Effects of PCOS on the quality of life of women ages 18-45: A Systematic Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder with an unknown aetiology that manifests in women of reproductive age. ➢ Excessive insulin levels, genetic predisposition, inflammation, and excessive androgen levels are involved in its development. ➢ PCOS can affect the quality of life (QoL) of women through characteristics like amenorrhea, excess androgens, polycystic ovaries, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and drastic weight gain. ➢ Associated complications like endometrial cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, miscarriages, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, eating disorders, and depression may also arise, which can further lower QoL.

Effects of High-Fat Diet Induced Obesity and Fructooligosaccharide Supplementation on Cardiac Protein Expression.

The mechanism by which high fat-diet induced obesity affects cardiac protein expression is unclear, and the extent to which this is modulated by prebiotic treatment is not known. These outcomes were assessed in rats initially fed a high-fat diet, then the top 40% weight gain group were randomly allocated to control (CON), high-fat (HF) and HF supplemented with fructooligosaccharide (32 g; HF-FOS) treatments for 12 weeks (n = 10/group). At sacrifice, left ventricles were either frozen or preserved in formalin. Serum was stored for glucose and insulin measurements. Protein spectra was obtained using an Orbitrap analyzer, processed with Sequest and fold changes assessed with Scaffold Q +. Treatment effects for body weights, glucose and insulin were assessed using one-way ANOVA, and the differential protein expression was assessed by a Mann-Whitney U test. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes identified pathways containing overrepresented proteins. Hematoxylin and eosin sections were graded for hypertrophy and also quantified; differences were identified using Chi-square analyses and Mann-Whitney U tests. HF diet fed rats were significantly (p < 0.05) heavier than CON, and 23 proteins involved in mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism were differentially expressed between HF and CON. Between HF-FOS and HF, 117 proteins involved in contractility, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were differentially expressed. HF cardiomyocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) more hypertrophic than CON. We conclude that high-fat feeding and FOS are associated with subcellular deviations in cardiac metabolism and contractility, which may influence myocardial function and alter the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Investigations into the Creation of a Strip Test capable of monitoring Glucose concentration using Tears

Background: To create a strip test to monitor blood sugar levels in diabetics using tears. For most diabetics, the current available methods for testing blood glucose are either invasive, inconvenient or both. A test such as glucose tear strip would improve patient compliance and disease control. Methods: 50 diabetic and 50 non-diabetic subjects, participated in this study. A sample of tears was collected from each subject's right eye using a glass microcapillary tube. Following tear collection, the blood glucose level of each subject was tested and recorded. At the end of sample collection 100 samples of tears were tested for glucose concentration. The results were examined to determine the correlation of glucose in tears to that in blood. Results: Based on this study conducted, the average TG concentration in non-diabetics was found to be 1.89 0.54 mg/dL and in diabetics, 3.10 0.55 mg/dL, whilst the PPBG concentration in non-diabetics and diabetics was found to be 118.60 4.67 mg/dL and 233.98 16.21 mg/dL respectively. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in between the glucose concentration in tears and the glucose concentration in blood. There was a weak correlation between the two variables. The development of a non-invasive, convenient and patient-friendly method of monitoring glucose concentration may not be possible but with advancements in technology, a strips sensitive to low concentrations of glucose present in tears can be developed.

Comparing the Visual Skills of a Trinidadian Cricket Team

This study attempted to determine if there is a correlation between visual skills and physical sporting performance by comparing the members within a Trinidadian cricket team based on their ranked visual skills, as well, as their ranked playing ability for batting, fielding and bowling. Visual skills measured were; hand-eye dominiance, static visual acuity, dynamic visual acuity, steropsis, contrast sensitivity, accommodative facility, central and peripheral awareness and eye movement. SPSS Analysis of data showed that there was a weak correlation between the visual ranking and physical ranking. This can be attributed to the many different factors that contribute to remarkable athleticism. One of which is the percetual-cognitive skill that allows athletes to use visual information in the process of decision making and to execute accurate and rapid anticipatory movements. Performance in sports may possess an interdependency of both the hardware (quality of system) and software (knowledge based system) elements, and thus, futher study must be done into the integration of both systems as a unit.

