Biomedical subjects

E Szklarz

Publications and source records attributed to E Szklarz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma secreted by bronchoalveolar leukocytes isolated from patients with bronchial asthma, complicated by fungal airways infections.

It is widely known that fungal airways infections may deteriorate the course of bronchial asthma. The mechanism of the phenomenon is still unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of fungal infections on the secretion of selected cytokines by bronchoalveolar leukocytes. Five patients (group FA) with bronchial asthma and Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus airways infections (confirmed by bronchoscopy and culture) were included in the study. All of them were on the chronic treatment with corticosteroids (10-20 mg of prednisone per day) and underwent several courses of therapy with antibiotics. The control groups comprised 5 previously untreated asthmatics without bronchial colonization with fungi (group A) as well as 5 healthy volunteers (group H). Leukocytes were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and cultured in the presence or absence of cytokine inducers such as phytohemagglutin L (PHA), lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli. The activity of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IFN-gamma were measured in the BAL cell culture supernatants by using specific bioassays. In comparison with healthy controls the spontaneous or induced secretion of cytokines were significantly augmented in patients from group A. In contrast the asthmatics who represented group FA demonstrated normal levels of spontaneous cytokine secretion. However, the tendency to increase LPS and PHA-induced production was observed in BAL leukocytes from the patients. The above results support the view that beneficial effect of corticosteroid treatment in bronchial asthma may act, at least in part, by inhibition of the high spontaneous secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, fungal airways infections may lead to increase of LPS- or PHA-induced production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 or IFN-gamma (despite prednisone therapy) by prestimulation of the BAL cells with fungi.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Exogenous interleukin 2 regulates interleukin 6 and nitric oxide but not interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha production in bronchoalveolar leukocytes from patients with small cell lung cancer.

The relationship and in situ interactions between interleukin 2 (IL-2)-regulated mediators remain unclear, particularly in lung cancer model. The purpose of the present study was to determine in vitro effect of IL-2 on the secretory activity of bronchoalveolar leukocytes from 11 patients with previously untreated small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 9 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Control group (n = 6) comprised patients who underwent diagnostic investigations and were free of any clinical or radiographic evidence of lung diseases. IL-2-induced secretion of mediators was compared with that following stimulation with lipopolisaccharide (LPS; 5 micrograms/ml) or Newcastle disease virus (NDV; 640 HU/ml). Obtained from bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) cells were cultured for 24-48 h in the presence or absence of inducers. The levels of cytokines were determined in BAL cell supernatants by bioassays. Nitric oxide (NO) was estimated by colorimetric method in Griess reaction. Compared with normal controls, the spontaneous secretion of the above mediators excluding IFN-gamma in BAL cultures from NSCLC group was elevated by up to 20-30-fold and further increase was observed after stimulation with LPS. However, very low secretion of cytokines and NO was found in BAL leukocyte cultures activated by IL-2. In contrast, the cells obtained from SCLC group produced little detectable levels of TNF-alpha (median 12.0, range 3-45 U/ml), IFN-gamma (median 3, range 3-12 U/ml) and IL-6 (median 15, range 6-45 U/ml) in response to LPS and interferons, mainly IFN-alpha; (median 3, range 3-12 U/ml) in response to NDV. Although, upon IL-2-stimulation was observed only noteworthy production of IL-6 (median 405, range 45-1215 U/ml). IL-2-induced secretion of IL-6 was accompanied by up to 5-fold augmented secretion of NO in comparison with NSCLC group and healthy controls. These observations suggest that BAL cells from patients with lung cancers express a selective secretory activity and that IL-2 is an important regulatory factor of secondary production of IL-6 and NO. Utilization of IL-2 in therapeutic strategy in SCLC can lead to alterations in synthesis/release of biologically active IL-6 and NO that may contribute to the clinical settings.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Modulation of cytokine production by a selenoorganic compound (AE-22) in hyperreactive or hyporeactive bronchoalveolar leukocytes of asthmatics or lung cancer patients.

We have found that many synthetic selenoorganic compounds, including ebselen, have immunotropic activity. These studies were designed to assess the effect of the analog of ebselen bis[2-pyridyl (2-carbamoyl) phenyl]diselenide (AE-22) on human leukocytes that may express various activation states. The cells were obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells of patients with various inflammatory lung diseases. The AE-22-treated BAL cells from patients with bronchial asthma (n = 6) and with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (n = 6) were compared with these in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from the same donors. The control group comprised 5 patients who underwent diagnostic examination and were free of any cancer or concomitant diseases. Secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma was considered as a marker of BAL or PBL cell activation. Different response of the cells and various effects of AE-22 were observed in relation to the origin and functional state of leukocytes. It was established that AE-22 can induce TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner in BAL cells and PBL isolated from healthy individuals. However, BAL cells were found to be less reactive than PBL as cytokine producers. In contrast, AE-22 had no effect on BAL cells obtained from patients with lung cancer, which were found to be hyporeactive to phytohemagglutinin and bacterial lipopolysaccharide and did not produce TNF-alpha, IL-6, or IFN spontaneously. The spontaneous release of cytokines by BAL cells from bronchial asthma patients, but not by PBL from the same individuals, was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that from the cultures of healthy control subjects. The high secretion of cytokines by the locally activated BAL cells was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced after administration of AE-22. The results suggest that AE-22 has immunomodulatory activity. AE-22 can downregulate the hyporeactive BAL cells from asthmatics, but it appears to be inactive in BAL cells of cancer patients who can tolerate the cytokine inducers.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

[Pneumonia complicated by bacteremia with Stomatococcus mucilaginosus].

