Seroprevalence, Type-Specific of Herpes Simplex Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Women of Child Bearing Age in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: Viruses of the Herpes viridae family infect 90% of the Earth’s population. Humans are the hosts of at least nine unique herpes viruses. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of type specific herpes simplex virus infection and the associated risk factors in a cross-section of asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 females of child bearing age (15 - 49 years) participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies (IgG) quantitatively with ELISA kit. Results: The overall prevalence of HSV was 76.7%. Data further show that majority (96.4%) of the population studied had HSV-1, while 77% had HSV-2 infections. Results also showed that the young adults indicated prevalence of 95.7% for HSV-1 and 74.7% for HSV-2, while in the middle aged, the prevalence were 98.6% for HSV-1, and 84.9% for HSV-2. 99.2% of the married women were positive for HSV-1, while 86.9% were positive for HSV-2. 94.5% of the unmarried women were positive for HSV-1, while 70.5% were positive for HSV-2. The risk of HVS-1 or VS-2 infections was not associated with age, age of first sexual exposure and number sex partners before marriage. Married women were at greater risk for HSV-1 (p = 0.03) and HSV-2 (p ≤ 0.001) infections compared to the unmarried women. Conclusion: The prevalence of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections was high among asymptomatic healthy women of childbearing age in Kogi state, Nigeria. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of HSV infection among the child bearing populace.

Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Their Relationship with Age in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition which occurs as men get older. Aim: We aimed at investigating the reproductive hormone profile of men with BPH and the relationship of these hormones with age. Methods: Twenty-nine men of age > 40 years were screened for prostate symptoms. The prostate examination included digital rectal examination and measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen levels. Demographic and clinical characteristics of subjects were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The serum levels of Testosterone (Te), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Prolactin (PRL) were measured using ELISA method. Results: Our study indicated that age and levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), LH and FSH were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in men with BPH compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the control group indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher Te level compared with the BPH group. In patients with BPH, age was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones (LH, FSH and PRL), but not with the sex hormone, and testosterone. Majority (62.1%) of the patients with BPH indicated they had poor libido, while none of them indicated regular sexual activity with their spouses. Conclusion: This study suggests that the rise in serum levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis hormones in BPH patients as demonstrated by the present findings may be age-related since testicular dysfunction in aging men is associated with the decrease in androgen production which may stimulate an increased production of gonadotropins by negative feedback.

The Risk of Islet Cell and Insulin Autoantibodies and Their Predictive Strength as Markers of Type-1 Diabetes in a Cross-Section of Nigerian Population

Aim: We demonstrated the risk of developing islet autoantibodies-Insulin Autoanti-bodies (IAAs) and Islets cell Autoantibodies (ICAs)-in type-1 diabetic relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients compared to non-diabetic controls. We also aimed to determine the predictive strengths of both autoantibodies in the development of type-1 diabetes mellitus, and which of the two autoantibodies is a better predictive marker of type-1 diabetes mellitus among Nigerian adults. Methodology: A total number of four hundred and fifty five (455) subjects (211 (46%) males, and 244 (54%) females) aged between 35 - 76 years were recruited for the study. IAA and ICA levels were estimated using ELISA reagents from Biomerica Inc. Other parameters such as fasting blood sugar, urine glucose, and urine protein were assessed using standard biochemical techniques. Results: Relatives of type-1 diabetic patients and newly diagnosed type-1 diabetic patients were at greater risk (p < 0.05) of testing positive for more than one autoantibody (ICA and IAA) compared to non-diabetic controls. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better predictors or markers of type-1 diabetes mellitus compared to ICAs. Conclusion: The present study indicated a greater risk of autoim-mune destruction of the insulin producing beta cells of the pancrease of the type-1 relatives and newly diagnosed type-1 patients and suggests the need for periodic re-cruitment of individuals in the general population, siblings and relatives of type-1 diabetic patients for planned intervention trials. In addition, IAAs appeared to be better autoimmune markers of type-1 diabetes compared to ICAs.

Repeat Whole Blood Donation Correlates Significantly with Reductions in BMI and Lipid Profiles and Increased Gamma Glutamic Transferase (GGT) Activity among Nigerian Blood Donors

Background: The effect of repeated blood donation on some biochemical values of healthy adult male blood donors in Calabar, Nigeria was studied. Methods: One hundred and fifty three (153) healthy repeat blood donors and 90 first time blood donors constituted the study population. Samples were analyzed using colorimetric procedures. Results: The BMI values of 24.4 ± 2.4 kg/ m2 in the first time donors was significantly higher than the 21.7 ± 1.7 kg/m2 obtained in repeat donors (P 2 = 0.7934, P Conclusion: A reduction in the values of some lipid profiles and high GGT activity is associated with repeated blood donations in this study population. Repeated blood donation may play a significant role in reducing the incidence of heart disease.

Abortion, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages in Sub Saharan Africa: Challenges of Rhesus isoimmunisation in Rhesus negative women

The implementation of a program on routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis (RAADP) in the developed world has led to a significant decline in the residual numbers of Rhesus negative women becoming sensitized. However, a significant number of Rhesus D negative women in SSA are not fortunate because of lack of access to prophylactic immunoglobulin D and thus they continue to be affected. The management of Rhesus negative pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa is associated with several daunting challenges: absence of a policy on universal access to Rh D immunoglobulin, lack of fetomaternal testing facilities, unaffordability of prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulin, poor uptake of quality antenatal care, poor health infrastructure, sub optimal management of potentially sensitizing events during pregnancy, shortage of qualified medical personnel, poor data management, high incidence of illegal abortion and quackery. There is a need for the formulation of necessary guidelines on Rhesus immunoprophylaxis in SSA. Health authorities need to implement evidence-based policy on universal access to anti-D immunoglobulin. There is also the need to optimize the knowledge of obstetricians on anti-D prophylaxis, implementation of the readily available and affordable Kleihauer fetomaternal haemorrhage testing for all women who experience a potentially sensitizing event antenatally post 20 weeks gestation and postnatally. These factors can facilitate the effective management of Rh negative pregnancy in the region and reduce the risk of Rhesus D immunization and Rhesus D haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide on Haematological and Haemostatic Parameters among the Exposed Workers at Generator Servicing Centres in Benin City

Objectives: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless and highly toxic gas produced from incomplete combustion of fuel. This gas has capacity to bind with haemoglobin to compete for oxygen uptake when inhaled, thereby altering the blood physiology. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of carbon monoxide on haematology and haemostasis parameters among the exposed workers at gasoline generators service centre in Benin City. Methodology: Eighty-eight participants (workers n = 44 and;controls n = 44) took part in this study. Carbon monoxide used for this study was sourced from the smoke being emitted by gasoline generators during repairs. The participants’ haematological parameters were analysed using haematology autoanalyzer (Sysmex Poch 100i model, Germany), while PT and PTTK were assayed using standard methods. Results: The mean values of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width coefficient variation (RDW-CV) observed in both the workers at generator service center and their controls fell within normal ranges, but the mean red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD) of workers at generator service center fell below normal as against the normal value for controls. There were no significant differences in serum concentrations of lymphocytes (p = 0.134), and granulocytes (p = 0.584). In contrast, significantly (p Conclusion: In this study, carbon monoxide emitted during repairs has no deleterious effects on haematological and haemostasis parameters of the exposed workers at generator service centre in Benin City. However, PT and PTT exceeded normal value in the workers at the generator service centre compared to the controls. More work needs to be done especially on longer duration of exposure and at various concentrations of carbon monoxide exposure.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Human and animal studies have shown that some drugs and chemical agents have potential hepatotoxic effects. The hepatotoxic effect of drugs and some chemical agents is reported to be associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are reported to be associated with lipid peroxidation in the liver. This mechanism has led to continuous evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect of antioxidants in humans and animals. Among the antioxidants been evaluated is vitamin C which is a water soluble antioxidant. Reports have linked vitamin C with hepatoprotective property in animals and humans. It synergistic hepatoprotective effect with other antioxidants was also reported. Due to these reports a comprehensive literature review on the hepatoprotective property of vitamin C in humans and animals was performed. It was observed that vitamin C exhibited a reputable hepatoprotective effect in humans and animals. Research showed that vitamin C inhibited hepatotoxicity induced by drugs, heavy metals, organophosphate insecticides and some chemical agents. Vitamin C was reported to normalized levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamine, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde and serum bilirubin in intoxicated animals. It potentiates the activities of free radical scavengers, superoxide dimutase, and catalase glutathione peroxidase thereby preventing microsomal lipid peroxidation, liver fibrosis, liver necrosis and hepatic inflammation. In humans vitamin C was reported to be beneficial in non alcoholic steatohepatitis and in patients with fatty liver disease. Hepatoprotective property of vitamin C is attributed to it antioxidant property. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is a major water-soluble antioxidant is believed to decrease lipid peroxidation either directly or indirectly by regenerating vitamin E. Vitamin C is an important free radical scavenger in extracellular fluids, trapping radicals and protecting biomembranes from peroxide damage. Vitamin C effectively scavenges singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxyl, water soluble peroxyl radical and hypochlorous acid. It is also reported to be an excellent source of electrons and therefore can donate electrons to free radicals such as hydroxyl and super oxide radicals and quench their activity. Vitamin C is an essential co-factor involved in many biochemical functions and acts as an electron donor or reducing agent. In this review it is observe that vitamin C has hepatoprotective effect which increases when co administered with other agents precisely antioxidants.

