Prevalence of menstrual irregularities after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination: A cross-sectional study in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Reports indicate that there are menstrual cycle disturbances following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. The present study explored the prevalence of menstrual irregularities after COVID-19 vaccination and the association of menstrual irregularities with vaccine type, doses, immediate adverse effects, history of COVID-19 infection, and its severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, 406 women of reproductive age completed an online survey about the postvaccine changes in their menstruation (cycle duration, bleeding days, and bleeding amount), COVID-19 vaccine history (doses, type of vaccine, and immediate adverse effects), history of COVID-19 infection, and its severity. Data was analyzed using SPSS; descriptive statistics were computed and Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Of the total 406 women, 45% reported postvaccine changes in their menstrual cycle. The most common menstrual change was increased dysmenorrhea (68%), followed by an increase in the length of the cycle (52%). There was a significant association between postvaccine menstrual changes and the age, marital status, and family history of menstrual irregularities. No association was observed between postvaccine menstrual changes and COVID-19 vaccine-and COVID-19 infection-related variables. As per the best-fit model of our predictors, the odds of having postvaccine menstrual changes were 0.41 times less in "single" women (confidence interval [CI] = 0.26-0.27; P < 0.001) and 1.714 times greater in women who had a "family history of menstrual irregularities" (CI = 1.092-2.690; P = 0.02), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A substantial number of women complained of postvaccine menstrual changes regardless of their age, type of COVID-19 vaccine, doses, immediate adverse effects, and COVID-19 infection history/severity. Being "single" decreased the probability, whereas having a family history of menstrual irregularities increased the probability significantly of having postvaccine menstrual changes.

Short sleep duration is a novel independent risk factor for overweight and obesity

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between sleep duration (SD) and body mass index (BMI) in young adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out between January and September 2022, and the participants were 1724 health sciences students aged 16-22 years, from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Measurement of height and weight was carried out and BMI was calculated by the formula=weight in kg/height in m2. Based on SD, subjects were divided into 3 groups: short SD: <7 hours/24 hours; normal SD: 7-9 hours/24 hours; and increased SD: >9 hours/24 hours.

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 19±3.2 years. Short sleepers had significantly higher BMI (24.2 kg/m2, p<0.001) relative to normal (23.03 kg/m2) and long sleepers (23.2 kg/m2, p=0.041). In addition, short sleep duration (SSD) was associated with overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) (p=0.01). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis found SSD to be an independent risk factor for OW and OB, as it retained its significance (p=0.049) even after adjusting for the major confounding factors of BMI (namely, decreased physical activity and increased food intake). Moreover, it emerged that SSD could lead to 1.47 times higher odds ratio of OW and OB.

CONCLUSION

Participants with a SSD had significantly higher BMI than normal and long sleepers. Short sleep duration is an independent risk factor for increased BMI, which potentially leads to 1.47 times increased odds ratio of having OW and OB.

The Effectiveness of Nigella sativa and Ginger as Appetite Suppressants: An Experimental Study on Healthy Wistar Rats

Background

Obesity is a global pandemic that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Natural herbs are commonly used for weight reduction and appetite suppression. Therefore, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of Nigella sativa (NS) and ginger on weight reduction and appetite regulation.

Methods

This experimental study was performed at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. Twenty-five female rats were distributed into 5 groups: NS (oral 1000mg/kg), Ginger (500 mg/kg), NS-ginger (both interventions), a positive control (intraperitoneal 50 μg/kg Liraglutide), and a negative control. Each intervention was given for 9 weeks. Food intake and body weight were assessed weekly. Serum lipid profile and peptides involved in appetite control (cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), ghrelin, peptide YY, and orexin) were assayed at the end of the experiment.

Results

None of the interventions showed a statistically significant difference regarding food consumption or weight gain (p > 0.05). However, the three interventions significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), NS and NS-ginger significantly increased HDL, NS increased ghrelin and ginger increased orexin.

Conclusion

The present dose and duration of NS, ginger, or in combination did not demonstrate a significant change in body weight or food consumption in comparison to the negative or positive controls. However, NS or ginger has improved the lipid profile by reducing TC and increasing HDL. In addition, NS or ginger can influence some of the peptides involved in appetite regulation such as the increase in ghrelin induced by NS and the reduction of orexin induced by ginger. We believe that these latter effects are novel and might indicate a promising effect of these natural products on appetite regulation.

Factors Affecting Health Care Professionals' Adherence to COVID-19 Precautionary Measures

Objective

COVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern. There is still no definitive cure for this highly transmittable illness. Immunization and breaking the chain of infection is the only successful approach to mitigate its spread. Our study explored the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and its associating factors among Health Care Professionals (HCPs) working in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from December 01, 2020, to March 31, 2021, among 978 HCPs in Saudi Arabia. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of demographic information, COVID-19 preventive behaviors, knowledge, attitude, fear, and risk. Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis, Spearman correlation, and binary logistic regression tests were used in data analysis.

Results

Most of the HCPs were Saudi nationals (86.9%), females (63.1%), age group 20-29 years (42.3%), Middle Eastern ethnicity (82.5%), and working in the government sector (80.8%). A 52.2% of the participants were compliant with COVID-19 preventive behavior. The most and the least compliant preventive behaviors were "wearing masks" (88.8% compliance) and "keeping social distancing" (60.7% compliance). Preventive behavior was significantly higher in HCPs having a) more knowledge of COVID-19 (U=104849; p 0.001); b) positive attitude (U=84402; p 0.001); c) higher fear (U=103138; p less than 0.001) and d) nursing profession (p 0.01). COVID-19 knowledge (p<0.001), attitude (p<0.001), and fear (p<0.001) contributed significantly to the prediction of preventive behavior compliance. A unit increase in COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and fear scores raised the odds of being compliant with preventive behavior by factors of 2.34, 1.87, and 1.53 respectively.

Conclusion

About half of the study participants were compliant with COVID-19 preventive behavior. Preventive behavior is significantly higher among HCPs having more knowledge of COVID-19, more fear, a positive attitude, and the "nursing" profession. Having more knowledge, a positive attitude, and more fear of COVID-19 may increase the likelihood of being compliant with preventive behavior.

Variations of Ghrelin and Obestatin Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle of Women of Different BMIs

Introduction

The cyclical changes of hormones during the menstrual cycle are responsible not only for reproductive function but also have other effects on dietary intake and appetite. The current study aimed to investigate the variations of appetite-related hormones (ghrelin and obestatin) during the menstrual cycle and their association with adipokines, estrogen, and BMI.

Methods

Fifty-six regularly menstruating female students were grouped into normal weight (BMI ≤24.9; n = 26), and overweight/obese subjects (BMI ≥25; n = 30). Serum ghrelin, obestatin, leptin, adiponectin, and estrogen levels were measured during the early follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle using the ELISA technique.

Results

There were insignificant differences in the levels of serum ghrelin, obestatin, and ghrelin/obestatin ratio across menstrual cycle phases in the whole cohort as well as in each group separately (p > 0.05). Serum ghrelin was significantly less in OW-OB as compared to the NW group (p = 0.005), whereas the average serum obestatin did not show any significant differences between the two groups. No significant correlation was seen between ghrelin and obestatin with the adipokines and estradiol.

Conclusion

Significant low level of ghrelin was observed in obese group during the follicular phase. This finding may provide new insights into the altered ghrelin patterns in OW-OB individuals, as a cause or a consequence of obesity and related menstrual disorders.

Post-Acute Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Cardiac Autonomic Function

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Association Between Time Spent on Electronic Devices and Body Mass Index in Young Adults

Objective

To evaluate the association between time spent on electronic devices (TSED) and body mass index in young adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021 on 1877 students (aged 18–22 yrs) from multiple health Colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The main tools of the study were 1) Body mass index (BMI) and an online questionnaire. The subjects were categorized into 3 main groups based on their TSED: 1) Low TSED < 2 hours/day, 2) Medium TSED= 3 to 5 hours/day, 3) Excessive TSED ≥ 6 hours /day. Based on BMI, subjects were categorized into three main groups: Normal and underweight (BMI ≤ 24.9), overweight (BMI > 25–29.9), and obese (BMI > 30).

Results

Participants’ average age was 20 ± 2 years. The average BMI was 23.5 k/m². The % of students falling into the categories of normal weight, overweight, and obesity was 69.2%, 19.05%, and 11.7% respectively. The average TSED of study participants was 8.2 ± 3.45 hrs /24 hours. 71.15% of participants indicated a TSED of ≥6 hrs/24 hours and 23.71% reported a TSED of 3–5 hrs/24 hours. Only 3.15% of participants reported TSED of ≤2 hrs/24 hours. Although a rise in the mean BMI was observed with an increase in the TSED, but this difference was not statistically significant. The pairwise wise comparison also failed to demonstrate any difference in BMI between different categories of TSED. Furthermore, no significant positive correlation was found between increased BMI and excessive TSED (P = 0.37).

Conclusion

A high percentage of young adults (31.2%) were overweight or obese, but excessive TSED was not significantly associated with increased BMI in this study population. Further studies are recommended to identify the effects of other factors in causing increased BMI in young adults.

A Pilot Mitochondrial Genome-Wide Association on Migraine Among Saudi Arabians

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been reported in multiple neurological diseases and helped to explain the pathophysiology of these diseases. Similarly, variations in mtDNA might exist in migraine and can explain the effect of low ATP production in the neurons on the initiation of migraine attack. Therefore, in the current study we aim to explore the association of mtDNA mutations on migraine in the Saudi population.

Subjects and Methods

Over 1950 young Saudi female students were screened for migraine, among that a total of 103 satisfied the ICHD-3 criteria. However,  20 migraine cases confirmed in the neurology clinic and gave consent to participate in the study. Another 20 age-matched healthy controls were also recruited. Mitochondrial sequence variations were filtered from exome sequencing using NCBI GenBank Reference Sequence: NC_012920.1 and analysed using MITOMAP. Genes with significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated by the gene functional classification tool DAVID and functional enrichment analysis of protein-protein interaction networks through STRING 11.5 for the most significant associated genes.

Results

Genome wide analysis of the mitochondrial sequence variations between the patients with migraine and control revealed the association of 30 SNPs (p < 0.05) in the mitochondrial genome. The highest significance (p = 0.001033) was observed in a coding SNP (rs1603225278) in the CYTB gene and rs386829281 in the region of origin of replication. Twenty-four significant SNPs were in the coding region of nine (ND5, ND4, COX2, COX1, ND3, CYTB, COX3, ND2 and ND1) genes.

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate the association of mtDNA variations with migraine in the Saudi population. The current findings will help to highlight the significance of mtDNA mutations to migraine pathophysiology and will serve as a reference data for larger national and international studies.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Residents of Saudi Arabia

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the stress levels and identify various factors responsible for causing high-stress scores during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Saudi population.

Patients and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, from June 2020 until December 2020 on 4052 respondents from the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. An online survey was used to collect information about various stress factors. The psychological impact of COVID-19 was measured by using the COVID-19 impact event scale (COVID-19 IES), whereas general stress levels were assessed by K10 Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).

