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Biomedical subjects

D Dekaris

Publications and source records attributed to D Dekaris.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Role of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) phenotype changes in the pathogenesis of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Hantaviruses cause an important human illness, HFRS. Blood samples from 22 HFRS-positive, six seronegative patients and 15 healthy controls were examined in 1995, during the largest HFRS epidemic in Croatia. Results of double- and triple-colour immunofluorescence analysis showed an increased percentage of cytotoxic T cells (CD3+CD8+) in seropositive patients compared with seronegatives and healthy controls. The majority of seropositive HFRS patients expressed activation and memory antigens on T and B lymphocytes. The percentage of CD23+ and CD21+ B lymphocytes was lower in seropositive patients. HFRS patients had elevated levels of sCD23 and five had elevated total IgE. The increased expression of both early and late T cell activation antigens, e.g. CD25, CD71 and HLA-DR, memory cells and sCD23 positively correlated with biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, urea, alpha2-globulin) during the acute phase of HFRS. The phenotypic changes observed, especially early and late T cell activation markers, as well as memory cells, could be useful parameters in the evaluation of HFRS course, and prognostic factors of HFRS severity. Additional attention should be paid to liver involvement in the pathogenesis of HFRS.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Expression of CD23 antigen and its ligands in children with intrinsic and extrinsic asthma.

The role of the low-affinity IgE receptor CD23 in immune reactions has been further emphasized by recent discoveries of novel surface ligands for CD23: CD21, CD11b, and CD11c. We previously observed the difference between the expression of CD23 and CD21 antigens in children suffering from extrinsic asthma when compared to healthy controls. In the present study, we investigated the expression of CD23 and its ligand CD21 on CD20 B cells in 44 asthmatic children (23 allergic and 21 nonallergic) using three-color immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, the expression of two other ligands for CD23, CD11b, and CD11c, on T cells (CD3+), a subpopulation of T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), natural killer cells (CD56+), and monocytes (CD14+) was tested by two-color immunofluorescence analysis in 12 allergic and 14 nonallergic children. We found that children with extrinsic asthma had higher levels of CD23+ B cells than those with intrinsic asthma. No difference was observed in the percentage of either CD23+CD21+ or CD23-CD21+ B cells. The CD11b antigen was expressed on each tested population, but only on CD4+ T cells was CD11b significantly increased in children with extrinsic asthma. CD11c was expressed mainly on monocytes, and no difference was observed between tested groups. The increased percentage of CD11b antigen on CD4+ T cells and the increased percentage of CD23 antigen on B cells in children with extrinsic asthma provide further evidence of the immunologic differences between intrinsic and extrinsic asthma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Decrease in CD23+ B lymphocytes and clinical outcome in asthmatic patients receiving specific rush immunotherapy.

Rush immunotherapy (RIT) has been documented as useful in the treatment of patients with allergic bronchial asthma. To investigate the mechanisms of its action, we studied changes in the serum levels of total IgE, allergen-specific IgE and IgG4, and expression of CD23 on peripheral blood B cells in patients receiving RIT. Twenty patients with perennial bronchial asthma were evaluated before the beginning of RIT, as well as 6 weeks and 6 months later. Compared to pretreatment values, the level of Der-p-specific IgG4 and IgE significantly increased after 6 weeks and 6 months of RIT, while the total serum IgE remained unchanged. Furthermore, after 6 months of RIT, the percentage of CD23+B cells and its CD23 receptor density significantly decreased. Since the symptom score improved and the need for medication decreased, we evaluated RIT as a useful procedure. After 6 months, 30% of patients did not have an asthma attack, with no medication in the last month, while 10% of them were asthma free for the last 3 months. No significant correlation between the clinical improvement, and in vitro changes was found. Furthermore, the observed in vitro changes were not significantly different in patients who responded with clinical improvement, compared to those with unchanged intensity of asthma. In conclusion, during specific RIT we found a significant increase in Der-p-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies, as well as a moderate decrease in CD23+ B cells and its CD23 receptor density. These findings suggest a change in the lymphokine profile of patients receiving specific immunotherapy, and that the inhibition of IL-4-induced B cell stimulation may be hypothesized as the most important mechanism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Papers published by members of the Croatian Academy of Medical Sciences, registered in international bibliographic data bases in the period 1986-1990.

