Islamic International Medical College Research Articles

Health and Immune Boosting Techniques of General Adult Pakistani Population: A KAP Study.

To discover Pakistani adult population's perception about their general health, immune status and knowledge regarding immunity, and to highlight their efforts to improve it. The knowledge-attitude-practice study was conducted from January to May 2021, after approval ethics review committee of the Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised individuals of either gender from the community aged 18 years or more and not suffering from any physical disability or mental illness. Data was collected using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire that was disseminated through online platforms. The collected data was analysed using SPSS 25. All the 455(100%) individuals approached responded to the questionnaire. The mean age of the subjects was 22.6±7.579 years. There were 256(56.3%) female respondents, 283(62.2%) were aged 20-21 years, and 359(78.9%) hailed from the Sindh province. Most participants perceived their general health as 'good' 197(43.3%). The immune system function was reported 'good' by 200(44%), and the perception of general knowledge of immunity was reported 'good' by 189(41.5%) subjects. Inverse relationships were identified between stress levels and self-perceived health, and between receiving effective homeopathic treatment and 'very good' self-perceived immune status (p<0.05). People willing to take non-obligatory vaccines had a positive opinion about their self-perceived knowledge on immunity that produced a direct relationship (p<0.05). The findings provide a framework of practices that should be promoted to improve health status of adult population in Pakistan.

Teratogenic Effects of Bisphenol A Exposure During Maternal Pregnancy and Lactation on Developing Rat Pups Testes

Objective: To study the teratogenic effects of Bisphenol A exposure during maternal pregnancy and lactation on the testicular histology of developing rat pups.&#x0D; Design of Study: Laboratory-based experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad Pakistan from Sep 2018 to Sep 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Eight weeks old, ten pregnant female rats were divided into groups, each comprising five pregnant rats. Pups were born by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Control group A consisted of 15 male rat pups delivered from 5 pregnant rats, fed on a standard diet during pregnancy and lactation till the 21st day. Experimental group B consisted of 15 male rat pups delivered from 5 pregnant female rats who were administered subcutaneous Bisphenol A at a dose of during their pregnancy and lactation till the 21st day.&#x0D; Results: Significant deterioration of quantitative parameters in testes of the experimental group was seen. The seminiferous tubule diameter in group B was 81.99 ± 10.88 compared to group A which was 111.59 ± 8.36. The germinal epithelial height in group B was 10.47 ± 2.34 compared to 30.41 ± 2.43 in group A. The number of Leydig cells in group B was 17 ± 3.45 compared to 47 ± 4.44 in group A. The number of rounded spermatids in group B was 10 ± 3.74 compared to 38 ± 4.02 in group A.&#x0D; Conclusion: Bisphenol A has teratogenic effects on testicular histology of developing rats............

Anti hyperlipidemic effect of Oxyresveratrol and Zinc complex versus simvastatin on Total Cholesterol in Hyperlipidemic rat Model.

Objective: To determine the Anti hyperlipidemic effect of Oxyresveratrol and Zinc complex on Total Cholesterol in Hyperlipidemic rat Model. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi. Period: Sep 2020 to Sep 2021. Material &amp; Methods: In our study on high fat diet fed hyperlipidemic rats comparison of this standard drug with a novel compound oxyresveratrol was done. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, Group I was used as NC (Negative Control), group II Positive Control (PC), group III (OXY-Zn complex) and group IV SIM respectively. Groups III and IV were given orally 10 mg/kg body wt. OXY-Zn and SIM respectively. Terminal sampling was performed on day 57 for estimation of total cholesterol. Results: OXY-Zn complex showed significantly better control over total cholesterol compared with SIM. Total cholesterol of OXY treated group showed p &lt; 0.001 like SIM treated group (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed that OXY-Zn complex is better than simvastatin because of its significantly positive effect on total cholesterol when compared with SIM.

