Growth hormone therapy is associated with improved uterine dimensions in girls with Turner syndrome prior to oestrogen replacement.

BACKGROUND: Adult women with Turner syndrome (TS) have high rates of miscarriage, presumably due to the abnormal size and shape of the uterus. There is a paucity of data regarding the determinants of uterine volume (UtVol) in young girls with TS before the initiation of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on premenarchal girls with TS, aged 5-15 years, pubertal stage B1-B3, not having received ERT (n = 73) and 50 age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric parameters and a history of growth hormone (GH) therapy (≥1 year) were noted. Uterine length (UtL), UtVol, and mean-ovarian-volume (MOV) standard-deviation scores (SDS) were determined from transabdominal ultrasonography data. RESULTS: Girls with TS had lower median UtVol-SDS (-1.07 vs. 0.86; p < .001), UtL-SDS (-3.72 vs. -0.41; p < .001) and MOV-SDS (-5.53 vs. 1.96; p < .001) compared to age-matched controls. Among TS girls, recipients of GH (n = 38) had higher UtVol-SDS (-0.63 vs. -1.39; p = .0001), UtL-SDS (-1.73 vs. -6.49; p < .0001) but similar MOV-SDS compared to nonrecipients (n = 35). Those with normal uterine volume for age (NUVA, n = 29) had earlier initiation (7.8 vs. 9.3 years; p = .03) and a longer duration of GH (3.71 vs. 2.14 years; p = .002) than those with low UtVol for age (n = 44). UtVol-SDS correlated with duration of GH (ρ = 0.411, p = .01) and negatively with age at GH initiation (ρ = -0.479, p = .003). In a model adjusted for pubertal status, karyotype and height-SDS, GH use could independently predict having NUVA (odds ratio: 5.09, confidence interval: 1.63-15.94, p = .005). CONCLUSION: GH therapy has a stimulatory effect on uterine dimensions in pre-and peripubertal girls with TS. Earlier initiation and longer duration of GH is important in TS girls before ERT.

Abnormal Body Composition Increases the Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents and Young Adults With Turner Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cardiometabolic risk of adolescents and adults with Turner syndrome (TS) and whether and how anthropometry and body composition predict this risk. METHODS: We compared the anthropometric, biochemical, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition parameters of 103 girls and women with TS aged 12 to 30 years and 103 controls of the same age and body mass index: (1) between TS with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), (2) between the different karyotypes of TS, and (3) between growth hormone recipients and nonrecipients. RESULTS: Individuals with TS had higher prevalence rates of truncal obesity (57.2%), MetS (37.9%), prediabetes (20.4%), dyslipidemia (73.8%), hypertension (9.7%), and hepatic steatosis (15.5%) and a greater total body fat percentage (38.43% vs 34.26%) and fat mass index (9.15 vs 6.71 kg/m2) but a lower lean mass index (11.05 vs 12.49 kg/m2) than controls (P <.001). Individuals with TS and MetS (n = 39) had a higher total body fat percentage (41.74% vs 36.42%, P <.0001), truncal fat percentage (44.66% vs 36.09%, P <.0001), and visceral adipose tissue mass (495.57 vs 276 g, P <.0001) than those with TS but without MetS. Those with classic TS (45,X) had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (32.6% vs 10.5%, P =.01). Growth hormone recipients had a lower prevalence of MetS and lesser truncal obesity. Altered body composition was significantly correlated with metabolic risk. The truncal fat percentage independently predicted MetS (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.24; P =.04). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio predicted metabolic risk with good sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Adverse cardiometabolic risk and altered body composition start early in life in TS. Postpubertal women with TS should be routinely assessed for truncal obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and liver steatosis, irrespective of body mass index and karyotype.

