Evaluation and Comparison of the Changes of Blood Biochemical and Hematological Factors in Adults with and Without History of COVID-19

The possible consequences of the long intermittent fasting schedule during Ramadan (one month of food and water intake limited to night hours, a practice that is followed by the majority of the Muslims worldwide) on certain biochemical constituents or coagulation variables have not been extensively documented. During the month of Ramadan and two months after, we monitored the concentration of different plasma lipoproteins, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], apoproteins A(1) and B, fibrinogen, factor VII activity and some selected hematological factors in 50 healthy subjects who were employees of institutes related to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and aged between 30 and 45 years. The effect of fasting in Ramadan on the relationship between biochemical and coagulation variables was also investigated. The values of apoprotein B, Lp(a) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly decreased during Ramadan (P<0.05), while total cholesterol (Tot-C), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C and fasting blood glucose did not change during that month. Among coagulation and hematological factors, fibrinogen level and factor VII activity were significantly decreased during the month (P<0.05). Results also indicated a significant positive association between fibrinogen level and Lp(a), factor VII activity and Tot-C, LDL-C, TG and Apo B during Ramadan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of previous reports, as the metabolic and coagulation changes that are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors are counterbalanced during Ramadan.

Objective: The anti-tumor activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from marine brown seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa against DLA (Dalton’s lymphoma ascites) induced tumor was investigated.&#x0D; Methods: &#x0D; The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from marine macroscopic red seaweed C. sinuosa was synthesized by the green synthesis method and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The complete study was done by purchasing 20 to 25 g of male Swiss albino mice from KMCP College of Pharmacy animal experimental laboratory. The Daltons’ lymphoma ascites cell line induced tumor in albino mice was evaluated for anti-tumor activity with the biogenic silver nanoparticles from marine brown seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa and was estimated for tumor cell count, body heaviness, Life expectancy, haematological and biochemical factors, histologic analysis of liver using H&amp;E and PAS staining.&#x0D; Results: The oral administration of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from marine brown seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa at 50 mg per kg body weight albino mice were given daily for 14 days. The haematological and biochemical factors along with bodyweight of the animal, cell count (tumor), and cell volume (packed) were analyzed and compared with Dalton’s lymphoma control group of mice. The treatment control group mice with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited an increase in haematological factors, a decrease in white blood cells, and normalcy of biochemical factors compared to Dalton’s lymphoma group mice. The reduction in body weight of mice, cell count (tumor), and cell volume (packed) were also observed in treatment group mice with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles as compared to Dalton’s lymphoma group mice.&#x0D; Conclusion: The eco-friendly and green synthesis methodology of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Colpomenia sinuosa reversed the haematological, and biochemical factors to near normal range against the DLA control group proving the efficacy of the studies. The improvement in the body weight and the life expectancy of the animals also confirmed the anti-tumor efficacy of the biogenic silver nanoparticles.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders worldwide. Traditionally, herbal plants and their derivatives are used to lessen complications of type 2 diabetes. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties have been reported for vinegar, but some cases of discrepant effects were also observed. In the current study, the impact of apple vinegar on some hematological and blood biochemical factors in type 2 diabetic patients was investigated. In this trial study, sixty patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups. The first group took 15 ml of vinegar with their middle meal for one month. The second group received water as placebo. At the beginning and end of the study, blood samples were collected and biochemical factors including fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), urea, creatinine (Cr), uric acid, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and complete blood count (CBC) were evaluated. Findings showed that FBS (P=0.006), HbA1c (P=0.002), MCV (P=0.0001) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH; P=0.002) decreased where platelets(PLT) (P=0.005) increased significantly in first group. There was no significant difference in the studied parameters in placebo group. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that vinegar is a hypoglycemic agent that can be applied for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Key words: Vinegar, acetic acid, type 2 diabetes, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Background and objectiveCorona virus causes respiratory tract infections in mammals. The latest type of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona-viruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Corona virus spread in humans in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and their biochemical and hematological factors with the level of infection with COVID-19 to improve the treatment and management of the disease.Material and methodThis study was conducted on a population of 13,170 including 5780 subjects with SARS-COV-2 and 7390 subjects without SARS-COV-2, in the age range of 35–65 years. Also, the associations between biochemical factors, hematological factors, physical activity level (PAL), age, sex, and smoking status were investigated with the COVID-19 infection.ResultData mining techniques such as logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) algorithms were used to analyze the data. The results using the LR model showed that in biochemical factors (Model I) creatine phosphokinase (CPK) (OR: 1.006 CI 95% (1.006,1.007)), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (OR: 1.039 CI 95% (1.033, 1.047)) and in hematological factors (Model II) mean platelet volume (MVP) (OR: 1.546 CI 95% (1.470, 1.628)) were significant factors associated with COVID-19 infection. Using the DT model, CPK, BUN, and MPV were the most important variables. Also, after adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with T2DM had higher risk for COVID-19 infection.ConclusionThere was a significant association between CPK, BUN, MPV and T2DM with COVID-19 infection and T2DM appears to be important in the development of COVID-19 infection.

