Ragaa Mohamed Issa
Volume 3, Issue 4 , December 2006, , Pages 176-180
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of toxocariasis heavily depends on immunological tests because the number of parasites is usually few in infected tissues, unless they migrate into an organ such as eye. In general, patients with ocular toxocariasis have serum anti- T canis antibody titres that are significantly ...
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Background: The diagnosis of toxocariasis heavily depends on immunological tests because the number of parasites is usually few in infected tissues, unless they migrate into an organ such as eye. In general, patients with ocular toxocariasis have serum anti- T canis antibody titres that are significantly lower than those with visceral toxocariasis. Objective: To diagnose the asymptomatic toxocariasis in infants before two years old and suspected pregnant women by an ELISA method utilizing two different antigens of TEE and capture TEX. Methods: This work was carried out between 8/2005 and 4/2006. Specimens of serum collected from 79 infants (apparent healthy) aged between 4 weeks to 30 moths (51 females and 28 males) Also, 28 specimens of serum were collected from asymptomatic pregnant women aged between 18-32 years old and all their infants (17 females and 11 males that their ages were as mentioned above). Serodiagnosis by ELISA was done by using two antigens, Toxocara canis embryonated egg antigen (TEE) and Toxocara canis antigen capture ELISA . Results: Toxocara antibodies were found in 7 and 12 pregnant women, when tested by TEE and capture TEX ELISA respectively. Three out of 28 and 7 out of 28 infant sera were positive for Toxocara antibodies when tested by TEE ELISA and capture TEX ELISA respectively. Active ocular toxocariasis was only diagnosed in the left eye of one mother. All inactive ocular toxocariasis were diagnosed by capture TEX ELISA, except one infant serum, which was diagnosed by TEE ELISA. Conclusion: The capture TEX ELISA was able to discriminate positive and negative toxocariasis samples better than TEE ELISA. In addition, sample analyses by both capture TEX ELISA and TEE ELISA is recommended in children and young adults, when toxocariasis is considered in the differential diagnosis of the ocular diseases.
Shahriar Shahriari; Aliasghar Rezaei; Seyed Mohsen Jalazadeh; Khosro Mani; Alireza Zamani
Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2011, , Pages 176-182
Abstract
Background: Bone resorption is one of the main features of inflammatory periapical lesions and is mainly mediated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2). Recent investigations of these lesions revealed that pharmacological modulation may ...
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Background: Bone resorption is one of the main features of inflammatory periapical lesions and is mainly mediated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2). Recent investigations of these lesions revealed that pharmacological modulation may be possible. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ibuprofen on IL-1β, TNF-α and PGE2 levels in periapical exudates and compare the results with a group of placebo control. Methods: Thirty patients with non vital teeth and radiographic lesions were divided into two groups of case and control according to their entrance to the study. Periapical exudates were taken from root canals using absorbent paper points and followed by 400 mg Ibuprofen and placebo prescribed one tablet every 6 hour for three days and in the fourth day second samples were taken, then final cleaning, shaping and obturation of the canals were completed. IL-1β, TNF-α and PGE2 levels were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and student's t-test. Results: The results showed that PGE2 levels were decreased significantly in the case group to 86.92 ± 72.42 Pg/ml following Ibuprofen treatment comparing with the pre-treatment (164.96 ± 12.255 Pg/ml) (p=0.02) and placebo group (154.2 ± 97.13 Pg/ml) (p=0.001). But there were no significant differences in IL-1β and TNF-α level between the two groups and in each group before and after treatment. Conclusion: The data indicate that Ibuprofen, as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can be used to block PGE2 release, enhance healing of inflammatory periapical lesions and possibly to inhibit bone resorption.
Abolghasem Ajami; Amir Esmailnejad Moghaddam; Hasan Motamed
Volume 1, Issue 3 , December 2004, , Pages 177-182
Abstract
Background: Antifertility effect of naturally occuring antisperm antibody (ASA) in infertile couples and studies on experimental immunization of various animals with sperm antigens represents ASA as immunocontraceptive target. Despite extensive research on the effects of different factors on sperm immunogenecity ...
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Background: Antifertility effect of naturally occuring antisperm antibody (ASA) in infertile couples and studies on experimental immunization of various animals with sperm antigens represents ASA as immunocontraceptive target. Despite extensive research on the effects of different factors on sperm immunogenecity and ASA production variable result have been reported. Objective: To study whole sperm immunization in mice. Methods: In an experimental study, whole mice sperm with different adjuvant i.e. complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (ICFA), and cholera toxin subunit- β (CTS-β) were administrated to mice intramuscularly (IM), subcutaneously (SC), intranasally (IN), intra-peritoneally (IP), intrarectally (IR), intravaginally (IVA) and orally. Control groups were inoculated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) plus corresponding adjuvant. Immunization was carried out on days 0, 7, 14, 28 and ASA titers were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) technique in sera and vaginal washes of all groups. The IP group was further excluded from the study due to high mortality rate. The results were compared between control and experimental groups by Mann Whitney and Fisher exact tests. Results: The number of positive mice for ASA in IM, SC, IN experimental and control groups were significantly different (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, P = 0.04, respectively). However, there were no significant differences between IR, IVA, and oral experimental and control groups. No differences were observed between ASA in vaginal washing of all groups. Due to high mortality in IP group it was excluded from the study. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the whole sperm antigen can induce immune response in female mice by IM, SC, IN but not IAV, IR and oral administration routes.
