Prognostic Nutritional Index Associates with the Severity of Silicosis:A Study from a Tertiary Class A Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases in China

Pneumoconiosis is a group of heterogeneous fibrotic lung diseases caused by inorganic mineral dust and includes coal workers’pneumoconiosis and silicosis.Silicosis involves diffuse or nodular interstitial pulmonary fibrosis caused by exposure to asbestos or silica dust.China is thought to have the highest number of silicosis cases,with 6,000 new cases reported annually^([1]).Currently,the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of silicosis relies mainly on a history of occupational exposure and radiological abnormalities^([2]).Therefore,determining further indicators is crucial to reflect the severity of silicosis.

mir-3168 targeted inhibition of TP53 promotes malignant transformation and cisplatin resistance of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells

Objective:To investigate the effect of mir-3168 on the malignant transformation and cisplatin resistance of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells,and to verify its target gene.Methods:The expression of mir-3168 in AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells was detected by qPCR,and mir-3168 mimic,inhibitor and negative control were synthesized.They were transfected into AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells,respectively.The expression of mir-3168 and TP53 mRNA was detected by qPCR.Cell viability was detected by CCK8 under gradient cisplatin treatment and non treatment,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,cell invasion was detected by Transwell,and TP53 protein expression was detected by western blot,The database predicted the binding sites of mir-3168 and TP53.According to the binding sites,the double luciferase experiment was used to verify the binding of mir-3168 and TP53.Results:Compared with cisplatin sensitive gastric cancer cell AGS,mir-3168 was significantly overexpressed in cisplatin resistant gastric cancer cell AGS/DDP;mir-3168 mimic promotes cisplatin resistance,proliferation and invasion of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells,and inhibits apoptosis of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells;mir-3168 inhibitor inhibits cisplatin resistance,proliferation and invasion of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells,and promotes apoptosis of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells;mir-3168 mimic inhibits the expression of TP53 mRNA and protein,and mir-3168 inhibitor promotes the expression of TP53 mRNA and protein;Targetscan database predicted that there was a binding point between mir-3168 and TP53,and the double luciferase experiment suggested that mir-3168 was bound to TP53 through the predicted binding site.Conclusion:mir-3168 may promote the malignant transformation of AGS and AGS/DDP gastric cancer cells and cisplatin resistance by targeting TP53.

Comparison of Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Comirnaty) Vaccination Effects in Aged Adults with Special Consideration for the Effectiveness of the Three-Color iSpot in Assessing Immune Response

Background: The roll-out of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was certainly among the fastest in medical history. Vaccination campaigns around the world began a year after the outbreak in 2019. When Austria started vaccinating the population in 2020, we took the opportunity to collect data from the first sets of patients receiving the vaccine in our study region of East Tyrol. Purpose: Many studies have been conducted examining the immunogenicity of the new vaccines using classic serological test methods in combination with an IFN-γ ELISpot. Undeniable disadvantages of using IFN-γ to characterize the status of the cellular immunity are that 1) being an acute phase cytokine, IFN-γ loses signal strength in the long run and 2) IFN-γ does not provide information about the involvement of T helper 2 (Th2) cells in the immune process. This implies that it can affect false negative data about the cell-mediated immune status. Method: Therefore, in addition to a chemiluminescent immunoassay and the enzymatic IFN-γ ELISpot, this study included a fluorescent ELISpot assay using precoated human SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ/IL-2/IL-5 ELISpot kits to show a more holistic overview on the involvement of T helper 1 (Th1) cells as signal senders of IL-2 and Th2 cells as senders of IL-5. Results and Conclusion: Our study confirms good immunogenicity of Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Comirnaty) with strong Th1 and vanishingly small Th2 participation. The fluorescent three color iSpot can improve the diagnostic results’ significance for the individual, especially when the infection has been longer in the past and the IFN-γ signal diminishes.

