Serum gamma glutamyl transferase: a novel biomarker for screening of premature coronary artery disease.

Background: We aimed to elucidate the association between gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity with prevalence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in young Pakistani patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography.

Methods: A total of 218 young adults (age ≤ 45 years) underwent diagnostic angiography. Serum samples were taken from all the patients and analyzed for serum GGT activity, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Risk assessment of pesticide exposure on health of Pakistani tobacco farmers.

Tobacco is an important cash crop of Pakistan. Pesticides are commonly used to increase the crop yield, but their health impact has not been studied yet. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of pesticide poisoning and to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards safety measures among the tobacco farmers in Swabi, Pakistan.