RESUMO Antecedentes: A predisposição genética para a esclerose múltipla (EM) está associada a alelos HLA, principalmente o HLA-DRB1*15:01. Objetivo: Identificar associações entre lesões na ressonância magnética e características genéticas em uma coorte brasileira de pacientes com EM. Métodos: Estudamos retrospectivamente os dados de 95 pacientes consecutivos com EM. Dois observadores independentes que desconheciam os dados clínicos identificaram “black holes” e lesões realçadas pelo contraste nas sequências de ressonância magnética T1 e contaram e mediram as lesões nas sequências T2 e FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery). Os casos foram classificados de acordo com tamanho, número e volume da lesão. Os alelos HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1 e HLA-DQA1 e os polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único rs4774, rs3087456, rs6897932, rs731236 e rs1033182 foram identificados por amplificação de reação em cadeia da polimerase com iniciadores específicos de sequência usando o kit One Lambda Inc., Canoga Park, CA, EUA. Resultados: Os pacientes com alelo HLA-DQA1*04:01 apresentaram carga de lesão (ajustada para idade, sexo e duração da EM) acima da mediana em comparação com outros pacientes com demais alelos HLA-DQA1 (p=0,02). Não houve diferenças entre todos os outros alelos HLA e polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único e carga lesional. Conclusões: A correlação do alelo HLA-DQA1*04:01 com maior carga de lesão nas sequências de RM em T2 sugere que a presença desse alelo pode estar associada ao risco de maior gravidade da EM.

ABSTRACT Background: The genetic predisposition to multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with HLA alleles, especially HLA-DRB1*15:01. Objective: To identify associations between findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and genetic features in a Brazilian cohort of patients with MS. Methods: We retrospectively studied data from 95 consecutive patients with MS. Two independent observers who were blinded to the clinical data identified black holes and enhanced lesions on T1 MRI sequences, and counted and measured contrast-enhanced lesions on T2 and Flair (fluid attenuation inversion recovery) sequences. Cases were classified according to lesion size, number, and volume. The HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DQA1 alleles, and the rs4774, rs3087456, rs6897932, rs731236, and rs1033182 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers using the One Lambda Inc. Kit, Canoga Park, CA, USA. Results: Patients with the HLA-DQA1*04:01 allele had lesion load (adjusted for age, sex, and MS duration) above median compared with patients with other HLA-DQA1 alleles (p=0.02). There were no differences among all the other HLA alleles and single nucleotide polymorphisms and lesion load. Conclusions: The correlation of the HLA-DQA1*04:01 allele with a higher lesion load on T2/Flair MRI sequences suggests that the presence of this allele is associated with the risk of greater MS severity.

ABSTRACT: Background: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome is a severe disease with autoimmune etiology. It manifests with bilateral panuveitis and can affect the nervous and auditory system, as well as the skin. The influence of genetic factors on the expression of VKH has been evidenced in multiple studies. It has a poor visual prognosis if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Having biomarkers of genetic susceptibility could be of great help. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical spectrum and determine genetic biomarkers of susceptibility in VKH disease. Methodology: Case-control study of genetic susceptibility for VKH. Clinical data was registered and HLA DRB1 genotyping of cases and controls was performed. Results: 21 patients with VKH were included for the clinical registry, 16 of these were enrolled for HLA-DRB1 genotyping. Thirty two healthy controls were included. Most patients were female (81%,) average age 35 years, the clinical forms were: Probable VKH 10 (47.6%) and Incomplete VKH 10 (47.6%), Complete VKH 1 case (4.7%). Genotyping: alleles of the HLA DRB1*02 group were present in 5 of the 16 patients (31%) (p0.004) and absent in the controls, no relationship with specific alleles was found. The most frequent allele was HLA DRB1*01:02 present in 4 (25%)of cases and absent in controls. Conclusion: Most of the patients were young female adults. Probable and Incomplete forms were more common. Genetic association of VKH disease with alleles of the DRB1*02 group was found in this Paraguayan cohort. No statistically significant relationship was found with any specific allele, probably because the sample was small. The most frequent allele HLA DRB1*01:02 could be a candidate genetic biomarker in this population.

