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BACKGROUND:Increased lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] concentrations are predictive of coronary artery disease (CAD). Type 2 diabetes mellitus also leads to dyslipidemia, like elevated triglyceride levels and low HDL levels, which are known risk factors for CAD. This study was designed to investigate the levels of Lp (a) in type 2 diabetic patients and their association with LDL: HDL ratio and glycemic control.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study included 60 patients of type 2 diabetes and 50 age and sex matched controls. The Lp(a) levels in the diabetic group were compared with the control group and the relationship between the Lp(a) levels and LDL: HDL ratio was evaluated. Diabetic group was further divided into three subgroups according to levels of glycated hemoglobin. Lp(a) levels and glycated hemoglobin in controlled and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus were also compared to find out any correlation between them. Statistical analysis was done using the students ‘t’ test and Chi square test.RESULTS:Lp(a) levels were found to be significantly increased in the diabetic group as compared to the control group (P< 0.001). LDL: HDL ratio was also increased in the diabetic group as compared to the control group. Lp(a) levels showed no association with LDL: HDL ratio and degree of glycemic control in these patients.CONCLUSIONS:The results of the present study suggest that Lp(a) levels are increased in type 2 diabetic patients. The elevated Lp(a) levels do not reflect the glycemic status and are also independent of increase in LDL:HDL ratio suggesting different metabolic pathways and the genetic connection for LDL and Lp(a).

Context:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not only restricted to the pulmonary inflammation and airway obstruction but is also associated with comorbidities, which affect the therapeutic intervention and the quality of life and survival. Markers that can predict the systemic inflammation and a decline in the pulmonary function are of scientific interest. Adiponectin (APN) appears to be one such biomarker and can be used as a potential indicator of severity and response to treatment in patients of COPD.Aims:The study aims to find out the role of APN as a marker of inflammation in the pathogenesis of COPD and explore its relationship with the severity of the disease.Settings and Design:This was a cross-sectional study.Subjects and Methods:The study group consisted of 60 patients of COPD, which included 30 males admitted with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and 30 males with stable COPD. The study group was compared with 30 healthy, age-matched males. APN was estimated by commercially available ELISA kits. Pulmonary function tests were performed on all cases and controls using standardized protocols on SPIROLAB III.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results:The levels of APN were found to be significantly higher in patients with COPD as compared to the controls and the levels increased with the severity of the disease were 16.10 ± 4.97 ng/ml and 11.43 ± 4.22 ng/ml, respectively, in AECOPD and COPD. A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of APN and interleukin (IL)-8 in patients of COPD, while the levels correlated negatively with percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%).Conclusions:The results reveal that APN is associated with the inflammatory process of COPD as suggested by its significant inverse relationship with FEV1% and positive correlation with a marker of inflammation such as IL-8. It can thus be used as a biomarker for disease severity and progression in patients of COPD, therefore aiding in risk stratification and therapeutic intervention.

Brief duration of 50% oxygen maternal inhalation during elective or emergency CS did not significantly affect foetal MDA and TAS under SAB.

Background: Malnutrition is one of the most serious complications of chronic kidney disease due to its devastating consequences in terms of quality of life, morbidity, hospitalization and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition among chronic kidney disease patients globally and its contrast with India. Methods: Articles reporting the prevalence of malnutrition associated with CKD patients were retrieved from PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, Cochrane library & Google scholar. The quality assessment of studies was performed by using Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The pooled prevalence was reported with effect size considering the random effect model using comprehensive meta-analysis version 2.0. Results: The results from 61 observational studies containing 21119 patients are presented. The global prevalence of malnutrition associated with CKD was found to be 42.7%. The prevalence of malnutrition in peritoneal dialysis group was found to be (45.3%, 95%CI; 29.5-62.1) higher as compared to hemodialysis group (43.1%, 95% CI; 32.2-54.7) followed by non-dialysis group (38.5%, 95% CI; 24.0-55.3). The prevalence of malnutrition in India was found to be 56.7% (95% CI: 42.4-70.0%). Males were predominantly affected with malnutrition as compared to females. The prevalence in India was reported to be higher as compared to all the included countries, except Mexico and Jordan. Conclusions: Globally, India occupies the highest share of prevalence studies followed by Brazil. The geographical stratification of results revealed that the highest prevalence of malnutrition was observed in India except Mexico and Jordan. Given the high prevalence of malnutrition among CKD patients, evaluation of interventions for malnutrition with patient centered outcomes are warranted.