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Introduction: In developing countries, reproductive tract infection among women commonly goes undiagnosed and their sequel causes various complications. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of RTI/STI through a syndromic case approach and its correlates among women of reproductive age group. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 eligible married women residing in urban slums of Agra by using WHO Syndromic case approch for diagnosis of RTIs/STIs. Results: The overall prevalence of RTI/STD was found to be 32.80% where vaginal discharge (22.60%) and lower abdominal pain (8.20%) were the most common syndromes. On multivariate analysis, religion, caste, type of absorbent used during menses, and history of IUD use were found to be significantly significant. Conclusion: The result of this study highlights the high prevalence and potential risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of RTI. It also emphasizes the need of training and education session of the participants to identify the early symptoms of RTI.
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Background: In country like India, therapy with rosuvastatin recommended dose may cost between Rs. 400.00 and Rs. 800.00/month. The lower and middle income groups of Indian society are rapidly becoming major sufferers of cardiovascular disease, among all non-communicable diseases, the economic burden of rosuvastatin therapy may be substantial for this large section of population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin on alternate day versus daily dosing regimen in hyperlipidemia patients. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at MNR Medical College and Hospital’s department of pharmacology in association with general medicine. According to the inclusion criteria, 50 patients aged 30–60 years of both sexes were included in this prospective open label trial. The research lasted 6 weeks. All the participants were included in study after obtaining the informed consent and approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained before enrolment of participants. All patient data were obtained using a pre-designed proforma and put into an excel spreadsheet. Results: A total of 42 patients are included with 16 females (38%) and 26 men (62%). Cost of daily rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is Rs. 1087.80 (yearly daily dosing expenses 9453.50%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of 33.50% and for alternate day rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is 543.90% (yearly alternate day dosing expense 4713.80%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-C of 31%. Conclusion: Treatment with alternate day dose of rosuvastatin is comparably cost-effective when compared to currently practicing daily dose rosuvastatin therapy.
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Background: The common cause of mortality in India is related to complications of cardiovascular disease which has direct relation with the hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Rosuvastatin more efficacious than other statins in lesser dosage and having good safety profile. Aim and Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety, efficacy of rosuvastatin 10 mg daily dose versus alternate day dose in hyperlipidemia patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 individuals with hyperlipidemia were selected in this prospective open label research. Patients were grouped as Group D with rosuvastatin daily dose and Group A with alternate day dose. Fasting plasma lipid profile was assessed in both groups on the 1st, 4th, and 6th weeks. Results: There is significant reduction in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and elevation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) after 4 weeks and 6 weeks of the treatment in both the groups compared to baseline. The mean percentage reduction of total cholesterol was by 24% and 21.60% (P < 0.05) in Group D and Group A, respectively. The mean percentage reduction of LDL-C was by 33.50% and 31% (P < 0.05) Group D and Group A, respectively. The mean percentage improvement of HDL-cholesterol was by 19.89% and 17.09% (P < 0.05) in Group D and Group A, respectively. The mean percentage of reduction of TG was by 36.70% and 41.33% (P < 0.05) Group D and Group A. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin 10 mg on alternate days had the same efficacy in lowering cholesterol levels as taking it every day, also it may be a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing therapeutic benefits or side effects.
