Marham-Mafasel decrease joint inflammation and IL-1ß gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis animal model.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic chronic disease with synovial membrane, tendon and articular tissue inflammation. Current treatments of RA have many side effects and are quite expensive. Today, new treatments procedures and inexpensive herbal drugs are developed. Marham-Mafasel is mainly made out of two traditional herbs (Arnebia euchroma and Martricaria chamomilla). OBJECTIVE: In this study, for the first time, the impact of Marham-Mafasel on joint inflammation, histopathological changes and IL-1ß gene expression was evaluated in RA animal model. METHODS: The RA was induced by a single s.c. injection of 0.1 ml Freund's complete adjuvant into the left hind footpad. In continuous, 15 RA male Wistar rats were used in three groups: I: Control; II: Treatment I (Piroxicam) and III: Treatment II (Marham-Mafasel). The volume of the hind paw was measured every day from 0 to 19 using water changed volume approach. The inflammation in the joint was evaluated using histopathology assay and gene expression of IL-1ß was evaluated with use of Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: Hind paw swelling of Marham-Mafasel at days 10th and 19th was reduced compared with the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically difference in histological degrading and changes index in three groups (p ≥ 0.05). Relative expression of IL-1ß in Marham-Mafasel group was significantly decreased compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The co-administration of M. Chamomile and A. euchroma, called Marham-Mafasel, decreases IL-1ß gene expression that leads to a reduction in inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) animal model.

Tear and serum interleukin-8 and serum CX3CL1, CCL2 and CCL5 in sulfur mustard eye-exposed patients.

BACKGROUND: The serum and tear levels of four inflammatory chemokines were evaluated in sulfur mustard (SM)-exposed with serious ocular problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 128 SM-exposed patients and 31 healthy control participants participated. Tear and serum levels of chemokines were assessed by ELISA method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the serum level of IL-8/CXCL8, CX3CL1/fractalkine, CCL2/MCP-1, and CCL5/RANTES between all SM-exposed subjects and control groups. The tear level of IL-8 in the SM-exposed group was lower than the control group, but the difference was not significant. In the SM-exposed group with the abnormalities in tear breakup time (TBUT) test, fundus and pannus formation were significantly higher than SM-exposed patients without these problems. CX3CL1 levels have significantly increased in SM-exposed group with blepharitis, pterygium, and conjunctival pigmentation as compared with the control group. Besides, significantly higher levels of CX3CL1 were observed in SM-exposed group with or without bulbar conjunctival hyperemia and abnormal vessels a well as with fundus abnormality compared to the control group. Only, SM-exposed group with subconjunctival fibrosis had significantly lower levels of CCL5 than SM-exposed group without this problem. CONCLUSION: The higher level of CX3CL1 and consistent levels of IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2, and RANTES/CCL5 in SM-exposed individuals may indicate an anti-inflammatory response against the destructive effects of SM gas. High tear level of IL-8/CXCL8 reflects the severity of ocular surface abnormalities, yet significantly low tear level found in mild SM-exposed subgroup compared with the control group. The lower levels of CX3CL1 and RANTES/CCL5 may represent the different pathophysiology which requires further studies.

Tear and serum MMP-9 and serum TIMPs levels in the severe sulfur mustard eye injured exposed patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sulfur mustard (SM) intoxication produces local and systemic changes in the human body. In this study, the relationship between tear and serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and serum tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are assessed in serious eye-injured SM-exposed casualties. METHODS: A group of 128 SM-exposed patients with serious ocular injuries in three subgroups (19 mild, 31 moderate, and 78 severe cases) is compared with 31 healthy controls. Tear and ocular status and serum MMPs and MMP-9/TIMPs complex levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Serum level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in the SM-exposed group compared to the control group (P = 0.009). Mean serum MMP-9 level in the SM-exposed group with ocular abnormalities was significantly higher than that in the SM-exposed group without ocular abnormalities. SM-exposed people with corneal calcification had significantly higher serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 level compared to the SM-exposed ones without this problem (P = 0.045). The SM-exposed group with severe ocular injuries had significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 than the controls (P = 0.046). The SM-exposed group had significantly lower levels of MMP-9/TIMP-4 complex than the controls (P < 0.001). The SM-exposed group with tear meniscus and fundus abnormality had significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-4 levels than the SM-exposed group without these problems (P = 0.009 and P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Serum MMP-9 level had increased in SM-exposed groups with ocular problems, while TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels had remained unchanged. Serum TIMP-4 drastically decreased in SM-exposed group, which clearly explains the severity of the systemic and ocular damages.

