No abstract

Recebido em 16/5/07; aceito em 27/9/07; publicado na web em 2/4/08 Amphotericin B (AB) is the standard drug for invasive fungal infection therapy. It has a broad spectrum of activity and it is the best antifungal available against most yeasts and molds. Its therapeutic use, however, is limited by significant side effects, leading to a low therapeutic index when it is used as the traditional formulation (Fungizone®). Due to self-association, AB can form pores in cholesterol-containing membranes. We propose a triglyceride-rich nanoemulsion as a delivery system for AB in low levels of aggregation to reduce the toxicity against host cells.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to determine the normal range of serum beta 2-microglobulin (Sb 2 M) levels among healthy volunteers in Brazil. Levels of Sb 2 M are elevated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and have been shown to be the best predictor of HIV infection status and of some malignant disorders, especially multiple myeloma. In order to achieve its optimal use in Brazilian clinical diagnosis, an adequate reference interval study was performed for Sb 2 M IMMULITE ® assay, based on the fact that its reference range limits were evaluated among European populations. METHODS: Ninety-six healthy blood donors were evaluated, and Sb 2 M levels were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay using the IMMULITE ® automated analyzer. RESULTS: A normal range of Sb2M values, established by a nonparametric statistical method, was 1.05 to 3.9 mg/mL, with the upper limit being higher than that reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented new data indicating that there is a significant difference between the current reference limits for Sb2M IMMULITE ® assay and those found in Brazil, providing evidence that significant differences in range of normal values may occur among different populations, and that these new values should be considered for Brazilian individuals.