"Ferula assa-foetida L" or "Foeniculum vulgare"? Which one is more effective in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome? A randomized, placebo controlled, triple-blinded.

Objective: There are few evaluation about the effects of Fennel and Ferula on human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family (Fennel and Ferula) in management of PCOS. Materials and Methods: The sample size was 47 participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into 3 groups. The Ferula assa-foetida L group received 100 mg of Ferula (n=14), the Foeniculum vulgare group received 46 mg of Fennel (n=15), and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 3 months (n=14). Results: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of clinical parameters, endometrial thickness, or ovarian volume. After the interventions, the number of ovarian follicles was decreased in the Ferula and Fennel groups as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The number of ovarian follicles in both ovaries in the Ferula and Fennel group decreased and this decrease was significant in the right side as compared to placebo group. Our findings showed significant changes in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEHAS) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after the intervention (p<0.03) between the Ferula and Placebo groups. Conclusion: Since use of Ferula could make significant changes in TSH and DEHAS levels and decrease the number of right and left ovarian follicles compared to Fennel and placebo, it can be concluded that this herbal medicine is more effective than Fennel in managing PCOS.

Comparison of the Effect of Fennel and Evening Primrose Oil on Menopausal Problems and Hormonal Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Using natural oral supplements is one of the methods of complementary medicine that has been widely welcomed in the last decade Since studies have reported contradictory results for effectiveness of herbal medicines during menopause and no other more effective herbal medicine has been suggested yet, the researchers of this study decided to compare the fennel and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and their effect on menopause problems and sex hormones. Materials and Methods: The present study was a triple-blinded, controlled clinical trial with 125 participants randomly assigned to. An intervention group received fennel, another intervention group received evening primrose oil, and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention results were obtained using hormonal assay and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Results: In this study, the mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels changed significantly in the fennel and EPO groups compared to placebo (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean FSH score between the fennel group and EPO group was not significant (p = 0.304), but the difference in the mean estradiol level between these groups was significant (p = 0.043). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean MRS score between the intervention groups before the intervention (p < 0.05). However, the difference in the mean MRS score between the fennel and EPO groups was not significant after the intervention (p = 0.322). Conclusions: Consumption of fennel and EPO can significantly change FSH, estradiol, and psychological menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Human embryos derived from first polar body nuclear transfer exhibit comparatively abnormal morphokinetics during development.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstructed oocytes after polar body genome transfer constitute a potential therapeutic option for patients with a history of embryo fragmentation and advanced maternal age. However, the rescue of genetic material from the first polar body (PB1) through introduction into the donor cytoplasm is not yet ready for clinical application. METHODS: Eighty-five oocytes were obtained following in vitro maturation (IVM) and divided into two groups: PB1 nuclear transfer (PB1NT; n=54) and control (n=31). Following enucleation and PB1 genomic transfer, PB1 fusion was assessed. Subsequently, all fused oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and were cultured in an incubator under a time-lapse monitoring system to evaluate fertilization, embryonic morphokinetic parameters, and cleavage patterns. RESULTS: Following enucleation and fusion, 77.14% of oocytes survived, and 92.59% of polar bodies (PBs) fused. However, the normal fertilization rate was lower in the PB1NT group than in the control group (56.41% vs. 92%, p=0.002). No significant differences were observed in embryo kinetics between the groups, but a significant difference was detected in embryo developmental arrest after the four-cell stage, along with abnormal cleavage division in the PB1NT group. This was followed by significant between-group differences in the implantation potential rate and euploidy status. Most embryos in the PB1NT group had at least one abnormal cleavage division (93.3%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Fresh PB1NT oocytes successfully produced normal zygotes following PB fusion and ICSI in IVM oocytes. However, this was accompanied by low efficiency in developing into cleavage embryos, along with an increase in abnormal cleavage patterns.

Development and evaluation of 89Zr-trastuzumab for clinical applications.

