Biomedical subjects

K Zeman

Publications and source records attributed to K Zeman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

[Impact of chronic psychophysical stress on some neutrophil functions].

It is known, that psychophysical stress causes some changes in distribution and activity of many components of the immune system. The research was aimed at examination the influence of different military service conditions on some neutrophil functions. In this study granulocyte chemiluminescence both without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan was evaluated. In addition, the expression of surface adhesion molecules--CD11b on circulating granulocytes was examined. The studied group consisted of 20 soldiers from an assault unit (group A) and 20 soldiers from a support unit (group B), the age ranged from 18 to 23 years. The examinations were conducted at the beginning of the basic training and after the 8 weeks period. In group A the following results were obtained: a significant increase (p < 0.001) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation and after stimulation with fMLP, PMA and zymosan, as well as, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in CD11b expression on granulocytes. And in group B: a significant increase (p < 0.05) in granulocyte chemiluminescence without stimulation but a significant decrease (p < 0.05) after cells stimulation with fMLP and PMA were observed. In this group CD11b expression on granulocytes was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased. The results of the present examination indicate, that military service conditions influence some parameters of the innate immunity.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Pentoxifylline decreases neutrophil respiratory bursts in patients with stable angina.

We estimated the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on the respiratory burst (examined by chemiluminescence method) of unprimed and primed neutrophils with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients with stable angina pectoris. Chemiluminescence of non-stimulated as well as formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated neutrophils was measured. We studied 45 patients with stable angina subjected to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure, who were randomly divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 24 patients who were administered pentoxifylline orally, and the control group consisted of 21 patients without pentoxifylline administration. Blood samples for examination were collected from the coronary sinus and peripheral vein just before the PTCA procedure. Pentoxifylline decreased the respiratory burst of non-stimulated and fMLP-stimulated neutrophils without affecting the chemiluminescence of PMA stimulated neutrophils. Moreover, pentoxifylline diminished the chemiluminescence non-stimulated and stimulated by fMLP but not by PMA of TNF-alpha primed neutrophils. We presume that administration of PTX in stable angina patients may have a beneficial effect.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Sources of infections and genotypes of hepatitis C virus in children].

The aim of the study was to analyse possible sources of HCV infection as well as to study their relation to specific HCV genotype. The study comprised 60 children with chronic hepatitis C age from 3 to 15 years. In 36.6% of patients, the probable risk factors were surgical interventions or injures; in 60% prior hospitalisation in conservative wards. Surgery was a risk factor in 59% of cases of infection with genotype 1a and in 41%--with genotype 1b. Hospitalisation conservative was the risk factor for the infection in 47% and 50% of cases, respectively.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Expression of receptor Fc gamma RIII and phagocytic capacity of neutrophils in septic children.

Sepsis and its complications remain a frequent cause of death, but the pathogenesis of sepsis has not been thoroughly investigated. Ineffective elimination of the pathogen may be important in the development of a generalized inflammatory response. In this study, phagocytosis and the expression of Fc gamma RIII on neutrophils in peripheral blood from 25 children with sepsis and 25 healthy children were analyzed. The study was conducted in the initial phase of sepsis and then repeated 2-3 months after resolution. In the course of sepsis, a decrease in the percentage of neutrophils with Fc gamma RIII and the number of phagocytozing neutrophils compared with the control group were observed. Even after resolution, there was a decrease in the neutrophil phagocytic capacity. The persistent dysfunction of phagocytic cells in children after resolution of sepsis suggests the possibility of serious recurrent infections.

