Journal of Aziz Fatimah Medical & Dental College

Exploring the Relationship Between Lipid Profiles and Kidney Health: A Study Using Basic Lipid Analysis Techniques

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: This study was intended to investigate the relationship between lipid profiles and kidneys functionality in a specific group of patients residing in Sialkot, Punjab, utilizing basic lipid analysis techniques.

Methodology: After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 participants aged 18 years and above, recruited from the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Government Khawaja M. Safdar Medical College. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD), while those with acute infections or significant comorbidities were excluded. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and laboratory assessments of lipid profiles (total cholesterol levels in serum, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins particles in serum). Moreover, the kidney function parameters (such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) were also carefully observed. Statistical analyses, including correlation and regression analysis, were performed using SPSS software.

Results: The findings indicated a significant association between dyslipidemia and impaired kidney function. Elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were correlated with amplified serum creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. Additionally, a decrease in HDL was noted in participants with advanced stages of CKD. The results demonstrated that lipid profiles could serve as potential biomarkers for kidney health assessment in the South Asian population.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of monitoring blood lipids in patients at risk for CKD, suggesting that dyslipidemia may exacerbate kidney dysfunction. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to establish causality and provide a deeper insight into the underlying mechanisms linking lipid metabolism with general condition of the kidney.

Impaired Fibrinolysis in Pregnancy Failure

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To explore the association between plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels and women experiencing recurrent miscarriages with no live births to those who have had one or more live births.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study included healthy women aged 18–35 years with a history of two or more consecutive miscarriages before 20 weeks of gestation, after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. The study was conducted in a local private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Women with medical and reproductive disorders were excluded. Seventy-five females were selected for the collection of blood samples. Plasma Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were measured using a Human PAI-1 ELISA kit.

Results: Among women with recurrent pregnancy loss, 18.7% had elevated PAI-1 levels, which was significantly correlated with fewer live births (P < 0.05). Notably, 87.5% of those with increased PAI-1 had no live children, while only 12.5% had two or more live children.

Conclusion: Elevated plasma levels of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 can disrupt fetomaternal circulation and may contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Association of FTO Gene Variant (rs9939609) with Antidiabetic Drug Response in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: Our earlier work demonstrated that the FTO gene variant rs9939609 not only predicts cardiovascular disease risk but also has a strong association with diabetes-related micro-and macrovascular complications. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic response to antidiabetic drugs in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stratified by their FTO rs9939609 genotypes.

Methodology: After obtaining ethical approval, this three-month prospective cohort study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Medical College & Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. A total of 140 T2DM patients with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD) were enrolled. All participants, of either gender and taking antidiabetic medications were followed for a period of three months. The therapeutic response was evaluated based on glycemic control, primarily through changes in HbA1c levels.

Results: In our study, 66% of participants were male and 34% were female. Non-responders had a significantly longer duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with a mean duration of 7.6 years compared to 6.2 years in responders (p = 0.002). Based on their therapeutic response, 76 (54.3%) patients were classified as responders while 64 (45.7%) were classified as non-responders. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between responders and non-responders in genotype distribution (p = 0.404) or allele frequencies (p = 0.500). Furthermore, when assessing the association between the FTO gene rs9939609 genotypes and response to different classes of antidiabetic medications, no significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies were observed between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study revealed no significant association between treatment response and the FTO rs9939609 genotypes or alleles. However, individuals with the AA genotype and risk allele (A) exhibited substantially higher levels of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG) as compared to other genotypes.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of cellular retinol binding protein-1 expression across histological grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To analyze the correlation between cellular retinol-binding protein-1 (CRBP-1) expression and tumor grade, differentiation, and invasiveness in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methodology: This retrospective immunohistochemical study was conducted at Pathology Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from January 2024 to May 2025 after ethical approval. A total of 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue specimens were retrieved and graded histologically. An anti-CRBP-1 antibody was used for immunohistochemical staining. Expression levels were semi-quantitatively scored and correlated with tumor grade (well, moderately, and poorly differentiated).

