Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 1 28 Marziyeh Soltani Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Yousef Mirzaei Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq Ali Hussein Mer Department of Nursing, Mergasour Technical Institute, Erbil Polytechnic University, Erbil, Iraq Mina Mohammad-Rezaei Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zahra Shafaghat Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Soheila Fattahi Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Fatemeh Azadegan-Dehkordi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran Meghdad Abdollahpour-Alitappeh Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran Nader Bagheri Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran 2023 07 27 2023 09 21 Schizophrenia is one of the most severely debilitating mental disorders that affects 1.1% of the world's population. The exact cause of the disease is not known, but genetics, environmental factors (such as infectious agents, season and region of birth, exposure to viruses, low birth weight, advanced paternal age, and tobacco), and immune system dysfunction can all contribute to the development of schizophrenia. Recently, the role of the immune system in schizophrenia has received much attention. Both acquired and innate immune systems are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and facilitate the disease's progression. Almost all cells of the immune system including microglia, B cells, and T cells play an important role in the blood-brain barrier damage, inflammation, and in the progression of this disease. In schizophrenia, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is reduced and then the immune cells are recruited into the endothelium following an increase in the expression of cell adhesion molecules. The entry of immune cells and cytokines leads to inflammation and antibody production in the brain. Accordingly, the results of this study strengthen the hypothesis that the innate and acquired immune systems are involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3889 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3889/1997

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 122 126 Oscar Zaveleta Martínez Maternal and Children's Hospital ISSEMYM, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico Ana Eunice Fregoso-Zuñiga Children's Hospital of Morelia, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico Cielo Razo Requena Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico Sara Espinosa Padilla Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico Lzbeth Blancas Galicia Immunodeficiencies Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico 2023 09 18 2023 11 11 Actinrelated protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B (ARPC1B) deficiency is an inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by a combination of immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation and classified as an IEI with allergic manifestations. Here, we describe two patients with pathogenic variants in the ARPC1B gene. The first patient presented with eczema and bronchospasm at six months of age. The second patient presented with eczema and milk protein allergy at five months of age. The c.899_944 (p.Glu300Glyfs*7) pathogenic variant was previously described, whereas the c.863del (p.Pro288Leufs*9) variant was novel. ARPC1B deficiency should be considered because of the severe allergic manifestations at an early age. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3918 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3918/2032

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 29 51 Mojgan Zareivenovel Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Leila Nemati-Anaraki Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Ouchi Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Paramedicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Maryam Nourizadeh Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Children's Medical Center Hospital, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Motahareh Aghashahi Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2023 06 19 2023 11 12 This study aimed to present a bibliometric and altmetric Analyses of the Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (IJAAI). The citation performance and altmetric data were extracted from Scopus and Altmetric Explorer, respectively. Analyses were done using SPSS 26, Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. The results of the bibliometric analysis revealed that IJAAI had experienced respectable growth. Among the total citations, 4746 citations belong to the first decade (2005-2014) and 3,035 citations belong to the second (2015-2022). The findings demonstrated the significance of IJAAI among Iranian researchers. Pourpak, Z (66; 6.57%) is the top-producing author in IJAAI. The examination of research institutions reveals that the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) is ranked first. The most highly cited article in IJAAI over the past 18 years is a review article which has received 138 citations. IJAAI is ranked first at the citing source and journal level, with the most citations (249 citations) to IJAAI. Iran has collaborated with 13 other countries. Overall, the analysis of co-occurred keywords indicates that IJAAI authors have used the following three high-frequency and important keywords: Asthma (162), Inflammation (48), and Multiple sclerosis (40). Co-citation analysis results demonstrated that a total of 6,718 sources were cited in this journal. The results of the altmetric analysis show that IJAAI has a reasonably low presence across various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Wikipedia, Mendeley, news and blogs. This study aids researchers in exploring and identifying emerging trends in the fields of allergy, asthma, and immunology. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3859 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3859/2012