Frequency of HCV in Children with Thalassemia Major

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of HCV in children presented with thalassemia major. Study Design: Retrospective/Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Islamic international medical college Riphah university, From March, 2021 to August, 2021 Methods: There were 72 children with ages 3-15 years were presented in this study. Age, gender, and weight were tallied after informed written permission was obtained from each participant. Both the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based fast immunochromatographic technique and the chemiluminescence assay utilizing the Abbott method were used in order to test the blood samples of all thalassemia patients for the presence of antibodies against HCV.SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze all data. Results: Among 72 cases, majority of the children were males 40 (55.6%) and 32 (44.4%) cases were females. Mean age of the patients was 11.14+7.49 years and had mean weight 30.6+3.31 kg. Majority of the cases were from urban areas. Frequency of HCV was found among 26 (36.1%) cases in which majority of the cases were males 16 and 10 cases were females. Among 26 cases of HCV positive, blood transfusion, dental procedures and ear piercing was the most common cause found. Conclusion: In this study we concluded that the frequency of HCV among major thalassemia patients were higher found in 36.1% cases and majority were males. Among HCV patients dental procedures and ear piercing among females were the most common causes. Keywords: HCV, Thalassemia major, Children, Dental procedures

Association of Nrf2 gene polymorphism (rs6721961) with semen parameters in primary male infertility cases in Pakistani population

Objective: To determine an association of single nucleotide polymorphism of the NRF2 gene (RS6721961) with semen parameters of primary male infertility patients in the Pakistani population.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with two private infertility clinics (American Infertility Center, Rawalpindi and Mother and Child International Hospital and Research Institute, Mirpur, AJK) from Oct 2020 to Sep 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 288 participants were included in this study. There were 144 diagnosed cases of primary male infertility and 144 healthy fertile males, age and ethnicity matched controls. Blood samples were collected from participants after obtaining written informed consent. DNA was extracted by the Chelex TM Methodoogy. Multiplex PCR was done to determine the respective allelic frequencies of NRF2 (RS6721961) genotypes using specific primers.&#x0D; Results: There was no significant association between NRF2 genotypes and semen volume and semn colour in infertile males (p-value 0.32 and 0.84, respectively). Out of 144 cases, 111 (77%) had normal sperm count, 29 (20.1%) had oligospermia, while 4 (2.7%) patients had azoospermia. A significant association was observed between NRF2 genotypes and sperm concentration of infertile males (p-value &lt;0.001). Out of 144 cases, 80 (55.5%) had normal motility, 57 (39.5%) had asthenospermia while 7 (8.4%) patients had necrospermia. A strong association was observed between NRF2 genotypes and sperm motility in infertile males (p-value &lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Single nucleotide polymorphism (RS6721961) of the NRF2 gene is significantly associated with sperm concentration and......

Occurrence of Bacterial Conjunctivitis and Viral Conjunctivitis in Pakistan

Aim: To identify the prevalence of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. Study design: Prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Pakistan Railways Hospital, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi from 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2021. Methodology: Fifty conjunctivitis patients enrolled within age of 14-29 years. Clinical examination, slit lamp test and lab testing separated cases as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. Polymerase chain reaction post culturing was sued in viral conjunctivitis cases while Kirby-Baur disc diffusion assay was sued in bacterial conjunctivitis confirmation. Results: There were 91.17% patients with viral conjunctivitis in age of 24-29 years and 62.5% patients with bacterial conjunctivitis within 14-18 years. The odds ratio value between the male and female gender showed a significant difference between both genders with 95% confidence interval with higher female frequency in both. Coronavirus cases were highest with 52.9% while cases of Micrococciwere highest as 37.5% with conjunctivitis. Conclusion: Viral conjunctivitis was more common in general cases due to recent covid-19 infection followed by Micrococci bacterial conjunctivitis. Keywords: Allergic conjunctivitis; Bacterial conjunctivitis; Children; Vision Impairment