Tyebeha Hashempoor; Taravat Bamdad; Shahin Merat; Ehsan Janzamin; Leila Nemati; Hossain Jabbari; Amir-Houshang Sharifi; Hediyeh Zamini
Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2010, , Pages 177-185
Abstract
Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been involved in impaired immunity and may have a pivotal role in persistence of viral infections. Objective: To develop a simple and reliable in-house three color flow cytometery of peripheral blood to understand the role of HCV infection in the increase of ...
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Background: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been involved in impaired immunity and may have a pivotal role in persistence of viral infections. Objective: To develop a simple and reliable in-house three color flow cytometery of peripheral blood to understand the role of HCV infection in the increase of Tregs. Methods: The level of naturally occurring CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (nTregs) in 20 chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients was compared to those of 15 healthy individuals by flowcytometry. In a different approach we performed permeabilization and intracellular staining before surface staining which allows the preservation of the surface molecules in the combined detection process and results in the normal frequency of nTregs in blood. Results: Using the optimized method, it was shown that a significantly higher proportion of nTregs in the total CD4+ T cell population was seen in the peripheral blood of chronic HCV patients (0.83 ± 0.21%, p=0.05) as compared to controls (0.26 ± 0.1, p=0.05). Conclusions: In accordance with other studies, we showed that HCV infection induces a dramatic increase in Tregs, which might contribute to the immune response failure during HCV infection.
Nasrollah Erfani; Mohammad Reza Haghshenas; Mohammad Ali Hoseini; Seyed Basi Hashemi; Bijan Khademi; Abbas Ghaderi
Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2012, , Pages 188-198
Abstract
Background: Variations in Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) affect the expression and function of this protein. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association of +49 A/G (rs231775), +1822 C/T (rs231779) and +6230 A/G (CT60, rs3087243) genetic variations, as well as the merged haplotypes in ...
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Background: Variations in Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) affect the expression and function of this protein. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association of +49 A/G (rs231775), +1822 C/T (rs231779) and +6230 A/G (CT60, rs3087243) genetic variations, as well as the merged haplotypes in CTLA-4 gene with susceptibility to, or progression of head and neck cancer. Methods: Eighty patients with confirmed head and neck (HN) cancer (age 54.9 ± 16.1 years) and 85 healthy age/sexmatched controls (age 56.3 ± 12.4 years) were enrolled in the study. Genotypes were investigated by the PCR-RFLP method. Arlequin software package was used to check for Hardy-Weinberg equilibration, and to estimate the haplotypes. Results: At position +6230 A/G (CT60), AA genotype, as well as A allele was significantly decreased in patients with HN cancers than controls (18.8% vs. 40.7%, p=0.004; odds ratio=0.34, and 46.3% vs. 61.7, p=0.007; odds ratio=0.53%, respectively). Nearly the same results were obtained when we compared the subgroup of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the HN (SCC-HN) with control subjects. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles at other positions were not significantly different between patients and controls, however ACG, GTA and GCA haplotypes emerged from three investigated loci occurred with significantly more frequencies in patients (p<0.0001), while ACA and GTG haplotypes were more frequent among controls (p<0.0001). Significant differences of haplotypes, genotypes and alleles frequencies resisted the Bonferroni correction. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CT60 A allele, as well as ACA and GTG haplotypes in CTLA-4 gene may have protective roles against HN cancer in Iranian population, while ACG, GTA and specially GCA haplotypes may render susceptibility.
Mohsen Mohammadi; Zahra Kianmehr; Sussan Kaboudanian Ardestani; Behnaz Gharegozlou
Volume 11, Issue 3 , September 2014, , Pages 189-199
Abstract
Background: Adjuvants are used to increase the immunogenicity of new generation vaccines, especially those based on recombinant proteins. Despite immunostimulatory properties, the use of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant has been hampered due to its toxicity and pyrogenicity. Brucella ...
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Background: Adjuvants are used to increase the immunogenicity of new generation vaccines, especially those based on recombinant proteins. Despite immunostimulatory properties, the use of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant has been hampered due to its toxicity and pyrogenicity. Brucella abortus LPS is less toxic and has no pyrogenic properties compared to LPS from other gram negative bacteria. Objectives: To evaluate the adjuvant effect of B. abortus (vaccine strain, S19) LPS for tetanus toxoid antigen (TT) and to investigate the protective effect of different tetanus vaccine preparations. Methods: LPS was extracted and purified from B. abortus S19 and KDO, glycan, phosphate content, and protein contamination were measured. Adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) was used as a linker for the conjugation of TT to LPS. Different amounts of B. abortus LPS, TT, TT conjugated with LPS, and TT mixed with LPS or complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) were injected into mice and antibody production against TT was measured. The protective effect of induced antibodies was determined by LD50. Results: Immunization of mice with TT+LPS produced the highest anti-TT antibody titer in comparison to the group immunized with TT without any adjuvant or the groups immunized with TT-LPS or TT+CFA. Tetanus toxid-S19 LPS also produced a 100% protective effect against TT in immunized mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that B. abortus LPS enhances the immune responses to TT and suggest the possible use of B. abortus LPS as an adjuvant in vaccine preparations.
