Keyu Sun; Zichen Xie; Yang Li; Yanyan Li; Jianfeng Song; Zhefeng Meng
Abstract
Background: There is a close relationship between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The regulatory role and mechanism of glucocorticoids (GC) in the formation of NETs are unclear. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of GC on the formation ...
Read More
Background: There is a close relationship between neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The regulatory role and mechanism of glucocorticoids (GC) in the formation of NETs are unclear. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effect of GC on the formation of NETs. Methods: We constructed a mouse VTE model and treated them with GC to observe the effect of GC on the formation of NETs. In this regard, peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated, and the effect and mechanism of GC in neutrophil activation were analyzed. Results: Following LPS treatment, the colony-forming ability of neutrophils and their ability to form NETs increased significantly. The analysis of cytokine changes by RT-PCR combined with ELISA showed that the level of inflammatory factors in LPS-activated neutrophils increased significantly; however, these factors were significantly inhibited after GC treatment, and the inhibitory effect was positively correlated with the concentration of GC. LPS treatment was able to activate the production of ROS and lipid peroxides, however, this activation was significantly inhibited after GC treatment, and the inhibition increased with increasing doses of GC. Further examination of the changes in NF-κB signaling activation revealed that LPS-induced NF-κB signaling was significantly inhibited after GC treatment, and this inhibition increased with increasing the GC concentration. Conclusion: Glucocorticoids were able to inhibit neutrophil activation and reduce the formation of NETs. The research results provided a new research direction for clinical antithrombotic treatment.
Behrouz Gharesi-Fard; Maryam Zare; Eskandar Kamali-Sarvestani
Volume 14, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 306-315
Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with four different types is one of the well studied autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. Generally, two-thirds of MS patients are females who are at risk of pregnancy-related complications. Inappropriate responses of mother’s immune system, ...
Read More
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with four different types is one of the well studied autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. Generally, two-thirds of MS patients are females who are at risk of pregnancy-related complications. Inappropriate responses of mother’s immune system, such as antibody production against placental proteins, may lead to pregnancy-related disorders. The association between pregnancy complications and some autoantibodies including anti-phospholipid and anti-angiotensin II type-1 receptor antibodies are clear examples in this regard. Objective: To investigate the probable placental antigens that might be targeted by the antibodies in the sera of MS patients. Methods: Total placental proteins were extracted from normal fresh placentas and were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) technique. The separated proteins were transferred onto a Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) membrane and blotted with the pooled sera of MS women or healthy controls (20 individuals in each group). The differentially blotted spot was identified by mass spectrometry and confirmed by western blot technique. Results: The results indicated that the women afflicted with MS had an antibody against placental HSP70kDa protein 5 (GRP78). Conclusion: In the present study, a new placental autoantigen candidate, which was targeted by antibody present in MS women sera, was found. The clinical importance of this finding regarding pregnancy complications in MS patients should be investigated by further experiments.
Zahra Rezaei; Gholamreza Pouladfar; Amin Ramezani; Zohreh Mostafavi-Pour; Amin Abbasian; Bahador Sarkari; Bahman Pourabbas
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) can lead to death in more than 95% of cases if left untreated. Accurate and early diagnosis has an important role in reducing mortality rate of this disease. Objective: To express recombinant H2B antigen from an Iranian isolate of Leishmania Infantum and evaluate ...
Read More
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) can lead to death in more than 95% of cases if left untreated. Accurate and early diagnosis has an important role in reducing mortality rate of this disease. Objective: To express recombinant H2B antigen from an Iranian isolate of Leishmania Infantum and evaluate its efficacy in the diagnosis of VL. Methods: The recombinant H2B antigen was produced in a prokaryotic system, and its efficacy for VL diagnosis was evaluated by ELISA. The serum samples from 80 VL patients, 100 individuals from endemic and non-endemic regions of VL, and 58 non-VL patients were collected. VL cases were confirmed based on the clinical sign, positive IFAT (>64), real time PCR, and response to treatment. Results: The H2B gene sequence of the Iranian L. infantum isolate had about 4% diversity in comparison with the H2B gene of the L. infantum counterpart. ELISA, using the produced H2B recombinant antigen, showed sensitivity of 71.25% (95% CI: 60.05%-80.82%) and specificity of 69.62% (95% CI: 61.81%-76.68%) regarding VL diagnosis. Conclusion: Recombinant H2B antigen expressed in the prokaryotic system had suboptimal performance for the serological diagnosis of VL. It seems that the production and expression of recombinant H2B antigen in a eukaryotic system may enhance the performance of this antigen in the diagnosis of VL in Iran.
Maryam Mohammadi; Hossein Asgarian-Omran; Behnam Najafi; Ahmad Najafi; Reza Valadan; Hossein Karami; Mohammad Naderisoraki; Maryam Alizadeforutan; Ramin Shekarriz; Mohsen Tehrani
Abstract
Background: Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) and members of the nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) are known as transcription factors involved in T cell exhaustion.Objective: To evaluate the mRNA expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia.Methods: Blood ...
