Five new C21 steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum komarovii Al.Iljinski

Five new C21 steroidal glycosides, namely, komarosides D (1), E (2), F (3), G (4), and H (5), along with two known C21 steroidal glycosides cynatratoside E (6) and hancoside A (7), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots of Cynanchum komarovii Al.Iljinski (Asclepiadaceae). Their structures were determined by physiochemical and spectroscopic analysis. Among these glycosides, five had an aberrant 13,14:14,15-disecopregnane-type skeleton, and the other two had normal four-ring C21 steroid skeletons. The existence of more than one type of C21 steroid skeleton in one species is rare in the plants of the family Asclepiadaceae, and this has chemotaxonomic significance for this species.     

Steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum forrestii Schlechter

Nine new steroidal glycosides, cynaforrosides B, C, D, E, and F, based on a 13, 14: 14, 15-disecopregnane-type skeleton, cynaforrosides G, H, and I with a new aglycone named cynaforrogenin A, and cynaforroside J together with three known C21 steroidal glycosides cynatratoside A, hancoside and komaroside C were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots of Cynanchum forrestii Schlechter. The structures of new compounds were determined on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. Steroidal glycosides with three kinds of skeletons were isolated from this plant simultaneously. The sugar units of cynaforrosides B-I contained two moieties of glucoses and especially cynaforrosides E-I contained two glucoses with the mode of 1-->6 linkage, which were rare among steroidal glycosides of the genus Cynanchum.     

Molecular characterization of porcine MMP19 and MMP23B genes and its association with immune traits

MMP19 and MMP23B belong to the Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) family, which are zinc-binding endopeptidases that are capable of degrading various components of the extracellular matrix. They are thought to play important roles in embryonic development, reproduction and tissue remodeling, as well as in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis and host defense. However, they are poorly understood in pigs. Here, we obtained the full length coding region sequence and genomic sequence of the porcine MMP19 and MMP23B genes and analyzed their genomic structures. The deduced amino acid sequence shares similar precursor protein domains with human and mouse MMP19 and MMP23B protein, respectively. Using IMpRH panel, MMP19 was mapped to SSC5p12-q11 (closely linked to microsatellite DK) and MMP23B was mapped to SSC8q11-q12 (linked to microsatellite Sw2521). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that MMP19 was abundantly expressed in the liver, while MMP23B was strongly expressed in the ovarian and heart. Furthermore, both genes were all expressed increasingly in prenatal skeletal muscle during development. Three SNPs were detected by sequencing and PCR-RFLP methods, and association analysis indicated that C203T at exon 5 of MMP19 has a significant association with the blood parameters WBC (G/L) and IgG2 (mg/mL) (P<0.05), SNP C131T at exon 3 of MMP23B is significantly associated with the blood parameters HGB (g/L) and MCH (P<0.05), and A150G in exon 4 has no significant association with the economic traits in pigs.     

Studies on Chemical Compositions of Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don

Eleven compositions isolated from Podocarpus neriifolius D. Don were identified as n-C34H69OH (1), β-sitosteryl stearate (2), β-sitosterol (3), sciadopitysin (8), podocarpusflavone B (12), robustaflavone-7"-methyl ether (13), podocarpusflavone A(14), robustaflavone (15), p-hydroxyl benzoic acid (16), 2"-O-rhamnosylscopariu (23), 2"-O-rhamnosyl vitexin (24) on the basis of physical constants and spectral data. Among them, compound 8, 13 and 15 were found from the species for the first time. Compound 113 and 24 were reported from Podocarpaceae for the first time. The ethanol extract of P.neriitolius showed obvious cytotoxicity against A-549 and HT-29.     

