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Specific profiling of CD4 + T cell subsets in the circulation and inflamed joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may have therapeutic implications. This study aimed to evaluate the peripheral distributions of Th2 and Treg cells in relation to HLA-shared epitope (SE) alleles and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPAs) status in patients with good response (GR) and poor response (PR) to treatment. The frequencies of IL-4-producing CD4 + T cells (Th2) and CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + T cells (Tregs) were determined by flow cytometry in 167 RA patients including 114 GR and 53 PR cases. CD4 + T cell subsets were also analyzed based on HLA-SE and ACPAs statuses. One hundred nine of 167 patients were positives for HLA-SE, 63.4% for ACPAs, 43.7% for SE/ACPAs and 14.9% were negatives for SE/ACPAs. Higher frequencies of Th2 (P = 0.001) and Treg cells (P = 0.03) were found in the patients versus controls. Increased and decreased frequencies of Th2 and Tregs cells were observed in the PR versus GR patients respectively (P = 0.003 and P = 0.004). Higher proportions of Th2 cells were observed in the SE

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) has a central role in maintaining T cell tolerance and terminating cellular responses after eliminating antigens. Variation in

Objective: Brain tumors are of high mortality and morbidity for which there is still no cure. The TNF family cytokine, A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL), is shown to help proliferation and development of tumor cells. We assessed serum levels of APRIL in patients with glioma, meningioma and schwannoma in comparison to healthy individuals. Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 68 patients with brain tumors, divided into three groups of gliomas (n=25), meningiomas (n=30) and schwannomas (n=13), as well as 45 healthy individuals were obtained. Serum samples were prepared and stored in -40°C until usage. Using a commercial ELISA method, APRIL concentration was measured in each serum sample. The obtained data were then analyzed using SPSS software. Results: APRIL serum levels were higher in all patients compared to the controls (P

Objective: Testicular cancer (TC), although it is one of the most unusual cancers, seems to be increasing. There is no accurate information on the incidence of this cancer in Iran. The present study is conducted to evaluate the incidence rates of TC in Iran. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on all published studies of TC incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and four Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex and IranDoc) until June 2018. This systematic review was done according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Result: The database searching yielded 132 potentially relevant studies. A total of 11 studies were included in the study. The results of the random-effects model were demonstrated that the age-standardised rate (ASR) of TC was 1.13, 95% confidence interval (0.97–1.29) among Iranian males. Conclusion: ASR for TC in Iran is lower than the world average; however, it has a higher incidence than other Asian countries.

The elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, especially in pro-inflammatory states such as surgical injuries and severe hemorrhages. Therefore, it was hypothesized whether NLR value at the time of admission could be a prognostic indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 865 trauma patients referred to Rajaee Hospital between April 2016 and July 2019. The NLR value was calculated at the time of admission, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off point value of admission NLR related to hospital mortality of trauma patients. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models have been applied to determine the effectiveness and prognostic potential of the admission NLR in the hospital mortality of trauma patients. The median age of the trauma patients was 32 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 23 to 48 years, and most of them were male (83.9%). Also, trauma patients had a median injury severity score (ISS) of 9 (IQR=4-16) and a median Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 14 (IQR=9-15). The cut-off value for admission NLR was 5.27 (area under the curve: 0.642, 95%CI: 0.559-0.726, p=0.001). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the admission NLR>5.27 was an indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients (p=0.001). Multivariate Cox regression models demonstrated that trauma patients with an admission NLR>5.27 had a 2.33-fold risk of hospital mortality (hazard ratio=2.33, 95%CI: 1.02-5.38, p=0.041). Furthermore, the admission NLR>5.27 was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality in trauma patients with age≥65 years, systolic blood pressure≤90 mmHg, blood potassium>4.5 mmol/L, blood sodium>144 mEq/L, blood potential hydrogen (pH)≤7.28, GCS≤8, ISS>24 and blood base excess≤-6.1 mEq/L. The NLR value greater than 5.27 at the time of admission was associated with poorer outcomes, and it can be considered an independent prognostic indicator of hospital mortality in trauma patients.

Graphical abstract, The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), appears with a wide spectrum of mild-to-critical clinical complications. Many clinical and experimental findings suggest the role of inflammatory mechanisms in the immunopathology of COVID-19. Hence, cellular and molecular mediators of the immune system can be potential targets for predicting, monitoring, and treating the progressive complications of COVID-19. In this review, we assess the latest cellular and molecular data on the immunopathology of COVID-19 according to the pathological evidence (e.g., mucus and surfactants), dysregulations of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines and chemokines), and impairments of innate and acquired immune system functions (e.g., mononuclear cells, neutrophils and antibodies). Furthermore, we determine the significance of immune biomarkers for predicting, monitoring, and treating the progressive complications of COVID-19. We also discuss the clinical importance of recent immune biomarkers in COVID-19, and at the end of each section, recent clinical trials in immune biomarkers for COVID-19 are mentioned.

