Modified Lymphoscintigraphy in Primary Lymphatic Insufficiency of the Lower Limb.

Primary lymphedema of the foot and toes could be sometimes misdiagnosed by lymphoscintigraphy as a whole lower limb lymphatic insufficiency (LLLI). This is caused by using standard lymphoscintigraphic protocol based on one interstitial injection of radiotracer applied into the first interdigital space followed by image analysis of lower limb lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. Here, we show that a modification of the lymphoscintigraphic protocol and introduction of a second dose of radiotracer right above the inner ankle to the clinically healthy tissue can more accurately describe morphological abnormalities of the superficial lymphatic system at the lower limb and thereby refine the diagnosis of the LLLI. Fourteen patients with swelling of the foot and toes (16 lower limbs) were examined using standard lymphoscintigraphic protocol. Subsequently, modified lymphoscintigraphy was performed. While standard lymphoscintigraphy showed severe lymphatic insufficiency of the superficial lymphatic system in all 14 patients (in 16 lower limbs), including significantly reduced number of inguinal nodes, modified lymphoscintigraphy revealed almost normal morphology of superficial lymphatic vessels in 11 patients (in 13 lower limbs) throughout the entire lower limb proximal to the application site. In conclusion, using the modified lymphoscintigraphy protocol in patients with foot and toes primary lymphedema can refine diagnosis and follow-up medical management.

Modification of human pericardium by chemical crosslinking.

Autologous and allogenic human pericardia used as biomaterials for cardiovascular surgery are traditionally crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. In this work, we have evaluated the resistivity to collagenase digestion and the cytotoxicity of human pericardium crosslinked with various concentrations of glutaraldehyde in comparison with pericardium crosslinked by genipin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, tannic acid, and in comparison with unmodified pericardium. Crosslinking retained the wavy-like morphology of native pericardium visualized by second harmonic generation microscopy. The collagenase digestion products were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, capillary electrophoresis, and a hydroxyproline assay. Glutaraldehyde and genipin crosslinking protected the native pericardium efficiently against digestion with collagenase III. Only low protection was provided by the other crosslinking agents. The cytotoxicity of crosslinked pericardium was evaluated using xCELLigence by monitoring the viability of porcine valve interstitial cells cultured in eluates from crosslinked pericardium. The highest cell index, reflecting both the number and the shape of the monitored cells was observed in eluates from genipin. Crosslinking pericardium grafts with genipin therefore seems to be a promising alternative procedure to the traditional crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, because it provides similarly high protection against degradation with collagenase, without cytotoxic effects.

The effect of 1-week feed restriction on performance, digestibility of nutrients and digestive system development in the growing rabbit.

A 3 to 4 week feed restriction of about 20% to 25% of the free intake is widely applied in rabbit breeding systems to reduce post-weaning digestive disorders. However, a short intensive feed restriction is described in few studies and can be beneficial for growing rabbits due to a longer re-alimentation period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ad libitum (AL) and two restriction levels of feeding (50 and 65 g/rabbit per day) applied for 1 week on performance, gastrointestinal morphology and physiological parameters during the restriction and during the re-alimentation period. Rabbits were divided into three experimental groups: AL rabbits were fed AL, R1 rabbits were restricted from 42 to 49 days of age and received 50 g daily (29% of AL) and R2 rabbits were restricted at the same age and were fed 65 g of feed daily (37% of AL). In the 1(st) week after weaning and in the weeks after restriction, all the groups were fed AL. During the restriction period, daily weight gain (DWG) in R1 significantly dropped to 11% (experiment 1) and 5% (experiment 2) compared with rabbits in the AL group, although they were fed 29% of AL, whereas in the R2 group it decreased to 20% (experiment 1) and 10% (experiment 2). In the week following feed restriction, DWG in the restricted groups increased (P<0.001) to 166% and 148% in R1 and to 128% and 145% in R2. Restricted rabbits in both the experiments reached up to 90% to 93% of the final live weight (70 days) of the AL group. Over the entire experimental period, feed restriction significantly decreased feed intake to 85% to 88% of the AL group; however, the feed conversion ratio was lower (P<0.05) only in experiment 1 (-6% in R1 and -4% in R2). Digestibilities of CP and fat were not significantly higher during the restriction period and during the 1(st) week of re-alimentation compared with the AL group. Significant interactions between feeding regime and age revealed the shortest large intestine in the AL group at 49 days of age and the longest at 70 days in the AL and R1 groups. Small intestinal villi were significantly higher and the crypts were significantly deeper in the restricted groups. It could be concluded that short intensive feed restriction increased digestible area in the small and large intestines, including the height of villi and depth of crypts, which might be involved in the compensatory growth and defence mechanism.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium and Mycobacterium neoaurum detection in an immunocompromised patient.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly described as infectious agents in immunocompromised patients. A 17-year-old male patient suffering from secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and treated with chemotherapeutic agents was admitted to hospital due to pleuropneumonia. Mycobacterium neoaurum was cultured repeatedly from his sputum and, Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (M. a. avium) was detected by IS901 qPCR from detached fragments of his intestinal mucosa. We attempted to determine the possible sources of infection by analysing environmental samples from the closed oncology unit and conventional unit in the hospital, and from the patient's home residence and places which he frequented. The environment of the patient harboured mycobacteria (41 isolates in total); however, M. neoaurum was not recovered. M. a. avium was detected by qPCR in the environmental samples from a small flock of hens kept by his neighbour. Although it was not confirmed by DNA fingerprinting methods, the M. a. avium infection could have been acquired through the eating of incompletely cooked eggs.

