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Biomedical subjects

D Stejskal

Publications and source records attributed to D Stejskal.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Aspirin resistance measured by cationic propyl gallate platelet aggregometry and recurrent cardiovascular events during 4 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Aspirin resistance appears to be an important prognostic factor in patients with coronary artery disease, yet there is no standardized method to measure it and limited data on its correlation to clinical outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective study we followed 103 patients (mean age 64 years) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without ST segment elevation who were treated with 100 mg of aspirin (ASA) daily. Optical platelet aggregometry using cationic propyl gallate (CPG) as an inductor was measured at ACS onset and after 3, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. ASA responsiveness was defined both by the slope of the aggregation curve (<53%/min) and by spontaneous aggregation (<5%). The primary outcomes were the recurrence of ACS or stroke. RESULTS: Patients with ACS exhibited a greater prevalence of ASA resistance (55%) than healthy volunteers (4%; p<0.01). ASA resistance occurred more often in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertriacylglycerolemia, and decreased HDL levels, and in smokers (p<0.05). A single assessment of platelet aggregometry was sufficient to identify ASA-resistant patients. During the 4-year follow-up, the patients with ASA resistance had an 88% incidence of recurrent cardiovascular events versus 46% for the patients without ASA resistance (p<0.01). In the subgroup with recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events, significantly more patients were ASA-resistant than in the subgroup without recurrent CV events (72% vs. 8%, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: ASA resistance measured by CPG-induced platelet aggregometry is more common among patients with ACS and some metabolic risk factors, and ASA-resistant patients have a significantly higher recurrence of cardiovascular events.

Journal Article↗

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in a Caucasian population: a new marker of metabolic syndrome?

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) has been suggested as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum A-FABP as a marker of metabolic syndrome and to assess its predictive accuracy in a Caucasian population. Anthropometric and serum analyses were performed for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, A-FABP, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), uric acid, and glucose on 67 non-obese, healthy subjects and 71 subjects with metabolic syndrome. Quicki-quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-curve) and chi(2) analysis were completed. Compared with healthy controls, subjects with metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher A-FABP serum level (mean: 42.4 vs. 23.7 microg L(-1); P < 0.01). The A-FABP serum level correlated with fasting levels of insulin (r = 0.34; P < 0.01), glucose (r = 0.21; P = 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.4; P < 0.01), BMI (r = 0.57; P < 0.01) and waist circumference (r = 0.51; P < 0.01), but negatively with HDL-c (r = -0.23; P < 0.01) and Quicki (r = -0.32; P < 0.01). The relationship was defined between serum A-FABP level and metabolic syndrome diagnosis with 40% sensitivity and 99% specificity at A-FABP level 16.4 microg L(-1). Serum A-FABP level might be an independent marker of metabolic syndrome in a Caucasian population.

Biomarkers↗

Evaluation of serum and urine clusterin as a potential tumor marker for urinary bladder cancer.

Clusterin is a stress-associated cytoprotective chaperone up-regulated by various apoptotic triggers in many cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. No valid information about serum or urine clusterin concentration in patiens with bladder cancer exists. Aim of our paper was evaluation of the urine and serum clusterin concentrations in individuals with bladder cancer. Blood and urine samples were used from 43 patients with urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder and from 50 patients with benign urological diseases. Blood and urine were collected before cystoscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed for clusterin from serum and urine. Serum clusterin was higher in individuals with bladder cancer (means 185,812.5 vs 171,946.5 kU/l, p=0.04). Sensitivity for bladder cancer detection was 73% and specificity 55% (AUC 0.63); efficacy was not sufficient. Urine values of clusterin were higher in individuals with bladder cancer (197.2 vs 67.7, p=0.0007). Sensitivity for bladder cancer detection was 49% and specificity 92% (AUC 0.75, LR+ 6.1, PPV+ 84%); diagnostic efficacy was sufficient. In conclusion, serum and urine clusterin can differ between bladder cancer patients and the control group. Urine clusterin could be the possible laboratory marker of bladder cancer. Further research is warranted to confirm findings in larger studies of various clinical status.

Aged↗

[Adiponectin and insulin sensitivity].

