Assessment of Malondialdehyde and Organochlorine Pesticides in Aplastic Anemia Severity Groups: Insights Into Oxidative Stress and Exposure.

Background There is little evidence that pesticide exposure is the primary cause of acquired aplastic anemia (AAA), even though the prevalence of aplastic anemia (AA) is substantially higher in underdeveloped countries than in affluent countries. AA caused by pesticides has not yet been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the potential link between plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) as risk factors for developing AAA in the North Indian population. Methods This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. A total of 99 participants were chosen for the study, of whom 45 were cases of AA. These cases attended the Clinical Hematology department over a period of 1.5 years (May 2018 to November 2019). Forty-five controls were age and sex-matched, apparently healthy subjects. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before performing the study. Exclusion criteria included patients unwilling to give consent, those using medication to treat AA, those genetically predisposed to AA, those with characteristics including granuloma and dysplasia of bone marrow, any other systemic illness, and subjects with a history of smoking, drinking, or using tobacco in any form. Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to evaluate the plasma levels of organochlorines. The estimation of plasma MDA, i.e., the lipid peroxide content, was measured. Results The severity of AA is significantly associated with plasma levels of α-Hexachlorocyclohexane (p = 0.040), Heptachlor (p = 0.006), Aldrin (p < 0.001), p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p = 0.004), Endosulfan sulfate (p = 0.010), and Methoxychlor (p = 0.001). There was a statistically non-significant difference in MDA levels between cases and controls (p = 0.145); however, a statistically significant linear increase in MDA levels (p < 0.001) was observed according to the severity of AA. Conclusion Our study suggests that oxidative stress may be linked to the severity of AA. Pesticide exposure (plasma organochlorine levels) could act as a stressor, potentially initiating an alarmin response of oxidative stress in the form of lipid peroxidation (MDA) from damaged tissue, which could then lead to suppression of hematopoiesis and be a possible factor in the development of AA.

Plasma Levels of Organochlorine Pesticides and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha: A Potential Risk Factor for Developing Acquired Aplastic Anemia in the North Indian Population.

Background Pesticide exposure might have a contributory role in the development of acquired aplastic anemia (AA). However, the precise mechanisms of pesticide-induced AA remain unknown. In this case-control study, we conducted a comparative analysis of plasma levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) between Indian patients diagnosed with AA and an age- and sex-matched control group. Methods This is an observational case-control study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. In this study, 90 subjects were included, out of which 45 were diagnosed with AA according to the criteria of the International Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia Study. Cases were compared with 45 controls. A trained interviewer gave all study subjects a questionnaire to collect data regarding demographic details, exposure to pesticides, and clinical history. Physical examination and routine laboratory investigations of each subject were performed. Both cases and controls were tested for their plasma levels of organochlorines as per established protocol by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. TNF-alpha level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in each subject. Results There was a significant increase in plasma levels of delta hexachlorocyclohexane (delta HCH) (p = 0.02) and heptachlor (p = 0.00) in patients with AA as compared to controls. We observed nonsignificant trends towards higher levels of beta HCH (p = 0.643), aldrin (p = 0.399), and p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) (p = 0.453) in patients with AA when compared to the controls. There were significantly higher TNF-alpha levels (p = 0.024) in cases as compared to the controls. Conclusion Our study concludes that patients with AA exhibited higher levels of delta-HCH, heptachlor, and TNF-alpha in comparison to the control group. There is a significant positive correlation of TNF alpha with OCPs (alpha HCH, lindane, delta HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, p,p'- DDD, and methoxychlor pesticides). These organochlorines may have accumulated in the fatty tissue of bone marrow because of their lipophilic nature. This suggests that they might have served as a neoantigen to trigger an increase in TNF-alpha production, which may have led to disrupted bone marrow function through cell-mediated immunity, leading to AA.

Circadian Preference, Sleep Quality, and Health-impairing Lifestyles Among Undergraduates of Medical University.

