Proposed Pathway Linking Respiratory Infections with Depression

Depression is one of the most important causes of disability and loss of useful life of people around the world. Acute respiratory infection caused a large number of severe illnesses and deaths of the world and most of these due to viral infections, which is estimated more than 80% of respiratory infections. Detection of viruses by immune pathogen recognition receptors activates the intracellular signaling cascade and eventually cause produces interferons. Inflammatory process begins with secretion of interferons and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes. One of the most important of these genes is indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which plays a major role in tryptophan catabolism. IDO is an intracellular monomeric enzyme that is also responsible for breaking down and consuming tryptophan in the Kynurenine pathway. Increased inflammation has been linked to decrease tryptophan concentrations and increase kynurenine levels. We tried to explain the role of inflammation by viral respiratory infections in causing depression.

Prevalence of human respiratory syncytial virus circulating in Iran

Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection during early childhood and is associated with a great burden on patients, parents, and society. While no treatment is yet available, results from recent phase 2 clinical trials of cell-entry inhibitors and RSV vaccines are promising. To prepare for introduction of these novel therapeutics, good understanding of its molecular epidemiology and continuous RSV surveillance data are necessary. This paper provides an overview of RSV prevalence and genotype distribution in Iran from 1996 to 2013. This meta-analysis includes 21 published studies. In total, 775 [18.7%] of 4140 respiratory specimens were positive for RSV infection. The male-female ratio of RSV-positive patients was 1.5:1. Significant peaks of RSV infection were detected during the cold season [November-March]. RSV infection was mainly observed in patients <2 years of age. Phylogenetic studies showed that genotypes GA1, GA2, GA5, and BA co-circulated in Iran in 2007-2013. This review highlights the necessity of introducing standard molecular surveillance programs to inform the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of various RSV genotypes. Improved understanding of the molecular epidemiology will be useful for development of novel RSV therapeutics

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk of sporadic prostate cancer among Iranian patients

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

[Adamantane and neuraminidase resistant influenza A/H3N2 isolated in iran from 2005 to 2013]

Influenza viruses are one of the most important etiological agents of respiratory disease in humans and cause epidemics and pandemics with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccination and antiviral treatments are the sole and essential way for the prevention and control of influenza infection. During an influenza epidemic before the production of effective vaccine, antiviral treatments are the first step for the prevention and treatment of influenza infection. Adamantanes and neuraminidase inhibitors are influenza antiviral drugs. Because of the increase of drug resistant viruses, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the antiviral drug resistance in influenza A/H3N2 viruses from 2005-2013 in Iran. In this study 50 influenza A/H3N2 viruses isolated in cell culture were tested. All samples were subjected to M and NA gene sequencing at the National Influenza Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. RNA was extracted from 200 ml of cell culture supernatants using the Roche high pure viral nucleic acid kit. RT-PCR with the Qiagen one step RT-PCR kit was done. The expected size of the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis using 1% agarose gels. The PCR products were sequenced for finding the drug resistant mutants. All influenza A/H3N2 viruses except four viruses circulating during 2005-2006 had Ser31Asn mutation at M2 channel protein. In the analysis of neuraminidase gene none of the A/H3N2 viruses had K292R, E119V and N294S mutations responsible for drug resistant strains. This study showed circulating A/H3N2 viruses was resistant to adamantanes but susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors. The national data analyzed in this research may help increase knowledge about influenza virus antiviral drug resistance, which is a global public health concern. The authors suggested continuing this study and also the investigation of antiviral drug resistance of influenza A/H1N1 and B viruses

Antibody responses to trivalent influenza vaccine in Iranian adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus

The serious influenza-associated complications among immunodeficient individuals such as those who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], highlights the importance of influenza vaccination in these people. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the antibody responses to influenza vaccine in this group. Two hundred subjects were recruited, during autumn 2010 and 2011, to receive, trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine consisting of A [H1N1], A [H3N2], and B strains. Hemagglutination inhibition assay was used to measure the antibody titer against all strains of the vaccine prior and one month post vaccination. Seroconversion rate for A [H1N1], A [H3N2], and B were found to be 58.5%, 67% and 64.5%, respectively. No correlation was found between antibody titer and demographics factors such as age and gender; however, we found a significant correlation between antibody titer and CD4 cell count. Checking the local and systemic reactions after vaccination, the pain on the injection site and myalgia were the most common local and systemic reactions with 20% and 6.5%, respectively. As vaccination with influenza mount considerable antibody responses in HIV-infected patients, annul influenza vaccination seems to be rational in order to prevent or reduce the severe clinical complications induced by influenza virus

Genetic diversity in the G protein gene of human respiratory syncytial virus among Iranian children with acute respiratory symptoms