Prevalence and Seroprevalence of Non-SARS Human Coronaviruses 229E and OC43 in East Tyrol/Austria

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic renewed interest in other previously discovered human coronaviruses—the non-severe acute respiratory syndrome human coronavirus (non-SARS hCoVs) and this study is a starting point for a closer investigation of those. With the pandemic behind us we believe it to be important to also examine the current and past respiratory pathogen landscape in the patient population in our care. Therefore, 954 nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with respiratory diseases collected between October 2018 and March 2020 were tested against the pathogens Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, Influenza A and virus, Human metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Parainfluenza virus, human Adenovirus and Polyoma virus BK/JC. Swabs negative against these pathogens were further tested for OC43 and 229E by RT-qPCR. Human coronaviruses 229E and OC43 were proven as the causative agents in a considerable number of cases, confirmed by PCR. Overall, our results show that those two non-SARS hCoVs were responsible for 13.9% (11 of 79) of infections with flu-like symptoms of unknown etiology in the study area. In the subsequent seroprevalence study, it was shown that the seroprevalence rate of IgG antibodies against 229E and OC43 was over 50%, indicating that a big part of the population in our study area has been in contact with these non-SARS-CoVs and has built the specific humoral immune response accordingly.

Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Healthcare Workers Following COVID-19 Pandemic in Jazan Region, KSA

Background: COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization in 2020. Many pieces of research have been published on the virus’s pattern and transmission routes, and a few studies have been published on its psychological repercussions for the general public and health care workers in particular. We aimed in this study to figure out the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of health care workers in the Jazan region and compare it to non-health care workers. Results: There were 221 participants in this study conducted in the Jazan region KSA, during the first part of 2022. 117 participants were non-HCWs (Health Care Workers) and 104 participants were HCWs. 31.7% of HCWs had high score of PTSD symptoms which may suppress their immunity, PTSD was a clinical concern in 12.5%, 6.7% had probable PTSD, and 49% had no PTSD. The average PTSD score in HCWs was 26.14. In contrast, the great majority of non-HCWs (69.2%) had no PTSD;PTSD was a clinical concern in 16.2%, 11.1% had a score indicating PTSD had the potential for immunosuppression, and 3.4% had probable PTSD. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not affect just those who were infected with the virus, nor was it restricted to the mental health of those afflicted;rather, the influence expanded until it reached the general public and, in particular, those who had contact with patients, such as health care workers. As a result, mental health investigation, follow-up, and therapy are required to preserve the mental health of health care workers as well as the general population.

HIV-1 RNA Viral Load, CD4 Count and Some Haematological Parameters of People Living with HIV in the Enugu Metropolis

Background: It is widely known that the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) induces biochemical and physiological changes in affected persons. Consequently, the overall aim of this study was to evaluate the HIV-1 RNA viral load, CD4 count, and certain haematological parameters among HIV treatment-na?ve subjects in the Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 252 HIV-infected, ART-native subjects (≥18) attending the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu were recruited for this study and were made up of 157 (62.3%) females and 95 (37.7%) males. A total of 250 HIV-negative subjects were used as control subjects (100 males and 150 females). Blood samples were collected from all the participants and their HIV-1 status was confirmed by an immunoblot confirmatory test. Their haematological parameters and CD4 count were evaluated, while the HIV-1 viral load was only assessed on confirmed HIV-positive subjects. Results: There was female predominance (62.3%) among these HIV-positive subjects. The mean age of HIV-positive subjects was 39.16 ± 10.08 years while the mean age of the control subjects was 34.8 ± 8.6 years. The age group of 31 - 40 years (102/252 (40.5%)) constituted most of the test subjects. The total white blood cells (TWBC) (6.05 ± 5.46), lymphocyte counts (36 ± 14), haemoglobin concentrations (Hb) (9.85 ± 7.36) and the CD4 counts (242 ± 228) of the HIV-infected subjects showed a significant difference when compared with their control counterpart values of TWBC (4.5 ± 0.568), lymphocytes (39.67 ± 8.2), Hb (13.48 ± 1.5), and CD4 counts (807 ± 249) (p 0.05). Anaemia, lymphocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia were the haematological abnormalities seen in the HIV-positive subjects. HIV viral load correlated with haemoglobin concentration, CD4 count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count (p Conclusion: Prognostic factors, such as haemoglobin concentrations, CD4 counts, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts can be used to monitor patients’ viral loads since they correlate with the latter;furthermore, age is a factor that should be considered in the management of HIV-positive patients.