Background/Aims Health-impairing lifestyle during adolescence is an important marker for poor health. An unhealthy lifestyle may lead to physical and psychological problems in adulthood. Most of the prior researches were done among the adult population. Therefore, we assessed the chronotype pattern and correlation of health-impairing lifestyles with sleep quality according to circadian typology in medical students. Material and Methods In this cross-sectional research, a total of 203 subjects were enrolled. All subjects were divided into definite evening chronotype (n = 73), intermediate chronotype (n = 87), and definite morning chronotype (n = 43). Electronic media use at bedtime and duration of media use, the timing of dinner, smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcohol consumption were assessed with the help of a preformed proforma. Physical activity, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and chronotype were assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire Self-assessment version (MEQ-SA), respectively. Results Subjects of the evening chronotype were suffering more with poor sleep quality. Evening chronotype had a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between poor sleep quality and sex, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, type of diet, and timing of dinner. Conclusion Circadian typology demonstrated the significant correlation of health-impairing lifestyles with sleep quality. From this observation, it might be a better way to plan their daily activities, in accordance with their chronotypes, benefiting not only their academic performance but also their quality of life.

Effect of Metaboreflex on Cardiovascular System in Subjects of Metabolic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Metaboreflex is a reflex in which muscle receptors send signals regarding metabolic (metabolites accumulation like lactic acid, potassium, adenosine) conditions of the muscles to nucleus tractus solitarius via afferent III and IV fibres to cause haemodynamic adjustments in order to regulate blood flow on the basis of the status of contracting muscle. Dysregulation in its mechanism in metabolic syndrome is demonstrated. AIM: To study the effect of metaboreflex by both isometric and rhythmic handgrip exercise on CVS parameters {Blood Pressure (BP), Cardiac Output (CO) and Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)} in subjects of metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 27 subjects aged 25 to 45 years were enrolled after ethical clearance and proper consent. They were divided into: a) subjects without metabolic syndrome; and b) subjects with metabolic syndrome. Impedance cardiovasography was done to assess cardiac parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance). Pre-exercise parameters were assessed followed by isometric exercise and post-isometric exercise parameter measurement. Again after rest, rhythmic exercise was followed. Finally post exercise parameters were assessed. Student paired t-test for comparison between pre and post exercise parameters were done. RESULTS: Changes in diastolic BP following exercise were statistically significant in subjects without metabolic syndrome (p-value 0.01 and 0.001 following isometric and rhythmic exercise respectively). In subjects with metabolic syndrome also these changes were significant, but to a lesser extent (p-value 0.1 and 0.01 respectively for isometric and rhythmic exercise). Changes in systolic BP following exercise were statistically significant in subjects without metabolic syndrome (p-value 0.001 and 0.001 following isometric and rhythmic exercise respectively). In subjects with metabolic syndrome also these changes were significant (p-value 0.01 and 0.001 respectively for isometric and rhythmic exercise). CONCLUSION: Diminished pressor response is found after exercise in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Cardiovascular sequel of neck irradiation in head and neck cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The baroreflex is an important afferent mechanism controlling autonomic functions. As afferent nerves course through the neck, they are susceptible to damage by neck irradiation in head and neck cancer patients. With increased survival of head and neck cancer patients because of improved therapy, the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in them have become apparent and this is of clinical concern. There are few case reports of baroreflex failure as a chronic sequel to neck irradiation. OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluated the changes in cardio-autonomic tone and postural cardiovascular reflex in neck-irradiated patients. METHODS: Head and neck cancer patients who had received neck irradiation (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 15) were evaluated for heart rate variability with time domain analysis of 5 min ECG recording. Postural cardiovascular reflexes were studied with changes in blood pressure and heart rate in the lying to standing test. RESULTS: Our results suggest that there is a reduction in overall time domain measures of heart rate variability and weakened postural reflexes in neck-irradiated patients. CONCLUSION: Decreased heart rate variability in neck-irradiated patients reflects an independent risk of cardiovascular morbidity. The early detection of cardiovascular impairment in such patients may help healthcare professionals in providing better care. Furthermore, the dose delivered to the carotid sinus should be monitored and restricted.

Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effect of Curcumin and TRAIL (TNF Related Apoptosis inducing Ligand) in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemic Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Curcumin, traditionally utilized as a flavouring zest as a part of Indian cooking, has been accounted to decrease the proliferation potential of most cancer cells. Apoptosis is a mechanism by which most anticancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiation and antihormonal therapy kill tumour/cancer cells. Novel agents that may sensitize drug-resistant tumour cells for induction of apoptosis by customary treatments could lead to the regression and improved prognosis of the refractory disease. Indeed, chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to sensitize cancer cells to killing by death ligands such as tumour necrosis factor-α. AIM: To investigate cytotoxicity and apoptotic effect of curcumin in chronic myeloid leukaemic cell line KCL-22. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In present study, different doses of curcumin (10,25,50,75,100µM) and tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) (25,50 µM) alone and combine regimen were exposed to myeloid leukaemic cell KCL-22. The cell viability was monitored by MTT assay, apoptotic activity by binding of Annexin V-FITC using fluorescence microscopy and cell cycle check points by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Cytotoxic assay revealed that curcumin and TRAIL induced both dose and time-dependent decrease in cell viability. Significant cell cytotoxicity was seen in combine regimen of both curcumin and TRAIL at 48 h of exposure. Cells treated with curcumin and TRAIL was arrested at the S phase, as revealed by flow cytometric analysis. Subtoxic concentrations of the curcumin-TRAIL combination induced strong apoptotic response in KCL-22 cells as demonstrated by the binding of Annexin V-FITC. CONCLUSION: Our study conclude that curcumin inhibits the cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and enhance the therapeutic potential of TRAIL which recommends that both curcumin alone or in combination with TRAIL might be useful for leukaemic prevention and better therapeutic responses.

Leptin level correlates with obesity and health related quality of life in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: Leptin takes part in regulation of energy balance, neuronal functions, pain and mood. It may act as intermediary marker for various components of HRQOL in patients of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. AIMS: To document the correlation among leptin levels, obesity and HRQoL in OSAS patients. METHODS: A tertiary care hospital based cross-sectional study was done in 224 subjects aged 18-65 years, after taking informed consent. Subjects with previous history of smoking, Liver disease, COPD, CHD, T2 DM, asthma, cancer, end stage renal disease, heart failure, any endocrine disorder including Cushing syndrome, thyroid, on systemic steroid or any continuous medication for last 6 months, on dieting or suffering from any disability condition (other than obesity and OSAS) affecting their HRQoL were excluded from the study. All subjects underwent Polysomnography. Leptin assay was done by ELISA method. Hindi version of HRQoL tool SF-36 was used to evaluate HRQoL. RESULTS: SPSS 20 was used to analyse data. Three groups (AHI <5, 5 to 15 and >15) were compared. Significant differences were observed in BMI, NC, WC, WHR and ESS. Differences were not significant in sleep architecture and Leptin level. SF-36 HRQoL, scores were observed decreased with increase in severity of disease. Leptin level was found significantly correlated with "Role limitations due to physical health problems", "Social functioning", Hypopnea and obesity indices. CONCLUSIONS: In these subjects Obesity indices are the most important correlates of Leptin level. Oxygen desaturation indices with exception of Hypopnea and HRQoL may not be exclusively correlated to leptin levels.

IL-6 gene expression in adipose tissue of postmenopausal women and its association with metabolic risk factors.

