自然抗性相关巨噬细胞蛋白1基因多态性与肺结核易感性的研究

目的　探讨自然抗性相关巨噬细胞蛋白 1基因 (NRAMP1)多态性与中国汉族人群肺结核发病的关系。方法　采用以医院为基础的病例对照研究设计 ,用聚合酶链反应 限制性片段长度多态性分析 (PCR RFLP)法检测NRAMP1基因中INT4、D5 4 3N及 3′UTR 3个多态性位点的基因型 ,并对结核病相关危险因素进行问卷调查 ,应用SPSS软件进行单因素和多因素非条件logistic回归分析。2 0 0 1年 4月至 2 0 0 2年 6月选择 110例肺结核病例 ,平均年龄为 (2 8± 13)岁 ;对照组为 180名健康体检者 ,平均年龄为 (2 7± 9)岁。对NRAMP1基因各多态性位点进行单因素分析。结果　病例组D5 4 3NG/A及 3′UTRTGTG +/del基因型频率显著高于对照组 ,OR值 (95 %CI)分别为 2 2 2 (1 0 3～ 4 78)和 1 93(1 14～ 3 2 6 )。病例组和对照INT4各基因型频率比较差异无显著性。多因素分析调整暴露史和疫苗接种史 2个因素后 ,D5 4 3NG/A及 3′UTRTGTG +/del基因型仍与结核病显著相关 ,调整OR值 (95 %CI)分别为 3 0 4 (1 12～ 8 2 7)和 2 36 (1 2 0～ 4 6 4 ) ,而病例和对照组INT4位点多态性比较差异未见显著性。结论　NRAMP1基因D5 4 3N及 3′UTR位点多态性可能是汉族人群肺结核的易感因素。     

NRAMP1基因INT4和3’UTR位点多态性与肺结核易感性的研究

目的 探讨人类自然抵抗相关巨噬细胞蛋白1（NRAMP1）基因INT4和3＇UTR位点多态性与中国北方汉族成人肺结核发病的关系.方法 采用1：1配对的病例对照研究设计,用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性分析方法检测NRAMP1基因中INT4和3＇UTR两个多态性位点,对与肺结核相关的危险因素进行问卷调查,进行单因素和多因素条件logistic回归分析,同时对基因型与肺结核病变的性质和程度进行研究.结果 对124对研究对象进行了INT4和3＇UTR两个多态性位点的基因分型,3＇UTR TGTG＋/del基因型病例组频率显著高于对照组,粗OR值（95%CI）为2.923（1.557～5.487）.病例组和对照组INT4各基因型频率比较差异均无统计学意义.对17个环境危险因素进行了单因素分析,在多因素分析中调整卡痕、体重指数、人均居住面积、家族史4个因素后,3＇UTR TGTG＋/del基因型仍与肺结核显著相关,调整OR值（95%CI）为2.955（1.369～6.381）.在INT4不同基因型中,病例组和对照组肺结核病变性质差异具有统计学意义（x2=9.634,P＜0.05）.结论 NRAMP1基因3＇UTR位点多态性可能是中国北方汉族成人肺结核的易感因素,而INT4多态性可能与肺结核的病变性质有关系.     

东亚人群NRAMP1基因多态性与结核易感性的Meta分析

目的应用Meta分析探讨东亚人群NRAMP1基因3个多态性位点与结核易感性的关系。方法应用主题词和关键词“NRAMP1”、“SLC11A1”、“tuberculosis”和“结核”,检索1995年1月至2005年5月Medline、Ovid及CBMdisc数据库发表的有关文献,并辅以文献追溯的方法。结果结核病组和对照组3’UTR、D543N和INT4位点的多态现象同最常见纯合子基因型频率比值比（OR）的合并OR值分别为1．68（95％CI：1．31～2．16,P〈0．001）;178（95％CI：1,38～2．30,P〈0．001）;1．56（95％CI：0．72～3．35,P=0．26）。Egger线性回归分析提示3’UTR和D543N基因型相关文献没有发表偏倚,INT4基因型相关文献有一定的出版偏倚。结论东亚人群NRAMPl基因3’UTR和D543N多态性位点与结核易感性相关;INT4多态性位点与结核易感性无统计学意义。     

