Sample Of Tunisian Population Research Articles

Prevalence, awareness and management of arterial hypertension: About a Tunisian population-based survey

Hypertension represents a public health problem in Tunisia as in all the world. Estimate prevalence of hypertension in Tunisia, its associated cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate awareness and access of hypertensive patients to health care. Descriptive transversal regional investigation, realized in 2009, which studied by a home survey a representative sample of Tunisian population. The study was conducted among 1340 persons aged 18 and over, residing in the area of Ariana in Tunis. It included an interview and a physical examination with measurement of blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Prevalence of hypertension was 36%, higher in men (41%) than women (34%). It was inversely related to educational and socioeconomic level. The prevalence of associated cardiovascular risk factors was high: 10% for diabetes, 9% for dyslipidemia, 24% for obesity and 25% for smoking. Half of hypertensive subjects were aware of having hypertension, among them 96% were receiving treatment. The prevalence of hypertension was high in 2009 in this cohort of Tunisian population. As primary prevention, it is important to consider lifestyle modification of the Tunisian people in order to reduce this cardiovascular risk factor. Also, screening for hypertension and improving access to health must be established in order to reduce the burden of this cardiovascular risk factor.

Age estimation and sex determination by CT-scan analysis of the hyoid bone: Application on a Tunisian population

The hyoid bone is of great importance in forensic medicine and it has been studied for various forensic purposes. However, there have been few studies dealing with age and sex estimation using the hyoid bone, especially the radiographic methods. To analyze the relationship between age, sex and metric parameters of hyoid bone in Tunisian population sample, using CT scan. A prospective study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine of Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital of Monastir-Tunisia during 4 years. A total of 240 samples of hyoid bone were studied. The age of cases ranged from 18 days to 81 years. The specimens were collected only from the deceased of known age. Once dried, each hyoid bone was scanned using CT scan. For each specimen, 10 measurements were taken using a computer program. The measurements consisted of 6 lengths and 4 widths. A regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between age, sex and different measurements. For age estimation, a multiple logistic regression was carried out for samples ≤ 35 years. For sex determination, ROC curve was performed. Discriminant value finally retained was based on the best specificity with the best sensitivity. The correlation between real age and estimated age was good (r 2 = 0.72) for samples aged 35 years or less. The unstandardized canonical function equation was estimated using three variables: maximum length of the right greater cornua, length from the middle of the left joint space to the middle of the right joint space and perpendicular length from the center point of a line between the distal ends of the right and left greater cornua to the center point of the anterior view of the body of the hyoid bone. For sex determination, the ROC curve analysis reveals that the area under curve was at 81.8%. Discriminant value was 0.451 with a specificity of 73% and sensibility of 79%. The equation function was estimated based on two variables: maximum length of the greater cornua and maximum length of the hyoid bone. The findings of the current study suggest that metric analysis of the hyoid bone may predict the age ≤ 35 years. Sex estimation seems to be more reliable. Further studies dealing with the fusion of the hyoid bone and the current study could help to achieve more accurate age estimation rates. L’os hyoïde est d’une grande importance en médecine légale. Cependant, il y a eu peu d’études traitant de l’estimation de l’âge et la détermination du sexe à partir de l’os hyoïde, en se basant sur les méthodes radiographiques. Analyser la relation entre l’âge, le sexe et les paramètres scannométriques de l’os hyoïde à partir d’un échantillon de la population tunisienne. Il s’agit d’une étude prospective menée au service de médecine légale de l’hôpital Fattouma Bourguiba de Monastir-Tunisie pendant 4 ans. Au total, 240 échantillons d’os hyoïde ont été étudiés. L’âge variait de 18 jours à 81 ans. Les spécimens ont été collectés uniquement auprès de personnes décédées d’âge connu. Pour chaque os hyoïde, un scanner a été réalisé. Pour chaque échantillon, 10 mesures ont été prises à l’aide d’un programme informatique. Les mesures consistaient en 6 longueurs et 4 largeurs. Une analyse de régression a été utilisée pour estimer la relation entre l’âge, le sexe et différentes mesures. Pour l’estimation de l’âge, une régression logistique multiple a été effectuée pour des échantillons d’âge ≤ 35 ans. Pour la détermination du sexe, la courbe ROC a été réalisée. La valeur discriminante finalement retenue était basée sur la meilleure spécificité et la meilleure sensibilité. La corrélation entre l’âge réel et l’âge estimé était bonne (r 2 = 0,72) pour les individus âgés de 35 ans ou moins. L’équation de la fonction canonique non normalisée a été estimée à l’aide de trois variables : longueur maximale de la corne droite supérieure, longueur entre le milieu de l’espace articulaire gauche et le milieu de l’espace articulaire droit et la longueur perpendiculaire à partir du point central d’une ligne entre les extrémités distales des grandes cornes droite et gauche jusqu’au point central de la vue antérieure du corps de l’os hyoïde. Pour la détermination du sexe, l’analyse de la courbe ROC révèle que l’aire sous la courbe était à 81,8 %. La valeur discriminante était de 0,451 avec une spécificité de 73 % et une sensibilité de 79 %. L’équation a été estimée sur la base de deux variables : la longueur maximale des grandes cornes et la longueur maximale de l’os hyoïde. Les résultats de la présente étude suggèrent que l’analyse métrique de l’os hyoïde peut prédire l’âge ≤ 35 ans. L’estimation du sexe semble être plus fiable. D’autres études portant sur la fusion de l’os hyoïde pourraient aider à atteindre des estimations de l’âge plus précis.

