Association of preoperative CT-scan features and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is a significant complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy. CR-POPF is associated with various adverse outcomes, including high mortality rates. Identifying complication predictors for CR-POPF, such as preoperative CT scan features, including pancreatic attenuation index (PAI) and pancreatic duct diameter (PDD), is critical. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidate existing literature to assess the impact of these variables on CR-POPF risk. METHODS: Our comprehensive search, conducted in May 2023, covered PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed cohort studies on pancreaticoduodenectomy, focusing on preoperative CT scan data. Case reports, case series, and studies reporting distal pancreatectomy were excluded. The quality assessment of included articles was done using New-Castle Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (PROSPERO) on 12 May 2023 (registration number: CRD42023414139). RESULTS: We conducted a detailed analysis of 38 studies with 7393 participants. The overall incidence of CR-POPF was 24%. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that PDD and pancreatic parenchymal thickness were significantly associated with CR-POPF. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis shed light on CT scan findings for predicting CR-POPF after Whipple surgery. Age, PDD, and pancreatic parenchymal thickness significantly correlate with CR-POPF.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Status toward Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Medicine among the Medical Interns and Gynecology Residents of Iran University of Medical Sciences.

Background: Clinical reasoning and evidence-based medicine (EBM) are important concepts in modern medicine. Objective: We performed this study to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) status toward clinical reasoning and EBM among the medical interns and gynecology resident physicians of Iran University of Medical Sciences and related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study (Tehran, Iran, first half of 2022) was conducted based on two researcher-made questionnaires consisting of three components for each including clinical reasoning attitude (CR-A), clinical reasoning knowledge (CR-K), clinical reasoning practice (CR-P), EBM attitude (EBM-A), EBM knowledge (EBM-K), and EBM practice (EBM-P). The related factors were age, gender, educational level, score of general practice education, having research experience, and general practice experience. Results: A total of 60 individuals participated. The mean score was good for CR-A, moderate for CR-K, moderate for CR-P, good for EBM-A, moderate for EBM-K, and moderate for EBM-P. The total score was moderate in both clinical reasoning and EBM. Among the related factors, CR-P was associated with higher educational levels and having experience in general practice (P < 0.05). Research experience was associated with better CR-K and all KAP components for EBM (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The total score and many of the KAP components had moderate status for clinical reasoning and EBM. Planning on the associated factors should be regarded in the future. Such questionnaires are suggested to be validated for use in quasi-experimental studies.

Prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) symptoms among health care workers in COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms, are among the serious mental health challenges that Health Care Workers (HCWs) faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As these symptoms reduce the mental well-being and effectiveness of HCWs which are followed by poor health outcomes for patients, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of OCD symptoms among HCWs worldwide. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Emerald, and ERIC databases were searched using related keywords till the end of October 2021. Observational studies about the prevalence of OCD symptoms among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were screened and evaluated. In order to assess the quality of studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) checklist was used. The effect measure was the prevalence rate with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 7864 individuals from 11 studies were included. The range of OCD symptoms prevalence across these studies was from 0.07 to 0.47. Due to the high heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 98.6%, P < 0.01), the random effects model was used. The pooled prevalence was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.22-0.38) based on logit transformed CI. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of OCD symptoms was 29% among the HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This prevalence was higher than the general population according to the pre-pandemic literature, but lower than the recent reports amid the pandemic. Psychosocial interventions are suggested to be designed and implemented in such conditions.

Association between metabolic syndrome and prevalent skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Background and Aim: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a well-known noncommunicable disease that plays a significant role in emerging other chronic disorders and following complications. MetS is also involved in the pathophysiology of numerous dermatological diseases. We aim to evaluate the association of MetS with the most prevalent dermatological diseases. Methods: A systematic search was carried out on PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Only English case-control studies regarding MetS and any skin disease from the beginning of 2010 up to November 15, 2022, were selected. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Results: A total of 37 studies (13,830 participants) met the inclusion criteria. According to our result, patients with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), vitiligo, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and lichen planus (LP) have a higher chance of having MetS compared to the general population. Furthermore, people with seborrheic dermatitis (SED) and rosacea are more prone to insulin resistance, high blood pressure (BP), and higher blood lipids. After pooling data, the meta-analysis revealed a significant association between MetS and skin diseases (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 3.28, 95% confidence interval: 2.62-4.10). Concerning the type of disease, MetS has been correlated with AGA (OR: 11.86), HS (OR: 4.46), LP (OR: 3.79), and SED (OR: 2.45). Psoriasis also showed a significant association but with high heterogeneity (OR: 2.89). Moreover, skin diseases and MetS are strongly associated in Spain (OR: 5.25) and Thailand (OR: 11.86). Regarding the metaregression model, the effect size was reduced with increasing age (OR: 0.965), while the size increased with AGA (OR: 3.064). Conclusions: MetS is closely associated with skin complications. Dermatologists and other multidisciplinary teams should be cautious while treating these patients to prevent severe complications resulting from MetS.

