Association of LIN28B Gene Polymorphisms (rs221634, rs221635, rs314276, rs9404590, and rs12194974) with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Susceptibility and Clinical/Pathological Features

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Lymphoma is a common hematopoietic cancer.  It has been proposed that LIN28B gene and its variations may have function in cancer progression and metastasis. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation has been to examine the correlation among LIN28B gene polymorphisms (such as rs221634 A>T, rs221635 T> C, rs314276 C>A, rs9404590 T>G, and rs12194974 G>A) as well as the risk of NHL in an Iranian sample.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the current case-control research, 175 individuals with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma along with 175 normal controls participated; polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology has been utilized to the genotype samples.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that rs12194974 and the rs221635 variants have been correlated with higher NHL risk, while rs221634 and rs314276 variants were correlated with lower risk of NHL (P≤0.05). In addition, we detected an association between rs221634 and treatment with R-CHOP. No substantial correlation has discovered among rs9404590 polymorphism and NHL in any inheritance models (P≥0.05).

CONCLUSION

This was the first investigation evaluating the correlation among LIN28B gene polymorphisms as well as the occurrence of NLH. Further studies in different ethnic populations and large-scale sample size are needed to support results.

The Effect of Caspase 8, 9 Gene Polymorphisms on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Susceptibility and Clinical/Pathological Features

BACKGROUND

Caspases (CASPs) are the main executors of the apoptotic process. Studies to date have shown the role of caspase-8 (CASP8) and caspase-9 (CASP9) in carcinogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between CASP9-rs4233532, CASP9-rs4646018, and CASP8- rs1045485 gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility in an Iranian population-based study. Moreover, it was examined whether such the genotype of these polymorphisms is related with clinicopathological characteristics of NHL.

METHODS

175 patients with NHL and 175 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this study. We determined the genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from CASP genes with Tetra ARMS-PCR (Amplification refractory mutation system) method.

RESULTS

Statistically significant association were observed between CASP9-rs4646018 and increased risk of NHL under codominant CC, codominant TC, and dominant TC+CC genetic models. Our results showed that the A allele of CASP8-rs1045485 was a protective factor for NHL and GArs1045485 genotype significantly reduced risk of NHL. In contrast, CASP9- rs4233532 was not linked to NHL susceptibility. No relationship was detected between CASP8-rs1045485 and CASP9-rs4233532 and NHL clinicopathological characteristics, however genetic variation in CASP9-rs4646018 was associated with histology, treatment and radio therapy of NHL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study presented that the CASP8- rs1045485 and CASP9-rs4646018 polymorphisms could affect the risk of NHL in Iranian populations which was the first report to show the significant relationship between rs1045485, rs4646018 polymorphisms and NHL susceptibility. Replication large-scale case-control studies in different ethnicities are warranted to verify these findings.

Association between PAX8AS1 (rs4848320 C > T, rs1110839 G > T, and rs6726151 T > G) and MEG3 (rs7158663) gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PAX8 antisense RNA 1 (PAX8AS1) and Maternal-expressed gene 3 (MEG3) contribute to the pathogenesis of various malignancies including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In this study, we aimed to examine the possible association of polymorphisms of PAX8 and MEG3 and the risk NHL. A total of 175 patients and 175 healthy subjects were genotyped by PCR-RFLP and Tetra-Arms PCR assays. Results demonstrated rs4848320 C > T and rs6726151 T > G of PAX8AS1 and rs7158663 of MEG3 play a potential role in the susceptibility of NHL and PAX8AS1 rs1110839 T > G variant was associated with decreased risk of NHL. Haplotype analysis of rs1110839, rs4848320, and rs6726151 demonstrated GCG haplotype is associated with increased risk of lymphoma and TTG, TTT, and GTT haplotypes are related to decreased lymphoma susceptibility.

Association of CCL5 rs2107538, and CCL2 rs3760396 Gene Pol-ymorphisms with the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Chemokines are proinflammatory cytokines that play key roles in development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Chemokine-induced recruitment of peripheral leucocytes to tissues is a crucial step in the CVD progression. CC chemokines ligand 5, 2 (CCL5 and CCL2), have been characterized as emerging inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerotic CVD. The aim of this study was to find out whether genetic polymorphisms of CCL5 -403 G>A (rs2107538) and CCL2 –927 G>C, (rs3760396) were associated with the risk of CVD. Methods: In this case-control study, 500 Iranian individuals including 250 CVD patients and 250 healthy subjects as the control group participated in 2017. Genotyping of CCL5 -403 G>A and CCL2 –927 G>C polymorphisms were executed using Tetra-ARMS PCR method. Results: At genotypic level both CCL5 -403 G>A and CCL2 –927 G>C polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of CVD (P>0.05), even after adjustment by age, sex, race, and history of hypertension, DM and smoking. However, the CCL2 –927 C allele was associated with an increased risk of CVD (OR=1.42, P=0.050) with a higher prevalence in CVD patient than in controls (17% vs. 12%). Moreover, the haplotype analysis revealed that CCL5/CCL2 haplotype (G/C) was a risk factor for CVD (OR=2.13, P=0.001), and that carriers of this haplotype were at 2.13-fold higher risk of CVD than subjects with G/G haplotype. Conclusion: CCL2 –927 C variant and CCL5/CCL2 haplotype (G/C) were associated with susceptibility to CVD, and were risk factors for CVD in our population but more studies with large sample size are recommended.

Significant association of LXRβ (NR1H2) polymorphisms (rs28514894, rs2303044) with type 2 diabetes mellitus and laboratory characteristics

Purpose

To investigate if single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NR1H2 gene encoding LXRβ contribute to the development of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether genotypes of two NR1H2 polymorphisms, rs28514894 and rs2303044, are associated with laboratory characteristics of T2DM patients.

Method

A total of 900 subjects (450 T2DM cases and 450 healthy subjects) of Iranian ancestry were genotyped for NR1H2 polymorphisms via ARMS-PCR and PCR-RFLP techniques.

Result

Our findings showed a significant correlation between both polymorphisms and increased risk of T2DM. The haplotype analysis showed an association between the C A haplotype with enhanced risk of T2DM. In T2DM patients, the mean level of HbA1C and BUN significantly differed among carriers of CC and TT genotypes of the rs28514894 polymorphism (P = 0.05 and P < 0.0001, respectively); while in the control group, no significant difference was noticed between subjects with these genotypes. The mean BUN levels also significantly differed among carriers of TC and TT genotypes of this variant in T2DM patients (P = 0.01) and controls (P = 0.04). As for rs2303044 polymorphism, only the mean BUN level significantly differed between GA and GG carriers in T2DM patients (P = 0.006). Compared with CT and TT genotypes, the CC genotype of rs28514894 polymorphism was more frequent in overweight T2DM patients ( 25 < body mass index < 30).

Conclusions

The present research provided the first documents of the correlation of NR1H2 rs28514894 and rs2303044 polymorphisms with susceptibility to T2DM. Replicated case-control studies on larger populations are needed to validate these findings.

Salivary levels of IgE and ECP in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral mucosa disease, with no specific etiology. Atopy has been implicated in the development of this disease. In this study, the salivary levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured as allergy-related biomarkers in patients with aphthous stomatitis.

Material and Methods

In this case-control study, non-stimulated saliva was collected from 85 participants and IgE and ECP were measured. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20 through the Mann-Whitney test, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The salivary levels of IgE and ECP were 1.11±0.65 Iu/ml and 26.93±6.95 ng/ml in the case group and 0.73±0/39 Iu/ml and 21.97±6.72 ng/ml in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of salivary levels of IgE and ECP (p=0.001).

Conclusions

The results showed that patients with oral aphthous had higher levels of salivary IgE and ECP than controls. Therefore, measurement of these biomarkers may be useful in the initial evaluation of patients with aphthous stomatitis. Key words:Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, saliva, immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein.

Salivary levels of IgE and ECP in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common oral mucosa disease, with no specific etiology. Atopy has been implicated in the development of this disease. In this study, the salivary levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were measured as allergy-related biomarkers in patients with aphthous stomatitis.

Material and Methods

In this case-control study, non-stimulated saliva was collected from 85 participants and IgE and ECP were measured. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20 through the Mann-Whitney test, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The salivary levels of IgE and ECP were 1.11±0.65 Iu/ml and 26.93±6.95 ng/ml in the case group and 0.73±0/39 Iu/ml and 21.97±6.72 ng/ml in the control group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of salivary levels of IgE and ECP (p=0.001).

Conclusions

The results showed that patients with oral aphthous had higher levels of salivary IgE and ECP than controls. Therefore, measurement of these biomarkers may be useful in the initial evaluation of patients with aphthous stomatitis.

Key words:Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, saliva, immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein.

SIRT1 Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Urinary Bladder Cancer in an Iranian Population

BACKGROUND

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible association between silent information regulator of transcription 1 gene (SIRT 1) polymorphisms and risk of urinary bladder cancer (UBC) in an Iranian population.

METHODS

The SIRT1 polymorphisms rs3758391 T/C and rs369274325 G/A were evaluated in 120 Iranian bladder cancer patients and 118 healthy individuals as the control group. The SIRT1 rs369274325 G/A and rs3758391 T/C polymorphisms were genotyped using tetra-primer ARMS PCR and PCR-RFLP methods, respectively.

