Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Distribution of Rs8099917 IFN-λ3 (IL-28B) Allele Polymorphism in Iranian Population

Ali Akbar Pourfathollah

Background: IFN-&lambda3 (IL-28B) is a new cytokine from the type III interferons. Its role in several biologic activities, such as regulation of immune responses, tumor and metastasis, or its functions in HBV and HCV diseases, has been shown. The present study evaluated the frequency of rs8099917 allele polymorphism in IFN-&lambda3 gene in Iranian population.

Materials and Methods: In this laboratory-experimental study, after collecting blood samples from 118 unrelated Iranian subjects, DNA extraction was performed according to the kit protocols. Evaluation of rs8099917 allele polymorphism was done by Nested-PCR and RFLP method using BsrDI and Tsp451 restriction enzymes.

Results: After running the tests and data analysis, the frequencies of GG genotype (2.5%), GT genotype (31.4%), and TT genotype (66.1%) were obtained. Allele frequencies were 71.22% for G allele and 81.78% for T allele.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that TT genotype and T allele are the dominant frequencies of rs8099917 allele of IFN-&lambda3 gene in Iranian population. Regarding the different established functions of IFN-&lambda3, frequency determination of this variant can be helpful in different studies, designs, evaluations, and treatment procedures in some diseases, such as tumors and hepatitis, in Iranian patients.

The Results of Treatment of Urinary Incontinence Using the Intravaginal Sling Method

Mohammad Gholami Fesharaki

Background: Urinary incontinence is a very common problem affecting the quality of life of many people, especially women. Hence, this study was done to investigate the results obtained from intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) method in treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out as census on female patients suffering from SUI who had been treated using IVS method in Najmieh Subespeciality Hospital, Tehran, during 2004-2009 years. Data were extracted through interviews and from patients’ medical records. Descriptive statistics (mean and percent) and inferential statistics (independent t-test and its exact version, Bootstrap, Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exat test) were utilized and data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: A total of 357 women with mean age of 45.18±8.78 years participated in this study. Recovery rate of emergency and stress-related SUI by IVS method were 80.1% and 98%, respectively. In addition, urgency SUI had statistically significant correlations with diabetes, blood pressure, age, total number of deliveries, and normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Also, stress-related SUI had significant correlations with post-void residue (PVR), total number of delivery, NVD, and cesarean section.

Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that treatment response of IVS in this study is comparable and even better than other existing and customary modes of treatment

Involvement of Opioid Receptors in the Anticonvulsant Effect of Progesterone in Ovariectomized Mice

Lotfollah Khajehpour

Background: Progesterone is a female steroid hormone that has a potent anticonvulsant effect on human and animal. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of opioid receptors in the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone on ovariectomized mice.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, all animals were ovariectomized. After two weeks, they received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of drugs (progesterone and naloxone) or saline. The animals also received a subcutaneous injection of strychnine for induction of convulsive seizures, 30 minutes after administration of drugs or saline. For evaluation of convulsion in the animals, convulsion onset time, convulsion duration, the number of seizures, and death time were recorded.

Results: Progesterone (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the strychnine-induced convulsion. The anticonvulsant effect of 50 mg/kg of progesterone was abolished by naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) injection, whereas administration of the same doses of naloxone alone did not affect strychnine-induced convulsion.

Conclusion: These results suggest that opioid receptors may play an important role in the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone.

Antibiotic Profile of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus With Multiple-Drug Resistances Isolated from Nosocomial Infections in Vali-Asr Hospital of Arak

Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is considered a common pathogenic factor in infections. Increase in infections caused by this bacterium in developing countries has led to many problems. The aim of this study is to identify the antibiotic patterns of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients in the central hospital of Arak.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 100 samples were isolated from hospital patients during one year. The isolates sensitivity to cefoxitin and oxacilin disks were evaluated through disk diffusion. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the isolates were tested for the presence of mecA gene. Finally, antibacterial resistance patterns of the isolates to 13 antibiotics were determined.

Results: In this study, 80 samples in a total of 100 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant. Evaluation and assessment of antibiotic resistance showed the greatest resistance to penicillin (100%), tetracycline (88.50%), levofloxacin (85.70%), and ciprofloxacin (85.70%), respectively, while the lowest levels of resistance were observed to antibiotics chloramphenicol (5.70%), netilmicin (5.70%), and mupirocin (0%), respectively.

Conclusion: This study showed increased resistance to different antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus that is a serious warning to the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium in the region. Therefore, in order to prevent increased resistance to other antibiotics, it is essential to withhold prescriptions and unessential use of available antibiotics.

