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Angiolucci M, Murru R, Melis G, Carcassi C, Mais V. Association between different morphological types and abnormal karyotypes in early pregnancy loss. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 37:219-225. [PMID: 20503243 DOI: 10.1002/uog.7681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the abnormal transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) findings typical of aneuploidic pregnancies that end with early pregnancy loss (EPL). METHODS This was a prospective clinical trial over a 2½-year period from January 2004 to June 2006 at the University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy. One hundred and fifty-six singleton pregnancies with EPL were evaluated by TVS, both before and at the moment of EPL diagnosis. Fetal karyotyping was performed on products of conception using microsatellite analysis to exclude maternal contamination in 46,XX cases. The proportions of abnormal karyotypes were compared among different groups of EPLs characterized by different morphological features. RESULTS Six morphological types were identified in EPLs, one normal and five abnormal (small gestational sac, small embryo/fetus, early symmetrical arrested growth, enlarged yolk sac and empty sac). The highest rate of chromosomal abnormalities was observed in the early symmetrical arrested growth group (100%), followed by small embryo/fetus (94.1%), enlarged yolk sac (93.3%) and empty sac (72.2%) groups. The majority of cases of trisomy 22 (92.3%) were in the enlarged yolk sac group and the majority of cases with a 45,X karyotype were in the small embryo/fetus group (77.8%). CONCLUSIONS There is an association in EPLs between some abnormal karyotypes and some morphological types. The demonstration by TVS of abnormalities in the development of early pregnancy structures could be helpful for predicting aneuploidy in EPLs.
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Pasi A, Crocchiolo R, Bontempelli M, Carcassi C, Carella G, Crespiatico L, Garbarino L, Mascaretti L, Mazzi B, Mazzola G, Miotti V, Porfirio B, Tagliaferri C, Valentini T, Vecchiato C, Fleischhauer K, Sacchi N, Bosi A, Martinetti M. The conundrum of HLA-DRB1*14:01/*14:54 and HLA-DRB3*02:01/*02:02 mismatches in unrelated hematopoietic SCT. Bone Marrow Transplant 2010; 46:916-22. [PMID: 20972469 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2010.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Uncertainty still exists on the role of polymorphisms outside the HLA-DRB1 binding site or inside the HLA-DRB3 binding groove in unrelated hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). The ideal model to solve the conundrum consists of the transplants mismatched for HLA-DRB1*14:01/*14:54 and/or for HLA-DRB3*02:01/*02:02. A task force was set up in Italy to recruit transplanted pairs defined as HLA-DRB1*14:01 before 2006, the year crucial for the proper definition of the HLA-DRB1*14:54 allele in molecular biology. Out of 2723 unrelated pairs, 189 transplanted in Italy from 1995 to 2006 were HLA-DRB1*14:01 positive; 103/189 pairs with good historical DNA were retyped for HLA-DRB1*14 and HLA-DRB3 at-high resolution level; 31/103 pairs had HLA-DRB1*14 and/or HLA-DRB3 mismatched; 99/103, having complete clinical data, underwent statistical analysis for OS, TRM, disease-free survival and acute and chronic GvHD. No significant involvement of HLA-DRB1*14:01/*14:54 or HLA-DRB3*02:01/*02:02 mismatches was found, either alone or combined. Our findings suggest that disparities at exon 3 of the HLA-DRB1 gene seem unlikely to influence the outcome after HSCT. The same may be envisaged for HLA-DRB3(*)02:01 and (*)02:02 alleles which, although differing in the Ag binding site, seem unable to modulate an appreciable immune response in an HSCT setting.
