The etiology of the most autoimmune disorders is largely yet to be understood. However, major target antigens have been determined against some of clinically important molecules of human autoimmune diseases, such as insulin in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). T1DM is believed to be resulted from immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Chemokines are small glycoproteins (weighing 8-10 kDa) that are chemotactive for a wide variety of cell types especially immune system cells and their target cells express appropriate G protein receptors. CXCL10 is a 10-kDa protein and is functionally categorized as an "inflammatory" chemokine. Recently, accumulating reports have shown that the serum and/or the tissue expressions of CXCL10 are increased in various autoimmune diseases like T1DM. Thus, in this article we will focus on the crucial role(s) played by CXCL10 in pathogenesis of T1DM. Therefore, we tried our best to collect the current reports regarding relationship between the serum concentrations of CXCL10 in T1DM.
Learning environment is found to be important in determining students' academic success and learning. The goal of this study was to investigate the viewpoints of medical students toward learning environment based on The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS). This descriptive study was conducted using the Persian DREEM questionnaire. All medical students in basic and clinical courses except internship students (fifth and sixth year) were approached to participate during the study period, of which 223 provided consent and completed the survey. Data were analyzed by SPSS-17, t-test and ANOVA statistical tests were used. The mean total score was 113.8±17.31 (out of a maximum of 200, 56.9%) indicating relative satisfaction with the perceived environment. There were no individual areas of excellence. Some items scored consistently badly indicating cause for concern. The highest score were related to Academic Self-Perception (64.11%) and learning (57.2%) domains. The lowest score were related to Teachers (55.9%), Social Self-Perceptions (56.6%) and atmosphere (55.8%) domains. Basic science students perceived the environment to be significantly more positive than preclinical students (p<0.05). Native and married students perceived the environment to be significantly more positive (p<0.05). Second and fourth year students were significantly higher than the others (P<0.01). There was significant difference between mean scores of total mean DREEM and sub-domains by year of enrolment (p=0.001). This tool identified areas of concern within RUMS medical school. Further use of the DREEM as a monitoring tool would be useful to re-evaluate the environment following appropriate intervention. To create an appropriate educational environment and reduce the deficits in order to provide a better learning environment with facilitate and supportive system for students.
Food allergies (FA) are frequent in 8 % of children under 3 years old and approximately 2 % of adults. Chemokine are involved in various allergies such as FA. The present study was aimed to determine CCL2, CCL5, and CCL11 levels in FA. The study population of this cross-sectional study contained 63 patients suffering from FA and 100 healthy controls. Concentrations of CCL2, CCL5, CCL11, and IgE were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eosinophils were counted using Casy Ι cell counter + analyzer system model SCAREF system GmbH. Differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Current results showed that FA patients had significantly elevated numbers of circulating periphery eosinophils than the disease-free controls. Serum IgE levels in FA patients were also higher than controls. We also showed that serum levels of CCL2 and CCL11 were significantly enhanced in FA patients compared to control but CCL5 was not detectable. Results of present study revealed that both CCL2 and CCL11 were more elevated in FA children suffering from anaphylaxis and urticaria than bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis. These results also indicated that more increased levels of CCL2 and CCL11 were observed following consumption of cow's milk and pistachio nuts. Overall, findings of the present study proposed that serum levels of CCL2 and CCL11 are elevated in FA and these may be considered as useful parameters in diagnosis of disorder. It is also possible to design treatments on the basis of blocking of chemokines expression by application of antibodies against them to overcome allergic complications in patients suffering from FA.
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