Mansour Salehi; Bahram Bagherpour; Vahid Shayghannejad; Farzaneh Mohebi; Rasool Jafari
Volume 13, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 141-147
Abstract
Background: Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on the usage of immunosuppressive and immune-modulating medications. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. Objective: To evaluate the effects of rapamycin on the concentrations of Th1/Th2/Th17 serum cytokines in patients ...
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Background: Management of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on the usage of immunosuppressive and immune-modulating medications. Cytokines play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. Objective: To evaluate the effects of rapamycin on the concentrations of Th1/Th2/Th17 serum cytokines in patients with MS. Methods: Six patients with relapsing remitting MS as a case group and 6 healthy individuals as a control group were enrolled. The patients have been receiving 2 mg rapamycin daily for 6 months. The individuals in control group received nothing during 6 months of the experiment. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Simultaneous Multi-Analyte ELISA) technique was used for determination of serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF and TGF-β before and after therapy with rapamycin. Results: The mean absorbance of 10 out of the 12 studied cytokines showed reduction after the therapy with rapamycin including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α. The only statistically significant reduction was observed in the absorbance of IFN-γ (p=0.028). Two cytokines illustrated increase in the patients sera after the therapy, including G-CSF and TGF-β, but only increase in TGF-β was statistically significant (p=0.046). None of the studied cytokines in the control group varied significantly after 6 months. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, rapamycin has some immunosuppressive effects, such as decreasing IFN-γ, which can improve the quality of life of the patients with multiple sclerosis. Also the increased level of TGF-β may also have benefits on the disease, which needs further clinical studies.
Mehdi Hassanzadeh; Reza Faridhosseini; Marjane Mahini; Farhad Faridhosseini; Alireza Ranjbar
Volume 3, Issue 3 , September 2006, , Pages 142-145
Abstract
Background: Selenium (Se) is part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme complex (GSH-PX) that plays an important role in antioxidant mechanisms in body, also it has been demonstrated that populations with low Se intake have 2-3 times greater risk of ischemic heart disease. Objective: To determine the ...
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Background: Selenium (Se) is part of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme complex (GSH-PX) that plays an important role in antioxidant mechanisms in body, also it has been demonstrated that populations with low Se intake have 2-3 times greater risk of ischemic heart disease. Objective: To determine the circulating levels of IL- 6, TNF-α, Cu, Zn, and Se in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CCAD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and normal individuals. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: 25 subjects with CCAD and 25 patients with AMI. The control group included 50 normal individuals who did not have any history of ischemic heart disease, and were sex and age matched with the patients. Blood samples were collected during the first hours after the onset of chest pain in AMI group. Serum concentration of Se, Cu, and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured using ELISA method. Results: In both groups of patients there was a significant reduction in serum Se levels (82.36 + 11.31 mg/L in CCAD, 74.08+11.31mg/L in AMI, and 105+32.52mg/L in the control group, P=0.03). TNF-α titers were increased in AMI patients compared with CCAD and control group. Mean TNF-α levels were 37.44 pg/ml in CCAD, 914.32 pg/ml in AMI, and 4.80 pg/ml in the control group (P=0.01). Serum levels of IL-6 in CCAD and AMI patients were 3.28 ±15.55 pg/ml and 472±207.88 pg/ml, respectively, and 1.28 pg/ml in the control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: These findings confirm previous studies and demonstrate that patients suffering from AMI exhibit lower plasma concentrations of Se and higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL-6.
Tawfik Jasim Mohammad Al-Marzook; Batool Mutar Mahdi; Hyam Raouf; Haider Hashim Zalzala; Laheeb Ali Abid; Zena Nehad
Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 149-155
Abstract
Background: Cholecystitis is one of the major digestive diseases. Its prevalence is particularly high in some populations. Significant risk factors associated with cholecystitis include age, sex, obesity, diet, parity and type 2 diabetes. Objective: To determine the association between HLA-DRB1 and cholecystitis. ...