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Littera R, Orrù N, Vacca A, Bertaina A, Caocci G, Mulargia M, Giardini C, Piras E, Mastronuzzi A, Vinti L, Orrù S, Locatelli F, Carcassi C, Nasa GL. The role of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor haplotypes on the outcome of unrelated donor haematopoietic SCT for thalassaemia. Bone Marrow Transplant 2010; 45:1618-24. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2010.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Paladini F, Belfiore F, Cocco E, Carcassi C, Cauli A, Vacca A, Fiorillo MT, Mathieu A, Cascino I, Sorrentino R. HLA-E gene polymorphism associates with ankylosing spondylitis in Sardinia. Arthritis Res Ther 2009; 11:R171. [PMID: 19912639 PMCID: PMC3003531 DOI: 10.1186/ar2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a severe, chronic inflammatory disease strongly associated with HLA-B27. The presence of additional HLA risk factors has been suggested by several studies. The aim of the current study is to assess the occurrence of an additional HLA susceptibility locus in the region between HLA-E and HLA-C in the Sardinian population. METHODS 200 random controls, 120 patients with AS and 175 HLA-B27 positive controls were genotyped for six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the HLA region between HLA-E and HLA-C loci previously shown to harbour an additional susceptibility locus for AS. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared. RESULTS The data confirm our previous finding of a significant increase in patients with AS of allele A at SNP rs1264457 encoding for an Arg at the functional HLA-E polymorphism (Arg128/Gly128). This was due to a remarkable increase in the frequency of genotype A/A in patients vs HLA-B27-matched controls (51% vs 29%; P for trend: 5 x 10-5). Genotype distribution of three other SNPs mapping in genes (GNL1, PRR3 and ABCF-1) close to HLA-E and showing high LD with it, was also significantly skewed. Accordingly, haplotype distribution was also remarkably different. The frequency of the haplotype AAGA, is 42% in random controls, increases to 53% in the HLA-B27-positive controls, and reaches 68% in patients with AS (P values: 2 x 10-11 vs random and 3 x 10-4 vs HLA-B27 controls). CONCLUSIONS There is a strong association between the presence of a haplotype in genes mapping between HLA-E and HLA-C and AS due to an increase of homozygous markers in patients. The strongest association however, is with the HLA-E functional polymorphism rs1264457. Since HLA-E is the ligand for the NKG2A receptor, these data point to the natural killer (NK) activity as possible player in the pathogenesis of AS.
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Testi M, Lai S, Alba F, Andreani M, Carcassi C. Identification of a new HLA DRB1 allele (HLA-DRB1*1167) in a potential hematopoietic stem cell donor from Iraqi Kurdistan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 73:80-1. [PMID: 19000134 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2008.01163.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer typing and sequence-based typing of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene DRB1 in a potential hematopoietic stem cell donor of Kurdish ethnicity revealed a new allelic variant of HLA-DRB1*11. The sequence was named DRB1*1167, and comparison with previously described DRB1 alleles demonstrated a mixed pattern shared with some DRB1*08 alleles.
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Mameli A, Cauli A, Taccari E, Scarpa R, Punzi L, Lapadula G, Peluso R, Ramonda R, Spadaro A, Iannone F, Fanni V, Vacca A, Passiu G, Fiorillo MT, Carcassi C, Sorrentino R, Mathieu A. Association of MICA alleles with psoriatic arthritis and its clinical forms. A multicenter Italian study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2008; 26:649-652. [PMID: 18799098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Analysis of the association between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) clinical forms and MICA gene transmembrane polymorphisms. METHODS Patients were classified as having peripheral asymmetric oligoarthritis (AO), peripheral symmetric poly-arthritis (PA) and spondylitis (SP), or disease combinations (PA/SP, OA/SP). Two hundred and twenty-six patients with PsA were typed for MICA exon 5 microsatellite (TM) by heteroduplex analysis and compared with 225 normal controls. RESULTS MICA-TM microsatellite typing revealed that, among the different clinical forms of PsA, only the combined PA/SP subset shows a significant positive association with MICA-A9 and a lower frequency of MICA-A4, A5 genotype in PsA patients with a decrease, only in the PA/SP cohort, of all MICA-A5 combinations except MICA-A5, -A9. CONCLUSION These results suggest a role for genes within the HLA region in the pathogenesis of PsA, and reinforce the idea that the different forms of PsA may have heterogeneous genetic basis.
