Department of Biochemistry

ROLE OF INFLAMMATORY MARKER TNF-ALPHA AND IL-6 IN PATHOGENESIS OF STROKE

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

ROLE OF INFLAMMATORY MARKER TNF-ALPHA AND IL-6 IN PATHOGENESIS OF STROKE MADIHA SHAKEEL ROLL NO: 06-116212-005 Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, disproportionately affecting populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Pakistan. Despite advances in diagnostics and therapeutics, the roles of inflammatory cytokines—particularly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)—in the pathophysiology of IS remain incompletely understood. These cytokines are central to the neuroinflammatory cascade, influencing immune activation, neuronal survival, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, with dual effects of exacerbating injury and promoting recovery. This observational case–control study aimed to evaluate serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in patients with IS and compare them with individuals having dyslipidemia and healthy controls. A total of 210 participants were recruited and equally stratified into three groups (n = 70). ELISA findings demonstrated significantly higher levels of IL-6 in the stroke patients than in controls (p < 0.001), yet no group differences for TNF-α. Nonetheless, the correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 was highly positive (R² > 0.65), and this may imply that the cytokines share overlapping functions within neuroinflammatory mechanisms. Findings show IL-6 to be employed as a more stable biomarker of stroke severity while TNF-α can be an early but short-term responder. Elevated levels of cytokines were also reported to be related to modifiable risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle and to the overall social determinants of socioeconomic status. viii These findings highlight the prognostic significance of IL-6 in IS and validate the merit of including inflammatory biomarkers in clinical risk scores. Cytokine imbalance modulation with immunomodulatory intervention could provide novel therapeutic options to minimize stroke morbidity and mortality, especially for LMIC patients. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Mehreen Lateef

ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN D AND ZINC WITH INFLAMMATORY MARKERS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MIGRAINE PATIENTS

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF VITAMIN D AND ZINC WITH INFLAMMATORY MARKERS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN MIGRAINE PATIENTS DR AIMEN GULL 06-116222-002 Migraine is the most common neurological condition seen in primary care. Globally its affects 2% of population (out of which 1.5% are female and 0.5% are male). Migraine is an episodic and complex sensory processing disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, with headache being the hallmark feature, typically localized to one side of the head. Numerous studies have investigated the role of biochemical parameters in migraines to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship. This study is an attempt to contribute towards studies that are trying to establish exact cause for prevalence of migraine. The objectives of the study were to compare the biochemical parameters such as Vitamin D, Zinc, IL-10, IFN Gamma, CRP, SOD & MDA. This was a case control study and ethical approval was taken from Bahria University Health Sciences Karachi (BUHSCK). Migraine patients between age 20-40 years were included in cases and healthy participants were included in controls. The calculated sample size of 246 subjects were divided into two groups, out which 123 were cases and 123 were controls. Venous blood sample was taken for measuring different parameters like Vitamin D, Zinc, IL-10, IFN- Gamma, CRP, SOD & MDA. The obtained results were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were presented in terms of frequency with percentages and mean with standard deviation and Median with Interquartile range (IQR). Independent sample t-test was used to compare the mean of baseline characteristics of controls and migraine patients. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the median of skewed and not normally distributed parameters between two study groups. Pearson Correlation was used to check the relationship. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk estimation of migraine. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The mean comparison of baseline characteristics between controls and migraine patients, in control group mean Age (years) was 33.6±4.7, mean BMI (kg/m2) was 27.7±5.1, mean SBP was 122.2±9, mean DBP was 81.8±4.4, mean Temperature was 98.1±0.2, whereas in migraine patients mean Age (years) was33.2±4.6, mean BMI (kg/m2) was 28.4±4.8, mean SBP was 121.5±10, mean DBP was 81.9±4.7, mean Temperature was 98±0.1, Independent sample t-test showed significant mean difference in temperature between controls and migraine patients (p=0.027), all other viii characteristics were found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The comparison results of Vitamin D, Zinc, SOD and MDA between controls and migraine patients, showed in control group samples median for Vitamin D (ng/ml) was 14(IQR=7), median for Zinc (μg/dL) was 88(IQR=11), median for SOD (nm/ml) was 41(IQR=29), and median for MDA (U/mL) was 2(IQR=1), whereas in migraine patients median for Vitamin D (ng/ml) was 20(IQR=15), median for Zinc (μg/dL) was 65(IQR=7) median for SOD (nm/ml) was 10(IQR=4), and median for MDA (U/mL) was 4(IQR=1). Mann Whitney U test gave significant difference in the median of vitamin D, Zinc, SOD, and MDA between controls and migraine patients (p<0.01). The comparison of CRP, IL-10 and IFN Gamma between control and migraine patients, results showed among controls median for CRP level (mg/dL) was 1(IQR=2), median for IL-10 level (pgm/ml) was 301(IQR=1313), and median for IFN gamma (ngm/ml) was 141(IQR=203), whereas in migraine patients median for CRP level (mg/dL) was 2(IQR=4), median for IL-10 level (pgm/ml) was 243(IQR=114), and median for IFN gamma (ngm/ml) was 63(IQR=108). Mann Whitney U test gave significant difference in the CRP levels, IL-10 and IFN gamma between controls and Migraine with p<0.05. Our study concludes that migraine patients exhibit deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc, accompanied by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating a role for oxidative stress in migraine pathogenesis. Increased CRP levels, along with reduced IFN-gamma and IL-10, point to a complex inflammatory response. The relationship between these biomarkers suggests that vitamin D and zinc deficiencies may exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to neuronal damage and enhanced vasodilation, thus contributing to migraine development. These novel insights will aid healthcare professionals in refining the management approaches, allowing for targeted treatments that address underlying nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, and inflammation in migraine patients Supervised by Dr,Sana Ahmad