RESULTS

The SIRT1 rs3758391 TT genotype occurred significantly more frequently in the UBC patients than in the controls (13.3 vs. 1.7%) in both the additive and recessive models due to a significant difference in either of additive (TT vs. CC; OR= 9.529, P = 0.003) or recessive models (TT vs. CC + CT genotype; OR= 8.923, P = 0.002). Also, for rs369274325, the AG genotype was found in a significantly greater percentage of UBC patients than in controls (75.8 vs. 43.2%, respectively, P < 0.0001.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary study suggests that SIRT1 rs3758391 T/C and rs369274325 G/A polymorphisms may confer an increased risk of bladder cancer in our patients.

Impaired oxidative-antioxidative balance during migraine attack

Background: Recent evidence has suggested that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of migraine. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oxidative-antioxidative status in sera of migraine patients from an Iranian population during migraine attacks. Methods: This study recruited 46 migraine patients with or without aura and 45 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. The levels of protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidants status (TOS) were measured as the indicators of oxidative stress. The levels of total thiols (T-SH), reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined as markers of antioxidant status. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated by dividing TOS to TAC. Results: The serum levels of MDA (4.10 +/- 0.70 vs. 3.20 +/- 0.62, P = 0.003), TOS (18.46 +/- 4.06 vs. 16.21 +/- 3.67, P = 0.007) and OSI (1.54 +/- 0.60 vs. 1.22 +/- 0.46, P = 0.006) were significantly higher in migraine group compared to controls, however, no statistically significant differences of PC levels were found between migraine patients and controls (0.615 +/- 0.161 vs. 0.517 +/- 0.126, P = 0.1). In contrast, the levels of T-SH (273 +/- 51.71 vs. 310.88 +/- 53.32, P = 0.001), GSH (28.08 +/- 6.20 vs. 32.13 +/- 5.8, P = 0.002) and TAC (1.27 +/- 0.226 vs. 1.41 +/- 0.26, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in migraine patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Our study showed higher levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidant status in migraine group compared to controls, which indicates the possible role of oxidative stress in triggering migraine attacks.  

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in glazers with occupational cadmium exposure: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial

Recently, there is a growing interest for the use of antioxidants as a preventive agent against cadmium (Cd) intoxication. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary coenzyme Q10 supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity in Cd-exposed glazers. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-month crossover clinical trial, coenzyme Q10 (60 mg twice daily) or placebo was administrated to 40 male glazers occupationally exposed to Cd. The subjects were randomly assigned to the placebo and coenzyme Q10 groups ( n = 20 in each group). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the serum of glazers were measured at baseline and at the end of both intervention phases. The primary outcomes were the changes in serum levels of MDA, TAC and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx during administration with coenzyme Q10 versus placebo. Compared with placebo, treatment to coenzyme Q10 was associated with a significant reduction in serum MDA levels ( p < 0.001) While, there was no significant effect on the serum TAC levels ( p = 0.096). Also, the activity antioxidant enzymes of SOD ( p < 0.001) and GPx ( p = 0.003) were significantly higher and the CAT activity ( p < 0.001) was lower after 2-month coenzyme Q10 administration compared with placebo. Data demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 supplementation at a dose of 60 mg (twice daily) is effective in reducing oxidative stress marker level (MDA) and improving antioxidant enzymes activity in glazers exposed to Cd. However, further research is needed to assess coenzyme Q10 as a possible dietary intervention in Cd-exposed workers.

Trial Registration:

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Registration Number: IRCT2016061228407N1 ( www.who.int/ictrp/network/irct/en/ ).

Comparison of Salivary Cotinine Concentrations in Male Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users

Objective: Smoking cigarettes and smokeless tobacco are one of the causes of oral cancer. This study compared the salivary level of cotinine in male smokeless tobacco users and smokers. Methods: In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study, stimulated saliva samples from 30 male smokers and 30 male smokeless tobacco consumers were collected and their cotinine contents were measured using the competitive ELISA method according the standard curve. The data was analyzed with independent t-test and linear regression using SPSS-19, and P<0.05 was considered significant. Result: Among the 60 subjects with the mean age of 21.27±2.6 years, the average level of cotinine in smokers (12.32±7.5 ng/ml) had no significant difference with that of smokeless tobacco consumers (11.23±4.4 ng/ml) (p=0.49). Conclusion: Salivary levels of cotinine were not significantly different in smokeless tobacco users and cigarette smokers. In addition, increases in the number of cigarettes smoked and in pack of smokeless tobacco used, were associated with increased salivary levels of cotinine. The increase was higher in smokeless tobacco consumers.

The biochemical effects of occupational exposure to lead and cadmium on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes activity in the blood of glazers in tile industry

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on markers of oxidative stress in glazers in tile industries. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined in the blood of 80 subjects, including 40 glazers and 40 nonexposed subjects. Mean levels of blood Cd (8.90 ± 2.80 µg/L) and blood Pb (62.90 ± 38.10 µg/L) of glazers showed a significant increase compared with the control group. In the serum of glazers, the level of MDA was significantly higher and the level of TAC was significantly lower than the control group. We have noted a disturbance in the levels of antioxidants by a significant increase in the CAT activity and a significant decrease in the activities of SOD and GPx in the serum of glazers compared with the controls. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the serum MDA level and CAT activity were positively associated with the blood levels of Pb and Cd. Also, GPx and SOD were negatively correlated with blood Cd levels. The study clearly indicated that co-exposure to Cd and Pb can induce oxidative stress in glazers, resulting in increased lipid peroxidation and altered antioxidant enzymes.

