Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Zeman

Publications and source records attributed to M Zeman.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Comparison of the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Olbetam (Acipimox) in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia].

BACKGROUND: Hypertriglyceridaemia associated with low HDL-concentrations is considered an independent risk factor of ischaemic heart disease. The drug of choice in this disorder is nicotinic acid. The aim of the presented work was to compare the hypolipidaemic effect of fish oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids (Activepa 30-TGR, Hydromartens, Norway) with a nicotinic acid derivative, acipimox (Olbetam, Farmitalia Carlo Erba, Italy). METHODS AND RESULTS: The preparations were administered for a three-week period to two groups of patients with hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL cholesterol levels. The groups had comparable body weights and baseline parameters of lipid metabolism. In the group treated with Olbetam (750 mg/day), 17x hyperlipoproteinaemia type IV and 6x IIB) after treatment significant changes of the following parameters were recorded: triglycerides (-18%; P < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (+19%; P < 0.01), HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol (+33%; +14%; P < 0.001, P < 0.01), apo B (+25%; P < 0.01), apo A-I (+7%; P < 0.01), ratio of apoB/A-I (+17%; P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was s drop of the atherogenic index (total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol) by 22% (P < 0.001). In the group of subjects (17x type IV and 8x type IIB) whose diet was enriched with omega-3 fatty acids (3.5 g/day), the following parameters changed significantly: triglycerides (-44%; P < 0.001), the atherogenic index (-23%; P < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (+11%, P < 0.01), HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol (+13%, +17%; P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Changes of apo B, apo A-I concentrations and their ratios were not significant. Comparison of the effect of the two preparations on the investigated parameters revealed a more marked rise of the HDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), apo B (P < 0.01) concentrations and the apo B/-A-I ratio (P < 0.05) during Olbetam treatment. As to the action of the two preparations on further investigated parameters (total and LDL-cholesterol), no significant differences found. CONCLUSIONS: The assembled results indicate that enrichment of the diet with fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids has a hypolipidaemic effect comparable to acipimox. It is thus feasible to use fish oils as a drug of first choice in the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia associated with a reduction of HDL cholesterol concentration.

Fatty Acids, Omega-3↗
PubMed1993

[Fatty acid composition of plasma lipids in hyperlipidemia associated with ischemic heart disease].

The authors compared plasma lipid and lipoprotein values and the fatty acid composition in plasma lipids of a group of 38 men with primary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) type II B and IV with a history of myocardial infarction (IM) and in a control group of 63 men with the same type of HLP without a history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Hyperlipidaemic subjects after IM differed from controls by the apolipoprotein (apo) B concentration in LDL lipoproteins and by the composition of fatty acids in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) and triglycerides (TG). In the discriminating function which makes it possible in the given group of patients to classify correctly hyperlipidaemic subjects after IM and without detectable IHD the independent variables are apo-B concentration in LDL, apo-A-I in plasma, eicosapentaenoic acid in TG, gamma-linolenic acid in cholesterol esters and stearic and oleic acid in PC. These findings confirm the practical value of assessment of apolipoproteins for detection of hyperlipidaemic subjects with a specially high risk of IHD and indicate also the role of essential FA in the pathogenesis of IM.

Fatty Acids↗
PubMed1993

Effects of exogenous melatonin on some endocrine, behavioural and metabolic parameters in Japanese quail Coturnix coturnix japonica.

1. Melatonin administration in drinking water (5 micrograms/ml) to Japanese quail resulted in a 20-fold increase of plasma melatonin levels in comparison with the control, day time concentration (0.34 +/- 0.05 vs 6.88 +/- 1.10 nmol/l). 2. Plasma triiodothyronine levels increased (5.8 +/- 0.93 vs 7.97 +/- 0.64 nmol/l), corticosterone decreased (28.04 +/- 3.42 vs 15.96 +/- 2.56 nmol/l) and no significant changes were recorded in thyroxine concentration after the treatment. 3. A higher occurrence of sleeping and lower occurrence of pecking were found in melatonin treated quail. 4. Abdominal fat deposition as well as the content of total lipids in the breast muscle and triacylglycerols in plasma were decreased in treated birds indicating an inhibitory effect of melatonin on lipogenesis. 5. Melatonin increased RNA content in the breast muscle but did not affect plasma glucose concentration and body weight.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

A naturally occurring growth hormone receptor mutation: in vivo and in vitro evidence for the functional importance of the WS motif common to all members of the cytokine receptor superfamily.

