RESUMO
On the samples of 26 prostatectomies, the method of excision of the prostate gland according to Kim was tested. This method increased the number of blocks by 30.2% and increased the detectability of extraprostatic extension by 41.7% and positive surgical margin by 40.0% compared to the method of alternate prostate sections. Also, the method according to Kim reduced the number of blocks of prostate tissue by 34.3% compared to the method of complete prostate excision.
Assuntos
Margens de Excisão , Neoplasias da Próstata , Masculino , Humanos , Neoplasias da Próstata/cirurgia , Neoplasias da Próstata/diagnóstico , Próstata/cirurgia , Prostatectomia/métodos , Invasividade NeoplásicaRESUMO
At the beginning of this century, there was a paradigm shift in understanding the histogenesis of high-grade serous carcinomas. The theory of the origin of these tumors from the ovarian surface epithelium was replaced by the concept of their origin from the secretory epithelium of the fallopian tubes. In recent years, researchers have put forward the hypothesis of the "escape" of the precursor of high-grade serous carcinomas. It allows looking at the carcinogenesis of these neoplasms as a natural history of tumor transformation of the serous epithelium without reference to a specific localization.
Assuntos
Carcinoma in Situ , Cistadenocarcinoma Seroso , Neoplasias Ovarianas , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Cistadenocarcinoma Seroso/genética , Cistadenocarcinoma Seroso/patologia , Epitélio/patologia , Tubas Uterinas/patologia , CarcinogêneseRESUMO
AIM: microdeletions in the AZF region of Y-chromosome, compound heterozygotes of severe and mild CFTR mutations, and long CAG-repeats in the androgen receptor gene (AR) as marker of predisposition are frequently studied as genetic causes of male infertility. A simultaneously testing of the panel including biochemical, immunological, cyto- and molecular genetic markers is often performed during the complex laboratory diagnostics in infertile men. The aim of our work was to identify molecular genetic alterations, which are advisable for simultaneously testing in a man with currently uncertain form of infertility, to increase the informativeness of laboratory diagnostics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a retrospective study of 885 infertile men was conducted. AZF deletions were determined by multiplex PCR using 10 STS-markers (sY83, sY84, sY86, sY127, sY134, sY143, sY152, sY157, sY254, sY255) and two control loci SRY and AMEL with detection in polyacrylamide gel. Mutations in the CFTR gene (F508del, CFTRdel2.3(21kb), I507del, 1677delTA, 2143delT, 2184insA, 394delTT, W1282X, G542X, N1303K, R334W and 5T) were detected by PCR and SNaPshot. For determination of length of the AR CAG-repeat a fragment analysis of fluorescently labeled PCR products on the 3500xl capillary sequencer was performed. RESULTS: AZF deletions were detected in 8.2% of cases. The largest number of deletions was found in the AZFc subregion (58.9%), while a frequency of deletion in AZFa, AZFb or combined deletions of two and three subregions was 5.5%, 12.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Heterozygous carriage of severe CFTR mutations was detected in 4.7% patients. The most frequent mutation was F508del (83.3%), followed by CFTRdel21kb (7.1%) and W1282X (4.8%). The frequency of the mild splicing 5T mutation was 5.3%, and its incidence was significantly higher than in the previously published control group (p=0.002). AR genotyping revealed that the most prevailing allele was 21 (CAG) (21.5%). Long alleles with 27 or more CAG-trinucleotides were identified in 7.5% of the tested cases. In addition, 7 CAG heterozygotes with Kleinfelter syndrome were found. CONCLUSION: during primary complex laboratory diagnostics in a heterogeneous group of infertile men, it is advisable to detect AZF deletions and the most frequent CFTR mutations, including F508del, CFTRdel21kb, 1677delTA, 2143delT, W1282X and 5T. The more comprehensive analysis of CFTR mutations is justified only in patients with verified obstructive infertility. Sequencing of panels associated with infertility genes using NGS technology is promising.
Assuntos
Regulador de Condutância Transmembrana em Fibrose Cística , Infertilidade Masculina , Oligospermia , Alelos , Biomarcadores , Cromossomos Humanos Y , Regulador de Condutância Transmembrana em Fibrose Cística/genética , Humanos , Incidência , Infertilidade Masculina/diagnóstico , Infertilidade Masculina/genética , Masculino , Mutação , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
The abdominal type of cryptorchism was modeled on random-bred albino rats by replacing both testes from the scrotum into the abdominal cavity for 3 weeks; thereupon they were manipulated into the scrotum. In control rats, no additional surgery was performed. In experimental rats, the testicular tissue obtained from 1-2-day rat pups was transplanted under testicular tunica albuginea. Prior to orchiopexy, the weight of testes decreased by 62.5-64.1%. In 6 month after the surgery, it increased by 36.1% in the control group, whereas in experimental rats the weight of testes elevated by 123.2% and approximated the normal value. Histologically, the control group demonstrated persistent disturbance in spermatogenesis with emptiness of numerous seminiferous tubules where only Sertoli cells could be revealed and with pronounced dystrophic alterations in the spermatogenous epithelium of the partially preserved tubules where spermatogenesis was blocked at the spermatogonial level. In contrast, the transplantation region of the experimental testes exhibited formation of novel mature testicular tissue enclosed by a connective tissue capsule incorporating the seminiferous tubules with differentiated epithelium and with the clusters of Leydig cells in the stroma. In 6 month, spermatogenesis was observed in most seminiferous tubules of the host testicular tissue, which had spermatozoa in the lumens. To the moment of orchiopexy, the blood testosterone decreased by about 2.5-fold. In control group it remained diminished during entire observation period (up to 6 month), while in the experiment group its level normalized completely as early as in 2 month and remained even elevated to the end of observation period.
Assuntos
Criptorquidismo/metabolismo , Espermatogênese/fisiologia , Testículo/metabolismo , Testosterona/metabolismo , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Masculino , Ratos , Espermatogênese/genéticaRESUMO
Molecular genetic analysis of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes was carried out in order to develop an optimal algorithm for detection of minor mutations. We analyzed 35 melanoma and 33 colorectal cancer specimens. Frequent G12D/V/A/C/S mutations were detected in KRAS. The most frequent BRAF mutation in melanoma was V600E, the percentage of rare mutations is significant for DNA diagnosis (24%). Identification of rare BRAF mutations 1790CâG (L597R), 1798_1799delinsAA (V600K), 1798_1799delinsAG (V600R), and 1799_1800delinsAA (V600E) and NRAS mutation 38GâT (G13V) was possible only by Sanger sequencing. The combination of real-time PCR and sequencing can improve analysis sensitivity and ensure concordance of the tested loci with the international recommendations.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Colorretais/diagnóstico , GTP Fosfo-Hidrolases/genética , Melanoma/diagnóstico , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Mutação , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas B-raf/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/genética , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Algoritmos , Sequência de Bases , Neoplasias Colorretais/genética , Neoplasias Colorretais/patologia , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Éxons , Humanos , Íntrons , Melanoma/genética , Melanoma/patologia , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Inclusão em Parafina , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Neoplasias Cutâneas/genética , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Fixação de TecidosRESUMO
The paper reviews the 2016 WHO classification of prostate tumors, notes the alterations made, and describes approaches to the diagnosis of cancer types and grades. It also gives original photomicrographs from the authors' collection. The main alterations were as follows: - The types of prostate adenocarcinoma were added by pleomorphic giant-cell carcinoma; oncocytic (8290/3) and lymphoepithelial (8082/3) carcinomas were excluded. - Grade III prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) was substituted for high grade PIN (8148/2). - Intraductal carcinoma (8500/2) was added. - Basal cell adenoma (8147/0) was excluded. - Carcinoids were referred to as low-grade neuroendocrine tumors according to the current terminology; large cell neuroendocrine cancer (8013/3) was added. - Paraganglioma (8613/3) and neuroblastoma (9500/3) were excluded. Stromal tumors were grouped with mesenchymal neoplasms. -Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, chondroma, and hemangiopericytoma were excluded. - Synovial sarcoma (9040/3), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (8825/1), osteosarcoma (9180/3), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (8802/3), solitary fibrous tumor (8815/1), and malignant solitary fibrous tumor (8815/3) were added. The section of lymphoproliferative diseases was extended. The tumors of unknown origin included paraganglioma and neuroblastoma from a group of neuroendocrine tumors. The TNM staging was completely consistent with the 2010 AJCC version.