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Moreau P, Contu L, Alba F, Lai S, Simoes R, Orrù S, Carcassi C, Roger M, Rabreau M, Carosella ED. HLA-G gene polymorphism in human placentas: possible association of G*0106 allele with preeclampsia and miscarriage. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:459-67. [PMID: 18509163 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Definite causes for several pathologies of pregnancy remain unknown. In light of several recent studies, however, diminished or aberrant HLA-G expression may be associated with certain complication of pregnancy and be linked to HLA-G polymorphism. We analyzed DNA from 60 normal placentas (controls), 140 placentas from miscarriage, 36 placentas from preeclampsia, 76 placentas from fetal hypotrophy, and 34 placentas with hypoxia for variations in coding regions (allelic groups G*0101 to G*0107) and the 14-bp deletion/insertion into the 3'-untranslated region. No statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of allelic group between pathological placentas and controls with the exception of G*0106 allele frequency in preeclamptic compared with control placentas (21.2% and 6.6%, respectively). A greater frequency of this allele also was observed in the two subgroups of miscarriage and hypoxia compared with that in controls. In addition, presence of the 14-bp sequence was prominent in preeclampsia compared with controls (60.8% vs. 35%, respectively), and homozygotes with deletion were not detected in the pathology. The results suggest that the G*0106 allele, which is coupled with the presence of the 14-bp sequence, contributes and/or is a relevant marker in some specific complications of pregnancy, especially preeclampsia.
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Littera R, Arras M, Ledda A, Caocci G, Tronci MB, Carcassi C, La Nasa G. Long-term efficacy and tolerance of rituximab for post-transfusional alloimmune haemolytic anaemia in a thalassaemia patient. Br J Haematol 2007; 140:114-5. [PMID: 17916104 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06858.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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La Nasa G, Littera R, Locatelli F, Lai S, Alba F, Caocci G, Lisini D, Nesci S, Vacca A, Piras E, Bernardo ME, Di Cesare-Merlone A, Orrù S, Carcassi C. The human leucocyte antigen-G 14-basepair polymorphism correlates with graft-versus-host disease in unrelated bone marrow transplantation for thalassaemia. Br J Haematol 2007; 139:284-8. [PMID: 17897304 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06779.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the 14-bp insertion polymorphism of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G gene (HLA-G) promotes immune tolerance through increased synthesis of HLA-G molecules. We investigated this polymorphism in a large cohort of 53 thalassaemia patients transplanted from an unrelated donor. Sixteen patients (30.2%) homozygous for the 14-bp deletion had a higher risk of developing acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) than patients homozygous for the 14-bp insertion (-14-bp/-14-bp vs +14-bp/+14-bp: Relative Risk = 15.0; 95% confidence interval 1.59-141.24; P = 0.008). Therefore, the 14-bp polymorphism could be an important predictive factor for aGvHD following bone marrow transplantation.
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Pinna G, Orgiana G, Riola A, Ghiani M, Lai ML, Carcassi C, Mariotti S. RET proto-oncogene in Sardinia: V804M is the most frequent mutation and may be associated with FMTC/MEN-2A phenotype. Thyroid 2007; 17:101-4. [PMID: 17316110 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2006.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genetic screening of RET proto-oncogene is a powerful tool for the early identification of familial cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), comprising isolated familial thyroid medullary carcinoma (FMTC) and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes 2A (MEN-2A) and 2B (MEN-2B). We report the results obtained by RET mutation analysis of subjects living in Sardinia, an Italian island whose inhabitants display a peculiar genetic background due to geographic isolation and low immigration rate for several centuries. DESIGN Retrospective study reporting data on 67 patients referred during the last 5 years for RET analysis because affected by MTC or first degree relatives of MTC patients. MAIN OUTCOME Only three mutations were identified affecting codons 620 (exon 10), 634 (exon 11), and 804 (exon 14); surprisingly, the most prevalent mutation found was V804M (overall prevalence: 59%). This finding is quite different from previous studies carried out in other Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations, in which the frequency of the V804M mutation is consistently reported less than 5%. The phenotype associated to V804M mutation was mostly FMTC (16/17 cases = 94.1%), but in one case (5.9%) primary hyperparathyroidism was found, suggesting a MEN-2A. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the importance of the genetic background in the distribution of RET mutations and should be taken into consideration when performing genetic evaluation of MTC patients.