Results: Out of 30 OSCC cases, strong CRBP-1 positivity was observed in 14 cases (46.7%). Among these, 4 cases (28.6%) were well-differentiated, 8 cases (57.1%) were moderately differentiated, and 2 cases (14.3%) were poorly differentiated. Another 14 cases (46.7%) showed weak CRBP-1 expression, while 2 cases (6.7%) were negative. A statistically significant inverse correlation was found between CRBP-1 expression and tumor grade (Spearman’s p = –0.52; p < 0.01), indicating reduced expression in less differentiated tumors.

Conclusion: CRBP-1 expression is inversely associated with histological grade in OSCC, suggesting its potential role as a differentiation marker and possible prognostic indicator.

Relationship Between Plasma B-type Natriuretic Peptide and Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Aqib, Muhammad Umer — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To compare the mean B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with and without atrial fibrillation in postoperative cardiac surgery.

Methodology: After ethical approval, a prospective cohort study was conducted at the Cardiac Surgery Department, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore from January 2024 to January 2025. A total of 79 patients aged 45-60 years who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valvular surgery and had no preoperative history of atrial fibrillation were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. All subjects underwent electrocardiography (ECG) before and after the procedure to assess atrial fibrillation until discharge. BNP levels and routine blood chemistry were also recorded preoperatively.

Results: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurred in 18 patients (22.8%). The mean preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in patients who developed AF was 614.22 ± 1.26, compared to 443.32 ± 1.15 in those without AF (p < 0.001). Gender was significantly associated with the occurrence of AF with 5 (11.6%) males and 13 (36.1%) females diagnosed (p=0.015).

Conclusion: Preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels predict postoperative AF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. BNP levels could be used to better stratify patients in this respect.

Comparative Effects of Perturbation-Based Balance Training and Whole-Body Vibration on Balance and Gait in Subacute Stroke Patients

Rida Aziz, Sana Riaz, Sameena Pari, Areeba Aziz, Nirmal Javed, Laraib Khan — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To explore the comparative effects of perturbation-based balance training (PBBT) and whole-body vibration (WBV) on balance and gait in patients during the subacute phase of stroke.

Methodology: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at DHQ Hospital, Sialkot and included twenty-eight participants with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who were between 12–20 weeks post stroke, aged 40–60 years, able to stand independently, walk 2 meters, and score >20/56 on Berg Balance Scale. The participants were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The study was carried out over a ten-month period, from April 2022 to January 2023, following ethical approval. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups using computer-generated numbers (n=14 each). Group 1 received balance-oriented training with unidentified perturbations combined with conventional physical therapy, while Group 2 received whole-body vibration therapy with conventional physical therapy. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) were used as outcome measures, assessed at baseline and after six weeks of intervention. The independent t-test and paired t-test were used to identify differences within and between groups, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Significant differences were detected in the scores of the BBS and DGI between the two groups. The within-group analyses for both Group 1 and Group 2 indicated significant improvements, with more marked improvements in the perturbation-based balance training (PBBT) group. Baseline comparison of BBS and DGI showed mean differences of 0.83 and 0.50, respectively, with p > 0.05, indicating similarity at baseline. Post-intervention comparison for the BBS showed a mean score of 31.91±3.87 in the PBBT group and 26.58±3.98 in the WBV group. For the DGI, the mean score was 14.66±1.61 in the PBBT group and 12.41±1.92 in the WBV group.

Conclusion: The study concluded that while both interventions resulted in significant improvements in balance and gait, PBBT led to greater improvements than WBV.

Unveiling a Hidden Health Crisis: Frequency of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in the adult Population of Pakistan

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective:To evaluate the frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia among young adults in Faisalabad and Sargodha, Pakistan. Through this study, we also tried to assess the risk factors and harmful contributors to osteoporosis and osteopenia in young adults to reveal any novel implications that have been missed until now.