Assuntos
Guias como Assunto , Neoplasias da Próstata/classificação , Organização Mundial da Saúde , Humanos , Classificação Internacional de Doenças/normas , Masculino , Estadiamento de Neoplasias/normas , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologiaRESUMO
Progression of malignant tumors is largely due to clonal evolution of the primary tumor, clones acquiring different sets of molecular genetic lesions. Lesions can confer a selective advantage in proliferation rate or metastasis on the tumor cell population, especially if developing resistance to anticancer therapy. Prostate cancer (PCa) provides an illustrative example of clinically significant clonal evolution. The review considers the genetic alterations that occur in primary PCa and the mechanism whereby hormone-refractory PCa develops on hormone therapy, including mutations and alternative splicing of the androgen receptor gene (AR) and intratumoral androgen synthesis. Certain molecular genetic lesions determine resistance to new generation inhibitors (AR mutations that block the antagonist effect or allow other hormones to activate the receptor) or lead to neuroendocrine differentiation (repression of the AR signaling pathway, TP53 mutations, and amplification of the AURKA or MYCN oncogene). Multistep therapy based on the data about somatic mutations associated with progression and metastasis of the primary tumor can be expected to significantly improve the survival of patients with advanced PCa in the nearest future.
Assuntos
Androgênios/metabolismo , Diferenciação Celular , Evolução Clonal/genética , Mutação , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Receptores Androgênicos/genética , Processamento Alternativo , Antagonistas de Androgênios/farmacologia , Antagonistas de Androgênios/uso terapêutico , Androgênios/biossíntese , Diferenciação Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Evolução Clonal/efeitos dos fármacos , Progressão da Doença , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias da Próstata/tratamento farmacológico , Receptores Androgênicos/metabolismoRESUMO
Blood supply to the pelvic organs of outbred male rats was diminished by graduated constriction of the distal part of the inferior vena cava. Deficiency of intramural blood supply in prostate and urinary bladder was revealed by bioimpedance harmonic analysis according to the magnitude of first cardiac peak in the bioimpedance spectrogram. In 1-1.5 months, the histological examination revealed the glandular-stromal form of progressive benign prostatic hyperplasia in all ischemic rats. The development of hyperplasia was not accompanied by the changes in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or estradiol in blood and prostatic tissue. Assessment of vesical functional status by recording the intravesical pressure during infusion cystometry revealed an increase in the amplitude of spontaneous fluctuations of detrusor tone and intravesical pressure during bladder filling, which can be considered as indicator of detrusor hyperactivity. The data conclude that chronic ischemia of pelvic organs is an individual pathogenic factor in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated urinary disorders.