Results

The psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak revealed that 35.4% of participants suffered from moderate or severe psychological impact (score>33); 19.7% had a mild psychological impact (scores24–32), whereas 44.9% reported minimal psychological impact (score <23). The factors significantly associated with higher stress scores and COVID-19 IES included male gender, low monthly income, having a private business, living in apartments/residential complexes, poor general health status, visit hospital/doctor in the past three months, presence of chronic disease, direct/indirect contact with someone diagnosed with/suspected to have COVID-19, contact with surfaces/tools infected with COVID-19, getting screened or quarantined for COVID-19, follow-up of the latest news about COVID-19 and knowledge of a greater number of people infected and died with COVID-19 (p < 0.05). In contrast, being an elementary school student, having 4–10 children, observing various protective measures, and staying home for 4–12 hours were associated with lower COVID-19 IES (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

During the initial six months of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia, 35.4% participants suffered from moderate to the severe psychological impact. This study identified various factors responsible for high COVID-19 IES and K10 stress scores. These findings can help formulate psychological interventions for improving the stress scales in vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Body mass index, eating habits, and various lifestyle changes in young adults during the two years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to find out the perceived impact of 2 years of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on various lifestyle behaviors (LSBs) and changes and their effect on body mass index (BMI) of young Saudi adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a descriptive exploratory study conducted in January 2022 on 1724 students (aged 16-21 years) from multiple colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The main tools of the study were: BMI and an online 30-item LSB and changes structured questionnaire, which assessed LSB and perceived changes, 1 month immediately preceding and 2 years after the COVID-19 outbreak.

RESULTS

Our study results showed that 48% of the subjects gained weight after the pandemic. Screen time (ST) increased from 6.8 h before pandemic to 9.2 h/24 h after pandemic outbreak (P < 0.0001). However, no significant association was observed between excessive ST and increased BMI. A significant decrease in physical activity was seen after the outbreak (P < 0.001), which was positively but insignificantly associated with increased BMI (P = 0.3). A significant increase in the frequency of food intake was observed; 18.7% of the subjects reported taking ≥ 4 meals/day before the epidemic compared to 32.1% during the pandemic (P = 0.001). Decreased intake of homemade food, increased intake of junk food, and increased number of the meals/day were significantly related with increased BMI (P < 0.05). The strongest risk factor for increased BMI after the outbreak of the pandemic was ≥4 meals/day (OR=1.6; P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

After 2 years of the pandemic, 48% of the young adults perceived they had gained weight, which was strongly associated with self-reported increase in the number of meals/day (≥4). These observations could aid the development of nutritional recommendations to maintain the health of young adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association between sex hormones and migraine in young Saudi females

Objectives:

To assess the sex hormone levels in young Saudi female migraineurs during a migraine attack and during pain-free periods and compare them with control subjects.

Methods:

A case-control study involving 14 Saudi female migraineurs and 21 control subjects was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020. Demographic and disease history data were collected through participant interviews. Blood samples were drawn during the migraine attack and pain-free periods.

Results:

Follicular (30.00±19.60; p<0.001) and luteal (39.79±11.45; p=0.037) estrogen levels were significantly higher in patients with non-menstrual related migraine (NMM), while luteal testosterone levels (1.10±0.31; p=0.023) were significantly higher in patients with menstrually related migraine (MM). Body mass index (BMI) was higher in patients with NMM (25.77±6.53; p=0.013), and it was found to be associated with follicular estrogen (p=0.016), progesterone (p=0.018), and pain intensity (p=0.042). Luteal estrogen level was significantly lower (13.96±7.88; p=0.036) in patients with luteal onset of attack.

Conclusion:

High estrogen levels were found to mediate NMM, their effect being more pronounced with increase in BMI; whereas low luteal estrogen levels mediated MM. Young females with MM might have high luteal testosterone levels, and a compensatory protective role could be surmised accordingly.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Prediabetes in Young Saudi Females in a University Setting

Background

Studies reporting prediabetes prevalence in young Saudis are almost a decade old. The present study determined prediabetes prevalence and its associated risk factors (body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure and physical activity) in young Saudi females.

Methods

Three hundred Saudi females (18–20 years old), studying in year 2 and 3 at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, were categorized as normoglycemic or prediabetic based on fasting plasma glucose criteria of World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA). Anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, atherogenic indices, and physical activity data were compared. Association between fasting blood glucose and study variables was found by Bivariate analysis (Spearman Correlation for non-parametric variables and Pearson correlation for parametric) followed by Binary Logistic Regression analysis.

Results

Prevalence of prediabetes by WHO and ADA criteria were 11.3% and 18.7% respectively. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, waist circumference, waist-hip and waist-stature-ratios were significantly raised in prediabetics compared to normoglycemic (WHO criteria p-values; 0.03, 0.003, 0.005, 0.01, 0.01, 0.04 respectively; ADA criteria 0.04, 0.001, 0.02, 0.02, 0.03, 0.01 respectively). For each unit increase in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures, and waist circumference, the odds of becoming prediabetic increased by a factor of 1.02, 1.05, 1.04 and 1.03 respectively by WHO criteria: and 1.01, 1.03, 1.02, and 1.02 respectively by ADA criteria

Conclusion

Substantial numbers of young females in our university are suffering from prediabetes. An increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures and waist circumference are significant risk factors for prediabetes in young females.

The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pneumonia on the Pulmonary Function of Survivors

BACKGROUND

The sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function and airways inflammation are still an area of active research.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on the lung function after three months from recovery.

