ABSTRACT
One of the most widely used methods to detect tuberculosis [TB] infection is the tuberculin skin test [TST]. The completion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis [M. tuberculosis] genome sequence has led to identification of several antigens that can be utilized for accurate diagnosis and control of TB. The aim of this study was to purify the recombinant M. tuberculosis antigens for the evaluation of their potential in TB diagnosis. The recombinant secretory antigens, ESAT-6, CFP-10 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 were produced by PCR and cloning methods. To investigate antigen specific responses of these recombinant antigens in detection of TB, ex vivo enzyme linked immunospot [ELISPOT] test in 30 clinically diagnosed TB patients was evaluated. The selected M. tuberculosis antigens were cloned, expressed and purified in Escherichia coli [BL21]. ELISPOT assay for detection of TB showed the sensitivity of 93, 90 and 100% for recombinant ESAT-6, CFP-10 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 proteins respectively, which is significantly higher than conventional TST. The recombinant antigens of ESAT-6, CFP-10 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 can be used as an accurate means of detecting TB in Iran
ABSTRACT
For many years, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] was used to screen prostate cancer [PC] patients. However, recent controversial findings have cast doubt on the accuracy of this biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, and have stimulated the search for new candidates. This study was conducted to determine the capability of a soluble adhesion molecule known as soluble vascular endothelial cadherin [sVE-cadherin] or CD144 to distinguish prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia [BPH] patients from healthy individuals. Patients recently diagnosed as having PC [N=35] or BPH [N=35] and age-matched controls [N=30] were study enrolled. The concentration of sVE-cadherin and PSA was measured by ELISA. Gleason score in s with PC was determined by pathological examination of tumor biopsies. The concentration of sVE-cadherin in the serum of patients with PC and BPH was significantly higher hat in the healthy men. No association was found between the concentration of this soluble adhesion molecule and PSA values. Moreover, concentrations of sVE-cadherin did not correlate with Gleason scores in patients with PC. The high concentration of sVE-cadherin in our patients suggests that this bio-marker is a potentially tool to identify high-risk patients. However, further research in patients with PC and other pathological conditions is needed to support the efficacy of this molecule in PC screening