Biomedical subjects

Halina Bartosik-Psujek

Publications and source records attributed to Halina Bartosik-Psujek.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

The interleukin-10 levels as a potential indicator of positive response to interferon beta treatment of multiple sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: Only a part of MS patients treated with interferon beta (IFN) respond positively to the applied treatment and to date no parameter predicting the response to treatment has been found. The aim of the study was to determine whether the levels of interleukin-10 and -12 (IL-10 and IL-12) might be the parameters enabling us to distinguish those patients who would best respond to therapy before the IFN treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 29 patients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS treated with IFN beta. In all of them the levels of IL-10 and IL-12 in blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid were determined before treatment using ELISA method. After the 2-year therapy the patients responding and nonresponding to IFN therapy were distinguished on the basis of clinical parameters. RESULTS: In the patients responding positively to IFN treatment the level of IL-10 in blood serum before treatment was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) and distinctively differentiated responders from nonresponders. The IL-12 levels were similar both in cerebrospinal fluid and serum and no significant differences between responders and nonresponders were found. CONCLUSION: Our observations suggest that IL-10 level may be a useful parameter to identify the patients potentially responding to IFN therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Steroid therapy altered serum levels of CCL2 and CCL5 chemokines in multiple sclerosis patients during relapse.

Chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of steroid therapy on the levels of CCL2 and CCL5 chemokines. The study encompassed 30 patients with clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were treated with methylprednisolone due to the relapse of the disease. The control groups consisted of 20 patients during the stable stage of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and of 15 patients with noninflammatory diseases of the nervous system. Both chemokines were markedly expresssed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. During relapse, the levels of both chemokines differed significantly from the levels measured in both control groups. After the methylprednisolone treatment, the chemokine levels changed significantly: the levels of CCL2 increased, whilst the levels of CCL5 decreased. These alterations did not correlate with the clinical state of the patients or with the therapeutic effect of the treatment and indicated that the inflammatory reaction accompanying the relapse was receding.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Tau protein and 14-3-3 are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis and correlate with intrathecal synthesis of IgG.

Recently it has been shown that axonal damage occurs in all stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be detected very early in the course of the disease. Axonal pathology has been related to the inflammatory demyelinating environment, but its dependence on inflammation is still unknown. We measured tau protein and 14-3-3, two intracellular proteins expressed in neurons and glial cells, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 114 patients with MS, in 79 patients with other inflammatory neurological diseases (IND) and in the CSF of 60 patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NIND) as controls. Concentrations of tau protein and 14-3-3 were measured by enzymelinked immunoassay and were correlated to the following immune parameters in the CSF: leukocyte cell count, total protein, albumin CSF/serum ratio as a marker of disruption of the blood-brain barrier, immunoglobulin (IgG concentrations and IgG index as an indicator for intrathecal synthesis of IgG in the CSF). Both in MS and IND tau protein levels were significantly higher than in NIND (p<0.05). In MS patients levels of tau protein were positively correlated with the IgG index (p<0.05) and this association was present in both relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) (p<0.05) and progressive MS (p<0.05). Tau and 14-3-3 were also correlated with the IgG index in patients with IND (p<0.05). These findings strengthen the hypothesis that inflammation may be at least in part responsible for the axonal damage observed in MS patients.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

PubMed2004

[The formation and significance of antibodies to interferon beta during immunomodulating treatment of multiple sclerosis].

Patients with multiple sclerosis receiving interferon beta (IFN) may develop neutralizing anti-interferon beta antibodies (NABs). The importance of NABs has not been completely explained, however it is generally reckoned that they might be one of the factors diminishing treatment efficacy. This paper presents the consequences of NABs formation during IFN therapy. Differences of immunogenicity between the interferon beta products with regard to their structure, formulation, dose, route of administration were presented and the influence of NABs on the biological and clinical activity of IFN beta therapy was shown.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2004

[Development of binding antibodies to interferon-beta during treatment of multiple sclerosis with different types of interferon-beta].