S100A8 and S100A9 promotes invasion and migration through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent NF-κB activation in gastric cancer cells

S100A8 and S100A9 (S100A8/A9) are low-molecular weight members of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins. Recent studies have reported S100A8/A9 promote tumorigenesis. We have previously reported that S100A8/A9 is mostly expressed in stromal cells and inflammatory cells between gastric tumor cells. However, the role of environmental S100A8/A9 in gastric cancer has not been defined. We observed in the present study the effect of S100A8/A9 on migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. S100A8/ A9 treatment increased migration and invasionat lower concentrations that did not affect cell proliferation and cell viability. S100A8/A9 caused activation of p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was not affected by the NF-κB inhibitor Bay whereas activation of NF-κB was blocked by p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, indicating that S100A8/A9-induced NF-κB activation is mediated by phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. S100A8/A9-induced cell migration and invasion was inhibited by SB203580 and Bay, suggesting that activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB is involved in the S100A8/A9 induced cell migration and invasion. S100A8/A9 caused an increase in matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP12 expression, which were inhibited by SB203580 and Bay. S100A8/A9-induced cell migration and invasion was inhibited by MMP2 siRNA and MMP12 siRNA, indicating that MMP2 and MMP12 is related to the S100A8/A9 induced cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these results suggest that S100A8/A9 promotes cell migration and invasion through p38 MAPKdependent NF-κB activation leading to an increase of MMP2 and MMP12 in gastric cancer.     

Artificial Feeding Systems for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

Feeding of an "obligate" plant-parasitic nematode (nonfungal feeder), Pratylenchus scribneri, in the absence of plant tissue was demonstrated in an artificial system consisting of liquid media and indicator dyes including amaranth and various nontoxic food colors. Among the compounds tested, sucrose, dextrose, Gamborg''s B5 medium, and DL-methionine stimulated a small percentage of feeding (12-36%). A high percentage of feeding (90-100%) occurred in a filtrate from excised corn roots cultured in Gamborg''s B5 medium. This feeding system has the potential to develop an artificial medium for plant-parasitic nematodes and to screen novel nematicides that are stomach poisons.     

Correlation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms with homocysteine metabolism in healthy Lebanese adults

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with several vascular and teratogenic conditions. Determinants of total homocysteine concentrations include genetic and nutritional factors. This study assesses the relation between homocysteine concentrations and MTHFR gene polymorphisms at two common alleles (C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131)) as well as other predictors of homocysteine (folate, vitamin B(12), body mass index (BMI), age, and gender) in a group of healthy Lebanese: 109 males and 124 females aged 17-55years. We used serum for the determination of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B(12) levels and blood drawn in EDTA tubes for molecular analysis of MTHFR polymorphisms. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 59/233 (25.3%) of the subjects, with male/female ratio of 1.95. Multivariable regression analysis showed that homocysteine levels were negatively related to folate and vitamin B(12) and positively related to male gender and C677T homozygosity; but not A1298C polymorphism, BMI or age. The prevalence of wild, heterozygous, and homozygous C677T genotypes was 45.0%, 43.3% and 11.6%, respectively; with a carrier frequency of 54.9% and allelic frequency of 33.3%. The A1298C genotypic prevalence was 39.5%, 30.9%, and 29.6% respectively; with a carrier frequency of 60.5% and allelic frequency of 45.1%. C677T/A1289C compound heterozygosity was present in 47/233 (20.2%) of volunteers. In this first pilot study, gender, folate, vitamin B(12) and C677T mutational status could explain around 32% of homocysteine variations. Future larger studies are recommended to investigate other predictors of homocysteine variation and combine them with markers explored in this and other studies, in order to evaluate their impact on vascular and/or congenital diseases.     

Two secopregnane-type steroidal glycosides from Cynanchum stauntonii (Decne.) Schltr.ex Levl.

Two new steroid glycosides, stauntosaponins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Cynanchum stauntonii (Decne.) Schltr.ex Levl. (Asclepiadaceae) together with five known compounds, anhydrohirundigenin monothevetoside, glaucogenin C mono-d-thevetoside, hirundoside A, cynatratoside A, and glaucogenin C. Stauntosaponins A and B were formulated as 3-O-β-d-oleandropyranosyl-14, 16: 15, 20: 18, 20-triepoxy-14, 15-secopregn-4, 6, 8(14)-triene (1) and 3-O-β-d-thevetopyranosyl-14, 16: 15, 20: 18, 20-triepoxy-14, 15-secopregn-4, 6, 8(14)-triene (2). Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate inhibitory activities against Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase with IC₅₀ values of 21 and 29 μM, respectively, whereas ouabain as a positive control displayed an IC₅₀ value of 3.5 μM.     

