Association between MIF gene variation and Meniere's disease.

Several pieces of evidence support the involvement of immune system in Menière's disease (MD). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a key role in immune-mediated reactions. Several studies have shown an association between MIF gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the association between MIF-173 G/C polymorphism and MD in an Iranian population. In this case-control association study, MD cases (N = 72) were recruited and were comprised of definitive MD (N = 58) and probable MD (N = 14) subjects. Normal healthy subjects (N = 100) were also included. Genotyping for MIF-173 G/C polymorphism was carried out using PCR-RFLP technique. There was a significant increase in genotype GG in patients with MD compared with the control group. (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.02, OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.02-4.3). This was more significant when definitive MD was stratified and compared with the controls (GG vs. GC + CC, P = 0.009, OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.19-6.18). This study's result indicates the potential role of MIF in MD of which further evaluation is required. Also, the more significant association between MIF gene polymorphism and definitive MD designates the involvement of specific pathogenic mechanisms which may be considered as a marker for diagnosis.

Comparing the efficacy of lateral crural overlay versus transposition technique on cephalic malposition in septorhinoplasty.

Cephalic malposition is an anatomical variant that is found particularly in Middle Eastern people. Malpositioning of the alar cartilage may cause both functional and aesthetic problems. This study aimed to investigate and compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes of the two techniques used to correct cephalic malposition of the lower lateral cartilage: lateral crural overlay (LCO) and lateral crural transposition. This current randomised double-blinded clinical trial was performed on 40 patients who were referred for rhinoplasty in 2017-2018. They were randomly divided into two groups, the lateral crural transposition group (n = 20), and the LCO group (n = 20). The angle between the lateral crura and the midline, nasal rotation, nasal tip projection, nasal axis deviation, columella labial angle, and nasofacial angle, plus a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the 10-item Standardised Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS), were assessed for each patient before surgery and after 12 months, and further compared between the two groups. Both techniques successfully improved the lateral crural angle, nasal tip rotation, and columella labial angle (p < 0.05). Despite the satisfactory outcomes of the VAS and SCHNOS based on both the patients' and the surgeons' opinions (p < 0.05), comparison of the indices revealed insignificant differences between the two groups (p> 0.05). We obtained successful aesthetic and functional outcomes with both techniques.

Increasing female preponderance of multiple sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran: a population-based study.

There is an overall increase in the worldwide prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies from several countries also demonstrated an increase of female/male ratio over time denoting an increase in the incidence of MS particularly in women. In this study we sought to assess the trends in MS incidence and prevalence in males and females over recent decades in Isfahan, Iran, which differs from other regions in terms of environmental and lifestyle changes. We determined female/male ratio by year of birth (YOB) in 1584 patients with MS registered with Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) from April 2003 to August 2007. A comparison of sex ratio of MS patients by YOB showed a significant, progressive, gradual increase, with an apparent interruption in the late 1960s. In this study year of birth is a significant predictor for sex ratio (p < 0.001, chi(2) = 17.130, Spearman's rank correlation r = 0.893). Our findings show that there is a significant increase in the incidence of MS among females for the the last decades in the Isfahan province of Iran. This rapid increase may be related to changes in environmental interactions rather than genetic factors, and among them vitamin D insufficiency, enhanced diagnosis, and lifestyle changes appear to be more plausible causative factors.

Epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Few studies are carried out on the epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Middle East with no reports from Iran. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological and clinical features of ALS amongst the Iranian population living in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: Medical records of all hospitals with a neurology department and outpatient neurology clinics in Isfahan province from 2002 to 2006 were reviewed, and all patients with the diagnosis of ALS according to El Escorial diagnostic criteria were extracted and related demographic and clinical data were gathered and analyzed. RESULTS: We found 98 new patients (66 men and 32 women) with definite, probable, or possible ALS. The average annual incidence was 0.42/100,000, with the highest incidence rate amongst those aged 70-74. On 21 March 2006, the crude prevalence was 1.57/100,000. Median survival from onset was 48 months (95% confidence interval 34-61) and survival rates for 1, 3,and 5 years after the onset were 94%, 66%, and 32%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence of ALS in the Iranian population seems to be lower compared to other populations and the survival of patients was longer than previously reported.

New approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain: Fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain triggered by peripheral nerve lesion is extremely difficult to manage with current approaches, hence the importance of exploring therapeutic alternatives. METHODS: We have analysed adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs FGF1 ) on chronic constriction injury (CCI). The mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were assessed using the von Frey filament, radiant heat and acetone drop tests. Histopathological and apoptotic changes and the level of FGF1, GFAP and TNFα proteins were assessed in the lumbar portion (L4-L6). Moreover, AD-MSCs FGF1 were labelled with 99m Tc -HMPAO and isolated organ counting were performed upon AD-MSCs FGF1 administration. RESULTS: Administration of AD-MSCs FGF1 attenuated the CCI-induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Spinal structural alterations and apoptosis were decreased in the AD-MSCs FGF1 group. The injection of either phosphate-buffered saline or normal NIH3T3 fibroblasts could not attenuate the behavioural symptoms of neuropathic pain. Increased genetically engineered cells were counted in the injured sciatic nerve and the elevated levels of FGF1 were detected in the spinal tissue. Stem cell therapy lead to decrement the level of the CCI-induced TNF-α and GFAP expression. CONCLUSION: The intravenous administration of AD-MSCs FGF1 could be considered as a potential remedy for the management of neuropathic pain. SIGNIFICANCE: AD-MSCs FGF1 attenuated the CCI-induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Spinal structural alterations and apoptosis were significantly decreased in the AD-MSCs FGF1 group. Elevated levels of FGF1 were detected in the spinal tissue.