Search

Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of stroke in a Bangladeshi population and to determine the association between stroke risk factors, including waist to hip (WHiR), waist to height ratio (WHeR), body mass index (BMI), hypertension and fasting blood glucose levels and stroke prevalence. Study design: This study was conducted in two phases. First phase, stroke prevalence was determined in three districts of Bangladesh (n = 79658) between 2001 and 2010. Second phase, stroke risk assessment parameters in our study were collected from patients (n = 13,358) admitted to the Department of Neurology of Dhaka Medical College. Methods: In first phase data was collected from door to door using questionnaire. In second phase, questionnaire and a flexible measuring tape was used to collect the data. Results: Stroke prevalence was low (0.75 per 1000), which may be due to lack of health care facilities and education, as well as lack of awareness in recognizing stroke signs and symptoms. Stroke prevalence was higher among males (0.88 per 1000 people) and those > 39 years old (2.98 per 1000 population; p < 0.001), but no significant differences were found between the different areas of Bangladesh (rural populations: 0.85 per 1000, urban population: 0.71 per 1000; p = 0.82). In second phase study, stroke patients had significantly higher BMI (stroke: 21.7 ± 4.2; non-stroke: 19.7 ± 3.6; p < 0.001), WHiR (stroke: 0.887 ± 0.088; non-stroke: 0.855 ± 0.067; p < 0.001) and WHeR (stroke: 0.493 ± 0.088; non-stroke: 0.451 ± 0.061; p < 0.001). The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) were also higher among stroke patients (stroke: SBP/DBP 126.8 ± 22.2/81.6 ± 13.4 mmHg; non-stroke SBP/DBP 118.2 ± 18.4/76.7 ± 10.5 mmHg; p = 0.002). Mean fasting blood glucose levels were higher in stroke patients (5.2 ± 3.4 mmol/L) compared with non-stroke patients (4.5 ± 1.4 mmol/L) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We conclude that in addition to WHiR and WHeR, hypertension, diabetes and age are strongly associated with stroke in Bangladeshi populations, irrespective of area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamins B6, B9, and B12deficiencies usually result in various neurological, vascular, ocular, renal, and pulmonary abnormalities. However, to date, there are no simultaneous detection methods available for determining homocysteine, vitamins B6, B9, and B12 levels in various biological fluids. In this study, we aim to develop a new validated simultaneous detection method for all four compounds to save both cost and time of analysis. Materials and Methods: The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of methanol and 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (33:67) with 0.05% triethylamine. The pH of the entire mixture was adjusted to 2.3 and the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min. Separation was achieved using a C-18 column (5 µm; 150 mm × 4.6 mm) maintained at 28°C in a column oven and the detection was conducted at 210 nm. Results: The method was linear between 50 and 1600 ng/mL for all of the drugs. The limits of detection for homocysteine, vitamins B6, B9, and B12 were 5, 5, 10, and 10 ng/mL, respectively, while the limits of quantification were 10, 10, 25, and 25 ng/L, respectively. The developed method achieved good precision and accuracy and complies with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Conclusion: The developed and validated method is suitable to be used for the routine analysis of homocysteine, vitamins B6, B9, and B12 simultaneously in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is a neurovascular disease that has classically been attributed to multifactorial aetiologies, with genetic components and environmental interactions considered the main influence. Genes such as flavoenzyme 5, 10- methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), especially the C677T variant, have been associated with elevated plasma homocysteine levels. This elevation in homocysteine results in an array of metabolic disorders and increased risk of complex diseases, including migraine. Catalysation of homocysteine requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Deficiencies in these cofactor vitamins result in hypomethylation, which triggers migraine. Because migraine predominantly affects females, it is hypothesised that fluctuating oestrogen levels, which are governed by oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, are important. Another important factor is homocysteine, the production of which is dependent upon MTHFR and B vitamins. Gene expression is modulated through epigenetic mechanisms, which involve methionine. Additionally, folate plays a major role in DNA synthesis. We propose that vitamin B intake, coupled with MTHFR and oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, causes differential DNA methylation and gene expression that may contribute to the occurrence of migraine.

Aim: Hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamins B(6), B(9), and B(12) deficiencies usually result in various neurological, vascular, ocular, renal, and pulmonary abnormalities. However, to date, there are no simultaneous detection methods available for determining homocysteine, vitamins B(6), B(9), and B(12) levels in various biological fluids. In this study, we aim to develop a new validated simultaneous detection method for all four compounds to save both cost and time of analysis., Materials and Methods: The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of methanol and 1-heptanesulfonic acid sodium salt (33:67) with 0.05% triethylamine. The pH of the entire mixture was adjusted to 2.3 and the flow rate was 0.5 mL/min. Separation was achieved using a C-18 column (5 μm; 150 mm × 4.6 mm) maintained at 28°C in a column oven and the detection was conducted at 210 nm., Results: The method was linear between 50 and 1600 ng/mL for all of the drugs. The limits of detection for homocysteine, vitamins B(6), B(9), and B(12) were 5, 5, 10, and 10 ng/mL, respectively, while the limits of quantification were 10, 10, 25, and 25 ng/L, respectively. The developed method achieved good precision and accuracy and complies with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements., Conclusion: The developed and validated method is suitable to be used for the routine analysis of homocysteine, vitamins B(6), B(9), and B(12) simultaneously in human serum.