Interferon beta (IFN-beta) is generally considered an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Importance of binding antibodies (BAb), which are created during the treatment of MS by the use of IFN-beta, hasn't been completely explained, however it is generally reckoned that they might be one of the factors diminishing treatment efficacy. The aim of the study was the appreciation of BAb occurrence during the treatment of MS by the use of different types of interferon beta and their impact on clinical efficacy. The study included 47 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Within 24 months 37 patients were given two different preparations of IFN-beta 1-a and 10 patients were given IFN-beta 1-b. Every 6 months clinical parameters and BAb level in serum by EIA method were estimated. All preparations of IFN-beta induced appearance of BAb, but frequency of developing BAb to IFN-beta varied according to the IFN beta given. The high levels of BAb appeared significant frequently in patients treated with IFN-beta 1-b than in patients treated with both preparations of IFN-beta 1-a. After 2 years of treatment greater disability, measured by EDSS scale was encountered in patients with high levels of BAb but differences weren't statistically significant. As well, it wasn't stated significant correlation between exacerbation numbers during the treatment.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2004

Rare first symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The most frequent first symptoms of multiple sclerosis are the following: sensory symptoms, optic neuritis, motor and cerebellar syndromes. Three female patients have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on the basis of Poser's criteria. The onset of the disease was manifested in these cases with non-typical and rare symptoms. Patient 1, a woman, aged 24. The first symptom of the disease was an isolated lesion of nerve VI on the right side. Patient 2, a women, aged 30. The first symptom of the disease was acute pain localised within the area of the lumbar-sacral spine. Patient 3, a woman, aged 43. The first symptom of the disease was loss of taste and smell.

Abducens Nerve Diseases↗

PubMed2004

Oligoclonal bands measured in unconcentrated cerebrospinal fluid and other biochemical parameters in multiple sclerosis.

Various biochemical parameters of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from sixty-nine patients with RRMS (relapse-remitting MS) were compared in this study. Total protein level, white blood cells (WBC) count and presence of oligoclonal bands (OB) in CSF were examined. The presence of OB in unconcentrated CSF using an isoelectrofocusing assay on agarose gels and silver staining were measured in 72 percent of patients. The average CSF total protein level measured by Lowry assay was 269 mg/l (range from 61 to 712 mg/l). The mean level of white blood cells (WBC) was higher than in general population and it was 12 cells/microl. We found an increased level of WBC count among patients with the presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Acute phase proteins in patients with cerebral infarction with or without a coexisting infectious disease].

The aim of the work was evaluation of influence of infectious process before and in first few days of cerebral infarction on concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP). We evaluated also dynamics of changes of APP and correlation between infection and clinical status and size of ischemia. We examined 47 sick: 30 without infections and 17 with infectious process. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen in serum were estimated on 1, 3 and 7 day of infarction. Fisher's scale was used to evaluate patients' clinical status. Comparing to patients without infection, in patients with infection, concentrations of CRP and fibrinogen were higher in all days of investigation but dynamic of changes was different. The highest concentrations of APP in patients without infection were observed on 3 day of infarction (CRP 3.55 +/- 6.76 mg/dl, fibrinogen 425.7 +/- 117.9 mg/dl). In group with infection APP gradually increased and was highest on 7 day (CRP 7.91 +/- 9.28 mg/dl, fibrinogen 422 +/- 119.5 mg/dl). Clinical status of patients with infection compare to patients without infection was heavier and the ischemic focus was larger. Infectious process coexisting witch infectious process influences on deterioration of clinical status and intensifies neurological disorders.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

[The assessment of development of binding antibodies to interferon beta during interferon beta 1a treatment of multiple sclerosis].

The importance of binding antibodies (BAb) that develop during the treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta has not been fully explained yet. However, they are generally regarded as one of factors that may diminish treatment efficacy. The aim of the study was to evaluate firstly, BAb occurrence in interferon beta 1-a (IFN beta 1-a)-treated MS patients and secondly, BAb impact on clinical efficacy of this medication. In the 36-month study participants were 21 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, RR-MS, (14 women, 7 men, aged 29.6 +/- 8.5). All the patients were receiving intramuscular IFN beta-1a (Avonex) for 24 months, in the dose of 30 micrograms per week. Clinical parameters and serum BAb levels (the EIA method) were estimated every 3 months. Two control groups, examined only once, included 20 RR-MS patients without IFN-beta therapy and 20 healthy volunteers. While before treatment a high BAb level was found in 2 patients (9.5%), at 6 months of treatment it was found in 8 patients (38.1%). A similar number of patients with high BAb levels was seen throughout the study during the IFN-beta treatment. On therapy completion serum BAb levels decreased very rapidly. After 2 years of treatment, disability as measured by the EDSS scale was more pronounced in patients with serum BAb, but the differences were statistically not significant. No statistically significant relationship was found either between elevated BAb levels and the number of relapses during the IFN-beta treatment (including relapses that required steroid therapy).

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2002

Decreased level of kynurenic acid in cerebrospinal fluid of relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis patients.

