Involvement of Interferon-γ + 874A/T Polymorphism in the Pathogenesis of and Therapeutic Response to Immune Thrombocytopenia.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms of thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to production of autoantibodies against platelets. Recently, the occurrence of polymorphisms has been identified as one of the main causes of disease onset. METHODS: To conduct this study, we recruited 140 patients and control individuals with no history of platelet loss. After collection of specimens, the prevalence of interferon-γ polymorphism was evaluated using the allele-specific oligonucleotide-polymerase chain reaction (ASO-PCR) technique and confirmed by sequencing techniques. RESULTS: The results showed that the frequency of the AA genotype was higher in the control group, compared with patients with ITP; however, in the acute and chronic groups, the frequency of the AT genotype was higher than that of the AA genotype. We also discovered that there was no significant correlation between platelet counts before and after treatment, nor in its related parameters with interferon (IFN)-γ polymorphism. CONCLUSION: rs2430561 does not seem to have any role in ITP pathogenesis and treatment response.

Effects of probiotic yogurt consumption on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: The role of inflammatory cytokines in diabetes and its complications has been shown in some studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of probiotic and conventional yogurt on inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Forty-four patients with type 2 diabetes were participated in this randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial and assigned to two intervention and control groups. The subjects in the intervention group consumed 300 g/d probiotic yogurt and subjects in the control group consumed 300 g/d conventional yogurt for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, and serum levels of glucose, HbA1c, IL-6, TNF-α and hs-CRP were evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention. RESULTS: For anthropometric indices and dietary intakes, no significant differences were seen within and between groups post intervention (p> 0.05). The consumption of probiotic yogurt caused significant decrease in HbA1c and TNF-α levels (p= 0.032 and p= 0.040, respectively) in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that probiotic yogurt may be used as an alternative prevention approach and treatment method to control diabetic complications.