46 research outputs found

    Correlation between Epstein-Barr virus infection and disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study

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    Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease for whose pathogenesis viral infections are important. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the main infectious etiological agent. This study aimed to quantitative evaluation of EBV in SLE patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients with SLE diagnosed based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were selected using purposive sampling. All were included in the study after obtaining informed consent for participation. Whole blood samples were taken and buffy coat preparations were isolated to determine viral load using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method and assessment with the SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI). Results: From a total of 40 patients, 37 cases (92.5%) were women. The EBV test was positive in 67.5% and mean viral load was 5396 ± 1891.9 copy/ml. Twenty of forty patients had active and 50% inactive disease, mean EBV viral loads being 6798 and 28.25 copy/ml, respectively (P-value = 0.003). In terms of the severity of disease activity, 17.5 % of female patients had mild to moderate activity, whilst 32.5% of them had severe activity, with respective viral loads of 5,803.3 and 29.73 copy/ml (P-value = 0.003). Conclusion: The Epstein-Barr viral load in SLE patients with active disease was found to be markedly higher than in inactive cases. Thus, EBV may have an important role in the pathogenesis and activity of SLE. Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus, viral load, systemic lupus erythematosus, real-time PCR, human, infectio

    The incidence of cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in kidney transplant recipients in Iran

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    Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common opportunistic viral infection in kidney transplant recipients. CMV classification is usually based on its glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes, which divides the virus into 4 strains (gB1�4). Objective: To determine the incidence of CMV genotypes in Iran and their relation to various clinical factors. Methods: We studied 80 renal transplant recipients admitted to our transplant referral center between 2014 and 2015. All of the studied patients were monitored every 1�2 weeks for CMV infection by immunofluorescence method. There were 34 CMV-infected patients whose sera were studied with sequencing technique to identify the 4 CMV genotypes. All patients were followed up to 6 months after transplantation. Results: gB1 was the most common genotype (35.3); it was followed by gB3 and gB4 (each with 17.6 ), gB2, and mixed gB1,3 and gB1,2 (each with 14.7). Age (p=0.037), time of infection after transplantation (p=0.011), and biopsy-proven rejection (p=0.012) were associated with CMV genotype. After adjusting for covariates, significant associations were found between genotype gB1 and family relationship (p=0.047) as well as HLA mismatch (p=0.014); genotype gB3 and family relationship (p=0.011); and genotype gB4 and age (p=0.019). Conclusion: The most common CMV gB genotype in CMV-infected kidney transplant recipients in Iran was gB1. We recommend considering related therapeutic applications in the management of such patients. © 2018 Iranian Society for Organ Transplantation. All rights reserved

    In-vitro evaluation of miR-101-5P effect on herpes simplex virus replication

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    Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is known worldwide for its serious disease and a kind of infection that involves nervous system throughout human lifelong. HSV-1 infection is much more considerable in immunocompromised patients and due to the growing resistance to its main drug, acyclovir, alternative treatments are required. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate host and viral gene expression, post-transcriptionally. One previous study has shown that mir-101-3p expression may play role in HSV-1-infected cells. Methods: In this study, synthesized mimic hsa-miR-101-5p was transfected to HSV-1-infected Hela cells to observe its effect on HSV-1 replication via microscopic observation. Findings: Hela cells transfected by hsa-miR-101-5p produced less viral progeny, and expressed less cytopathic effects. Conclusion: Considering the effect of hsa-miR-101 in suppressing HSV-1 replication without affecting cell viability, this achievement can give us new insights in treatment of HSV-1 infection. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

    Prevalence of Transfusion-transmitted Virus (TTV) infection and its association with renal posttransplantation complications in iran

