A comparative analysis of operating performance: evidence from the top five pharmaceutical companies of Bangladesh listed with Dhaka stock exchange

This article was published in European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences [© 2013 European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences] The article website is at: http://www.europeanjournalofeconomicsfinanceandadministrativesciences.com/issues/EJEFAS_58.htmlThis paper attempts to evaluate the financial performance of pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh through analyzing the top 5 listed companies in this sector. The study is based on secondary data from 2005 to 2010 and collected data have been analyzed through different financial ratios and statistical tools like mean, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variance (CV) and T- test, etc. It was observed from the study of the audited financial statements of the pharmaceutical companies that the efficiency dimension has not been satisfactory for all the companies mainly due to inefficient asset management. However, most of the companies managed to maintain financial stability over the years under consideration. As far as the profitability and solvency dimensions are concerned, both Renata and Square companies outperformed the industry and had been able to generate reasonable return to the shareholders. In terms of liquidity, although the ratio of these companies has shown a downward trend over the past six years but was above the industry average. This study will help the general investors to understand the nature of operating performance of the pharmaceutical companies of Bangladesh, to identify the key factors responsible for such performance and help them to take informed investment decision.Publishe

Association of methylation status of ABCA1/G1 genes with the risk of coronary artery disease

Abstract Background ATP-binding cassette transporters A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1) is a main regulator of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) formation and reverse cholesterol transport. Impaired ABCA1/G1 genes function may seriously affect cholesterol homeostasis, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the association of ABCA1/G1 genes methylation status with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), risk factors of CAD, and serum level of lipid parameters was investigated. This study was conducted on 70 CAD patients and 40 control subjects. All CAD subjects with diabetes mellitus were excluded. The promoter methylation status of ABCA1/G1 genes was determined by the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR) method and serum lipid parameters were assessed using commercial kits. Results ABCA1 promoter methylation was higher in CAD group compared to the control participants (80% vs. 60%). Hypermethylation of the ABCA1 gene significantly increases the risk of CAD in the total population (OR 3.886, 95% CI (1.181–12.791), p = 0.026). ABCG1 methylation status showed no difference between CAD and control subjects. In addition, no significant association was noted between methylation status of ABCA1/G1 and serum level of lipid profile. Conclusions Altogether, our study shows that ABCA1 gene promoter hypermethylation may increase the risk of CAD, which may help identify people at risk of developing CAD