Globulin fraction and albumin: globulin ratio as a predictor of mortality in a South African multiple myeloma cohort.

Multiple myeloma, a hematological malignancy typified by the clonal expansion of bone marrow plasma cells, contributes to one percent of all malignancies worldwide. Despite myeloma only contributing to 10% of all hematological malignancies, it carries significant morbidity owing to its heterogenous presentation from orthopedic manifestations to renal sequelae. Patients with the disease can be risk stratified into high risk categories by the presence of various cytogenetic and other laboratory measures, albeit expensive.

Tryptophan depletion in context of the inflammatory and general nutritional status of a low-income South African HIV-infected population.

Background: The essential amino acid tryptophan cannot be synthesised in the body and must be acquired through dietary intake. Oxidation of tryptophan, due to immune induction of the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), is considered to be the main cause of tryptophan depletion in HIV infection and AIDS. We examined plasma tryptophan levels in a low-income sub-Saharan HIV-infected population and compared it to that of developed countries.

The kynurenine pathway activities in a sub-Saharan HIV/AIDS population.

Background: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for the synthesis of proteins and important metabolites such as serotonin, melatonin, tryptamine and niacin. After protein synthesis, more than 90 % of tryptophan catabolism occurs along the kynurenine pathway. The inflammation-inducible enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) is responsible for the first rate-limiting step in the kynurenine pathway, i.

A non-specific biomarker of disease activity in HIV/AIDS patients from resource-limited environments.

Background: A general non-specific marker of disease activity that could alert the clinician and prompt further investigation would be of value in patients with HIV/AIDS, especially in resource limited environments.

Objective: To investigate the potential of neopterin as non-specific biomarker in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in 105 HIV positive patients (75 on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART).

Expression of the H- and L-subunits of ferritin in bone marrow macrophages of patients with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in afflicted joints. Excess iron, due to its role in the production of ROS and crystal deposition in the joints, is implicated in the disease progression of osteoarthritis. Ferritin is a major regulator of the bioavailability of iron, and its functions are determined largely by the combination of H- and L-subunits present in its outer protein shell.