Association of Conjunctivitis through Microflora in Optical Lenses Users

Aim: To find the association of conjunctivitis through microflora in optical lenses users. Study design: Cross sectional study Place and duration of study: Department of Ophthalmology, Pakistan Railways Hospital, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi from 1st January 2021 to 30th June 2021. Methodology: Forty patients were enrolled. Patient’s clinical symptoms, features were examined for conjunctivitis and slit lamp examination was also followed. Swab cultures from optical lenses were taken for conducting various agar v=based cultures for identifying microorganisms presence. Results: There were more males than females with mean age were 25±4.5 years. Clinical examination presented dryness in eyes as highest percentage. The anti-microbial sensitivity showed highest susceptibility pattern for resistance of ampicillin. Various bacterial types showed that highest frequency of Micrococci as 47.5%. Conclusion: A Robust association of conjunctivitis through microflora was found optical lenses users. Key words: Hygiene practices; Microflora; Optical lens users; Conjunctivitis

Exploring the level of academic procrastination and possible coping strategies among medical students.

To identify the level of procrastination in undergraduate medical students and to explore the coping strategies adopted by low procrastinators to overcome the tendency. The mixed method, sequential explanatory study was conducted at the Islamic International Medical College, Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April to September 2019, and comprised medical students from preclinical first, second and third years of the academic programme. The pre-validated Academic Procrastination Scale was used to assess the prevalence and level of procrastination in the subjects, followed by semi-structured interviews with students having low level of procrastination to explore the coping strategies used by them to beat the negative habit. Data was analysed using SPSS 21 and was further subjected to manual thematic analysis. Of the 255 subjects, 85(33.3%) each were in the first, second and third year of undergraduate medical studies. Overall, the level of procrastination was high in 134(52.5%) students and low in 121(47.5%). The low procrastinators were 43(51%) in the 1st year, 46(54%) in the 2nd year and 45(53%) in the 3rd year. On the basis of interview-based data, 10 coping strategies were identified: time management, self-regulation, establishment of priorities, self-reward, goal-setting, conducive learning environment, self-reminders, task management, self-evaluation and self- monitoring. Procrastination is a behavioural disorder and is prevalent in undergraduate medical students, but it can be effectively treated through effective coping strategies.

Gender Differences in Cardiac Autonomic Modulations as Reflected by Heart Rate Variability

Background: Heart rate variability is the most important noninvasive tool to quantify cardiac autonomic function. Aim: To compare the “frequency domain” parameters of “heart rate variability” in male and female subjects. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methodology: Present study was carried out at Islamic International Medical College and Yusra medical and dental college from June 2014 to December 2018. Four hundred subjects from both the genders between 20-40 years of age were included in the study after filling written informed consent. Ten minutes ECG of the subject was taken using power lab and explored for heart rate variability observing the protocols of “Task Force of European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing Electrophysiology Frequency domain indices of heart rate variability obtained using “fast Fourier transform” .and were compared among male female groups. Results: Male subjects have considerably low high frequency in absolute unit and normalized unit (p≤ 0.05)and high low frequency in normalized unit and absolute unit (p ≤ 0.05 and .001 respectively)and low to high frequency ratio when compared with females(p ≤0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that assessment of Heart rate variability is an important measure of autonomic nervous system. Males exhibit reduced HRV parameters as compared to females showing that female have good vagal control than males. Keywords: Heart Rate Variability, Frequency Domain Methods, Low Frequency, High Frequency and Low Frequency

Association of Fok 1 (Rs10735810) Gene Polymorphism with Dental Caries in Pakistani Adolescents

Objective: To determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene Fok 1 (rs10735810) with dental caries in Pakistani adolescents.&#x0D; Study Design: Case-control study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Biochemistry Department, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi in cooperation with Pathology Department, Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Sep 2019 to Aug 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 304 participants were included in the study. There were 152 dental caries cases and 152 normal agematched controls. After taking written informed consent, blood samples were collected from each participant. DNA extraction was done by Chelex Method. PCR was carried out to determine the respective allelic frequencies of Fok 1 (rs10735810) genotype using specific primers.&#x0D; Results: Out of 304 study participants, there were 26 males (17.1%) and 126 females (82.9%) in case-group; and 37 males (24.3%) and 115 females (75.7%) in control-group. No significant association of Fok 1 (rs10735810) genotype with DMFT score was found in dental caries case-group. Regarding genotypic and allelic frequencies, there was no significant association of Fok 1 (rs10735810) genotype with dental caries case-group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Single nucleotide polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene Fok 1 (rs10735810) is not associated with dental caries in Pakistani adolescents.

Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease Related Pruritus and its Relation with Sleep Quality among Patients on Hemodialysis in Pakistan

Due to injured kidneys, CKD is defined as a glomerular filtration rate of less than 60ml/min/1.73m2 for more than 3 months. The lethal stage of chronic CKDs is the last stage of renal disease, and its frequency has increased over the previous 30 years. Pruritus caused by chronic renal disease is an unpleasant illness that causes itching and reduces sleep quality. The goal of this study is to look at the characteristics of pruritus in people with CKD and how they relate with sleep quality among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Place and Duration: In the department of Medicine &amp; Nephrology of Lahore General Hospital and Islamic International Medical College Trust Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi for six-months duration from April 2021 to September 2021. Methods: 60 chronic renal disease patients were gathered from the nephrology department. Inclusion criteria included all patients with CKD who had pruritus and had sleep disturbance, while exclusion criteria included all patients who had rashes and pruritus that were not caused by CKD and were caused by other disorders. Age, gender, sleep pattern, disease severity, poor sleep quality, &amp; pruritus location were all investigated by all patients. Results: CKD-associated Pruritus was distributed as follows: 75 percent of all patients were 45 years old or older, whereas 25 percent were 45 years old or younger. Pruritus interfered with sleep in 41.7% of patients, but not in 58.3%, and 30.1 percent of patients were girls and 73.9 percent were men. About 55% of people with pruritus are severely affected, whereas 45% are not. The trunk accounts for 60% of pruritic patients, whereas the rest of the body accounts for 40%. There was a strong link between the degree of pruritus and gender, the afflicted region, and sleep. Conclusion: Pruritus, often known as "uremic pruritus," is the most common skin complaint in people with ESRD. Due to the lack of a clear relationship with uremia, a substantial association occurs in males over the age of 45, disrupts sleep, and predominates in the trunk area. Keywords: Pruritus, Chronic renal disease, Characteristics, Association variables

Perceptions of faculty on promotion policy in medical and dental colleges associated with Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Islamabad, Pakistan

To explore the perceptions of medical and dental faculty regarding the existing promotion criterion and develop a proposed alternative criterion. The qualitative exploratory study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan, after approval from the Islamic International Medical College which is affiliated with Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. It comprised focus group discussions involving experts from two medical and dental colleges from both private and public sectors. Data was analysed manually to develop codes, subthemes and themes. Of the 24 participants, 12(50%) participated in each of the two focus groups discussions. Each discussion included 1(8.3%) principal, 2(16.7%) professors, 1(8.3%) associate professor, 2(16.7%) assistant professors and 1(8.3%) senior lecturer from basic sciences, and 1(8.3%) professor, 1(8.3%) associate professor and 1(8.3%) assistant professor from the clinical side as well as 1(8.3%) final year student each from the medical and dental streams. All 24(100%) believed that the current promotion criteria was unrealistic, inconsistent and biased, and lacked justified faculty evaluation; 19(80%) agreed on strengthening the role of research in promotion; 3(12.5%) highlighted lack of opportunities for post-graduation, and 18(75%) were in favour of introducing faculty e-portfolio. Collectively, they suggested that in order to make the criteria dependable, it should include comprehensive teacher assessment with mandatory continuing professional development activities, by standardising research work, and through introducing robust faculty promotion policy and guidelines. Faculty opinions outlining the gaps in the existing promotion criteria of medical and dental colleges associated with a specific medical university in Pakistan carries critical value as they proposed a modified criteria contextual to the needs of the faculty.

