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Janusz Zak

Publications and source records attributed to Janusz Zak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Expression of beta2-integrin on leukocytes in liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To analyze beta2-integrin expression on blood leukocytes in liver cirrhosis. METHODS: In 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and 20 healthy individuals, the evaluation of expression of CD11a (LFA-1alpha), CD11b (Mac-1alpha), CD11c (alphaX) and CD49d (VLA-4alpha) on peripheral blood leukocytes was performed using flow cytometry. The analysis was carried out in groups of patients divided into B and C according to Child-Pugh's classification. RESULTS: An increased CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD49d integrin expression was observed on peripheral blood leukocytes in liver cirrhosis. The integrin levels were elevated as the advancement of liver failure progressed. The highest expression of integrins occurred predominantly on monocytes. A slight expression of VLA-4 was found on lymphocytes and granulocytes and it increased together with liver failure. A positive correlation was noted between median intensity of fluorescence (MIF) expression on polymorphonuclear cells of CD11a and CD11c and CD49d (r = 0.42, P < 0.01; r = 053, P < 0.01, respectively) in liver cirrhosis stage C. However, no correlation was observed between integrin expression on leukocytes. The concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and TNFalpha, were significantly elevated in liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: beta2-integrin expression on leukocytes increases in liver cirrhosis decompensated as the stage of liver failure increases, which is a result of permanent activation of leukocytes circulating through the inflamed liver environment. beta2-integrin expression on circulating leukocytes can intensify liver cirrhosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[The evaluation of the expression of intercellulare adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) by conjunctival epithelial cells of patients with cystic fibrosis].

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of intercellulare adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) by conjunctival epithelialcells of patients with cystic fibrosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 patients with cystic fibrosis and 15 control subjects were included in this study. Impression cytology specimens were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry and analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A significant increase of ICAM-1 expression by epithelial cells was found in patients with cystic fibrosis compared with normal eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Increase of ICAM-1 expression by epithelial cells in cystic fibrosis patients suggests, that the inflammation appears to have a role in the pathogenesis of the ocular surface changes and may be a marker of the inflammatory status in cystic fibrosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Biophysical and biochemical intrapartum fetal assessment in relation to hematological varaiables in umbilical cord blood].

UNLABELLED: The analysis of the hematological variables of umbilical cord blood can be useful in broadening our knowledge of both physiological and pathological processes undergoing during prenatal period. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the hematological parameters of umbilical cord blood in cases of either the abnormal fetal heart rate or the confirmed fetal acidosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study group consisted of 458 neonates, live-born term of 38 to 41 completed weeks of single gestation. In each case, the hematological cord blood parameters were assessed. Fetal acidosis was diagnosed when the umbilical cord blood pH was below 7,15. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was assessed according to FIGO criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Withney tests, analysis of variance, p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The values of WBC (16,5 vs. 13,8x109), NRBC (25,1 vs. 7,3 /100 WBC) and HCT (51,8 vs. 46,5%) were higher in cases of fetus acidosis compare to non-acidemic fetuses. The significant differences in RBC, PLT, NRBC, HCT, HG were observed between group with abnormal and normal FHR. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal distress resulted in significant changes of the hematological variables in umbilical cord blood. Fetal hemopoetic system responds in specific manner to asphyxia. A precise analysis of fetal hematological variables may help to establish an exact onset and degree of fetal hypoxia.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Platelet satellitism].

Platelet satellitism is an infrequent phenomenon of platelet adhesion to leucocytes. Twelve-month-old patient was hospitalized because of bronchopneumonia. In peripheral blood smear prepared from EDTA-anticoagulated blood sample taken from this patient platelet satellitism was observed. As time went by, a gradual, small decrease of platelet count was observed. Cytometric analysis showed the following proportions of platelet aggregates: with granulocytes--88,7%, with monocytes--5,0%, with lymphocytes--17,0%. In spite of using modern hematological analyzers still microscopic assessment of peripheral blood sample is necessary. Microscopic examination of blood smear is necessary not only to assess erythrocytes and leucocytes systems but also blood platelets.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMed2006

[Inflammatory mediators and hematological parameters in cord blood in labor complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid].

