Social and structural determinants associated with the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among female commercial sex workers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

Female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) bear higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among key populations. The association of structural determinants and STIs among FCSWs was not at the forefront of research earlier in Bangladesh. This study examined how structural factors correlate with the prevalence of STIs at physical/social/economic/policy levels among FCSWs in Dhaka city. 495 FCSWs were screened for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Structural variables (Individual risks, high-risk sexual behaviors, work environments) were extracted from the previous multi-level study on FCSWs and analyzed in 2020 to determine whether macro/micro-structural factors were associated with STIs. The prevalence of STIs was 43.6% (95% CI: 39.1%-48). Most (n = 207/495) FCSWs were infected with Syphilis or Hepatitis B, only 1.8% had co-infection, and none was positive for HIV. Multiple logistic regression revealed that 'Individual risk' factors like age (≤18 years, adjusted odds ratio = AOR = .28; 18.1-29.9 years, AOR = .57), years in the sex industry (<1 year AOR = .15; 1-5 years, AOR = .39), and condoms as contraceptives (AOR = 2.7) were significantly associated with STIs. Considering 'High-risk behaviors' like monthly coitus with regular clients (AOR = .33), performing no anal sex ever (AOR = .03), and consistent condom use (AOR = .13) were less likely to be associated with STIs (P<0.05), while the association of ever group sex with STIs reported to double (AOR = 2.1). 'Work environment' like sex on roads/parks/shrines/markets (AOR = 2.6) and ever HIV-testing (AOR = 2.5) were significantly linked with STIs. However, micro-level factors like experiencing forced sex in the past year (AOR = 1.79) and condoms collected from hotel boys (AOR = .34) were significantly associated with STIs in the 'Hierarchical- model' with increasing model-power. 'Micro-structural' determinants predominated over 'Macro/policy-level factors' and profoundly influenced STIs. FCSWs need comprehensive and integrated interventions to promote accurate condom use perception, eliminate risky sexual behaviors, and provide quality reproductive health care. Necessary steps at the policy level are urgently needed to decriminalize commercial sex work.

Cardioprotection of Water Spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima) and Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rat Model.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacological efficacy of 3 functional foods (Water spinach, Wood apple, and Linseed) against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat models. Methods: Twenty-five Wistar Albino rats (male and female) were equally classified into 5 groups. Except for the normal control (NC) group, the animals received 2.5 mg/kg doxorubicin (DOX) intra-peritoneal injection at 48 hours intervals to create a dose of 15 mg/kg overall for 14 days. Simply a standard diet was given to the NC and DOX groups. In the 3 treatment groups such as water spinach (DOX + WS), wood apple (DOX + WA), and linseed (DOX + LS), rats were given 14 gm/day/rat fried water spinach, mashed wood apple, roasted linseed, respectively mixed with regular rat diet at 1:1 ratio. Blood and heart samples were collected by sacrificing all the rats on the last of the experiment day (the 15th day). LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CK-MB (creatine kinase myocardial band), MDA (malondialdehyde), and SOD (superoxide dismutase) were analyzed. Additionally, histopathological analysis was conducted for final observation. Results: The functional foods were indicated to lower the serum cardiac biomarkers (LDH and CK-MB) as well as stress marker (MDA) significantly (P < .05) and improved heart function and oxidative stress. However, the change in serum SOD level was noted as statistically insignificant (P > .05). The biochemical outcomes of the food intervention groups were supported by the histological findings found in those groups. Conclusion: Consuming the investigated foods containing antioxidant phytochemicals may combat cardiac toxicity and oxidative stress. Nonetheless, thorough investigations and clinical monitoring are required to understand these functional foods' mechanism of action and dose-response effects in treating cardiotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of an Indigenous Plant of Bangladesh, Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr.: Drug Discovery from Nature.

