Effects of passive cigarette smoking on serum lipid profile, some apolipoproteins and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase enzyme activity in exposed children

In this study, serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins A and B as well as plasma lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase [LCAT] activity were assayed in 61 passive cigarette exposed children vs 20 non-exposed children of matched age and sex. The results provided a further evidence for a definite disturbance of lipid metabolism and reduced level of LCAT enzyme activity in the plasma of exposed children is an important contributing risk factor in lipoprotein abnormalities in those children

Biochemical study of anxiety among secondary school adolescents

This work was carried out on 376 adolescent students of the first and second grades of secondary schools in Mansoura District. They were chosen through a stratified cluster sample. Anxiety score was done according to the standardized Arabic translation of Taylor's Test. Relevant data to anxiety were fulfilled through a structured questionnaire. 41.5% of these 376 students were sampled. The results revealed that, male adolescents with severe anxiety had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol [TC] and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and significant decrease of high density lipoprotein [HDL-C]. Regarding corresponding lipoprotein values in female adolescents, there were no significant differences in different anxiety scores. From the questionnaire, 33.5% and 41.8% of adolescent pupils were suffering from severe and mild to moderate anxiety. Also, urban residence, lower socioeconomic standard of the family and absence of friends all are important factors contributing to anxiety state. So, mental and physical health care is recommended for this neglected age group as well as education and guidance programs are advisable