An Analysis of the Protein and Lipid concentrations in the Tear Layer of Contact and Non-contact lens wearers

Purpose: The main reason for embarking upon this specif aspect of the study is to obtain local population statistics in Trinidad, W. I. Most of the research pertaining to the tear layer has been done internationally with statistical analysis stemming from the Wester World. The clinical significance of this study is to provide early means of detection of primary and secondary diseases such as hpyerliproteninemia, dyslipdemia, and triglyceridemia in human population. The significance is to determine the relationship between a contact lens wearer and individual components (total proteins and total lipids) of their tears. This is to examine the tear-lens relationship between the disposition of components of the tear film on soft (hydrogel and silicone hydrogel) contact lenses in relation to lens intolerance, patient discomfort and dry eye syndrome. Method: A total of 93 subjects were interviewd and tear samples were obtained from 81 participants. The capillary tube technique was used to extract tear fluid samples and were stored at -80 degrees celsius. Total Protein and Triglyceride Liquicolour kits were used to analyse tears. Using a mass spectrometer, absorbance values were used to calculate the total proteim and total triglycerid concentrations for non-contact lens and contact lens wearers. Results: It was formulated that the total concentrations of proteins and lipids in the tear film of non-contact lens patients were 7.356 1.31 and 3.76 3.26 mg/dl. The protein and lipid concentrations of contact lens patients were determined; these results were 5.88 0.91 and 2.54 0.72mg/dL. Conclusion: Based on independent statistical analysis, there was no sigificant difference between the protein and lipid concentrations of non-contact lens patients. There was also found to be no significant difference between contact lens and no-contact lens wearers' protein and lipid concentrations.

Natural Bioactive Thiazole-Based Peptides from Marine Resources: Structural and Pharmacological Aspects.

Peptides are distinctive biomacromolecules that demonstrate potential cytotoxicity and diversified bioactivities against a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi via their unique mechanisms of action. Among broad-ranging pharmacologically active peptides, natural marine-originated thiazole-based oligopeptides possess peculiar structural features along with a wide spectrum of exceptional and potent bioproperties. Because of their complex nature and size divergence, thiazole-based peptides (TBPs) bestow a pivotal chemical platform in drug discovery processes to generate competent scaffolds for regulating allosteric binding sites and peptide-peptide interactions. The present study dissertates on the natural reservoirs and exclusive structural components of marine-originated TBPs, with a special focus on their most pertinent pharmacological profiles, which may impart vital resources for the development of novel peptide-based therapeutic agents.

A Protocol for the Study of Polymorphisms and Response to Metformin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Trinidad.

Background: Metformin is the drug of first choice in people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Most patients respond to metformin monotherapy, but many others remain uncontrolled even at maximal doses. Although non-adherence is a major contributor to non-response, genetic polymorphisms of organic cation transporters play an important role in clinical response. We hypothesize that genetic variants are partly responsible for non-response. Objective: This study aims to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; ATM rs11212617, SLC22A1 rs594709 and SLC47A1 rs2289669) most commonly associated with failure to respond to metformin. Setting: Ten primary health care facilities in the North Central Regional Health Authority region of Trinidad. Patients: The study population will include 216 patients with diabetes adherent to metformin monotherapy for at least three months. Methods: Following a 12-hour overnight fast, blood samples will be taken to measure fasting insulin and HbA1c. DNA would be isolated and PCR will be used to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of these three SNPs in adherent diabetic patients. DNA samples will be stored for future sequencing of these three genes to determine whether other, possibly novel, mutations are associated with poor metformin response in Trinidad. Clinical Significance: This study will highlight the prevalence of these polymorphisms in our population. Should an association be found between the polymorphisms tested and glycemic control in adherent patients on metformin monotherapy, this will have implications for further research on medication initiation in newly diagnosed patients with diabetes in Trinidad.

