Gene expression study of host-human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) interactions: adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL)

BACKGROUND

In HTLV-1-associated malignant disease, adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), the interaction of virus and host was evaluated at the chemokines gene expression level. Also, IL-1β and Caspase-1 expressions were evaluated to investigate the importance of pyroptosis in disease development and progression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The expression of host CCR6 and CXCR-3 and the HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL), Tax, and HBZ were assessed in 17 HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers (ACs) and 12 ATLL patients using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), TaqMan method. Moreover, RT-qPCR, SYBR Green assay were performed to measure Caspase-1 and IL-1β expression. HTLV-1-Tax did not express in 91.5% of the ATLLs, while HBZ was expressed in all ATLLs. The expression of CXCR3 dramatically decreased in ATLLs compared to ACs (p = 0.001). The expression of CCR6 was lower in ATLLs than ACs (p = 0.04). The mean of PVL in ATLL patients was statistically higher than ACs (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the IL-1β between ATLLs and ACs was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). In contrast, there was a meaningful difference between Caspase-1 in ATLLs and ACs (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated that in the first stage of ATLL malignancy toward acute lymphomatous, CXCR3 and its progression phase may target the pyroptosis process. Mainly, HBZ expression could be a novel therapeutic target.

Characterization of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella: a role for AmpC-producing isolates

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of AmpC enzymes in carbapenem resistance among AmpC/extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Methods: Fifty-six bacterial strains that were AmpC producers were examined. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion and E-test. The prevalence of the plasmid carbapenemase was determined using PCR. Results: The resistance to meropenem in the AmpC⁺/ESBL⁺ group was 64%, higher than that reported for the AmpC^-/ESBL⁺ group. Ten isolates of the carbapenem-resistant AmpC producers were negative for carbapenemase-encoding genes. Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance among AmpC-producing isolates with negative results for carbapenemase-encoding genes potentially demonstrates the role of AmpC enzymes among these isolates.

Gene Expression Study of Host and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Interactions in the Manifestation of Acute Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) could induce type IV hypersensitivity. The chemotaxis of the leukocytes toward the site of infection and producing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key factors in the immune pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Mononuclear cells were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens, and the target from genomic DNA was used for qPCR TB diagnosis and cDNA for specific RT-qPCR gene expression. The subjects were then classified into TB⁺ and TB^- groups, and the expression levels of CFP-10, ESAT-6, CCR1, CCR12 and MMP3,9 were evaluated. The mean level of CCR1 expression in TB⁺ and TB^- patients' BAL was 1.71 ± 0.78 and 0.5 ± 0.22, respectively, which was statistically different (p = 0.01). The CCR2 level, in TB⁺ (2.07 ± 1.4), was higher than in TB^- patients (1.42 ± 0.89, p = 0.01). The MMP9 expression in TB⁺ was 2.56 ± 0.68, also higher than in TB^- patients (1.13 ± 0.35), while MMP3 was lower in TB⁺ (0.22 ± 0.09) than in TB^- (0.64 ± 0.230, p = 0.05). The CCR2/CCR1 and MMP3/MMP9 balance in TB⁺ were reduced, compared to the TB^-. The CFP-10 and ESAT-6 were highly expressed in TB⁺ patients. The CFP-10 expression had a strong negative correlation with albumin (r =  - 0.93, p = 0.001), and a negative correlation with neutrophil (r =  - 0.444, p = 0.1 with 90% CI). The MMP-9 expression showed a positive correlation with WBC count (r = 0.61, p = 0.02), in TB⁺, and had a negative correlation with BMI (r = 0.59, p = 0.02) in TB^-. The M.tb CFP-10 might be implicated in lowering CCR2 and MMP3 expression in favour of M.tb dissemination. Moreover, the balance of CCR2/CCR1 and MMP3/MMP9 can be used as prognostic factors in the severity of TB.

Anticancer activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa derived peptide with iRGD in colon cancer therapy

Objectives

Colon cancer is well-known as a life-threatening disease. Since the current treatment modalities for this type of cancer are powerful yet face some limitations, finding novel treatments is required to achieve better outcomes with fewer side effects. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of Azurin-p28 alone or along with iRGD (Ac-CRGDKGPDC-amide) as a tumor-penetrating peptide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for colon cancer.