Alteration in serum levels of ICAM-1 and P-, E- and L-selectins in seriously eye-injured long-term following sulfur-mustard exposure.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, the serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), P-, E-, and L-selectins were investigated in seriously eye-injured patients exposed to sulfur mustard (SM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 128 individuals with SM-induced serious eye injuries and 31 healthy male controls were included in this study. The serum concentration of soluble forms of adhesion molecules was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULT: The serum level of soluble ICAM-1 was significantly higher in the SM-exposed individuals with an abnormality in tear meniscus height, corneal verticillata, and pannus compared with SM-exposed individuals without these abnormalities. There were no significant differences in the level of all three measured selectins between the SM-exposed group and the control groups. SM-exposed individuals with corneal defect had a significantly higher level of soluble E-selectin than SM-exposed individuals without this abnormality. The serum level of soluble P-selectin in the SM-exposed group with limbal abnormality was significantly lower than that in the SM-exposed without this abnormality; also it was significantly higher in SM-exposed group with fundus abnormality compared to that in the control group or SM-exposed group without this abnormality. CONCLUSION: The changes in the levels of selectins and ICAM-1 in the SM-exposed group with various ocular abnormalities is a defense mechanism against the toxicity of SM. Further analysis is required to understand the molecular mechanisms of the relationship between adhesion molecules with ocular complications in SM-exposed individuals.

Association between Acne and Serum Pro-inflammatory Cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) in Mustard Gas-Exposed Patients: Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a very common chronic inflammatory disorder, yet its pathogenesis is not clearly understood. As part of the SICS, this study was conducted to evaluate the association between the incidence of acne vulgaris in SM-exposed subjects (20 years after the exposure) and serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) in an attempt to better understand the pathogenesis of long-term skin disorders of these individuals. METHODS: Serum concentrations of cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) were measured using sandwich ELISA technique. RESULTS: The median of serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-8 and RANTES were significantly higher in the exposed patients with acne than those without acne (P = 0.05, 0.03 and 0.001 respectively). There was no significant difference in serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1Ra and IL-6 between the exposed subgroups. CONCLUSION: We found a positive association between serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12 and RANTES) and acne among SM-exposed population.

A clinicopathological approach to sulfur mustard-induced organ complications: a major review.

CONTEXT: Sulfur mustard (SM), with an old manufacturing history still remains as potential threat due to easy production and extensive effects. OBJECTIVES: Increasing studies on SM indicates the interest of researchers to this subject. Almost all human body organs are at risk for complications of SM. This study offers organ-by-organ information on the effects of SM in animals and humans. METHODS: The data sources were literature reviews since 1919 as well as our studies during the Iraq-Iran war. The search items were SM and its all other nomenclatures in relation to, in vivo, in vitro, humans, animals, eye, ocular, ophthalmic, lungs, pulmonary, skin, cutaneous, organs and systemic. Amongst more than 1890 SM-related articles, 257 more relevant clinicopathologic papers were selected for this review. RESULTS: SM induces a vast range of damages in nearly all organs. Acute SM intoxication warrants immediate approach. Among chronic lesions, delayed keratitis and blindness, bronchiolitis obliterans and respiratory distress, skin pruritus, dryness and cancers are the most commonly observed clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: Ocular involvements in a number of patients progress toward a severe, rapid onset form of keratitis. Progressive deterioration of respiratory tract leads to "mustard lung". Skin problems continue as chronic frustrating pruritus on old scars with susceptibility to skin cancers. Due to the multiple acute and chronic morbidities created by SM exposure, uses of multiple drugs by several routes of administrations are warranted.

Fibrinogen and inflammatory cytokines in spontaneous sputum of sulfur-mustard-exposed civilians--Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

Sulfur mustard (SM) causes late complications in respiratory system of exposed individuals. In this preliminary study, the levels of IL-1α and ß, TNF, IL-1Ra, IL-6 and fibrinogen in the spontaneous sputum of SM-exposed individuals were examined 20 years after exposure and the correlation with pulmonary function was tested. The participants were categorized into two major subgroups (hospitalized and non-hospitalized) based on the severity of the clinical complications immediately after exposure. Every participant was visited by a physician; the respiratory functions were checked using spirometry and were categorized as normal, mild, moderate or severe pulmonary complications. The levels of cytokines in the sputum and serum samples were measured using ELISA method. The mean values of TNF, IL-1α and IL-1ß were 524.15, 115.15, 1951.33 pg/ml respectively, and the mean levels of IL-1Ra and IL-6 were 6410.52 and 124.44 pg/ml respectively; fibrinogen was 71.59 ng/ml and index of IL-Ra/IL-1ß was 7.78. There was more TNF-α and IL-1ß and less IL-1Ra and fibrinogen in the sputum of the hospitalized subgroup. The level of TNF-α and IL-1ß also increased in moderate and severe pulmonary status comparing with the group with mild disorders, while fibrinogen was lower or decreased significantly in problematic patients. IL-1ß and TNF showed positive correlation (r=0.5, and r=0.59, respectively); fibrinogen and IL1Ra/IL-1ß have negative correlation with lung function according to the GOLD classification (r=-0.4, and r=-0.61, respectively). It is concluded that sputum cytokines and fibrinogen, reflect the degree of the severity of airway inflammation and the cytokine levels in the sputum might be completely different from the serum fluctuations.

Salivary levels of secretary IgA, C5a and alpha 1-antitrypsin in sulfur mustard exposed patients 20 years after the exposure, Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS).

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a strong toxic agent that causes acute and chronic health effects on a myriad of organs following exposure. Although the primary targets of inhaled mustard gas are the epithelia of the upper respiratory tract, the lower respiratory tract is the focus of the current study, and upper tract complications remain obscure. To our knowledge there is no study addressing the secretory IgA (S-IgA), C5a, alpha 1 antitrypsin (A1AT) in the saliva of SM-exposed victims. In this study, as many as 500 volunteers, including 372 SM-exposed cases and 128 control volunteers were recruited. A 3 ml sample of saliva was collected from each volunteer, and the level of secretory IgA, C5a, and alpha 1 antitrypsin in the samples were compared between the two groups. The SM-exposed group showed a significantly higher amount of salivary alpha 1 antitrypsin and secretary IgA compared to the control group (p<.006 and p<.018 respectively). The two groups showed no significant difference (p=0.192) in the level of C5a. The results also showed that the level of salivary A1AT is more than that of IgA in severely injured cases. The findings presented here provide valuable insight for both researchers and practitioners dealing with victims of the chemical warfare agent, sulfur mustard. This research indicates that certain branches of the inflammatory processes mandate serious attention in therapeutic interventions.

Association of serum immunoglobulins levels and eye injuries in sulfur mustard exposed: Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

In this study the associations between ocular problems and serum levels of immunoglobulins in sulfur mustard (SM) exposed population 20 years after exposure in context of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study was explored. Serum immunoglobulins (Ig) levels including IgM, IgA, IgE, IgG, and subclasses of IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) in 372 SM-exposed patients were titrated and compared with 128 unexposed controls considering their ocular problems. In exposed patients with tearing and blurring of vision, serum IgM levels were significantly lower than matched controls (P=0.026 and 0.027, respectively). Serum IgM levels in exposed patients with normal ocular conditions were significantly lower (P<0.050) than that of matched controls. Serum levels of IgA, IgE and IgG and IgG3 levels were not significantly different between the two groups with abnormal and normal ocular conditions. Mean serum IgG1 levels in exposed patients with normal ocular conditions were significantly higher than the matched controls (P<0.05) except for tearing and photophobia. Mean serum IgG2 levels in exposed with blurring of vision and without tearing, ocular pain, photophobia, lids and bulbar conjuctival abnormalities were significantly higher than that of matched controls (P<0.050). Mean serum levels of IgG4 in exposed patients with normal ocular conditions and most of the abnormal ocular conditions were significantly lower than the matched controls (P<0.05). The results of the current study showed that even 20 years after SM exposure serum immunoglobulins are different from matched normal controls and the levels of IgM and IgG4 are associated with some aspects of ocular surface problems.

Chemokines, MMP-9 and PMN elastase in spontaneous sputum of sulfur mustard exposed civilians: Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

