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ObjectivePatients with malignancy suffer from a compromised immune system due to either the effects of malignancies or treatments. Cancer patients are at higher risk of different infections particularly SARS-CoV2 and usually produce weaker response to vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Sinopharm, BBIBP-CorV) in patients with malignancy.Material and MethodIn total 364 patients with cancer (median age: 54 years old, F/M ratio: 217/147) who received two doses of Sinopharm vaccine were enrolled in this study. Vaccine related side effects was assessed by a questionnaire and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike protein (S) IgG and neutralizing antibody two months following vaccination were measured by immunological methods.ResultsInjection site pain and fever were the most common local and systemic side effects in vaccine receivers. Two months after the first dose, anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibody were detectable in 77.1% and 80.7% of all participants, respectively with an overall response to either or both measured in 86.9% of patients The rate of seroconversion was lower in older age, those with hematological malignancies and chemotherapy receivers.ConclusionThe result of study confirmed the safety and short-term efficacy of Sinopharm inactivated vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in patients with different type of malignancies.

Background Vaccine efficiency has a significant role in the public perception of vaccination. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines (AZD-1222, Sputnik-V, Sinopharm, and Covaxin) and the effect of gender on vaccine efficacy. We evaluated the efficacy of these vaccines among 214 health care employees in Iran. Blood samples were taken from all participants on day 0 and 14 days after the second dose. Humoral responses were evaluated by the PT-SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing-Ab-96. Results The frequency of immunized individuals in the Sputnik V and AZD-1222 groups was 91% and 86%, respectively. This rate was 61% and 67% for Sinopharm and Covaxin vaccines. A comparison of the results obtained from the effectiveness of the vaccines between female and male groups did not demonstrate a significant difference. Conclusion According to the results, Sputnik V and AZD-1222 vaccines were more effective than Sinopharm and Covaxin vaccines. Moreover, the effectiveness of these vaccines is not related to gender.

While activation of immune system may lead to a lower risk of some diseases, it has been shown that a history of atopic allergic disorders such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, and food allergies could be related to several types of cancer. However, the evidence is not entirely conclusive. Two proposals suggest a possible mechanism for the association between allergic disorders and cancers: immune surveillance and the antigenic stimulation. The association of allergy and cancer may vary by cancer site and the type of exposure. The aim of current review was to summarize the current knowledge of the association between allergic diseases and the risk of cancers with particular emphasis on case–controls and cohort studies to estimate the cancer risk associated with allergy.

Background Both home and school are important places where children are exposed to various indoor allergens. This study aimed to identify the profile of indoor allergens in schools and its impact on asthma development. Methods A total of 104 classrooms from 52 schools were selected for dust collection during the fall of 2017. The levels of indoor allergens including dust mite (Der f1, Der p1), cat (Fel d1), cockroach (Bla g1) and mouse (Mus m1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnosis of asthma was made in all students of the selected classes by the allergist. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results Out of 2816 students in the selected classes, 180 students were involved with asthma. Students were mostly exposed to Bla g1 (83.1%), followed by Der f1 (51.5%), Mus m 1 (45.5%), Der p1 (8.9%) and Fel d1 (7.9%) in the dust collected from 101 classrooms. Although levels of all studied allergens in the settled dust of the classrooms were low, there was a relationship between Fel d1 in the classroom dust and development of asthma. Conclusion This study showed considerable levels of cockroach allergens in schools. Exposure to cat allergen in our schools played an important role in asthma development; further school-based investigations require evaluating the role of classroom allergen on asthma development.

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) produce large amounts of different cytokines which can influence differentiation, polarization and activation of immune cells, particularly NK and T cells. iNKT have been shown to suppress GvHD and promote anti-tumor and anti-pathogen immunity. There are highly specific and safe synthetic ligands such as alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and C20:2 which activate iNKT cells toward relatively Th1 and Th2 pathways, respectively. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or 'hematopoietic stem cell transplantation' (HSCT) is effective for leukemia and lymphoma through 'graft-versus-leukemia' (GVL) immunity. However, frequent serious complications include graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), opportunistic infections and relapse. Both GVHD and GVL are mediated by T cells. Manipulating iNKT by different lipid analogues in early and late phases after transplantation may suppress GVHD and graft rejection and enhance GVL effect, as well as resistance to opportunistic infections and so, could be a novel and effective strategy for improving HSCT outcome.