Read More
Background: Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) and members of the nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) are known as transcription factors involved in T cell exhaustion.Objective: To evaluate the mRNA expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia.Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 ALL and 6 AML patients as well as 20 control subjects. CD8+ T cells were isolated using MACS. Relative gene expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 was then evaluated using qRT-PCR.Results: Comparison of mRNA expression of TOX in CD8+ T cells showed no significant difference among the study groups (p>0.05), while the expression of NR4A1 was significantly lower in AML patients than in the control group (p=0.0006). Also, the expression of NR4A2 and NR4A3 was significantly lower in both ALL (p=0.0049 and p=0.0005, respectively) and AML (p=0.0019 and p=0.0055, respectively) patients.Conclusion: NR4As expressions were found to be lower in CD8+ T cells from patients with AML and ALL compared to controls, whereas the mRNA expression of TOX showed no significant difference. Although TOX and NR4As are associated with CD8+ T cell exhaustion in solid tumors, they might play different roles in acute leukemia, which requires further investigation.
Kazem Ahmadi; Gholam Ali Ghorbani
Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2006, , Pages 35-42
Abstract
Background: Decay of vaccine–induced antibody titres without boosting of the wild measles virus has been well documented. Revaccination against measles has reduced the prevalence of the disease worldwide. Revaccination may cause IgE induced anaphylaxis. Objective: To study measles IgG antibody ...
Read More
Background: Decay of vaccine–induced antibody titres without boosting of the wild measles virus has been well documented. Revaccination against measles has reduced the prevalence of the disease worldwide. Revaccination may cause IgE induced anaphylaxis. Objective: To study measles IgG antibody in revaccinated populations and its relation to IgE induced hypersensitivity. Methods: Blood samples were taken from 800 volunteer army students aging from 18-22 years after one month of nationwide revaccination in Tehran in the year 2004. Sera were collected and kept frozen until used. Anti-measles IgG antibody and total IgE antibody were measured by ELISA assay. Results: Data indicated that only 2.37% of subjects were negative for measles antibody (titre less than 500) after a single dose of booster vaccination. From those individuals with positive IgG, 200 cases (25%) had antibody titres over 5000 IU/ml. The results showed a maximum IgE antibody titre of 1000 IU/ml (p<0.02) in which thirty cases (3.75%) had IgE titres over 1000 IU/ml (p<0.02). Conclusion: Single vaccination against measles during childhood is not sufficient for protecting against measles virus and revaccination is needed to recall specific immunity, although like other viral infections it may trigger IgE antibody responses in a small percentage of the population.
Abdol Aziz Khezri; Mehdi Shirazi; Seyyed Mohammad Taghi Ayatollahi; Mehrzad Lotfi; Mehrdad Askarian; Ali Ariafar; Mohammad Amin Afrasiabi
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2009, , Pages 40-48
Abstract
Background: It is relevant to highlight that there is not a precise and perfect report on either 95 percentile value (upper limit of normal range) or on appropriate reference intervals for serum PSA in Iranian population. Objective: To determine age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific ...
Read More
Background: It is relevant to highlight that there is not a precise and perfect report on either 95 percentile value (upper limit of normal range) or on appropriate reference intervals for serum PSA in Iranian population. Objective: To determine age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration and PSA density (PSAD) and prostate volumes in a population of healthy Iranian men. Methods: Nine-hundred and thirteen healthy Iranian men, aged 50-79 years, underwent a detailed clinical evaluation including a digital rectal examination, a serum PSA determination (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). PSA test was performed on 666 of the subjects and TRUS was done on 633 of them. None of the subjects had any evidence of prostate cancer by any one of the three diagnostic tests and had no history of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Age specific ranges for PSA levels, PSA density and prostate volume were determined. Results: The serum PSA concentration correlated directly with the subjects’ age (r=0.280; p<0.001) and prostatic volume (r=0.327; p<0.001). Also prostatic volume was directly proportional to age (r=0.197; p<0.001).The serum PSA ranges (95th percentile) for each age range in Iranian men were: 0.00-2.61 ng/ml for 50-59 years; 0.00-3.59 ng/ml for 60-69 years; and 0.00- 4.83 ng/ml for 70-79 years. The respective prostate volumes were: 14-59, 16-66 and 18- 73ml. Also respective PSA densities were: 0.00-0.076, 0.00-0.10 and 0.00-0.14 ng/ml/ml. Conclusion: The present study confirms earlier reports that serum PSA levels and prostate volume and PSAD are age- and race- dependent, so it is appropriate to have age- specific reference ranges for these variables in various communities around the world. This will increase the positive predictive value of PSA estimation in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in different communities.