Purpose: To determine the effects of dates vinegar on blood biochemical and hematological parameters in type 2 diabetic subjects.Methods: Current research focused on fifty-five subjects having blood sugar more than126 mg/dL. Participants ingested dates vinegar (20 mL) daily into their normal diets for a period of 10 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine (Cr), urea, complete blood count (CBC), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), potassium and folate levels were analyzed before, after 5 weeks and after the experiment Results: Dates vinegar improved the blood concentrations of HbA1c (6.80 ±2.34 to 6.17 ± 2.14 (%)), FBS (171.43 ±36.74 to 147.56 ± 38.86 mg/dL,p=0.001), TC (218.10 ± 16.9 to 191.14 ± 14.23 mg/dL, p<0.001), ALT (24.94 ± 5.03 to 21.88±5.08 IU/L, p=0.002) and ALP (264.32± 45.26 to 257.30 ±44.21 IU/L) and folate (34.6 ± 6.6 to 41.7 ± 6.5 nmol/ L, p<0.001).Conclusion: Dates vinegar significantly improved the total cholesterol.The other blood biochemical and hematological factors were also improved however; the improvements were not significant.Keywords: Dates vinegar, diabetes, glycated hemoglobin, hyperlipidemia

We read with great interest the Mahmoodi et al.'s (2013) article published in the January issue of the Journal of Diabetes and Endocrinology. The authors investigated some hematological and blood biochemical factors in type 2 diabetic patients in a double blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). One of the queries about this study is the random allocation. According to the standard criteria for RCT study design protocols (Schulz and Grimes, 2002), the authors did not mention any details about the vital sections of the protocol in their study. Though matching cases between two groups in an endocrinological trial is critical, the authors matched groups based on sex and body mass index (BMI) while for example the duration of morbidity could play an essential role. It is well-known that vinegar contains about 3 to 9% acetic acid. The authors did not determine the dosage of the product they used. Besides, why did the authors try a single volume for vinegar? On the other hand, using 15 ml as a single volume is unknown. For example in the study of Ostman et al. (2005), different amounts of vinegar; 18, 23 and 28 g (6% acetic acid) were used in their investigation. In another crossover trial, individuals with either insulin resistance (n = 11) or type 2 diabetes (n = 10) consumed a vinegar processed drink (20 g apple cider vinegar, 40 g water, 1 tsp saccharine) or placebo drink before the consumption of a mixed meal (Johnston, Kim et al. 2004). Another controversial aspect of the study is the placebo use. It is obvious that the unique taste of vinegar cannot be blinded by single water. According to ethical considerations, all the subjects must be informed about the study’s intervention at the beginning of the study, however the introduction of vinegar/water (placebo) for the subjects definitely failed the blinding objective. The only way to eliminate this issue is designing a cross-over RCT. According to the review of Johnston et al. (2010) on four randomized crossover trials, they evidently indicated that two teaspoons of vinegar (10 g) effectively reduced postprandial glycemia. It seemed that the only way for achieving intellectual data is cross-over design. Otherwise, pharmacologists should produce a placebo with the same taste and without any side effects. Besides, in the statistical analysis the authors declare that they performed analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. However, according to the presented data the study was designed based on analyzing different parameters between 2 groups (intervention vs. placebo), thus the ANOVA test is not indicated. Altogether, RCT studies are known for producing one the highest level of evidences among research studies and thus require extra attention in its study design. It seems that authors failed to achieve this goal.