Quality and mutagenicity of water and sediment of the streams impacted by the former uranium mine area Olsí-Drahonín (Czech Republic).

The water quality research performed in the years 2003-2010 demonstrated an impact of the mine water pumped from the closed Olsí uranium mine and discharged from the mine water treatment plant (MWTP) and groundwater from springs in the area on the water quality of the Haduvka stream. The water ecosystems of the lower part of the Haduvka stream are impacted mainly by water originated from the springs located in the stream valley and drained syenit subsoil, naturally rich in uranium. Those inflows caused a very high concentration of uranium measured in the water of the stream, which exceeds the given limit value. No negative impact on the water ecosystems of the receiving Bobruvka River was found. This reduction of impact is caused by five times higher average daily flow rate of the Bobruvka River in comparison with the Haduvka stream, which results in a sufficient dilution of pollution from the Haduvka.

DnaK and GroEL chaperones are recruited to the Bacillus subtilis membrane after short-term ethanol stress.

AIMS: To find out membrane tolerance strategy to ethanol in Bacillus subtilis that possesses a powerful system of protection against environmental stresses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cytoplasmic membranes of B. subtilis were severely affected by even short-term exposure to 3% (v/v) ethanol: the growth rate and membrane protein synthesis were markedly reduced, and no adaptive alterations in phospholipids were detected. Simultaneously, steady-state DPH fluorescence anisotropy (r(ss)) showed that the membrane rigidity increased substantially. Analysis of the membrane phosphoproteome using in vitro labelling with [γ-(32) P]ATP revealed the association of DnaK and GroEL chaperones with membrane, indicating a stress induction process. Upon a long-term 3% (v/v) ethanol stress, the cell growth accelerated slightly and the composition of polar head groups and fatty acids of membrane phospholipids underwent an extensive reconstruction. Correspondingly, membrane fluidity turned back to the original r(ss) values of the control cells. CONCLUSIONS: In B. subtilis, the adaptive response to short-term ethanol stress comprises the recruitment of molecular chaperones on the impaired membrane structure; consequently, the phospholipid synthesis is restored and membrane fluidity adapts properly to the continuing ethanol stress. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These findings underline the role of membrane lipids in establishing tolerance towards ethanol and also suggest the contribution of molecular chaperones to the membrane and cell recovery.

[High resistance of bacterial strains Streptococcus agalactiae to antibiotic therapy in early-onset and late-onset disease in newborns]. / Vysoká rezistence Streptococcus agalactiae na antibiotickou terapii druhé linie u casných a pozdních forem infekcí novorozence.

OBJECTIVE: The resistance of S. agalactiae strains to macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics in newborns and their mothers. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Antibiotic Centre, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General Teaching Hospital, Prague. SUBJECT AND METHOD: In newborns in General Teaching Hospital in Prague between the years 2007 and 2009 we found 79 patients with S. agalactiae. Erythromycin and clindamycin were used in disk diffusion testing. RESULTS: In the collection of the children with early and late S. agalactiae infection was proved the same level of resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin - 39% (resp. 40%). CONCLUSION: Macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics cannot be used for antibiotic prophylaxis during delivery without knowledge of the antibiotic susceptibility testing result due to the high level of the antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae strains.

