Showing 64 results for Protein
K Pakshir , F Zini , E Aliakhooni ,
Volume 57, Issue 4 (7-1999)
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated total cell protein patterns of ten isolates of Epidermophyton Floccosum Var.pigmented by SDS-PAGE on 10% polyacrylamide resolving gels. Densitometric analysis of the gels allowed to detect more than 31 clearly detectable mycelial protein bands with molecular weights in the range of 12 to 98 KD proteins of 12.5, 13.5, 14.4, 16, 18.4, 19.7, 20.1, 23.5, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32.5, 34, 35.5, 37, 39.5, 40.5, 43, 47.5, 50, 63, 68, 75, 79, 82.5, 74.5, 90, 94, 96, 97-5 KD were present but their frequencies varied among the isolates. Protein bands of 18.4, 19.7, 20.1, 27, 29, 34, 37, 43, 47.5, 50, 63, 79, 94, KD were stronger and common among the isolates and could be specific to recognize genus differences. Protein analysis by SDS-PAGE could be considered an useful technique in identifying differences among the dermatophyte isolates.
Khatami Z, Roohi S, Nami A, Shakeri N, Abbassi M ,
Volume 60, Issue 6 (9-2002)
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, we reviewuated and compared three routine methods for the measurement of urinary protein concentrations with a view to find a suitable method to prevent, diagnose and monitor renal disease under circumstances with limited resources.
Materials and Methods: Two modifications of the Trichoroacetic acid (TCA) turbidimetric method read at 405 and 620 nm and the sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) turbidimetric method were considered. The reviewuated was carried out using a variety of control materials, calibrators and patients urine samples.
Results: The result indicated that the TCA method read at 405nm is appropriate for the measurement of protein in the range of 25-700 mg/L and the TCA "620nm method" is appropriate for the measurement of protein concentration in the range of 100-1000 mg/L. Of the two methods, the TCA at 405 nm was minimally influenced by the type of calibrator. The SSA method showed unacceptable performance in the measurement of protein, specially at lower concentration, in addition the results showed a large variation depending on the type of calibration.
Conclusion: For screening of high-risk populations e.g. diabetics and early diagnosis of microproteinuria the recommended method is the TCA at 405 nm calibrated with a serum-based mixed Albumin/Globulin standard. For routine testing the TCA method at 620 is suggested regardless of type of calibration, although the limitations at lower concentrations should be remembered.
Razeghi E, Lessan Pezeshki M, Aazaripour A,
Volume 64, Issue 9 (9-2006)
Abstract
Background: The prognosis of chronic dialysis patients is poor, in part due to the high incidence of cardiovascular disease and malnutrition. It has been recognized that 30-50% of hemodialysis patients have serological evidence of an activated inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation may cause malnutrition and progressive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It would be obvious interest to study prevalence of inflammatory factors particularly CRP as prominent components of inflammatory syndrome in dialysis patients.
The objective of this study was to study prevalence of inflammatory factors particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) in hemodialysis patients.
Methods: We studied 125 dialysis patients in a cross sectional study during summer of 2001 in two university hospitals. Serum CRP (agglutination method), albumin (bromocresol green method) and ferritin (ELISA) were measured in all patients.
Results: One hundred and twenty five patients including 53 (44.1%) men and 72 (55.9%) women were enrolled in this study. Fourteen patients (11.2%) had hypoalbuminemia, 81 (64.8%) had high serum ferritin, and 57 subjects (45.6%) were CRP positive.
Conclusion: According to high prevalence of inflammatory factors especially C-reactive protein in dialysis patients, CRP and other inflammatory factors should be screened in this group of patients routinely because of their prognostic importance.
