Hemogram indices of healthy lactovegetarian population from Tharparkar village.

Introduction: The evidence of micro nutrients deficiencies related mortalities are emerging all over the globe. Lake of the knowledge of dietary source of vitamin D complex and iron affects the haemogram indices. Aim of this study was to assess the haemogram values of healthy lactovegetarian population of Tharparkar village and to correlate these with WHO parameters.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-17 on 100 apparently healthy subjects of both genders with age 14 to 55 years. Peripheral smears were prepared using Leishman stain at the research field during sampling. Coagulated whole blood samples were collected and transported to the Dow university lab at Karachi under proper temperature.Result: The mean age of the subjects in this study was 30.5 (±8.3) and the male to female ratio was 2.1:1 the mean hemoglobin level was 13.5 (±1.6). Mean NCV level was83.6 (±9.9) mean MCH was found as 63.9 (±3.1).and mean Hematocrit was found as 40.4. (±5.7)Conclusion: The blood indices of lactovegetarian population of Tharparkar village fall within the specified range as set by WHO Parameters accept MCV which was found higher than normal. This may be attributed to the deficiency of vitamin B12 or Folate.Key word: Lacto-vegetarian, Hemogram indices, vitamin B12/Folate deficiency, Anemia

COVID 19- Biochemical and Other Mechanisms associated with Neuropathy and Stroke.

The Coronavirus (SARS-C0V-2) caused COVID 19 disease, commencing from China in December 2019 and soon in 2020 its neurological manifestations were noted. The viral spike (S) protein binding with host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with assistance of membrane fusion protease (TMPRSS) caused viral entry in host cells. We searched 47 articles using PubMed from January 2021 to January 2023. The initial pooling of virus in nasal mucosa was followed by spread to respiratory and other tissues. This review highlights the neuropathy and stroke mechanisms. The role of receptors, enzymes, proteins and genes in neuropathological mechanisms are highlighted. Vascular endothelial effects, choroid plexus and Blood Brain Barrier disruptions were noted. The epigenetic neuropathological mechanisms need to be explored further to help in designing new therapeutic modalities. The post vaccination neurological manifestations as well as the post COVID effects both need further attention to promptly diagnose and start timely treatment

Serene threonine kinase 39 gene single nucleotide A-G polymorphism rs35929607 is weakly associated with essential hypertension in population of Tharparkar, Pakistan

Objective: To study the prevalence of Serine Threonine Kinase-39 A-G polymorphism rs3592960 in rural population.Methods: The random, cross-sectional study was carried out from 2009 to 2010 on 528 subjects in Tharparkar, Pakistan. Data was recorded excluding cases of secondary hypertension. Normotensives were used as the controls and hypertensives as the cases. Genotyping was carried out by tetra-primer amplification refraction mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method and the data was analysed statistically with SPSS-14.Results: The association of Serine Threonine Kinase-39 rs35929607 with essential hypertension was as 3.07 (95% confidence interval 2.10-4.49) units/mmHg per G allele (p = 0.001). Raised systolic BP \u3e 140mmHg showed 0.76 (95% CI, 0.47-1.23) (p = 0.235) and raised diastolic BP \u3e 90mmHg showed 0.93 (95% CI, 0.61-1.44) units/mmHg per G allele (p = 0.735). Frequency of the risk allele G was less (33.3%) than that of allele-A (66.7%), (p = 0.0001). The effect size of genetic factors was non-significant, beta = 0.062 (p = 0.153) for GG homozygotes and beta = -0.013 (p = 0.772) for AG heterozygotes. Effect size of risk factors (age \u3e 50 years, diabetes and body mass index \u3e 23) was found significantly associated with essential hypertension, beta = 0.747 (p = 0.000).The risk factors increased the effect by 12.04 fold in GG genotype and further 3 fold influence of risk factors is required with single allele-G in case of AG heterozygotes.Conclusion: Essential hypertension risk conferred by this polymorphism in the study population is different from the previously reported European population, suggesting that the variant G allele remains less associated in the absence of environmental risk factors

Vitamin B 12 and folate deficiency status in a strict lacto-vegetarian population of Tharparkar

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for maturation of the red blood cells. B12 is only found in animal products while folate is abundant in plants. Strict lacto vegetarians are at high risk to develop vitamin B12 deficiency. After an ethical approval of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), we carried a randomized, cross sectional, descriptive and analytic study at a Tharparkar village to observe the prevalence and subsequent hematological parameters due to deficiencies of these vitamins in 200 subjects (100 strict lacto-vegetarians, compared with 100 non-vegetarians). After a physical examination the blood samples were collected and sent to DUHS lab for serum B12 and folate levels and complete blood counts. The data were analyzed descriptively and statistically by SPSS 17 to calculate the Odds Ratios and p-Values. The mean age of strict-vegetarian group was 30.5 years (± 8.3) and non-vegetarian as 30.1 years (± 9.2). Male to female ratio was 3.4:1.0 Vit-B12 deficiency was found in 83% strict-vegetarian and in 66% of non-vegetarian group, low folate 7% in vegetarian versus 23% non-vegetarians and anemia in 36% vegetarians versus only 20% in non vegetarian group. Definite high MCV was found in 30% vegetarians and 26% in non vegetarians. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia were unremarkable. It is concluded that vitamin B12 deficiency is predominantly found in the strict-vegetarians who also displayed alarming levels to produce neuropathy. The levels of folate were normal in the studied groups. Vitamin B12 supplementation is recommended in the high risk areas of Tharparkar