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Biomedical subjects

J Kowalski

Publications and source records attributed to J Kowalski.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Chemical control of breathing in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].

The authors have studied chemical control of breathing in 37 normocapnic patients with OSA. These patients had increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI = 51 +/- 22), obesity (BMI = 32.4 +/- 5.6 kg/m2) and normal lung function tests. Control group consisted of 20 healthy subjects with normal weight (BMI = 23.1 +/- 2.4 kg/m2). Respiratory responses (ventilatory and P0.1) to hypercapnic and hypoxic stimulation during rebreathing tests were measured with computerized methods. The obtained results in OSA patients were compared with the data of the control group. The results exceeding mean values of the control group above 1.64 SD were recognized as hyperreactive responses. The majority e.g. 26 patients (OSA-N) had normal respiratory responses during hypercapnic stimulation. delta V/delta PCO2 = 16.8 +/- 4.5 L/min/kPa, P0.1/delta PCO2 = 3.5 +/- 2.4 cm H2O/kPa/. In remaining 11 patients (OSA-H) respiratory responses were significantly increased delta V/delta PCO2 = 39.1 +/- 18.8 L/min/kPa, P0.1/delta PCO2 = 8.6 +/- 3.9 cm H20/kPa). During isocapnic hypoxic stimulation majority e.g. 25 patients (OSA-H) had significantly increased respiratory responses delta V/delta SaO2 = 3.28 +/- 1.63 L/min/%, delta P0.1/delta SaO2 = 0.54 +/- 0.43 cm H2O/%/. In remaining 12 patients (OSA-N) respiratory responses were within normal limits delta V/SaO2 = 1.2 +/- 0.28 L/min/%, delta P0.1/ delta SaO2 = 0.21 +/- 0.07 cm H2O/%/. The above results indicated, that majority OSA patients (67.5%) had increased ventilatory and P0.1 responses to hypoxic stimulation. Among them also 11 patients had increased respiratory responses to hypercapnia. It seems, that increased respiratory responses to hypoxic stimulus in OSA patients are symptoms of protective reaction to hypoxaemia occurring during repetitive sleep apnoea and reveals increased neuro-muscular output.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Pattern of breathing and obstruction pressure in patients with airway obstruction after inhalation of bronchodilators].

The neuromuscular drive is increased in patients with an airway obstruction. The aim of the study was to estimate an influence of beta-agonist on breathing pattern and mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) in patients with reversible and nonreversible airway obstruction. Ventilatory function tests, pattern of breathing analysis, mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) and inspiratory impedance (P0.1/Vt/Ti) were measured in 23 obstructive patients and 20 healthy subjects. In all patients these measurements were repeated 20 minutes after bronchodilator inhalation (0.2 mg fenoterol). During quiet room-air breathing in patients we observed increased Vt, Vt/Ti comparing with healthy persons. The time of inspiration (Ti) and total time (Ttot) were shortened in comparison to our control group. P0.1 and inspiratory impedance were significantly increased (P0.1 3.6 +/- 1.6 vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 cm H2O, p < 0.01 and P0.1/Vt/Ti 6.6 +/- 2.3 vs 3.8 +/- 1.0 cm H2O/L/s). Measurements performed after bronchodilator inhalation revealed decrease of P0.1 and P0.1/Vt/ Ti in patients responsive to beta-agonist (delta FEVI > 15%). In unresponsive patients (delta FEVI < or = 15%) such decrease in neuromuscular respiratory drive was not observed. We conclude that diminishing of increased neuromuscular respiratory drive in patients with reversible obstruction is a consequence of airway resistance decreasing. It seems to be an additional, advantageous for a patient, effect of bronchodilator inhalation.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of respiratory muscle strength in patients with interstitial lung changes based on simultaneous measurement of esophageal and mouth pressure].

A well know good relation between nasal and oesophageal inspiratory pressures exists in healthy and in COPD patients "sniff manoeuvres. Similar results are obtained using "gasp" maneuvers. The aim of the study was to appreciate the usefulness of "gasp" for evaluation of inspiratory muscles strength in ILD patients. 18 ILD patients were examined: group A consisted of 9 pts (8M+IF) aged 35 +/- 8.6 yrs, with static compliance > 70% pred. (mean 98.6 +/- 16.3), group B consisted of 9 pts (6M + 3F) (aged 52 +/- 13.0) with static compliance < 70% pred. (mean 37.2 +/- 12.0), Pmo and Poe (Milic-Emili method) were measured simultaneously during breathing with Pflex device (1.7 mm diameter). Results were stored in a computer for further analysis. In all patients spirometry, plethysmography and maximal inspiratory (MIP) and maximal expiratory (MEP) pressure measurements were performed. Poe and Pmo in group A were nearly the same (8.16 +/- 1.82 vs. 8.35 +/- 2.74 kPa), but in the group B Pmo was lower than Poe (4.81 +/- 1.59 vs. 6.19 +/- 2.03 kPa; p < 0.0005). We conclude that "gasp" - Pmo is a useful method for inspiratory muscle strength measurement only in ILD patients with normal static compliance but in ILD patients with decreased compliance "gasp" - Poe measurement in necessary.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of angiogenic activity in sera from patients with interstitial lung diseases].

Angiogenesis is a process of new blood vessels' formation occurring in many physiological and pathological conditions. Neovascularisation is the principal vascular response in chronic inflammation and concomitant fibrotic process. Microvascular changes in various organ sites in sarcoidosis (BBS) and some of the symptoms of the disease may be related to microangiopathy. Moreover, vascular alterations were also observed in lung specimens from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and avian fanciers lung (AFL) patients. The present study was aimed at testing the effects of serum from 43 patients with ILD (24 BBS, 8 AFL, 8 IPF, 3 DIPF--drug induced pulmonary fibrosis) and 11 healthy controls on angiogenic capability of normal blood peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the murine intradermal angiogenesis assay (according to Sidky and Auerbach). The data demonstrated that sera from ILD patients significantly enhanced angiogenic capacity of normal PBMC as compared to control sera (p < 0.001). The effect was more pronounced for AFL patients than for BBS and IPF ones (p < 0.05). Sera from DIPF did not stimulate angiogenesis compared to control sera. The data showed that sera from ILD patients constitute sources of mediators participating in angiogenesis. This phenomenon may play role in pathogenesis of chronic immunological processes in lung.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Molecular cloning and expression of bovine interleukin-8.

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a neutrophil and T-lymphocyte chemotactic and activating factor. This cytokine is produced by many cell types including macrophages in response to a variety of microbial and non-microbial agents. In the present study, we determined the nucleotide sequence for bovine IL-8 cDNA. The amino acid sequence encoded by this cDNA shares 76 and 87% homology with the human and swine IL-8 proteins, respectively. Bovine IL-8 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli as a beta-galactosidase fusion protein. Western blotting demonstrates that this fusion protein, but not beta-galactosidase cross-reacts with monospecific anti-human IL-8 antiserum. We also studied the induction of IL-8 mRNA synthesis in bovine alveolar macrophages (BAM) stimulated with heat-killed Pasteurella haemolytica. IL-8 mRNA was induced in BAM as early as 1 h and was detectable at high levels 12 h post-stimulation with P. haemolytica. A dose titration of P. haemolytica and E. coli endotoxins showed that a relatively low level of P. haemolytica endotoxin induced high levels of bovine IL-8 mRNA. The significance of these findings in the pathogenesis of bovine pneumonia caused by P. haemolytica is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Transforming growth factor beta1 induces angiogenesis in vivo with a threshold pattern.

