Analysis of Patient-Dependent and Trauma-Dependent Risk Factors for Persistent Brachial Plexus Injury after Shoulder Dislocation.

Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) caused by shoulder dislocation usually have a transient character and tend to resolve spontaneously. However, in some patients the symptoms can persist and require operative intervention. This work aims to determine the risk factors for persistent BPIs resulting from shoulder dislocation. The study comprised 73 patients (58 men, 15 women; mean age: 50 years) treated operatively between the years 2000 and 2016 for persistent BPIs resulting from shoulder dislocation. Patient age, gender, type of initial trauma, number of affected nerves, presence of accompanying injuries, and time interval from dislocation to its reduction were analysed. Elderly patients more often sustained multiple-nerve injuries, while single nerve injuries were more often observed in younger patients. Injury to a single nerve was diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Axillary nerve was most commonly affected. Fracture of the greater tuberosity of humerus coincided with total BPI in 50% of the cases. Longer unreduced period caused injury to multiple nerves. Analysis of our patient group against relevant literature revealed that persistent BPI after shoulder dislocation is more common in older patients. Injuries to ulnar and median nerves more often require operative intervention due to low potential for spontaneous recovery of these nerves.

Chitosan and its composites: Properties for use in bone substitution.

For many years, research has been carried out on finding an ideal bone substitute. Chitosan (CTS) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide, obtained mainly from, inter alia, the shells of crustaceans. It is characterized by its high level of biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties as well as its support in the healing of wounds. Chitosan, due to its ability to form porous structures, can be used in the production of scaffolds used in the treatment of bone defects. There are numerous studies on the use of CTS in combination with other substances which aim to improve its biological and mechanical properties. The combination of chitosan with the calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been extensively tested. The objective of the current studies is to verify the properties of scaffolds consisting of chitosan and other substances like polybutylene succinate, human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs), collagen, alginate, transforming growth factor - ß (TGF-ß), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). The aim of the current research is to develop a scaffold with sufficiently good mechanical properties. Trials are underway with many of the biological and synthetic components affecting the biological properties of chitosan. This will allow for the creation of a substitute that fully meets the conditions for an ideal artificial bone.

Results and biomechanical consideration of treatment of congenital lower limb shortening and deformity using the Ilizarov method.

One of the applications of the Ilizarov apparatus is the correction of congenital shortening and deformities. Ilizarov external fixator produces biomechanical structure with surrounding tissue, which is the reason why very important is correct stability of fixator. Large distraction in the case of high value of lengthening, and large deformity corection result in shear stresses that occur additionally in the regenerate, which can potentially lead to damage of the regenerating nutritive microcirculation of bone tissue and bone fragment displacements. Our objective was to assess the results of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of congenital shortening taking into account treatment strategy and the size of the axis of lengthening and correction. Our research problems include presenting the effects of biomechanics of musculoskeletal deformations on treatment results, presenting complications and their treatment. Between 1989 and 2009, 62 patients underwent surgery to correct congenital lower limb deficiencies at our Clinic; 33 patients were followed-up. In total, there were 70 surgeries (2.12/patient). Axial correction was performed in 26 patients (78.79%). Average age at the start of the treatment was 15.58 years. Mean follow-up was 8.58 years. Mean lengthening per surgery was 3.17 cm with the lengthening index of 50.7 day/cm. Results were very good for 23 patients, good for 7 patients, satisfactory for 3 patients. Complications appeared in 24 patients, problems occurred in 74.42% of the cases, obstacles in 4.65% of cases, and true complications in 20.93% of the cases. The best results were achieved in the treatment of patients with two-stage and two-segment lengthening with a total elongation of less than 7 cm, and without correction of the axis. Congenital shortening of the lower limb should be treated comprehensively because the shortening applies to all segments, and disturbs biomechanics of all lower limb. In the case of axial correction and large amount of elongation high soft tissue forces counteract the distraction forces. Hybrid construction may help to shorten treatment time, increase fixator stability and decrease rate of complications. We suggest use of hybrid Ilizarov fixator, especially when large elongation and axis corection are planned.