Adipose tissue secretes various kinds of adipokines that controls the glucose and lipid metabolism in humans. The abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) both are associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. IL-6 is one of the adipokines, which promotes insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in humans. The association of adipokines with metabolic syndrome at protein levels are well documented. However, their association at gene expression level are lacking. The present study was design to investigate IL-6 mRNA expression in adipose tissues (VAT and SAT) and its correlation with metabolic risk factors and insulin resistance (HOMA) in post menopausal women. A total of 108 Asian North Indian post menopausal women, 54 without metabolic syndrome (controls) and 54 with metabolic syndrome (cases) were recruited and evaluated. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected at admission and abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were collected during open abdomen surgery. The results showed significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) higher mean SBP, glucose, insulin, HOMA, TG, VLDL and serum IL-6 while significantly (p < 0.001) lower HDL and estrogen in cases as compared to controls. In cases, the relative mean SAT IL-6 expression was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher as compared to VAT. Further, in cases, the VAT IL-6 expression showed significant (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001) and negative correlation with WC, WHR, glucose, HOMA, TC, LDL and estrogen while SAT IL-6 expression also showed significant (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) and negative correlation with WC, WHR and estrogen. The Cox regression analysis found VAT IL-6 mRNA expression the significant (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) an independent predictor of WC, HOMA, TC, LDL and estrogen while SAT IL-6 mRNA expression the significant (p < 0.01) an independent predictor of TG and VLDL. The study concluded that IL-6 expressions of both visceral and subcutaneous tissues may be associated with metabolic risk factors in postmenopausal Asian North Indian women.

Demographic risk factors, affected anatomical sites and clinicopathological profile for oral squamous cell carcinoma in a north Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a common form of cancer in India, particularly among men. About 95% are squamous cell carcinomas. Tobacco along with alcohol are regarded as the major risk factors. OBJECTIVES: (i) To determine associations of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with respect to gender, age group, socioeconomic status and risk habits; (ii) To observe the distribution of affected oral anatomical sites and clinico-pathological profile in OSCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an unmatched case-control study during period January 2012 to December 2013. Total of 471 confirmed OSCC patients and 556 control subjects were enrolled. Data on socio-demography, risk habits with duration and medical history were recorded. RESULTS: There were significant associations between OSCC with middle age (41-50years; unadjusted OR=1.63, 95%CI=1.05-2.52, p=0.02) (51-60 years; unadjusted OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.15-2.79, p=0.009) and male subjects (unadjusted OR=2.49, 95%CI=1.89-3.27, p=0.0001). Cases with both habits of tobacco chewing and smoking were at a higher risk for OSCC than tobacco chewing alone (unadjusted OR=0.52, 95%CI=0.38-0.72, p=0.0001), duration of risk habits also emerged as a responsible factor for the development of carcinoma. The majority of patients were presented in well-differentiated carcinomas (39.9%). Prevalence of advance stages (TNM stage III, IV) was 23.4% and 18.3% respectively. The buccal mucosa was the most common (35.5%) affected oral site. CONCLUSIONS: In most Asian countries, especially India, there is an important need to initiate the national level public awareness programs to control and prevent oral cancer by screening for early diagnosis and support a tobacco free environment.

Acute post-bariatric surgery increase in orexin levels associates with preferential lipid profile improvement.

CONTEXT: Orexin is a recently identified neuropeptide hormone. OBJECTIVES: Acute and long-term post-bariatric changes in Orexin and relationship to post-operative metabolic outcomes. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Men and women undergoing biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch bariatric surgery (n = 76, BMI≥35 kg/m(2)) were evaluated for body composition and plasma parameters at baseline, acutely (1 and 5 days) and long-term (6 and 12 months) post-surgery. SETTING: University Hospital Centre, Canada. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Groups were subdivided based on acute (average 1 and 5 day) changes in Orexin prior to weight loss: (i)>10% Orexin decrease (n = 33, OrexinDEC) and (ii)>10% Orexin increase (n = 20, OrexinINC), to evaluate impact on long-term changes. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable preoperative Orexin levels, BMI, age, sex distribution, diabetes and lipid lowering medication, plasma glucose and lipid parameters except for apolipoproteinB (p<0.007). Orexin increase was rapid and maintained throughout one year, while OrexinDEC subjects remained significantly lower throughout. Over 12 months, changes in BMI, fat mass, and %fat mass were comparable. Fasting glucose and insulin increased immediately 1-day post-operatively, decreasing rapidly (5-day) and declining thereafter with the OrexinINC group remaining lower than the OrexinDEC group throughout (p = 0.001). Similarly, plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C and HDL-C decreased at 1-day, increased slightly (5-day), except HDL-C, then decreased over 1 year, with greater decreases in OrexinINC group relative to OrexinDEC group. CONCLUSION: Rapid postoperative increases in plasma Orexin are associated with better improvement of glucose and lipid profiles following bariatric surgery.

