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Biomedical subjects

Barbara Zahorska-Markiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to Barbara Zahorska-Markiewicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Is the polycystic ovary syndrome associated with chronic inflammation per se?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF-soluble receptors, and IL-6 in obese women without additional diseases and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 39 obese women with PCOS and 34 age-matched obese women without additional disease were included as controls. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured by the enzymatic procedure. Plasma insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, total and free testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, 17OH-progesterone, estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF receptors (sTNFRs), and IL-6 were determined by an ELISA. RESULTS: We did not observe any differences in serum concentrations of TNF-alpha between obese women with and without PCOS. Serum concentrations of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared with controls; however, serum concentrations of IL-6 were significantly lower in PCOS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PCOS is not associated with chronic inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Inflammatory markers in a 2-year follow-up of coronary artery disease.

Our study was designed in an attempt to determine the dynamics of changes in serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, soluble forms of its receptors (sTNFR 1, sTNFR 2), and adhesion molecules (sE-selectin, sP-selectin, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1) over a 2-year follow-up of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The study involved 70 patients with stable CAD (stable angina class II/III according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society) and 20 apparently healthy subjects. Over the follow-up period a marked attenuation of angina (P<0.001) was observed. Interventional treatment (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting) was used in 53 CAD patients. Laboratory analysis revealed a significant decrease of serum TNF-alpha and sTNFR1 at 2 years (TNF-alpha: 12.1+/-0.7 pg/ml; sTNFR 1: 1306+/-46 pg/ml) as compared to baseline levels (16.5+/-0.7 pg/ml, P=0.030; 1551+/-82 pg/ml, P=0.048, respectively). The levels of sP-selectin (159+/-7 vs 201+/-14 ng/ml, P<0.01) and sICAM-1 (133+/-4 vs 153+/-6 ng/ml, P<0.05) were found to be significantly increased as compared to the baseline. Interventional procedures resulted in suppression of both cytokine (TNF-alpha, sTNFR 2) and adhesion molecule (sE-selectin, sP-selectin) activation in the CAD group. The baseline and post-follow-up TNF-alpha and sTNFR 1 levels showed persistent elevation in CAD patients as compared to the controls (9.0, 956.3 pg/ml, respectively; P<0.01). There were no differences between baseline and final cytokines and adhesion molecules in healthy subjects. The course of CAD as modified by a clinically effective therapy is characterized by changes of immune markers activation. Revascularization seems to be an important factor suppressing both cytokine and adhesion molecule activation in CAD patients.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

Relationship between serum resistin concentration and proinflammatory cytokines in obese women with impaired and normal glucose tolerance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of resistin in obese women with and without insulin resistance. We compared serum concentrations of resistin with interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF receptors 1 and 2, and certain anthropometric and metabolic parameters in 26 obese women (body mass index [BMI], 35.8 +/- 4.12 kg/m2) and 15 healthy control women (BMI, 22.32 +/- 1.89 kg/m2). Fasting serum resistin and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-R) formula. Compared with lean controls, obese women showed higher HOMA-R values and levels of insulin and increased values of TNF-alpha, soluble TNF receptors, and IL-6. There was no significant difference in resistin levels between the investigated groups of obese women and lean subjects. The results showed that serum resistin concentrations did not correlate with BMI, HOMA, fasting plasma glucose level, or fasting plasma insulin level. Serum resistin correlated with fat mass and IL-6 in the group with impaired glucose tolerance (obese group) (r = 0.51, P < .05, and r = 0.37, P < .05, respectively) and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.39, P < .05) in the same group. The groups we examined are relatively small; it is likely that with a larger number of subjects, the correlation in other obese women groups may achieve statistical significance. It seems that resistin may be linked with inflammation and obesity and, indirectly, with insulin resistance.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Nitric oxide in physiology and pathology of metabolism].

