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Adverse Long- term Metabolic and endometrial Cosequences in women with Poliycystic Ovarian Syndrome /
(Jounal of reproductive Medicine ink, 2016-06) MHMOUD, Salma A.
Pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis
(Elevier, 2016-08-12) JingwenWang, Yuhong Huang, Jun Zhang, YuanyiWei, Salma Mahoud, Ahmed Musa Hago Bakheet, LiWang, Shuting Zhou, Jianwu Tang
Precondition for tumor lymphatic metastasis is that tumor cells induce formation of original and newborn lym phatic vessels and invade surrounding lymphatic vessels in tumor stroma, while some pathway-related mole cules play an important role in mechanisms associated with proliferation and migration of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and tumor cells. In lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis, the pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, such as Furin-like enzyme, CNTN1, Prox1, LYVE-1, Podoplanin, SOX18, SDF1 and CXCR4, are direct constitutors as a portion of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, and their biological activities rely on this ligand-receptor system. These axis-related signal molecules could gradually produce water fall-like cascading effects, mediate differentiation and maturation of LECs, remodel original and neonatal lym phatic vessels, as well as ultimately promote tumor cell chemotaxis, migration, invasion and metastasis to lymphoid tracts. This review summarizes the structure and function features of pathway-related molecules of VEGFC/D-VEGFR3/NRP2 axis, the expression changes of these molecules in different anatomic organs or histo pathologic types or development stages of various tumors, the characteristics of transduction, implementation, integration of signal networks, the interactive effects on biological behaviors between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, and their molecular mechanisms and significances in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasi.
Ezrin expression is altered in mice lymphatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma and subcellular fractions upon Annexin 7 modulation in-vitro/
(Elsevier Masson, 2016-10-24) Ahmed Musa Hago, Yaser Gamallat, Salma Abdi Mahmoud, Yuhong Huang, Jun Zhang, Yousra Khidir Mahmoud, Jingwen Wang, Yuanyi Wei, Li Wang, Shuting Zhou, Mohammed Ameen Awsh, Iddrisu Baba Yabasin, Jianwu Tang
Ezrin and Annexin seven (A7) have been suggested to be involved in several roles in cancers metastasis. However, the role of Ezrin and the effect of A7 on Ezrin expression in lymphatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (LNM-HCC) have not been extensively explored yet. This study reports expression of Ezrin in high lymphatic metastasis (Hca-F >70%) and low metastatic metastasis (Hca-P <30%) HCC cell lines, and the effect of A7 on Ezrin expression. Real-Time PCR, Western blot, Subcellular fractionation, Immunocytochemistry and Immunofluores cence were used to investigate Ezrin expression in addition to migration and invasion behaviors of A7 up regulated Hca-F cells, A7 down-regulated Hca-P and in their respective negative control (NC) cells. Ezrin expression was higher in high LNM-HCC than low LNM-HCC (p = 0.0046). Cell fractionation analysis reveals that Ezrin was highly present in the cytoplasm, nucleus and cytoskeleton of NC-Hca-F cells. However, Ezrin was highly observed in the cell membrane, nucleus and cytoskeleton of NC-Hca-P cells. A7 up-regulation in Hca-F suppressed Ezrin expression (p = 0.0248), but increase the migration and invasion, whereas Ezrin was mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus fractions. Down- regulation of A7 in Hca-P cells, enhanced Ezrin expression (p < 0.0001) in the cytoplasm and nucleus fractions, and suppressed migration and invasion. In conclusion, Ezrin may play a role in LNM-HCC and might be inversely associated with A7 expression. The subcellular localization of Ezrin and A7 was varied according to the metastatic levels. Ezrin may thus be a potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for HCC
Over expression of sulfatase-1 in murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cell line downregulates mesothelin and leads to reduction in lymphatic metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo
(Oncotarget,, 2016-11-10) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Lymphatic vessels function as transport channels for tumor cells to metastasize from the primary site into the lymph nodes. In this experiment we evaluated the effect of Sulfatase-1 (Sulf-1) on metastasis by upregulating it in murine hepatocarcinoma cell line Hca-F with high lymph node metastatic rate of >75%. The study in vitro showed that up regulation of Sulf-1 in Hca-F cells significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion (p<0.05). Also, the forced expression of Sulf-1 down regulated Mesothelin (Msln) at both the protein and mRNA levels. The experiment in vivo further showed that up-regulation of Sulf-1 with the attendant downregulation of mesothelin delayed tumor growth and decreased lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, our findings show that Sulf-1 is an important tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its over expression downregulates Msln and results in a decrease in HCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and lymphatic metastasis. This functional relationship between Sulf-1 and Msln could be exploited for the development of a novel liver cancer therapy
Ezrin as a possible diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker in mice lymphatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo/
(Wiley Online Library, 2017) Ahmed Musa Hago Bakheet, Salma Abdi Mahmoud et al.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks in the top of cancers leading to death. Early diagnosis is the big challenge in the case of HCC. Our in vitro study showed that Ezrin expression in lymphatic metastasis hepatocellular carcinoma (LNM-HCC) was associated with the metastatic rate. Here we aim to evaluate Ezrin expression as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker of LNM-HCC in mice. Chinese inbred 615 mice, Hca-F and Hca-P cell lines were used in the study. Histological changes were determined by Hematoxylin and Eosin, while Ezrin expression was assessed by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ezrin expression in this study gives credit to our in vitro study which Ezrin expression was positively correlated with LNM-HCC and negatively with Annexin7 (A7) expression. The highest histological changes were observed in high metastatic primary/secondary tumors combined with high Ezrin expression. Ezrin and A7 are higher in total primary tumors than in total secondary tumors (P 5 0.0001, P 5 0.021), respectively. Ezrin expression was enhanced in Hca-P A7 down-regulated primary/secondary tumors (P 5 0.004), whereas, Ezrin expression was suppressed in Hca-F A7 upregulated primary/secondary tumors. Serum ELISA indicated differential expression of Ezrin among the study groups (P £ 0.0001). Ezrin expression was higher in NC-Hca-F than NC-Hca-P (P £ 0.0001), suppressed in Hca-F A7 upregulation (P £ 0.0001) and in enhanced in Hca-P A7 down-regulation (P 5 0.0001). In conclusion, Ezrin level may serve as a differential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for high and low LNM-HCC and may be beneficial in the diagnosis of HCC disease
Sulfatase-1 knockdown promotes in vitro and in vivo aggressive behavior of murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-P cells through up-regulation of mesothelin/
(Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling, 2017-03-20) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi (et al.)
Our previous study (Oncotarget 2016; 7:46) demonstrated that the over-expression of sulfatase-1 in murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cell line (a murine HCC cell with lymph node metastatic [LNM] rate of >75%) downregulates mesothelin and leads to reduction in lymphatic metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo. In current work, we investigated the effects of Sulf-1 knockdown on mesothelin (Msln) and it’s effects on the in vitro cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth and LNM rate for Hca-P cells (a murine HCC cell with LNM rate of <25%). Western blotting and qRT-PCR assay indicated that both in vitro and in vivo Sulf-1 was down-regulated by 75% and 68% and led to up regulation of Msln by 55% in shRNA-transfected-Sulf-1- Hca-P cells compared with Hca-P and nonspecific sequence control plasmid transfected Hca-P cell (shRNA-Nc-Hca-P). The in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion potentials were significantly enhanced following Sulf-1 stable down-regulation. In addition, Sulf-1 knock-down significantly promoted tumor growth and increased LNM rates of shRNA-Sulf-1-Hca-P transplanted mice by 78.6% (11 out of 14 lymph nodes were positive of cancer). Consistent with our previous work, we confirmed that Sulf-1 plays an important role in hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. The interaction between Sulf-1 and Msln is a potential therapeutic target in the development of liver cancer therapy