Background: Lead is the oldest known toxic metal, physiologically and biologically harmful to living creatures. This study aimed to evaluate the lead accumulation in the liver and breast muscles of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and to compare concentrations in both sexes and its effect on blood biochemical factors. Methods: Twenty-four young farm Japanese quails (25 day old) prepared from local breeders in December 2014 and randomly divided into control and treatment group. Treatment group were exposed to 0.4 mg per kg diet of “Lead Acetate” for 21 days. We studied the effects of lead on survival and blood biochemical factors. The lead accumulation in the liver and breast muscles of Japanese quail was determined using atomic absorption. Results: Exposure to lead caused a significant increase in the activity of enzymes (AST), (ALT), (LDH), glucose, creatinine and uric acid in poultry treated with lead compared with the control group (P&lt;0.05). In addition, significant decrease in the activity of ALP, AChE, total protein, albumin, globulin, and triglycerides was found (P&lt;0.05). The treated group had no significant change in the activity of CPK and cholesterol. Lead accumulation was more in the liver rather than the breast muscle. There was no significant difference between males and females as for concentration of lead in muscle and liver of quail. Conclusion: Quail have capabilities to accumulate lead in their tissues. In addition, it can lead to apparent changes in enzymes and blood biochemical factors, which show adverse effects of heavy metals on the immune and physiological system of birds.

Study of correlation between chronic stressor, biochemical markers and hematologic indices in Shahrekord Cohort Study: A population-based cross-sectional study

Aims: Propolis is one of the natural materials collected by the honeybees. The material is extensively used to treat some diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ethanol extract of propolis of Qazvin plain on some biochemical factors, as well as serum antioxidant capacity, in adult male Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: In the experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=10 per group). The first was control group. The experimental groups received 50, 100, and 200mg/kg propolis. After 10day gavage, the serum of the rats being extracted, glucose, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20 software using one-way ANOVA and Tykey’s post-hoc tests. Findings: There was no significant difference in the blood sugar level between different groups and control group. There was a significant reduction in triglyceride level in “100mg/kg” group than control group (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase level in “100mg/kg” (p<0.01) and “200mg/kg” (p<0.001) groups. There was a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase level in “50mg/kg” group (p<0.001). Propolis led to a significant increase in the total antioxidant capacity of serum, especially at 50mg/kg (p<0.05) and 100mg/kg (p<0.01) doses. Conclusion: Oral consumption of propolis has a moderating effect on some blood biochemical factors especially triglyceride. In addition, it increases serum total antioxidant capacity. Nevertheless, its excessive consumption might damage patients with liver diseases.

Hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for stroke, renal failure, and cardiovascular disease. The association between biochemical and hematological parameters with high blood pressure may provide a more precise approach to risk prediction conferred by HTN in these patients. The aim of current study was to explore whether biochemical and hematological parameters are associated with HTN in a cohort study with a 7-year follow-up. A total of 9808 individuals were enrolled and recruited as part of the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study, and biochemical and hematological factors were measured in all subjects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association of biochemical and hematological parameters with HTN. Several biochemical parameters including fasting plasma glucose (FBG), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and uric acid were increased in hypertensive participants. In contrast, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower in hypertensive individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were higher in the hypertensive group compared to the control group. But mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution width (RDW), were decreased in the hypertensive group. Furthermore, our results strongly suggested that among these parameters, hematocrit was the independent risk factor for hypertension in the population. We demonstrated the association of altered biochemical and hematological factors with hypertension supporting the value of emerging markers for early prediction of high blood pressure in prone individuals.

We investigated the immune-stimulating and anti-diabetic effects of Allium hookeri leaves grown in a plant factory with artificial lights. The immunomodulatory effects of A. hookeri leaves' ethanol extracts were evaluated with immune-related hematological factors in blood, the proliferation of splenocytes, NK cell activity, IgG and cytokine levels, and their mechanisms in immunosuppressed obese mice. Anti-diabetic effects were determined by the inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro and fasting blood glucose levels and biochemical factors in the serum of immunosuppressed obese mice. A. hookeri leaf extracts increased WBC and LYM counts, the proliferation of splenocytes, and serum IgG and IL-1β concentrations compared to those of the NC group, which was used as a negative control. A. hookeri leaf extracts also improved serum HDL levels while they decreased the activities of digestive enzymes, fasting blood glucose, and biochemical factors (ALT, AST, T-Chol, TG, LDL, and GLU). The expressions of IL-1β, JNK, c-Jun, p65, and iNOS in the thymus of immunosuppressed mice were activated by the treatment of A. hookeri leaf extracts. The results suggest that A. hookeri leaves grown in a plant factory with artificial lights also have immune-stimulatory and anti-diabetic effects and can be used as novel functional supplements to control related diseases and to improve public health.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of commercial Lactobacillus probiotic and iron nanoparticles on some blood biochemical parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common carp (mean weight 50 g) was fed in six treatments with 0.25 and 0.50 mg/g iron oxide nanoparticles and 108 CFU/g commercial Lactobacillus probiotic either together or separately for 56 days. After the rearing period, blood biochemical parameters including total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, triglyceride and cholesterol and ALP, ALT, AST and LDH enzymes were measured. Total protein and globulin levels showed a significant increase in probiotic alone and probiotic plus 0.50 mg iron nanoparticles treatments (p ≤ 0.05). Creatinine, albumin, liver enzymes, serum lipids did not show any significant differences between treatments (p ≥ 0.05), but the values of these parameters showed no negative effects in different treatments. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that using iron nanoparticles and Lactobacillus probiotic can improve some of the biochemical factors in carp.