三种杀虫剂亚致死剂量对草地贪夜蛾细胞色素P450基因表达的影响

【目的】为明确杀虫剂亚致死剂量对草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda细胞色素P450基因表达的影响。【方法】本研究采用叶片浸渍法测定了3种杀虫剂[氯虫苯甲酰胺、甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和苏云金杆菌Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)]对草地贪夜蛾2龄幼虫的毒力,以及通过实时荧光定量PCR(real-time quantitative PCR, RT-qPCR)技术测定了这3种杀虫剂亚致死剂量(LC_(10))处理后48 h时草地贪夜蛾2龄幼虫16个P450基因的表达量。【结果】氯虫苯甲酰胺、甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和Bt对草地贪夜蛾2龄幼虫的LC_(10)值分别为0.931, 0.283和1 089.688 mg/L。2龄幼虫受LC_(10)氯虫苯甲酰胺胁迫后,13个P450基因(CYP4G75,CYP6AB12,CYP6B50,CYP321A7,CY321A8,CYP321A9,CYP321A10,CYP321B1,CYP337B5,CYP9A59,CYP9A58,CYP6AE44及CYP6AE43)表达上调,其中CYP6AE44表达量为对照的34.60倍;2龄幼虫受LC_(10)甲维盐胁迫后,11个P450基因(CYP4G75,CYP6AB12,CYP321A7,CY321A8,CYP321A9,CYP321A10,CYP321B1,CYP337B5,CYP9A58,CYP6AE44及CYP6AE43)表达上调,其中CYP321B1表达量为对照的28.70倍;2龄幼虫受LC_(10)Bt胁迫后,11个P450基因(CYP4G75,CYP6AB12,CYP6AN4,CYP321A7,CY321A8,CYP321A9,CYP321A10,CYP321B1,CYP337B5,CYP6AE44及CYP6AE43)表达上调,其中CYP6AE44表达量为对照的40.80倍。【结论】草地贪夜蛾2龄幼虫的多个P450基因受这3种杀虫剂亚致死剂量处理后表达上调,其中CYP4G75,CYP6AB12,CYP321A7,CY321A8,CYP321A9,CYP321A10,CYP321B1,CYP321B5,CYP6AE44及CYP6AE43均能被这3种杀虫剂诱导表达。     

Oxidative Stress in the Heart of Rats Infected with Trypanosoma evansi

This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of oxidative stress in the heart tissue of rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi. Rats were divided into 2 groups (A and B) with 12 animals each, and further subdivided into 4 subgroups (A1 and A2, 6 animals/each; and B1 and B2, 6 animals/each). Animals in the groups B1 and B2 were subcutaneously inoculated with T. evansi. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), reduced glutathione activity (GSH), and non-protein thiols (NPSH) in the heart tissue were evaluated. At day 5 and 15 post-infection (PI), an increase in the TBARS levels and a decrease in the SOD activity (P<0.05) were observed. GSH and GST activities were decreased in infected animals at day 15 PI (P<0.05). Considering the proper functioning of the heart, it is possible that the changes in the activity of these enzymes involved in the oxidative stress may be related, at least in part, in the pathophysiology of rats infected with T. evansi.     

Functional polymorphisms in the interleukin-12 gene contribute to cancer risk: Evidence from a meta-analysis of 18 case–control studies

Background

Emerging evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has shown that interleukin-12 (IL-12) has some effectiveness against endogenously arising carcinogenesis. Several potentially functional polymorphisms of IL-12 gene have been implicated in cancer risk, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-12 polymorphisms and cancer risk.

Methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of science and CBM databases were searched for all articles published up to June 10, 2012 that addressed IL-12 polymorphisms and cancer risk. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.1.6 and STATA 12.0 softwares.

Results

Eighteen studies were included with a total of 6463 cancer cases and 7412 healthy controls. We found that the 3'UTR A > C (rs3212227) polymorphism of IL-12B gene was associated with significantly increased overall risk of cancers using random effects model (C vs A: odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.27; AC + CC vs AA: OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43). However, the 3'UTR G > A (rs568408), IVS2 T > A (rs582054) and 5'UTR T > G (rs2243115) polymorphisms of IL-12A gene did not appear to have an influence on cancer susceptibility. Further subgroup analyses showed that the 3'UTR A > C (rs3212227) polymorphism was associated with increased cancer risks in the subgroups of Asians, cervical and nasopharyngeal cancers.

Conclusions

Results from the current meta-analysis indicates that the 3'UTR A > C (rs3212227) polymorphism of IL-12B gene might be a potential biomarker for cancer risk among Asians, especially for cervical and nasopharyngeal cancers.     

Origin of initial burst in activity for Trichoderma reesei endo-glucanases hydrolyzing insoluble cellulose

The kinetics of cellulose hydrolysis have long been described by an initial fast hydrolysis rate, tapering rapidly off, leading to a process that takes days rather than hours to complete. This behavior has been mainly attributed to the action of cellobiohydrolases and often linked to the processive mechanism of this exo-acting group of enzymes. The initial kinetics of endo-glucanases (EGs) is far less investigated, partly due to a limited availability of quantitative assay technologies. We have used isothermal calorimetry to monitor the early time course of the hydrolysis of insoluble cellulose by the three main EGs from Trichoderma reesei (Tr): TrCel7B (formerly EG I), TrCel5A (EG II), and TrCel12A (EG III). These endo-glucanases show a distinctive initial burst with a maximal rate that is about 5-fold higher than the rate after 5 min of hydrolysis. The burst is particularly conspicuous for TrCel7B, which reaches a maximal turnover of about 20 s(-1) at 30 °C and conducts about 1200 catalytic cycles per enzyme molecule in the initial fast phase. For TrCel5A and TrCel12A the extent of the burst is 2-300 cycles per enzyme molecule. The availability of continuous data on EG activity allows an analysis of the mechanisms underlying the initial kinetics, and it is suggested that the slowdown is linked to transient inactivation of enzyme on the cellulose surface. We propose, therefore, that the frequency of structures on the substrate surface that cause transient inactivation determine the extent of the burst phase.     

Optimization of Lipase Production from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus terreus</Emphasis> by Response Surface Methodology and Its Potential for Synthesis of Partial Glycerides Under Solvent Free Conditions

Aspergillus terreus produces lipase 7.01 IU/ml in 96 h after optimization by one variable at a time method. Using the significant factors i.e. corn oil (A), sodium nitrate (B), casein (C), agitation rate (D) and incubation period (E) RSM was carried out resulting in 19.65 IU/ml from the combination +1(A), −1(B), −1(C), +1(D) and 0(E). The interactions between sodium nitrate, casein and agitation with corn oil were most significant. Scale up of production from 250 ml shake flask to 30 l bioreactor resulted in increased productivity of 0.52 IU/ml/h as against 0.2 IU/ml/h obtained in shake flasks. This lipase could carryout solvent free synthesis of partial glycerides of oleic acid with 96% efficiency in 12 h.     

