Some aspects of iron metabolism in birds

Plasma iron in laying hens is about five times higher than in non-laying birds and mammals. About half the total iron has properties different from those of tx'ansferrin-bound iron. It has been suggested by some workers that the non-transferrin iron is bound to conalbumin.In the present work studies were made on plasma containing the native non-radioactive iron and on plasma to which 59 radioactive iron Fe) had been added in vivo or in vitro. Several types of separation techniques (gel filtration on Sephadex, adsorption on magnesium carbonate, chromatography on DEAE-cellulose) were employed for the fractionation of the plasma and the identification of the iron-binding components. Studies were also made on cockerels where a plasma iron picture similar to that found normally in laying hens could be induced by the administration of oestrogen. The results of all these experiments indicate that the non-transferrin iron is associated with phosphoprotein and 59 not with conalbumin, although an attempt to isolate Pe-labelled phosphoprotein quantitatively was only partially successful. The findings of other workers who have used, various electrophoretic techniques are discussed and found to be explicable on the basis of this hypothesis.Specific radioactivity measurements made after the CO incubation of J Pe-transferrin (in normal cockerel plasma) with the phosphoprotein iron in plasma from laying hens show that V there is no exchange between the two iron fractions in vitro. Similar measurements made after the intravenous injection of co Fe-transferrin show that in laying hens and oestrogen-treated cockerels transferrin iron serves as a precursor of the phosphoprotein iron. Thus the phosphoprotein iron is presumably derived from transferrin iron in vivo by some process other than simple transfer in the plasma. It is proposed that the iron is taken from transferrin by the newly synthesized phosphoprotein which is leaving the liver cells to be released in the blood plasma, and that the possible funotion of the phosphoprotein iron is to serve as a source of iron for the eggs

SERUM URIC ACID CONCENTRATION AND URINARY EXCRETION OF URIC ACID IN SUDANESE PATIENTS WITH GOUT

Objectives: To assess the relationship between serum uric acid concentration and urinary excretion of uric acid in patients with gout. Materials and Methods: Fifty three Sudanese patients with gout were included in this study; thirty three of them were gouty subjects not under treatment, twenty subjects were under treatment. Twenty normal subjects were used as control. The biochemical parameters included in this study were: serum uric acid, urine uric acid. Urine volume, pH, specific gravity, and urine crystals were also determined. Results: Serum uric acid concentration in gouty subjects not under treatment was significantly higher (p<0.01) as compared to control group. While serum uric acid concentration in gouty subjects under treatment was not significantly higher than the control group, the difference between means was statistically significant between gouty subjects not under treatment and control group. No significant differences were found for urine uric acid excretion. There was a weak positive correlation between serum uric acid concentration and urinary excretion of uric acid in gouty groups; however control group gave a weak negative sign. The risk factors, which were considered, were obesity (over weight), ethnic origin, and age. The difference between means for body weight and height was significantly higher (P<0.05) in gouty subjects compared with control group, and the difference between means for urine volume, urine specific gravity, and urine crystalls showed no significant effect on the three groups, while urine pH showed significant mean difference between these groups. Conclusion: The determination of serum uric is of good diagnostic value, whereas estimation of urine uric acid is of little diagnostic value. Urine crystals can be used only for screening for the investigation of urine uric acid crystals

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROLACTIN LEVEL AND THE DURATION OF LACTATIONAL AMENORRHOEA IN LACTATING SUDANESE WOMEN

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the prolactin (PRL) level and the duration of lactational amenorrhoea in lactating Sudanese women. Methods: Sudanese women (135) from Omdurman area with different ages (18-41 years) and stages of lactation were included, 61 of them participated by giving venous blood samples and filling a questionnaire, while the others by filling the questionnaire only. Pregnant women, contraceptives users, and hypothyroid patients were excluded. The subjects were divided into lactational amenorrhoeic (Group I), and lactating menstruating subjects (Group II). Then each group was subdivided according to the duration of lactation into: - Lactating for six months or less. Lactating for more than six months. Prolactin level was measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: In this study the mean prolactin level in-group I (2934.99 mU/L) was significantly higher compared with group II (707.46 mU/L) (P<0.05). For the duration of lactation, PRL level in the first six months was higher (4414 mU/L), (1506.60 mU/L) in group I, and group II respectively, while this level decreased after six months (1538 mU/L), (517.19 mU/L) for the two groups. Also we found that factors like breast-feeding patterns, utilization of supplementary foods, and the number of parities had a significant effect on the duration of lactational amenorrhoea. Conclusions: There was a positive relationship between PRL level and the duration of lactational amenorrhoea (r=0.39)

Clinical and haematological Findings in Sudanese patients With sickle cell disease Attending the hospitals in Elobeid, Kordofan

