Effect of Pioglitazone on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Morbid Obese Patients; a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common obesity-related disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pioglitazone on NAFLD in morbid obese patients. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized controlled trial study that was performed in 2020-2021 on 44 patients who had grade 3 NAFLD. At the beginning of the study, we collected the following data: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBS), lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the total size and volume of the liver and the left lobe of the liver. Patients in the control group were given a special diet. For patients in the treatment group, pioglitazone 15 mg tablets were administered twice daily for 4 months. Results: At the beginning of the study, all patients in both groups had grade 3 of NAFLD. After the treatments, 50% of the pioglitazone group had grade 1 NAFLD, and 50% of other patients had grade 2 that showed significant improvements in patients (P < 0.001). We also found significant improvements in the following items in the intervention group: liver size (P < 0.001), size of the left liver lobe (P < 0.001), FBS (P = 0.036), ALT (P = 0.011), and BMI (P < 0.001). No significant improvements were found in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of pioglitazone for 4 months resulted in improvements in fatty liver stage, liver size, BMI, FBS, and lipid profile. These data show the effectiveness of pioglitazone in NAFLD.

Effect of aminophylline, ketamine and paracetamol on pain intensity after deep vitrectomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pain management after surgery is a challenging medical issue, and clinical research in this area has continued. This study aimed to compare the effect of Aminophylline, ketamine, and paracetamol on the pain intensity after deep vitrectomy and compare it with the control group. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 240 patients undergoing deep vitrectomy were included in the study. The protocol of the current study was approved in the Ethics committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUI.REC.1396.3.876) and this study was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20210919052523N1) (https://www.irct.ir/trial/58884). The patients were randomly divided into four equal groups. Twenty minutes before surgery, in the first group, 0.15 mg/kg ketamine, in the second group 1 g acetaminophen, in the third group 3 mg/kg of aminophylline, and in the fourth group, normal saline was infused in the same manner. All drugs were diluted with 100 ccs of normal saline and infused intravenously within 15 minutes. The four groups of hemodynamic variables, pain intensity, and rescue analgesic drugs were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups based on hemodynamic variables (P>0.05). The severity of pain up to 2 hours after surgery and the rescue to analgesia in the ketamine and paracetamol groups were significantly lower than that of aminophylline and placebo. CONCLUSION: Using ketamine or paracetamol effectively decreases pain intensity after deep vitrectomy surgery without producing significant adverse hemodynamic changes.

Traumatic injuries in children during COVID-19 pandemic: a national report from northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: There are no comprehensive and accurate statistics on epidemiology and clinical features, especially during the COVID-19 period. The present study tries to describe the pediatric traumas in a referral treatment center in northern Iran during the COVID-19 period and to compare the available statistics with the years before pandemics to examine the differences in the epidemiology of this event in our country. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 543 children under 15 years admitted to this hospital due to different types of traumas in the first six months of 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) and the first six months of 2020 (coinciding with the peak of the pandemic). The information was retrospectively collected by reviewing the hospital recorded files and the trauma-specific hospital information system. RESULTS: In total, 436 children were referred before the COVID-19 pandemic period and 107 within the pandemic outbreak. The peak age of patients admitted was 2 to 6 years (32.0%) and 70.5% were male. Most of the pointed children had normal weight. The most common mechanism of trauma before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was falling from a height (46.3% versus 42.1%), followed by road accidents (35.6% versus 36.4%). The overall prevalence of penetrating trauma was 6.9% and 9.3%. The most common body sites affected were the head and neck (32.1%) followed by extremities (before the COVID-19 period) and extremities (29.0%) followed by the head and neck (24.3%) (in the COVID-19 period). The overall rates of multiple trauma before and within the pandemic were also 35.6% versus 35.5%. In children aged 12 to 15 years, road accidents were more reported during the COVID-19 pandemic period (68.4% versus 50.9%) and contrarily falling from a height more before the pandemic (25.5% versus 0.0%). In children under two years of age, head and neck trauma was more reported before the COVID-19 period than in the COVID-19 period (55.6% versus 35.5%), while at this age, limb trauma was more common during the COVID-19 period than before (5.6% versus 20.8%) (P = 0.043). In lean children, abdominal and pelvic trauma were mainly seen in the COVID-19 period (28.6% versus 2.6%) (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Referrals of children from traumatic injuries decreased during the COVID-19 period. However, the main differences in the mechanism of trauma and the type and severity of traumatic injuries to children in this period emphasize the provision of specific guidelines for trauma management in children.

