Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism with blood lead levels in occupationally lead-exposed male battery workers in Delhi – National capital region, India

236-244Lead is a well-known environmental pollutant due to its widespread industrial uses and persistent nature. Studies have underlined the toxicities caused due to occupational exposure to lead and have also reported the association of blood lead levels (BLL) with Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism; however, such data is scarce from India. This maiden attempt aims to investigate the association of different VDR polymorphic variants on BLL in the north-Indian lead-exposed population. We recruited 100 occupationally lead-exposed battery workers (LEBW) and 100 non-lead exposed controls (NLEC). BLL, serum Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous levels were measured. Further, VDR polymorphisms namely, FokI, TaqI, ApaI, and BsmI polymorphic variants were studied. Results demonstrated that BLL was significantly increased in LEBW as compared to NLEC. Chi-square test results show that frequencies of Ff FokI VDR genotype and bb BsmI VDR genotype were significantly more in LEBW as compared to NLEC (P =0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, FF, aa and bb genotype showed the highest BLL in LEBW indicating higher lead levels in some VDR polymorphisms

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism with blood lead levels in occupationally lead-exposed male battery workers in Delhi – National capital region, India

Lead is a well-known environmental pollutant due to its widespread industrial uses and persistent nature. Studies have underlined the toxicities caused due to occupational exposure to lead and have also reported the association of blood lead levels (BLL) with Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism; however, such data is scarce from India. This maiden attempt aims to investigate the association of different VDR polymorphic variants on BLL in the north-Indian lead-exposed population. We recruited 100 occupationally lead-exposed battery workers (LEBW) and 100 non-lead exposed controls (NLEC). BLL, serum Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous levels were measured. Further, VDR polymorphisms namely, FokI, TaqI, ApaI, and BsmI polymorphic variants were studied. Results demonstrated that BLL was significantly increased in LEBW as compared to NLEC. Chi-square test results show that frequencies of Ff FokI VDR genotype and bb BsmI VDR genotype were significantly more in LEBW as compared to NLEC (P =0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, FF, aa and bb genotype showed the highest BLL in LEBW indicating higher lead levels in some VDR polymorphisms

Type-2 diabetes mellitus with or without metabolic syndrome and their associated critical factors: A study from Northern India

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and blood vessels leading to long-term complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and ischaemia. The main objective of the study was to identify critical factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) with metabolic syndrome (mets) compared with Type 2 DM without mets and their association in the development of Type 2 DM to Type 2 DM with mets and cardiovascular complications. This can aid in improving the clinical management and the consequences of the disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, a tertiary care centre in Northern India. All patients who were aged between 35 and 65 years of age were enrolled. Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups, Group I: 50 healthy people; Group II: 50 Type 2 DM without mets; and Group III: 50 Type 2 DM with mets. These patients were subjected to Anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessment. Results: On comparing Group III with control and Group II significant difference was observed in these parameters, that is, elevated TGs (P = 0.001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P = 0.001), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (0.011), high serum insulin fasting (P = 0.010), weight (P = 0.021), waist circumference (P = 0.001) and BMI (P = 0.001). In the control group, head circumference was significantly lower compared to Group II (P = 0.001) and Group III (P = 0.001). Conclusion: On the basis of observed observation, it has been suggested that low enzymatic activity with poor glycaemic control may further progress Type 2 DM into Type 2 DM with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. High hs-CRP concentration and high fasting insulin can be independent predictor of cardiovascular complications

Role of Pro-BNP in predicting outcome in acute heart failure patient presenting to a medical emergency: An observational study from North India

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a clinical syndrome defined as the new onset or acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) leading to signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF). The critical cut-off values for these biomarkers that suggest high mortality are not clearly defined in previous studies. More studies are required to better understand the correlation of Pro- BNP and its association with HF. The primary objective is to study the role of Pro-BNP and critical factors in predicting outcomes in AHF patients presenting to a medical emergency. Materials and Methods: The data from the patients presented with symptoms of HF in the Department of Medical Emergency at our hospital were recorded and analysed. AHF is a clinical syndrome defined as the new onset or ADHF leading to signs and symptoms of HF, as based on the European Society of Cardiology. Results: The present study highlights the various risk factors of AHF in patients and their association with mortality. In the present study, mortality in patients with very high Pro-BNP levels ≥2000 pg/ml was significantly higher than in patients with moderately elevated Pro-BNP. The patients who survived after 5 days of hospitalization had Pro-BNP levels ≤2000 pg/ml, suggesting that very high Pro-BNP levels ≥2000 pg/ml are associated with fatal outcomes. Conclusion: To conclude, diabetes and sepsis are critical factors for the hospitalization and mortality of patients with AHF in northern India. Very high Pro-BNP levels ≥2000 pg/ml in patients with AHF requiring hospitalization and associated with fatal outcomes