Nigella sativa Seeds Protective Ability in Pyrazinamide Induced Hyperuricemia in Mice

Introduction: Hyperuricemia results in an increased level of blood uric acid, a prerequisite of gout. Commonly prescribed agents for the treatment of hyperuricemia include allopurinol, febuxostat, and probenecid. Multiple adverse effects like hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal upsets and hepatotoxicity limit their use.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To evaluate the serum uric acid lowering effects of Nigella sativa seeds on pyrazinamide induced hyperuricemia in mice.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: This study was carried out at research facility for animals of NIH, Islamabad and Pharmacology Department of Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi from April to June, 2017.&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: Sixty-eight male mice (Swiss Albino) were separated into four groups. Group A mice were labelled as negative control and mice in this group were given chow &amp; glucose water. Group B mice received 500mg/kg Pyrazinamide (PZA) added in glucose water once daily. Group C mice were given low dose Nigella sativa seeds powder in a dose of 500 mg/kg suspended in the glucose water accompanied by PZA in a dose of 500mg/kg. The mice in group D received high dose of Nigella Sativa seeds powder 1000 mg/kg suspended in glucose water along with 500mg/kg of PZA. All the doses of Pyrazinamide and Nigella sativa seeds suspension were given orally for six weeks. Blood sample was collected three times from each group. On day 0, sample from two mice from each group was taken for baseline uric acid levels and of five mice from all groups in mid of study to check uric acid levels. On 42nd day, the blood from remaining 10 mice in each group was taken to check the serum uric acid levels. Analysis of data was done using Graph Pad Prism Version 8, p value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Results: Acute pyrazinamide administration caused a rise in uric acid levels in group B as compared to group A (from 5.94±1.94 to 28.03±15.52 mg/dl). The Nigella sativa seed powder extract suspended in glucose water in a dose of 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg reduced the rise in uric acid levels in pyrazinamide treated group C and D (10.47±3.32 mg/dl &amp; 7.53±1.78 mg/dl).&#x0D; Conclusion: Nigella sativa possesses antihyperuricemic effect and showed a significant reduction in serum uric acid levels in a dose of 500mg and 1000 mg/kg.

Probing in the complexities of the integrated undergraduate medical curriculum: A qualitative exploratory study.

To explore the perceptions of the faculty regarding the level of curriculum integration and their interpretation of the integration ladder in achieving the complex process. The qualitative exploratory study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College Islamabad, University College of Medicine and Dentistry Lahore and Rehman Medical College Peshawar, from March to August 2018. The participants were the faculty members involved in the designing and implementation of the integrated curriculum in these institutes. The semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic content analysis. Of the 18 faculty members, 6 (33.3%) belonged to each of the three institutions. Four themes identified were: curriculum planning, an uphill task; dream versus ground reality; moving up and down the ladder; and teamwork in the paradigm shift. There were different perceptions of the level of integration among faculty members within the same institute. The level of integration ranged from 5-9 in different phases of the curriculum. The processes included all the teamwork steered by the departments of medical education. Although Harden's integration ladder is a useful tool, curriculum integration is an inherently inconsistent and complex process that does not follow a simple hierarchical continuum of integration and requires a teamwork. Identifying the patterns of integration in different phases of the curriculum might be more practical than just determining a single level of integration in the whole curriculum.

