Elham Ashouri; Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh; Amirhossein Hadaegh; Soodeh Rowhanirad; Marizeh Bakhshayeshkaram; Gholamhossein Ranjbar Omrani
Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2013, , Pages 150-157
Abstract
Background: Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed on NK cells and a subset of T cells. The variable KIR receptors along with their ligands, HLA class I, influence risk for autoimmune and malignant diseases. Objective: To investigate the KIR gene profiles in relation to susceptibility ...
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Background: Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed on NK cells and a subset of T cells. The variable KIR receptors along with their ligands, HLA class I, influence risk for autoimmune and malignant diseases. Objective: To investigate the KIR gene profiles in relation to susceptibility to Graves’ disease in patients with ophthalmopathy. Methods: KIR genes profiles were analyzed in 90 patients presenting Graves’ disease with ophthalmopathy representing upper eyelid retraction, swelling, redness, conjunctivitis, and bulging eyes and were compared with the KIR gene profiles of 112 healthy controls. The presence and absence of 11 variable KIR genes were characterized using a gene-specific PCR typing system. Results: There was no significant difference in the distribution of KIR gene profiles between patients and controls. Conclusion: Our data show that none of the KIR genotypes contribute in susceptibility to Graves’ disease; although the role of HLA ligand remains to be characterized.
Mahmood Soveid; Kazem Hosseini Asl; Gholamhossein Ranjbar Omrani
Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2012, , Pages 48-52
Abstract
Background: Infectious agents have been suspected as a triggering factor for development of autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Some reports from Western countries have suggested association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and ATD. Objective: To investigate the association of ATD with Cag A ...
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Background: Infectious agents have been suspected as a triggering factor for development of autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Some reports from Western countries have suggested association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and ATD. Objective: To investigate the association of ATD with Cag A seropositivity in a population with high rate and early age of onset of HP infection. Methods: IgG anti HP and anti Cag A antibodies were measured in 88 patients with ATD and compared with results of 112 healthy individuals. Results: The rate of infection with HP was not significantly different in patient and control groups, but there was significant association between ATD and infection with Cag A strains (p<0.005). This association was significant for both hypothyroidism (p<0.005) and Graves' disease (p<0.02). Cag A antibody level correlated with titers of thyroid auto antibodies (p<0.001). Conclusion: In a population with high rate and early age of onset of HP infection, only infection with Cag A positive strains is associated with ATD, and this may be due to immune cross reactivity.