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin is a fat tissue protein that plays a role in maintaining the homeostasis of glucose and lipids, along with counteracting a number of risk factors associated with atherosclerosis and obesity. In addition, adiponectin has an effect on insulin sensitivity. The aim of this work was to assess concentrations of adiponectin in predefined groups of individuals and to analyse the associations between adiponectin and other metabolic parameters. METHODS AND RESULTS: The studied population comprised four groups of individuals, A-D. A--healthy controls, B--patients with impaired lipid metabolism, C--the obese, and D--patients with metabolic syndrome. When comparing the levels of adiponectin in groups of patients with impaired lipid metabolism (B), the obese (C), and patients with metabolic syndrome (D) with healthy controls (A), no statistically significant difference was observed between groups B and C and healthy individuals. In contrast, statistically significant difference was found when concentrations of adiponectin in patients with metabolic syndrome (D) were compared to those in healthy controls. Individuals with metabolic syndrome had the lowest levels of adiponectin - 5.3 mg/1 (men) and 5.6 mg/1 (women). The correlation coefficient for the association between adiponectin and HDL was R=0.57, for adiponectin and triglycerides R=-0.46, for adiponectin and BMI R=-0.37, for adiponectin and glycemia R=-0.34, for adiponectin and insulinemia R=-0.39, and for adiponectin and the QUICKI index R=0.44. CONCLUSIONS: One possible method of the complex evaluation of the metabolic syndrome development and its metabolic consequences is the assessment of adiponectin levels. Low levels of adiponectin indicate the development of insulin resistance.

Adiponectin↗

[Use of assessment of aggregation of thrombocytes induced by cationic propyl gallate to estimate recurrence of cardiovascular complications].

INTRODUCTION: Recently resistance to an acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) administration has been a frequently mentioned problem. However, to identify ASA nonresponsive patients (ASA resistance) is difficult and common examination procedures can contain important preanalytic, analytic and postanalytic mistakes. Recently a possibility to use aggregometry after induction with cationic propyl gallate (CPG) has been discussed in this context; it's a robust, highly sensitive, and specific method for ASA resistance estimates. We asked ourselves following questions during our work: GOAL: a) Experience patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) ASA resistance more often than healthy volunteers?; b) Are aggregation values in both patients with different metabolic homeostasis disorders and patients with risk factors for atherosclerotic complications different?; c) Change results of measured aggregation induced by CPG in patients treated with identical ASA therapy during a several years long monitoring; respectively are patients assessed differently during the monitoring?; d) Is it possible to use one-shot aggregation assessment following CPG to estimate ASA resistance or is it necessary to repeat the examinations?; e) Is recurrence of ACS complications more frequent during two years of monitoring of patients with ACS history resistant to 100 mg doses of ASA per day? METHOD: 103 patients of an average age 69 were assessed. All of them suffered from ACS without ST segment elevations and were treated conservatively; in addition to it all of them were treated with 100 mg ASA/day. They were assessed at the onset of ACS and after 3, 12 and 24 months. The examination consisted of taking patient history, clinical examination, BMI determination, laboratory test for cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triacylglycerols, and glucose, and of an aggregation of thrombocytes assessment under standard conditions (spontaneous and after CPG induction). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: a) ASA resistance is more frequent in patients with ACS compared to healthy volunteers (45% to 6%, p < 0.001). b) Patients with type II DM, smokers, patients with low HDL cholesterol levels or high triacylglycerols levels are ASA resistant more often (< 0.05). c) Results of measured aggregation of thrombocytes don't change during administration of the identical dose of 100 mg ASA/day during 2 years of monitoring. Respondents usually are assessed identically during monitoring (responsive/ASA nonresponsive). d) ASA resistance can be estimated from one-shot aggregation assessment following induction with CPG. e) Two years after diagnosing the ASA resistance a percentage of cardiovascular complications recurrence is higher in patients with history of ACS (p < 0.001). One-shot assessments of the CPG induced thrombocytes aggregation and the spontaneous aggregation are sensitive in 81% of patients with ACS history and specific in 100% of patients at risk of recurrence of cardiovascular complications. If these results are confirmed it could lead to a change in interventions in patients with ASA resistance proved by this method.

Adult↗

[First experience with the cobalt binding capacity (ACB) test in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (a pilot study)].

