Abolghasem Ajami; Farshideh Abedian; Seyyed Hamzeh Hosseini; Elahe Akbarian; Reza Alizadeh-Navaei; Mehrdad Taghipour
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2014, , Pages 200-209
Abstract
Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder of the executive function of both sensory and central nervous system. Recent studies suggest that immune mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. The variations in cytokine concentrations have been associated with psychopathology and treatment ...
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Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder of the executive function of both sensory and central nervous system. Recent studies suggest that immune mechanisms play a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. The variations in cytokine concentrations have been associated with psychopathology and treatment of schizophrenia. Objective: To investigate the changes in serum concentrations of TNF- α, IL-10, and IL-2 in schizophrenic patients before and 40 days after treatment. Methods: In a case-control study, 26 schizophrenic patients and 26 healthy individuals were enrolled as the control group. PANSS scale questionnaire was used for diagnosis and assessing the severity of the disease. All patients were then treated with risperidone or clozapine for 40 days. Serum concentrations of TNF- α, IL-10 and IL-2 were measured by ELISA before and after treatment in both groups. Paired t-test and Independent t-test were used for comparison of data. Results: Comparison of TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations in patients before and after treatment revealed a significance decrease of TNF- α and increase of IL-10 concentrations (p=0.002, and p=0.008, respectively). Serum concentrations of IL-2 were lower than the detection limit of assay and were not detectable. In comparison with healthy controls, serum concentrations of TNF- α in schizophrenic patients were higher, while IL-10 concentrations were lower before treatment although the differences were not significant (p=0.291 and p=0.375, respectively). There was no correlation between cytokine concentrations and the positive and negative scale (PANSS). Also no significant difference in the admission, relapses, and duration of illness before and after treatment was observed. Conclusions: Increase of TNF- α and decrease of IL-10 may have an important role inpsychopathology of schizophrenia.
Elnaz Taghvaei-Bijandi; Fatemeh Abedian; Ahmad Ahmadzadeh Amiri; Narjes Jafari; Saeid Abediankenari
Abstract
Background: Retinopathy of diabetes is a chronic diabetes mellitus complication affecting retinal vessels, and some ocular complications’ molecular mechanisms remain obscure.Objective: To evaluate the expression of HLA-G1, HLA-G5, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34a in the lens epithelial cells of patients ...
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Background: Retinopathy of diabetes is a chronic diabetes mellitus complication affecting retinal vessels, and some ocular complications’ molecular mechanisms remain obscure.Objective: To evaluate the expression of HLA-G1, HLA-G5, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34a in the lens epithelial cells of patients with retinopathy of diabetes.Methods: In a case-control study, 30 diabetic patients with retinopathy, 30 diabetic patients without retinopathy, and 30 cataract patients without diabetes mellitus as the control group were enrolled after a full description with details about the study methods and objectives. The expression of HLA G1, HLA G5, miRNA-181a, and miRNA-34a in lens epithelial cells was assessed by quantitative RT PCR. Moreover, the levels of HLA-G protein in aqueous humor were evaluated by the ELISA method.Results: HLA-G1 expression was significantly upregulated in the retinopathy group (P=0.003). The aqueous humor of diabetic retinopathy patients contained significantly higher levels of HLA-G protein compared with the non-diabetic patients (P=0.001). miRNA-181a was significantly downregulated in the diabetic retinopathy group compared with the patients without diabetes (P=0.001). In addition, miRNA-34a was upregulated in the retinopathy group (P=0.009).Conclusion: Taken together, the present results showed that HLA-G1 and miRNA-34a can be valuable markers for diabetic retinopathy. Our data offers new perspectives for improving the control of inflammation in the lens epithelial cells by considering HLA-G and miRNA.
Soheila Alyasin; Marzieh Adab; Asieh Hosseinpour; Reza Amin; Maryam Babaei
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 204-219
Abstract
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which is characterized by B-cell abnormality and auto-antibody generation. Since bacterial infections are the most important causes of mortality in these patients, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for children with ...
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Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which is characterized by B-cell abnormality and auto-antibody generation. Since bacterial infections are the most important causes of mortality in these patients, pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for children with SLE. Objective: To investigate humoral immunity and specific-antibody formation in response to a 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccination in SLE children and asthmatic control group. Method: The case and control groups consisted of 30 children with the mean age of 13 years who were matched by sex and age. Anti-pneumococcal antibody titers were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) before the vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and 3 weeks later in both groups. Also the correlation between anti-pneumococcal antibody titer and different factors including age, sex, lupus activity, disease duration, medications, history of recurrent infections, and laboratory data were investigated. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in anti-pneumococcal antibody level after vaccination (p≤0.001). The increase in antibody level were almost the same in both groups (p≥0.05) such that 77.7% of SLE children and 86.2% of control children showed at least 2-fold increase in anti-pneumococcal antibody titer following immunization. Significant correlations were seen between the level of post-immunization anti-pneumococcal antibody with the age of children with SLE (p=0.02) and their age of disease onset (p=0.02). Conclusion: It is concluded that pneumococcal vaccination is generally immunogenic in children with SLE. However, a small group of patients show impaired response to the vaccine.
