Potential association between PSCA rs2976395 functional variant and pancreatic cancer risk.

Correlated regions of systemic interindividual variation (CoRSIV) represent a small proportion of the human genome showing DNA methylation patterns that are the same in all human tissues, are different among individuals, and are partially regulated by genetic variants in cis. In this study we aimed at investigating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within CoRSIVs and their involvement with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk. We analyzed 29,099 CoRSIV-SNPs and 133,615 CoRSIV-mQTLs in 14,394 cases and 247,022 controls of European and Asian descent. We observed that the A allele of the rs2976395 SNP was associated with increased PDAC risk in Europeans (p = 2.81 × 10-5). This SNP lies in the prostate stem cell antigen gene and is in perfect linkage disequilibrium with a variant (rs2294008) that has been reported to be associated with risk of many other cancer types. The A allele is associated with the DNA methylation level of the gene according to the PanCan-meQTL database and with overexpression according to QTLbase. The expression of the gene has been observed to be deregulated in many tumors of the gastrointestinal tract including pancreatic cancer; however, functional studies are needed to elucidate the function relevance of the association.

Can Suicide Attempt be Related to Problem Drinking: Cohort Study.

AIMS: Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor in suicidal behaviour, but there is still discussion about which factor might imply greater suicide risk-acute alcohol intoxication or being a problems drinkers. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between a suicide attempt and the drinking pattern and to evaluate the risk factors for suicide attempt among problem drinkers versus non-problem drinkers. SHORT SUMMARY: We found that problem drinking (CAGE ≥2) is an important issue in suicide attempts. Factors predicting suicide attempt among problem drinkers were male gender, younger age, being married or in a partnership status, low education and acute alcohol intoxication prior a suicide attempt. METHODS: A cohort study was performed including all cases of patients (n = 425) hospitalized in the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences after a suicide attempt. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, the nature of the suicide attempt, the question of alcohol consumption prior to the suicide attempt and a CAGE questionnaire screening for problem drinking (CAGE ≥ 2). RESULTS: Two-thirds (70.9%) of male and 43.2% of female suicide attempters were problem drinkers. Problem drinking versus non-problem drinking increased the risk of suicide attempt especially according to gender (3.2 times for male), age (1.08 times for younger age), marital status (among married or in a partnership-1.58 times), education level (among < 12 years-2.04 times) and acute alcohol intoxication prior a suicide attempt (8.15 times-among intoxicated). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight that being a problem drinker as well as the use of alcohol at the time of the event is an important issue in suicide attempt,.

Thirty-Five Years of Thyroid Cancer Experience in a Paediatric Population: Incidence Trends in Lithuania between 1980 and 2014.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (TC) is a rare condition in children. It may be associated with radiation, iodine deficiency or familial inheritance. AIMS: The objectives of this study were to analyse the prevalence and incidence trends over 3 decades and clinical features of TC in the paediatric population in Lithuania. METHODS: We reviewed all TC cases diagnosed in children aged less than 18 years during the period 1980-2014 using medical records from 3 main hospitals in Lithuania where such TC cases are managed. RESULTS: During the 35-year period (1980-2014) there were 57 cases (45 females) of TC in children in Lithuania. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 14.51 ± 0.52 years. The crude incidence rate of TC ranged from 0 to 0.93 cases per 100,000 children per year and the mean annual increase was 5.26% (p < 0.001). Papillary carcinoma was the most common histological type (73.7%). No association was found between the incidence of TC and the reported areas of radioactive contamination after the Chernobyl accident. In total, 8.8% of patients had secondary TC after initial radiotherapy of a primary oncologic disease. CONCLUSION: The incidence of TC in the Lithuanian paediatric population between 1980 and 2014 ranged from 0 to 0.93 cases per 100,000 children per year and there was a 5.26% annual increase (p < 0.001), most probably related to the increased use of ultrasound testing.

