Biomedical subjects

A Marciniak

Publications and source records attributed to A Marciniak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Feasibility of strain and strain rate imaging for the assessment of regional left atrial deformation: a study in normal subjects.

AIMS: There are no data on the use of Myocardial Velocity Imaging (MVI) to study the left atrium (LA) wall deformation. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility of measuring regional longitudinal strain/strain rate (epsilon/SR) profiles in the LA wall, to define the normal values and to validate these measurements. METHODS AND RESULTS: MVI data were recorded in 40 healthy young individuals using a GE Vivid7 for the lateral, anterior and inferior LA walls. The peak epsilon/SR values and total epsilon values during the contractile, reservoir and conduit LA phases were measured. For the LA lateral wall, the total epsilon values were correlated with the LA volumetric indicators (LA active emptying fraction: LA AEF; LA expansion index: LA EI; and LA passive emptying fraction: LA PEF). The correlations were significant for all three periods: contractile (total epsilon vs. LA AEF, r=-0.78, P<0.001), reservoir (total epsilon vs. LA EI, r=0.43, P<0.01) and conduit (total epsilon vs. LA PEF, r=-0.46, P<0.005). CONCLUSION: SR/epsilon imaging for the quantification of longitudinal myocardial LA deformation was shown to be feasible and the normal values were reported and validated. These data may improve the understanding of the LA pathophysiology.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Economic evaluation of voriconazole compared with conventional amphotericin B for the primary treatment of aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct an economic evaluation of voriconazole compared with conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (CAB) using data from a recently reported randomized comparative trial in patients with various underlying immunosuppressive conditions. This trial demonstrated the superiority of voriconazole in terms of clinical response, survival and safety when used as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis. METHODS: A decision analytic model was designed using an expert panel and populated primarily with efficacy and resource utilization data collected prospectively during the clinical trial. The analysis was carried out from the perspective of the health care system and all costs are reported in 2002 US dollars. RESULTS: Average total treatment costs per patient were 10% lower in the voriconazole arm ($30 664) than in the CAB arm ($34 144), resulting from reduced consumption of hospital resources and fewer changes in antifungal therapy. In the base case analysis, voriconazole provided an average saving of $3481 per treated patient, resulted in a lower cost per survivor ($43 310 versus $58 971) and a lower cost per successfully treated patient ($58 100 versus $108 124) compared with CAB. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the cost savings observed were maintained over a wide range of alternative values for both unit costs and resource utilization, including length of hospital stay, time spent in intensive care units, bed day costs and the cost of lipid formulations of amphotericin B. CONCLUSION: Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis indicated the dominance of voriconazole because of both lower costs and greater efficacy.

Amphotericin B↗

PubMed2005

Management of massive presacral pelvic bleeding in patients with gynecological malignances: review of the literature.

Hemorrhage has always been a significant potential complication in the field of gynecological oncology. Throughout the years, a variety of medical and surgical modalities aimed at controlling pelvic hemorrhage have been developed. Most recently, these have focused on attempting to decrease the morbidity associated with pelvic bleeding. The effectiveness of and the complications involved in controlling massive hemorrhage by the preemptive method of vascular clamping of the aorta, intraoperative methods, such as the local application of procoagulants and of prolonged compression (pelvic gauze packing, plastic wrapped gauze packing, autograft tissue compression and balloon compression) have all been reviewed. Surgeons are able to acquaint themselves with the choice of methods that can be employed during massive pelvic bleeding resulting from procedures on gynecological malignancies.

Female↗

PubMed2005

The role of pelvic exenteration for treatment of pelvic malignancy--a nine-year experience.

Pelvic exenteration offers the last chance for some women with gynecological and rectal malignancy. A series of 23 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for local advanced gynecological and rectal malignancies between 1996 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The exenteration was performed because of vulvar cancer in 14 patients and other pelvic malignancies in nine cases: rectal cancer in four cases, in three cases cervical cancer, in one case ovarian cancer and in one case uterine sarcoma. Nine patients developed major complications of the operative field involving the urinary tract or the wound. Early complications included massive bleeding from the sacral plexus in two cases (one patient died during surgery), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in one case and thrombophlebitis in one case. Urinary incontinence was observed in two women as a late complication. Only one patient had a complication connected with the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty-two patients were followed-up. In the group of patients with vulvar cancer five women died after 4-29 months because of recurrence of disease. The nine surviving patients are still being followed-up and are without disease; survival time ranges from 6-74 months. In the group of patients with other malignancies four women died.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Serum isoprostanes levels in patients after abdominal hysterectomy.

PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), continuously generated in tissues, are involved in signal transduction under physiological conditions. The amount of ROS increases in response to surgical trauma. Isoprostanes are novel sensitive and specific markers of lipid peroxidation in vivo. Plasma concentration of isoprostanes increases in patients with various diseases associated with oxidative stress. In the present study we investigated the effect of abdominal hysterectomy on serum isoprostanes concentration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed in 20 women (aged 45-63, average 50.3) who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy with salpingooophorectomy, operated for benign diseases in the 1st Department of Gynaecology of Lublin Medical University. Isoprostanes were assayed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) using 8-isoprostane EIA kit (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI, USA). RESULTS: Serum concentration of isoprostanes before the surgery had value 38.9 +/- 10.7 pg/ml and it decreased at 8, 24 and 96 h after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of serum isoprostanes in small group of patients after hysterectomy did not brought the clear answer if the assessment of isoprostanes levels is a valuable method for evaluation of oxidative stress after a surgery.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2004

Proteolytic enzymes activities in patients after myocardial infarction correlate with serum concentration of TGF-beta.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is caused by occlusion of coronary artery and insufficient oxygen supply to a certain area of myocardium. Its necrosis appears as a result of MI. The process of tissue repair after MI is very complicated and it is influenced by numerous factors, including growth factors and proteolytic enzymes. The aim of the study was to determine serum transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) concentration on day 2 and 7 after MI and to asses the relationship of this growth factor with serum proteolytic activity of collagenase and elastase. In addition, the effect of fibrynolytic treatment on these factors was evaluated. About 100 patients with MI were enrolled to the study. The control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. We observed that TGF-beta1 concentration correlated positively with collagenase activity on the second day after MI and that it also correlated positively with elastase activity on day 2 and 7 after MI. Moreover, treatment with streptokinase (SK) caused a significant increase of TGF-beta serum concentration. Our data indicate that TGF-beta1 may be one of the factors involved in tissue repair process after MI. Its effect seems to be mediated by collagenase and elastase and may change with the time that elapsed after MI.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Leptin decreases renal medullary Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dependent mechanism.

We examined the effect of leptin on renal function and renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase activities in the rat. Leptin was infused under general anaesthesia into the abdominal aorta proximally to the renal arteries. Leptin infused at doses of 1 and 10 microg/kg/min increased urine output by 40% and 140%, respectively. Urinary Na(+) excretion increased in rats receiving leptin at doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 microg/kg/min by 57.6%, 124.2% and 163.6%, respectively. Leptin had no effect on creatinine clearance, potassium excretion and phosphate excretion. Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in the renal medulla of rats treated with 1 and 10 microg/kg/min leptin was lower than in control animals by 25.5% and 33.2%, respectively. In contrast, cortical Na(+),K(+)-ATPase as well as either cortical or medullary ouabain-sensitive H(+),K(+)-ATPase activities did not differ between leptin-treated and control animals. The effect of leptin on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was abolished by actin depolymerizing agents, cytochalazin D and latrunculin B, and by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002. These results indicate that: 1). natriuretic effect of leptin is mediated, at least in part, by decrease in renal medullary Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, 2). inhibition of medullary Na(+),K(+)-ATPase by leptin is mediated by PI3K and requires integrity of actin cytoskeleton.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Acute renal failure after anterior pelvic exenteration: a case report and review of the literature.

This is a report of a case of advanced cervical carcinoma in a 34-year-old woman treated with anterior pelvic exenteration at the Department of Gynecology of the Medical University in Gdańsk. Despite annual gynecological check-ups, the patient presented with profuse bleeding from the genital tract. IVa cervical carcinoma according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging was diagnosed. A vesicovaginal fistula was confirmed. In the postoperative period acute renal failure occurred. Twenty-four days after the operation when normal renal parameters had been restored, the patient was transferred to the Department of Radiotherapy for supplementary treatment. Pelvic exenteration offers the last chance for some women with gynecological malignancy and can provide a good chance of long-term survival in carefully selected patients with gynecological cancer.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed2003

