Human Antibodies - Volume 27, issue 4

Authors: Mosadeghrad, Ali Mohammad | Gebru, Addis Adera | Sari, Ali Akbari | Tafesse, Tadesse Bekele

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Currently, Ethiopia is undergoing an epidemiological transition. Consequently, NCDs are becoming an increasingly important public health problem in the country. Furthermore, the country has faced a high level of food insecurity. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review based on published articles from 2010 to 2018 and WHO reports on food insecurity, malnutrition and their impacts on the burden of NCDs death in order to obtain a deeper understanding of the seriousness of the NCDs cause of deaths in relation to food insecurity and malnutrition. In addition, policy for protecting vulnerability and the implementation of SDGs …on food insecurity, malnutrition, and NCDs were also discussed. The results of this review highlight the progress that was made in the overall condition of food insecurity, nutrition, and diseases in the country. RESULTS: The finding shows that there has been large burden of recurrent food insecurity, which could be due to malnutrition that might be associated to inconsistent rainfall distribution and also the experience of violent conflict in recent periods. However, the prevalence of undernourishment was declined from 75% in 1990s to 32% in 2015 though the numbers indicate a marginal reduction. But unexpectedly still the child mortality rate of under-five that results from malnutrition accounts about 57% of all children deaths. As the result of malnutrition, obesity is recognized as the determinants for a number of NCDs such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Communicable diseases seems the only identified health problem in the country, however; the burden of NCDs is facing major aspects. Hence, NCDs like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, currently, are among the leading causes of death among adults, which is responsible for 39% of deaths in the country in 2015 while the risk of premature NCDs mortality was reached about 15.2%. Of these deaths, 4% was due to cancer and 9% was related to other NCDs such as obesity and nutrition-related cases. Therefore, food insecurity has a high-flying impact in early death from chronic health conditions and the cause of undernutrition that leads to an augmented susceptibility and decreased flexibility to NCDs as a result of compromised nutrition. CONCLUSION: In order to sustain the economic growth, reduce poverty and achieving food security, the Ethiopian government has started discourse at high level of agenda hoping to avoid recurrent violent conflict, food insecurity and famine by targeting urban low-income households and empowering youth and women. Show more

Keywords: Food insecurity, malnutrition, non communicable diseases, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190369

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 213-220, 2019

Authors: Azizi, Zahra | Mirtavoos-Mahyari, Hanifeh | Karimi, Roya | Noroozi, Zahra | Motevaseli, Elahe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of transcripts larger than 200 nucleotides that are not translated to proteins. These transcripts regulate expression of numerous genes at different levels by acting as decoys, scaffolds, and enhancers. Thus they regulate cell development, differentiation and fate. OBJECTIVE: To find the role of lncRNAs in various diseases. METHODS: We searched PubMed and google scholar and summarized the data regarding the role of lncRNAs in cancer and neurologic disorders. RESULTS: Several recent studies have shown that their expressions are up-/down-regulated in malignant tissues. …Consequently, they have suggested that lncRNAs can differentiate cancer samples from normal samples. Their application as biomarker is not limited to cancers. In several neurologic or psychiatric disorders researchers have found aberrant expression of lncRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, lncRNAs constitute a novel vast area of research to find answer to fundamental biologic questions. Show more