[New opportunities of renal diseases diagnostics using gas chromatography]. / Nowe mozliwosci diagnostyki chorób nerek przy wykorzystaniu chromatografii gazowej.

During the last decade the amount of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased. The physicians' efforts are focused on early CKD diagnosis and reduction of the end-stage renal diseases incidence. The breath test seems to be a promising diagnostic device offering early noninvasive diseases detection. The aim of presented study was the determination of breath composition in case of persons suffering from CKD. Breath samples were collected from 14 patients and 7 healthy volunteers. Exhaled air samples were analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Samples were enriched using solid phase microextraction (SPME). Trimethylamine (TMA), mentioned in literature as potential marker of chronic kidney diseases, was detected in case of 11 patients. Among breath components were detected: sulfur compounds: dimethyl sulfide (was detected in exhaled air of patients and control group), carbon disulfide (was detected in case of 4 healthy and in case of all patients) and also potential markers of oxidative stress: propane, butane, pentane, 2-methylpentane, hexane. Acetone and isoprene occurred in exhaled air of all studied persons. The considerable increase of acetone concentration in comparison to control group was observed in case of patients with diagnosed diabetes. The application of gas chromatography with mass spectrometer and appropriate enrichment of samples allows to define the breath profile characteristic for chosen the unit of disease. Typical compounds--biomarkers can be useful for early diagnostics.

Antioxidant activity of beta-carboline derivatives.

The investigated beta-carboline derivatives were synthesized to elucidate their activity as 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor ligands. Compounds containing a carboline ring system belong to a large family of biological active indoles, which are very important for the function of the central nervous system. The research was carried out to determine antioxidative or oxidative properties of these derivatives. Analysis of antioxidative capacity as indication of oxidative stress was based on ability to scavenge free radicals by DPPH (free radical scavenging activity test) and FRAP test. The results were compared to those of standard substances like vitamin C, trolox, quercetin and curcumin. The research of derivatives of beta-carboline shows antioxidative activity comparable to vitamin C. Compounds 1, 5 and 6, but only in low concentration, have antioxidative activity. Substance 10 was classified as that with prooxidative activity.

[Obesity and its' influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood of patients with varicose veins of the lower limbs]. / Wplyw otylosci na poziom reaktywnych form tlenu (RTF) we krwi chorych z zylakami konczyn dolnych.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is considered as a probable mechanism in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including chronic venous disease (CVD). Local increased production of reactive oxygen species is taken into account as a mediator in vessel wall changes leading to damage of the endothelium and may be the mechanism leading to its' decreased blood flow and venous stasis. Obesity is a known clinical factor influencing venous blood flow from the lower limbs. AIM: Research aim was to evaluate the local production of ROS on the basis of malonylodialdehyde (MDA) production--a product of lipid peroxidation in blood samples taken from varicose veins of the lower limbs; as well as from blood taken from the forearms of patients that undertook surgery for lower limb varicose veins. The correlation between MDA level and body mass index (BMI) was also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The examined group consisted of 31 patients with diagnosed CVD of the 2nd and 3rd degree according to CEAP qualified for surgical procedure. The analyzed group consisted of 23 females and 8 males between the ages of 26-68 years (mean age 49.9 +/- 12.5). The control group included 31 patients (20 females and 11 males) between the ages of 51-72 years (mean age 60 +/- 12); volunteers were without signs and symptoms of CVD whom had MDA levels measured from forearm veins during routine exam. Lipid peroxidation products were identified by measuring reactive species reaction with thiobarbital, measured by the spectro-fluorometrical method given by Austa. MDA concentration were expressed as nmol of MDA per ml of plasma and measured using the fluorometric method at fluorescence emission at 553 nm and ebullition at 532 nm. RESULTS: Significant increase in the MDA level in blood with various veins was noted in comparison to peripheral blood in patients with signs and symptoms of CVD (p < or = 0.0001). Overall MDA concentrations was higher in venous blood plasma in patients with CVD than in healthy volunteers (p < or = 0.0005). BMI substantially correlated with increased MDA concentration in blood plasma. MDA concentration was higher in obese patients than in patients with normal BMI. These results were substantially significant (p < or = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CVD is associated with increased oxidative stress measured by the level of MDA in blood plasma. Measurement of MDA may be a useful marker in evaluation of vessel changes in patients with CVD. 3. Obesity increases risk of lipid peroxidation and influences increment of oxidative stress in the group of patients with CVD.

