Study on Glycaemic Status and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh.

Recent increases in the incidence of diabetes in developing countries have been associated with complications resulting in mortality and morbidity. A case control study of 120 subjects attending out patient department of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh was done with an aim to evaluate alteration of serum lipid profile and HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients and compare with age matched healthy control. Of the total cases, 60 were Type 2 diabetic patients and 60 were apparently healthy persons recruited for the study. These patients and control subjects were classified as male (50%) and female (50%). Fasting lipid profile and HbA1c% were measured by following the standard laboratory methods. The study subjects had relatively poor glycemic control. The mean HbA1c was 9.21±1.19% in diabetes patient and 4.71±0.60% was in control. The mean fasting blood glucose level was 10.18±1.56mmol/L in diabetes patient and 4.51±0.48mmol/L in control. The mean total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, HDL-C & LDL-C were 211.93±11.83mg/dl, 156.90±7.96mg/dl, 35.20±3.17mg/dl & 133.20±3.99mg/dl in diabetes patient accordingly and the mean total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, HDL-C & LDL-C were 159.72±4.89mg/dl, 117.45±12.97mg/dl, 44.23±2.75mg/dl & 92.15±5.67mg/dl in control group accordingly. The study revealed that the most common abnormality seen was decreased serum HDL-Cholesterol levels (91.67%). Hypertriglyceridaemia present in 81.67% patients, 78.34% had high LDL-Cholesterol and 73.34% had hypercholesteromia. Diabetic males had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol compared to diabetic females and diabetic females had significantly lower levels of HDL-Cholesterol compared to diabetic males. It was concluded from the results of this study that, diabetic patients are more prone to develop dyslipidaemia. Thus early diagnosis of dyslipidemia and good glycaemic control can be used as a preventive measure for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 diabetics.

Closed posterior dislocation of the ankle without fracture.

Closed posterior dislocation of the ankle without a fracture is a rare injury. We are reporting a case in a young male on his motorbike, being hit at the right ankle from behind. The mechanisms of injury along with MRI findings are being discussed.

Importance of the regulation of nuclear receptor degradation.

Nuclear hormone receptors (NHRs) represent a superfamily of structurally related ligand-activated transcription factors, which regulate diverse biological activities like growth, development, and homeostasis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that certain members of the NHR superfamily are degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in a ligand-dependent manner. Though the signal for the down-regulation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is not yet known, phosphorylation at specific amino acid residues or coactivator binding to receptors could lead to their degradation by the 26S proteasome. Activation and degradation seems to be an engineered cyclic mechanism, which provides tight control over diverse cellular processes. The degradation process involves extensive loss of proteins and requires expenditure of cellular ATP. That seems to be inevitable for a more important aim, that is efficient and appropriate regulation of transcription. Down-regulation of receptors would lead to an attenuated transcriptional response because the number of receptor molecules available to activate transcription would decrease over time. One of the obvious reasons for down-regulating NHRs thus seems to be to prevent the cell from overstimulation by the hormones or other activating signals. Nuclear receptor turnover may also reset the transcriptional apparatus in preparation for a subsequent response. Since inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway disturbs the transcriptional activitity of some of the nuclear receptors such as estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, it is also possible that the degradation of NHRs may enable recycling of components of receptor-cofactor complexes and general transcriptional machinary. Understanding the mechanism of nuclear hormone receptor degradation and its relation to transcription may lead to novel insights of therapuetic intervention.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: a study of proposed electrodiagnostic and histologic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the sensitivity of the 3 proposed electrodiagnostic (EDX) criteria for demyelination, the sensitivity and specificity of the proposed Ad Hoc Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology AIDS [Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome] Task Force histologic criteria (AAN criteria), the degree of agreement among these criteria, and the diagnostic value of sural nerve histologic criteria in patients with idiopathic chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 24 patients with idiopathic CIDP and 12 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DP) who underwent comparable testing of clinical, histologic, and EDX features. RESULTS: We found 42%, 50%, and 79% sensitivity of the proposed EDX, AAN teased fiber, and AAN electron microscopic (EM) criteria, respectively, for demyelination in CIDP. The specificity of the proposed AAN teased fiber and EM criteria for demyelination was greater than 80% when tested against patients with DP. There was lack of agreement between the EDX and histologic criteria. Almost two thirds of patients with CIDP who met the EM criteria but none of the EDX criteria for demyelination showed a favorable response to immunomodulatory therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Sural nerve histologic criteria offer unique sensitivity and acceptable specificity toward the diagnosis of CIDP. Sural nerve biopsy should be considered when a clinical suspicion of CIDP remains in patients who do not meet the proposed EDX criteria for demyelination.

