scholarly journals Increasing efficiency of preterm birth prediction

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Blood Serum ◽  
Preterm Labor ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Group I ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Plgf Ratio

Abstract. The disturbed placentation in a certain way plays an important role in the pathogenesis of great obstetric syndromes. Therefore, the possibility of using biochemical indicators of the level of placental growth factor (PlGF) and fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) for predicting preterm labor is of great interest. The aim of the study was developing criteria for predicting preterm labor based on the combined use of ultrasound cervicometry and the concentration of PlGF and sFlt-1. Materials and methods. A total of 227 pregnant women were examined, 190 of whom had preterm birth. Group I included 48 women whose pregnancy completed at 23 to 27 weeks. In group II, 142 women with prematurity in terms of 28 to 36 weeks were observed. Group III included 37 women with a healthy pregnancy, which completed at 38–41 weeks. All patients involved in the study underwent ultrasound cervicometry on a Voluson 730 (GE Healthcare, USA) at 16 weeks, and also the concentration of PlGF and sFlt-1 in blood serum by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay using a Cobas e411 analyzer was studied (Roche diagnostics, Switzerland). Results. The study revealed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the average concentration of PlGF in the blood serum by 65 % associated with an increased level of sFlt-1 by 93% in women with early termination of pregnancy – 23–27 weeks (group I) in relation to women with a healthy pregnancy. In women with preterm birth at 28–36 weeks of gestation (group II), a similar trend of changes was observed: the PlGF level significantly (p = 0.014) decreased on average by 68 % in relation to women with a healthy pregnancy. In women of group I, the value of the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio exceeded (p < 0.001) the values of patients in group III by 14 times. But an even more pronounced imbalance of angiogenic factors was observed in women of group II – on average 16 times. Two main markers were used to predict premature birth: shortening of the cervix according to ultrasound cervicometry data of less than 30 mm, as well as the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of more than 50 conv. units. The odds ratio (OR) of preterm birth in the case of using only the length of the cervix was 34,133 (95 % confidence interval – 12.308–94.660). OR in the case of combined use of cervicometry data and angiogenesis variables was 148.750 (95 % confidence interval – 33.243–665.593). Conclusion. Thus, the use of an additional biochemical marker significantly improved the accuracy of preterm labor prediction.

scholarly journals Pathogenetic substantiation of preterm births prevention methods

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
T Lymphocytes ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Simultaneous Increase ◽  
Pronounced Increase ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Group I ◽  
Group Ii

The study of the pathogenesis of premature birth is one of the important issues of modern obstetrics. This could contribute developing a scientifically sound program for predicting and preventing this complication of pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate the blood variables of the immune system and connective tissue metabolism in women with preterm birth at 23-36 weeks of gestation. Materials and methods. A total of 227 pregnant women were examined, 190 of whom had clinical signs of threatened preterm birth. Group I included 48 women with a threatened preterm delivery resulted in childbirth between 23 and 27 weeks. In group II, 142 women at risk of preterm birth were observed from 28 to 36 weeks. Group III included 37 women with a healthy pregnancy, completed at 38-41 weeks. Result. The number of lymphocytes and their subpopulations, the content of connective tissue metabolites in the blood of the examined patients were studied. In women of group, I relatively to women of group III there was an evident (p < 0.001) decrease in blood level of CD3 + -marker of T-lymphocytes by an average of 23 %, which suggests the presence of immunodeficiency and considered as a stress response. In women with preterm birth at 28-36 weeks of gestation (group II), the relative level of CD3 + in the blood, on the contrary, slightly but probably (p = 0.014) increased compared to women with healthy pregnancy by an average of 13%. A significant decrease in the immunoregulatory index in women of group I is associated with the suppression of the T-helper component and emphasizes the presence of T-cell immunosuppression. The decrease in the index in women of group II occurred due to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. Сonclusions. Thus, the work confirms the opinion of R. Romero on the role of immune "rejection" in the third trimester, associated with the HLA-incompatibility of mother and fetus. In women of group I, compared with women of group III, there was a more pronounced increase in serum free oxyproline - a marker of collagen breakdown than bound oxyproline - a marker of collagen synthesis. Group II women also had a simultaneous increase in the level of the two oxyproline fractions, but more pronounced for the protein-bound fraction. This suggests that the violation of the metabolism of connective tissue leads to the destruction of the collagen matrix of the cervix and its shortening. Studies suggest that cerclage or insertion of pessary should be used to prevent cervical incompetence in the second trimester due to metabolic disorders in the connective tissue. The use of progesterone is appropriate for prevention of "short cervix" syndrome, as well as the possible immunosuppressive effect of the latter. The established signs of autoimmune processes require screening for antiphospholipid syndrome and the appointment, if confirmed, of anticoagulants.