Durria Mansour; Elfadil M. Abass; Abdelhafeiz Mahamoud; Abdallah el Harith
Volume 6, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 208-215
Abstract
Background: Until now, the comparison of the rK39 strip test (RKT) and direct ag-glutination test (DAT) for detection of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is exclusively based on either positive or negative qualification of the reaction outcome. Objective: In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance ...
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Background: Until now, the comparison of the rK39 strip test (RKT) and direct ag-glutination test (DAT) for detection of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is exclusively based on either positive or negative qualification of the reaction outcome. Objective: In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance of RKT and DAT for VL both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. Methods: For comparison based on semi-quantitative grounds, the execution of RKT and DAT was according to the standard procedures. For comparison on semi-qualitative grounds with DAT, the RKT was ap-plied to aliquots from positive samples that were two-fold serially diluted in saline to determine, as for the DAT, the end-point reaction in RKT. Results: While qualita-tively both RKT and DAT demonstrated comparable reliability for VL detection (sen-sitivity = 96% and specificity = 98.7% or 99.3%), no significant correlation (r = 0.13) could be established between intensities of their positive reactions in 25 cases studied. A negative correlation was further determined in those 25 VL cases between the posi-tive intensities of the RKT and antibody levels measured semi-quantitatively with the same procedure (r = -0.36) or the DAT (r = -0.30). Irrespective of the low, moderate or high antibody levels measured with RKT (<1:8 and 1:16-1:32 >1:256) or DAT (< 1:25,600 and 1:51,200- 1:409,600 > 1:3,276,800) in patients with confirmed or uncon-firmed VL infection, exclusively strong positive intensities were obtained with RKT. Conclusion: For further optimizing diagnosis and simultaneously assessing magni-tude of immune response to L. donovani infection in Sudanese patients, the combined application of RKT and DAT is recommended.
Shervin Shahinpour; Marzieh Tavakol; Hassan Abolhass ani; Payam Mohammadinejad; Masoud Movahedi; Saba Arshi; Asghar Aghamohammadi
Volume 12, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 209-218
Abstract
Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant primary immunodeficiency with complement system defect characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema involving the skin or mucosa of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Objective: To characterize the clinical and ...
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Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant primary immunodeficiency with complement system defect characterized by recurrent episodes of angioedema involving the skin or mucosa of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Objective: To characterize the clinical and laboratory data of hereditary angioedema in Iran. Methods: Patients with probable diagnosis of angioedema were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were documented in the designed questionnaire including history of attacks, triggering factors and laboratory data such as C4, C1 esterase inhibitor level and function. Results: Among 63 patients who were clinically suspicious for angioedema (23 males and 40 females), 8 cases (12.7%) were diagnosed with HAE. Among these 8 HAE patients, 3 were diagnosed with HAE type 1 and five patients were diagnosed with HAE type 2. The mean ages of HAE type 1 and type 2 patients were 25.6 ± 13.5 and 22.4 ± 12.32 years. The mean age of onset in HAE type 1 group was 8 ± 5 years and in HAE type 2 group was 18.8 ± 11.84 years. The mean diagnosis delay was 17.6 years in HAE type 1 patients and 2.6 years in HAE type 2. The most common clinical manifestation was facial swelling presented in all HAE patients followed by swelling of extremities which was present in 7 patients with HAE. Conclusion: The clinical criteria of the Iranian patients with HAE were consistent with the known clinical patterns of the disease.
Xueqin Wang; Yingying Gao; Xingyu Ge; Zhifeng Gu
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are appearing in 4-5% of patients involving lung in almost half of the cases during the disease course. Objective: We compared the autoimmune pulmonary inflammation in the lung tissue of mice to determine the association between ...