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OBJECTIVES: Skiing is practiced by the security forces posted at mountain areas for patrolling, securing borders, taking up rescue missions and sometimes as recreational activities. A study was planned to assess physiological and mental stress of a military ski activity through the measurement of heart rate (HR) variability, task load and perceived exertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven healthy Indian soldiers, trained with skiing techniques, participated in a 15 km skiing with 22 kg equipment at a predetermined snowy mountainous track. Pre- and post-exercise HR and HR variability (HRV) were recorded (bio-harness, Zephyr, USA) and questionnaires, namely NASA task load index (NASA-TLX) and Borg’s rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, were filled after exercise. Time and frequency domain parameters such as HR, variations between successive RR intervals (RMSSD), standard deviation of RR (SDNN) and percentage value of NN50 (pNN50), low- and high-frequency bands (LF and HF %) and LF/HF ratio were derived using Kubios software. Student’s t (paired) test was applied to compare pre- and post-exercise HRV parameters and Pearson’s correlation was applied to observe interdependencies between HRV and subjective scores. RESULTS: The findings depicted increase in post-exercise HR and decrease in overall HRV (both significant). Besides this, there was an increase in LF (significant) and LF/HF ratio (insignificant). Such response shows sympathetic dominance over parasympathetic domain of autonomic nervous system. The physical and mental stress experienced during the exercise was also expressed through high physical demand (79 out of 100) and high overall task load (total score – 77 out of 100) of the NASA-TLX and a moderately heavy RPE score (14 out of 20). CONCLUSION: The pre- and post-exercise differences in physiological variables ensured the presence of physical stress along with dominance of sympathetic nervous system. Overall task load was depicted with high subjective ratings. Carrying out skiing task in an environment infested with cold, wind chill, moderate hypoxia at a snowy and mountainous track possibly has induced the observed physiological and mental stress to the participants. Such findings are important to understand exact requirements of the mountain warfare events carried out by the forces.
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Purpose: The present study analyzed the existing literature related to COVID 19 and Mental Health by using the technique of bibliometric analysis which may serve as guide-map for future researchers and policy makers. Method: Bibliometric analysis is conducted in the present study by using various techniques like cita-tion analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence of keywords, thematic mapping by using visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer open-source software and R-based bibliometrix. Results: The study highlighted the most significant journals, authors, co-cited authors, institutions, key-words co-occurrence, and most cited articles in the area of COVID-19 and Mental Health on the basis of bibliometric analysis of 149 studies taken from the database of Scopus for the past three years (2020–first quarter of 2022). Also, authors identified few relevant themes such as Economic Effects of COVID-19, COVID-19 and its Impact on Healthcare workers, COVID-19 and its Impact on Patients and General Population as important emerging key areas for further research. Conclusion: We have highlighted significant citations, co-citations and keywords co-occurrence to summarize the literature. The present bibliometric study convincingly confirms the effect of COVID 19 pandemic on mental health and provides enough evidence to advocate formulation of strategies to tackle mental health issues.
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Background: The Internet is an inevitable part of life especially in the education sector, but at the same time irrational use of the Internet causes behavioral disorders. A high number of personality disorders such as impulsive behavior, depression, anxiety, and stress were also observed among medical students. Aim and Objectives: Hence, the present study hypothesized to find out the association of depression, anxiety, and stress with Internet addiction (IA) among young medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 250 1st-year medical students after taking ethics approval and written informed consent. Personal information and socio-demographic profile of participants were obtained. Young IA Test and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) survey questionnaire was self-administered by participants. To identify the risk and protective factors for IA with DASS-21 step-wise multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The prevalence of IA was 24.0 % with mean scores (±Standard Deviation [SD]) of 39.01 (±16.99) among the medical students. Depression, anxiety, and stress mean scores (±SD) were 5.44 (±4.21), 4.94 (±3.84), 6.77 (±3.83), respectively. Students with IA had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) in all domains of DASS-21 over the non-internet addicted. A statistically significant positive relationship of IA with depression (coefficient of determination (R2), (R2 = 0.22)), anxiety (R2 = 0.26), and stress (R2 = 0.33) were observed. Conclusions: 1/4th of the medical students were internet-addicted and 3.0% having severe anxiety. 22.0% of depression, 26.0% of anxiety, and 33.0% of stress among young medical students are attributable to IA. The rational use of the internet should be learned for psychological health and well-being.
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Background: Cancer is a challenge for majority of population抯 health-related quality of life (HRQoL), compromising their physical health and emotional well-being. QoL is equally distributed among different social groups. The aim of this study to analyze the impact of clinical characteristics and social determinants of health on the QoL of a cohort of persons diagnosed and/or treated for cancer. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 155 with various stages of cancer at different stages of their disease. Data were obtained using questionnaires QLQ-C30 from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), which include a set of functional and symptomatic scales. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test, Anova Test and adjusted for relevant variables using logistic regression. The dependent variables were the functional scales of QoL and the independent variables were socio-demographic and clinical variables. Results: Among the participants, 80(51.6%) were male and 75(48.4%) were female and majority 66(42.6%) in between the age of 40-60 years. Large proportion of patients were diagnosed with Oral cancer 67(43.2%), and Breast cancer 23(14.8%), and the clinical stages during the beginning of therapy were maximum at stage II a 104(67.1%). The mean of global health status/QoL was 52.34 (SD= 23.34). Quality of life was found to be significantly associated with some functional scales as role functioning (P?0.001), social function, (P=0.00), and symptom scales as pain (P=0.00), loss of appetite (P=0.004) and financial impact (P=0.02) as well as associations were noted in relation to socio demographic characteristics. Women from the most disadvantaged class, and showed the poorest results for most of the function scales. In contrast, age, education, occupation and social status had differential effects depending on the function studied. The highest functional status was cognitive functioning (54.58�.68). Conclusions: The cancer diagnosis has become more prevalent and carries significant changes to the method of living with physical and emotional changes in term of quality of life (QoL) because of inconvenience, torment, disfigurement, reliance and loss of confidence. In addition, addressing the unmet needs of these patients and ensuring higher satisfaction rate are recommended to maintain adequate HRQoL.
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Background: After year 2000 cesareanrates have increased from 15% to 30-50% worldwide. Practice of Trial of labor after cesarean has decreased from last two decades of 20thcentury. Predictors of vaginal birth after cesarean are not uniform and not suitable equally for all populations. FLAMM model was tested in this study for its predictability for a successful vaginal birth after previous one cesarean. Material And Methods:For an observational, retrospective study 72 patient files admitted in 2018 in Obstetric Department of C R Gardi Hospital were included which fulfille d criteria of having second pregnancy after cesarean for non recurrent indications like fataldistress, failure of induction of labor, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, twins and others. Indication of contracted pelvis, rupture uterus, previous classical cesarean section; and multiple pregnancy, medical complications and obstetric complications in this pregnancywere excluded. FLAMM scoreparameters; cervical dilatation, effacement, presence of previous vaginal birth before cesarean, indication of it and age of woman wereused. Observations of successful and failed trial were done by scoring system. Chi square test was used to compare data. Study variables were success of trial in various FLAMM parameters. Result:Higher scores in cervical dilatation (p<0.001), effacement (p<0.001) and prior vaginal delivery (p=0.03) were significantly associated with a successful outcome. Higher theaggregate FLAMM score, higher were chances of successful trial. A non-recurrent indication other than non-progress of labor for previous cesarean had no statistical association with success of trial. Aggregate score of 6 and more has 100 % predictability for a successful vaginal birth. Conclusion:Prediction by FLAMM model resulted in 62. 5%successful trial. FLAMM model maybe used for near to accurate prediction of successful trial of labor after cesarean.
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This study was undertaken to know the incidence and management practices of snakebite envenomation at the First Referral Unit - Sub-District Hospital, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India. Retrospective analysis of snakebite case records (n=145) was carried out for one-year period (January to December 2014). The annual incidence of snakebite was 36 per 100,000 population with case fatality rate of 4.5 per cent. Venomous snakebites were 76 per cent and non-venomous snakebites were 24 per cent. Overall, snakebites were more common in males (52.4%) than females (47.6%). Majority of the snakebites (66%) were in the age group of 18-45 yr. Seasonal variation was observed with highest snakebites in monsoon (58%). Lower extremities were the most common site of bites (63%). Neurotoxic and vasculotoxic envenomation were reported in 19 and 27 per cent snakebite cases, respectively. Anti-snake venom (ASV) was administered at an average dose of 7.5±0.63 vials (range 2-40, median 6). There was no uniform protocol followed for ASV administration as per the National Snakebite Management Protocol of Government of India (2009).