RESUMEN: Introducción: La enfermedad de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) es de etiología autoinmune y severa, se manifiesta con panuveítis bilateral y puede afectar sistema neuroauditivo y piel. La influencia de los factores genéticos en la expresión de VKH, ha quedado en evidencia en múltiples estudios. Posee mal pronóstico visual si se realiza el diagnóstico y el tratamiento en forma tardía, contar con biomarcadores genéticos susceptibilidad podrían ser de gran ayuda. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el espectro clínico y determinar biomarcadores genéticos de susceptibilidad en la enfermedad de VKH. Metodología: Estudio de casos y controles, de susceptibilidad genética para VKH. Se procedió al registro clínico de los pacientes y genotipado HLA DRB1 a casos y controles. Resultados: se incluyeron 21 pacientes con VKH para el registro clínico, de éstos se enrolaron 16 para el genotipado HLA-DRB1, los controles sanos incluidos fueron 32. Sexo fe menino 81%, edad promedio 35 años, las formas clínicas fueron VKH Probable 10(47,6%) y VKH incompleto 10(47,6%), VKH Completo 1 caso (4,7%) Genotipado: los alelos del grupo HLA DRB1*02 estaban presentes 5 de los 16 pacientes (31%) (p 0,004) y ausente en los controles, no se encontró relación con alelos específicos. El alelo más frecuente fue HLA DRB1*01:02 presente en 4 (25) % de casos y ausente en los controles. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes fueron adultos jóvenes, predominancia del sexo femenino, las formas clínicas VKH Probables e Incompleta fueron más comunes. Se ha encontrado en esta cohorte paraguaya asociación genética de la enfermedad de VKH con alelos del grupo DRB1*02, no se halló relación estadísticamente significativa con ningún alelo específico, probablemente esto se debió a que la muestra fue pequeña. El alelo más frecuente HLA DRB1*01:02 podría ser un candidato a biomarcador genético en esta población.

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.

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.

<sec><title>OBJETIVO:</title><p> Investigar a associação dos alelos HLA-A, -B e -DRB1 com a ocorrência de Aborto Espontâneo Recorrente.</p></sec><sec><title>MÉTODOS:</title><p> Estudo caso-controle com 200 mulheres com idade entre 18 e 35 anos, sendo a amostra de conveniência com 100 mulheres que tiveram aborto espontâneo recorrente idiopático e 100 mulheres sem aborto e com dois ou mais filhos. A obtenção do DNA Genômico foi de sangue periférico, sendo a extração realizada a partir de 500l do Buffy-Coat conservado a -20°C. A Tipificação HLA foi feita pelo método PCR-SSOP (<italic>Polymerase Chain Reaction - Specific Sequence of Oligonucleotides Probes</italic>, One Lambda^(r), CA, EUA). As regiões do DNA amplificado foram o exon 2 e 3 para os <italic>loci</italic>A e B e apenas o exon 3 para o <italic>locus</italic> DRB1. Para determinação da genotipagem HLA-A, HLA-B e HLA-DRB1, utilizou-se o programa HLA FUSION^TM(One Lambda, Canoga Park, CA, United States, 3.0 version). Na análise estatística, utilizaram-se frequências absolutas e porcentagens, e cálculo de média e desvio padrão. As variáveis qualitativas foram comparadas utilizando-se o teste χ², com correção de Yates, ou Teste Exato de Fisher. Para as comparações e significância (p<0,05), foi calculado <italic>Odds Ratio</italic> com IC95%.</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTADOS:</title><p> O alelo A*34 apresentou frequência significativamente maior no grupo caso em relação ao controle (4,0<italic> versus</italic>0,5%; p<0,05). Os alelos A*24 (6,0<italic> versus</italic>12,5%; p<0,05) e B*35 (8,0<italic> versus</italic>20,5%; p<0,05) foram significativamente menos frequentes no grupo caso. Entre os alelos de classe II, o DRB1*03 apresentou frequência ligeiramente maior no grupo caso (11,0<italic> versus</italic>5,5%; p=0,056).</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSÕES:</title><p> Foi demonstrado que o alelo HLA-A*34 é fator de risco para o abortamento espontâneo recorrente, enquanto os alelos HLA-A*24 e HLA-B*35 estão associados à proteção, e nenhum alelo do <italic>locus</italic> DRB1 apresentou associação com AER.</p></sec>

<sec><title>PURPOSE:</title><p> To investigate the association of the HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles with the occurrence of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.</p></sec><sec><title>METHODS:</title><p> A case-control study of 200 women aged 18 to 35 years, consisting of a convenience sample of 100 women who had idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion and 100 women without abortion and with two or more children. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was extracted from 500l of Buffy Coat stored at -20°C. HLA typing was performed by the PCR-SSOP method (Polymerase Chain Reaction - Specific Sequence of Oligonucleotides Probes, One Lambda^(r), CA, USA). The regions of the amplified DNA were exon 2 and 3 for the A and B <italic>loci</italic> and only exon 3 for the DRB1 <italic>locus</italic>. The HLA FUSION^TM program (One Lambda, Canoga Park, CA, USA, version 3.0) was used for HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 genotyping. Absolute frequencies and percentages and calculation of mean and standard deviation were used for standard statistical analysis. The qualitative variables were compared by the χ² test with Yates correction or by Fisher's exact test. The odds ratio with the 95%CI was used for the comparisons, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTS:</title><p> The frequency of the A*34 allele was significantly higher in the case group compared to control (4.0<italic> versus</italic>0.5%; p<0.05). Alleles A*24 (6.0<italic> versus</italic>12.5%; p<0.05) and B*35 (8.0<italic> versus</italic>20.5%; p<0.05) were significantly less frequent in the case group. Among the class II alleles, DRB1*03 showed a slightly higher frequency in the case group (11.0<italic> versus</italic>5.5%, p = 0.056).</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSIONS:</title><p> It was shown that the HLA-A*34 allele is a risk factor for recurrent spontaneous abortion, while the HLA-A*24 and HLA-B*35 alleles are associated with protection, and no allele of the DRB1 <italic>locus</italic> was associated with RSA.</p></sec>

Objetivo: Utilizar modelos de inteligencia computacional para la clasificación e identificación de endofenotipos (relación entre fenotipo y marcadores genéticos) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide y controles sanos, a partir de información genética, principalmente el HLA DRB1 (antígeno leucocitario humano) y la teoría del epítope compartido. Esto hace referencia a la asociación entre la artritis reumatoide y el HLA DRB1, principalmente los alelos que contienen un motivo común de aminoácidos de las secuencias QKRAA, QRRAA o RRRAA en las posiciones 70 a 74 de la cadena del DRB1, los cuales confieren una susceptibilidad particular de la enfermedad a los individuos. Métodos: Desarrollamos modelos computacionales para clasificación, utilizando técnicas de inteligencia computacional como son las redes neuronales, redes bayesianas y métodos como k-means. Como datos de entrada se utilizaron variables como: factor reumatoide, anticuerpos contra péptido citrulinado, proteína C reactiva, número de articulaciones inflamadas y dolorosas, rigidez matinal, edad, género, antecedentes de comorbilidades y la información del alelo HLA DRB1. Se utilizaron técnicas de bioinformática para la búsqueda de secuencias de aminoácidos relacionadas con la severidad de la enfermedad. Resultados: Se obtuvieron resultados importantes para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad, así como también para su categorización y como potencial aplicación en la medicina personalizada de los individuos afectados por esta enfermedad. Se diseñaron modelos computacionales para clasificación, dentro de los cuales la red neuronal utilizando 5 variables obtuvo una sensibilidad del 92,3% con una especificidad del 86,66% y la red bayesiana logró una sensibilidad del 92,3% y una especificidad del 93,33%. La red neuronal utilizando 11 variables obtuvo una sensibilidad del 84,61% y una especificidad del 93,33% mientras que la red bayesiana consiguió una sensibilidad del 92,3% con una especificidad del 93,33%. Un método de agrupamiento tipo k-means fue utilizado para dividir en 2 grupos la totalidad de pacientes y controles. Además, se logró separar 2 grupos entre los pacientes para definir su severidad. Finalmente, se consiguió obtener un árbol de distancia entre secuencias de aminoácidos de los distintos alelos HLADRB1,lo cual permite visualizar grupos con cercanía genética y lograr determinar que posiblemente existen más grupos fuera de los propuestos en las distintas teorías. Conclusión: Los métodos utilizados permiten una mejor estratificación de la enfermedad en relación con la predicción de fenotipos y posibles desenlaces de la enfermedad, así como para la potencial prevención primaria de la enfermedad.

Objective: To use computational intelligence models for the classification and identification of endophenotype (relationships between phenotype and genetic markers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls from genetic information, primarily the DRB1 HLA (human leukocyte antigen) and the shared epitope theory. This refers to the association between rheumatoid arthritis and the HLA-DRB1 alleles mainly containing amino acid common motif sequences QKRAA, RRRAA, QRRAA or at positions 70 to 74 DRB1 chain, which have been associated to susceptibility of this disease. Methods: Computational models were developed for classification using computational intelligence techniques, such as neural networks, Bayesian networks, and methods such as k-means. The input data consisted of variables such as: rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibody, C-reactive protein, number of swollen and tender joints, morning stiffness, age, gender, history of comorbidities, and the information on the HLA-DRB1. Bioinfor-matics techniques were used to search for amino acid sequences related to disease severity. Results: Promising results for the diagnosis of the disease were obtained, as well as its categorisation as potential application in personalised medicine for individuals suffering from this disease. Computational models were designed for the classification, in which the neural network using 5 variables obtained a sensitivity of 92.3% with a specificity of 86.66%, and the Bayesian network obtained a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 93.33%. The neural network using 11 variables had a sensitivity of 84.61% and a specificity of 93.33%, while the Bayesian network obtained a sensitivity of 92.3% with a specificity of 93.33%. K-means clustering method type was used to divide all patients and controls into two groups of data. It also managed to obtain two patient groups to define severity. Finally, a tree distance was obtained between amino acid sequences of the different alleles HLA DRB1, which allows genetic proximity groups to be visualised and to determine and ensure that there are may be more groups outside the proposed different theories. Conclusion: The proposed method can be used to provide better stratification of the disease in relation to the predicted phenotypes, and the potential for primary prevention of this disease.

