ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the present study was to simultaneously investigate parasitic contamination of treated wastewater and downstream vegetable farms that are irrigated with treated sewage, during a year
Background: [Oo] Cysts and eggs of parasites are resistant to most of routine wastewater treatment process. Irrigation of vegetables farms with either treated wastewater or illegally use of raw wastewaters enhances the risk of contamination with enteric pathogens
Methods: The treated wastewater samples were taken after chlorination from a wastewater treatment plant located at the south of Tehran. In addition, 60 vegetable samples [5 samples from each farm] were collected from the selected downstream farms that routinely used treated wastewater for irrigation of crops. Parasitological tests were performed using Ziehl-Neelsen, conventional lugol's iodine staining and direct microscopical examination
Results: Parasites including free living larvae, eggs of Toxoascaris leonina, egg of Toxocara sp. Trichuris sp, Trichostrongylus sp and amoeboid trophozoite were seen in 5/12 [41.7%] of vegetable samples gathered during a year. There was no statistically significant correlation between the season and parasitic contamination of the vegetables [P= 1]. Furthermore, parasitic contamination was observed in 7/12 [53.8%] of treated wastewater samples. The correlation between season and parasitic contamination of treated wastewater was evaluated that the results showed a higher contamination of treated wastewater in spring and autumn [P<0.05].Fisher's exact test also showed that there was no significant correlation between parasitic contaminations of vegetable samples and treated wastewater according to seasonal change
Conclusion: The results showed parasites in both treated wastewater plant and downstream crops farms that suggests the public health importance of the quality of water resources that routinely used for irrigation of vegetable farms
ABSTRACT
The detection of KRAS and BRAF mutations is a crucial step for the correct therapeutic approach and predicting the epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]-targeted therapy resistance of colorectal carcinomas. The concomitant KRAS and BRAF mutations occur rarely in the colorectal cancers [CRCs] with the prevalence of less than 0.001% of the cases. In patients with KRAS-mutant tumors, BRAF mutations should not regularly be tested unless the patient is participating in a clinical trial enriching for the presence of KRAS or BRAF-mutated tumor. The current report demonstrates a case with advanced adenocarcinoma of the colon showing the coexistence of KRAS and BRAF mutations and may have profound clinical implications for disease progression and therapeutic responses
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf , Mutation , ErbB Receptors , AdenocarcinomaABSTRACT
Aim: Our aim was to determine the association between TGF-beta1 polymorphisms at position -509 C>T [rs1800469] and +915 G>C [rs1800471] and pancreatic cancer susceptibility in Iranian population
Background: Ninety percent of pancreatic cancer patients have less than 5-year overall survival and approximately 50% of cases were diagnosed with metastasis in the time of admission. Previous evidences have demonstrated the strong association between TGF-beta1 variations and cancer susceptibility so far
Methods: A total of 78 patients with pancreatic cancer and 94 healthy controls were enrolled in this case control study from 2007-2012. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples according to phenol chloroform extraction. The genotypes of TGF-beta1 rs rs1800469 and rs1800471 were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method
Results: The mean age of cases and the control group were 64.50 +/- 13.718 and 40.12 +/- 16.001, respectively. For polymorphism-509 C>T, the frequency of TT genotype were 31 [33.0], CT, 47[50] and CC, 16 [17] in control and 19 [24.4], 45 [57.7] and 14 [17.9] in cases respectively. In position +915 G>C, the frequency of GG genotype was 84 [89.4] and GC, 10 [10.6] in control and 71 [91.0] and 7 [9] in cases, respectively. We did not observe any significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the TGF-beta1-509 C>T [rs1800469] and codon +915 G>C [rs1800471] between the two study groups [P>0.05]
Conclusion: we found that TGF-beta1 gene polymorphisms rs1800469 and rs1800471 might not play a role in pancreatic cancer susceptibility in Iranian population
ABSTRACT
Aim: We aimed to explore the frequency of BRAF V600E mutation in Iranian patients with colorectal cancer [CRC] as well as its association with clinic pathological characteristic of patients
