, , , , , Hekmatdoost A, Ghaziani T, Esteghamat F, Alavian Sm, Mohaghegh Shalmani H, Zali Mr: Research Center ,
Volume 28, Issue 3 (9-2004)
Abstract
Background: TT virus is a newly described DNA virus that was first detected in the blood of patients with elevated serum aminotransferases following transfusion who were tested negatively for all known hepatitis viruses. This study aimed to elucidate the significance of TTV infection in Iranian patients with autoimmune hepatitis.
Materials and methods: Sera from 90 patients with autoimmune hepatitis and 90 healthy controls were assayed for TTV DNA using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, demographic and paraclinical features of patients were evaluated.
Results: TTV DNA was detected in ten (11.1%) of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, versus four (4.4%) in control group, however, no significant difference was found between two groups (NS).
Conclusions: According to our results, although the prevalence of TTV positivity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis was more than the healthy control group, the difference did not reach statistical significance, thus, our data did not provide enough evidence for TTV as a pathogenic organism in autoimmune hepatitis.
Mohammadalizadeh Ah, Falahian F, Alavian Sm, Rahimi F, Hedayati M, Eini E, Zali Mr, Azizi F,
Volume 31, Issue 4 (7-2007)
Abstract
Background: TNF gene polymorphisms may influence hepatitis C virus activity. In the present study we surveyed TNF-α concentration in chronic hepatitis C patients and its association with hepatic fibrosis.
Materials and methods: We investigated the association between TNF-α level and inflammatory necrosis/fibrosis grading, meanwhile, TNF association was investigated with anthropometric indices (body mass index, waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, sex, age), biochemical indices (triglyceride, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, AST, ALT, insulin, peptide-c, INR) and also pathological findings.
Results: The study population included 50 males and 10 females with the mean age of 34.9±10.6 years. the mean TNF level was 31.13±30pg/ml. TNF was not associated with the following indices: age, sex, height, BMI, WHR, waist circumference, TG, cholesterol, FBS, HOMA-IR, insulin, peptide-c, INR, ferittin, transferrin, serum iron, steatosis and iron precipitate. However, TNF level was associated with drug abuse and alcohol (p<0.008, p<0.017). Based on logistic regression analysis, FBS, TG, iron level, peptide-c, height, total and indirect bilirubin were associated with TNF.
Conclusion: TNF-α level was associated with FBS, TG, serum iron, peptide-c, total and indirect bilirubin, height, drug abuse, and alcohol use, however, it was not associated with inflammatory necrosis/fibrosis grading.
