Noori Noha Alsharifi , Mahin Gholipur , Somayeh Ghorbani , Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh , Safoura Khajeniazi ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a 17 kDa, an important soluble pro-inflammatory cytokine, which is involved in some tissue dysfunctions, including thyroid and liver tissue. In spite of its role in thyroid and tissue damage separately, the relationship between this factor and these two disorders has not been clarified. The aim of the present study was to evaluate liver biochemical parameters and TNFα in hypothyroid patients compared to euthyroid subjects.
Methods: To achieve this purpose, samples were transferred into tubes without anticoagulants and then centrifuged immediately to separate the serum. All markers in the serum were measured using commercial kits, including T3, T4, TSH, and TNFα, which were detected using the ELISA method. Liver function tests, including albumin, total bilirubin, and total protein were measured by spectroscopy and the colorimetric method, respectively. In addition, AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT were detected using enzymatic methods.
Results: Our results showed that the level of TNFα in hypothyroid patients was significantly higher than that in normal individuals (P = 0.009). TNFα had a significantly positive correlation with TSH and T3 but a negative correlation with T4. Furthermore, AST, ALT, and GGT had a positive correlation with TSH and a negative correlation with albumin, total protein, and total bilirubin. These correlations were insignificant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: According to our data, the positive correlation of TSH with both TNFα and liver function tests may indicate a relationship between thyroid and liver function with each other.
Mahendran Kanumuru, Sridevi Nutakki ,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a non-communicable disease, manifesting hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and low-grade chronic inflammation associated with various micro and macrovascular complications. The present study aimed to estimate vitamin D (Vit D) levels, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in T2DM patients compared with healthy individuals. In addition, we assessed Vit D, total antioxidant capacity, and MDA levels in patients with T2DM and their association with HbA1c, insulin resistance and lipid profile parameters.
Methods: Seventy patients with T2DM aged 35 to 50 years were selected and 70 healthy age-matched subjects were selected as controls. Serum Vit D and insulin were estimated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and other routine lipid profile investigations were carried out using a Beckman Coulter fully automated analyzer.
Results: Vitamin D levels significantly decreased in T2DM patients. HbA1C and insulin resistance values are significantly increased in type 2 diabetic patients. Vitamin D levels negatively correlated with MDA, insulin resistance, and HbA1c, while positively correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Nevertheless, there is no significant correlation between lipid profile parameters.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may be one of the vital risk factors responsible for increased oxidative stress in patients with T2DM. Regular monitoring and supplementation of Vit D are beneficial for the reduction of oxidative stress and vascular complications in these patients.
Sharabeh Hezarkhani , Khosro Ghojoghi , Sara Hosseinzadeh , Naser Behnampour , Farshid Fathabadi , Zahra Hesari , Hamid Reza Joshaghani ,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Leptin and adiponectin, two members of the adipokine family, play roles in increasing lipid metabolism and inhibiting lipogenesis. Reduced levels of these cytokines are associated with obesity and insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in type-2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome compared to a control group.
Methods: Three groups of individuals participated in this study: 47 type-2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome (DM+MetS), 25 type-2 diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome (DM-MetS), and 40 individuals with no history of diabetes or metabolic syndrome (Control group). Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum levels of fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol were measured using the enzymatic method. Blood pressure, height, and weight were recorded using stadiometers, while leptin and adiponectin levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: A significant difference was observed between the DM+MetS group and the DM-MetS group in serum leptin (p = 0.004) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) levels. In patients with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, serum leptin (p = 0.530) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) levels were lower compared to the control group.
Conclusion: A decrease in the serum levels of key adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, in type-2 diabetic patients may serve as a predictor of metabolic syndrome.
Supriya Gulajkar , Rajni Shivkar , Sanjyoti Panchbudhe , Charushila Kadam,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Quality control (QC) is a crucial tool in the clinical laboratory for error identification and correction. While the Internal Quality Control (IQC) ensures daily precision and accuracy, the External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) ensures long-term accuracy by providing external verification. The objective of this study was to evaluate our laboratory’s performance in the EQAS program services and assess the impact of corrective actions implemented, where necessary, to enhance EQAS performance.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital. The biochemistry department of the laboratory participated in the monthly clinical chemistry EQA program administered by CMC Vellore EQAS. Nineteen parameters were assessed using a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results. Monthly performance was analyzed in terms of the Standard Deviation Index (SDI) and variance index score (VIS) from October 2019 to September 2021.
