Obesity Strongly Predicts COVID-19-Related Major Clinical Adverse Events in Coptic Clergy

Background and Aims: The Coptic clergy, due to their specific work involving interaction with many people, could be subjected to increased risk of infection from COVID-19. The aim of this study, a sub-study of the COVID-19-CVD international study of the impact of the pandemic on the cardiovascular system, was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among Coptic priests and to identify predictors of clinical adverse events. Methods: Participants were geographically divided into three groups: Group-I: Europe and USA, Group II: Northern Egypt, and Group III: Southern Egypt. Participants’ demographic indices, cardiovascular risk factors, possible source of infection, number of liturgies, infection management, and major adverse events (MAEs), comprising death, or mechanical ventilation, were assessed. Results: Out of the 1570 clergy serving in 25 dioceses, 255 (16.2%) were infected. Their mean age was 49.5 ± 12 years and mean weekly number of liturgies was 3.44 ± 1.0. The overall prevalence rate was 16.2% and did not differ between Egypt as a whole and overseas (p = 0.23). Disease prevalence was higher in Northern Egypt clergy compared with Europe and USA combined (18.4% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.03) and tended to be higher than in Southern Egypt (18.4% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.09). Ten priests (3.92%) died of COVID-19-related complications, and 26 (10.2) suffered a MAE. The clergy from Southern Egypt were more obese, but the remaining risk factors were less prevalent compared with those in Europe and USA (p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, obesity (OR = 4.180; 2.479 to 12.15; p = 0.01), age (OR = 1.055; 0.024 to 1.141; p = 0.02), and systemic hypertension (OR = 1.931; 1.169 to 2.004; p = 0.007) predicted MAEs. Obesity was the most powerful independent predictor of MAE in Southern Egypt and systemic hypertension in Northern Egypt (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusion: Obesity is very prevalent among Coptic clergy and seems to be the most powerful independent predictor of major COVID-19-related adverse events. Coptic clergy should be encouraged to follow the WHO recommendations for cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 prevention.

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Obesity strongly predicts COVID-19-related major clinical adverse events in Coptic Clergy

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.2604 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Y Henein ◽

I Bytyci ◽

R Nicoll ◽

S Rafik ◽

S Ayad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

International Study ◽

Systemic Hypertension ◽

Specific Work ◽

Group I ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Northern Egypt ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background and aims The Coptic Clergy, due to their specific work involving interaction with many people, could be subjected to increased risk of infection from COVID-19. The aim of this study, a sub-study of the COVID-19-CVD international study of the impact of the pandemic on the cardiovascular system, was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among Coptic priests and identify predictors of clinical adverse events. Methods Participants were geographically divided into three groups: Group-I: Europe and USA, Group II: Northern Egypt and Group III: Southern Egypt. Participants' demographic indices, cardiovascular risk factors, possible source of infection, number of liturgies, infection management and major adverse events (MAEs), comprising death, re-infection or mechanical ventilation, were assessed. Results Out of the 1,570 clergy serving in 25 dioceses, 226 (14.39%) were infected. Their mean age was 49.5±12 years and mean weekly number of liturgies was 3.44±1.0. The overall prevalence rate was 14.7% and did not differ between Egypt as a whole and overseas (p=0.23). Disease prevalence was higher in Northern Egypt clergy compared to Europe and USA combined (18.4% vs 12.1%, p=0.03) and tended to be higher than in Southern Egypt (18.4% vs. 13.6%, p=0.09). Ten priests (4.42%) died of COVID-19 related complications, 2 (0.9%) had re-infection and 27 (11.9%) suffered a MAE. The clergy from Southern Egypt were more obese but the remaining risk factors were less prevalent compared to those in Europe and USA (p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, obesity OR 4.184 (2.483 to 12.14; p=0.01); age OR 1.070 (0.014 to 1.130; p=0.02), and systemic hypertension OR 0.932 (0.874 to 0.994; p=0.007) predicted MAEs. Obesity was the most powerful independent predictor of MAE in Southern Egypt and systemic hypertension in Northern Egypt (p<0.05 for both). Conclusion Obesity is very prevalent among Coptic clergy and seems to be the most powerful independent predictor of major COVID-19-related adverse events. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Prevalence of SARS-CoV2 among Clergy

