Purpose: Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder clinically characterized by thromboembolic events or obstetric complications. Prolonged anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is the treatment of choice for PAPS patients with thrombosis. However, the efficacy of VKA therapy depends on laboratory monitoring, dose adjustment, adequate lifestyle and adherence to treatment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types is associated with high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and invasive cervical cancer. The host immune response plays a key role in whether HPV clears or persists. Most studies on local immune response to HPV collect cervical mucus in order to quantify secreted cytokines; however, cells located inside the tissue can release different cytokines associated with HPV infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: This study included women attending primary health care units in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, to assess the cervicovaginal levels of human β-defensin (hBD) 1, 2, 3, and 4 during Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
Patients And Methods: Cervicovaginal samples were collected for Pap testing and assessing the presence of infection by C. trachomatis, human papillomavirus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis.