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Biomedical subjects

B Marek

Publications and source records attributed to B Marek.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Is positive correlation between cortisol and met-enkephalin concentration in blood of women with breast cancer a reaction to stress before chemotherapy administration?

The role of stress in the course of neoplastic diseases has been emphasised over the past few years. Organism defence in form of increased release of hormones, corticosteroids and endogenous opioids should be assessed as a particular form of adaptation. Interactions between stress hormones and others which may influence the growth of breast cancer cells are possible. In this study, the concentration of cortisol and met-enkephalin vis-à-vis growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone and melatonin in blood of women with breast cancer before the first cycle of supplementary chemotherapy was compared to that of healthy women. In a group of patients with breast cancer, before the first cycle of chemotherapy, high hypercortisolemia and positive correlation between cortisol and met-enkephalin was observed which may be a result of stress at the beginning of such treatment. A negative correlation between prolactin and met-enkephalin in this group can indirectly testify to essential participation of endogenous opioids in hormonal regulation and can be a response to stress caused by beginning chemotherapy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Influence of adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil on plasma insulin-like growth factor-I and chosen hormones in breast cancer pre-menopausal patients.

OBJECTIVE: : To investigate the effect of chemotherapy on levels of IGF-I in patients with breast cancer. BACKGROUND: The latest reports on the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I in breast cancer pathogenesis emphasize the importance of the effect of therapy on plasma IGF-I concentration and more generally on the hormonal state of the patient. METHOD: Twenty-four breast cancer patients on adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) were studied along with 16 healthy pre-menopausal women. RESULTS: Plasma IGF-I concentration (determined by RIA method) in breast cancer patients prior to treatment did not differ significantly from that of healthy women, but it was significantly decreased after the first cycle of CMF, and significantly lowered as compared to a group of healthy women. CONCLUSION: Further research into the significance of these findings is necessary. No interaction was found between mean IGF-I and growth hormone, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, met-enkephalin or melatonin concentrations.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Plasma transforming growth factor beta1 in breast cancer patients treated with CMF chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In early breast cancer patients the transformed epithelial cells are thought to be sensitive to transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1)-mediated growth arrest. TGFbeta1 may therefore act as an anti-tumour promoter. However, in advanced breast cancer resistance to such TGFbeta1 action develops. Neoplastic cells produce TGFbeta1, which may enhance tumour invasion and metastasis, mainly by intensifying angiogenesis, which is an immunosuppressive action. In the light of the potential role of TGFbeta1 in breast cancer pathogenesis, an understanding of the effect of applied therapeutic methods on plasma TGFbeta1 concentration is essential. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on plasma transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) concentration in breast cancer patients with metastases to axillary lymph nodes. METHOD: Fifteen stage II breast cancer patients on adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) were studied along with 15 healthy premenopausal women. RESULTS: Plasma TGFbeta1 concentration (determined by the ELISA method) in the breast cancer patients did not differ significantly from that of the healthy women. Adjuvant CMF chemotherapy significantly decreased plasma TGFbeta1 concentration in those pre-menopausal breast cancer women with metastases to axillary lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: The possible pathogenic action of this growth factor in stage II breast cancer disease warrants further investigation to elucidate whether the induced decrease of blood TGFbeta1 concentration is essential to successful chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal asthmatic women.

OBJECTIVES: Assessment of mean 24 h oestradiol (E2) and oestrone (E1) concentration and basic FSH secretion in postmenopausal asthmatic women, before and after HRT use, and to identify any connections between changes in hormone concentrations and patients' clinical state. SUBJECTS: Postmenopausal women (55 asthmatic and 20 healthy, aged 48-60 years). METHOD: Serum hormone concentration was assessed by radioimmunoassay before HRT and after 6 months of transdermal 17beta-E2 and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment (cyclical method). Intensification of menopausal symptoms was assessed by Kupperman's index. RESULTS: Secretion of oestrogens was lower in postmenopausal women asthmatic women than in postmenopausal healthy women. HRT caused an increase in oestrogen concentration. The 24-h fluctuations of E1 and E2 in all studied groups before and after HRT did not differ significantly. A statistically significant decrease in the number of menopausal symptoms was found during the course of HRT. During the period of HRT, there was a reduction in the number of patients in whom it was necessary to use oral glucocorticoid therapy during exacerbation of asthma. CONCLUSION: A greater reduction in oestrogen secretion was found in postmenopausal asthmatic women than in postmenopausal healthy women. HRT resulted in normalization of serum oestrogen concentration in asthmatic women and diminishing psychosomatic symptoms of the menopause and symptoms of asthma.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Growth hormone and its interactions with chosen parameters of hormonal state in pre-menopausal women after mastectomy for breast cancer on adjuvant chemotherapy].

