Mohammad Reza Ataollahi; Elham Aflaki; Mohammad Ali Nazarinia; Saeedeh Shenavandeh; Zahra Habibagahi; Behrouz Gharesi-Fard; Eskandar Kamali-Sarvestani
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2012, , Pages 241-247
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCAs) and anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies (anti-CL Ab) in Behcet’s Disease (BD) and also their roles in vascular involvement is controversial. Objective: To assess the prevalence of ANCAs and anti-CL Ab as well as their correlations ...
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Background: The prevalence of anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCAs) and anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies (anti-CL Ab) in Behcet’s Disease (BD) and also their roles in vascular involvement is controversial. Objective: To assess the prevalence of ANCAs and anti-CL Ab as well as their correlations with clinical manifestations in Iranian patients with BD. Methods: In this case/control study, the sera from 88 patients with BD and 88 healthy controls were evaluated. The levels of ANCAs and anti-CL Ab were measured using indirect ELISA method. Results: The levels of anti-CL, anti-PR3 and anti-MPO (Myeloperoxidase) IgG autoantibodies between BD patients and healthy controls were not statistically different (p=0.21, p=0.28 and p=0.74, respectively). In addition, there were no significant deferences between BD patients with and without vascular involvement in the levels of anti-CL (1.42 ± 1.24 GPLU/ml and 1.58 ± 1.18 GPLU/ml, respectively; p=0.71), anti-PR3 (0.0 ± 0.0 U/ml and 0.08 ± 0.27 U/ml, respectively; p=0.10) and anti MPO (0.48 ± 0.23 U/ml and 0.52 ± 0.22 U/ml, respectively; p=0.41) IgG autoantibodies. Nevertheless, mean titer of anti-CL IgG was higher in male patients with skin rash than those without skin rash (2.2 ± 0.88 GPLU/ml and 1.11 ± 1.22 GPLU/ml, respectively; p=0.017). Conclusion: While anti-CL, anti- PR3 and anti-MPO IgG autoantibodies do not play a major role in susceptibility to BD or pathogenesis of vascular involvement in our patients, anti-CL Ab might be involved in skin lesion development in Iranian male BD patients. However, the results should be confirmed in other studies.
Mete Eyigor; Hulya Eyigor; Ustun Osma; MustafaDeniz Yilmaz; Nuray Erin; Omer Tarik Selcuk; Cem Sezer; Meral Gultekin; Sadi Koksoy
Volume 11, Issue 4 , December 2014, , Pages 259-268
Abstract
Background: Although the imbalance of cytokines in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is well known, there is scarce data regarding its occurrence during dysplasia, before the malignant transformation. Objective: To determine whether laryngeal dysplasia patients show a different cytokine profile ...
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Background: Although the imbalance of cytokines in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is well known, there is scarce data regarding its occurrence during dysplasia, before the malignant transformation. Objective: To determine whether laryngeal dysplasia patients show a different cytokine profile than patients with cancer and healthy controls. Methods: Seventeen newly diagnosed, untreated larynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and six laryngeal dysplasia patients as well as 22 healthy controls were analyzed for circulating cytokines. A flowcytometry Th1/Th2 cytokine array kit was used to quantitatively measure Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels. Additionally, IL-8 levels were determined through ELISA. Results: IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were determined to be statistically increased in SCC patients (p<0.05). IL-8 and IL-10 levels were also higher in SCC patients than dysplasia patients (p<0.05). Additionally, IL-6 and IL-10 were all found to be markedly increased in dysplasia patients compared with controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate an imbalance of IL-6 and IL-10 not only in HNSCC but also in laryngeal dysplasia.
Linge Li; Bin Hu; Juan Feng; Yu Zhang; Xi Shou; Yu Tian; Chunrong Jiang; Hua Zhang
Volume 12, Issue 4 , December 2015, , Pages 263-273
Abstract
Background: H2-EB1 molecule which is the homolog of Human HLA-DRB1 is proposed to be associated with allergic rhinitis (AR). Construction of H2-Eb1 knockout animal models provides a tool to elucidate the role of H2-EB1 and AR pathogenesis. Objective: To establish the H2-Eb1 knockout ...
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Background: H2-EB1 molecule which is the homolog of Human HLA-DRB1 is proposed to be associated with allergic rhinitis (AR). Construction of H2-Eb1 knockout animal models provides a tool to elucidate the role of H2-EB1 and AR pathogenesis. Objective: To establish the H2-Eb1 knockout model and investigate the H2-EB1 functions in H2-Eb1 knockout mice as a model of AR. Methods: The Cre/LoxP system and ES gene knockout technology were applied to create heterozygous H2-Eb1 (+/-) knockout mice and their offspring of knockout homozygous(-/-), heterozygous (+/-) and wild type (+/+) H2-Eb1 mice. After identification, offspring of heterozygous (+/-) and homozygous (-/-) H2-Eb1 knockout mice were randomly selected to establish AR models to demonstrate the role of H2-Eb1 in AR pathogenesis. Results: The H2-Eb1 knockout mice model was successfully established. The reproduction and feeding of the homozygous ( -/-) H2-Eb1 knockout mice were successful. Compared with the control group, the serum OVA-IgE and IL-4 levels significantly increased, while IFN-γ levels significantly dropped (p<0.05) in the experimental groups. For the two experimental groups, the homozygous ( -/-) mice group had lower serum OVA-IgE and IL-4 levels, and higher IFN-γ levels than their heterozygous (+/-) counterparts (p<0.05), concomitant with slighter allergic symptoms (gentle behavior and less eosinophils in nasal mucosa). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that knockout of H2-Eb1 gene could alleviate mouse AR Symptoms, indicating H2-Eb1 may play an important role in regulating Th1/Th2 balance during the pathogenesis of AR.
