The anticancer effect of potential probiotic L. fermentum and L. plantarum in combination with 5-fluorouracil on colorectal cancer cells.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an effective chemotherapy drug in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, auxiliary or alternative therapies must be sought due to its resistance and potential side effects. Certain probiotic metabolites exhibit anticancer properties. In this study evaluated the anticancer and potential therapeutic activities of cell extracts potential probiotic strains, Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolated from the mule milk and the standard probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) against the human colon cancer cell line (HT-29) and the normal cell line (HEK-293) alone or in combination with 5-FU. In this study, L. plantarum and L. fermentum, which were isolated from mule milk, were identified using biochemical and molecular methods. Their probiotic properties were investigated in vitro and compared with the standard probiotic strain of the species L. rhamnosus GG. The MTT assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent staining, and flow cytometry were employed to measure the viability of cell lines, cell apoptosis, and production rates of Th17 cytokines, respectively. The results demonstrated that the combination of lactobacilli cell extracts and 5-FU decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells. Furthermore, this combination protected HEK-293 cells from the cytotoxic effects of 5-FU, enhancing their viability and reducing apoptosis. Moreover, the combination treatment led to an increase in the levels of IL-17A, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, which can enhance anti-tumor immunity. In conclusion, the cell extracts of the lactobacilli strains probably can act as a potential complementary anticancer therapy.

Effect of Mir-4270 Inhibitor and Mimic on Viability and Stemness in Gastric Cancer Stem-Like Cells Derived from MKN-45 Cell Line.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are significant regulatory factors in stem cell proliferation, and change in miRNA expression influences the cancer stem cell viability and gene expression. Herein, we evaluated the effect of the hsa-miR-4270 inhibitor and its mimic on the expression of stem cell markers in gastric cancer (GC) stem-like cells. Methods: GC stem-like cells were isolated from the MKN-45 cell line by a non-adherent surface system. The cells were confirmed by differentiation assays using dexamethasone and insulin as adipogenesis-inducing agents and also Staurosporine as a neural-inducing agent. Isolated GC stem-like cells were treated with different concentrations (0, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 nM) of hsa-miR-4270 inhibitor and its mimic. The quantity of cell viability was determined by trypan blue method. Transcription of the stem cell marker genes, including CD44, OCT3/4, SOX2, Nanog, and KLF4, was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Results: The results showed that GC stem-like cells were differentiated into both adipose cells using dexamethasone and insulin and neural cells by Staurosporine. Treatment of GC stem-like cells with hsa-miR-4270 inhibitor decreased cell viability and downregulated OCT3/4, CD44, and Nanog to 86%, 79%, and 91% respectively. Also, SOX2 and KLF4 were overexpressed to 8.1- and 1.94-folds, respectively. However, hsa-miR-4270 mimic had opposite effects on the cell viability and gene expression of the stem cell markers. Conclusion: The effect of hsa-miR-4270 inhibitor and its mimic on the expression of the stem cell markers in GCSCs indicated that hsa-miR-4270 stimulates the stemness property of GCSCs, likely through stimulating the development of gastric stem cells.

Prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV Infections among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Fasa, Iran: A Six-Year Follow-up Study.

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of viral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). Current study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among HD patients who attended the dialysis center in Fasa, Iran. Methods: Collectively, 2082 HD patients (1291 men, 791 women) took part in our 6-year follow-up study. Results: 2082 HD patients with a mean age of 56.2±17.8 were included in our study. One (0.09%) patient was HBsAg positive, two (0.18%) patients were anti-HCV positive, and one (0.09%) was anti-HIV positive. There was no significant correlation between the paraclinical parameters of men and women. Conclusion: The present study showed a reduction in the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections during 6 years of follow-up in HD patients.

