BACKGROUND: The Kell blood group system is clinically important in transfusion medicine, particularly in patients with antibodies specific to Kell antigens. To date, genetic variations of the Kell metallo-endopeptidase (KEL) gene among Thai populations remain unknown OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the frequencies of KEL*03 and KEL*04 alleles among Thai blood donors using an in-house polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) method. METHODS: Blood samples obtained from 805 unrelated central Thai blood donors at a blood bank in Pathumthani, Thailand, from March 2023 to June 2023, were typed for Kpª and Kp b antigens using the column agglutination test, and the results for 400 samples were confirmed using DNA sequencing. A PCR-SSP method was developed to detect the KEL*03 and KEL*04 alleles, and genotyping results were validated using known DNA controls. DNA samples obtained from Thai donors in central (n = 2529), northern (n = 300), and southern (n = 427) Thailand were also genotyped using PCR-SSP for comparison. RESULTS: All 805 (100%) donors had the Kp(a−b+) phenotype. The PCR-SSP genotyping results agreed with the column agglutination test and DNA sequencing. All 3256 Thai blood donors had the homozygous KEL*04/KEL*04 genotype. Frequencies of the KEL*03 and KEL*04 alleles among Thai donors differed significantly from those of Japanese, Native American, South African, Brazilian, Swiss, and German populations. CONCLUSION: This study found a 100% KEL*04 allele frequency in three Thai populations. These data could provide information on KEL*03 and KEL*04 allele frequencies to estimate the risk of alloimmunisation in Thai populations What this study adds: This study demonstrates that in-house PCR-SSP can be used to determine KEL*03 and KEL*04 alleles to predict Kpª and Kp b antigens. Even though only homozygous KEL*04/KEL*04 genotypes were found among Thai donor populations, the established PCR-SSP method may be useful for estimating the risk of alloimmunisation in other populations.

Abstract Background The diagnostic and prognostic relevance of Human Leukocyte Antigen B-27 (HLA-B27) in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is undeniable, with 70% of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) patients carrying the B27 gene, contrasted with a mere 4.35% in the general population. Flow cytometry (FC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have emerged as the predominant techniques for routine HLA-B27 typing. While various studies have compared these methods, none have catered to the unique characteristics of the Brazilian demographic. Therefore, this research aims to compare FC and PCR in a Brazilian cohort diagnosed with AxSpA. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 62 AxSpA outpatients from a Brazilian University Hospital. Both FC and PCR-SSP assays were utilized to ascertain HLA-B27 typing. The outcomes (either confirming or refuting the allele’s presence) underwent rigorous scrutiny. Agreement between the methodologies was assessed using the kappa statistic. A p-value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results Of the participants, 90.3% (n= 56) were HLA-B27 positive according to FC, while 79% (n= 49) were identified as positive using the PCR method. FC exhibited a sensitivity rate of 98% paired with a specificity of 38.5%. The Positive Predictive Value for FC stood at 85.7%, and the Negative Predictive Value was 83.5%. Consequently, the overall accuracy of the FC method was gauged at 85.5%. A kappa coefficient of κ = 0.454 was derived. Conclusions FC demonstrated noteworthy sensitivity and satisfactory accuracy in HLA-B27 detection, albeit with a reduced specificity when contrasted with PCR-SSP. Nevertheless, given its cost-effectiveness and streamlined operation relative to PCR, FC remains a pragmatic option for preliminary screening in clinical practice, especially in low-income regions. To optimize resource allocation, we advocate for a refined algorithm that initiates by assessing the relevance of HLA-B27 typing based on Choosing Wisely recommendations. It then leans on FC, and, if results are negative yet clinical suspicion persists, advances to PCR. This approach aims to balance diagnostic accuracy and financial prudence, particularly in regions contending with escalating medical costs. B 27 B-2 HLAB27 HLAB HLA (HLA-B27 (AxSpA undeniable 70 AS (AS B2 gene 435 4 35 4.35 population (FC (PCR HLA-B2 methods demographic Therefore crosssectional cross sectional 6 Hospital PCRSSP SSP either alleles allele s presence scrutiny statistic pvalue p value 005 0 05 0.0 significant participants 903 90 3 90.3 n= n (n 56 79 49 98 385 38 5 38.5% 857 85 7 85.7% 835 83 83.5% Consequently 855 85.5% 0454 454 0.45 derived detection PCRSSP. SSP. Nevertheless costeffectiveness cost effectiveness practice lowincome low income allocation recommendations persists prudence costs 2 B- HLAB2 (HLA-B2 43 4.3 HLA-B 00 0. 9 90. 38.5 8 85.7 83.5 85.5 045 45 0.4 (HLA-B 4. 38. 85. 83. 04