Can coefficient of variation of time-domain analysis be valuable for detecting cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in young patients with type 1 diabetes: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) increases morbidity and mortality in diabetes through association with a high risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death, possibly related to silent myocardial ischemia. During the sub-clinical stage, CAN can be detected through reduction in heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of our study was to estimate if the time and frequency-domain analysis can be valuable for detecting CAN in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: For this case control study of evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic function the 15-25 years age group of patients with duration of T1DM more than 9 years (n = 208, 89 males and 119 females) were selected. 67 patients with confirmed CAN were assigned to the "case group" and 141 patients without CAN served as a control group, the duration of T1DM was similar (15.07 ± 4.89 years vs.13.66 ± 4.02 years; p = 0.06) in both groups. Cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests and time and frequency domains analysis of HRV were performed for all subjects. RESULTS: Time domain measures were significantly lower in CAN group compared with control (p < 0.05). R-R max / R-R min ratio and coefficient of variation (CV) were the lowest during deep breathing among T1DM patients with CAN. Receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the accuracies of the parameters of time-domain analysis for diagnosing CAN. We estimated a more reliable cut-off value of parameters of time-domain. The CV values in supine position <1.65, reflected sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 91.5%. The CV values during deep breathing <1.45 reflected sensitivity 97.3%, specificity 96.2%. The CV values in standing position <1.50 reflected sensitivity 96.2%, specificity 93.0%. The most valuable CV was during deep breathing (AUC 0.899). The results of frequency-domain (spectral analysis) analysis showed significant decrease in LF power and LFPA, HF Power and HFPA, total power among subjects with CAN than compared with subjects without CAN (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Time and frequency domain analysis of HRV permits a more accurate evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic function, providing more information about sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The coefficient of variation (time-domain analysis) especially during deep breathing could be valuable for detecting CAN.

Comparison of the Ponseti method versus early tibialis anterior tendon transfer for idiopathic clubfoot: A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare functional and radiological outcomes in clubfoot patients treated by early Tibialis anterior tendon transfer and Ponseti method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized study was conducted. A total of 39 children with a mean age of 17.05 days (55 clubfeet) were randomly allocated into one of two groups: first (conservative Ponseti method) group (n=28) or second (early tibialis anterior tendon transfer [TATT]) group (n=27). Foot function and radiographic measurements were evaluated. The condition of the subjects was observed until they reached the age of 2 years. RESULTS: The clinical and radiological data did not differ between groups at the age of 6 months. No statistically significant difference regarding Pirani and Dimeglio scale among the groups was observed at the last follow-up. A statistically significant difference was observed in the foot dorsal flexion; it was lower in the second group (P=0.03). Other clinical parameters did not differ between groups. According radiographic data, only the talocalcaneal angle (TCA) was significantly higher in the second group (P=0.003). Children who underwent TATT were 5.00-fold (P=0.002) and 1.67-fold (P=0.017) more likely to have TCA larger than 30° (which reflects the normal range of the TCA) in DP and lateral views, respectively, and 3.40-fold (P=0.019) more likely to have foot dorsal flexion of less than 15° than their counterparts undergoing the conservative Ponseti treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Early TATT allowed a significant reduction in the brace wear duration and resulted in the same outcomes as using the Ponseti method. Additionally, TATT can provide some improvement of hindfoot varus. However, a possible weakening of dorsiflexion should be also taken into account. Our experience has shown the need for a larger sample and longer term studies.

The effect of a drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptive on female sexual function: a prospective randomised study.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the effects on female sexual function of a progestogen-containing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) with an antiandrogenic profile taken in a continuous regimen. METHODS: In this prospective randomised single-institution study, 80 healthy women with a monogamous partner and an active sexual life were randomised into two groups for a period of 3 months. Women in the exposed group (n = 40) took a COCs containing 30 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) in a 21/7 regimen. Women in the control group (n = 40) used either a barrier contraceptive method (BCM) or a natural family planning method (NFPM). Participants were asked to complete a set of validated questionnaires to assess sociodemographic variables and measure Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: The total FSFI score (p < 0.0001), as well as the desire (p = 0.04) and arousal (p = 0.03) scores, were significantly lower in the COCs group after 3 months of hormonal contraceptive use compared with baseline. Women using BCM or NFPM showed an improvement in total FSFI score (p = 0.02). Hormonal contraception with DRSP increased the likelihood of worse sexual function in the desire (odds ratio [OR] 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22, 4.98; p = 0.01) and arousal domains (OR 2.85; 95%CI 1.34, 5.93; p = 0.005) and in total FSFI score (OR 2.01; 95%CI 1.45, 2.79; p < 0.001). The results remained statistically significant even after adjustment for smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: The study found evidence that women taking a combined EE/DRSP COCs for 3 months may have a worsening of sexual function as measured by FSFI.

