HTLV-1: ancient virus, new challenges

Human T-lymphotropic virus [HTLV-1] is an ancient pathogen for human being but arising and recognized recently. The routes of transmission are vertical [mainly by breastfeeding], unsafe sexual contacts and through contaminated blood components specially in whom need frequent and repeated blood transfusions such as permanent anemia due to blood loss in hemophilia and major thalassemia. Patients who should undergo hemodialysis in their lifelong are another instance for increased risk of HTLV-1 exposure. The main HTLV-1-associated diseases are tropical spastic tetraparesis [HAM/TSP], an inflammatory myelopathy and adult T-cell leukemia [ATL]. Although HTLV-1 is scattered around the world, only in endemic areas where prevalence rate is more than 1%, viral burden of infection have accumulated. Japan, Southern and Central parts of Africa, Caribbean basin and Iran are examples of endemic areas of HTLV-1. In this article, a rapid and brief review of HTLV-1 virology, immunology and pathogenesis have emerged. In addition, a short debate has driven about current statues of HTLV-1 in Iran

relationship between renal artery stenosis and ischemic nephropathy

Ischemic nephropathy is defined as a clinically significant progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate that is usually associated with significant renal artery stenosis [unilateral or bilateral involvement]. Atherosclerotic renal artery disease is known as the most common cause of the ischemic nephropathy. These patients may develop secondary hypertension. In addition, epidemiologic data has showed a clear association between atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular disease. Despite the preserving function of kidney on various autoregulation processes, unusual microvascular function will be resulted due to sustained decline in renal perfusion. The ischemic nephropathy of asymptomatic cases may result in renovascular hypertension and renal failure. The reduction of renal function in these patients might be decreased or stopped by early appropriate diagnosis and also might be treated with renal artery angioplasty or surgery, after medical management. There is a debate about the occurrence of ischemic nephropathy as a result of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. In this study we aimed to review the prevalence of ischemic nephropathy due to atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis