Seasonal variation and Vitamin-D status in ostensibly healthy Indian population: An experience from a tertiary care institute.

Background: 25-hydroxy vitamin-D (25(OH)D) deficiency is prevalent worldwide including India. Earlier some cross-sectional studies have discussed 25(OH)D deficiency and its prevalence. The correlation of 25(OH)D with seasonal variation has been reported rarely in India.

Assessment of DHEAS, cortisol, and DHEAS/cortisol ratio in patients with COVID-19: a pilot study.

Purpose: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is observed to be decreased in sepsis and inflammatory conditions. In the present study, we assessed the levels of DHEAS and cortisol and the DHEAS/cortisol ratio and their association with inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: The study recruited 76 RT-PCR-positive COVID-19-positive patients and 79 healthy controls.

Trace Elements as Immunoregulators in SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections.

Nutritional deficiency is associated with impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. The complex interactions of trace elements with the macromolecules trigger the effective immune response against the viral diseases. The outcome of various viral infections along with susceptibility is affected by trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, etc.

The Clinical Laboratory: A Key Player in Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had emerged as a pandemic affecting almost all countries in the world in a short span after it was first reported in December. Clinical laboratory have a crucial role in mitigating this new pandemic. Timely and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is of paramount importance for detecting cases early and to prevent transmission.

Role of Genetic Variants and Gene Expression in the Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19.

Since its first report in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly emerged as a pandemic affecting nearly all countries worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the need to identify genetic risk factors for susceptibility to this serious illness has emerged. Host genetic factors, along with other risk factors may help determine susceptibility to respiratory tract infections.

Identification of differentially methylated candidate genes and their biological significance in IUGR neonates by methylation EPIC array.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy-associated disease manifested by decreased growth rate of fetus than the normal genetic growth potential. It is associated with increased susceptibility to metabolic diseases later in life. Although the mechanisms underlying the origin of metabolic diseases are poorly understood, DNA methylation is a crucial investigation for the identification of epigenetic changes.

Association of receptor expression with prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Background: The expression of androgen (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER-A, ER-B) in Prostate cancer is well documented, but there are limited data about the same in patients with BPH. Hence the present study was designed to analyse the gene and protein expression of androgen and estrogen receptors in patients with BPH.

Materials And Methods: Prostatic tissues were obtained from 27 BPH patients aged between 55 to 85 years by transurethral resection of prostate.

Over expression of PI3K-AkT reduces apoptosis and increases prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Introduction: Even though the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways and apoptosis has been well established in prostate cancer, there are no studies regarding alteration in the gene expression of PI3K/AKT pathway and protein expression of apoptotic components and their association with prostate size in Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Hence the study was designed to analyze the expression pattern of PI3K/AKT and apoptotic components in patients with BPH.

Materials And Methods: A total of 27 BPH patients aged between 55 and 75 years were recruited in the study and prostatic tissues were obtained after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Clomiphene citrate increases nitric oxide, interleukin-10 and reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-9, Nitric oxide and inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Even though these parameters are altered in PCOS, the effect of clomiphene citrate on them has not been studied till date. The present study was done to assess the effect of clomiphene citrate on matrix metalloproteinase-9, nitric oxide and interleukin-10 levels in women with PCOS.

Gene expression of insulin receptor, insulin-like growth factor increases and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 reduces with increase in prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Introduction: Although the role of insulin in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is well established, there are no studies regarding alteration in the gene expression of components of insulin-signaling pathway and their association with prostate size in BPH. Hence, the study was designed to analyze the gene and protein expression of insulin receptor and its related components in patients with BPH.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-seven BPH patients aged between 55 and 75 years were recruited in the study and prostatic tissues were obtained after transurethral resection of the prostate.

Association of elevated interleukin-17 and angiopoietin-2 with prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Introduction: Inflammation and angiogenesis are known to play a role in the development prostate tumors. The present study was designed to assess the levels of markers of inflammation and angiogenesis like interleukin-17 (IL-17) and angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) levels and their association with prostate size in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials And Methods: 42 BPH cases and 42 controls were enrolled in the study.

Elevated insulin and reduced insulin like growth factor binding protein-3/prostate specific antigen ratio with increase in prostate size in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Background: Insulin and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have growth promoting effects, while insulin like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has growth inhibitory effects. The present study was designed to assess the concentrations of insulin, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and their association with prostate size in patients with BPH.

Methods: Ninety 90 BPH cases and 90 controls were enrolled in the study.