Lipid profile in assessing the severity of cirrhosis

Background: Cirrhosis is a common hepatological disorder seen in clinical practice. Liver plays an essential role in lipid metabolism, several stages of lipid synthesis and transportation. It is reasonable to expect an abnormal lipid profile in those with severe liver dysfunction Aim: To assess the lipid profile abnormalities in patients with cirrhosis of liver correlate with the severity of cirrhosis and whether lipid profile can be used to predict severe cirrhosis of liver. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study performed for a period of 2 years. Age and sex matched controls were selected from the patients attending Out Patient Department of Gastroenterology. 150 patients with cirrhosis of liver were included in the study. Diagnosis of cirrhosis of liver was based on characteristic findings. Results: Mean serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides were significantly (p <0.05) lower in patients with cirrhosis of liver when compared to healthy controls. Serum lipids progressively decreased with increasing severity of cirrhosis as assessed by Child criteria and MELD score. There was no statistically significant difference in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides among alcoholic and non alcoholic cirrhotic patients with similar severity of cirrhosis. Among the various parameters of lipid profile, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol had the highest areas under the roc curve; hence may be considered as the best predictors of Child C cirrhosis and MELD > 24 respectively. Conclusion: Among the various parameters of lipid profile, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol have the highest areas under the roc curve; hence may be considered as the best predictors of Child C cirrhosis and MELD > 24 respectively

Association of matrix metalloproteinase -7 (-181A/G) promoter polymorphism in chronic pancreatitis.

Background & objectives: Chronic pancreatitis is progressive and irreversible destruction of the pancreas. Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a secreted matrilysin, which contributes to angiogenesis and breakdown of basement membranes of pancreatic tissues. The present study was aimed to investigate the association of MMP-7 −181A/G (rs11568818) gene promoter polymorphism in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods: A total of 100 chronic pancreatitis patients and 150 unrelated healthy individuals were included in this case control study. The genotyping of the MMP-7 gene (− 181 A/G) (rs11568818) was carried out based on PCR-RFLP. The serum levels of MMP-7 were determined by ELISA. Association between genotypes and chronic pancreatitis was examined by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The frequencies of the genotypes in promoter of MMP-7 were AA 49 per cent, AG 25 per cent and GG 26 per cent in chronic pancreatitis patients and AA 53 per cent, AG 38 per cent and GG 9 per cent in control subjects. Frequency of MMP-7 −181GG genotype and − 181G allele was significantly associated with chronic pancreatitis compared to healthy subjects [OR = 1.58 (95% CI: 1.06 –2.36), p =0.019]. There was no significant difference in the serum MMP-7 levels in the patients compared to control subjects. Interpretation &conclusions: The present study revealed a significant association of MMP-7 -181A/G (rs11568818) GG genotype with chronic pancreatitis patients, indicating its possible association with the disease.

Study of Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Iron and Ceruloplasmin in Liver Cirrhosis and Ovarian Cancer Ascitic Patients.

