Aims: The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is an essential component in the host immune response to infection, and it has been reported to be an important mediator in severe periportal fibrosis (PPF). We hypothesized that the (-G308A) polymorphism of the TNF-α gene is associated with the severity of PPF and that these polymorphisms influence TNF-α expression.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped these polymorphisms within the TNF-α gene in 256 Brazilian subjects infected with Schistosoma mansoni, with different patterns of PPF.
Genet Test Mol Biomarkers
September 2017
Aims: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein synthesized by the liver and its immune response is associated with the development of liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that the polymorphisms in the Exon 1 region (52, 54, 57) and promoter regions (-550 H/L, -221 X/Y) of the MBL2 gene were associated with the severity of periportal fibrosis (PPF), and that these polymorphisms affect the MBL serum levels.
Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study we genotyped these polymorphisms within the MBL2 gene in 229 Brazilian subjects infected with Schistosoma mansoni, with different patterns of PPF.