We have noted in previous work, in a variety of inflammatory diseases, where iron dysregulation occurs, a strong tendency for erythrocytes to lose their normal discoid shape and to adopt a skewed morphology (as judged by their axial ratios in the light microscope and by their ultrastructure in the SEM). Similarly, the polymerization of fibrinogen, as induced in vitro by added thrombin, leads not to the common ‘spaghetti-like’ structures but to dense matted deposits. Type 2 diabetes is a known inflammatory disease. In the present work, we found that the axial ratio of the erythrocytes of poorly controlled (as suggested by increased HbA1c levels) type 2 diabetics was significantly increased, and that their fibrin morphologies were again highly aberrant. As judged by scanning electron microscopy and in the atomic force microscope, these could be reversed, to some degree, by the addition of the iron chelators deferoxamine (DFO) or deferasirox (DFX). As well as their demonstrated diagnostic significance, these morphological indicators may have prognostic value.

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Background: Non-communicable diseases are often associated with chronic inflammation, placing patients suffering from these conditions at a higher risk of thrombosis and other complications. The pathophysiology of asthma and/or atopic asthma is also linked to chronic inflammation, which consequently may alter blood parameters including erythrocyte structure and function. Methodology: The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in erythrocytes between patients with atopic asthma (n = 30) and healthy individuals (n = 30) by evaluating routine haematological parameters; structures and axial ratios of erythrocytes using light microscopy; erythrocyte membrane elasticity using atomic force microscopy; and erythrocyte ultrastructure using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The haematological findings of healthy participants and patients suffering from asthma were within normal clinical ranges together with significantly higher levels of circulating monocytes (p = 0.0066), erythrocytes (p = 0.0004), haemoglobin (p = 0.0057), and haematocrit (p = 0.0049) in asthma patients. The analysis of eosin-stained erythrocytes by light microscopy showed more echinocytes, acanthocytes, and ovalocytes compared to controls and a significant difference in axial ratios (p < 0.0001). Atomic force microscopy findings showed reduced erythrocyte membrane elasticity in asthmatic erythrocytes (p = 0.001). Ultrastructural differences in erythrocytes were visible in the asthma group compared to controls. Conclusion: Altered erythrocyte ultrastructural morphology and a significant change in the haematological profile are evident in atopic asthma and may influence common complications associated with asthma. The impact of these changes on the physiological mechanisms of coagulation and the pathophysiology of asthma needs to be further elucidated.

BACKGROUND: Increased risk of thromboembolic events is associated with prostate cancer, specifically linked to activation of tissue factor. Vitamin D has potential anticoagulant effects by the downregulation of tissue factor expression. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects on clot formation, the morphological and viscoelastic profiles of prostate cancer patients, before and after ex vivo supplementation of Vitamin D was studied. METHODS: Participants were recruited into a metastatic, non-metastatic and reference group. Whole blood samples were treated ex vivo with a dose of 0.5μg/kg Calcitriol. Clot kinetics were assessed using Thromboelastography ®. Morphology of the blood components were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Results from the Thromboelastography ® and SEM indicated no major differences between the non-metastatic group before and after treatment compared to the reference group. The Thromboelastography ® showed that the metastatic group had an increased viscoelastic profile relating to a hypercoagulable state. Visible changes with regards to platelet activation and fibrin morphology were demonstrated with SEM analysis of the metastatic group. The viscoelastic and morphological properties for the non-metastatic group after treatment improved to be comparable to the reference group. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation may lead to a more favorable viscoelastic profile, with less dangerous clots forming.

'n Evaluering van die welstand onder werknemers van 'n mediesefondsmaatskappy in Suid-AfrikaRead online:Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device to read online.Huidige navorsing op die gebied van welstand in die werkplek is gefragmenteer en vereis 'n holistiese, geïntegreerde en stelselmatige begrip van werknemerwelstand sodat gesondheiden welstandsorg doeltreffend bestuur kan word. Die toenemende las van nie-oordraagbare toestande in Suid-Afrika beklemtoon die noodsaaklikheid van voorkomingstrategieë soos welstandprogramme. Die werkomgewing bied 'n ideale plek, aangesien 'n groot deel van die bevolking geteiken word, insluitende diegene wie se lewenstyl verbeter moet word. Hierdie studie is dus daarop gemik om verskeie gesondheid-en welstandkomponente onder werknemers van 'n mediesefondsmaatskappy te evalueer in 'n poging om risikogebiede te identifiseer wat verdere ingryping vereis. Die deelnemers het bestaan uit 140 werknemers van 'n mediesefondsmaatskappy wat ten minste 40 h per week werk. Hulle is onderwerp aan 'n welstandassesseringsbattery bestaande uit antropometrieke, gesondheidverwante en fisieke kapasiteitmetings. Die resultate toon dat ingryping nodig is betreffende alkohol-en dwelmgebruik, dieetgewoontes, hartgesondheid, liggaamsamestelling, spieruithouvermoë, kardiorespiratoriese uithouvermoë en individuele persepsies van die maatskappy. Dié studie het resultate opgelewer wat die bevindings van baie vorige navorsing op hierdie gebied staaf. Die trefwydte van welstandprogramme op die Suid-Afrikaanse bevolking is egter beperk. Die sukses van welstandprogramme wat fisieke aktiwiteit beklemtoon, is goed gedokumenteer in hoë-inkomstelande, met bewys van die ekonomiese voordele en opbrengs op belegging. Gevolglik word daar aangevoer dat die toepassing van welstandprogramme 'n positiewe uitwerking op die Suid-Afrikaanse werkmag sal hê. An evaluation of the state of wellness amongst medical aid company employees in SouthAfrica. Current research in the area of wellness in the workplace is fragmented and requires a holistic, integrated and systemic understanding of employee wellness in order for health and wellness care to be effectively managed. The growing burden of noncommunicable conditions in South Africa highlights the necessity for prevention strategies such as wellness programmes to be implemented. The workplace provides an ideal setting as a large proportion of the population will be targeted, including those who require lifestyle improvement. Therefore this study sought to evaluate various health and wellness components among employees of a medical aid company in an attempt to identify risk areas which require further intervention. Participants were 140 employees of a medical aid company who work a minimum of 40 h per week and who were subjected to a wellness assessment battery, consisting of anthropometrical, health-related and physical capacity measurements. The results indicate that intervention is required in terms of alcohol and drug usage, dietary habits, heart health, body co...