Prevalence, awareness and management of arterial hypertension: About a Tunisian population-based survey

Hypertension represents a public health problem in Tunisia as well as in the entire world. Estimate prevalence of hypertension in Tunisia, its associated cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate awareness and access of hypertensive patients to health care. Descriptive transversal regional investigation, realized in 2009, which studied by a home survey a representative sample of Tunisian population. The study was conducted among 1340 persons aged 18 and over, residing in the area of Ariana in Tunis. It included an interview and a physical examination with measurement of blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Prevalence of hypertension was 36%, higher in men (41%) than women (34%). It was inversely related to educational and socio-economic level. The prevalence of associated cardiovascular risk factors was high: 10% for diabetes, 9% for dyslipidemia, 24% for obesity and 25% for smoking. Half of hypertensive subjects were aware of having hypertension; among them 96% were receiving treatment. The prevalence of hypertension was high in 2009 in this cohort of Tunisian population. As primary prevention, it is important to consider lifestyle modification of the Tunisian people in order to reduce this cardiovascular risk factor. Also, screening for hypertension and improving access to health must be established in order to reduce the burden of this cardiovascular risk factor.

Prevalence, awareness and management of arterial hypertension: About a Tunisian population-based survey

Background Hypertension represents a public health problem in Tunisia as in all the world. Purposes Estimate prevalence of hypertension in Tunisia, its associated cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate awareness and access of hypertensive patients to health care. Methods Descriptive transversal regional investigation, realized in 2009, which studied by a home survey a representative sample of Tunisian population. The study was conducted among 1340 persons aged 18 and over, residing in the area of Ariana in Tunis. It included an interview and a physical examination with measurement of blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Results Prevalence of hypertension was 36%, higher in men (41%) than women (34%). It was inversely related to educational and socio-economic level. The prevalence of associated cardiovascular risk factors was high: 10% for diabetes, 9% for dyslipidemia, 24% for obesity and 25% for smoking. Half of hypertensive subjects were aware of having hypertension, among them 96% were receiving treatment. Conclusion the prevalence of hypertension was high in 2009 in this cohort of Tunisian population. As primary prevention, it is important to consider lifestyle modification of the Tunisian people in order to reduce this cardiovascular risk factor. Also, screening for hypertension and improving access to health must be established in order to reduce the burden of this cardiovascular risk factor.

Alu-repeat Polymorphism in the Tissue Plasminogen Activator Gene and Risks of Myocardial Infarction in Tunisian Population

This study aimed to determine whether I/D polymorphism predispose to the development of MI in Tunisia. 50 patients with coronary artery disease complicated by MI and 70 healthy controls were analyzed. Quantitative analyses lipids are founded. DNA was isolated from blood samples. Polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical differences between groups were determined by Chi-square test. Compared to controls, cases have significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol and lower level of HDL-cholesterol. There are no significant differences between patients and controls in terms of allelic and genotypic frequencies. However, the frequency of the “I” allele is higher in cases which have 2 MI (p=0.0354). Additionally, a statistically significant association between diabetes, arterial high blood pressure, family history and cigarette smoking with MI was founded (p<0.01). I/D polymorphism of t-PA gene is not associated with MI in this sample of Tunisian population.

Therapeutic Potential of Hematopoietic Growth Factors for Treatment of Carbon Monoxide Neurotoxicity

This study aimed to determine whether I/D polymorphism predispose to the development of MI in Tunisia. 50 patients with coronary artery disease complicated by MI and 70 healthy controls were analyzed. Quantitative analyses lipids are founded. DNA was isolated from blood samples. Polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical differences between groups were determined by Chi-square test. Compared to controls, cases have significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol and lower level of HDL-cholesterol. There are no significant differences between patients and controls in terms of allelic and genotypic frequencies. However, the frequency of the “I” allele is higher in cases which have 2 MI (p=0.0354). Additionally, a statistically significant association between diabetes, arterial high blood pressure, family history and cigarette smoking with MI was founded (p<0.01). I/D polymorphism of t-PA gene is not associated with MI in this sample of Tunisian population.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations are they Related to Breast Cancer in a Sample of Tunisian Population?

Mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes account for varying proportions of breast cancer families studied, and demonstrate considerable variation in mutational spectra coincident with ethnic and geographical diversity. This work aimed to identify mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to explore the existence of population-specific recurrent or founder mutations, in Tunisian breast cancer families. We have screened for germline mutations in seventeen Tunisian high-risk breast cancer patients using direct sequencing. Index patients, diagnosed before age 45, possessing a positive family history or bilateral breast cancer were asked for detailed information on family history of breast or any other cancer type in their families. One family out of 17 (6%) carried BRCA 1 mutations and no BRCA2 mutations was found. One recurrent mutation in BRCA 1 was identified, c.798-799delTT, which appear to represent founder mutation in this population. Thirty-one variants were considered of unknown clinical significance according to BIC and UMD-BRCA1/BRCA2 databases.

265 Lack of association between -308g/a polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor - α gene and myocardial infarction in Tunisian population

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a primary pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed in adipocytes and plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process, it also stimulates the production of chemo-attractant cytokines which may be a key feature of atherosclerosis. Relationship between polymorphisms in TNF-α gene and coronary heart disease has been reported, but remains a controversial subject. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible association between the -308 G/A promoter variant in the TNF-α gene and myocardial infarction (MI) in a sample of Tunisian population. Our study included 299 male patients MI enrolled from the department of Cardiology at Rabta University Hospital of Tunis and 408 male volunteer subjects with no history of MI. Genomic DNA was extracted from white blood cells, amplified by PCR followed by a digestion with the appropriate restriction endonuclease ( NcoI ) and genotyped by electrophoresis in agarose gels. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.5. MI patients compared to controls had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, cigarette smoking and dyslipidemia (p <0.001). The genotype frequencies were in agreement with those predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in MI (X 2 =0.137, p=0.934) and control groups (X 2 =0.10, p=0.951). In MI patients the genotype frequencies were 63% for GG, 34.6% for GA and 2.5% for AA, and were 62.2% for GG, 34.8% for GA and 3.0% for AA in controls. No significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the TNF - α –308G/A polymorphism were detected between MI and control subjects. In both groups, analyses of variance of lipid levels across –308G/A genotypes showed no significant difference. Our findings revealed that the -308G/A polymorphism of TNF-α gene is not a relevant marker of MI in the Tunisian population.

