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Biomedical subjects

R Chazan

Publications and source records attributed to R Chazan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Reactivity of alveolar macrophages in lung cancer patients and healthy subjects: surface ICAM-1 after INF-gamma stimulation in vitro.

The linearity of ICAM- I expression on alveolar macrophages (AM) before and after INF-gamma stimulation in healthy and lung cancer subjects were compared. AM were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage and incubated with/without INF-gamma according to standard procedures. The harvested cells were analyzed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies against leucocytes and macrophages. Only viable cells were analyzed. Stimulation with INF-gamma revealed two AM subpopulations of similar size differentiated in the intensity of ICAM-1 expression. They were not distinctly marked in every studied case. Our preliminary results did not confirm the previously reported decreasing reactivity of AMs after INF-gamma stimulation in lung cancer patients.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2001

T-cell subtypes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in peripheral blood from patients with primary lung cancer.

The changes in local immunology play an important role in lung cancer development. We used bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood (PB) for the analysis of cell profiles in patients with primary lung cancer. Twenty-one patients with confirmed primary lung cancer and 13 healthy volunteers were investigated. All persons were smokers. The analysis of T-cell subsets was performed with a flow cytometry method and with the following antibodies: anti CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD25, CD45, CD56, and HLA-DR. We found differences in the proportion of lymphocytes between BALF and PB, and a higher proportion of T cells and a lower proportion of B and natural-killer (NK) cells in BALF. There was a significant difference in the proportion of T-cytotoxic/suppressor lymphocytes, which was elevated in the BALF of patients and decreased in patients' PB. The T-helper:T-cytotoxic/suppressor (Th:Tc/s) ratio was significantly lower in the BALF of patients. These changes were visible in patients with a small cell type. The percentage of T cells with the alpha chain of receptor to IL-2 (IL -R) was lower in the BALF of patients than in the control group. Our observations reflect local changes in lung environment in patients affected with lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of neonatal hypoxia/ischemia on ganglioside expression in the rat hippocampus.

Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia (HI) triggers a cascade of biochemical events that result in neuronal injury, but the mechanisms underlying these processes are not completely understood, and information regarding the effect of HI on the synthesis of brain glycoconjugates is lacking. The present work evaluates the effects of neonatal HI on hippocampal ganglioside synthesis. Seven-day-old rat pups were exposed to HI for 2.5 h according to the modified Levine model and samples from hyppocampus were obtained at 30 min as well as at 1, 2 and 4 days later. The activity for synthesis of gangliosides was evaluated by determining the incorporation of N-acetyl [3H]neuraminc acid ([3H]NeuAc) into the endogenous gangliosides of Golgi membranes and by determining the activity of Sial-T2 (GD3 synthase) and GalNAc-T (GM2 synthase), the two enzymes acting on sialyllactosylceramide (GM3) at the branching point of synthesis of a- and b-ganglioside pathway. Northern blot experiments were also conducted to determine transcription levels of the mRNAs specific for these transferases. Neonatal HI caused a relative increase of in vitro [3H]NeuAc incorporation into endogenous lactosylceramide, which was most noticeable at 30 min and I day post-event and disappeared by day 2 and 4. The transient accumulation of [3H]GM3 correlated with decreases in the activities of GD3- and GM2 synthase measured at 30 min and at 1 day after the HI insult. No significant variations in the expression of the genes for these enzymes were observed. Results suggest that transient accumulation of GM3 may be due to post-translational events negatively modulating both GD3- and GM2 synthase activities.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Levels of CEA, antibodies against mycobacterial antigens and ACE activity in serum and in BALF in patients with sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and lung cancer--preliminary results].

UNLABELLED: Assessment of CEA concentration, levels of the antibodies against mycobacterial antigens A60 and 38 kDa and ACE activity in serum and in BALF of the patients with sarcoidosis (n = 8), tuberculosis (n = 13) and lung cancer (n = 10) was performed. Nine healthy volunteers were referred to as the control group. Sarcoidosis and lung cancer were confirmed histopathologically. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was stated using the radiometric Bactec 460 system. Serum and BALF CEA concentration and IgG levels against A-60 and 38 kDa were measured by ELISA: IMx, Immunozym and Pathozyme, respectively. ACE activity was assayed by the spectrophotometric method. Statistically significant (p < 0.01) increase in BALF-ACE activity in patients with sarcoidosis compared to each group was observed. Serum level of antibodies against 38 kDa and serum ACE activity were specific for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis respectively, but their sensitivity were very poor. Serum CEA concentration was fairly specific for lung cancer but its sensitivity was not satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Determination of BALF-ACE activity may be helpful in diagnosis of sarcoidosis but it is recommended to continue the study on more numerous groups of patients taking into consideration polymorphism in the ACE gene. 2. High level of antibodies against 38 kDa and ACE activity in serum are specific for tuberculosis and sarcoidosis respectively but both tests have restricted application because of their poor sensitivity. 3. Serum CEA concentration could be considered only as an auxiliary test in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[The role of IgE in allergic inflammation in asthma].

Our view on asthma has changed in the last decade placing great emphasis on chronic inflammation with underlies the clinical picture. Many different inflammatory cells are involved in asthma although the precise role of each cell type is not yet certain. Mast cells are important in initiating IgE-dependent acute bronchoconstrictor responses to allergen and other indirect stimuli. T-lymphocytes play important role in coordinating the inflammatory response through the release of specific patterns of cytokines. The role of these cytokines on IgE synthesis is discussed. Since the release of mediators in asthma is IgE-dependent, it seems possible to block the activation of IgE using blocking antibodies. Clinical studies in asthma show that these antibodies MAbE-25 have some inhibitory effect on allergen induced responses. Il-4 inhibitors could have a similar effect since IgE is dependent on IL-4.

Asthma↗
PubMed2000

[The effect of 6 week treatment with theophylline on spirometric parameters, nonspecific bronchial reactivity and the concentration of soluble interleukin 2 receptor in serum of asthmatic patients].

This study allowed to investigate the effect of theophylline (Theo-Dur Astra) given 1 tablet á 200 mg per day in the evening for six weeks on histamine-induced airways responsiveness++ (PC20H), spirometric parameters and the concentration of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) in serum. 21 patients with mild asthma (6 women, 15 men), average age 34.8 +/- 11.4 years were qualified for this study. PC20H was estimated according to Cockroft's method using pneumatic inhalator (Voyage-Secura Nova). Concentration of sIL-2R in serum was measured by Predicta Interleukin 2 Receptor Kit (Genzyme). Lung function test was measured by means of ABC PNEUMO (abc MED). Six week treatment with theophylline significantly increased PC20H in comparison with basal results (0.74 +/- 0.68 mg/ml before and 0.89 +/- 0.71 mg/ml after p < 0.04). The concentration of sIL-2R in serum did not change significantly during theophylline therapy. Treatment with theophylline significantly increased FEV1 (3.64 l/sec before and 3.84 l/sec after p < 0.001). The anti-inflammatory effect of theophilline is more clearly shown in the decrease of histamine-inducted airways responsiveness than in the decreased concentration of sIL-2R in serum.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Expression of Fas antigen in the cells from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

Fas antigen is a cell surface receptor protein that mediates apoptosis expressed in various cells. In this study Fas expression was examined in cells of patients with lung diseases in which changes in the lung immunology were documented. We have performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in 24 patients with sarcoidosis (8), lung fibrosis (9), primary lung cancer (7), and we compared expression of Fas in BALF cells from all groups and healthy volunteers (6). Fas protein was detected by immunocytochemistry using APAAP technique with an LSAB 2 kit (Dako). Positive reactions for Fas were found in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes (according to the intensity). There were some differences in proportion of positive cells and intensity of reaction between patients with interstitial lung diseases, healthy volunteers as well as patients with lung cancer. Higher expression of Fas in alveolar macrophages was observed in patients with sarcoidosis, lower in patients with lung cancer, lung fibrosis and the lowest in healthy persons. The analysis of Fas antigen expression in the BALF cells may be useful in evaluation of the role of apoptosis in lung homeostasis and pathology.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Extracellular components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a marker of the activity of interstitial pulmonary diseases. III: Phospholipids to protein concentration ratio].

In interstitial pulmonary diseases investigations are conducted to find markers of the activity of the interstitial processes so that noninvasive monitoring of the disease might be possible. In 188 patients divided into 9 groups: 42 with active sarcoidosis, 24 with inactive sarcoidosis, 16 with active sarcoidosis treated with steroids and 22 with inactive sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, 17 with avian fanciers' lung exposed to the antigen, 16 with avian fanciers' lung after a year interval in exposure to the antigen, 20 with advanced and 13 with moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and 18 healthy persons the BAL was performed. In the BALF concentrations of protein and phospholipids were assayed by colorimetric method. The results indicate usefulness of the studied biochemical parameters in BALF in evaluation of the activity of interstitial pulmonary diseases. Significant differences were found between the results in the active group of patients compared to the control group and to the inactive forms of interstitial pulmonary diseases. Particularly valuable is phospholipids to protein concentration ratio in BALF.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1999

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Humans↗
PubMed1998

[Extracellular components of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a marker of interstitial pulmonary disease activity. I. Protein concentration].

In interstitial pulmonary diseases a passive transudation of protein into an alveolar space takes place as well as local synthesis of protein by cells in alveolar space and protein leaking out of destroyed cells. Concentration of protein in BALF was assessed in 170 patients with interstitial pulmonary diseases and in 18 healthy persons by means of colorimetric method with Coomassie Blue. Patients were divided into 8 groups: active untreated sarcoidosis, inactive untreated sarcoidosis, active sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, inactive sarcoidosis after corticotherapy, avian fanciers' lung in the period of contact with the antigen, avian fanciers' lung after one year's interval in exposure to the antigen, advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In the group with active forms of diseases the increase of protein concentration in BALF was observed. The increase was statistically significant compared with the results in the control group and in the groups with inactive forms of the diseases. Protein concentration in BALF may play the role as marker of activity in interstitial pulmonary diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Extracellular components of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as markers of interstitial pulmonary disease activity. II. Phospholipid concentration].

Phospholipids found in the alveolar space come from the surfactant which is produced by type II pneumocytes and whose surplus is eliminated from lungs by macrophages. In 188 patients with interstitial pulmonary diseases bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Phospholipids from the supernatant of BALF were extracted using of Folch method and their concentration was measured colorimetrically assaying inorganic phosphorus after prior mineralization by Fiske-Subbarov method. The persons were divided into 7 groups: active sarcoidosis, inactive sarcoidosis, avian fancier's lung in the period of contact with the antigen, and after stopping the contact with the antigen, advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and a control group of healthy persons. Apart from that, the patients were divided into untreated and treated with corticosteroids. In every group of patients we have noticed increased concentration and total amount of phospholipids in BALF. Particularly distinct increase of the total number of phospholipids in BALF in pulmonary fibrosis was observed. However, this parameter does not permit to estimate disease activity in interstitial lung disease. Corticotherapy increases phospholipids concentration in BALF in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and avian fancier's lung but decreases in sarcoidosis patients.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1998

[Theophylline--anti-inflammatory drug].

Since many years the theophylline have been noted for their bronchodilator properties. Several studies have indicated an inhibitory action of theophylline on the late response following allergen challenge and his effect was demonstrated at lower plasma levels then the so called therapeutic range of 10-20 micrograms/ml. There is now evidence to suggest that theophylline has anti-inflammatory actions. It has been recently reported that low dose of theophylline reduces the number of activated eosinophils found in bronchial biopsies and decreases the number of activated CD.4-lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. It was detected that neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes exclusively contain PDE-IV. In lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages PDE IV and PDE-III are present in different amounts and ratios. Functional studies comparing the influence of mono-selective (rolipram-PDE-IV; motopizone PDE-III) dual-selective (zardaverine) and non-selective (theophylline) on cell activation considered the participation of PDE isoenzymes present in the respective cells. In mast cells, macrophages, T-lymphocytes and eosinophils PDE-IV appears to be the predominant isoenzyme and inhibits cell activation and secretion. PDE-IV is also involved in inhibition of mediator release from epithelial cells and neuropeptides from sensory nerves.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Atenolol in the treatment of patients with airway obstruction].

Tachycardia in the asthmatics and bronchitis patients is very frequently observed. Atenolol-beta 1 selective beta-blockers, have little lipophilicity and intrinsic sympathetic activity and relatively long acting. It is known that atenolol more then other beta-adrenergics decreases frequency of cardiac rhythm even in a doses which have not antiarrhythmic nor hypotensive action. Atenolol effect on airways resistance was studied in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma determining the heart rate, pulse and atrial blood pressure and the vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1%VC), value of maximal expiratory flow at 50% of VC(MEF50) thoracic gas volume (TGV) and bronchial resistance (Rt). A statistically significant difference in the measurements of heart rate and pulse but no rise of the airways resistance after 25-50 mg atenolol per day was observed.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1998

[Treatment with salmeterol and quality of life in patients with asthma].

The aim of this study was to assess an influence of 4-week treatment with salmeterol on quality of life in asthmatic patients. It was a double blind, placebo controlled study. On the first visit spirometer parameters and PC20H were measured. Within one week of observation all patients recorded scores of asthma symptoms and after that time 22 patients were randomised to the treatment with salmeterol or placebo. On the fourth visit 4-week salmeterol or placebo therapy was finished and all parameters were carried out as on the first visit. Symptoms severity recorded in diary cards was reduced after 4-week of salmeterol therapy. Four week treatment with salmeterol did not change PC20H. Treatment with salmeterol reduced severity of asthma symptoms and use of short-acting beta 2-agonists. The reduction of asthma severity and the use of bronchodilators was more pronounced in the group of patients treated with salmeterol than in the placebo group, but the differences were not significant.

Adult↗