Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Prediabetes

This study was aimed at investigating the nutrient and bioactive components of Annona muricataand Fagara zanthxoyloidefrom south-southern Nigeria. The roots and leaves of these plants were collected from communities within this region and an analysis of the phytochemical, mineral and vitamin components of these plant parts were carried out using standard methods. The results of the investigation revealed the a high presence of alkaloids (27.34 ± 0.15 and 12.98 ± 0.98), flavonoids (19.66 ± 0.04 and 3.71 ± 0.46) and phenols (15.10 ± 0.11 and 0.07 ± 0.42) in the leaves and roots of Annona muricatawhile alkaloids (35.55 ± 0.95 and 50.90 ± 0.83), tannins (28.70 ± 0.19 and 55.37 ± 0.47) and terpenoids (18.23 ± 0.08 and 41.21 ± 0.16) were observed in leaves and roots of Fagara zanthoxyloide. Mineral analysis revealed the presence of iron (20.23 ± 0.01 and 5.21 ± 0.02), calcium (3.67 ± 0.06 and 1.59 ± 0.01), copper (2.17 ± 0.011 and 0.16 ± 0.01) and magnesium (3.04 ± 0.01 and 2.18 ± 0.005) in leaves and roots of Annona muricataand iron, copper (2.53 ± 0.011and 7.38 ± 0.017) and zinc (5.16 ± 0.02 and 5.32 ± 0.011) in leaves and roots of Fagara zanthoxyloide.The leaves and roots of both plants also showed the presence of folate (26.82±0.48 and 23.47±0.03 for A. muricata and 15.82±0.18 and 20.63±0.91 for F. zanthoxyloide) and ascorbate (31.97±0.03and 26.89±0.19 for A. muricataand13.86±0.13 and 30.21±0.01for F. zanthoxyloide) in appreciable quantities while vitamins D, E and K were also observed in minute concentrations in both plant samples. These results may thus suggest that these plants from this region as a result of their rich nutrients and bioactive compositions may play a large role in alleviating the salient nutritional, physiological and medical challenges observed among people within this region.

Interleukin-6 in impaired fasting glucose

Prediabetes is associated with the features of metabolic syndrome and inflammation contributing directly to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was conducted to explore the utility of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in determining the risk of CVD in prediabetes. It involves estimation of IL-6 & insulin along with its correlation with insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), Insulin resistance (IR) and physical measurements. Eighty subjects were grouped into 40 prediabetes and 40 normoglycemic on the basis of FPG values. The mean insulin, IL-6, Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and anthropometric measurements were found to be significantly higher (P <0.05) in prediabetes group. IL-6 had a significant correlation with fasting insulin (r = −0.413) and HOMA-IR (r = −0.413), but no correlation with FPG (r = −0.227) in the prediabetes group. IL-6 also showed a positive correlation with body mass index BMI(r = −0.339), waist circumference WC (r = −484) and waist-to-hip ratio WHR (r = −0.430). This study concludes that prediabetes is associated with inflammation, increasing the risk of CVD in these individuals.

Effect of High Normal Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Levels on Lipid Parameters in Non-diabetic Subjects.

Aim: To investigate relationship between serum TSH and lipid parameters in subjects with different levels of TSH. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Clinical Biochemistry Department of Kasturba Medical College, Hospital Mangalore, between January 2014 to June 2014. Methodology: 348 subjects were screened of which 194 were selected. Lipid parameters, TSH, T3, T4 and glycemic status were determined. Association between TSH and serum lipids were studied by categorizing subjects into three groups based on their thyroid status. Group 1 [TSH= 0.27-2.5 mIU/L], Group 2 [TSH= 2.6-4.12 mIU/L] and Group 3 [TSH= 4.13-9.9mIU/L].Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test. The relationships between TSH and different parameters were evaluated by Pearson’s correlation analysis. Results: TSH showed a significant positive linear correlation with total cholesterol (r=0.288; P = 0.001), Triglycerides (r=0.129; P=0.016), LDL cholesterol (r=0.305; P =0.001) and negative correlation with HDL (r = - 0.129; P=0.750). Increasing TSH showed a consistent linear association with altered lipids quite evident from the uppermost part of the reference range that is considered clinically normal and there on. Conclusion: A subtle variations of TSH alone in clinically normal thyroid state can alter serum lipids and hence asserts the role of TSH in maintaining lipid homeostasis.