Ganiyu Arinola; Chris Ezeh
Volume 4, Issue 1 , March 2007, , Pages 44-49
Abstract
Background: Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is a major health problem in Nigeria and ma-laria has been implicated as a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Few reasons were put forward to explain the observed morbidity/mortality of HbSS subjects due to Plasmodium falciparum ...
Read More
Background: Sickle cell disease (HbSS) is a major health problem in Nigeria and ma-laria has been implicated as a leading cause of morbidity/mortality in sickle cell disease patients. Few reasons were put forward to explain the observed morbidity/mortality of HbSS subjects due to Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) malaria. Objectives: To determine the level of immunoglobulin classes (IgM, IgA, and IgG) and regulators of complement system (C1 inhibitor and C3 activator) in Nigerian HbSS patients with and without P. falciparum parasitemia. Methods: A total of 64 subjects were considered, including 10 HbSS genotypic subjects with P. falciparum parasitemia (HbSS+PfM), 18 HbAA genotypic subjects with P. falciparum parasitemia (HbAA+PfM), 20 HbSS without P. falciparum parasitemia (HbSS-PfM), and 16 HbAA genotypic subjects with-out P. falciparum parasitemia (HbAA-PfM). IgM, IgA, IgG, C1 inhibitor, and C3 acti-vator titers were quantified by single radial immunodiffusion method. Results: The mean levels of IgG in HbSS+PfM (2373.90±1772.81mg/dl) and HbAA+PfM (1868.80±0.00mg/dl) were significantly higher compared with HbSS-PfM (644.55±171.15mg/dl) or HbAA-PfM (659.75±158.01mg/dl) patients. HbAA-PfM sub-jects had the lowest level of IgM (67.27±63.7mg/dl), though no significant difference was observed comparing mean levels of IgM between the four groups. IgA titer was significantly higher in HbSS-PfM patients (249.00±94.8mg/dl) compared with HbAA-PfM (p<0.05), HbAA+PfM (p<0.05), or HbSS+PfM (p<0.05). The mean values of C1 inhibitor were lower in HbSS+PfM and HbAA+PfM compared with HbSS-PfM or HbAA-PfM. However, HbAA+PfM had a significantly lower value of C1 inhibitor compared with HbAA-PfM (p<0.01). C3 activator was highest in HbSS-PfM (17.10±7.35mg/dl) and was significantly higher compared with HbSS+PfM (p<0.05). Conclusion: Increased C1 inhibitor and decreased C3 activator in HbSS+PfM com-pared with HbAA+PfM shows that deranged regulation of complement factors may be responsible for increased susceptibility of HbSS to P. falciparum malaria.
Mohammad Hasan Bargostavan; Gilda Eslami; Nasrin Esfandiari; Ali Shams Shahemabadi
Volume 13, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 45-53
Abstract
Background: The role of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in tumor invasion and progression is prominent. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of MMP9 (-1562 C/T) increases the transcription and expression of this gene. On the other hand, MHC class I chain-related protein A and ...
Read More
Background: The role of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in tumor invasion and progression is prominent. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of MMP9 (-1562 C/T) increases the transcription and expression of this gene. On the other hand, MHC class I chain-related protein A and B (MICA/B) in soluble forms may impair tumor immunogenicity by reducing Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) densities on NK cells and MMP9 enzyme activity has a prominent role in shedding of MICA/B. Objectives: To investigate the association between MMP9 (-1562 C/T) polymorphism and serum MICA/B level in breast cancer patients. Methods: In this case-control study, 105 patients with breast cancer and 100 healthy age-matched women were selected from Yazd hospitals, Iran. The polymorphism of MMP9 (-1562 C/T) was determined by PCR-RFLP. Concentration of MICB and MICA in the sera of breast cancer patients and healthy women were measured using ELISA method. Results: The frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes and T allele of the MMP9 (-1562 C/T) did not show significant differences between breast cancer patients and healthy donors (p>0.05). On the other hand, the mean serum levels of MICB and MICA were significantly elevated in patients compared with healthy individuals (p<0.05). In patients with MMP9CC genotype, the mean serum MICB concentration was significantly higher than those patients with CT polymorphism (p<0.05). Although the mean of blood MICA concentration in patients with the CT genotype was higher than those patients with CC genotype, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The T allele of the MMP9 (-1562 C/T) does not show a correlation with serum levels of MICA and MICB in breast cancer patients.
Ghader Khalili; Faramarz Dobakhti; Hamid Mahmoudzadeh Niknam; Vahid Khaze; Fatemeh Partovi
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2011, , Pages 45-51
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a complex disease which presents as visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms. The current treatment options for this infection are very limited and the immunological state of the host appears to play an important role in the efficacy of the treatment. Immunostimulation ...
