Effects of Multivitamin-Mineral Supplementation on Chronic Stress-Induced Oxidative Damage in Swiss Albino Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Stress is a hazardous occurrence that causes a variety of physiological and behavioral responses in a person. It increases energy metabolism and enhances oxidative stress, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of several diseases. Numerous vitamins and minerals have the ability to modulate oxidative stress. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multivitamin-mineral (MM) supplement in addressing oxidative imbalances caused by chronic stress in the plasma, hepatic, and renal tissues of Swiss albino mice. METHODS: Thirty healthy male Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned to one of the three groups, with 10 animals each: control, unpredictable chronic stress (UCS), and MM + UCS. The experiment lasted for four weeks, after which all the animals underwent cervical decapitation, and samples of their blood, liver, and kidney were taken for biochemical studies. DNA damage analysis was performed on lymphocytes. RESULTS: Exposure to UCS negatively affected all biochemical markers, as indicated by reduced levels of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and reduced glutathione) in the plasma, liver, and kidney tissues, along with enhanced levels of lipid peroxidation and marker enzymes. MM supplementation normalized the deranged biochemical markers in stress-exposed mice. The results of DNA damage supported the biochemical findings mentioned above. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that MM supplementation could help reduce oxidative disturbances caused by stress in both healthy and diseased conditions.

Genome-wide CNV analysis uncovers novel pathogenic regions in cohort of five multiplex families with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Structural reorganization of chromosomes by genomic duplications and/or deletions are known as copy number variations (CNVs). Pathogenic and disease susceptible CNVs alter gene dosage and its phenotypic expression that often leads to human genetic diseases including Neurological disorders. CNVs affecting same common genes in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders can better explain the shared clinical and genetic aetiology across brain diseases. Our study presents the novel copy number variations in a cohort of five multiplex consanguineous families with intellectual disability, microcephaly, ASD, epilepsy, and neurological syndromic features. Cytoscan HD microarray suite has revealed genome wide deletions, duplications and LOH regions which are co-segregating in the family members for the rare neurodevelopmental syndromic phenotypes. This study identifies 1q21.1 microduplication, 16p11.2 microduplication, Xp11.22 microduplication, 4p12 microdeletion and Xq21.1 microdeletion that significantly contribute to primary disease onset and its progression for the first time in Pakistani families. Our study has potential impact on the understanding of pathogenic genetic predisposition for appearance of complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with otherwise unexplained syndromic features. Identification of altered gene dosage across the genome is helpful in improved diagnosis, better disease management in day-to-day life activities of patients with cognitive impairment and genetic counselling of families where consanguinity is a tradition. Our study will contribute to expand the knowledge of genotype-phenotype expression and future gateways in therapeutics and precision medicine research will be open in Pakistan.

Ear diseases and factors associated with ear infections among the elderly attending hospital in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the anatomical structures and function of the ear can result in ear diseases, and may affect all age groups including the elderly as a result of aging. OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency and types of ear diseases among the elderly attending Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz bin Musa'ed Al Saud hospital, Arar city, in the Northern Province of KSA, and factors associated with ear infections among them. METHODS: This cross-sectional hospital based study conducted from December 2016 through May 2017 included 138 elderly participants. A questionnaire was designed for collecting data about socio-demographic variables, the frequency and types of ear diseases among participants, and factors associated with ear infections among them. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 15, using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. RESULTS: Findings showed that 49.3% of the participants were suffering from ear disease. Hearing impairment was detected in 37% of the elderly people studied. In addition, 9.4% and 2.9 % of the participants suffered from otitis media and otitis interna, respectively. None of the studied factors had a significant effect on the development and pattern of ear infection among the studied population. CONCLUSION: Ear diseases were found among the participants with variable rates. More than one third of respondents suffered from hearing impairment. Ear infections were detected in lower rates. Although these problems are not life threating, they negatively impact the quality of life, and measures are needed for prevention and control.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its relation with obesity in Turaif (Saudi Arabia) in 2017.

BACKGROUND: The significant increase in the prevalence of obesity over past decades caused the concomitant rise in the incidence of glucose intolerance and diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetes among Saudi nationals in Turaif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to examine the association between diabetes and obesity in the studied population. METHODS: This study was conducted during the period from May 01 to May 31, 2017. Data was collected from 402 individuals aged between 6-63 years via a predesigned questionnaire covering medical history of diabetes, age and sex. Body weight and height was measured to calculate BMI. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 15, using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. RESULTS: Mean age (± SD) was 23.27 (±13.509) years, male to female ratio was 38.1% to 61.9%. The total prevalence of DM among the studied population was 4.5%, pre-diabetic cases were 7.5%. There is significant effect of age, sex and BMI on the occurrence of diabetes among the studied population (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness campaigns and prevention programs about diabetes should be instituted and control strategies should be implemented. There is a need for a diabetes screening and management programs, focusing on access to health care in the city.

Epilepsy as a health problem among school children in Turaif, Northern Saudi Arabia, 2017.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases. There are no recently published data on the prevalence of epilepsy in school children in Northern Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and to show some of its risk factors in school children and adolescents (6-18 years) in Turaif city, Northern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turaif city, over a 6-month period, from July 2016 to January 2017. It included pupils aged 6 to18 years in all primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Turaif city. Multi-stage sampling was employed. A designated structured questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient's history, clinical examination, investigations and medications. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Chi-Squared test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 1,230 children, 66 (5.5%) had epilepsy; 68.2% of them were males and 31.8% females (p=0.000). Consanguinity between parents plays a significant role where 59.1% of cases had parents who were cousins (p=0.000). Family history also had a significant effect as 68.2% of cases had epilepsy cases in their families (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Epilepsy prevalence among school children (6-18 years) in Turaif city is higher in males than females. Consanguinity and positive family history are important factors. Decision makers must take effective steps to limit the causes and risk factors of the problem.