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Journal Article 2008; 29(4): 536-546 PubMed PMID: 18766140 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Choroid Neoplasms:pathology, Ciliary Body:pathology, Echo-Planar Imaging, Eye Enucleation, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Statistics as Topic, Uveal Neoplasms:pathology,.   

PURPOSE: To correlate between the echographic and histopathological findings, and to search for important criteria for the prognosis in vivo using standardised echography.r />r /> METHODS: The study included 51 consecutive patients treated by primary enucleation for choroidal or ciliary body melanoma and 30 patients who underwent secondary enucleation after failing radiotherapy treatment. All patients were treated during the period of 1998--2008 at the Eye Clinic of the 3rd Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Czech Republic. Standardised echography based on the Ossoinig method was used in this study. Histopathological processing and evaluation was performed by the Laboratory of Ocular Pathology at the same clinic. Professional statistical software (Statistica 7.1 by Statsoft, Inc.) was used for all statistical analysis.r />r /> RESULTS: Statistically significant results were found in these correlations in the group of primary enucleation: US prominence vs. HP prominence (R = 0.8943, p = 0.0000), US base vs. HP base (R = 0.8060, p = 0.0000), US tumor shape vs. HP tumor shape (R = -0.7576, p = 0.0000), posterior choroidal spike condition vs. scleral invasion (R = -0.5341, p = 0.0005), TNM vs. pTNM (R = 0.7242, p = 0.0000). In the group of secondary enucleation: US prominence vs. HP prominence (R = 0.8132, p = 0.0000), US base vs. HP base (R = 0.7959, p = 0.0000). Other correlations were statistically insignificant.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: Tumor dimensions, shape of the tumor and scleral invasion are important predictors that can be in vivo reliably determined using standardised echography....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(4): 493-499 PubMed PMID: 18766139 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Blood Flow Velocity, Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific:genetics, Female, Fetal Growth Retardation:genetics, Fetus:anatomy & histology, Genotype, Gestational Age, Humans, Laser-Doppler Flowmetry, Middle Cerebral Artery, Polymorphism, Genetic.   

OBJECTIVES: The intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) frequently is a cause of fetal morbidity and mortality, and influences perinatal outcome. Several genes have been identified to explain aetiology of IUGR, beside others the gene coding for tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).r />r /> DESIGN: To investigate frequency of AlwI polymorphism of TNF-alpha gene and its correlation with TNF-alpha level in maternal serum, Doppler velocimetry and perinatal outcome in pregnancies suspected for IUGR.r />r /> SETTING: 42 pregnancies with IUGR and 50 matched healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Maternal venous blood samples were investigated in relationship to blood flow Doppler velocimetry in umbilical (UA) and middle cerebral (MCA) arteries. AlwI polymorphism was analysed using PCR/RFLP assays. TNF-alpha level was evaluated by immunoelectophoretic method.r />r /> RESULTS: A higher frequency of mutated -238A alleles (13.1% vs. 7.0%) and genotypes containing at least one mutated -238A allele (23.8% vs. 14.0%) were found in the IUGR group. The tendency to the higher TNF-alpha level in IUGR subgroups with the presence of at least one mutated A allele (258.9+/-231.3 vs. 174.1+/-145.6 pg/ml) was detected. No statistical differences were detected for PI values in UA and MCA arteries considering particular genotypes (GG vs. GA + AA) separately in IUGR group.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Increased UA vascular impedance and signs of brain sparing in MCA are related to IUGR and increased TNF-alpha level in maternal serum. AlwI polymorphism might play a role in IUGR aetiology and influence TNF-alpha expression in maternal serum, but was not related to Doppler velocimetry or with perinatal outcome....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(4): 529-535 PubMed PMID: 18766138 Citation  Keywords:  Androstadienes:pharmacology, Animals, Cells, Cultured, Chromones:pharmacology, Enzyme Activation, Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases:metabolism, Gonadotrophs:cytology, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone:metabolism, Gonadotropins:genetics, Humans, Morp.   

