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

effects of arsenic trioxide and zoledronic acid on malignant plasma cells derived from bone marrow cells of multiple myeloma patients

Multiple myeloma [MM] is a disease of plasma cells that has fatal consequences. New agents associated with molecular targets have prompted clinical investigators to design new treatment strategies initially for advanced MM and later for newly diagnosed MM, with encouraging preliminary results. We devised a project to assess the mechanisms of action of two drugs, Arsenic trioxide [ATO] and Zoledronic acid [Zometa] on Bone marrow mononuclear cells [BMMCs] derived from patients. Bone marrow samples were collected from 10 patients after receipt of formal consent. BMMCs were collected from samples. In two parallel sets of experiments, BMMCs were treated with 0.5, 2, 6 micro M ATO and 0.1, 10, 100 micro M Zometa, for 72 h. The following analyses were then performed on treated cells as compared to untreated cells [assumed as control]: cytotoxicity using Micro culture tetrazolium test [MTT assay]; matrix metalloproteinase-2 zymography; comparative gene expression analysis of IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-l]. MTT assay showed significant proliferation inhibition in ATO high dose treatment [6 uM]. However, no significant inhibitory effect of Zometa was seen. Zymography analyses showed significant decrease in gelatinolytic activity in treated cells. Analyses of gene expression using Real-Time RT-PCR methodology showed significant decrease in IL-6, ICAM-1, and VEGF genes as normalized against Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase normalizer and as compared with untreated cells. Both ATO and Zometa could significantly decrease MM cells critical phenotype and genotype. This finding could support the hypothesis that ATO or Zometa could inhibit growth and metastasis of malignant cells

Distribution of human leptospirosis in guilan province, Northern Iran

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world and is more prevalent in tropical and temperate regions. Guilan Province in north of Iran, is an endemic region of human leptospirosis. Since diagnosis of leptospirosis according to clinical symptoms is very difficult due to lack of characteristic pathogonomic sign[s], laboratory support is necessary. In 2003, we obtained blood samples from patients hospitalized in main general hospitals of Guilan Province and were suspected as having leptospirosis according to their clinical presentations. We examined 995 sera by a commercial IgM and IgG ELISA kit to find positive cases. 62.7% of positive cases were male and about 86% of them were farmer. High distribution rate of leptospirosis was seen in middle-aged people [65% in 20-50 years old]. It seems that leptospirosis has a high occurrence in major cities and is mostly distributed in warm months of the year. Demographic analysis of the results indicates that leptospirosis is typically a rural and an occupational disease in the area

Comparative assessment of chlamydia trachomatis infection in Iranian women with cervicitis: a cross-sectional study

Chlamydia trachomatis infections are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections [STI] recognized throughout the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among a randomized statistical group of women suffering from cervicitis in Tehran- Iran. During a 12- month- period, Jan 2003 to Jan 2004, 142 endocervical samples were taken from women suffering from cervicitis attending to Mirzakoochakkhan Women Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Direct fluorescent antibody [DFA] and PCR techniques were used to detect Chlamydia trachomatis in endocervical samples. Twenty two [15.5%] [95% CI, 9.54-21.4] of 142 samples were diagnosed as Chlamydia positive according to PCR results, while DFA diagnosed 20 [14.1%] positive cases [95% CI, 8.37-19.8]. No statistically significant difference was found between two diagnosis methods applied in this study. The prevalence was the highest [25%] among women aged 25 to 29 yr and 35 to 39 yr. The x 2 test showed a significant relationship between positive test result and bearing a history of STI [P= 0]. The results of this study showed high prevalence of C. trachomatis infection among women suffering from cervicitis and suggested that patients diagnosed with genital Chlamydia infection should be referred to the genitourinary medicine clinic for further STI screening and partner notification

Occurrence of enteropathogenic bacteria in children under 5 years with diarrhoea in south Tehran

This study was carried out on 1600 rectal swabs from children under 5 years of age admitted at the health centre in Islamshahr, Tehran province, Islamic Republic of Iran, during 1998-99. The specimens were examined for various bacterial pathogens. Isolation rates were: enteropathogenic Escherichia coli 6.8%, Shigella spp. 3.4%, Salmonella spp. 2.9%, Campylobacter spp. 0.9%, Yersinia spp. 0.7%. The isolation rate was highest in the summer, except for Yersinia spp., which was predominantly isolated in spring. The results of this study demonstrate the significance of Yersinia spp. And Campylobacter spp. in patients with diarrhoea

[Molecular characterization of a 70 kDa heat shock protein [HSP70] gene in dermatophyte pathogen T.verrucosum]