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. (Family: Asteraceae) is a tropical Asian medicinal plant found in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It has long been utilized to treat a variety of health concerns in numerous countries around the world, such as renal discomfort, constipation, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, and hypertension. The chemical investigation resulted in the isolation and characterization of six compounds from the methanol (MeOH) extract of the leaves of Gynura procumbens, which were identified as phytol (1), lupeol (2), stigmasterol (3), friedelanol acetate (4), ß-amyrin (5), and a mixture of stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol (6). In-depth investigations of the high-resolution 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic data from the isolated compounds, along with comparisons to previously published data, were used to clarify their structures. Among these, the occurrence of Compounds 1 and 4 in this plant are reported for the first time. The crude methanolic extract (CME) and its different partitionates, i.e., petroleum ether (PESF), chloroform (CSF), ethyl acetate (EASF), and aqueous (AQSF) soluble fractions, were subjected to antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, and anti-diabetic activities. In a DPPH free radical scavenging assay, EASF showed the maximum activity, with an IC50 value of 10.78 µg/mL. On the other hand, CSF displayed the highest cytotoxic effect with an LC50 value of 1.94 µg/mL compared to 0.464 µg/mL for vincristine sulphate. In a thrombolytic assay, the crude methanolic extract exhibited the highest activity (63.77%) compared to standard streptokinase (70.78%). During the assay for anti-diabetic activity, the PESF showed 70.37% of glucose-lowering activity, where standard glibenclamide showed 63.24% of glucose-reducing activity.

Relationship Between Vitamin D Status and Brain Perfusion in Neuropsychiatric Lupus.

Purpose: Neuropsychiatric manifestation of lupus (NPSLE) is related with vitamin D (vit-D) deficiency which is possibly amenable to supplementation. This study was done to explore link of serum vit-D level and clinical mini-mental state examination (MMSE) with brain perfusion SPECT (BS) in patients with NPSLE. Methods: Patients who underwent BS with the diagnosis of NPSLE and had serum levels of vit-D and MMSE within a span of 1 month were retrospectively included. The BS DICOM data were used to generate 3D surface images of brain for visual identification of regional hypoperfusion, and the z-scores from eZIS software and then to perform voxel-based regression analysis in order to explore association between serum vit-D level and cerebral perfusion deficit using SPM8. Distribution of serum vit-D level was checked across MMSE and BS z-score using R. Results: A total 19 patients with means ± SD age of 28.4 ± 9.2 years, having mean levels of serum vit-D of 18.7 ± 9.8 ng/ml and mean MMSE scores 24.2 ± 1.6, had undergone BS. The eZIS-derived z-score fall in the category of normal in six (31.6%), mild perfusion deficit (PD) in 10 (52.6%) and moderate PD in three (15.8%) with the means ± SD of z-score being 0.52 ± 0.2, 1.72 ± 0.2, and 2.33 ± 0.2. Voxel-based analysis revealed significant positive correlation between vit-D level and hypoperfusion in brain regions related to cognitive function (p<0.05). Serum vit-D levels were significantly lower in NPSLE patients with lower MMSE scores as well as in higher eZIS z-score (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results may support the utility of vit-D supplementation in NPSLE and applicability of BS as a clinical adjunct for monitoring response to vit-D supplementation.

Renoprotection of Selected Antioxidant-Rich Foods (Water Spinach and Red Grape) and Probiotics in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

OBJECTIVES: The current study investigated the curative effects of two selected antioxidant-rich foods (water spinach and red grape) and probiotics on the kidney exposed to nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin. METHODS: A total of 30 Wistar Albino female rats equally divided into six groups were studied for seven days. Except for the normal control (NC) group, all groups received 80 mg/kg/day gentamicin (GEN) injection intra-peritoneally for seven days. NC and GEN groups received only regular diet. In the water spinach group (GEN + WS) and red grape (GEN + RG) groups, rats were provided with 20 g/rat/day of boiled water spinach and 5 mL/rat/day of red grape juice, respectively. The probiotic (GEN + P4) and (GEN + P8) groups received 4 × 109 and 8 × 109 viable bacteria, respectively. On the 8th day, all the rats were sacrificed to collect blood and kidney. Serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. In addition, kidney histopathology was taken for final observation. RESULTS: Both antioxidant-rich foods and probiotic (P4) significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the GEN-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and improved kidney function by lowering uremic toxin (serum creatinine, and uric acid) levels. Histopathological findings of kidney tissues of all groups were consistent with the biochemical findings. CONCLUSION: The current preclinical study suggests that the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods might be a promising fighting option against gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. However, extensive studies and clinical monitoring are immediately required to determine the appropriate probiotic doses and mechanism of action for such effects.

Profiling of minerals, water soluble vitamins and carotenoid in selected unconventional leafy and non-leafy vegetables of Bangladesh.

