The data presented here show that although recombinant TNF-α was able to replicate the RG-7388 ic50 effects observed in response to LPS or CpG ODN, antibody to TNF-α was unable to reverse the effect of these ligands. However, anti-TNF-α did appear to suppress the proliferation of CD11clo/MHCIIlo cells that was observed in response to LPS or CpG ODN. TNF-α has previously been shown to reduce colony formation in bone marrow cultures containing stem cell

factor and GM-CSF,36 and the suppressive effects of TNF-α on colony formation do not appear to be mediated by monocytes or T lymphocytes, both of which have been implicated in the regulation of granulopoiesis.37 However, TNF-α has also been demonstrated to provide positive cues for haematopoiesis in vivo.38,39 Recombinant TNF-α stimulates the production of G-CSF and GM-CSF by fibroblasts,38 and TNF-α enhances the proliferative effects of IL-3 and GM-CSF on CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells.39 This proliferative effect was revealed to be short term; after initial proliferation, TNF-α inhibited the in vivo differentiation of granulocytic cells while driving the development of maturing monocytic cells.40 More recently, Welner et al.28 demonstrated that reduced in vivo B-cell production from lymphoid precursors in response to TLR9 ligation was suppressed

by TNF-α, while DC production observed under the same conditions was independent of TNF-α. Taken together, this evidence suggests that although TNF-α can affect the generation of BMDCs, other growth and differentiation Pifithrin�� factors may be required to generate all the effects observed in this study. A major finding of the current study was the generation of CD11clo/MHCIIlo/B220+/Gr1+ cells

in bone marrow cultures containing GM-CSF and stimulated with LPS or CpG ODN. These cells displayed a lymphoid morphology and also expressed PDCA, a marker thought only to be expressed on pDCs.41 This is in contrast to the results of a previous Clomifene study,28 which showed that cells generated in response to LPS or CpG ODN in the presence of GM-CF in vivo displayed increased phagocytic capacity. However, another study29 demonstrated that lymphoid precursors generated pDCs and cDCs in response to in vivo stimulation with CpG ODN, suggesting that CpG ODN can provide differentiation cues that enhance the production of pDCs, in agreement with our findings. Several cytokines have been shown to differentially promote the growth and differentiation of DC subsets. GM-CSF supports the differentiation of myeloid DCs from early haematopoietic progenitors and monocytes, whereas the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) is an essential factor for promoting the development of both human and murine cDCs and pDCs. Mice treated with murine Flt3L display a bias towards in vivo generation of pDCs and CD8+ cDCs,42,43 whereas the treatment of mice with GM-CSF enhances the in vivo production of CD8− cDCs.

First, historical

concepts related to selleck the detection of stretch by the vessel wall are reviewed, including the wall tension hypothesis, and the implications of the proposal that the arteriolar network responds to Pp changes as a system of series-coupled myogenic effectors. Next, the role of the myogenic response in the local regulation of blood flow and/or Pc is examined. Finally, the interaction of myogenic constriction and dilation with other local control mechanisms, including metabolic, neural and shear-dependent mechanisms, is discussed. Throughout the review, an attempt is made to integrate historical and current literature with an emphasis on the physiological role, rather than the underlying signaling mechanisms, of this important component of vascular control. “
“Please cite this paper as: Weiss M, Li P, Roberts MS. Estimation of sinusoidal flow heterogeneity in normal and diseased rat livers from tracer dilution data using a fractal model.

Microcirculation 19: 723–728, 2012. Objectives:  Up to now, vascular indicator-dilution curves have been analyzed by numerical integration or by fitting empirical functions to the data. Here, we apply a recently developed mechanistic model with the goal to quantitatively RG-7388 describe flow distribution in the sinusoidal network of normal rat livers and those with high-fat emulsion-induced NASH. Methods:  Single-pass outflow concentration data of sucrose were obtained from in situ perfused rat livers after impulse injection. The model fitted to the data consists of a continuous mixture of inverse Gaussian densities assuming a normal distribution of regional flow. It accounts for the fractal flow heterogeneity in the organ and has three adjustable parameters with a clear physiological interpretation. Results:  The model fitted the data well and revealed that the intrahepatic flow dispersion of 49.6 % in the control group increased significantly to 87.2 % in the NASH group (p < 0.01).

