“
“Objective: To determine the prevalence, causes, and risk factors of blindness and visual impairment among persons aged

40 years or older residing in an urban West African location.\n\nDesign: Population-based, cross-sectional study.\n\nParticipants: A total of 5603 participants residing in Tema, Ghana.\n\nMethods: Proportionate random cluster sampling selleck chemicals llc was used to select participants aged 40 years or older living in the city of Tema. Presenting distance visual acuity (VA) was measured at 4 and 1 m using a reduced logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution tumbling E chart and then with trial frame based on autorefraction. A screening examination was performed in the field on all participants. Complete clinical examination by an ophthalmologist was performed on participants with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <20/40 or failure of any screening test.\n\nMain Outcome Measures: Age- and gender-specific prevalence, causes, and risk factors for blindness (VA of <20/400 in the better eye, World Selleckchem Birinapant Health Organization definition) and visual impairment (VA of <20/40 in the better eye).\n\nResults: A total of 6806 eligible participants were identified, of whom 5603 (82.3%) participated

in the study. The mean age (+/- standard deviation) of participants was 52.7 +/- 10.9 years. The prevalence of visual impairment VX-770 in vitro and blindness was 17.1% and 1.2%, respectively. After refraction and spectacle correction, the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness decreased to 6.7% and 0.75%, respectively, suggesting that refractive error is the major correctable cause of visual impairment and blindness in this population. Of 65 subjects with a VA <20/400, 22 (34%) were correctable with refraction, 21 to the level of visual impairment and 1 to normal. The remaining

43 patients (66%) had underlying pathology (cataract in 19, glaucoma in 9, nonglaucomatous optic neuropathy in 3, corneal opacities in 3, retinal disease in 3, and undetermined in 5) that prevented refractive correction. Increased age was a significant risk factor for blindness and visual impairment.\n\nConclusions: There is a high prevalence of blindness and visual impairment among those aged >= 40 years in Tema, Ghana, West Africa. Refractive error is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in this population, followed by cataract, glaucoma, and corneal disease.\n\nFinancial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. Ophthalmology 2012;119:1744-1753 (c) 2012 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.”
“Systemic hypertension and aortic valve stenosis (AVS) are both age-related diseases. The pathophysiology of AVS shares some similarities with essential hypertension, which might be the link between the two diseases.

Activated T cells express surface receptors, such as CD25 (the IL-2 receptor) and CD71 (the transferrin receptor), or co-stimulatory molecules (CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, Androgen Receptor signaling Antagonists CD154 or CD40L, and CD134). Both surface marker expression and cell proliferation are predominately assessed by flow cytometry. Protocols have been established and utilized for both in vitro and ex vivo investigations with either isolated lymphocytes or whole blood.\n\nThis article reviews the current body of research regarding the use of lymphocyte proliferation and surface activation markers with an emphasis on T cells. Experimental and clinical results related to these markers, as well as methodological

issues and open questions, are addressed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Remodeling of the pulmonary artery

is a major feature of pulmonary artery hypertension, and CPU86017, a derivative of berberine, LY3039478 is known to effectively alleviate hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH). CPU86017 is a racemate, possessing two chiral centers: 7N and 13aC. We have compared the effects of four CPU86017 isomers, SS [(+)-7S, 13aS-CPU86017], SR [(-)-7S, 13aR-CPU86017], RR [(-)-7R, 13aR-CPU86017] and RS [(+)-7R, 13aS-CPU86017], on HPH. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions (10 +/- 0.5% O(2) for 8 h per day) for 4 weeks and treated with CPU86017, SS, SR, RR or RS (4 mg/kg, subcutaneously) from day 15 to 28. After 4 weeks of exposure to hypoxia, remodeling of the right ventricle and the small pulmonary arteries (< 150 mu m) was very pronounced, and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) had been excessively produced in association with abnormal mRNA and protein QNZ in vivo expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and mRNA of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP1, TIMP2). Expression of endothelin receptor A was upregulated, while that connexin 40 was downregulated. The administration of CPU86017 and its four isomers attenuated the changes, with the isomer RS exhibiting the most favorable effect on HPH rats. We propose that an activated endothelin pathway associated with an unbalanced MMP-TIMP system may