Descriptive study of mandibular canal visibility: morphometric and densitometric analysis for digital panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the visibility of the mandibular canal (MC) morphology in different jaw dental segments (JDSs) in relation to morphometric and densitometric parameters on digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs). METHODS: 32 DPRs (155 JDSs) were selected randomly after retrieval. MC visibility in conjunction with superior and inferior border visibility was scored on a 5-point scale in four places on the JDS-that is, for the medial, distal, superior and inferior MC parts. Morphometric and densitometric analyses were made horizontally and vertically in the JDS region. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and additional tests were performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in MC visibility for the superior, inferior, medial and distal parts of the JDSs. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were identified between particular visibility scores of the superior and inferior MC borders. In 22.0-24.7% of JDSs, the superior MC border was not visible, more than twice as often as the inferior MC border was not visible (9.1-10.2%). The visibility of superior and inferior MC borders in JDSs was not related to the morphometric or densitometric assessment parameters, or to age, gender, JDS location, condition or the visibility of neighbouring MC parts or contralateral JDSs. CONCLUSIONS: DPRs failed to provide MC visibility based on a single factor. Particular differences were identified between the levels of visibility of the superior and inferior MC borders. More advanced radiological investigation methods could be required for the evaluation of about 25% of JDSs when superior MC border identification is obligatory.

Relationship between the mandibular cortical index and calcaneal bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In clinical practice, a comparative analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) is carried out by examining different skeletal bones. This is useful for screening of postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP). The objective of this study was to determine the relation between the mandibular cortical index (MCI) and calcaneal BMD among postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 129 randomly selected postmenopausal women aged 50-77 years. The participants were examined using panoramic radiography for the analysis of the cortical layer in the mandibular base for MCI determination and using DXL for the examination of calcaneal BMD. According to T scores, the subjects were divided into three groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3). The panoramic radiographic examination of the mandible was performed; the MCI was determined and distributed into groups (C1; C2; C3). The MCI validity in determining the calcaneus BMD status was analyzed. RESULTS: The differences in BMD were statistically significant between Groups C1 and C3 (P<0.01), Groups C2 and C3 (P=0.01), and between the calcaneal BMD groups (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the MCI and calcaneal BMD (r=-0.3; P<0.001). The changes characteristic of Group C2 were documented more frequently than those of other morphological groups. The analysis of the MCI validity in BMD status showed low sensitivity (69.4%) and specificity (53.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The relation between MCI and calcaneal BMD was determined. The diagnostic discrimination of the MCI was found to be not sufficient in screening the women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and its application in clinical practice might be limited.

HLA-DRB1*03 as a risk factor for microalbuminuria in same duration of type 1 diabetes: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Increased urinary albumin excretion rate is the earliest clinical manifestation of diabetic nephropathy. The development of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) usually begins 5 to 15 years after the onset of diabetes. The rate of progression of diabetic nephropathy varies considerably among patients and not always can be explained solely by glycaemic control. The evidence suggests that genetic susceptibility may play a role in the development of diabetes microvascular complications, besides the presence of such risk factors as hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and smoking. The aim of the study was to evaluate a link between known genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes mellitus (HLA-DR3/DR4) and microalbuminuria among patients with the same durations of diabetes. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with T1D at the age 18-35 years were recruited for the study. The urine albumin excretion rate was normal when <30 mg/24 h; microalbuminuria 30-300 mg/24 h. Genotypes were investigated in 39 patients with normal albumin excretion rate and duration of diabetes 13.46 ± 3.72 years and in 60 patients with microalbuminuria and duration of diabetes 15.28 ± 4.08 years (p = 0.11). Genetic typing of DR3 and DR4 antigens successfully was performed for 99 subjects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 20.0. RESULTS: Genotyping of 99 patients with T1D was performed: no DR3 and DR4 risk alleles were found in 22 (22.22 %) cases, DR3 alleles were present in 47 (47.48 %) cases, DR4 alleles in 25 (25.25 %) cases, and DR3/DR4 alleles in 5 (5.05 %) cases. The highest 24 h albumin excretion rate was found in patients with DRB1 gene expressed DR3 risk alleles group, the lowest - in patients with DRB1 gene with no expression of both DR3 and DR4 antigen. We confirmed the 1.87 (p = 0.021) increased relative risk for microalbuminuria in patients with DR3/DR3 alleles and same duration of diabetes. The distribution of DR3 and DR4 risk alleles was not associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy both in patients with normal albumin excretion rate and microalbuminuria (1.6 vs 2.1; p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: The 1.87 (p = 0.021) increased relative risk for microalbuminuria was found in patients with DR3/DR3 alleles and the same duration of diabetes.

