Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 510 511 Maryam Nourizadeh IAARI, TUMS Mostafa Moin Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 11 20 2023 11 20 No Abstract No Abstract No Abstract https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3951 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3951/2003

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 512 526 EN Reza Dabbaghipour Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Elham Ahmadi Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mona Entezam Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Omid Rahbar Farzam Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Amir Baghbanzadeh Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ali Saber Sichani 3 Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA Nazila Jalilzadeh Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mahdi Jafarlou Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Behzad Baradaran Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2023 04 05 2023 09 18 Scientific research over the past decades has proven the pivotal role of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) in regulating gene expression. The immune responses are controlled through the interaction of pro-inflammatory (predominance of T helper 17 cells (Th17)) and anti-inflammatory cytokines excretion (predominance of Regulatory T cells (Treg)). Recent studies have marked the impact of many diverse LncRNAs on Treg/Th17 imbalances. Moreover, some of the roots and causes of human diseases can be associated with the alterations in the Th17/Treg ratio. In this review study, we overviewed the association between LncRNAs and Th17/Treg, with the potential of providing novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets in various diseases, particularly cancer.  https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3806 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3806/2005

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 527 535 Mansour Sadeghzadeh Department of Pediatrics, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Parisa Khoshnevisasl Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Akefeh Ahmadiafshar Department of Pediatrics, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran AND Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Nima Motamed Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Azadeh Pourmarjani Department of Pediatrics, Ayatollah Moussavi Hospital, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran 2022 09 25 2023 10 15 The aim of asthma treatment is to reduce airway inflammation by avoiding environmental triggers and using daily anti-inflammatory medications. This study aimed to compare the effects of fluticasone propionate (FP) and budesonide (Bud) on the clinical symptoms and control of asthma in children with moderate to severe asthma. In this open-label study, children with moderate to severe asthma were randomly selected to receive either FP 250 mcg or Bud 400 mcg for 3 months. Asthma control test scores were measured in both groups monthly. The clinical symptoms, drug adherence, and rescue medication were also evaluated. A total of 50 patients with ages between 4 and 7 years old were included in the study (25 cases received Bud and 25 cases received FP). Asthma control test scores, daily and nocturnal symptoms, and cough rates were significantly improved in both groups. The average asthma control scores for the fluticasone group were 21.68±3.32 in the second month and 24.84±2.67 in the third month, whereas the budesonide group had scores of 18.52±3.32 and 22.48±4.12 during the same periods. These variances were statistically significant. Additionally, the requirement for salbutamol use was notably reduced in the fluticasone group compared to the budesonide group throughout all three months. The efficacy of fluticasone propionate in decreasing the need for rescue medication and enhancing asthma control test scores was markedly superior to that of budesonide. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3661 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3661/2004

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 536 550 Sepideh Ghodoosifar Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Gholamreza Dehghan Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Reza Safaralizadeh Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Behzad Baradaran Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mehrzad Hajialiloo Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2023 06 27 2023 12 03 MicroRNAs (miRs) play a role in several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to discover new microRNAs and investigate their involvement in RA, examining their connections with inflammation and metabolic markers. New microRNAs related to RA were predicted using Mirbase and TargetScan databases based on RA target genes. The relationships between miRNAs and targets were visualized with Cytoscape software. Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed detectable miRNAs and metabolic factors were assessed using immunoassay and spectrometry methods in RA patients and healthy subjects. Four microRNAs (hsa-miR-153-5p, hsa-miR-4270, hsa-miR-4441, and hsa-miR-6754-5p) showed the highest correlation with RA target genes among millions of microRNAs. The expression of miR-146b (fold change=1.8) and miR-4441 (fold change=1.7) was notably reduced, while miR-4270 showed upregulation (fold change=1.8) in plasma from RA patients compared to healthy individuals. MiR-6754 exhibited a decrease (fold change=1.3) but was statistically insignificant. MiR-153-5p expression was undetectable in plasma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that miR-4441, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.7728, and miR-4270 (AUC=0.7353) were promising biomarkers for RA. The expression of these studied miRNAs significantly correlated with essential clinical characteristics, including liver enzymes, cholesterol, phosphorus, and vitamin D3. Our findings suggest that miR-4270 and miR-4441, present in the circulation, exhibit distinct expression patterns in RA. These microRNAs may serve as links between inflammation and metabolism and represent promising new biomarkers for this disease. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3866 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3866/2006