Adipose tissue generates many bioactive substances, which may exert autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects. Recent studies have revealed, that one of these substances is nitric oxide. There are observed increased expressions of synthases NO (eNOS and iNOS) in adipose tissue in obesity. It seems that these increased expression NOS is reflected by increased serum concentration of NO in obese subjects. The review of the current literature on role of nitric oxide in physiology and pathology metabolism is presented in this paper.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

[Differences in eating habits and self-care behavior in a group of obese people before and after the weight loss program].

UNLABELLED: In common beliefs the care of obese people for their health and appearance is not sufficient, which is both the cause and the result of their obesity. The aim of the present study was to check whether obese and normal weight persons are different in selected behaviours connected with eating and self-care, and also whether providing them with knowledge about the desired behaviour changes would improve the effects of weight loss. Authors used structured interview of 20 limited questions. The participants were 32 obese women taking part in group weight loss programme organized in "Waga" treatment center in Katowice. The measures were taken before and after the programme. The comparing group constituted women of normal body weight. Obese women before the treatment comparing to normal weight women, presented more disadvantageous behaviours in the range of: fast eating and reaching for the food in time of strain (p < 0.01). As a results of the weight loss programme they achieved a significant weight loss (p < 0.01) and also the frequency of their unprofitable behaviours decreased except for putting other's needs in front of their own, skipping breakfast and eating daily no more than two meals. Statistically significant improvements were observed in: greater physical activity, greater care for appearance and meals aesthetics (p < 0.01) as well as better ability to relax and profitable lengthen of meal time (p < 0.05). After the treatment patients declared more beneficial behaviours than the normal weight group. There were statistically significant differences in: ability to relax and avoiding to combine wrong meal ingredients (p < 0.01). Obese reached for the food in time of strain still more often, but less often than at the beginning of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results did not show significant difference between obese and normal weight participants concerning eating habits and self-care behaviour. The exception was that obese women reached for food more often in the situations of strain and stress. The weight loss of the participants cannot be attributed solely to the change in their behaviour, but could be influenced also by group support and/or by emotional, cognitive and social changes. It might serve as a starting point for further investigations. Researching the long term effects of the treatment (how permanent is the alteration in the participants' weight and self-care behaviour) seems to be essential to answer those questions.

Feeding Behavior↗
PubMed2005

[Adipose tissue contents and body mass index in adults].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to verify, in epidemiological setting, the hypothesis that at a given body mass index the contents of adipose tissue (AT%) varies with age and is larger in older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To verify this assumption population-based data were used. Measurements were obtained in 3359 men and women, aged 30-72 and living in two large towns of Upper Silesian Industrial Zone (Poland). During home visits each subject was weighted, their posture was measured and AT% was obtained using bioelectrical impedance method. According to body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) the subjects were divided into eight groups (I - BMI: 20.0-22.5; II - BMI: 22.6-25.0 ... VII - BMI: 35.0-37.5; VIII - BMI: 37.6-40.0). Within each BMI group four classes of ages were identified: 30-39 years; 40-49 years; 50-59 years; 60-72 years. RESULTS: Mean values of AT% increased with age in each BMI group, both in men and women, and the within-BMI group differences were statistically significant (ANOVA). The effect was consistent, however it was more apparent at low BMI values. For consecutive BMI groups (I-VII) the AT% mean values in extreme age groups (30-39 years and 60-72 years) were as follows: I: 21.3+/-5.9% and 28.1+/-7.1%; Il: 22.5+/-6.4% and 29.7+/-6.7%; III: 25.8+/-6.2% and 32.6+/-6.2%; IV: 28.1+/-6.5% and 35.1+/-5.9%; V: 32.3+/-5.8% and 38.4+/-5.6%; VI: 37.2+/-6.5% and 40.9+/-5.5%; VII: 39.2+/-3.9% and 43.5+/-5.7%; VIII: 40.0+/-7.2% and 46.3+/-3.4%, respectively. In subjects with BMI < 25.1 kg/m2 the difference in AT% between the youngest and the oldest group reached seven points, with a relative difference of 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirmed that BMI value is not a perfect surrogate in the assessment of adipose tissue contents and this fact should be taken into account in epidemiological investigations into risk factors of obesity and its health consequences.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

[The effect of xantham gum on satiety status of obese patients after test meal].

