Expression deregulation of genes related to DNA repair and lead toxicity in occupationally exposed industrial workers.

OBJECTIVE: Globally millions of people working in various industries and are exposed to different toxins which may affect their genetic stability and DNA integrity. Present study was designed to estimate the expression variation of genes related to DNA repair (XRCC1, PARP1) and lead toxicity (ALAD) in exposed industrial workers. METHODS: About 200 blood samples were collected from workers of brick kiln, welding, furniture and paint industry (50/industry) along with age and gender matched controls. mRNA expression of genes was measured using RT-PCR. Serum levels of total ROS, POD, TBAR activity was calculated. Blood lead levels were estimated by atomic absorption spectrometer. RESULTS: Relative expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 gene was significantly (P < 0.001) upregulated, while ALAD gene expression was downregulated in exposed group compared to control. Expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed workers with > 30 year age compared to control with > 30 year age. Same was observed when < 30 year age group of control and exposed was compared. Likewise, XRCC1 and PARP1 expression was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed workers with > 30 year age compared to workers with < 30 year age. Whereas, ALAD gene showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in > 30 year age workers compared to control of same age and exposed with < 30 year of age. Relative expression of XRCC1 and PARP1 was increased (P < 0.001) in exposed smokers compared to exposed non-smokers and control smokers. Whereas, ALAD gene expression reduced (P < 0.001) significantly in both groups. Blood lead content was higher (P < 0.001) in exposed group compared to control. Strong correlation was observed between XRCC1, PARP1 and ALAD gene versus age, total exposure duration, exposure per day and lead deposition. ROS, TBARS and POD activity was higher (P < 0.01) in exposed group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Present study suggested deregulation of genes related to DNA repair and lead intoxication in exposed group compared to controls. Strong correlation was observed between selected genes and demographic parameters. Present results revealed altered activity of oxidative stress markers which would induce oxidative damage to DNA integrity and limit the function of repair enzymes.

Individual and Community-level Determinants of Neonatal Mortality in Pakistan: indication from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-18).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate individual and community-level factors influencing neonatal mortality in Pakistan. METHODS: The retrospective, secondary-data, quantitative study was done from July 2021 to January 2022 after approval from the ethics review committee of the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised data of live births from November 22, 2017, to April 30, 2018, which was the period covered by the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18. Significant community-level, maternal and proximate determinants of neonatal mortality were identified. Data was analysed using STATA 13. RESULTS: Among the 12,708 live births covered, the neonatal mortality rate within the first month of birth was 5337(42%), and 3939(31%) neonatal deaths occurred in the first week of life, while 3431(27%) deaths occurred on the first day. Distance to health facility (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.8-1.6), unimproved toilet facility (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.7-2.1), caesarean section deliveries (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.6-1.9) and child's birth size smaller than average (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.7) carried significantly higher risk of neonatal deaths. Compared to women aged 15-19 years, older women's child (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.2-1.6) and neonates having birth order 3 compared to birth order 1 (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.5; 95% confidence interval: 0.2-0.9) and female gender of child (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.3; 95% confidence interval: 0.2-0.9) were less likely to die. CONCLUSIONS: There was a markedly high prevalence of neonatal mortality rate in Pakistan. Unimproved toilet facility, distance to health facility, caesarean mode of delivery and small size of the child at birth were found linked with increased risk of neonatal mortality.

Frequency of post-stroke dysphagia in Pakistan: a hospital based study.

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of the study is to determine the frequency of dysphagia after stroke and to see the factors associated with it. METHODS: Cross Sectional study design was used by including individuals pre-diagnosed as stroke on the basis of CT scan or MRI findings. Study was conducted in three hospitals of Lahore within six months. Sample size of 150 patients of any age and both gender was taken by using convenient sampling technique. To assess the conscious level, Glasgow coma scale was administered and those who scored mild or moderate on GCS were included in the study. Modified Massey Bedside Swallow Screener was used to screen out the patients for dysphagia. SPSS-19 was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the sample of 150 individuals with stroke 53% of patients had dysphagia. Females were 38% while males were 62%. Individuals who were older were more likely to have dysphagia. Among dysphagic individuals 65% had ischemic stroke while 35% were with haemorrhagic. There were 87% of dysphagic individuals who presented with history of smoking and 13% were without any. These factors demonstrate significant relationship by showing p-value <0.05. While no significant difference was seen between levels of alertness and risk of dyspagia by showing p-value 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia after stroke occurs frequently that should be actively assessed and factors like type of stroke and history of smoking are significantly related to this condition.