Kidney Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation: Effect of Scaffold and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a global health challenge, and it needs alternative therapeutic approaches for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although organ transplantation is effective, it faces challenges such as declining quality of life, immunological responses, transplant rejection, and donor shortages. Tissue engineering, by using suitable scaffolds, cells, and growth factors, emerges as a promising treatment option for kidney regeneration. Experiment: We precisely decellularized scaffold, derived from rat kidneys while maintaining its native three-dimensional (3D) architecture. The efficiency of decellularization was evaluated through histological examinations, including hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and DAPI staining, as well as scanning electron microscopy. The scaffolds were then recellularized with kidney mesenchymal stem cells (kMSCs), and their adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation were assessed over 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The expression of specific renal markers, including Wt-1, ZO-1, AQP-1, and ANG-1, was examined through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in monolayer and 3D cultures. Results: The infiltration rate of cells into the scaffold increased in a time-dependent manner, and the expression of specific renal markers significantly increased, demonstrating successful differentiation of kMSCs within the scaffold. The application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) could intensify the expression of kidney-specific genes. Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of preserving the 3D architecture of the scaffold during decellularization to achieve optimal cellular responses. Moreover, the capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in recellularized scaffolds facilitated tissue regeneration.

Sodium Hydrosulfide Modification of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Exosomes Improves Liver Function in CCL4-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice.

Background: Liver diseases and injuries are important medical problems worldwide. Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by severe functional impairment and widespread death of hepatocytes. Liver transplantation is the only treatment available so far. Exosomes are nanovesicles originating from intracellular organelles. They regulate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of their recipient cells and have promising potential for clinical application in acute and chronic liver injuries. This study compares the effect of Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) modified exosomes with non-modified exosomes in CCL4-induced acute liver injury to ascertain their role in ameliorating hepatic injury. Methods: Human Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were treated with or without NaHS (1 µmol) and exosomes were isolated using an exosome isolation kit. Male mice (8-12 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): 1-control, 2-PBS, 3- MSC-Exo, and 4- H2S-Exo. Animals received 2.8 ml/kg body weight of CCL4 solution intraperitoneally, and 24 h later MSC-Exo (non-modified), H2S-Exo (NaHS-modified), or PBS, was injected in the tail vein. Moreover, 24 h after Exo administration, mice were sacrificed for tissue and blood collection. Results: Administration of both MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), total oxidant levels, liver aminotransferases, and cellular apoptosis. Conclusion: MSC-Exo and H2S-Exo had hepato-protective effects against CCL4-induced liver injury in mice. Modification of cell culture medium with NaHS as an H2S donor enhances the therapeutic effects of MSC exosomes.

Correlation of vitamin D levels with serum parameters in Covid-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: It is well-established that vitamins have many beneficial roles and protect humans against inflammatory diseases. Vitamin D, a lipid-soluble vitamin, plays a crucial role in viral infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate if serum 25(OH)D levels affect morbidity, mortality, and levels of inflammatory parameters in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: 140 COVID-19 patients participated in this study (65 outpatients and 75 inpatients). Their blood samples were collected to determine TNFα, IL-6, D-dimer, zinc, Ca2+, and 25(OH)D levels. Patients with O2 saturation <93% were admitted and hospitalized in the infectious disease ward (inpatient group). Patients with O2 saturation >93% received routine treatment and were discharged (Outpatient group). RESULTS: The serum levels of 25(OH)D in the inpatient group were significantly lower than those in the outpatient group (p < 0.001). Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and D-dimer levels in the inpatient group were significantly higher than those in the outpatient group (p < 0.001). Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and D-dimer levels were inversely correlated with 25(OH)D levels. No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of zinc and Ca2+ between the studied groups (p = 0.96, p = 0.41 respectively). Ten out of 75 patients in the inpatient group were admitted to ICU (intubated). Nine out of them lost their lives (the mortality rate in ICU-admitted patients was 90%). CONCLUSIONS: The lower mortality and severity of COVID-19 patients with higher 25(OH)D levels represented that this vitamin alleviates the severity of COVID-19.

Citicoline ameliorates arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity and diabetes in mice by overexpression of VAMP2, PPAR-γ, As3MT, and SIRT3.

