Regulation of HMGA2 and KRAS genes in epithelial ovarian cancer by miRNA hsa-let-7d-3p

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to identify specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and investigate expression level of their target genes for evaluation of pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Materials and Methods: In this study, we have studied on EOC patients' serum and whole blood, healthy control (HC) serum, and whole blood samples. Sixteen serum samples were collected to compare miRNA expression analysis through microarray. According to microarray results, one of the dysregulated miRNA in serum, hsa-let-7d-3p, was validated by RT-qPCR for discriminate two groups. The hsa-let-7d-3p is one of the tumor suppressive let-7d family members. Let-7d is downregulated in numerous types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and directly targets various oncogenes. We analyzed the let-7d targets, which are High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2) and (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog), as the oncogenes that are associated with EOC. The relation between target genes of hsa-let-7d-3p and EOC has been examined by Pathway Studio. Twenty serum and whole blood samples collected to analyze expression level of target genes were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: 31 significantly dysregulated miRNAs were identified by microarray in serum. Hsa-let-7d-3p has been selected for the validation, according to P-value and dysregulated level. RT-qPCR results showed that hsa-let-7d-3p could discriminate EOC patients from HC (P = 0.0484, AUC = 0.7). Furthermore, we identified hsa-let-7d-3p's target genes (HMGA2, KRAS) by bioinformatic analysis. The expression level of genes could discriminate patients with EOC from HC, with a power area under the ROC curves (AUC) of 62 and 64.2, respectively. Conclusion: HMGA2 and KRAS could be translationally downregulated by the hsa-let-7d-3p, and the loss of hsa-let-7d-3p expression led to the progression of EOC related to the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis

effect of reduced bacterial dilution on human amniotic membrane antibacterial activity, in vitro

The human amniotic membrane is the inner most layer of placenta and has antimicrobial effect, due to the presence of human beta-defensins and elafins. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dilution reduction of 0.5 McFarland prepared from standard bacterial strains of Salmonella enterica BAA-708, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC7881, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212 on antibacterial effect of human amniotic membranes in vitro. Amniotic membranes were obtained from the bank of organ transplantation in Imam Khomeini hospital, of women with elective cesarean section whose HIV, HBV, HCV and VDRL serological tests were negative. They were cut to 1.5x1.5 cm pieces. Then 0.5 McFarland suspensions of 1.5x10[8], 0.5x10[7] and 1.5x10[6] dilutions were prepared from bacteria which then were spread on Mueller Hinton medium agar and a piece of membrane was put in the center of each plate. After 24 hours incubation at 37[degree]C, the results were observed. In 0.5 McFarland standard dilution an inhibition zone was created in three standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica unlike the other two strains. There was no change in the above results with two other dilutions and inhibition zone of sensitive strains was not created. Dilution reduction of microbial strains does not affect the antibacterial impact of amniotic membrane and dilution reduction does not yield to a false positive response and the conversion of resistant to sensitive strains

Infection by Cag A positive strains of Helicobacter pylori is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease in Iranian patients

Infectious agents have been suspected as a triggering factor for development of autoimmune thyroid disease [ATD]. Some reports from Western countries have suggested association between Helicobacter pylori [HP] infection and ATD. To investigate the association of ATD with Cag A seropositivity in a population with high rate and early age of onset of HP infection. IgG anti HP and anti Cag A antibodies were measured in 88 patients with ATD and compared with results of 112 healthy individuals. The rate of infection with HP was not significantly different in patient and control groups, but there was significant association between ATD and infection with Cag A strains [p<0.005]. This association was significant for both hypothyroidism [p<0.005] and Graves' disease [p<0.02]. Cag A antibody level correlated with titers of thyroid auto antibodies [p<0.001]. In a population with high rate and early age of onset of HP infection, only infection with Cag A positive strains is associated with ATD, and this may be due to immune cross reactivity

Effect of amniotic membrane combined with ciprofloxacin in curing the primary stages of pseudomonal keratitis

Keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often resulted in severe corneal ulcers and perforation, which leads to losses of vision. Human amniotic membrane [HAM] forms the inner wall of the membranous sac which surrounds and protects the embryo during gestation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the amniotic membrane's healing in rabbits with pseudomonas keratitis. In total 14 rabbits divided in 2 groups of: 1 as Control and 2 as experimental amniotic membrane combined with ciprofloxacin. A 0.05 ml suspension of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was injected into rabbit's corneal stroma, with no interference in control group. In the second group, the amniotic membrane in pieces of 1.5 x 1.5 cm transplanted to the entire corneal surface by eight interrupted 10.0 nylon sutures. In the first day ciprofloxacin drop was injected to the second group every 30 minutes and through second to seventh days every 2 hours. The results of perforation in cornea and the amount of infiltration were registered. The results showed that amniotic membrane transplantation [AMT] + ciprofloxacin group had 0% perforation and the control group 85.6%. Average infiltrations were 5 mm in AMT + ciprofloxacin groups and 23.75 mm in control. The use of amniotic membrane with ciprofloxacin was effective in prevention of cornea perforation and controlling the process of pseudomonal keratitis remission. The improvement of inflammation rapidly happened in ciprofloxacin + AMT group.

[Effects of fumonisin B1 on the stomach and colon cell lines in vitro]

Fumonisins, a family of mycotoxins, are mainly found in wheat, corn and their products. Previous studies have shown that fumonisin B1 [FB1], the most abundant and toxic of known fumonisins, has been associated with many animal and human diseases including cancer. In the present study, the effects of FB1 were examined on the production of inflammatory cytokines in intestine and stomach cell lines. This study was performed in the Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. The cell lines of colon adenocarcinoma [SW742] and gastric epithelium [AGS] were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. The cells were pretreated with different concentrations of FB1 [0 to 100 micro M] for 3 days. The cells were later stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Twenty-four hours after cell induction, the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF- alpha], interlukin-1 beta [IL-1 beta] and interlukin-8 [IL-8] were measured by ELISA. Treatment with FB1 induced a dose-dependent decrease in IL-8 production [P<0.05]. This decrease was seen in both SW742 and AGS cell lines. Moreover, FB1 induced a dose-dependent increase in the production of TNF- alpha and IL-1 beta in both cell lines [P<0.05]. The results of this study indicated that FB1 could increase the inflammatory cytokines including TNF- alpha and IL-1 beta in gastric and intestinal cell lines. These effects might result in the development of inflammatory responses and subsequent mucosal atrophy in in-vivo conditions

Seroprevalence study of hepatits A virus in Fars province, southern Iran

There are several studies on seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus [HAV] in adults in the Middle East. To determine seroprevalence of HAV among adult population in Fars province, southern Iran. In a cross-sectional study, we checked anti-HAV antibody [IgG] in subjected refereed to our health care centers to perform laboratory tests before getting determined. Some risk factors like level of education, type of residence, job, numbers of family members, and access to treated water were also evaluated in these participants. From 1050 subjects studied, 927 [88.2%] had ant-HAV antibody; 123 [11.8%] were antibody negative. Among subjects aged <20 years, the anti-HAV seroprevalence was the lowest [79.3%] followed by subjects aged 20-30 years [91.3%] and those >30 years [99%] [p= 0.01]. 85.1% of studied individuals in urban areas had anti-HAV IgG while 95.9% of subjects in rural regions were anti-HAV positive [p=0.001]. The seroprevalence of HAV antibody was significantly associated with number of family members [p=0.001]. HAV is highly prevalent in our region especially in rural areas. It is better to vaccinate the children for HAV by the time they receive HBV vaccine or when they are five years

Prevalence of human T-Lymphotrophic Virus [HTLV] 1,2 Among tissue donors in Iranian tissue bank

Iranian Tissue Bank prepares a wide range of human tissue homografts such as; Heart valve, Bone, Skin, Amniotic membrane and other tissues for different clinical applications.The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HTLV in tissue donors from 2001 to 2006 in Iranian Tissue Bank/ Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 1548 tissue donors were studied during a 5-year period by ELISA assays. HTLV1,2 - antibodies were tested on all donors along with other tests upon American Association of Tissue Banks [AATB] standards. 25 [1.61%] out of 1548 tissue donors were HTLV positive. 17 donors were male and 8 donors were female. Female to male ratio was approximately 47%. Regarding the prevalence of HTLV among tissue donors and importance of cell and tissue safety and quality assurance, we recommend that all cell and tissue banks should be involved with serological and other complementary tests such as PCR [Polymerase Chain Reaction] for HTLV