Effect of Aloe vera on the expression of nerve factors, p75 and TrkA receptors in the hippocampus of diabetic rats / Efecto del Aloe vera sobre la expresión de factores de crecimiento nervioso, Receptores p75 y TrkA en el hipocampo de ratas diabéticas

SUMMARY: Diabetes mellitus can lead to structural disorders in the brain. One of the most common complications of diabetes, diabetic neuropathy is associated with central nervous system disorders. Aloe vera has anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera gel on the hippocampus changes as well as the expression of nerve growth factor and receptors TrkA and P75 in the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. 25 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including: control (normal saline), diabetic (normal saline), Aloe vera gel (400 mg/kg/day; gavage), diabetic + Aloe vera gel (400 mg/kg/day; gavage) and diabetic + insulin NPH (10 IU/kg/day; subcutaneous). Experimental diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (60 mg/kg; intraperitoneal). All groups treated for 8 weeks. At the end of treatment course, the rat brains were removed for measuring the expression of nerve growth factor, p75 and TrkA receptors were evaluated in the hippocampus. Diabetes induction after 8 weeks caused NGF and P75 expression levels in the diabetic group than other groups significantly increased (p<0.05). The TrkA receptor expression in the diabetic group compared with the control had a significant reduction (p<0.05). On the other hand in the diabetic group receiving Aloe vera gel expression of NGF and P75 expression levels compared to the diabetic group was significantly reduced (p<0.05) and the TrkA receptor expression compared with the diabetic group had a significant increase (p<0.05). The results showed that oral administration of Aloe vera gel in diabetic rats ameliorates diabetes-induced hyperglycemia. On the other hand, Aloe vera gel cause modulation of the expression of NGF neurotrophic factor via increased expression of TrkA receptor-specific and non-specific receptor down-regulation of P75 in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

RESUMEN: La diabetes mellitus puede provocar trastornos estructurales en el cerebro. Es una de las complicaciones más comunes de la diabetes y la neuropatía diabética y está relacionada con trastornos del sistema nervioso central. El Aloe vera tiene efectos antidiabéticos, antioxidantes y neuroprotectores. Este estudio fue diseñado para evaluar los efectos del gel de Aloe vera en los cambios del hipocampo, así como la expresión del factor de crecimiento nervioso y los receptores TrkA y P75 en el hipocampo de ratas diabéticas inducidas por estreptozotocina (STZ). Se dividieron al azar 25 ratas Wistar macho en 5 grupos de: control (solución salina normal), diabéticos (solución salina normal), gel de Aloe vera (400 mg / kg / día; sonda), diabéticos + gel de Aloe vera (400 mg / kg / día; sonda) y diabéticos + insulina NPH (10 UI / kg / día; subcutánea). La diabetes experimental fue inducida por inyección de estreptozotocina (60 mg / kg; intraperitoneal). Todos los grupos fueron tratados durante 8 semanas. Al final del tratamiento, se extrajeron los cerebros de las ratas para medir la expresión del factor de crecimiento nervioso y se evaluaron los receptores p75 y TrkA en el hipocampo. La inducción de diabetes después de 8 semanas provocó que los niveles de expresión de NGF y P75 en el grupo de diabéticos aumentaran significativamente en comparación con otros grupos (p <0,05). La expresión del receptor TrkA en el grupo diabético comparado con el control tuvo una reducción significativa (p <0,05). Por otro lado, el grupo de ratas diabéticas que recibieron la expresión en gel de Aloe vera de NGF y los niveles de expresión de P75 en comparación con el grupo de ratas diabéticas se redujo significativamente (p <0,05) y la expresión del receptor de TrkA en comparación con el grupo de ratas diabéticas tuvo un aumento significativo (p <0,05). Los resultados mostraron que la administración oral de gel de Aloe vera en ratas diabéticas mejora la hiperglucemia inducida por la diabetes. Por otro lado, el gel de Aloe vera causa modulación de la expresión del factor neurotrófico NGF a través del aumento de la expresión de receptor TrkA específico y no específico y regulación negativa del receptor de P75 en el hipocampo de ratas diabéticas inducidas por STZ.

Recurrence and five -year survival in Colorectal Cancer patients after surgery

Background: Colorectal cancer [CRC] is a common malignancyworldwide and its outcome is most closely related to the extent of disease at presentation. Early diagnosis of an asymptomatic recurrence increases the likelihood of a complete surgical resection

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of colorectal cancer recurrence and survival rate within 5 years, after surgery

Patients and Methods: During the 9-year period since 21[st] Mar, 2004 to 20th Mar, 2013, patients whose primary colorectal cancer were resected in Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran were selected in a historical cohort. The necessary data such as demographic, age, gender, family history of CRC, site and size of tumor, stage of tumor, operation details, histological results, treatment method, histopathologic, etc. were collected. Then the recurrence and survival of colorectal cancer within 5 years after operation and their risk factors were evaluated. P value less than 0.05 were considered significant. All analysis was done using SPSS software

Results: A total of 107 patients underwent resection for colorectal cancer during the study period, with mean age of 53.50 +/- 12.68 years [range 24 - 76 years], survival rate of 73.8% [rectum 70.0% and colon 75.9%], and mean survival time of 142.17 +/- 21.60 month. The recurrence rate of CRC patients, during five years after surgery was 5.7%. Regional lymph nodes, Distance metastasis and Adjuvant therapy were significant prognosis factors of survival after surgery

Conclusions: The rate of recurrence in Iranian patients was low, which could be due to improvement of exactness and expertise of surgeons or better adjuvant therapy. The significant association between survival and adjuvant therapy clarifies this finding. Early diagnosis and primary detection could increase the rate of survival

Association of co-stimulatory human B-lymphocyte antigen B7-2 [CD86] gene polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk

This study investigated the role of CD86 +237 G/C polymorphism in intensifying the risk of CRC development. Colorectal cancer [CRC] is a multi-factorial diseases. Genetic background could affect the susceptibility of individuals to CRC development. CD86 is a co-stimulatory factor on antigen-presenting cells that plays key roles in several cancer related mechanisms such as autoimmunity, transplantation and tumor immunity. A total of 300 individuals, 150 known CRC patients and 150 healthy control individuals, were subjected for the study. CD86 rs17281995 single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] was genotyped using Allelic Discrimination method. A statistically significant difference was found among CD86 gene polymorphism [rs17281995] and risk of CRC development. The frequency of GG, GC and CC in control subjects was determined as 38%, 57.3% and 4.7% respectively and in CRC subjects were determined as 42%, 85% and 23% respectively. The data shows a significant association between CC genotype [P=0.007] and C allele [P=0.017] of the studied polymorphism and risk of CRC. CC genotype and C allele are also more frequent in female patients when the data is stratified according to gender status. Our results suggest that CD86 gene alteration could affect the individual's risk for developing CRC among Iranian population and could be used as an important prognostic factor associated with risk of CRC

effect of the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection on the glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus

To evaluate the possible long-term effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on Hemoglobin A1C and fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Helicobacter pylori causes the gastrointestinal tract inflammation, which it plays an important role in distortion of glucose and lipids absorption that altered lipid metabolism and energy harvesting and develops type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and has been linked to impaired blood glucose. In this clinical trial, patients with type 2 diabetes and confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection were recruited from the endocrinology clinic of the Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, Iran. Before and after 3 months of eradication therapy fasting blood samples were taken and glycalated hemoglobin levels and fasting blood sugar levels were measured. 85 [27 male 31.8%, 58 female 68.2%] patients with the mean age of 52. +/- 4.1 years were recruited. 52 [62%] had successful Helicobacter pylori eradication [16 male, 30.8% and 36 female, 69.2%]. The mean glycalated haemoglobin levels before successful treatment was 8.7 +/- 1.1 and after treatment was 8.3 +/- 0.9 and difference was significant [p<0.001]. Mean IgG level of serology was 3.3 +/- 1.1 and the correlation with glycalated haemoglobin was significant [p=0.02] [r=0.4]. Our results indicate that the Helicobacter pylori treatment can improve the mean glycalated haemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. More investigations will be required to evaluate the effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication among different age groups and in relation to obesity status, diabetes and other disease, and it may be beneficial for patients at risk of diabetes to be checked for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection

effect of 5'untranslated region polymorphism in EGF gene, rs4444903, on colorectal cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of rs4444903 [EGF+61A/G] SNP genotype with colorectal cancer and tumor stage in an Iranian population. Epidermal growth factor [EGF] is one of the important proteins that determine survival of cells. EGF binds to its receptor on the cell surface and then activates some of the cell signaling pathway networks within cells that lead to activation or deactivation of factors which are responsible for growth and apoptosis of cells. In this study we assessed the association in EGF polymorphism rs4444903 with colorectal cancer [CRC] in Iranian population. We conducted case-control study to investigate the association of polymorphism rs4444903 in EGF, with colorectal cancer risk in Iranian population. Analyzed Polymorphism of EGF rs4444903 with restriction fragment length polymorphisms [RFLP] among two groups of subjects consisting of including 220 cases with colorectal cancer and 220 healthy individuals as controls. Mutations were confirmed in 10% of the samples by direct sequencing. The frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes among cases with colorectal cancer were 28.2, 46.8, and 25.0% respectively and in controls genotype frequencies were 23.2, 56.4, and 25.0%, respectively. Frequency of A allele among case group was 51.6% and for control group was 51.4%. The frequency of G allele in case and control was, respectively 48.4% and 48.6% [OR= 1.009, 95% CI= 0.775-1.315; P= 0.946]. The percentage of Stage 0, I, II, III, IV were 5%, 9.35%, 38.84%, 30.21% and 16.54%, respectively, among the cases. However, no significant association between this polymorphism and CRC stage was observed [p=0.626]. Our data suggest a SNP rs4444903 may not represent a risk factor in the development and progression of CRC among Iranian population

Effects of Sesame Oil on the Reproductive Parameters of Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Male Rats

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of sesame oil on the reproductive parameters of diabetic male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adult male rats in a split plot design were divided into normal (n=10), normal 5% (n=5; 5% sesame oil enriched diet), diabetic (Streptozocin induced diabetes; n=9), diabetic 5% (n=9; 5% sesame oil enriched diet), and diabetic 10% (n=9; 10% sesame oil enriched diet) groups. Diet supplementation continued for 56 days. RESULTS: Sesame oil supplementation did not reduce the plasma glucose concentration of rats in the diabetic groups (p>0.05). The total spermatogonia, spermatocytes, Leydig cells/tubule, and the germ cell to Sertoli cell ratio were lower in the diabetic rats than the normal ones (p<0.05), and with the exception of spermatogonia counts, these values improved by the addition of sesame oil to the diet (p<0.05). The sperm progressive motility and viability were lower in the diabetic rats (p<0.05) and sesame oil supplementation did not improve them. Incorporation of sesame oil into the diet improved the plasma testosterone concentration of the diabetic rats in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, sesame oil supplementation improved the reproductive parameters of diabetic rats at the levels of the testicular microstructure and function, but was not effective in protecting the epididymal sperm.

Duodenal adenocarcinoma might be the cause of intractable nausea and vomiting in patient with coeliac disease

Coeliac disease [CD] is an autoimmune disorder which leads to chronic inflammation of the gut. Untreated CD is associated with upper gastrointestinal malignancies, Small-bowel lymphoma and adenocarcinoma are recognized complications of untreated coeliac disease [CD]. We report the case of a 43-year-old male suffering from CD who was treated with a gluten-free diet one year, presenting with complaints of intractable nausea and vomiting. After several studies, He underwent push enteroscopy, which identified one large mass lesion in the third part of duodenum. However, histopathological examination showed adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, a duodenal segment resection was performed. After surgery, the patient recovered well and left our hospital in good condition. Clinicians should take into small bowel adenocarcinoma is rare but associated with CD particularly in CD patients with worrying symptoms such as nausea and vomiting unresponsiveness to treatment and these patients should be screened for long term complications like malignancy

Evaluation of antibody frequency against HBV, HCV and HTLV-1

This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of antibody against these viruses in individuals attending the endoscopy ward of Taleghani hospital Tehran, Iran. Blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus and HTLV-1 virus are among the world's public health problems. Hepatitis viruses cause liver problems and HTLV-1 infection can lead to adult T-Cell lymphoma [ATL]. Blood samples of 219 individuals attending the endoscopy ward of Taleghani hospital between years 2009-2011 were collected. A questionnaire containing demographic data was completed for each subject. Blood samples were tested for antibody against HTLV-1, HCV and HBc by ELISA [Dia.pro Italy]. In case of positive results for anti-HBc, samples were also tested for HBs Ag antigen. Ninety two subjects were male and 127 were female. Mean age of the population was 39.87 +/- 16.47. None of the subjects had anti-HCV antibody, while 4 of them had anti-HTLV-1 antibody and 26 anti-HBc antibody; which only two of these individuals had HBs Antibody. The results of this study show that frequency of anti-HCV and anti-HTLV-1 antibodies are very low, while the frequency of anti-HBc was higher in the population. Since HTLV-1 is the causative agent of a type of blood cancer, it seems that screening of donated bloods in this region should be considered