Fang Gao; Yuan Chen; Wenwei Zhang; Xiaolong Wang; Jingchun Li; Feng Feng; Chunli Liu; Wenxi He; Wei Sun
Abstract
Background: Suppressor APC domain containing 2 (SAPCD2) is involved in cell cycle regulation and its mRNA levels are higher in cancer tissues. But, the function of SAPCD2 in cancer development remains unclear.Objective: To generate mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to SAPCD2 and thus clarify ...
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Background: Suppressor APC domain containing 2 (SAPCD2) is involved in cell cycle regulation and its mRNA levels are higher in cancer tissues. But, the function of SAPCD2 in cancer development remains unclear.Objective: To generate mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to SAPCD2 and thus clarify the function of SAPCD2 in the development of gastric carcinoma (GC).Methods: Purified SAPCD2-GST immunized BALB/c mouse spleen cells were collected and fused with myeloma cells to obtain monoclonal antibody hybridoma. A group of monoclonal antibodies exhibiting high specificity and sensitivity against SAPCD2 has been generated and characterized by IHC, WB, IP, IF, and ELISA. By immunohistochemical analysis, the SAPCD2 expression was evaluated in 228 clinical samples of gastric mucosal lesions, including precancerous lesions and GC samples.Results: We identified a highly specific and sensitive clone of s12 in eukaryotic cells and performed an IHC analysis. We found that 81.3% of 107 GC tissues were SAPCD2-positive, compared with the 26.2% in the matched adjacent normal-appearing tissues (P<0.001). Furthermore, among the 121 gastritis tissues, SAPCD2 was overexpressed in precancerous gastric lesions such as dysplasia (Dys, 78.9%), intestinal metaplasia (IM, 44.7%), and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG, 6.1%) compared with that in chronic non-atrophic gastritis (CNAG, 3.2%) (P<0.001). The SAPCD2-positivity rate was 81.3% in GC, suggesting that the expression of SAPCD2 increased with the severity of the lesion (P<0.001).Conclusion: In summary, we have described novel monoclonal antibodies against SAPCD2, which are highly expressed in GC tissues and may serve as the basis for an early clinical marker for GC development.
Zeinab Kadkhoda; Aliakbar Amirzargar; Zahra Esmaili; Mahdi Vojdanian; Solmaz Akbari
Volume 13, Issue 3 , September 2016, , Pages 197-203
Abstract
Background: Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share a number of clinical and pathologic features, one of which is the presence of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced bone resorption that is involved in the pathogenesis of both. Objectives: To investigate the effect of TNF-α ...
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Background: Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) share a number of clinical and pathologic features, one of which is the presence of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-induced bone resorption that is involved in the pathogenesis of both. Objectives: To investigate the effect of TNF-α blockade on periodontal conditions in patients with active RA. Method: The periodontal statuses of 36 patients (26 females, 10 males) diagnosed with active RA were evaluated both before and after anti-TNF-α therapy. Gingival index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), oral hygiene index (OHI), and levels of TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured at the baseline and 6 weeks after the treatment. Wilcoxon signed ranked test was used for statistical analyses. Results: Based on OHI (p=0.860), the level of plaque control did not change during the study period, but there was a significant reduction in gingival inflammation based on the mean BOP (p=0.049) and GI (p=0.036) before and after 6 weeks of anti-TNF-α therapy. The mean PPD index did not significantly differ at the baseline and 6 weeks after treatment (p=0.126). Conclusion: Anti-TNF-α therapy might have a desirable effect on periodontal conditions and might reduce TNF-α level in GCF of patients with RA.
Forough Tavakoli; Afagh Moattari; Mahmoud Shamsi Shahr Abadi; Mohammad Rahim Kadivar; Nastaran Khodadad; Neda Pirbonyeh; Amir Emami
Volume 12, Issue 3 , September 2015, , Pages 198-208
Abstract
Background: A new pandemic influenza A (H1N1) emerged in April 2009, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Since mutations in the haemagglutinin (HA) may influence the antigenicity and pathogenicity of the virus, continued epidemiological and molecular characterization for the effective control ...
