Heme oxigenase 2 gene polymorphisms as genetic risk factor in atherosclerosis in Iranian patients

Heme oxygenase 2 [HMOX2] is an important antioxidative stress enzyme found in the endothelial cells of blood vessels and adventitial nerves. This enzyme in collaboration with heme oxygenase 1 metabolizes heme molecules into ferrous iron, carbon monoxide [CO] and biliverdin while the later is further converted to bilirubin. Both biliverdin and bilirubin are potent antioxidants, reducing the chance of atherosclerosis. HMOX2 also induces endothelial relaxation by synthesizing CO. Heme oxygenase 2 gene mutations were studied in 137 patients with atherosclerosis and in 100 normal controls. Pairs of primers were designed to amplify 2[nd], 3[rd] and 5[th] exons of HMOX2 gene. These products were analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism [SSCP] analysis and the shifted fragments were separated from SSCP polyacrylamide gel for further sequencing. Two sequence variations were observed among 13 patients with atherosclerosis, consisting of C to A substitution in codone A70D [GCC to GAC] which was reported for the first time and A to G substitution in codone K89E [AAG to GAG]. A significant association was noticed between A to G mutation in codon K89E of hemoxygenase 2 gene and the risk of atherosclerosis was supported with p=0.01 and chi[2]>6.82. However, no significant associations were observed among C to A substitution in codon A70D, p=0.11 and chi[2]>2.97 and the risk of atherosclerosis. Our findings denoted to the importance of K89E mutation in the development of atherosclerosis in Iranian cases. Further studies are required to show the importance of hemoxygenase 2 gene mutation in other populations

[ study on the immunity level of 5-25 years old population of Baft and Kahnooj districts [Kerman, Iran] before and after M.R. vaccination mass campaign in 2003]

Measles Involves 45 millions and Kills 1.1 Millions in the World Annually. In Iran before mass campaign, the incidence rate of measles had increased dramatically. This study was done on 5-25 years old individuals in Baft and Kahnooj districts in order to compare their Immunity level, against measles, after and before the national mass campaign for M.R. vaccination [2003]. In this study, blood sampling was done twice. The first four weeks before and the other four weeks after mass campaign. Total number of cases were 1089, of whom 552 cases before and 537 cases after mass campaign were tested by E.nzygnost-Anti Measles Virus IgG Kit. In addition, demographic data such as sex, age, place of residency and history of vaccination were collected through a questionnaire. According to the results mass campaign vaccination was considerably effective and increased seropositive cases from 42.6 percent to 100%. Before mass campaign, the level of seropositive cases among four age groups of 5-9, 10-14, 15-19 and 20-25 years were 46%,46%,41.7%, and 34.1% respectively. In regard to sex, before mass campaign, 46.4% of males and 34.3% of females had seropositive responses. In Baft district 54.5% and in Kahnooj district 31.3% were seropositive. In urban areas 47.1% and in rural areas 32.6% of cases had seropositive responses. All mentioned rates, increased to 100% after Mass campaign. According to the results, before M.R. mass compaign immunity had reverse relation with age and M.R. mass campaign was significantly effective in rising the immunity to a favorite level [from 42.6% to 100%]