Influence of the immunogenetic KIR and HLA systems on long-term renal transplant outcome.

Background: Numerous studies have established the importance of innate immunity, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, in transplantation tolerance. NK cells express killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) on their surface. By recognizing and binding major histocompatibility complex class I antigens, KIRs prevent autologous cell killing and promote lysis of non-self antigen-presenting cells.

Occurrence of Fatal and Nonfatal Adverse Outcomes after Heart Transplantation in Patients with Pretransplant Noncytotoxic HLA Antibodies.

HLA antibodies (HLA ab) in transplant candidates have been associated with poor outcome. However, clinical relevance of noncytotoxic antibodies after heart transplant (HT) is controversial. By using a Luminex-based HLA screening, we retested pretransplant sera from HT recipients testing negative for cytotoxic HLA ab and for prospective crossmatch.

Evaluation of DRB1 high resolution typing by a new SSO-based Luminex method.

HLA testing is an essential part of the process to identify a donor who may be a good match for the patients who need haematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and the DNA typing in high resolution is now recommended as the Scientific Societies also describe in their standards. Recently the new PCR-Luminex HLA typing method, based on the reverse sequence specific oligonucleotide probes coupled with a microsphere beads in an array platform, has been well established. We report the data from 146 samples previously typed to a four digits level and used to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity and performance of the new high definition DRB1 by PCR-Luminex kit.

Mononuclear cell antigen expression after contact with one-day disposable contact lens materials.

Purpose: To analyse the effects of 1-day disposable contact lens (CL) material on mononuclear cell activation antigens and adhesion molecules, in an in vitro model set up in order to simulate the first 2 h of wear.

Methods: Etafilcon A and Hilafilcon A materials were analysed. Mononuclear cells, collected from peripheral blood samples of normal human donors, were placed in contact with the materials, both new and coated with artificial tear solution.

Low TGF-beta1 serum levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis disease in ESRD patients.

Background: It is thought that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) might be a key inhibitor of atherogenesis in non-uremic patients. We evaluated the intra- and post-dialytic serum levels of TGF-beta1 in uremic patients to assess if TGF-beta1 is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and if any correlation exists between TGF-beta1 and any yet known atherosclerotic risk factors.

Methods: We studied 155 patients who were on regular hemodialysis, with or without clinically significant atherosclerotic vascular disease.