Polymerase Chain Reaction-sequence Specific Primer Research Articles

Association of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes with acute myelogenous leukaemia.

Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are important because of their key roles in NK cell development and function. Some KIR genes have been associated with the incidence of haematological malignancies. This study was designed to determine whether the inheritance of specific KIR genes is associated with susceptibility to acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) in Persians living in south-western Iran. KIR genes and KIR2DS4 variants were typed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP) in 167 patients with AML and 169 healthy controls. Our results showed 10% of patients-mostly females-were classified as M3. Flt3 mutations were detected in 26% of patients, most of whom had internal tandem duplication (ITD). The frequency of activating KIRs (aKIRs)-mainly KIR3DS1-was higher in patients, whereas inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs)-particularly KIR3DL1 and KIR2DL1-were more common among controls. The incidence of the KIR2DS4fl allele was higher among patients with non-M3 AML than controls. We also found a higher frequency of 4 or more iKIR genes in the controls and a higher frequency of 4 or more aKIR genes in the patients. Individuals with more iKIR than aKIR belonged predominantly to the control group. Individuals with the telomeric AA genotype who had inherited the KIR2DS4fl allele were more frequent in the patient group. According to our results, increased frequency of aKIRs in patients with AML may lead to the hyperactivation of NK cells against malignant cells with reduced or lack of HLA class I molecules followed by NK cell exhaustion which allow malignant cells to progress.

Association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQ Alleles and Haplotypes with Type 1 Diabetes in Jordanians.

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) class II genes, particularly the HLADR and -DQ loci, have been shown to play a crucial role in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) development. This study is the first to examine the contribution of the HLA-DR/DQ alleles and haplotypes to T1D susceptibility in Jordanians. Polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) were used to genotype 41 Jordanian healthy controls and 50 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients. The following alleles were found to be significant high risk alleles in T1D Jordanian patients: DRB1*04 (OR=3.95, p<0.001), DRB1*0301(OR=5.27, p<0.001), DQA1*0301 (OR=5.67, p<0.001), DQA1*0501(OR=3.18, p=0.002), DQB1*0201(OR=2.18, p=0.03), DQB1*0302 (OR=5.67, p<0.001). However, Jordanians harboring the DRB1*0701 (OR=0.37, p=0.01), DRB1*1101 (OR=0.2, p=0.01), DQA1*0505 (OR=0.31, p=0.02), DQA1*0103 (OR=0.33, p=0.04), DQA1*0201 (OR=0.45, p=0.04), DQB1*0301 (OR=0.23, p=0.001), DQB1*0501 (OR=0.18, p=0.009) alleles had a significantly lower risk of developing T1D. A strong positive association of DRB1*04-DQA1*0301-DQBl*0302 (OR=5.67, p<0.001) and DRB1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201 (OR=6.24, p<0.001) putative haplotypes with IDDM was evident in Jordanian IDDM patients whereas DRB1*1101-DQA1*0505- DQB1*0301 (OR=0.23, p=0.03) was shown to have a protective role against T1D in Jordanians. Our findings show that specific HLA class II alleles and haplotypes are significantly associated with susceptibility to T1D in Jordanians.

Genetic polymorphism of HPA1-17 alloantigen system in the Achang and Jingpo populations population in Yunnan.

Human platelet alloantigen (HPA) is part of the platelet membrane structure, named HPA1- 17 system. This study aimed to investigate platelet alloimmunity in the Achang and Jingpo population, ethnic minority specific, to establish a typed platelet donor data bank in Yunnan's ethnic minority areas. In this study, samples from 139 unrelated healthy cases from the Achang population, 148 cases of the Jingpo population, and 150 healthy cases from Yunnan's Han population were collected as a control. PCR-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) methods were respectively adopted to genotype HPA-1-17. The frequency of genes and genotypes was calculated separately, and the frequency distribution of alleles in the Achang population was compared with that of the Han population. Monomorphic HPA-7-14 and HPA-16 and 17 were found in the samples from the Han population, while HPA-b was not found in any of these samples. In HPA-1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, aa homozygosity was predominant. Monomorphic HPA-7, HPA-9-14 and HPA-16 were found in the samples from the Achang population, while HPA-b was not found. In HPA-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 17, aa homozygosity was predominant. The genotype results of the HPA-4, 7, HPA9-12, HPA14, 16-17 antigen systems in the Jingpo population were all aa, while the HPA-b was not detected. In HPA-1, 2, 5, 6, 8 and 13, aa homozygosity was predominant. HPA-3, 15 showed the greatest heterozygosity among the three populations. The frequency of HPA-1a in the Achang population in Yunnan was significantly different from that in the Han population (P<0.05). There was no difference in the HPA system of the Jingpo population, but the HPA-2a system was different between the Achang and Jingpo populations (P<0.05). In Yunnan, the distribution of the allele polymorphism of HPA-1-17 in the Achang and Jingpo population is similarly distributed to that in the Han population and exhibits their own characteristic. Therefore, a database of platelet donor typing of the ethnic group should be established.