To obtain an animal model for studying the role of the GH receptor (GHR) in growth and development, we analyzed a sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chicken strain (Leghorn) which exhibits phenotype similarities with a human genetic growth disorder, an autosomal recessive GH resistance condition (Laron dwarfism). Having previously demonstrated the responsibility of the human GHR gene in the Laron phenotype, we focused our analysis on the corresponding gene in SLD chickens. Sequencing of the whole coding region of the chicken GHR cDNA identified a G-to-T transversion segregating with the SLD phenotype and generating an isoleucine instead of a serine at position 199 within a highly conserved region close to the junction between the extracellular and transmembrane domains. This defect involves the last invariant amino acid of the WS-like motif (amino acid sequence WSXWS) common to all members of the cytokine receptor superfamily. Transfection of a mutated GHR cDNA containing this mutation into eukaryotic cells led to the synthesis of a receptor protein that displayed impaired plasma membrane expression and binding activity. These data define the molecular basis for the SLD phenotype and identify this strain as an interesting model for studying Laron dwarfism in humans; this animal model may also represent a system in which therapeutic strategies to promote growth can be evaluated. Finally, the nature of the molecular defect identified provides direct evidence for the functional importance of the WS motif in GHRs and related receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

[The effect of the spectrum fatty acids in plasma lipids on the hypolipidemic effect of fish oils in hyperlipidemic patients].

The authors administered to a group of 60 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) HLP type IIA 9, IIB 16, type IV 35 (fish oil) (Activepa 30TG) rich in eicosapentaenic acid (EPA, 20:5-n-3) and docosahexaenic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Administration of fish oil, 10 g per day, for a period of 21 days led to a decline of the total cholesterol by 9.8%, triglycerides (TG) by 39.5% and a rise of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) by 12.8%. The concentration of LDL-C, apo B, and apo A-I did not change significantly. The content of individual fatty acids (FA) in phosphatidyl choline (PC) cholesteryl esters (CE) and plasma TG before treatment was used as an independent variable for discrimination analysis in relation to dependent variables such quintile 1 (Q1) and Q2 on the one hand and Q4 and Q5 differences of the above mentioned parameters on the other hand. The drop of TG after ingestion of n-3 FA correlates indirectly with concentrations of PC 20:5n-3, TG 18:3n-3 and TG 20:4n-6. The content of 20:0 and 20:1 in PC and 18:0 in TG are related to the rise of LDL-C after treatment. The drop of apo B is associated with the PC 22:6n-3 concentration. The rise of HDL-C and apo A-I is positively associated with the concentration of 16:1n-7 in PC and TG and negatively with the CE 16:0 content. The rise of HDL-C after treatment is moreover negatively influenced by concentrations of PC 18:3n-6 and TG 20:3n-6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Development of melatonin rhythm in the pineal gland and eyes of chick embryo.

A melatonin rhythm was observed in the pineals of 18-day-old chick embryos incubated under a light-dark regime of 18: 6 h. A low pineal melatonin content was found during the light phase of the day. Concentrations started to increase 2 h after dark onset and reached maximum levels after 4 h of darkness. The amplitude of the pineal melatonin rhythm increased considerably after 2 days and night-time concentrations in 20-day-old embryos were more than 5 times higher than in 18-day-old ones. Significant day/night differences in melatonin production were found both in pineals and eyes. Exposure of eggs to 1 h of light during the dark period decreased the high melatonin concentrations in the eyes but not in the pineals of the 20-day-old chick embryo. The results suggest that in this precocial bird at least part of the circadian system may already operate during embryonic life.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[The importance of plasma lipids and apolipoproteins in the assessment of risk of myocardial infarction in the most common types of primary hyperlipoproteinemias].

In a group of 60 men after myocardial infarction (IM) with primary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP), type IIA, IIB and IV the authors revealed on comparison with a control group of 71 men with similar types of HLP where ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was not detected, significantly higher concentrations of total plasma cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo)B in LDL; in the hyperlipidaemic subjects after IM the concentration of HDL-C was significantly lower as well as the ratio of cholesterol and apo-B in the LDL fraction. In patients with hypercholesterolaemia (HLP IIA and IIB) for estimation of the risk of IHD LDL-C, HDL-C and apo-B in LDL are useful. In patients with hypertriglyceridaemia (HLP IIB and IV) subjects with a history of IM have in addition to a higher concentration of apo-B in LDL a lower ratio of cholesterol to apo-B in LDL and in those with HLP IV also a lower plasma concentration of apo-A-I. By the discriminating function the variable of which is in HLP IIB the apo-B concentration in LDL and in HLP IV apo-B in LDL and apo-A-I in plasma in HLP IIB 77.8% subjects and in HLP IV 82.9% subjects with an increased risk of IHD can be detected.

Apolipoproteins↗
PubMed1990

[Beta-sitosterol in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia].

A group of 28 patients with primary hyperlipoproteinaemia [19X lipoprotein (LP) type IIA, 8X type IIB and 1X a normolipidaemic patient with concurrent hyperapoB lipoproteinaemia] were given for a period of three weeks a dietetic preparation containing phytosterols - 12 g/day. This led to a significant drop of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in plasma. The cholesterol concentration in HDL and both its fractions increased, the differences however were not significant. The triglyceride levels did not change. There was a significant drop of the apolipoprotein B (apo-B) concentration in LDL, the apo-A-I in plasma did not change. There was a significant drop of atherogenic indexes TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and apo-B/-A-I. During investigation of the LCAT activity the authors observed a significant rise of the fractional esterification rate associated with a highly significant drop of the free cholesterol concentration in plasma as a result of treatment. Discrimination analysis of parameters of the lipoprotein metabolism and the patients' body weight before treatment helps to assess a function by means of which it is possible in 92.3% of the subjects to predict the success of treatment before the administration of beta-sitosterol.