Correlation of endothelin 1 plasma levels with plasma antioxidant capacity in elderly patients treated for hypertension.

UNLABELLED: Experimental studies confirmed that reactive oxygen species increase endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis, and modulate ET-1 signaling pathway resulting in vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma ET-1 concentration and antioxidant status in patients with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: 78 hypertensive patients, 53.8% diabetic, mean age 72.1+/-7.07 were examined. The plasma concentration of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, bilirubin, cholesterol, insulin, HbA1c and ET-1 were measured. Antioxidant status was assessed by Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), vitamin C concentration and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. RESULTS: With diabetes ET-1 concentration was higher (1.35+/-0.51 vs 1.12+/-0.46 pg/mL, p=0.04). The negative correlations between ET-1 concentration and FRAP (r=-0.50, p<0.0001), vitamin C (r=-0.296, p=0.01) and SOD (r=-0.44, p=0.001) were found. Concentration of ET-1 correlated positively with SBP (r=0.33, p=0.005) but not with DBP. The relationship between DBP and ET-1 only in subjects with DBP>110 mm Hg and FRAP<0.40 mmol/L was found. In multiple regression analysis plasma ET-1 levels were associated independently with FRAP (beta=-0.583, p=0.003) and plasma vitamin C (beta=-0.407, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In hypertensive and diabetic patients higher plasma endothelin-1 level was independently associated with lower plasma antioxidant status measured by FRAP and decreased vitamin C concentration, which may be a result of increased oxidative stress in these diseases.

Restrictive left ventricular filling pattern and its effect on the clinical course of systolic heart failure in patients receiving carvedilol.

BACKGROUND: To analyze differences in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels depending on mitral flow pattern (MFP) and to assess the effects of carvedilol on changes in MFP, left ventricular function and exercise capacity. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 73 patients with symptomatic heart failure in NYHA classes II and III and LVEF < 40% without prior beta-blockade. In all patients at baseline, before carvedilol, and then at 3 and 12 months after initiation of treatment, the following parameters were assessed: HR(s), serum BNP, echocardiographic parameters, and exercise capacity with gas monitoring during cardiopulmonary stress test. Before carvedilol there was a positive correlation between BNP and E/A (r = 0.17; p = 0.05). BNP was significantly higher in patients with restrictive MFP (rMFP) as compared with nonrestrictive MFP (nrMFP) (541.5 +/- 206.7 vs. 412.6 +/- 207.2; p = 0.009), and lower VO(2peak) in rMFP as compared with nrMFP (12.5 +/- 3.7 vs. 16.5 +/- 4.7; p = 0.001). After initiation of carvedilol, the patients with rMFP had reduced E/A (2.9 vs. 1.4; p = 0.003), and rMFP was changed to nrMFP in 60.8% of patients. Respective BNP concentrations were 342.16 +/- 284.31 vs. 326.40 +/- 264.6; NS. In patients with rMFP VO(2peak) , %N increased significantly from 42.4 +/- 10.2 to 52.4 +/- 14.4; p = 0.012. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with systolic congestive heart failure, the presence of rMFP is related to higher BNP levels and reduced VO(2peak). Chronic treatment with carvedilol replaces rMFP with nrMFP and improves exercise capacity in some patients.

Use of thermography to monitor the bone regenerate during limb lengthening--preliminary communication.