Read More
Background: Leishmaniasis is a complex disease which presents as visceral, cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms. The current treatment options for this infection are very limited and the immunological state of the host appears to play an important role in the efficacy of the treatment. Immunostimulation through immune response activating agents such as Imiquimod is another rational approach for this purpose. Objective: We assessed the efficacy of immunotherapy with Imiquimod alone or combined with Glucantime for treatment of Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: Treatment efficacy was monitored by determination of thickness and parasite load of infected footpad of mice. Results: The footpad thickness revealed that treatment with Imiquimod plus Glucantime has the highest efficacy. The results were confirmed by parasite load of infected footpad. Our data shows that treatment of Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice by the combined Imiquimod and Glucantime is more efficient than each drug alone. Conclusion: The combination of Imiquimod with chemotherapy may offer a way for more efficient treatment of leishmaniasis.
Zohreh Babaloo; Reza Khajir Yeganeh; Mehdi Farhoodi; Behzad Baradaran; Mohamadreza Bonyadi; Leila Aghebati
Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2013, , Pages 47-54
Abstract
Background: Effector CD4+ T cell subsets play an important role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Interleukin-27 (IL-27) suppresses Th (Th1, Th2 and Th17) cells and dampens autoimmunity and tissue inflammation by promoting the generation of Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). Objective: To identify the relative ...
Read More
Background: Effector CD4+ T cell subsets play an important role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Interleukin-27 (IL-27) suppresses Th (Th1, Th2 and Th17) cells and dampens autoimmunity and tissue inflammation by promoting the generation of Type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1). Objective: To identify the relative levels of IL-27 and IL-17A in MS disease. Method: In a case-control study, venous blood was collected from forty MS patients and forty-three healthy subjects as control group. Serum levels of IL-27 and IL-17A were measured by ELISA method. Results: A significant difference between serum IL-17A concentration in patients (120.68 ± 209.85 pg/ml) and control group (67.26 ± 117.76 pg/ml, p=0.016) was found. Serum IL-27 levels of the MS patients (159.7 ± 581.4 pg/ml) were significantly lower than control subjects (180.35 ± 507.84 pg/ml, p=0.001). Conclusion: Our findings show decreased levels of IL-27 against increasing IL-17A levels in patients group which may suggest the suppressive role of IL-27 on inflammatory process of MS.
Zeyad M.Habahbeh; Mohammad E Abu-Shukair; Mohammad A. Almutereen; Raed M. Alzyoud; Adel M Wahadneh
Volume 11, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 49-58
Abstract
Background: Primary antibody deficiency, the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder, represents a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions caused by a defect in any critical stage of B cell development and is characterized by impaired production of normal amounts of antigen-specific antibodies. Objective: ...
Read More
Background: Primary antibody deficiency, the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder, represents a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions caused by a defect in any critical stage of B cell development and is characterized by impaired production of normal amounts of antigen-specific antibodies. Objective: This retrospective study aimed at description and analysis of demographic, clinical, immunological features and complications of subjects diagnosed with primary antibody deficiency at a referral center in Jordan. Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed as primary antibody deficiency (PAD) during the period from January 2006 to June 2013 were reviewed. Patients were diagnosed as PADs based on the Pan-American Group for Immunodeficiency (PAGID) and the European Society for Immunodeficiency (ESID) diagnostic criteria. Results: A total number of 53 patients with PAD were identified; 37(70%) males and 16(30%) females, 16(30%) patients with congenital agammaglobulinemia, 16(30%) patients with common variable immunodeficiency, 4(7.5%) patients with IgG subclass deficiency, 10(19%) cases with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy and 7(13.5%) patients as undefined PAD. The most common infection among patients was pneumonia (62%); followed by suppurative otitis media in 49% of patients. Cytopenia was the most noted autoimmune association and was found at prevalence of 22 %, other autoimmune associations (17%) including inflammatory arthritis, discoid lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis and celiac disease. The prevalence of long-term complications was 58%, the most frequent ones were; stunted growth in 13%, bronchiectasis and lymphoproliferation in 11% for each. Conclusions: Our results indicated that congenital agammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency are the most frequent primary antibody deficiency in our patients. The awareness of families, general population as well as primary health physicians is crucial in the establishment of early diagnosis and prompt commencement of appropriate therapy for PADs.
Tahereh Mousavi; Parisa Farnia; Nader Tajik; Mahbubeh Soofi
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2010, , Pages 49-56
Abstract
Background: Protective immune responses induced in the majority of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis enable them to control TB infection. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate CD56 and CD16 positive peripheral blood mononu-clear cells (PBMCs) and leukocyte subsets from multi-drug ...