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.

INTRODUÇÃO: A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença crônica multifatorial complexa. A importância do sistema de antígenos leucocitários humanos (HLA) como fator significativo de risco genético para AR foi estudada no mundo. Embora amplamente distribuídos em diferentes áreas na Síria, faltam estudos sobre o papel dos HLA. OBJETIVO: O objetivo de nosso estudo foi determinar a associação dos alelos HLA-DRB1 com a suscetibilidade a AR e sua gravidade na Síria. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Foram genotipados 86 pacientes com AR e 200 controles normais, usando-se reação em cadeia da polimerase com sequência de primer específico (PCR-SSP). Anticorpos anti-CCP foram determinados por ELISA. Fator reumatoide (FR), proteína C-reativa (PCR), velocidade de hemossedimentação (VHS) e o índice de atividade da doença (DAS-28) foram obtidos nos registros médicos e utilizados para avaliar a gravidade clínica dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Os alelos HLA-DRB1 *01, *04 e *10 mostraram forte associação com suscetibilidade à doença (OR = 2,29, IC 95% = 1,11-4,75, P = 0,022; OR = 3,16, IC 95% = 2,08-4,8, P < 0,0001; e OR = 2,43, IC 95% = 1,07-5,51, P = 0,029, respectivamente), enquanto a frequência dos alelos HLA-DRB1 *11 e *13 foi significativamente mais baixa nos pacientes com AR do que nos controles (OR = 0,49, IC 95% = 0,3-0,8, P = 0,004; OR = 0,32, IC 95% = 0,15-0,69, P = 0,002, respectivamente). Os outros alelos HLA-DRB1 mostraram diferença significativa. A frequência dos anticorpos anti-CCP foi maior em pacientes epítopo compartilhado (EC) positivos do que em pacientes EC-negativos (OR = 5,5, IC 95% = 2-15,1, P = 0,00054). O índice DAS-28 de pacientes com AR não mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos EC-negativo e EC-positivo. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados indicam que os alelos HLA-DRB1 *01, *04 e *10 estão relacionados com AR, enquanto os alelos HLA-DRB1 *11 e *13 protegem a população síria contra a AR.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex multifactorial chronic disease. The importance of human leukocyte antigen as a major genetic risk factor for RA was studied worldwide. Although it is widely distributed in different Syrian areas, studies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles' role are absent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the association of HLA-DRB1 alleles with the susceptibility and severity of RA in Syria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eightysix RA patients and 200 healthy controls from Syria were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with sequencespecific primer (PCR-SSP). Anti-CCP antibodies were measured by ELISA. Rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and disease activity score 28 (DAS-28) values were obtained from patients' medical records. DAS-28 was used to assess the clinical severity of the patients. RESULTS: The HLA-DRB1*01, *04, and *10 frequencies showed a strong association with the disease susceptibility (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.11-4.75, P = 0.022; OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.0 -4.8, P < 0.0001; OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.07-5.51, P = 0.029 respectively), while the frequencies of HLA-DRB1*11, and *13 were signifi cantly lower in RA patients than in controls (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.3-0.8, P = 0.004; OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.15-0.69, P = 0.002, respectively). The other HLA-DRB1 alleles showed no signifi cant difference. The frequency of anti-CCP antibodies was higher in shared epitope (SE) positive patients compared with SE-negative patients (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 2-15.1, P = 0.00054). DAS-28 of RA patients didn't show signifi cant difference between the SE negative and the SE positive groups. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HLA-DRB1*01, *04, and *10 alleles are related with RA, while HLA-DRB1*11 and *13 protect against RA in the Syrian population.

Os alelos HLA-DRB1, que codificam uma sequência de aminoácidos (QKRAA/QRRAA/RRRAA) nas posições 70 a 74 da terceira região hipervariável da cadeia β1 do gene DRB1, denominada epítopo compartilhado (EC), estão associados a maior suscetibilidade e gravidade para artrite reumatoide (AR) em diversas populações. OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência dos alelos HLA-DRB1 em pacientes brasileiros com AR, e sua associação a fator reumatoide (FR) e anticorpos antipeptídeos citrulinados (ACPA). MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 412 pacientes com AR e 215 controles. A tipificação HLA-DRB1 foi realizada pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) usando primers específicos e hibridização com oligonucleotídeos de sequência específica (SSOP). A pesquisa de ACPA foi determinada pela técnica de ELISA, e a do FR por nefelometria. Para análises estatísticas foram utilizados os testes do qui-quadrado e t de Student e a regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Alelos HLA-DRB1*04:01, *04:04 e *04:05 associaram-se à AR (P < 0,05)); a despeito do amplo intervalo de confiança, vale a pena ressaltar a associação observada entre o alelo DRB1*09:01 e a doença (P < 0,05). Alelos HLA-DRB1 EC+ foram observados em 62,8% dos pacientes e em 31,1% do grupo-controle (OR 3,62; P < 0,001) e estiveram associados a ACPA (OR 2,03; P < 0,001). Alelos DRB1-DERAA mostraram efeito protetor para AR (OR 0,42; P < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Em uma amostra de pacientes brasileiros com AR de etnia majoritariamente mestiça, alelos HLA-DRB1 EC+ estiveram associados à suscetibilidade à doença e à presença de ACPA.

