J Res Med Sci
-
Adaptive immune response is an important factor in the healing process and development of protection in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Little information is available in human CL about the importance of the balance between effector and regulatory immune responses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to asses messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-4, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interferon-g (IFN-γ), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) (as a marker of regulatory T cells) in acute and chronic CL lesions caused by Leishmania major compared with normal skin samples. ⋯ The results indicate that IL-4 secretion at the site of L. major infection rather than low IFN-γ production might have a role in prolongation of disease. Despite a moderate increase of Foxp3 expression in chronic lesions, function of Tregs in persistent infection is not clear.
-
Case Reports
Successful management of multiple small bowel perforations due to polyarteritis nodosa.
Classic Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)) is a medium-sized vessel vasculitis that usually occurs in middle-aged men. One of the dramatic manifestations of PAN that requires surgical intervention is multiple small bowel perforations. Many studies have reported a high rate of mortality in PAN due to acute abdominal complications. ⋯ All perforations were primarily repaired and corticosteroids were prescribed. Using corticosteroid in patients with abdominal sepsis is injurious; however, laparostomy is the method we suggest, to achieve the purpose, including prevention of a short bowel and infection control. Our patient was discharged, well, after 48 days of hospitalization and referred to a rheumatologist.
-
Some evidence has shown a relationship between human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and pregnancy loss. However, whether recurrent or latent CMV infection or altered immune response to CMV is related to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is unclear. We evaluated CMV infection and avidity of antibodies to CMV in women with RPL. ⋯ We found that previous exposure to CMV was significantly higher in patients with RPL than the control group. However, no association was found between IgG AI and RPL. Further investigations are needed to find whether latent CMV infection starts an indirect process of autoimmune etiology in RPL or women with RPL have recurrent or reactivation of CMV infection.
-
Nosocomial infection caused by Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a serious problem world-wide. Finding the suitable drug is an important priority. The aim of this study was to determine colistin (polymyxin E) resistance in clinical isolates of A. baumannii from intensive care units (ICUs) of Al Zahra Hospital. ⋯ As the frequency of resistance to colistin is low, it can be used as an easily available drug for treatment of MDR A. baumannii strains, which are susceptible to colistin.
-
Ratio of second and fourth digit (2D:4D) is known to be germane in analyzing utero concentrations of testosterone and estrogen in human and other vertebrates. 2D:4D had been linked to several traits like athletes' abilities, reproductive success, risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several cardiovascular risk factors. Waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are important in measuring MetS. This study investigated sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D and its relationship with MetS indices and CVD factors among adult residing in Ilorin, North central Nigeria. ⋯ Our results showed that 2D:4D is sexual dimorphic and right hand 2D:4D as a predictor of MetS is better. We concluded that 2D:4D is a proxy for MetS and CVD risk factors in Ilorin.