METHODS

Fifty subjects (age 18-60 years) were recruited and classified into two groups: the control group (30 subjects) and the post-COVID-19 pneumonia group (20 patients). Pulmonary function tests, spirometry, body plethysmography [lung volumes and airway resistance (Raw)], diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), were measured after at least 3 months post-recovery.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), FEV1/FEV, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in post-COVID-19 subjects compared to controls. Restrictive lung impairment was observed in 50% of post-COVID-19 cases (n = 10) compared to 20% in the control group (n = 6, P = 0.026). In addition, mild diffusion defect was detected in 35% (n = 7) of the post-COVID-19 group compared to 23.3% (n = 7) in the controls (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pneumonia has an impact on the lung functions in terms of restrictive lung impairment and mild diffusion defect after three months from recovery. Therefore, a long-term follow-up of the lung function in post-COVID-19 survivors is recommended.

Effects of ELDOA and post-facilitation stretching technique on pain and functional performance in patients with piriformis syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Piriformis syndrome (PS) is a neuro-muscular condition, which is often underdiagnosed in clinical settings. This study will determine the effects of myofascial stretching Elongation Longitudinaux Avec Decoaption Osteo Articulaire (ELDOA) and post-facilitation stretching of the piriformis muscle in patients with PS.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the effects of ELDOA and post-facilitation stretching of the piriformis muscle on pain, muscle length and functional performance in patients with PS.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 40 PS patients including both males and females, between the ages of 30-70. Patients were randomly assigned to the ELDOA or post-facilitation group after assessments with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Piriformis Length Test and Straight Leg Raise (SLR). The assessments were done at baseline and at the end of the sixth week of treatment.

RESULTS

The patients treated with ELDOA demonstrated significant improvement in pain (pre = 7.00 ± 2.75, post = 3.00 ± 1.75), piriformis length (pre = 27.6 ± 5.54, post = 36.8 ± 3.13), SLR (pre = 36.40 ± 7.24, post = 67.5 ± 8.36) and LEFS (pre = 26.90 ± 12.24, post = 58.10 ± 8.62), as compared with the group treated with post-facilitation stretching: pain: pre = 6.00 ± 1.00, post = 2.00 ± 1.50; piriformis length: pre = 28.55 ± 4.03, post = 38.8 ± 2.70; SLR: pre = 40.60 ± 7.48, post = 74.25 ± 5.19, and LEFS: pre = 25.20 ± 7.66, post = 66.30 ± 7.27).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the post-facilitation stretching technique shows more improvement in pain, muscle length, SLR, and LEFS in patients with PS as compared to ELDOA.

Evaluation of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen to treat coccidiosis in wild pigeons

Coccidiosis remains one of the major problems in poultry all over the world. Very limited data on anticoccidial drugs in wild pigeons is available. The current study was aimed to understand the comparative efficacy of sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen in wild pigeons of Dir district, Pakistan suffering from coccidiosis. The faecal matter of wild pigeons were purchased from the local market for coccidian infection. Results revealed that 88.8% (16/18) were found infected with Eimeria spp. Three positive groups were treated with sulfadimidine (0.2mg/L), amprolium (25mg/L) and triquen. Sulfadimidine was most effective (45%) followed by amprolium (44.6%) while triquen (24.0%) showed less effectiveness against coccidiosis in pigeons. Number of oocysts were 79, 81 and 80 before treatment and 60, 44 and 44 after treatment with sulfadimidine, amprolium and triquen respectively. This study showed that sulphadimidine, amprolium and triquen could not significantly reduce the coccidiosis in pigeons. Further studies are required to clear the mechanism of anti-coccidial drugs in wild pigeons.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Apolipoprotein E in Migraine: A Preliminary Study

Background

A reliable, migraine-specific biomarker has not been identified so far. Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) and Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) might serve as migraine biomarkers due to their roles in migraine pathophysiology. However, their diagnostic usefulness has not been explored yet. Present study explored the diagnostic accuracy of CGRP and ApoE in migraine.

Methods

A cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 at Physiology department of our university. Fourteen female migraine patients, 18–25 years old, with confirmed “Migraine” diagnosis by a neurologist, were recruited. Control group consisted of 14 age-matched healthy females with no personal/family history of migraine. Blood was drawn once from control subjects and twice from migraine patients (ictal and interictal phase). Serum CGRP and ApoE levels were assessed by ELISA. Statistical analysis involved paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and cross-tabs.

Results

ApoE (mg/dl) was higher significantly in interictal (1.90±0.50) and ictal (1.97±0.65) phases of migraine compared to control (1.07±0.26) (p ≤ 0.001). ROC curves for ApoE were significant in migraine ictal vs control (AUC= 0.91, AUC 95% CI: 0.78–1.0) and migraine interictal vs control (AUC=0.92, AUC 95% CI: 0.8–1.0) subjects. ROC curve for CGRP (pg/mL) was significant in migraine ictal vs control subjects only (AUC=0.79, AUC 95% CI: 0.6–0.97).

Conclusion

Serum ApoE has “excellent” accuracy to diagnose migraine patients whether in ictal or interictal phase, from healthy subjects. ApoE levels of patients in these two phases of migraine are raised significantly than healthy subjects. CGRP has “fair” diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between migraine ictal phase and healthy subjects. Its levels do not differ significantly among migraine ictal, interictal phase and healthy controls.

Effectiveness of case-based teaching of cardiovascular physiology in clinical pharmacy students

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to formulate and implement a case-based cardiovascular physiology module for second year clinical pharmacy (CP) students. We also evaluated the students' feedback and compared the academic performance between a case-based teaching (CBT) group and a traditional didactic lectures (TDL) group.

