Liver function tests in second and third trimester primigravida in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is a common obstetrical problem affecting 5-10% of pregnant females. The objective of this study was to determine and compare liver function tests in primigravidas in second and third trimesters of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted that included 100 subjects aged 15-40 years with normal pregnancy, and preeclamptic primigravidas of second and third trimester. Their liver function tests were carried out and compared among the study groups

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 25.92+/-5.56 years, mean systolic BP was 136.3+/-24.623 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure was 87.8+/-15.736 mmHg. There were statistically significant differences in AST, ALT, ALP, and serum albumin among cases and controls of both 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimester [p<0.05]. However, serum total bilirubin among preeclamptics of 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimesters, and also between controls and preeclamptics of 3[rd] trimester was significantly increased [p<0.05]. Serum AST and ALT were significantly decreased among controls of 3[rd] trimesters compared to 2[nd] trimester while ALP was significantly increased in 3[rd] trimester controls compared to 2[nd] trimester controls. Serum albumin was significantly decreased in both 2[nd] and 3[rd] trimester preeclamptics compared to controls

Conclusion: Serum AST, ALP, and bilirubin was significantly increased in 3[rd] trimester preeclamptics compared to 2[nd] trimester preeclamptics

Seasonal variations on serum glucose and lipid profile in a male poikilotherm vertebrate, uromastyx hardwickii

Uromastyx hardwickii, a local lacertilian species, is widely distributed in the Indo-Pak subcontinent and inhabits mostly the arid regions of the country. This study was carried out to assess the seasonal variations on glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol [TAG] levels in a poikilotherm vertebrate species and to develop an experimental model for the study of lipid metabolism in higher vertebrates including mammals. This cross-sectional study was carried out on male Uromastyx hardwickii. Sixty animals were bled and sacrificed within 48 hrs of their arrival in the laboratory. Blood samples were collected by anterior abdominal venepuncture from conscious animals using a heparinised syringe. Mean serum TAG levels were significantly higher in summer, while no significant changes were seen in cholesterol level during different parts of the year. Mean serum glucose levels were significantly higher in summer. Lipid metabolism in Uromastyx hardwickii undergoes significant seasonal alteration. There is significant [p<0.05] increase in serum triglycerides during summer. Similarly, serum glucose also exhibits seasonal variation.

Relationship of thyroid-stimulating hormone with metabolic syndrome in a sample of euthyroid Pakistani population

Background: Metabolic Syndrome is a group of factors that predispose to cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising rapidly. Recently, a few studies have suggested that lower thyroid function in the reference range may be associated with metabolic syndrome, but the issue remains unsettled. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between thyroid function and components of metabolic syndrome in a sample of euthyroid Pakistani population. Methods: This nalytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, and extended over a period of 12 months. It included 100 subjects with metabolic syndrome in the study group and thirty subjects without metabolic syndrome in the control group with age ranging 45–55 years. Both groups had normal thyroid function. After a detailed history and clinical examination, fasting blood was analysed for glucose, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol along with thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] and free thyroxine. Results: Serum TSH was significantly higher in study group than in control group [p=0.040]. Serum free thyroxine values of study group were slightly but not significantly lower than those of control group. Serum TSH correlated significantly and positively with serum triglycerides in all subjects and with waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure in men. Serum TSH showed a positive and linear relationship with the number of components of metabolic syndrome [p=0.016] in all subjects. Conclusion: High-normal TSH is associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. There may be increased risk of cardiovascular diseases with high-normal TSH levels. Keywords: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Metabolic Syndrome, Euthyroid