University of Zimbabwe

About: University of Zimbabwe is a education organization based out in Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The organization has 4378 authors who have published 6800 publications receiving 160720 citations. The organization is also known as: UZ & University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

An Epidemiological Study of Headache in an Urban Population in Zimbabwe

Abstract: SYNOPSIS Information on the prevalence of headache and its characteristic features was collected from an urban population in Zimbabwe, using a combination of interview and questionnaire. Over five thousand people were questioned and the prevalence of headache was found to be 20.2% (17.6% in males and 27.0% in females). Severe headaches were experienced by approximately one third of the headache group and were more common in the younger age groups and in women. One third of the people with headaches had warning symptoms and more than half had precipitating factors. Several other features such as frequency, duration, site, age of onset and treatment sought were studied. The headaches described were classified, the most important finding being the infrequent occurrence of classical migraine.

Moringa oleifera leaf extracts inhibit 6beta-hydroxylation of testosterone by CYP3A4.

Abstract: Background: Moringa oleifera is a tropical tree often used as a herbal medicine, including by people who test positive for HIV. Since herbal constituents may interact with drugs via inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, we investigated the effects of extracts of M. oleifera on the CYP3A4-mediated 6s-hydroxylation of testosterone. Methods: Methanolic and aqueous leaf and root of extracts of M. oleifera with concentrations between 0.01 and 10 mg/ml were incubated with testosterone and mixed-sex human liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH. Metabolite concentrations were determined by HPLC. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested with HepG2 cells using the MTT formazan assay. Results: Significant CYP3A4 inhibitory effects were found, with IC50 values of 0.5 and 2.5 mg/ml for leaf-methanol and leaf-water extracts, respectively. Root extracts were less active. Cytotoxicity was observed only with the leaf-water extract (IC50 = 6 mg/ml). Conclusions: Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the potential of M. oleifera for clinically significant interactions with antiretroviral and other drugs.

Folate supplementation in pregnancy.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Folate depletion may result in anaemia during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to assess the effects of folate supplementation in pregnancy on haematological and biochemical parameters and measures of pregnancy outcome. This review did not address the role of periconceptual folate supplementation to diminish the risk of fetal malformation. SEARCH STRATEGY A comprehensive electronic search included that of the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register. SELECTION CRITERIA Acceptably controlled trials of folate supplementation compared with placebo or no treatment to pregnant women with normal haemoglobin levels. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Trial quality was assessed. Study authors were contacted for additional information when necessary. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included. The trials varied in quality. Compared to placebo or no supplementation, folate supplementation was associated with increased or maintained serum folate levels (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.24) and red cell folate levels (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.38). Folate supplementation was associated with a reduction in the proportion of women with low haemoglobin level in late pregnancy (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.71) and megaloblastic erythropoiesis (odds ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.95). Apart from a possible reduction in the incidence of low birthweight, folate supplementation appears to have no measurable effect on any other substantive measures of pregnancy outcome. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Folate supplementation during pregnancy appears to improve haemoglobin levels and folate status. There is not enough evidence to evaluate whether folate supplementation has any effect, beneficial or harmful, on clinical outcomes for mother and baby.