association between angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene A1166C polymorphism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its severity

Background: Genetic predisposition may have important role in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. Angiotensin II type I receptor [AGTR1] has been known to involve in the process of liver steatosis and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism and NAFLD

Methods; A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2014-May 2015 among healthy adults referring to our radiology clinic for abdominal sonography. AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism was evaluated in subjects with NAFLD and healthy individuals using allelic discrimination method

Results: 58 subjects with NAFLD were compared with 88 healthy individuals without NAFLD. The frequency of AA and CC genotypes of AGTR1 was significantly higher in patients with NAFLD compared with controls [p=0.029 and 0.042, respectively]. C allele was more detected in subjects with NAFLD compared with the healthy controls [OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.23-3.61, p =0.006]. CC genotype [OR: 10.62; 95% CI: 1.05-106.57, p =0.045] and C allele [OR: 6.81; 95% CI: 1.42- 32.48, p =0.016] were also predictors of severe fatty liver disease in our study population

Conclusion: Our results provide the first evidence that AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism not only is associated with NAFLD and but also may predict its severity

Genetic association between a single nucleotide polymorphism in Interleukin-16 [rs4072111] and susceptibility to chronic HCV infection in an Iranian population

Aim: Our goal was to identify the putative association of rs4072111 variant in IL-16 gene and HCV susceptibility in an Iranian population

Background: Interleukin 16 [IL-16], a multifunctional cytokine, plays a vital role in modulation of immune system

Methods: In present case control and cross sectional study, IL-16 gene variant in 300 patients with hepatitis C [HCV] infection and 300 healthy individuals were analyzed. To evaluate this possible association, genomic DNA from venous blood was extracted and genotypes of IL-16 rs4072111 variant were determined by polymerase chain reaction- Fragments Length Polymorphism Technique [PCR-RFLP]. Then, rs4072111 C/T genotypes frequency and allelic distribution were evaluated in each group

Results: The results of genotyping showed 82% CC, 17.3% CT, 0.7% TT in the control group and 78% CC, 20% CT and 2% TT in the case group. The distribution of rs4072111 C allele was 90.7% in controls and 88% in case group respectively. However, no correlation between IL-16 rs4072111 C/T variants and susceptibility to chronic HCV infection was found in the present study

Conclusion: We concluded the rs4072111 C/T cannot be considered as a proper biomarker to identify susceptibility to chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Detection of Parvovirus 4 in Iranian patients with HBV, HCV, HIV mono-infection, HIV and HCV co-infection

Aim: In this study, we investigated the prevalence of PARV4 virus among the healthy population and four other groups of HBV infected, HCV infected, HIV infected and HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Iran

Background: Parvovirus 4 [PARV4] was first discovered in 2005, in a hepatitis B virus-infected injecting drug user [IDU]. To date, the best evidence about PARV4 transmission is parenteral roots which comes from IDU individuals. It seems that the prevalence of the virus in the normal population is very low

Methods: A total of 613 patients, including chronic HCV [n=103], HBV [n=193], HIV [n=180] infected individuals, HIV/HCV [n=34] co-infected patients and 103 healthy controls, were studied by using nested-PCR and also real-time PCR techniques

Results: Of those 180 samples were positive for HIV RNA, co-infection of PARV4 was detected in 3 cases [1.66%]. All these three patients were male with the age of 28, 32 and 36 years [mean: 32]. No statistical differences were found between HIV positive group and the healthy individuals. [P>0.05] The result of PARV4 PCR was negative in all other samples and healthy controls as well

Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the occurrence of PARV4 among these groups in Iran. The results show, that the virus is not significant in Iranian population, even in patients with blood born infections such as HCV, HBV or even HIV patients. Further studies in other areas and various groups are required

TGF-beta1 polymorphisms -509 C>T and +915 G>C and risk of pancreatic cancer

Aim: Our aim was to determine the association between TGF-beta1 polymorphisms at position -509 C>T [rs1800469] and +915 G>C [rs1800471] and pancreatic cancer susceptibility in Iranian population

Background: Ninety percent of pancreatic cancer patients have less than 5-year overall survival and approximately 50% of cases were diagnosed with metastasis in the time of admission. Previous evidences have demonstrated the strong association between TGF-beta1 variations and cancer susceptibility so far

Methods: A total of 78 patients with pancreatic cancer and 94 healthy controls were enrolled in this case control study from 2007-2012. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples according to phenol chloroform extraction. The genotypes of TGF-beta1 rs rs1800469 and rs1800471 were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method

