PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Sysa-Jedrzejowska

Publications and source records attributed to A Sysa-Jedrzejowska.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Evaluation of early cardiovascular involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac function in patients with systemic sclerosis by means of noninvasive methods in order to detect early dysfunction of cardiovascular system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a group of 19 patients (15 women, 4 men, aged 17-74 yrs, av. 51 +/- 11) with systemic sclerosis comparing the results with a group of 23 healthy volunteers (17 women, 6 men aged 21-69 yrs, av 53 +/- 15). All the patients with SSc were taking corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or vasodilators at the time of the study. In all the patients we performed 24-hour Holter monitoring for the evaluation of arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, ischaemia, heart rate variability (HRV) and late potentials (LP). The following parameters of HRV in time domain were analyzed: SDNN, SDANN, SDNNI, rMSSD, pNN50. Standard ECG was performed to assess QT interval (QT, QTc, QTd). In all the patients the echocardiography examination was performed (M-Mode, 2-D, Doppler echocardiography). The morphology of heart structures and haemodynamic function were analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with SSc Holter monitoring revealed tendency to tachycardia. The mean heart rate was 81 +/- 11 vs. 71 +/- 9 in controls. Conduction disturbances were observed in 3 pts. In 6 pts we found significant ventricular arrhythmia. Silent ischaemia episodes were detected in 6 pts. Concerning HRV analysis the significantly lower values were detected in pts with SSc vs. controls: SDNN 123 vs 170; SDNNI 51 vs 76; SDANN 110 vs 152; rMSSD 29.6 vs 54; pNN50 6.1 vs 21. Late potentials were present in one patient with SSc vs none in the control group. The mean values QT-371, QTc-419, QTd-40- did not exceed the ranges of normal values. No signs of systolic cardiac dysfunction were detected, while in 6 pts we recognized left ventricle diastolic dysfunction. Valvular lesions were observed in 8 pts, but only in 2 pts they were hemodynamically important. CONCLUSIONS: 24-hour Holter monitoring and ECHO examination are valuable methods, which allow to detect early dysfunction of cardiovascular system in patients with systemic scleroderma presenting no apparent cardiac impairment symptoms.

Adolescent↗

Circulating TCR gammadelta cells in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disorder with a wide range of immunological abnormalities. The results of the studies undertaken in the last decade indicated that SLE pathogenesis was mainly connected with the breakdown of the activation control of B and T cells, generating humoral or cell-mediated responses against several self-antigens of affected cells. The last studies demonstrate that the role of gammadelta T lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases can be especially important. Flow cytometry techniques were used to investigate the number and percentage of TCR gammadelta T cells and their most frequent subtypes in peripheral blood of 32 patients with SLE and 16 healthy volunteers. We also correlated TCR gammadelta cells number with the level of T CD3+, T CD4+, T CD8+, and NK (CD16) cells (cytometric measurements) and SLE activity (on the basis of clinical investigations). Our studies were preliminary attempts to evaluate the role of that minor T cell subpopulation in SLE. Absolute numbers of cells expressing gammadelta TCR in most SLE blood specimens were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.006). However, since the level of total T cell population was also decreased in the case of SLE, the mean values of the percentage gammadelta T cells of pan T lymphocytes were almost the same in both analysed populations (7.1% vs 6.3%, respectively). In contrast to Vdelta2+ and Vgamma9+ subtypes of pan gammadelta T cells, Vdelta3+ T cells number was higher in SLE patients (20 x 10 cells/microl) than in healthy control group (2 x 2 cells/microl) (P=0.001). However, we found no differences between the numbers of pan gammadelta T lymphocytes and studied their subtypes in the patients with active and inactive disease. These cell subpopulations were doubled in the treated patients with immunosuppressive agents in comparison with untreated ones; however, data were not statistically significant. Our study indicated that Vdelta3+ subtype of gammadelta T cells seems to be involved in SLE pathogenesis; however, we accept the idea that the autoimmunity does not develop from a single abnormality, but rather from a number of different events.

Adult↗

Estimation of SLE activity based on the serum level of chosen cytokines and superoxide radical generation.

We estimated the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-10, and generation of superoxide radicals, as well as their mutual dependence, in 63 SLE patients at various stages of disease activity. Our results indicate a statistically significant increase of the serum levels studied, and an increase of superoxide anion generation by granulocytes, in correlation with SLE activity. These results indicate that oxygen metabolism and the examined cytokines play an important role in pathogenesis of SLE. The assessment of these parameters can be useful in the estimation of disease activity.

Adolescent↗

Immunopathological examination of esophagus as a useful criterion of cure in pemphigus vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: We performed histopathological and immunopathological examinations of the esophagus in patients with pemphigus vulgaris during clinical remission. METHODS: In the group of 14 patients without serum antibodies, five were treated with low doses of steroids and cyclophosphamide (as maintenance treatment), while nine had already completed the therapy. RESULTS: In all five cases under maintenance treatment we found bound pemphigus antibodies in vivo. Acantholysis was present in two of these. In all nine non-treated patients, acantholysis and immunopathological findings were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies reveal that the absence of bound 'pemphigus vulgaris' antibodies in the esophagus by immunological examination could be regarded as proof of complete cure and could be the decisive finding to stop pemphigus treatment.

Acantholysis↗

Pemphigus foliaceus: an unusual clinical feature and case reports.

Two cases of pemphigus foliaceus in 70-year-old women have been presented. The initial clinical picture, as well as results of histopathologic examinations, suggested the diagnosis of eczema. Because the therapy was not successful and changes in the clinical picture were observed, repeated histopathologic and immunofluorescent examinations were carried out. Presence of immunologic findings characteristic for pemphigus foliaceus formed the basis for verification of the diagnosis and administration of an appropriate therapy.

