ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Omentin-1 is secreted from visceral adipose tissue that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases' pathogenesis, including cardiovascular events. In this case-control study, we will determine the association between plasma omentin and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This is a case-control study, conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in the cardiology unit of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Patients diagnosed with CAD (n = 300) within the last six months were included in the study. Another 300 participants without CAD and with similar demographic profiles were included in the control group. A blood sample of 5 ml was drawn from participants of both groups and sent to the laboratory to test for plasma omentin level. RESULTS: Plasma omentin level was significantly lower in patients with CAD compared to the patients without CAD (61.21 ± 10.21 ng/dL vs. 95.22 ± 12.21 ug/L; p-value: <0.0001). In both genders, the plasma omentin-1 was lower in patients with CAD compared to patients without CAD (p-value: <0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a negative association between omentin-1 and CAD. We speculate that low levels of omentin-1 might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, plasma omentin-1 can be a potential biomarker to predict the development and progression of CAD.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD), found in the aging elderly population, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to worsening memory loss and cognitive impairment. Falls and fractures are common in the overall elderly population. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of falls and fractures in Alzheimer's patients compared to the general population. Methodology This longitudinal study was conducted at the neurology outpatient department (OPD) in a tertiary healthcare setup in Pakistan from November 2019 till April 2020. Previously confirmed diagnosed Alzheimer's patients from neurology OPD were included in one group. Equal number of gender and age-matched healthy participants were included in the reference group. Participants were followed for 12 months to determine the incidence of falls and non-vertebral fractures. Results The incidence of fall was significant in the Alzheimer group compared to the reference group (22.8% vs. 10.9%; relative risk (RR): 2.08; P-value: 0.01). Fractures were also significantly more common in the Alzheimer group compared to the reference group (12.8% vs. 5.1%; RR: 2.51; P-value: 0.03). Conclusion This study demonstrated a higher incidence of falls and fractures in Alzheimer's patients compared to healthy non-Alzheimer individuals. Management of AD should include measures to reduce falls and fractures in addition to standard therapy.