Public Health System's Preparedness to Address Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Rapid Assessment Survey of Health-care Providers in India.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders largely affecting women of reproductive age group. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the Indian public health-care systems' preparedness in addressing PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicentric rapid assessment cross-sectional study was undertaken among 173 health-care providers serving across various public health-care facilities in India. This study was a component of a larger task force study that aimed to estimate the community-based prevalence of PCOS in India. Information on PCOS cases reported that knowledge about PCOS diagnosis, management practices, availability of diagnostic facilities, and drugs was explored. RESULTS: Irregular menstrual cycle was the most commonly reported PCOS symptom. Most of the health-care providers (HCPs) lacked correct knowledge about diagnostic criteria and investigation needed for the diagnosis of PCOS. Diagnostic facilities and drugs were inadequate. However, some facilities had access to investigations through public-private partnerships. Awareness programs on PCOS in the community were negligible, and PCOS cases were not documented. Training HCPs on PCOS along with the availability of specialists and strengthening diagnostic facilities were some major demands from the HCPs. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the need for training HCPs, strengthening infrastructure with good referral linkages, and adequate supply of drugs to help improve PCOS management at public health-care facilities in India. There is a need to develop national technical and operational guidelines to address PCOS using a multidisciplinary approach across all levels of care. Creating demand for services and advocating healthy lifestyles through community awareness can help early diagnosis and prevention of complications.

An evolutionary divergent thermodynamic brake in ZAP-70 fine-tunes the kinetic proofreading in T cells.

T cell signaling starts with assembling several tyrosine kinases and adapter proteins to the T cell receptor (TCR), following the antigen binding to the TCR. The stability of the TCR-antigen complex and the delay between the recruitment and activation of each kinase determines the T cell response. Integration of such delays constitutes a kinetic proofreading mechanism to regulate T cell response to the antigen binding. However, the mechanism of these delays is not fully understood. Combining biochemical experiments and kinetic modeling, here we report a thermodynamic brake in the regulatory module of the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70, which determines the ligand selectivity, and may delay the ZAP-70 activation upon antigen binding to TCR. The regulatory module of ZAP-70 comprises of a tandem SH2 domain that binds to its ligand, doubly-phosphorylated ITAM peptide (ITAM-Y2P), in two kinetic steps: a fast step and a slow step. We show the initial encounter complex formation between the ITAM-Y2P and tandem SH2 domain follows a fast-kinetic step, whereas the conformational transition to the holo-state follows a slow-kinetic step. We further observed a thermodynamic penalty imposed during the second phosphate-binding event reduces the rate of structural transition to the holo-state. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolution of the thermodynamic brake coincides with the divergence of the adaptive immune system to the cell-mediated and humoral responses. In addition, the paralogous kinase Syk expressed in B cells does not possess such a functional thermodynamic brake, which may explain the higher basal activation and lack of ligand selectivity in Syk.

Serum uric acid lowering and effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on gout: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: To pool the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on gout and to investigate the association of these effects with baseline serum uric acid (SUA), SUA lowering, and underlying conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/heart failure (HF). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and clinical trial registry websites were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or post hoc analyses (≥1-year duration; PROSPERO:CRD42023418525). The primary outcome was a composite of gouty arthritis/gout flares and commencement of anti-gout drugs (SUA-lowering drugs/colchicine). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled using a generic inverse-variance method with a random-effects model. Mixed-effects model univariate meta-regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Five RCTs involving 29 776 patients (T2DM, n = 23 780) and 1052 gout-related events were identified. Compared to placebo, SGLT2 inhibitor use was significantly associated with reduced risk of composite gout outcomes (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.45-0.67; I2 = 61%, P < 0.001). Treatment benefits did not differ between trials being conducted exclusively in baseline HF versus those conducted in patients with T2DM (P-interaction = 0.37), but were greater with dapagliflozin 10 mg and canagliflozin 100/300 mg (P < 0.01 for subgroup differences). Sensitivity analysis excluding trials that evaluated the effects of empagliflozin 10/25 mg (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57-0.81; I2 = 0%) accentuated the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors with no between-trial heterogeneity (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.39-0.55; I2 = 0%). Univariate meta-regression found no impact of baseline SUA, SUA lowering on follow-up, diuretic use, or other variables on their anti-gout effects. CONCLUSION: We found that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of gout in individuals with T2DM/HF. Lack of an association with SUA-lowering effects suggests that metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2 inhibitors may predominantly mediate their anti-gout benefits.

Prevalence of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in India.

