Chlamydia trachomatis Seroepidemiology and Associated Factors in Fertility Treatment-Seeking Patients in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the seroepidemiology of and identify factors associated with exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis ( C. trachomatis ) in fertility treatment-seeking patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A total of 308 fertility treatment-seeking patients were surveyed. Seroprevalence of past (IgG positive), current/acute (IgM positive), and active infection (IgA positive) with C. trachomatis was quantified. Factors associated with exposure to C. trachomatis were identified. RESULTS: Overall, 19.0%, 5.2%, and 1.6% found to have past, acute/recent, and ongoing active infection with C. trachomatis , respectively. Overall, 22.0% of the patients were seropositive to any of the 3 to C. trachomatis antibodies. Male compared with female patients (45.7% vs. 18.9%, P < 0.001) and current/ex-smokers compared with nonsmokers (44.4% vs. 17.8%) had higher seropositivity. Patients with a history of pregnancy loss had higher seropositivity compared with other patients (27.0% vs. 16.8%), particularly recurrent pregnancy losses (33.3%). Current smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-11.04) and history of pregnancy loss (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-5.8) were significantly associated with higher odds of exposure to C. trachomatis . CONCLUSIONS: The observed high seroprevalence of C. trachomatis , particularly in patients with a history of pregnancy loss, possibly indicates the contribution of C. trachomatis to the growing burden of infertility in the United Arab Emirates.

Association of rs1800668 polymorphism in glutathione peroxidase- 1 gene and risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Pakistani population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) C/T polymorphism (rs1800668) in modulating the chances of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Pakistani population. METHODS: A total of 400 individuals including 200 controls and 200 patients of RA, were genotyped. Detection of rs1800668 polymorphism was carried out using PCR based amplification strategy (allele specific). RESULTS: The results for Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) indicated that the allele frequencies for GPX1 polymorphism were not deviant from HWE in whole population under observation. The statistical analysis indicated that significant association existed between rs1800668 polymorphism and RA (p<0.01). CT genotype increased the risk of RA development by 1.8582 times (OR: 1.8582; 95% CI 1.2154 to 2.8409). CC genotype was found to have protective effect against the disease development (OR: 0.5133; 95% CI 0.3403 to 0.7742) while TT genotype was found to have association with RA development but the risk level was marginal (OR: 1.5319; 95% CI 0.6124 to 3.8322). CONCLUSION: The present finding suggests the importance of GPX1 C/T polymorphism (rs1800668) in development of RA in Pakistani population. The protective role of CC genotype against the development of RA in local population was also observed.

Seroepidemiology of Treponema pallidum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum in fertility treatment-seeking patients in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Several genital pathogens affect fertility. The study estimated the seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis and identify specific factors associated with exposure to at least one of these pathogens in patients seeking fertility treatment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A seroepidemiological survey was conducted in a major fertility clinic in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Serum samples were screened for eight immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA) against T. pallidum, U. urealyticum, and M. hominis using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Factors associated with seropositivity to at least one of the pathogens were investigated. RESULTS: The study surveyed 308 patients seeking fertility treatment (mean age: 36.1 ± 6.8 years). Most patients were female (88.0%), 24.9% had at least one chronic comorbidity, 19.3% had a previous genital infection, and 68.1% had been diagnosed with infertility for ≥ 6 months. Ig seroprevalence of T. pallidum (IgG: 3.0%, IgM: 3.2%), U. urealyticum (IgG: 2.6%, IgM: 2.0%), and M. hominis (IgG: 33.9%) was 6.4%, 4.6%, and 49.0%, respectively. Nearly one quarter (23.0%) and one decile (9.2%) of the patients exhibited evidence of ongoing infection (IgM seropositivity) or recent infection (IgA seropositivity) with M. hominis, respectively. Overall, 53.0% of the patients were seropositive for at least one of the screened immunoglobulins. Patients with an education level of secondary schooling or below (66.2%) or those who were unemployed (61.1%) had a higher seroprevalence of IgG antibodies compared with patients with college or higher-level education (48.4%) or those who were employed (48.1%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to T. pallidum or U. urealyticum was relatively low, whereas that to M. hominis was common in the surveyed patients. Enhanced awareness and screening programmes for genital pathogens are crucial to prevent and control the transmission of infections and reduce the growing burden of infertility.

Characterization of Fertility Clinic Attendees in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study describes the primary and secondary infertility in patients attending fertility clinics and reports factors associated with primary infertility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two fertility clinics in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between December 2020 and May 2021. The collected information covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, and fertility-related characteristics. The mean age and age at marriage (±SD) of the 928 patients were 35.7 (±6.7) and 25.2 (±6.3) years, respectively. Of the total, 72.0% were obese and overweight, 26.6% reported a consanguineous marriage, and 12.5% were smokers. Secondary infertility (62.5%) was more frequent than primary infertility (37.5%). Primary infertility was inversely associated with age (aOR, 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98) and not being overweight (aOR, 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) while positively associated with a nationality other than Middle Eastern nationality (aOR, 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3), married for ≤5 years (aOR, 6.0, 95% CI: 3.9-9.3), in a nonconsanguineous marriage (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9), having a respiratory disease (aOR, 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6), an increased age at puberty (aOR, 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), and self-reported 6-<12 months (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1) and ≥12 months (aOR, 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8-6.4) infertility. Patients with primary infertility were more likely to be diagnosed with infertility of an ovulation, tubal, or uterine origin (aOR, 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9-7.9). Secondary infertility was more common than primary infertility. Several preventable fertility-related risk factors including overweight, smoking, and diabetes were found to be common among the fertility clinic attendees.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 seroprevalence and associated factors in fertility-treatment-seeking population: A cross-sectional survey in the United Arab Emirates.

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common genitally-transmitted viral infection affecting more than 400 million individuals globally. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in specific at-risk population groups, the burden of HSV-2 has not been reported. This study investigated the prevalence of HSV-2 IgG antibodies in patients seeking fertility treatment and characterized patients with seropositivity to HSV-2 IgG antibodies. Methodology: A cross-sectional sample of patients seeking fertility treatment in a major fertility clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE was surveyed from April to May 2021. Patients were consecutively invited to complete self-administered questionnaires and provide blood for HSV-2 testing. Information on sociodemographics, medical history, and infertility was collected. Serum specimens were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for HSV-2 IgG antibodies detection. Results: Two hundred and ninety-nine patients were surveyed and provided blood samples. The mean age of the patients was 35.9 ± 6.8 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years with 89.3% being women. Sixty-six percent were overweight or obese, 25.0% had at least one chronic comorbidity, and 19.6% reported ever-had genital infection. More than two-thirds (68.3%) of the patients were infertile for ≥ 6 months. Of the 42 infertile males, 69.0% had an abnormal semen analysis. HSV-2 IgG antibodies was detected in 12.4% of patients. The HSV-2 IgG seropositive patients had a higher mean age (39.5 vs. 35.4 years; p < 0.001) compared to seronegative patients. HSV-2 IgG antibodies seropositivity was more common in males (15.6%) than females (12.0%), in patients with secondary (14.1%) vs. primary (9.2%) infertility, or in males with abnormal (10.3%) vs. normal (7.7%) semen. Conclusion: Exposure to HSV-2 at any time in patients seeking fertility treatment in the UAE was found to be slightly common in more than one out of 10 patients. Tailored health campaigns on HSV-2 prevention are warranted.

Role of rs4986790 Polymorphism of TLR4 Gene in Susceptibility towards Malaria Infection in the Pakistani Population.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) of the human immune mechanism play important role in the detection of invading pathogens. TLRs specifically recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from pathogens and start the effective response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TLRs can mediate their functions. Present study evaluated the importance of rs4986790 polymorphism of TLR4 gene in susceptibility towards malaria, clinical outcomes of the disease and responsible species of malaria. METHODS: Blood samples of 228 malaria patients and 226 healthy volunteers were selected for the study. Sample collection was completed during Sep 2013 to Sep 2015 from different hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan. Patient's samples were divided into P. vivax group and P. falciparum group on the basis of causative species of Plasmodium. Malaria samples were also divided into mild and severe malaria group based on clinical outcomes of the disease according to WHO criteria. Healthy individuals were placed in the control group. Whole blood was used for the isolation of DNA. Genomic DNA was isolated and amplification of targeted SNP was performed using allele-specific PCR. RESULTS: Results indicate the protective role of AA genotype against the susceptibility of P. vivax infection, OR: 0.5, 95%CI: 0.285-0.876, P=0.038. CONCLUSION: rs4986790 polymorphism of TLR4 gene modulates the susceptibility towards P. vivax infection. AA genotype is found to be protective against the development of P. vivax infection in the local population of Pakistan.

Examining H2O2 Production in Arabidopsis Leaves Upon Challenge by Cytokinin.

Plant cells respond to stresses and exogenous environmental stimuli. Production of altered levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of a typical cellular responses against such stimuli. These responses are detectable through various techniques including luminol-based bioassays. Luminol-based bioassays provide an excellent opportunity for detection of ROS in plant leaf tissue when challenged with some exogenous stimuli like phytohormones, cytokinins, auxins, ABA, etc. The luminol-based protocol in point aims at measuring changes in the H2O2 levels of Arabidopsis leaf discs when exposed to phytohormone cytokinins. However, utility of the luminol-based ROS determination protocol is quite wide. We specifically optimized this protocol to quantify the effect of cytokinins on ROS production by Arabidopsis leaves.