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Background: A new pandemic influenza A (H1N1) emerged in April 2009, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Since mutations in the haemagglutinin (HA) may influence the antigenicity and pathogenicity of the virus, continued epidemiological and molecular characterization for the effective control of pandemic flu and developing of more appropriate vaccine is crucial. Objective: To monitor the molecular evolution of A (H1N1) pdm09 viruses in a specific time period in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Methods: A total of 200 samples were collected from February-April 2013. HA gene of the isolates was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene was performed. Results: Out of 200 samples, a total of 77 (38.5%) samples were confirmed as A (H1N1) pdm09 virus using Real-time PCR method. Nucleotide similarity of our study strains with respect to reference strain A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) was 97.5%-98.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of our study strains indicated that the dominant A (H1N1) pdm09 clade was clade 7 and the dominant genetic group in circulating strains in Shiraz was genetic group 6. Some of our study strains showed substitutions at or in the vicinity of the antigenic sites of the HA1 region which may affect the efficacy of the vaccine. Conclusion: Our study strains showed a high homology to the vaccine strain. Our findings confirm the genetic variability of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and highlight the necessity of continuous molecular study of the virus for effective management of influenza.
Mohammad Amin Ghatei; Gholamreza Hatam; Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hosseini; Bahador Sarkari
Volume 6, Issue 4 , December 2009, , Pages 202-207
Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Many techniques have been used for diagnosis of VL, among which the urine based la-tex agglutination test (KAtex) is a promising one. Objective: To compare three diag-nostic tests of VL including KAtex, ELISA and Direct ...
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Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic disease in some parts of Iran. Many techniques have been used for diagnosis of VL, among which the urine based la-tex agglutination test (KAtex) is a promising one. Objective: To compare three diag-nostic tests of VL including KAtex, ELISA and Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) in VL patients and healthy controls in the south west of Iran. Methods: Serum (n = 29) and urine samples (n = 31) were collected from parasitologically confirmed VL patients. Control samples were obtained from healthy individuals (n = 61) and also from patients with infectious diseases other than VL. The collected serum samples were tested by DAT and ELISA using crude antigen from promastigotes of Leishmania infantum and the urine samples were tested by KAtex. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of KAtex for diagnosis of VL was found to be 83.9% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivities of DAT and ELISA were 93.1% and 86.2% and their specificities were 100% and 90.5%, respectively. Conclusion: KAtex yielded a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity in di-agnosis of VL in Iran and can be recommended as a rapid, field applicable and reliable test for diagnosis of VL in this region.
Yanni He; Qiaorong Yang; Tong Zhang; Yibin Zeng; Lingbo Du; Wuqing Wang
Abstract
Background: Acne is a common and chronic inflammatory dermatosis of sebaceous gland units of the human hair follicle. Acne is closely related to immune cytokines and cells including T helper 17cells (Th17 cells). Mis-regulated glycolipid metabolism also plays a vital role in the process. Objective: This ...
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Background: Acne is a common and chronic inflammatory dermatosis of sebaceous gland units of the human hair follicle. Acne is closely related to immune cytokines and cells including T helper 17cells (Th17 cells). Mis-regulated glycolipid metabolism also plays a vital role in the process. Objective: This investigation aimed to explore the role of IL-17 in signaling pathways controlling sebaceous gland lipoprotein metabolism in a rat model of acne. Methods: We generated the rat ear acne model, and investigated the pathological changes of acne skin tissue by histological analysis and the changes in the critical factors including DEFB1, GPR65, FADS1, and FADS2 by Western Blot in this model. Results: There were more Th17 cells in the rat ear acne model than in the control mice. The expression levels of DEFB1, GPR65, FADS1, FADS2 and MOGAT1 were significantly upregulated in serum and tissue from rat acne model, which could be concluded that the Th17 cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of acne based. Conclusion: Although acne is associated with immune effects and glycolipid metabolism, inhibition of IL-17 signaling pathway might be a novel way for acne therapy. Our findings also suggest a new strategy for targeted therapy of acne.
Atina Vakili; Seyed Latif Mousavi Gargari; Shahram Nazarian; Jafar Amani
Abstract
Background: Cholera disease caused by Vibrio cholerae remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Various strategies with different proteins as immunogens have been tried for vaccine development, none of which have been sufficiently effective to preclude cholera. Chimeric proteins, ...
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Background: Cholera disease caused by Vibrio cholerae remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Various strategies with different proteins as immunogens have been tried for vaccine development, none of which have been sufficiently effective to preclude cholera. Chimeric proteins, with their ability to present multiple antigens at the same time, can play important roles in immunization. Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of a chimeric construct, comprised of OmpW and CtxB as immunogenic proteins of Vibrio cholera, in BALB/c mice. Methods: The construct was designed after bioinformatics assessments and then expressed in E.coli. Chimeric protein, OmpW, and CtxB were purified with Ni-NTA chromatography and confirmed by Western blotting. Mice were immunized with purified recombinant proteins. The antibody titers and specificity of the immune sera were then analyzed by ELISA and challenged on the pups of immunized mice with 1, 5 and 10 LD50. Mice ileal loop assay was also performed. Results: Significant differences were observed in antibody titers in immunized mice compared to the control groups. Infant mouse challenge was performed so as to compare the protective efficacies of the selected immunogen regimens. Of the Pups from dams immunized with chimeric protein which received 1 LD50, 75% survived. Pups belonging to PBS-immunized dams, experienced 100% mortality. The serum raised toward immunogenic construct, inhibited cholera toxin activity in ileal loop test up to 68%. Conclusion: Chimeric construct is able to induce the immune system and provide up to 75% inhibition of toxin activity against 1 LD50 of Vibrio cholerae.
Alireza Andalib; Abbas Rezaie; Farzad Oreizy; Sima Baluchi
Volume 2, Issue 4 , December 2005, , Pages 213-219
Abstract
Background: Human peripheral blood NK cells constitutively express CD56 and CD16 antigens. Peripheral blood NK cells seem to be strongly related with decidual NK cells, and may reflect the decidual NK cell functional status. There are varied reports concerning the relationship between NK cell cytotoxicity ...
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Background: Human peripheral blood NK cells constitutively express CD56 and CD16 antigens. Peripheral blood NK cells seem to be strongly related with decidual NK cells, and may reflect the decidual NK cell functional status. There are varied reports concerning the relationship between NK cell cytotoxicity in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Objective: To study NK activity in women with history of RSA by using a non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes from RSA and healthy multiparous women were obtained. Lymphocytes were isolated and mixed with K562 NK-sensitive cell line. A non-radioactive method for NK cell cytotoxicity assessment was utilized. Dead K562 cell populations were detected by FACS Calibur flow cytometry, and the data obtained was analysed on cell-Quest software. The proportion of CD16+ /CD56+ cells was then calculated. Results: The proportion of NK cells were 9.21% ± 3.06 and 13.48% ± 4.09 in healthy women and RSA, respectively. The percentage of cytotoxicity was determined to be 19.3% ± 3.9 in healthy group and 27.1% ± 6.5 in RSA group with an effector:target ratio of 50:1. The data shows an increase in PBLs potential for in vitro cytotoxicity assay in RSA individuals. The analyses indicate that there is a weak positive correlation between NK cytotoxicity potential and the percentage of NK cells in PBL population. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the percentage of CD56+ /CD16+ cells increases in individuals with recurrent spontaneous abortion. We conclude that NK cytotoxicity as well as NK number is partially involved in RSA.
Ali Bagherian; Abdullah Jafarzadeh; Mohsen Rezaeian; Shima Ahmadi; Mohammad Taghi Rezaity
Volume 5, Issue 4 , December 2008, , Pages 217-221
Abstract
Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic child-hood diseases. In spite of the global decrease in dental caries in the past decades, ECC has become a significant problem in many developing countries and also in a few indus-trialized nations. Saliva as a host factor can ...
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Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common chronic child-hood diseases. In spite of the global decrease in dental caries in the past decades, ECC has become a significant problem in many developing countries and also in a few indus-trialized nations. Saliva as a host factor can play an important role in the process of den-tal caries. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare sIgA and IgG as saliva components between ECC and caries-free groups. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, samples of unstimulated saliva of 90 children (45 in ECC group & 45 in caries-free group) were taken with Scully method. Then the concentration levels of sIgA and IgG were measured with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Single Radial Im-munodiffusion methods. Results: Mean concentration levels of salivary sIgA and IgG were significantly higher among children with ECC (p<0.05). There was also a weak inverse correlation between sIgA level and DMFT index in ECC group but it was not statistically significant (p=0.056). Conclusion: The high concentration of salivary im-munoglobulin in children with ECC may be associated with an increased antigenic load, leading to high production of antibodies.
Kazem Ahmadi; Majid Riazipour
Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2007, , Pages 220-226
Abstract
Background: The water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has been used as an immunomodulator to stimulate spleen cells proliferation and cytokine expression. Objective: To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) on cytokine production by mice peritoneal macrophages. Methods: ...
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Background: The water-soluble extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has been used as an immunomodulator to stimulate spleen cells proliferation and cytokine expression. Objective: To investigate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) on cytokine production by mice peritoneal macrophages. Methods: Mice peritoneal macrophages were prepared by intra-peritoneal injection of 5 ml cold PBS. Peritoneal macrophages were plated out at 1X106 cell/well in 1ml RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10%FCS, 50 μg streptomycin and 50U penicillin. Cells were incubated in the presence or absence of different concentrations of G. lucidum at 370C and 5% CO2 for 48 hours. Cell free medium was removed and used for cytokine assay by ELISA method (Bender med system). Results: The results showed no significant differences in cell viability at concentrations ranged from 0-40 μg/ml compared with control group. G. lucidum enhanced IL-1β, TNF-α and NO production in a concentration dependent manner. However, it is not clear if the enhancement of NO release is due to direct effect of G. lucidum on NO synthesis or by indirect endogenous modulation via cytokines. IL-12 release by peritoneal macrophages was also increased in response to different concentrations of G. lucidum, but maximum enhancement was induced in response to 5 μg/ml of G. lucidum (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our results indicate that G. lucidum at concentrations used has a positive effect on cytokine release and NO production by peritoneal macrophages. Therefore, it is concluded that G. lucidum at moderate concentrations improves macrophage function through cytokine and NO release.