OBJECTIVE: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid at term gestation is a predictor for adverse perinatal outcome and is associated with increased peripartum infections, independent of other risk factors. The aim of our study was to evaluate concentrations of inflammatory mediators (such as cytokine IL-6 and intracellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1) and values of hematological parameters of cord blood in presence or absence of meconium in amniotic fluid in term labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cord blood samples were obtained from 66 term normal neonates immediately after birth, Soluble ICAM-1 and IL-6 concentrations were measured with ELISA R&D Systems kits. The umbilical blood specimen was analyzed using an automated hematology cell analyzer. Blood films were stained using May-Grünwald-Giemsa method. RESULTS: There were no difference in concentrations of ICAM-1 and IL-6 in cord blood in groups with or without meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The mean count of umbilical nucleated red blood cells and white blood cells was significantly higher in meconium group. There was no correlation between the cord blood hematological values and ICAM-1 or IL-6. There was also no correlation between IL-6 and ICAM-I and duration of labor. The mode of delivery influenced cord blood IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: There was no influence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid on cord blood IL-6 and ICAM-1 levels. Changes in hematological parameters in cord blood in meconium passage can suggest either fetus hypoxia or infection. Significant differences of concentrations of fetal IL-6 were associated with the mode of delivery.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2005

Phagocytic and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils in the end stage of liver cirrhosis.

AIM: To evaluate the phagocytic activity and neutrophil oxidative burst in liver cirrhosis. METHODS: In 45 patients with advanced postalcoholic liver cirrhosis (aged 45+/-14 years) and in 25 healthy volunteers (aged 38+/-5 years), the percentage of phagocytizing cells after in vitro incubation with E. coli (Phagotest Kit), phagocytic activity (mean intensity of fluorescence, MIF) and the percentage of neutrophil oxidative burst (Bursttest Kit), and the level of free oxygen radical production (MIF of Rodamine 123) were analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of soluble sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sP-selectin, sE-selectin, sL-selectin, and TNF-alpha were determined in blood serum. RESULTS: The percentage of E. coli phagocytizing neutrophils in liver cirrhosis patients was comparable to that in healthy subjects. MIF of neutrophil -- ingested E. coli was higher in patients with liver cirrhosis. The oxidative burst in E. coli phagocytizing neutrophils generated less amount of active oxygen compounds in liver cirrhosis patients (MIF of R123: 24.7+/-7.1 and 29.7+/-6.6 in healthy, P<0.01). Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) -- stimulated neutrophilsproduced less reactive oxidants in liver cirrhosis patients than in healthy subjects (MIF of R123: 42.7+/-14.6 vs 50.2+/-13.3, P<0.01). A negative correlation was observed between oxidative burst MIF of PMA-stimulated neutrophils and ALT and AST levels (r -0.35, P<0.05; r-0.4, P<0.03). sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, sE-selectin concentrations correlated negatively with the oxygen free radical production (MIF of R123) in neutrophils after PMA stimulation in liver cirrhosis patients (r-0.45, P<0.05; r-0.41, P<0.05; r-0.39, P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil metabolic activity diminishes together with the intensification of liver failure. The metabolic potential of phagocytizing neutrophils is significantly lower in liver cirrhosis patients, which can be one of the causes of immune mechanism damage. The evaluation of oxygen metabolism of E. coli-stimulated neutrophils reveals that the amount of released oxygen metabolites is smaller in liver cirrhosis patients than in healthy subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Blood platelet and monocyte activations and relation to stages of liver cirrhosis.