INTRODUCTION: Commonly used laboratory markers of coronary damage in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are not specific for myocardial ischemia and prove only irreversible myocardial damage. There have been concerns recently of a laboratory test able to distinguish sufficiently an individual with myocardial ischemia and typical IHD symptoms from patients without IHD. Since 1994 several works about cobalt binding capacity of albumin (ACB) have been published in which a unique diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this test for estimations of the presence of myocardial ischemia has been described. In February 2003 this test was approved by FDA for making an early diagnosis of ACS. GOAL OF THE WORK: To verify a possibility to use ACB test for making an early diagnosis of ACS. METHOD: 98 individuals, patients of the Department of Internal Medicine of the hospital in Sternberk, hospitalised for suspicion of ACS but not indicated for direct PTCA, have been examined. Respondents with ACS diagnosis were examined via coronarography. All the respondents were examined for cTnI, myoglobin, and ACB immediately at the admission (0) and 2, 6, and 12 hours after admission. Cobalt binding capacity of albumin has been given in absorbance units. The group of respondents was subsequently divided into subgroups according to presence of ACS and subgroups of respondents with/without AMI. RESULTS: 55 respondents (56%) have been diagnosed with ACS. 16 respondents (16%) from them suffered from non-Q AMI and 39 respondents (40%) suffered from unstable AP (UAP). 43 respondents (44%) suffered from noncoronary sternal pain. Patients with ACS had ACB values significantly higher at admission and 2 and 6 hours after admission compared to respondents without ACS (0: 0.62 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.11, 2: 0.61 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.44 +/- 0.12, 6: 0.58 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.1, p < 0.01). In ACB dynamics monitoring in defined groups of respondents no significant differences have been identified among ACB values of individual takings. There were no significant differences in ACB values 12 hours after admission (0.53 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.44 +/- 0.16) in cut-off absorbance ACB 0.5 the diagnostic sensitivity at admission was 69% and specificity 89%, 2 hours later 87% and 71% and 6 hours after admission 64% and 69%. 12 hours after admission ACB assessment has not been possible to be used for ACS diagnosing (AUC of 0.55). First 2 hours after admission ACB test was more specific and sensitive for diagnosing ACS compared to cTnI test (0: AUC 0.83 vs. 0.61, p = 0.015, 2: AUC 0.87 vs. 0.71, p = 0.04). However, ACB test could not be used in respondents with ACS to distinguish between acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris (UAP) (AUC: ACB-0 0.51, ACB-2 0.56, ACB-6 0.51, ACB-12 0.57). CONCLUSION: ACB test is a quick, cheap and easy examination which is very specific and sensitive for early diagnosing of acute coronary syndrome without regard whether it is caused by UAP or AMI (up to 6 hours after admission) compared to commonly used markers. This test could significantly contribute to the next fate of a patient (diagnostic procedures, patient's prognosis).

Biomarkers↗

[Impact of acute fluid restriction on levels of natriuretic peptides in patients on a chronic dialysis program].

In order to assess an impact of acute changes in blood volume on levels of B-type natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) 30 patients with a heart disease and chronic renal insufficiency on chronic dialysis program were assessed. An acute fluid restriction of 3750 ml on an average lead to decreased filling of the left heart ventricle (echocardiography revealed a reduced size of the left atrium, change in E/A parameters and deceleration time, and decreased end-diastolic volume of the left ventricle). Prior to dialysis normal levels of BNP (2.58 +/- 1.21 pg/ml) and elevated levels of NT-proBNP (193.2 +/- 117.7 pg/ml) had been indicated. Following dialysis a statistically significant decrease of BNP concentration in venous blood was proved, however it was "masked" by hemoconcentration. NT-proBNP level in venous blood remained unchanged. Correlation between BNP and NT-proBNP was not proved before dialysis nor after it. Correlation between BNP levels and echocardiographic parameters was not confirmed and a weak negative correlation with ejection fraction was proved in NT-proBNP. A BNP assessment could play an important role in the evaluation of acute changes in heart compensation. On the other way, NT-proBNP concentration is stable and is a long term marker of synchronisation of fluid circulation and function of the left ventricle. An importance of its assessment is probably rather prognostic.