Background: CRC is the third leading cause of cancer related death. There is a growing body of data showing the association of BRAF V600E mutation with malignant transformation and clinical outcome of different tumors, including CRC. These findings suggest that BRAF V600E mutation can be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for management of cancer patients
Patients and methods: A total of 85 patients with sporadic tumor were recruited. Braf V600E mutation was investigated using sequencing of extracted DNAs from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded [FFPE] tumor tissues. Electropherograms were analyzed using Laser-gene 6 software
Results: More than 95% of patients were in stage I and II and none of them were in stage IV. Patients were mostly below 55 years old and tumors were dominantly located in the distal colon. Of note, no BRAF V600E mutations were detected in our population
Conclusion: Our results showed no V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in stage I and II of CRC patients. Further studies in multi-center settings are warranted to examine the prognostic and/or predictive value of this marker in different stages of colorectal cancer patients
ABSTRACT
Aim: This study investigated subtypes of Cryptosporidium in patients with gastrointestinal complaints in Tehran, Iran
Background: Cryptosporidium, an intracellular protozean parasite, is among the major causative agents of gastroenteritisdisorders in humans. It also causes water-borne and food-borne outbreaks of diarrheal diseases
Patients and methods: A total of 1685 fecal samples were collected from patients with gastrointestinal complaints whohad been referred to clinical laboratories Tehran, Iran. The primary diagnosis was established by the detection of oocystsusing the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and following that, the positive microscopically samples wereselected for sequence analysis of the partial 60 kDa glycoprotein [gp60] gene
Results: Out of 1685 collected samples, 7 [0.4 %] were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequence analysis of gp60gene in seven Cryptosporidium isolates revealed that two subtype families were identified, IIa and IId. Five [of 7] isolatesbelonged to the subtype family IIa and the remaining two isolates belonged to IId. Two sub-types were recognized within thesubtype family II,a including IIaA16G2R1 [3/5], IIaA17G1R1 [2/5], while IIdA17G1d was the only subtype within IIdsubtype family
Conclusion: The predominance of zoonotic subtype families of C. parvum species [IIa, IId] in this study highlights theimportance of zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in the country
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the relation between the expression of liver alpha-amylase and obesity
Background: Alpha-amylase catalyses the hydrolysis of 1, 4-alpha-glucosidic linkages in polysaccharides and has three main subtypes, including: salivary, pancreatic, and hepatic. Hepatic alpha-amylase is involved in glycogen metabolism, and has a role in obesity and its management. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression of liver alpha-amylase in overweight and obese mouse
Material and methods: In this study, NMRI male mice were randomly divided into two groups. The sample group [obese] took a high-fat and carbohydrate diet, while the control group [normal] took a laboratory pellet chow for eight weeks. During this period, their weight was measured. After eight weeks, liver hepatocytes were isolated using an enzymatic digestion method. Immunocytochemistry [ICC] and flow cytometry analysis were performed to measure alpha amylase protein expression in mouse liver hepatocyte cells
Results: A significant difference in the body weight was observed between the two groups [p<0.05]. The qualitative protein expression of liver alpha-amylase was found to be higher in the obese group in both tests [immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry]. Animals from the test group presented higher alpha-amylase expression, which suggests that this hepatic protein may constitute a potential indicator of susceptibility for fat tissue accumulation and obesity. The present data demonstrates an increased expression of liver amylase in obese mice
Conclusion: These results suggest that liver amylase secretion might be useful for predicting susceptibility to obesity induced by consumption of a high-fat and carbohydrate diet
ABSTRACT
Acanthamoeba spp. is the causative agent of blindness keratitis and fatal encephalaitis. Presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in a wide variety of niches such as different water types can lead to exposure of high risk people such as contact lens wearers. The main aim of the present study was to explore the occurrence of Acanthamoeba genotypes in the recreational water sources using both morphological and molecular approaches in Gilan province, Iran. Overall, 50 samples were collected from recreational water sources including man- made and natural waters in Gilan province. Filtration and cultivation of samples was performed using non-nutrient agar. Cloning of Acanthamoeba spp. was done to eliminate bacterial and fungi contamination. PCR amplification and sequencing were performed using genus-specific primer pair. Genotype identification was based on homology analysis of 18S rRNA gene [DF3] of the obtained sequences with the available genes in the gene bank data base. Out of 50 water samples, 15 [30%] were positive for Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts according to morphological criteria. Cloning of 13 isolates [26%] was done successfully. Molecular analysis of 13 Acanthamoeba strain revealed that all isolates were belonged to potentially pathogenic T4 genotype. T4 genotype is the main cause of Acanthamoeba-related infections. Presence of Acanthamoeba belonged to T4 genotype in recreational water sources is of concern for high risk people. Alarming sign and education to high risk people is of utmost importance to prevent such infections
Subject(s)
Genotype , WaterABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of intronic polymorphism of the SMAD7 [Mothers Against Decantaplegic Homolog 7] gene [rs2337104] on the risk of colorectal cancer [CRC] and clinicopathological features in an Iranian population. SMAD7 has been identified as an antagonist of transforming growth factor beta [TGF-b]-mediating fibrosis, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Regarding to the recent genome-wide scan, a risk locus for colorectal cancer at 18q21 has been found, which maps to the SMAD7 gene. This case-control study was performed on 109 CRC patients and 109 healthy controls recruited in Taleghani Hospital. The genotyping of all samples were done by TaqMan assay via an ABI 7500 Real Time PCR System [Applied Biosystems] with DNA from peripheral blood. The association of this polymorphism with the risk of CRC and clinico pathological features was investigated. Our results indicated that there were no significant association between genotypic and allelic frequencies of SMAD7 polymorphism [rs2337104] and CRC risk in our population. Although the T allele is the most frequent one in this population and its frequency was 86.7% in patients compared with 91.7% in controls [OR=1.705, 95% CI= 0.916-3.172]. Also, the SMAD7 genotypes were not associated with any clinicopathological characteristics in CRC patients [P>0.05]. For the first time, this study results revealed that this SMAD7 polymorphism couldn't be a potential risk factor for CRC or a prognostic biomarker for prediction of clinicopathological features in an Iranian population. A large-scale case-control study is needed to validate our results
ABSTRACT
We aimed for detection of bacterial DNA [bactDNA] in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and its prognostic relevance in cirrhotic patients with culture-negative non-neutrocytic ascites [CNNNA]. approximately 60% of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] are ascites culture negative. Of each 77 patients with cirrhosis and ascites, two samples including blood and ascitic fluid [AF] were taken. Blood samples were obtained for routine biochemical study and PMN count. AF samples were used for biochemical analysis and aerobic and anaerobic culture. BactDNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] using bacterial universal 16srRNA gene primer. Of all AF samples, 3 [3.9%] were positive for bacterial culture [one streptococcus a hemolytic and two E.coli]. The mean number of PMN in AF was 63. BactDNA was detected in 33 [42.9%] of 77 of samples [group A] and bactDNA was absent in 41 [53.2%] of samples [group B]. Blood WBC, prothrombin time, LDH, serum total protein, AF WBC, serum albumin, AF albumin, AF total protein, serum total bilirubin, AST, ALT and BUN were not statically different among group A and B. Hepatitis B, 41[45%], was the most frequent cause of cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is the common cause of cirrhosis in Iranian cirrhotic patients. Also, current study showed that high number of Iranian cirrhotic patients with CNNNA carries bactDNA in their AF. The clinical findings as well as clinical laboratory data in patients with CNNNA are independent to bactDNA status in their ascitic fluid
ABSTRACT
