Association of common genetic polymorphisms with plasma lipid and coronary artery disease in West Bengal population

529-535Both apolipoprotein B (APOB) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) play crucial role in LDL uptake by cells. The association of apob MspI polymorphism and ldl-r AvaII polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD) has already been reported in other populations. Genetic variations in these two gene locus is associated with CAD in West Bengal population was investigated here. Blood samples were collected from angiographically proven 254 CAD patients and age matched 246 healthy people (controls) from different districts of West Bengal, India. Serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipid-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipid-cholesterol (VLDL-C) were evaluated in all the subjects. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP combined with gel electrophoresis. The lipid-profile analysis revealed that TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C were significantly high (p ) in patients than controls. Genotyping study showed that homozygous A+A+ genotype was significantly more prevalent (22% vs 10%, p = 0.0011) among patient group in this population than control. This genotype was also associated with higher LDL-C and TC levels. But there was no significant association of genotypes with serum lipid concentration was evident in APOB gene. The A+A+ genotype could be a genetic marker for CAD

Efficacy, Safety and tolerability of the once-daily 10 cm² rivastigmine patch formulation in the patients with dementia (with probable Alzheimer’s disease)

Back ground: Treatment compliance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease is particularly important as patients receiving regular treatment have a greater chance of slowing or delaying disease progression. Transdermal delivery has the potential for providing continuous drug delivery and steady plasma levels. Current study aimed to evaluate safety and tolerability of rivastigmine patch, to assess patient compliance and to assess the efficacy of treatment in patients with dementia (with probable Alzheimer’s disease).&#x0D; Methods: A total of 112 dementia patients (with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease) from 12 centers were enrolled who were residing with someone in the communities throughout the study. After eligibility, and baseline assessments, patients were entered a 24-week open label treatment phase. All patients were started with application of one 5 cm² patch, followed by an up-titration to the target dose of 10 cm² patch size. Efficacy assessments were performed at weeks 12 and 24 in terms of MMSE and GDS score. Safety was monitored at all assessment points based mainly on the frequency of adverse events.&#x0D; Results: Analysis of baseline and available data until the drop out revealed no significant differentials. Around 95% of the study participants could receive 10 cm² patch size, showing a very high tolerability of the patch. Concurrent medication use also showed significant reduction to 16.3% patient in the end from 25% at baseline. The average MMSE score increased to 19.3 (±3.1) at 12th week and to 20.6(±3.4) at 24th week from 16.8 (±3.2) at baseline. GDS score reduced to 3.7 (±1.4) at 12th week and to 3.2 (±1.3) at 24th week from 4.3 (±1.5) at baseline. Only eight occasions of adverse event was reported (8.2%); no serious adverse event (SAE) were reported. Lost to follow up in the study was 14 (12.5%). Analysis of baseline data shows no significant difference. Their withdrawal seems to be unrelated to the adverse events and treatment outcome. Among the lost to follow up only one 1 (7.1%) had some side effect.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study supports the pharmacokinetic rationale for the rivastigmine patch, indicating that smooth and continuous delivery of rivastigmine translates into an improved tolerability profile versus conventional oral administration, while maintaining clinical effectiveness.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2013; Vol. 29 (1) : 5-14</jats:p

Rabies control in Bangladesh and prediction of human rabies cases by 2030: a One Health approach

Background Bangladesh is making progress toward achieving zero dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030, a global goal set in 2015. Methods Drawing from multiple datasets, including patient immunisation record books and mass dog vaccination (MDV) databases, we conducted a comprehensive analysis between 2011 and 2023 to understand the effectiveness of rabies control programmes and predict human rabies cases in Bangladesh by 2030 using time-series forecasting models. We also compared rabies virus sequences from GenBank in Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. Findings The estimated dog population in Bangladesh was determined to be 1,668,140, with an average dog population density of 12.83 dogs/km2 (95% CI 11.14–14.53) and a human-to-dog ratio of 86.70 (95% CI 76.60–96.80). The MDV campaign has led to the vaccination of an average of 21,295 dogs (95% CI 18,654–23,935) per district annually out of an estimated 26,065 dogs (95% CI 22,898–29,230). A declining trend in predicted and observed human rabies cases has been identified, suggesting that Bangladesh is poised to make substantial progress towards achieving the ‘Zero by 30’ goal, provided the current trajectory continues. The phylogenetic analysis shows that rabies viruses in Bangladesh belong to the Arctic-like-1 group, which differs from those in Bhutan despite sharing a common ancestor. Interpretation Bangladesh's One Health approach demonstrated that an increase in MDV and anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) resulted in a decline in the relative risk of human rabies cases, indicating that eliminating dog-mediated human rabies could be achievable. Funding The study was supported by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Division of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of the People's Republic of Bangladesh