In contrast to previously used empirical functions, the present model exhibits a power-law tail (∼t−2.4), which is a signature of fractal microvascular networks. Conclusions:  The approach offers the SPTLC1 possibility to determine hepatic blood flow heterogeneity in perfused livers and to evaluate the functional implications. “
“Please cite this paper as: Neitzke, Harder, and Plagemann (2011). Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Developmental Programming of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Critical Appraisal. Microcirculation 18(4), 304–311. According to the “small baby syndrome hypothesis,” low birthweight and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurring in westernized countries mainly through altered placental flow, have been linked to increased metabolic syndrome risk in later life. Independency and causal mechanisms of this phenomenological association are a matter of controversy.

Membrane-bound TGF-β or other Buparlisib purchase contact-dependent factors have been shown to be the main mediators of Foxp3+ Treg action in direct co-culture experiments 34, 35. Previous studies using type I diabetes and chronic colitis models have suggested the possible involvement of contact-dependent mechanisms in NKT-mediated immune suppression 25, 32, although these reports did not evaluate the specific effects on Th17 differentiation. It is known that NKT cells express several inhibitory molecules on their surface, and these molecules are upregulated when NKT cells are activated 18, 19. We are currently attempting to identify the responsible

molecules expressed on the NKT cells and blocking antibodies against CD40L, 4-1BB, 4-1BBL, CTLA-4, Fas, 2B4, NKG2D, GITR, and PD-1 failed to abrogate NKT inhibitory effects on FDA approved Drug Library solubility dmso Th17 differentiation. Therefore, additional experiments are needed to find out the target molecules involved in NKT:CD4+ T-cell interaction

and we are also examining the role of APC in the NKT cell-mediated inhibitory process. The regulatory role of NKT cells on TH differentiation was confirmed in vivo using an EAU model. CD1d−/− and Jα18−/− mice displayed a more severe disease phenotype compared with WT mice (Fig. 5A and B). Upon closer examination of the data, the disease severity appears milder in Jα18−/− mice compared with CD1d−/− mice, and thus we cannot completely rule out the effect of type 2 NKT cells present in Jα18−/− mice. However, as the difference between CD1d−/− and Jα18−/− was not statistically significant (p=0.203), we used CD1d−/− mice in the majority of the following experiments. The adoptive transfer of WT NKT cells decreased the degree of uveitis in CD1d−/− mice to that of WT mice (Fig. 5H). Moreover, the profile of disease regulation following adoptive transfer of NKT cells from different cytokine-deficient mice (Fig. 5H) paralleled the inhibitory effects of cytokine-deficient NKT cells on Th17 differentiation in vitro (Fig. very 2A and B), which is consistent with recent reports demonstrating that experimental uveitis induced following immunization with uveitogenic antigens was predominantly mediated through Th17 effector

pathways 15, 17. Grajewski et al. also reported the regulatory role of invariant NKT cells in experimental uveitis 36. In this report, however, CD1d-deficient mice did not show enhanced susceptibility to uveitis. In contrast to their observation, invariant NKT cell-deficient mice, both CD1d−/− and Jα18−/− mice, revealed great increases in disease severity in our study. Discrepancies might lie on the different antigen types used: we used human IRBP peptide fragments 1–20, which could discriminate increased pathogenesis between IFN-γ−/− and WT B6 mice 37. The relative lack of IL-10 induction with IRBP peptides 1–20 37 compared with the IRBP protein used in a previous study 36 could explain the increased sensitivity in disease pathogenesis of NKT cell-deficient mice in our experiments.

248 INFLAMMATORY PROFILE IN ICODEXTRIN® selleck screening library TREATED PATIENTS IN AUCKLAND CITY HOSPITAL TY-T SUN1, M YEHIA2 1Middlemore Hospital, Auckland; 2Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand Aim: Our aim is to study the inflammatory profile, in a cohort of Auckland City Hospital PD patients who were changed from a glucose-based prescription to Icodextrin®. We also aimed to document important clinical events including hospitalization, peritonitis rate and cardiovascular events. Background: Icodextrin® is a high molecular weight glucose polymer used in peritoneal dialysis (PD) to provide improved ultrafiltration. Emerging studies suggest an enhanced inflammatory state, with

