Effect of COVID-19 On the Sexual Activity of Men.

In December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 was found in China. This virus can affect different organs depending on the coronavirus receptors on the cell surface, which allows the organ to be attacked by the coronavirus. Psychological distress and impaired pulmonary hemodynamics seem to be the cause of decreasing libido or sexual dysfunction after contracting COVID-19. This study was performed to assess the effect of coronavirus on the sexual activity of men. We enrolled 200 men with COVID-19, confirmed by an oropharyngeal sample, who had recovered from the coronavirus for 3 months. These men filled out the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire for their current and previous sexual status. Then, according to their IIEF-5 score, sexual activity before and after corona infection was compared. The mean age of the participants was 31.5 ±3.2 years. This study showed a significant difference between the IIEF-5 mean scores before and after COVID-19, which were 20.4 and 18.6, respectively (p = .000). The condition of 56.1% of the patients did not change; however, coronavirus did have a negative effect on 39.6% of the patients. 4.1% of patients reported improvement in sexual performance. 45% of the patients reported no erectile dysfunction (ED) before contracting the coronavirus; while only 27.7% reported no ED after getting COVID-19. Our findings show that COVID-19 could influence the sexual activity of infected men, who also showed a higher ED prevalence after COVID-19 infection; however, hormonal assessment should be observed in the follow-up.

Does Clomiphene citrate administration increase the success rate of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in non-obstructive azoospermic men? A cross-sectional study.

Background: Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been suggested to increase the chance of sperm retrieval withmicrodissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CC on micro-TESE results, due to the great controversy in this regard. Materials and Methods: 112 participants were included in this cross-sectional study and were divided into a case (n = 54) and a control group (n = 58) diagnosed with non-abstractive azoospermia. The case group received 25 mg of CC daily for 3 months, while the control group did not receive anything. All participants underwent micro-TESE by an andrologist, and at the end, the results were compared between groups. Hormone tests, including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and prolactin were analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was the same in the case and the control groups, and no significant relationship was observed between the 2 groups (p = 0.16). 25.9% of sperm and 31.0% of sperm were observed and extracted in the CC-treated and the control group, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings showed that after receiving CC, the number of sperm extraction did not increase but it rather decreased. However, the initial level of hormones such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin, and the men's age, testicle size, smoking, and opium addiction, underlying diseases had no significant relationship in the 2 groups and did not affect the results.

Association of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Prostate Cancer: a Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: A variety of studies have evaluated the association of polymorphisms at endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene with risk of prostate cancer. However, the results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to derive a more precise estimation between eNOS polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Wed of Science, Elsevier, Cochrane Library, SciELO, SID, WanFang, VIP, CBD and CNKI database up to March 20, 2020. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the associations. RESULTS: A total of 22 case-control studies including 12 studies with 4,464 cases and 4,347 controls on +894G>T, five studies with 589 cases and 789 controls on VNTR 4a/b, and five studies with 588 cases and 692 controls on -786T > C were selected. Overall, pooled data showed a significant association between eNOS 894G>T, VNTR 4a/b, and -786T > C polymorphisms and an increased risk of prostate cancer in the global population. When stratified by ethnicity, a significant association was found between eNOS +894G>T and -786T>C polymorphisms and risk of prostate cancer in Caucasians. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that eNOS 894G>T, VNTR 4a/b, and -786T>C polymorphisms were associated with risk of prostate cancer in the global population as well as Caucasian population.

Association of NAD (P) H Quinine Oxidoreductase 1 rs1800566 Polymorphism with Bladder and Prostate Cancers - a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Number of studies has been performed to investigate the association of NAD (P) H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) rs1800566 polymorphism with risk of bladder and prostate cancers, but presented inconsistent results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive data on the association of NQO1 rs1800566 polymorphism with bladder and prostate cancers. METHODS: All eligible studies were identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases before June 01, 2019. RESULTS: A total of 22 case-control studies including 15 studies with 4,413 cases and 4,275 controls on bladder cancer and 7 studies with 762 cases and 1,813 controls on prostate cancer were selected. Overall, pooled data showed that the NQO1 rs1800566 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (T vs. C: OR 1.300; 95% CI 1.112-1.518; P = 0.001; TT vs. CC: OR 1.415; 95% CI 1.084-1.847; P = 0.011; TC vs. CC: OR 1.389; 95% CI 1.111-1.738; P = 0.004; TT + TC vs. CC: OR 1.428; 95% CI 1.145-1.782; P = 0.002) and prostate cancer (TC vs. CC: OR 1.276; 95% CI 1.047-1.555; P = 0.016; TT + TC vs. CC: OR 1.268; 95% CI 1.050-1.532; P = 0.014). The stratified analysis by ethnicity revealed an increased risk of bladder cancer among Caucasians and prostate cancer among Asians. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that the NQO1 rs1800566 polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of bladder and prostate cancers.

