Investigating the role of Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 co-infections in cervical disease of Iranian women.

Introduction: High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are known to contribute to cervical cancer (CC), but the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in this process remains unclear, despite EBV's widespread detection in premalignant and malignant cervical tissues. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 258 cervical samples, including both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh cervical tissues, the presence and viral load of HR-HPVs (HPV-16 and HPV-18) and EBV were evaluated in Iranian women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and a cervicitis control group using real-time PCR. Results: The study revealed a significant correlation between disease severity and both increased HPV-16 positivity and HPV-16 and HPV-18 co-infection (p<0.001). Interestingly, the control group had a higher frequency of EBV-positive cases than SCC/CIN groups (p<0.001). HPV-16 DNA load increased with disease severity (P<0.001), while HPV-18 showed no significant difference (P=0.058). The control group had a higher EBV DNA load compared to SCC/CIN groups (P=0.033). HPV-16 increased the risk of CIN II, CIN III, and SCC, while HPV-18 increased the risk of CIN II and CIN III. Notably, EBV was associated with a lower risk of CIN groups and SCC. Conclusions: No significant difference in EBV co-infection with HPV-16/18 was found, failing to support the hypothesis that EBV is a cofactor in CC. However, high EBV viral load in the control group suggests a potential "hit and run hypothesis" role in CC progression. This hypothesis suggests that EBV may contribute briefly to the initiation of CC with an initial impact but then becomes less actively involved in its ongoing progression.

Evaluation of human papillomavirus type 16 viral load and genome physical status in Iranian women with cervical disease.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the viral load and physical status of the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) genome in non-cancerous, precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to determine HPV-16 E2 and E6 viral load in 132 cervical specimens. E2/E6 viral load ratio was used to determine the physical status of HPV-16 genome. RESULTS: E2 gene viral load was a significant (P < 0.001) predicting biomarker in differentiating non-cancerous from precancerous and cancerous samples. E6 gene viral load was significantly different between the groups (P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of E2 and E6 in distinguishing SCC samples were 100% and 95% respectively. CONCLUSION: HPV-16 viral load measured through E2 and E6 genes is a reliable indicator of lesion type.

Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Babol, North of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spans from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe respiratory failure, while different factors are related to its mortality rate. This research aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the associated factors of mortality in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from hospitalized patients (May to June 2020), and COVID-19 was confirmed in patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient group was classified into survivor and deceased groups. The chi-square and the independent t-test with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 18, were used for analysis. RESULTS: Mean age, hemoglobin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), white blood cells, and level of procalcitonin in non-survivors were significantly higher than in survivors. Serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) had a significant relationship with D-dimer (p = 0.0006). The risk of mortality in patients with serum CRP > 100 mg/dl was significantly higher than those with CRP < 100 mg/dl (odds ratio (OR) = 4.8 (95 % CI, 1.33-12.44, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has different clinical features and can be an asymptomatic, mild, or severe disease. Thus, findings about the disease and the consequent outcomes differ in patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical features and consequences of COVID-19 infection.

Characteristics, outcome, duration of hospitalization, and cycle threshold of patients with COVID-19 referred to four hospitals in Babol City: a multicenter retrospective observational study on the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiological patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and duration of hospitalization during the fourth, fifth and sixth epidemic waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iran. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on hospitalized patients in four hospitals in the Babol district of northern Iran. The study periods were during the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves of the epidemic in Iran, (March 2021 to March 2022). A total of 13,312 patients with suspected COVID-19 were included. Patient demographics, medical history, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the hospital information system. Data on the cycle threshold (Ct) and SARS-CoV2 variant were collected for SARS-CoV2-positive cases. RESULTS: The highest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the fifth (Delta) wave (5231; 39.3%), while the lowest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the sixth (Omicron) wave (2143; 16.1%). In total, 6459 (48.5%) out of 13,312 hospitalized patients with suspected COVID-19 had a positive rRT-PCR result. The fifth (Delta) wave had the highest number of SARS-CoV2 rRT-PCR-positive hospitalized patients (3573, 55.3%), while the sixth (Omicron) wave had the lowest number (835, 12.9%). Moreover, 238 (3.7%) patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 died. The hospital mortality rate was 6.8% in the fourth (Alpha) wave, which reduced to 2.7 and 3.5% in the fifth (Delta) and sixth (Omicron) waves, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the most comprehensive study evaluating the epidemiologic characteristics of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV2 cases in Iran during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron waves. The highest number of SARS-CoV2-positive hospitalized patients was in the fifth wave of COVID-19 (dominance of the Delta variant), while the sixth wave (dominance of the Omicron variant) had the lowest number. Comorbidities were similar, and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension were the main risk factors in all waves.

