Despite the relative abundance of sunny weather, surprisingly, there is increasing evidence that vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in females of reproductive age in Middle East countries. There is also increasing interest in the non-classical roles of vitamin in health and disease including its relation to incidence of gestational diabetes, its impact on glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus, and its association with some complications of pregnancy like preeclampsia. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant diabetic patients in west Libya and analyse potential links to socioeconomic and cultural factors. This is a cross sectional observational study. Random plasma was collected form expected mothers attending the Antenatal Diabetes Clinic at Tripoli’s Main Maternity Hospital. Demographics and socioeconomic and cultural factors were recorded at the same time. Samples were analysed for vitamin D level and biochemical screening panel. Vitamin D level was obtained from 160 patients (mean age 35 years). Over all 95 % of the study population had vitamin D levels below normal (defined as vitamin D level of < 20 ng/mL). Results were subcategorised into severe deficiency ( 30 ng/ml, only 1.3%, 2 patients). All patients were taking daily vitamin D Supplements at a dose of 400 IU as per hospital policy. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in pregnant diabetic patients in Libya. There is no clear association with socioeconomic risk factors like employment, type of accommodation or geographic distribution. However, most of the study population had life style characterized by minimal exposure to direct sun arabic 11 English 70
G Murad, A Bashein(1-2019)

Abstract: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of lipid metabolism, associated with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDLC), which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease and early death. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment is important to prevent morbidity and mortality. Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH) is largely due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene (LDLR), the apolipoprotein B-100 gene (APOB), or the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). In this study, genomic DNA of unrelated Libyan individuals with clinically diagnosed (FH) was analyzed by direct sequencing after dependent specific PCR primers amplification and DNA purification. That led to the identification of PCSK9 gene mutations for the first time in Libyan population which was compare to other populations. All 12 exons of PCSK9 gene and boundaries genotyped polymorphisms were sequenced, including leucine repeats coded in exon 1, by fluorescently tagged markers. We identified an allele for the rs67610340 polymorphism: an in-frame deletion, c.61_63delCTG (L8). We also identified another allele rs67610340 polymorphism: an in frame insertion c.61_63InsCTG (L10). The insertion and deletion alleles were both in exon 1 and could be associated with a risk and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), suggesting a direct effect of PCSK9 on atherogenesis. arabic 11 English 90
Ghada Salem, Ahmed Zaid(1-2017)

The detection of somatic mutations in tumours is essential for the understanding of cancer development and targeting therapy. The screening for BRAF V600E mutation is employed in clinical practice in Libya for its prognostic and potentially predictive role in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). Using of BRAF mutant DNA and wild type DNA targets, we found that the sensitivity of allelic discrimination-Real Time PCR was applicable. The Real Time PCR assay displayed increased analytical sensitivity in detecting the BRAF V600E mutation. The association of BRAF mutations with clinical and pathological features was assessed using Real Time PCR assay. Qiagen Real Time PCR Platform was utilised using a set of primers. forward 5-GAC. CTC. ACA. GTA. AAA. ATA. GGT. G 3, reverse 5-TCC. AGA. CAA. CTG. TTC. AAA. CTG. A. 3. Our study indicates that Real Time PCR-based assays is convenient to detect the BRAF V600E mutation in CRC and that BRAF mutations screening should not be restricted to selected patients on the basis of the clinicalpathological characteristics. arabic 9 English 63
Abdul M Gbaj, Abdulla Bashein(1-2018)