Biomedical subjects

Jerzy Jarzab

Publications and source records attributed to Jerzy Jarzab.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Cachexia in chronic pulmonary obstructive disease].

Weight loss is a characteristic feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a negative, independent predictor of outcome. It is a consequence of a misbalance between protein synthesis and breakdown resulting from increased energy requirement unbalanced by dietary intake. A depletion of fat-free mass is seen, especially in muscles (up to 60% of their mass) and leads to the loss of their power and endurance. The impairment of quality of life is very distinct. So far, there is no systemic treatment in cachectic patients with COPD, anti-catabolic treatment by polyunsaturated fatty acid may be of significance but needs further investigation.

Cachexia↗

PubMed2005

[Pyoderma gangrenosum after a pacemaker implantation--case report].

We are presenting a 71-years old male patient with chronic skin lesions that appeared at multiple site of pacemaker implantations in the upper thorax. In spite of many treatment trials, no significant improvements were accomplished. Expanded dermatological tests including serial histopathological examinations were necessarily performed. Based on test results and clinical presentations, the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was made. Immediate steroid therapy allowed dramatic improvement of the chronic inflammatory condition. The patient is still undergoing a close dermatological and cardiological follow-up. Replacement of the pacemaker into the abdomen is currently being considered.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

[Pathomechanism of cachexia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Weight loss is a characteristic for advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its mechanism remains unexplained. The decrease of lean body mass is due to a negative energy balance with a noncatabolic hypermetabolic state. Pulmonary inflammation or tissue hypoxia might contribute to it, the decrease in protein content is accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen forms. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has been implicated, other candidates are cytokines IL-1B and IL-6. Activation of apoptosis may be noticed. Pulmonary inflammation and changes in serum leptin may be interrelated. Other hormonal disturbances involve serum IGF-1 level decrease, increase of insulin resistance, raised catecholamine and cortisol levels and other mechanisms which need further investigations. Up to now the attempts undertaken to counteract the observed hormonal changes failed to success.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2005

[Asthma in the elderly--estimation of natural disease course].

UNLABELLED: Bronchial asthma in the elderly is the significant medical problem because it is often underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated. The aim of the study was the assessment of natural course of bronchial asthma and its diagnostic procedures and treatment in patients after 65 yrs. The study group consisted of 181 patients suffering from asthma, at mean age 69 +/- 2.1 yrs. Apart from retrospective analysis, spirometry, skin tests and serum IgE concentration were performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of asthma was 23 +/- 7.2 yrs and in most cases time of proper diagnosis was prolonged. 49% of elderly patients bad a positive history to atopy. In spirometry the mean value of FEV1 was 2.78 +/- 1.3 l/s. House dust mites were the most common allergen confirmed by skin prick tests and specific serum IgE level. CONCLUSION: The observations proved underdiagnosis and insufficient treatment of asthma in the elderly. Positive skin test and specific IgE observed in a large group of elderly objects can indicate atopic mechanism in these cases.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

[Allergen specific-IgG4 in circulating immune complexes in patients with inhalant allergy undergoing specific immunotherapy].

The mechanism of action of specific immunotherapy (SIT) is still not definitely clear. The problem of the presence of allergen specific-IgG4 in circulating immune complexes (CIC) of patients with inhalant allergy is being discussed. The aim of the study was to determine the allergen specific-IgG4 serum levels and concentration in CIC in patients with inhalant allergy who underwent specific immunotherapy with relevance to its clinical benefits. The trial was carried out on 57 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and 55 with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Each of them underwent 3-year specific immunotherapy with Allergovit (Nexter-Allergopharma) or Novo Helisen Depot (Nexter-Allergopharma). 56 patients with pharmacologically treated allergic rhinitis served as a control group. Serum levels of allergen specific-IgG4 (as-IgG4), IgE, as-IgE and as-IgG4 concentration in CIC were measured in each patient and correlated with the clinical score of the disease activity. Nonparametric tests (the U Mann-Whitney test, Kruskall-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation rang test) were used. Serum levels of as-IgG4 and bound in CIC were statistically higher in the SIT group than in the control group and differed significantly between SAR and PAR groups. Immunotherapy caused significantly higher concentrations of as-IgG4 in CIC in PAR group than in SAR patients. No significant associations were found between studied immunological indices and clinical effects of SIT. Specific immunotherapy of allergic rhinitis is connected with the increase of as-IgG4 serum level and its concentration in circulating immune complexes.

Adult↗