Silent information Regulators (SIRT1) gene stimulates antioxidants’ expression, repairs cells damaged by oxidative stress (OS), and prevents the cells’ dysfunction. In particular, the role of different Sirtuins, particularly SIRT1 in reproduction, has been widely studied over the past decade. Decreased SIRT 1 causes mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage in both male and female gametes (Sperms and Oocytes), leading to infertility. In the female reproductive system, SIRT1 regulates proliferation and apoptosis in granulosa cells (GCs), and its down-regulation is associated with a reduced ovarian reserve. SIRT1 also modulates the stress response to OS in GCs by targeting a transcription factor vital for ovarian functions and maintenance.

Objective: We aimed to assess the levels of adipokine and their relation to gestational diabetic related clinical phenotypes and fetal growth parameters. Material and methods: International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study criteria was used to classify gestational diabetic cases (n = 208) and euglycemic controls (n = 300). ELISA assays were performed for insulin, chemerin, leptin, and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Mann–Whitney U test, Chi-square/Fisher exact test, multiple regression analyses, and ROC curves were applied with significant p values of <0.05. Results: Levels of chemerin, IL-18, and leptin were seven-, four-, and five-folds higher in cases versus controls, respectively (p < 0.01). The adipokine showed strong positive correlation with fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fetal weight (p < 0.01). Odds of GDM association remained significant for chemerin (OR 1.522; 1.097–2.110) and leptin (OR 2.579; 1.503–4.425) while all associations were lost for IL-18 (p > 0.05) after multiple adjustments. Raised chemerin levels were identified in 96% cases (n = 201) employing the proposed cut off value >15.49 ng/ml. Conclusion: High chemerin and leptin levels are seen in GDM which may be associated with subclinical inflammation suggesting a role in development of insulin resistance.

Introduction: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial community resulted in a ban on drugs as the growth promoter in poultry feed. This situation demands to explore alternatives as food supplements with health benefit to poultry. Therefore, probiotic microorganisms, which are considered as safe and possess various health benefits can be a choice. Present study was designed to explore the probiotic potential of the isolated lactobacillus species in chickens. Methodology: Out of 220 samples, 100 Lactobacillus species were isolated from various regions of chicken intestine. They were further characterized on the basis of morphology, staining and catalase test. Species-level identification was made by amplifying Lactobacillus specific 16S rRNA gene. Out of 100 isolates, 21 were selected for sequencing on the basis of band intensity. Results: Among 21 sequences, 16 were identified as L. paracasei (n = 6), L. salivarius (n = 3), L. johnsonii (n = 3), and L. agilis, L. fermentum, L. sakei, and L. curvatus (n = 1 each). These strains were found to be significantly acid-tolerant with 81.68 - 85.01% survival rate at pH 2)and bile-tolerant with 81.96 -84.65% survival rate at 0.3% bile. Except three; all strains showed salt tolerance to 2% and 4% NaCl. Among 21 Lactobacillus strains, 6 showed good antimicrobial activities against S. aureus, Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli. Conclusion: Lactobacillus species with probiotic property can be used in poultry feed formulation for their health benefit to combat gastrointestinal infections.

The purpose of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to examine the relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and breast cancer. Literature was searched through PubMed database, Google scholar, and the web of knowledge from December 2015 to January 2017 and consists of 34 studies (26,372 cases and 32,883 controls). All statistical measures were done using STATA version 11.2. The heterogeneity among studies was tested using I² statistics. Mantel–Haenszel method and DerSimonian–Laird method were used to combine data from studies using both random-effect model and fixed-effect model, respectively. Potential publication bias was evaluated by Egger’s test. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to evaluate the quality and consistency in results. The results of this meta-analysis revealed that VDR gene polymorphisms (Bsm1 bb vs BB; SOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.054–1.322, Apa1 aa vs AA; SOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.87–1.59, Poly (A) LL vs SS; SOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.06–1.88, Fok1 ff + Ff vs FF; SOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.896–1.759, Apa1 aa+Aa vs AA; SOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.95–1.35, Poly (A) LL + LS vs SS; SOR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.00–1.43, Poly (A) L vs S; SOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03–1.35) are associated with the breast cancer. Cdx2, Bgl1, and Taq1 do not show association with breast cancer. Thus, the finding of this meta-analysis concluded that VDR Bsm1, Apa1, Fok1, and Poly (A) gene polymorphisms may be susceptible for breast cancer development.

The worldwide spread and increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is of utmost concern and a problem for public health. This resistance is mainly conferred by carbapenemase production. Such strains are a potential source of outbreaks in healthcare settings and are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the dominance of NDM-producing Enterobacteriaceae at a teaching hospital in Karachi. A total of 238 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were collected from patients admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (Unit 4) in Karachi, Pakistan, a tertiary care hospital. Phenotypic and genotypic methods were used for detection of metallo-β-lactamase. Out of 238 isolates, 52 (21.8%) were CRE and 50 isolates were carbapenemase producers, as determined by the CARBA NP test; two isolates were found negative for carbapenemase production by CARB NP and PCR. Four carbapenemase-producing isolates phenotypically appeared negative for metallo-β-lactamase (MBL). Of the 52 CRE isolates, 46 (88.46%) were bla_NDM positive. Most of the NDM producers were Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli. In all the NDM-positive isolates, the bla_NDM gene was found on plasmid. These isolates were found negative for the VIM and IPM MBLs. All the CRE and carbapenem-sensitive isolates were sensitive to colistin. It is concluded that the NDM is the main resistance mechanism against carbapenems and is dominant in this region.

Objective: The increased prevalence of adverse effects of altered thyroid functions in pregnancy inspired us to study the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and the relationship with glycaemic control and foetal weight in pregnant females with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Pakistani population. Patients and methods: Five hundred and eight pregnant females were enrolled and grouped as per the International Diabetes Association criteria into GDM (n = 208) and healthy control (n = 300). Random blood glucose (RBG), thyroid function tests, anthropometric analysis and foetal ultra sound scans were performed on all study subjects. Data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square test wherever applicable. Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis were performed. p values of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 61.5% GDM subjects depicted SCH with normal circulating T4 and T3 versus 6.0% healthy controls (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, TSH remained independently associated with RBG (r = 0.109; p < 0.05), poor glycaemic control (r = 0.227; p < 0.001) and negatively associated with foetal growth (r = −0.206; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The detection of high TSH with normal T3 and T4 in females with GDM strongly emphasises the need of thyroid screening as a routine in all antenatal clinics.