Globulin Values Research Articles

Haematology and some serum biochemistry of apparently healthy Muturu and Bunaji breeds of cattle in Benue State, Nigeria

The haematological and serum biochemical values of 100 Muturu cattle and 100 Bunaji cattle were studied in two local government areas of Benue State, Nigeria. Haematocrit, red blood cell count, haemoglobin, total white blood cell count, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly higher in Muturu cattle than the Bunaji cattle. However, there were no significant differences in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil counts, albumin, urea, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase in the two breeds of cattle. Lower values of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts were observed in the Muturu cattle. Similarly, total protein and globulin values were significantly lower in Bunaji than Muturu cattle while the converse is the case with aspartate aminotransferase. The haematological parameters of the two breeds were within the recognized reference intervals for cattle. This study reports for the first time the haematological and some biochemical parameters for Muturu cattle in Benue State.

Heamato-immunological and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings to dietary fermented Jatropha curcas protein concentrate

Jatropha protein concentrate (JPC) prepared from jatropha seed cake is toxic due to the presence of phorbol ester and antinutritional factors like tannin, trypsin inhibitor, phytate and non-starch polysaccharides. JPC was detoxified by solid state fermentation (SSF) and a feeding trial of 45days was conducted to study the response of feeding fermented JPC (FJPC) on growth, haemato-immunological and physiological responses in rohu fingerlings. Seven iso-nitrogenous diets such as control (without JPC or FJPC), J5 (5% JPC), J10 (10% JPC), J20 (20% JPC), FJ5 (5% FJPC), FJ10 (10% FJPC) and FJ20 (20% FJPC) were prepared and fed twice daily. The weight gain and specific growth rate values showed an overall, linear and quadratic trend with similar value recorded in the control and FJ fed groups. Feed efficiency also showed an overall significant effect with a higher feed efficiency value recorded in the control (60.50) group which was similar to FJ (54.21–58.37) fed groups, while JPC fed groups registered the lowest value. The haematological studies showed a significantly (p<0.05) lower red blood cells (RBC) and heamoglobin in all JPC fed groups and 5% FJPC group compared to control and other FJPC groups. The 10% and 20% JPC fed groups showed the highest blood glucose level than any other groups. Serum total protein and albumin followed similar trend as that of RBC and haemoglobin. The highest globulin value were observed in FJ10 group which was significantly different (P<0.05) to other groups and lowest value was recorded in J20 group. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver was higher in J20, while in muscle, J10 and J20 registered the highest value compared to other groups (p<0.05). Our study revealed that protein concentrate prepared from Jatropha cake cannot be fed directly to rohu without detoxification and solid state fermentation appears to be an ideal approach. Overall, FJPC can be utilized in the diet of rohu at 20% without any detrimental effect on heamato-immunological and physiological response.

Red blood cell distribution width and globulin, noninvasive indicators of fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis patients.

We aimed to develop new simple predictive models for significant fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis patients using routine laboratory parameters. A total of 218 patients who had undergone liver biopsy were enrolled in our study. Among these, 116 had chronic hepatitis B, 65 had primary biliary cirrhosis, and 37 had autoimmune hepatitis. Patients were divided into two groups: absent-mild (S0-S1, G0-G1) and moderate-severe (S2-S4, G2-G4) according to the histologic severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation. All common demographics and routine laboratory parameters were analyzed. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and globulin values increased with progressive liver fibrosis and inflammation. After adjustment for other potent predictors, liver fibrosis was associated independently with RDW and platelet (odds ratio=0.976 and 1.487, respectively), whereas significant inflammation was associated independently with globulin, alanine aminotransferase, red blood cell, and platelet (odds ratio=1.153, 1.017, 0.392, and 1.487, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of model A were 73.4 and 79.1% for the detection of significant liver fibrosis [area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC)=0.81, P<0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of model B were 75.9 and 88.9% for predicting advanced liver inflammation (AUROC=0.89, P<0.001). Compared with pre-existing indicators, model A achieved the highest AUROC (0.81, P<0.001) for liver fibrosis, whereas model B showed the highest AUROC (0.89, P<0.001) for liver inflammation. RDW may provide a useful clinical value for predicting liver fibrosis; meanwhile, globulin may provide a useful clinical value for predicting liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis patients with other markers.

