ABSTRACT
E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent molecule that contributes to intercellular adhesion. Its proper functioning is important in the maintenance of epithelial structure and integrity. E-cadherin serves as a very important tumor suppressor. In this study, we aim to determine the frequency of E-cadherin expression aberrancy and its relationship to the biological behavior of gastric adenocarcinoma. A total of 52 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomies in Imam Khomeini Hospital were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Their tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry methods to investigate the expression of E-cadherin. Patients' information including age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, adenocarcinoma subtype, metastasis, differentiation and regional lymph node involvement, depth of invasion and staging were collected and compared. Age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection, lesion location, regional lymph node involvement, metastasis, depth of invasion, differentiation and staging did not have a statistically significant relationship with abnormal E-cadherin expression. Abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly higher in the diffuse sub-type as compared with the intestinal type [90.9% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.016]. The present study assessed the frequency and relationship between abnormal E-cadherin expression and certain biological variables of tumor behavior in Iranian patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. A significant correlation existed only between diffuse sub-typing and reduced E-cadherin expression
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B is still a major health problem in many parts of the world. In some developing countries the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis is hepatitis B virus [HBV]. The progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] include such viral factors as genotype C and high levels of serum HBV DNA in addition to host factors such as older age, male gender, obesity and diabetes. Other factors that influence progression to cirrhosis and HCC are simultaneous alcohol use, and co-infections with HIV, HDV and HCV. The present study aims to determine the correlations between serum HBV DNA viral load and related factors. In this study, new HBV DNA and ALT levels that enable better separation between different stages of this disease are presented. Materials and Chronic hepatitis B patients who presented to the Liver Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital in 1388 who were HBsAg positive for more than six months were enrolled in this study. Patients who had previously been treated or those with concurrent HIV, HCV and HDV infections as well as those with autoimmune hepatitis and fatty liver were excluded. Patients' data, HbeAg state, demographics, liver enzymes, HBV DNA level, smoking history, cirrhosis and disease stage were recorded. In order to better differentiation between non-replicative and reactive chronic hepatitis B patients, statistical analysis was done to distinguish between their HBV DNA levels. Evaluation of the relationships between HBV DNA level and the above mentioned variables was performed. High Levels of HBV DNA correlated with HBeAg positive state, smoking [p=0.005] and elevated liver enzymes [p=0.002]. The cut-off value for ALT level that separated HbeAg-positive group [immunoclearance and immunotolerance phases] was set at 42 U/l on the roc curve[r=0.889 area under curve] with 100% sensitivity and 67.7% specificity. The cut-off value for serum HBV DNA levels that differentiated between the Hbe Ag-negative group [non-replicative and reactive phases] was set at 3000 IU/ml on the roc curve [r=0.987 area under curve] with 97% sensitivity and 92% specificity. The present study determined that serum HBV DNA at a level of 3000 IU/ml was a better level for classification of HBeAg-negative patients into the non-replicative and reactive groups
ABSTRACT
interferon and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C today. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrice-weekly Heberon [interferon alfa-2b] in combination with ribavirin as first-line treatment of chronic hepatitis C.A total of 97 treatment-naive patients received Heberon three million units thrice-weekly subcutaneously in combination with ribavirin for 12 months. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 6 months after the end of therapy. End-of-treatment and sustained virological responses was defined as an undetectable HCV-RNA level at the end of treatment, and 6 months after treatment was completed [end of follow-up], respectively.In an intent-to-treat analysis, HCV-RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in 49.5% of patients. At the end of follow-up, sustained virological response was 36.1%. Combination treatment was generally well tolerated. Six patients stopped therapy because of side effects: severe cytopenia [n=4], depression [n=1], and hyperthyroidism [n=1]. Common side effects of therapy include: Flu-like syndrome [85.6%], generalized alopecia [41.2%], injection site inflammation [37.1%], mood changes [36%], anorexia [34%] and weight loss [32%].Heberon as an IFN product in combination with ribavirin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C is relatively safe, feasible, and potentially efficacious. It has comparable results in achieving end-of-treatment and sustained viro-logical responses in chronic hepatitis C
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Beta-thalassemia major patients require regular blood transfusion. These patients may suffer diabetes, heart or liver disease due to this treatment. As a result they need regular medical examination and care. Unfortunately oral and dental problems in these patients receive little attention. Available information in references on the prevalence of gingivitis is scant and this study was designed to investigate the frequency of gingivitis in these patients
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of gingivitis through the Gingival Index in beta-thalassemia major in comparison with healthy controls
Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study with a control group. The sample included 58 patients and 58 healthy controls [from referrals to the college and healthy partners of patients] and the Gingival Index was used for all the samples. The two groups were matched regarding to age, sex, socio-economic condition and oral hygiene
Results: Thirty-nine of patients had mild and 19 patients had moderate gingivitis. In control group 55 healthy controls showed mild and three controls moderate gingivitis. None of the samples had severe gingivitis. There was significant difference in GI scores between the two groups [P<0.01]. The mean serum ferritin level in patients was 1758.67 ng/ml and 39 patients had been splenectomized biopsy of spleen. There was no correlation between serum ferritin level, splenectomy and GI in thalassemia patients
Conclusion: Increased gingivitis is shown in thalassemic patients and they need special dental attention [especially the condition of gums]