Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a incidência e fatores associados com neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) e infecção cervical pelo Papiloma Vírus Humano (HPV) entre mulheres HIV positivas e negativas. Métodos Coorte de 103 mulheres positivas para o HIV e 113 negativas, que foram acompanhadas entre outubro de 2008 a fevereiro de 2012, com seguimento mínimo de um ano. Os procedimentos realizados foram coleta de material cervical para citologia oncótica e detecção do DNA/HPV pela reação em cadeia da polimerase, colposcopia seguida de biópsia, se necessário, e entrevista para obter dados e características de exposição. O diagnóstico de NIC foi baseado no resultado histopatológico das biópsias. Resultados A incidência pessoas-tempo de NIC foi de 8,8 e 4,6 casos/100 mulheresano para as mulheres HIV-positivas e HIV-negativas, respectivamente. As HIV-positivas apresentaram uma razão de risco (HR) de 2,8 para NIC e desenvolveram lesões mais precocemente (0,86 ano) do que as negativas (2 anos) (p = 0,01). O risco de desenvolver NIC diminuiu com a idade (HR = 0,9) e o estado civil (HR = 0,4). Pacientes com HPV apresentaram maior incidência de NIC, quando comparadas as mulheres HIVpositivas e as negativas (47,6 10,5%) (p = 0,01). A incidência de infecção cervical pelo HPV, por pessoa/tempo, foi de 18,1 e 11,4 casos/100 mulheres-ano, respectivamente para mulheres HIV-positivas e negativas. As HIV-positivas apresentaram HPV mais precocemente (p = 0,002). O risco de apresentar HPV diminuiu com a idade e foi maior entre as HIV-positivas. O HPV 16 foi o tipo mais comum entre as mulheres HIVpositivas. Conclusões As mulheres HIV-positivas tiveram maior incidência de HPV e NIC, e um menor intervalo de tempo. Controle clínico mais rigoroso e oportuno é requerido para este grupo.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the incidence and factors associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Methods A cohort of 103 HIV positive and 113 HIV negative women were monitored between October 2008 and February 2012, for at least one year. Procedures included cervical cytology, DNA/HPV detection by polymerase chain reaction, colposcopy with biopsy if necessary, followed by an interview for exposure characteristics data. CIN was based on the histopathological results. Results The incidence of CIN was of 8.8 and 4.6 cases/100 women-years in HIVpositive and HIV-negative women, respectively. HIV-positive women presented a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.8 for CIN and developed lesions earlier (0.86 year) than HIVnegative women (2 years) (p = 0.01). The risk of developing CIN decreased with age (HR = 0.9) and marital status (HR = 0.4). HPV patients presented a higher incidence of CIN when compared HIV-positive and HIV-negative women (p = 0.01). The incidence of HPV cervical infection was 18.1 and 11.4 cases/100 women-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, respectively. Those HIV-positive presented earlier HPV infection (p = 0.002). The risk of developing HPV infection decreased with age and was higher among HIV-positive women. HPV 16 was the most common type in HIV-positive women, and also the type most closely associated with CIN in HIV-negative women. Conclusions HIV-positive women had a greater incidence of HPV and CIN, and in a shorter time interval. More rigorous and timely clinical control is required for this group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among HIV-infected women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 494 HIV-infected women in Brazil, between 1998 and 2008. Gynecologic exam was performed, and samples were collected for cervical cytology and for HPV DNA detection. Cervical biopsy was carried out when indicated. HPV infection, CD4 T-lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were compared with cervical histopathology. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the statistical association of several risk factors. RESULTS: CIN prevalence detected by histopathology was 23.4% (6% of CIN2/3 and 17.4% cases of CIN1). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent association of CIN with CD4 T-lymphocyte count below 200 cells/mm³ (OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.5-10.1), with a positive detection of HPV DNA (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.5), and with age < 34 years old (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.4). HIV viral load and antiretroviral use were not independent risk factors for CIN. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of immunosupression, presence of HPV infection and younger age are strong predictors of CIN among HIV-infected women.

OBJETIVO: Detectar a frequência e os subtipos do HPV na cérvice uterina de mulheres infectadas pelo HIV. MÉTODOS: A amostra era composta por 288 mulheres infectadas pelo HIV, recrutadas do sistema público de saúde de cinco cidades de Minas Gerais, Brasil. As mulheres foram avaliadas de agosto de 2003 a agosto de 2008. Amostras cervicais foram coletadas para análise citológica e para detecção do HPV DNA, usando a reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR). O HPV DNA foi classificado de acordo com seu potencial oncogênico em baixo risco (tipos 6,11) e alto risco (tipos 16, 18, 31, 33, 35). Foi realizada colposcopia, seguida de biópsia cervical, quando indicada. Variáveis categóricas foram comparadas usando o teste do quiquadrado, com nível de significância estabelecido de 5%. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do HPV foi 78,8%. Os genótipos mais frequentes foram HPV-6 (63,9%) e HPV-16 (48,5%). Genótipos de HPV de alto risco foram observados em 70,5% das mulheres; de baixo risco em 71,4%; HPV de alto e baixo risco foram detectados em 55,1% das pacientes. Múltiplos genótipos de HPV foram detectados em 64,8% das pacientes; dois genótipos em 23,8%, e três em 18,9%. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência do HPV foi alta entre mulheres infectadas pelo HIV. Múltiplos genótipos de HPV foram comuns em amostras da cérvice uterina destas mulheres

OBJECTIVE: To detect the frequency and subtypes of HPV in the uterine cervix of HIV-infected women. METHODS: Sample consisted of 288 HIV-infected women, recruited from the public health system of five cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Women were seen from August 2003 to August 2008. Cervical samples were collected for cytological analysis and for HPV DNA detection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HPV DNA was classified according to its oncogenic potential in low risk (types 6, 11) and high risk (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35). Colposcopy was performed, followed by cervical biopsy when necessary. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test, with a significance level established at the 5% level. RESULTS: HPV prevalence was 78.8%. Most frequent genotypes were HPV-6 (63.9%) and HPV-16 (48.5%). High-risk HPV were observed in 70.5% of the women; low-risk in 71.4%; both high and low-risk HPV were detected in 55.1% of the patients. Multiple HPV genotypes were detected in 64.8% of the patients; two genotypes in 23.8%, and three in 18.9%. CONCLUSION: HPV prevalence was high among HIV-infected women. Multiple HPV genotypes were common in samples from the uterine cervix of HIV-infected women

CONTEXTO: A doença celíaca é uma enteropatia autoimune causada pela sensibilidade ao glúten em indivíduos geneticamente predispostos. Apesar da característica genética da doença, estudos demonstram discordância de 30% na sua apresentação em gêmeos monozigóticos. OBJETIVO: Apresentar dois pares de gêmeos monozigóticos, comprovados por estudos genéticos, discordantes para apresentação da doença celíaca. MÉTODO: Os pacientes foram acompanhados no Serviço de Gastroenterologia Pediátrica do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais desde 1990, sendo submetidos a exames clínicos periódicos, biopsias intestinais e sorologia para anticorpos IgG e IgA antigliadina, determinados pela técnica de ELISA (ensaio imunoenzimático), e anticorpos classe IgA antiendomísio, determinados pela técnica de imunofluorescência indireta. Estudos genéticos foram realizados através da técnica de amplificação por PCR e posterior tipagem de loci de microssatélites do tipo STR (short tandem repeats). RESULTADOS: Em cada par de gêmeos, apenas um apresentou doença celíaca até o momento, mostrando que, apesar do genótipo idêntico, este não foi o único determinante para a expressão da doença. CONCLUSÃO: Outros fatores, ambientais e genéticos, parecem contribuir para determinação da doença.

CONTEXT: The celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy caused by a permanent sensitivity to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite the genetic characteristic of the disease, studies show discrepancy of 30% in its presentation in monozygotic twins. OBJECTIVE: To present two pairs of monozygotic confirmed by genetic study and discordant for presentation of celiac disease. METHODS: The patients were followed up at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Service - Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, MG, Brazil, since 1990, and were submitted to periodical clinical examinations, intestinal biopsies and serology for IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies, determined by the ELISA technique, and IgA antiendomysial, determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Genetic study was conducted by the technique of amplification by PCR and later typing loci of microsatellites type of STR (short tandem repeats). RESULTS: In each pair of twins only one has presented celiac disease so far, demonstrating that despite the identical genotype, it was not the single determinant to express the condition. CONCLUSION: Other environmental and genetic factors might contribute to determining the disease.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide and there is a strong link between certain high-risk viral types and cervical carcinogenesis. Although there are several typing methods, it is still unclear which test is the best. This study compared the effectiveness of type-specific PCR (TS-PCR) and sequencing, with a focus on their clinical application. A total of 260 cervical samples from HPV-positive patients were tested for types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 using TS-PCR and sequencing. The genotype was identified in 36% of cases by TS-PCR and in 75% by sequencing. Sequencing was four times more likely to identify the viral type in positive samples than TS-PCR (p = 0.00). Despite being more effective for virus genotyping, sequencing was unable to identify viral types in multiple infections. Combining both techniques resulted in highly sensitive detection (87% of cases), showing that they are complementary methods. HPV genotyping is an important step in HPV management, helping to identify patients with a higher risk of developing cervical cancer and contributing to the development of type-specific vaccines.