Aged↗

Circulating interleukin-6 type cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

We investigated the serum concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the IL-6 family of cytokines (leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 64 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 15 healthy controls. We also examined a possible association between the serum levels of these proteins and SLE activity as well as correlations between the IL-6 concentration and the levels of LIF, OSM and CNTF. IL-6 was detectable in all 64 patients with SLE and normal individuals, and the level of this cytokine was significantly higher in patients than in the control group (p < 0.002 ). LIF, OSM and CNTF were detectable in 9 (14.1%), 6 (9.4%) and 51 (78%) patients, respectively, and undetectable in the majority of healthy individuals. We found positive correlation between the serum concentrations of IL-6, LIF, OSM and CNTF and SLE activity. IL-6 and OSM serum levels were also correlated but not IL-6 and LIF or CNTF. In conclusion, an increase in the serum levels of IL-6 and, to a lesser extent of LIF, OSM and CNTF concentrations may be useful markers for SLE activity.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of esophageal passage in selected connective tissue diseases.

The objective of this study was to determine whether, as in with other types of connective tissue diseases, there exists esophageal passage dysfunction as it exists in systemic scleroderma. It was also interesting to establish whether there is any correlation between this kind of dysfunction and the subjective complaints connected with the esophagus as well as the occurrence of Raynaud's phenomenon. Evaluation of the esophageal passage was performed on the basis of scintigraphic examination. The delay of esophageal passage occurs, besides systemic scleroderma, in other types of connective tissue diseases. This examination is a valuable test, thanks to which changes in the esophagus can be discovered, despite the lack of subjective complaints. In addition to systemic scleroderma, there is no close correlation between dysphagia and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Adult↗

2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine) induced allergic cutaneous reactions with eosinophilia in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

We present a 68-year old patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA). This is the first reported patient with B-CLL in whom skin lesions and eosinophilia were observed simultaneously. The most frequent side effect of this drug is myelosuppression with pancytopenia. So far, there have been few reports of cases where either skin reactions or eosinophilia, occurring separately, were observed as side effects from 2-CdA treatment.

Aged↗

Generalized lichen nitidus: a case report.

We report the case of a 6-year-old boy with disseminated papular lesions. Clinical and histopathologic examinations confirmed the diagnosis of lichen nitidus. There was no improvement during a three-year observation period, despite various methods of treatment. In the fourth year, we observed spontaneous resolution of the skin lesions after sun exposure in the summer.

Biopsy, Needle↗

[Cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus].

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by B cell hyperactivity, autoantibody production and immune complex deposition in vital organs. To explain the mechanisms responsible for immune dysregulation in SLE cytokines have received increasing attention. This review has discussed a number of cytokines which appear to be involved in lupus pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that disease activity and the main symptoms of SLE are associated with increasing serum levels of cytokines such as interleukin-(IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (THF-alpha). Constitutive expression and in vitro induction of specific cytokines are also aberrant in SLE. The presence of IL-1, IL-6 and IFN-gamma in involved kidneys suggests that they have local pathogenic effects. Moreover IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-1 modulate spontaneous IgG production by SLE mononuclear cells. During the next several years, the exact role of these cytokine in the pathogenesis of lupus become more fully elucidated.

Animals↗

[Hematologic problems in systemic lupus erythematosus].

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains a disease of unknown origin, characterized by major alterations of both the cellular and the humoral arms of immunity. Hematological changes, including anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, occur in more than one half of patients with this disease. Anaemia is the most common hematological abnormality seen in SLE. Its possible causes are anaemia of chronic disease (ACD), auto-immune haemolytic anaemia and hypoplastic anaemia. Leucopenia affects both granulocytic and lymphocytic lines and may be caused by autoantibodies. The influence of drugs, hypersplenism and marrow suppression are also possible. Thrombocytopenia occurs frequently and is almost invariably autoimmune. Patients with SLE are at increased risk of thrombosis. Haematological abnormalities in patients with this disease require careful long-term monitoring and prompt therapeutic intervention.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

[Clinical usefulness of determining the antibodies to soluble nuclear antigens in various collagen diseases].

The purpose of the study was evaluation of the clinical usefulness of determination of antibodies to soluble nuclear antigens. The study was carried out in 71 cases of various collagen diseases. Antibodies dsDNA (IIF method with Crithidium luciliae as substrate) were found only in patients with SLE and renal involvement. RNP antibodies (double immunodiffusion method) were demonstrated in 83.3% of cases of mixed connective tissue disease, and Sm antibodies in 8% of SLE patients. It is worth stressing that in the presented material Sm antibodies were present only in association with RNP antibodies. Antibodies Ro and/or La were present most often in the sera of patients with SCLE, while Scl 70 antibodies were a marker of systemic sclerosis, more frequent in patients with diffuse scleroderma, while their demonstration in acroscleroderma suggested a more severe course of the disease. The study showed a high diagnostic and prognostic value of antibodies to soluble nuclear antigens in collagen diseases.

Antibodies, Antinuclear↗

[Immunopathological studies of the skin of patients with pemphigoid at different stages of the disease].

The aim of the investigation was to demonstrate whether there is a correlation, in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP), between the presence of immune deposits in the skin and the activity of the pathological process. We investigated 39 cases with a BP anamnese dating from 3 months up to 17 years. We repeated the investigations several times by means of direct immunofluorescence method in different disease activity. It was demonstrated that there is a complete correlation between the disappearance of the immune deposits in the skin and the remission of the disease. Moreover, it has been shown, that the complement disappears earlier than IgG fraction. These results show the role of the antibasement zone antibodies and especially the complement in the inducement of BP lesions.

Basement Membrane↗