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Background: Cholecystitis is one of the major digestive diseases. Its prevalence is particularly high in some populations. Significant risk factors associated with cholecystitis include age, sex, obesity, diet, parity and type 2 diabetes. Objective: To determine the association between HLA-DRB1 and cholecystitis. Methods: This casecontrol study included forty Iraqi Arab patients who had cholecystitis with multiple calculi treated by cholecystectomy admitted in the surgical ward at Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital Baghdad between September -2013 to June -2014. The control group consisted of forty healthy volunteers among the staff of Al-Kindy College of Medicine. Control and cholecystitis patients groups were typed for identifying the DRB1* alleles using DNA-based methodology (PCR-SSOP). Results: There was an increased frequency of HLA-DRB1*0301 in patients with cholecystitis compared with healthy controls (p=0.0442, odd ratio=4.1111, 95% CI: 1.0372-16.2949). Conclusion: HLADRB1*0301, as a genetic factor, seems to have an association with cholecystitis.
Chu Zhang; Guangmao Yu; Miao Zhang; Wenbin Wu
Abstract
The role of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody camrelizumab in brain metastases (BMs) from lung adenocarcinoma is uncertain. Herein, for the first time, we report the efficacy of camrelizumab in a patient with chemotherapy-refractory BMs from lung adenocarcinoma. A 49-year-old male ...
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The role of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody camrelizumab in brain metastases (BMs) from lung adenocarcinoma is uncertain. Herein, for the first time, we report the efficacy of camrelizumab in a patient with chemotherapy-refractory BMs from lung adenocarcinoma. A 49-year-old male non-smoker was admitted with cough and back pain. Primary lung adenocarcinoma with brain and spinal metastases was diagnosed. The specimen from CT-guided lung biopsy showed positive expression of PD-L1 (~20%). The BMs were enlarged after first-line intravenous pemetrexed/cisplatin and zoledronic acid; whereas second-line camrelizumab demonstrated impressive complete remission of the BMs. The intracranial progression-free survival and overall survival of the patient since immunotherapy were more than 12 months and 20 months, respectively. In addition, we searched PubMed for relevant studies from inception to May 2020, and a total of 23 reports enrolling 1187 patients also indicated the promising efficacy of immunotherapy for BMs from lung cancer. However, more and better evidence are still needed before a definite conclusion could be drawn.
adel ebrahimpour; Ahamadreza Mirbolook; mohammadali okhovatpour; mohammadreza sajadi; kamyar makvandi; mohamad sadegh mousavi; sepehr saghari; mehrdad sadighi
Abstract
Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) functions as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Objective: To evaluate the levels of IL-6 in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: Level of IL-6 was assessed and recorded for 14 days subsequent to the injury ...
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Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) functions as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Objective: To evaluate the levels of IL-6 in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Methods: Level of IL-6 was assessed and recorded for 14 days subsequent to the injury in 161 multiple trauma patients. MODS were diagnosed using Marshal Score. Injury Severity Scoring (ISS) was measured for all patients. Results: The results of this study indicated that there was a significant relationship between the level of IL-6 and ISS on the post trauma days number one and two (P=0.0001). The high level of IL-6 on the post trauma day number 2 was associated with high mortality rate. Conclusion: Our study suggests the second day as the golden time for measuring the serum levels of IL-6. These findings warn us to take more health care actions in patients with higher serum levels of IL-6 on the second day.
Ramina Fatemi; Ebrahim Mirzadegan; Zohreh Vahedian; Amir Hassan Zarnani; Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani; Farah Idali
Volume 14, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 159-171
Abstract
Background: 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known to modulate immune response. Recent studies indicate that E2 at pregnancy level plays a role in regulating T cell response. Objective: To investigate the optimum dose of E2 (from 10-9 to 10-7 M) in mediating the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), ...
