Effects of Ramadan fasting on some physiological and biochemical parameters in healthy and hypertensive subjects in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India

Throughout the world, millions of Muslims fast daily during the month of Ramadan from sunrise [Sahar] until sunset [Iftar]. Considering the impacts of environment on physiological functions, we performed this study in order to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on some blood parameters of healthy volunteers and hypertensive patients. According to the results, there were no significant changes in the weight, heart rate [HR], blood pressure [BP], serum total cholesterol and packed cell volume [PCV] of volunteers before and after fasting [P<0.05]. However, considering hypertensive patients, blood urea significantly increased, while blood pressure [both systolic and diastolic pressures] significantly decreased during the fasting period [P>0.05]. Therefore, it can be concluded that hypertensive patients, while continuing their previous medications, can safely fast during the month of Ramadan

An enzymatic method for the detection of human serum albumin

Albumin is the most abundant protein in human serum. A dye-binding method is commonly used in clinical laboratories for its estimation using different types of dyes. However, all these dye methods were interfered by a variety of compounds. Here we present a method for the detection of albumin in human serum and other biological fluids. The principle is based on the fact that lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme-5 (LDH-5) binds specifically to Dextran-Blue (DB). Albumin inhibits the binding of LDH-5 with DB. Absence of LDH activity in DB fraction after gel filtration indicates the presence of albumin in sample and vice versa.

Lactate metabolism in chronic liver disease

The purpose of this study was to observe lactate metabolism in chronic liver disorders. Seventy four [74] cases were selected on the basis of history, clinical examination and laboratory aids. It was tried to correlate the arterial lactate levels with various hepatic functional reserves according to Child's criteria. It was revealed by this study that patients with chronic liver disorders have progressive hyperlactatemia according to decreasing hepatic functional reserve. Furthermore it is suggested that arterial lactate can be helpful in treating such patients when there are concomitant acid-base disturbances