Relationship between aging and control of metabolic syndrome with telomere shortening: a cross-sectional study

Aging is considered one of the major risk factors for several human disorders. The telomere plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responsiveness to stress and growth stimuli as well as maintaining the integrity of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), and aging leads to the progressive decline in the telomere length (TL) due to continuous cell division. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between TL and advancing age and the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on TL. Firstly, we determined the association of advancing age and TL, by measuring telomere length (T/S ratio) in healthy volunteers (n = 90). The TL was compared between normal population and patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 298). The age matched controlled and uncontrolled MetS patients (n = 149) were also compared for their TL T/S ratio. The TL showed negative correlation with advancing age, whereas the significant change was observed at the cut-offs of 40 and 70 years defining 40 with longer TL and 70 as shorter TL. The longest T/S ratio at 2.46 was measured at the age range of 1 year in healthy volunteers, while elderly population showed considerably shorter TL. The patients older than 60 years with poor or uncontrolled MetS had shorter TL, as compared to the controlled MetS. In conclusion our findings suggest that TL was negatively correlated with advancing age. Uncontrolled metabolic syndrome appeared to have worsening effects on TL. Telomere length appears to have potential to be used a parameter to determine age. However, further large scale studies are recommended to make firm guidelines.

Impact of ACE2 gene variations on COVID-19 pathogenicity in Pakistani patients

Background

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, swiftly disseminated and was declared a pandemic. Variations in the ACE2 gene can impact the virus's ability to bind to ACE2 receptor, potentially influencing an individual's susceptibility and its association with COVID-19 severity across various populations.

Methods

In total, 200 individuals were sequenced for the ACE2 gene and potential impact of the found variants on the ACE2 protein was assessed using in-silico tools.

Results

Eight variations in the ACE2 gene were identified in 27 COVID-19 patients, of which four were missense and four were intronic variants. Three variants had a MAF of < 0.01 (c.251C > T, p.Pro86Leu; 15C > G, p.S5S; and c. 91 A > G, p.Lys31Glu). A missense variant, p.Pro86Leu, C > T, TT genotype, was found in 9 out of 200 individuals with an allele frequency of 0.045 and showed a significant association with COVID-19 (P = 0.003). The heterozygous allele of 15C > G, p.S5S, was found with a frequency of 0.02 (8/400) in eight patients, and its CG genotype showed a significant association with COVID-19 (P = 0.0068). The remaining identified variants were not associated with COVID-19 susceptibility.

Conclusion

The ACE2 gene sequence in Pakistani individuals exhibited a low frequency of identified variants in COVID-19 patients. Overall, only two variants were associated with susceptibility to the disease, possibly contributing to Pakistan's lower COVID-19 mortality and infection rates. However, individuals carrying the mutant variant experienced more severe symptoms.

Androgenetic Alopecia as a Marker of Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Alopecia induced by androgens in genetically predisposed individuals is termed as Androgenetic alopecia (AGA). There is proof appearance the relationship between Androgenetic alopecia and metabolic condition. Objective: To determine frequency of metabolic syndrome in Androgenetic alopecia as a biomarker of disease in adult male patients. Materials and methods: It was a Cross Sectional Study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital, Jamshoro/Hyderabad. Total 178 diagnosed male patients of Androgenetic alopecia were included. The grading of male pattern Androgenetic alopecia was done according to modified Norwood-Hamilton classification. Norwood-Hamilton Stage I-III were regarded to be mild to moderate and Stage IV and higher were regarded as severe. Vein was engorged by a tourniquet applied above the cubital fossa. Blood glucose levels were estimated. The level of triglycerides was determined. HDL-Cholesterol was estimated by a pre­cipitant method. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS. Chi square tests were applied to determine the relationship of independent variables with metabolic syndrome. Results: The overall mean age of the patients was 39.08±10.14 years. The mean waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were 94.71±12.30 cm, 133.83±13.27 mg/dl, 48.10±7.89 mg/dl,102.94±17.67 mmHg, 76.88±8.56 mmHg, and 93.06±9.78 mg/dl respectively. A total of 10.1% of the patients were found to have metabolic syndrome. There was a significant association between metabolic syndrome and age and family income. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was observed in 10.1% of the patients and this was more commonly found in: the age group >40 years, married individuals, low socioeconomic status individuals, and illiterate individuals.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Profile of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Rheumatic Heart disease (RHD) is the leading cause of acquired heart disease and more prevalent in developing countries. The objective of the study was to determine the clinical and echocardiographic profiles of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Materials and Methods: All patients above the age of 12 years of either gender diagnosed with Rheumatic heart disease from January 2018 to December 2019 at tertiary care hospital, Hyderabad were enrolled in the study. Detailed patient data was obtained from the hospital records. Information regarding gender, age, Electrocardiogram findings, clinical and echocardiographic manifestations was obtained. Results: Throughout the two-year study period, a total of fifty patients with RHD were studied. The mean age of the population was 33.71 years. Females (64%) outnumbered males and 60% were rural population. The clinical features observed were fever (80%), joint pain (64%), palpitation (60%), breathlessness (90%) and chest pain (50%), tachycardia (60%), raised JVP (10%), hypertension (20%). The common echocardiographic findings observed were mitral stenosis (50%), mitral regurgitation (24%) and pulmonary hypertension (36%), left atrial enlargement (56%), and right atrial enlargement (16%) whereas the majority of the patients (70%) have ejection fraction between 40-50% and thrombus was identified in 15 (30%) patients respectively. Conclusion: Common clinical findings observed were breathlessness and fever while the common echocardiographic findings were mitral stenosis and regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, and left atrial enlargement. Population-based screening by echocardiography could be a potential route for early screening of rheumatic heart disease.