Ali Moravej; Mohammad-Hossein Karimi; Bita Geramizadeh; Mahdokht Hossein Aghdaie; Omid Kohi-Hoseinabadi; Salimeh Ebrahimnezhad
Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 274-288
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as effective therapeutic
cells in transplantation due to their immunomodulatory activities. However, precise
mechanism of MSCs immunomodulatory activity is not completely understood.
Objectives: To study the role of Immunoglobulin-like transcripts-3 ...
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Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as effective therapeutic
cells in transplantation due to their immunomodulatory activities. However, precise
mechanism of MSCs immunomodulatory activity is not completely understood.
Objectives: To study the role of Immunoglobulin-like transcripts-3 (ILT3)
immunomodulatory receptor in immune tolerance induced by MSCs in skin
transplantation model and induction of tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs) by MSCs
through up-regulation of ILT3. Methods: C57BL/6 skin grafts were transplanted to the
back of BALB/c mice. Recipient mice received MSCs on days 0, 1 and 2 post
transplantation. On days 2, 5 and 10 post skin transplantation, ILT3 and forkhead box
P3 (FOXP3) expression in the spleens of MSCs treated mice were evaluated.
Furthermore, MSCs and DCs were co-cultured in cell culture plates and transwell
systems. Then, the expressions of ILT3 mRNA and protein in MSC-treated DCs were
evaluated. Additionally, MSC-treated DCs were co-cultured with allogeneic T-cells and
FOXP3 expression in T-cells was evaluated. Results: The expression of ILT3 and
FOXP3 were higher in the splenocytes of MSCs-treated mice early post-transplantation.
Furthermore, we observed that MSC-treated DCs can increase FOXP3 expression in Tcells.
But, we could not find any differences in ILT3 expression between MSC-treated
DCs and untreated ones. Conclusion: One of the mechanisms underlying MSCs
immunomodulatory function could be up-regulating ILT3 expression in splenocytes.
But our results did not support the hypothesis that MSCs induce Tolergenic DCs by upregulation
of ILT3.
Mansure Hojatizade; Mahsa Soleymani; Mohsen Tafaghodi; Ali Badiee; Omid Chavoshian; Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
Yuying Ji; Rui Cao; Guangxin Lv; Yuanyuan Jin; Jing Chen
Abstract
Background: In a previous study, the unrecognized role of gMYL6 in the up-regulation of human NK cells development and cytotoxicity was reported. Objective: To further elucidate the mechanism of action of small recombinant fragments of gMYL6 enhancing the NK cells activity. Methods: Mononuclear cells ...
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Background: In a previous study, the unrecognized role of gMYL6 in the up-regulation of human NK cells development and cytotoxicity was reported. Objective: To further elucidate the mechanism of action of small recombinant fragments of gMYL6 enhancing the NK cells activity. Methods: Mononuclear cells were isolated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) by density-gradient centrifugation and NK cells were propagated and cultured. The small peptides from the gMYL6, with the ability to enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells were screened by CCK-8 method and one of the most powerful peptides was identified for the next study. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proliferation and apoptosis of K562 cells, as well as the cell cycle arrest. The apoptosis of target cells was observed by AO/EB fluorescence staining, and the degree of apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Protein imprinting method was also used to explore the pathway of small peptides to enhance the NK cells' activity. On the other hand, Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System was used to verify the mechanism of K562 cells suppression. Results: Small D peptide significantly increased NK cells cytotoxicity and induced both cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptosis of K562 cells. Conclusion: Small D peptide could be a novel promising peptide for cancer immunotherapy since it was shown to promote the cytotoxicity of cord blood-derived NK cells.
Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin; Gholamreza Hatam; Bahador Sarkari; Mehdi Mohebali; Zabih Zarei; Shahab Bohlooli
Volume 14, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 293-305
Abstract
Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic in the northwest and south of Iran. An appropriate vaccine can help to prevent and control visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and animals. Few studies have confirmed that the fucose-mannose ligand (FML) antigen ...