Female↗
PubMed1990

Ontogeny of N-acetyltransferase activity rhythm in pineal gland of chick embryo.

1. N-acetyltransferase was present in pineal glands of 14-day-old chick embryos though no rhythm either in LL, DD or LD 12:12 was observed in this age. 2. Daily rhythm in pineal NAT activity was found in 18-day-old embryos incubated under LD 12:12 and LD 16:8 but no NAT rhythm was detected in DD or LL. 3. NAT rhythm persists for 2 days in constant darkness and it may be circadian in nature. 4. Presence of melatonin (85 +/- 8 pg/mg tissue) was detected in pineals of 18-day-old chick embryos.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Changes in plasma testosterone, thyroxine and triiodothyronine in relation to sperm production and remex moult in domestic ganders.

Changes in plasma testosterone (T), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), semen output and remex moult were studied in domestic ganders. A bimodal pattern in both plasma T and sperm concentration was observed during the annual cycle. Ganders started to produce semen at the end of January; maximum semen volume (0.32 +/- 0.04 ml) and sperm concentration (148 +/- 38 x 10(3)/mm3) were reached in March and a marked decrease was observed after mid-April, when the moult of the remiges began. Plasma T3 levels peaked in February (9.7 +/- 0.6 nmol.l-1) and this peak coincided with maximum T concentrations (9.8-10.4 nmol.l-1). Elevated levels of T4 were found from late February until mid-April (31.0-33.6 nmol.l-1). Plasma T concentration was low at all stages of remex moult and regrowth. Decreased T4 levels were found in ganders during remex regrowth from the "brush" to half of the full primary growth stage. Higher plasma T4 levels were found before and after this stage of the moult. A reverse pattern was observed for T3 concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Cervical vertebrae replacements].

The authors analyze caused and indications for prostheses of bodies of cervical vertebrae. As caused they mention bone tumours, metastases, benign bone tumours and injuries. For operation they indicate patients with neurological symptoms and instability of the spine. For prostheses they use bone grafts from the blade of the ilium. They insert the graft during traction, as described by Crutchfield and do not routine fix it. After operation they immobilize by "Minerva" for three weeks. The method is in case of metastases and bone tumours only palliative, but improves the patients' mobility and prevents the development of early neurological complications.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed1989

[Changes in the distal end of the radius from the aspect of the injured person].

Based on an evaluation of a group of patients treated on account of fractures of the wrist. Colles type, we assume that the decisive factor is the type of fracture. We recommend therefore to divide these fractures into two groups. The first one includes all types where the fracture line does not involve the radiocarpal or radioulnar joint. The second one includes all multifragmental intraarticular fractures where an active surgical procedure can improve hitherto achieved therapeutic results.

Female↗
PubMed1989

[The post-traumatic carpal tunnel syndrome].

Chronic carpal canal syndrome (CCC) is a relatively rare post-traumatic complication in the area of the wrist. It develops either as the direct consequence of anatomical narrowing of the osteofibrous canal or hypertrophy of structures inside the canal, most frequently tendon sheaths. As the clinical finding in all our patients improved after release of the compressed median nerve after resection of the ligamentum carpi transversum, we consider this operation absolutely indicated in all posttraumatic carpal canal syndromes.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Injuries of the ligaments of the talar joint].

Based on experience with the treatment of 404 patients with injuries of the soft parts of the talus the authors maintain that markedly better results are achieved in patients where sufficiently long immobilization with a plaster bandage was used or where early reconstruction of the injured ligaments was performed. A very important negative factor is treatment of these injuries without immobilization or inadequate immobilization, as a high percentage of the patients develop instability of the talus with all its consequences. The authors consider arthrography the exact diagnostic method, the results of which are decisive for the therapeutic procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Rapid adjustment of the pineal N-acetyltransferase rhythm to change from long to short photoperiod in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The dynamics of adjusting the pineal N-acetyltransferase rhythm from long to short photoperiod was assessed in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The transition from LD 16:8 to LD 8:16 was accomplished by symmetrical prolongation of the dark period. In LD 16:8, the period of elevated nocturnal activity lasted approximately 7 hours. During the first prolonged night, the evening N-acetyltransferase rise advanced by almost 3 hours relative to the rise in LD 16:8 and occurred at the same time as during the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after the transition. The morning N-acetyltransferase decline did not shift during the first long night; during the third night it was delayed relative to the decline in LD 16:8 by more than 2 hours and occurred at the same time as during the 7th and 14th night following the LD 16:8 to LD 8:16 transition. Three, 7, and 14 days after the transition, the period of elevated N-acetyltransferase activity lasted approximately 12 hours. Hence extension of the N-acetyltransferase rhythm profile proceeded first into the evening and then only into the morning hours, and it was accomplished within 2 to 3 days.

Acetyltransferases↗