Read More
Background: Protective immune responses induced in the majority of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis enable them to control TB infection. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate CD56 and CD16 positive peripheral blood mononu-clear cells (PBMCs) and leukocyte subsets from multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuber-culosis (MDR-TB), and compare them with nonresistant (NR) TB patients and healthy controls. Methods: 13 MDR-tuberculosis patients, 20 NR-TB individuals and 40 healthy subjects were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were double stained with fluorochrome conjugated antibodies against CD56 and CD16 cell surface markers. The phenotype of positive cells was then analyzed by flow cytometry and the percent-ages of CD56+ CD16+, CD56- CD16+, CD56dimCD16+/-, and CD56brightCD16+/- subsets were calculated. Results: There was a significant decline in the percentage of CD56+CD16+ lymphocytes in both MDR and NR-TB patients compared with healthy controls. We also observed lower proportions of CD56dim/brightCD16+ in addition to higher percentages of CD56dim/brightCD16- subsets in all TB patients (p≤0.05). In MDR-TB, our findings demonstrated a distinct phenotypic feature with increased levels of CD56brightCD16- in comparison with both NR-TB and healthy subjects. Conclusion: Considering the function of CD56/CD16 expressing cells in TB, we suggest that pheno-typic characteristics of PBMCs in MDR-TB may correlate with their status of drug re-sistance and probably with their high mortality rates.
Maryam Ayatollahi; Alamtaj Samsami Dehaghani; Ziaedin Tabei
Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2005, , Pages 50-55
Abstract
Background: Successful pregnancy in allopregnant women depends upon the control of graft rejection mechanisms. It has been suggested that some immunosuppressive cytokines contribute to successful pregnancy and transplantation. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β) exhibits potent immunoregulatory ...
Read More
Background: Successful pregnancy in allopregnant women depends upon the control of graft rejection mechanisms. It has been suggested that some immunosuppressive cytokines contribute to successful pregnancy and transplantation. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β) exhibits potent immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties which might prolong graft survival. Recent studies suggest a role for TGF- β in the generation of T-regulatory lymphocytes which preserves the tolerance to peripheral self antigens and may control the response to allogenic tissues and thereby promote the transplantation tolerance. Also, the function of TGF- β in trophoblast differentiation and hypertension is reported. Objective: To evaluate the maternal serum TGF- β1 level in normal allopregnant women and in pregnancies complicated by preeclampcia (PE). Methods: Sixty one pregnant preeclamptic women (32 cases with severe and 29 with mild PE), 22 normotensive healthy pregnant, and 20 non-pregnant controls constituted the studied groups. The active form of TGF- β1 in serum from all cases was investigated by indirect ELISA technique. Results: The results showed that TGF- β1 level was higher in all three pregnant groups as compared with the nonpregnant controls. No significant changes in serum levels of TGF- β1 were found in PE as compared with the normal pregnancy. Conclusion: TGF-β1 may function as a regulatory factor in fetal allograft survival during pregnancy, and TGF- β1 does not have a pathophysiological role in PE.
Seyed Mahmoud Sadjjadi; Sadreddin Mohseni Ardehali; Reza Adibmanesh; Ezzatollah Basiri; Rahmatollah Salmanpour
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2004, , Pages 56-62
Abstract
Background: Monoclonal antibodies have been employed extensively for the identification of Leishmania species, development of diagnostic tests and in the characterization of defined leishmanial antigens. Objectives: Identification and characterization of Leishmania spp. directly from cutaneous ...
Read More
Background: Monoclonal antibodies have been employed extensively for the identification of Leishmania species, development of diagnostic tests and in the characterization of defined leishmanial antigens. Objectives: Identification and characterization of Leishmania spp. directly from cutaneous lesions of infected individuals. Methods: An immunoperoxidase test (Avidin-Biotin technique) using monoclonal antibodies was used for this purpose. One hundred and fifty individuals referring to Dermatology Clinic or Parasitology and Mycology Department of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were chosen of whom a total of 28 individuals whose smears showed a large number of amastigotes after staining with Giemsa were included in this study. Five monoclonal antibodies designated: D2 (against L. donovani), A11 and T10 (against L. tropica), T1 (against L. major) and T7 (against L. tropica and L. major) were used. Amastigotes were identified by Labeled Avidin Biotin (LAB) method. Results: LAB method for identification of amastigotes in impression smears of patient lesions showed that 20 out of 28 cases (71%) were positive. Among these 12 (60%) and 7(35%) were identified as L. tropica and L. major respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that immunoperoxidase is suitable for in situ identification and characterization of Leishmania spp. at the species level.
Tahereh Mousavi; Alireza Salek Moghadam; Reza Falak
Volume 5, Issue 1 , March 2008, , Pages 57-63
Abstract
Background: There are many therapeutic methods for allergic conditions. CpG oli-gonucleotides play a critical role in immunity via the augmentation of Th1 and suppres-sion of Th2 responses. Objective: In the present study we aimed to estimate the effec-tiveness of intranasal administration of CpG ODN ...