ABSTRACT Introduction: Beta-thalassemia major patients need a regular blood transfusion to have an initial normal growth. However, these patients have an increased risk of developing alloantibodies. Our main goal was to study HLA alloimmunization in Moroccan Beta-thalassemia patients by confronting it with transfusion and demographic criteria, exploring the involvement of HLA typing profile in the development of HLA antibodies and in turn determining risk factors for their development. Methods: The study consisted of 53 Moroccan pediatric patients with Beta-thalassemia major. Screening for HLA alloantibodies was performed using Luminex technology Whereas HLA genotyping was done with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). Results: In this study, 50.9% of patients have been identified as positive for HLA antibodies, with 59.3% having both HLA Class I and Class II antibodies. A significant increase frequency of DRB1*11 allele was revealed in non-immunized patients (34.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). Our results also revealed that the majority of our HLA immunized patients were women (72.4% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.001), and transfused with more than 300 units of RBC units (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.02). There were statistically significant differences when comparing these frequencies. Conclusions: This paper revealed that the transfusion dependent Beta-thalassemia major patients are exposed to risk of developing HLA antibodies following transfusions with leukoreduced RBC units. The HLA DRB1*11 was a protective factor against HLA alloimmunization in our beta-thalassemia major patients. Introduction Betathalassemia Beta thalassemia growth However criteria Methods 5 sequencespecific sequence specific PCRSSP. PCRSSP PCR SSP . (PCR-SSP) Results 509 50 9 50.9 593 59 3 59.3 DRB111 DRB DRB1 11 DRB1*1 nonimmunized non 34.6% 346 34 6 (34.6 vs 0 0% 0.001. 0001 0.001 001 0.001) 72.4% 724 72 4 (72.4 276 27 27.6% 0.001, , 30 66.7% 667 66 7 (66.7 333 33 33.3% 0.02. 002 0.02 02 0.02) frequencies Conclusions betathalassemia beta (PCR-SSP 50. 59. DRB11 1 DRB1* 34.6 (34. 000 0.00 00 72.4 (72. 2 27.6 66.7 (66. 33.3 0.0 34. (34 72. (72 27. 66. (66 33. 0. (3 (7 (6 (

ABSTRACT Immunogenetics research provides information on genetic markers associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), you can then observe certain risk factors or protection to the disease in a given population. To determine the genetic association between polymorphisms ofthe Major Histocompatibility Complex loci represented by the HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 with susceptibility to SLE. METHODOLOGY: We worked with 85 lupus patients and 85 patients without the disease; Human DNA was obtained from peripheral blood, PCR-SSP low and high resolution molecularly performed to establish the loci HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1. Allele frequencies, which were associated with both samples using the Odds Ratio at a level of significance of 5% were determined. RESULTS: Results of PCR-SSP low-resolution HLA show that no predisposing allele plays a role, we observed that HLA-DRB1*04 allele has a protective role OR=0.49 (p=0.03). The PCR-SSP results of high resolution show that the HLA-DRB1*03:01 alleles (OR=18.3; p=0.007), DRB1*04:04 (OR=4.2; p=0.009), DRB1*09:01 (OR=18.3; p=0.007), HLA-DQB1*03:03 (OR=18.8; p=0.006) and DQB1 *02:01 (OR=21.2; p=0.003) are risk factors. We demonstrated that HLA-DRB1 *08:02 alleles (OR=0.42; p=0.003) and HLA-DQB 1*04:02 (OR=0.50; p=0.02) are ofa protective nature. CONCLUSIONS: The alleles representing LES risk in the study sample are HLA-DRB1*03:01, *04:04, *09:01 and HLA-DQB1*03:03, *02:01. The alleles having a protective character to the disease are HLA-DRB 1 *08:02 and HLA-DQB1 *04:02.

