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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 815-818 PubMed PMID: 16380680 Citation  Keywords:  Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Biomarkers, Tumor:genetics, Carcinoma:classification, Carcinoma, Medullary:metabolism, Carcinoma, Papillary:metabolism, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic:metabolism, Cyclin D1:genetics, Female, Gene Expression Reg.   

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to demonstrate and evaluate the expression of cyclin D1, a protein connected with a cell cycle, by means of the immunohistochemical method in malignant thyroid neoplasms. The purpose of the analysis of the results was to explain the relation between cyclin D1 in thyroid cells and neoplasm transformation.r />r /> MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on thyroid neoplasms from 35 patients who were diagnosed with the thyroid carcinoma (30 women and 5 men). Detection DAKO LSAB + system was applied with use of monoclonal antibodies against cyclin D1. The results of immunohistochemical reaction was described as an index (percentage of cells showing a characteristic brown color in 1000 counted cells). As a positive result of reaction an intensive brown color of carcinomas cellular nuclei was acknowledged.r />r /> RESULTS: The mean value of cyclin D1 expression index in papillary carcinoma was 14.44% +/- 9.37, in medullary carcinoma 27.35% +/- 5.40, in nonpapillary carcinomas originating from A cells 18.0% +/- 10.20. The results were statistically analyzed. In medullary carcinoma the highest values of positive cells cyclin D1 index were revealed.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained encourage continued studies on cyclin D1 expression in thyroid neoplasms and a more accurate analysis with a larger number of cases. Perhaps the index of this protein will become a recognized prognostic marker in thyroid neoplasms or an objective risk factor of the thyroid epithelial cells neoplastic transformation....

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Clinical Trial 2005; 26(6): 696-698 PubMed PMID: 16380679 Citation  Keywords:  Aged, Alzheimer Disease:blood, Amyloid beta-Peptides:cerebrospinal fluid, Biomarkers:blood, Female, Humans, Male, Multivariate Analysis, Peptide Fragments:cerebrospinal fluid, beta Carotene:blood, tau Proteins:cerebrospinal fluid,.   

: We studied the plasma beta carotene concentrations in 40 Alzheimer's disease patients and the association with cerebrospinal fluid beta-amyloid 1-40, (Abeta40), cerebrospinal fluid beta-amyloid 1-42 (Abeta42) and cerebrospinal fluid total Tau. We found that patients with plasma beta carotene levels below the 25th percentile had 55% reduced ratios of Abeta40/Tau and 51% reduced ratios of Abeta 40/Abeta 42 compared with patients in the highest quartile. Mean Tau concentrations in the lowest quartile of plasma beta-carotene levels were 74% higher compared with the highest quartile of plasma beta-carotene levels. Thus, we could demonstrate an statistically significant association between beta carotene levels in plasma and neurochemical markers in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 759-762 PubMed PMID: 16380678 Citation  Keywords:  Austria:epidemiology, Educational Status, Employment, Faculty:statistics & numerical data, Female, Humans, Male, Mothers:statistics & numerical data, Parity, Pregnancy, Reproduction:physiology, Seasons, Sex Ratio, Social Class,.   

OBJECTIVES: Environmental and socio-demographic factors can influence the variation of the human sex ratio at birth (SRB = the ratio of males to males plus females). In particular, findings of seasonal, parental education, birth order, and maternal age effects on the SRB are not always in agreement, and a number of works report minimal variation.r />r /> SETTING: Here, we investigated the seasonality of SRB in academic and non-academic mothers employed at the University of Vienna, and who gave birth between 1963 and 2000 (n = 1932 births).r />r /> METHODS: All data were available from an anonymous employee database.r />r /> RESULTS: Both groups, academic and non-academic mothers do not differ between their overall SRB. In academic mothers the SRB is significantly (P = 0.004) increased during the springtime and decreased during the summertime. Although in non-academic mothers the trend is comparable, it is far less pronounced and not significant (P = 0.345). When a multiple logistic model was applied to the data of academic mothers the only significant influencing factor on the SRB is the season, while birth order of children and mothers' age at childbirth has no effect. None of the three independent variables influence the SRB in non-academic mothers.r />r /> MAIN FINDINGS: These findings suggest a more flexible SRB rate in academic mothers than in non-academics within the seasons.r />r /> CONCLUSION: We conclude that the significant seasonal variation of the SRB in academic women cannot be merely interpreted as an effect of socio-economic status but more likely as the interaction between socio-economic and environmental working conditions....

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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 699-703 PubMed PMID: 16380677 Citation  Keywords:  Adenoma:diagnosis, Adolescent, Adult, Biomarkers, Tumor:genetics, Carcinoma:diagnosis, Female, Goiter:diagnosis, Humans, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I:genetics, Male, Middle Aged, Polymorphism, Genetic:genetics, Promoter Regions, Genetic:genetics, Risk Ass.   

