Effect of carotid endarterectomy on brain damage markers.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a recommended treatment in the prevention of ischemic stroke. However, this procedure may cause neurological complications caused by cerebrovascular damage. While YKL-40 is a proinflammatory protein, neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL) and brain lipid-binding protein (FABP7) are structural components of the brain. The aim of the study was to investigate YKL-40, NEFL, and FABP7 in the serum of patients undergoing CEA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 participants who underwent CEA due to internal carotid artery stenosis. Blood samples were taken from each patient at three different intervals: prior to the surgery, 12 h after the surgery, and 48 h after the surgery. Serum levels of these brain damage markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The study showed that the serum YKL-40 level was significantly increased 48 h after CEA when compared to the level prior to surgery and also when compared to levels 12 h after surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in serum NEFL and FABP7 levels between all three recorded measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Data from our study showed that CEA affects serum YKL-40 but not NEFL and FABP7 levels. This implicates that YKL-40 may be a valuable serum marker of brain damage after CEA. However, the observed change in serum YKL-40 level in patients after CEA does not necessarily warrant a change in recommendations concerning the use of this treatment in patients with high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis.

Establishment and preliminary characterization of two cell lines derived from larynx carcinoma.

Two new cell lines, designated as RK-33 and RK-45, have been successfully established by an outgrowth technique from two different larynx tumours obtained from patients after laryngectomy. Both cell lineshave been maintained incultureforover 18 monthsandrecently have reached passage number 220 (RK-33) and 110 (RK-45). The cells display an epithelial morphology and multiply with a population doubling time of about 24 h (RK-33) and about 40 h (RK-45). The epithelial nature of the cells was also confirmed by expression of cytokeratins 8 and 18. Both lines were sensitive to antiproliferative effect of the tested cytostatic agents such as methotrexate. etoposide and thiotepa, with methotrexate being the most effective. We believe that both cell lines: RK-33 and RK-45 could be a suitable model for studying larynx cancer biology, however, further characterization of their properties is needed.

[The use of microsurgery and balneotherapy in the treatment of hyperplastic laryngitis]. / Zastosowanie mikrochirurgii i balneoterapii w skojarzonym leczeniu hiperplastycznych niezytów krtani.

The study aimed at the assessment of the clinical value of using the combined method of laryngeal microsurgery and balneotherapy in the operative treatment and prevention of recurrences of limited hyperplastic changes of the laryngeal mucosa. The study material comprised two groups of patients diagnosed and treated in the years 1991-1997 in the Lublin E.N.T. Department and Laryngological Research-Consulting Center in Iwonicz Zdrój. The I clinical group consisted of 194 patients in whom, on definite indications, micro-surgeries with Kleinsasser's method were performed and the II control group consisting of 165 subjects suffering from chronic simple inflammation of pharyngo-laryngeal mucosa without morphologic hypertrophy. Inhalant treatment was performed by means of an individual method--using inhalant devices by Thomex L-2 producing high density mist of 1-4 mu degree comminution. Isotonic Iwonicz saline-Elin 7 was used. Uniform criteria of assessment were assumed and used of direct and distant therapeutic effect (in control studies) for the whole group of patients in the study period. Obtained results were analysed statistically.

Tumor angiogenesis in patients with laryngeal cancer.

Tumor angiogenesis was evaluated in 60 patients with primary laryngeal cancer by quantitating the microvessel density with antibodies against factor VIII. The microvessel density was then correlated with T stage, N stage, histologic grade and patient survival. A direct correlation was found between increased tumor angiogenesis and T stage, histologic grade and a shorter survival rate.

[Epidemiologic and clinical tests of patients suffering from laryngeal cancer in the Lublin macro-region in the years 1991-1995]. / Badania epidemiologiczne i kliniczne chorujacych na raka krtani w latach 1991-1995 w makroregionie lubelskim.

The study of registered morbidity of patients suffering from laryngeal cancer in the Lublin macro-region in the years 1991-95 was carried out. Morbidity rates in the population in consecutive years of investigated 5-year age groups were examined. In clinical investigations the conditions of clinical advancement of the disease in particular organs was determined and environmental factors and occupation were also revealed.