Genomic analyses of KEL alleles in alloimmunized thalassemia patients from Iran

ObjectivesSerological methods are unreliable for red blood cells (RBCs) antigen typing in multi-transfused thalassemia patients due to the presence of donor RBCs in the recipient’s circulation and interfering antibodies. Kell blood group system is important in transfusion medicine and Kell antibodies have shown as the most prevalent antibodies in thalassemia patients. We intended to determine the genotype of Kell antigens among Iranian alloimmunized thalassemia patients using molecular methods and compare the results with serological phenotyping. MethodsTwo hundred thalassemia patients participated in this study. Blood group phenotype was performed by the serological method, while the genotype was determined for KEL*01, KEL*02, KEL*03, and KEL*04 alleles using PCR-Sequence Specific Primer (PCR-SSP) method. The genotypes of patients with incompatibility between phenotype and genotype were re-evaluated by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-PCR (RFLP-PCR) and confirmed by DNA sequencing in all cases. ResultsTen patients were found with discrepancies between genotype and phenotype; however, there was a complete agreement between the results of SSP-PCR, RFLP-PCR, and DNA sequencing. Six discrepancies were found in the KEL*01/KEL*02 allele when serologically phenotyped as K-k+. One patient with K-k- and three patients with Kpa-Kpb + phenotype were identified as KEL*01/KEL*02 and KEL*03/KEL*04, respectively. ConclusionIt can be concluded that molecular genotyping is more reliable compared with the serological method, especially in the patients who have received multiple transfusions. Therefore, using a combination of these techniques can lead to a better matched transfusion in these patients.

A major genetic determinant of autoimmune diseases is associated with the presence of autoantibodies in hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

BackgroundHypersensitivity pneumonitis is an immune-mediated disease triggered by exposure to organic particles in susceptible individuals. It has been reported that a subgroup of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis develops autoantibodies with or without clinical manifestations of autoimmune disease. However, the mechanisms involved in this process and the effect of the autoantibodies on clinical course in hypersensitivity pneumonitis is unknown. We evaluated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles and hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients with and without autoantibodies.Methods170 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients were included. We analysed the presence of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La and anti-CCP at the time of diagnosis. In addition, in a subset of patients we evaluated anti-Scl-70, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, and anti-DNA. HLA typing was performed using PCR sequence-specific primers in a high-resolution modality, including HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 loci. Statistical analysis was performed employing Epi-Info v7 and SPSS v20.Results60 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients showed sera autoantibodies (HPAbs+), and 110 hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients did not (HPAbs−). The frequency of the allele HLA-DRB1*03:01 was remarkably increased in the HPAbs+ group (10.8% versus 0.45%; OR 30.14, 95% CI 3.83–237.1; p=1.65×10-4 after Bonferroni's correction). Likewise, we found that the haplotype DRB1*03:01-DQB1*02:01, which is part of the 8.1 ancestral haplotype, a major genetic determinant of autoimmune diseases, confers significant risk to develop autoantibodies (OR 19.23, 95% CI 2.37–155.9; p=0.0088 after Bonferroni's correction). In addition, the HLA-DRB1*03:01 allele was associated with higher mortality in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (adjusted OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.05–33.05; p=0.043).ConclusionsA subset of hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients presents circulating autoantibodies and higher mortality that are associated with some alleles of 8.1 ancestral haplotype.

Protective Effect of HLA-E∗0101∕∗0103 Genotype in Survival of Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant.