[Association of stomach cancer risk in individuals with family history of cancer]

Though increased risk of gastric cancer in individuals with family history of the disease has been observed consistently in previous studies, data on the association between gastric cancer and family history of cancer from Iran is scanty. The purpose of this study is to evaluation of gastric cancer risk associated with family history cancer. The present study was designed as unmatched case-control study. Cases were 746 histopathologically confirmed gastric cancer and 746 controls were randomly selected among the healthy participants in a health survey. The family history of cancer was extracted from a standard history form completed by the patients or health care providers. Mantel-Heanszel Odds Ratio was computed for removing the confounding effect of age and sex. A positive family history of cancer was reported by 9.7% and 5.6% of cases and controls, respectively. Gastric cancer risk increased two-fold for subjects reporting any first degree relative with gastric cancer. There is no statistical association among family history of other cancers and gastric cancer [P>0.05]. In conclusion, this study showed that family history of gastric cancer, especially in firstdegree relatives, increases the risk of gastric cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of genetic factors and environmental factors and their interaction in gastric cancer development in Iranian community

Effect of daidzein-low-calorie diet on body weight, serum levels of glucose, resistin, and high sensitive C-reactive protein in high fat, high calorie diet induced rats

To assess the effect of restricting calories with or without daidzein on weight, serum levels of glucose, and inflammatory markers in obese rats. This experimental study was carried out in Jundishapur University, Ahvaz, Iran, from September 2010 to January 2011. Obesity was induced in 30 male Wistar rats [140-160, 6-8 weeks age] after 6 weeks by feeding them a high-fat diet. Then, the rats were divided into 3 groups: obese rats treated with low-calorie diet containing 50 mg/kg daidzein [n=10]; obese rats treated with low-calorie diet containing dimethyl sulfoxide [n=10]; and obese rats that were given ad libitum access to food as the control group [n=10]. After 4 weeks, blood samples were collected in order to analyze the levels of glucose, resistin, and high sensitive C-reactive protein [CRP]. Restriction of calories resulted in decreased blood glucose [p=0.002], and decreased levels of high sensitive CRP [p=0.000], but had no significant effect on resistin level. Daidzein administration had no significant effect on body weight, serum glucose, levels of resistin, and high sensitive CRP. Calorie restriction significantly affected body weight, serum glucose, low-grade inflammation biomarkers, and masked the effect of daidzein

[DNA microsatellite instability and mismatch repair germ line mutation in Iranian patients with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer]

HNPCC [hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer] is the most common type of hereditary colorectal cancers. Germ line mutations in different DNA mismatch repair genes [MMR] and microsatellite instability [MSI] are associated with HNPCC. But still there has not been any report from Iran. The purpose of this study is to evaluate MSI and MMR gene mutation among a group of Iranian patients with the clinical diagnosis of HNPCC. In this cross-sectional study 94 patients [m/f=1.41] who fulfilled at least on of the Bethesda criteria were assessed. MSI analysis was performed in all cases. SSCP was used as screening test in all cases to select highly probable MMR mutation for DNA sequencing. Information analyzed by Chi2, Fisher exact, independent t-test with SPSS16 and EPI6 soft wares. MSI analysis shows 41.5% MSI-H, 17% MSI-L, and 41.5% MSS in this study. There were 18 [19.1%] band shift in SSCP results, which was include 8 mutations after DNA sequencing. The pattern of MMR mutations in Iranian patients differs from the reports of other countries. The evaluation of the histopathology and clinical features of colorectal cancer burdens in Iran and also the frequency additional HNPCC genes remain as a point of concern

[Evaluation of the association between FokI and BsmI polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene and risk of colorectal cancer in Iranian patients referred to Taleghani hospital, Tehran]