An Overnight Stay Versus three Days Admission after Uncomplicated Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of discharging patients on the first postoperative day after an uncomplicated percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: after an uncomplicated successful PCNL without significant residual stone (>5mm) or any complication up to the first postoperative day, we randomly assigned patients into two groups-Group 1: overnight surgery, and Group 2: routine discharge after three days. Patients with significant residual stone on control fluoroscopy were excluded. Ninety eight and 102 patients were assigned to groups 1 and 2, respectively. Serum Hemoglobin and Cr were evaluated before the operation as well as the first postoperative day. Stone free status was evaluated using ultrasound and KUB radiography at the first postoperative day. RESULTS: The stone and patient characteristics were not different in two groups. The preoperative and change in the hemoglobin and creatinine levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Nine patients (9.2%) in Group 1 and five (4.9%) in Group 2 were readmitted because of complications (mainly hematuria) (p=.23). Of the readmitted patients, five in Group 1 (55%), and three in Group 2 (60%) received blood transfusion (p=.87). in these patients, group 1 received 1.6±0.51 units of blood compared with 1.93±0.25 in group 2 (p=.07). All the readmitted patients did well with conservative therapy with no need for angioembolization. CONCLUSION: In uncomplicated PCNL with no significant residual stone, discharging the patient on the first postoperative day is safe. The outcome is comparable to a routine three-day hospital stay.

Assessment of meatal stenosis in neonates undergoing circumcision using Plastibell Device with two different techniques.

PURPOSE: It was intended to compare meatal stenosis (MS) as a late complication of neonatal circumcision by using two different methods of Plastibell Device circumcision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,307 healthy term newborns (6-36 hours) who were born between 2007 and 2009 in Niknafs Medical Center of Rafsanjan, Iran, were simply randomized into two groups in a controlled, nonblinded clinical trial. In group A (1,102 neonates), the frenulum was maintained intact without any manipulation, and in group B (1,205 neonates) frenular hemostasis was performed in all cases by thermal cautery. MS was assessed by follow-up visits that were made for all cases at the 24-72 hours, 60th day, 12th month, and 16th month after circumcision. RESULTS: At 2 months follow-up visit, the rate of MS in group A was 4.9% (54) and in group B was 5.9% (71), which was not statistically significant. After 12 months, MS in group A was 8.5% (94) and in group B was 13.7% (165), which was statistically significant (P<0.001). At 16 months after circumcision, in the frenulum intact group, MS was 13.8% (152) and in the cautery group, it was 18.9% (228), which was compatible with significant difference (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Our experience with large group of cases revealed that neonatal circumcision by using Plastibell Device with intact frenulum technique decreases the rate of delayed MS.

S100A12 in renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Expression of S100A12, a small calcium-binding protein, by neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages induces proinflammatory responses via ligation with the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and subsequent activation of intracellular signal transduction pathways such as the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. Although S100A12 has been demonstrated to be a useful biomarker during inflammatory conditions, its precise role in the pathogenesis of renal and cardiovascular diseases has not been fully understood. Recently, several studies have employed S100A12 transgenic mice to investigate its pathological effects. Further studies using these models are required before we can translate these findings to human diseases such as renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Elevated levels of S100A12 in the seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele.

PURPOSE: Varicocele is among the leading causes of male infertility. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis is still unclear. S100A12 is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins with principal extracellular activities. It is secreted by activated neutrophils and interacts with the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Many studies have delineated the patterns of S100A12 expression in a variety of pathologic conditions. These data show that S100A12 could be a potentially useful inflammatory marker. To explore the relationship between S100A12 and infertility, we examined the amount of S100A12 in semen of infertile men who suffered from varicocele. METHODS: S100A12 levels in seminal plasma of 68 infertile men with varicocele (age range 30-45 years) and 68 healthy fertile controls were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using both parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: Results of this study showed that the seminal levels of S100A12 were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele when compared to fertile controls (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Because of the important role(s) of these molecules in inflammatory response of cell systems, it could be possible that the spermatozoa motility is reduced following increasing neutrophils, S100A12, and reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients with varicocele. S100 proteins seem to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for male infertility.