Investigation of soluble fiber-xantham gum on hunger, satiety and epigastric fullness in obese subjects. 21 obese women: age 40.7 +/- 17, BMI 35.4 +/- 5.7 otherwise healthy, actually non dieting. Eating behavior was assessed by Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire (TFEBQ) by evaluating eating restrain, dysinhibition and hunger. Satiety, hunger and epigastric fullness were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and 7-point ratings scale before ingestion of test meal (ham sandwich--90 kcal) and in 20 min intervals during 2-hour observation. The study was done twice: with fiber and with placebo. Ingestion of test meal with drug and placebo causes statistical significant reduction in hunger and increase in satiety feelings in both groups. Afterwards during 2-hour observation the significant increase in hunger was observed. There were no differences in hunger, satiety and epigastric feelings between both groups. The significant positive correlation between third factor of TFEBQ (hunger) and BMI index was found. (r = 48, p < 0.05). 0.5 g of xanthan fiber with test meal didn't cause significant change of satiety. It is probably the effect of too low dose of xantham gum.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) in control of metabolism].

Tumor necrosis factor is multifunctional cytokine involved in various cell functions, such as differentiation, mitosis, angiogenesis, inflammation and immune controls. TNF-alpha plays also an important role in the control of metabolism. Its action on adipocytes includes increasing secretion of triglicerydes and inhibiting insulin action, controlling expression of some genes and modulating free fatty acid and leptin secretion. The review of the current literature on the TNF-alpha role in metabolism is presented in this paper.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2004

Effect of weight reduction on serum ghrelin and TNFalpha concentrations in obese women.

Background: Ghrelin causes weight gain by increasing food intake in rodents. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is produced by adipose tissue, modulates its metabolism and stimulates catabolic processes. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether weight loss treatment modulates serum concentrations of TNFalpha and ghrelin in obese women. Methods: The study groups included 46 women: 35 obese patients and 11 controls. Serum concentrations of ghrelin and TNFalpha were measured by ELISA before and after a 3-month weight reduction treatment that consisted of a 1000 kcal/day diet and physical exercises. Body composition was determined by impedance analysis using Bodystat. Results: There were no differences in plasma ghrelin concentrations between obese patients and controls. TNFalpha serum levels were higher in obese patients than in controls (p=0.000). The mean weight loss over the 3-month treatment period was 8.7+/-4.5 kg. Following weight loss, serum ghrelin concentration increased significantly (66.3+/-13.7 vs. 73.7+/-14.8 pg/ml; p=0.002) and TNFalpha concentrations decreased significantly (6.9+/-2.6 vs. 5.2+/-1.5 pg/ml; p=0.002). Ghrelin did not show a correlation with weight or percentage of body fat. There was a positive correlation between the increase in ghrelin and the decrease in body fat percentage during weight loss (p=0.002). Conclusion: The increase in serum ghrelin and the decrease in serum TNFalpha, as observed after weight reduction treatment in obese subjects, may constitute a counter-regulatory mechanism preventing further weight loss.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

Serum concentrations of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNF soluble receptors in women with overweight and obesity.

