Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 120 125 EN Wang Kai Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China XU Qian Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China WU Zu Qun Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China 2015 10 16 MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of asthma, the goal of this study is to summarize recent researches on the roles of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of asthma. A review of the English medical literatures was conducted by searching PubMed for studies concerning asthma and microRNAs. The results of the present study indicate that microRNAs play important roles in regulating asthma immune responses. MicroRNAs not only participate in determining DCs phenotype and then naive T lymphocyte differentiation, but also participate in the regulation of airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma. Furthermore, microRNAs are also shown to be targets for asthma therapy in the future. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/403 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/403/434

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 126 132 EN Shiva Saghafi Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Zahra Pourpak Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Immunology and Allergy, Children Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Cristina Glocker Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Franziska Nussbaumer Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Abdolreza Babamahmoodi Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Bodo Grimbacher Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Medical Center and University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Mostafa Moin Immmunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Immunology and Allergy, Children Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 16 Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome (HIES) is a complex primary immunodeficiency characterized by both immunologic and non-immunologic manifestations. High serum IgE level, eosinophilia, eczema, recurrent skin and lung infections constitute the immunologic profile of HIES, whereas characteristic facial appearance, scoliosis, retained primary teeth, joint hyperextensibility, bone fractures following minimal trauma and craniosynostosis are the main non-immunologic manifestations. The diagnosis of HIES cannot be made by routine immunologic tests. As the main characteristic laboratory abnormalities of this syndrome are highly elevated serum IgE levels and eosinophilia; both features have a broad spectrum of differential diagnosis. The purpose of this essay was presenting the best way for diagnosis management of HIES. Based on the genetic reports of patients of the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) as a single center experience, and applying project management (PM) in health care research projects, we sought the best way for a rapid diagnosis of HIES. The combination of project management principles with immunologic and genetic knowledge to better define the laboratory and clinical diagnosis lead to an improvement of the management of patients with HIES. These results are shown in one "Decision Tree" which is based on 342 genetic reports of the CCI during the past ten years. It is necessary to facilitate the diagnostic analysis of suspected HIES patients; applying project management in health care research projects provides a better and more accurate diagnosis eventually leading to a better patients' care. This Abstract was presented at 16th Biennial Meeting of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID 2014), Prague, Czech Republic. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/402 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/402/435

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 133 138 EN Shokrollah Farrokhi Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran AND The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Mohammad Kazzem Gheybi The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Ali Movahed Department of Biochemistry, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Rahim Tahmasebi Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran AND Department of Health Promotion, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Dariush Iranpour Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Atena Fatemi The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Razieh Etemadan The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Mostafa Gooya Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Sahar Zandi Department of Immunology, Asthma and Allergy, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Hamid Ashourinejad The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran Sara Alavizadeh The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. Shaghayegh Khoddami The Persian Gulf Nuclear Medicine Research Centre, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran. 2015 10 16 Aeroallergens continue to have a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma and allergic diseases and have recently received increased attention in medical research throughout the world. The prevalence of aeroallergens vary in different regions, depending on the type of climate. The aim of the present study was to determine prevalence of the sensitivity to aeroallergens among patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), based on skin prick test (SPT) reactivity in the province of Bushehr, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 743 patients were enrolled. The participants had asthma and AR and reacted to at least one allergen with SPT. Skin prick test with standard extracts including house dust mites (HDMs), animal dander, molds and pollens were performed on patients according to the herbal geography of the area. The male to female ratio and mean age of the patients were 1.03 and 27.6± 15.4 year, respectively. Out of 567 patients with AR, the common aeroallergens were HDMs (88.5%), molds (82.9%), animal dander (79.5%), weeds (77.6%), trees (75.5%) and grass pollen (71.5%). Moreover, among 176 patients with asthma, the prevalence of aeroallergens were HDMs (90.5 %), molds (80.7%), animal dander (77.5%), weeds (73.3%), trees (73.3%) and grass pollen (67.9%). The sensitivity to animal dander, Chenopodium album and Russian thistle pollens were significantly associated with the severity of AR. Moreover, sensitivity to animal dander such as cat and feather of birds, cockroach, Bermuda grass and Chenopodium album pollens were significantly associated with the severity of asthma. The results of this study revealed that HDM was the most common sensitizing aeroallergen in patients with asthma and AR. Molds and animal dander as indoor allergens were also common aeroallergens. We suggest that the hot weather and ambient humidity in the region may be the main cause of the change in the pattern of SPT reactivity. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/401 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/401/436

