MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

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1 FUNDING RESPONSIVE MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

2 UMBIFLOW The SAMRC continues to commit itself to research and development that will ultimately advance the health of South Africa. Umbiflow is one such innovation that will save babies lives Glenda Gray, SAMRC President and CEO. WHAT IS UMBIFLOW? A LAPTOP OR TABLET-CONNECTED DOPPLER ANALYSER FOR FETAL HEALTH EVALUATION IN LOW-RESOURCE SETTINGS. Umbiflow is a user-friendly continuous wave Doppler with bi-directional indication of blood flow velocity in the umbilical cord. This type of ultrasound Doppler technology allows health care practitioners to assess placental function, which is, in essence, its ability to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrition to the growing fetus. Umbiflow consists of a self-contained software programme and a vascular transducer in the form of a hand-held probe that plugs into the USB port of a computer (desktop, notebook or tablet). Umbiflow connects to all mobile networks allowing for remote expert monitoring, enabling centrally located obstetricians to provide support to nurses in the field in real-time. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Identification of at-risk fetuses in what would normally be considered low risk pregnancies and early intervention to prevent still births Speed of diagnosis and preventing unnecessary referrals - Doppler measurements are done at the primary health care level. Empowerment of health care workers they can now conduct diagnostic measurements that previously required a specialist. Reduced stress - worry of pregnant women of a possible referral to a secondary health care facility. 2

3 CONTACT BUSISIWE VILAKAZI: 3

4 SPORT INJURY GENESCREEN TM WHO IS THE TEST FOR? PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS AND ATHLETES WHO TAKE PART IN SPORTS THAT INVOLVE LUNGING AND JUMPING OR A RAPID CHANGE IN DIRECTION, SUDDEN STOP, LANDING FOLLOWING JUMPING OR DIRECT CONTACT, ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF TENDON AND LIGAMENT (SOFT TISSUE) INJURIES. Elite and recreational athletes may consider genetic testing as the consequences of injury may be devastating. It may prevent them from reaching their full potential or result in the premature ending of a sports career. There is no single cause for chronic Achilles tendinopathy and anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. It is generally caused by a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors, which work together to cause sport injuries in a complex manner that is not yet completely understood. Genetic testing may be useful to increase awareness about the importance of minimising environmental risk factors, especially those that can be modified to reduce injuries. These include occupation, footwear, training errors, medication and body mass index. WHAT IS TESTED? Sport Injury GeneScreen TM is a non-diagnostic DNA assay that tests for the presence of eight known genetic variations in five clinically useful genes that are associated with altering the risk of sustaining common tendon and ligament injuries. The genetic test is performed in conjunction with a clinical assessment, including documentation of previous sport injuries and a physical activity history. Expression of the genes included in the risk score is influenced by a high-risk environment. 4

5 BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES: Identification of risk factors associated with an increased risk of injury would allow for improved intervention and management programmes by health care practitioners. Knowledge of risk factors empowers individuals to take responsibility for their injury prevention by reducing their exposure to risk factors they can control. Preventative programmes can be initiated for those at particular risk, to minimise injury risk and optimise sporting achievement. For more information, please visit: SportInjuryGeneScreen PATENT INFORMATION: Granted: South African Patent 2008/05443 South African Patent 2011/03197 South African Patent 2014/05618 PENDING: UK Patent Application CONTACT

6 ASPALATHIN-RICH GREEN ROOIBOS EXTRACT ASPALATHUS LINEARIS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS ROOIBOS, IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS VARIOUS HEALTH PROPERTIES, SOME OF WHICH INCLUDE ANTI-OXIDANT AND STRESS-LOWERING ACTIVITIES. ROOIBOS IS ALSO RICH IN POLYPHENOLS AND IS THE ONLY PLANT KNOWN TO CONTAIN THE PHENOLIC ANTIOXIDANT, ASPALATHIN. The aspalathin content of the rooibos plant varies depending on a number of factors, and its level in the plant material drops even further during the fermentation process due to oxidation needed to form the characteristic redbrown colour and aromatic flavour. Unfermented (green) rooibos, which is not oxidised, contains much higher levels of aspalathin than the fermented rooibos, the product commonly prepared as a herbal tea. The SAMRC and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) have developed a method for the production of aspalathin-enriched green rooibos extract (GRT Extract), containing a minimum of 12% aspalathin, and having a number of beneficial effects in the management of conditions linked to glucose and lipid metabolism. The beneficial effects of aspalathin and aspalathinrich green rooibos extracts (Afriplex GRT) are based on current and previous research conducted by the SAMRC and other organisations. BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES: Glucose lowering effect Ameliorated insulin resistance in vitro Protects pancreatic beta cells against oxidative stress Protects heart cells and lowers cardiovascular risk factors 6

7 The proof of concept for aspalathin and aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract as an anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic agent comes from both local and international studies. Kawano et al. (2009) reported that aspalathin increases glucose uptake in muscle cells and insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. In our laboratory, we confirmed the hypoglycaemic activity of an aspalathinrich green rooibos extract in vitro and in vivo (Muller et al., 2012). Mazibuko et al. (2013; 2015) demonstrated that, at a molecular level, green rooibos extract and aspalathin ameliorated insulin resistance by resensitising insulin signalling suppressed by palmitate culminating in increased levels of glucose uptake via GLUT 4 in muscle and fat cells. In vitro and in vivo studies on the beneficial effects of rooibos and aspalathin are continuing at the SAMRC and a clinical trial is planned for For more about our studies on Aspalathin-rich Green Rooibos Extract, see the fact sheet. CONTACT INFO.SHIP@MRC.AC.ZA

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