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Background: 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known to modulate immune response. Recent studies indicate that E2 at pregnancy level plays a role in regulating T cell response. Objective: To investigate the optimum dose of E2 (from 10-9 to 10-7 M) in mediating the generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), using naïve human CD4+ T cells from healthy women. Methods: Naïve peripheral T cells were purified and conditioned with soluble anti-CD28 in anti-CD3-coated plates in the presence or absence of E2. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the expression pattern of forkhead boxP3 (FOXP3) and programmed death-1 (PD-1). Proliferation and cytokine secretions were analyzed, using XTT and ELISA assays. Results: In the presence of different doses of E2, the expression levels of anti-CD3/CD28 antibody-stimulated CD25/FOXP3 and FOXP3/PD-1 in conditioned T cells (cT) were peaked at 1 ng/ml (early pregnancy level, E2(1)) (47.14% (37.3-74.9) and 32% (27.7-52.5), respectively) and a slight, but not significant, increase after declining at 36 ng/ml (late pregnancy/pharmaceutical, E2(36)) (19.4% (15.2-24.5) and 15.8% (10.6-26.8), respectively). E2(1) cT showed a significantly reduced proliferation capacity (p<0.05) and secretion of IL-10 was enhanced in supernatants of E2(1 and 36) cT (p<0.05). In contrast to decreased TNF-a and IFN-g secretions in E2(1) cT supernatants, E2(36) stimulated TNF-a and IFN-g secretions (pConclusion: Our results indicate that the differential effect of E2 on generation of Tregs is consistent with the possibility that lower levels of pregnancy E2 are most efficient in induction of Tregs.
Samira Taban; Alireza Fotouhi Ghiam; Ahmad Mosallaei; Mohammad Reza Bordbar; Piero M. Mannucci; Mehran Karimi
Volume 6, Issue 3 , September 2009, , Pages 160-162
Nahid Daraei; Mehri Ghafourian; Ata Ghadiri; Afshin Amari; Mahin Najafian; Saber Rokhafrooz
Abstract
Background: The development of a maternal immune response to fetal antigens and deficiency in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) may lead to preeclampsia. A plausible explanation for the reduced Treg cell function in women with preeclampsia is the presence of exhausted Treg cells which express CD279 or programmed ...
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Background: The development of a maternal immune response to fetal antigens and deficiency in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) may lead to preeclampsia. A plausible explanation for the reduced Treg cell function in women with preeclampsia is the presence of exhausted Treg cells which express CD279 or programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1), a negative regulatory molecule associated with limited proliferative capacity and reduced immune suppression. Objective: To assess the number of Treg CD4+ CD25high and exhausted Treg CD4+ CD25high CD279+ cells in women with preeclampsia (PE group) and healthy pregnant women (HP group) during the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Three-color flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of Treg and exhausted Treg cells in 40 women in the PE group and 37 women in the HP group. Participants’ blood samples were placed in EDTA blood collection tubes. Peripheral mononuclear cells were separated from the samples and stained with flurochrome-conjugated antibodies against human CD4, CD25 and CD279 markers, and subsequently analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: The PE group had fewer Tregs compared to the HP group (p=0.011). There was a significant increase in the percentage of exhausted PD-1+(CD279) Tregs (p=0.035) in the PE group comparisons with the HP group. Conclusion: The increased number of PD-1 (CD279) molecules on the Treg cells may play a role in preeclampsia, hence it recommendation as a therapeutic target for the disease.
Sha Sha Zhang; Dong Wang; Ping An Ding; Yu Fei Zhao; Xiao Yun Zhang; Qun Zhao
Abstract
Background: Anti-programmed cell death 1(anti-PD-1) antibodies are immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used as a treatment option for a number of cancers to expand lifespan. However, the toxicity caused by ICIs is often unpredictable and can be occasionally life-threatening. Objective: To evaluate the ...
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Background: Anti-programmed cell death 1(anti-PD-1) antibodies are immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used as a treatment option for a number of cancers to expand lifespan. However, the toxicity caused by ICIs is often unpredictable and can be occasionally life-threatening. Objective: To evaluate the immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by Camrelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody in a patient with gastric cancer. Case: The patient was a 32-year-old man who was diagnosed with stage IIIA gastric adenocarcinoma (cT4aN1M0) in pre-operative evaluation. However, pancreatic invasion and peritoneal metastasis were found during surgery. He received a three-week cycle of 200 mg Camrelizumab combined with systemic chemotherapy. After the fifth administration of Camrelizumab, the patient displayed irAE mimicking Behcet's disease with oral and penile ulcers, skin and abdominal incision lesions. Camrelizumab was permanently discontinued, but systemic chemotherapy was continued. The symptoms were improved with discontinuation of Camrelizumab and administration of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive agents for 8 weeks, but suspicious liver metastases occurred and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 showed an increasing trend in the meantime. Given the significant improvement in the patient's symptoms after discontinuation of Camrelizumab and administration of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, we assumed that these treatments may play a role in the rehabilitation of patients. Conclusion: Severe irAEs occur at a low frequency when anti-PD-1 antibodies are used as monotherapy. Whether anti-PD-1 antibodies combined with systemic chemotherapy increase the incidence of irAEs is not certain.
