Abstract

Background and Objective: Hepatitis delta virus is an imperfect virus with RNA and its activity depends on the presence of hepatitis B virus. This virus can lead to acute and chronic diseases in the liver. This study aimed to detect the hepatitis delta virus in blood donors with positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (HBsAg).

Material and Methods: In this Study, 350 serum samples were obtained from the people infected with hepatitis B blood in Transfusion organization of Shahrekord city, Iran. After extracting RNA by RNA Plus kit and making cDNA, the samples were evaluated by using RT PCR.

Results: Of 350, two samples (0.57%) were infected by HDV.

Conclusion: Low prevalence of HDV infection shows that Hepatitis B is being controlled in Shahrekord.

Keywords: Hepatitis Delta Virus, Blood Donors, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objectives: Blood transfusion may induce some adverse effects on receivers. Some methods such as antibody screening and cross matching have been suggested to reduce the risk of transfusion complications. However, these methods require commercial antibody screening kits that may also need special equipment. The aim of this study was to introduce a new method for antibody screening that does not require a commercial kit, and could be used in any transfusion laboratory. 
       Methods: We examined 350 samples that contained alloantibody and 350 control samples without the antibody. A solution containing two O+ and one O- samples were used instead of screening cells.
      Results: Sensitivity and specificity of the method were 73.32% and 45.15%, respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 58.33% and 63.88%, respectively.
       Conclusion: Our new method can be used in basic hematology laboratories with some modifications.
      Keywords: Antibodies, Antigens, Coombs test.

ABSTRACT
             Background and Objectives: Aging is a multi-agent phenomenon due to prolonged inflammation and stress. CD33 or Siglec3 is a membrane receptor that acts against aging by inhibiting inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between CD33 copy number and lifespan of an Iranian population.
             Methods: The study included 50 individuals with cancer or Alzheimer's disease as the case group and 50 members of a family over 70 years old as the control group. Blood samples were collected and transferred to the laboratory. CD33 copy number was calculated using the QX100 Droplet Digital PCR system. A number of CD33 single-nucleotide polymorphisms including rs3865444, rs273634 and rs3852865 were genotyped using specific primers and the PCR method.
             Results: The mean number of CD33 copies among the case group (7.78) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than control group (12.72). In the case group, the mean number of CD33 copies was 7.83 among men and 7.73 among women. In the control group, the mean number of CD33 copies was 12.73 among men and 12.71 among women.
             Conclusion: CD33rSiglecs counteract random molecular damage, which is the main driver of aging. Therefore, the CD33rSiglec gene number may be correlated with longevity. Our results indicate that there may be a link between reduced CD33rSiglec copy number and development of diseases.
             Keywords: Gene Copy Number, Siglec-3, CD33 Antigens, Cancer.