Evaluation of Inflammatory Cytokine and Anti Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigari. Previous studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with treatment and clinical response to Parkinson's disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of H. pylori infection in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS: 75 patients who suffered from Parkinson's disease and H. pylori infection and 91 healthy controls were recruited. All the subjects were evaluated for serum IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies as well as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-4 cytokines by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA)methods. RESULTS: The participants included 102 men and 64 women with a mean age of 66±10.2 and 52.6±10.7 years in the patients and control groups, respectively. The level of IgG, TNF-α, IL-6 in the patients with Parkinson's infected with H. pylori was significantly more than that in the control group. In contrast, IgA was significantly lower in patients with Parkinson's disease compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Probably, persistent infection with H. pylori could be effective in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease by dominating the systemic inflammatory profile. It is suggested that pro-inflammatory cytokines followed by H. pylori infection through the promotion of immune response or neurotoxicity might have a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Assay of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil in Colon and Liver Cancer Cell Lines.

PURPOSE: Toxic effects of vegetables have been the subject of numerous investigations in recent years. Eucalyptus globulus of the Myrtaceae family has been traditionally used in the treatment of various infectious disorders. This study aims to assay the potential anticancer effect of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil, in vitro, and compare its cytotoxic effects on cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of the Eucalyptus globulus essential oil was evaluated in colon cancer cell line SW48, liver cancer cell line HepG2, HEK293t, and skin fibroblast using the MTT assay. We used 5-FU as the control treatment for cancer. The essential oil was diluted by phosphate buffer saline in cell culture. RESULTS: Eucalyptus globulus essential oil with the concentration of 0.01% did not reduce the cell viability of SW48 (IC50 = 0.2%) and fibroblast cells (IC50 = 5%) after a 48-h treatment period. Eucalyptus globulus essential oil did not also exhibit any toxic effects on HEK293t and HEPG2 cell lines, except in high dose (0.5%) with IC50 = 0.2% for both of the cell lines. CONCLUSION: Eucalyptus essential oil showed some side effects and might not be safe to use for treatment at high doses (0.5% and 5%). Moreover, the findings of the present study show that eucalyptus essential oil suppressed the proliferation of human colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. Eucalyptus essential oil might be a good candidate for the treatment of colon cancer.

The Short-Term Effects of Pistacia Lentiscus Oil and Sesame Oil on Liver and Kidney Pathology of Rats and Human Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: Vegetable oils recently have been evaluated in many tissues. Pistacia lentiscus (mastic) of the Anacardiaceae family and Sesamum indicum (sesame) of the Pedaliaceae family are conventionally used in the management of gastrointestinal, lung, and skin illnesses. This assay attempts to determine if the oral usage of mastic and sesame oils has any short-term toxic effects in vivo on the rat and evaluate the human anticancer effect in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one male Sprague-Dewley rats were assigned to three groups randomly: (A) control, (B) mastic oil (400 mg/kg), and (C) sesame oil (2cc/kg). The effects of these oils were investigated by determining histopathological and stereological parameters after six days, and the anticancer effects were evaluated on SW48, HepG2 human cell lines. RESULTS: A mild chronic interstitial inflammation was seen in just one kidney of mastic oil group (B) and the other ones were normal. In the sesame oil group (C), mild chronic interstitial inflammation was seen in six kidneys. In the liver samples of both groups, there were no specific pathological findings. Different concentrations of mastic oil (0.1%-5%) reduced the cell viability of SW48, HepG2, HEK293t, and human fat cells. CONCLUSION: Mastic and sesame oils have some side-effects on the kidney and might not be safe at high doses in rats. Sesame oil did not have any toxic effect on HepG2 and HEK293t human cancer cells. Mastic oil treatment has inhibited specific SW48 cells, so this oil seems to be a good adjuvant to chemotherapy in colon treatments.

Significance of TC9 and TH9 in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis.

