Browsing by Author "Degef Maria"

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    Assessment of Malnutrition and Inflammatory Status in Cervical Cancer Patients Attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-06) Assefa Etsegenet; Degef Maria; Tigeneh Wondemagegnhu; Gnanasekaran Ñatesan
    Background: Globally cervical Cancer is the fourth common cancer accounting for 6.6% of all female cancers. Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) specifically types 16 and 18 is the most important risk factor associated with cervical cancer. Studies have indicated that approximately 88.33% of gynecological cancer patients experience malnutrition; and Inflammation that play a pivotal role in the progression of cervical cancer. Various nutritional and inflammatory parameters such as serum Total Protein, Albumin, Ferritin and Hematological parameters; Hemoglobin, LMR NLR, RDW and PLR used as Prognostic Biomarker of cancer associated with inflammation and malnutrition in cervical cancer patient. Objective: The aim of the present study was Assessment of Malnutrition and Inflammatory Status in Cervical Cancer Patients attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Methodology: Hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 cervical cancer patients and 50 healthy individuals. Socio demographic data were collected by using standardized questionnaire. Anthropometric data and Blood collection was done through standardized techniques and Automated COBAS 6000 and Sysmex KX-21N hematology analyzers were used to analyze the samples. Statistical data analysis was held by SPSS version 25. Student’s t-test was used to compare the mean value of continuous variables of two groups, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the relationship of categorical variables between deferent stages of the cancer. Other associations were performed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A P-value of from stage II to stage IV. Albumin negatively correlated with serum ferritin (r=-0.120*, p=0.002) and RDW (r=-0.018*, p= 0.001) in cervical cancer patient and negatively correlated with serum total protein (r=0.943*, P Conclusions: Malnutrition and inflammation are common experience in patients with cervical cancer. The result of this study showed low level of serum Albumin, Hemoglobin and LMR; and high level of serum Total Protein, Ferritin and other Hematological Parameters such as NLR, RDW and PLR. This may serve as markers for assessment of malnutrition and inflammation and may also use as a prognostic factor in cervical cancer patients. Therefore, further study is recommended on the assessment of malnutrition and inflammation in cervical cancer patients with a large group of participants
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    Assessment of Renal Function and Hematological Profile among Khat (Catha Edulis) Chewer and non Chewer Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Harar Jugol Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-02) Reshid Tewekel; Degef Maria; Addisu Sisay
    Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by the presence of chronic hyperglycemia and it’s the leading causeof end stage renal disease (ESRD). In addition to DM some factors suspected tobe the cause of the renal problems are drug abuse. World Health Organization(WHO) classified khat (Catha edulis) as a substance of abuse. Khat interfereswith normal body functions, which could lead to adverse health effects on organs and systems of the body. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare fasting blood sugar (FBS), renalfunction and hematological profile among khat chewer and non chewer type 2DM (T2DM) patients attending at Harar Jugol Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methodology: Comparative cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 100T2DM patients that are divided into two groups (khat chewers and non chewers).Socio demographic data were collected by using standardized questionnaire.Blood sample collection was done through standardized techniques. AutomatedCOBAS 6000 and Sysmex KX-21N hematology analyzers were used to analyzethe samples. Statistical data analysis was held by SPSS version 25 model. Result: Serum FBS and creatinine concentration showed statistically non significant elevation among kaht chewers (p > 0.05). White blood cell (WBC), Platelet (PLT) and hematocrit (HCT) of the khat chewers were significantly higher than non chewers (p<0.05). On the other hand Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) of the khat chewers were significantly lower than non chewers (p<0.05). Conclusion: Chewing khat among T2DM patients might have an effect on FBS, kidney function and hematological profile. Therefore further study is recommended on the effect of khat chewing among DM patients.