Sulfatase-1 knockdown promotes in vitro and in vivo aggressive behavior of murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-P cells through up-regulation of mesothelin
(Springer, 2017-09-17) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Our previous study (Oncotarget 2016; 7:46) demonstrated that the over-expression of sulfatase-1 in murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cell line (a murine HCC cell with lymph node metastatic [LNM] rate of >75%) downregulates mesothelin and leads to reduction in lymphatic metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo. In current work, we investigated the effects of Sulf-1 knockdown on mesothelin (Msln) and it’s effects on the in vitro cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vivo tumor growth and LNM rate for Hca-P cells (a murine HCC cell with LNM rate of <25%). Western blotting and qRT-PCR assay indicated that both in vitro and in vivo Sulf-1 was down-regulated by 75% and 68% and led to up regulation of Msln by 55% in shRNA-transfected-Sulf-1- Hca-P cells compared with Hca-P and nonspecific sequence control plasmid transfected Hca-P cell (shRNA-Nc-Hca-P). The in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion potentials were significantly enhanced following Sulf-1 stable down-regulation. In addition, Sulf-1 knock-down significantly promoted tumor growth and increased LNM rates of shRNA-Sulf-1-Hca-P transplanted mice by 78.6% (11 out of 14 lymph nodes were positive of cancer). Consistent with our previous work, we confirmed that Sulf-1 plays an important role in hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. The interaction between Sulf-1 and Msln is a potential therapeutic target in the development of liver cancer therapy.
Soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein in cancers/
(Elsevier, 2018) Xiao Yua,1, Jun Maob,1, Salma Mahmouda, He Huanga, Qingqing Zhangc, Jun Zhanga,⁎; MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Soluble resistance-related calcium binding protein (Sorcin) is an oncoprotein expressed at high levels in human cancers and confers multidrug resistance (MDR) in several tumors. Sorcin participates in a number of neoplastic processing including metastasis and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize and discuss the relationship of Sorcin with tumors as well as its regulatory mechanisms. Sorcin is increasingly considered as a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention.
Upregulation of sulfatase‑1 decreases metastatic potential of SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo /
(Wolters Kluwer - Medknow, 2019-12-24) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi et al
Aim: Sulfatase‑1 (SULF‑1) is one of the genes associated with the inhibition of several signaling pathways by desulfating HSPG in cancer cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of SULF‑1 upregulation on SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line and its influence on cell proliferation, migration, invasion in vitro, and lymph node metastasis in 615 inbred mice in vivo. Materials and Methods: In in vitro study, we upregulated SULF‑1 in SKOV3 cells using SULF‑1 expression plasmid. Quantitative real‑time reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (qRT‑PCR) and western blotting were used to measure SULF‑1 expression levels after stable upregulation. CCK‑8, flow cytometry, Boyden Transwell‑chamber, and scratch‑wound healing assay were performed to explore the effect of SULF‑1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion. In in vivo study, immunohistochemistry and eosin stain (H and E) were used to evaluate the expression level of SULF‑1 gene and to measure the lymph node metastatic rate of mice inoculated with SULF‑1‑SKOV3‑expressed plasmid, SKOV3, and Nc‑SKOV3 cells. Results: qRT‑PCR and western blot assay confirmed that SULF‑1 was upregulated both in mRNA and protein levels. Following SULF‑1 stable upregulation, the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly reduced in the SULF‑1 upregulated cells (SULF‑1‑SKOV3) compared with the nontransfected (SKOV3) and the nonspecific sequence transfected cells (Nc‑SKOV3). IHC results showed that SULF‑1 was highly expressed after stably upregulation in SKOV3 cells, and H and E stain confirmed that the mice inoculated with SULF‑1‑SKOV3 cells decreased lymph node metastatic rate compared to the two control groups. Conclusions: Our findings showed that overexpression of SULF‑1 in SKOV3 results in a decrease in ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and decreased lymph node metastasis in vivo. This finding could have a potential therapeutic window in the management of ovarian cancer.
