Showing 53 results for Asc
K Imandel , I Mobedi , A Mesdaghinia , F Vaezi ,
Volume 56, Issue 2 (4-1998)
Abstract
Wastewaters are one of the most important sources for transmission of pathogenic agents in environment, so they should be disinfected in a manner that their overall qualities become accordant with WHO-guidelines, if it is needed to reus water correctly. Unfortunately, the protozoa and parasitic worm's eggs can not be destroyed by chlorination alone. This experiment was carried out in order to determine the efficiency of the UV-Lamps in inactivation of the Ascaris Lumbericoides-ova which is the most resultant organism among the other nematode eggs. The minimum inhibitory dose of UVR (UVC plus UVB irradiances) for Ascaris-ova complete destruction ascertained to be 420 miliwatts-seconds per square centimeter.
R Ansari , R Malekzadeh , J Mikaeely , Sm Tabib , M Khatibian , B Alizadeh ,
Volume 56, Issue 6 (7-1998)
Abstract
Introduction: It has been shown that repeated large volume paracenthesis associated with intravenous albumin infusion is a rapid, effective and safe therapy of massive ascites in cirrhosis. Our aim was to investigate wether IV infusion of albumin is necessary in large volume paeacenthesis therapy of cirrhotic ascites. Methods: 37 patients with tense cirrhotic ascites who were intractable to diuretic therapy were randomly assigned in two groups. 16 patients (group A) were treated with paracenthesis of 4 lit/day plus intravenous albumin infusion (7 gr/lit), and 21 (group B) with paracenthesis without albumin infusion. Hemodynamic status, liver and kidney function and serum lectrolytes were assessed before, while and after paracenthesis. Results: Paracenthesis without IV albumin did not induce significant changes in standard renal function tests, serum albumin, serum electrolytes and liver function tests. One patient from each group developed renal impairment. Two patients from group A and 3 from group B developed asymptomatic hyponatermia. One patient from group A died due to hepatic encephalopathy during paracenthesis. Conclusion: Intravenous albumin infusion is not necessary during large volume paracenthesis for treatment of tense ascites in cirrhotic patients.
H Saberi , M Shaabani , M Mostaan , Sh Shahryaran , Sm Mirbaghery , A Forooghi ,
Volume 57, Issue 2 (5-1999)
Abstract
102 patients with ascites were enrolled in a sonographic study of abdomen and pelvis without awaring of history, clinical and paraclinical findings. So with only sonographic finding we suggested the diagnosis and etiology of ascites. All patients were hospitalized. Finally all the patients were diagnosed definitely and were compared with sonographic diagnoses done before. Results: In this survey 42% of patients had cirrhosis, 20.5% had malignancy, 14.7% had renal disease. Overall sensivity of sonography in diagnosing etiology was 91.1%, overall specifity was 97.8%, overall accuracy was 94.4%. Sensivity, specifity and accuracy of each group have also been determined separately.
Beidaghian A, Beeniaz F, , ,
Volume 59, Issue 2 (5-2001)
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is an important problem for men and their families which has an organic cause in about 50 percent of cases. When there is a vasculogenic etiology for this defect, radiologic assessment is unavoidable. Cavernosometry and Cavernosography are ultimate procedures for diagnosis of venous leakage. There is no reliable data about this defects in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of venous leakage in patients with erectile dysfunction by Pharmarco-Cavernosometry and Cavernosography. In this case series study, 100 patient with erectile dysfunction who referred to radiologic ward in Sina hospital was selected and Pharmarco-Cavernosometry and Cavernosography were conducted for them. In Cavernosometry, after injection of Prostaglandin E1 and salin normal infusion into corpus covernosum, the pressure was determined. In cavernosography, diluted omnipaque was injected and venous leakage and other defects were recognized. Myoclinic's criteria was use for analysis of the results. Mean age of patients was 35.6±11.6. Most of the cases were in 20 to 40 age group. The frequency of venous leakage based on 50 mmHg reduction in pressure (from 150 mmHg), after 30 seconds discountinuance of normal salin infusion was 90 percent. This figure based on the ratio of Maintenance Flow Rate to Induced Flow Rate, was more than 92 percent. The frequency of venous leakage according to Cavernosography was 89 percent. There was no significant side effects in any of cases induced by procedures. The results of study, shows the high prevalence of venous leakage in patients referring for erectile dysfunction.