Introduction: The excess accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity is due to its multitude causes. Certain cytological and biochemical markers are reported for the differential diagnosis of ascites. In the present study, ascitic patients with liver cirrhosis and ovarian carcinoma are investigated. Aim: To study the concentrations of certain trace elements and ceruloplasmin levels in ascitic fluid and in serum of patients with liver cirrhosis in comparison to ovarian cancer patients. Study Design: The study includes 170 patients with liver cirrhosis, 95 patients with ovarian cancer and 100 serum controls. Place and Duration of Study: The study is performed in the department of Gastroenterology, Osmania General Hospital Hyderabad, A.P, INDIA, between December 2011 to July 2013. Methodology: The trace elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and ceruloplasmin were investigated in 170 patients with liver cirrhosis (120 males, 50 females, 22-75 years; mean age 46.2±11.2) and 95 ovarian cancer patients (19-84 years; mean age 50.2±12.2). All the analysts were measured in serum and ascitic fluid by using standard commercial kits. 100 serum samples from healthy controls were also included in the study. Results: The mean serum concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin were significantly increased in ovarian cancer patients when compared to that of liver cirrhosis and healthy controls (P<. 001, P<. 001) respectively. The mean zinc levels in serum samples were low in both the groups when compared to controls (P<. 001). The ascitic fluid zinc levels in ovarian cancer were higher when compared to that of liver cirrhosis (P<. 001). Similar results were noted in the serum iron levels in both the groups. The serum magnesium levels in liver cirrhosis are comparable to that of controls but the levels of magnesium in ovarian cancer ascitic patients are high when compared to that of controls. Conclusion: Our results showed that there are differences in trace elements and ceruloplasmin levels in liver cirrhosis and ovarian cancer patients in both serum and ascitic fluid samples. The cutoff value of copper and ceruloplasmin in serum samples are 134.5 μg/dl and 43.5 mg/dl, while in ascitic fluid were 46.5 μg/dl and 21.0 mg/dl respectively. As the diagnostic efficiency of copper and ceruloplasmin in serum and ascitic fluid samples are 97% to 99% with highest sensitivity and specificity, analysis of trace elements with ceruloplasmin in depth with their ratios may be helpful in differentiating the cirrhotic and neoplastic illness.

Social disparities in tobacco use in India: The roles of occupation, education and gender.

Background: Identifying social disparities in patterns of tobacco use with regard to education, occupation, and gender characteristics can provide valuable insights into the tobacco use patterns of the population. Aim: We assessed social disparities in tobacco use, smoking, and smokeless tobacco use by examining occupation-, education-, and gender-specific patterns. Setting: About 69,030 Indian residents ΃15 years in 29 States and 2 Union Territories (UT). Design: Three-stage sampling in urban areas and two-stage sampling in rural areas for selection of households. Materials and Methods: Data has been derived from GATS 2009-2010, wherein the sample was collected through household interviews. Statistical Analysis: Percentages, proportions, adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results: As a person entered adulthood, the prevalence of ever tobacco use increased by 51.5% among men and 28.8% among women. Prevalence was 2.5 times higher in men (mainly smoking) as compared to women (predominantly smokeless form). ORs for tobacco use were higher among illiterate respondents as compared to the college educated (male OR = 4.23, female OR = 8.15). Unemployed, able to work (male OR = 1.50, female OR = 1.23) showed highest risk, while students (male OR = 0.35, female OR = 0.52) showed the least. The combined effect of occupation and education showed synergistic interaction among females and antagonistic interaction among males. Conclusion: The study clearly underscores the individual and joint effects of education and occupation on tobacco use besides discussing variations based on gender. This can have far-reaching policy implications in addressing disparities in tobacco use.

Antioxidant potentials in sprouts vs. seeds of Vigna radiata and Macrotyloma uniflorum.

Antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of two common legumes, Vigna radiata (Green gram) and Macrotyloma uniflorum (Horse gram) for their seeds and sprouts was investigated by adopting various in vitro models such as reducing power assay, DPPH assay, total phenolic assay and total antioxidant assays. The results showed higher antioxidant abilities in the sprouts than their seeds for the various antioxidant tests performed. Sprouts described above are being used in traditional diet as a beneficial source of food with very high nutritional value and support the concept of functional foods and the results are discussed.

Role of matrix metalloproteinase 3 gene promoter polymorphism in chronic pancreatitis.

Aim To study the role of 5A/6A polymorphism of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-3) and their levels in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Methods One hundred and twenty CP patients and an equal number of age and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Genotypes were determined for 5A/6A allele of MMP-3 gene by allele specific PCR (AS-PCR). The serum MMP-3 levels were estimated using sandwich ELISA method. Results The distribution of the genotypes of the 5A/6A polymorphism in both control and study patients was similar (p=0.523). Within the disease group, patients with older age, early onset of the disease, and addictions such as smoking and alcohol consumption had higher levels as compared to those who did not have these features. Conclusion We conclude that functional polymorphism of MMP-3 (5A/6A) is not associated with CP. However, the higher levels within the disease group indicate its possible role in the disease process.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of irritable bowel syndrome in India: report of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology Task Force.