Chemokines play an important role in acute and chronic pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of chemokines, MMP-9, and PMN elastase in spontaneous sputum and serum of patients 20 years after SM exposure. In context of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS) 40 male volunteers with a history of SM exposure in June 1987 and complain of excessive sputum were recruited. The volunteers were clinically examined and their history was collected by internists. Sputum and serum levels of IL-8, fractalkine, MCP-1, RANTES, MMP-9, and PMN elastase were measured using ELISA kits (R&D System). Spirometries were performed on all the participants. Sputum level of fractalkine was significantly lower in the hospitalized group (N=16, Median=1.05; IQR=0.41-2.62) than non-hospitalized group (N=18, 4.031; IQR=0.947-8.203) (p=0.042). However, serum levels of fractalkine were higher in the hospitalized group (Mean±SD=2.08±5.09) than in the non-hospitalized (Mean±SD=0.53±0.87) group (T-test, p=0.03). Serum levels of PMN-elastase were also higher in the hospitalized group (Mean±SD; 64,794.43±26,820.08) than in the non-hospitalized group (Mean±SD=44,049.33±17,675.85) (p=0.017). There was no relationship between the cytokines and the studied factors in sputum and the GOLD classification, but the serum levels of fractalkine and MMP-9 were significantly higher in the more severe (grades 3-4) group. There was no significant correlation between sputum and serum levels of measured inflammatory mediators and pulmonary complications in the patients who were exposed to SM 20 years earlier. Pathophysiologic process involved in SM induced pulmonary problems might be different from those in other chronic pulmonary diseases such as COPD and asthma.

Association of ophthalmic complications in patients with sulfur mustard induced mild ocular complications and serum soluble adhesion molecules: Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible association between ophthalmic complications in sulfur mustard (SM) exposed patients with mild ocular injuries and serum soluble adhesion molecules. Serum levels of sICAM-1, sL-selectin, sP-selectin and sE-selectin in 367 SM-exposed individuals with or without eye injuries were checked and compared with 128 unexposed controls. All participants underwent ocular examinations. Serum sICAM-1 level in SM exposed with blurred vision, was significantly (p=0.021) higher than in SM exposed with no blurred vision. Serum sL-selectin level was significantly (p=0.024) higher in SM exposed with photophobia than SM exposed with no photophobia. Serum P-selectin level in exposed without any slit lamp findings was significantly (p=0.003) lower than the matched control groups. Similar finding was seen in exposed group without ocular problem compared with the control groups. Serum sE-selectin level in exposed with normal ocular condition except for photophobia and blurred vision was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the matched controls. Serum E-selectin level in exposed with photophobia condition was significantly (p=0.047) higher than the control group with photophobia. In conclusion it seems that the changes in the E- and P-selectins is a regulatory mechanism for inhibition of SM induced ocular problems, although the local levels are more important and further investigations required in more severe ocular problems in SM exposed patients.

Are serum levels of immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses involved in delayed pulmonary complications induced by sulfur mustard? Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study.

Respiratory complications are the foremost long term debilitating effects after sulfur mustard toxicity. The underlying immunological mechanisms of sulfur mustard induced lung damage are still poorly understood. The question of the involvement of immunoglobulin classes and subclasses in delayed pulmonary complications induced by SM was addressed in this study as a part of Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS).In SICS, 372 male participants who were exposed to SM 20 years earlier were compared with 128 unexposed age-matched controls. At the time of study (2007), the clinical evaluations and spirometry was performed for all subjects according to the American Thoracic Society Criteria, and at the same time, the sera were isolated, labeled and aliquots were kept frozen in -80°C. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels including IgM, IgA, IgE, IgG, and IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) were measured using quantitative Elisa method. It was found that among immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses only IgM and IgG4 were significantly decreased in the peripheral blood of exposed cases. IgM level also positively correlated with FEV1 only in the SM exposed group. These results indicated a weak but significant role for IgA in control of the delayed pulmonary complications. There were no strong correlations between other immunoglobulin classes or IgG subclasses with pulmonary disease severity in sulfur mustard intoxicated subjects. The authors proposed that systemic levels of immunoglobulins do not exert essential roles in severity of delayed pulmonary complications following SM toxicity. However, more studies on local and systemic levels of immunoglobulins in more severe groups are suggested.

Long term impact of sulfur mustard exposure on peripheral blood mononuclear subpopulations--Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS).

The most important long-term morbidity problem of sulfur mustard (SM) toxicity is pulmonary complications but the pathogenesis of these complications is not clearly understood. This study evaluates the peripheral blood mononuclear sub-sets and their correlation with pulmonary function in SM exposed civilian cases 20 years post-exposure as gathered in the context of the Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study (SICS). Samples were randomly selected from two groups, SM-exposed (n=372) and control (n=128), with the same ethnicity, culture, and demography. Three color flow cytometry was applied for peripheral blood mononuclear sub-population determination. Results indicated a significant decrease in CD45+/CD3+, CD45+/CD3+/CD4+, and an increase in CD3+/CD16+56+ percentages. It was also found that absolute count of NK cells was highly increased in peripheral blood of exposed cases. There was a significant increase in NK cell count of SM exposed group with pulmonary problems as compared to the same group without pulmonary problems (p-value<0.04) based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). The findings showed a significant negative correlation between absolute numbers of T lymphocyte and FVC % and positive correlation with FEV1/FVC%. The results also demonstrated that absolute numbers of monocytes had a negative correlation with FVC %. We propose that NK and T cells are probably involved in the pathogenesis or immune reactions to the delayed pulmonary complications induced by SM. This hypothesis should be tested in a more severe pulmonary complicated group.

