Soluble transferrin receptor, Ferritin index in Pakistani population

Inflammation affects the reliability of ferritin. The serum level of transferrin receptor protein (sTfR) represents true demand of iron in the body. This study attempts to identify levels of sTfR and correlate the trends of sTfR/ferritin index with BMI in the population of Karachi. 132 gender matched volunteers between the ages of 20-60 years were recruited for this cross-sectional study. BMI was calculated using the formula: (weight in kg / height in m2). Following groups were made according to South Asian criteria of BMI; Group A: normal weight (18.0-22.9 kg/m2), Group B: overweight (23.0-24.9 kg/m2), Group C: obese ( \u3e 25.0 kg/m2). Serum ferritin, sTfR and CRP levels were determined using ELISA kits. Statistical comparisons were performed using Mann Whitney U and Spearman\u27s rank correlation, where p \u3c 0.05 was considered significant. The results identified increased in TIBC, sTfR, ferritin and CRP in obese as compared to normal weight individuals (p \u3c 0.001). sTfR/ferritin ratio was 0.822 which signifies increased risk of acute myocardial infarction in group C. Serum iron (r=-0.359,p=0.004) showed negative correlation with BMI while serum ferritin (r=0.237,p \u3c 0.001) and sTfR (r=0.263,p= 0.036) levels were positively associated to BMI. This study highlights a novel finding that sTfR is most likely a better clinical measure of iron status in inflammatory conditions as its expression is effected by erythropoiesis and not by inflammation. Risk of Acute myocardial infarction can also be predicted by increased sTfR/ferritin ratio

SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Renal and Cardiovascular Benefits

Agenda Mechanism of action Glycemic control Renal benefits Cardiovascular benefits Serious adverse effect

Recent Developments in Oral Delivery of Vaccines Using Nanocarriers

As oral administration of vaccines is the preferred route due to its high patient compliance and ability to stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses, it is also associated with several challenges that include denaturation of vaccine components in the acidic environment of the stomach, degradation from proteolytic enzymes, and poor absorption through the intestinal membrane. To achieve effective delivery of such biomolecules, there is a need to investigate novel strategies of formulation development that can overcome the barriers associated with conventional vaccine delivery systems. Nanoparticles are advanced drug delivery carriers that provide target-oriented delivery by encapsulating vaccine components within them, thus making them stable against unfavorable conditions. This review provides a detailed overview of the different types of nanocarriers and various approaches that can enhance oral vaccine delivery

Lyme carditis presenting as atrial fibrillation in a healthy young male

We present a case of a 23-year-old man coming with palpitations, found to be in atrial fibrillation (AF). He was initially managed with metoprolol for rate-controlled therapy-reverted to normal sinus rhythm and discharged home. He returned a few days later-this time in varying degrees of atrioventricular block including transient complete heart block. He was empirically started on intravenous ceftriaxone for suspected Lyme carditis, which subsequently led to the resolution of high-degree heart block. Lyme immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM returned positive. Follow-up ECG after the course of antibiotic exhibited normal sinus rhythm. AF is a rare presentation of Lyme disease but still exists. It should be considered in terms of appropriate treatment, especially in Lyme-endemic areas