Role of galectin-3 in the pathogenesis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

Galectins constitute an evolutionary conserved family that binds to ß-galactosides. There is growing evidence that galectins are implicated in essential biological processes such as cellular communication, inflammation, differentiation and apoptosis. Galectin-3 is one of the best-known galectins, which is found in vertebrates. Galectin-3 has been shown to be expressed in some cell lines and plays important roles in several physiological and pathological processes, including cell adhesion, cell activation and chemoattraction, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell growth, and differentiation. Moreover, this galectin is of interest due to its involvement in regulation of cancer. Changes in galectin-3 expression are commonly seen in cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions and galectin-3 may be involved in the regulation of cancer cell activities that contribute to tumourigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. Finally, galectin-3 seems to be involved in cell events in tumor microenvironment, and therefore it could be considered as a target in transitional cell carcinoma therapies. This review aims to describe recent progress in understanding the role of galectin-3 in cancer biology, with emphasis on bladder tumor progression and metastasis.

Association between MTHFR C677T Polymorphism and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Evidence from 22 Studies with 10,832 Cases and 11,993 Controls.

BACKGROUND: The MTHFR C677T polymorphism is a genetic alteration affecting an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, but its relationship to host susceptibility to prostate cancer remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and prostate cancer by performing a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pubmed and Web of Science databases were searched for case-control studies investigating the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and prostate cancer. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess any link. RESULTS: A total of 22 independent studies were identified, including 10,832 cases and 11,993 controls. Meta-analysis showed that there was no obvious association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer under all five genetic models. There was also no obvious association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer in the subgroup analyses of Caucasians. In contrast, MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with increased risk for prostate cancer in Asians with the allele model (C vs G: OR=1.299, 95 %CI =1.121-1.506, P=0.001, Pheterogeneity =0.120, I2=45%), additive genetic model (CC vs TT: OR =1.925, 95 % CI= 1.340-2.265, P=0.00, Pheterogeneity =0.587, I2=0.00%), recessive model (CC vs TT+TC: OR= 1.708, 95 % CI= 1.233-2.367, P=0.001, Pheterogeneity =0.716, I2=0.00%), and heterozygote genetic model (CT vs TT: OR=2.193, 95 % CI =1.510-3.186, P=0.000, Pheterogeneity =0.462, I2=0.00%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism does not contribute to the risk of prostate cancer from currently available evidence in populations overall and Caucasians. However, the meta analysis indicates that it may play a role in prostate cancer development in Asians.

S100A12 and RAGE expression in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma: a role for the ligand/RAGE axis in tumor progression?

BACKGROUND: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and prostate cancer are the most frequent cancers in the male genitourinary tract. Measurement of biological biomarkers may facilitate clinical monitoring and aid early diagnosis of TCC. The aim of the present investigation was to detect the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in patients suffering from bladder TCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore the involvement of S100A12 and RAGE genes, total RNA was harvested from cancer tissues and samples obtained from normal non-tumorized urothelium of the same patients. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was subsequently employed to determine the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE. RESULTS: The results showed that mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE was significantly up-regulated in the cancer tissue. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results presented in the current study, mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE might be as a useful biomarker for TCC. Therefore, this ligand-receptor axis possibly plays important roles in the development of TCC and may serve either as an early diagnostic marker or as a key factor in monitoring of response to treatment. More research is required concerning inhibition of the S100A12-RAGE axis in different cancer models.

Coexistence of multiple arterial variations in the genitourinary system.

Variations in the renal, adrenal and testicular arteries are of clinical significance as well as anatomical and embryological interest. The present case report describes the incidental finding of unilateral multiple renal arteries on the right side with bilateral variant testicular arteries, which had not been reported so far. These variations were observed during routine dissection of the abdominal region in an Iranian cadaver. The upper supplementary renal artery branched from the abdominal aorta and sent superior suprarenal artery to the adrenal gland. The lower supplementary renal artery arose from the main renal artery. Both additional arteries entered the kidney proximal to its hilum. The right testicular artery supplied the right suprarenal gland by an unusual branch. Double testicular arteries were seen on the left side with a relatively high origin from abdominal aorta. The objective of this report is to supplement the knowledge of vascular variations in the renal, suprarenal and testicular arteries that could be quite useful from a clinical point of view.

Laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy for management of staghorn renal calculi.

BACKGROUND: Management of staghorn renal stones is still challenging. We present our experience with laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy as an alternative option for management of staghorn renal calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with staghorn renal calculi underwent 25 laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithtomy procedures. Characteristics of patients and stones along with perioperative features such as operation time, transfusion, ischemic time, hospitalization, stone-free rate, and biochemical data were recorded prospectively. We applied the one-layer knotless technique for renorrhaphy repair. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 55.1 ± 10.9 years (range, 28-74 years). Eleven (44%) operations were done on the right side, and 14 (56%) were done on the left side. Complete and partial staghorn stones existed in 17 (68%) and 8 (32%) renal units, respectively. The mean stone size was 61.5 ± 11.5 mm. Ischemic time was 30.4 ± 7.55 minutes. The stone-free rate was 88% on discharge and 92% after one session of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. CONCLUSIONS: Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the standard of care for treatment of staghorn stone, laparoscopic anatrophic nephrolithotomy seems to be a safe and feasible option in select patients.

Neurologic complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been the preferred procedure for the removal of large renal stones in Iran since 1990. Recently, we encountered a series of devastating neurologic complications during PCNL, including paraplegia and hemiplegia. There are several reports of neurologic complications following PCNL owing to paradoxical air emboli, but there are no reports of paraplegia following PCNL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone PCNL in 13 different endourologic centers and retrieved data related to neurologic complications after PCNL, including coma, paraplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia. RESULTS: The total number of PCNL procedures in these 13 centers was 30,666. Among these procedures, 11 cases were complicated by neurologic events, and four of these cases experienced paraplegia. All events happened with the patient in the prone position with the use of general anesthesia and in the presence of air injection. There were no reports of neurologic complications in PCNL procedures performed with the patient under general anesthesia and in the prone position and with contrast injection. CONCLUSIONS: It can be assumed that using room air to opacify the collecting system played a major role in the occurrence of these complications. Likewise, the prone position and general anesthesia may predispose to these events in the presence of air injection.

Obstructive uropathy due to prolapsed lower ureters and bladder in patients with severe procidentia: A report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic organ prolape is not uncommon in multi-parous or elderly women. It is one of the rare but important causes of obstructive uropathy. Herein, we report two cases of severe procidentia that were referred with obstructive uropathy due to prolapsed bladder and ureters. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The first case was a 78-year-old woman, with severe pelvic organ prolape and secondary bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and post-renal failure. She was treated successfully by bilateral nephrostomy insertion and then pessary insertion. The second case was a 75-year-old woman who referred with the same presentation, but treated surgically with burch colposuspention and synchronous bilateral ureteral stent insertion. DISCUSSION: Pelvic organ prolapse is not uncommon in old women. In addition to physical problems of procidentia, it may cause acute renal failure (ARF), chronic renal failure (CRF), and finally end stage renal disease (ESRD) if undiagnosed. CONCLUSION: In every aged female case with obstructive uropathy and/or bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with unknown causes, gynecologic examination should be performed for early detection of possible pelvic organ prolapse. Appropriate management is necessary to prevent renal failure from uterine prolapse (UP).

Abnormal patterns of the renal veins.

Knowledge of the renal vascular anatomy may greatly contribute to the success of surgical, invasive and radiological procedures of the retroperitoneal region. Here, morphometric and histological studies of a human cadaveric specimen presented a complex, anomalous pattern of renal veins. The left renal vein had an oblique retro-aortic course and received two lumbar veins. It bifurcated near its drainage point into the inferior vena cava. The right renal vein received the right testicular vein. In addition, the left kidney was located at a low position. The spleen was enlarged. The present case is unique and provides information that may help surgeons or angiologists to apply safer interventions.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic heminephrectomy in duplex kidneys: a one centre experience.