Thyroidectomy Related Complications in Post-Thyroid Lobectomy (Unilateral) in Addition to Thyroid Isthmusectomy

Objective: To identify thyroidectomy related complications in post-thyroid lobectomy (unilateral) in addition to isthmusectomy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration: Department of ENT, Islamic International Medical College, Islamabad from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020. Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled. These patients were those who have to undergo complete thyroidectomy post unilateral-thyroid lobectomy in addition to isthmusectomy. The age pf the patients was 16-72 years. Each patient’s demographic, clinical as well as surgical details were recorded and calcium tests were run. Results: There were 34 females and 26 males in this study. The mean age of the enrolled patients was 41.12±5.9 years. The mean BMI calculated of the patients was 25.4±2.5 kg/m2. Hypocalcaemia (transient) was identified 10% whereas 3.3% got seroma and 1.6% each suffered from transient voice hoarseness and hematoma in neck. Conclusion: Transient hypocalcaemia is the most frequent complication followed with seroma and hematoma. Keywords: Completion Thyroidectomy, Thyroid lobectomy, Thyroidectomy

Online teaching in the era of Covid-19: Comparison between power-point vs video Tutorial: students’ perception

Aim: To compare students perception towards use of video tutorial versus conventional power point presentation for online medical teaching Study design: Comparative descriptive survey Place and duration of study: The online study was conducted in the Department of Gyne. &amp; Obs., Islamic International Medical College Rawalpindi &amp; Sialkot Medical College Sialkot on Ms-Teams from 21st July 2020 to 21st October 2020 Methods: One hundred and one students from 4rth year MBBS participated in the study. Students were taught a given topic on power point presentation and then through a video tutorial online on Ms -Teams. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire. Students were inquired to express their perceptions &amp; attitudes regarding the online teaching method, using a five point Likert scale. All the data was analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 101, there were 38 males and 63 female students with ages ranged between 22 to 26 years. The mean score for video tutorial was higher than the mean score for Power Point in content understandability. There was a statistical difference in content understandability, effectiveness of teaching technique and attitude towards two teaching techniques (P&lt; 0.05). Students had more positive attitude towards watching an online video than PowerPoint, which implied it was more entertaining, engaging and effective. Discussion was more spontaneous with a video tutorial as compared to Power Point. Students were involved more and enjoyed higher level of interaction. Conclusion: Online video tutorials were more effective as compared to the power-point presentations in content understandability of students and their learning processes. Keywords: Online teaching, Covid 19, Video tutorial, power point presentation

Comparison of cortisol levels in patients with vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome.

ABSTRACTObjectives:To compare the levels of cortisol in patients of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).Methods:A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi and Electrophysiology Department at (AFIC). This study included 80 subjects, comprising of 35 patients in each group of vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome and 10 healthy subjects. Patients with complaint of syncope was evaluated for vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome using Head Up Tilt Test (HUTT. Blood samples of all the participants were taken and serum cortisol was analyzed using ELISA method. Results were analyzed on SPSS Statistics 21 using ANOVA with a p value of ≤0.05 regarded as significant.Results:Hormonal analysis shows that cortisol levels in the vasovagal, postural tachycardia syndrome and in control group was 153±16.7pg/ml, 160.17±pg/ml, and 69.65± 5.8pg/ml respectively. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in both vasovagal and POTS groups as compared to controls with a p-value of 0.04 and 0.023 respectively. However, there was no significant difference between vasovagal and POTS patients with p value 0.570.Conclusion:It is concluded from the study that cortisol responses of VVS and POTS were positive.

Indicators of Obesity and Cardiovascular Parameters in Obese and Non-Obese Subjects

