BioMed Target Journal

Assessing the Impact of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Regulatory Gene Polymorphism in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

2023-08-22T13:05:04-06:00

Diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes, may be influenced by genetic factors, including the Aldose Reductase (ALR₂) gene polymorphism. There is a crucial need to understand how the polymorphism in the ALR2 gene contributes to diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the impact of ALR2 gene polymorphism on diabetic retinopathy, alongside assessing inflammatory markers and antioxidant status among diabetic patients residing in Kano State, Nigeria. In this study, 40 participants were enrolled; the participants were divided into 4 groups, with three test groups (diabetes mellitus, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups) and the control group. The investigation encompassed and incorporated the prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism within the ALR2 promoter region, in combination with the assessment of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, vitamin A and aldose reductase concentrations. The findings revealed a 6.7% prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the control group compared to the diabetic, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups. The result also revealed elevated CRP, hsCRP, and MDA levels in the study groups compared to the control group. However, weak negative correlation values were found between vitamin A levels and ALR₂ concentrations, indicating a complex relationship that warrants further investigation. Molecular analysis unveiled single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at nucleotide position -106 within two samples (DR6 and D3). This followed the successful amplification of the specified AR2 gene DNA segment through a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methodology. Subsequently, DNA sequencing was performed using the ABI Prism BigDyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit on the ABI PrismTM 3730/3730XL DNA Sequencer. In addition, there was no significant (p > 0.05) observed correlation between ALR₂ and MDA (r= 0.026) or CRP (r= -0.077). The study identified a 6.7% prevalence of ALR2 gene polymorphism in diabetic retinopathy patients, alongside elevated inflammatory markers and MDA levels. Moreover, in the present finding, all control group had the C (CC genotype) allele, while the study group had 90% C allele and 10% T allele. The T allele showed no significant association with DR 1.00 (OR 95% CI: 0.127-7.893; p:1.00). However, Additional research with larger sample sizes is warranted to comprehensively investigate the implications of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism at the ALR2 promoter region.

Prevalence, Patterns and Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia Among Adult Hypertensive Patients

2024-08-18T04:17:22-06:00

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and is responsible for an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually. Hypertensive patients often suffer from dyslipidemia, which can lead to complications such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia among adult hypertensive patients admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) in Uganda. This cross-sectional study, conducted over three months at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), involved 431 patients. Medical examinations and histories were recorded, and blood samples were analyzed to measure high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). Dyslipidemia was defined by any of the following: TC ≥200 mg/dL, TG ≥150 mg/dL, HDL-C < 40 mg/dL, or LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression in SPSS version 26 to identify associated factors. A total of 431 patients were included in the study, with the majority being females over 65 years of age (mean age = 64.7, SD = 8.8 years). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 48.3% (208) (95% CI = 43.2-52.9%). High LDL levels were observed in 24.4% (105), high TC in 22.5% (97), high TG in 20.0% (86), and low HDL in 20.0% (86 patients). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with elevated blood pressure, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension had 1.350 (aOR = 1.350, CI = 1.194-1.525, P < 0.001), 1.290 (aOR = 1.290, CI = 1.123-1.482, P < 0.001), and 1.302 (aOR = 1.302, CI = 1.077-1.576, P = 0.007) times higher odds of having dyslipidemia, respectively. Additionally, dyslipidemia was 1.414 times more common (aOR = 1.414, CI = 1.280-1.561, P < 0.001) among current or former smokers and 1.493 times more common (aOR = 1.493, CI = 1.372-1.625, P < 0.001) in patients with diabetes mellitus. The findings highlight a high prevalence of dyslipidemia, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Enhancing patient education on antihypertensive therapy adherence and increasing efforts to discourage smoking are crucial steps to reduce the burden of dyslipidemia in hypertensive populations.

Examining Anxiety and Depression among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

2024-11-21T11:21:42-07:00

Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being, especially among undergraduate nursing students. Nursing students face unique stressors that can impact their mental health. This study aimed to determine the anxiety and depression levels among undergraduate nursing students at Chattogram, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected using an online questionnaire (Google form) that included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Convenience sampling was used to select 124 BSc Nursing students aged over 18 years. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. The majority of participants were female (88.3%), and the mean age was 20.58 years, range 18 to 23. The prevalence of anxiety was 66.0%, with 28.0% scoring in the borderline abnormal range and 38.0% in the abnormal range. For depression, 22.4% were in the borderline abnormal range, and 18.4% were in the abnormal range. Pearson correlation test showed gender was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.004). At the same time, no significant associations were found between depression and gender, depression and academic qualifications, contagious disease status, or close family members' infection status. The logistic regression analysis reveals that age is significantly associated with depression among nursing students; older students have higher odds of experiencing depression (OR = 1.384, p = 0.037). This study highlights a significant burden of anxiety among undergraduate nursing students at CINC, with a substantial proportion experiencing abnormal levels of anxiety. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues among nursing students and implementing strategies to promote their mental well-being.

Determinants of Birth Spacing Practice Among Parous Mothers

2024-12-18T12:40:27-07:00

Birth spacing is the interval between a live birth and a subsequent pregnancy, which is recommended to be at least two years. This study aimed to identify the determinants of birth spacing practices among parous mothers attending antenatal clinics in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 parous mothers aged 15–49 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from June to October 2024. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents, and data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-assisted questionnaire. Frequency tables were generated, and a binary logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of birth spacing practices at a 5% significance level. The respondents’ mean age was 35.2 ± 3.9 years. The prevalence of birth spacing practice was 36.6%, with condoms (13.7%) being the most commonly used contraceptive method. Determinants such as attaining secondary education (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 3.6–11.8; P = 0.00), tertiary education (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 2.6–7.6; P = 0.00), employment status (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.4–4.1 ; P = 0.00), knowledge of birth spacing (two-year interval (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.6–7.4; P = 0.00), knowledge of the benefits of birth spacing (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 3.7–46.4 P = 0.00), and spouse consent (OR = 3.8; 95% CI = 2.5–5.8; P = 0.00) significantly contributed to the practice of birth spacing among parous mothers.

Acute Soft Head Syndrome as the Initial Presentation of Sickle Cell Disease in an Adolescent in Rural Western Uganda: Case Report

2024-07-28T00:09:44-06:00

Sickle haemoglobin (HbS) is the most common abnormal haemoglobin mutation worldwide. In Uganda, according to the Uganda Sickle Surveillance Study (US3), the overall prevalence of sickle cell trait and disease is 13.3% and 0.7%, respectively. SCD presents with numerous complications. Acute Soft Head Syndrome (ASHS) or sickle cell cephalohematoma is among the rare complications of SCD. We report a 14-year-old adolescent male, a resident of rural Western Uganda, who presented with a history of non-traumatic painless scalp swelling for a week and multiple joints pain for 5 days. He had a similar swelling in the previous six months, which subsided after blood transfusion given at a nearby health facility. There was a history of on-and-off fever, easy fatiguability, and generalized body weakness. Complete blood counts revealed anemia, Haemoglobin Electrophoresis confirmed Sickle Cell Anemia. Head Computed Tomography concluded a subgaleal fluid collection. The diagnosis of acute soft head syndrome was established in a newly diagnosed SCD patient. This case highlights a rare diagnosis of acute soft head syndrome as well as a late diagnosis of SCD in adolescent in rural settings. In such settings, the pre-existing poor socio-economic background coupled with atypical presentation constitute a major impediment for timely diagnosis.

Molecular Mechanisms of Breast Cancer Drug Resistance and CRISPR/Cas9 Strategies to Overcome

2024-06-05T04:59:52-06:00

Breast cancer (BC) is considered as the most frequent cancer among women and a significant contributor to mortality. The CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool has promising applications for BC drug resistance. It is a unique and creative approach that has lately attracted attention and can be used to fix gene alterations related to multidrug resistance. Recent research has effectively investigated and targeted particular genes linked to BC treatment resistance using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, including those linked to hormone receptor signaling, drug efflux transporters, and DNA repair pathways. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology's selective disruption or mutation of these genes provides valuable information about their role in resistance and paves the path for cutting-edge treatment options. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can overcome BC treatment resistance by identifying crucial genetic variables and revealing new therapeutic targets Despite the advantages, there are limitations in the study on CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing for BC treatment resistance, for example, off-target effects and the improvement of delivery techniques are still major issues. Successful clinical translation depends on methods to improve the specificity and effectiveness of CRISPR/Cas9 editing and to solve these constraints. This review aims to explore the possibility of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing as an innovative method of combating BC medication resistance.

The Trends of Staphylococcus aureus Antibiotics Resistance in Iraq: A Narrative Review

2024-07-12T14:16:28-06:00

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major human pathogen that is able to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics with significant challenges in clinical treatment. The aims of this paper were to summarize the current understanding of S. aureus resistance to various antibiotic classes in Iraq, highlighting mechanisms of resistance, prevalence rates, and the need for further research. We conducted a narrative review using thematic approach to investigate the antibiotic sensitivity of S. aureus through searching two websites PubMed and Google Scholar S. aureus resists β-lactam antibiotics through low-affinity PBP2a or β-lactamases. High resistance rates were observed in Iraq, with BlaZ gene sequences showing 100% similarity to those in other countries, suggesting a common origin or spread of genetic variants. Reports from Iraq revealed a high MRSA carriage rate among healthcare workers and the general community. Vancomycin resistance, mediated by vanA and vanB genes, has been reported globally. In Iraq, an 8% prevalence of VRSA was observed. Regarding MLS-B, tetracycline, and quinolone resistance, limited data from Iraq about the sensitivity pattern of these antibiotics is available. The available data are limited, highlighting significant gaps in understanding the full scope of resistance patterns. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus in Iraq underscores the urgent need for comprehensive studies with international collaboration to develop effective public health strategies and improve antibiotic stewardship programs in Iraq.