F1 fraction isolated from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom induces macrophage polarization toward M1 phenotype and exerts anti-tumoral effects on the CT26 tumor cell line

Scorpion venoms identified as agents with anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic features. Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the process of tumorigenesis, tumor development, and polarization of M2 phenotype tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). M2 polarized cells are associated with tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The fractionation process was performed by gel filtration chromatography on a Sephadex G50 column. To elucidate whether scorpion venom can alter macrophage polarization, we treated interleukin (IL)-4-polarized M2 cells with isolated fractions from Mesobuthus eupeus. Next, we evaluated the cytokine production and specific markers expression for M2 and M1 phenotype using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. The phagocytic capacity of macrophages was also assessed. In addition, the migration assay and MTT analysis were performed to investigate the effects of reprogrammed macrophages on the CT-26 colon cancer cells. The results indicated that F1 fraction of venom significantly upregulated the levels and expression of M1-associated cytokines and markers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (p < 0.001), IL-1 (p < 0.01), interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) (p < 0.0001), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.0001), and CD86 (p < 0.0001), and downregulated M2-related markers, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (p < 0.05), IL-10 (p < 0.05), Fizz1 (p < 0.0001), arginase-1 (Arg-1) (p < 0.0001), and CD206 (p < 0.001). The macrophage phagocytic capacity was enhanced after treatment with F1 fraction (p < 0.01). Moreover, incubation of CT-26 cell line with conditioned media of F1-treated macrophages suppressed migration (p < 0.0001) and proliferation (p < 0.01) of tumor cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the potential of Mesobuthus eupeus venom in M2-to-M1 macrophage polarization as a promising therapeutic approach against proliferation and metastasis of colon cancer cells.

Dietary patterns in relation to glioma: a case-control study

Although the association of individual foods and nutrients with glioma have been investigated, studies on the association of major dietary patterns and glioma are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between major dietary patterns and risk of glioma in a group of Iranian adults. In this hospital-based case-control design, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed glioma cases and 256 controls in Tehran from 2009 to 2011. A Willett-format-validated 126-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants' dietary intake. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. We identified 3 major dietary patterns using factor analysis: high protein, vegetarian and western dietary pattern. After several adjustments for potential confounders, adherence to the high protein dietary pattern was inversely associated with risk of glioma (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.95). Consumption of vegetarian dietary pattern was also associated with a reduced risk of glioma (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.34). Greater adherence to the western dietary pattern was associated with a greater chance of glioma (OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.52, 7.17). We found that high protein, vegetarian and western dietary pattern were significantly associated with glioma risk. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Synthesis of Chiral Triazine Frameworks for Enantiodiscrimination

Manipulation of the structure of covalent organic frameworks at the molecular level is an efficient strategy to shift their biological, physicochemical, optical, and electrical properties in the desired windows. In this work, we report on a new method to construct chiral triazine frameworks using metal-driven polymerization for enantiodiscrimination. The nucleophilic substitution reaction between melamine and cyanuric chloride was performed in the presence of PdCl2, ZnCl2, and CuCl2 as chirality-directing agents. Palladium, with the ability of planar complex formation, was able to assemble monomers in two-dimensions and drive the reaction in two directions, leading to a two-dimensional triazine network with several micrometers lateral size. Nonplanar arrangements of monomers in the presence of ZnCl2 and CuCl2, however, resulted in calix and bouquet structures, respectively. While 2D and bouquet structures showed strong negative and positive bands in the CD spectra, respectively, their calix counterparts displayed long-range weak negative bands. In spite of the ability of both calix and bouquet networks to load l-histidine 35 and 50% more than d-histidine from pure enantiomers, respectively, only calix counterparts were able to take up this enantiomer (78%) from the racemic mixture. The two-dimensional polytriazine network did not show any specific interactions with pure enantiomers or their racemic mixtures.

Synthesis of two-dimensional triazine covalent organic frameworks at ambient conditions to detect and remove water pollutants

Synthesis of fully triazine frameworks (C3N3) by metal catalyzed reactions at high temperatures results in carbonized and less-defined structures. Moreover, metal impurities affect the physicochemical, optical and electrical properties of the synthesized frameworks, dramatically. In this work, two-dimensional C3N3 (2DC3N3) has been synthesized by in situ catalyst-free copolymerization of sodium cyanide and cyanuric chloride, as cheap and commercially available precursors, at ambient conditions on gram scale. Reaction between sodium cyanide and cyanuric chloride resulted in electron-poor polyfunctional intermediates, which converted to 2DC3N3 with several hundred micrometers lateral size at ambient conditions upon [2 + 2+2] cyclotrimerization. 2DC3N3 sheets, in bulk and individually, showed strong fluorescence with 63% quantum yield and sensitive to small objects such as dyes and metal ions. The sensitivity of 2DC3N3 emission to foreign objects was used to detect low concentration of water impurities. Due to the high negative surface charge (-37.7 mV) and dispersion in aqueous solutions, they demonstrated a high potential to remove positively charged dyes from water, exemplified by excellent removal efficiency (>99%) for methylene blue. Taking advantage of the straightforward production and strong interactions with dyes and metal ions, 2DC3N3 was integrated in filters and used for the fast detection and efficient removal of water impurities.

Investigation the interaction of dietary fat quality indices and the MC4R gene in metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight and obese women

Obesity has become a common global problem. Some obese people can be metabolically healthy. Gene-environment interaction can be important in this context. This study aimed to assess the interaction between dietary fat quality indices and the Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene in metabolically healthy and unhealthy overweight and obese women. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 279 women with overweight and obesity. The definition of metabolically healthy and unhealthy phenotypes was done according to Karelis criteria. Dietary assessment was done using a 147-item validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and dietary fat quality was assessed by cholesterol-saturated fat index (CSI) and the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 (N6/N3) essential fatty acids. MC4R was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the interaction between dietary fat quality indices and the MC4R gene in both crude and adjusted models. Study subjects with higher ratio of N6/N3 had higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA IR) index (P = 0.03) and other variables showed no difference according to the tertile of CSI and N6/N3. Participants with the C allele of MC4R rs17782313 had lower height (P < 0.001) and higher HOMA index (P = 0.01). We found that the CC genotype of MC4R interacts with the N6/N3 ratio on the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the crude model (β = 9.94, CI 2.49-17.39, P = 0.009) and even after adjustment for all confounders (β = 9.002, CI 1.15-16.85, P = 0.02, β =  - 12.12, CI 2.79-21.46, P = 0.01). The data of this study can justify one inconsistency observed in society, regarding dietary recommendations about metabolic health status. Those with CC genotype, are more likely to have an unhealthy phenotype with an increase in N6/N3 as one fat quality indices than those who do not have CC genotype. We found the interaction of dietary fat quality indices such as N6/N3 and the MC4R gene in metabolically unhealthy overweight and obese women.

