Expression and purification of recombinant mycobacterium tuberculosis [TB] Antigens, ESAT-6, CFP-10 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 and their diagnosis potential for detection of TB patients

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

[Frequency of antigliadin and anti-transglutaminase in patients with irritable bowel syndrome]

On one hand the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome [IBS] ranges from 4 to 12 percent in the community; on the other hand, Celiac disease is prevalent in 4% of the IBS patients. Regarding the fact that cereals containing gluten are routinely used in Iran, diagnosing celiac disease in IBSpatients is important for conducting the treatments. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of Celiac in IBS patients. This study was designed as a case control prospective study. Eighty six subjects were enrolled in this study according to Rome II Criteria. The control group included healthy subjects that were checked up on a routine base. The evaluation of Celiac was done through serology exams such as Anti Gliadin and Anti Transglutaminase [IgG and IgA]. Thirty eight male and 48 female patients suffering from IBS with a mean age of 34 +/- 11.7 years were enrolled in this study. The case and control groups were not significantly different in terms of sex and age. Flatulence, excessive gas passing and mucus passage were the most frequent symptoms in IBS patients. Night symptoms and weight loss [alarm signs] were observed in 37% and 32%, respectively. Elevated Antigliadin Titer was evident in 22 subjects [25%] which suggests a significantly higher rate for the case group as compared to the control group [t=4.67,P=0.0001]. Elevated IgG Anti Transglutaminase Titer was observed in 2 cases [2.3%] while IgA Anti Transglutaminase was not elevated in any of the IBS subjects, neither in the control group nor in the case group. Biopsy of small intestine can be suggested to rule out the elevated Antigliadin Titer Celiac Disease in IBS patients

frequency of subclinical thyroid disorders in geriatric patients

Thyroid dysfunctions are common among the elderly, but their clinical manifestations are more vague, subtle and often hidden. The aim of this study was to determine the thyroid functions in people over 55 years old for determining sub clinical thyroid disorders. This investigation was performed on 25 men and 25 women over 55 years old who had referred to the outpatient clinics of Islamic Azad University of Mashhad during the period of 2007-2008. For each patient, a questionnaire was filled out by a physician. The questionnaire contained some information about the patient's individual data, his/her past record of thyroid dysfunctions, clinical signs and symptoms and the results of thyroid tests. The laboratory tests included TSH and total T4. Also, if required complement tests for diagnosing the disease and complications were preformed. Finally, the results were compared with those in the reference books and the related articles. The prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunctions was 14% [7 cases]. The frequency rate of the identified disorders were as follows: 4 persons [8%] were suffering from clinical hypothyroidism; 2 persons [%4] from subclinical hypothyroidism and one person [2%] from clinical hyperthyroidism. However, no case of subclinical hyperthyroidism was observed. Two persons [4%] had a previous history of clinical hypothyroidism. Among the patients, 20% of the women and 8% of the men were involved in thyroid dysfunctions, but there was no. Significant correlation between the factor of gender and thyroid dysfunction [P=.417]. Also, there was not any significant association between the age group and thyroid dysfunctions [P=0.687]. The most frequent symptoms in hypothyroid patients were fatigue [66%] and weakness [50%]. The other manifestations were as follows: constipation%33], dry skin [%33] and cold intolerance [%33]. Moreover, hypercholesterolemia was observed in 50% of the hypothyroid patients and there was a significant relationship between hypothyroidism and hypercholesterolemia. [P=0.01 86]. For senile subjects complaining about fatigue, a test of thyroid function is recommended. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly higher among hypothyroid patients

Benign fibrous mesothelioma presenting as huge pleural mass

Mesothelioma of pleura is classified as malignant and benign. Benign mesothelioma is less frequent and may diagnose incidentally during routine chest X ray. Symptomatic cases usually show chest pain, dyspnea or cough due to compressive effect of tumor on surrounding tissue. In this article we present a benign fibrous mesothelioma in a female subject with shoulder pain and missed huge pleural mass. She referred because of long lasting dyspnea and chest pain. This subject was operated and complete resection of tumor results in complete resolution of symptoms