Selected serum cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus treated with quinagolide.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of quinagolide (Norprolac) on serum level of cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. In 20 SLE patients treated with a low dose of quinagolide, and in 17 healthy persons who constituted the control group, concentration of serum prolactin (PRL), interleukins (ILs), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNF Rs) preceded by calculation of disease activity index (SLEDAI) were tested at entry and then after 3 months in 16 patients and after 6 months in 11 patients who completed the study. Serum PRL level was higher (though insignificantly) in the SLE group than in the controls and decreased significantly after 6 months of therapy. A raised SLEDAI score at entry was significantly reduced during therapy but a weak correlation with PRL level was revealed. A significant increase in IL-6 level in SLE group as compared to controls was observed (respectively 14.57 +/- 13.25 and 5.04 +/- 3.35 microg/ml) as well as a significantly decreased level after 6 months of treatment (4.30 +/- 2.51 pg/ml). There was a significant difference between sTNF RI concentration before and after 3 months of quinagolide treatment (respectively 1140.83 +/- 312.08 and 1454.58 +/- 465.54 pg/ml). After 6 months of treatment a statistically significant correlation between concentration of PRL and level of IL-6 and a negative correlation between PRL and sTNF RI was revealed. Quinagolide treatment may have a role in the management of SLE patients.

[Borreliosis--"the big imitator"--difficulties in diagnosis and differentiation of diseases]. / Borelioza--"wielki imitator"--trudnosci w diagnostyce i róznicowaniu choroby.

Difficulties in the diagnostics and differential diagnosis of borreliosis were presented. The ways of infection, epidemiology as well as clinical picture were described. The pathogenesis of arthritis accompanying borreliosis and its place in the group of rheumatic diseases are mentioned in the article.

Comparative study of neutrophil activities in adults and full-term neonates in relation to the method of delivery.

The aim of this study was to compare the markers of neutrophil activity in healthy adults with those in healthy neonates in relation to the method of delivery. The following parameters were studied: absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil adherence to nylon fiber, NBT reduction, and neutrophil phagocytosis of latex particles. The study has shown that the method of delivery significantly affects the markers of neutrophil activity measured in umbilical cord blood. The levels of these markers were higher in neonates born by elective cesarean section than in adults, neonates born vaginally or those born by emergency cesarean section. This comparative study of defensive functions of neutrophils from adults and neonates indicates that the conflicting results of other studies may be caused not only by differences in investigative methodology but also by the fact that the eligibility criteria used in these studies did not include the method of delivery, which can affect the markers of neutrophil activity via triggering a stress response.

[Estimation of blood pressure, selected biochemical parameters and indices of left ventricular heart function in patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension treated with potassium losartan]. / Ocena cisnienia tetniczego krwi, wybranych parametrów biochemicznych oraz wskazników czynnosci lewej komory serca u chorych z lagodnym lub umiarkowanym nadcisnieniem pierwotnym, leczonych za pomoca losartanu potasu.

This study was conducted in 19 patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension randomised open trial to evaluate the influence of potassium losartan dosed 50 mg per day on blood pressure, metabolic processes and left ventricular heart function. The following intervals of examination were accepted-at entry (before therapy with losartan) and then after 10 days; after 30 days and after 60 days of treatment. Mean values of arterial blood pressure and heart rate measured by conventional technics and obtained from 24-hour ambulatory monitoring data, biochemical results (serum levels of glucose, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, bilirubin and serum activity of aminotransferases) and selected indices of left ventricular heart function were evaluated as intragroup differences using Student's paired t test. Afterwards the body mass index was compared. Statistically significant decrease of systolic arterial pressure after 60 days of therapy was revealed and it concerned both diurnal period and sleep time and during whole 24 hours. During treatment with losartan mean creatinine serum level was increased and the serum level of bilirubin was decreased in serum after 10 days of therapy. No significant changes were noted in any other laboratory parameters. After 30 and 60 days of treatment with potassium losartan thickness of interventricular septum end-diastole (IVS-D) diminished and E/A ratio (transmitral flow during early ventricular diastole to peak velocity of late filling) augmented statistically significantly after 30 days of treatment. In addition body mass index was increased after 10 days of therapy with losartan when compared with this index at the entry. This study confirmed profitable antihypertensive losartan effect as significant decrease of systolic blood pressure and demonstrated improve diastolic function of left ventricle during therapy in patients with mild or moderate essential hypertension.

