Background: Menopausal health in our environment has received little attention. As a independent risk factor for dyslipidemia, the degree and pattern of derangement, though difficult to assess may adversely affect the cardiovascular health of our women.Objectives: To estimate the serum lipid profile and the atherogenic index of plasma among the pre and post- menopausal women.Materials and Methods: After an overnight fasting blood samples were collected from a group of 339 women, 140 premenopausal aged between 25-50 years and 199 postmenopausal aged between 51-70 years. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and HDL-cholesterol were estimated by enzymatic methods and LDL-cholesterol by established mathematical methods. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated by using the formula (logTG/HDL-C). Statistical analysis was carried out in the two groups using the unpaired t test. Results were expressed as mean±SD. P values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.Results: There were statistically significant increase in serum TC (191.21±45.50 mg/dl), TG (185.83± 111.83 mg/dl) and LDL-C (118.71±38.48 mg/dl) in post-menopausal women. Their HDL-C level (38.67±10.00mg/dl) was significantly decreased. The calculated atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was significantly higher (0.63±0.27) in post-menopausal women as compared to that in premenopausal women (0.50±0.29).Conclusion: Menopause leads to changes in lipid profile. By elevating LDL and the reduction of cardioprotective HDL is an indication that menopause is an independent risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. These changes are caused by loss of cardio-protective effect of oestrogen.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 1: Jan 2018, P 44-49

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting more than 135 million people in the world. The etiology of the disease is not fully understood, but recently subclinical hemochromatosis has been considered as one of the probable causes of DM. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between serum ferritin as a marker of iron overload with DM and HbA1c.Materials & Method: This study was conducted in the Biochemistry department of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka; over a period of 18 months from July 2013 to December 2014. In this case control study, 46 patients with type 2 diabetes were taken as case, who were referred to theoutpatient department of "Ibrahim General Hospital & Diabetic care & Educational Center"(DCEC). 46 normal individuals were included as the control group, who were matched with the case group regarding age, sex, BMI and Hb%. Ferritin, hemoglobin, HbA1c and fasting plasma sugar were measured in blood samples. Exclusion criteria included anaemia, or any other disease or drug that could affect ferritin levels.Result: Results were analyzed statistically by Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient test and Odds ratio.Mean serum ferritin was significantly higher in diabetics than in the control group (197.97±75.99 µgm/L vs. 64.24±27.83 µgm/L, p<0.001). There was significant positive correlation between serum ferritin and HbA1cin diabetic patients (p<0.001). In this study, OR of 11.64 was also found.Conclusion: Serum ferritin is positively correlated with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. And this may be an important and independent predictor for development of diabetes mellitus.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 1: Jan 2018, P 29-33

Objectives: This study was aimed at looking into the perceptions of Bangladeshi teachers of Anatomy regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using glass slide and microscope in the teachinglearning of Histology in the practical classes at the undergraduate level of medical education in Bangladesh. Methods: Interviews were carried out with 21 teachers of Anatomy from ten medical colleges of Bangladesh from January to December, 2014. Results: The interviewee teachers identified five basic advantages of traditional light microscopy in the teaching-learning of practical Histology. They were: positive psychological impact on students, contributions in long-time memorization of topics, development of practical skills and development of diagnostic capability, and direct one-to-one contact. The five basic disadvantages identified were: difficulty in understanding by the students, difficulty in guidance and feedback, inadequacy of good slides, difficulty in arranging revision classes and discomfort in handling microscopes. Use of computer-based supporting aids has been suggested for improving the teaching and learning. Conclusions: Study findings revealed several advantages and disadvantages of traditional light microscopy based practical Histology teaching-learning as perceived by the teachers. Suggestions regarding improvement through blending computer based supporting aids to the traditional light microscopy were also noted.

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