Oxidative Stress in Ghanaians Presenting with Prostate Cancer.

Introduction: The latest estimates of global cancer incidence show that prostate cancer has become the second most common cancer among men in the world. A number of reports have linked oxidative stress to prostate cancer. Although oxidative stress has been found to be much prevalent among the Ghanaian population, no data exist on its prevalence among prostate cancer patients in Ghana. This study therefore sought to investigate oxidative stress in Ghanaians presenting with prostate cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the out-patient department of the department of surgery, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, between the period of November, 2010 and April, 2012. In all, one hundred and twenty four (124) adult males (87 case subjects and 37 control subjects) aged at least forty two years were enrolled. Results: Malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress marker, and uric acid were significantly raised whereas the measured antioxidant (vitamin C) was significantly reduced among the prostate cancer patients compared to the controls. The indication is that oxidative stress with reduced antioxidant levels is common in prostate cancer patients. Conclusion: Oxidative stress may have a significant role in prostate cancer. Based on the findings, it may seem reasonable to propose that therapeutic regimens aimed at beefing up the antioxidant defences could help offer some degree of protection for prostate cancer patients against oxidative stress.

Iron Status and Hematological Profile of Ghanaian Women with Fibroids.

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common gynecologic tumors and though mostly asymptomatic, they may present with heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, subfertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Heavy bleeding is often a reason to prescribe iron supplements in a bid to maintain normal hemoglobin levels. These hematinics are also sometimes prescribed for several months prior to surgery even though menorrhagia may not be the complaint. These women tend to stay on these supplements for long periods of time often without any laboratory investigation follow ups. Therefore a possibility of them developing iron overload exists especially if bleeding is not the presenting complaint. The aim of the present study was to determine the hematological profile of women with fibroids in Ghana. Between May 2005 and March 2009, in a case-control study of premenopausal Ghanaian women aged 20–40 years at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,(KATH) Kumasi, the hematologic profile of women with fibroid in Ghana was studied. Two hundred women with confirmed uterine fibroids and two hundred women with non-observable fibroids as controls were recruited for the study. Results of the study showed that women with fibroids had higher red cell counts and red cell indices compared to women who had no fibroids. The mean Hematocrit (HCT), Mean Cell Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), and Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) were all significantly higher among patients compared to controls. Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Platelet (PLT) and Total White Blood Cell (WBC) count did not differ significantly between the two groups. Total serum iron (FE) was significantly higher while total iron binding capacity was significantly lower among patients compared to the control group. The results of the study revealed that the number of the patients who were on hematinics was significantly higher than that of the control group. Findings of this study show that women with fibroids in Ghana had higher hemoglobin and serum iron levels compared to their compatriots who did not have the condition. Prescription of iron supplements should therefore be done with care and only after reviewing their hematology laboratory results so as to prevent the development of iron overload among these women.

Putative Risk Factors among Ghanaian Women Presenting with Leiomyoma.

Aims: The objective of the current study was to investigate potential demographic, lifestyle, and medical history risk factors for leiomyoma in a sample of Ghanaian women. Study Design: A case-control study was conducted among women who attended the Gynecology department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place between May 2005 and March 2009 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Methodology: Premenopausal Ghanaian women aged 20-40 years were studied for the role of putative socio-demographic, lifestyle, and medical history risk factors in the development of leiomyoma. Two hundred women with confirmed uterine fibroids and two hundred women with no observable fibroids were recruited as controls for the study. Results: Family history (OR 2.21, 95% CI:2.21-5.9) and obesity (OR 3.60, 95% CI:1.74- 7.47), nulliparity (OR6.5, 95%CI:4.18-10.0), age at first birth (OR 2.82, 95%CI:1.60- 4.98), induced abortion (OR 3.33, 95%CI:1.11-9.99), and history of sexually transmitted infections (OR 2.27, 95%CI:1.21-4.28), all greatly increased the risk of fibroids, not married (OR1.62, 95%CI:1.07-2.44), alcohol intake (OR1.69, 95%CI:1.13-2.53), and contraceptive use (OR1.66, 95%CI:1.11-2.46) also significantly increased the risk of fibroids. Conclusion: The results of this study describe the association of fibroids with specific lifestyle and medical history risk factors. The present study also revealed that past induced abortions is a significant risk factors for the development of leiomyoma among Ghanaian women.