Hematological parameters of human immunodeficiency virus positive pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, North Western Nigeria

Secondary Bioactive Metabolites from Foods of Plant Origin as Theravention Agents against Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) are on the rise, robbing people of their memories and independence. While risk factors such as age and genetics play an important role, exciting studies suggest that a diet rich in foods from plant origin may offer a line of defense. These kinds of foods, namely fruits and vegetables, are packed with a plethora of powerful bioactive secondary metabolites (SBMs), including terpenoids, polyphenols, glucosinolates, phytosterols and capsaicinoids, which exhibit a wide range of biological activities including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-Alzheimer's, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial properties, associated with preventive effects in the development of chronic diseases mediated by oxidative stress such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and NDDs. This review explores the potential of SBMs as theravention agents (metabolites with therapeutic and preventive action) against NDDs. By understanding the science behind plant-based prevention, we may be able to develop new strategies to promote brain health and prevent the rise in NDDs. The proposed review stands out by emphasizing the integration of multiple SBMs in plant-based foods and their potential in preventing NDDs. Previous research has often focused on individual compounds or specific foods, but this review aims to present a comprehensive fingerprint of how a diet rich in various SBMs can synergistically contribute to brain health. The risk factors related to NDD development and the diagnostic process, in addition to some examples of food-related products and medicinal plants that significantly reduce the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), are highlighted.

Thrombocytopenia and Associated Factors Among HIV Infected Patients in Pre- and Post-Anti-Retroviral Therapy, North East Ethiopia

Background

Thrombocytopenia is a common disorder of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. The magnitude of thrombocytopenia and associated factors among HIV-infected patients receiving ART (anti-retroviral treatment) are not studied well in this study area. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and associated factors in pre- and post-ART patients who attended Debre Berhan Referral Hospital (DBRH) in North-East Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 in DBRH, North-East Ethiopia. From the total ART patients, 272 study participants were selected randomly. Socio-demographic variables and clinical characteristics of the patients were collected by standard questionnaires. Measurement of platelet count and CD4 count were made by Sysmex XT2000i hematology machine and BD FACS count analyzer, respectively. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 23 and multivariate logistic regression was done. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 22.7% with 95% CI: 17.8-27.5 in pre-ART and 14.7% with 95% CI: 11.0-19.9 in post-ART HIV-infected patients with a significant difference at P <0.0001. HIV patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/µL were more likely to have thrombocytopenia (35.0%) than patients with CD4 counts ≥200 with a P <0.04 in pre-ART patients. Patients on zidovudine (AZT)-based therapy were more likely to have thrombocytopenia (16.3%) than patients on tenofovir (TDF)-based therapy (14.8%) with P<0.79; however, this did not show any significant association.

Conclusion

The prevalence of thrombocytopenia decreased significantly after the beginning of ART. HIV patients with low CD4 count and on AZT-based treatment showed high risk of thrombocytopenia. According to this study, thrombocytopenic patients were observed even after the initiation of ART. As a result, to decrease thrombocytopenic associated mortality and morbidity, there should be continuous screening for HIV-infected patients.