Browsing by Author "Quaye, Osbourne"
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Item Cryptolepine inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth through inhibiting interleukin-6/STAT3 signalling(2021-06-02) Domfeh, Seth A.; Narkwa, Patrick W.; Quaye, OsbourneBackground: Diverse signalling pathways are involved in carcinogenesis and one of such pathways implicated in many cancers is the interleukin 6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signalling pathway. Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is targeted as an anti-cancer intervention. This study aimed to establish the effect of cryptolepine, which is the main bioactive alkaloid in the medicinal plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway. Methods: First, the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in human hepatoma cells (HepG2 cells) was screened using the Cignal Finder Multi-Pathway Reporter Array. Next, to confirm the effect of cryptolepine on the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, the pathway was activated using 200 ng/mL IL-6 in the presence of 0.5–2 μM cryptolepine. The levels of total STAT3, p-STAT3 and IL-23 were assessed by ELISA. Results: Cryptolepine downregulated 12 signalling pathways including the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway and upregulated 17 signalling pathways. Cryptolepine, in the presence of IL-6, decreased the levels of p-STAT3 and IL-23 in a dose-dependent fashion. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that cryptolepine inhibits the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway, and therefore cryptolepine-based remedies such as Cryptolepis sanguinolenta could potentially be used as an effective immunotherapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers.Item The Current State of Parkinsonism in West Africa: A Systematic Review(Hindawi, 2021-09-30) Quarshie, Jude T. Q; Mensah, Esther N.; Quaye, OsbourneParkinsonism is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly. Africa is experiencing an increasing burden of age-related conditions including parkinsonism. However, there is not enough data on the prevalence, symptoms, and management of the disorder in West African patients. This systematic review examines the current state of parkinsonism in West Africa by discussing its epidemiology, symptomatology, and treatment. We searched PubMed, BioMed Central, and AJOL databases from January 2000 to December 2020 for studies on parkinsonism conducted in West African countries. We included 32 studies in this review: 23 from Nigeria, 5 from Ghana, and 1 each from Benin, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. Out of the 32 reviewed studies, 11 focused on the prevalence of parkinsonism, 4 examined the genetics of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and 17 described the symptomatology and therapy of parkinsonism. The prevalence of parkinsonism in West Africa ranges from 6.0% to 8.3% of neurologic admissions/consultations. The estimated crude prevalence of PD in West Africa varies from 15 to 572 per 100,000 people. Thus far, no pathogenic genetic variants have been associated with PD in the region. Levodopa is frequently used singly or in combination with other medications to manage parkinsonian symptoms, which is consistent with reports from other African regions. Most of the reviewed studies focused only on PD, limiting assessment of other forms of parkinsonism. Almost all the prevalence studies were hospital-based and monocentric, making it impossible to accurately estimate the true prevalence of parkinsonism in West Africa. Larger community-based prevalence studies are recommended to enable accurate quantification of disease burden. Future genetic investigations should consider a wider array of gene mutations associated with parkinsonism. Moreover, public health surveillance strategies should be established to monitor the epidemiology of the disorderItem Helicobacter Pylori Variants with ABC-Type Tyrosine Phosphorylation Motif in Gastric Biopsies of Ghanaian Patients(Hindawi, 2021-03-31) Tagoe, Emmanuel A; Awandare, Gordon A.; Quaye, OsbourneBackground. Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity and disease severity are determined by the tyrosine phosphorylation motifs of CagA protein. This study is aimed at detecting the presence of H. pylori and identifying the CagA tyrosine phosphorylation motifs in Ghanaian patients. Material and Methods. A total of 94 archival genomic DNA samples from gastric biopsies were used for the study, and H. pylori was detected by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene. The 3′-end variable region of the cagA gene was amplified,and the entire 3′-end was sequenced and translated into amino acids. Results. H. pylori was detected in 53.2% (50/94) of the samples, and all the detected bacteria harboured the cagA gene. Two variants of the bacteria were identified based on the size of the amplified cagA gene: 207 bp and 285 bp. The 207 bp and 285 bp variants accounted for 74% and 22%, respectively, and 4% showed both fragments. Translated amino acid sequence of the cagA gene showed EPIYA-A, EPIYA-B, and EPIYA-C (ABC type) motifs, indicating the Western variant. The CagA protein C-terminal showed insertion of amino acids in the sequence flanking the EPIYA-A motif at the N-terminal and a complete deletion of the EPIYA-CC and EPIYA-CCC motifs together with the flanking sequences. Conclusions. H. pylori identified were Western variant (ABC type) with unique amino acid insertions, suggesting unique variants in Ghanaian patients. Further investigation is however required to understand the role of the molecular diversity of the variant in gastric disease outcomeItem Parallels in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and M. tuberculosis: a synergistic or antagonistic alliance?(Future Medicine Ltd, 2021-01-06) Tapela, Kesego; Olwa, Charles Ochieng; Quaye, OsbourneThe world is facing a major challenge of the new pneumonia condition termed COVID-19 caused by SARSCoV-2, the seventh member of human coronaviruses. The global burden of COVID-19 is rising daily and as of 10 November 2020, there were over 1,275,122 deaths (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/). Coronaviruses are enveloped, positive-sense and single-stranded RNA viruses [1]. Based on 96.2% nucleotide sequence identity with a bat-borne coronavirus (BatCoV RaTG13) that has been identified in Rhinolophus affinis bat species, it is likely that SARS-CoV-2 originated from a bat [2]. COVID-19 is primarily defined by an acute viral pneumonia and cytokine storm leading to respiratory failure[3]. The main transmission route of this virus is droplets blown out through cough and sneezing by an infected person. The common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, shortness of breath and tiredness [4]. Severe cases manifest in symptoms that are associated with cellular immune deficiency, coagulation activation, myocardia, multiple organ dysfunction and septic shock [5]. SARS-CoV2 is highly pathogenic in persons with underlying medical conditions that reduce their immune competence such as TB [6]. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and transmitted through infected air droplets from cough or sneezing, is one of the top ten causes of death due to infectious diseases globally, with an estimated 10 million infections and 1.5 million deaths in 2018 [7]. Indeed, since TB affects the respiratory system, it could prove catastrophic if present in comorbidity with COVID-19 [6]. In this commentary, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the parallels in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and M. tuberculosis and the potential implications of co-infection on the clinical outcomes.Item Potential of laser-induced fluorescence-light detection and ranging for future stand-off virus surveillance(John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology, 2020-11-26) Owoicho, Oloche; Ochieng, Charles; Olwal, Charles Ochieng’; Quaye, OsbourneViruses remain a significant public health concern worldwide. Recently, humanity has faced deadly viral infections, including Zika, Ebola and the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The threat is associated with the ability of the viruses to mutate frequently and adapt to different hosts. Thus, there is the need for robust detection and classification of emerging virus strains to ensure that humanity is prepared in terms of vaccine and drug developments. A point or stand-off biosensor that can detect and classify viruses from indoor and outdoor environments would be suited for viral surveillance. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a facile and versatile tool that has been explored for stand-off detection in different environments including atmospheric, oceans and forest sensing. Notably, laser-induced fluorescence-light detection and ranging (LIF-LiDAR) has been used to identify MS2 bacteriophage on artificially contaminated surgical equipment or released amidst other primary biological aerosol particles in laboratory-like close chamber. It has also been shown to distinguish between different picornaviruses. Currently, the potentials of the LIF-LiDAR technology for real-time stand-off surveillance of pathogenic viruses in indoor and outdoor environments have not been assessed. Considering the increasing applications of LIF-LiDAR for potential microbial pathogens detection and classification, and the need for more robust tools for viral surveillance at safe distance, we critically evaluate the prospects and challenges of LIFLiDAR technology for real-time stand-off detection and classification of potentially pathogenic viruses in various environments.Item Risks of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive health and the practice of semen analysis and cryopreservation(Future Medicine Ltd, 2020-11-06) Yakass, Michael B.; Quaye, Osbourne; Woodward, Bryan JThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to urgent action by fertility clinics across the world. Many countries took the decision to suspend fertility treatments to mitigate the risk of spreading the infection, following international professional body guidance (e.g., from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine). Given the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 and our lack of knowledge of how it can affect medically assisted reproduction (MAR), suspension was the safest course of action. Viruses are a concern for MAR. In 2005, the European Union issued directives to ensure that all patients are screened for three blood-borne viruses HIV, HBV and HCV, prior to embarking on any form of MAR. More recently, mosquito-borne viruses have also been shown to affect fertility [1]. For example, Zika virus RNA has been detected in semen of infected men for up to 1 year post-recovery, even after the patients are cleared of symptomsItem Screening for GJB2-R143W-Associated Hearing Impairment: Implications for Health Policy and Practice in Ghana(S. Karger AG, Basel, 2020-12-10) Adadey, Samuel M.; Quaye, Osbourne; Amedofu, Geoffrey K.Genetic factors significantly contribute to the burden of hearing impairment (HI) in Ghana as there is a high carrier frequency (1.5%) of the connexin 26 gene founder variant GJB2-R143W in the healthy Ghanaian population. GJB2-R143W mutation accounts for nearly 26% of causes in families segregating congenital non-syndromic HI. With HI associated with high genetic fitness, this indicates that Ghana will likely sustain an increase in the number of individuals living with inheritable HI. There is a universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) program in Ghana. However, this program does not include genetic testing. Adding genetic testing of GJB2-R143W mutation for the population, prenatal and neonatal stages may lead to guiding genetic counseling for individual and couples, early detection of HI for at-risk infants, and improvement of medical management, including speech therapy and audiologic intervention, as well as provision of the needed social service to enhance parenting and education for children with HI. Based on published research on the genetics of HI in Ghana, we recommend that the UNHS program should include genetic screening for the GJB2-R143W gene variant for newborns who did not pass the initial UNHS tests. This will require an upgrade and resourcing of public health infrastructures to implement the rapid and cost-effective GJB2-R143W testing, followed by appropriate genetic and anticipatory guidance for medical careItem Understanding Pediatric Norovirus Epidemiology: A Decade of Study among Ghanaian Children(MDPI, 2020-11-18) Lartey, Belinda L.; Quaye, Osbourne; Damanka, Susan A.Understanding the epidemiology of human norovirus infection in children within Ghana and the entire sub-Saharan African region, where future norovirus vaccines would have the greatest impact, is essential. We analyzed 1337 diarrheic stool samples collected from children <5 years from January 2008 to December 2017 and found 485 (36.2%) shedding the virus. GII.4 (54.1%), GII.3 (7.7%), GII.6 (5.3%), GII.17 (4.7%), and GII.5 (4.7%) were the most common norovirus genotypes. Although norovirus GII.4 remained the predominant capsid genotype throughout the study period, an increase in GII.6 and GII.3 capsid genotypes was observed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The severity of clinical illness in children infected with GII.4 norovirus strains was similar to illness caused by non-GII.4 strains. Since the epidemiology of norovirus changes rapidly, establishment of systematic surveillance within sentinel sites across the country would enhance the monitoring of circulating norovirus strains and allow continuous understanding of norovirus infection in Ghana.