Glutamine treatment attenuates hyperglycemia-induced mitochondrial stress and apoptosis in umbilical vein endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of glutamine and insulin on apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and inflammatory cytokines in hyperglycemic umbilical vein endothelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown and subjected to glutamine and insulin to examine the effects of these agents on the hyperglycemic state. Mitochondrial function and the production of inflammatory cytokines were assessed using fluorescence analysis and multiple cytotoxicity assays. Apoptosis was analyzed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assay. RESULTS: Glutamine maintains the integrity of the mitochondria by reducing the cell permeability and cytochrome c levels and increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential. The cytochrome c level was significantly (p<0.005) reduced when the cells were treated with glutamine. An apoptosis assay revealed significantly reduced apoptosis (p<0.005) in the glutamine-treated cells. Moreover, glutamine alone or in combination with insulin modulated inflammatory cytokine levels. Interleukin-10, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor were up-regulated while tumor necrosis factor-α was down-regulated after treatment with glutamine. CONCLUSION: Glutamine, either alone or in combination with insulin, can positively modulate the mitochondrial stress and cell permeability in umbilical vein endothelial cells. Glutamine regulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines and maintains the balance of the mitochondria in a cytoprotective manner. .

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency viruses in blood donors of northwestern Pakistan.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are major health problems associated with blood transfusion practices in Pakistan. This study was conducted on a large population to asses the epidemiology of HCV and HIV in the North West Frontier Province (N.W.F.P) of Pakistan Methods: Between January 2008 and July 2009, 62,251 healthy blood donors (BDs), aged 17-50, were included. In that group, 61,059 (98.1%) were male and 1192 (1.9%) were female. All donors from the 11 areas of N.W.F.P were screened for HCV and HIV antibodies by ELISA (Biokit). Blood groups were also determined. Results: HCV prevalence was 2.6% while HIV infection was 0.045% in this Pakistani population. Prevalence of HCV and HIV in 2008 was 2.4% and 0.049% respectively. In 2009, it was 3.0% for HCV and 0.038 for HIV. Among the age groups, the prevalence of HCV and HIV was not significantly different (p=0.128). Only 1484 (2.4%) of the donors were voluntary, the remaining were paid and family blood donors. The difference in the number of male and female donors was highly significant (p=0.00001). The B+ blood group was found in 30.5% followed by O+ in 25.9%, A+ in 24.9%, AB+ in 10.4%, A- in 2.6%, B- in 2.5%, O- in 2.3%, and AB- in 0.9%. Our study revealed a higher prevalence of HIV than in most of previous reports. Conclusion: The frequency of HCV infection in blood donors is higher in N.W.F.P than in most of the rest of the world and lower than in other regions of Pakistan. Transfusion of infected blood is a common cause of transmission. HIV prevalence is increasing in Pakistan.

Epidemiological patterns and risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus in Pakistani population.

Hepatitis B virus prevalence is increasing in Pakistani population. National level estimates regarding the prevalence are missing. People are unaware of the risk factors involved in HBV transmission. The objective of the study was to review the prevalence, genotypes, and risk factors associated with HBV transmission in Pakistani Population. Literature search was done by using keyword HBV prevalence, genotypes and risk factors from Pakistani population at Pubmed, PakMediNet and Google scholar. Six different studies showed that the percentage prevalence of HBV in general population was 4.61±0.73%, and 21 different studies showed the percentage prevalence of 2.33±0.46% in blood donors. High prevalence of 7.94±1.49% and 12.86±4.52% were observed in multi transfused and IDU populations. Six different studies showed that the major prevalent genotype was D. Awareness regarding various risk factors involved in-viral transmission was very low. Prevalence of HBV was very high in multitransfused populations due to non-implementations of international standards regarding blood transfusions. Barbers were unaware of the risk factors associated with their shops in viral transmission. Practices of unsterilized dental and surgical instruments and recycling of syringes were major factors in viral transmission. Massive awareness and vaccination programs are required to decrease the future burden of HBV from Pakistani population.

Awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of hepatitis B and C from Pakistani population: barber’s role in viral transmission.

Background: In Pakistan, most patients with Hepatitis B and C have history of facial and armpit shaving from barbers. Objective: Evaluate the awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the twin capital cities of Pakistan between January and July 2009. Five hundred and eight barbershops were surveyed. Results: Out of 508 barber shops, 99.8% and 98.2% were washing their razor with water and water plus antiseptic solution, respectively, while 99.8% were using new blades. Only 39.6% knew that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were viral diseases, 26.6% knew that it can lead to cancer, 90.7% thought that hepatitis could be transferred by blade sharing, 47.8% knew that a vaccine for HBV was available, and 43.0% had education beyond the primary level. None of the barbers used a new or washed apron/towel on every customer. Conclusion: In Pakistan, a small number of barbers are shaving clients with an old style razor with a permanent blade. There is moderate awareness about the various modes of transmission of hepatitis among the barbers, and most of them don’t know about vaccination. A predominant number of them are considering interferon treatment as a vaccine for hepatitis B and C.