Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and-9 (MMP-9) Gene Variants and Microvascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Vascular complications are the leading cause of increased morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients. It has been postulated that matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, zinc-dependent endopeptidases through remodeling of the extracellular matrix, can contribute to the onset and progression of diabetic vascular complications. The aim of our study was to assess whether there is a major difference in single nucleotide polymorphisms in the MMP-2 (at position -1306C˃T) and MMP-9 (at position -1562C˃T) gene in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls and to determine whether there is an association of these gene variants with the presence of microvascular complications in diabetic patients. Our study included 102 type 2 diabetes patients and a control group which was comprised of 56 healthy controls. All diabetic patients were screened for microvascular diabetes complications. Genotypes were detected by polymerase chain reactions followed by restriction analyses with specific endonucleases and their frequencies were determined. The MMP-2 variant -1306C>T showed a negative correlation with type 2 diabetes (p=0.028). It was also shown that the presence of the -1306C allele increases the probability of developing type 2 diabetes. This was a 2.2 fold increase and that the -1306 T allele has a protective role in regards to type 2 diabetes. The MMP-2 variant -1306T showed a negative correlation with diabetic polyneuropathy (p=0.017), meaning that allele-1306T has a protective role in regards to diabetic polyneuropathy while the presence of allele -1306C increases the probability of developing diabetic polyneuropathy by 3.4 fold. Our study showed that the MMP-2 gene variant (-1306C) doubles the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and for the first time an association of this gene variant and the presence of diabetic polyneuropathy was shown.

Association of the methionine sulfoxide reductase A rs10903323 gene polymorphism with functional activity and oxidative modification of alpha-1-antitrypsin in COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is multi-factorial disorder which results from environmental influences and genetic factors. We aimed to investigate whether methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) rs10903323 gene polymorphism is associated with COPD development and severity in Serbian adult population. METHODS: The study included 155 patients with COPD and 134 healthy volunteers. Genotyping was determined performing home-made polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The difference between the inhibitory activities of normal and oxidized Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) against elastase and trypsin was used for determination of Oxidized Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (OxyA1AT) (expressed as % and g/L). Functional activity of A1AT was presented as a specific inhibitor activity to elastase (SIA-Elastase, kU/g). RESULTS: Frequencies of the genotypes AA, AG and GG were 80.0%, 20.0%, 0% in COPD patients and 80.5%, 18.5% and 1.5% in the control group, and there was no significant difference in genotype or allele distributions between groups. Serum level of A1AT (g/L) and OxyA1AT was significantly higher in COPD patients than in the control group, but functional activity of A1AT (SIA-Elastase) was significantly lower in COPD patients than in the control group. In COPD group, increased level of OxyA1AT was present in G allele carriers who were smokers relative to G allele carriers who were not smokers. In the smoker group of patients with severe and very severe COPD (GOLD3+4), significant increase in OxyA1AT level was present in G allele carriers compared to AA homozygotes. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MSRA rs10903323 gene polymorphism is probably not a risk for COPD by itself but could represent a COPD modifier, since minor, G allele, is associated with an increased level of oxidized A1AT, indicating impaired ability of MSRA to repair oxidized A1AT in COPD-smokers, and in severe form of COPD.

Oxidized Alpha-1-Antitrypsin as a Potential Biomarker Associated with Onset and Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Adult Population.

Oxidative stress could reduce inhibitor activity of the alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). Oxidative-modified A1AT (oxidized alpha-1-antitrypsin, OxyA1AT) significantly loses ability to protect the lungs from neutrophil elastase. We aimed to investigate OxyA1AT as a potential biomarker associated with onset and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult population. The study included 65 patients with COPD (33 smokers and 32 no-smokers) and 46 healthy participants (17 smokers and 29 no-smokers). Determination of OxyA1AT in serum was based on the difference between the inhibitory activities of normal and oxidized A1AT against trypsin and elastase. The level of OxyA1AT was significantly increased in the group of COPD smokers compared to healthy no-smokers (p = 0.030) and COPD no-smokers (p = 0.009). The highest level of OxyA1AT was found in group of smokers with severe and very severe COPD in comparison to the following: no-smokers with the same stage of disease (p = 0.038), smokers with moderate COPD (p = 0.022), and the healthy control group, regardless of the smoking status (control no-smokers p = 0.001 and control smokers p = 0.034). In conclusion, serum level of OxyA1AT would be potentially good biomarker for the assessment of harmful effect of smoking to the onset and severity of COPD. Also, clinical significance of OxyA1AT as prognostic biomarker could be useful in assessing the effectiveness of antioxidant therapy for COPD and emphysema. Suitable and inexpensive laboratory method for determination of OxyA1AT is additional benefit for the introduction of OxyA1AT into routine clinical practice for diagnosis and monitoring of COPD.