AIMS: We aimed to assess the prevalence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) in Indian patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) using a unique diagnostic criterion. METHODS: This multicenter study included patients aged ≥18 years with diabetes for at least 5 years. The sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and clinical characteristics of patients were assessed. Patients were administered the PEI questionnaire (PEI-Q), and fecal elastase-1 (FE) concentration was measured. Patients were diagnosed to have PEI if they satisfied any two of the following three criteria: (a) a PEI-Q total symptom score of ≥0.60; (b) presence of malnutrition using the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism diagnostic criteria for malnutrition; or (c) FE concentration <100 µg/gm stool. RESULTS: This multicenter study included patients aged ≥18 years with diabetes for at least 5 years. The sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and clinical characteristics of patients were assessed. Patients were administered the PEI questionnaire (PEI-Q), and fecal elastase-1 (FE) concentration was measured. Patients were diagnosed to have PEI if they satisfied any two of the following three criteria: (a) a PEI-Q total symptom score of ≥0.60; (b) presence of malnutrition using the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism diagnostic criteria for malnutrition; or (c) FE concentration <100 µg/gm stool. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) was found to be prevalent in nearly one-fourth of Indian patients with diabetes, using composite diagnostic criteria.

Indian Reality of Clinical Practice and Patient Profile in Diabetes Care: Lessons from the IMPACT survey.

India shoulders a heavy burden of diabetes mellitus (DM), the management of which is suboptimal globally.& Objectives: Insulin Management: Practical Aspects in Choice of Therapy (IMPACT) survey was designed to gain insight into the ground (in-clinic) reality of DM management by physicians in India. METHODS: A survey consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions was conducted by SurveyMonkey® , focusing on practice profile, patient profile, and other aspects of DM management. RESULTS: The survey included 2424 physicians. Majority of them were general physicians (58.5%) followed by diabetologists (31.1%). Most (49.2%) of the respondents specified that the ideal time for a DM consultation is 15 min. However, 73.4% of them provided consultation of <10& min because of heavy patient load. Nearly half of the respondents reported that their patients consumed a diet with carbohydrate content of 60% to 80%, and 79.4% of them admitted that <50% of their patients adhered to dietary advice. About 73.5% of the respondents believed controlling fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level alone would not adequately control postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) level, and 93.0% of them preferred an insulin therapy at the initiation that controls both FPG and PPG levels. CONCLUSION: Limited consultation time, high-carbohydrate diet, and a need for choosing insulin regimens that provide control for both PPG and FPG levels are some ground realities of DM management in India. These realities need to be factored in while choosing treatment options to achieve the desired glycemic control and improve the status of diabetes care.

Periodontal Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Influence of Pubertal Stage and Glycemic Control.

OBJECTIVE: Though gingivitis is common in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the overall periodontal health in T1DM during the pubertal stage is less well-characterized. The study was undertaken to explore the possible influence of puberty and metabolic derangement on periodontal health in T1DM. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 110 subjects between 10-18 years with T1DM and 52 healthy siblings of similar age were evaluated for pubertal stage, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and periodontal health. Simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PPD) were evaluated at 4 sites per tooth as per 6 Ramfjord index teeth used to assess periodontal disease (PD). RESULTS: PD not merely gingivitis was significantly higher in T1DM (84/110, 76.36%) than the control group (28/52, 53.8%) (P = .004). Irrespective of pubertal status, children with T1DM had worse GI, PI, BOP, and PPD than nondiabetic subjects, although OHIS was better in diabetes. In both T1DM and nondiabetic subjects, pubertal subjects showed significantly worse OHIS, PPD, BOP, and GI than prepubertal subjects. PD was correlated with pubertal stage, age, and HbA1c, although less strongly with the duration of diabetes. In logistic regression, pubertal stage was a stronger predictor of PD (OR = 14.26) than age (OR = 2.22), and HbA1c (OR = 1.5) rather than the presence of diabetes and its duration. CONCLUSIONS: Though pubertal status, age, and poor glycemic control rather than the presence of diabetes and its duration are associated with gingivitis and other forms of PD, puberty had a more profound effect in the pathogenesis of PD in T1DM.

An allosteric hot spot in the tandem-SH2 domain of ZAP-70 regulates T-cell signaling.