Azadbakht L, Mirmiran P, Hedayati M, Esmaillzadeh A, Shiva N, Azizi F,
Volume 64, Issue 10 (10-2006)
Abstract
Background: The NCEP step II diet produced a desirable lipoprotein response in hypercholesterolemia. A relation between plasma concentrations of small dense LDL and cardiovascular risk factors has also been mentioned in children. This study was conducted to determine the effects of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) step 2 diets on the low density and high density lipoprotein particle size in dyslipidemic adolescents.
Methods: Forty- four dyslipidemic adolescents, aged 10-18 years, participated in this case-control study. The control group was not given a diet prescription and was simply instructed to “eat as usual”. Their eating patterns reflected the consumption of macronutrients, fruit, vegetables and dairy products, typical of what many Tehranian eat. NCEP step 2 diets was a diet with 30% of calories as total fat, less than 7% saturated fat, less than 200 mg cholesterol, less than 15% of calories as monounsaturated fat and less than 10% as polyunsaturated fat per day. Lipoprotein particle size was the major outcome variables, which was measured after 3 months of intervention. Lipoprotein particle size was estimated by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis using Krauss and Burke methodtion.
Results: The mean body mass index was 26.3±4.2 kg/m2. Baseline characteristics of these adolescents did not differ significantly across the NCEP step 2 and control diet groups. The NCEP diet resulted in higher reduction in total cholesterol (-13±4 vs –2±0.3 mg/dl, p<0.001), LDL (-9±2 vs 3±0.6 mg/dl, p<0.01) and higher increase in size of the LDL (1.7±0.4 vs 0.1±0.4 mg/dl, p<0.001). HDL particle size did not change significantly. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia decreased significantly (p<0.05) in NCEP step 2 group (68% in NCEP step 2 vs 100% in the control group) after 3 months.
Conclusion: NCEP step 2 diet not only reduces the serum LDL concentration of hypercholesterolemic adolescents but also has a favorable effect on the LDL particle size distribution. The related mechanism needs to be studied in future experimental designs.
Ansari Sh, Vossogh P, Tabarok A,
Volume 64, Issue 11 (10-2006)
Abstract
Background: Germ cell tumor (GCT) account for approximately 2-3% of all malignancies in childhood. About 20% of patients with GCT are still resistant to therapy.
Methods: This study was undertaken on 57 patients with Germ cell tumor who were admitted to Ali Asghar Children’s Hospital during 1990-2004. Through this study, information about sex, age type of pathology, clinical sign, treatment and survival (5-year period) was gathered in order to have better treatment and follow up. This study was carried out as across-sectional survey and the obtained data was analyzed via Spss 10 soft ware.
Results: The findings showed that the mean age of patients was 4/9 ± 0/1 (1mo -14y), male 54%, female 46%, male/female, ratio=1/1. Site of tumor: saccrococcygeal 57/8 %( 33), gonadal 42% (24). Pathological type is yolk sac 61/4% (35), dysgerminoma 12/2% (7), malignant teratoma 14% (8), embryonal carcinoma 10/5% (6). The most common clinical sign were buttock mass 31/5% (18), abdominal pain 10/5% (6), abdominal mass 17/5%(10), testicular mass 28% (16). All of the patients were treated with chemotherapy (bleomycine, vinblastin, cisplatinum) mean of duration follow up were 48/4 months. In all of patients 31/5% (18) of the cases were alive and 70% (40) of patients were relapse and 15/7% (9) no information, 52/6% (30) of cases were expired. Five years survival of patients was 62%.
Conclusion: The analysis of the patients treated shows that extragonadal location of primary tumor (specially sacrococcygeal), level of AFP above 10 ng/ml in patients ,6 or more months of age and metastatic disease were the most unfavorable factors for overall survival.
Zavarreza J, Doosti M, Ariabarzin Sh, Soleymani S, Siavoshi F, Maserrat S,
Volume 65, Issue 1 (3-2008)
Abstract
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the major causes of peptic ulcer, gastritis and gastric cancer. This bacterium has a special lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is responsible for its pathogenesis and its high resistance against gastric acid and escape from the human immune system. This property makes it a target for further research and diagnostic goals. In this study, the extraction of the LPS and separation from the outer membrane is required.
