Immunohistochemical Study of HLA-DR Antigen in Endometrial Tis-sue of Patients with Endometriosis

In order to evaluate the expression of HLA DR antigen in glandular cells in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis, 19 infertile patients with endometriosis were analyzed immunohistochemically by labelled streptavidin biotin (LSAB) method. Nineteen infertile patients without endometriosis were studied as controls. The results showed that the expression of HLA DR antigen in the glandular cells in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium was increased significantly as compared with that in the controls ( P <0.01). It is likely that aberrant expression of HLA DR antigen in endometriotic tissue is involved in abormal immunogenesis of endometriosis.

Immunohistochemical assessments of HLA-DR antigen expression in autoimmune thyroid diseases

40 thyroid specimens from Tru-cut needle biopsy and surgerywere analyzed by APAAP immunohistochemical technique.It was shown thatthe expression of HLA-DR antigen on thyroid follicular cells (TFC) wasinvolved in almost every patient.The degree of DR expression was signifi-cantly higher in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) than in Graves’ disease (GD)and in nontoxic goiter (NTG),The level of DR expression on TFC not onlycorrelated markedly with degree of MNC infiltration,but more so with degreeof DR expression on intrathyroidal infiltrates,suggesting that aberrant DR ex-pression in vivo may be related to the activation of intrathyroidal T cells.

Expression of HLA-DR antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma and its up-regulation by interferon

Objective:To observetheexpressionof humanleukocyticantigenDR(HLA-DR)inprimaryhepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)anditsup-regulationby interferon(IFN).Methods:The expressionof HLA-DRin46specimensof humanHCCtissues,4humanHCCcelllines(SMMC-7721,HCC-9204,BEL-7402andHHCC)anda humanhepatocyte celllineQZGwas respectivelydetectedby immunohistochemicalABCstainingandflowcytometry.Theexpressionof HLA-DRinthe5celllineswasdetectedby ELISAbeforeandafterthecellsweretreatedwithIFN-γor IFN-α.Results:Eighteenoutof46HCCtissues(39.1%)expressedHLA-DR,whereasallthenormallivertissuesimmediatelyadjacentto HCCtissueswereHLA-DR-negative.No obviousHLA-DR-positivestainingwas foundin allthe5celllines.The expressionof HLA-DRwas up-regulatedin allthe5celllinesafterIFN-γor IFN-αtreatment.The up-regulationof HLA-DRinQZGcellswaslessobviousthanthatinHCCcelllines.Theeffectof IFN-γwasmoresignificantthanthatof IFN-α.Conclusion:HCCtissuescanexpressHLA-DRto someextent,butHCCcelllinesdo notexpressdetectable HLA-DR.IFNcanup-regulateHLA-DRexpressioninHCCcells.

单中心山东汉族肾移植受者HLA-A、HLA-B、HLA-C、HLA-DRB1、HLA-DQB1等位基因分布及单体型多态性分析

目的分析单中心山东汉族肾移植受者HLA-A、HLA-B、HLA-C、HLA-DRB1、HLA-DQB1等位基因分布及单体型多态性特点,获取肾移植人群人类白细胞抗原(HLA)遗传学参数。方法选择2019年6月至2022年12月于青岛大学附属医院进行HLA-A、HLA-B、HLA-C、HLA-DRB1、HLA-DQB1等位基因检测的1470例肾移植受者。采用序列特异性寡核苷酸探针-聚合酶链反应法进行HLA等位基因检测。采用直接计数法计算HLA等位基因频率,对各等位基因位点进行Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验。采用Arlequin 3.5.2.2软件计算常见单体型频率。结果1470例患者中共检测到216个等位基因,其中HLA-A、HLA-B、HLA-C、HLA-DRB1、HLA-DQB1分别检出等位基因数量为36、86、33、40、21个。HLA-A、HLA-B、HLA-C等位基因的观察值与期望值比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),HLA-DRB1和HLA-DQB1等位基因的观察值与期望值比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。HLA-A~HLA-B单体型452对,HLA-B~HLA-C单体型219对,HLA-A~HLA-B~HLA-C单体型666对,HLA-B~HLA-DRB1单体型551对,HLA-DRB1~HLA-DQB1单体型91对,HLA-A~HLA-B~HLA-C~HLA-DRB1单体型1367对,HLA-A~HLA-B~HLA-C~HLA-DRB1~HLA-DQB1单体型1434对。HLA-A*30:01~HLA-B*13:02~HLA-C*06:02~HLA-DRB1*07:01~HLA-DQB1*02:02单体型频率最高。结论山东汉族肾移植受者中HLA-A*30:01~HLA-B*13:02~HLA-C*06:02~HLA-DRB1*07:01~HLA-DQB1*02:02单体型频率最高,该研究为供者等位基因检索以及受者人群遗传学研究提供了参考。

