Oligoclonal expression of T-cell receptor beta variable genes in normal human endometrium

In spite of their key role in various immunological processes occurring in the endometrium, T cells- especially alpha-beta+ subtype- residing in this mucosal tissue, have not been extensively explored. We present here the profile of expressed genes for variable region of ??chain of T cell receptor [TCR] in normal endometrium as compared to peripheral blood. Samples from endometrium were taken from normal fertile women during routine check-up by Pipelle pipette or after hysterectomy operation. Total RNA from both blood and endometrial samples was extracted and RT-PCR using BV gene specific primers was performed. After southern blotting, hybridization with radiolabelled specific probe and autoradiography, relative expression of each BV family was determined. Clonal expansions of the over-expressed genes were studied by determining their CDR3 length polymorphism. A total of 12 blood and 14 endometrial samples were collected. Only one TCRBV gene [TCRBV7] was expressed significantly more and 3 genes less frequently in the endometrium compared to blood. Also, two other genes [TCRBV10 and 12] were found marginally more frequent in the endometrium. As for their clonality, all 3 TCRBV genes examined here showed a rather restricted [oligoclonal] and in some cases, very restricted [probably monoclonal] pattern in the endometrium in contrast to polyclonal patterns in the blood. Our results indicate the similarities between T cells residing in different mucosal tissues and support their common recruitment and functional potentials. Moreover, our findings provide a basis for future investigations about endometrial T cell involvement and their antigen specificities in different gynecological problems

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and immunological tolerance during pregnancy

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase [IDO], an enzyme involved in the catabolism of tryp-tophan, is expressed by a variety of cells and tissues such as macrophages, dendritic cells, cells of the endocrine system and by the placenta. IFN-y is the main inducer of this enzyme. IDO acts as an important defense mechanism of innate immunity against pathogens. It also has tumor suppressive activity and prolongs the survival of allograft. One of the interesting functions of IDO is prevention of the allogenic fetus rejection during pregnancy by inhibiting alloreactive T cells. It was shown that inhibition of IDO activity by IDO inhibitor, 1-methyl tryptophan, during mouse pregnancy causes fetal rejection. The main mechanism by which IDO protects fetus is through reducing the tryptophan level and suppressing the T cell activity in the feto-maternal interface. In this review the biological functions of IDO with emphasis on its role in allogeneic fetus protection have been discussed

Prevalence and severity of Asthma symptoms in children of Tehran international study of asthma and allergies in childhood [ISAAC]

This descreptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms among 6-7 and 13-14 year old school children in Tehran as a part of International study of Asthma and Allergies in childhood [ISAAC] phase Ill. The ISAAC written questionnaire was given to a total of 6127 students of 72 schools in urban area of Tehran. Simple random sampling was performed with a uniform distribution throughout 12 clusters of 2 divisions of the municipality. All 6-7 and 13-14 year old students were enrolled in this study. Results showed that 15% of the 6-7 year olds and 17% of the 13-14 year olds had positive history of wheezing among which 8.6% and 10.6% respectively had had recent attacks. Physician confirmed asthma was reported in 2.1% of the 6-7 year olds and 2.6% of the 13-14 age group. Severity of asthma assessed by frequency of speech limitation due to wheeze was positive in 1.5% of 6-7 aged group and 3% of 13-14 year olds. Exercise induced wheeze was detected in 2.3% of the 6- 7year old group compared to 15.3% of the 13-14 year olds. Nocturnal cough was more prevalent among 13-14 year olds [18.4%] compared to only 7.2% in the 6-7 year olds. Overall, no significant change in prevalence of asthma symptoms has occurred since 1997 [the last phase of ISAAC] among children of Tehran. The results of our study suggest higher rates of confirmed asthma among 6-7 years old girls compared to boys. However, more extensive and precisely designed studies are needed to further confirm these findings