Caspase-1 Variants and Plasma IL-1β in Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Amazonas.

Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan spp., exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. Host resistance or susceptibility to infections is often influenced by the genetic make-up associated with natural immunity.

Basic biochemical and hematological parameters of structural hemoglobin variants in the postpartum women and their respective newborn from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of structural hemoglobinopathies in newborn and describing the hematological and biochemical characteristics between postpartum women (PW) and their respective newborns (NB) at a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. In total, 825 NB and 820 PW were included in the study. Hematological and biochemical analysis and screening of structural hemoglobinopathies were performed and compared in groups of individuals (NICU or not; hemoglobin genotypes; gestational age and prenatal).

Glutathione S-transferase, catalase, and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase gene polymorphisms modulate redox potential in systemic lupus erythematosus patients from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

Objective: To investigate the frequency of glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase, and SOD2 genetic polymorphisms and their correlation with SLE.

Methods: A total of 290 females (patients = 151; controls= 139) were recruited. Multiplex PCR was performed for genotyping GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, whereas real-time qPCR was used for determination of SNPs: CAT C262T, SOD2 C47T, GSTP1 A313G and GSTP1 IVS6 -C16T.

Detection of Common Deletional of α-Thalassemia 3.7 Kb from Metropolitan Region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

Background: Alpha Thalassemia (α-thal) is a heterogeneous group of hereditary alterations caused by deletions that affect alpha regulatory genes, and the 3.7Kb deletion is the most frequent worldwide. The prevalence ranges from 20% and 35% in Brazil, depending mainly on race, predominant in Afro-descendants.

GSTP1 rs1695 and rs1871042, and SOD2 rs4880 as molecular markers of lipid peroxidation in blood storage.

Background: Red blood cells (RBC) are subject to oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during storage. Molecular characterisation of oxidative stress in stored RBC, which may also occur in other blood components during long periods of storage, is rare.

Materials And Methods: Our study included 45 healthy RBC donors recruited in Brazil.

Deletional Alpha-Thalassemia Alleles in Amazon Blood Donors.

Alpha-thalassemia is highly prevalent in the plural society of Brazil and is a public health problem. There is limited knowledge on its accurate frequency and distribution in the Amazon region. Knowing the frequency of thalassemia and the prevalence of responsible mutations is, therefore, an important step in the understanding and control program.

The Allele and Anti-D Alloimmunization Present With High Frequency in Brazilian Sickle Cell Disease Patients.

Background: Antigens DIIIa, DAR and DAU are common in people of African descent and are involved in anti-D alloimmunization. Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients frequently need blood therapy and are vulnerable to alloimmunization.

Methods: The study included SCD patients from the Brazilian state of Bahia, which has the highest incidence of the disease in Brazil; 241 SCD patients and 220 healthy individuals were studied.

Outcome of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Brazilian Children: Immunophenotypical, Hematological, and Clinical Evaluation.

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical, hematological, and immunophenotypic characteristics of Brazilian children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) to identify prognostic biomarkers of the disease. Thirty-three children newly diagnosed with B-ALL were followed between March 2004 and December 2009. Information about the demographic profile, diagnosis, immunophenotype, clinical manifestations, and disease outcome were gathered from the patients' medical records.