Nitric oxide decreases renal medullary Na+, K+-ATPase activity through cyclic GMP-protein kinase G dependent mechanism.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide on renal Na+,K(+)-ATPase and ouabain-sensitive H+,K(+)-ATPase activities. The study was performed in male Wistar rats. The investigated substances were infused under general anaesthesia into abdominal aorta proximally to the renal arteries. The activity of ATPases was assayed in isolated microsomal fraction. NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), infused at doses of 10(-7) and 10(-6)mol/kg/min decreased medullary Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity by 29.4% and 45.2%, respectively. Another NO donor, spermine NONOate, administered at the same doses reduced Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in the renal medulla by 31.7% and 46.5%, respectively. Neither of NO releasers had any effect on Na+,K(+)-ATPase in the renal cortex and on either cortical or medullary ouabain-sensitive H+,K(+)-ATPase. Infusion of NO precursor, L-arginine (100 micromol/kg/min), decreased medullary Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity by 32.2%, whereas inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, L-NAME (10 nmol/kg/min), increased this activity by 20.7%. The effect of synthetic NO donors was mimicked by 8-bromo-cGMP and blocked by inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase, ODQ or methylene blue, as well as by specific inhibitor of protein kinase G, KT5823. In addition, inhibitory effect of either SNAP or 8-bromo-cGMP on medullary Na+,K(+)-ATPase was abolished by 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), which inhibits cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid. These data suggest that NO decreases Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity in the renal medulla through the mechanism involving cGMP, protein kinase G, and cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites. In contrast, NO has no effect on Na+,K(+)-ATPase in the renal cortex and on either cortical or medullary ouabain-sensitive H+,K(+)-ATPase.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

The opposite effects of cyclic AMP-protein kinase a signal transduction pathway on renal cortical and medullary Na+,K+-ATPase activity.

Cyclic AMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway plays an important role in signal transduction in renal tubular cells, however, its role in transport regulation is not completely established. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo the effect of PKA on renal Na, K-ATPase activity. The study was performed in male Wistar rats. The animals were anaesthetized with pentobarbital and investigated drugs were infused through the catheter inserted into the abdominal aorta. Na+,K+-ATPase activity was assayed in an isolated microsomal fraction of the renal cortex and medulla. Cell-permeable cAMP analogue, dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), dose-dependently stimulated Na+,K+-ATPase in the renal cortex and inhibited in the renal medulla. Maximal stimulation (+38.5%) and inhibition (-46.8%) were observed at a dose of 10(-6) mol/kg/min. Measurement of Na+,K+-ATPase activity at different Na' concentrations revealed that in the renal cortex db-cAMP increased Vmax of the enzyme without any effect on sodium affinity, whereas in the renal medulla decrease in Vmax was accompanied by decreased sodium affinity, evidenced by elevated K(0.5) for sodium. The effect of db-cAMP was mimicked by the infusion of either adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, or inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, IBMX. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of db-cAMP were prevented by pretreatment with protein kinase A inhibitor, KT 5720 (10(-8) mol/kg/min) but not by inhibitor of protein kinase G, KT 5823. The inhibitory effect in the renal medulla was partially blocked by pretreatment with either ethoxyresorufin or 17-ODYA - two nonspecific inhibitors of cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolism, whereas an inhibitor of epoxygenase, miconazole, was not effective. Infusion of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) at a dose of 10(-10) mol/kg/min decreased medullary Na+,K+-ATPase activity by 24.2%. Exogenous protein phosphatases inhibitor, okadaic acid (OA, 10(-8) - 10(-7) mol/kg/min) caused dose-dependent decrease in renal medullary Na+,K+-ATPase activity, maximally by 31.9%, but had no effect in the renal cortex. The effects of OA and db-cAMP in the renal medulla were not additive. When OA administration (10(-7) mol/kg/min) was followed by 20-HETE (10(-10) mol/kg/min), medullary Na+,K-ATPase activity decreased by 48.6% and was similar as after db-cAMP. We conclude, that cAMP-PKA pathway activates Na+,K+-ATPase in the renal cortex and inhibits in the renal medulla. The inhibitory effect is partially mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites and possibly also by PKA-dependent inhibition of protein phosphatases.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

