new indole derivative decreased SALL4 gene expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line [NB4]

Background: Acute myeloblastic leukemia [AML] is a clonal disorder due to bone marrow failure and uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid lineage. Acute promyelocytic leukemia [APL] is a subtype of AML. Heterocyclic compounds, such as indole, are considered as attractive candidates for cancer therapy, due to their abundance in nature and known biological activity. Sal-like protein [SALL4] is a zinc finger transcription factor involving in the multi-potency of stem cells, in the NB4 cell line. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of basal indole and its new derivative, 2-[1-[[2, 4-Aril]imino]-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl] phenyl-1H Indole-3- carbaldehyde [TFPHC], on the expression of SALL4

Methods: Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations [75, 150, and 300 micro g/mL] of the new indole derivative and DMSO, as a vehicle control, for 24 and 48 hours. Cell proliferation was evaluated by using Trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flowcytometry analysis using the Annexin V/PI apoptosis detection kit; mRNA expression of SALL4 was studied using absolute quantitative RT-PCR

Results: Our findings demonstrated the effects of new indole derivatives on SALL4 mRNA expression. Expression of SALL4 mRNA was significantly decreased at 75, 150, and 300 micro g/mL concentrations

Conclusion: SALL4 plays a role in the survival of APL cells. SALL4 expression could be suppressed by the novel indole derivative. Additionally, SALL4 gene suppression can serve as a target in APL therapy

Association of cord blood levels of IL-17A, but not TGF-beta with pre-term neonate

It has been documented that cytokines play important roles in the induction of normal functions of the placenta. It has been hypothesized that abnormal expression of the cytokines may be associated with unsuccessful pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of interleukin- 17A [IL-17A] and tumor growth factor [TGF-beta] in pre-term, term neonates, and their corresponding mothers. This study was performed on 100 term and 60 pre-term neonates, and also on their corresponded mothers. Serum levels of IL-17A and TGF-beta were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Our results revealed that the serum levels of IL-17A were significantly decreased in pre-term neonates in comparison to full-term neonates. However, the serum levels of IL-17A in the mothers either with pre-term or full-term neonates were not different. Also the serum levels of TGF-beta were not changed in pre-term neonates and their mothers when compared with full-term neonates and their mothers, respectively. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that IL-17A may play crucial roles in induction of normal pregnancies and also probably participates in normal growth of fetus

Interleukin-10 serum levels after vaccination with in vivo prepared Toxoplasma gondii excreted/secreted antigens

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide prevalent zoonotic parasite which causes toxoplasmosis. An appropriate vaccine for animals could interrupt the circle between animals and humans. Our previous study showed that excreted/secreted antigens [E/ SA], derived from the peritoneum of mice infected with T. gondii tachyzoites could be considered as a good candidate for animal vaccination. Interleukin-10 [IL-10] inhibits proliferation of B and T lymphocytes and induces homeostasis in immune system responses. However, since IL-10 has also been shown to suppress the killing of T. gondii by human macrophages, the aim of this study was to evaluate IL-10 serum levels after vaccination with T. gondii E/SA prepared in vivo. T. gondii tachyzoites were inoculated in the peritoneum of mice and harvested E/SA were used as a vaccine, with and without adjuvant, in T. gondii infected and un-infected mice. IL-10 serum levels were evaluated using the ELISA technique. The data showed that although serum levels of IL-10 were not changed at the early phases, they were elevated at the end phases of vaccination with T. gondii E/SA. Based on these and our previous results, it can be concluded that in vivo prepared T. gondii E/SA could be considered as a good candidate for animal vaccination

Differential expression of CXCL1, CXCL9 CXCL10 and CXCL12 chemokines in alopecia areata

Alopecia Areata [AA] is a non-scarring, autoimmune disorder which causes hair loss. Inflammatory reactions are involved in hair loss of the scalp and/or body. The involvement of chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of AA is well defined among which, CXCL1 acts on neutrophils and CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 and serve as T lymphocytes recruiters. To study the serum levels of ELR+ and ELR- CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 in the patients suffering from AA and healthy controls. The study population of consisted of 30 patients suffering from AA and 30 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of CXCL1, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL12 were measured using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Current results showed that AA patients had significantly elevated serum levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10 in comparison to controls [p<0.001]. These results also demonstrated that serum levels of CXCL1 and CXCL12 were significantly decreased in AA patients compared to control [p<0.001]. CXCL9 and CXCL10 are elevated in the AA patients and may be involved in the recruitment of T lymphocytes to the inflamed tissues. Moreover, due to the significant role played by these chemokines in angiogenesis/ angiostatis phenomenon they could be considered as useful biomarkers in AA diagnosis and therapy