Acute respiratory infection [ARI] is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Human respiratory syncytial virus [HRSV] is main viral agent of ARI in infants and young children in terms of effect and prevalence. The aim of this study was to investigate HRSV genotypes during one season in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 107 throat swabs were collected from children less than 5 years of age with acute respiratory infection from October to December 2009. The respiratory samples were obtained from several provinces: Tehran, Isfahan, Hamadan, Zanjan, Kordestan, Lorestan and West Azarbayjan, and were tested for G protein gene of HRSV by RT-PCR. Of the 107 respiratory samples, 24 [22.42%] were positive for HRSV, of which 16 [66.6%] belonged to subgroup A and 8 [33.4%] to subgroup B. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that subgroup A strains fell in two genotypes GA1 and GA2, whereas subgroup B strains clustered in genotype BA. This study revealed that multiple genotypes of HRSV cocirculated during the season 2009 in Iran. Also subgroup A strains were more prevalent than subgroup B strains, and genotype GA1 was predominant during the season

[Comparison of RD, L20B and Hep2 cell lines sensitivity to the standard poliovirus and oral polio vaccine virus]

As we are approaching the global eradication of wild poliovirus, laboratory surveillance of poliovirus by the gold standard cell culture method becomes increasingly important. As there is a lot of concern about accurate and sensitive detection of imported wild and Vaccine Derived Polioviruses [VDPVs] in Polio-Free countries, in this study we assessed and compared the sensitivity of the cell lines used in polio laboratory simultaneously to standard poliovirus and Oral Polio Vaccine [OPV] polioviruses, to ensure the accurate detection of circulating and imported polioviruses in the society. Cell sensitivity test was performed according to the World Health Organization [WHO], Polio Laboratory Manual for RD, L20B and Hep2 cell lines using 3 serotypes of standard monovalent and OPV polioviruses. The test was repeated every four passages for all cell lines. The sensitivity of L20B and Hep2 cell lines for standard poliovirus type 1 and 2 is more than sensitivity for the same types of OPV virus but for poliovirus type 3 it is vice versa. Also RD cell line is more sensitive to all 3 types of OPV virus. In addition, the test showed that increasing the passage number will decrease the sensitivity of all cell lines. Using RD and L20B cell lines simultaneously [with low passage number] will assure us of sensitivity and accuracy of the cell lines for detection of circulating and imported polioviruses

Influenza A [H1N1] Pandemic in Iran: report of First Confirmed Cases from June to November 2009

Since the declaration of a swine flu pandemic by the World Health Organization [WHO], the Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a surveillance system to test all suspected cases, both in community and hospital settings. From June 1[st] to November 11[th], 2009, there were 2662 [1307 females and 1355 males] RT-PCR confirmed cases of pandemic influenza A [H1N1] detected in Iran. Of these cases, 75% were 5-40 years-old. During this period, 58 patients [2.18%] died. Of the total number of cases, 33 were pregnant women with no reported mortalities amongst them. The prevalence of death had no significance correlation with sex and age [P=0.720 and 0.194, respectively]. Geographic distribution of the reported cases showed the highest rates in central and eastern provinces of Iran. There were two disease phases until November 2009, including an initial exogenous wave which blended into a second wave of indigenous disease, with a peak of cases after the start of the educational year. A review of the epidemiology of these initial phases of disease in Iran can help for better planning and more efficient action in future phases of the disease. It is of utmost importance to strengthen the surveillance system for this disease and appropriately transfer the resultant knowledge to the medical professionals, stakeholders and the general population, accordingly

Surveying immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccination in health care workers and HIV-infected individuals

Influenza is a world-wide public health concern. It is one of the most important viral causes of acute respiratory illness, affecting all age groups, recurring several times during a lifetime. We assessed the antibody titers after vaccination against influenza among HIV-infected patients and health care workers [HCWs]. During this before-after study, the antibody responses were assessed in 60 HCW and 60 HIV-infected patients vaccinated with split influenza vaccine [influvac 2005/2006 Solvay's influenza vaccines for the influenza season 2005/2006 in the northern hemisphere]. Although all participants had protective antibody levels against A [H1N1], A [H3N2], and B components of trivalent influenza vaccine [before vaccination], HIV-infected patients showed seroconversion against A [H1N1], A [H3N2], and B components in 75%, 45%, and 28.3% of cases, respectively. The corresponding values were 70%, 33.3%, and 53.3% among HCWs, respectively. There were no repots of any vaccine adverse reaction. A comparable rise in antibody titers against influenza antigens without any adverse reaction supports the previous recommendations for influenza vaccination. Such programs can effectively decrease the probability of influenza infection in both HCWs and HIV-infected patients who are not seriously immune compromised