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Chidiac L, Yazbeck H, Mahfouz R, Zgheib NK. Pharmacogenomics in Lebanon: current status, challenges and opportunities. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2024; 24:16. [PMID: 38778046 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-024-00336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) research and applications are of utmost relevance in Lebanon considering its population genetic diversity. Moreover, as a country with regional leadership in medicine and higher education, Lebanon holds a strong potential in contributing to PGx research and clinical implementation. In this manuscript, we first review and evaluate the available PGx research conducted in Lebanon, then describe the current status of PGx practice in Lebanon while reflecting on the local and regional challenges, and highlighting areas for action, and opportunities to move forward. We specifically expand on the status of PGx at the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center as a case study and guide for the further development of local and regional comprehensive PGx research, teaching, and clinical implementation programs. We also delve into the status of PGx knowledge and education, and prospects for further advancement such as with online courses and certificates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Chidiac
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hady Yazbeck
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rami Mahfouz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie K Zgheib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Sakr F, Safwan J, Cherfane M, Salameh P, Sacre H, Haddad C, El Khatib S, Rahal M, Dia M, Harb A, Hosseini H, Iskandar K. Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke among the Elderly Population: Analysis of Data from a Sample of Older Adults in a Developing Country. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2172. [PMID: 38138275 PMCID: PMC10744528 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Stroke prevention has traditionally concentrated on research to improve knowledge and awareness of the disease in the general population. Since stroke incidents increase with age, there is a need to focus on the elderly, a high-risk group for developing the disease. This study aimed to examine the level of stroke awareness and knowledge, their predictors, and their source of information. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study targeted Lebanese senior citizens aged 65 years and above. A total of 513 participants enrolled in the study through a self-administered survey distributed using a snowball sampling technique. Results: Most participants had appropriate baseline knowledge (more than 75% correct answers) of stroke, including risk factors, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Better knowledge of disease risks was significantly associated with having a university degree (ORa = 1.609; p = 0.029). Participants who had previous ischemic attacks showed significantly lower knowledge of the alarming signs (ORa = 0.467; p = 0.036) and prevention measures (ORa = 0.427; p = 0.029). Those suffering from depression had better knowledge of stroke alarming signs (ORa = 2.060.; p = 0.050). Seeking information from pharmacists, physicians, or the internet was not significantly associated with better knowledge of stroke risks, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Conclusions: The present study showed that seniors had fair knowledge of stroke, despite gaps in stroke prevention measures. Healthcare providers could play a leading role in improving public health by educating seniors to enhance awareness about prevention measures, detecting alarming signs, and acting fast to save a life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Michelle Cherfane
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 4504, Lebanon
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 25586, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 4504, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hala Sacre
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib 1525, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut 7501, Lebanon
| | - Sarah El Khatib
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Mohammad Dia
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Ahmad Harb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, AP-HP, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Katia Iskandar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
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Alkhalidy H, Orabi A, Alnaser K, Al-Shami I, Alzboun T, Obeidat MD, Liu D. Obesity Measures as Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases among the Jordanian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12187. [PMID: 34831943 PMCID: PMC8618033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to use obesity measures, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) to predict the CVD and T2D risk and to determine the best predictor of these diseases among Jordanian adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the governmental and military hospitals across Jordan. The study participants were healthy or previously diagnosed with CVD or T2D. The continuous variables were compared using ANOVA, and the categorical variables were compared using the X2 test. The multivariate logistic regression was used to predict CVD and T2D risk through their association with BMI and WC. The final sample consisted of 6000 Jordanian adults with a mean age of 41.5 ± 14.7 years, 73.6% females. The BMI (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.30-2.30, p < 0.001) was associated with a higher risk of T2D compared to WC (OR = 1.3, CI: 1.04-1.52, p = 0.016). However, our results showed that BMI was not associated with CVD risk, while the WC was significantly and positively associated with CVD risk (OR = 1.9, CI: 1.47-2.47, p < 0.001). In conclusion, an elevated BMI predicts a higher risk of T2D, while WC is more efficient in predicting CVD risk. Our results can be used to construct a population-specific intervention to reduce the risk of CVD and T2D among adults in Jordan and other countries with similar backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Alkhalidy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.O.); (K.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Aliaa Orabi
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.O.); (K.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Khadeejah Alnaser
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.O.); (K.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Islam Al-Shami
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Tamara Alzboun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (A.O.); (K.A.); (T.A.)
