The Gln27Glu Polymorphism in β2-Adrenergic receptor gene is linked to hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia in Saudis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) gene polymorphism glutamine 27 glutamic acid (Gln27Glu) and Arg16Gly were reported to have an association with obesity and obesity related disorders in some population. We evaluated Gln27Glu polymorphism in the β2AR gene in obese Saudi populations to investigate the association of β2AR gene with obesity and other related metabolic parameters.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>We studied possible association of Gln27Glu in β2AR gene with body mass index (BMI), anthropometric measurements and other metabolic parameters. The β2AR gene polymorphism (Gln27Glu) was identified by sequencing PCR products representing locus of interest. Based on BMI, the subjects were divided into three groups, normal weight, overweight and obese. The genotype and allele frequency were calculated separately for each group.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The allelic frequency of Glu27 did not differ amongst the three groups, though the Glu27 homozygote (Glu/Glu) were more in obese subjects and had higher concentration of triglyceride, leptin and insulin compared to in the Gln27 heterozygotes and Gln/Gln homozygotes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In this study we were able to provide evidence on the influence of Gln27Glu genetic variant of β2AR gene on lipid phenotypes, insulin and leptin levels in the Saudi populations.</p

Awareness and use of folic acid in a clinic-based Saudi pregnant population

Background: Neural tube defects are amongst the most common birth defects worldwide. Many of the patients in our primary care clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were not aware of the importance of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate current level of awareness, use and understanding of FA supplementation in pregnant Saudi women. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Two hundred and fifty four Saudi pregnant women were surveyed. They were asked about the use and benefits of folic acid before and during pregnancy. This information was collected during regular office visits to the Family Medicine Department at our hospital over a period of 1-year. Questionnaires were completed by the physicians at the patient′s initial clinic visit. Results : 85.4% of the pregnant women were under 35 and 14.6% were over 35. 66% of the studied group started folic acid when they realized they were pregnant; only 22% started before conception. Around 50% of the women gave the correct reason for taking folic acid. Conclusion: There is a definite need to increase the level of awareness in Saudi ladies of the importance of taking folic acid in the preconception period. This can be done during visits for premarital screening and well-woman checks

Optic Atrophy in a Large Specialist Hospital

"Optic atrophy is a frequent presentation in our clinics. It is not a diagnosis but represents permanent retinal ganglion cell loss that warrants investigations to establish etiology. Often the result of ischemic insult or neuritis in developed nations, we have noticed many other causes especially the effects of intracranial tumors. Our purpose was to elucidate the demographics and distribution of causes within our population.