Autoimmunity
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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disorder in which destruction of platelets is accelerated by anti-platelet autoimmune antibodies. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), essential factors for B cell survival are elevated in systemic autoimmune diseases and correlated with clinical findings. High expression of BAFF has been shown in patients with ITP, but the status of APRIL in ITP is still unknown. ⋯ APRIL is over expressed in untreated active ITP patients and might be a pathogenic factor of this disorder.
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Recent studies suggest that celiac disease (CD) is common in many developing countries. Because the disease may be under diagnosed in Cuba, we studied the presence of the disease in a group of apparently healthy adult. ⋯ This study confirms the existence of silent CD among healthy adult in Cuba and highlights the importance of mass screening for this disease among them. The one-step immunochromatographic assay is a good tool for this purpose.