PURPOSE: The standard treatment for a duplex kidney with poorly functioning upper pole moiety is ipsilateral upper pole heminephrectomy. This procedure is usually performed by open surgery, but with recent developments in techniques of uro-laparoscopy, it can be done with it, safely. In this study we evaluated the results and safety of laparoscopic heminephrectomy in our consecutive cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2001 to May 2007 fourteen unilateral laparoscopic heminephrectomy were performed in our center. Patients' characteristics, presenting symptoms, operative time, and blood loss, early and late complications were all collected retrospectively. Using pre-operative ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography (IVP) and CT scanning, unilateral upper pole hydronephrosis was detected in all cases. By DMSA isotope scan hypofunctioning of ipsilateral moieties was detected in all cases. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 203±80 minutes. No major intra-operative or early complications were identified. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 days. On mean follow-up of 32 months no disturbing symptoms or episodes of urinary tract infections (UTIs) were detected. Atrophic kidney was detected in one case in post-operative IVP. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic heminephrectomy is a valuable minimal invasive procedure that can be performed safely in experienced hands without any important complication. Perfect renal pedicles vascular system manipulation is important for the preservation of renal function post-operatively.

Increased circulating levels of SDF-1 (CXCL12) in type 2 diabetic patients are correlated to disease state but are unrelated to polymorphism of the SDF-1ß gene in the Iranian population.

Several environmental and genetic factors are believed to influence the onset of diabetes and its complications. It has also been established that cytokines play a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have revealed that the polymorphism at the stromal-derived factor 1ß (SDF-1ß) 3'A regulates the expression of SDF-1 (CXCL12). This study was aimed to explore this polymorphism in parallel with SDF-1 serum levels in type 2 diabetic patients. In this assessment, peripheral blood samples were collected from 200 type 2 diabetic patients and 200 healthy controls. DNA was extracted, and a PCR-RFLP screening was applied to examine the SDF-1ß 3'A polymorphism. We also applied the ELISA technique to measure serum levels of SDF-1. Our results showed that there were no significant correlations between SDF-1ß 3'Α polymorphism in type 2 diabetic patients when compared to controls. However, our results showed that the serum levels of SDF-1 were significantly increased in the patients when compared to controls. Based on the results of this study, we concluded that SDF-1ß 3'Α polymorphism does not play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes but that elevated serum levels of SDF-1 may be important for the etiology of type 2 diabetes but are unrelated to the SDF-1ß 3'Α polymorphism.

Genitourinary system trauma after 2003 Bam earthquake in Kerman, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Natural disasters, especially earthquakes, result in many health problems all over the world, of which urological injuries should not be underestimated. Car accidents and falling from a height are the most common causes of genitourinary system injury. The lack of specific data in the literature regarding the outcome of earthquake-related genitourinary system trauma prompted us to undertake this study. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the genitourinary system injury in patients who had survived the Bam earthquake. In this study, all patients admitted to two main back-up hospitals of Kerman were included. Of 256 patients who had been referred to Kerman hospitals, 28 cases were found to have urologic damage on physical examination, intravenous pyelography, abdominopelvic X-ray, and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Of 28 patients with urologic damage, 22 (78.5%) were male and six (21.5%) were female. Their age ranged from 18 to 65 years. The injures included urethral disruption in 21 cases (75.5%), vesicovaginal fistula in four cases (14%), kidney rupture in two cases (7%) and bladder neck disruption accompanied with total right ureteral disruption and vesicovaginal fistula in a female patient (3.5%). CONCLUSION: We have evaluated the incidence of genitourinary injuries after an earthquake disaster for the first time. The most and least common urologic injury in our patients was urethral disruption and ureteral injury, respectively.

Post-transfusion-transmitted hepatitis C virus infection: a study on thalassemia and hemodialysis patients in southeastern Iran.

Thalassemia and hemodialysis patients are at risk of blood-transmitted infections due to their long-term need for blood transfusion. Nowadays, control of viral infections, including HCV infections, is one of the main tasks of blood transfusion services worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of HCV infection in thalassemia and hemodialysis patients in Kerman, in southeastern Iran. In this cross-sectional experimental study, 384 (203 hemodialysis and 181 thalassemia) patients were examined for HCV infection. Demographic data were also collected by questionnaire, and HCV infection was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data were analyzed by chi-square and t-test. Our results showed that 81 (44.7%) thalassemia and 64 (31.5%) hemodialysis patients were infected with HCV. There was a significant relationship between HCV positivity and the frequency of blood transfusion and the duration of dialysis in thalassemia and hemodialysis patients, respectively. Based on our results, the prevalence of HCV infection in thalassemia and hemodialysis patients in the southeastern part of Iran is higher than the other parts. Therefore, it is suggested that clinical and health authorities in southeastern Iran should pay more attention to preventing the transmission of HCV through blood and blood components.