Beidaghian A, Beeniaz F,
Volume 59, Issue 3 (6-2001)
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction is an important problem for men and their families which has an organic cause in about 50 percent of cases. When there is a vasculogenic etiology for this defect, radiologic assessment is unavoidable. Cavernosometry and Cavernosography are ultimate procedures for diagnosis of venous leakage. There is no reliable data about this defects in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of venous leakage in patients with erectile dysfunction by Pharmarco-Cavernosometry and Cavernosography. In this case series study, 100 patient with erectile dysfunction who referred to radiologic ward in Sina hospital was selected and Pharmarco-Cavernosometry and Cavernosography were conducted for them. In Cavernosometry, after injection of Prostaglandin E1 and salin normal infusion into corpus covernosum, the pressure was determined. In cavernosography, diluted omnipaque was injected and venous leakage and other defects were recognized. Myoclinic's criteria was use for analysis of the results. Mean age of patients was 35.6±11.6. Most of the cases were in 20 to 40 age group. The frequency of venous leakage based on 50 mmHg reduction in pressure (from 150 mmHg), after 30 seconds discountinuance of normal salin infusion was 90 percent. This figure based on the ratio of Maintenance Flow Rate to Induced Flow Rate, was more than 92 percent. The frequency of venous leakage according to Cavernosography was 89 percent. There was no significant side effects in any of cases induced by procedures. The results of study, shows the high prevalence of venous leakage in patients referring for erectile dysfunction.
Af Zand Parsa,
Volume 59, Issue 6 (11-2001)
Abstract
In the past, coronary artery bypass grafting was the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic multi vessel coronary artery disease, but in recent years per cutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) accepted as an alternative approach to revascularization. To assess the initial success and in hospital results of coronary angioplasty of more than one lesion per procedure in patients with multi vessel coronary artery disease, a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent selective coronary angioplasty at Imam Khomeini medical center from 1994-1997 were peformed. From 1994 to 1997 per cutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were done in 257 patients, that 201 (78.2 percent) were male and their age range 23-73 years. The numbers of patients with multi vessel coronary artery disease were 98 (38.13 percent), that complete revascularization (PTCA of more than one lesion per procedure) underwent in 34 (13.58 percent) of them (27 men, 7 women, age: mean±SD 48±9.8 range 30-70). A total of 71 lesions were tried, that 22 (31 percent) were type A, 45 (63.4 percent) were type B, and 4 (5.6 percent) were type C. Among patients 21 (61.8 percent) had unstable angina and 13 (38.2 percent) had stable angina. Procedures were successful in 68 (95.8 percent) of lesions and 31 (91.2 percent) patients were discharged fro procedural complications included 3 (8.8 percent) non-Q wave myocardial infarction and no mortality. Without any complication, (success defined as residual stenosis <50 percent). As a conclusion, in selected patients with multi vessel coronary artery disease PTCA of more than one lesion per-procedure is effective and safe.
Geranmayeh L, Alipoor S,
Volume 60, Issue 2 (5-2002)
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are one of the most dreaded infections in human and result in a very high rate of mortality. The treatment of these infections must be very aggressive and consists of radical debridement of all necrotic tissue accompanied by appropriate antibiotics.
Materials and Methods: This study was undertaken to assess the mortality rate, the time from diagnosis to cure, and some of the parameters which may affect mortality in our patients. In this descriptive, retrospective study first files from patients attended by necrotizing soft tissue infections including Fournier's gangrene or disease, gas gangrene, hemolytic streptococcal infections, myonecrosis, necrotizing fascitis and related subjects in Sina and Amir-Alam hospitals from 1989 to 1999 were studied. Data were extracted and analyzed by SPSS.