The Level of CD4⁺T Cell Count among Reproductive Age Women Coinfected with Human Immune Virus, Hepatitis Surface Antigen and Herpes Simplex Virus in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: There are pockets of evidence to show the existence of co-infections of viral particles in humans. Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the CD4+ T cell count among women of reproductive age co-infected with human immune virus, hepatitis surface antigen and herpes simplex virusin Kogi state, Nigeria. Methodology: 342 females of reproductive age within the ages of 15 - 49 years participated in this study. They were recruited from various local government areas of three Senatorial districts of Kogi state. Blood samples were collected from participants and analyzed for HSV1/HSV2, HIV, HBsAg and CD4 using different scientific methods and procedures. Results: There was no significant differences in mean CD4+ T cell counts between subjects who tested positive and those who tested negative for only HSV1 (p = 0.61), HSV2 (p = 0.95), HIV (p = 0.48) and co-infection for HSV1, HSV2, HIV (0.68). In contrast, mean CD4+ T cell count was significantly higher in those who tested positive compared with those who tested negative for HBsAg alone (p = 0.03) and those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2, HBsAg (p = 0.01). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated no significant differences in CD4+ T cell counts among the different classes of infections. Conclusion: This study shows no decline in the count of CD4+ T cell on the co-infections of HSV1, HSV2 and HIV, but higher significant difference in those co-infected with HSV1, HSV2 and HBsAg was recorded among the women of child bearing age in Kogi state.

Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Their Relationships with Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer after Rapid Prostatectomy in Benin City

There are limited studies examining the relationship between serum reproductive hormone levels and sexual functions among prostate cancer (PCa) patients after rapid prostatectomy (RP). Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the correlation between post-operative serum levels of some male reproductive hormones of PCa patients and their sexual functions in the months following RP. A total of 20 male patients with clinically localized PCa who had undergone RP within the last 12 months prior to commencement of the study, were invited to participate. The postoperative serum levels of their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (Te) were measured. They also completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic characteristics and detailed medical history. Our data indicated normal mean levels of post-operative Te (4.34 ± 4.38 ng/ml) in the patients following RP, while the mean levels of FSH (39.24 ± 34.12 miu/ml) and LH (21.67 ± 25.73 miu/ml) were on the increase and far above normal ranges for healthy men. Data indicated a significant positive correlation between Te and frequency of sexual intercourse (r = 508;p < 0.05), libido (r = 0.429;p < 0.05) and penile erection (r = 0.494;p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between FSH or LH and any of the sexual function parameters. The present study indicated that radical prostatectomy affected reproductive hormones by increasing LH and FSH concentrations above normal ranges for healthy men, while Te concentrations remained within normal range in the months following RP. The postoperative serum total Te concentrations of the patients were significantly associated with their postoperative sex drive, penile erection and frequency of sexual intercourse.

