Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Year:2014 | Volume:18 | Issue:2 (73)|Papers Count:10

Background: Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) plays an important role in cell signaling pathway and regulating several key biological processes including cellular differentiation and proliferation. Genetic alterations (e.g. point mutation in FGFR2b tyrosine kinase domain) are associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer.Objective: The aim of this study was to express and purify the recombinant human FGFR2b kinase domain.Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences during 2013. Recombinant pLEICS-01 vectors containing the FGFR2b tyrosine kinase domain gene were transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). Recombinant protein expression was induced with 1mM IPTG and analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The recombinant protein was purified by Ni2+-NTA affinity chromatography. After dialysis, the protein activity was evaluated by interaction with the wild type and mutant SH2 domains of phospholipase C (PLC) using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.Findings: Pre and post-induction SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the expressed protein was soluble at 20oC. SDS-PAGE analysis also confirmed that no contamination and bacterial proteins were co-eluted with the purified protein. PAGE method results confirmed that the purified protein was in an active state.Conclusion: With regards to the results, the recombinant FGFR2b kinase domain-a 38 kDa protein was expressed and purified in an active and soluble state.

Background: The MexXY-OprM efflux pump contributes to the intrinsic resistance to various antimicrobial agents in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients. Detection of the expression of genes encoding components of the MexXY-OprM efflux pump such as mexX using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be helpful in selecting suitable antibiotic treatment.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the genotypic method of mexX gene expression and the phenotypic method of minimum inhibitory concentration in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Methods: This descriptive-laboratory study was conducted in University of Catholique de Louvain in 2012. After RNA extraction from 16 clinical isolates and cDNA synthesis, expression of mexX was detected by real time PCR using P. aeruginosa mex Q-TesT. According to the mex Q-TesT guideline, which is based on student T-test with 95% confidence interval and P<0.05, values equal or greater than 5 were considered as overexpression.Findings: Only 7 out of 11 clinical isolates with increased minimum inhibitory concentration for aminoglycosides showed overexpression of mexX. There was not any relationship between the pump expression and the increase in minimum inhibitory concentration values for various antibiotics.Conclusion: Since the results of the gene expression and the antimicrobial resistance data are not consistent in all cases, simultaneous use of both genotypic and phenotypic methods is recommended.

Background: The male factor contributes to more than 50% of the infertility cases. Studies have shown that a variety of mechanisms are involved in male infertility, though a few of them have been identified till now.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular histopathology of men with non-obstructive azoospermia referred to infertility center of Shariati hospital.Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 50 testicular tissue samples of men with non-obstructive azoospermia who were candidates for assisted reproductive procedures referred to Shariati hospital in 2012. Paraffin blocks were prepared from the testicular tissue biopsy and the sections were stained in hematoxylin and eosin.Finding: 16% of the samples were classified as hypospermatogenesis; 48% were classified as spermatocytic arrest; 18% were classified as Sertoli cell only; and 18% were classified as tubular fibrosis.Conclusion: With regards to the results, future studies would focus on reasons of germ cell cycle arrest in men with non-obstructive azoospermia and setting up the related diagnostic genetic tests.

Background: Acetylcholine is the most abundant neurotransmitter that is released from the enteric excitatory motor neurons. Acetylcholine binds to metabotropic muscarinic receptors in intestinal smooth muscle and causes increased bowel movements.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of long term exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the cholinergic system in rat colon.Methods: In this experimental study, twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group was exposed to EMF at 1000mT and 50Hz for 140 days in a solenoid and the control group was subjected to sham exposure in which the solenoid did not generate a magnetic field. The isolated strips of the colon were inserted into organ bath and were linked to power lab A to D system force transducer and their mechanical activity were recorded in response to cumulative doses of acetylcholine. Data were analyzed using student T- test.Findings: The mechanical response of the tissue to the drug in the experimental group (solenoid on) was significantly increased in some minutes compared to the control group (solenoid off).Conclusion: With regards to the results, it seems that long-term exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields leads to increased sensitivity of the cholinergic receptors.

Background: Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Enterobacter spp. containing class 1 integrons are considered as one of the major concerns of clinicians and infection control specialists.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between class 1 integrons and the multidrug resistance pattern among Enterobacter spp.Methods: In this analytical study, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern were determined among 137 isolates of Enterobacter from Qazvin and Tehran hospitals during May 2011-September 2012. Then all isolates were screened for class 1 integrons using PCR assay. Data were analyzed using chisquare test and Fisher's exact test.Findings: The MDR pattern was found in 83 isolates (61%) and class 1 integrons were detected in 52 (63%) of these isolates. There was a significant association between the presence of class 1 integrons and the MDR pattern.Conclusion: With regards to the results, use of proper equipment for infection control and appropriate treatment strategies are necessary.

Background: The exogenous and endogenous b-carbolines, and some of their metabolites have a stimulating effect on the dopaminergic system. b-carbolines can also improve learning and memory while increase hippocampal dopamine levels and dendritic and synaptic proliferation.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic administration of norharman on spatial learning and memory in rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 48 female wistar rats were randomly divided into control, alchohol and 4 norharmane groups. The control group were received no treatment. In alchohol and norharman groups, rats were received 0.2 ml alchohol or 1, 2, 3 or 4 mg/kg norharman intraperitoneally for 5 days before tests and 5 days during tests. All rates were tested for spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze. Data were analyzed using student T-test, one way ANOVA and LSD as post hoc test.Findings: Norharman improved spatial learning in a dose dependent manner. The difference between the 4 mg/kg norharman group and the control group was statistically significant in the 2nd day. Norharman also improved spatial memory in which lower doses improved spatial memory more than higher doses. The difference between the 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg norharman groups was statistically significant.Conclusion: With regards to the results, norharman as an endogenous bioactive molecule, might have a key role in the modulation of learning and memory functions.

Background: Lateral hypothalamus (LH) that produces orexin has a major role in energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic endogenous opioidergic system participates in the regulation of nutritional behaviors. There are several interactions between orexin and opioid systems.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of endogenous opioidergic system interaction with orexin on eating in rats.Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups: control, vehicle (saline), orexin A (30mg/rat), naloxone (30mg/rat) and naloxone and orexin A. Guide cannula was implanted by stereotaxy in the lateral ventricle of all rats. After drugs or vehicle injection into the lateral ventricle, each rat were placed into metabolic box individually and food intake, delay time for food consumption and number of approaches to food container were recorded and calculated up to 4 hours after injection. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Tukeys test.Findings: Administration of orexin A increased food intake in rats. Naloxone administration 5 min prior to orexin A injection, decreased food consumption compared to the orexin A group.Conclusion: With regards to the results, the opioidergic system may play a role in mediating the nutritional effects of Orexin.

Background: Prisoners as a damaged group and a susceptible group for more pathologies, need psycho-social interventions to recover social and behavioral health. Previous studies conducted in this area have demonstrated the effectiveness of such interventions.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on psychopathological signs and high risk behaviors in prisoners.Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 200 prisoners of Qazvin central prison (without diagnosis of severe psychological disorder and substance abuse) that were selected by simple random sampling during 2012. They completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) inventory (validity: 0.93; reliability: 0.85) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (validity: 0.85; reliability: 0.92). The 6 month interventions were based on cognitive-behavioral therapy in the intervention group. Then, the SCL-90-R and GHQ were completed as secondary outcome measures.Findings: There were significant differences in all psychopathological aspects between intervention and control groups. There were no significant differences in high risk behaviors between two groups.Conclusion: After psychotherapy, most subjects in intervention group paid more attention to their symptoms, estimated them more than before and their psychopathological signs were increased. Generally, psychotherapy could increase the general health status of the prisoners.

Background: Addiction influences on health due to its progressive nature in all aspects of life and affects psychological, physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive health.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association of personality characteristics and family functioning with mental health in addicts.Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 94 male addicts that were selected by convenience sampling method from camps and addiction treatment centers in Ardabil during 2012. The measurement tools were the five-factor Personality Inventory (NEO), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the family assessment device (FAD). Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression analysis.Findings: There were significant associations between 5 personality characteristics and most dimensions of family functioning and between mental health and all dimensions of family functioning. Stepwise regression analysis showed that agreeableness and neuroticism factors could predict family functioning in addicts. High neuroticism score was related to low family functioning and high agreeableness was related to better family functioning. These two variables explained 14% of the changes in family functioning. Total family functioning and communication factor could predict mental health in addicts. These two variables explained 22% of the changes in mental health.Conclusion: With regards to the results, members of the treatment team can facilitate prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs in addicts by identifying common characteristics, personality traits, supportive systems and mental health and quality of life promotion systems for addicts.

Background: Adolescence is an important period of life that has a distinct influence on the rest of life. With appropriate educational programs can prevent many problems of this period.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine educational needs of adolescent girls for reproductive health in terms of teachers.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was conducted on 12 teachers of girls' high schools in Qazvin, 2012. Data were collected through focus group discussions by semi-structured questionnaire. Main topics were extracted and coded. Each topic was considered as a basic theme and each theme had several sub-themes.Findings: Physical problems included dysmenorrhea, vaginal discharge, sedentary lifestyle, growth disorders, nutrition, anemia, anorexia and oral health, psychological problems included tension, pertinacity, extremism, depression and educational problems and social problems included inappropriate interactions with family members and teachers, bad friends and internet friends. Needed information included menstrual health, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual issues and communication and educational life skills. Sources of information were health centers, in-service training courses and the media. Despite all teachers disagreed with the first premarital sexual contact, they believed that society should not be oblivious to this problem.Conclusion: With regards to the results, the teachers’ role should be considered in reproductive health education for girls.