scholarly journals The Role of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Multiple Sclerosis Patient Compared to Ordinary People in South of Iran: A Case-Control Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahsa Rahnama ◽  
Qasem Asgari ◽  
Peiman Petramfar ◽  
Davod Tasa ◽  
Vahid Hemati ◽  
...  

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic disease, which leads to serious disease symptoms in immunocompromised hosts and infants. Recent epidemiologic surveys showed that microbial agents may be associated with some cases of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: This case-control study aimed to examine the role of Toxoplasma gondii in MS by evaluating sero-frequency of anti-T. gondii IgG (ATXAb) antibody between patients with MS and ordinary people in Shiraz Province, south of Iran during 2016 - 2018. Methods: Serum samples obtained from MS patients (n = 130), and a group of age and gender-matched controls (n = 130) with the same socioeconomic status with the patients’ group were collected to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies (ATXAb). Moreover, the presence of the ATXAb antibody of the patients and controls was determined by the ELISA test. SPSS 20 software was used to perform the statistical analysis (SPSS, inc., Chicago, USA). Results: Out of 130 (35.4%) cases with MS and 130 (13.8%) controls, 46 and 18 subjects were seropositive for ATXAb, respectively. Based on the chi-square test, a significant difference was observed in terms of the positivity rates of ATXAb between the MS patient group and the control group (P = 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation ATXAb levels in controls and MS patients were found to be 61 ± 34 and 114 ± 47 IU/mL, respectively. Also, there were statistically significant differences between the levels of these two groups (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Given the relationship between toxoplasmosis and MS, it is possible that the prevalence of MS decreases by increasing hygiene and preventing toxoplasmosis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-332
Author(s):  
Kate Deepali Rajesh ◽  
Puranam Vatsalaswamy ◽  
Manvikar Purshotam Rao

To study the relevance of sperm telomere length and infertility in men. : Our case-control study included twenty-five males in couple with sub-fertility/infertility (test group) and twenty five healthy males (control group) with proven paternity in the age group 25 to 35 years. The Absolute Sperm Telomere length (aSTL) was measured by real-time PCR. We investigated whether any significant difference in the aSTL value existed between the groups and analysed the relationship between aSTL and other sperm parameters.The mean (SE) aSTL recorded in the infertile cases was significantly shorter than for the control group being 140.60 (6.66) Kb/genome and 239.63 (12.32) Kb/genome respectively (p <0.001) A weak correlation was eminent between aSTL kb/genome and the total sperm count mil/ml (rho= 0.04, p - 0.86), progressive sperm motility (rho= - 0.02, p=0.934) and sperm viability (rho= - 0.07 p=0.741) in the infertile group. The measurement of aSTL by real-time PCR is a simple and rapid method that offers further paramount information with respective to the quality of sperm. It is befitted for epidemiological studies, hence opening new perspectives in the evaluation of male infertility. Limitations - Our study was confined to men aged between 25 and 35 years. Further comparative studies are needed to explore the significance of STL and infertility in older males. Additional studies will help illumine the significance of aSTL as a prognostic biomarker in assisted reproduction.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Torkzaban ◽  
Seyed Amir Mansour Alavi Naeini ◽  
Akbar Hassanzadeh ◽  
Mehrdad Namdari

Abstract Background Coronary hearth diseases are among the main causes of death in adults. Increase of oxidative stress and defects in antioxidant defense play a major role in endothelium performance and are an effective factor in progress of atherosclerosis. Some studies have also reported different malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity among the atherosclerosis patients.Methods In this case-control study, 44 atherosclerosis patients referring to Shahid Madani treatment-education center were considered as the case group; while 44 healthy peoples were placed in the control group. Demographic data and anthropometric indices were measured. Food frequency questionnaire and international physical activity questionnaires were also completed. After 12 hours of fasting, 10 ml blood was sampled from the participants. Uric acid, vitamin C, TAC and MDA were also measured. The data were finally analyzed by SPSS Ver 22 software.Results A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of uric acid (P<0.001) and vitamin C (P<0.03). However, mean MDA and TAC showed no significant difference between the two groups. The two groups’ difference in terms of vitamin A, E and beta carotene, zinc and selenium intake was not significant. A significant difference was however detected between the two groups in terms of vitamin C (P<0.047). A significant relationship was also observed between the systolic pressure and CHD (P<0.028).Conclusion Results of this study indicated that the uric acid and vitamin C levels of atherosclerosis patients had significant increase and decrease in comparison with the healthy subjects, respectively. Mean TAC and antioxidant levels of their diets (except for vitamin C) showed no significant difference. Systolic blood pressure of the patients was significantly higher than the controls.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Forough Saki ◽  
Seyed Reza Kassaee ◽  
Azita Salehifar Salehifar ◽  
gholamhossein Ranjbar omrani

