Biomedical subjects

D Prokopowicz

Publications and source records attributed to D Prokopowicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Effect of ulcerative colitis activity on plasma concentration of transforming growth factor beta1.

Enhanced expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) demonstrated in human colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), indicates its possible significance in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma TGF-beta1 concentration in patients with different degrees of colonic mucosal injury, as a possible indicator of ulcerative colitis activity. TGF-beta1 concentration was measured with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in plasma of 45 patients with endoscopically confirmed UC. Values observed in UC patients (40.5+/-15.9 ng/ml) were significantly higher than in healthy people (18.3+/-11.6 ng/ml) and higher than in patients with irritable colon syndrome (ICS), (20.5+/-13.6 ng/ml). The highest plasma TGF-beta1 (58.6+/-112.1 ng/ml) was in patients with the severe UC course. TGF-beta1 level analysed in all UC patients revealed significant positive correlation with scored degree of mucosal injury (r=0.396;P<0.01). Among other possible laboratory markers of the disease activity, only C-reactive protein concentration demonstrated significant correlation. Enhanced production of TGF-beta1 can be related to inflammation activity. Measurement of plasma TGF-beta1 may be considered as a biomarker of the disease activity.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Central pontine myelinolysis in an eighteen year old woman].

Central pontine myelinolysis is sporadically diagnosed disease. The disease has fulminant course and fatal prognosis. Myelinolysis is known for 40 years, but its cause remain still unclear and therapy is not established. A case of 18 year old woman hospitalized in the Department of Infectious Disease Medical Academy of Bialystoku is an example of such a difficulties.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[The role of transforming growth factors beta in pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis].

Transforming growth factor beta is the protein playing a principal role in the intercellular signalling. The most important functions are: control of cellular growth, differentiation and migration. Moreover it stimulates synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, modulates immune response and is responsible for angiogenesis, wound formation and tissue reconstruction. All these activities are involved in the development or healing of inflammatory bowel diseases. The role of transforming growth factors beta in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis are discussed in this paper.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Circulating transforming growth factor beta(1) as an indicator of hepatic function impairment in liver cirrhosis.

In the liver, transforming growth factor (TGF) -beta(1)is primarily responsible for activation of fat-storing cells, which are the main source of extracellular matrix proteins. Their deposition play a key role in the development of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma TGF-beta(1)in patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis and its possible use as an indicator of liver function impairment. TGF-beta(1)was measured in the plasma of 40 patients with liver cirrhosis. To estimate possible effect of liver insufficiency on plasma TGF-beta(1), patients were divided into three groups: A, B and C, univocal with Child-Pugh classes. Normal values were collected from 13 healthy volunteers. Liver cirrhosis resulted in a significant increase of plasma concentration of TGF-beta(1)(39.3+/-3.8 ng/ml), which doubled normal values (18.3+/-1.6 ng/ml). The highest concentrations were observed in alcoholic patients (44.4+/-4.7 ng/ml). TGF-beta(1)level increased depending on the degree of liver insufficiency, demonstrated by a significant positive correlation with Child-Pugh score (r=0.591). Values in group A were similar to normal, but were significantly elevated in groups B and C. These findings suggest possible use of plasma TGF-beta(1)measurement as an indicator of liver function impairment and possible marker of hepatic fibrosis progression in cirrhotic patients.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2000

One year follow-up of patients treated with misoprostol in acute phase of viral hepatitis B.

The study was undertaken to determine the long-term effect of misoprostol, on hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination in patients treated during acute phase of viral hepatitis B. Forty male patients were evaluated 12 months after treatment with misoprostol (M-group) or sylimarin (S-group). HBsAg clearance, as an indicator of HBV elimination, and serum bilirubin concentration, prothrombin index, and activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase as well as gamma glutamyltranspeptidase were analysed. At the end of treatment phase, improvement of liver function demonstrated through these biochemical indices was faster in M-group. After 12 months of follow-up HBsAg was cleared in all misoprostol treated patients and in 85% among S-group. Moreover misoprostol treatment resulted with normalization of bilirubin concentration and enzymes activity in all patients. Two among sylimarin treated patients (both HBsAg positive), had transaminases activities elevated over 100 U/l, that resulted with significantly higher values than in M-group. These results confirm beneficial effect of misoprostol treatment in patients with liver injury, but promising effect on HBV clearance should be confirmed in a study involving more patients.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed2000