Evaluation of Risk Factors of Pneumonia in Children under Five Years Old at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital- Zanzibar
(Academy for Environment and Life Sciences, India, 2021-02-03) Aisha Juma Fakih1, Chukwuma J. Okafor2* , Said Ali Yusuf3, Salma Abdi Mahmoud4 , Mustapha A.Masud5, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu6, Andrew G. Nyabukika7, Mariam M. Omar7, Bikombo S. Sheha7, Ali O. Khamis7
Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death among under-five children, killing approximately 2,400 children a day. The purpose of this research is to evaluate some associated risk factors of Pneumonia among under-five children admitted at MnaziMmoja Hospital (MMH). The study was a cross-sectional descriptive hospital-based carried out in the pediatric ward of MMH from April 2020 to July 2020 after approval by the hospital's health and ethics committee. The research instrument used was a questionnaire (open and close) and interview. A sample size of 400 under-five children and also 400 parents were employed. The children were made up of 161 males and 239 females within 0-1, 2-3, and 4-5 age brackets. The parents' age brackets were less than 18 and above 18. The research findings were analyzed using SPSS software version 15 and Epin info. The interpretation was on the basis of certain predictive factors, including malnutrition, breastfeeding, birth weight, pneumococcal vaccine, and HIV, on how they relate to the development of Pneumonia. Pearson Chi-Square was used to compare the levels of significances. Probability values of less or equal to 0.05 were accepted to be significant. Our study recorded a high prevalence ( above 60% ) for some major risk factors, including malnutrition, low birth weight, and breastfeeding below six months duration. The study showed that a more significant percentage of parents (55%) had no knowledge of Pneumonia and also recorded a significant association between gender and risk factors such as malnutrition, breastfeeding, and underweight children as girls were more affected. The findings showed a significant association between some major risk factors like malnutrition, low birth weight, lower duration of breastfeeding activities, and parents' educational status (p<0.05).The uneducated, 69.8%, 68.5%, and 67.2% have children with significant malnutrition levels, did not breastfeed for up to 6 months, and had children with low birthweight, respectively. The children's age group had no associationwith the risk factors, while most of the subjects under study had two risk factors.Pneumonia and malnutrition are two of the biggest killers in childhood. Education of the parents and guidelines for the care of children with Pneumonia and malnutrition needs to consider this strong and often lethal association to contribute to the United nations' sustainable development Goal 3, aiming for substantial reductions in childhood mortality.
Vertical Transmission of Coronavirus in Obstetrics: A Myth or Truth? /
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc, 2021-03-24) Mahmoud, Salma Ali
In obstetrics, the maternal immune system plays a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. The immune response of the placenta plays important role in determining a maternal vulnerability toward infectious diseases. The various adverse outcome, ranging from preterm birth, injury to the fetal brain cortex and fetal death are all documented in infected neonates. In obstetrics, viral infections can be either transmitted through the in-utero, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Nevertheless, with the recent pandemic of coronavirus and some documented cases of a positively infected neonate, it is becoming more apparent that the mode of transmission of coronavirus during pregnancy needs to be better understood. This review focuses on revealing the possible modes of transmission of the coronavirus in obstetrics.