Objectives: Due to the suitable physical characteristics of 89Zr as a PET radionuclide and affinity of Trastuzumab monoclonal antibody against HER2, [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab was prepared and went through preclinical evaluations for ultimate human applications. Methods: 89Zr was produced by using 89Y(p,n)89Zr reaction at a 30 MeV cyclotron (radionuclide purity>99.9%, specific activity of 17 GBq/µg). p-SCN-Bn-Deferoxamine (DFO); was conjugated to trastuzumab, followed by labeling with 89Zr in oxalate form at optimized condition. Cell binding, internalization and, radioimmuno-activity assays were studied using HER2+ BT474 and HER2- CHO cell lines. Finally, the biodistribution of the radioimmunoconjugate was assessed in normal and HER2+ BT474 tumor-bearing mice using tissue counting and imaging at different intervals after injection. Also, a woman with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer under treatment with Herceptin underwent both [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab and, [18F]FDG PET/CTs. Results: 89Zr was produced with high radionuclidic and radiochemical purities (>99%) and [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Trastuzumab was prepared with radiochemical purity of >98% and specific activity of 9.85 GBq/µmol. The radioimmunoconjugate was stable both in PBS buffer and in human serum for at least 48 h. The radioimmunoactivity assay demonstrated about 70% of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-Trastuzumab is bound to the BT474 cells at the number of 250×106 cells. Cell binding studies showed that about 28% of radioimmunoconjugate is attached to BT474 cells after 90 min. Internalization studies showed that 50% of [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab is internalized to BT474 cells only in 6 h. The biodistribution study of the labeled compound in normal mice demonstrated the same pattern of the monoclonal antibodies which is entirely different from the biodistribution of free 89Zr. Biodistribution and imaging studies in tumor-bearing mice showed the significant uptake values of [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab in tumor sites. [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab PET/CT revealed metastatic lesions documented previously with [18F]FDG PET/CT scan in a woman with breast cancer who was under treatment with Herceptin. Although the [18F]FDG PET/CT scan had better quality images, the valuable and unique advantage of [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab PET/CT is delineating HER2+ metastasis, which is essential in diagnosis and HER2-based treatments. Conclusion: The prepared [89Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab has a high potential radio-pharmaceutical for immune-PET imaging of the patients with HER2+ tumors.

Helicobacter pylori acquisition rates and the associated risk factors amongst newlywed couples; a prospective cohort study in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The rates and routes of Helicobacter pylori transmission, in a high-prevalent country like Iran, with gastric cancer as the leading cause of male cancer mortality, are of great essence. Here, we have studied the H. pylori-associated risk factors and the likelihood of interspousal transmission. METHODS: In a cohort of 686 young prewed couples, questionnaires were self-administered and serum samples were collected, for assessment of risk factors and H. pylori serostatus, at baseline and follow-up. Of the 475 H. pylori single- or double-seronegative couples, 201 returned for follow-up. The average follow-up duration was 2.2 (SD 0.6) years, with a total of 560.1 person-years. Logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: The risk of infection was higher in men than women (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8) and among metropolitan than rural residents (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). It was also significantly higher among those with three (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2), and four or more siblings (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.9), in reference to those with one or no siblings. Adult H. pylori acquisition occurred in 10.9% (27/247) of the seronegative participants. The risk of the acquisition was significantly associated with age (P value for trend=0,000). It was also significantly lower among participants who had various degrees of education as compared to illiterate subjects (HR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Nevertheless, our analysis did not find any evidence for interspousal transmission (HR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.4-2.2). CONCLUSION: Whilst H. pylori acquisition was detected in the young adult Iranian population, our findings did not support interspousal transmission, as a mode of acquisition.

The Synergistic Combination of Cisplatin and Piperine Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Piperine is a natural compound obtained from the Piper nigrum that exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-cancer activity in cancer cell lines. We analyzed the cytotoxic effect of piperine combined with cisplatin compound in the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The present in vitro study was performed on MCF-7 cell line in Jahrom University of Medical Sciences between, Jahrom, Iran from 2016 to 2017. Cultured MCF-7 cells were seeded into four groups: a control group (untreated group), a group treated with cisplatin, a group treated with piperine and a group treated with cisplatin and piperine. Cell viability was analyzed using the MTT assay method. Flow c-ytometric analysis was investigated for apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression of the apoptotic regulators p53, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 9 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Piperine (20 and 30 µM) in combination with cisplatin (5, 10 and 15 µM) for 24 h synergistically inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells more than piperine and cisplatin used alone. Synergistic anti-breast cancer activities cisplatin (5 µM) and piperine (20 µM) were via inducing apoptosis. Piperine (20 µM) and cisplatin (5 µM) for 24 h induce apoptosis strongly through reduction of Bcl-2 and increase of caspase 3, p53, caspase 9, and Bax. CONCLUSION: Piperine in combination with cisplatin could trigger p53-mediated apoptosis more effective than cisplatin alone in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, reducing the toxic dose of cisplatin used in cancer chemotherapy.

