ABSTRACT
Toxocara is one of the most prevalent nematodes in Iran, which infect humans as an intermediate host. Infection complications result from the larva migration. Human toxocariasis prevalence was various in Iran according to the area of study and population. This study was designed to evaluate the seropositivity of Toxocara IgG in patients with blood disorders and cancer patients in southwest Iran. Moreover, the study of the associated risk factors for this infection. A total of 1122 serum samples, from February 8, 2019 to August 21, 2019, including 600 healthy individuals and 522 individuals with cancer and blood disorders patients were collected. Serum samples were collected for detection of Toxocara IgG by using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit. Sociodemographic data of all participants were collected and examined to determine their association with the infection. Out of 101 individuals with white blood cell disorders (5.94%), red blood cell disorders (7.48%) and cancer patients (11.06%) were seropositive for Toxocara IgG antibodies. The infection rate among all study population revealed that (10.76%) were positive for Toxocara IgG. This study showed the fundamental role of contact with pets and infection in groups with blood cell disorders (P-value ≤ 0.05%); while in cancer patients the association wasn't significant. Other factors such as age, location of residence, and sex showed that the association with this infection wasn't significant.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To test the involvement between IL-18 and IL-6 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -607A/C and - 137G/C in IL-18 promoter region were examined by sequence specific primers-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) and position -174G/C in promoter region of IL-6 gene which analyzed by Mutagenically Separated PCR (MS-PCR) in 104 T1D participants and 114 controls. RESULTS: IL-18 -137GC and -137CC genotypes and -137C allele were significantly decreased in T1D subjects (P < 0.05), while -137GG genotype was insignificantly increased as compared to controls. A significant decrease was detected in haplotype -137C/-607C frequency in T1D participants compared with controls (OR = 0.04, P < 0.001). There was significant association between IL-18 -607 of (CC, AC and AA genotypes) in age at diagnosis, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that IL-18 gene promoter polymorphisms might be associated with susceptibility to T1D in Egyptian children. Individuals carrying CC genotype at position -137 of IL-18 promoter may be at a low risk of T1D progression. Additionally, the susceptible combination of IL-18 and IL-6 cytokine genes associated with T1D highlight their risk toward the disease. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-021-00763-w.
