Maternal Nutrition, Body Composition and Gestational Weight Gain on Low Birth Weight and Small for Gestational Age-A Cohort Study in an Indian Urban Slum.

Maternal nutritional status and care during pregnancy are essential for adequate birth weight. In this prospective cohort study (N = 1061) in an urban slum, we investigated the association of maternal anthropometry, body composition, gestational weight gain and dietary intakes with low birthweight (LBW, <2.5 kg). About one-third of the women were short (<150 cm), 35% were underweight (<45 kg), 23% suffered from chronic energy deficiency (CED, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and another 30% were overweight/obese. The mean age and BMI were 23 years and 21.7 kg/m2, respectively, and haemoglobin was 10.73 g/dL. The mean birthweight (N = 605) was 2.81 ± 0.5 kg, and the average gestational age was 38 ± 2 weeks. About 15% of infants had LBW, and 48% were small for gestational age (SGA). Maternal body composition was assessed by skinfold thickness (SFT) in all trimesters. In the first trimester (N = 762), we found that mean fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and body fat percentage (% BF) were 38.86 kg, 11.43 kg and 21.55%, respectively. Low birthweight was significantly associated with preterm deliveries (p < 0.001) and less fat free mass (p = 0.02) in the third trimester. Among other factors were age (p = 0.017), maternal anthropometry (height: p = 0.031; weight: p = 0.059) and fewer antenatal check-ups (p = 0.037). Small size (SGA) was consistently associated with maternal bodyweight at all trimesters (term I, p = 0.013, term II, p = 0.003 and term III, p < 0.001), fat mass in the third trimester (p < 0.001) and maternal height (p = 0.003).

Sex Differences in Animal Models of Sodium-Valproate-Induced Autism in Postnatal BALB/c Mice: Whole-Brain Histoarchitecture and 5-HT2A Receptor Biomarker Evidence.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by problems with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviour. In mice, the 14th postnatal day is believed to correspond to the third trimester of human embryonic development and is considered a vital period for central nervous system development. It has been shown that ASD affects 2 to 3 times more male than female individuals. In the present study, ASD was induced in 14 postnatal day (PND) BALB/c mice using valproic acid (VPA). VPA administration brought about substantial differences in the histoarchitecture of the brain in both male and female mice, linked to behavioural deficits. We observed that both male and female mice showed similar morphological changes in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and Purkinje cells. We also observed hair loss from PND 17 to 25, which was again similar between male and female mice. However, there were higher rates of change in the cerebral cortex, frontal cortex and temporal lobe and hippocampus in VPA-treated male animals. With respect to the cerebellum, we did not observe any alterations by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, but detailed morphological observation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a higher rate of phenotype changes in VPA-treated male animals. Moreover, 5-HT2A receptor protein levels were upregulated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and Purkinje cells in VPA-treated male mice compared with control animals and VPA-treated female mice, as shown by immunohistochemical analysis. Based on all these findings, we conclude that male animals are more susceptible to VPA-induced ASD than females.

In silico evaluation of the compounds of the ayurvedic drug, AYUSH-64, for the action against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

BACKGROUND: Outbreak of Corona Virus Disease in late 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic global Public health emergency. Since there is no approved anti-viral drug or vaccine declared for the disease and investigating existing drugs against the COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: AYUSH-64 is an Ayurvedic formulation, developed and patented by Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, India, has been in clinical use as anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic drug for few decades. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate AYUSH-64 compounds available in this drug against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) Main Protease (Mpro; PDB ID: 6LU7) via in silico techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different molecular docking software's of Discovery studio and Auto Dock Vina were used for drugs from selected AYUSH-64 compounds against SARS-CoV-2. We also conducted 100 ns period of molecular dynamics simulations with Desmond and further MM/GBSA for the best complex of AYUSH-64 with Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Among 36 compounds of four ingredients of AYUSH-64 screened, 35 observed to exhibits good binding energies than the published positive co-crystal compound of N3 pepetide. The best affinity and interactions of Akuammicine N-Oxide (from Alstonia scholaris) towards the Mpro with binding energy (AutoDock Vina) of -8.4 kcal/mol and Discovery studio of Libdock score of 147.92 kcal/mol. Further, molecular dynamics simulations with MM-GBSA were also performed for Mpro- Akuammicine N-Oxide docked complex to identify the stability, specific interaction between the enzyme and the ligand. Akuammicine N-Oxide is strongly formed h-bonds with crucial Mpro residues, Cys145, and His164. CONCLUSION: The results provide lead that, the presence of Mpro- Akuammicine N-Oxide with highest Mpro binding energy along with other 34 chemical compounds having similar activity as part of AYUSH-64 make it a suitable candidate for repurposing to management of COVID-19 by further validating through experimental, clinical studies.