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Bontadini A, Testi M, Cuccia MC, Martinetti M, Carcassi C, Chiesa A, Cosentini E, Dametto E, Frison S, Iannone AM, Lombardo C, Malagoli A, Mariani M, Mariotti L, Mascaretti L, Mele L, Miotti V, Nesci S, Ozzella G, Piancatelli D, Romeo G, Tagliaferri C, Vatta S, Andreani M, Conte R. Distribution of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors genes in the Italian Caucasian population. J Transl Med 2006; 4:44. [PMID: 17069649 PMCID: PMC1635427 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-4-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2006] [Accepted: 10/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are a family of inhibitory and activatory receptors that are expressed by most natural killer (NK) cells. The KIR gene family is polymorphic: genomic diversity is achieved through differences in gene content and allelic polymorphism. The number of KIR loci has been reported to vary among individuals, resulting in different KIR haplotypes. In this study we report the genotypic structure of KIRs in 217 unrelated healthy Italian individuals from 22 immunogenetics laboratories, located in the northern, central and southern regions of Italy. Methods Two hundred and seventeen DNA samples were studied by a low resolution PCR-SSP kit designed to identify all KIR genes. Results All 17 KIR genes were observed in the population with different frequencies than other Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations; framework genes KIR3DL3, KIR3DP1, KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL2 were present in all individuals. Sixty-five different profiles were found in this Italian population study. Haplotype A remains the most prevalent and genotype 1, with a frequency of 28.5%, is the most commonly observed in the Italian population. Conclusion The Italian Caucasian population shows polymorphism of the KIR gene family like other Caucasian and non-Caucasian populations. Although 64 genotypes have been observed, genotype 1 remains the most frequent as already observed in other populations. Such knowledge of the KIR gene distribution in populations is very useful in the study of associations with diseases and in selection of donors for haploidentical bone marrow transplantation.
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Littera R, Carcassi C, Masala A, Piano P, Serra P, Ortu F, Corso N, Casula B, La Nasa G, Contu L, Manconi PE. HLA-dependent hypersensitivity to nevirapine in Sardinian HIV patients. AIDS 2006; 20:1621-6. [PMID: 16868443 DOI: 10.1097/01.aids.0000238408.82947.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypersensitivity reaction to nevirapine, which in some cases can be fatal, shows a higher prevalence in Sardinia in comparison with other Italian regions. OBJECTIVE This study demonstrates that hypersensitive reaction to nevirapine in Sardinian HIV-infected patients is associated with the HLA Cw8-B14 haplotype. These two HLA class I antigens are in strong linkage disequilibrium in the Sardinian population. METHODS Forty-nine Sardinian HIV-positive patients treated with nevirapine were studied. Thirteen (26%), developed a hypersensitive reaction thus requiring the drug to be discontinued. HLA class I and II molecular typing was performed in both nevirapine-hypersensitive and nevirapine-tolerant patients. To avoid biased representation of the allele frequencies in the two groups of treated patients, molecular typing was also performed in 82 HIV-positive patients who had not been treated with nevirapine. RESULTS Considerable overlap was observed for the clinical, immunological and demographic characteristics of the 13 hypersensitive patients and 36 tolerant patients. Clinical parameters included viral load, status of HIV infection, CD4 and CD8 cell counts, hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus co-infections. Forty-six percent (6/13) of the nevirapine-hypersensitive subjects had the HLA-Cw8 and HLA-B14(65) antigens compared with 5% (2/36) of the nevirapine-tolerant group (P = 0.004; Pc = 0.05). CONCLUSION In agreement with other recent reports, the utility of HLA typing in HIV patients to identify genetic factors that may confer susceptibility to drug-induced hypersensitive reaction was confirmed. A careful choice of antiretroviral therapy in susceptible individuals should significantly reduce the risk of severe hypersensitive reaction.