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 139 148 EN Zhen Chen Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Yi Yang Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Xiao-Dong Chen Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Zhili Wu Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. Shifeng Li Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. 2015 10 16 Platanus acerifolia, London plane tree, a significant source of airborne allergens, is widely grown in Shanghai and other cities in China. In recent decades, little has been known regarding the influence of the allergens on sensitizing the population in the Shanghai area. The aims of this study were to purify and characterize the two major allergens and to confirm the immunological activities of these pollen allergens in Shanghai. Crude extract was purified with a HiTrap SP column and a Sephedex G75 column. Immunodetection was performed with ELISA and immunoblotting. Following gel proteolytic digestion and mass spectrometry, the tandem MS (MS/MS) peptide mass fingerprint was obtained and the MASCOT search engine was used to identify the peptide. The accession number of the interesting homologous data and all the sequence information was acquired by an internet database and the evolutionary trees were drawn with Mega 4.0 software. Two proteins with molecular weights of 43 kDa and 18 kDa were purified from P. acerifolia pollen extract. The purified proteins were identified as pollen allergen Pla a 1 and Pla a 2 via mass spectrometry. The proteins have immunological activities with human IgE antibodies. According to the ELISA results, 12% (5/41) of the subjects were sensitive to Pla a 1 and 9% (4/41) were sensitive to Pla a 2. Pla a 1 and Pla a 2 are thus important allergens for patients with an allergic reaction to P. acerifolia pollen in Shanghai. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/400 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/400/437

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 149 157 EN Masoumeh Kazemi Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Seyed Mohammad Bagher Tabei Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran AND Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Katayoun Najafizadeh Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Jafar Mehrabi Sisakht Department of Medical Genetics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Soheila Milani Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Mohammad Bagher Khosravi Anesthesiology and Critical Care Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 2015 10 16 Brain death is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines levels and poor graft quality to transplant. We aimed to evaluate the impact of Ascorbic Acid (AA) on the inflammatory status of Brain-Dead Donors (BDDs). Forty BDDs were randomly divided into two groups. Donor treatment (n=20) consisted of 100 mg/kg AA infusion 6 hours before donor operation and subsequent infusion of 100 mg/kg/p6h until organ removal. Blood samples were taken at three times, 6 hours before donor surgery (TP(1)), immediately after laparotomy (TP(2)), and before organ removal (TP(3)). Gene expression level and serum concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines were assessed by real-time PCR and ELISA methods. To investigate transplanted liver function, serum values of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), and Billirubin-Total were evaluated on the 1(st), 3(rd), and 10(th) postoperative days. We found a significant reduction in IL-6 mRNA expression ratio of TP(3) to TP(1) following AA application among BDDs. Despite the considerable decrease in treated donors regarding IL-6 mRNA expression ratio of TP(2) to TP(1), TP(3) to TP(2), and also TNF-α variations in these periods, the results were not significant. Regarding serum concentration of these cytokines, particularly IL-6, there was a decrease between TP(2) and TP(3) following AA application in the treated donors. Furthermore, a significant reduction was found in serum AST and ALT levels in the recipients of treated group on the 3(rd) day compared to the 1(st) day after transplantation. It seems that AA beneficially affects the inflammatory status of BDDs, resulting in improved primary allograft function. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/399 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/399/438