Background and Aim: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that is endangering an increasing number healthy populations. Obesity is caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Although numerous studies on obesity effects on cardiovascular parameters (CVP) are existing, associations between obese and non-obese people are limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the indicators for obesity and compared obese and non-obese association with cardiovascular parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 subjects in the Department of Physiology, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with Railway General Hospital, Rawalpindi for duration of six months i.e from January 2020 to June 2021. All the subjects were divided into obese group-I and non-obese group-II. Each group consisted of 40 subjects. Individuals with body mass index 18 to 25 Kg/m2 and &gt;26 Kg/m2 were considered as obese and non-obese respectively. Informed consent and ethical approval were taken from each individual and hospital ethical committee respectively. All the subjects (BMI&gt; 26 Kg/m2) with medical issues specifically cardio-respiratory and smokers were excluded. Quetelet’s index and Vernier Caliper was used for physical examination and triceps skinfold girth (TSG). SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 80 subjects, the study and control group had 40 subjects each. The overall mean age was 41.31±2.3 years. The mean value of body mass index in the study and control group was 34.6±5 Kg/m2 and 23.4±1.2 Kg/m2 respectively. Mean weight, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and triceps skin girth (TSG) were found significantly higher in the study group as compared to the control group whereas study group subjects had lower height than the control group (p&lt;0.005). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP) were significantly higher in the study group as compared to control group subjects considering 0.0005 level of significance, however, pulse rate (PR) was insignificant in the study group (0.05). Cardiovascular parameters were found significant and positive in the study group only with a 0.05 level of significance on Pearson’s Correlation. Conclusion: Our study found that shorter height with accelerated pulse rate subjects was prone to cardiovascular diseases. Also, short height with a higher pulse rate is obesity's best indicator correlating in obese or study group. Additionally, obesity has a significant association with subject lipid profile which may elevate the potential risk for cardiovascular disease development. Keywords: Obesity; Cardiovascular Parameters, Obesity Indicators

THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CURCUMIN AGAINST TARTRAZINE-INDUCED NEUROBIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE GRAY MATTER OF MOTOR CORTEX OF BRAIN OF SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

Objective: To study the neuroprotective effect of curcumin against tartrazine-induced neurobiochemical and histopathological changes in the gray matter of motor cortex of rat brain.&#x0D; Study Design: Lab-based experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, from Sep 2019 to Sep 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Forty five adult male albino rats (250-300 gm) were divided randomly into three groups (n=15). Group A, rats were given standard rat diet. Group B, rats were given tartrazine orally by dissolving in tap water in the dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight. Group C, rats were given 200 mg/kg of curcumin along with tartrazine orally by dissolving in tap water, daily for 28 consecutive days. At the end, all animals were dissected and their brain were removed. The neurobiochemical parameters including lipid peroxidation marker level along with microscopic changes widening of Virchow’s robin space and neuropil vacuolation in neurovascular unit were observed. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.&#x0D; Results: The curcumin administration significantly improved the MDA levels (p-value &lt;0.001 on intergroup comparison) and widening of Virchow’s robin space (group A=3.57 ± 0.78 µm, group B=19.39 ± 0.68 µm, group C12.1 ± 0.83 µm; p-value &lt;0.001). Neuropil vacuolation was reduced to negligible in 60% rats of curcumin treated group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Curcumin displayed a neuroprotective role in improving the tartrazine induced neurobiochemical and histopathological changes in the motor cortex of rat brain.

Effect of N Acetyl Cysteine and Aqueous Extract of Berberis Lycium Royale Root Bark on Uric Acid of Albino Rats

Background: N acetyl cysteine and Berberis lycium Royale root bark have been used to treat kidney diseases. Objectives: To evaluate the individual and combined effect of N acetyl cysteine and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Settings: Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with NIH, Islamabad. Duration: 1 month from September 2020 to October 2020. Methodology: Fifty Wister albino rats of 10-12 weeks old were divided into five groups with 10 in each group. Group 1 was normal control given food and water only and remaining 40 were in treatment groups. Nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Gentamicin (80mg/kg) for 6 days in group 2, 3, 4 and 5. After induction of nephrotoxicity, Group 3 was administered N acetyl cysteine 140mg/kg per oral, Group 4 was given aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark 400 mg/kg per oral and Group 5 was given both N acetyl cysteine 140mg/kg per oral and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark 400 mg/kg per oral for 21 days. Serum uric acid was measured in all groups after 30 days to observe the reversal of renal injury. Results: The results of this study indicate that Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 showed a decrease in serum uric acid level as compared to Disease Control Group (Group 2). However, Group 5 significantly reduced uric acid (p 0.05). Conclusion: Combined effect of N acetyl cysteine and aqueous extract of Berberis lycium Royale root bark showed improvement in uric acid level in Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity in rats.