HLA-E is located on the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I and acts as the ligand for natural killer cells. Consequently, it has a main role in the regulation of innate immune responses by involving cell identification by natural killer cells. Differences in expression levels among HLA-E alleles have been suggested to affect transplant outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different HLA-E genotypes on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in southern Iran. We investigated 200 patients (donors and recipients) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant and 100 normal participants (control group) in a case-control study. Detection of HLA-E polymorphisms was performed using a sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical analyses indicated that genotypes in the transplant group were not distributed in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ²=76.56; P < .001), whereas genotypes in the control group were distributed in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ²=0.39; P = .53). No significant differences were observed in cumulative incidence of acute (P = .76; hazard ratio = 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-3.31) and chronic (P = .75, hazard ratio = 0.048; 95% confidence interval, 0.00) graft-versus-host disease in recipients harboring HLA-E∗0103 allele compared with those homozygous for the HLA-E∗0101 allele. The HLA-E∗0103 allele showed a trend toward lower cumulative incidence of relapse compared with the homozygous HLA-E∗0101 genotype (8% vs 21.5%; P = .37; hazard ratio = 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-19.20). Genotypes of the HLA-E molecule did not correlate with acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients except for the HLA-E∗0101∗∕∗0103 genotype, which was protective in survival of our study patients.

TLR4 Polymorphisms (896A>G and 1196C>T) Affect the Predisposition to Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

PurposeType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease with a steadily increasing incidence throughout the world. Some molecules regulating the innate immune responses such as toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) have shown to be involved in late diabetic complications. This study aimed to investigate the association of TLR4 gene polymorphisms with clinicopathological aspects of T2DM in the Iranian population.Patients and MethodsTwo TLR4 896A>G and 1196C>T polymorphisms were assessed in 100 T2DM patients and 100 healthy controls using sequence-specific primers PCR. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were obtained from the participants.ResultsAfter logistic regression, in 1196C>T, a significant association was shown between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and CT genotype (P= 0.04, OR= 4.35, CI= (1.04–18.1)). TG level has increased significantly in both T2DM and control subjects with CT genotype (P= 0.027, OR= 1.005, 95% CI= (1.001–1.01)). For 896A>G variant, a significant association was also detected between AG genotype and increased oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) level (P= 0.048, OR= 1.003, 95% CI= (1.00–1.005)).ConclusionAlthough minor alleles of 1196C>T and 896A>G variants have not directly been associated with type 2 diabetes, by involving in the dysregulation of serum TG and blood sugar levels, they might increase the risk of DN.

Red cell genotyping in Thailand: trends for blood transfusion in Asian populations

Numerous molecular techniques have been employed to determine well‐matched blood units for patients in need, particularly those requiring blood transfusions within 3 months and presenting positive DAT results. Only specialized reference laboratories use commercially available kits for red cell (RC) genotyping due to their expense and requiring extremely sophisticated instruments. Moreover, regarding complicated cases, particular typing reagents may be unavailable or insufficient. Therefore, identifying and confirming the compatibility of the blood units donated would require more time. This article aims to review the present uses of RC genotyping in Thailand and their significant contributions to transfusion practices in Asian populations. RC genotyping using PCR‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) and multiplex PCR (M‐PCR) has been established and used in patient and donor populations. The results of genotyping acquired by PCR‐SSP and M‐PCR were precise and in agreement with serological techniques. Predicted phenotypes of clinically significant blood group systems have been used to determine the compatibility of RC units among Thai patients having multiple antibodies. As a result, one additional advantage is the expanded storing of donated, frozen rare blood types. RC genotyping for high‐ and low‐prevalence antigens among differing Asian ethnicities requires consideration. RC genotyping employing these advanced PCR techniques could provide testing results that are both reliable and appropriate to screen suitable donor blood units in complex cases or patients presenting rare blood types. In addition, comparable strategies could be employed in other Asian populations using limited resources.

One Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the TRPM2 Channel Gene Identified as a Risk Factor in Bipolar Disorder Associates With Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Japanese Population

The transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a non-specific cation channel, resulting in Ca2+ influx at warm temperatures from 34 °C to 47 °C, thus including the body temperature range in mammals. TRPM2 channels are activated by β-NAD+, ADP-ribose (ADPR), cyclic ADPR, and 2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-diphosphoribose. It has been shown that TRPM2 cation channels and CD38, a type II or type III transmembrane protein with ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, simultaneously play a role in heat-sensitive and NAD+ metabolite-dependent intracellular free Ca2+ concentration increases in hypothalamic oxytocinergic neurons. Subsequently, oxytocin (OT) is released to the brain. Impairment of OT release may induce social amnesia, one of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The risk of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and variants of TRPM2 have been reported in bipolar disorder, but not in ASD. Therefore, it is reasonable to examine whether SNPs or haplotypes in TRPM2 are associated with ASD. Here, we report a case-control study with 147 ASD patients and 150 unselected volunteers at Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan. The sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction method together with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy was applied. Of 14 SNPs examined, one SNP (rs933151) displayed a significant p-value (OR = 0.1798, 95% CI = 0.039, 0.83; Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.0196). The present research data suggest that rs93315, identified as a risk factor for bipolar disorder, is a possible association factor for ASD.

TNF-\u03b1 -308 G>A and IL10 -1082A>G polymorphisms as potential risk factors for lymphoproliferative disorders in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

BackgroundChronic inflammation with sustained unregulated immune stimulation in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) may be a risk factor for developing lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). Markers of ARD activity as high erythrocyte sedimentation rate or erosive joint diseases and the development of B-symptoms were accounted as risk factors for LPD development. We investigated the association of five inflammatory cytokine genes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): TNF-α -308G>A; TGF-β1 gene codon 10 T>C and 25 G>C; IL-10 promoter SNPs -1082 A>G, -819T>C, and -592A>C; IL-6 -174G>C; and IFN-γ 874 T>A with the risk of LPD development in ARD patients. The study was conducted on 70 patients divided into group I, 25 ARD patients diagnosed as RA (n = 15) and SLE (n = 10) and with no history of malignancy; group II, 25 patients diagnosed with LPD and had no ARD; and group III, 20 patients diagnosed with both diseases: ARD and LPD. Cytokine genotyping was analyzed by PCR-sequence-specific primer (PCR-SSP).ResultsARD+LPD patients had significantly higher frequency of TNF-α -308A allele and AA+AG genotype (high TNF-α producers) and IL-10 -1082A allele and AA genotype (low IL-10 producers) than ARD patients (p = 0.003, p = 0.024, p = 0.003, p = 0.03, respectively) with a significantly increased risk of LPD development in ARD patients expressing the corresponding alleles and genotypes. No significant differences were detected in the distribution frequency of either TGF-β1, IL-6, or IFN-γ SNPs between groups I and III or any of the studied SNPs between groups II and III. The distribution frequency of IL-10 ATA haplotype was significantly increased in group III as compared to group I (p = 0.037).ConclusionThe significantly increased frequency of the high-TNF-α- and low-IL-10-producing alleles and genotypes in ARD patients may participate in the provision of a proinflammatory milieu that eventually increases the risk of LPD development.

Expression profile of HLA‐B*38:55Q allele

The identification of null or questionably expressed HLA allelic variants is a major issue in HLA diagnostics, because the mistyping of the aberrant expression of such alleles can have a major impact on the outcome of both hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and solid organ transplants. It is debated how questionable (Q) alleles, because of their unknown expression profile, should be considered in an allogenic HSCT setting. The HLA-B*38:55Q allele was detected as an HLA-B blank specificity; DNA sequencing identified a single polymorphism at position 373 in exon 3 (TGC > CGC), which results in the replacement of cysteine 101 with an arginine in the HLA-B heavy chain, thus, impairing disulfide bridge formation in the alpha-2 domain, essential for the normal expression of the HLA molecules. In order to determine the RNA and protein expression profile of this allelic variant, we analyzed antigenic expression at different levels, transcriptional and transductional, using a combination of cellular methods, such as serological testing and flow cytometric analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequence-specific primer (SSP) cDNA group-specific amplification and immunocytochemical assay, demonstrating the prevalent cytoplasmatic distribution of the HLA-B*38:55Q protein. Our findings suggest that in matching process the HLA-B*38:55Q allele needs to be considered as a low expressed allele, able to elicit an allogenic T-cell response in vivo and impair the transplant outcome.