Stress proteins in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction of Bacillus subtilis.

Stress proteomes of the cytoplasmic membrane fraction of Bacillus subtilis trp (C2)-exposed to acid pH and ethanol were characterized. Although these stress factors impair the cell function in a specific manner, they share the ability to denature proteins. Therefore, specific and general stress proteins in the membranes were investigated. Both ethanol (3 %) and pH 5.0 increase the doubling time from 17 to 25 min. Isolated cytoplasmic membranes were subjected to an optimized 2D PAGE analysis which permitted the separation and analysis of ≈450 distinct protein spots. Two alternative methods of protein detection were compared, i.e. silver staining and (35)S-L-methionine pulse labeling; the stress induced proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. After ethanol stress, five proteins were increased, viz. YdaP, Ctc, YfhM, YjcH and YwaC. Acid stress proteins were AcoB, YkwC, SodA, YjcH and YwaC. Proteins YjcH and YwaC were increased after ethanol as well as acid pH treatment.

[Mycobacteria at extrapulmonary sites]. / Mykobakterie v mimoplicní lokalizaci.

Two cases of mycobacterial infections are presented - one of rare hepatic tuberculosis and second of cutaneous mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium chelonae. The aim of the second report is to point to nontuberculous, atypical, otherwise potentially pathogenic mycobacteria. These mycobacteria may cause diseases of various localization and severity in immunocompromised patients.

Recurrent mucinous carcinoma of skin mimicking primary mucinous carcinoma of parotid gland: a diagnostic pitfall.

A case of a 63-year-old man with a swelling lasting 2 years in the left infraauricular area is reported. Examination by fine needle aspiration cytology raised suspicion of mucoepidermoid or adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland and an excision was recommended. The lateral parotidectomy specimen showed a poorly circumscribed gelatinous tumor measuring 15 mm in diameter within the parotid gland tissue. Microscopically, the lesion featured large pools of mucin containing clusters of tumor cells with little atypia and low mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed expression of epithelial markers and of both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Left lateral neck dissection revealed massive lymphogenous dissemination of the tumor. Retrospective analysis of a skin biopsy from the same anatomic area performed 8 years prior to parotid neoplasm displayed a tumor with identical microscopic appearance and immunohistochemical profile (additionally performed) which was, however, misdiagnosed as a benign lesion. The diagnosis of recurrent primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin infiltrating the parotid gland was established. The patient underwent radiotherapy and has been 3 years free of disease. The differential diagnostics of this rare tumor is discussed.

Comparison of the conventional culture, the manual fluorescent MGIT system and the automated fluorescent MGIT 960 culture system for the detection of Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium in tissues of naturally infected hens.

Different methods for the detection of Mycobacterium avium ssp. avium (MAA) in naturally infected hens were compared. They included the conventional culture method (solid Herrold's and Stonebrink media and liquid Sula medium) and newly developed liquid culture systems, the manual mycobacteria growth indicator tube (M-MGIT) and the fully automated BACTEC MGIT 960 system (A-MGIT). 152 tissues originating from 15 naturally infected hens have been processed. The overall detection rates (percentage of positive cultures from the number of positive cultures determined by all the methods together) were 60, 70 and 76 % for the conventional media, M-MGIT and A-MGIT systems, respectively, the mean time of mycobacteria detection being 32.6, 17.6 and 14.6 d, respectively. The lowest contamination rate (2.0 %) was found in A-MGIT compared with M-MGIT (4.6 %) and conventional media (10.4 %).

Development of membrane lipids in the surfactin producer Bacillus subtilis.

Processes occurring in the cytoplasmic membrane of the surfactin producer Bacillus subtilis were examined during a 3-d cultivation. The fatty acid composition was found to be almost stable within this interval, except for the early stationary phase when the nonbranched, mostly C(16:0) and C(18:0) (high melting fatty acids), prevailed transiently in the membrane. As for phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, representing 73 % of the total in the membranes of exponential cells were partly replaced by cardiolipin, which gradually rose from 5 to 28 % at the end of cultivation. In parallel, steady-state fluorescence anisotropy (r (s)) measurements with 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) indicated a remarkable increase of r (s) DPH during the long-term cultivation and implied a continuous rigidization of the membrane interior. By contrast, the almost constant values of r (s) 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene 4-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH) reflected stable microviscosity of the membrane surface region. Thus, the significant increase of high melting fatty acids and cardiolipin in the cytoplasmic membrane together with the progressive rigidization of the membrane interior reflected the cell adaptation to adverse conditions.