It seems, that quantitative changes of growth hormone (GH) in blood and imbalance between GH and hormones can influence the breast cancer cells proliferation, and can be a favourable element in breast cancer progression. The procedure to normalize hormonal system can have a therapeutic action. The aim of the presented work is to asses the plasma GH levels in 24 pre-menopausal women after mastectomy for breast cancer on adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil (CMF). In this study interactions between GH and insulin like growth factor-I, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone (P), melatonin, cortisol and met-enkephalin were assessed. The control group was consisted of 16 healthy women. Plasma GH concentration and interactions between GH and studied parameters in women with breast cancer did not differ from healthy women. Highly significant positive correlation between GH and P after administration CMF was shown. CMF did not influence the interactions between GH and other studied parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effects of hydroxylapatite coating crystallinity on biosolubility, cell attachment efficiency and proliferation in vitro.

A hydroxylapatite (HA) coating with approximately 97% crystalline HA content (MP-1 treated HA coating, MP-HA) was tested in vitro for its biosolubility and cellular biocompatibility. The MP-HA coating was compared with a standard HA coating with approximately 63% crystallinity (SHA) and an amorphous HA coating with approximately 25% crystallinity (AHA), as well as a titanium (Ti) surface without HA coating as a control. The topographic study with scanning electron microscopy indicated that MP-HA appeared more coarse, with projected nodules which altered the shape of cells attached to the substrate. Biosolubility study indicated that MP-HA had the least effect on the culture medium pH, while AHA (P < 0.01) and SHA (P < 0.05) significantly raised the medium pH up to 8.2 and 7.75, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed essentially unchanged levels of the total soluble phases of all coatings after incubation with culture medium, except that the CaO phase was rapidly dissolved from AHA coatings and completely eliminated from SHA coatings. Cultures of human gingival fibroblasts on these HA coatings showed that MP-HA and SHA had about the same cell attachment efficiency which was relatively lower than that of AHA coatings. MP-HA generated significant higher cell proliferation rate relative to AHA (P < 0.01) and SHA (P < 0.05). This study indicated that surface chemistry and topography of lower crystallinity might be favorable to cell attachment, but that elevated medium pH might result in a cytotoxic effect that inhibits the proliferation of attached cells on coating surfaces.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed1999

[Insulin-like growth factor-I: pathophysiologic and clinical aspects].

The paper reviews the factors which affect synthesis and metabolic activity of the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), its receptor and binding proteins as age, nutritional state, hormonal state and liver function. Attention is also focused on the role of IGF-I in pathogenesis of osteoporosis and neoplastic diseases.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

[Liver and endocrine system. Part I: pituitary-thyroid axis activity disorders].

Recent studies have demonstrated that more and more young people suffer from liver diseases. There is a close relationship between endocrine system and the liver, where the hormone inactivation and synthesis of protein binding hormones takes place. Impairment of hepatocyte function may lead to disturbed homeostasis of the endocrine system. In part I current opinions on thyreometabolic state as well as plasma levels of pituitary-thyroidal axis hormones and their binding proteins in chronic hepatic disorders are presented.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1998

[Liver and endocrine system. Part II: pituitary-gonadal axis and adrenal gland activity disturbances].

Up to date studies have demonstrated that more and more young people are affected by liver diseases. There is a close relationship between the liver and endocrine system as far as hormone inactivation and synthesis of protein binding hormones in the liver are related. Impairment of the hepatocyte function may lead to disturbed homeostasis of the endocrine system. In part II current opinions on plasma levels of pituitary--gonadal and--adrenal axis hormones and their binding proteins in chronic hepatic disorders are presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

ASSESSMENT OF BETA-ENDORPHIN AND MELATONIN CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS IN NORMOTENSIVE OBESE WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE.

We have evaluated the relationship between beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and melatonin (MEL) secretion as determined at 3 h intervals over a 24 h period in 27 normotensive obese women of different phenotypes (12 showing gynoid-type and 15 showing android-type of adipose tissue distribution) as well as in 12 healthy volunteers with normal body weight, aged 30 to 40 years. A considerable increase of mean 24 h beta-EP secretion (mainly due to elevated afternoon and evening levels) and total absence of beta-EP circadian rhythm were observed in all obese patients. Mean 24 h MEL concentrations were markedly higher (mainly due to increased daytime levels) in all obese patients while the disturbances of MEL secretion in the form of acrophase shift and (or) suppression of its rhythmicity were observed especially in obese women with android phenotype. Circadian beta-EP levels correlated positively with BMI and WHR values and negatively with circadian MEL concentrations. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between the values of BMI, WHR and MEL levels. Our data indicate that alterations of beta-EP secretion occurring in obese women could play a role in inducing disturbances of MEL secretory pattern.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Diurnal rhythm of serum melatonin, ACTH and cortisol in asthma patients with long term glucocorticoid treatment.

Forty one patients (21 women and 20 men aged 35 to 45 years), with bronchial asthma were divided into two groups: those treated with glucocorticoids (with an equivalent daily dose of 8 mg prednisone) and those receiving no glucocorticoid preparations. The control group consisted of 27 healthy volunteers. The diurnal rhythm of serum melatonin, ACTH and cortisol was evaluated in all subjects. It was found that the dysfunction and reduced reactivity of the pituitary-adrenal axis in asthmatics receiving chronic glucocorticotherapy was accompanied by suppressed melatonin rhythm.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Assessment of the relationship between collagen metabolism and selected hormonal factors in extremely obese women before and after jejunoileostomy.

