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AimSuppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene belongs to SOCS family as one of the negative regulators of cytokine signaling and IFN response that function via the JAK-STAT pathway in antiviral response. SOCS3 expression and genetic polymorphism influences the pathogenesis and outcome of antiviral treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. This study was designed for analysis of SOCS3 gene expression and polymorphism in Pakistani HCV patients.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted on 250 diagnosed HCV genotype 3a infected subjects. The study population was divided into two major groups on the basis of therapeutic response i.e. sustained virological response (SVR) and non-responders/relapsers (NR). SOCS3 gene mRNA expression analysis was done by using Real time PCR technique, whereas ARMS PCR technique was used for analysis of SOCS3 gene polymorphisms i.e. 8464 A/C (rs12952093), −4874 A/G (rs4969170) and −1383 A/G, (rs4969168).ResultsGene expression analysis of SOCS3 showed that there was statistically significant increase of 2.275-fold and 3.72-fold in relative gene expression for SVR and NR as compared to normal healthy samples (p < 0.001). The distribution of rs4969168, rs4969170 and rs12952093 genotype frequencies between SVR versus NR group were not statistically significant, only the allelic frequency of rs4969170 was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.0001) with therapeutic response.ConclusionThe gene expression analysis of SOCS3 showed a clear difference in mRNA expression of SOCS3 as a possible indicator of therapeutic response rather than polymorphism of SOCS3 gene in our studied population.

Oral Abstracts 2 6 6 THURSDAY Supplement to Transplantation July 27, 2008, Volume 86 Number 2Sand number of organs transplanted per donor (OTPD) based upon referral center was calculated. Two high-volume (HV), urban, academic transplant centers at which the majority of donations occurred were compared to remaining centers (LV). Student's T-test was utilized to demonstrate signifi cance. Results: 120 donors yielded a total of 349 abdominal and thoracic organs. Mean donor age was 41.2 yrs and 71.6% were male. COD was more likely to be due to trauma at HV centers vs. LV (24 v 10), whereas CVA and CV causes of death were more common at LV hospitals (20 v 10). Conversion rates in HV centers v LV were 68% and 47% (p<0.001) The number of potential donors that resulted in transplantable organs was higher (57/61) at HV centers than at LV centers (53/61). Total number of organs transplanted from donors at HV centers was also higher, 78.5% v. 65.4% at LV institutions. HV centers yielded 3.40 OTPD compared to 2.41 at LV institutions (p=0.007). Eliminating donors without transplantable organs from analysis, the OTPD was 3.64 for HV centers and 2.84 for LV (p=0.02). Mean cold ischemia time (CIT) for livers donated at HV centers was 6.25 hours (0.5-11.1) and 7.27 hours (4.9-11.9) at LV centers (p=0.36). Mean CIT for kidneys was 13.82 at HV centers and 16.65 hours at LV institutions (p=0.13). Conclusions: High volume transplant centers had an increased number of total donors, an increased number of OTPD, and higher percentage of procured organs that result in transplantation. Cold ischemia times are shorter for liver and kidneys; however, these did not reach statistical signifi cance. Intensive care capabilities and the level of critical care training available in the donor institution may be partially explanatory. The location of potential donor management may impact upon donor numbers and organs from those donors prompting consideration for transfer to HV centers.

Eosinophilic asthma is known as a main phenotype of asthma classified on the basis of immune cells involved in inflammatory response in the respiratory airway. Eosinophilic asthma can be related to increased severity of asthma, allergic sensitization, adult onset, and increased resistance to corticosteroids. The prevalence of eosinophilic asthma is 32-40% among asthmatic patients. Different cells and cytokines are involved in its pathogenesis including eosinophil, mast cells, type 2 helper T cells, innate lymphoid cells, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Eosinophil count in induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage is the yardstick for recognizing and distinguishing eosinophilic asthma from non-eosinophilic asthma, while various tests which are noninvasive such as fractional exhaled nitric oxide and periostin are arising as possible substitutes. Novel and advanced therapies new and advanced therapies and more convenient biological drugs, Leads to high requirement for particular endotype-and phenotype-related treatment plans. Identification and knowledge of the specific pathophysiology of eosinophilic asthma have great association with disease management and chances for better patient prognosis.

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the caffeinated drinks, levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood, and their relationship to bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic women in Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThis study included 85 women over approximately 18 months with ages ranging from 40 to 70 years who were evaluated in the laboratory via blood analysis. Moreover, sociodemographic data and information on health and nutritional awareness were collected via a questionnaire. The BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and considered osteopenia when the T value total of the lumbar spine or hip was between −1 and −2.5 and osteoporosis < −2.5. Blood levels of vitamin D and calcium were measured via blood analysis.FindingsThere were 54.1% and 45.9% of women who suffered from osteoporosis and low BMD, respectively. There was a significant difference in the number of osteoporotic, and low bone mineral mass groups in marital status (p = 0.04), but no difference was found in age and educational level. A significant difference (p = 0.01) between low bone mass and osteoporosis groups in heights. BMD was significantly and negatively correlated with vitamin D in the blood in individuals with osteoporosis (r = −0.358, P = 0.014). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between calcium in the blood and total samples (r = −0.355, P = 0.0578). There was a negative significant relationship between calcium supplements and BMD in individuals with low BMD (rt = −0.279, P = 0.041). There was a significant association between cola intake with the occurrence of low BMD (p = 0.027), whereas tea drinking was not associated with risk in both groups.Originality/valueThe study indicated that there is a direct relationship between osteoporosis and low bone mass with different variables. This study was conducted to address the lack of research related to the levels of vitamin D and calcium in the blood and their relationship with BMD in women with low BMD and osteoporosis in Al-Ahsa province-KSA.