Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors among healthcare workers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa; cross-sectional study.

This study assesses the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and its potential association with cardiometabolic risk factors among South African adults residing in the Eastern Cape province. In this cross-sectional study, 1244 healthcare workers (HCWs) completed a self-administered questionnaire and venous blood samples were drawn at two academic hospitals in the Eastern Cape. History of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were self-reported.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein among people living with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

The pathological consequences of inflammation persist in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), regardless of the positive outcomes of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand and explore the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD)-risk factors including lipid profiles among PLWH on HAART. Major electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to retrieve relevant global literature reporting on hs-CRP levels in PLWH on HAART.

Healthcare workers' perceptions of sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape.

Background: The South African government implemented lockdown restrictions in order to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Aim: This study explored the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sexual violence in the Eastern Cape province through the lens of healthcare workers' (HCWs) experiences.

Setting: A Thuthuzela care centre in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Response among South African Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This study assesses the durability of severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) immunoglobulin G (IgG) after infection and examines its association with established risk factors among South African healthcare workers (HCWs). Blood samples were obtained from 390 HCWs with diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for assay of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-N IgG at two time points (Phase 1 and 2) between November 2020 and February 2021. Out of 390 HCWs with a COVID-19 diagnosis, 267 (68.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Amlodipine-Associated Genes and Their Correlation with Blood Pressure Control among South African Adults with Hypertension.

Objective: This study describes the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in amlodipine-associated genes and assesses their correlation with blood pressure control among South African adults with hypertension. Methods: In total, 304 hypertensive patients on amlodipine treatment belonging to the indigenous Swati, Xhosa and Zulu population groups of South Africa were recruited between June 2017 and June 2019. Participants were categorized into: controlled (blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg) and uncontrolled (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg) hypertension.

The association of (rs1801133) with hypertension in an indigenous south African population.

The current study sought to investigate the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase () variant (rs1801133) and the risk of developing hypertension (HTN) in an indigenous South African population. A total of 442 participants (hypertensive, = 279 and non-hypertensive, = 163) from the indigenous tribe residing in Mthatha, Eastern Cape (South Africa) were recruited. HTN was defined as a systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥130/80 mmHg following American Heart Association guidelines.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Polymorphism (rs1801133) and the Risk of Hypertension among African Populations: A Narrative Synthesis of Literature.

In this review, we have gathered and analyzed the available genetic evidence on the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (), rs1801133 and the risk of Hypertension (HTN) in African populations, which was further compared to the global data evidence. This review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and Human Genome Epidemiology Network (HuGENet) guidelines. Literature was retrieved through major search databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and African Journal Online.

Prevalence, patterns and determinants of dyslipidaemia among South African adults with comorbidities.

The present study assessed the prevalence, patterns and determinants of dyslipidaemia among South African adults with multi-morbidities. In this study, 614 individuals with DM and hypertension were recruited. Dyslipidaemia was defined as elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 5.

Cross-sectional study of the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms with enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension.

This study investigates the association of 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected genes (ABO, VEGFA, BDKRB2, NOS3, and ADRB2) with blood pressure (BP) response to enalapril. The study further assessed genetic interactions that exist within these genes and their implications in enalapril treatment response among South African adults with hypertension.A total of 284 participants belonging to the Nguni tribe of South Africa on continuous treatment for hypertension were recruited.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Associated with Metformin and Sulphonylureas' Glycaemic Response among South African Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Aims: To examine the association of polymorphisms belonging to , , , , , and genes with glycaemic response to metformin and sulphonylureas (SU) combination therapy among South African adults with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 128 individuals of Swati ( = 22) and Zulu ( = 106) origin attending chronic care for T2DM were recruited. Nine SNPs previously associated with metformin and SUs were selected and genotyped using MassArray.

Genomic Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Blood Pressure Response to Hydrochlorothiazide among South African Adults with Hypertension.

This study described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in hydrochlorothiazide-associated genes and further assessed their correlation with blood pressure control among South African adults living with hypertension. A total of 291 participants belonging to the Nguni tribes of South Africa on treatment for hypertension were recruited. Nineteen SNPs in hydrochlorothiazide pharmacogenes were selected and genotyped using MassArray.

Factors associated with glycemic control among South African adult residents of Mkhondo municipality living with diabetes mellitus.

This study examines the rate and the influencing factors of glycemic control among adult residents living with DM in Mkhondo Municipality of South Africa.In this cross-sectional study, 157 individuals attending care for DM were recruited. Glycemic control status was categorized as poor if glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% and very poor if HbA1c ≥ 9%.

Evaluation of the suitability of 19 pharmacogenomics biomarkers for individualized metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes patients.

Objectives Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic disease characterized by relative insulin insufficiency and insulin resistance resulting in hyperglycemia. Despite the widespread use of metformin, there is considerable variation in treatment response; with approximately one-third of patients failing to achieve adequate glycemic control. Studies have reported the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their interactions in genetic pathways i.

Cross-sectional study of prevalence and determinants of uncontrolled hypertension among South African adult residents of Mkhondo municipality.

Background: Achieving the blood pressure treatment target in individuals with hypertension is a serious global health challenge. Furthermore, the actual burden of uncontrolled hypertension is poorly understood, especially in the developing countries. Therefore, this study comprehensively examined the prevalence and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in individuals receiving care at the primary healthcare facilities in the rural areas of Mkhondo Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Evaluation of the suitability of 19 pharmacogenomics biomarkers for individualized metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes patients.

Objectives Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a progressive metabolic disease characterized by relative insulin insufficiency and insulin resistance resulting in hyperglycemia. Despite the widespread use of metformin, there is considerable variation in treatment response; with approximately one-third of patients failing to achieve adequate glycemic control. Studies have reported the involvement of single nucleotide polymorphisms and their interactions in genetic pathways i.