Foetal outcome in patients with meconium stained liquor

OBJECTIVE

To determine the foetal outcome and mode of delivery in patients with meconium stained liquor during labour.

METHODS

The observational study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit-II of Liaquat University of Medical Health Sciences from June to November 2007. The patients with gestational age more than 37 weeks who presented with meconium stained liquor and cephalic presentation were included and the foetal outcome and mode of delivery was assessed in all such subjects. The data was collected on pre-designed proforma and analysed using SPSS version 10. Chi square test was applied with 95% confidence interval and p-value < or = 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients with meconium stained liquor were identified during the study period. The patients with reactive cardiotocography (CTG) were 50 (66.7%) and with non-reactive CTG, 25 (33.36%). Of the total, 45 (60%) patients were delivered through normal vaginal delivery, while 30 (40%) were delivered by caesarean section. The rate of instrumental delivery was also increased which was 12 (26.7%). Among the neonates exposed to meconium stained liquor, 62 (82.7%) babies were delivered with apgar score > 7. Only 13 (17.3%) babies were delivered with apgar score < 7 in one minute.

CONCLUSION

Meconium stained amniotic fluid is a common occurrence during labour and is associated with increased caesarean section rate and foetal morbidity and mortality.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection: A hospital based case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to compare the frequency of H. pylori infection in both groups.

STUDY DESIGN

Case control.

PLACE AND DURATION

Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital from October 2007 to March 2008.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 148 subjects and divided into two groups i.e. type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics; each group consisting of 74 patients. All diabetic patients of >/= 35 years of age, both gender and the known cases with history of dyspepsia, epigastric pain or bloating for more than a month were screened for Helicobacter pylori infection. The collected data of both groups was evaluated and separated for analysis.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients were male with mean age +/- SD, 52.86 +/- 8.51. Among the diabetic group, HpSA was positive in 54/74 (73%), whereas in the non-diabetic group HpSA was positive in 38/74 (51.4%) cases. Fasting blood glucose was identified as low in 04 (5.40%) H. pylori infected - diabetic patients where as the blood glucose level of 07 (9.45%) known diabetic patients was raised despite the ongoing medication.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic patients are more prone and at risk to acquire H. Pylori infection. Therefore proper monitoring of blood glucose level and screening for H. pylori infection are effective preventive measures for this life threatening infection.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A risk factor for Helicobacter pylori infection: A hospital based case-control study

Objective:

To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to compare the frequency of H. pylori infection in both groups.

Study Design:

Case control.

Place and Duration:

Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital from October 2007 to March 2008.

Materials and Methods:

This hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 148 subjects and divided into two groups i.e. type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics; each group consisting of 74 patients. All diabetic patients of ≥ 35 years of age, both gender and the known cases with history of dyspepsia, epigastric pain or bloating for more than a month were screened for Helicobacter pylori infection. The collected data of both groups was evaluated and separated for analysis.

Results:

Majority of the patients were male with mean age ± SD, 52.86 ± 8.51. Among the diabetic group, HpSA was positive in 54/74 (73%), whereas in the non-diabetic group HpSA was positive in 38/74 (51.4%) cases. Fasting blood glucose was identified as low in 04 (5.40%) H. pylori infected - diabetic patients where as the blood glucose level of 07 (9.45%) known diabetic patients was raised despite the ongoing medication.

Conclusion:

Diabetic patients are more prone and at risk to acquire H. Pylori infection. Therefore proper monitoring of blood glucose level and screening for H. pylori infection are effective preventive measures for this life threatening infection.

Precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy at a tertiary care hospital Jamshoro, Hyderabad

OBJECTIVE

To determine the precipitating factors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro.

METHODS

This hospital based descriptive study was conducted from April 2007 to September 2007. All the patients who were more than 12 years of age and were diagnosed as hepatic encephalopathy were studied. During this period, 87 patients of hepatic encephalopathy were admitted. All patients were carefully examined, relevant investigations were performed and data was collected through pre-designed proforma.

RESULTS

Male patients were 65 (75%), above 40 years of age 58 (67%), belonging to interior/periphery of Sindh 54 (62%), in grade IV of hepatic encephalopathy 70 (80%) and Anti-HCV positive were 52 (60%). The most common precipitating factors detected were infection 58 (67%), constipation 43 (49%) and gastrointestinal bleeding 39 (45%). Out of 87 patients, 68 had increased total leucocytes count, 09 patients had hypokalaemia, 24 patients, hyponatraemia, 64 hypoalbuminaemia and 54 patients had a disturbed coagulation profile. Fifty nine patients recovered and were discharged while 20 patients expired. Majority of expired patients had Child-Pugh score 10-15 and were in grade IV of hepatic encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that there were different factors which play a key role in hepatic encephalopathy. In these factors, infection was the most common.