Comparative selectivity of nano and commercial formulations of pirimicarb on a target pest, Brevicoryne brassicae, and its predator Chrysoperla carnea.

Nanotechnology is a new field in the pesticide industry. Nanopesticides represent an emerging technological tool that offers a range of benefits including increased efficacy, durability, and reduction in the amounts of used active ingredients. However, due to the lack of studies on the toxicity and the sublethal effects on pests and natural enemies, the extent of action and fate of these nanopesticdes is still not fully understood limitting thus their wide use. In this study, we encapsulated the pirimicarb insecticide using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and investigated the toxicity and sublethal effects (LC25) of the resulting nanocapsules against the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its natural enemy the green lacewings Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Nanoencapsulation of pirimicarb enhanced 12.6-fold its toxicity to cabbage aphids compared to its commercial formulation. Furthermore, analysis of the age-stage, two-sex life table showed that negative effects on the B. brassicae aphid population growth were observed on F0 and F1 generations when aphids of parental (F0) generation were exposed to subelethal dose (LC25) of both formulations of pirimicarb. However, negative effects from sublethal exposure to the commercial and nanoformulated pirimicarb resulted in significant reduction on the net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of natural increase, and finite rate of increase of the green lacewings C. carnea. Our findings indicate that the approaches and assumptions used to assess the risks of conventional insecticides may not apply for nanopesticides. Further research is still needed to better understand the environmental impact of these compounds.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I in Children, a Forgotten Diagnosis Responsible for Undiagnosed Musculoskeletal Complaints: Report of Two Cases.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a subgroup of lysosomal storage disorders. The underlying mechanism of MPS disorders are deficiency in specific enzymes which leads to accumulation of partially degraded glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues. A wide variety of manifestations are reported but musculoskeletal complaints are common among them. In milder forms of MPS, musculoskeletal complaints are presenting symptoms. Delays in diagnosis due to unspecific and mild symptoms is common. Misdiagnosis of MPS as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis disorders is frequent. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents irreversible cellular damages and is a key factor in efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy. In this study we described two MPS patients with musculoskeletal complaints who were not diagnosed for a period of time. Although musculoskeletal manifestation are common in a variety of clinical conditions, their presence at low ages or co-occurrence of other manifestations (such as cardiac, respiratory, neurologic, etc.) in multiple systems should prompt evaluation of patients for MPS and other metabolic disorders. The rheumatologists' awareness on MPS should be promoted to achieve timely diagnosis and subsequent early treatment.

Association between ERα polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: susceptibility and in silico analysis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is a multisystem and autoimmune disorder leading to damage of multi-organ systems. The current study aimed to assess the possible association between ERα gene polymorphisms and SLE in a southeast Iranian population. METHODS: The ERα PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 170 SLE patients and 186 healthy subjects. RESULTS: There was no association between ERα PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility; however, the combination of the TC/AA and CC/GG genotypes of ESR α PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms were more frequent in SLE patients. The results indicated that TT haplotype of the ERα gene polymorphisms could increase the SLE risk almost 2.4-fold (odds ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3, P = 0.005). The in silico analysis revealed that the ERα PvuII and XbaI single nucleotide polymorphisms occurred in acceptor splicing sites, and these mutations can lead to the increase of Human Splicing Finder score of the mutant alleles. CONCLUSIONS: The ESR α PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms have no association with SLE; however, the combination of the TC/AA and CC/GG genotypes were associated with SLE susceptibility.

Association between maternal circulating IL-27 levels and preeclampsia.

In this study, we investigated the relationship between serum level of IL-27 with preeclampsia and its severity. Fifty-six preeclamptic, 21 health pregnant and 20 health nonpregnant women formed the study group. The levels of IL-27 in maternal circulation were determined by ELISA. IL-27 serum levels were found to be elevated in healthy pregnant and preeclamptic groups as compared to non-pregnant women, this increase was significant in preeclamptic cases (p=0.0004). Moreover, a significant difference of IL-27 serum level was observed between groups and the healthy pregnant controls, (p=0.0095). Notably, the level of IL-27 was considerably elevated in women with severe preeclampsia, but not with mild preeclampsia as compared with healthy pregnant women (p=0.0056, p=0.0964, respectively). Furthermore, IL-27 serum levels were significantly differences in early onset and late onset sever preeclampsia than in gestation matched healthy pregnancies (p=0.0376, p=0.0085, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggest IL-27 might be a useful biomarker for disease severity in preeclampsia.

Genetic variants in 3'-UTRs of MTHFR in the pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and bioinformatics analysis.

