The study is conducted to evaluate relationship between LEPRQ223R (Gln > Arg) polymorphism, serum leptin levels, soluble leptin receptor (SOb-R) levels and SLE risk in Kashmiri population.LEPR genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 100 unrelated SLE patients and equal number of healthy control subjects. Leptin and SOb-R levels were measured by ELISA assays. The present study showed higher frequency of variant genotype (AG + GG) in cases compared to controls [OR = 2.52, CI = 1.18-5.35, p = 0.03]. Moreover the rare (G) allele was significantly more predominant in cases than controls [OR = 1.49, p = 0.04]. Interestingly a positive association between the variant genotype and the development of arthritis [OR = 11.8, CI = 1.6-85.1, p = 0.002] and an inverse association with cardiac disorder [OR = 0.09, CI = 0.02-0.46, p = 0.001] was observed in this study. Furthermore the study showed significant differences of leptin levels in SLE patients and controls (23.9 ± 19.5 vs 14.8 ± 10.4, p < 0.001). SLE patients in the highest quartile leptin levels (≥32.5 ng/mL) were significantly more likely to have higher BMI (p = 0.001) and increased risk of developing arthritis (p = 0.02). Furthermore positive association was observed between the variant genotype(AG + GG) and leptin levels (p = 0.001) in SLE patients. Thus, it is evident from our study that LEPRQ223R polymorphism and elevated leptin levels are associated with increased susceptibility of SLE in Kashmiri population.

Background Organic cation transporter 1 primarily governs the action of metformin in the liver. There are considerable inter-individual variations in metformin response. In light of this, it is crucial to obtain a greater understanding of the influence of OCT1 expression or polymorphism in the context of variable responses elicited by metformin treatment. Results We observed that the variable response to metformin in the responders and non-responders is independent of isoform variation and mRNA expression of OCT-1. We also observed an insignificant difference in the serum metformin levels of the patient groups. Further, molecular docking provided us with an insight into the hotspot regions of OCT-1 for metformin binding. Genotyping of these regions revealed SNPs 156T>C and 1222A>G in both the groups, while as 181C>T and 1201G>A were found only in non-responders. The 181T>C and 1222A>G changes were further found to alter OCT-1 structure in silico and affect metformin transport in vitro which was illustrated by their effect on the activation of AMPK, the marker for metformin activity. Conclusion Taken together, our results corroborate the role of OCT-1 in the transport of metformin and also point at OCT1 genetic variations possibly affecting the transport of metformin into the cells and hence its subsequent action in responders and non-responders.

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BackgroundBy and large natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy is remarked in individuals after exposure to the material. Since NRL is usually found in various materials used in clinical and surgical practices, so NRL allergy can be manifested at day to day basis. The clinical manifestations of latex allergies can range from mild to severe, but it is important to diagnose these allergic reactions and tackle them in a proper way. Case PresentationWe reported a clinical case of a young female who developed anaphylaxis after physically being examined for rectal prolapse and treatment with IV fluids. The allergy test for various components used during the course of hospital admission was conducted. Natural latex rubber was finally found to be the culprit for the severe anaphylactic reaction. ConclusionSevere anaphylactic shocks have been reported because of Natural rubber latex. Chances of wrong diagnosis or mis-diagnosis are more when it comes to latex allergy there by risking the lives of patients. Therefore, precautions must always be taken while carrying out clinical and surgical procedures in order to achieve satisfactory therapeutic approaches and avoiding inflammatory dermatitis and anaphylactic shocks.