Objectives: This study aimed at assessing the clinical features and haematological parameters in sickler Sudanese patients attending El Obeid Hospitals in North Kordofan, Sudan. Materials and Methods: Eighty five patients with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease, (both sexes) were included in this study. Their age ranged between 6 months to 42 years. Forty persons were used as control. Clinical manifestations were recorded at examination. Freshly obtained blood samples from patients and control were used to estimate haematological parameters which included: haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (E.S.R).                Results: The clinical investigations revealed that all patients presented with painful crisis, 96.5% had chronic anemia, 84.7% had recurrent malaria and 81.2% had different infections (76% was chest infection). 32.9% of the sickle cell disease (SCD) patients had no blood transfusion, while the rest had blood transfused once to five times. Haematological measurement indicate that all SCD patients in this study were reported anaemic, and their Hb, PCV and RBC count were significantly lower (P<0.001) compared with the control group, while WBC count and MCV were significantly higher (P<0.001, P<0.01). In this study the prevalence of SCD in Misseria tribe (24.7%) was highest compared to other tribes. Conclusion: This study affirmed the problem of sickle cell disease in Kordofan state, which should draw attention toward the need of further studies

Obesity and hyperlipidaemia in adult males in a Semi-urban community in Jordan

Objective:  To describe the relationship between obesity and hyperlipidaemia. Methods: Cluster sampling technique-probability of households from Sareeh area. A total of 400 apparently healthy adult males aged 30-50 years were invited to participate in the study, of whom 306 completed the study. A pilot tested interview questionnaire was designed in the study to collect  the dietary history. Height, weight, waist circumference, triglycerides (TRIG) and total cholesterol (CHOL) were measured.  Obesity was categorized into three groups as indicated by BMI-C based on WHO (1997) for generalized obesity and for classifications of central obesity using waist circumference categories based on (Lean et al, 1995). Results: The means of plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol increased significantly with increasing levels of waist circumference and BMI categories (P<0.05).  There was an increase in the prevalence rates (PRs) of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia with increasing levels of obesity and its duration. The proportion ratios of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia for subjects with high and moderate obesity levels compared with subjects with normal levels were (10.1-11.6) and (6.7 -8.1) times respectively; whereas for subjects with duration of overweight>20 years compared with subjects with duration of obesity <10 years ranged (2.11-2.96) times.  Also odds ratios (ORs) of hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia after controlling for confounded factors were increased with increasing levels of obesity and its duration, the highest (OR) in high obesity levels ranged (11.59-19.18, 95% CI, P<0.001) whereas for duration of obesity >20 years ranged (16.78-20.94, 95% CI, P<0.001). Central obesity had a potential risk on hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia more than generalized obesity.  Conclusions: amount of body fat, location and duration are the major risk factors on hyper- trigly ceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia which emphasizes the need for concentrated e-ffort  to prevent and treat obesity rather than just any associated co-morbidities

PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION IN CENTRAL SUDAN: STUDY OF PREVALENCE AND SOCIO- ECONOMIC BACKGROUND

There is no abstrac

Levels of Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides in Type 2 Diabetic Sudanese Patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.(1) Objectives This study aimed to estimate the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides as control  markers of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sudanese patients. Methods: Seventy Sudanese controlled NIDDM patients of age 42-80 years and of diabetes duration 1-27 years, 30  non diabetic subjects age and sex-matched taken as a control group. Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were measured and the results obtained were statistically analysed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between diabetic group and control group observed in TG levels.  The total cholesterol in the diabetic group showed significant increase than the control group (P=0.04), also this study showed, 64.3% of the diabetic group had FBG>140mg/dl , 24.3% had cholesterol level >240 mg/dl and 9% had Triglycerides level >200 mg/dl. Conclusion: This study suggests the need for improving glycemic control in Sudanese diabetic patients, that might lead to  improvement in lipid values and decrease the diabetes-associated complications. الملخص: هدفت  هذه الدراسة لاستخدام التقييم الكيموحيوي لضبط مستوى السكر عند مرضي السكري غير المعتمدين علي الانسولين مقارنه مع أصحاء من نفس النوع والعمر. إشتملت هذه الدراسه علي 100 شخص منهم 70 مريضا بالسكري غير المعتمدين علي الانسولين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 42-80 عاما وتمتد فترة مرضهم بين 1- 27   عاما و30 أصحاء من نفس النوع والعمر . تضمنت هذه الدراسه  القياسات الكيموحيويه الأتيه: سكر دم الصائم، الكوليستيرول ، ثلاثي أسيل الجليسرول ومؤشر كتلة الجسم وحللت النتائج تحليلا إحصائيا.   اظهرت الدراسة عدم وجود  إختلاف ذو معني بين مجموعة مرضي السكري ومجموعة الأصحاء في مستويات ثلاثي أسيل الجليسرول بينما وجد تركيز كل من سكر دم الصائم و الكوليستيرول الكلى مرتفعا إرتفاعا ذا معني عند مجموعة مرضي السكري. مستوي الكوليستيرول اظهر إرتباطا موجبا مع ثلاثي أسيل الجليسرول.   طبقا لتقسيم جمعية مرضى السكري العالميه الأمريكيه أظهرت هذه الدراسه أن نسبة 35.7  يتميزون بدرجة ضبط جيدة (معدل قياس  سكر دم الصائم لديهم أقل من 140مج/ملتر) بينما 75.7% يتميزون بدرجة ضبط جيدة للكوليستيرول (مستوي الكوليستيرول لديهم أقل من  240مج/ملتر) و91% يتميزون بدرجة ضبط جيدة لثلاثي أسيل الجليسرول (مستوي ثلاثي أسيل الجليسرول لديهم أقل من  200مج/ملتر). وعليه يعتبر ان بعض   هؤلاء المرضى غير متمتعين بدرجة ضبط جيده لمرض السكري

