Evaluation of thyroid disorders on the basis of SDS-page electrophoresis

SOS-Page electrophoresis identifies the various protein fractions under different conditions. This property of the process was utilized to see the pattern of protein fractions among patients suffering from thyroid disease. A group of 1170 subject, comprising of nearly equal proportions of euthyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid individuals, was studied. Most of the subjects were out-patients of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore. Random blood samples were taken from the subjects usually in the morning between 0800 - 1200 hours and after processing, the serum was stored at -80[C]. These aliquots were used for thyroid profile, bio-chemical analysis and SDS-PAGE electrophoreses. The serum samples of healthy / euthyroid samples showed 13 major protein fractions ranging in molecular weight of 321 to 28 kDa whereas 12 major protein fractions were detected in patients suffering from thyroid diseases. The fractions were found to be enhanced due to increased capillary permeability and increased interstitial fluid. By contrast, markedly reduced fractions were found among hyperthyroids probably due to the factors of negative nitrogen balance, loss of weight, muscle wasting, weaknesses mild hypo-albuminemia and increased anabolism of protein. The findings presented in this study suggest that SDS-PAGE may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders

Serum cholinesterase levels in the pesticides factory workers

The serum cholinesterase [CHS] levels of factory workers, pre-and post-exposed to the pesticides were estimated [by monotest kit]. Where there was a general post-exposure depression in majority of the cases, a depression [28%] in cholinesterase levels was observed in 25 of the workers when compared to their baseline measurements of enzyme activity. It is suggested that the persons belonging to the agriculture and pesticide industry should be tested regularly for the serum cholinesterase levels and those found susceptible must be issued cards to prevent serious medical problems involving anesthesia

Detection of HBsAg from dried blood spots: comparison of different techniques

To determine if enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] could be used to test dried blood spot samples for hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], blood samples from known negative individuals were collected and used for blood and serum spotting on filter paper with comparison to the standard serum assay. Significantly higher absorbance values were obtained from blood spots on filter paper when compared to serum spots and the whole serum. Different modification techniques were used to determine if they could be used to reduce the background absorbance. The modifications tested were: i] use of casein solution, ii] separate incubation of samples and conjugate [with or without increased volume iii] centrifugation iv] centrifugation and heating. In addition, the sample were tested by radioimmunoassay [RIA]. No ELISA modified technique proved valid results that correlated with the standard assay using serum. RIA testing of the blood spots did correlate with the serum results. For antibody assays serum, plasma or the blood spots may be used. Dried serum or plasma spots on filter paper seem to be most suitable for testing the HBsAg

Serum cholinesterase levels in a sample village population

Serum cholinesterase [CHS] levels in a sample village population in Pakistan were estimated. It was found that three in 45 [6.7%] of the subjects had quite low CHS levels whereas six out of 45 subjects [13.3%] had moderately low cholinesterase levels. It is suspected that this low CHS level probably was due to actual exposure or exposure to spray-drift of organophosphorous pesticides used in the agricultural fields

case of alkaptonuria

A five and a half months old baby boy was brought to the Pediatrics Department, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore on November 27, 1989 with a complaint of passing, since birth, normal color urine which turns dark on standing. Clinically Alkaptonuria was diagnosed, strongly supported by biochemical tests

Hyperglycemia: cause of post-operative restlessness

Hyperglycemia during general anaesthesia and surgery is a known phenomenon. Post-operatively it is also one of the causes of restlessness and prolonged recovery. We report a case of hyperglycemia in a 24 years old female patient, who became restless and confused in the recovery room after an uneventful appendicectomy

case of homocystinuria

A case of an 8 year old boy, mentally retarded with flat affect, inappropriate behavior, cataract and generalized hypotonia of legs is reported A tentative diagnosis of homocystinuria was made. Positive cyanide - nitroprusside test, homocystine in urine and elevated methionine in plasma detected by thin layer chromatography [T.L.C] lended credence to this diagnosis