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Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic in the northwest and south of Iran. An appropriate vaccine can help to prevent and control visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and animals. Few studies have confirmed that the fucose-mannose ligand (FML) antigen of Leishmania donovani produced protective immunity in dogs against CVL. Objective: To evaluate the immune responses of vaccinated dogs against FML antigen of L. infantum. Methods: We isolated the FML antigen from native L. infantum and vaccinated the dogs with FML-saponin in an endemic area of VL in Iran to evaluate the immune responses of vaccinated dogs against this antigen. Results: Our results indicated a significant increase in the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-13, but not IL-12A, gene transcripts in PBMCs of FML-saponin vaccinated dogs in comparison with controls. Our findings showed a significant difference in the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 mRNA expression in FML-saponin vaccinated dogs in comparison with two control groups. Moreover, a significant level of anti-FML antibodies was detected in serum of vaccinated dogs. Conclusion: These findings showed that FML-saponin stimulates both Th1 and Th2 immune responses with predominant Th1 and strong humoral immune responses to produce protective immunity against CVL.
Imene Ben Dhifallah; Afshin Borhani-Haghighi; Agnes Hamzaoui; Kamel Hamzaoui
Abstract
Background: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a chronic, relapsing-remitting course of unknown etiology. Neuro-Behcet’s disease (NBD) induce serious CNS complications and are known to be the main cause of long-term morbidity and mortality. IL‐37 is a natural ...
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Background: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a chronic, relapsing-remitting course of unknown etiology. Neuro-Behcet’s disease (NBD) induce serious CNS complications and are known to be the main cause of long-term morbidity and mortality. IL‐37 is a natural suppressor of innate inflammation which its role in NBD has not been fully understood. Objective: To determine the expression of IL-37 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its relationship with other inflammatory cytokines. Methods: Level of IL-37, IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, TSLP and TGF-β were measured in CSF of 22 patients with NBD and 12 non-inflammatory neurological disease (NIND) and 10 headache attributed to Behçet's disease (HaBD) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, IL-37 mRNA relative expression was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Results: CSF level and mRNA expression of IL‐37 were elevated in NBD patients compared to those in NIND and HaBD patients. Levels of IL-6, IL-17, IL-21 and TSLP were found to be increased in NBD patients and were inversely associated with IL-37 level. Moreover, TGF-β level in CSF of NBD patients was positively correlated with IL-37 levels. IL-37 increased significantly after treatment and in remission group, but TGF-β was only increased in treatment group. Conclusion: IL‐37 expression increased in NBD patients, and correlated with disease activity. Our data conclude that IL-37 could be a disease marker in NBD, however it requires further studies.
Qifen Mao; Peng Zhang; Weicui Qi; Yueping Xia; Tingting Chen; Xiaofang Li; Songquan Xu; Zhiqiang Zhong; Zuifei Shangguan
Abstract
Background: T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) is a regulatory molecule expressed on a variety of cell types, including CD3+ T cells. Few studies have been conducted to look into the correlation between TIM3 expression on peripheral T lymphocytes and post-stroke depression ...
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Background: T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3) is a regulatory molecule expressed on a variety of cell types, including CD3+ T cells. Few studies have been conducted to look into the correlation between TIM3 expression on peripheral T lymphocytes and post-stroke depression (PSD).Objective: To investigate the relationship between TIM3 expressions on peripheral T lymphocytes in PSD patients.Methods: Acute stroke patients without depression (NPSD) (n=65), PSD patients (n=23), and body mass index (BMI), age, and education-matched healthy controls (HC) (n=59) were enrolled. Using flow cytometry, TIM3 expression was examined in the peripheral CD3+ CD4+ and CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes. Evaluation of the depressive severity in PSD patients was assessed using a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17). We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18. We further assessed the relationships between TIM3 expression, serum cytokine levels, and the HAM-D-17 scores.Results: CD3+ CD4+ T cells reduced significantly in PSD patients compared with the NPSD patients and HC. Both NPSD patients and PSD patients had a significant increase in TIM3 expression in their peripheral CD3+ CD4+ T lymphocytes, compared with HC. In PSD patients, a higher frequency of peripheral CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes showed significant expression of TIM3 compared to NPSD patients and HC. High TIM3 level on peripheral CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes was positively associated with the HAM-D score.Conclusion: Patients with PSD exhibit immune dysfunction. TIM3 might contribute to the development and severity of PSD, making it a potential therapeutic target.
Ali Asghar Vahidi; Majid Varesvazirian; Ayeh Shamsadini; Sadollah Shamsadini
Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2006, , Pages 30-34
Abstract
Background: Thalassemia patients are more susceptible to hepatitis than the normal population due to the frequent blood transfusions. Objective: To determine the immune response of children with major ß-thalassemia, by measuring anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs Ab) following the last ...
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Background: Thalassemia patients are more susceptible to hepatitis than the normal population due to the frequent blood transfusions. Objective: To determine the immune response of children with major ß-thalassemia, by measuring anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs Ab) following the last HBV vaccine injection. Methods: This study was carried out on 215 thalassemic children who received three standard intramuscular recombinant HBV vaccines. Children age ranged between 1-4.5 with a mean age of 3.37 years. Based on the time lapsed since last vaccine injection, the subjects were divided into three groups; 0-15 months, 15-30 months and 30-45 months, respectively. Based on the serum levels of anti-HBs antibody, subjects were categorized as: good responders (anti-HBs >100 IU/Lit), low responders (anti-HBs 10-100 IU/Lit) and non-responders (anti-HBs <10 IU/Lit). Results: The mean range of anti-HBs level in the above mentioned groups were 205.34, 128.8 and 54.25 IU/lit, respectively (P<0.0001). In girls, the mean antibody level was 104.2 and in boys it was 95.8 IU/Lit (P>0.05). Out of 215 selected individuals 75 (35%) were good responders, 65(30%) low responders and 75 (35%) non-responders. Conclusion: Standard HBV vaccination in thalassemic children results in an immune response in more than 65% of the subjects. Therefore, assessment of anti-HBs antibody level, 45 months after the last vaccination, is recommended.
