Partial loss of heterozygosity events at the mutated gene in tumors from MLH1/MSH2 large genomic rearrangement carriers.

Background: Depending on the population studied, large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes constitute various proportions of the germline mutations that predispose to hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It has been reported that loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the LGR region occurs through a gene conversion mechanism in tumors from MLH1/MSH2 deletion carriers; however, the converted tracts were delineated only by extragenic microsatellite markers. We sought to determine the frequency of LGRs in Slovak HNPCC patients and to study LOH in tumors from LGR carriers at the LGR region, as well as at other heterozygous markers within the gene to more precisely define conversion tracts.

Testing of bacteria isolated from HIV/AIDS patients in experimental models.

Objectives: Bacteria purified from the intestinal tract of HIV/AIDS patients were tested for the capacity to be internalised by cells of the HL-60 cell line. Secondly, the bacteria have been applied to the rabbit's colon in order to test their pathogenic ability.

Results: The ability of the bacteria to be internalised by HL-60 cells was found to be very expressive.