中国汉族人群结核易感基因多态性与耐药结核病相关性研究

目的 了解结核易感基因SLC11A1基因、VDR基因、MBL基因以及IFNG基因多态性在中国汉族人群敏感和耐药结核病患者中的分布,探讨其与耐药结核病发生的相关性.方法 使用焦磷酸测序法、Real-time探针法、SNaPshot法测定229例敏感肺结核(敏感组)和230例耐药肺结核(耐药组)患者的VDR基因、SLC11A1基因、MBL基因、IFNG基因的单核苷酸多态性(SNP).结果 VDR基因多态性位点在敏感组和耐药组间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).SLC11A1基因的INT4位点基因型和等位基因频率在敏感组和耐药组间差异有统计学意义(P值分别为0.031、0.046);INT4位点在隐性遗传模型假定下,敏感组和耐药组间差异具有统计学意义(OR=5.756,95%CI:1.261～26.269,P=0.011),结合该位点各种组合下的OR值间的数量关系,确定该位点的遗传模型符合隐性遗传模型.MBL基因Q/P位点基因型和等位基因频率在敏感组和耐药组间差异有统计学意义(P值分别为0.029、0.033);在隐性遗传模型假定下,MBL基因Q/P位点基因型和等位基因频率在不同组别间差异有统计学意义(OR=9.290,95%CI:1.167～73.949,P=0.011).IFNG基因的多态性位点在敏感组和耐药组之间的分布无统计学意义.结论 SLC11A1基因的INT4位点和MBL基因Q/P位点可能与中国汉族人群耐药结核病的发生具有一定的相关性.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the distribution of polymorphisms of SLC11A1 gene,VDR gene,MBL gene and IFNG gene with susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) in Chinese Han population suffering from drug-sensitive TB and drug-resistant TB so as to identify the correlation between gene polymorphisms and the development of drug-resistant TB.Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of VDR gene,SLC11A1 gene,MBL gene,IFNG gene were typed and analyzed by pyrosequencing,Real-time Probe and SNaPshot among 229 patients with drug-sensitive TB and 230 patients with drug-resistant TB.Results The polymorphic foci of VDR gene from the drug-sensitive TB group and the drug-resistant TB group showed no significant difference (P＞0.05).The genotype of INT4 site and allelic frequency of SLC11A1 gene for drug-sensitive TB group were significantly different from those for drug-resistant TB group(P=0.031,0.046).If recessive inheritance was assumed,the genotypes of INT4 site from the two groups were significantly different (0R=5.756,95% CI:1.261-26.269,P=0.011).Considering the relationship between OR values under various combination,our findings confirmed that the genetic mode of INT4 site was in accordance with recessive inheritance.The genotypes of Q/P site and allelic frequencies of MBL gene from drug-sensitive and drug-resistant groups were significantly different (P=0.029,0.033).The difference still existed under the hypothesis of recessive inheritance (OR=9.290,95% CI:1.167-73.949,P=0.011).The polymorphic foci of IFNG gene from the two groups showed no significant difference.Conclusion INT4 sites on SLC11A1 gene and Q/P site on MBL gene were probably associated with the development of drug-resistant TB in Chinese Han population.Further study on this issue would be helpful in locating the population at high risk of drug-resistant TB and exploring the effective intervention to decrease the incidence of this disease.     

Iron deficiency and NRAMP1 polymorphisms (INT4, D543N and 3'UTR) do not contribute to severity of anaemia in tuberculosis in the Indonesian population

Fe-deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia in developing countries. In these settings, many chronic infections, including tuberculosis (TB), are highly prevalent. Fe is an essential nutrient for both host and mycobacteria that play a pivotal role in host immunity and mycobacterial growth. A case-control study was performed in a TB-endemic region in Jakarta, Indonesia, among 378 pulmonary TB patients and 436 healthy controls from the same neighbourhood with the same socio-economic status. In a number of these subjects the Fe status could be explored. The distribution of three polymorphisms in the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein gene (NRAMP1) including INT4, D543N and 3'UTR was examined for a possible association with susceptibility to TB. Anaemia (corrected for sex) was present in 63.2 % of active TB compared with 6.8 % of controls, with female patients more often affected. Anaemia was more pronounced in advanced TB as diagnosed by chest radiography. Lower Hb concentrations in TB patients were accompanied by lower plasma Fe concentrations, lower Fe-binding capacity and higher plasma ferritin. After successful TB therapy, Fe parameters improved towards control values and Hb levels normalised, even without Fe supplementation. NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms were not associated with TB susceptibility, TB severity or anaemia. In conclusion, most active TB patients had anaemia, which was probably due to inflammation and not to Fe deficiency since TB treatment without Fe supplementation was sufficient to restore Hb concentration.     