Salivary Levels of ErbB2 and CEA in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the ten most common causes of cancer death worldwide. Assessment of molecular changes can help detect and control lesions. The aim of this study was evaluation of salivary levels of ErbB2 and CEA in OSCC patients. In this case-control study, 27 OSCC patients and 26 healthy controls participated. After obtaining consent and filling out a questionnaire, unstimulated saliva samples were collected from people in the morning for measurement of the two markers using ELISA. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U test in SPSS 19 software with P<0.05 considered significant. Subjects were in the age range of 40 to 65 years. \Salivary level CEA was elevated in OSCC samples (42.6 ± 21.1 ng/ml) as compared to those of controls (22.6 ± 22.1ng/ml) (p< 0.01), but no significant variation was noted for ErbB2 (5.2 ± 1.8ng/ml and 4.93 ± 2.14ng/ml, p=0.28). The role of ErbB2 as a tumor marker in patients with OSCC must still be regarded as controversial and needs further studies to clarify any significance for early detection or screening. In contrast the salivary level of CEA may find application for early detection of patients.

Oral manifestation and salivary changes in renal patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background

Salivary changes in hemodialysis patients may result in various oral manifestations. This research intended to determine oral manifestations and some salivary markers in hemodialysis patients.

Material and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 hemodialysis patients (the patient group) and 30 healthy individuals (the control group). Saliva urea and calcium levels and pH values of the participants were measured, and oral manifestations such as pale mucosa, xerostomia, halitosis, changes in the sense of taste, increased calculus formation, gingival bleeding, etc. were recorded in the information collection form. The data was analyzed using T-test and chi-square, and p<0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results

The mean salivary urea level and pH value in the patient group were significantly higher compared to those of the control group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to salivary calcium. Halitosis, xerostomia, and increased calculus were the most prevalent manifestations, and gum bleeding was the least prevalent among the patients.

Conclusions

Advanced chronic renal insufficiency can increase salivary urea level, pH value, halitosis, xerostomia, and calculus formation, and may cause pale mucosa.

Key words:Renal dialysis, biomarkers, oral manifestation, saliva.

Association between the rs1805081 polymorphism of Niemann-Pick type C1 gene and cardiovascular disease in a sample of an Iranian population

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between a genetic variation, A+644G, in the Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) gene and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a Southeast Iranian population. A total of 320 individuals, including 200 patients with CVD and 120 healthy individuals, were involved in the present study. The polymorphism was determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The results indicated that the frequency of the GG genotype was markedly lower in patients with CVD compared with the control group (7 vs. 16.7%), and that the NPC1 rs1805081 polymorphism was associated with reduced risk of CVD [odds ratio (OR)=0.110; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.017-0.715; P=0.021]. In addition, the prevalence of the minor allele (G) in patients with CVD differed from that of the control group with the frequency of 25.5 and 33.4% for the former and latter, respectively, and this difference reached statistical significance (OR=0.658; 95% CI=0.482-0.971; P=0.037). Furthermore, analysis of clinical characteristics of the individuals according to the NPC1 genotypes revealed an association between the lipid profile and NPC1 gene polymorphism. These findings demonstrated that the NPC1 A+644G variant was associated with reduced risk of CVD and serves a protective role against susceptibility to CVD in the Iranian population.

The Effect of Experimental Thyroid Dysfunction on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Rat Pancreas

Preclinical Research The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of thyroid dysfunction on markers of oxidative stress in rat pancreas. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were, respectively, induced in rats via administration of propylthiouracil (PTU) and L-thyroxine sodium salt in drinking water for 45 days. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathioen peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), xanthine oxidase (XO), and nonenzymatic markers of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total thiols (T-SH) were determined in the rat pancreas. In hyperthyroid rats, pancreatic CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, XO, G6PD activities were increased compared with those in hypothyroid and control groups. There were no differences in activities of antioxidant enzymes between hypothyroid and control rats. Pancreatic MDA and PC in hyperthyroid rats increased compared with hypothyroid and the control animals. Whereas, hyperthyroid rats had decreased levels of tissue GSH and T-SH compared with hypothyroid and the control groups. The findings showed that only GSH level has decreased significantly in the hypothyroid group compared with control groups. In conclusion, our results showed that experimental hyperthyroidism induces oxidative stress in pancreas of rats, but hypothyroidism has no major impact on oxidative stress markers. Drug Dev Res 77 : 199-205, 2016.   © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant balance and total antioxidant capacity of serum in children with urinary tract infection

Background:

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections in children. This studyaimed to investigate the oxidative and antioxidate status of plasma in patients with UTI and to compare them with those of the controls.