Thyroid dysfunction following vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines: a basic review of the preliminary evidence

PURPOSE

The safety and efficacy of the several types of COVID-19 vaccines, including mRNA-based, viral vector-based, and inactivated vaccines, have been approved by WHO. The vaccines can confer protection against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection through induction of the anti-spike protein neutralizing antibodies. However, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been associated with very rare complications, such as thyroid disorders. This review was conducted to highlight main features of thyroid abnormalities following COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

A comprehensive search within electronic databases was performed to collect reports of thyroid disorders after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines.

RESULTS

Among 83 reported cases including in this review, the most cases of thyroid abnormalities were observed after vaccination with mRNA-based vaccines (68.7%), followed by viral vector vaccines (15.7%) and 14.5% cases following inactivated vaccines. Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) was the most common COVID-19 vaccination-related thyroid disease, accounting for 60.2% of all cases, followed by Graves' disease (GD) with 25.3%. Moreover, some cases with focal painful thyroiditis (3.6%), silent thyroiditis (3.6%), concurrent GD and SAT (2.4%), thyroid eye disease (1.2%), overt hypothyroidism (1.2%), atypical subacute thyroiditis (1.2%), and painless thyroiditis with TPP (1.2%) were also reported. Overall, in 58.0% of SAT cases and in 61.9% of GD cases, the onset of the symptoms occurred following the first vaccine dose with a median of 10.0 days (ranged: 3-21 days) and 10.0 days (ranged: 1-60 days) after vaccination, respectively. Moreover, 40.0% of SAT patients and 38.1% of GD patients developed the symptoms after the second dose with a median of 10.5 days (ranged: 0.5-37 days) and 14.0 days (ranged: 2-35 days) after vaccination, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fortunately, almost all cases with COVID-19 vaccination-associated thyroid dysfunctions had a favorable outcome following therapy. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations in terms of terminating the pandemic and/or reducing mortality rates can exceed any risk of infrequent complications such as a transient thyroid malfunction.

Prophage Typing of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Broiler Poultry

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known commensal and pathogen agent of many wild and domestic animals. A wide variety of infections can be caused by S. aureus, from suppurative skin infections to life-threatening septicemia. This study was conducted to determine the prophage typing and the pattern of antibiotic resistance of S. aureus isolated from broiler poultry before they have been slaughtered. In this study, 200 nasal and cloacal swab samples from 20 different flocks were collected for bacterial isolation. Staphylococci were identified using biochemical and molecular methods before being examined for mecA gene detections in all samples resistant to oxacillin and cefotaxime. The highest value of antibiotic resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (94%), and the maximum value of susceptibility was to gentamicin (85%). Twenty-eight (27%) samples were resistant to oxacillin. In methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates, 5 prophage types were observed, where the SGB prophage with a frequency of 75% was identified as a dominant prophage; in isolates of S. aureus susceptible to methicillin, 8 prophage types were observed, where SGFa prophage with a frequency about 82% was the dominant prophage. The high prevalence of MRSA isolates can indicate the risk of transmission of these bacteria to the food cycle. Furthermore, existence of various prophages in these isolates can be considered a threat to public health in producing pathogenicity factors in this bacterium while also empowering other bacterial pathogenicity, even other bacterial genera.

Functionalized Graphene Platforms for Anticancer Drug Delivery

Two-dimensional nanomaterials are emerging as promising candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications including tissue engineering, biosensing, pathogen incapacitation, wound healing, and gene and drug delivery. Graphene, due to its high surface area, photothermal property, high loading capacity, and efficient cellular uptake, is at the forefront of these materials and plays a key role in this multidisciplinary research field. Poor water dispersibility and low functionality of graphene, however, hamper its hybridization into new nanostructures for future nanomedicine. Functionalization of graphene, either by covalent or non-covalent methods, is the most useful strategy to improve its dispersion in water and functionality as well as processability into new materials and devices. In this review, recent advances in functionalization of graphene derivatives by different (macro)molecules for future biomedical applications are reported and explained. In particular, hydrophilic functionalization of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) to improve their water dispersibility and physicochemical properties is discussed. We have focused on the anticancer drug delivery of polyfunctional graphene sheets.

De-oiled soy lecithin positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, histological intestinal alteration, and antioxidant status in turkeys fed with low energy diets

1. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of supplementing an emulsifier (de-oiled soybean lecithin (DSL)) in a low metabolisable energy (ME) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcase characteristics, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.2. A total of 480 one-day-old turkeys were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with of eight replicates of 15 birds each. Experimental treatments included a basal diet (BE) with commercially recommended levels of ME, a reduced energy diet (RE) with 0.42 MJ/kg reduction in dietary ME content, the RE diet + 1 g/kg DSL (DSL-1), and RE + 2 g/kg DSL (DSL-2).3. After 112 days, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed:gain in turkeys fed the supplemented for BE diets were better (P < 0.05) than in those fed RE, and those fed diet DSL-2 had the best performance. Although the RE diet decreased abdominal fat and relative liver weight (P < 0.05), compared to the BE diet, and supplementation with either level of DSL did not influence these variables.4. There were linear increases (P < 0.05) in fat digestibility, nitrogen-corrected apparent ME, and duodenal villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area in LE diet supplemented with DSL. From the jejunal morphology, crypt depth was decreased by DSL-supplemented diets (P < 0.05).5. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde concentrations were lower, whereas the serum superoxide dismutase activity was greater for the DSL-2 group compared to the BE and RE groups (P < 0.05).6. The findings suggested that, while low-ME diets impaired turkey growth performance, dietary supplementation of DSL could reverse such impacts of these diets. The DSL-supplemented diet at the inclusion level of 2 g/kg was advantageous over both BE and RE diets in terms of intestinal morphology, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.

Colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensor based on upper rim-functionalized calix[4]arene for selective detection of fluoride ion

A new colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for fluoride anion based on calix [4]arene bearing four sulfonamide-fluorenone subunits on the upper rim was conveniently synthesized. It showed a remarkable color change as well as the fluorescence quenching upon addition of F^- even in the presence of a wide range of anions in DMSO. The binding property of L with F^- was studied by a combination of various spectroscopic techniques, such as absorption and emission titration, Job's plot and ¹H NMR titration. It is anticipated that this design with functional group attached to upper rim of calix[4]arene platform can provide a new approach for the development of F^- chemosensor.

Effects of substitution of beet pulp for barley or corn in the diet of high-producing dairy cows on feeding behavior, performance, and ruminal fermentation

This study investigated the effects of substituting beet pulp (BP) for different grains (barley or corn) in the diet of high-producing dairy cows on intake, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk production, and feed conversion efficiency. Eight second-parity Holstein cows (62 ± 2 d in milk; milk yield = 54 ± 1.2 kg/d; body weight = 624 ± 26; all mean ± SE) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design during 4 periods of 21 d. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments that were a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 grain sources (corn or barley) and 2 levels of BP inclusion [5 or 15% of dry matter (DM)] in the diet: (1) barley-based diet with BP at 5% of dietary DM; (2) barley-based diet with BP at 15% of dietary DM; (3) corn-based diet with BP at 5% of dietary DM; and (4) corn-based diet with BP at 15% of dietary DM. The increasing amount of BP in the diet was at the expense of decreasing an equal proportion of grain (barley or corn). All diets were high in concentrates (65% of diet DM) and formulated to have similar concentrations of energy and protein. The portion of feedstuffs that is potentially able to be consumed by humans is known as human edible. Accordingly, human-edible protein (HEP) and human-edible energy (HEE) inputs were calculated according to the recommended potential human-edible fraction of each dietary ingredient, and HEP and HEE outputs were determined as the amount of gross energy and true protein in the milk. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) for HEP and HEE were expressed as output per input of each variable, whereas FCE for the production of fat-corrected milk (FCM) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were expressed as the amount of each variable per DM intake. Results showed that substituting BP for grain did not affect DM intake, crude protein intake, or nutrient digestibility, whereas starch intake (5.70 vs. 7.43 kg/d for the low-BP vs. high-BP diets, respectively), HEP (2.34 and 1.92 kg/d), and HEE (186 and 147 MJ of gross energy/d) decreased. Treatments did not affect sorting and chewing activities, but increasing BP in the diet increased ruminal pH at 4 h after feeding (6.20 vs. 6.39) and milk fat content (2.92 vs. 3.15%). Similarly, FCE for ECM production (1.44 vs. 1.54) as well as FCE for HEE (0.653 vs. 0.851) and HEP (0.629 vs. 0.702) were greater in high-BP diets compared with low-BP diets. The interaction of BP and grain sources significantly affected FCE for ECM production, where improvements were more evident when BP was substituted for barley than for corn. The improvement in FCE for HEE was greater when BP was substituted for barley (0.236) rather than corn (0.161). In conclusion, the substitution of BP for barley or corn grains in high-concentrate diets of high-producing cows decreased starch intake, increased ruminal pH at 4 h after feeding, and improved FCE for FCM production. Substitution for barley, rather than for corn, promoted greater FCE for ECM production and HEE.

Scolicidal activity of Mesobuthus eupeus venom against the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus

Hydatidosis is an important zoonosis caused by a parasitic tapeworm, namely Echinococcus granulosus. This infection is distributed worldwide and affects the health as well as economic loss in both humans and animals. In most cases, the disease needs chemotherapy with or without surgery. Conventional drugs have some major problems, including drug complications, harmful side effects, and also progressive resistance. According to the importance of biological productions as alternative medicine, a large number of studies confirmed that whole venom and many peptide ingredients of the scorpion venom have various different medical benefits, including antimicrobial properties, due to the mechanism of blocking gated ion channel. In this study, the venom peptides of Mesobuthus eupeus scorpionwere purified using gel filtration chromatography and subsequently ion exchange chromatography, followed by the determination of the molecular weights of the proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) procedure. After collecting the hydatid cysts fluids from the liver of infected sheep, protoscolices were derived, washed, and encountered to the whole venom as well as eight different fractions of toxin 30, 60, 120, and 240 min after the exposure. In the next step, the viability of protoscolices was determined by eosin staining. The obtained results revealed that a venom fraction under 10 kDa killed all protoscolices after 30 min. Moreover, it was found that the scolicidal activity of fractions increases according to the time of exposure. As a result, it can be concluded that M. epeus venom peptides under its LD50 (1/2 LD50) can properly and quickly destroy the protoscolices of hydatid cysts at the level of applied concentrations and such components are good alternatives to treat hydatidosis.

Comparison of Relation between Resistance Pattern to Erythromycin and Tetracycline and the Prevalence of Superantigens Coding Enterotoxins A and B in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Broiler Poultry in Ilam, Iran

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive coccus that, in specific conditions, is able to generate various diseases. By secreting different enterotoxins, this bacterium prepares the settings to attack the host; among these, enterotoxins A and B play the most important roles in food poisoning. This study was performed to trace the genes coding enterotoxins A and B in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the clinic and poultry slaughterhouse. In addition, the present study analyzed the relation between the prevalence of these genes and resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline. This study was performed from October 2015 to December 2016. A total of 200 samples of noses and cloaca from broiler poultry farms in Ilam, Iran, were collected, including 150 samples from the slaughterhouse and 50 samples from the clinic isolated for separating Staphylococcus aureus. After bacterial culture and confirmation of biochemical tests, the samples were evaluated for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus and the resistance pattern to antibiotics regarding the presence of femA, tets, ermb, sea, and seb genes using the disk diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction test. Out of 200 tested samples, 112 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (56%) were identified from which 91 and 21 strains were associated with the poultry slaughterhouse and clinic, respectively, and all the samples were identified using biochemical tests. After the detection of femA gene as an exclusive gene for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus strain, 100 strains (50%) were confirmed to be contaminated with this bacterium. Out of 100 strains, 46%, 14%, and 5% possessed the genes coding enterotoxin A, the genes coding enterotoxin B, and both genes, respectively. The results of antibiotic tests showed that 85% and 86% of the examined strains were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline, respectively. In the present study, the analysis performed using QuickCalcs software showed that the strains resistant to these two antibiotics possessing the sea gene were more prevalent than those possessing seb genes in the samples isolated from the poultry slaughterhouse. This comparison revealed that during the short period of broiler poultry farms growth, resistant strains were able to proliferate sea gene among the herd, and its prevalence increased until reaching into the slaughterhouse. This study showed that the relation between the genes resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline and the sea gene was close and significant.

The anti-penicillin antibodies levels in sensitive and insensitive people to intradermal skin test

BACKGROUND

The hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin is a public health problem. Immunological responses to penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics can be classified into immediate and non-immediate responses. The immediate hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE; however, the non-immediate sensitivity is facilitated by other isotypes of antibody or T lymphocytes.

OBJECTIVE

This research detected the non-IgE antibody value against penicillin in allergic and normal people.

METHODS

Thirty-eight samples from patients with positive or negative intradermal skin testing results of penicillin allergy were included in this study. The total antibody and IgM levels against penicillin G were defined by in-house ELISA test.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant (P< 0.05) elevation in total immunoglobulin and non-IgM anti-penicillin antibody of sensitive groups; however, the anti-penicillin IgM was significantly greater in non-sensitive peoples.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the sensitized people to penicillin cannot be certainly detected with the total antibody, specific IgG and IgM value against penicillin, these values are good indicators for prediction of immediate and late response of the immune system to penicillin.

Humoral and T cell-mediated immune response against trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection leads to the synthesis of specific antibodies in the serum and local secretions. The profile of T. vaginalis-specific antibodies and T cell-mediated immune responses may influence the outcome of infection, towards parasite elimination, persistence or pathological reactions. Studies have indicated that Th1-, Th17- and Th22 cell-related cytokines may be protective or pathogenic, whereas Th2- and Treg cell-related cytokines can exert anti-inflammatory effects during T. vaginalis infection. A number of T. vaginalis-related components such as lipophosphoglycan (TvLPG), α-actinin, migration inhibitory factor (TvMIF), pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO), legumain-1 (TvLEGU-1), adhesins and cysteine proteases lead to the induction of specific antibodies. T. vaginalis has acquired several strategies to evade the humoral immune responses such as degradation of immunoglobulins by cysteine proteases, antigenic variation and killing of antibody-producing B cells. The characterization of the T. vaginalis-specific antibodies to significant immunogenic molecules and formulation of strategies to promote their induction in vaginal mucosa may reveal their potential protective effects against trichomoniasis. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of antibody and T cell-mediated immune responses to T. vaginalis and highlight novel insights into the possible role of immune responses in protection against parasite.

Effect of protected-glutamine supplementation on performance, milk composition and some blood metabolites in fresh Holstein cows

The present study was conducted to study the effect of protected-glutamine (Gln) supplementation on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY) and composition, somatic cell counts (SCC) and blood parameters in fresh cows. Forty Holstein cows at zero day of parturition (calving day = day 0) were divided into four groups (n=10), and fed (ad libitum) with one of the diets including: basal diet (control), basal diet supplemented with 150 (low Gln, LG), 250 (medium Gln, MG) or 350 (high Gln, HG) g of Gln protected with formaldehyde/cow per day. The DMI and MY were recorded from 0 to 21 days post-calving. Milk fat and protein were assessed on days 7, 14 and 21, and blood was collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 after parturition. The DMI and MY at 21 days in milk (DIM) in HG group were compared with control (P<0.05). The DMI at 14 and 21 DIM and the MY at 21 DIM were higher in MG group compared with control group (P>0.05). Glucose concentration at 7, 14 and 21 DIM increased in both HG and MG groups compared with control group (P>0.05). The milk SCC of Gln groups was lower (P<0.05) compared with control, at 14 and 21 DIM. Glutamine supplementation increased the blood concentrations of total protein and albumin, but lowered the β-hydoxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) concentrations (P<0.05). These results indicate that rumen protected Gln supplementation at 250 g/heat/day to fresh Holstein cows improved the SCC in milk and health status.

The Effects of Isolated Fractions of Mesobuthus eupeus Scorpion Venom on Humoral Immune Response

BACKGROUND

Many elements such as immunosuppressive, chemotactic and anti-inflammatory peptide that could effect on human and animals physiologic system were determined in venom. This study evaluated the use of Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom fractions as an immunomodulator.

METHODS

The venom fractions collected from Khuzestan Province in South West of Iran were purified by ion exchange chromatography. Elution of the bounded elements was done by using a linear gradient of sodium chloride (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5 and 2 molar). The fractions were analyzed by Bradford spectrophotometric and SDS-PAGE method. After treatments of chicken with venom fractions and sheep red blood cell (SRBC), direct haemagglutination test in microtiter plate was used for the determination of the chicken SRBC antibody titer.

RESULTS

The fraction released by NaCl 1.25M had the highest protein concentration. The highest and lowest antibody titer was determined at the fifth (NaCl 0.75 molar) and seventh fraction (NaCl 1.25 molar), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Different protein profile of isolated fractions, were associated with various effect on immune response. Both enhancing and suppressing of the chicken humoral immune response to SRBC were observed after M. eupeus faction's venom treatment. It is due to biological functions of venom components. Purification of these elements would provide the new agents for immune responses manipulation.

