Genetic variation in recipient B-cell activating factor modulates phenotype of GVHD.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with autoimmune diseases. Because patients with classic and overlap chronic GVHD (cGVHD) have features of autoimmune diseases, we studied the association of recipient and/or donor BAFF SNPs with the phenotype of GVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Twenty tagSNPs of the BAFF gene were genotyped in 164 recipient/donor pairs.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in end stage renal disease: is treatment necessary?

Hyperhomocysteinemia occurs in 85% of patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and may contribute to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This population experiences excess morbidity and mortality due to CVD, presenting a unique challenge in terms of preventative medicine. The treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in the renal population has been a topic recently considered in published studies.