Serum Mannose-binding Lectin Levels Research Articles

Effects of MBL2 polymorphisms in patients with diisocyanate-induced occupational asthma.

Diisocyanate (DI) is the most common cause of occupational asthma (OA) in Korea. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) initiates the lectin complement activation pathway following oxidative stress and plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory processes. To determine whether there is a genetic association between MBL2 polymorphisms and DI-OA, 99 patients with DI-OA, 99 asymptomatic exposed controls (AECs) and 144 unexposed normal controls were enrolled in this study. Three polymorphisms (-554 G>C, -431A>C and -225 G>C) in the MBL2 promoter were genotyped, and serum MBL levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Functional variabilities in the promoter polymorphisms were analyzed by a luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). A significantly higher frequency of haplotype (ht) 2 [CAG] was noted in the DI-OA group compared with the AEC group (P=0.044). The patients with DI-OA carrying ht2 [CAG] had significantly lower PC20 methacholine levels (P<0.001) than the non-carriers. The serum MBL levels were significantly higher in the DI-exposed subjects (both the DI-OA patients and AECs) carrying ht1 [GAG] (P=0.028). Luciferase activity was significantly enhanced in ht1 [GAG] compared with ht2 [CAG] in human hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep3B) (P=0.002). The EMSA showed that a -554G probe produced a specific shifted band compared with the -554C probe. These findings suggest that decreased serum MBL levels due to polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene may increase susceptibility to the development of DI-OA in DI-exposed individuals.

(318) - Mannose-Binding Lectin Serum Levels and Pre-Tranplant Genotypes for Personalized Anti-CMV Prophylaxis in Heart Recipients

Very few studies of innate immunity have been performed to identify potential risk factors for development of infection in heart recipients. Among these markers, gene polymorphisms leading to lower serum levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), have been associated with an increased risk of infections in other clinical settings. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum MBL concentration and functionally relevant MBL2 gene polymorphisms and development of severe infections in heart recipients.

Elevated serum levels of mannose-binding lectin and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.

ObjectiveInflammation and complement activation initiated by mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. We investigated serum MBL levels in type 2 diabetes with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and with persistent normoalbuminuria.MethodSerum MBL levels were determined in 242 type 2 diabetes with overt nephropathy and 242 type 2 diabetes with persistent normoalbuminuria matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes, as well as in 100 healthy control subjects. The prediction value of MBL was compared with HbA1c, Hs-CRP and with other known predictors. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models.ResultsThe serum MBL levels were significantly higher in diabetes with DN as compared to with persistent normoalbuminuria (P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common factors showed that serum MBL levels≥2950ug/L was an independent indictor of DN (OR=7.55; 95%CI: 3.44–19.04). Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of serum MBL levels as an indicator for diagnosis of DN was projected to be 2950ug/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 77.2 % and a specificity of 80.8%, with the area under the curve at 0.809 (95%CI, 0.769—0.848).ConclusionOur findings suggested that MBL may be involved in the pathogenesis of DN in type 2 diabetes, and that determination of MBL status might be used to identify patients at increased risk of developing nephropathy complications.

Role of Levels of Mannose-Binding Lectin in Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Introduction : Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an infectious disease that maintains its importance. Recovery, inactive HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) carrier state, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic failure are the results which may occur during the clinical course of the disease. Immune system and host-related genetic factors play an important role in the prognosis. Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) is known to have a function in inflammatory response. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the role of serum MBL levels during the clinical course of HBV infection. Methodology-Result : A total of 147 patients were included in the study. Serum MBL levels of chronic HBV infection group, inactive HBsAg carrier group and healthy control group were determined to be 4504 ± 3185 ng/mL, 3301 ± 2631 ng/mL and 3329 ± 2484 ng/mL; respectively. Although serum MBL levels were determined to be higher in the patients with chronic HBV infection compared to the other groups, this was not statistically significant (p=0,148). Conclusions : The role of MBL in HBV infection is not clear as to reach a clear conclusion and it seems to be an insignificant factor compared to the more important factors contributing to the infection. Again in the studies performed in recent years, a strong correlation was determined between lower levels of serum MBL and codon variants and it has been suggested that codon variants could be used as genetic marker of lower levels of serum MBL. Based on the knowledge of there was a correlation between MBL gene mutations and lower levels of serum MBL, it has been thought that MBL gene study was not cost-efficient to determine the relationship of MBL gene mutations with infections.