NRAMP1基因多态性与结核易感性关系的Meta分析

[目的]应用Meta分析探讨NRAMP1基因3'UTR,D543N和INT4多态性位点与结核易感性的关系。[方法]在CNKI、CBM、万方数据资源系统、Medline和Pubmed中,应用关键词"结核"、"基因多态性"(或"遗传多态性")、"等位基因"、"NRAMP1"、"tuberculosis"或"alleles"搜索1980年1月～2007年11月发表的相关中英文文献,最终入选有关文献16篇。应用RevMan4.2软件包分别对16项研究结果进行数据分析。[结果]Meta分析计算得出合并OR值(95%CI)TGTG+-/++为1.50(1.29～1.75),TGTG——/++为0.89(0.59～1.34),GA/GG为1.39(1.20～1.61),AA/GG为1.07(0.69～1.67),GC/GG为1.30(1.09～1.56),CC/GG为1.64(0.90～3.00)。计算3'UTR、D543N和INT4基因的失安全系数为193.87、325.08和157.87,说明分析结果是可靠的。[结论]NRAMP1基因3'UTR(TGTG+-)和D543N(GA)多态性位点均可能是结核的易感因素,尚不能认为INT4多态性位点与结核易感性有关。     

Genetic polymorphisms in alveolar macrophage response-related genes, and risk of silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in Chinese iron miners

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a prominent role in influencing the development of lung inflammation and injury. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of AMs response-related genes TNF-alpha, iNOS, and NRAMP1 (SLC11A1) in susceptibility to silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and to analyze the interaction of dust exposure and genetic susceptibility to silicosis, interactions of TNF-alpha-308 and Natural Resistance-associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) INT4, D543N polymorphisms to PTB. Several epidemiological designs were used: retrospective investigations on dust exposure, case-control studies of 184 silicosis cases and 111 miners occupationally exposed to silica dust, and 1:2 matched case-control studies of 61 PTB cases and 122 PTB-free miners. The miners and controls were recruited from an iron mining operation in Anhui province, China. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was applied to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms. Despite the recruitment of high dust exposure among the controls, silicosis patients still had significantly higher dust exposure than controls (242.6 +/- 98.8 vs. 217.6 +/- 100.7 mg a/m(3)). The mutation of iNOS Ser608Leu is associated with protection against silicosis and against severity of silicosis in the miners. There is a 0.47-fold (95% CI: 0.28-0.79) decrease in risk of silicosis for individuals with C/T, T/T genotype compared with the wild-type homozygous (C/C) individuals after adjustment for occupational exposure, smoking, and drinking. The protection effect of the iNOS polymorphism was particularly detected in the > or = 150 mg a/m(3) exposure group (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.91). However, no interaction of dust exposure with the iNOS polymorphism was observed. Furthermore, the variant NRAMP1 INT4 genotype is significantly associated with PTB in miners. No association of other polymorphisms (NRAMP1 D543N, TNF-alpha-308) and susceptibility to silicosis or PTB in Chinese miners was found. Our data showed a 3.26-fold (95% CI: 1.47-7.23) increased risk of PTB for miners carrying both the NRAMP1 D543N G/G and NRAMP1 INT4 G/C+C/C genotypes. Additionally, in miners with TNF-alpha-308 G/G genotype, the risk of PTB increased 2.38-fold if they carry the NRAMP1 INT4 G/C+C/C genotype (95% CI: 1.14-4.98). In conclusion, the C>T mutation of iNOS Ser608Leu may be an important protective factor to miners. On the other hand, the variant NRAMP1 INT4 may play a role in the development of PTB in Chinese miners. Therefore, the novel information can be used as guideline for further mechanistic investigations and for strengthening specific protection protocols for workers.     

NRAMP1基因和人类对结核分枝杆菌的易感性

NRAMP1基因,又称SLC11A1基因,位于2号染色体长臂35区(2q35),包括15个外显子及内含子4中交替出现的1个外显子,长13 604 bp.NRAMP1的常见多态性基因有D543N、3′UTR、INT4和5′(GT)n等,和结核易感性相关.NRAMP1蛋白由巨噬细胞表达,是一种H+/二价阳离子的反向转运体,对巨噬细胞的功能有多效性.此文对NRAMP1基因及其和MTB的易感相关性的研究结果进行综述.     