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) by 2 to 3 folds. Tlymphocytes play a role in atherosclerosis, which is the main pathology behind MI. Cellular immune responses to beta-2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI) are shown in carotid atherosclerosis. Objective: To investigate the self-reactive, β2GPI-specific T-lymphocytes in patients with and without diabetes and atherosclerosis. Methods: Collectively, 164 subjects with and without diabetes that underwent coronary angiography were divided into four groups based on their diabetes status and coronary stenosis. Group I=Diabetic with ≥50% stenosis: A+D+ (n=66); Group II=Non-diabetic with ≥50% stenosis, A+D- (n=39); Group III=Diabetic with Results: Mean β2GPI IgG levels were higher in groups with ≥50% stenosis (A+) compared to those with Conclusion: β2GPI is the target of cellular and humoral immune responses in patients with atherosclerosis. Since the T cell responses but not antibodies were detectable in A-D+ and A-D- groups, it is reasonable to assume that cellular responses preceded the humoral responses. Post-translation modifications of β2GPI under oxidative and glycemic stresses may have increased the IgG levels in patients with diabetes. Finally, identification of antigens that trigger immuno-pathogenesis in atherosclerosis and diabetes may help the development of immunomodulation methods to prevent or treat these debilitating diseases.

The relationship between high levels of anti-Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis commends a possible similar association in other vessels. We aimed to investigate the association of VZV-seropositivity with coronary artery atherosclerosis. We recruited 88 newly diagnosed patients with more than 50% stenosis in at least one of the main coronary arteries. As the control group, 99 age-matched individuals with normal/insignificant coronary artery findings were included. Clinical, paraclinical, and demographical data were gathered at the time of sampling. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by nephelometry. VZV-seropositivity was determined by measuring of anti-VZV IgG level in plasma. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlation of data with coronary vascular atherosclerosis. The frequency of VZV-seropositivity was significantly higher in the atherosclerosis group compared to the controls (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.03-3.44). The plasma levels of anti-VZV IgG were significantly higher in patients with atherosclerosis (Median=2.70, IQR=1.53-4.30 AU/mL) than in the controls (Median=2.10, IQR=1.70-3.10 AU/mL, p=0.034). The hsCRP levels in patients and controls were 5.19±2.00 and 1.51±1.07 mg/L, respectively. The correlation between hsCRP and anti-VZV IgG level in plasma was observed (r=0.40, p

Background: HLA molecules are inherited key molecules in the immune inflammation and specific responses to environmental pathogens. We investigated the association of HLA-A alleles with Varicella zoster virus (VZV) seropositivity in patients with atherosclerosis (AS). Materials and Methods: Plasma Anti-VZV IgG and molecular HLA type were detected in 203 (100 AS+ and 103 AS-) individuals. Results: Of 100 AS+ individuals, 66 were anti-VZV+ and 34 were anti-VZV-. Of 103 age/sex-matched AS- individuals, 59 were anti-VZV+ and 44 were anti-VZV-. Anti-VZV-IgG in AS+ cases was higher than AS- controls (p = .034). The mean anti-VZV IgG in HLA-A*02+AS+ individuals was higher than HLA-A*02+AS- controls (p < .001). HLA-A*02 was associated with VZV-seropositivity (p = .01) in AS+ patients. A higher frequency of HLA-A*02-allele in AS+ patients compared to AS- controls (p = .015) and an accumulation of HLA-A*02-allele in AS+ anti-VZV+ group (33.3%, p = .004) was observed. Conclusions: HLA-A alleles and immune responses to VZV are associated with clinical atherosclerosis.

Background Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding-cassette-transporter-A1 (ABCA1) transports cholesterol from cells into apolipoprotein A1 to form high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Methods We investigated the frequencies of ABCA1 functional variants in 273 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 261 age-matched, healthy blood donors in southwest Iran. Sequence-specific primer polymerase-chain reaction (SSP-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used for genotyping. Results Frequencies of the rs2422493-TT genotype and T-allele, rs1800976-GG genotype, and G-allele in the promoter and rs2230806-GG genotype and G allele in the exon of the ABCA1 gene were higher in the patients. Abnormal left ventricular size and left-artery disease correlated with rs2422493-T and rs1800976-G alleles, respectively. Wall-motion abnormalities correlated with the rs1883025-G allele and rs2230806-A allele. Regarding the rs2422493/rs1800976/rs2230806/rs1883025 haplotype, T-G-G-A and T-G-A-A were more frequent in case individuals, whereas C-C-G-G was more frequent in control individuals. Conclusions The rs2422493-T allele and the rs1800976-G allele increase the risk of disease, as single polymorphisms and in the haplotype. The effect of the rs1883025-G allele is prominent in the haplotype, rather than individually. Considering that G allele of rs2230806 in the third place is present in both susceptible and protective haplotypes, the susceptibility haplotype can be defined as T-G-X-A.