Bahram Bagherpour; Marjan Gharagozloo; Behjat Moayedi
Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2009, , Pages 33-39
Abstract
Background: Iron is an essential trace element in cell proliferation. Several investigations demonstrate that iron deprivation inhibits cell proliferation. However, the impact of iron on telomerase activity of activated lymphocytes remains unexplained to date. Objective: In this study, the effect of ...
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Background: Iron is an essential trace element in cell proliferation. Several investigations demonstrate that iron deprivation inhibits cell proliferation. However, the impact of iron on telomerase activity of activated lymphocytes remains unexplained to date. Objective: In this study, the effect of iron on the proliferation and telomerase activity of lymphocytes stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were investigated. Methods: Iron loading was performed by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 500μM FeSO4.7H2O for 24 h and iron chelation was done by exposing cells to desferrioxamine, a potent iron chelator. The effects of silymarin, a flavonoid with both antioxidant and iron chelating activities, on the proliferation and telomerase activity of PHAactivated lymphocytes were also compared with desferrioxamine. Proliferation and telomerase activity were assessed using BrdU incorporation assay and Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP), respectively. Results: The proliferations of lymphocytes were significantly inhibited by 10 and 20 μg/ml desferrioxamine in a dose dependent manner, while iron loading recovered suppressed cell proliferation to the normal level. Silymarin at 20 μg/ml significantly increased the proliferation of lymphocytes in both normal and iron-treated conditions. Telomerase activity of lymphocytes was markedly increased by iron treatment and suppressed by desferrioxamine. Conversely, iron treatment had no effect on the telomerase activity of lymphocytes incubated with silymarin. Conclusion: Iron plays a significant role in the proliferation and telomerase activity of lymphocytes. The effects of silymarin on the proliferation and telomerase activity of lymphocytes were completely different from those of desferrioxamine, suggesting that the immunomodulatory effect of silymarin is probably not associated with its iron chelating activity.
Abdollah Jafarzadeh; Masoud Poorgholami; Maryam Nemati; Mohammad-Taghi Rezayati
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2011, , Pages 34-44
Abstract
Background: Immunopathological and inflammatory processes play important roles in the initiation and development of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of several autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), ...
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Background: Immunopathological and inflammatory processes play important roles in the initiation and development of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of several autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (anti-Sm), anti-phosphatidylserine (anti-PS) and anti-cardiolipin (anti-CL) antibodies in patients with IHD. Methods: A total of 120 patients with IHD with acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=60) or unstable angina (UA; n=60) and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Serum samples of participants were tested for the ANA, anti-Sm, anti-PS and anti-CL antibodies by ELISA. Serum level of RF was measured by a turbidometric method. Results: The mean serum levels of RF and anti-PS antibodies in AMI group and UA group were significantly higher than those observed in the control group (p<0.0001). The mean serum levels of RF and anti-PS antibodies in AMI patients were significantly higher than the UA group (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). The mean serum levels of RF in men with AMI or UA diseases were significantly higher as compared to healthy control men (p<0.0001 and p<0.003, respectively). The differences of the serum levels of ANA, anti-Sm and anti-CL antibodies were not significant between AMI, UA and the control groups. There was no difference in the serum levels of RF, ANA, anti-Sm, anti-PS or anti-CL antibodies in patients with traditional risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and smoking, and those without a certain risk factor. Conclusion: Higher serum levels of RF and anti-PS antibody in patients with IHD may be considered as independent risk factors for IHD.
Alireza Farnam; Jafar Majidi; Seyyed Gholamreza Nourazar; Morteza Ghojazadeh; Aliakbar Movassaghpour; Saeedeh Majidi Zolbanin
Volume 13, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 37-44
Abstract
Background: There are conflicting findings about relationship between depression and anger with immunological parameters. Objective: To investigate the relationship between anger patterns and immune system in depressed patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients with major depressive disorder were selected ...
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Background: There are conflicting findings about relationship between depression and anger with immunological parameters. Objective: To investigate the relationship between anger patterns and immune system in depressed patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients with major depressive disorder were selected according to DSM-IV criteria. The Hamilton Depression Scale and Spielberger Anger questionnaires were used to determine severity of depression and "anger expression pattern", respectively. The control group without a previous history of mental illness was also selected. In the group of patients with moderate depression, serum IgA levels and NK cell percentage were measured. Results: Mean differences of all types of "anger expression pattern", including; "state-trait anger", "anger expression out", "anger expression in", "anger control out" and "anger control in", between study and control groups, were statistically significant (p<0.05). Difference in mean serum levels of IgA in either group was not significant (p=0.9), but the mean difference was significant in terms of NK-cell percentage in both groups (p=0.04). There was no significant relationship between IgA levels and percentage of NK-cell with all types of "anger expression pattern" in both groups. Only in the control group, IgA had significant correlation with Anger control out (p=0.04). Conclusion: Moderately depressed patients versus control group had higher Spielberger scores in all types of anger expression pattern except anger controlout and anger control-in. We found no evidence supporting the relationship between" anger expression pattern" and IgA levels and NK cell percentage; however, it seems that depression itself causes reduced number of NK cells and increased IgA levels.