OBJECTIVE: Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3-kinase) has been known to play an important role in cell survival and proliferation by activation of its downstream target, Akt/protein kinase B (PKB). In this present study, we investigated the effects of PI3-kinase inhibitors on gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene expression in pituitary gonadotrophs.r />r /> METHODS: Alpha T3-1 cells, a pituitary gonadotroph cell line, were used in this study. alphaT3-1 cells were transfected with alpha-subunit promoter region-linked luciferase vector, and stimulated with GnRH in the presence or absence of two different PI3-kinase inhibitors, LY 294002 and wortmannin. Dose response effects of these inhibitors were also examined. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation were determined by western blotting analysis.r />r /> RESULTS: Treatment of alphaT3-1 cells with PI3-kinase inhibitor, LY 294002, significantly increased alpha-subunit gene expression up to 6.89 +/- 0.26-fold, and showed additive effect with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The increasing effect of LY 294002 on alpha-subunit gene expression was observed at the concentration more than 1 microM. The experiment using another PI3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, showed similar effects, where wortmannin alone increased alpha-subunit gene expression by dose dependent manner and showed additive effect with GnRH. The inhibitor of PKB failed to modulate basal activity of alpha-subunit promoter as well as GnRH-induced promoter activities. Western blotting analysis using phosphorylated form specific antibody for ERK demonstrated that both LY 294002 and wortmannin increased ERK phosphorylation.r />r /> CONCLUSION: These results suggested that PI3-kinase inhibitor, LY 294002 and wortmannin increased gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene expression related with ERK activation....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(4): 581-588 PubMed PMID: 18766137 Citation  Keywords:  Adiponectin:blood, Adipose Tissue:chemistry, Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary, Humans, Leptin:blood, Male, Middle Aged, Myocardial Infarction:blood, Predictive Value of Tests, Prognosis, Resistin:blood,.   

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of adipokines on the future major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.r />r /> METHODS: Subjects were 77 men with first, ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in whom data were available after one year follow-up. Baseline clinical and angiographic data were collected, blood level of C-reactive protein, uric acid, fasting glucose, lipid profile, adiponectin, resistin and leptin and left ventricular ejection fraction on echocardiography were assessed. MACE was defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for angina or heart failure.r />r /> RESULTS: 12% of patients experienced MACE. As revealed by univariate logistic regression analysis predictors of MACE were diabetes, multivessel disease, ejection fraction, blood C-reactive protein and adiponectin level. In multivariable analysis diabetes (OR=22.19, 95%CI 1.22-402.19; p=0.0360), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR=0.78, 95%CI 0.63-0.98; p=0.0298) and lower adiponectin level (OR=0.19, 95%CI 0.04-0.90; p=0.0362) were independent negative predictors of MACE. The optimal value of adiponectin for predicting MACE was 4.23 microg/ml. CONCLUSION. In male patients with myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a baseline blood adiponectin but not resistin or leptin is independently predictive of MACE. The other prognostic factors are diabetes mellitus and left ventricular ejection fraction....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(3): 313-319 PubMed PMID: 18580855 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Analysis of Variance, Blood-Air Barrier:physiology, Depressive Disorder, Major:complications, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic:complications, Female, Humans, Immunoglobulin A:immunology, Immunoglobulin M:immunology, Intestinal Mucosa:physiology, Male, Mid.   

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and major depression (MDD) are accompanied by signs of oxidative stress and by a decreased antioxidant status. The aim of the present study was to examine whether CFS and MDD are accompanied by an IgM-mediated immune response directed against nitro-serum bovine albumin (BSA), which is a neoepitope of BSA formed by damage caused by nitrosative stress.r />r /> AIMS: Toward this end, we examined serum IgM antibodies to nitro-BSA in 13 patients with CFS, 14 subjects with partial CFS, 16 patients with MDD and 11 normal controls.r />r /> RESULTS: We found that the prevalence and mean values for the serum IgM levels directed against nitro-BSA were significantly greater in patients with partial CFS, CFS and MDD than in normal controls, and significantly greater in CFS than in those with partial CFS and MDD. We found significant and positive correlations between serum IgM levels directed against nitro-BSA and symptoms of the FibroFatigue scale, i.e. aches and pain and muscular tension. There was also a strong positive correlation between serum IgM titers directed against nitro-BSA and an index of increased gut permeability ("leaky gut"), i.e. serum IgM and IgA directed against LPS of different gram-negative enterobacteria.r />r /> DISCUSSION: The abovementioned results indicate that both CFS and MDD are accompanied by a) an increased gut permeability which has allowed an exaggerated passage of BSA through a compromised epithelial barrier; b) increased nitrosative stress which has induced damage to BSA; and c) an IgM-mediated immune response which is directed against the nitro-BSA neoepitopes. Nitrosative stress is one of the factors underpinning the comorbidity and clinical overlap between CFS and MDD....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(3): 373-378 PubMed PMID: 18580854 Citation  Keywords:  Acromegaly:physiopathology, Adult, Aged, Diabetes Complications:physiopathology, Electroencephalography, Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem:physiology, Female, Functional Laterality:physiology, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prediabetic State:physiopatho.   

OBJECTIVES: Acromegaly is associated by various systemic complications, involving also the nervous system. Other studies revealed peripheral but not central nervous system impairment with somatosensory evoked potentials examinations in acromegaly. Aim of the present study was to assess whether brainstem transmission in acromegaly is disturbed.r />r /> MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 37 patients. The control group consisted of 47 healthy persons. In all of the subjects, peripheral transmission, reflected by peak I latency, and brainstem transmission, tested by interpeak latency I-V (IPL I-V), were examined.r />r /> RESULTS: Peak I latency was delayed in 6 out of 37 patients (1 - bilaterally, 2 - right side, 3 - left side). The group-mean latency of peak I was 1.53 msec and 1.56 msec, for the right and left side, respectively. There were found no statistically significant differences between the right and left side, likewise in comparison with control group. In turn, as compared with the controls, IPL I-V was disturbed in 25 out of 37 patients: in most of the cases IPL I-V prolongation was observed (8 - bilateral prolongation, 11 - right side, 6 - left side). Moreover, the statistically significant difference between the brainstem sides (4.27 vs. 4.11 msec; p<0.05) was observed.r />r /> CONCLUSION: In the examined patients with acromegaly, there was no peripheral disturbance in transmission, as examined by BAEPs registrations. Conversely, in nearly half of the patients with acromegaly, brainstem transmission was found to be delayed, and significant difference between responses from the both sides of the brainstem were noted....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(3): 328-333 PubMed PMID: 18580853 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Blood Pressure:physiology, Diabetes, Gestational:blood, Diet, Diabetic, Female, Glucose Tolerance Test, Heart Rate:physiology, Homeostasis:physiology, Humans, Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced:physiopathology, Insulin:blood, Insulin Resistance, Lipid.   

OBJECTIVE: It is suggested that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the earliest phase of DM. Nowadays DM is treated as a part of insulin resistance syndrome--patients with DM tend to be obese, dyslipidemic and hypertensive. It is postulated that similar abnormalities are found in GDM patients.r />r /> METHODS: The study was conducted among 81 women with GDM and 41 healthy controls. After diagnosis or negative screening for GDM the women underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring and measurements of plasma lipids, insulin concentrations and insulin resistance (expressed by HOMA score). The incidence of gestational hypertension and blood pressure until delivery was also analyzed.r />r /> RESULTS: 17 (21%) of GDM women and only 1 glucose tolerant control developed pregnancy induced hypertension. GDM women had significantly higher arterial pressure during the daytime and nighttime (accordingly 112.1/69.4 mmHg vs. 105.4/64.8 mmHg and 101.5/62.4 mmHg vs. 93.0/58.8 mmHg), although the average BP was within normal range. Heart rate was also faster in GDM group. Compared with healthy pregnant women, GDM patients had higher serum TG concentrations (247,9 vs 205 mg%; p<0,01), fasting insulin (66 vs 42,5 pmol/l; p<0,001) and insulin resistance (HOMA 2,15 vs 1,13; p<0,001). No correlation was found between blood pressure and insulin concentrations and insulin resistance among healthy and GDM women.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that symptoms of insulin resistance are present in GDM women. They are characterized by higher arterial blood pressure, heart rate, serum triglycerides, insulin and increased insulin resistance....

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Journal Article 2008; 29(3): 320-327 PubMed PMID: 18580852 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Attention:drug effects, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity:epidemiology, Biomarkers, Central Nervous System Stimulants:therapeutic use, Child, Czech Republic:epidemiology, Discrimination (Psychology):physiology, Form Perception:phys.   

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to make a contribution to deepening the knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of ADHD.r />r /> DESIGN: In an association study design, an analysis of polymorphisms of selected genes was conducted in 119 hyperkinetic boys and a control group of boys, aged 7-13. Furthermore several psychologically determined subgroups were identified. A connection between psychological functions (endophenotypes) and genes were looked for.r />r /> RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference found in allelic and genotype frequencies of the TaqI A polymorphism of the DRD2 gene. The frequency of the allele A1 in hyperkinetic boys and the control subjects was 0.26 and 0.15, respectively (p<0.003). A statistically significant occurrence of atypical genotypes (8/10, 7/10 and 10/11) of the DAT1 gene was also found in hyperkinetic boys and a connection between the M235 polymorphism of the angiotensinogene gene and the positive family history of psychiatric illness was found in probands (p=0.031). Significant correlations between the results of some neuropsychological tests and genes for neuro-/immunomodulators (IL-6, TNF-alpha) and the gene for the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were found.r />r /> CONCLUSION: The study showed a statistically significant prevalence of A1 allele of the DRD gene in the hyperkinetic group. We also found a significantly higher incidence of atypical DAT genotypes in the hyperkinetic group. Furthermore we found significant connections with particular gene polymorphisms which may hypothetically represent a neurodevelopmental risk factor in the etiopathogenesis of the disorder (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha, BDNF). We further found a connection of the M235 polymorphism of the AGT (angiotensinogene) gene to positive family history of psychiatric illness (p=0.031). As for cognitive characteristics, we identified three subtypes with different cognitive performance profiles. This finding shows interindividual variability of cognitive style in the group of hyperkinetic boys....

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