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Biomedical subjects

J Szaflik

Publications and source records attributed to J Szaflik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Culture of the primary corneal epithelium as a potential component of test batteries for eye irritancy testing.

One of the main goals for toxicologists working on the development of in vitro tests is to replace the animal-based eye irritation test. Inflammation is one of the mechanisms which have not been covered sufficiently by the existing in vitro ocular irritancy test systems. As there are major species differences between the human and rabbit eye inflammation mechanisms, the most relevant test system is the human eye itself. The current study focused on an evaluation of the practical availability of human corneal epithelial cells for routine eye irritancy testing. Human corneal epithelium cell cultures were used to assess the effects of lipopolysaccharide on IL-1 beta release. The findings indicated that cytokine release can be augmented by the presence of the complement system, which is normally found in tears. However, the corneal cells were found to be highly resistant to the complement system, which can be attributed to the very high expression of CD59, a powerful complement regulatory protein found in the corneal epithelium. It is estimated that discarded corneas from tissue banks could provide enough material for routine testing by this method.

Animal Testing Alternatives↗
PubMed2005

In vitro angiomodulatory activity of sera from type 2 diabetic patients with background retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of adult vision loss and blindness. The most important contributors to the development of diabetic retinopathy are hyperglycemia and hypoxemia that lead to increased vasopermeability, endothelial cell proliferation, and pathological neovascularization. In our previous studies, close relationship between proangiogenic activity of sera from type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (DM2) with background retinopathy, assessed in the in vivo serum-induced mouse cutaneous test (SIA), and VEGF and IL-18 serum concentration were observed. Moreover, it was clearly shown that IGF-1 might play an important role in the negative regulation of neoangiogenesis induced by DM2 patients' sera by diminishing the VEGF stimulatory effect. To confirm the observed phenomenon we evaluated the effect of DM2 patients' sera on the in vitro proliferative activity of human endothelial cells, which is critical for the sprouting and generation of new blood capillaries. Endothelial proliferative activity was significantly higher in the presence of sera from DM2 patients than from healthy controls (P<0.001), as estimated by the MTT test. Moreover, the examined sera from DM2 patients were characterized by increased IL-18 (P<0.05), diminished IGF-1 (P<0.02), and unchanged VEGF levels compared with those in controls. In conclusion, the present study showed a strong stimulatory effect of DM2 patients' sera on the proliferation of endothelial cells, which, along with the findings of our previous studies, proves that the described phenomenon is universal and valid for both animal and human endothelium.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

The importance of various factors relating to the morphological quality of corneas used for PKP by the Warsaw Eye Bank from 1996 to 2002.

To examine the effect of various factors such as: donor's age, cause of death, time between death and preservation and duration of preservation on the morphological quality of corneas used for Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP). Our purpose was to assess the role of the above factors influencing the corneal overall rating and endothelial cell density. The present data regarding the donor's age and time between death and preservation of corneas obtained from eye banks belonging to the European Eye Bank Association and Polish eye banks were compared. Corneoscleral buttons and data concerning donors were obtained by eye bank technicians and collected in Warsaw Eye Bank in the years 1996-2002. The quality of the corneas recovered was evaluated by means of slit lamp Nikon NS-IV and specular microscope KONAN. Cardiorespiratory failure and cardiac arrest were the most frequent cause of the donors' death. In many cases donors with confirmed brain death who were given the corneas, were also donors of internal organs like heart, kidneys, pancreas and liver. The number of donors with disseminated neoplasm disease--complete disadvantage for removing corneas increased during the eye bank activity. The epithelial and endothelial layers sometimes underwent mechanical trauma in the group of donors because of sudden death. From 1996 to 2002 more than 50% of the donors were over 60 years of age. There were many problems with receiving corneas from younger donors. The overall rating tissues which were obtained in a very short time after death (to 5 hours) was higher (Excellent and Very Good) compared with corneas removed 8-12 hours after the donor's death. The increasing percentage of endothelial cell loss was observed in all the corneas after about 7 days of preservation in the medium. The mean endothelial cell density slightly decreased with donor's age, but its suggested range of the factors possibility of finding the corneas with high number of endothelial cell density both in younger and older donors. The average time from death to preservation was similar in eye banks preserving corneas at +4 degrees C (8-10 hours) compared with eye banks using mainly the organ culture method. The rating of the morphological state of corneas suitable for PKP depends on the time between death and preservation, donor's age, cause of death and time of preservation of corneas. Corneas obtained shortly after the donor's death showed a higher endothelial cell density and better overall rating than those removed after relatively longer period after the donor's death. An increasing percentage of endothelial cell loss was observed after 7 days of preservation independent of other factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[The attempt to identify mutations in TIGR gene in Polish patients with primary open angle glaucoma].