Methods: The LPS was extracted from the outer membrane, or envelope, of H. pylori obtained from patients suffering from gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. LPS extraction was performed using the proteinase K method. SDS-PAGE and silver staining were applied to investigate the electrophoretic pattern of the LPS. This pattern was compared with that of E. coli serotype O111:B4 and Salmonella serotype ATCC 14028.
Results: The extracted LPS has a ladder-shaped electrophoretic pattern and the bands are located in three groups: high, medium and low molecular weights.
Conclusion: The distribution of the bands of the ladder-shaped electrophoretic pattern is caused by the different number of oligosaccharide chains associated with the LPS. The high molecular weight bands represent S-LPS and the low molecular weight bands represent the R-LPS, which lacks the O-chain.
Tabatabai Sh, Siassi F, Harrison G, Jalali M, Keyghobadi K,
Volume 65, Issue 3 (6-2007)
Abstract
Background: The incidence of riboflavin deficiency is high in women and children in developing countries and the deficiency almost invariably occurs in combination with deficiencies of other water soluble vitamins. The objective of this study was the assessment of riboflavin status of rural school children in Kerman province and its relationship with riboflavin, protein and energy intake.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 327 primary school children were randomly selected by the stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Variables for classifications were sex and socio-economic status (according to the educational level). This study was conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry of School of Public Health in Tehran University in the winter of 2001. A twenty-four hour recall questionnaire was completed by and 5 cc of venous blood was taken from each student. Riboflavin status was assessed by measuring the glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGR – AC) of the red blood cells. Chi-Square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests were used to determine correlations. Student’s t–test was used to show the differences in the mean of EGR – AC between the classifications of independent factors.
Results: The relationship between riboflavin status and its independent variables including the status of riboflavin, protein and calorie intake were assessed. Outputs of the study indicated that 39.7% of the boys and 43.6% of the girls (41.8% together) were marginally riboflavin deficient. Furthermore, 37.7% of the boys, 33.4% of the girls (35.4% together) were frankly riboflavin deficient. An average of 67.2% of the children (70.1% boys, 63.7% girls) had enough intake of riboflavin, and 76.2% of the children (79.9%, boys, 72.5% girls) had adequate intake of protein. However, only 22% of the children (24.5% boys, 19.3% girls) had sufficient caloric intake. Outputs of this dietary evaluation reveal that there is a relationship between riboflavin status and protein intake status (P<0.05).
Conclusion: This study shows that riboflavin deficiency is an important problem for the rural school children of Kerman province and the level of protein intake is an important factor affecting riboflavin status in these children.
Gharibdoost F, Samadi F, Taghipoor R, Akbarian M, Shahram F, Nadji A, Jamshidi A R, Davatchi F,
Volume 65, Issue 7 (10-2007)
Abstract
Background: Heat-shock proteins are part of a strictly controlled biological system that allows organisms to respond to environmental stresses. Different proinflammatory cytokines are present in the synovial tissue of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Such tissues respond to stress and induce heat-shock proteins. In addition, synovial cells are exposed to mechanical stress caused by joint motion. The effects of mechanical stress on the metabolism of the synovial cells may be substantial, even pathogenic. Heat-shock proteins are often implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we compare the levels of heat-shock protein 70 from the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients.
Methods: Synovial fluid samples from 34 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 34 osteoar-thritis patients were analyzed for heat-shock protein 70 by an ELISA method. Statistical analysis was performed using independent T-test and one-way ANOVA. Differences were considered statistically significant at p< 0.05.