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Temperature excursion and exposure to sub-zero temperatures may reduce the potency of the freeze-sensitive vaccines. This study assessed temperature during vaccine transfers at various levels under the Universal Immunization Program. This cross-sectional study undertaken in 21 districts of three states of India – Bihar (n = 8), Kerala (n = 8), and Gujarat (n = 5). We documented temperature inside the cold boxes and vaccine carriers using LogTag-Trix8 data loggers. In total, 110 vaccine transportation episodes were observed; 55 inter-facility transfers and 55 outreach sessions. Sizable proportions of inter-facility (9% to 35%) and outreach vaccine transfers (18%) were exposed to sub-zero temperature. The proportions of exposure to temperature to >8°C were in the range of 0.8%–11.3% for inter-facility transfers and 2.3% for outreach sessions. The vaccines were exposed to freezing temperatures for significant durations during transportation across the cold chain. Rigorous monitoring of temperature integrity is essential to ensure the delivery of potent vaccines and to avoid vaccine failure.
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Objective: The current study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of Plumeria rubra (HAEPR) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: HAEPR was administered orally at 3 dose levels (100,200,400 mg/kg). Vitamin E (250 mg/kg) was used as a Standard nephroprotective agent. The kidney function test (estimation of serum creatinine, albumin, blood urea nitrogen) oxidative stress study (estimation of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde activity) and histological examination of kidneys was conducted. Results: The efficacy of HAEPR was compared with Cisplatin (CP) treated group. Serum creatinine and BUN was significantly (p<0.01) elevated in CP-treated group compared to the control group. HAEPR (100,200 mg/kg) and Vitamin E (250 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.01) decreased the serum creatinine and BUN levels. CP treated group exhibited significant (p<0.01) decrease in albumin when compared to control. Significant (p<0.01) increase in the serum albumin level was found in HAEPR (100,200 mg/kg) and Vitamin E (250 mg/kg) compared to CP group. Significant (p<0.01) decrease in the activity of SOD was observed in the CP group as compared to control. HAEPR (100 and 200 mg/kg) and Vitamin E (250 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.01) increased SOD levels. HAEPR (400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) increased SOD levels. HAEPR (100,200,400 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.01) decreased MDA levels as compared to CP group. Histopathological examination of the kidneys showed that HAEPR markedly ameliorated Cisplatin-induced renal tubular necrosis. An extract was found effective at all doses, although low dose (100 mg/kg) was found to be more effective and comparable with the standard group (Vitamin E 250 mg/kg). Conclusion: Present investigation revealed that HAEPR resulted in attenuation of Cisplatin-induced renal damage in rats.
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Background & objectives: Dengue virus infection is endemic in India with all the four serotypes of dengue virus in circulation. This study was aimed to determine the geographic distribution of the primary and secondary dengue cases in India. Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Health Research / Indian Council of Medical Research (DHR)/(ICMR) viral research and diagnostic laboratories (VRDLs) and selected ICMR institutes located in India. Only laboratory-confirmed dengue cases with date of onset of illness less than or equal to seven days were included between September and October 2017. Dengue NS1 antigen ELISA and anti-dengue IgM capture ELISA were used to diagnose dengue cases while anti-dengue IgG capture ELISA was used for identifying the secondary dengue cases. Results: Of the 1372 dengue cases, 897 (65%) were classified as primary dengue and 475 (35%) as secondary dengue cases. However, the proportion varied widely geographically, with Theni, Tamil Nadu; Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh and Udupi-Manipal, Karnataka reporting more than 65 per cent secondary dengue cases while Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir reporting as low as 10 per cent of the same. The median age of primary dengue cases was 25 yr [interquartile range (IQR 17-35] while that of secondary dengue cases was 23 yr (IQR 13.5-34). Secondary dengue was around 50 per cent among the children belonging to the age group 6-10 yr while it ranged between 20-43 per cent among other age groups. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed a wide geographical variation in the distribution of primary and secondary dengue cases in India. It would prove beneficial to include primary and secondary dengue differentiation protocol in the national dengue surveillance programme.
