Association of TLR3 single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection in Iranian asymptomatic blood donors

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has a single-stranded RNA genome and expresses specific proteins that have oncogenic potential. Approximately 15 to 20 million people worldwide have been infected by this virus. Changes in protein or gene expression are the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene. The function and efficacy of signal transduction also lead to modified immune responses. The present study aimed to investigate the association of SNPs within TLR3 (rs3775291 and rs3775296) with susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection in Iranian asymptomatic blood donors. METHODS: This study was performed on 100 HTLV-1-infected asymptomatic blood donors and 118 healthy blood donors. Genomic DNA from all participants was purified and then amplified using specific PCR primers. SNPs within TLR3 were evaluated using the restriction fragmentation length polymorphism technique, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22). RESULTS: The frequencies of the TLR3 (rs3775296) CC, CA, AA genotypes were 70%, 24%, and 6% in the patient group, and 50.8%, 44.9%, and 4.2% in the control group, respectively. There was a significant difference in the frequency distribution of TLR3 (rs3775296) genotypes and alleles, but not in the frequency distribution of TLR3 (rs3775291) genotypes between the patient and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The TLR3 SNP rs3775296 was significantly associated with HTLV-1 infection and may be a protective factor against this viral infection.

The Role of Apollon Gene Silencing on Viablity and Radiosensitivity of Cervical Cancer Hela Cells

Cervical cancer is the second common cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Radioresistancy of cancer is a principal cause of treatment impairing. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) widely block apoptosis against apoptotic stimuli, including current chemo- and radiation therapies. Apollon, a membrane of IAP, can support cells against apoptosis and is over expressed in some treatment-resistant cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of apollon knockdown on induction of apoptosis and also its potential for enhancement of radiosensitvity on hela cells. plasmid encoding shRNA which has been confirmed its effect against apollon, transfected into hela cells. Consequent effects on the level of P53 , Bax and BAK analyzed by real time PCR. Apoptotic phenotype of transfected cells was monitored by Tunnel assay. Viability of hela cells after radiotherapy was analyzed by MTT assay. shRNA1 effectively increased transcription of p53, Bax and BAK and induced apoptosis phenotype of treated hela cells. Radiosensitivity of transfected cell was increased after knock-down of apollon obviously. Apollon knockdown induces apoptosis in hela cell . Also it can be as new molecular target for radio-sensitizing strategies in these cells. So, apollon can be a potentially considerable therapeutic object for cervical cancer.