SUMMARY: The true role of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta) on angiogenesis is in question. Several in vitro studies have shown inhibition of proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (EC). However, some investigators have observed that TGFbeta stimulates the formation of EC tubes in vitro. Fewer in vivo studies have been performed, but these also show discrepancies: some report angiogenic induction and at least one reports inhibition. We used the disc angiogenesis system (DAS) to measure the in vivo effect of TGFbeta. Discs containing 1 ng to 2000 ng of TGFbeta were placed subcutaneously in mice, removed after a growth period of 14 days, measured by three different techniques, and compared with spontaneous growth controls and with positive controls containing prostaglandin El. Tritiated thymidine was used to determine proliferation of EC. The discs were also examined morphologically for patterns of vessel and stromal proliferation. The contribution of native TGFbeta to the spontaneous angiogenesis of wound healing was tested using a monoclonal anti-TGFbeta antibody. The combined effect of TGFbeta and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was studied by using suboptimal doses of both (500 ng and 10 microg, respectively). Although TGFbeta doses of 1 ng to 500 ng failed to induce angiogenesis, 1000 ng induced a significant level of angiogenesis which was maintained at 2000 ng. This effect was the same regardless of the method of quantification: centripetal growth of the vessels, size of fibrovascular growth area, or amount of incorporation of tritiated thymidine. The anti-TGFbeta antibody decreased the spontaneous vascular growth below the level of controls containing irrelevant IgG. The combination of TGFbeta and bFGF at suboptimal doses did not increase or decrease the angiogenic response. Discs containing TGFbeta showed more collagen and greater accumulation of neutrophils than control discs or discs containing other cytokines. In conclusion, TGFbeta1 is angiogenic in vivo, when it reaches a threshold of 1 microg, but is not angiogenic at doses of 1 to 500 ng. Endogenous TGFbeta contributes to spontaneous (wound healing) angiogenesis. At the suboptimal doses of TGFbeta and bFGF used, there is no evidence of a combined angiogenic effect. The angiogenic effect of TGFbeta is probably indirect, requiring recruitment of leukocytes that secondarily release angiogenic substances. This secondary effect may explain some of the discrepancies between the in vitro and in vivo effects of TGFbeta.

Alprostadil↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical, radiologic and functional changes in the respiratory system and changes in cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

The course of the pulmonary fibrosis is difficult to estimate as there are no diagnostic tests specific and sensitive enough to assess disease activity. Together 33 patients with pulmonary fibrosis have been studied. They have been divided into 2 subgroups, depending on the intensity of clinical, radiologic, and functional disorders. In all patients bronchoalveolar lavage has been carried out, and the obtained results have been compared with those in 18 healthy individuals. Changes in the cellular composition of BAL fluid had polymorphic character. In the early phase of the disease, only percentage of lymphocytes in BAL fluid has been increased significantly whereas in the more advanced stage percentage of both neutrophils and eosinophils has also been significantly increased. The use of several parameters simultaneously helps to evaluate pulmonary fibrosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Respiratory system function in workers from the Mechanical Petrochemical Plant in Płock--influence of the workplace environment].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the work place environment on the function of the respiratory system. MATERIAL: Study covered 211 male from Mechanical Plant of Plock Refinery (M.P. group 1) and the control group consisted of 53 male employed in Design Office (D.O. Group II). Group I was exposed to toxic substances (NO2, SO2, dust, manganese and iron oxides). METHODS: Lung function tests were performed using laboratory "Compact-Lab" (JAEGER). The FVC, FEV1, FEV1%FVC, PEF, FEF50 were obtained from flow-volume curve and TGV, Rt measured using plethysmography method. Information concerning symptoms and cigarette smoking were obtained from questionnaire designed for this study. RESULTS: Mean values of respiratory indices were within normal range and did not differ between groups. The percentage of abnormal results was similar in groups. Air flow limitation (FEV1%FVC < 70%) was observed in 15.2% of total. Smokers have had significantly lower indies of air flow limitation but still within normal range. Symptoms (cough, expectoration, dyspnea) were equally frequent in M.P. and D.O. and significantly more frequent in smokers. CONCLUSION: In our study we did not find the influence of work place environment on the function of the respiratory system.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Delineation of the essential function of bovine herpesvirus 1 gD: an indication for the modulatory role of gD in virus entry.