AIM: Blood platelets (plt) and monocytes are the cells that play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver damage and liver cirrhosis (LC). In this paper, the analysis of mutual relationship between platelets and monocytes activation in LC was conducted. METHODS: Immunofluorescent flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of activated platelet populations (CD62P, CD63), the percentage of plt-monocyte aggregates (pma) (CD41/CD45), and activated monocytes (CD11b, CD14, CD16) in the blood of 20 volunteers and 40 patients with LC. Platelet activation markers: sP-selectin, platelet factor 4 (PF4), beta-thromboglobulin (betaTG) and monocyte chemotactic peptide-1 (MCP-1) were measured and compared in different stages of LC. RESULTS: Platelet activation with the increase in both betaTG serum concentration and elevation of plt population (CD62P and CD63 as well as MIF CD62P and CD63) is elevated as LC develops and thrombocytopenia rises. There is a positive correlation between medial intensity of fluorescence (MIF) CD62P and MIF CD63 in LC. We did not show any relationship between monocyte activation and pma level. SP-selectin concentration correlates positively with plt count and pma, and negatively with stage of plt activation and MIF CD62P and MIF CD63. There was no correlation between MCP-1 concentration and plt, monocyte activation as well as pma level in LC. CD16 monocytes and MIF CD16 populations are significantly higher in the end stage of LC. A positive correlation occurs between the value of CD11b monocyte population and MIF CD14 and MIF CD16 on monocytes in LC. CONCLUSION: Platelet and monocyte activation plays an important role in LC. Platelet activation stage does not influence monocyte activation and production of plt aggregates with monocytes in LC. With LC development, thrombocytopenia may be the result of plt consumption in platelet-monocyte aggregates.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Influence of perinatal factors on hematological variables in umbilical cord blood.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate any possible relationship between the duration of labor, the mode of delivery and the duration of rupture of membranes and hematological parameters in cord blood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 298 pregnant women who delivered term normal infants. The patients were divided into three groups according to the route of delivery: vaginal (n = 165), cesarean section after labor (n = 27) and elective cesarean section (n = 106). Immediately after delivery, umbilical cord blood samples were collected. RESULTS: The mode of delivery influenced white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell distribution, platelets count and nucleated red blood cells. There was no correlation between the cord blood hematological values and the duration of labor, as well as the duration of rupture of membranes before delivery. CONCLUSION: The influence of mode of delivery, duration of labor and duration of ruptured membranes on hematological parameters in umbilical cord blood is limited.

Blood Chemical Analysis↗
PubMed2004

[Is cellular immunity not impaired after remission induction in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children].

UNLABELLED: We examined immune system at the time of diagnosis and after remission induction in the group of 30 children (aged 6.5 +/- 3.6) with acute pre-B lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The group was divided into standard risk group (treated with BFM protocol, n = 20) and high risk group (New York protocol, n = 10). We measured: episodes of infection, leukocytosis, immunoglobulin concentrations (G, M, A and E), lymphocytes and their subpopulations (CD19+, CD3+, CD3 + HLA-DR+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4 + CD45RA+, CD4 + CD45RO+, CD8 + CD45RA+, CD8 + CD45RO+, CD16 + CD56+). RESULTS: Immunoglobulin concentrations at the time of diagnosis were normal, and decreased after remission induction only reduction of IgG concentration was statistically significant (p = 0.008). At the time of diagnosis we noted the following differences in examined group compared to control group: higher leukocytosis (p = 0.03), lower lymphocyte count (p = 0.0008), significantly lower lymphocyte subpopulation count (for subpopulations CD19+; CD3+; CD4+; CD8+ and CD16 + 56+). After remission induction comparing to the time of diagnosis we observed: total leukocytosis reduction (p = 0.01), percentage and count CD19+ lymphocytes reduction (adequately p = 0.000007, p = 0.03), increase of lymphocyte CD3+ percentage (p = 0.002) and CD8+ lymphocyte percentage (p = 0.00003). CONCLUSIONS: 1. At the time of diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children lower counts of all lymphocyte populations are observed. 2. Immune suppression after remission induction in this group of patients concerns mainly humoral response, particularly immunoglobulin G production. 3. Severe infections in patients treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are indication to immunological system assessment and early immunoglobulin supplementations of deficits e.g. immunoglobulin infusions. 4. Humoral immunity impairment in children with ALL is an effect of treatment, not disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Immunologic monitoring in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during maintenance treatment with regard to co-existing infections].