The use of arsenic in arsenic-based pesticides has been common in many countries in the past and today. There is considerable evidence linking arsenic exposure to hepatotoxicity and diabetes. Destructive phenomena such as hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation can interfere with glucose uptake and insulin function. In the present study, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and molecular mechanism of citicoline against sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity and glucose intolerance were investigated in mice. Citicoline improved glucose tolerance impaired by sodium arsenite. Citicoline increased the hepatic activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Moreover, we found that citicoline prevents an increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Citicoline reduced levels of caspase 3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 6 in sodium arsenite intoxicated groups. It was shown that citicoline increased the expression of arsenite methyltransferase, vesicle-associated membrane protein 2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and sirtuin 3 to combat sodium arsenite toxicity. Citicoline reduced glucose intolerance, which was disrupted by sodium arsenite, by affecting the pancreatic and extra-pancreatic pathways involved in insulin production, secretion, and action. Based on our results, citicoline can be considered a modulating agent against arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity and hyperglycemia. Considering the relationship between arsenic exposure and the occurrence of side effects such as liver toxicity and diabetes, it is necessary to monitor and awareness of arsenic residues from sources such as drinking water.

Irradiation and conditioned media from human umbilical cord stem cells suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers in breast cancer cells.

Objectives: Breast cancer cells developing radioresistance during radiation may result in cancer recurrence and poor survival. One of the main reasons for this problem is the changes in the regulation of genes that have a key role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Utilizing mesenchymal stem cells can be an effective approach to overcome therapeutic resistance. In this study, we investigated the possibility of combining mesenchymal medium with cancer cell medium in sensitizing breast carcinoma cells to radiation. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the cells were irradiated at a dose of 4 Gy alone and in combination with stem cells and cancer cells media. Apoptosis, cell cycle, Western blotting, and real-time PCR assays evaluated the therapeutic effects. Results: We found that the CSCM could decrease the expression of several EMT markers (CD133, CD44, Vimentin, Nanog, Snail, and Twist), resulting in increased cell distribution in the G1 and G2/M phases, apoptosis rate, and protein levels of p-Chk2 and cyclin D1; furthermore, it exhibits synergetic effects with radiation treatment in vitro. Conclusion: These findings show that CSCM inhibits the expansion of breast cancer cells and makes them more susceptible to radiotherapy, offering a unique approach to treating breast cancer by overcoming radioresistance.

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knocking out of OPN gene enhances radiosensitivity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.

PURPOSE: Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy in conjunction with surgery have been known as the standard methods for patients with breast cancer, they frequently face resistance due to the failure of cells to death. Accordingly, improving the results requires discovering novel therapeutic approaches based on the changes in the molecular biology of cancer cells. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted protein that previous studies have shown to be associated with progression, poor prognosis, and metastasis in breast cancer. The current study examined the synergistic effects of radiotherapy and knocking out of OPN gene, utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technique in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. METHODS: We used to knock out the OPN gene by the two different gRNAs. The cells irradiated 24 h after transfection. The mRNA expression, tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, growth, and apoptosis were measured. Moreover, activation of Chk1 and AKT were measured via western blot. RESULTS: We demonstrated the OPN knocking out along with radiation led to the promotion of apoptosis, suppression of downstream genes, reduction of cell viability, and inhibition of cell-cycle progression. The western blot analysis has indicated that the knocking out of the OPN gene along with radiotherapy changes DNA damage responses substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The OPN gene knocking out with radiotherapy might be an efficient approach to overcome the radioresistance in breast cancer.

Decellularized Wharton's jelly scaffold enhances differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to insulin-secreting cells.

