Prevalence of Lewis Blood Group Polymorphisms in Southern Thai Blood Donors

Objective: To determine the frequencies of five of the most common (59T>G, 202T>C, 314C>T, 508G>A and 1067T>G) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the FUT3 gene in Thai blood donors and examine their associations with the presence or absence of Lewis antigens on red blood cells.Material and Methods: A total of 364 donor specimens from Songklanagarind Hospital and Regional Blood Centre XII Songkhla, Thailand, were recruited for the study. Molecular analysis of each SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). The Lewis phenotype was investigated in 159 individuals using the standard hemagglutination test.Results: The frequencies of the SNPs were 32.0% (59T>G), 46.6% (202T>C), 21.7% (314C>T), 37.9% (508G>A), and 25.0% (1067T>A). The prevalences of the Lewis phenotype were 61.0% for Le(a-b+), 7.6% for Le(a+b-), 11.3% for Le(a+b+), and 20.1% for Le(a-b-). The Lewis-negative phenotype was significantly associated with homozygosity in 59T>G and 1067T>A (χ2 =49.873, and χ2 =44.520, respectively).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that le59,1067 is largely responsible for the Lewis-negative phenotype in our southern Thai population. Genetic variations in FUT3 polymorphisms may be used as molecular markers for ethnicity and to help understand the roles of the Lewis blood group in infections or clinical diseases.

Lewis Blood Group Antigens are Associated with Altered Susceptibility to Shigellosis

In a cohort of infants, we found that lack of the Lewis histo-blood group antigen was associated with increased susceptibility to shigellosis. Broadly inhibiting fucosylation in epithelial cells in vitro decreased invasion by Shigella flexneri. These results support a role for fucosylated glycans in susceptibility to shigellosis.

Lewis Blood Group Antigens are Associated with Altered Susceptibility to Shigellosis

In a cohort of infants, we found that lack of the Lewis histo-blood group antigen was associated with increased susceptibility to shigellosis. Broadly inhibiting fucosylation in epithelial cells in vitro decreased invasion by Shigella flexneri. These results support a role for fucosylated glycans in susceptibility to shigellosis.

Lewis Blood Group Percentage Distribution among Indigenes of Ogoni Ethnicity in Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: We attempted to determine the frequency and percentage distribution of Lewis blood group antigens among indigenes of Ogoni ethnicity in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study consisted of 101 Ogoni people, who were apparently healthy and free from transfusion transmissible infections confirmed by serological screening. Ogoniland is located along the Niger Delta Eastern edge, and to the north-east of the Imo River and Port Harcourt city. All subjects were recruited and their blood samples were collected. The presence of Lewis-a and -b (Lea/Leb) blood group was examined using Anti-Lea and Leb monoclonal antibody, respectively (Lorne Laboratories). Results: Lea and Leb blood group was observed in 17.8% and 11.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Lea and Leb in this population was observed less frequently than those in other population previously reported. The Lewis antigen was reported to be associated with thrombotic disorders and Helicobacter pylori infection. Further studies may be directed to examine the association between Lewis blood group antigens and the risk of these conditions in Ogoni subjects.

Association between secretor status and Lewis phenotype with seronegative spondyloarthritis as indicator of autoimmunity

The classical paradigm of autoimmune pathogenesis involving specific genetic makeup and exposure to environmental triggers has been challenged recently by the addition of a third element, the loss of intestinal barrier function. Regardless of HLA B27 phenotype or gastrointestinal symptoms, evidence of ileitis, ileocolitis or colitis exists in patients with spondyloarthropathy. The FUT2 secretory gene is a strong candidate for Crohn's susceptibility by shaping the functional states of mucosal microbiota and may thus have influence on the release of zonulin, the main regulator of gut permeability. Gram negative bacteria precipitate and may be involved in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies. Susceptibility to many infectious agents is associated with ABO blood group or secretor state. Patients who cannot secrete ABO and Lewis blood group antigens into body fluids, an ability controlled by a single gene on chromosome 19, are known to be at increased risk of certain autoimmune diseases associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers. Lewis (Le) blood group phenotype can be used to infer secretor status. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of secretor state and Lewis blood group phenotype in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies and healthy control subjects. Hundred and ten (110) patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathies (58 females and 52 males) and 103 control (74 males and 29 females) subjects participated in this study. Samples of saliva and blood were subjected to haemagglutination inhibition tests for determination of secretor status and Lewis phenotype. A total of 92(84%) patients and 92 (89%) control subjects were secretors while 18 (16%) patients and 11 (11%) control subjects were non-secretors. There was no statistically significant difference (?2 1,461 p<0,05 and degrees of freedom 1) in distribution of secretor status in comparison to seronegative spondyloarthropathies by comparing two observed populations. Seven patients had modified (reduced) expression of Lewis b antigen on their erythrocytes. Reduction of Lewis b antigen expression was not observed on erythrocytes of healthy subjects. Reduced expression of Lewis b antigen could be a consequence of the inflammatory process within the gut and it also suggests several pathogenic mechanisms which may be relevant to the synthesis of Lewis antigens inside the gut or its absorption on erythrocytes in patients with spondyloarthropathy.