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Biomedical subjects

A Somogyi

Publications and source records attributed to A Somogyi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

In vitro study of elements in herbal remedies.

Decreased glucose tolerance is a first sign of diabetes mellitus and therefore rigorous control must be taken in carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Herbal remedies (lyophilized extracts of Myrtilli folium and Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus (L1), Myrtilli folium, Phaseoli fructus sine seminibus, and Salviae folium (L2) are traditionally used in mid-European folk medicine and in common adjuvant therapy for the prevention of complications in type 2 diabetes. Significant iron (355.7 +/- 13.8 mg/kg) and zinc (84.73 +/- 1.83 mg/kg) concentration was found in L1 and chromium (3.82 +/- 2.71 mg/kg) in L2. Ion concentrations in teas made from L1 and L2 are relatively low because the quantities of metal ions in teas do not cover the daily need, although the teas are good sources for some elements. According to the Recommended Daily Allowances, the tea of L1 is a good source for iron and manganese, whereas for chromium, the tea of L2 is better. For evaluating the element bioavailability, an in vitro dialysis system was applied to determine the element transfer from tea of the lyophilized sample to the plasma (buffer pH=7.4). Measurements showed that the elements transferred between 6.90% (iron from tea of L2) and 90.05% (chromium from tea of L2) through the membrane from teas to the plasma. Metal ions in teas of herbal remedies might contribute to the favorable therapeutic effect of preventing complications, because they might transfer through the membranes in relatively high percentages.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗
PubMed2005

[Pravastatin-induced dermatomyositis].

INTRODUCTION: The toxic myopathy caused by statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) is well established. Recent reports add to these effects systemic immune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, polymyositis or dermatomyositis. EXEGESIS: We report a case of dermatomyositis in a 69-year-old patient treated with pravastatin [Elisor]. She presented with typical features of dermatomyositis 2 years after she started a treatment with pravastatin. The treatment was discontinued and she slowly improved, with a transient dermocorticosteroid treatment. Eight other patients with dermatomyositis and chronic treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are reported in the literature. All of them presented with classical features of dermatomyositis. The discontinuation of the treatment was followed by spontaneous clinical and biological improvement in 3/9 patients. The other patients received high doses of corticosteroids and improved, except one patient who died of respiratory failure (pulmonary fibrosis) despite the adjunction of oral cyclophosphamide [Endoxan]. In these patients, dermatomyositis can be considered as a severe adverse reaction to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors although a distinct casual link cannot be definitely established. CONCLUSION: The increasing prescription of statins has led to the parallel increment of reported side-effects, where autoimmune diseases are now described. Among them, our case of dermatomyositis in a patient receiving pravastatin adds to the eight reported cases in the literature and highlights the potential role of statins as triggers of immune systemic diseases.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

ID22: a multitechnique hard X-ray microprobe beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

The ID22 beamline is dedicated to hard X-ray microanalysis allowing the combination of fluorescence, spectroscopy, diffraction and tomography techniques in a wide energy range from 6 to 70 keV. The recent installation of an in-vacuum undulator, a new sample stage and the adaptation of various focusing optics has contributed to a great improvement in the capabilities of the beamline, which is now accessed by a wide user community issued from medical, earth and environmental science, archaeology and material science. Many applications requiring low detection limits for localization/speciation of trace elements together with structural analysis have been developed at the beamline on the (sub)micrometer scale. The possibility of combining simultaneously different analytical probes offers the opportunity of a thorough study of a given sample or scientific problem. This paper presents a review of the recent developments of the beamline and a detailed description of its capabilities through examples from different fields of applications.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

Effects of strontium on the physicochemical characteristics of hydroxyapatite.

In a previous experimental study using a chronic renal failure rat model, a dose-related multiphasic effect of strontium (Sr) on bone formation was found that could be reproduced in an in vitro set-up using primary rat osteoblasts. The results from the latter study allowed us to distinguish between a reduced nodule formation in the presence of an intact mineralization at low Sr-doses (1 microg/ml) and an interference of the element with the hydroxyapatite (HA) formation at high doses (20-100 microg/ml). To further investigate the latter effect of Sr on physicochemical bone mineral properties, an in vitro study was set up in which the UMR-106 rat osteosarcoma cell line was exposed to Sr, added to the cell culture medium in a concentration range varying between 0-100 microg/ml. Temporal growth and functionality of the culture was investigated by measurement of the alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium (Ca) concentration in the culture medium (used as an index of Ca-incorporation, i.e., HA formation) at various time points. At the end of the culture period (14 days post-confluence), samples of the mineralized cultures were taken for further analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Synthetic HA doped with various Sr concentrations (based on the cell culture and previous experimental studies and yielding Sr/(Sr + Ca) ratios ranging from 0-60%), was prepared and examined for crystal growth and solubility. Crystal size was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ca incorporation indicated a reduced mineralization in the 20 and 100 microg/ml Sr groups vs. controls. Sr-doped synthetic HA showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in crystal growth, as assessed by SEM, and an increase in solubility, apparent from 12.7% Sr/(Sr + Ca) on. Moreover, in both mineralized cultures and synthetic HA, XRD and FTIR analysis showed a reduced crystallinity and altered crystal lattice at similar concentrations. These new data support our previous in vivo and in vitro findings and point to a potential physicochemical interference of Sr with HA formation and crystal properties in vivo.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2004