Diabetes is caused by the destruction of beta-cells in the pancreatic islets. This study was designed to fabricate a favorable bio-scaffold to improve the differentiation of Wharton's jelly (WJ) mesenchymal stem cells (WMJSCs) to the insulin-secreted cells (ISCs). In this study, a decellularized-WJ scaffold (DWJS) was established and characterized by histological assessments, scanning electron microscopy, determination of residual DNA, and examination of the mechanical tensile property. The WJMSCs were seeded on DWJS and exposed to ISC-differentiation media. The functional maturity of ISCs was examined using Ditizone (DTZ) staining, insulin and C-Peptide secretion, and mRNA expression of insulin-related genes. The main components of the WJ such as collagens, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans remained after decellularization. Very low residual DNA, good mechanical behavior, and appropriate porosity of the DWJS provided an ideal extracellular microenvironment for the ISCs. The insulin secretion of DWJS-seeded ISCs in response to glucose stimulation was significantly more than that in the 2D-culture system. DWJS significantly increased the number of DTZ-positive cells compared to the 2D-culture system. In addition, it enhanced the expression of the PDX-1, GLUT-2, and INS genes in the ISCs. These results collectively provided solid evidence that DWJS is a suitable scaffold for stabilizing the artificial pancreatic island.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from the kidney can ameliorate diabetic nephropathy through the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been introduced as one of the main microvascular complications in diabetic patients, the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Based on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in tissue repair, we aimed to test the hypothesis that kidney stem cells (KSCs) might be effective in the kidney regeneration process. Stem cells from rat kidney were separated, and the surface stem cell markers were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (control, control that received kidney stem cells, diabetic, diabetic treated with stem cells). To establish diabetic, model STZ (streptozotocin) (60 mg/kg) was used. The KSCs were injected into experimental groups via tail vein (2 × 106 cells/rat). In order to determine the impact of stem cells on the function and structure of the kidney, biochemical and histological parameters were measured. Further, the expression of miRNA-29a, miR-192, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß was determined through the real-time PCR technique. Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 was evaluated by using the standard western blotting. The KSCs significantly reduced blood nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and 24-h urinary proteins in DN (P < 0.05). IL-1ß and TGF-ß significantly increased in the kidney of diabetic rats. In addition, the expression of miR-29a is significantly increased, whereas miR-192 decreased after treatment with KSCs (P < 0.05). Diabetic rats showed an increased level of phosphorylation of both Smad2 and Smad3 (P < 0.05). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining showed improved histopathological changes in the presence of KSCs. Stem cells derived from adult rat kidney may be an option for treating the early DN to improve the functions and structure of kidneys in rats with DN.

Frequency of adenovirus serotype 8 in patients with Keratoconjunctivitis, in Ahvaz, Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is an extremely frequent ophthalmological disease caused by various serological subtypes of human adenovirus (HAdV) worldwide. Adenoviruses serotypes 8, 11, 19, 37 frequently cause epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of adenovirus serotypes in patients with EKC in Ahvaz, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-eight ocular swabs were collected from patients with EKC. The specimens were analyzed for detection of adenovirus by standard PCR. The PCR products were further sequenced and analyzed to determine the serotypes. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 49/88 (55.7%) males and 39/88 (44.3%) females. Among them 25 (51.02%) males and 22 (56.41%) females were positive for HAdV serotype 8 (p= 0.488). Overall forty-seven (53.4%) samples were positive for AdV serotype 8 while forty-one patients (46.59%) were negative for the adenovirus serotypes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed predominanance of HAdV 8 with high prevalence of 53.4% among patients with Keratoconjunctivitis. Forty-one patients (46.59%) were negative for adenovirus. Still, the role for other related viruses such as enteroviruses need to be investigated in patients with EKC.

The Effect of Iranian Propolis on Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Profile, Insulin Resistance, Renal Function and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Propolis is a natural product with many biological properties including hypoglycemic activity and modulating lipid profile. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Iranian propolis extract on glucose metabolism, Lipid profile, Insulin resistance, renal and liver function as well as inflammatory biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. The duration of the study lasted 90 days. Patients with T2DM were recruited and randomly divided into an Iranian propolis group (1000 mg/day) (n = 50) and a placebo group (n = 44). There was a significant decrease in the serum levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 2-hour post prandial (2hpp), insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of ß-cell function (HOMA-ß), High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, there was a notable elevation in the serum HDL-C in the propolis group compared with the placebo group. In addition, a notable reduction in serum liver transaminase (ALT and AST) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations in the propolis group was observed. Iranian propolis has beneficial effects on reducing post prandial blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, and inflammatory cytokines. It is also a useful treatment for preventing the liver and renal dysfunction, as well as, elevating HDL-C concentrations in patients with T2DM.

Natural History of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Ahvaz City, Iran

Objective: A long persistent of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infection may develop liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and about one million people die due to HBV -related liver cancer and end-stage liver disease annually worldwide. The natural history of CHB phases comprises four phases: immune tolerant (HBeAg detectable and ALT (Alanine Transaminase) normal, HBeAg-positive immune active (HBeAg detectable, anti-HBe antibodies undetectable and ALT persistently elevated), HBeAg-negative immune active (HBeAg undetectable, anti-HBe antibodies present and ALT persistently elevated), inactive carrier (HBeAg undetectable, anti-HBe antibodies present and ALT normal). The evaluation of chronic hepatitis B phases is a crucial to manage the burden of disease and limit the development of associated complications, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus this study conducted to evaluate the natural history of HBV infection in patients with chronic HBV infection in Ahvaz city, Iran. Methods: In this study, 71 non-treated CHB individuals were recruited including 44 (62%) males and 27(38%) females. The sera were tested for HBV markers, HBsAg, HBcIgG, HBeAg, and HBeAb. ALT assay and HBV viral load were carried out for each CHB individual. Results: Based on the analysis of serological, ALT status and viral load, the results showed: immune tolerance 5(7%), eAg+ Immune Clearance 14(19.7%), eAg- Immune Clearance 29 (40.84%) and Inactive Carrier 23 (32.39%). The HBeAg seroconversion was observed in a male age 18 year. Conclusion: The results of the natural history of individuals with chronic hepatitis B phases CHB shows immune tolerance (7%), eAg+ Immune Clearance (19.7%), eAg- Immune Clearance (40.84%) and Inactive Carrier (32.39%). To prevent the consequence of CHB infection, an individual in immune tolerance phase should be tested periodically for ALT level, HBV markers, HBsAg, HBcIgG, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBV viral load. Then decision-making therapy can be applied for CHB patients at early stage of immune clearance.

Association of Human Cytomegalovirus with Hodgkin's Disease and Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Background and Objective: The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can persist lifelong as a latent infection and may result in a series of disorders. Associations with both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin´s lymphomas have been reported. Expression of the unique long (UL)138 gene of HCMV is linked with the viral latency phase while that of the immediate-early (IE)1 gene is typical of the viral replication phase in patients. This study conducted to determine the prevalence of CMV latent infection in histological tissue samples from patients with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin´s lymphomas. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out with a total of 50 paraffin embedded tissues blocks, including 25 samples for Hodgkin's disease and 25 samples for non-Hodgkin´s lymphomas. After RNA extraction and cDNA preparation, detection of IE1 mRNA was conducted by RT-PCR and identification of mRNA UL138 was achieved by nested PCR. Results: Among 25 cases of Non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma, 5 (20%) were positive for UL 138 and 1 (4%) for both IE1 and UL 138. Among 25 cases of Hodgkin only 1 (4%) was positive for UL 138 and all were negative for IE1 .Conclusion: A relatively high 20% rate of expression of UL 138 was detected in patients with non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma, so that latent CMV infection may play a role in development of the disease.

Frequency of Epstein Barr Virus Type 1 Among Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas in Iranian Patients

Background: Around 95% of the world's population are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can persist latent in B lymphocytes and epithelial cells life-long. EBV has been linked with lymphoid and epithelial cancers and persistence of EBV infection in lymphoid or epithelial cells may result in virus-associated B-cell tumors or nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). This study was conducted to determine the frequency of EBV DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue of Iranian patients. Materials and methods: A total of 50 blocks of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue of NPCs from 38 (76 %) male and 12 (24%) female patients were collected from archives of Ahvaz hospitals. Sections were cut at 5 µm and DNA was extracted for detection of EBV DNA and EBV typing by mested PCR. DNA sequencing was performed to confirm PCR results. The distribution of EBV DNA was compared among WHO histological subtypes of NPC. Results: Some 3 female and 11 (22%) male NPC samples showed positive for EBV DNA type 1, 2/14(22.2%)WHO histological type II and 12/41(29.3%) WHO histological type III. Conclusions: The frequency of EBV DNA among NPCs in Iranian patients was found to be 28%, EBV type I predominating. Both WHO histological type II and III NPC subtypes demonstrated approximately the same detection prevalence.

A dermal equivalent developed from adipose-derived stem cells and electrospun polycaprolactone matrix: an in vitro and in vivo study.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is used as a material of choice for surgical sutures, wound dressings, contraceptives, fixation devices and dentistry in paramedical sciences. In addition, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of electrospun PCL fibers on keratinocyte differentiation of ASCs and wound healing. PCL solution was electrospun and characterized. Isolated and characterized ASCs were differentiated into keratinocyte-like cells on a tissue culture plate (TCP) and PCL matrices and compared. PCL nano-/microfibers cultured with ASCs (test group) or alone (control) were implanted as a dermal substitute for wound healing. There were significant increases in the proliferation rate and expression level of cytokeratin 14, filaggrin and involucrin in cells cultured on PCL matrices compared to TCP (p < 0.05). After histological and immunological evaluation of the reconstituted skin, a thick epidermal layer with several skin appendages was evidently observed in the ASC/PCL group, whereas no real and mature epidermis was formed, especially in the central area of the healing wound in the pure PCL group on day 14. Pure PCL, if possessing suitable properties including good adhesiveness, high proliferative capability, inductive elasticity and stiffness for migration and differentiation, could drive the keratinocyte differentiation of ASCs and act as an efficient dermal equivalent to promote wound healing.

MiR-328 May be Considered as an Oncogene in Human Invasive Breast Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The recent investigations have rendered microRNAs (miRs) as a novel biomarker in cancer research. In fact, alteration in miR expression may be associated with tumor suppression, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in human breast cancer (BC). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this clinical experimental study was to measure the miR-328 expression level in breast cancer tissues, at first. Then, we tried to find out any possible correlation between miR-328 and prognostic and predictive biomarkers in BC. Both of these two objectives were investigated for the first time; and we did not find any similar survey measuring the expression level of miR-328 in both tumor and non-tumor breast tissues. This research was conducted in Iran (Ahvaz, Khuzestan), between December 2013 and April 2014. Furthermore, we did not find any previous document investigating the correlation between miR-328 expression level and prognostic factors in BC. Due to the lack of similar studies intending to measure the expression level of miR-328 in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues, we decided to carry out a pilot study. METHODS: We measured the expression level of miR-328 by Poly (A) real-time PCR based on SYBR Green-I in 28 fresh samples of BC tissues and 28 samples of normal adjacent tissues, including invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We tried to attribute the results to clinicopathologic features such as status of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR), HER2/neu (HER2), P53 and also Ki67 labeling (Ki67-LI). RESULTS: The results showed that the miR-328 median level of expression was 0.88 (2-ΔΔCt) (25th-75th percentile, 0.07 - 2.34). It means that the expression level increased in tumor tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues (NATs). However, a statistically significant correlation between the miR-328 median expression level and prognostic factors, including pathologic diagnosis, age, and also the status of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67-LI was not observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it might be possible to consider miR-328 as an oncogene; but not necessarily an oncomiR, in human BC.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus Genotype 3a in patients with Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Replication and persistence of HCV genome have been described in the liver tissue as well as B cells lymphocyte. Several investigations have reported that long-term persistence of HCV in B cells may result in Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study was aimed to determine frequency of HCV RNA in histological tissues obtained from patients suffered from Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 52 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks including 23 (44.3%) Hodgkin and 29 (55.7%) Non-Hodgkin samples were collected and five micrometer sections were prepared. RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized. Two consecutive Nested RT-PCR assays were carried out for detection of HCV 5' UTR and core gene. RT-PCR products were sequenced and aligned to construct HCV phylogenic tree to evaluate the homology of sequences in comparison to the reference sequences retrieved from Genbank. RESULTS: Overall, 6 Non-Hodgkin (20.6%) and 3 Hodgkin lymphoma (13.04%) samples showed positive PCR results for both 5' UTR and HCV core RNA via nested PCR (P<0.469). Sequencing results revealed that all detected HCV RNA samples belonged to the genotype 3a. CONCLUSION: Despite low prevalence of HCV infection in Iran, high frequency of HCV RNA genotypes 3a (17.3%) has been found in patients with Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To improve treatment regimens, screening of HCV RNA in patients suffered from Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is recommended which can be done through highly sensitive molecular means before and after immunosuppression status.