In Vitro Effects of Curcumin on Transforming Growth Factor-ß-mediated Non-Smad Signaling Pathway, Oxidative Stress, and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Production with Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) induces pro-inflammatory cytokines expression including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and these cytokines are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. Curcumin has anti-atherogenic effects and anti-inflammatory properties in the vascular wall, but the relative mechanisms are almost unknown. In the present study, we investigate the effect of curcumin on modulating the pro-inflammatory action of TGF-ß in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and its molecular mechanisms. Cultured VSMCs were seeded into several groups: a control group (untreated group), a group treated with TGF-ß, and several groups treated with TGF-ß plus inhibitors. The cells were pre-treated with diphenyleneiodonium chloride, DPI, (20 µM), curcumin (5, 10 and 20 µM) and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, NAC, (10 mM) and then TGF-ß (5 ng/mL) was added to the culture medium. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. For monitoring the Smad2 linker region phosphorylation (pSmad2L), the western-blotting technique was applied and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured by utilizing 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate-based assay. TGF-ß increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 (p=0.02 and p=0.001) and TNF-α (p =0.014 and p = 0.001) in a time-dependent manner, ROS production (p=0.03) and Smad2L phosphorylation (p=0.015). Pre-treatment with curcumin, DPI and NAC inhibited TGF-ß-induced IL-6 (p=0.04) and TNF-α (p=0.001) mRNA expression, Smad2L phosphorylation (p=0.02) and ROS production (0.03). Pharmacological inhibition by Curcumin blocks TGF-ß-induced ROS production, Smad2L phosphorylation, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression in human VSMCs.

Erratum: High carotenoid production by a halotolerant bacterium, Kocuria sp. strain QWT-12 and anticancer activity of its carotenoid.

[This corrects the article on p. 840 in vol. 16, PMID: 28827999.].

High carotenoid production by a halotolerant bacterium, Kocuria sp. strain QWT-12 and anticancer activity of its carotenoid.

Halophilic prokaryotes are extremophile microorganisms that grow optimally in media containing salts and almost appeared pigmented. Many of them contain high concentrations of carotenoids. Amongst 15 strains of halophilic prokaryotes isolated from industrial tannery wastewater in Qom, a Gram-stain-positive coccoid, aerobic, non-endospore-forming, halotolerant bacterium designated as strain QWT-12 showed high capacity in the production of carotenoids in a wide range of culture medium factors. 16S rRNA gene analysis showed that this strain belongs to the genus Kocuria. Carotenoids from this strain were extracted by methanol. MTT assay for extracted carotenoid was carried out against seven cancer cell lines belonging to breast, lung and prostate cancer with negative control of fibroblast cell line through six concentration levels to find out IC50. Based on statistical analysis of data from MTT assay, IC50 of 1, 4 and 8 mg/ml for MCF-7, (A549 and MDA-MB-468) and MDA-MB-231 respectively. Additionally, qualitative carotenoid determination was carried out using spectrophotometric method in 300-600 nm and thin layer chromatography, respectively. According to the obtained results from mass spectrophotometry, absorption spectrum of strain QWT-12 is similar to the absorption spectrum of the carotenoid neurosporene.

Association between 318C/T polymorphism of the CTLA-4 gene and systemic lupus erythematosus in Iranian patients.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an important negative regulator of T-cell response. It is a functional candidate gene connected with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed the role of -318C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the CTLA-4 gene in Iranian patients suffering from SLE. METHODS: A total of 180 SLE patients and 304 healthy ethnically matched controls were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from blood samples according to the standard procedure. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to analyze the genotype and allele frequencies of these polymorphisms. RESULTS: The CC genotype was observed in 170 (94.5%) of the SLE patients, which was significantly different compared to the controls (251 [82.4%]; P = 0.0001, OR = 3.51 95%CI = 1.77-7.53). T allele was significantly more common in the controls (9.2%) compared to SLE patients 2.8% (P = 0.0001, OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.13-0.53). There was no significant correlation between different genotypes and age, gender or family history of SLE in the studied population. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that -318C/T polymorphism of CTLA-4 gene might play a significant role in the development of SLE in the Iranian patients.

Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec Types Among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections around the world. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing methods are often used to study MRSA molecular epidemiology. OBJECTIVES: The current study was designed to explore the distribution profiles of different SCCmec types among methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains isolated from hospitals in Gorgan, in northern Iran, and to correlate the types into observed bacterial virulence factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec typing of 62 MRSA strains isolated from patients and health-care workers in Gorgan was performed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The prevalence of the strains was then compared according to isolation source, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, biofilm production, and the presence of the Panton-Valentine gene in isolates. RESULTS: The most common SCCmec type was type III, with a frequency rate of 76%, followed by types IV, I, and V, with frequency rates of 11.2%, 4.8%, and 3.2%, respectively; three isolates (4.8%) were not typeable by this method. SCCmec type I was only isolated from blood culture, and types IV and V were mainly isolated from wounds and urine samples; SCCmec type III was isolated from all of the clinically samples. All of the MRSA strains that were isolated from healthy carriers were type III. Multidrug resistance in the type III strains was higher compared to the other types. The frequencies of Panton-Valentine and biofilm production were significantly lower in the type III strains compared to the other SCCmec types (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Similarly to other geographical regions of Iran, the SCCmec type III MRSA strain was the most frequently isolated strain from patients in Gorgan. Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type III showed fewer virulence factors compared to other SCCmec types.

Staphylococcus aureus Typing by Digestion of Protein A Coding Gene Using Bsp143I.

BACKGROUND: Protein A is the virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus rolling in its pathogenesis, and its gene is used for typing. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with different enzymes has been used for this action. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we used Bsp143I enzyme for digestion of the gene, coding protein A (spa gene) in S. aureus. The bacteria were isolated from patients and healthy carriers in Gorgan, north of Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DNAs of 128 S. aureus subjects (53 from healthy carriers and 75 from patients) were extracted and amplified using specific primers of the spa gene. The product was digested by Bsp143I enzyme and its pattern was assessed by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: There were seven spa types among the tested S. aureus samples, among which six types differed in the repeated X region of the spa gene, but the seventh type had a deletion on one of BSP143I restriction sites. The frequency of spa types among isolated S. aureus samples as well as healthy carriers was six and five, respectively. S. aureus isolated from wounds showed the most diverse spa types (five) among clinical samples. Types 1, 2 and 4 were observed in all clinical samples, while only one case of type 3 was identified among patients, whereas this type constituted over 32% of the isolates among carriers. We found seven and four spa types among methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that typing the spa gene using PCR-RFLP using Bsp143I was an acceptable method for typing S. aureus. Furthermore, this survey showed that the types in healthy carriers and MSSA were more variable than patient and MRSA isolates, respectively. We used the Bsp143I enzyme, which was not used in any previous studies on the spa gene. The results of this study suggested that we can use PCR-RFLP of spa gene by Bsp143I for molecular typing and sequencing of S. aureus, instead of relatively expensive methods. This method is relatively rapid and inexpensive, and can be accomplished in centers with conventional molecular facilities.

Comparison of bacterial biodiversity and enzyme production in three hypersaline lakes; urmia, howz-soltan and aran-bidgol.

This research is a comparative study on the diversity of halophilic bacteria with hydrolytic activities in three significant hypersaline lakes; Urmia in the northwest and Howz-Soltan and Aran-Bidgol in the central desert in Iran. Isolated strains from these saline lakes were found to be halotolerant, moderately and extremely halophilic bacteria. The bacteria in each saline lake were able to produce different hydrolytic enzymes including amylase, protease, lipase, DNase, inulinase, xylanase, carboxy methyl cellulase, pectinase and pullulanase. 188, 302, 91 halophilic strains were isolated from Urmia Lake, Howz-Soltan and Aran-Bidgol playa, respectively. The numbers of Gram-positive strains were more than Gram-negatives, and among Gram-positive bacteria; spore-forming bacilli were most abundant. Due to the unique physico-chemical conditions of the lake environments, the hydrolytic activities of isolated strains were significantly different. For instance, isolated strains from Howz-Soltan playa did not produce pectinase, DNase, amylase, lipase and inulinase, while the isolates from Aran-Bidgol playa had a great ability to produce pectinase and DNase. The strains from Urmia Lake were also good producers of DNase but failed to show any chitinase activity. The diversity of halophilic bacteria from the mentioned three saline lakes was also determined using PCR-amplified 16S rRNA followed by phylogenetic analysis of the partial 16S rRNA sequences.

