Association of anticardiolipin antibodies with epilepsy in children.

We investigated the association of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) with epilepsy development and characteristics in children. This prospective case-control study included 40 epileptic children and 40 sex- and age-matched controls. Epileptic children had higher levels of aCL compared to healthy controls (5.66 ± 5.41 versus 2.37 ± 2.28; p value = 0.001). The novel finding of elevated levels of aCL predicted response to IVIg therapy (p value = 0.009). Patients with normal EEG had lower levels of aCL compared to those with EEG abnormal findings (p value = 0.015). Patients with the combined type of epilepsy had statistically significant higher levels of aCL compared to other types (p value = 0.046). Also, aCL levels were correlated with seizure frequency (p value = 0.019). These results declare the possible involvement of such antibodies in the onset or pathogenesis of epilepsy. Screening for aCL may help in the timely diagnosis of epilepsy and initiation of appropriate treatment.

Association of VDR gene ApaI polymorphism with obesity in Iranian population. / Asociación del polimorfismo Apal del gen receptor de vitamina D con la obesidad en una población iraní

INTRODUCTION: Identifying obesity risk factors as a health problem facing communities is crucial given its complexity. The vitamin D receptor gene has been reported as a possible cause of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To study the association of the VDR gene ApaI, BsmI, and TaqI polymorphisms with obesity in an Iranian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the genotypes of 348 obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) and 320 non-obese people (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) using PCR-RFLP. We measured FBS, TG, total cholesterol, and HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in an automatic biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: We found significantly higher BMI, FBS, and TG levels in the obese group compared to the control. In the obese individuals, the frequency of genotype AA was 47.1% and that of the combined Aa+aa genotype, 52.9% while in the control group they were 30% and 70%, respectively (p=0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.100-3.933, odds ratio (OR)=2.08). A and a alleles frequencies for the ApaI polymorphism were statistically significant in the two groups (allele A vs. a; p=0.017). No significant relationship was observed between TaqI genotypes and alleles in the control and obese subjects. CONCLUSION: We found that VDR ApaI (rs7975232 C/A) polymorphism appeared to be a risk factor for obesity. Especially, the A allele and the AA genotype in ApaI were associated with the obesity phenotypes.

Introducción. La determinación de los factores de riesgo de la obesidad en la población iraní como problema de salud de la comunidad es crucial dada su complejidad. El gen receptor de la vitamina D (VDR) se ha mencionado como posible causante de dicha enfermedad. Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación de los polimorfismos Apal, Bsml y Taql, con el gen VDR y la obesidad en una población iraní. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron genotipos de 348 individuos obesos (BMI≥30 kg/m²) y 320 no obesos (BMI: 18,5-24,9 kg/m²) mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción (PCR-RFLP). Para medir los niveles de glucemia en ayunas, tiroglobulina (TG), colesterol total, colesterol HDL y colesterol LDL, se utilizó un analizador bioquímico automático. Resultados. Los índices de masa corporal, glucemia en ayunas y TG fueron significantemente más elevados en el grupo de los obesos que en el de control. En los individuos obesos, la incidencia del genotipo AA fue de 47,1 % y la del genotipo combinado Aa+aaa fue de 52,9 %, en tanto que en el grupo de control estas cifras fueron, respectivamente, de 30 y 70 % (p=0,024; IC95% 1,100-3,933; la razón de probabilidades (OR) fue de 2,08. La frecuencia de los alelos "A" y "a" para el polimorfismo Apal en ambos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa (alelo A Vs. A; p=0,017). No se observó ninguna relación significativa entre los genotipos Taql y los alelos en los sujetos obesos y, tampoco, en los controles. Conclusión. El polimorfismo Apal del gen VDR (rs 7975232C/A) sería un factor de riesgo para la obesidad. El alelo y el genotipo AA en dicho polimorfismo se asociaron con los fenotipos de obesidad.