PURPOSE: The case work presents studies on the identification of the most frequent TIGR mutations in Polish population with primary open angle glaucoma. The TIGR gene was identified in a GLC1A locus on chromosome 1 (1q) in a family with juvenile primary open angle glaucoma. The gene encodes TIGR protein (trabecular meshwork inducible gluco-corticoid response protein)--trabecular meshwork glucoprotein. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ophthalmologic examination was performed in twenty subjects with juvenile primary open angle glaucoma. The blood samples were taken for DNA analyses. RESULTS: Neither any mutations nor polymorphic changes in TIGR gene were found. CONCLUSION: Our studies have not identified any mutations in exon 3 of TIGR gene. We cannot exclude, however, that mutations are localised in other exons or regulatory region of examined gene. The questions how many genes, how many mutations of these genes and how often they contribute to glaucoma in general population are still open? These are important questions to answer in order to get closer to understanding extremely complicated aetiology of glaucoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Genetic studies on primary open angle glaucoma].

Case work presents the newest studies on molecular genetics in primary open angle glaucoma. The molecular genetics in all types of glaucoma have been a subject of investigations for the last few years. As a result, two loci (GLC3A and GLC3B) have been identified for primary congenital glaucoma, one locus (GLC1A) for juvenile primary open angle glaucoma and further two loci (GLC1B and GLC1C) for adult-onset primary open angle glaucoma. The gene TIGR (trabecular meshwork inducible glucocorticoid response protein) localised in GLC1A was described last year for the first time, thereafter there were trials on mutations within this gene conducted successfully. In this review there are studies presenting the mapping of the first five GLC loci and identification of mutations.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[The history of correction of refractive errors: refractive surgery].

The evolution of particular methods of refractive surgery is presented including the origins of radial keratotomy, relaxing incisions, keartophakia, epiferatophakia and keratomileusis as well as recent adaptation of lasers for the surgical treatment of refractive error. Such famous persons as Barraquer, Sato, and Fidorov are discussed in particular. The history not only of great achievements but also of some of the false ideas which accompanied efforts to obtain the emmetropia is presented.

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed1999

[Corneal wound healing after penetrating keratoplasty with EGF application. Experimental studies].

PURPOSE: To check post penetrating keratoplasty (PK) corneal wound healing characteristics after epidermal growth factor (EGF) application and to compare it with controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PK was performed in the group of 72 young, healthy New Zealand rabbits (36 females and 36 males). Slit-lamp examination, tonometry and corneal topography by Tomey's corneal modeling system (TMS-1) were carried out before and after surgery. The PK was performed in both eyes. Half of animals were used as a bilateral donor for the other half, with a rule: right eye cornea to the right eye and left eye cornea to the left eye. As a result, after completed surgery 36 rabbits had bilateral grafts. The animals were divided into 3 equal groups (12 in each). Two drops of the human recombined EGF dissolved in the saline solution with concentration varied from 500 to 1500 ng in each drop were applied to the right eye according to schedule. The left eye was used as a control and did not receive EGF. Time of observation varied from 24 hours to 6 months. The tensinometry and the histopathologic study--light and electron microscopy were performed to determine corneal scarring. RESULTS: The wound healing pattern after PK was characteristic and constant in each group. The corneal wound healing significantly accelerated in the EGF treated group of rabbits compared with the controls (p < 0.05). In the group of rabbits receiving 1000 ng of hrEGF 3 times/day, after two weeks of application we noted increase of the wound strength up to 600 folds, comparing with controls. Well-organized scar was histologically seen on the 21st post-surgery day. The post-operative corneal astigmatism was less expressed in the eyes treated with EGF comparing to controls. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results of our experimental study indicated accelerated effect on the corneal wound healing after PK with topical, low dose hrEGF application. Clinical observation of utilization of similar low doses of the hrEGF after PK--is in progress.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Retinal changes accompanying acute pancreatitis].