Abbasali Pourazar; Mansoor Salehi; Aabollah Jafarzadeh; Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi; Farzad Oreizi; Keivan Shariatinezhad
Volume 2, Issue 3 , September 2005, , Pages 172-176
Abstract
Background: The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. The screening for antibody to HBc (anti-HBc) has been shown as an alternative test for the detection of HBV infection. Objective: The main aim of this ...
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Background: The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. The screening for antibody to HBc (anti-HBc) has been shown as an alternative test for the detection of HBV infection. Objective: The main aim of this study was to evaluate HBV infection markers and the potential value of anti-HBc testing of blood donors to detect HBV infection. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 545 blood samples were collected and tested for HbsAg using ELISA method. Then all HBsAg negative samples were tested for anti-HBc by the same method. To detect HBV infection, all HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples were tested by PCR for HBV DNA. Results: All blood samples were HBsAg negative of which, 43 (8%) were anti-HBc positive. From those which were positive for anti-HBc, five samples were also positive for HBV DNA. Conclusion: Occult HBV infection is a clinical form of HBV infection in which HBsAg is not expressed by HBV and blood samples cannot be screened by ELISA method, therefore more sensitive techniques are needed. Our results demonstrate that a complementary test such as PCR, for detecting HBV DNA, is essential to ensure safety of blood samples.
Reza Mansouri; Firoozeh Akbari; Mohammad Vodjgani; Fereidoun Mahboudi; Fathollah Kalantar; Mahroo Mirahmadian
Volume 4, Issue 3 , December 2007, , Pages 179-185
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant ...
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Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and is also a leading cause of preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Several studies have reported abnormal levels of cytokines in women with preeclampsia. Objectives: To detect serum levels of various cytokines in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Thirty patients with preeclampsia and thirty normal pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were taken and serum levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-15, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Preeclamptic women had significantly increased levels of circulating IL-12p70 (p < 0.05), IL-18 (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-15 (p < 0.05) and IFN γ (p < 0.001). By contrast, circulating levels of IL-10 were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The present study supports the hypothesis of altered immune response in preeclampsia and suggests that dysregulation of cytokine expression occurs in preeclampsia with increased levels of IFN γ, IL-12p70, IL-15, IL-18 and IL-4.
Sara Kashef; Farid Ghazizadeh; Ali Derakhshan; Shirin Farjadian; Soheila Alyasin
Volume 5, Issue 3 , September 2008, , Pages 181-184
Abstract
Background: Infection is now the most common cause of morbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). There is lack of information regarding the specific antibody forma-tion in response to vaccines in young SLE patients. Objective: To determine the efficacy of anti-tetanus antibody response in young ...
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Background: Infection is now the most common cause of morbidity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). There is lack of information regarding the specific antibody forma-tion in response to vaccines in young SLE patients. Objective: To determine the efficacy of anti-tetanus antibody response in young patients with SLE. Methods: Forty SLE pa-tients with mean age of 14.1 years (range: 7-21) and 60 age and sex matched normal con-trols were enrolled in this study over a period of one year. Diagnosis was made according to the ACR criteria and disease activity was determined based on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). All patients and controls had received the complete schedule of tetanus vaccinations consisting of three primary doses and two boosters by the age of six. Serum immunoglobulins and anti-tetanus antibody titers were determined by Nephelometry and ELISA. Anti-tetanus antibody levels greater than 0.1 IU/ml have been suggested as pro-tective. Results: In all of the patients and controls anti-tetanus antibody titer was > 0.1 IU/ml. IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were in the normal range for their age. Mean disease ac-tivity score was 4.9 (range: 0-16). There was no association between SLEDAI score and anti-tetanus antibody response. Conclusion: School age onset and immunosuppressive therapy does not seem to interfere with development of consistent immunity to tetanus vaccine in young SLE patients.