Point-of-care Hb measurement in pooled capillary blood by a portable autoanalyser: comparison with venous blood Hb measured by reference methods in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

Population-based surveys commonly use point-of-care (POC) methods with capillary blood samples for estimating Hb concentrations; these estimates need to be validated by comparison with reference methods using venous blood. In a cross-sectional study in 748 participants (17-86 years, 708 women, Hb: 5·1 to 18·2 g/dl) from Hyderabad, India, we validated Hb measured from a pooled capillary blood sample by a POC autoanalyser (Horiba ABX Micros 60OT, Hb-C-AA) by comparison with venous blood Hb measured by two reference methods: POC autoanalyser (Hb-V-AA) and cyanmethemoglobin method (Hb-V-CM). These comparisons also allowed estimation of blood sample-related and equipment-related differences in the Hb estimates. We also conducted a longitudinal study in 426 participants (17-21 years) to measure differences in the Hb response to iron folate (IFA) treatment by the capillary blood POC method compared with the reference methods. In the cross-sectional study, Bland-Altman analyses showed trivial differences between source of blood (Hb-C-AA and Hb-V-AA; mean difference, limits of agreement: 0·1, -0·8 to 1·0 g/dl) and between analytical methods (Hb-V-AA and Hb-V-CM; mean difference, limits of agreement: < 0·1, -1·8 to 1·8 g/dl). Cross-sectional anaemia prevalence estimated using Hb-C-AA did not differ significantly from Hb-V-CM or Hb-V-AA. In the longitudinal study, the Hb increment in response to IFA intervention was not different when using Hb-C-AA (1·6 ± 1·7 g/dl) compared with Hb-V-AA (1·7 ± 1·7 g/dl) and Hb-V-CM (1·7 ± 1·7 g/dl). The pooled capillary blood-autoanalyzer method (Hb-C-AA) offers a practical and accurate way forward for POC screening of anaemia.

Prevalence of vitamin A deficiency and dietary inadequacy in Indian school-age children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: There are no representative estimates of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and risk of vitamin A (VA) dietary inadequacy in Indian children and adolescents. To evaluate, from national surveys, the prevalence of VAD measured by serum retinol concentrations (< 0.7 µmol/L or < 20 µg/dL), and the risk of VA dietary inadequacy and excess intake beyond the tolerable upper limit (TUL). METHODS: National and state-level VAD prevalence adjusted for inflammation was estimated in school-age children (5-9 years: 10,298) and adolescents (10-19 years: 9824) from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS 2016-18). The risk of dietary inadequacy against age-specific average VA requirements, and excess intake against the TUL, was assessed from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO 2014) data. RESULTS: Serum retinol concentrations increased with age (5-19 years) in both genders and were significantly lower in school-age children (1.02 µmol/L, CI: 1.01-1.03) compared to adolescents (1.13 µmol/L, CI 1.12-1.15). The inflammation-adjusted prevalence of VAD in school-age children and adolescents was 19.3% (CI 18.8-19.9) and 14.4% (CI 13.9-14.9) respectively, and this was > 20% in seven and four states for children and adolescents, respectively. The prevalence of VAD was significantly higher among children with lower socio-economic status. The risk of dietary VA inadequacy, from the NSSO survey, was 69 and 78% in children and adolescents, respectively. This risk reduced to 6 and 17% with VA fortified oil and milk intake, while the proportion of intakes exceeding the TUL became 6 and 0.5% in children and adolescents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The national prevalence of VAD in school-age children and adolescents in India was just less than 20%. The risk of dietary VA deficiency is likely to decline substantially with VA fortified food intake, but a risk of excessive intake also begins to appear; therefore, a careful assessment of the risk of hypervitaminosis A is required at these ages.

Potential Health Risks Associated with the Heavy Metal Content in Commonly Consumed Food from Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India.

The present study investigated the heavy metal (HM) accumulation in some food items and associated potential human health risk in the Prakasam district. Food samples were collected from 9 villages of different mandals mainly comprising of rice, wheat, green gram, red gram, black gram, potato, and amaranthus. The HMs chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS). The results showed that the HM concentrations in vegetables were higher than the cereals and pulses. The decreasing order of HM concentrations were observed as Cr > As > Pb > Cd > Hg, Cr > Pb > As = Cd > Hg and Cr > Pb > Cd > As > Hg in cereals, pulses, and vegetables, respectively. The dietary intake of cereals and vegetables contributed more exposure to HMs. The hazard index (HI) in case of cereals (3.648) and vegetables (1.003) exceeded 1 indicating the non-carcinogenic risk when these food items are consumed by adults. The HI in case of cereals (7.106) and vegetables (1.747) exceeded 1 indicating the health risks when these food items were consumed by children. The HI for cereals and vegetables in case of children is almost double to the HI of adults. The lifetime cancer risk was observed for Cr via consumption of rice and amaranthus, both in adults and children. In conclusion, health risk due to consumption of cereals and vegetables revealed both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for adults and children. The findings of the present study can be used for the development of potential strategies for risk control and management.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension and its associated factors among women from Northeast India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension and its risk factors among women from North-eastern States of India. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in two north-eastern States. Information was collected on household's socio-economic & demographic particulars. Height (cm), weight (kg), waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure were measured on all the selected women. Association between overweight/obesity, hypertension with socio-demographic variables was tested using Chi-square and logistic regression was done. Total 1047 women were covered from both the states. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was 19% & 10%, overweight/obesity (BMI≥23) was 17.5% & 26% and hypertension was 15% & 17% (age adjusted 19.6% & 17%) respectively among women from Meghalaya & Nagaland. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was observed more among women from Nagaland (36.5%) as compared to Meghalaya (18.3%). Only 31% women were aware of hypertension and 6% had history of hypertension and 82% of them were on treatment. The prevalence of hypertension was observed high among 36-49 years and among overweight/obese women. On logistic regression, only age, BMI and use of additional salt was observed to be significantly associated with hypertension, while living in pucca house was associated with overweight/obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension was similar in both the states (15-17%) and pre-hypertension was high among women from Nagaland. This is warning sign for women in Nagaland. There is an urgent need to undertake more health & nutrition education sessions along with regular check-up for early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Chronic Effects of Maternal Low-Protein and Low-Quality Protein Diets on Body Composition, Glucose-Homeostasis and Metabolic Factors, Followed by Reversible Changes upon Rehabilitation in Adult Rat Offspring.

Several studies suggest that the maternal protein content and source can affect the offspring's health. However, the chronic impact of maternal quality and quantity protein restriction, and reversible changes upon rehabilitation, if any, in the offspring, remains elusive. This study examined the effects of maternal low-quality protein (LQP) and low-protein (LP) intake from preconception to post-weaning, followed by rehabilitation from weaning, on body composition, glucose-homeostasis, and metabolic factors in rat offspring. Wistar rats were exposed to normal protein (NP; 20% casein), LQP (20% wheat gluten) or LP (8% casein) isocaloric diets for 7 weeks before pregnancy until lactation. After weaning, the offspring were exposed to five diets: NP, LQP, LQPR (LQP rehabilitated with NP), LP, and LPR (LP rehabilitated with NP) for 16 weeks. Body composition, glucose-homeostasis, lipids, and plasma hormones were investigated. The LQP and LP offspring had lower bodyweight, fat and lean mass, insulin and HOMA-IR than the NP. The LQP offspring had higher cholesterol, T3 and T4, and lower triacylglycerides and glucose, while these were unaltered in LP compared to NP. The majority of the above outcomes were reversed upon rehabilitation. These results suggest that the chronic exposure of rats to maternal LQP and LP diets induced differential adverse effects by influencing body composition and metabolism, which were reversed upon rehabilitation.

Bioavailability of iron from novel hydrogen reduced iron powders: Studies in Caco-2 cells and rat model.

The bioavailability of iron from elemental iron powders, including hydrogen reduced iron powder (HRIP), is influenced by particle size and surface area. In the present study, we investigated the solubility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of iron from novel HRIPs (particle size ≤25 and 38 µm generated at low [LT] and high [HT] temperature), with porous morphology and high surface area, in intestinal Caco-2 cells and in rat models. The acceptability of fortified wheat flour was tested in human volunteers. The iron solubility and ferritin induction in Caco-2 cells were significantly higher from wheat flour fortified with HRIPs compared to electrolytic iron powder (EIP, ≤45 µm size) either in the absence or presence of ascorbic acid. Nevertheless, ferritin induction in Caco-2 cells was significantly higher with FeSO4 compared to HRIP or EIP. The relative biological value of HRIPs was significantly higher (≤38HT) or similar compared to EIP in rats. However, serum ferritin was significantly higher in rats fed HRIPs than EIP. Further, wheat flour fortified with HRIP was found to be acceptable for consumption. These findings demonstrate higher iron bioavailability from novel HRIPs compared to the reference EIP (≤45 µm) and merits further studies on toxicity and efficacy. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The use of elemental iron powders for food fortification to alleviate iron deficiency is limited due to its poor bioavailability. The novel hydrogen-reduced elemental iron powders used in this study had higher bioaccessibility and bioavailability compared to reference EIP (≤45 µm) in in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. Further, there were no sensory differences between roti prepared with fortified or unfortified wheat flour. These results suggest that the novel hydrogen reduced elemental iron powders used in the present study are suitable for wheat flour fortification.

Toxicokinetic analysis of commonly used pesticides using data on acute poisoning cases from Hyderabad, South India.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) interfere with the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a vital enzyme that regulates the functioning of the nervous system, resulting in acetylcholine (Ach) accumulation at the synapses and myoneural junctions. It remains unknown whether the commonly used OPs in South India also interfere with the AChE activity and their toxicokinetics in humans remains poorly understood. We collected peripheral blood samples from OP-associated suicide cases (hospitalised) and analysed the pesticide concentration and AChE activity, and the toxicokinetics of six commonly used pesticides. LC-MS/MS was used for the estimation of pesticide concentration. Based on a comparison of six pesticide kinetic profiles and toxicokinetic parameters, we concluded that chlorpyrifos ingestion resulted in the highest concentration of chlopyrifos among the identified pesticides, followed by acephate, triazophos, propanil, while dimethoate exhibited the lowest concentration. Based on a time-course analysis, we observed a faster elimination phase for monocrotophos and dimethoate. We observed that there was a significant decrease in the mean concentration of monocrotophos (64 ng/mL) (P = 0.015), while the mean value of AChE (1.08 unit/mL) increased over time. While monocrotophos and dimethoate elimination phases were remarkable in human subjects, the other pesticides did notdemonstrate similar elimination phases owing to their low rate of metabolism and high stability.

Remdesivir (GS-5734) as a therapeutic option of 2019-nCOV main protease - in silico approach.

2019 - Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV), enclosed large genome positive-sense RNA virus characterized by crown-like spikes that protrude from their surface, and have a distinctive replication strategy. The 2019-nCOV belongs to the Coronaviridae family, principally consists of virulent pathogens showing zoonotic property, has emerged as a pandemic outbreak with high mortality and high morbidity rate around the globe and no therapeutic vaccine or drugs against 2019-nCoV are discovered till now. In this study, in silico methods and algorithms were used for sequence, structure analysis and molecular docking on Mpro of 2019-nCOV. The co-crystal structure of 2019-nCOV protease, 6LU7 have ∼99% identity with SARS-CoV protease. The 6LU7 residues, Cys145 and His164 are playing a significant role in replication and are essential for the survival of 2019-nCOV. Alongside, 2019-nCOV Mpro sequence is non-homologous to human host-pathogen. Complete genome sequence analysis, structural and molecular docking results revealed that Remdesivir is having a better binding affinity with -8.2 kcal/mol than the rest of protease inhibitors, and peptide. Remdesivir is strongly forming h-bonds with crucial Mpro residues, Cys145, and His164. Further, MD simulation analysis also confirmed, that these residues are forming H-bond with Remdesivir during 100 ns simulations run and found stable (∼99%) by RMSD and RMSF. Thus, present in silico study at molecular approaches suggest that, Remdesivir is a potent therapeutic inhibitor against 2019-nCoV.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Vitamin A deficiency among children younger than 5 y in India: an analysis of national data sets to reflect on the need for vitamin A supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is believed to be a serious public health problem (low serum retinol prevalence >20%) in Indian children, justifying universal high-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in Indian children younger than 5 y the risk of biochemical VAD from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, as well as dietary vitamin A inadequacy and excess over the tolerable upper limit of intake (TUL) from national and subnational surveys, factoring in fortification and VAS. METHODS: Child serum retinol data, corrected for inflammation, were examined to evaluate national- and state-level prevalence of VAD. Simultaneously, dietary intakes from the National Sample Survey Office and the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau were examined for risk of dietary vitamin A deficiency against its average requirement (AR) derived for Indian children. Theoretical estimates of risk reduction with oil and milk vitamin A fortification were evaluated along with the risk of exceeding the TUL, as well as when combined with intake from VAS. RESULTS: The national prevalence of biochemical VAD measured in 9563 children was 15.7% (95% CI: 15.2%, 16.3%), and only 3 states had prevalence significantly >20%. The AR of vitamin A was 198 and 191 µg/d for boys and girls; the risk of dietary inadequacy was ∼70%, which reduced to 25% with oil and milk fortification. Then, the risk of exceeding the TUL was 2% and 1% in 1- to 3-y-old and 4- to 5-y-old children, respectively, but when the VAS dose was added to this intake in a cumulative 6-mo framework, the risk of exceeding the TUL rose to 30% and 8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The national prevalence of VAD risk is below 20% in Indian children. Because there is risk of excess intake with food fortification and VAS, serious consideration should be given to a targeted approach in place of the universal VAS program in India.