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    Background: Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) is a single-stranded DNA virus. Renal transplant patients have a higher risk of TTV infection. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of TTV and its correlation with post-renal transplantation complications in a population of Iranian patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 120 renal transplant recipients. TTV infection in the peripheral blood samples was detected by semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (semi-nested PCR). Then, the relationship between TTV and renal post-transplant complications was examined. Results: 34.2 renal transplant recipients were positive for TTV. There was a significant correlation between the presence of TTV and diabetes, acute transplant rejection, and urinary tract infection. We did not find any direct correlation between the presence of TTV infection and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, respiratory tract infection, and cytomegalovirus infection. Conclusion: We found an increased rate of TTV infection in renal transplant recipients associated with post-transplantation complications. TTV may be an important risk factor for some post-renal transplantation complications. © 2018, Iranian Society for Organ Transplantation

    Evaluation of natural killer cell activity in pre and post treated breast cancer patients

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    Aim: To evaluate natural killer (NK) cells activity in breast cancer patients and its comparison with normal individuals. Settings and Design: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of spontaneous tumor in humans, and NK cells are the first line defense against such tumors. There is a reverse correlation between NK activity and metastasis and reducing the tumor mass by surgery may be monitoring the NK activity. In this study, we evaluate NK activity in pre and post mastectomy patients. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients with invasive ductal carcinoma attended to cancer research institute were included in this study. NK cells were evaluated in pre and post mastectomy patients. PBMCs were isolated by ficoll hypaque. NK cell activity ( lysis of K562) was evaluated by flowcytometer. Statistical Analysis Used: One way analysis of variation (ANOVA) and KruskalWallis nonparametric test were employed using SPSS software. Results: While NK cell activity was greatly impaired in breast cancer patients (average lysis of K562 target cells: 24.4 vs. 62.5 in healthy controls, n = 18), it was found to be significantly increased after mastectomy (37.7). Conclusions: Mastectomy may lead to increased activity of NK cells among patients suffering from breast cancer and their increased activity may produce positive therapeutic effect

    Natural cell activity among breast cancer sufferers before and after the treatment

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    History and Objectives: Due to prevalence of asthma and due to the reduction of systemic adrenergic response of heart with increasing age and current discrepancies on the effect of age on response to treatment in pulmonary adrenergic system and in order to address the issue whether age will effect treatment of patients suffering asthma, the present study was prepared on patients referred with acute asthma attack in 1998. Materials and Methods: A cohort study on 62 patients who were divided into control (Under the age of 35 22 cases) and experimental (Over the age of 35 40 cases) was conducted. Diagnosis was based on ATS characterization and all patients were treated for one week with 3 medications, salbutamol spray, sodium cromolyn capsule and oral prednisone. Response to treatment was determined by pulmonary function tests. Results: FEV1 was changed from 1.5±0.5 liters and 1.1±0.3 liters before treatment to 2.4±0.5 liters and 1.7±0.4 liters after treatment (P<0.001). In 77% of young asthmatic patients and in 80% of older asthmatic patients FEV1 was higher than 15%. Relative and designated risk were 0.96 and 1.03 respectively mean FEV1 variation from basal levels in young and older patients were 78.2±56.1 and 71.6±46.8 percent respectively (P<0.62) and among male and female patients of young and old age was 69.8±43 and 71.6±46.8 percent (P=0.62) and 96.3±78.4 and 78.3±48 percent (P=0.44) respectively. Mean of maximum improvement of FEV1 among young and old asthmatic patients was 57.3±25.6 and 46.3±22 percent respectively (P=0.08) and among male and female patients of young and old age was 56.4±28 and 37.1±15.8 percent (P<0.05) and 59.3±21.5 and 54.6±23.9 percent (P=0.65) respectively. Conclusion: Response to treatment was significant both in young and old age groups suffering from acute asthmatic attack. Except among young male patients where FEV1 was increased compared to older patients, maximum rate of improvement of FEV1 among other patients and rate of changes of FEV1 betwee

    Evaluation of patients with common variable immunodeficiency and detection of IL-2 as a cell-mediated immune index