Accessory Gene Regulator Types of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated in Gorgan, North of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive bacterium that has remained a persistent pathogen, causing infections such as endocarditis, meningitis, and toxic shock syndrome in humans. The accessory gene regulator (agr) system of Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for controlling the expression of many genes that code for virulence factors. In this study, we assessed the S. aureus agr Group, based on their source of isolation, in Gorgan, North of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA of 194 S. aureus isolates was extracted by lysozyme-phenol chloroform method, which included 85 clinical samples, 58 samples which were isolated from noses of health care workers and 51 cases which were obtained from food products in Gorgan, northern Iran. PCR-based assays were used to evaluate agr locus nucleotide polymorphism for the identification of agr specificity Group. Distributions of each agr Group were determined and comparison between different sources was assessed by X(2). A p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The majority of isolates belonged to agr Group I (43.3%), followed by agr Group III (28.87%), agr Group II (22.68%), and agr Group IV (5.15%). In our study, a majority of S. aureus isolates were recovered from health care workers and food product specimens were of agr Group I and isolates which were recovered from patients were of agr Group III. These differences were statistically significant (P=0.005). There was no statistical difference between the source of isolation of clinical samples of S. aureus and agr type. CONCLUSION: Agr Group I was predominant among health care workers and food product specimens in Gorgan, North of Iran, but in strains which were isolated from patients, agr Group III was predominant. Investigating the possible role of agr Group III in Staphylococcus aureus infection in future studies is recommended.

Preparation and characterization of carvacrol loaded polyhydroxybutyrate nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods.

In this investigation, preparation of carvacrol loaded polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) nanoparticles was performed by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods. PHB particles were obtained by nanoprecipitation method without and with low concentration of Tween 80 or pluronic as surfactant. Nano- and micro-sized particles were formed with trimodal distribution and large aggregates. Size and distribution of nanoparticles were decreased when concentration of Tween 80 was increased to 1% (v/v) in water as polar phase. PHB nanoparticles had narrow size (157 nm) with monomodal distribution. Nanoparticles, which were prepared by dialysis method had 140 nm in diameter with monomodal distribution. Carvacrol was used as a lipophilic drug and entrapped in optimized nanoparticles formulation by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods. Entrapment efficacy was 21% and 11%, respectively. Morphology of PHB nanoparticles was spherical. The results of kinetic release study showed that carvacrol was released for at least 3 days. Release kinetic parameters showed a simple Fickian diffusion behavior for both formulations. Carvacrol loaded PHB nanoparticles had good dispersion into the agar medium and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. This study describes the 1st work on loading of carvacrol into the PHB nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods.

No evidence of association between CTLA-4 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in Iranian patients.

AIM: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an important negative regulator of T-cell responses. CTLA-4 polymorphisms have been confirmed to be associated with several autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We analyzed the role of CTLA-4 polymorphism at positions -1661 and -1722 in Iranian patients suffering from SLE. METHODS: One hundred and eighty SLE patients and 304 ethnically and age-matched healthy controls were studied. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to analyze the genotype and allele frequencies of these polymorphisms. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the studied genotypic and allelic frequencies between SLE patients and the controls. Although the TC genotype in 1722TC polymorphism was more common among the control group, the correlation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the -1661AG and -1722TC polymorphisms in the promoter region of the CTLA-4 gene does not play any role in genetic susceptibility to SLE. However, further studies on larger sample sizes are needed to approve our results.

Spa Diversity among MRSA and MSSA Strains of Staphylococcus aureus in North of Iran.

Protein A of Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic factor whose encoding gene, spa, shows a variation in length in different strains. In this study the spa gene variation in S. aureus isolated from healthy carriers and patients was studied, We also compared this variation among MRSA with MSSA strains. 208 strains of Staphylococcus aureus which we were isolated from Gorgan, north of Iran were studied, 121 cases from patients and 87 cases from healthy carriers, 59 out of them were MRSA and 149 MSSA. Samples DNA were extracted and amplified by specific primer of spa gene. In 4 (3.8%) strains of them no spa gene was detected, and 10.6% had a dual band (1200 and 1400 bp). In strains with one band, the length of spa gene differed from 1150 to 1500 bp. The most prevalent length was 1350-1400 bp (37%). The frequencies of short spa bands (1150-1200 bp) in patients strains were significantly higher. In 4 (3.8%) strains of them no spa gene was detected, and 10.6% had a dual band (1200 and 1400 bp). In strains with one band, the length of spa gene differed from 1150 to 1500 bp. The most prevalent length was 1350-1400 bp (37%). The frequencies of short spa bands (1150-1200 bp) in patients strains were significantly higher. The spa gene length of 1350-1400 bp in MSSA was more than in MRSA strains (P < .05). The average length of spa in isolated strains from urinary tract infections was more than others. It is concluded that the length of spa gene depends either on resistance to Methicillin or the source of S. aureus isolation.