Association of VDR gene Apal polymorphism with obesity in Iranian population / Asociación del polimorfismo Apal del gen receptor de vitamina D con la obesidad en una población iraní

Abstract | Introduction: Identifying obesity risk factors as a health problem facing communities is crucial given its complexity. The vitamin D receptor gene has been reported as a possible cause of this disease. Objective: To study the association of the VDR gene ApaI, BsmI, and Ta qI polymorphisms with obesity in an Iranian population. Materials and methods: We analyzed the genotypes of 348 obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) and 320 non-obese people (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) using PCR-RFLP. We measured FBS, TG, total cholesterol, and HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in an automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: We found significantly higher BMI, FBS, and TG levels in the obese group compared to the control. In the obese individuals, the frequency of genotype AA was 47.1% and that of the combined Aa+aa genotype, 52.9% while in the control group they were 30% and 70%, respectively (p=0.024, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.100-3.933, odds ratio (OR)=2.08). A and a alleles frequencies for the ApaI polymorphism were statistically significant in the two groups (allele A vs. a; p=0.017). No significant relationship was observed between Ta qI genotypes and alleles in the control and obese subjects. Conclusion: We found that VDR ApaI (rs7975232 C/A) polymorphism appeared to be a risk factor for obesity. Especially, the A allele and the AA genotype in ApaI were associated with the obesity phenotypes.

Resumen | Introducción. La determinación de los factores de riesgo de la obesidad en la población iraní como problema de salud de la comunidad es crucial dada su complejidad. El gen receptor de la vitamina D (VDR) se ha mencionado como posible causante de dicha enfermedad. Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la asociación de los polimorfismos Apal, Bsml y Ta ql, con el gen VDR y la obesidad en una población iraní. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron genotipos de 348 individuos obesos (BMI≥30 kg/m²) y 320 no obesos (BMI: 18,5-24,9 kg/m²) mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y polimorfismos de longitud de fragmentos de restricción (PCR-RFLP). Para medir los niveles de glucemia en ayunas, tiroglobulina (TG), colesterol total, colesterol HDL y colesterol LDL, se utilizó un analizador bioquímico automático. Resultados. Los índices de masa corporal, glucemia en ayunas y TG fueron significantemente más elevados en el grupo de los obesos que en el de control. En los individuos obesos, la incidencia del genotipo AA fue de 47,1 % y la del genotipo combinado Aa+aaa fue de 52,9 %, en tanto que en el grupo de control estas cifras fueron, respectivamente, de 30 y 70 % (p=0,024; IC95% 1,100-3,933; la razón de probabilidades (OR) fue de 2,08. La frecuencia de los alelos "A" y "a" para el polimorfismo Apal en ambos grupos fue estadísticamente significativa (alelo A Vs. A; p=0,017). No se observó ninguna relación significativa entre los genotipos Ta ql y los alelos en los sujetos obesos y, tampoco, en los controles. Conclusión. El polimorfismo Apal del gen VDR (rs 7975232C/A) sería un factor de riesgo para la obesidad. El alelo y el genotipo AA en dicho polimorfismo se asociaron con los fenotipos de obesidad.

Gorgan (Iran) population HLA genetics and anthropology.

Gorgan (Iran) have been studied for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 genes for the first time. They are Turkmen and originated in East Asia around Altai Mts; they originally spoke a Turk language classified within the Turkish-Oguz group. Peripheral blood samples were collected from Gorgan City (Iran) and HLA typed by standard methodology. HLA allele frequencies were compared with 7984 chromosomes of other World populations and it was shown existence of admixture of Siberian and Mediterranean HLA characters in this population, probably due to longlasting contact with Persians. Three new HLA extended haplotypes were found: A*01:01-B*35:01-DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01, A*30:01-B*13:01-DRB1*15:01-DQB1*02:01 and A*31:01-B*35:01-DRB1*15:01-DQB1*03:01. Gorgan (Iran) were most close to Chuvashians (Noth Caspian Sea, Russia) and Siberians, like Tuvinians, Mansi and Buryats in Neighbour Joining and Vista analyses. It is established a relationship of this population with Kurgan (Gorgan, Iran) archaeological mounds culture. However, their kinship with Scythians (2nd century BC) and Sarmatians (4th century AD) is obscure although both of them spoke a Persian language.