There are several studies that have identified relationship between VDR gene polymorphisms and colorectal [CRC] or other kinds of cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of VDR gene polymorphisms, BsmI and FokI, with colorectal cancer risk among Iranian patients. In this case-control study, 110 DNA samples from Iranian CRC patients and 110 samples from healthy Iranian people. Genotyping of BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were performed by PCR-RFLP method. To confirm the RFLP results, 5% of samples were sequenced with direct sequencing method. The frequency of the VDR gene polymorphisms at BsmI and FokI restriction sites in CRC patients and healthy controls was almost similar. Allele distribution in patients and controls was same. There was no statistically significant difference in genotype or allele frequency between CRC patients and control group. VDR FokI and BsmI genotypes are not associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer in Iranian patients. However, these data remain to be confirmed by studies with larger sample size in Iran

[ case report of rare colorectal adenocarcinoma with skin metastasis presentation]

Skin metastasis from abdominal cancers occurs as infiltration or paraneoplastic syndromes. Liver and lung are the most common locations of distant metastases of colorectal cancer [CRC], but CRC skin metastases are very rare. We describe a 55-year old patient with wide spread cutaneous metastasis from a previously treated known case of adenocarcinoma of the colon. Interestingly, liver and lung, as the most common site of metastasis of CRC, had not been involved. Although, skin metastasis is a worse prognostic factor, its occurrence in CRC patient doesn't necessarily present end stage disease. So, it could be treated by early diagnosis of susceptible cutaneous lesions

role of Kras mutations and MSI status in diagnosis of colorectal cancer

The aim of the current investigation was to examine the profile of Kras mutations accompanied with MSI [microsattelite instability] status in polyps and colorectal carcinoma tissues in an Iranian population. Kras mutations in colorectal cancer cause resistance to anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor [EGFR]. So it can be considered as a true indicator of EGFR pathway activation status. Kras mutations can be detected in approximately 30% to 40% of all patients with colorectal cancer. The most hot spot of the gene is located in exons 2 and 3. In this study we examined exons 2 and 3 Kras gene using polymerase chain reactions and subsequent sequencing of the exons in 95 patients with sporadic colorectal cancer including 48 tumors and 47 polyps. This study was performed using biopsy samples from the patients. We sequenced the Kras gene in a panel of human colorectal tumors and polyps in addition to detecting MSI status using fluorescent technique. We could detect 6 mutations in tumors including 5 mutations in codon 12 and one mutation in codon 13. Moreover, in polyps 2 mutations were determined in codon 13 and one in codon 12. Microsatellite instability assay revealed the presence of 5 and 6 MSI in tumors and polyps, respectively. Among the MSI mononucleotide markers, NR-21 marker demonstrated the most frequency [60%] in the both groups. Our findings showed that probably the profile of mutations in tumors is not entirely compatible with the pattern of mutations in polyps. However, just one of the mutations, Gly12Asp, was similar in both groups

[Frequency of colorectal cancer in healthy individual's relatives: a cross-sectional population-based study]

Family history of colorectal cancer has been shown to be related to the risk of developing colorectal cancer. This risk depends on the number of affected relatives and the age at diagnosis. In this study we aimed to estimate the frequency of a positive family history of colorectal cancer in a random sample from Tehran population. This study was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from May 2006 to December 2007 in Tehran province, Iran. A total of 5,500 peoples [age >/= 20 years] drawn up randomly by random sampling according to postal codes and invited to participate in the study. All participants completed a detailed health data registry form on family history status of colorectal cancer. The mean age of men with a positive family history was significantly different from men with negative family history. There was no significant difference between mean age of women responders with or without positive family history. Among all participants [n=5,500], 162 responders [2.9%] had a history of colorectal cancer. Of 162, 67 responders [1.22%] had one and 4[0.07%] had two or more first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. Of 5,500 participants, 18 subjects [0.33%] reported having two or more first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer diagnosed at age<50 years. Four subjects [0.07%] had three or more first-degree relative with colorectal cancer. Based on the findings, we estimate that more than 570,000 subjects in the Iran in the age group >/= 20 years have at least two to three times increased risk of developing colorectal cancer which should be identified and encourage to participate in screening and surveillance protocols of colorectal cancer

[Prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer using the Aalen's additive hazards model]

