Differential Genomics Output and Susceptibility of Iranian Patients with Unilocular Hydatidose

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate HLA-DRB1*and DQB1* allelic polymorphisms in Iranian patients with hydatidose. This is the first survey dealing with the correlation between HLA-DRB1* and DQB1* al-leles and cystic echinococcosis in Iranian patients. Methods: The study was carried out on 56 patients with confirmed cystic echi-nococcosis and 30 apparently healthy individuals living in Arak- Markazi Prov-ince by HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 typing through PCR-SSP method. The first step was to identify the patients and blood sampling. DNA was prepared from whole blood and PCR-SSP with 31 primer mixes for per sample was used. PCR reaction mixtures were loaded in agarose gels and bands were observed under UV illumination and gel document after electrophoresis. Analysis of results was carried out with specific softwares and frequency and interpretation tables for calculation of P-value in χ2 test were provided via Fisher΄s exact test. Signifi-cant samples were analyzed by logistic regression and odds-ratios were calculat-ed. Results: A statistically significant positive association was found between HLA-DQB1*03 and the resistance to cystic echinococcosis (P<0.02) (odds-ratio=2.87). Conclusion: Immunogenetic susceptibility to unilocular hydatidose varies ac-cording to the HLA antigens in Arak, Markazi Province, and DQB1*03 mole-cules are associated with the level of immune response to parasite antigens

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Peganum harmala on Acanthamoeba In Vitro

Background and Objectives: Many plant extracts have antiparasitic properties and even some of them are effective for in vivo treatment. One of the medicinal plants is Peganum harmala, which can grow from 30 to 100 cm. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of aqueous extract of Peganum harmala on trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba in vitro. &nbsp; Methods: In this experimental study, a sample from a patient with amoebic keratitis, was cultured with Escherichia coli bacterium in non-nutrient agar medium (NNA) 1.5%. Then, the aqueous extract of Peganum harmala was prepared. The extract was affected on trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba at three times (24, 48, and 72h) in various concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10mg/ml). The percentage of live parasites, was evaluated using homocytometer lamel, MTT assay [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide], and flow cytometry method. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, one sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and repeated measures test &nbsp;The significance level was considered to be p<0.05. &nbsp; Results: The extract showed dose- and time-dependent activity on trophozoites and cysts. In the presence of 10 mg/ml aqueous extract in culture medium, 32.47% of the trophozoites and 50.15% of the cysts, were alive after 72 hours. &nbsp; Conclusion: Our study indicated that the aqueous extract of the Peganum harmala, has anti-Acanthamoeba activity. Therefore, it is recommended that the effect of Peganum harmala extract be studied in animal models. &nbsp; &nbsp