Comparative Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Healthy Control in Pakistani Population.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to heavy metals in development of many diseases has been investigated previously, specially created by oxidative stress. The etiology of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still not fully understood but oxidative stress created by heavy metals may have role in development of RA. The aim of present study was to compare serum level of heavy metals in RA and healthy control individuals. METHODS: Blood samples of 100 RA patients were collected from different hospitals in district Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan and 100 control individuals from Dec 2013 to May 2014.The serum samples were analyzed for determination of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni through Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA 6600 Shimadzu). RESULTS: Statistically highly significant difference was observed between RA patients and healthy control individuals for Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni level (P<0.01). The difference between the means of both sexes was not significant for Pb and Cd concentrations (P>0.01). For Cr the difference between the means of both sexes was statistically not significant in RA +ve patients and highly significant difference was observed between both sexes in healthy control group (P<0.01). The difference between the means of both sexes for Ni was statistically non-significant in healthy control group while significant difference was observed between both sexes in RA +ve group (P<0.05). Statistically non-significant difference for Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni level was found among the all three age groups of RA and healthy control individuals (P>0.01). CONCLUSION: Concentration of heavy metals in serum samples of RA patients and healthy control individuals differ significantly, which shows that heavy metals may contributes towards development of RA.

Role of MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism rs8177374 in modulation of malaria severity in the Pakistani population.

INTRODUCTION: The present study was designed to investigate the association between rs8177374 polymorphism and malaria symptoms due to exposure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 454 samples were included in the study (228 malaria patients and 226 healthy individuals). Malaria patients, divided into P. vivax and P. falciparum groups on the basis of the causative species of Plasmodium, were categorized into mild and severe on the basis of clinical outcomes according to WHO criteria. Healthy individuals were used as controls. Allele specific PCR based strategy was used for the identification of rs8177374 SNP. RESULTS: MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to malaria (p<0.001). C allele frequency (0.74) was higher in the population compared to T allele frequency (0.26). CT genotype increased the susceptibility of malaria (OR: 2.661; 95% CI: 1.722-4.113) and was positively associated with mild malaria (OR: 5.609; 95% CI: 3.479-9.044, p=0.00). On the other hand, CC genotype was associated with severe malaria (OR: 3.116; 95% CI: 1.560-6.224, p=0.00). P. vivax infection rate was higher in CT genotype carriers compared to other genotypes (OR: 3.616; 95% CI: 2.219-5.894, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MyD88-adaptor-like/TIR domain containing adaptor protein polymorphism for single nucleotide polymorphism rs8177374 is related with the susceptibility of malaria.

Electrolyte Disturbance and the Type of Malarial Infection.

BACKGROUND: Electrolytes play an important role in the normal functioning of human body. Electrolyte imbalance and mineral disturbances is the common clinical manifestation in several infectious diseases including malaria. Malaria is a mosquito borne serious infectious disease of the world. Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum are the main agents responsible for malaria in Pakistan. Electrolyte imbalance in malarial infection may lead towards the severity of disease. METHODS: The present study analyzed the electrolytes levels (Na, K, Ca and Mg) in malarial patients and healthy individuals. Patients were categorized into two groups, P. falciparum and P. vivax, based on causative species of Plasmodium. Study consisted of 173 individuals, out of which 73 were malarial patients and 100 were normal healthy individuals. RESULTS: Concentrations of Na, K, and Ca were low in the blood of malarial patients as compared to healthy individuals (P<0.05). No significant difference for these electrolytes exists between P. falciparum and P. vivax infected groups (P>0.05). The concentration of Mg was changed based on exposure to the type of parasite. In P. falciparum infection, the level of Mg was lower than healthy individuals was (P<0.05). Discordantly, in case of P. vivaxinfection, Mg level was higher than healthy individuals were (P<0.05). No variation was noticed in electrolytes levels due to gender differences (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Variation in Mg levels occurs due to exposure of Plasmodium depending on its type. The levels of Na, K and Ca are also changed due to Plasmodium, regardless of its type.

Role of MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism rs8177374 in modulation of malaria severity in the Pakistani population

Abstract Introduction: The present study was designed to investigate the association between rs8177374 polymorphism and malaria symptoms due to exposure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. Materials and methods: A total of 454 samples were included in the study (228 malaria patients and 226 healthy individuals). Malaria patients, divided into P. vivax and P. falciparum groups on the basis of the causative species of Plasmodium, were categorized into mild and severe on the basis of clinical outcomes according to WHO criteria. Healthy individuals were used as controls. Allele specific PCR based strategy was used for the identification of rs8177374 SNP. Results: MyD88-adaptor-like gene polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to malaria (p < 0.001). C allele frequency (0.74) was higher in the population compared to T allele frequency (0.26). CT genotype increased the susceptibility of malaria (OR: 2.661; 95% CI: 1.722-4.113) and was positively associated with mild malaria (OR: 5.609; 95% CI: 3.479-9.044, p = 0.00). On the other hand, CC genotype was associated with severe malaria (OR: 3.116; 95% CI: 1.560-6.224, p = 0.00). P. vivax infection rate was higher in CT genotype carriers compared to other genotypes (OR: 3.616; 95% CI: 2.219-5.894, p < 0.001). Conclusion: MyD88-adaptor-like/TIR domain containing adaptor protein polymorphism for single nucleotide polymorphism rs8177374 is related with the susceptibility of malaria.