N-Acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase in gestational diabetes mellitus - a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: N-Acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase (HEX) is an exoglycosidase which has been extensively studied and which has been used as a marker for inflammation. It was therefore thought that measurement of the activity of this enzyme might be useful in diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as this condition is frequently associated with inflammation. The main object of the study was the determination of N-acetyl-ß-D-hexosaminidase activity in women with GDM and 3 months postpartum in comparison with control groups of non-pregnant and healthy pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five blood serum samples from women with GDM and women 3 months postpartum; 20 blood serum samples from non-pregnant and healthy pregnant women (control groups) were enrolled into the study. Serum was prepared from all blood samples and HEX activity was measured by the method of Chateriee et al. (modified by Zwierz et al). RESULTS: A statistically significantly increase in the activity of HEX in the GDM blood serum was found as compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Further analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in the activity of HEX among postpartum women, but the level of enzyme activity was still above the normal control level in comparison to the control group of nonpregnant healthy women (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the activity of HEX appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus. Determination of HEX activity may have prognostic significance as an early indicator of diabetes mellitus among GDM women in the future.

[The effect of intragastric balloon on serum lipids level in patients with morbid obesity]. / Wplyw leczenia balonem wewnatrz-zoladkowym na stezienie lipidów w surowicy u pacjentów z otyloscia olbrzymia.

Obesity is recently considered as the twentieth first century epidemy. An excessive accumulation of adipocytes that constitute metabolically active tissue, plays an important role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In the morbidly obese population dyslipidemia is common. AIM OF OUR STUDY: To determine the content of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL) and triacylglicerol (TG) in obese subjects treated with the Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: BIB was placement for 6 months in 21 obese patients, mean age 40 (21-60), with BMI 473 +/- 5.7 kg/m2. The control group consisted of 15 morbidly obese patients treated conservatively. Plasma lipid concentration were assessed by the enzymatic methods. RESULTS: No major complications have been noted in patients with BIB. However, nearly all patients complained of discomfort, nausea and vomiting for the first few days. Over a 6-month-period, a reduction in body mass in the BIB group was 17.1 +/- 8.0 kg as compared to 3.2 +/- 6.4 kg in the control group (p = 0.00003). The biggest reduction in body mass was observed during first month. After one month, total cholesterol (TC) decreased by 17.6% (p < 0.001), triacylglycerol (TG) decreased by 25.5% (p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) decreased by 27.5% (p < 0.001). In the control group, the corresponding levels of TC, TG and LDL remained unchanged. The level of HDL increased in both group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with morbid obesity treated with BIB, weight loss is accompanied by a decrease in concentration TC, LDL and TG and increase in plasma HDL. The reduction of lipid concentration in blood serum may cut down cholesterol-lowering therapy and diminish the risk for development of coronary heart disease.

The effect of intragastric balloon on plasma ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin levels in patients with morbid obesity.

CONTEXT: Ghrelin and leptin are hormones regulating appetite and metabolic processes. Adiponectin plays an important role in the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of plasma ghrelin, leptin, and adiponectin in obese subjects treated with bioenterics intragastric balloon (BIB), low-calorie diet (1500 kcal), and physical exercise. DESIGN: BIB was placed for 6 months in 21 subjects with body mass index 47.3 +/- 5.7. The control group consisted of 15 morbidly obese subjects treated with a low-calorie diet and physical effort. Plasma hormone levels were determined by RIA. RESULTS: In the BIB group, the insertion of the balloon caused a considerable reduction in body mass over a 6-month period (17.1 +/- 8.0 kg) as compared with the control group (3.2 +/- 6.4 kg). After 1 month, the levels of ghrelin increased from 621.9 +/- 182.4 to 903.9 +/- 237 pg/ml and thereafter gradually decreased, reaching the starting level 3 months after the removal of the balloon. In the same group, the levels of leptin decreased from 61.3 +/- 36.7 to 39.9 +/- 17.5 ng/ml. In the control group, the corresponding levels of ghrelin and leptin remained relatively stable. During the observation period, in the BIB group, the levels of adiponectin remained unchanged as opposed to a transient increase noted in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with morbid obesity, weight loss induced by BIB is associated with a decrease in plasma leptin and a transient elevation of plasma ghrelin. It is likely that the changes in hormones regulating the energy balance caused by BIB can prevent an increase in adiponectin level.