Effect of Gender and Risk Factors in Complications of Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus among Patients Attending Diabetic Clinic in Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar
(Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 2021-05-21) Chukwuma J. Okafor1*, Said A. Yusuf2 , Salma A. Mahmoud3 , Salum S. Salum1 , Sonia C. Vargas3 , Adu E. Mathew4 , Emmanuel I. Obeagu5 , Husna K. Shaib6 , Hashima A. Iddi6 , Masoud S. Moh’d6 and Warda S. Abdulrahman6
Diabetes type 2 (T2D) had caused the loss of millions of lives all over the world. About 50% of the patients with T2D die because of cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily myocardial infarction and stroke. Many of the leading risk factors for CVD coexist and act synergistically to increase cardiovascular events. The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence, patterns, and certain predictive factors in the complications of T2D patients attending
Knowledge Levels and Practice Regarding Breastfeeding among Mothers with Children under 2 Years Admitted in the Pediatric Ward at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar
(Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 2021-06-21) Fat-hiya Abdallah Said1, Chukwuma J. Okafor2*, Said Ali Yusuf3, Amina A. Ali4, Khamis A. Abeid1, Salma Abdi Mahmoud5, Ufuoma Chukwuani6 , Ayan Ahmed Hussein1, Sabahi Salum Khamis1 and Amina Abdi Hamid 1
Breastfeeding (BF) has been a proven means of providing young infants with the nutrients required for healthy growth and development. The process has also been known to reduce common childhood infections, which are the causes of high mortality and morbidity. Hence in achieving the best practice of BF, both knowledge and techniques are essential. Therefore, the study aims to assess the knowledge and practice on BF among mothers whose children were admitted at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive hospital-basedcarried out in the pediatric ward of MMH from April 2020 to July 2020 after approval by the hospital's health and ethics committee. Questionnaires were deployed to interview all consenting participants who were mothers aged from 18 to 50 years, breastfeeding a child, and having at least one previous child who had been breastfed earlier (Above 2 years) at the time of the study. Selected questions were used to assess and categorized a total of 199 mothers who were recruited into the study as those with knowledge, those without knowledge on Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), breastfeeding (BF) for 2 years, and breastfeeding techniques (BFT). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Differences at P < 0.05 were considered significant. About 76.9% of the mothers studied had knowledge of EBF, while 65% had knowledge of BF for two years. A total of 42 (21.1%) had children below 6 months and were still BF, with the remaining 157(78.9%) having children above 6 months. Among the 157, only 58 (37%) practice EBF for 6 months. Also, 130 (65.3%) mothers breastfed their children up to 2 years in their previous child's upbringing. Most of them (42%) stopped because they became pregnant. The breastfeeding technique (BFT) was affected by the mother's age but not education level, as more of the older mothers had good positions and attachments than the younger ones. On overall techniques, 58.5% had good attachment compared to 49.7% who had proper position. Although most mothers were aware of the knowledge of EBF for 6 months, the practice is still low. However, older mothers, particularly the age group 31-40, have good BFT compared to younger mothers. There is a need for more education on EBF, BF, and BFT among women during Antenatal Clinic (ANC) and after delivery during the monthly clinic.
Intraligamentary Pregnancy with Recurrent Urine Retention:
(Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Scietific Reseach Publishing, 2021-12-21) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi et.al
An intraligamentary pregnancy is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy, with only a few cases reported. We report a 20-year-old woman who had an ongoing pregnancy at about 22 weeks gestation, consulted for recurrent urinary retention and severe lower abdominal pain of two days duration. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed an extrauterine gestation of 19 weeks and four days on the left adnexal region. Exploratory laparotomy was performed that found left intraligamentary pregnancy (unruptured) measured 20 - 25 cm across, attached posteriorly to the bowel (sigmoid colon) and extended to the pouch of douglas impinging on the bladder base. Resection of ectopic pregnancy was successfully performed, urine retention resolved, and the patient was discharged with no postoperative complications. Early recognition of this rare form of ectopic gestation is of considerable importance because of the risk of a life-threatening haemorrhagic complication necessitating emergency surgical intervention.
