Phenotyping of lymphocyte subsets, Th-1/Th-2 cytokines and other parameters in high-risk contacts of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: The information on the pathophysiology of infection in high-risk contacts of SARS-CoV-2 is limited. Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess the various factors and their elucidation in the protection of SARS- CoV-2 infection in high-risk contacts. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional descriptive clinical study. Materials and Methods: A total of 136 subjects were recruited in the present study including 100 high-risk subjects and 36 control subjects. Out of 100 high-risk subjects, 44 subjects were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Further, absolute blood counts of total T-cells (CD3+), T-helper cells (CD4+), T-cytotoxic cells (CD8+), B lymphocytes (CD19+) Natural Killer (NK) Cells (CD16+, CD56+), cytokines, and other parameters were measured in the samples of study subjects. Statistical Analysis Used: The continuous variables were analyzed by unpaired 't' test, analysis of variance and 'Tukey test' for multiple comparisons. Results: A significant reduction of total leukocyte counts and absolute lymphocyte count was found in the acute SARS-CoV-2 positive group as compared to control group (<0.05). Interestingly, IL-4 level was significantly elevated in SARS-CoV-2 negative high-risk subjects as compared to control and acute SARS-CoV-2 positive group (p < 0.05). A significant decrease of T-cytotoxic, B-cells, and NK cells were found in acute SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects as compared to control groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study may augment our knowledge about the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection that could help in making future strategies to control its infection.

Effects of Tobacco on Biochemical Parameters in Healthy and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects.

Diabetes and tobacco use are two of the largest public health challenges of our time. We aim to investigate the association between the two by comparing biochemical profiles of diabetic tobacco users (TUs) and tobacco nonus-ers (TNUs) to provide insight into the joint effect of tobacco and diabetes on body systems. This case-controlled study included 265 subjects, aged 18-60 yr, from the suburban population of Delhi, India. With the help of a questionnaire, participants are interviewed regarding their history of tobacco use. Results show association of tobacco use with elevated body-mass index, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance in otherwise healthy and diabetic TUs. Even without previous history of coronary heart disease, total cholesterol and triglycerides are significantly further increased in TUs rather than in TNUs, indicative of initiation of lipid metabolism disorders. Tobacco use is also seen as a cause of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in the body. Low serum albumin coupled with increased markers of inflammation and globulin levels is an indicator of generalized inflammation caused by tobacco's toxic effects. Creatinine levels are significantly higher in diabetic TUs, posing a threat to nephropathy progression. Evidence sufficiently infers that tobacco activates multiple biological pathways, through which the risk of metabolic disease increases. These factors may work in conjunction to increase risk of certain microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Association of plasma level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances with extent of hepatocellular injury in preterm infants with cholestatic jaundice.

The present study was designed to determine the association between extent of hepatocellular injury and plasma level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in pre term infants with cholestasis. Preterm infants (<35 weeks gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were enrolled (with their parents informed consent) in either the 'cholestasis' group (if their direct bilirubin was >2 mg/dl) (n=25) or in the control group (n=16). Blood samples for measurement of TBARS, direct bilirubin and transaminases were obtained with-in 24 hours of enrollment. The cholestasis and control groups were comparable with respect to gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score. Serum direct bilirubin, SGOT (EC 2.6.1.1) and SGPT (EC 2.6.1.2) levels were significantly high in the cholestasis group. Plasma levels of TBARS in cholestasis group were correlated with SGOT (F=276.92; P<0.0001) and SGPT (F=355.17; P<0.0001) and differed significantly between cholestatic and control infants. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress in preterm infants with cholestasis is associated with hepatocellular injury.