Transforming growth factor-beta1 as a surrogate marker of hepatic dysfunction in chronic liver diseases.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible association between plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and the degree of hepatic dysfunction in patients with chronic liver diseases. TGF-beta1 was measured with an enzyme immunoassay in plasma from 21 patients with chronic active hepatitis and 40 patients with liver cirrhosis. Normal values were obtained from a group of 13 healthy volunteers. Results were analysed with respect to aetiology and the degree of liver insufficiency as evaluated by the Child-Pugh classification. The mean plasma concentration of TGF-beta1 in patients (36.9+/-2.8 ng/ml) was twice that found in normal volunteers (18.3+/-1.6 ng/ml). The highest values were observed in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (44.4+/-4.7 ng/ml). Plasma TGF-beta1 showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the degree of liver insufficiency. These results indicate the possible use of plasma TGF-beta1 measurement as a good marker of liver function impairment. Further observation of patients involved in this study may help to evaluate its possible prognostic value in chronic liver diseases.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2000

[Antibodies against Borrelia garinii in diagnosis of Lyme disease].

Prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia garinii (Bg) was analysed in sera of 42 patients with Lyme borreliosis confirmed through demonstration of antibodies against antigen 41 kDa of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (Bbss). IgM or IgG antibodies against Bg were found in sera of 88% patients. Agreement of the results between Bg and Bbss tests related to IgM antibodies reached 84% and to IgG antibodies 76%. Comparison of individual results revealed significant positive correlation of optical densities in respect to both IgM and IgG antibodies. These results indicate possible use of detection of anti-Borrelia garinii antibodies in diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis in Poland.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Vaccination against influenza and Guillain-Barre syndrome: are there any relations?].

Influenza, a disease known for centuries, continues to be a major medical problem throughout the world with substantial economical and health impact. The risk of death related to influenza is higher among individuals over 65 years of age and those with chronic diseases. Vaccination against influenza was successfully applied in massive prophylaxis of the disease in different countries for many years. Although there are some well known and monitored adverse reactions to influenza vaccines, the evidence whether influenza vaccination might be causally associated with higher risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not clear. In this paper the available literature data concerning this problem were reviewed. Own experiences on influenza vaccination and plasmapheresis treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome were presented.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome↗

PubMed2000

[Antibodies against M2-antigen in differential diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis].

Measurement of antimitochondrial antibodies is established as a sensitive indicator for primary biliary cirrhosis, which has unfortunately limited diagnostic specificity. M2-antigen complex, consisted of four proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane, has been found to be strongly associated with PBC. Clinical value of anti-M2 antibodies quantitative measurement with ELISA was analysed in 107 patients with carefully diagnosed liver diseases: acute viral hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC; n = 41), chronic viral hepatitis B, C (CHB, CHC; n = 23), autoimmune hepatitis (AH; n = 6), liver cirrhosis (LC; n = 20), extrahepatic cholestasis (EC; n = 2) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 15). The highest values were found in PBC patients and varied from 92 to 167 U/l and dramatically exceeded normal range recommended by manufacturer (5 U/l). Mean value in this group (119.5 +/- 8.4 U/l) was significantly (p < 5 x 10(-8)) higher than in others, that varied from 1.3 +/- 0.2 up to 2.8 +/- 1.7 U/l in VHA and CHC groups respectively. Only two among 92 non-PBC patients have values over 10 U/l, but they reached only 15.8 (CHB) and 16.5 (CHC). Anti-M2 level in PBC patients demonstrated a significant positive correlation (r = 0.857) with the degree of liver insufficiency measured trough Child-Pugh score. From these data we can conclude, that quantitative measurement of anti-M2 antibodies with ELISA can serve as a very good screening for PBC, with 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, if concentration of 20 U/l will be established as a pathognomic level.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

PubMed2000

[The joint changes and presence of HLA-B27 antigen in patients with ulcerative colitis].

The extra-bowel manifestation can be found among patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The most common are the joint changes. A group of 18 patients with ulcerative colitis was investigated. The physical and radiological signs of joint inflammation and presence of HLA-B27 antigen in blood were examined. Appearance of HLA-B27 antigen among 28% of patients with ulcerative colitis can support involvement of autoimmunologic mechanism in joint inflammation. The joint changes (swelling of small joints of hand, presence of nodes, sacroileitis, and particularly spondyloarthritis) were observed in 50% of patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Practical use of anti-HB immunoglobulins].