contribute to the over-accumulation of ECM and the remodeling of the pulmonary arterioles in HPH. CPU86017 and its four isomers attenuate ECM accumulation and vascular remodeling by normalizing both the MMP-TIMP system and the ET system. The RS isomer is superior to the racemate CPU86017 in attenuating HPH.”
“Neopterin is secreted by activated monocytes/macrophages upon stimulation with interferon-gamma. The release of this pro-inflammatory mediator permits the activation status of cell-mediated immune system to be examined. We assayed neopterin plasma concentrations in septic patients under treatment with (n = 10) and without Drotrecogin-alpha (activated) (n = 10) on d 1 and 6 of severe sepsis. In septic patients treated with Drotrecogin-alpha (activated), neopterin levels decreased significantly (p = 0.

We consider the effects of overall caloric restriction, and macronutrient imbalances including high fat, high sucrose, and low protein, compared to normal diet. We then discuss potential mechanisms underlying the skeletal responses, including perinatal developmental programming via disruption of the perinatal leptin surge and/or epigenetic changes, to highlight unanswered questions and identify the most critical areas for future research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interactions Between Bone, Adipose Tissue and Metabolism. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All

rights reserved.”
“Background. Midterm results of TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) in patients with aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections are not known.\n\nMethods. Between 2004 and 2009, 14 patients with a median age of 63 years (79% male) with this pathology mTOR activation were treated. Seven patients underwent supraaortic transpositions in various extents prior to TEVAR in order to gain a sufficient proximal landing zone.\n\nResults. Median time from dissection to treatment was 19 months (4 to 84 months). All patients had an uneventful in-hospital course. The median covered length of the aortic arch and descending aorta

was 190 selleck chemicals mm (100 to 250 mm). Primary success rate defined as absence of type Ia endoleakage was 86%. No patient, where visceral or renal vessels originated from the false or from both lumina sustained ischemic injury by TEVAR. The

median follow- up period is 34 months to date (6 to 64 months). Aortic-related morbidity and mortality during follow-up was low (14%).\n\nConclusions. Midterm results of TEVAR in patients with aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from HKI-272 in vivo chronic type B dissections are good. The selfexpanding capability of the stent grafts is sufficient over time. However, extensive coverage of the descending aorta is warranted to achieve success. Further studies are needed to extend our knowledge in this particular subgroup of patients. (Ann Thorac Surg 2010;90:90-4) (C) 2010 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons”
“The extracellular matrix (ECM) acts both as a physical scaffold for cells and as a repository for growth factors. Moreover, ECM structure and physical-chemical properties convey precise information to cells that profoundly influences their biology by interactions with cell surface receptors termed integrins. During angiogenesis, the perivascular ECM plays a critical role in determining the proliferative, invasive and survival responses of the local vascular cells to the angiogenic growth factors. Dynamic changes in both the ECM and the local vascular cells act in concert to regulate new blood vessel growth.

Finally, by combining discovery and genotyping, A 769662 we identified six potential de novo CNVs in two family trios.”
“Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) DNA is regularly found in around 50% of all cervical carcinomas. Variants of this type have been found associated with different risks for cervical cancer development. Presence of HPV 16 variants

in Colombia has not been previously reported. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of non-radioactive PCR-SSCP (polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism) analysis for determination of variability of ORF of E6, variability in the enhancer sequence of the LCR, and for establishment of the distribution of HPV 16 variants in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in Colombian women. Biopsies from 59 patients at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia (INC) in Bogota (Colombia)