Background and Objective:Atherosclerosis, a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, is triggered by the activation of endothelial cells followed by infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells including monocytes and T cells in arterial walls. Major populations of T cells found in human atherosclerotic lesions are antigen-specific activated CD4+ effectors and/or memory T cells from Th1, Th17, Th2 and Treg subsets. In this review, we will discuss the significance of T cell orchestrated immune inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.Discussion:Pathogen/oxidative stress/lipid induced primary endothelial wound cannot develop to a full-blown atherosclerotic lesion in the absence of chronically induced inflammation. While the primary inflammatory response might be viewed as a lone innate response, the persistence of such a profound response over time must be (and is) associated with diverse local and systemic T cell responses. The interplay between T cells and innate cells contributes to a phenomenon called immuneinflammation and has an impact on the progression and outcome of the lesion. In recent years immuneinflammation, an old term, has had a comeback in connecting the puzzle pieces of chronic inflammatory diseases.Conclusion:Taking one-step back and looking from afar at the players of immune-inflammation may help us provide a broader perspective of these complicated interactions. This may lead to the identification of new drug targets and the development of new therapies as well as preventative measures.

Background: Detection of various environmental allergens is the major challenge in allergic diseases and the only treatment is avoiding these allergens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of food and airborne allergens in allergic patients using Skin Prick Test (SPT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on clinically confirmed patients of atopic-dermatitis (n=54), allergenic-rhinitis (n=64) and chronic-urticaria (n=39) who referred to asthma and allergy clinic at Afzali-Pour hospital in Kerman during 2008-2010. Skin prick test was done using allergen extracts to determine the patients' sensitivity to food and airborne antigens. Results: Fifty-nine percent of patients responded to at least one allergen. Allergy to airborne and food allergens was 55.9 % and 21.7%, respectively. Chenopodiaceae (22.9%) and egg white (10.2%) were most prevalent airborne and food allergens. Allergy to cockroach, egg white, egg yolk and tomato was significantly higher in males than in females (P

BACKGROUND The CXCL10 receptor, CXCR3, is preferentially expressed on Th1 and NK cells. Therefore, CXCL10 acts as a chemoattractant for these cells. OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the CXCL10 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs4508917, in chemokine gene, in patients with breast cancer (BC). METHODS A total of 200 subjects including 100 women with BC and 100 healthy women were enrolled into study. The serum CXCL10 levels were measured by ELISA and the SNP rs4508917 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS The CXCL10 levels were significantly higher in patients than control group (P< 0.0001). There was also significant difference between tumor stages regarding the CXCL10 levels (P< 0.0001). The frequencies of GG genotype and G allele at rs4508917 were significantly higher in patients than controls (P< 0.0001). The CXCL10 levels were higher in patients with GG genotype whereas they were lower in healthy subjects having GG genotype as compared with those having AA genotype at rs4508917 (P< 0.001). CONCLUSION Higher CXCL10 levels in patients with BC represent that the chemokine may contributes in tumor development. The rs4508917 may play a role in the susceptibility to BC. Different association was also observed between rs4508917 and CXCL10 levels in patients with BC and healthy subjects.

The receptor for CCL22 is named CCR4 that preferentially is expressed on the regulatory T cells (Treg), and accordingly, CCL22 acts as a chemoattractant for the intratumoral Treg migration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum CCL22 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in chemokine gene, [2030 G/C (rs223818)], in patients with breast cancer. Blood samples were collected from 100 women with breast cancer before receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy and 100 age-matched healthy women as a control group. The serum CCL22 levels were measured by ELISA. The DNA extracted and the SNP rs223818 determined by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The mean serum CCL22 levels in patients with breast cancer (2398.5 ± 123 Pg/mL) was significantly higher in comparison to healthy control group (974.2 ± 39.9 Pg/mL; P

known to be highly resistant to current antibiotics due to both intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms within the bacteria. Objectives: This study aimed to detect and determine drug resistance patterns in different P. aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical specimens in hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, approximately 255 different bacterial isolates were gathered from samples of blood, sputum, urine, wounds, burns, respiratory systems, catheter, eye and peritoneum from the major hospitals of Isfahan, Iran, in 2012. Biochemical tests revealed that 106 of these isolates were P. aeruginosa. The resistance rate of these bacterial strains to different antibiotics was then assessed by antibiogram (kirby-bauer method). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Resistance rates of the isolates to various antibiotics were obtained. It was found that cefepime and cefotaxime had the highest resistance rates (100%). However, the resistance rates were also high for the drugs imipenem (58.5%), meropenem (58.5%), ceftazidime (89.6%), aztreonm (96.2%), ciprofloxacin (77.4%) and gentamicin (66%). Moreover, the lowest resistance rate was observed for amikacin (43.4%). Conclusions: The prevalence of P. aeruginosa strains with multiple-drug resistance was very high amongst the clinical samples in the major hospitals of Isfahan. This is quite a worrisome problem and makes the controlling of the strains more difficult.