Quality of life and its relationship to the degree of illness acceptance in patients with diabetes and peripheral diabetic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: Assessment of quality of life, especially from the psychological point of view, is likely to be strongly influenced by the degree of acceptance of one's own illness and the resultant negative emotional reactions associated with the illness itself. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between quality of life and the degree of acceptance of illness in diabetic patients with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 59 patients with diabetes were included in the study; they consisted of patients both with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy. The degree of acceptance of illness was assessed using the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and quality of life (HRQOL - health-related quality of life) was measured using the SF-36v2. RESULTS: Quality of life in people with diabetes was reduced and related to their levels of illness acceptance. Factors affecting illness acceptance in patients with peripheral diabetic neuropathy included feelings of being a burden to their family and friends (p < or = 0.05) and the belief that people in their company are made anxious by the patient's illness (p < or = 0.05). These patients also defined their health status as being worse than that of diabetic patients without additional disease complications. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life and illness acceptance were found to be strongly related. In general, patients with chronic peripheral diabetic neuropathy express lower degrees of acceptance of their illness than diabetic patients without peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Their subjective assessment of health status is also significantly worse than that of diabetic patients without neuropathy.

Saliva of patients with Type 1 diabetes: effect of smoking on activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of smoking on the activity of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase (HEX), its isoenzymes A (HEX-A) and B (HEX-B) and beta-galactosidase (GAL), in the saliva of patients with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: In the supernatant HEX and its isoenzymes A and B, and beta-galactosidase were determined by the method of Chatteriee et al in modification of Zwierz et al (mKat kg(-1) of protein). Protein was determined by the Lowry et al method (mg ml(-1)). RESULTS: The results presented here suggest that diabetes and smoking modify activity of HEX and its isoenzymes, but only combination of diabetes and smoking give a significant increase in the specific activity of HEX and its isoenzymes. CONCLUSIONS: Type 1 diabetes slightly changes the composition of saliva. Smoking cigarettes significantly modifies the composition and properties of saliva in healthy individuals and patients with Type 1 diabetes.

[Evaluation of treatment results for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee joint]. / Ocena wyników leczenia oddzielajacej jalowej martwicy kostno-chrzestnej stawu kolanowego.

The paper presents the results of treatment of 66 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in the period between 1987 and 1998. Arthroscopically assisted removal of loose bodies was performed in 14 patients, arthroscopy and fixation of the lesion with one or two screws was performed in 5 patients and arthroscopically assisted drilling of the site of the defect was performed in 26 patients. The patients were clinically evaluated according to the 100-point Lysholm scale. Basing on the Lysholm scale, results wee classified as excellent in 11 patients, as good in 15 patients, fair in 14 patients and poor in 5 cases. Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans by excision of the loose or partially attached fragment, with shaving of the base of the crater does not give good results. Excision should be reserved for small fragments that cannot be replaced anatomically. Restoration of congruity of the joint surfaces by fixation of the lesion fragment prevents future gonarthrosis and gives good final results.

Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defence and acid-base status in cord blood at birth: the influence of diabetes.

Pregnancy complicated by poor control of diabetes is associated with a higher risk of embryopathies, spontaneous abortions and perinatal mortality. A number of authors suggest an involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetic pregnancy. Determining lipid peroxidation products (LP), scavenging enzyme activities and the umbilical cord blood's acid-base balance may contribute to an adequate diagnosis of the neonate at birth. Nevertheless, such measurements seem to have limited value in practical clinical routine. The present study evaluates LP, antioxidant defence and acid-base status related to diabetic pregnancy. Twenty-eight women with type 1 diabetes (PGDM), 19 with gestational diabetes (GDM) and 13 control cases were investigated. An additional control group consisted of 15 healthy patients with negative diabetic history; all women underwent vaginal delivery. Immediately after delivery cord blood samples and placental tissue were collected for malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) determination. Additionally, pH, pCO2, pO2 and base excess were measured in both vessels and compared to identify and exclude double venous samples. MDA levels in both cord blood and placental homogenates were significantly higher in both pregestational and gestational diabetic groups, but SOD activity was significantly diminished. Cord blood GSH was markedly elevated in PGDM and GDM. We have also shown significant differences in acid-base parameters in infants of PGDM group. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test. These findings indicate an excessive oxidative stress in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus. Evaluating LP products and scavenging enzyme activities may be valuable, sensitive indexes of fetal/neonatal threat in diabetic pregnancy in humans. Since oxidative stress is an important pathway for fetal injury, we believe that obtaining adequate measurements at the time of birth would contribute to clarifying the fetal/neonatal status in a medical and legal context and might be of value in altering therapy in newborn infants.