T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling is initiated by recruiting ZAP-70 to the cytosolic part of TCR. ZAP-70, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is composed of an N-terminal tandem SH2 (tSH2) domain connected to the C-terminal kinase domain. The ZAP-70 is recruited to the membrane through binding of tSH2 domain and the doubly phosphorylated ITAM motifs of CD3 chains in the TCR complex. Our results show that the tSH2 domain undergoes a biphasic structural transition while binding to the doubly phosphorylated ITAM-ζ1 peptide. The C-terminal SH2 domain binds first to the phosphotyrosine residue of ITAM peptide to form an encounter complex leading to subsequent binding of second phosphotyrosine residue to the N-SH2 domain. We decipher a network of noncovalent interactions that allosterically couple the two SH2 domains during binding to doubly phosphorylated ITAMs. Mutation in the allosteric network residues, for example, W165C, uncouples the formation of encounter complex to the subsequent ITAM binding thus explaining the altered recruitment of ZAP-70 to the plasma membrane causing autoimmune arthritis in mice. The proposed mechanism of allosteric coupling is unique to ZAP-70, which is fundamentally different from Syk, a close homolog of ZAP-70 expressed in B-cells.

Adiponectin Genetic Variant and Expression Coupled with Lipid Peroxidation Reveal New Signatures in Diabetic Dyslipidemia.

Increasing burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders has made the global health scenario more challenging. Dyslipidemia in diabetes is a compounding risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but there is dearth of identifying appropriate signatures to address this issue. The protein, adiponectin, is actively involved in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown playing crucial role in dyslipidemia and vascular complications. To identify the underlying genetic and molecular profile of adiponectin metabolic pathway in diabetic dyslipidemia and to correlate it with known biochemical and oxidative stress parameters of T2DM, we performed a case-control study in a total 264 individuals belonging to three categories such as diabetes with dyslipidemia (n = 88), diabetes without dyslipidemia (n = 86) and normal healthy controls (n = 90). Expression of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and its receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) were measured in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. A significant downregulated expression of ADIPOQ and its receptors in adipose tissues and PBMCs were linked with diabetic dyslipidemic condition. A multiple linear regression followed by MDR analysis implicated the elevated plasma malondialdehyde and decreased adiponectin level to be correlated with diabetic dyslipidemia. More interestingly, two single nucleotide polymorphisms of ADIPOQ (rs2241766 and rs1501299) were genetically associated with the risk of developing dyslipidemia. Other important biochemical factors found to be increased in diabetic dyslipidemic conditions included plasma C-reactive protein and 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Our results explore, a complex interplay of genetic and biochemical parameters in diabetic dyslipidemia which is significant from the perspective of risk stratification and novel therapeutic strategy development.

Indian Expert Review on Use of Teneligliptin in patients with Diabetes and its Safety and Efficacy (INTENSE).

INTRODUCTION: Management of diabetes in India remains less than satisfactory despite a huge prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Associated obesity, inadequate lifestyle modifications and burden of treatment costs are certain major issues contributing to inadequate management of diabetes in India. AIM: To evaluate the use of Teneligliptin in patients with diabetes and its safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness especially in Indian patients with T2D. METHODS: A detailed analysis of the best available scientific evidence (clinical trials, meta-analyses and real-world experience) was performed to create an evidence driven understanding of teneligliptin's efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness. Fourteen leading endocrinologists contributed as experts and the modified Delphi process was followed. Evidences and clinical questions were discussed over a series of web and in a live meeting. Final draft was created based on the opinions endorsed by the experts. RESULTS: Teneligliptin is the most commonly used gliptin in India and exhibits pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages as well as greater cost effectiveness compared to other gliptins. It has been recognized as an efficacious and well tolerated antidiabetic agent both as monotherapy and in combination based on multiple clinical trials, meta-analyses and real world studies. Teneligliptin as add on therapy to other antidiabetic drugs (OADs) or insulin has provided significant reductions in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels and is generally well tolerated with low risk of hypoglycemia both in short term and long term. Studies have also proven its efficacy in ameliorating glucose fluctuations, reducing post prandial insulin requirement, increasing active incretin levels and improving pancreatic ß cells function. Efficacy and safety has also been proven in all age groups, all stages of renal disease and mild to moderate hepatic disease. QT prolongation is not seen even with maximum recommended dose of 40 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Teneligliptin has firmly positioned itself as a very important drug in the armamentarium for managing T2D. It offers efficacy, safety and cost-effective therapeutic choice in Indian patients with T2D.