The entry process of alphaherpesviruses consists of two steps, initial virus attachment and subsequent virus penetration involving membrane fusion. Glycoprotein D (gD) of the alphaherpesvirus bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV 1) is an essential envelope protein, and it has been previously documented that gD plays a significant part in both of the virus entry steps. In order to gain further insight into the virus entry process, we attempted to define the essential function of BHV 1 gD. We replaced the gD transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains with a lipid-addition signal sequence from human decay accelerating factor and produced a stably transfected Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line that expresses a nonfusogenic, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored gD. We found that this cell line was able to support the growth of a gD gene-deletion mutant; the resultant gD mutant progeny contained the GPI-anchored gD on its virions and was able to enter into and produce a production infection in MDBK cells. This result suggests that fusion activity does not constitute the essential function of gD. In addition, we found that a gD-null virus (a virus containing no gD on its virion) could infect gD-expressing cells, but not normal MDBK cells. The ability of the gD-null virus to infect gD-expressing cells was dependent on the gD present on the cell surface, since either treating cells with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to remove the GPI-anchored gD or incubating cells with gD monoclonal antibodies could block gD-null virus infection. This demonstrates that gD present on the cell surface can act in trans to facilitate the entry of virion lacking gD. This indicates that essential gD function can take place in the absence of gD-mediated virus attachment and membrane fusion. We also found that the gD monoclonal antibodies that block gD-null virus entry into gD-expressing cells are strictly restricted to the monoclonal antibodies that show postadsorption neutralization activity, indicating that the trans-acting function exhibited by the gD present on the cell surface represents the same function as defined by postadsorption antibody neurtralization. The results from this study suggest that the essential function of gD in virus entry is to modulate other virus-cell interaction(s) involved in productive virus penetration.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Association of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma with neurofibromatosis type I and birth defects.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an uncommon malignant soft tissue sarcoma whose cause is largely unknown. Reported risk factors include genetic alterations (e.g., p53 mutations, a defective gene at 11p15.5, or specific chromosomal translocation of t(2:13)), and parents' use of drugs around the time of conception. We present results from a national, case-control study of 249 RMS cases (170 males and 79 females) and 302 controls (196 males and 106 females). The cases, aged 0-20 years at diagnosis, were identified via the Intergroup RMS Study-III during 1982-1988. Controls were selected by random digit telephone dialing. As a supplement to the original study, information on genetic diseases and birth defects (BD) was collected from the subjects' parents by telephone interview. Fifty-six (22.5%) cases and 55 (18.2%) controls were reported to have genetic diseases or BD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30,95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85-2.02, P = .21). The case group had a significantly higher frequency of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) than did the control group, i.e., five cases (2.0%) had NF1 vs. zero controls (P = .02). The case group also had a higher frequency of major BDs than did the control group (6.0% vs. 2.6%, OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 0.92-6.52, P = .05). However, this excess was only observed in males (7.6% vs. 2.6%, OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.02-10.41, P = .02). Among the 15 cases having both RMS and major BDs, six (40.0%) had both conditions in the same regional anatomic site: Two (13.3%) had both in the extremities, two (13.3%) in the genitourinary system, and two in the head and neck. These findings suggest that common genetic mechanisms or in utero exposures may be involved in the development of many childhood tumors and congenital abnormalities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with Alzheimer-type A beta-reactive amyloid plaques.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome are classified as transmissible cerebral amyloidoses, in contrast to the non-transmissible amyloidoses of Alzheimer's disease type. While the aetiologies of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease and the molecular composition of their amyloids are different, similar basic pathogenetic mechanisms operate in both diseases through synthesis and processing of amyloid precursor proteins, to produce an accumulation of amyloid deposits. We report here a case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease exhibiting numerous diffuse A beta immunoreactive plaques, thus presenting features of both Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease. The existence of such cases underlines the existence of a 'grey' area between the two types of amyloidoses.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Adhesion and aggregation of neutrophils in patients with unstable angina].