Viral hepatitis B remains a significant problem among iatrogenic infections. The development of transplantology met a barrier in the form of active hepatitis B. Wide but still inadequate prophylaxis against viral hepatitis B and the necessity of protection of patients after organ transplantation against secondary HBV infection require establishing indications for specific, passive immunotherapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Exposure to toxocariasis and tularemia among workers at Białowieza National Park].

Everyday contact of the workers of Białowieza sanctuary with animals may create a risk of infection by microorganisms attacking animals. The reported study was undertaken for carrying out an epidemiological analysis of tularemia and toxocarosis in this group of workers. Tularaemia infection was not found in then. In 12% of these workers antibodies to Toxocara canis were found, and fire workers had articular borreliosis. Antibodies to taxocara were disclosed in 10% of the Białowieza population not employed in the sanctuary and 30% of the population of the village Kruklanka in the Pisz Forests. The workers of the Białowieza Sanctuary are not exposed to Toxocara canis infection more than the remaining population of Białowieza and the population in the Kruklanka village in a region far from Białowieza.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Effects of ulcerative colitis activity on plasma and mucosal prostaglandin E2 concentration.

The aim of this study was to determine effects of changes in ulcerative colitis activity on mucosal and plasma PGE2 concentrations measured with an EIA in 49 patients who underwent sigmoidoscopy. The disease was diagnosed in 37 patients. Twelve patients with normal colonic mucosa served as controls. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the changes of endoscopic picture during a three-month follow-up. Some laboratory markers of the disease activity, such as C-reactive protein, albumin, gamma-globulin and hemoglobin concentrations, sedimentation rate, and white blood and platelets counts, were also evaluated. Initial examination revealed a significant, positive correlation of mucosal and plasma PGE2 concentration with endoscopic score. Follow-up of patients without significant progression of mucosal changes revealed constant and close to normal concentration of mucosal PGE2. Plasma PGE2 was higher at the second examination, yet without significant difference. Improvement of endoscopic picture resulted in significant decrease of plasma and mucosal PGE2 concentrations. Worsening of mucosal changes reflected endoscopically was associated with significant increase of PGE2. There were no remarkable changes in the values of analyzed laboratory markers of the disease activity. These results indicate the usefulness of mucosal or plasma PGE2 measurement as a possible prognostic marker in patients with ulcerative colitis.

C-Reactive Protein↗

PubMed1999

Effect of misoprostol on serum beta2-microglobulin in the course of viral hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVE: Beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m), as part of the HLA-I complex, is responsible for transportation of the viral antigens on the hepatocyte surface. Misoprostol and other prostaglandin analogues have been found to protect the liver against injury of various origins. DESIGN: The study was undertaken to evaluate whether the profitable effect of misoprostol on viral hepatitis B is related to beta2-m serum concentration, as a marker of viral expression. METHODS: Thirty-one male patients with viral hepatitis B were assigned at random into groups treated with misoprostol or silymarin (control group). Biochemical indices of liver injury and concentration of beta2-m were measured once a week. RESULTS: Decreases in the serum concentration of bilirubin and activity of alanine transaminase were faster in misoprostol-treated patients, resulting in significantly shorter hospitalization. The mean serum concentration of beta2-m was the highest at the beginning of the study and decreased more slowly in patients treated with misoprostol. However, in the third week of the disease they demonstrated very fast normalization, whereas values in controls remained significantly higher than normal beta2-m concentration. There were no side-effects related to either misoprostol or silymarin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the beneficial effect of misoprostol treatment in patients with viral hepatitis B. A possible mechanism of action seems to be its effect on serum concentration of beta2-m, related to antigen presentation on the hepatocyte surface.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Echinococcus granulosus cysts in the liver. Ultrasonography findings during medical treatment].