Association of G-2548A LEP polymorphism with plasma leptin levels in Tunisian obese patients

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the association of the G-2548A polymorphism of the human leptin gene (LEP) with body mass index (BMI), plasma leptin, insulin, and lipid parameters in a sample of Tunisian population. Design and methods Two hundred and twenty nine obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2) were screened and compared to 251 normal weight subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m 2). The human leptin gene promoter G-2548A genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by a digestion with the restriction of endonuclease CfoI. Results In the entire study sample, carriers of -2548A allele had significantly lower leptin levels than homozygous for -2548G allele (14.28 ± 9.10 ng/mL vs. 18.27 ± 12 ng/mL, p < 0.001 respectively) adjusted for BMI and gender. In obese patients but not control, subjects carrying the -2548A allele exhibited lower leptin levels than those with GG genotype (16.96 ± 8.27 ng/mL vs. 21.37 ± 11.72 ng/mL, p = 0.001 respectively) adjusted for BMI and gender. In this group, carriership of the -2548A allele was identified, by multiple linear regression models, as significant independent predictor for leptin levels variability. Separate analyses by gender revealed that only in obese women, the -2548A allele was found to be associated with lower leptin levels independently of BMI ( p = 0.004). Conclusions The present study showed that G-2548A LEP polymorphism is associated with lower leptin levels in Tunisian obese women.

Association between the −2518G/A polymorphism in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene and hypertension in Tunisian patients

Objectives Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1:CCL2) has been demonstrated to be involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and hypertension. This study was aimed to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at −2518 of the MCP-1 gene promoter region is associated to hypertension in a sample of Tunisian population. Design and methods A total of 290 Tunisian patients with hypertension and 390 normotensive controls were included in the study. The SNP of the MCP-1 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Results A significant difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency was observed between patients and controls. Patients with hypertension had a frequency of 7.2% for the GG genotype, 35.2% for the AG genotype and 57.6% for the AA genotype. Normotensive subjects had a frequency of 3.6% for the GG genotype, 29.7% for the AG genotype and 66.7% for the AA genotype ( χ 2 = 8.02, p = 0.01). The hypertension patient group showed a significant higher frequency of the G allele compared to the controls [0.24 vs. 0.18; OR (95%CI), 1.46 (1.11–1.91), p = 0.004]. The association between the −2518 G/A polymorphism of MCP-1 gene and hypertension remained significant after adjustment for other well-established cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion The present study showed a significant and independent association between the −2518G/A polymorphism of the MCP-1 gene (presence of G allele) and hypertension in the Tunisian population.

Tunisian population data on 10 Y-chromosomal loci

Alleles and haplotypes frequencies for 10 Y-chromosome STR loci (DYS19, DYS385 I/II, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS438 and DYS439), included in the Y-Plex™6 and Y-Plex™5 kits were determined for a Tunisian population sample of 100 male individuals.

Tunisian population allele frequencies for 15 PCR-based loci

Genotype and allele frequencies distribution for 15 PCR-based loci (D3S1358, THO1, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, VWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA) were determined for a Tunisian population sample. The examined population consists of a mixture of Arabic and Berber individuals coming from the three different regions of the country: North, Centre and South.

Tunisian population data on

Genotype and allele frequencies distribution for 15 PCR-based loci included in the Promega PowerPlex 16 kit were determined for a Tunisian population sample of 196 unrelated individuals.

C3, BF and C4 Polymorphisms in Tunisians

The C3, BF, C4A and C4B polymorphisms were studied in a Tunisian population sample. The allelic frequencies for C3 were S = 0.844 and F = 0.148, and for BF, S = 0.535, F = 0.331, SO7 = 0.075 and F1 = 0.041. The most frequent C4 alleles were A3 and B1 followed in a decreasing order by A2, B2 and the A and B null alleles. The results indicate that the Tunisian population is intermediate between the Caucasian and Arab populations with some trace admixture of African Blacks.