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 2 2015 04 15 158 167 EN Javad Arasteh Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. Massoumeh Ebtekar Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Zahra Pourpak Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Akbar Pourfatollah Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Zuhair Mohammad Hassan Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Gholam Ali Kardar Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ahad Zare Ali Akbar Pourfathollah Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 16 Asthma as a chronic inflammatory airway disease is considered to be the most common chronic disease that is involving genetic and environmental factors. Toll like receptors (TLRs) and other inflammatory mediators are important in modulation of inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the role of TLR2 Arg753Gln and TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms in the asthma susceptibility, progress, control levels and lung functions in Iranian patients. On 99 asthmatic patients and 120 normal subjects, TLR2 Arg753Gln and TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms were evaluated by PCR-RFLP method recruiting Msp1 and Nco1 restriction enzymes, respectively. IgE serum levels by ELISA technique were determined and asthma diagnosis, treatment and control levels were considered using standard schemes and criteria. Our results indicated that the genotype and allele frequencies of the TLR2 Arg753Gln and TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms were not significantly different between control subjects and asthmatics and were not related to in asthma features such as IgE levels, asthma history and pulmonary factors. Wherease some previous studies indicated TLRs and their polymorphisms might have some role in asthma incidence and features, our data demonstrated that TLR2 Arg753Gln and TLR4 Asp299Gly gene variants were not risk factors for asthma or its features in Iranian patients. Genetic complexity, ethnicity, influence of other genes or polymorphisms may overcome these polymorphisms in our asthmatics. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/413 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/413/424

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 55 59 EN Mohammad Hashemi Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND  Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Mohammad Naderi Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicin, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Mahboubeh Ebrahimi Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Shadi Amininia Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Gholamreza Bahari Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Mohsen Taheri Genetics of Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Ebrahim Eskandari-Nasab Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Saeid Ghavami Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada. 2015 10 16 Macrophages and T-lymphocytes are involved in immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Macrophage produces interleukin (IL)-1 as an inflammatory mediator. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) is a natural antagonist of IL-1 receptors. In this study we aimed to examine the possible association between the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) gene and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in a sample of Iranian population. Our study is a case-control study and we examined the VNTR of the IL1RN gene in 265 PTB and 250 healthy subjects by PCR. Neither the overall chi-square comparison of PTB and control subjects nor the logistic regression analysis indicated any association between VNTR IL1RN polymorphism and PTB. Our data suggest that VNTR IL1RN polymorphism may not be associated with the risk of PTB in a sample of Iranian population. Larger studies with different ethnicities are needed to find out the impact of IL1RN VNTR polymorphism on risk of developing TB. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/412 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/412/425

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 60 66 EN Nurhan Sarioglu Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University Balikesir, Turkey. Adnan Adil Hismiogullari Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey. Fuat Erel Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University Balikesir, Turkey. Dudu Demir Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. Nahit Gencer Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Art, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey. 2015 10 16 Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and arylesterase are esterase enzymes displaying antioxidant characteristics. PON1 activity varies widely among individuals and ethnic groups, partly related to polymorphisms. The aim of this study was to determine the activities of PON1 and arylesterase including the phenotype distribution of PON1 in asthmatic patients and healthy subjects. Forty-nine asthmatic patients and 41 healthy people were included in this study. Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities were determined by spectrophotometric assays, as well as the lipid profiles. The PON1 ratio (salt stimulated paraoxonase/arylesterase) was trimodally distributed and this ratio was used to determine the individual phenotypes of all subjects. The PON1 activity in the asthmatic patients was significantly lower (p=0.024) when compared to the healthy control group, however no significant difference in the activity of arylesterase was observed between the two groups. The prevalence of the PON1 phenotypes in the asthmatic population were 26.5%, 16.3% and 57.2 % for QQ, QR and RR, respectively. PON1 activity was significantly lower in asthmatic patients; in addition, the results of this investigation indicated that PON1 RR phenotype may be an important risk factor in asthma disease. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/411 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/411/426