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Serious adverse events and the risk of stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the German RABBIT cohort

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-211209 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (9) ◽

pp. 1583-1590 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Y Meissner ◽

A Richter ◽

B Manger ◽

HP Tony ◽

E Wilden ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Case Control ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Serious Infections ◽

The Impact ◽

Control Study

ObjectiveIn the general population, the incidence of stroke is increased following other serious events and hospitalisation. We investigated the impact of serious adverse events on the risk of stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), taking risk factors and treatment into account.MethodsUsing data of the German biologics register RABBIT (Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy) with 12354 patients with RA, incidence rates (IRs) and risk factors for stroke were investigated using multi-state and Cox proportional hazard models. In addition, in a nested case–control study, all patients with stroke were matched 1:2 to patients with identical baseline risk profile and analysed using a shared frailty model.ResultsDuring follow-up, 166 strokes were reported. The overall IR was 3.2/1000 patient-years (PY) (95% CI 2.7 to 3.7). It was higher after a serious adverse event (IR: 9.0 (7.3 to 11.0)), particularly within 30 days after the event (IR: 94.9 (72.6 to 121.9)). The adjusted Cox model showed increased risks of age per 5 years (HR: 1.4 (1.3 to 1.5)), hyperlipoproteinaemia (HR: 1.6 (1.0 to 2.5)) and smoking (HR: 1.9 (1.3 to 2.6)). The risk decreased with better physical function (HR: 0.9 (0.8 to 0.96)). In the case–control study, 163 patients were matched to 326 controls. Major risk factors for stroke were untreated cardiovascular disease (HR: 3.3 (1.5 to 7.2)) and serious infections (HR:4.4 (1.6 to 12.5)) or other serious adverse events (HR: 2.6 (1.4 to 4.8)).ConclusionsIncident adverse events, in particular serious infections, and insufficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases are independent drivers of the risk of stroke. Physicians should be aware that patients who experience a serious event are at increased risk of subsequent stroke.

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Prevalence of comorbidities and evaluation of their screening in spondyloarthritis: results of the international cross-sectional ASAS-COMOSPA study

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208174 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 75 (6) ◽

pp. 1016-1023 ◽

Cited By ~ 102

Author(s):

Anna Moltó ◽

Adrien Etcheto ◽

Désirée van der Heijde ◽

Robert Landewé ◽

Filip van den Bosch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Gastroduodenal Ulcer ◽

International Study ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Unknown Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Cholesterol Measurement

BackgroundIncreased risk of some comorbidities has been reported in spondyloarthritis (SpA). Recommendations for detection/management of some of these comorbidities have been proposed, and it is known that a gap exists between these and their implementation in practice.ObjectiveTo evaluate (1) the prevalence of comorbidities and risk factors in different countries worldwide, (2) the gap between available recommendations and daily practice for management of these comorbidities and (3) the prevalence of previously unknown risk factors detected as a result of the present initiative.MethodsCross-sectional international study with 22 participating countries (from four continents), including 3984 patients with SpA according to the rheumatologist.Statistical analysisThe prevalence of comorbidities (cardiovascular, infection, cancer, osteoporosis and gastrointestinal) and risk factors; percentage of patients optimally monitored for comorbidities according to available recommendations and percentage of patients for whom a risk factor was detected due to this study.ResultsThe most frequent comorbidities were osteoporosis (13%) and gastroduodenal ulcer (11%). The most frequent risk factors were hypertension (34%), smoking (29%) and hypercholesterolaemia (27%). Substantial intercountry variability was observed for screening of comorbidities (eg, for LDL cholesterol measurement: from 8% (Taiwan) to 98% (Germany)). Systematic evaluation (eg, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol) during this study unveiled previously unknown risk factors (eg, elevated BP (14%)), emphasising the suboptimal monitoring of comorbidities.ConclusionsA high prevalence of comorbidities in SpA has been shown. Rigorous application of systematic evaluation of comorbidities may permit earlier detection, which may ultimately result in an improved outcome of patients with SpA.

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Abstract T P136: Potential Contributors to the Declining Impact of Stroke Risk Factors with Age: Implications for Stroke Epidemiology in the Elderly

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.tp136 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

George Howard ◽

Mary Cushman ◽

Maciej Banach ◽

Brett M Kissela ◽

David C Goff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

The Elderly ◽

Stroke Risk Factors ◽

Age Related ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Age Related Changes

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.

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Management of Oral Anti-Coagulation in Patients with Heart Failure—Insights from the ThrombEVAL Study

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1673380 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 118 (11) ◽

pp. 1930-1939

Author(s):

Sebastian Göbel ◽

Jürgen Prochaska ◽

Lisa Eggebrecht ◽

Ronja Schmitz ◽

Claus Jünger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Vitamin K Antagonists ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Regular Care ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

Specialized Care ◽

The Impact

AbstractPatients with heart failure (HF) are frequently anti-coagulated with vitamin K-antagonists (VKAs). The use of long-acting VKA may be preferable for HF patients due to higher stability of plasma concentrations. However, evidence on phenprocoumon-based oral anti-coagulation (OAC) therapy in HF is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the presence of HF on quality of phenprocoumon-based OAC and the subsequent clinical outcome. Quality of OAC therapy and the incidence of adverse events were analysed in a cohort of regular care (n = 2,011) from the multi-centre thrombEVAL study program (NCT01809015) stratified by the presence of HF. To assess the modifiability of outcome, results were compared with data from individuals receiving specialized care for anti-coagulation (n = 760). Overall, the sample comprised of 813 individuals with HF and 1,160 subjects without HF in the regular care cohort. Quality of OAC assessed by time in therapeutic range (TTR) was 66.1% (47.8%/82.8%) for patients with HF and 70.6% (52.1%/85.9%) for those without HF (p = 0.0046). Stratification for New York Heart Classification (NYHA)-class demonstrated a lower TTR with higher NYHA classes: TTRNYHA-I 69.6% (49.4%/85.6%), TTRNYHA-II 66.5% (50.1%/82.9%) and TTRNYHA-≥III 61.8% (43.1%/79.9%). This translated into a worse net clinical benefit outcome for HF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.63 [1.31/2.02]; p < 0.0001) and an increased risk of bleeding (HR 1.40 [1.04/1.89]; p = 0.028). Management in a specialized coagulation service resulted in an improvement of all, TTR (∆+12.5% points), anti-coagulation-specific and non-specific outcome of HF individuals. In conclusion, HF is an independent risk factor for low quality of OAC therapy translating into an increased risk for adverse events, which can be mitigated by specialized care.

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Prevalence, risk factors, and impact of lung cancer on outcomes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a study from the Middle East

Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine ◽

10.4081/mrm.2018.191 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Sherif Mohamed ◽

Hassan Bayoumi ◽

Nashwa Abd El-Aziz ◽

Ehab Mousa ◽

Yasser Gamal

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Lung Cancer ◽

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Significant Independent Predictor ◽

Upper Egypt ◽

The Impact

Background: No studies have addressed the impact of lung cancer (LC) on prognosis of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Upper Egypt. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for LC among IPF patients and its impact on their outcomes and survival in Upper Egypt. Methods: A total of 246 patients with IPF who had complete clinical and follow up data were reviewed. They were categorized into 2 groups: 34 patients with biopsy-proven LC and IPF (LC-IPF) and 212 patients with IPF only (IPF). Survival and clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Results: Prevalence of LC was 13.8%. Pack/years was the most significant predictor for LC development in IPF (Odds ratio; 3.225, CI 1.257–1.669, p = 0.001). Survival in patients with LC-IPF was significantly worse than in patients with IPF without LC; median survival, 35 months vs 55 months; p = 0.000. LC accompanying IPF was one of the most significant independent predictors of survival in IPF patients (Hazard ratio 5.431, CI 2.186–13.492, p = 0.000). Mortality in LC-IPF patients was mainly due to LC progression in 36% and LC therapy-related complications in 22%. Conclusions: Prevalence of LC in IPF patients was 13.8%. Lung cancer has significant impacts on patients with IPF in Upper Egypt, in terms of clinical outcomes and survival. Smoking is the most significant independent predictor of LC development in IPF patients. A poorer survival was observed for patients with IPF developing LC, mainly due to LC progression, and to complications of its therapies. Further prospective, multicenter and larger studies are warranted.

