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Anetta Undas

Publications and source records attributed to Anetta Undas.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Autoantibodies against N-homocysteinylated proteins in humans: implications for atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Homocysteine (Hcy)-thiolactone mediates protein N-homocysteinylation in humans. Protein N-linked Hcy comprises a major pool of Hcy in human blood, greater that the "total" Hcy pool. N-homocysteinylated proteins are structurally different, compared with native proteins, and are thus likely to be recognized as neoself antigens and induce an autoimmune response. This study was undertaken to provide evidence for anti-Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys-protein antibody and to examine associations between the antibody level, Hcy, and stroke in humans. METHODS: ELISA was used to quantify anti-Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys-protein antibodies in human serum. RESULTS: We found that autoantibodies that specifically recognize Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys epitope on Hcy-containing proteins occur in humans. Serum levels of anti-Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys-protein autoantibodies positively correlate with plasma total Hcy levels, but not with plasma cysteine or methionine levels. In a group of exclusively male patients with stroke, mean level of anti-Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys-protein autoantibodies was approximately 50% higher than in a group of healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a hypothesis that Nepsilon-Hcy-Lys-protein is a neoself antigen, which may contribute to immune activation, an important modulator of atherogenesis.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

New nonlipid effects of statins and their clinical relevance in cardiovascular disease.

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, statins, have been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with a wide range of cholesterol levels. Numerous cholesterol-independent effects of statins that may limit atherosclerosis are probably related to inhibition of the geranylgeranylation of GTP-binding intracellular signaling proteins and involve: improved vasoreactivity, mostly through increased NO bioavailability; decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha), C-reactive protein, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue factor with the subsequent inhibition of thrombin generation; reduced platelet activity; increased thrombomodulin expression; enhanced fibrinolysis, regulation of angiogenesis and immunomodulation. However, the clinical relevance of multiple protective effects induced by statins has not been clarified yet.

Cardiotonic Agents↗
PubMed2004

[Nonlipid effects of fibrates].

Fibrates, agonists of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPAR alpha), are useful in treatment of dyslipidaemia via reductions in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and increase in HDL cholesterol. Growing evidence indicates that this class of drugs may show some beneficial nonlipid effects in vitro. It has been demonstrated that fibrates affect the synthesis of some proinflammatory and prothrombotic proteins. The main nonlipid effects of fibrates include: improved insulin resistance, impaired synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1 beta, IL-6), C-reactive protein, CD40 ligand and adhesion proteins, enhanced fibrinolysis mainly due to decrease in PAI-1 production, and attenuation of thrombin generation mainly indicated by decreased TF expression. Further studies are required to prove that clinical relevance of these additional effects of fibrates is independent of their beneficial effects on lipid profile.

C-Reactive Protein↗
PubMed2004

[First Polish experience with enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease].

We report here the course and outcomes of 18-month enzyme replacement therapy in two 43 and 41-year-old brothers with Fabry disease. At 18 months of recombinant alpha-galactosidase A (Fabrazyme) infusions, we observed in the older patient: weight gain, decreased proteinuria (from 4 to 1.5 g/d), stabilization of creatinine clearance, much lower frequency and intensity of angina, and in the younger brother: weight gain, stabilization of creatinine clearance and proteinuria, prolongation of PQ interval and improvement of hearing. However, neurologic manifestations deteriorated over treatment period in both patients. No serious infusion-related side effects were observed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Aspirin alters the cardioprotective effects of the factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying decreased risk for myocardial infarction in carriers of the Leu34 polymorphism of the factor (F) XIII A-subunit is unclear. Given that acetylation of fibrinogen by aspirin can alter its clotting properties and the presence of fibrin stimulates thrombin-mediated activation of FXIII, we have tested the hypothesis that treatment with aspirin differentially modulates the influence of the FXIII Val34Leu polymorphism on its activation in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: The rates of the disappearance of FXIIIA chain and the appearance of its activated form (FXIIIAa) in sequential 30-second blood samples collected at the site of microvascular injury were compared in 14 healthy carriers of the Leu34 allele and 23 Val34 homozygotes both before and after a 7-day aspirin ingestion (75 mg/d), with the use of quantitative Western blotting. The presence of the Leu34 allele was associated with a significant increase in the maximum rate of FXIII activation by thrombin. Although the Leu34-positive and -negative subjects were similar with respect to aspirin-related impairment of thrombin generation, aspirin led to a more pronounced inhibition of the activation of FXIII in the Leu34 carriers as compared with the Val34 homozygotes. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of FXIII activation by aspirin is enhanced in the Leu34 carriers in vivo, suggesting that these subjects might benefit more than the Leu34-negative subjects from the reduction in risk for myocardial infarction with low-dose aspirin.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Association of peripheral lymphadenopathy with anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies in a family with systemic lupus erythematosus.