PubMed2000

The effect of dietary-induced obesity on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and total plasma antioxidant capacity.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dietary-induced obesity on some parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence. The studies were performed in adult male Wistar rats. Control group received normal laboratory chow (62% calories as carbohydrates, 26% protein and 12% fat). High-calorie high-fat group (HCHF) was fed standard chow supplemented with lard (48% calories as carbohydrates, 20% as protein and 32% as fat) and high-calorie normal-fat group (HCNF) received standard chow and liquid diet containing sucrose, glucose, whole milk powder and soybean powder (60% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 14% fat). After 8 weeks body weight of HCHF and HCNF-fed rats was higher than body weight of controls by 9.3% and 15.2%, respectively. Plasma concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) increased in these groups by 43% and 52%, respectively. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased in HCHF group by 47.5% and in HCNF group by 21.1%. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the blood tended to increase in both experimental groups but this was not significant. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) measuring the combined free radicals scavenging ability of nonenzymatic antioxidants was lower in HCHF and in HCNF group compared to control (-8.8% and -9%, respectively). The major observed lipid abnormalities were hypertriglyceridemia in HCHF group and decreased HDL-cholesterol in HCNF group. TBARS correlated negatively with SOD (r = -0.84, p < 0.001) and with TAS (r = -0.47, p < 0.05). These results indicate that obesity leads to oxidative stress which can contribute to obesity-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Biphasic effect of protein kinase C on rat renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase.

We examined the dependence of rat renal Na+, K+-ATPase activity on protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation. Infusion of either phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) into rat abdominal aorta resulted in dose-dependent changes of renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase activity. Low doses of these esters (3 x 10(-11) mol/kg/min) increased activity of Na+, K+-ATPase whereas high doses (3 x 10(-9) mol/kg/min) decreased it. The changes in Na+, K+-ATPase activity induced by PDBu and PMA were prevented by staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor. 4Alpha phorbol didecanoate (4alpha PDD), phorbol ester which does not activate PKC had no effect on cortical Na+, K+-ATPase. PDBu and PMA did not change Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the renal medulla. The stimulatory effect of PDBu (3 x 10(-11) mol/kg/min) was neither mimicked by amphotericin B, a sodium ionophore nor blocked by amiloride, an inhibitor of Na+/H+-exchanger. The inhibitory effect of 3 x 10(-9) mol/kg/min PDBu was not mimicked by amiloride indicating that the observed effects of PKC stimulation are not secondary to alterations in intracellular sodium concentration. The inhibitory effect of PDBu was prevented by infusion of ethoxyresorufin, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolism. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PKC on renal cortical Na+, K+-ATPase is mediated by cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonate metabolites.

Amiloride↗

PubMed1998

The mechanism of Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition by atrial natriuretic factor in rat renal medulla.

Atrial natriuretic peptide 99-126 (ANP99-126) or atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is one of the natriuretic peptides secreted by the heart atria which produces natriuresis, diuresis and vasodilation. We examined the influence of this hormone on Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in rat renal medulla. We found that infusion of ANF (0.087-0.26 nmol/kg/min) caused dose-dependent inhibition of medullary Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity without affecting cortical Na+, K(+)-ATPase. This inhibition was mimicked by synthetic analogue of cyclic guanosine 3',5' monophosphate, 8-bromo-cGMP. Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase (papaverine and IBMX) also reduced Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity. This enzyme was also inhibited by the activator of soluble guanylate cyclase sodium nitroprusside. The effect of ANF, sodium nitroprusside and 8-bromo-cGMP was blocked by the specific inhibitor of protein kinase G-KT5823. The inhibitor of protein phosphatases, okadaic acid mimicked the effect of ANF and if administered together with this hormone, augmented and prolonged its action. These results suggest that ANF decreases Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity in renal medulla through cGMP-protein kinase G dependent mechanism.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

PubMed1994

Reducing effect of atrial natriuretic factor on Na, K-ATPase activity in rat kidney.