Results: The mean value of synovial fluid heat-shock protein 70 levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients was 156.30 ±128.51 and that of osteoarthritis patients was 14.98 ±11.58. The differences were statistically significant at p<0.0001. For seven rheumatoid arthritis patients suffering from mechanical knee pain, synovial fluid analysis revealed non-inflammatory effusion. The mean value of synovial fluid heat-shock protein 70 level in inflammatory synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients was significantly higher at 191±121.73 and that of non-inflammatory synovial fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients was 21.93 ±10.06 (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: The level of heat shock protein 70 is higher in inflammatory arthritis than in non-inflammatory arthritis. Considering that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are known to have a hypertrophic synovial-lining layer, and that heat-shock protein 70 is known to protect cells against a variety of toxic conditions as well as apoptotic death, further research is needed to determine if heat-shock protein 70 induction is a sign of significant changes in the cellular and tissue metabolism or is actively participating in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. |
Beigi A, Saeedi L, Samiei H, Zarrinkoub F, Zarrinkoub H,
Volume 66, Issue 1 (3-2008)
Abstract
Background: Whatever its etiology, the inflammatory reactions of preeclampsia lead to the activation of endothelium and result in vascular damage. CRP is considered a sensitive index of systemic inflammation, so it is used as predictive factor for disease. This study was carried out to test the screening and predictive abilities of the CRP test in order to detect and diagnose pregnant women prone to preeclampsia prior to the onset of symptoms.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study, conducted in Arash Hospital between 2005 and 2006, we determined the CRP levels of 201 pregnant women at 10-16 weeks of pregnancy. Based on exclusion criteria and illness, 31 patients were excluded and 170 patients were followed until the end of their pregnancies.
Results: In this study, the mean serum CRP values of those who had preeclamptic and those who had normal pregnancies were compared and the statistical differences were significant: 6.18 mg/L for preeclamptic patients compared with 4.12 mg/L for normal patients (p=0.003). Using a chi-square test, we found that patients whose CRP level was ≥4 were six times more likely to have preeclampsia than those with CRP levels <4 (k=9.4 p=0.002 OR=6.15 95% CI=0.69-22.28).
Conclusion: This study confirms the results of previous reports indicating a significant relationship between rising serum CRP in the first trimester of pregnancy and preeclampsia at third trimester. More studies consisting of other inflammation factors are necessary to find an acceptable and reasonable screening test to diagnose pregnant women who are prone to preeclampsia.
Gharaati Mr, Mirshahi M, Sadeghi-Zadeh M,
Volume 66, Issue 10 (1-2009)
Abstract
Background: Tumor cells need food and oxygen supply for growth and division. Therefore one of the most promising areas of cancer therapy focuses on using agents that inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Inhibition of angiogenesis prevents cell growth, division and metastasis. Previous studies showed that plasminogen related Protein-B has an anti-tumor activity in mice. This protein has a high level of homology with preactivation Peptide (PAP) of human plasminogen. According to this high homology, antiangiogeneic activity of PAP was investigated in an in vitro angiogenesis model.
Methods: PAP encoding region of human plasminogen gene was isolated by Polymerase Chain Reaction and cloned in pGEX-2T vector. This plasmid was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein (GST-PAP). GST-PAP was expressed as inclusion body and purified by affinity chromatography on GSH-sepharose resin after refolding. antiangiogenic effects of purified protein were surveyed with Matrigel assay.
Results: The GST-PAP was expressed and purified and its accuracy was confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis and immunoblotting. Microscopic studies showed that GST-PAP inhibited angiogenesis in Matrigel system which is shown by shrinking the length of capillary like structures and a decrease in the number of tubule. While applying concentarations of 25μg/ml of GST-PAP and concentrations above that, antiangiogenic activity of GST-PAP was significant comparing to the controls.
Conclusion: Finding shows that GST-PAP can inhibit network formation in Matrigel system. This findings support the theory that PAP is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor.
Abiri M, Sadeghian S, Hakki E, Boroumand Ma, Mehdipour P, Izadi M, Keramatipour M,
Volume 67, Issue 2 (5-2009)
Abstract
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Background: Coronary
Artery Disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide including Iran. The risk of developing disease in patients
without symptoms is assessed in part by factors that are associated with disease.