Results: The total number of cases was 36. The median age was 47.69 years. Seven of the patients were female. The median time from onset to cure was 10 days. The most common site affected was the perineum and the most common etiology was perianal abscess. Diabetes mellitus was the underlying disease mostly observed. Half of the patients had received inappropriate treatments. In this group mortality was higher.
Conclusion: It is crucial that general practitioners be acquainted with the diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections so that patients are referred immediately to surgical centers. In our referral center the mortality was acceptable but it can be lowered further. The sex, sites of infection, underlying disease and etiologies in our patients were similar to patient in other countries except for alcoholism. It appears that data in foreign texts can be attributed to Iranian patients.
Ahmadinejad Z, Rasoiili Nejad M, Mahmoudi M, Rezaei N,
Volume 61, Issue 2 (5-2003)
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. Despite its control in many developing countries the disease remains endemic in Iran. The symptoms, signs and laboratory results are variable and nonspecific. This case series study was conducted to determine the liver complications of Brucellosis in Iran
Materials and Methods: We studied 188 patients (108 males and 80 females) with Brucellosis, fulfilled the diagnostic criteria, aged 1-79 years (mean 34.8 years) were registered in Imam Khomeini Hospital, a referral center in Tehran, during the six years (1995-2001).
Results: Thirty-four of 188 cases (18.08 percent) had elevated liver enzyme (elevated SGOT only, 6 patients elevated SGPT only 1 patient elevation of both transaminases, 27 patients). The prominent symptoms included anorexia (74 cases), weight loss (62 cases), right upper quadrant pain (32 cases), epigastric pain (25 cases) and nausea and vomiting (23 cases). Among the gastrointestinal signs were found in these patients, hepatomegaly was seen in 28 patients. Jaundice and ascitis were present in only 7 and 3 patients, respectively. Other laboratory results showed elevated alkaline phosphatase in 28 cases and abnormal bilirubin in 10 cases. Fifty-seven patients had a focal illness, representing 30.32 percent of all patients. Osteoarticular complications were the most frequent focal forms, being present in 34 cases. Twelve male patients had genitourinary Brucellosis, representing 10.53 percent of focal forms. Also, 5 patients had neurologic complications.
Conclusion: In conclusion liver involvement is frequent in Brucellosis, although the rate of this complication in our study was lower than other studies. So, in patients with evidence of overt clinical or laboratory findings compatible with liver disturbance etiologies other than brucellosis should be considered in Iran.
Abolfazli R, Makari N, Bagheri H, Ahmadi M,
Volume 62, Issue 2 (5-2004)
Abstract
Background: Cerebrovasular diseases (CVD) are one of the most common anomalies which may affect on auditory cortex. In this research we have tried to evaluate the function of CANS in a group of 50-70 years old cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients without hearing problem by using Persian version of C.S.T.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was established at Loghman-e-Hakim Hospital on a group of 30 normal subject (15 male, 14 female) and a group of 40 patients with CVA including 30 patients (16 male, 14 female) with abnormal CT scan and 10 patients with normal CT scan.
Results: Routine audiologic test including: Pure tone audiometry, Immitance audiometry and speech audiometry were nearly normal in all cases. There were significant differences between mean scores of CST in the patients with CVA and control group (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences between mean scores of CST in male and females (P> 0.05). In spite of nearly normal hearing and high scores in the simple speech tests such as SDS, there were significant differences in mean scores of CST in both ears of CVA patients (P< 0.05). Another important point is that in some of patients with CVA.
Conclusion: Although common radiologic evaluations such as CT scan showed no anatomic or structural anomaly but central auditory assessments such as CST can show dysfunctions of CANS. Therefore, CST might be a valuable test in CANS batteries for the cerebrovascular diseases.
Z Sanaat , M Tavangar , A Shriftabrizi , K Alimoghadam , A Ghavamzadeh , M Jahani ,
Volume 62, Issue 4 (7-2004)
Abstract
Background: The important of angiogenesis for the progressive growth and viability of solid tumors is well established. Only few data are available for hematologic neoplasms.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the role of angiogenesis in the acute myloid leukemia (AML) bone marrow biopsies from 30 adults with newly diagnosed, untreated AML(day 0) were evaluated. Further studies were done after completion on remission induction of treatment (day 35 of 7×3 regimen n=13, complete remission in AML (m3) treat with arsenic trioxide n=17). Micro-vessels were scored in at least 3 areas of highest micro-vessel density in representative section of each bone marrow specimen using immunohistochemistry for Von Willbrand factor.
Results: Median micro-vascular density (MVD) were in AMLM3 patients before treatment, %6.81±3.58 and after treatetment %3.48±3.06 (p<0.0001). In other AML patients MVD were befor treatment %3.38 and after treatment %3.6.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is evidence of increased micro-vessel density in the bone marrow of patients with AML, which supports the hypothesis of an important role of angiogenesis in AML. MVD was reduced with chemotherapy and arsenic. Furthermore , these finding suggest that antiangiogenesis therapy might constitute a novel strategy for the treatment of AML.
E Nematipor , B Heydari,
Volume 64, Issue 1 (3-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity around the world and because of insidious and chronic progression of arterioscleroses and coronary artery disease (CAD) and also correlation between peripheral arterial disease and CAD we evaluated ankle brachial index (ABI) as a predictive factor for early diagnosis of CAD.
Materials and Methods: Evaluation of ABI performed in patients who referred to cardiology department of Imam Khomeini Hospital for coronary angiography from April 2003 to May 2004. 100 patients selected for the study, 50 patients with CAD (at least one vessel significantly involved) and 50 patients with normal coronary arteries as control cases. Relation between ABI and CAD studied in the patients, also other variables such as age, sex, family history of CAD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking and claudication were evaluated.
Results: The mean age in patients with coronary artery disease was 56±16 years old (66% male, 34% female) and in normal coronary patients was 52+15 years old (48% male, 52% female). The mean ABI in patients with abnormal coronary arteries was 1.07±0.028 and in cases with normal coronary arteries was 1.12±0.016 that was not significant (P= 0.128). In addition there was no significant value between ABI and other variables mentioned above. All patients with ABI≤ 0.9 (14% of patients) had CAD.
Conclusion: This study revealed that although an ABI≤ 0.9 has a high predictive value for CAD, the ABI itself can not be a sensitive predictor of CAD diagnosis because a large numbers of CAD patients had ABI more than 0.9. Hence this level of ABI can not rule out the presence of CAD in many patients.
S.m. Safavi, M. Rohbani, F. Forouzanfar,
Volume 64, Issue 6 (8-2006)
Abstract
Background: Hypertention and diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. studies have shown that microalbuminuria is a strong predictor of cardiov-ascular disease in different population.In this study the relation of microalbuminuria with diabetes and hypertention as risk factors of atherosclerosis disease were investi-gated.
Methods: Two hundered twenty eight patients with angiographically confirmed coronary atherosclerotic lesions, (mean age 60 ± 0.5 SD) referred to Madani Hospital, Tabriz, Iran were studied .This patients according to the number of diseased vessels were classified in two groups. The levels of glucose and creatinine and that of post parandial glucose were determined in venous blood samples by standard methods. Immunoturbidimetric method was employed in the measurement of microalbuminuria. The results were analysed by statistical tests.
Results: The increased albumin/creatinine ratio was markedly correlated with fasting blood sugar, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05 in all cases). Significant correlation was noticed between microalbuminuria, diabetes according to the extension of the disease lesions (P < 0.05). No relationship was observed between microalbumin-uria, high levels of blood pressure according to the number of diseased vessels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The relationship between diabetes and microalbuminuria was meaningful. According to atherosclerotic lesions a marked correlation was also noticed between microalbuminuria and diabetes. These facts may contribute to the higher cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. An associated between hypertension and microalbuminuria was noticed. The result suggests that although risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are known to cause cardiovascular disease, microalbuminuria may in fact be a better indicator of established microvascular damage and better predictor of cardiov-ascular events.