Keywords: Long non-coding RNA, lncRNA, cancer

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190374

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 221-225, 2019

Authors: Erhabor, O. | Ibrahim, D.G. | Udomah, F.P. | Adias, T.C. | Imoru, M. | Abdulrahaman, Y. | Zama, I.I. | Ibrahim, K. | Hamidu, A.M. | Onuigwe, F.U. | Bagudo, A.I. | Buhari, H. | Erhabor, T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: World Health Organization statistics identifies that there are about 150 million people with diabetes mellitus worldwide and suggest that this figure may double by 2025. OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine the status of full blood count, zinc and manganese levels among Diabetic patients attending Specialist Hospital, Sokoto. METHODS: The participants were divided into two groups; 58 diabetic subjects and 29 non-diabetic controls. Five milliliters of blood were collected into EDTA and plain containers for full blood count, serum zinc and manganese analysis. The FBC investigation was carried out using automated Mythic …Haematology analyzer (Orphee, Switzerland) while Zn and Mn investigations were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The FBC, Zn and Mn status of both control and subjects were compared statistically. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study showed a significant increase in RBC, PCV, Hb, Basophils, Eosinophil, Lymphocyte count and Manganese levels of diabetic subjects (p ⩽ 0.05) when compared with controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the other FBC parameters and Zinc levels between diabetic subjects and non-diabetic controls (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the Hb, PCV and lymphocyte of diabetic patients based on gender (p < 0.05). FBC, Manganese and Zinc have no effect based on age group, while other socio-demographic factors also have no effect on the FBC, Manganese and Zinc parameters of diabetic patients. The study also showed no statistical difference in the FBC, Manganese and Zinc of smokers and non-smokers (p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, this research shows that some haematological parameters (RBC count, Basophils, Eosinophil, Lymphocyte, Hb and Manganese) of the diabetic patients are significantly higher compared to non-diabetic controls. Marital status had a significant effect on the Hb, PCV and Lymphocyte of the diabetic patients (p < 0.05). The age group had no significant effect on the Hb, PCV and Lymphocyte of diabetic subjects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is need to routinely monitor the full blood count, zinc and manganese levels among diabetic subjects in the area to optimize the care offered to these patients. Show more

Keywords: Haematological parameters, manganese, zinc levels, diabetic patients, specialist hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190375

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 227-236, 2019

Authors: Astaneh, Maliheh | Dashti, Sepideh | Esfahani, Zahra Taherian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are a class of cancer antigens with extensive expression in human cancers. Many researchers have detected antibody responses against these tumor antigens in serum of cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relevance of humoral immune responses against CTAs in clinical outcome of cancer patients METHODS: We searched PubMed/Medline with the key words cancer-testis antigen, antibody, humoral response and cancer. RESULTS: Humoral immune responses against CTAs have been detected in several human malignancies including skin, breast, brain and ovarian cancers. Some studies have shown associations between the …presence of these responses in patients and patients’ survival. CONCLUSION: Humoral immune responses against CTAs are putative biomarkers for cancer detection and follow-up. Show more

Keywords: Cancer-testis antigen, antibody, immune response

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190377

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 237-240, 2019

Authors: Volpatti, Donatella | Gulisano, Eleonora | Spanghero, Mauro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The oral administration of Infliximab (IFX) antibody would ensure a direct action on inflamed intestinal tissues without side effects. Thus, investigations about its resilience within the intestinal environment are required. OBJECTIVE: Quantify the IFX recovery in a simulated upper intestinal environment. METHODS: IFX was incubated for different times until 120 min in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) which differed (i) for pH (7.2 vs 6.8, Exp 1), (ii) for addition or not with pancreatin (Exp 2) and (iii) for addition or not with bovine serum albumin in presence of pancreatin (BSA, Exp 3). …RESULTS: In Exp 1 the IFX incubated without pancreatin was degraded by about 15% by SIF pH change from 7.2 to 6.8 and after 120 min it was reduced by about 20%. In Exp 2 the presence of pancreatin determined an intense and rapid IFX degradation (recovery < 33%, within 30 min), but when BSA was added to simulate the presence of food protein (Exp 3) the IFX half-life ranged between 59 and 70 min. CONCLUSIONS: A discrete in vitro stability of IFX in the upper intestine environment was demonstrated, if food protein is available and competes with pancreatin proteases. Show more