A rare strain of Stomatococcus mucilaginosus (formerly Micrococcus) was isolated from blood of a patient after pneumonia, which was causing an enlargement of lymph nodes and groin fistula. Chemical composition of cell wall of this microorganism (analysis of amino acids and diagnostically important sugars), elementary composition of lipids (fatty acids, phospholipids and glycolipids) and molar percentage of guanine and cytosine (%GC), were determined. Results completely agreeable with results published elsewhere were obtained which resulted in reclassification of this species (Kocur (1982, Int. J.Sys.Bacterial. 32, 374-377)). This case indicates that some relative pathogens require modern diagnostic methods and when not recognized in cases of acquired or directed immunosuppression can create a serious threat.

Bacteremia↗

PubMed1993

Elevated release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma by bronchoalveolar leukocytes from patients with bronchial asthma.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) leukocyte-secreted cytokines are considered to be important mediators of the inflammatory and allergic reactions in the lung. This study examines quantitative changes in the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) production in BAL cell cultures derived from patients (n = 11) with bronchial asthma. The secretion of TNF alpha and IFN gamma was determined in intact (unstimulated) and phytohemagglutinin/phorbol myristate acetate (PHA + PMA)-stimulated BAL leukocyte cultures and compared with that in control cultures. In all patients studied, the background and PHA + PMA-induced secretion of TNF alpha and IFN gamma was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that in parallel control cultures. In contrast to BAL cell preparations, the capacity of TNF alpha and IFN gamma secretion by patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) did not differ from that of control subjects. High spontaneous release of TNF alpha and IFN gamma by patients' BAL leukocytes, but not PBMC, suggest that in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma, these cytokines may act as local pathogenic agents in the lung.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Anaerobic Propionibacterium in opportunistic infections].

In three cases, two of which regarded exudative pericardium inflammation and one of lung abscess, biopsy revealed negative bacteriological results. Blood cultures resulted in culture of anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria from Propionibacterium genus. Precise chemo- geno-taxonomic studies were performed which confirmed generic identification of isolated strains. These were following: in cell wall--L-DAP, alanine, glycine, galactose, glucose, mannose; lack if mycolic acids; %GC 58-59. Basing on additional bacteriological studies it was established that two strains belong to the genus Propionibacterium acnes (type I), while third strain appeared to be Propionibacterium propionicum (before Arachnia propionica). These results confirm growing participation of relative pathogenic bacteria in opportunistic infections. It suggests necessity of blood cultures in cases subjected to prolonged therapy, especially when immunosuppression is involved.

Endocarditis↗

PubMed1990

Hyporesponsiveness of human alveolar leukocytes to interferon-alpha and interferon-gamma inducers.

Leukocytes were obtained from bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) of 36 patients including 10 with lung cancer, 15 with inflammatory lung diseases and 11 healthy control patients undergoing diagnostic investigation. The entire alveolar cell population responded weakly to the classic interferon (IFN) inducers: Newcastle disease virus (NDV), phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This refers mainly to normal healthy volunteers. Alveolar leukocytes from patients with inflammatory lung diseases and nonsteroid treated lung cancer responded better to the interferon inducers than did cells from other patients. The IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma response of whole blood leukocytes to the same inducers was 10 to 100-fold higher than that of the alveolar cells. Alveolar macrophages from 6 healthy individuals and 3 patients with inflammatory lung disease were cultured in vitro for 6 days. The IFN response to inducers appears to depend on the origin of the cultured cells. It increased in the initially hyporeactive macrophages from healthy subjects and decreased in the relatively reactive cells from the patients with inflammatory lung diseases. We suggest that the hyporeactivity to IFN induction is a physiological state of the alveolar leukocytes which are a specialized cell population having constant exposure to inhaled agents such as dust, smoke, microorganisms and their by-products. The hyporesponsiveness to IFN induction of the alveolar cells may have an important physiological role in protecting lungs against hyperproduction of cytokines involved in the inflammatory and allergic reactions.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG and C3 receptors on lung macrophages in sarcoidosis and idiopathic lung fibrosis.

The studies concerned an expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG receptors and C3 complement on lung macrophages in patients with active sarcoidosis and idiopathic lung fibrosis as well as in the control group of smokers and nonsmokers. Macrophages were isolated by broncho-alveolar lavage with the aid of bronchofiberoscope. The expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG and C3 receptors was tested before during and after the treatment. The percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors was observed to be high before the treatment in the examined as well as in the control groups. During steride treatment, the percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors diminished in relation to the control (p less than 0.05). After termination of the treatment, the percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors was lower than before the treatment. The differences in percentages of macrophages with C3 receptors did not achieve statistical significance in neither of the groups examined in the period of treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Study on the expression of HLA-DR antigens, Fc IgG receptors and C3 complement component on lung macrophages in the primary lung carcinoma.