Effect of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Organic Acids and Enzymes Supplementation on broiler Chicks’ Immunity in relation to the Economic Performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different feed additives (Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Organicacids and Enzymes) on chicks’ immunity (Antibody titer against Newcastle vaccine, differential leukocyte count, totalproteins, albumin and globulin value) and economic efficiency analysis by using production functions under summercondition. Our results showed that, enzyme treated group recorded the highest value of white blood cells. Organic acidstreated group for Ross breed showed the highest value for lymphocyte percentage. Heterophils percentage value was thehighest for probiotics and synbiotics treated group. Concerning antibody titer to vaccination against Newcastle, we foundthat all the experimental groups had a positive effect on antibody titer. Regarding, albumin value, it was the highest forprobiotic treated group, while globulin value for Cobb breed showed higher value for all treated groups in comparison tocontrol group except for probiotic treated group. Regarding the effect of these additives on body weight and total return,we found positive relationship between feed additives and body weight and total return. On the basis of our results, itwould be concluded that probiotics, prebiotic, synbiotic, organic acids and enzymes had positive effect on immunity andeconomic performance of broiler chicken.

The effects of Neobenedenia girellae (Monogenea) infection on host amberjack Seriola dumerili (Carangidae): Hematological and histopathological analyses

We investigated the influence of infection with the flatworm Neobenedenia girellae (Capsalidae) on the growth of the amberjack Seriola dumerili (Carangidae) in a 14-day rearing experiment. We assessed both hematological parameters and abnormalities present in histopathological sections of the skin and internal organs of infected fish compared with uninfected fish. Uninfected fish grew significantly larger than fish in the infected groups, and mortality was observed only in the severely infected groups, as defined by an infection level >1parasite/cm2 fish surface. Hematological parameters, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, and total protein and globulin values were significantly lower in the severely infected groups than in the control groups; conversely, the mean Na+ concentration recorded in the severely infected groups was significantly higher than that detected in the control groups. The epidermis of the severely infected fish was significantly thinner than that in the uninfected fish. Most hepatocytes in the livers of the uninfected fish showed glycogen deposition, whereas this was not the case for the severely infected fish. Additionally, we observed hepatocyte vacuolar degeneration and cell necrosis and liver congestion in 40% of the infected fish, and many tubular epithelial cells from the severely infected fish were necrotic and fragmented. These hematological and histopathological symptoms indicated that N. girellae infection disrupts the osmotic balance of the host fish and impairs liver and kidney function. Statement of relevanceAs background, Seriola species are the major commercially cultured fish in Japan and are cultured in floating net pens and cages. The parasite N. girellae (Capsalidae), a capsalid monogenean that infects the skin of host fishes, is problematic in these conditions. In S. dumerili (Carangidae), N. girellae feeds primarily on epithelial cells, and indeed at high numbers it causes not only hemorrhaging of the S. dumerili skin surface but also mortality. However, physiological impairment of the host by N. girellae infections has not been investigated. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of several relevant biological parameters. Specifically, after infection by N. girellae, we examined not only growth of S. dumerili but also a wide range of hematological parameters and characterized distinctive histopathological features of the liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine. The results of these analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that N. girellae infection disrupts osmotic balance in S. dumerili. The resulting ionic disequilibrium provokes liver and kidney dysfunction that ultimately affects fish growth, and in severely infected fish this dysfunction can lead to death.

Evaluation of acute and sub acute hepatotoxic activity of Trichodesma indicum aqueous methanolic extract in mice

Objective: Present study was carried out to evaluate acute and subacute hepatotoxicity of Trichodesma indicum (whole plant). Methods: Toxicity study of Trichodesma indicum was carried out in Swiss mice after ingestion of the aqueous methanolic extract, during one day (acute toxicity) and after fifteen days (subacute toxicity). Results: The results showed that the LD50 of the extract was higher than 4000 mg/kg and subacute treatment showed no change in weight of the liver and ALT, ALP, AST, no marked effect on bilirubin, albumin, protein decreased and globulin values increased significantly. Histopathological studies also showed necrosis and excessive vacuolation in maximum dose. Conclusion: So, the extract showed a ladder like dose related hepatotoxicity. This showed that liver function showed mild injury by Trichodesma indicum in this study.

