Role of extracellular matrix remodelling gene SNPs in keratoconus.

Introduction: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes for certain structural components may be implicated in the pathogenesis of keratoconus. We hypothesized links between SNPs in genes coding for collagen, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) and keratoconus. Furthermore, we hypothesized links between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 SNPs and their tear level in keratoconus patients.Materials and methods: We genotyped 200 keratoconus and 100 control subjects by allele-specific PCR, and quantified MMP-9 and TIMP1 in tear samples by ELISA.Results: COL4A3 (rs55703767) and MMP-9 (rs17576) G alleles were over-represented in keratoconus patients (P < 0.01). TIMP-1 (rs6609533) A allele was more prevalent in keratoconus females (P < 0.01) but not in males (P = 0.73). MMP-9 was higher (P < 0.001) and TIMP1 lower (P < 0.001) in tear samples from keratoconus patients compared to controls. Keratoconus cases carrying MMP-9 (rs17576) homozygous (GG) alleles had higher tear MMP-9 compared to those carrying the (A) allele (P < 0.01). Females carrying TIMP-1 (rs6609533) homozygous (AA) alleles in both groups had significantly lower tear TIMP-1 compared to carriers of the AG and GG genotypes.Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis of a functional role for COL4A3 (rs55703767, G/T), MMP-9 (rs17576, A/G) and TIMP-1 (rs6609533, A/G) SNPs in the pathogenesis of keratoconus.

Ocular disorders among schoolchildren in Khartoum State, Sudan.

From December 2005 to June 2007, a total screening of all 1418 government primary schools in Khartoum State, Sudan, was performed to estimate ocular problems among children aged 6-15 years. We screened 671,119 children (56.7% males) for significant refractive error and other eye ailments. Ocular problems were found in 20,321 (3.03%) children. The 3 localities with highest ocular pathology were Karary (26.2%), Ummbada (21.0%) and Jabal Awlia (15.7%). The overall prevalence of refractive error was 2.19%. Myopia was found in 10,064 (1.50%) children while 4661 (0.70%) were hyperopic. Other ocular problems included vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency, microbial conjunctivitis, strabismus and corneal opacity. Only 288 (0.04%) children were diagnosed with active trachoma: 86.5% of these were from Ummbada locality, on the periphery ofthe State, where transportation facilities are poor and poverty is widespread. Overall, 99% of the eye ailments identified are either treatable or preventable. To reduce these and to achieve the goals of Vision 2020, an effective and efficient school health programme is needed.

Factors associated with osteoporosis among a sample of Jordanian women referred for investigation for osteoporosis.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the association between osteoporosis and specific risk factors among 384 women referred to the Radiology Department at King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan during the period September 2009-August 2010 for diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone mineral density measurements were carried out using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at both the lumbar spine [AP: L1-L4] and femoral hip (neck, trochanter). Studied risk factors included age, age at menarche, menopause, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal problems and smoking. The prevalence of osteoporosis among the studied sample was 13.5%. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with current age, age at menarche, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal problems.

Ocular disorders among schoolchildren in Khartoum State, Sudan

From December 2005 to June 2007, a total screening of all 1418 government primary schools in Khartoum State, Sudan, was performed to estimate ocular problems among children aged 6-15 years. We screened 671 119 children [56.7% males] for significant refractive error and other eye ailments. Ocular problems were found in 20 321 [3.03%] children. The 3 localities with highest ocular pathology were Karary [26.2%], Ummbada [21.0%] and Jabal Awlia [15.7%]. The overall prevalence of refractive error was 2.19%. Myopia was found in 10 064 [1.50%] children while 4661 [0.70%] were hyperopic. Other ocular problems included vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency, microbial conjunctivitis, strabismus and corneal opacity. Only 288 [0.04%] children were diagnosed with active trachoma: 86.5% of these were from Ummbada locality, on the periphery of the State, where transportation facilities are poor and poverty is widespread. Overall, 99% of the eye ailments identified are either treatable or preventable. To reduce these and to achieve the goals of Vision 2020, an effective and efficient school health programme is needed

Factors associated with osteoporosis among a sample of Jordanian women referred for investigation for osteoporosis

This cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the association between osteoporosis and specific risk factors among 384 women referred to the Radiology Department at King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid, Jordan during the period September 2009-August 2010 for diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Bone mineral density measurements were carried out using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at both the lumbar spine [AP: L1-L4] and femoral hip [neck, trochanter]. Studied risk factors included age, age at menarche, menopause, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal problems and smoking. The prevalence of osteoporosis among the studied sample was 13.5%. Osteoporosis was significantly associated with current age, age at menarche, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal problems