The present study was performed in order to differentiate E. histolytica and E. dispar in children from Gorgan city, using a PCR method. Differential detection of two morphologically indistinguishable protozoan parasites Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar has a great clinical and epidemiological importance because of potential invasive pathogenic E. histolytica and non-invasive parasite E. dispar. One hundred and five dysentery samples were collected from children hospitalized in Taleghani hospital in Gorgan city. The fecal specimens were examined by light microscopy [10X then 40X] to distinguish Entamoeba complex. A single round PCR amplifying partial small-subunit rRNA gene was performed on positive microscopy samples to differentiate E. histolytica/ E. dispar and E.moshkovskii from each other. Twenty-five specimens [23.8%] were positive for Enramoeba complex in direct microscopic examination. PCR using positive controls indicated E. histolytica and E. dispar in two [2/25, 8%] and three [3/25, 12%] samples, respectively. There is a warrant to performing molecular diagnosis for stool examination at least in hospitalized children in order to prevent incorrect reports from laboratories and consequently mistreating by physicians
ABSTRACT
Cryptosporidium is a globally distributed protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans and cattle. The aim of the present study was to determine the species of Cryptosporidium among cattle with diarrhea by a nested PCR-RFLP technique at Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein [COWP]. Fecal samples from 158 calves aged 1-20 weeks were collected from 10 dairy farms in Qazvin province, Iran. Initial identification of Cryptosporidium was carried out by Zeihl-Neelsen acid-fast staining method of stool samples. DNA was extracted from 26 [16.45 %] positive microscopically samples and Cryptosporidium genotypes were determined. Cryptosporidium parvum were identified in 80.8% of the positive samples and, Cryptosporidium andersoni in 19.2%. In conclusion the use of COWP primers could be sensitive enough to conduct a routine detection study. The nested PCR method using the COWP gene sequence can be an alternative diagnostic method to identify infected with Cryptosporidium and its genetic diversity
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the association between PD-1.5C/T [rs2227981, +7785] and the risk of gastric cancer [GC] in an Iranian population. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. The programmed death 1 [PD-1] is a member of the CD28 super family. PD-1 is a negative regulator of T-cell effector mechanisms which decrease immune responses against cancer. we conducted case- control study to investigate the association of PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism in 122 GC patients and 166 control individuals. DNA was extracted from blood specimens. Genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] assay. The frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes was 53.6%, 42.2% and 4.2% in control group and 41%, 54.1% and 4.9% in gastric cancer patients respectively. CC genotype was more frequent in control individuals than in patients but we found no statically significant association. The frequencies of PD-1.5CT genotypes were significantly higher in GC patient compared with control individuals [OR= 1.77, 95% CI= 1.077-2.931; P=0.026]. Allele distribution was similar in patients and healthy individuals [p=0.061].Frequency of C and T alleles was 74.7%, 25.3% in control individuals and 68.03% and 31.97% in gastric cancer patients respectively. These results suggest that PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism may affect the GC risk and prognosis in an Iranian population
ABSTRACT
Knowledge about the clinical significance of V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B1 [BRAF] mutations in colorectal cancer [CRC] is growing. BRAF encodes a protein kinase involved with intracellular signaling and cell division. The gene product is a downstream effector of Kirsten Ras [KRAS] within the RAS/RAF/MAPK cellular signaling pathway. Evidence suggests that BRAF mutations, like KRAS mutations, result in uncontrolled, non-growth factor-dependent cellular proliferation. Similar to the rationale that KRAS mutation precludes effective treatment with anti-EGFR drugs. Recently, BRAF mutation testing has been introduced into routine clinical laboratories because its significance has become clearer in terms of effect on pathogenesis of CRC, utility in differentiating sporadic CRC from Lynch syndrome [LS], prognosis, and potential for predicting patient outcome in response to targeted drug therapy. In this review we describe the impact of BRAF mutations for these aspects
Subject(s)
Humans , Mutation , Colorectal Neoplasms , Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis , PrognosisABSTRACT
It is clear that colorectal cancer [CRC] develops through multiple genetic and epigenetic pathways. These pathways may be determined on the basis of three molecular features: [i] mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, leading to a DNA microsatellite instability [MSI] phenotype, [ii] mutations in APC and other genes that activate Wnt pathway, characterized by chromosomal instability [CIN] phenotype, and [iii] global genome hypermethylation, resulting in switch off of tumor suppressor genes, indicated as CpG island methylator phenotype [CIMP]. Each of these pathways is characterized by specific pathological features, mechanisms of carcinogenesis and process of tumor development. The molecular aspects of these pathways have been used clinically in the diagnosis, screening and management of patients with colorectal cancer. In this review we especially describe various aspects of CIMP, one of the important and rather recently discovered pathways that lead to colorectal cancer
