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Biomedical subjects

K Zeman

Publications and source records attributed to K Zeman.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Amlodipine in patients with stable angina pectoris treated with nitrates and beta-blockers. The influence on exercise tolerance, systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle.

The effects of 5 and 10 mg of amlodipine and of placebo were compared in 21 patients with stable angina pectoris and multivessel coronary artery disease. The blind comparison was performed by means of bicycle ergometry and stress echocardiography using esophageal stimulation of the left heart atrium. All patients subsequently received placebo, amlodipine 5 mg and 10 mg for 2 weeks. In bicycle ergometry both doses of amlodipine in comparison with placebo significantly lowered the ST segment depression in lead V5 and prolonged the time to onset of angina. The exercise duration was significantly prolonged only after 10 mg of amlodipine. In stress echocardiography 10 mg of amlodipine significantly improved ejection fraction and reduced wall motion score during stimulation and increased peak velocity of relaxation of left ventricular posterior wall at rest and immediately after stimulation. In the patients with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure < or = 20 mmHg, amlodipine reduced the ratio of peak transmitral flow velocity in atrial contraction to that in early diastole (A/E) at rest and shortened deceleration time at rest and immediately after stimulation. Amlodipine in patients with stable angina pectoris significantly improved the exercise tolerance and the function of the left ventricle in a dose-dependent way. Amlodipine was well tolerated.

Amlodipine↗

Effects of nifedipine and diltiazem on myocardial ischemia in patients with severe stable angina pectoris treated with nitrates and beta-blockers.

In a randomized, cross-over, double-blind study, the effects of nifedipine were compared with those of diltiazem in 20 patients with severe stable angina pectoris and multivessel coronary artery disease treated with nitrates and beta-blockers. The comparison was performed by bicycle ergometry, clinical evaluation, and ambulatory 24-h ECG monitoring for 7-8 weeks. As compared with placebo, both nifedipine and diltiazem significantly reduced the daily number of anginal attacks and nitroglycerin consumption; prolonged exercise duration, time to 1-mm ST segment depression, and to onset of angina; and reduced the sum of ST segment depressions at maximal identical load in ergometry. In ambulatory ECG monitoring, only nifedipine significantly diminished the duration of asymptomatic ST segment depression as compared with placebo. Antianginal and antiischemic effects of nifedipine and diltiazem were similar. Both nifedipine and diltiazem significantly increased the effects of treatment with nitrates and beta-blockers. Administration of nifedipine was safer because at night diltiazem caused significant bradycardia despite careful titration of optimum doses of the drug. Although the maximum well-tolerated doses of conventional medication suppressed anginal symptoms in some patients, they did not abolish ischemia either at ergometry or in daily life.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

The effect of thymic hormones (TFX) on lymphocyte subpopulations and proliferation after maximal physical effort.

The studies were performed on healthy well-trained cyclists. Maximal physical exercise was performed on a Monark bicycle ergometer according to individual schemes. Heart rate amounting to about 200 bts/min and oxygen consumption stabilization were considered as criteria for maximal physical exercise. In this study we have investigated the effect of short-term stimulation of conditioned sportsmen with thymic hormones and evaluated T cell subsets, DR antigen and transferrin receptor expression as well as mitogen-induced proliferation of lymphocytes before and after maximal physical effort. The results suggest that intensive physical exercise may be responsible for transient decrease of CD4/CD8 ratio and mitogen responsiveness, and increase of mononuclear cells number bearing HLA DR+ and CD71 antigens. These changes were modified by the treatment with thymic hormones.

Adult↗

[Certain factors of cellular immunity in clinical evaluation of women with EPH gestosis symptoms].

The applicability of clinical examination was studied in women with symptoms of medium-advanced or advanced primary gestosis of subpopulation of T lymphocytes (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) in the peripheral blood. Also studied was the usefulness of the proliferative activity of lymphocytes in in vitro cultures: spontaneous and mitogenic (PHA, ConA, PWM)--in the environment of fetal calf serum (FCS) and autologous sera: heat-inactivated and heat-non-inactivated. It has observed that the percentages of particular T Lymphocyte subpopulations and the proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes to CD8+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and the mitogenic activity of the heat-non in activated autologous serum in the test of lymphocyte spontaneous blastic transformation reveal a correlation with an enhancement of particular clinical symptoms of EPH gestosis and with the birth condition of newborns.