Structural equation modelling to estimate facial soft tissue thickness parameters based on ethnicity, gender and body mass index: a secondary study on an Iranian dataset.

PURPOSE: According to the anthropological importance of soft facial tissue thickness parameters, we aimed to find the association of these parameters with Lur and Arab ethnicities, gender and body mass index (BMI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. METHODS: As a secondary analysis, SEM was performed on a dataset of 100 participants. The participants were from Lur and Arab populations of Ahvaz province, Iran, from those who referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to headache. RESULTS: Multivariate regression illustrated that mental eminence (ME), chain-lip fold (CLF) and end of nasals (END) could not be predicted by the independent variables (p > 0.05). Right masseteric region (RMST) had the maximum predictability with R2 = 0.365, followed by middle philtrum (MID) with R2 = 0.358 (p < 0.001). With respect to our criterion to enter SEM, i.e. existing at least two significant covariates at significance level of 0.05, among staying parameters, only parameters of nasion (NA), MID, superior lip (SL), RMST and left masseteric region (LMST) remained. Among these cases, MID was the only parameter that its three covariates illustrated significant association. CONCLUSION: MID parameter can be predicted by gender, BMI and Arab ethnicity. By carrying out such studies and creating database, such information can be used in plastic surgery, corpse identification, and facial reconstruction software in archeology.

Association of E-Selectin gene polymorphisms and serum E-Selectin level with risk of coronary artery disease in lur population of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion molecules like E-selectin have important role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. C1901T and G98T polymorphisms of E-selectin gene and E-selectin serum level may affect the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: A total of 145 normal individuals and 154 patients diagnosed with CAD from the Lur population of Iran undergoing coronary angiography were enrolled. Genetic polymorphisms of E-selectin were determined using PCR-RFLP. Serum level of soluble E-selectin was measured using Elisa. RESULTS: T allele in C1901T polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (P = 0.018). No significant association was observed for G98T polymorphism. The mean serum level of soluble E-selectin in the patient group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Allele type in C1901T polymorphism plays a role in increasing the risk of developing CAD. Furthermore, since serum E-selectin level is associated with systemic inflammation, it contributes to the increased risk of the disease.

Pilot analysis of intravenous lipid infusion role in COVID-19 mortality.

INTRODUCTION: How to reduce the fatality of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is still challenging. A proper nutritional support has been always a matter of attention in critically ill patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed COVID-19 patients who had received intralipid infusion due to medical indications and compared them with those who did not receive it regarding fatality rate and prognosis. As a part of a data mining project using data of observational cohort of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the educational centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, an inferential case series was performed. A total of 19 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were selected from the cohort. Briefly, 13 patients survived and 6 patients died, and 12 patients were admitted in intensive care unit (ICU). All dead cases were ICU admitted. The association of intralipid infusion and survival rate was examined using Fisher exact test. No association was observed between intralipid infusion and survival. CONCLUSIONS: No significant protecting effect was observed for patients who received intralipid for medical indications. Since intralipid was administered according to medical indications, surviving of all the non-ICU admitted patients despite having underlying diseases was remarkable. Despite the fact, due to several bias factors that could not be controlled in such a retrospective study, the results might be accidental. We suggest to assess such an effect retrospectively in other centers as well.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility Is Associated with the KIR2DS4-Full of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes in the Lur Population of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology underlying the progression and development of autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), is a result of dysregulations of the immune system. Research has explored the genetic alterations present in RA; however, limited studies have examined the role of Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecules in RA. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine KIR genes, their HLA ligands, and KIR-HLA compounds in patients with RA. METHODS: In this case-control study, a total of 50 patients with RA and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled. DNA samples were evaluated using PCR with sequence specific Primers (PCR-SSP). Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. RESULTS: Among the KIR genes examined, KIR2DLA (p= 0.0255, OR= 0.389, 95% CI= 0.210-0.722) and KIR2DS4-full (p< 0.0001, OR= 6.163, 95% CI= 3.174-11.968) were observed to have a statistically significant correlation with disease susceptibility to RA. As an inhibitory gene, KIR2DLA was observed to have a protective effect against RA while KIR2DS4-full as an activating gene, was found to increase risk for RA. No significant associations were found between any of the other KIR genotypes, HLA ligands, or KIR-HLA compounds examined in this study to RA susceptibility. CONCLUSION: In this study of RA in the Lur population of Iran, KIR2DS4-full was observed to increase susceptibility to RA, while KIR2DL5A was found to act as a protecting factor based on both the cross Table and regression analyses. Further research should focus on repeating this study in additional populations.