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Impact of cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms on the clinical efficacy and safety of voriconazole: an update systematic review and meta-analysis

10.22541/au.162546769.92188192/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ying Zhang ◽

Xu Hao ◽

Kelu Hou ◽

Lei Hu ◽

Jingyuan Shang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cytochrome P450 ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Success Rate ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Search Algorithm ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact ◽

Cyp2c19 Polymorphisms

Aims: To assess the impact of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 polymorphisms on the clinical efficacy and safety of voriconazole. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and three Chinese databases from their inception to March 18, 2021 using a predefined search algorithm to identify relevant studies. Studies that reported voriconazole-treated patients and information on CYP2C19 polymorphisms were included. The efficacy outcome was success rate. The safety outcomes included overall adverse events, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Results: A total of 20 studies were included. Intermediate metabolizers (IMs) and Poor metabolizers (PMs) were associated with increased success rates compared with normal metabolizers (NMs) (risk ratio (RR): 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03~1.34, I2=0%, p=0.02; RR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.06~1.54, I2=0%, p=0.01). PMs were at increased risk of overall adverse events in comparison with NMs and IMs (RR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.35~3.53, I2=0%, p=0.001; RR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.23~2.64, I2=0%, p=0.003). PMs demonstrated a trend towards an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity when compared with NMs (RR: 1.60, 95%CI: 0.94~2.74, I2=27%, p=0.08), although there was no statistically significant difference. In addition, there was no significant association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and neurotoxicity. Conclusions: IMs and PMs were at a significant higher success rate in comparison with NMs. PMs were significantly associated with an increased incidence of all adverse events compared with NMs and IMs. Researches are expected to further confirm these findings. Additionally, the relationship between hepatotoxicity and CYP2C19 polymorphisms deservers clinical attention.

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High Rate of Fatal Overdose After Release from Prison In BC, Canada: A Data Linkage Study

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i5.1606 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Stuart A Kinner ◽

Wenqi Gan ◽

Amanda Slaunwhite

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Target Population ◽

Linkage Study ◽

High Rate ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Overdose Death ◽

Fatal Overdose ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Release From Prison

IntroductionThe province of BC, Canada is in the grips of a sustained overdose epidemic. People released from prison are at increased risk of fatal drug overdose, but the impact of the overdose epidemic on mortality after release from prison in BC is poorly understood. Few studies have been able to examine risk factors for overdose death in this population. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to (a) measure risk of overdose-related and all-cause death in different time periods after release from prison; and (b) identify risk factors for overdose-related and all-cause death. In a random 20% sample of the population of BC, Canada, we identified those released from prison 2015-2017 and examined linked health and correctional records for this cohort. ResultsOf 6106 persons released from prison 2015-2017, 77 (1.3%) died from any cause and 48 (0.8%) died from overdose 2015-2017. The incidence of all-cause death was 16.1 (95%CI 13.7-18.8) per 1000 person years, and the incidence of overdose death was 11.2 (95%CI 9.2-13.5) per 1000 person years. Risk factors for overdose death included a history of 3 or more incarcerations (HR=3.00, 95%CI 1.67-5.39), co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness (HR=4.73, 95%CI 2.94-7.62), chronic physical morbidity (HR=3.10, 95%CI 1.97-4.88), and being dispensed benzodiazepines (HR=3.31, 95%CI 2.27-4.84) or opioids for pain (HR=6.77, 95%CI 3.86-11.89). The incidence of fatal overdose was significantly higher in the first two weeks post-release than at any other time during follow-up. ConclusionPeople released from prison in BC are at markedly increased risk of preventable death, mainly due to overdose. As such, people transitioning from prison to the community should be a key target population for overdose prevention efforts. To be maximally effective, these efforts must go beyond provision of methadone and naloxone on release, to consider physical and mental health comorbidities, and psychosocial disadvantage.