Keywords: Infliximab, intestine, digestion

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190378

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 241-246, 2019

Authors: Iwueke, Ikechukwu Polycarp | Erhabor, Osaro | Digban, Kester

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or foetus in a woman’s uterus. Pregnancy is a critical stage of development during which maternal nutrition can strongly influence obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pregnancy on the full blood count parameters of pregnant women of African descent residing in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. This case-control study investigated 74 pregnant subjects and 22 non-pregnant controls. The mean age and income of the subjects were 28.00 ± 8.295 and 2760.42 ± 7975.178 …respectively. Haematological parameters were determined using a fully automated 5-part differential haematology analyzer (Model Mythic 22-CT, Orpheee, Switzerland). Results obtained of pregnant subjects were compared with that of non-pregnant controls. The prevalence of anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (Platelet count < 140 × 10 9 /L) was 58.11% and 6.75% respectively among the pregnant subjects. The mean haemoglobin, PCV, platelet and red cell count were significantly lower among the pregnant subjects (10.7 ± 0.13 g/dl and 31.4 ± 0.38%, 252.7 ± 14.35 × 10 9 /L and 3.7 ± 0.04) compared to the non-pregnant controls (12.2 ± 0.44 g/dl, 36.2 ± 1.17 %, 362.7 ± 36.51 × 10 9 /L and 4.3 ± 0.11) (p = 0.004, 0.001, 0.009 and 0.000) respectively. There were no significant differences in the total white blood cell count between the pregnant subjects (5.3 ± 0.22) and non-pregnant controls (4.6 ± 0.59) (p = 0.267). The Neutrophils count was significantly higher among the pregnant subjects (42.6 ± 3.06) compared to the non-pregnant controls (20.0 ± 2.33) (p = 0.000). This study has shown that pregnancy has a significant effect on some haematological parameters of women of African descent. The results of this research work indicates the need to routinely monitor the full blood count, anaemia and thrombocytopenia among pregnant women of African descent. Show more

Keywords: Haematological parameters, pregnancy, African descent, antenatal clinic, Sokoto, Nigeria

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190379

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 247-255, 2019

Authors: Vafaee, Reza | Soori, Hamid | Hedayati, Mehdi | Ainy, Elaheh | Hatamabadi, Hamidreza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to assess the effect of Resveratrol supplementation, endurance exercise and acute exercise training on oxidative stress and tissue damage markers. METHODS: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups including resveratrol group, exercise group, exercise + resveratrol group (n = 16) and control group (n = 16). RES was orally administered to male rats for 28 day at a dose of 10 mg per kg body during exercise. Following the familiarization sessions, rats were acclimated to a …calibrated motor driven rodent treadmill for endurance exercise and acute exercise implementation. Changes in oxidative stress and tissue damage markers including 8-hydroxy-2′ -deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), protein carbonyl were biochemically measured using commercial ELISA kits based on the manufacturer’s instructions. RESULTS: The endurance and acute exercise training led to an increase in the levels of CPK and LDH, However, following the endurance and acute exercise training, a reduction in the level of carbonyl and 8-OHdG was observed. RES supplementation did not have any effect on the levels of CPK and LDH; nevertheless, reduced significantly carbonyl, and 8-OHdG levels. Based on this evidence, RES may have protective effects against exercise-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION : This study provides further evidence of the antioxidant effects of RES after exercise. However, several factors such as type and duration of exercise, the type of model, the amount of RES supplementation and the time-course consideration can affect the quality of the results. For this reason, further studies in this field are required. Show more