This study was designed to examine the effect of the rat atrial extract (RAE) and synthetic rat ANF123-150 (rANF) on the renal Na, K-ATPase activity in Wistar anesthetized rats. Na, K-ATPase activity was assayed by measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate liberated from ATP. RAE from 40.3, 80.6 mg of tissue and rANF in the following doses: 0.043, 0.087, 0.173, 0.260 nM/kg/min reduced Na, K-ATPase activity by 59, 64 and 11, 34, 37, 45% respectively in the renal medulla but not in the cortex. It was associated with the increase in diuresis and natriuresis. Five and ten minutes after the end of rANF administration, Na, K-ATPase activity was decreased by 78 and 57% respectively, diuresis and natriuresis were significantly higher than the control. After fifteen minutes enzyme activity returned to normal, diuresis and natriuresis were increased. After thirty minutes there was a 37% increase in Na, K-ATPase activity but diuresis and natriuresis were still higher than control values. We conclude that the inhibition of Na, K-ATPase in the medulla of the rat kidney is one of the mechanisms of ANF action.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Arteriographically documented coronary artery disease and alcohol consumption in French men. The CORALI Study.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and angiographically documented coronary artery disease was examined among 484 men who underwent coronary arteriography. Severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by the number of arteries, or the number of segments, with at least one in which the luminal diameter is reduced by > or = 50%. Alcohol and tobacco consumption were assessed by a technician according to a standardized questionnaire, and an estimate of the average consumption level prior to the onset of the clinical symptoms was used for analysis. A decrease in the average coronary artery disease scores was observed with increasing alcohol consumption until a mean consumption of about 100 ml.day-1. After adjustment for age, town, clinical group and tobacco consumption, the same pattern of association was obtained. Similar trends were also present with alcohol consumption restricted to wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages. Taking into account classical risk factors of the disease and blood lipid levels at the time of angiography, did not modify these trends but less significant differences were observed. These findings provide additional evidence that the reduction of the clinical coronary risk observed in moderate alcohol consumers might be secondary, at least partly, to an anatomically less extensive disease. This, however, does not justify the recommendation of alcohol for prevention purposes.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Effect of acute and chronic administration of L- thyroxine and methimazole on blood levels of tryptophane, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in plasma of rats].

The effects of hyperthyreosis induced by the administration of thyroxine and hypothyreosis induced by the administration of methimazole on the levels of tryptophane, serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in low-platelet blood plasma have been studied in Wistar rats. Thyroxine administration (120 micrograms/kg/24 h, intraperitoneally) lasting 7 days caused a decrease in serotonin concentration by 38 per cent. The level of this amine in rats receiving thyroxine during three months was elevated by almost three times. Tryptophane concentration did not change following thyroxine administration. Methimazole administration lasting 14 days (oral dose 15 mg/kg/24 h) caused an increase in tryptophane concentration by 34 per cent and in serotonin concentration by 24 per cent. Long-term hypothyreosis induced by methimazole administration lasting three months caused an 39 per cent increase in tryptophane and 38 per cent increase in serotonin concentration. Neither hyperthyreosis induced by thyroxine administration nor hypothyreosis induced by methimazole++ caused any changes in the concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The importance of serotonin in pathogenesis of clinical symptoms accompanying the states of deficit or excess of thyroid hormones needs further elucidation.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Mortality of a cohort in a polyamide-polyester factory in Lyon: a further follow up.

In 1981-2 a retrospective study was undertaken in a polyamide-polyester factory in Lyon, France, to evaluate the effect of exposure to phthalates, nickel catalysers, and other chemicals in the work environment. The present paper reports the results of the follow up of this cohort up to July 1986. A slightly increased risk of cancers, in particular of the lung (44 cases), marginally related to exposure category but not significantly related to duration of exposure was found. The excess of skin cancers noted previously has disappeared, whereas an excess of cases of bladder cancer (based on seven cases) may be noted, mainly among nylon workers. The cohort is still young, however, and a continued follow up is likely to yield important information about the potential hazards associated with the nylon and tergal polymer industry.

Chemical Industry↗

PubMed1989

Detection of wall vibrations by means of cepstrum analysis.

Preliminary studies on the usefulness of the cepstrum analysis of Doppler signals for detecting vibrations of periodically vibrating structures, such as aortic valves in children with innocent heart murmurs, were carried out in two stages. First, by cepstrum analysis of computer simulated frequency modulated signals, and second, by the analysis of real Doppler signals generated by a vibrating reflector. Simulation and experimental studies were performed for modulating frequencies from 10 Hz to 60 Hz while changing the amplitude of vibrations from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The striking similarity between computed cepstra for simulated and for real Doppler signals encouraged further studies in patients. Cepstra computed from two Doppler recordings in children with weak innocent vibratory heart murmurs showed characteristic cepstral lines for modulating frequencies at 21 Hz and 30 Hz in the first and second child, respectively, which were interpreted as the vibration frequencies of the aortic valve leaflets.

Aortic Valve↗