[Clinical classification of diabetic foot as a guideline for selection of treatment]. / Kliniczne klasyfikacje owrzodzenia w zespole stopy cukrzycowej jako przewodnik w wyborze sposobu leczenia.

Foot ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus is always a serious risk factor for lower limb amputation. To amputate or to continue conservative treatment is usually a very difficult decision and not without mistakes. The main objective of the study was assessment of the diabetic wound depth as a clinical guideline for decision-making of conservative or aggressive surgical treatment. Local foot ulceration and results of management of 62 diabetics were analysed. Lower leg amputations were performed in 40% of the patients. The foot wound was evaluated according to University of San Antonio or Wagner's scoring system. Conservative treatment resulted in failure in 19% of patients of grade I, 54% of grade II, 60% of grade III and 87% of grade IV according to Wagner's. Using the San Antonio classification there were 20% of amputations in grade I, 58% in grade II and 65% in grade III. Taking into account infection and peripheral vascular disease there were 37% of amputations in stage B, 41% in stage C and 80% in stage D. Data analysis of the study suggests better clinical usefulness of the San Antonio classification system in prognosis of limb salvage. There is high probability of failure in conservative treatment of diabetic foot lesion of grade II and III and in stage D according to University of San Antonio scoring system.

Lipid peroxidation and scavenging enzyme activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation and scavenging enzyme activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and then to establish whether moderate doses of nonenzymatic antioxidant vitamin E play a role in the antioxidant defence system in diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring. The study group consisted of 30 normal female Wistar rats, which were given a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) and were mated 7 days later. Subsequently, the diabetic animals were divided into two matched groups: the first supplemented with vitamin E (30 mg/100 g chow), and the other fed with a standard diet lacking vitamin E. Controls consisted of 15 pregnant rats. On the first day after delivery, the rats were decapitated and homogenates of maternal liver and uterus as well as neonatal lungs and liver were prepared. Then the following parameters were measured: malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the homogenates and blood serum, glutathione (GSH) levels, the activity of CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glycaemia. The neonates of diabetic rats were smaller than the healthy ones and serum glucose concentration was markedly higher in the diabetic animals. MDA levels were significantly increased, whereas GSH, SOD and GPx were markedly diminished in the diabetic adult rats and their offspring in comparison to the control group. In the animals supplemented with alpha-tocopherol, MDA concentrations were significantly lower, GSH content and SOD activities were markedly elevated most tissues studied, whereas GPx remained unchanged. We conclude that, by monitoring the activity of selected scavenging enzymes, information on ongoing biological oxidative stress and thereby on the fetus/neonate status may be obtained. Our results suggest that diabetic pregnant rats and their neonates are exposed to an increased oxidative stress and that vitamin E supplementation may reduce its detrimental effects.