Novel electrodialysis cation exchange membrane prepared by 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid; heavy metal ions removal

In the present work a novel heterogeneous cation exchange membrane (CEM) composed of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid based hydrogel (AMAH) was prepared. The membranes were fabricated with different fractions of AMAH to optimize the performance in desalination. The hydrogel was characterized by FT-IR to prove the successful synthesis. The membrane properties such as permselectivity, ionic permeability, flux, water content, electrical resistance, morphology, contact angle and dimensional stability were evaluated. Modified membranes showed acceptable dimensional stabilities, more hydrophilic surface, higher water content and porosity. SEM images revealed the formation of a more porous membrane structure. Membrane permselectivity and transport number showed a relatively constant then decreasing trend in Na⁺ and Ba²⁺ solutions. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of AMAH into the PVC matrix obviously improved ionic permeability and flux of Na (∼9%) and Ba (∼23%). Membrane electrical resistance was declined about 36% by adding AMAH in the membrane structure. Membranes' performance in potassium and heavy metal ions removal showed a remarkable separation capacity of K⁺ (99.9%), Pb²⁺ (99.9%) and Ni²⁺ (96.9%). Membranes showed desirable potential for scaling removal.

Comparison of metformin and N-acetyl cysteine, as an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate, in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of short- and long-term treatment with metformin and NAC, in an adjuvant to clomiphene citrate (CC), on the improvement of hormonal profile (SHBG, total testosterone, FBS, and fasting insulin) and fertility status in CC-resistant women with PCOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eight CC-resistant PCOS patients participated in the study and received either metformin (1500mg/day) or NAC (1800mg/day) with 100mg/day of CC for 8 and 12 weeks. Mean BMI, hirsutism score, LH/FSH ratio, endometrial thickness, mature follicle number, and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, E2, fasting insulin, total testosterone and FBS were evaluated before and after short- and long-term treatment. Furthermore, ovulation and pregnancy rates in the first and second cycles were also determined in treated patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in all variables before and 8 weeks after treatment with metformin and NAC. The BMI- and insulin-lowering effects of metformin were significantly higher than NAC after long-term treatment. However, the reducing-effect of NAC on hirsutism score and FBS levels was significantly more than metformin after 12 weeks. Treatment with metformin and NAC significantly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates in CC-resistant PCOS patients. In the first and second cycles, ovulation and pregnancy rates in patients treated with NAC were slightly higher than those received metformin.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with metformin, administration of NAC in an adjuvant to CC is recommended for improving of hormonal profile and treatment of anovulatory infertility in hyperinsulinemic patients especially women with PCOS who are CC-resistant.

The association of the vitamin D status with the persistence of anti-HBs antibody at 20years after primary vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in infancy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D has potent immunoregulatory effects due to the expression of its receptor on the majority of immune cells. The aim was to evaluate the association of the vitamin D status with the persistence of anti-HBs antibody and immune response to booster immunization at 20years after primary vaccination with hepatitis B (HB) vaccine.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 300 adults 20years after completion of the primary HB vaccination in infancy. The serum levels of vitamin D and anti-HBs antibody were measured by ELISA. A single booster dose of a recombinant HB vaccine was administered to a total of 138 subjects, whose anti-HBs titer was<10IU/L. The sera of revaccinated subjects were re-tested for anti-HBs antibody, 4weeks after booster vaccination.

RESULTS

At 20years after primary vaccination, the mean vitamin D concentrations were significantly higher in seroprotective subjects as compared to non-seroprotective individuals (P<0.01). The levels of anti-HBs were significantly increased with advanced concentrations of vitamin D (P<0.01). Overall, 125/138 (90.6%) of the revaccinated subjects showed an anamnestic response to booster vaccination. The concentrations of vitamin D were significantly higher in subjects with an anamnestic response to booster vaccination as compared with subjects without this response (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D status may influence the persistence of anti-HBs antibody and durability of protection after primary vaccination with a recombinant HB vaccine in infancy.

Amidofluorene-appended lower rim 1,3-diconjugate of calix[4]arene: synthesis, characterization and highly selective sensor for Cu(2.)

Functionalization of calix[4]arene with amidofluorene moieties at the lower rim led to formation of the 1,3-diconjugate of calix[4]arene L as a novel fluorescent chemosensor for Cu²⁺. The receptor molecule L exhibited a pronounced selectivity towards Cu²⁺ over other mono and divalent ions. The formation of the complex between L and Cu²⁺ was evaluated by absorption, fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The sensor L showed a remarkable color change from colorless to purple and a fluorescence quenching only upon interaction with Cu²⁺. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the obtained complex has been determined by Job’s plot. The association constant determined by fluorescence titration was found to be 1.8 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. The sensor showed a linear response toward Cu²⁺ in the concentration range from 1 to 10 µM with a detection limit of 9.6 × 10⁻⁸ M.

Cell-free fetal DNA in amniotic fluid supernatant for prenatal diagnosis

In widespread conviction, amniotic fluid is utilized for prenatal diagnosis. Amniotic fluid supernatant is usually discarded, notwithstanding being a good source of fetal DNA. The aim of the present study was to assess cell-free fetal DNA extracted from amniotic fluid supernatant for application in prenatal diagnosis such as gender determination and early diagnosis of β-thalassemia. Samples of amniotic fluid of 70 pregnant women were collected and went through routine tests along with tests for cell-free fetal DNA from amniotic fluid supernatant. The DNA in the amniotic fluid supernatant was extracted and analyzed for gender determination by PCR and Real-time PCR. ARMS-PCR was applied to test early diagnosis of IVS II-I mutation (common β-thalassemia mutation) and E7V mutation for sickle cell anemia using DNA extracted from the amniotic fluid supernatant. Using the cell-free fetal DNA extracted from the amniotic fluid supernatant, the sensitivity of PCR and Real-time PCR for gender detection was compared with the routine cytogenetic method. The fetus tested for sickle cell anemia and β-thalassemia was observed to be healthy but heterozygous for IVS II-I mutation. The findings indicated that cell-free fetal DNA from amniotic fluid supernatant can be a good source of fetal DNA and be used in early prenatal diagnosis since because of its fast and accurate application. Therefore, it would be suggested that the amniotic fluid supernatant's disposal is prevented because if the tests needs to be repeated, cell-free fetal DNA extracted from the amniotic fluid supernatant can be used as an alternative source for prenatal diagnosis.