The aims of the present study was to examine how overweight and obesity affect serum concentrations nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and to determine whether there is association between serum concentrations tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNF soluble receptors (sTNF-R) in subjects with overweight and obesity. The study groups involved 154 women: 102 obese (81 obese with body mass index [BMI] 30 to 40 kg/m2 and 21 obese with BMI > 40 kg/m2), 24 overweight patients, and 28 lean controls. Serum concentrations of NO metabolites and of TNF-alpha and its soluble receptors (sTNF-R1, sTNFR-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Serum concentration of insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Plasma glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and triglicerydes were determined by enzymatic procedure. Body composition was determined by impedance analysis using Bodystat (Douglas, British Isles). Serum concentrations of NO in the overweight group (35.1 +/- 12.1 micromol/L) and the obese groups with BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 (32.8 +/- 9.3 micromol/L) and with BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 (33.3 +/- 8.5 micromol/L) were significantly higher when compared to controls (28.2 +/- 8.1 micromol/L): P < .05; P < .01, and P < .01, respectively. There was no difference in levels of NO between the overweight group and both obese groups. Serum concentration of TNF-alpha was also significantly higher in the group with overweight (6.5 +/- 3.1 pg/mL), in the obese group with BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 (6.8 +/- 3.1 pg/mL), and in the obese group with BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 (7.4 +/- 2.6 pg/mL) when compared to controls (2.9 +/- 2.2 pg/mL): P < .00005; P < .00005, and P < .0000001, respectively. However, serum concentrations of sTNF-R1 and -R2 did not differ significantly between the overweight group, both obese groups, and controls. In conclusion, we observed increased serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and NO in overweight and obese women. It seems that there is an association between serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and NO; however, this relationship depends on the degree of obesity.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Cigarette smoking and inflammatory indices in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Smoking-induced endothelial dysfunction may lead to inflammatory activation within a vascular wall mediated by cytokines and adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the smoking status and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, sTNFR 1 and 2 (soluble forms of TNF receptor), Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and some selected adhesion molecules (AM): sE-selectin, sP-selectin, Vascular Cell AM-1 (sVCAM-1) and Intercellular AM-1 (sICAM-1) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group consisted of 122 consecutive admissions with stable CAD (class II/III CCS): 31 current smokers (group I; mean age+/-S.E.M.: 53.8+/-1.6 years), 38 ex-smokers (group II; mean age+/-S.E.M.: 57.8+/-1.4 years) and 53 patients who have never smoked (group III; mean age+/-S.E.M.: 62.4+/-1.1 years). Serum concentration of IL-2 was higher in the group of active smokers (77.5+/-12.7 pg/ml) than in ex-smokers (40.0+/-10.6 pg/ml; P=0.017). AM determination also revealed differences between groups I and II-elevated serum sP-selectin levels in active smokers (174.7+/-17.1 ng/ml) than in ex-smokers (123.5+/-10.3 ng/ml; P=0.024). Serum sTNFR 2 level was higher in group III (2457.3+/-120.5 pg/ml) in comparison to group II (2018.4+/-121.5 pg/ml; P=0.006). There were no differences between TNF alpha, sTNFR 1, IL-10, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 levels in the groups examined. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoking is associated with the elevation of IL-2 and sP-selectin serum levels in patients with stable CAD. CAD patients who have never smoked are characterized by delayed onset of angina and increased sTNFR 2 concentrations.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2004

[Sibutramine administration in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment].

Obesity is considered important factor contributing development of PCOS. Insulin resistance, low level of serum SHBG and activation of pituitary-adrenal axis plays a major role in pathogenesis and symptoms of PCOS. The achievement of weight loss is an important factor in treatment of PCOS, but difficulties with adherences to the dietary regiment discourage physicians to use this method. In our paper we would like to show the effectiveness of such treatment and pay attention to possibilities of drug facilities in dietary approach in treatment of PCOS coexisting with obesity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

[Psychological project supporting weight reduction as a significant element in the prevention of secondary obesity].

Psychological factors may contribute in creating and maintaining of overweight that often results of disturbances of individual's psychosocial functioning. That is why psychological impact should be a significant element of both obesity treatment and prevention of recurrence. The article presents a project implemented in the Obesity Treatment Centre "Waga" in Katowice. The project acts as a part of a group, complex treatment process leading to weight reduction. Design, target group and the achieved results are presented as well a psychological aspects helping the process of reduction of body weight.

Body Image↗
PubMed2004

[Immunologic activity in coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis of the lower extremities].