Human leukocyte antigen and donor-specific antibodies in liver transplantation

In this article,we comment on an article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.We specifically focus on the roles of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)and donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)in pediatric liver transpl-antation(LT),as well as the relationship between immune rejection after LT and DSA.Currently,LT remains the standard of care for pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease or severe acute liver failure.However,acute and chronic re-jection continues to be a significant cause of graft dysfunction and loss.HLA mismatch significantly reduces graft survival and increases the risk of acute rejection.Among them,D→R one-way mismatch at three loci was significantly related to graft-versus-host disease incidence after LT.The adverse impact of HLA-DSAs on LT recipients is already established.Therefore,the evaluation of HLA and DSA is crucial in pediatric LT.

Hepatitis B core-related antigen as a promising serological marker for monitoring hepatitis B virus cure

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a global health concern.The current sequen-tial endpoints for the treatment of HBV infection include viral suppression,hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)seroconversion,functional cure,and covalently closed circular DNA(cccDNA)clearance.Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen(HBcrAg)is an emerging HBV marker comprising three components:HBeAg,hepatitis B core antigen,and p22cr.It responds well to the transcriptional activity of cccDNA in the patient's liver and is a promising alternative marker for serolo-gical testing.There is a strong correlation,and a decrease in its level corresponds to sustained viral suppression.In patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),serum HBcrAg levels are good predictors of HBeAg seroconversion(both spontaneous and after antiviral therapy),particularly in HBeAg-positive patients.Both low baseline HBcrAg levels and decreasing levels early in antiviral therapy favored HBsAg seroconversion,which may serve as a good surrogate option for treatment endpoints.In this review,we summarize the role of serum HBcrAg in the treat-ment of CHB.Therefore,long-term continuous monitoring of serum HBcrAg levels contributes to the clinical management of patients with CHB and optimizes the choice of treatment regimen,making it a promising marker for monitoring HBV cure.

免疫表型在鉴别急性早幼粒细胞白血病与HLA-DR阴性急性髓系白血病中的应用

目的探讨免疫表型在急性早幼粒细胞白血病(APL)和HLA-DR阴性的急性髓系白血病(AML)之间的鉴别诊断中的价值。方法回顾性研究2014年至2024年间收治的42例APL患者和28例初治及复发的HLA-DR阴性AML患者。通过流式细胞免疫表型分析,比较两组患者CD64、MPO、CD7、CD11c、CD9、CD123等抗原的阳性表达率。利用χ2检验进行统计学分析,并应用ROC曲线评估CD9和CD123的表达模式,以及CD64^(+)MPO^(+)CD7^(-)CD11c^(-)对APL的诊断价值。结果AML组患者的CD64、CD9、MPO阳性率显著低于APL组,而CD11c、CD7阳性率显著高于APL组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。CD64^(+)MPO^(+)CD7^(-)CD11c^(-)的综合抗原积分表达模式在鉴别诊断APL方面的ROC曲线下面积(AUC^(ROC))为0.859,敏感性为93.8%,特异性为75.0%,CD9/CD123的鉴别诊断APL的AUC^(ROC)为0.919,敏感性为83.3%,特异性为84.0%;而联合应用CD9/CD123和综合抗原积分的诊断模式,AUC^(ROC)为0.955,敏感性为83.3%,特异性为100%。结论CD9/CD123表达模式及CD64^(+)MPO^(+)CD7^(-)CD11c^(-)联合应用可作为鉴别诊断APL与HLA-DR阴性的AML的重要依据.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donorspecific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation(LT)has been increasingly recognized,particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies(DSAs)and their impact on graft longevity.While substantial evidence for adult populations exists,research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited.AIM To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen(HLA)mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT.METHODS A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre,Brazil,between December 2013 and December 2023.Only patients who survived for>30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included.DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed.The presence of de novo DSA(dnDSA)was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex®single antigen bead method,with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI.Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy.RESULTS Overall,67 transplanted children were analyzed;61 received grafts from living donors,85%of whom were related to recipients.Pre-transplant DSA(class I or II)was detected in 28.3%of patients,and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%.The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7[interquartile range(IQR):4.3-35.6]months.Biopsyproven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up,with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies.The median time to rejection was 7.8(IQR:5.7-12.8)months.The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection(36%vs 3%,P<0.001).The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76%vs 100%and 58%vs 95%for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without,respectively.CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre-and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients.Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