Mahendra Narain Mishra; Rakesh Pandey; Ashok Dinda; Soniya Nityanand
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2013, , Pages 186-189
Abolhassan Faramarzi; Azra Shamsdin; Abbas Ghaderi
Volume 3, Issue 4 , December 2006, , Pages 187-191
Abstract
Background: Tonsils and adenoids are involved in both local immunity and immune surveillance for the development of immune defense mechanisms. A number of investigators have found decreased immunoglobulin levels after adenotonsillectomy while others have failed to find significant changes. The effects ...
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Background: Tonsils and adenoids are involved in both local immunity and immune surveillance for the development of immune defense mechanisms. A number of investigators have found decreased immunoglobulin levels after adenotonsillectomy while others have failed to find significant changes. The effects of adenotonsillectomy on the cellular immunity of children have not been investigated extensively. Objective: To observe the change in humeral and cellular immune systems before and after operation in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Methods: The study comprised 102 patients; all of the patients underwent adenotonsillectomy. The levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured for humoral immunity and the percent of CD7 and CD19 positive cells were determined in blood samples taken from these patients 24 hours before operation and also 2 and 8 weeks after the operation. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The present study shows that the serum level of IgA would rise few weeks after the operation. Changes in the IgM and IgG level were not statistically significant postoperatively. In addition, no significant change was detected in B lymphocyte count before and after adenotonsillectomy. In our study, there was a slight decrease in the T lymphocyte count in the early stage of post operation, which returned to normal preoperative value after 8 weeks . Conclusion: Several immune system parameters maintain its normal status several weeks after adenotonsillectomy.
Maryam Kasraeian; Marjan Movaseghii; Alireza Fotouhi Ghiam
Volume 1, Issue 3 , December 2004, , Pages 189-193
Abstract
Background: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 is a widespread human infectious agent responsible for persistent and latent infections. Objectives: To estimate the regional seroprevalence of anti HSV-2 antibody in Shiraz, Iran and to investigate the possible correlation of seropositivity with malignant ...
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Background: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 is a widespread human infectious agent responsible for persistent and latent infections. Objectives: To estimate the regional seroprevalence of anti HSV-2 antibody in Shiraz, Iran and to investigate the possible correlation of seropositivity with malignant changes in subjects’ Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. Methods: Data were collected in a cross-sectional study. A randomly selected population of 915 women, from nine primary health care centers according to regional population size, was recruited in this study. HSV type specific serum IgG was determined by an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibody was 258/915 (28.19%). Most of the seropositive cases (87.6%) were categorized in the group of less educated women. None of the individuals with positive serum antibody had malignant change in the uterine cells obtained with the help of Pap smear. Conclusion: HSV-2 infection is relatively common and largely unrecognized among our study participants. The HSV-2 antibody was more prevalent in the studied population in comparison with European and American women, and less prevalent than African women. Although HSV-2 is reported to be in correlation with cervical cancer, none of our studied subjects had any malignant change in cervical cells.
Batool Mutar Mahdi
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 189-194
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) is considered to be an aberrant immune response with loss of tolerance to many antigens. Objective: This paper tries to address whether there is any value to test for auto-antibodies in such patients. Methods: 60 patients with inflammatory bowel ...
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Background: Inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) is considered to be an aberrant immune response with loss of tolerance to many antigens. Objective: This paper tries to address whether there is any value to test for auto-antibodies in such patients. Methods: 60 patients with inflammatory bowel disease unclassified participated in the study. Auto-antibodies to nuclear antigen, intestinal goblet cell, exocrine part of pancreatic acinar cells, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic, cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were tested and compared to 20 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 30 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.000) between patients and control group in anti-exocrine part of pancreatic acinar cells, perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic and Saccharomyces cerevisiae auto-antibodies. There was also a significant difference between IBDU and UC patients in the auto-antibodies directed against intestinal goblet cells, (p=0.000) exocrine part of pancreas (p=0.000) and anti Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (p=0.000). Conclusions: Due to the autoimmune nature of indeterminate colitis, involvement of some antigens from gastrointestinal tract or the bile system in the initiation of this disease is likely.
