Complete genome sequence of Central Africa human T-cell lymphotropic virus subtype 1b.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has a global spread, and it is estimated that around 20 million persons are infected. Seven major genetic subtypes are recognized. However, there are complete genomes only from the HTLV-1a (cosmopolitan) and HTLV-1c (Melanesian) subtypes. Here, the first full-length genome of an HTLV-1b strain, a subtype so far restricted to Central African countries, is revealed. The genome size of HTLV-1b SF26, a strain isolated in Brazil, was determined to be 8,267 bp. The genomic analysis showed that all characteristic regions and genes of a prototypic HTLV-1 virus are conserved. This genome can provide information for further studies on the evolutionary history and pathogenic potential of this human oncovirus.

Survival of lupus patients on dialysis: a Brazilian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Data about the survival rate of lupus patients on dialysis is controversial. The objective of this controlled prospective study was to report the survival of SLE patients undergoing dialysis and to analyse factors associated with mortality. METHODS: Twenty dialysis centres were visited between May 2003 and February 2004. Disease activity was evaluated using the SLEDAI without the renal-related parameters [non-renal (nr)SLEDAI] data collection was performed at entrance to the study. The control group consisted of haemodialysis patients without SLE matched for gender, age, dialysis modality, time on dialysis and dialysis-associated HCV infection. Patients were prospectively followed for 60 months. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. Associations of risk factors with mortality were tested using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Each group was composed of 57 patients. In the multivariate analysis, only nrSLEDAI > 8 [hazard ratio (HR) 6.368; 95% CI 1.798, 22.548; P = 0.004], and urea reduction ratio (HR 0.953; 95% CI 0.917, 0.990; P = 0.014) were independently associated with mortality in lupus patients. The 5-year survival rate of the control group and the one from SLE patients with nrSLEDAI ≤ 8 (n = 51) were similar (83% and 73%, respectively) but significantly better than the one for SLE patients with nrSLEDAI > 8 (n = 6, 17%), P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: A high nrSLEDAI was strongly associated with 5-year mortality in lupus patients on dialysis.

Serum retinol binding protein 4 is not decreased in congenital generalized lipodystrophy: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RPB4), a protein produced by the adipose tissue, is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare disease characterized by IR and paucity of adipose tissue. Our objective was to determine RBP4 levels in patients with CGL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six (6) patients with CGL and a healthy control group were selected to participate in the study. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: No difference was observed in RBP4 levels between the two groups (CGL 42.5 [12.5 - 127] vs. control 57.4 [15.9 - 165]; p = 0.78). On the other hand, leptin levels were significantly lower in CGL patients (CGL 0.65 [0.2 - 0.7] vs. control 10.9 [0.9 - 38.6]; p = 0.015). No correlation was found between RBP-4 and waist circunference (r = 0.18, p = 0.57), or BMI (r = 0.24, p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: RBP4 is not decreased in CGL. These results suggest that adipose tissue may not be the main source of RBP4.

Study of the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

UNLABELLED: The HLA-DRB1 alleles encoding an amino acid sequence (QKRAA/QRRAA/RRRAA) at position 70 74 of the third hypervariable region of the ß1 chain of the HLA-DRB1 gene, called shared epitope (SE), are associated with increased susceptibility to and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Brazilian patients with RA and their association with rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA). METHODS: Four hundred and twelve patients with RA (ACR 1987) and 215 controls were included. HLA-DRB1 typing was performed by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers and hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP). ACPA was measured by use of the ELISA technique and RF by nephelometry. The statistical analysis comprised the chi-square and Student t tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: HLA-DRB1*04:01, *04:04, *04:05 alleles were associated with RA (P < 0.05); despite the wide confidence interval, it is worth noting the association between the DRB1*09:01 allele and RA (P < 0.05). HLA-DRB1 SE+ alleles were observed in 62.8% of the patients and in 31.1% of controls (OR 3.62; P < 0.001) and were associated with ACPA (OR 2.03; P < 0.001). DRB1-DERAA alleles showed a protective effect against RA (OR 0.42; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In a sample of Brazilian patients with RA, most of whom of mixed heritage, HLA-DRB1 SE+ alleles were associated with susceptibility to disease and presence of ACPA.