UNLABELLED: We analyzed the dynamics of changes in the immune system during maintenance treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study was carried out on the group of 40 children aged 2-15 years (mean +/- 3.46), including 31 lower risk patients (Berlin-Frankfurt-Munich protocol--BFM) and 9 high risk patients (New York protocol--NY). Levels of IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE, and subsets of mononuclear cells using flow cytometry were evaluated in the study group every 1-3 months. During maintenance therapy we found markedly reduced leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and mean values of IgA, IgM and IgG in comparison to healthy children. A gradual increase was observed in the level of IgG, in the percentage and absolute number of B lymphocytes (CD19+) and in helper/suppressor T-cell ratios. In the group of patients treated according to the NY protocol, a decrease was noted in: lymphocytosis, in the percentage of lymphocytes B, in the levels of IgG and IgM, in the percentage and absolute numbers of T lymphocytes, T-helper cells and CD4/CD8 and CD3 RA/RO ratios, compared to standard risk patients. In the course of infection, a transitory increase was observed in activated T-cells, and a rise was found in the number of T-memory cells and monocytes showing the expression of adhesive molecules. CONCLUSIONS: In the course of maintenance treatment in children with ALL, constant suppression of the immune system, of both humoral and cellular responses, can be observed especially in the group of children treated according to the NY protocol; activation of T lymphocytes and monocytes takes place in the course of infection. Lack of this activation may be a marker of poor prognosis during the infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Platelet-monocyte aggregate formation in patients with coronary heart disease and disorders of carbohydrate metabolism].

Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates can release procoagulant, oxidative and mitogenic factors, thereby contributing to arterial thrombosis. The aim of our study was the estimation of heterophilic leukocyte-platelet aggregates in patients referred for coronary angiography, dependent on the degree of coronary stenosis and the disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism. Flow-cytometric analysis was performed in 50 consecutive patients with positive exercise test (age 54.2 +/- 6.4 years): 27 with normal glucose tolerance, 7 with impaired glucose tolerance and 16 with type 2 diabetes, and in 16 healthy subjects (age 44.8 +/- 14.1 years). We found that patients with coronary heart disease had increased leukocyte-platelet aggregate formation in comparison to the controls (the percentage of monocyte-platelet aggregates 47.5 +/- 23.0 vs 25.7 +/-12.8, p = 0.003, mean fluorescence intensity (MIF) 187.6 +/- 117.2 vs 79.3 +/- 42.8, p = 0.002, the percentage of granulocyte-platelet aggregates 20.7 +/- 10.4 vs 17.0 +/- 3.6, p = 0.009, MIF 64.2 +/- 41.3 vs 40.9 +/- 6.3, p = 0.008). The highest percentage of heterophilic aggregates was observed in patients with 1- and 2-vessel disease and those with "clean" vessels. In diabetic patients the percentage and MIF of granulocyte-platelet aggregates were decreased in comparison to the subjects with normal glucose tolerance (16.7 +/- 7.2 vs 22.8 +/- 9.8, p = 0.03 and 44.3 +/- 10.8 vs 74.4 +/- 48, p = 0.009, respectively). There was no increase in glycoprotein CD14 expression in any of the group studied. We found a positive correlation between the percentage of monocyte-platelet aggregates and fasting insulin level (r = 0.369, p = 0.04) and a negative correlation between MIF of monocyte-platelet aggregates and HDL level (r = -0.459, p = 0.012), between MIF CD14 and HDL level (r = -0.435, p = 0.02), and between the percentage of granulocyte-platelet aggregates and postprandial glycaemia (r = -0.4117, p = 0.03). We concluded that: 1. the patients with "clean" vessels represent a group of high atherothrombotic risk. 2. the patients with minimal coronary stenosis may benefit from anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Influence of hemodialysis on expression of glycoprotein lb platelets reactivity in patients with the end stage renal failure].

Complex disturbances in hemostasis characterise chronic renal insufficiency. Defect of primary hemostasis is a common cause of bleeding complications. The hemodialysis procedure (HD), by itself, influences platelet function (the key part of primary hemostasis) which is compromised after the procedure. Many functional defects of thrombocytes have been described in end stage renal failure (ESRF) patients; one of them is adhesion defect where the pivotal role plays the complex of glycoprotein Ib (GP Ib) and IX. The aim of the study was to determine the extent of activation, reactivity of platelets and expression of GP Ib in ESRF patients. The flow cytometry method was used, and thrombin was used for stimulation of thrombocytes. Membrane expression of GP Ib and selectin P was assessed in 14 hemodialysed patients before and after stimulation with thrombin, before and after HD and in 10 healthy persons. The patient group had lower expression of GP Ib on resting platelets and significantly lower expression of selectin P after stimulation with thrombin when compared to the control group. After HD, thrombocytes had much lower expression of GP Ib; however there was no difference in expression of selectin P when compared to the state before HD. A lower reduction of GP Ib expression after stimulation with thrombin was observed after and before HD. On the basis of the results the following conclusions may be drawn: hemo-dialysed ESRF patients have lower expression of platelet GP Ib and reactivity of thrombocytes; the HD results in further depression in expression of GP Ib and reactivity of thrombocytes. It is plausible that nitric oxide (NO) released during HD modulates the expression of selectin P, but it remains to be confirmed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Cord blood reticulocytes and reticulocyte subtypes in normal and complicated pregnancy].

