Clinical and laboratory profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in a new rheumatology clinic in southwestern Nigeria.

Introduction: The aims were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients presenting to the clinic and to study the clinical and serological pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a new rheumatology clinic of a predominantly Yoruba population.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted over 7 years (January 2017 - December 2023). Patients who satisfied the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria were enrolled using their medical records.

Clinicopathologic Study of Sickle Cell-associated Kidney Disease: A Nigerian Experience.

Background: Improvements in sickle cell disease (SCD) care have resulted in the survival of many patients into adulthood, although this is accompanied by the increased incidence of end-organ damage, including chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence, pattern and predictors of renal dysfunction in SCD patients and investigated the associated renal histopathologic changes.

Methods: We evaluated 105 patients with SCD, for proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and tubular dysfunction.

The Effects of Race on Acute Kidney Injury.

Racial disparities in incidence and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) are pervasive and are driven in part by social inequities and other factors. It is well-documented that Black patients face higher risk of AKI and seemingly have a survival advantage compared to White counterparts. Various explanations have been advanced and suggested to account for this, including differences in susceptibility to kidney injury, severity of illness, and socioeconomic factors.

Association of chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis among an indigenous black population with chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Inflammation plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) is a major receptor for lipopolysaccharides (endotoxin) and other ligands involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation. We determined whether endotoxin levels and the presence of TLR4 polymorphisms are associated with markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis among South African CKD patients.

APOL1 Genetic Variants Are Associated with Serum-Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in South African CKD Patients.

Introduction: Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism and attenuation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. While protecting against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection, APOL1 risk alleles confer greater risk for CKD and cardiovascular disease among patients of African descent.

Objectives: We investigated whether APOL1 risk variants are associated with atherosclerosis and oxidized LDL (OxLDL) levels among black South African CKD patients.

Interleukin-6 gene polymorhisms and interleukin-6 levels are associated with atherosclerosis in CKD patients.

Inflammation is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Genetic polymorphisms in the inflammatory cytokine genes have been associated with atherosclerosis. Because levels of inflammatory cytokines are markedly elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), we hypothesized that genotypic variations in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene are a cause of systemic inflammatory states and atherosclerosis in South African CKD patients.

Atherosclerotic vascular disease and its correlates in stable black South African kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Despite remarkable improvement in renal function attributable to kidney transplantation, the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains high in the post-transplant period. Aggressive use of statins in KTRs may make lipoprotein ratios correlate better with atherosclerotic vascular disease (AsVD) when compared with traditional lipid profile parameters. We therefore evaluated the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of AsVD among non-diabetic, stable, black KTRs in South Africa.

Transforming Growth Factor- Protects against Inflammation-Related Atherosclerosis in South African CKD Patients.

Background: Transforming growth factor- (TGF-) may inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. We evaluated serum levels of TGF- isoforms concurrently with serum levels of endotoxin and various inflammatory markers. In addition, we determined if any association exists between polymorphisms in the gene and atherosclerosis in South African CKD patients.

Correlation between volume overload, chronic inflammation, and left ventricular dysfunction in chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Fluid overload is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, potentially driving chronic inflammation and left ventricular dysfunction. We investigated the association between volume overload, chronic inflammation, and left ventricular dysfunction across subgroups of CKD patients.

Methods: The study included 160 participants, comprising peritoneal dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD), stage-3 CKD patients, and age- and sex-matched controls (40 in each group).

Volume overload and its risk factors in South African chronic kidney disease patients: an appraisal of bioimpedance spectroscopy and inferior vena cava measurements.

Background: Fluid retention occurs early in chronic kidney disease (CKD) resulting in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess volume and nutritional status among South African CKD participants and determine the relationship between malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and volume overload using a body composition monitor (BCM). We also evaluated the usefulness of BCM measurement in assessing volume overload.