Serum retinol binding protein 4 in patients with familial partial lipodystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) levels in patients with Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD). METHODS: Ten patients with FPLD and a control group (9 patients) were selected to participate in the study. RESULTS: RBP4-log levels were lower in patients with FPLD in comparison to control group (1.52 +/- 0.32 vs 1.84+/-0.25, p=0.029). A statistical trend was observed between Waist-to-Hip Ratio and RBP4-log (r=-0.44, p=0.054). CONCLUSION: RBP4 levels are decreased in FPLD.

Serum retinol binding protein 4 is not decreased in congenital generalized lipodystrophy: a case series / Os níveis plasmáticos da retinol binding protein 4 (rbP4) não estão reduzidos na lipodistrofia congênita generalizada: uma série de casos

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that Retinol Binding Protein 4 (RPB4), a protein produced by the adipose tissue, is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare disease characterized by IR and paucity of adipose tissue. Our objective was to determine RBP4 levels in patients with CGL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six (6) patients with CGL and a healthy control group were selected to participate in the study. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: No difference was observed in RBP4 levels between the two groups (CGL 42.5 [12.5 - 127] vs. control 57.4 [15.9 - 165]; p = 0.78). On the other hand, leptin levels were significantly lower in CGL patients (CGL 0.65 [0.2 - 0.7] vs. control 10.9 [0.9 - 38.6]; p = 0.015). No correlation was found between RBP-4 and waist circunference (r = 0.18, p = 0.57), or BMI (r = 0.24, p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: RBP4 is not decreased in CGL. These results suggest that adipose tissue may not be the main source of RBP4.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos prévios sugeriram que os níveis plasmáticos da retinol binding protein (RBP4), uma proteína do tecido adiposo, estão associados com a resistência à insulina (RI). A lipodistrofia congênita generalizada (LCG) é uma doença rara caracterizada por ausência de tecido adiposo e RI. O objetivo é determinar os níveis de RBP4 em pacientes com LCG. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Seis (6) pacientes com LCG e um grupo controle saudável foram selecionados para participar no estudo. As variáveis antropométricas e bioquímicas foram comparadas quando comparados os grupos. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença foi observada entre os níveis de RBP4 log entre os grupos (LCG 42,5 [12,5 - 127] vs. controle 57,4 [15,9 - 165]; p = 0,78). Por outro lado, os níveis de leptina foram menores em pacientes com LCG (LCG 0,65 [0,2 - 0,7] vs. controle 10.9 [0,9 - 38,6]; p = 0,015). Nenhuma correlação foi encontrada entre RBP4 e cintura (r = 0,18, p = 0,57) ou IMC (r = 0,24, p = 0,45). CONCLUSÃO: RBP4 não está diminuída na LCG. Esses resultados sugerem que o tecido adiposo pode não ser a principal fonte de RBP4.

Estudo da frequência dos alelos de HLA-DRB1 em pacientes brasileiros com artrite reumatoide / Study of the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

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

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

III Consenso Brasileiro para Pesquisa de Autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2: perspectiva histórica, controle de qualidade e associações clínicas / Third Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells: historical perspective, quality control and clinical associations

