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Setlhare B, Letsoalo M, Nkabinde SA, Nkabinde M, Mzobe G, Mtshali A, Parveen S, Ngcobo S, Invernizzi L, Maharaj V, Ngcobo M, Gqaleni N. An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1308913. [PMID: 38533263 PMCID: PMC10963514 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1308913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A significant number of the South African population still rely on traditional medicines (TM) as their primary healthcare due to their belief in their holistic healing and immune-boosting properties. However, little to no scientific data is available on the effects of most TM products on cytokine and cellular biomarkers of the immune response. Here, we evaluated the impact of traditional medicine [Product Nkabinde (PN)] in inducing cellular and cytokine biomarkers of inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight healthy volunteers. Methods: PN was supplied by a local Traditional Health Practitioner (THP). The IC50 (half maximum concentration) of the standardized extract on isolated PBMCs was established using the cell viability assay over 24 h of incubation. Luminex and flow cytometry assays were used to measure cytokine and cellular levels in PBMCs stimulated with PN and/or PHA over 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Results: The IC50 concentration of PN in treated PBMCs was established at 325.3 μg/mL. In the cellular activation assay, the percentages of CD38-HLA-DR + on total CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in PBMCs stimulated with PN compared to unstimulated controls after 24 h (p = 0.008). PN significantly induced the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = 0.041); proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.003), TNF-α (p < 0.0001); and chemokine MIP-1β (p = 0.046) compared to the unstimulated control after 24 h. At 48 h incubation, the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.034) and TNF-α (p = 0.011) were significantly induced following treatment with PN. Conclusion: We conclude that the PN possesses in vitro immunomodulatory properties that may influence immune and inflammatory responses. More studies using PN are needed to further understand key parameters mediating induction, expression, and regulation of the immune response in the context of pathogen-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo Setlhare
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Marothi Letsoalo
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Siphathimandla Authority Nkabinde
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Magugu Nkabinde
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sobia Parveen
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samukelisiwe Ngcobo
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Luke Invernizzi
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vinesh Maharaj
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mlungisi Ngcobo
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nceba Gqaleni
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Matungwa DJ, Hong R, Kidola J, Pungu D, Ponticiello M, Peck R, Sundararajan R. Understanding the role of traditional healers in the HIV care cascade: Findings from a qualitative study among stakeholders in Mwanza, Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000674. [PMID: 36962758 PMCID: PMC10021224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Tanzania is HIV-endemic, with 5% prevalence. However, less than half of Tanzanians are aware of their HIV status, and only 75% of adult Tanzanians living with HIV are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Informal healthcare providers, such as traditional healers, frequently serve as the first line of healthcare in Tanzania. How traditional healers interact with people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unknown. This study sought to understand gaps in HIV care and explore how traditional healers interface with PLWH along the HIV care cascade. We conducted a qualitative study in Mwanza, Tanzania, between November 2019 and May 2020. We invited 15 traditional healers, 15 clients of traditional healers, 15 biomedical healthcare facility staff, and 15 PLWH to participate in a single qualitative interview. Two community focus groups were held with eight male and eight female participants. Participants were 18 years of age or older. Individual experiences with traditional healers and biomedical healthcare facilities, as well as perceptions of traditional healers with respect to HIV care, were explored through interviews. Using a content-analysis approach, codes were grouped into a framework that characterized how traditional healers engage with PLWH throughout the HIV care cascade. PLWH engaged with traditional healers throughout the HIV care cascade, from pre- to post-HIV diagnosis. Traditional healers were described in some cases as facilitating HIV testing, while others were described as delaying testing by providing traditional treatments for HIV symptoms. Traditional medications were frequently used concurrently with ARTs by PLWH. There was concern that healers contributed to ART nonadherence as some PLWH used traditional therapies in search of a "cure" for HIV. Our findings suggest that traditional healers interact with PLWH throughout the HIV care continuum and that collaboration between traditional healers and biomedical healthcare professionals and facilities is needed to improve HIV treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunstan J. Matungwa
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Richie Hong
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jeremiah Kidola
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Pungu
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Matthew Ponticiello
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Weill Cornell Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert Peck
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Weill Cornell Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Radhika Sundararajan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Weill Cornell Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Testing for saturation in qualitative evidence syntheses: An update of HIV adherence in Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258352. [PMID: 34665831 PMCID: PMC8525762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A systematic review of randomised trials may be conclusive signalling no further research is needed; or identify gaps requiring further research that may then be included in review updates. In qualitative evidence synthesis (QES), the rationale, triggers, and methods for updating are less clear cut. We updated a QES on adherence to anti-retroviral treatment to examine if thematic saturation renders additional research redundant. Methods We adopted the original review search strategy and eligibility criteria to identify studies in the subsequent three years. We assessed studies for conceptual detail, categorised as ‘rich’ or ‘sparse’, coding the rich studies. We sought new codes, and appraised whether findings confirmed, extended, enriched, or refuted existing themes. Finally, we examined if the analysis impacted on the original conceptual model. Results After screening 3895 articles, 301 studies met the inclusion criteria. Rich findings from Africa were available in 82 studies; 146 studies were sparse, contained no additional information on specific populations, and did not contribute to the analysis. New studies enriched our understanding on the relationship between external and internal factors influencing adherence, confirming, extending and enriching the existing themes. Despite careful evaluation of the new literature, we did not identify any new themes, and found no studies that refuted our theory. Conclusions Updating an existing QES using the original question confirmed and sometimes enriched evidence within themes but made little or no substantive difference to the theory and overall findings of the original review. We propose this illustrates thematic saturation. We propose a thoughtful approach before embarking on a QES update, and our work underlines the importance of QES priority areas where further primary research may help, and areas where further studies may be redundant.
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Obisesan O, Katata-Seru L, Mufamadi S, Mufhandu H. Applications of Nanoparticles for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Treatment. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:793-808. [PMID: 34082867 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the growing studies focused on the immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma and proved the preclinical and clinical promises of host antitumor immune response. However, there were still various obstacles in meeting satisfactory clinic need, such as low response rate, primary resistance and secondary resistance to immunotherapy. Tackling these barriers required a deeper understanding of immune underpinnings and a broader understanding of advanced technology. This review described immune microenvironment of liver and HCC which naturally decided the complexity of immunotherapy, and summarized recent immunotherapy focusing on different points. The ever-growing clues indicated that the instant killing of tumor cell and the subsequent relive of immunosuppressive microenvironment were both indis- pensables. The nanotechnology applied in immunotherapy and the combination with intervention technology was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwafemi Obisesan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Lebogang Katata-Seru
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Steven Mufamadi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
| | - Hazel Mufhandu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110000, China
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A Review of Cultural Influences on Risk for HIV and Culturally-Responsive Risk Mitigation Strategies Among African Immigrants in the US. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 23:1280-1292. [PMID: 33428074 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01138-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of research on HIV risk factors and risk reduction among African immigrants living in the US. This is despite the fact that the literature on HIV prevention and treatment continues to grow. We conducted a focused review to identify cultural factors contributing to the high incidence of HIV among African immigrants and best practices to increase engagement in HIV prevention services in this population. We conducted a search for empirical research published between 2009 and 2019, yielding 17 relevant studies with 16 unique samples. Inadequate knowledge about HIV transmission, low HIV risk perception, and stigma may be barriers to engaging in HIV prevention. Targeted interventions included bundled HIV testing, flexible scheduling, and involvement of community leaders in intervention planning and implementation. Implications for practice and directions for future research among this population are discussed.
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Street RA, Smith M, Moshabela M, Shezi B, Webster C, Falkenberg T. Traditional health practitioners and sustainable development: a case study in South Africa. Public Health 2018; 165:1-5. [PMID: 30326344 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To highlight legal and regulatory advances relating to South African traditional health practitioners (THPs) over the past 10 years and discuss the implications for the translation of health policies into guidelines for sustainable practice supporting public health. STUDY DESIGN This is a rapid, structured literature review. METHODS A rapid, structured literature review was undertaken to identify relevant studies related to South African THPs involving a search of peer-reviewed literature from three databases and a grey literature internet search. The identified citations were screened, critically appraised, and narratively synthesized. RESULTS Efforts to regulate THPs in South Africa are underway; however, the lack of a regulatory framework for traditional practices is hampering progress. Several efforts to collaborate with THPs have been made over the years, many of which were not systematically evaluated and not based on principles of mutual respect. Existing collaborative examples need to be further supported by cost-effective evidence to suit the South African public health budget. Furthermore, small collaborative research efforts do not take into consideration the scale up of interventions. CONCLUSIONS THPs in South Africa represent an important healthcare resource. However, the current policy environment does not support indicators to describe, monitor, and/or evaluate the role of THPs in the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Street
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa; Discipline of Occupational and Environmental health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
| | - M Smith
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA; National Institute for Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - M Moshabela
- Discipline of Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - B Shezi
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - C Webster
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - T Falkenberg
- Research Group Integrative Care, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden; Center for Social Sustainability, Department of Neurobiology Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Zuma T, Wight D, Rochat T, Moshabela M. Navigating Multiple Sources of Healing in the Context of HIV/AIDS and Wide Availability of Antiretroviral Treatment: A Qualitative Study of Community Participants' Perceptions and Experiences in Rural South Africa. Front Public Health 2018; 6:73. [PMID: 29594094 PMCID: PMC5857548 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa introduced the world's largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in 2004 and since 2016 the Department of Health implemented a universal Treatment as Prevention (TasP) strategy. However, some studies have shown that increasing the availability of ART is insufficient for the comprehensive treatment of HIV, since many people still use traditional health practitioners (THPs) to avoid being identified as HIV positive, and for reasons unrelated to HIV/AIDS. This qualitative study explored the factors influencing how both HIV-negative and HIV-positive people choose amongst multiple sources of healing and how they engage with them, in the context of HIV/AIDS and wide availability of ART. METHODS Data were collected as part of a larger TasP trial at the Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal. Repeat in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Repeat group discussions were conducted with 42 participants. Group discussion data were triangulated using community walks and photo-voice techniques to give more insight into the perceptions of community members. All data were collected over 18 months. Thematic analysis was used to analyze participants' narratives from both individual interviews and group discussions. FINDINGS In the context of HIV/AIDS and wide availability of ART, use of biomedical and traditional healing systems seemed to be common in this locality. People used THPs to meet family expectations, particularly those of authoritative heads of households such as parents or grandparents. Most participants believed that THPs could address specific types of illnesses, especially those understood to be spiritually caused and which could not be addressed or cured by biomedical practitioners. However, it was not easy for participants to separate some spiritually caused illnesses from biological illnesses in the context of HIV/AIDS. These data demonstrate that in this context, the use of THPs continues regardless of the wide availability of ART. To meet the health care needs of those patients requiring a health care system which combines biomedical and traditional approaches, collaboration and integration of biomedical and traditional health care should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Daniel Wight
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Human Sciences Research Council/Human and Social Development (HSD), MRC Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- Africa Health Research Institute, Mtubatuba, South Africa
- Discipline of Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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