were collected. HPV detection was performed using universal primers. HPV 16 variants were detected by non-radioactive single-stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and direct sequencing. HPV 16 was detected in 57.6% of the tumors. The European branch was identified in 88.2% of the samples with the E-G350 class being the most prevalent variant LDN-193189 (41.1%). The Asian-American branch was identified in 8.8% of the samples. Within this group it was possible to distinguish between c and a classes. It was not possible to determine the branch in 2.9% of the cases. A nucleotide transition (G to A) at position 7521 was the most prevalent variation (80%) found in the enhancer find more sequence of the LCR region. Conclusion: A non-radioactive PCR-SSCP analysis allowed us to distinguish between European and Asian-American branches of HPV 16, and to distinguish among classes in squamous cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix in Colombia. This method is an excellent alternative that can be used as a screening

tool for identification of HPV 16 variants.”
“Flaviviruses have a single-strand, positive-polarity RNA genome that encodes a single polyprotein. The polyprotein is comprised of seven nonstructural (NS) and three structural proteins. The N- and C-terminal parts of NS3 represent the serine protease and the RNA helicase, respectively. The cleavage of the polyprotein by the protease is required to produce the individual viral proteins, which assemble a new viral progeny. Conversely, inactivation of the protease blocks viral infection. Both the protease and the helicase are conserved among flaviviruses. As a result, NS3 is a promising drug target in flaviviral infections. This article examines the West Nile virus NS3 with an emphasis on the structural and functional parameters of the protease, the helicase and their cofactors.

Here we discuss a recently described mechanism of boosting the innate immunity by oligoadenylate synthetase-like (OASL) protein, which can potentially be used to overcome viral evasion and enhance innate immunity.”
“This study was performed to

investigate the effect of monthly oral administration of 500 mu g of calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)) for 4 months on both serum vitamin D levels and sequential changes of parameters of calcium metabolism; 18 normal women aged 24-72 years were investigated. There was a significant increase of serum 25(OH)D after the first administration; thereafter all values persisted significantly higher selleck screening library compared to the basal value (P < 0.001). Mean 1,25(OH)(2)D serum levels peaked at day 3 and then tended to stabilize following day 30. During the first month, all mean values

observed following the initial administration were significantly higher than basal values. The first calcidiol dose produced a significant reduction of serum PTH levels (P < 0.001), Selleck Epigenetic inhibitor which then remained constant over time. Concerning serum calcium and phosphorus, we were not able to demonstrate any significant change during the entire observation period. Considering the single values for both serum ionized and total calcium, the values of Ca(2+) exceeded upper limits of normal on only two occasions. Regarding biochemical markers of bone remodeling, mean changes of serum bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase activity showed a significant trend to decrease,

starting at day 30. No significant changes of serum CTX values were noted. Overall, 24-h urinary excretion of calcium did not change, seven values exceeding the threshold of 4 mg/kg body weight. Monthly administration of 500 mu g of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) may be considered an alternative for vitamin D repletion, without any detrimental effect.”
“Concordance between JNK-IN-8 the conventional HIV-1 phenotypic drug resistance assay, PhenoSense (TM) (PS), and virco (R) TYPE HIV-1 (vT), a drug resistance assay based on prediction of the phenotype, was investigated in a data set from the Stanford HIV Resistance database (hivdb). Depending on the drug, between 287 and 902 genotype-phenotype data pairs were available for comparisons. Test results (fold-change values) in the two assays were highly correlated, with an overall mean correlation coefficient of 0.90 using single PS measurements. This coefficient rose to 0.94 when the vT results were compared to the mean of repeat PS measurements. These results are comparable with the corresponding correlation coefficients of 0.87 and 0.95, calculated using single measurements, and the mean of repeat measurements, respectively, as obtained in the Antivirogram (R) assay, the conventional HIV-1 phenotypic drug resistance test on which vT is based.