The present study was aimed at evaluating mineral contents, B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6), vitamin C, total carotenoids content and carotene composition of unconventional vegetables, comprising 7 leafy and 4 non-leafy, growing in Bangladesh. Investigated unconventional vegetables were found to have varied amount of minerals (0.04 ± 0.01 to 786.41 ± 6.37 mg/100 g), B-vitamins (0.06 ± 0.01 to 1.05 ± 0.13 mg/100 g) and vitamin C (5.23 ± 0.81 to 59.01 ± 2.23 mg/100 g). The study findings also revealed that the selected plant samples exhibited diverse amount of ß-carotene ranging from 106.26 ± 5.32 µg/100 g EP in Orhor dal to 994.81 ± 21.01 µg/100 g EP in Orhor Pata whereas lutein content ranged from 7.76 ± 1.02 µg/100 g EP in Pahari Kolar Thor to 566.33 ± 20.63 µg/100 g EP in Kachuripana. It can be suggested that regular intake of these vegetables may contribute to daily minerals and vitamins requirement and can combat micronutrient deficiency.

Streblus asper attenuates alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and demonstrates antioxidant and cytotoxic effects.

CONTEXT: Streblus asper Lour. (Moraceae) is used for the treatment of different ailments, including diabetes, and requires scientific validation. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluates antidiabetic effects, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxicity of leaf and bark extracts of S. asper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidiabetic effects were assessed by inducing diabetes in Wistar albino rats (n = 5, six groups included 30 rats) by injecting alloxan [0.25 mg/kg body weight (bw)] intraperitoneally, and efficacy of methanol extracts of leaf and bark, and aqueous extract of leaves were evaluated by oral administration of 300 mg/kg bw of extracts for 3 weeks. Glibenclamide (Dibenol™) was used as a control (10 mg/kg bw). Antioxidant properties were examined by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity was investigated using a brine shrimp lethality assay. RESULTS: Methanol extracts of leaves and bark, and the aqueous extract of leaves of S. asper, caused significant reductions in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats of 36.83, 70.33, and 52.71%, respectively, after 21 days of treatment. IC50 values in DPPH radical scavenging assessment for those extracts were 58.92, 88.54, and 111.36 µg/mL, respectively. LC50 values for brine shrimp lethality for the extracts were 173.80, 32.36, and 3235.9 µg/mL, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The methanol bark extract of S. asper showed significant antidiabetic activity. This study will significantly contribute to establishing the plant as an alternative medicinal resource for rural populations of Bangladesh and provides an opportunity for further research to identify the primary active compound(s) and establish new drug candidates.

Higher levels of serum IL-1ß and TNF-α are associated with an increased probability of major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disease. The dysregulated cytokines in depression are assumed due to the hyperactivation of the immune system. Here we aimed to evaluate the serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in MDD. This study recruited 87 MDD patients and 87 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). The increased levels of serum IL-1ß and TNF-α were observed among MDD patients. These higher levels of peripheral markers were positively correlated with the severity of depression. Therefore, the elevated levels of serum IL-1ß and TNF-α might be used as risk assessment indicators for depression.

Effect of immunonutritional status, healthcare factors, and lifestyle on acute respiratory infections among under-5 children in Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infection is a major cause of death for under-5 children in Bangladesh. We aimed to analyze the effect of immunonutritional status, healthcare factors, and lifestyle on the incidence of acute respiratory infection among under-5 children taking individual-level and contextual-level risk factors into consideration. METHODS: This study recruited 200 children suffering from acute respiratory infection and 100 healthy controls matched by age, sex, and sociodemographic profile. Serum antioxidant vitamin A (retinol), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) were assessed along with the impact of vaccination, socioeconomic factors, and Z-score on the incidence of acute respiratory infection. RESULTS: Serum antioxidant vitamins were significantly lower in the acute respiratory infection children compared to the non-acute respiratory infection group. Vitamin A was found to be significantly high in acute respiratory infection children who were breastfed for more than 1 year. Vitamin E levels were found to be significantly higher in the acute respiratory infection children who were immunized. Compared to the children living in tin-shed house or huts, serum vitamin E level increased in those acute respiratory infection children who resided in apartments. Vitamin A level was significantly high in those acute respiratory infection children whose height-for-age was -2 SD and above (Z-score), and vitamin C levels were also significantly high in those acute respiratory infection children whose weight-for-height was -2 SD and below (Z-score). CONCLUSION: Deficiencies of antioxidant vitamins along with healthcare and lifestyle factors have a significant influence on the incidence of acute respiratory infection among under-5 children in Bangladesh.