[Research on strength of the grafts that are used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]. / Doswiadczalne badania nad wytrzymaloscia przeszczepów stosowanych w rekonstrukcji wiezadla krzyzowego przedniego.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) using autogenous tissue is a frequently performed procedure used to restore functional stability in ACL--deficient knees. The purpose of this study was to determine the structural mechanical properties of the ACL and the grafts that are used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We tested specimens of human tissue including: ACL, medial third patellar tendon B-PT-B, central third patellar tendon B-PT-B, gracilis tendon, semitendinosus tendon (single-stranded, double-stranded and quadrupled-stranded), distal iliotibial tract and plantaris tendon (single-stranded and double-stranded). Specimens were obtained at autopsy from 32 young male cadavers. Biomechanical tests were performed using the FPZ-100 machine (produced by VEB Rauenstein). The following grafts have shown higher values than ACL: quadrupled semitendinosus--229% of ACL, doubled semitendinosus--130% of ACL, central third patellar tendon B-PT-B--114% of ACL and medial third patellar tendon B-PT-B--107% of ACL. The following grafts have shown lower values than ACL: semitendinosus tendon--72% of ACL, gracilis tendon--49% of ACL, distal iliotibial tract--47% of ACL, doubled plantaris--18% of ACL and single plantaris--10% of ACL.

Antioxidant therapy and streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant rats.

The aim of our study was to analyse the effect of chronic hyperglycaemia on lipid peroxidation and scavenging enzyme activity in pregnant animals and their offspring supplemented and not supplemented with vitamin E - a natural antioxidant. Thirty pregnant female Wistar rats were used in our experiments. Diabetes was induced on day 7 of pregnancy using a single does of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Diabetic animals were divided into two equal groups: vitamin E supplemented and those fed with standard diet. Our controls consisted of 15 healthy rats. On day 1 after delivery homogenates of maternal liver and uterus as well as neonatal lungs and liver were prepared. Then the following parameters were measured: malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the homogenates and blood serum, glutathione (GSH) levels, the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (Bioxytech, France). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Withney U test. The neonates of diabetic rats were smaller than those from healthy rats and serum glucose concentration was markedly higher in diabetic animals, both in mothers and neonates. MDA levels increased significantly, whereas GSH content and SOD as well as GPx activities were markedly diminished in diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring in comparison with the control group. In animals supplemented with tocopherol, MDA concentrations declined significantly, GSH contents and SOD activities were markedly elevated in almost all types of tissues studied, whereas glutathione peroxidase remained suppressed. Our results suggest that diabetic pregnant rats and their neonates are exposed to oxidative stress (OS), but vitamin E supplementation could in part reduce the imbalance between uncontrolled reactive oxygen species generation and scavenging enzyme activity, and may potentially serve as a useful prophylactic factor against OS development:

[Nonoperative treatment of acute, grade III acromioclavicular dislocation in judo competing athletes]. / Nieoperacyjne leczenie ostrych zwichniec III stopnia stawu barkowo-obojczykowego u zawodników wyczynowo uprawiajacych judo.

Complete acromioclavicular separation is frequent injury during practice of judo. Fourteen athletes aged 17-33 (mean 23) were treated non-operatively. All patients received cryotherapy and Velpeau bandage for two weeks, intensive rehabilitation of the shoulder followed. The patients were reviewed after mean 4.5 years (range 3-7 years). A 100-point scale designed specifically for this study, inclusive of pain, function, strength, range of motion and return to preinjury level of sports activity was used for clinical assessment. Follow-up radiographs were compared to those taken immediately after injury but no correlation with clinical results has been found. Eight results were rated excellent (90-100 points), 5 results good (80-89 points) and one result was fair (70-79 points). Short period of immobilization and early rehabilitation seems to be efficient management in highly active individuals.

[The effect of vitamin E on antioxidant tissue activity in pregnant rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes]. / Wplyw witaminy E na aktywnosc tkankowych enzymów antyoksydacyjnych u ciezarnych szczurów z cukrzyca streptozotocynowa.

