Human Antibodies - Volume 29, issue 1

Authors: Alamoudi, Abdullah O.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: At present, cancer is a major health issue and the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Researchers have been working hard on investigating not only improved therapeutics but also on early detection methods, both critical to increasing treatment efficacy and developing methods for disease prevention. Diagnosis of cancers at an early stage can promote timely medical intervention and effective treatment and will result in inhibiting tumor growth and development. Several advances have been made in the diagnostics and imagining technologies for early tumor detection and deciding an effective therapy these include radiomics, nanobodies, and aptamers. Here in this review, we …summarize the main applications of radiomics, aptamers, and the use of nanobody-based probes for molecular imaging applications in diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluations in the field of oncology to develop quantitative and personalized medicine. The preclinical data reported to date are quite promising, and it is predicted that nanobody-based molecular imaging agents will play an important role in the diagnosis and management of different cancer types in near future. Show more

Keywords: Radiomics, medical images, PET, SPECT, nanobody, aptamers, probes, antibody, cancer

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200436

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2021

Authors: Eshghifar, Nahal | Dehghan, Behnam Kamali | Do, Atieh Abedin | Koukhaloo, Saeideh Zamani | Habibi, Mohsen | Pouresmaeili, Farkhondeh

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Recent advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART) have allowed couples with severe infertility to conceive, but the methods are not effective for all cases. Stem cells as undifferentiated cells which are found in different stages of embryonic, fetal and adult life are known to be capable of forming different cell types, tissues, and organs. Due to their unlimited resources and the incredible power of differentiation are considered as potential new therapeutic biological tools for treatment of infertility. For reproductive medicine, stem cells are stimulated in vitro to develop various specialized functional cells including male and female gametes. …The epigenetic patterns can be modified in the genome under certain drugs exposure or lifestyle alterations. Therefore, epigenetics-related disorders may be treated if the nature of the modifications is completely admissible. It is proved that our understanding of epigenetic processes and its association with infertility would help us not only to understand the etiological factors but also to treat some type of male infertilities. Exploration of both genetic and epigenetic variations in the disease development could help in the identification of the interaction patterns between these two phenomena and possible improvement of therapeutic methods. Show more

Keywords: Cell therapy, infertility, epigenetics, stem cell

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200438

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 17-26, 2021

Authors: Erhabor, O. | Erhabor, T. | Adias, T.C. | Okara, G.C. | Retsky, M.

Article Type: Other

Abstract: A novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing a cluster of respiratory infections (Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19) first discovered in Wuhan, China, is responsible for a new illness that has been found to affect the lungs and airways of patients with associated symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. In the light of few cases recorded so far in West Africa there is tendency for complacency. The region needs to make strategic plans based on available evidence to enable them effectively deal with this rapidly evolving pandemic. At this very moment countries like China, Italy, France, Spain, Iran, UK and many others …are witnessing sustained and intensive community transmission of this virus and increasing numbers of severe disease and death particularly among elderly patients with other comorbidities. The reality of the seriousness of this pandemic is alarming. Government of member states of ECOWAS need to prepare themselves by building capacity as well as implement evidenced-based steps to mitigate this rapidly evolving pandemic by testing persons presenting with symptoms (fever, cough and shortness of breath), isolating and treating those found positive, tracing and quarantining contacts, implementing social distancing as well as optimizing human and material endowment to allow healthcare workers offer safe quality clinical care for affected patients to prevent secondary infection among healthcare workers. Show more

Keywords: Zero tolerance, complacency, government, West Africa, COVID-19 pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200413

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 27-40, 2021

Authors: Alemayehu, Yisak Hagos | Seylani, Khatereh | Sharifi, Farshad | Asgari, Parvaneh | Ghorbani, Banafsheh | Bahramnezhad, Fatemeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease and dialysis are associated with various complications. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: In this study, a descriptive – correlational study design with 138 sample size was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the study participants. We collected the data on May-September 2019. Data collection was done using the HELIA and KDQOL SF™. RESULTS: In this study, 133 respondents fully completed the …questioners. The mean score of health literacy of the respondents was 49.03 (± 22.37) while the average score of quality of life of the respondents in this study was 53.01 (± 14.86). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, patients receiving haemodialysis had insufficient health literacy and a better quality of life. In order to address the health literacy needs of the patients, consideration of continuous health education and assessment in this patient subpopulation could gradually improve their health literacy and quality of life. Health care providers such as nurses could improve Health Literacy and substantially Quality of Life through interventions aimed at determining existing literacy needs in the long and short term treatment course for individual dialysis patients. Show more

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, health literacy, quality of life, hemodialysis, health-related quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200423

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 41-47, 2021

Authors: Samsami, Majid | Mehravaran, Elham | Tabarsi, Payam | Javadi, Abdolreza | Arsang-Jang, Shahram | Komaki, Alireza | Taheri, Mohammad | Ghafouri-Fard, Soudeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic in early 2020. This infectious disorder has a heterogeneous course ranging from asymptomatic disorder to a critical situation needing intensive cares. In the current study, we present a report of affected patients admitted in a single hospital in Iran. Eighty-two hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were assessed. Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical parameters were gathered and statistically analyzed. The median age (IQR) of the patients was 57.32 (45.75, 70) years. At primary evaluation, fever was present in 45.12% of the affected individuals. The most common clinical symptoms were dyspnea (81.71%) and cough (65.85%). …Totally, 12 (14.63%) and 14 (17.07%) of patients had low and high WBC counts, respectively. Lymphopenia was detected in 36 (43.9%) of patients, while 6 (7.32%) of patients had lymphocytosis. High levels of Il-6 were detected in 4 (4.88%) of patients. CRP levels were elevated in 69 (84.1%) of patients. The median (IQR) of hospitalization was 7 (5, 9) days. Totally, 26 patients (31%) were hospitalized in ICU. All patients were discharged with good health conditions except for one patient who died. The current study shows the heterogeneous clinical manifestations and paraclinical parameters of COVID-19 patients. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, Iran, demographic data

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200428

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 49-54, 2021

Authors: Faraji, Nafiseh | Ganji, Ahmad | Heshami, Neda | Salehi, Iraj | Haddadian, Ahmad | Shojaie, Shiva | Komaki, Alireza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Diets included high-fat (HFD) and high calories intake is correlated with greater risk of obesity and oxidative stress, which lead to increase the risk of related diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic disease. In the present study, we have examined the hypolipidemic activity of Hypericum Scabrum extract on HFD fed rats. Fifty-four male Wistar rats divided into six groups: 1) control, 2) H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg gavage per day), 3) H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg), 4) HFD, 5) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (100 mg/kg), 6) HFD and H. Scabrum extract (300 mg/kg). The …groups were fed their diet and treatment for 3 months. Biochemical analysis showed elevated lipid serum profile in HFD rats compared to control group. H. Scabrum extract supplementation significantly ameliorated triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. H. Scabrum extract supplementation leading to increase HDL-cholesterol in HFD treated groups. This experiment showed that H. Scabrum extract decreased HFD complications and might be beneficial herbal drug for treatment of hyperlipidemia and obesity. Show more

Keywords: High-fat diet, Hypericum Scabrum, obesity, oxidative stress, antioxidant

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200430

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 55-61, 2021

Authors: Flego, Michela | Colotti, Gianni | Ascione, Alessandro | Dupuis, Maria Luisa | Petrucci, Eleonora | Riccioni, Roberta | Andreotti, Mauro | Raggi, Carla | Boe, Alessandra | Barca, Stefano | Gellini, Mara | Vella, Stefano | Mallano, Alessandra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The NCAM or CD56 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin super-family involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. NCAM is also over-expressed in many tumour types and is considered a tumour associated antigen, even if its role and biological mechanisms implicated in tumour progression and metastasis have not yet to be elucidated. In particular, it is quite well documented the role of the interaction between the NCAM protein and the fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in metastasis and invasion, especially in the ovarian cancer progression. OBJECTIVE: Here we describe the isolation and preliminary …characterization of a novel human anti-NCAM single chain Fragment variable antibody able to specifically bind NCAM-expressing cells, including epithelial ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: The antibody was isolate by phage display selection and was characterized by ELISA, FACS analysis and SPR experiments. Interference in EOC migration was analyzed by scratch test. RESULTS: It binds a partially linear epitope lying in the membrane proximal region of two fibronectin-like domains with a dissociation constant of 3.43 × 10 - 8 M. Interestingly, it was shown to interfere with the NCAM-FGFR1 binding and to partially decrease migration of EOC cells. CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the first completely human antibody able to interfere with this newly individuated cancer mechanism. Show more

Keywords: NCAM, single-chain variable fragment, phage display, FGFR1, epithelial ovarian cancer

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200431

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 63-84, 2021

Authors: El Allam, Aicha | El Fakihi, Sara | Tahoune, Hicham | Sahmoudi, Karima | Bousserhane, Houria | Bakri, Youssef | El Hafidi, Naima | Seghrouchni, Fouad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The number of circulating lymphocytes is altered in a number of diseases including either increase (lymphocytosis) or decrease (lymphocytopenia). Therefore, the assessment of total blood lymphocyte numbers and the relative distribution of lymphocyte subsets is a critical front-line tool in the clinical diagnosis of a number of diseases, including pediatric diseases and disorders. However, the interpretation of this data requires comparison of patient’s results to reliable reference values. Blood lymphocyte subpopulation numbers are also subject to genetic polymorphisms, immunogenic and environmental factors and vary greatly between populations. While the best practice reference values should be established within local representative populations …of healthy subjects, to date, Caucasian reference values are used in Morocco due to the absence of indigenous reference values. Potential differences in blood lymphocyte subpopulation reference values between Caucasian versus Moroccan populations can adversely affect the diagnosis of pediatric and childhood diseases and disorders such as primary immunodeficiency (PID) in Morocco. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the age-stratified normal reference values of blood lymphocyte subsets for the pediatric Moroccan population. METHODS: We measured the concentration of lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry from 83 Moroccan healthy subjects stratified into 5 age groups of 0–1, 1–2, 2–6, 6–12 and > 12–18 (adult). RESULTS: The absolute and relative amounts of the main lymphocyte subsets of T-cells, B cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells were measured and compared to previously described reference values from Cameroonian, Turkish, American and Dutch populations. Additionally, we also observed an age-related decline in the absolute population sizes of lymphocyte subsets within our study group. Relative proportions of CD3 + CD4 + helper T lymphocytes decreased with increasing age and by 12 years-adult age, both proportions of CD3 + CD4 + helper T lymphocytes and CD3 + CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes, as well as CD3 - CD19 + B lymphocytes were also decreased. Finally, we compared the median values and range of our Moroccan study group with that of published results from Cameroon, Turkey, USA and Netherlands and observed significant differences in median and mean values of absolute number and relative proportions of lymphocyte subsets especially at 0–1 years and 1–2 years age groups. Above age 12 years, the Moroccan values were lower. For NK cells, the Moroccan values are also lower. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have a significant impact in improving the threshold values of the references intervals routinely used in the diagnosis of paediatric diseases such as PIDs or mother-to-child transmitted HIV within the Moroccan population. Show more

Keywords: Primary immunodeficiency diseases, diagnosis, blood leucocytes, reference values, pediatric population

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200432

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 85-94, 2021

Authors: Khazaei, Hossein Ali | Naderi, Majid | Aliabad, Ghasem Miri | Tabatabaei, Seyed Mohammad Nasiraldin | Alidadi, Ali | Moulaei, Nezar Ali | Safdari, Mohammad | Nahvi, Hedayatollah | Cohan, Nader | Dehghan, Javid | Mehraban, Ahmad | Jalili, Arman | Khazaei, Amin | Khazaei, Ehsan | Khazaei, Bahman | Khazaei, Behnam | Rezaei, Nima | Salarzaie, Morteza | Soleimani, Gholamreza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the T helper (Th) to T cytotoxic (Tc) ratio in children suffering from type A hemophilia disease and to evaluate the correlation of this ratio with disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two mls of EDTA anti coagulated whole blood was collected. Immunophenotyping of lymphocytes count was carried out by FACS analysis using a double CD4 and CD8 kit. The mean ± SD of absolute numbers of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes/ml was calculated and the ratio of CD4/CD8 was evaluated by statistical method. …RESULTS: Among 80 type A hemophilia patients, 66 (82.5%) were male. The mean age was 15 ± 3.51 years. 12 (15%) of them were suffering from mild disease and 68 (85%) had sever disease. The CD4 /CD8 ratio was obtained between 0.45 and 1.44 with mean1.79 ± 0.78. The correlation between this ration and disease severity was 0.019. CONCLUSION: The results showed that CD4/CD8 ratio has correlation with disease severity in type A hemophilia patients, however there was no association between this ratio and gender. Show more

Keywords: CD4/CD8 ratio, hemophilia disease

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200434

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 95-99, 2021

Authors: Dangana, Amos | Abdullahi, Idris Nasir | Billyrose, Olusoji Matthew Adeyemi | Emeribe, Anthony Uchenna | Abu, Joel Monday | Anka, Abubakar Umar | Animasaun, Olawale Sunday | Ghamba, Peter Elisha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is the paucity of HTLV-1/-2 studies on Nigerian pregnant women despite the medical and public health significance of maternal-to-child transmission of HTLV-1/-2. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of HTLV-1/-2 infections among pregnant women attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Abuja, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from consented pregnant women and analysed for ant-HTLV-1/-2 total antibodies using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collate participants’ socio-demographic variables and risk factors of HTLV infection. …RESULTS: Out of the 156 pregnant women tested for HTLV-1/-2 antibodies, 16 (10.3%) were seropositive. There was no significant association between the socio-demographic variables collated and seroprevalence of HTLV-1/-2 infection among pregnant women (p > 0.05). Pregnant women with HIV infection had a lower prevalence of HLTV-1/-2 infection than those without HIV infections (7.5% versus 11.7%). Pregnant women with multiple sexual partners had a higher risk of HTLV-1/-2 infection than those who had single (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 0.53–8.18). Women with a history of needles injury had a higher risk of HTLV-1/-2 infection than those who do not (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.38–4.08). The history of blood transfusion was significantly associated with HTLV-1/-2 infection (p = 0.027). However, no significant association existed between other risk factors of HTLV-1/-2 infection among pregnant women (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Considering the 3% pooled national prevalence of HTLV-1/-2 infection in Nigeria, the seroprevalence reported in this study is relatively high. Thus, there is a need for more large cohort studies and routine screening of population at increased risk of infection. Show more

Keywords: Retroviruses, vertical transmission, serological survey, HTLV, maternal infection, Nigeria

DOI: 10.3233/HAB-200435

Citation: Human Antibodies, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 101-108, 2021