Ischemic preconditioning vs adenosine vs prostaglandin E1 for protection against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality during liver surgery and transplantation. A variety of surgical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies have been investigated to minimize the effects of ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of our study was to analyze and compare preventive influences of ischemic preconditioning, adenosine and prostaglandin E1 in the experimental model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult chinchilla rabbits were divided into four groups: 10 rabbits subjected to liver ischemic preconditioning (3-min period of inflow occlusion followed by a 5-min period of reperfusion) followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of adenosine followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of prostaglandin E1 followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; and control group of 10 rabbits subjected to 45 min of inflow liver ischemia without any preconditioning. On the second postoperative day, blood samples were obtained and biochemical parameters of liver function were measured and compared. Liver tissue samples were also obtained and histopathological changes were compared. Based on biochemical and histopathological parameters, it was demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning provided the best protection against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. This was probably due to a wider range of mechanisms of action of this method oriented to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and restore liver microcirculation and hepatocyte energy compared to the examined pharmacological strategies.

[The effect of FII c.1787G>A (prothrombin Belgrade) mutation on prothrombin gene expression in vitro].

The FII c.1787G>A (prothrombin Belgrade) is a novel prothrombotic mutation which leads to impaired inhibition of thrombin by antithrombin (antithrombin resistance). So far, the mechanism of this variant has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the effect of FII c.1787G>A mutation on the prothrombin gene expression, its functional analysis was performed in vitro. By Real-Time PCR, expression levels of FII gene variants were evaluated in Cos-7 cells transiently transfected with c.1787G (wild-type) and c.1787A prothrombin expression vectors, with no differences observed. The relative quantification of prothrombin protein amounts was accomplished by Western blot analysis, also with no differences observed. Therefore, the mechanism of FII c.1787G>A mutation does not alter prothrombin expression profile.

Clinical and biochemical characterization of the prothrombin Belgrade mutation in a large Serbian pedigree: new insights into the antithrombin resistance mechanism.

Essentials Prothrombin Belgrade mutation leads to antithrombin resistance. Clinical and biochemical phenotypes in a large family with this mutation were investigated. In carriers, we detected decreased factor II activity and increased endogenous thrombin potential. Prothrombin Belgrade mutation represents a strong prothrombotic risk factor. SUMMARY: Background The recently reported c.1787G>A mutation in the prothrombin gene leads to Arg596Gln replacement in the protein molecule (prothrombin Belgrade). This substitution impairs binding of antithrombin to thrombin and results in inherited thrombophilia, known as antithrombin resistance. Objectives We aimed to elucidate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of thrombophilia associated with antithrombin resistance in a large Serbian family with the prothrombin Belgrade mutation. Patients and methods Nineteen family members were investigated, among whom 10 were carriers of the c.1787G>A mutation. In all subjects the clinical phenotype was determined and laboratory investigations of hemostatic parameters were performed. Results Six out of the 10 mutation carriers developed thromboembolic events, mainly deep venous and mesenteric vein thrombosis. The median age of the first thrombotic event was 26.5 (12-41) years, whereas the incidence rate of first thrombosis was 2.2% per year. In all mutation carriers prothrombin activity was significantly decreased in comparison with non-carriers, clearly distinguishing each group. However, the presence of the mutation did not affect the prothrombin antigen level in plasma. The endogenous thrombin potential was significantly increased in all carriers in comparison with non-carriers, indicating the presence of blood hypercoagulability. Interestingly, levels of D-dimer and the F1+2 fragment were similar in both groups. Conclusions Although rare, the prothrombin Belgrade mutation represents strong thrombophilia with early onset of thrombosis in the investigated family. According to our results, decreased prothrombin activity may be a simple screening test for detection of this mutation in thrombotic patients.