The HLA-DRB1 alleles encoding an amino acid sequence (QKRAA/QRRAA/RRRAA) at position 70 74 of the third hypervariable region of the β1 chain of the HLA-DRB1 gene, called shared epitope (SE), are associated with increased susceptibility to and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Brazilian patients with RA and their association with rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA). METHODS: Four hundred and twelve patients with RA (ACR 1987) and 215 controls were included. HLA-DRB1 typing was performed by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers and hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP). ACPA was measured by use of the ELISA technique and RF by nephelometry. The statistical analysis comprised the chi-square and Student t tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: HLA-DRB1*04:01, *04:04, *04:05 alleles were associated with RA (P < 0.05); despite the wide confidence interval, it is worth noting the association between the DRB1*09:01 allele and RA (P < 0.05). HLA-DRB1 SE+ alleles were observed in 62.8% of the patients and in 31.1% of controls (OR 3.62; P < 0.001) and were associated with ACPA (OR 2.03; P < 0.001). DRB1-DERAA alleles showed a protective effect against RA (OR 0.42; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a sample of Brazilian patients with RA, most of whom of mixed heritage, HLA-DRB1 SE+ alleles were associated with susceptibility to disease and presence of ACPA.

Introducción: El alto polimorfismo del sistema HLA, hace que su tipificación sea una herramienta de gran valor al establecer asociación con diferentes enfermedades, patrones inmunológicos, antropogenéticos, así como para establecer probabilidades de encontrar donantes compatibles con receptores de diferentes tipos de trasplante de órganos. Objetivo: Establecer las frecuencias alélicas, genotípicas y haplotípicas en pacientes atendidos en la Clínica Colsanitas SA. Metodología: Se incluyeron un total de 561 pacientes atendidos en el Laboratorio Clínico de La Clínica Colsanitas SA, en 8 sedes en diferentes ciudades del Colombia, durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2004 a agosto de 2008. Se realizó tipificación de HLA -A,-B,-DRB1 por PCR SSP. Las frecuencias alélicas, genotípicas y haplotípicas fueron estimadas mediante el paquete estadístico Stata y el paquete de análisis genético Genepop. Resultados: Fue posible la identificación de 19, 28 y 15 alelos de los loci HLA A-B-DRB1 respectivamente, de los cuales los más frecuentes fueron A*24 (26.2%), A*02 (26%), B*35 (22.7%), DRB1*04 (24%). Los genotipos más frecuentes encontrados fueron A*02,24 (14.2%), B*07,35 (5.5%), DRB1*01,04 y DRB1*04,04 (6.9%). Los haplotipos más frecuentes fueron: HLA A*24, B*35 (9.2%), A*24, DRB1*04 (8.1%); B* 35, DRB1*04 (7.8%), A*2 DRB1*04 (7.4%). Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos permiten tener referencia para aplicaciones en la población estudiada, así como para establecer probabilidades de compatibilidad en la creciente área de trasplante de órganos.

Introduction: The high polymorphism of the HLA system allows its typification to be used as valuable tool in establishing association to various illnesses, immune and genetic profiles; it also provides a guide to identifying compatibility among donors and receptors of organs transplants. Objective: To establish HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA.DRB1 allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies among patients treated at Clinica Colsanitas SA. Methods: 561 patients coming from different regions in Colombia, who were attended in 8 centers of the clinical laboratory of the Clinica Colsanitas in different cities of the country from January 2004 to August 2008, were included in this study. All were HLA-A,-B, and -DRB1 typified via SSP PCR. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were estimated with STATA Software Version 9.0 and the GENEPOP genetic analysis package. Results: 19, 28, and 15 different alleles were identified for loci HLA-A,-B and -DRB1, respectively. Alleles found most frequently were A*24 (26.2%), A*02 (26%), B*35(22.7%), and DRB1*04 (24%). The most frequent genotypes were A*02,24 (14.2%), B*07,35 (5.5%), DRB1*01,04, and DRB1*04,04 (6.9%); while most the frequent haplotypes were HLA A*24, B*35 (9.2%), A*24, DRB1*04 (8.1%); B*35, DRB1*04 (7.8%), A*2 DRB1*04 (7.4%). Conclusion: The results obtained provide a useful reference framework for the population studied, allowing compatibility probability calculations to be performed for organ transplants.

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.

HLA alelles with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been found in many ethnic groups. In addition, some neighboring genes such as TNF-α and HSP70, that may contribute to this disease have also been described. Interestingly some of the genetic associations differ among several ethnic groups, which might suggest that ethnicity plays an important role in the predisposition to SLE. In this study, we analyze gene frequencies of HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, HSP70-2 alelles and the polymorphism of TNF-α promoter region among 81 mexican mestizo SLE patients. A control group of 99 healthy mexican mestizos was included. We found that the HLA-DRB1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 haplotype was significantly increased in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (p=0.01, OR=2.97, IC 95%=1.18-7.68). The DRB 1*1501 allele was more frequent among patients than among controls. A significantly decreased frequency of the HLA-DRB1 *0802 alelle in SLE patients was also observed. Since the HLA alelles associated with SLE are uncommon in mexican ethnic groups, we performed admixture estimates analysis and found that the incorporation of SLE susceptibility markers in mexican mestizo groups might have come from genetic admixture with Caucasian populations.

A pesar de que se han asociado algunos alelos del complejo principal de histocompatibilidad (MHC) con la susceptibilidad a lupus eritematoso generalizado (LEG) en diferentes grupos étnicos, aún se desconoce la contribución de otros genes como los HSP70 y TNF-α en la susceptibilidad a esta enfermedad. Además, las asociaciones genéticas varían con base en el grupo étnico estudiado, lo que sugiere que la etnicidad tiene un papel importante en la susceptibilidad. En este estudio se analizaron las frecuencias de los genes HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, HSP70-2 y polimorfismos del promotor de TNF-α en 81 pacientes mexicanos con LEG. Como grupo control se estudiaron 99 sujetos mexicanos mestizos sanos. El haplotipo DRB 1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1 *0201 se asoció con LEG. El alelo DRB 1 *1501 se encontró con mayor frecuencia en los pacientes con LEG en comparación con los grupos control. Además se observó menor frecuencia de marcadores autóctonos como el alelo DRB 1 *0802 en los pacientes con LEG. Los alelos del MHC asociados con LEG son poco frecuentes en las poblaciones indígenas mexicanas. Esto podría sugerir que los marcadores de susceptibilidad a LEG se incorporaron a la población mestiza mexicana por flujo genético de poblaciones no indígenas.

En el presente estudio se examinó la especificidad y la sensibilidad de los anticuerpos antipéptidos citrulinados cíclicos (CCP) en pacientes latinoamericanas con artritis reumatoidea (AR), así como su relación con la actividad de la enfermedad, manifestaciones extraarticulares (MEA), síntesis de citocinas (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-<FONT FACE=Symbol>µ</FONT> e IFN-gamma ) y factor reumatoideo (FR) IgM e IgA, y con el polimorfismo del HLA-DRB1. Se examinaron 79 pacientes con AR (69 con AR establecida y 10 con AR temprana sin previo tratamiento), 56 pacientes con espondilitis anquilosante (EA), 25 con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), 50 con síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSp) y diez individuos sanos. De las 69 pacientes con AR establecida, 36 fueron reevaluadas 2 años después. La actividad de la AR se examinó según los criterios del Colegio Americano de Reumatología. Los anticuerpos anti-CCP2, el FR y los niveles de citocinas se determinaron mediante inmunoensayo, y la genotipificación del HLA se llevó a cabo por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa utilizando mezclas de iniciadores específicos. Los anticuerpos anti-CCP se observaron en 96% de los pacientes con AR en la primera evaluación y en 86% en la segunda ( p=0,12), sin modificación significativa en los valores (131±58,7 vs. 130,6±67,1 UI). Su sensibilidad y especificidad global fue de 94% y 92%, respectivamente, pero cuando sólo se consideraron los niveles altos (>60 UI) fueron de 84% y 95%, respectivamente. La razón de probabilidades (RP) positiva fue de 12 y la RP negativa de 0,06. El valor predictivo (VP) positivo fue de 87% y el VP negativo de 96%. Los anticuerpos anti-CCP se observaron en 12% de los pacientes con LES y con SSp, en 2% de los de EA y en 10% de los controles sanos. En los pacientes con AR no se asociaron con la actividad de la enfermedad, MEA y alelos del HLA-DRB1. Tampoco se observaron correlaciones significativas entre sus valores y los niveles de citocinas. En conclusión, los anticuerpos anti-CCP tienen un interés diagnóstico para la AR en nuestra población, pero su utilidad en el seguimiento clínico es limitada y su síntesis es independiente del HLA-DRB1 y no se correlacionan con niveles de citocinas Th1/Th2.

The specificity and sensitivity of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) was examined in Latin-American patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The variables considered included: 1) relation with the activity of disease, 2) extra-articular manifestations (EAM), 3) synthesis of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha , and IFN-gamma ) and IgM and IgA rheumatoid factor (RF), and 4) the association with HLA-DRB1 polymorphism. Seventy-nine RA patients were assessed (69 with established RA, and 10 with recent-onset RA not receiving any treatment), 56 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 25 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 50 with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), and 10 healthy individuals. Of the 69 patients with established RA, 36 were reexamined 2 years later. The activity of the RA was measured by criteria adopted by the American College of Rheumatology. Anti-CCP2, RF and cytokines levels were determined by ELISA. HLA genotypes were established by first, PCR sequence amplification using sequence-specific primers and then, complete sequencing of the product. Anti-CCP antibodies were observed in 96% of patients with RA during the first evaluation and in 86% at the second evaluation ( p=0.12). No significant change in antibody titre was observed between the two evaluations (131±58.7 and 130.6±67.1 IU, respectively). The overall sensitivity and specificity was 94% and 92%, respectively; however, at titres >60 IU, the values were 84% and 95%, respectively. The anti-CCP likelihood ratio positive test was 12 and the likelihood ratio negative test was 0.06. The positive predictive value was 87%, and the negative predictive value was 96%. Anti-CCP antibodies were observed in 12% of SLE and pSS patients, in 2% of AS patients, and in 10% of healthy controls. In RA patients, these antibodies were not associated with the activity of disease, EAM or HLA-DRB1 alleles; no significant correlation was observed between antibody titre and cytokines level. Although anti-CCP antibodies have potential as a diagnostic tool for RA, they are not useful for monitoring clinical activity or predicting the clinical course of disease. Antibody synthesis is HLA-DRB1 independent and not correlated with Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Introducción: Uruguay posee un sistema solidario de financiación de trasplante a través del Fondo Nacional de Recursos y del Banco Nacional de Órganos y Tejidos (BNOT). En el trasplante alogénico de médula ósea la compatibilidad HLA es una barrera biológica importante. Las frecuencias alélicas y haplotípicas HLA son utilizadas para determinar la probabilidad de encontrar un donante con un fenotipo particular HLA y para predecir el efecto de diversos esquemas de adjudicación basados en la compatibilidad en este sistema. El Laboratorio de Inmunogenética e Histocompatibilidad tipifica a todos los receptores y donantes del país. En este marco se ha iniciado un programa cuyo objetivo central es organizar un sistema de registro, tipificación y búsqueda de donantes no relacionados a nivel nacional (SINDOME). Los objetivos del presente trabajo han sido analizar los receptores tipificados para trasplante de médula ósea (TMO) alogénico en nuestro servicio en el período enero 1997 - mayo 2002, y caracterizar la constitución genética del sistema HLA para 298 receptores. Material y método: en el lapso indicado se estudiaron 346 receptores y 1.083 donantes. Se realizó la tipificación HLA clase I por reacción de microlinfocitotoxicidad con anticuerpos monoclonales y la tipificación de clase II por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con hibridización (PCR-SSO) reversa, con nivel de resolución intermedio-alta. Se estimaron las frecuencias alélicas y haplotípicas en una muestra de 298 receptores. Resultados: de los 346 receptores de TMO estudiados en el marco del SINDOME, 58% es menor de 30 años. La relación donante/receptor fue de 3,13 pero sólo 45% de los candidatos a trasplante tuvo un donante histocompatible. En el análisis del polimorfismo de HLA-A,-B,-DR en la muestra de 298 receptores se encontró que los alelos más prevalentes fueron A2 (28,97%), B35 (12,49%) y DR04 (15,24%). Sólo para el locus HLA-DRB1 la desviación del equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg fue altamente significativa. Los haplotipos más comunes fueron A2-B51 y A2-B7 para HLA-A,-B, A2-DR11 y A2-DR04 para HLA-A -DRB1, y el haplotipo B8-DR03 para HLA-B -DR. De los haplotipos HLA-A -B -DRB1, HLA-A1 -B8 -DR03 y HLA-A2 -B51 -DR13 fueron los más frecuentes. Conclusión: nuestros resultados demuestran que el sistema HLA presenta una considerable heterogeneidad, con un enorme polimorfismo y una amplia distribución de haplotipos. La posibilidad de encontrar donantes compatibles para un subgrupo de jóvenes con enfermedades malignas sin donantes familiares es muy baja en el contexto de nuestra población. En estos casos la búsqueda en los registros internacionales de donantes puede ser la única alternativa a fin de encontrar un donante histocompatible para un trasplante alogénico.

Résumé Introduction: en Uruguay la greffe de moelle osseuse est prise en charge par la Sécurité Sociale à travers le Fonds National de Ressources et la Banque Nationale d'Organes et de Tissus (BNOT). En ce qui concerne l'allogreffe de moelle osseuse la compatibilité HLA est une barrière biologique importante. Les fréquences alléliques et haplotypiques sont utilisées afin de déterminer la probabilité de trouver un donneur ayant un phénotype HLA particulier et dans le but de prédire l'effet des schémas d'adjudication établis selon la compatibilté pour ce système. Dans notre pays tous les receveurs et tous les donneurs sont typés par le Laboratoire d'Immuno-génétique et d'Histocompatibilité de la BNOT. Dans ce cadre, on a mis en place un programme dont le but est d' organiser un système national d'enregistrement, de typage et de recherche de donneurs non apparentés (SINDOME) L'objectif de ce travail est d' analyser les receveurs typés pour allogreffe de moelle osseeuse de janvier 1997 à mai 2002 ainsi que de caractériser la constitution génétique du système HLA pour 298 receveurs. Matériel et méthodes: pour ladite période on a étudié 346 receveurs et 1083 donneurs ; on a fait le typage HLA classe I par réaction de microlymphocytotoxicité avec anticorps monoclonaux et le typage classe II par réaction en chaîne de la polymérase avec hybridisation (PCR-SSO) reverse, moyenne résolution. On a estimé les fréquences alléliques et haplotypiques pour un échantillon de 298 receveurs. Résultats: pour 346 receveurs de greffe de moelle osseuse étudiés par le Sindome, le 58% a moins de 30 ans. Le rapport donneur/receveur a eté de 3,13. Il n'y a que le 45% des candidats qui ont eu un donneu histocompatible. D'après l'analyse du polymorphisme HLA-A, -B, -DR pour l'échantillon de 298 receveurs, on a trouvé que les allèles prévalents ont été A2 (28,97%), B35 (12,49%) et DR04 (15,24%). La déviation de l'équilibre de Hardy-Weinberg n'a été très significative que pour le locus HLA-DRB1. Pour HLA-A,-B les haplotypes les plus fréquents ont été A2-B51 et A2-B7; pour HLA-A-DRB1, A2-DR11 et A2-DR04. Parmi les haplotypes HLA-A-B-DRB1, les plus fréquents ont été HLA-A1- B8-DR03 et HLA-A2-B51- DR13. Conclusions: nos résultats montrent que le système HLA présente une hétérogénéité importante, avec un grand polymorphisme et une ample distribution d'haplotypes. La probabilité de trouver parmi notre population des donneurs compatibles pour un sous-groupe de jeunes qui subissent des maladies malignes et qui n'ont pas de donneur apparenté est très faible. En ce cas-là, la recherche au niveau des registres internationaux s' avère comme la seule possibilité d' obtenir un donneur histocompatible et parvenir à l'allogreffe.

Summary Background and Objective: as starting point Uruguay has as starting pointa transplant solidarity system based upon the Fondo Nacional de Recursos and the Banco Nacional de Organos y Tejidos (BNOT). HLA compatibility is a biological boundary in allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). HLA allele and haplotype frequencies are used to determine the probability to find a donor with a particular HLA phenotype and to predict the degree of HLA mismatching in a bone marrow donation scheme. In Uruguay, all potential donors are typified in In the Immunogenetic and Histocompatibility Laboratory of the BNOT are typified all potentials bone marrow recipients and donors from all the country. In this context a program was developed for the register, to register, evaluate, and procure the non-related evaluation and procurement of non-related potential bone marrow donors at national level known as SINDOME. Our aim was to analyzed bone marrow donors and recipients for allogenic transplantations registered in our register from January 1997 to May 2002. We also determined the genetic constitution of HLA system for 298 bone marrow recipients. Method: 346 recipients and 1083 donors were analyzed. Allele and haplotype frequencies were determined in a sample of 298 recipients. HLA class I alleles were typing by standard complement-dependent microcytotoxic assays. HLA class II alleles werewas determined by polymerase chain reactionsequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) technique, with medium-high resolution. We analyzed allele and haplotype frequencies in a sample of 298 recipients. Results: among the 346 bone marrow recipient subjects recorded in the SINDOME, 58% were younger than 30 years. Donor/recipient rate was 3.13 but only 45% of potential receptors matched with a compatible donor. HLA-A, -B, -DR polymorphism analysis of the sample showed that prevalent alleles were A2 (28.97%), B35 (12.49%) and DR04 (15.24%). Only the HLA-DRB1 loci locus showed a highly significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Most common haplotypes were A2-B51 and A2-B7 for HLA-A, -B, A2-DR11 and A2-DR04 for HLA-A -DRB1, and haplotype B8-DR03 for HLA-B-DR. Highest frequencies were observed in HLA-A1-B8-DR03 and HLA-A2-B51-DR13 for haplotypes HLA-A-B-DRB1. Conclusion: oour findings showed that HLA system is heterogeneous, with a wide range of polymorphisms and haplotype distribution. The possibility to find compatible donors for a group of patients with malignant diseases without sibling donors is low in our country. In these cases, searching in international donor records might be an alternative to find potential suitable marrow donors for allogenic transplantations.