Growth and Haemato-Biochemical Response in Lambs in Relation to Supplementary Feeding of Ewes in Late Pregnancy

A study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of concentrate supplementation (eight weeks before the expected date of lambing) to native ewes in coastal Odisha on lamb growth and haemato-biochemical profile. Forty pregnant ewes (12 months old) were randomly distributed into two groups (T-1 and T-2). Ewes of T-1 were maintained on grazing only while ewes of T-2 were supplemented with concentrate mixture @ 200 g/sheep/day along with grazing. Significantly (P<0.01) higher birth weight and growth was observed in T-2 group lambs. The lambs in T-2 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher haemoglobin, packed cell volume, blood glucose, total protein and globulin values in the pre-weaning period than those in T-1. It was concluded that pre-partum concentrate feeding @ 200 g/day/ewe to the pregnant ewe improved birth weight and growth rate of lambs.

Blood pressure, Alkaline Phosphstase, serum Globulin, A: G ratio in pregnant women and matched controls in a population with tapioca as staple food

Background: Tapioca has been the staple food for the people of Kerala, India. Recent studies show that it has become more toxic due to changes in environment. There have been few studies in recent years to observe the effects of consuming more toxic tapioca. Objective: The combination of pregnancy and tapioca diet on blood pressure (BP), serum alkaline phosphatase, serum globulin and A:G ratio are studied to assess the general health and liver function. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Obstetrics out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital of central Kerala. The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined. The serum alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, and serum albumin levels were tested in a sample of blood collected under aseptic conditions. The serum globulin values were calculated from total protein and serum albumin values by subtraction. The A:G values were calculated by dividing the values of serum albumin and serum globulin. This study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the institute. Result: There were significant differences (p = 0.002) in the mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the third-trimester pregnancy. There was significant difference in the mean value of serum alkaline phosphatase levels in the first trimester (p = 0.007), the second trimester (p = 0.001) and the third trimester (p = 0.000001). There was significant difference in the mean value of serum globulin in the first trimester (p = 0.03), the second trimester (p = 0.0003), and the third trimester (0.000008). The A:G ratio showed significant difference in the first trimester (p = 0.0003), the second trimester (p = 0.0001), and the third trimester (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The above study shows that there is significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure towards the third trimester compared to normal controls. This is comparable to other similar studies. The alkaline phosphatase levels are also comparable with the values obtained in other studies. The serum globulin values were also comparable to other similar studies. The decreasing A:G ratio values were unique to this population.

Serum Albumin/Globulin ratio in Tuberculosis and HIV Patients any Relationship?

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important communicable disease all over the world. The serum protein levels in TB patients may be altered by low immunity, edema and decrease antioxidant activity. This study therefore evaluates the relationship between TB and serum proteins with emphasis on albumin/globulin ratio an important component for treatment and management of TB. The study also aimed at comparing albumin/globulin ratio of tuberculosis patients, HIV patients, those on drugs and naive patients. Materials and Method: A total of 120 participants (42 control and 78 patients) aged between 15 years-65 years and sex-matched attending Plateau State Specialist Hospital were enrolled. Total protein was estimated using Biuret method and albumin by Bromocresol green method, serum globulin value was obtained by subtracting albumin from total protein then albumin/globulin ratio was calculated. Screening for HIV antibody was done using Determine strip and confirmed with Unigold. Results: Evaluated albumin/globulin ratio (1:4) was obtained in the TB case when compared to control group (p = 0.002). The albumin was significantly higher in study group compared to control (2.95 ± 0.86 and 2.75 ± 0.65 g/dl) while total protein and globulin was significantly lower (6.17 ± 1.66 and 6.76 ± 0.86 g/dl, p = 0.011 and 3.22 ± 1.9 and 3.97 ± 0.86 g/dl with p = 0.016. Patients seropositive for HIV antibody had a decrease in serum total protein, albumin and globulin but high albumin/globulin ratio. Total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin of TB patients not on drugs were elevated compared to those currently undergoing treatment. Age group < 30 years when compared with age group between 30-40 years showed significant low albumin and albumin/globulin ratio (2.74 ± 0.75 and 3.10 ± 0.72 g/dl, p = 0.025 and 0.97:1 ± 0.66and 1.42:1 ± 1.47, p = 0.042). Conclusion: Our work suggests that individuals < 30 years had hypoproteinaemia which maybe lead to low immunity. Our results also suggests that albumin/globulin ratio of TB patients on drugs were higher which may be due to hyperalbunaemia observed in this group. For effective treatment and management of TB infected individuals, appropriate use of drugs, adherence to treatment plan, close monitoring of dietary intake is needful in building and improving immunity.