Conjunctival microbial florae in patients with seriously sulfur mustard induced eye injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular surface disorders and infections in sulfur mustard (SM) exposed patients are of particular clinical importance. The aim of the present study is to detect the conjunctival bacterial florae in patients with seriously SM induced eye injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conjunctival bacterial florae of 143 seriously eye injured subjects as the study group was detected. The results were compared with 26 normal participants. Both groups were matched in age and sex. The samples were taken by sterile swab from interior fornixes of conjunctiva in both groups and were transported to microbiology laboratory by Stuart's Transport Medium. All samples were inoculated onto Blood agar, Mac Conkey agar and Chocolate agar and isolated microorganisms were identified by biochemical tests. The data were analyzed by SPSS and Man Whitney tests. RESULTS: Nineteen cases (13.39%) and none of the controls (0%) had positive culture results (p = .043). Isolated microorganisms from patients included coagulase-negative staphylococci 10 cases (52.6%), Staphylococcus aureus 5 cases (26.3%), non enterobacteriaceae gram negative bacilli 2 cases (10.5%), Penicillium spp. 2 cases (10.5%), Citrobacter sp. 1 case (5.2%), non-spore forming Gram positive bacillus 1 case (5.2%) and α hemolytic streptococcus 1 case (5.2%). Two patients had mixed microorganisms and other patients had just one microorganism. Most of the S. aureus isolates were sensitive to usual antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the prevalence rate of conjunctival bacterial isolates in patients with seriously SM induced ocular injuries are higher and potentially more dangerous than normal controls.

Roles of IL-10 in ocular inflammations: a review.

INTRODUCTION: This review represents the current in vitro, in vivo, animal and human investigations on the roles of IL-10 in ocular inflammatory conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data sources were literature reviews, including Pub Med, Medline, and ISI databases (since 1989 to mid-2012). Search items were, IL-10, chemokines, cytokines, alone or in combination with, serum, aqueous, vitreous eye, ocular, ocular tissues, ophthalmic, and review. RESULTS: Ocular effects of IL-10 depend on the sources of the secretion and sites of the action. IL-10 plays important anti-inflammatory and especially anti-angiogenic activities in ocular tissues such as the conjunctiva, cornea, retina, choroid, and orbit. CONCLUSION: IL-10 plays major anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic roles in most of the ocular inflammations. Also, IL-10 plays a role in development of anterior chamber-associated immune deviation (ACAID). Any manipulation of IL-10 for treatment purposes should be considered very cautiously due to its potential hazards to the immune system.

Evaluation of the tear and serum levels of IL-8 in sulfur mustard intoxicated patients 20 years after exposure.

PURPOSE: Delayed keratitis is the most dangerous ocular complication of sulfur mustard (SM) exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the role of tear and serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in SM exposed subjects. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this historical cohort study, the experimental group included 370 participants who had been exposed to SM 20 years prior. Data were compared with those of 128 unexposed participants as the control group. After completing a thorough systemic and ocular examination, serum IL-8 levels in all exposed and controls were compared. According to the statistical calculation, tear IL-8 levels, were compared in randomly selected 48 exposed and 37 controls. Based on the ocular findings, the selected subjects were divided into two subgroups, normal subjects include those participants who had no ocular signs and abnormal subjects, were those who had at least one or more ocular signs. RESULTS: Bulbar conjunctiva and limbal tissues evaluation in all participants showed a significantly higher number of abnormalities in exposed group than in the control group (P=0.004 and P=0.048 respectively). Serum IL-8 levels in all exposed were significantly lower than the matched controls (P=0.002). Tear IL-8 levels in the selected exposed were significantly lower than in the selected controls (P=0.030). In exposed group with normal conditions of the lids, bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, tear status, limbus, slit lamp findings and final ophthalmic assessment, tear IL-8 levels were significantly lower than in the matched controls (P=0.022, 0.037, 0.027, 0.050, 0.039, 0.029, 0.045 respectively). With respect to the global ophthalmic assessment, tear fluid IL-8 levels in the abnormal controls were significantly lower than in the normal controls (P=0.049), but this decrease in secretion of tear IL-8 were not encountered in abnormal exposed (P=0.415). CONCLUSION: Tear IL-8 secretion was significantly inhibited in the unexposed controls with ocular surface abnormalities, while these inhibitory responses were not encountered in SM-exposed cases with ocular surface abnormalities.

