Effects of perioperative immunostimulating nutritional therapy on the phagocytic activity of blood platelets in patients with various clinical stages of gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total blood platelets count, fraction of phagocytizing thrombocytes (PhT%), and phagocytic index of thrombocytes (PhIT) in gastric cancer considering the stage of the disease, and perioperative immunonutrition support. METHODS: Our study included 44 patients operated for gastric cancer divided into 2 groups depending on the clinical stage, and 40 healthy volunteers -a control group. Group I included 18 patients with stage I-III locoregional malignancies and Group II included 26 patients with stage IV peritoneal dissemination. All patients received immunonutrition during the perioperative period. The phagocytic activity of blood platelets was assessed by measuring PhT% and PhIT prior to and after nutritional therapy. RESULTS: In Group I, the pre-treatment PhT% and PhIT amounted to 1.08 and 0.99, respectively, and 1.26, and 1.1 after the therapy (p<0.01). In Group II, pre-treatment PhT% and PhIT were 1.12 and 0.97, after 1.18 and 1.06, respectively (p<0.05). In the controls, PhT% and PhIT were 2.26 and 1.83, respectively, significantly higher comparing to gastric cancer patients (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Severe impairment of the thrombocyte phagocytic activity in gastric cancer patients has been found. Phagocytic activity of blood platelets was partially improved as a result of perioperative immunonutrition both in locoregional disease and in peritoneal dissemination.

Changes in platelet CD 62P expression and soluble P-selectin concentration in surgically treated colorectal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of tumor advancement and surgery treatment on P-selectin expression (CD 62P), level of sP-selectin and platelet count. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 27 colorectal cancer patients (CRC). They were divided into two groups: group B1--18 patients (T2-3N0M0) and group B2--9 patients (T2-4N+M0). In CRC patients the blood was collected three times: 1) before surgery (A0), 2) 3 days after surgery and 3) 12 days after surgery. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that CD 62P expression in CRC patients was twice higher (5.36%) than in control (2.58%) (p < 0.001). The level of sP-selectin concentration in both groups (B1--74.22 ng/mL and B2--70.33 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in control (46.01 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). There was no significant differences in CD 62P expression, plasma sP-selectin concentration and in PLT count between group B1 and B2. Three days after surgery in both groups of patients we observed decreased CD 62P expression and sP-selectin level compared to the results before surgery (p < 0.05). Twelve days after surgery we found an increase in the CD 62P-positive platelets and sP-selectin in group B1 and B2. We found positive correlation between plasma sP-selectin concentration and PLT count in CRC. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study on colorectal cancer we observed platelet hyperactivation, irrespective of tumor clinical advancement. Surgical procedure, in the early period following radical tumor resection, does not totally eliminate platelet activation in vivo.

Does smoking affect thrombocytopoiesis and platelet activation in women and men?

PURPOSE: Smoking is a significant risk factor of cardiac ischaemia. Changes in platelet count, morphology and platelet activation enhance the risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The objective of the study was to assess platelet parameters in smoking healthy subjects with reference to sex. In the group of women, 27% were smokers, in the group of men--49%. All the subjects were tested for platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), percentage of large platelets (L(PLT)), concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin, sP-selectin (soluble) and thrombopoietin, percentage of reticulated platelets (RP) and absolute count of reticulated platelet. RESULTS: Lower platelet count (237.00 +/- 39.52 vs 258.34 +/- 40.81 x 10(9)/l, p = 0.0002), higher percentage of reticulated platelets (1.39 +/- 0 .66 vs 1.04 +/- 0.35%, p = 0.04) and higher concentration of sP-selectin (52.66 +/- 18.54 vs 43.94 +/- 17.14 ng/ml, p = 0.03) were observed only in the group of smoking women, compared to non-smokers. In neither of the sexes smoking had an effect on the following parameters: mean platelet volume, percentage of large platelets, concentration of thrombopoietin, absolute count of reticulated platelet and concentration of beta1 -thromboglobulin. CONCLUSIONS: The results allow the hypothesis that women are more sensitive to smoking than men. Platelets in male smokers are less sensitive to smoking--the study showed no significant changes in the parameters.