Scoring System and Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Using Human Bone Marrow Endothelium Marker-1, Cytokeratin 19, and Galectin-3.

Background: The increasing incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and the inadequacy of routine histologic examination in its diagnosis necessitate the application of ancillary studies like immunohistochemistry. This research aimed to investigate the scoring system and diagnosis of PTC with cytokeratin 19 (CK19), human bone marrow endothelium marker-1 (HBME-1), and galectin-3. Methods: This experimental laboratory study was performed at Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran from April 2017 to March 2019. Neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissue samples of 100 cases with a diagnosis of PTC were selected by convenience sampling. CK19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 immunohistochemistry markers were used on tissue samples. Analysis was performed using the t test and the chi-square test, as well as the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (significance level P < 0.05). Results: The CK19 staining was observed in all 100 (100%) non-neoplastic tissues, but HBME-1 and galectin-3 were positive in 36 (36%) and 14 (14%) of non-neoplastic tissues, respectively. The intensity scores of all the markers and their total had significantly different means in PTC and non-neoplastic tissues (P < 0.001). A significant difference was observed between the total score of each marker and the total score of their combination (P < 0.001). The combination of all 3 markers with an 11.5 0 cut-off for the total score showed the most sensitive (0.99) and specific (1.00) results. Conclusion: Interpreting CK19, HBME-1, and galectin-3 with the aid of the proposed scoring system was fruitful. HBME-1 and galectin-3 can be used individually or in combination for the diagnosis of PTC.

Iranian thyme honey plays behavioral, cellular and molecular important roles as an amazing preventive and therapeutic agent in the brain of Alzheimer's rat model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of Iranian thyme honey (single dose: 2 gr/kg) vs rivastigmine (0.3 mg/kg) in vivo on spatial memory and in vitro on important parameters of oxidative stress as well as quantitative and qualitative studies of hippocampal neurons of AD rat models with this design that 30 days after oral administration of 17 mg/kg AlCl3, 20 AD rats were received that underwent a 6-weeks therapeutic period and another 20 rats underwent a 6-weeks preventive period and also 20 rats were as controls. Y-Maze test was performed to show memory deficiency as well as TBARS and FRAP assays to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant, respectively. In addition, H&E staining was also done for cell counting and morphological changes. We observed that AD rats with hippocampal damage had more significant errors during the Y-maze test than the control and other rats. Likewise, MDA and neurodegeneration increased in the AD group while in all preventive and therapeutic group's especially Iranian thyme honey, they decreased and conversely, total antioxidant and number of normal cells elevated and healthy neurons were observed in all parts of the hippocampus and cortex. Our results despite the limitations showed the powerful antioxidant properties and cytoprotective effects of Iranian thyme honey vs rivastigmine on hippocampal neurons that consequently enhanced memory and if advanced diagnostic tests in human clinical patients show other more pronounced effects, we have certainly started a key and targeted strategy.

Drug-induced hepatitis after Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccination: A case study of a 62-year-old patient.

Introduction: COVID-19 virus pandemic has begun since 2020 and became one of the most important causes of mortalities. Accordingly, vaccination has found a vital role in control of COVID-19 virus. Despite many advantages of vaccines in controlling the virus spread and reducing the mortal rate, these benefits came at the expense of side effects which have not been fully explored nor should be ignored. One of the most serious side effects of vaccination, which has been reported recently, is liver injury. Case presentation: This study presents a case of hepatitis initiated by Sinopharm vaccine for COVID-19. A 62-year-old man presented with jaundice, weight loss and elevated liver enzymes three days after getting the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Microscopic sections showed hepatitis pattern of injury with both portal and lobular inflammation and marked eosinophils infiltration. Discussion: Several cases of hepatitis have been reported after COVID-19 vaccines, but almost all of them were diagnosed as autoimmune hepatitis, triggered by COVID-19 mRNA or viral vector vaccines but the present case is one of the first reported cases of hepatitis after Sinopharm vaccine, an inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccine. Spontaneous decrease in liver enzyme levels, without corticosteroids therapy, is against to the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis in other reported cases. Conclusion: Considering the microscopic findings, along with the negative serologic studies for viral and autoimmune hepatitis, and by ruling out of other causes of hepatitis like COVID-19 or other viral infections, a probable relation between liver injury and Sinopharm vaccine may be interpreted.

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of breast in a 69-year-old woman with positive hormone receptors, the first case reported.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a relatively uncommon histological subtype of breast cancer that is a cystic form of papillary mucinous carcinoma.  It is regularly negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and it is most often diagnosed in older than 55-60 years old. The incidence of breast mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is about 1-6% of primary breast cancers. Here, we present a case of breast mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of left breast in a 69-year-old female which is positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we describe a case of a-69-year-old female with a painful mass in her left breast. Based on intraoperative pathology consult, neoplastic tissue mostly floating in mucinous lakes with invasion to surrounding stroma was seen. Immunohistochemistry profile showed positive estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative for HER2. CONCLUSION: Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of breast is typically triple negative for hormone receptors. But ER and PR positive variant of this tumor is rare, giving the chance of a better prognosis for the patient with hormonal therapy.

A case of cardiac angiosarcoma and pulmonary tuberculosis; diagnostic challenges and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Patient symptoms and primary investigational methods may be misleading at some points in patient management and can consume a lot of time. Sarcomas are rare malignancies and contribute 1% of all cancers of adult. CASE PRESENTATION: A rare case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma is presented, who was first treated because of lung tuberculosis and then with only slight improvement in symptoms, further investigations were done showing right ventricular enlargement and pericardial effusion. Eventually, after ruling out pulmonary embolism and constrictive pericarditis, investigations lead to the diagnosis of primary cardiac angiosarcoma. The patient went under surgery to remove the tumor but he still had residual mass left, leading to chemotherapy and then radiotherapy. Although the tumor has a poor prognosis, our patient has managed to survive a year by now and is doing good for 6 months after radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The case describes the importance of having in mind different differential diagnosis in managing patients and the role of multi-modality imaging in guiding diagnosis and treatment.

Toxoplasma infection and risk of epilepsy: A case-control study of incident patients.

We performed an age matched case-control study of incident epileptic patients to assess the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and epilepsy. Cases were 94 newly diagnosed patients (mean age, 36.7 ± 15.9) with unprovoked convulsive epilepsy of unknown etiology and controls were 88 healthy individuals (mean age, 37.5 ± 17.1) with no history of epilepsy or neurological disorders. Sera of all subjects were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using commercially enzyme-linked immunoassays. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using univariate analysis and logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in epileptic patients (68.1%; 95%CI, 57.6-77.3%) was significantly higher than healthy controls (47.7%; 95%CI, 36.9-58.6%), indicating a significant relationship between Toxoplasma infection seropositivity and epilepsy (adjusted OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.16-5.72; P value < 0.05). The univariate analyses showed more than two-fold higher Toxoplasma seropositivity in patients with focal (OR, 2.31; 95%CI, 0.94-5.67) and generalized (OR, 2.35; 95%CI, 1.215-4.57) seizures versus healthy controls. Our findings support hypothesis that Toxoplasma infection/exposure may play an important role in development of epilepsy. Preventive measures to control of Toxoplasma infection especially in north of Iran and early treatment might be effective to reduce the occurrence of epilepsy in this region.

Downregulation of Stemness Genes and Induction of Necrosis in Rat LA7 Cancer Stem Cells Induced Tumors Treated with Starved Fibroblasts Culture Supernatant.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell differentiation therapy is a promising strategy in cancer treatment. we show that protein cocktail prepared from serum starved fibroblasts has therapeutic potential based on this strategy. METHODS: The condition medium was prepared from foreskin isolated fibroblasts and analyzed by Liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). LA7 mammary gland cancer stem cells originated tumors were induced in Sprague Dawley rats. The rats treated subcutaneously with DMEM (group A), condition medium (group B), or normal saline (group C) once daily for 7 days. Then the tumors were removed and divided into the two parts, one part was used to quantify gene expression by stem-loop RT-qPCR assay and the other part was used for Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E), Giemsa, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. RESULTS: All induced tumors appeared as sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC). Immunohistochemistry staining confirmed this conclusion by recognizing the tumor as Ki67+, cytokeratin+, vimentine+, and estrogen receptor negative SC. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Oct4-, Sox-2, Nanog- gene expression was much reduced in the condition medium treated tumors versus proper controls (p< 0.05). Tissue necrosis was more prevalent in this group while tumors volume was diminished almost by 40%. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis unrevealed the stemness reducing and the cell death inducing proteins such as, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), insulin like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) and -7 (IGFBP-7) in the condition medium. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the substances released from starved human fibroblasts were able to down-regulate the stemness-related genes and induce necrosis in LA7 derived tumors.

Combined Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields and X-Ray in Renal Tissue and Function.

PURPOSE: Biochemical and histopathological properties of renal tissues were reported to be affected by both radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and ionizing radiation. The radiation-induced changes in the kidney, including the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), could lead to adverse health outcomes such as chronic kidney disease. These complications signify the importance of the research in this field. Thus, in this study, the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations, as well as their combination, were assessed by evaluating the alteration in BUN, Cr, and histopathological changes in kidney tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and were exposed to either 900/1800MHz (mobile phone) or 2.4 GHz RF-EMF (Wi-Fi) radiation for 14 days, 8Gy x-ray, or their combination. Sera were collected from 2 mL of rat blood, then BUN and Cr levels were determined. Also, renal samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Both BUN and Cr levels raised non-significantly after exposure to 8 Gy x-rays. Moreover, all measurements in the samples of x-ray groups were in borderline or higher than normal values. The BUN levels of control, Wi-Fi, x-ray, and Wi-Fi+x-ray groups were not significantly different. However, Cr levels in the Wi-Fi group were significantly higher than those of the controls, and BUN to Cr ratio levels were significantly lower than those of the controls. Also, tubular atrophy and vessel wall thickening were associated with these exposures. CONCLUSION: Exposure to 900/1800MHz, 2400 MHz EMF can alter the kidney function. However, pre-exposure to 900/1800MHz EMF could modulate the acute adverse effects of lethal x-ray dose, which addresses the adaptive response in the kidney.

Two Rare Cases of Uterine Leiomyosarcomas Originating from Submucosal Leiomyomas Proved by Their Immunohistochemistry Profiles.

The most common mesenchymal tumours of the uterine corpus originate from smooth muscle cells. Leiomyomas are commonly found in women of child bearing age; however, leiomyosarcomas occur later in life (50-55 years of age). Most uterine leiomyosarcomas occur de novo, but rare cases of leiomyosarcomas that arise from leiomyomas have been reported. We present two cases of fertile women with submucosal leiomyomas that became malignant and discuss their pathologic features and immunohistochemistry studies for P16, P53 and Ki67.

Assessment of function, histopathological changes, and oxidative stress in liver tissue due to ionizing and non-ionizing radiations.

BACKGROUND: Compared to past decades, humans are exposed to rapidly increasing levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMF). Despite numerous studies, the biological effects of human exposure to different levels of RF-EMF are not fully understood yet. This study aimed to evaluate the bioeffects of exposure to "900/1800 MHz" and "2.4 GHz" RF-EMFs, and x-rays alone as well as their potential interactions, i.e. inducing simple additive, adaptive, or synergistic effects. METHODS: 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into ten groups of 12 each. The rats were exposed to RF-EMF, 10 cGy, and 8 Gy x-rays, a combination of these exposures, or only sham-exposed. The levels of liver enzymes were determined in serum samples by an auto-analyzer. Moreover, the histopathological changes, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total thiols, and protein carbonyl (PCO) were measured. RESULTS: Among the markers of liver function, gamma-glutamyltransferase was not associated with irradiation but, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase showed some levels of association. MDA and PCO levels after 8 Gy irradiation increased, but pre-exposure to RF-EMF could modulate their changes. At the cellular level, the frequency of lobular inflammation was associated with the type of intervention. CONCLUSION: The exposure to both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations could alter some liver function tests. A short term pre-exposure to RF-EMF before exposure to an 8 Gy challenging dose of x-rays caused the alterations in oxidative stress markers and liver function tests, which indicate that oxidative stress is possibly involved in the adaptive response.

Systemic effects of starved fibroblast culture supernatant on immunosuppressed rats treated with cancer stem cells (LA7).