Materials and Methods

Inhibitory effect of p28 with or without iRGD/5-FU was studied in CT26 and HT29, as well as the xenograft animal model of cancer. The effect of p28 alone or along with iRGD/5-FU on cell migration, apoptotic activity, and cell cycle of the cell lines was assessed. Level of the BAX and BCL2 genes, tumor suppressor genes [(p53 and collagen type-Iα1 (COL1A1), collagen type-Iα2 (COL1A2)] were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

These findings show that using p28 with or without iRGD and 5-FU raised the level of p53 and BAX but decreased BCL2, compared with control and 5-FU groups in tissues of the tumor, which result in raising the apoptosis.

Conclusion

It seems that p28 may be used as a new therapeutic approach in colon cancer therapy that can enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU.

Game theory applications in host-microbe interactions toward disease manifestation: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection as an example

OBJECTIVES

Game theory describes the interactions between two players and the pay-off from winning, losing, or compromising. In the present study, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-host interactions were used as an example for the application of game theory to describe and predict the different outcomes of Mtb-infection and introducing target molecules for use in protection or therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The gene expression for eight main markers (CCR1, CCR2, IDO, Tbet, TGFβ, iNOS, MMP3, MMP9) of host response and three Mtb virulence factors (Ag85B, CFP-10, ESAT-6) were assessed in broncho-alveolar lavage of TB⁺ and TB^- patients.

RESULTS

The players' strategies in the "Nash equilibrium", showed that Ag85B is the main virulence factor for Mtb in active phase, and also the most immunogenic factor, if the host can respond by high expression of T-bet and iNOS toward a Th1 response. In this situation, Mtb can express high levels of ESAT-6 and CFP10 and change the game to the latency, in which host responses by medium expression of T-bet and iNOS and medium level of TGF-β and IDO. Consistently, the IDO expression was 134-times higher in TB⁺s than the TB^-s,and the T-bet expression,~200-times higher in the TB^-s than the TB⁺s. Furthermore, Mtb-Ag85B had a strong positive association with CCR2, T-bet and iNOS, but had a negative correlation with IDO.

CONCLUSION

Ag85B and maybe ESAT6 (without its suppressive C-terminal) should be considered for making subunit vaccines. And, preventing IDO formation in dendritic cells might be a novel target for immunotherapy of tuberculosis, to reduce the pressure of immune-suppression on Th1 responses.

Depression and anxiety in an early rheumatoid arthritis inception cohort. associations with demographic, socioeconomic and disease features

Objective

Depression and anxiety are not uncommon in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is increasingly recognised that they are associated with high disease activity and worse disease outcomes. We aimed to examine the frequency of depression and anxiety in an early RA inception cohort and to explore associations with disease-related measures.

Methods

The Scottish Early Rheumatoid Arthritis inception cohort recruited newly diagnosed RA patients followed-up 6-monthly. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Associations with demographic characteristics and disease-related measures were examined at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.

Results

848 RA patients were included. The prevalence of anxiety and depression at baseline was 19.0% and 12.2%, respectively. Depression and anxiety scores correlated with DAS28 at all time-points (all p<0.0001). In multivariable linear regression, anxiety score at baseline was associated with younger age and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score. Anxiety scores at 6 months and 12 months were associated with low body mass index (BMI), baseline anxiety score and current patient global score and HAQ. Depression score at baseline was associated with younger age, being single and HAQ, while depression scores at 6 months and 12 months were associated with male gender (only at 6 months), baseline anxiety and depression scores and current patient global score, HAQ and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Conclusion

Depression and anxiety are associated with disease activity, worse functional status and other variables in early RA. There is a close relationship between CRP and depression but not anxiety.

Nanotechnology-driven advances in the treatment of diabetic wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are chronic severe complications of diabetes disease and remain a worldwide clinical challenge with social and economic consequences. Diabetic wounds can cause infection, amputation of lower extremities, and even death. Several factors including impaired angiogenesis, vascular insufficiency, and bacterial infections result in a delayed process of wound healing in diabetic patients. Treatment of wound infections using traditional antibiotics has become a critical status. Thus, finding new therapeutic strategies to manage diabetic wounds is urgently needed. Nanotechnology has emerged as an efficient approach for this purpose. This review aimed to summarize recent advances using nanotechnology for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Formulation and Optimization of a New Cationic Lipid-Modified PLGA Nanoparticle as Delivery System for Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX/EsxS Fusion Protein: An Experimental Design