BACKGROUND: Bone regenerate is routinely assessed on X-ray images obtained every 7 to 14 days in the distraction period and every 14 to 28 days during the stabilisation period. Tissue reconstruction during new bone formation and increased metabolism in the tissues being lengthened are associated with an increase in the temperature of the limb. The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between the bone regenerate, assessed on the basis of X-ray evidence, and thermographic images of the limb registered in a non-invasive manner with a thermographic camera. A positive correlation would enable a reduction in the number of X-ray studies in the future. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone lengthening using the Ilizarov technique of distraction osteogenesis was performed in 18 patients (9 men and 9 women) aged 12-74. The lengthened segments included the crus in 13 patients, the thigh in 4 patients and lower arm in 1 patient. Assessments of the bone regenerate were made during periodic follow-up visits on the basis of X-ray images and compared to thermographic images, on the basis of which thermal indices were established. The indices comprised the difference in the temperatures between the lengthened limb at the lengthening site and the contralateral limb at the same level, as well as the difference in the temperature of the lengthened limb at the lengthening site and at selected nearby points. RESULTS: A statistical analysis of the results of the monitoring of distraction osteogenesis established a statistically significant correlation between the regenerate status and thermal indices. The strongest correlation between X-ray and thermographic images was obtained in the frontal view for the crural bones. Mean values of Spearman's correlation coefficient for the tibia and femur were rS = 0.925 (p < 0.01) and 0.724 (p < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As a non-invasive method of measuring temperature thermography is a valuable adjunct to the traditional diagnostic methods and can be used successfully to monitor and evaluate the formation and remodelling of the regenerate at all stages of the treatment. It is particularly useful for the assessment of the bone regenerate in the tibia. The robust correlation between the regenerate and thermal indices measured with Spearman's correlation index enables a reduction in the number of radiographic studies of up to 50% in most cases. Moreover, thermography enables early detection of soft tissue inflammation around Kirschner wires.

Concentration of BNP, endothelin 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure treated with carvedilol.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies on the pathophysiology of heart failure indicate the role of neurohormones and immune and inflammatory processes as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of chronic heart failure (CHF). AIM: To analyse the relationship between concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and cardiopulmonary stress test parameters, and to evaluate their changes during carvedilol treatment. METHODS: The study included 86 patients (81 men and 5 women) aged from 35 to 70 years (56.8+/-9.19) with symptomatic heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, receiving an inhibitor of angiotensin II converting enzyme, diuretic and/or digoxin but not beta-blockers. All patients at baseline, and then at 3 and 12 months after treatment, underwent a panel of studies to assess functional capacity according to NYHA, echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary stress test (CPX) parameters, and serum concentrations of BNP, ET-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Before introducing carvedilol we found a weak relationship between concentrations of BNP, ET-1, IL-6 and decreased VO2 peak. RESULTS: At 12 months exercise tolerance was significantly improved (exercise stress testing prolonged by 143.9 s, p=0.001) and an increase in metabolic equivalent (MET) by 1.41 (p=0.001) was observed. The VO2 peak was nonsignificantly increased by a mean of 0.9 ml/kg/min. In patients with baseline VO2 peak <14 ml/kg/min the concentrations of ET-1 and TNF-alpha were significantly higher than in the remaining ones, and after treatment they were significantly reduced. In these patients VO2 peak%N was also significantly increased (39.5+/-7.5 vs. 50.1+/-15,0; p=0.013). The number of patients with VO2 peak <14 ml/kg/min also significantly decreased from 39 to 21 (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HF decreased value of VO2 peak is associated with LV systolic function disorders and increased levels of BNP, ET-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6. Chronic treatment with carvedilol improves LV systolic function, exercise tolerance and peak oxygen consumption and is associated with significant decrease of BNP, ET-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6 concentrations.

The results of treatment of bone defects and non-union within the femoral shaft with shortening of femur using Ilizarov method.

BACKGROUND: The non-union within the femur with shortening of the limb as a consequence of trauma is an indication to choose external stabilisation as a method of treatment for that reason, that healing of the bone and surrounded soft tissues is disordered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors discuss the results of treatment of 16 patients with post-traumatic bone defect and pseudarthroses with femur shortening. The injury was located in femur shaft in 8 cases, distal epiphysis in 5 cases and proximal epiphysis in 3 cases. 11 patients were treated in one stage, 4 patients were treated in two stages and 1 was held in three stages. First operation was made for achievement of union in place of bone loss or pseudarthrosis- the second and third- for elongation and correction of the axis of the femur. The follow-up consisted of 10 patients. In most cases subjective and objective improvement was achieved. RESULTS: The bone union was reached in 15 patients and in 1 case pseudarthrosis was observed. Patients who were considered to have next procedures due to remaining femur shortening or other limb deformity didn't see necessity of following treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study indicated that Ilizarov's method can be successfully used in most patients with post-traumatic bone defect and pseudarthrosis with femur shortening. The method allows to reach the bone union, correct the deformity and lengthen the limb as well, what need mostly multi-stage treatment.

