Department of Medical Biochemistry
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Item Exploring Anti-Breast Cancer Effects of Live Pediococcus acidilactici and Its Cell-Free Supernatant Isolated from Human Breast Milk(International Journal of Breast Cancer, 2024) Adumuah, N.N.; Quarshie, J.T.; Danwonno, H.; et al.Current breast cancer treatment options are limited by drug resistance and adverse side effects, which calls for the need for alternatives or complementary remedies. Probiotic bacteria isolated from human breast milk have been shown to possess proapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties against breast mastitis in breastfeeding mothers and are being studied as possible anticancer regimens. Thus, this study aimed at exploring the effect of lactic acid bacteria isolated from human breast milk on MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. A total of twenty-two bacteria were isolated from four human breast milk samples. The isolates were characterized and identified using biochemical tests and Sanger sequencing, respectively. For in vitro In experiments, we used isolated P. acidilactici to treat MDA-MB-231 cells, and an MTT assay was used to detect proliferation. RT-qPCR and wound healing assays were performed to determine the effect of the isolated P. acidilactici on breast cancer cytokine expression and migration. Exposure of MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells to live P. acidilactici and its cell-free supernatant (CFS) for 24 hours resulted in a reduction in cancer cell viability. Also, the expression of the cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in the breast cancer cells increased following exposure to P. acidilactici and its CFS for 24 and 72 h. Additionally, the levels of the SLUG gene remained unchanged, while the TWIST1 gene was upregulated following exposure of the cancer cells to bacteria, indicating that P. acidilactici may promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Finally, the CFS significantly inhibited cancer cell mobility. These findings serve as a foundation to further investigate the usefulness of P. acidilactici as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer therapyItem Alcohol intake, smoking, self-medication practices and burden of anaemia among traders in Tamale metropolis of Ghana(BMC Research Notes, 2023) Anabire, N.G.; Billak, G.D.; Helegbe, G.K.Objective Lifestyle choices including physical inactivity, smoking, abuse of alcohol and drugs, unhealthy diet are common among traders and market women and these behavioural activities predispose individuals to ill-health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and chronic anaemia. We evaluated lifestyle choices such as alcohol intake, smoking and resorting to self-medication among traders in the Tamale Central market in Ghana. We then associated these lifestyle choices with anaemia. Results A total of 400 participants were recruited for this study. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels of participants were measured using Mission® Plus Hb meter and anaemia was diagnosed by Hb<12 g/dl for non-pregnant females and Hb<13 g/dl for males. Of the participants, a majority (69.3%) were males, and most of them (56.0%) were within 18–35 years age bracket. While alcohol intake and smoking were uncommon, self-medication was a common practice among the participants. Anaemia was a common condition; diagnosed in 44.5% of participants, but was independent of age, alcohol intake and smoking. However, anaemia was more common in females (χ2=15.9, p<0.001) and was associated with self-medication (χ2=5.7, p=0.017). We recommend that traders in the Tamale metropolis should seek routine health check-ups to help avert adverse health consequences associated with anaemia.Item Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency genotypes and allele frequencies in the Kavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia(Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2019-04-09) Ababio, G; Haiyambo, D.H.; Ilunga, A.; Nangombe, R.; Hatuikulipi, T.; Aleksenko, L.; Misihairabgwi, J.; Uusiku, P.; Pernica, J.M.; Greco, B.; Quaye, I.K.Background: Namibia has made significant gains in the fight against malaria, with a target of elimination by 2023. We examined the genotype and allele frequencies of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to inform decisions on primaquine use, as we recently detected clusters of Plasmodium ovale curtisi in Kavango. Methods: A multistaged cross-sectional sampling method was used to enrol 212 children 2–9 y of age from schools and clinics in the Okavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia. Genotypes for the 202 G→A and 376 A→G mutations were assigned by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: Of the 212 subjects enrolled, genotypes were available for 210, made up of 61 males and 149 females. G6PD-deficient males (hemizygotes) and females (homozygotes) constituted 3.27% (2/61) and 0.0% (0/149), respectively. Female heterozygotes (AA− and BA−) constituted 10.07% (15/149), while G6PD wild-type males (with A or B haplotype) and females (with AA, BB or AB haplotypes) consisted of 96.72% (59/61) and 89.93% (134/149), respectively. The A−, A and B allele frequencies were 0.0474, 0.3036 and 0.6490, respectively. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests for female genotype frequencies did not show deviation (p=0.29). Conclusions: The frequency of G6PD deficiency alleles in males in the Kavango and Zambezi regions of northern Namibia constitute 3.27%, a first report to inform policy on primaquine role out.Item A model for height and sex prediction from percutaneous lengths of forearm bones(Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2019) Okai, I.; Pianim, A.A.; Arko-Boham, B.; Acheampong, E.Estimating the probable height, sex and age of unknown human remains is not uncommon to forensic experts. Applying mathematical formula derived from metric data of a population is accepted as an alternative when anatomical methods are not feasible during this process of identification. Although each population has to generate their own formulae because of differences in the genetic, environmental and racial attributes of populations, little is known of Ghanaians. Thus, we attempted to derive equations for height and sex prediction, by measuring the ulna and radial lengths of 300 Ghanaian subjects, composed of 160 males and 140 females, with a spreading calliper and a tape measure, and their heights with a stadiometer. Regressions and discriminant function analysis were applied to the variables in SPSS to generate formulae for height and sex prediction respectively. The mean height, ulna length and radial length for sampled individuals were 167.4, 28.6 and 25.9 cm respectively. Height exhibited a strong and significant positive correlation with ulna length (r = 0.720, p < 0.0001) and radial length (r = 0.664, p < 0.0001). However, for our data, ulna length is a better predictor of height and sex than radial length. Overall accuracy of sex determination based on radial or ulna length alone was 75.3% and 82.3% respectively. © 2018, © 2018 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences.Item Knowledge of standard precautions and barriers to compliance among healthcare workers in the Lower Manya Krobo District, Ghana(BMC Research Notes, 2017) Akagbo, S.E.; Nortey, P.; Ackumey, M.M.Background: Implementing standard precautions (SP) has been a major challenge for health care workers (HCWs) especially those in developing countries thereby compromising their safety and increasing their exposure to blood-related pathogens. Compliance with safety precautions and occupational accidents among health workers are often unreported. The literature on knowledge and compliance to SP in Ghana is scanty. We report findings of a study that examined knowledge of SP, compliance and barriers to compliance with SP among HCWs in two health facilities in Ghana. Methods: This is a facility-based cross-sectional study involving 100 HCWs from two health facilities in the Lower Manya Krobo District of the Eastern region. Statistical analysis summarised data on socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, knowledge of SP and compliance and barriers to SP in frequencies and percentages. Results: Most respondents had been working as health staff for 0-5 years (65.0%). Generally, knowledge of the basic concepts of SP was low; only 37.0% of HCWs knew that SP includes hand washing before and after any direct contact with the patient, 39.0% knew about cough etiquettes and 40.0% knew about aseptic techniques which involve infection prevention strategies to minimise the risks of infection. Fifty percent of respondents always protect themselves against BBFs of patients. About a quarter of the respondents do not recap needles after use and 28.0% of respondents sometimes promptly wipe all blood spills. HCWs were of the opinion that wearing PPEs - such as gloves, aprons, gowns and goggles - might cause patients to panic sometimes (63.0%) and complying with SP sometimes interferes with the ability to provide care (38.0%). Sometimes, because of the demands of patient care, HCWs do not have enough time to comply with the rigours of SP (44.0%) and sometimes PPEs are not available. Conclusion: Education programmes on the benefits of SP should be organised frequently. The OHS national policy together with the application of the IPC training manual in all health care facilities must be enforced. Communities of practice should be established and sanctions and rewards should be introduced to limit negative behavior and reinforce positive attitudes as regards SP. © 2017 The Author(s).Item Thyroid hormone status in Ghanaian patients with chronic kidney disease(Pan African Medical Journal, 2018-03) Aryee, N.A.; Tagoe, E.A.; Anomah, V.; Arko-Boham, B.; Adjei, D.N.Introduction There is limited data on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Ghanaian individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies exploring the effect of thyroid hormones on renal function decline are also scanty. Unrecognized thyroid dysfunction in CKD may increase the burden of adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine thyroid hormone status and lipid profiles in patients with CKD attending the Renal Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Methods 60 clinically euthyroid patients with CKD, and 65 clinically euthyroid subjects without CKD were recruited for this study. Estimation of effective glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was done using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula with subsequent staging of CKD (stages 2-4). Collected venous blood samples from all study participants were analyzed for creatinine, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG). Results Levels of TC, HDL, LDL, and TSH levels did not differ significantly between