人类NRAMP1基因单核苷酸多态与接尘工人肺结核易感性

目的 探讨人类自然抵抗相关巨噬细胞蛋白1（NRAMP1）基因多态性与接尘工人肺结核易感性的关系.方法 采用1：2病例对照设计,按年龄相差小于5岁,工种、吸烟、饮酒率、总粉尘接触量和矽肺患病同比例匹配,选择61例男性肺结核患者为病例组（矽肺50例、非矽肺11例）,122例男性无肺结核者为对照组（矽肺100例、非矽肺22例）.应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性分析（PCR-RFLP）技术检测NRAMP1 INT4和D543N位点的多态性.结果 NRAMP1 INT4多态位点野生纯合子（G/G）、杂合子（G/C）和突变纯合子（C/C）在病例组的分布频率分别为63.9%、34.4%、1.6%,与对照组比较,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,NRAMP1 INT4 C等位基因携带者患肺结核的危险性升高（OR=2.73,95% CI：1.32～5.64）,D543N位点多态与接尘工人肺结核易感性之间无关联（P＞0.05）.结论 NRAMP1基因第4内含子G＞C单核苷酸可能是接尘工人肺结核的易感因素.     

NRAMP1 D543N and INT4 polymorphisms in susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis: A meta-analysis

The association of natural resistance associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) polymorphisms (D543N, INT4) with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) risk have been widely reported. However, the findings of previous studies were inconsistent. To clarify the role of these polymorphisms in PTB, we performed a meta-analysis of all available and relevant published studies. Based on comprehensive searches of the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Elsevier Science Direct and Cochrane Library database, we identified outcome data from all articles estimating the association between NRAMP1 polymorphisms and PTB risk. For D543NA/G polymorphism, no associations were found in all genetic models. For INT4C/G polymorphism, significant increased PTB risk was observed in recessive model (CC vs. GC + GG: P = 0.025, OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04–1.75). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risk were observed for D543NA/G polymorphism in Americans (GA vs. GG: P = 0.03, OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.67; AA + AG vs. GG: P = 0.032, OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02–1.63). Moreover, the INT4C/G polymorphism was also associated with increased risk of TB for Africans in allele model (A vs. G: P = 0.012, OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.08–1.85), heterozygous model (GA vs. GG: P = 0.004, OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.14–2.04) and dominant model (AA + AG vs. GG: P = 0.007, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.12–1.98). This meta-analysis provides evidences that INT4C/G was associated with increased susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in overall population in recessive model. D543NA/G polymorphism was associated with PTB increased risk in Americans, while INT4C/G polymorphism in Africans. Further well-designed, large scale studies are required to confirm this conclusion.     

The genetic profile of susceptibility to infectious diseases in Roman-Period populations from Central Poland

For thousands of years human beings have resisted life-threatening pathogens. This ongoing battle is considered to be the major force shaping our gene pool as every micro-evolutionary process provokes specific shifts in the genome, both that of the host and the pathogen. Past populations were more susceptible to changes in allele frequencies not only due to selection pressure, but also as a result of genetic drift, migration and inbreeding. In the present study we have investigated the frequency of five polymorphisms within innate immune-response genes (SLC11A1 D543N, MBL2 G161A, P2RX7 A1513C, IL10 A-1082G, TLR2 –196 to –174 ins/del) related to susceptibility to infections in humans. The DNA of individuals from two early Roman-Period populations of Linowo and Rogowo was analysed. The distribution of three mutations varied significantly when compared to the modern Polish population. The TAFT analysis suggests that the decreased frequency of SLC11A1 D543N in modern Poles as compared to 2nd century Linowo samples is the result of non-stochastic mechanisms, such as purifying or balancing selection. The disparity in frequency of other mutations is most likely the result of genetic drift, an evolutionary force which is remarkably amplified in low-size groups. Together with the F_ST analysis, mtDNA haplotypes' distribution and deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, we suggest that the two populations were not interbreeding (despite the close proximity between them), but rather inbreeding, the results of which are particularly pronounced among Rogowo habitants.     