Results: The mean age of cases and the control group were 64.50 +/- 13.718 and 40.12 +/- 16.001, respectively. For polymorphism-509 C>T, the frequency of TT genotype were 31 [33.0], CT, 47[50] and CC, 16 [17] in control and 19 [24.4], 45 [57.7] and 14 [17.9] in cases respectively. In position +915 G>C, the frequency of GG genotype was 84 [89.4] and GC, 10 [10.6] in control and 71 [91.0] and 7 [9] in cases, respectively. We did not observe any significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the TGF-beta1-509 C>T [rs1800469] and codon +915 G>C [rs1800471] between the two study groups [P>0.05]

Conclusion: we found that TGF-beta1 gene polymorphisms rs1800469 and rs1800471 might not play a role in pancreatic cancer susceptibility in Iranian population

Comparison of three methods for mitochondria isolation from the human liver cell line [HepG2]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare three available methods for mitochondrial isolation from a human cell line to predict the best method for each probable application

Background: Organelle isolation is gaining importance in experimental laboratory settings. Mitochondrial dysfunction may affect tumorgenesis process. There are some evidences that transplantation of healthy, intact and active mitochondria into cells containing defective mitochondria may reduce the proliferation. Therefore, isolated mitochondria could be considered as an effective tool for assessment and management of mitochondrial related disorders

Patients and methods: Mitochondrial isolation from the human liver cell line [HepG2] was performed using two commercially available kits, including Qproteome [Qiagen] and MITOISO2 [Sigma-Aldrich], as well as a manual method. Integrity of inner membrane of mitochondria was assessed by JC-1 staining. Activity of isolated mitochondria was evaluated by DCFH-DA staining, and total yield of isolated mitochondria determined by micro-Lowry method. Finally, relative quantification using Real-time PCR was conducted to compare the mtDNA copy number of mitochondria isolated by three different methods

Results: Compared to other methods, manual kit resulted in higher yields of total amount of mitochondrial protein and mtDNA copy numbers. Isolated mitochondria by Qproteome kit, showed a higher activity. Finally, the integrity of inner-membrane of isolated mitochondria was significantly higher in Qproteome when compared with the other two methods

Conclusion: Due to differences in quality, quantity and activity of isolated mitochondria using three techniques discussed here, the method in which best-suited to each research project should be selected according to the distinct features of isolated mitochondria

[Evaluation of the association between interleukin28B gene polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis C virus infection]

Background: It has been shown by recent studies that there is a significant association between genetic polymorphisms near the regulatory of IL28B gene and response to treatment in viral diseases such as hepatitis C. However, genetic factors involving in infection progression to chronic diseases have not been determined yet. In this study, the association of these IL28B polymorphisms with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis C virus infection has been analyzed

Materials and methods: In this case- control study, 110 patients infected with chronic hepatitis C and 110 healthy individuals were studied. The fragments covering rs8099917 and rs12979860 were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction [PCR] method and genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism digestion [RFLP] method using NmuCI and BstUIendonuleases enzymes

Results: Results showed that rs12979860CC genotype were the most frequent which followed by CT and TT. However, rs8099917TT was the dominant genotype. Allele frequencies were included: Rs8099917 T=72.3%, G=27.7% and rs12979860 C=69.5%, T=30.5% at patients and rs8099917 T=80%, G=20% and rs12979860 C=73.2%, T=26.8% at control group

Conclusion: The Results showed that T allele is more prevalent than G at rs12979860 polymorphism and the frequency of C allele is higher than T at rs8099917 position. However, rs809917TT and rs12979860 CC genotypes are the most common genotypes among patients population with chronic hepatitis C

[Association between rs763780 polymorphism in IL-17 gene and chronic hepatitis B infection in the patients referring to Taleghani Hospital, in Tehran, Iran]

Background and Aim: Viral hepatitis B is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases which can lead to liver cirrhosis [LC] and hepatocellular carcinomas [HCC]. Recent studies have shown an association between single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] of interleukin 17 and inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory responses are important factors in the disease process, especially in the viral infections and chronicity or virus clearance from the body, and are closely dependent on the proper cytokine secretion from immune cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-17 [rs763780] SNP and chronic Hepatitis B virus [HBV] Infection

Material and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 150 patients with chronic HBV infection and 150 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted by salting out method. IL-17 [rs763780] polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] methods

Results: Genotype and allele frequencies of rs763780 did not show any statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups. Genotype frequencies were 84.6% for TT, 14.7% for TC and 0.7% for CC in the patients with chronic disease and 88%, 11.3% and 0.7% for TT, TC and CC in the control group respectively [p=0.69]