In Vivo Anti-diabetic and Biological Activities of Milk Protein and Milk Protein Hydrolyaste

The effect of milk protein (MP) and milk protein hydrolysate (MPH) as Anti-diabetic agent were investigated in vivo using six groups of normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The results of this study showed that the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly reduced the concentrations of plasma glucose, total lipids of blood plasma, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL in rat plasma. Also, the treatments of diabetic rats by oral intake of MP or MPH significantly increased the globulin value and HDL, while the concentration of urea, creatinine and bilirubin were reduced. In addition, oral intake of MPH has no affective on acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in blood plasma and liver of normal rats and protective its concentrations in diabetic rats. The present results concluded that MP and MPH could be used as anti-diabetic agents.

Activity of Ganoderma lucidum on Serum Marker Enzymes in Ochratoxin a treated albino rat models

The study aims to determine the effects of Ganoderma lucidum in altering serum enzymes in ochratoxin A intoxicated albino rats. Animals were divided into six groups of seven rats and administered different concentrations of OTA and crude extract of the fungus while ochratoxin A doses were administered intraperineally once. The blood urea content after sacrificing was between 0.8±6.5 mg/dL and 20.2±5.8 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase recorded the highest value for animals in Group 6 (98.3±2.9 U/L) with both enzymes being significantly different at p=0.05 within the groups. The serum globulin values were 39±1.8 g/L (control), 49.3±0.9 g/L (group 4), and 49.7±0.88 g/L (group 3). Alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly different from group to group at p=0.05 with animals in group 5 giving the highest value 64.3±1.8 U/L . Serum aspartate aminotransferase recorded the highest value for animals in Group 3 (109.3±1.5 U/L). The study showed that G. lucidum have the capacity to effect ameliorative, healing, scavenging, and restoring activities on serum enzymes which ultimately will improve the total well being of animals exposed to ochratoxin A, but at the same time, the challenge of weight loss resulting from food withdrawal need to be addressed.

Establishment of baseline haematology and biochemistry parameters in wild adult African penguins (Spheniscus demersus).

There are few publications on the clinical haematology and biochemistry of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and these are based on captive populations. Baseline haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were analysed from 108 blood samples from wild, adult African penguins. Samples were collected from the breeding range of the African penguin in South Africa and the results were compared between breeding region and sex. The haematological parameters that were measured were: haematocrit, haemoglobin, red cell count and white cell count. The biochemical parameters that were measured were: sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, cholesterol, serum glucose, uric acid, bile acid, total serum protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase. All samples were serologically negative for selected avian diseases and no blood parasites were detected. No haemolysis was present in any of the analysed samples. Male African penguins were larger and heavier than females, with higher haematocrit, haemoglobin and red cell count values, but lower calcium and phosphate values. African penguins in the Eastern Cape were heavier than those in the Western Cape, with lower white cell count and globulin values and a higher albumin/globulin ratio, possibly indicating that birds are in a poorer condition in the Western Cape. Results were also compared between multiple penguin species and with African penguins in captivity. These values for healthy, wild, adult penguins can be used for future health and disease assessments.

Hemato-biochemical studies in Indian camel (Camelus dromedarius) affected with contagious ecthyma

In the present study hematological and biochemical blood parameters of camel calves infected with contagious ecthyma were evaluated. An outbreak of contagious ecthyma occurred in monsoon season in the camel farm of National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner. A total of 42 camels were found to be affected aged between six months to two years. The hematological parameters (hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count and packed cell volume) were compared between 14 infected and 6 non-infected male camels. The biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, iron, urea, magnesium, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin) were compared between 10 infected and 6 non-infected male camels. The hematology revealed no significant difference in any of the hematological parameters except significantly increased lymphocyte percent in contagious ecthyma infected camels compared to non-infected camels, whereas serum biochemical parameters revealed significantly decreased (p<0.05) total protein, globulin and glucose values and significantly increased (p<0.05) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values in contagious ecthyma infected camels as compared to non-infected camels.

The influence of time in captivity, food intake and acute trauma on blood analytes of juvenile Steller sea lions, Eumetopias jubatus.