Traumatic brain injuries in children during COVID-19 pandemic: a national report from northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that referral cases of traumatic injuries have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic both in childhood and in adulthood. Still we have very little evidence of referrals due to traumatic brain injury among children during the COVID-19 outbreak. The present study aimed to describe epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric traumatic brain injuries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on all patients under 15 years with any evidence of head trauma, referring to Poursina teaching hospital, a referral center for trauma and road accidents in northern Iran. The patients' data were retrospectively collected by reviewing the hospital recorded files and the trauma-specific hospital information system. RESULTS: Of all 543 pediatric traumatic injuries referred to our hospital during the two pointed periods, 166 had any evidence of head and neck injuries leading to an overall prevalence rate of 30.6%. In this regard, the prevalence rate of head/neck injuries was estimated to be 140 out of 436 within a pre-COVID-19 period (32.1%) and 26 out of 107 within the COVID-19 period (24.3%) indicating no significant difference between the two time periods (P = 0.243). However, assessing the rate of head/neck injuries pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods according to patients' age showed a higher rate of such injuries in pre-COVID-19 as compared to COVID-19 periods in patients aged less than two years (55.6% versus 37.5%, P = 0.013) as well as aged 2 to six years (45.8% versus 30.0%, P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The rate of admission of children due to traumatic brain injury during the COVID-19 period does not show a significant change compared to before, and only in children under 6 years of age a decrease in referrals due to brain trauma during the COVID-19 period was observed.

Comparative study of the effect of administering two doses of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: Adenotonsillectomy is a safe and common operation to remove adenoids and tonsils. Here we decided to compare the two dosages of tranexamic acid and their effects on hemodynamic changes and anesthesia-related indexes during surgical interventions. METHODS: This is a double-blinded clinical trial performed in 2019-2020 on 64 children who were candidates for adenotonsillectomy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 32 based on the table of random numbers. Group A received 5 mg/kg slowly tranexamic acid for 10 minutes and group B received 10 mg/kg tranexamic acid slowly for 10 minutes. The study protocol was approved by the Research committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and the Ethics Committee has confirmed it (Ethics code: IR.MUI.MED.REC.1398.639) (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) code: IRCT20171030037093N33, https://en.irct.ir/trial/46553). RESULTS: The mean volume of intraoperative bleeding in children in group A is significantly higher than in children in group B (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the length of stay in recovery and the duration of extubation and the mean dose of propofol in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean arterial oxygen saturation of children in both groups increased significantly over time (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). According to the results, the mean HR in both groups decreased significantly over time (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean HR in children in the group B was significantly lower than children in the group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Administration of 10 mg/kg of tranexamic acid during tonsillectomy is associated with lower amounts of bleeding and lower heart rate than 5 mg/kg dosage. These results were in line with most previous studies.

Outcomes of supra coronary aortic repair technique in patients with acute aortic dissection type A.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a fatal event that requires an emergent surgical operation. Here, we decided to evaluate the outcome of supra coronary aortic repair technique in patients with type A acute aortic dissection for 16 years in Isfahan Chamran hospital that one surgeon performed. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study performed in 2019 in Isfahan on documents of 54 patients who underwent supra-coronary repair surgery for type A aortic dissection during 2004 to 2019. We collected patient's demographic information, the condition of patient's vital signs at the time of admission to the hospital and before surgery, the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and other variables. We also collected data regarding patient's mortality and possible surgical complications. RESULTS: Evaluation of surgical complications showed that acute renal failure (ARF) was the most common complication (87%) followed by postoperative bleeding in ICU that required surgical operation (18.5%), neurologic complications (13%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (9.3%) and chronic renal failure (CRF) (1.9%). The mortality rate was 14.8% (8 patients). The most frequent reason for mortality was bleeding (50%), major neurologic complications (37.5%), multiple organ failure (25%), cardiac failure (12.5%) and CRF (12.5%). Patients with mortality had significantly higher age compared to other patients (P = 0.03), significantly higher duration of CPB use (P = 0.03), higher frequency of irregular peripheral pulses (P = 0.01), higher frequency of abnormal carotid pulses (P = 0.04), and higher bleeding volume in the ICU (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Age, disturbed preoperative clinical condition, postoperative bleeding, and organ failure could increase the rates of mortality of AADA.