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 52 58 Yan Li Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China Haiqing Xiao Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China Yinhui Zeng Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China Yiquan Tang Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China Lifeng Zhou Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China Wenlong Liu Department of Otolaryngology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China 2022 09 16 2023 10 14 Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) has confirmed its efficacy in improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, no reliable biomarkers have been identified to predict the efficacy of AIT were found. We aimed to find clinical and immunological markers to predict efficacy in children after 2 years of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). A total of 285 children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were recruited. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing endpoint and baseline symptom and medication scores (SMS). Baseline clinical and immunological markers (serum total and specific immunoglobulin [Ig]E) and their correlation with clinical efficacy were analyzed. Of the 285 children recruited, 249 completed the 2-year SLIT program. After 2 years of SLIT, 68.3% of the children showed a significant response. Children in the Remarkable Response Group had the highest baseline SMS and most extended disease duration, followed by the Effective Relief and Unresponsive Group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that SMS improvement was positively correlated with baseline SMS (r=0.67) and disease duration (r=0.35). SMS improvement was not correlated with age, body mass index, total or specific IgE levels, or their ratios. Our results show that baseline SMS and disease duration can predict the efficacy of SLIT. Our study can guide the selection of suitable candidates for SLIT. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3657 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3657/2013

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 59 68 EN Mohammad Hasan Bemaniyan Department of Asthma and Allergy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Heidari Department of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Marzieh Tavakol Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Nabavi Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Hazrat-E-Rasoul Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Ramezani Kashal Department of Medical Sciences, Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran Maryam Gholami Department of Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urumia, Iran Bita Bemaniyan Faculty of Humanities, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2022 10 30 2023 07 31 Little is known about the quality of life of patients with anaphylaxis to Hymenoptera venom. The Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ) is commonly used to assess the psychological burden of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of VQLQ. In this cross-sectional study, VQLQ was translated into Persian according to expert recommendations.  The final translated version of VQLQ was then administered to 115 patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy at an asthma and allergy clinic in Iran. More than half of the participants were between 20 and 40 years of age, and 60% were male. Fear, anxiety, and outdoor activities had the most significant impact on the quality of life of patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy. Additionally, quality of life was more affected in women than in men, while no correlation was found with age. Furthermore, the quality of life was affected by a history of acute anaphylactic shock due to Hymenoptera venom. The Persian version of VQLQ enables the measurement of quality of life in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy in the Iranian population. The inclusion of VQLQ in the initial evaluation of these patients may potentially guide allergist in providing support for venom-specific immunotherapy. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/3688 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/3688/2025

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 1 2024 02 11 69 81 Negin Jafariaghdam Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Majid Khoshmirsafa Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Alireza Zamani Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Elahe Talebi-Ghane Modeling of noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Shadi Moradi Dept of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Faezeh Shahba Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mehrdokht Mazdeh Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Mohammad Mahdi Eftekharian Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran AND Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran 2023 12 09 2024 01 14 Parkinson's disease, the second most prevalent neurodegenerativeand number of underlying diseases with PASI and DAPSA scores. Mean PASI and DAPSA scores were 5.19 and 15.13, respectively. The severity of psoriasis was mild in 58.1%, moderate in 36.5%, and severe in 4.5% of the cases. The activity of psoriatic arthritis was improved in 2.1%, low in 55.4%, moderate in 24.3%, and high in 1.8% of the patients. A significant association was found between erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet (PLT) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and PASI scores, while no statistically significant association was reported for PLR. A significant correlation was observed between ESR, CRP, RDW, NLR, PLR, PLT, and DAPSA scores, while no statistically significant association was found for MPV. The findings indicated that inflammatory and hematological markers can be helpful factors in evaluating the severity of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4072 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4072/2109

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 6 2024 12 29 662 675 EN Yashgin Hassanzadeh Department of Microbiology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Ramin Yaghobi Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Parviz Pakzad Department of Microbiology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Bita Geramizadeh Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran 2024 04 16 2024 08 12 Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells eliminate human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected cells through direct cytotoxic granules exocytosis. We aimed to evaluate the functional cytotoxic gene profile of CD4+ T cells alongside the frequency of the cytotoxic phenotype in renal transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus reactivation. Blood samples were collected from twenty renal recipients with and without HCMV reactivation (HCMV+ and HCMV- groups) and ten healthy adults (control group). CD4+ T cells were isolated to assess the frequency of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells via CD107a surface staining using flow cytometry and to evaluate gene expression of perforin, granzyme B, Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3), and Eomesodermin (Eomes) by quantitative PCR. The frequency of CD4+ CD107a+ T cells was higher in the HCMV+ group compared to the HCMV- group and significantly higher than in the control group (22.69 ± 3.47 vs 16.41 ± 2.24 and 11.60 ± 1.17, respectively). Perforin gene levels were reduced in the HCMV+ group compared to the other two groups, while granzyme B gene levels were similar between HCMV+ and HCMV- groups but lower than in the control group (0.63 ± 1.24 vs 0.67 ± 2.27 and 1.00 ± 0.00, respectively). This study demonstrated an increased frequency of cytotoxic CD4+ T cells with potentially reduced functionality in kidney transplant patients with HCMV infection. It also suggests that these cells might employ other mechanisms, such as death receptor-mediated killing, or the production of other granules. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4079 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4079/2131

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 6 2024 12 29 676 687 Atena Alifarsangi Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Mohammad Khaksari Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Rostam Seifaddini Neurology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran 2024 09 04 2024 09 30 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression, but there is a need for effective interventions that target underlying disease mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the effects of exercise, MitoQ (a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), and their combination on the gene expression of various biomarkers associated with MS in postmenopausal and premenopausal women. We measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) and key molecular pathways involved in MS pathogenesis, including suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic 2 (SMAD2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. All interventions significantly lowered IL-6 levels and STAT1, especially in premenopausal women. Also, both exercise and MitoQ led to a significant increase in the SMAD2 and TGF-β expression, with a more pronounced effect on premenopausal women. Noteworthy, the effectiveness of the combination of exercise and MitoQ was considerably higher than each one alone. These findings suggest that exercise and MitoQ, either alone or combined, can modulate various biological pathways implicated in MS pathogenesis. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4191 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4191/2128

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 6 2024 12 29 688 698 Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchinghaleh Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Farhadi Biregani Biotechnology Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran Abbas Doosti Biotechnology Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord Branch, Shahrekord, Iran Ramezan Ali Taheri Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Morteza Mirzaei Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Ali Zahiri Students Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Gholamreza Farnoosh Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 03 03 2024 07 22 Melittin is a natural toxin used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory drug. It seems that the anti-inflammatory properties of melittin are caused by suppressing the expression of inflammatory genes and inhibiting signaling pathways. However, the use of melittin is limited due to instability, rapid degradation, and impurity. The aim of this study was to investigate the intranasal administration of a melittin-encoded plasmid as a new melittin delivery method for allergic diseases. After the induction of a mouse model of allergic rhinitis, mice received intranasal melittin plasmid. After the final challenge with allergen and allergic symptom assessment, the required samples were collected and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) cytokine levels, serum levels of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and histopathological changes were assessed. In addition to investigating the immune response, the effect of melittin on the expression level of genes involved in apoptosis was also investigated. The melittin plasmid significantly improved nasal symptoms and decreased eosinophil infiltration into the nasal mucosa. Moreover, melittin decreased the expression levels of IL-4 and TGF-β in nasal lavage fluid, while IFN-γ expression was increased. Regarding the expression level of genes involved in apoptosis, melittin led to an increase in BAX mRNA expression. These results suggest intranasal administration of a plasmid encoding melittin can suppress nasal symptoms, eosinophil infiltration, and immunomodulation of the immune response, which can be considered a promising approach in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4043 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4043/2130

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 6 2024 12 29 699 726 Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Majid Momeny Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nima Rezaei Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran AND Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Fallah Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Davood Bashash Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2024 04 22 2024 06 24 Despite therapeutic advancements, treatment failure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a significant obstacle. Given the vital role of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) in HCC and the promising effectiveness of immune therapies, we aimed to elucidate potential predictive biomarkers by developing a prognostic model based on immune-related genes (IRGs). After obtaining data, differentially expressed IRGs were identified, and prognostic models were developed using Cox regression analyses. Key contributors of the model were identified and the results were validated by experimental assays in HCC cell lines. Our eight-IRG signature can serve as an independent prognostic factor in HCC. The low-risk group exhibited superior overall survival and lower tumor mutation burden (TMB). The high-risk group showed elevated proportions of immune cells, including regulatory T cells and resting CD4+ memory T cells. We found that the NEAT1-C1/miR-542-5p/BIRC5 regulatory network may serve as a potential target in HCC. The experimental investigations showed that BIRC5 inhibition reduced the metabolic activity in four HCC cell lines. The results of this study facilitate patient stratification and the development of more effective treatment strategies, particularly for high-risk HCC patients. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/4088 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/4088/2126

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 23 6 2024 12 29 727 737 Yong Tao Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Chengniu Chu Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Dongjun Sun Department of Information, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Junfeng Xiang Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Bo Wu Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Cong Li Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China Wei Cui Department of General Surgery, XuanCheng People's Hospital, Affiliated Xuancheng Hospital of Wannan Medical College, AnHui, China 2024 02 05 2024 07 17 Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common digest