The Steller sea lion, Eumetopias jubatus, has experienced regionally divergent population trends over recent decades. One potential mechanism for this disparity is that local factors cause reduced health and, therefore, reduced survival of individuals. The use of blood parameters to assess sea lion health may help to identify whether malnutrition, disease and stress are important drivers of current trends, but such assessments require species-specific knowledge of how parameters respond to various health challenges. We used principal components analysis to identify which key blood parameters (principal analytes) best described changes in health for temporarily captive juvenile Steller sea lions in known conditions. Generalized additive mixed models were used to estimate the changes in principal analytes with food intake, time in captivity and acute trauma associated with hot-iron branding and transmitter implant surgery. Of the 17 blood parameters examined, physiological changes for juvenile sea lions were best described using the following six principal analytes: red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, globulin, platelets, glucose and total bilirubin. The white blood cell counts and total bilirubin declined over time in captivity, whereas globulin increased. Elevated red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and total bilirubin and reduced globulin values were associated with lower food intake. After branding, white blood cell counts were elevated for the first 30 days, while globulin and platelets were elevated for the first 15 days only. After implant surgery, red blood cell counts and globulin remained elevated for 30 days, while white blood cell counts remained elevated during the first 15 days only. Glucose was unassociated with the factors we studied. These results were used to provide expected ranges for principal analytes at different levels of food intake and in response to the physical challenges of branding and implant surgery. These results provide a more detailed reference for future evaluations of health-related assessments.

Haematological, serum biochemical and tissue pathological changes induced by γ-irradiated millet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of γ-irradiation (2, 4 and 8 kGy) of millet on some haematological, serum biochemical and tissue pathological parameters of Wistar rats. Wistar rats in different groups were fed with non-irradiated and irradiated (2–8 kGy) millet on daily basis for 4 weeks. Packed cell volume (39–45 %), haemoglobin concentration (13.4–15.12 g/L), albumin (1.16–1.48 μL), platelets (12.0–13.4 g/dL), mean corpuscular volume (26.0–54.0 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (8.0–17.56 pg), neutrophils (34.0–45.4 × 109 L), and monocytes (1.0 × 109–1.5 × 109 L) increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the 4-week feeding period. Packed cell volume and body weight gain increased in the group of rats fed with γ-irradiated millet. The increased lymphocytes, platelets, albumin and globulin values during the feeding period indicated that feeding of rats with pre-irradiated millet did not adversely affect the haematological and serum biochemical parameters. The liver, kidney, heart and lungs showed no visible gross lesions over this period, indicating that the feeding on irradiated millet by Wistar rats might not have posed toxic hazard.

Elevated pretreatment serum globulin albumin ratio predicts poor prognosis for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

The aim of the present study was to explore the association between the pretreatment globulin albumin ratio (GAR) and the survival of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Patients hospitalized between January 2007 and December 2010 were enrolled and eliminated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. GAR was defined as the absolute globulin value divided by the absolute albumin value. Chi-squared test was performed to compare clinical characteristics in different groups. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model were used to determine independent prognostic factors. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Total 316 patients were finally enrolled. The median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 210.0 and 430.0 days, respectively. The statistical analyses indicated that pretreatment GAR >0.58 [hazard ratio (HR) =1.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.12-2.08, P=0.008 for PFS, HR =1.65, 95% CI: 1.20-2.26, P=0.002 for OS], and pretreatment albumin ≤35 g/L (HR =2.09, 95% CI: 1.20-3.65, P=0.003 for PFS, HR =1.92, 95% CI: 1.10-3.36, P=0.022 for OS) were independent prognostic factors for both PFS and OS. Our study first established a connection between pretreatment GAR and advanced NSCLC patients, suggesting that GAR was an independent prognostic factor and could be the biomarker for prognosis.

Effect of Garlic Extract on Haematobiochemical Changes in Eimeria tenella Infected Broiler Chicken

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of garlic extract on coccidia induced haematobiochemical alterations in broiler chicken. For this study, 144, day old white strain chicks were reared under strict hygienic condition. At the age of 14 days these chicks were randomly divided into three groups-I, II and III, each containing 48 chicks. Group I chicks served as control, while group II chicks were administered 9 × 104 sporulated oocysts of field strain of Eimeria tenella and group III chicks were administered same dose of sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and were fed garlic extract at the rate of 0.5 ml per bird per day orally. For hematological study blood from randomly selected 10 chicks in each group was collected at 7, 14, 21 and 28 DPI in EDTA containing test tubes. For biochemical tests blood was obtained without anticoagulant and serum was separated from coagulated blood for analysis. Haematological parameters showed significant decrease in Hb, PCV, TEC in group II and group III than control group birds while TLC and MCV revealed significant increase in group II and group III birds than control group birds. Garlic treated group birds revealed significant increase in Hb, PCV, TEC and significant decrease in TLC values than infected group birds from 7 DPI up to the end of study. Serum biochemistry revealed significant decreases in serum proteins, albumin and globulin values and significant increase in AST, ALT and creatinine levels in group II and group III birds than control group from 7 DPI up to last observation. A significant increase of serum proteins, albumin and globulin values and significant decrease in, AST, ALT and creatinine levels was observed in garlic treated group birds than infected group birds from 7 DPI up to last observation. Thus concluding E. tenella significantly deteriorated haematobiochemical parameters in chicken while garlic extract significantly improved these altered haematobiochemical values.

