ABSTRACT
Background: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] is a sensitive biomarker for the detection of asymptomatic left ventricular [LV] dysfunction. Since beta-thalassemia major patients suffer from early diastolic dysfunction due to iron deposition of chronic blood transfusion, we tried to evaluate the correlation between the serum NT-proBNP level and the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction determined by echocardiography in these patients
Methods: Fifty beta-thalassemia major patients with normal LV systolic function were studied by tissue Doppler echocardiography, and blood samples were taken at the same time to measure the serum NT-proBNP level. Using flow velocity through the mitral valve on the tissue velocity of the mitral annulus in early ventricular filling [E/E'] as an LV diastolic function indicator, the patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1] no diastolic dysfunction [E/E' < 8], group 2] suspected diastolic dysfunction [E/E' = 8-15], and group 3] documented diastolic dysfunction [E/E' >15]. Other variables assessed included sex, age, method of chelator therapy, and mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels for the past 2 years
Results: According to the echocardiographic findings of all the 50 patients [29 male and 21 female] with an age range of 11-35 years [mean = 17.98 y], 46% were classified in group 1, 54% in group 2, and none in group 3. The NT-proBNP level was 1070 +/- 566 ng/mL in group 1 and 974 +/- 515 ng/mL in group 2. The t-test showed no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in the NT-proBNP level [p value = 0.536]
Conclusions: Due to specific conditions in thalassemia major patients, the correlation between the serum NT-proBNP level and the severity of diastolic dysfunction seems to be not meaningful
ABSTRACT
Background: Differential diagnosis between complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole and hydropic abortion, known as hydropic placentas is still a challenge for pathologists but it is very important for patient management. Objective: We analyzed the nuclear DNA content of various types of hydropic placentas by flowcytometry. Materials and Methods: DNA ploidy analysis was performed in 20 non-molar [hydropic and non-hydropic spontaneous aboltions] and 20 molar [complete and partial moles], formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples by flow cytometry. The criteria for selection were based on the histopathologic diagnosis. Results: Of 10 cases histologically diagnosed as complete hydatiform mole, 9 cases yielded diploid histograms, and 1 case was tetraploid. Of 10 partial hydatidiform moles, 8 were triploid and 2 were diploid. All of 20 cases diagnosed as spontaneous abortions [hydropic and non-hydropic] yielded diploid histograms. Conclusion: These findings signify the importance of the combined use of conventional histology and ploidy analysis in the differential diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole, partial hydatidiform mole and hydropic abortion
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Multiple sclerosis [MS] is the most common inflammatory disease of the CNS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [EAE] is a widely used model for MS. In the present research, our aim was to test the therapeutic efficacy of Calcium [Ca] in an experimental model of MS. In this study the experiment was done on C57BL/6 mice. EAE was induced using 200 micro g of the MOG[35-55] peptide emulsified in CFA and injected subcutaneously on day 0 over two flank areas. In addition, 250 ng of pertussis toxin was injected on days 0 and 2. In the treatment group, 30 mg/kg Ca was administered intraperitoneally four times at regular 48 hour intervals. The mice were sacrificed 21 days after EAE induction and blood samples were taken from their hearts. The brains of mice were removed for histological analysis and their isolated splenocytes were cultured. Our results showed that treatment with Ca caused a significant reduction in the severity of the EAE. Histological analysis indicated that there was no plaque in brain sections of Ca treated group of mice whereas 4 +/- 1 plaques were detected in brain sections of controls. The density of mononuclear infiltration in the CNS of Ca treated mice was lower than in controls. The serum level of Nitric Oxide in the treatment group was lower than in the control group but was not significant. Moreover, the levels of IFN- gamma in cell culture supernatant of splenocytes in treated mice were significantly lower than in the control group. The data indicates that Ca intervention can effectively attenuate EAE progression
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Calcium , Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental , Mice , Nitric Oxide , Central Nervous SystemABSTRACT