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Background: Pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are appearing in 4-5% of patients involving lung in almost half of the cases during the disease course. Objective: We compared the autoimmune pulmonary inflammation in the lung tissue of mice to determine the association between decreased expression levels of Forkhead Box J1 (FOXJ1) and the activation of the NF-κB pathway in autoimmune pulmonary inflammation of MRL/Lpr mice. Methods: The female BALB/c mice (n=6) and MRL/Lpr mice (n=30) were divided into 5 groups including a control group (BALB/c), and five MRL/Lpr mice groups (8W, 12W, 16W, 24W, and 32W). The infiltration of the inflammatory cells was determined in lung tissue by performing the histological analysis. The western blotting was used to examine the expression levels of the age-related FOXJ1, and p50 and p65 proteins in the lungs of MRL/Lpr mice. The expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 were determined via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results: There were severe infiltrates of lung cells with high levels of tracheal damage, perivascular injury and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration when the MRL/Lpr mice from 16w to 32w comparing to the 8w old healthy MRL/Lpr mice in the control group (p <0.05). Moreover, the reduced expression levels of FOXJ1 were associated with the activation of the NF-κB pathway in interstitial lung disease of MRL/Lpr mice via the modulation of p50 and p65. In addition, the expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 pro-inflammation factors increased in the lungs of the MRL/Lpr mice from 16w to 32w. Conclusions: The expression level of FOXJ1 might be an indicator of the degree of lung disease in lupus-prone mice.
Ahmad Amin; Susan Jalali; Reza Amin; Soheila Aale-yasin; Nima Jamalian; Mehran Karimi
Volume 2, Issue 4 , December 2005, , Pages 220-225
Abstract
Background: Beta-thalassemia major is one of the major health problems in our country. Many studies have confirmed the fact that, these patients have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Objective: In this study, we have assessed the humoral immune system in 68 thalassemic patients by ...
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Background: Beta-thalassemia major is one of the major health problems in our country. Many studies have confirmed the fact that, these patients have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. Objective: In this study, we have assessed the humoral immune system in 68 thalassemic patients by measuring their serum concentration of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, C3 and C4 in order to find out a responsible immune defect. Methods: Sixty eight b-thalassemia major patients were enrolled randomly from referrals to Dastgheib clinic of thalassemia. The same number of case controls with matched age and sex were selected from healthy people without any history of recent or recurrent infections. Serum IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C4 levels were assessed using Single Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID). Results: Serum levels of IgG, IgM & IgA were significantly higher (P<0.01) and those of C3 and C4 were significantly lower (P<0.01) in thalassemic patients than the controls. Considering the result of analytic tests, it was revealed that, thalassemia patients show much more increase in serum immunoglobulin levels as they get older. Splenectomized patients had higher serum IgG and IgA levels than non-splenectomized patients but had no difference in serum IgM, C3 and C4. Serum ferritin level had no correlation with the changes of humoral immunity; however, patients with serum ferritin level >2500ng/ml had higher serum IgM level. Conclusion: These results can be due to continuous exposure to antigens, repeated infections, chronic liver disease and splenectomy but not iron overload. The only probable cause of humoral immune deficiency found in these patients is a defect in serum complement levels.
Sadegh Izadi; Afshin Borhani-Haghighi; Kamal Bastani; Bahareh Kardeh; Golnaz Yadollahi-Khales; Mojtaba Neydavoodi
Abstract
Background: Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a neurovascular disorder that occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein near the brain. Evaluating the subsequent changes in inflammatory cytokines can better reveal the underlying pathogeneses. Objective: To assess the serum levels of interleukin-10 ...
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Background: Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is a neurovascular disorder that occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein near the brain. Evaluating the subsequent changes in inflammatory cytokines can better reveal the underlying pathogeneses. Objective: To assess the serum levels of interleukin-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) and IL-17 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine) in patients with aseptic non-vasculitic CSVT. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, 31 patients with aseptic non-vasculitic CSVT (admitted in Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran) were enrolled. IL-10 and IL-17 serum levels were measured at diagnosis, before initiation of treatment (acute stage), 3 months later (subacute stage). These cytokines were also measured in samples obtained from 30 gender- and age-matched healthy subjects, which were considered as control values. Results: Patients’ IL-10 and IL-17 levels were higher in both acute and subacute stages as compared to controls. However, no significant differences existed between the acute stage and control groups for both cytokines. Moreover, subacute levels were significantly higher than their acute and control levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the alteration of IL-10 and IL-17 levels in aseptic non-vasculitic CSVT. The rise in subacute IL-10 can be explained by the assumption that IL-10 is released as an anti-inflammatory response to subside the effects of IL-17 mediated reactions. More importantly, the immediate sampling in the acute stage did not allow enough time for triggering the immune system to produce such mediators. However, a balance was established between IL-10 and IL-17 in the subacute stage to prevent further tissue damage.
