Association between the MTNR1B, HHEX, SLC30A8, and TCF7L2 single nucleotide polymorphisms and cardiometabolic risk profile in a mixed ancestry South African population.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the TCF7L2, HHEX, SLC30A8, MTNR1B, SLC2A2 and GLIS3 genes are well established candidate genes for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) across different ethnic populations. We investigated their association with CMDs in a mixed ancestry population of South Africa. rs10830963, rs1111875, rs11920090, rs13266634, rs7034200 and rs7903146 SNPs were genotyped by quantitative real time PCR in 1650 participants and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analyses performed on the SNPs.

A Review of the Relationship between the Immune Response, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and the Pathogenesis of Sickle Cell Anaemia.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCD) is a life-threatening haematological disorder which is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa and is triggered by a genetic mutation of the β-chain haemoglobin gene resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid with valine. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormal haemoglobin molecule called haemoglobin S (HbS). When deoxygenated, haemoglobin S (HbS) polymerises and results in a sickle-shaped red blood cell which is rigid and has a significantly shortened life span.

Circulating miR-30a-5p and miR-182-5p in Prediabetes and Screen-Detected Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: microRNAs (miRNAs) have been touted as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-30a-5p and miR-182-5p for prediabetes and screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: The study included 1270 participants (207 prediabetes, 94 screen-detected diabetes and 969 normotolerant) from the Vascular and Metabolic Health (VMH) study.

A clinical audit of the utilisation of red cell products in elective total hip replacement surgery.

Background: Previous studies have documented a marked variation in transfusion practice for total hip replacement (THR) surgery.

Objective: To audit red cell product utilisation for THR at two Western Cape tertiary referral hospitals (HY and HG).

Methods: The folders of 207 consecutive patients undergoing elective THR surgery from January 2013 to December 2013 were reviewed.

The evaluation of platelet function in HIV infected, asymptomatic treatment-naïve individuals using flow cytometry.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces inflammation and platelet activation. People living with HIV are at increased risk of thrombotic events. Activated platelets link inflammation with thrombosis.

The clonogenic potential of selected CD34+ cells from patients with MDS appear preserved when tested ex vivo.

Our aim was to examine in 17 patients with MDS the effects of PMA activated and non-activated autologous lymphocytes on selected bone marrow CD34+ progenitors, in dose response studies. We used a double layer culture technique. Compared with controls, there was no difference in the colony growth promoting capacity of autologous PMA stimulated or unstimulated blood lymphocytes from MDS patients.

Dendritic cells, T-cells and their possible role in the treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma.

The immune system has the ability to control and destroy malignant calls. This has been demonstrated by the graft versus leukaemia effect and the use of donor lymphocyte infusions in peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Dendritic cells are potent antigen presenting cells and become activated after phagocytosing and processing antigen.

Telomeres and telomerase in leukaemia and lymphoma.

Telomeres are DNA structures which serve to stabilize chromosomes. In human cells telomeres progressively shorten with each cell division leading to eventual chromosome instability and cell death. Telomerase is a DNA polymerase which is required for the maintenance of telomeres.