Sachin Patharkar

Abstract

Lead poisoning is a phenomenon which with growing globalization is being a subject of worry.ALA i.e Amino levulinic acid is a precursor of hemoglobin, which is synthesized in mitochondria by two main components succinyl Co-A and glycine in presence of ALA-S i.e. amino levulinic acid-synthase. Urinary ALA (ALA-U) has been a recommended biomarker for lead exposure. Inhibition of Amino levulinic acid-dehydratase (ALA-D) results into activation of ALA-S which further synthesizes ALA, excess of ALA is accumulated in the blood, plasma, urine. Present manuscript is focused on the estimation of levels of ALA in the urine of gasoline and pertol pump workers, by acidifying the urine to extract out ALA and reading it colorimetrically as they are exposed to fumes released by gasoline, petrol, and petroleum products which contains lead. Awareness and safety measures such as protective masks and gears should be provided by the respective organisations to the workers.   Keywords: Estimation of Urinary Delta Aminolevu, ALA- U- Urinary ALA, ALA- D- Amino Levulinic Acid- Dehydratase.

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Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a known global burden involving costly diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, is rampant in urban Indian localities. This study attempts to characterize a subset of proven CKD patients attending out-patient municipal clinics and dispensaries in Mumbai, with an emphasis on the post-COVID scenario. A cross-sectional and longitudinal study was executed in 60 such subjects along with an appropriate number of normal, healthy controls, who were routinely monitored i) up to March 2020, and ii) post-April 2022, the intervening period overlapping with extremely poor and even negligible patient attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic. CKD was estimated by its two most often utilized surrogate markers, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Amongst the participants, we observed slightly increased values in the aforesaid biomarkers, the underlying aetiology of which has not, to our knowledge, been studied in detail. We recommend comprehensive additional studies in order to corroborate our findings.   Keywords: Chronic renal failure, Chronic kidney disease.

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