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Zabay JM, Marco J, Soler J, Contu L, Cappai L, Carcassi C, Gómez G, Mulet JM, Munar MA, Viader C. Association of HLA-DRB3*0202 and serum IgG antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae with essential hypertension in a highly homogeneous population from Majorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). J Hum Hypertens 2005; 19:615-22. [PMID: 15905891 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Separate studies investigating the relationship of essential hypertension (EH) with the HLA system and with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) infection have given conflicting results. Our aim was to clarify these relationships and determine whether the HLA system and C. pneumoniae infection interact with respect to the risk for EH. An association study (110 essential hypertensives and 107 controls) was conducted in a highly homogeneous population in the Balearic Island of Majorca (Spain). Molecular typing of HLA-B and HLA-DRB and quantification of serum levels of IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae (sIgGa-Cp) were determined. Student's t-test, chi(2)-statistics, logistic regression analysis, and general linear model ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that EH was related with HLA-DRB3*0202 in the whole study population, and with levels of sIgGa-Cp>63.5 BU/ml in the group of individuals with sIgGa-Cp>30 BU/ml (OR (95% CI) adjusted for obesity, familial history of EH and diabetes=2.06 (1.07-3.97), P=0.03, and =4.60 (1.06-19.90), P=0.04, respectively). The association between EH and sIgGa-Cp was observed in the DRB3*0202(+) individuals, but not in the DRB3*0202(-) subgroup (OR (95% CI)=11.14 (1.92-64.54), P=0.004, and =0.98 (0.22-4.43), P=0.64, respectively (P of the Mantel-Haenszel test for homogeneity of OR=0.06)). In our population, EH was positively associated with HLA-DRB3*0202 and with high levels of sIgGa-Cp. Moreover, a significant interaction of DRB3*0202 on the effect of sIgGa-Cp was observed, as the association of EH with these antibodies depended on the presence of DRB*0202.
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Fleischhauer K, Locatelli F, Zecca M, Orofino MG, Giardini C, De Stefano P, Pession A, Iannone AM, Carcassi C, Zino E, La Nasa G. Graft rejection after unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassemia is associated with nonpermissive HLA-DPB1 disparity in host-versus-graft direction. Blood 2005; 107:2984-92. [PMID: 16317094 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-08-3374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from matched unrelated donors (UDs) for beta-thalassemia may be hampered by the occurrence of graft rejection. Here, we show that the rate of this complication can be reduced by selecting 5-loci HLA-matched donors without nonpermissive mismatches at HLA-DPB1, defined according to an algorithm previously described and based on principles of central T-cell tolerance. Seventy-two consecutive patients and their UDs, prospectively selected for matching at the allelic level for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB, and -DQB1 loci, were enrolled in the analysis. These pairs were either DPB1 matched/permissively mismatched (n = 45, control group) or had at least one nonpermissive DPB1 mismatch in the host-versus-graft (HvG; n = 17) or in the graft-versus-host (GvH; n = 10) direction. In multivariate analysis, the risk of rejection was significantly increased in the group with HvG disparity (RR = 7.42; 95% CI = 1.29-42.68; P = .02) as compared to the control group. A lower, statistically significant, probability of thalassemia-free survival was found in patients belonging to the HvG group as compared to controls (RR = 5.15; 95% CI = 1.58-16.82; P = .01). These data suggest that in patients with thalassemia, the incidence of graft failure after HSCT may be reduced by appropriate selection of UDs, with such selection taking into account the functional rules of immunogenetics.
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Masala MV, Carcassi C, Cottoni F, Mulargia M, Contu L, Cerimele D. Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in Sardinia: HLA positive and negative associations. Int J Dermatol 2005; 44:743-5. [PMID: 16135142 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02206.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) in northern Sardinia is one of the highest in the world. METHODS Sixty-two patients with CKS were typed for class I and class II antigens. All patients had been born and were living in northern Sardinia. RESULTS In the Sardinian patients, we observed a positive CKS association with Cw7, DRB1*1104, DRB1*1302, DQA1*0302, and DQB1*0604, and a negative CKS association with A30, B58, Cw5, DRB1*1601, and DQB1*0502. CONCLUSIONS The strong positive CKS association with DRB1*1104 and DQB1*0604 and negative association with B58 are particularly significant and further support the notion of a genetic predisposition to CKS.