Optimization of HLA-B*27 ALLELE Genotyping by PCR-SSP

OBJECTIVES:HLA-B27 is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its presence helps to confirm AS diagnosis. Due to the high HLA polymorphism and the differentiated contribution of alleles and molecules encoded by them, HLA-B*27 allele identification is relevant in the clinical follow-up, diagnosis, and treatment of this spondyloarthropathy. Inexpensive genotyping techniques with high specificity and sensitivity are of great interest in histocompatibility laboratories. This work aimed to optimize HLA-B*27 genotyping by Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequence-specific Primer (PCR-SSP), which is an accessible and inexpensive technique.METHODS:The PCR-SSP was standardized using 26 HLA-B*27 positive and 3 HLA-B*27 negative samples previously defined by Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequence-specific Oligonucleotide Probes (PCR-SSOP) (medium resolution, One Lambda®) and primers described by Duangchanchot et al. (2009). For validating the technique, 397 samples were genotyped using PCR-SSP as well as PCR-SSOP.RESULTS:The PCR-SSP technique was standardized for identifying the alleles HLA-B*27:02, HLA-B*27:CAFRW (05/13/16/17/28/37/38/39/42), HLA-B*27:CAFRZ (08/26/40), HLA-B*27:09 and HLA-B*27:12, which were found in 90 positive samples (22.67%). There was 100% agreement between the two techniques for heterozygous samples; however, two homozygous samples could not be detected by PCR-SSP.CONCLUSION:The HLA-B*27 genotyping using PCR-SSP, an easy-to-use, specific, and affordable technique, was optimized for heterozygous samples. This technique may contribute to AS diagnosis.

Transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphism as a potential risk factor in Turkish patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Laryngeal cancer is the most common head-and-neck malignancies with more than 20% of all cases. The vast majority of tumors are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Several genes encoding different cytokines may play crucial roles in host susceptibility to cancer because cytokine production capacity varies among individuals and depends on cytokine gene polymorphisms. The association between cytokine gene polymorphisms with primary laryngeal SCC was investigated. DNA samples were obtained from a Turkish population of eighty patients with primary cancer and fifty healthy controls. All genotyping (interferon-gamma, transforming growth factor-β1 [TGF-β1], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-10) experiments were performed using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers. When compared to the healthy controls, the frequencies of TGF-β1 codon 25 (rs1800471) GC genotype and 25 C allele were significantly more common in the patient group. These results suggest that TGF-β1 gene polymorphisms may affect host susceptibility to laryngeal cancer.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms in Pigeon Breeder's Disease expression.

Background:Exaggerated immunological response to repeated inhalation of organic or chemical dusts may lead to Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis among sensitized individuals. Only a few exposed individuals became ill and disease expression pattern is highly variable which suggest that genetic factors may play a role.Aim:To investigate interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and IL-10 gene polymorphisms in a cohort of pigeon breeder’s disease (PBD) patients in comparison with exposed but healthy controls and the association with different patterns of disease.Methods:We evaluated 40 PBD patients and 70 exposed controls. IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-ß, and IL-10 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction–sequence specific primer amplification.Results:Polymorphism analysis of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-ß, and IL-10 genotypes and allele frequencies showed no differences between patients and controls. IFN-γ T/T genotype frequency was increased among patients with chronic presentation (RR=2.33, p=0.047) compared with those with acute/subacute presentation. Also, chronic presenting patients had an increased frequency of IFN-γ T allele (50% vs 22.5%, RR=1.76, p=0.011). No differences were found in TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-ß, and IL-10 genotypes neither allelic frequencies between both groups of patients. IL-6 C/C genotype was more frequent in patients who showed chronic evolution (RR=2.54, p=0.017), when comparing with patients with disease resolution.Conclusion:IFN-γ T/T and the IL-6 C/C genotypes seem to play a role in HP expression due to avian exposure, as their frequencies are increased in chronic presentations or in those with chronic evolution one year after the initial diagnosis, respectively. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (3): e2020004)

Interleukin-6 gene polymorhisms and interleukin-6 levels are associated with atherosclerosis in CKD patients.

