Résumé
Background: Normal kidney function is regulated by Nitric oxide [NO] and Superoxide [O2-] in the body, and consequently controls blood pressure. Nitric Oxide promotes natriuresis and diuresis, and therefore results in reduction of blood pressure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure, urinary protein, nitrite and nitrate in addition to blood urea, serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in uremic rabbits. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. A total of 48 rabbits were included in the study. Twenty-four of the rabbits on surgical intervention were prepared as uremic and so became hypertensive as well. Two groups were uremic, one group was given L-arginine and the other was remained untreated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured on week 0, week 2, week 4, and week 6, while blood and urine was collected on week 0 and week 6. Results: On supplementation with L-arginine to uremic rabbits systolic and diastolic blood pressures were decreased significantly. Nitrite/nitrate and urinary protein were corrected to some extent while blood urea and serum creatinine were unaffected. Conclusion: L-arginine has a beneficial role as blood pressure lowering agent in uremic rabbits. It corrects NO2/NO3 plasma level and proteinuria which is indicator of renal failure. Keywords: Renal failure, uremia, L-arginine, hypertention, NO2/NO3
Résumé
Objective: To find out the prevalence of type II diabetes in viral hepatitis B and C patients of different age groups with and without cirrhosis
Methods: This observational study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi, during the period June 2007 to June 2008. Eighty hepatitis B and C virus infection positive patients with and without cirrhosis were selected for study after confirmation of their diagnosis by ELISA method. Normal subjects were selected as controls for study. Blood glucose was estimated by Hexokinase method, while enzymes assay was done by enzymatic [kinetic] method. Data analysis including paired and correlation analysis were carried out and P value upto 0.05 was considered significant
Results: The number of diabetic patients was high [55%] in age group 40-49 [55%] in age group 40-49. Patients with cirrhosis of hepatitis C were having high risk [40%] than of hepatitis B [23%] of developing diabetes. This trend was also observed in patients of without cirrhosis [27% hepatitis C, 10% hepatitis B]. Increasing fasting blood glucose level associated with increase in hepatic enzymes [AST and ALT] levels was observed. It was an indicator of ongoing liver damage in co-morbid condition of viral hepatitis
Conclusion: In addition to the derangement of liver function, patients of viral hepatitis B and C can be at the risk of development of type II diabetes. Earlier measures are needed for the prevention of the disease at earlier stage of development