RESUMEN La investigación en Inmunogenética brinda información acerca de marcadores genéticos asociados con enfermedades autoinmunes, como el Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES), se puede observar entonces ciertos factores de riesgo o protección hacia la enfermedad en una población determinada. OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación genética entre los polimorfismos del Complejo Principal de Histocompatibilidad (CPH) representados por los loci HLA-DRB1 y HLA-DQB1 con la susceptibilidad a LES. METODOLOGÍA: Se trabajó con 85 pacientes lúpicos y 85 pacientes sin la enfermedad; se obtuvo DNA humano a partir de sangre periférica, se realizó un PCR-SSP de baja y alta resolución para tipificar molecularmente a los loci HLA-DRB1 y HLA-DQB1. Se determinó las frecuencias alélicas, las cuales fueron asociadas con ambas muestras mediante el uso del Odds Ratio, a un nivel de significancia del 5 %. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del PCR-SSP de baja resolución muestran que ningún alelo HLA tiene un rol predisponente, se observó que el alelo HLA-DRB1*04 presenta un rol protector OR=0,49 (p=0,03). Los resultados por PCR-SSP de alta resolución muestran que los alelos HLA-DRB1*03:01 (OR=18,3; p=0,007), DRB1*04:04 (OR=4,2; p=0,009), DRB1*09:01 (OR=18,3; p=0,007), HLA-DQB1*03:03 (OR=18,8; p=0,006) y DQB1*02:01 (OR=21,2; p=0,003) son factores de riesgo. Se evidenció que los alelos HLA-DRB1*08:02 (OR=0,42; p=0,003) y HLA-DQB1*04:02 (OR=0,50; p=0,02) son de carácter protector. CONCLUSIONES: Los alelos que representan riesgo de padecer LES en la muestra estudiada son HLA-DRB1*03:01, 04:04, 09:01 y HLA-DQB1*03:03, 02:01. Los alelos que tiene un carácter protector a la enfermedad son HLA-DRB1*08:02 y HLA-DQB1*04:02.

Backgound and aim: There are some common genetic features between celiac disease (CD) and diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM). However, the genetic risk factors have not been fully clarified for CD and the co-occurrence of CD and DM. KIR (killer immunoglobulin-like receptor) genes regulate the cytolitic activity of NK-cells and T lymphocytes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of KIR genes, KIR ligands, and combinations of KIR/KIR ligands on the genetic predisposition to CD and co-occurrence of CD and DM. Material and methods: Forty six patients with CD (n = 46), 20 patients with CD+DM (n = 20), and 60 healthy controls (n = 60) were included in this study. KIR genes and KIR ligands were investigated with PCR-ssOP and PCR-ssP in all subjects, respectively. Results: This study showed that while the telomeric KIR genes (2DS5 and 3DS1), and combinations of 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Thr- and 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Iso- (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively) were observed more frequently in patients with CD than in controls, the 2DS5, 3DS1 KIR genes, C1 ligand, and combinations of 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Thr- and 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Iso- (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, p = 0.036, p < 0.001, and p = 0.007, respectively) were observed more frequently in patients with CD+DM than in controls. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that some KIR genes, KIR ligands, and KIR/KIR ligand interactions may be responsible for a predisposition to CD and the coexistence of CD and DM. For development of coexisting CD and DM, the 2DS5 and 3DS1 genes, C1 ligand, and combinations of 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Thr- and 3DS1+HLA-BBw4-Iso- were found to be risk factors.