Detection of lateral heterogeneity in the cytoplasmic membrane of Bacillus subtilis.

Lateral heterogeneity in the cytoplasmic membrane of Bacillus subtilis was found by using density gradient centrifugation. Crude membranes (CM) present in the whole cell lysate were separated into three fractions of increasing density (F, CI, CII). Substantial difference exists in the amount of protein recovered from these fractions, the relative ratio being 15 : 35 : 50. The qualitative protein composition (by SDS-PAGE) of the fractions varies markedly as well. The lipid components extracted from the fractions are also distributed in different proportions, viz. 40 : 40 : 20. The spectrum of fatty acids (FA), detected in lipids of F fraction and analyzed by GC-MS exhibits the same profile as that found in CM; in contrast, fractions CI and CII undergo extensive FA reconstruction. Thermotropic behavior of fractions measured by the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene indicates significant variations of microviscosity (r(s)) within the F, CI and CII fractions. The protein-to-lipid ratio plays evidently a key role in affecting the physical state of the cytoplasmic membrane. Microdomains of different density coexist in the membrane and exhibit heterogeneity in both chemical composition and "physical state"; the increased de novo synthesis of FA induced by the cold exclusively in fractions CI and CII indicates correlation with an altered physiological state of bacterial metabolism.

Dyslipidemia and anemia in chronically hemodialyzed patients.

More than 50% of end-stage renal disease subjects treated by chronic hemodialysis die from cardiovascular events. Although there is some information regarding to anemia compensation and to the levels of biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis in other countries, the data from the Czech Republic are missing. The aim of this study was to estimate mean cholesterol, triglyceride and hemoglobin levels in hemodialyzed subjects in the Czech Republic and to compare them with current guidelines. During the years 2001-2006, nephrologists of all subjects screened by duplex Doppler ultrasonography of our department were asked to fill in questionnaires with basic history and laboratory data. Hemoglobin concentration was calculated separately for years 2001-2004 and 2005-2006 because of the change of recommended target value from 105 to 110 g/l in 2004. A total of 258 subjects were included, aged 65 +/- 14 years, 93 of them males. Patients came from 46 different hemodialysis centers in the Czech Republic. The presence of hypertension and diabetes was in 72.5% and 39.5%, respectively. Only 13.2% of subjects had the smoking history, and another 10% currently smoked. The mean +/- SD laboratory results were as follows: total cholesterol 5.0 +/- 1.1 mmol/l, triglycerides (2.5 +/- 1.4 mmol/l). Hemoglobin concentration was 104.4 +/- 14.4 g/l (mean +/- SD) in years 2001-2004 and 110.1 +/- 16.2 g/l in years 2005-2006. Hemoglobin full blood concentration was lower than recommended 105 g/l in 55% of hemodialyzed subjects during years 2001-2004, and it was lower than 110 g/l during years 2005-2006 in 47% of patients. Hypercholesterolemia above recommended 5.17 mmol/l was present in 39% of subjects. Triglycerides were elevated above 1.69 mmol/l in 64% of patients. Only 10% of subjects were treated by lipid-lowering drugs. We can conclude that in the Czech Republic, patients treated by chronic hemodialysis frequently suffer from anemia, despite the growing evidence of erythrocyte stimulating agents treatment benefit. Similarly, considerable number of these subjects has hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, only rarely treated by lipid-lowering drugs. However, this therapy is still not adequately supported by clinical research evidence.

Capillary electrophoresis of peptides and proteins with plug of Pluronic gel.

Electromigration capillary methods are promising techniques in proteomics and they are still under research. We used a partial filling approach, i.e. a combination of gel and non-gel separation mechanisms in a single dimension. We tried using an interesting gel, Pluronic F 127, which can be considered as a surfactant capable of self-association both with isotropic and anisotropic gels. The Pluronic was inserted inside the capillary as a plug at the start of the capillary, and it provided separation at the first time. Separation by this gel was achieved according to molecular weight and/or hydrophobicity. The applicability of this method was demonstrated in the separation of real samples-peptides arising from collagen after CNBr or collagenase cleavage and albumin after trypsin cleavage (peptide mapping). Some peptides and proteins were selectively retained by the Pluronic gel. These interactions with the gel did not depended on their molecular weight alone, but they probably depend on a combination of both principles. It was confirmed that capillary electrophoresis with Pluronic plug can give us another new separation option, complementary to free solution capillary electrophoresis. The CE method presented here, consisting of a partial filling approach with combine gel and non-gel separation mechanisms seemed to be a promising method for the separation of complex mixtures of peptides.