| | - Mohammad D. Obeidat
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
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Hoteit M, Zoghbi E, Rady A, Shankiti I, Ibrahim C, Al-Jawaldeh A. Assessment of Industrially Produced Trans Fatty Acids in Traditional Dishes, Arabic Sweets, and Market Food Products and Its Risks on Non-communicable Diseases in Lebanon. Front Nutr 2021; 8:727548. [PMID: 34746203 PMCID: PMC8566673 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.727548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Industrially produced trans fatty acids (IP-TFAs) are a major dietary contributor to non-communicable diseases worldwide. To address the industrially produced trans fatty acids food sources in Lebanon, a mapping exercise was enrolled between January 2019 and April 2021 to establish a national database. The 2019 survey was a pooled data from five separate sources and had relatively 30 types of traditional dishes. In contrast, the subsequent surveys in 2020 had a sample of 35 types of Arabic sweets and 80 types of market food products. The 2021 survey covered all types of butter and margarine available in the Lebanese markets. Our findings show that about 93% of the products tested in Lebanon, between 2019 and 2021, met the World Health Organization recommendations, while about 7% exceeded the limit. The mean level of the IP-TFAs elaidic and linolelaidic acids in most traditional dishes (0.9%), Arabic sweets (0.6%), butter, and margarine (1.6%), and market foods (0.52%) were relatively low compared with other countries. Although trans fatty acids have a small impact on heart disease mortality in Lebanon, they are unquestionably significant. The persistence of food products with high quantities of trans fatty acids poses a health risk to Lebanese citizens. Fortunately, proper laws in Lebanon can easily remedy this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- PHENOL Research Group (Public Health Nutrition Program-Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Edwina Zoghbi
- Country Office for Lebanon, World Health Organization, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alissar Rady
- Country Office for Lebanon, World Health Organization, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iman Shankiti
- Country Office for Lebanon, World Health Organization, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carla Ibrahim
- PHENOL Research Group (Public Health Nutrition Program-Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
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Bizzari S, Nair P, Deepthi A, Hana S, Al-Ali MT, Megarbané A, El-Hayek S. Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA) Database: Analysing Lebanese Data on Genetic Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1518. [PMID: 34680914 PMCID: PMC8535931 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lebanon has a high annual incidence of birth defects at 63 per 1000 live births, most of which are due to genetic factors. The Catalogue for Transmission Genetics in Arabs (CTGA) database, currently holds data on 642 genetic diseases and 676 related genes, described in Lebanese subjects. A subset of disorders (14/642) has exclusively been described in the Lebanese population, while 24 have only been reported in CTGA and not on OMIM. An analysis of all disorders highlights a preponderance of congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities and demonstrates that 65% of reported disorders follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. In addition, our analysis reveals that at least 58 known genetic disorders were first mapped in Lebanese families. CTGA also hosts 1316 variant records described in Lebanese subjects, 150 of which were not reported on ClinVar or dbSNP. Most variants involved substitutions, followed by deletions, duplications, as well as in-del and insertion variants. This review of genetic data from the CTGA database highlights the need for screening programs, and is, to the best of our knowledge, the most comprehensive report on the status of genetic disorders in Lebanon to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Bizzari
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
| | - Pratibha Nair
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
| | - Asha Deepthi
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
| | - Sayeeda Hana
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
| | - Mahmoud Taleb Al-Ali
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
| | - André Megarbané
- Department of Human Genetics, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 13-5053, Lebanon;
| | - Stephany El-Hayek
- Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, Dubai 22252, United Arab Emirates; (S.B.); (P.N.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (M.T.A.-A.)
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El-Kebbi IM, Bidikian NH, Hneiny L, Nasrallah MP. Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa: Challenges and call for action. World J Diabetes 2021; 12:1401-1425. [PMID: 34630897 PMCID: PMC8472500 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i9.1401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes continues to be a serious and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide. In 2019, the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world at 12.2%, with its associated morbidity and mortality, was found in the Middle East and North Africa region. In addition to a genetic predisposition in its population, evidence suggests that obesity, physical inactivity, urbanization, and poor nutritional habits have contributed to the high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the region. These risk factors have also led to an earlier onset of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents, negatively affecting the productive years of the youth and their quality of life. Furthermore, efforts to control the rising prevalence of diabetes and its complications have been challenged and complicated by the political instability and armed conflict in some countries of the region and the recent coronavirus disease 2019. Broad strategies, coupled with targeted interventions at the regional, national, and community levels are needed to address and curb the spread of this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imad M El-Kebbi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abou Dhabi 11001, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nayda H Bidikian
- School of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon
| | - Layal Hneiny
- University Libraries, Saab Medical Library, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon
| | - Mona Philippe Nasrallah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut 11072020, Lebanon
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