Introducción: La asociación del HLA-B27 y las Espondiloartritis, ha hecho evidente que la tipificación del HLA-B27 sea considerada como un apoyo en el diagnóstico de estas enfermedades. Los métodos más empleados para la determinación del antígeno HLA-B27 en los laboratorios clínicos y en investigación son: la microlinfocitotoxicidad (MCTX), la citometría de flujo digital (CMFd), la citometría de flujo análoga (CMFa) y la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con primers de secuencia específicos (PCR-SSP). Objetivo: Comparar MCTX con la CMFd, la CMFa con la CMFd, y la técnica de CMFd frente a PCR-SSP. Métodos: Se analizaron 4109 solicitudes de HLA-B27 en población con manifestaciones sugestivas de EAS remitidas entre 2009 y 2012 al Hospital Militar Central y al Instituto de Referencia Andino. Se evaluaron las frecuencias obtenidas por Chi cuadrado (X2); para estimar la concordancia metodológica se utilizó el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (CCI). Los análisis se realizaron con el paquete estadístico SPSS V18. Resultados: Al evaluar 467 datos por la técnica de CMFa frente a PCR-SSP, la CMFa mostró 239 resultados entre positivos y en rango indeterminado, de los cuales, luego de ser confirmados PCRSSP, solo 213 demostraron la expresión de HLA-B27 (p<0.05). Se obtuvieron 208 resultados realizados por CMFd y PCR-SSP simultáneamente, observándose una alta correspondencia entre estas técnicas (p<0.05). Para evaluar la concordancia entre la MCTX y CMFd se analizaron 34 datos, revelando un 100% de correspondencia entre esta dos metodologías (CCI=1,p<0.05). Conclusión: La citometría de flujo digital es un método rápido que presenta un desempeño altamente confiable para la identificación de HLA-B27, resultados que se recomiendan confirmar por PCR SSP.

Introduction: The association between HLA-B27 and spondyloarthritis has made clear the fact that identification of HLA-B27 antigen is considered as a support in the diagnosis of these diseases. The most commonly used methods for determination of the HLA-B27 antigen in clinical laboratories as well as in their research, are microlymphocytotoxicity (MCTX), digital flow cytometry (CMFd), analogous flow cytometry (CMFa) and the Single Specific Primer-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCRSSP). Objective: compare the CMFd against MCTX, CMFa against CMFd and CMFd against PCR-SSP. Methods: 4109 requests for HLA-B27 were analyzed with manifestations suggestive of SpA submitted between 2009 and 2012 at Hospital Militar Central and Instituto de Referencia Andino. To analyze the frequencies Chi square (X2) was evaluated; to estimate the methodological concordance the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. All proposed analyzes were performed with SPSS V18. Results: 467 data obtained by CMFa versus PCR-SSP evaluated the CMFA showed 239 results between positive and indeterminate range, which, after being confirmed by molecular biology (PCRSSP), only 213 showed the expression of HLA-B27 (p <0.05). PCR-SSP and CMFd performed 208 results simultaneously, showing a high correlation between these techniques (p <0.05). To evaluate the correlation between CMFd and MCTX, 34 data were analyzed, revealing a 100% match on the positive results from these two methodologies (ICC = 1, p <0.05). Conclusion: The digital flow cytometry is a rapid method that presents a highly reliable for the initial identification of HLA-B27; results confirmed by PCR SSP recommend performance.

Introdução: a associação do HLA-B27 e as Espondilartrite, evidenciou que a tipificação do HLAB27 seja considerada como um suporte no diagnóstico dessas doenças. Os métodos mais usados para a determinação do antígeno HLA-B27 nos laboratórios clínicos e no investigação são: a microlinphocitotoxicity (MCTX), a citometria de fluxo digital (CMFd), a citometria de fluxo análoga (CMFa) e a reação em cadeia de a polimerasa com primers de sequência específicos (PCR-SSP). Objetivo: Comparar MCTX com a CMFd, a CMFa com a CMFd, e a técnica de CMFd com PCRSSP. Métodos: 4109 solicitudes de HLA-B27 em população com manifestações sugestivas de EAS remitidas entre 2009 e 2012 ao Hospital Militar e ao Instituto de Referencia Andino, foram analisadas. Avaliaram-se as frequências obtidas por Chi quadrado (X2); para estimar a concordância metodológica foi utilizado o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). Os análises estão feitos com o paquete estadístico SPSS V18. Resultados: A CMFa mostrou 239 resultados entre positivos e em rango indeterminado quando avaliou-se 467 dados com a técnica de CMFa com PCR-SSP. Só 213 deles demostraram a expressão de HLA-27 (p<0.05), depois de ser confirmados PCR-SSP. Foram obtidos 208 resultados por CMFd y PCR-SSP em simultâneo, com uma alta correspondência entre estas técnicas (p<0.05). Para avaliar a concordância entre MCTX y CMFd analisaram-se 34 dados, revelando um 100% de correspondência entre as duas metodologias (CCI=, p<0.05). Conclusão: A citometria de fluxo é um método rápido que tem um desempeno muito confiável para a identificação de HLA-B27, resultados recomendados para confirmar por PCR SSP.

