Evaluation of Vaca and Caga Genotypes of Helicobacter Pylori in Iranian Patients with Peptic Ulcer Disease

Helicobacter pylori infection occurs all over the world, and more than half of the world population is infected by this microorganism. Research on the variety of H. pylori genes is valuable from two perspectives; first, for predicting the outcome of the infection and second, for better understanding of its distribution in the world and the evolutionary origins of this organism. It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori strains containing cagA gene and the s1/m1 genotype of vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) may be associated with peptic ulcer diseases. Some studies have also shown that allele s1 of the vacA gene is associated with gastroduodenal diseases In order to investigate the cagA and vacA genes, biopsies of the antrum and corpus of the stomachs of patients were obtained. To detect H. pylori infection, the phosphoglucosamine mutase gene (glmM) was amplified through the PCR method and observed on 2% (w/v) agarose gel electrophoresis. All the H. pylori-positive samples were subjected to further PCR amplification to determine different alleles of the vacA gene. The PCR products were separated on 2% (w/v) agarose gels electrophoresis. 37, 15 and 32 out of 84 specimens were duodenal ulcer (DU), gastric ulcer (GU) and gastritis (GT), respectively. Seventy-seven (91.7%, χ2= 58.333, p < 0.05) out of 84 samples were H. pylori-positive. cagA gene was detected in 80% (χ2= 12.6, p < 0.001), 76.9% (χ2= 3.769, p > 0.05), and 48.3% (χ2= 0.034 p > 0.05) from DU, GU and GT samples, respectively. It was found that 66% (23/35) of DU samples, 62% (8/13) of GU samples and none of 29 GT samples were s1/m1. 17% (6/35) of DU samples, 15% (2/13) of GU samples and 52% (16/29) of GT samples were s1/m2. 17% (6/35) of DU samples, 23% (3/13) of GU samples and 48% (13/29) of GT samples were s2/m2. This study demonstrates that the presence of the m2 allele of vacA is strongly associated with gastritis and the presence of allele s1 is associated with peptic ulcers. Helicobacter pylori strains with vacA-s1/m2-cagA+ genotype are associated with peptic ulceration diseases

The relationship between attachment styles and autistic traits: considering the mediating role of empathy

Introduction: This purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between autistic traits and attachment styles, and also the mediating role of empathy. Materials and Methods: 254 students of Tehran’s universities were chosen by using cluster-sampling method. After that, the demographic questionnaire, Close Relationship-Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R), Autism Spectrum Quotient–Short (AQ-S), and The Empathy Quotient-Short (EQ-S) forms were distributed amongst them in order to be filled. Results: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient indicated that there is a significant relationship between the components of autistic traits with empathy, and avoidance and anxiety attachment. Also, there was a significant relationship between empathy and avoidance and anxiety attachment. Chi-square, SRMR, and other indexes indicate that empathy mediates the relationship between the autistic traits with the anxiety and avoidance attachment styles. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded in the way that individuals with high autistic traits have lower empathy. Individuals, who report more anxiety and avoidance attachment, are less likely to have empathy in their relationships. As a final point, the high autistic traits are correlated with anxiety and avoidance attachment through their association with low empathy. &nbsp

Analysis of von Willebrand factor A domain-related protein (WARP) polymorphism in temperate and tropical Plasmodium vivax field isolates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The identification of key molecules is crucial for designing transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs), among those ookinete micronemal proteins are candidate as a general class of malaria transmission-blocking targets. Here, the sequence analysis of an extra-cellular malaria protein expressed in ookinetes, named von Willebrand factor A domain-related protein (WARP), is reported in 91 <it>Plasmodium vivax </it>isolates circulating in different regions of Iran.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Clinical isolates were collected from north temperate and southern tropical regions in Iran. Primers have been designed based on <it>P. vivax </it>sequence (ctg_6991) which amplified a fragment of about 1044 bp with no size variation. Direct sequencing of PCR products was used to determine polymorphism and further bioinformatics analysis in <it>P. vivax </it>sexual stage antigen, <it>pvwarp</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Amplified <it>pvwarp </it>gene showed 886 bp in size, with no intron. BLAST analysis showed a similarity of 98–100% to <it>P. vivax </it>Sal-I strain; however, Iranian isolates had 2 bp mismatches in 247 and 531 positions that were non-synonymous substitution [T (ACT) to A (GCT) and R (AGA) to S (AGT)] in comparison with the Sal-I sequence.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study presents the first large-scale survey on <it>pvwarp </it>polymorphism in the world, which provides baseline data for developing WARP-based TBV against both temperate and tropical <it>P. vivax </it>isolates.</p

Cloning, expression and transmission-blocking activity of anti-PvWARP, malaria vaccine candidate, in Anopheles stephensi mysorensis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Notwithstanding progress in recent years, a safe, an effective and affordable malaria vaccine is not available yet. Ookinete-secreted protein, <it>Plasmodium vivax </it>von Willebrand factor A domain-related protein (PvWARP), is a candidate for malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The PvWARP was expressed in <it>Escherichia coli </it>BL21 using the pET-23a vector and was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography from a soluble fraction. Polyclonal antibody was raised against rPvWARP and transmission blocking activity was carried out in an <it>Anopheles stephensi</it>-<it>P. vivax </it>model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Expression of full length of PvWARP (minus signal peptide) expression showed a 35-kDa protein. The purified protein was recognized by mouse polyclonal antibody directed against rPvWARP. Sera from the animals displayed significantly a blocking activity in the membrane feeding assay of <it>An. stephensi </it>mysorensis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first report on <it>P. vivax </it>WARP expression in <it>E. coli </it>that provides an essential base for development of the malaria TBV against <it>P. vivax</it>. This may greatly assist in malaria elimination, especially in the oriental corner of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO/EMRO) including Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.</p

Morphological changes of apoptosis and cytotoxic effects induced by Caffeic acid phenethyl ester in AGS human gastric cancer cell line

Introduction: Gastric cancer is the fourth prevalent cancer and the second reason for cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is one of the main medicinal components of propolis. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological apoptotic changes and cytotoxic effects of CAPE in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS cell). Methods: AGS human gastric cancer cell line was cultured in Dulbecco&rsquo;s Modified Eagle&rsquo;s Medium (DMEM) medium in vitro. Cytotoxic effects and morphological changes induced by 72 h treatment with CAPE at different concentrations on AGS cells were investigated by MTT assay test and inverted microscope, respectively. Results: CAPE in a concentration dependent fashion reduced viability of AGS cells. IC50 was obtained approximately 10 &mu;M at 72 h treatment. Also, CAPE induced concentration-dependent morphological apoptotic changes and promoted complete apoptosis program in AGS human gastric cancer cell line. Conclusion: Our results strongly suggest that CAPE stimulates apoptotic process and leads to cell death. Therefore, CAPE could be useful in developing chemotherapeutic agents for treating human gastric cancer.</p