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Cervera R, Abarca-Costalago M, Abramovicz D, Allegri F, Annunziata P, Aydintug AO, Bacarelli MR, Bellisai F, Bernardino I, Biernat-Kaluza E, Blockmans D, Boki K, Bracci L, Campanella V, Camps MT, Carcassi C, Cattaneo R, Cauli A, Cervera R, Chwalinska-Sadowska H, Contu L, Cosyns JP, Danieli MG, DCruz D, Depresseux G, Direskeneli H, Domènech I, Espinosa G, Fernández-Nebro A, Ferrara GB, Font J, Frutos MA, Galeazzi M, Garcìa-Carrasco M, García Iglesias MF, García-Tobaruela A, George J, Gil A, González-Santos P, Grana M, Gül A, Haga HJ, de Haro-Liger M, Houssiau F, Hughes GRV, Ingelmo M, Jedryka-Góral A, Khamashta MA, Lavilla P, Levi Y, López-Dulpa M, López-Soto A, Maldykowa H, Marcolongo R, Mathieu A, Morozzi G, Nicolopoulou N, Papasteriades C, Passiu G, Perelló I, Petera P, Petrovic R, Piette JC, Pintado V, de Pita O, Popovic R, Pucci G, Puddu P, de Ramón E, Ramos-Casals M, Rodríguez-Andreu J, Ruiz-Irastorza G, Sanchez-Lora J, Sanna G, Scorza R, Sebastiani GD, Sherer Y, Shoenfeld Y, Simpatico A, Sinico RA, Smolen J, Tincani A, Tokgöz G, Urbano-Márquez A, Vasconcelos C, Vázquez JJ, Veronesi J, Vianna J, Vivancos J. Systemic lupus erythematosus in Europe at the change of the millennium: lessons from the "Euro-Lupus Project". Autoimmun Rev 2005; 5:180-6. [PMID: 16483917 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2005.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The "Euro-Lupus Cohort" is composed by 1000 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that have been followed prospectively since 1991. These patients have been gathered by a European consortium--the "Euro-Lupus Project Group". This consortium was originated as part of the network promoted by the "European Working Party on SLE", a working group created in 1990 in order to promote research in Europe on the different problems related to this disease. The "Euro-Lupus Cohort" provides an updated information on the SLE morbidity and mortality characteristics in the present decade as well as defines several clinical and immunological prognostic factors.
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Milia S, Lai S, Valentini T, Testi M, Cappai L, Moscetti A, Mariani M, Alba F, Carcassi C. Identification of a new allele, HLA-DRB1*1366*. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 66:69-71. [PMID: 15982265 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2005.00427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primer typing of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 gene of an Italian patient candidate for bone marrow transplantation revealed a new allelic variant of HLA-DRB1*13. The sequence was named DRB1*1366, and comparison with previously described DRB1 alleles demonstrated the two closely related sequences were HLA-DRB1*1330 and HLA-DRB1*130302.
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Cossu A, Orrù S, Jacomelli G, Carcassi C, Contu L, Sestini S, Corradi MR, Pompucci G, Carcassi A, Micheli V. HPRTSardinia: a new point mutation causing HPRT deficiency without Lesch-Nyhan disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2005; 1762:29-33. [PMID: 16216473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2003] [Revised: 03/24/2005] [Accepted: 03/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) deficiency always causing hyperuricemia presents various degrees of neurological manifestations, the most severe which is Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. The HPRT gene is situated in the region Xq26-q27.2 and consists of 9 exons. At least 300 different mutations at different sites in the HPRT coding region from exon 1 to exon 9 have been identified. A new mutation in the HPRT gene has been determined in one patient with complete deficiency of erythrocyte activity, with hyperuricemia and gout but without Lesch-Nyhan disease. Analysis of cultured fibroblasts revealed minimal residual HPRT activity mainly when guanine was the substrate. Genomic DNA sequencing demonstrated patient's mother heterozygosity for the mutation and no mutation in her brother. The mutation consists in a C-->T transversion at cDNA base 463 (C463T) in exon 6, resulting in proline to serine substitution at codon 155 (P155S). This mutation had not been reported previously and has been designated HPRT(Sardinia). The mutation identified in this patient allows some expression of functional enzyme in nucleated cells such as fibroblasts, indicating that such cell type may add further information to conventional blood analysis. A multicentre survey gathering patients with variant neurological forms could contribute to understand the pathophysiology of the neurobehavioral symptoms of HPRT deficiency.