Subject(s)
Humans , Phenotype , Colorectal Neoplasms , MethylationABSTRACT
Celiac disease [CD] is an immune mediated condition that leads to small bowel atrophy that resolves with a gluten free diet [GFD]. Extra-intestinal manifestations of CD include hypertransaminasemia. In this study, the effects of a GFD on hypertransaminasemia in patients with newly diagnosed CD were studied. Ninety eight new diagnosed consecutive patients with CD 40 males and 58 females] with mean age of 32 +/- 17.1 were studied. All patients with CD were treated with a GFD. Patients with hypertransaminasemia, at diagnosis, had a cirrhosis screen performed. Patients with a negative cirrhosis screen were reviewed, 6 months after the introduction of a GFD, and serum levels of liver transaminases were measured again. Nine patients had hypertransaminasemia. One patient was Hepatitis B surface antigen positive and was excluded from this study. The 8 remaining patients had no obvious cause for the hypertransaminasemia. Mean [ +/- SD] of baseline aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels were 42.6 +/- 16.5 IU/L [range: 16-66 IU/L] and 69.3 +/- 9.3 IU/L [range: 52-81 IU/L]. Six months after treatment with a GFD, mean AST and ALT levels decreased to 24.5 +/- 5.1 IU/L [range: 18-31 IU/L] [P: 0.04] and 24.6 +/- 6 IU/L [range: 17-32 IU/L] [P: 0.01], respectively. In 7 patients the hypertransaminasemia, at diagnosis had resolved. This study provides further evidence that some patients with CD have a reversible hypertransaminasemia that resolves with a GFD
Subject(s)
Celiac Disease/diet therapy , Transaminases/bloodABSTRACT
Celiac disease [CD] is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten sensitivity in genetically susceptible individuals. There is no previous report on CD and Toxoplasma gondii infection and no previous assessments with regard to the association of these conditions on pregnancy. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed CD and T.gondii in the pregnant women. In this descriptive study, during the period of January-July 2007, 496 pregnant women with mean age of 26 +/- 5 years [SD 4.11] and mean pregnancy duration 5.2 months were referred to reproduction section of rural and urban health care centers in Lorestan province. They underwent a total IgA test and antihuman IgA class antitissue transglutaminase [tTGA] antibodies for detection of CD. Those with IgA deficiency were tested with IgG tTG. Also IgG and IgM-Toxoplasma level were measured for detection of total antibody against T.gondii. Of 496 pregnant women, 13 [2.6%] had a positive CD serology for tTGA [95% CI: 1.2%-4.3%]. 154/496 patients had IgG positive test and 35/154 patients had IgM positive for T.gondii indicating acute stage of T.gondii infection. It is well established that CD and T.gondii infection are both associated with a high incidence of unfavorable outcomes in pregnancy. Our data suggest that CD may predispose to the development of T.gondii infection
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of celiac disease [CD] in dyspeptic patients. Although severe mucosal abnormality with villous atrophy [lesions Marsh III] is the histology gold standard for the diagnosis of CD, non-specific microenteropathy [Marsh I-II] with positive serology is also common Patients with dyspepsia, specific CD antibodies and microenteropathy, could have CD. From November 2007 to October 2008, 407 randomly chosen patients who underwent diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms [193 male, 214 women; mean age 36.1 years] were studied. Small bowel biopsies were performed in all of them. Histologic characteristics in duodenal biopsy specimens for CD were evaluated according to the modified Marsh Classification. All the patients were also tested for serum total immunoglobulin A and anti-transglutaminase [tTG] antibodies. Those with IgA deficiency were tested for IgG tTG. Duodenal histology showed Marsh I-IIIc lesions in 6.4% cases. 4 patients [0.98%] were IgA deficient and none of them were positive for IgG tTG. Serology showed positive results for tTGA in 8% of the patients and 2.5% of them had abnormal histology [Marsh I-IIIc] compatible with CD. The results of this study showed that milder enteropathy [Marsh 0-II] have a low specificity for CD. The prevalence of CD among dyspeptic individuals is significantly [2.5%] higher than in the general population [1%] and CD should be investigated in these patients