神经节苷脂对脂多糖损伤大鼠嗜铬细胞瘤细胞的保护作用

目的：研究内源性神经节苷脂对大鼠嗜铬细胞瘤细胞株（PC12）脂多糖（LPS）损伤后的作用及机制。方法：培养PC12细胞,建立LPS损伤模型,采用MTT法检测不同浓度LPS对PC12细胞存活率的改变、葡萄糖神经酰胺合成酶抑制剂D（D-PDMP）耗竭内源性神经节苷脂时LPS对PC12细胞存活率的改变以及添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1后对PC12细胞存活率的保护作用;倒置显微镜和荧光显微镜观察细胞状态;RT-PCR检测NF-κB的相对表达含量。结果：LPS能导致PC12细胞形态学的改变及存活率下降,且随着LPS浓度的增加细胞存活率逐渐降低;神经节苷脂GM1能明显改善LPS所致的细胞形态学以及存活率的改变;工具药D-PDMP耗竭内源性神经节苷脂后,LPS对PC12细胞的损伤更严重,添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1,细胞形态学及存活率得到明显改善,细胞存活率上升;LPS损伤时细胞内NF-κB含量增加;D-PDMP预先耗竭内源性神经节苷脂时NF-κB含量增加更多;添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1后NF-κB含量降低。结论：内源性神经节苷脂对PC12细胞LPS损伤具有保护作用,可能是通过NF-κB信号通路来发挥作用的。     

Cathepsin E regulates the presentation of tetanus toxin C-fragment in PMA activated primary human B cells

Processing of antigens by proteases in the endocytic compartments of antigen presenting cells (APC) is essential to make them suitable for presentation as antigenic peptides to T lymphocytes. Several proteases of the cysteine, aspartyl and serine classes are involved in this process. It has been speculated, that the aspartyl protease cathepsin E (CatE) is involved in antigen processing in B cell line, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) and murine DC. Here we show the expression of CatE in primary human B cells and DC, which was only elevated in B cells after induction with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), resulted in enhanced presentation of tetanus toxin C-fragment (TTC) to the respective T cells. Inhibition of aspartyl proteases using pepstatin-A-penetratin (PepA-P), a highly efficient, cell-permeable aspartyl protease inhibitor, reduced significantly T cell activation in PMA activated B cells but not in PMA activated myeloid DC (mDC). Thus we suggest that CatE is important in the processing of TTC in primary human B cells.     

The C-terminus and linker region of S100B exert dual control on protein-protein interactions with TRTK-12

S100B, an EF-hand calcium-binding protein composed of two S100beta monomers, undergoes a calcium-dependent conformational change that provides a surface for target interactions. In this study, the calcium-sensitive S100B-binding epitope TRTK-12 has been used to probe the contributions of the linker and C-terminal regions of S100B to protein-protein interactions. These contributions were quantified using C-terminal mutant S100B proteins lacking the C-terminal seven (S100B85stop) or nine (S100B83stop) residues or containing alanine substitutions at Phe87 (F87A), Phe88 (F88A), or both (F8788A). Both F8788A and F88A bound TRTK-12 less tightly (K(d) = 1.85 +/- 0.02 and 0.97 +/- 0.08 microM, respectively) than the wild-type protein (K(d) = 0.27 +/- 0.03 microM, DeltaG = -37.2 kJ/mol), indicating these residues are important for TRTK-12 interaction. The truncated S100B proteins bound TRTK-12 much more weakly (K(d) = 659.7 +/- 119.3 microM, DeltaG = -17.9 kJ/mol), indicating the linker region contributed about 50% to the binding of TRTK-12, while the C-terminus contributed the remaining 50% of the binding energy. Based on mutagenesis and NMR chemical shift studies, a comparison with known S100-target protein complexes showed the S100B-TRTK-12 complex has the strongest resemblance to the S100A10-annexin II interaction.     

HLA gene and haplotype frequencies in Uruguay

A total of 604 individuals living in Montevideo and other places in Uruguay were studied in relation to three I HLA loci. The most common alleles observed (percentages in parentheses) were A2(24), A9(15), A19(11), B12(12), B35(12), and C4(16). The most marked departures from linkage equilibrium (all numbers multiplied by 10⁵) were B35-C4(636), A2-B5(590), A2C3(515), A2B14(494), and A19-B12(485). These findings do not contradict the hypothesis that while most of the Uruguayan population is of Caucasoid origin, significant African and Amerindian genes may exist in its gene pool.     

