Browsing by Author "Amoah, B.Y."

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Biomarkers of renal dysfunction among Ghanaian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus- a cross-sectional study
(International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2018-10) Amoah, B.Y.; Asare, G.A.; Yeboah, F.A.; Obirikorang, C.; Asiedu, B.; Mohammed, A.O.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous collection of disorders characterized by reduced insulin sensitivity and increased glucose output. The abnormal vascular architecture observed within the first few years of diabetes onset suggests that complications such as nephropathy develop earlier in affected individuals than is generally known. Prompt determination of decline in renal function among diabetics is therefore very crucial. In the present study, we evaluated circulating levels of adiponectin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase traffic inducer (NOSTRIN) as novel biomarkers of renal dysfunction. One hundred and eight Ghanaian patients with T2DM were recruited for this study. Biochemical and immunoassays were employed in measuring the levels of the biomarkers for all participants. Metabolic syndrome indices including body mass index (BMI), serum glucose, and uric acid levels were not found to be associated with adiponectin concentrations. Fifteen participants had normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 79 had a mildly reduced eGFR, and 24 had moderately reduced eGFR representing 12.8, 66.9, and 20.3%, respectively. Proteinuria correlated significantly with decreasing eGFR. Serum levels of adiponectin, ADMA, and NOSTRIN (p = 0.002; p = 0.001; p = 0.012, respectively) were, however, found to be independently associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) among the type 2 diabetics. We observed that elevated circulating levels of adiponectin, ADMA, and NOSTRIN could be important in characterizing early CKD stages among type 2 diabetics.
Calcium - Magnesium imbalance implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia and restoration by a phytotherapeutic drug - Croton membranaceus Müll.Arg
(BioMed Central Ltd., 2017) Asare, G.A.; Ngala, R.A.; Afriyie, D.; Adjei, S.; Nyarko, A.; Anang-Quartey, Y.; Asiedu, B.; Doku, D.; Amoah, B.Y.; Bentum, K.; Musah, I.; Mossanda, K.
Background: Calcium (Ca)- magnesium (Mg) imbalance is implicated in prostate cancer. Ca/Mg ratio increases or decreases with proliferation or apoptosis, respectively. The study examined whether this Ca/Mg imbalance exists in BPH patients and the effect of a phytotherapeutic drug on the Ca/Mg ratio. Methods: Thirty (30) BPH patients who used the ethanolic root extract of Croton membranaceus (60 mg/day) for 3 months were examined for serum Ca, Mg, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and renal function tests (RFT) before (BT) and after treatment (AT) alongside thirty (30) controls. Twenty (20) trace element including Mg and Ca were determined in the drug by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Results: RFT, PTH and vitamin D for BT, AT and controls (C) were normal. Mean PSA was 1.0 ± 0.64 (C), 27.9 ± 19.0 (BT) and 16.2 ± 11.8 ng/mL (AT) (p = 0.002). Mg, Ca/Mg ratio BT, AT and control were significantly different (p = 0.0001, respectively). After treatment, Mg and Ca/Mg ratio were not different from controls. The prevalence of Ca/Mg imbalance was 80% (BT), 13.3% (AT) and 3.3% (control group). Conclusion: Ca/Mg ratio imbalance is associated with BPH. This has previously not been demonstrated. The imbalance was significantly corrected after treatment with the phytotherapeutic drug.
Effect of Interleukin 4 and Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Relation to Oxidative Stress During Uncomplicated Malaria Infection
(University of Ghana, 2011-06) Amoah, B.Y.; Asare-Anane, H.; Gyan, B.; Asmah, R.H.
Parasitic infections such as malaria in host organisms often lead to oxidative stress condition resulting in the constant generation of free radicals and other reactive species in vivo that lead to extensive oxidative damage in bio-molecules such as DNA and proteins. Susceptibility of Plasmodium parasite to oxidative stress is a well- established feature and advantage has been taken of this property to design some pro- oxidant anti-malarial drugs. This study was carried out with the aim of determining single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin (IL) 4 gene and its receptor gene, and their relationship to the generation of free radicals by the human host during uncomplicated malaria infection. The study population were one hundred subjects, reporting for medical care at the Polyclinic of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra with uncomplicated malaria. Apparently healthy children (n = 41) without detectable malaria parasites were used as controls. Haematological analysis was done for all the study population. The gene regions containing the +33 C/T polymorphism of IL-4, and Pro-478-Ser of the IL-4Rα were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the various genotypes determined by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) using the restriction enzymes (BsmF I for IL-4 and Kpn I for IL-4Rα gene regions respectively). Oxidative stress situations in the human host and its effect on malaria parasites were determined using the DNA comet assay determined by a commercial kit, and levels of reactive oxygen species in the infected RBCs of cases and uninfected controls was measured using the superoxide dismutase assay. A significant mean difference in neutrophil levels was observed when the uncomplicated malaria cases were compared with the controls (p = 0.001). It was observed that the mean Hb value of the control group did not differ significantly when compared with the cases (p = 0.07). Moderate to extensive DNA damage of the malaria parasite was demonstrated in increasing levels of estimated parasitaemia among the uncomplicated malaria cases, using the DNA comet assay. Significant correlation was observed between SOD levels and IL4R (Pro-478-Ser) (p = 0.017) polymorphism as well as between neutrophils and IL4 (+33) SNP (p = 0.002), indicating a likely interaction between the gene and neutrophil in parastite clearance in malaria infection, via the genotoxic effects of the super oxide anion.
First trimester zonulin levels and adiposity as predictive indices of gestational diabetes mellitus
(Springer India, 2019-01-13) Amoah, B.Y.; Seini, M.M.; Yakubu, Y.A.; Ussher, F.A.; Alidu, H.
BackgroundThis study was aimed at determining the levels of serum zonulin during the first trimester in pregnant women and to examine the relationship between zonulin and obesity in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Available evidence suggests that the permeability of the gut may be associated with obesity and insulin resistance both of which are characteristics of GDM.MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal study in which a cohort of 314 pregnant women was monitored from first trimester at the Volta Regional Hospital, Ho, Ghana. Maternal serum zonulin and lipids were analyzed during the first trimester, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each participant. Glucose challenge tests (GCT) and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, and diagnosis of GDM was made in accordance with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.ResultsWomen who developed GDM had elevated serum zonulin levels with sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points of 80.95%, 80.41%, and > 47.5 ng/mL respectively in predicting GDM. With positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.708 and 0.986, respectively, zonulin has been shown by this study to be a good predictor of GDM. After adjusting for maternal age and BMI, obese pregnant women with elevated plasma zonulin were 109 times likelier to develop GDM as compared to those with normal BMIs.ConclusionsZonulin levels are increased significantly during the first trimester of pregnancy in women with GDM, and these increases precede the onset of GDM.
Moderate doses of Mucuna pruriens seed powder is safe and improves sperm count and motility
(Phytomedicine Plus, 2023) Adjei, S.; Dagadu, P.; Amoah, B.Y.; et al.
Background: Conventional remediation techniques involving male fertility include hormonal therapy, in vitro fertilization and surgery. However, the use of natural products continues to be a popular option. Emerging new products that have not been well investigated is the use of Mucuna pruriens seed powder. Aim: This study aimed at determining the efficacy and safety of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed powder on the male fertility using normal animal models. Methodology: Four groups of seven (7) male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Groups comprised Control (distilled water), Low dose (500 mg/kg b.wt MP), Medium dose (1000 mg/kg b.wt MP) and high dose (2000 mg/kg b.wt MP). Test groups were administered aqueous crude extract of MP by gavage over 90 days. Upon sacrifice, the following assays were performed: FSH, testosterone, oestrogen, PSA, semen analyses, histology of reproductive organs, and general haematological and biochemical analyses. Results: FSH increased, whilst oestrogen decreased, across groups: however, it was not statistically significant between groups. Although testosterone increases were not statistically significant, increases were dose dependant. Sperm count increased significantly between the Control and Medium dose groups (p<0.001). Motility significantly increased with the Medium and High dose groups compared to Control group (p = 0.022, p = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, immotility significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to control group (p = 0.013). No abnormality was observed in biochemical, haematological and histological analyses. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a margin of safety and improved spermogram pattern between the low and medium dose administration of Mucuna pruriens seed powder.
Moderate doses of Mucuna pruriens seed powder is safe and improves sperm count and motility
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Dagadu, P.; Adjei, S.; Amoah, B.Y.; et al.
A B S T R A C T Background: Conventional remediation techniques involving male fertility include hormonal therapy, in vitro fertilization and surgery. However, the use of natural products continues to be a popular option. Emerging new products that have not been well investigated is the use of Mucuna pruriens seed powder. Aim: This study aimed at determining the efficacy and safety of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed powder on the male fertility using normal animal models. Methodology: Four groups of seven (7) male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Groups comprised Control (distilled water), Low dose (500 mg/kg b.wt MP), Medium dose (1000 mg/kg b.wt MP) and high dose (2000 mg/kg b.wt MP). Test groups were administered aqueous crude extract of MP by gavage over 90 days. Upon sacrifice, the following assays were performed: FSH, testosterone, oestrogen, PSA, semen analyses, histology of reproductive organs, and general haematological and biochemical analyses. Results: FSH increased, whilst oestrogen decreased, across groups: however, it was not statistically significant between groups. Although testosterone increases were not statistically significant, increases were dose- dependant. Sperm count increased significantly between the Control and Medium dose groups (p<0.001). Motility significantly increased with the Medium and High dose groups compared to Control group (p = 0.022, p = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, immotility significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to control group (p = 0.013). No abnormality was observed in biochemical, haematological and histological analyses. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a margin of safety and improved spermogram pattern between the low and medium dose administration of Mucuna pruriens seed powder.
Oxidised low‐density lipoprotein, a possible distinguishing lipid profile biomolecule between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
(Andrologia, 2019-08-01) Asare, G.A.; Owusu‐Boateng, E.; Asiedu, B.; Amoah, B.Y.; Essendoh, E.; Otoo, R.Y.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) share common conditions such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and dyslipidaemia. Whether an extensive lipid profile analysis could discriminate between BPH and PCa was the objective. Thirty‐six (36) BPH and twenty (20) PCa outpatients of a urology clinic plus forty (40) controls without LUTS, but normal PSA, were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), lipid profile (total cholesterol [CHOL], triglycerides [TG], high‐density lipoprotein [HDL], very‐low‐density lipoprotein [VLDL], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] and Castelli's risk index I [CR I] [TC/HDL]), oxidised LDL, apolipoprotein E, ceramide and PSA were determined. Mean ages for BPH, PCa and control were 69 ± 13, 67 ± 10 and 53 ± 7 years respectively. Most parameters apart from BMI and HDL were significantly different compared to the control group. oxLDL for BPH versus control, PCa versus control and BPH versus PCa was significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 and p < 0.001 respectively). Ceramide showed significant group differences. Between BPH and PCa, total cholesterol, LDL and Apo E were significantly different (p = 0.00, p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively). Apo E could potentially be a discriminating biomarker. Receiver operating characteristic curves for TPSA, Apo E and oxLDL demonstrated sensitivity of 69.44 and specificity of 88.24 for oxLDL, hence more discriminatory.