Salimi J, Taghavi M, Shojaeefar A, Shadman F,
Volume 64, Issue 8 (8-2006)
Abstract
Background: A plan for management of infected arterial pseudoaneurysm has evolved from our experience with forty two cases of such aneurysms treated between 1378 and 1382.
Methods: Clinical data of 42 patients with femoral pseudoaneurysm resulting from addictive drug injection who presented in emergency department of Sina Hospital between 1378 and 1383 were retrospectively reviewed.
Results: All patients were men with the mean age of 36.9 years. Twenty eight patients were referred from other medical centers. The mean time of delay in presentation was 17.3 days. The mean duration of drug injection was 14 months. Primary repair and emergent vascular bypass were performed in 3(7.1%) and 2(4.8%) patients, respectively. 5(11.9%) patients undergone delayed revascularization. Thirty two (76.2%) patients returned to their normal lifestyle without any vascular bypass. One patient required amputation and one patient died due to sepsis and acute renal insufficiency.
Conclusion: Management of infected femoral pseudoaneurysms is simple ligation of the external iliac or femoral artery. When Doppler is not available “Operation Room and postoperative Direct Observation” is recommended in such patients to avoid unnecessary revascularization surgery.
Pajouhi M, Shaban Nejad Khas Z, Mohajeri Tehrani M R,
Volume 65, Issue 3 (6-2007)
Abstract
Background: Diabetic neuropathy is an incapacitating disease that afflicts almost 50 percent of patients with diabetes. A late finding in type 1 diabetes, diabetic neuropathy can be an early finding in non insulin-dependent diabetes. Diabetic neuropathies are divided primarily into two groups, sensorimotor and autonomic. Patients may acquire only one type of diabetic neuropathy or may present with combinations of neuropathies, such as autonomic neuropathy or distal symmetric polyneuropathy, the latter of which the most common form. Motor deficits, orthostatic hypotension, silent cardiac ischemia, hyperhidrosis, vasomotor instability, gastroparesis, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction can also result from diabetic neuropathy. Strict control of blood sugar, combined with proper daily foot care, is essential to avoid the complications of this disorder. With the potential to afflict any part of the nervous system, diabetic neuropathy should be suspected in all patients with type 2 diabetes as well as patients who have had type 1 diabetes for over five years. Although some patients with diabetic neuropathy notice few symptoms, upon physical examination mild to moderately severe sensory loss may be noted by the physician. Idiopathic neuropathy has been known to precede the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Dorosty A R, Alavi Naeini A M,
Volume 65, Issue 3 (6-2007)
Abstract
Background: The effects of population aging are becoming apparent throughout the world. Diseases, such as cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, are among the most important factors affecting morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. These diseases not only result in huge economic costs for treatment and care, but also results in hardship and time lost for relatives of the afflicted individuals. The association between nutritional status and disease is well known. In the present study, the effects of both under-nutrition and over-nutrition on the prevalence of disease are monitored in an urban Iranian elderly population. Thus far, no similar study has been performed in the Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Isfahan, Iran, during late 2003 on 1694 elderly people (731 males, 963 females), aged 60 years and older. Subjects were randomly chosen from all urban elderly people during a door-to-door and weight and height survey. They were selected using a cluster sampling method, each containing 30 clusters. From each cluster, 58 elderly were selected at random. Using each subjects body mass index (BMI), the nutritional status was categorized as overweight (BMI greater than 25), underweight (BMI less than 19) and normal (having a BMI equal to or more than 19 and equal to or less than 25). Any illnesses known to each subject were also recorded.