Adult↗

[Spontaneous proliferative activity of lymphocytes in normal and EPH gestosis complicated pregnancy].

The spontaneous proliferative activity of lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio has been estimated in normal and EPH gestosis-affected pregnancy; also the effects of autologous and allogenic sera on this lymphocyte activity was evaluated. Although in normal pregnancy there was a very low CD4+/CD8+ ratio, the spontaneous proliferative activity of lymphocytes and the effects of autologous sera exerted thereupon were the same in either healthy pregnant women or in non-pregnant controls, what indicates a normal cellular immunity in physiological pregnancy. In gestosis an increased proliferative activity of lymphocytes and very high CD4+/CD8+ ratio was observed, when referred to non-pregnant controls. The serum of normal pregnant women did not reveal any immunosuppressive features against the activity of both autologous lymphocytes and gestosis--affected pregnancy, whereas it clearly inhibited the lymphocyte proliferation in non-pregnant controls. A different model of the autologous sera effects on the lymphocyte activity in gestosis women--when compared with the other examined women--is an evidence for altered immuno-modulating parameters of the serum in question.

CD4-CD8 Ratio↗

[Subpopulations of t lymphocytes and lymphocyte proliferative activity in normal pregnancy].

T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and the lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens (PHA, Con A, PWM), in the environment of fetal calf serum (FCS) were examined in 16 normal primigravidas in the third trimester of pregnancy and in 15 healthy nonpregnant women. In normal pregnant women significantly lower absolute and percentage numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells and almost twice reduced CD4+/CD8+ ratio were found, in comparison with nonpregnant subjects. Despite the shifts among particular T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood, non disorders were found in the lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens in normal pregnancy.

Adult↗

[Immunomodulating properties of sera in normal pregnant women].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the immunosuppressive properties of sera of normal pregnant women. Effects of pregnancy sera on the proliferation of mitogen (PHA, Con A, PWM)-induced lymphocytes were examined in healthy primiparas. The sera of normal pregnant women inhibited the proliferation of PHA- and Con A- induced both autologous and allogenic lymphocytes (obtained from nonpregnant and pre-eclamptic women), while remaining neutral towards the proliferation of PWM- induced lymphocytes in comparison with fetal calf serum. The basic immunomodulatory activity of the sera in pregnant women was contained in the heat-stable fraction.

Adult↗

Effect of neutrophils on the growth of human pre-S1-reactive T-cells in vitro.

Granulocyte factor (GF) derives from the specific granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. GF possesses an immunoregulatory activity and augments the immune response to antigens in vitro and in vivo. The Pre-S1 sensitive T-cells reactive to Pre-S1 protein in vitro were developed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of hepatitis B convalescent by in vitro Pre-S1 protein stimulation. The GF involvement in the activation and development of the Pre-S1 specific regulatory T-cells in vitro was studied.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

[Ebstein's anomaly (a group of 47 patients)].

In a group of 47 patients with Ebstein's anomaly followed up on a long-term basis the authors describe the natural course of the disease as well as contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. The authors draw attention to typical symptoms of Ebstein's anomaly and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis by two-dimensional echocardiographic and Doppler examination and the introduction of individual conservative or surgical treatment.

Adolescent↗

Hemodynamic effects of transdermal nitroglycerin patches in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are used mainly in the therapy of angina pectoris. However, the magnitude and duration of their effects are still controversial. In this study, transdermal discs with nitroglycerin were given to 14 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and mild hemodynamic impairment. Seven patients received Nitroderm TTS, and seven patients Deponit 5 (in this case 2 patches), the nitroglycerin dose being 10 mg. Hemodynamic measurements were made 19-24 h after application of the patch and 1 h after its removal. Comparing with the values obtained 1 h after removal of the patch, 19-24 h after the application of the patch heart rate was significantly higher (90.2 +/- 3.8 vs. 85.6 +/- 4.0 min-1; p less than 0.01), mean right atrial pressure was significantly lower (10.8 +/- 1.0 vs. 12.7 +/- 1.3 mm Hg; p less than 0.01), and so were the pulmonary artery pressure: systolic (36.9 +/- 3.0 vs. 43.0 +/- 3.1 mm Hg; p less than 0.001), mean (26.8 +/- 2.1 vs. 31.4 +/- 2.0 mm Hg; p less than 0.001) and the capillary wedge pressure (19.2 +/- 1.8 vs. 23.0 +/- 1.9 mm Hg; p less than 0.01). These findings revealed that in patients with AMI hemodynamic effects persist for at least 19 h after single application of a nitroglycerin patch of 10 mg. The therapy is safe and the risk of side effects is small.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Effect of thymic extract on allogeneic MLR and mitogen-induced responses in patients with chronic active hepatitis B.