Quantification of single fluid inclusions by combining synchrotron radiation-induced micro-X-ray fluorescence and transmission.

Fluid inclusions represent the only direct samples of ancient fluids in many crustal rocks; precise knowledge of their chemical composition provides crucial information to model paleofluid-rock interactions and hydrothermal transport processes. Owing to its nondestructive character, micrometer-scale spatial resolution, and high sensitivity, synchrotron radiation-induced micro-X-ray fluorescence has received great interest for the in situ multielement analysis of individual fluid inclusions. Major uncertainties associated with the quantitative analysis of single fluid inclusions arise from the inclusion depth and the volume of fluid sampled by the incident beam. While the depth can be extracted directly from the fluorescence spectrum, its volume remains a major source of uncertainty. The present study performed on natural and synthetic inclusions shows that the inclusion thickness can be accurately evaluated from transmission line scans. Experimental data matched numerical simulations based on an elliptical inclusion geometry. However, for one nonelliptical inclusion, the experimental data were confirmed using a computed absorption tomography reconstruction. Good agreement between the imaging and scanning techniques implies that the latter provides reliable fluid thickness values independent of the shape of the inclusion. Taking into consideration the incident angle, the incident beam energy, the inclusion fluid salinity, and the transmission measurement stability resulted in errors of 0.3-2 microm on calculated fluid inclusion thicknesses.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Impairment of the NO/cGMP pathway in the fasting and postprandial state in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The assessment of the postprandial state in diabetes mellitus has gained importance due to postprandial hyperglycemia being considered as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycemia may contribute to vascular dysfunction through the alteration of the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway. The authors assessed the NO/cGMP pathway in the fasting and postprandial state in 20 type 1 diabetic patients (age: 34.1 +/- 2.6 years, body mass index (BMI): 24.1 +/- 1.3 kg/m (2), duration of diabetes: 16 +/- 2.2 years, HbA (1C): 8.3 +/- 0.4 %, [x +/- SEM], 10 without, 10 with late complications) and 20 matched control subjects (age: 39.7 +/- 1.9 years, BMI: 25.3 +/- 1.1 kg/m (2)). In the fasting state NO end product (nitrite/nitrate) levels did not differ between the diabetic and control group, cGMP levels were found to be significantly lower in the diabetic group (2.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.6 nmol/l, p = 0.01). A higher level of lipid peroxidation end products (TBARS) was found in diabetic subjects (6.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 5.0 +/- 0.3 micro mol/l, p = 0.004). The diabetic subgroup without late complications had significantly higher nitrite/nitrate levels compared to the patients with complications (57.8 +/- 6.6 vs. 30.4 +/- 4.3 micro mol/l, p = 0.006), their TBARS and cGMP levels were similar. The control subjects responded to the test meal with an increase in the cGMP levels (4.6 +/- 0.6 to 5.5 +/- 0.6 nmol/l, p = 0.02), while in the diabetic group no change was detected. Postprandial nitrite/nitrate levels decreased in both groups, they were significantly lower in the diabetic group. There was no difference between postprandial nitrite/nitrate, cGMP, or glucose levels in the diabetic subgroups. Postprandial glucose levels showed a significant negative correlation with cGMP levels in the diabetic group (r = - 0.50, p = 0.02). The results suggest that in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus NO might have an impaired ability to induce cGMP production in the fasting state prior to the development of late specific complications or microalbuminuria under hyperglycemic conditions. Postprandial hyperglycemia is suggested to interfere with endothelial NO action, as shown by the decreased nitrite/nitrate and unchanged cGMP plasma levels in the diabetic group. The impairment of the NO/cGMP pathway both in the fasting and postprandial state that was shown in patients without diabetic complications may be an early sign of hyperglycemia induced vascular damage in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Miniature ionization chamber detector developed for X-ray microprobe measurements.

