and obese females with NIDDM

Leptin was first described as an adipocyte derived signaling factor, which after interaction with its receptors induces a complex response including control of body weight and energy expenditure. In humans leptin is present in circulation in direct proportion to the amount of body fat. Present study was conducted to investigate serum leptin levels in lean and obese Pakistani females with NIDDM, and evaluate its relationship with BMI, waist-hip ratio and fasting blood glucose levels. One hundred and forty subjects with different body mass index and fasting blood sugar levels were selected from diabetic centers in urban areas of Karachi. Serum leptin was measured by ELISA using coated micro-wells. The results indicate that serum leptin levels of obese non-diabetics were significantly higher compared to lean non-diabetics [p<0.001]. Leptin levels of diabetic patients were significantly higher than non-diabetic subject [p<0.05]. Based on these results, it is concluded that serum leptin levels are significantly correlated with body mass index. Increased leptin levels in diabetic patients may have an important metabolic role in the development of NIDDM