Evaluation of serum ferritin as predictor of HbA1c in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Serum Ferritin is an acute phase protein and it is a marker of iron stores in the body. The HbA1c fraction is abnormally elevated in chronic hyperglycemic diabetic patients

Objective: To determine the association between serum ferritin and long term glycemic control by HbAIc in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Methodology: This was a case control study which was carried out in the chemical pathology department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from 1[ST] July 2016 to 31[ST] January 2017. A total of 290 study subjects were included in this study. 110[38%] were the cases [diabetics with high HbA1c]. Ferritin, hemoglobin, HbA1c, and fasting blood sugar were measured in blood samples. Exclusion criteria included anemia, or any other disease or drug that could affect ferritin levels. Results were analyzed statistically by t-test and Pearson correlation test. The data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 17

Results: A total of 290 study subjects were included in this study.110 were the cases [diabetics with high HbA1c], and 180 normal subjects were included. The mean serum ferritin among cases was significantly higher than control group [137+/-64 vs. 94+/-61ng/ml]. [P<0.00]

Influence of different categories of iron deficiency on hemoglobin A1c levels among non-diabetic adult female

Objective: HbA1c shows the diabetic control of previous 3 months but its levels are affected by iron deficiency anemia. We performed our study in woman of child bearing age group that are mostly iron deficient and endeavorto examine effect of different categories of iron deficiency anemia on HbA1c levels

Material and Method: Three hundred and thirty non-diabetic, anemic female subjects were recruited from the Pathology departments of Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur and Sheikh Zyed Hospital Rahimyar Khan who visited department for their annual fitness. 120 subjects who fulfilled inclusion criteria were compared with age matched female for hemoglobin, ferritin, fasting and postprandial glucose levels and HbA1c measurement. The data of 100 females was then divided on the basis of Hb level into mild, moderate and severe anemia [HbA, HbB and HbC]. The Pearson correlation was analyzed between three categories of anemia and their HbA1c levels

Results: The Hb levels among the IDA patients were significantly low [9.9 +/- 5.4 g/dl] as compared to control group. The mean HbA1c [7.4 +/- 0.43%] level in iron deficient females was higher than that in the control. Statistical analysis provided significant negative association between HbB and HbA1cB measurements [r= -0.79] while strong negative relationship existed as degree of anemia became severe [r=-0.86]

Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia may raise HbA1c results upward depending on degree of anemia. So, iron status of female of reproductive age group should be improved before using HbA1c results for diagnosis of diabetes and monitoring of its long-term complication

Biased expression, under the control of single promoter, of human interferon alpha-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes in E. coli, irrespective of their distance from the promoter

Human interferon alpha-2b and Escherichia coli methionine amino peptidase genes were cloned independently as well as bicistronically in expression plasmid pET-21a [+]. Production of human interferon alpha-2b was comparable to that of E. coli methionine amino peptidase when these genes were expressed independently in E. coli BL21-CodonPlus [DE3]-RIL. However, human interferon alpha-2b was produced in a much less amount whereas there was no difference in the production of methionine amino peptidase when the encoding genes were expressed bicistronically. It is important to note that human interferon alpha-2b was the first gene in order, after the promoter and E. coli methionine amino peptidase was the next with a linker sequence of 27 nucleotides between them

Microbiological load of ethylene oxide sterilized medical devices and its elimination by cobalt 60 source

Objective: To determine the residing microbial flora of ethylene oxide [EtO] sterilized medical devices and optimization of safe dose of gamma radiation [Cobalt 60 source] for the complete elimination of microbial load

Study Design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan from September 2014 to June 2015

Methodology: Thirty-six samples of EtO sterilized medical devices of same batch of three different companies were collected for this study. Isolation and enumeration of microbes were done by using different selective and differential media. Gram staining and biochemically characterization by API 20 [Bio Merieux, France] kit was done for identification of the microorganisms. The medical devices having high microbial load were sent to Pakistan Radiation Services [PARAS] for gamma irradiations at 3 different selected doses [20 KGy, 25 KGy, and 30 KGy]

Results: Different types of Gram positive bacteria [Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis] were isolated from the EtO sterilized samples. Gram negative bacteria and fungi were not detected on these medical devices. Gamma irradiations results showed that 30 KGy was optimized dose for complete elimination of microbial flora on endotracheal, Nelaton, and tracheostomy tubes

Conclusion: Gamma radiations [Co 60 source] effectively decontaminate the microbial flora on the equipment previously sterilized by the ethylene oxide gas; and 30 KGy is the optimized dose for all these medical devices

Influence of tourniquet application; on selected chemical analytes

The objective of the study was to determine the mean change in selected chemical analytes with and without application of tourniquet. Blood samples were collected from all persons irrespective of age and gender visiting pathology laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. The study was a Quasi experimental study. The study was carried out in Pathology Laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur on Selectra XL and Easy lyte. October 2011 to April 2012. Blood samples were taken from both arms of 265 volunteer with one difference that standardized external pressure of 60 mm Hg was applied by using a sphygmomanometer for one minute on one arm and on other arm blood sample was collected without application of tourniquet. Samples with tourniquet application showed statistically significant mean increase in serum concentration of protein [p =0.001], cholesterol [p=0.03], calcium [p =0.007] and potassium [p=0.0001]. The mean concentration of serum sodium and chloride showed no statistically significant change after one minute of tourniquet application. The tourniquet application of one minute influence certain laboratory parameters, so its use should be kept to a minimum