Keywords: Oxidative stress, tissue damage markers, ELISA

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190380

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 257-264, 2019

Authors: Tabll, Ashraf | El Shenawy, Reem | Elsharkawy, Hazem | Mohamed, Faten Zahran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Assessment of the potential predictive value of serum inducible protein-10 chemokine (IP-10) in the clearance of HCV in Egyptian patients with and without treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety Egyptian individuals were involved in the current study where, 20 patients (23%) were chronic HCV (positive HCV antibodies and positive HCV RNA without treatment, 20 (22%) were healthy individuals (negative for both HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, 20 (22%) were natural clearance (positive HCV antibodies and negative for HCV RNA without treatment), 20 (22%) were achieved SVR after treatment (responders group, HCV positive and negative …for HCV RNA after treatment) and 10 (11%) were non responders (positive HCV antibodies and still positive HCV RNA after treatment). HCV RNA was quantitated by real time PCR and serum IP10 level was measured by commercial ELISA kit. All biochemical and hematological examinations included liver function, CBC and alphefeto protein were assessed. RESULTS: The mean serum levels of IP-10 were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in CHC patients (345.4 ± 100) pg/ml compared with healthy control group (101.5 ± 31.4) and natural clearance group (103.2 ± 40.7). Also serum levels of IP-10 was significantly elevated in non-responders group (257.4 ± 52.5) compared with each of SVR group (103.5 ± 43.5) (p < 0.001) and healthy group (101.5 ± 31.4), (p < 0.001). Prediction of a clinical response based on a IP10 chemokine revealed high sensitivity (93%), specificity (96%), negative predictive value (96%), and area under curve is (1.00). Moreover, there is no correlation ((R = 0.05), P value p < 0.795) between serum level of IP-10 and HCV viral load. CONCLUSION: IP10 is a useful non-invasive biomarker for viral clearance and might be used to apply patients according to the predictable treatment outcome. Accordingly, patients who are unlikely to respond to treatment would avoid unnecessary exposure to medication that is related with high morbidity. Show more

Keywords: HCV, viral clearance, inducible protein-10, chemokine

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190381

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 265-273, 2019

Authors: Moradi, Afshin | Forootan, Farzad S. | Hosseini, Masoumeh | Pouresmaeili, Farkhondeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the FABP9/PERF15 gene is expressed in mice and in some other mammals in the testicles and in the spermatozoa, and its possible effect on the ability of the sperm to form and maintain the nucleus until fertilization. OBJECTIVE: Since the FABP9 homologue gene exists in humans, and so far no research has been done to indicate the exact location of this gene in the organism, it is necessary to find a better interpretation of its possible performance by its localization in the testis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: …Biopsied testicular tissue samples after sectioning and embedding on class slide were subjected to IHC with specific monoclonal antibody and underwent final staining with hematoxylin and eventually evaluated by light microscope. RESULTS: The antibody could successfully bind and detect its related protein, FABP9, in Leydig cells rather than spermatogenic cells. CONCLUSION: The expression of FABP9 in a different cell type rather than spermatogenic cells in other mammals, reports of a plausible different function for the gene product like its involvement in fertility potential in homo sapiens. Show more

Keywords: FABP9, fertility, spermatogenesis, Leydig cells

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190382

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 275-278, 2019

Authors: Nasim, Negin | Ghafouri-Fard, Soudeh | Soleimani, Shiva | Esfandi, Farbod | Shirkhoda, Mohammad | Safaei, Masoomeh | Oskooei, Vahid Kholghi | Taheri, Mohammad | Raheb, Jamshid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Shugoshin-like protein 1 (SGO1) participated in the proper progression of mitosis. This fundamental role has indicated the importance of this gene in the pathogenesis of cancer as a disorder of mitotic cell division. A previous high throughput study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression in lung cancer has identified aberrant expression of SGO1-antisense 1 (SGO1-AS1 ) in these specimens. In the current study, we quantified expression of SGO1 and SGO1-AS1 in 39 breast cancer tissues and their paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCTs). Expression of SGO1-AS1 was considerably decreased in tumoral tissues compared with ANCTs (expression ratio …= 0.49, P value = 0.03). However, we could not identify significant difference in expression of SGO1 between these two sets of specimens (expression ratio = 2.9, P value = 0.2). Transcript quantities of SGO1-AS1 were associated with age at disease onset (P = 0.01). Expression of either gene was associated with hormone receptors status or clinical features such as grade and stage. There was an inverse correlation between expressions of genes in both sets of samples. Finally, transcript amounts of SGO1-AS1 could distinguish these two sets of samples with accuracy of 63% (P value = 0.03). Our results imply significance of SGO1-AS1 in breast cancer and necessitate conduction of mechanistic studies to find the molecular pathways in this regard. Show more