No evidence for multiple-drug prophylaxis for tuberculosis compared with isoniazid alone in Southeast Asian refugees and migrants: completion and compliance are major determinants of effectiveness

BACKGROUND: The use of multiple-drug prophylaxis for tuberculosis (TB) has not been shown to be more effective than prophylaxis with isoniazid alone. The boundary between inactive pulmonary TB (class 4 TB) and culture-negative "active" pulmonary TB (class 3 TB) is often unclear, as is the intention to treat such patients as a preventive measure or as a curative measure. METHODS: We compared the effectiveness of single drug preventive therapy with isoniazid to the effectiveness of multiple drug preventive therapy for patients with asymptomatic, inactive TB, in a retrospective cohort study of 984 Southeast (SE) Asian migrants and refugees who received prophylaxis between 1978 and 1980. RESULTS: The rate of TB developing in this cohort was 122 per 100,000 person-years. There was no significant difference in development of TB between people who received isoniazid only and those who received multiple drugs. The only significant predictor of TB was noncompletion of prophylaxis [relative risk (RR) = 62, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 20-194]. Subgroup analysis on people who had completed therapy showed noncompliance as a significant predictor of TB (RR = 16, 95% CI = 1.4-179). The risk of noncompletion (RR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.37-9.39, P < 0.0001) and noncompliance (RR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.03-4.7, P = 0.03) was higher for patients who received multiple drugs compared with isoniazid alone. Multiple-drug therapy cost 30 times more than isoniazid alone. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find evidence in support of the empirical practice of giving multiple drugs for prevention of TB. This practice is also more costly and more likely to result in noncompliance and adverse drug reactions.     

2010年湖北省武汉市第5次结核病流行病学抽样调查分析

目的了解湖北省武汉市结核病疫情现状,为制定2011-2020年武汉市结核病防治规划提供依据。方法采用分层整群等比例随机抽样方法对5个流行病学抽样调查（简称＂流调＂）点≥15岁应检人口进行胸部X线检查,对所有应查痰对象进行痰涂片和痰培养检查。对所有调查对象进行结核病防治知识知晓情况问卷调查。结果调查对象实际受检率为96.3%,2010年≥15岁人群活动、涂阳和菌阳肺结核的患病率分别为436.3/10万,63.8/10万,178.5/10万。2000-2010年活动性肺结核患病率下降2.6%,年递降率为0.3%;涂阳肺结核患病率下降53.4%,年递降率为7.4%;菌阳肺结核患病率下降23.7%,年递降率为2.7%。疫情特点为男性患病率高于女性（活动性χ2=30.56,P〈0.001;涂阳χ2=4.69,P=0.030;菌阳χ2=15.39,P〈0.001）,老年人活动性和菌阳结核病患病率高于非老年人（活动性χ2=7.83,P=0.007;菌阳χ2=3.98,P=0.046）,城区活动性肺结核患病率高于农村（χ2=2.59,P=0.047）。公众结核病知识总知晓率为64.4%,≥65岁老年人总知晓率仅为53.3%,农民知晓率低于城镇居民。结论武汉市近10年来结核病疫情呈下降趋势,防治工作取得了一定的效果;武汉市结核病预防和控制工作仍有许多挑战,应继续提高防治水平。     

Pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV seropositives attending a counseling center in Kolkata

The study was carried out to detect the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-seropositive individuals (HIV/TB co-infection) who attended counseling center of National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkata. A total of 109 HIV-seropositive individuals were screened. Of them, 36 (33%) had HIV/TB co-infection diagnosed by chest X-ray and presence of acid fast bacillus (AFB) detected by repeated microscopic examination of sputum. Blood samples were examined for CD4 and CD8 counts and ratio. Findings of blood examination showed that low CD4 count (<50/μl) had statistically significant association (P = 0.007) with HIV/TB co-infection as compared to HIV infection only. However, no significant correlation with CD4:CD8 ratio in HIV/TB co-infection was observed.     

Tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and malnutrition in Burundi.