O vírus da hepatite C é caracterizado pela significativa heterogeneidade genética e é atualmente classificado em seis genótipos principais e diversos subtipos. A determinação do genótipo do vírus tem importância na prática clínica para orientar o tratamento dos pacientes portadores de hepatite C crônica. A prevalência dos diferentes genótipos e subtipos do vírus da hepatite C não tem sido amplamente estudada em algumas regiões do Brasil. Neste estudo foram analisadas 788 amostras de pacientes portadores de hepatite C crônica atendidos nos Centros de Referência em Hepatites Virais de Belo Horizonte, entre 2002 e 2006. A genotipagem do vírus foi realizada por seqüenciamento direto da região 5’ UTR. Adicionalmente, foi realizada análise filogenética incluindo todas as variantes genotípicas obtidas. Observou-se alta prevalência do genótipo 1 (78,4%; 1b [40,4%], 1a [37,5%] e 1a/b [0,5 %]), seguida pelo genótipo 3a (17,9%) e pelo 2b (3,1%). Foram identificadas três amostras (0,4%) com o genótipo 2a/c e duas amostras (0,2%) com o genótipo 4. A análise filogenética mostrou a segregação esperada das seqüências obtidas junto às seqüências de referência para os genótipos 1, 2, 3 e 4, exceto em duas amostras do genótipo 1a. A alta prevalência do genótipo 1 (78,4%), encontrada na população de Belo Horizonte é semelhante à previamente descrita em outras cidades, como Rio de Janeiro, mas superior à encontrada em São Paulo e no Sul do país. A presença de raras seqüências atípicas da região 5’UTR sugere a presença de variantes do vírus da hepatite C nesta população.

The hepatitis C virus is characterized by significant genetic heterogeneity. It is currently classified into six main genotypes and several subtypes. Determining the genotype of the virus is important in clinical practice for guiding the treatment for individuals with chronic hepatitis C. The prevalence of different genotypes and subtypes of the hepatitis C virus has not been fully studied in some regions of Brazil. In this study, 788 samples from patients with chronic hepatitis C who were attended at the Viral Hepatitis Reference Centers in Belo Horizonte were analyzed between 2002 and 2006. The genotyping of the virus was performed by direct sequencing of the 5’ UTR region. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis was performed, including all of the genotypic variants obtained. High prevalence of genotype 1 (78.4%; 1b [40.4%], 1a [37.5%] and 1a/b [0.5%]) was observed, followed by genotypes 3a (17.9%) and 2b (3.1%). Three samples were identified as genotype 2a/c (0.4%) and two as genotype 4 (0.2%). The phylogenetic analysis showed the expected segregation of the sequences obtained, with regard to the reference sequences for genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4, except for two samples of genotype 1a. The high prevalence of genotype 1 (78.4%) found in this population from Belo Horizonte was similar to previous reports from other cities such as Rio de Janeiro, but it was higher than what has been described in São Paulo and in the south of the country. The presence of rare atypical sequences from the 5’ UTR region suggests that variants in the hepatitis C virus exist in this population.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a associação entre a contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e a gravidade da neoplasia intra-epitelial cervical em pacientes HIV positivas. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal no qual foram incluídas 87 pacientes infectadas pelo HIV, confirmado por testes sorológicos prévios. Todas eram portadoras do HPV cervical, diagnosticado por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase. Foram realizados anamnese, exame físico e colposcopia de todas em pacientes. A biópsia do colo uterino foi realizada quando indicada pelo exame colposcópico. Os resultados histopatológicos foram classificados com neoplasia intra-epitelial de baixo grau (NIC I) ou de alto grau (NIC II e II). A associação entre a contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e a gravidade da lesão foi verificada por meio da comparação de médias utilizando a análise da variância (ANOVA). RESULTADOS: entre as 60 pacientes biopsiadas foram encontrados 24 casos (40,0%) com NIC I, oito (13,3%) NIC II, três (5%) NIC III, 14 (23,3%) pacientes somente com cervicite crônica e 11 (18,3%) apresentando efeito citopático produzido pelo HPV, mas sem perda da polaridade celular. Isso equivale a 35 mulheres com lesão intra-epitelial de baixo grau (NIC I + HPV) (58,3%) e 11 (18,3%) com lesão intra-epitelial de alto grau (NIC II + NIC III). A associação entre a média da contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e a gravidade da lesão intra-epitelial cervical não foi significativa (p=0,901). CONCLUSÕES: não houve associação entre a contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e a gravidade da lesão intra-epitelial do colo uterino, diagnosticada pelo exame histopatológico.

PURPOSE: to evaluate association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity in HIV-infected women. METHODS: cross-sectional study of 87 HIV-infected patients which were confirmed by previous serologic examinations. All had cervical HPV diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients underwent anamnesis, physical examinations and colposcopy. Cervix biopsy was performed when indicated by colposcopical examination. Histopathological results followed Richart's classification, adapted by Wright, and CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity association was analysed by comparison of means using analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: among 60 biopsied women 24 were found (40.0%) with CIN I, eight (13.3%) with CIN II, three (5%) with CIN III, 14 (23.3%) with chronic cervicitis and 11 with cytopathic effect of HPV, without cell polarity loss. This corresponds to 35 (58.3%) women with intraepithelial lesion of low grade (CIN I + HPV) and 11 (18.3%) with intraepithelial lesion of high grade (CIN II + CIN III). There was no significant association between CD4+ cell count mean and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity (p=0.901). CONCLUSIONS: there was no association between CD4+ cell count and cervical intraepithelial lesion severity diagnosed by histopathological examination.

The fragile X syndrome is the most frequent form of hereditary mental retardation, with an incidence of 1 in 1 500 males, and 1 in 2 500 females; it is caused by mutations that increase the size of a fragment of specific desoxinucleotic acid (DNA) in the Xq 27.3 region of the X chromosome. The outcome in the introduction and application of the StB12.3 molecular probe in a control group and in affected members of three families, is presented. The x-rays of the Southern blot that show the diagnosis patterns possible to obtain, are exposed. This methodology is more direct, effective and reliable for the diagnosis and prevention of this form of mental retardation.

El síndrome X frágil constituye la forma de retraso mental hereditario más frecuente con una incidencia de 1 en 1 500 varones y de 1 en 2 500 hembras; es causado por mutaciones que aumentan el tamaño de un fragmento de ácido desoxinucleótico (DNA) específico en la región Xq 27.3 del cromosoma X. Se presenta el resultado en la introducción y aplicación de la sonda molecular StB12.3 en un grupo control y en miembros afectados de 3 familias. Se exponen las radiografías de los Southern blot que exhiben los patrones diagnósticos posibles a obtener. Esta metodología es mucho más directa, eficiente y confiable para el diagnóstico y prevención de esta forma de retraso mental.

A strategy is defined for the prevention in Cuba of the Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD), one of the most frequent lethal hereditary diseases, and the feasibility of its application, and the troubles that might difficult its implantation at a national level, are evaluated. This strategy is mainly based on the need of detecting the affected families, the definition of the carrier women, or the women at risk of being carriers, and the molecular study of the members of interest with anteriority to the offering of prenatal diagnosis services by direct analysis -detection of DMD gen deletions by (PCR) polymerase chain reaction, or indirect analysis-, use of the markers called polymorphisms in the length of the restriction fragments (RFLPs) in ligament analysis. It is concluded that the application of this strategy is feasible and convenient, since it allows offtering a prenatal diagnosis to the 75 % of the carrier women. Its efficiency in the prevention of births of new DMD ill newborns is showed in two prenatal diagnosis, one of which detected an affected pregnancy, interrupted due to the parents'solicitude.

Se define una estrategia para la prevención en Cuba de la distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD), una de las enfermedades hereditarias letales más frecuentes, y se evalúan la factibilidad de su aplicación y los problemas que pudieran dificultar su implantación al nivel nacional. La estrategia se basa fundamentalmente en la necesidad de detectar las familias afectadas, la definición de las mujeres portadoras o en riesgo de serlo y el estudio molecular de los miembros de interés con anterioridad al ofrecimiento de los servicios de diagnóstico prenatal mediante análisis directo -detección de deleciones en el gen DMD mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) o análisis indirecto- empleo de los marcadores denominados polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (RFLPs) en análisis de ligamento. Se concluye en que la aplicación de esta estrategia es factible y conveniente, pues permite ofrecer el diagnóstico prenatal al 75 % de las mujeres portadoras. Su eficiencia en la prevención del nacimiento de nuevos enfermos DMD se demuestra en 2 diagnósticos prenatales realizados, uno de los cuales detectó un embarazo afectado que fue interrumpido por solicitud de los padres.