Entamoeba dispar: genetic diversity of Iranian isolates based on serine-rich Entamoeba dispar protein gene

The nucleotide sequences of Serine-Rich Entamoeba histolytica Protein (SREHP) gene have already exhibited stable and significant polymorphism in the gene studies. Serine-rich protein is also present and polymorphic in Entamoeba dispar which called SREDP. The polymorphism of the Serine-Rich Entamoeba dispar Protein (SREDP) gene among 8 isolates obtained from Iranian cyst carriers were analyzed by a nested PCR-RFLP followed by sequencing of the PCR products. From those isolates, six distinct DNA patterns were observed after PCR-RFLP of the nested PCR, whereas sequencing showed 8 different patterns among the isolates. The results demonstrate an extensive genetic variability among Iranian E. dispar isolates. The repeat-containing region of the SREDP was found extensively polymorphic in size, number and order of repeat units. Genetic diversity of Iranian E. dispar isolates based on the SREDP was more polymorphic in comparison of Serine-Rich Entamoeba histolytica Protein (SREHP) of the E. histolytica isolates as well as were different from a few known SREDP genes.

Treatment of indolent lymphoma with fludarabine/mitoxantrone combination: a phase II trial

In an effort to reduce the risk of opportunistic infections, 25 patients with advanced indolent lymphoma (age range: 30-77 years) were treated, using a combination of fludarabine and mitoxantrone, without corticosteroids. Fludarabine was given at 25 mg/m2 for three daily doses, and mitoxantrone at 10 mg/m2. Cycles were repeated every four weeks for up to maximum response, and for no more than six months. Eight patients had follicular lymphoma, and 11 had CLL/SLL. Objective response was observed in 11 of 12 previously untreated patients, including five complete remissions, and in 10 of 13 previously treated patients, including three complete remissions. Only two relapsed patients failed to respond, whereas two patients were not evaluable. Hence, the overall response rate based on the intention-to-treat analysis was 84 per cent (95 per cent CI: 70-98 per cent). The median survival has not been reached after a 22-month follow-up. Median time to progression was 15 months. One patient on corticosteroids developed pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and an elderly patient succumbed to neutropenic sepsis. Apart from granulocytopenia, the treatment was well tolerated. Omission of corticosteroids reduces the risk of opportunistic infections, while the activity of the combination against indolent lymphoma and CLL is maintained.