Role of pitavastatin in prevention of osteopenic changes in ovariectomized rats

Objective: To determine the effect of pitavastatin, a third generation statin, on development of osteopenia in ovariectomized rats

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, from January to July 2013

Methodology: Forty female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into ovariectomized [OVX], Sham OVX and OVX given pitavastatin 0.4 mg/kg/day, 0.8 mg/kg/day, for 8 weeks. Bone density measurements using CT scan and Archimedes' principle were made on femora and tibiae. Blood samples were analyzed for acid phosphatase [ACP] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] levels

Results: Ovariectomy-induced osteopenic changes were indicated by significant decrease in bone densities and Hounsfield [HU] index of distal femoral and proximal tibial metaphyses and elevation of ACP and ALP levels. 0.4 mg/kg pitavastatin did not significantly alter the evaluated parameters. 0.8 mg/kg produced a restoration of HU of lower femur and femoral density comparable to Sham. HU of upper tibia and tibial density following 0.8 mg/kg was significantly higher than OVX but was not approximate to Sham. ALP and ACP with 0.8 mg/kg were comparable to Sham

Conclusion: Supra-therapeutic dose of pitavastatin was effective in preventing estrogen deficiency-induced decrease in bone density of ovariectomized rates, over an 8-week period

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

Radiographic patterns in HIV associated pulmonary tuberculosis

To compare the radiologic patterns in HIV positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with non-HIV positive patients of pulmonary tuberculosis. Descriptive study. The study is a carried out in the Department of Medicine at Dow University Hospital from July, 2010 to July, 2011. The admission records of 54 HIV-positive patients were analyzed. A total of 30 patients out of 54 presented with pulmonary symptoms, which were further evaluated by sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli and chest radiographs. These 30 patients were compared with 30 non-HIV, smear positive for acid-fast bacilli patients. Out of 30 HIV seropositive patients, 29 were male and 1 was female with the mean age +/- SD 33.9 +/- 95 years. Sputum staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 10 patients [33.3 %]. Frequent radiographic patterns included normal 12[40%] and apical infiltrates 5[16.6%]. Cavitatory lesion was observed in 1 patient. Dominant symptoms were weight loss 29[93.3%] and fever 24[80%]. Out of the 30 non-HIV seropositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 20 were male and 10 were female of mean age +/- SD 33.9 +/- 95 years. Sputum staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 30 patients [100%]. Frequent radiographic patterns were apical cavitations 12[40%], apical infiltrates 5 [16.6%], bronchopneumonia 6[20%], interstitial infection3 [10%].Dominant symptoms were weight loss 29[93.3%] and fever 24[80%]. Majority of HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis were male. Common radiographic patterns were normal radiographs and apical infiltrates. Atypical radiographic presentation is particularly related in advance stages of immunosuppresion. Cavitatory lesions and pleural effusion were rare findings. Non HIV seropositive pulmonary tuberculosis patients were both male and female. Common radiographic patterns were apical cavitatory lesions, bronchopneumonia, interstitial infiltrations and pleural effusion. This radiographic presentation is particularly related to delayed hypersensitivity reaction