Trends of serum thyrotropin concentration and associated factors in urban Pakistan [Karachi]

This investigation aimed at assessing trends of TSH levels and associated factors in apparently normal subjects of urban Pakistan [Karachi]. The survey was conducted in 2004 in Lyari, Karachi. Using a geographical imaging system, 85, 520 households were identified, of which 532 were randomly selected; 867 adults aged >/= 25 years consented to take part in the study. Blood samples from 324 subjects were available for analyses. Subjects with previous history of thyroid disorders were excluded. Mean age of subjects was 40.8 +/- 14.13 years; 68.2% were females; mean values of waist circumference of males and females were 89.5 +/- 16 cm 87.8 +/- 15.7 cm repectively. Fifty-nine [18.2%] subjects had TSH>6.0 cm [mU/L] based on the ELISA laboratory reference range, used for the estimation of TSH. Based on the American Thyroid Association [ATA] guidelines, 159 [49.07%] subjects had TSH<2.5, while 76 [23.45%] subjects with TSH between 2.5-4.0 mU/L as per ATA definition were in the "at risk" category. Thirty subjects [9.26%] had TSH levels between 4.1-6.0 mU/L. A significant correlation was found between TSH and BMI and waist circumference, whereas a weak, non significant one was observed between TSH and waist hip ratio. A strong association between overweight [BMI>23] and elevated serum TSH concentration [TSH>4.1 mU/L] was also observed. This spectrum of TSH levels highlighted a high prevalence of increased serum TSH levels in the population studied, a trend that was associated with obesity and various lipid abnormalities. Further population based studies are needed to correlate these findings with clinical parameters of hypothyroidism

Effect of aluminum and chromium on the growth and germination of mesquite [Prosopis juliflora swartz.] DC.

Prosopis seeds were grown under controlled environment in solution of aluminum and chromium at different concentration alone as well as combined together. The effect of these metals was studied on seed germination, root length, shoot length, seedling length and dry biomass. Aluminum and chromium alone, and combined together showed no effects on germination and dry biomass. Chromium alone was found toxic to root, shoot and seedling length. However, application of different concentrations of aluminum increased the root, shoot and seedling growth. It may be concluded that aluminum is not as toxic as chromium, and their combined treatment showed the intermediate effect by ameliorating the impact of one another

Phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on th germination and early growth of wheat [Triticum aestivum] varieties Anmol and Kiran

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic effect of aluminum and chromium on the germination and early growth of two wheat [Triticum aestivum] varieties Anmol and Kiran. Seed were treated with 40, 80, 120 and 160 ppm of aluminum and chromium solution individually and in combined form. Observations were made on seed germination, root, shoot and seedling length, and dry biomass. Seed germination and dry biomass showed no effect of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Root, shoot and seedling length of both the varieties showed significant [P<0.05] decrease as compared to control. The growth was also reduced as the concentration of aluminum and chromium increased. Seedling length decreased in both the varieties at all the concentration of different treatment of aluminum, chromium and combined treatment. Attempts are being made in different laboratories to construct novel plants using genetic manipulation technologies that may have a greater tolerance to the presence of toxic metals. The results of the present study may help in understanding the mechanisms involved and their possible use in pytoremediation