Reducing psychological distress and obesity through Yoga practice.

BACKGROUND: Yoga practice has been effectively prescribed in conjunction with other medical and yogic procedures in the management of severe psychosomatic diseases, including cancer, bronchial asthma, colitis, peptic and ulcer. It improves strength and flexibility, and may help control physiological variables such as blood pressure, lipids, respiration, heart rate, and metabolic rate to improve overall exercise capacity. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Yogic Practice on anxiety/depression associated with obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from the Department of Physiology, C.S.M. Medical University (erstwhile KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 272 subjects were divided into two groups: 1) group of 205 subjects (with yogic practice) and 2) a control group of 67 subjects (with aerobic exercise). Assessment of anxiety and depression were done by Hamilton Rating Scale. RESULT: This study supports yoga as an effective tool with no diet restriction to improve anxiety and depression symptoms as well as obesity in obese subjects CONCLUSION: Incorporating yogic asana in the treatment protocol of patients suffering from anxiety and depression may prove beneficial in the long run.

Electrical disturbance in heart by smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco use in the form of chewed tobacco or snuff is common in various parts of the world, including India. It is well known that smokeless tobacco consumption is responsible for cancer but less is known about its role as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Nicotine, the main constituent of tobacco smoke is responsible for the elevated risk of the cardiovascular disease and sudden coronary death associated with smoking, presumably by provoking cardiac arrhythmias. This review discusses some of the acute and chronic cardiac effects of smokeless tobacco on cardiovascular disease with special reference to the electrical disturbance as well as comparing nicotine kinetics between smoking and smokeless tobacco. It would further enhance the clamor to urge people to quit all forms of tobacco consumption.

Resistin gene expression in visceral adipose tissue of postmenopausal women and its association with insulin resistance.

AIM: The present study evaluates resistin mRNA expression in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and its correlation with insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment) in postmenopausal obese women. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 68 (nonobese = 34 and obese = 34) age-matched (49-70 years) postmenopausal women were recruited for the study. Fasting blood samples were collected at admission and abdominal VAT were obtained during surgery for gall bladder stones or hysterectomy. Physical parameters (age, height, weight and BMI) were measured. Biochemical parameters (plasma insulin, plasma glucose and serum resistin) were estimated by enzymatic methods. The VAT resistin mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: The relative mean (± standard deviation) VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women lowered significantly by 20.4% compared with postmenopausal nonobese women (0.029 ± 0.011 vs 0.023 ± 0.013; p = 0.047). Furthermore, VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women was downregulated by 0.69-fold when compared with age-matched postmenopausal nonobese women. Furthermore, the relative VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women showed significant inverse association with insulin resistance (r = -0.48; p < 0.01) and serum resistin (r = -0.84; p < 0.001), while in postmenopausal nonobese women it did not show any association with both insulin resistance (r = 0.03; p > 0.05) and serum resistin (r = -0.03; p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The VAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women is associated to insulin resistance.

Over expression of resistin in adipose tissue of the obese induces insulin resistance.