Effects of Immune System-Related Medications on COVID-19 Outcome in a Cohort of Iranian Patients: Preliminary Report of a Data Mining Study.

BACKGROUND: Regulation of the immune system is critical for fighting against viral infections. Both suppression and hyperactivity of the immune system result in failure of treatment. The present study was designed to show the effects of immune system-related medications on mortality and length of stay (LOS) in a cohort of Iranian patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: A data mining study was performed on 6417 cases of COVID-19 covered by 17 educational hospitals of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Association of a researcher-designed drug list with death and LOS was studied. For death outcome, logistic regression was used reporting odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). For LOS, right censored Poisson regression was used reporting incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Among the corticosteroids, prednisolone was a risk factor on death (OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.03 - 1.94). This association was increased after adjustment of age interactions (OR = 3.45, 95%CI = 1.01 - 11.81) and was removed after adjustment of ICU admission interactions (OR = 2.64, 95%CI = 0.70 - 9.92). Hydroxychloroquine showed a protecting effect on death (OR = 0.735, 95%CI = 0.627 - 0.862); however, this association was removed after adjustment of age interactions (OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.41 - 1.40). Among the antivirals, oseltamivir showed a protecting effect on death (OR = 0.628, 95%CI = 0.451 - 0.873); however, this association was removed after adjustment of age interactions (OR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.11 - 1.82). For reduction of LOS, the only significant association was for hydroxychloroquine (IRR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.79 - 0.92). CONCLUSION: The results of such data mining studies can be used in clinics until completing the evidence. Hydroxychloroquine may reduce mortality in some specific groups; however, its association may be confounded by some latent variables and unknown interactions. Administration of corticosteroids should be based on the conditions of each case.

Designing a Logistic Regression Model for a Dataset to Predict Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Diabetic Patients: High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol Was the Negative Predictor.

OBJECTIVES: Although the risk factors for diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcer have been detected, there was no practical modeling for their prediction. We aimed to design a logistic regression model on an Iranian dataset to predict the probability of experiencing diabetic foot ulcers up to a considered age in diabetic patients. METHODS: The present study was a statistical modeling on a previously published dataset. The covariates were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), insulin dependency, and statin use. The final model of logistic regression was designed through a manual stepwise method. To study the performance of the model, an area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was reported. A scoring system was defined according to the beta coefficients to be used in logistic function for calculation of the probability. RESULTS: The pretest probability for the outcome was 30.83%. The final model consisted of age (ß1 = 0.133), BMI (ß2 = 0.194), FBS (ß3 = 0.011), HDL (ß4 = -0.118), and insulin dependency (ß5 = 0.986) (P < 0.1). The performance of the model was definitely acceptable (AUC = 0.914). CONCLUSION: This model can be used clinically for consulting the patients. The only negative predictor of the risk is HDL cholesterol. Keeping the HDL level more than 50 (mg/dl) is strongly suggested. Logistic regression modeling is a simple and practical method to be used in the clinic.

Pre-Implantation Effects of Progesterone Administration on Ovarian Angiogenesis after Ovarian Stimulation: A Histological, Hormonal, and Molecular Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Progesterone (P4) is known to directly affect ovarian tissue angiogenesis. The present study was designed to show how P4 affects ovarian angiogenesis in hormonal, histological, and molecular levels. METHODS: Fifteen adult female NMRI mice were divided into three groups: Control Group; Case Group I (ovarian stimulation alone); and Case Group II (ovarian stimulation followed by P4 administration). Blood and ovarian tissue samples were assessed for hormonal, histological, and molecular alterations. Gene expression for ovarian vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) was analyzed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Ovarian hormone levels were increased in the case groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). Quantitative corpus luteum parameters were increased in the case groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). Quantitative ovarian vascular parameters were significantly different in the case groups compared with the control group. Gene expression analyses shows that the mice in Case Group I had higher levels of ovarian VEGF expression than the mice in the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference in gene expression was observed for HIF-1ɑ. CONCLUSION: Treatment with P4 after ovarian stimulation enhanced ovarian angiogenesis by increasing hormone levels and causing significant structural changes.

Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (RSA) and Maternal KIR Genes: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.

Natural killer cells (NKs) are the most important cells in the fetomaternal immune tolerance induced through interaction of maternal killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and fetal human leucocyte antigens (HLA). Hence, we intend to perform a meta-analysis on the role of maternal KIR genes diversity in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The present paper is a meta-analysis of previous genetic association studies and our previous original study. The results showed that KIR3DL1 was a significantly protecting factor for RSA (p=0.044; OR=0.833 [0.698-0.995]; fixed effect model). KIR2DS2 (p=0.034; OR=1.195 [1.013-1.408]; fixed effect model) and KIR2DS3 (p=0.013; OR=1.246 [1.047-1.483]; fixed effect model) were significantly risk factors for RSA. For KIR2DS1 there was a high heterogeneity and publication bias. Briefly, the inhibitory gene KIR3DL1 was a protecting factor, and the activating genes KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 were risk factors for RSA. However, the effect sizes were not suitable. We suggest further studies on different causes of pregnancy loss, to find the role of KIR2DS1.

Effect of selenium on freezing-thawing damage of mice spermatogonial stem cell: a model to preserve fertility in childhood cancers.

BACKGROUND: During treatment of childhood cancers, fertility of boys may be affected. Therefore, freezing spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) is recommended. However, freezing-thawing process may cause damage to SSCs. This study was conducted to evaluate protective effects of selenium on freezing-thawing damage of mice SSCs using investigation of cell viability and investigation of apoptosis related genes expression including Fas, Caspase3, Bcl2, Bax and P53. METHODS: SSCs were extracted from 80 6-day-old mice. The SSCs were divided into four groups: cryopreservation along with selenium (low and high dose), vitrification along with selenium (low and high dose), cryopreservation control, and vitrification control. Trypan blue staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) were used to investigate cell viability and gene expression, respectively. RESULT: Comparison of cell viability in the experimental groups did not show a significant association. Expression of Fas and Caspase3 was significantly lower in cryopreservation group with low-dose selenium. Expression of Bcl2 was significantly lower in cryopreservation group with high-dose selenium. Expression of Bax and Caspase3 was significantly lower in vitrification group with low-dose selenium, and expression of P53 was significantly upper. Expression of Bax and Fas was significantly lower in vitrification group with high-dose selenium, and expression of P53 was significantly upper (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Selenium had dose dependent effect on apoptosis related genes profile. The only evident effect was the effect of low-dose selenium in cryopreservation on inhibition of apoptosis via extrinsic pathway.

An introduction to the role of immunology in medical anthropology and molecular epidemiology.

Medical anthropology is a multi-disciplinary approach to the medical sciences and humanities. Immunology is of the basic medical sciences dealing with anthropology as a science which involves in recognition of self and non-self. We performed this review paper to introduce the role of immunology in medical anthropology and molecular epidemiology. This narrative review was based on the authors' original experience and current literature. We discussed about human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and their disease associations. Bioinformatics and biostatistics help us to use this topic in evidence-based medicine. Immunogenetics is an important part of the molecular anthropology being a part of medical anthropology in turn. There were different notions of the integration of immunology and medical anthropology including environmental, ecological and cultural effects, historical and philosophical approaches, immunological biomarkers in different patients, and immunogenetics. Such studies can be used in pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine especially for immunotherapy.

Association of vitamin D level and vitamin D deficiency with risk of preeclampsia: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Because of the immune modulatory effects of vitamin D3 in preeclampsia, we intend to have a systematic review and meta-analysis on association of both 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) level (parametric approach) and 25-OHD deficiency (non-parametric approach) with preeclampsia. As well, for the parametric part, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct data bases through searching in titles. Google Scholar search engine was used in order to find missing papers. Finally 23 studies were imported. Both random and fixed models were reported. RESULTS: Based on the forest plot, lower levels of 25-OHD were significantly associated with risk of preeclampsia (fixed and random P < 0.001). Based on the forest plot, vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD < 20 ng/ml) was significantly associated with risk of preeclampsia (fixed P < 0.0001; random P = 0.0029; fixed OR = 1.33; random OR = 1.54). Based on ROC curve results, we found 2 cutoffs of 10.60 and 20.05 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Women with vitamin D deficiency at cutoff 20 ng/ml are more at risk of preeclampsia. This association can be specific up to 90% at 10.60 ng/ml cutoff. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is necessary before pregnancy.