Conclusion: The results showed that there was no association between IL-17 SNP rs763780 and susceptibility to develop chronic HBV infection. It seems that genetic variations in other cytokine genes other than IL-17 gene, may affect progression of infection to chronic disease

experimental model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium from acute progresses to chronicity in C57BL/6: correlation between conditions of mice and the environment

Aim: To induce acute colitis progresses to chronicity in C57BL/6 mice by dextran sulfate sodium

Background: Murine models are essential tools to understand IBD pathogenesis. Among different types of chemically induced colitis models, the dextran sulfate sodium [DSS]-induced colitis model is the most common model of IBD, due to its simplicity

Patients and methods: Male C57BL/6 mice 6-8 weeks old, were collected and matched by age with controls. C57BL/6 mice treated with 2 cycles of 3.5% DSS for 4 days and 4 days of pure water between each cycle. After that, mice were sacrificed and the entire colon was removed. Small sections of the colon were fixed in formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and sectioned with a microtome. Sections were stained with hematoxylin eosin to analyses the degree of inflammation

Results: After the first cycle oral administration of DSS, mice with severe and visible rectal bleeding and diarrhea entered into the acute phase. After day 4-5, bleeding and diarrhea were improved and mice entered into the chronic phase with peak levels of weight loss. Macroscopically, the inflammation was predominantly located in the distal colon. Microscopically, examination of the distal colon sections showed a decrease number of goblet cells, loss of crypts, signs of surface epithelial regeneration and moderate to severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in the mucosa

Conclusion: In order to achieve an experimental colitis model, our protocol is recommended for future therapies in IBD experimental modeling

Neuroprotective effects of herbal extract [rosa canina, tanacetum vulgare and urtica dioica] on rat model of sporadic alzheimer's disease

Background: Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease[SAD] is caused by genetic risk factors, agingand oxidative stresses. The herbal extract of Rosa canina [R. canina], Tanacetumvulgare [T. vulgare]and Urtica dioica [U. dioica]has a beneficial role in aging, as ananti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agent. In this study, the neuroprotective effectsof this herbal extract in the rat model of SAD was investigated

Methods: The rats were divided into control, sham, model, herbal extract -treated andethanol-treated groups. Drug interventions were started on the 21st day after modelingand each treatment group was given the drugs by intraperitoneal [I.P.] route for21 days. The expression levels of the five important genes for pathogenesis of SAD includingSyp, Psen1, Mapk3, Map2 and Tnf-alphawere measured by qPCR between thehippocampi of SAD model which were treated by this herbal extract and controlgroups. The Morris Water Maze was adapted to test spatial learning and memoryability of the rats

Results: Treatment of the rat model of SAD with herbal extract induced a significantchange in expression of Syp [p=0.001] and Psen1 [p=0.029]. In Morris Water Maze,significant changes in spatial learning seen in the rat model group were improved inherbal-treated group

Conclusion: This herbal extract could have anti-dementia properties and improve spatiallearning and memory in SAD rat model

Effect of vitamin D[3] supplementation on TNF-alpha serum level and disease activity index in Iranian IBD patients

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of vitamin D[3] [1, 25[OH][2]D[3]] treatment in IBD with regard to tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] serum level and clinical disease activity index [CDAI]. Vitamin D has immune-regulatory functions in experimental inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and vitamin D deficiency is common in IBD patients. This was a randomized clinical trial on 108 IBD patients with serum 25-OHD levels less than 30ng/ml, which divided into vitamin D and control groups. Vitamin D group received 50000 IU vitamin D[3] for 12 weeks. Before and after the study, TNF-alpha and 25-OHD serum levels were measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, chi-square test and Spearman correlation coefficient. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Before the intervention no significant difference was found between baseline characteristics and TNF-alpha serum level of two groups. After intervention TNF-alpha serum level reduced but this reduction was not statistically significant [p=0.07, 95% CI: -0.45 to 8.14]. The mean serum 25-OHD level of vitamin D increased from 15.54 to 67.89, which was statistically significant [p= 0.00, 95% CI: -61.40 to -43.30]. TNF-alpha level was also associated significantly with CDAI before [Spearman's rho: 0.3, p<0.0001] and after [Spearman's rho: 0.27, P=0.01] intervention. Oral supplementation vitamin D[3] significantly increased serum vitamin D levels and insignificantly reduced serum TNF-alpha level. More studies with larger samples would be beneficial to assess vitamin D[3] supplementation efficient effect in IBD

early results of a new health care program implementation in HBV screening: an iranian experience