elevated interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) with Icodextrin®. Methods: Retrospective find more audit of routinely performed laboratory results and important pre-defined clinical events, for the 12 months period preceding and the 12 months period after the initiation of Icodextrin®, on all Auckland City Hospital PD patients

while in a steady PD state from the 1st of January 2010 to 1st of April 2013. Results: 41 patients were identified who fitted the study inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant higher serum CRP (10.5 ± 10.6 mg/L vs. 17.3 ± 21.0 mg/L; P = 0.04) and ferritin (477 ± 341 μg/L vs. 652 ± 405 μg/L; P = 0.03) in Icodextrin® treated patients. There was also an increase in hospitalization rates (1.44/person vs. 2.58/person; P = 0.03) and cardiovascular events following start of Icodextrin® (0.17/person vs. 0.48/person; P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in peritonitis episodes (0.34/person vs. 0.67/person; P = 0.11). Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated an elevated inflammatory profile in Icodextrin®-treated population with an increase in hospitalisation and cardiovascular events. However, potential cofounders could not be accounted for, therefore

further study is required to confirm a “pro-inflammatory” state of icodextrin® and its clinical significance. 249 IS THERE A DOWNWARD TREND IN PATIENTS REMAINING ON PERITONEAL DIALYSIS – A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE STHOKALA, R DWARAKANATHAN Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia Background: There is a misconception Ceramide glucosyltransferase that there is a downward trend in patients opting for peritoneal dialysis. We accessed the data of our peritoneal dialysis patients at our own centre and looked at the trends over the period of six years between 2007 and 2012. Aim: To study the trend in patients remaining on peritoneal dialysis and to identify the reasons if there is a change in the trend. Method: A retrospective analysis of data of all peritoneal dialysis patients registered at our centre during the period 2007–2012 was performed. The prevalent and incident rates of our patients on peritoneal dialysis during the above period were calculated. In addition we also looked at the reasons if there was a downward trend.

Another possible scenario, besides interaction with Ro52, is that the maternal anti-Ro52 autoantibodies cross-react with another protein expressed in foetal cardiac tissue. There are several proteins that have been suggested as cross-reactive targets of Ro52 IDH inhibitor antibodies including the 5-HT4 serotoninergic receptor [35], the α1C and the α1D

subunits of the L-type calcium channel [36], as well as the T-type calcium channel [37]. Eftekhari and colleagues [35] demonstrated that antibodies reactive with the second extracellular loop of the 5-HT4 serotoninergic receptor, cloned from human adult atrium, can bind to Ro52 and that sera from mothers with affected children recognize the 5-HT4 receptor. However, others have not been able to confirm the 5-HT receptor as a target of the immune response in mothers with affected children [38]. Several publications have shown

arrythmogenic effects of anti-Ro52 antibodies and evidence is emerging to support a direct effect of the antibodies on cardiocyte function, possibly because of cross-reactivity. This hypothesis has been supported by the demonstration that human affinity purified Ibrutinib anti-Ro52-positive sera induce AV block in whole young rabbit hearts [39], and human foetal hearts [40] and inhibit inward calcium fluxes across Glycogen branching enzyme cell membranes [39, 40]. More specifically, maternal antibodies have been proposed to interact with the pore-forming α1C subunit of calcium channels, possibly leading to internalization with subsequent cell death and exposure of intracellular Ro and La proteins, ultimately resulting in an inflammatory reaction [41]. Ro/La-positive IgG

has been demonstrated to inhibit currents through both subunits of the L-type calcium channel as well as the T-type calcium channel [36, 41, 42]. The Ca channel α1D subunit has been shown to be expressed in human foetal hearts [36]. In a recent study, it has been demonstrated that a fraction of sera from mothers of children with congenital heart block react to the extracellular loop of the calcium channel α1D subunit and that these maternal antibodies can inhibit α1D calcium currents in vitro [43]. The potential role of the specific anti-Ro52 antibodies targeting p200 in the mechanism underlying congenital heart block remains to be embellished; however, experimental findings suggest that anti-p200 antibodies may interact with cardiomyocytes and disturb calcium homeostasis [18] supporting a mechanism involving a direct interaction with the calcium ion channel complex. In addition to antibodies directed to the Ro and La proteins, several other targets have been suggested to be associated with development of congenital heart block.