Objetivos: Identificar biomarcadores de susceptibilidad para AIJ poliarticular y AR de instalación temprana por estudio del polimorfismos de MHC/HLA-DRB1* y PTPN22. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles con una relación 1:2. Todos los sujetos de investigación y los controles provinieron de una corta anidada perteneciente a un proyecto institucional; 30 pacientes con AIJ y 30 con AR de instalación temprana. Como controles se estudiaron 60 individuos sanos. El ADN se obtuvo por salting out modificado. La tipificación de los alelos MHC/DRB1* se realizó por PCR-SSP y en el polimorfismo (C1858T) del sistema PTPN22 se utilizó PCR-RTq. Resultados: Para AIJ Poliarticular, el alelo DRB1*0404 se asoció con susceptibilidad (OR=10.82; p<0.05), en el grupo con AR de instalación temprana, DRB1*0101 se mostró como marcador de susceptibilidad (OR=4.04; p<0.05). Se destaca que el alelo HLA-DRB1*0701 aparece como marcador protector para ambas patologías (OR=0,15; p<0,05). El polimorfismo del SNP (C1858T) PTPN22 no se asoció con AIJ Poliarticular. En contraste, en AR de instalación temprana, el Alelo CC se asoció con protección p<0.05. En el mismo grupo, CT/TT se mostró como un marcador de susceptibilidad <0.05. El análisis de la secuencia aminoacídica 70QRRAA74 del epítope compartido se asoció con susceptibilidad para ambas entidades (p<0.05) y la secuencia 70DRRGQ74 con protección en ambos grupos de pacientes (p<0.05). Conclusión: Se destaca que en la asociación con la secuencia del epítope compartido, la ubicación del tipo de aminoácido y posición del mismo define probable asociación como marcador molecular de susceptibilidad en ambas entidades. Los polimorfismos compartidos sugieren un origen genético común para ambas entidades.

Objectives: To identify polymorphisms of MHCIHLA-DRB1* and PTPN22 systems as a genetic biomarker of susceptibility to JIA poliarticular and early installation RA. Material and methods; This was a pilot case control study with a relation of 1:2. Patients and control individuals involved in this study were selected from a nested cohort from an institutional previous RAIJIA project. The sample was represented by thirty patients with JIA and 30 diagnosed with early installation RA. Sixty unrelated healthy individuals were involved as a control DNA Isolation was obtained by a modified salting out technique. The oligotyping of the MHCIDRB1* alleles was performed by PCR-SSP and the typing of the PTPN22 polymorphism was done by RT-PCR. Results: The DRB1*0404 allele was associated with susceptibility to JIA(OR=10.82, P<0.05). In the early installation RA group the DRB1*0101 allele was showed as a marker of susceptibility to JIA patients (OR=4.04, P<0.05). It is noteworthy that the HLA-DRB1*0701 appears as a possible protective marker for both diseases (OR=015, p<0.05). The polymorphism of (C1858T)PTPN22 was not associated with poliarticular JIA. In contrast, in the early installation RA group of patients, the CC PTPN22 polymorphism was found to be as a protective marker (p<0.05). On the other hand, the amino acid sequence 70QRRAA74 of the share epitope was a marker for susceptibility to both entities (p<0.05) By contrast, the sequence 70DRRGQ74 of the same epitope was showed as a possible marker for protection on both entities (p<0.05.). Conclusion: The model that was used for searching association between the shared epitope -region 70-74 of the DRB1* alleles and these two entities showed the importance of the location and also the type of amino acid in those positions. The polymorphisms found as molecular markers of susceptibility for both entities suggested a common origin and could suggest its probable roll as a molecular marker of susceptibility.