AIMS: To study the profile of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and the frequency of such symptoms among the general population, in India. METHODS: In this prospective, multi-center study, data were obtained from 2785 patients with chronic lower gastrointestinal symptoms (complainants) with no alarm feature and negative investigations for organic causes visiting physicians at 30 centers, and from 4500 community subjects (non-complainants), using separate questionnaires. RESULTS: Most complainants were middle-aged (mean age 39.4 years) and male (1891; 68%). The common symptoms were: abdominal pain or discomfort (1958; 70%), abdominal fullness (1951; 70%); subjective feeling of constipation (1404 of 2656; 53%), or diarrhea (1252 of 2656, 47%), incomplete evacuation (2134; 77%), mucus with stools (1506; 54%), straining at stools (1271; 46%), epigastric pain (1364; 49%) and milk intolerance (906; 32%). Median stool frequency was similar in patients who felt they had constipation or those who felt they had diarrhea. Information to subtype symptoms using standard criteria was available in 1301 patients; of these, 507 (39%) had constipation-predominant IBS ( 3 <or= stools/week), 50 (4%) had diarrhea-predominant IBS (>3 stools/day) and 744 (57%) had indeterminate symptoms. Among non-complainants, most subjects reported daily defecation frequency of one (2520 [56%]) or two (1535 [34%]). Among non-complainants, 567 (12.6%) reported abdominal pain, 503 (11%) irregular bowel, 1030 (23%) incomplete evacuation, 167 (4%) mucus and 846 (18%) straining at stools; a combination of abdominal pain or discomfort relieved by defecation, and incomplete evacuation was present in 189/4500 (4.2%) community subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with IBS in India are middle-aged men, and have a sense of incomplete evacuation and mucus with stools. Abdominal pain or discomfort is frequent but not universal. Importantly, stool frequency was similar irrespective of whether the patients felt having constipation or diarrhea. Most (90%) non-complainant subjects had 1 or 2 stools per day; symptoms complex suggestive of IBS was present in 4.2% of community subjects.

Bilateral granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma) of the breast in CML in blast crisis: a case report.

A 35 year old lady was diagnosed as having chronic myeloid leukemia in May 1999 and thereafter started on chemotherapy. Three years later the patient presented with bilateral breast masses. FNAC from both the breast lesions showed leukemic infiltration (granulocytic sarcoma). The peripheral blood picture showed blastic transformation. Breast is an uncommon site for development of granulocytic sarcoma. We present this case because of its unusual location and bilateral nature.

Gastric leiomyoma presenting as gastric volvulus.

We report a 45-year-old lady who presented with recurrent vomiting, retching and epigastric pain, and was diagnosed to have gastric volvulus. After correction of the volvulus by endoscopic detorsion, a tumor was seen along the greater curvature. This was excised surgically. Histology showed leiomyoma.

Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder--a case report.

Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder are extremely rare tumors accounting for less than 1% of all bladder tumors. Males and females are affected roughly equally with an average age of 41 years. Hypertension and headache during or immediately after voiding in association with intermittent hematuria is virtually diagnostic of urinary bladder paragangliomas. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose these tumors. We present a case of a urinary bladder paraganglioma because of its rarity.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (carcinosarcoma) of the esophagus with extensive areas of osseous differentiation: a case report.

A 46 year old male presented with progressively increasing dysphagia and weight loss. Esophagoscopy showed a large polypoidal growth involving the middle segment of esophagus. Histologically bulk of the tumour had a sarcoma-like appearance composed of spindly pleomorphic cells along with extensive areas of bone formation. The epithelial element was represented by a small area of squamous cell carcinoma. One of the draining lymph nodes also showed small islands of squamous cell carcinoma. A diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma was made. Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the esophagus, also termed carcinosarcoma, pseudosarcoma, and spindle cell carcinoma is an unusual malignant tumour of the esophagus. The proportion of carcinomatous and sarcomatous component may vary from case to case. Rarely, the sarcomatous component may exhibit osseous differentiation as in our case.

