Relationship between serum lithium, salivary lithium, and urinary lithium in patients on lithium therapy.

Lithium carbonate is used in the treatment of both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum lithium, salivary lithium, and urinary lithium. Blood, saliva, and urine samples were collected from 50 patients, and estimation of serum, salivary, and urine lithium was done using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean serum lithium was 0.75 ± 0.25 mEq/L, mean salivary lithium was 1.91 ± 0.80 mEq/L, and mean urine lithium was 7.16 ± 4.84 mEq/L. A significant direct correlation was found between serum lithium and salivary lithium (r = 0.695, p < 0.001). This correlation was higher in females (r = 0.770, p < 0.001) when compared to males (r = 0.665, p < 0.001). Even though a significant correlation was found between serum and salivary lithium levels, more studies are needed in this domain to establish salivary therapeutic monitoring as a feasible option for patients on lithium carbonate therapy.

Oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant status in rheumatoid arthritis: a case control study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multisystem disease of unknown cause. Formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides as a result of disease activity may play an important role. Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status are the hallmarks in patients of RA as observed in recent years. The objectives of the study was to determine oxidative stress by measuring malondialdehyde and enzymatic antioxidant status by estimating superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in patients of RA and then comparing with healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study comprises of 40 RA cases who were clinically diagnosed and confirmed by laboratory tests, attending KLE Society's Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Research Centre, Belgaum. Southern India attached to J. N. Medical College. between September 2007 to August 2008. All the patients were in the age group of 40-60 years including both the sexes. Biochemical parameters like malondialdehyde, enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were estimated in cases (40) and controls (40). RESULTS: The mean level of blood malondialdehyde (in nmol/ml) in controls was 6.19 +/- 0.96 and 11.48 +/- 0.76 in cases. The mean level of superoxide dismutase (IU/g of Hb) in controls was 948.32 +/- 99.88 and 443.68 +/- 111.69 in the cases. The mean glutathione reductase level (in IU/g of Hb) in controls was 8.91 +/- 1.04 and 2.96 +/- 0.79 in the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that there was an increased oxidative stress and a decreased antioxidant defense in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Markers of renal function tests.

BACKGROUND: The markers of renal function test assess the normal functioning of kidneys. These markers may be radioactive and non radioactive. They indicate the glomerular filtration rate, concentrating and diluting capacity of kidneys (tubular function). If there is an increase or decrease in the valves of these markers it indicates dysfunction of kidney. AIM: The aim of this review is to compare and analyze the present and newer markers of renal function tests which help in diagnosis of clinical disorders. MATERIAL #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS: An extensive literature survey was done aiming to compare and compile renal function tests makers required in diagnosis of diseases. RESULTS: Creatinine, urea, uric acid and electrolytes are makers for routine analysis whereas several studies have confirmed and consolidated the usefulness of markers such as cystatin C and ß-Trace Protein. CONCLUSION: We conclude that further investigation is necessary to define these biomarkers in terms of usefulness in assessing renal function.

A review on laboratory liver function tests.

Laboratory liver tests are broadly defined as tests useful in the evaluation and treatment of patients with hepatic dysfunction. The liver carries out metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fats. Some of the enzymes and the end products of the metabolic pathway which are very sensitive for the abnormality occurred may be considered as biochemical marker of liver dysfunction. Some of the biochemical markers such as serum bilirubin, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, ratio of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, 5' nucleotidase, ceruloplasmin, α-fetoprotein are considered in this article. An isolated or conjugated alteration of biochemical markers of liver damage in patients can challenge the clinicians during the diagnosis of disease related to liver directly or with some other organs. The term "liver chemistry tests" is a frequently used but poorly defined phrase that encompasses the numerous serum chemistries that can be assayed to assess hepatic function and/or injury.