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Biomedical subjects

Bogdan Marek

Publications and source records attributed to Bogdan Marek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by several metabolic abnormalities that favor the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is possibly a chronic inflammatory process, and the markers of the inflammatory state, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen may be useful to assess the global risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These proteins might be helpful in finding females with subclinical atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the serum CRP and fibrinogen concentrations in young females with PCOS and to clarify the possible correlations between their levels and selected anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal indices. Study assessed a group of 57 females with PCOS (mean age 28.2+/-6.4 years). That group was further divided into two subgroups: the first with body mass index (BMI)</=25 (21 females of mean age 27.4+/-7.0 years) and second with BMI>25 (36 females of mean age 28.6+/-6.0 years). In the control group there were 22 healthy females (mean age 31.6+/-8.5 years). That group was again divided into two subgroups: the first with BMI</=25 (10 females, mean age 30.2+/-8.4 years) and second with BMI>25 (12 females, mean age 31.7+/-8.7 years). Results demonstrated statistically significantly higher CRP concentration in females with PCOS compared to healthy individuals in both BMI subgroups. PCOS females showed also higher plasma insulin levels. There was, however, no statistically significant difference in fibrinogen concentrations. The hormonal profile of females with PCOS seems to influence the concentration of CRP and fibrinogen in different ways. This was evident in the positive correlation between plasma fibrinogen and androstenedione and in the lack of correlation between CRP and androgens and in the positive correlation between CRP and estradiol and the negative correlation between fibrinogen and estradiol. In conclusion, high CRP concentration in females with PCOS probably speaks for a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Effect of interferon alpha and ribavirin treatment on serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

AIM: To assess the role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the pathogenesis of fibrosis associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to evaluate the influence of the antiviral therapy on above parameter levels depending on the treatment results (complete response or no response). METHODS: Study group included 100 patients with CHC, in whom fibrosis in liver specimens was assessed (Scheuer fibrosis score: 1-4 points). Control group included 30 subjects with antibodies anti-HCV present and persistently normal ALT level, without fibrosis (Scheuer fibrosis score: 0 points). Concentration of studied parameters was assayed in the serum by immunoenzymatic method before and after the therapy with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (35.89 vs 32.37 ng/mL; P=0.023). Such differences were not found in VEGF and bFGF levels. In patients showing complete response (negative HCV RNA and normal ALT level), significant increase in VEGF (112.8 vs 315.03 pg/mL; P<0.05) and bFGF (2.51 vs 15.79 pg/mL; P=0.04) levels were found. Significant decrease in TGF-beta1 level was observed both in responders (37.44 vs 30.02 ng/mL; P=0.05), and in non-responders (38.22 vs 30.43 ng/mL; P=0.043). bFGF levels before the treatment were significantly lower (2.51 vs 5.94 pg/mL; P=0.04), and after the treatment significantly higher (15.79 vs 4.35 pg/mL; P=0.01) in patients with complete response than in those with no response. CONCLUSION: Among the analyzed parameters TGF-beta1 seems to play the most important role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in CHC. Levels of this factor are significantly lower in subjects who do not have fibrosis developed in them. Good therapeutic effect in CHC patients is associated with significant changes in TGF-beta1, VEGF, and bFGF levels. bFGF seems to have the highest usefulness in the prognosis of treatment efficacy.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Sex hormones and adipocytokines in postmenopausal women].

Visceral fat accumulation occuring in postmenopausal women is connected with hypoestrogenism, decreased production of sex-hormone binding globuline (SHBG) and with rise in free testosterone. They have been identified as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The exact mechanisms mediating relationships between the excess of visceral adiposity, hormonal variations after menopause and metabolic disturbances, remain unknown. We speculate that adipocytokines produced by adipose tissue: adiponectin, leptin and resistin, might play a role. Adiponectin is a hormone which plays a role in insulin sensitivity and lipid oxidation, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Increased levels of androgens post menopause and low SHBG are connected with decreased production of adiponectin. Leptin is another of the adipocytokines which has been shown to be linked to insulin resistance, increased pressure and hypertriglyceridaemia. Sex steroids have effect on leptin secretion but the associations between leptin and menopause are controversial. Recently it was found that resistin, another bioactive substance produced by adipose tissue may related to insulin resistance. Studies on animals indicate that ovariectomy and testosterone significantly increased resistin expression. It seems that adipocytokines may be a link connecting postmenopasual hormonal changes, the excess of visceral fat and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Adiponectin↗
PubMed2006

Detection of colorectal lesions by using autofluorescence colonoscopy in acromegalics and their relation to serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels.