Cell-mediated immune reactions are involved in the development of chronic active hepatitis (CAH-B). The present studies confirm that lymphocyte from patients with CAH-B have a decreased allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (allo-MLR) and mitogen-induced responses. These abnormalities probably play a role in the immunological dysfunctions underlying chronic liver diseases. Twenty one patients with biopsy-proven CAH-B and a significantly lowered CD4:CD8 cell number ratio were treated with thymic extract (Thymomodulin-TFX) for 6 months. The results of immunological, serological and biochemical findings indicate that this preparation has an immunoregulatory action and produces beneficial clinical effect in patients with CAH-B.

Adult↗

[Comprehensive assessment of cell mediated immunity in petrochemical industry workers].

In the group of 29 workers of Acetobenzene Division of the petrochemical plant in Ptock with occupational exposure to toluene, acetone, and ammonia a set of tests were done evaluating the state of cell-mediated immunity which made possible finding out persons showing abnormalities in the studied parameters. It is suggested to follow-up these person continuously with control immunological testing once a year.

Acetone↗

Bending undulations and elasticity of the erythrocyte membrane: effects of cell shape and membrane organization.

The undulatory excitations (flickering) of human and camel erythrocytes were evaluated by employing the previously used flicker spectroscopy and by local measurements of the autocorrelation function K (t) of the cell thickness fluctuations using a dynamic image processing technique. By fitting theoretical and experimental flicker spectra relative values of the bending elastic modulus Kc of the membrane and of the cytoplasmic viscosity eta were obtained. The effects of shape changes were monitored by simultaneous measurement of the average light intensity I0 passing the cells and by phase contrast microscopic observation of the cells. Evaluation of the cellular excitations in terms of the quasi-spherical model yielded values of Kc/R3(0) and mu.R0 (R0 = equivalent sphere radius) and allowed us to account (1) for volume changes, (2) for effects of surface tension and spontaneous curvature and (3) for the non-exponential decay of K (t). From the long time decay of K (t) we obtained an upper limit of the bending elastic modulus of normal cells of Kc = 2-3 x 10(-19) Nm which is an order of magnitude larger than the value found by reflection interference contrast microscopy (RICT, Kc = 3.4 x 10(-20) Nm, Zilker et al. 1987) but considerably lower than expected for a bilayer containing 50% cholesterol (Kc = 5 x 10(-19) Nm, Duwe et al. 1989). The major part of the paper deals with long time measurements (order of hours) of variations of the apparent Kc and eta values of single cells (and their reversibility) caused (1) by osmotic volume changes, (2) by discocyte-stomatocyte transitions induced by albumin and triflouperazine, (3) by discocyte-echinocyte transitions induced by expansion of the lipid/protein bilayer (by incubation with lipid vesicles) and by ATP-depletion in physiological NaCl solution, (4), by coupling or decoupling of bilayer and cytoskeleton using wheat germ agglutinin or erythrocytes with elliptocytosis and (5) by cross-linking the cytoskeleton using diamide. These experiments showed: (1) Kc and eta are minimal at physiological osmolarity and temperature and well controlled over a large range of these parameters. (2) Echinocyte formation does not markedly alter the apparent membrane bending stiffness. (3) During swelling the cell may undergo a transient discocyte-stomatocyte transition. (4) Strong increases of the apparent Kc and eta after cup-formation or strong swelling and deflation are due to the effect of shear elasticity and surface tension. Our major conclusions are: (1) The erythrocyte membrane exhibits a shear free deformation regime which requires ATP for its maintenance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

The effects of occupational exposure to hydrocarbons on some immune parameters of workers of the phenol division of a petrochemical plant.