Comparative assessment of nutritional composition, polyphenol profile, antidiabetic and antioxidative properties of selected edible wild plant species of Bangladesh.

Wild edible plants are recently recognized as an important source of acquiring macro and micro nutrients beneficial for human health. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials, polyphenolic profile, - as well as the ascorbic acid, proximate and mineral compositions of five selected Bangladeshi wild plants. The studied samples were rich in ash, fiber, protein, vitamin C and low in fat. The undertaken plant samples were found to have good amounts of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capacities, documented by DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC assays. They also exhibited varying spectrum of polyphenols estimated by HPLC. Significant inhibition of α-amylase activity by plant extracts was also observed. Evaluation by principal component analysis revealed clear separation among the wild plant varieties. The study findings would enrich the food composition table of Bangladesh and allow the population to consume more wild plants and increase their production.

Elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde and cortisol are associated with major depressive disorder: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Major depressive disorder is diagnosed on the basis of patient's self-reported experiences, behavior reported by relatives, and a mental status examination, and yet we do not have any reliable biomarker for this. Mood-regulating pathways are affected by oxidative injury to lipids and cortisol is released into the blood due to stimulation of corticotrophin receptors in the adrenal cortex. Here, we aimed to determine serum levels of malondialdehyde and cortisol in major depressive disorder patients and controls. METHODS: We collected blood samples from 247 major depressive disorder patients and 248 controls. Serum levels of malondialdehyde and cortisol were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, respectively. RESULTS: We found malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher in patients than controls, with mean ± standard deviation at 4.49 ± 1.37 and 2.87 ± 0.82 µmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001. Cortisol levels were also found significantly higher in patients than controls, with mean ± SD at 19.22 ± 1.64 and 17.37 ± 1.34 µg/dL, respectively, p < 0.001. Significant negative correlation was observed between serum levels of malondialdehyde and cortisol in patients (r =-0.170, p = 0.021). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed good diagnostic value for malondialdehyde and cortisol, with the area under the curve at 0.853 and 0.819, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that increased serum levels of malondialdehyde and cortisol are strongly associated with major depressive disorder. We believe elevations of malondialdehyde and cortisol in serum level arise independently and they could serve as biomarkers for major depressive disorder.

Carotenoids and ß-carotene in orange fleshed sweet potato: A possible solution to vitamin A deficiency.

The present study, in line with a plant-food-based approach to address vitamin A deficiency, reports the analysis of total carotenoids, and trans- and cis-ß-carotenes, in different varieties of raw and boiled orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP). Carotenoids were isolated using acetone-petroleum ether extraction followed by spectrophotometric determination. trans- and cis-ß-Carotenes were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC method using a mobile phase containing acetonitrile:methanol:2-propanol in the ratio of 85:15:33 with 0.01% ammonium acetate. Intra-varietal difference in carotenoids as well as trans- and cis-ß-carotenes were noted in both the raw and boiled potatoes. Carotenoid content was found to be higher in the raw potatoes compared to the boiled samples from the same variety. Amongst the OFSP varieties, Kamalasundari (BARI SP-2) was found to contain the most carotenoids in both the raw and boiled samples. ß-Carotene was significantly higher in the Kamalsundari and BARI SP-5 varieties. trans-ß-Carotene was found to be the major carotenoid in all of the raw potatoes, but boiling was associated with an increase in cis-ß-carotene and a decrease in the trans isomer. Kamalsundari and BARI SP-5 orange-fleshed sweet potatoes have the potential to be used as food-based supplements to reduce vitamin A deficiency.

Nutrient composition of strawberry genotypes cultivated in a horticulture farm.

This article decribes the nutrient composition of four strawberry genotypes cultivated at the Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University horticulture farm in Dhaka (Bangladesh). AOAC and standard validated methods were employed to analyse the nutrient composition. Protein, fat and ash contents were found to be vary significantly (LSD<0.05), while the variation in moisture (LSD<1.33), dietary fibre (LSD<0.15) and total sugar (LSD<0.09) were found to be insignificant among the genotypes. Vitamin C content ranged from 26.46 mg to 37.77 mg per 100g edible strawberries (LSD<0.060). Amount of carotenoids were found to be very low being in a range of 0.99-3.30 µg per 100g edible fruit. Analysis of mineral revealed that strawberry genotypes contained a wide array of minerals including Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe; most of which varied significantly (LSD<0.05) among the genotypes. Strawberries could be a potential dietary supplement for vitamin C along with minerals, particularly for the children who do not like local fruits, but love to eat the colourful strawberries.