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 67 73 EN Maryam Hassanzad Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Soheila Khalilzadeh Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shabnam Eslampanah Nobari Tobacco Prevention Control Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammadreza Bloursaz Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hooman Sharifi Tobacco Prevention Control Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Seyed Amir Mohajerani Tobacco Prevention Control Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Sabereh Tashayoie Nejad Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ali Akbar Velayati Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 16 Asthma environmental triggers play important roles in severity of disease. Passive smoking could exacerbate asthma symptoms and enhance the decrease in lung function. Cotinine levels could be a reflection of passive exposure to the cigarette both in adults and pediatrics. The aim of this study was to determine degree of association of asthma severity and cotinine level as a marker of passive smoking. In a cross-sectional study, 100 pediatric patients (under 10 years old) with asthma were enrolled, 50 of whom, had been exposed to passive smoking and 50 others included as controls. A complete clinical history, lab exam, and spirometry were performed. A sample of urine, serum and saliva was collected from all attendant patients and controls in the study after confirmation of diagnosis and determination of severity of asthma. The results revealed that age, sex, age of onset of asthma, family history and allergic history were not significantly different between two groups of patients. According to GINA classification, percentage of patients with severe asthma was significantly higher in passive smoker group (p=0.001). Cotinine was significantly higher in passive smoker group compared to control group in serum (p=001), saliva (p=0.001), and urine (p=0.0014). In passive smoker group, cotinine levels were significantly higher in serum (p=0.001), urine (p=0.007), and saliva (p=0.01) of patients with severe asthma than moderate and mild asthma. Serum cotinine (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.35-2.32, p=0.024), urine cotinine (OR: 3.56,95% CI = 1.29-5.53, p=0.01) and saliva cotinine (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.23-1.98, p=0.031) were also significantly associated with higher risk of severe asthma. Cotinine levels were higher in passive smokers compared to non-passive smokers. Besides, cotinine was a predictive risk factor for severe asthma. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/410 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/410/427

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 74 82 EN Mohammad-Ali Assarehzadegan Cellular and Molecular Research Center of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran AND Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Ali Khodadadi Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Akram Amini Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Abdol-Hosein Shakurnia Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.. Seyed Saeid Marashi Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Hosein Ali-Sadeghi Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Farnoosh Zarinhadideh Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Najmeh Sepahi Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 2015 10 16 Allergy to Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) pollen is one of the common causes of respiratory allergy in tropical countries. Mesquite is widely used as street trees in towns and ornamental shade trees in parks and gardens throughout arid and semiarid regions of Iran. The inhalation of mesquite pollen and several species of Amaranthus/Chenopodiaceae family is the most important cause of allergic respiratory symptoms in Khuzestan province. This study was designed to evaluate IgE banding proteins of mesquite pollen extract and its IgE cross-reactivity with other allergenic plants. Twenty patients with allergic symptoms and positive skin prick tests (SPT) for mesquite pollen extract participated in the study. Crude pollen extract was prepared from local mesquite trees and used for the evaluation of allergenic profiles of P. juliflora pollen extract by Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and IgE-immunoblotting. There were several protein bands in mesquite pollen extract using SDS-PAGE with the approximate range of molecular weight of 10-85 kDa. The most frequent IgE reactive bands among the patients' sera were approximately 20 and 66 kDa. However, there were other IgE reactive protein bands among the patients' sera with molecular weights of 10, 15, 35, 45, 55 and 85 kDa. Inhibition experiments revealed high IgE cross-reactivity between mesquite and acacia. There are several IgE-binding proteins in P. juliflora pollen extract. Results of this study indicate that proteins with a molecular weight of 10 to 85 kDa are the major allergens in P. juliflora pollen extract. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/409 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/409/428