Since the sensitivity and specificity of serologic tests for echinococcosis is low, the role of imaging techniques is increasing. The goal of this study was to determine the usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnostics and classification of liver hydatid cysts and in the follow up after antiparasitic treatment. The study group of 35 persons, 26 women (mean age 42 years) and 9 men (mean age 39 years) was selected. The echography diagnosis was made using Toschiba scanner (SSH 140 A) with 3.75 and 7.5 MHz transducers. All 35 patients had positive results of serological tests for echinococcosis (EIA and/or indirect hemagglutination). The liver hydatid cysts (h.c.) are classified into seven types according to Caremani et all: I--simple h.c., II--multiple h.c., III--h.c. with detachment of the wall, IV--h.c. with mixed pattern with or without septations, V--heterogenous h.c., VI--hyperechoic h.c., VII--calcified h.c. The antiparasitic chemiotherapy with albendazole (10 mg/kg) was applied to 23 patients with total number of 59 h.c. of types I, II, III, IV, V. The observation points that cysts types I, II, III, IV, V respond to antiparasitic treatment. Our findings show that the sonographic patterns of cyst degeneration are seen with greater frequency in treated cysts than in nontreated ones.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[The neuropsychiatric side effects of the interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C].

Interferons are usage in therapy patients with chronic viral hepatitis (ch). Independently apart from therapy effects, lots of side effects are observed. The neuropsychiatrical side effects are most often and maybe hinder of interferon therapy. Among patients with ch B and C were estimated efficiency, type and frequency of side effects after interferon therapy. Especially symptoms disorders of central nervous system were observed between all side effects. The 67 patients: 20 with ch B, 45 with ch C and 2 with ch B retherapy by interferon were estimated. The lymphoblastoid interferon: alpha n1, Wellferon (Wellcome/Great Britain) and recombinant interferon alpha 2b, Roferon (Roche/Switzerland) and Intron-A (Schering-Plough/USA) were administrated. The efficiencies of treatment were observed after 6 month from finished interferon therapy. Elimination of polymerase HBV-DNA, antigens: HBs, HBe and antibody HBcIgM and normalization of aminotransferase activity in serum, were evaluated in patients with ch B. Elimination of HCV-RNA and normalization of aminotransferase activity in serum was evaluated in patients with ch C. Among neuropsychiatrical side effects was study. The frequently of irritability, fatigue neurosis, disorders of psychomotion activity, vegetative symptoms, somatic symptoms and disorder of higher mind processes. Grow excitability of sensorimotor, affective, irritability of vegetative system, were examined among irritability symptoms. Deficiency activity of polymerase HBV-DNA was observed in 40% patients with ch B. Deficiency of RNA-HCV in serum was observed in 31% patients with ch C. The flu-likely syndrome was observed at the beginning interferon therapy in 85% patients. Among patients treated with interferon were observed side effects: hair loss (29% patients), disorder of vision (29%), thrombocytopenia (< 50,000 mm3) (29%), leukopenia (< 2,000 mm3) (16%). The neurasthenia was detected in 60% patients with ch B and 50% patients with ch C. Neurasthenia most often manifested by irritable and quickly exhaustion of strength. 53% patients with ch B and 42% patients with ch C manifested disorders of psychomotion activity. Disorders of higher mind processes were in 50% patients with ch B and 33% with ch C. The neurological side effects were not influence on modification therapy. The flu-likely syndrome was observed at the beginning interferon therapy in majority patients treat with interferon. The neuropsychiatrical disorders are frequently watching of interferon therapy in patients with ch B and C.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Efficacy of low-dose albendazole therapy in hydatic liver disease: a case report].

Hydatid liver disease is the most common form of human echinococcosis in Poland. Epidemiological data show a rising number of cases recognised last years. It is probably because of easier availability of ultrasound examination and computed tomography in the diagnostic procedures. While surgery remains the only approach for a radical cure, the chemotherapy with albendazole has became a useful advance in the management of cystic echinococcosis for the problem patient (inoperable disease, widely disseminated cysts, high surgical risk, etc.). The authors describe a patient with hydatid liver disease successfully treated with albendazole as a alternative treatment to surgery. A cyclic treatment of 28 days with 2 week break in between for 9 months with low doses of albendazole (6 mg/kg) resulted in clinical improvement and involution of hepatic cysts.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

[Use of plasmapheresis in patients with AIDS and peripheral polyneuropathy].

The plasmapheresis is procedure removal of plasma and simultaneously, together with plasma, toxins, incorrect metabolites, antigens and immunological complexes. In patients with HIV infection often appearance periphery polyneuropathy. This is connected with autoantibody action on the damage of neurone. The aim of this study was evaluation effectiveness of plasmapheresis in treatment patients with AIDS and polyneuropathy. Seven patients with AIDS--C3 and polyneuropathy coexistence were treatment by plasmapheresis. The symptoms of polyneuropathy decrease in all patients. Were don't influence on immunological system and side effect performance plasmapheresis.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