No Strong Relationship Between Components of the Lectin Pathway of Complement and Susceptibility to Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) may utilise the lectin complement pathway to facilitate entry into its niche within macrophages. Previous studies examining mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in patients with TB have been limited by failure to correlate genotype/phenotype relationships. This study investigated serum levels and genotypes of MBL, Ficolin-2, Ficolin-3 and MASP-2 in 168 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 168 age/sex-matched controls. Low serum levels of MBL and Ficolin-2 were defined using cut-offs previously identified in the literature. Median MBL serum levels were higher in TB patients than controls-1400ng/ml (IQR 435-2520) vs 1030ng/ml (350-2050), p = 0.02-but this was not mirrored by a difference in MBL haplotype frequencies (MBL deficient haplotypes were observed in 11.9% of TB patients and 11.3% of controls). Severe Ficolin-2 deficiency (<1200ng/ml) was more frequent in TB than controls (7.1 vs 3.0%, odds ratio 2.51 95% CI 0.86-7.28, p = 0.1) but the difference was not statistically significant. No relationship between Ficolin-2, Ficolin-3 or MASP-2 genotypes or serum levels and TB were observed. No strong relationship between the lectin complement pathway and pulmonary tuberculosis was observed. Previous data linking high MBL serum levels with TB were likely due to an acute phase response rather than a true effect on disease susceptibility.

Serum mannose-binding lectin is a strong biomarker of diabetic retinopathy in chinese patients with diabetes.

Inflammation and complement activation initiated by mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. We investigated serum MBL levels in patients with diabetes with and without diabetic retinopathy (DR). Serum MBL levels were determined in 348 patients with diabetes and in 100 healthy control subjects. The prediction value of MBL was compared with diabetes duration, hs-CRP, and other known predictors. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. MBL levels on admission were significantly increased in patients with diabetes with DR (P < 0.0001) and vision-threatening DR (VTDR; P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common indictors showed that serum MBL levels ≥3,385 μg/L were an independent predictor of DR (odds ratio [OR] 3.14, 95% CI 1.77-5.57) and VTDR (OR 7.83, 95% CI 3.35-18.31). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MBL was 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.86) for DR and 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.93) for VTDR. The current study demonstrated that MBL appears to be an independent biomarker for DR in the Chinese population, suggesting a possible role of MBL in the pathogenesis of DR complications in diabetes.

Effects of mannose-binding lectin and mannose-binding lectin polymorphisms on treatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The natural course and clinical outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is related to the interaction between HCV and the immune response of the host. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in HCV infection. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between MBL levels and gene polymorphisms on treatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Serum MBL levels from 50 CHC patients who completed treatment at least 24 weeks before the present study and 75 healthy HCV-negative controls were measured. In addition, the presence of codon 54 mutations was investigated. Correlational analyses were performed to determine relationships between MBL levels and treatment response. In patients, mean serum MBL levels were lower and the rate of codon 54 mutations was higher. However, these differences were not statically significant. In both patients and controls, serum MBL levels were significantly lower in individuals with codon 54 mutations. Moreover, serum MBL levels and the rate of the codon 54 mutation were similar in patients regardless of treatment response. Our findings suggest that low MBL levels do not increase the susceptibility for HCV infection. Furthermore, MBL levels were not found to have a significant effect on the course of the disease or treatment response.