Methodology:After ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted at Rai Medical College, Sargodha, recruiting 382 adults (age 18 years and above) from Faisalabad and Sargodha between August and September 2023, using non-probability convenience sampling. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using a SONOST 3000 calcaneal quantitative ultrasound device (measuring BUA and SOS), and participants were classified according to WHO-adapted T-score criteria as normal, osteopenia (T score greater than -2.5 and less than or equal to -1.0), and osteoporosis (T score less than or equal to -2.5).

Results:Normal BMD was observed in 76.7 percent (n=293) of participants, osteopenia in 16.2 percent (n=62), and osteoporosis in 7.1 percent (n=27). A strong age-related increase was evident (p value less than 0.001); participants over 60 years had 34.5 percent osteopenia and 22.4 percent osteoporosis, accounting for 26 of the 27 osteoporosis cases. Gender analysis showed that 13.9 percent of women were osteoporotic, with all osteoporosis cases occurring in females.

Conclusion:Females aged 50 years and above in Punjab exhibit the highest burden of low bone density, driven by aging, sedentary behaviour, malnutrition, and socioeconomic factors. Implementing early, affordable QUS screening and gender-focused public health interventions is essential to reduce future fracture risk in Pakistan.

Frequency of Plummer Vinson Syndrome in Patients with Dysphagia

Khansa Tariq, Danish Hassnain, Hafiz Sajjad Hyder, Kashif Nawaz — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Plummer–Vinson syndrome (PVS) in patients who present with dysphagia.

Methodology: After ethical approval, this cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of ENT, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, from July 2021 to January 2022. Patients aged 20 to 60 years who complained of difficulty in swallowing for more than two weeks were enrolled. Patients with dysphagia due to neurological causes or malignancy of the upper digestive tract were excluded. Each patient underwent barium swallow scan and CBC to evaluate for esophageal webs and iron deficiency anemia. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 25, and p less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of patients was 37.75 ± 8.35 years. 61% of the cases were within 20 to 40 years of age range. Females were 74.9% of the study population (M:F ratio 1:2.9). The mean duration of symptoms was 5.93 ± 1.46 weeks. Plummer–Vinson syndrome was identified in 24 (8.14%) patients and there was higher prevalence among females (p=0.048).

Conclusion: Plummer–Vinson syndrome is not uncommon among patients who present with dysphagia, and it occurs predominantly in females. Early screening for iron deficiency and timely intervention can prevent complications and malignant progression.

Marked by Violence: A Retrospective Study of Documented Police Torture Cases in Faisalabad

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the documented medico-legal certificates of police torture cases in Faisalabad, following the enactment of the anti-torture act.

Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed 181 medico-legal certificates issued by the District Standing Medical Board in 2024. Data extracted included demographic profiles, types and anatomical distribution of injuries, mechanisms of trauma, and the need for specialist referrals. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: The majority of victims were male (80%), with two-thirds aged 26–59 years. Laborers represented the most affected occupational group (47%). Injuries were predominantly inflicted to the limbs (58%), with blunt force trauma accounting for 85% of cases. Common lesions included bruises and abrasions. Notably, 72% of referred cases required radiological evaluation, with others requiring neurosurgical or ENT referrals.

Conclusions: Our findings reveal systematic and targeted use of non-lethal violence by law enforcement. The disconnect between legal reform and institutional practice underscores the urgent need for Istanbul Protocol-based documentation, improved medico-legal training, oversight of detention facilities, and stronger implementation of anti-torture legislation

Comparison of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activities with Oral Health Status Among School-Going Children

Maria Moin, Rabbia Imtiaz, Beenish Fatima — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To assess physical activity, sedentary behavior, and their relationship with oral health status among schoolchildren in Karachi.

Methodology: After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 to 28 February 2025 among 100 schoolchildren aged 12–16 years at a private school in Karachi. Participants were selected through purposive sampling after obtaining parental consent and child assent. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, oral hygiene habits, physical activity, and sedentary behavior, alongside clinical examinations. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with less than 150 minutes/week considered insufficient. Sedentary behavior was classified as less than 7.5 or more than or equal to 7.5 hours/day. Oral health was assessed through the Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS.