[Recurrent disseminated intravascular coagulation in the course of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)]. / Nawracajacy zespól rozsianego wykrzepiania wewnatrznaczyniowego w przebiegu gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

The objective of this paper was the description of a case of 68-year old male patient with epithelioid gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) as the first and predominant revealed symptom of disease was observed. The final diagnosis was performed using the specific immunohistochemic and ultrastructural assays. The diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties were presented in discussion.

[Comparison study of some neutrophils indices in neonates and adults]. / Próba porównania wybranych wskazników granulocytarnych u noworodków oraz u osób doroslych.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the difference in a range of number values, function and metabolism of neutrophil granulocyte sampled from umbilical cord of healthy and full-term newborns and healthy adults. The following indices were measured: total neutrophils number, neutrophil adherence to fibre, nitrobluetetrazolium reduction ability, phagocytic activity, alkaline phosphatase activity and lysozyme activity in serum. Results of the study showed that neutrophils from healthy newborns, when compared with neutrophils from adults, demonstrated the increase of oxidation-reduction processes, the increase of alkaline phosphatase activity in these cells and lysozyme activity in serum. It was associated with the increase of count of neutrophils what resulted from the decrease of their adherence.

[Immunological disorders in patients with uterine myomas]. / Zmiany niektórych wskazników granulocytarnych u chorych z miesniakami macicy.

The investigations covered a group of 20 patients with uterine myomas aged 38 to 57 years. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women. The following indices were used in the assessment of non-specific immunity: 1) determination of the total leukocyte number and neutrophil number in peripheral blood, 2) the investigation of NBT reduction by neutrophils, 3) the evaluation of myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils. 4) the assessment of alkaline phosphatase activity in neutrophils, 5) the evaluation of the neutrophil adherence ability, 6) determination of phagocytic activity of neutrophils, 7) determination of lysozyme activity in serum, 8) the evaluation of concentration of immune complexes in serum. In the group of patients with myomas the following indices were found as a statistically significant: a) the increase of leukocyte and neutrophil number b) the increase of the index of stimulated reduction of NBT, c) the decrease of myeloperoxidase activity, d) the increase of activity of alkaline phosphatase in neutrophils, e) the increase of the index of adherence, f) the decrease of the phagocytic activity.

[Lyme disease: a case report]. / Opis przypadku boreliozy.

A male patient aged 38 was complaining from severe musculo-arthral pains and high body temperature of 39 degrees C. He was admitted to the clinical hospital after long and detailed diagnostic procedures--conducted during previous hospitalization, which focused on Plasmocytoma. Serological examinations relating to Lyme disease were undertaken in the clinical hospital and the results appeared positive. The patient received Vibramicin for a prolonged treatment lasting 30 days. Radiological findings showed distraction in both hip joints (especially the right one), with areas of bone erosion, severe osteoporosis and calcifications in periarthral soft tissues. After pharmacological treatment the body temperature normalized and the pain became less severe. The state of the patient's health improved from subjective and objective point of view.

[Hypochromic anemia as a symptom of Zenker's diverticulum]. / Niedokrwistosc z niedoboru zelaza jako powiklanie uchylka Zenkera.

The case of Zenker's diverticulum with concomitant hypochromic anemia was described. In discussion the explanation of this phenomenon was given.

[Chosen function of peripheral blood neutrophils in workers operating X-ray equipment]. / Wybrane funkcje neutrofilów krwi obwodowej u pracowników obslugujacych aparature rentgenowska.