Long-term ocular consequences of sulfur mustard in lung-injured war veterans.

PURPOSE: Ocular and pulmonary involvement are the most important complications of sulfur mustard (SM) that may happen many years after exposure. This study aims to evaluate the severity of ocular involvement and the correlation between late ocular and lung complications in patients exposed to SM. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on SM lung-injured war veterans. Status of pulmonary involvement was categorized into normal, mild, moderate, and severe based on the "Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1)".Status of ocular involvement was also categorized into normal, mild, moderate, and severe, based on the slit lamp findings. Correlation between pulmonary and ocular involvements was evaluated by Spearman rank correlation test. RESULTS: Totally, 292 war veterans with clinical pulmonary involvement were included in the study. Status of pulmonary involvement was 3.8% normal, 11.2% mild, 16.1% moderate, and 68.9% severe. Status of the ocular involvement was 68.2% normal, 13.8% mild, 5.4% moderate, and 12.6% severe. Among all patients, 96.3% had pulmonary involvement and 32.5% had ocular involvement. There was a positive correlation between the severity of ocular and pulmonary involvements (p = 0.049 and r = 0.122). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that although there was a positive correlation between the severity of pulmonary and ocular involvement, this correlation was weak. This might be due to the nature of the studied population or differences in the tissue susceptibilities, gas types, or exposure patterns.

Roles of IL-8 in ocular inflammations: a review.

INTRODUCTION: This review presents the current in vitro and in vivo animal and human research on the roles of IL-8 in ocular inflammatory diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data sources were a literature review using Pub Med, Medline, and ISI databases (from 1990 to 2011). Search items included interleukine-8 (IL-8), CXCL8, chemokines, cytokines, alone or in combination with the, serum, aqueous, vitreous, eye, ocular, ocular tissues, ophthalmic, and review. RESULTS: IL-8 may be involved in primary or secondary ocular inflammations. Ocular effects of IL-8 differ based on the source of the secretion and site of the action. The most important effects of IL-8 in the eyes are angiogenic activities and induction of ocular inflammation. CONCLUSION: IL-8 plays important roles in ocular inflammation and angiogenesis in conjunctiva, cornea, iris, retina, and orbit. Anti-IL-8 targeted immunotherapy has been introduced as an important treatment modality, provided that IL-8 signal blocking takes place in desired areas and tissues.

Immunomodulatory effects of Aloe vera and its fractions on response of macrophages against Candida albicans.

Natural products are important resources in traditional medicine and have been long used for prevention and treatment of many diseases. Medicinal plants have immunomodulatory properties. Aloe is one of the herbal medicines widely used in natural treatment and alternative therapy for various types of diseases. Aloe vera has been shown to modulate the immune response. Macrophages have been shown to play an essential role as the first line of defense against invading pathogen. Candida albicans is a communal and opportunistic pathogen in humans. In this study, we investigated the effect of A. vera extract and its fractions on infected macrophages with C. albicans. Viability of intraperitoneal macrophages was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Cell viability of infected macrophages was increased by the extract and dose of some isolated fractions dependently. The extract as well as R100, R50, R30, and R10 fractions of A. vera significantly increased cell viability of macrophages in most doses. R5 and F5 fractions showed no significant difference in comparison with control group. Further studies in animal models and human are necessary to clarify the modulatory effects of A. vera on macrophage function. Isolation and purification of A. vera components are also needed to find out the effective molecules.

In vitro cytotoxic effect of garlic extract on malignant and nonmalignant cell lines.

Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world and despite many years of research, the treatment of cancer is still a problem. Epidemiological observations and laboratory studies have indicated anticarcinogenic potential of garlic, which has been traditionally used for various human diseases around the world. In this study the cytotoxicity of garlic extract against three malignant cancer cell lines including gastric (AGS), breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) and a nonmalignant cell line (L929) were evaluated by the MTT assay. The results of this study reveal MCF-7 and AGS cells were sensitive to garlic extract. Despite a many reports on inhibitory effects of garlic on cancer cell line, our data showed these effects are tumor specific and dose dependent. Further studies on animal models and humans are needed to clarify the important molecules and their mechanisms.