Fructosamine in HbS and G6PD-deficient Saudi Arabs in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Plasma fructosamine, total proteins and albumin were estimated in a group of 77 sickle cell anaemia and 32 glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient Saudi Arabs and the results compared with those obtained in a group of 30 normal controls. The mean values of fructosamine in the sickle cell anaemia and G6PD-deficient patients were not statistically different from those of the controls. The mean values of the total proteins and albumin were also not significantly different from those of the normal group. It is concluded that fructosamine level is not affected by sickle cell anaemia and G6PD deficiency, and provides a useful tool for monitoring diabetic patients in regions with high prevalence of haemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency.

Obesity and fat distribution in women from Saudi Arabia.

Anthropometric measurements were carried out on 100 women selected randomly from the population of two cities in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The data obtained in this study were then compared to those reported earlier for European countries. This comparison indicates that the Saudi women are on average more obese than their European counterparts, with a preponderance of abdominal obesity. This is discussed in terms of socio-economic changes which this area has undergone in the last 50 years.

A comparative study of glycosylated haemoglobin level in the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) during different seasons.

1. The extent of haemoglobin glycosylation from 60 camels has been determined (4.39%) in blood samples drawn during winter. 2. Phosphate (9.45 mg/dl), DPG (2.9 mumol/ml) and glucose (138 mg/dl) levels were also recorded. 3. In addition the P50 at pH 7.4 was measured (22.8 Torrs). 4. The data obtained compared with human blood levels and with levels reported for camels during summer sampling. 5. Despite the fact that camels have higher blood glucose levels than humans, the extent of glycosylation is much less in camel blood than in human blood.

Percentage glycosylated haemoglobin in normal, G6PD deficient and HbSS Saudi Arabs.

Reference values have been established for erythrocyte glycosylated haemoglobin levels in a normal Saudi population and in subjects with various haematological disorders. The mean glycosylated haemoglobin levels (SE) were 7.28% (0.039) for normal, 6.04% (0.057) for G6PD deficient, 4.40% (0.081) for homozygous sickle cell, and 6.44% (0.109) for heterozygous sickle cell subjects. Values of 6.26% (0.103) and 4.75% (0.127) for glycosylated haemoglobin were determined for heterozygous and homozygous sickle cell subjects with G6PD deficiency, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data shows significant differences in the extent of glycosylation between G6PD deficient, HbSS and normal controls. Where possible the results are compared to values reported for other populations.

A comparative study of enzyme profile of camel (Camelus dromedarius) hump and sheep (Ovis aries) tail tissues.

1. The activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, malic enzyme, NAD+ and NADP+ isocitrate isocitrate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase were assayed in homogenate of camel hump and sheep tail tissues. 2. In addition the levels of glucose, cholesterol, total protein and total lipids in these tissues were measured. 3. Results obtained were utilized to compare the state of metabolism of adipose tissue of camel hump to that of sheep tail, and to shed some light on possible contribution of these tissues toward blood glucose level.