75; 95% CI, 2.56-23.48; P smaller than 0.001). Past exposure to hepatitis B did not correlate with a significant increase in overall or liver-related mortality in chronic hepatitis C or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cohorts.Conclusion:Past exposure to hepatitis B is associated with significant increase in overall mortality among individuals

with ALD and those without CLD.”
“In order to enhance optical absorption, light trapping by multiple scattering is commonly achieved in dye sensitized solar cells by adding particles of a different sort. Herein we propose a theoretical method to find the structural parameters (particle number density and size) that optimize the conversion efficiency of electrodes of different thicknesses containing spherical inclusions of diverse composition. Our work provides AZD8186 clinical trial a theoretical framework in which the response of solar cells containing diffuse scattering particles VX-680 can be rationalized. Optical simulations are performed by combining a Monte Carlo approach with Mie theory, in which the angular distribution of scattered tight is accounted for. Several types of scattering centers, such

as anatase, gold and silver particles, as well as cavities, are considered and their effect compared. Estimates of photovoltaic performance, insight into the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed enhancements, and guidelines to improve the cell design are provided. We discuss the results BVD-523 price in terms of light transport in weakly disordered optical media and find that the observed variations between the optimum scattering configurations attained for different electrode thicknesses can be understood as the result

of the randomization of the light propagation direction at different depths within the active layer. A primary conclusion of our study is that photovoltaic performance is optimised when the scattering properties of the film are adjusted so that the distance over which incident photons are randomized is comparable to the thickness of the film. This simple relationship could also be used as a design rule to attain the optimum optical design in other photovoltaic materials.”
“Abolhassani M, Guais A, Chaumet-Riffaud P, Sasco AJ, Schwartz L. Carbon dioxide inhalation causes pulmonary inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 296: L657-L665, 2009. First published January 9, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajplung.90460.2008.-The aim of this study was to assess whether one of the most common poisons of cellular respiration, i.e., carbon dioxide, is proinflammatory. CO(2) is naturally present in the atmosphere at the level of 0.038% and involved in numerous cellular biochemical reactions. We analyzed in vitro the inflammation response induced by exposure to CO(2) for 48 h (0-20% with a constant O(2) concentration of 21%). In vivo mice were submitted to increasing concentrations of CO(2) (0, 5, 10, and 15% with a constant O(2) concentration of 21%) for 1 h.

This Suggests that there is MEK-independent activation of MAPK in the SCF-induced ovarian cancer cell growth process, and that MEK1 still buy ML323 plays a Crucial

role in maintaining the malignant properties of ovarian cancer cells even when it fails to activate MAPK as expected. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Context: Genetic alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPK pathways have not been fully defined in anaplastic and follicular thyroid cancers [ anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), follicular thyroid cancer (FTC)].\n\nObjective: The objective of the study was to explore a wide-range genetic basis for the involvement of these pathways in ATC.\n\nDesign: We examined mutations and copy number gains of a large panel of genes in these pathways and corresponding phosphorylation of ERK (p-ERK) and Akt.\n\nResults: We found frequent copy gains of RTK genes, including EGFR, PDGFR alpha and -beta, VEGFR1 and 2, KIT, and MET and in PIK3Ca, PIK3Cb, and PDK1 genes in the PI3K/Akt pathway. Mutations of Ras, PIK3Ca, PTEN, and BRAF genes and RET/PTC www.selleckchem.com/products/VX-680(MK-0457).html rearrangements were common,

whereas mutations in PDK1, Akt1, Akt2, and RTK genes were uncommon in ATC. Overall, 46 of 48 ATC (95.8%) harbored at least one genetic alteration, and coexistence of two or more was seen in 37 of 48 ATC (77.1%). These genetic alterations were somewhat less common in FTC. Genetic alterations that could activate both the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways were found in 39 of 48 ATC (81.3%). RTK gene copy gains were