Reza Farid Hosseini; Farahzad Jabbari Azad; Ali Talaee; Sara Miri; Naghme Mokhber; Farhad Farid Hosseini; Habibollah Esmaeili; Mahmoud Mahmoudi; Hoshang Rafatpanah; Mohammadreza Mohammadi
Volume 4, Issue 1 , March 2007, , Pages 38-43
Abstract
Background: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common disorder with preva-lence of 15% among men and up to 25% among women. In recent years the association of immune system alterations and MDD has been investigated. Assessments of immu-nologic and inflammatory responses in these patients enhance our ...
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Background: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common disorder with preva-lence of 15% among men and up to 25% among women. In recent years the association of immune system alterations and MDD has been investigated. Assessments of immu-nologic and inflammatory responses in these patients enhance our knowledge of the eti-ology and pathogenesis of this disease. Objective: To investigate the changes in immu-noglobulin and cytokine serum levels and lymphocyte subsets in patients with MDD. Methods: We studied 37 adult patients with MDD, diagnosed based on DSM-IV diag-nostic criteria, and 15 healthy controls matched with the patients. Plasma concentration of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, TNF α, and IFN γ were measured by ELISA and serum immunoglobulins by SRID. Total number of NK cells (CD16 and CD56), B cells (CD19), and T cells (CD8, CD4, and CD3) were determined by flow cytometry. Results: We found no significant differences in plasma concentration of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and immunoglobulins as well as total number of NK cells, B cells, and T cells between major depressed patients and healthy control subjects. Conclusion: We conclude that in our patients, there were no significant differences in immune system ac-tivity between MDD patients and controls.
Mohsen Moghadami; Afagh Moattari; Hamid Reza Tabatabaee; Alireza Mirahmadizadeh; Abbas Rezaianzadeh; Jafar Hasanzadeh; Mostafa Ebrahimi; Nima Zamiri; Abdolvahab Alborzi; Kamran Bagheri Lankarani
Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2010, , Pages 39-48
Abstract
Background: Pandemic flu had at least two waves in Iran. Knowing how many of the general population were already exposed to this infection has a major impact on na-tional preventive measures. As of December 30, 2009, a total of 3672 confirmed cases of human infection with a novel Influenza A (2009 H1N1) ...
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Background: Pandemic flu had at least two waves in Iran. Knowing how many of the general population were already exposed to this infection has a major impact on na-tional preventive measures. As of December 30, 2009, a total of 3672 confirmed cases of human infection with a novel Influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus had been reported in Iran with 140 deaths. Objective: In this study we aim to measure, as a pilot study, the seroprevalence of positive antibody titer (humoral immunity) against 2009 H1N1 virus in Iranian population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Methods: Through cluster random sam-pling of families residing in Shiraz, 2553 subjects were selected and after a medical in-terview blood samples were taken and checked for polyclonal antibody against 2009 H1N1 antigen using hemagglutination inhibition assay. An antibody titer of more than 1:40 dilution was considered positive. Data were analyzed considering the demographic characteristics of the population and were compared among different age groups. Results: 1504 (58.91%) samples were tested positive for the presence of polyclonal an-tibody against 2009 H1N1 virus. The prevalence of positive titers were significantly higher in 60 to 64 years old group and significantly lower in 20 to 24 years old group (p<0.05). Data did not differ based on other demographic characteristics or the history of flu like illnesses in the past 6 months. Conclusion: High seroprevalence of antibody against 2009 H1N1 in the sera of our subjects describes either a high level of pre-existing immunity against H1N1 in Iranian population or a high rate of asymptomatic infection in our area compared to other countries.
Nadeem Afzal; Shakeela Zaman; Aneela Asghar; Khursheed Javed; Faheem Shahzad; Abu Zafar; Abdul Hanan Nagi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 40-48
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health concern which leads to complications such as retinopathy. Pakistan has 6.9 million people living with DM and this toll will be doubled by 2025. Objective: To determine serum IL-6 and IL-17 of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with retinopathy. Methods: ...
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Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a health concern which leads to complications such as retinopathy. Pakistan has 6.9 million people living with DM and this toll will be doubled by 2025. Objective: To determine serum IL-6 and IL-17 of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with retinopathy. Methods: In this cross-sectional casecontrol study, 212 subjects enrolled which were categorized into 3 groups. Group-I included 30 subjects without diabetes, group-II consisted of 30 subjects with T2DM without retinopathy and group-III consisted of 152 subjects with T2DM and retinopathy. Serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA. Data was analysed using SPSS 17.0 and one way ANOVA to observe group mean differences. Results: Longer mean duration of disease was detected in group-III than group-II (p=0.007). Highest IL-6 level was detected in group-II and highest IL-17 level was detected in group-I. For IL-6, significant differences were detected among groups in total, between Group-I and Group-III and between Group-II and Group-III (p<0.0001 each). Regarding IL-17, significant differences were found among groups in total (p=0.002) and between Group-I and Group-III (p=0.001). No significant difference in the percentages of HbA1c observed between groups. Conclusions: Age, gender and duration of diabetes contribute to T2DM retinopathy. Serum IL-6 and IL-17 were inversely associated with T2DM retinopathy.
Nahid Zainodini; Gholamhossein Hassanshahi; Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi; Hossein Khorramdelazad; Afshin Mirzaei
Volume 10, Issue 1 , March 2013, , Pages 40-46
Abstract
Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a non-scarring, autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss. Inflammatory reactions are involved in hair loss of the scalp and/or body. The involvement of chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of AA is well defined among which, CXCL1 acts on neutrophils and CXCL9, ...
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Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a non-scarring, autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss. Inflammatory reactions are involved in hair loss of the scalp and/or body. The involvement of chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of AA is well defined among which, CXCL1 acts on neutrophils and CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 and serve as T lymphocytes recruiters. Objective: To study the serum levels of ELR+ and ELR- CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 in the patients suffering from AA and healthy controls. Methods: The study population of consisted of 30 patients suffering from AA and 30 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 were measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Current results showed that AA patients had significantly elevated serum levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in comparison to controls (p<0.001). These results also demonstrated that serum levels of CXCL1 and CXCL12 were significantly decreased in AA patients compared to control (p<0.001). Conclusion: CXCL9 and CXCL10 are elevated in the AA patients and may be involved in the recruitment of T lymphocytes to the inflamed tissues. Moreover, due to the significant role played by these chemokines in angiogenesis/angiostatis phenomenon they could be considered as useful biomarkers in AA diagnosis and therapy.
Morteza Bagheri; Ali Akbar Amirzargar; Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh; Kamran Alimoghadam; Farideh Khosravi; Bita Ansaripour; Batoul Moradi; Behrouz Nikbin
Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2005, , Pages 43-49
Abstract
Background: β-thalassemia as a hereditary disease is defined as defective synthesis of β-globin chains, resulting in erythropoiesis abnormalities and severe anemia. Different studies have shown that cytokines and cytokine gene polymorphisms play a major role in the pathogenesis of ...
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Background: β-thalassemia as a hereditary disease is defined as defective synthesis of β-globin chains, resulting in erythropoiesis abnormalities and severe anemia. Different studies have shown that cytokines and cytokine gene polymorphisms play a major role in the pathogenesis of β-thalassemia. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter region or other regulatory sequences of cytokine genes lead to overall production of cytokines. Objective: To analyze the genetic profile of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in Iranian patients with β-thalassemia major. Methods: Allelic and genotype frequencies of cytokine genes were determined in 30 thalassemia patients and 40 healthy subjects using PCR-SSP assay. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated and compared with those of normal controls. Results: The results of our study show a significant decrease in A allele at position UTR 5644 IFN- γ, G alleles at position -238 TNF- α and 166 IL-2, and C allele at position -590 IL-4. TGF- β haplotype TG/TG increased whereas TGF-β haplotype CG/CG and IL-10 haplotype GCC/ACC decreased significantly in all patients. Conclusion: Data of this investigation suggest that variations among cytokine gene polymorphisms may contribute to the disease susceptibility. A finding which needs to be fairly clarified in other ethnic groups.
Babak Barati; Firouz Ebrahimi; Shahram Nazarian
Volume 15, Issue 1 , March 2018, , Pages 47-58
Abstract
Background: Cholera toxin (CT), responsible for the harmful effects of cholera infection, is made up of one A subunit (enzymatic), and five B subunits (cell binding). The release of cholera toxin is the main reason for the debilitating loss of intestinal fluid. Inhibition of the B subunit (CTB) may block ...
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Background: Cholera toxin (CT), responsible for the harmful effects of cholera infection, is made up of one A subunit (enzymatic), and five B subunits (cell binding). The release of cholera toxin is the main reason for the debilitating loss of intestinal fluid. Inhibition of the B subunit (CTB) may block CT activity. Objective: To determine the effect of anti CTB-IgY against oral challenge with V. cholera in suckling infant mice. Methods: The binding domain of cholera toxin was amplified and ligated into pET28a vector. The pET28a (+)/ctb expression vector was confirmed by endonuclease digestion and sequence analysis. The expression of recombinant CTB in E. coli was performed by induction with IPTG. After immunizing the chickens with recombinant CTB, IgY was purified by water dilution method and NaCl precipitation and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Moreover, the activity and specificity of the IgY antibody were assessed by ELISA. Results: The SDS-PAGE and western blot techniques showed that CTB protein was successfully expressed and specifically recognized by polyclonal antibodies against the cholera toxin. The oral administration of anti- (V. cholera+CTB) in infant mice in challenge with active V. cholera bacterium demonstrated high rate of survival. Conclusion: The increase in the number of antibiotic resistant bacteria implies the necessity of finding novel antibiotics. Our results suggest the possibility of passive protection from purified IgY, hence implying that anti CTB-IgY may be useful in the treatment of cholera infections.
