A Distinct Anti-EBV DNase Profile in Patients with Undifferentiated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Compared to Classical Antigens.

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a prevalent type of cancer that often takes the form of undifferentiated carcinoma in the Maghreb region. It affects people of all ages. NPC diagnosis, mainly based on detecting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), has not been well evaluated in North Africa. We compared the classical EBV serological tests using indirect immunofluorescence to the detection of EBV DNase antibodies by immunoblot in Algerian NPC patients. Significant variations were observed among different age groups of patients regarding the presence of VCA-IgA antibodies (0-14 and ≥30 years old, p < 0.0001; 15-19 and ≥30 years old, p < 0.01) and EA-IgA (0-14 and ≥30 years old, p < 0.01; 15-29 and ≥30 years old, p < 0.05). Differences were also noted in the titers of IgA anti-VCA and anti-EA antibodies across the three age groups. Some patients under the age of 30 with detectable IgG anti-VCA antibodies had undetectable IgA anti-VCA antibodies. These patients had a strong anti-DNase IgA response. However, older individuals had a higher level of anti-DNase IgG. Before treatment, children had strong DNase reactivity as indicated by specific IgA antibodies. Young adults had high IgA anti-DNase response, but the elderly (90.9%) had a lower response for these antibodies. Following therapy, the children retained high levels of IgA anti-DNase antibodies, and 66% of the young adults demonstrated robust antibody reactivity against DNase. In contrast, IgG responses to anti-DNase were low in children. This study demonstrated the utility of anti-DNase responses in the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms and plasma homocysteine in Alzheimer's disease in an Algerian population.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is multifactorial. The most important challenge of research is the identification of potential biomarkers associated with AD pathogenesis that may significantly contribute to early diagnosis of the disease. We aim to explore an eventual association of the C677T and A1298C genetic polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene with AD risk in an Algerian population. METHODS: This case-control study involved comparing a group of 106 patients that had developed AD to another group of 104 non-demented individuals. The MTHFR genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP method. Additionally, the homocysteine level was evaluated. RESULTS: Genotypes analysis did not show an association for both MTHFR677CT and 677TT variants with AD risk (OR = 1.12; p = 0.66; OR = 1.76; p = 0.09) respectively. As expected, the 677CC wild type genotype showed a protective role against AD (OR = 0.52; p = 0.03). For 1298AC MTHFR variant, the distribution of different genotypes did not show a statistical significant difference between the two cohorts. However the silmutaneous carrier, CT/AC presented association with AD (OR = 5.96; p = 0.05). On the other hand, carrier-state of MTHFR T allele showed a relationship with AD (OR = 1.98; p = 0.02). Additionally, hyperhomocysteinemia seems to be a risk factor for AD (OR = 1.08; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our exploration reveals that the silmutaneous carrier, CT/AC, carrier-state of MTHFR T allele, and hyperhomocysteinemia seem to be risk factors for AD.