Circulating leptin levels in elderly subjects with and without cerebrovasular disease.

Serum concentrations of leptin was investigated in 40 patients with ischemic stroke, in context of the size of the lesion and also in 40 non-diseased controls, matched according to age, gender and waist hip ratio. Serum leptin concentrations were determined in ng/ml with ELISA and computer tomography (CT) scan was performed in patients to estimate lesion size in cms. Serum leptin concentrations were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) in stroke patients (51.61+1.39), compared with controls (37.76+1.207). Moreover, positive correlation (r=0.93) existed between serum leptin level and infarction size in patients with stroke.

Pattern of perfusion defects seen in ischemic heart disease patients on technetium (Tc99m) tetrofosmin scanning.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is common cause of death in developed as well as developing countries. The most common cause of Ischemic Heart disease is narrowing of coronary arteries, a process called as atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study is to determine the pattern of ischemic changes detected by technetium tetrofosmin (Tc99m). METHODS: Sixty five patients presenting as known or suspected ischemic heart disease over a period of two years (December 1995 to December 1998) at Ziauddin Hospital were included in the study. Each patient underwent Tc99m tetrofosmin stress and rest studies. Tetrofosmin study was performed according to one day protocol. RESULTS: By segmental analysis (five segment per patient), 35 patients had perfusion defects by SPECT Tc99m tetrofosmin imaging. Out of 95 perfusion defects, reversible ischemia and mixed defects were more common in inferior wall and fixed defect in left ventricular apex. CONCLUSION: Reversible ischemia and mixed defects were more common in inferior wall and fixed defect in left ventricular apex.

Comparison of troponin T and enzyme levels in acute myocardial infarction and skeletal muscle injury.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the levels of troponin T and enzymes levels in myocardial infarction and skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: This study was carried out at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC Karachi, Pakistan. Ninety subjects were selected. Thirty controls, thirty patients suffering from myocardial infarction and thirty suffering from skeletal muscle injury were selected from National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Creatine kinase, aspartate amino-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and Troponin T were determined by kit methods. RESULTS: Troponin T level rises significantly (p < 0.01) in patients suffering from myocardial infarction. Creatine kinase (CK), CKMB, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels rises significantly (p < 0.01) in both groups compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Troponin T is an early indicator of myocardial infarction and is superior to CKMB in diagnosis of myocardial injury. There is no increase in troponin T levels in skeletal muscle injury.

Association of adipokines with obesity in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other metabolic disorders. Several adipokines including resistin, visfatin, leptin and adiponectin are synthesized and secreted by adipocytes, which play an important role in obesity. PATIENTS & METHODS: A total of 90 subjects (60 controls and 30 obese) between the ages of 5 and 18 years were selected. Serum visfatin, TNF-α, resistin, insulin and adiponectin were measured using ELISA and insulin resistance was calculated by the Homeostasis Model of Assessment-Insulin Resistance. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation Homeostasis Model of Assessment-Insulin Resistance, serum TNF-α and visfatin levels were significantly higher in obese subjects (3.99 ± 0.94, 12.99 ± 3.42, 10.89 ± 2.72, respectively) compared with the control group (1.60 ± 0.34, 7.22 ± 2.22 and 4.97 ± 1.57, respectively). Mean ± standard deviation serum adiponectin levels were significantly lower in obese children (5.95 ± 1.02) compared with controls (9.07 ± 1.25). Binary logistic regression shows that adiponectin and visfatin are associated with obesity. CONCLUSION: Circulating levels of adipokines vary in obesity and adiponectin and visfatin are associated with obesity.