TNF-alpha in NIDDM, obese and non obese persons

Adipocytes are producing a variety of molecules that are capable of Junctioning in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion, tumor necrosis factor alpha is one of these molecules that has been shown to be elevated in obese and diabetic patients a finding which was correlated to insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities and certain types of obesity. the present study was conducted on 46 persons; 26 diabetics, 10 obese non diabetic and 10 non obese non diabetic persons. All of them were subjected to the following investigations: weight, height, BMI, W/H ratio, fat%, lipid profile, HBAlc and TNF alpha determination. It was found that there is a significant elevation of [LDL, TG, cholesterol VLDL, fasting blood glucose, HBAlc and TNF alpha] in diabetic group as compared to control non obese group. The same situation applies to the difference between diabetic group and obese non-diabetic group when comparing [TG, cholesterol, VLDL, fasting blood glucose, HBAlc and TNF alpha]. Comparing obese and non obese normal persons, it was found TNFalpha was insignificantly elevated. Correlating TNF alpha with different other parameters showed the following findings; in group 1 there was a positive correlation with BMI and fat% while there was no significant correlation with W/H ratio, in groups 2 and 3 there was no significant correlation between TNFalpha and any of the different parameters, interestingly, making this correlation in the whole sample [26 diabetic patients, 10 non obese normal persons and 10 obese non diabetic persons] it was found that TNF alpha is significantly correlated to W/H ratio, LDL, cholesterol VLDL, fasting blood glucose and HBAlc our results show that TNF alpha is significantly elevated in diabetic group more than other group and is related to fat% and BMI, this confirms the results of the previous studies and stresses its importance in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and may be vascular remodeling in addition to other factors

Management of resistant herpetic corneal ulcer

Thirty-five patients with resistant herpetic corneal ulcers were managed by either one of cauterization and debridement, soft contact lenses and conjunctival hood flap. The results were encouraging

Estimation of total IgE in the lacrimal fluid and serum of patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis

Total IgE levels in the lacrimal fluid and serum were estimated in 28 soft contact lens wearers having giant papillary conjunctivitis [GPC] and in 22 normal soft contact lens wearers using the paper radioimmunosorbent test [PRIST]. A considerable elevaltion of lacrimal and serum IgE was detected in 24 [85.71%] out of 28 GPC patients The elevation was more pronounced in lacrimal than in serum IgE A slight elevation was detected in only 3 [13.63%] out of the 22 normal contact lens wearers

Oral acyclover in herpetic corneal ulceration

58 patients having herpes simplex corneal ulceration were treated with acyclovir [Zovirax]. They were classified into two groups. Group l [30 patients] included patients with no history of previous attack. Group 11 [28 patients] included patients with recurrent attacks. Half the patients of each group were given acyclovir ophthalmic ointment 5 times daily. The other half were given oral acyclovir 400 mg 5 times daily. In group l healing occurred in 93.3% of the patients treated locally and in 86.7% of those treated orally. The time taken to heal was shorter with acyclovir ointment[mean 5 days] than with oral acyclovir[mean 7 days]. In group 11 healing occurred in 64.3% of locally treated patients and in 58.7% of orally treated patients. The time taken to heal was longer with local acyclovir [mean 9 days] than with oral acyclovir [mean 7 days]. This may indicate that in recurrent cases the oral route is more effective than the local

management of branch retinal vein occlusion

Twenty-six eyes having branch retinal vein occlusion have been managed and followed up for 6-12 months. Twelve eyes having neither macular oedema nor ocular neovascularization were medically treated with calcium dobesilate [doxium] and pentosan sulfuric polyester [hemoclar]. 75% Improved, 16.66% developed fundus neovascularization, and 8.34% developed macular oedema. The best results were achieved when treatment was started early. Fourteen eyes, of which 8 presented with macular oedema and 6 presented with fundus neovascularization were treated by photocoagulation of the affected quadrant. Regression of macular oedema occurred in 75% of the cases, visual improvement was achieved in 25% and stabilization in 50%. Progression of oedema and visual deterioration occurred in 25% of the cases. 83.33% of the eyes having neovascularization pronounced closure of neovessels with stabilization of vision, the remaining 16.67% deteriorated

Neutrophil phagocytic power in diabetes mellitus

It was found that the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils in diabetic patients was significantly impaired when compared to the control group. But on comparing the 2 uncontrolled groups with each other, we found no significant difference which can explain the presence or abscence of infection. A significant defect in the serum of the uncontrolled diabetics was observed when compared with the serum of controlled diabetics. Also, there was inverse correlation between the phagocytic activity and blood glucose level. Although insulin treatment does not restore the phagocytic power to normal level, but this lowering of blood surgar offers some support to their defensive mechanisms