Survey of the Relationship Between Body Birth Weight and Outcome of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A Multicentric Study

Seyed Abolhassan Seyed Zadeh

Background: Idiopathic nephritic syndrome (INS) is one of the chronic illnesses in children. Therefore, clinical and laboratory factors that influence the clinical course of this disease are very important. Among these factors, low birthweight due to reduction of the number of congenital nephrons and subsequent glomerular hyperfiltration has been postulated as an important factor. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical course of INS in patients with lowbirth weight in comparison to patients with normal birth weight.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 170 children with INS were selected from hospitals in Kermanshah, Urmia, Hamedan, Qazvin, and Ahvaz and divided into two groups of low birth weight (<2500gr) and normal birth weight (>2500gr). Then, the clinical course of these patients was evaluated by reviewing their medical records.

Results: Of the 170 patients, 22 had low birth weight and 148 had normal birthweight. Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between low birth weight and INS course except for age of presentation (P=0.014).

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there is not any correlation between body birth weight and the clinical course of INS except for age of presentation.

Total Levels of IgM, IgA, IgG, C3, and C4 in ABO Blood Group

Ghasem Mosayebi

Background: Epidemiologic studies show the high prevalence of some infections and cancers in individual blood groups. Perhaps, level of immunity factors differs in people with individual blood group. The aim of this study is to compare the level of antibodies and complement factors in ABO blood groups.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, peripheral blood samples from 40 male healthy individuals with different ABO blood groups (n=10 in each group) with similar age (18-25 years) and genetic background were collected. The serum levels of total IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, and C4 were analyzed by nephelometry method. All data were analyzed by SPSS software version 11.5.

Results: The levels of IgA, IgG, and C4 protein in individuals with O blood group were significantly higher than those of other groups (p=0.02, p=0.01, and p=0.004, respectively). Also, the mean concentration of IgM in individuals with AB blood group was significantly higher than that in other groups (p=0.02). There was a significant difference between the level of C3 in O blood group and those of other blood groups (p=0.01). The mean concentrations of all parameters (except IgG) in B blood group were lower than those in other blood group.

Conclusion: Generally, natural antibodies in O blood group were higher than those in other groups. This high level of total antibodies in O blood group may reduce susceptibility to some infections.

The Effect of Physical Activity on Serum Levels of Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Fertility Parameters in Reproductive Age Women

Abbas Saremi

Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable marker for ovarian reserve and fertility capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in AMH between physically active and non-active women.

Materials and Methods: Eighty two reproductive age women (18-50 years) participated (42 active and 40 non-active) in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity level was estimated via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Information on fertility parameters were obtained from medical records. Serum AMH was measured using ELISA assay.

Results: There was not a significant difference in mean age between the two groups (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between physically active and non-active women regarding basal concentration of serum exercise AMH (3.90±0.75 ng/ml versus 1.63±0.53 ng/ml, respectively) (P<0.03). Abortion rates differed significantly (P<0.05) between physically active (0.13±0.26) and non-active women (0.40±0.51).

Conclusion: These findings indicated that physical activity may improve fertility capacity in healthy women by maintaining AMH.

Agreement of IFN-Gamma Release Assay and Skin Test in Diagnosis of Latent Tuberculosis Infection

Ali Akbar pourfathollah

Background: Considering the fact that more than one third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, identifying individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is vital for controlling TB. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and IFN-gamma release assays are practical methods used for screening people with LTBI. Due to the insufficiency of data on endemic tuberculosis region and the need for evaluation of these methods in a high-risk population, this study was performed in Zahedan.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 75 individuals, including 21 health care workers (HCWs) as well as 54 family members of patients with active TB. IFN-&gamma release assay and TST were also carried out on the participants.

Results: Of the 75 participants, 26 had positive IFN-&gamma release assay results and 49 persons showed negative results. TST was also performed and 12 participants did not show up for taking the results. Among the remaining 63 participants, 60.31% had more than 10 mm indurations. The results in 32.25% of the participants were positive for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test, whereas 34.92% of the participants presented negative tests results for both IFN-gamma release assay and skin test. The agreement between these two tests was 66.67 % (P=0.001, K=0.36, 95% Confidence Interval).

Conclusion: The results showed a weak agreement between the two tests.

Effect of Using Vancomycin During Cataract Surgery on Preventing Endophthalmitis Patients After Surgery

Rahmatollah Jadidi

Background: Endophthalmitis is the most important complication after cataract surgery which its incidence can lead to severe loss of vision or even loss of vision therefore, methods of prevention are very important. This study investigated the influence of vancomycin consumption during cataract surgery on prevention of endophthalmitis.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the study population included patients of cataract surgery that were admitted to Amir Kabir Hospital. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: with and without receiveing vancomycin in serum. Demographic characteristics of the patients before surgery and incidence of endophthalmitis with the examination until two weeks after surgery were recorded. To compare the frequency (incidence) of infection, endophthalmitis in two groups, Fisher's exact test and X2 test were used.