the two study groups. However, TG, VLDL, FT3 and FT4 levels were significantly higher in CKD patients than in the control group. TC, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL and TSH levels were not significantly different between stages of CKD in study subjects, although FT4 and FT3 levels were significantly different between all stages of CKD. Conclusion Higher levels of FT3 and FT4 but not TSH, are associated with the incidence of CKD and eGFR decline in Ghanaian CKD patients.Item Liver cirrhosis in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected, yet important(The Lancet Global Health, 2018-09) Vento, S.; Dzudzor, B.; Cainelli, F.; Tachi, K.Clinical efforts and research on liver diseases have been scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. The first Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (Nairobi, Sept 13–15, 2018), gathering all stakeholders from the continent, is a welcome step towards greater attention to the problem, and the important issue of liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis-related deaths doubled in sub-Saharan Africa between 1980 and 2010, and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Malawi, Uganda, and Cote d'Ivoire were among the highest 10% of countries for these deaths in 2010.1 Most cases of cirrhosis were attributed to hepatitis B virus (HBV), alcohol misuse, and hepatitis C virus (HCV), but around 30% were unrelated to these causes.1 The understudied non-alcoholic fatty liver disease probably has a role in these latter cases, considering the increase in obesity in sub-Saharan Africa, and traditional herbal medicine could also contribute, because its use is associated with a substantial increase in liver fibrosis.Item Khat-related liver disease in sub-Saharan Africa: neglected, yet important – Authors' reply(The Lancet Global Health, 2019-03) Vento, S.; Dzudzor, B.; Cainelli, F.; Tachi, K.We thank Stian Orlien and colleagues for raising attention to the issue of khat use as a recreational drug in sub-Saharan Africa in response to our Comment.1 Although we mentioned the fact that traditional herbal medicine could contribute to the burden of cirrhosis in this region, as the use of khat is associated with a substantial increase in liver fibrosis,2 we do not think that the available evidence shows that khat is a major contributor to chronic liver disease. Khat is used in parts of east Africa, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, and Madagascar. Apart from its long-standing popularity as a recreational drug, it can be used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, malaria, influenza, vomiting, and headache.3 The Central African Republic, Gabon, and Côte d'Ivoire were in the top 10% of countries for cirrhosis-related deaths in 2010 but khat use is uncommon in west or central Africa.4Item Prevalence of G6PD deficiency and associated haematological parameters in children from Botswana(Elsevier B.V., 2018) Motshoge, T.; Ababio, G.; Aleksenko, L.; Souda, S.; Muthoga, C.W.; Mutukwa, N.; Tawe, L.; Ramatlho, P.; Gabaitiri, L.; Chichanga, S.; Mosweunyane, T.; Hamda, S.; Moakofhi, K.; Ntebela, D; Peloewetse, E.; Mazhani, L.; Pernica, J.M.; Read, J.; Quaye, I.K.; Pagnotti, G.M.Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is commonly seen in malaria endemic areas as it is known to confer a selective advantage against malaria. Recently, we reported a high proportion of asymptomatic reservoir of Plasmodium vivax in Botswana, that calls for intervention with primaquine to achieve radical cure of vivax malaria. Considering that individuals with this enzyme deficiency are at risk of haemolysis following primaquine treatment, assessment of the population for the relative frequency of G6PD deficiency is imperative. Samples from 3019 children from all the districts of Botswana were successfully genotyped for polymorphisms at positions 202 and 376 of the G6PD gene. Haematological parameters were also measured. The overall population allele frequency (based on the hemizygous male frequency) was 2.30% (95% CI, 1.77-2.83), while the overall frequency of G6PD-deficient genotypes A- (hemizygote and homozygote genotypes only) was 1.26% (95% CI, 0.86-1.66). G6PD deficiency is spread in Botswana according to the historical prevalence of malaria with a North-West to South-East decreasing gradient trend. There was no association between G6PD status and P. vivax infection. G6PD A- form was found to be associated with decreased RBC count and haemoglobin levels without a known cause or illness. In conclusion, we report for the first time the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Botswana which is relevant for strategies in the malaria elimination campaign. Further work to examine the activities of the enzyme in the Botswana population at risk for malaria is warranted.Item Antioxidant activity of solvent fractions of taraxacum officinale (dandelion) leaves(Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants, 2014-05) Tettey, C.O.; Ocloo, A.; Nagajyothi, P.C.; Lee, K.D.Methanolic crude extract of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaves was fractionated in solvents and antioxidant activity evaluated. The ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed high antioxidant activities in all the assays. Methylene chloride and water fractions demonstrated moderate activity, whereas the hexane fraction had relatively lower activity. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.