Abstract: Previous studies have shown that waist circumference (WC) may be a better predictor of serum testosterone level than body mass index (BMI). The determination of the waist-to-height ratio (WHt ratio) is reported to have certain advantages over other adiposity measures. Our study thus aimed at examining the utility of WHt ratio in addition to WC and BMI in determining their association with testosterone level. The case-control study involved apparently healthy male participants aged between 40 to 60 years. The study participants were divided into normal and abnormal groups according to WC, BMI, WHt ratio with their mean total testosterone level compared. The correlations of total testosterone and adiposity measures along with age adjustments were also determined. Individuals with WC>100cm had a significant low (P=0.003) testosterone level compared to their counterparts with WC<100cm. A significantly lowered (P=0.042) testosterone was observed in the study group with BMI>25kg/m2 compared to the group with <25kg/m2. The study group with a WHt ratio of >0.5 had a significantly lower (P=0.012) testosterone than the group with <0.5. An inverse correlation of testosterone was observed with age (r=-0.567), BMI (r=-0.265), WC (r=-0.406), and WHt ratio (r=-0.412) in the apparently healthy Men studied. After adjustment for age, the correlation observed between testosterone and BMI (P=0.010), testosterone and WC (P=0.004), testosterone and WHt ratio (P=0.014) remained significant. After height adjustment, the correlation between testosterone and WHt ratio (P=0.002) also remained significant. In conclusion, the WHt ratio and WC independent of age were the best predictors of the total testosterone level in men.Abstract: Previous studies have shown that waist circumference (WC) may be a better predictor of serum testosterone level than body mass index (BMI). The determination of the waist-to-height ratio (WHt ratio) is reported to have certain advantages over other adiposity measures. Our study thus aimed at examining the utility of WHt ratio in addition to WC and ...Show More
Abstract: Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common histologic type of primary liver cancer. HCC is the second highest mortality rate out of all major malignant carcinomas worldwide. Objectives: The aims of this study were to establish a rapid and easily handled culture method for sufficient expansion of viable and cytotoxic cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells against HCC. Also, this study aimed to examine the morphologic, phenotypic, and functional characteristics of CIK cells. Method: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured in a preliminary static culture to remove adherent cells. The suspended cells were cultured for 14 days with interferon-γ, human monoclonal anti-CD3 antibody and interleukin‑2. Aliquots of induced PBMCs were harvested weekly to assess informative morphologic and phenotypic features of CIK cells. Mature CIK cells were subjected to functional assays that included the production of TNFα and the cytotoxic effect on HCC cell line, HepG2. Findings: CIK cells could be successfully expanded from all samples with a significant increase in T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells. TNFα concentration in the culture supernatant was significantly increased. The cytotoxic effect of CIK cells on HepG2 cells was nearly 60% at 40:1, effector: target ratio. Regression analysis was used to predict the CIK: HepG2 ratio required to achieve complete cytotoxicity. Conclusion: This study provides a detailed and simple strategy for culturing effective CIK cells. Mature CIK cells showed a high functional capacity against HCC; which will support the further ongoing practice of immunotherapy integration into different current cancer treatment protocols.Abstract: Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common histologic type of primary liver cancer. HCC is the second highest mortality rate out of all major malignant carcinomas worldwide. Objectives: The aims of this study were to establish a rapid and easily handled culture method for sufficient expansion of viable and cytotoxic cytokine-indu...Show More