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Southeast Asia accounts for nearly 86 per cent of the smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumers in the world. The heterogeneous nature of SLT is a major impediment to using taxation as a tool to regulate SLT. This study was aimed to review issues around fiscal policies on SLT with the objective of providing clarity on the use of taxation as an effective policy instrument to regulate SLT use. Descriptive statistics and graphical representations were used to analyze published data from different sources. An analysis of prices and tax between smoke and SLT products was done to understand the impact of tax policies on SLT consumption. India, Bangladesh and Myanmar together account for 71 per cent of the world SLT users. The retail prices (PPP$) and tax were lower for SLT in low- and lower-middle-income countries and higher in high-income countries, on an average, suggesting a direct relationship between the two. Evidence from India and Bangladesh suggested that taxation had significantly reduced SLT use among adults. The compounded levy scheme used in India to tax SLT was found effective after incorporating speed of packing machines into the assessment of deemed production and tax on SLT products. The current analysis shows that taxation can be an effective instrument to regulate SLT consumption if tax rates are harmonized across SLT products and in a manner not to encourage substitution with other tobacco products. It is also imperative to set a minimum floor price on all tobacco products including SLT.
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Recourse to litigation and positive judicial interventions is one of the most effective tools to meet public health objectives. The present review envisions compiling litigation and judicial measures in Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) while assessing their role in advancing smokeless tobacco (SLT) control, and equally highlighting, how tobacco industry has used litigation to undermine tobacco control efforts in the Region. The litigation, especially from the SEAR, up to 2017, that have facilitated SLT control or have been used by the tobacco industry to challenge an SLT control policy decision were reviewed. Most of the litigation related to SLT control from the Region are on pictorial health warnings. Bhutan has imposed a complete prohibition on sale, manufacture and import of all kinds of tobacco products and the litigation there relates to the prosecution of offenders for violating the ban. Judiciary in the Region is well informed about the ill-effects of tobacco use and remains positive to tobacco control initiatives in the interest of public health. In India, several SLT-specific litigation helped in better regulation of SLT products in the country. Litigation has compelled governments for effective enforcement of the domestic tobacco control laws and the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Parties to the WHO FCTC must now use Treaty Article 19 to strengthen their legal procedures and make the tobacco industry liable, for both criminal and civil wrongs.
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Background & objectives: Over the past decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has served as a powerful tool to initiate and advance global tobacco control efforts. However, the control strategies have mainly targeted demand-side measures. The goal of a tobacco-free world by 2040 cannot be achieved if the supply-side measures are not addressed. This analysis was undertaken to examine the tobacco control legislations of various Parties ratifying WHO FCTC with an objective to ascertain the status of prohibition of importation, sale and manufacturing of smokeless tobacco products. Methods: All 180 Parties to WHO FCTC were included for the study. A comprehensive database of all the parties to FCTC was created and tobacco control legislations and regulations of all parties were studied in detail. Results: Overall, the sale of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products was prohibited in 45 Parties. Eleven Parties prohibited manufacturing of SLT products and six Parties imposed a ban on importation of SLT products. Australia, Bhutan, Singapore and Sri Lanka banned all three. Interpretation & conclusions: Comprehensive tobacco control strategy with effective tobacco cessation programme should complement strong legal actions such as prohibition on trade in SLT products to meet the public health objective of such laws and regulations. In addition, multisectoral efforts are needed for effective implementation of such restrictions imposed by the governments.
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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a blood borne and transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI). It has emerged as one of the major health challenges worldwide. In India, around 12-18 million peoples are infected with HCV, but in terms of prevalence percentage, its looks moderate due to large population. The burden of the HCV infection increases due to lack of foolproof screening of blood and blood products before transfusion. The qualified screening and quantification of HCV play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of HCV-related diseases. If identified early, HCV infection can be managed and treated by recently available antiviral therapies with fewer side effects. However, its identification at chronic phase makes its treatment very challenging and sometimes ineffective. The drugs therapy for HCV infection treatment is also dependent on its genotype. Different genotypes of HCV differ from each other at genomic level. The RNA viruses (such as HCV) are evolving perpetually due to interaction and integration among people from different regions and countries which lead to varying therapeutic response in HCV-infected patients in different geographical regions. Therefore, proper diagnosis for infecting virus and then exact determination of genotype become important for targeted treatment. This review summarizes the general information on HCV, and methods used for its diagnosis and genotyping.