Results: Among the nineteen parameters assessed in the EQAS program, most showed ‘excellent’ performance between October 2019 and September 2021 based on mean SDI. Some improvement was observed in the SDI values between the two cycles after implementing a structured approach to root cause analysis, indicating an enhanced level of performance in the EQAS program. The VIS analysis revealed that 89.47% of parameters in the October 2019 to September 2020 period and 94.73% in the October 2020 to September 2021 period achieved scores classified as ‘very good’ performance.
Conclusion: Adopting a structured approach to analyze deviating EQAS results enables the evaluation of laboratory performance and offers opportunities for improvement. Consequently, EQAS plays a significant role as a cornerstone in the accreditation process.
Dr Mazhar Khan, Dr Akash Sarkate, Dr Poonam Wade, Dr Sushama Mailk,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the work is to study the effect of phototherapy on serum calcium level in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia .
Methods: It was an observational study, conducted in the NICU of BYL & T.N. Medical college, Mumbai over a period of 12 months after obtaining permission from institutional ethics committee . This study was performed on 100 neonates (>34 weeks of gestational age) with hyperbilirubinemia managed with phototherapy. A sample of blood was sent to the laboratory for serum calcium level before initiating phototherapy and after completion of phototherapy. All the neonates were clinically assessed for clinical features of hypocalcemia . All the data were recorded in the preformed proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. P value <0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The mean age of the neonates was 3±1.2 days .Mean gestational age at the time of birth was 37±1.2 weeks. Mean duration of jaundice was 2.8±1.10 days. The median serum calcium (mg/dL) level before phototherapy was 8.6 (8.49–8.61). After phototherapy, the median serum calcium (mg/dL) levels were reduced to 7.35 (7.33–7.50), which was significant (p<0.001). Hypocalcemia was defined as a serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL, and the incidence of hypocalcemia in the study population was 16%. 60% of new-borns with hypocalcemia experienced mild symptoms like jitteriness or irritability.
Conclusion: The Incidence of hypocalcemia is significant in the jaundiced neonates treated with phototherapy. One needs to be watchful in dealing neonates in NICU while serial monitoring for hypocalcemia and its complications.
Mahsa Mahdizadeh, Zeinab Mohammadi, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the widespread gastrointestinal tumors in the worldwide, with mortality rates among the highest. In the world, we face more than one million newly diagnosed stomach cancer patients every year. Various factors closely associated with formation of GC. One of these factors is the change in the level of components of the extracellular matrix in the microenvironment of the stomach tumor. Fibulins are one of the secreted glycoproteins of extracellular matrix, which are known as matrix organizers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in fibulins in gastric tumor tissue compared to control samples.
Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles that examined FBLN gene family and protein expression in patients with gastric cancer and gastric cancer cell lines.
Results: A total of 853 gastric cancer tumor samples, ranging from 8 to 197 per study, were analyzed across eight studies published between 2008 and 2023, all conducted in China. Several gastric cancer cell lines were also included, such as AGS, Kato III, MKN28, MKN45, SNU1, SNU16, NCI-N87, MGC-803, BGC-823, SGC-7901, and HGC27. Tumor size was reported in 4 studies, while histopathological grade and lymph node metastasis were each evaluated in 4 studies.
Conclusion: The downregulation of Fibulin-1 and Fibulin-2 supports their potential tumor-suppressive roles in gastric cancer, while the upregulation of Fibulin-5 is associated to tumor progression and worse prognosis, making it a candidate biomarker for aggressive disease.
Parisa Hasanein , Fahime Javadi Hedaiat Abad, Mousa Bohlooli , Mostafa Khajeh , Sedigheh Esmaielzadeh Bahabadi , Neda Poormolaei ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: DNA glycation, a process where Glc non-enzymatically binds to DNA, is implicated in various detrimental effects, including strand breaks, mutations, and altered gene expression. This damage is considered a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in identifying antiglycation agents as a strategy for preventing and mitigating these complications. Prior research has indicated that extracts from Tamarix aphylla (T. aphylla) leaves possess antidiabetic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the impact of T. aphylla extract on Glc-mediated DNA glycation.
Methods: DNA samples were incubated with Glc over a four-week period. Subsequently, the modulatory effects of T. aphylla on Glc-induced DNA structural alterations were investigated employing a range of analytical techniques. These methodologies encompassed ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: The results obtained from UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that T. aphylla extract led to a reduction in the formation of DNA-advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Furthermore, CD spectroscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis analyses indicated that the structural alterations of glycated DNA were diminished in the presence of T. aphylla extract.
Conclusion: Based on the evidence presented, T. aphylla demonstrates protective properties against DNA glycation. Consequently, pending further rigorous investigation, it may represent a potentially valuable therapeutic agent for mitigating the detrimental consequences of glycation, particularly in environments characterized by elevated Glc concentrations and hyperglycemic states.