A windowless small ionization chamber detector has been developed for monitoring the intensity of the microbeam at the ID18F microprobe end-station of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The small dimensions of the ionization chamber (10 mm along the beam direction and 5 mm perpendicular to it) make it possible to place it very close to the sample. A pinhole of diameter 50 microm was used for defining the entrance window of the ionization chamber; thus the small counter can be used as an order-selecting aperture while measuring simultaneously the intensity after the aperture. In the present work the technical characteristics, such as the current-voltage curve, stability and linearity, of the small monitor have been tested.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

[Crowned dens syndrome: three new cases].

INTRODUCTION: Crowned dens syndrome is due to a microcrystalline infringement (hydroxyapatite or calcium pyrophosphate) of the retro-odontoidal ligament of atlas, often leading to the erroneous diagnosis of meningitis or spondylitis. We report on three new cases diagnosed from 1996 to 1999. EXEGESIS: The patients complained of cervicalgies, headaches or fever. The initially evoked diagnoses were meningitis, spondylodiscitis or endocarditis. Clinical exam found meningism and an inflammatory syndrome in all patients. Analysis of the cerebro-spinal fluid realised in two cases was normal. The diagnosis of crowned dens syndrome was assessed in two cases by cervical CT scan of C1/C2. In the third case, chondrocalcinosis of a wrist allowed this diagnosis. We report a probably non fortuitous case of crowned dens syndrome associated with genetic hemochromatosis. A non steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment allowed a dramatic regression of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: This entity should be better known; it can mimick numerous diagnosis and be responsible for fever in the long course.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[Biological monitoring of autoimmune diseases during pregnancy].

This review focuses on auto-immune diseases which frequently affect women and can have interactions with pregnancy: lupus erythematosus (LES), antiphospholipide syndrome (SAPL), Sjögren's syndrome (GS), rheumatoid arthritis (PR) and auto-immune thyroiditis. LES may flare at the end of a pregnancy and during post-partum. Its biological monitoring during pregnancy is well established. SAPL is at risk of sterility, prematurity, Hellp syndrome, eclampsia and retroplacental hematoma. The main risk, actually risk is foetal loss by placental ischemia, which has to be well known as 2 randomised studies have proven the efficacy of treatments with aspirin +/- subcutaneous heparin. LES, GS and PR can both be associated with anti SS-A +/- anti SS-B antibodies linked to a risk of congenital auriculo-ventricular block, which is fortunately low (less than 5% of the cases). Auto-immune thyroiditis are often revealed during pregnancy and may be enhanced during the six first months of post-partum.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Quantitative trace element analysis of individual fly ash particles by means of X-ray microfluorescence.

A new quantification procedure was developed for the evaluation of X-ray microfluorescence (XRF) data sets obtained from individual particles, based on iterative Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. Combined with the high sensitivity of synchrotron radiation-induced XRF spectroscopy, the method was used to obtain quantitative information down to trace-level concentrations from micrometer-sized particulate matter. The detailed XRF simulation model was validated by comparison of calculated and experimental XRF spectra obtained for glass microsphere standards, resulting in uncertainties in the range of 3-10% for the calculated elemental sensitivities. The simulation model was applied for the quantitative analysis of X-ray tube and synchrotron radiation-induced scanning micro-XRF spectra of individual coal and wood fly ash particles originating from different Hungarian power plants. By measuring the same particles by both methods the major, minor, and trace element compositions of the particles were determined. The uncertainty of the MC based quantitative analysis scheme is estimated to be in the range of 5-30%.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed2002

[Do the interferons have an antifibrotic action? The internist's point of view].

PURPOSE: The antifibrotic action of interferon alpha on the liver is now established in hepatitis C (cf. article by T. Poynard). Numerous in vitro experimental evidences may lead people into believing in the efficacy of interferon gamma in patients with mucous membrane and pulmonary fibrosis. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: A randomized study has confirmed the efficacy of interferon gamma in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, probably by an anti TGF beta action. Several open studies have shown the efficacy of interferon gamma in patients with post-radiation cutaneous fibrosis (Chernobyl survivors, sequelae of radiotherapy for cancer). In systemic sclerosis, several teams have shown that interferon gamma reduced collagen synthesis by sclerodermic fibroblasts in vitro. Four open studies have also confirmed the efficacy of interferon gamma in systemic sclerosis. In our experience concerning 20 patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis, the five years survival with long term therapy was 85% and we observed an improvement in the cutaneous suppleness in 40% of these cases. There was no serious side effect. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: These encouraging results need to be confirmed by large randomized studies in pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. Other indications should be assessed, particularly extra-cutaneous radiation sequelae and in systemic fibrosis (retroperitoneal, mediastinal and cervical).