Observed were 12 patients with acute pancreatitis claiming to suffer various kinds of visual disturbances. All the examined patients exhibited changes in the eye fundus localized mainly in the area of the posterior pole. As the general condition was improving the fundus changes slowly receded.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Late results of stomatologic and ophthalmologic treatment of injuries involving the central part of the face].

The authors present an analysis of the results of treatment of patients with injury of the central fragment of the face, who have been hospitalized in the 2nd Department of the Maxillofacial surgery in Silesian Academy of Medicine. In the period 1980-1987 there were 447 patients with an injury of the central fragment of the face. Among this group 60 (13.4 p.c.) patients showed disturbances of the visual system. The most frequent causes of the injury were: assault (61.5 p.c.), traffic accidents (20.1 p.c.), occupational injuries (8.8 p.c.). Deformation of the face was the most frequent pathology observed in the course of a control stomatological check-up (32.0 p.c.). The most important ocular pathology were the posttraumatic atrophy of the eye (3.3 p.c.) and optic atrophy. Palpebral scars (33 p.c.) and diplopia (7.6 p.c.) were the most frequent ocular signs.

Eye Diseases↗
PubMed1992

[Changes of the retinal pigmented layer in familial polyposis of the colon].

Ophthalmoscopic examinations were performed in 96 patients with polyps or another disturbances of the colon, among them 3 cases suffered a histopathologically confirmed familial polyposis of the colon. All 3 cases of the familial polyposis exhibited in the ophthalmological examination pathological changes of the retinal pigment epithelium of both eyes.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗
PubMed1990

[Free fatty acid levels in the blood serum and aqueous humor of patients with cataract].

The authors present the results of determination of the level of free fatty acids in the serum and aqueous in patients with a senile cataract (23 persons), with cataract and glaucoma (9 persons), complicated post-uveitis cataract (10 persons) and diabetic cataract (10 persons). The level of the free fatty acids in senile cataract was significantly lower in the aqueous in comparison with the serum. Their content in senile cataract was significantly lower in comparison with cataract and glaucoma and with complicated cataract.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[A method of implantation of intraocular intracapsular disc-shaped lenses].

Presented are the surgical techniques used in implantation of intraocular intracapsular disc-shaped lenses. Particular stages of the operation are photographically documented. The authors present the most frequently encountered complications which appeared in their material and they point out their causes.

Aphakia, Postcataract↗
PubMed1990

[Extracapsular extraction of hard cataract with simultaneous implantation of intraocular lens and anti-glaucoma operation].

The authors present 7 cases of extracapsular hard cataract extraction with implantation of posterior chamber lens or an intracapsular disc-shaped lens. Because of existing indications they performed simultaneously an anti-glaucoma operation. In all the cases the postoperative IOP persisted in normal limits without any necessity of application of a pharmacological treatment.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Comparison of the effectiveness of bupivacaine with xylocaine and xylocaine alone used for akinesia and retrobulbar anesthesia in cataract surgery].

The paper presents a comparison of the efficacy of Bupivacaine with Xylocaine and Xylocaine alone used for retrobulbar injection and akinesia in cataract surgery. Two groups comprising 50 patients each were subjected to evaluation. The results obtained encourage to put into practice the mixture of Bupivacaine with Xylocaine for local anaesthesia in cataract operations.

Anesthesia, Local↗