The present study reports the simultaneous analysis of 26 physiological amino acids in plasma along with total cysteine and homocysteine by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) employing 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) as precolumn derivatizing reagent. Separations were carried out using Lichrospher 100 RP-18e (5 μm) 250 × 4.0 mm column connected to 100 CN 4.0 × 4.0 mm guard column on a quaternary HPLC system and run time was 53 min. Linearity of the peak areas for different concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 100 pmol/μL of individual amino acids was determined. A good linearity (R (2) > 0.998) was achieved in the standard mixture for each amino acid. Recovery of amino acids incorporated at the time of derivatization ranged from 95 to 106 %. Using this method we have established the normative data of amino acids in plasma, the profile being comparable to the range reported in literature and identified cases of classical homocystinuria, cobalamin defect/deficiency, non-ketotic hyperglycinemia, hyperprolinemia, ketotic hyperglycinemia, urea cycle defect and maple syrup urine disease.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus consists of dysfunctions characterized by hyperglycemia and resulting from combination of resistance to insulin action and inadequate insulin secretion. Most of diabetic patients report significant gastrointestinal symptoms. Entire GI tract can be affected by diabetes from oral cavity to large bowel and anorectal region. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and most fluids are absorbed in small intestine. Malabsorption may occurs when proper absorption of nutrients does not take place due to bacterial overgrowth or altered gut motility. The present study was planned to measure various malabsorption parameters in type 2 diabetic patients. 175 patients and 175 age and sex matched healthy controls attending Endocrinology Clinic in PGI, Chandigarh were enrolled. Lactose intolerance was measured by using noninvasive lactose hydrogen breath test. Urinary D-xylose and fecal fat were estimated using standard methods. Orocecal transit time and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth were measured using non-invasive lactulose and glucose breath test respectively. Out of 175 diabetic patients enrolled, 87 were males while among 175 healthy subjects 88 were males. SIBO was observed in 14.8 % type 2 diabetic patients and in 2.8 % of controls. There was statistically significant increase (p \ 0.002) in OCTT in type 2 diabetic patients compared with controls. OCTT was observed to be more delayed (p \ 0.003) in patients who were found to have SIBO than in patients without SIBO. Lactose intolerance was observed in 60 % diabetic patients and 39.4 % in controls. Urinary D-xylose levels were also lower in case of diabetic patients but no significant difference was found in 72 h fecal fat excretion among diabetic patients and controls. Urinary D-xylose and lactose intolerance in SIBO positive type 2 diabetic patients was more severe as compared to SIBO negative diabetic patients. From this study we can conclude that delayed OCTT may have led to SIBO which may have instigated the process of malabsorption among type 2 diabetic patients.

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Background: Data on the micronutrient levels in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are not available from developing countries, wherein the nutritional profile of children is quite different from that of Western countries. Methods: Levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E) and trace metals (iron, copper, and zinc) were measured in 27 CF cases and 27 controls. results: CF cases had significantly low levels of all studied micronutrients compared with controls, and the levels were even lower in cases with exacerbation than in stable CF cases. Prevalence of deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, copper, and zinc was significantly higher in cases than in controls, whereas vitamin A deficiency was almost equal in both the groups. conclusion: The prevalence of deficiency of vitamins A, D, and E and iron, copper, and zinc was high in CF cases, and their levels were significantly lower in cases than controls. CF cases should be regularly monitored for these micronutrients, and appropriate supplementation should be considered.

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In recent years, RNA interference (RNAi) has become a tool of choice to analyze and target the in vitro and in vivo function of mammalian genes. RNAi down-regulates gene expression by inducing enzyme-dependent degradation of targeted mRNA. This can be achieved using small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), micro RNAs, and piwi RNAs. These active, small dsRNAs can regulate endogenous genes in both somatic and germ cells such that they can defend the genome from invasive nucleic acids. Extension of the concept of RNAi to preclinical studies indicates its probable application in the treatment of cancers, viral infections, arterial stenosis, and genetic disorders. Exciting results from ongoing clinical trials have raised the expectations of the scientific community for the use of RNAi in "real cures". Rational pharmaceutical design of these molecules can further open a Pandora's box of newer therapeutic options. However, efficient delivery of these small dsRNAs to target tissues or cells and their unanticipated nonspecific effects comprise a few important issues that still need to be addressed. In this review, we offer an overview of different small dsRNAs, their biogenesis, and their applicability in therapeutics. Current delivery strategies and formulation techniques to achieve the desired transfection capability and RNAi products in clinical trials are also discussed.

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