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Battistini S, Giannini F, Greco G, Bibbò G, Ferrera L, Marini V, Causarano R, Casula M, Lando G, Patrosso MC, Caponnetto C, Origone P, Marocchi A, Del Corona A, Siciliano G, Carrera P, Mascia V, Giagheddu M, Carcassi C, Orrù S, Garrè C, Penco S. SOD1 mutations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2005; 252:782-8. [PMID: 15789135 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-005-0742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2004] [Revised: 11/05/2004] [Accepted: 11/15/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common form among motoneuron diseases, is characterized by a progressive neurodegenerative process involving motor neurons in the motor cortex, brain stem and spinal cord. Sporadic (SALS) accounts for the majority of patients but in about 10% of ALS cases the disease is inherited (FALS), usually as an autosomal dominant trait. In the present study we show the results of a referred based multicenter study on the distribution of SOD1 gene mutations in the largest cohort of Italian ALS patients described so far. Two hundred and sixty-four patients (39 FALS and 225 SALS) of Italian origin were studied. In 7 out of 39 FALS patients we found the following SOD1 gene mutations: i) a new G12R missense mutation in exon 1, found in a patient with a slowly progressive disease course; ii) the G41S mutation, in four unrelated patients with rapidly progressive course complicated with cognitive decline in two of them; iii) the L114F mutation, in a patient with a slowly progressive phenotype; iv) the D90A mutation, in a heterozygous patient with atypical phenotype. In addition, in one SALS patient a previously reported synonymous variant S59S was identified. In 17 (3 FALS and 14 SALS) out of 264 patients (6.4 %) the polymorphism A-->C at position 34 of intron 3 (IVS3: + 34 A-->C) was found, and in one FALS patient a novel variant IVS3 + 62 T-->C was identified. The frequency of SOD1 gene mutations (17.9 %) in FALS cases was comparable with that found in other surveys with a similar sample size of ALS cases. No SOD1 gene mutations have been identified in SALS cases. Within FALS cases, The most frequent mutation was the G41S identified in four FALS.
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Orrù S, Giuressi E, Carcassi C, Casula M, Contu L. Mapping of the major psoriasis-susceptibility locus (PSORS1) in a 70-Kb interval around the corneodesmosin gene (CDSN). Am J Hum Genet 2005; 76:164-71. [PMID: 15529278 PMCID: PMC1196420 DOI: 10.1086/426948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2004] [Accepted: 10/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous putative susceptibility loci have been described for psoriasis. Among the loci confirmed in the literature, PSORS1 (the major histocompatibility complex at 6p21.3) has the strongest effect. Recent studies have highlighted a 200-kb candidate region. However, this region has not been well delimited, mainly because of the strong linkage equilibrium among the associated alleles. To finely map PSORS1, we set up a study using 17 polymorphic markers in a 525-kb interval around the human leucocyte antigen C locus (HLA-C). The results uncovered five loci with alleles strongly associated with psoriasis (Sidak-corrected P [P(c)] values from 1.8 x 10(-7) to .003), all structured in a psoriasis-susceptibility haplotype (PSH). Subsequent analysis of extended haplotypes showed that the PSH was not only present on the traditional psoriasis-susceptibility extended haplotypes (HLA-Cw6-B57, HLA-Cw6-B37, and HLA-Cw6-B13) but also on a haplotype of Sardinian origin (HLA-Cw7-B58) found to be associated with psoriasis (Pc=.0009) because of an ancestral recombination with one of the susceptibility haplotypes carrying the HLA-Cw6 allele. Comparisons of the regions identical by descent among associated and nonassociated haplotypes highlighted a minimum region of 70 kb not recombinant with PSORS1, around the corneodesmosin (CDSN) gene.