Phagocytic and bactericidal activity and morphological parameters of blood platelets in patients with Trichinella spiralis infection.

PURPOSE: The production of IgE increases in parasitic invasions, triggering local or systemic inflammatory response with the involvement of blood platelets. The aim of the study was to assess the number and morphological parameters of blood platelets as well as their phagocytic and bactericidal activity in patients with Trichinella spiralis infection. It is interesting to investigate the blood platelet response following Trichinella spiralis in order to elucidate possible effects on non-specific immunity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with Trichinella spiralis (before and after antiparasitic therapy) and forty healthy subjects were examined. The platelet count and morphological parameters were determined using a hematologic analyzer Technicon H-1 System. The platelet phagocytic activity was determined by measuring the percentage of phagocytizing cells and the phagocytic index. The bactericidal activity was assessed measuring the percentage of the bacteria killed by platelets and plasma. The strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P was used for this purpose. RESULTS: In patients infected with T. spiralis morphological parameters do not change, except for the percentage of large platelets. In the course of trichinellosis the phagocytic index of platelets is statistically significantly decreased and platelet bactericidal activity is impaired, while the bactericidal activity of the plasma is statistically significantly increased, compared to healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has revealed that due to T. spiralis infection, the percentage of large, young blood platelets is decreased. The parasitic infection causes impairment of non-specific immunity through decreased bactericidal activity of blood platelets.

Soluble P-selectin concentration in patients with colorectal cancer.

During platelet activation, P-selectin is translocated onto the external platelet membrane. Surface exposure of P-selectin is temporary, and the molecule undergoes endocytosis or shedding to the circulation where it appears in a soluble form as sP-selectin. The aim of the study was to assess platelet activation based on the level of soluble form of P-selectin (sP-selectin) in colorectal cancer patients. The study involved 22 surgically treated patients, divided into two groups depending on histopathological malignancy grade: group I - patients with low malignancy grade (G2), group II - patients with high malignancy grade (G3). The examinations were carried out three times: before surgery (A0) and 3 (A1) and 12 days (A2) after the surgery. Control group (C) consisted of 20 healthy subjects. The sP-selectin level was determined in the plasma using the ELISA Kit (Human sP-selectin, R&D System). In colorectal cancer patients sP-selectin concentration was statistically significantly higher (69.25 ng/ml in group I and 66.50 ng/ml in group II) as compared to healthy subjects (46.01 ng/ml) (p<0.05), irrespective of malignancy grade. The surgical procedure has a significant effect on the dynamics of changes in the level of sP-selectin. Initially, 3 days (A1) after the procedure, there is a decrease in the level of sP-selectin, but after 12 days (A2) a rise is noted again, the level being the highest in group I. It indicates that the surgical procedure does not totally eliminate the factors responsible for platelet activation and did not normalize platelet activation.

Bactericidal capacity of platelets in gastric cancer patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate bactericidal capacity of platelets in patients suffering from gastric cancer. Number of platelets and their bactericidal activity were measured in 32 cancer patients (divided into 2 groups: I--resectable cancer, II--non-resectable one) and 32 normal donors. In group I the number of platelets was 259.136+/-84.459 x 103/microl. It was increased comparing to the normal donors 193.219+/-55.493 x 103/microl. After the surgery increase in platelet number was observed (472.05+/-111.772 x 103/microl). In group II an increased number of platelets was observed (265.1+/-81.813 x 103/microl) and it was maintained in a post-operative period: 234.2+/-54.141 x 103/microl. In group I bactericidal capacity of platelets was 2.25+/-7.33%, whereas it increased significantly after the surgery--4.7+/-7.46%. In group II, it was 8.6+/-17.61% before and 4.72+/-4.76% after the surgery. In normal donors this ability was 21.66+/-16.66. In gastric cancer patients increased platelet number was observed. Significant increase in platelets number occurred after a radical tumor removal. Decreased bactericidal activity of platelets was noticed in gastric cancer patients. After surgical removal of the tumor, platelets partly reclaimed bactericidal capacity. In patients presenting disseminated gastric cancer, bactericidal capacity of platelets could be permanently impaired.