Colors have been added to food naturally and artificially for centuries to make them look more appetizing. According to the Food and Drug Organization, eight artificial colors were registered for the nutrition application, one of them, is tartrazine, which is widely used in foods and cosmetics. Food colors significantly decrease weight and increase proteins, liver enzymes, thyroid hormones, total cholesterol, and triglyceride. Onion, as an antioxidant, can reduce the harmful effects of artificial food colors on weight gain, antioxidant activity, and blood biochemical factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the onion's antioxidant properties on serum biochemical factors and antioxidants in Wistar rats after consuming tartrazine. Eighty Rats were divided into four groups, 20 mice in each. The first group received water without additives and was considered the control, the second group received tartrazine, the third group received tartrazine with onion juice, and the fourth group received only onion juice through gastric gavage. This experiment was performed for 60 days, and then the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the biochemical parameters of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Tartrazine decreased the antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and the biochemical parameters of HDL and LDL. The results showed that the consumption of tartrazine causes the production of free radicals, which is the reason for the significant reduction of antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors. Onion, as an antioxidant in this study, reduces the effects of tartrazine on antioxidant activities and serum biochemical factors.

Background: Approximately 10% of patients with diabetes present with neuropathic complications at the time of diagnosis. Evaluating activities of daily living (ADLs) is an important indicator of overall functional performance. In individuals with diabetic neuropathy, ADL levels often decline due to neurological impairment. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between ADLs and biochemical markers in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients with T2DM selected using simple random sampling. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured at baseline and six months after treatment initiation. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, biochemical parameters, and the standardized Barthel Index for ADLs. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25 with a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. Statistical modeling was based on correlation analysis between biochemical factors and ADL scores. Results: The mean age of participants was 58.5 ± 8 years. Among them 42% were male, and 62% reported a family history of diabetes. During the study, the mean blood biochemical factors decreased; HbA1c decreased from 8.10 to 7.73, triglyceride from 187.12 to 142.03, and cholesterol from 182.09 to 150.70. The amount of ADLs increased from 18.30 to 18.46 six months after diagnosis and treatment of the participants. A significant correlation was found between HbA1c level and ADL score (P &lt; 0.001), whereas correlations between ADL score and cholesterol or triglyceride levels were not significant (P = 0.186 and P = 0.206, respectively). Conclusions: Improved glycemic control, as reflected by lower HbA1c levels, is associated with better functional performance in patients with T2DM. Maintaining optimal HbA1c may help reduce neuropathic complications and enhance ADLs in this population.

Background: In our previous study, we demonstrated that oak hydroalcoholic extract improves memory impairment in a postpartum depression model due to its antioxidant properties. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the effect of oak on another amnesia model and explore the mediating role of cholinergic muscarinic receptors. Objectives: This study investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of oak fruit on amnesia induced by morphine in the presence and absence of cholinergic muscarinic receptors, as well as changes in serum biochemical factors. Methods: In this experimental study, adult male mice were divided into groups: Control and morphine-receiving (5 and 7.5 mg/kg) groups to induce amnesia after training. In the groups receiving 7.5 mg/kg morphine, oak extract (1 and 10 mg/kg) was administered one day after training and continued for one week. Atropine (0.1 and 1 mg/kg) was injected only on the first day after training and before the oak extract injection. Passive avoidance memory was evaluated 1, 3, and 7 days after training using a step-down device. Motor activity was assessed using the open field test. Blood biochemical factors, including triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were measured after one week of injections. Results: Morphine (7.5 mg/kg) impaired memory on days 1 and 7 (P &lt; 0.05), while oak extract (1 and 10 mg/kg) improved memory (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the oak extract maintained its enhancing effect even in the presence of atropine, a cholinergic muscarinic system antagonist. Oak extract significantly increased HDL and TAC levels but did not affect LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oak extract can improve morphine-induced amnesia due to its antioxidant effect, without involving the cholinergic system. Additionally, oak extract can increase beneficial lipids without affecting harmful lipids.