UNLABELLED: The aim of our study was to establish if moderate doses of nonenzymatic antioxidant, vitamin E, could play a role in the antioxidant defence system in pregnant diabetic rats and their offspring. Two models of experimental diabetes were used: the 1st group consisted of 30 female Wistar rats which were given a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) and were mated 7 days later, whereas in the 2nd group diabetes was induced on the 7th day of pregnancy (using the same dose of streptozotocin). In each part of the experiment diabetic animals were divided into two equal groups: vitamin E supplemented and fed with standard diet only. Our controls consisted of 20 normal rats. On the 1 day after delivery rats were decapitated and homogenates of maternal liver and uterus as well as neonatal lungs and liver were prepared. Then the following parameters were measured: malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the homogenates and blood serum (colorimetric assay), glutathione (GSH) levels (colorimetric test), the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) (spectrophotometric method) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (immunoenzyme technique). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test. The neonates of diabetic rats were smaller than healthy ones and serum glucose concentration was markedly higher in diabetic animals, especially in model I. MDA levels increased significantly, whereas GSH content and SOD as well as GPx activities were markedly diminished in diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring in comparison with the control group. In animals supplemented with tocopherol MDA concentrations declined significantly, GSH content and SOD activities were markedly elevated in almost all types of tissues studied, whereas glutathione peroxidase remained suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: By monitoring the activity of chosen scavenging enzymes in homogenates and body fluids we can accumulate information on ongoing biological oxidative stress. Our results suggest that diabetic pregnant rats and their neonates are exposed to an increased oxidative stress, but vitamin E supplementation could at least in part reduce its detrimental effects.

[Results of treatment of acute grade III acro-myo-clavicular dislocation by closed reduction and Kirschner wires fixation]. / Wyniki leczenia swiezych zwichniec stawu barkowo-obojczykowego III stopnia za pomoca zamknietej repozycji i stabilizacji drutami Kirschnera.

Eight patients with acute, grade III acromioclavicular dislocation were treated by closed reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires introduced through the acromion into distal end of the clavicle. Desault plaster cast was discarded and K-wires removed after 6 weeks (in 3 patients after 4 weeks due to loosening). Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Patients were assessed with a 100 points scale of Kawabe et al., initial and final radiographs were compared. Four results were rated excellent (between 90 and 100 points), 3 results good (between 80 and 89 points) and in one case result was fair. Normal anatomy of acromioclavicular joint has been found in 75% of patients. Partial loss of reduction was found in two patients. It has been concluded, that closed reduction and fixation with Kirschner wires is simple, barely invasive method of treatment for acromioclavicular dislocation and gives good final results.

[Diabetic foot--an attempt at defining the risk factors for amputation]. / Stopa cukrzycowa--próba okreslenia czynników ryzyka amputacji.

The study included 65 patients--42 males and 23 females aged 67 +/- 17 with the diabetic foot syndrome. They were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent amputation (25 patients) and 40 who were treated conservatively. Amputations were preceded most frequently by ulceration (17 cases), phlegmona (5 cases) or dry necrosis (3 cases). The high percentage of amputations in the studied patients could be explained, at least in part, by poor general condition and advanced local changes. In the group of patients, who underwent amputation--in relation to those treated conservatively a decrease in filtration function was found (46.0 +/- 24.3 vs 89.5 +/- 26.2) and a higher percentage in the prevalence of microalbuminuria or proteinuria (80% vs 45%) as well as a higher percentage of cigarettes smokers in this group (72% vs 40%). The majority of the studied patients was characterized by poor education, lack of self-control of glycaemia, no efficient metabolic control of diabetes, measured by glycated haemoglobin and the presence of neuropathy and retinopathy. In addition, in 4 patients among the whole studied group (including 1 patient who underwent amputation), diabetes was newly diagnosed. These results indicate the necessity of improving education, early diagnosis of insulin independent diabetes, more frequent foot examinations and the elimination of amputation risk factors. Prophylaxis of diabetes foot associated with the proper treatment of diabetes is a necessary condition for decreasing of the amputation rate according to St. Vincent Declaration.

[Peptide C and insulin after delivery in women with gestational diabetes]. / Peptyd C i insulina po porodzie u kobiet z cukrzyca ciezarnych.