Today, the intractions of the immune system of the immune system, nutrition, and nervous system are one of the main research areas of interest in immunology and disease treatment. Due to changes in the mood, behavior, and diet of an individual during fasting period, the body's internal homeostasis is affected. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Ramadan fasting on lymphocyte subgroups, which are the main specific immune cells in the body. For this purpose, in years 1999 and 2000, thirty?eight healthy Muslims [9 females and 29 males], within the age range of 17 to 51 years [mean age=35.4 years], were assessed before the start and one day before the end of Ramadan. The pre-Lymphocytic subpopulations analysis was conducted using flow cytometery. The results showed that the percentage of total lymphocytes was 25.82% and 26.23% in the pre- and late- Ramadan periods, respectively; the observed difference was insignificant. However, the absolute lymphocyte counts were 2.3x103 and 2.1x103 mm3 before and late Ramadan, respectively, and the difference was considered significant [P-value=0.06]. The percentage of CD3+ cells [T cells] was 70.12% before Ramadan and 70.25% late Ramadan, and the absolute lymphocyte counts were 1.6x103 and 1.5x103 mm3, respectively; therefore, the differences were not significant. Regarding the subgroups of CD4+cells [TH], the percentage ratios of the cells were 53.46% and 52.8% in the pre- and late Ramadan periods, and the absolute counts were 0.087x103 and 0.081x103 mm3, respectively; however, the differences were not significant in this cell subgroup. The percentage of CD8+ [TC] cells was 37.7% before Ramadan and 37.8% late Ramadan, and the absolute counts were 0.6x103 and 0.54x103 mm3 in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, respectively; therefore, the differences were considered insignificant. In addition, the percentage ratios of Blymphocytes cells were 14.56% and 14.74% in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, and the absolute count changed from 0.35x103 to 0.3x103 mm3. According to the results, the differences were not significant, therefore, it seems Ramadan fasting does not affect these cells. Moreover, the percentage of activated T cells or TDR+, which are involved in specific immune responses, has not been affected by fasting. In fact, the percentage ratios were reported as 11.14% and 10.54% in the pre- and late-Ramadan periods, and the absolute count changed from 0.14x103 to 0.11x103 mm3; the differences were not considered significant. Finally, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells or TH/TC changed from 1.48% before Ramadan to 1.5% late this month; however, this difference was insignificant. Thus, the overall results indicate that Ramadan fasting during winter does not affect the lymphocyte count, percentage ratio, and the main lymphocyte subpopulations
ABSTRACT
The TP53 gene is one of the most frequently mutated genes amongst human malignancies, particularly TP53 codon 72 polymorphism. Furthermore, an association between the TP53 codon 72 variants and prostate cancer has been reported in several studies. Although some studies have indicated an association between the TP53 Arg/Arg variant and an increased risk for prostate cancer, other studies have shown a positive correlation between the TP53 Pro/Pro genotype instead. Therefore, to clarify if this polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in Iranian men, we conducted a case-control study of 40 sporadic prostate cancer patients and 80 benign prostate hyperplasia cases. The TP53 codon 72 was genotyped using an allele specific PCR. A significant association between the TP53 codon 72 genotype and prostate cancer risk was found [OR = 6.8, 95% CI = [1.8-25.1], P = 0.005]. However, the results of this study did not support an association between age, the Gleason score nor TP53 genotype at codon 72 in prostate cancer patients. TP53 codon 72 polymorphism may have a great impact in the development of prostate cancer
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Coronary atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries and may block the arteries and cause heart disease. Recently several studies have indicated a role of infectious agents in atherosclerosis and obstructive coronary artery disease. Candida species are normal flora of the human oral cavity and can enter in the blood stream and damage inner walls of coronary arteries by several mechanisms. Thus this study was done to compare the oral candida flora in healthy people and patient with coronary atherosclerosis. In this study, we compared oral candida flora in 90 patients with coronary atherosclerosis and 90 healthy people. All specimens were obtained from oral cavity by swab and cultured on CHOROMagar Candida medium. Identification of isolated colonies was done by RapID yeast plus system. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. In this study 55.4% [N=61] of patient and 44.6% [N=49] of control group had candida colonization in their oral cavity. Candida albicans was the most common species isolated in both groups. Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis were the most common non albicans species. Although no significant difference was observed between candida colonization in patients and controls, the differences between isolated colony numbers in patient and healthy group were significant [p=0.001]. Hypercolonization of candida species in oral cavity may lead to invasion and enter the organism in the blood stream and damage the coronary arteries
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Hemodialysis patients have a low immune response to the hepatitis B [HB] vaccine. The method of administration plays an important role in immune response establishment. This case control study compares the efficacy of intradermal [ID] and intramuscular [IM] injection methods for the HB vaccine. This study was undertaken in hemodialysis centers. We recruited 50 patients after excluding those with histories of previous HB vaccination, immunosuppressive therapy, and who were positive for HBsAb, HBsAg, and HCV antibody. Patients were randomly assigned to receive HB vaccine by either the ID or IM injection methods. The timeline for vaccine administration was 0, 1, 2 and 6 months for both groups. The ID group received 2 microg of EngerixB in both the right and left anterolateral forearms, for a total dose of 4 microg; the IM group received 20 microg in two sites in the deltoid muscle, for a total dose of 40 microg. We measured HBsAb titers at the third and seventh months following the first doses of HB vaccine. In the third month after the first HB vaccination, 40.4% of the patients reached HBsAb levels of at least 10 mIU/ml in the ID group versus 60.9% in the IM group. At the seventh month following the first HB vaccination, 68% of patients reached HBsAb levels of at least 10 mIU/ml in the ID group versus 68% in the IM group. However the mean HBsAb titer in the ID group was 459 +/- 323.8 versus 294.6 +/- 277.5 mIU/ml in the IM group. There was no significant relation between seroconversion rates for both injection methods. However the mean titers of HBsAb for both the third and seventh months after the first HB vaccination in the ID group were more than the IM group. The cost for the low dose HB vaccine in the ID group is less than the high dose vaccine for the IM group. Thus, it is beneficial to use the ID low dose HB vaccine for underdeveloped countries.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Injections, Intradermal , Injections, Intramuscular , Renal Dialysis , Case-Control StudiesABSTRACT
Healthy lifestyle habits during adolescence can prevent many of the diseases and disabilities in adulthood and later. The aim of the study was to examine the role of education in improving lifestyles among Iranian adolescents. This group randomized controlled trial was conducted during October 2010 until January 2011 in Tehran. Participants for this study were selected through a random sampling method and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a six session course on healthy lifestyles and the control group received no intervention. The Adolescent Lifestyle Questionnaire [ALQ] was used for collecting data. Data were collected before the intervention, at a two week after participation time point, and a three month follow-up was conducted. Overall, 365 [male: 173, female: 192] adolescents participated in the study. There were significant differences between boys and girls in terms of physical activity and social support [P<0.001]. The boys had higher levels of physical activity than girls. Girls received more social support than boys. There were significant differences in the lifestyle scores between the intervention and control groups at follow-up [P<0.001]. The educational intervention indicated an improved total lifestyle score [from 123.7[SD.16.1] at baseline to 131.8 [SD.16.7] at two weeks and to 130.5[16.5] at 3 months after education] among the intervention group. Adolescents' behaviors may be different in some dimensions among boys and girls. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are prevalent among adolescents. Therefore sex-specified lifestyle education can bring promising results. Further research in the field can reveal the importance of lifestyle intervention programs
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of depression especially among youths is increasingly high. The present study is aimed to identify some demographic and psychological factors such as self efficacy and perceived stress that may be related to depression among male adolescents. Overall, 402 adolescent were selected for participation in the study using multistage sampling method. The participants completed a questionnaire including demographic, depression, self efficacy, and perceived stress data. A multiple regression analysis and the Pearson correlation test were used for data analysis. SPSS version 17 software was used for performing analyses. The mean age of the adolescents was 15.44 [SD = 0.68] years. The total mean score of depression was 16.02 +/- 9.14 and 153 [38.1%] of participants showed depressive symptoms. Results showed that high levels of depression were associated with low level of self efficacy and high level of perceived stress; also some demographic variables such as fathers' job and academic situation can be related to depression among male adolescents. Self efficacy and perceived stress can be related to depression but the role of stress and self efficacy in the etiology and forming of depression in adolescent are discussed. Therefore, more studies for approval of these associations should be considered
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Depression/psychology , Adolescent , Demography , PrevalenceABSTRACT
PCOS [Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome] is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and disorders of lipid metabolism as well as infertility. Fenugreek seeds extract is successfully used in lowering blood glucose. Metformin has also the same effect but in a different way. The aim of this study was the assessment of fenugreek effects on insulin resistance in women with PCOS. This was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study was conducted at the Montaserieh Hospital in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. The patient population included 58 oligo-anovulatory PCOS women with typical ovaries. Women were randomly allocated to receive hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds in capsules with metformin [n = 30] or placebo capsules with metformin [n = 28] and were assessed before and every 4 weeks within a treatment period of 8 weeks. Menstrual disturbance and metabolic parameters [markers of insulin resistance and hormonal parameters] were measured. Insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR [homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance] model was not significantly different between two groups. Ultrasound scans were performed before and at the end of 8 weeks treatment with significant decrease in PAO [polycystic appearing ovaries] in group 1 [p = 0/01]. Adjuvant therapy to the fenugreek seeds extract [with metformin] in PCOS women improved the sonographic results and menstrual cyclicity
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/drug therapy , Insulin Resistance , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Plant Extracts , Phytotherapy/methods , Treatment Outcome , Prospective Studies , Double-Blind MethodABSTRACT
Presently appearance of resistance to antifungal agents among Aspergillus species is dramatically increasing. The objective of this study was to look at the in vitro activities of antifungal drugs against Iranian clinical [from nail, bronchoalveolar lavage, paranasal sinus] isolated A. flavus strains. The susceptibility of 45 aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains were evaluated to six antifungal agents [caspofungin, itraconazole, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole, nystatin] using CLSI M38-A2 broth microdilution method. The results indicated that 57.1%, 28.6% of aflatoxigenic and 25.8%, 6.5% of nonaflatoxigenic isolates were susceptible to caspofungin, amphotericin B respectively. All isolates but one aflatoxigenic strain were sensitive to ketoconazole. All 45 strains showed to be resistant to nystatin. Also 64.28%, 92.9% of aflatoxigenic and 64.51%, 100% of non-aflatoxigenic isolates were resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole in ranking order. There was no statistically significant difference between the susceptibilities of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus to tested antifungal agents
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The aim of this study was to identify the appropriateness of cesarean sections, performed in Tehran hospitals using standardized Rand Appropriateness Method [RAM] criteria. In this study we used the RAM criteria. In order to prepare the list of cesarean scenarios, clinical guidelines were selected, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation was used to choose the most appropriate. Two panels were held with the participation of related specialists. The scenarios derived through this method were compared with data existing in the medical records of 250 women who underwent cesarean sections in selected hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The appropriateness rate of the cesarean sections was calculated. Out of 250 cases of cesarean sections performed, 91 [36.4%] were inappropriate, 41 [16.4%] were equivocal and 118 [47.2%] were considered to be appropriate. Appropriateness differed between public and private hospitals, which were statistically significant. This study shows that as with many other health services, cesarean section has many scenarios that there are different opinions about them and no decision about presenting these scenarios as yet. Moreover the result of study showed the rate of inappropriate cesarean sections in this study is one of the highest reported rates from different communities
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
Background: Iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a major worldwide public health problem. Children and women of reproductive age are especially vulnerable to IDA, and it has been reported that these patients are more prone to infection. This study was done to evaluate alteration of lymphocyte subgroups in IDA. Methods: In this prospective study, we investigated lymphocyte subsets in pre-menopausal women with iron-deficiency anaemia; 50 normal subjects and 50 IDA (hypochromic microcytic) cases were enrolled. Experimental and control anticoagulated blood samples were evaluated using flow cytometry to determine the absolute and relative numbers of various lymphocyte subgroups. Finally, the results of the patient and control groups were compared. Results: Mean (SD) absolute counts of lymphocytes, CD3+ cells, CD3+/CD4+ subsets (T helper) and CD3+/CD8+ subsets (T cytotoxic) in the patient group were 2.08 (0.65) x 109/L, 1.53 (0.53) x 109/L, 0.87 (0.28) x 109/L, and 0.51 (0.24) x 109/L, respectively. The results showed significant differences between case and control groups in mean absolute counts of lymphocytes (P = 0.014), T lymphocytes (P = 0.009), helper T cells (P = 0.004), and cytotoxic T cells (P = 0.043). Conclusion: This study showed that absolute counts of peripheral blood T lymphocytes as a marker of cell-mediated immunity may be decreased in pre-menopausal women with iron-deficiency anaemia, and that these patients may be more prone to infection.