Preeclampsia (PE) as a pregnancy-specific disorder is the major cause of mortality and morbidity of mothers and fetuses. This study attempts to investigate the possible association between the 2572C>A (rs4846049) and 4869C>G (rs1537514) polymorphisms in the 3'- untranslated region of MTHFR gene and the risk of PE. A total of 198 patients diagnosed with PE and 171 unrelated, age matched healthy pregnant women, were recruited for this case-control study. The MTHFR 2572C>A and 4869C>G genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The CG genotype of MTHFR 4869C>G was associated with decreased risk of PE, and this genotype was found to be a protective factor for PE susceptibility. There was no significant difference in the genotypes of MTHFR 2572C>A polymorphism between PE patients and control group. The frequency of combined AC/CG genotypes of MTHFR 2572C>A and 4869C>G polymorphisms were less frequent in PE patients and were associated with a lower risk of PE. The C-G and A-G haplotypes of MTHFR 2572C>A and 4869C>G polymorphisms were significantly lower in PE patients. In conclusion, the CG genotype of MTHFR 4869C>G polymorphism was associated with a lower risk of PE. No association was found between MTHFR 2572C>A polymorphism and PE.

Polymorphisms of the folate metabolizing enzymes: Association with SLE susceptibility and in silico analysis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disorder with multiple organ involvement and unknown etiology. It has been shown that polymorphic variants of the genes encoding key enzymes of folate and methionine metabolism may influence DNA methylation. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of 150 SLE patients and 160 controls, matching age, sex, and ethnicity. MTHFR rs1801133C>T and MTR rs1805087A>G polymorphisms were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. MTHFR rs1801131A>C genotype was determined by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (Tetra-ARMS), and DHFR rs70991108 polymorphisms' genotyping was performed by PCR methods. In-silico approach was used to analyses the effects of these variations on the structure of mRNA and protein. MTHFR rs1801131AC+CC genotypes were significantly higher in the SLE patients compared to the controls (37 vs. 26%, OR 1.7 (95% CI 1-2.8); p=0.03). The frequency of MTHFR rs1801131C allele was significantly higher in the SLE patients than the controls (22 vs. 15%, p=0.02). However, there was no association between MTHFR rs1801133C>T polymorphism and SLE. The frequency of CT haplotype of MTHFR rs1801133C>T and rs1801131A>C polymorphisms was significantly higher in the SLE patients (20 vs. 12%), and CT haplotype may be potentially a risk factor for SLE susceptibility [OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.2-2.9); p=0.006]. There was no association between alleles and genotypes of DHFR rs70991108 polymorphism and SLE susceptibility. The frequency of MTR rs1805087AG genotype was less frequent in the SLE patients compared to the controls, and this genotype could decrease the SLE risk (35 vs. 48%), (OR, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.4 to 0.9), p=0.03). In silico-analysis showed that both of MTHFR rs1801133C>T and rs1801131A>C SNPs made fundamental changes in the secondary structure of MTHFR-mRNA (p=0.0412 and p=0.1641; p<0.2). Also, structural analysis of the rs1801131A>C variation showed a significant effect on MTHFR function. Bioinformatics analysis showed that rs70991108 polymorphism in DHFR gene would lead to a significant alteration of the splicing process. In conclusion, MTHFR rs1801131 AC+CC genotypes could be a risk factor and MTR rs1805087AG genotype could be a protective factor for SLE susceptibility. There was no association between MTHFR rs1801133C>T and DHFR rs70991108 polymorphisms and SLE.

