Relationship of gingival disease with ovulation among young girls

The current study was carried out in order to estimate the effects of estrogen levels on gingival health. It was a cross sectional study and it was conducted at de, Montmorency College of Dentistry over a period of one month. A total of two hundred young females with good oral hygiene, in age range of 20-22 years formed the study group. Blood samples were drawn thrice specially at the time of ovulation which was estimated by history. Samples were investigated for serum concentrations of estrogen by using standard ELISA technique. Estradiol [micro grams/ day] levels in Early Follicular phase among 200 young girls was estimated as [34.66 +/- 5.07] and in Preovulatory phase it was calculated as [377 +/- 3.40] where as in Mid Luteal phase it was found to be [246 +/- 4.77]. These values show that the Estradiol [micro grams / day] levels were highest during Preovulatory phase. It was concluded that at time of ovulation the estrogen concentration in serum was significantly higher and at the same time gingivitis and periodontitis were diagnosed in acute form in most of the girls using standard diagnostic tools and techniques

Serum zinc and neutrophil function in lower, middle and upper socioeconomic groups

To assess the serum zinc and neutrophil function levels in different socioeconomic groups. A total of 100 healthy subjects of 10-30 years of age, both male and female were investigated. Out of these, 50 [25 males and 25 females] belonged to the lower socioeconomic [LSEC] group and 50 [25 males and 25 females] belonged to the upper / upper middle socioeconomic [USEC] group. Serum zinc was determined by colorimetric method and neutrophil function was estimated by the Nitroblue Tetrazolium reduction test [NBT]. Both the parameters were compared in the two socioeconomic [SEC] groups. It was found that serum zinc was significantly lower in the LSEC group. Similarly NBT percentage phagocytosis was also significantly lower in the LSEC group as compared to the USEC group. NBT percentage phagocytosis did not show significant gender difference in the LSEC group, however it was significantly higher in females than in males in the USEC group. Generally a significant positive correlation was found between serum zinc and neutrophil phagocytic function. The LSEC class has low serum zinc levels and low NBT percentage phagocytosis and hence is at greater risk of developing infections.

Insulin resistance and serum parameters of iron status in type 2 diabetics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] is a predominant public health concern worldwide, accounting for 90% of the cases of diabetes globally. Pathogenesis of T2DM involves insulin resistance, defective insulin secretion and increased glucose production by the liver. Subclinical haemochromatosis has been considered as one of the probable causes of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine and correlate insulin resistance and serum parameters of iron status [serum ferritin and transferrin saturation] in type 2 diabetics. It was a correlational study. This study was conducted on sixty male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fasting blood sample was taken from each subject and analysed for glucose, haemoglobin, insulin, iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity [TIBC] and ferritin. Insulin resistance was determined by HOMA-IR index. Transferrin saturation was calculated from serum iron and TIBC. Data was analysed using SPSS-17. There was significant positive correlation between insulin resistance and transferring saturation, but there was no significant correlation of insulin resistance with blood haemoglobin, serum iron and serum ferritin in type 2 diabetics. Correlation between insulin resistance and transferrin saturation reveals that iron has negative impact on insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics

Analgesic effect of nigella sativa seeds extract on experimentally induced pain in albino mice

To determine the analgesic effect of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds on experimentally-induced pain in albino mice. Randomized controlled trial [RCT]. Physiology Department, Services Institute of Medical Sciences [SIMS], Lahore, from May to September, 2009. The study was carried out in 90 male albino mice using acetic acid induced writhing test as a chemical model of nociception. The mice were divided in three groups of 30 each. Group A was given normal saline [control]; group B was given Nigella sativa seed extract in a dose of 50 mg/kg; and group C received diclofenac sodium, as a reference drug. Number of writhings in treated and control groups were compared. The ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds given intraperitoneally caused significant [p<0.05] analgesic effect on nociceptive response initiated by 0.6% acetic acid; although this analgesic effect was less than that produced by diclofenac sodium. Ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa possessed significant analgesic effect in mice

Effects of airborne dust on lung function of the exposed subjects

The roadside dust is one of the most important contributors towards overall atmospheric pollution. This problem becomes even more significant when we consider it in relation to the poorly maintained roads loaded with ever increasing motor vehicle traffic, especially in urban areas. This results in many adverse effects especially to the respiratory health of the persons exposed to this dust either because of their residence or occupation in these areas. The roadside dust levels were determined by using 'High volume portable dust sampler' at nine sites/ busy road-crossings of Lahore. These were then, categorized into three groups [each consisting of 3 areas] as; low, medium and high pollution areas. One hundred and five subjects residing/ working in these areas for >10yrs were subjected to Vitalography for measurement of their Forced vital capacity, Forced expiratory volume in first second and Forced mid-expiratory flow rate, as part of assessment of their lung function. The mean +/- SD values of dust in low, medium and high pollution areas were 1.231 +/- 0.409 mg/m[3], 3.365 +/- 0.272 mg/m[3] and 4.697 +/- 0.3 mg/m[3]. The results of Vitalography showed statistically significant impairment of lung function parameter values of the exposed residents/ workers of these areas, proportionate to the extent of exposure to the roadside dust. The inter-group comparison of lung function parameters in groups I, IIa and IIb showed association of impairment with the extent of exposure to roadside dust levels

Subclinical peripheral neuropathy in patients of insulin dependent [Type 1] diabetes mellitus

Motor and sensory nevre conduction velocities in the upper and lower limbs were evaluated in 30 patients of type I [insulin-dependent] diabetes mellitus and 15 age matched non-diabetic controls having no symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1C] levels were estimated to assess the glycaemic control in diabetic patients. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were very highly significantly [P< 0.001] reduced in diabetic patients as compared to those in non-diabetic controls. A significant inverse correlation [P< 0.05] between duration of the disease and motor nerve conduction velocity of median nerve was demonstrated. There was also a significant inverse correlation [P< 0.05] between motor and sensory conduction velocities and fasting blood glucose level. This suggests a metabolic basis for the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropthy. Subclincal peripheral neuropathy was present in 36.67% of insulin-dependent diabetics