Separation of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer generations by dynamic coating capillary electrophoresis.

The separation of compounds possessing amino groups (peptides, proteins, polyamino compounds) by capillary zone electrophoresis suffers from the interaction (sticking) of these solutes with the capillary wall. This sticking can result in the absence or incomplete separation of compounds or even in their retention in the capillary. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a class of spherical polymers with primary amino groups at the surface. These compounds can be separated reasonably well at acidic pH but not at neutral pH. A new method based on the dynamic coating of the capillary was developed for the separation of these compounds at pH 7.4. The method comprises separation in a fused-silica capillary (57 cm total length, 50 cm to the detector, ID 75 microm) and a background electrolyte consisting of a Tris-phosphate buffer (50 mmol/L, pH 7.4) and 0.05% (w/v) polyethyleneimine. This system is suitable for the separation of 7 generations of dendrimers (generations 0-6). The dynamic coating agent (polyethyleneimine) also improves the separation at acid pH.

[Serum leptin levels in patients with heroin addiction, the effect of one year of methadone substitution]. / Sérové koncentrace leptinu u osob závislých na heroinu, vliv rocní substituce metadonem.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the study was to explore the influence of heroin addiction and one year methadone maintenance treatment respectively on serum leptin levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: 14 heroin addicted subjects (9 men and 5 women) with average age 27.1 years (variation 22-38 years) and 17 control healthy subjects were included into the study. Mean duration of heroin addiction was 9 years. The subjects were treated for one year with mean daily dose of 90 mg of methadone. Serum leptin levels were measured by enzymoimmunoassay, the rest of the biochemical parameters was measured by standard laboratory methods. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by conventional method (kg/m2). Statistical analysis was performed using t test and paired t test. Serum leptin levels in heroin addicts (7.08 +/- 2.80 ng/ml) did not significantly differ from those of control group (6.10 +/- 1.23 ng/ml). One year of methadone maintenance treatment significantly increased serum leptin levels to 12.10 +/- 3.17 ng/ml vs control group (< 0.05). The same was true for BMI which increased significantly from basal 21.47 +/- 2.54 to 24.61 +/- 2.82 (< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long term addiction to heroin did not change serum leptin levels as compared with control group. One year of methadone maintenance treatment significantly increased serum leptin levels as well as BMI values. We suggest that the increase in serum leptin levels could be explained by the restoration of hypopituitary-hypothalamo-adrenal and/or hypopituitary-hypothalamo-gonadal axis by methadone maintenance treatment. Alternatively, the improvement of nutritional status with subsequent decrease in the infectious complications may be involved.

[Serum levels of leptin and soluble leptin receptors in women after bilateral ovariectomy]. / Sérové koncentrace leptinu a solubilního leptinového receptoru u zen po bilaterální ovarektomii.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the blood concentrations of leptin and soluble leptin receptor (LEPR) hang in women after bilateral ovariectomy, and whether there is a relationship between the concentrations of leptin, LEPR and LH, FSH and 17 beta-estradiol before and after castration. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and the General Faculty Hospital, Prague. METHODS: 10 women of reproductive age (31-37 years) with a regular menstrual cycle were included in the study. Blood samples were always taken during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and 5 days after bilateral ovariectomy. In 9 women, hysterectomy was performed with the bilateral ovariectomy. Evaluated parameters: leptin, soluble leptin receptor, FSH, LH, 17 beta-estradiol and BMI. Serum soluble leptin receptor and leptin concentrations were determined using commercial ELISA kits. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, and 17 beta-estradiol were determined using commercial RIA kits. RESULTS: We did not find any statistically significant changes in the concentration of leptin (8.9 +/- 5.5 vs 7 +/- 5.6) and LEPR (16.2 +/- 5.6 vs 20.9 +/- 8.9) before and after surgical castration. After surgery, according to expectations, the concentration of LH and FSH significantly increased while the concentration of 17 beta-estradiol decreased (P < 0.05). Five days after surgical castration we found only a tendency toward decrease in the concentration of leptin and an increase in the LEPR concentration. The differences were not statistically significant. Except for the positive correlation between leptin concentration and BMI, we did not find any statistically significant correlation between the concentrations of leptin and LEPR and any of the other evaluated parameters in both groups. CONCLUSION: In our study, there was a significant decrease in 17 beta-estradiol concentration five days after surgery. In contrast, the concentrations of FSH and LH significantly increased after surgery, which is in agreement with the expected endocrinological changes after ovariectomy. There was a tendency toward a decrease in serum concentrations of leptin and increase in serum concentration of LEPR after surgery, but it was not statistically significant, which is in contrast to another study published regarding this topic.