Diabetes distress in adult type 1 diabetes mellitus men and women with disease onset in childhood and in adulthood.

THE AIM: To determine whether or not diabetes distress varies by age of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset and/or gender. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 700 adult T1DM patients were randomly selected from the Lithuanian Diabetes Registry; 214 of them (30.6%) agreed to participate and were recruited for the study. Diabetes distress (emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, interpersonal distress) was compared in 105 (42 men and 63 women) patients with T1DM diagnosed during 0-18years of life, and in 109 (61 men and 48 women) with T1DM diagnosed in adulthood, using Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS). RESULTS: Adult childhood-onset T1DM women have higher regimen-related distress (36.3±21.3 vs 26.6±16.2, p=0.016) than adulthood-onset women. Adult childhood-onset T1DM women experience higher diabetes distress (higher emotional burden (27.0±22.0 vs 15.6±16.4, p=0.006), physician-related distress (34.4±33.9 vs 20.7±29.4, p=0.024), total diabetes distress (41.2±13.6 vs 34.8±10.9, p=0.011)) than childhood-onset men. Adulthood-onset T1DM women experience higher physician-related distress (39.2±37.6 vs 23.4±32.5, p=0.013), but lower regimen-related distress (26.6±16.2 vs 35.8±21.6, p=0.014) than adulthood-onset men. In conclusion our findings reinforce the interdependence of psychological and biomedical factors in influencing health outcomes and support the need to provide psychological assessment and support to patients with T1DM.

Profile of mood states in adult type 1 diabetes mellitus men and women with disease onset in childhood and in adulthood.

INTRODUCTION: Although diabetes may not be associated with psychopathology, it may be associated with less severe disturbances in psychosocial functioning. Emotional problems in relation to type 1 diabetes are usually analysed as symptoms of psychiatric conditions but not as states of mood. The aim was to compare profiles of mood states in adult patients with childhood-onset and adulthood-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus and to outline possible gender-specific differences. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 214 adult type 1 diabetic patients were randomly selected from the Lithuanian Diabetes Registry. The mood states were compared in 105 (42 men and 63 women) patients with type 1 diabetes diagnosed during 0-18 years of life and in 109 (61 men and 48 women) diagnosed in adulthood. The scores of tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigour-activity, fatigue-inertia and confusion-bewilderment were evaluated using the Profile of Mood States. RESULTS: Depression-dejection was higher in adulthood-onset diabetic women than in childhood-onset (p=0.005) diabetic patients. In childhood-onset diabetic patients depression-dejection (p=0.046) and confusion-bewilderment (p=0.033) were higher in women than in men. Adulthood-onset women with diabetes had higher tension-anxiety (p=0.027), depression-dejection (p=0.001), and confusion-bewilderment (p=0.004) scores than men. Multiple logistic analyses showed that adulthood-onset period of type 1 diabetes is associated with higher levels of depression-dejection [OR=1.1; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.01-1.19, p=0.025], longer diabetes duration (OR=2.00; 95% CI 1.27-2.03, p=0.012), higher HbA1c level (OR=1.15; 95% CI 1.02-1.3, p=0.023), and female gender (OR=2.51; 95% CI 1.29-2.90, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Profile of mood states in adult women with type 1 diabetes is worse than in men. Adulthood-onset type 1 diabetic women have higher depression-dejection than do childhood-onset diabetic patients. Adulthood-onset period of type 1 diabetes is associated with higher levels of depression-dejection, longer diabetes duration and female gender.

Pain during topical photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses with 5-aminolevulinic acid and red light source: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain is the major drawback of photodynamic therapy (PDT), an otherwise effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs). OBJECTIVE: To determine pain intensity and its dependence upon various factors during PDT with 5-aminolevulinic acid for face/scalp AKs. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, within-patient comparison study was performed. Thirty-eight patients with at least two clearly definable, mild or moderate AKs were randomized to receive either a red light dose of 70 or 100 J/cm(2) as a first or second split face/scalp treatment. They were blinded to the light dose administered. Pain during treatment was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The mean intensity of pain during the first treatment session was 5.00 (± 1.78), while during the follow-up VAS score was 4.50 (± 1.51). Bigger AKs (> 130 mm(2) ) were more painful than the smaller ones (P = 0.003) and AKs on the face were twice more painful than the ones on the scalp (P = 0.002). Gender and patient age were poor pain predictors. Pain was independent of the patient's Fitzpatrick skin type, AK clinical grade, pretreatment fluorescence intensity, and the light dose during PDT. CONCLUSION: Pain during PDT is associated with AK location and size. Treatment of bigger lesions (> 130 mm(2) ) results in more pain than smaller ones and treatment of the face is more painful than the scalp area.