Neurofibromatosis of the colon: an unusual manifestation of von Recklinghausen's diseases--a case report.

Multiple neurofibromas arising in nerves are well established features of von Recklinghausen's disease. However, significant involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, is a rare entity. We hereby report a case of colonic neurofibromatosis.

Acute myelofibrosis.

Acute myelofibrosis is a rare disorder. Five such cases have been diagnosed out of 3,149 Bone Marrow (B.M) Aspirations and Trephine Biopsies studied over a period of eight and a half years. Four out of five patients were males and the other female. Their age ranged from 14-71 years. Neither splenomegaly not red cell poikilocytosis (tear drop cells) were prominant features. B.M. trephine biopsy showed increase of atypical megakaryocytes/megakaryoblasts and marked fibrosis. There was rapid downhill clinical course of the disease in all cases.

Case report of intramuscular myxoma with review of literature.

This is a case report of a lady who presented with mass in the abdominal wall, clinically diagnosed as neurofibroma. On histological examination it was proven to be an intramuscular myxoma. Since it is rare it was thought relevant to report this case.

Mediastinal enterogenic cyst presenting as paraplegia--a case report.

A rare case of a mediastinal enterogenic cyst with an intraspinal extension through a anterior vertebral defect presenting with paraplegia in a 10 year boy is presented. Laminectomy and the trans-thoracic excision of the cyst resulted in the complete recovery of the neural deficit.

Epithelioid granulomas in Hodgkin's disease--prognostic significance.

Prognostic significance of non-caseating epithelioid granulomas in association with Hodgkin's disease has been studied. Such granulomas were found in 15 of the total of 104 cases of Hodgkin's disease encountered between Jan. 1981 and June 1990. These 15 patients were compared with 30 concurrent patients of Hodgkin's disease who did not have associated granulomas. All the patients were initially staged, treated and followed up for a period of two years. There was no significant difference in overall survival rate between the granuloma group and the control group. However, in relapse free survival rate in advanced stages of the disease (III & IV), although the difference between granuloma group and the control group was not statistically significant (p = 0.11), yet the relapse free survival curves revealed a tendency towards better survival with lesser number of relapses and longer remissions in granuloma group.

Hodgkin's disease: a clinicopathologic study.

One hundred and four cases of Hodgkin's disease diagnosed between July 1981 and June 1991 have been analysed. There was a definite male preponderance. Majority of the patients (82.7%) were below the age of 50 years. Mixed cellularity was the most common type (57.7%). It was followed by both nodular sclerosis and lymphocyte predominant types (16.3% each). Lymphocyte depletion Hodgkin's disease, the most aggressive variant, was the least common (9.7%). The detailed observations, as compared to the previous studies in this region as well as in other parts of the world have been presented and discussed.

Primary malignancies of the corpus uteri retrospective five year analysis.

Primary malignant tumours of the body of the uterus are less common in India compared to carcinoma of the cervix. This study analyzed 86 primary malignant tumours of the body of the uterus over a 5 year period with regard to incidence of the various tumours, age group, gravidity, any predisposing factor, and the incidence of carcinoma of the cervix in the same period. Adeno-carcinomas were found to be the most common type of tumour. Tropho-blastic malignancies and mixed mullerian tumours also formed a significant number of cases. Compared to Western studies our patients with adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and mixed mullerian tumour, were younger. Patients with adeno-carcinomas had a higher parity and patients with choriocarcinoma had a lower parity. Diabetes, hypertension and obesity were not as common as in the West. Carcinoma of the cervix was found to be commoner than primary malignant tumours of the body of the uterus.