Synthesis of calixarene–polyglycerol conjugates and their self-assembly toward nano and microtubes

The molecular self-assembly of new hyperbranched polymers and copolymers consisting of polyglycerol and citric acid with a calixarene core results in nano and microtubes with the ability of loading of curcumin as an anticancer drug.

Electrodialysis heterogeneous ion exchange membranes modified by SiO2 nanoparticles: fabrication and electrochemical characterization

In the current study mixed matrix heterogeneous cation exchange membranes were prepared by solution casting technique. The effect of SiO(2) nanoparticles in the polymeric solution on the physicochemical properties of prepared membranes was studied. Scanning optical microscope images showed uniform particle distribution and relatively uniform surfaces for the prepared membranes. The membrane water content was reduced by silica nanoparticles in the membranes' matrix. The membrane ion exchange capacity, membrane potential, transport number and selectivity were improved initially by an increase of SiO(2) nanoparticles concentration up to 1%wt in prepared membranes and then showed a decreasing trend with a further increase in additive ratio from 1 to 4%wt. The ionic permeability and flux were also decreased initially by an increase of silica nanoparticles concentration up to 0.5%wt in the membrane matrix and then increased again with a further increase in nanoparticles concentration from 0.5 to 4%wt. Moreover, the results exhibited that using silica nanoparticles in the membrane matrix caused an obvious decrease in areal electrical resistance. The opposite trend was found for membrane mechanical strength using SiO(2) nanoparticles.

Application of full field optical studies for pulsatile flow in a carotid artery phantom

A preliminary comparative measurement between particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) to study pulsatile flow using ventricular assist device in a patient-specific carotid artery phantom is reported. These full-field optical techniques have both been used to study flow and extract complementary parameters. We use the high spatial resolution of PIV to generate a full velocity map of the flow field and the high temporal resolution of LASCA to extract the detailed frequency spectrum of the fluid pulses. Using this combination of techniques a complete study of complex pulsatile flow in an intricate flow network can be studied.

Rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and growth performance of calves during transition from liquid to solid feed: Effects of dietary level and particle size of alfalfa hay

This study evaluated the effects of particle size (PS) and dietary level of alfalfa hay (AH) on rumen fermentation parameters, blood metabolites, eating behavior, and growth performance in dairy calves during transition from liquid to solid feed. Sixty newborn dairy calves (41 ± 2.5,kg of body weight) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors dietary AH level (medium, 12.5%, or high, 25%, on DM basis) and PS (fine = 1mm or medium = 3mm, as geometric means) of AH. Hence, the dietary treatments were (1) medium level of AH with fine PS (M-FPS), (2) medium level of AH with medium PS (M-MPS), (3) high level of AH with fine PS (H-FPS), and (4) high level of AH with medium PS (H-MPS). Particle size of AH did not affect total DMI (TDMI) during the preweaning period, although TDMI was greater for calves fed MPS than in those fed FPS during the postweaning and overall periods. Calves fed MPS spent more time eating solid feed and ruminating and less time on nonnutritive oral behaviors compared with FPS calves. The dietary level of AH did not affect behavioral parameters. Average daily gain of calves was not affected by dietary treatment before weaning. During the postweaning and overall periods, average daily gain was greater in calves fed MPS than in those fed FPS at the 25% AH level, but this effect was absent with 12.5% AH. Furthermore, the rumen pH values on d 35 and 70 of the study were greater for MPS than for FPS, regardless of the dietary level of AH. Effects of AH level, PS, and their interaction did not affect blood glucose concentrations in developing calves. These results indicate that feed intake, feeding behavior, rumen fermentation parameters, and blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentration may be affected by rations differing in forage PS; thus, providing calves with MPS can improve calf performance and reduce their nonnutritive oral behaviors.

Ginger extracts influence the expression of IL-27 and IL-33 in the central nervous system in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and ameliorates the clinical symptoms of disease

The immunomodulatory effects of the IL-27 and IL-33 and the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been reported in some studies. The aim was to evaluate the effects of the ginger extract on the expression of IL-27 and IL-33 in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In PBS-treated EAE mice the expression of IL-27 P28 was significantly lower whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly higher than unimmunized control mice. In 200 and 300 mg/kg ginger-treated EAE groups the expression of IL-27 P28 and IL-27 EBI3 was significantly higher whereas the expression of IL-33 was significantly lower than PBS-treated EAE mice. The EAE clinical symptoms and the pathological scores were significantly lower in ginger-treated EAE groups. These results showed that the ginger extract modulates the expression of the IL-27 and IL-33 in the spinal cord of EAE mice and ameliorates the clinical symptoms of disease.

Circulating levels of interleukin-35 in patients with multiple sclerosis: evaluation of the influences of FOXP3 gene polymorphism and treatment program

The regulatory T (Treg) cells play a major role in the control of the autoimmunity and inflammation, and IL-35 has been described as an immunosuppressive cytokine that is mainly produced by CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of IL-35 and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs3761548, in FOXP3 gene in patients with multiple sclerosis. The blood samples were collected from 140 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (including 51 untreated and 89 treated patients) and 140 healthy subjects as a control group. The serum levels of IL-35 were measured by ELISA. The DNA was analyzed for SNP rs3761548 in FOXP3 gene using SSP-PCR. There was no significant difference between untreated MS patients and control group regarding the mean serum levels of IL-35, although this parameter was higher in untreated patients. However, the mean serum level of IL-35 in treated MS patients was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.008). The mean serum levels of IL-35 in patients who were treated with interferon-β, methylprednisolone, or with the both interferon-β and methylprednisolone were significantly higher than that in the healthy group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.2, respectively). The frequencies of AA and AC genotypes at rs3761548 in the FOXP3 gene were significantly higher in MS group as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.05). The frequency of CC genotype at rs3761548 was significantly lower in the MS group in comparison with healthy control subjects (P < 0.001). Moreover, the frequency of A allele was significantly higher whereas the frequency of C allele was significantly lower in MS patients in comparison to healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The mean serum level of IL-35 was significantly lower in MS patients or healthy subjects with AA genotype as compared with those with CC genotype at rs3761548 in FOXP3 gene (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). These results showed higher serum levels of IL-35 in treated MS patients representing that the benefit effects of treatment may in part performed through the upregulation of the IL-35 production. The SNP rs3761548 may influence the susceptibility to MS disease and the serum levels of IL-35.

A comparison of surfactant administration through i-gel and ET-tube in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns weighing more than 2000 grams

BACKGROUND

Surfactant administration together with nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (nCPAP) administration is considered to be the basis for Newborn's Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) management. This study evaluated the method of directing the surfactant to the lungs in newborns affiliated with RDS through i-gel (i-gel surfactant administration/i-gelSA) compared to the standard care INSURE method, in a clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized control trial (RCT) was done on newborns weighing ≥2000 g, with RDS, while being supported with Bubble-CPAP. Newborns, which required FiO2 ≥0.3 under Continuous Distending Pressure (CDP) ≥5 cm H2O for more than 30 minutes to maintain SpO2 in the range of 89 - 95%, were given 100 mg/kg of Survanta. In the interventional group or the i-gelSA (i-gel Surfactant Administration) group, 35 newborns experienced surfactant administration with i-gel and 35 newborns in the control or INSURE group. The average a/APO2 before and after surfactant administration, repeated need for surfactant administration, average nCPAP duration, need for invasive mechanical ventilation, pneumothorax, and the average duration of hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) were compared.

RESULTS

Although the average a/APO2 showed no significant difference before the procedure; in the i-gelSA group, this average was meaningfully higher after the administration of the surfactant (P = 0.001). The other factors showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, the surfactant administration using i-gel was more successful in oxygenation improvement than the INSURE method, and the i-gel method could even be promoted to the standard care position. However, more research is needed in this area.

Topical vitamin K1 promotes repair of full thickness wound in rat

OBJECTIVES

Application of vitamin K to the skin has been used for suppression of pigmentation and resolution of bruising. However, in rats, no study was reported on its effect regarding wound healing. Thus, the present study was designed to examine the healing effects of creams prepared from vitamin K1 on full-thickness wound in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For inducing full-thickness wound in rats, the excisional wound model was used. Five groups consisting of 8 rats each were used. Vitamin K cream (1% and 2%, w/w) was prepared in eucerin base and applied on the wound once a day until complete healing had occurred. Healing was defined by decreased wound margin (wound contraction), re-epithelialization, tensile strength and hydroxyproline content. Histopathological examination was also done.

RESULTS

The effects produced by the topical vitamin K showed significant (P < 0.01) healing when compared with control group in parameters such as wound contraction, epithelialization period, hydroxyproline content and tensile strength. Histopathological studies also showed improvement with vitamin K.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical vitamin K demonstrates wound healing potential in full-thickness wound model.

Dynamic light scattering from pulsatile flow in the presence of induced motion artifacts

Continuous health monitoring has become a major theme of our aging society. Portable devices play an important role here. Many optical portable devices are susceptible to motion induced artifacts. We have performed an experimental study for detection of fluid pulsation based on multi-exposure speckle images, in presence of motion induced artifacts. Induced motion of a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes were generated to resemble sensor motion with respect to skin. The data was analyzed using speckle contrast and correlation. We concluded that both techniques have their own advantages, depending on the measurement configuration. A study of angles between illumination and detection revealed that larger angles yields better signal. Shorter exposure time was more successful in extracting the signal. We also performed in-vivo measurements that agree with the in-vitro case. We also show that a minimum collection of two pixels from the speckle image is sufficient to extract relevant results.

A randomized controlled trial for the effectiveness of intraarticular versus intravenous midazolam on pain after knee arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

This double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the comparison of intravenous versus intraarticular (IA) administration of midazolam on postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 75 patients randomized in three groups to receive 75 mc/kg IA injection of midazolam and 10 ml intravenous injection of isotonic saline (Group I), 75 mc/kg intravenous injection of midazolam and 10 cc IA injection of isotonic saline (Group II) or IA and intravenous injection of isotonic saline (Group III) at the end of knee arthroscopy. Pain scores, time until the first request for analgesics, cumulative analgesic consumption, satisfaction, sedation, and complications as studied outcomes were assessed. Patients were observed for 24-h.

RESULTS

IA administration of midazolam significantly reduced pain scores in the early postoperative period compared with intravenous injection. Mean of time to first analgesic requirement in Group III (33.6 min) was significantly lower than Group II (288.8 min) and Group I (427.5 min). Cumulative analgesic consumption was increased in Groups II (35.5 mg), and III (70 mg) compared with Group I (16 mg), (P < 0.0001). Complications significantly occurred in 3 of 25 patients in Group I in contrast to 20 of 25 patients in Group III (P < 0.0001). At 2-, 4- and 8-h after arthroscopy pain score significantly decreased in Group I than other groups (P < 0.0001). Patients in Group I were significantly satisfy than other groups (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Results show the greater analgesic effect after IA administration of midazolam than after intravenous injection and hence, IA administration may be is the method of choice for pain relief after knee arthroscopy.

Lower serum level of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To evaluate the serum levels of anti-tetanus toxin antibodies (anti-TTA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and in a control group.

METHODS

Totally, 100 patients with type 2 DM and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled to study. The presence of type 2 DM confirmed according to the clinical and para-clinical criteria such as fasting plasma glucose above 126 mg/dl. A peripheral blood sample was collected from all subjects. The serum samples of participants tested for the levels of anti-TTA by ELISA method. The serum antitoxin concentration 0.1 IU/mL was considered as a protective level of antibody.

RESULTS

The seroprotective rate in healthy group was significantly higher than diabetic group (99% vs. 92%; p<0.02). The mean titer of anti-TTA in healthy group (5.32 ± 0.26 IU/ml) was also significantly higher than diabetic patients (3.46 ± 0.26 IU/ml; p>0.001). In diabetic men the mean titer of anti-TTA was significantly higher in comparison to diabetic women (3.94 ± 0.34 IU/ml vs 2.59 ± 0.36 IU/ml; p<0.01). In diabetic patients the seroprotective rate and the mean titer of anti-TTA in subjects with age >40 years was also lower in comparison to those with age <40 years (89.23% vs 97.14%; p<0.15 and 4.57 ± 0.38 IU/ml vs 2.86 ± 0.32 IU/ml; P<0.002, respectively). The mean titer of anti-TTA was significantly higher in patients with diabetes duration <5 years in comparison to patients with disease duration >5 years (3.91 ± 0.35 IU/ml vs 2.85 ± 0.38 IU/ml; p<0.04).

CONCLUSION

these results showed lower levels of anti-TTA in patients with type 2 DM, in diabetic women, in patients aged >40 years and in diabetic patients with disease duration >5 years.

Laser-speckle-based detection of fluid pulsation in the presence of motion artifacts: in vitro and in vivo study

We have performed an in vitro and in vivo study, based on laser speckle contrast analysis, to detect fluid pulsation in the presence of artifacts caused by the relative motion between the sample and the illumination source. We observe that the pulsation signal is clearly detectable for a range of motion amplitudes and oscillation frequencies; however, for higher amplitudes and oscillation frequencies of motion, the signal, due to pulsation, becomes increasingly difficult to detect.

Total leukocyte counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratios among Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with peptic ulcers: independent of bacterial CagA status

Elevated leukocyte counts can be a marker of inflammation and infection. The aim of this study was to determine the total leukocyte count and neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLCR) among Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with peptic ulcer disease (PU) and among asymptomatic subjects (AS) and to evaluate if there is an association between these lab values and the presence of the H. pylori virulence factor cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA). Sixty H. pylori-infected PU patients, 63 AS carriers and 32 healthy H. pylori-negative subjects (controls) were included in the study. The total white blood cell (WBC) counts and differentials were determined using standard hematological methods. The mean total WBC count, mean neutrophil count and NLCR were significantly higher among PU patients than in controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the mean WBC count, mean neutrophil count and NLCR were significantly higher among AS patients than in controls (p < 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.02, respectively). The differences of mean WBC counts mean neutrophil counts and NLCR were also significantly different (p < 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) between the PU and AS patients. There were no differences in the PU and AS patients in regard to anti-CagA positivity. These results show the CagA factor was not associated with the presence or absence of symptoms in H. pylori infected patients.

Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-27 in patients with ischemic heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Cytokines, the key mediators of immune responses, play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of IL-27 in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and also to clarify its association with traditional risk factors of the disease.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients with IHD as having acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=60) or unstable angina (UA; n=60) and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects as a control group were enrolled in this cross-sectional, case-controlled study. Serum samples were collected from all participants (for AMI patients at 3-5 days after events and for UA at admission time) and tested for the levels of IL-27 by use of ELISA method.

RESULTS

The mean serum levels of IL-27 in AMI group (38.00±14.38 Pg/ml) and UA group (35.77±18.93 Pg/ml) were significantly higher than those observed in the control group (24.91±14.96 Pg/ml; P<0.0001 and 0.001, respectively). The mean serum levels of IL-27 in IHD patients with or without a certain traditional risk factor including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes smoking were significantly higher as compared to those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that the higher serum levels of IL-27 were associated with IHD. The presence or absence of certain traditional risk factors of IHD did not influence the serum levels of cytokine.

The association between infection burden in Iranian patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina

AIM

to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease (IHD) with the number of pathogens (infection burden) among individuals with infection.

METHODS

a total of 120 patients with IHD as the acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n=60) or unstable angina (UA; n=60) group and 60 healthy subjects with sex- and age-matched as control group were enrolled in this study. Serum samples of all participants were tested for the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), cytomegalovirus (CMV), type-1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and type- 2 HSV (HSV-2) by using ELISA.

RESULTS

Regarding the association of the infection burden with IHD, the prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 3.18 (CI: 1.50-6.72; P<0.001) for 3 seropositivities and 3.83 (CI: 0.84-17.43; P<0.05) for 4 seropositivities. The rate of subjects with high infection burden (3 seropositivities) was significantly higher in IHD group as compared to control group (53.4% vs 21.6%; P<0.01). Moreover, the mean number of seropositivities was also significantly higher in patients with IHD in comparison to control group (2.47 vs 1.68; P<0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in AMI and UA groups was significantly higher compared to control group (P<0.0001). The seroprevalence of anti-CMV antibodies in AMI and UA group was also significantly higher than those observed in control group (P<0.01). Moreover, the seroprevalence of anti-HSV-1 antibodies was significantly higher in AMI and UA groups in comparison to control group (P<0.001). The seroprevalence of anti-HSV-2 antibodies was similarly expressed in patients and healthy control group.

CONCLUSION

the infection burden was significantly higher in patients with IHD, which represent that the parameter should also be considered as an independent risk factor for development of IHD. The seroprevalence of H. pylori, CMV and HSV-1 were also higher in patients with IHD.

Serum concentrations of Helicobacter pylori IgG and the virulence factor CagA in patients with ischaemic heart disease

To compare the serum concentrations of IgG to Helicobacter pylori and its virulence factor CagA in patients with ischaemic heart disease (IHD), we recruited 120 patients with IHD [acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n = 60); unstable angina (UA) (n = 60)] and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls in this study. The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG was 86.7% in AMI, 91.7% in UA patients and 58.3% in the control group with mean titres of 33.2 U/ml [standard error (SE) 4.76], 57.96 U/ml (SE 7.54) and 25.72 U/ml (SE 4.01) respectively. The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori in the patient groups was significantly higher than the control group. The mean levels of anti-H. pylori in the AMI and UA groups were also significantly higher than in the control group. The seroprevalence and mean titre of anti-CagA IgG did not differ significantly between patient and control groups.