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed2002

CT densitometry of the brain: a novel method for early detection and assessment of irradiation induced brain edema.

The purpose of the study was to examine if the CT densitometric analysis during radiotherapy (RT) of brain tumors is suitable for the early detection of RT induced brain edema (BE), predicting related neurological progress, and assessing the effects of different edema therapies. Planimetric CT-densitograms were constructed by modifying the "High-Lighting" method. Three theoretical density regions were defined and color-coded on the images of the brain. These were defined as edema (10-20 HU), mild edema, and normal brain (29-38 HU). Corresponding axial CT slices were created at the mid-level of the lesion and that of the periventricular white matter to verify the changes in perifocal and diffuse BE. The monitoring was performed on 50 solitary brain tumor patients treated with RT. During RT courses weekly CT-densitometric examinations were carried out. We experienced that changes in densitograms coincided with clinical symptoms, furthermore, preceded the latter. With the use of preventive edema medication based on diuretics and along with adjunctive edema medication adopted to densitograms, the 5-7 week irradiation was completed without ultimate worsening in performance state in 49 of 50 cases and besides we succeeded in avoiding the routine usage of steroids. Based on our findings the CT-densitometry is suitable for early detection and continuous assessment of BE and preventing patient distress during RT. This simple, reproducible and non-invasive procedure could provide an additional clinical tool for new treatment strategies.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Adrenomedullin under physiologic and pathologic conditions].

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a novel 52-aminoacid-peptide hormone, originally isolated from human phaeocromocytoma. Adrenomedullin acts as a local autocrine and/or paracrine vasoactive hormone and has vasodilator and blood lowering properties, but its exact role is still uncertain. Adrenomedullin is considered to play an important endocrine role in various tissues maintaining the electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. Its normal plasma concentration is low. In hypertension, chronic renal failure and congestive heart failure its plasma concentration increases parallel to the seriousness of the disease. It is assumed that this peptide may be important under pathologic conditions compensating the effects of the vasoconstrictor molecules. Till now, investigations have proved that in diabetic angiopathies the levels and the production of vasoconstrictor factors and adrenomedullin were increased, while, those of other relaxing substances including nitrogenoxid were decreased. It is still uncertain whether increased release of adrenomedullin in diabetes is a compensatory mechanism or a coincidental event. Although, the precise role of adrenomedullin in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications is still to be elucidated, the elevated concentration of adrenomedullin in diabetes--which influences the vascular functions--let us speculate that there might be a certain interaction between adrenomedullin induction and vascular functions in diabetes. Thus, the induction of vascular adrenomedullin could be a new target of a therapeutic approach to the diabetic complications.

Adrenomedullin↗
PubMed2001

Quantitative measurement of endothelium derived nitric oxide production of the internal mammary artery bypass graft during extracorporeal circulation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the extent of endothelium derived nitric oxide (EDNO) production of the internal mammary artery (IMA) bypass graft and of the native coronary circulation by measuring its stable metabolite (NO2: nitrite) in different sampling sites: internal mammary free cut end flow, in the coronary sinus prior and after anastomosis completion, and to compare them to the nitrite level of the normal plasma. METHODS: Nitrite level was determined with fluoroscopy using 4 hydroxycoumarin nitrozation in 50 consecutive patient undergoing onpump myocardial revascularization. RESULTS: Nitrite levels in the normal plasma were found to be 31.2 micromol. Nitrite level in systemic and coronary circulation after total heparinization, prior to extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was found to be 60.8 micromol (lower quartile /l.q./: 46.6 micromol, upper quartile /u.q./: 70.0 micromol,) and 58.3 micromol,(l.q.:47.8 micromol, u.q.:70.0 micromol) respectively, and of the IMA bypass graft free cut end flow was 54.4 micromol,(l.q.:42.0 micromol, u.q.:66.8 micromol) while in the coronary sinus, after completion the IMA anastomosis, it was 45.71 micromol (l.q.: 35.0 micromol, u.q.: 55.0 micromol), (all geometric mean). CONCLUSIONS: Total heparinization enhances EDNO production. Nitrite concentration in the IMA free cut end flow is similar or greater, than that of the native coronary circulation, however, after IMA bypass graft construction significant reduction (P<0.001) could be measured in the coronary sinus.

Adult↗