Mannose-binding lectin impairs Leptospira activity through the inhibitory effect on the motility of cell

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays key role in lectin pathway of innate immunity, and shows the ability of triggering opsonization intermediately. Substantial increase in the serum level of MBL has been confirmed during leptospirosis, which caused by a pathogenic spirochete, Leptospira. Leptospira has a fascinating locomotion pattern, which simultaneously gyrating and swimming forward, such motility enables that Leptospira is difficult to be captured by immune cells if without any assistance. In this study, the effect of mannose-binding lectin to Leptospira was quantitatively investigated by measuring some kinematic parameters, to discover the mechanism behind MBL-mediated immune responses during leptospiral infection. The results showed that mannose-binding lectin is capable of inhibiting the motility of Leptospira by transforming free swimming cells to tumbled rotating cells, resulted in the increase number of rotating cells. Otherwise, decrease in rotation rate of rotating cell has been observed. However, the swimming speed of swimming Leptospira cells showed no observable change under the effect of MBL. The inhibitory effect were only valid in a relatively short period, Leptospira cells regained their original motility after 2h. This raises an interesting topic that Leptospira is somehow able to escape from the inhibitory effect of MBL by dragging such unfavorable molecules toward to the cell end and eventually throwing it out. The inhibitory effect of MBL on the motility of Leptospira is expected to provide a new insight into lectin pathway.

Serum Mannose Binding Lectin Levels in Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

Introduction: Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis (EONS) is still the most cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is difficult to establish because of nonspecific clinical features and laboratory findings. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is one of the acute phase proteins that can show progressing infection process. Objective: To determine the serum MBL levels of neonates with EONS and not EONS. Methods: This study was conducted as a cross sectional study from September to November 2014. The population included 92 neonates baby whose mother has risk factors of sepsis and admitted to Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and joined hospital. The subjects were divided into two groups, EONS and Not EONS group based on clinical features and laboratory findings. The MBL serum level was measured on each group. Results: Statistical analyses showed median value of serum MBL of EONS group (0.88 μg/mL) was significant lower compare with Not EONS group (0.93 μg/mL), with p= 0.00 (p<0.05). The cutoff point of ≤0.93 µg/mL is the best levels to distinguish between EONS and Not EONS (p=0.01, sensitivity 76%, specificity 56%, positive predictive value 60%, negative predictive value 67%, COR 3.182, 95%CI 1.306-7.752). Conclusion: MBL serum levels on EONS group were lower than Not EONS group.

Evaluation of mannose-binding lectin serum level in prediction of neonatal sepsis

Background Despite improved neonatal care over the past decades, infections remain common and sometimes life threatening in neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU. Neonatal sepsis has the highest morbidity and mortality. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) serum level as a marker for prediction of neonatal sepsis. Patients and methods This prospective case-control study was conducted on 90 neonates admitted to the neonatal ICU. The 90 neonates were divided into two groups: the patient group and the control group. The patient group included 45 cases with neonatal sepsis and the control group included 45 healthy neonates. Serum levels of MBL were measured by immunoassay. The results were tabulated and analyzed with SPSS. Results Serum MBL levels were significantly lower in the neonates with sepsis than in the control group (0.455 ± 0.245 vs. 1.212 ± 0.249 μg/ml; P Conclusion and key messages MBL serum level could be considered a sensitive and specific marker for prediction of neonatal sepsis. Neonates with significant decrease in MBL are at increased risk for developing sepsis and septic shock.

Levels of mannose-binding lectin in individuals with visceral leishmaniasis in the northeast region of Brazil.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is one of the seven priority endemic diseases in the world. The clinical outcome of many infections is not only dependent on the pathogenic organism, but also on the genetic variability of the host susceptibility to infection. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein that plays an important role in the innate immune system. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of MBL between healthy controls and carriers of VL. The VL cases were recruited randomly from the main hospitals and referral outpatient clinics for VL in São Luís, and from home visits. Determination of MBL protein levels was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the 161 patients with VL and the 161 healthy controls, 60.9 and 67.1% had high levels of MBL, respectively. There was no significant difference in MBL levels between cases and controls. Low socioeconomic status and living conditions are conducive to the occurrence of VL. Owing to the small number of existing studies, it is extremely important to conduct further studies on MBL levels and susceptibility to VL, especially in regions where the disease is endemic, such as Maranhão, Brazil.