In order to compare the nutritional status of tuberculosis (TB) patients who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive with those who were seronegative, we carried out a cross-sectional anthropometric and biochemical assessment, together with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of the nutritional status of TB patients hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine, Bujumbura University Hospital, Burundi, East Africa. Of the 65 TB patients (33 pulmonary, 6 extrapulmonary, and 26 disseminated TB), 50 (76.9%) were HIV-seropositive (HIV+). When assessed according to anthropometric, BIA, and biochemical variables, HIV+ TB patients had more pronounced malnutrition than HIV- patients. Similar results were obtained when the comparison was restricted to patients with only pulmonary TB: HIV+ patients were more malnourished than HIV- patients. The results according to anthropometric measurements were: weight loss (13.5% of HIV- patients versus 26.4% of HIV+ patients, P = 0.005), body mass index (18.6 versus 15.1, P = 0.003), fat free mass (FFM) (13.9 versus 11.9, P < 0.01), and body fat (BF) (4.55 versus 3.71, P = 0.03) expressed per unit height2. BIA showed that the difference in FFM between HIV- and HIV+ TB pulmonary patients was mostly due to a decrease in body cellular mass. Measurements of albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin showed a marked decrease in all three markers in HIV+ TB pulmonary patients. The nutritional status of HIV+ patients with disseminated versus pulmonary TB was similar. The nutritional status of HIV+ TB patients is far worse than that of HIV- TB patients. In such patients, anthropometry underestimates the degree of malnutrition because it does not account for the water component of FFM. Nutritional status should be assessed and nutritional intervention should be provided in an attempt to improve the prognosis of TB patients, especially those who are infected by HIV.     

Extra pulmonary tuberculosis in children: two years study

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important health problem in developing countries, with varying clinical presentations depending on the organs/systems involved. To study the spectrum of clinical and paraclinical aspects of extra pulmonary TB in children suffering from pulmonary TB. This study has been carried out on 65 children with tuberculosis, admitted in TB wards of National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (N.R.I.T.L.D) during 2004-2006. All patients were investigated according to specific diagnostic criteria including; history of contact with TB patient, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, tuberculin test and bacteriologic or pathologic results and after confirmation, treatment was administered. Out of 65 cases, 14 had different types of extra pulmonary tuberculosis, and data concerning following factors were studied: age, gender, race, site of involvement, bacteriology, pathology, ADA (ascitic fluid), PCR (tissue specimens), history of close contact, HIV tests (ELISA), tuberculin test, radiological findings, and immunological studies (in disseminated TB). Of 14 cases, 8 were girls and 6 were boys with mean age of 8.75 ± 4.2. Nine patients were Iranian and 5 were Afghan. History of close contact was detected in 4 cases. Type of involvement was: 5 cervical adenitis, 3 osteoarticular disease, 2 peritonitis and 2 disseminated form of tuberculosis, one pericarditis, one renal tuberculosis. Radiological findings showed 4 pulmonary disease and 3 osteoarticular involvement. Tuberculin skin tests greater than 15 mm observed in 5 cases, 9 patients had 0-5 mm induration. 4 cases had concomitant pulmonary and extra pulmonary involvement. Positive AFB in gastric lavage was recognized in 4 cases, in which 3 showed positive cultures for MTB. Pathological examinations in 10 cases revealed granuloma with caseation compatible with tuberculosis, five in lymphadenopathy, three in osteoarticular, two in abdominal tuberculosis. According to this study, 20% of patients had extra pulmonary involvement, which is comparable to other reports (20-25%) and TB lymphadenitis is the most common from of presentation.     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [alpha] genetic variation interacts with n-6 and long-chain n-3 fatty acid intake to affect total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARA) regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism. The binding of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to PPARA results in rapid changes in the expression of genes involved in lipid oxidation, with long-chain n-3 fatty acids being potent activators of PPARA. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the potential effect modification of PPARA genetic variation on the association between PUFA intake, specifically n-6 and long-chain n-3 fatty acid intakes, and multiple lipid measures in the large biethnic Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. DESIGN: Study participants (10 134 whites and 3480 African Americans) were selected from the ARIC Study--a prospective investigation of atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the relation between PPARA genotypes, as well as dietary fatty acid intake, and baseline lipid measures. PPARA-specific effects of variation were assessed by including genotype-by-fatty acid interaction terms in each statistical model. RESULTS: PPARA genotype frequencies were significantly different between whites and African Americans. No significant associations between lipid measures and PPARA genotype were observed in either whites or African Americans. Significant genotype-by-n-6 fatty acid intake interactions were observed only in whites for the 3'untranslated region (UTR) G-->A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and total cholesterol (P = 0.03) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.03). Significant genotype-by-long-chain n-3 fatty acid intake interactions were observed only in African Americans for the 3'UTR C-->T SNP and total cholesterol (P = 0.03) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the current study suggest that PPARA 3'UTR SNPs modulate the association between lipid concentrations and dietary n-6 fatty acid intake (in whites) and long-chain n-3 fatty acid intake (in African Americans) such that persons with homozygous variant genotypes have significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol measures when consuming higher quantities of n-6 or long-chain n-3 fatty acids.     