The effect of MgSO4 addition and the increasing doses of calcium and phosphorus during ending drying period on the occurrence of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia in dairy cows

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Bodarski ◽  
S. Kinal ◽  
J. Preś ◽  
M. Słupczyńska ◽  
J. Twardoń
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Magnesium Sulphate ◽  
Group Iv ◽  
Dry Period ◽  
Urine Ph ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Salt Addition ◽  
Group Ii

Abstract The aim of the presented study was the estimation of optimal Ca and P levels applied before calving together with anionic salt addition, as an element of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia prevention. The experiment was carried out during the dry period on 48 cows with similar milk yield in the previous lactation. Cows were divided into four groups. In group I (control) the amount of minerals was in accordance to NRC standards. In experimental groups (groups II-IV), two weeks before calving, cows received 140 g/day/head of hydrated magnesium sulphate to achieve dietary cation- anion difference at the level of about 50 mEq/kg DM. In groups II and III cows received calcium carbonate (100 g/day) 10 days a.p. (antepartum) (group II), or 5 days a.p. (group III), while cows in IV group received dicalcium phosphate (100 g/day) for 5 days a.p. Application of MgSO4 × 7H2O significantly affected the urine pH of cows from group III and IV 4-5 d. before calving - 6.45 and 6.81, respectively. The acidification of urine was observed after calving in group IV (7.13). In cows from group II (100 CaCO3 10 days a.p.) urine pH decline was not found (7.97-7.75). In that group the incidences of hypophosphatemia were noted (blood serum inorganic P level 1.41-1.46 mmol/l). Addition of magnesium sulphate prevented hypocalcaemia occurrence - 4-5 d. before calving the concentration of ionized Ca in blood serum was 1.11, 1.13 and 1.16 mmol/l (respectively for group II, III and IV). Reproductive functions were significantly improved after the application of CaCO3 and CaHPO4 for 5 days a.p. in comparison with control and group II - progesterone concentration in the blood serum on the 45th day of lactation was 1.396 - 1.409 vs 0.799 - 0.401. The correlation between progesterone and inorganic P level in serum was almost significant. Based on the obtained results a treatment optimal in prevention of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia is the application of 50 g CaCO3 and 50 g of CaHPO4 for the last 5 days of the dry period together with MgSO4 × 7H2O given for 14 days a.p.

scholarly journals Effect of organic and mineral selenium sources on production performance and selected physiological indicators in swine

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (12) ◽  
pp. 756-763
Author(s):  
Anna Szuba-Trznadel ◽  
Tomasz Hikawczuk ◽  
Adam Ciura ◽  
Bogusław Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Blood Serum ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lactation Period ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Acid Chelate ◽  
Group Ii