AIM: To compare resistin mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and its correlation with insulin resistance (IR) in postmenopausal obese women. METHODS: A total of 68 postmenopausal women (non obese = 34 and obese = 34) were enrolled for the study. The women of the two groups were age matched (49-70 years). Fasting blood samples were collected at admission and abdominal SAT was obtained during surgery for gall bladder stones or hysterectomy. Physical parameters [age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI)] were measured. Biochemical (plasma insulin and plasma glucose) parameters were estimated by enzymatic methods. RNA was isolated by the Trizol method. SAT resistin mRNA expression was done by real time- reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by using Quanti Tect SYBR Green RT-PCR master mix. Data was analyzed using independent Student's t test, correlation and simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean weight (52.81 ± 8.04 kg vs 79.56 ± 9.91 kg; P < 0.001), BMI (20.23 ± 3.05 kg/m(2)vs 32.19 ± 4.86 kg/m(2); P < 0.001), insulin (8.47 ± 3.24 µU/mL vs 14.67 ± 2.18 µU/mL; P < 0.001), glucose (97.44 ± 11.31 mg/dL vs 109.67 ± 8.02 mg/dL; P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment index (2.01 ± 0.73 vs 3.96 ± 0.61; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in postmenopausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women. The mean serum resistin level was also significantly higher in postmenopausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women (9.05 ± 5.15 vs 13.92 ± 6.32, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean SAT resistin mRNA expression was also significantly (0.023 ± 0.008 vs 0.036 ± 0.009; P < 0.001) higher and over expressed 1.62 fold (up-regulated) in postmenopausal obese women compared to postmenopausal non obese women. In postmenopausal obese women, the relative SAT resistin mRNA expression showed positive (direct) and significant correlation with BMI (r = 0.78, P < 0.001) and serum resistin (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the SAT resistin mRNA expression in postmenopausal obese women also showed significant and direct association (r = 0.45, P < 0.01) with IR, while in postmenopausal non obese women it did not show any association (r = -0.04, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased SAT resistin mRNA expression probably leads to inducing insulin resistance and thus may be associated with obesity-related disorders in postmenopausal obese women.

Association of resistin with metabolic syndrome in Indian subjects.

BACKGROUND: The role of resistin in insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome has been controversial until now. Increased plasma/serum resistin levels are associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum resistin levels with markers of metabolic syndrome in males. METHODS: A total of 386 male volunteers were enrolled in a case-control study. All of the enrolled volunteers were analyzed to confirm metabolic syndrome following the guidelines of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) of 2001. Of the 386 volunteers, 192 were categorized as cases of metabolic syndrome, whereas 194 were registered as controls without metabolic syndrome. Volunteers enrolled in the study were analyzed for anthropometrical parameters, lipid profile status, insulin, insulin resistance, and resistin. RESULTS: Higher levels of resistin were observed in cases when compared to controls (12.49 ± 4.73 ng/mL vs. 6.99 ± 1.98 ng/mL). Resistin was positively and significantly associated with serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein, whereas it was negatively and significantly associated with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Multiple regression analysis of the data observed indicated that the triglyceride level was the major determinant for the development of metabolic syndrome in male samples. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a positive correlation between resistin and factors of metabolic syndrome, except for HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), which was found to be negatively correlated in Indian male subjects. The study also found resistin to be a suitable peripheral blood marker.

"Effect of short-term cigarette smoking on insulin resistance and lipid profile in asymptomatic adults".

Present study examined the effect of short-term cigarette smoking on insulin resistance and lipid profile in asymptomatic healthy adults. This case control study comprised of 44 healthy male subjects in the age group of 18-40 yrs having BMI 25+3 and WHR < 1.0. Of these 22 smokers were included in the study group and 22 non-smokers in the control group. Subject selection was done such that one smoker and one non-smoker sibling or first degree male relative were selected from the same family. We compared fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and homeostatic model assessment index (HOMA Index) as a measure of insulin resistance between both the groups. Our observation showed that significantly higher values of serum glucose (133.36 +/- 23.45 mg/dl; P < 0.001), serum insulin (32.04 +/- 6.0 2 microU/ml; P < 0.001) and HOMA index (3.62 +/- 0.21; P < 0.001) were found in smokers as compared to non-smokers (serum glucose 86.95 +/- 19.32 mg/dl, insulin 20.09 +/- 4.8 microU/ml, HOMA index 3.29 +/- 0.30). No significant difference was observed for number of subjects having insulin resistance (HI > 3.8) and lipid profile in both the groups. Thus it appears that smokers are prone to develop hyperinsulenemia, hyperglycemia and the metabolic syndrome.