The prevalence of positive LE cell and anti-DNA tests in a population of Thai adolescents

The incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Thailand is not well described. Here, we report the prevalence of a positive LE cell test and anti-dDNA latex agglutination test among a sample of Thai adolescents. Of 80 Thai young adolescent subjected to a positive LE cell test and anti-dDNA latex test was found one case having clinical presentations from mild to moderate symptoms, giving the prevalence equal of 1.25%

Effect of Trimeresurus albolabris (green pit viper) venom on mean corpuscular volume, osmotic fragility and red blood cell morphology: A preliminary report

An in vitro study was conducted by mixing small amounts of green pit viper venom with blood and observing changes. At a concentration of 10 mg crude venom, red blood cells (RBC) osmotic fragility slightly increased. RBC morphology changed to spherical shape which was compatible with what was observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM). However, there was no change in mean corpuscular volume (p > 0.05)

Red cell and platelet-derived microparticles are increased in G6PD-deficient subjects.

In response to oxidative stress and during apoptosis, cells often shed microparticles (MPs), submicron elements carrying phosphatidylserine and protein antigens. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient cells are extremely sensitive to oxidative damage that may lead to the formation of MPs. To determine whether G6PD deficiency alters membrane phospholipid asymmetry and increases MPs production, we determined the concentrations and cellular origins of MPs in G6PD-deficient individuals using flow cytometry. G6PD-deficient individuals showed an increase in circulating MPs concentrations as compared with G6PD-normal individuals [1051/μL (865-2532/μL) vs. 258/μL (235-575/μL), P < 0.01]. MPs concentrations were significantly increased with the severity of G6PD deficiency. Median MPs concentrations from individuals with severe G6PD deficiency, and individuals with moderate G6PD deficiency were 2567/μL (1216-2532/μL) and 984/μL (685-2107/μL), respectively (P < 0.01). Importantly, G6PD enzymatic activity was significantly correlated with MPs concentrations with r(2) = 0.731. MPs found in G6PD deficiency individuals were largely derived from red blood cells (RBCs) (45%) and platelets (30%). Additionally, Atomic Force Microscopy was used to study the morphology and measures the diameter of MPs found in G6PD-deficient individuals. The mean (SD) width and height of RMPs were 0. 41 (0.18) and 2.04 (0.14) μm, respectively. Together, these results indicate that MP concentration is significantly correlated with G6PD enzymatic activity and is increased in G6PD-deficient as compared with G6PD-normal individuals. Our data also provide an evidence for an alteration in cell membrane associated with a decreased in G6PD activity. However, the significance of MPs in G6PD deficiency needs further clarification

Affordable Technology for Enumeration of the Absolute CD4 T-Lymphocyte Count by Cell Bead Assay

The quantitative BD Trucount (San Jose, CA) tube method is the conventional but expensive method to quantitate CD4+T-lymphocyte (CD4) counts, and this may be beyond the means of countries with limited resources. In this study, we validated a quantitative method known as a cell-bead (CB) assay to quantitate CD4 counts in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. The absolute CD4 count obtained from the CB method was highly correlated with those obtained from the Trucount tube (r2=0.98, y=26.73+1.01x, P<0.0001 and a mean bias of 34.8 cell/μL, limit of agreement [LOA] -34.8-104.4 cell/μL) and flow rate-based assay method (r2=0.97; y=69.51 + 0.88x, P<0.0001 and a mean bias -53.5 cell/μL, LOA -149.4-42.3 cell/μL). This study demonstrates that the CB method is suitable and more affordable for CD4 quantitation. This method is inexpensive and interchangeable with the latex bead-based methods for generating absolute counts in resource-limited areas