Vitamin D exerts multiple immune-regulatory functions on the innate and adaptive immune systems. However, there is conflicting evidence concerning the contribution of vitamin D to the progression of allergies. The goal of this study was to investigate the connection between vitamin D and the prevalence of allergic disorders and serum IgE levels among young adults. The study samples included 272 students (120 males and 152 females) from Birjand University of Medical Sciences in Birjand, Iran. The allergic disorders studied, comprising allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD), were confirmed by an expert allergist. Commercial Elisa kits were used to measure serum levels of vitamin D and total IgE for all participants. The median (IQR) serum vitamin D value was 10.0 (6.0–17.0) ng/mL and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the target population was 81.5%. Vitamin D levels were notably higher in males than in females [12.0 (8.0–18.0) vs. 8.0 (4.0–15.0); P

Nasal polyps (NP) are associated with inflamed mucosa of unknown etiology. The role of T cells in nasal polyposis is unclear. Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) can promote Th2 responses and have been implicated in some types of asthma. As there are shared inflammatory pathways involved in asthma and NPs, we evaluated the frequency of iNKT in 17 patients with NPs, but without asthma. A median of 6% polyp cells were T lymphocytes, of which iNKT were 0 to 2.38% (mean 0.674%). In the matched group (n = 10), iNKT in NPs was significantly higher than PBMCs (1.057% vs 0.155%, P 0.05). Relative expression of Vα24 to TCR-beta genes in polyps (n = 14) was higher than blood in matched samples (n = 4). The presence of greater proportions of iNKT in NPs than in blood suggests that iNKT may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a universal health challenge all around the world. Several factors like viral load, genetic characteristics, age, sex, and immune status contribute to variable clinical outcomes of HBV infection. The sequels of HBV infection vary remarkably among persons ranging from the spontaneous deletion of infection to persistent infection. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms IL10-1082 with HBV clearance. Methods: Sixty subjects with Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) infection and 60 subjects who spontaneously recovered HBV were enrolled in the study. The IL-10-1082 polymorphisms were determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction with Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Results: The clearance of HBV infection demonstrated a significant association with IL-10-1082 polymorphisms in the GG genotype (P = 0.03), while there was no association with other genotypes. Reduced risk of chronic hepatitis B infection was associated with IL-10-1082 GG (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.07 - 5.09). Besides, IL-10-1082 A/G alleles did not differ clearly between the two study groups (P = 0.07) Conclusions: The IL-10-1082 polymorphisms may be associated with a reduced risk of CHB infection and recovery after HBV infection.

Background The prevalence of vaccine side effects plays an important role in public perception about vaccination programs. This study was designed to investigate the side effects of the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine; Sputnik-V, AZD-1222, and Covaxin. Methods A study was performed to evaluate the side effects of these vaccine among 503 health care workers in Birjand (Iran). Our study used the questionnaire consisted of 4 main categories including demographic data, previous COVID-19 infection, vaccine information, and local and systemic side effects of vaccines. Results 81.9%, 88.8%, and 92.9% of people who have been vaccinated with Sputnik-V, AZD1222, and Covaxin vaccines, respectively, have reported at least one side effect. The prevalence of systemic side effects in AZD-1222 vaccine was higher than Sputnik V and Covaxin vaccines. Injection site pain (62.1%), fatigue (43.9%), muscle pain (42.5%), and fever (40.6%) were the most common side effects in all three vaccines. Side effect frequency was higher in the female group (90.6%) than the male group (79.5%). The prevalence of side effects with Sputnik V and Covaxin vaccines was reduced in the elderly. Moreover, the prevalence of side effects was higher in the case of convalescent patients (92.4 %) than in the group with no history of infection. The prevalence of side effects was higher in person with a BMI above 25 in the AZD-1222 and Covaxin vaccines. Conclusions The most common side effects of the Sputnik-V, AZD-1222, and Covaxin vaccine among Birjand (Iran) healthcare workers were injection site pain, muscle pain, fatigue, fever, and headache. Age and gender were the most important variables in the prevalence of vaccine side effects.

Activation of NOD-like receptor (NLR) family and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to inflammation and may lead to atherosclerosis. The NLRP3 inflammasome as a molecular platform regulates the activation of ATP signaling, K+ efflux, cathepsin-B activity, lysosomal function and pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-1β and IL-18). Statins has been widely prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to lipid-lowering effect, statins have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic functions. An increasing number of studies indicated NLRP3 inflammasome and their downstream mediators as important targets for statin drugs in inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discussed different aspect of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways and focused on the effect of statin drugs on NLRP3 inflammasomes in association to atherosclerosis in order to elucidate possible targets for future research and clinical settings.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main infectious agent that causes liver disease and may lead to an acute or chronic HBV infection. Evidence from many studies have determined that host genetic factors play a significant role in determining immunization, clinical course, and recovery from HBV infection. A 32-bp deletion in the region of CCR5 gene (CCR5 ∆32) is one of the mutations that is known to provide genetic protection against chronic HBV infections. Objectives: In this study, the researchers aimed at assessing the protective effect of CCR5 ∆32 in subjects, who had recovered from HBV infection, as well as subjects that developed chronic HBV infection, in Birjand, Iran. Methods: The study consisted of 60 patients with chronic HBV infection (patient group) and 120 patients, who had previously recovered from HBV infection (control group). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples by the salting out method, and then samples were analyzed for the CCR5 ∆32 genotype utilizing the gap-polymerase chain reaction (Gap-PCR) technique. Variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test and P values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: The researchers found only one heterozygous CCR5 ∆32 mutation in the control group and absolutely no homozygous CCR5 Δ32 mutation in either the patient or control group. Conclusions: Because of no significant visible correlation between carrying the mutation and the possibility of recovery from HBV infection in the city of Birjand, it seems the protective effect of this mutation is absent in Birjand’s population.