Adequate prescribing of medication does not necessarily translate into good control of diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus in Lithuania have access to almost all the latest blood glucose-lowering drugs available in the rest of the world. This study evaluated the effects of prescribing of treatment (oral medications, insulin, or both) in Lithuanian patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes and poor blood glucose control. METHODS: The relevant information was obtained from specialized questionnaires completed by 26 consulting endocrinologists in Lithuania between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. The study cohort comprised 865 randomly selected patients with diabetes mellitus and a glycosylated (HbA1c) level ≥7%. In total, there were 95 patients with type 1 diabetes and 770 with type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Linear regression for patients with type 1 diabetes revealed a weak trend towards higher doses of insulin reflecting lower HbA1c values. The mean dose of insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes before an endocrinology consultation was 57.1 ± 15.7 U/day (0.8 ± 0.2 U/kg), which increased significantly to 63.3 ± 16.5 U/day (0.9 ± 0.2 U/kg) after an endocrinology consultation (P < 0.05). Treatment prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes depended on the duration of disease. Earlier treatment recommended for 68% of patients with type 2 diabetes was subsequently changed by the endocrinologist. Linear regression showed that the insulin dose prescribed before a specialist consultation as well as that recommended by an endocrinologist was significantly correlated with body mass index. CONCLUSION: Appropriate prescribing of blood glucose-lowering drugs does not always translate into good metabolic control of diabetes mellitus. The mean HbA1c was 8.5% ± 1.3% in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with oral drugs alone versus 9.0% ± 1.3% in those treated with insulin alone.

Gestational diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome diagnosed during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to analyze the impact of obesity on women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the association of obesity and GDM with the metabolic syndrome. METHODS: In a retrospective study, the data of 233 obese women with GDM were compared with the data of 96 women with GDM and normal weight. RESULTS: Significantly higher fasting glycemia before the oral glucose tolerance test (5.2±1.1 mmol/L vs. 4.5±0.8 mmol/L, P<0.00001) and higher frequency of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (26.2% vs. 9.4%, P=0.0003) were found in obese women with GDM than in GDM women of normal weight. These women needed insulin therapy more often (18.9% vs. 8.3%, P=0.007). Also 31 (13.3 %) of them had chronic hypertension as compared with 3.1% in women of normal weight (P=0.003). These 31 women had three components necessary for diagnosing of metabolic syndrome according to the World Health Organization-impaired glucose tolerance, obesity, and hypertension. No difference in gestational age and mean weight of their newborns was found, but newborns of obese GDM women with metabolic syndrome components more often were significantly macrosomic with features of diabetic fetopathy and had more often symptoms of hypoglycemia after birth. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of obesity and GDM has a significant impact on both maternal and fetal complications. The metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed not only after pregnancy but also during pregnancy.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus among 15-34 years aged Lithuanian population: 18-year incidence study based on prospective databases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 15-34-year-aged Lithuanian males and females during 1991 - 2008 METHODS: A contact system with general practitioners covering 100% of the 15-34-year-aged Lithuanian population was the primary data source. Reports from regional endocrinologists and statistical note-marks of State patient insurance fund served as secondary sources for case ascertainment. RESULTS: The average age-standardized incidence rate was 8.30 per 100,000 persons per year (95% Poisson distribution confidence interval [CI] 7.90-8.71) during 1991 - 2008 and was statistically significantly higher among males (10.44 per 100,000 persons per year, 95% CI 9.82-11.10) in comparison with females (6.10 per 100,000, 95% CI 5.62-6.62). Male/female rate ratio was 1.71 (95% CI 1.63-1.80). Results of the linear 1991 - 2008 regression model showed that the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in 15-34-year-aged males and females decreased slightly over the time (r = -0.215, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated the male predominance in primary incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 15-34-year-aged population in Lithuania. The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in 15-34-year-aged males and females decreased slightly during 1991-2008.