Fatemeh Vahedi Darmian; Soheila Joubeh; Mehrnoosh Doroudchi; Behnam Abdollahi; Abbas Ghaderi
Volume 1, Issue 1 , June 2004, , Pages 48-55
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a dermatological disorder of unknown etiology with a common incidence in southern Iran. Presence of autoantibodies to melanocyte antigens suggested an autoimmune basis of the disease. Objective: In this study, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera and skin biopsies of ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a dermatological disorder of unknown etiology with a common incidence in southern Iran. Presence of autoantibodies to melanocyte antigens suggested an autoimmune basis of the disease. Objective: In this study, the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera and skin biopsies of vitiligo patients was investigated. Methods: The presence of RF in sera of 35 vitiligo and 32 normal individuals was assessed by an indirect ELISA assay. In addition, the presence of IgM, IgG, and IgA immunoglobulins in the biopsy lesions of patients was also investigated by Immunoperoxidase test. Results: IgM-RF and IgA-RF were detected in sera of 50% and 20% of patients, respectively. Five out of 35 (15%) revealed to produce both IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors. The rheumatoid factor activity of the deposited immunoglobulins at the site of lesion was confirmed by direct immunoperoxidase test. Conclusion: The presence of rheumatoid factors as non organ-specific autoantibodies in vitiligo provides further evidence for the autoimmune etiology of the disease and its pathological importance remains to be elucidated.
Sławomir Poletajew; Ewa Wilczek; Aleksander Wasiutyński; Barbara Górnicka
Volume 12, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 50-63
Abstract
Background: Differentiation between the muscularis mucosae (MM) and muscularispropria (MP) of the bladder remains challenging. Objective: To identify MM- and MP-specific antigens that could be of potential value for staging of urothelialcarcinomain a pilot study. Method: The expression of 12 protein ...
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Background: Differentiation between the muscularis mucosae (MM) and muscularispropria (MP) of the bladder remains challenging. Objective: To identify MM- and MP-specific antigens that could be of potential value for staging of urothelialcarcinomain a pilot study. Method: The expression of 12 protein antigens in 11 human bladder specimens was examined. There were 5 post radical cystectomy specimens and 6 normal bladder autopsy specimens. Antibodies against actin, caldesmon, type IV collagen, cytokeratin, desmin, elastin, fibronectin, filamin, laminin, miotilin, smoothelin, and vimentin were used. Slides were stained with immunohistochemical reagents and assessed using light microscopy. The intensity of the immune reaction within MM and MP was evaluated in a four-level scale as negative, weakly, moderately, or strongly positive. Results: The presence of MM was noticed in 63.6% of the specimens.The expression of desmin, filamin, and smoothelin was stronger within MP compared to MM in all cases. Stronger reaction with anti-type IV collagen antibodies was noticed within MP in 80% of the cases. In the whole study group, the expression of vimentin was stronger within MM than MP. Conclusions: MM and MP cells are of different antigenic characteristics. This can be used in the microscopic diagnostics of selected cases. The results need to be validated in a series of specimens from transurethral resection.
Abdollah Jafarzadeh; Ali Esmaeeli-Nadimi; Mehdi Shariati
Volume 5, Issue 1 , March 2008, , Pages 51-56
Abstract
Background: Inflammation and infectious agents such as Chlamydia pneumoniae have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate the serum high sensitivity C - reactive protein (hs-CRP) and antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydial heat shock protein-60 (Cp-HSP60) in ...
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Background: Inflammation and infectious agents such as Chlamydia pneumoniae have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate the serum high sensitivity C - reactive protein (hs-CRP) and antibodies against Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydial heat shock protein-60 (Cp-HSP60) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: 62 patients with IHD having either acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=31) or unstable an-gina (UA; n=31) and 31 sex- and age- matched healthy subjects as a control group were en-rolled in this study. Serum samples of participants were tested for the presence of hs-CRP and antibodies against C. pneumoniae and Cp-HSP60 using ELISA method. Results: The sero-prevalence of anti-C. pneumoniae antibody in AMI group (93.5%) or UA group (90.3%) was significantly higher than the control group (61.3%; p<0.001). The sero-prevalence of anti-Cp-HSP60 IgG was 22.6% in healthy subjects with mean end titer of 43.1 ± 6.32. The seropositive rates of anti-Cp-HSP60 were 48.4%, 54.8% and 51.6% in AMI, UA and the overall IHD groups with mean end titers of 94 ± 22.86, 113.8 ± 24.25 and 103.9 ± 16.57, respectively. Both the seroprevalence and the mean titer of anti-Cp-HSP60 in patients groups were significantly higher than those observed in the control group (p<0.04 and p<0.03, respectively). Moreover, the mean serum hs-CRP levels was significantly higher in the IHD group as compared to the control group (21.6 μg/ml ± 3.73 vs 2.5 μg/ml ± 0.52; p<0.00001). The mean serum hs-CRP levels of AMI (30.3 μg/ml ± 6.07) or UA (12.9 μg/ml ± 3.85) groups were also significantly higher than those observed in the control group (p<0.00001 and p<0.001, respectively). Further-more, the difference of the mean serum hs-CRP levels between AMI and UA groups was also significant (p<0.02). Conclusions: These results showed that the seroprevalence of antibodies against C. pneumoniae and Cp-HSP60 and the serum levels of hs-CRP and anti-Cp-HSP60 IgG were higher in patients with IHD.
