Differential expression pattern of the human endoderm-specific transcription factor soxl7 in various tissues and cells

Soxl7 is a member of the Sry-related high mobility group [HMG] of transcription factors that is necessary for endodermal formation and liver development in multiple species. Soxl7 gene expression is required for formation of definitive endoderm that gives rise to various tissues. To examine the expression of Soxl7 in various human tissues and cells. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] was used to evaluate the expression of Soxl7 in adult liver, small intestine, spleen, placenta, fetal liver as well as embryonic stem cells [ESCs], and human HepG2 hepatoma cell line. Low Soxl7 gene expression was observed in ESCs. However, there was no expression of Soxl7 in human placental tissue, small intestine, adult liver, spleen, and HepG2 cells. But its expression in human fetal liver was very high. The data presented in this study reflect the differential expression pattern of Soxl7 in the fetal development during early mammalian endodermal formation which is temporal and tightly regulated

Iranian Azeri's Y-chromosomal diversity in the context of turkish-speaking populations of the Middle East

The main goal of this study was to conduct a comparative population genetic study of Turkish speaking Iranian Azeries as being the biggest ethno-linguistic community, based on the polymorph markers on Y chromosome. One hundred Turkish-speaking Azeri males from north-west Iran [Tabriz, 2008-2009] were selected based on living 3 generations paternally in the same region and not having any relationship with each other. Samples were collected by mouth swabs, DNA extracted and multiplex PCR done, then 12 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms [SNPs] and 6 Microsatellites [MS] were sequenced. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by Arlequin software. SNPs and Microsatellites typing were compared with neighboring Turkish-speaking populations [from Turkey and Azerbaijan] and Turkmens representing a possible source group who imposed the Turkish language during 11-15[th] centuries AD. Azeris demonstrated high level of gene diversity compatible with patterns registered in the neighboring Turkish-speaking populations, whereas the Turkmens displayed significantly lower level of genetic variation. This rate of genetic affiliation depends primarily on the geographic proximity. The imposition of Turkish language to this region was realized predominantly by the process of elite dominance, i.e. by the limited number of invaders who left only weak patrilineal genetic trace in modern populations of the region

Expansion of human marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and their transdifferentiation potential

The ability of mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] to differentiate into other cell types makes these cells an attractive therapeutic tool for cell transplantation. In order to provide a source of human MSCs for autologus cell-based therapy, we have expanded MSCs from the bone marrow and analyzed the biological identities and transdifferentiation potential. The bone marrow of healthy donors was aspirated from the iliac crest. The adjacent cells expanded rapidly and maintained with periodic passages until a relatively homogeneous population was established. The identification of these cells was carried out by differentiation potential into the osteocytes and adipocytes. Transdifferentiation of human MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells was undertaken in response to a specific culture condition. The differentiation of MSCs into osteoblast is determined by deposition of a mineralized extracellular matrix. Adipocytes are identified by their morphology and staining. Hepatic cells were demonstrated in vitro functions characteristic of liver cells. We have defined conditions under which human MSCs can be isolated and expanded from human bone marrow. These cells can be amplified about 10[8]-fold in 6 weeks, and are capable of transdifferentiation into the cells of another developmental lineage

investigation of human apolipoprotein e polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis patients of Iran

Multiple sclerosis [MS] is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, with a complex etiology that includes a strong genetic component. The chromosome 19q13 region surrounding the apolipoprotein E [APOE] gene has shown consistent evidence of involvement in MS. In a cross-sectional study, to show the APOE genotype and allele frequency in the MS population of Iran in comparison with the control group, we genotyped its polymorphisms [sigma 2, sigma 3 and sigma 4 alleles]. The authors investigated 81 patients with clinically definite MS and 93 asymptomatic elderly volunteers. The frequency of the APOE allele in the MS population in comparison with controls was 9.3% vs. 0.5% for sigma 4, 44.4% vs. 51.6% for sigma 3, and 46.3% vs. 47.8% for sigma 2. The highest frequency of APOE genotype was from sigma 2/sigma 3 with 66.7% vs. 94.6% and the lowest, sigma 4/sigma 4 genotype with 2.5% vs. 0%. The authors found significant differences in the distribution of 84 allele between patients with MS and controls [9.3% vs. 0.5%; X[2]=15.2;df=2; p<0.001]. The highest frequency of sigma 4 allele in MS patients was in Pure Turkish [25.0% vs. 5.3%] ethnicity. There was no significant relation between ethnicity and genotype. In the present study sigma 2/sigma 4, sigma 3/sigma 4 and sigma 4/sigma 4 genotypes were more common in bout-onset cases compared to primary progressive cases, and the secondary progressive disease was higher in carriers of sigma 4 allele. Also, the sigma 2 allele was higher in relapsing remitting disease

Hepatitis C virus antibodies and vitiligo disease

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder, characterized by depigmented patches due to selective destruction of melanocytes. The etiology of this disease is unknown. A number of hypotheses including viral theory have been proposed to explain the etiology. To determine the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus infection in vitiligo patients, the present study was performed. Third generation ELISA test was used for detection of antibodies to HCV in human sera. All normal controls were anti-HCV negative whereas only one patient was positive for anti-HCV and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV between patients and controls. These results indicate that hepatitis C virus has not a direct causal role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, however, this does not rul out a "hit and run" virus induced disease

Making an experimental animal model for multiple sclerosis

To understand the mechanism of Multiple Sclerosis [MS], an autoimmune demyelinating disease, the researchers developed an experimental animal model for MS, which is called EAE [Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis]. There are several methods for inducing this animal model. In this research the active EAE, which is developed by injecting bovine myelin antigens into genetically susceptible animals, was used. Proteolipid protein [PLP], which is a prominent neuroantigen, was extracted from fresh bovine brain, and used for inducing EAE in female Balb/C and Guinea pig. Animals were weighed and examined daily for clinical symptoms. Also histological sections from EAE brains were prepared. These sections showed infiltration, congestion and demyelination