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Cottoni F, Masala MV, Santarelli R, Carcassi C, Uccini S, Montesu MA, Satta R, Angeloni A, Faggioni A, Cerimele D. Susceptibility to human herpesvirus-8 infection in a healthy population from Sardinia is not directly correlated with the expression of HLA-DR alleles. Br J Dermatol 2004; 151:247-9. [PMID: 15270911 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.06060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Orgiana G, Pinna G, Camedda A, De Falco V, Santoro M, Melillo RM, Elisei R, Romei C, Lai S, Carcassi C, Mariotti S. A new germline RET mutation apparently devoid of transforming activity serendipitously discovered in a patient with atrophic autoimmune thyroiditis and primary ovarian failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004; 89:4810-6. [PMID: 15472167 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2004-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gain-of-function RET mutations are responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (MEN) 2A and 2B and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC), whereas loss-of-function mutations are found in Hirschsprung disease. We report a new RET point mutation [R694Q (CGG-->CAG)], serendipitously found in a 23-yr-old woman with hypothyroidism due to atrophic Hashimoto's thyroiditis and primary ovarian failure, without altered calcitonin secretion. Familial history and clinical and biochemical evaluation of first-degree relatives were negative for FMTC, MEN 2A and 2B, and Hirschsprung disease. Genetic analysis showed that the mutation was inherited from the mother, who was submitted 2 yr before to thyroidectomy for goitrous Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Histological revision and immunohistochemical studies documented normal C cell number and morphology. We cloned the mutation in an expression vector encoding a full-length RET protein. The construct was transiently expressed in 293T cells in parallel with a wild-type RET and a C634R MEN 2A-associated RET mutant. Proteins were harvested from transfected cells, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels were assayed. The mutation did not exert significant potentiating effects on RET kinase. A focus assay was also performed on NIH3T3 fibroblasts; the mutant did not exert significant transforming activity. In conclusion, a new RET mutation was found in two subjects without any evidence of MEN and FMTC. In keeping with clinical data, transfection studies confirmed lack of activating activity. This serendipitous discovery, apparently devoid of oncogenic potential, underscores the problems that may be encountered in genomic studies on RET.
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Contu L, Orrù S, Carcassi C, Giuressi E, Mulargia M, Cappai L, Valentini D, Lai S, Boero R, Masala MV, Aste N, Biggio P, Cottoni F, Cerimele D. A psoriasis vulgaris protective gene maps close to the HLA-C locus on the EH18.2-extended haplotype. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 64:43-57. [PMID: 15191522 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2004.00235.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We determined the molecular haplotypes of the HLA-A, HLA-C and HLA-B loci and the MHC class I-B-related (MIB) microsatellite in 179 unrelated psoriatic patients (72 familial cases) and in 120 controls. The HLA-A*3002-Cw*0501-B*1801-MIB1 haplotype showed a strong negative association with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and in particular with familial PV, revealing the presence of a PV-protective gene. Analysis of association and linkage disequilibrium of the single alleles and the various two-three-four-locus segments of this haplotype indicated the presence of a protective gene telomeric to the HLA-C locus. This finding was confirmed in 13 informative multiplex PV families, in which at least one parent carried the EH18.2 haplotype. In two families, an affected sibling presented HLA-A/C recombination on the EH18.2 haplotype. A study of 12 polymorphic microsatellites in all members of the informative families, 145 PV patients, 120 controls and 32 EH18.2 homozygous healthy individuals demonstrated that the protection conferred by the EH18.2 haplotype lies within a 170 kb interval between the C143 and C244 loci, most probably in a 60 kb segment between the C132 and C244 loci.
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Pinna G, Orgiana G, Carcassi C, Alba F, Cetani F, Pardi E, Marcocci C, Mariotti S. A novel germline mutation of MEN 1 gene in a patient with acromegaly and multiple endocrine tumors. J Endocrinol Invest 2004; 27:577-82. [PMID: 15717658 DOI: 10.1007/bf03347483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Germline mutations of the MEN 1 gene are responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1), a dominantly inherited cancer syndrome characterized by tumors of the parathyroids, gastro-intestinal endocrine tissue, anterior pituitary and other endocrine tissues. We report on a 55-yr old woman, presenting with active acromegaly (due to GH-secreting microadenoma), associated to bilateral adrenal adenomatosis and Hürthle-cell thyroid neoplasia. No evidence of hyperparathyroidism or gastrin-secreting tumor was found. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was extracted, amplified by PCR, purified and analyzed by direct sequencing. The analysis revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 4 of the MEN 1 gene: a G to A missense mutation at codon 229 (CGC-->CAC), which changes arginine to histidine. This mutation causes loss of the Hhal restriction site and can thus be employed for a rapid familiar screening. This case represents a newly recognized germline mutation of the MEN 1 gene.
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