Analysis of interleukin-18 and CD14 gene polymorphism in atopic patients

Immunoglobulin E [IgE] mediated allergy is a common chronic disorder resulting from interaction between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to reveal the single nucleotide polymorphisms' [SNPs] in 1L-18 [137G>C] and CD 14 [C-159T] genes to reveal their possible association with atopic diseases in Egyptian population. A total of 30 diagnosed atopic patients and a total of 30 age-matched control subjects were included in this study. Diagnosis of atopy was made according to the family history and the results of both intradermal skin test and total IgE enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay. Interleukin-18 [-137G>C] genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers [PCR-SSP] The CD14 [C-159T] polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction -Restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP], Insignificant higher prevalence of heterozygous genotype [GC] of IL-18 [-137G>C] gene was found in atopic patients compared to control subjects. Statistical analysis revealed significant association between atopy and the CC genotype of CD14 [C-159T]. Only the genotype combination GG/ CC which is composed of the IL-18 GG genotype and CD 14 CC genotype was preferentially transmitted to atopic patients. The results of this study suggested a possible association of atopy with the CD 14 [C-159T]. Moreover, the genotype combination GG/ CC may be one of the factors that participate in the. pathogenesis of atopy?

Role of spirochaetes and anaerobic bacteria in periodontal disease

Gingivitis is the commonest bacterial inflammaion of the body. 58 patients with different forms of periodontal disease and 10 normal subjects with clinically healthy gingiva were studied. The most important predisposing factors are high carbohydrate diet, bad oral hygiene and smoking. Females tend to be affected more than males especially middle aged. The same bacterial species were isolated from healthy sites, inflamed gingiva or controls. Gingivitis appears to be a redistribution or overgrowth of one bacterial species over the others when predisposing factors exsist. Anaerobic Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacilli especially the group of Beta-melaninogenicus appear to be the most important pathogens. The very rich yield of bacteria and nutritional interdependence of most species were obstacles against isolation of many strains. Antibiotic sensitivity using microbroth technique was done and showed that for this mixed infection it is better to use a combination of tetracycline and clindamycin or metronidazole