METHODS

This descriptive quantitative study was conducted on 181 students who were divided into two groups. Group 1 (77 students) underwent TDL and the same topics were delivered to Group 2 (94 students) through CBT. A written examination was conducted at the end of both modules. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain feedback from the CBT group regarding CBT and their assessment grades (response rate - 93.6%).

RESULTS

Students' feedback about CBT was positive. The majority of students, 63 (72%), preferred learning and understanding through CBT, finding it an enjoyable experience. Participants stated that CBT stimulated critical thinking (67; 76%) and linked theory to practice (69, 78%). Furthermore, 70 (80%) preferred this type of teaching and assessment in the future and 70 (80%) agreed to include CBT in all preclinical subjects. Students feedback was supported by exam results: the mean percentage of exam scores in the CBT group was significantly higher in comparison to the TDL group (81.2% vs. 79%, p value <0.05). Further comparison within the CBT group revealed improved student performance in "case-based" as compared to "conventional" questions (82.75% vs. 80%, p value <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Students greatly appreciated CBT, as it stimulated logical thinking and active participation in the class, resulting in improved performance in exams.

Effects of -3.7α Deletion and Sickle-Cell Trait on Ventilatory and Hemodynamic Responses to Maximum Exercise in Young Saudi Females

Introduction

Hemoglobinopathies are common disorders in Saudi Arabia and have an impact on the general health of the affected individuals. The current study aimed to find out the effects of the presence of α 3.7 kb rightward deletion or sickle-cell trait (SCT) on ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters of maximum exercise testing in young Saudi women.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 75 randomly selected female students from different colleges were tested for VO_2max using a COSMED system for maximum exercise testing. Blood parameters and globin genotyping were determined.

Results

Hemoglobin genetic studies revealed 28 of the students had 3.7 α-globin deletion only (^−3.7α₂/α₁α₂), five had SCT, and 42 had normal α-globin (α₁α₂/α₁α₂ and no HbS) and were considered the control group. Subjects with ^−3.7α₂/α₁α₂ showed significantly lower VO_2max and higher resting systolic blood pressure, while SCT carriers showed no difference in regard to ventilatory parameters, but had higher post-exercise systolic blood pressure than controls.

Conclusion

It is concluded that individuals with 3.7 α-globin deletion might have lower fitness capacity, as demonstrated by lower VO_2max, which might explain the general lower VO_2max in the young women of this population. Furthermore, increments in resting systolic and posteexercise systolic blood pressure in 3.7 α-globin deletion and SCT, respectively, might indicate a future risk of cardiovascular diseases and require attention and extensive studies.

Prevalence of Migraine and its Relationship with Psychological Stress and Sleep Quality in Female University Students in Saudi Arabia

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of migraine in young female adults and to identify if a relationship exists between psychological stress or poor sleep quality and migraine.

Materials and Methods

This case control study was carried out at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, KSA from March 2019 to March 2020 on 1,990 female students (17- to 26-years-old). The study tools were Migraine Screening Questionnaire (MS-Q), International Headache Society (IHS) Criteria for Migraine, K10 Psychological Distress Instrument (K10) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

A total of 103 out of 1,990 (5.17%) participants were identified to have migraine. Migraineurs compared to controls had significantly higher average stress scores; felt more tired, nervous, restless, could not sit still, felt that everything was an effort, and nothing cheered them up (p values; 0.008, 0.001, 0.02, 0.01, 0.004, 0.009, 0.02 respectively). Moreover, presence of migraine was significantly correlated with various stress parameters including "High K10 scores," "being tired," "being nervous," "restlessness," "inability to sit still," and "feeling that everything is an effort" (p values: 0.01, 0.002, 0.018, 0.01,0.005, 0.01,0.02). Regarding sleep quality and sleep parameters, no statistically significant difference was found between migraineurs and controls. No correlation was found between presence of migraine and poor sleep quality.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that 5.17% of young females (17- to 26-years-old) suffer from migraine. It also concludes that poor sleep quality is not correlated with migraine, whereas high stress scores are significantly correlated with migraine in young female adults.

Trends of utilization of Complete Blood Count parameters for patient management among doctors in Azad Kashmir

Objective:

To determine the trends of utilization of CBC parameters in patient management among doctors in different hospitals in Kashmir, Pakistan.

Methodd:

A self-administered questionnaire-based survey was carried out amongst doctors working in four hospitals of Kashmir i.e. Combined Military Hospital, Muzaffarabad, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalakot, Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, Muzaffarabad, and District Hospital, Kotli during August to December 2017.

Results:

Out of 500 physicians, 217 physicians answered the questionnaire, representing a response rate of 43.4%. Only three of the 11 parameters in the CBC report i.e. hemoglobin, white blood cell count and platelets were selected as frequently or always useful by more than 80% of physicians. Rest of the eight parameters of the CBC were found useful by less than 80% of the physicians. Most agreed that the current format of a CBC report gives adequate information.

Conclusion:

The present study concludes that majority of the physicians utilize only three of the basic parameters on the complete blood count. An educational intervention can be planned for the physicians to increase their knowledge about the utility of other parameters.

Effect of modified physiology laboratory sessions on the awareness and knowledge of obesity of health-related university students

BACKGROUND:

Obesity is a global health problem of immense magnitude. Increased awareness and knowledge about obesity in health-care providers are essential to addressing this global issue. The aim of the present study was to assess the baseline knowledge on obesity of university students in health-related programs and evaluate the effectiveness of modified physiology laboratory (MPL) sessions in enhancing the awareness of obesity of these students by repeated exposure to physiological differences between normal weight (NW) and overweight or obese (OW/OB) individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a quasi-experimental study in which three regular physiology laboratory exercises were modified (MPL) to address different aspects of obesity. A total of 319 students (181 male and 138 female) from health-related colleges taking the physiology course during academic session 2011–2012 were included in the study. A questionnaire on obesity served as a measure of prior knowledge and improvement of evolution of student knowledge. The questionnaire was administered thrice: Beginning of the first MPL session (pretest), at the end of the second session of the first MPL (posttest-1), and the end of second session of the final MPL (posttest-2). Correct knowledge (CK), perceived knowledge (PK), and accuracy of knowledge (KA) were evaluated. Students gathered and analyzed physiological data in these sessions to explore the differences between NW and OW/OB subjects.

RESULTS:

The students' level of PK on obesity was high, but KA was low in pretest. The three knowledge indices improved significantly (P <0.001) from pretest (PK = 77.2%; KA = 52.8%; CK = 40.5%) to posttest 1 (PK = 93.5%; KA = 70.1%; CK = 65.9%). However, from posttest 1 to posttest 2, only small but significant increments were observed in CK (10.5%) and KA (8.7%).

CONCLUSION:

The awareness and knowledge on obesity of health-related undergraduate university students at baseline were low, but significantly improved after MPLs. The students' knowledge did not only increase but also improved in accuracy. This increase in awareness and knowledge of obesity is expected to directly impact on the students' lifestyles and boost their confidence to counsel others on obesity.

Protective Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs1861868-FTO and rs7975232-VDR and Obesity in Saudi Females

Background

Obesity is a major health threat worldwide. It predisposes individuals to diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and cancer. Genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the increasing incidence of obesity. In this study, we investigated the genetic factors associated with obesity in young Saudi women.

Subjects and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 131 young Saudi female students were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio, blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and vitamin D3 levels of the subjects were determined. Twelve SNPs of different genes that showed a correlation with obesity in different population were tested, namely GNPDA2 (rs10938397), TCF7L2 (rs10885409), FTO (rs1477196), ADIPOQ (rs1501299), MC4R (rs17782313), ABCA1 (rs1800977), FTO (rs1861868), VDR (rs2228570), VDR (rs731236), VDR (rs7975232), ADIPOQ (rs266729), and PFPK (rs6602024). Student’s t-test was conducted for all parameters. Pearson correlation was performed to identify the correlated variables. The frequencies of different risk alleles were determined by direct counting of the test allele divided by the total number of alleles and compared.

Results

Only two SNPs, rs1861868 of FTO and rs7975232 of VDR, of the twelve tested SNPs showed significant protective associations with the BMI with odds ratio 0.3886 (0.1761–0.8572); p 0.0192 and odds ratio 0.4563 (0.2343–0.8888); p 0.0211, respectively.

Conclusion

The current study showed that minor alleles, “T” of FTO and “A” of VDR, might be protective factors against increased BMI in young Saudi female subjects. To elucidate this association, further studies with larger sample size involving both sexes are required.

Identifying menarcheal age and its association with body mass index in young Saudi females

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship of menarcheal age with body mass index (BMI), to find mean menarcheal age in Saudi population and compare it with global data, and to create awareness in health science students  on  harmful effects of obesity.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out between February 2015 and February 2016 on 744 health sciences students of Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia aged 18-21 years. Weight and height was measured, and subjects were categorized into 2 groups on the basis of BMI: normal and underweight (BMI ≤24.9), and over weight and obese (BMI ≥25). The data analyzed was preformed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

Mean menarcheal age of subjects was 13.1 years. Early menarche was observed in 35.6% of the students. Of the 21.7% overweight/obese group, 45.6% reported early menarche. The early menarcheal group had significantly higher BMI compared to late menarcheal group (p=0.021). Significant negative correlation was found between BMI and menarcheal age (p=0.0006). Conclusion: The present study indicates a downward secular trend in the menarcheal age of the Saudi population. Moreover, a negative correlation between BMI and menarcheal age was also documented.

Effects of Mobile Use on Subjective Sleep Quality

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to find out the association between mobile use and physiological parameters of poor sleep quality. It also aimed to find out the prevalence of mobile-related sleep risk factors (MRSRF) and their effects on sleep in mobile users.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1925 students (aged 17-23yrs) from multiple Colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study tools used were Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and MRSRF online questionnaires.

RESULTS

The mean age (±SD) of participants was 19.91 ± 2.55 years. Average mobile screen usage time was 8.57±4.59/24 hours, whereas average mobile screen usage time in the bed after the lights have been turned off was 38.17±11.7 minutes. Only 19.7% of subjects used airplane mode, while 70% kept the mobile near the pillow while sleeping. The blue light filter feature was used by only 4.2% of the participants. "Screen usage time of ≥8 hours" was positively correlated with sleep disturbances and decrease in the length of actual sleeping time (p =0.023 and 0.022). "Using the mobile for at least 30 minutes (without blue light filter) after the lights have been turned off" showed positive correlation with poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances and increased sleep latency (p= 0.003, 0.004 and 0.001). "Keeping the mobile near the pillow while sleeping" was also positively correlated with daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances and increased sleep latency (p =0.003, 0.004 and 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that using mobile screen ≥8 hours/24 hours, using the mobile for at least 30 minutes before sleeping after the lights have been turned off and keeping the mobile near the pillow are positively associated with poor sleep quality. Moreover, we observed that MRSRF were highly prevalent amongst the mobile users.