Indeed, statistics show that CVD mortality

rates among organ transplant recipients are up to 10-fold those in the non-transplant population.19–23 While dyslipidaemia and CVD are often present at the time of transplantation, immunosuppressive medications (such as calcineurin inhibitors, sirolimus and corticosteroids), lifestyle factors and post-transplant renal function are also implicated in abnormal serum lipid levels and CVD risk post-transplantation.24–30 Guidelines for the Epigenetics Compound Library manufacturer management of dyslipidaemias in the general population make recommendations on diet and other aspects of lifestyle including exercise, body weight, alcohol consumption and smoking.1,2,5,31–33 The objective of this guideline is to ensure that appropriate dietary interventions are used to prevent and manage dyslipidaemia in adult kidney transplant recipients. Relevant reviews and studies were obtained from the sources below and reference lists of nephrology textbooks, review articles and relevant trials were also used to locate studies. Searches were limited to studies on humans; adult kidney transplant recipients; single organ transplants and to studies published in English. Unpublished studies were not reviewed. Databases searched: MeSH terms and text words for kidney

transplantation were combined with MeSH terms and text words for both dyslipidaemia and dietary interventions. Dietary fish oil and fish oil supplements were small molecule library screening Cobimetinib solubility dmso not included in the search as this literature review has been undertaken previously. MEDLINE – 1966 to week 1, September 2006; EMBASE – 1980 to week, 1 September 2006; the Cochrane Renal Group Specialised Register of Randomised

Controlled Trials. Date of searches: 22 September 2006. There are few published studies of satisfactory quality examining the safety and efficacy of specific dietary interventions in the management of dyslipidaemia in kidney transplant recipients. Level I/II: There are no randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of nutritional interventions for treating dyslipidaemia in kidney transplant recipients. Level III: There is one study of satisfactory quality providing level III-1 evidence that a modified Mediterranean-style diet (rich in high fibre, low glycaemic index carbohydrates; vegetables; vitamin E-rich foods; and sources of monounsaturated fatty acids) may lower serum total cholesterol and triglycerides in kidney transplant recipients.34 Level IV: There is one study providing level IV evidence that a diet low in carbohydrate and high in polyunsaturated fat may be effective in normalizing HDL-cholesterol and may lead to weight loss in adult kidney transplant recipients.35 There is one level IV (pre-test, post-test study) of satisfactory quality investigating the safety and efficacy of a modified version of the American Heart Association (AHA) Step One diet.

In the present work, we explore the role of Syk in antigen-induced FcεRI endocytosis, investigating, in particular, whether Syk kinase activity controls the covalent modifications of Hrs, the main Ub-binding adapter implicated in sorting of engaged FcεRI complexes to lysosome for degradation [11, 18]. By siRNA knock down of Syk, we initially

support our previous evidence that in RBL-2H3 cells Syk is required for efficient internalization of engaged FcεRI [10]. Our results are in agreement with previous studies reporting that in macrophages Syk plays a major role in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis [33, 34] and in B cells EGFR inhibition is involved in both steady state and ligand-mediated BCR internalization [35]. However, our findings appear in contradiction with those of Bonnerot et al. [4] obtained using B lymphoma cells stably transfected with a chimeric receptor containing only FcεRI γ chain and of Kitaura et al. [36] showing that, in BMMCs, Syk has almost no effect on FcεRI endocytosis. A possible explanation for these contradictory findings is hat the contribution of Syk in regulating the internalization of γ chain containing receptors varies depending on receptor context (chimeric versus

endogenous multimeric receptor complex) and/or the source of cells used. Furthermore, Kitaura and coauthors [36] evaluated FcεRI internalization selleck chemicals only at 48 h after stimulation, leaving open the possibility that receptor internalization is affected at earlier time points. Our results, indeed, support a role for Syk in regulating mainly the early steps of antigen-induced FcεRI internalization: upon 30 min of stimulation almost 80% of the Syk knocked-down RBL-2H3