Trichophyton verrucosum [T.verrucosum] is one of the dermatophyte fungi which invades the skin of human and animals particularly cattle. Several properties of this fungus have been investigated so far. However a few studies were carried out in the field of molecular biology of this fungus. In the present study we tried to identify the chaperone proteins related to the 70 kDa heat shock proteins [HSP70] in this fungus and study of its gene regulation under heat-stress conditions. Pairs of 21 and 20 nt primers were designed from highly conserved regions of the similar genes in other fungi. Mentioned primers were utilized in PCR by using isolated genomic DNA and cDNA of T.verrucosum whereas the PCR fragments were then sequenced. Eventually, 2217 nucleotides have been sequenced from this new gene which has two introns and encodes a polypeptide with 654 amino acids. Sequences comparison in gene data banks [NCBI, NIH] for both the complete DNA and its deduced amino acid revealed significant homology with members of the eukaryotic 70 kDa HSP family. Further investigation revealed that the expression of this new gene increases under heat-stress conditions. This new gene has similarity with other genes of the same family in other organisms. This protein could efficiently protect the microorganism against heat stress

Molecular detection of prostate specific antigen in patients with prostate cancer or benign prostae hyperplasia the first investigation from Iran

Prostate cancer is the second common form of cancer in men. Detection of circulating Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] transcripts has effectively been used for early diagnosis of prostate cancer cells. This investigation employed a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] technique to distinguish the patients with either localized or metastatic prostate cancer [CaP] vs. Benign Prostate Hyperplasia [BPH] and control subjects, as compared with clinical and pathological records. With reservation of ethical issues, blood samples were collected from 60 cases. Based on pathological and clinical findings, 25 patients [20 with localized cancer, 5 with metastatic], 22 with BPH, and 13 healthy [including 3 females] subjects as negative controls, were selected from Shariati, Mehrad, Sina,, Khatam and Atie Hospitals in Tehran, Iran. RT-PCR for a 260 bp PSA transcript was then performed. Clinical and pathological records were used for the assessment and comparison of PSA RT-PCR results. None of the control subjects and BPH [with 7 exceptions] were found positive by RT-PCR [Relative specificity= 72.7%]. In patients with prostate cancer, 21 out of 25 were found PSA positive [Relative sensitivity=83.4%] and the remaining 3 have been shown to be PSA negative [Positive predictive value= 83.4%]. All of 5 metastatic patients [100%] revealed PSA positive results. Our data reflects the clinical relevance and significance of RT-PCR results as assessed with clinical and pathological examinations. PSA RT-PCR might be used as a powerful means for diagnosis, even when either pathological or clinical findings are negative, and could be employed for further molecular epidemiology surveys

Effect of tindurin on immunopathogenesis mechanism of collagen-induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the sequestration of various leukocyte subpopulations within both the developing pannus and synovial space. This study was undertaken to examine the therapeutic potency of tindurin in experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Collagen-induced arthritis [CIA] was induced by intradermally immunization of Lewis rats at the base of the tail. The paws and knees were then removed for histopathology and radiography analysis. Using fibrosarcoma cell line the apoptosis process was measured by Terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling [TUNEL] method. Our data showed that the i.p. injection of tindurin to arthritic rats induced a significant reduction in paw edema. Histopathological assessment showed reduced inflammatory cells infiltrate, tissue edema and bone erosion in joints of treated rats. Moreover, our results in radiography were in line with histological findings as well as tindurin was found to induce apoptosis of treated cells in comparison with positive, negative and non-treated ones. Our findings revealed the therapeutic effect of tindurin in experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis in comparison with methotrexate as a choice drug

Serogroup Distribution of Shigella in Tehran

In recent years, the importance of Shigella as an enteric pathogen with global impact has been increasingly recognized. In this study, serogroup distribution of Shigella isolated from clinically diagnosed cases of gastroenteritis and acute diarrhea in Tehran, capital of Iran was investigated between December 2002 and November 2003. Fecal specimens and rectal swabs were cultured for Shigella spp. using st and ard microbiological techniques. The isolates of Shigella were identified by biochemical assay and serological testing. From a total of 302 Shigella isolates, 178, 110, 10 and 4 strains were identified as S.sonnei [58.9%; 95% CI: 53.2-64.5], S. flexneri [36.4%; 95% CI: 31.0-42.2], S.boydii [3.3%], and S. dysenteriae [1.3%], respectively. The peak of infection occurred during summer. Overall, 167 patients [55.3%] were males and 135 [44.7%] were females