Comparison of pregnancy rates with transfer of in vivo produced embryos derived using multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) with in vitro produced embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries).

In the present study, there was comparison of pregnancy rates with transfer of in vivo-produced embryos using multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) with in vitro-produced embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in dromedary camels. In vivo-produced embryos were collected from donors after super-stimulation of follicular development on day 7 after ovulation, while in vitro-derived embryos were produced using SCNT from in vivo-matured oocytes collected from camels after follicular development super-stimulation. As a result of estrous synchronization, all recipient camels for both groups were 1 day earlier in stage of estrous cycle than developmental status of embryos at the time of transfer. The animals into which embryos were transferred were monitored at 7-day intervals after embryo transfer for signs of pregnancy based on response to presence of a male and there was ultrasonic confirmation on days 35 and 60 subsequent to day of estrus in recipient animals. A greater proportion of recipients (P < 0.05) were considered pregnant based on response to male presence when there was transfer of MOET-(76.8 ± 3.2) compared with SCNT- (26.4 ± 2.4) derived embryos on day 14. There was no difference in pregnancy losses in subsequent weeks until day 60 between groups. There were also no differences in calving rates of females in which MOET- (91.7%) and SCNT- (93.3%) derived embryos were transferred. These results indicate pregnancies at day 60 with SCNT-derived embryos are sustained for the remainder of gestation periods similar to when there was transfer of MOET-derived embryos in dromedary camels.

Interferon Lambda-3 rs12979860 Variants and Response to Pegylated Interferon in Chronic Hepatitis-C Genotype-3.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the interferon lambda-3 (IFNλ3) (formal IL-28B) gene rs12979860 in predicting sustained virologic response (SVR) in hepatitis-C virus genotype-3 (HCV-3). STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from July 2012 to June 2014. METHODOLOGY: Patients with HCV-3 were classified as sustained virologic response (SVR), relapsers and non-responders. SNPrs12979860 was determined by PCR-RFLPprotocol. Differences between categorical variables were assessed by chi-square or Fisher's exact test, while those between continuous variables were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Binary logistic regression analysis by forward conditional method was performed by using significant variables with p-values less than 0.05 as the criteria for model inclusion. RESULTS: Out of 115 patients, rs12979860 genotype-CC, CT, TTwas found in 37 (32.2%), 70 (60.9%), and 8 (7%) patients. 72 patients were male with median age of 45 years. Cirrhosis was present in 32 patients. Patients with response failures (no response and relapse, n=36 and 29, respectively) had higher baseline gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) level (p < 0.001), higher alanine aminotransferase (p=0.027) and cirrhosis (p=0.001) than patients with SVR. Genotype-CC was present in 16/65 in response failures compared to 21/50 who achieved SVR (p=0.048). Rapid virologic response (RVR) (p < 0.001), low GGT(p=0.001) and absence of cirrhosis (p=0.039) were the independent predictive factors for SVR. In patients who could not achieve RVR and in patients with cirrhosis, SVR was seen more in with genotype-CC (p=0.007 and 0.038). CONCLUSION: In patients infected with HCV-3, IFNλ3 rs12979860, SNPhas less impact on SVR.

Interferon lambda-3 polymorphism and response to pegylated interferon in patients with hepatitis D.

BACKGROUND: Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the interferon lambda-3 (IFNλ3) gene (formerly interleukin 28B) influence the response to treatment with interferon in hepatitis C patients. We aimed to investigate such an influence in hepatitis D patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of hepatitis D patients who were previously treated with pegylated interferon for one year and who were spontaneous clearers of the virus post recent superinfection. The SNP of IFNλ3, rs12979860, was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 64; median age was 30.5 years and 53 were male. The number of patients with sustained virological response 1 year post-treatment was 17, non-responders 29, relapsers 11 and spontaneous clearers post superinfection 7. Cirrhosis was present in 28 (44%). IFNλ3, rs12979860 genotype CC, was present in 41 (64.1%), CT in 21 (32.8%) and TT in 2 (3.1%). There was no difference in the body mass index, baseline alanine aminotransferase, hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA status among patients with sustained response and response failure (no response or relapse). The median age of response failures was 33.5 years compared to 26 in responders (P=0.024). They had higher gamma glutamyl transferase levels (P=0.030) and cirrhosis (P=0.003). Genotype CC was present in 29/40 of response failures compared to 9/17 of the responders (P=0.152). Logistic regression analysis showed that cirrhosis was the independent risk factor for failure to have a response (P=0.001). 4/7 patients with spontaneous clearance had genotype CC. CONCLUSIONS: IFNλ3 rs12979860 SNP does not have any significant influence on long-term hepatitis D clearance. Presence of cirrhosis may influence the response.