Assuntos
Isquemia/fisiopatologia , Hiperplasia Prostática/patologia , Bexiga Urinária/patologia , Animais , Di-Hidrotestosterona/sangue , Di-Hidrotestosterona/metabolismo , Estradiol/sangue , Estradiol/metabolismo , Isquemia/sangue , Isquemia/complicações , Masculino , Próstata/metabolismo , Próstata/patologia , Hiperplasia Prostática/sangue , Hiperplasia Prostática/etiologia , Ratos , Testosterona/sangue , Testosterona/metabolismo , Veia Cava Inferior/metabolismo , Veia Cava Inferior/patologiaRESUMO
Morphological analysis of the biopsies for prostate cancer (PCa) often is a difficult task due to heterogeneity and multifocality of tumors. At the same time, a lot of data exist about the potential molecular genetic markers of PCa. The aim of our study is to determine of PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG genes expression in benign hyperplasia (BPH), low and high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), PCa for revealing of diagnostic value of those genes expression in benign and precancerous changes in prostate. Total RNA was isolated from 53 biopsies, reverse transcription was performed, gene expression was determined by real time PCR (RT-PCR) then deltaCt index was determined as Ct(PCA3)--Ct(KLK3). Average deltaCt and its SD in BPH were 8.28 ± 3.13, low PIN--8.56 ± 2.64, high PIN--8.98 ±1.69, PCa--1.08 ± 2.36. We have demonstarted that deltaCt did not differ in patients with BPH, low and high grade PIN, whereas significantly increased in PCa relative to any of the three groups listed above (p < 0.0001). Expression of TMPRSS2:ERG was absent in BPH, PIN, but it was detected in 40% (4/10) of PCa cases. ROC-analysis showed that the AUC (area under ROC-curve with 95% CI, p < 0.0001) was 0.98 ± 0.02 in the analysis of a combination of overexpression of PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG. Thus, the expression analysis of the PCA3 and chimeric oncogene TMPRSS2:ERG in biopsy cannot be used for differential diagnosis of BPH, low and high grade PIN. However, overexpression of PCA3 and expression of TMPRSS2:ERG are characteristic in PCa. Expression analysis of these genes by the proposed RT-PCR modification at the threshold level deltaCt 3,22 has diagnostic accuracy 90% to detect PCa in biopsy specimens.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Neoplasias/biossíntese , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/biossíntese , Hiperplasia Prostática , Neoplasias da Próstata , Biópsia , Humanos , Masculino , Hiperplasia Prostática/metabolismo , Hiperplasia Prostática/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase ReversaRESUMO
Currently, there is accumulated mass of data on the molecular-genetic disorders in prostate cancer (PCa), bladder cancer (BC) and renal cancer (RC). Tumor cells in these diseases are present in the urine sediment; their number is sufficient for molecular genetic analysis that makes possible the development of noninvasive diagnosis of oncourological diseases. A characteristic feature of PCa includes the overexpression of the PCA3 gene; assay kit Progensa™ to quantify such overexpression has been developed; approximately 50% of tumors express a TMPRSS2-ERG chimeric oncogene. Combined analysis of PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG allows to detect PCa with a diagnostic accuracy of 84%, which is significantly higher than that of prostate specific antigen test. As a potential markers of BC, there are somatic mutations in FGFR3, PIK3CA, TERT genes in urine sediment, which are found in this disease with a frequency of about 60, 30 and 50%, respectively. The basis of the test system for DNA diagnosis of BC in urine sediment may include a definition of a combination of mutations in these genes with microsatellite instability. Aberrant methylation of the 5'-regulatory regions of tumor suppressor genes, integrated in the panel, also is considered as a tool in the diagnosis of RC (VHL, RASSF1, RARB2, CDH1), PCa (GSTP1, PTGS2, LGALS3) and BC (RASSF1, APC, SFRP2) after standardization of panels of loci investigated, sample preparation methods, bisulfite conversion, and the design of primers and probes. Thus, a test systems for molecular genetic diagnosis of oncourological diseases in urine sediment are currently available or may be developed in the near future.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Neoplasias Urológicas , Antígenos de Neoplasias/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/urina , Metilação de DNA , DNA de Neoplasias/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/genética , Proteínas de Fusão Oncogênica/urina , Proteínas Supressoras de Tumor/genética , Neoplasias Urológicas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Urológicas/genética , Neoplasias Urológicas/urinaRESUMO