Results: Results showed that 4.7% of the subjects were underweight and 61.2% overweight. Women were more likely to be overweight and long periods of watching television increased the risk of overweight in all subjects. Being overweight was associated with diabetes and coronary vascular diseases, and lean people were less likely to suffer from such diseases.
Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of overweight among the Iranian elderly population, indicating the need for improvement in nutritional status in order to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and CVD.
Salimi J, Rostamnejad M, Meisami A.p,
Volume 65, Issue 5 (8-2007)
Abstract
Background: Dialysis access procedures and complications are important causes of morbidity and hospitalization for chronic hemodialysis patients. Ideally, any patient undergoing hemodialysis should receive an autogenous fistula that can be accessed throughout the patient's life. In patients with primarily unsuitable or secondarily surgically-exhausted veins, a prosthetic graft can be performed. Several recently published studies report the outcome of prosthetic grafts. The conclusions of these studies differ dramatically. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the patency, infection and thrombosis rates using Poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in grafts for vascular access in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: During this three-year prospective study, 84 patients underwent placement of vascular access graft at the Vascular Surgery Department of Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center in Tehran. Demographics, complications, and subsequent treatment were recorded. Primary patency rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Logrank tests were used to evaluate the statistical differences in survival distribution.
Results: The mean patient age was 55 years (±12 years). Hypertension, diabetes and smoking were considered to be risk factors for atherosclerosis in 45, 26 and 19 cases, respectively. The patients were followed up for at least 24 months. The primary patency rates were 78%, 63.3% and 54.9% at 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. There were 39 (46.4%) access failures, which were related to infection in five cases (6%), thrombosis in 30 cases (35.7%) and bleeding in two cases (2.4%). The patency rate in patients without hypertension and with hypertension were 62.2% and 29.7%, respectively (P<0.03). Patency rates for upper extremity and lower extremity grafts were 60% and 26%, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion: A PTFE vascular graft seems to be an appropriate vascular access and is a promising alternative when upper extremity arteriovenous fistulas cannot be constructed. Additionally, good care and educating patients can further decrease the rate of complication and morbidity, thereby resulting in a better patency rate.
Pedarzadeh A, Kassaian S.e, Esfahanian F, Goudarzinejad H.r, Payedari N, Salarifar M, Hajizeinali A.m, Alidoosti M, Boroumand M.a,
Volume 65, Issue 8 (11-2007)
Abstract
Background: Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of drug eluting stents (DES) in selected groups of patients with less complicated diabetes. We conducted this study to determine how an unselected group of diabetic patients in Iran fare following DES implantation.
Methods: Data were collected on 147 consecutive diabetic patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the implantation of at least one DES at the Tehran Heart Center from June 2003 to September 2005. Clinical follow-up was performed by timely scheduled visits at one, four and nine months following DES implantation. Nine months of follow-up was completed for 94.5% of the patients. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), which include cardiac death, myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization (TVR). In-hospital complications were the secondary endpoint.
Results: A total of 158 coronary artery lesions were treated with DES in 147 diabetic patients (mean age = 56.4±8.92 years, 57.1% were men). During the nine-month follow-up, MACE occurred in 3.4% of patients, with a myocardial infarction rate of 1.4% and TVR rate of 1.4%. Considering one patient who underwent TVR due to acute stent thrombosis following angioplasty (during hospitalization) the total number of TVR reached 3 (2%). Only one patient (0.7%) died of cardiac death, which occurred after the procedure and before discharge. In-hospital complications occurred in six patients (4.1%) five patients suffered from myocardial infarction.
Conclusions: PCI with DES seems to be safe and effective in diabetic patients. However, more studies with larger study populations and longer follow-up are required to confirm this issue.
Moazeni M, Gaur S.n.s,
Volume 65, Issue 11 (2-2008)
Abstract
Background: Fasciolosis is a worldwide disease with major economic and public health consequences. Early detection of the infection is important for the prevention and control of the disease. ELISA allows for early detection of fasciolosis in man and animals. Fasciolosis is caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica in man and domestic animals respectively. These two species have many similar morphological characteristics. In this study, the crude antigens of these two species are investigated by ELISA test.
