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Biomedical subjects

A Stankiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to A Stankiewicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of subretinal fluid in idiopathic retinal detachment].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cells of subretinal fluid (SRF) by the use of the scanning electron microscope and to determine relationships between morphologic features of SRF and duration of retinal detachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subretinal fluid was taken from 7 patients with retinal detachment. The cytologic preparations were analyzed in electron scanning microscope (IEOL). RESULTS: The highest count of cells (predominantly macrophages and lymphocytes) were seen in SRF obtained in the third week after retinal detachment. Retinal detachment, which lasted more than 3 weeks, caused lower SRF cells count and changes in cells composition. After 6 months normal cells were not present in SRF.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Orbit pathology and Graves' ophthalmopathy].

The contemporary literature has widely described the role of thyroid diseases in incidence and development of Graves' ophthalmopathy. The paper presents the epidemiologic characteristics and clinical course diagnostic criteria and the role of orbital radiotherapy, steroids and immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy. Indications, methods, results and complications of surgical orbital decompression are widely described.

Graves Disease↗
PubMed1997

[Activity of cathepsin a in subretinal fluid in primary retinal detachment].

PURPOSE: To evaluate cathepsin A activity in the subretinal fluid in the primary retinal detachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The studies were performed on subretinal fluids taken from 38 patients operated for the primary retinal detachment. Duration of the detachment was contained between 1 week and 6 months. Cathepsin A activity was determined by the ninhydrin method with synthetic substrate (N-Cbz-Phe-Ala) at its optimum pH 5.0. RESULTS: Cathepsin A activity was demonstrated in all investigated fluids. The highest activity was found at about the 4th week of the detachment and then it decreased. No differences of enzyme activity according to sex and refraction error were found. CONCLUSION: The increasing proteolytic activity in the subretinal fluid could be an important factor in gradual degrading of the structure and function of the detached retina, because cathepsins are involved in digestion of outer segment proteins of rods and cones and degradation of mucopolysaccharide interphotoreceptor matrix. Retinal degradation during detachment is probably induced by both insufficient nutrition and the effect of increasing lysosomal enzymes.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Concentration of selected cytokines in subretinal fluid in patients with retinal detachment (IL-8, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma)].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of IL-8, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma in subretinal fluid of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 15 patients operated on retinal detachment. The presence of cytokines was evaluated using immunoenzymatic assay. RESULTS: IL-8, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma were found in all subretinal fluid samples. The concentration of cytokines in patients with retinal detachment lasting to 2 months was higher than in cases of retinal detachment over 2 months.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Combined operations of cataract and glaucoma].

PURPOSE: To discuss results and possible complications of combined, simultaneous operations of cataract and glaucoma. MATERIAL: 21 patients suffering from cataract and glaucoma; 16 women, aged from 59 to 88 years, and 5 men from 66 to 84 years. The patients were treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy in Białystok in the years 1991 to 1996. METHODS: Intracapsular extraction of cataract with lens implantation to the anterior chamber and trabeculectomy was performed in 3 patients with simple glaucoma and hypermatured or brown cataract. In 7 patients only extracapsular cataract extraction was carried out along with trabeculectomy, whereas in 11 remaining ones--trabeculectomy with extracapsular removal of cataract followed by implantation of lens to the posterior chamber (10 subjects) or anterior chamber (1 subject). RESULTS: Postoperative visual acuity was 5/50-5/16 in 28% of patients. In the remaining 72% it amounted to 5/12 or more. Intraoperative and early postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients (71%), but they were only transitory. Delayed follow-up demonstrated that visual acquity had not worsened as compared to the preoperative status, though visual field deteriorated in 3 cases. Intraocular pressure was within normal limits in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Combined, simultaneous operation of glaucoma and cataract does not seem to give rise to more complications than both procedures performed separately.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Use of neural networks for analysis of visual evoked potentials developing a type of "pattern"--preliminary report].

PURPOSE: The authors present the "pattern" visual evoked potentials (VEP) analysis with use of the artificial neural networks (ANN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 11 patients with compressive chiasmal optic neuropathy, 20 patients with optic neuritis, 12 patients with anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, 20 patients with optic nerve atrophy from neuritis, 8 patients with demyelinative neuropathy, 5 patients with oedema optic nerve, 20 healthy persons. The tests of visual evoked potentials were performed with the use of computer system UTAS-E1000. Classification of potentials was made by correlation of outputs of ANN with results of confirmed neuro-ophthalmology conditions. RESULTS: ANN of different architecture were classified correctly in 80-100% of VEP record samples. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained correctness of classification confirms usefulness of VEP analysis as the objective diagnostic method in some neuro-ophthalmological diseases and indicates application of ANN in multifactor analysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of visual evoked potentials in partial optic nerve atrophy].