The present study was undertaken to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA) in patients with relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) during remission or not progressing for at least 2 months. In these patients the levels of CSF KYNA were found to be significantly lower compared with subjects with non-inflammatory neurological diseases, as well as those with inflammatory disease (median (interquartile range): 0.41 (0.3-0.5) pmol/ml, n=26 vs. 0.67 (0.5-1.1), n=23, P<0.01 and 1.7 (1.5-2.6), n=16, P<0.001, respectively). These results provide further evidence of the alterations in the kynurenine pathway during remitting-onset MS.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Neurologic problems in tick-borne diseases--clinical and diagnostic aspects].

Tick carried illnesses frequently lead towards neurological complications. The tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis are the most frequently encountered illnesses having such aetiopathogenesis. In the study there are presented clinical aspects of tick-borne encephalitis and borreliosis with special consideration of various neurological symptomatology. Simultaneously there are discussed current diagnostic rules of the diseases, mainly on the basis of serologic investigation.

Borrelia burgdorferi↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Axonal damage in multiple sclerosis].

Traditionally, it was believed in MS, that axonal loss occurred in chronic lesions. However, new findings suggest that axonal transection can begin very early in the course of multiple sclerosis and axonal damage was found in active and chronic active MS lesions, particularly in areas of acute inflammation and demyelination. The mechanisms of axonal loss are uncertain, but may involve axonal degeneration secondary to demyelination, the action of inflammatory mediators and immune attack directed at axonal components. Axonal destruction and it's progression, is the major cause of irreversible damage in the CNS and the increase of disability in MS patients. Currently, new diagnostic methods (MRI, MR spectroscopy, magnetic transfer, histopathological and biochemical study) allow better to know the mechanisms of neuronal damage.

Axons↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Role of matrix metalloproteinases in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis].

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease whose features include a massive lymphocyte recruitment into the central nervous system and segmental demyelinization of the white matter. One of the MS development factors is an increase of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity with a coincidental decrease of tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) activity. Investigations of serum, cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of patients showed an increase of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9 and MMP-12 activity. MMPs disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), increase lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system and are involved in degradation of myelin proteins. MMPs induce the appearance of an active form of tumor necrosis factor alpha, a strong proinflammatory cytokine. The drugs used in MS treatment decrease MMPs expression. Multiple actions of MMPs prove their involvement in the pathogenesis and treatment of MS.

Blood-Brain Barrier↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Change of interleukin-4 and interleukin-12 levels after therapy of multiple sclerosis relapse with methylprednisolone].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the pathomechanism of multiple sclerosis (MS), a vital role is attributed to autoimmune responses. Higher activity of the disease is connected with an increased activity of proinflammatory cytokines while in remissions anti-inflammatory cytokines dominate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of methylprednisolone treatment on the level of IL-4 and IL-12 and to determine whether their levels are related to the degree of disability and may be prognostic factors in the assessment of relapse sequelae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 32 patients with MS (according to McDonald's criteria) with relapses and remissions (17 patients with relapse who received methylprednisolone in the dose of 1.0 g i. v. on 5 consecutive days and 15 patients in remission). The control group consisted of 15 patients with non-inflammatory diseases of the nervous system. The levels of cytokines were determined by ELISA method using the Pharmingen kits. The examinations of patients in relapse were conducted before and after steroid therapy; the remaining patients were examined only once. RESULTS: In the relapse a visible increase in serum IL-12 level (p<0.05) was observed; its level after methylprednisolone treatment was found to be significantly decreased (p<0.001). The level of IL-4 was not significantly affected by steroid therapy. There was no relation between the severity of disability and cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS: The level of IL-12 increases in MS relapses and decreases after methylprednisolone therapy. The changes in IL-4 and IL-12 levels are the manifestations of inflammatory reactions connected with the relapse; however, they do not directly indicate the extent of damage to CNS. They cannot be treated as a prognostic factor allowing to anticipate the consequences of the relapse.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Multiple sclerosis--difficult answers to easy questions].

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system leading to irreversible disability. The illness affects young, professionally and socially active adults. Patients ask their neurologists many questions concerning prognosis and their future lifestyle. The paper discusses factors enabling us to predict the course of the disease based on clinical data and findings of additional examinations. The authors present the effects of external factors such as temperature, stress, infections and preventive vaccination on relapse as well as their importance for long-term progression of the disease. Moreover, the current results of examinations evaluating the influence of pregnancy and delivery on the risk of relapse and deterioration of disability in the immediate and remote postpartum period and the importance of diet and rehabilitation are presented.

Activities of Daily Living↗