Examinations were carried out in 44 persons (29 women and 15 men) who operated X-ray equipment in radiology departments. Neutrophil adherence and spontaneous migration of leukocytes were estimated in this group. Investigations' results were compared with the results in the control group. In the group of employees who operated X-ray units, the examinations were additionally performed taking sex into consideration. In the persons employed in radiology departments statistically significant reduction of neutrophil adherence was shown, which especially in the subgroup of men was observed. Statistically significant reduction of spontaneous migration area of leukocytes was revealed and it concerned both the subgroup of men and subgroup of women. On the basis of the obtained results the following conclusions were drawn: leukocyte spontaneous migration estimated in three-hour test decreases in employees who operated X-ray units; it may be used as the estimation test of influence of the X-ray on employees operating X-ray equipment when the routine tests are in the normal range.

[The role of prolactin in immunological processes]. / Udzial prolaktyny w zjawiskach odpornosciowych.

Recently many investigations have been carried out which indicate possible link between the neuroendocrine and immunologic systems. The obtained information points out that some hormones not mentioned before can modify the immunological answer. More recently, the anterior pituitary hormone, prolactin, has been shown to have immune-stimulating properties through prolactin receptors, which are found an different cells. Among others prolactin receptors are present on B and T lymphocytes, monocytes and thomocyte epithelial cells. Immunological effects of this hormone were observed in vitro in investigations on animal experimental model and in humans. There are some therapeutic implications concerning patients with rheumatoid arthritis and with systemic lupus erythematosus and diagnostic implications, that determination of prolactin concentration in serum may appear to be useful marker of rejection in human heart transplantation. Although neuroendocrine regulations of immunological balance are complicated but by the regulation of prolactin secretion we can suspect the possibility of the control of autoimmunological diseases activity.

Adherence of peripheral blood neutrophils in X-ray operators.

The studies were conducted among 39 people (29 women and 10 men) operating X-ray equipment in radiology institutes and comparisons were made in the following schemes: A/ Group of persons operating the X-ray equipment (39 persons) and control group (18 persons). B/ A subgroup of persons that had been operating radiology equipment for > 5 years (29 workers was separated) and the results were compared with those for the subgroup of persons working < 5 years (10 workers). C/ Among the workers a subgroup of women (29) was separated and the results were compared with those for the subgroup of men (10 men). The following investigations were carried out: 1./ The absolute number of neutrophils in peripheral blood. 2./ Neutrophil adherence to fibres. 3./ Evaluation of CD 11b/CD 18 adhesion molecules expression on the surface of neutrophils. 4./ Evaluation of fibronectin concentration in serum. In the group A of the employees examined who operated X-ray units compared with the control group, the statistically significant decrease in the percentage of peripheral blood neutrophils showing adherence was observed and statistically significant decrease in median value and decrease of "Peak" value from the curve of the CD 18 adhesion molecule expression was detected and amounted to respectively: 91.0 +/- 4.26% adhering neutrophils in workers operating X-ray units and 94.8 +/- 2.98% in control group; values of median 120 +/- 4 in workers and 123 +/- 3 in control group in logarithmic scale; values of "Peak" 120 +/- 4 in workers and 123 +/- 3 in control group in logarithmic scale. Our own testing results show that the adherence properties of the peripheral blood neutrophils taken from X-ray operators are independent of the length of employment period and of the sex of the persons tested.

[Peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with internal endometriosis in light of enzymatic tests]. / Granulocyty obojetnochlonne krwi obwodowej u chorych z endometrioza wewnetrzna w swietle badan enzymatycznych.

The diagnosis of the internal endometriosis was verified in histopathological investigation in 16 patients. The following indices were evaluated in this group: 1) the ability of reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) by neutrophils with the calculation of indices of spontaneous and stimulating reduction by latex of this dye, 2) activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in neutrophils with the semiquantitative measurement determined in blood smears, 3) activity of alkaline phosphatase (FA) in neutrophils with the semiquantitative measurement determined in blood smears, 4) lysozyme activity in blood serum by turbidimetric method. The obtained results were compared with control values obtained in 20 healthy women. The following statistically significant differences were shown-the increase of spontaneous and stimulated reduction of NBT, the decrease of myeloperoxidase activity, the increase of alkaline phosphatase activity and the increase of the activity of lysozyme in diluted and undiluted blood serum. On this basis the following conclusion is suggested: The neutrophils of the peripheral blood in patients with internal endometriosis are characterized by metabolic disturbances and the change of the function of cell structures. The indices of these changes are myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase. The above changes may have an important influence on defensive function of these cells in the case of real infectious conditions.

Humoral and cellular immunity rates in chemical plant workers employed in the production of liquid pesticides.

In order to assess the immunological system of the chemical plant workers certain rates of cellular and humoral immunity were estimated. The study group was composed of 19 males employed in the production of liquid pesticides, and 18 females performing ancillary jobs and handling closed containers. They were alternatively exposed to phosphoroorganic compounds and pyrethroides, and to chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates, nitrophenols and organic solvents, however exposure to the latter was lower. Chronic bronchitis was observed in 7 (37%) males and 4 (22%) females. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins G, A and M, complement protein Cs, and circulating immune complexes were estimated. The peripheral blood leukocyte count and percentage, the granulocyte adherence and phagocytic activity, spontaneous NBT-dye reduction as well as cytochemical reactions to alkaline and acid phosphatase, beta-glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase of neutrophils were evaluated; the lymphocyte subpopulations CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16 were also estimated. As compared to controls, a significantly increased serum IgG concentration was found, together with elevated IgM in males and IgA in females. The leukocyte count in males was significantly higher. A considerable decrease in the percentage of neutrophils was accompanied by a significantly greater spontaneous NBT-dye reduction in both groups. Neutrophil adherence impairment was observed in males. Cytochemical reactions to beta-glucuronidase and catalase in both sexes, to alkaline and acid phosphatase in females, and to myeloperoxidases in males were significantly lowered, whereas the reaction to acid phosphatase in males was significantly enhanced. The percentages of lymphocytes CD3, CD4 and the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly decreased.

[The influence of lead on neutrophils]. / Wplyw olòwiu na granulocyty obojetnochlonne.

Defective function of the human neutrophils and disturbances in their metabolism in workers occupationally exposed to lead were presented. In vitro impairment of human neutrophil functions by lead were also described. The pathomechanisms of the observed changes were presented.

[The effect of heavy metals on neutrophils]. / Wplyw metali ciezkich na granulocyty obojetnochlonne.

The influences of some heavy metals i.e. of mercury, zinc, copper, manganese, nickel and cobalt on metabolic activity and functional states of human neutrophils were presented. Simultaneously the pathomechanisms of the observed disturbances were described.

[Selected immunologic markers for evaluation of peripheral blood in patients with internal endometriosis]. / Wybrane wskazniki odpornosciowe oceniane we krwi obwodowej u chorych z endometrioza wewnetrzna.

In group of 16 patients with internal endometriosis verified by histopathological investigations following immunological indices in peripheral blood were estimated: 1) number of leucocytes and neutrophils, 2) neutrophil adherence to fibres, 3) phagocytic activity of neutrophil using the latex granules, 4) concentration of immunological complexes in serum. The results were compared with those in control group (20 healthy women). In patients with internal endometriosis compared to control group the increase of the number of leucocytes and neutrophils and decrease of phagocytic activity of neutrophils were observed.

[Study of nitroblue tetrazolium reduction by granulocytes in workers handling x-ray equipment]. / Badanie redukcji blekitu nitrotetrazolowego przez granulocyty u pracowników obslugujacych aparature rentgenowska.

In 44 persons (25 women and 15 men), workers handling X-ray equipment in X-ray laboratories the ability was studied of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction by neutrophils. The obtained results were compared with a control group. Besides that subgroups were isolated taking into account the sex of the studied subjects and duration of their work with X-ray equipment (over five years and below five years). In the workers handling X-ray equipment and in the isolated subgroups of women and men, the index of spontaneous NBT reduction turned out to be statistically significantly higher than that in the control group. In the group of studied workers the index of latex-stimulated NBT reduction was statistically significantly lower than that in the control group. Taking into account the duration of work with X-ray equipment in the subgroups of women and men working for over five years, the lowest index of phagocytes was noted. On the basis of the obtained results the following conclusions were formulated: 1. In workers handling X-ray equipment disturbances occur of peripheral blood neutrophil metabolism assessed in the NBT test. 2. Neutrophil phagocytic activity is weakened in persons working over five years with X-ray equipment.