BACKGROUND: H pylori plays a critical role in the development of stomach cancer, especially in people affected by the bacteria at an early stage of life. Th9 cells and IL-9 play major roles in immune responses against various infections. IL-9 is influential in chronic or acute inflammation of the mucosa. AIM: This study seeks to investigate the possible functions of Tc9, Th9 cells, and IL-9 level in patients with inflammation due to H pylori infection. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with dyspepsia symptoms and twenty normal subjects with no sign and symptoms of dyspepsia were recruited. Frequencies of T-cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines IL-9 family in the sera and supernatants of antigen-activated PBMCs patients were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The participants included 56 females and 47 males with a mean age of 39.2 ± 15.3 years. We assigned the infected group into peptic ulcer and gastritis (chronic active and chronic). Frequencies of Tc9, Th17, Tc17, Th17/9, and Tc17/9 increased significantly in the peptic ulcer, chronic active, and chronic gastritis, compared with the uninfected and healthy control groups. A significant increase was seen in IL-9, IL-4, and IL-23 in the chronic active gastritis. Further observed was a significant increase in IL-21 and a decrease in IL-10 in the infected groups. CONCLUSION: The results revealed that increased Tc9, Th17/9, and Tc17/9 cells appear to be influential in the progression and severity of H pylori infection. Also, increased IL-9 and IL-4 levels and Tc9, Tc17/9, and Th17/9 were seen in chronic active gastritis patients. These findings may provide useful information for a therapeutic targeting of chronic active H pylori infections.

Evaluation of VEGF, FGF and PDGF and Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Glioma and Meningioma in Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Meningioma and glioma are common central nervous system tumors. Hypoxic tumor cells secrete angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) that stimulate neovascular formation and inflammatory cytokine, such as TNF-α and IL-1ß. We measured these serum levels in patients with glial cell tumors and meningioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study in 2014-2015 on patients diagnosed with meningioma/glioma. All demographic and clinical data were registered. The tumor volume and intraoperative bleeding were recorded. Serum levels of VEGF, PDGF, FGF, TNF-α and IL-1ß were measured by ELISA methods. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were enrolled in this study, 32 in each group. Patients VEGF level with cranial tumor, glioma/meningioma had increased. VEGF level was highest among grade IV tumors, larger tumors, and in glioblastoma multiform. There was an upsurge in VEGF serum level as glioma grade increased. The highest VEGF levels were seen in parasagittal meningioma. In contrast to VEGF, PDGF was slightly elevated in glial cell tumors, which was significantly elevated in meningioma. Higher PDGF correlated with increased intraoperative bleeding, especially in meningioma cases. Oligodendroglial tumors expressed higher PDGF levels in contrast to other glial tumors. FGF level was not statistically significant. TNF-α and IL-1ß expressions were significantly higher in the meningioma and glioma group in comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: We found increased VEGF and PDGF serum levels in CNS patient's tumor. A different role for PDGF was found in the pathogenesis of neovascularization of meningioma, as well as oligodendroglioma. No significant result was found for FGF. TNF-α and IL-1ß can serve as key prognostic biomarker in high-grade glioma and meningioma patients.

BDNF Val66Met genetic variation and its plasma level in patients with morbid obesity: A case-control study.

Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide. Genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors contribute to the multifactorial etiology of obesity. Evidence suggests an association between human Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and obesity. Reduced plasma BDNF levels have also been reported in patients with eating disorders and obesity. We aimed to evaluate the BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) SNP and also plasma BDNF levels in morbidly obese patients compared with healthy normal controls in southern Iran. One hundred morbidly obese patients and one hundred eight healthy normal controls were enrolled. Blood-derived DNA samples were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Plasma BDNF levels were evaluated using a commercially available sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for human BDNF. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 18.0. Genotype distribution was not significantly different between obese patients and controls. However, plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared with controls. Interestingly, a significant association was found between BDNF Val66Met SNP and plasma BDNF levels. No relationship was observed between BDNF Val66Met SNP and all assessed demographic and clinical characteristics of obese patients. It seems that plasma BDNF levels were associated with both obesity and BDNF Val66Met SNP. However, this association was not found between BDNF Val66Met SNP and obesity. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed for more detailed assessment of this genetic variation as a potential biomarker for obesity.