Read More
Background: There are many therapeutic methods for allergic conditions. CpG oli-gonucleotides play a critical role in immunity via the augmentation of Th1 and suppres-sion of Th2 responses. Objective: In the present study we aimed to estimate the effec-tiveness of intranasal administration of CpG ODN plus Chenopodium album allergen in allergic asthma compared with the administration of allergen alone and to find out how CpG ODN therapy is useful in the treatment of allergen induced asthma. Methods: BALB/c Mice were intraperitoneally and intranasally sensitized with allergenic extract precipitated on aluminum hydroxide. Therapy with CpG/Ag was performed intrana-sally. After antigenic challenge, a number of Immunologic variables such as serum IgE and IgG, systemic and local IL-10 and IFN-γ were studied in splenocytes, and lung tis-sue culture supernatants, respectively. Results: Our study indicated that intranasal ad-ministration of CpG/Ag had significant increases in both systemic and local levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ (p≤ 0.001), but showed no significant effect on the levels of IgE, IgG2a, and IgG1 in serum (p= 0.06). This study demonstrated that CpG ODN has thera-peutic effects not only on splenocytes but also on nasal lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ as a Th1 cytokine, and IL-10 as a regulatory cytokine. Conclusion: According to these data from the mouse model, we conclude that intranasal administration of CpG motifs before allergen exposure may be useful for the control of allergic asthma. Therefore, further investigations on humans using CpG motifs are recommended in order to modu-late the allergic effects of Chenopodium album as well as other regional allergens.
Mohammadrasul Zareinejad; Afshin Samiei; Behnaz Valibeigi; Tahereh Gholami; Soheila Zareifar; Zahra Amirghofran
Volume 14, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 59-72
Abstract
Background: Interleukin (IL)-23 has an important role in tumor immune regulation. Objective: To investigate the possible association of interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) gene variants rs1884444, rs10889677 and rs11209026 with development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: The IL23R variants ...
Read More
Background: Interleukin (IL)-23 has an important role in tumor immune regulation. Objective: To investigate the possible association of interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) gene variants rs1884444, rs10889677 and rs11209026 with development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: The IL23R variants were studied in 164 ALL patients and compared to 175 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The relationship between these variants and clinical and laboratory features of the patients and response to therapy were evaluated. Results: No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies existed between patients and controls. The rs1884444TG genotype was significantly lower in patients who relapsed (24.2%) compared to those without relapse (55.9%, p=0.006). Fewer patients who relapsed had evidence of the G allele (P=0.034). The TG genotype was associated with a longer complete remission at1804±116 days compared to other genotypes (<1217 days, p=0.028), however this result was not significant in multivariate analysis. The rs10889677 AA genotype and A allele was associated with age (p<0.041) and platelet number (p=0.03) in precursor-B cell ALL (B-ALL) patients. Both occurred more frequently in patients aged 2-10 years (63.6% and 66%, respectively) and in those with platelets >100×103μL (68.4% and 52.4%, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings showed a lack of association of the studied polymorphisms with the risk of ALL. The influence of the rs1884444 polymorphism on relapse rate and association of rs10889677 AA genotype with favorable prognostic factors suggest the influence of the studied polymorphisms on ALL response to therapy and prognosis.
Narges Roomandeh; AboTaleb Saremi; Javad Arasteh; Fatemeh Pak; Majid Mirmohammadkhani; Parviz Kokhaei; Ahad Zare
Volume 15, Issue 1 , March 2018, , Pages 59-67
Abstract
Background: Increased evidences have shown that unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is associated with inflammatory responses and breakage of immunological autotolerance. Therefore, the balance between Th17 and Treg cells may elucidate the pathophysiology of URSA. Objective: To investigate ...
Read More
Background: Increased evidences have shown that unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) is associated with inflammatory responses and breakage of immunological autotolerance. Therefore, the balance between Th17 and Treg cells may elucidate the pathophysiology of URSA. Objective: To investigate the serum concentration of regulatory and inflammatory cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 in both normal and URSA females. Methods: Forty-six women with URSA and 28 non-pregnant control women with at least one successful pregnancy were included. Serum was obtained from both groups and stored at -70°C. The serum concentrations of IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IL-10, and TGF-β were quantitatively determined by ELISA. Results: The levels of IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22 in sera were significantly higher (P<0.001, P=0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) and TGF-β serum concentration was significantly lower (P=0.02) in URSA women compared with normal controls. Conclusion: Our results suggest that enhancement in Th17-associated cytokine levels and reduction in TGF-β may be one of the factors involved in URSA.
Ali Memarian; Parvaneh Vosough; Hossein Asgarian-Omran; Mina Tabrizi; Mahdi Shabani; Fazel Shokri
Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 61-71
Abstract
Background: Dysregulation of WNT signaling has been reported in many malignancies. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the expression pattern of 14 members of the WNT gene family in different immunophenotypic subtypes of ALL. Methods: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed on samples from ...