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of starved fibroblast culture supernatant (SFS), DMEM and normal saline alone or along with LA7 on dexamethasone-treated immunosuppressed Wistar rats. METHODS: After the isolation of fibroblasts from the fresh foreskin of children, it was cultured in serum-free DMEM, and the supernatant collected after 16 hours (16h-SFS). This solution and the other treatments were injected subcutaneously into the rats from each group once daily for 14 days. The liver, intestine and lung histology along with blood cellular and biochemical characteristics were studied. RESULTS: The results showed that dexamethasone as immunosuppressant reduced the body weight. The histological change in the liver was mild fibrosis induced by LA7+16h-SFS. Also, among the different blood cellular and biochemical indices measured, the eosinophil percentage in the 16h-SFS treated rats , glucose levels in the 16h-SFS+LA7 group and triglyceride concentrations in the 16h-SFS group were changed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the secretions of starved fibroblasts especially that combined with LA7 cancer stem cells could induce some minor histological and biochemical changes in immunosuppressed rats, and also it opened a new window for subsequent investigations on unknown mechanisms related to this work.

Clinical and laboratory findings from patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in Babol North of Iran: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, China has experienced an outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Coronavirus has now spread to all of the continents. We aimed to consider clinical characteristics, laboratory data of COVID-19 that provided more information for the research of this novel virus. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on the clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of a series of the 100 confirmed patients with COVID-19. These patients were admitted to the hospitals affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences (Ayatollah Rohani, Shahid Beheshti and Yahyanejad hospitals) form 25 February 2020 to 12 March 2020. RESULTS: Nineteen patients died during hospitalization and 81 were discharged. Non-survivor patients had a significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: 46.37, 95% CI: 20.84, 71.90; P = 0.001), white blood cells (WBCs) (MD: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.67; P < 0.001) and lower lymphocyte (MD: -8.75, 95% CI: -12.62, -4.87; P < 0.001) compared to survivor patients Data analysis showed that comorbid conditions (aRR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.09, 8.21, P = 0.034), higher CRP levels (aRR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03, P = 0.044), and lower lymphocyte (aRR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.93, P = 0.003) were associated with increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, most non-survivors are elderly with comorbidities. Lymphopenia and increased levels of WBCs along with elevated CRP were associated with increased risk of death. Therefore, it is best to be regularly assessed these markers during treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Association of PON1-L55M Genetic Variation and Breast Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a multifactorial antioxidant enzyme, has a defensive role against oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the association of PON1-L55M functional polymorphism with breast cancer risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the experimental study, blood samples were collected from 150 healthy women controls and 150 breast cancer subjects. The L55M genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that the genotypes distribution is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for both case and control groups. Our data revealed that there are significant associations between PON1-L55M polymorphism and breast cancer risk in homozygote (OR= 2.13, 95%CI= 1.14-4.00, p= 0.018), dominant (OR= 1.72, 95%CI= 1.07-2.76, p= 0.024), and allelic (OR= 1.55, 95%CI= 1.12-2.15, p= 0.008) models. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the PON1-L55M genetic variation could be a genetic risk factor for breast cancer risk and it could be considered as a molecular biomarker for screening of susceptible women.
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Visfatin expression in gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis patients: An immunohistochemical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Visfatin, also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, has been suggested as a pro-inflammatory and immunomodulating marker for periodontitis. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical analysis of visfatin in gingival tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study based on clinical evaluation and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty patients with generalized chronic periodontitis, 13 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis, and 20 periodontally healthy individuals enrolled. Gingival tissue samples were obtained during periodontal flap surgery and crown lengthening surgery in periodontal patients and healthy group, respectively. Tissue samples were transferred to a pathology laboratory to determine the degree of inflammatory infiltration by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the level of visfatin expression by immunohistochemistry. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software and paired t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Inflammation grading and visfatin expression were significantly higher in periodontally diseased gingiva compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between two diseased groups. The relationship between inflammation grading and visfatin expression in aggressive periodontitis group was statistically significant, positive and relatively strong (P = 0.025, r = 0.617). However, no significant relationship has been found between visfatin expression and inflammation grading in the chronic periodontitits and control groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Visfatin expression was increased in gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis patients. Hence, visfatin may have a role in the etiopathogenesis of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.