Dietary adequacy and nutritional status of Meitei community of Manipur, Northeast India.

Meitei is the main ethnic community that belongs to the north-eastern state of Manipur in India. This community is bestowed with rich biodiverse resources with indigenous foods still form an integral part of their diet. However, limited data on the food and nutrient consumption as well as nutritional status of this community are available. This study was carried out on the children, adolescents and women of reproductive age (WRA) of this community from 12 villages, to determine their food consumption pattern and nutritional status. Basic anthropometry and 24-h dietary intake assessment was conducted. The prevalence of underweight was 27%, stunting was 45% and wasting was 12% in children below 5 years. Stunting was observed among 34% of children 5-17 years of age. About 7% of WRA were undernourished, while 28% were overweight or obese. About 55% of 1-7 year-old children had mean probability adequacy of 12 micronutrients <0.5, and the adequacy of individual micronutrients namely vitamin A, E and calcium were low. Dietary determinants such as low dietary diversity score, dietary species richness and the lowest tertiles of different food groups' intake (except for sugars, fish and sea foods and spices and condiments) predicted micronutrient inadequacy. In addition to a high prevalence of undernutrition in children and adolescents and overnutrition in WRA, the effect of various dietary determinants on micronutrient adequacy in the study group of the Meitei community are reported.

Retention, stability, iron bioavailability and sensory evaluation of extruded rice fortified with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.

Fortification of rice with micronutrients using extrusion technology is considered a sustainable strategy to prevent nutritional deficiencies in general population. The objective of the present study is to assess the retention, stability and iron bioavailability from indigenously developed triple fortified rice (iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 ) during rinsing and different cooking methods. Further, we also assessed the acceptability of fortified rice in adult human volunteers. The retention of iron during rinsing with excess water was ≥90%, whereas folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were reduced by ~25% during rinsing. Watertight cooking of rice (in electric cooker or on flame) had no additional effect on the nutrient levels as compared with rinsed rice, implying their stability during cooking. However, cooking with excess water followed by decanting led to loss of 45% iron and ≥70% folic acid and vitamin B12 . The dialyzable iron and ferritin synthesis in Caco-2 cells was significantly (P < .01) higher from fortified rice compared with unfortified rice. In addition, inclusion of ascorbic acid significantly (P < .01) increased the iron bioavailability from the fortified rice. Triangle tests in adult human subjects revealed that there are no significant sensory differences among fortified and unfortified rice. Further, fortified rice consumption appears to bridge the gaps in dietary iron intake deficits in children and women of reproductive age. These results suggest that the iron-, folic acid- and vitamin B12 -fortified rice has higher retention and stability of fortified nutrients and is acceptable for consumption in adult human volunteers.

High dietary micronutrient inadequacy in peri-urban school children from a district in South India: Potential for staple food fortification and nutrient supplementation.

