Browsing by Author "Dankwah, G.B."

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Correlation of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide metabolites, trace elements, and antioxidant enzymes in patients with sickle cell disease
(Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, 2020-02-17) Antwi-Boasiako, C.; Dankwah, G.B.; Aryee, R.; Hayfron-Benjamin, C.; Aboagye, G.; Campbell, A.D.
Background: Lipid peroxidation plays a very important role in sickle cell pathophysiology. The formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may lead to endothelial dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO) is a known vasodilator which plays a role in endothelial function. The current study determined the association between MDA and NO metabolites (NOx), trace elements, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in patients with SCD. The ratio of MDA/NOx was also determined as an index of oxidative stress in the study groups. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 90 patients with SCD and 50 “healthy” controls. Blood samples (n = 140) were collected from the study groups. The plasma, sera, and red cells were kept at −20°C for biochemical analyses. Hemoglobin (Hb) and NOx levels were determined in the plasma using Labsystem Multiskan MS and Griess reagent system, respectively. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels were determined in the red cells using assay kits from Cayman chemicals. Lipid peroxidation biomarker MDA was determined in the sera using the TBARS assay. Levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were also determined in the sera using Variant 240FS. MDA and NOx ratio was computed for the study groups and compared. Results: Levels of Hb, NOx, SOD, CAT, and Zn were significantly lower in the patients with SCD (P < .001). MDA, Fe, and MDA/ NOx ratio were, however, significantly higher in the patients with SCD (P < .001). There was no significant correlation between MDA and NOx, SOD, CAT, Fe, and Zn in the study groups. MDA, however, correlated positively and significantly with Cu in the HbSS patients with vaso-occlusive crises (VOC). Gender did not affect the levels of oxidative stress markers. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest a link between lipid peroxidation and Cu in HbSS patients with VOC. Increased MDA/NOx ratio may contribute to sickle cell pathophysiology by promoting oxidative stress
Hematological parameters in Ghanaian sickle cell disease patients
(Journal of Blood Medicine, 2018-10) Antwi-Boasiako, C.; Ekem, I.; Abdul-Rahman, M.; Sey, F.; Doku, A.; Dzudzor, B.; Dankwah, G.B.; Otu, K.H.; Ahenkorah, J.; Aryee, R.
Background: Effective treatment and management of sickle cell disease (SCD) has been a challenge in Africa over the years. Hematological parameters are very useful profiles in the effective management of the disease. However, there is scarcity of studies on the hematological parameters of SCD in Ghana. This study aimed at determining hematological parameters among SCD patients with vaso-occlusion, those in the steady state as well as healthy controls at a teaching hospital in Ghana. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 628 subjects, including 148 HbAA controls, 208 HbSS patients in steady state, 82 HbSC patients in steady state, 156 HbSS patients in vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), and 34 HbSC patients in VOC. Venous blood sample was collected from all study participants. A full blood count was done within 2 hours of collection, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell (RBC) concentration, mean corpuscular Hb, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular Hb concentration, and white blood cells (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts were recorded. Results: WBC and PLT counts were significantly higher in both female and male patients with SCD, compared with their healthy counterparts (P<0.05). The level of WBC was, however, significantly higher in patients with HbSS VOC among the SCD patients (P<0.001). Levels of Hb, RBC, and hematocrit were significantly higher in the controls (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in mean cell Hb among male patients with SCD (P=0.274) and female patients with SCD (P=0.5410). Conclusion: The SCD patients had lower Hb and RBC than the controls; however, higher PLT and WBC are noted in various status of SCD, possibly reflecting spleen effect in these patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Nitric oxide and pre-eclampsia: A comparative study in Ghana
(Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2018-06) Darkwa, E.O.; Djagbletey, R.; Essuman, R.; Sottie, D.; Dankwah, G.B.; Aryee, G.
BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is one of the commonest aetiologies of foetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Though common, the aetiology of preeclampsia has remained unknown with several inconclusive theories surrounding the disease. Recent studies have implicated vascular endothelial dysfunction and possibly nitric oxide in preeclampsia. AIM: To compare plasma nitric oxide levels in pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women in a large tertiary hospital in Ghana. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted among pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital over a four-month period. Thirty (30) pre-eclamptic and 30 healthy pregnant women aged 18-35 years with over 30 weeks’ gestation were consecutively recruited into the study after obtaining informed consent. Plasma nitric oxide levels were determined using the Griess Reagent system. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 and results were compared using the independent t-test. A P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The parity and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were similar. There was a significant difference in the blood pressure of the pre-eclamptic compared to healthy pregnant women. There was no statistically significant difference (P-value = 0.160) in the plasma levels of nitric oxide in pre-eclamptic (Mean = 1178.78; SD = 89.70 nM) compared to healthy pregnant women (Mean = 1365.43; SD = 95.46 nM). CONCLUSION: Plasma nitric oxide levels may not play a significant role in the aetiology of pre-eclampsia. © 2018 Ebenezer Owusu Darkwa, Robert Djagbletey, Raymond Essuman, Daniel Sottie, Gifty Boatemaa Dankwah, George Aryee.