Inflammatory response in gastrointestinal cancers:Overview of six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate in pathophysiology and clinical implications

Chronic inflammation is known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers(GICs),the common solid tumors worldwide.Precancerous lesions,such as chronic atrophic inflammation and ulcers,are related to inflammatory responses in vivo and likely to occur in hyperplasia and tumorigenesis.Unfortunately,due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets,the prognosis of patients with GICs is still unsatisfactory.Interestingly,it is found that six transmembrane epithelial antigens of the prostate(STEAPs),a group of metal reductases,are significantly associated with the progression of malignancies,playing a crucial role in systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory responses.The structure and functions of STEAPs suggest that they are closely related to intracellular oxidative stress,responding to inflammatory reactions.Under the imbalance status of abnormal oxidative stress,STEAP members are involved in cell transformation and the development of GICs by inhibiting or activating inflammatory process.This review focuses on STEAPs in GICs along with exploring their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms,with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these types of cancers.

Serum tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 72-4, carbohydrate antigen 24-2, ferritin) and gastric cancer prognosis correlation

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a kind of malignant tumor which is prevalent all over the world.Although some progress has been made in the treatment of gastric cancer,its prognosis is still not optimistic,so it is of great significance to find reliable prog-nostic indicators to guide the treatment and management of patients with gastric cancer.AIM To explore the relationship between serum levels of five biomarkers[carcinoem-bryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA)19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2,and ferritin]and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This study included 200 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,and conducted an in-depth analysis of their baseline characteristics,relationship between tumor markers and staging,and prognosis.The study found that CA19-9 has a signi-ficant correlation with tumor stage,the average levels of CA24-2,CEA,CA72-4 and ferritin were slightly increased disregarding the stage of tumor.Survival analysis showed that increases in CEA,CA19-9,CA24-2,and ferritin were all associated with shortened overall survival of patients.Further multivariate ana-lysis revealed that elevated serum CA72-4 levels were an inde-pendent adverse prognostic factor.RESULTS This study reveals that there is a significant correlation between the expression levels of serum tumor markers CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2 and ferritin in patients with gastric cancer and prognosis,and can be used as important indicators for prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer.In particular,markers that appear abnormally elevated initially may help identify gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Serum CEA and CA19-9 play an important role in the prognosis assessment of gastric cancer,and are effective tools to guide clinical practice and optimize individualized treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients.

Recurrence and influencing factors of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance induced by peginterferon alpha-based regimens

BACKGROUND The long-term stability of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)seroclearance following peginterferon alpha(peg-IFN-α)-based therapy has not been extensively studied,leaving the full potential and limitations of this strategy unclear.AIM To assess HBsAg recurrence after seroclearance achieved by peg-IFN-αregimens.METHODS This prospective,multicenter,observational study was conducted from November 2015 to June 2021 at three Chinese hospitals:The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University,Ankang Central Hospital,and The Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University.Participants who achieved HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-α-based treatments were monitored every 4-12 weeks post-treatment for hepatitis B virus(HBV)markers,HBV DNA,and liver function.The primary outcome was HBV recurrence,defined as the reemergence of HBsAg,HBV DNA,or both,at least twice within 4-8 weeks of follow-up.RESULTS In total,121 patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance were enrolled.After a median follow-up of 84.0(48.0,132.0)weeks,four subjects were lost to follow-up.HBsAg recurrence was detected in 16 patients.The cumulative HBsAg recurrence rate in the intention-to-treat population was 15.2%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that consolidation time<12 weeks[odds ratio(OR)=28.044,95%CI:4.525-173.791]and hepatitis B surface antibody disappearance during follow-up(OR=46.445,95%CI:2.571-838.957)were strong predictors of HBsAg recurrence.HBV DNA positivity and decompensation of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were not observed.CONCLUSION HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-αtreatment was durable over 84 weeks of follow-up with a cumulative recurrence rate of 15.2%.

