Genotypic diversity of the Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) and their HLA class I Ligands in a Saudi population.

Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) have been used as good markers for the study of genetic predisposition in many diseases and in human genetic population dynamics. In this context, we have investigated the genetic diversity of KIR genes and their main HLA class I ligands in Saudi population and compared the data with other studies of neighboring populations. One hundred and fourteen randomly selected healthy Saudi subjects were genotyped for the presence or absence of 16 KIR genes and their HLA-C1, -C2, -Bw4Thr80 and Bw4Ile80 groups, using a PCR-SSP technique.

Seroprevalence of celiac disease among healthy adolescents in Saudi Arabia.

Aim: To identify the seroprevalence of celiac disease among healthy Saudi adolescents.

Methods: Between December 2007 and January 2008, healthy students from the 10(th) to 12(th) grades were randomly selected from three regions in Saudi Arabia. These regions included the following: (1) Aseer region, with a student population of 25512; (2) Madinah, with a student population of 23852; and (3) Al-Qaseem, with a student population of 16067.

Epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of Saudi patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a hospital-based study.

Background: The estimated prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Saudi Arabia is 7% to 10%. Despite the high prevalence of risk factors including diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, no recent epidemiological studies have measured the disease burden. We aimed to determine the characteristics of Saudi NAFLD patients attending a university hospital, and study factors affecting alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.