Study of HLA genes in Russia Bering Island Aleuts.

HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 alleles and haplotypes have been studied in a group of Aleuts from Bering Island (Commander Islands, Russia). Many of their ancestors were original from other Aleutian Islands, like Attu and Atka Islands (USA) and may have had a low degree of admixture with Russians. HLA haplotypes are found to be specific and quite different from other First North America Inhabitants (including Amerindians, Na-Dene and Eskimo), as it was previously shown in a less numerous Aleut population. HLA-A*24:02 is found in a very high frequency; this character is shared by Pacific and Amerindian populations. In conclusion, HLA, other genetic markers, anthropological and linguistic traits make Aleuts to be different from First America Inhabitants and closer to Europeans and Asians: specifically Aleut relatedness has been found with Scandinavian Saami (Lapps) and Finns and Baikal Lake area Buryats, where all of them may have initialing being originated.

Effects of genetic polymorphism in Pit1, GH, GHR and KCN3 on milk yield and body weight of Khuzestan (Iran) water buffaloes / Efectos del polimorfismo genético en Pit1, GH, GHR y KCN3 sobre la producción de leche y el peso corporal del búfalo de agua de Juzestán, Irán / Efeitos do polimorfismo genético em Pit1, GH, GHR e KCN3 sobre produção de leite e peso corporal do búfalo de água do Cuzistão, Irã

Abstract Background: Genetic information is necessary to devise strategic plans aimed to improve the genetic merit of buffalos. Objective: To assess the effect of genetic polymorphisms in GH, Pit-1, GHR, GHRHR, and KCN3 genes on milk production and body weight of Khuzestan water buffaloes. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 buffaloes from the Khuzestan province, Iran. Using the PCR-RFLP technique, the amplified and digested fragments of GH/AluI, GHR/AluI, GHRHR/ HaeIII, Pit1/HinfI, and KCN3/HindIII were genotyped. Results: All animals were monomorphic for GHRHR. The frequency of mutant alleles for GH, GHR, KCN3, and Pit1 was 47.5, 74.2, 49.2, and 51.7%, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.0001) in the genotypic frequencies of GH, GHR, and Pit1 between high and low milk-yielding buffaloes. The GH (p=0.0002), GHR (p<0.0001) and Pit1 (p<0.0001) polymorphisms also had significant effects on body weight. Sequencing results revealed the presence of C496A, G495A, G498A and C1501T SNPs in the GH, and G1702T in the GHR gene of Khuzestan buffalos. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of GH, GHR, and Pit1 on milk production and body weight of Khuzestan buffaloes. The results suggest that devising an integrated breeding plan in Khuzestan water buffalos can considerably benefit from the very high diversity in candidate genes.

Resumen Antecedentes: La información genética es necesaria para diseñar planes estratégicos con el objeto de mejorar el mérito genético de los búfalos. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de los polimorfismos genéticos en los genes GH, Pit-1, GHR, GHRHR y KCN3 sobre la producción láctea y peso corporal de búfalos de agua de la provincia de Juzestán, Iran. Métodos: Se recolectaron 60 muestras de sangre de búfalos de la provincia de Juzestán, en Irán. Los fragmentos amplificados y digeridos de GH/AluI, GHR/AluI, GHRHR/HaeIII, Pit1/HinfI y KCN3/HindIII fueron clasificados genotípicamente, utilizando la técnica PCR-RFLP. Resultados: Todos los animales fueron monomórficos para el gen GHRHR. La frecuencia alélica de alelos mutantes para los genes GH, GHR, KCN3 y Pit1 fue 47,5, 74,2, 49,2 y 51,7%, respectivamente. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0,0001) en las frecuencias genotípicas de GH, GHR y Pit1 entre búfalos de alta y baja producción. El efecto del polimorfismo GH (p=0,0002), GHR (p<0,0001) y Pit1 (p<0,0001) también fue significativo para peso corporal. Los resultados de la secuenciación revelaron la presencia de SNPs C496A, G495A, G498A y C1501T en GH, y G1702T en el gen GHR. Conclusiones: Este estudio resalta la importancia de los genes GH, GHR y Pit1 sobre la producción de leche y el peso corporal de búfalos de Juzestán. Los resultados sugieren que la elaboración de un plan de cruzamiento integrado en búfalos de agua de Juzestán puede beneficiarse considerablemente de la gran diversidad de genes candidatos.