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) co-exist, often because of poor intakes and adversely impact health. Habitual diets were assessed in 300 school children (6-17 years old) recruited from two government schools by simple random sampling. Probability of adequacy (PA) for 11 micronutrients and mean probability of adequacy (MPA) was calculated. Haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12 and C-reactive protein were estimated. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to estimate magnitude and factors associated with MNDs. The contribution of fortified foods and/or supplements in addressing inadequacies and excessive intakes was modelled. The PA ranged from 0.04 for folate to 0.70 for zinc, and the MPA was 0.27. Prevalence of anaemia (53%), iron deficiency (57%; ID), iron deficiency anaemia (38%; IDA), folate deficiency (24%) and B12 deficiency (43%) was high. Dietary inadequacy of iron, zinc and a low MPA was associated with anaemia and IDA. Inclusion of double fortified salt (DFS), fortified rice (FR) or iron folic acid (IFA) supplements individually in habitual diet reduced probability of iron inadequacy significantly from 82% to ≤13%. Inclusion of DFS and FR simultaneously led to disappearance of iron inadequacy, but risk of excessive intake increased to 16%. Inclusion of DFS, FR and IFA together increased risk of excess iron intake to 40%. Nevertheless, intakes of folate and B12 remained inadequate even with FR and/or IFA. These results indicate a high risk of dietary MNDs in children and suggest need for more systematic intake measurements in representative sample and adjustment of iron dosages to avoid excessive intakes.

Status of oxidative stress markers, advanced glycation index, and polyol pathway in age-related cataract subjects with and without diabetes.

One of the major public health issues is the rising prevalence of cataracts, a primary reason for preventable blindness. The causes for the development of age-related cataracts and accelerated cataractogenesis in diabetes are multifactorial. Hence, this study was designed to examine the status and relationship between the three majorly associated molecular events, namely, oxidative stress, non-enzymatic glycation, and polyol pathway in age-related cataracts with and without diabetes. A total of 472 subjects were distributed into four groups: non-diabetic subjects with clear lens (135), diabetic subjects with clear lens (40), non-diabetic subjects with cataract (174), and diabetic subjects with cataract (123). Cataracts were graded by slit-lamp examination according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Age at onset of cataract, type of opacity, anthropometric measurements, and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded, and clinical profile was examined. Plasma oxidative stress markers were assessed by estimating the lipid peroxidation end product malondialdehyde, protein oxidation products protein carbonyls, and DNA oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Plasma advanced glycation end products index, erythrocyte aldose reductase activity, and sorbitol levels were evaluated. After adjusting for age, plasma malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in diabetic cataracts (P < 0.001) and non-diabetic cataract subjects (P < 0.05), compared to non-diabetic subjects with clear lens. Plasma advanced glycation end products index was significantly higher (P < 0.05) only in diabetic cataracts, but not in non-diabetic subjects with cataracts. Aldose reductase activity and sorbitol levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with cataract compared to non-diabetic subjects with clear lens. The data indicated that plasma lipid peroxidation in age-related cataracts was independent of diabetes. An association of pronounced glycation was observed only in diabetic cataracts but not in non-diabetic cataracts and polyol flux between diabetic cataracts and non-diabetic cataracts was comparable.

Micronutrient intakes and status assessed by probability approach among the urban adult population of Hyderabad city in South India.

PURPOSE: To assess the dietary inadequacies of micronutrients and the associated factors among the apparently healthy urban adults. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study involved 300 urban adults (distributed into age groups: 21-40, 41-60, and > 60 years) residing in Hyderabad city, South India. Hemoglobin in whole blood, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 (B12) in plasma was estimated. Dietary intakes were assessed by three 24-h dietary recalls and calculated the probability of adequacy (PA) using estimated average requirement. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia (30%), iron deficiency (ID, 23%), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, 14.3%) was independent of age but higher in women. While folate deficiency (32.2%) was independent of age and gender, B12 deficiency (35.5%) varied by both age and gender. The PA of iron (89%) was higher, while that of folate, B12, and zinc (1-11%) were noticeably low. The mean PA (MPA) across the ten micronutrients was 38%, independent of age and gender, but associated with the educational status. Energy intake was a strong predictor of the MPA. Cereals and millets predominantly contributed to the intake of thiamine, niacin, zinc, and iron; green leafy vegetables and fruits to vitamins A, C, folate, and iron; animal foods to B12; and milk and milk products to calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, and B12. The unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models revealed that micronutrient inadequacy was associated with greater risk of IDA and folate deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a higher prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among the healthy urban adults possibly due to the inadequacy of multiple micronutrients.