Among these factors family history points to the significance of genetic
component in the risk of CAD. The identification of the genetic variants that
confer risk for CAD is essential for detecting high-risk individuals, so
preventative life style and therapeutic action can be taken before overt
disease develops. So far more than 100 genes have been reported with possible
role in developing risk for CAD. Matrix- Gla Protein (MGP) is one of these
genes that association of its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with CAD has
been reported. Among the polymorphisms,
there are two promoter SNPs at position -7 & -138 that their association
with CAD has been reported before. Here we investigated the association of
these SNPs with CAD in Iranian population.
Methods: 150 cases and 150 controls were selected on the basis of their
clinical assessments and angiographic reports. DNA was extracted from blood
samples. The genotypes for both SNPs were determined using Polymerase Chain
Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method with size
fractionation on Polyacrylamide gel.
Results: The
comparison of allele & genotype frequencies between patients and controls
showed that there is an excess of A allele at position -7 and T allele at
position -138 among patients, although these differences were not significant (p<0.2, and p<0.5 respectively).
Conclusions: This study
suggests no association of these SNPs with CAD in Iranian population.
Confirmation of this finding needs independent repeat of similar studies.
Keywords: Coronary
Artery Disease (CAD), Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP).
Ataei N, Safaian B, Madani A, Esfahani St, Ataei F,
Volume 67, Issue 2 (5-2009)
Abstract
Background: Early diagnosis of renal parenchymal involvement in children with acute
pyelonephritis (APN) using isotope scan and early treatment may decrease or prevent
development of renal parenchymal lesions. We designed this study to assess the
diagnostic value of certain biologic parameters in children with first- episode of acute
pyelonephritis (APN) documented by 99m Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)
scintigraphy.
Methods: We compared the laboratory findings of leukocyte count, erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with the results of
the DMSA scans obtained within three days of admission. One hundred-two children (93
girls and 9 boys aged 1 month–12 years (mean 2.85±2.92 years) were enrolled in the
study. Of these patients, 203 renal units, were investigated using scintigraphy. Voiding
cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed in 98 children (195 renal unit) when urine
culture became negative.
Results: In all children one or both of kidneys had parenchymal involvement on
scintigraphy. Changes on the DMSA scan were found in 178(88%) renal units during the
acute phase. The extent of changes in DMSA scan were mild in 113/178(55.7%) renal
units, moderate in 40/178(19.7%) and severe in 25/178(12.3%). When inflammatory
markers were correlated with the development of the severe renal lesions, as assessed
with DMSA scan, a highly significant correlation with both ESR (p=0.007) and leukocyte
counts (p=0.02) were found.
conclusions: We conclude that the incidence of renal parenchymal involvement in
Iranian children with APN is very high. Although increased ESR and leucocytosis may
be valuable markers for determination of severe renal parenchymal involvement, but
these parameters and also CRP, were inadequate in distinguishing mild to moderate
renal parenchymal involvement.
Asgarani F, Khajeali L, Esfahanian F, Vosogh Mh, Esteghamati Ar, Nakhjavani M,
Volume 67, Issue 9 (12-2009)
Abstract
Background: Increased rate of oxidative stress have important role in diabetic nephropathy. Oxidative stress induces the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. One of them, Extracellular- SOD (EC–SOD) is a major anti-oxidative enzyme and the only one that neutralizes superoxide ion, a precursor of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between diabetes- associated oxidative stress and antioxidative defense in macroalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods: One hundred and thirty three patients (74 women, 59 men) with type 2 diabetes were studied during 1385-86. According to level of urinary protein, two groups of patients normoalbuminuric (urinary protein excertion below 30mg/24h) and macroalbuminuric (urinary protein excretion more than 300mg/24) were recognized. In each group serum level of oxidized- LDL and EC-SOD were measured.