Ischemic preconditioning vs adenosine vs prostaglandin E1 for protection against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality during liver surgery and transplantation. A variety of surgical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies have been investigated to minimize the effects of ischemia/reperfusion. The aim of our study was to analyze and compare preventive influences of ischemic preconditioning, adenosine and prostaglandin E1 in the experimental model of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult chinchilla rabbits were divided into four groups: 10 rabbits subjected to liver ischemic preconditioning (3-min period of inflow occlusion followed by a 5-min period of reperfusion) followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of adenosine followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; 10 rabbits subjected to pre-treatment with intraportal injection of prostaglandin E1 followed by 45 min of Pringle maneuver; and control group of 10 rabbits subjected to 45 min of inflow liver ischemia without any preconditioning. On the second postoperative day, blood samples were obtained and biochemical parameters of liver function were measured and compared. Liver tissue samples were also obtained and histopathological changes were compared. Based on biochemical and histopathological parameters, it was demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning provided the best protection against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. This was probably due to a wider range of mechanisms of action of this method oriented to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and restore liver microcirculation and hepatocyte energy compared to the examined pharmacological strategies.

The effect of metformin on TSH levels in euthyroid and hypothyroid newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Metformin is the first-line oral hypoglycemic agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with a number of positive effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of metformin on TSH levels in euthyroid and hypothyroid newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 255 newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus type 2 drug naive patients, 170 euthyroid patinets, group A, 85 hypothiroid patients, group B, and 80 euthyroid DM type 2 patients on metformin therapy for more than 5 years, group C. Patients in groups A and B began metformin treatment with a dose of 2000 mg/day. We assessed baseline TSH, FT3, FT4 levels and TPOab, in groups A , B and C, and 6 months after initiation of metformin therapy in groups A and B. RESULTS: There were no differences in FT3 and FT4 levels after 6 months of metformin treatment in all groups. TSH level in Group A showed some reduction after 6 months of metformin therapy, not statistically significant. The only statistically significant change in Group A is the change of TSH level after 6 months in TPOAb positive patients. There was statiscically significant decrease in TSH level after 6 months in group B. There were no significant differences of basal TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels in groups A and B compared to group C. CONCLUSION: The results show that metformin has TSH lowering effect in patients with type 2 DM and hypothyreoidism, but also in euthyroid TPOab positive, levothyroxine naive patients. We have shown that the TSH lowering effect of metformin is not dependent on long term metformin therapy (Tab. 2, Ref. 18).

[Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Affects U0126-Induced Cytotoxicity in Colon Cancer Cell Line (HCT116)].

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), an acute phase protein, is the principal circulatory anti-protease. This multifunctional protein is encoded by the SERPINA1 gene. Although AAT was recognised as a potential tumour marker, its role in cancer biology remains unknown. Given that it has been demonstrated that AAT has an anti-apoptotic property against non-malignant cells, we aimed to investigate whether AAT affects apoptosis in a colon cancer cell line (HCT116). The presence of AAT in the HCT116 cell culture antagonized cytotoxicity of blockers of MEK1/2, PI3K/Akt pathways as well as NF-κB. The dominantly recovered cell viability was observed in the co-treatment with MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126. In addition, it was revealed that AAT almost completely abolished U0126-induced apoptosis through maintenance of the autophagy process. Our study revealed for the first time that the observed cyto-protection triggered by AAT was accompanied by sustained autophagy which opposed apoptosis. These results may contribute to understanding of the role of AAT in cancer development and evaluation of efficacy of cancer therapy.

The 3' end prothrombin gene variants in serbian patients with idiopathic thrombophilia.

Thrombophilia is a multifactorial disorder that arises from the interaction of acquired and genetic risk factors. Despite the significant efforts made to understand the etiology of this disease, there are still a certain number of patients suffering from idiopathic thrombophilia. The aim of this study was to screen the 3' end of the prothrombin (FII) gene, which is susceptible to gain-of-function mutations due to its non canonical architecture, in patients with idiopathic thrombophilia and to determine its eventual role in the pathogenesis of thrombophilia. This study was carried out in 100 patients with idiopathic thrombophilia and 100 healthy controls. DNA variants in the 715 bp long region of the 3' end of the prothrombin gene were identified by sequencing. In our study, we detected two variants: A19911G and C20068T. The frequency of the A19911G gene variant was slightly increased in the group of patients compared to controls, however with no statistically significant difference compared to controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.53-2.13]. Heterozygous carriers of the FII C20068T gene variant were four times more frequent in patients (4.0%) than in controls (1.0%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (OR = 4.12; 95% CI 0.45-37.57). Our findings suggest that variant A19911G is not a significant risk factor, while C20068T may represent a potential risk factor for idiopathic thrombophilia. To confirm our results, further studies should be conducted in a larger cohort of patients.

Recommendations for the classification of diseases as CFTR-related disorders.