Comparison of the Proximate Composition, Total Carotenoids and Total Polyphenol Content of Nine Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties Grown in Bangladesh.

In an attempt to develop the food composition table for Bangladesh, the nutritional composition of nine varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potato was analyzed together with total carotenoids (TCC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). Each variety showed significant variation in different nutrient contents. The quantification of the TCC and TPC was done by spectrophotometric measurement, and the proximate composition was done by the AOAC method. The obtained results showed that total polyphenol content varied from 94.63 to 136.05 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh weight. Among the selected sweet potatoes, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Sweet Potato 7 (SP7) contained the highest, whereas BARI SP6 contained the lowest amount of total polyphenol content. The obtained results also revealed that total carotenoids content ranged from 0.38 to 7.24 mg/100 g fresh weight. BARI SP8 showed the highest total carotenoids content, whereas BARI SP6 showed the lowest. Total carotenoids content was found to be higher in dark orange-colored flesh varieties than their light-colored counterparts. The results of the study indicated that selected sweet potato varieties are rich in protein and carbohydrate, low in fat, high in polyphenol and carotenoids and, thus, could be a good source of dietary antioxidants to prevent free radical damage, which leads to chronic diseases, and also to prevent vitamin A malnutrition.

Cytotoxic dimeric quinolone-terpene alkaloids from the root bark of Zanthoxylum rhetsa.

Four quinolone-terpene alkaloids, chelerybulgarine (1), 2'-episimulanoquinoline (3), 2,11-didemethoxyvepridimerine B (4), and rhetsidimerine (5) were isolated from the root bark of Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC. Chelerybulgarine (1) is a C-C linked terpene alkaloid where the C-6 of dihydrochelerythrine is linked to C-11 of the sesquiterpenoid 10ß-methoxybulgarene. 2'-Episimulanoquinoline is a dimeric alkaloid containing dihydrochelerythrine and 8-methoxy-N-methylflindersine moieties, whereas 2,11-didemethoxyvepridimerine B and rhetsidimerine are dimeric prenylated quinolone alkaloids. Seven of the isolated compounds exhibited weak cytotoxicity when tested against a panel of six human stomach-cancer cell lines.

Nutritional composition of minor indigenous fruits: cheapest nutritional source for the rural people of Bangladesh.

In line of the development of a food composition database for Bangladesh, 10 minor indigenous fruits were analysed for their nutrient composition comprising ascorbic acid, carotenoids and mineral values. Nutrient data obtained have been compared with published data reported in different literatures, book and United States Department of Agriculture-National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Ascorbic acid was highest in Wood apple and lowest in Roselle. Monkey jack contained the highest amount of carotenoids, zinc and copper. Content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous were found highest in Antidesma velutinum. Potassium was the highest in Wood apple followed by in Moneky jack. It was noted that most of the minor fruits have much higher amount of ascorbic acid than the national fruit - Jack fruit ripe, the king fruit - Mango ripe of Bangladesh and exotic fruits - Apple and Grapes. The nutrient values of these minor fruits would make awareness among the people for their mass consumption for healthy life and to grow more minor fruit trees from extinction in order to maintain biodiversity.

Serum trace elements levels in preeclampsia and eclampsia: correlation with the pregnancy disorder.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are fatal medical complications of pregnancy accounting for 20-80 % of increased maternal death in developing countries. Their aetiologies are still under investigation. Serum trace elements have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Aim of this study was to address the correlation of serum trace elements with preeclampsia and eclampsia. It was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted on conveniently recruited 44 preeclampsia, 33 eclampsia and 27 normotensive pregnant patients. Atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to analyse serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe. Data were analysed by Student's t test, one-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic and binary regression analyses. p < 0.05 was considered as a level of significance. In preeclampsia, the serum Ca and Mg were significantly lower than those in eclampsia, while Cu and Zn values were higher. Significant changes of Ca, Mg and Cu were noted among preeclampsia, eclampsia and pregnant control. Serum Ca and Mg indicated a positive association, and Cu gave a negative association in preeclampsia. Cu/Fe ratio was high in eclampsia. Significant correlations of Mg with Zn in eclampsia and Mg with Fe in preeclampsia and eclampsia were predicted. Significant changes in serum trace element levels were present in preeclampsia and eclampsia that may have a link with the pathogenesis of pregnancy disorder.