Abdulrahman Al Rashidi; Atef Ali Marey; Mohammad Osama Hegazi
Volume 5, Issue 4 , December 2008, , Pages 222-225
Bahram Aminian; Ali Reza Abdi Ardekani; Narges Arandi
Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2007, , Pages 227-235
Abstract
Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in atherogenesis. The initial step in atherosclerosis is the adhesion of leukocytes to activated endothelial cells mediated by ICAM-1, an inflammatory protein. Several polymorphisms for Intracellular adhesion molecule -1(ICAM-) gene have been described. ...
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Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in atherogenesis. The initial step in atherosclerosis is the adhesion of leukocytes to activated endothelial cells mediated by ICAM-1, an inflammatory protein. Several polymorphisms for Intracellular adhesion molecule -1(ICAM-) gene have been described. Objective: To determine the possible role of G241R and K469E polymorphisms in development of coronary artery disease and MI. Methods: G241R polymorphism was investigated in 303 patients with angiographi-cally documented CAD, including 151 patients with acute or chronic myocardial infarc-tion (MI), and a control group consisting of 141 healthy subjects with normal coronary angiogram. K469E polymorphism was investigated in 309 patients with CHD, includ-ing155 patients with MI, and compared with 150 healthy subjects without CHD as the control group. Finally, G241R and K469R polymorphisms were assessed concurrently in 300 patients with CHD including 152 patients with MI and 140 healthy normal subjects without coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: Although the frequency of GR and RR genotypes were higher in the control group compared to the CHD patients, the difference was not statistically significant (7.09% vs. 5.6% and 1.4% vs. 0%, p=0.27and p=0.24, re-spectively). Despite the higher frequency of KK genotype in the CHD group, the differ-ence was not significant (29.1% vs. 24.6%, p=0.62). KKGG genotype was more frequent in the CHD group, however the difference was not significant (31.1% vs. 27.3%, p=0.66). Conclusion: No strong relation was found between G241R and K469E polymorphisms and occurrence of CHD and MI in the studied population from Fars province, Iran.
Parham Nejati; Marzieh Attar; Maryam Rahimian; Davood Fathi; Majid Shahbazi
Volume 14, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 231-239
Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a multifactorial autoimmune disease with complex genetic basis, causes demyelination in the central nervous system via cytokine responses to myelin antigens. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the main protein component of the myelin sheath. HLA-DRB (human leukocyte ...
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Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), as a multifactorial autoimmune disease with complex genetic basis, causes demyelination in the central nervous system via cytokine responses to myelin antigens. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the main protein component of the myelin sheath. HLA-DRB (human leukocyte antigen-DR beta) alleles, particularly HLA-DRB1*1501, may be of significance in the pathogenesis of MS. Objective: To examine the association of HLA-DRB1*1501 alleles and MBP VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) polymorphism with the MS susceptibility in Iranian population. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. The alleles were determined by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method in 259 MS patients and 312 healthy control individuals and analyses were carried out using Fisher's exact test. Results: The frequencies of MBP VNTR genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were 47%, 42% and 11% among patients, and 45%, 43% and 12% in control subjects, respectively. HLA-DRB1*1501 allele was more frequent among patients than healthy individuals (OR=1.65, P=0.0045). The frequency of allele A and genotype A/A was significantly higher among HLA-DRB1*1501 positive patients (61% and 32%) than controls (46% and 19%) (OR=1.88, P=0.0013; A/A vs. B/B: OR=5.09, P=0.0004). The two-locus analysis of the interaction between the MBP VNTR polymorphism and the HLA-DRB1 allele showed that the HLADRB1* 1501/A haplotype was more frequent among MS patients than the healthy controls. Conclusion: The interaction between the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele and MBP gene may be considered as a predisposing factor in the development and pathogenesis of MS in the case of gene-gene interaction.
Hamid Reza Rahimi; Bahador Sarkari; Tahereh Mohammadzadeh; Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2011, , Pages 236-243
Abstract
Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as echinococcosis/hydatidosis, is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. It enhances both humoral and cellular (Th1 and Th2) responses in infected host. Different antigens of the worm may favor the Th1 or Th2 immune responses in CE ...
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Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as echinococcosis/hydatidosis, is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. It enhances both humoral and cellular (Th1 and Th2) responses in infected host. Different antigens of the worm may favor the Th1 or Th2 immune responses in CE patients. Objective: To evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses of Balb/c mice against the crude and excretory/ secretory (E/S) antigens of in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms. Methods: A total of 20 Balb/c mice divided into 5 groups of 4 mice each. Three groups of mice (n=4) were immunized with crude, E/S and an immunodominant antigen of in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms on day 1 and 28. The fourth and the fifth groups were negative control groups and received PBS plus adjuvant, or nothing, respectively. Two weeks after the second injection, the mice were killed and their blood was collected for determining antibody responses, and their spleens were employed for proliferation assay. Total IgG were measured by indirect ELISA. Spleen cells of immunized mice were cultivated and exposed to different antigens of adult worms including E/S and crude antigens. Level of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured in the recovered cell culture supernatants by capture ELISA. Results: Total IgG assay showed the highest level of antibody produced in mice immunized with crude antigens. Proliferation assay showed a statistically significant production of cytokines in the mice immunized with crude antigens (p<0.05). The highest levels of IFN-γ, IL12 and IL-4 were produced in mice immunized with crude antigen of the in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms followed by E/S antigens. Immunodomonant antigen induced the lowest levels of cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10) in immunized mice. Conclusion: A significant levels of Th1 related cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12) were produced in Balb/c mice immunized with crude antigen of the in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms.
Shahid Hussain; Nadeem Afzal; Khursheed Javaid; Muhammad Ikram Ullah; Tanveer Ahmad; Saleem-Uz -Zaman
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2010, , Pages 240-246
Abstract
Background: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a cytokine produced by a variety of cells is involved in the immune response against M. tuberculosis. It activates the production of other cytokines and molecules that kill mycobacterium. IFN-γ also has diagnostic role in identification of active and ...
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Background: Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), a cytokine produced by a variety of cells is involved in the immune response against M. tuberculosis. It activates the production of other cytokines and molecules that kill mycobacterium. IFN-γ also has diagnostic role in identification of active and latent tuberculosis. Objective: To determine the level of IFN-γ in the blood of TB patients. Methods: Ninety-one subjects were selected, including 54 active TB patients and 37 healthy controls. Among 54 TB patients, 27 had confirmed TB and 27 were clinically diagnosed as having TB. IFN-γ concentration was determined in their blood by an ELISA technique. Results: In TB patients, Mean + SD of IFN-γ was 48.69 + 28.78 pg/ml while it was 12.99 + 5.70pg/ml in the control group (p <0.001). Significant differences in the level of IFN-γ were observed among confirmed TB patients, clinically diagnosed TB patients and the control group (Mean + SD 59.68 + 28.78, 36.85 + 24.76 and 12.99 + 5.70 pg/ml, respectively). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was observed between the concentration of IFN-γ in TB patients and the duration of antituberculosis therapy. Conclusion: IFN-γ level was high in both clinically diagnosed and confirmed TB patients as compared to a control group. Measurement of IFN-γ production is helpful to diagnose active tuberculosis, but further research is required.
Morteza Akbari; Dariush Shanehbandi; Milad Asadi; Navid Shomali; Afsaneh Faraji; Vahid Khaze; Abbas Pakdel; Ahad Mokhtarzadeh; Ali Asghar Ebrahimi; Aliakbar Shabani; Behzad Baradaran
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is attributed as one of the most common malignancies worldwide. CD133 molecule, as a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein, confers stem cell-related characteristics, including self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation capability. CD133 plays important roles ...
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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is attributed as one of the most common malignancies worldwide. CD133 molecule, as a pentaspan transmembrane glycoprotein, confers stem cell-related characteristics, including self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation capability. CD133 plays important roles in the progression of CRC by conferring apoptotic resistance and migration ability. Objective: To investigate the anti-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic effect of CD-133 targeted siRNA in a colorectal cancer cell line. Methods: In this study, CD133-targeted siRNA transfection was conducted into HT-29 cells. MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of transfection on the cells. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the apoptosis rate. The mRNA expression of apoptosis and metastasis related genes were assessed by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). Wound healing assay was used to assess the migration potency of the infected cells. Results: Expression of CD133 was significantly downregulated after transfection of CD133-specific siRNA. Moreover, the rate of apoptosis was significantly increased after transfection. The migration potential of cells was diminished after transfection. siRNA delivery resulted in the modulation of expression of apoptosis and metastasis-related genes. Conclusion: siRNA mediated targeting of CD133 could be considered as a promising approach to treat CRC through suppressing the cancerous behavior of tumor cells.
Masoumeh Rajabibazl; Mohammad Javad Rasaee; Mehdi Forouzandeh; Azam Rahimpour
Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2013, , Pages 247-258
Abstract
Background: Single domain antibodies from camel heavy chain antibodies (VHH or nanobody), are advantages due to higher solubility, stability, high homology with human antibody, lower immunogenicity and low molecular weight. These criteria make them candidates for production of engineered antibody fragments ...
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Background: Single domain antibodies from camel heavy chain antibodies (VHH or nanobody), are advantages due to higher solubility, stability, high homology with human antibody, lower immunogenicity and low molecular weight. These criteria make them candidates for production of engineered antibody fragments particularly in transgenic animals. Objective: To study the development of transgenic chicken using a recombinant retrovirus containing fluonanobody. Methods: The retrovirus constructs containing nanobody genes along with secretory signals and GFP gene were established and packed. The virus particle containing the obtained fusion gene was injected into the eggs in stage X. Molecular detection and protein analysis was done in the G0 chickens. Results: The rate of hatched chicken after gene manipulation was estimated to be about 33%. Real-Time PCR assay showed that the nanobody along with GFP gene were integrated in cells of 1.2% of chickens. Conclusion: We conclude that although the rate of gene transfer by recombinant viruses in chickens is low, it would be possible to transfect the target camel immunoglobulin gene into chicken genome.
Hossein Ali Khazaei; Alireza Nakhaei; Golam Ali Dashti; Mehdi Mohammadi; Fariba Hejazenia; Noura Mehrangeez; Amin Khazaei
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2012, , Pages 254-260
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disorder of the nasal tissue that underlies diseases such as sinusitis, otits and asthma. Different predisposing factors including immunological and non-immunological factors contribute to the disease pathogenesis. Objective: To investigate association ...
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Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disorder of the nasal tissue that underlies diseases such as sinusitis, otits and asthma. Different predisposing factors including immunological and non-immunological factors contribute to the disease pathogenesis. Objective: To investigate association of haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes (Hp1-1, 2-1 and 2-2) with serum immunoglobulins A and E levels in patients suffering from AR in comparison with healthy individuals. Methods: Two hundred and forty patients and 240 healthy individual entered in this case-control study. Serum levels of IgE and IgA were measured and haptoglobulin phenotypes were determined by electrophoresis. The results were evaluated by χ2 statistical test using SPSS software. Results: Serum electrophoresis showed that the distribution of haptoglobin phenotypes of Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 among 240 patients were 11.3%, 37.9% and 50.8%, respectively. The distribution of different haptoglobin phenotypes in healthy controls were 88.7%, 36.6% and 54.7%, respectively. However, the difference between patients and controls was not statistically significant (p=0.136). The mean of IgE level was significantly higher in patients than controls in association with all three phenotypes (p<0.001). Mean of IgA serum level was also significantly different between case and control groups for Hp1-1 (p<0.048) and Hp2-2 phenotypes (p<0.027). Conclusion: We conclude that there is an association of all three haptoglobin phenotypes with IgE level. Hp1-1 and Hp2-2 phenotypes showed association with IgA in allergic rhinitis, as well. However, we cannot solely attribute these associations to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.
Kiomars Nowroozpoor-Dailami; Araz-Mohammad Mirabi; Mohsen Tehrani; Abolghasem Ajami
Volume 11, Issue 4 , December 2014, , Pages 275-281
Abstract
Background: Immune reactions have been reported to be involved in the destruction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma. Objective: To investigate the role of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A and B (MICA and MICB) molecules in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Methods: Aqueous ...
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Background: Immune reactions have been reported to be involved in the destruction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma. Objective: To investigate the role of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A and B (MICA and MICB) molecules in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Methods: Aqueous humor and serum samples from 15 glaucoma patients and 45 patients with cataract, undergoing ocular surgery, were obtained. The concentrations of MICA and MICB molecules in all samples were measured using ELISA. Results: Both MICA and MICB concentrations were higher in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma compared to those with cataract (p=0.013 and p=0.004, respectively); however, in the serum samples, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions: Increased intraocular pressure may be associated with increased expression of the MICA and MICB molecules, which could initiate the destruction of RGCs and consequent development of glaucoma.
Abdollah Jafarzadeh; Sayyed-Vahab Azizi; Maryam Nemati; Hossain Khoramdel-Azad; Ali Shamsizadeh; Fatemeh Ayoobi; Zahra Taghipour; Zuhair-Mohammad Hassan
Volume 12, Issue 4 , December 2015, , Pages 288-301
Abstract
Background: IL-17/IL-23 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The immunomodulatory properties of ginger are reported in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the effects ...
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Background: IL-17/IL-23 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The immunomodulatory properties of ginger are reported in previous studies. Objective: To evaluate the effects of ginger extract on the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in a model of EAE. Methods: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein and then treated with PBS or ginger extracts, from day +3 to +30. At day 31, mice were scarificed and the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 mRNA in spinal cord were determined by using real time-PCR. The serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results: The mRNA expression of IL-17, IL-23 P19 and IL-23 P40 in CNS and serum levels of IL- 17 and IL-23 were significantly higher in PBS-treated EAE mice than non-EAE group (p<0.003, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). In 200 mg/kg gingertreated EAE mice the mRNA expression of IL-17, P19 and P40 in CNS and serum IL- 23 levels were significantly decreased as compared to PBS-treated EAE mice (p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). Moreover, 300 mg/kg ginger-treated EAE group had significantly lower expression of IL-17, P19 and P40 in CNS and lower serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels than PBS-treated EAE group (p<0.02, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.03 and p<0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Ginger extract reduces the expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in EAE mice. The therapeutic potential of ginger for treatment of MS could be considered in further studies.
Behrouz Gharesi-Fard; Fatemeh Mobasher-Nejad; Fatemeh Nasri
Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 296-308
Abstract
Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is known as a main factor contributing to
fetomaternal mortality, which might affect 2-8% of all pregnancies after the twentieth
week of gestation. The balance of T helper subsets is essential to sustain a normal
pregnancy and preventing fetomaternal complications. Objective: ...
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Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is known as a main factor contributing to
fetomaternal mortality, which might affect 2-8% of all pregnancies after the twentieth
week of gestation. The balance of T helper subsets is essential to sustain a normal
pregnancy and preventing fetomaternal complications. Objective: To investigate
differences in the levels of transcription factors and cytokine gene expression of
Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg subsets within decidual and chorionic layers of placentas from 15
PE-afflicted and 15 healthy Iranian women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Methods: Using Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR), The expression of T-BET,
GATA-3, ROR-ɣt, FOXP3, and cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4,
IL-31, IL-17, IL-23, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and IL-35 in the placenta were
compared at mRNA levels between groups. Results: FOXP3 and GATA-3 were
significantly down-regulated, while T-BET was up-regulated in PE deciduae compared
to the control group (p<0.0001, p<0.02, and p<0.01, respectively). Concerning the
chorionic samples, FOXP3 significantly decreased, while ROR-γt increased in the PE
placentas compared to the healthy ones (p<0.0006 and p<0.02, respectively). Besides,
most inflammatory cytokines were up-regulated, while anti-inflammatory cytokines
were down-regulated in the PE placentas. Additionally, TNF-α/IL-35, IFN-ɣ/IL-35, IL-
6/IL-35, and IL-23/IL-35 ratios were significantly higher (p<0.01) and IL-35/IL-17 ratio
was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the pre-eclamptic patients compared to the healthy
controls. Conclusion: Our results shed more light on the contribution of
Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg balance within placenta in the fate of a normal pregnancy.
Moreover, regulatory T cells and IL-35 seem to play a central role in the regulation of
all subsets.
Surbhi Khurana; Minu Kumari; Nidhi Bhardwaj; Subodh Kumar; Sushma Sagar; Rajesh Malhotra; Purva Purva Mathur
Niloufar Sadat Miri; Payam Saadat; Abbas Azadmehr; Morteza Oladnabi; Abdolreza Daraei
Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation and immunopathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) are believed to be associated with genetic and environmental factors. Objective: We conducted the current study to evaluate the Toll-like receptors (TLR4 and TLR9) genes polymorphism in patients with Parkinson's disease ...
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Background: Neuroinflammation and immunopathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) are believed to be associated with genetic and environmental factors. Objective: We conducted the current study to evaluate the Toll-like receptors (TLR4 and TLR9) genes polymorphism in patients with Parkinson's disease in northern Iran. Methods: We extracted DNA from peripheral blood samples of 100 sporadic cases of Parkinson's disease and 100 healthy-matched controls with the mean age of 69.98 and 71.94 years, respectively. Subsequently, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR4 and TLR9 were genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). Results were confirmed employing Sanger sequencing. For the analysis of our data, we used SNPStats and SPSS 22 software. Results: Our findings indicated that the allele distribution for rs352140 of TLR9 gene was significantly different in the PD group compared with the healthy controls (p=0.02). Moreover, rs352140 T allele was observed to be correlated with PD reduced risk (TT + TC vs. CC). The dominant rs352140 model was approved as the most acceptable inheritance model for fitting the data (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.75, p=0.0031). Additionally, haplotype analysis revealed a significant correlation between TLR9 polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that rs352140T of TLR9 gene was a protective factor in Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, this SNP could be regarded as a prognostic factor. However, this conclusion should be confirmed by further investigations.
Fatemeh Ahmadi-Motamayel; Zeynab Bayat; Mehrdad Hajilooi; Soroosh Shahryar-Hesami; Ali Mahdavinezhad; Lida Samie; Ghasem Solgi
Volume 14, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 316-324
Abstract
Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease that could be considered as a potential premalignant status. Objective: To evaluate the miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression levels in patients with oral Lichen planus lesions compared to healthy subjects with normal oral mucosa. Methods: ...