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    Assessment of Serum Ferritin and CRP as Diagnostic Marker among Breast, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Patients Attended Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021-09) Wotera Amanuel; Degef Maria ; Tebeje Solomon
    Background: Cancer is defined as group of diseases with uncontrolled cell growth. Inflammation is linked with cancer and stated as one of the hallmarks of cancer. hs-CRP, an acute-phase plasma protein that increases during systemic inflammation, is one of the most frequently used inflammatory biomarker. Similarly, serum ferritin, which is commonly used and convenient biomarker to assess iron level in the body is recently used as an important marker of inflammation. However, both hsCRP and serum ferritin level was not commonly used for early screening, prognosis or diagnosis of cancer. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess serum ferritin and hs-CRP level in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer before any treatment. Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was used as an appropriate study design. A total of 120 breast, cervical and colorectal cancer patients (40 in each cancer type), who did not take any type of treatment were included in this study. Biochemical tests of serum ferritin and hsCRP level were determined using COBAS c 501 and COBAS e 411 rack systems, respectively. Comparison of medians of serum ferritin and hsCRP among cancer types and among cancer stage was assessed using Kruskal- Wallis H tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Increased level of hsCRP was observed on breast cancer (22.5 %), cervical cancer (50%), and CRC (37.3%) patients. Similarly, elevated serum ferritin level was observed on 12.5% breast, 30% cervical and 42.5% of colorectal cancer patients. Based on the stage of cancer, higher median (interquartile) value of hsCRP and serum ferritin was noticed on stage IV and II cancer patients respectively. Significantly higher median value of hsCRP was observed on cervical cancer patients (p< 0.005). But, insignificantly higher level of serum ferritin and higher level of serum hsCRP was seen on stage II (p=0.259) and stage IV (p=0.702) cancer patients, respectively. Conclusion: The current study proved that there was increment of serum ferreting and sharp in the three cancer cases. As a result, serum ferreting and sharp can be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers in breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. Keywords: Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, CRC, Diagnostic markers, serum ferritin, hsCRP.
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    Comparison of Immunoh is to Chemistry with PCR Based Technology for Molecular Subtyping of Breast Cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba univerisity, 2022-06) Oma Dessiet; Degef Maria
    Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a complex and heterogeneous diseases, characterized by several molecular subtypes with distinct morphologies and clinical implications that lead to differences in response to various treatment and clinical outcomes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used for molecular subtyping of BC. However, IHC is subject to observer variability. Endpoint RT-PCR gene expression analysis may improve observer variability and diagnostic accuracy. Objective: This study aimed to compare IHC with PCR based technology for molecular subtyping of breast cancer. Method and Materials: In this comparative cross-sectional study a total of 54 BC tissue samples were collected from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), and Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College. The sample was sent to a Clinic and Polyclinic for Gynecology, Martin-Luther University, Halle Saale, Germany for laboratory analysis. Out of 54 tissue samples, 41 were qualified for IHC analysis of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 protein expression and endpoint RT-PCR analysis of ER, PR, and HER2 gene expression. Kappa statistics were used to assess the concordance between IHC and the endpoint RT-PCR. Furthermore, the socio-demographic and clinico-pathologic characteristics were evaluated. Results: The overall percent agreement (OPA) between endpoint RT-PCR and IHC was 68.3% for ER (PPA 71.1%; NPA 33.3%), 39.0% for PR (PPA 14.3%; NPA 92.3%), and 82.9% for HER2 (PPA 62.5%; NPA 87.9%). Cohn’s kappa values of 0.018 (<0.20), 0.045 (<0.200), and 0.481 (0.41-0.60) were generated for ER, PR, and HER2, respectively. Concordance for molecular subtypes was only 56.1% (23/41) and 0.20 kappa value. IHC and endpoint RT-PCR based molecular subtyping was shown to be discordant for 18Conclusion: Molecular subtyping using endpoint RT-PCR was fairly concordant with IHC. Our result is promising that endpoint RT-PCR may provide a cost-effective, applicable BC molecular subtyping methods that can be better applied in low settings.
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    Cross Sectional Comparative Study of Hematological Parameters in People with at Hero Sclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and those with Cardiovascular Risk Alone.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-06) Abate Ebsitu; Degef Maria; Melkie Addisu; Gnanasekeran Natesan
    Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the foremost killing disease worldwide and ASCVD is one of the prominent types of CVD which is mainly associated with a condition called atherosclerosis. Various risk factors are associated with its incidence. These are hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, smoking, genetic factors etc. Presence of ASCVD as well as its risk factors results in disturbance of various physiological and biological function of the body. Haematological parameters for instance tend to be disturbed in the presence of abnormal physiological and biological function. Aim: Therefore, in this prospective cross sectional comparative study we have assessed and compared the pattern of haematological parameters in peoples having established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASVD) vs. peoples having ASCVD risks alone who attended TASH Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and also correlated haematological parameters with the novel inflammatory marker hsCRP. Method: -Blood samples were collected from study participants and serum was extracted for the lipid and hsCRP analysis and the remaining whole blood is used for haematological parameters determination using SYSMEX machine while Roche/Hitachi Cobas 6000 analyser that uses immunoturbidimetric assay was used to determine hsCRP whereas lipid profile was first determined by spectrophotometric analysis and then repeated by using Roche/Hitachi Cobas 6000 analyser. The total number of participant was100 (50 in each group). Result: -White blood cells (WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and monocyte (MONO) are significantly higher in pre-existing ASCVD and also have significant association with the presence of ASCVD. Mean platelet volume (MPV) significantly higher in ASCVD risked group and associated with the presence of the risk. Additionally, in correlation analysis of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) with hematological parameter hsCRPs show significant correlation with MPV. It is higher and significantly associated with the presence of risk factors as well. Conclusion: -Using this affordable, routinely tested and easily available tests may help to infer future ASCVD risk as well as the presence of ASCVD morbidity while hsCRP level in comparison group vs. cases require further study.
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    Development of Panel of Urine DNA Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2018-08) Degef Maria; Seifu Daniel
    Background: - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer with an increasing incidence rate and high mortality globally. It is a malignant tumor that arises from the hepatocytes. The principal risk factors are Hepatitis B and C viruses. The five year survival rate of HCC is very low and can be maximized by early detection of the disease. The current and most widely used biomarker for HCC screening is serum Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP). However, due to the low sensitivity (40 - 60%) of this biomarker, the need to develop better and effective assays, especially for early detection of HCC is crucial. It must be noted that this study on urine DNA biomarkers is the first of its kind that was conducted in Ethiopia. Objective:- The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of circulation derived urine DNA biomarkers for HCC-associated mutations in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), Tumor protein P53 (Tp53) and Catenin (cadherin-associated protein) Beta-one (CTNNB1) genes and HCC associated hypermethylation in Glutathione-S transferases (GSTP1), Ras associated domain family one A (RASSF1A) and SEPT9 genes detected by short amplicon quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) based assays for HCC screenings. Materials and Methods: - Urine samples were collected from patients with HCC, cirrhosis and viral hepatitis attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital from May 2016 - May 2017. DNA was extracted using guanidine thiocyante and was further fractionated into high and low molecular weight (LMW). The LMW DNA was quantified by qPCR using human genomic DNA as standard. The mutations in the hTERT, Tp53 and CTNNB1 genes were quantified by qPCR using fluorescent hybridization probes. The hypermethylation of GSTP1, RASSF1A and SEPT9 genes were analyzed using methylation specific PCR (MSP). Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) the gold standard serum biomarker for HCC, ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (Aspartate transaminase) were also measured. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive value of the six biomarkers for HCC detection. Result: - The AUROC curve analysis for mutation assay of Tp53, CTNNB1 and hTERT, to distinguish HCC from cirrhosis and hepatitis were 0.495, 0.553 and 0.561, respectively. TheAUROC curve for the hypermethylation assay of RASSF1A, GSTP1 and Sptin9 were shown to be 0.535, 0.544 and 0.405, respectively. hTERT, CTNNB1, RASSF1A and GSTP1 had a better differentiating capacity since they have 50% AUROC whereas Tp53 and SEPT9 had less AUROC. The distinguishing power of HCC from cirrhosis was 0.484, 0.575, 0.605, 0.546, 0.581, and 0.420 for Tp53, CTNNB, hTERT, RASSF1A, GSTP1 and SEPT9, respectively implicating that hTERT, RASSF1A, CTNNB1and GSTP1 had better differentiating capacity. The result obtained from the distinguishing capacity of HCC from hepatitis with the AUROC curve have also showed 0.455, 0.538, 0.529, 0,518, 0.567, and 0.392, for Tp53, CTNNB1 and hTERT, RASSF1A, GSTP1 and SEPT9, respectively indicating relatively better predictive potential of CTNNB1 and hTERT, RASSF1A, GSTP1 biomarkers. In parallel study using samples from United States RASSF1A, GSTP1 and SEPT9 differentiated HCC from Cirrhosis and hepatitis with AUROC curve value 0.740, 0.628 and 0.559, respectively. The predictive value of HCC from cirrhosis with AUROC curve analysis was 0.737, 0.604 and 0.587 for RASSF1A, GSTP1, and SEPT9, respectively. The predictive values of HCC from hepatitis were also 0.746, 0.672 and 0.529 for RASSF1A, GSTP1 and SEPT9, respectively. In all cases, Tp53 and SEPT9 shown to have relatively low differentiating capacity as indicated by the AUROC. AFP in all the cases had around 70% ability in distinguishing HCC from Hepatitis and Cirrhosis. This study therefore indicated that the biomarkers from US had better predictive potential than Ethiopian Biomarkers. Conclusion: - Most of the biomarkers used in this study were able to differentiate HCC from cirrhosis and hepatitis with close performance to samples from the US. The result obtained from this study is a proof of concept for potential use of these biomarkers in the Ethiopian population. This might require further investigation on large set of samples and may require customized approach of the assay that would fit best to the Ethiopian populations in order to get a better sensitivity, specificity and predictive potential. The knowledge gained from such study could be employed in the early detection, screening, diagnosis, treatment and counselling of hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer patients.