SERUM CHROMIUM, MAGNESIUM AND ZINC LEVELS IN SUDANESE TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in serum chromium, magnesium and zinc levels between diabetic and control groups, and to determine the correlations between these elements and serum glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Forty patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and 30 controls were selected randomly. The level of serum chromium, magnesium and zinc were measured and compared between the two groups. Correlations of serum Cr, Mg and Zn with serum glucose were conducted. Results: There was a very significant difference in some serum trace elements level between diabetic and control groups. Serum magnesium and zinc were significantly lower in diabetic group compared with the control group (P= 0.014, P < 0.0001 respectively). Negative but not significant correlations were shown between Cr, Mg and Zn and serum glucose. ConclusioN: There is trace elements metabolism disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Magnesium and zinc could be considered suitable for inclusion in a nutritional supplement for diabetes with significant value for the treatment of diabetics and prevention of complications

Zinc Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Gezira State (Central Sudan)

Introduction                   Sickle cell disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive manner. HbS differs from HbA in the substitution of valine for glutamic acid in the sixth position of the b-globin chain. Heterozygous state for the HbS gene. Comprises 25-45% of the total hemoglobin, the rest being Hb-A, Hb-A2 and Hb-F. .     Zinc status in children with sickle cell disease was determined in 1975, the finding, showed that there was  a significant decrease in zinc level in plasma, erythrocyte and hair. However, urinary zinc excretion was increased in sickle cell disease patients and is associated with decreased linear growth, skeletal growth, and muscle mass and sexual and skeletal maturation.  . Information regarding zinc status in sickle cell disease in Sudanese subjects is needed.             The objective of this study was to determine the zinc status in patients with sickle cell disease in addition to other related parameters including Haemoglobin level, total white blood cells count, sickling test, and identification of malaria parasite in the blood in the patients and control group. Anthropometric measurements including body weight, body height, and body mass index were also conducted. Study Design:             This is a case control study designed to study zinc status in patients with Sickle Cell Disease attending Wad Medani Paediatric Teaching Hospital in Gezira State.             Forty four patients diagnosed as sickle cell disease by clinical features and laboratory investigations (Hb Electrophoresis) were enrolled in this study. Fifty normal subjects were taken as control group. Patients with malnutrition and other diseases were excluded. Results In the present  study the mean of serum zinc concentration in the patients group(40.8 ±20 µg/dl) was significantly lower than  control group (55.3 ±32.4 µg/dl) (P < 0.05). Haemoglobin concentration in patients (6.6 ± 0.9 g/dl) was significantly lower (P< 0.001) compared to control group (11.1±2.1 g/dl).  The result of this study also showed that the values of  TWBCs count for the patients group (16150 ± 8196 cell / µL) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared to control group (5750 ± 3537 cell / µL ). The mean body weight (16.3 ± 8.2 kg), body height (103 ± 26 cm), and BMIs (14.5 ± 1.9) in the patients were significantly lower compared to control group (23.7 ± 8.0 kg), (120 ± 17 cm), (16.1 ± 3.2) respectively  (P < 0.001). All patients showed negative blood film for malaria parasite with the exception of only one subject, while three subjects of control group showed positive blood film for malaria parasite Conclusion Zinc status in patients with sickle cell disease in central Sudan is significantly lower than that of control group. Patients had lower hemoglobin level, lower body weight and height, and higher total white blood cell count than control group. All patients showed negative blood film for malaria parasite with exception of only one subject, while three subjects of control group showed positive blood film for malaria parasite. Because of low zinc level in patients with sickle cell disease, zinc supplementation is recommended. Further studies are needed to see its effect on the different parameters &nbsp