The study was conducted on sows (hybrids of wbp × pbz breeds) and their offspring (until day 75 of life) kept on a farm. The aim of the experiment was to compare the effects of different sources of selenium (Se) on the production performance of the animals, Se content in their blood, the level of Se in sow’s colostrum, as well as Gpx, haptoglobin and immunoglobulin levels in the serum of sows and their offspring. Experimental feed mixtures for pregnant sows (LP), lactating sows (LK) and piglets (prestarter and starter) in each treatment had an identical basic composition, differing only in the type of selenium forms. Group I received a mineral form of Se in an amount of 0.2 mg/kg; group II received a mixture of a Se amino acid chelate and the mineral form of Se (0.1 mg/kg of each); group III received a Se amino acid chelate (0.2 mg/kg), and group IV received Se-enriched yeasts (0.2 mg/kg). Beneficial effects of the organic forms of Se were evident already in the lactation period. Sows, especially those from group II receiving 0.2 mg/kg of organic Se, had a higher feed intake, which was related to a higher milk production during lactation. As a result, on the weaning day, piglets from this group were significantly heavier than the other piglets. After weaning, as well, the piglets in this group were significantly heavier. These results were confirmed by parameters of blood serum and whey colostrum. Selenium as a chelate was more available than the mineral and enriched yeast forms. For this reason, the animals receiving the chelate were healthier (fewer inflammations were noted). The animals in this group also showed a better feed conversion compared with the others. The Gpx level in sows’ serum varied depending on the treatment. The highest level of this parameter was determined in sows from group III (receiving 0.2 mg/kg of organic Se), and it differed significantly from its value in the control group. The results showed that the Gpx level was related to the Se concentration in blood serum, which was also confirmed by a higher production of selenocysteine (a part of Gpx). Cells of the animals from this group were better protected against free radicals. Administration of 0.1 mg/kg of organic Se positively affects the performance of animals, but the recommended level in feed is 0.2 mg/kg of a selenium-containing amino acid....

scholarly journals Formation features of humoral immunity in newborn calves in case of including haylage with bio-preservative into the diet of cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 273 ◽  
pp. 02008
Author(s):  
Anna Karamaeva ◽  
Larisa Bakaeva ◽  
Natalia Soboleva ◽  
Sergey Karamaev
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
The Body ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
First Feeding ◽  
Group I ◽  
Newborn Calves ◽  
Group Ii

The peculiarities of the formation of colostrum in the udder of cows and the immune status in the body of calves in the first hours and days after birth, when included in the diet of cows, haylage from eastern goat’s rue prepared with the use of bio-preservatives “Silostan” (group II) and “GreenGrass 3 × 3”(Group III). The study of colostrum of the first milk yield showed that feeding cows with silage with the bio-preservative “Silostan” contributed to an increase in the content of immunoglobulins by 4.0% (Р<0,001), with bio-preservative “GreenGras 3 × 3” - by 5.3% (Р<0,001). After drinking the first portion of colostrum, immunoglobulins appear in the blood serum of calves after 2 hours. After 6 hours, the content of immunoglobulins in the blood serum of calves of group II was 21.9% higher than in group I (haylage without preservative) (P < 0.05), group III - by 27.1% (P <0.001). The proportion of calves with an immunoglobulin content 6 hours after the first feeding with colostrum not more than 6.0 mg / ml, decreased in group II by 12.0%, in group III - by 20.0%.

scholarly journals Z−2 Microsatellite Allele Is Linked to Increased Expression of the Aldose Reductase Gene in Diabetic Nephropathy1

1998 ◽  
Vol 83 (8) ◽  
pp. 2886-2891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vallabh O. Shah ◽  
Marina Scavini ◽  
Jovanka Nikolic ◽  
Yijuan Sun ◽  
Silvia Vai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Aldose Reductase ◽  
Group Iv ◽  
Ribonuclease Protection Assay ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group Ii