Serum iron levels and copper-to-zinc ratio in sickle cell disease
(Medicina (Lithuania), 2019-05-16) Antwi-Boasiako, C.; Dankwah, G.B.; Aryee, R.; Hayfron-Benjamin, C.; Doku, A.; N’guessan, B.B.; Asiedu-Gyekye, I.J.; Campbell, A.D.
Background and Objectives: Altered copper and zinc homeostasis may influence the antioxidant defense system and consequently lead to oxidative stress and associated complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Iron levels have been reported to increase in sickle cell patients due to frequent blood transfusion, chronic intravenous haemolysis and increased absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract. These elevated levels of iron may also lead to extensive oxidative damage. The current study evaluated serum levels of iron, copper and zinc in SCD patients and "healthy" controls. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional one, comprising 90 SCD patients with Haemoglobin SS and Haemoglobin SC genotypes and 50 HbAA "healthy" controls. Serum levels of iron, copper and zinc were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS manufactured by VARIAN Australia Pty Ltd, VIC, Australia). Copper and zinc ratios were calculated and analyzed. Results: Serum levels of iron and copper were significantly elevated in the SCD patients, compared to their "healthy" counterparts (p < 0.001). These levels were further increased in patients with haemoglobin SS in vaso-occlusive crises (HbSS VOCs). Serum zinc levels were, however, significantly lower in the SCD patients, particularly during vaso-occlusion. The copper-to-zinc ratio was also found to be significantly higher in the SCD patients. Conclusion: Elevated copper-to-zinc ratio may be a biomarker of sickle cell oxidative stress and associated complications. The ratio may also be informative for the management of sickle cell oxidative burden. The significantly lower levels of zinc in the SCD patients may warrant zinc supplementation.
Serum Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride Levels in Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra
(Biomarker Insights , 2019-08-13) Antwi-Boasiako, C.; Kusi-Mensah, Y.A.; Hayfron-Benjamin, C.; Aryee, R.; Dankwah, G.B.; Abla, K.L.; Darkwa, E.O.; Botchway, F.A.; Sampene-Donkor, E.
The activity of Na+-K+ ATPase is altered in sickle cell disease (SCD), which affects serum electrolyte levels. This alteration is associated with several complications in sickle cell patients. This study evaluated the serum levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride in patients with SCD. The study was a case-control cross-sectional study involving 120 SCD patients in the steady state and 48 ‘healthy’ controls. The SCD patients were made up of 69 HbSS patients and 41 HbSC patients. Serum electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, and Cl−) were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS; Varian Australia Pty Ltd). Serum sodium levels were significantly lower in the sickle cell patients, compared with their ‘healthy’ counterparts (P = .0001). Although the study found significantly higher serum levels of potassium in the SCD patients (P = .0001), there was no significant difference in serum chloride levels between patients with SCD and the controls (P = .098). Serum sodium and chloride levels were not significantly different in both HbSS and HbSC patients (P = .197 and P = .553, respectively). The level of serum potassium in the HbSS patients was, however, significantly higher compared with those with the HbSC genotype (P = .0001). There is higher efflux of K+ from the intracellular into the extracellular space in HbSS patients, which may lead to red cell membrane dysfunction and associated complications.
Total Serum Magnesium Levels and Calcium-To-Magnesium Ratio in Sickle Cell Disease
(Medicina, 2019-08-27) Antwi-Boasiako, C.; Kusi-Mensah, Y.A.; Hayfron-Benjamin, C.; Aryee, R.; Dankwah, G.B.; Kwawukume, L.A.; Darkwa, E.O.
Background and Objectives: Imbalance of calcium/magnesium ratio could lead to clinical complications in sickle cell disease (SCD). Low levels of magnesium have been associated with sickling, increased polymerization and vaso-occlusion (VOC) in sickle cell due to cell dehydration. The K-Cl cotransport plays a very important role in sickle cell dehydration and is inhibited by significantly increasing levels of magnesium. The study evaluated total serum magnesium levels and computed calcium/magnesium ratio in SCD patients and “healthy” controls. Materials and Methods: The study was a case-control cross-sectional one, involving 120 SCD patients (79 Haemoglobin SS (HbSS)and 41 Haemoglobin SC (HbSC)) at the steady state and 48 “healthy” controls. Sera were prepared from whole blood samples (n = 168) and total magnesium and calcium measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Variant 240FS manufactured by VARIAN Australia Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC, Australia). Calcium/magnesium ratios were calculated in patients and the controls. Results: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia and hypocalcaemia among the SCD patients was observed to be 39.17% and 52.50% respectively, higher than the controls (4.17% and 22.92%, for hypomagnesemia and hypocalcaemia, respectively). Level of magnesium was significantly lower in the SCD patients compared to their healthy counterparts (p = 0.002). The magnesium level was further reduced in the HbSS patients but not significantly di erent from the HbSC patients (p = 0.584). calcium/magnesium ratio was significantly higher in the SCD patients (p = 0.031). Although calcium/magnesium ratio was higher in the HbSC patients compared to those with the HbSS genotype, the di erence was not significant (p = 0.101). Conclusion: The study shows that magnesium homeostasis are altered in SCD patients, and their levels are lower in HbSS patients. Although calcium/magnesium ratio is significantly higher in SCD patients compared with controls, there is no significant di erence between patients with HbSS and HbSC genotypes. Magnesium supplementation may be required in sickle cell patients.