Associations of ICOS and PD.1 Gene Variants with Colon Cancer Risk in The Iranian Population

Background: Positive and negative co-stimulatory molecules are important factors determining the outcome of immune responses to the presence of tumors. Since co-stimulatory molecule expression may be affected by gene polymorphisms, we aimed to investigate associations between variants of PD.1 and ICOS and susceptibility to colon cancer. Material and methods: ICOS (-693A/G), ICOS (+1720C/T) and PD.1 (-538G/A) gene polymorphisms were evaluated by the PCR-RFLP method in 76 colon cancer patients and 73 healthy controls. Results: The frequencies of the GG genotype and the G allele at position -693 of the ICOS gene were significantly higher in the patient group (P=0.014 and p=0.0002), while the AA genotype was significantly more common in controls (P=0.0016). At position -538 of PD.1, GG genotype and G allele frequencies were higher in the patient group (P<0.0001and P<0.0001). Again, AA and also AG genotypes significantly predominated in controls (P<0.0001 and P=0.012). Regarding genotypes and alleles of ICOS at position +1720. Frequencies of GCG and GTG haplotypes were higher in patients compared to those of controls (P=0.016 and P<0.0001), while, frequencies of GTA, ATA and ATG haplotypes were higher in controls (P=0.0017, P<0.0001 and P=0.015). GTG/GTG and GTG/GCG double haplotypes were more frequent in patients compared to controls (P=0.0147 and P=0.0071). Conclusion: Our study clarified that PD.1 (-538G/A) and ICOS (-693A/G) gene polymorphisms can be considered as genetic risk factors for the development of colon cancer among Iranian patients.

Comparison of Interleukin-33 Serum Levels in Asthmatic Patients with a Control Group and Relation with the Severity of the Disease.

BACKGROUND: The relation between interleukin-33 (IL-33) and asthma is not precisely known yet. The present study set to compare the serum level of IL-33 in patients with asthma and controls and study the relation with the severity of disease. METHODS: The serum level of IL-33 and total IgE in 89 asthmatic patients and 57 controls were analyzed. The association of levels of IL-33 with the severity of disease, levels of total IgE, measures of spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]), age, sex, presence or absence of other allergic diseases, and the disease duration was evaluated. RESULTS: Higher levels of IL-33 and total IgE were detected in asthmatic patients compared with controls (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.008, respectively). In the asthmatic group, a significant direct association of IL-33 with age (P = 0.02, R = 0.23) and with total IgE level (P = 0.003, R = 0.31) were observed, but there was no relationship between other variables. Comparison of mean level of IL-33 in different asthma groups concerning the disease severity showed the statistically significant difference between them and a significant increased serum level of total IgE was observed in more severe disease. The results showed a significant negative correlation between FEV1 and total IgE (P = 0.028, R = -0.23) and IL-33 level (P = 0.0001, R = -0.83). CONCLUSIONS: IL-33 is suggested as a new inflammatory marker of severe and refractory asthma. Therefore, it may be a unique therapeutic target in these patients.

The importance of TH22 and TC22 cells in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases.

BACKGROUND: An association exists between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and sometimes gastric carcinomas. Th22 cells have protective and inflammatory roles in defense against microbes. AIM: We investigated the frequencies of Th22, Tc22, Th22/17, and Tc22/17 cells in addition to the changes in levels of cytokines IL-22, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß in sera from patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis, and peptic ulcer, and in uninfected patients. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with H. pylori-associated disorders formed the studied group. Frequencies of T-cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines IL-22, IL-6, IL-23, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and TGF-ß in the sera and supernatants of patients were measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. RESULTS: The study participants included 32 males and 44 females with a mean age of 38.5±15.3 years. We divided the infected group into peptic ulcer and gastritis (mild, moderate, active chronic, and chronic). The frequencies of Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 increased significantly in the peptic ulcer, moderate, active chronic, and chronic gastritis groups compared to the uninfected group. Th22/17 only increased significantly in the chronic gastritis group. We observed significant increases in IL-22 in the moderate and active chronic gastritis, IL-23 in the active chronic and chronic gastritis, and TNF-α in the peptic ulcer and moderate gastritis groups. Following in vitro antigenic stimulation, we observed significantly higher levels of IL-1ß, IL-23, and IL-6 in the active chronic gastritis group, as well as IL-6 and IL-1ß in the chronic gastritis group compared to the uninfected group. CONCLUSION: Increased Th22, Tc22, and Tc22/17 cells and IL-22 levels appear to be influential in progression and severity of H. pylori infection. Th22/17 can be an interesting therapeutic target for chronic H. pylori infections where eradication is more difficult.

