Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid-β plaques (Aβ). Despite ongoing research, some ambiguity remains surrounding the role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. While several studies have focused on the mutations associated with AD, our understanding of the epigenetic contributions to the disease remains less clear. To that end, we determined the changes in DNA methylation in differentiated human neurons with and without Aβ treatment. DNA was isolated from neurons treated with Aβ or vehicle, and the two samples were digested with either a methylation-sensitive (HpaII) or a methylation-insensitive (MspI) restriction endonuclease. The fragments were amplified and co-hybridized to a commercial promoter microarray. Data analysis revealed a subset of genomic loci that shows a significant change in DNA methylation following Aβ treatment in comparison to the control group. After mapping these loci to nearby genes, we discovered high enrichment for cell-fate genes that control apoptosis and neuronal differentiation. Finally, we incorporated three of those genes in a possible model suggesting the means by which Aβ contributes to the brain shrinkage and memory loss seen in AD.

Background: The use of immunosuppressive medications remains the most important challenge in renal transplantation because of the activation of many infections mainly viruses. The study was designed to evaluate the frequency of Torque teno virus (TTV) viremia among renal transplant recipients (RTR). Objective: To detect TTV in a sample of Iraqi RTR, and its association with renal functions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 80 serum samples collected from RTR and subjected for TTV detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Qualitative RT-PCR run gave positive results for TTV in 45 out of 80 (56.25%) RTR, the results showed non-significant association between TTV and allograft rejection (p=0.26). Conclusion: TTV seems not associated with post transplantation renal impairment and/or kidney rejection. Keywords: Torque teno virus, renal transplantation, RTR Citation: Taher NM, Hussein MR, Al-Obaidi AB, Kadhim HS. The possible role of Torque teno virus in kidney allograft recipients in a sample of Iraqi patients. Iraqi JMS. 2020; 18(2): 130-137. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.18.2.7