abstract Epidemiological studies support the hypothesis that genetic factors modulate the risk for diabetic nephropathy (DN). Aldose reductase (ALDR1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the polyol pathway, is a potential candidate gene. The present study explores the hypothesis that polymorphisms of the (A-C)n dinucleotide repeat sequence, located 2.1 kb upstream of the transcription start site, modulate ALDR1 gene expression and the risk for DN. We conducted studies at two different institutions, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC), and the Istituto Scientifico H San Raffaele (HSR). There were four groups of volunteers at UNMHSC: group I, normal subjects; group II, patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) without DN; group III, IDDM with DN; and group IV, nondiabetics with kidney disease. At HSR we studied volunteers in groups I, II, and III. ALDR1 genotype was assessed by PCR and fluorescent sequencing of the (A-C)n repeat locus, and ALDR1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was measured by ribonuclease protection assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. At UNMHSC we identified 10 alleles ranging from Z−10 to Z+8. The prevalence of the Z−2 allele among IDDM patients was increased in those with DN. Sixty percent of group III and 22% of group II were homozygous for Z−2. Moreover, 90% and 67% of groups III and II, respectively, had 1 or more copy of Z−2. In contrast, among nondiabetics, 19% of group IV and 3% of group I were homozygous for Z−2, and 69% and 32%, respectively, had 1 copy or more of Z−2. Among diabetics, homozygosity for the Z−2 allele was associated with renal disease [odds ratio (OR), 5.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.71–17.98; P = 0.005]. ALDR1 mRNA levels were higher in patients with DN (group III; 0.113 ± 0.050) than in group I (0.068 ± 0.025), group II (0.042 ± 0.020), or group IV (0.015 ± 0.011; P &lt; 0.01). Among diabetics, ALDR1 mRNA levels were higher in Z−2 homozygotes (0.098 ± 0.06) and Z−2 heterozygotes (0.080 ± 0.04) than in patients with no Z−2 allele (0.043 ± 0.02; P &lt; 0.05). In contrast, among nondiabetics, ALDR1 mRNA levels in Z−2 homozygotes (0.034 ± 0.04) and Z−2 heterozygotes (0.038 ± 0.03) were similar to levels in patients without a Z−2 allele (0.047 ± 0.03; P = NS). At HSR we identified eight alleles ranging from Z−12 to Z+2. The prevalence of the Z−2 allele was higher in group III than in group II. In group III, 43% of the patients were homozygous for Z−2, and 81% had one copy or more of the Z−2 allele. In contrast, in group II, 4% were homozygous for Z−2, and 36% had one copy or more of the Z−2 allele. IDDM patients homozygous for Z−2 had an increased risk for DN compared with those lacking the Z−2 allele (OR, 18; 95% confidence interval, 2–159). IDDM patients who had one copy or more of Z−2 had increased risk (OR, 7.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–29.4) for DN compared with those without the Z−2 allele. These results support our hypothesis that environmental-genetic interactions modulate the risk for DN. Specifically, the Z−2 allele, in the presence of diabetes and/or hyperglycemia, is associated with increased ALDR1 expression. This interaction may explain the observed association between the Z−2 allele and DN.

scholarly journals ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ КВІНАПРИЛУ ТА L-АРГІНІНУ З МЕТОЮ КОРЕКЦІЇ ЕНДОТЕЛІАЛЬНОЇ ДИСФУНКЦІЇ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ АНКІЛОЗИВНИМ СПОНДИЛОАРТРИТОМ ТА В ПОЄДНАННІ З ГІПЕРТОНІЧНОЮ ХВОРОБОЮ

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. I. Smiian ◽  
B. O. Koshak ◽  
U. S. Slaba
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Hyperemia ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Group Iv ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Cv Disease ◽  
And Control ◽  
Concomitant Hypertension

Mortality rate among patients with AS is 2 times higher the population level. It is caused by cardiovascular disease. Now it is clear that the presence of chronic systemic inflammation is an important predictor of cardiovascular (CV) disease due to the development of endothelial dysfunction (ED).The aim of the study – to evaluate the efficacy of correction of ED in patients with AS and arterial hypertension with the use of quinapril and L-arginine aspartate.Materials and Methods. A total of 110 patients with AS were examined with evaluation endothelium-depended vasodilation (EDVD) in response to reactive hyperemia, were chosen patients with EDVD <10 % (n=79), and were divided into 4 groups. Group I included 17 people who received standard therapy. Patients from the group II (n=20) received intravenous infusion of the solution of L-Arginine. Group III included patients with concomitant hypertension and they received quinapril (n=19). Group IV (n=23) consist of patients with hypertension, but their treatment was combination of L-arginine with quinapril.Results and Discussion. It was found that in the group II there was a significant improvement in the endothelium’s function (EDVD (23.2±2.4) % (p=0.0023), and its normalization were in 7 patients. In patients of the third group, who received only quinapril were not found normalization of EDVD in any of the patients. In last group (IV) 7 patients showed normalization of the endothelium, 10 improvements compared with baseline levels, and 6 no changes were observed.Conclusions. L-arginine in the complex therapy of patients with AC can significantly reduce the manifestations of ED in patients without concomitant hypertension. Combined use of quinapril in combination with L-arginine demonstrated improvement of endothelial function and control of blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