Elevated Serum Mannose-Binding Lectin Levels Are Associated with Poor Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

The activation of the complement system may be involved in the pathology of stroke and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We therefore evaluated the long-term prognostic value of early measurement of serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels, an activator of the complement system, in Chinese T2DM with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Serum MBL levels were determined in T2DM patients with AIS (N = 188). The adjudicated end points were 1-year functional outcomes and mortality. The prognostic value of MBL was compared with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and with other known outcome predictors. Patients with an unfavorable outcomes and nonsurvivors had significantly increased MBL levels on admission (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common risk factors showed that MBL was an independent predictor of functional outcome (odds ratio (OR) = 8.99, 95% CI 2.21-30.12) and mortality (OR = 13.22, 95% CI 2.05-41.21). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MBL was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68-0.83) for functional outcome and 0.85 (95% CI 0.80-0.90) for mortality. In type 2 diabetic patients with stroke, high levels of MBL predict future functional outcomes and mortality. This indicated that the elevated MBL levels may play a significant role in the pathology of the subsequent damage and that the pathways leading to complement activation warrant further exploration as potential therapeutic targets to improve the prognosis for these patients.

Relationship of serum mannose-binding lectin levels with the development of sepsis: a meta-analysis.

Many studies have evaluated the association between serum levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and sepsis; however, the findings are inconclusive and conflicting. For a better understanding of MBL in sepsis, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis. Potential relevant studies were identified covering Science Citation Index, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Current Contents Index databases. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed studies independently. Statistical analyses were conducted with the version 12.0 STATA statistical software. Ten papers were collected for meta-analysis. Results identified that sepsis patients had considerably lower MBL level than those in the controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.59, 95 % confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.86∼2.31, P < 0.001). Ethnicity-subgroup analysis showed that sepsis patients were associated with decreased serum MBL level in contrast to the healthy controls in Asians (SMD = 3.07, 95%CI = 1.27∼4.88, P = 0.001) and Caucasians (SMD = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.35∼1.65, P = 0.003). In the group-stratified subgroup analysis, subjects with lower serum MBL level did underpin susceptibility to sepsis in the infants subgroup (SMD = 2.57, 95%CI = 1.59∼3.55, P < 0.001); however, this was not the case in the adults subgroup (SMD = 0.13, 95%CI = -1.30∼1.55, P = 0.862). Our study suggests an important involvement of serum MBL level in sepsis patients considering their lower level compared to controls, especially among infants.

Increased serum mannose binding lectin levels are associated with diabetic retinopathy

BackgroundMannose-binding lectin (MBL) may be implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) complications. We investigated serum MBL levels in type 2 diabetic patients with and without DR. MethodSerum MBL levels were determined in 184 type 2 diabetic patients with DR and 189 type 2 diabetic patients without DR matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. The diagnostic value of MBL was compared with the HbA1c, Hs-CRP and with other known markers. ResultsWe found that serum MBL levels were significantly higher in diabetes with DR as compared to without-DR [3456 (IQR, 3128–3800) ug/l and 2432 (IQR, 2100–2670) ug/l, respectively; P<0.0001]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for all other significant factors, MBL remained can be seen as an independent DR marker with an adjusted OR of 1.002 (95% CI, 1.001–1.003; P<0.0001). Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of serum MBL levels as an indicator for diagnosis of DR was projected to be 3050 ug/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 82.5% and a specificity of 88.0%, with the area under the curve at 0.907 (95% CI, 0.876—0.938). ConclusionIn type 2 diabetic patients, evaluated serum levels of MBL can be seen as an independent marker of DR even after correcting for possible confounding factors.