There is a growing interest in protein expression profiling aiming to identify novel diagnostic markers in breast cancer. Proteomic approaches such as two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis (2-D DIGE/MS/MS) have been used successfully for the identification of candidate biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of treatment response in various types of cancer. Identifying previously unknown proteins of potential clinical relevance will ultimately help in reaching effective ways to manage the disease. We analyzed breast cancer tissues from five tumor and five normal tissue samples from ten breast cancer subjects with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) by 2-D DIGE using two types of immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips: pH 3-10 and pH 4-7. From all the spots detected, differentially expressed (p < 0.05 and ratio > 2) were 50 spots. Of these, 39 proteins were successfully identified by MS, representing 29 different proteins. Ten proteins were overexpressed in the tumor samples. The 2-D DIGE/MS/MS analysis revealed an increase in the expression levels in tumor samples of several proteins not previously associated with breast cancer, such as: macrophage-capping protein (CAPG), phosphomannomutase 2 (PMM2), ATPase ASN1, methylthioribose-1-phosphate isomerase (MRI1), peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase FKBP4, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2), lamin B1 and keratin, type II cytoskeletal 8 (KRT8). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed highly significant (p = 10(-26)) interactions between the identified proteins and their association with cancer. These proteins are involved in many diverse pathways and have established roles in cellular metabolism. It remains the goal of future work to test the suitability of the identified proteins in samples of larger and independent patient groups.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Neoplasias da Mama , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Proteínas de Neoplasias/genética , Proteoma/análise , Idoso , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/genética , Carcinoma Ductal de Mama/patologia , Eletroforese em Gel Bidimensional , Feminino , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Invasividade Neoplásica , Mapeamento de Interação de Proteínas , Proteoma/genética , Proteômica , Espectrometria de Massas em TandemRESUMO
In this prospective study we have analysed the level of nitric oxide in hypertensive patients scheduled for general anaesthesia. In the study were included thirty-four patients with chronicle inflammatory disease of the middle ear who have undergone surgical treatment at the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery. The aim of our study was to determine the plasma level of nitric oxide (NO) and its effects on the circulatory system in hypertensive patients during the general anaesthesia maintained with inhalation of oxygen and nitrous oxide (O2/N2O) mixture. Patients were divided in two groups. During the maintenance of general anaesthesia the patients from the first group were ventilated with O2/N2O, while patients from the second group were ventilated with oxygen and air (O2/air) mixture. The other principles during the general anaesthesia were equal for both groups. For determination of the NO plasma levels we have used the enzymatic method according to Conrad et al., 1993. Our results showed that there is a statistically significant difference of NO plasma level between the two groups. The level of NO was higher in the first group (ventilated with O2/N2O) compared to the second group (ventilated with O/air). The mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance were significantly decreased in the first group, as well. Our results suggest that nitrous oxide (N2O) most probably plays the role of NO donor in hypertensive patients during the maintenance of the general anaesthesia with N2O/O2 mixture.
Assuntos
Anestesia Geral , Hipertensão/sangue , Óxido Nítrico/sangue , Adulto , Anestésicos Inalatórios , Pressão Sanguínea , Orelha Média/cirurgia , Feminino , Humanos , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Óxido Nitroso , Oximetria , Resistência VascularAssuntos
Receptores de Ativinas Tipo I/genética , Alelos , Neoplasias Colorretais/genética , Polimorfismo Genético , Receptores de Fatores de Crescimento Transformadores beta/genética , Idoso , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases , Receptor do Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta Tipo IRESUMO
Eighty-three cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their families, belonging to various ethnic groups living in the Republic of Macedonia were studied for molecular defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, and for the associated extragenic marker loci XV-2c and KM19. The DNA methodology used included characterization of CFTR mutations in 19 exons (and flanking sequences) of the gene and analysis of distribution of the XV-2c/KM19 haplotypes among normal (N) and CF chromosomes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by dot blot hybridization, restriction digestion, single-strand conformational polymorphism, constant denaturing gel electrophoresis, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and sequencing. We identified 58.4% (97/166) of the CF chromosomes. Nine different CFTR gene mutations, including three novel ones, were found. Eight known and one new CFTR intragene polymorphisms were also characterized. The haplotype analysis of the XV-2c/TaqI and KM19/PstI polymorphic loci have shown that haplotype C is the most frequently found haplotype among the non-deltaF508 CF chromosomes from Macedonia (36.5%). The results demonstrate the broad heterogeneity of CF origin in this part of the Balkan Peninsula.