Keywords: Shugoshin-like protein 1, SGO1, lncRNA, SGO1-AS1, breast cancer

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190384

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 279-284, 2019

Authors: Amini, Fatemeh Ghaed | Nia, Anahita Fesharki | Sharbafi, Mohammad Hossein | Khandari, Ayda | Gargari, Soraya Saleh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the prevalent adverse conditions among pregnant women which needs delicate monitoring and control. GDM is a state in which the pregnant women’s blood glucose level exceeds the normal range. Our goal was to determine the best therapeutic method to control the blood glucose level among GDM patients by comparing of the efficacy between two Insulin consisting, Novo-rapid + Levemir Insulin and Regular + NPH Insulin. METHOD: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial study, we enrolled 100 women with GDM as an inpatient. …In group A, patients underwent treating with Regular + NPH Insulin, and in group B, patients underwent treating with Novo-rapid + Levemir Insulin. Patient’s demographic and clinical information gathered by specified several times during the study and analysis performed by SPSS21. RESULTS: Despite significant changes in the two groups patient’s blood glucose levels; we could not find any remarkable differences between the two groups. In the case of patient and health care system satisfaction and the length of the hospitalization group, B was better than group A. CONCLUSION: Altogether, The Novo-rapid and Levemir Insulin in comparing with the Regular and NPH Insulin were practically advantageous due to the simple using method and short hospitalization period of the patient. Thus, we prefer and suggest this beneficial method (using Novo-rapid and Levemir Insulin) to reach therapeutic goals. Show more

Keywords: GDM, insulin regular, insulin novo-rapid, insulin NPH, insulin levemir

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190385

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 285-289, 2019

Authors: Adias, Teddy Charles | Erhabor, Osaro | Shehu, Shafa’atu Abdullahi | Erhabor, Tosan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The menstrual cycle is the cycle of natural variations that occurs in the uterus and ovary as an essential part of making sexual reproduction possible. It is characterized by hormonal changes but the changes that occur in some active phase reactants (APR) parameters have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the serum albumin, ESR, and C-reactive protein levels in follicular and luteal phases of menstruation. METHODS: A total of 90 healthy regularly menstruating women where used for this study. Forty-five of the study participants were …in their follicular phase while the other 45 where in their luteal phase. Four milliliters of blood were withdrawn from each patient under aseptic condition and two milliliters was dispensed into EDTA container while the other two milliliters were dispensed into a plane container. The EDTA anticoagulated blood was used for ESR and full blood count while the serum from the plain tubes was used for analysis of C-reactive protein and Serum Albumin. Sysmex K-3 auto-analyser (Sysmex, Kobe Japan) was used for te determination of full blood count, the Westergren method was used for ESR estimation, Bromo Cresyl Green method was used for serum albumin and ELISA method was used for CRP determination. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: This study showed a statistically significant difference in the ESR (p = 0.03) among menstruating women in the follicular and luteal phases of menstruation. Sociodemographic factors had no statistically significant effect on the APR parameters of menstruating women in the follicular and luteal phases of menstruation (p > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between acute phase proteins of menstruating women in the follicular phase and luteal phases (p > 0.05). Also, age and marital status did not affect the acute phase proteins among menstruating women in the follicular phase and luteal phases (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is need to generate data on menstrual disorders and their impact on women’s health status, quality of life and social integration. It is vital that evaluation and treatment of menstrual complaints should be given a higher priority in primary care programs. There is need to invest in public enlightenment program to increase awareness in secondary schools to increase the level of awareness among adolescents as well as young females. Show more

Keywords: Menstrual cycle, acute phase reactants, students, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-190386

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 291-298, 2019