Potential mechanisms of hepatitis B virus induced liver injury

Chronic active hepatitis(CAH) is acknowledged as an imperative risk factor for the development of liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma.The histological end points of CAH are chronic inflammation,fibrosis and cirrhosis which are coupled with increased DNA synthesis in cirrhotic vs healthy normal livers.The potential mechanism involved in CAH includes a combination of processes leading to liver cell necrosis,inflammation and cytokine production and liver scaring(fibrosis).The severity of liver damage is regulated by Hepatitis B virus genotypes and viral components.The viral and cellular factors that contribute to liver injury are discussed in this article.Liver injury caused by the viral infection affects many cellular processes such as cell signaling,apoptosis,transcription,DNA repair which in turn induce radical effects on cell survival,growth,transformation and maintenance.The consequence of such perturbations is resulted in the alteration of bile secretion,gluconeogenesis,glycolysis,detoxification and metabolism of carbohydrates,proteins,fat and balance of nutrients.The identification and elucidation of the molecular pathways perturbed by the viral proteins are important in order to design effective strategy to minimize and/or restore the hepatocytes injury.

Hepatitis B virus,HBx mutants and their role in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the leading causes of death induced by cancer in the modern world and majority of the cases are related to chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.HBV-encoded X protein(HBx)is known to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of viral induced HCC.HBx is a multifunctional protein of17 kDa which modulates several cellular processes by direct or indirect interaction with a repertoire of host factors resulting in HCC.HBX might interfere with several cellular processes such as oxidative stress,DNA repair,signal transduction,transcription,protein degradation,cell cycle progression and apoptosis.A number of reports have indicated that HBx is one of the most common viral ORFs that is often integrated into the host genome and its sequence variants play a crucial role in HCC.By mutational or deletion analysis it was shown that carboxy terminal of HBx has a likely role in protein-protein interactions,transcriptional transactivation,DNA repair,cell,signaling and pathogenesis of HCC.The accumulated evidence thus far suggests that it is difficult to understand the mechanistic nature of HBx associated HCC,and HBx mediated transcriptional transactivation and signaling pathways may be a major determinant.This article addresses the role of HBx in the development of HCC with particular emphasis on HBx mutants and their putative targets.

Role of mycorrhiza to reduce heavy metal stress

Plants have a system of antioxidant enzymes, which helps to alleviate the effects of various types of stresses. Heavy metals like Cadmium and lead are tolerable for plants to certain extent. The antioxidant enzymes do not function properly at higher concentrations of Cadmium, lead and some other heavy metals. The activities of antioxidant enzymes are reduced due to reactive oxygen species produced as a result of heavy metal stress. The catalase activity was directly inhibited by O2- (Kono and Fridovich, 1982). These ROS are O2-, H2O2, and -OH which can react with many other biomolecules. Several metallic ions are produced by radical displacement reactions. These metallic ions inhibit the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Hence, enzymic antioxidant defense system of plants is affected and adversely inhibits plant growth and productivity. Mycorrhizal fungi are important in phytostabilization of toxic heavy metals. Plants having mycorrhizal association accumulate metallic pollutants by storing these heavy metals in Vesicles as well as in fungal hyphae in their roots, hence these metallic pollutants are immobilized and do not inhibit the growth and uptake of phosphorus and some other micronutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi also release various organic acids which increase the solubilisation of insoluble phosphate compounds present in soil. The unavailable forms of phosphorus are converted into available forms as a result of organic acids produced by fungi. AM fungi release glomalins that are certain metal sorble glycoproteins which increase the immobilization of toxic metals. Another protein is metallothionine released by certain AM fungi, which also reduces the heavy metal toxicity in soil. Mycorrhizal fungi also induce resistance in plants against pathogens, drought and salinity stress. Investigation on heavy metal stress resistant genes in mycorrhizal plants can be very helpful for phytoremediation. This review focuses on the use of AM fungi for phytoremediation.