Results: Of the participants, 63% were aged 12–16 years and 64% were female. More than half (57%) engaged in less than 150 minutes/week of physical activity, while 29% reported sedentary behavior of more than or equal to 7.5 hours/day. Although 99% brushed daily, only 49% brushed twice daily, and flossing was rare (4%). Clinically, 37% showed mild plaque, 30% mild gingivitis, and 16% had DMFT more than 2. The mean scores were as follows: Dental Plaque Index 0.74 ± 0.60, Gingival Index 0.65 ± 0.45, and DMFT 1.01 ± 1.42.

Conclusion: High sedentary behavior and insufficient physical activity were common among schoolchildren and were associated with suboptimal oral hygiene and mild periodontal conditions. Promoting active lifestyles alongside oral health education in schools is essential to improve oral health.

Exploring Anxiety and Depression Across ABO Blood Groups Among Future Healthcare Professionals

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To explore depression & anxiety across ABO blood groups of medical, dental, physiotherapy and nursing students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Frontier Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad, from April to May 2025 after IRB approval. A google form was distributed via WhatsApp to medical, dental, nursing, and physical therapy students. The survey included demographic details and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Scores >8 on either subscale indicated anxiety or depression. The sample size, calculated as 196, was increased to 286 for better validity. Participants included first- to final-year students of both genders, while those with pre-diagnosed psychiatric conditions or on related medications were excluded. Convenience sampling was used. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data.

Results: A total of 286 students (mean age 21.0 ± 2.24 years) participated, including MBBS (50.7%), Nursing (26.9%), DPT (15.7%), and BDS (6.6%) students. Blood group B was the most common, and 86.7% of participants were Rh-positive. Although anxiety was more frequent in students with blood group B, the association was not statistically significant (p=0.082). Depression was most common in blood group O, with significantly higher mean depression scores observed across different blood groups (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Anxiety was more frequent in students with blood group B, while depression was most common and significantly associated with blood group O.

Breast Self-Examination (BSE): Knowledge, Awareness, Attitude, and Practice Among Female Undergraduate Medical Students of a Public Sector Medical College in Punjab, Pakistan.

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: Our study aims to assess the knowledge, awareness, attitude, and practice of Breast Self-Examination (BSE) among female undergraduate medical students.

Methodology: After receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and obtaining written informed consent from the participants, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 117 female undergraduate medical students from the 1st year to the final year, from July 2024 to September 2024, at Sahiwal medical college, a public sector institution in Punjab, Pakistan. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire via a convenience sampling technique and analyzed using SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages).

Results: Of the 117 participants, 17.9% (n=21) were from the 1st year, 18.8% (n=22) from the 2nd year, 23.1% (n=27) from the 3rd year, 21.4% (n=25) from the 4th year, and 18.8% (n=22) were from the final year. The study shows that two-thirds of participants have adequate knowledge of BSE. Similarly, 105 (89.7%) participants find BSE easy to perform, while 59 (50.4%) reported practicing it.

Conclusion: Medical students have a better understanding of breast cancer and its earlier diagnosis, which contributes to a positive attitude towards BSE. Awareness regarding BSE should also be promoted among the general population to help control this disease.

Plasma Exeresis Therapy in Combination with Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy: A Novel Approach to Achieving Repigmentation in Vitiligo

Tanzeela Khalid, Maha Tariq, Rooha Tariq, Ridda Ather — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To determine the role of plasma exeresis in causing repigmentation in patients with vitiligo.

Methods: Six patients with vitiligo were selected on the basis of pre-determined inclusion criteria. They were undergoing NBUVB phototherapy along with topical calcineurin inhibitors application. They were subjected to 3 sessions of plasma exeresis under topical anaesthesia. They were called on follow up on a weekly basis and results were noted with the help of serial photographs and physician assessment. Patient satisfaction of the treatment was also noted.

Results: One out of the six patients were lost to follow up. The patients VASI score for the tested patches tested showed a significant decrease. The patient satisfaction according to Likert scale was recorded at 5 for all 5 patients at the end point.

Conclusion: Plasma exeresis therapy has proven to be a safe and effective new modality in stable vitiligo in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin types from IV to VI