Research Article
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the Eye of Prostate-specific Antigen Among Nigerian Females
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-19
Received:
12 December 2024
Accepted:
23 December 2024
Published:
7 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajlm.20251001.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: The clinical relevance of raised total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is yet to be explored among Nigerians. To bridge this knowledge gap, we explored the clinical relevance of TPSA among PCOS patients in Nigeria. Methods: This case-controlled study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in the Department of Chemical Pathology at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Nigeria. Data from all eligible 240 PCOS patients were obtained and compared with age-matched controls and by TPSA status using descriptive/inferential parameters at p<0.05. Results: PCOS patients had higher TPSA status (early follicular/mid-luteal phase) including higher BMI, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEAS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TChol), triglyceride (Tg), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, malondialdehyde (MDA), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), Castelli risk index 1 and 2 (CRI-1/CRI-2), atherogenic index (AC), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), free androgen index (FAI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), LH/FSH ratio, and Ferriman-Gallwey scores (FGS) but lower early-follicular phase estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth hormone binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), HDL-C, mid-luteal phase progesterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to healthy controls (p<0.05, respectively). PCOS patients with higher TPSA status had more unfavorable anthropometric, clinical, hormonal, and metabolic profiles than those in the lowest tertile of TPSA status (p<0.05, respectively). Among the PCOS patients, TPSA correlated positively with LH, FSH, TT, DHEAS, FPG, FINS, IGF-1, HbA1c, TChol, Tg, LDL-C, hs-CRP, homocysteine, MDA, non-HDL-C, CRI-1/CRI-2, AC, AIP, VAI, LAP, FAI, HOMA-IR, LH/FSH ratio, and FGS but correlated negatively with E2, progesterone (early follicular/mid-luteal phases), SHBG, IGFBP-1, HDL-C, SOD, GSH-Px, and TAC (p<0.05, respectively). TPSA was associated with oligo/amenorrhea, oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, Rotterdam phenotype A, moderate/severe FGS, overweight, generalized/abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, oxidative stress risk, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance among PCOS patients (p<0.05, respectively). TPSA level was a discriminative biomarker for PCOS diagnosis among the entire PCOS patients (AUC: 0.879; p<0.001), however, a more robust discriminatory potential was observed among individuals with Rotterdam phenotype A (AUC: 0.935; p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings indicate an association of TPSA with various adverse parameters in PCOS. Further studies are recommended to verify these findings.
Abstract: Introduction: The clinical relevance of raised total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is yet to be explored among Nigerians. To bridge this knowledge gap, we explored the clinical relevance of TPSA among PCOS patients in Nigeria. Methods: This case-controlled study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in the Depar...
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Research Article
Decentralising Bioinformatics Capacity: Lessons from Training Hospital Staff and Field Epidemiologists in Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
20-31
Received:
7 February 2025
Accepted:
22 February 2025
Published:
7 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajlm.20251001.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Genomics is increasingly utilised across Africa to address pressing public health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the continent's capacity for sequence data analysis and interpretation remains limited, particularly outside research institutions. To bridge this gap, we conducted a virtual bioinformatics training program in Nigeria, targeting hospital laboratory staff, medical personnel, and field epidemiologists, to build capacity for genome sequence analysis and interpretation. The training consisted of two modules: Module 1 introduced sequencing technologies, AMR prediction, bacterial typing, and phylogenetics using web-based tools, while Module 2 focused on command-line tools and piloted Nextflow Tower for decentralized sequence analysis. Post-course and follow-up surveys assessed the program’s impact. Twenty-two participants from nine institutions completed Module 1, with ten from six institutions progressing to Module 2. Interactive sessions facilitated knowledge retention, with 83.3% of participants rating Module 2 as highly relevant. The Nextflow Tower platform facilitated cost-effective bacterial genome analysis ($0.0026 per genome). While confidence in web-based tools improved significantly, challenges remained in adopting command-line tools. Feedback highlighted the effectiveness of pre-recorded lectures, interactive engagement, and decentralized analysis platforms. This training program enhanced bioinformatics capacity among Nigerian public health professionals, highlighting the feasibility of implementing centralized sequencing with decentralized bioinformatics analysis in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of prioritizing introductory bioinformatics and web-based tools as a foundation for building long-term genomic surveillance capacity.
Abstract: Genomics is increasingly utilised across Africa to address pressing public health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the continent's capacity for sequence data analysis and interpretation remains limited, particularly outside research institutions. To bridge this gap, we conducted a virtual bioinformatics training progra...
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,
Johnbosco Chidozie Okafor