cells showed an impairment of FcεRI internalization, whereas upon 1 h of stimulation impaired FcεRI internalization was observed only in 50% of silenced cells analyzed. Thus, we would like to conclude that in mast cells Syk is required for a rapid and efficient antigen-induced FcεRI internalization, although 6-phosphogluconolactonase we cannot rule out that redundant mechanisms of receptor entry may also exist. Notably, in agreement with previous findings [4, 8], our results demonstrate a critical role for Syk in controlling the fate of internalized receptor complexes: Syk knockdown prevents the sorting of internalized receptors into lysosomes for degradation. This result was somewhat expected in light of our previous finding that c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination of engaged FcεRI complexes is dependent on Syk kinase activity [17]. Indeed, by controlling receptor ubiquitination, Syk might indirectly affect receptor trafficking. In this respect, we have recently demonstrated a key role for the Ub pathway to ensure proper endocytic trafficking of engaged FcεRI complexes to the lysosomal compartment where degradation of the complexes can take place [11]. In addition, Syk kinase activity might control the action of molecular adapters directly implicated in the endocytic pathway.

35 In a retrospective review of patients commencing dialysis in a metropolitan New York hospital, Ifudu et al. in 1996 reviewed the outcomes of 139 patients who had been commenced on dialysis between January 1990 and December 1994. Patients were stratified according to whether they had received predialysis care from a nephrologist (43% of cohort) or a non-nephrologist physician (45%) or had received no predialysis medical care (12%).36 Patients who had a period of predialysis care by a nephrologist had a significantly reduced need for emergency central venous access (36% vs 69% vs 100%, nephrologist Mitomycin C mw vs non-nephrologist vs no care, P = 0.0001) and reduced

length of hospital stay for the initiation of dialysis (12 ± 23 days vs 25 ± 21 vs 29 ± 23 days, respectively, P = 0.002). Patients who had received predialysis care from a nephrologist were characterized by a lower mean serum creatinine and less severe acidosis than the other two groups at the time of commencement of dialysis. Abdulkader et al. looked

at risk factors for hospital death of patients with CKD who were first reviewed by a nephrologist as an emergency in-hospital referral.37 A total of 414 patients were seen in a tertiary hospital in São Paolo in Brazil. Mortality was 13%. Non-survivors were older, required ventilation and inotropic support, had a higher rate of infection and had a lower creatinine (attributed to malnutrition). Avorn et al. identified 3014 patients who started dialysis in a 6-year period and who were known to have renal

disease more than 12 months selleck chemical prior to commencement.38 There was a 37% increased mortality rate at 1 year in those who had not seen a nephrologist until 90 days or less before starting dialysis. Similarly, those who saw a nephrologist 5 times or less in the 12 months preceding dialysis had a 15% higher mortality rate than those seen more than 5 times. Avorn et al., in a similar cohort of 2398 patients with a diagnosis of renal disease at least 1 year before initiation of dialysis, showed that those who had seen a nephrologist more than crotamiton 90 days prior to starting dialysis were 38% more likely to have undergone predialysis access surgery (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15–1.64).39 Late referral patients were more likely to start dialysis with temporary vascular access (OR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17–1.71). Cass et al., in an Australian study using ANZDATA, showed that late referral (<3 months) reduces access to transplantation.40 A total of 3310 patients were studied, of whom 892 were referred late. These patients had more comorbidities and were more likely to have diabetic nephropathy. Adjusting for variables including age and comorbid conditions, they had an OR of listing on the transplant list of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41–0.59) and were less likely to receive a transplant (HR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55–0.77).

As shown in Fig. 4, co-culture of both naïve- and memory-phenotype CD4+ T cells with a low ratio of MSCs was associated with a moderate anti-proliferative

effect under Th17-skewing conditions using CFSE labelling (Fig. 4A) and a reduced proportion of IL-17A+ cells within each generation of cell division using intracellular staining for IL-17A (Fig. 4B and C). It was concluded that the presence of low numbers of MSCs during a Th17-biased activation culture of either naïve or memory CD4+ T cells resulted in separate effects on T-cell proliferation and on induction of high-level IL-17A production. In additional experiments the specificity and direct nature of MSC suppression of Th17 differentiation was demonstrated. Inhibition of IL-17A secretion upon re-stimulation of Th17-skewed Nivolumab chemical structure naïve- and memory-phenotype CD4+ cells was not apparent following co-culture with primary fibroblasts (Supplemental Fig. S4A). The possibility that monocyte/macrophages or DCs were responsible for indirectly mediating MSC suppressive Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library datasheet effects on T-cell responders was eliminated by experiments in which primary CD4+ T-cell/MSC co-cultures were initiated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28-coated beads rather than splenic APCs. In this case, the Th-17-suppressive effect of MSCs for both naïve