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is the most common type of cancer in Iran. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of prognostic factors on survival of patients with gastric cancer using the Aalen additive hazards model, and to illustrate the advantage of Aalen's plot. Information of total of 213 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery in the gastroenterology ward of Taleghani hospital in Tehran between 2003 and 2008 were included in this historical cohort study. Age at diagnosis, sex, presence of metastasis, tumor size, histology type, lymph node metastasis, and pathologic stages were entered into analysis using the Aalen additive hazard model. To visualize a covariate effect over time, the estimated cumulative regression function by the Aalen's model is examined. The univariate and multivariate analysis identified that age at diagnosis, tumor size and pathologic stage were independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with gastric cancer [p<0.05]. Moreover, pathologic stage has a late or delayed effect according to the Aalen's plot. Other clinicopathological characteristics were not statistically significant [p>0.05]. In spite of using Cox model in survival analysis by many researchers, Aalen's model may yield new insights in prognostic studies of survival time of patients with gastric cancer over time. Our results suggest that early detection of patients in younger age and in primary stages is important to increase survival from gastric cancer

[Evaluation of 4-year survival in familial and non familial colorectal cancer]

Colorectal cancer in the world is located in the third position among common cancers in both sexes. It is the second cancer which has the most mortality .The incidence of this cancer in the last decades has transcended trend in our population. The aim of this study was comparison of 4-year survival between sporadic and hereditary colorectal cancer. In this descriptive-analytic study, 121 patients with colorectal cancer were collected including 61 patients with sporadic and 60 individuals with HNPCC who were referred to research cancer gastroenterology and liver diseases of Taleghani hospital during 2004-2008. Survival rate was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method and compared with log rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression analysis. 4-year survival in sporadic colorectal cancer and HNPCC showed a significant difference. The rate of survival in HNPCC patients was 82.5%, while it was 56.4% [p=0.044] in sporadic colorectal cancer. Age of diagnosis in sporadic patients was higher than hereditary group. Odds ratio of sporadic colorectal cancer for tumor location was 2.93 [95%CI: 1.06-8.11] compared HNPCC [p=0.038]. The result of this study was compatible with the previous studies. The result showed that the rate of survival in patients with HNPCC is higher than sporadic cases

[Molecular analysis of mutation MEFV gene involved inpatient's with familial of Mediterranean fever referred to Taleghani hospital Tehran between 2006-2008]

Familial Mediterranean fever [FMF] is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and inflammation in the peritoneum, synovium, or pleura, accompanied by pain. In this study, we examined all 10 exons to determine the most common mutations in MEFV gene as a single gene associated with FMF. In this basic study, 51 clinically diagnosed Iranian FMF patients referred to Taleghani hospital were studied. Peripheral blood was gained from them and genomic DNA was extracted according to phenol chloroform standard protocol. They were screened for the MEFV mutation using bidirectional sequencing and finally, the sequences were analyzed by related soft wares. Of 51 patients suspected to FMF, 24 [47.05%] were positive for mutation and 27 [52.95%] had no mutations. 14 patients had M694V mutation in exon10 including 4 homozygote mutation, 8 heterozygote and 4 compound heterozygote. Moreover, we could find 6 patients with M680I mutation and 2 individual [8.3%] with V721I mutation in exon 10. Only one person carried E148Q heterozygote mutation in exon 2. Our finding were compatible with others investigation that M694V mutation is the most common mutation in different populations

[Application of Bayes method in determining of the risk factors on the survival rate of gastric cancer patients]

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. The classical methods such as Cox regression and parametric models are used in most medical researches that their aims is the survival distribution survey, although the Bayes models have some advantages in compared with the classical models. The present study was performed to analyze the survival rate of patients who had gastric cancer and were under treatment in the gastroenterology ward of Taleghani hospital, in Tehran using Bayes models. Weibull distribution was used for modeling in the study. This study was a cohort study and performed in the gastroenterology ward of Taleghani hospital by using gastric cancer patient's data from January 2003 to December 2007. 178 patients were enrolled to the study and their information was collected through telephone contacts. The survival rate of patients were analyzed using Bayes Weibull models by considering variables such as age of diagnosis, gender, tumor size, metastasis of other lymph. For determining of the risk factors on the survival of patients, was used Weibull model in the case that interval censoring. Data analysis was carried out using Winbugs software and significant levels were considered 0.05. The results showed survival rate are dependent on the age of diagnosis and tumor size. Those patients who had early diagnosis, the rate of survival was greater. In addition, the patients who had smaller tumor size, their survival rate was greater. Considering to classical models are based on normal approximation and applicable for big samples, Bayes methods are emphasized for small to medium samples. The results of this study showed that the Bayesian Weibull model is a suitable model. This study also showed that age of diagnosis and tumor size of patients is important factors in regard to the survival rate of these patients. As a result, if gastric cancer is diagnosed early, the relative risk of death would reduce