ASSOCIATION OF EGF GENE POLYMORPHISM rs4444903 WITH DIABETIC FOOT ULCE

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

ASSOCIATION OF EGF GENE POLYMORPHISM rs4444903 WITH DIABETIC FOOT ULCE DR. FAIZZA RASHEED 06-116222-001 The most common and debilitating complication associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), which can increase morbidity, amputation, and the burden on the health system. It begins with a loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic neural functions, leading to amputation and gangrene. Recent advancements suggest that growth factors significantly contribute to the development of diabetic foot ulcers in diabetic patients. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a highly dynamic cytokine that is primarily involved in wound healing as well as tissue reconstruction after injury. EGF gene polymorphism may provide a vision for the molecular mechanism of DFU onset. The goal of this study was to find out the role of EGF gene polymorphism rs4444903 (+61 A>G) with the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). This study may enhance treatment strategies, potentially reducing DFU morbidity and recurrence. The case-control-based study divided the subjects into two groups. Cases with DFU (n = 58) and controls with T2D (n = 116). The subjects were diagnosed cases DM, and DFU, were assessed using the SINBAD classification. The Tetra Primers Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR technique was applied for the amplification and detection of different alleles of EGF gene polymorphism. The Chi square test was used for analysis, which showed EGF SNP rs4444903 was not statistically significant with progression of DFU (p = 0.426). The odds ratio values at p 0.426 suggest that EGF polymorphism is not significantly associated with the DFU but may still increase a risk. The association of genotypes were analyzed by applying genotype models which confirms that the heterozygous variant AG genotype in over-dominant model is statistically significant confirming the risk factor for diagnosis of disease, AG+GG in viii dominant models is not statistically significant, GG in recessive model may play a protective role and it’s the mutant genotype, whereas AG and GG in codominant model are statistically significant and is associated with diagnosing DFU. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Mehreen Lateef

CORRELATION OF XENIN WITH INHERITANCE AND EXISTENCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN FERTILE WOMEN

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

CORRELATION OF XENIN WITH INHERITANCE AND EXISTENCE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN FERTILE WOMEN DR MISBAH RIAZ (06-116212-004) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which numerous small cysts are formed in the ovaries of a woman resulting in an increased production of androgens (male sex hormones). National health services (NHS) has reported a few common symptoms like oily skin, weight gain, complications in conceiving and irregular periods. In most cases, it shows irregular hair growth on different areas such as the chest, face and back. Studies have revealed that the main causes or factors that resulted in PCOS prevalence are still unknown. South Asian women, especially Pakistani women, suffers more from PCOS (around 52%) as compared to white population in UK (20 - 25%). This study is an attempt to contribute towards research/ studies that are trying to establish exact cause for prevalence of PCOS. The objectives of the study were to compare the biochemical parameters and plasma xenin levels in PCOS diagnosed group, probable group and control group. This was a case control study. All women between age 15 - 45 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. The calculated sample size of 105 subjects were divided into three separate study groups (control group, PCOS diagnosed patients and probable group). Venous blood sample was taken for measuring different parameters like FSH, LH, Prolactin, Testosterone, Fasting blood sugar, Fasting Insulin, HbA1c and serum Xenin after taking ethical approval from Bahria University Health Sciences Karachi (BUHSCK). Ultrasound pelvis was done. For statistical analysis SPSS v26 was used. Descriptive statistics were presented in terms of frequency with percentages and mean with standard deviation. ANOA was applied for mean comparison. Cut off values were identified using ROC curve. The P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Mean age for cases, controls and probable group was 30.82±6.60 years, 27.88±6.43 years and 25.94±5.47years. BMI in cases, controls and probable group was 30.91±5.66 kg/m2, 22.69±5.07kg/m2 and 26.08±7.36 kg/m2. Serum FSH in cases, controls and probable groups were 5.68±1.23mIU/ml, 7.59±0.97mIU/ml and 6.56±0.80 mIU/ml S. LH in cases, controls and probable group were 11.35±1.87mIU/ml, 10.19±1.44mIU/ml and 10.70±1.22mIU/ml. Serum LH : FSH was 2.02±0.23, 1.34±0.11 and 1.64±0.18 respectively. Serum Testosterone (nmol/L) was 1.20±0.42, 0.78±0.45 and vii 1.02±0.33. Serum prolactin (μg/L) in cases, control and probable group was 24.40±9.50, 15.34±3.07 and 17.93±4.18. Fasting blood sugar (nmol/L) was 5.55±0.91, 4.98±0.40 and 4.76±0.38 respectively. Fasting insulin levels (mIU/L) were 11.63±5.65, 5.85±2.91 and 7.85±4.19. HbA1c was 5.54±0.78, 5.09±0.39 and 4.94±0.31 respectively. Mean serum xenin was 31.25±2.86 pg/ml in cases, 23.58±3.36 pg/ml in controls and 26.93±3.94 pg/ml in probable with significant mean difference (p=0.000). By ROC Curve, Cut offs values of serum xenin was 27.18 (Sen=82.9%), 27.41(Sen=82.9%) and 27.96(Sen=82.9%) for cases while the cut offs values for serum xenin for proable group was 22.93(sen=82.9%) and 23.01(sen=80%). Increase levels of Xenin were found in cases and probable group than controls Supervised by Prof,Dr.Hassan Ali