PURPOSE: Parameters of visual evoked potentials in partial optic nerve atrophy in different aetiology were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 48 patients (68 eyes) with partial optic nerve atrophy from neuritis, toxic, arteriosclerosis and trauma. The tests of visual evoked potentials were performed by the use of UTAS E-1000 computer system in all patients with the use of pattern and flash stimulation. RESULTS: Amplitude of all waves were reduced in 74% patients using "pattern" and in 61% patients using "flash" stimulation. Latency of wave P2 was delayed in all patients with optic nerve atrophy from arteriosclerosis. Latency of P100 wave and N1 wave were not delayed in patients with optic nerve atrophy from toxic neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of latency of the VEP may be useful in diagnosis of the partial optic nerve atrophy. Variety of records of VEP indicate different degree of disturbances of nerve conduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Serotonin in diabetic retinopathy].

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to evaluate a possible participation of serotonin in the development of retinopathy in diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serotonin of whole blood and platelets was studied in 12 patients with Type I and II diabetes using high pressure liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: The concentration of serotonin in the blood was markedly increased (210 +/- 50 ng/ml in diabetes and 150 +/- 35 ng/ml in control, p < 0.01) and not changed in platelets in diabetes. There was a relation between blood serotonin level and the presence of retinopathy. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that serotonin may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Cathepsin A activity of normal bovine ocular tissues and pathological human intraocular fluids.

Cathepsin A activity assayed with N-Cbz-Phe-Ala, N-Cbz-Glu-Tyr and N-Cbz-Glu-Phe as substrates, was measured in fresh corneas, lenses, aqueous humor, vitreous humor and choroid plus retinal pigment epithelium taken from normal bovine eye balls and in human intraocular fluids from the eye balls in various ocular diseases (cataract, glaucoma, diabetes, intraocular tumors). Cathepsin A exhibited a pH optimum at 5.0 and showed the highest specificity towards N-Cbz-Phe-Ala as a substrate. In bovine ocular tissues high cathepsin A activity was found in the choroid plus retinal pigment epithelium and in cornea. The lens and the vitreous humor showed low enzyme activity and the aqueous humor none at all. In the human aqueous humor of the eye with cataract cathepsin A activity was more than three times higher then in the eye with choroid tumor. In human vitreous humor in absolute glaucoma the activity was twice as high as in melanoma and almost three times higher than in the case of lung metastatic tumor. Diabetes in glaucoma increased seven fold cathepsin A activity in the vitreous humor.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of posterior capsule opacification after extracapsular cataract extraction with and without implantation of intraocular lens].

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was evaluation of the rate of posterior capsule opacification after extracapsular cataract extraction with and without implantation of intraocular lens. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The clinical material comprised 77 patients operated on in the years 1990-1994. Only the cases in which visual acuity exceeded 5/10 were included into the study. 107 eyes were examined, among them 75 after implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens. RESULTS: Opacification of the posterior capsule occurred in 37 eyes, but only in 25 of 75 eyes in the patients with implantation of the artificial lens. We found that following extracapsular cataract extraction without implantation of intraocular lens, opacification of the posterior capsule occurs more frequently, especially during 1-2 years after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Cortical-nuclear cataract and not much advanced age are factors predisposing for greater rate of opacification of the posterior capsule after extracapsular cataract extraction.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Surgery of orbital tumors with the Krönlein-Berke-Reese method in material from the Ophthalmology Clinics in Bałystok].

PURPOSE: To analyse the results of surgical treatment of tumors located in the posterior part of the orbit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 12 patients (5 women and 7 men, aged 10-70 years) with tumors located in the posterior part of the orbit, operated on in the years 1985-1995 in Ophtalmology Clinic in Bialystok with the use of Krönlein-Berke-Reese lateral orbitotomy method. Tissues of removed tumor were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: In 7 cases tumor was removed completely, including 3 cases with simultaneous optic nerve removal. In 3 other cases tumor was removed partially, whereas in 2 cases eventration of the orbit was necessary. Persistent postsurgical defects of the eyeball mobility were not found in any of the patients. In 2 patients with partially removed tumor a constant blepharoptosis was observed, which required further operation. Visual acuity in patients with preserved optic nerve remained unchanged in 6 out of 7 cases. In 1 case-completely removed cavernoma-visual acuity decreased from 5/7 to 5/16. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral orbitotomy enables successful removal of tumors located in the posterior part of the orbit. Moreover, this method is relatively safe, especially in comparison with cranial approach to tumors badly located in the orbit.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor in aqueous humor].

