Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 343 345 EN Hassan Heidarnazhad Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Katayoon Bidad Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 Editorial https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/580 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/580/478

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 346 360 EN Sayed Mehran Marashian National Research Network of Respiratory Diseases, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Esmaeil Mortaz Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands AND Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Mycobacteriology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Hamid Reza Jamaati Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Mostafa Alavi-Moghaddam Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Arda Kiani Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Atefeh Abedini Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center, Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Johan Garssen Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Ian M.Adcock Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK. Ali Akbar Velayati Mycobacteriology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are identified as novel population of hematopoietic cells which protect the body by coordinating the innate immune response against a wide range of threats including infections, tissue damages and homeostatic disturbances. ILCs, particularly ILC2 cells, are found throughout the body including the brain. ILCs are morphologically similar to lymphocytes, express and release high levels of T-helper (Th)1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines but do not express classical cell-surface markers that are associated with other immune cell lineages.Three types of ILCs (ILC1, 2&3) have been reported depending upon the cytokines produced. ILC1 cells encompass natural killer (NK) cells and interferon (IFN)-g releasing cells; ILC2 cells release the Th2 cytokines, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 in response to IL-25 and IL-33; and ILC3 cells which release IL-17 and IL-22. ILC2 cells have been implicated in mucosal reactions occurring in animal models of allergic asthma and virus-induced lung disorders resulting in the regulation of airway remodeling and tissue homeostasis.There is evidence for increased ILC2 cell numbers in allergic responses in man but little is known about the role of ILCs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Further understanding of the characteristics of ILCs such as their origin, location and phenotypes and function would help to clarify the role of these cells in the pathogenesis of various lung diseases.In this review we will focus on the role of ILC2 cells and consider their origin, function, location and possible role in the pathogenesis of the chronic inflammatory disorders such as asthma and COPD. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/581 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/581/494

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 361 369 EN Maansi Vermani Department of Respiratory Allergy and Applied Immunology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India AND Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India. Vannan Kandi-Vijayan Department of Respiratory Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Mahendra Kumar-Agarwal Department of Respiratory Allergy and Applied Immunology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 Aspergillus species (A flavus and A niger) are important sources of inhalant allergens. Current  diagnostic  modalities  employ  crude  Aspergillus  extracts  which  only  indicate  the source to which the patient has been sensitized, without identifying the number and type of allergens in crude extracts. We report a study on the identification of major and minor allergens of the two common airborne Aspergillus species and heterogeneity of patients’ IgE response to them.Skin prick tests were performed on 300 patients of bronchial asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and 20 healthy volunteers. Allergen specific IgE in patients’ sera was estimated by enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST). Immunoblots were performed to identify major/minor allergens of Aspergillus extracts and to study heterogeneity of patients’ IgE response to them.Positive cutaneous responses were observed in 17% and 14.7% of patients with A flavus and A niger extracts, respectively. Corresponding EAST positivity was 69.2% and 68.7%. In immunoblots, 5 allergenic proteins were identified in A niger extract, major allergens being 49, 55.4 and 81.5 kDa. Twelve proteins bound patients’ IgE in A flavus extract, three being major allergens (13.3, 34 and 37 kDa). The position and slopes of EAST binding and inhibition curves obtained with individual sera varied from patient to patient. The number and molecular weight of IgE-binding proteins in both the Aspergillus extracts varied among patients.These results gave evidence of heterogeneity of patients’ IgE response to major/minor Aspergillus allergens. This approach will be helpful to identify disease eliciting molecules in the individual patients (component resolved diagnosis) and may improve allergen-specific immunotherapy. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/582 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/582/511

