Serum calcium and phosphorus levels: a marker of disease activity in senile cataract patients

Background: The present study was aimed to study alterations in serum levels of calcium and phosphorus levels in senile cataract patients.Methods: 25 senile cataract patients in age group of 50 to 80 years and 25 control group were included in the study. Serum Calcium and Phosphorus levels were determined by Orthocresolphthalein, Fiske SubbaRow method respectivelyResults: Significantly increased levels of serum calcium in cataract patients (11.58�65 mg/dl) were found as compared to controls (8.53�45mg/dl) (p<0.0001). Serum phosphorus concentration in cataract patients (5.28�46 mg/dl) were significantly increased when compared to controls (3.02�23mg/dl) (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Presence of G-protein receptors in lens leads to the release of intracellular calcium. As total calcium in the lens increases, we hypothesize that higher intercellular calcium concentrations, coupled with decreased Ca2+-ATPase activity and greater membrane permeability could lead to elevated free intracellular calcium levels causing cataract. So, abnormal elevation of serum calcium and phosphorus can be used as a marker for prevention of age-related human cataract.

C-reactive protein as an additional marker for increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients of hypothyroidism.

Prevalence of hypothyroidism and its subsequent cardiometabolic complications is on exponential rise. CRP is raised in hypothyroid patients long before other metabolic derangements of hypothyroidism take place and may be a common Patho physiological factor tying together various components of cardiometabolic dysfunction. Present study was aimed at evaluating the role of CRP as an additional cardiovascular risk marker in hypothyroid patients. Methods: 46 diagnosed hypothyroid patients and 46 age and sex matched healthy controls were included in this study. Participants were evaluated based on detailed history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Blood samples were collected after overnight fast. Serum T3, T4, TSH, Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C), VLDL Cholesterol (VLDL-C), LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) and CRP were estimated. Results were analyzed by unpaired t-test, P-value was determined & Correlation coefficient was calculated amongst various parameters. Results: Statistically significant increased levels of serum TSH, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and CRP in hypothyroid patients as compared with control were observed. We found decreased levels of serum T3 and T 4 in hypothyroid patients as compared with control. Conclusions: An atherogenic lipid profile along with inflammation in patients with hypothyroidism predispose them to cardiovascular disease. Study suggests CRP; a simple, sensitive & independent cardiovascular risk predictor in hypothyroid patients with a potential to reveal hidden burden of metabolic dysfunction and offers a hope that, cardiovascular event can be well prevented with appropriate interventions.

Study of biochemical markers in iron deficiency anemia.

Background: The present study was aimed to study alterations in levels of oxidants and antioxidants in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: 30 patients of IDA in age group of 20-50 and 30 healthy subjects were included for study. Serum Iron, TIBC & Hb% were estimated to diagnose IDA. Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) as an oxidants & Superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin E, vitamin C, Zinc (Zn) levels as antioxidants were estimated. Results: Significant decreased levels of Hb%, serum iron, SOD, Vitamin C, vitamin E, Zn were found. TIBC, MDA, NO were significantly increased as compared to controls. Conclusion: The normal adult erythrocytes can resist oxidative stress by several antioxidant defense systems. In IDA, oxidative stress causes lipid peroxidation and membrane damage. So antioxidants can be used as a marker for prevention of membrane damage due to oxidative stress.

Antioxidants deficiency: a sensitive indicator of cardiometabolic risk in chronic renal failure.

Background: Antioxidant depletion occurring in chronic renal failure patients is an important cause of associated morbidity & mortality, which in turn imposes a great socioeconomic burden of health care. Early diagnosis & targeted management of this preventable deficiency may have a positive impact on the management of co morbidities associated with chronic renal failure. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the status of antioxidants as an early indicator of cardiometabolic risk in chronic renal failure patients. Settings & Design: This was a randomised case Control study including 10 controls of either sex with normal renal function between age group 20-60 years and 15 patients of chronic renal failure on dialysis between the age group of 16 - 60 years. Methods: 12 hour fasting venous blood samples were collected from all the participants and were assayed for various antioxidants. Statistical analysis: Results were analyzed by unpaired t test, p value was determined & Correlation coefficient was calculated amongst various parameters. Results: In the present study, significantly low levels of vitamin C ( Cases: 0.367 ± 0.13 mg/dl controls: 1.324 ± 0.61 mg/dl; p < 0.01) & vitamin E (cases: 0.235 ± 0.102 mg/dl, controls (0.854 ± 0.28 mg/dl; p < 0.01) were observed in chronic renal failure patients as compared to controls. Conclusion: Diminished levels of Vitamin C & E in our study may be an indicator of increased oxidative stress which can be a responsible factor for increased incidence of cardiovascular complications. Supplementing these patients with recommended dosage of these vitamins may provide an essential tool to reduce the burden of suffering.