Activation of blood platelets in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis P-selectin expression on blood platelets and secretory activity of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor-4.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Blood platelets are cells that quite often undergo damage in chronic liver diseases. Endotoxemia and hyperkinetic circulation influence platelets in an active manner. The role of platelets in the development of hepatitis and liver fibrosis is speculative. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of chronic liver diseases on platelets morphologic parameters, their secretory activity and P-selectin expression. METHODOLOGY: The examination was completed in the group of 29 patients with chronic hepatitis and 27 with liver cirrhosis of postinflammatory etiology (HBV, HCV). Liver biopsies were carried out in all patients. Thirty-two healthy individuals were the control group. Platelets morphological parameters (number, volume, platelet crit, micro- and macrothrombocyte fraction) were estimated. beta-thromboglobulin concentration and platelet factor 4 in blood serum as well as P-selectin expression on resting platelets and after thrombin activation were also examined. RESULTS: Number, volume, and platelet crit decreased with the advancement of a liver disease. Megathrombocyte fraction increased inversely with the severity of liver damage. The concentration of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 alpha-granule contents in blood serum was higher 2- and 7-times, respectively than in healthy controls. P-selectin expression on resting platelets was considerably higher. After stimulation with thrombin, P-selectin expression was equal (chronic hepatitis) or higher (liver cirrhosis) than in the control. CONCLUSIONS: There are changes of platelet morphological parameters, with accompanying megathrombocyte fraction increase that occur in chronic liver diseases. Thrombocytes in chronic liver diseases and liver cirrhosis are more activated. Platelet sensitivity to stimuli in these ailments is higher (liver cirrhosis) than in the healthy controls.

Does parasitic infection affect platelet factor 4 concentration?

Blood platelets actively participate in defense mechanisms of the organism, e.g. in antiparasitic immunity. Platelet stimulation may be a result of direct contact with parasite, increased IgG and/or IgE concentrations, the presence of complement, CRP or lymphokins. The aim of the study was to find out whether parasitic infection induces platelet activation. The study involved 35 patients (30 patients were infected with Giardia intestinalis and 5 patients were infected with Echinococcus granulosus). Blood for analysis was collected twice, before treatment (A1) and after it (A2). The concentrations of platelet factor 4 were assayed using a set of ASSERACHROM according to the immunoenzymatic method with labelled antibodies. The mean concentration of platelet factor 4 (PF4) was 20.3 +/- 9.4 IU/ml in the patients prior to the antiparasitic therapy and being reduced to 6.0 +/- 3.0 IU/ml after treatment. In the control group the mean PF4 concentration was 2.27 +/- 0.08 IU/ml. The differences between the values in control group and the two groups tested were statistically significant. Although platelets do not get into a direct contact with the parasite, an increase is observed in the concentration of platelet factor 4, which may indicate the involvement of platelets in the parasitic disease.

[Evaluation of functional state of blood platelets in patients infected with Echinococcus granulosus]. / Ocena stanu czynnosciowego plytek krwi u chorych zarazonych Echinococcus granulosus.

Blood platelets actively participate in defense mechanisms of the organism. eg. in antiparasitic immunology. The study involved 17 patients infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Blood for analysis was collected twice, before treatment (E1) and after it (E2). Control group consisted of 30 healthy people. The concentrations of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 were assayed using a set of ASSERACHROM (Boehringer Mannheim) according to the immunoenzymatic method with labelled antibodies. The level of platelet factor 4 (before and after the antiparasitic treatment) indicates platelet activation by parasite.

[Phagocytic activity of blood platelets before and after renal artery embolization in patients with renal cancer]. / Aktywnosc fagocytarna plytek krwi przed i po embolizacji tetnicy nerkowej u chorych z rakiem nerki.

Embolization consists in the occlusion of renal artery and its ramifications, which induces acute renal infarction. Renal artery embolization, causing necrosis, stimulates cellular reactions within and around the neoplasm. The interaction of neoplastic cells with blood platelets is of great importance in the development of neoplastic disease. Neoplastic cells exert a stimulatory effect on blood platelets. During activation, platelets change in shape and secrete certain substances. We conducted this study measuring the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. 45 patients suffering from renal cancer were examined (22 women and 23 men) before and after embolization. Diagnosis was established basing on the patients' history, clinical picture, and ultrasonographic, urographic and angiographic examinations. The study demonstrated that embolization led to an increase in platelet count and decrease of phagocytic index.

Morphological parameters of blood platelets before and after renal artery embolization in patients with renal cancer.

Embolization consists in the occlusion of renal artery and its ramifications, which induces acute renal infarction. Renal artery embolization, causing necrosis, stimulates cellular reactions within and around the neoplasm. The interaction of neoplastic cells with blood platelets is of great importance in the development of neoplastic disease. Neoplastic cells exert a stimulatory effect on blood platelets. During activation, platelets change in shape and secrete certain substances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate morphological parameters of blood platelets in renal cancer patients before and after renal artery embolization. 45 patients suffering from renal cancer were examined (22 women and 23 men) before and after embolization. Diagnosis was established basing on the patients' history, clinical picture, and ultrasonographic, urographic and angiographic examinations. Tumour advancement was defined as T2 and T3. The study has demonstrated that embolization leads to an increase in platelet count and in the percentage of "megathrombocytes". The changes observed in the study may indirectly testify to the involvement of the thrombopoietic system in the course of neoplastic disease.

[Role of blood platelets in parasitic diseases]. / Rola plytek krwi w chorobach pasozytniczych.

Blood platelet are of crucial importance in hemostasis. Little attention has been paid to their bacteriocidal activity and their potential role in parasitic infections. Activation of blood platelets may result from direct contact with a parasite or IgE, IgG, complement factors, lymphokines, CRP. Blood platelets reveale cytotoxic activity through release various inflamatory mediators, phagocitic activity and cooperation with other cells of immunologic system. The precise mechanism of all platelet cytotoxic effects remains unclear.

Embolization and serum lysozyme activity in renal cancer.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of renal tumor embolization on nonspecific immunity by evaluating lysozyme activity and leucocytosis in 45 patients and 40 healthy people. Lysozyme activity was assessed in the non-diluted serum (A1) and in the tenfold diluted serum (B1) prior to embolization and after embolization (A2, B2) and in control group. Prior to embolization, lysozyme activity was lower in the experimental group (A1 and B1), compared to the control groups, the differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). After embolization, the activity became normalized (A2), reaching the control value and even exceeding it (C) in the diluted serum (B2). Leucocytosis prior to embolization (L1) resembled that of control group, increasing slightly after embolization (L2). The differences observed in the changes in lysozyme activity and leucocytosis were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate an inhibitory effect of the neoplastic process on nonspecific immunity. Embolization causes ischemic necrosis of tumor and products of neoplastic tissue disintegration exert a stimulating effect on granulopoiesis, by increasing the turnover of neutrophilic granulocytes. Granulocytic-monocytic infiltrations in tumor stroma are the source of lysozyme, enhancing not only local but also systemic immunity, which is manifested in the increased lysozyme activity in blood serum.

Estimation of platelet function state in the course of trichinella spiralis infection.

Platelets are part of body defence system, especially the antiparasite immunologic response. Platelets manifest their functions only after their activation. Thrombin activates platelets inducing change of their shape and causing secretion of certain substances. This study was designed to estimate blood platelets morphology as an indicator of their activation and effectiveness of antiparasite therapy. The study was conducted in group of 21 patients infected with T.spiralis before treatment (T1) and group of 19 patients after two weeks of treatment (T2). The diagnosis of trichinellosis was established on the bases of epidemiologic history, clinical picture and immunologic investigations. In the course of trichinellosis and after antiparasitic treatment increase of blood platelet count was observed. The decreased mean platelets volume observed in trichinellosis may be connected with their activation and releasing platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin. We suggest that T.spiralis activates platelets and the degree of their activation determines their morphologic parameters.

The activity of neutrophil myeloperoxidase in patients with renal cancer before and after embolization.

The activity of granulocytic myeloperoxidase (MPO) was investigated in 45 patients with renal cancer before and 14 days after renal artery embolization in comparison with control group of 40 healthy people. The group examined showed lower MPO activity before embolization, as compared to controls. The differences being statistical insignificant (p > 0.05). After embolization the activity MPO was normalized, reaching the mean value of control group. The findings revealed reduced granulocytic MPO activity in patients with renal cancer.

Nitroblue tetrazolium test in patients with renal tumor in the course of embolization.

The main role of neutrophilic granulocytes is phagocytosis and destruction of phagocytized bacteria. The nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT), used to evaluate the bactericidal function of granulocytes, was assessed in 45 patients with renal tumour before and 14 days after renal artery embolization. No statistically significant spontaneous test NBT differences were found, compared with control group both before and 14 days after embolization. Following stimulation granulocytes in vitro by LPS of E. coli the ability of granulocytes to reduce NBT was lowered. The differences, as compared with control group, were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our results indicates considerable impairment of lower metabolic reserve in patients with renal tumour necessary for maximum stimulation.

The bactericidal activity of blood platelets in patients infested with Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar.

Blood platelets participate actively in organism defensive reactions and particularity in antiparasitic immunity. Platelets stimulation can be the result of contact with a parasite, the presence of immunoglobulins, complement and lymphokines. The aim of the study was to evaluate the blood platelets bactericidal activity in the course of amoebiasis. The examination was carried out in the group of 22 patients with E. histolytica/E. dispar, diagnosed on the basis of cyst forms presence in faeces. The results show that blood platelets bactericidal activity is significantly impaired in the course of amoebiasis.

A fiber composite laminate endodontic post and core.

The goals of endodontic post and core procedures are to provide maximum retention of the post and resistance to fracture of the roots. Presented is a recently developed fiber composite laminate (FCL) post and core technique which results in a bonded structure that is conservative, morphologic, retentive, versatile, esthetic, and helps resist root fracture. To ascertain the durability of FCL posts and cores, an in vitro pilot study with stress testing is included. The results of the study are compared to other post and core materials to show how well this technique approaches the ideal characteristics for endodontic post and cores.

[Phagocytic activity of blood platelets in patients infected with Giardia intestinalis]. / Aktywnosc fagocytarna plytek krwi u chorych zarazonych Giardia intestinalis.

Blood platelets take part in immune reactions of the organism, especially in anti-parasitic immunity. We conducted this study measuring the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. The experiments were done on 35 patients infected G. intestinalis. Diagnosis was supported on finding trophozoits in bile cysts and GSA-65 protein in feces. We have found some decrease of blood platelets count and the increase the percentage of phagocytic platelets. Our general conclusion is, the parasite is able to stimulate the phagocytic activity of blood platelets.

Does anti-parasitic treatment normalize platelets morphology in patients infested with Entamoeba histolytica?

Platelets are part of body defence system, especially the anti-parasite immunologic response. Platelets manifest their functions only after their activation. Thrombine activates platelets inducing change of their shape and causing secretion of certain substances. This study was designed to estimate platelet morphology as an indicator of their activation and effectiveness of anti-parasite therapy. The study was conducted in group of 30 patients infested with E. histolytica before treatment (A) and group of 23 patients after 2-week treatment course (B). The diagnosis of amoebiasis was based on detection of cyst forms in faeces. During the course of amoebiasis increase of platelets count and platelet crit (PCT) was observed. Mean platelet volume (MPV) in both groups (A and B) was decreased as compared with control group. We suggest that E. histolytica activates platelets, and the degree of their activation determines their morphologic parameters, and these changes come back to normal values during anti-parasite treatment.