Inflammation is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Genetic polymorphisms in the inflammatory cytokine genes have been associated with atherosclerosis. Because levels of inflammatory cytokines are markedly elevated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), we hypothesized that genotypic variations in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene are a cause of systemic inflammatory states and atherosclerosis in South African CKD patients. 120 CKD patients and 40 healthy controls were included. Serum IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Functional polymorphisms in the IL-6 genes were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) methods. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the presence of plaque were assessed by B-mode ultrasonography. Serum IL-6 and hs-CRP levels were increased in patients with CKD compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). In CKD patients, serum IL-6 above the median value was associated with carotid plaque (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.74-2.57, p=0.004), with excess risk confined to the group with high IL-6 levels. Significant associations were found between the IL-6 gene and atherosclerosis in the CKD group (for G/G genotype: OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.05-1.39, p=0.012; for GG+GC vs. CC: OR=1.14, 95% CI=1.02-1.28, p=0.035). Patients with GG+GC genotype of the IL-6 gene polymorphism had higher levels of IL-6 than those with CC genotype (p=0.029). In South African CKD patients, the IL-6 gene promoter polymorphism is associated with high serum IL-6 levels and atherosclerosis. The relationship between atherosclerosis and -174G/C polymorphism in the IL-6 gene suggests that IL-6 may be a potential pro-inflammatory mediator of atherosclerosis in CKD patients.

Positive association of Bx genotype, KIR2L5, KIR2DS5 and full-length KIR2DS4 with the risk of meningioma.

NK cells as a part of innate immune system, are controlled by a set of activating and inhibitory KIR receptors (aKIR, iKIR) which are implicated in tumor microenvironment immunity through a variety of activating and inhibitory immune signals. KIRs are multi gene family receptors that differ in the number and type of genes among individuals. In the current research we determined the KIRs genes and genotypes impact on predisposition to meningioma development in Iranians. Sequence-specific primers-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) was performed for genotyping of 16 KIRs in 159 meningioma cases and 362 age and sex matched healthy controls (CNs) at Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research. Comparison of the KIR genotypes frequencies between cases and controls disclosed a highly significant increase in Bx genotype, CxTx subset and Cen AB and Tel AB in meningioma cases and a decrease in AA genotype, C4Tx subset and Cen AA, Tel AA, Tel BB in healthy controls. Among all 16 KIR genes, the carriers of KIR2DL5 and KIR2DS5 constituted a much greater proportion in meningioma than control group. Comparison of carrier frequencies of KIR2DS4 variants between case and controls revealed a higher frequency of KIR2DS4 full length (KIR2DS4fl) in meningioma cases and a lower frequency of KIR2DS4 deleted variant (KIR2DS4del) in controls. Furthermore, the simultaneous presence of 2DS5, 2DS4fl, CenAB, TelAB and absence of 2DS4del, CenAA, TelAA, TelBB, magnify the risk of developing meningioma substantially (OR ≈ 23). Altogether, 41 distinct KIR genotypes were characterized in 521 subjects. Among them, some individuals were characterized by seven peculiar genotypes that the linkage disequilibrium between KIR2DS2-KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL5-KIR2DS3-KIR2DS5 has not been detected. The carriers of certain genotypes with presence of as KIR2DL5 and absence of KIR2DS3, KIR2DS5 constituted a much higher proportion in meningioma than control group which increase the risk of meningioma up to 72 times. This case- control study suggests carriers of Bx genotype, KIR2DL5, KIR2DS5, 2DS4fl, ≥ 4 iKIR, CxTx subset as well as Cen AB and Tel AB are associated with an increased risk of developing meningioma whereas carrying KIR2DS4del, AA, C4TX genotypes and Cen AA, Tel AA, Tel BB reduce the genetic predisposition for meningioma.

A laboratory practice that uses the polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming technique to rapidly screen for HLA-DR2 allotype from germline DNA in immunology course for undergraduate medical students.

In this article, we describe an in-house polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific priming (PCR-SSP) assay designed for undergraduate medical students as part of the experimental pathogen biology and immunology (EPBI) course. It screens human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR2 allotype from genomic DNA samples using a rapid and single-tube PCR technique, yielding definitive typing result without conventional post-amplification step like probing or Sanger sequencing. This laboratory exercise offers the undergraduate medical students an opportunity to learn about current molecular biology techniques in HLA genotyping with limited effort and cost, in addition to a better understanding of concepts presented in the classroom lectures. Upon completing this experiment module, the students show statistically significant improvement in several key indexes, such as the knowledge about the mainstream HLA DNA typing techniques, awareness of the relevance of this knowledge for their future scientific research, immunogenetics-related basic laboratory skills they acquire, and interest and desire for mastering this assay (all p < .05). This easy to implement set of experiments is composed of a two-session lab module occupying eight teaching hours, and has been run successfully in our laboratory.

