Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Serum Lipid Profile of Bangladeshi Female Volunteers.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fasting for a period of one month during Ramadan on the lipid profile of Bangladeshi female volunteers who fasted during the Arabic month of Ramadan, when there occurs a change, both in the pattern and timing of dietary intake. Findings of the study showed that Ramadan fast significantly reduced serum Total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.030) and Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p=0.011). A statistically nonsignificant elevation of triglyceride (TG)) was observed (p=0.598). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) also found to be raised significantly at the end of fasting (p = 0.037). Findings of the study revealed that fasting during the month of Ramadan changes lipid profile pattern in an aniatherogenic direction and may be beneficial to health.

Dyslipidemia in Insulin Resistance: Cause or Effect.

Lipids are of one of the four basic types of molecules of life and its derivatives serve diverse functions in the body. Generally acclaimed functions of lipids include shock absorption and insulation, and energy storage of the body. Phospholipids and cholesterol form the integral part of cell membrane. In addition cholesterol serves as the precursor for bile salts, male and female sex hormones, vitamin D and adrenocortical hormones. Complex lipids consist of neutral lipid core of cholesterol esters and or triacylglycerol and proteins are the chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL which serve as the carriers of fats, fatty acids and other lipids in the body. Complex lipids are tightly controlled in the body. Its dysregulation has been mainly linked to obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance though the issue is yet to be clearly understood. The present review evaluates recent reports in this regards and try to explain the relationship between dyspidemia and insulin resistance.

Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on Blood Pressure and Glycemic Status of Hypertensive Diabetic Male VolunteersS.

Different species of mushrooms are being used increasingly for their nutritional and medicinal values. They are used in traditional medical practice in the treatment and prevention of diabetes, obesity, heart diesaes, hyperacidity, cancer and hypertension. This study was designed to see the effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on blood pressure and glycemic status of hypertensive diabetic male volunteers. The study was carried out in the National Mushroom development and Extension Center (NAMDEC) laboratory, Savar, Dhaka in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy along with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University. A total of 27 hypertensive male volunteers suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus with age range of 32 to 68 years, who were free from renal impairment and other known acute or chronic diseases were included in the study. Blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and serum creatinine were measured before and after 3 months of regular intake of 3 grams mushroom powder capsule daily in in 3 divided doses. However they were allowed to continue the drugs they were taking already. The study showed that after 3 months of regular intake of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.001). It was also observed that, Pleurotus ostreatus decreased fasting plasma glucose level significantly (p<0.001). Reduction of HbA1c % observed after 3 months of mushroom intake was found to be significant (p<0.001). But there was no significant change of plasma creatinine level (p>0.05) indicating Pleurotus ostreatus has no detrimental effect on renal system. From the study, it can be said that, Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom intake improves glycemic status and blood pressure control in diabetic hypertensive subjects.

Are some Women More at Risk of Obstetric Fistula in Uganda? Evidence from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey

With only four years left for the Millennium Development Goal's 2015 deadline for reducing poor maternal health outcomes; developing countries are still bearing a huge burden of maternal morbidity worldwide. Estimates show that over 2 million women worldwide are suffering from obstetric fistula; the majority of which live in sub-Saharan Africa; Southeast Asia; and the Arab region. The purpose of this study is to shed a light on obstetric fistula by examining risk factors associated with this morbidity in Uganda. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted using data from the 2006 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. Older age at first sexual intercourse was significantly associated with a lower risk of obstetric fistula (OR=0.302) compared to younger age at first intercourse (7-14 years). Lack of autonomy was negatively associated with the risk of obstetric fistula; women who have problems securing permission from their husband to go seek care (OR=1.658) were more likely to suffer from this morbidity. Significant differentials in obstetric fistula have also been observed based on the region of residence: women living in Central (OR=4.923); East Central (OR=3.603); West Nile (OR=2.049); and Southwest (1.846) more likely to suffer from obstetric fistula than women living in North Central. Findings demonstrate the importance of improving geographical accessibility to maternal health care services; and emphasize the need to reinforce intervention programs; which seek to address gender inequalities

Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin resistance: Etiopathegenesis and influencing factors.

Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance has been the subject of much debate over the last two decades. Its pathophysiologycal basis, however, still remains to be clearly understood. Both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Mutation of genes encoding signal transduction molecules of insulin and acquired factors like aging, diets, physical activity, obesity and related molecular changes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and smoking were proposed by many groups. This review examined both acquired and genetic factors and discussed model of hormone-receptor-postreceptor interactions to explore the molecular basis of insulin resistance.

Correlations of Serum Magnesium and Potassium in Acute Myocardial Infarction, Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease and Normal Healthy Volunteers of Bangladesh.

Magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) are the major intracellular cations whose presence in the serum are low, but minor changes of those may show a remarkable change in the various body functions specially in the heart. The study was designed to find out the correlation between serum Mg and K in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), chronic ischemic heart disease (CIHD) and normal healthy volunteers. It was carried out over a period of 18 months in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH) and Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka. A total of 101 subjects were included in which 32 subjects were AMI, 34 CIHD and 35 normal healthy volunteers. Serum glucose and serum creatinine were estimated to exclude diabetes and renal dystrophies. Estimation of serum CK-MB and ECG tracing were done as diagnostic tools of AMI and to categories the subjects into various groups. Serum Mg was estimated by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum K by Ion sensitive electrode. The present study shows that there is a strong positive correlation of serum Mg and K in AMI, CIHD and healthy control subjects (r = 0.566, p<0.01 level). So it is suggested to estimate and supplement both Mg and K in IHD patients for their better management.

Evaluation of Serum Levels of Hepatic Enzymes and Plasma Proteins between Different Types of Acute Viral Hepatitis.

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 80 serologically diagnosed cases of acute viral hepatitis to assess and compare the serum hepatic enzymes & plasma proteins between four different types (A,B,C,E), 20 in each group. Hepatitis E, hepatitis B and hepatitis C were more prevalent in males than that in females. The study showed that geometric mean of S.AST of all the four types differed significantly (F= 274.94, p<0.001). Geometric mean of S.ALT, S.AST and S.ALP in cases of HCV were significantly lower than others (p<0.001). Geometric mean of S.ALT & S.AST in cases of HEV were significantly increased than others (p<0.001). But the geometric mean of S.ALP of HBV was significantly higher than others (p<0.001). On the other hand though S.ALP of HAV and HEV was lower than HBV but significantly higher than HCV (p<0.001). The mean±SD of serum albumin of HCV was decreased significantly in contrast to those of HAV and HBV (p<0.001). A:G ratio of HCV was also significantly lower than other three (p<0.001). It was revealed through the study that hepatic enzymes were most affected in cases of HEV but least affected in cases of HCV.

Prevalence of urinary tract infection in adult women.

Five hundred adult women of Sylhet town of different socio-economic status were screened to detect urinary tract infection by a random "door-to-door" survey. Significant bacteriuria was considered as an important criterion in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Pyuria with bacteriuria was, but without bacteriuria was not, considered a good evidence of infection. The ratio between the asymptomatic and symptomatic bacteriuria was found to be 7:1. The significance of asymptomatic bacteriuria in preventive medicine has been stressed.