Publications by authors named "Nicoletta Cagni"

The development of solid-phase assays for antibody detection has aided in the frequent detection of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in nonalloimmunized males. Some scientists have reported that these HLA antibodies are produced to pathogens or allergens and the reactivity with HLA coated beads is the result of cross-reactive epitopes. These antibodies may also be directed toward cryptic epitopes exposed on the denatured beads.

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Correct definition of clinically relevant anti-HLA antibodies is important for transplant organ allocation and outcome. We describe a candidate for kidney transplantation who was treated with isoniazid because of active tuberculosis. The patient's serum gave a positive antibody result on screening with the complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) test but a negative result on screening with a bead-based assay (Luminex).

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Background: The main cause of reduced long-term graft survival is chronic allograft injury. Cardiovascular risk factors such as hyperhomocysteinaemia, accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine, increased oxidative stress and decreased production of nitric oxide seem to play an important role. Functional polymorphisms of the endothelial isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene cause an alteration in nitric oxide production.

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