Changes in serum level of trace elements in pulmonary tuberculosis patients during anti-tuberculosis treatment.

INTRODUCTIONS: Tuberculosis is spreading throughout the globe, while it is a crucial cause of death in developing countries. In this study, trace elements concentrations and their alterations were determined in TB patients during anti-tuberculosis treatment period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have collected blood samples from a total of 180 TB patients with pulmonary Tuberculosis, and 180 healthy controls in Sistan, Iran. The serum iron, copper, lead, calcium, arsenic and selenium concentrations were detected at the beginning of anti-TB chemotherapy, at the end of 2nd, 4th and 6th month after treatment initiation. Data were then analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Although Ca, Pb, and As levels did not change during the treatment period, serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Se were diminished in TB patients significantly during treatment in comparison with controls (P < 0.001).We also found that there was a significant difference in the Cu/Se and Cu/Zn ratios in tuberculosis patients in comparison with healthy individuals (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Trace elements serum concentrations are affected by TB infection and anti-TB therapy. Their serum levels were strongly perturbed during infection as well as anti-TB treatment.

Role of essential trace elements in tuberculosis infection: A review article.

Malnutrition is one of the risk factors in tuberculosis (TB) infection. Mineral levels perturbation is seen in patients with TB. Moreover there are some strategies to starve pathogens of essential metals. Here we decided to conclude association between some essential elements and TB. Copper, calcium and iron are essential for hosts' immune system although calcium and iron are necessary for Mycobacterium tuberculosis vitality. Changing these elements alongside with anti-TB therapy is suggested for better treatment outcomes.

Influenza vaccination in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis: efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory, granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. The role of cellular and humoral immune systems in this disease is unclear, whereas dysregulation of the immune system is suggested. Patients with sarcoidosis show diverse responses while exposed to various antigens. Although influenza vaccination is recommended in pulmonary sarcoidosis, its efficacy and safety has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate safety and immunogenicity of influenza vaccine in patients with sarcoidosis. PATIENTS/METHODS: Influenza vaccination was performed in 23 eligible patients with sarcoidosis (SP) and 26 healthy controls (HC). Antibody titers against H1N1, H3N2, and B influenza virus antigens were evaluated just before and 1 month after vaccination. Patients were followed for 6 months to assess vaccine safety. RESULTS: Serological response and magnitude of changes in antibody titers against influenza vaccine antigens were comparable between SPs and HCs. Women showed a better serological response against B antigen (P = 0·034) than men. Twenty-four-hour urine calcium was associated with antibody response against H1N1 [correlation coefficient (CC) = 0·477, P = 0·003] and H3N2 (CC = 0·352, P = 0·028) antigens. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme correlated negatively with antibody response against B antigen (CC = -0·331, P = 0·040). Higher residual volume was associated with fewer rises in antibody titer against H3N2 antigen (CC = -0·377, P = 0·035). No major adverse events or disease flare-up was observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, influenza vaccination did not cause any major adverse event in SPs, and their serological response was equal to HCs. Studies with larger sample size and a broader selection of subjects could help validate the results of this study.