Results: The mean age of patients and the mean duration of diabetes was 59.09±8.26 years and 137.92±65.91 months, respectively. The plasma oxidized-LDL level and extracellular- superoxide dimutase level were significantly higher in macroalbuminuric than normoalbuminuric group (88.57±33.36 versus 78.24±27.59u/l, p=0.039 for oxidized-LDL and 87.60±21.18 versus 76.25±16.25mu/l, p<0.001 for EC-SOD). Oxidized- LDL was significantly correlated to EC-SOD in macroalbuminuric patients (r=0.425, p<0.0001). Oxidized-LDL and EC-SOD does not correlate to Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA1c in each two groups.
Conclusion: The significantly elevated plasma oxidized-LDL in patients with macroalbuminuria suggests that, oxidized-LDL may play an important role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Besides severity of oxidative stress in macroalbuminuic patients, increase level of EC-SOD enzyme could be a compensatory mechanism to prevent tissue damage.
Zohreh Sanaat, Mahtab Rezazadeh, Jalil Vaez Gharamaleki, Jamal Eivazi Ziae, Ali Esfahani, Morteza Ghojazadeh,
Volume 67, Issue 12 (3-2010)
Abstract
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Background: Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell dyscrasia
characterized by proliferation of plasma cells in bone marrow associated with
the production of monoclonal immunoglobulins. In
recent years, the use of arsenic trioxide, formerly approved for treatment of
acute promyelocytic leukemia has been considered for refractory myeloma
treatment. This study was
designed and carried out to evaluate the efficacy and possible side effects of ATO
on patients with refractory multiple myeloma.
Methods: This study carried out on myeloma patients whose
diseases were at least refractory to two standard treatment regimens conducted
in Ghazi Tabatabaei
Hospital in Tabriz-
Iran. Arsenic
trioxide was administered as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.25
mg/kg/d for 5 d/week during the
first two consecutive weeks of each 4-week
cycle with two week rest. Patients who completed
one 4-weak cycle were evaluated for response to
treatment.
Results: Twelve patients with refractory disease to
conventional treatment regimens received arsenic trioxide. The
response to the treatment assessed based on the amount of serum proteins
electrophoresis of the 10 patients. Stable
disease observed in four patients (33%),
progressive disease in five patients (41.6%),
complete response in one (3.8%) and the
remaning two patients could not be assessed for response (because of increased
liver enzymes after the first week). One
patient completed six cycles. Some adverse events such
as: increase liver enzymes and serum creatinine, neutropenia, pruritus, nausea,
vomiting, lower extremities edema, and noninfectious diarrhea were observed.
Conclusions: The use of arsenic trioxide is promising in treatment of refractory multiple
myeloma.
Khazardoost S, Noorzadeh M, Abdollahi A, Mirrokni Sm,
Volume 68, Issue 5 (8-2010)
Abstract
Background: Preeclampsia, a specific syndrome in pregnancy, may summits mortality or morbidity in mother and fetus. Diagnostic methods are based on 24 hours urine protein measures which may be tedious, thus it is desirable to apply a faster and more applicable method for this goal. In this study we evaluate measurement of 8-hours urine protein in order to estimate 24-hours urine protein measure.
Methods: Fifty pregnant women were entered in a cross sectional study in Vali-e-asr hospital located in Tehran- Iran, during 2008-2009. A urine sample was given after 8-hours and urine volume as well as protein levels were calculated and compared with the same values of 24-hours urine measures. Other necessary data was obtained by history taking and physical examination as well as using patient's medical records.