Adaptive regulation of intestinal folate uptake: effect of dietary folate deficiency.

Folate is an essential micronutrient that, in mammals, must be obtained from exogenous sources via intestinal absorption. Previous studies have characterized different aspects of the mechanism of the intestinal folate uptake process. Much less, however, is known about regulation of this process. In this study, we examined the effect of dietary folate deficiency on intestinal folate uptake using the rat as an animal model. The results showed that dietary folate deficiency leads to a significant (P < 0.01) and specific upregulation in the transepithelial transport of folic acid. The upregulation in transepithelial folate transport 1) was found to be due to an induction in carrier-mediated folate uptake across the brush-border membrane (BBM) and was mediated via a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the maximal velocity but not the apparent Michaelis constant of the uptake process, 2) was associated with a marked increase in the steady-state mRNA level of reduced folate carrier-1 and in the level of the expressed protein at the intestinal BBM, and 3) was associated with a marked (>10-fold) increase in the activity of the intestinal BBM form of folate hydrolase. Results of this study demonstrate, for the first time, that dietary folate deficiency leads to a marked upregulation in intestinal folate uptake and in the activity of folate hydrolase. Furthermore, the upregulation in folate uptake is associated with an increase in mRNA and protein levels of folate carrier, suggesting possible involvement of a transcriptional regulatory mechanism(s) in the upregulation.

Hexavalent chromium reduction by a dichromate-resistant gram-positive bacterium isolated from effluents of tanneries.

A gram-positive, chromium (Cr)-resistant bacterial strain (ATCC 700729) was isolated from effluent of tanneries. It was grown in media containing potassium dichromate concentration up to 80 mg ml(-1) of the medium. The dichromate reducing capability of the bacterium was checked by estimating the amount of Cr VI in the medium before and after introduction of bacterial culture. The influence of factors like pH of the medium, concentration of Cr, and the amount of the inoculum was studied to determine the ability of the bacterium to reduce Cr VI in the medium under various conditions. In a medium containing dichromate 20 mg ml(-1) more than 87% reduction of dichromate ions was achieved within 72 h. The feasibility of the use of this bacterial strain for detoxification of dichromate in the industrial wastewater has been assessed. The isolated strain can be exploited for specific environmental clean-up operations.

Effect of dichromate on population and growth of various protozoa isolated from industrial effluents.

Three protozoa belonging to genera Euglena, Vorticella and Stylonychia collected from industrial wastes were cultured in a medium containing inorganic salts, basically meant for the growth of algae. Protozoa showed rapid growth in the medium. Hexavalent chromium (K2Cr2O7) at a concentration of 5 micrograms/L in the medium adversely affected the growth of protozoa. At the end of eight days of Cr administration, the population of Euglena, Vorticella and Stylonychia increased 8-, 4.5- and 10-fold, respectively, as against 30-, 6.75- and 50-fold increase in the control cultures. No apparent death phase and no change in activity or morphology of protozoa was observed at this Cr concentration. The protozoa were also exposed to different metal ions, viz. Pb (2.42 mmol/L), Cr (0.48 mmol/L), Cd (0.36 mmol/L), administered in the culture medium for a period of 2 years. The metal tolerance for S. mytilus and V. microstoma was Pb > Cr > Cd. E. proxima could not tolerate any of the long-term metal treatments. Because of the ability of these protozoa to tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals, their potential role in remediation of heavy metals from industrial wastewater is considered.

Chromium-tolerant bacteria isolated from industrial effluents and their use in detoxication of hexavalent chromium.

Three bacterial strains were isolated from effluents of leather (CMBL Cr13, CMBL Cr14) and steel (CMBL Cr15) industries for their possible use in chromium(VI) detoxication of industrial waste. CMBL Cr13 was found to tolerate chromium(VI) up to a concentration of 45 g/L in the medium, while CMBL Cr14 and CMBL Cr15 could tolerate up to 40 g/L. These bacteria were also checked for resistance to other metals. They resisted a lead concentration of 1 g/L and cadmium concentration of 550 mg/L in the medium. They showed optimum growth at pH 7.3-7.5 at a temperature of 35-37 degrees C. CrVI-reducing ability of the three strains ranged from 70 to 80% after 3 d of incubation. The possible use of these bacteria in environmental cleanup is discussed.

Respiratory muscle involvement in Bethlem myopathy.