Dopamine transporter genotype as a risk factor for obesity in African-American smokers

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between a polymorphism related to dopamine function, dopamine transport (SLC6A3), and obesity in smokers. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between this genetic polymorphism and obesity (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m(2)) from a sample of 510 smokers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day and who were participating in a study designed to examine genetic and nongenetic predictors of response to a pharmacological treatment. RESULTS: The likelihood of obesity in African Americans (N = 90) with the 10/10 SLC6A3 genotype was 5.16 times that of African Americans with 9/9 or 9/10 SLC6A3 genotypes (odds ratio = 5.16, confidence interval = 1.60 to 16.65). There was no association of the SLC6A3 genotype with obesity for non-Hispanic whites (N = 420). DISCUSSION: These results suggest that variants of the dopamine transporter gene may be related to obesity in African-American smokers. Possible mechanisms responsible for the association between dopamine transport and obesity in African-American smokers are discussed.     

A chain-binomial model for intra-household spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a low socio-economic setting in Pakistan

A simulation study using Greenwood's chain-binomial model was carried out to elucidate the spread and control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the household contacts of infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients. Based on the observed data, the maximum-likelihood estimates (+/-S.E.) of chain-binomial probabilities of intra-household M. tuberculosis transmission from an index case in 3-person and 4-person households were 0.313+/-0.008 and 0.325+/-0.009 respectively. The chi2 goodness-of-fit test of observed and simulated mean expected frequencies of cases revealed good fit for 3-person (P=0.979) and 4-person (P=0.546) households. With the assumption of varying risk of M. tuberculosis transmission across the households under beta-distribution, goodness-of-fit tests of observed and mean simulated expected frequencies revealed the inadequacy of Greenwood's chain-binomial model both for 3-person (P=0.0185) and 4-person (P<0.001) households. Simulated M. tuberculosis control strategy comprising efficient diagnosis, segregation and prompt antibiotic therapy of index pulmonary TB patients showed a substantial reduction of new cases among the household contacts in both household sizes. In conclusion, segregation coupled with prompt antibiotic therapy of the index case, chemoprophylaxis of M. tuberculosis-exposed household contacts, and the assessment of household environmental risks to devise and implement an educational programme may help reduce the TB burden in this and similar settings.     

Iron deficiency and anemia predict mortality in patients with tuberculosis

Many studies have documented a high prevalence of anemia among tuberculosis (TB) patients and anemia at TB diagnosis has been associated with an increased risk of death. However, little is known about the factors contributing to the development of TB-associated anemia and their importance in TB disease progression. Data from a randomized clinical trial of micronutrient supplementation in patients with pulmonary TB in Tanzania were analyzed. Repeated measures of anemia with iron deficiency, anemia without iron deficiency, and iron deficiency without anemia were assessed as risk factors for treatment failure, TB recurrence, and mortality. The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) at baseline was 64%, more than one-half of which was related to iron deficiency (mean corpuscular volume , 80 fL). We found no evidence of an association between anemia (with or without iron deficiency) or iron deficiency without anemia at baseline and the risk of treatment failure at 1 mo after initiation. Anemia without iron deficiency was associated with an independent, 4-fold increased risk of TB recurrence [adjusted RR = 4.10 (95% CI = 1.88, 8.91); P < 0.001]. Iron deficiency and anemia (with and without iron deficiency) were associated with a 2- to nearly 3-fold independent increase in the risk of death [adjusted RR for iron deficiency without anemia = 2.89 (95% CI = 1.53, 5.47); P = 0.001; anemia without iron deficiency = 2.72 (95% CI = 1.50, 4.93); P = 0.001; iron deficiency anemia = 2.13 (95% CI = 1.10, 4.11); P = 0.02]. Efforts to identify and address the conditions contributing to TB-associated anemia, including iron deficiency, could play an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality in areas heavily affected by TB.