Read More
Background: Dysregulation of WNT signaling has been reported in many malignancies. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the expression pattern of 14 members of the WNT gene family in different immunophenotypic subtypes of ALL. Methods: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed on samples from 71 ALL patients and 36 age-matched healthy individuals. The ALL patients were categorized into BALL (76%), T-ALL (22.6%) and mixed lineage (1.4%) and the B-ALL cases were further classified into pro-B, pre-BI, pre-BII and immature/mature-B based on immunophenotypic results. Results: Among the WNT genes, WNT-7B (p=0.026), WNT-9A (p=0.020) and WNT-16B (p=0.023) were significantly over-expressed, whereas WNT- 2B (p=0.033), WNT-5A (p=0.016), WNT-7A (p<0.0001) and WNT-10A (p<0.0001) were down-regulated in B-ALL. Among the T-ALL subtype, however, significant down-regulation of WNT-2B, WNT-5B, WNT-7A, WNT-10A and WNT-11 was evident. Comparison between B-ALL subtypes showed significant over-expression of WNT-7B, WNT-9A and WNT-5B in certain subtypes. Conclusion: Our results suggest contribution of the WNT genes in leukemogenesis of ALL.
Zeinab Rajabian; Farzad Kalani; Saeid Taghiloo; Mohsen Tehrani; Alireza Rafiei; Zahra Hosseini-khah; Vahid Hosseini; Abolghasem Ajami
Ali Ahmadi; Najmeh Poursasan; Jafar Amani; Jafar Salimian
Volume 12, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 64-69
Abstract
Background: T-2 mycotoxin belongs to the Trichothecene family and has damaging effects on the immune system. Objective: To investigate the toxic effect of T-2 toxin on the percentage of peripheral blood B lymphocytes and the potential protective role of selenium and vitamin E. Method: Frequencies of ...
Read More
Background: T-2 mycotoxin belongs to the Trichothecene family and has damaging effects on the immune system. Objective: To investigate the toxic effect of T-2 toxin on the percentage of peripheral blood B lymphocytes and the potential protective role of selenium and vitamin E. Method: Frequencies of B lymphocytes (CD19+ ) were analyzed after injection of sublethal doses of T-2 toxin into Balb/c mice at different time points, using flowcytometry. Additionally, the effects of selenium and vitamin E on B lymphocyte, as either prophylaxis or simultaneously administered with T-2 toxin, were investigated. Results: After injection of a sublethal dose of T-2 toxin, the number of B cells (CD19+ ) significantly decreased at 12 h and became normal at 72 h. When selenium was injected both 24 h before and simultaneously with T-2 toxin, it was able to inhibit B lymphocyte (CD19+) reduction. In contrast, injecting vitamin E, 24 h before or simultaneously with T-2 toxin did not regulate B lymphocyte alteration. Conclusion: Selenium plays pivotal role on altered B lymphocyte subset induced by T-2 toxin comparing to vitamin E.
Elahe Amirinezhad Fard; Zahra Fereydouni; Kamran Mansouri; Ali Mostafaie
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation that interferes with blood arteries functions due to the accumulation of low density lipids and cholesterol. Objective: To investigate the effect of aqueous extract and saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on the proteome and expression ...
Read More
Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation that interferes with blood arteries functions due to the accumulation of low density lipids and cholesterol. Objective: To investigate the effect of aqueous extract and saponin fraction of Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) on the proteome and expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human bone marrow endothelial cell (HBMEC) lines. Methods: Two cell lines were cultured and induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The primed cells were then treated with aqueous extract and saponin fraction of TT. The protein profile of the endothelial cells was assessed under normal and LPS-induced conditions using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 2D gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were estimated by use of western blotting. Results: LPS-induced HUVECs and HBMECs were shown to significantly increase the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin in comparison to control groups. Our findings revealed that TT extract resulted in significantly more reduced levels of proteom (80 spots) as well as all the three mentioned proteins compared with the effect of saponin fraction alone. Conclusion: TT extract and its saponin fraction exerted anti-inflammatory effects on HUVEC and HBMEC lines and reduced the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract was greater than that of saponin fraction. Therefore, TT could be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis.
Mohammad Reza Razeghinejad; Eskandar Kamali-Sarvestani; Mohsen Farvardin; Arash Pourhabibi
Volume 3, Issue 2 , June 2006, , Pages 86-90
Abstract
Background: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Different factors have been contributed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma including H. pylori infection. Objective: To determine the levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in the aqueous humor ...
Read More
Background: Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Different factors have been contributed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma including H. pylori infection. Objective: To determine the levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in the aqueous humor of patients with pseudoexfoliation and primary open angle glaucoma, in comparison with age and sex matched cataract patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 41 cases of glaucoma (21 with pseudoexfoliation and 20 with primary open angle glaucoma) and 39 cases of cataract as control group. Aqueous humor was aspirated at the beginning of glaucoma or phacoemulsification cataract surgery in glaucoma and cataract patients, respectively. Anti-H. pylori IgG concentration was measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The aqueous levels of anti-H. pylori IgG in primary open angle glaucoma (0.44±0.64 U/ml) had no significant difference with cataract (0.24±0.52U/ml) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma group (0.63±0.71U/ml) (P=0.18 and 0.44, respectively). However, the concentration of this antibody was higher in the aqueous humor of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients compared to the control group (p=0.03). Conclusion: The results of this study did not support a relation between H. pylori infection and primary open angle glaucoma. The elevated concentration of anti-H. pylori IgG in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma compared to cataract patients may be due to the breakdown of blood-aqueous-barrier.