Potentiating effect of beta-glucans on photodynamic therapy of implanted cancer cells in mice.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a drug or photosensitizer with a specific type of light to kill cancer cells. The cellular damage induced by PDT leads to activation of the DNA damage repair, which is an important factor for modulating tumor sensitivity to this treatment. beta-Glucans are natural polysaccharides that bind complement receptor 3 on the effector cells, thereby activating them to kill tumor cells during PDT. The hypothesis of the present study was that adjuvant therapy with beta-glucans would increase the efficacy of PDT. C57BL/6 female mice were subcutaneously implanted with Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Ten days after implantation, the mice were administered intravenously sodium porfimer (10 mg/kg) 24 h prior to laser irradiation, with or without oral administration of beta-glucan (400 microg/d/mouse, 5 days) from either barley, baker's yeast, or marine brown algae that contains the storage glucan, laminarin. Tumor volume and necrotic area in excised tumors were measured. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was determined as an indicator of the activity of the DNA damage repair system. PDT in combination with each beta-glucan significantly reduced tumor growth (P < 0.05, n = 10) and expression of PCNA (P < 0.001, n = 9), and increased necrosis in tumor tissues (P < 0.001, n = 9). Furthermore, each structurally different

Immune system alterations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease during remission.

OBJECTIVE: Perturbed immune homeostasis elicited by misbalanced production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate cytokine profile in patients with different forms of inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease - during clinical remission phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Production of proinflammatory Th1 cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)) and anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines (interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-13 (IL-13)) was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (9 with ulcerative colitis and 9 with Crohn's disease) and control subjects (n=11) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (two-site ELISA). RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the level of TNF-alpha after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin in patients with Crohn's disease was significantly higher in comparison to both patients with ulcerative colitis and controls (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The secretion of IFN-gamma both in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis was lower than that in controls (P=0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), but it normalized after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The levels of IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly (P<0.01) higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in patients with ulcerative colitis and control group before and after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study provide evidence that in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, the imbalance between production of proinflammatory Th1 and anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines persists even during remission of the disease, and disturbances of immune homeostasis are significantly more expressed in patients with Crohn's disease than in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Predictors of premature delivery in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

AIM: To evaluate the predictive value of clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters for prematurity in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). METHODS: Sixty symptomatic patients with ICP were included in this retrospective analysis. Preterm delivery was defined as delivery before 37 wk gestation. Predictors of preterm delivery were disclosed by binary multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean time of delivery was 38.1 +/- 1.7 wk. No stillbirths occurred. Premature delivery was observed in eight (13.3%) patients. Total fasting serum bile acids were higher (47.8 +/- 15.2 vs 41.0 +/- 10.0 mumol/L, P < 0.05), and pruritus tended to start earlier (29.0 +/- 3.9 vs 31.6 +/- 3.3 wk, P = 0.057) in patients with premature delivery when compared to those with term delivery. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that early onset of pruritus (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.23-2.95, P = 0.038) and serum bile acid (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.13-3.25, P = 0.013) were independent predictors of preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Early onset of pruritus and high levels of serum bile acids predict preterm delivery in ICP, and define a subgroup of patients at risk for poor neonatal outcome.

[Dietary characteristics of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Pacientu, serganciu uzdegiminemis zarnu ligomis, mitybos ypatybes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nutritional status and dietary habits of Lithuanian patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and to compare with those of healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital. A total of 101 patients with ulcerative colitis, 44 with Crohn's disease, and 178 healthy controls were examined with the help of standard self-report questionnaire about daily dietary habits. Healthy controls were evaluated in primary care centers during preventive examinations. Body mass index was calculated for all patients in a standard way. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls concerning consumption of coffee, tea, chewing gum, type of fat for meal preparation, white bread, cooked potatoes and sausages, non-carbonated water. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases statistically significantly less frequently consumed fresh milk, cheese, fish, fried potatoes, and soda drinks. Patients with Crohn's disease statistically significantly less frequently consumed fresh fruits and patients with ulcerative colitis--fresh vegetables as compared to controls. Body mass index of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases was significantly lower compared to controls, and patients with Crohn's disease had significantly lower body mass index than ulcerative colitis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases have lower body mass index than healthy controls. Patients consume fresh milk, cheese, canned and fresh vegetables and fruits less frequently; therefore, primary care physicians and patients should be provided with teaching and more information about nutrition issues.