Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 12 04 589 604 EN Mehdi Vostakolaei Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Jalal Abdolalizadeh Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mohammad Saeid Hejazi Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Shirafkan Kordi Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ommoleila Molavi Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran AND Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran 2019 08 19 2019 09 14 Heat shock protein 70.1 (Hsp70.1), also known as Hsp70, is a highly conserved member of the heat shock protein family that exists in all living organisms and determines the protein fate as molecular chaperones. Hsp70 basal expression is undetectable or low in most unstressed normal cells, however, its abundant presence in several types of human cancer cells is reported. Several studies support upregulated Hsp70 involved in tumor progression and drug resistance through modulation of cell death pathways and suppresses anticancer immune responses. However, numerous studies have confirmed that Hsp70 can also induce anticancer immune responses through the activation of immune cells in particular antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Regarding the significant and the promising role of vaccines in cancer immunotherapy, identification and characterization of the overexpressed Hsp70 as a potential immune stimulatory factor can pave the path for development of highly effective anticancer vaccines. In this review, we will discuss the interactions of Hsp70 with components of the immune system in cancers as well as possible strategies to harness Hsp70 for eliciting anticancer immune responses. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/2493

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 10 30 605 614 EN Ümüş Özbey Department of Nutrition and Diet, Health Science Faculty, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey Aslı Uçar Department of Nutrition and Diet, Health Science Faculty, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey Nitin Shivappa Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, U.S.A AND Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, U.S.A James R Hebert Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, U.S.A AND Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, U.S.A 2018 12 06 2019 06 23 This cross-sectional study evaluates the relationship of the dietary inflammatory index (DII), a novel tool developed to measure the inflammatory capacity of a diet, with pulmonary functions and asthma control test (ACT) scores in asthmatic individuals. The study included 120 patients who were diagnosed with asthma for at least one year.  The anthropometric measurements, one-day long nutrition uptake records, pulmonary function tests, and ACT scores of the respondents were recorded and compared according to categories of the DII which was calculated from 24- hour recalls. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and ACT scores decreased with increasing DII tertiles (p<0.05). The total energy, carbohydrate, fat, and saturated fat uptake of the participants increased in parallel to DII (p<0.05); while vitamin A, C, and E uptakes, on the other hand, decreased as DII increased (p=0.0001). In conclusion, an increase in the inflammatory potential of diet among asthmatics decreases pulmonary functions and asthma control. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/2215

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 10 16 615 623 EN Sharare Raeisi Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Atefeh Fakharian Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fariba Ghorbani Tracheal Diseases Research Center (TDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hamid Reza Jamaati Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Maryam Sadaat Mirenayat Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2019 02 12 2019 06 17 This study was aimed to compare the value and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in patients with asthma exacerbation. In this randomized double-blind study, forthy patients with moderate-to-severe asthma exacerbations, aged 18 years or older were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either HFNC or COT for 24 hours. Dyspnea scale, O2 saturation, spirometer indexes, respiratory and heart rate, and arterial blood gas (ABG) were compared within 2 and 24 hours of intervention. Dyspnea scale decreased significantly from 7.58±1.04 to 6.45±0.51 (p=0.000), and from 7.84±1.7 to 6.89±0.9 (p=0.049) within 2 hours in HFNC and COT groups, respectively. In the HFNC group, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 1.48 ±0.94 L at the time of admission and increased to 1.61±0.66 L (p=0.19) and 1.82±0.92 L (p=0.003) after 2 and 24 hours of experience, respectively. In addition, in the COT group, FEV1 increased from 1.43±0.65 L to 1.46±0.53 L and 1.64±0.6 L in the respective time-points, (p=0.071, 0.079). PaO2 and O2 saturation increased significantly in both groups during the first 2 hours. Two patients in the HFNC group had the complaint of nasal irritation and the device-produced heat; while one patient in the COT group needed more respiratory care. HFNC could be a therapeutic option for asthma exacerbation among adult patients after considering the patient’s selection. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/2306