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    The Effect of Hydroethanolic Extract of Curcuma Longa Linn (Curcuma Domestica Valeton) Rhizome on Colon, Liver and Hematological Parameters on a Model of 1,2-Dimethyl Hydrazine Induced Colorectal Cancer in Male Wistar Albino rats
    (Addis Abeba University, 2019-11) Woredebrhan Gelila; Natesan Gnanasekaran; Degef Maria; Seifu Daniel ; Bekuretsion Yonas ; Tigeneh Wondemagegnehu
    Background: Cancer incidence, mortality, and burden are growing at an alarming rate around the globe. Colorectal cancer is ranked as the fourth most lethal cancer in the world and in Ethiopia it accounts 7%. Certain herbal medicines protect the body from cancer by improving cellular defense mechanisms (anti-inflammatory, detoxification, and antioxidant).Curcuma longa is one of herbal medicine that has the potential to fight cancer. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Hydroethanolic extract of Curcuma longa Linn. rhizome on colon, liver and hematological parameters on a model of 1,2- dimethylhydrazine induced colorectal cancer in male Wistar albino rats. Methods: 80 male Wistar albino rats divided into three groups. The group I intraperitoneal administration of normal saline 2mL/kg for 15 weeks, group II intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg of 1,2- Dimethyl hydrazine for 15consecutive weeks, and group VI intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg of 1,2- Dimethyl hydrazine and simultaneously oral administration of 500 mg/kg of extract for 15 weeks. After 15 weeks group II rats were divided into four groups and the groups were renamed (group II, III, IV, and V).Three different doses (250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg daily) of hydroethanolic extract of Curcuma longa rhizome were administered for 8 weeks for groups III, IV, and V respectively. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for whole blood and biochemical analysis. Rats were sacrificed, liver and colon were isolated for histopathological investigation. Results: The results indicated that the elevated level of total White blood count, neutrophil and monocyte and decreased level of lymphocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count seen in cancer rats. The affected parameters were effectively restored by hydroethanolic extract of Curcuma longa. The Extract has been found to have immunomodulatory, anti-metastasis, hepatoprotective, and chemo-preventive effects. Conclusion: Curcuma longa grown in Ethiopia has anti-oxidant, immune-modulatory, detoxifications boosting, chemo-preventive, and anti-metastasis activities due to the presence of adequate secondary metabolites. Keywords: Colorectal cancer, 1,2- Dimethyl hydrazine, Curcuma longa (Curcuma domestica), Wistar albino rats
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    Hemoglobin Profile of Anemic Ethiopian Patients Attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
    (Addis Ababa University, 2006-09) Degef Maria; Worku Yesehek
    Background: Liver is a metabolically active organ responsible for many vital life functions. It performs many activities that are critical for survival. Due to its important activities, the liver is exposed to a number of insults and is one of the body's organs most subject to injury. Although antiretroviral drugs have significantly improved morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients, these benefits are compromised by numerous side effects, adverse clinical events and toxicities. The most common and troublesome toxicity of antiretroviral drugs is hepatotoxicity. In spite of tremendous advances in modern medicine, there are hardly any reliable drugs that protect the liver from damage and/or help in regeneration of hepatic cell. It is, therefore, necessary to search for effective and safe herbal drugs for the treatment of liver disease to replace currently used drugs of doubtful efficacy and safety. Aim of the study: to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seed in highly active antiretroviral therapy (Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Efavirenz) administered rats. Materials and Methods: thirty six rats weighed between 150-200g were randomly divided into six groups and each group comprised of six rats. Rats in group I were administered with distilled water. Rats in group II were administered with highly active antiretroviral therapy only. Rats in groups III - VI were administered 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg N. sativa plus highly active antiretroviral therapy respectively. The treatments were given orally for 28 consecutive days. On the 29th day, all rats were sacrificed under light diethyl ether anaesthesia; blood samples were collected for the assessment of biochemical parameters, while liver tissue was used for histopathological assessment. Results: Serum levels of liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were significantly Conclusion: N. sativa through its antioxidant activity effectively protects highly active antiretroviral therapy induced liver toxicity. Key Words: HAART, Nigella sativa, Liver enzymes, hepatoprotective