Street Peddlers and Poor Respiratory Health Outcomes in Lucknow, India

Introduction: There are few studies which aim towards theawareness of using protective masks and respiratory problemsamong street peddlers in India. The focus of this study wasto identify the major pollutants (i.e., PM 2.5, PM 10, etc.)present in the air which may be responsible for the adverserespiratory effect on the human population in street peddlersof Lucknow, India.Material and Methods: Street Peddlers, who were notindulge in smoking in recent few days and have no knowledgeof any diagnosed respiratory diseases, were asked toparticipate from roadside of different localities in Lucknowcity, India. Volunteering Members (n=30) described havinglower respiratory, upper respiratory, and other symptoms.Result: The result of the study was estimated on the basisof a self-analysis form. Symptoms of upper (sour throat36.3%) and lower respiratory tract (coughing 40%) and eyeirritation (40%) was present in all the participants None ofthe participants used the N-95 respirator (PPE: masks) in thisstudy. Some peddlers who is using PPE, are improper for thePM present in the air.Conclusion: Results suggests awareness about respiratoryproblems and proper use of protective equipment like theN-95 type respirator mask among street Peddlers in Lucknow,India.

Prediction of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk in North Indian geriatric population: a conundrum of senescence.

Background: Aging has been found to be associated with various sorts of health complications. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the plasma paraoxonase (PON), Nitric Oxide (NO), Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA), lipid peroxidation and serum uric acid levels in the blood samples of different age group subjects and to determine their relation in the prediction of hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk with senescence. Methods: Markers of antioxidant reserves (PON, TAA, and uric acid), lipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction were estimated in selected 120 healthy subjects by using standard methods. Out of 120 subjects, 80 individuals were categorized into two groups: group I (40-55 years) and group II (≥56 years) and statistically compared it with that of 40 younger controls (20-30 years). Results: Marked depletion in plasma PON and NO levels were observed in group I and II subjects as compared to healthy controls whereas plasma lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) and erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (MDA) were increased significantly (P <0.05) in group I and II subjects. However, levels of plasma TAA and uric acid were altered significantly (P <0.05) only in group II subjects. In addition, PON levels were inversely correlated with endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and uric acid, and positively related with TAA. Conclusions: These findings reflect the importance of assessment of plasma paraoxonase, as excellent marker along with NO in early prediction of hypertension risk and its related cardiovascular complications in elderly. Therefore, antioxidant defence system of body should be boosted up with advancing of age in order to avert future complications.

Association between serum paraoxonase and plasma nitric oxide in pre-eclampsia.

It is well accepted that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the development of endothelial dysfunction leading to Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH). However, studies related to altered levels of paraoxonase and nitric oxide in PIH subjects are still in obscure. In this context, the present study was undertaken to assess serum Paraoxonase (PON), Nitric Oxide (NO) levels along with other markers of oxidative stress i.e. erythrocyte Malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma ascorbic acid levels in the blood samples of PIH subjects and to determine their relation in etio-pathogenesis of PIH complication. Methods: Markers of oxidative stress (PON, MDA, and ascorbic acid) and endothelial dysfunction (serum NO) were estimated in 20 normotensive pregnant women (Group I) and 20 PIH women (Group II) by using standard methods. Data obtained from both the groups were statistically compared with age matched 20 healthy non pregnant women (Control group) by using student’s t-test. Results: Serum PON and erythrocyte MDA levels were increased significantly whereas marked depletion in plasma NO and vitamin C levels (P <0.05, P <0.001) were observed in PIH subjects. In addition, PON levels were inversely correlated with endothelial dysfunction. However, only plasma NO levels were decreased significantly in group I subjects whereas other parameters were altered insignificantly (P <0.1) in group I subjects. Conclusion: These findings reflects the importance of antioxidant rich diet in the prevention of PIH complication and emphasizes the early assessment of serum paraoxonase and NO levels as efficient diagnostic marker to predict future risk of PIH development.