OBJECTIVES: Acromegalics have an increased risk of colorectal neoplasm. The aim of this study was to establish the association between acromegaly and colorectal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients with active acromegaly: 30 women and 21 men (average age 52.95 +/- 13.49 years). Growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), prolactin (PRL), thyreothropin (TSH), thyroxine (FT4) were measured in the serum when patients were hospitalized for their first diagnosis of acromegaly, before starting the treatment. All patients underwent colonoscopy--in the first phase conventional in white light; in the second phase fluorescence colonoscopy. Autofluorescence of colonic mucosa was assessed by illumination with monochromatic light. Green fluorescence is characteristic for normal colonic mucose, whereas red fluorescence occur in pathological lesions. Material to histopathological examination was taken from every pathological colorectal lesion. RESULTS: Using conventional colonoscopy we detected colonic polyps in 21 acromegalic patients (41.17%). Polyps with red fluorescence were found in 7 (13.7%) acromegalics and with green fluorescence in 16 (31.37%) cases of these patients. Histological diagnoses of colorectal lesions are adenoma, hyperplastic and inflammatic polyps. The number of colorectal polyps was dependent on IGF-I, fT4 and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly is associated with high prevalence of colorectal pathology, mainly hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. There is a relationship between number of colorectal polyps and serum IGF-I levels in acromegaly. Adenomas and hyperplastic polyps were associated with higher levels of IGF-I.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2006

[Melatonin and bone status].

This paper reviews the findings accumulated on the role of melatonin (MEL) on bone status and the role of RANKL/RANK/OPG system (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand/ receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B/osteoprotegerin) in this mechanism. Recent studies indicate that MEL may influence on the bone directly by acting osteoclasts and perhaps osteoblasts, and/or indirectly by down-regulating RANK-mediated osteoclast formation and activation. Induced by MEL, changes in the level of factors which play a role in the regulation of bone remodelling, may secondarily (directly and/or indirectly through RANKURANK/OPG system) influence on bone status.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effect of postmenopause and hormone replacement therapy on serum adiponectin levels.

Little is known about the effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on adiponectin production. The objectives of the study were to compare levels of serum adiponectin in post- and premenopausal women, to test whether adiponectin levels are related to endogenous estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, to determine whether HRT influences serum adiponectin, and to investigate relationships of adiponectin levels with cardiovascular risk factors. One hundred four women matched for body mass index were enrolled in this study, and among them were 34 postmenopausal HRT nonusers, 34 postmenopausal HRT users, and 36 premenopausal healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. We evaluated waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in each women. Serum was assayed for adiponectin, estradiol, SHBG, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. Post- and premenopausal women showed no significant differences in adiponectin and SHBG concentrations. There were no differences in serum adiponectin levels between postmenopusal HRT nonusers and users; however, SHBG concentrations were higher in HRT users. The simple linear regression analyses of all studied women indicated that serum adiponectin was negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, WHR, and TG levels. Positive correlation was observed between adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as between adiponectin and SHBG levels. There were no relationships between adiponectin and estradiol levels in all studied women and among subgroups. Multiple regression analysis showed that WHR and TG were significant independent predictors of serum adiponectin. In conclusion, serum adiponectin levels are not influenced by menopausal status or serum estradiol levels. Exogenous estrogen treatment does not significantly affect serum adiponectin concentrations.

Adiponectin↗
PubMed2005

[Dry eye syndrome--multidisciplinary disease].

The authors presents the review of the literature concerning the signs, diagnostic procedure and connections between the dry eye syndrome and some chosen rheumatoid, endocrinological and other diseases as well as other risk factors of dry eye syndrome.

Dry Eye Syndromes↗
PubMed2005

[Homocysteine and diabetes].

The authors present the current knowledge on the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in developing of vascular changes, especially in diabetes. A high serum homocysteine concentration is a new independent risk factor in the development of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The role of the hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetes has not been explained yet. Probably hyperhomocysteinemia affects the clinical course, metabolic control and possible complications of diabetes mainly by its influence on the development of macro- and microangiopathy.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed2005

[Serum adiponectin levels in patients with acromegaly].