We report here a mother and her two daughters suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus, accompanied by the presence of anti-Ro (SSA-52kD and 60kD) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies, and peripheral lymphadenopathy as the first manifestation of the disease. The expression of DR3 and B8 in all three affected family members suggests familiar predisposition to SLE. The differential diagnosis and clinical course are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Thrombophilia as a risk factor for central retinal vein occlusion].

Central retinal vein occlusion is associated with systemic conditions, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, but also with certain hypercoagulability states (thrombophilia). Growing evidence indicates, that the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and elevated plasma homocysteine levels predispose to central retinal vein occlusion. In younger patients, factor V Leiden (Arg506Gln) could increase the risk of this disease. Other probable causes of thrombophilia related to retinal vein occlusion include increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and lipoprotein (a), which impair fibrinolysis.

Antibodies, Antiphospholipid↗
PubMed2003

[New methods of therapy for ocular inflammatory autoimmune diseases].

The authors review the current literature, regarding the efficacy and safety of new methods of therapy for ocular inflammatory autoimmune diseases: scleritis, pemphigoid and uveitis. Immunomodulation therapy is increasingly being used in various ocular inflammatory diseases, to avoid the effects of long-term steroid and immunosuppressive therapy and to induce remission in chronic disease. This therapy seems to be effective specially in treating resistant disease with relative safety. New approaches to therapy of intraocular inflammatory diseases will emphasize less immunosuppressive drugs and modification of the immune system with anti-MHC II, anti-adhesion molecules, anticytokines monoclonal antibodies, therapy with cytokines antagonists, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, INF alpha therapy, antigen specific tolerating therapy and gene therapy. Advances in the understanding of pathogenesis and in diagnostic techniques in various ocular inflammatory entities, will serve as a driving force for these new methods of treatment.

Autoimmune Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects of statins in the management of coronary artery disease.

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (statins), a potent class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, exert a number of pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties. Evidence is now accumulating that these effects are not related to the reduction in lipid levels. In vitro studies, supported recently by in vivo data, indicate that treatment with statins results in a significant decrease in the levels of inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which appear to be predictors of acute coronary events and help stratify cardiovascular risk. Up to now, only high-sensitive C-reactive protein testing has the potential to become an adjunctive method to assess the risk of coronary events in low- and high-risk individuals. Statins can also inhibit tissue factor expression, leading to impaired activation of the blood coagulation cascade, as evidenced by a decrease in thrombin generation in vivo. Interrelated inhibition of inflammation and thrombosis induced by statins is believed to largely contribute to clinical benefits from statin therapy, regardless of cholesterol levels. Further studies will answer the question whether markers of inflammation, other than C-reactive protein and possibly indices of thrombin formation, might improve cardiovascular risk stratification.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed2002

[Atypical symptoms of Fabry's disease: sudden bilateral deafness, lymphoedema and Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome].

A 40-year-old man with Fabry disease, confirmed by decreased leukocyte alpha-galactosidase A activity in 2001, complained of sudden bilateral deafness, as evidenced by clinical history and audiometry. Magnetic resonance of the brain revealed features typical of Fabry disease. Other clinical manifestations of the disease included: angiokeratoma, mild proteinuria with normal renal function, lymphoedema of the lower limbs, pre-excitation syndrome, myocardial hypertrophy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selected parameters of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis prior to and after surgical treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Selected parameters of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis were evaluated in 20 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (stages T2/4 N0/3 M0). The control group consisted of 10 healthy age-matched men. The clotting time, calcium plasma clotting time, prothrombin time index and fibrinogen levels in the patients were similar to those observed in the controls. Increased fibrin degradation products (FDP) to 480 and 80 microg/min were found in patients before and after surgical treatment, respectively. We conclude that, in patients treated surgically because of carcinoma of the oral cavity, there might be increased activity of the fibrinolytic system both prior to and after operation.

Adult↗