Mina Biria; Mandana Sattari; Mojtaba Vahid Golpayegani; Fahimeh Kooshki
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010, , Pages 193-197
Abstract
Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a severe type of dental caries affecting infants and pre-school children. Because of the infectious nature of the disease, the immunologic response by the host plays an essential role in its development. Objective: This study investigated the association between ...
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Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a severe type of dental caries affecting infants and pre-school children. Because of the infectious nature of the disease, the immunologic response by the host plays an essential role in its development. Objective: This study investigated the association between the presence of salivary sCD14 and ECC. Methods: This study was carried out on 40 healthy children, of whom 20 were caries-free (CF) and 20 had ECC, within the ages of 36 to 71 months. Unstimulated saliva of the children was collected with disposable needle-less syringe from buccal and labial vestibules. Seven children with ECC received complete treatments. Saliva was collected for a second time after 3 months from this group. The sCD14 levels in salivary samples were analyzed by ELISA method. Results: Mean concentrations of sCD14 in ECC and CF groups were 57.82 and 31.92 ng/ml respectively (p=0.008). After three months, the mean concentration of sCD14 among the treated children decreased to 11.38 ng/ml, which was significantly lower compared to that of ECC children before intervention (p<0.001), and also CF children (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increased levels of sCD14 can be considered as a marker of inflammation and innate immune response during ECC.
Iveta Nedeva; Antoaneta Gateva; Yavor Assyov; Vera Karamfilova; Julieta Hristova; Kyosuke Yamanishi; Zdravko Kamenov; Haruki Okamura
Abstract
Background: Obesity and diabetes are related to a chronic low-grade inflammation. As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-18 stimulates various cell types and has pleiotropic functions. Objective: To assess the levels of IL-18 in subjects from the entire spectrum of glycemic disorders. Methods: This study ...
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Background: Obesity and diabetes are related to a chronic low-grade inflammation. As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-18 stimulates various cell types and has pleiotropic functions. Objective: To assess the levels of IL-18 in subjects from the entire spectrum of glycemic disorders. Methods: This study included 387 Caucasians divided into four groups: healthy controls, obese subjects without carbohydrate issues, prediabetic patients, and recently discovered type 2 diabetics. Results: Subject with body mass index ≥30kg/m2 and glycemic disorders showed significantly higher levels of IL-18 (249.77 ± 89.96 pg/ml; 259.01 ± 95.70 pg/ml; and 340.98 ± 127.65 pg/ml) compared with that of the control group (219.47 ± 110.53 pg/ml, p < 0.05). IL-18 also had significant positive associations with some anthropometric parameters, liver enzymes, fasting, post-load glucose, insulin, uric acid, and triglycerides while negative with HDL. The circulating IL-18 levels for differentiating subjects with carbohydrate disturbances and those with metabolic syndrome were determined by ROC analysis. The AUC for the disturbances of the carbohydrate metabolism was 0.597 (p = 0.001; 95% CI = 0.539 - 0.654) and for MS AUC was 0.581 (p = 0.021; 95 % CI = 0.516 - 0.647). Conclusion: Our data indicate that as the levels of IL-18 are increased the carbohydrate tolerance is deteriorated. However, the significance of IL-18 in the progression of diabetes mellitus and subsequent consequences requires further exploration.
Afshineh Latifynia; Ali Khamesipour; Saied Bokaie; Nematollah Khansari
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2012, , Pages 208-214
Abstract
Background: Leishmania is a significant health problem in many parts of the world. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an essential role in Leishmania major infections. Objective: To study the pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidants in four groups of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Methods: 39 patients ...