Resumo Antecedentes: Determinação informações genéticas é o passo crítico para elaborar planos estratégicos com o objetivo de melhorar o mérito genético dos búfalos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de polimorfismos genéticos nos genes GH, Pit-1, GHR, GHRHR e KCN3 na produção de leite e no peso corporal dos búfalos de água do Cuzistão, Irã. Métodos: Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 60 búfalos da província de Cuzistão, no Irã. Utilizando a técnica PCR-RFLP, os fragmentos amplificados e digeridos de GH/AluI, GHR/AluI, GHRHR/HaeIII, Pit1/HinfI e KCN3/ HindIII foram genotipados. Resultados: Todos os animais eram monomórficos para o gene GHRHR. A freqüência alélica de alelos mutantes para os genes GH, GHR, KCN3 e Pit1 foi 47,5, 74,2, 49,2 e 51,7%, respectivamente. Uma diferença significativa (p<0,0001) foi encontrada nas freqüências genotípicas de os genes GH, GHR e Pit1 entre búfalos de alta e baixa produção. O efeito do polimorfismo GH (p=0,0002), GHR (p<0,0001) e Pit1 (p<0,0001) também foi significativo para o peso corporal. Os resultados da sequenciação revelaram a presença de SNPs C496A, G495A, G498A e C1501T no GH, e G1702T no gene GHR dos buffalos do Cuzistão. Conclusões: Este estudo destacou a importância da GH, GHR e Pit1 na produção de leite e no peso corporal de buffalos do Cuzistão. Os resultados sugerem que a elaboração de um plano de melhoramiento genético integrado em búfalos de água do Cuzistão pode beneficiar consideravelmente da grande diversidade de genes candidatos.

Is passive transmission of non-viral vectors through artificial insemination of sperm-DNA mixtures sufficient for chicken transgenesis?

DNA uptake in the post-acrosomal region of the spermatozoa takes place exclusively in immotile spermatozoa that are naturally unable to fertilize eggs. The present study aimed to assess whether passive transmission of non-viral vectors to the surrounding areas of chicken embryos could be an alternate mechanism in chicken sperm-mediated gene transfer. First, the presence of nucleases in rooster seminal plasma was evaluated. Semen ejaculates from five roosters were centrifuged and the supernatant was incubated with pBL2 for 1 h. A robust nuclease cocktail was detected in the rooster semen. To overcome these nucleases, plasmid-TransIT combinations were incubated with semen for 1 h. Incubation of exogenous DNA in the lipoplex structure could considerably bypass the semen nuclease effect. Then, intravaginal insemination of 1 × 10(9) sperm mixed with lipoplexes (40 µg pBL2:40 µl TransIT) was carried out in 15 virgin hens. Neither the epithelial tissue from the inseminated female reproductive tracts nor the produced embryos following artificial insemination showed the transgene. To remove any bias in the transgene transmission possibility, the plasmid-TransIT admixture was directly injected in close vicinity of the embryos in newly laid eggs. Nonetheless, none of the produced fetuses or chicks carried the transgene. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed a nuclease admixture in rooster seminal plasma, and passive/active transmission of the non-viral vector into close vicinity of the chicken embryo was inefficient for producing transgenic chicks.