Results: Mean of age was 27.5±5.4 years and mean of gestational age was 30.5±4 weeks. Mean of urine protein in 8 and 24 hours urine protein were 79±119 and 532±1218 mg respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 8 hours urine protein were 61%, 98%, 88% and 90% respectively, in order to diagnosis of 24 hours urine protein to consider cut off point 105 mg for 8 hours urine protein. Mean protein levels were significantly higher in group with proteinuria ≥300 mg/24h in these two types of urine samples (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Sensitivity of 8-hours urine protein is low but its specificity is suitable for normal mothers. We offer measuring of 8-hours urine protein as a valuable method for diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Sedghipour M, Tabatabaei Sah, Sadadi F, Kamal Hedayat D, Nikdoost F, Sate H, Ghorbani Yekta B,
Volume 69, Issue 11 (2-2012)
Abstract
Background: Persistence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in renal transplant recipients is associated with unfavorable outcomes. Calcineurin-inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. In this study we compared sirolimus (SRL) with calcineurin-inhibitor as primary immunosuppressants for the attenuation of left ventricular hypertrophy in renal transplantation recipients.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study done in Shariati Hospital in 2010, we evaluated the effects of sirolimus and CNI on LVH of 55 renal transplant recipients. The cases (19) received sirolimus while the controls (36) received CNI while being matched for age and duration of transplantation. Data regarding blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin, serum creatinine, uric acid and lipid concentrations were assessed and changes in left ventricular (LV) mass were evaluated by echocardiography over a one-year follow-up.
Results: Left ventricular mass significantly decreased (P=0.0001) in the SRL group but blood pressure did not differ between the two groups. LV mass and LV mass index both decreased significantly (P≤0.05) but the difference was not associated with changes in BP. The difference in interventricular septal thickness at end diastole (IVSD) and posterior wall diameter (PWD) were significant (P≤0.05) in the SRL group but the difference in end diastolic diameter (EDD) was not significant.
Conclusion: Conversion from CNI to SRL-based immunosuppressive therapy in RTRs is safe and SRL may decrease LVH. SRL seems to be safe and improve renal function without cardiac compromise in kidney transplant recipients.
Barkhordari Asgar, Hassanzadeh Taghi, Saidijam Masoud, Esmaeili Rasoul, Paoli Max,
Volume 69, Issue 12 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is considered a major risk factor for pancreatitis, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms are known to be associated with changes in lipid levels. We investigated the association between a polymorphism in the CETP gene (D442G) with plasma lipid levels and CETP activity in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Methods: This case/control study that be done in Hamadan university of medical sciences (from October 2008 to September 2009), included 102 patients with hypercholesterolemia and 200 healthy individuals. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to determine genotypic distribution and allelic frequencies of polymorphisms. The plasma CETP activity was measured by a kit in a fluorescence spectrometer. Lipid concentrations were measured by routine biochemical and enzymatic assays.
Results: Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity was significantly higher in the cases than the controls (P<0.05). The genotypic and allelic frequencies for this polymorphism were not statistically different between the patients with hypercholesterolemia and the controls (in controls: DD 96%, DG 4%, GG 0% and in cases: DD 86%, DG 10%, GG 4%), (P>0.05). Plasma HDL-C, LDL-C and TC were higher in both groups with GG and DG genotypes than with DD genotype, whereas serum CETP activity was lower in GG genotype compared with other genotypes (GD or DD), (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that D442G polymorphism of CETP gene was associated with changes in lipid profile and plasma CETP activity in the selected population and it might have a role in contributing to a genetic risk for developing coronary artery disease.
Hassanzadeh T, Barkhordari A,
Volume 70, Issue 7 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of death worldwide and hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia are major risk factors for the disease. Considering the role of hyperlipidemia as the underlying cause of cardiovascular mortalities and morbidities, and the limited and conflicting results of studies on CETP gene polymorphisms in Iran, we aimed to study -971 G/A polymorphism of cholesterol ester transfer protein gene in patients with primary hyperlipidemia.
