Polymorphisms of uridine glucuronosyltransferase gene and irinotecan toxicity: low dose does not protect from toxicity.

Uridine glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) gene polymorphisms have been linked to irinotecan toxicity. Our purpose was to study the association between UGT1A1*28, UGT1A7*2, and UGT1A7*3 polymorphisms and irinotecan toxicity in Greek patients receiving low-dose weekly irinotecan. Blood samples were collected for 46 patients.

Contribution of G71R mutation to Gilbert's syndrome phenotype in a Greek patient: A case report.

Gilbert's syndrome is characterized by a benign indirect hyperbilirubinemia. It has often been underestimated and undiagnosed because of its mild symptoms; although it is not as rare as was once believed when its frequency was estimated using data originating from biochemical tests. Based on molecular techniques, the occurrence of Gilbert's syndrome has changed, increasing to 10% in the Caucasian population.

Unusual Gilbert's syndrome genotype in a Greek patient suffering from both Gilbert's syndrome and familial mediterranean fever. A case report.

Gilbert's syndrome is a genetically controlled non-hemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, caused by reduced activity of UDP-glucoroniltransferase 1, an enzyme critical in bilirubin metabolism. Several molecular configurations may be implicated in a Gilbert's phenotype. Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited acute relapsing inflammatory disorder, affecting Mediterranean and Middle East populations.

The impact of the mutations of the HFE gene and of the SLC11A3 gene on iron overload in Greek thalassemia intermedia and beta(s)/beta(thal) anemia patients.

In this study, we evaluated the impact of mutations of the HFE and ferroportin gene on iron overload in thalassemia intermedia and betas/betathal patients. Neither HFE (C282Y and H63D) nor ferroportin(Val162del) mutations were determinants of total body iron status, as assessed by ferritin levels, in either group of patients.

Hemothorax due to extramedullary erythropoietic masses.

We describe a 27-year-old male patient suffering from beta-thalassemia intermedia who presented with a nontraumatic spontaneous hemothorax due to extramedullary hemopoietic foci. In reviewing the literature, four similar reports were found. The details of this unusual entity are discussed.