Sulforaphane controls TPA-induced MMP-9 expression through the NF-κB signaling pathway,but not AP-1, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Sulforaphane [1-isothiocyanato-4-(methylsulfinyl)-butane] is an isothiocyanate found in some cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli. Sulforaphane has been shown to display anti-cancer properties against various cancer cell lines. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays an important role in cancer cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the effect of sulforaphane on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in MCF-7 cells. TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion were decreased by sulforaphane treatment. TPA substantially increased NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding activity. Pre-treatment with sulforaphane inhibited TPA-stimulated NF-κB binding activity, but not AP-1 binding activity. In addition, we found that sulforaphane suppressed NF-κB activation, by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκB in TPA-treated MCF-7 cells. In this study, we demonstrated that the inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion by sulforaphane was mediated by the suppression of the NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 cells. [BMB Reports 2013; 46(4): 201-206]     

半枝莲抗肝癌活性部位的化学成分研究

前期研究发现,半枝莲(Scutellaria barbata)全草醇提物的乙酸乙酯萃取部位经大孔吸附树脂处理,其70%乙醇洗脱部位具有较好的抗肝癌活性。为明确其活性成分,该研究采用硅胶柱色谱、Sephadex LH-20柱色谱、制备TLC、半制备液相色谱等对活性部位进行分离和纯化,运用多种波谱分析方法鉴定了单体化合物结构,并利用CCK-8法评价了所有单体化合物对人肝癌HepG2细胞体外增殖抑制活性,同时利用分子对接技术考察了活性最好的化合物与肝癌靶标的结合情况。结果表明:(1)从该活性部位共分离得到14个化合物,包括12个新克罗烷型二萜类化合物和2个黄酮类化合物,分别鉴定为scutefolide C(1)、6-乙酰氧基-7-烟酸酰氧基半枝莲碱G(2)、scutestrigillosin D(3)、 scutehenanine D(4)、半枝莲碱A(5)、半枝莲碱B(6)、7-烟酸酰氧基半枝莲碱H(7)、半枝莲碱N(8)、半枝莲碱Y(9)、barbatin A(10)、barbatin B(11)、barbatin D(12)、5, 7, 6''-三羟基-2''-甲氧基黄酮醇(13)和5, 8-二羟基-6, 7-二甲氧基黄酮(14)。其中,化合物1-3、13、14为首次从该植物中分离得到。(2)活性测试结果显示,化合物4、7、10-12表现出较弱的HepG2细胞增殖抑制活性,化合物6的细胞增殖抑制活性和阳性对照(顺铂)活性接近,而化合物5表现出比顺铂更强的细胞增殖抑制活性。(3)分子对接结果显示,化合物5和化合物6与肝癌靶蛋白VEGF-2均具有良好的结合力。该研究结果不仅丰富了半枝莲的化学物质类群,也为进一步深入研究活性化合物抗肝癌的作用机制提供了参考。     

HLA class I and class II polymorphism in the population of Rijeka,Croatia

The aim of the study was to examine frequencies of HLA-A, -B, -DR antigens and haplotypes in population of Rijeka and to compare them with general Croatian and European populations. The subjects were 117 unrelated healthy blood donors. The antigens with the highest frequencies were: A2 (27.2%), A9 (16.3%), B5 (14.8%), B12 (11.8%), B18 (11.8%), DR5 (21.6%) and DR6 (13.8%). Comparison of HLA antigens frequencies has shown statistically significant difference in 1 antigen with Croatian population and in 8 antigens with European population. The HLA haplotypes with high frequencies included HLA-A2, B5 (6.84%), HLA-A2, B12 (6.84%), HLA-A2, B18 (6.84%), HLA-B12, DR2 (9.78%) and HLA-B18, DR5 (6.84%). The antigen B5 showed strongest association with DR5 (6.41%; LD = 1.30) as in general Croatian and in some European populations. The results have shown great diversity of HLA haplotypes in Rijeka population which can be the result of admixture with neighborhood immigrating populations during the history.