Study of MYOC Gene Mutation in POAG Patients in Zahedan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The second cause of blindness in the world is glaucoma that begins with visual impairments and, in many cases, ends with irreversible visual loss. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma, which causes irreversible optic nerve damage in adults. Glaucoma shows an unknown etiology, but there is strong evidence regarding the role of genetic factors in disease establishment. For determination of the role of MYOC gene mutations in the development of POAG in Zahedan, Iran, screening of this gene was performed. METHODS: Forty-five POAG patients were recruited from Noor Pajoohan Shargh clinic and Al-Zahra Eye Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Three exons of the MYOC gene were amplified in five amplicons, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then PCR products were sequenced using the ABI big dye ABI Prism 3700 instrument in forward and reverse directions with the same primers. RESULTS: Five variations were found in POAG patients: two known variations (rs2075648 and rs2234926) in exon 1, one in exon 2 (rs58117216), and two variants (rs74315330 and rs146606638) in exon 3. They were not all associated with the disease status and are known as normal variants. However, there was a mutation in exon 3 (Gln297 His or CM081349) only in one patient which is known as the disease causing mutation in some populations [1]. CONCLUSIONS: Since most of POAG patients had no mutation in the MYOC gene, other genes might have been involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Cyclin D1 G870A polymorphism: Association with uterine leiomyoma risk and in silico analysis.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is the most common benign tumor causing considerable morbidity during the reproductive years in women. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is a cell cycle regulatory protein that is required for the G1 phase, and increased expression levels of this protein may affect tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to assess the possible effect of the CCND1 G870A polymorphism on UL susceptibility. A total of 154 women with UL and 197 healthy women who were age-, body mass index (BMI)- and ethnicity-matched were genotyped for the CCND1 G870A (rs9344) polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The effects of G870A transition on the structure of mRNA and proteins of CCND1 was evaluated using bioinformatics tools. The frequency of the CCND1 870AA genotype was significantly higher in women with UL compared with the control subjects, and the risk of UL was 1.4-fold higher in women with the AA genotype when compared with the GG genotype before and after adjusting for age, BMI, and ethnicity [odds ratio (OR), 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-2 (P=0.02)]. The frequency of CCND1 870GA genotype was not significantly different between the two groups. The frequency of the CCND1 870A allele was significantly higher in the women with UL when compared with the control subjects (57 vs. 48%; P=0.02). The in silico analysis revealed that the G870A transition may fundamentally alter the structure of the CCND1-mRNA. Thus, the CCND1 870AA genotype was associated with UL susceptibility in a sample of women from the southeast of Iran.

Deoxyribonuclease I gene polymorphism and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus.

The DNASE1 gene is regarded as one of the susceptible genes for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recent studies have detected the presence of a variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms at intron 4 in this gene. The current study aimed to investigate the influence of current polymorphism on SLE susceptibility in a sample of the Iranian population. The study included 163 patients and 180 unrelated healthy controls. The VNTR polymorphisms in the DNASE1 gene were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genotypic frequency investigation indicated that 3/6 genotype frequency in patients affected with SLE was more than healthy controls (P = 0.004). Moreover, 3/4 and 4/6 genotype frequencies in healthy cohort were further in comparison with patient cohort (P = 0.0001). Findings of the present study manifested that 3/6 genotype in patients affected with SLE was significantly more than healthy controls, thus it can be regarded as a risk factor, while 3/4 and 4/6 genotypes were significantly higher in healthy controls which can be considered as a protective factor.

Association of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist VNTR polymorphism and risk of pre-eclampsia in southeast Iranian population.

AIM: Pre-eclampsia (PE) is an obstetric disorder that may result in maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Growing evidence indicates that cytokines, such as interleukins, are involved in the pathogenesis of this complication. Hence the current study aimed to assess the possible association between interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) VNTR polymorphism, and PE susceptibility in southeast Iranian women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The IL-Ra VNTR polymorphism was evaluated in 192 PE women and 186 age-matched normotensive pregnant women by the polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The frequency of the A2 allele and the A2A2 genotype of IL-Ra VNTR polymorphism was significantly lower in PE patients compared to controls: therefore, A2 allele may play a protective role in PE development (odds ratio = 0.13 95% CI, [0.04-0.03]; P < 0.0001). In addition, there was no relation between the IL-Ra VNTR polymorphism and severity of the disease. CONCLUSION: The A2 allele of the IL-Ra VNTR polymorphism could be a protective factor for PE susceptibility.

Association Between Functional Polymorphisms of DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Repair Genes XRCC5, XRCC6 and XRCC7 with the Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in South East Iran.

DNA repair is reduced in patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it can induce the production of autoreactive antibodies due to the accumulation of DNA damage and nucleoprotein that produce immunogenic antigens. The accumulations of anti-Ku and DNA-PKcs antibodies, which are involved in nonhomologous DNA end joining pathway, have been detected in SLE patients. The present study was designed to evaluate the association of XRCC5, XRCC6, and XRCC7 polymorphisms with SLE susceptibility. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to genotype 163 SLE patients and 180 healthy controls for the XRCC5 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism. The genotype analysis of XRCC6-61C>G and XRCC7 6721G>T polymorphisms was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. There was a significant association between XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC7 6721G>T polymorphisms and risk of SLE development. Notably, the frequency of XRCC5 VNTR 0R allele and genotypes with 2R allele was greatly enhanced in SLE patients with Malar rash (p=0.032 and p=0.024, respectively). Moreover, a higher frequency of genotypes with the XRCC5 VNTR 2R allele was observed in SLE patients with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test (p=0.03). The present study shows an association between the XRCC5 VNTR, XRCC7 6721G>T polymorphisms and SLE. These polymorphisms might be genetic risk factors for SLE susceptibility and some SLE manifestations in the population southeast of Iran.