The majority of obese persons have hyperinsulinemia and disturbances in the secretion of melatonin, catecholamines and pituitary, thyroid, adrenal and gonadal hormones. These hormones play an important role in the regulation of collagen metabolism either by acting directly or by influencing IGF-I production. This study aimed at ascertaining whether, and to what degree, the changes in the concentration of hormones listed above as well as in the concentration of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) affect the metabolism of collagen as evaluated indirectly from the measurement of propeptides of type I (PICP) and type III procollagen (PIIINP) in blood serum and hydroxyproline in urine. The study compared 30 women with extreme obesity before and three to five years after jejunoileostomy with 20 healthy women of reproductive age. All non-operated obese women showed significantly increased concentration of serum insulin, IGF-I, melatonin, norepinephrine, free triiodothyronine, estradiol, total and free testosterone, PICP, PIIINP and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline, while the levels of epinephrine, progesterone and SHBG were significantly decreased. Changes in the level of the examined markers of collagen metabolism correlated positively with the concentration of insulin, IGF-I and sex hormones, while the correlation with epinephrine, cortisol and thyroid hormones was negative. All women who were treated previously by jejunoileostomy showed a decreased of body mass to regular values, normalization of hormonal disturbances and normal collagen metabolism. The obtained results show that the increased collagen metabolism observed in extremely obese women is caused indirectly by altered endocrine activity.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

[Glucocorticosteroids in bronchial asthma. I. Mechanism of action and use in therapy].

Inflammation plays the main role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Glucocorticosteroids (GS), as the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used in asthma treatment. So far the mechanism of action, both molecular and on the level of tissues and organs has not been entirely explained. In this work molecular mechanism of glucocorticosteroids action is discussed especially in aspect of therapy. The influence of GS on adrenocortical function is also presented.

Asthma↗
PubMed1997

[Glucocorticosteroids in bronchial asthma. II. Use of cortisol markers in various biological materials for evaluation of adrenocortical function].

Glucocorticosteroids (GS) being widely used in asthma treatment are sometimes applied in high doses and for long period. This treatment is often connected with adrenocortical suppression. Adrenocortical function assessment in GS treated patients with different doses and forms of drug is of great diagnostic and prognostic importance. In the presented work the methods of adrenocortical function assessment are discussed, especially serum cortisol level and non-invasive: saliva and urine cortisol assays.

Adrenal Cortex Diseases↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of relationship between secretion of melatonin, activity of thyroid, adrenal cortex as well as testes and chosen markers of collagen metabolism in starved rats.

In starved rats the mutual interrelations were studied between the secretion of melatonin (MEL), thyroid hormones (TT[_4], FT[_4], TT[_3], FT[_3], rT[_3]), corticosterone (B), testosterone (T) and some markers of collagen metabolism: serum concentrations of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) (determined by RIA method) as well as urine concentration of hydroxyproline (OH-Pr) (determined by colorimetric method). Starved rats were found to have significantly increased serum MEL, B, and rT[_3] concentrations while serum values of TT[_4], FT[_4], TT[_3], FT[_3], T and PICP as well as urinary OH-Pr were significantly decreased. The concentrations of PICP, PIIINP and OH-Pr correlated negatively with MEL and B values, but positively with TT[_4] and FT[_4]. It was concluded that starving may change the collagen metabolism in rats indirectly via a modulating effect of changes in MEL, thyroxine and corticosterone.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Circadian oscillation of melatonin, gonadotropins, sex hormones and SHBG in post-menopausal women showing android and gynoid type obesity.

Many clinical manifestations shown by obese women point to the disturbances of secretory activity of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis (h-p-o). Because of antigonadotropic activity of melatonin (MEL) it is essential to define this hormone participation in inducing the disturbances of the h-p-o axis. We evaluated the relationship between MEL secretion and circadian concentrations of LH, FSH, E[_2], P, TT, FT, SHBG as measured at 3 h intervals, in 9 obese women showing android type of adipose tissue distribution (BMI > 30 kg/m[^2]; WHR > 0.8) and in 6 women showing gynoid type of adipose tissue distribution (BMI > 30 kg/m[^2]; WHR < 0.8). All patients were between 55 and 62 years of age. A considerable increase of circadian MEL secretion was observed in all obese patients. Suppression of MEL rhythmicity was observed in all patients, while nocturnal phase shift of MEL occurred only in women showing android type of adipose tissue distribution. Significant decrease of circadian LH, P and SHBG values which was accompanied by the elevation of E[_2], TT and FT levels was observed in women with a disturbed rhythmicity of MEL secretion (particularly in case of androidal-type obesity). Based on these results it is suggested that MEL participates in inducing h-p-o axis disturbances in obese women of post-menopausal age.

Journal Article↗