Gholam-Ali Yousefipour; Zahra Salami; Shirin Farjadian
Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2009, , Pages 99-102
Abstract
Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular junction characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. Different genes may control the induction and clinical presentation of this disease. Various HLA alleles are reported as predisposing or protective genetic elements ...
Read More
Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular junction characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. Different genes may control the induction and clinical presentation of this disease. Various HLA alleles are reported as predisposing or protective genetic elements in myasthenia gravis. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the probable association between HLA-DQ alleles and myasthenia gravis in southern Iranian patients. Methods: HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were determined in 104 sporadic patients with myasthenia gravis using polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism method and the results were compared to 816 healthy controls. Results: HLA-DQA1*0101/2 (39.4%) and DQB1*0502 (21.6%) were the most frequent alleles in southern Iranian patients with myasthenia gravis. These alleles revealed positive associations with the disease with relative risks of 1.69 and 2.41, respectively. The most common haplotype was DQA1*0101/2-DQB1*0502 in these patients. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, DQA1*0101/2 and DQB1*0502 alleles might be considered as predisposing genetic factors to myasthenia gravis while DQA1*0501, DQB1*0301 and *0602/3 show protective roles against this disease.
Alireza Salek Moghaddam; Mohammad Shabani; Farahdokht Fateminasab; Mohammad Reza Khakzad
Volume 2, Issue 2 , June 2005, , Pages 103-110
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial and complicated mechanisms. Elevated level of exhaled Nitric Oxide (NO) in asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases has led to many studies examining NO as a potential marker of airway inflammation. Objective: This study was ...
Read More
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial and complicated mechanisms. Elevated level of exhaled Nitric Oxide (NO) in asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases has led to many studies examining NO as a potential marker of airway inflammation. Objective: This study was designed to determine the level of NO in Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid during early and late stages of asthmatic attack in mouse model. Methods: In this study male BALB/c mice were used. The level of NO was determined in BAL fluid of asthmatic mice five minutes, six and sixteen hours after challenge with methacholine, as irritant and smoke and 5% ovalbumin as allergens, using colorimetric assay. Results: The level of NO increased upon exposure to all three irritants used in this study (52.3 μM for smoke and 49.5 μ Mfor methacholine) as compared to 22.8 μM for the baseline. Our results showed that NO levels were increased during early phase of asthmatic condition and reached to its maximum level after six hours and decreased at the late stage of asthma (16hrs) possibly by activating a feedback regulatory loop. In addition, high level of NO led to the hypertrophy of smooth muscle that can account for the pathological changes associated with asthma. Conclusion: Thus, NO is an inflammatory marker in asthma and its measurement, as a non-invasive method during asthmatic attack is suggested. A careful development of specific inhibitors for iNOS enzyme during asthmatic attack is also necessary.
Hamid Nawaz Tipu; Tahir Aziz Ahmed; Muhammad Mokarram Bashir
Volume 8, Issue 2 , June 2011, , Pages 104-110
Abstract
Background: IgA nephropathy, a prevalent disease in Asia, is considered the main cause of end stage renal disease among primary glomerular disease. Objective: To determine the frequency of different clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescent characteristics of IgA nephropathy. Methods: Renal biopsies ...
Read More
Background: IgA nephropathy, a prevalent disease in Asia, is considered the main cause of end stage renal disease among primary glomerular disease. Objective: To determine the frequency of different clinical, histopathological and immunofluorescent characteristics of IgA nephropathy. Methods: Renal biopsies of 376 patients were received for immunofluorescent and for histopathological studies. Biopsies were stained with fluorescene isothyocyanate (FITC) labeled antibodies against IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4 and fibrinogen for fluorescent microscopy. For histopathological examination, the specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid schiff and methanamine silver stains for light microscopy. Results: IgA nephropathy was diagnosed in 39 cases (10.4%) with a mean age 31.5 years and a male to female ratio of 2.8:1. The disease was observed in 11(29.7%) patients aged 21-30 years, followed by 8 patients (21.6%) aged 11-20 years group. Nephrotic range proteinuria was the most common laboratory finding which was detected in 11 patients (37%). Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common histopathological finding which was found in 7 patients (35%). IgA with other immunoglobulins and complements were deposited in 28 specimens (71.8%) as detected by immunofluorescence. Conclusion: IgA nephropathy is common in young people and one third of it results in end stage renal disease. We suggest that Immunofluorescent assay can be considered for the conclusive diagnosis of IgA nephropathy in young patients presenting with proteinuria/hematuria.