The Serological Prevalence of Rabies Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies in the Bat Population on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad.

: Rabies virus (RABV) is the only lyssavirus known to be present within the Caribbean. The island of Trinidad, is richly diverse in chiropteran fauna and endemic for bat-transmitted rabies with low RABV isolation rates observed in this population. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) in light of spatio-temporal and bat demographic factors to infer the extent of natural exposure to RABV in the Trinidadian bat population. RVNA titers were determined by the RABV micro-neutralization test on 383 bat samples representing 21 species, comprising 30.9% of local bat diversity, from 31 locations across the island over 5 years. RVNA was positively detected in 33 samples (8.6%) representing 6 bat species (mainly frugivorous) with titers ranging from 0.1 to 19 IU/mL (mean 1.66 IU/mL). The analyses based on a multivariable binomial generalised linear mixed-effects model showed that bat age and year of capture were significant predictors of seropositivity. Thus, juvenile bats were more likely to be seropositive when compared to adults (estimate 1.13; p = 0.04) which may suggest early exposure to the RABV with possible implications for viral amplification in this population. Temporal variation in rabies seropositivity, 2012-2014 versus 2015-2017 (estimate 1.07; p = 0.03) may have been related to the prevailing rabies epizootic situation. Regarding other factors investigated, RVNA was found in bats from both rural and non-rural areas, as well as in both hematophagous and non-hematophagous bat species. The most common seropositive species, Artibeusjamaicensisplanirostris is ubiquitous throughout the island which may potentially facilitate human exposure. The findings of this study should be factored into public health assessments on the potential for rabies transmission by non-hematophagous bats in Trinidad.

Cafeteria-diet induced obesity results in impaired cognitive functioning in a rodent model.

OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to characterize the progressive course of physiological and behavioural outcomes in rodents following excessive caloric intake through the chronic consumption of a highly palatable diet, the cafeteria (CAF) diet. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were maintained on either CAF or chow (CON) diets for 20 weeks. Metabolic and physiological parameters were monitored throughout the feeding period. From week 18, rats were subjected to behavioural testing, which included the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tasks. RESULTS: CAF rats consistently showed higher food intakes and consumed six times the energy of chow-fed rats, being significantly heavier by week 5. CAF rats further exhibited greater abdominal widths, fat pads, and larger fatty livers, as well as compromised glucose tolerance. Hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidaemia with elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced HDL cholesterol were also evident along with a pro-inflammatory profile in the CAF rats. Cognitive decline in CAF rats manifested as a decline in long-term retention memory in the MWM. Further, CAF rats exhibited deficits in recognition memory as they spent less time exploring the novel object than chow-fed rats in the NOR task. DISCUSSION: This model of obesity is a robust paradigm for producing an obese animal phenotype that closely mimics the evolution of human obesity, complete with metabolic dysfunctions that are indicative of pre-diabetes. Additionally, chronic CAF-diet induced obesity promotes cognitive impairments in hippocampal-dependent reference and working memory.

Toward the Synthesis and Improved Biopotential of an N-methylated Analog of a Proline-Rich Cyclic Tetrapeptide from Marine Bacteria.

An N-methylated analog of a marine bacteria-derived natural proline-rich tetracyclopeptide was synthesized by coupling the deprotected dipeptide fragments Boc-l-prolyl-l-N-methylleucine-OH and l-prolyl-l-N-methylphenylalanine-OMe. A coupling reaction was accomplished utilizing N,N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodidimde (DCC) and 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC·HCl) as coupling agents and Triethylamine (TEA) or N-methylmorpholine (NMM) as the base in the presence of the racemization suppressing agent. This was followed by the cyclization of the linear tetrapeptide fragment under alkaline conditions. The structure of the synthesized cyclooligopeptide was confirmed using quantitative elemental analysis, FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), ¹H NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy), 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. From the bioactivity results, it was clear that the newly synthesized proline-rich tetracyclopeptide exhibited better anthelmintic potential against Megascoplex konkanensis, Pontoscotex corethruses, and Eudrilus eugeniae at a concentration of 2 mg/mL as well as improved antifungal activity against pathogenic dermatophytes Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum audouinii at a concentration of 6 µg/mL, as compared to non-methylated tetracyclopeptide. Moreover, N-methylated tetracyclopeptide displayed significant activity against pathogenic Candida albicans.

