Frequency of blood-tissue parasitic infections in patients with multiple sclerosis, as compared to their family members

Multiple Sclerosis [MS] is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system which has been identifies more prevalent in economically developed countries than in the developing countries. Low prevalence of parasitic infections [which can activate immune response and prevent or modulate damage to host antigens] in these areas is among the possible responsible factors for such a difference. In this study we aimed to compare frequency of blood-tissue parasitic infections in patients with MS, as compared to their healthy family members. This study was conducted on 50 relapsing remitting MS patients and 50 family members attending MS clinic at Alzahra Hospital. IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii were measured. Given the high prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Isfahan, all the participants were also examined for protozoan leishmania microscopically. Furthermore malaria parasite was investigated. Eighteen patients and 24 healthy family members had positive test in IgG Toxoplasma gondii[P = 0.09]. In both groups, there was no positive IgM Toxoplasma gondii. In investigating leishmania, only 3 participants in the case group and 2 in the control tested positive [P = 0.25]. No case of malaria was found among the participants. Our results showed a mismatch with hygiene hypotheses examined. However, considering that the prevalence of parasites varies with time, and depends on numerous epidemiological factors; these results do not discredit the theory investigated

Characteristics of familial multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Background & Objectives:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. The disease occurs with higher frequency among families. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and type of familial MS among patients with definite MS registered in the Isfahan Society for MS. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed on 3911 MS patients in Isfahan. All patients had a diagnosis of definite MS. Demographic characteristics, medical history, signs and symptoms at onset, course of disease, having a relative with MS, degree and type of relationship were recorded. Results: Familial MS was found in 11% of patients, with 57. 7% having a first degree relative with MS. Mean age of patients with familial MS was 36.9±10.4 years, with higher rates among women (female to male ratio 2.6). Highest rate for familial MS was observed in sister-sister relations, and brother-sister relation. Lowest rate was observed in father-son relation. Conclusions: Familial MS is more common among sisters while father-son relationship has the lowest association. Female to male ratio is 2.6 in familial MS which shows higher rates of males relative to general population.

[ comparison of osteobiol gen_oss with normal healing extraction socket in quality and quantity of bone formation for implant placement in partial edentulous patients]

The increase in the number of complex implant cases has drawn the attention of researchers toward materials having bone regeneration promoting ability. Socket preservation and bone graft are recommended to minimize bone resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate a kind of xenograft collagenic bone [osteo biol gen_oss] in socket regeneration. This randomized clinical trial was performed in 12 cases [6 in test and 6 in control groups] with two hopeless teeth. After tooth extraction, in test group, graft material was put in sockets but in the control group the socket was healed naturally. Three months later, during implant placement the specimens from both sites were sent to a pathologist for histologic and histomorphometric evaluations. Data were analyzed using Mc Nemar and Wilcoxan sigh rank test [alpha=0.05]. There were no significant differences between two groups in foreign body reaction, inflammation, bone vitality and percentage of bone gain. Average percentage of residual graft in test site was 6.73 +/- 1.43. Osteobiol gen_oss xenograft is an appropriate biocompatible osteoconductive material that promotes bone regeneration at 3 months following socket preservation in human extraction sockets