Publications by authors named "Theo A Nell"

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a well-known neurodegenerative disease with a strong association established with systemic inflammation. Recently, the role of the gingipain protease group from was implicated in Alzheimer's disease and here we present evidence, using a fluorescent antibody to detect gingipain R1 (RgpA), of its presence in a PD population. To further elucidate the action of this gingipain, as well as the action of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from , low concentrations of recombinant RgpA and LPS were added to purified fluorescent fibrinogen.

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Background: The global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), together with the presence of cardiovascular risk in this population, is reaching pandemic levels. A prominent feature of T2DM is chronic and systemic inflammation, with the accompanying presence of circulating and dysregulated inflammatory biomarkers; which in turn is associated with abnormal clot formation.

Methods: Here, we investigate the correlation between abnormal blood clotting, using thromboelastography (TEG), clot ultrastructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the presence of a dysregulated inflammatory cytokine profile, by examining various circulating biomarkers.

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Complex associations exist between inflammation and thrombosis, with the inflammatory state tending to promote coagulation. Fibrinogen, an acute phase protein, has been shown to interact with the amyloidogenic ß-amyloid protein of Alzheimer's disease. However, little is known about the association between fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA), a highly fibrillogenic protein that is one of the most dramatically changing acute phase reactants in the circulation.

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Although rollout of combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) has blunted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) onset, there is increased development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in HIV-infected individuals. While most HIV-infected individuals on cART achieve viral suppression, this may not necessarily result in complete immunological recovery. This study therefore evaluated T-cell-mediated changes and coagulation markers in HIV-positive individuals to ascertain their potential to increase CVD risk.

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Background: A strong correlation exists between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), with CVD and the presence of atherosclerosis being the prevailing cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic populations. T2DM is accompanied by various coagulopathies, including anomalous clot formation or amyloid fibrin(ogen), the presence of dysregulated inflammatory molecules. Platelets are intimately involved in thrombus formation and particularly vulnerable to inflammatory cytokines.

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Background: In South Africa, not much is known about MetS in farm working communities. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the MetS in a farm working population from the Boland winelands district of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was followed among farm workers (aged 20-60 years) from surrounding wine estates.

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