Polymeric particles and liposomes are efficient tools to overcome the low immunogenicity of subunit vaccines. The aim of the present study was formulation and optimization of a new cationic lipid-modified PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system for Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX/EsxS fusion protein. The cationic lipid-modified PLGA NPs containing HspX/EsxS fusion protein were prepared using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) tools were used to determine physical properties of hybrid NPs. A multi-level full factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of two factors of PLGA:DDA weight ratio (w/w) and PVA concentration (%) on size, surface charge, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency and yield. Finally, the optimal formulation was achieved based on desired responses. Mathematical models were obtained to indicate the relation between the studied factors and responses. The DDA concentration showed an increasing effect on surface charge and also a decreasing effect on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and yield. Higher amounts of DDA increased surface charge of NPs; however, the size, encapsulation efficiency and yield were decreased. The influence of various concentrations of PVA on different physical characteristics of PLGA:DDA hybrid NPs was variable. The optimal formulation consisted of 0.91 (55:5, w/w) weight ratio of PLGA:DDA and 0.5% PVA. The hybrid NPs showed acceptable particle size distribution, strong positive surface charge, prolonged antigen release and good encapsulation efficiency in comparison to PLGA alone. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are needed.

High prevalence of sequence type 131 isolates producing CTX-M-15 among extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli strains in northeast Iran

OBJECTIVES

The recent expansion of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is a worldwide problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing E. coli strains in Mashhad, located in the northeast of Iran.

METHODS

A total of 455 clinical E. coli isolates were collected at three hospitals in Mashhad between April-September 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. The combination disk test was performed for phenotypic detection of ESBLs. PCR was used to screen isolates for ESBL typing. Phylogenetic groups and sequence type 131 (ST131) were determined by multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli among the collected strains was 51.6% (235/455). Among the 235 ESBL-producing strains, 222 (94.5%) tested positive for CTX-M type, whilst 115 (48.9%), 92 (39.1%) and 21 (8.9%) were positive for TEM, OXA and SHV, respectively. Moreover, CTX-M-15 (94.1%; 209/222) was the most common ESBL among E. coli. Based on multiplex PCR, phylogenetic group B2 was predominant (169/235; 71.9%), followed by D (32/235; 13.6%), A (21/235; 8.9%) and B1 (13/235; 5.5%). ST131 was the predominant clonal group among the phylogenetic group B2 isolates (151/169; 89.3%).

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that an urgent investigation of the source and transmission pathways of the CTX-M-15-B2-ST131 E. coli clone is needed to mitigate this emergent public-health problem.

Designing and Construction of a Cloning Vector Encoding mtb32C and mpt51 Fragments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a DNA Vaccine Candidate

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of death around the world. Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is the only vaccine used in TB prevention that has a protective effect in children, but its effectiveness declines in adults. Design and development of new vaccines is the most effective way against TB.The aim of this study was to design and construct a DNA vaccine encoding mtb32C and mpt51 fusion genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

METHODS

First, mpt51 fragment was amplified by PCR method. The pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid was transformed into E. coli JM109 and then extracted. The mpt51 gene and pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid were both digested with EcoRI and BamHI restriction enzymes followed by ligation of mpt51 fragment into the digested vector. The recombinant plasmid containing mtb32C and mpt51 was subsequently transformed into competent E. coli TOP10 strain. The clones were confirmed by colony-PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing.

RESULTS

Using agarose gel electrophoresis, a 926 bp fragment corresponded to mpt51 was observed. Digestion of the vector pcDNa3.1+/mtb32C and mpt51 gene was confirmed by electrophoresis. Then, the pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid was extracted. Sequencing results confirmed the accuracy of the desired plasmid.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we constructed a cloning vector encoding mtb32C/mpt51 gene of M. tuberculosis. The eukaryotic expression of this vector can be confirmed in future studies. It can be considered as a DNA vaccine in animal models later. Successful cloning provides a basis for the development of new DNA vaccines against TB.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX/EsxS Fusion Protein: Gene Cloning, Protein Expression, and Purification in Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clone, express, and purify a novel multidomain fusion protein of Micobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a prokaryotic system.

METHODS

An hspX/esxS gene construct was synthesized and ligated into a pGH plasmid, E. coli TOP10 cells were transformed, and the vector was purified. The vector containing the construct and pET-21b (+) plasmid were digested with the same enzymes and the construct was ligated into pET-21b (+). The accuracy of cloning was confirmed by colony PCR and sequencing. E. coli BL21 cells were transformed with the pET-21b (+)/hspX/esxS expression vector and protein expression was evaluated. Finally, the expressed fusion protein was purified on a Ni-IDA column and verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

RESULTS

The hspX/esxS gene construct was inserted into pET-21b (+) and recombinant protein expression was induced with IPTG in E. coli BL21 cells. Various concentrations of IPTG were tested to determine the optimum concentration for expression induction. The recombinant protein was expressed in insoluble inclusion bodies. Three molar guanidine HCl was used to solubilize the insoluble protein.