preferentially associated with p-Akt, suggesting their dominant role in activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. The phosphorylation of Akt was far more common than p-ERK in FTC, and both were relatively this website common and often coexisted in ATC.\n\nConclusions: Genetic alterations in the RTKs and PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways are extremely prevalent in ATC and FTC, providing a strong genetic basis for an extensive role of these signaling pathways and the development of therapies targeting these pathways for ATC and FTC, particularly the former.”
“Water dispersible stable gold nanoparticles (AuNps) have been synthesized by using calix[4]pyrrole octa-hydrazide (CPOH) as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent. CPOH-AuNps have been characterized by surface plasmon resonance, particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. CPOH-AuNps are water dispersible, highly stable for more than 150 days at neutral pH with a size of less than 10 nm and zeta potential of 15 +/- 2 MeV. Ion sensing property of CPOH-AuNps has been investigated for various metal ions Pb(II), Cd(II), Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) by colorimetry and spectro-fluorimetry. Among all the metal ions investigated, only Co(II) ions gives sharp colour change from ruby red to blue and is easily detectable by naked-eye. CPOH-AuNps being fluorescent in nature also shows great sensitivity and selectivity for Co(II) ions.

“
“Introduction: There is a wide range of tumors affecting the orbital adnexa. Key such tumors include lymphomas, carcinomas, melanomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. Several studies have proposed that these histological subtypes differ

in their survival outcomes. In this study 3-MA cost we aim to describe the difference in survival outcomes between such subtypes. Methods: The SEER database was used to gather patient information. All 18 SEER registries were used. Patients diagnosed from 1996 to 2005 were included in the analysis. Observed five-year survival rate was calculated using the SEER*Stat software version 8.1.2. Data were extracted into IBM SPSS version 20 to generate Kaplan Meier curve for each group. Results: There were 2180 patients in the SEER databases who met the selection criteria. Lymphomas were the most common histology in adults. The overall five-year

observed survival for all lymphoma patients was 75.9% (95% CI: 73.7-78.1). There was statistically significant difference between observed survival rates of lymphoma subtypes. Carcinomas were the second most common tumors. Their five-year observed survival rate in our study was 60.4%. There was no statistically significant difference between carcinoma subtypes’ observed survival rates in the 20-49 age group, while, in the older age group, BMS-754807 the difference was found to be statistically significant. Rhabdomyosarcomas were the most common tumors in children. The overall five-year observed survival rate for rhabdomyosarcomas patients was 89.8%. There was no statistically significant difference between observed survival rates of rhabdomyosarcomas subtypes. There was no statistically significant difference between relative survival rates according to gender and

treatment received except within melanomas. Conclusion: In adults, lymphomas have better survival rates than carcinomas. Whereas the lymphoma subtype can be used as a determinant prognostic factor in any age, the carcinoma subtype can be used as such a determinant in older age groups only. In children, rhabdomyosarcomas are the predominant tumors affecting the orbital adnexa. Further studies are needed to determine buy Anlotinib if the difference between embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma observed survival rates are statistically significant. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“OBJECTIVE-To investigate the relationship between fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, and cognitive impairment in old age. Diabetes is associated with cognitive impairment in older people. However, the link between elevated fasting glucose levels and insulin resistance in nondiabetic individuals, and the risk of cognitive impairment is unclear.\n\nRESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-We analyzed data from, in total, 8,447 participants in two independent prospective studies: the PROspective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER), 5,019 participants, aged 69-84 years, and the Rotterdam Study, 3,428 participants, aged 61-97 years.

The agaroses used for AGMs were prepared through ultrasonic degradation, oxidation degradation, gel-melting method, and sulfation, respectively. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and hemoglobin were selectively recognized on AGMs. GSK525762A Results showed that the molecular

weight was the most crucial influencing factor for the protein recognition ability of AGMs. The lower and upper limit of molecular weight was 100 and 130 kDa, respectively, where the AGMs could maintain both good mechanical strength and high recognition ability, with K value around 4.0. The enhancement of ionic strength could make the imprinting effect disappeared even when the concentration of salt was as low as 2 mmol/L. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40323.”
“This