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 83 90 EN Anjum Perveen Centre for Plant Conservation, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan. Muneeba Khan Centre for Plant Conservation, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan. Shaista Zeb Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan. Asif Ali Imam Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi Pakistan. 2015 10 16 A quantitative and qualitative survey of airborne pollen was performed in the city of Karachi, and the pollen counts were correlated with different climatic conditions. The aim of the study was to determine the possible effect of meteorological factors on airborne pollen distribution in the atmosphere of Karachi city. Pollen sampling was carried out by using Burkard spore Trap for the period of August 2009 to July 2010, and a total of 2,922 pollen grains/m(3) were recorded. In this survey, 22 pollen types were recognized. The highest pollen count was contributed by Poaceae pollen type (1,242 pollen grains/m(3)) followed by Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae (948 pollen grains/m(3)), Cyperus rotundus (195 pollen grains/m(3)) and Prosopis juliflora (169 pollen grains/m(3)). Peak pollen season was in August showing a total of 709 pollen grains/m(3) and lowest pollen count was observed in January-2010. Pearson's chi-square test was performed for the possible correlation of pollen counts and climatic factors. The test revealed significant positive correlation of wind speed with pollen types of Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae; Brassica campestris; Asteraceae; and Thuja orientalis. While the correlation of "average temperature" showed significant positive value with Asteraceae and Tamarix indica pollen types. Negative correlation was observed between humidity/ precipitation and pollen types of Brassica campestris; Daucus carota; Ephedra sp.; and Tamarix indica. In the light of above updated data one could identify various aeroallergens present in the air of Karachi city. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/408 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/408/429

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 91 97 EN Taha Gholipour Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Taher Ghazizadeh Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Sahand Babapour Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Program, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Behzad Mansouri Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. Majid Ghafarpour Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Bahaadin Siroos Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Hossein Harirchian Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 16 Melatonin has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties depending on the stage of inflammation. Despite its therapeutic effect in alleviation of some symptoms of multiple sclerosis; the precise role of melatonin in MS pathogenesis remains a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to measure the urine level of one of melatonin products which is an index of serum melatonin level, in MS patients in the acute phase of relapse and control patients. We also analyzed different clinical and cognitive indices in order to find any correlation with melatonin level. Twenty eight patients who were diagnosed as relapsing-remitting MS, according to the revised McDonald criteria, along with 10 age- and sex-matched control subjects were recruited in our study. Here we showed that urine 6-sulphatoxymelatonin levels (aMT6s; the major metabolite of melatonin) were significantly lower in MS patients compared to control group. Interestingly, urine aMT6s levels significantly correlated with MS Functional Composite score, but not Expanded Disability Severity Score. Based on above findings, there might be new hope in developing a quantitative and objective measure to assess the MS severity especially in neurodegenerative diseases. However, our results should be analyzed cautiously. We didn't evaluate simultaneous level of 25-OH Vitamin D. It has been recently reported that there is a negative correlation between melatonin and vitamin D levels. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/407 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/407/430

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 98 104 EN Mohammad Hossein Harirchian Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Abbas Tafakhori Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Shervin Taslimi Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Vajiheh Aghamollaii Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Reza Shahsiah Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Taha Gholipour Partners MS Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Fatemezahra Mohammadi Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Ameneh Zare-Shahabadi Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 16 Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD) of the CNS, which mainly affects optic nerve and spinal cord. Autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 also known as NMO-IgG have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NMO. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of NMO-IgG assay for diagnosing NMO patients and differentiating them from MS patients and those with undifferentiated IDD with overlap symptoms.Eligibility of patients with demyelinating disorders was evaluated based on physical examination, laboratory and imaging studies. Thirty four definite NMO patients (disregarding NMO-IgG status), 34 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with a history of optic neuritis (ON) or myelitis that were matched for age and disease activity and 44 patients with ON or myelitis attacks fulfilling neither criteria of MS or NMO (NMO spectrum) were selected as undifferentiated group. NMO-IgG was measured in the serum of the included patients by cell-based indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). NMO antibody was positive in 11 (32.3%), and 4 (9.09%) patients in NMO and undifferentiated groups, but was undetctable in MS patients. NMO antibody was 32% (95%Cl: 19-49%) sensitive in detecting NMO patients. Its specificity in differentiating NMO from MS subjects was 100 % (95% Cl: 90-!00%). NMO antibody was 95% (95% Cl: 0.88-0.98) specific in differentiating NMOs from other demyelinating diseases. Our results showed that although NMO antibody is highly specific for NMO, current method of measuring it with cell-based IFA is not highly sensitive for diagnosing NMO patients. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/406 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/406/431

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 1 2015 02 15 105 112 EN