Methods:

This case–control study of 50–75 children in the given order was performed in 2013 at the Pediatric Clinic of infections in Zahedan Hospital of Ali Ibn Abi Talib. The antioxidative status of plasma were evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) The oxidative status of samples was assessed by measuring the total peroxide and the oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. The means of the parameters were compared and the relationship among them was determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test were applied in various situations of our questions; 95% confidence interval was considered for the level of significance.

Results:

The results showed that total oxidant serum status in UTI patients was higher compared to controls when total antioxidant serum was lower. The balance of oxidant-antioxidant serum was in favor of oxidant serum and this term was confirmed by OSI.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that the plasma levels of TAC in patients with UTI were decreased compared to controls, and oxidant-antioxidant balance and OSI caused increased OS in patients.

Salivary Sialic Acid Levels in Smokeless Tobacco Users

BACKGROUND

Smokeless tobacco chewing is one of the known risk factors for oral cancer. It is consumed widely by residents of southeastern Iran.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, salivary free and total sialic acid, and total protein were compared in paan consumers and non-consumers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, unstimulated saliva of 94 subjects (44 paan consumers and 50 non-consumers) who were referred to the oral medicine department of the dentistry school of Zahedan were collected. Salivary free and total sialic acid, and total protein concentration were measured by standard biochemical methods, and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 20 through the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The concentration of salivary free sialic acid (23.21 ± 18.98 mg/L) was significantly increased in paan consumers. The concentration of salivary Total sialic acid (TSA) (39.57 ± 26.58 mg/L) and total protein (0.77 ± 0.81 mg/mL) showed increases in paan consumers, however, the results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary free and total sialic acid, and total protein were higher in the paan consumers compared to non-consumers. Due to the carcinogenic effect of smokeless tobacco, measurement of these parameters in saliva may be useful in early detection of oral cancer.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Caralluma tuberculata and its safety on liver and kidneys of diabetic rats / Diyabetik sıçanların karaciğer ve böbrekleri üzerinde Caralluma tuberculata’nın hipoglisemik ve hipolipidemik etkisi ve güvenliği

Objective: Caralluma tuberculata is a succulent plant that grows in some regions of Baluchestan province in Iran, and is widely used by natives as antidiabetic agent. This study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aerial part suspension of Caralluma tuberculata (SCT) at two doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and its safety on liver and kidneys of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was rendered via single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, injected intraperitoneally). Forty eight rats were classified into 6 groups as follow; (I): Normal control, (II): Normal + SCT (200 mg/kg), (III): STZ Diabetic, (IV): STZ + vehicle, (V): STZ + SCT (100 mg/kg), (VI) STZ + SCT (200 mg/kg). The effects of 45 days of treatment with the SCT on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated.

Results: SCT treated groups exhibited a significant (p<0.05) improvement in abnormalities of OGTT, biochemical and hematological parameters compared with the diabetic control group. Furthermore, SCT at both doses, returned significantly (p<0.01) diabetes-induced changes in lipid profile except HDL-C levels that only, were significantly (p<0.05) increased at dose of 200 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in hematological, liver and kidney parameters between normal control and normal animals receiving SCT.

Conclusion: The present results revealed that Caralluma tuberculata could be beneficial for amending hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hematological changes induced by diabetes. It may also protect the liver and kidneys against complications caused by diabetes without any toxic effects.

Evaluation of haptoglobin genotypes in patients with metabolic syndrome: A preliminary report

BACKGROUND

Haptoglobin (Hp) polymorphisms have been suggested to be associated with many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and type 2 diabetes. For the first time, we aimed to investigate the possible association between Hp genotypes and metabolic syndrome (MES) in a sample of Iranian subjects.

METHODS

In this study, 291 patients with MES according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and 284 healthy individuals have been studied. We determined Hp genotype by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The frequency of three genotype (Hp1-1, Hp2-1, and Hp2-2) in healthy individuals and patients were 7.74, 39.7, 52.46, and 7.9, 31.61, 60.48 percent, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding Hp genotypes. The Hp2 allele was the predominant allele in MES (76.29%) and normal subjects (72.54%).

CONCLUSION

Hp polymorphisms are not risk factor for predisposition to MES in a sample of the Iranian population. Further studies with different ethnicities are required to validate our findings.

Aberrant promoter methylation profile of Niemann-pick type C1 gene in cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

The protein of Niemann-pick type C1 (NPC1) gene promotes the egress of cholesterol from late endosomes and lysosomes to other cellular compartments and contributes to a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. This study aimed to examine whether promoter methylation of NPC1 is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

Fifty CVD patients and 50 healthy subjects as the control group were recruited in this study. Promoter methylation of NPC1 gene was defined using a nested-methylation specific polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical analyses were done using the chi-square, t-test or ANOVA tests.

RESULTS

Our study showed that the frequency of semi-methylated promoter (methylated/unmethylated status) was significantly higher in CVD patients than that in controls (OR = 6.521, 95% CI = 2.211-19.215, P = 0.008). However, a completely methylated promoter (methylated/methylated status) was not detected in any subjects in either of the two groups tested. Additionally, the analysis of clinical data according to the methylation status of NPC1 gene demonstrated that serum levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are influenced by NPC1 methylation, so that subjects with a completely unmethylated promoter (Unmethylated/unmethylated status) held lower levels of total triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and higher levels of HDL-C.

CONCLUSION

Our findings propose that the NPC1 promoter methylation is a probable mechanism that can result in reduced/impaired NPC1 expression/activity and may thus contribute to progression of CVD.

50-bp Ins/Del polymorphism of SOD1 is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Compelling evidence suggests that the oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes play a major role in detoxification of reactive oxygen species and protection against oxidative stress. We examined the possible association between a 50-bp insertion/deletion in the SOD1 promoter 1684-bp upstream of the SOD1 ATG with CVD in an Iranian population. A total of 400 individuals including 200 CVD patients and 200 healthy subjects from the same ethnic background as the control group were participated in this study. Genomic DNA from all subjects was screened for the 50-bp SOD1 promoter deletion using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Our finding showed an association between SOD1 DEL/DEL (9% vs. 2.5%) and INS/DEL genotypes and risk of CVD and these genotypes increased the susceptibility to CVD (OR=2.096, 95% CI: 1.336-3.286, P= 0.001 for the INS/DEL genotype; OR=4.811, 95% CI: 1.734-13.346, P= 0.003 for the DEL/DEL genotype). Additionally, the DEL allele of the SOD1 variation was found to be more prevalent in the CVD patients with the frequency of 26.3% and 13.5% in cases and controls, respectively, and this difference reached statistical significance (OR=2.281, 95% CI: 1.586-3.279, P= 0.001).  The analysis of SOD1 genotypes according to patients' characteristics revealed that the SOD1 Ins/del and Del/Del genotypes were more prevalent in CVD patients with a history of CVD or hypertension or DM (P<0.05), whereas the majority of Ins/Ins genotype carriers had no history of these diseases. Overall, our results demonstrated that SOD1 50-bp Del/Del and Ins/Del genotypes, as well as Del, allele, were associated with an increased risk of CVD.

Protein and lipid oxidative damage in healthy students during and after exam stress

Oxidative damage at cellular level is thought to be one of the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of psychological stress (anxiety). The aim of this study was to investigate lipid and protein oxidative damage in exam anxiety conditions. Blood samples were collected in two stages (during the exam period and post vacation) from 51 healthy female students after responding to Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and test anxiety questionnaire. Protein carbonyl, total thiol and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in serum. Participants reported significantly higher levels of subjective anxiety during the exam period than post vacation. Also the level of total thiol was significantly lower during the exam period compared with post vacation (p<0.001). Meanwhile, protein carbonyl and MDA levels during the exams were significantly higher than those in post-exam period (p<0.01). During the exam period, there was a negative correlation between serum total thiol levels and the severity of anxiety (r=-0.45, p<0.01). A significant positive correlation between the changes in serum protein carbonyl and MDA levels, also between those markers and anxiety score was found during the exam period. The high level of protein carbonyl and MDA, also low level of total thiol during the exam period demonstrated an oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in stress conditions. Our results suggest that oxidative damage to cellular compounds may be one of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety.

Association of plasma nitric oxide concentration and endothelial nitric oxide synthase T-786C gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from l-arginine by endothelium nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) and plays important roles in many physiologic and pathologic processes. NO involved in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. In the present study we hypothesized that polymorphisms of NOS gene might be associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and plasma NO concentrations. The eNOS gene polymorphism was investigated in 241 unrelated CAD patients with positive coronary angiograms and 261 ages matched control subjects without a history of symptomatic CAD. The NOS3 gene polymorphisms were analyzed by RFLP. Plasma NO, lipid profile and other risk factors were also assessed. The genotype frequencies for T-786C polymorphism differed significantly between CAD patients and controls (p=0.041). The mean plasma NO(x) concentrations showed significant differences according to genotypes of T-786C polymorphism in total population only. The mean plasma NO(x) increased in those individuals that are homozygote for C allele in promoter compared with those individuals are heterozygote for this allele and homozygote for T allele in total population and Controls, but no in CAD patients. The present study provides evidences that T-786C polymorphism of the NOS3 gene is associated with CAD. T-786C polymorphism was not associated with increased plasma NO in CAD patients.

Serum zinc levels and goiter in Iranian school children

Iodine deficiency has been shown to have high prevalence in Iran despite sufficient iodine supplementation. Zinc deficiency may also contribute to the pathogenesis of endemic goiter. The aim of this study was to compare serum zinc level in Iranian school children with and without goiter. A cross-sectional study was performed among urban children aged 8-12 years in city of Kerman, Iran. A multistage proportional to size cluster sampling method was used to screen 5500 subjects out of 29,787 students. After the screening phase, serum and urine specimens of randomly selected 165 students were evaluated for serum zinc levels and urinary iodine excretion and compared in goiterous and non-goiterous children. Serum zinc level was 149.5±29.4 μg/l in goiterous children and 141.2±52 μg/l in non-goiterous children but no significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.37). But urinary iodine excretion was significantly (p<0.001) lower in goiterous children (207.5 μg/l in goiterous children and 262.5 μg/l in non-goiterous children). This study showed that serum zinc level in goiterous and non-goiterus children is not different and zinc deficiency is not a risk factor for endemic goiter in this population.

Sodium tungstate attenuate oxidative stress in brain tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

High blood glucose concentration in diabetes induces free radical production and, thus, causes oxidative stress. Damage of cellular structures by free radicals play an important role in development of diabetic complications. In this study, we evaluated effects of sodium tungstate on enzymatic and nonenzymatic markers of oxidative stress in brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into four groups (ten rats in each group): untreated control, sodium tungstate-treated control, untreated diabetic, and sodium tungstate-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal STZ injection (65 mg/kg body weight), and sodium tungstate with concentration of 2 g/L was added to drinking water of treated animals for 4 weeks. Diabetes caused a significant increase in the brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.01) and protein carbonyl levels (P < 0.01) and a decrease in ferric reducing antioxidant power (P < 0.01). Moreover, diabetic rats presented a reduction in brain glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (21%), superoxide dismutase (41%), glutathione peroxidase (19%), and glutathione reductase (36%) activities. Sodium tungstate reduced the hyperglycemia and restored the diabetes-induced changes in all mentioned markers of oxidative stress. However, catalase activity was not significantly affected by diabetes (P = 0.4), while sodium tungstate caused a significant increase in enzyme activity of treated animals (P < 0.05). Data of present study indicated that sodium tungstate can ameliorate brain oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats, probably by reducing of the high glucose-induced oxidative stress and/or increasing of the antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) treatment of candidiasis in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) are used for treatment of diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eucalyptus in treatment of established systemic infection with Candida albicans in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Sixty normoglycemic male Wistar rats, weighing 200-250 g, were selected and randomly divided into six groups (n= 10): normal control, control + C. albicans, control + eucalyptus + C. albicans, diabetic control, diabetic + C. albicans, diabetic + eucalyptus + C. albicans. Diabetes was induced after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) and eucalyptus was added to the diet (62.5 g/kg) and drinking water (2.5 g/L) of treated animals for 4 weeks. The concerned groups were inoculated with C. albicans 15 days after diabetes induction. At the end of one month experiment, fasted rats were killed by cervical decapitation. Blood was collected from neck vein for estimation of glucose. C. albicans concentrations were estimated in liver and kidneys using serial dilution culture of tissue homogenates.

RESULTS

Eucalyptus administration significantly improved the hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia, and it also compensated weight loss of diabetic rats (P less than 0.05). Moreover, eucalyptus caused a significant reduction in C. albicans concentration in liver and kidney homogenates (P less than 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that eucalyptus improves Candidia infection in normal and diabetic rats that in some ways validates the traditional use of this plant in treatment of diabetic patients.

Effects of garlic extract treatment in normal and streptozotocin diabetic rats infected with Candida albicans

The anti-candidial effect of garlic extract (Allium sativum L.) was investigated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced after a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Rats were divided into six groups with fifteen rats in each group: (1) Normal control rats (2) Control rats + C. albicans (3) Control rats + garlic extract + C. albicans (4) Diabetic control rats (5) Diabetic rats + C. albicans (6) Diabetic rats + garlic extract + C. albicans. The concerned groups were inoculated with C.albicans on the 15 th day. At the end of one month experiment, fasted rats were killed by cervical decapitation. Blood was collected for estimation of glucose and C. albicans concentrations were estimated in liver and kidneys homogenates. A significant increase was observed in serum glucose levels in diabetic rats. A loss of bodyweight, polydipsia and polyphagia were observed in diabetic rats. Administration of alcoholic extract of garlic (0.25 g/kg body weight) reduced the hyperglycemia, polydipsia, polyphagia and associated weight loss of streptozotocin-treated rats. Administration of garlic extract significantly reduced C. albicans concentrations in liver and kidneys homogenates in infected control and diabetic rats. It is concluded that garlic extract improves candidia infection in diabetic rats.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene Glu298Asp polymorphism in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Endo-derived nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from L-arginine by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3). Since reduced NO synthesis in endothelial cells has been implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis, we investigated the association of NOS3 gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) in an Iranian population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We studied the NOS3 gene Glu298Asp polymorphism in 241 CAD patients with positive coronary angiograms (i.e.,> 50% stenosis affecting at least one coronary vessel) in Shahid Rajaee Heart Hospital and 261 control subjects without a history of symptomatic CAD. The NOS3 gene polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Lipid profile and other risk factors were also determined.

RESULTS

The genotype frequencies of Glu298Asp polymorphism for Glu/Glu, Glu/Asp, and Asp/Asp were 61.3%, 32.2%, and 6.5%, respectively, in control subjects, and 46.5%, 42.7%, and 10.8% in CAD patients, respectively. The genotype frequencies differed significantly between the two groups (P=.003). The frequencies of the Asp alleles were 32.2% and 22.6% for CAD patients and control subjects, respectively; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P=.001; odds ratio=1.6). Plasma lipids, except HDL-C, were also significantly increased in the CAD groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CAD is associated with Glu298Asp polymorphism of the NOS3 gene in our population and that this polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD.

Protective vaccination against experimental canine visceral leishmaniasis using a combination of DNA and protein immunization with cysteine proteinases type I and II of L. infantum

Leishmania infantum is known to be associated with visceral leishmaniasis in Iran and canids are natural reservoirs. Control of disease in dogs appears to be one of the most effective approaches for interrupting the domestic cycle of the disease. In search for successful vaccine strategies, we evaluated the cysteine proteinases (CPs) type I and II using a heterologous prime-boost regime for vaccination against experimental visceral leishmaniasis in dogs. Following vaccination and challenge, dogs were followed for 12 months. Ten dogs vaccinated by prime/boost with DNA/recombinant CPs (in combination with CpG ODN and Montanide 720) remained free of infection in their bone morrow. In contrast, three out of four dogs in the control groups had infection in their bone marrow. The peripheral lymphocytes from protected animals had generally higher proliferation responses to F/T antigen, recombinant CPA (rCPA) and recombinant CPB (rCPB) than controls. During post-challenge period, the difference in stimulation index is significant (p<0.05) on months 11 and 12 to F/T antigens, all months for rCPA and 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12 months for rCPB. Analysis of cytokine mRNA level suggested that vaccinated dogs had elevated IFN-gamma mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), whereas there was a consistent increase in the level of IL-10 in the control groups and some vaccinated dogs. The level of total IgG and IgG2, but not IgG1, to rCPA and rCPB was significantly higher in the vaccinated group (p<0.05) than the control groups. We also showed that with the exception of one dog, all dogs in the vaccinated group in comparison to control dogs had strong DTH responses. We propose that the combination of DNA and recombinant protein vaccination using CPs could be instrumental to control (VL) in dogs.

Humoral and cellular immune responses against Type I cysteine proteinase of Leishmania infantum are higher in asymptomatic than symptomatic dogs selected from a naturally infected population

Canids are natural reservoirs of Leishmania infantum and have been promoted as experimental hosts to decipher the pathogenesis of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL). In this study, the presence of IgG antibodies as well as the presence of mononuclear leukocytes reactive to different cysteine proteinases (CPs) were examined in 13 L. infantum-infected dogs (six with symptoms, seven asymptomatic). Cysteine proteinases which belong to papain-like enzymes known as clan CA are the most studied CPs of parasite protozoa. These molecules are expressed by the intracellular stages of the parasite and could be immunogenic. We studied Type II CP (CPA) and Type I CP (CPB) with its long C-terminal extension (CTE) which could be highly immunogenic. We showed that the level of antibodies reactive to rCPA is low in both symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. In contrast, when CPB and CTE were used as antigens, the level of total IgG (with IgG2 superior to IgG1) reached higher values in asymptomatic dogs than in dogs with VL. While the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) reactivity was significant when cultured in the presence of freezed/thawed (F/T) lysate, it remained low in presence of CP although always higher for PBMC recovered from asymptomatic dogs. We showed the importance of CPB and CTE in particular as a target of immune response and their potential use for serodiagnosis in asymptomatic dogs.

Expression of cysteine proteinase type I and II of Leishmania infantum and their recognition by sera during canine and human visceral leishmaniasis

In this study, the mature domains of type I (CPB) and type II (CPA) cysteine proteinases (CPs) of Leishmania infantum were expressed and their immunogenic properties defined using sera from active and recovered cases of human visceral leishmaniasis and sera from infected dogs. Immunoblotting and ELISA analysis indicated that a freeze/thaw extract of parasite antigens showed similar and intensive recognition in both active cases of human and dog sera but lower recognition in recovered human individuals. The total IgG of actively infected human sera was higher than in recovered cases when rCPs were used as antigen. In contrast to dog sera, both active and recovered human cases have higher recognition toward rCPB than rCPA. Furthermore, the asymptomatic dogs in contrast to the symptomatic cases exhibited specific lymphocyte proliferation to both crude antigens and rCPs.