Polymorphic variants in DC-SIGN, DC-SIGNR and SDF-1 in high risk seronegative and HIV-1 patients in Northern Asian Indians.

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SDF-1, the natural ligand for the HIV-1 coreceptor CXCR4, is implicated to have protective effects against HIV-1 infection. Dendritic cells are the first to encounter HIV-1 at mucosal sites and virus binding occurs via receptors known as DC-SIGN. Variations in the number of repeats in the neck region of DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR are reported to possibly influence host susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.

Comparative efficacy of low dose, daily versus alternate day plasma exchange in severe myasthenia gravis: a randomised trial.

Objective: To evaluate the comparative efficacy of low dose daily versus alternate day plasma exchange in patients with severe myasthenia.

Methods: Thirty three patients with myasthenia gravis (Osserman's stage II b and III) were randomized to receive alternate day (n = 17) or daily low dose plasma exchange (n = 16). Plasma exchange were carried on each patient, number of exchanges varying subject to their requirements and 20-25 ml/kg plasma was removed during each session.

Distribution of CCR5delta32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A and plasma levels of SDF-1 in HIV-1 seronegative North Indians.

Host genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and progression to AIDS. Mutations in genes encoding chemokine receptors and their ligands, viz., CCR5delta32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A are implicated to have protective effects against HIV-1 infection and/or disease progression.