Polymorphism in exon 2 of CD1 genes in southwest of Iran

The CD1 family is less variable transmembrane antigen presenting molecules related to the MHC molecules. CD1a and CD1e genes are the most polymorphic ones associated with autoimmune diseases. The aim was to better clarify the map of CD1 genes in Southwest Iranian normal population for implications in vaccine design. In this study we investigated the polymorphism of CD1a, CD1d and CD1e in 311 healthy individuals from Fars Province in Southwest of Iran by PCR-SSP method. Six of individuals had homozygote CD1a 01/01 genotype and 248 had homozygote CD1a 02/02 genotype. CD1d was found to be monomorphic with all tested individuals showing CD1d 01/01 genotype. Hundred and eleven individuals had homozygote CD1e 01/01 genotype and 48 had homozygote CD1e 02/02 genotype. The frequencies of CD1a 01 and CD1a 02 alleles were 11% and 89% while the frequencies of CD1e 01 and CD1e 02 alleles were 60.1% and 39.9%, respectively. Consistent with previous reports on other genes, a high degree of similarity in CD1a and CD1e allelic distribution was observed between Southwest Iranians and other Indo-European populations. However, the allelic frequency of the CD1a and CD1e alleles showed a significant difference from those of Chinese Han and She populations. These data are notable in the light of relatively recent genetic admixture along the Silk Road. Considering the significance of CD1 alleles in some autoimmune and infectious diseases and with the admixed nature of Iranian population, mapping the distribution of CD1e alleles in different regions of Iran can be useful in future designing of preventive and therapeutic vaccines

Inhibition of nitric oxide production and proinflammatory cytokines by several medicinal plants

A number of medicinal plants have been used to treat various immunological diseases. Nitric oxide [NO] has an important regulatory role in the various types of inflammatory processes. To investigate the NO modulatory activity of the extracts of several medicinal plants native to Iran including Dracocephalum kotschyi, Linum persicum, Dionysia termeana, Salvia mirzayanii, Ferulago angulata and Euphorbia cheiradenia. The methanolic extracts of the plants were prepared and examined for their effects on the NO production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse macrophages. The level of TNF- alpha and IL-1 beta proinflammatory cytokines in the macrophage culture were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All the extracts at concentration of 50 micro g/ml demonstrated a significant decrease in NO production [p<0.001] after a 24-hour treatment. This inhibitory effect was also seen after 48 hours. Among the extracts, L. persicum was the strongest extract in reducing the NO production at 1 micro g/ml after both 24 and 48-hours [nearly 100% inhibition, p<0.001]. S. mirzayanii extract with 66.2 +/- 8% inhibition at 50 micro g/ml, showed the mildest effects in 48 hour culture. In cytokine release determination, the extract of L. persicum significantly inhibited both TNF- alpha and IL-1 beta cytokines production by stimulated macrophages [p<0.001]. D. kotschyi, D. termeana and F. angulata decreased secretion of IL-1 beta from the cells. These results indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory and macrophage inhibitory substances in these plants