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Background: The purpose of present study was to know the relation between the four blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and high academic scores among students of Government medical colleges of North India. Materials and methods: Study was conducted in Department of Physiology, Dr BSA Medical College, Delhi and UCMS, Delhi on 247 medical students both males and females of age group 18-20 years. Blood groups were collected from past medical records during the time of admission and Confirmation was done during the blood grouping practical classes. Blood group, completion test marks, internal assessment marks (theory, practical and viva-voce) in percentage were tabulated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Out of 247 students 98 students were B group, 76 students were O group, 57 students were A group and 16 students were AB group. Total number of Blood group B students (N=22) who scored high marks were more than the other blood group students. While the %age of students of A blood group (29.8%) were more than other blood groups. Conclusion: Though our study showed that there was a variation in the academic scores between the blood groups A, B, O and AB, there was no significant association (p < 0.05) found between any blood group and academic scores. So, the conclusion of our study was that there was no real correlation between blood groups and academic scoring
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Purpose: To describe the microbiological profile and clinical outcome in the eyes with culture‑proven exogenous endophthalmitis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 495 eyes diagnosed as exogenous endophthalmitis was performed over a period of 10 years. In all, aseptically collected aqueous and vitreous aspirates were cultured for bacteria and fungus using standard microbiological techniques. Gram‑stain and KOH preparation of the specimens were also performed. The antibiotic susceptibility testing for bacterial isolates was performed by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The treatment was modified according to the antibiotic sensitivity profile. The final clinical ocular condition was divided into improved, stable or deteriorated. Results: Of 148 culture‑proven endophthalmitis eyes, 137 (92.57%) were referred from elsewhere, and 11 (7.43%) belonged to our institute. Aetiologically, 76 (51.35%) eyes were post‑cataract surgery, 61 (41.22%) were post‑traumatic, 5 (3.38%) eyes post‑intravitreal anti‑vascular endothelial growth factor injection, 5 associated with corneal diseases and 1 bleb‑related endophthalmitis. In 31 (20.95%) eyes, primary intravitreal antibiotics were given outside. The cultures revealed monomicrobial growth in 92.57% (n = 137) and polymicrobial growth in 7.43% (n = 11). Among the bacteria (n = 121, 81.76%), Pseudomonas species dominated overall (n = 32, 27.11%) and post‑operative (n = 26, 38.23%) endophthalmitis group. Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 14, 28%) was prominent in post‑traumatic endophthalmitis group. Ninety‑two percent (n = 108 isolates) of bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin. In 78 (52.7%) eyes, the clinical ocular condition improved or remained stable while deteriorated in 51 (34.46%). Conclusion: A bacterial predominance was observed among causative organisms of exogenous endophthalmitis with Pseudomonas species being the most common. The appropriate surgical intervention improved or stabilised the visual acuity in nearly 50% eyes.
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Background & objectives: Immune activation and inflammation play critical roles in the stressful environmental conditions like high altitude, extreme cold, etc. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non classical major histocompatiblity complex class I (MHC class- I) protein, upregulated in the context of transplantation, malignancy and inflammation. We hypothesized serum HLA-G as a possible stress biomarker and studied levels of soluble form of HLA-G (sHLA-G) in Indian Antarctic expeditioners. Methods: sHLA-G ELISA was performed in the serum of summer (n=27) and winter (n=22) Indian Antarctic expeditioners. The summer expeditioners were evaluated at three different time points, i.e. before leaving India, after one month ship borne journey, and after staying one month at Indian research base, Maitri in Antarctica, while winter expeditioners were evaluated at five different time points, i.e. before leaving India, and in the month of March, May, August and November at Antarctica. Results: one month ship borne journey did not cause any significant change in the sHLA-G level as compared to the baseline level of the summer expeditioners. sHLA-G levels were not changed significantly in the months of March, May, August and November as compared to the baseline level of the winter expeditioners. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results indicated that the extreme conditions of Antarctica did not cause any significant change in the sHLA-G level in both summer and winter expeditioners.