Assessment of Renal Biomarkers of Renal Function in Commercial Automobile Workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Blood-urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes are important biomarkers of renal function which could be considered as suitable prognostic indicators of renal dysfunction. Aim: The aim of this work was to assess renal biomarkers of renal function in commercial automobile workers in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 158 males within the ages of 18 - 60 years participated in this study, 50 of which are control subjects. They were recruited for this study from various workshops in Benin City, while controls are unexposed volunteers. Results: It was observed that serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, chloride and bicarbonate levels in all the exposed groups were significantly higher (p Conclusion: This study indicated greater levels of some renal biomarkers in automobile workers compared with the controls. In addition, blood urea levels were elevated above normal range of values. These findings suggest that the occupationally exposed automobile workers may be at risk of renal diseases. This calls for urgent need for policy formulation that will prevent the vulnerable groups from kidney damage.

A Quadratic Regression Analysis of the Effect of Three Levels of NPK Fertilizer on the Yield of Yellow Maize

Fertilizers are essential to modern agriculture;their overuse can have harmful effects on plants, crops and soil quality. Thus, the study seeks to investigate, if (actually) the trio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) contribute to the growth and yield of yellow maize, and to determine at what proportion each of the elements is to be applied for optimum yield. Our findings revealed that Nitrogen and Phosphoric fertilizer contributed significantly to the yield of yellow maize while there was no significant effect of Potassium Further analysis on the mean separation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test—(DMRT) showed Nitrogen at 50 kg/ha as significantly higher than the other levels. For phosphorus, its effect at 20 kg/ha was significantly higher than the other levels. Thus, the derived quadratic model: .

Assessment of Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases among Leprosy Patients Settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan Rehabilitation Center, Edo State, Nigeria

Background/Aim: Quality of life is reduced in people living with leprosy as a result of its impact on human activities. Lipid profile means pattern of lipids in the blood, which is routinely done to assess cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases among the leprosy patients settlement at Ossiomo-Ogan, Edo state. Method: Blood samples were collected from a total number of one hundred and eight (108) (57 leprosy patients and 51 controls) subjects. The lipid profiles of the participants were determined using standard methods. Results: Significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL in leprosy patients compared with the healthy controls were obtained. There is significant positive correlation between artherogenic index and levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.663;p < 0.001);triglyceride (r = 0.901;p < 0.001);HDL (r = 0.284;p = 0.003);and LDL (r = 0.626;p < 0.001) in leprosy patients. However, all the control subjects and 54 (94.7%) of the leprosy patients had low cardiovascular disease risk, while 3 (2.8%) indicated moderate CVD risk. None of the participants had high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: In this study, lipid profile levels of leprosy patients significantly increased despite moderate level of BMI. This study also showed significant positive correlation between the anthrogenic index of plasma and all the lipid profile. Many of the leprosy patients are not conscious of their diet which was tilted towards heavy carbohydrate and fatty meals. None of the participants is at high risk of cardiovascular diseases but the risk may increase with further elevation of the lipid profiles. Efforts should be made by all stakeholders to improve on the awareness of leprosy disease and encourage the sufferers to live decent lives.

Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen Parameters among Male Patients with Lepromatous Leprosy in Edo State, Nigeria

Aim: This study is aimed at determining the total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) concentrations and free to total PSA ratio (f/tPSA) and their utility in prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification among male lepromatous leprosy patients in Edo state, Nigeria. Methods: Forty participants and thirty controls participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to elicit details such as their personal data, age, sex, residence, medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, length of time of diagnosis, sexual activities, as well as the history of any other underlying diseases. Blood samples were collected from the participants. Total and free PSA concentrations in the samples were measured using ELISA method. Results: Significantly (p = 0.042) higher serum fPSA among the leprosy patients (0.22 ± 0.12 ng/ml) compared with the healthy controls (0.17 ± 0.09 ng/ml). There were no significant (p = 0.055) difference in the mean tPSA between the leprosy patients (2.69 ± 2.25 ng/ml) compared with the control (1.95 ± 0.69 ng/ml). Similarly, no significant (p = 0.548) difference was observed in PSA ratio between the control (0.08 ± 0.04) and the leprosy patients (0.09 ± 0.03). Conclusion: Our study indicated no significant differences in tPSA and f/tPSA between the leprosy patients and their healthy control. Elevated tPSA as well as f/tPSA levels that fell within the high risk zones of PCa were more prevalent among patients aged ≥ 70 years, not married, who rarely had sexual intercourse and those with longer disease duration.

Structure-based discovery of F.religiosa phytochemicals as potential inhibitors against Monkeypox(mpox)viral protein

Outbreaks of Monkeypox(mpox)in over 100 non-endemic countries in 2022 represented a serious global health concern.Once a neglected disease,mpox has become a global public health issue.A42R profilinlike protein from mpox(PDB ID:4QWO)represents a potential new lead for drug development and may interact with various synthetic and natural compounds.In this report,the interaction of A42R profilinlike protein with six phytochemicals found in the medicinal plant Ficus religiosa(abundant in India)was examined.Based on the predicted and compared protein–ligand binding energies,biological properties,IC_(50) values and toxicity,two compounds,kaempferol(C-1)and piperine(C-4),were selected.ADMET characteristics and quantitative structure–activity relationship(QSAR)of these two compounds were determined,and molecular dynamics(MD)simulations were performed.In silico examination of the kaempferol(C-1)and piperine(C-4)interactions with A42R profilin-like protein gave best-pose ligandbinding energies of–6.98 and–5.57 kcal/mol,respectively.The predicted IC_(50) of C-1 was 7.63 lM and 82 lM for C-4.Toxicity data indicated that kaempferol and piperine are non-mutagenic,and the QSAR data revealed that piperlongumine(5.92)and piperine(5.25)had higher log P values than the other compounds examined.MD simulations of A42R profilin-like protein in complex with C-1 and C-4 were performed to examine the stability of the ligand–protein interactions.As/C and C-4 showed the highest affinity and activities,they may be suitable lead candidates for developing mpox therapeutic drugs.This study should facilitate discovering and synthesizing innovative therapeutics to address other infectious diseases.

Assessment of Renal Erythropoietic Status of the Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients without Renal Impairment in Benin City, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is a carbohydrate metabolism disorder which is caused due to impairment in insulin secretion and/or the activity of insulin, leading to chronic hyperglycemia with defective carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This study aimed at assessing the erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin and renal parameters levels among the newly diagnosed diabetic patients and providing valuable insights into the management and progression of the disease. A case-control study was conducted on samples of 60 consenting participants including newly diagnosed diabetic patients (n − 30), and healthy controls (n − 30) of age ranging between 20 - 50 years. EPO level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the renal parameters (electrolytes) were measured using Ion-Selective Electrodes. Hemoglobin, urea and creatinine were measured using cyanmethemoglobin and colorimetric methods respectively under standard protocols. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, diabetes duration, iron rich diet consumption, medication history and family history were collected via questionnaires. Independent sample t-test indicated significantly higher mean hemoglobin (p < 0.05), packed cell volume (p = 0.05) and fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) in newly diagnosed diabetic patients compared with their healthy control. No significant differences were observed in EPO, creatinine, urea, potassium, bicarbonate, sodium, and chloride between the two groups. In this study, the values of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, EPO and all renal biomarkers were normal, this may be due to the early diagnosis of the disease. It also suggests the extensive capacity of the kidney which is able to withstand metabolic disturbances in the newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus condition. Routine medical check and lifestyle modification are recommended to a newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Also further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these assessments in predicting diabetes complications, disease progression and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Health-related quality of life of living liver donors 1 year after donation