Seroprevalence, Type-Specific of Herpes Simplex Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Women of Child Bearing Age in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: Viruses of the Herpes viridae family infect 90% of the Earth’s population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 females of child bearing age (15 - 49 years) participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies (IgG) quantitatively with ELISA kit. Results: The overall prevalence of HSV was 76.7%. Data further show that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults indicated prevalence of 95.7% for HSV-1 and 74.7% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged, the prevalence were 98.6% for HSV-1, and 84.9% for HSV-2. 99.2% of the married women were positive for HSV-1, while 86.9% were positive for HSV-2. 94.5% of the unmarried women were positive for HSV-1, while 70.5% were positive for HSV-2. The risk of HVS-1 or VS-2 infections was not associated with age, age of first sexual exposure and number sex partners before marriage. Married women were at greater risk for HSV-1 (p = 0.03) and HSV-2 (p ≤ 0.001) infections compared to the unmarried women. Conclusion: The prevalence of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections was high among asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of HSV infection among the child bearing populace.

Predictors of Low Birth Weight in Newborn Delivered in Public Hospital of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Worldwide, low birth weight is one of the most common causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Though factors associated with low birth weight vary from one region to another, in Gurage Zone, there is no sound analytical study done to examine the local determinants of low birth weight. Because of this, the study aimed to elucidate the predictors of low birth weight in public hospital of Gurage zone. Methods: A facility based unmatched case-control study design was employed to detect the existing exposure difference between cases and controls. The study included a total of 270 controls (normal weight) and 134 cases (low birth weight baby). Control and case participants were selected through consecutively. To collect the data, structured interviewer administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurement were used. The data were entered through Epi-data 3.1 computer program and analyzed through Statistical package for Social Sciences version 21 (SPSS v. 21). Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariate analysis were done. Result: Multiple logistic regression model analysis indicated that low birth weight was independently associated with maternal mid upper arm circumference less than 23 cm (AOR 1.79 (95% CI = 1.01 - 3.16)), gestational age less than 37 weeks (AOR 24.94 (95% CI = 12.38 - 50.27)), presence of malaria infection during period of pregnancy (AOR 3.02 (95% CI = 1.39 - 6.51)), presence of preclampsia, multiparity (AOR 2.19 (95% CI = 1.21 - 3.96)) and twining (AOR 5.42 95% CI = 2.01 - 14.59). Conclusion: Gestational age < 37 weeks, twining, malaria infection during pregnancy and maternal undernutrition were a significant predictor of LBW in the region of Gurage zone. Hence, to effectively prevent low birth weight, Gurage zone health departments should work on promotion of maternal nutrition during pregnancy, prevention of malaria during pregnancy.

The Risk of Islet Cell and Insulin Autoantibodies and Their Predictive Strength as Markers of Type-1 Diabetes in a Cross-Section of Nigerian Population