Do current maternal health staffing and bed occupancy benchmarks work in practice? Results from a simulation model
(BMJ Public Health, 2023-11-23) Rebecca F Baggaley ,1,2 Giorgia Gon ,3 Said Mohammed Ali,4 Salma Abdi Mahmoud,5 Farhat Jowhar,6 Carolin Vegvari2,7
The WHO has issued the global target of reducing maternal mortality rates by two-thirds of 2010 baseline levels by 2030. In low-income settings, high birth rates and a relative lack of medical resources mean that an efficient use of resources and skilled staff is important in ensuring quality of intrapartum and postpartum care. Methods We use a stochastic, individual-based model to explore whether WHO resourcing benchmarks are sufficient to ensure consistent quality of care. We simulate all deliveries occurring in a region over a year, with date and time of presentation of each woman delivering at a facility assigned at random. Each woman stays in the delivery room for an assigned duration before her delivery, then moves to the maternity ward, followed by discharge. We explore the potential impact of seasonality of births on our findings and then apply the model to a real-world setting using 2014 data from Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) facilities in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania. Results We find that small EmOCs are frequently empty, while larger EmOCs are at risk of temporarily falling below minimum recommended staff-to- patient ratios. Similarly for Zanzibar, capacity of EmOCs in terms of beds is rarely exceeded. Where over-capacity occurs, it is generally smaller, basic EmOCs (BEmOCs) that are affected. In contrast, capacity in terms of staffing (skilled birth attendants: women in labour ratio) is exceeded almost 50% of the time in larger Comprehensive EmOCs (CEmOCs). Conclusions Our findings suggest that increasing staffing levels of CEmOCs while maintaining fewer small BEmOCs may improve quality of care (by increasing the staff-to- patient ratio for the most frequently used facilities), provided that timely access to EmOCs for all women can still be guaranteed. Alternatively, BEmOCs may need to be upgraded to ensure that women trust and choose these facilities for giving birth, thus relieving pressure on CEmOCs.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Non Adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation among Women for Antenatal Care at Mwembeladu Hospital, Zanzibar
(Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 2024-08-16) Chukwuma J. Okafor a*, Rodolfo Isidro Bosch Bayard b, Diane Millo Martin c, Salma Mahmoud d, Said A. Yusuf e, Minja T. Lilian f, E N Adejumo g, Nibras M. Hilal b, Tarik A. Khamis b, Asila M. Haji b and Rayan J. Ali b; MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Background: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) during pregnancy reduces the risk of all types of maternal anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia at term; despite the WHO recommendations, pregnant women are still vulnerable because the use of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation is still low in many countries including Tanzania. Therefore, the study aims to comprehensively understand the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care at Mwembeladu Hospital. Achieving this objective will contribute to developing effective strategies to improve IFAS adherence. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional and ANC-based, using questionnaires. Questionnaires were distributed to the 260 pregnant women attending ANC at Mwembeladu Hospital. Data were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 22. Results: Our study showed that 52.7% had more than 4 ANC visits. Based on self-reported adherence, about (61.9%) of pregnant women were taking IFAS supplementation, and (38.1%) were not taking IFAS completely. Among those taking IFAS, (60.2%) out of 161 pregnant women were taking four tablets per week as recommended by WHO, and (39.8%) out of 161 were not following the WHO recommendations. Therefore, out of 260, zero adherence was 38.1%, poor adherence was 24.6%, and good adherence was 37.3%. Hence, 62.7% were non-adherent to IFAS supplementation as recommended by WHO. Also, the result showed that the major factors militating against pregnant women taking IFAS are lack of knowledge of IFAS (22.1%), side effects of IFAS (19%), forgetfulness (18.4%), and lack of understanding of anaemia (12.3%). Conclusion: Overall, the adherence to IFAS among pregnant women was low and did not meet the WHO recommendations for preventing and treating anaemia during pregnancy. Socio-demographic factors, including occupation and education level, maternal characteristics, parity, and gestation age, are not significantly associated with adherence to IFAS. Factors associated with poor adherence to IFAS include side effects, failure to access IFAS, forgetfulness, and knowledge about anaemia and IFAS. Healthcare facilities and providers should strengthen the system to create community awareness of IFAS, its benefits, and side effects, as this will help increase adherence to IFAS among pregnant women
8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine (8-OH-2dG) as a Biomarker of Oxidative Stress (OS) in the Acute Exacerbation of Spontaneous Preterm Birth (SPTB)/
(Scientific Reseach Publishing, 2024-10-12) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) is characterized by the delivery of a baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation, and this condition is associated with significant health challenges for the newborn. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of biomarkers for understanding the mechanisms underlying SPTB. One such biomarker, 8-OH-2dG, plays a critical role in evaluating oxidative stress and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. It has been demonstrated that 8-OH-2dG is a product of oxidative DNA damage and is widely recognized as a key indicator of cellular oxidative stress. Elevated reactive oxygen species in SPTB result in higher levels of the DNA degradation product 8-OH- 2dG in amniotic fluid, causing damage to motoneuronal and fetal tissues that could lead to premature rupture of fetal membranes. Therefore, evaluating the role of 8-OH-2dG in SPTB is of great interest. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on 8-OH-2dG as a biomarker for SPTB and aims to elucidate its mechanism in this condition.