Fasciola worm and egg-derived antigens:Exploring their diagnostic potential for urogenital schistosomiasis in resource-limited endemic regions

Objective:To evaluate the immunodiagnostic potential of crude Fasciola gigantica-worm(FWA)and egg antigen(FEA)in detecting anti-Schistosoma(S.)haematobium antibodies in sera and urine samples.Methods:This is a cross-sectional diagnostic study.Employing an indirect ELISA,antibodies against these antigens were assessed in samples from infected and non-infected individuals in both schistosomiasis endemic(NE)and non-endemic(NNE)areas,using microscopy as the diagnostic standard.Results:FWA-sera exhibited excellent diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.957,a sensitivity of 93.75%,and a specificity of 85.42%for discriminating between infected and non-infected individuals in non-endemic areas.FWA-urine also demonstrated robust performance,achieving AUC>0.95,sensitivity>97.0%,and specificity>85.0%in both NE and NNE categories.Notably,S.haematobium-specific antibody levels against FWA were significantly elevated in infected individuals in both endemic and non-endemic areas.FEA-sera exhibited outstanding diagnostic performance with sensitivity exceeding 90%and an AUC of 0.968 in non-endemic samples but not in FEA-urine.Conclusions:FWA-based ELISAs,applicable to both sera and urine,emerge as promising tools for S.haematobium diagnosis in resource-limited settings,offering advantages of high sensitivity and specificity with shared antigens with Fasciola.The superior diagnostic metrics of urine samples suggest their potential as a non-invasive biological sample for diagnostic purposes.

The combined detection of carcinoembryonic antigen,carcinogenic antigen 125,and carcinogenic antigen 19-9 in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Hepatic metastases are common and difficult to treat after colorectal cancer(CRC)surgery.The predictive value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),cancer antigen(CA)125 and CA19-9 combined tests for liver metastasis is unclear.AIM To evaluate predictive value of combined tests for CEA,CA125,and CA19-9 levels in patients with liver metastases of CRC.METHODS The retrospective study included patients with CRC alone(50 cases)and patients with CRC combined with liver metastases(50 cases)who were hospitalized between January 2021 and January 2023.Serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels were compared between the two groups,and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the predictive value of the combination of these tumor markers in liver metastasis.In addition,we performed receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis to assess its diagnostic accuracy.RESULTS The results showed that the serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels in the CRC with liver metastasis group were significantly higher than those in the CRC alone group.Specifically,the average serum CEA level in the CRC with liver metastasis group was 162.03±810.01 ng/mL,while that in the CRC alone group was 5.71±9.76 ng/mL;the average serum CA125 levels were 43.47±83.52 U/mL respectively.and 13.5±19.68 U/mL;the average serum CA19-9 levels were 184.46±473.13 U/mL and 26.55±43.96 U/mL respectively.In addition,binary logistic regression analysis showed that CA125 was significant in predicting CRC liver metastasis(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the ROC curves of CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 were 0.607,0.692 and 0.586.CONCLUSION These results suggest that combined detection of these tumor markers may help early detection and intervention of CRC liver metastasis,thereby improving patient prognosis.

Prostate cancer with elevated free prostate-specific antigen density:A case report

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men worldwide,and prostate-specific antigen(PSA)is often used in clinical practice to screen for prostate cancer.Normal total PSA(tPSA)level initially excludes prostate cancer.Here,we report a case of prostate cancer with elevated free PSA density(fPSAD).CASE SUMMARY A patient diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent prostatectomy,and the postoperative pathological results showed acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate.The patient is currently undergoing endocrine chemotherapy.CONCLUSION We provide a clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment of patients with normal tPSA but elevated fPSAD.

Technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography combined with prostate-specific antigen/free prostate-specific antigen ratio for bone metastasis of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer(PC)is one of the most common malignant tumors in men,and bone metastasis is one of its common complications,which seriously affects the quality of life and prognosis of patients.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate(99mTc-MDP)single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)/CT imaging combined with the serum prostate-specific antigen(PSA)/free PSA ratio for PC bone metastasis(PCBM).METHODS One hundred patients with PC who visited the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to January 2022 were recruited as the experimental(Exp)group,while 30 patients with benign prostatic lesions(BPLs)were recruited as the control(Ctrl)group.All patients underwent 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT imaging and serum PSA/fPSA testing.The SPECT/CT imaging results and serum PSA/fPSA ratios of patients were analyzed to evaluate their diagnostic values for PCBM.RESULTS The difference in general information of the patients was not obvious,showing comparability.The two methods showed no visible differences in negative predictive value and sensitivity for patients with PCBM,but had great differences in positive predictive value and specificity(P<0.05).The PSA/fPSA ratio of patients with PC in the Exp group was lower than those with BPLs,and patients with PCBM had a much lower PSA/fPSA ratio than those without PC(P<0.05).The results confirmed that the combined use of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT imaging and serum PSA/fPSA ratio achieved a detection rate of 95%for PCBM.CONCLUSION The combination of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT and PSA/fPSA ratio is accurate and reliable for the diagnosis of PCBM,which provides an important reference for clinical practice.

Hepatitis B surface antigen-negative but hepatitis B envelope antigen-positive false occult hepatitis B virus infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B infection(OBI)is characterized by the detection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA in serum(usually HBV DNA<200 IU/mL)or the liver but negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg).The diagnosis of OBI relies on the sensitivity of assays used in the detection of HBV DNA and HBsAg.HBsAg assays with inadequate sensitivity or inability to detect HBV S variants may lead to misdiagnosis of OBI in people with overt HBV infection.CASE SUMMARY We report a HBsAg-negative but hepatitis B envelope antigen-positive patient who had a significant HBV DNA level.The patient was initially diagnosed as having OBI.However,sequence analysis revealed a unique insertion of amino acid residues at positions 120-124 in the S protein,which affects the formation of a disulfide bond that is associated with the formation of a loop.It is well known that there is an overlap between the S protein and Pol protein.We found that this new insertion site occurred in polymerase/reverse transcriptase domain,indi-cating that this insertion might be involved in HBV pathogenicity.The patient was finally diagnosed with a false OBI.CONCLUSION An insertion of amino acid residues at positions 120-124 of the S protein affects the formation of immunodominant epitopes and results in negative HBsAg levels.

Diagnostic value comparison of the combination of prostate-specific membrane antigen-body PET/MR and the prostate health index with each alone in early diagnosis of prostate cancer

Objective:This study aimed to figure out whether the combination of the prostate health index(PHI)and prostate-specific membrane antigen(PSMA)-PET/MR could improve the diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer(PCa)than that of each individual method used alone.Methods:In this prospective,observational study,41 patients who underwent the systematic prostate biopsy between June 2019 and September 2022 were enrolled.Both the PHI test and ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR were performed prior to biopsies.The diagnostic accuracy of different models was compared by logistic regression,areas under the curve(AUCs)of the receiver operating characteristic,and net reclassification index(NRI).Results:Among the 41 patients,14(34.1%)were pathologically diagnosed with PCa.The PHI in the PCa group was significantly higher than that in the benign group(44.4 vs.35.0,p=0.048).Similarly,all the patients in the PCa group received positive results of ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR,of which the positive rate was significantly higher than that in benign group(100%vs.62.96%,p=0.025).The ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR provided additional diagnostic values to the PHI(AUC:0.802 vs.0.692,p=0.025).However,there was no significant difference between the combination model and the ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR alone(AUC 0.802 vs.0.685,p=0.071).The optimal PHI cutoff of the combination model is 32,with which the model could significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies(NRI:22.22%,95%confidence interval:6.54%–37.90%,p=0.005).However,among patients with the PHI of≥43.5,there was no significant difference between the combination model and the PHI alone(NRI:11.11%,95%confidence interval:−0.74%–22.97%,p=0.066).Conclusion:The combination of the PHI and ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR outperforms the PHI alone for predicting PCa,especially in avoiding unnecessary biopsies.However,for patients with the PHI of≥43.5,the addition of ^(18)F-PSMA-1007-PET/MR to the PHI does not yield additional benefits.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Positivity of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Patterns, Native Anti-DNA and Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENA) Antibodies: Experience from a Laboratory in Dakar