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a noninvasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis with a prevalence of 6-9 % among all rhinosinusitis cases requiring surgery. The fungi causing AFRS have a great diversity and regional variation in the incidence of AFS has been reported worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AFS among rhinosinusitis patients in the north east of Iran. In a prospective cross-sectional study 127 patients with sinonasal polyposis who were candidates for surgery were recruited. All cases were evaluated by sinonasal CT scan, Prick test for common regional allergens, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and allergic mucin culture for fungi in suspected cases. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 13.0. Their mean age was 37.4 ± 11.6 years, the male-to-female ratio was 69/58. Eleven patients (9.45 %) met the AFS criteria. Nine cases had a positive culture for Aspergillus specimen and three for Alternaria. Prick test was positive for at least one allergen in 28 cases (22.05 %). The most common allergen was weed. The total IgE level was significantly higher in AFS patients. This study showed the prevalence of AFS among patients with nasal polyposis to be 9.45 %.

Nasal polyposis (NP) is a common inflammatory disorder with different proposed etiologies. There is some evidence that the local production of specific IgE against fungal allergens may contribute to the pathogenesis of this condition. The aim of this study was to compare local and systemic production of fungal-specific IgE among patients with NP. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 141 patients with sinonasal polyposis who were surgical candidates were enrolled. Total IgE and fungal-specific IgE antibodies in serum and tissue homogenates were measured by the ELISA and ImmunoCAP method, respectively. Twelve cases (9.45 %) met the allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) criteria while the remaining 129 patients showed histopathological features of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis. Considering a cutoff point of 0.4 KUI/L for specific IgE as a positive reaction against fungal elements, seven and 62 cases showed positive results in serum and homogenate tissue, respectively. All serum positive reactions were seen among patients with AFRS. In conclusion, IgE antibody could be locally produced in the nasal polyp tissue while not detectable in the serum.

Background Exposure to house dust mites (HDMs) is a major risk factor for the development of allergic symptoms. HDMs are worldwide in distribution. Assessing these allergens in each area is a critical step in evaluating the risk of sensitisation and controlling allergic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of major HDMs, Der p 1 and Der f 1, in various parts of Iran. Methods In 2009, 257 dust samples were obtained from living rooms’ carpets in seven cities throughout Iran with different geoclimatic conditions. The level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 was measured by commercial ELISA. Results Detectable level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 levels were only found in Gorgan and Sari, two cities near the Caspian Sea with moderate temperatures and high relative humidity. In both of these cities, Der f 1 was more frequent than Der p 1 (100% vs. 85%) and was found to be at a higher level than Der p 1 (geometric mean 3128 vs. 439 ng/g dust, P Conclusion The results of this study confirm that house dust mites in Iran are restricted to the Caspian Sea coastal areas, and in other parts, due to seasonal variations of temperature and humidity mites are not able to grow well and therefore are not an important risk factor for sensitisation and respiratory allergies.