Several diseases have been clinically or genetically related to cystic fibrosis (CF), but a consensus definition is lacking. Here, we present a proposal for consensus guidelines on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related disorders (CFTR-RDs), reached after expert discussion and two dedicated workshops. A CFTR-RD may be defined as "a clinical entity associated with CFTR dysfunction that does not fulfil diagnostic criteria for CF". The utility of sweat testing, mutation analysis, nasal potential difference, and/or intestinal current measurement for the differential diagnosis of CF and CFTR-RD is discussed. Algorithms which use genetic and functional diagnostic tests to distinguish CF and CFTR-RDs are presented. According to present knowledge, congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD), acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis and disseminated bronchiectasis, all with CFTR dysfunction, are CFTR-RDs.

Phenotypes and serum level of alpha-1-antitrypsin in lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) as the major circulating inhibitor of proteases has important role in protease-antiprotease homeostasis. Recent studies have confirmed its antiapoptotic role. AAT is a highly polymorphic protein. Individuals with normal variants have normal serum levels and functional activity of ATT. However, individuals with hereditary AAT deficiency (AATD) have low circulating levels of AAT. Severe AATD was identified as genetic risk factor for early onset of pulmonary emphysema. Association between AAT phenotypes and lung cancer (LC) is not clear, and different studies show contradictory results. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate phenotypes and serum level of AAT in LC. METHODS: The study group included 147 patients with LC, classified as small cell lung cancer (SCLC, n=42) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, n=105). The control group consisted of 273 healthy blood donors. AAT phenotyping was performed by isoelectric-focusing and AAT concentration was measured using nephelometry. RESULTS: There were no differences in the frequencies of AAT phenotypes and alleles between the control group and LC patients, as well as between NSCLC and SCLC groups. An elevated level of AAT was obtained in LC patients. PiMZ and PiMS phenotypes in LC patients were not deficient in the classical sense. AAT levels were 90 and 134%, respectively, when compared to PiMM phenotype in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that moderate deficiency of AAT is not risk factor for LC development. Although polymorphism of AAT was not associated with risk of LC, further research of this antiprotease and antiapoptotic protein could clarify its role in carcinogenesis, given its high concentration in LC patients, even in AATD patients.

Thrombophilia in women with pregnancy-associated complications: fetal loss and pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Existing data regarding the prevalence of thrombophilia in women with pregnancy complications are conflicting. METHODS: To investigate the relationship between pregnancy-associated complications and the presence of thrombophilia, we studied the records of 453 women with pregnancy-associated complications. In 55 women, intrauterine fetal death (fetus mortus in utero, FMU) after 20 weeks of gestation was recorded, in 231 two or more consecutive recurrent fetal losses (RFL) were recorded, while 167 had a venous thromboembolism (VTE) during one of their pregnancies. The control group consisted of 128 healthy women, with no previous history of thrombotic events or miscarriages. RESULTS: In the FMU group we found 54.5% of women had thrombophilia, in the RFL group 38%, and in the VTE group 52.7%. The most frequent thrombophilia in the VTE group was the FV Leiden (OR 17.9, 95% CI 4.2-75.9). The most frequent thrombophilia in the FMU group was the FII G20210A (OR 7.09, 95% CI 1.8-27.9). Statistical difference between RFL and the control group was observed only for FV Leiden (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.6-29.7). CONCLUSION: Thrombophilia was found to be considerably more common in women with pregnancy-associated complications in comparison with the women with normal pregnancies, most frequently in patients with VTE or FMU.

TNF-alpha-308 promotor polymorphism in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer (LC) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In both diseases airways inflammation plays an important role. Functional promoter polymorphism, at the position -308, of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha represents attractive potential susceptibilty marker for both diseases. In order to investigate the role of this polymorphism in COPD and LC, a case-control study was performed. The patient groups consisted of 97 subjects with COPD and 70 subjects with LC, while the control group encompassed 102 subjects. Results of our study showed significant decrease of heterozygote for TNF-alpha-308 1/2 gene variant in COPD group in comparison to controls (p=0.043). According to our results heterozygous carriers of TNF-alpha-308 1/2 polymorphism had a2.3-fold decreased risk for COPD development (OR=0.44, 95%CI=0.20-0.97). In patients with lung cancer we also observed a trend of decreased distribution of TNF-alpha-308 1/2 heterozygotes, but statistical significance was not achieved. To our knowledge, this is the first study implicating decreased frequency of TNF-alpha-308 1/2 gene variant in patients with COPD and LC. Although these results need to be confirmed on larger cohort, they represent anew and interesting finding, not reported in other populations tested so far.

