Host cytokine genetic polymorphisms in a selected population of persons living with hepatitis B virus infection in the central region of Ghana.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health concern in resource limited settings like Ghana. Over the past decades, it is noted that the natural course of HBV in persons infected are taking a worse turn leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer. The outcome of HBV infection is influenced by viral and host factors including genetics.

Treating Hepatitis B Virus in Times of COVID-19: The Case for Clinical Pharmacogenomics Research in Tenofovir-Induced Kidney Toxicity.

The current pandemic has markedly shifted the focus of the global research and development ecosystem toward infectious agents such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19. A case in point is the chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that continues to be a leading cause of severe liver disease and death globally. The burden of HBV infection is highest in the World Health Organization designated western Pacific and Africa regions.

Bush mint (Hyptis suaveolens) and spreading hogweed (Boerhavia diffusa) medicinal plant extracts differentially affect activities of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes.

Ethno-pharmacological Relevance: Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poit and Boerhavia diffusa Linn are medicinal herbal plants commonly found in the tropics and sub-tropics. They are used to treat various conditions among them boils, dyslipidaemia, eczema, malaria, jaundice and gonorrhoea. Thus, the herbal medicinal extracts are now found as part of some commercial herbal formulations.

Inhibition of CYP2B6 by Medicinal Plant Extracts: Implication for Use of Efavirenz and Nevirapine-Based Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) in Resource-Limited Settings.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has greatly improved health parameters of HIV infected individuals. However, there are several challenges associated with the chronic nature of HAART administration. For populations in health transition, dual use of medicinal plant extracts and conventional medicine poses a significant challenge.