Nuclear factor NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism and its expression conferring the risk of Type 2 diabetes-associated dyslipidemia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by hyperlipidemia confers higher risk for diabetes as well as cardiovascular diseases. NF-κB is actively involved in generating low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress triggering the development of diabetic complications. In this study, we have attempted to investigate the association between NF-κB1 functional promoter polymorphism-94 ATTG insertion/deletion (rs28362491) with inflammatory markers in developing diabetes-linked dyslipidemia. We performed a case-control study in a total of 401 individuals belonging to three categories such as Type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes without dyslipidemia, and normal healthy controls. Experiments were carried out using genotyping, real-time PCR, and western blot. Pearson's correlation, analysis of variance, and logistic regression were utilized for statistical analysis. As per genetic association conducted in this study the SNP rs28362491 showed significant allelic and genotypic associations (Allelic: OR = 1.374, CI 0.9797-1.927, p = 0.003, and Genotypic in dominant model: OR = 1.77, CI 1.04-2.99, p = 0.002) with the risk of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. The -94 ATTG insertion/insertion (ins/ins) genotype was associated with significantly increased level of serum TNF-α (p = 0.002), serum IL-6 (p = 0.067) in diabetes-induced dyslipidemia. Multiple linear regression analysis identifies independent correlation of Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TNF-α, and rs28362491 ATTG ins/ins with triglyceride in diabetic dyslipidemic condition. T2DM with dyslipidemia having ins/ins genotype showed significant increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and activation of NF-κB. Our study reports that individuals with ATTG insertion allele and ATTG ins/ins genotype at NF-κB1 promoter regulatory gene predicts the risk and severity of T2DM-linked dyslipidemia.

The protective role of metformin in autophagic status in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of type 2 diabetic patients.

Autophagy plays an important role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Metformin is the most common antidiabetic drug. The main objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of metformin in starvation-induced autophagy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of type 2 diabetic patients. PBMCs were isolated from 10 diabetic patients and 7 non-diabetic healthy volunteers. The autophagic puncta and markers were measured with the help of monodansylcadaverine staining and western blot. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy was also performed. No significant changes were observed in the initial autophagy marker protein levels in PBMCs of T2D after metformin treatment though diabetic PBMCs showed a high level of phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin, p62 and reduced expression of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase and lysosomal membrane-associated protein 2, indicating a defect in autophagy. Also, induction of autophagy by tunicamycin resulted in apoptosis in diabetic PBMCs as observed by caspase-3 cleavage and reduced expression of Bcl2. Inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin rendered consistent expression of p62 indicating a defect in the final process of autophagy. Further, electron microscopic studies also confirmed massive vacuole overload and a sign of apoptotic cell death in PBMCs of diabetic patients, whereas metformin treatment reduced the number of autophagic vacuoles perhaps by lysosomal fusion. Thus, our results indicate that defective autophagy in T2D is associated with the fusion process of lysosomes which could be overcome by metformin.

Assessment of Insulin Resistance Indices in Individuals with Lean and Obese Metabolic Syndrome Compared to Normal Individuals: A Population Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and measuring it in an apparently healthy population and correlating them with established risk parameters may identify predisposed individuals who may later develop diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 405 participants from a rural area were investigated for various metabolic parameters and indices of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance indices were evaluated in the 3 different groups [Obese Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Lean MetS and those without MetS]. Various anthropometric and metabolic parameters were compared. Lean MetS is defined as those having waist criteria below the region specific waist criteria and even then satisfying the definition of MetS as per the NCEP ATP-III criteria. RESULTS: The mean fasting insulin level was 7.69+4.38 uIU/ml in normal population, 10.40+5.65 uIU/ml in Lean MetS population and 13.71+6.63 uIU/ml in Obese MetS population (P<0.05). The HOMA-IR2 measured was 2.39+ 1.69 in normal population, while in the Lean MetS and Obese Mets were 3.99+3.40 and 4.04+2.53, respectively (P<0.05). The QUICKI level measured was 0.358+0.041 in normal population and 0.334+0.037 and 0.316+0.026 respectively in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS (P<0.05). McAuley index measured in normal population was 0.49+0.26 and 0.75+0.25 and 0.79+0.17 in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS population (P<0.05).TyG index measured was 8.51+0.46 in normal population and 9.27+0.56 and 9.06+0.49 respectively in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance indices are elevated in MetS compared to the normal population but the indices in Lean MetS are not different from Obese MetS. The relevance of ethnicity specific waist circumference may need re-evaluation considering its little impact in influencing the level of insulin resistance.

