The impact of mild COVID-19 on medium-term respiratory function.

Background: There is a paucity of evidence on the impact of mild COVID-19 on the respiratory system, particularly in non-healthcare seeking individuals.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of mild COVID-19 on respiratory function and to identify indicators of decreased lung function.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 175 non-healthcare-seeking individuals with confirmed acute SARS-CoV-2 infection who did not require hospitalisation.

Retinal Vessel Functional Responses in South Africans Living With and Without HIV: The EndoAfrica-NWU Study.

Objectives: The effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on microvascular function are poorly explored. We compared retinal vessel functional responses to flicker light-induced provocation (FLIP) in people living with HIV (PLWH) and people living without HIV (PLWoutH).

Methods: We included 115 PLWH and 51 PLWoutH with a median age of 41 years.

The temporal relationship between body composition and cardiometabolic profiles in an HIV-infected (on antiretroviral therapy) versus HIV-free Western Cape study population.

Cardiovascular risk is a health concern in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). This longitudinal study (baseline vs 36 months) aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and markers of cardiovascular risk in a South African study population [HIV free, = 22 vs HIV positive on antiretroviral therapy (HIV+ART), = 73)]. Health questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, biochemical analyses and flow-mediated dilation were performed.

No Association Between Gene Polymorphisms with Hypertension in a South African Population.

Purpose: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a prevalence increasing at an alarming rate in both middle- and low-income countries. Various environmental and genetic factors have been attributed to play a significant role in the increasing prevalence of hypertension. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the angiotensinogen () gene are reported to have a significant association with hypertension; however, there are limited studies done on South African populations.

People living with HIV display increased anti-apolipoprotein A1 auto-antibodies, inflammation, and kynurenine metabolites: a case-control study.

Objective: This study aimed to study the relationship between auto-antibodies against apolipoprotein A1 (anti-apoA1 IgG), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and the tryptophan pathways in HIV-related cardiovascular disease.

Design: This case-control study conducted in South Africa consisted of control volunteers ( = 50), people living with HIV (PLWH) on ART ( = 50), and untreated PLWH ( = 44). Cardiovascular risk scores were determined, vascular measures were performed, and an extensive biochemical characterisation (routine, metabolomic, and inflammatory systemic profiles) was performed.