The adherence and aggregation abilities of neutrophils (PMNs) were evaluated in thirty three patients with unstable angina, who were qualified for PTCA procedure. The control group consisted of forty one clinically healthy persons. The blood for investigations was obtained from coronary sinus and basilic vein just before the procedure, while in the control group from basilic vein only. The adherence of PMNs to plastic surface (rest and stimulated by PMA) was estimated in vitro according to Oez's et al. method by measuring optical density of generated formazan, whereas the aggregation of PMNs was evaluated using the leukergy test according to the method of Fleck in Berliner's and Aronson's modification. In patients with unstable angina statistically significant higher (p < 0.001) adherence of peripheral blood PMNs, compared with control groups was found (patients: rest-0.525 +/- 0.245, stimulated-0.839 +/- 0.419, control group: rest-0.260 +/- 0.129, stimulated-0.522 +/- 0.377). The aggregation of peripheral blood PMNs was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the sick than in the control group (the sick-10.98 +/- 4.29%, controls-4.65 +/- 3.01%). No differences in investigated parameters of PMNs obtained from peripheral or coronary sinus blood were found.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Antitumor activity of bestatin and thiorphan in mice.

We have investigated the effect of bestatin and thiorphan on growth of murine transplantable tumors, survival time, activity of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages in mice. The injections of thiorphan at the does of 0.5 or 5 micrograms per mouse retarded tumor growth and prolonged survival period in B16 melanoma bearing animals. Pretreatment with naloxone (an unspecific antagonist of opioid receptors) blocked the tumor growth inhibition induced by the treatment with bestatin and thiorphan what could suggest a contribution of endogenous enkephalin in this antitumor effect. The percentage of mice bearing B16 melanoma tumor in the group treated with thiorphan at doses of 0.5, 5 or 50 micrograms per mouse was lower in comparison with control animals in a dose-dependent manner. The treatment with thiorphan at concentrations of 0.4-1.6 mg/ml inhibited growth of cultured in vitro B16 melanoma cell in comparison with control culture. Thiorphan added to the medium at concentration of 0.5 microgram/ml or administered 4 times at the dose of 0.5 microgram/mouse augmented NK lymphocyte activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effect of captopril and thiorphan on the proliferation of human neoplastic cell lines and their influence on cytostatic activity of interferon alpha or cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin.

We have assessed the effect of thiorphan or captopril on proliferation of two human tumor cell lines, A549 and HL60 including their influence on the cytostatic activity of interferon alpha or doxorubicin. The results showed that captopril inhibits the proliferation of both A549 and HL60 cells lines but thiorphan has antiproliferative effect only on A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, neither captopril nor thiorphan administered in combination with interferon alpha or doxorubicin enhanced cytotoxic potential of doxorubicin and cytostatic activity of interferon alpha.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1995

[Generation of active oxygen species by neutrophils in patients with unstable angina pectoris].

The generation of O2-. and H2O2 by neutrophils (PMNs) obtained from peripheral and coronary sinus blood was investigated in twenty four patients with unstable angina, who were qualified for PTCA procedure. The control group consisted of twenty one clinically healthy persons. The blood for the investigations was obtained from coronary sinus and basilic vein just before the procedure, while in the control group from--basilic vein only. In patients with unstable angina statistically significant higher (p < 0.05) O2-. generation by peripheral blood PMNs (at rest and stimulated), compared with the control group, was found respectively (the sick: rest--11,09 +/- 1.92; stimulated--25.48 +/- 5.76 nmol/cell/min.; healthy: rest--7.98 +/- 1.06; stimulated--13.58 +/- 1.19 nmol/cell/min). No significant differences in O2-. generation between PMNs obtained from coronary sinus or peripheral blood were found. No differences in H2O2 generation by rest PMNs obtained from coronary sinus or peripheral blood were found in patients compared with the control group. The generation of H2O2 by PMA stimulated PMNs was higher in the sick without statistical significance.

Adult↗