[Relation between serum leptin levels and selected nutritional parameters in hemodialyzed patients]. / Vztah sérových koncentrací leptinu a vybraných nutricních parametru u hemodialyzovaných pacientu.

Leptin is a protein hormone produced predominantly by adipocytes. Its serum concentrations positively correlate with body fat content and body mass index (BMI) i.e. they are lower in lean than obese subjects. The aim of our study was to compare serum levels of leptin, selected nutritional parameters and serum lipids in hemodialysed patients (n = 46) and healthy subjects (n = 24) and to explore the relationship between serum leptin levels and the rest of nutritional parameters in both groups. The tendency towards higher serum leptin levels in hemodialysed patients compared to control group was found, but the difference did not reach the statistical significance (24.31 +/- 24.06 ng/ml vs. 7.97 +/- 4.4 ng/ml). The leptin/body fat content ratio was significantly higher in hemodialysed patients compared to control subjects (0.85 +/- 0.74 vs. 0.27 +/- 0.11, p plain 0.01). The serum total protein, transpherine, albumin and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in hemodialysed patients compared to control group (68.14 +/- 5.56 g/l vs. 75.53 +/- 3.43 g/l; 2.04 +/- 0.49 g/l vs. 2.5 +/- 0.23 g/l; 33.65 +/- 2.86 g/l vs. 48.38 +/- 3.5 g/l; 4.56 +/- 1.19 mmol/l vs. 5.82 +/- 0.98 mmol/l; p = 0.001). Serum triglyceride levels were significantly lower in hemodialysed patients compared to controls (1.29 +/- 0.5 mmol/l vs. 2.31 +/- 1.23 mmol/l, p < 0.0001). Serum leptin levels in hemodialysed patients correlated positively with body fat content, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the control group only the significant positive correlation with body fat content was found. In conclusion, this study demonstrated relatively higher serum leptin levels in hemodialysed patients compared to healthy subjects, although their nutritional status expressed by serum protein nutritional parameters and body fat content is significantly impaired. Except of the positive correlation with serum lipids levels no statistically significant relationships between serum leptin levels and biochemical nutritional parameters were found in our study.

[Effect of sideropenic anemia and its therapy on serum levels of leptin]. / Vliv sideropenické anémie a její lécby na sérové hladiny leptinu.

BACKGROUND: Leptin is a protein hormone produced predominantly by adipocytes. Its major role in human body is probably to regulate the food intake through the hypothalamic satiety center. One of the peripheral effects of leptin, which was studied mainly in vitro so far, is its stimulating effect on the haematopoietic stem cells. The information concerning the changes of serum leptin levels in various haematological diseases is very limited. The aim of our study was to explore changes of serum leptin levels in patients with sideropenic anaemia at the time of diagnosis and in the various phases of their treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: 18 patients with untreated sideropenic anaemia (SA) and 20 healthy age, gender and weight-matched control subjects were included into the study. The blood testing in SA patients was performed before anaemia treatment, at the time of maximal increase of reticulocytes and after haemoglobin levels normalisation. Blood count, serum leptin, erythropoietin (EPO) and transpherine receptor (TfR) levels were estimated in all samples. Basal serum leptin levels in SA patients did not differ significantly from those of control subjects (13.9 +/- 14.6 SD vs 10.4 +/- 8.8 SD ng.ml-1). Treatment anaemia of did not significantly affect the serum leptin levels in SA patients (13.9 +/- 14.6 SD vs 12.9 +/- 12.6 SD vs 12.8 +/- 15.1 SD ng-ml-1). Serum EPO and TfR levels in SA patients were higher before the start of treatment and decreased significantly after the anaemia recovery. In both groups serum leptin levels correlated positively with body mass index. No unambiguous statistically significant relationships between serum leptin levels and blood count parameters or serum EPO and TfR levels were found in any of the groups studied. CONCLUSION: Neither the changes of red blood cell count during the sideropenic anemia treatment nor the increased erythropoiesis affect significantly serum leptin levels.