Allergic inflammation in upper airways can act as a predisposing factor for infectious ear diseases. There are some evidences about the role of allergic rhinitis in chronic otitis media with effusion, but its role in establishing chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) has not been clearly shown. 68 adult patients with established CSOM, who were candidates for ear surgery, and 184 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated for the presence of allergic rhinitis. Standard questionnaire was filled out for all participants. All patients and controls underwent skin prick test for 28 com- mon regional aeroallergens, and serum total IgE was mea- sured by means of ELISA method. Allergic rhinitis were defined as a positive responses to the questionnaire, positive skin prick test to at least one allergen, and/or high level of serum total IgE. Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 20 (29.41%) and 41 (22.28%) of patients and controls, respectively (P = 0.241) (OR = 1.28, CI = 0.69-2.36). Outdoor allergens, especially grass pollen, were the most prevalent allergens among both groups, but indoor allergens like mites and molds have a low prevalence. The study did not show a significant difference in the prevalence of AR in the CSOM patients compared to the controls. The inter- mittent nature of allergy and other less known intervening factors in the etiopathogenesis of CSOM make such a con- clusion difficult.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease with negative impacts on patients’ quality of life. The prevalence and pattern of sensitisation vary between different countries and populations. Identifi cation of the most prevalent aeroallergens in each area has a very important role in diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Iran is a fairly large country with different geo-climatic conditions and there are no data about the most prevalent aeroallergen in Mashhad City, which is the second largest city in Iran, with a semiarid climate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of positive skin test to various common aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis patients in the city of Mashhad. Materials and Methods: Skin prick tests were performed with 27 common regional aeroallergens including grass, weed, tree, mite and mould in 311 patients with allergic rhinitis. Results: The overall rate of sensitisation to any allergen was 81 %. 76 % of patients were poly-sensitised and weed and grass were the most prevalent allergens (77 % and 62 % respectively). Salsola Kali and mould were the most and the least prevalent individual allergens (72.5 % and 6.5 % respectively). Mean total IgE in patients with positive skin prick test was signifi cantly higher than in patients without any positive skin prick test (308 vs 128 IU/mL, P = 0.016). 97 % of atopic patients were sensitised to Salsola kali and or Fraxinus americana. Conclusions: Our work showed the importance of weeds, especially the Amaranthaceae and Chenopodiaceae families. Diagnosis of pollen allergy can be simplifi ed by using a combination of a few common aeroallergens.

Background: Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) are a small subset of T lymphocytes which are involved in a wide variety of immune responses. Human studies have reported a wide variation in the number of circulating iNKT cell among healthy donors as well as in some immunologic disorders while there is no or little data about the factors which affect the pool of circulating iNKT cells in human. Given the importance of iNKT cells in immunologic responses and variation in the number and phenotype of iNKT cells, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of circulating iNKT cells in a cohort of healthy Iranian adults. Methods: The number of circulating iNKT cells was measured among PBMC in a group of healthy Iranian adults by flow cytometry. iNKT cells were identified by using 6B11 monoclonal antibody or by coexpression of TCR Vα24 and Vβ11 chain. Results: The mean frequency of 6B11-iNKT cells and Vα24-Vβ11 iNKT cells among T lymphocytes, were 0.54% and 0.31%, respectively. Forty-five percent of 6B11-iNKT cells were CD4 positive, and there was a weak but significant inverse correlation between total 6B11-iNKT cells and their CD4-positive subset. There was no significant difference in the frequency of iNKT cells between males and females. Conclusions: Results of this study show that the frequency of iNKT cells is fairly high among the Iranian population and suggest matching of study population for age, sex, and ethnic background in iNKT-related research. More studies are necessary to understand the factors that can affect the variation in the number of iNKT cells in healthy humans. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society

Background Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a small subset of T lymphocytes which express a invariant TCR and recognize lipid antigens. They are implicated in a range of immune responses but their role in allergy is controversial. Pollens are the most important trigger of allergic symptoms but their lipid contents may also have a role in allergy through interaction with iNKT cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of pollen lipid extract on iNKT cells.

Background Asthma and other allergic disorders are common health problems around the world especially in children and have a negative impact on quality of life. Allergic diseases are one of the leading causes of school absence as well as reduction in children performance at school. Epidemiologic Studies have shown that the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases have risen over the past decades. Many factors have been reported that contribute to this increase including genetic factors as well as environmental factors such as lifestyle, infections and diet. Preventing and controlling allergic diseases require information about the Prevalence, risk factors and triggers which can be vary in different countries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases among 6-7 year old children in Birjand city.

Introduction: iNKT cells are a small subset of T lymphocytes which express a invariant TCR and recognize lipid antigens. They are implicated in a range of immune responses but their role in allergy is controversial. Pollens are the most important trigger of allergic symptoms but their lipid contents may also have a role in allergy through interaction with iNKT cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of pollen lipid extract on iNKT cells. Subjects and methods: PBMCs from 18 pollen-sensitized subjects and 11 healthy controls were isolated and stimulated for 7 days with a mix crude lipid extract of five allergenic pollens prepared by Folch method. Alpha-galactosylceramide and medium were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Proportion of iNKT cells was measured by FACS using 6B11 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. Results: At day 0, the mean percentage of iNKT cells was 0.42 ± 0.3% and 0.44 ± 0.2% (P > 0.05) for sensitized and control groups respectively. After 7 days culture, iNKT cells from both groups expanded efficiently in response to alpha-galactosylceramide and iNKT proportion reaches to 8 ± 5.6% but lipid extract did not stimulate iNKT proliferation in any groups and the proportion of iNKT cells remained unchanged. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that pollen lipids are not potent stimulator of iNKT proliferation but further studies need to evaluate the presence and frequency of pollen-specific iNKT cells.