Abstract Background:phosphate homeostasis is mediated through complex counter regulatory feed-back balance between parathyroid hormone, FGF-23 and 1,25(OH)2D. Both parathyroid hormone and FGF-23 regulate proximal tubular phosphate excretion through signaling on sodium- phosphate cotransporters II a and II c . However, the interaction between these hormones on phosphate excretion is not clearly understood. We performed the present study to evaluate whether the existence of sufficient parathyroid hormone is necessary for full phosphaturic function of FGF-23 or not. Methods:In this case-control study, 19 patients with hypoparathyroidism and their age- and gender-matched normal population were enrolled. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase,parathyroid hormone, FGF-23, 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and Fractional excretion of phosphorous were assessed and compared between the two groups, using SPSS software. Results:The mean serum calcium and parathyroid hormone level was significantly lower in hypoparathyroid patients in comparison with the control group(P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). We found high serum level of phosphate and FGF-23 in hypoparathyroid patients compared to the control group (P<0.001 and P<0.001,respectively). However, there was no significant difference in Fractional excretion of phosphorous or 1,25OH2D level between the two groups. There was a positive correlation between serum FGF-23 and Fractional excretion of phosphorous just in the normal individuals (P <0.001, r = 0.79). Conclusions:Although the FGF-23 is a main regulator of urinary phosphate excretion but the existence of sufficient parathyroid hormone is necessary for the full phosphaturic effect of FGF-23.


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (01) ◽  
pp. 067-072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fırat Seyfettinoğlu ◽  
Özkan Köse ◽  
Hasan Ulaş Oğur ◽  
Ümit Tuhanioğlu ◽  
Hakan Çiçek ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study was aimed to investigate the role of anatomic variations in patellofemoral alignment in patients with or without Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) and to determine the potential anatomic risk factors that may play role in the etiology. This prospective observational case-control study was conducted on two groups of adolescent patients. Group 1 comprised patients who were diagnosed as having OSD and group 2 consisted of an equal number of age-matched patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with traumatic knee injury and underwent knee radiographic examination but without a diagnosis of OSD. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), dominant side, and level of sporting activity were recorded. Quadriceps (Q) angles were measured using a long-arm goniometer with patients lying in the supine position with their knees in full extension and contracting the Q muscles. On anteroposterior, lateral knee, and tangential patella (Merchant and Laurin views) radiographs, the following measurements were performed: Insall–Salvati (IS), Caton–Deschamps (CD), and Blackburne–Peel (BP) indexes, congruence angles, lateral patellofemoral angles, sulcus angles, and patella type according to Grelsamer's morphology classification. Both groups were similar in respect of age (p = 0.160), sex (p = 0.311), height (p = 0.326), weight (p = 0.596), BMI (p = 0.153), and dominancy (p = 0.500). The rate of patients engaged in sports activities was significantly greater in the OSD group (p = 0.003). No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect to IS index, CD index, BP index, sulcus angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, and congruence angle (p–values: 0.358, 0.995, 0.912, 0.802, 1.000, and 0.907, respectively). The mean Q angle was measured as 15.6 ± 2.2 degrees in the OSD group and 14.3 ± 2.5 degrees in the control group (p = 0.014). Despite the difference being statistically significant, it was clinically insignificant because the difference was only 1.3 degrees. The principle etiologic factor seems to be increased physical activity rather than subtle variations is patellofemoral anatomy and alignment of extensor mechanism.


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 899-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Dalmay ◽  
D. Bhalla ◽  
A. Nicoletti ◽  
JA Cabrera-Gomez ◽  
P. Cabre ◽  
...  

Few studies report a protective role of childhood solar exposure to multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to confirm the protective role of childhood solar exposure in multiple sclerosis in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily. This was a matched case— control study, and cases met Poser criteria for clinically, laboratory (definite, probable) multiple sclerosis. Controls were resident population, without neurological disorder, living close to cases (within 100 km), matched for sex, age (±5 years), residence before age 15. We recruited 551 subjects during a 1-year period (193 cases, Cuba n = 95, Sicily n = 50, Martinique n = 48; 358 controls). Some (89%) met definite clinical multiple sclerosis criteria (relapsing remitting form (with and without sequel) (74%), secondary progressive (21%), primary progressive (5%)). Odds ratios in a uni-variate analysis were: family history of multiple sclerosis (5.1) and autoimmune disorder (4.0); wearing shirt (3.5), hat (2.7), pants (2.4); sun exposure causing sunburn (1.8); sun exposure duration (1 h more/day; weekends 0.91, weekdays 0.86); bare-chested (0.6); water sports (0.2). Independent factors in the multivariate analysis were family history of multiple sclerosis (4.8 (1.50—15.10)), wearing pants under sunlight (1.9 (1.10—3.20)), sun exposure duration (1 h more/ day, weekdays 0.90 (0.85—0.98), weekends 0.93 (0.87—0.99)), water sports (0.23 (0.13—0.40)). We conclude that outdoor leisure activities in addition to sun exposure reports are associated with a reduced multiple sclerosis risk, with evidence of dose response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 367 ◽  
pp. 148-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasoul Abdollahzadeh ◽  
Mahsa Sobhani Fard ◽  
Farideh Rahmani ◽  
Kaveh Moloudi ◽  
Behrooz Sadeghi kalani ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (03) ◽  
pp. 340-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Papi ◽  
Stefano Di Carlo ◽  
Daniele Rosella ◽  
Francesca De Angelis ◽  
Mario Capogreco ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to compare patients with a healthy peri-implant environment and patients affected by peri-implantitis, evaluating the occurrence of antibodies to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. The authors hypothesized the presence of ECM autoantibodies in serum of peri-implantitis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: one with dental implants with a diagnosis of peri-implantitis and one control group with implants classified as being “healthy.” Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on patients' sera to detect human antibodies to type I, III, IV, and V collagens, laminin, and fibronectin. Fisher exact test was performed to evaluate statistical association, with a significant P < 0.05. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 27 females (64.28%) and 15 males (35.72%) with a mean age of 53 ± 29.69 years (age range 32–74). The presence of antibodies to CIII was recorded in 6/21 (28.57%) patients of test group, compared to just 2/21 (9.52%) for the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Other antibodies tested were found to be not statistically significant or absent. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that further studies, with larger sample and different design, are necessary to address the research purpose, evaluating possible associations between anti-ECM antibodies and peri-implantitis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Rosania ◽  
Ulrike Von Arnim ◽  
Alexander Link ◽  
Mirjana Rajilic-Stojanovic ◽  
Caspar Franck ◽  
...  

Background & Aims: A negative association between H. pylori and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been previously reported. There were also case reports suggesting a new onset of IBD 6-12 months after H. pylori eradication therapy. In a case-control study we investigated whether previous H. pylori eradication therapy was associated with the risk of developing IBD.Methods: IBD outpatients with both Crohn´s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were enrolled. Age- and sex-matched blood donors served as controls in a 1:2 fashion. Information on demographics, medical history, previous H. pylori infection and eradication therapy was recorded. Serum samples for H. pylori serology testing (anti-H. pylori-IgG and anti-CagA-IgG) were obtained. Controls that received H. pylori eradication therapy during the 12 months previous to enrollment were excluded.Results: Overall, 127 IBD patients (CD N= 90; UC N= 37) and 254 controls were enrolled. The prevalence of H. pylori infection (positive H. pylori serology and/or previous eradication) in IBD patients and controls was 11% and 23%, respectively (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21-0.74, p<0.003). Four patients (3%) developed IBD (3 MC and 1 CU) after receiving successful H. pylori eradication (latency 6-12 months). The rate of previous H. pylori eradication therapy in patents who successively developed IBD was lower but not statistically different from that observed in the control group (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.14-1.29, p=0.16).Conclusions: In our study previous H. pylori eradication therapy was not associated with the onset of IBD.Whether in a subgroup of patients, H. pylori eradication therapy may trigger a latent IBD, cannot be excluded.


Author(s):  
Mehdi Alizadeh ◽  
Mahboobeh Nasiri ◽  
Morteza Samadi ◽  
Nasrin Ghasemi ◽  
Ali Moradi

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to the incidence of two or more abortions before the first half of pregnancy. Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a central role in RPL. Objective: To investigate the relationship between Q192R and L55M polymorphisms of PON1 as antioxidant enzyme and the risk of RPL. Materials and Methods: In this case–control study, 110 women with RPL (case) and 110 healthy fertile women (control) referred to the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shiraz, Iran were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood in all participants. Polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Statistical analysis of Q192R polymorphism showed a significant difference for the RR genotype between the case and control group (OR = 11, CI = 1.39–86.87, p = 0.005) but none for the QR and QQ genotypes. No significant association was observed between the R and Q allelic frequency in the RPL participants compared to the control group (p = 0.53). Also, statistical analysis of the L55M polymorphism for MM genotype in the case group compared with the control group showed a significant difference (OR = 3.59, CI = 0.97–13.30, p = 0.042), but none for the LM and LL genotypes. Conclusion: The findings showed a significant correlation between the Q192R polymorphisms and the L55M PON1 enzyme and RPL in this study population. Key words: Pregnancy, Abortion, PON1, Polymorphism, Recurrent pregnancy loss.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Ahi ◽  
Mohammad Reza Dehdar ◽  
Naser Hatami

Abstract Objectives: Although in many studies, the relationship between autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto) and Vitamin D deficiency was shown, no research has been performed on the role of vitamin D in non-autoimmune hypothyroidism. Design: This was a Retrospective case–control study in Endocrinology clinic of Jahrom (south of Iran). The patients with Hashimoto (n=633) and non-Hashimoto hypothyroidism (n=305), along with a control group (n=200) were evaluated. 25(OH)D level, T3 and T4 levels were studied and Anti TPO and Anti TG tests were performed. The results of vitamin D level were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS in terms of the cause of hypothyroidism (immune and non-immune). Results: The results of the study showed a significantly lower level of vitamin D in both immune and non-immune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in comparison to healthy controls (P<0.05). We observed a significant inverse correlation between the vitamin D and TGAb level (p=0.001, r=-0.261) and a direct correlation of vitamin D with TSH level (p=0.008, r=0.108) in HT patients. Conclusion: Finally, the results indicated that non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, as well as HT, is associated with vitamin D deficiency. The role of vitamin D deficiency in HT was thought to be in the association of higher autoantibody (TGAb) level; while, there should be further studies determining vitamin D deficiency's role in non-immune hypothyroidism.


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