Immunoglobulin levels in panic disorder patients.

The study was conducted to evaluate the serum immunoglobulin levels in patients suffering from panic disorder and to assess the relationship between the changes of immunoglobulin levels and the socioeconomic parameters, as well as nutritional status. 54 panic patients were randomly selected from the Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Fifty two, age and gender matched healthy volunteers (42 males and 10 females, mean age of 30 ± 6 yrs) were also enrolled in this study. Immunoglobulin levels were measured by turbidimetry method using immunoglobulin kits. It was found that the mean serum immunoglobulin concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA of panic disorder patients were 0.999±0.26 (g/L), 0.1±0.028 (g/L) and 0.194±0.066 (g/L) respectively whereas the values were 1.24± 0.39 ( g/L ), 0.096±0.022 ( g/L) , 0.194±0.053 (g/L) in healthy volunteers. IgG level in panic disorder patient was found significantly (p <0.05) lower than that of the controls but the change in concentration of IgM and IgA were not significant (p=0.497, p=0.962). Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were from lower income group and educated. BMI (Mean±SD) of the patients (22.62 ± 3.74 kg/m2) and controls (23.74 ± 2.71 kg/m2) were well within the normal range. From correlative analysis it has been found that income has significant effect (p=0 .047) on the change of the serum IgG level in panic disorder patient and it was also been justified by the regression analysis (p=0.049). This finding may play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of the panic disorder patients. Further studies have been suggested with a large number of populations to confirm these findings.

Immunoglobulin levels of vitiligo patients.

In the present study, the serum immunoglobulin profiles of vitiligo patients were compared with that of cohort control and evaluated the correlation between immunoglobulin level with their socioeconomic factors and nutritional status. Thirty vitiligo patients were recruited randomly from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh for this study. Thirty healthy individuals as control group matched by age, sex, education and socioeconomic factors to the patient group were selected. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations were determined by turbidimetry method using immunoglobulin kit. The concentration of IgG and IgA decreased significantly (P<0.05), but the change of IgM was not significant. Socioeconomic data revealed that most of the patients were young and female. Moreover statistical analysis revealed that there was significant correlation between immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA only) concentrations and BMI and number of depigmented patches with IgG concentrations. Finally it can be concluded that the change of serum immunoglobulin concentration in vitiligo patients could be due to the disease condition as pathomechanism suggested the aberrations in cellular immunity. But study with larger number of population is required for further evaluation of the relationship between the immune response and disease state to confirm these findings.

Comparative analysis of serum manganese, zinc, calcium, copper and magnesium level in panic disorder patients.

The purpose of the study was to determine the serum concentration of trace elements of panic disorder patients and to find out the relationship between trace element levels and nutritional status or socio-economic factors. The study was conducted among 54 panic disorder patients and 52 healthy volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Serum trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (for Mg, Zn, Ca, and Cu) as well as graphite furnace (for Mn). Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson's correlation analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The serum concentration of Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Mg in panic disorder patients were 0.37 +/- 0.30, 0.67 +/- 0.20, 99.91 +/- 15.15, 0.83 +/- 0.23, and 21.14 +/- 3.72 mg/L, while those were 0.4163 +/- 0.2527, 0.86 +/- 0.3, 106.6073 +/- 18.6531, 0.8514 +/- 0.3646, and 21.37 +/- 2.03 mg/L in control subjects, respectively. The serum concentration of Zn decreased significantly (p = 0.001) in patient group. But the differences of the concentration of Mn, Ca, Cu, and Mg between patient and control group were not significant (p = 0.522, p = 0.065, p = 0.800, and p = 0.712, respectively). Socio-economic data reveal that most of the patients were very poor and middle aged. Mean BMIs of the control group (23.74 +/- 2.71 kg/m(2)) and the patient group (22.62 +/- 3.74 kg/m(2)) were within the normal range (18.5-25.0 kg/m(2)). There was no significant relationship between serum zinc level and BMI of patients (r = 0.038; p = 0.809). So the decreased level of serum zinc in panic disorder patients was not because of other reasons, but rather it may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.