Gestational diabetes is a disease appearing in many forms. Up till now the etiopathogenesis was not clearly defined. It has been suggested that counterregulatory of pregnancy or diminished B-cells could the major contributory factors. The aim of the present study was to retrospective verify the diagnoses of gestational diabetes. The investigation was carried out in 42 women aged 25-39 yrs, mean age 30 +/- 6 yrs. Diabetes was diagnosed in the 2nd, and 3rd, trimesters of pregnancy, 30 women were treated by diet only, 25 kcal/kg b.w. depending on weight, and 12 patients had intensified insulin therapy of mean daily dose 18 +/- 8 U. Three to nine months after delivery a glucose tolerance test as well as estimation of C-peptide and insulin concentration by RIA in basic conditions and after administration of 1 mg of glucagon were performed. In the group of women treated by diet only, normal values of glycaemia in glucose tolerance test were observed. C-peptide concentration measured before administration of glucagon was 1.15 +/- 0.49 ng/ml and after administration of 1 mg of glucagon was 3.14 +/- 1.44 ng/ml. In the majority of patients treated during pregnancy with insulin the results of oral glucose tolerance test were pathological. The concentrations of C-peptide in the test with glucagon were significantly lower (0.33 +/- 0.16 and 0.38 +/- 0.32 ng/ml). The concentrations of insulin were much lower in comparison to women treated with diet and healthy controls, these results suggest that, if gestational diabetes could be controlled by diet only, disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism would disappear, however, if insulin therapy was necessary during pregnancy, disturbances of the carbohydrate metabolism would be prolonged.

Effect of thyrotropin and adenosine on inositol phospholipids pathway in human thyroid in Graves' disease.

The present study demonstrates that exposure of human thyroid slices obtained during planned surgery of patients with Graves' disease to thyrotropin stimulates the phospholipid metabolism as measured by an increase incorporation of 2-myo-[3H]-inositol into phosphatidylinositol and poliphosphatidylinositides and the generation of InsP3. The results indicate that adenosine, probably via the A1 type of P1 receptor, modulates these actions, both incorporation of labelled substrate into thyroid slices as well as its metabolism to active compounds which could play a role in a cell signalling system. These observations indicate the significance of the phosphatidilinositol pathway in signal transmission of both, thyrotropin as well as P1 purinergic receptors agonists in human thyroid.

Effect of thyrotropin on inositol phospholipids pathway in human thyroid non-toxic goitre.

The present study demonstrates that exposure of human thyroid slices to thyrotropin causes an increase in phospholipid metabolism as measured by an increased incorporation of myo-2-[3H]-inositol into phosphatidylinositol, the generation of InsP3 and formation of GInsP as well as metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid. These results indicate that adenosine, probably via the A1 type of P1 receptor, modulates both incorporation of labelled substrate into thyroid slices and its metabolism to active compounds which could play a role in a cell signalling system. These observations confirmed suggestions about the physiological role of the phosphatidylinositol pathway in signalling action of thyrotropin and purinergic receptors in human thyroid.

Iodine prophylaxis in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident in the area of Sejny in north-eastern Poland.

The aim of our study was the estimation of the effects, possible side-effects and immunological reactions after the mass iodine prophylaxis following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. 1457 subjects, aged 6-55 yrs, filled in our questionnaires and in 1191 of them the titres of antithyroid antibodies (TA) including ATMA--Anti-Human Thyroid Membrane Antibodies and TGAb--Anti-Thyreoglobulin Antibodies were estimated. Our study revealed that the prophylaxis, recommended in Poland only for children and teenagers was widely used (more than 90%) and relatively safe. No serious side effects, especially in pregnant women consuming KI were reported. The frequency and mean titres of TA were similar in adults who took and did not take stable iodine. The incidence of TA could be connected with many different factors including iodine deficiency, endemy of goitre as well as iodine prophylaxis. The reason of this phenomenon may be explained in long-term population studies.

Incidence of thyroid autoantibodies in the endemic goiter.

The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of thyroid autoantibodies (TA) in the endemic region of the north-eastern Poland. The mean titres of ATMA and TGAb were measured in 1508 randomly chosen persons aged 3 to 68 yrs. ATMA or TGAb were positive in 17% of the population studied. Frequency and mean titres of TA were observed to increase with age. Autoantibodies were more frequently noted in persons with parenchymatous goiter. There was no correlation between the incidence of autoantibodies and goiter enlargement, however, the highest percentage of TGA was noted in people with large thyroid (III). TA were also found in 10% of the subjects without goitre. Our results do not confirm the hypothesis that thyroid autoantibodies play a key role in the pathogenesis of endemic goiter.