8 research outputs found
Relationship between soil cobalt and vitamin B12 levels in the liver of livestock in Saudi Arabia: role of competing elements in soils.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the agricultural soils from
different regions in Saudi Arabia for cobalt and related metals as
Cu2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, Zn2+ and Pb2+. Materlais and Methods: Liver and
muscle tissues of livestock grazing on the selected areas were analyzed
for the content of Co and vitamin B12. Results: Our results indicated
that the levels of Co in surface soil (0-15 cm) were higher than in
sub-surface soil (>15 cm- 45 cm). In contrast, Pb and Zn were higher
in sub-surface soil than in surface soil. A significant positive
correlation existed between the levels of Co and vitamin B12 in the
liver of livestock. However, Co was not detected in muscle tissues
while vitamin B12 was present at very low levels in comparison with the
levels found in the liver. The results indicated that Zn2+, Pb2+
compete with Co in soil, which eventually affected the levels of
vitamin B12 in liver. Conclusion: It was recommended that survey of
heavy metals in grazing fields of cattle should consider inclusion of
multiple elements that compete with the bioavailability of essential
elements in plants and animals for the prevention of deficiency of
essential elements such as Co
Changes in erythrocyte ATPase activity under different pathological conditions
Background: Studies have shown that Na+-K+ ATPase activity was altered in disrupted red blood cell membranes and this enzyme is believed to be the site of active transport of Na+ and K+ in intact red blood cells. The enzyme is often referred to as Na+- K+ pump because it pumps Na+ out and K+ into the cell against gradients with the concomitant hydrolysis of intracellular ATP.Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the possibility of using Na+-K+-ATPase activity as a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological conditions.Materials and methods: The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase was determined in blood samples collected from different pathological and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, smoking, diabetes and renal dysfunction compared with healthy subjects matched for age and sex.Results: The Na+-K+ ATPase activity in pregnancy (0.094 ± 0.0051 μM Pi/min. mg protein), smoking (0.064 ± 0.0011 μM), diabetes (0.047 μM 0.002 μM) and kidney disease (0.069 ± 0.0014 μM) was higher compared to the measurements in healthy individuals (0.0081 ± 0.0031 μM).Conclusion: Na+- K+ATPase specific activity is a biomarker for the diagnosis of individuals with different physiological diseases.Keywords: Na+-K+ATPase, red blood cell, pregnancy, smoking, diabetes, kidney diseases
Analysis of SNPs of MC4R , GNB3 and FTO gene polymorphism in obese Saudi subjects
Background: The goal of this study was to analyze the association between the FTO rs17817449 (G>T), G protein beta3 subunit (GNB3) C825T and Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) A822G single nucleotide olymorphism (SNP) with obesity in Saudi subjects.Methods: The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to BMI: Obese (BMI> 29.9) and non- obese control (BMI<24.9). Genotyping of the target genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP).Results: We demonstrated the association of the FTO genotype TT with increased weight, BMI and leptin levels in both males and females. However, there was no association of genotype TT with fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Regarding GNB3 rs5443 polymorphism, the likelihood of obesity was linked to the TT genotype which was also associated with increased leptin levels. On the other hand, the SNP of MC4R A822G did not exhibit any significant association with obesity among studied subjects and showed only the presence of homozygous AA genotype.Conclusion: The polymorphism of FTO gene rs17817449 and GNB3 gene rs5443 (C825T) may be a genetic determinant of obesity in Saudi population whereas impact of MC4R Asn274Ser change could not be detected.Keywords: Obesity, FTO gene-polymorphism
Hemorrhagic fever in Saudi Arabia: challenge to public health, effective management and future considerations
Background: Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile
illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in
animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal
interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited
diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF.
Materials: The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been
documented since the 19th century, in which many outbreaks have been
reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence
of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which
expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more
challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding,
exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance
systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt
productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers
that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma
hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever
virus. Conclusion: In summary, effective vector control, health
education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts
between different government organizations and private research
institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and
response strategies in future