Aim: We demonstrated the risk of developing islet autoantibodies-Insulin Autoanti-bodies (IAAs) and Islets cell Autoantibodies (ICAs)-in type-1 diabetic relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients compared to non-diabetic controls. We also aimed to determine the predictive strengths of both autoantibodies in the development of type-1 diabetes mellitus, and which of the two autoantibodies is a better predictive marker of type-1 diabetes mellitus among Nigerian adults. Methodology: A total number of four hundred and fifty five (455) subjects (211 (46%) males, and 244 (54%) females) aged between 35 - 76 years were recruited for the study. IAA and ICA levels were estimated using ELISA reagents from Biomerica Inc. Other parameters such as fasting blood sugar, urine glucose, and urine protein were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. Results: Relatives of type-1 diabetic patients and newly diagnosed type-1 diabetic patients were at greater risk (p < 0.05) of testing positive for more than one autoantibody (ICA and IAA) compared to non-diabetic controls. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better predictors or markers of type-1 diabetes mellitus compared to ICAs. Conclusion: The present study indicated a greater risk of autoim-mune destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancrease of the type-1 relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients and suggests the need for periodic re-cruitment of individuals in the general population, siblings and relatives of type-1 diabetic patients for planned intervention trials. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better autoimmune markers of type-1 diabetes compared to ICAs.

Incidence and risk of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients in the absence of renal impairment

Aim: To determine the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients with normal renal function and assess the association of other factors related to diabetes with the risk of anemia. Methods: The study group comprised 72 patients with type-2 diabetes. Patients were divided into groups according to glycemic control, gender and age. Serum creatinine, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of subjects were measured. The presence of anemia was defined by a he- moglobin level 7.5%) compared to those with controlled diabetes (≤7.5%) and in patients of age ≥ 60 yrs compared to those of age < 60 yrs (p < 0.05). The odds of anemia was similar in males and females (p = 0.26). Conclusion: This study indicated that poor glycemic control and old age are associated with the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetics with normal renal function. Our findings suggest that treatment criteria for diabetes should include routine hematological tests and take into consideration the inevitable consequences of ageing, and poor glycemic control.

Overview of genetic causes of recurrent miscarriage and the diagnostic approach

Recurring miscarriage(RM)is a frustrating reproductive complication with variable etiology.Numerous genetic defects have been known to play a crucial role in the etiology of RM.Chromosomal abnormalities are frequently detected,while other genetic defects cannot be diagnosed through routine research,such as cryptic chromosomal anomalies,single nucleotide polymorphism,single-gene defect,and gene copy number variation.Diagnostic laboratories have recently used variable advanced techniques to detect potential genetic abnormalities in couples with RM and/or in products of conception.Here we aim to summarize the known genetic causes of RM,with a focus on the new diagnostic techniques.Knowledge of the genetic profile of miscarriages is important for prognosis and potential counseling planning,as well as the prenatal diagnostic strategy in subsequent pregnancies.

The Level of CD4⁺T Cell Count among Reproductive Age Women Coinfected with Human Immune Virus, Hepatitis Surface Antigen and Herpes Simplex Virus in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: There are pockets of evidence to show the existence of co-infections of viral particles in humans. Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the CD4+ T cell count among women of reproductive age co-infected with human immune virus, hepatitis surface antigen and herpes simplex virusin Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: 342 females of reproductive age within the ages of 15 - 49 years participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV1/HSV2, HIV, HBsAg and CD4 using different scientific methods and procedures. Results: There was no significant differences in mean CD4+ T cell counts between subjects who tested positive and those who tested negative for only HSV1 (p = 0.61), HSV2 (p = 0.95), HIV (p = 0.48) and co-infection for HSV1, HSV2, HIV (0.68). In contrast, mean CD4+ T cell count was significantly higher in those who tested positive compared with those who tested negative for HBsAg alone (p = 0.03) and those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2, HBsAg (p = 0.01). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in CD4+ T cell counts among the different classes of infections. Conclusion: This study shows no decline in the count of CD4+ T cell on the co-infections of HSV1, HSV2 and HIV, but higher significant difference in those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2 and HBsAg was recorded among the women of child bearing age in Kogi state.