OBJETIVO: O III Consenso Brasileiro para Pesquisa de Autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2 (FAN) objetivou discutir estratégias para controlar a qualidade do ensaio, promover a atualização das associações clínicas dos diversos padrões e avaliar as dificuldades de implantação do II Consenso ocorrido no ano de 2002. MÉTODOS: Nos dias 13 e 14 de abril de 2007 participaram do encontro em Goiânia pesquisadores e especialistas de diversos centros universitários e laboratórios clínicos de diferentes regiões do Brasil, com o propósito de discutir e aprovar as recomendações que visam a melhores padronização, interpretação e utilização do ensaio pelos clínicos. Foram convidados como ouvintes representantes comerciais de diferentes empresas produtoras de insumos para realização do teste de FAN. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Dada a heterogeneidade de microscópios e reagentes disponíveis no mercado, o III Consenso enfatizou a necessidade do controle de qualidade em ensaios de imunofluorescência indireta. Foram também feitas algumas adequações na terminologia utilizada para classificar os diferentes padrões. Finalmente, foi realizada uma atualização das associações clínicas com finalidade de facilitar cada vez mais o melhor uso do ensaio pelos clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: The Third Brazilian Consensus for Autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 Cells (ANA) had as purpose the evaluation of difficulties in the accomplishment of the 2nd Consensus recommendations that took place in the year of 2002, the discussion of strategies for quality control of the assay and the discussion of an update of the clinical associations of the several immunofluorescent patterns. METHODS: Several ANA experts from university centers and private laboratories in different areas in Brazil joined the workshop in Goiânia on 2007 April 13 and 14 with the purpose of discussing and approving the recommendations for standardization, interpretation and use of the test by physicians. Commercial representatives of different ANA slide brands were also invited as listeners to the workshop. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The 3rd ANA Consensus emphasized the need for quality control in indirect immunofluorescent assays since there is a considerable heterogeneity of available microscopes and reagents. It also promoted adaptations in the previously approved terminology used to classify the different patterns and finally updated the clinical associations of the several patterns with the purpose of providing guidance for interpretation of the assay by clinical pathologists and assistant physicians.

3º Consenso Brasileiro para pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2 (FAN): recomendações para padronização do ensaio de pesquisa de autoanticorpos em células HEp-2, controle de qualidade e associações clínicas / Third Brazilian Consensus for autoantibodies screening in HEp-2 cells (ANA): recommendations for standardization of autoantibodies screening trial in HEp-2 cells, quality control and clinical associations

OBJETIVO: O 3º Consenso Brasileiro para pesquisa de autoanticorpos em Células HEp-2 (FAN) teve como propósito avaliar as dificuldades de implantação do 2º Consenso ocorrido no ano de 2002, discutir estratégias para controlar a qualidade do ensaio e promover a atualização das associações clínicas dos diversos padrões. MÉTODOS: Participaram do encontro em Goiânia nos dias 13 e 14 de abril de 2008 pesquisadores e especialistas de diversos centros universitários e laboratórios clínicos de diferentes regiões do Brasil, com o propósito de discutir e aprovar as recomendações que visam à melhor padronização, interpretação e utilização do ensaio pelos clínicos. Representantes comerciais de diferentes empresas produtoras de insumos para realização do teste de FAN foram convidados como ouvintes. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: O 3º Consenso enfatizou a necessidade do controle de qualidade em imunofluorescência dada a heterogeneidade de microscópios e reagentes disponíveis no mercado, promoveu adequações na terminologia utilizada para classificar os diferentes padrões e, finalmente, atualizou as associações clínicas com finalidade de facilitar cada vez mais o melhor uso do ensaio pelos clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: The Third Brazilian Consensus for autoantibodies Screening in HEp-2 cells had as purpose the evaluation of difficulties in the accomplishment of the 2nd Consensus recommendations that took place in the year of 2002, the discussion of strategies for quality control of the assay and the promotion of an update of the clinical associations of the several immunofluorescent patterns. METHODS: Several ANA experts from university centers and private laboratories in different areas in Brazil joined the workshop in Goiânia on 2008 April 13 and 14 with the purpose of discussing and approving the recommendations for standardization, interpretation and use of the test by physicians. Commercial representatives of different ANA slide brands were also invited as listeners to the workshop. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The 3rd Consensus emphasized the need for quality control in indirect immunofluorescent since there is a considerable heterogeneity of available microscopes and reagents. It also promoted adaptations in the previously approved terminology used to classify the different patterns and finally updated the clinical associations of the several patterns with the purpose of providing guidance for interpretation of the assay by clinical pathologists and assistant physicians.