scholarly journals Grouping of Salmonella enterica serotype Montevideo strains by ribotyping and IS200 profiling

2000 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. OLD ◽  
S. A. CHISHOLM ◽  
P. B. CRICHTON ◽  
A. TAYLOR
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Group Iv ◽  
The Other ◽  
Clonal Structure ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
The Uk

One-hundred and twenty-one isolates of Salmonella enterica serotype Montevideo, representing different biotypes and incidents of infection detected in the UK between 1977 and 1995, were analysed by EcoRI ribotyping, PvuII ribotyping and IS200 fingerprinting. Among the isolates examined, 7 EcoRI ribotypes, 5 PvuII ribotypes and 55 IS200 profile types were recognized and 4 arbitrary groups defined. All 33 isolates of biotype 2d belonged to EcoRI/PvuII ribotype 1/1 and IS200 lineage A and comprised Group I. The other 88 isolates of biotype 10di and its variants were assigned to Groups II–IV. All 27 isolates in Group II were of EcoRI/PvuII ribotype 2/2 and IS200 lineage B. Among the 43 isolates in Group III, 42 of which were of EcoRI/PvuII ribotype 3/3, IS200 analysis identified 38 profiles in lineages C–I. Six EcoRI/PvuII ribotypes and 8 IS200 profiles, mostly in lineages C–E, were recognized among the 18 isolates in Group IV. The combined use of biotyping and ribotyping, and to some extent IS200 profiling, has enhanced our understanding of the clonal structure of serotype Montevideo and provides a basis for further study.

scholarly journals Investigation of functional hepatic tests in operated patients with obesity

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (11) ◽  
pp. 26-28
Author(s):  
A. A. Ibrahimova ◽  
N. Yu. Bayramov ◽  
A. M. Rustam
Keyword(s):  
Blood Serum ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Fatty Degeneration ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Hepatic Enzymes ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
High Bmi

Objective. To study up a connection between indices of the functional hepatic tests and  the body mass index (BMI) in patients after the operation. Маterials and methods. In 59 оperated patients a BMI was calculated, as well as biochemical hepatic tests: activity of alaninaminotransferase (AlAT) in the blood serum, aspartataminotransferase (АsAТ), γ-glutamintransferase (γ-GТ) and a general bilirubin content. Basing on the BMI indices, all the patients were divided into three groups. Into Group I 30 patients were included with BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m2, into Group II - 20 patients with excessive body mass, the BMI values 25.0 - 29.9 9 kg/m2, and into Group III - 9 patients with obesity, the BMI values more than 30 9 kg/m2. The blood serum activity of AlAT, AsAT, γ-GТ, alkaline phosphatase, indices of bilirubin, international normalized ratio and C-reactive protein were determined in accordnce to standard mrthods. In all the patients the data of hepatic function testing were analyzed before the operation and in 1, 3, 5 days after the operation. Results. In Groups I and II the values of АlAТ, АsAТ and γ-GТ were in borders of normal range. The changes were observed on the first and third postoperative day in Group III. Average activity (±SD) of the blood serum АlaТ and АsAТ in Group I have constituted (25.7 ± 9.8) and (24.9 ± 7.8) U/L (p < 0.01), in Group II - (32.5 ± 9.1) and (25.2 ± 7.1) U/L (p < 0.01), in Group III - (46.2 ± 13.5) and (31.9 ± 10.6) U/L (p < 0.01). Conclusion. In high BMI in patients, who had hepatic fatty degeneration, a hepatic enzymes activity was raised significantly, comparing with patients who had not hepatic fatty degeneration. Raised activity of hepatic enzymes in the blood serum was connected with high BMI. That’s why a high rate of hepatic fatty degeneration is observed in patients with raised BMI.

