RESUMO
HTLV-1 infects principally CD4+ T cells that are the main reservoirs of the virus in vivo, which play an important role in the immunological response. Most of the infected patients are asymptomatic. However, 2-3% of patients will develop HAM/TSP or Adult T lymphoma. HAM/TSP is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by unremitting myelopathic symptoms. Studies have shown that cytokines levels alterations (IFN-γ and TNF-α) were associated with tissue injury in HAM/TSP. The aims of this study were to compare the gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 of asymptomatic and HAM/TSP HTLV-1 infected patients, and to correlate the gene expression with those of clinical symptoms. 28 subjects were included, 20 asymptomatic HTLV-1 and 8 with HAM/TSP. Spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the degree of walking aid was classified on a progressive scale. The relative gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 was measured by Real-Time PCR. Results showed high gene expression of IFN-γ for all patients, but it was higher among HAM/TSP. A significant correlation was observed between IFN-γ gene expression and the degree of walking aid, and IFN-γ gene expression was higher among wheelchair users compared to non-wheelchair users. No association was found with IL-4 and IL-10. These findings indicate that HAM/TSP patients express higher amounts of IFN-γ than asymptomatic patients, and more importantly, the expression of this cytokine was strongly correlated with the need of walking aid.
Assuntos
Vírus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/imunologia , Imunidade , Paraparesia Espástica Tropical/diagnóstico , Paraparesia Espástica Tropical/etiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Citocinas/genética , Citocinas/metabolismo , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The genomic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) influences liver disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes and to investigate the influence of these genotypes on disease progression. METHODS: Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected from HCV-seropositive patients for serological analysis, biochemical marker measurements, HCV genotyping and histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was detected in 107 patients (90.6% with genotype 1 and 9.4% with genotype 3). Patients infected with genotype 1 exhibited higher mean necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent and was associated with greater liver dysfunction.
Assuntos
Hepacivirus/genética , Hepatite C Crônica/virologia , Cirrose Hepática/virologia , Adulto , Alanina Transaminase/sangue , Aspartato Aminotransferases/sangue , Biópsia , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Genótipo , Hepatite C Crônica/enzimologia , Hepatite C Crônica/patologia , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/patologia , Masculino , RNA Viral/sangue , gama-Glutamiltransferase/sangueRESUMO
Introduction: The genomic heterogeneity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) influences liver disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV genotypes and to investigate the influence of these genotypes on disease progression. Methods: Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected from HCV-seropositive patients for serological analysis, biochemical marker measurements, HCV genotyping and histopathological evaluation. Results: Hepatitis C virus-ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) was detected in 107 patients (90.6% with genotype 1 and 9.4% with genotype 3). Patients infected with genotype 1 exhibited higher mean necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis. Conclusions: HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent and was associated with greater liver dysfunction. .