Prolonged quercetin administration diminishes the etoposide-induced DNA damage in bone marrow cells of rats.

The DNA damage in bone marrow cells induced by etoposide (E) injected intraperitoneally to rats (100 mg/kg b.w.) decreased to the control level when quercetin (Q) was administered subcutaneously for 10 consecutive days (40 mg/kg b.w.per day) before E was injected. The antioxidant power (FRAP assay) increased significantly after Q or E compared with control rats but did not change when Q preceded the E injection. The superoxide dismutase activity significantly increased in Q+E-treated rats compared with quercetin given alone. The study provides evidence that Q protects bone marrow cells against long-lived E-induced DNA damage and alters the redox balance in lung tissue.

The usefulness of artificial neural networks in the evaluation of pulmonary efficiency and antioxidant capacity of welders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine if artificial neural networks (ANNs) may be useful to analyse a complex and large set of data derived from smoking welders for the purpose of finding relationships between parameters describing respiratory system efficiency and antioxidant defence. METHODS: A group of 94 welders employed in a big metallurgic enterprise in Krakow, Poland (men only, aged 29-57 years, all active smokers) occupationally exposed to O(3) and NO(x), were the subjects of this study. They underwent biochemical measurements including total antioxidant status (TAS) and the anti-oxidative defence enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CT); biominerals: Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg in blood serum and in hair; the concentrations of albumin, bilirubin, uric acid in blood. The determination of respiratory efficiency was based on a "flow-volume" curve and spirometry. The dependant variables for ANNs were: TAS, SOD, CT. Thirty-one subjects with normal values of all spirometric parameters were selected for the final analysis. RESULTS: Statistically valid relationship between TAS and albumin, Zn and Cu in blood and the two pulmonary parameters forced expiratory volume after 1s (FEV(1)) and middle expiratory flow of 25-75% of vital capacity (MEF(25/75)) were found. Zn concentration almost linearly influenced TAS. For Cu a sigmoid curve was obtained. For albumin concentration as well as for FEV(1) a two-stage curve was observed. CONCLUSIONS: ANNs are useful for the reduction of dimensionality and are suited to analyse a complex and relatively large set of parameters when it is unknown which of these are related. ANNs were useful for finding the relationship between the antioxidant defence and the respiratory system capacity in welders who smoke.

Effect of Vita Glucan on some antioxidant parameters of the human blood. In vitro study.

Recently, beta-glucan has been postulated to modulate antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase-SOD) as well as to inhibit lipid peroxidation in studies concerning rats or rabbits. There are very few reports on antioxidant effect of beta-glucan in the human blood. The study was aimed to estimate influence of Vita Glucan (VG) on SOD and catalase (CAT) activities as well as on total antioxidant power measured as ferric reducing activity and ascorbate concentration (FRASC) in the human blood in vitro. SOD activities were measured according to Fridovich's method, CAT activity by Aebi's and FRASC value by Benzi's one. Results of this study have shown that Vita Glucan at concentrations 42.5, 85, 170, and 340 mg x 100 mL(-1) increased markedly activities of antioxidant enzymes and FRASC values in human red blood cells hemolysates.

Micronutrients and macronutrients and parameters of antioxidative ability in saliva of women: inhabitants of Krakow (Poland) in the course of uncomplicated singleton pregnancy.