Ultrastructural Lesions Produced by Alcohol and Sucrose in the Heart and Liver of C57BL Mice

1970 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 208-209
Author(s):  
K.K. SEKHRI ◽  
C.S. ALEXANDER ◽  
H.T. NAGASAWA
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Alcohol Group ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
C57bl Mice ◽  
Group Ii

C57BL male mice (Jackson Lab., Bar Harbor, Maine) weighing about 18 gms were randomly divided into three groups: group I was fed sweetened liquid alcohol diet (modified Schenkl) in which 36% of the calories were derived from alcohol; group II was maintained on a similar diet but alcohol was isocalorically substituted by sucrose; group III was fed regular mouse chow ad lib for five months. Liver and heart tissues were fixed in 2.5% cacodylate buffered glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in 2% osmium tetroxide and embedded in Epon-araldite.

Heterogeneity and Immunochemical Properties of Anti-β2-glycoprotein I Autoantibodies

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (09) ◽  
pp. 393-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Regnault ◽  
E. Hachulla ◽  
L. Darnige ◽  
B. Roussel ◽  
J. C. Bensa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Phase ◽  
Anticardiolipin Antibodies ◽  
Dual Reactivity ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Epitope Specificity ◽  
Glycoprotein I ◽  
Group I ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Sufficient Concentration

SummaryMost anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are directed against epitopes expressed on β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). Despite a good correlation between standard ACA assays and those using purified human β2GPI as the sole antigen, some sera from APS patients only react in the latter. This is indicative of heterogeneity in anti-β2GPI antibodies. To characterize their reactivity profiles, human and bovine β2GPI were immobilized on γ-irradiated plates (β2GPI-ELISA), plain polystyrene precoated with increasing cardiolipin concentrations (CL/β2GPI-ELISA), and affinity columns. Fluid-phase inhibition experiments were also carried out with both proteins. Of 56 selected sera, restricted recognition of bovine or human β2GPI occurred respectively in 10/29 IgA-positive and 9/22 IgM-positive samples, and most of the latter (8/9) were missed by the standard ACA assay, as expected from a previous study. Based on species specificity and ACA results, IgG-positive samples (53/56) were categorized into three groups: antibodies reactive to bovine β2GPI only (group I) or to bovine and human β2GPI, group II being ACA-negative, and group III being ACA-positive. The most important group, group III (n = 33) was characterized by (i) binding when β2GPI was immobilized on γ-irradiated polystyrene or cardiolipin at sufficient concentration (regardless of β2GPI density, as assessed using 125I-β2GPI); (ii) and low avidity binding to fluid-phase β2GPI (Kd in the range 10–5 M). In contrast, all six group II samples showed (i) ability to bind human and bovine β2GPI immobilized on non-irradiated plates; (ii) concentration-dependent blockade of binding by cardiolipin, suggesting epitope location in the vicinity of the phospholipid binding site on native β2GPI; (iii) and relative avidities approximately 100-fold higher than in group III. Group I patients were heterogeneous with respect to CL/β2GPI-ELISA and ACA results (6/14 scored negative), possibly reflecting antibody differences in terms of avidity and epitope specificity. Affinity fractionation of 23 sera showed the existence, in individual patients, of various combinations of antibody subsets solely reactive to human or bovine β2GPI, together with cross-species reactive subsets present in all samples with dual reactivity namely groups III and II, although the latter antibodies were poorly purified on either column. Therefore, the mode of presentation of β2GPI greatly influences its recognition by anti-β2GPI antibodies with marked inter-individual heterogeneity, in relation to ACA quantitation and, possibly, disease presentation and pathogenesis.

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