BACKGROUND: In the anterior segment of the eye, fibrin clots must be rapidly resorbed to prevent fibrosis. Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), a serine protease that catalyzes the conversion from plasminogen to plasmin, plays an important role in the fibrinolytic system and has therefore in recent years attracted attention in the field of ophthalmology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aqueous humor of patients undergoing cataract surgery was analyzed for the presence of components of the fibrinolytic cascade. The quantities of t-PA and plasminogen-activator inhibitor (PAI) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We determined t-PA and PAI in the aqueous humor of 64 patients between 59 and 82 years of age. RESULTS: The t-PA levels ranged from 0.65 to 1.75 ng/ml and PAI activity from 3.24 to 5.1 AU/ml. Association between t-PA levels and PAI activity and accompanying diseases or metabolic disorders was noted. The highest concentration of t-PA and the lowest activity of PAI has been observed in aqueous humor of patients with senile cataract. The knowledge about the presence of t-PA in aqueous humor is significant for the recognition of pathological events following intraocular fibrin formation and may be an important basis for therapeutic use of t-PA.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Cataract surgery results with intraocular lens implantation in children and youth in the years 1990-1995 (personal material)].

PURPOSE: Analysis of cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in children and youth performed between 1990 and 1995 in Bialystok University Eye Clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients between 5 and 19 years of age were operated. The subjects comprised 15 cases of traumatic and 5 of congenital cataract. Intraocular lens implantation was performed as a primary procedure in 18 patients and as a secondary procedure in 2 cases. RESULTS: Visual acuity of 5/50 to 5/12 was achieved in 14 patients and 5/10 to 5/5 in 6 patients. Posterior capsule opacification requiring YAG-laser capsulotomy was found in 12 patients (60%). CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular lens implantation may be a safe and effective technique for optical correction in children with traumatic and congenital cataracts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Proteolytic activity of the vitreous body].

It was found that the human and bovine vitreous contains a proteolytic enzyme(s) which demonstrates characteristic features of cathepsin D. It acts in acidic pH with various activity, dependent on the condition of the eye and actively digests native and denatured protein substrates. It demonstrates a high susceptibility to the inhibitory action of pepstatin. The role of this enzyme in physiology and pathology of the eye is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Neuro-ophthalmology--new challenges].

The diagnosis of optic neuritis is based on clinical signs and symptoms. Ancillary testing has little medical value, but is helpful to evaluate the risk of developing multiple sclerosis and for counseling the patients. In contrast to the common belief, the usual therapy with oral prednisone may be harmful. Only megadose therapy with 1000 mg methylprednisolone/day accelerates the recovery of visual function. Similar therapy is suggested in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy only optic nerve decompression sheath surgery is helpful.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

[Glutathione S-transferase as a metabolic biomarker for predisposition to lung neoplasms induced by chemical carcinogens].

In the case of lung cancer induced by chemical carcinogens, cellular processes of metabolic activation and deactivation of these substances play a particular role. The involvement of glutathione--S-transferase in the process of deactivation of active metabolites draws special attention. Cellular activity of these enzymes is a significant factor which can define individual susceptibility to carcinogenic effect of occupational and environmental carcinogens. Glutathione--S-transferase catalyses the reaction of binding glutathione with a great number of pharmacologically active substances, including also those with genotoxic properties. These reactions protect cells against toxic and genotoxic effect of exo- and endogenous substances. They prevent among others, from producing adducts by genotoxic substances with macromolecules. Some of glutathione--S-transferases (the so-called ligands) act as proteins which bind and transport organic ligands in cells (bilirubin, steroid metabolites, bile acids). To date studies have not confirmed uni-vocally that low activity of glutathione--S-transferases be one of the reasons for an increased incidence of lung cancer. Observations of persons with phenotype of a low activity of glutathione--S-transferase (GSTM1-0) have indicated that the incidence of lung cancer is significantly higher among them than in persons with phenotype of normal activity of this enzyme. These observations, however, have not been confirmed by an analysis of relationship between the incidence of lung cancer and the genotype of low and normal activity of glutathione--S-transferase.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1995

Cathepsin D and an alkaline protease activities in subretinal fluid.

It was found that subretinal fluid contains at least two different proteolytic enzymes which digest various protein substrates. The main of them was identified as cathepsin D. This protease is very active towards the denatured haemoglobin. The highest activity is apparent at pH 3-4 and it is completely inhibited by the action of pepstatin. The cathepsin activity increases with the duration of retinal detachment. The other proteolytic enzyme acts at slightly alkaline pH. Its activity is lower and does not change with the duration of the disease.

Body Fluids↗