According to the reports of World Health Organization [WHO] and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection in Iran has decreased from 2-7% in 2001 to 1.3-0.8% in children aged 2-14 years. In 2010 the Institute of Medicine recommended more comprehensive screening by primary care physicians [PCPs] for evaluation, vaccination, and management of infected patients for further decrease in the prevalence of chronic HBV infection. Thus, with contribution of the Health Department, we developed a practical flowchart for PCPs to start active screening of hepatitis B virus [HBV] in all visited patients and refer the positive cases for further evaluation and management to Taleghani Hospital. With collaboration of Health Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, physicians of health centers were asked to screen all their patients for HBsAg. Positive cases were referred to Taleghani Hospital. They were first registered and educated about their disease, life style, and prevention methods. Their first degree families were screened for HBV infection too and were referred for vaccination if needed. According to the results of lab tests, appropriate management was done by a hepatologist. Since implementation of this program, we have encountered a significant rise in patient detection [even in high risk groups]. Many of them were not aware of their disease and most of those who were aware of their disease were not managed appro priately. Family screening and vaccination were inadequate and need more emphasis

Prevalence of hepatitis D virus in hepatitis B virus infected patients referred to Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HDV infection between HBV chronic patients referred to gastroenterology ward of Taleghani hospital Tehran, Iran and also investigating the risk factors in acquiring the HDV infection. Hepatitis B virus [HBV] and Hepatitis D virus [HDV] are major public health issues. Worldwide there are approximately 350 million individuals chronically infected with the HBV. A significant part of them, including 15 to 20 million coinfected with HDV. Hepatitis Delta virus is transferred mostly through blood and body fluids. HBV and HDV infections were evaluated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Liver functional tests were assessed through auto analyzer. Patients were interviewed and data along the test results were entered into SPSS program. We used chi-square, independent t-test and logistic regression for statistical analysis. 278 [54.6%] patients of the study group were male and 231 [45.4%] were female and the mean age of patients was 40.03 +/- 14.93. From 509 patients, 39[7.7%] had anti-HDV antibody. In a uni-variable analysis, age [p=0.001], periodontal procedures [p=0.015], endoscopy [p=0.024] and colonoscopy [p=0.012] were significantly related to HDV seropositivity. After adjustment by logistic regression, age remained the only significant factor in acquiring HDV infection. We highly recommend the health care workers to strictly follow the disinfection protocols of medical instruments. Since HDV seroprevalence changes over time, regular epidemiological studies are necessary to monitor the epidemiological trend of infection

Programmed death-1 gene polymorphism [PD-1.5 C/T] is associated with gastric cancer

This study aimed to determine the association between PD-1.5C/T [rs2227981, +7785] and the risk of gastric cancer [GC] in an Iranian population. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. The programmed death 1 [PD-1] is a member of the CD28 super family. PD-1 is a negative regulator of T-cell effector mechanisms which decrease immune responses against cancer. we conducted case- control study to investigate the association of PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism in 122 GC patients and 166 control individuals. DNA was extracted from blood specimens. Genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP] assay. The frequency of CC, CT and TT genotypes was 53.6%, 42.2% and 4.2% in control group and 41%, 54.1% and 4.9% in gastric cancer patients respectively. CC genotype was more frequent in control individuals than in patients but we found no statically significant association. The frequencies of PD-1.5CT genotypes were significantly higher in GC patient compared with control individuals [OR= 1.77, 95% CI= 1.077-2.931; P=0.026]. Allele distribution was similar in patients and healthy individuals [p=0.061].Frequency of C and T alleles was 74.7%, 25.3% in control individuals and 68.03% and 31.97% in gastric cancer patients respectively. These results suggest that PD-1.5 C/T polymorphism may affect the GC risk and prognosis in an Iranian population

[Tumor necrosis factor-alpha -308 G/A polymorphism in Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis C]

The impact of genetic changes like Single nucleotide polymorphisms on expression rate and function of cytokine is under study. The aim of the present study was to determine TNF-alpha cytokine gene polymorphism -308 G/A association with the susceptibility to hepatitis C [HCV] chronic infection. In this case-control study, 152 HCV infected patients and 164 healthy controls were studied. Genotyping was carried out by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction [ARMS-PCR] and the distribution of the TNF-alpha Gene -308 G/A polymorphism was compared in these groups. Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR employs two pairs of primers to amplify two alleles in one PCR reaction. The frequency of the TNF-alpha gene polymorphism at position -308 in HCV patients was GG [88.8%], GA [11.2%], AA [0%] and in healthy controls was GG [75%], GA [24%], AA [0%] [OR=2.626, 95%CI=1.419-4.860, P=0.002]. There was a significant difference in genotype or allele frequency between HCV patients and control group [P<0.05]. Present study showed an association between TNF-alpha promoter polymorphism [-308] and hepatitis C in an Iranian population