Predictors of hypopituitarism due to vasculotoxic snake bite with acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE: Hypopituitarism frequently develops following vasculotoxic snake bite complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI). Well defined prospective studies of prevalence of hypopituitarism and its predictors in vasculotoxic snake bites complicated by AKI are unavailable. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients of AKI following vasculotoxic snake bite were evaluated for various clinical/biochemical parameters (including Free T4, TSH, Cortisol, ACTH, total testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, and IGF-1). Diabetes insipidus was evaluated in relevant cases. Twenty minutes whole blood clotting time (WBCT) at presentation was measured in all. MRI of hypothalamo-pituitary region was done at 3 months in subjects with hypopituitarism to rule out structural lesion. RESULTS: 21.6% (11/51) patients developed hypopituitarism at baseline (within 7 days), 39.3% (13 /33) at 3 months developed hypopituitarism. Cortisol deficiency was the commonest abnormality. Subjects who developed hypopituitarism at baseline were younger compared to those without hypopituitarism (35.67 years vs. 46.59 years, p = 0.032) and required more sessions of hemodialysis (8 vs. 3, p = 0.041). Binary logistic regression confirmed that development of hypopituitarism could be predicted by increased number of sessions of hemodialysis (OR 1.51, p = 0.008) and 20 min WBCT (OR 1.2, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Hypopituitarism is common following vasculotoxic snake bite in subjects who develop AKI requiring hemodialysis. Hypopituitarism can develop as early as 7 days following snake bite and should be evaluated for particularly in younger subjects, especially those requiring increasing number of sessions of hemodialysis and in subjects with abnormal 20 min WBCT at presentation.

Clinical Benefits of Fixed Dose Combinations Translated to Improved Patient Compliance.

Pharmacotherapy with fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs is becoming popular as evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend using multiple therapeutic agents in complex regimens for many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). FDC formulations have unique advantages such as complementary mechanism of action, synergistic effects, better tolerability, elongated product life-cycle management, and cost savings. Polypharmacy is a frequent problem in T2DM patients having hypertension, dyslipidemia, and other comorbidities. Use of FDCs is a rational approach for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits while minimizing pill-burden. Greater convenience with decreased pill-burden leads to improved adherence, resulting in superior clinical outcomes and greater cost-effectiveness. However, the general guidance for the clinical development and approval of FDC drugs in India is not much standardized. For rationale approval, the central and state regulators must harmonize their procedures for licensing FDCs. Because regulatory approval of FDCs is based on bioavailability data, similar to the way generic medications are approved, the lack of prospective, randomized controlled trials directly comparing FDCs with their component drugs administered as separate pills should not be considered a limitation to their use. Nevertheless, all new and existing FDC products should be subjected to submission of longterm safety surveillance through closely monitored national level postmarketing studies.

Dielectric properties of plasma membrane: A signature for dyslipidemia in diabetes mellitus.

Dielectric properties of a living biological membrane play crucial role indicating the status of the cell in pathogenic or healthy condition. A distinct variation in membrane capacitance and impedance was observed for peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suspensions for diabetic and diabetic-dyslipidemic subjects compared to healthy control. Low frequency region were explicitly considered in electrical analysis to address complex membrane dielectric factors that alter the system capacitance of a PBMC suspension. Such variation was marked in size, morphology and membrane function of PBMCs for control and diseased cases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies reveal significant alteration in surface morphology of PBMCs in diseased condition. Side scatter of flow cytometry reveals complexity of PBMCs in diseased condition. Changes in size between groups were not found by SEM and forward scatter. Functional alteration in PBMCs was manifested by significant changes in cell membrane properties like Na+, K+ ATPase and Ca2+, Mg2+ ATPase activity, reduced plasma membrane fluidity and changes in intracellular Ca2+ content, which bear significant correlation in diabetic and diabetic dyslipidemic subjects. Therefore, dielectric parameters of PBMCs in diabetic-dyslipidemic challenges may led to interesting correlation opening the possibility of identifying crucial signature biomarkers.

Genetic Alterations in Pendrin (SLC26A4) Gene in Adult Hypothyroid Patients.