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 370 378 EN Najmeh Sepahi 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. Mohammad-Ali Assarehzadegan 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. Farnoosh Zarinhadideh Department of Immunology, 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. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 Inhalation of pollens from different species of Acacia is a common cause of respiratory allergy in tropical areas of the world. Acacia farnesiana is commonly used as street trees in towns and ornamental shade trees in parks and gardens throughout arid and semi-arid regions of Asia. This study aimed to produce and purify the A. farnesiana pollen profilin (Aca f 2) and evaluate its nucleotide sequence homology with profilins of common allergenic plants to predict allergenic cross-reactivity.Thirty-nine patients who were allergic to Acacia pollens were included in the study. Cloning of Acacia profilin-coding sequence was performed by polymerase chain reaction using primers from Acacia pollen RNA. The cDNA of Acacia pollen profilin was then expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-21b(+) vector and purified by metal affinity chromatography. Immunoreactivity of the recombinant Acacia profilin (rAca f 2) was evaluated by specific ELISA, immunoblotting, and inhibition assays.The coding sequence of the Acacia profilin cDNA was recognized as a 399-bp open reading frame encoding 133 amino acid residues. Eighteen patients (18/39, 46.15%) had significant specific IgE levels against Aca f 2. Immunodetection and inhibition assays indicated that purified Aca f 2 might be the same as that in the crude extract.Aca f2, the first allergen from A. farnesiana pollen, was identified as belonging to the family of profilins. The amino acid sequence homology analysis showed high cross-reactivity between Aca f 2 and other profilins from botanically unrelated common allergenic plants. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/583 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/583/512

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 379 385 EN Wei Wang Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. Ping Li Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. Jiong Yang Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 Interleukin (IL)-35 is a newly discovered suppressive cytokine and has been shown to alleviate  inflammatory  and  autoimmune  diseases.  The  purpose  of  this  study  was  to investigate immunomodulatory capacity of IL-35 in patients with allergic asthma.IL-35 mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were detected  by  quantitative  real-time  PCR  (qPCR).  The  frequencies  of  cytotoxic  T  cells (Tc)1,Tc2  and  Tc17  cells  were  measured  by  flow  cytometry.  Plasma  levels  of  IL-35, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations between plasma IL-35 levels and Tc1, Tc2, and Tc17 cytokine production in allergic asthmatics (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 12) were analyzed by Pearson’s test.IL-35 protein and mRNA expression levels were down-regulated in allergic asthmatics compared with healthy controls. The frequencies of Tc2 and Tc17 cells were significantly increased in patients with asthma, and the frequency of Tc1 cells did not differ between asthmatic patients and healthy controls. Similarly, plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-17 were significantly increased in asthmatic patients, while there was no difference in IFN-γ levels between allergic asthma patients  and  healthy  controls.  More importantly,  plasma  IL-35 protein levels were negatively correlated with the frequency of IL-4-producing CD8+ T (Tc2) cells and with the IL-4 level in patients with allergic asthma.Our results suggest that decreased circulating IL-35 levels could contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic asthma by regulating CD8+ T cells. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/584 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/584/513

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 386 391 EN Ali Mosayebian Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Mazdak Ganjalikhani-Hakemi Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Rezvan Meshkat Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran. Ramin Ghasemi Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Hossain Khan-Ahmad Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Morteza Samadi Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran AND Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. 2015 10 18 2015 10 18 The SNP (rs11209026, Arg381Gln, R381Q) in the IL-23 receptor (IL23R) confers protection against multiple inflammatory diseases, representing one of the most significant human genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory diseases. We, therefore, investigated the association between IL-23 R R381Q gene polymorphism and asthma.This case-control study was performed on 209 patients, and 200 healthy controls. Using PCR-RFLP,  the  R381Q  variant  was  screened  in  the  IL-23R  gene  of  the  patients  and controls.Serum IgE levels were measured using ELISA technique. Eosinophil absolute count was done with Sesmex cell counter.Our results indicated that the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-23R R381Q polymorphism is significantly different between asthmatic patients and control subjects (p<0.001; odd ratio= 0.266; 95%, CI=0.118-0.604. Moreover, the asthmatic patients had higher eosinophil count and total serum IgE levels than controls as expected (p<0.001).The present study suggested that R381Q polymorphism in IL-23 receptor may be a predisposing allele for asthma. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/585 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/585/516

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 14 4 2015 10 20 392 401 EN HS Kim Department of Pediatrics, College of MedicUniversity of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 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 Saeid Goudarzi Clinical Nanomedicine Laboratory, ENT- Head & Neck Research Center, Hazrate Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Anita Ahmadi Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Farhadi Clinical Nanomedicine Laboratory, ENT- Head & Neck Research Center, Hazrate Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Seyed Kamran Kamrava Clinical Nanomedicine Laboratory, ENT- Head & Neck Research C