Khalid Parvez Lone

Interplay of vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine and bone mineral density in postmenopausal females

ABSTRACT Osteoporosis is most common age related, multifactorial disease. The aim of the researchers were to discover the association between serum homocysteine, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and bone mineral density in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic females. In this cross- sectional study, 156 postmenopausal females between 50–70 years of age were recruited and divided into two groups, non-osteoporotic (n = 52) and osteoporotic (n = 104). There was significant negative correlation of homocysteine with vitamin D and B12 in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and homocysteine with vitamin B12 in postmenopausal osteoporotic females. Serum homocysteine levels were predicted by vitamin D in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and vitamin B12 in postmenopausal osteoporotic females.

Comparison of parameters of bone profile and homocysteine in physically active and non-active postmenopausal females.

Background and objectives: Optimal physical activity is important in attaining a peak bone mass. Physically active women have better bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk as compared to females living a sedentary life. The objective of this study was to compare parameters of bone profile and serum homocysteine levels in physically active and non-active postmenopausal females. Methods: In this cross sectional study postmenopausal females between 50-70 years of age were recruited and divided into two groups: Physically inactive (n=133) performing light physical activity and Physically active (n=34) performing moderate physical activity. Physical activity (in metabolic equivalents), bone mineral density and serum homocysteine levels were assessed. Spearman’s rho correlation was applied to observe correlations. Two independent sample t test and Mann Whitney U test were applied to compare groups. P-value ≤ 0.05 was taken statistically significant. Results: Parameters of bone profile were significantly higher and serum homocysteine levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal females performing moderate physical activity as compared to females performing light physical activity. Homocysteine was not significantly related to T-score and Z-score in both groups. Conclusion: Improving physical activity could be beneficial for improving the quality of bone, decreasing fracture risk and decreasing serum homocysteine levels.

Plasma surfactant protein A levels in apparently healthy smokers, stable and exacerbation COPD patients

Objective: To compare the plasma level of surfactant protein-A in apparently healthy smokers, stable and exacerbation Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Methods: This was a comparative study conducted from January, 2015 to March, 2016. This study was conducted on 87 subjects of both gender and age between 30-70 years. Of the total 87 subjects; 29 subjects were “healthy smokers” selected from general population as control group. Another 29 were “stable COPD” patients free of exacerbation since last six weeks. Lastly, another 29 subjects were “exacerbated COPD” patients with 7-10 days of exacerbation. COPD was diagnosed on the basis of relevant history and spirometry showing post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70. Surfactant Protein-A level (ng/ml) was estimated by a specific solid phase enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using automated EIA analyzer. Results: The SP-A levels, determined by competitive ELISA, was significantly higher (P<0.025) in healthy smokers (44.19±39.17 ng/ml) and exacerbated (43.86±40.17) than the stable COPD (25.89±18.85) patients. The lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/ FVC) were lower in COPD patients compared to healthy smokers and were related to the duration of smoking. Conclusion: Current smokers and exacerbated patients had higher values of SP-A protein than stable COPD patients since they had stopped smoking.