High prevalence of genetically-determined mannose binding lectin deficiency in young children with invasive pneumococcal disease

Susceptibility to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) correlates with age, younger children being the group with the highest burden of disease. The relevance of the innate immune response and particularly the role of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in combating IPD is not well known. This is a 2-year prospective study (February 2011 to March 2013) including patients with IPD who attended two hospitals from Catalonia, Spain. Variables including attack rate of pneumococcal serotype (high or low invasive potential serotypes) and genotypes associated with low serum MBL levels were recorded. One hundred and forty-seven patients were included in the study. One hundred and two (69.4%) patients were children or adolescents <18 years and 45 (30.6%) were adults. Overall, low-MBL genotypes (O/O; XA/O) were detected in 23 (15.6%) patients. Children <2 years showed a higher frequency of low-MBL genotypes compared with other patients (31.0% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.031). Further sub-analysis revealed a higher proportion of low-MBL genotypes in children <2 years with IPD caused by opportunistic or low-attack-rate serotypes when compared with older patients (46.2% vs. 13.2%; p = 0.02). However, no statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed when including patients infected with invasive or high-attack-rate serotypes (18.8% vs. 10.0%; p = 0.59). Our data suggest that young children with a genetically determined low-MBL production are at a higher risk of developing IPD, particularly that caused by opportunistic or low-attack-rate pneumococcal serotypes.

Transcription efficiency of different chicken mannose-binding lectin promoter alleles.

The serum collectin mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a major role in innate immunity by activation of the lectin complement pathway or by acting as an opsonin. The serum levels of human and animal MBL are associated with susceptibility to a wide range of infections, and the variation of MBL in serum is genetically determined. In the chicken, 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have so far been found in the MBL promoter region. In this study, the transcription activity of a 670-bp promoter region covering all 14 SNPs from the four MBL promoter alleles A1 to A4 was assessed using a dual-luciferase assay. Of the analysed alleles, A1 showed the highest transcription activity although this allele is frequently found in chickens with low MBL mRNA expression.

Low mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and MBL genetic polymorphisms associated with the risk of neonatal sepsis: An updated meta-analysis

BackgroundRelatively low serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and MBL genetic polymorphisms have been implicated as high risk factors for neonatal sepsis. However, different studies have reported conflicting findings and have generally been underpowered to exclude modest effect sizes. MethodsStandard methodology of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was followed. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched from January 1996 to December 2013. The eligible studies were collected and analyzed using Review Manager 5.2. Meta-Disc version 1.4 was used to describe and calculate sensitivity, specificity, summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curves and area under the curve. SROC curve analysis was used to summarize the overall performance. Funnel plots, Egger's test and Begg's test were used to investigate publication bias. ResultsSeven studies addressing low MBL levels and MBL genetic polymorphisms (structure variant A/O, A/B of Exon1) were analyzed for susceptibility to neonatal sepsis, respectively. All of these control studies were of reasonable methodological quality. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio showed that low MBL levels were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis (P=0.0002; odds ratio=4.94, 95% confidence interval=2.16–11.29) and MBL genetic polymorphisms were also significantly associated with neonatal sepsis (P=0.03; odds ratio=1.41, 95% confidence interval=1.03–1.94). In subgroup analysis based on gestational age, increased risk was found in the preterm infants in the dominant model (RR 2.33, 95%CI 1.06–5.13, P=0.03). However, no association was observed for term infants in subgroup analysis. Additionally, the SROC curve of low MBL levels in the prediction of neonatal sepsis indicated a poor predictive ability. The area under curve was 0.80 (95% confidence interval=0.74–0.86). ConclusionCurrently available evidence shows that neonates with low serum MBL levels are more than four times more likely to have neonatal sepsis compared to those with higher serum MBL levels. Neonates with MBL genetic polymorphisms are also susceptible to developing neonatal sepsis. However, a low serum MBL level was only of moderate value in detecting neonatal sepsis.