Background:Improving the health-related quality of life(HRQOL)of living liver donors post-donation is an important aspect of care quality.Analyzing the HRQOL of living liver donors prospectively could help improve our understanding of the recovery of HRQOL and help improve the quality of donor care.In this study,we examined the HRQOL of living liver donors at pre-donation and at 1-year post-donation and analyzed the effect of pre-and post-donation factors on the donors'physical and mental HRQOL.Methods:This was a prospective study.During the enrollment period(August 2013 to December 2015),68 living liver donors completed the study questionnaires 5 times:at pre-donation and at 1,3,6,and 12 months post-donation.The Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form-36,which yields both physical(PCS)and mental(MCS)component summary scores,was used to measure the HRQOL.The pre-and post-donation factors included donation ambivalence,recipients'physical condition,post-donation complications,and recipients'survival status.Results:Participants'mean PCS scores were 43.59 and 56.50 at 1 and 12 months after donation,respectively,whereas their mean MCS scores were 46.89 and 46.28,respectively.The mean PCS score was worse at 1 month after donation but improved significantly over time(P<0.05);conversely,the MCS was quite stable over time(P>0.05).A good PCS score was associated with no surgical complications of donation(coefficient=2.87,P=0.02),whereas a poor MCS score was associated with an education of less than a bachelor's degree(coefficient=?3.60,P=0.004),a higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD)score in the recipient(coefficient=?0.13,P=0.03),and recipient death(coefficient=?3.48,P=0.03).Pre-donation ambivalence and sense of coherence were not significant predictors of the PCS or MCS scores.Conclusions:The impact of living liver donation on HRQOL was strongest in the early stages of the post-surgery period for the physical domain.Health-care professionals should carefully manage and monitor the progress of surgical outcomes,particularly in high-risk groups such as donors with a low education level or donors whose recipients have severe illness or end up dying after the surgery.Doing so may allow for suitable intervention opportunities to improve the HRQOL of living liver donors.

Association of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor Gene rs5938(G/T) and rs313152(T/C) Polymorphisms with Coronary Heart Disease and Blood Stasis Syndrome in A Chinese Han Population

Objective: To explore the association of the platelet-activating factor receptor(PAFR) gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms with coronary heart disease(CHD) and blood stasis syndrome(BSS) of CHD in Chinese Han population. Methods: A total of 570 CHD patients(299 with BSS and 271 with non-BSS) and 317 controls were enrolled. The PAFR gene rs5938, rs313152 and rs76744145 polymorphisms were genotyped using the multiplex SNaP shot technology. The statistical analysis was conducted using a multiple variable logistic regression model. Results: Significant differences were detected in the genotypes frequency distributions of the rs5938(P<0.01), but not the rs313152(P>0.05), between the controls and CHD patients. Individuals with an rs5938 or rs313152 mutated allele had a low risk for CHD [adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=0.35, 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.23 to 0.56, P<0.01; aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.91, P<0.05, respectively]. After the CHD patients were stratified as BSS or non-BSS according to their Chinese medicine patterns, the rs5938 polymorphism mutated alleles had a significant association with a low risk for BSS of CHD(aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.57, P<0.01) and non-BSS of CHD(aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.55, P<0.01). The rs313152 polymorphism was associated with a low risk for BSS(aOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.79, P<0.01), but not for non-BSS(aOR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.85, P>0.05). Furthermore, the interaction effect of the rs5938 and rs313152 polymorphisms for BSS of CHD was significantly based on an aOR value associated with the combination of the rs5938 GT genotype with the rs313152 TC genotype of 0.27(95% CI: 0.1 to 0.7, P<0.01). Conclusion: The PAFR gene rs5938 or rs313152 polymorphisms might be a potential biomarker for susceptibility to CHD, especially to BSS of CHD in Chinese Han population.