Alterations in Th17 and the Respective Cytokine Levels in Helicobacter pylori-Induced Stomach Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Infections by Helicobacter can cause the stimulation of sophisticated immune response in mucosal immunity. Among the different lymphocytes, Th17 plays an important role in the defense against H. pylori and may cause gastritis and peptic ulcer due to the increased activation of Th17 and cytokine changes. AIM: To find a relationship between Th17 and IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, TGF-ß in the patients with H. pylori infection having signs including gastritis and peptic ulcer. METHODS: A total of 36 samples from the patients [24 Hp+ and 12 Hp- cases] with dyspepsia symptoms were collected. The percentage of Th17 was measured by flow cytometry. The levels of Th17-associated cytokines in the sera and supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which were stimulated with the H. pylori antigen, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or Dynabeads were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups of having either H. pylori infected (peptic ulcer, gastritis (mild, moderate)) or being uninfected. The percentage of Th17 in the patients with peptic ulcer and gastritis was significantly higher than their uninfected counterparts (p ≤ .001). The serum levels of IL-17A, IL-23, and TGF-ß in the peptic ulcer and gastritis groups were significantly higher compared with the corresponding levels in the uninfected population (p < .05). A significant association of TGF-ß, IL-21, and Th17 was observed with low levels of IL-17A in the mild gastritis patients (p < .05). Significantly higher levels of IL-22, IL-17A, IL-23, and higher Th17 frequencies were detected in the moderate gastritis patients, as compared with the uninfected patients (p ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that among the cytokines associated with Th17, the two cytokines of IL-21 and TGF-ß play a more critical role in peptic ulcer and gastritis in the individuals infected with H. pylori. Furthermore, inflammation varies depending on the type of the cytokine and its secreted level.

MGMT-B gene promoter hypermethylation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease - a novel finding.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease strongly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) as a well-known precancerous condition. Alterations in DNA methylation and mutation in K-ras are believed to play an early etiopathogenic role in CRC and may also an initiating event through deregulation of molecular signaling. Epigenetic silencing of APC and SFRP2 in the WNT signaling pathway may also be involved in IBD-CRC. The role of aberrant DNA methylation in precancerous state of colorectal cancer (CRC) is under intensive investigation worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of promoter methylation of MGMT-B, APC1A and SFRP2 genes, in inflamed and normal colon tissues of patients with IBD compared with control normal tissues. A total of 52 IBD tissues as well as corresponding normal tissues and 30 samples from healthy participants were obtained. We determined promoter methylation status of MGMT-B, SFRP2 and APC1A genes by chemical treatment with sodium bisulfite and subsequent MSP. The most frequently methylated locus was MGMT-B (71%; 34 of 48), followed by SFRP2 (66.6 %; 32 of 48), and APC1A (43.7%; 21 of 48). Our study demonstrated for the first time that hypermethylation of the MGMT-B and the SFRP2 gene promoter regions might be involved in IBD development. Methylation of MGMT-B and SFRP2 in IBD patients may provide a method for early detection of IBD-associated neoplasia.

