African health sciences
-
African health sciences · Mar 2024
Effects of SNPs on TNF-α and IL-10 cytokine expression in TB and HIV patients in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
The impact of Tuberculosis (TB) places an immense burden on the health care system. Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a significant risk factor in the development and progression of TB disease. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumour Necrotic Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) may play a major role in the disease mechanism and understanding these mechanisms might prove to be a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating the immune regulation and progression of the disease. ⋯ Our data showed that the gene variants were not associated with circulating plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in our study population. A pro-inflammatory environment was found in the TB and TB-HIV groups, which is suggesting of bacterial clearance, while an anti-inflammatory environment was found in the HIV group, which suggests the suppression of viral replication.
-
African health sciences · Mar 2024
Kenyan adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increase diabetic knowledge and self-efficacy and decrease hemoglobina1c levels post-educational program.
Literature supports the relationship between increased diabetic knowledge and improved health outcomes among individuals with Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In Kenya, knowledge gaps within the at-risk population still exist about the symptoms, complications, and management strategies of T2DM, making it challenging to achieve the required personal and community health levels. The project's objective was to determine whether a structured educational intervention for patients in Eldoret, Kenya, would increase diabetic knowledge and self-efficacy and reduce HbA1c levels. ⋯ This study reveals the effect of a structured education intervention in increasing diabetic knowledge and self-efficacy while reducing HbA1c levels in T2DM patients in Eldoret, Kenya.
-
African health sciences · Mar 2024
Factors influencing use of contraceptives among literate married women in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area, Oyo State.
Contraceptives uses are issues of concern around the world due to the adverse effects of unsafe sexual behaviours, such as unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among women. ⋯ Majority of the respondents attested to the factors influencing contraceptive use among literate married women. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that contextual and cultural considerations are recommended for comprehensive understanding of factors influencing contraceptive use among Nigerian women, educative interventions by service providers on the necessity of continuous contraception even at older age before menopause should be recommended.
-
African health sciences · Mar 2024
The cytotoxic, genotoxic and mitotoxic effects of Atractylis gummifera extract in vitro.
The Mediterranean thistle Atractylis gummifera L. (Asteraceae; AG) has diterpenoid glucosides; atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside that interact with mitochondrial protein adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) and resulted in ATP inhibition. Despite its well-known toxicity, acute poisonings still occur with this plant. Although most symptoms are attributed to ANT and diterpenoids interaction, in-depth investigation of the effects of AG extract on various cellular processes has not been performed. ⋯ this work highlights cellular and mitochondrial adverse effects of Atractylis gummifera extracts. A purified fraction that likely corresponds to ATR derivatives induces MPTP opening leading to swelling of mitochondria and its dysfunction. Allium cepa test provides the evidence for A. gummifera genotoxicity and cytotoxicity.