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HBV infection is a contagious disease that may transmit vertically from mothers to their neonates or horizontally by blood products and body secretions. Over 50% of Iranian carriers have contracted the infection perinatally, making this the most likely route of transmission of HBV in Iran. This study assesses the serologic markers of HBV in children born to HBsAg positive mothers who received HBIG and 3 doses of HBV vaccine. To evaluate the effectiveness of vaccination against HBV, a study was conducted on 95 Children, born to hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg]-positive mothers, who had received Hepatitis B Immune Globulin and HBV vaccines during 2004- 2008. All children were tested for the presence of HBsAg, anti- HBs and anti-HB core antigen [anti-HBc]. Among an estimated 30000 pregnant women during the five year study, about 130 [0.42%] were HBV carriers. Ninety-five children from these mothers were enrolled in this study. Only one child [1.1%] was HBsAg positive, while 88.4% of children were Anti-HBs Positive. Eleven children [11.6%] were exposed to HBV as shown by the presence of anti-HBc. A significant difference was observed between the children's age and Anti-HBs [p=0.0001]. Passive-active immunoprophylaxis of high risk babies was highly efficacious in preventing perinatal transmission of the HBV carrier state. Also, evaluation of serologic markers in HBV infected people is important for designing the strategies for disease control
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Immunization , Vaccination , Immunization, Passive , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens , Hepatitis B AntibodiesABSTRACT
Edible mushroom, Pleurotus florida [P.florida] has been used by mankind in ancient times because of its nutritional values and medicinal benefits. Cytotoxicity of fractions isolated from P.florida has been reported. The aim of this study was to isolate some fractions from P.florida and evaluate its cytotoxicity effects on colon cancer cells. In this basic study, R5, R10, R30 and R100 fractions were prepared from P.florida and their cytotoxicity activity were evaluated on HT-29 and HGF cell lines. Also, pattern of cell death was determined. Tumoral [HT-29] and non-tumoral [HGF] cells were treated with various concentrations of isolated fractions. MTT assay was used for the evaluation of cell viability. Pattern of cell death was determined using annexin V and propidium iodine staining followed by FACS analyses. Obtained results were analyzed by SPSS software using ANOVA test. R5, R10, R30 and R100 fractions inhibited cell viability of HT-29 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, but had less cytotoxicity on normal fibroblast-like cells [HGF]. Their IC50 values were 46%, 46%, 8% and 4%, respectively. R30 and R100 had the most anti-inhibitory effect. These fractions inhibited cell viability mostly via induction of early apoptosis in colon cancer HT-29 cells at 18%, 49%, 64% and 72%.Our results showed less sensitivity to R5, R10, R30 and R100 fraction in normal cells in comparison to tumoral cells. These fractions also had significant cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells. Thus, isolated fractions may be considered candidates as chemotherapeutic agents in cancer treatment in future
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Critical thinking is essential to nursing practice; therefore, knowledge and understanding of nursing students' critical thinking is important to nurse educators. The purpose of this study was to determine critical thinking dispositions in baccalaureate nursing students. It was a descriptive study. Research population was all baccalaurate nursing students in third and fourth year in Azad and Shahid Sadooghi University of Medical Sciences and were studying in second trimester of 2007-2008. The sample included 170 students and recruited randomly. Data was collected by questionnaire and had two parts. The first part included demographics and the second part was the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory It revealed that 81/8% of students' critical thinking disposition were ambivalent and inquisitiveness subscale in 57/6%, analyticity in 62/4% and self confidence in 51/8% were positive and open-indedness in 76/5%, systematicity in 80/6%, maturity in 65/3% were ambivalent, truth seeking subscale in 67/1% was negative. regarding the findings which indicated critical thinking of baccalaureate nursing students is ambivalent, using special strategies to improve critical thinking disposition is emphasized
