The relation of serum prolactin levels and Toxoplasma infection in humans.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite distributed worldwide. Although the infection is benign in immunocompetent individuals, it is life threatening and complicated in immunocompromised patients and fetuses of pregnant women who received their first exposure to T. gondii during the pregnancy. Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland, and it is confirmed that it plays a role in the immune system. The present study was carried out to assess the possible relation between serum PRL levels and Toxoplasma infection frequency in human. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 343 serum samples (240 from women and 103 from men) were collected from individuals who were referred for PRL checking in laboratories of Karaj, Iran. Blood samples were collected, and sera were separated and analyzed for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody by ELISA method. The levels of PRL were measured by Roche Elecsys 2010 analyzer, electrochemiluminescence technology. RESULTS: Of 343 sera, 110 samples (32%) consisting of samples from 42 men and 68 women had anti-T. gondii IgG antibody. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with high PRL levels was lower than that in the comparison group with normal levels of PRL and the relationship between these two parameters was statistically significant (P=0.016). In women with hyperprolactinemia, by increasing of PRL levels, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was reduced. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study confirmed the previous studies based on immunoregulatory role of PRL and indicated that high levels of PRL could be related to Toxoplasma seronegativity in women.

Central nervous system niche involvement in the leukemia

Central nervous system (CNS) impairment is commonly involved in leukemia, as it can be observed upon onset or relapse of the disease. It is associated with poor prognosis and is a challenging clinical problem. The objective of this paper was to provide a characterization of the CNS niche in leukemia, to elucidate the culprits of CNS involvement, including diagnostic micro RNAs (miRs) and early leukemia prognosis. CNS niche is a proper location for homing of leukemic stem cells, thus representing a candidate target in the treatment of leukemia. Recent advances in the study of leukemia hallmarks have enlightened miRs as novel biomarkers for diagnosis and detection of CNS involvement in leukemia, thus providing the opportunity to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Given the importance of prognosis and early diagnosis of CNS involvement in leukemias as well as the severe side effects of current treatments, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should focus on identification and inhibition of the factors contributing to CNS involvement, including CXCR3, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 and MCP1. MiRs such as miR-221 and miR-222 are emerging as potential tools for an innovative non-invasive therapy of CNS in leukemia affected patients (AU)

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Central nervous system niche involvement in the leukemia.

Central nervous system (CNS) impairment is commonly involved in leukemia, as it can be observed upon onset or relapse of the disease. It is associated with poor prognosis and is a challenging clinical problem. The objective of this paper was to provide a characterization of the CNS niche in leukemia, to elucidate the culprits of CNS involvement, including diagnostic micro RNAs (miRs) and early leukemia prognosis. CNS niche is a proper location for homing of leukemic stem cells, thus representing a candidate target in the treatment of leukemia. Recent advances in the study of leukemia hallmarks have enlightened miRs as novel biomarkers for diagnosis and detection of CNS involvement in leukemia, thus providing the opportunity to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Given the importance of prognosis and early diagnosis of CNS involvement in leukemias as well as the severe side effects of current treatments, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should focus on identification and inhibition of the factors contributing to CNS involvement, including CXCR3, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 and MCP1. MiRs such as miR-221 and miR-222 are emerging as potential tools for an innovative non-invasive therapy of CNS in leukemia affected patients.

The Correlation between Serum Level of Leptin and Troponin in Children with Major Beta-Thalassemia.

BACKGROUND: Polypeptide hormone Leptin suppresses inflammation in the heart muscle and protects heart from diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between leptin and troponin serum levels with cardiac involvement in patients with major beta thalassemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 70 children with major thalassemia were selected. Two ml blood was taken as sample from all children and after separating serum; the samples were maintained in -20°C temperature. Then, regarding cold chain conditions, the sample were sent to the Biochemistry Lab. Afterwards, leptin and troponin serum levels with the relevant kits and BMI were measured in all children, and information about age and gender was recorded. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: The mean of leptin in girls and boys were 2.47 ± 3.13 and 0.96 ± 1.08 respectively which showed a significant difference (t=2.74, p =0.009). A significant correlation was also observed between BMI and leptin (r = 0.374, P = 0.002). Another significant association was found between leptin and age (r = 0.248, P = 0.041). However, a significant inverse correlation between serum ferritin and age (r = - 0.607, P = 0.0001) was discovered. No correlation was found between leptin, troponin, and ferritin. CONCLUSION: Since Leptin increases with the advent of cardiac involvement and independent from troponin T, it can be a predictive marker of cardiac involvement in patients with major beta thalassemia.