Scientific productivity of the CAMS members was analyzed according to the number of papers published in periodicals covered by international Medline and Science Citation Index data bases from 1986 to 1990. Results showed the mean scientific productivity per CAMS member, and the relationship between scientific productivity and age, field of medicine or respective biomedical discipline. The pattern of scientific productivity was also found to change, when analyzed according to Medline or SCI data bases in separate.

Bibliometrics↗
PubMed1993

Multiple changes of immunologic parameters in prisoners of war. Assessments after release from a camp in Manjaca, Bosnia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess immune reactivity in men just released from a war prisoner camp. PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of 29 men from a group of 764 liberated detainees in war prisoner camp in Bosnia, 15 matched healthy control subjects, and pre-war historical control subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Report on immune reactivity parameters, such as lymphocyte immunophenotypes, natural killer cell and phagocyte function, serum cytokines, and hormones. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, detainees had significantly lowered red blood cell count, hemoglobin mass concentration, hematocrit, total serum proteins, and albumin level, while the percentage and count of monocytes and non-segmented neutrophils were increased. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in percentage of activated lymphocytes, activated T lymphocytes, Tc/s lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and total HLA-DR lymphocytes. The absolute counts of activated lymphocytes and activated T lymphocytes were also significantly increased. The percentages of naive Th/i lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4:CD8 lymphocytes were decreased. The in vitro natural killer cell cytotoxic activity and phagocytic functions of ingestion and digestion were significantly depressed. Serum interferon, serum cortisol, and prolactin were also significantly lowered. Serum tumor necrosis factor was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the main parameters of the immune system and depression of important immune effector functions may have resulted from the psychological stress, physical deprivation, and malnutrition experienced by these war camp prisoners during their detainment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Characterization and partial purification of the Croatian national standard Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extract.

Lyophilized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) allergen extract (AE) and partially purified Der p extract (PAE) were prepared and characterized. Partial purification of AE was performed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and Sephacryl S-300. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) disclosed the same precipitating lines in AE and PAE preparations. The relative potencies of AE and PAE were determined and compared with the WHO International Standard for Der p by the RAST inhibition method. The potencies were 6.5 x 10(5) IU and 1.5 x 10(6) IU, respectively. Biologic standardization by quantitative skin testing was performed with AE (20 selected patients) and PAE (12 patients). Median Ch was calculated by linear regression analysis (log-log model). One ampoule of AE contained 65,300 BU and 1 ml (vial) of PAE contained 166,000 BU. Der p AE could serve as a croatian national standard for further production of Der p allergenic extracts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Expression of lymphocytes Fc epsilon RII/CD23 in allergic children undergoing hyposensitization.

Owing to the proposed role of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 in allergic diseases, we analyzed the expression of this receptor on peripheral blood lymphocytes (pan-B, pan-T and CD4+ or CD8+ T cells) and its autoproteolytic product sCD23 in serum. This was done in 10 asthmatic children allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) before and 6 weeks after hyposensitization. FACS analysis of double, direct immunofluorescence staining of the whole blood revealed an elevated percentage of Fc epsilon RII/CD23+ lymphocytes in allergic children (10.29 +/- 5.0), a significantly higher percentage than in nonallergic children (5.7 +/- 2.4, p < 0.05). The majority of Fc epsilon RII/CD23+ were on B cells. A significant positive correlation between the percentages of CD23+ lymphocytes and serum IgE levels was found (Spearman rank = 0.63, p < 0.05). The percentage of CD20+CD23+ lymphocytes significantly decreased after 6 weeks of hyposensitization (6.2 +/- 3.6, p < 0.05), while the percentage of CD20+ lymphocytes remained unchanged. Similarly, hyposensitization was followed by a reduction of total serum IgE levels, but Dpt-specific IgG4 and IgE remained unchanged.

Allergens↗
PubMed1992

Influence of circadian light-dark alternations on macrophages and lymphocytes of CBA mouse.

The influence of circadian 12 h light-12 h dark alternations on CBA mouse macrophages and lymphocytes was determined using tests for macrophage spreading and ingestion ability or flow cytometry immunophenotyping of blood, lymph node, and spleen lymphocytes. The animals were tested every 4 h around the clock. Collected macrophages were incubated in vitro for 3 or 18 h. Monoclonal antibodies permitted detection of T-lymphocytes, suppressor-cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper-inducer T-lymphocytes, or B-lymphocytes. Two types of analyses were performed: First, the difference between the same intervals of the 12 h light or dark period was determined. The macrophage ingestion was significantly lower at the beginning and higher at the end of the dark period. We have also found a significant increase in blood T-lymphocytes of helper-inducer T-lymphocyte percentages and of the T helper-inducer: T suppressor-cytotoxic ratio during the dark period. Second, the ultradian variation during the 12 h light or dark period was determined. The variability was significant both for macrophage spreading and ingestion. Multiple significant variations of lymph node, spleen, or blood lymphocyte percentages were also observed. All of these data indicate that daily alteration of the lighting regimen significantly influences mouse peritoneal macrophage functions and various lymphocyte subsets.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Immunological reactivity in psoriatic arthritis.

Immunologic reactivity of patients with psoriatic arthritis and the influence of the activity of psoriatic arthritis on immunologic reactivity were analysed. The group of psoriatic arthritis patients, aged 17 to 65 years, consisted of 36 males and 13 females with confirmed diagnosis. 51 age and sex-matched volunteers served as the control group (32 males and 19 females aged 21 to 62 years). The following parameters of immunologic reactivity were analysed: number of leucocytes, percentage of the lymphocytes in peripheral blood, number and percentage of T lymphocytes with positive CD3, CD4 and CD8, number and percentage of B lymphocytes, number and percentage of B lymphocytes with surface IgG, IgA and IgM, number and percentage of large granular lymphocytes (LGL), lymphocytic transformation by phytohaemagglutinin and phagocytic index. The authors found statistically significant reduction of the number and percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes, number and percentage of B lymphocytes with surface IgG as well as significantly decreased lymphocyte transformation and phagocytic activity of peripheral granulocytes in patients with psoriatic arthritis in comparison to control group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Function of granulocytes in B-chronic lymphatic leukaemia.

To study the function of granulocytes in patients with B-cell chronic lymphatic leukaemia (B-CLL), granulocytes were separated from peripheral blood of 48 patients (mean age: 69 years) and 35 apparently healthy age-matched volunteers. Spontaneous mobility, ingestion, digestion and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of granulocytes were assessed. Decreased spontaneous mobility was found in granulocytes from patients with B-CLL but between the two groups no detectable differences were encountered in the other parameters tested. No alterations of granulocytes functions were found to be correlated with clinical stages of B-CLL. If granulocytes functions were compared in treated (chlorambucil, steroids) and untreated patients, a significant decrease in digestion was found in treated patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Polymorphonuclear leucocyte and natural killer cell functions in mature and premature newborns.

In this study the phagocytic and natural killer cell (NK) functions in 17 premature and 30 mature newborns are compared. The ability of polymorphonuclear phagocytes (PMNs) to ingest, digest and lyse (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, ADCC) opsonized sheep red blood cells and NK activity were tested. Examinations were performed in cord and venous blood within 6 h or 3-4 days after delivery. Results of examinations were compared with normal values for the group of healthy 4- to 15-year-old children. To assess the influence of the newborn's maturity and age on the tested PMNs and NK functions, the following comparisons were made. (1) Cord vs. peripheral venous blood: only ADCC was higher in peripheral than in cord blood. (2) Mature newborn cells obtained either 6 h or 3-4 days after delivery: ingestion and ADCC were lower and NK activity was higher 3-4 days after delivery. (3) Premature vs. mature newborn cells tested 3-4 days after delivery: ingestion and ADCC were higher while NK activity was lower in premature newborns. (4) Premature newborns tested at 3-4 days vs. mature newborns tested within 6 h after birth: ingestion was lower in the prematures while digestion, ADCC and NK activity were similar. (5) Cells from all newborns tested vs. those of healthy older children: results depend on the interval after birth when newborns were tested. Thus, within the first 6 h after delivery, mature newborns had higher ingestion and ADCC capacity but lower digestion and NK activity. Later, 3-4 days after birth, ingestion, ADCC and NK activity were lower in mature newborns. In the prematures at that interval NK activity was lower. (6) There was a positive correlation between gestational age and NK activity of newborns.

Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity↗
PubMed1988

Age-related changes in functions of peripheral blood phagocytes.

Ingestion, digestion and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of opsonized sheep red blood cells (SRBC), as effector functions of peripheral blood phagocytes, were studied in newborns, children, mature and aged adults. All tested functions changed non-synchronously during the lifetime. The ingestion was maximal in newborns, digestion in children and ADCC in mature adults. The ingestion was minimal in aged, but digestion was minimal both in newborns and aged. Such changes of phagocytes' functions could possibly contribute to differences in immune reactions of the age-groups studied. The study indicates the need for establishing age-adjusted normal values for major granulocyte and monocyte effector functions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Decreased phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in type-1 diabetes.

Leucocyte-mediated phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) were tested in 48 children with type-1 diabetes and in 22 healthy children. Both phagocytosis and ADCC for opsonized 51Cr-erythrocytes significantly decreased in the diabetics. Phagocytosis decreased in well and in poorly balanced diabetics, but the latter, having type-1 diabetes for less than 5 years, exhibited a lower phagocytic capacity than the patients with a longer duration of disease. The decrease of ADCC in poorly balanced patients was greater than in the well balanced ones as compared to the controls. The duration of diabetes was without influence on their leucocytes' ADCC.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Leucocyte migration inhibition test and tuberculin hypersensitivity. "Escape" and some other factors influencing the clinical use.

Tuberculin hypersensitivity was evaluated in 71 Mantoux-positive and 58 Mantoux-negative persons by the leucocyte migration inhibition test. The capillary tube technique discriminated these two groups, but variability of results and overlapping of the groups were considerable. The shorter the incubation period, the better discrimination between the groups. Only after short incubation (2 h) was the correlation between the intensities of Mantoux reactions and migration inhibitions evident. The observed variability in migration areas, similar in the Mantoux-positives and controls, was the result of technical causes and variations in cells' ability to migrate. Further, in Mantoux-positive persons the migration progression (per min) increased during the first 2 h, but slowed down later on, more in controls than in chambers with antigen. Smaller migration areas in controls (early intervals) tended to produce lower migration indices than the larger ones. Finally, it was possible, using the standard score zeta, to calculate whether each individual result differed significantly from controls. By this procedure the intensity of cell-mediated immunity in individual patients could be estimated.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Particularity of local immunity in the nasopharynx. Parallel study of surface receptors and cell-mediated immune responses in cells derived from palatine or pharyngeal tonsils and blood.

Immunological functions of the pharyngeal tonsil, palatine tonsils and blood leucocytes of children undergoing tonsillectomy were evaluated by determining T or B lymphocytes, the response to mitogens, and the cell-mediated immunological responses to tuberculin. In all the test systems used similar results were obtained with cells derived from either the palatine or pharyngeal tonsils. The mean percentage of T lymphocytes was significantly higher in the peripheral blood than in tonsils, but the reverse was true of B lymphocytes. The reaction to PHA was lower in tonsillar cell culture than in blood cell culture, but tonsillar cells reacted better to Con A than blood cells. In lymphocyte transformation tests tonsillar cells reacted to specific antigen (tuberculin) and this reaction was significantly higher than that of the parallelly tested blood lymphocytes. Further, in about 50% of the children tested, tuberculin caused migration inhibition of the mixture containing tonsillar cells and guinea pig peritoneal cells. Surprisingly, nearly identical results were obtained if migration inhibition test was performed with tonsillar cells alone. Consequently, poorly migrating tonsillar cells are nevertheless usable for direct migration inhibition testing.

Antigens, Surface↗