Comparison of Tranexamic acid, Remifentanil, and Hydralazine on the bleeding volume during Dacryocystorhinostomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in Dacryocystorhinostomy (DRC) limits the surgeon's sight and access. Tranexamic acid, Remifentanil, and Hydralazine reduce intraoperative blood loss. However, no study has been carried out to compare the efficacy of the latter drugs during DCR surgery. METHODS: Ninety healthy candidates for DCR surgery with chronic Dacryocystitis (aging 20-80) were randomly assigned in groups of 30 to receive low doses of Tranexamic acid (TXA) (10 mg/kg with a maximum dose of 1000 mg), Remifentanil (0.1 µ/kg), or Hydralazine (0.1 mg/kg). All drugs were infused over 15 minutes before the initiation of surgery. The primary outcome was the bleeding volume during the surgery and until 2 hours in recovery. This study was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code of IRCT20210614051574N10 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/62759). RESULTS: Thirty patients (mean age ± SD: 50.48±13.4) were investigated. Mean blood loss volume was lower in Remifentanil and Hydralazine groups compared with the TXA group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in bleeding volume between Remifentanil and Hydralazine groups (Tranexamic acid group: 146.83±91 ml, Remifentanil group: 77.6±52.1 ml, Hydralazine group: 80.0±48.7 ml, 95% confidence interval, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results show that Remifentanil and Hydralazine are more effective than Tranexamic acid in bleeding control.

Incidence of steal syndrome following arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft.

BACKGROUND: Renal failure is one of the dangerous chronic diseases that different solutions are used for dialysis in these patients. Arteriovenous graft (AVG) and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) are two communication methods for dialysis in these patients, associated with pain, sensory and Pulse disturbances, and even limb necrosis. Using cubital AVF and AVG for hemodialysis is a critical issue in vascular surgery. Arterial steal syndrome is an essential medical condition requiring surgical interventions. In this research project, we decided to measure the incidence of steal syndrome among AVF and AVG patients and compare them with each other. METHODS: This cohort study was performed in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from 2018 to 2020. Two hundred one patients undergoing AVF or AVG were included, and patients were followed for six months. The frequency of pain symptoms, anesthesia and pulse disorders, necrosis of the limbs, and the frequency of steal syndrome were assessed. RESULTS: Among the studied patients, 2 cases in the AVF group and 10 cases in the AVG group had steal syndrome, and there was a significant difference between the two groups based on the frequency of steal syndrome (P=0.007). Also, there was a considerable difference between the two groups based on the pulse disorder (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of symptoms of sensory impairment, pain, and evidence of necrosis (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: AVF technique is better than AVG in creating symptoms of steal syndrome, and also, the number of symptoms such as pulse disorder was relatively less seen in the AVF method.

Comparative study of the outcome of McKay surgery with and without pin in clubfoot patients.

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot is one of the most common foot deformities in children. Surgical treatment is the only choice for patients who have failed conservative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been done to compare the McKay surgery with a pin versus without a pin. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of McKay surgery with and without pins in clubfoot patients. METHOD: This study is an analytical study. The sample size included patients referred to Imam Reza Hospital from 2016 to 2018. Children who did not respond to plaster therapy were under McKay surgery. In this study, patients were divided into two groups of 50 patients. In the first group, after ligament release and tendon extension, a pin was used to maintain the direction of the talonavicular joint. In the second group, no pin was used. Every six months, radiographs were taken of the patients to monitor their progress. After collecting the study data, they were entered into SPSS software (version 25, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY) and analyzed. RESULT: The mean age of patients was 5.36±2.07 months. Of these, 79 were boys and 21 girls, most of the subjects were aged 4-6 months, and 24% had unilateral one-way clubs. The severity of the disease was 7 feet in grade 2 (moderate) and 93 feet in grade 3 (severe). There was a significant relationship between age, outcome and type of complications with surgical type. CONCLUSION: Finally, it can be concluded that McKay surgery (both with and without a pin) is exceptionally effective at treating clubfoot.

Evaluation of Relative Abundance of Lymphedema after Reverse Axillary Mapping in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Background: The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique identifies and preserves arm nodes during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of lymphedema following ARM. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial that was performed in 2019-2020 in Isfahan on patients with breast cancer in the early stages. Demographic and initial information of all cases including age and body mass index (BMI) was collected. Patients were then underwent SLNB ± ALND associated with ARM and were followed up for lymphedema every 6 months to a year. The occurrence of lymphedema was assessed. Results: By evaluating data of 102 patients, we found that 10 patients (9.8%) had lymphedema and patients with lymphedema had significantly higher age (P = 0.004), higher BMI (P = 0.001), larger tumor size (P = 0.018), and longer surgery duration (P < 0.001). The frequency of menopausal women was higher in patients with lymphedema compared to other cases (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of lymphedema was high among patients undergoing ARM that was associated with factors including higher age, higher BMI, prolonged surgery duration, larger tumor size, and menopause. We believe that further comparative studies should be conducted on this issue.

