Dyslipidemia and lipid peroxidation of Saudi type 2 diabetics with proliferative retinopathy

To assess lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetics with proliferative retinopathy [PDR], and investigate the association between these biochemical parameters and PDR. This study was conducted between June 2011 and February 2012 in the Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qasssim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study included 54 patients with type 2 diabetes [21 with PDR and 33 controls] and 30 healthy subjects. The biochemical parameters were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Patients with PDR characterized by significantly [p<0.05] increased levels of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein [LDL-C], plasma malondialdehyde; decreased levels of serum high density lipoprotein [HDL-C] and apolipoprotein A1 [Apo A1]; positive correlation of malondialdehyde with triglyceride, but negative with HDL-C, Apo A1. In logistic regression, malondialdehyde, LDL-C, and Apo A1 were not associated with PDR. However, triglyceride [OR = 1.745; p=0.000], total cholesterol [OR = 0.079; p=0.000], and HDL-C [OR = 10.676; p=0.000] were independent risk factors for developing PDR. Dyslipidemia and lipid peroxidation may play a role in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with PDR displayed marked lipid abnormalities and increased lipid peroxidation. The control of lipid alterations through glycemic control and/or lipid lowering medication is required for type 2 diabetics at least to postpone or prevent loss of vision from retinopathy

Serum calcium level as a marker of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Regulation of intracellular calcium plays a key role in hypertension. Hypertension has been estimated to complicate 5% of all pregnancies and 11% of first pregnancies. Half of the pregnant women with hypertension have pre-eclampsia. Hypertensive disorders account for up to 40 000 maternal deaths annually. To compare total serum calcium levels in pregnant women complicated with pre-eclampsia with those in normotensive control. This is a case-control hospital based study carried out at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum Teaching Hospital, and Khartoum North Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan in the period from October 2006 to June 2007. One hundred thirty-five women were enrolled in this study. 90 women with pregnancy - induced hypertension [PIH] admitted after 20[th] week of pregnancy represented the study group. Forty five women with normal pregnancy, at same age; same gestational age were selected as control group. The mean [ +/- SD] serum calcium of the study group was 8.38 +/- 1.04 mg/dl, while that of the control group was 9.04 +/- 1.13mg/dl [P= 0.001]. Low level of maternal total calcium may have a role in the development PIH. Therefore calcium consumption in pregnancy should be encouraged. Calcium supplement is recommended for women who live in places of low socioeconomic status as well as for women who prefer to skip milk and milk products due to personal preference