Identification of two new HLA-B alleles, HLA-B*0732 and HLA-B*5809, by sequence-based typing.

Here, we have described the characterization of two novel human leukocyte antigen-B (HLA-B) alleles. The new alleles, HLA-B*0732 and HLA-B*5809, were identified in Italian Caucasian individuals. B*0732 differs from HLA-B*0708 by one nucleotidic change at position 412 (from G to A) in exon 3, leading to an amino acidic substitution from Asp (GAC) to Asn (AAC) at codon 114. The sequence of B*5809 is identical to that of HLA-B*5801, except for a point mutation at position 583 in exon 3, where a T is substituted by a C. This change leads to an amino acidic substitution from Tyr (TAC) to His (CAC) at codon 171.

Unrelated allogeneic bone marrow donation: short- and long-term follow-up of 103 consecutive volunteer donors.

Between 1992 and 1999, 105 unrelated allogeneic bone marrow collections from 103 volunteer donors (65 males and 38 females; median age 33 years) were carried out in three northern Italian centers (Verona, Bolzano and Padova) affiliated with the Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (IBMDR). The average volume of BM collected was equivalent in both genders (1143.1 ml for males and 1054.2 ml for females; P = 0.1), although the average volume collected for unit of body weight and the average post-collection blood volume depletion was higher in females (respectively 17.1 ml/kg and 14.2% in females, 14.8 ml/kg and 12% in males; P= 0.01 and 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in the total number of nucleated cells collected. We did not record any acute life-threatening event during or after the bone marrow collections. The most frequent complaint was pain at the collection site (77%) followed by the onset of fatigue (38%) and nausea and vomiting (25%); all of these were short-term problems. Hospitalization was short (average 20.2 h) and donors started their normal daily activities after an average of 5.4 days. We also monitored Hb, serum ferritin levels, WBC and platelet counts in the post-collection period (average follow-up 40.1 months). All donors signed a written informed consent for a further bone marrow collection, if needed. Our findings confirm the short- and long-term safety of allogeneic bone marrow collection in volunteer donors.

[HLA and rejection of renal transplants from cadavers]. / HLA e rigetto nel trapianto renale da cadavere.

Seventy-two patients were typed for HLA-A and HLA-B. Kidney-graft survival, reversibility and time of appearance of reject episodes were comparated with matching level. Matching level had double classification: NIT and Verona; the validity of tissue-typing as prediction of the best result of transplantation and major reversibility of reject episodes.

[Significance of mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) in renal transplants from living donors]. / Significatività del MLC nel trapianto renale da donatore vivente.

Results of MLC were correlated with kidney-graft survival of recipients of living related donor. The 56 patients tested by MLC were divided into two groups according as the stimulation index was more or less than 5. In 20 of these patients transplanted, renal allograft survival correlated better with low stimulation in MLC, suggesting more histocompatibility.

[Relation between cytomegalovirus infection and the so-called intolerance to azathioprine in renal transplantation]. / Rapporto tra infezione da virus citomegalico e la cosiddetta intolleranza all'azatioprina nel trapianto renale.

Renal transplant recipients can develop hepatic function abnormalities or severe leucopenia after transplantation. Generally it is thought to be due to azathioprine intolerance and patients are treated by curtailment of immunosuppressive therapy, being subsequently at risk to lose their allograft because of rejection. Evidence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is also common after renal transplantation. It is generally thought that the majority of these infections are asymptomatic, but they can be accompanied by leucopenia and/or hepatic function abnormalities. Sixty-nine renal transplant recipients have been studied for at least three months in order to investigate the relationship between CMV and azathioprine intolerance after transplantation. Twenty-five out of 58 patients who underwent seroconversion to CMV (a fourfold or greater rise in titer of CMV antibodies) after transplantation or who had a high CMV titer (greater than or equal to 1 : 16) prior to transplant, developed azathioprine intolerance. None of 11 patients who before renal transplantation had low CMV titers and who did'nt underwent seroconversion did not tolerate azathioprine. Therefore the Authors advance the hypothesis that azathioprine intolerance following renal transplantation can be often due to an asymptomatic and unknown CMV infection.