Association of the leptin receptor Q223R (rs1137101) polymorphism with obesity measures in Sri Lankans.

Objective: The role of genetic factors in the development of obesity is largely unreported in Sri Lankans. The Q223R (rs1137101) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene has been associated with obesity measures in various ethnicities. We investigated the association of the Q223R polymorphism with obesity related anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters fasting blood glucose and lipid profile in a sample of 530 Sri Lankan adult subjects (age 18-70 years) representing both urban and rural areas of residence.

Short courses of daily prednisolone during upper respiratory tract infections reduce relapse frequency in childhood nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Relapses of childhood nephrotic syndrome (NS) are frequently precipitated by viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). A review of the literature reveals that in patients with steroid-dependent NS on alternate day corticosteroids, a short course of daily corticosteroid therapy during the course of an URTI may reduce relapse frequency.

Objective: To assess the effect of a short course of low-dose corticosteroid therapy during the course of an URTI on relapse frequency in patients with steroid-sensitive NS who have not been taking any treatment for a minimum period of 3 months.

Association of FTO and near MC4R variants with obesity measures in urban and rural dwelling Sri Lankans.

Objectives: To investigate the association between the fat mass and obesity related (FTO) gene rs9939609 and near melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene rs17782313 polymorphisms with obesity measures and metabolic parameters in urban and rural dwelling Sri Lankans.

Methods: 535 subjects (60.9% female) from the general adult population (ages 18-70 years) representative of both urban (28.