Introduction: Several factors suggest a genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis, namely the recognition of race as a risk factor and the occurrence of familial clustering of cases. Several studies have reported an association of sarcoidosis and HLA class I and especially class II alleles in different populations. Aim: HLA class I, class II and TNF-á genotyping in a group of sarcoidosis patients and its relation with clinical presentation and outcome. Material and methods: A total of 104 sarcoidosis patients were included. Clinical presentation, functional, radiology, BAL findings and organ involvement were studied. HLA- A*, -B*, -C*, DRB1*, DQB1* and TNF-á were genotyped by molecular biology methods. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and PCR-SSP and PCR-reverse hybridisation methods were used. Allele frequencies were compared with controls from the same region. The X2 test was used for discrete values and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous values. Results: When patients were compared with controls we noticed increased frequencies of B*08 (10.6% vs. 6.1%), O.R.=1.8, C.I.=[1.1;3.1], p=0.02; DRB1*12 (4.3% vs. 1.7%), O.R.=2.63, C.I.=[1.1;6.1], p=0.03. Patients with erythema nodosum have increased frequencies of the alleles DRB1*03 (28% vs. 9.3%), R.R.=2.39, C.I.=[1.5;3.8], pc=0.01 and DQB1*02 (38% vs. 18%), R.R.=2.1, C.I.=[1.3;3.3], pc=0.02. Allele DQB1*03 is decreased in patients with obstructive pattern R.R.=0.53, C.I.=[0.3;0.9], pc=0.05. Allele DRB1*15 is related to restrictive pattern and reduced diffusion capacity (21.1% vs. 6.6%), R.R.=2.46, C.I.=[1.35;4.48], p=0.01 and (18.1% vs. 3.8%), R.R.=1.87, pc= 0.05 respectively. The TNF-á A/A (high) genotype is significantly associated with erythema nodosum (p=0.04). Conclusions: These data add support to the genetic association of HLA class I and II with sarcoidosis in terms of susceptibility, type of presentation, severity and outcome. Moreover as previously described in other populations, the TNF-á A/A (high) genotype has a significant association with erythema nodosum.

Introdução: A susceptibilidade genética na ocorrência da sarcoidose é sugerida por alguns factores, nomeadamente pela observação de casos de agregação familiar e a associação da raça a diferentes tipos de incidência e gravidade da doença. Vários estudos têm evidenciado a associação da classe I e especialmente da classe II do sistema HLA com a susceptibilidade à sarcoidose. Objectivos: Estudo dos polimorfismos genéticos da classe I e II do sistema HLA e do TNF -á num grupo de doentes com sarcoidose, nomeadamente a sua influência na susceptibilidade, apresentação clínica e evolução da doença. Material e métodos: Foram incluídos 104 doentes com sarcoidose, tendo sido estudadas a apresentação clínica, funcional, radiológica e os resultados do LBA. Foram usados métodos de biologia molecular na genotipagem do HLA -A*, B*, C*, DRB1*, DQB1* e TNF -á. O ADN foi extraído do sangue periférico e foram usados os métodos PCR -SSP e PCR -reverse hibridization. As frequências alélicas foram comparadas com controlos da mesma região geográfica pelo teste ÷2, sendo usado o teste Kruskal -Wallis para variáveis contínuas. Resultados: Comparativamente com os controlos, os doentes incluídos apresentavam frequências aumentadas de: B*08 (10,6% vs 6,1%), OR=1,8, IC=[1,1;3,1], p=0,02; DRB1*12 (4,3% vs 1,7%), OR=2,63, IC=[1,1;6,1], p=0,03. Os doentes com eritema nodoso apresentaram aumento das frequências alélicas de DRB1*03 (28% vs 9,3%), RR=2,39, IC=[1,5;3,8], pc=0,01 e DQB1*02 (38% vs 18%), RR=2,1, IC=[1,3;3,3], pc=0,02. O alelo DQB1*03 está diminuído nos doentes que apresentam síndroma ventilatória obstrutiva, RR=0,53, IC=[0,3;0,9],pc=0,05. O alelo DRB1*15 encontra -se significativamente associado quer à síndroma ventilatória restritiva quer à diminuição da transferência alveolocapilar (21,1% vs 6,6%), RR=2,46, IC=[1,35;4,48], p=0,01 e (18,1% vs 3,8%), RR=1,87, pc=0,05, respectivamente. Por sua vez, o genótipo A/A (high) do TNF -á apresentou uma frequência aumentada (p=0,04) nos doentes com eritema nodoso. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos adicionam evidência ao facto de, quer a classe I quer a classe II do sistema HLA influenciarem a susceptibilidade, o tipo de apresentação, o grau de gravidade e a evolução na sarcoidose. Por outro lado, o eritema nodoso parece relacionar -se com o genótipo de elevada produção de TNF -á, associação esta já anteriormente descrita.