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Recent studies on human indicate that the introduction of therapeutic use of tolerogenic dendritic cell [DC] for chronic inflammatory conditions is imminent. For the purpose of defining CGRP potency in tolerogenic DC production, we investigated the phenotype and IL-12 production of DCs generated from the monocytes of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients in the presence of the calcitonin gene-related peptide [CDRP], as a multifunctional neuropeptide. DCs were generated from isolated monocytes from four resistant and two early female RA patients using IL-4, GM-CSF, and CGRP at concentrations of 0, 1, and 100 nM. Then, the phenotype of neuropeptide-treated or untreated DCs was determined using flow cytometry and the IL-12 production was measured by ELISA. Our study showed that, on the last day of the culture, at a concentration of 1 nM CGRP, the mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] for CD80 increased [14.13%] and the MFIs for CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR decreased [14.57%, 5.28%, and 6.88% respectively]. Moreover, at 100 nM CGRP concentration, the MFI for CD80 increased [11.10%] and the MFIs for CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR decreased [4.27%, 18.60%, and 19.75% respectively]. In addition, our results indicated that the mean concentrations of IL-12 produced at 0, 1, and 100 nm CGRP concentrations measured 13.72 +/- 2.41, 11.01 +/- 1.61, and 7 +/- 1.34 pg/ml respectively. Decreased CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR expression and reduced IL-12 production by CGRP were found in the RA patients' monocyte-derived DCs. CD83 is a well-defined DC activation marker. HLA-DR and CD86 are appropriate molecules for inducing an immune response. IL-12 promotes cell-mediated immunity. Therefore we suggest that CGRP may be used as an inducer in the production of tolerogenic DCs
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DNA vaccines are third generation vaccines which have made promises to combat infectious diseases. Cationic liposomes are used as effective delivery systems for DNA vaccines to generate stronger immunity. Encapsulation of pcDNA3.1+PA plasmid, encoding protective antigen [PA] of Bacillus anthracis [B. anthracis] into cationic liposomes, and evaluation of its effect on specific humoral specific immunity against PA were aimed. The liposomes containing pcDNA3.1+PA plasmids were prepared with phosphatidylcholine [PC], dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine [DOPE] and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane [DOTAP] using dehydration-rehydration method. BALB/c mice were immunized by intramuscular [IM] injection to investigate the immunogenicity of the formulations. The resulting specific antibodies against PA, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b isotypes, were evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] method. A higher concentration of specific IgG against PA was found in sera of a group immunized with the encapsulated plasmid compared with the naked plasmid alone. This difference was significant for IgG1 isotype
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Invariant natural killer cells [iNKT] are an important immunoregulatory T cell subset. Currently several flow cytometry-based approaches exist for the identification of iNKT cells, which rely on using the 6B11 monoclonal antibody or a combination of anti-V alpha 24 and anti-V beta 11 antibodies. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of two flow cytometry-based methods for detecting the frequency of circulating iNKT cells. The frequency of iNKT cells was detected in the peripheral blood of 37 healthy adult donors by flow cytometry using the 6B11 antibody or a combination of anti-V alpha 24 and anti-V beta 11 antibodies. The frequency of iNKT cells detected by 6B11 antibody or by combination of anti-V alpha 24 and anti-V beta 11 antibodies was significantly different [0.54% vs. 0.31%, respectively, p<0.001] but the values were highly correlated [Spearman r=0.742, p<0.0001]. The results of this study indicate that different combinations of mAbs detect different frequencies of peripheral blood iNKT cells and a consensus in the field needs to be established to allow better assessment of iNKT-related studies and suggest using different methods for accurate identification of iNKT cells
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Natural Killer T-Cells , Antibodies, MonoclonalABSTRACT
Soluble Fas [sFas] is a marker of apoptosis that appears to increase in the serum of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and may have a correlation with disease activity. The exact role of sFas in apoptosis is not clear. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between serum levels of soluble Fas [Apo/1-CD95] and the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our study was performed on 114 systemic lupus erythematosus patients who were compared with 50 randomly selected sex, age and race-matched healthy controls. Disease activity was defined according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI-2K]. All physical exams and laboratory parameters were collected to determine the SLEDAI. sFas levels were determined using a commercially available ELISA kit. There was a significant difference between serum levels of sFas in the case and control groups [P=0.001]. A significant correlation coefficient existed between the sFas and SLEDAI2K variables [P=0.001, r=0.494]. Significant statistical difference was found between serum levels of sFas in the active and inactive phases of disease according to SLEDAI< 9 or >10, [P=0.002]. The sFas levels were 270 - 300 pg/mL for SLEDAI<9 and 355-502 pg/mL for SLEDAI>10, with a confidence interval of 95%. This study shows a significant elevation of sFas levels in the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with active disease; therefore it can be used as an appropriate marker for evaluation of disease activity