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Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease that could be considered as a potential premalignant status. Objective: To evaluate the miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 expression levels in patients with oral Lichen planus lesions compared to healthy subjects with normal oral mucosa. Methods: Forty patients with oral lichen planus and 18 healthy age and gender-matched controls were recruited in this case-control study. Oral lichen planus was diagnosed clinically and pathologically. The expression levels of two miRNAs in peripheral blood samples were determined using commercial TaqMan MicroRNA Assays. Relative quantification of gene expression was calculated by the 2-ΔΔct method. Results: The expression levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 in patients with oral Lichen planus were significantly higher than the of the healthy control group. Also, a direct but insignificant correlation was found between miRNA-155 and miRNA-146a expression levels among the patient group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 could be potential biomarkers for the immunopathogenesis of oral lichen planus.
Reza Abbasi; Kamiar Zomorodian; Zahra Zare Shahrabadi; Farshid Saadat; Seyed Hesamedin Nabavizadeh; Hossein Esmaeilzadeh; Sohila Alyasin
Abstract
Background: Fungal aeroallergens might sensitize the airway which in turn produces a specific cytokine profile. Objective: To evaluate the IL-25 and IL-33 profile in patients with fungal allergic rhinitis. Methods: The present study examined patients who were evaluated due to allergic rhinitis (AR) at ...
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Background: Fungal aeroallergens might sensitize the airway which in turn produces a specific cytokine profile. Objective: To evaluate the IL-25 and IL-33 profile in patients with fungal allergic rhinitis. Methods: The present study examined patients who were evaluated due to allergic rhinitis (AR) at Emam Reza Hospital of Shiraz, Iran. The allergic patients were categorized based on the skin prick test. Blood samples were collected and allergen-specific IgE and cytokine profiles were analyzed. Results: 184 patients were enrolled in the study and in 35 of whom fungal rhinitis was confirmed. The levels of specific IgE in patients with fungal allergy were statistically significant compared to those in the control group (p<0.000). However, there were no significant differences in IL-25 and IL-33 levels between fungal and none-fungal AR patients. Conclusion: Chronic fungal challenge might regulate innate system cytokines in severe persistent AR.
Xixi Wang
Abstract
Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in periodontitis by modulating the activities of gum cells and the immune ...
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Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in periodontitis by modulating the activities of gum cells and the immune system.Objective: To investigate the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCSCs) and EVs in regulating the inflammatory response associated with periodontitis.Methods: hUCSCs were isolated, subjected to flow cytometry analysis of surface markers, and differentiated into adipocyte and osteocyte. hUCSC-EVs were isolated and characterized using flow cytometry and electron microscopy. A periodontitis animal model was established in 30 female C57Bl/6 mice. Experimental groups received hUCSCs or hUCSCs-EVs, or vehicles intravenously. Animals were monitored for 4 weeks, and the periodontal tissues were used to assess the effects of hUCSCs and hUCSCs-EVs on the expression of pro- (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17a) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-4). The secretion of these cytokines by splenocytes was also evaluated using ELISA.Results: The levels of IL-17a, IFN-γ, and TNFα significantly reduced, while TGF-β and IL-10 significantly increased in the periodontal tissues of the hUCSC and hUCSCEVs-treated mice. The expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17a significantly decreased, while the production of IL-10 and TGF-β significantly increased in splenocytes from the hUCSC and EVs-treated mice.Conclusion: hUCSCs and their EVs have the potential to attenuate the inflammatory response associated with periodontitis, possibly by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating anti-inflammatory ones.
Mohammad Motamedifar; Farhad Handijani; Nahal Hadi; Mohammad Kazem Shahkarami; Davoud Mehrabani
Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2006, , Pages 43-46
Abstract
Background: Varicella–zoster virus (VZV) causes herpes zoster and varicella (Chicken-pox), usually a mild disease which is diagnosed clinically with few complications. However, in neonates and healthy adults it can have a severe presentation. Herpes zoster results from VZV reactivation later in ...
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Background: Varicella–zoster virus (VZV) causes herpes zoster and varicella (Chicken-pox), usually a mild disease which is diagnosed clinically with few complications. However, in neonates and healthy adults it can have a severe presentation. Herpes zoster results from VZV reactivation later in life. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of VZV in elementary school children aged 6-10 years in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional seroprevalence survey was conducted on 270 healthy subjects. All serum samples were investigated for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody against VZV using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Among the studied population, 175 (64.8%) had no detectable antibody levels. The overall seroprevalence rate was 35.2%. A breakdown of seropositivity to VZV according to age was as follows; 10 years old, 50%, 9 years old, 48.2%, 8 years old, 27.3%, 7 years old, 32.1%, and 6 years old, 13.2%. Conclusion: As VZV susceptibility in the studied age groups was higher than the expected rate, therefore childhood VZV vaccination is recommended in our region.