Reticulocyte analysis using flow cytometry increases the precision of reticulocyte enumeration and can evaluate the maturation of reticulocytes. Reticulocytes count and their subtypes may reflect function of hematopoesis, especially during hypoxia. This study was aimed to establish reticulocyte count and reticulocyte maturation profile in cord blood during normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by chronic intrauterine hypoxia. For this purpose we analysed 233 cord blood specimens derived from uneventful pregnancy and 58 cord blood specimens from complicated pregnancy. The gestational age ranged from 26 to 42 weeks. The following measurements were obtained (mean +/- standard deviation): reticulocyte absolute count - 268 +/- 63 10(9)/l, reticulocyte percentage - 6.4 +/- 1.5; high fluorescence reticulocyte HFR - 11.3 +/- 3.8%; medium reticulocyte fraction MFR - 18.1 +/- 4.7%; low reticulocyte fraction LFR - 70.7 +/- 7%; immature reticulocyte fraction IFR - 29.3 +/- 7%. The percentage values of reticulocytes decreased in cord blood according to gestational age increase, but maturation subpopulations did not change significantly. Reticulocyte fractions in normal pregnancy were different compared to complicated pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Peripheral blood T, B, and NK cells in relation to histological hepatitis activity and fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Many data on the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C have pointed to host's immune system disorders and a high variety of virus. However, there are no known criteria that could prognose the course of chronic hepatitis C infection. The analysis of T and B lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood was undertaken in patients with chronic hepatitis C of more than 6 months of duration. METHODOLOGY: Fluorescein isothiocyanate or phycoerythryne conjugated monoclonal antibodies for CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD3++ HLA DR+, CD16++ CD56+ were used. The correlation between histological hepatitis activity and fibrosis (according Scheuer's scale) and the distribution of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was sought. RESULTS: All patients with chronic hepatitis showed statistically significant increase in active lymphocytes CD3++ HLA DR+ and CD16++ CD56+ NK cells in peripheral blood. We observed the correlation between these cells and histological hepatitis activity and fibrosis. There was no correlation between the value of CD3+ and CD8+ cells and the stage of liver failure. In the early stage of chronic hepatitis C we noted decrease CD4+ cells with increase B cells CD19+. CD4+/CD8+ ratio was maintained as slightly decreased in chronic hepatitis C in favor of lymphocytes CD8+. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the correlation between peripheral blood value of activated T cell (HLA DR+) and NK cells with histological activity and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. Lymphocyte T (CD4+, CD8+) and B (CD19+) did not correlate with grade and stage of hepatitis C.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Immunological response in chronic hepatitis C virus infection during interferon alpha therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic hepatitis C infection is a serious therapeutic problem. Interferon therapy is one of the possible methods leading to HCV infection elimination in some patients. The aim of the study was the estimation of administration of interferon alpha 2a and its effect on the lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODOLOGY: A cytometric analysis was completed concerning the level of CD19+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ + HLA DR+, CD16+ + 56+ in 21 patients in the 0, 4, 24, 48 weeks of interferon alpha 2a treatment, with the dose of 18 MU/week/48 weeks. RESULTS: Virus elimination was obtained in 26% of patients (responders, R) and a higher CD8+ level and a decrease in CD4+ was observed during interferon administration in those patients. A slight increased NK cell level was noticed mainly in patients who did not eliminate HCV (non-responders, NR). In R patients, lower lymphocyte values of CD19+, NK, CD3+ + HLA DR+, and CD4+ were observed in comparison to NR, which could suggest that they play a role in the process of HCV elimination. Significant immunological changes in peripheral blood were observed mainly in the first 4 weeks of interferon alpha therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies did not reveal whether any of examined lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood could be considered as a predictive factor of a positive reaction to interferon alpha treatment. However, there are significant differences in the levels of lymphocytes in R and NR.

Adult↗