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Objective(s): Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease caused by various species of the flagellated protozoan, Leishmania. Regardless of the numerous studies, there are still serious challenges in the treatment of CL. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of a low dose ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation along with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on a mouse model of CL induced by Leishmania major. Materials and Methods: L. major promastigotes (MRHO/IR/75/ER) were extracted from infected mice spleens. Two months after subcutaneous injection of 2×106 promastigotes into the footpad of BALB/c mice, when the lesions were developed, the animals were divided into 4 groups including one control group and three study groups: AgNPs, UVB and UVB plus AgNPs. Spleen parasite burden was assessed on day 40 after the first treatment. The data were analyzed by Instat, Elida and SPSS 16 software programs. Results: The results showed the highest pronounced inhibitory effect in the group receiving AgNPs plus UVB. In addition, a significant difference was obtained between the group receiving AgNPs alone and the one with combinational therapy. The findings on parasite burden showed a significant difference between the control group and other treatment groups. Conclusion:It could be suggested that UVB in the presence of AgNPs, by inhibiting the spread of CL lesions and reducing the rate of visceral progression of the disease, provides a serious antileishmanial effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): In this study, the serum level of interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and interlukin-4 (IL-4) was evaluated as a marker of Th1 and Th2 immune response that influence the clinical course of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (21 cases with healed lesions and 23 cases with chronic non-healing lesions. Thirty-two non-infected persons living in the area were considered as controls. Serum levels of IFN- γ and IL-4 were determined using ELISA, and the results along with clinical data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5. Results: Serum IFN-γ level was not significantly different between various patient groups and control (P=0.27), but the serum level of IL-4 in patient groups was higher than in healthy subjects, and it was higher in patients with non-healed chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis than those with healed lesions (P<0.01). Conclusion: Serum IL-4 level is a good marker for evaluation of the clinical course of cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]