Results: Of the 1281 patients, 539 were administered vancomycin in serum. The examination after two weeks indicated that 3 (0.23%) patients developed endophthalmitis. Of these, 2 (0.16%) patients belonged to the group without vancomycin and 1(0.07%) patient belonged to the group receiving vancomycin. Fisher's exact test did not show any significant differences between the groups receiving vancomycin and the control group in the prevalence of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion: Although the relative frequency of endophthalmitis in patients without receiving vancomycin was further than control group, the difference was not statistically significant. Thus, adding a drop of vancomycine was not effective in prevention of endophthalmitis and the causes should be sought in other cases.

The Effect of Iranian Native Lactobacillus Pentosus on Healing of Gastric Ulcers in Male Wistar rats

Mehdi Rahnema

Background: Gastric ulcer treatment with chemical drugs is associated with a multitude of side effect. One of the most important groups of probiotics is lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of Lactobacillus pentosus on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 male Wistar rats were divided into experimental, control 1, and control 2 groups. After one day of fasting, the rats were operated and gastric ulcer was induced by acetic acid. One day after surgery, the groups were treated with the 1010 cfu/day bacteria, dissolved in one ml of milk sterilizer, 1 ml of milk sterilizer, and 1 ml of normal saline, respectively, via gavage. On days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 after the induction of gastric ulcer, the animals were killed and the wound size (mm2) and the effect of the bacteria on the healing of wounds were measured for each rat.

Results: The treatment with Lactobacillus pentosus strains significantly decreased wound size in the experimental group compared with control groups. Significant increases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, significant decreases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and increased numbers of fibroblasts were observed in the experimental group compared to the control groups. Also, significant reductions in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts were seen in the experimental group compared with the other two groups.

Conclusion: Lactobacillus pentosus has healing effects on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

Effects of Neurofeedback Training on Female Students with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

Soran Rajabi

Background: Based on the association between beta (13-30 Hz) and attention and alertness and theta (4-8 Hz) and a hypnagogic state and less attention, the possibility of training attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) individuals in order to enhance their symptoms was investigated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of neurofeedback training on students with ADHD symptoms.

Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted with an experimental group and a control group. A total of 34 female students with high scores on Conners adult questionnaire and theta/beta ratio in Mohaghege Ardebili University, Iran, were randomly selected and then assigned to neurofeedback training and control groups. Neurofeddback training (NF) was used with an experimental group in twenty sessions and the control group received no training. Data were gathered using the neurofeedback system (NFT), the continuous performance test (CPT), the short diagnostic hyperactivity disorder- Conners adult questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used for analyzing the data.

Results: The results indicated that neurofeedback training affected all dimensions of CPT and short diagnostic hyperactivity disorder (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings suggest the positive effect of neurofeedback training on treating attention problems and reducing the symptoms of hyperactivity in female students with hyperactivity and attention deficit in comparison with the control group.

Preparation of Conjugate Vaccine of Haemophilus Influenzae Type b Polyribosylribitol Phosphate with Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin Protein and Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Nanoparticle and Its Immunological Evaluation in Animal Model

Mehdi Shafiee Ardestani

Background: Today, the use of nano-materials is one of the most common methods of making modern medications these materials are very useful in increasing the accessibility of drugs to target. The aim of this study is to obtain immunogenic nano-vaccine against meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenza.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the PRP (polyribosylribitol phosphate) antigen of Haemophilus influenza was conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), a powerful immunogen molecule, and a nanoparticle with high adsorption called poly lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The two-part and three-part conjugated antigens were injected into male SW1 race mice. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, which received PRP, PRP+KLH, PRP-KLH, PRP-KLH-PLGA, and PRP-TT intramuscularly together with complete Freund’s adjuvant, respectively. Twenty eight days after injection, blood samples were obtained and increases in serum antibody titer were determined with ELISA technique. For evaluation of the amount of the produced antigen cell entrance into immune cells, immune cells uptake assay and flow cytometry technique were used.

Results: The results showed increases in serum IgG antibody titers of animals immunized with conjugate vaccines. The findings also suggest the higher phagocytosis of conjugated triplex-containing nanoparticle by host immune cells.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that antigen-containing PLGA has considerably higher absorption and immunogenicity and can be more powerful vaccines against Haemophilus meningitis.