Effects and association of pro-oxidants with magnesium in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common microvascular complication observed in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, magnesium (Mg) deficiency is a common problem in diabetic patients. In this study, we estimated the levels of Mg, which is an important trace element and pro-oxidant marker, and then evaluated the association between serum Mg and pro-oxidants in patients with DN. In the present study, 200 patients were enrolled and were divided into two groups. The control and DN groups consisted of 100 healthy individuals and 100 patients with DN, respectively. Serum Mg, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were estimated using the Calmagite, Koracevic, and Marklund and Marklund methods, respectively. Glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated using the Tietze F and Jean CD method, respectively. Mg levels were found to be significantly decreased in the DN group in comparison to the control group. Anti-oxidant markers were statistically significantly reduced (P <0.001), whereas MDA levels were statistically significantly elevated (P <0.001) in the DN group compared to the control group. There was a significant positive association of Mg with TAC, SOD, and GSH. A statistically significant negative association of Mg with MDA (r = -0.302, P <0.001, n = 100) was also observed. An apparent relationship was observed between hypomagnesemia and oxidative stress in patients with DN. Lower levels of Mg and oxidative stress were also strongly linked.

Association of Dyslipidemia, Increased Insulin Resistance, and Serum CA 15-3 with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Urban Areas of North and Central India.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the association of dyslipidemia and increased insulin resistance (IR) with increased breast cancer (BC) risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 110 premenopausal and 143 postmenopausal, untreated female BC patients in the age range of 29-72 years. Control group consisted of 117 premenopausal and 141 postmenopausal healthy females in the age range of 23-75. Approximately 8-ml blood samples were drawn to measure various biochemical parameters. Serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured. Very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and LDL-C were calculated using Friedewald's formula. Serum insulin and serum CA 15-3 were estimated by immune enzymatic assay. IR was assessed using homeostasis model assessment IR index (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Clinical variables in the case and control groups were compared using the unpaired Student's t-test. The crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by binary logistic regression analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the association between CA 15-3 and variables of interest. Total cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL, serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum CA 15-3 were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in BC patients compared to those in controls. Significant adjusted ORs with 95% CI were found to be fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and TGs. We also found a significant positive correlation between total cholesterol, TG, LDL, serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and serum CA 15-3. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the association between dyslipidemia, IR, and increased BC risk.

Study of the Stability of Various Biochemical Analytes in Samples Stored at Different Predefined Storage Conditions at an Accredited Laboratory of India.

BACKGROUND: Storage of serum and other blood products is often necessary in laboratories because of technical issues or to preserve samples for subsequent research purposes. The aim of this study was to determine whether the stability of biochemical analytes is affected by storage conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 biochemical analytes in the sera of ten patients were examined following storage. Subsequent to determining the baseline measurements, the serum of each patient was aliquoted and stored at -20°C for 7, 15, and 30 days and then analyzed for stability. The results were compared with the initial analysis measurements obtained from fresh samples. Mean changes compared to baseline (T0) concentrations were evaluated both statistically and clinically. RESULTS: Our results show that sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total calcium, phosphorus, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were stable under all conditions. Serum amylase was the only analyte demonstrating instability following prolonged storage; amylase levels changed significantly (both statistically and clinically) at 7, 15, and 30 days (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Most common biochemical analytes, except for amylase, showed adequate stability in serum following 30 days of storage at -20-C. Serum amylase analysis should be conducted on the same day that the sample is received in the laboratory.