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 10 12 624 638 Saeideh Saadat Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran AND  Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Amin Mokhtari-Zaer Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mousa-Al-Reza Hadjzadeh Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Hossein Boskabady Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran AND Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2019 04 19 2019 05 25 Statins provide greater protection than predicted from just cholesterol-lowering effects, which is possibly mediated by other pleiotropic actions. This study aimed to examine the possible interaction effect of asthma on lipid profiles and evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on asthma. The animals were assigned into (1) control, (2) asthmatic, (3) hyperlipidemic, (4) asthmatic-hyperlipidemic, (5) rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally, for 3 weeks)-treated asthmatic, (6) rosuvastatin-treated hyperlipidemic and (7) rosuvastatin-treated asthmatic-hyperlipidemic groups. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin, total and differential WBC (white blood cell) counts, and oxidative stress markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were evaluated. In the asthmatic and asthmatic-hyperlipidemic groups, tracheal responsiveness to ovalbumin, total WBC count, numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes were higher than the control group (p<0.001). A left-ward shift in the concentration-response curves to methacholine, an increase in nitrite and malondialdehyde concentrations, and a decrease in total thiol content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were also observed in the asthmatic and asthmatic-hyperlipidemic groups compared to control group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Beyond lipid-lowering effect in the treated hyperlipidemic and asthmatic-hyperlipidemic groups, rosuvastatin treatment decreased tracheal responsiveness to methacholine, reduced total WBC count, the numbers of eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes, as well as decreased malondialdehyde concentration, and increased total thiol content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in treated asthmatic and asthmatic-hyperlipidemic groups (p<0.05 to p<0.001). The improving effect of rosuvastatin on asthmatic and asthmatic-hyperlipidemic animals was shown due to pleiotropic mechanisms including the effect on airway hyperresponsiveness, lung inflammation, and oxidative stress. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/2367

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 11 11 639 648 EN Tahereh Bakhtiari Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ShahinKhadem Azarian Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Afshin Ghaderi Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology Ward, Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Arman Ahmadzadeh Department of Rheumatology, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abbas Mirshafiey Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2019 05 26 2019 07 10 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a long-term autoimmune disease is characterized by pain, swelling and joints destruction. The therapeutic efficacy of Guluronic acid (G2013) (patented, DEU: 102016113017.6) was reported in phase I/II clinical trial in RA patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of G2013 as a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with immunosuppressive property on genes expression of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines and their transcription factors in the blood sample of RA patients. This study was performed on 12 patients with RA who had an inadequate response to conventional treatments which were disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), NSAID, and biologics. G2013 was administered orally at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment of patients with drug G2013, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated for evaluating the gene expression level of interleukin 10 (IL10), interleukin 22 (IL22), interferon γ (IFNγ), and transcription factors specific to the T helper cell lineages, forkhead box P3 (Fox-P3), Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and T-box–containing protein expressed in T cells (T-bet) using the real-time PCR method. Since these cytokines have a key role in the progression of RA and disease condition expected induction of IFNγ, AHR, IL22, T-bet, and reduction of IL10, Fox-P3. Results indicated a significant reduction in the level of IFNγ, AHR and a significant induction in IL10, Fox-P3 gene expression in comparison with the control group. In conclusion; the results of this investigation showed a part of the immunological mechanism of G2013 as a novel anti-inflammatory that could reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine and their transcription factors. Furthermore, it increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine and its transcription factor (clinical trial identifier: IRCT2016092813739N5). https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/2418

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 18 6 2019 11 27 649 654 Masoomeh Yosefifard Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran Gholamhassan Vaezi Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Ali Akbar Malekirad Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran AND Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fardin Faraji Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran Vida Hojati Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran 2019 04 09 2019 05 20 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disease that happens at a young age. MS is an inflammatory disease; associated with the demyelination of the central nervous system. Therefore, some inflammatory factors are effective in the mechanism and progression of the disease. Melatonin, as a multi-effect substance including anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce symptoms of MS in patients with a change in their inflammatory factors level. In this study, 50 MS patients who were referred to the MS Society of Markazi Province were randomly selected. All patients were treated with routine MS treatment (interferon) and were divided into control (25 placebo recipients) and treatment (25 recipients of 3 mg melatonin per day for 24 weeks) groups. Anthropometric data of patients including height, weight, and age were determined. Blood samples were collected after fasting in order to determine serum levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Then, samples were immediately centrctor for allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and rhino-conjunctivitis in adults [OR=2.20, 95% CI (1.54-3.15], [OR=1.81, 95% CI (1.28-2.54)] and [OR=2.55, 95% CI (1.72-3.78)], respectively. With an increase in the sum of specific IgE concentrations, the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and rhino-conjunctivitis also increased. Our results showed the association between positive specific IgE and its concentration with some allergic diseases which could help physicians to prevent such diseases by recognizing and treating them, particularly in individuals with a positive family history of allergic diseases. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1560 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1560/817

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 134 143 EN Ziba Ghasemi Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Abdol-Reza Varasteh Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Malihe Moghadam Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Farnaz Sedghi Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Farahzad Jabbari Azad Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Mojtaba Sankian Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran 2017 04 08 2017 07 10 The Salsola kali pollen is considered the main cause of allergic sensitization in desert and semi-desert regions. We have constructed recombinant Lactococcus lactis producing Sal k1 protein with the aim of using it as a mucosal vaccine for specific immunotherapy. The Sal k1 gene was amplified, and transferred into a PNZ 8148 plasmid. The PNZ8148-Sal k1 recombinant plasmid was transformed into competent E.coli strain MC1061 for replication, and then was isolated and cloned into competent L. lactis by electroporation. The cloning was verified by PCR and gene sequencing. The production of recombinant Sal K1 (rSal K1) protein was induced by nisin. The rSal K1 protein was purified by affinity chromatography and dialysis, and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blot analyses. The recombinant L. lactis was successfully constructed. Production of a 40-kDa rSal k1 protein with the L. lactis was shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. In addition, western blot analysis using specific mouse anti-Sal k1 polyclonal antibodies and sensitive human sera verified the 40-kD protein as rSal k1 allergen. This study demonstrated that L. lactis may be used as a promising live delivery system for recombinant Sal k1 protein without altering its immunoreactivity; however, its efficacy in the context of the immune system is suggested to be pursued in future studies. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1404 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1404/821

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 144 150 EN Parvin Mosadeghi Department of Biology, Basic Science Faculty, Payam Noor University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Hafez Heydari-Zarnagh Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 2017 06 20 2017 07 08 We aimed to develope a peptide-based indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Two chimeric peptides (CP-1 and CP-2) were designed using linear immunodominant epitopes of gp-46-I, and gp21-I proteins, according to the sequence from Uniprot database. These peptides were studied initially in the ELISA using infected sera. The most promising peptideCP-1, was used to develop a peptide ELISA for detection of HTLV-I infected sera. The optimal conditions for CP-1ELISA were: the optimum coating buffer was 100mM NaHCO3, pH 9.6; coating peptide concentration was 10 µg/mL; the optimal blocking buffer was5% fetal bovine serum (FBS); the secondary antibody concentration was 1:2000; and serum dilution was 1:20. 20serum samples from HTLV-I infected patients were evaluated by ELISA developed. CP-1 showed high antigenicity while lacking any cross-reactivity with normal human sera. The results of evaluations indicated that in comparison with commercial ELISA, CP-1 ELISA showed good sensitivity and specificity. With further validation, CP-1as described in the present study could be introduced as novel reliable and cost-effective candidates for the high-specific screening of HTLV-I/-II infections in endemic regions. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1524 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1524/826

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 151 157 EN Tahereh Khamechian Department of Pathology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Behnaz Irandoust Department of Pathology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hanieh Mohammadi Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hassan Nikoueinejad Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein Akbari Department of Biostatistics and Public Health, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran 2017 03 07 2017 07 19 In recent years, it has been recognized that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance. Moreover, the expression of two markers named Helios and neurophilin-1 (NRP-1) has been highlighted in such cells. Helios, an intracellular transcription marker, largely differentiates twomost operative sub group of Tregs, namely naturally occurring (nTreg) and induced (iTreg) Tregs, and NRP-1 is reckoned as a membranous activity marker of Tregs. We aimed to count peripheral mononuclear cells expressing such markers in a group of type 1 diabetes patients to elucidate the possible role of Tregs in the pathogenesis of such disease and its complications. Blood samples from 61 adult patients with type 1 diabetes and 61 sex and age-matched healthy controls were tested to count two types of Tregs, namely naturally occurring and inducible types, according to the expression of cell surface markers of CD4/CD25/CD47–FITC/PE/APC and intracellular markers of FoxP3/Helios–PE-CY5/eFlour450 by flow cytometry, respectively.We also investigated the relation between expression of such markers with HbA1c, urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), and common carotid intima thickness (CIMT). The circulatory frequency of both Helios+ and Helios- T-cells were significantly decreased in patients compared to those in healthy controls (p<0.001). There was also a significant decrease in circulatory frequency of Helios+ NRP-1+ and Helios- NRP-1+ cells in the patients compared to controls (p=0.029). According to expression of Helios and NRP-1 markers, the number and function of both Tregs were decreased in diabetic patients. Moreover, the neurophilin expression was inversely associated with complications of type 1 diabetes. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1353 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1353/816

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 158 170 EN Maysam Mard-Soltani Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Mohamad Javad Rasaee Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Saeed Khalili Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran Abdol-Karim Sheikhi Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Laboratory, Immunology Department, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran Mehdi Hedayati Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein Ghaderi-Zefrehi Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Milad Alasvand Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 2017 04 16 2017 08 01 The production of human thyroid stimulating hormone (hTSH) immunoassays requires specific antibodies against hTSH which is a cumbersome process. Therefore, producing specific polyclonal antibodies against engineered recombinant fusion hTSH antigens would be of great significance. The best immunogenic region of the hTSH was selected based on in silico analyses and equipped with two different fusions. Standard methods were used for protein expression, purification, verification, structural evaluation, and immunizations of the white New Zealand rabbits. Ultimately, immunized serums were used for antibody titration, purification and characterization (specificity, sensitivity and cross reactivity). The desired antigens were successfully designed, sub-cloned, expressed, confirmed and used for in vivo immunization. Structural analyses indicated that only the bigger antigen has showed changed 2 dimensional (2D) and 3D structural properties in comparison to the smaller antigen. The raised polyclonal antibodies were capable of specific and sensitive hTSH detection, while the cross reactivity with the other members of the glycoprotein hormone family was minimum and negligible. The fusion which was solely composed of the tetanus toxin epitopes led to better protein folding and was capable of immunizing the host animals resulting into high titer antibody. Therefore, the minimal fusion sequences seem to be more effective in eliciting specific antibody responses.  https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1416 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1416/827

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 171 178 EN Farinaz Behfarjam Department  of  Clinical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran Parvine Mansouri Department of Dermatology, Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Zohreh Jadali Department of Dermatology, Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 04 09 2017 06 28 There is growing evidence to suggest that Th cells play pivotal roles in a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases, including vitiligo. However, the exact role of different subsets of Th cells in the pathogenesis of vitiligo is still a question. The purpose of present study was to determine the mRNA expression level of Th17 master transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors gamma (RORɣt) and cytokine mRNA and protein expression profiles of Th17 cells. 22 patients with vitiligo and 22 normal subjects were enrolled in the study. Gene expression profiles of freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Plasma concentrations of IL-17A and IL-22 were also assayed using ELISA kits. The results showed that RORɣt, IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA expression were increased in patients remarkably compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Furthermore, plasma IL-17A and IL-22 levels were also higher in vitiligo patients versus controls (p<0.001). These data suggest that a deregulated Th17 adaptive immune response may contribute to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1405 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1405/818

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 179 187 EN Mojtaba Sehat Department of Community Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Rezvan Talaei Autoimmune Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Ehsan Dadgostar Students’ Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Hassan Nikoueinejad Department of Immunology, Medicine School, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Nephrology and Urology Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hossein Akbari Trauma Research Centre, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran 2017 04 25 2017 08 06 Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-33, IL-36 and IL-37 have been reported to be up-regulated in various T helper (Th)1/Th17 mediated autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Although IL-33 and IL-36 expression are increased in skin lesions of patients with psoriasis, their serum levels in such patients have not yet been adequately studied. We aimed to evaluate serum level of IL-33, IL-36 and IL-37 cytokines and IL-37 gene expression in patients with autoimmune/inflammatory disease of psoriasis and to explore their correlation with disease severity. Such evaluation further clarifies disease pathogenesis and may be utilized in clinical practice. 47 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 47 healthy individuals were included. Serum IL-33, IL-36 and IL-37 levels were measured by Elisa and gene expression of IL-37 measured by real time PCR in all participants. The disease activity was assessed by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Linear Correlation between interleukin measures and PASI score was calculated. Also sensitivity and specificity of such measurements were determined. Serum IL-36 and 37 levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris were significantly higher than those in healthy controls and positively correlated with disease activity (PASI score). Serum IL-33 levels in patients were equal to those in healthy controls but positively correlated with disease activity. Serum IL-36 levels were significantly higher than serum IL-33 levels. Gene expression of IL-37 levels in patients were higher than healthy controls but was not correlated with disease activity. Serum IL-36 and IL-37 levels are generally increased in psoriasis vulgaris and correlated with disease severity. Therefore, serum IL-36 and IL-37 levels may be markers of treatment and diagnosis of psoriasis. https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/1434 https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/download/1434/819

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 1735-1502 17 2 2018 04 28 188 200 EN Laleh Sharifi Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Asghar Aghamohammadi Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Nima Rezaei Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Sheffield, UK AND Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Reza Yazdani Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children’s Medical Center,