Assuntos
Regulador de Condutância Transmembrana em Fibrose Cística/genética , Fibrose Cística/genética , Fibrose Cística/etnologia , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Etnicidade/genética , Genótipo , Haplótipos , Humanos , Mutação , Fenótipo , Polimorfismo Genético , República da Macedônia do NorteRESUMO
Two novel CFTR gene mutations were identified in one patient of the Macedonian and Croatian origin, respectively. The two mutations were detected by the method of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (a splicing mutation 1811 + 1G-->C) in intron 11, and by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (a missence mutation Y569C) in exon 12. The mutations were characterized by direct sequencing of amplified DNA, according to Sanger. These two novel mutations were detected as associated with the delta F508 mutation.
Assuntos
Regulador de Condutância Transmembrana em Fibrose Cística/genética , Fibrose Cística/genética , Mutação Puntual , Pré-Escolar , Croácia , Éxons/genética , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Íntrons/genética , Polimorfismo Conformacional de Fita Simples , República da Macedônia do NorteRESUMO
Here we describe a new polymorphism, located in exon 7 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene at nucleotide position 1104 (C-->G), detected by a single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis.
Assuntos
Fibrose Cística/genética , Éxons/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Polimorfismo Genético , Alelos , Sequência de Bases , Pré-Escolar , Regulador de Condutância Transmembrana em Fibrose Cística , DNA/análise , Primers do DNA/química , Feminino , Frequência do Gene , Humanos , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Polimorfismo Conformacional de Fita SimplesRESUMO
This paper summarizes information on the epidemiology and molecular basis of hemoglobinopathies in Yugoslavia. Over the past 25 years, population surveys of more than 28,000 school children from all over the country, except Slovenia, have shown that the average incidence of beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) trait is 1.2%, ranging from 2.9% in the south (Macedonia) to 0.8% in the northwest (Croatia). The frequency of delta beta-thal is 0.2%, while the frequency of the Swiss type of hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is 0.4%. Screening of 6,400 newborns has shown that the frequency of alpha-thal trait is 1.6%. The molecular basis of the different forms of beta-thal among Yugoslavians has been almost completely defined. Over 250 beta-thal chromosomes have been studied, and in over 90% the molecular defect was determined. Eighteen different beta-thal mutations have been detected, three of which (IVS-I-110, G-->A; IVS-I-6, T-->C; IVS-I-1, G-->A) account for more than 70% of all beta-thal chromosomes. Four new mutations [-87 (C-->A); IVS-II-850 (G-->C); initiation codon mutation T-->C; poly A (AATAAA-->AATGAA)] and one new deletion (1605 bp) have been characterized. Molecular analyses of DNA from over 30 unrelated cases with delta beta-thal have shown that this condition is mainly caused by a 13 kb deletion (Sicilian type); in one family a deletion of > 18 to 23 kb (Macedonian type), and in another family a deletion of 148 kb (Yugoslavian type of epsilon gamma delta beta-thal) of the globin gene complex was discovered. Limited studies of alpha-thal in Yugoslavia have shown the following types of molecular defects: approximately 20.5 kb deletion, approximately 17.5 kb deletion, -3.7 kb deletion, 5 nucleotide (nt) deletion, and Hb Icaria. The incidence of abnormal hemoglobins (Hbs) in Yugoslavia is 0.3%. Five different alpha chain variants among 21 families, 15 different beta chain variants among 53 families, one delta chain variant in one family, one variant with a deleted residue in one family, and two types of Hb Lepore among 122 families, have been observed.