Computer-Assisted Classification Patterns in Autoimmune Diagnostics: The AIDA Project.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are significant biomarkers in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases in humans, done by mean of Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF) method, and performed by analyzing patterns and fluorescence intensity. This paper introduces the AIDA Project (autoimmunity: diagnosis assisted by computer) developed in the framework of an Italy-Tunisia cross-border cooperation and its preliminary results. A database of interpreted IIF images is being collected through the exchange of images and double reporting and a Gold Standard database, containing around 1000 double reported images, has been settled.

Deletion of late cornified envelope genes, LCE3C_LCE3B-del, is not associated with psoriatic arthritis in Tunisian patients.

A deletion of two genes from the late cornified envelope (LCE), LCE3B and LCE3C within epidermal differentiation complex on chromosome 1 was shown to be associated with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in several populations. To assess whether this deletion may contribute to the genetic predisposition to PsA in Tunisia, a total of 73 patients with PsA and 120 healthy matched controls were screened for the deletion, LCE3C_LCE3B-del, and its tag SNP, rs4112788. We also evaluated a possible relationship between PSORS1 and LCE3C_LCE3B-del through genotyping two proxy markers to HLA-C (rs12191877 and rs2073048).

Heat shock transcriptional responses in an MC-Producing Cyanobacterium (Planktothrix agardhii) and its MC-deficient mutant under high light conditions.

Microcystins (MCs) are the most commonly-reported hepatotoxins produced by various cyanobacterial taxa in fresh waters to constitute a potential threat to human and animal health. The biological role of MCs in the producer organisms is not known, and it would be very useful to understand the driving force behind the toxin production. Recent studies have suggested that MCs may have a protective function in cells facing environmental stress.

Correlation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) mRNA expression with Pro12Ala polymorphism in obesity.

Our study aimed to analyze whether the expression of PPARγ mRNA in subcutaneous adipocyte tissue correlates with Pro12Ala PPARγ2 polymorphism in the obesity context. We found that mRNA expression of PPARγ in subcutaneous adipose tissue was greater in obese subjects (P < 0.05) than in the nonobese control group.

Family-based association study in Tunisian familial psoriasis.

Background: The pathogenesis of all forms of psoriasis remains obscure. Segregation analysis and twin studies together with ethnic differences in disease frequency all point to an underlying genetic susceptibility to psoriasis, which is both complex and likely to reflect the action of a number of genes.

Materials And Methods: In the present study, we performed a family-based association study, and a transmission dysequilibrium test using the PLINK program, in a set of seven Tunisian multiplex families using a panel of 96 single-nucleotide polymorphisms localized in several regions across the genome.

Association analysis of LCE3C-LCE3B deletion in Tunisian psoriatic population.

An association between a common deletion comprising the late cornified envelope LCE3B and LCE3C genes (LCE3C_LCE3B-del) and psoriasis has been reported in Caucasian and Asian populations. To investigate whether this deletion plays a role in the genetic of psoriasis in Tunisian population, we determined the LCE3C_LCE3B-del genotype in 180 Ps patients and 208 healthy controls from different regions of Tunisia. The LCE3B and LCE3C gene variant was determined in the patients through PCR amplification and the SPSS software package.

[Immunogenetics of psoriasis: update].

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease often benign, affecting 2-3% of the total world population. Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease.

Aim: To present recent advances in the immunologic mechanisms and susceptibility genes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Relationship of thyroid function with obesity and type 2 diabetes in euthyroid Tunisian subjects.

Objectives: Although a relationship between obesity and metabolic consequences with thyroid function has been reported, the underlying pathogenesis is not completely known. In the current study, we evaluated the thyroid function in obese and/or diabetic patients compared to healthy normal weight peers, exploring the possible association between components of metabolic syndrome and thyroid function parameters.

Methods: We recruited 108 subjects (56 male and 52 female).