HFE mutations in iranian hepatitis B virus infected patients

Finding an association between HFE mutations and hepatitis C especially in those with iron overload is the focus of recent researches. We examined the frequency of these mutations and ferritin level in a group of patients with different stages of hepatitis B and healthy individuals. A total of 75 [18 carrier, 57 chronic] cases of HBsAg positive patients and 194 healthy individuals were enrolled. C282Y and H63D mutations were sought in all subjects by digestion of PCR products with Rsa I and Ksp22I restriction endonucleases. Ten [13.3%] of cases and 31 [16%] of controls were heterozygote for H63D that showed no significant statistical differences [NS]. For C282Y mutation, we found 3[4%] heterozygote patients but none in the control group [p < 0.021]. The frequency of C282Y heterozygosity was 5.2% in chronic group while there was no similar case in carrier group. Significant statistical differences were also found between chronic and the control group [p < 0.005]. No statistically significant difference for frequency of HFE mutations was found between carrier and chronic group with each other [NS]. Mean level of ferritin in those with the mutation showed no statistically significant difference with that of patients without mutation [NS]. Our data indicate that the frequency of C282Y mutation is significantly higher in seropositive hepatitis B patients than in the healthy individuals and suggest that heterozygotes for C282Y mutation that have exposed to hepatitis B virus may have an increased risk of virus persistence or even chronicity

[Clinical characteristics of a utoimmune hepatitis]

Autoimmune hepatitis [AIM] is a self-perpetuating hepatocellular inflammation of unknown cause. It is characterized by the presence of interface hepatitis on histologic examination, hyper gammaglobulinemia, and autoantibodies in serum. This study was performed to determine clinical and laboratory profile of AIH in Iran. The medical records of patients with AIM from 4 gastroenterology clinics in Tehran were retrospectively reviewed from September 1988 to May 2003. Forty-six patients with AIM whose medical records were complete were selected for final review. Of the 46 patients, 38 [82%] were female. The median age at presentation was 24 years. All patients fell into the category of AIM type-I. Seventeen percent had associated autoimmune diseases with diabetes type-I and autoimmune hemolytic disease being more common. The onset was acute in 5% and chronic in 87% with the remaining 8% being asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were icterus [59%] and fatigue [33%] and the most common signs were splenomegaly [33%] and hepatomegaly [30%]. In all cases, HBV and HCV serum markers were negative and serum levels of ferritin and copper were within normal limits. High serum levels of AST, total billirubin and alkaline phosphatase were detected in 93%, 39% and 74%, respectively while hyper gammaglobulinemia was found in 67%. SMA, ANA, PANCA and A MA were positive in 50%, 37%, 4% and 13%, respectively. AIH type-I is more common in Iran than in the United States and Europe and other types are seen rarely. Younger age at presentation, less frequent acute onset disease and lower rate of autoantibody positivity and hyper gammaglobulinemia may merit attention

Assessment of urine iodine in school children from urban and rural areas of Tehran in 2001

Following the national survey for Iodine Deficiency Disorder [IDD] in 1989 which manifested endemic goiter in Iran, the iodination program was implemented. By 1998, Iran has managed to become an IDD-free country. This study is a part of continuous assessment to monitor the effectiveness of this program. The prevalence of iodine deficiency was studied by assessment of urine iodine concentration among a random sample of schoolchildren, in the South Tehran. The extent of salt iodination in the public was assessed meanwhile. Most cases [52.19%] showed a urine iodine concentration between 10-30 micro g/dl. As well, 5.85% of pupils had mild iodine deficiency according to world standards, 1.45% of pupils showed moderate and none had severe IDD. Examination of consumed salt in public areas showed 98.8% iodination. Total mean iodine excretion was obviously above the state survey in 1996. The risk of exceeding the allowed limits [<30 micro g/dl] should be attentively studied