Tehran University Medical Journal

Recipient kidney damage after leukocyte transfer from inbred mice with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Kadkhodaee M

Background: In a recent study, we were able to demonstrate a role for leukocyte transfer in the induction of liver damage in recipient mice after induction of IR (60 min of bilateral renal artery occlusion and 3 hrs reperfusion) injury in donors. The present study investigates the role of leukocyte transfer in the induction of kidney damage in recipient mice after induction of renal IR injury in donors.

Methods: Mice were divided into two sham and renal IR groups. After anesthesia, leukocytes were isolated from blood and were transferred to the two recipient groups: the intact recipient mice received leukocytes from the sham donor group (Sham recipient) and the intact recipient mice that received leukocytes from IR donor group (IR recipient). After 24 hrs, the recipient mice were anesthetized and blood samples and renal tissues were collected.

Results: Renal malondialdehyde (MDA) increased and glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly in IR recipient group in comparison to sham recipient group. Although renal function tests, including BUN and plasma creatinine were significantly different between IR donor and sham donor groups, but they were not significantly different in two recipient groups. Renal tissues in IR donor group showed extensive damage compared to sham group, but in IR recipients' kidneys, they were different from IR donor tissues despite being different from their respective sham group.

Conclusion: These findings are suggestive of implication of leukocytes in renal tissue damage and oxidative stress after renal IR injury.

Histopathological and histomorphometrical effects of atorvastatin on experimental femoral cortical bone defect healing in rats

Mousavi Gh

Background: Bone remodeling has always been the goal of surgeons for a long time. Recently, it was shown that statins that are commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol also have beneficial effects on bone healing. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the probable effects of atorvastatin on osteogenesis in the rat femur.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 30 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The animals were divided randomly into one control and two experiment groups. After induction of anesthesia, a hole of 2 mm in diameter was made in femur width. The control group received physiological serum but the experiment groups one and two, respectively, received 10 and 20 mg/kg/PO of atorvastatin on daily basis. After euthanizing the rats, histopathological and histomorphometrical evaluations of the bones were performed 45 days after the intervention.

Results: In the control group, the defects seemed to be filled with woven bone and bone marrow, depictive of a poor osteogenic activity. In the experiment groups, many osteoblast groupings and young bone trabeculae had been formed and bone trabeculae were more organized. Histomorphometric results, showed that atorvastatin had significantly promoted bone healing in the experiment groups compared with the controls (P<0.001). Moreover, the analysis showed that atorvastatin had more significant effects in group three receiving high doses of the medication in comparison with group two (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that atorvastatin is capable of stimulating osteogenesis in rats.

TGF-b downregulation by RNAi technique in ex vivo-expanded HSCs on 3D DBM scaffold

Forouzandeh Moghadam M

Background: Bone Marrow Transplantations (BMT) are limited by low CD34+ cell counts in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and these cells need to be expanded for success in such procedures. To achieve this goal, ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by enhancing their self-renewal activity on demineralized bone matrix (DBM) scaffold coated with mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) and unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) was recommended. TGF-b pathway is a key inhibitory factor for HSCs self-renewal. In this study ex vivo expansion and downregulation of TGF-b pathway were simultaneously performed.

Methods: USSC cells were isolated from UCB and then coated on DBM scaffold as a feeder layer. UCB CD34+ cells were isolated from UCB by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) method and were transfected by siRNA against TGFbR2 in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures by co-cultivation with USSC. TGFbR2 expression levels were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell count and flow cytometry were performed and clonogenic activity was evaluated.

Results: Ex vivo expansion of CD34+ cells was significantly enhanced (41±0.7 folds) by TGFbR2 downregulation, especially in 2D than 3D cultures. Finally, 2D culture showed less TGFbR2 expression levels and higher increase in the percentage of CD34 markers by flow cytometry assay.

Conclusion: The 3D siRNA delivery system would be of lower efficiency in contrast to 2D settings where the cells have less freedom and are in more contact with the feeder layer.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility of oral candida species from Iranian HIV infected patients

Katiraee F

Background: Oropharyngeal candidiasis and antifungal drug resistance are major problems in HIV positive patients. The increased reports of antifungal resistance and expanding therapeutic options prompted the determination of antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida species isolates in Iranian patients living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the present study.