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575. Evaluation of Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Infections

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.644 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S271-S271

Author(s):

Gauri Chauhan ◽

Nikunj M Vyas ◽

Todd P Levin ◽

Sungwook Kim

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Subgroup Analysis ◽

Term Care ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Vancomycin Resistant ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) occurs with enhanced frequency in hospitalized patients and are usually associated with poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients with VRE infections. Methods This study was an IRB-approved multi-center retrospective chart review conducted at a three-hospital health system between August 2016-November 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and admitted for ≥24 hours with cultures positive for VRE. Patients pregnant or colonized with VRE were excluded. The primary endpoint was to analyze the association of potential risk factors with all-cause in-hospital mortality (ACM) and 30-day readmission. The subgroup analysis focused on the association of risk factors with VRE bacteremia. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the impact of different treatment groups of high dose daptomycin (HDD) (≥10 mg/kg/day) vs. low dose daptomycin (LDD) (< 10 mg/kg/day) vs. linezolid (LZD) on ACM and 30-day readmission. Subgroup analysis focused on the difference of length of stay (LOS), length of therapy (LOT), duration of bacteremia (DOB) and clinical success (CS) between the treatment groups. Results There were 81 patients included for analysis; overall mortality was observed at 16%. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression analyses, patients presenting from long-term care facilities (LTCF) were found to have increased risk for mortality (OR 4.125, 95% CI 1.149–14.814). No specific risk factors were associated with 30-day readmission. Patients with previous exposure to fluoroquinolones (FQ) and cephalosporins (CPS), nosocomial exposure and history of heart failure (HF) showed association with VRE bacteremia. ACM was similar between HDD vs. LDD vs. LZD (16.7% vs. 15.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.52). No differences were seen between LOS, LOT, CS, and DOB between the groups. Conclusion Admission from LTCFs was a risk factor associated with in-hospital mortality in VRE patients. Individuals with history of FQ, CPS and nosocomial exposure as well as history of HF showed increased risk of acquiring VRE bacteremia. There was no difference in ACM, LOS, LOT, and DOB between HDD, LDD and LZD. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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The Potential Therapeutic Value of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Metabolic Disorders

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25112669 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (11) ◽

pp. 2669 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Trevor T. Nyakudya ◽

Thulani Tshabalala ◽

Rachael Dangarembizi ◽

Kennedy H. Erlwanger ◽

Ashwell R. Ndhlala

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

South African ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Well Being ◽

High Energy ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Potential Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent, multifactorial and complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and other major cardiovascular complications. The rise in the global prevalence of MetS has been attributed to genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles that are characterized by low physical activity and the consumption of high-energy diets contributes to MetS development. Current management criteria for MetS risk factors involve changes in lifestyle and the use of pharmacological agents that target specific biochemical pathways involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually expensive and are associated with several undesirable side effects. Alternative management strategies of MetS risk factors involve the use of medicinal plants that are considered to have multiple therapeutic targets and are easily accessible. Medicinal plants contain several different biologically active compounds that provide health benefits. The impact of phytochemicals present in local medicinal plants on sustainable health and well-being of individuals has been studied for many years and found to involve a plethora of complex biochemical, metabolic, and physiological mechanisms. While some of these phytochemicals are the basis of mainstream prescribed drugs (e.g., metformin, reserpine, quinine, and salicin), there is a need to identify more medicinal plants that can be used for the management of components of MetS and to describe their possible mechanisms of action. In this review, we assess the potential health benefits of South African ethnomedicinal plants in protecting against the development of health outcomes associated with MetS. We aim to provide the state of the current knowledge on the use of medicinal plants and their therapeutically important phytochemicals by discussing the current trends, with critical examples from recent primary references of how medicinal plants are being used in South African rural and urban communities.

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