Intermittent Fasting (IF) Reduces Tumor Metastasis via Ras/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-Catenin, and HGF/c-Met Pathways
(Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology / Scientific Reseach Publishing, 2024-12-19) MAHMOUD, Salma Abdi
Several recent scientific interventions have been conducted to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on tumor metastasis. It is well known that IF has a positive effect on reducing OS in the human body. OS is an important factor that leads to DNA damage and stimulates carcinogenesis through dysregulation of signaling pathways that are important for tumor survival and metastasis. Studies have demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK), phosphatidylinositol- 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), Wnt Beta Catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), and hepatocyte growth actor/mesenchymal- epithelial transition factor (HGF/c-Met) are activated in response to the overproduction of OS and may result in carcinogenesis and tumor metastasis. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanism of IF in tumor metastasis by downregulating key OS pathways such as Ras/Raf/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, and HGF/c-Met.
The Role of Iron Supplementation in Preventing Anemia during Pregnancy:
(Lifeline Medicine. V, 2025) Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Salma Abdi Mahmoud
Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health challenge, affecting maternal and fetal health outcomes globally. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the most prevalent form, results from the increased iron demands of pregnancy, often unmet by dietary intake alone. This condition is associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal fatigue, and impaired fetal development. Preventing anemia through iron supplementation has emerged as an effective strategy, playing a vital role in enhancing maternal well-being and promoting healthy pregnancy outcomes. Iron supplementation has been shown to improve hemoglobin levels, reduce the prevalence of anemia, and mitigate risks associated with iron deficiency during pregnancy. By addressing the physiological demands for increased blood volume and fetal iron requirements, supplementation safeguards against complications like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Despite its proven benefits, adherence to supplementation regimens can be hindered by gastrointestinal side effects and challenges in accessing affordable and appropriate iron formulations in resource-limited settings.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Anemia in Pregnant Women: /
(Lifeline Medicine, 2025) Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu1 and Salma Abdi Mahmoud2
Anemia during pregnancy is a pervasive global health issue, affecting nearly 40% of pregnant women worldwide. It is primarily driven by nutritional deficiencies, particularly of iron, folate, and vitamin B12, which are critical for hemoglobin synthesis and erythropoiesis. These deficiencies arise from increased physiological demands, inadequate dietary intake, and malabsorption, leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased mortality. This review highlights the multifaceted relationship between nutritional deficiencies and anemia in pregnant women, emphasizing the physiological, dietary, and environmental factors contributing to this condition. Iron deficiency remains the most common cause, exacerbated by conditions such as inflammation and parasitic infections. Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies also play a significant role, resulting in megaloblastic anemia and other complications. The review explores the mechanisms underlying these deficiencies, their impact on maternal and fetal health, and the current recommendations for supplementation and dietary interventions.

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