Raised serum cholesterol; evaluation of hypocholesterolemic effect of green tea [Camillia sinensis]

Hypercholestrolemia has a strong association with Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [CAD]. It is a major worldwide health problem and the incidence is rising in Pakistan. Hypocholesterolemic effect of green tea [GT] has been proven in various research studies in the world. Present study aims to evaluate this effect in Pakistani population in the context of specific dietary and social habits prevailing here. The university of Lahore. Sixty subjects were included in the study comprising of thirty healthy subjects and thirty hypercholesterolemic individuals who were not taking any medication to control their serum cholesterol. They were all given GT in a dose of 3 gm twice daily for sixty days. Serum cholesterol levels were estimated at day 1 and then every 2nd week till the 60th day. Significant lowering of serum cholesterol was observed [p<0.001] in hypercholesterolemic individuals after 60 days. There were no side effects reported of GT intake. Our results suggest that GT can safely reduce the raised serum cholesterol level in Pakistani population

Human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG]: a treatment of oligospermia

The most commonly accepted definition of the term infertility is the lack of pregnancy [regardless of cause] after one year of unprotected intercourse. Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples of reproductive age. Its prevalence has been stable during the past 50 years, although a shift in etiology and in the age of the patient has occurred. In Pakistan there are roughly 10-15% newly married couples who require some kind of medical help before they can become parents. Even if the wife is fertile and the husband is normal, there is roughly 1 in 3 chances the wife will conceive. A total of 17 patients were diagnosed for Oligospermia and were placed in one group. 5000 IU of hCG were administered intramuscularly once a week for four month. Every month serum testosterone and semen count was analyzed. Progressive increase of semen count was observed in four month. hCG though, never produced in male but has significant effect on spermatogenesis via LH receptor. Initial value of 25 million/ml roused to 69 million/ml in just four month. Use of hCG in male infertility is though common world wide but it has not gained its popularity in Pakistan. General awareness of its usage especially among physicians treating infertility is required