Cytokine activation may be connected to increase of clinical symptoms both of coronary heart disease and lower limbs atherosclerosis. Our aim is to determine the influence of the atherosclerosis generalization upon immune activation in coronary heart disease, with regard to ECG stress test. 127 patients have been included in the study: 21 with stable angina and peripheral artery disease (PAD)--group A, and 106 with stable angina--group B. 20 healthy persons comprised the control group (group K). The serum concentration of TNF alpha, sTNFR 1, E-selectin and sVCAM-1 has been measured before and after the ECG stress test, using the ELISA method. Serum concentration levels of TNF alpha (A: 17.8 +/- 6.2 pg/ml, B: 17.4 +/- 3.8 pg/ml) and sTNFR 1 (A: 1678.5 +/- 600 pg/ml, B: 1376.4 +/- 558 pg/ml) have been significantly higher in both research groups than in the control group K (8.3 +/- 1.4 pg/ml, p < 0.001; 1093.9 +/- 457 pg/ml, p < 0.01). The sTNFR 1 concentration has been significantly higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). A significant post-exercise increase in E-selectin serum concentration has been observed, regardless to coincidence of lower limbs atherosclerosis. The atherosclerosis generalization level, e.g. the prevalence of PAD, in patients with coronary heart disease has an influence on immune activation--patients with lower limbs atherosclerosis are characterized by higher sTNFR 1 serum level. The ECG stress test induces the increase of E-selectin serum concentration in coronary patients, regardless of PAD.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Tilt table testing in obesity.

INTRODUCTION: An imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems has been indicated in obesity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the results of tilt table testing (TT) in obese patients. METHODS: 59 patients with simple obesity (F/M: 50/9; BMI: 36.9+/-3.9 kg/m(2)), and 19 healthy subjects of the control group (F/M: 16/3; BMI: 24.7+/-4.3 kg/m(2)) were examined. Additionally, TT was carried out in 11 patients from the obese group after a 3-month weight reduction treatment. We evaluated HR (heart rate), SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (diastolic blood pressure): values at rest, post-inclination values (HRt-1, SBPt-1, DBPt-1), differences between the maximum and minimum values as obtained on TT (HRt-range, SBPt-range, DBPt-range), and % differences of HR (%HRt-increase, %HRt-decrease, %HRt-range). RESULTS: A positive TT response was observed in 10 obese patients, and in none of the controls. Higher differences of HR values were observed in the obese (P<0.05) in comparison to control group. Patients with a positive TT response presented a significant increase in HRt-1, HRt-range, and %HRt-range when compared to negative TT and controls (P<0.02). A 3-month weight reduction treatment resulted in a decrease in HR at rest, and decrease in SBP and DBP-both rest values and values after table-inclination. CONCLUSIONS: A positive TT response is observed more often in patients with simple obesity. HR reaction to tilting varies between the patients and controls. A 3-month weight reduction treatment influences the cardiovascular response to tilting. Our results seem to support the hypothesis of autonomic imbalance in obesity.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 activation in stable angina and acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic instability of coronary atherosclerotic plaque results in the development of both unstable angina and myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-2 in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina (UA) as compared to stable angina (SA) patients and healthy volunteers. METHODS: A total of 189 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were studied: 100 patients with SA (class II/III according to CCS), 57 patients with UA (Braunwald class IIIB; determinations at 6, 24, and 48 h after chest pain), and 32 patients with MI (determinations at admission, on the 7th and 30th days after MI). Twenty healthy volunteers acted as controls. RESULTS: Serum TNFalpha levels were elevated in all CAD groups (SA: 17.3+/-4; UA: 18.7+/-4; MI: 22.0+/-3 pg/ml; p<0.001) in comparison to the controls (8.3+/-1.4 pg/ml). However, the highest values were characteristic of MI patients, especially values obtained at admission (p<0.01 versus SA and UA). Mean serum concentrations of IL-2 were significantly higher in patients with MI and UA (89.6+/-40; 87.0+/-24 pg/ml, respectively; p<0.01) when compared to SA and the control group (58.3+/-49; and 51.5+/-39, respectively). Serum IL-10 levels were also higher in MI and UA patients. Levels of IL-2 and IL-10 measured following chest pain in unstable patients, as well as their consecutive determinations in MI patients did not show any change dynamics, that is, they were persistently elevated. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to stable CAD and healthy subjects, acute coronary syndromes are associated with long-term increase of serum concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. It seems likely that sudden CAD progression leading to acute coronary syndromes is triggered/accompanied by prolonged immune activation.

Acute Disease↗