[Prevalence of adenovirus infection and the dominant serotype among patients with acute gastroenteritis in Tehran between May 2008 and May 2009]

Adenoviruses are double-stranded DNA and non-enveloped viruses. It causes different diseases in human through respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Interestingly, more than fifty serologic types of human adenovirus were distinguished and just serotypes 40 and 41 cause gastroenteritis in human. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of adenovirus infection in patients with acute gastroenteritis in the population of Tehran. Between May 2008 and May 2009, 293 stool samples were collected from patients with acute gastroenteritis. After DNA extraction, PCR procedures were performed, using designed primers. Positive adenoviruses samples were analyzed by the software and their serotypes were determined. 6 positive samples of 293 patients recruited to the hospital were children less than 5 years old. Additionally, they were diagnosed as serotype 41 of adenoviruses F group. According to our results, serotype 41 of adenovirus was an important cause of gastroenteritis in less than 5 years old children in population of Tehran

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

Study of association between interleukin 20 polymorphism [Rs1518108] and chronic hepatitis C infection

Chronic hepatitis C is a major concern for global health as it causes liver problems, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Immune factors have a determinant role in susceptibility to chronic infection or clearance of infection in body. As a defensive agent, cytokines are important factors of immune system, since they can activate immune response or inhibit virus replication directly. The aim of this study is the evaluation of interleukin 20 polymorphism [rs1518108] in hepatitis C patients. This survey was a case-control study. By using PCR-RFLP method, 105 patients and 135 controls were studied randomly. We used SPSS-16 software for statistical analysis. A 10Tsignificant association was found between polymorphism [rs1518108] of interleukin 20 and hepatitis C patients [p=0.035] [OR=2.283]. The incidence of hepatitics C in males was observed five times more than that one females [p=0.01] [OR=5.18]. In addition, no significant association between polymorphism of genotypes and liver harms [chronic and cirrhosis] was found in this study [p=0.362]. Our findings show that variants of interleukin 20 polymorphism [rs1518108] in the population of the study are important factors for being affected by hepatitis C. The incidence of heterozygote allele CT was more than of homozygote genotype TT

[Association of D19H polymorphism of ABCG8 gene with gallstone susceptibility]

Increased level of cholesterol may be saturated in the gall bladder resulting in gall stone. Product of ABCG8 gene is responsible for evacuation of cholesterol from cells and made dissolved cholesterol in bile. It appears that genetic changes of this gene can alter its function and make gall stone. This study was designed to evaluate association of D19H polymorphism of ABCG8 gene with gallstone susceptibility. This was a case-control research that was conducted on 100 gallstone patients and 106 healthy controls without any family history of gallstone. For DNA extraction, salting out method has been used and for detection of alleles in polymorphic region, PCR-RFLP has been used. Heterozygote genotype in this polymorphic region [G/C] had association with gallstone formation [OR=7.14; 95%CI=3.47-14.66; P<0.001]. We found that people with heterozygote genotype had more than 7 times susceptibility to gall stone compared to healthy controls. This study confirms previous studies about D19H polymorphism on ABCG8 gene and shows importance of this SNP in different populations. For this reason, we can use analysis of this region to predict susceptibility to gall stone formation

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

Molecular prevalence of JC virus in Tehran, Iran

Since data about prevalence of JC virus in Iranian population is scarce, this study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of JC virus in healthy individuals who had attended Fajr hospital and Farjam clinical laboratory in Tehran, Iran. JC virus is the causative agent of progressive multifocal encephalopathy [PML] in individuals with suppressed immune system. There are some evidences that this virus is responsible for some forms of cancers for example colorectal and gastric cancers in humans. Urine samples from 133 healthy individuals older than 18 years old were collected and after extraction of viral DNA, PCR was performed to determine the presence of virus. Results of the test and demographic data of subjects were entered into SPSS program and were analyzed by it. 71 subjects were male and 62 individuals were female. Mean age of the population was 42.23 +/- 13.47. From the total number of 133 subjects, 51 [38.3%] individuals were positive for the presence of JC virus. Gender had statistically significant relationship with JC virus presence [p= 0.042]. Age was not significantly related to JC virus presence status [p= 0.3]. Obtained rate of JC prevalence in this study is similar to the results of studies in India and Philippine. Because of this virus's role in AIDS and the role of this virus in gastrointestinal cancers have been revealed in recent years, the more extended studies on the prevalence of this virus in different populations in Iran is necessary