We report a patient from a previously reported family with autosomal dominant Bethlem myopathy who demonstrated childhood onset, slowly progressive limb-girdle muscle weakness, contractures, and progressive respiratory compromise. Chest x-ray, pulmonary function tests, and electrophysiologic studies suggested respiratory muscle involvement, thus expanding the clinical repertoire in Bethlem myopathy.

Growth and survival of protozoa isolated from a tannery effluent.

Industrial effluent from a tannery was used for the growth of algae in a medium containing various inorganic salts. Growth of algal cells became visible after 7 d. Two species of protozoa were observed to proliferate in the algal culture containing no organic supplement in the medium. The culture was kept bacteria-free by the use of antibiotics and was perpetuated for at least 150 d with no decline in the protozoan population. Efficient growth of protozoa in a culture of algae elucidated new modes of nutrition in protozoa. Cr(VI) was added to the medium to check the resistance of algae and protozoa against this heavy metal. Protozoa showed different degrees of resistance. The results indicate the importance of algae and protozoa in the process of bioremediation.

Induction of apoptosis by iron deprivation in human leukemic CCRF-CEM cells.

It is known that iron is essential for cell growth and viability and that iron deprivation results in an inhibition in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides. However, steps leading to eventual cell death during iron deprivation are not fully understood. In the present study, we report that cellular iron-deficiency produced by exposure of human leukemic CCRF-CEM cells to gallium or the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFX) resulted in the inhibition of cell growth, condensation of chromatin, and the formation of DNA fragments (DNA-ladder), findings that are characteristic of apoptotic cell death. These effects of gallium and DFX were detected after a 48-hour incubation with cells and could be prevented by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC). Iron-deprivation produced a small increase in the endogenous expression of bcl-2 protein. Our studies provide additional information regarding the mechanism of cytotoxicity of gallium and DFX, and suggest, for the first time, a role for iron in the suppression of apoptotic cell death.

Activity of long chain acyl-CoA synthetase in isolated alveolar type II cells.

Fatty-acyl-CoA synthetase activity was determined in rat alveolar type II cells. Compared to whole-lung homogenate, the enzyme specific activity with palmitic acid was 3.6-fold higher in isolated type II alveolar cells. The enzyme in rat alveolar type II cells did not discriminate among various fatty acids, suggesting that supply of fatty acids rather than specificity might be an important factor for their activation in these cells.

Relation of lung fatty acid binding protein to the biosynthesis of pulmonary phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylcholine.

The activities of glycerophosphate and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) acyltransferases were determined using lung microsomes in the presence of lung fatty acid binding protein (FABP). The synthesis of phosphatidic acid (PA) was increased two- to fourfold in the presence of FABP as compared to albumin. Lung FABP did not increase the incorporation of palmitoyl CoA into phosphatidylcholine. The results indicate that FABP-bound fatty acyl CoA may be a preferred substrate for glycerophosphate acyltransferase.

Dietary and nutritional aspects of fatty acid binding proteins.

Information on cytosolic fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) related to dietary and pharmacological manipulations is discussed in terms of FABP function. FABP present in liver, heart, intestinal mucosa and omental fat responds to different diets. A parallel change occurs in tissue levels of FABP and metabolism of fatty acids. It seems FABP might play a role in lipid metabolism by interacting with membrane bound enzymes. The available data also support the argument in favor of FABP involvement in intracellular transport, compartmentalization and channeling of fatty acids.

Purification and characterization of fatty acid binding protein in mammalian lung.

A fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) has been isolated and characterized from rat lung tissue. Rat lung FABP has a slightly higher molecular weight than liver FABP, but immunologically, lung FABP is similar to that of liver FABP. Long chain acyl CoA synthetase, a key enzyme in fatty acid metabolism is stimulated by partially purified lung FABP, suggesting a physiologic role of the protein in the activation of long chain fatty acids in pulmonary tissue.

Characterization and purification of fatty acid-binding protein in rat and human adipose tissue.

A protein with properties similar to fatty acid-binding protein has been isolated from rat and human adipose tissue. Comparison of fatty acid-binding protein from rat liver and adipose tissue and human adipose tissue shows that all have approximately similar molecular weights. Immunologically, rat liver fatty acid-binding protein is similar to the protein characterized from rat adipose tissue. In isolated rat fat cells the fatty acid-binding protein was demonstrated to be involved in the uptake and esterification of long-chain fatty acids. These observations constitute evidence for a potential role of this protein in the fatty acid metabolism of adipocytes.