Complete bilateral knee arthroplasty in staged or simultaneous surgeries in patients with osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Considering the increasing importance of the new method of arthroplasty in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and the possibility of its two-stage and one-stage process, as well as considering that each method has its own merits, this study examines these disadvantages and comparisons. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 119 patients undergoing bilateral knee arthroplasty surgery were enrolled in the study, in the first group with the simultaneous process (60) and the second group who were willing two stages (from a period of three months or more) 59 patients, Then the treatment outcomes were compared in both groups. RESULTS: The mean duration of hospitalization in the simultaneous group was significantly lower than that in the staged group (P < 0.05). The average surgery cost in the staged method was significantly higher than that of the same group (P < 0.05). The mean knee motion range and patients' satisfaction in the two groups did not significantly differ. In the short term, patients' satisfaction was higher in the stage method. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous approach to hospitalization time and costs was better than the staged method, but in the long-term, there was a significant difference in other aspects.

Treatment of pilon fractures with low profile plates.

BACKGROUND: Treatments of pilon fracture is an important operative challenge due to high prevalence of post-operative complications. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the complications of the use of low profile plates for pilon fractures. METHODS: This clinical trial that was performed in 2017-2021 in Isfahan on 27 patients with pilon fractures. Demographic data of patients such as age, gender, type of pilon fracture and baseline pathology of pilon fractures were collected. Patients were treated using low profile plates under surgical procedures. Within 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgeries, patients were visited and assessed regarding superficial wound infections, deep wound infections, and evidence of osteomyelitis, vascular injuries, non-union and mal-union using both physical examinations and imaging studies via X-ray. We also measured the functions of cases using The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Most cases had 3 days (33.3%) and 5 days (33.3%) of hospitalization. Superficial wound infection was observed in 7 cases (26%). Deep surgical site infections were observed in 2 cases (7.4%) and we had only 1 case of osteomyelitis (3.7%). No vascular injuries were observed in this study. Evaluation of union among patients showed that 2 cases (7.4%) had non-union and 5 cases (18.5%) had malunion in the anterior-posterior axis, but none of the patients had malunion in the coronal axis. Based on AOFAS questionnaire, the mean score in patients was 88.36±14.20. CONCLUSION: Treatments of pilon fractures by low profile plates have similar complications compared to other treatment options.

Alcohol and multiple sclerosis: an immune system-based review.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although the exact etiology of multiple sclerosis is unknown, researchers suggest that genetic, environmental, and microbial factors play a central role in causing multiple sclerosis. Pathology of multiple sclerosis is based on inflammation as T cells enter the brain via disruptions in the blood-brain barrier, recognizing myelin as foreign antigen; and as a result, the T cells attack myelin and start the inflammatory processes, enhancing inflammatory cytokines and antibodies. Since previous studies show ethanol can suppress the immune system such as innate, humoral, and cellular immunity and increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, we hypothesized maybe ethanol also have ameliorating effects on multiple sclerosis symptoms. Although alcohol induces apoptosis in oligodendrocytes and neurons, causing demyelination and affects CNS directly, in this study we will investigate ethanol's effects on some aspects of the immune system in multiple sclerosis.

Comparison of Nutritional Behaviors and Physical Activities between Overweight/Obese and Normal-Weight Adults.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are major problems with increasing rates among adult populations. Nutritional behaviors and physical activity are the most important influencing factors. In this article, we conducted a survey on the nutritional behaviors and physical activities among normal-weight and overweight/obese adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey on some of the nutritional behaviors and physical activities of 729 middle-aged adults. Data regarding desirable or undesirable use of fruits, fish, dairy products, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and the intensity and duration of physical activities were collected from our data bank and analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Our results indicated that overweight/obese people had an improper usage of fruits, oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and had lower physical activity. There was also a significant increase in intensity, duration per day, and weekly days of physical activity in healthy groups. Logistic regression analysis of nutritional behaviors, physical activities, and obesity also indicated that undesirable usage of oil, fast foods, and carbonated drinks and undesirable physical activity are associated with risks for overweight/obesity (odds ratio [OR] =10.70, OR = 7.45, OR = 7.48, and OR = 2.16, respectively) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This article puts emphasis on the role of proper nutritional behaviors and higher physical activities in decreasing the risks of developing obesity, and we suggest that further interventions could be made based on the results of our study.

Fingolimod and changes in hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cells of patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Fingolimod is the first oral drug approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of United States for treating patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Fingolimod acts by immunomodulation but there are still much remained about its different effects. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), and red blood cells (RBC) of patients with MS under treatments with fingolimod. METHODS: A total number of 66 MS patients were included to our study based on certain exclusion criteria and eligibility for fingolimod oral treatment. Hct, Hb, and RBC were measured for each patient before drug administrations. Patients were treated with Fingolimod. 5 mg daily and after three months of treatments, measurements of Hct, Hb, and RBC were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24. RESULTS: Amounts of Hct, Hb, and RBC were significantly decreased in this patient cohort. Hematocrit was decreased in all patients. Hemoglobin levels were significantly decreased in the female cohorts. Such decreases for male patients were insignificant. Red blood cell counts were also significantly decreased in patients. CONCLUSION: Accumulating line of evidence had surveys on different side effects of fngolimod but here we indicated that fingolimod will also decrease amounts of Hct, Hb, and RBC which could result further problems in patients susceptible to other diseases.

Mechanism and adverse effects of multiple sclerosis drugs: a review article. Part 1.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is chronic, inflammatory, a neurologic disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Although the exact mechanisms of MS have not been yet discovered some drugs are found helpful for its treatment. These drugs which are divided into the first line, second line and third-line therapies, have demonstrated to be helpful for MS patients based on immune basic of the disease. Previous studies have been indicated that deterioration of MS condition is associated with a stronger immune system. Most of these therapies impact on the immune system and immune cells including shifting immune cell populations toward a Th2 dominant population or suppression of the immune system so that auto-reactive immune cells cannot attack myelin sheath of neurons. Beside many beneficial effects of these drugs, some adverse effects (AE) have been reported in many experiments and clinical trials among patients suffering from MS. In this review, we conclude some AEs of beta interferon, mitoxantrone, natalizumab and fingolimod, reported in different papers and we continue the rest of the drugs in second part of our review article.

Mechanism and adverse effects of multiple sclerosis drugs: a review article. Part 2.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) mostly affecting young adults. The exact mechanism and pathogenesis of MS remain still undiscovered but there have been useful treatments with different efficacy rates. Most of these therapies are divided into the first line, second line and third line, impact on the immune system and immune cells. These drugs are approved to be useful in MS, but like any other therapies, adverse effects (AE) are associated with these drugs. In this review, we continue the survey over mechanisms of actions and AEs of MS drugs. Physicians must be aware of such AEs and complications to choose the best drug for each patient.

Effect of fingolimod on white blood cell, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in MS patients.

INTRODUCTION: Fingolimod is an immunomodulating oral treatment used for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The exact mechanism for its action in preventing relapses is unknown. Also, its affect on immune cell populations remains unestablished. OBJECTIVES: This study will measure the changes in cell populations of WBCs, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in MS patients after one month of treatment. METHODS: 66 MS patients from Isfahan Province with RRMS were chosen based on certain exclusion criteria and eligibility for fingolimod oral treatment. Initial cell counts for WBC, lymphocyte, and neutrophil cell populations were achieved. Fingolimod .5 mg daily treatment was then initiated under the supervision of a physician. After one month of treatment, cell counts were repeated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Both lymphocyte and WBC mean cell counts were significantly decreased in this patient cohort. Neutrophil average cell counts were significantly increased in this 66 patient cohort. Only the decrease of WBC populations was significant for both male and female cohorts individually. Only female sub-cohorts were significantly changed for neutrophils and lymphocytes, increased and decreased respectively. Male sub-cohorts maintained the same directionality but failed to produce statistical significance. CONCLUSION: While fingolimod has been effectively proven as reducing lymphocyte cells in most patient populations, its effects on neutrophils have not been studied in abundance. Also, there may be sex-related differences in responses to fingolimod treatment with regards to lymphocytes and neutrophils, suggesting a possible difference in RRMS pathogenesis between males and females.

Serum levels of histamine and diamine oxidase in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, mostly affecting young adults. Diamine oxidase is an enzyme essential for histamine production. Histamine which is produced mostly by mast cells can have effects on different aspects of immune system via its different histamine receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R and H4R). The crucial role of diamine oxidase and histamine in immune balance has been documented in different studies and experiments both on MS patients and on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this regard, we aimed to measure the level of histamine and diamine oxidase in the serum of MS patients. METHODS: A total number of 50 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 41 age and sex matched controls were enrolled in this study. Assessments of serum levels of histamine and diamine oxidase enzyme were performed using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The serum levels of histamine and diamine oxidase in RRMS patients were lower than healthy controls (P-value = 0.00, for both). CONCLUSION: Our research team found significant low levels of histamine and diamine oxidase in RRMS patients; however the pathogenesis of this issue was unclear.