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    Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiencies characterized by impaired antibody responses, defect in T-cell proliferation and secretion of cytokines, especially IL-2. This study aimed to evaluate the function of cellular immune system in CVID patients based on Il-2 level, as a cell-mediated immune index, as well as the clinical and paraclinical evaluation of such patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 20 CVID and 10 healthy participants referred to the Immunology and Allergy Department at Children Medical Center in Kashan. The clinical and paraclinical findings of the patients were collected using the questionnaire. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with PHA in both groups and then the supernatants were collected for quantification of IL-2 secretion using the ELISA method. Results: CVID was seen in 85% of the cases hospitalized with infection. The most common infection was respiratory tract infection the opportunistic infections and autoimmunity were seen in 5-10% and 40% of the cases, respectively. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was negative in 65% of the patients. Moreover, IL-2 level was zero in15 patients and lower than that of the control group in 5 patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: All patients showed deficiency in T-cell function with decreased IL-2 production. The manifestations of this deficiency are a high incidence of autoimmunity, granulomatosis, bronchiectasis and recurrent infections in the patients in spite of monthly IVIG injections

    Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Serum Zinc and C-Reactive Protein Concentrations in Hemodialysis Patients

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    Objective: We examined the effects of zinc supplementation on serum zinc and C-reactive protein concentrations in hemodialysis patients. Design: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Setting: This study was conducted at the Shahid Faghihi and Namazi Dialysis Centers in Shiraz, Iran. Patients: Fifty-five hemodialysis patients (32 men and 23 women) participated after meeting the following criteria: zinc deficiency, treated for a minimum of 6 months; no record of hospitalizations in the preceding 3 months; and hemodialysis treatment 2 to 3 times per week. Intervention: Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The zinc supplementation group (n = 28) received a 220-mg zinc sulfate capsule, and the control group (n = 27) received a placebo capsule (220 mg corn starch), for 42 days. Main Outcome Measures: Fasting, predialysis serum samples were collected on days 0 and 42 to determine serum zinc and C-reactive protein levels. Results: After supplementation, subjects in the zinc-supplemented group showed significant increases in serum zinc concentrations, from 57.4 ± 2.4 μg/dL SEM on day 0 to 88.4 ± 4.8 μg/dL SEM on day 42. Serum C-reactive protein concentrations were initially high among subjects in the control (15.1 ± 3.9 mg/L SEM) and zinc-supplemented (13.5 ± 3.8 mg/L SEM) groups. Serum C-reactive protein concentrations in the control group increased throughout the study period, but did not reach statistical significance. A progressive decrease in serum C-reactive protein concentrations was observed in the zinc-supplemented group from the beginning (13.5 ± 3.8 mg/L SEM) to the end (10.5 ± 3.5 mg/L SEM) of the study, but this event was not significant. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation intake may cause an increase in serum zinc concentrations, leading to a decrease of inflammation in hemodialysis patients. © 2009 National Kidney Foundation, Inc

    Diagnostic value of cefoxitin susceptibility test compared with other diagnostic methods of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

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    Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important pathogen in the hospital and community. Therefore, a precise identification of the antibiotic-resistant strains is essential to control the infection and prevent the MRSA transmission rates. The aim of this study was to determine a diagnostic value of cefoxitin susceptibility test compared with the oxacillin susceptibility test and E-test (Epsilometer test) for detection of MRSA. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 296 S.aureus isolated from the nasal specimen patients of referred to emergency department of Kashsn Shahid-Beheshti hospital. Resistance to methicillin was determined by oxacillin (1µg), and cefoxitin (30µg) disk diffusion methods based on CLSI guideline and according to no growth zone size and the minimum inhibitory antibiotic concentration by E-test. PCR assay was used as a gold standard for detecting mecA gene in MRSA isolates. Results: Thirty-two (10.8), 28 (9.5), 30 (10.1), 26 (8.8) out of 296 S.aureus were considered as MRSA strains using the oxacillin and cefoxitin disk diffusion methods, E-test and PCR, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the oxacillin diffusion method were 100 , 97.7 , 81.2 and 100 for the cefoxitin disk diffusion method 96.2, 98.8, 89.3 and 99.6 and for E-test 100, 98.5, 86.7 and 100, respectively. Conclusion: PCR assay is the best method for detecting MRSA however, it is an expensive method. Phenotypic methods, especially the cefoxitin disk diffusion method, can be a good alternative to PCR for detection of MRSA
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