Molecular characteristics and prognostic significance of Bcl-2/IgH gene rearrangement in Serbian follicular lymphoma patients.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by the presence of a t(14;18) chromosomal translocation that results in overexpression of bcl-2 protein. Bcl-2/IgH gene rearrangement is detected in 80-90% of follicular lymphomas in Western countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the bcl-2/IgH rearrangement in FL lymphoma patients in Serbia, by PCR technique, correlate molecular findings with clinical characteristics and outcome and assess the prognostic significance of these rearrangements. One hundred-seven patients (median age, 54 years; male/female ratio:60/47) diagnosed with FL were included in the study. DNA samples were obtained from paraffin embedded lymphoid tissue of patients. Bcl-2/IgH rearrangement was assessed for the major breakpoint region (MBR), 5' MBR and the minor cluster region (mcr) breakpoints by PCR technique. We detected a t(14;18) in 81.3% (87/107) of patients. The distribution of bcl-2-IgH rearrangement was as follows: 88,5% (77/87) in MBR breakpoint, 10,35% (9/87) in 5' MBR, whereas mcr bcl-2-IgH rearrangement was observed in one patient (1.15%). No rearrangements were detected in remaining 20 patients (18.7%). This is the first analyses of the frequency of the bcl-2/IgH gene rearrangement in Serbian FL patients, as well as in Eastern European countries. There was no correlation between presence of bcl-2/IgH gene rearrangement and clinical outcome of disease. Incidence of bcl-2/IgH gene rearrangement in Serbian FL patients is relatively high, and similar to frequency in Western countries. Presence of this rearrangement in tumor tissue is not of prognostic significance.

Consensus on the use and interpretation of cystic fibrosis mutation analysis in clinical practice.

It is often challenging for the clinician interested in cystic fibrosis (CF) to interpret molecular genetic results, and to integrate them in the diagnostic process. The limitations of genotyping technology, the choice of mutations to be tested, and the clinical context in which the test is administered can all influence how genetic information is interpreted. This paper describes the conclusions of a consensus conference to address the use and interpretation of CF mutation analysis in clinical settings. Although the diagnosis of CF is usually straightforward, care needs to be exercised in the use and interpretation of genetic tests: genotype information is not the final arbiter of a clinical diagnosis of CF or CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein related disorders. The diagnosis of these conditions is primarily based on the clinical presentation, and is supported by evaluation of CFTR function (sweat testing, nasal potential difference) and genetic analysis. None of these features are sufficient on their own to make a diagnosis of CF or CFTR-related disorders. Broad genotype/phenotype associations are useful in epidemiological studies, but CFTR genotype does not accurately predict individual outcome. The use of CFTR genotype for prediction of prognosis in people with CF at the time of their diagnosis is not recommended. The importance of communication between clinicians and medical genetic laboratories is emphasized. The results of testing and their implications should be reported in a manner understandable to the clinicians caring for CF patients.

Association of tumour necrosis factor alpha variants with the CF pulmonary phenotype.

BACKGROUND: The pulmonary phenotype in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), even in those with the same CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genotype, is variable and must therefore be influenced by secondary genetic factors as well as environmental factors. Possible candidate genes that modulate the CF lung phenotype may include proinflammatory cytokines. One such protein is tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), a member of the immune system. METHODS: Three polymorphic loci in the promoter (-851c/t, -308g/a, -238g/a) and one polymorphic locus in intron 1 (+691g ins/del) of the TNFalpha gene were typed by a single nucleotide primer extension assay in CF patients and healthy controls. Spirometric data and first age of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected retrospectively from patients' medical records. RESULTS: An association was found between the TNFalpha +691g ins/del polymorphic locus and severity of CF lung disease. Patients heterozygous for +691g ins and +691g del were more likely to have better pulmonary function (mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 79.7 (12.8)% predicted) than patients homozygous for +691g ins (mean (SD) FEV1 67.5 (23.0)% predicted; p = 0.008, mean difference 12.2%, 95% CI 3.5 to 21.0). Also, patients heterozygous for +691g ins and +691g del were more likely to have an older first age of infection with P aeruginosa (mean (SD) 11.4 (6.0) years) than patients homozygous for +691g ins (mean (SD) 8.3 (4.6) years; p = 0.018, mean difference 3.1 years, 95% CI 0.5 to 5.6). An association was also found with the -851c/t polymorphic locus. In the group of patients with more severe FEV1% predicted, a higher proportion of patients were homozygous for the -851c allele than in the other group of patients (p = 0.04, likelihood ratio chi2, odds ratio = 2.4). CONCLUSION: TNFalpha polymorphisms are associated with the severity of CF lung disease in Czech and Belgian patients with CF.