The subjects of investigation included 34 workers at the Phenol Division of the Mazovian Refining and Petrochemical Plants and 18 persons working in administrative positions; the purpose was to elucidate some functions of the immune system cells. The lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3, CD4, CD8) and NK cells were evaluated using monoclonal antibodies and the immunofluorescence method. To search for the functions of lymphocytes and monocytes such as the in vitro production of interleukin-1 (Il-1) and interleukin-2 (Il-2), macrophage inhibitory factor generation (MIF), a cytotoxicity test and T cell proliferation in autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) were also examined. We have shown that workers from the Phenol Division exhibited pronounced deviations in the tested parameters as compared to the administration workers. We found a decrease in CD3 lymphocytes and in Il-1 production. After analysis of the individual results we selected three persons from the Phenol Division who showed abnormal values in four or more parameters (decreased CD4:CD8 ratio, abnormal values of lymphocyte subpopulations, impaired lymphocyte functions in functional tests). These cellular-immunity control tests are promising methods for studies of the biological effects of environmental and/or occupational pollution to toxic derivates of petroleum.

Adult↗

Immunomodulatory effect of naloxone in duodenal ulcer patients.

The effect of a single dose of the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (NAL) on some immune parameters in chronic duodenal ulcer patients and healthy controls was investigated. Twelve hospitalized men, aged 19-23 years (nine duodenal ulcer patients and three controls) were given NAL intravenously at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg. Blood samples were drawn before and 30 and 150 min after NAL injection. Results obtained in duodenal ulcer patients and healthy subjects revealed the same direction of changes despite a rather wide scatter. Baseline NK cell activity was lower in duodenal ulcer patients than in healthy persons. In approximately one fourth of patients the changes in individual parameters observed following NAL injection were slight. Numbers of total lymphocytes, Th, Ts, NK cells, monocytes and Th/Ts ratio did not significantly change after NAL administration. T-lymphocyte counts moderately decreased at 30 min after NAL injection. NAL did not affect spontaneous IL-2 receptor expression and it moderately increased PHA-induced IL-2 receptor expression in most of the investigated persons. IL-2 generation and NK cell activity slightly, but significantly, increased at 30 min following NAL injection. NAL markedly inhibited lymphocyte proliferation in an AMLR test 30 min after its administration. Most of the investigated parameters returned to their initial levels after 150 min following NAL administration. The studies showed that not only endorphins and enkephalins may have an immunomodulatory action, but NAL, their antagonist, may also affect some functions of the immune system in humans, although its action is transient.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

T lymphocyte subsets, natural killer cell cytotoxicity and autologous mixed lymphocyte response in children after splenectomy because of hereditary spherocytosis.

Lymphocyte subpopulations and autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) studied in 13 hereditary sphereocytosis and 21 postsplenectomy patients; the operation was performed because of hereditary spherocytosis. Significant increases of Th cells and the Th/Ts ratio have been noted in children with hereditary spherocytosis. Splenectomy because of spherocytosis has resulted in an increase in Ts cell number and diminution of Th/Ts ratio. Hereditary spherocytosis patients showed both diminished natural killer cell activity and AMLR proliferation. Splenectomy normalized the above parameters. The presented data demonstrated disturbances in T lymphocyte number and functions both before and after splenectomy in children with hereditary spherocytosis.

Child↗

Bopindolol in the treatment of hypertension: a double blind study comparing bopindolol and metoprolol.

The article presents the experience gained with a new betablocker- bopindolol-in the treatment of hypertension. Using a three-month double blind study conducted in 2 centres, the antihypertensive effect of bopindolol and metoprolol was compared in a total of 86 patients. The incidence of undesirable effects was determined, and biochemical parameters before and after therapy were followed up. Both drugs were equally effective in controlling blood pressure. In 70% of patients with mild and moderate hypertension, diastolic pressure values less than 95 mmHg were obtained in monotherapy with a betablocker. The incidence of undesirable effects was low, the drug was tolerated well. Biochemical parameters did not change within the three months of study.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