and memory CD4+T cells persisted (Supplemental Fig. S4B). In order to identify potential mediators Celecoxib of MSC-induced Th17 suppression, experiments were carried out in which FACS-purified naïve CD4+ T cells were Th17-skewed in APC-free culture (anti-CD3/anti-CD28 beads) in the presence or absence of MSCs (1:200 ratio) with or without blocking/inhibiting factors for candidate mediators. The primary experimental read-out was secretion of IL-17A following overnight stimulation of re-purified CD4+ T cells. As shown in Fig. 5A, the non-specific COX

inhibitor indomethacin reversed the MSC suppressive effect and, in some experiments, was associated with a paradoxical increase. The observation was consistent with induction, via T-cell–MSC contact, of a COX-dependent soluble mediator. To test this further, culture supernatants were removed from 4-day, APC-free Th17 cultures generated with and without indomethacin in the presence or absence of MSCs. These supernatants were applied to newly initiated Th17 cultures along with unconditioned medium and MSC-conditioned medium containing equivalent concentrations of Th17 inducing factors with and without indomethacin (Fig. 5B). CD4+ T cells were then re-purified from each culture and stimulated overnight, after which IL-17A production was measured. As shown, MSC-conditioned medium was associated with a modest reduction in IL-17A compared with unconditioned medium.

Subjects.  A detailed personal history

via questionnaires from 80 patients of 37 Czech families was obtained. All patients had laboratory and with two exceptions also clinical findings consistent with a diagnosis of HAE. The clinical phenotype of patients was graded using two scoring systems. The first one, based on the localization and frequency of attacks, was adopted from Cumming et al. [7] JNK inhibitor solubility dmso (score 1). The second one used the former system modified by adding criterion regarding the disease onset, and the disease severity was considered by a more complexed approach (score 2) (see Table 1 for details). Becasue of a lack of correlation among particular disease manifestations, patients were also grouped separately according to the number of oedema episodes per year, the age of first angiooedema episode and the overall disease check details severity (see Table 2). All phenotypic data were related to the period without treatment. The control group of general Czech

population included 104 umbilical cord blood samples obtained from consecutively born newborns of Caucasian origin. This group was supplemented by 255 heathy children for MBL2 genotyping [20]. All persons involved in the study (mothers in case of newborns and one of parents in case of children) provided a written statement of informed consent approved by the Ethics Committee of the Centre for Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantation Brno. Molecular genetic analyses.  DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes using routine techniques. The polymorphisms −699g/c and 1098a/g

in the BDKR1, and −58c/t and 181c/t in the BDKR2 genes were detected using PCR with subsequent restriction analyses as described previously [16, 21, 22]. PCR products were visualized under UV light after electrophoresis in 3% agarose gel (NuSieve, FMC) and subsequent ethidium bromide staining. The polymorphism D/I in the Idelalisib clinical trial ACE gene was examined using PCR with forward (5′ GCC CTG CAG GTG TCT GCA TGT 3′) and reverse (5′ GGA TGG CTC TCC CCG CCT TGT CTC 3′) primers. Briefly, 100–500 ng of genomic DNA were combined with 25 μl of reaction mix containing 10 mm Tris (pH 8.4), 50 mm KCl, 0.2 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA), 0.2 mm dNTP, 2.0 mm MgCl2, 1.0 μm of each primer and 1 U of Taq polymerase (MBI Fermentas). The PCR amplification was for thirty cycles at 95 °C for 30 s, 62 °C for 30 s and 72 °C for 90 s, with a terminal elongation at 72 °C for 7 min. PCR products of 312 and 599 bp corresponding to D and I variant, respectively, were visualized under UV light after electrophoresis on a 2% agarose ethidium bromide stained gel. Mannose-binding lectin 2 genotyping was performed using multiplex-PCR with sequence-specific primers, as described elsewhere [20]. Mutations in codons 52, 54 and 57 in the coding region and polymorphisms –550g/c and –221c/g in the promotor region of the MBL2 gene were detected.