Human leukocyte antigen-DQA1*0501 allele and its association with pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Iraqi children

BackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease, arising through a complex interaction of both genetic and immunologic factors. There is an association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex and T1DM in various populations. The allele of HLA-DQA1 gene polymorphism associated with T1DM is HLA-DQA1*0501. The blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level provides the average blood glucose levels during two to three months, which is the predicted half-life of red blood cells (RBCs). ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular basis of the association of HLA- DQA1*0501 allele with HbA1c levels in children with T1DM, in the Kerbala province of Iraq. Materials and methodsThis is a case-control study conducted on 125 T1DM patients, including 66 males (52.8%) and 59 females (47.2%), with the mean age of 10.92 ± 3.78 years and 100 healthy controls, including 57 males (57%) and 43 females (43%), with the mean age of 8.4 ± 3.53 years, randomly recruited from the Kerbala province of Iraq. Genotyping of HLA was performed on genomic DNA, using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). ResultsThe frequency of HLA-DQA1*0501 allele in T1DM patients was 71.2%, and in apparently healthy control was 29%. The association between HbA1c level and HLA-DQA1*0501 allele was significant (P value ≤.01). ConclusionThe HLA-DQA1*0501 allele was highly associated with the risk of T1DM pathogenesis. A high significant correlation between the blood HbA1c level and HLA- DQA1*0501 allele was found.

Human platelet antigens polymorphisms; association to the development of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Recently, human platelet antigens (HPAs) polymorphisms are found to play a role in susceptibility to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and fibrosis progression. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible association between the HPAs polymorphisms with liver fibrosis progression in HCV patients. HPAs polymorphisms genotyping was performed in HCV patients (n = 71) by Sequence-specific primers-polymerase chain reaction. Fibrosis progression was evaluated using the Metavir scoring system and liver biopsy, and the patients were assigned to two groups, namely, G1 (n = 35) that included patients with F1 (portal fibrosis without septa) or F2 (few septa) and G2 (n = 36) that comprised patients with F3 (numerous septa) or F4 (cirrhosis). The data analyses were performed using Pearson's χ2 test. The genotype frequency of HPA-3ab was significantly higher in G1 patients than in G2 patients (P = 0.015). No statistically significant differences were found between the patient groups (G1 and G2) regarding the distributions of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HPA-1, -2, -4, -5, and -15 systems. Multivariate logistic regression showed an independent association between the genotype HPA-3aa/BB and severe fibrosis (F3-F4), when compared with genotype HPA-3ab, independent of the viral genotype, high alanine transaminase, sex, age, time of infection, diabetes, and high cholesterol as risk factors. The present study suggested that the HPA-3ab genotype could be noticed as a potential protecting factor against hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, the antigenic variation of integrins might be considered as a part of the coordinated inflammatory process involved in the progression of liver fibrosis.

Human neutrophil antigen frequency data for Malays, Chinese and Indians

BackgroundHuman neutrophil antigens (HNAs) are implicated in several clinical disorders and their allelic variations have been reported for many populations. This new study was aimed to report the genotype and alleles frequencies of HNA-1, -3, -4 and -5 loci in Malays, Chinese and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia. MethodsA total of 222 blood samples were collected from healthy, unrelated Malay, Chinese and Indian individuals. Their HNA-1, -3 and -4 and HNA-5 loci were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays. ResultsAll HNA loci are polymorphic, except for HNA -4. Geneotypes HNA-1a/1b, -3a/3b and -4a/4a were observed most frequently at these three loci in all three ethnic groups. In contrast, HNA-5a/5b and -5a/5a were observed as the predominant genotypes in Malays vs. Chinese and Indians, respectively. The Malays, Chinese and Indians shared HNA -3a (0.505-0.527), HNA -4a (1.000) and -5a (0.676-0.854) as the most frequent alleles. However, HNA-1a was found to be the most common in Malays (0.506) and Chinese (0.504) and HNA-1b for Indians (0.525). ConclusionCombined with HNA data that have been published for Malay subethnic and Orang Asli groups, this study provides the first fully comprehensive HNA dataset for populations to be found in Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, our findings provide further evidence of genetic complexity in the region. This now publicly available HNA dataset can be used as a reliable reference source for improving medical outcomes.