RESUMO
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is highly prevalent in Indian population and known to contribute towards increased mortality and morbidity related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. An antioxidant defence system consisting of enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds prevents oxidative damage of lipoproteins in the plasma. When the activity of this system decreases or the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increases, oxidative stress may occur.The –SH group (reduced thiols) bound to proteins (protein thiols) play a major role in maintaining the antioxidant status of the body. Protein thiols acts as major extracellular antioxidant, they react with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent LDL oxidation. Such thiols have been studied in different disease conditions and found to be decreased compared to healthy control samples. Reduced concentration of protein thiol found to have positive correlation with increase serum level of LDL cholesterol. In the current work we have measured the level of serum protein thiols along with lipid profile in newly diagnosed hyperlipidemic patients and we tried to establish the relationship between serum protein thiols and lipid profile parameters. Objective: To study the level of protein thiols as a potent antioxidant in patient with an increased level of cholesterol. Materials: After obtaining prior consent, blood (2 ml) was taken using aseptic precautions from hypercholesterolemic patients (n = 25) and age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 25) in plain vacutainers. Serum protein thiols were measured by spectrophotometric method using 5, 5′ dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Triglyceride levels were measured by Cobas 6000 using a GPO Trinder method and HDL levels by Cobas 6000 using a direct- homogenous method. LDL levels were calculated. Results: There was a significant decrease in the levels of protein thiols p< 0.001 in hypercholesterolemic patients when compared to healthy controls and a corresponding correlatable increase in the level of LDL cholesterol due to oxidative damage. Conclusion: There may be a role for protein thiols as a biomarker in pathophysiology of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders in patients with hyperlipidemia.
RESUMO
Background: With advent of EPI and UIP, most of the vaccine preventable diseases have shown a decline; however, Diphtheria continues to remain an endemic disease and has also shown resurgence nationally as well as internationally. Aims and Objectives: To study Diphtheria morbidity and mortality trends. To note variation with respect to age, sex, immunization status, seasonal variation and outcome. Materials and Method: A retrospective analysis of hospital records over the period of 3 years from Jan/2008 to Dec/2010 obtained with permission of hospital superintendent Dr. Jhala from infectious disease hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Details of 247 cases regarding age, sex, immunization status were taken as per the hospital case records. Results: Of 247 cases, 114 were male (46%), 133 (54%) Females, 71 (29%) were under 5 Years, 103 (42%) were in 6 – 12 years and 35 (14%) were in 13- 20yrs, 38 patients (15%) were noted within 21-60yrs group, a total of 73 (29.5%) patients were observed in adult and adolescent group. Mortality was 0.47%. Incidence was more in months of September to March. In the present study, 85 (34.4%) were completely immunized, 31 (12.55%) were partially immunized and for 18 (7.3%) vaccination status was unknown. 113 (45.75%) were not immunized. Conclusion: Diphtheria continues to remain a major public health concern in spite of being a vaccine preventable disease, though common in pediatric age it is increasingly common in adoloscent and adults. High level of clinical suspicion needed to keep the mortality rates on lower side. A strict implementation of vaccination programmes with follow up booster dose is necessary which will increase the herd immunity, leading to decrease in diphtheria prevalence.