paper describes a series of studies on the effects of food waste disintegration using an ultrasonic generator and the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) by anaerobic hydrolysis. The results suggest that ultrasound treatment can significantly increase COD [chemical oxygen demand], proteins and reducing sugars, but decrease that of lipids in food waste supernatant. Ultrasound pre-treatment boosted the production of VFAs dramatically GSI-IX cost during the fermentation of food waste. At an ultrasonic energy density of 480 W/L, we treated two kinds of food waste (total solids (TS): 40 and 100 g/L, respectively) with ultrasound for 15 min. The amount of COD dissolved from the waste increased by 1.6-1.7-fold, proteins increased by 3.8-4.3-fold, and reducing sugars increased by 4.4-3.6-fold, whereas the lipid content Ro 61-8048 concentration decreased from 2 to 0.1 g/L. Additionally, a higher VFA yield was observed following ultrasonic pretreatment. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Habitat shift is a key innovation that has contributed to the extreme diversification of insects. Most groups are well-adapted to more or less specific environments and shifts usually only happen

between similar habitats. To colonize a profoundly different habitat type does not only present ecological opportunities but also great challenges. We used Hydrophiloidea (water scavenger beetles) as a system to study transitions between terrestrial and aquatic environments. We estimated the diversification rate of different clades using phylogenetic trees based on a representative taxon sampling and six genes. We also investigated possible evolutionary changes in candidate genes following habitat shifts. Our results suggest that the diversification rate is relatively slow (0.039-0.050 sp/My) in the aquatic lineage, whereas it is distinctly increased in the secondarily terrestrial clade (0.055-0.075 sp/My). Our results also show that aquatic species have a G (Glycine) or S (Serine) amino acid at a given site of COI, while terrestrial species share an A (Alanine) amino acid with terrestrial outgroups.

This strategy avoids

conventional solid-phase immobilization owing to its inherent potential for denaturation of the antigen. In addition, a functional screening strategy selects single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) directly for their capacity for both specific binding and stabilization of the target enzyme in its inactive conformation. These conformation-specific scFvs illustrate that stabilization of oxidized PTP1B is an effective strategy to inhibit PTP1B function; it is possible that this approach may be applicable to the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family as a whole. With this protocol, isolation and characterization of specific scFvs from immune responsive animals should take similar to 6 weeks.”
“Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells are an inducible subset of CD4(+) Tr cells characterized by high levels AZD7762 supplier of interleukin

(IL)-10 production and regulatory properties. Several protocols to generate human Tr1 cells have been developed in vitro. However, the resulting population includes a significant fraction of contaminating non-Tr1 cells, representing a major bottleneck for clinical application of Tr1 cell therapy. We generated an homogeneous IL-10 producing Tr1 cell population by transducing human CD4(+) T cells with a bidirectional lentiviral vector (LV) encoding for human IL-10 and the marker gene, green fluorescent protein (GFP), which are independently coexpressed. The resulting GFP(+) LV-IL-10-transduced human CD4(+) T (cD4(LV-IL-10)) cells expressed, upon Vactosertib molecular weight T-cell receptor (TCR) activation, high levels of IL-10 and concomitant low levels Selleck QNZ of IL-4, and markers associated with IL-10. Moreover, cD4(LV-IL10) T cells displayed typical Tr1 features: the anergic phenotype, the IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta dependent suppression of allogeneic T-cell responses, and the ability to suppress in a cell-to-cell contact independent manner in vitro. CD4(LV-IL-10) T cells were able to control xeno graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), demonstrating their suppressive function in vivo. These results show that

constitutive over-expression of IL-10 in human CD4(+) T cells leads to a stable cell population that recapitulates the phenotype and function of Tr1 cells.”
“It is known that aberrant sialylation of IgA1 is involved in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We hypothesize that aberrant sialylation of serum IgA1 may result from changes in the activity of alpha 2,6-sialyltransferase (alpha 2,6-ST) or expression of its coding gene ST6GALNAC2 in peripheral B lymphocytes. Sixty patients with IgAN and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Peripheral B lymphocytes were isolated by CD-19-positive magnetic beads. The expression level of ST6GALNAC2 was quantitatively analysed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR).