| Autor: |
Abdul-Aziz Ahmed, Khaled, Helal Abdoh, Talal, Farah, Husni S., Salem Al-Qaisi, Talal, Al Qaisi, Khalid M., Alhmoud, Jehad F. |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Medico-Legal Update; Jul-Sep2021, Vol. 21 Issue 3, p331-338, 8p |
| Abstrakt: |
Background: Khat is the common name for the plant Catha edulis. The leaves and buds of Khat are chewed and their use is an established cultural tradition for many social situations in Yemen. Traditionally, Khat has been frequently chewed on social occasions, in public spaces or designated rooms in private homes. The medical and psychosocial impacts of khat chewing have been reported previously. However, the effect of chewing Khat on some biochemical and hematological parameters needs further investigation. Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Khat chewing on a number of biochemical and hematological parameters in a population-based groups. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty eight (n=188) subjects who have completed the questionnaire were included in this study. Ninety eight (n= 98) subjects among these were Khat chewers and ninety (n= 90) were non-chewers of Khat. Blood samples were collected from each subject in the study to measure uric acid, rheumatoid factor (RF) and complete blood cell (CBC) counts. Results: It has been shown that joint pain and kidney disease were significantly more prevalent in Khat chewers than Khat non-chewers. Uric acid levels were markedly higher in Khat chewers than Khat non-chewers, while differences in RF levels between the two groups were not significant. Although RBCs indices showed no significant difference among the study groups, a statistical significance in the white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes, and platelets counts was observed. Conclusion: The present study strongly suggests that Khat chewing had an adverse effect on the development of arthritis and kidney diseases. Moreover, altered immune defence mechanisms due to Khat chewing have also been documented in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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