Background and objectives Globally, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the leading causes of death, both in developed and less economically developed countries (LEDC) including Bangladesh. Diet plays a key role in the pathogenesis processes of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary habit of heart disease cases that had CAD against matched controls. Methodology Complying Helsinki ethical norms, with written consent, this case-control study was performed among 210 subjects: 105 CAD-hospitalized patients (selected from Lab Aid Cardiac and Specialized Hospitals) and 105 healthy subjects from local urban communities having their body mass index (BMI: ranging between ≥18.5 and 27 socio-demographic status, detailed-dietary patterns and blood pressure levels were recorded, anthropometric indices measured, and serum biochemistry (complete lipid profile) tested/analyzed for both the cases and controls. All visually re-checked data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools (t test/conditional-logistic regressions) on SPS/Windows V.21.0. Result Almost half (45%) CAD patients had hypertriglyceridemia and higher levels of low-density lipoprotein, significantly higher BMA (p=0.001), waist circumference, and waist to hip ratio in male patients (p=0.005 and p=0.020, respectively) than their peer controls. Serum lipid profiles, sugar concentrations, and blood pressure levels of CAD patients revealed higher levels than clinically defined cut-off values as established risk factors for CAD. Odds ratios (CI 95%) as risk factors for consuming junk food {OR=5.49 (2.25–13.38)}, chicken {OR=4.54 (1.89–10.9) was the most, followed by beef {OR=2.68 (1.19–4.98)}, eggs {OR=2.38 (1.14–10.92)}, fish {OR=2.81 (1.31–6.04)}, and vegetables {0R=.968 (0.510–1.839)}. However, fat-free milk, ghee/butter oil, curd/yogurt, and fruits had lower ORs revealing no or less risks for CAD. Conclusion Food habits of CAD patients (with higher BMI level and biochemical indicators of the blood) statistically revealed that consuming junk food, meat, and eggs being riskier, fruits, fat-free milk, yogurt, and vegetable remains have protective effects on CAD.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the commonest complications of pregnancy; but its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Recently attention has been focused on the relation between iron metabolism and glucose intolerance in the genesis of GDM. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of body iron store with various covariates of metabolic syndrome. A total 100 subjects were included in this study: 43 were healthy nondiabetic and nonanemic pregnant women (Control group) and 57 were pregnant women having Diabetes Mellitus (GDM group). Glucose level was measured by using glucose-oxidase method, fasting serum C-peptide by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by using a modified high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) and insulin secretory capacity (HOMA%B) were calculated by Homeostasis Model Assessment. Serum transferrin receptor (STfR) was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and serum ferritin level was assessed by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay. Serum iron concentration was measured by IRN method. The age of the study groups were found to be matched (p=0.522). Gestational weeks and parity of the study groups were significantly higher in GDM than Controls (p=0.004 and p=0.015 respectively). HbA1c level (%, M±SD) was significantly higher in GDM group (6.09±1.1) as compared to Control Among the marker of body iron status hemoglobin level showed no difference between GDM (11±1.25) and Control groups (10.6±0.8), but serum iron concentration [median (range)] was significantly lower in GDM group [6(2-19)] as compared to Control [12(2-36)].Serum Iron was strongly correlated with HOMA%B in univariate Spearman correlation analysis (r =0.347, P=0.008).On multivariate linear regression analysis also found Serum Iron associated (p=0.011) with HOMA% B in GDM group. GDM in Bangladeshi subjects does not seem to be associated with iron deficiency or elevated body iron store. GDM subjects may show lower serum iron, but this is probably related to chronic inflammatory state of diabetes rather than iron deficiency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18678 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):55-60

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.