Introducción. La caracterización genética del sistema HLA es de gran utilidad en estudios antropogenéticos, en la comprensión de mecanismos asociados a susceptibilidad o resistencia a diversas enfermedades, en los fenómenos inmunológicos durante el embarazo y en la selección de donantes/receptores en trasplantes de órganos. Objetivo. Determinar las frecuencias alélicas, genotípicas y haplotípicas HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 en donantes fallecidos en Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 926 donantes entre febrero de 1989 y septiembre de 2006, a los cuales se les realizó la tipificación HLA-A, -B, -DRB1 por PCR-SSP (single specific primer-polymerase chain reaction) de mediana resolución. Las frecuencias alélicas, genotípicas y haplotípicas fueron estimadas mediante el algoritmo de máxima verosimilitud. Se evaluó el ajuste al equilibrio de Hardy-Weimberg por una prueba exacta análoga a la de Fisher usando la cadena de Markov, así como el desequilibrio de ligamiento entre pares de loci. Resultados. Se identificaron 22, 43 y 14 alelos para los loci HLA-A, -B, -DRB, respectivamente, de los cuales los más frecuentes fueron: A*02, A*24, B*35 y DRB1*04. En los loci HLA-A y -B se observó deficiencia en la frecuencia de heterocigóticos esperada (p<0,01 y p<0,00001, respectivamente). Los haplotipos más frecuentes fueron HLA-A*24, B*35 (7,7%), HLA-B*35 DRB1*04 (6,4%) y HLA-A*24, DRB1*04 (8,9%) para HLA-A, -DRB1, y para 3 loci fueron HLA-A*24, B*35, DRB1*04 (4,6%) y HLA-A*24, B*61, DRB1*04 (2,0%). Conclusiones. Estos resultados corroboran la composición triétnica de nuestra población, en la cual predomina el grado de mezcla caucásica, a diferencia de otras latinoamericanas, y podrán ser usados como referencia para otros estudios y aplicaciones en esta población.

Introduction. Genetic characterization of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system has provided insights into mechanisms of susceptibility to diverse diseases and immunological phenomena during pregnancy, as well as providing evidence for compatibility in the selection of organ transplant donors and recipients. Objective. The HLA-A,-B,-DRB1 allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were determined in deceased organ donors in Medellín, Colombia. Materials and methods. The genotypes of 926 deceased donors were evaluated over a 17-year period (1989- 2006). HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 typing was performed by sequence specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR). Maximum likelihood frequencies were estimated by the zipper version of expectation maximation algorithm. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were determined by an exact test analogous to Fisher’s test by using Markov’s chain, and linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci. Results. Twenty-two, 43 and 14 alleles were identified for HLA-A, -B and -DRB loci, respectively. The most frequent were A*02, A*24, B*35, and DRB1*04. A deficiency in the proportion of heterozygotes in HLA-A and B loci (p<0.01 and p<0.00001, respectively). The most frequent haplotypes were as follows: HLA-A*24, B*35 (7.7%) for HLA-A,-B; HLA-B*35, DRB1*04 (6.4%) for HLA-B,-DRB1 and HLA-A*24, DRB1*04 (8.9%) for HLA-A,-DRB1. For the 3 loci HLA-A,-B,-DRB1, the most frequent haplotypes were A*24, B*35, DRB1*04 (4.6%) and A*24, B*61, DRB1*04 (2.0%). Conclusions. These results confirm the three-ethnic ancestry of the Medellin population. The predominance of Caucasian admixture differs from many other Latin-American populations and can serve as a reference for comparative studies of these populations as well as applications within the Medellin population.

Objective: To perform a descriptive study of the activity of the Bank of marrow donors from Murcia Region. Subjects and methods: All donors in the Bank of bone marrow from 1994 until 2004 (n=3137). This study analysed the number of donors, their origin and, performed donor searches activity. Donors were typed by serological microlymphocytotoxicity and molecular PCR-SSO and PCR-SSP techniques. Results: The Bank of bone marrow has 3,137 voluntary donors typed in low- and high-resolution. A total of 680 donor searches have been realized. The origin of the donors according to several Areas of Health in which the Autonomous Community of Murcia is divided, is the following one: Area I (28%), Area II (18 %), Area III (23 %), Area IV (6 %), Area VI (10 %) and other provinces (12%). Conclusions: An increase is observed in the number of annual donors as well as an increase very marked of donor searches that are realized every year, especially in 2004.

Objetivo: Realizar un estudio descriptivo de la actividad del banco y registro de donantes de médula ósea de la región de Murcia. Sujetos y método: Constituido por los donantes disponibles en el Banco de médula desde 1994 hasta 2004 (n = 3137). El estudio consiste en un análisis del número de donantes, su procedencia y, las búsquedas realizadas. Los donantes se tiparon por técnicas serológicas de microlinfocitoxicidad, y moleculares de PCR-SSO y -SSP. Resultados: El banco dispone de 3.137 donantes voluntarios tipados en baja y alta resolución, realizando un total de 680 búsquedas de donante. La procedencia de los donantes según las áreas de salud en que esta dividida la Comunidad de Murcia fue: área I (28%), área II (18%), área III (23%), área IV (6%), área VI (10%) y otras provincias (12%). Conclusiones: Observamos un aumento exponencial del número de donantes anuales, así como un aumento muy notable de las búsquedas por año, especialmente el 2004.

Uma análise do perfil dos antígenos HLA de classe II numa amostra da população de São Paulo é descrita neste trabalho. Os dados foram obtidos através de técnicas de amplificação gênica utilizando-se iniciadores seqüências-específicos para HLA-DRB (PCR-SSP) ou amplificação gênica seguida de hibridação com oligonucleotídeos específicos (PCR-SSOP) para HLA-DQA e DQB. Foram calculadas as freqüências gênicas e as freqüências haplotípicas DRB-DQB e DQA-DQB e a população mostrou estar em equilíbrio genético de acordo com a lei de Hardy-Weinberg. Finalmente, comparamos também os dados obtidos com os da população de Porto Velho, Rondônia, salientando a importância da obtenção de dados regionais para os controles quando se estuda este complexo sistema genético.

In the present paper we show data obtained from a normal population with a racially mixed profile typical of the city of São Paulo, State of São Paulo. Data were generated with polymerase chain reaction using sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) for HLA-DRB and polymerase chain reaction followed by hybridization with sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSO) for HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 loci. HLA-DRB, DQA1, DQB1 and haplotype frequencies as well as common linkage disequilibria were found. This population was also shown to be in genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy-Weinberg law. HLA-DR typing of a normal sample from the city of Porto Velho, State of Rondonia, highlighted the importance of different sets of HLA profiles found in other regions of the country. This database provides essential information for screening studies of disease associations, forensic analyses and transplants.

Six hundred million people are at risk of infection by Schistosoma mansoni. MHC haplotypes have been reported to segregate with susceptibility to schistosomiasis in murine models. In humans, a major gene related to susceptibility/resistance to infection by S. mansoni (SM1) and displaying the mean fecal egg count as phenotype was detected by segregation analysis. This gene displayed a codominant mode of inheritance with an estimated frequency of 0.20-0.25 for the deleterious allele and accounted for more than 50% of the variance of infection levels. To determine if the SM1 gene segregates with the human MHC chromosomal region, we performed a linkage study by the lod score method. We typed for HLA-A, B, C, DR and DQ antigens in 11 informative families from an endemic area for schistosomiasis in Bahia, Brazil, by the microlymphocytotoxicity technique. HLA-DR typing by the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) and HLA-DQ were confirmed by PCR-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP). The lod scores for the different <FONT FACE="Symbol">q</font> values obtained clearly indicate that there is no physical linkage between HLA and SM1 genes. Thus, susceptibility or resistance to schistosomiasis, as defined by mean fecal egg count, is not primarily dependent on the host's HLA profile. However, if the HLA molecule plays an important role in specific immune responses to S. mansoni, this may involve the development of the different clinical aspects of the disease such as granuloma formation and development of hepatosplenomegaly.