Graves' disease (GD) is an organ-specific heterogenous autoimmune disorder associated with T-lymphocyte abnormality affecting the thyroid, eyes and skin. GD is a multifactorial disease that develops as a result of complex interaction between genetic susceptibility genes and environmental factors. It has been suggested that the Cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4) is a genetic susceptibility candidate for GD. The present study was focused on A/G polymorphism at position 49 in exon-1 of the CTLA-4 gene in 80 GD patients (GP) and 80 sex and age matched healthy individuals among South Indian (Madurai) population. Serum concentrations of thyroid hormone (T 4 , T 3 and TSH) were determined by using automated analyzer. The genomic DNA was isolated from the patient and control groups and genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme analysis using Bbv1. Significant difference (P \ 0

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a commonly inherited disorder in humans, with a frequency of 1 in 100 in the general population. ADPKD is caused by mutations in PKD1 gene (85%) located on human chromosome 16p13.3; Mutations in the PKD2 gene contribute to 15% of ADPKD incidence and is located on human chromosome 4q21 -23. A total of hundred ADPKD patients and age and sex matched healthy individuals were selected for the study. The study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ADPKD, lipid profile and level of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), iron (Fe) and potassium (K) in patients with ADPKD and in healthy individuals. The lipid profile was analyzed using commercially available span kit and semiautoanalyzer (Erba, Chem 5X). The Ca, Na, Fe and K concentrations were estimated by flame photometry (ELICO, CL 22D) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (ELICO, SL 173) and significant changes were noted at p < 0.05. The ADPKD patients were observed to have lipid abnormalities, hyponatremia, cholesterolemia, renal osteodystrophy, cardiovascular problems and anemia. Therefore, the study reveals an association between the lipid profile and Ca, Na, Fe and K levels with ADPKD among South Indian population.

The kidneys serve an essential regulatory role in most of the animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are important in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions like regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid-base balance and regulation of blood pressure (via maintaining salt and water balance). They also serve as natural filter of the blood and remove wastes that are diverted to the urinary bladder. By producing urine, the kidneys excrete wastes such as urea and ammonia. The kidneys are responsible for reabsorption of water, glucose, amino acids and trace elements. They also produce hormones including calcitriol, renin and erythropoietin. The kidney is approximately 11-14 cm long, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick. Each adult kidney weighs between 125 and 170 g in males and between 115 and 155 g in females. The left kidney is typically slightly larger than the right kidney. Each kidney is made up of about 1 million microprocessor units called nephrons.

No abstract