Adult↗

[Personal experience with determination of NT-proBNP in clinical practice].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Recently in the literature information is found on estimation of natriuretic peptides in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea. Because in the Czech Republic since the beginning of 2002 routine estimation of NT-proBNP is available (analyzer Elecsys 2010), the objective of our work was to find out whether it is possible to use in the everyday practice of a district hospital estimation of NT-proBNP to differentiate dyspnoea with affection of the heart muscle from other types of dyspnoea. METHOD: A group of 33 patients from the medical department of the Sternberk hospital was examined who attended on account of dyspnoea and lacked signs of acute coronary syndrome. All probands were diagnosed on the basis of defined criteria; according to the final diagnosis the patients were divided into three groups: group "LV" was formed by dyspnoic patients with organic affection of the left ventricle and signs of congestion in the lesser circulation, group "non-LV" was formed by patients where no organic affection of the left ventricle was found but other heart disease was present. Group "non-C" was formed by patients where a cardiac cause of dyspnoea was ruled out. In all patients on admission NT-proBNP was assessed. RESULTS: 33 probands were examined, 18 men and 15 women, mean age 74.5 years. 25 probands the dyspnoea was classified as dyspnoea with affection of one of the cardiac compartments [19 of them had signs of organic affection of the left ventricle (group "LV")]; in 6 probands no signs of organic left ventricular affection were found (group "Non-LV"). The remaining 8 patients had no signs of any disease of the heart muscle, valves, septa, endocardium and pericardium (group "Non-C). The baseline values of NTpro-BNP were closely associated with the NYHA classification (grade II--median 55.3 pmol/l (469 ng/l, grade III--median 399.3 pmol/l (3384 ng/l), grade IV--median 724.7 pmol/l (6294 ng/l), the differences were statistically significant, p < 0.05). The dyspnoic probands with concurrent affection of some cardiac compartment (groups "LV" and "Non-LV") had a NT-pro BNP concentration significantly higher than probands without affection of the heart (group "Non-C") (median 589.5 pmol (4996 ng/l as compared with 62.9 pmol/l (533 ng/l, p < 0.01). In the group of probands with heart disease probands with affections of the left ventricle (group "LV") had significantly higher NT-proBNP values than subjects without affection of the LV and without any heart disease (groups "Non-LV" and "Non-C") (median 670.6 pmol/l (5683 ng/l) as compared with 187.5 pmol/l (1589 ng/l), p < 0.01). In hospitalized probands after treatment along with improved cardiopulmonary compensation also a significant drop of NT pro-BNP occurred (median 303 pmol/l (3967.7 ng/l to 211 pmol/l (2561 ng/l), p < 0.05). When looking for associations between anamnestic, laboratory and clinical data we found that the value of NT-proBNP is associated with dyspnoea with cardiac affection (groups "LV" + "Non-LV", correlation coefficient 0.48), with the left ventricular ejection fraction (correlation coefficient 0.52) and the baseline NYHA classification (correlation coefficient 0.36). In the examined group we did not find an association between NT-proBNP and age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, the presence of atrial arrhythmias, aortal stenosis, or the width of the left atrium. When using as cut-off for NT-proBNP 59 pmol/l (500 ng/l), the sensitivity of NT-proBNP for dyspnoea with affection of the cardiac compartments was 92% and the specificity 67%. CONCLUSION: Assessment of NT-proBNP is an important diagnostic acid in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea.

Aged↗

[Integration of prenatal screening for Down syndrome in the first and third trimester (proposal for a screening protocol].

OBJECTIVE: Proposal of antenatal Down syndrome screening protocol using integration of first and second trimester results. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Antenatal screening centre GENNET, Prague. METHODS: Search of relevant articles, software analysis and pilot implementation. RESULTS: Screening of Down syndrome (DS) is divided into two phases: at first phase combined DS risk is calculated using pregnancy plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) at 9th-11th gestational week and ultrasound fetal nuchal translucency (NT) at 11th-13th week with risk cut-off 1/100 (about 2 per cent of screened). Positive mothers are counselled immediately after NT measurement: First phase negative mothers continue to second phase where PAPP-A and NT values are integrated with second trimester screening results. Protocol is supported with special software (Obstetrician's Screening Guide-OSG). CONCLUSION: At proposed protocol the information on significant first trimester DS risk is not withheld to second trimester and mother can choose early prenatal diagnosis. Expected detection rate is near 90 per cent at 5 per cent false positive rate.

Biomarkers↗

Expression of ob gene coding the production of the hormone leptin in hepatocytes of liver with steatosis.