Protective effects of melatonin and ghrelin on spermatogenesis: A narrative review of the literature.

Spermatocytogenesis starts from lumens of seminiferous cords and after migration to the basal membrane ends to the lumens again. We attempt to review the protective effects of melatonin and ghrelin on Spermatocytogenesis and in particular on spermatogonial stem cells, as two rather newly-discovered hormones. Testicular freezing prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is one of the ways of preserving fertility in children with cancer. The freezing has two methods of slow-freezing (cryopreservation) and rapid-freezing (vitrification). Administration of melatonin can maintain the quality of the germ cells underwent such processes, as well as ghrelin, can protect germ cells from the toxicities secondary to ischemic injuries, and pathologic apoptosis. This review indicates that in vitro or in vivo administration of melatonin or ghrelin, could be effective to preserve fertilization and also they can be used in assisted reproductive technologies to improve the quality of sperms. Future original studies should be propelled toward human studies, of course with observing the ethics.

A genomic study on distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and HLA-B alleles in Lak population of Iran.

Anthropological studies based on the highly polymorphic gene, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), provide useful information for bone marrow donor registry, forensic medicine, disease association studies, as well as infertility treatment, designing peptide vaccines against tumors, and infectious or autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to determine HLA-A and HLA-B allele frequencies in 100 unrelated Lak/lᴂk/individuals from Lorestan province of Iran. Finally, we compared the results with that previously described in Iranian population. Commercial HLA-Type kits from BAG (Lich, Germany) company were used for determination of the HLA-A and HLA-B allele frequencies in genomic DNA, based on polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) assay. The differences between the populations in distribution of HLA-A and HLA-B alleles were estimated by chi-squared test with Yate's correction. The most frequent HLA-A alleles were *24 (20%), *02 (18%), *03 (12%) and *11 (10%), and the most frequent HLA-B alleles were *35 (24%), *51 (16%), *18 (6%) and *38 (6%) in Lak population. HLA-A*66 (1%), *74(1%) and HLA-B*48 (1%), *55(1%) were the least observed frequencies in Lak population. Our results based on HLA-A and HLA-B allele frequencies showed that Lak population possesses the previously reported general features of Iranians but still with unique.

Colorectal cancer and the KIR genes in the human genome: A meta-analysis.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of inflammation-based cancers and is occurred due to growth and spread of cancer cells in colon and/or rectum. Previously genetic association of cell cycle genes, both proto-oncogenes and the tumor suppressors has been proved. But there were few studies about association of immune related genes such as killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). Thus we intend to perform a meta-analysis to find the association of different genes of KIR and susceptibility to be affected by colorectal cancer. The overall population of the four studies investigated in our meta-analysis was 953 individuals (470 individuals with colorectal cancer and 483 individuals in control groups). After the analyses, we concluded that colorectal cancer is affected by KIR2DS5 and also there were no protecting gene. This result shows the inflammatory basis of this cancer. In other words, in contrast to leukemia and blood cancers, colorectal cancers seem to be affected by hyper activity of natural killer-cells (NKs). Whys and therefore of this paradox, is suggested to be investigated further.

Multiple sclerosis is accompanied by lack of KIR2DS1 gene: A meta-analysis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which we can recognize destruction of the myelin that is around nerve cells of brain and spinal cord called as oligodendrocytes. Both genetic and environmental factors play roles in MS. One of these genes is the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) which expressed on surface of natural killer cells (NKs). These genes have loci (not locus) in human genome, so they inherit as haplotypes. The results of previous studies show that different genes of KIR may affect both susceptibility and resistance to such autoimmune disorders that their pathogenesis in MS is still unclear. Since NKs play key roles in immune tolerance, we intend to perform a meta-analysis for the correlation of KIR genes and MS. We used the software comprehensive meta-analysis for data of totally 568 MS patients and 280 controls. Among the 14 genes of KIR in the human genome, lack of KIR2DS1 is accompanied by MS. No KIR gene found to be a risk factor for MS. Further studies on other molecules of NKs like CD94 and NKG2a is suggested.