Demographic and lifestyle factors that affect HbA1c awareness amongst type II diabetic patients in Trinidad.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the awareness of HbA1c values and correlate this with educational levels, dietary intake and physical activity in type II diabetic population of Trinidad. METHODS: Total of 222 type II diabetic subjects were assessed via questionnaire evaluating their demographics, type and duration of diabetes, type and frequency of glucose testing, dietary intake and physical activity. HbA1c data was coded as patients who were aware versus patients who were not aware. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 41.9% were aware of the term HbA1c while 58.1% were unaware. Statistically, there were positive correlations (p < .05) between HbA1c awareness and level of education received by type II diabetic patients as well as between HbA1c awareness and intensity of exercise performed (p< .05). However, the relationship between dietary breakfast choices and HbA1c awareness was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was established between HbA1c awareness, intensity of exercise and the level of education obtained.

Expression of cardiac insulin signalling genes and proteins in rats fed a high-sucrose diet: effect of bilberry anthocyanin extract.

SCOPE: Insulin resistance is associated with impaired cardiac function, but the underlying molecular abnormalities are largely unexplained. Bilberry anthocyanin (BAcn) may be protective, as it appears to potentiate insulin action. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated to control, sucrose-fed (SF) or sucrose-fed + BAcn diets (SF-A) for 15 weeks. Cardiac insulin signalling genes and proteins were quantified using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blots. RESULTS: Glucose tolerance was not different with treatment. SF showed lower (p < 0.05) ferric reducing antioxidant power, which increased with BAcn. SF resulted in significantly decreased (p < 0.05) expression of 10 genes: acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha; V-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1; Bcl2-like 1; cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine/enhancer binding protein; FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated; glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (soluble); solute carrier family 2 (facilitated glucose transporter), member 1, 4; hexokinase 2; and thyroglobulin. SF-A prevented these changes. Compared to SF-A, SF up-regulated (p < 0.05) complement factor D and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit1 (α); sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 was down-regulated (p < 0.05). SF increased (p < 0.05) cardiac phospholamban and decreased phosphorylated troponin I, which were not attenuated by BAcn. Compared to control or SF, SF-A resulted in significantly lower (p < 0.05) 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase. CONCLUSIONS: SF lowered antioxidant capacity and changed the expression of insulin signalling genes, which were modulated by BAcn.

Determinants of plasma triglyceride levels in a multiethnic working class Caribbean population: effect of ethnicity, diet and obesity.

AIMS: Objective of the study is to identify the predictors of plasma triglycerides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stratified random sample of university staff categories underwent measurements of anthropometry, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipids, CRP and homocysteine. Dietary intakes were assessed using duplicate 24h recalls. HOMA-IR was calculated. Stepwise, multivariate regression analysis was performed with TAG as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The sample (n=251) was 55% females with a mean age of 44.9±9.7 years. African ancestry comprised 43%, followed South Asian 30% and mixed ethnicity 27%. Prevalence of obesity was 19.4%, insulin resistance 22.7% and metabolic syndrome 21.6%. Males had significantly higher (p<0.01) triglycerides and VLDL and lower HDL than females. Africans had significantly lower triglycerides and cholesterol than South Asians and Mix. Triglycerides were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with glucose, cholesterol, insulin, CRP, systolic, diastolic blood pressure, WC, BMI, age and components of MS. Glucose, cholesterol, insulin and total energy intake predicted TAG, to varying extents, in all participants (R(2)=45.1%), males (R(2)=40.3%), females (R(2)=56.0%), Africans (R(2)=35.0%), TSA (R(2)=31.5%) and mix (R(2)=51.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Africans have lower triglycerides and cholesterol than South Asians and mix. Major predictors of triglycerides were fasting glucose and cholesterol independent of gender and ethnicity.

Risk factors preceding type 2 diabetes and cardiomyopathy.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications such as cardiomyopathy, contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increased adoption of westernized diets and decreased physical activity are contributing to the obesity epidemic which, in turn, increases the risk for T2DM. Other risk factors for T2DM include insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and a genetic predisposition. Risk measures for assessing these factors include family history, blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid levels, and calculated indices such as BMI, HOMA, and QUIKI. Most of these risk measures routinely done in annual check-ups, should help a primary care physician in making an early diagnosis of impending diabetic condition. The underlying mechanisms of these clinical, anthropometric and biochemical risk measures may also be involved in the etiology of diabetes and its complications. Their levels and changes over time therefore, may indeed reflect the disease process. Early and continued assessment of diabetes risk, as part of patient care, will help identify individuals most likely to develop diabetes and allow for early interventions to reduce risk factors as well as delay or may even prevent disease onset. In T2DM patients, ongoing measurement of risk markers and implementation of intervention where appropriate will improve the diabetic condition, decrease risk of cardiovascular and other complications, and decrease morbidity.

Protease activated receptors in cardiovascular function and disease.

Recent studies have shown that a novel class of protease activated receptors (PARs), which are composed of seven transmembrane G protein-coupled domains, are activated by serine proteases such as thrombin, trypsin and tryptase. Although four types (PAR 1, PAR 2, PAR 3 and PAR 4) of this class of receptors have been identified, their discrete physiological and pathological roles are still being unraveled. Extracellular proteolytic activation of PARs results in the cleavage of specific sites in the extracellular domain and formation of a new N-terminus which functions as a tethered ligand. The newly formed tethered ligand binds intramolecularly to an exposed site in the second transmembrane loop and triggers G-protein binding and intracellular signaling. Recent studies have shown that PAR-1, PAR-2 and PAR-4 have been involved in vascular development and a variety of other biological processes including apoptosis and remodeling. The use of animal model systems, mainly transgenic mice and synthetic tethered ligand domains, have contributed enormously to our knowledge of molecular signaling and the regulatory properties of various PARs in cardiomyocytes. This review focuses on the role of PARs in cardiovascular function and disease.

Protease activated receptors in cardiovascular function and disease.

Recent studies have shown that a novel class of protease activated receptors (PARs), which are composed of seven transmembrane G protein-coupled domains, are activated by serine proteases such as thrombin, trypsin and tryptase. Although four types (PAR 1, PAR 2, PAR 3 and PAR 4) of this class of receptors have been identified, their discrete physiological and pathological roles are still being unraveled. Extracellular proteolytic activation of PARs results in the cleavage of specific sites in the extracellular domain and formation of a new N-terminus which functions as a tethered ligand. The newly formed tethered ligand binds intramolecularly to an exposed site in the second transmembrane loop and triggers G-protein binding and intracellular signaling. Recent studies have shown that PAR-1, PAR-2 and PAR-4 have been involved in vascular development and a variety of other biological processes including apoptosis and remodeling. The use of animal model systems, mainly transgenic mice and synthetic tethered ligand domains, have contributed enormously to our knowledge of molecular signaling and the regulatory properties of various PARs in cardiomyocytes. This review focuses on the role of PARs in cardiovascular function and disease. (Mol Cell Biochem 263: 227-239, 2004).

The Knowledge, Attitudes, Perception and Beliefs (KAPB) on Sexual Education and Sexual Practices Among Young Adults Attending University in Trinidad and Tobago

During secondary school, students are exposed to Sexual Education (Sex-Ed) in varying forms. This can influence future sexual behaviours and attitudes. This study investigated the impact that Sex-Ed programmes had on the knowledge, attitude, perception and beliefs (KAPB) of sex-related topics in T&T among UWI-STA students aged 19-24 (AU)