Methods: The excretory-secretory and somatic antigens of two species were prepared from adult flukes collected from the bile ducts of sheep and stored at -20oC. For the preparation of the antisera, the antigens were injected to laboratory-bred rabbits. Each rabbit received five injections at intervals of seven days, starting with 0.5 ml and ending with 2.5 ml. Ten days after the last injection, the rabbits were bled, and serum samples separated and stored at -20oC. The reaction between homologous and heterologous antigens and antisera was tested by ELISA and optical densities were recorded.
Results: Excretory- secretory and somatic antigens of each species showed a strong positive reaction with the antisera of the other species. In a homologous combination of antigens and antisera, a stronger reaction was observed compared to the heterologous combination, therefore many antigenic materials of both species are the same.
Conclusion: The differences of these crude antigenic materials of F. hepatica and F. gigantica are insufficient to prevent cross reaction of two species by ELISA. Further investigations are recommended for the identification, detection and purification of antigenic material of each species to improve the specificity of this assay.
Owlia M.b, Hekmati-Moghadam S.h, Dehghani Z, Fallah F, Salimzadeh A.,
Volume 65, Issue 11 (2-2008)
Abstract
Background: Major clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in the central nervous system are generally arterial thrombotic events and a number of non-thrombotic neurologic syndromes. Antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) are one of the important risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). The aim of present study was to assess the relationship between APA titers and CVA in this clinically important age group.
Methods: This case-control study was carried out on patients under 50 years old who had CVA (stroke or transient ischemic attack) in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd (central Iran) from Dec 2003 until March 2005. In this study, 61 patients with CVA were compared with 68 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Lupus anticoagulant assay results and APA titers were assessed in both groups.
Results: The mean value of IgM APA titers in patients with cerebrovascular accidents was 6.492 MPL (IgM antiphospholipid units) and 1.846 MPL in the control group. The difference between the two groups was significant (p-value: 0.000). In 12 (20%) of the patients with cerebrovascular accidents, IgM titers were higher than 10 MPL, one of whom had an IgM titer higher than 40 MPL. The mean value of IgG titers in the case group was 5.50 GPL (IgG antiphospholipid units) and 3.51 GPL in the control group. The difference between the two groups was significant (p-value: 0.012). Thirteen (21%) patients with cerebrovascular accidents had IgG titers higher than 10 GPL. The difference between the LA assay results was not significant between the two groups (p-value: 0.311).
Conclusion: The present study showed a positive relationship between APL (IgM and IgG) titers and CVA in patients under 50 years old.
Hajighasemi F, Mirshafiey A,
Volume 66, Issue 12 (3-2009)
Abstract
Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has mitogenic effect for endothelial cells and is an important mediator of tumor expansion, metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo. Isosorbide dinitrate, as a nitric oxide donor, has been widely used in treatment of many cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure and acute coronary syndromes. Furthermore this drug was found to have inhibitory effect on angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In the present study we evaluated the isosorbide effect on the VEGF production using some human leukemic cell lines.
Methods: Human leukemic MOLT-4, JURKAT and U937 cells were cultured in complete RPMI medium. The cells at the exponential growth phase were then incubated with different concentrations of Isosorbide (4´10-7 -4´10-4 M) in the presence or absence of PMA (25ng/ml) for 24 hours. The VEGF concentrations in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme immunoassay kits (R&D systems) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Results: The level of VEGF produced by the human leukemic cell lines which was treated with different concentrations of isosorbide, did not show any significant difference with untreated control cells.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that isosorbide had no significant effect on VEGF production. Our findings suggest that anti-angiogenesis effect of isosorbide could be mediated through VEGF-independent mechanism(s). Further studies are warranted to determine definite isosorbide effect on VEGF and other angiogenic factors production in patients as well as animal models.