There were two aims of the present study: (1) to evaluate changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidative status measured as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) concentration in saliva of pregnant women during the first, second, and third trimesters of singleton uncomplicated pregnancy and (2) to assess possible relations among SOD, FRAP, and intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in daily nutritional rations (DNRs) during pregnancy. Forty pregnant women aged 27.1+/-5.4 yr (examined group) and 40 healthy women (the control group) were recruited for this study. The relationship between FRAP and SOD in saliva and the intake of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids), minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn), and vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2, B6, PP) in DNR was evaluated by clustering analysis with Ward's grouping method. During pregnancy, FRAP and SOD values were lower than in the controls, but only for FRAP were the differences statistically significant (p < 0.001). For the whole pregnancy period, cluster analysis identified two major clusters for which the differentiating variables were SOD and retinoids intake, but different patterns for each trimester of pregnancy were revealed. The following were concluded: (1) FRAP values were the lowest in the second trimester. It suggests that in this trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy, women might be not fully adapted to increased demands for antioxidative mechanisms. (2) Cluster analysis showed that there were no statistical relationships between the intake of micronutrients and macronutrients in DNRs and the SOD or FRAP level in the saliva of pregnant women.

Preliminary evaluation of antioxidant activity of some 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives.

The antioxidant properties of appropriate 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives possessing significant hypotensive activity in normotensive rats were measured in human venous blood samples, in vitro. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was measured in plasma, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in red blood cell hemolysates. Antioxidant profile of 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives was compared to Trolox and Resveratrol. The compounds were investigated in concentrations from 10(-8) to 10(-4) mol x L(-1). The most promising compounds were 1-[(4-methyl)- and 1-[(2,6-dimethyl)-phenoxyethyl]-piperazine derivatives [1, 2] which increased SOD activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). An addition of chlorine atom to methyl-phenoxy moiety decreased antioxidant properties.

Antioxidative protection in hypertensive patients treated with diuretics.

BACKGROUND: Recently results of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) showed that a thiazide diuretic was unsurpassed by any other drug class studied in achieving the level of cardiovascular protection, a finding reflected in the recent Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC7) recommendations. Oxidative stress has been found to be one of the key players in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease at large. The objective of this study was to check the hypothesis that diuretics may favorably affect the oxidative status of plasma, which could account in part for the results of recent trials. METHODS: In addition to the routine workup in a series of 39 medically treated hypertensive patients, we analyzed the level of antioxidative protection afforded by the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), according to class of drug used. RESULTS: We found that patients taking diuretics had significantly better antioxidative protection expressed by the higher levels of FRAP. Although the limited number of patients did not allow us to exclude the influence of other variables in the multiple regression analysis, we did not observe any differences in the level of FRAP when the group was divided according to the other drug classes, gender (men versus women), smoking, diabetes mellitus, duration of treatment, concomitant therapy, or level of uric acid. CONCLUSIONS: The use of thiazide diuretics seems to be associated with better antioxidative protection. This observation may add to the explanation of the results of recent trials in hypertension.

Is magnesium deficit in lymphocytes a part of the mitral valve prolapse syndrome?

Magnesium deficiency has been proposed to be related to the mitral valve prolapse syndrome. However determinations of magnesium concentration in blood serum and hemolysates of red blood cells in this disease revealed divergent results. We investigated 49 patients with the mitral valve prolapse syndrome and 30 healthy individuals, matched by age and gender. The concentration of magnesium was measured in blood plasma and lysates of lymphocytes isolated from venous blood. The magnesium concentration in plasma was similar in both the patients and the healthy controls. By contrast, the magnesium concentration in lysates of lymphocytes was significantly lower (p < 0.03) in the patients with mitral valve prolapse syndrome than in the controls (range: 1.94-10.6 mmol/g of protein in Lymphocyte lysate; median 5.98 and 6.7-9.61 mmol/g of protein; median 7.22). The results obtained suggest that magnesium deficiency may be part of the mechanisms of the mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

Pattern recognition methods in evaluation of the structure of the laboratory data biominerals, antioxidant enzymes, selected biochemical parameters, and pulmonary function of welders.

A wide set of biochemical and spirometrical parameters was applied to a group of 41 welders. The obtained parameters were analyzed by the pattern recognition method: principal-components analysis (PCA) and mutual contribution analysis (MCA). The aim of the investigation was to find out which of 23 parameters had an influence on the pulmonological indices of COPD. It was found that PCA gave a substantial reduction of dimensionality. The most relevant parameters were Fe, Zn, Cu (all elements in blood, not in hair), FEV1, MEF50, bilirubin, TAS, and SOD. Only the relationships of MEF50, Cu, and TAS were statistically valid.