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Background: The increasing incidence of autoimmune diseases in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients highlights the influence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes on their development. This study aims to determine genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases in T1DM patients, including thyroid disease and celiac diseases, and explore its correlation with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving thirty-six T1DM children was conducted. Typing was performed for the HLA A, B, C, DP, DR, and DQ loci. Regression analysis linked DR-DQ haplotypes to T1DM and the associated conditions. Results: The most frequent predisposing alleles and haplotypes were HLA-DR3 (70.27%), DQ2 (70.27%), DR3-DQ2 (70.27%), DQB1*02:01 (70.27%), A02 (54.05%), whereas the most prevalent protecting allele was DPB1*04:01 (52.63%). Positive correlations were observed between positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and the absence of protective alleles (DPB1*04:02, p = 0.036; DPB1*04:01, p = 0.002). Associations were found between the absence of DPB1*04:01 and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (p = 0.03). HLA allele DPB1*03:01 was linked with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.021). Positive anti-transglutaminase antibodies correlated with C03:03 (p = 0.026) and DRB1*04:01-DQA1*03-DQB1*03:01 (p < 0.0001) and the lack of DQA1*01:03-DQB1*06:03-DRB1*13:01 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The predisposing T1DM haplotypes were associated with the presence of anti-transglutaminase and anti-thyroid antibodies, indicating a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: KIR receptors (killer cell Ig-like receptors) play a major role in the regulation of NK cell activity and hence their importance in development of many diseases (autoimmune diseases, cancers, transplantation). The aim of our study is KIR genotype analysis in patients with multiple myeloma and its impact on disease progression and response to treatment. Material and methods: the study was performed on 80 patients with multiple myeloma diagnosed in Center of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, between 2007-2011. As a control group were used 50 healthy blood donors. KIR genotyping was performed by molecular biology methods (SSP method). Results: the AA genotype has a higher frequency in the control group (42% vs. 33.75%), while BB genotype is more common among patients with multiple myeloma (10% vs. 4%) and it is associated with aggressive forms of disease. Conclusions: KIR genotype analysis may be considered as a prognostic factor in the outcome in multiple myeloma patients, among other genetic parameters already consecrated as del13q14, t(4,14) or t (11,14). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the first attempts of kidney transplant, the inflammation mediated by T lymphocytes was considered one of the most important processes implicated in graft rejection but, multiple acute and chronic graft rejects revealed that the inflammation process is not singular and humoral mechanisms may play a role in the development of chronic vascular rejection. Material and methods: We evaluated 500 Romanian patients registered on the kidney transplant waiting list. We performed anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies screening and identification. Laboratory tests were performed at Centre for Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania. The methods used are represented by ELISA (GTI Diagnosis, USA) and Luminex (Tepnel, USA) Results: pretransplant evaluation of the subjects illustrates that 145 patients (29%) have been sensitized and 355 patients (71%) have not been sensitized. The most frequent types of anti-HLA antibodies were A2 (13%), B42 (10%), DR7 and DR11 (13%). Post transplant, the most cases with de novo antibodies were observed in the first 6 months post transplantation. High serum levels of Il-2Receptor, TNF-a and neopterin in post transplant sensitized patients were observed following de novo cytotoxic antibodies occurrence. Conclusion: post renal transplantation, patients present high risk in developing de novo cytotoxic antibodies, especially those who had HLA mismatch with the donor. These antibodies are predictors for acute graft rejection and for graft failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune response consists of two main components: humoral immunity represented by B lymphocytes and cellular immunity maintained by the T lymphocytes. Immunoglobulins, produced by B-lymphocytes, are the main mediators of humoral immunity, and deficiencies at this level affect the body's response to infection. Plasmocytes produce nine antibody izotypes: immunoglobulins G (IgG 1, lgG2, lgG3, lgG4), immunoglobulins M (IgM), immunoglobulins A (lgA1, lgA2), immunoglobulins D (IGD) and immunoglobulins E (IgE). Primary hypogammaglobulinemias are characterized by the occurrence of recurrent infections and, paradoxically, by the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Characteristic for these diseases is that symptoms occur at 7-9 months after birth, when transplacental antibody titers transmitted from the mother decrease, and the infant's body is unable to synthesize them to normal levels. Primary hypogammaglobulinemias are transmitted genetically, but mutations at the molecular level are still not fully understood. The most common are: Bruton agammaglobulinemia , transient newborn hypogammaglobulinemia, selective immunoglobulin deficiency and variable common immunodeficiency. Treatment consists of monthly antibiotics and immunoglobulins, depending on antibody titers (except for IgA deficiency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viral infections after stem cell transplant are less frequently reported compared to bacterial or fungal infections, but usually are more severe and associated with high mortality. This study analyzes the incidence and outcome of viral infections and correlation with immunosuppressive therapy in 13 patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantationin Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest. All patients were monitorized with RT-PCR for CMV, EBV, ADV, VZV, HSV-1,HHV-6, HHV-8 and with Nested PCR for JCV, BKV. The viral diagnosis showed 7 out 13 cases reactivation of CMV, 3 cases of CMV disease, 1 case of EBV reactivation, 1 case of HHV-6 encephalitis, 2 cases of polyomavirus cystistis. The most severe clinical aspects have been associated with severe immunosupresion for GVHD. Early detection of viral infection and appropriate treatment are very important factors for outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]