Methods: One hundred fifty oral samples from Iranian HIV positive patients were obtained and cultured on CHROMagar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar. All isolates were identified according to assimilation profile, germ tube, colony color and other conventional methods. Disk diffusion testing and Broth Microdilution of six antifungal agents were performed according to the methods described in CLSI.

Results: Candida albicans (50.2%) was the most frequent isolated yeast, followed by C. glabrata (22%). Non-Candida albicans species were isolated from 71 (61%) positive cultures. 25.7% of Candida albicans isolates were resistant to fluconazole (MIC≥64 µg/ml) as were 21.9% and 16.4% to ketoconazole and clotrimazole (MIC>0.125 µg/ml), respectively. Resistance to polyene antifungals including amphotericin B and nystatin, and caspofungin were scarce. 57.7% of candida glabrata isolates were resistant to fluconazole, 31% to ketoconazole and 35% to clotrimazole.

Conclusion: Screening for antifungal resistant candida isolates by disk diffusion or broth dilution methods in clinical laboratories is an ideal surveillance measure in the management of oral thrush in patients with HIV/AIDS. Although nystatin is widely used in clinical practice for HIV positive patients, there was no evidence of enhanced resistance to it. Regarding no resistance to caspofungin, its administration is suggested.

Biological plating in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures

Aghamirsalim MR

Background: Comminuted subtrochanteric fractures have been a challenge for orthopedic surgeons in terms of appropriate reduction and stable fixation. Numerous methods have been used for the fixation of comminuted subtrochanteric fractures among which some are accompanied with technical difficulties and complications of their own. Regarding the results of previous studies, we decided to evaluate the biological fixation method in comminuted subtrochanteric fractures.

Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated 20 men with comminuted subtrochanteric femoral fractures. The patients underwent indirect reduction with dynamic hip screw (DHS) or dynamic condylar screw (DCS) fixation within one week of injury. The patients were evaluated clinically for pain, hip and knee range of motion, leg-length discrepancy and angular and rotational deformities, in addition the radiographic assessment of the ::::union::::.

Results: According to Seinsheimer's classification of subtrochanteric fractures, four patients had type III, nine had type IV and seven had type V fractures. Fracture fixation was performed by DCS in eight and by DHS in 12 cases. The average time of the operations was 79.4 (ranging from 60-125) minutes. Mean blood loss was 634 (ranging from 340-1160) milliliters. Uneventfully, ::::union:::: occurred in all patients with no clinical pain or dysfunction.

Conclusion: Submuscular plating with either DCS or DHS is a viable option to treat comminuted subtrochanteric fractures. The results of this study highly suggest use of submuscular plating in the treatment of comminuted subtrochanteric fractures, especially in the third world countries.

Effects of resistance and endurance exercises on androgens, cortisol and lactate in elderly women

Attarzadeh Hosseini SR

Background: The basal levels of androgens in women decline gradually with age. These changes may reduce muscle strength and bone density leading to fatigue and psychological problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance and endurance exercises on androgens, cortisol and lactate concentrations in elderly women.

Methods: In this study, 10 elderly women with a mean age of 54.3±3.74 years and a BMI of 24.88±2.07 kg/m2 completed an endurance exercise session (ES), a resistance exercise session (RS), and a control session (CS) in a randomized, cross-balanced design. The RS consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions of eight exercises with 80% 1RM (one repetition maximum) over of 45 minutes and the ES consisted of cycling at 60%-70% of maximum oxygen consumption for 45 minutes. During the CS, subjects performed no exercise. Before and immediately after exercises, and after 15 minutes of recovery, and also during CS blood samples were obtained an analyzed for serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol and lactate.

Results: There was a significant increase in testosterone levels following resistance and endurance exercise sessions (P<0.05). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate demonstrated a significant increase after resistance exercise (P<0.05). While differences in cortisol levels were not significant within groups, but they were significant (P<0.05) between groups.

Conclusion: A session of resistance exercise in elderly women can increase concentrations of androgens that are essential for their health and well-being.

Intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections Vs. dextrose prolotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain

Hashemi SM

Background: Conservative treatment needs to be tried prior to surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This study was designed to evaluate the short-term effects of dextrose prolotherapy on pain relief and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis in comparison with intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections.

Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 100 patients, aged 40-70 years, with complaints of knee pain lasting >3 months were recruited in Akhtar hospital during the years 2010 to 2011. The patients met the criteria proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) for knee osteoarthritis. 50 patients in hyaluronic acid group received five 2 ml injections of hyaluronic acid (Synocrom Forte® 1%) weekly and 50 patients in dextrose prolotherapy group received three 2 ml bimonthly injections of 25% dextrose. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment in terms of pain and functionality using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) self-questionnaire. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks and were examined 12 weeks after the injections by an observer unaware of group assignments. The data were recorded for statistical analysis.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.68.2 years. No significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to pre- and post-treatment KOOS scores. The scores showed significant improvements in all items following treatment in both groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion: It seems that intra-articular injections of 25% dextrose prolotherapy could be as effective as hyaluronic acid injections for the treatment of knee pain due to OA.

Prevalence of colorectal polyps among women with ovarian and endometrial cancers admitted in Firoozgar, Akbarabadi and Rasol Akram Hospitals during 2010- 2011: a brief report

Jafari S

Background: Patients with endometrial or ovarian cancer have an increased risk for breast or colon cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the individual and age-related characteristics of patients with a combination of these malignancies.

Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, we reviewed the medical records of 100 patients admitted for endometrial or ovarian cancer in Rasol Akram, Akbarabadi and Firozgar educational Hospitals in Tehran, Iran, during 2010- 2011. Colon polyps were evaluated by immunohistochemistry assay.

Results: The mean age, weight and BMI of the patients were 50.21, 65.9 and 26.07, respectively. Among 100 cases participating in this study, five (5%) patients had colon polyps. All the five cases with colon polyp had positive familial histories of ovarian cancer.

Conclusion: With considering the low prevalence of colorectal polyps among women with ovarian and endometrial cancers, patient's follow-up for screening test is not recommended.

A retrospective evaluation of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of brucellosis in 230 patients in Hamadan, Iran: a brief report

Mobaien AR

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in Iran with very different clinical manifestations.

Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, all patients with brucellosis, who were admitted in Farshchian Hospital in Hamadan, Iran in 2005 to 2010, were enrolled in the study. The data were collected from the patients' medical records and were entered in forms for analysis.

Results: A total of 230 patients with brucellosis, including 130 (56.5%) male and 100 (43.5%) female patients with a mean age of 40.84±20.29 years, who mostly (72.2%) lived in rural areas were enrolled in the study. Outbreaks were most common in spring and summer and the main route of transmission was consumption of contaminated dairy products (60.3%). The most common symptoms were fever (77.4%), arthralgia (70%), sweating (47%), malaise and fatigue (46.5%). Arthritis and epididymo- orchitis were seen in 121 (52.9%) and 48 (8.20%) patients, respectively. CBC analysis showed leukocytosis in 20.8% of the participants. ESR rise was noted in 59.5% of the patients and 52.9% had positive CRP.

Conclusion: Given to various clinical presentations, brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of individuals with chronic fever with or without other organ abnormalities.

Treatment of AIDS-related thrombocytopenia: a case report

Alijani N

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in individuals infected with HIV and its incidence increases with progressive immunosuppression. Thrombocytopenia due to AIDS is divided into primary and secondary forms and primary HIV associated thrombocytopenia (PHAT) is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia in these patients.

Case presentation: The patient was a 35-year old man with HIV since 1996, who was admitted to Imam Khomeini hospital in August of 2010 with petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis around the eyes and on the limbs and subconjunctival hemorrhage. In laboratory investigation, platelet count was 5000/µL. After ruling out the secondary causes of thrombocytopenia, Primary HIV Associated Thrombocytopenia (PHAT) was diagnosed. Due to the presence of severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding symptoms and considering the fact that antiretroviral agents require 4- 6 weeks to reach therapeutic effects, prednisone and antiretrovirals (AZT) were prescribed. After about two weeks of steroids administration, platelet count reached 50,000/µL and about eight weeks after antiretroviral (AZT) therapy platelets reached nearly 140,000/µL.

Conclusion: Prednisone can be used safely in conjunction with antiretrovirals for primary thrombocytopenia in HIV infected patients with severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding symptoms.