Methods: In this case-control study performed in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (from May 2010 to April 2011), we recruited 200 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (total cholesterol >250 mg/dl and/or triglyceride >200 mg/dl) as the cases and 200 healthy individuals with normal cholesterol and triglyceride as the control group. Gene segments were replicated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and -971 G/A polymorphism genotypes were identified by RFLP technique. Subsequently, plasma CETP activity was measured enzymeatically by a kit in a fluorescence spectrometer.
Results: The allele and genotype frequencies were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the two groups (in the control group: AA 24%, GA 47% and GG 28.5% and in the case group: AA 18%, GA 51% and GG 31%). In the case group, homozygous individuals with A alleles (AA genotype) had greater cholesterol and HDL-c concentrations than those with other alleles (GG and GA). In both cases and controls, individuals with AA genotype had lower CETP concentrations.
Conclusion: We conclude that -971 G/A polymorphism in CETP gene promoter can affect lipid profile and alter CETP activity.
Loghmanni A, Delirezha N, Ownagh A, Mohebalianc H,
Volume 70, Issue 12 (3-2013)
Abstract
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease with impairment in function of central nervous system. Macrophages and dendritic cells play important roles in alleviating or progression of the disease. These cells can cause inflammation and damage to the myelin of nerve cells by realizing of harmful substances when these cells get matured. We studied the effect of Alternaria alternata extract on maturation of monocyte- derived dendritic cell (modc) and T-cell responses in the presence of Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) as a laboratory model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study is suitable dendritic cells production for usage in MS immunotherapy.
Methods: For this study plastic adherent monocytes were cultured with granulocyte/ macrophage- colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin -4 for converting these cells to modc and pulsed with MBP and matured in the presence of monocyte-conditioned medium (MCM) in control group and MCM + Alternaria alternata extract in treatment groups. Anti-CD14, anti-CD83, anti-human leukocyte antigen-DR (anti HLA-DR) monoclonal antibody were carried out for phenotyping. Autologos T cell responses and cytokine production were evaluated.
Results: The results showed that the expression of CD14 decreased and CD83, HLA-DR increased in treatment groups in comparison with control groups. The production amount of IL-10 overcame IL-12 and in T cell the production of cytokines, IL-17 and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) decreased and IL-4 was increased (P<0.05). These effects escalated with increasing of dosage from 50 to 100 (mg/ml) (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Alternaria alternata extract can cause maturation of MBP-pulsed modc and skewing of T- lymphocyte toward Th2 and thereby can evolve into a new strategy in immunotherapy of MS.
M Mohammadzadeh, H Mobasheri,
Volume 71, Issue 2 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Widespread of telecommunication systems in recent years, have raised the concerns on the possible danger of cell phone radiations on human body. Thus, the study of the electromagnetic fields on proteins, particularly the membrane nano channel forming proteins is of great importance. These proteins are responsible for keeping certain physic-chemical condition within cells and managing cell communication. Here, the effects of cell phones radiation on the activity of a single nanopore ion channel forming protein, OmpF, have been studied biophysically.
Methods: Planar lipid bilayers were made based on Montal and Muller technique, and the activity of single OmpF channel reconstituted by electrical shock was recorded and analyzed by means of voltage-clamp technique at 20 ˚C. The planar lipid bilayers were formed from the monolayers made on a 60 μm diameter aperture in the 20 μm thick Teflon film that separated two (cis and trans) compartments of the glass chamber. In this practical approach we were able to analyze characteristics of an individual channel at different chemical and physical experimental conditions. The voltage clamp was used to measure the channel’s conductance, voltage sensitivity, gating patterns in time scales as low as microseconds in real time.
Results: Our results showed that exposure of single voltage dependent channel, OmpF, to EMF of cell phone at high-frequency has a significant influence on the voltage sensitivity, gating properties and substate numbers of the single channel but has no effect on single-channel conductance. Regarding to the relaxation time, the channel also recovers in the millisecond time range when the field is removed.
Conclusion: We observed an increase in the voltage sensitivity of the OmpF single channel while it had no effect on the single-channel conductance, which is remained to be further elucidated.