CONCLUSION

An HspX/EsxS Mtb fusion protein was expressed in E. coli and the recombinant protein was purified. After immunological analysis, the HspX/EsxS fusion protein might be an anti-tuberculosis vaccine candidate in future clinical trial studies.

In vitro bactericidal activities of two novel dihydropyridine derivatives against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

INTRODUCTION

Introducing new and effective antitubercular agents is important in tuberculosis control programs. In this study, the in vitro antitubercular activity of two novel 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives (F-27, Cl-33) were screened against a total of 113 different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (77 susceptible and 36 resistant clinical isolates).

METHODOLOGY

The in vitro activities of these compounds were evaluated based on the modified broth macro-dilution assay.

RESULTS

Compound F-27 showed more than 90% growth inhibition at the range of 2 to 8 μg/mL (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]90: 4.13 ± 0.45 µg/mL; p  < 0.01), and complete growth inhibition was observed at the range of 8 to 32 μg/mL (minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC]: 11.2 ± 1.65 µg/mL; p < 0.01) against susceptible strains. However, 92% of the resistant strains showed some degree of susceptibility against this compound (MIC90 range: 16 to 64 µg/mL; mean: 40.4 ± 8 µg/mL; p < 0.01). It was found that although there is a linear relationship between the inhibitory activity of F-27 and isoniazid against resistant strains at low concentrations (r = 0.484, p < 0.001), there was no relationship between resistance to isoniazid and F-27 at higher concentrations (r = 0.019, p > 0.1). This may emphasize no cross-resistance between F-27 and isoniazid.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the sufficient sample size of the study and based on the excellent antimycobacterial activity of F-27, it could be concluded that F-27 is a potent candidate as a lead compound, and may be considered for development of a new antitubercular agent.

Multimorbidity as an important issue among women: results of a gender difference investigation in a large population-based cross-sectional study in West Asia

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of gender on multimorbidity in northern Iran.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of the Golestan cohort data.

SETTING

Golestan Province, Iran.

STUDY POPULATION

49 946 residents (age 40-75 years) of Golestan Province, Iran.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Researchers collected data related to multimorbidity, defined as co-existence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual, at the beginning of a representative cohort study which recruited its participants from 2004 to 2008. The researchers utilised simple and multiple Poisson regression models with robust variances to examine the simultaneous effects of multiple factors.

RESULTS

Women had a 25.0% prevalence of multimorbidity, whereas men had a 13.4% prevalence (p<0.001). Women of all age-groups had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity. Of note, multimorbidity began at a lower age (40-49 years) in women (17.3%) compared with men (8.6%) of the same age (p<0.001). This study identified significant interactions between gender as well as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, physical activity, marital status, education level and smoking (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Prevention and control of multimorbidity requires health promotion programmes to increase public awareness about the modifiable risk factors, particularly among women.

Screening of the antimycobacterial activity of novel lipophilic agents by the modified broth based method

Most of the introduced susceptibility methods of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have some disadvantages for screening. Therefore, the selection of susceptibility assay for evaluating candidate agents must be determined case by case. In this study, we evaluated the validity of a modified broth dilution-based assay in comparison to the gold standard proportional method for microbial sensitivity test of new lipophilic compounds candidate as antitubercular agents. The in-vitro susceptibilities of 114 M. tuberculosis strains were separately tested against isoniazid and two lipophilic antitubercular agents (derivative of dihydropyridines) by employing the standard proportional method and a modified broth dilution-based assay. The results for isoniazid testing showed 100% concordance for sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. In the case of microbial sensitivity test of lipophilic compounds, comparison of the results obtained from these two methods indicates a significant superiority of the modified method over the standard method. Considering the other advantages of this modified method, we concluded that this modified broth dilution-based assay could be utilized effectively for the susceptibility testing of new lipophilic compounds candidate as antitubercular agents.

Cardiovascular effects of Teucrium polium L. extract in rabbit

Background:

Teucrium polium L. (TP) have been used in herbal medicine for different purposes such as antispasmodic, antidiabetic and lowering blood lipid. In the present study, the impact of aqueous-ethanol extract of TP on blood pressure, heart rate and intraventricular pressure was investigated in rabbit.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-four NWZ rabbits weighed (2-3 kg) were randomly divided into four groups. In each experiment, two groups of six rabbits received jugular injection of either TP extract (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) or normal saline for blood pressure effects and two groups for intraventricular pressure. Then, blood pressure, heart rate and intraventricular pressure were measured via carotid cannula using pressure transducer connected to a power lab system, and the data were pooled from independent, single-blinded experiments for each group.

Results:

Treatment with 80 mg/kg of TP extract significantly depressed the mean arterial blood pressure (12.5%, P< 0.05). However, there was no significant decrease in the 20 or 40 mg/kg dose or normal saline treatment group. Moreover, the extract increased (dp/dt)max (P<0.05), maximum left ventricular pressure (LVP_max) (P<0.05) and decreased (dp/dt)min significantly (P<0.05), there was no meaningful effect on left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP).

Conclusion:

The present results demonstrated the extract had no effect on the heart rate, but showed a positive inotropic on the heart and hypotensive effects. These data suggested that hypotensive effect may counterbalance by the inotropic effect of the extract.

Construction of an Expression Vector Containing Mtb72F of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

Despite using the Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, tuberculosis (TB) is still a worldwide disease that kills 2-3 million people each year. Developing a new and more effective vaccine is one way to possibly reduce the morbidity and mortality of TB. The Mtb72F vaccine is one of the important subunit vaccines applied in human clinical trials. In this study, we have constructed an expression vector that contains the Mtb72F fragment with some new modifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, Mtb32N and Mtb39 fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers and inserted into pET21b\Mtb32C. Colony-PCR, restriction enzyme analysis, and DNA sequencing were used to confirm the accuracy of the cloning. We used Western blot to verify the desired protein expression.

RESULTS

The amplified fragments showed the desired size in PCR and digestion methods, and protein expression was confirmed using a monoclonal antibody.

CONCLUSION

Our modification made it possible to insert another gene or gene fragments into the Mtb72F vector for developing new constructs. In addition, our data has shown that the placement of the histidine tag in the carboxyl- (C-) or amino- (N-) terminal part of a protein may influence protein expression and/or stability.

Effects of Achillea wilhelmsii on rat's gastric acid output at basal, vagotomized, and vagal-stimulated conditions

Background:

Achillea is a plant widely used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders. There are some reports on gastrointestinal effects of Achillea, such as antiulcer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, choleretic, and antispasmodic. To investigate the effects of aqueous–ethanol extract of Achillea wilhelmsii on rat’s gastric acid output in basal, vagotomized (VX), and vagal-stimulated conditions.

Materials and Methods:

24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: control and test. Gastroduodenostomy was performed for each rat. Gastric content was collected for 30 min by washout technique. One milliliter of 3 doses (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) was introduced into the stomach of each rat in the test group and the same volume of saline was used in the control group. Total titratable acid was measured by a titrator.

Results:

The extract inhibited acid output significantly in basal condition by 1 and 2 mg/kg doses (P < 0.05) but in VX condition this inhibitory effect on acid output disappeared and the 1 and 2 mg/kg doses increased acid output significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The extract showed a reduction in the acid output in vagal-stimulated condition by 1 and 2 mg/kg doses, which were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

These results showed an inhibitory effect of A. wilhelmsii extract on acid output in basal condition. The inhibitory effect of the extract was exerted via gastric vagal parasympathetic nerve.

Construction and Evaluation of an Expression Vector Containing Mtb32C (Rv0125) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Expressions of recombinant proteins for different applications are important objectives in molecular biotechnology; however, expression of some recombinant proteins is difficult. Several methods have been designed for expression of these proteins. The aim of this study was to construct a vector containing Mtb32C fragment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis) as a fusion partner in order to improve the expression of fused recombinant proteins. Mtb32C was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified fragment was ligated into pET21b+ vector. Colony-PCR, enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing methods were used to confirm the recombinant vector. Colony-PCR showed a 420 bp fragment in size corresponding to the correct size of our fragment. In addition the recombinant plasmids sequencing showed the accuracy of the cloned fragment. For confirming the expression, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR analysis was performed showing a 420 bp fragment in agarose gel electrophoresis using specific primers. The construction of a vector containing Mtb32C fragment is promising as a fusion partner for future studies as it affected the expression of the fused proteins and increased immune responses against the partner.

The beneficial effects of olibanum on memory deficit induced by hypothyroidism in adult rats tested in Morris water maze

Functional consequences of hypothyroidism include impaired learning and memory and inability to produce long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampus. Olibanum has been used for variety of therapeutic purposes. In traditional medicine, oilbanum is used to enhance learning and memory. In the present study the effect of olibanum on memory deficit in hypothyroid rats was investigated. Male wistar rats were divided into four groups and treated for 180 days. Group 1 received tap drinking water while in group 2, 0.03% methimazol was added to drinking water. Group 3 and 4 were treated with 0.03% methimazole as well as 100 and 500 mg/kg olibanum respectively. The animals were tested in Morris water maze. The swimming speed was significantly lower and the distance and time latency were higher in group 2 compared with group 1. In groups 3 and 4 the swimming speed was significantly higher while, the length of the swim path and time latency were significantly lower in comparison with group 2. It is concluded that methimazole-induced hypothyroidism impairs learning and memory in adult rats which could be prevented by using olibanum.

Effect of measles virus (MV) on mitochondrial respiration

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Studies of interaction between viruses and mitochondria have shown that viruses can affect the mitochondria. Also linkage between human diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction has been revealed. We studied the effect of measles virus (MV) on cell respiration in MV infected Hela cells to see any possible changes in mitochondrial respiration.

METHODS

Total cell respiration (TCR) of MV infected (10 pfu/cell) HeLa cells was measured using oxygen electrode (OE). Cell lines were grown in growth medium. Virus titration was done in VERO cell line using plaque assay method.

RESULTS

TCR of HeLa cells was not significantly changed post MV infection and was similar to most infected cells.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Infection with measles virus did not reveal any significant effect on mitochondrial respiration in HeLa cells. Further studies need to be done using advanced techniques to throw more light on this aspect.

Reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices of Iranian and Afghan men in Tehran Province

This study was carried out in south-west Tehran province to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of men, Iranians and Afghan refugees, regarding reproductive health. A questionnaire was used for the assessment. Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices for Iranians were 4.38/30, 13.89/20 and 12.99/31 respectively; for Afghans the scores were 3.79/30, 11.66/20 and 11.88/31. Although the scores in both groups were low, Afghans showed significantly lower scores for attitudes and practices. Access to reproductive health services was the same for both groups. Further scrutiny of men's role in reproductive health, particularly social and cultural factors, is strongly recommended.

Human herpesvirus 1 protein US3 induces an inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport

Previous studies have identified virus proteins that traffic to mitochondria and may affect mitochondrial function. Here, it is reported that Human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1, herpes simplex virus 1) and influenza virus reduced mitochondrial respiration, whilst Measles virus, cytomegalovirus, coxsackievirus B4 and Feline calicivirus did not. The inhibition of total cellular respiration was caused by a block in the mitochondrial electron-transport chain. This effect occurred during β-phase protein synthesis and the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration could be reproduced by ectopic expression of the β-phase protein US3. An HHV-1 mutant lacking this protein failed to inhibit oxygen consumption in infected cells relative to controls. It was concluded that US3 was mediating the suppression of mitochondrial respiration following HHV-1 infection. The integrity of the electron-transport chain in HHV-1-infected cells was analysed further and the site of the block in electron transport was located between complexes II and III, a site previously shown to be affected by Poliovirus.

A relatively minor adult case becomes significantly complex: A lesson in humility

A 41-year-old white woman with no particular concerns about facial esthetics was first seen with bilateral Class II molar relationship, a Class I right canine, and a Class II left canine. Overjet was 3 mm and overbite was 0.5 mm, with no incisor contact. A maxillary right premolar was missing for unknown reasons and all 4 third molars had previously been extracted. The maxillary midline was 2 mm to the right of the facial midline, and the mandibular midline was 3.5 mm to the left of the maxillary midline. There was 7 mm of crowding in the maxillary arch and 6 mm of crowding in the mandibular arch, with an increased curve of Spee. The patient had a well-positioned maxilla, a retrognathic mandible with increased convexity, a Class II denture base relationship, and a vertical facial pattern. The treatment plan consisted of extracting the maxillary left first premolar and the mandibular left central incisor. After 4 months of treatment, an open bite from second premolar to second premolar was noted. After 6 months of treatment, the patient expressed concern with her chin position and mentalis hyperactivity. It was apparent that the orthodontic treatment had resulted in molar extrusion, which the musculature was not able to withstand. Treatment continued and the case was set up for posterior maxillary impaction and mandibular advancement surgical procedures.