UNLABELLED: Acromegaly is frequently associated with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Insulin resistance has been reported to be related to low levels of adiponectin, which is exclusively produced by adipose tissue, as well as to decreased concentration of sex hormone binding globuline (SHBG). Growth hormone (GH) excess is associated with increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass. Influence of GH on production and secretion of adiponectin is not completely understood. The aims of this study were to assess serum adiponectin levels in patients with active acromegaly and to compare them with concentrations in the control group and to investigate relationships between adiponectin and indexes: body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) as well as SHBG levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum adiponectin and SHBG levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with active acromegaly and in 22 sex-, age-, BMI- and WHR-matched controls. The groups were comparable in prevalence of hypertension and disturbances of glucose metabolism. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin concentrations were higher in acromegalic patients compared with control group (24.03 +/- 9.85 mg/ml vs. 14.46 +/- 3.96 mg/ml, p<0.001). When the subjects were fallen into two groups according to sex, significant differences were also observed. Serum SHBG levels were lower in cases compared with controls (25.36 +/- 22.89 nmol/l vs. 33.54 +/- 15.07 nmol/l, p=0.03). In the control group we found adiponectin positively correlated with SHBG concentrations (r=0.53, p=0.01) and negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.52, p=0.02) and WHR (r=-0.51, p=0.03). However, these relationships were not observed in patients with acromegaly. No significant associations were found between adiponectin and GH or IGF-I. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentration of adiponectin is significantly higher in patients with acromegaly when compared with the control group and is independent of BMI, WHR and SHBG. The results suggest that adiponectinemia does not directly affect development of insulin resistance in acromegaly.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2005

[Tear film profile in patients with active thyroid orbithopathy].

Dry eye symptoms and tear film profile were examined in 21 patients with Graves' disease complicated by active thyroid orbitopathy (OT). Dry eye symptoms and clinical tests: break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I, fluorescein and lissamine green staining in OT patients, were comparable with control group. Dry eye symptoms were present in 85% of OT patients compared with 30% in control group. BUT (5.84 +/- 3,31sec.) and Schirmer test (11.11 +/- 9,14mm) were significantly lower when compared with control group (11.4 +/- 3,75sec and 20.5 +/- 9,65mm). Lissamin green staining intensity score (3.61 +/- 1,74) as well as positive fluorescein staining in OT patients, were significantly higher when compared with control.

Dry Eye Syndromes↗
PubMed2005

[The role of the oxidative mechanisms in the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration].

Oxidative stress, are believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of age related diseases e.g. age related macular degeneration (AMD) and age related cataract. The is strong evidence suggesting that antioxidants can protect against development of this diseases, how ether experimental and clinical data have often been inconsistent. In this paper authors presents the review of the literature concerning on the connections between oxidative mechanisms and AMD and protective role of the antioxidative vitamin and other antioxidative factors supplementation in this disorder. This publication tries to estimate the anti-pericyte autoantibodies role in progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

[Quantitative assessment of mRNA TGF-beta1 in liver tissue in connection with serum mean daily level of TGF-1 in chronic hepatitis B patient].

Monitoring of fibrosis process with the use of histopathologic studies on liver's bioptates is limited, so it is attempted to find reliable, obtained with less invasive methods, sensitive and reflecting fibrosis dynamics markers of this process. The aim of the study was simultaneously to assess liver's expression as well as circadian and mean daily TGF-betal concentration in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis type B in comparison to control group. Studies were performed on 50 patients (9 women, 41 men) aged 45.9 +/- 2.3 years with chronic hepatitis type B. Control group consisted of 20 patients (mean age 38.6 +/- 3.7 years), in which so called minimal changes without fibrosis were observed in histophatologic bioptate of liver. Blood for studies was collected every 4 houres during the day. Serum concentration of TGF-betal was assessed with the use of ELISA method, and expression of mRNA TGF-betal in liver with QRT-PCR method. No significant difference between circadian as well as mean daily serum TGF-betal concentration beetwen control group and the group with chronic hepatitis type B was shown. Increased expression of mRNA, TGF-betal in bioptate of liver of patients with chronic hepatitis type B in comparison to control group was noted. In "minimal changes" control group presence of significant positive correlation between expression of mRNA TGF-beta1 in liver and concentration of this cytokine in serum was shown, in the group of patients with chronic hepatitis B this connection was not noted.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed2004

[Circadian rhythm of melatonin in patients with hypertension].