Clinical significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and complement 3a levels in patients with colorectal cancer in southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer (CRC) is perhaps the second most common cause of cancer mortality. This study determined the clinical significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum complement 3a (C3a) levels in patients with CRC in Fars province, southern Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2010 and June 2012, 110 patients with CRC of both genders and different age groups were divided into 3 groups. Group A included patients who had just undergone surgery; Group B had undergone chemotherapy after surgery; and Group C had undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy after surgery. Twenty one healthy subjects with normal colonoscopy were considered as a control group. ELISA was undertaken to determine VEGF and C3a levels before and after treatment measures. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 53.9±14.1 years. Considering VEGF level, a significant decrease was visible after treatment measures in groups A and B, but not Group C. For VEGF level, the difference was not statistically significant between two genders and various age groups before and after treatment. No significant difference was found for VEGF level between patients and normal group before any treatment. Regarding C3a levels in 101 subjects, they significantly decreased after treatment measures. Before and after treatment, the difference was statistically significant between two genders, but was not statistically significant among various age groups. CONCLUSIONS: As VEGF and C3a levels were significantly lower in patients after treatment, these may be beneficial markers in assessment of CRC therapy especially in early stages.

sCD30 and sCD40L detection in patients with osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant bone tumors are heterogeneous groups of neoplasms, which affect mainly children and adolescents. The most common types are Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Elevation of sCD30 and sCD40L has been observed in lymphoma, leukemia and autoimmune disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum concentrations of sCD30 and sCD40L in patients with primary malignant bone tumors. METHOD: Fifty-four cases (31 Osteosarcomas, 14 Ewing sarcomas, and 9 Chondrosarcomas) and 54 healthy controls enrolled in this study. Cases with the history of prior treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) were excluded from the study. Serum levels of sCD30 and sCD40L were detected by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Mean serum concentration of sCD30 in Ewing sarcoma was significantly higher than that of the control groups (p=0.007), but mean serum concentrations of sCD30 in osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma groups were not significantly different, compared to the controls (p=0.41 and p=0.11, respectively). Mean serum concentrations of sCD40L in osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.0001). In addition, the mean serum level of sCD40L in chondrosarcoma patients was higher than that of both Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: sCD30 and sCD40L increase in primary bone tumors; however the significant of these findings for diagnosis or prognosis of these tumors needs further investigation.

Pepsinogen I and II, Gastrin and Cag A Serum Levels in Shiraz.

BACKGROUND Despite the similar rate of HP infection, the rate of gastric cancer (GC) differs in different regions of the country. There are conflicting reports for using a panel of serologic tests such as pepsinogens I, II (PG I and PG II), and gastrin for population screening. We designed this study to assess healthy appearing adults in Shiraz, southern Iran in order to evaluate the correlation of these serological tests with demographics and lifestyle in a region with a low rate of gastric malignancy. METHODS In a population-based study, 846 out of 1978 subjects who were selected by cluster random sampling based on postal code division in Shiraz agreed to participate in the present study. A questionnaire that included age, gender, weight and height, lifestyle such as physical activity, smoking and the use of nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was completed. A blood sample was taken after overnight fasting for measurements of PG I, PG II and Cag A status by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Gastrin level was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS The study included 305 men and 541 women. Their mean age was 50.53+11.4 (range: 35-99 years). The level of PG I was significantly more in males than females (116.6±57.1 vs. 103.1±55.8, p < 0.001), lower in older age groups (p = 0.01), and rural compared with urban residents (110.3+55.7 vs. 100.2+58.1, p = 0.02). The serum level of PG II was less in obese subjects (p = 0.5). There was no significant correlation between PG I, PG II, smoking, NSAID use and activity. Gastrin level were not correlated with any of the demographic characteristics. The level of Cag A was significantly different between males and females (30.5±37 vs. 37.7±41.7, p < 0.001), more in older subjects (p = 0.007) and non smokers (p = 0.001). The serum levels of PG I and PG I/PG II ratio decreased significantly in subjects with positive Cag A serology (p < 0.05). The ratio of PG I/PG II was lower than 3 in 35 (4.1%) subjects. CONCLUSION In this area, the PG I/PG II ratio is less than 3 in 4% of subjects of which most are positive for Cag A serology and older than 50. We recommend comparison of these findings with high GC mortality regions.