Leptin is a circulating pleiotropic hormone that play an important role in appetite control, fat metabolism, regulation of body weight, fetus growth, growth and aging of adults and hematopoiesis. It is expressed abundantly and specifically in the adipose tissue. A liver cell with developed steatosis represents a cell metabolism similar to metabolism of cells of adipose tissue. Analyses of serum leptin and free leptin receptor in the serum of patients with steatosis showed significant variations from reference limits of normal values. However in liver tissue with verified steatosis detection of mRNA gene for leptin was not proven. Such expression of ob gene for leptin was not found even in the liver tissue without steatosis. With respect to the absence of ob gene expression, the direct effect of ob gene expression on other parameters of leptin metabolism could not be evaluated. The RT-PCR method with verified specificity and satisfying sensitivity was developed. The results obtained from analysis of serum leptin and free leptin receptor in the serum are presented and evaluated. The used methods were verified and reference limits for Czech population were defined in dependence on age and other clinical parameters.

Fatty Liver↗

Osteoprotegerin, RANK, RANKL.

Osteoprotegerin, RANK (Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor kappa B) and RANKL (Receptor Activator of Nuclear faktor kappa B ligand) became the aim of intensive research. RANK is considered as a hematopoietic surface receptor controlling osteoclastogenesis and calcium metabolism. RANKL may promote osteoresorption by induction of cathepsin K gene expression. The present paper summarizes the most significant data in osteoprotegerin, RANK and RANKL problems obtained.

Animals↗

Application of cationic propyl gallate as inducer of thrombocyte aggregation for evaluation of effectiveness of antiaggregation therapy.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of basic preparations used in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Application of ASA leads to irreversible reduction of platelet aggregation. The aim of the present study was to verify monitoring of effectiveness of ASA therapy using the measurement of platelet aggregability in vitro after induction by cationic propyl gallate (CPG), which is considered to be a highly potent inducer of aggregation. METHODS: We examined a group of 27 healthy volunteers, divided into two subgroups (n = 19, n = 8). The first subgroup was examined for thrombocyte aggregation before and 24 hours after administration of 400 mg of ASA after induction by ADP, collagen, adrenalin and CPG. The second subgroup was examined for thrombocyte aggregation before and after a three-day administration of ASA in a dose of 100 mg/day. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the group of 27 healthy volunteers we determined normal values of aggregability for individual inducers. Low stability of the used methods was proved (weak or insignificant correlation of results of the same method before and after administration of ASA). The most advantageous parameter for monitoring of effectiveness of 400 and 100 mg of ASA was CPG slope (paired t test, p < 0.00000002, resp. p < 0.001). The parameter of CPG slope we determined in both subgroups the cut-off value (< 53s), by means of which it is possible to discriminate probands according to ASA therapy (in contrast to other routinely used inducers). The obtained results indicate that measurement of thrombocyte aggregation after CPG induction reveals a significantly lower percentage of ASA non-responders ASA than after other inducers. Measurement of thrombocyte aggregation after CPG induction is predicted to be highly promising for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-aggregation therapy.

Adult↗

Osteoprotegerin and bone density.

Aim of study was determine if a correlation exists between bone mass density and concentration of osteoprotegerin. We examined the group of 199 patients of mean age of 63 years. Of the group under study, 31 patients had normal bone density (T score > -1 and < 1) and 168 probands had osteopenia or osteoporosis (T < -1). Persons with normal BMD values had median values of OPG 60.8 ng/l, while patients with reduced bone density had median values of 73 ng/l OPG. Cut-off for reduction of bone density was 128 ng/l OPG. We demonstrated that OPG concentrations vary inversely with bone density values (correlation coefficient -0.31). These results suggest that determination of OPG could allow discrimination of individuals with normal bone density and those with reduced bone density.