Expression of HLA-DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors as well as C3 complement component, was studied on patients with the primary lung carcinoma and in the control group of nonsmokers and smokers. Macrophages were isolated by broncho-alveolar lavage using bronchofiberoscope. The study was carried out before the treatment, within its course and during remission. The percentage of macrophages with HLA-DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors and C3 complement was observed to diminish before the treatment, after chemo- and radiotherapy as compared to the control. In the course of alpha interferon-treatment and at remission, the expression of HLA-DR antigens on macrophages increased in relation to the remaining groups of patients (p less than or equal to 0.05). The expression of Fc IgG receptors and C3 complement revealed no statistically significant differences. As the findings show the expression of HLA-DR antigens is modulated by interferon and has a tendency to increase in the course of convalescence. On the other hand, the expression of RFc IgG and RC3 complement shows great stabilization in the primary lung carcinoma and undergoes no changes either in the course of treatment or remission.

Antigens, Differentiation↗

PubMed1989

Evaluation of Livingston's chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in treatment of small cell lung carcinoma.

The comparative studies presented in this work aimed at evaluation of isoprinosine in the combined cytostatic and irradiation treatment of small cell lung cancer. The comparison was performed between three groups of patients: 1. treated by the method of Livingston et al., 2. treated by the method of Livingston et al. in a combination with isoprinosine, 3. treated by the same method but the cycle of treatment was shortened from 3 weeks to 8 days with the parallel application of isoprinosine as immunotherapeutic and stimulator of the hematopoietic system. It was found that the mean time of complete and partial remission and the mean survival time was longer in the second and third group of patients. The mean survival time in the first group amounted to 3 weeks, in the second to 43 weeks and in the third to 49 weeks. It was also shown that post-chemotherapy complications were less frequent and less intensive.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Usefulness of the analysis of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) cellular composition in diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary sarcoidosis treatment.

The paper presents the results of the analysis of BAL composition in 45 patients with diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis in various phases of its development. The examination was performed before the treatment, in the 6th week and 3rd month of the treatment and after its termination. In the treatment encorton was applied for 2 years. In the analysis of cell composition of the lavage the percentage of lymphocytes, macrophages and granulocytes was calculated. Before the treatment the high percentage of lymphocytes occurred along with relatively diminished percentage of macrophages. The highest lymphocyte level was noted in the pulmonary phase of sarcoidosis which amounted to 58.8 +/- 15.5 and the lowest in the nodulary phase 38.5 +/- 14.1. In the 6th week of the treatment BAL cell composition approached the control value. The results obtained hereby evidence that the changes in BAL cell composition may be successfully applied in the diagnosis, dynamics of development and monitoring of sarcoidosis treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood serum of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma and selected diseases of the respiratory tract].

The serum-CEA (S-CEA) levels were assessed in different lung diseases. The highest levels were seen in lung cancer. Elevated levels of S-CEA were also seen in pneumonia which decreased after withdrawal of inflammatory changes. S-CEA in sarcoidosis pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis did not exceed the upper normal limits. Serum CEA can be used to monitor therapy of lung cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[The significance of fine needle transthoracic aspiration biopsy in diagnosing lung diseases].

The results of fine needle transthoracic aspiration biopsy in diagnosing lung diseases in given. Out of 192 biopsies performed in 169 patients with lung tumors, lung cancer was diagnosed in 125 patients (73%), in two hilar cysts, in one an intercostal neurinoma were diagnosed. Side effects were seen in 17 patients (10%) most often pneumothorax in one requiring chest tube drainage. Diagnosis was made during the first 28 days of hospitalisation. This biopsy decreases hospitalization and shortens considerably the diagnosing time. It is a safe and uncomplicated procedure requiring only fluoroscopy.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Assessment of interferon production in patients with chronic nonviral diseases by whole blood or whole bone marrow techniques.

Hundred and fifty-four samples of heparinized blood from patients with chronic toxoplasmosis, chronic brucellosis, lung diseases, psychiatric affective disorders, healthy individuals and neonates, were obtained. The experimental material included also 14 bone marrow samples from patients with hematological diseases or lung cancer. The whole cell populations were treated with several classical IFN inducers and supernatants were assayed for IFN activity in human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A 549 using VSV or EMC viruses as challenge. The response of WBC to NDV or PHA + PMA was high and remarkably stable in majority of cases except listed below. The levels of IFN induced by LPS were low. The response of WBMC to IFN inducers closely resembled the response of WBC. Low IFN levels in samples of stimulated WBMC from some hematological patients were connected with low cellularity. WBC from psychiatric patients with affective disorders weakly responded to stimulation with NDV. This suggested an existence of deficiency of IFN alpha production connected with affective disorders. Also WBC from cord blood failed to react to PHA + PMA and were poorly responsive to NDV.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988