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Background: Leishmania is a significant health problem in many parts of the world. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an essential role in Leishmania major infections. Objective: To study the pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidants in four groups of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Methods: 39 patients were divided into four groups of: 1) active (acute phase of treatment); 2) non-healing (received treatment for almost two years without recovery); 3) healing (recovered upon treatment); and 4) healed (previously received treatment and achieved complete remission) patients. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1B, TNF-α, IL-6) and serum antioxidant levels were measured by ELISA and FRAP assays, respectively. Results: While serum antioxidant levels were elevated in the non-healing group, there was no difference among other groups of patients and healthy controls in this regard. Interleukin-1β showed the highest level in the non-healing group followed by the other groups of patients. The mean serum IL-6 level was highest in the non-healing group, but showed no significant change in the other groups. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were non-significantly elevated in the sera of active and non-healing patients. Conclusion: Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 maybe related to the progression of leishmaniasis. Serum antioxidant levels maybe correlated with patient response to drug treatment.
Beheshteh Malekafzali; Mandana Sattari; Sanaz Keyvanfar
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2014, , Pages 210-216
Abstract
Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common health problem in the developing countries. Basic knowledge about the etiology and pathogenesis of ECC plays an important role in its prevention. Objective: To determine the relationship between salivary TLR-2 concentration and early childhood caries ...
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Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a common health problem in the developing countries. Basic knowledge about the etiology and pathogenesis of ECC plays an important role in its prevention. Objective: To determine the relationship between salivary TLR-2 concentration and early childhood caries formation Methods: Twenty-Eight children with ages ranging from 36 to 71 months (15 in ECC group and 13 in caries free group) were chosen based on inclusion criteria. Their saliva was aspirated in the volumes of 1-2 ml. Resampling was done for 8 subjects of ECC group 3 months after dental restoration. TLR-2 concentration was measured using ELISA. Results: Mean concentrations of TLR-2 in ECC and caries free group were 2.12 and 1.42 ng/ml, respectively. The difference between concentrations was statistically significant (p=0.008). Three months after treatment in 8 ECC, the mean concentration of TLR-2 (0.925 ng/ml) significantly decreased compared to the original concentration in ECC (p<0.001) and caries free groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated concentration of TLR-2 in ECC group compared to caries free group and its decrease after treatment point to the participation of innate immune system and specially TLR-2 in the pathogenesis of early childhood caries.
Fatemeh Kamankesh; Ali Ganji; Ali Ghazavi; Ghasem Mosayebi
Abstract
Background: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as an autoimmune disease in the central nervous system (CNS), is an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS) mediated by T lymphocytes.Objective: To investigate ginger extract’s effect on reducing inflammation and improving the symptoms ...
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Background: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), as an autoimmune disease in the central nervous system (CNS), is an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS) mediated by T lymphocytes.Objective: To investigate ginger extract’s effect on reducing inflammation and improving the symptoms in the EAE model.Methods: The EAE was induced by injecting MOG35-55 and pertussis toxin into eight-week-old female C57BL6 mice. The mice were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg/day of hydroalcoholic extract of ginger for 21 days. The disease severity and weight changes were measured daily. Then, the mice spleens were removed; the gene expressions of interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were analyzed by Real-time PCR and the percentage of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) was determined by flow cytometry. Serum nitric oxide and antioxidant capacity were measured, and brain tissue sections were prepared to investigate the leukocyte infiltration and plaque formation.Results: The severity of symptoms in the intervention group was lower than in the control. The gene expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 (P=0.04) and IFN-γ (P=0.01), were reduced. The Treg cells increased significantly, and the serum nitric oxide level was lower in the ginger-treated group. There was no significant difference in lymphocyte infiltration in the brain between the two groups.Conclusion: The present study indicated that ginger extract could effectively reduce inflammatory mediators and modulate immune responses in EAE.
Shokoofe Noori; Mohammad Taghikhani; Zuhair M. Hassan; Abdolamir Allameh; Ali Mostafaei
Volume 6, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 216-224
Abstract
Background: Artemisia diffusa contains a new type of sesquiterpene lactone with an endoperoxide group (Tehranolide). Objective: Due to the existing similarity between the structures of Tehranolide and Artemisinin, it was hypothesized that Tehranolide would have similar effects as Artemisinin. In this ...