Zahra Mehraji; Ali Farazmand; Alireza Esteghamati; Sina Noshad; Maryam Sadr; Somayeh Amirzargar; Mir Saeed Yekaninejad; Aliakbar Amirzargar
Volume 14, Issue 3 , September 2017, , Pages 223-230
Abstract
Background: Graves’ disease (GD), a highly rampant autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland, is responsible for 60-80% of the clinical cases of hyperthyroidism. Over the past decades, genetic association studies have identified several GD susceptibility loci in CTLA-4, TSHR and major histocompatibility ...
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Background: Graves’ disease (GD), a highly rampant autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland, is responsible for 60-80% of the clinical cases of hyperthyroidism. Over the past decades, genetic association studies have identified several GD susceptibility loci in CTLA-4, TSHR and major histocompatibility complex regions. The information on the association between the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and GD among Iranians is scarce. Objective: To identify HLA polymorphisms that might confer susceptibility or protect against GD. Methods: Eighty unrelated patients with a confirmed diagnosis of GD were included in the case group. The control group consisted of 180 unrelated healthy individuals with normal thyroid function tests. The polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) method was used for HLA typing. Results: Frequencies of HLA-A*68 (15.6% vs. 4.2%, p=0.004) and B*08 (8.8% vs. 2.5, p=0.030) were significantly higher in patients with GD compared with healthy controls. No patients with GD had HLA-A*33, whereas it was found in 7.0% of the controls (p=0.011). HLA-DQB1*0201 was significantly less frequent among patients with GD (15.6% vs. 26.8%, p=0.040). Additionally, patients with GD were significantly less bound to have HLA-DQA1*0201 (6.2% vs. 15.1%, p=0.045). Concerning allelic distributions, no noticeable difference was found between GD patients with and without Graves’ ophthalmopathy (p>0.05 in all cases). Conclusion: In the Iranian population, HLA-A*68 and -B*08 confer susceptibility to GD, whereas HLA-A*33, -DQB1*0201, and -DQA1*0201 appear to have protective roles.
Akram Ziaei; Zahra Amirghofran; Josef Zapp; Mohammad Ramezani
Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2011, , Pages 226-235
Abstract
Background: Salvia mirzayanii, a native plant to Iran, is shown to have immunomodulatory effects on lymphocyte proliferation. Objective: To identify the bioactive immunomodulatory compound(s) present in S. mirzayanii. Methods: The crude extract was fractionated to five fractions in two steps using different ...
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Background: Salvia mirzayanii, a native plant to Iran, is shown to have immunomodulatory effects on lymphocyte proliferation. Objective: To identify the bioactive immunomodulatory compound(s) present in S. mirzayanii. Methods: The crude extract was fractionated to five fractions in two steps using different solvents. The fractions were subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation. All the fractions were tested for bioactivity on human activated-peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) using cell proliferation assay. Results: The methanol fraction (Fr. M) showed the highest inhibitory effect on PBLs compared to other fractions. Fr. M was applied on a gravity column chromatography for further fractionation. Resultant fractions, demonstrated inhibitory effects at higher concentrations. Fr. 4 with an 18.9 ± 0.2% inhibitory activity at 200 μg/ml and with the highest quantity was applied on preparative TLC plates for further purification. The final purified compound was identified as teuclatriol, a guaiane sesquiterpene, by NMR analysis. This compound showed a significant anti-proliferative effect on human activated- peripheral blood lymphocytes (IC50, 72.8 ± 5.4 μg/ml). Conclusion: Teuclatriol was found to be one of the compounds responsible for the immunoinhibitory effect of Salvia mirzayanii. We suggest further studies on teuclatriol, exploring its mechanism of action as an immunomodulatory compound.
Javad Ghaffari; Mohammad KHademloo; Mohammadjafar Saffar; Alireza Rafiei; Farzad Masiha
Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2010, , Pages 234-239
Abstract
Background: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are among the most common diseases in the world. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect, by skin prick test, aeroallergens in allergic patients in Sari, Mazandaran in north of Iran. Methods: This is a prospective study of skin prick test of aeroallergens ...
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Background: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are among the most common diseases in the world. Objective: The aim of this study was to detect, by skin prick test, aeroallergens in allergic patients in Sari, Mazandaran in north of Iran. Methods: This is a prospective study of skin prick test of aeroallergens in asthma, allergic rhinitis and their combination with clinical diagnosis. Three hundred and seventy five cases aged between 5 to 50 years, were referred to Tooba and Boo-Ali allergic centers of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences between December 2006 and July 2009. The aeroallergens studied included house dust mites (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), cockroaches, feather, aspergillus, Alternaria, pigweed, nettle, oak and maple. Results: Of the studied individuals, 175 cases were males (46.7%) and 200 were females (53.3%), of which 156 (n=41.5%) reacted to allergen extracts. In asthma, allergic rhinitis and their combination, the respective positive percentages were 26.6%, 22.9%, and 32.6% for Dermatophagoides farinae; 26.6%, 25.3%, and 23.3% for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; 12.7%, 17.4%, and 11.6% for cockroaches and 16.5%, 4.7%, and 7.0% for the feather. Other allergens were positive up to 5 percent. Total IgE levels were elevated in 56.4%, 53% and 60.5% of asthmatic, allergic rhinitis and the combination group, respectively. Eosinophils count was elevated in 40.5%, 33.2% and 37.2% of the same groups, respectively. Conclusion: The hypersensitivity to house dust mites is very common in north of Iran which may be attributed to the warm and humid weather of this area.
Ziba Veisi Malekshahi; Nasser Hashemi Goradel; Mehdi Shakouri Khomartash; Amir Maleksabet; Maryam kadkhodazadeh; Gholam Ali Kardar; Babak Negahdari
Abstract
Background: Human colorectal cancer cells overexpress carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA is a glycoprotein which has shown to be a promising vaccine target for immunotherapy against colorectal cancer. Objective: To design a DNA vaccine harboring CEA antigen and evaluate its effect on inducing immunity ...
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Background: Human colorectal cancer cells overexpress carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA is a glycoprotein which has shown to be a promising vaccine target for immunotherapy against colorectal cancer. Objective: To design a DNA vaccine harboring CEA antigen and evaluate its effect on inducing immunity against colorectal cancer cells in tumor bearing mice. Methods: In the first step the coding sequence of the CEA was cloned into the pcDNA3.1 vector. The mice were injected with the vaccine construct and the immune responses were monitored during the experiment period. The specific IgG anti-CEA, IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 were measured by ELISA and levels of IFN-γ was detected by ELISpot assay. The lymphocyte proliferation was assessed using a 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) cell proliferation assay kit. Results: Immunization of the mice with the CEA plasmid resulted in stimulation of CEA-specific T cell and antibody responses. The serum level of specific IgG antibodies against CEA was increased in immunized mice. Moreover, the injection of CEA plasmid led to the stimulation of T-helper-1 by increase in the secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2 and lymphocyte proliferation response. Conclusion: As the CEA DNA vaccine displayed encouraging antitumor effects, therefore, we suggest that it can be a potential therapeutic modality for colorectal cancer and is worthy of further investigation.
Leila Rezanezhad; Jaleh Zolghadri; Behrouz Gharesi-Fard
Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2013, , Pages 238-246
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy specific syndrome that is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Glucose regulated protein78 (GRP78) is an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) protein which is expressed on the cell surfaces of trophoblast cells under stress or hypoxic condition. ...
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Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy specific syndrome that is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Glucose regulated protein78 (GRP78) is an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) protein which is expressed on the cell surfaces of trophoblast cells under stress or hypoxic condition. GRP78 has a role in aggressive behavior of invasive cells and may play a role in normal placentation. Objectives: To investigate the autoantibody against GRP78 in the sera of patients with PE and to assess the correlation between antibody and severity of the disease. Methods: We evaluated the anti-GRP78 antibody within the sera of fifty pre-eclamptic (12 severe and 38 mild PE) and fifty healthy pregnant women using a home-made ELISA assay. Furthermore, western blot technique was used to assess the expression of GRP78 in placenta of healthy and pre-eclamptic women in their third trimester. The presence of anti-GRP78 antibody in the serum samples from pre-eclamptic and healthy women was also assessed. Results: GRP78 was expressed by placenta, and both healthy and preeclamptic women produced anti-GRP78 antibody. Although no significant difference was found between the pre-eclamptic and healthy women regarding the level of anti-GRP78 antibody, the difference between severe pre-eclamptic and healthy control women was statistically significant (p<0.003). Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated that measurement of anti-GRP78 antibody may provide a new marker for severe pre-eclampsia. Yet, future studies are required to confirm this notion.
Mohammad Reza Sheikh Sajjadieh; Larisa Kuznetsova; vadim Bojenko
Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2012, , Pages 248-253
Abstract
Background: The effect of low dose radiation on immune system is shown. Ionizing radiation can affect cytokine production and polarization of T helper cells. Objective: The current study focused on ionizing radiation in Ukrainian children residing in a contaminated area with clinical irritable bowel ...
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Background: The effect of low dose radiation on immune system is shown. Ionizing radiation can affect cytokine production and polarization of T helper cells. Objective: The current study focused on ionizing radiation in Ukrainian children residing in a contaminated area with clinical irritable bowel syndrome. Method: Our study included 75 rural children population aged 4-18 yrs, who lived in a contaminated area exposed to natural environmental radiation with clinical irritable bowel syndrome (categorized in three groups) and 20 rural children participants aged 5-15 yrs who were living in areas with similar levels of radioactive contamination without clinical irritable bowel syndrome as control group. Internal radiation activity was measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. Serum levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A trend towards increased levels of IL-4 was observed in children with clinical irritable bowel syndrome. In these children, IFN-γ levels were lower than that of the control group. Conclusion: The IBS symptoms in Ukrainian children residing in a contaminated area may have stemmed from Th1 to Th2 immune deviation and differential expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ.
Arezou Sayad; Mohammad Taghi Akbari; Mahshid Mehdizadeh; Mohammad Taheri; Abbas Hajifathali
Volume 11, Issue 4 , December 2014, , Pages 269-274
Abstract
Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) includes a wide range of diseases with different clinical and biological features. NHL is usually presented as localized or generalized lymphadenopathy. It has been suggested that the HLA class I and II are associated with susceptibility to NHL. Different ethnic ...