Low serum mannose-binding lectin levels are associated with inflammation and apoptosis in early surveillance allograft biopsies

IntroductionMannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein of the innate immune system that participates in host defense and the tissue injury/repair process, enhancing the clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages. The aim is to characterize the relationship between pre-transplant MBL levels, histological lesions and number of apoptotic cells in early surveillance renal allograft biopsies. Patients and methodsConsecutive renal transplant recipients were recruited and MBL levels were classified into tertiles. The first tertile was considered the low MBL group. Surveillance biopsies were done during the first 6months and were evaluated according to Banff criteria. Renal inflammatory infiltrates were studied by immunohistochemical techniques. Apoptosis was studied using morphological methods in renal tubular cells and was expressed as the number of apoptotic cells/mm2. ResultsMBL was determined in 126 patients and a surveillance biopsy with sufficient tissue was obtained in 41 of them. Patients with low pre-transplant MBL levels showed a higher acute Banff index (3.14±1.96 vs. 1.88±1.56, p=0.044) and an increased proportion of biopsies with tubular cell apoptosis The proportion of biopsies with tubular cell apoptosis was higher in patients with low pre-transplant MBL levels in comparison with patients with high MBL levels (4.3±3.6 versus 0.2±0.9 p=0.012) and increased interstitial number of inflammatory cells and significantly the macrophages/mm2 (109±118 vs. 32±46; p=0.04). ConclusionLow pre-transplant serum MBL levels are associated with more severe inflammation and increased apoptosis in early surveillance renal allograft biopsies suggesting that MBL modulates renal inflammation after transplantation

Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) in women with malignant and benign ovarian tumours.

Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) is a serum pattern recognition molecule, able to activate complement in association with MASP proteases. Serum levels of MBL and MASP-2, activities of MBL–MASP complexes, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MBL2 and MASP2 genes and/or their specific mRNA expression in ovarian sections were investigated in 128 patients suffering from primary ovarian cancer (OC) and compared with 197 controls (C), encompassing both patients with benign ovarian tumours (n = 123) and others with no ovarian pathology (n = 74). MBL deficiency-associated genotypes were more common among OC patients than among controls. The O/O group of genotypes was associated with ovarian cancer (OR 3.5, p = 0.02). In A/A homozygotes, MBL concentrations and activities were elevated in the OC group and correlated with C-reactive protein. Moreover, high MBL serum levels were associated with more advanced disease stage. No differences in distribution of the MASP2 +359 A>G (D120G) SNP or MASP-2 serum levels were found between cancer patients and their controls. However, the highest frequency of the A/G (MASP2) and LXA/O or O/O (MBL2) genotypes was found among OC patients with tumours of G1–2 grade (well/moderately differentiated). Furthermore, MBL deficiency-associated genotypes predicted prolonged survival. None of the parameters investigated correlated with CA125 antigen or patients’ age. The local expression of MBL2 and MASP2 genes was higher in women with ovarian cancer compared with controls. It is concluded that the expression of MBL and MASP-2 is altered in ovarian cancer, possibly indicating involvement of the lectin pathway of complement activation in the disease.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00262-014-1579-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mannose-binding lectin exon 1 and promoter polymorphisms in tuberculosis disease in a Mediterranean area.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum protein that activates the complement and mediates phagocytosis. MBL levels and MBL2 genotype may impact upon host susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) disease but evidence to date has been conflicting. MBL2 exon 1 and promoter genotyping and serum MBL concentrations were determined in 79 patients with active tuberculosis (58 pulmonary TB and 21 extrapulmonary or miliary TB) and 120 household healthy contacts (HHC) from a Mediterranean area (Majorca Island, Spain). Significantly higher serum MBL levels were found in patients with active tuberculosis than in HHC [median MBL concentrations 3430 ng mL(-1) (10-28 415) and 2600 ng mL(-1) (5-20 000) respectively, P = 0.002]. These higher MBL levels were mainly related to the most prevalent YA/YA wild-type diplotype. There was a strong correlation between MBL2 exon 1 and promoter genotype and MBL levels. The diplotype LYQA/HYPA was present in 12 out of 57 of the pulmonary TB cases but in none of the extrapulmonary TB patients. Diplotype LXPA/HYPA, producer of high levels of MBL, was significantly more frequent in HHC than in patients (16.8% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.031) suggesting a protective role against the development of TB disease that has not been previously found.