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Background: Artemisia diffusa contains a new type of sesquiterpene lactone with an endoperoxide group (Tehranolide). Objective: Due to the existing similarity between the structures of Tehranolide and Artemisinin, it was hypothesized that Tehranolide would have similar effects as Artemisinin. In this study, the immunotherapeutic effec-tiveness of Tehranolide was investigated by direct intra-tumoral injection. Methods: Tehranolide was purified from Artemisia diffusa, and its effect on the tumor volume was investigated. The splenocyte proliferation, shifting of cytokine profile, and the presence of naturally-occurring CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells were assessed to describe the anti-tumor immune response. Results: Analysis of immune response showed that, intra-tumoral injection of Tehranolide decreased the rate of tumor growth compared to control group. Furthermore, the proliferative response of mice treated with Tehranolide was en-hanced. In comparison with the control group, production of both IL-4 and IFN-γ was in-duced (p<0.05). The results indicated a decrease in tumor CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T lym-phocytes in the Tehranolide-treated group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Treatment of tumors with Tehranolide attenuated CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell-mediated immune suppression and elicited a persistent anti-tumor immunity against can-cer.
Soheyla Alyasin; Farhad Abolnezhadian; Maryam Khoshkhui
Volume 12, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 219-225
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by abnormality of MHC class II molecules surface expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. Clinical manifestations include extreme susceptibility to viral, bacterial, and fungal ...
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Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by abnormality of MHC class II molecules surface expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. Clinical manifestations include extreme susceptibility to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections but the immunodeficiency is not as severe as SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency), as evidenced by failure to develop disseminated infection after BCG vaccination. Therefore, MHC II deficiency with BCGosis, that is disseminated BCGitis, is not reported commonly. We report an interesting case of BCGosis after vaccination that was diagnosed to have probable MHC II deficiency.
Murat Karamese; Hakan Aydin; Emin Sengul; Volkan Gelen; Cigdem Sevim; Duran Ustek; Emre Karakus
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 220-228
Abstract
Background: Probiotics are “live”, beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, ...
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Background: Probiotics are “live”, beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, by detecting serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group was “Control group” and other 3 groups were probiotic application groups who received different doses of probiotics. The probiotic mixture included 12 probiotic bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotic mixture was administered to rats for 12 consecutive days. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1-β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels as well as serum IgG and IgA concentrations were detected in the sera after 12 days. Results: Probiotics led to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β; however, they led to increase in the serum levels of IL-10, IgG and IgA. There were significant differences between control group and probiotic application groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that the commensal microbiota are important for stimulating both proinflammatory and regulatory responses in order to rapidly clear infections and minimize inflammation-associated tissue damage.
Heyam Awad; Ammar Sfaira; Yousef Abu Osba; Mohammad Shahin; Yousef Al- Asa'd; Nooredeen Isbeih; Maha Shomaf; Wasan Hayagneh
Abstract
Background: Primary Eosinophilic Colitis (PEC) is one of the rare eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most common and best-understood disease in this category. Activated mast cells (MCs) have a role to play in the tissue damage ...
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Background: Primary Eosinophilic Colitis (PEC) is one of the rare eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most common and best-understood disease in this category. Activated mast cells (MCs) have a role to play in the tissue damage in EE. It is not known if PEC shares this mechanism. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the number of MCs in PEC and to compare them with cases of secondary colonic tissue eosinophilia (TE) and normal colon. Methods: The study included 19 PEC cases, 47 cases of secondary tissue eosinophilia and 50 normal colon tissues. Histopathological slides of all cases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and count the number of eosinophils. Glass slides for all cases were stained for C-kit (CD117) to highlight and count the MCs. Results: The mean number of the MCs in normal controls was 9.7 MCs per HPF (SD= 4.6). The mean number of MCs in the PEC cases was 26.5 (SD=7.1) which was significantly higher than the normal counts (p-value <0.000). The mean number of MCs in the secondary TE group was 18.0 (SD=7.1), which was significantly higher than normal controls; p-value <0.000. Comparing MC counts in PEC and secondary TE also revealed a significant difference with a p-value of < 0.000. Conclusion: MCs in PEC are significantly higher than those in secondary TE and normal controls. This suggests the role of the MCs in the pathogenesis of Primary Eosinophilic Colitis.