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Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) includes a wide range of diseases with different clinical and biological features. NHL is usually presented as localized or generalized lymphadenopathy. It has been suggested that the HLA class I and II are associated with susceptibility to NHL. Different ethnic groups have been found to have different HLA class I and II alleles which affect NHL. Objective: To evaluate the association of HLA class I and class II with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Iranian patients. Methods: We performed a case-control genotyping study on 75 Iranian NHL patients who were selected from among the patients referred to the Bone Marrow Transplantation Department of Taleghani Hospital and 120 apparently healthy control subjects using the SSP-PCR by a commercial kit. Results: Our results demonstrated that the HLA-A*26 (p: 0.026; OR: 8.5) and HLA-B*35 (p: 0.022; OR: 0.375) alleles had positive and negative associations with NHL disease, respectively. HLA-DRB1*13 allele showed decrease of frequency in patients in comparison with the controls, but it did not remain significant after correction. Conclusions: Our results conclude that HLA-A*26 may represent as a genetic susceptibility factors in Iranian patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a finding which generally supports contribution of genetic factors in the etiology of this disorder. In addition, these results may be useful in designing a peptide based vaccine for the Iranian NHL patients with HLA-A*26.
Ahmad Mehravaran; Mahmoud Reza Jaafari; Seyed Amir Jalali; Ali Khamesipour; Mohsen Tafaghodi; Mansure Hojatizade; Azam Abbasi; Ali Badiee
Volume 12, Issue 4 , December 2015, , Pages 274-287
Abstract
Background: Cationic immune stimulating complexes (PLUSCOMs) are particulate antigen delivery systems. PLUSCOMs consist of cationic immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMs) derivatives and are able to elicit in vivo T cell responses against an antigen. Objective: To evaluate the effects of PLUSCOMs containing ...
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Background: Cationic immune stimulating complexes (PLUSCOMs) are particulate antigen delivery systems. PLUSCOMs consist of cationic immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMs) derivatives and are able to elicit in vivo T cell responses against an antigen. Objective: To evaluate the effects of PLUSCOMs containing Leishmaniamajor antigens (SLA) on the type of immune response generated in the murine model of leishmaniasis. Methods: PLUSCOMs consisting of 1, 2-dioleoyl-3- trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) were used as antigen delivery system/immunoadjuvants for soluble SLA. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously, three times in 2-week intervals. Footpads swellings at the site of challenge and parasite loads were assessed as a measure of protection. The immune responses were also evaluated by determination of IgG subclasses and the level of IFN- γ and IL-4 in cultured splenocytes. Results: There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the sizes of lesions in mice immunized with different formulations. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of parasites in the footpad or spleen of all groups compared with the control group. The highest level of IFN- γ secretion was observed in the splenocytes of mice immunized with PLUSCOM/SLA (p<0.001) and lower amounts of IL-4 was observed in PLUSCOM group (p<0.001) as compared to negative control. Conclusion: Our results indicated that SLA in different formulations generated an immune response with mixed Th1/Th2 response that was not protective enough despite the activation of CD4 + T cells with secreting IFN-γ in groups which received PLUSCOM with antigen.
Zahra Meshkat; Amir Teimourpour; Samira Rashidian; Mohsen Arzanlou; Roghayeh Teimourpour
Volume 13, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 289-295
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis is a life threatening disease that is partially prevented by
BCG vaccine. Development of more effective vaccines is an urgent priority in TB
control. Ag85a and Tb10.4 are the members of culture filter protein (CFP) of M.
tuberculosis that have high immunogenicity. Objective: ...
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Background: Tuberculosis is a life threatening disease that is partially prevented by
BCG vaccine. Development of more effective vaccines is an urgent priority in TB
control. Ag85a and Tb10.4 are the members of culture filter protein (CFP) of M.
tuberculosis that have high immunogenicity. Objective: To analyze the
immunogenicity of Ag85a-Tb10.4 DNA vaccine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA). Methods: In this study a previously described plasmid DNA vaccine
encoding Ag85a-Tb10.4 was used to examine its capability in the stimulation of
immune responses in an animal model. Female BALB/c mice were vaccinated with 100
μg of purified recombinant vector intramuscularly 3 times at two-week intervals and the
levels of five cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β were measured.
Results: The levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 for the mice following immunization with
Ag85A-Tb10.4 was significantly greater than that of the BCG and control group
(p<0.05). However there was no significant difference in the levels of IL-4, IL-10 and
TGF-β between groups. Conclusion: IFN-γ and IL-12 Th1 cytokines increased
significantly in mice vaccinated with Ag85a-TB10.4 DNA vaccine in comparison to the
control and BCG groups. Our results may serve as groundwork for further research into
the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.
Maryam Moradi; Abbas Fayezi; Mana Momeni; Asyeh Javanian; Suzan Amini; Mohammad Shahrooei