Comparison of Adiponectin Levels During the Menstrual Cycle Between Normal Weight and Overweight/Obese Young Females

To compare serum adiponectin changes across the menstrual cycle between normal weight and overweight/obese young women and its correlation with serum estradiol. Young women (n=56) with regular menstrual cycle had been grouped according to their BMI into normal weight group (n=26) and overweight /obese group (n=30). Blood samples were drawn during early follicular (FP), pre-ovulatory (OP) and luteal phases (LP) of menstrual cycle for serum adiponectin and estradiol levels determination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adiponectin serum level showed a significant decreasing pattern across the phases of menstrual cycle in normal weight group. This pattern was absent in the overweight/obese group. In addition, serum adiponectin was lower in overweight/obese group compared to normal weight subjects through all phases of menstrual cycle. No correlation was found between adiponectin and estradiol levels in both groups. A significant variation of serum adiponectin level was detected across the menstrual cycle in females with normal weight. In comparison, overweight/obese group showed a relatively stable adiponectin level throughout the cycle. This lack of adiponectin variation might be added to the complex mechanisms lies behind obesity-related female infertility.

Comparing levels of psychological stress and its inducing factors among medical students

Objective

This study aimed to determine and compare degrees of psychological stress and inducing factors thereof among first to fifth year medical students (MS).

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 468 female MS. We used the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Inventory consisting of questions on a range of stress-inducing factors.

Results

A total of 67.9% students reported physiological stress. The percentage of MS without stress and with mild, moderate, and severe stress was 32%, 24%, 22%, and 21.8%, respectively. The highest prevalence of physiological stress was found among first-year students (82.6%). Stress scores significantly decreased with advancement in the year of study, except for the final year (p = 0.001). We found that the first year of medical studies (0.022), academic stress (0.001), the presence of a physical problem (0.001), and being married (0.002) were independent risk factors for high perceived stress (HPS), as shown by K10 scores >24. A total of 11.1% students consulted a psychiatrist, whereas 3.4% admitted taking some medication for stress.

Conclusion

This study infers that the first year of medical studies, academic stress, the presence of a physical problem, and being married are independent risk factors for HPS. We recommend mandatory stress screening for MS in all medical colleges. Ideally, the screening should be repeated every six months and students identified as having HPS should be provided with counselling, mental health services, and a proper follow-up.

Validity of maximal oxygen consumption prediction equations in young Saudi females

OBJECTIVES

To determine the applicability of Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman predictive equations for maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in Saudi females.  Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between March and May 2017. Maximal oxygen consumption was measured directly through the COSMED system for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 102 girls with normal body mass index (19-25 years old). Maximal oxygen consumption was indirectly predicted by Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations. Paired t-test, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman plot were used for comparison, correlation, and agreement analysis. Results: The difference between the mean and standard deviation (±SD) VO2max values of the direct measurement (27.39±4.06 ml/kg-1/min-1), and the Jones (35.19±2.12 ml/kg-1/min-1), Hansen (33.64±0.24 ml/kg-1/min-1), and Wasserman (35.20±0.17 ml/kg-1/min-1) equations, was statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Bland-Altman plot analysis suggested a lack of agreement between direct and predicted VO2max. Pearson correlation failed to reveal any correlation between direct VO2max and VO2max calculated with any of the 3 equations. Conclusion: Jones, Hansen, and Wasserman equations for prediction of VO2max cannot be justified in the studied population. For the better prediction of VO2max, either these equations should be modified, or a new equation should be developed for the Saudi population.

Functional DNA variations associated with Saudi female with low VO2max: a pilot microarray study

The study aims to explore the genetic predispositions and molecular pathways of low cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) in young Saudi females (n = 70). Young females were grouped based on the level of VO2max according to the specification of the physical fitness specialist certification as low VO2max (< 28.9; n = 19) and high VO2max (> 33; n = 14) and genotyped for 243345 putative functional exonic variants. The CYFIP2&FNDC9-rs10037485T, C1R-rs75380747G and TOP2A-rs13695C SNPs on chromosome 5, 12 and 17, respectively were found to be the most significant among young Saudi females with low VO2max (P < 8.01 × 10-05). Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis among the significant SNPs (P < 0.001) have revealed risk and protective haplotypes with high degree (p-value < 1.0 × 10-4) of LD. The most significant risk haplotypes with the low VO2max in young Saudi females are: Chromosome 1: LOC112268276-rs10800201G; LOC112268276-rs4657537A; rs4657583T (p-value = 2.00 × 10-04); Chromosome 3: rs978979G; CCDC66-rs7637449A; CCDC66-rs111934125T; FAM208A-rs9835332G (p-value = 5.00 × 10-04) and Chromosome 17: STX2-rs13696C; TNS4-rs1901187C (p-value = 1.00 × 10-04). Functional Enrichment Analysis revealed that the genes with SNPs P < 0.001 have significantly involved in the heart rate (P = 0.00442), body weight (P = 0.00629), breath tests (P = 0.0147), proteolysis (P = 0.00623) and cardiac muscle fiber development (P = 0.0263). In conclusion we could say that the identified genetic predispositions and gene-annotation enrichment in low VO2max in young Saudi females revealed that they are at high risk for developing cardiovascular complications.

Association of anthropometric measurements with oxidant-antioxidant status among young Saudi females

Present study aimed to explore the levels and correlation of oxidative stress biomarkers with anthropometry in a population of young Saudi females. One hundred six normotensives, non-diabetic Saudi females, with minimally active lifestyle, based on their body mass index (BMI) were divided as; normal-weight (NW; n=52), overweight (OW; n=24) and obese (OB; n=30). Anthropometric measurements [BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), Body Density (BD), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), % Body fat] and oxidative stress biomarkers; Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-2dG: indicative of DNA/RNA damage), Superoxide dismutase, Serum total antioxidant capacity) were recorded. There was statistically significant higher 8-OH-2dG (pg/ml) in OB compared to NW (800.63+/-6.19 vs. 780.22+/-3.34; p=0.007), as determined by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. 8-OH-2dG was significantly and positively associated with BMI (r=0.286, p=0.004), WC (r=0.280, p=0.005), BAI (r=0.26, p=0.008), and % body fat (r=0.27, p=0.006). There may be significantly increased DNA damage in normoglycemic, normotensive obese adolescent females. This can be linked to the amount of adipose tissue in the body as depicted by strong positive association between DNA damage and BMI, WC, BAI, and % body fat.

Prevalence of menstrual problems and their association with psychological stress in young female students studying health sciences

Objectives:

To identify the prevalence of various menstrual problems in young females studying health sciences and to identify their association with academic stress.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the health colleges of Immam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia between February 2015 and February 2016. Seven hundred and thirty-eight female students aged 18-25 years anonymously completed menstrual problem identification and perceived stress scale questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0.

Results:

Ninety-one percent of the students were suffering from some kind of menstrual problem. The different menstrual problems reported, and their incidences included irregular menstruation (27%), abnormal vaginal bleeding (9.3%), amenorrhea (9.2%), menorrhagia (3.4%), dysmenorrhea (89.7%), and premenstrual symptoms (46.7%). High perceived stress (HPS) was identified in 39% of the students. A significant positive correlation was found between HPS and menstrual problems. Students with HPS had 4 times, 2 times, and 2.8 times increased odds ratio for experiencing amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The most prevalent menstrual problems (dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms) in the target population were strongly associated with stress. Therefore, it is recommended that health science students should be provided with early psychological and gynecological counselling to prevent future complications.

Serum leptin level across different phases of menstrual cycle in normal weight and overweight/obese females

We compared serum leptin levels during various phases of menstrual cycle and its correlation with serum estradiol between normal weight and overweight/obese young females. Fifty-six young females with normal menstrual cycle were grouped into 26 normal weight and 30 overweight/obese subjects. Serum leptin and estradiol levels were measured during early follicular, pre-ovulatory and luteal phases of menstrual cycle in both groups using ELISA technique. Serum leptin levels were significantly different across different phases of menstrual cycle with a steady increment from follicular phase (9.97 ± 5.48 ng/dl) through pre-ovulatory phase (11.58 ± 6.49 ng/dl) with their peaks in luteal phase (12.52 ± 6.39 ng/dl, p < .001). Same pattern of change during menstrual phases was observed when the normal weight and overweight/obese group were analyzed separately. Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in overweight/obese group compared to normal weight subjects. In any of the study groups, leptin levels were not found to be correlated with estradiol level during different phases of menstrual cycle.

Serum kisspeptin levels across different phases of the menstrual cycle and their correlation with serum oestradiol

OBJECTIVE

A rise in oestrogen in the preovulatory phase produces a GnRH-induced luteinising hormone surge. Oestrogen receptors are not found on GnRH neurons but these are present on kisspeptin neurons. That led us to hypothesise that serum kisspeptin levels may vary during various phases of the menstrual cycle in relation to serum oestradiol.

METHODS

Thirty female students, 18-25 years old, Saudi nationality, with a regular menstrual cycle, were recruited from various health colleges of the University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Three blood samples per volunteer were collected at three different times: the early follicular, preovulatory and luteal phase. Serum kisspeptin and oestradiol were measured using ELISA kits. Comparison between individual subjects during the various phases was done by one-way, repeated-measures ANOVA. To discover which specific means differed, Bonferroni post hoc test was applied. Pearsons correlation was used to find out the relationship.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in serum kisspeptin levels from the early follicular to the preovulatory phase (264.11±28.42 vs. 472.46±17.82 nmol/l respectively), and from the preovulatory to the luteal phase (472.46±17.82 vs. 724.79±36.85 nmol/l respectively). Oestradiol levels also increased significantly (p = 0.006) from the early follicular to the preovulatory phase (45.85±5.34 vs. 79.07±7.45 pg/ml respectively), Pearsons correlation revealed a statistically insignificant correlation between kisspeptin and oestradiol in all three phases.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous kisspeptin secretion seems to vary across the different phases of the menstrual cycle and is not related to serum oestradiol.

Serum kisspeptin levels in normal and overweight Saudi females and its relation with anthropometric indices

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Animal studies suggest that undernutrition and low body weight are associated with low kisspeptin expression and vice versa. This led us to hypothesize that obese and overweight individuals might have significant differences in kisspeptin levels compared with normal-weight individuals.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS

A prospective cohort study of 1-year duration involving young Saudi female students in the University of Dammam.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Young Saudi females studying in a Saudi university were divided into 2 groups: normal weight with a body mass index (BMI)=18.5-24.99 and overweight/obese with a BMI >=25. Serum kisspeptin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in early follicular, pre-ovulatory, and luteal phases, and anthropometric parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean serum kisspeptin levels in the overweight/obese group (follicular phase: 266.88 [45.53], pre.ovulatory phase: 477.12 [21.18], and luteal phase: 735.13 [52.59]) did not differ significantly compared with the normal-weight group (follicular phase: 259.82 [20.50], pre-ovulatory phase: 448.36 [24.58], and luteal phase 708.18 [49.47]) in any of the menstrual phase. In any of the menstrual phase, kisspeptin levels were not found to be correlated with any of the anthropometric variable in any group.

CONCLUSION

Serum kisspeptin levels in overweight and obese young females may not differ significantly compared with normal-weight females, and there may not be any correlation between serum kisspeptin and anthropometric indices.