Vamsi Lavu; Vettriselvi Venkatesan; Priyanka Venugopal; Bhaskar Venkata Kameswara Subrahmanya Lakkakula; Solomon Franklin Durairaj Paul; Kumarasamy Peria; Suresh Ranga Rao
Volume 14, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 51-58
Abstract
Background: Cytokines are suggested to play a role in periodontitis. Objective: To determine and compare the levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples amongst healthy individuals and those with chronic periodontitis. ...
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Background: Cytokines are suggested to play a role in periodontitis. Objective: To determine and compare the levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples amongst healthy individuals and those with chronic periodontitis. Further to compare the GCF cytokine levels in three genotype classes defined by the respective gene polymorphisms. Methods: The study was conducted on 41 chronic periodontitis patients and 40 healthy volunteers. IL-1β and TNF-α were quantified in GCF by cytometric bead array. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and genotyping of IL1B +3954C/T (rs1143634) IL1B -511G/A (rs16944), TNFA -1031T/C (rs1799964) and TNFA -863C/A (rs1800630) polymorphisms were performed using Sanger sequencing and Taqman SNP genotyping assays methods. Results: Both IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in chronic periodontitis group compared to the controls. IL-1β and TNF-α levels did not significantly differ in genotype classes of the respective polymorphism (IL1B -511G/A, TNFA -1031T/C and TNFA -863C/A). However, individuals with CT genotype of IL1B +3954C/T showed higher levels of IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (ANOVA p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the presence of higher levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in subjects with periodontitis and genetic control of IL-1β levels in our samples of Indians.
Min Lin; Jin Huang; Wei-Chang Chen; Zhi-Ning Fan; Xihu Qin
Abstract
Background: Tim-3 has been considered as an ideal target for the immunotherapy of inflammation, but it is unclear whether Tim-3 also plays an important role in acute pancreatitis (AP), as well. Objective: To identify the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of Tim-3 action in the early stages of severe ...
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Background: Tim-3 has been considered as an ideal target for the immunotherapy of inflammation, but it is unclear whether Tim-3 also plays an important role in acute pancreatitis (AP), as well. Objective: To identify the immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms of Tim-3 action in the early stages of severe acute pancreatitis in mice. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham injection group, severe acute pancreatitis group, and anti-Tim-3 treated group. Histopathological scores of the pancreas were calculated, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was assessed. The concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were evaluated by ELISA kits. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the transcript amounts of Tim-3, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and TLR4 in peritoneal macrophages. The levels of peritoneal macrophages Tim-3, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-kB p65 were measured by western blot analysis. Results: The pathological scores of the anti-Tim-3 treated group (11.5 ± 1.3) significantly increased compared with the sham (1.3 ± 0.5) and SAP groups (6.9 ± 1.0). Furthermore, the downregulation of Tim-3 significantly aggravated mouse pancreatic tissue damage. It was further shown that Tim-3 negatively regulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Of note, the negative regulation of inflammatory cytokines by Tim-3 was mediated by the activation of TLR4/MyD88 NF-kB signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our study showed that Tim-3 might play an important role in the development of AP through regulating the inflammatory response.
Samira Ghorbani Gazar; Alireza Andalib; Mohammad Hashemi; Abbas Rezaei
Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 53-60
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disorder with chronic inflammatory conditions in which immune cells play a significant role in its pathogenic process. Regulatory T cells (Treg), as a part of immune system, are involved in controlling autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Quantitative ...
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Background: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disorder with chronic inflammatory conditions in which immune cells play a significant role in its pathogenic process. Regulatory T cells (Treg), as a part of immune system, are involved in controlling autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Quantitative and/or functional alteration of Tregs has been shown to play an atheroprotective role and may also promote plaque stabilization. Objective: To assess if inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS) expression on one subtype of Treg cells with high suppressive potential correlates with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Methods: Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and/or stable angina (SA), diagnosed as atherosclerosis by angiography, and a group of individuals with normal coronary angiography (NCA) were recruited for the present study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared and the expression of ICOS, Foxp3 and CD4 molecules was tested by flowcytometry. Results: The percentage of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells was reduced in MI group compared to NCA and SA groups (p<0.005). Evaluation of the two Treg subsets according to ICOS expression showed a decreased ICOS+/ICOS- Treg ratio in MI and SA groups compared to NCA individuals (p=0.002 and p=0.048, respectively). Conclusion: The present data indicate that Tregs and its ICOS+ subsets are decreased in patients with MI or SA, suggesting a potential role for Treg in atherosclerosis progression or onset of acute coronary syndrome.