Background: Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AID) is challenging, due to overlapping features with other non-immune disorders. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are sensitive screening tests but anti-deoxyribonucleic acid-antibody (anti-DNA), and anti-extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) are specific for AIDs. We aimed to look at ANA patterns in our patients and correlated them with anti-ENA for proper interpretation and better patient management cost-effectively. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over 1 year from January to December 2022 who were tested for ANA at biology medical laboratory of Pasteur Institute of Dakar. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA results were also analyzed for ANA-positive patients. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.0, p Results: 216 patients were analyzed. Women predominated at 79.2% and mean age was 48 years [CI 95%, 46 - 50], with extremes of 10 and 89. Most represented age group was [41 - 60] with 38%. ANA was positive in 27 (12.5%) of patients, 59.2% of whom were strongly positive (titer of 1/1000, 1/3200 or 1/6400). The most common pattern was nuclear speckled, which was found in 77.8% of samples. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA positivity in ANA-positive patients was found respectively in 63% (17/27) and 1.4% (3/27) of the samples analyzed. Most commonly identified anti-ENA was anti-Sm 29.6%, anti-SSA 29.6%, anti-Ro-52 25.9%, anti-RNP 18.5% and anti-SSB 14.8% which was associated with speckled pattern. Association results indicated a significant relationship between both tests and between ANA titer in the anti-ENA- and ANA-positive patients (p 0.001). Conclusions: ANA, Anti-ENA and anti-DNA antibodies are essential for AIDS diagnosis. However, the testing repertoire should follow an algorithm comprising of clinical features, followed by ANA results with nuclear, mitotic, and cytoplasmic patterns, anti-ENA, and anti-DNA for a more meaningful, and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

Multi-clustering study on the association between human leukocyte antigen-DP-DQ and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in Viet Nam

BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen(HLA)class II molecules are cell surface receptor proteins found on antigen-presenting cells.Polymorphisms and mutations in the HLA gene can affect the immune system and the progression of hepatitis B.AIM To study the relation between rs2856718 of HLA-DQ,rs3077,and rs9277535 of HLA-DP,hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS In this case-control study,the genotypes of these single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were screened in 315 healthy controls,471 chronic hepatitis B patients,250 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis,and 251 patients with HCC using TaqMan real-time PCR.We conducted Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium tests on the genotype distributions of rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535 before hierarchical clustering analysis to build the complex interaction between the markers in each patient group.RESULTS The physical distance separating these SNPs was 29816 kB with the disequilibrium(D’)values ranging from 0.07 to 0.34.The close linkage between rs3077 and rs9277535 was attributed to a distance of 21 kB.The D’value decreased from moderate in the healthy control group(D’=0.50,P<0.05)to weak in the hepatic disease group(D’<0.3,P<0.05).In a combination of the three variants rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535,the A allele decreased hepatic disease risk[A-A-A haplotype,risk ratio(RR)=0.44(0.14;1.37),P<0.05].The G allele had the opposite effect[G-A/G-G haplotype,RR=1.12(1.02;1.23),P<0.05].In liver cancer cases,the A-A-A/G haplotype increased the risk of HCC by 1.58(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Rs9277535 affects liver fibrosis progression due to HBV infection,while rs3077 is associated with a risk of HBVrelated HCC.The link between rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535 and disease risk was determined using a multiclustering analysis.

Antigen epitopes of animal coronaviruses:a mini-review

Coronaviruses are widespread in nature and can infect mammals and poultry,making them a public health concern.Globally,prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging animal coronaviruses is a great challenge.The mecha-nisms of virus-mediated immune responses have important implications for research on virus prevention and control.The antigenic epitope is a chemical group capable of stimulating the production of antibodies or sensitized lympho-cytes,playing an important role in antiviral immune responses.Thus,it can shed light on the development of diagnos-tic methods and novel vaccines.Here,we have reviewed advances in animal coronavirus antigenic epitope research,aiming to provide a reference for the prevention and control of animal and human coronaviruses.