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 551 560 Liangfeng Lin Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China Xiaohao Hu Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China Qiaoyu Li Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China Linlin Huang Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China 2023 07 18 2023 08 19 Asthma, a prevalent chronic airway inflammatory condition, poses a significant health challenge. In this study, we delved into the regulatory mechanisms governing asthma, focusing on Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3). Through an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model and interleukin-13 (IL-13)-induced cell model, we mimicked the in vivo and in vitro functions of METTL3 in asthma. Our research revealed that METTL3 expression significantly decreased in asthma-induced mice and IL-13-stimulated cells compared to the control group. Moreover, METTL3 overexpression enhanced bronchial epithelial cell viability and proliferation. Mechanistically, we observed elevated levels of total iron, Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), alongside reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in IL-13-stimulated cells. Remarkably, METTL3 overexpression counteracted these effects, suggesting a pivotal role in mitigating asthma-related oxidative stress. Furthermore, our study highlighted the involvement of N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A) modification, where METTL3 regulated the m6A modification of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) RNA, impacting RNA stability. Knockdown of METTL3 suppressed m6A modification on GPX4 RNA, impairing its stability and contributing to IL-13-induced ferroptosis. Interestingly, METTL3 overexpression not only inhibited cell ferroptosis but also alleviated asthma symptoms. Our findings shed light on the epigenetic regulation of asthma through METTL3-mediated m6A modification, offering potential therapeutic avenues for this prevalent inflammatory disease. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3876 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3876/2007

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 561 574 Sajad Dehnavi Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Dadmanesh Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Negin Hosseini Rouzbahani Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahmood Karimi Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Asadirad Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Cancer Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Mohammad Gholami Infectious Diseases Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Khodayar Ghorban Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 02 07 2023 11 05 Increasing the efficacy of allergen-specific intranasal immunotherapy (INIT) has recently been the main goal of several studies to establish this route as a safe delivery method through mucosal pathways. In this case, the present study evaluated the potential of INIT using ovalbumin (OVA)-loaded mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (Exo-OVA) in an allergic asthma mouse model. Together with control groups, sensitized Balb/c mice underwent intranasal immunotherapy with Exo-OVA (10 μg OVA per dose) for three consecutive weeks. Serum-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin (IL)-4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by cultured spleen cells, lung histopathologic analysis, and nasopharyngeal lavage fluid cellular examinations were then conducted. The results showed that INIT using Exo-OVA significantly increased IFN-γ and TGF-β secretion, while allergen-specific IgE and IL-4 production were dramatically decreased compared to the control group receiving phosphate-buffered saline. In addition, the eosinophil and total cell counts in the nasopharyngeal lavage fluid were reduced, and inflammatory conditions and cell accumulation in lung tissue were ameliorated. In conclusion, the Exo-OVA improved the INIT efficacy compared to free OVA. Therefore, this formulation could be introduced as an effective approach for immunomodulatory purposes with a shorter treatment duration and reduced side effects. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3767 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3767/2001

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 575 587 Saeid Khosropour Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Elahe Shahvarooghi Departement of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Hossein Rezaeizadeh Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Esmaeelzadeh Department of Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran 2023 03 06 2023 08 22 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder impacting the central nervous system, with cytokines significantly influencing its pathogenesis. This study investigates the effect of curcumin and its semisynthetic derivative F-curcumin on cytokine gene expression in autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse models of MS. We assessed the expression levels of specific cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), alongside key transcription factors for helper T cells (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and FoxP3) in both the spinal cord and spleen. Treatment with curcumin and F-curcumin significantly ameliorated the severity and onset of EAE. Notably, mice administered with either compound showed a substantial decrease in the expression of genes encoding IL-1 (2 folds), IFN-γ (2 and 4 folds), and IL-17 (2.5 and 3.5 folds), alongside a marked increase in TGF-β (7 folds) and IL-10 (4 and 6 folds) levels. Additionally, the gene expression of T cell-derived transcription factors nearly mirrored the changes observed in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines across the groups. The F-curcumin-treated group exhibited more pronounced results. In conclusion, curcumin and F-curcumin significantly modulate cytokine gene expression during EAE induction, potentially alleviating inflammation in MS, with F-curcumin showing a more substantial effect. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3787 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3787/2017

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 588 599 Elham Mashayekh 1 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Arezou Khosrojerdi Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran Ahmad Zavaran Hosseini 1 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Sara Soudi 1 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2023 08 21 2023 11 28 Pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which play a crucial role in responding to pathogens, affect the function of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). One important group of PRRs is the toll-like receptors (TLRs). When PRRs are activated, they can alter the expression of specific surface markers, the ability of MSCs to differentiate, and the types of substances they secrete. These modifications in MSC function may have unexpected consequences for patients. In this study, we examined how Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes affect the properties of MSCs. MSCs were isolated from adipose tissue and categorized into two groups: one group left untreated and the other group exposed to L. major. Giemsa staining was employed to accurately quantify the number of parasites that entered the cells. After 72 hours, real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to assess the expression of TLRs. Additionally, the flow cytometry technique was used to evaluate the expression of surface markers on the MSCs. Our results showed that MSCs can engulf parasites and increase the expression of TLR4 and TLR6. The pro-inflammatory cytokine increased, and the transforming growth factor-β decreased significantly. The parasite exposure increased reactive oxygen species production. Additionally, the percentage of cluster differentiation (CD) 73 decreased, and the mean fluorescent index of CD29 and CD73 was down-regulated by L. major. Exposure to parasites diminishes the immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs. This discovery holds significance for the application of MSCs in addressing parasite infections and underscores the need for additional research to enhance their therapeutic effectiveness. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3905 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3905/2002

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 600 603 Eduardo Liquidano-Perez Immunology Service, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Mariana Carmona Berrón Immunology Service, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Rosa Itzel Carrillo Nieto Immunology Service, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Celso Corcuera Delgado Pathology Department, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Lizbeth Blancas Galicia Immunodeficiencies Unit, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Selma Scheffler Mendoza Immunology Service, National Institute of Pediatrics, Secretariat of Health Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico 2022 03 08 2023 07 26 Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) presents with granuloma formation and lethal infections. It is inherited in an autosomal or X-linked recessive pattern. We describe a 10-month-old patient with a fatal secondary HLH as a CGD primary manifestation. We carried out an autopsy and found noncaseating granulomas, an aspergilloma in the lung, and hemophagocytosis. We performed a DHR assay on the patient’s mother and grandmother, showing a bimodal pattern conclusive of X-linked CGD. Thus, our definitive diagnosis was CGD complicated by macrophage activation syndrome. CGD is caused by phagocytes’ inability to control pathogens, resulting in granulomas. Secondary HLH is a severe complication and could be characterized by the proliferation of macrophages and T lymphocytes and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The early suspicion of this presentation helps establish a specific treatment, and the study of the carriers helps determine the etiology. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3480 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3480/2018

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 604 608 EN Linxin Liu Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China Haoxian Gou Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China Yongfa Liu Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China Shuai Hu Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China Xiaoli Yang The Affiliated Hospital of Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, ChinaMedical University Bo Li Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China 2022 11 11 2023 10 20 Kimura disease (KD), also known as eosinophilic lymphogranuloma, is a rare chronic inflammatory or allergic disease. It can present with immune-related diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, asthma, and ankylosing spondylitis. In this study, we report a case of KD combined with immunoglobulin A nephropathy that first presented as a mass in the inguinal region, followed by recurrent renal involvement. Previous reports suggested that renal involvement caused by KD was due to direct infiltration of eosinophils; however, in this case, no eosinophil infiltration was found in the renal tissue after renal biopsy. This observation reminds us to approach the case from an immune-related molecular perspective to investigate the exact cause of renal damage due to KD.  https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3705 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3705/1996

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 22 6 2023 12 28 609 612 Ximena León-Lara Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico Susana García-Pavón Osorio Military Medical Offices, Mexico City, Mexico Sara Espinosa Padilla Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico Lizbeth Blancas-Galicia Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico 2023 09 14 2023 11 11 not applicable to a Letter to the Editor https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3916 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3916/1998