The Effect of Mir-451 Upregulation on Erythroid Lineage Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding regulatory RNAs that control mRNAs post-transcriptionally. Several mouse stem cells miRNAs are cloned differentially regulated in different hematopoietic lineages, suggesting their possible role in hematopoietic lineage differentiation. Recent studies have shown that specific miRNAs such as Mir-451 have key roles in erythropoiesis. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were infected with lentiviruses containing pCDH-Mir-451. Erythroid differentiation was assessed based on the expression level of transcriptional factors (Gata-1, Klf-1, Epor) and hemoglobin chains (α, β, γ , ε and ζ) genes using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and presence of erythroid surface antigens (TER-119 and CD235a) using flow cytometery. Colony-forming unit (CFU) assay was also on days 14th and 21th after transduction. Results: Mature Mir-451 expression level increased by 3.434-fold relative to the untreated mESCs on day 4 after transduction (P<0.001). Mir-451 up-regulation correlated with the induction of transcriptional factor (Gata-1, Klf-1, Epor) and hemoglobin chain (α, β, γ, ε and ζ) genes in mESCs (P<0.001) and also showed a strong correlation with presence of CD235a and Ter- 119 markers in these cells (13.084- and 13.327-fold increse, respectively) (P<0.05). Moreover, mESCs treated with pCDH-Mir-451 showed a significant raise in CFU-erythroid (CFU-E) colonies (5.2-fold) compared with untreated control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that Mir-451 up-regulation strongly induces erythroid differentiation and maturation of mESCs. Overexpression of Mir-451 may have the potential to produce artificial red blood cells (RBCs) without the presence of any stimulatory cytokine

Post-Transfusion Occult Hepatitis B (OBI): A Global Challenge for Blood Recipients and Health Authorities

Hepatitis B is one of the most frequent post-transfusion infections. Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is a form of hepatitis B infection in which, despite the presence of HBV-DNA in the serum and hepatocytes of the carrier, HBsAg is absent. In addition to the risk of transmission through the transfusion of infected blood, reactivation of hepatitis B in OBI patients and recipients of their blood can lead to cirrhosis, hepatic cancer, and reactivation of viral replication in the carrier. Therefore, effective assays to assess and screen for OBI in blood donors are of paramount importance and require urgent attention. Recently, several investigations in various regions of Iran have reported OBI in blood donors. In response, there has been a drive to apply more specific, sensitive, and accurate methods for the detection of HBV, which should become an obligatory screening process for all blood transfusion services. In this review, we address the progression of occult hepatitis B and the common problems associated with occult hepatitis B worldwide. Finally, we reflect on the research and screening that is being performed in Iran to deal with this problem

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) Associated with Selective IgA Deficiency in Iran and Sweden

Selective IgA deficiency (IgAD) (serum IgA concentration o

CD40 and Tolerance Induction

CD40 is recognized as a member of tumor necrosis factor receptor super family. It is expressed by the immune and non-immune cells. Its interaction with CD40 ligand (CD154) brings about  a regulatory effect on  the cellular and humoral immunity. The pathway of CD40-CD154 is influential in various diseases. Investigations on such diseases have revealed dimensional mechanisms whereby this route intensifies host protection. Moreover, through these mechanisms, pathogens subvert the signaling of the CD40, conditions in which the CD40–CD154  pathway promotes  disease and  also through  the  relevant modulation  for immunotherapy. This review focuses on the role of CD40–CD40L (CD154) interactions in dendritic cells (DCs) regulation, tolerogenic dendritic cells, role of CD40 in autoimmune disease, allograft rejection and induction of tolerance by down regulation of CD40. According to these roles, it is assumed that  CD40  is a functional molecule in the  pathologies of  conditions  like autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection caused by activated T and B cells

Chitosan nanopolymers effect in activating of mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells

Background and Aim: Regarding to various problems in the activation of dendritic cells and immune system’s responses, finding of a safe, effective and applicable agent is highly desirable. Chitosan is an effective gene delivery agent and also a part of nanoscaffolds. In the present study,chitosan nanopolymers effect on dendritic immune cells were assessed. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, chitosan (150 KD) in acetic acid 1% solution was depolymerized to 10 KD oligomers using NaNO2. The oligomers particles were obtained by means of 2 normal NAOH molecules. Denderitic cells were derived from the rats’ bone marrow using GM-SCF. On the treated denderitic cells CD40, CD86 and MHC-II maturation markers were evaluated by flowcytometery and TNF-α release was evaluated using ELISA method and T cell proliferation. Results: It was observed that dendrtic cells purity on the 8th day was more than 90%. Flowcytometery analysis showed an increase in all evaluated CD40, CD86 and MHC-II maturation markers (p<0.05). TNF-α release and T cell proliferation significantly increased by chitosan treated denderitic cells compared to unstimulated or lipofectamin treated cells (P<0.05). Conclusion: Results showed that chitosan nanopolymers significantly increased dendertic cell maturation phenotype, proinflamatory cytokine production, and induction of T cell proliferation. Therefore, chitosan nanocomplexes and scaffolds can induce and accelerate immune responses

Transfusion-Transmitted Malaria in Iran: A Narrative Review Article

Background: Malaria is the most important transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) in worldwide after viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The main objective of the present study was to review and evaluate the transmission of malaria via blood transfusion in Iran. Methods: A literature search was done without time limitation in the electronic databases as follows: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, scientific information database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex and Irandoc. The searches were limited to the published papers to English and Persian languages. Results: Six papers were eligible. From 1963 to 1983, 344 cases of Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) had been reported from different provinces of Iran. The most prevalent species of involved Plasmodium in investigated cases of TTM was Plasmodium malariae (79.24%). The screening results of 1,135 blood donors for malaria were negative by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) methods. Conclusion: Lack of TTM report from Iran in the last three decades indicates that the screening of blood donors through interviewing (donor selection) may be effective in the prevention of the occurrence of transfusion-transmitted malaria