OBJECTIVES: Due to the recent increase of incidence of thyroid nodules and the known risk of malignant transformation, there is an elevated risk of thyroid cancer in Poland. Several approaches, including molecular, have been proposed to support fine needle aspiration biopsy in the early detection of malignant lesions. Although the IGF-I system in thyroid cancer has been studied, little is known about the gene and its promoter structure changes. Our aim was to assess, whether the analysis of the IGF-I gene promoter region and 5'UTR exon 1 structure may be useful in assessing the risk of thyroid carcinoma.r />r /> MATERIAL: Our study included 46 patients that underwent strumectomy due to a presence of thyroid nodules.r />r /> METHODS: All patients underwent clinical examination and laboratory investigations to assess their thyroid structure and function. Tissues obtained during the surgery were used for DNA extraction, PCR, SSCP and direct sequencing.r />r /> RESULTS: Among 46 patients, 14 had a nucleotide difference in one of the examined regions. In our study we revealed no significant difference between carcinomatous and non-carcinomatous groups of patients in terms of presence of nucleotide change, but Fisher's exact test gave a significant result in terms of the efficacy of detecting follicular adenoma. Moreover, the patients with nucleotide change had thyroid glands significantly smaller in volume.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the molecular analysis of the IGF-I gene promoter is thought to be of a functional significance, but probably could not be considered useful in the assessment of risk of thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 766-770 PubMed PMID: 16380676 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Comorbidity, DNA, Viral:analysis, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1:epidemiology, Female, Fetal Blood:virology, Genitalia, Female:virology, Humans, Infant, Newborn, Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical:statistics & numerical data, Mouth:virology, Papi.   

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus, both types of a low oncogenic risk (HPV 6, 11) and a type carrying a high oncogenic risk (HPV 16) in the genital tract of the pregnant patients, their venous blood, the cord blood and the oral cavities of the neonates. Normal pregnant women and pregnant women with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) diagnosed before pregnancy were included in the study.r />r /> DESIGN: The study group consisted of 15 pregnant women aged 22 to 32 years with IDDM diagnosed before pregnancy. The control group consisted of 30 patients aged 18 to 38 years, with normal pregnancy. The DNA of HPV types 6, 11 and 16 was studied in the discharge from the cervical canal, the maternal venous blood, the cord blood and the buccal smear obtained from the neonates. To detect of viral DNA the PCR was used.r />r /> SETTING: A university teaching hospital delivering approximately 2000 women annually.r />r /> RESULTS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in 12 (26.7%) of the 45 pregnant women. Of the 15 patients with pregestational IDDM the DNA of HPV was detected in four (26.7%) of the patients. The DNA of HPV types 6 and 11 was found in three (20%) patients. The DNA of HPV type 16 was detected in one pregnant patient in the study group (6.67%). Of the 30 control patients, HPV DNA was detected in eight (26%). In two (6.6%), infection with oncogenic and non-oncogenic types of HPV was diagnosed. The DNA of HPV types 6 and 11 was found in six (20%) subjects. Of the 30 control patients, the DNA of HPV type 16 was detected in four (13.3%). The transmission of HPV from HPV-positive mother to fetus was found in 50% of cases.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: (i) There was a similar level of occurrence of HPV infections in pregnant women with IDDM when compare with normal pregnancy. (ii) High percentage of HPV transmission from mother to neonate was determined. (iii) The cesarean section probably does not protect the neonate from HPV infection. (iv) There is a suggestion that fetus may be affected by HPV infection during intrauterine life....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 704-708 PubMed PMID: 16380675 Citation  Keywords:  Analysis of Variance, Animals, Antioxidants:pharmacology, Antithyroid Agents:pharmacology, Brain:metabolism, Hydrocarbons:metabolism, Lipid Peroxidation:physiology, Male, Malondialdehyde:metabolism, Melatonin:metabolism, Neuroprotective Agents:metabolism,.   

OBJECTIVE: It is known that thyrotoxicosis induces lipid peroxidation (LPO). In contrast, propylthiouracil (PTU), a thyrostatic drug is a well-known antioxidant. Also melatonin has been shown to protect against free radical-induced neuronal destruction. At the same time, it is generally accepted that the brain is the most vulnerable tissue to oxidative stress.r />r /> METHODS: The goal of the study was to examine the components of LPO, i.e., conjugated dienes (CD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and Schiff's bases (SB), in the brain of male Wistar rats. Two experiments were performed, with two control groups created for each experiment: Group 1--intact animals and Group 2--animals injected with 0.9% NaCl. In Experiment I, the animals received L-thyroxine (L-T4) in a dose of 100 microg/kg BW, i.p., daily, for two weeks (Groups 3-5). After one week of L-T4 treatment, the following agents were added during a subsequent week: Group 4--PTU in drinking water (45 mg/kg BW/day); Group 5--melatonin (5 mg/kg BW, daily). In Experiment II, lasting 7 days, the animals were divided into the following groups: Group 1--intact animals; Group 2--animals injected with 0.9% NaCl; Group 3--PTU in drinking water (45 mg/kg BW/day); Group 4--melatonin (5 mg/kg BW, daily).r />r /> RESULTS: In Experiment I, we observed a significantly higher SB level in saline treated animals and a significant increase in both CD and SB levels in rats treated with L-T4, compared to those in non treated control. CD levels were also elevated in rats treated with L-T4, compared to values in the saline only treated animals. Melatonin and PTU reduced CD levels and melatonin diminished SB levels, as compared to those in L-T4-treated rats. In Experiment II, we observed significantly higher CD, SB and MDA levels in saline treated rats, when compared to respective values in non treated control. Melatonin decreased CD levels, when compared to CD levels in both the non treated and saline injected controls. Additionally, melatonin reduced SB levels relative to change in the brains of saline treated rats. Furthermore, PTU decreased CD levels in brain homogenates compared to non-treated animals.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: (1) L-thyroxine administration stimulates LPO in the rat brain; (2) All the examined antioxidants decrease LPO in L-T4-administered animals; (3) All the examined antioxidants reduce the basal LPO; 4) Stress, when induced by handling, intensifies oxidative processes in the organism....

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Journal Article 2005; 26(6): 789-794 PubMed PMID: 16380674 Citation  Keywords:  Adult, Case-Control Studies, Female, Genetic Predisposition to Disease:epidemiology, Genetics, Population, Humans, Integrin alpha2:genetics, Integrin beta3:genetics, Labor, Obstetric:blood, Polymorphism, Genetic, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Hemato.   

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of the GP Ia and GP IIIa polymorphisms in the group of women in labor, and to assess the risk of thrombosis associated with their occurrence.r />r /> DESIGN AND SETTINGS: 245 women in labor hospitalized between 1.01.2001 and 31.12.2003 r. were enrolled in the study. Patients were qualified for the study if detailed physical exam and past medical history excluded existence of known risk factors predisposing to thrombosis. Study group was composed of 72 women in childbirth, which at some point during current pregnancy or in early labor were diagnosed with thrombosis, and control group included 173 women in labor randomly picked from the group of patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. Polymorphic regions of platelets glycoprotein were detected using genotyping methods based on polymerase chain reactions (PCR).r />r /> RESULTS: 1.72% of patients were found to have thrombosis. The thrombosis was located in the venous system in 97.2% of cases. Arteries were affected in two patients (2.7%). Prevalence of individual platelets glycoprotein mutations did not differ between controls and study group. In both groups platelets glycoprotein polymorphisms moderately pro-thrombotic A1/A2 and C/T dominated, and the least numerous were strongly pro-thrombotic A2/A2 and T/T.r />r /> CONCLUSIONS: Our results did not show the causative relationship between the existence of platelets GP IIIa/GP Ia mutations and venous system thrombosis in the women in labor. Probably presence of pro-thrombotic mutations of platelets glycoprotein in this group of patients does not represent the increased risk of thrombosis....

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Comparative Study 2005; 26(6): 739-744 PubMed PMID: 16380673 Citation  Keywords:  Analysis of Variance, Animals, Arthritis, Experimental:chemically induced, Arthritis, Rheumatoid:enzymology, Chemokine CCL5:genetics, Collagen, Cytokines:genetics, Disease Models, Animal, Down-Regulation, Female, Interleukin-1:genetics, Interleukin-6:gene.   

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects and mechanisms of beta-endorphin (beta-END) preventing collagen induced arthritis (CIA) by neuroimmuno-regulating pathway.r />r /> METHODS: Female wistar (Ws) rats were used in this study. CIA was induced by Native bovine type II collagen emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Beta-END was administered i.p. to CIA rats every other day from the 14th day (secondary immunization) to the 35th day after primary immunization. Clinical assessments were performed by two independent, blinded examiners every other day. Pathological and radiological observations were taken on the 35th day after the primary immunization. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), inducible NO syntheses (iNOS), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 mRNA expression of synovium tissues of CIA rats was estimated by quantitative RT-PCR. The frequency of spleen Th1 and Th2 cells were assessed by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) assay.r />r /> RESULTS: Clinical manifestation of rats with CIA were significantly abrogated or ameliorated by treatment with beta-END. Beta-END treatment in vivo could down-regulate mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and MMPs in CIA synovial, and polarize Th1/Th2 balance to Th2.r />r /> CONCLUSION: Beta-END alleviates CIA through both depressing Th1 responses and down-regulating proinflammatory and other rheumatic factors, suggesting beta-END is a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agent in treating CIA....

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