Phagocyte functions of human subjects living in high level of natural radiation areas in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Iran is considered as one of the countries which are located in high radiation area. Ramssar contains natural radioactive sources (Uranium-238) that can produce Radium-226 with high solubility and Radon gas with ability to fuse in dirt, soil, and water in its decay chain. Radioactive rays can produce free radicals with a short life time but high energy, which lead to changes structures of protein bindings, hormones activity, lipids oxidation and DNA breakage which can induce autoimmune diseases and other disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of natural radiation on innate and humoral immune response of those exposed to natural radioactive rays compared to control group. METHODS: Subjects from high and low natural radiation areas were included in the study. Neutrophil chemotaxis, Nitro-Blue Tetrazolium (NBT), and antioxidant effects were evaluated for effects of radioactivity on free radicals and innate immunity. Also Cytokines (IL-2, IL-4) levels for humoral immune system of the subjects were measured. RESULTS: Total plasma antioxidant level and potency of respiratory burst in individuals who lived in area with high levels of natural radiation decreased significantly compared with, control subjects who lived in the other areas of Ramssar with normal radiation. The level of IL-4 increased in individuals who lived in area with high levels of natural radiation, which could lead to Th2 pattern of immune response whether neutrophils chemotaxis in the groups living in the area with high level of natural radiation didn't change significantly when compared to control. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil respiratory burst activities suggested that NADPH probably reduced due to different reasons including decrease in NADPH oxidase and other enzymes, and mutation of the genes or production of oxidant substances. Neutrophil chemotaxis reduced but this reduction was not statistically significant.

Effect of Ramadan on neutrophil's respiratory burst (innate immunity) and circulating immune complex.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on neutrophil's respiratory burst and circulating immune complex (CIC) level. METHODS: The effects of Ramadan fasting on neutrophil's respiratory burst and CIC was studied in 21 normal young fasting Muslim individuals using standardized chemiluminescence and poly ethylene glycol methods respectively, the results obtained and statistically analysed. RESULTS: It was shown that in 11 cases out of 21 (52%) both of the chemiluminescence (CL) activity and CIC levels measured before and after Ramadan fasting were in normal range in spite of a insignificant decrease or increase in CL activity or CIC level. Therefore, the changes of the immunological parameters were not significant and the levels remained in the range of normal. In four cases out of 21 (24%), the CL activity and CIC levels were higher than normal range measured just before Ramadan, however after month of Ramadan the CL activity and CIC level decreased reaching to the normal level of these parameters. In four cases out of 21 (24%) there were an increase in CL activity and CIC levels after Ramadan fasting. CONCLUSION: There were no significant changes of CL activity of circulating neutrophils and CIC levels comparing the results obtained before and after Ramadan. More over there was a good correlation between these two immunological parameters measured in the present study.

Circulating immune complex during Ramadan.

BACKGROUND: Fasting during Ramadan represent one of the five pillars of the Islamic religion. So it is important to know the effect of this kind of fasting on people's life especially on their health. The purpose of this study was to show the effect of fasting during Ramadan on circulating immune complex (CIC) level and immune system. METHODS: The CIC levels were measured before and after Ramadan by polyethylenglycole method. The blood samples were examined using quantitation chemiluminesence and circulating immune techniques. The results were analyzed using t-test and calculated coefficient correlation between CIC before and after Ramadan. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the CIC level before and after Ramadan. CONCLUSION: According to the results, fasting during Ramadan does not have bad effect on immune system of healthy people.