Study of the Association of Mutant HBsAg Gene and Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is responsible for chronic, acute, and fulminant hepatitis, which are prevalent worldwide. Chronic HBV may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that hepatitis B virus is involved in B-cell Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between hepatitis B infection and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paraffin embedded of 41 block samples including 12 (29.26%) Hodgkin and 29 (70.73%) non-Hodgkin patients were collected. Next, DNA extraction was carried out for all the samples followed by HBV DNA detection by the nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The positive HBV DNA samples were sequenced, and HBV genotypes and HBV subtypes were determined. RESULTS: Three out of 12 (25%) Hodgkin samples and seven out of 29 (24.13%) non-Hodgkin showed positive HBV DNA results. The results of sequencing revealed that the D genotype was predominant among the positive HBV patients. Interestingly an unpredictable amino acid proline was detected in position 88 of the HBs gene, which indicates a new mutation in the "S" region of HBV DNA in patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of 25% and 24.13% of HBV DNA was detected among patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, respectively.

Occult hepatitis B virus among the patients with abnormal alanine transaminase.

BACKGROUND: The occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the sera or in the liver biopsy and the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by serological test. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to evaluate the occult HBV infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and determine HBV genotyping among the patients with abnormal alanine transaminase (ALT) in Ahvaz city, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sera of 120 patients, 54 (45%) females and 66 (55%) males, with abnormal ALT 40-152 IU were collected. All the patients were negative for HBsAg for more than one year. The patients` sera were tested by PCR using primers specified for the S region of HBV. Then the positive PCR products were sequenced to determine HBV genotyping and phylogenic tree. RESULTS: Of these 120 subjects, 12 (10%) patients including 6 (5%) males and 6 (5%) females were found positive for HBV DNA by PCR, which indicated the presence of occult HBV infection among these patients. The sequencing results revealed that genotype D was predominant with sub-genotyping D1 among OBI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Occult hepatitis B infection is remarkably prevalent in Ahvaz, Iran, and should be considered as a potential risk factor for the transmission of Hepatitis B Virus throughout the community by the carriers.

Antisecretory effect of hydrogen sulfide on gastric acid secretion and the involvement of nitric oxide.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of H2S on distention-induced gastric acid secretion. Fifty-two rats were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups. The gastric acid secretion was stimulated by gastric distention. Two groups of rats received L-cysteine or saline for 5 days before stimulation of the gastric acid secretion. Two groups of animals also received NaHS or saline just prior to stimulation of the gastric acid secretion. The effect of L-NAME and propargylglycine was also investigated. The mucosal levels of the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and H(+)/K(+)-ATPase α-subunit were quantified by qPCR and luminal concentrations of NO were determined. NaHS and L-cysteine decreased the gastric acid output in response to distention. The mRNA expression of H(+)/K(+)-ATPase α-subunit decreased by NaHS and L-cysteine as compared with the control group while gene expression of eNOS and COX-2 was upregulated. The inhibitory effect of NaHS on distention-induced gastric acid secretion was mitigated by pretreatment of L-NAME. These findings suggest the involvement of NO in mediating the antisecretory effect of H2S.

Serotype determination of adenoviruses in children with respiratory infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine adenovirus serotypes among children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Khoozestan province, Iran during years 2010-2011. METHODS: One hundred sixty three nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children between 1 and 15 y who were hospitalized for the acute respiratory infection. The viral DNA was extracted from the nasopharyngeal swabs and adenoviruses were detected by Nested PCR. Positive PCR samples were sequenced in order to confirm the adenovirus serotypes. RESULTS: Out of 163 samples, 30 (18.4 %) were positive for adenoviruses by nested PCR. Twenty two PCR products were sequenced and recognized as Ad5 and Ad2 serotypes including 19 (86.3 %) Ad5 and 3 (13.7 %) Ad2. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that adenoviruses with Ad5 predominance are important cause of respiratory tract infection in children.