Current study was aimed to screen the SLC26A4 gene in 127 nonautoimmune and noncongenital hypothyroid patients, who were under optimal iodine nutrition and devoid of any characteristics of Pendred syndrome from eastern part of Indian population. 8 single nucleotide variants/mutations were identified in heterozygous state in 20% patient population, which include 1 novel nonsynonymous (p.C18S), 1 novel intronic (g.942C>A), 3 known nonsynonymous (p.S23X, p.V239D, and p.I455F), and 3 known intronic (g.23034G>T, g.29641C>G, and g.33893T>C) variants. Only g.23034G>T was noted also in homozygous state in 2% patient population. However, Controls exhibited only the variations g.23034G>T and p.I455F. Therefore, present study reports for the first time that the observed novel variants in pendrin gene might be linked with autoimmune negative hypothyroidism, without any characteristics of Pendred syndrome and/or congenital hypothyroidism. While, all observed known variants/mutations were reported with either Pendred syndrome and/or congenital hypothyroidism earlier, but never with nonautoimmune adult hypothyroidism solely. Thereby, the absence of any features of Pendred syndrome and/or congenital hypothyroidism in patients with observed known nonsynonymous variants/mutations may be due to either heterozygous state of each variant or differential domain specific activity of ions trafficking in the respective organ. The analysis of amino acid change at least for p.C18S, p.S23X, and p.V239D in correlation with phenotypic characteristics of respective patients might assume a possible effect on protein structure and function. Altogether, we report for the first time that genetical variations in SLC26A4 gene could play an important role in development of nonautoimmune adult hypothyroidism.

DETERIORARON OF OVARIAN FUNCTION AFTER TOTAL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY WITH PRESERVARON OF OVARIES.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ovarian function after total abdominal hysterectomy in premenopausal women. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, we enrolled 52 healthy female subjects having normal menstrual cycle as controls and 37 female patients (age <45 years) who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with preservation of at least one ovary for the evaluation of ovarian function. Serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both groups. Transvaginal Doppler ultrasonography was done to measure ovarian stromal blood flow indices (resistive index [RI] and pulsatility index [PI]). The means obtained from different sample groups were compared using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, and correlations between two variables were evaluated using the Spearman nonparametric correlation test. A value of P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean postoperative duration of patients who had undergone hysterectomy was 2.5 years. Mean serum AMH level was 7.68 ± 6.70 ng/mL in the cases, significantly lower than the level in controls (10.98 ± 7.83 ng/mL) (P = .016). Serum FSH level in controls was 12.01 ± 6.27 µIU/mL, which was significantly higher in the cases (20.27 ± 12.91 µIU/mL) (P = .001). An inverse correlation between serum AMH and FSH was observed (P = .0006; r = -0.4583). However, the ovary RI and PI values in both groups were similar. CONCLUSION: TAH affects ovarian function, despite normal ovarian blood supply. ABBREVIATIONS: AMH = antimüllerian hormone FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone RI = resistive index PI = pulsatility index TAH = total abdominal hysterectomy.

Increased Soluble TNF Receptor-1 and Glutathione Peroxidase may Predict Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Females with Cushing Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular events are the most common cause of mortality in Cushing syndrome (CS). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of novel factors on atherosclerosis in endogenous CS. METHODS: A total of 22 female patients with CS and 33 normal female controls underwent evaluation of fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1ß, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor [sTNFR]-1, and sTNFR2), glutathione peroxidase (GPx; measure of oxidative stress), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT; a measure of atherosclerosis), and percent change in flow-mediated vasodilation (%FMV) of the brachial artery, a measure of endothelial dysfunction. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were done after adjusting for variables in models 1 through 3 to evaluate their role in predicting CIMT and %FMV. Model 1 consisted of age and body mass index (BMI). Model 2 consisted of model 1 plus blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and 2-hour postglucose blood glucose (2hPGBG). Model 3 consisted of model 2 plus triglycerides and low- and high-density lipoprotein. RESULTS: Females with CS had significantly higher BMI, BP, FBG, 2hPGBG, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, IL-6, IL-1ß, sTNFR1, and GPx. CIMT and %FMV were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in CS patients. Regression analyses revealed sTNFR1 to be a consistent predictor of CIMT after adjusting for model 1 (ß = 0.656; P = .004), model 2 (ß = 0.571; P = .047), and model 3 (ß = 0.683; P =.026). GPx was a predictor of CIMT after adjusting for model 1 (ß = 0.565; P = .033) and model 3 (ß = 0.756; P= .038). CONCLUSION: This study highlights increased CIMT and endothelial dysfunction in CS, associated with an altered inflammatory milieu. sTNFR1 and GPx may predict CIMT in females with CS.