COMPARISON OF AMINOLEVULINIC ACID AND ITS METHYL ESTER MEDIATED PHOTOCYTOTOXICITY ON HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA CELLS

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is a prevalent cancer in some areas of southern Asia.To explore the potential of photodynamic therapy(PDT)for the treatment of NPC,a small molecule prodrug 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA)and its methyl ester(MAL)mediated PDT was studied in vitro.The results showed that human NPC cells were sensitive to both ALA-and MAL-mediated PDT.However,ALA was more effective than MAL,possiblly due to a higher efficiency of ALA on producing endogenous protoporphyrin(PpIX)in NPC cells.Neither ALA nor MAL caused any significant genotoxicity.The ALA-based PDT might be a useful modality in the treatment ofNPC.

Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18 - 60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

Inflammatory factors, cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with secretory otitis media

Objective:To investigate the changes of inflammatory factors, cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with secretory otitis media.Methods:A total of 82 cases of secretory otitis media admitted in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected as the observation group, and 80 healthy volunteers in our hospital were selected as the control group. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), calcitonin (PCT), platelet activating factor (PAF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgA, IgG, IgM. were detected and compared.Results: The levels of TNF-α, PCT, PAF and ET-1 in the observation group were (2.21 ± 0.13) ng/mL, (3.96 ± 0.81) ng/mL, (149.50 ± 21.08) ng/mL, and (1.67 ± 0.53) μg/L, which were all higher than those of the control group, the differences were significant. The levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were (51.95 ± 4.47)%, (37.04 ± 3.94)% and (1.10 ± 0.04) respectively, which were all lower than those in the control group, the differences were significant. The level of CD8+ in the observation group was (33.63 ± 3.94)%, higher than that in the control group, the difference was significant. The levels of IgA, IgG and IgM in the observation group were (4.97 ± 0.22) g/L, (31.16 ± 2.53) g/L and (5.12 ± 0.17) g/L respectively, which were all higher than the control group, the differences were significant.Conclusion:Inflammatory factors and immune status of patients with secretory otitis media are abnormal. It is suggested to strengthen clinical monitoring of relevant indicators.

Effect of vitamin A and E on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese wistar rats

In the present study, we investigated the biochemical alterations and gene expression of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism after oral administration of vitamin A and E for 2 months in diet-induced obese Wistar rats. Vitamin A and E administration reduced significantly the increase in body weight and food intake and normalized the alterations in lipid profiles in obese rats compared to normal rats. Moreover, both vitamins decreased the fat accumulation in liver tissues of obese rats. Finally, they up-regulated mRNA expression of Pyruvate Kinase (PK) and Glucose Transporter-2 (GLUT-2), and increased lipolysis and cholesterol metabolism through up-regulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), Sterol Responsible Element Binding Protein-1a (STREBP-1a) and STREBP-1c mRNA expression. In conclusion, vitamin A and E regulate gene expression of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and also ameliorate changes associated with obesity induced by high fat diet in Wistar rats.

Associations between Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Vitamin D Receptor and Binding Protein

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that is characterized by β-cell dysfunction and resistance for insulin. Vitamin D is necessary for insulin secretion so it is a crucial factor in the development of T2DM. This study was done to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D [25(OH)3D], VDR (Vitamin D receptor) and VDBP (Vitamin D binding protein) with type 2 diabetic patients compared to control subjects. Subjects and Methods: This study carried out 110 female patients who were previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 110 age, sex and weight matched as controls. All participants were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and assessment of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c , lipid profile, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D [25(OH)3D], VDR and VDBP. Results: Results showed that the level of 25(OH)3D was significantly lower in diabetic group compared to controls and was significantly negatively correlated with glycated hemoglobin, serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in type 2 DM. Decreasing Vitamin D level was significantly associated with decreasing VDR. No significant association was found between Vit D and VDBP levels. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in diabetic patients and associated with poor control and outcome. This suggests a role of Vitamin D in the pathogenesis and control of T2DM. Serum VDBP in diabetes may be independent to the level of 25(OH)3D and needs further studies.