Few reports, especially experimental ones indicate cause-effect connection between melatonin (Mel) and blood pressure. The aim of the study was to assess connection between a daily profile of Mel concentration in saliva and 24-hour cycle of blood pressure in 22 patients with moderate hypertension (12 men, 10 women), 20 patients with severe hypertension (9 men, 11 women) and 25 healthy subjects with normal blood pressure (13 men, 12 women). The age of studied subjects oscillated between 37 and 46 years. Concentrations of Mel were assessed in saliva collected during the day with intervals of 3 hours with the use of RIA method. Blood pressure assessment was done at the same time. A significant decrease of mesor's value and amplitude of Mel rhythm without essential changes in acrophase's value were observed in men and women with severe hypertension. Mean concentrations of Mel in saliva were significantly decreased from 8 pm to 5 am. Significant, negative correlation between nighttime Mel concentrations in saliva and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was shown in patients with moderate and severe hypertension. Correlation coefficients values were in general higher in patients with severe hypertension. Results of our studies seem to confirm the conception that decreased Mel secretion can be one of the causes of hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[The apolipoprotein E polymorphism in age related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate association of apo E polymorphism with AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The included participants of this study were: 45 patients aged 60 to 71 (mean age 66.2 +/- 3.6), treated because of AMD. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and the subsequent analysis of apo E genotypes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In our study the allele frequencies in control group of patients weresimilar to the apo E allele distribution presented by other authors in Caucasian populations. We have not found significant differences between AMD and control group patients for apo (E) genotype or allele frequency. Compared with control group (epsilon4 -13.6%, epsilon2 -2.27%), the frequency of epsilon4 allele was not significantly decreased (11.11%) and epsilon2 allele frequency (7.77%) increased in AMD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our present study have not indicate a significant association between AMD development and apo E allele frequency, in our studied population of AMD patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Blood concentration of homocysteine, vitamin B (12), and folic acid in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown a relationship between elevated levels of Hcy and vascular disease including cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarctions. Elevated Hcy plasma is considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and trombosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients with diagnosed exudative form of AMD. We evaluated plasma homocysteine levels, by high performance liquid chromatography and red blood cell folic acid, plasma folic acid and plasma vitamin B12 concentration by radioassay method. RESULTS: The plasma concentration of Hcy in AMD patients had significantly increased when compared with control group. We found not significant decrease of the plasma vitamin B12, red blood cell folic acid and plasma folic acid concentration in AMD group, when compared with the control group.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Serum free testosterone in men with coronary artery atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The role of testosterone in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic changes has not been fully explained. The aim of our work was to determine whether levels of serum free testosterone differ between men with and without coronary artery disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: We examined the serum concentration of free testosterone by the radioimmunoassay method in two groups of subjects, carefully matched for body mass index and age: 105 men with angiographically diagnosed coronary artery disease, and 23 control subjects without any changes in coronary arteries. We also evaluated the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides by enzymatic methods. RESULTS: Men with coronary artery disease had significantly lower levels of free testosterone than did controls. The concentration of free testosterone diminished with age, and a negative correlation was found between free testosterone and body mass index. We did not discover any connection between the concentration of free testosterone and lipids. CONCLUSIONS: A low level of free testosterone may be related to the development of coronary artery disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Serum aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C].

Fibrosis is the process accompanying majority of chronic diseases of liver, independent of etiological factor and leading to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Monitoring fibrosis process by liver's biopsy is limited, so many attempts are undertaken to assess concentrations of definite proteins in blood, which could be easily accessible marker of intrahepatic process. It seems, that among others, determinations of blood concentration of aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen III--index of collagen's III synthesis and TGF-beta 1--cytokine of antiproliferative action and inhibiting hepatocytes' growth, yet inducing fibroblasts' growth and stimulating fibrosis process brings out such a possibility. The aim of the study was simultaneous determination of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP concentration in blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C before interferone's therapy in comparison to healthy controls, assessment of the parameters in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis and determination of correlation between TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP. Studies were performed in 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CAH B) and 35 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CAH C). Significantly increased serum concentrations of TGF-beta 1 as PIIINP in both groups of patients (CAH B and CAH C; grading 2-3, staging 1-2) in comparison with control group was noted. Significant positive correlation of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP serum concentrations in both groups of patients was observed. There was not significant changes in PIIINP serum levels in patients with hepatitis B and C in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis (staging 1 vs staging 2) but TGF-beta 1 serum levels was significantly increased in CAH B and C patients with higher stage of liver fibrosis process. On the base of obtained results, it seems that changes in TGF-beta 1 concentrations in blood reflect "grading" and "staging" and can be a marker of intensification of intrahepatic fibrosis process whereas PIIINP levels in blood have rather the relation with "grading".

Adult↗