Adult↗

[Initial experience with use of cationic propyl gallate as an inducer of thrombocyte aggregation in evaluation of anti-aggregation therapy].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the basic preparations which are used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. ASA administration leads to irreversible restriction of platelet aggregation. The objective of our work was to test possibilities of monitoring the effectiveness of ASA therapy by measuring the platelet aggregability in vitro after induction with cationic propyl gallate (CPG) which is considered a very potent aggregation inductor. METHOD: We examined a group of 27 healthy volunteers divided into two sub-groups (n = 19, n = 8). In the first sub-group the platelet aggregation was examined before and after 24 hours following ingestion of 400 mg ASA after induction with ADP, collagen, adrenaline and CPG. In the second sub-group the platelet aggregation was examined before and after three-day administration of ASA--100 mg/day. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In a group of 27 volunteers we assessed normal values of aggregation after different inductors. A low stability of the methods used was proved (low stability or insignificant correlation of results of the same method before and after ASA ingestion. The most useful parameter by means of which it was possible to monitor the effectiveness of administration of 400 or 100 mg ASA was the C/G slope (paired t-test, p < 0.0000002, and p < 0.001 resp.). In parameter CPG slope we were able to assess in both groups the cut-off value (< 53%/min.) by means of which it is possible to discriminate probands according to ASA therapy (contrary to the other commonly used inductors). From the results ensues that when assessing the thrombocyte aggregation after CPG induction we find a significantly lower percentage of so-called ASA non-respondents than after other inductors. We consider the use of assessment of thrombocyte aggregation after CPG induction when monitoring antiaggregation therapy a very promising procedure.

Adult↗

Serum leptin and leptin receptors in healthy prepubertal children: relations to insulin resistance and lipid parameters, body mass index (BMI), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), heart fatty acid binding protein (hFABP), and IgG anticardiolipin (ACL-IgG).

In a group of randomly selected 29 healthy prepubertal children (16 boys, mean age 9.56 +/- 0.7 years, 13 girls, mean age 9.96 +/- 0.9 years) fasting serum leptin and leptin receptor concentrations were measured by ELISA and compared with insulin parameters (homeostatic model of assessment insulin resistance = HOMA IR, insulin, intact proinsulin, C-peptide) and some metabolic parameters and factors that contribute to insulin resistance: triacylglycerols, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, tumor necrosis factor, heart fatty acid binding protein, and IgG fraction of anticardiolipin. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS/STAT software and included analysis of normality, analysis of variance, Spearman's correlations, linear and multiple regression analysis with insulin parameters as dependent variables. The subgroups of boys and girls did not differ significantly in any of parameters studied. Serum concentrations of insulin, intact proinsulin, HOMA IR, C-peptide and triacylglycerols appeared to be primarily influenced by serum leptin concentration. Serum leptin concentrations were tightly correlated with body mass indexes and negatively correlated with leptin receptor concentrations, probably as a manifestation of down regulation. The role of other factors studied appeared to be complementary or less significant (hFABP, ACL IgG), or absent (TNF alpha). We concluded that in healthy prepubertal children of both genders serum leptin concentration contributes to insulin resistance and to insulin resistance-related metabolic changes.

Antibodies, Anticardiolipin↗

[Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis at the Department of Medical Genetics GENNET-Klimentská].

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of data from prenatal cytogenetic studies performed during 10 years. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of cytogenetic results. SETTING: Cytogenetic laboratory, Department of Clinical Genetics GENNET, Prague. METHODS: Cytogenetic analysis of cultivated amniotic cells. RESULTS: 180 chromosomal pathologies, including 110 numerical and 70 structural, were diagnosed in 5743 samples of amniotic fluid. Relatively high number of structural aberrations was found also in groups of patients examined because of increased maternal age, abnormal values of biochemical markers and abnormal ultrasound findings. Chromosomal abnormalities in individual groups of patients, risk figures for de novo balanced structural aberrations, additional marker chromosomes and some mosaic findings as the management following the prenatal diagnosis of this abnormalities are discussed. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the great number of familiar structural aberrations in our material is recommended to pay attention to the detection of such anomalies also in groups of patients where numerical chromosomal changes are namely expected.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

[An improvement in the amniotic fluid collection technique].

OBJECTIVE: Elaboration of a maximally safe and comfortable technique of collection of amniotic fluid (AMC). DESIGN: For practice. SETTING: Gyncentrum Ltd., Hloubĕtínská 3, Praha 9, Dept. of Medical Genetics GENNET, Klimentská 1, Praha 1. METHOD: In 81 patients AMC was performed using a needle with an external diameter of 0.53 mm, by the sampling system Vacutainer of Becton-Dickinson Co. CONCLUSION: The method elaborated by the authors appears to be perspective for use in invasive procedures in the sphere of prenatal diagnosis.

Amniocentesis↗