Clinical chemistry profiles in injection heroin users from Coastal Region, Kenya.

BackgroundAlthough the co-burden of injection drug use and HIV is increasing in Africa, little is known about the laboratory markers of injection drug use and anti-retroviral treatment (ART) in Kenyan injection drug users. This study, therefore, aimed at determining the clinical chemistry profiles and identifying the key laboratory markers of HIV infection during ART in injection heroin users (IHUs).MethodsClinical chemistry measurements were performed on serum samples collected from HIV-1 infected ART-experienced (n = 22), naive (n = 16) and HIV-1 negative (n = 23) IHUs, and healthy controls (n = 15) from Mombasa, coastal Kenya.ResultsHIV uninfected IHUs had lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (P = 0.023) as ART-exposed IHUs exhibited lower albumin (P = 0.014) and higher AST to platelet index (APRI) (P < 0.0001). All IHUs presented with lower aspartate aminotransferase to ALT values (P = 0.001) and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.002). ART-naive IHUs had higher globulin levels (P = 0.013) while ART-experienced and naive IHUs had higher albumin to total protein (P < 0.0001) and albumin to globulin (P < 0.0001) values. In addition, CD4+ T cells correlated with ALT (ρ = −0.522, P = 0.011) and CRP (rho, ρ = 0.529, P = 0.011) in HIV negative and ART-experienced IHUs, respectively. HIV-1 viral load correlated with albumin to globulin index in ART-experienced (ρ = −0.468, P = 0.037) and naive (ρ = −0.554, P = 0.040) IHUs; and with albumin to total protein index (ρ = −0.554, P = 0.040) and globulin (ρ = 0.570, P = 0.033) in ART-naive IHUs.ConclusionAbsolute ALT, albumin, globulin, and CRP measurements in combination with APRI, AST to ALT, albumin to total protein and albumin to globulin indices may be useful laboratory markers for screening IHUs for initiating and monitoring treatment.

Proteinas Sericas. Estudio en Madres y Recién Nacidos a Nivel del Mar

Se estudiaron las proteínas séricas en 50 gestantes a término, aparentemente sanas, atendidas en el Area Hospitalaria del Callao. También se hicieron las mismas determinaciones en 50 recién nacidos sanos, inmediatamente después del parto. Las cifras de proteínas totales fueron ligeramente bajas para las madres y los neonatos. En cuanto a las fracciones globulínicas alfa 2 y beta fueron significativamente más altos en las madres que en el recién nacido. Los valores de gamma globulina fueron significativamente más altos en los recién nacidos que en las madres. Para las proteínas totales, albúminas y globulinas alfa 1, no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Discrepancy between radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry for the analysis of androstenedione

The discrepancy of results for the quantification of androstenedione in human serum between a radioimmunoassay (RIA) method and high performance liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was investigated. RIA overestimated concentrations compared to LC–MS/MS on 59 clinical samples (RIA=1.79×LC–MS/MS+0.94). RIA kit and LC–MS/MS calibrants were also determined by both methods. The RIA performed with improved accuracy on the calibrants (RIA=1.35×LC–MS/MS−0.28). Lipid, protein, electrolyte content, and pH of the two sets of calibrants were further investigated. The RIA calibrants contained little lipid material, while the LC–MS/MS calibrant material contained the same levels expected in normal serum/plasma. The pH and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) values were different between the RIA calibrants and the LC–MS/MS calibrant material (SHBG, 31±2 and 38±2nmol/l; pH, 8.27±0.18 and 8.66±0.03, respectively). No correlation was observed between androstenedione RIA and LC–MS/MS discrepancy and lipid or protein. LC–MS/MS sample preparation was tested for the removal of protein-bound material and recovery determined (99–108%). The corresponding RIA results overestimated androstenedione by 52–174% compared to LC–MS/MS. The results here demonstrate that LC–MS/MS is the more accurate method.