Bacteremia↗

PubMed1998

Valsartan and atenolol in patients with severe essential hypertension.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of valsartan, a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, versus atenolol in the treatment of severe primary hypertension. A total of 103 adult out-patients were randomised to receive either valsartan 160 mg or atenolol 100 mg once daily for 6 weeks. If necessary, additional blood pressure (BP) control could be provided as add-on therapy. Both valsartan and atenolol decreased mean sitting diastolic BP (DBP) and mean sitting systolic BP (SBP): least squares mean change from baseline in DBP; valsartan, -20.0 mm Hg; atenolol, -20.4 mm Hg: in SBP; valsartan, -30.0 mm Hg; atenolol, -25.5 mm Hg. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups. Add-on hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 25 mg was required by 97.2% of patients receiving atenolol and 83.6% of patients receiving valsartan; additional verapamil SR 240 mg was also required by 58.3% of patients receiving atenolol and 64.2% receiving valsartan. Valsartan was well tolerated, with a comparable incidence of treatment-related adverse experiences in both groups. In conclusion valsartan 160 mg is as well tolerated and effective as atenolol 100 mg in lowering BP in severely hypertensive patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Immunological characteristics of nonpregnant women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion who underwent paternal lymphocytes immunization.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the immunological characteristics of nonpregnant women with recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) of unknown etiology. We analyzed how differences of the immunological state of individual groups of women with RSA and various types of RSA (primary vs. secondary aborters) might influence on results of paternal lymphocytes immunization. In this prospective study the immunological characteristics of 117 nonpregnant women with unexplained RSA in comparison to 44 healthy, nonpregnant multigravid women, were analyzed. The following immunological parameters were studied: peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+/HLA-DR+), lymphocyte proliferative response to phytohaemaglutynin (PHA) and allogenic lymphocytes (in mixed lymphocyte reaction--MLR), the effect of women's sera on MLR, neutrophil chemiluminescence and anticardiolipin (ACA) as well as antinuclear (ANA) antibodies titers. We found that in nonpregnant RSA women the CD8+ lymphocytes percentage was lower (20.2% vs. 23.9%) and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio higher (2.37 vs. 1.9) as compared to the controls. In comparison with normal multigravidas in recurrent aborters an absence of serum factors suppressing MLR (blocking antibodies) and a high incidence of autoantibodies was observed (ACA: 53.8% vs. 9.1%; ANA: 42.7% vs. 6.8%). The pregnancy success ratio was significantly lower for alloimmunized women with medium/high titers of ACA than for those without ACA (64% vs. 96%, p < 0.001). It was proved there were no significant differences in the estimated immunological parameters between groups of women suffering from either primary or secondary abortions. It was also shown that there is an equally high efficiency of paternal lymphocyte immunization in preventing future abortions both in primary (88%) and secondary (86%) aborters. In conclusion it can be assumed that considering the immunological conditions of nonpregnant women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unexplained etiology differ from healthy and fertile women. These differences are mainly connected to the humoral immunity and manifested in absence of blocking antibodies in sera of women with RSA and in frequent occurrence of antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies. Among autoantibodies, only ACA at medium and high levels are the ones that can negatively influence on the pregnancy outcome in women with RSA who underwent paternal lymphocytes immunization. The clinical classification of women with RSA into primary and the secondary aborters is reflected neither in immunological results nor in efficacy of paternal lymphocytes immunization.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

Clinical and immunological condition of newborns of mothers treated for recurrent spontaneous abortions with paternal lymphocytes immunization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical condition at birth and some laboratory parameters in newborns of mothers treated for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unknown etiology with paternal lymphocytes immunization. STUDY DESIGN: The study comprised 104 newborns delivered by 102 women with RSA, who underwent alloimmunization and 90 randomly chosen control newborns. The following parameters were analysed in two groups of newborns: general condition at birth, physical development, course of adaptation period, values of hematological and immunological (percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD3/CD25 lymphocytes, chemiluminescence of neutrophils at rest and stimulated with opsonized zymosane) parameters in umbilical arterial blood. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups of newborns as to the duration of pregnancy, birth weight, general condition at birth, occurrence of complications in the adaptation period and values of studied hematological and immunological parameters. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that immunization with paternal lymphocytes in women with RSA of unknown etiology not only creates better prognosis for the outcome of the pregnancy, but is also safe for the fetus and the newborn.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Efficiency of lymphocyte immunization by the partner in prevention of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. II. Immunologic prognostic factors].

The prognostic value of some immunological parameters on the course of subsequent pregnancy in 117 women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology subjected to paternal lymphocytes immunization, were estimated. We conclude that neither antinuclear (ANA) nor low titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), nor mixed lymphocyte reaction--blocking antibodies (MLR-BAbs) have any significant influence on alloimmunization efficiency. However medium or high ACA titers significantly diminish changes for successful alloimmunization and are connected with most complications of subsequent pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Immunologic characteristics women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology. I. Cellular immune response].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cellular immune response of women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unknown etiology. The study group was consisted of 117 nonpregnant women with RSA and 44 healthy, nonpregnant multigravidas (as a control). The following immunological parameters were analyzed in peripheral blood of two groups of women: percentage of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD16+/CD56+ cells, lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen and allogenic, and chemiluminescence of neutrophils. The results show that nonpregnant women with RSA of unknown etiology differ in some parameters of immune response form controls. The changes of peripherial blood T lymphocytes subpopulation were observed, consisted on lower CD8+ percentage and higher CD4+ to CD8+ T cells ratio, but lymphocytes and neutrophils activity seems to be unchanged. It seems, that among couples experiencing RSA of unknown etiology higher evidence of the same HLA antigents is not observed, when compared with couples of normal fertility.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Immunologic characteristics of women recurrent spontaneous abortion of unknown etiology. II. Characterization of humoral immunology].

The purpose of this study was to analyze the humoral immune response of non-pregnant women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The study group was consisted of 117 nonpregnant women with RSA and 44 healthy, non-pregnant multigravidas (as a control). The following immunological parameters were analyzed in peripheral blood of two groups of women: the effect of autologous sera on proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or paternal lymphocytes (in mixed lymphocyte reaction--MLR), incidence of MLR-blocking antibodies (MLR-BAbs) incidence of antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies. The results show that women with RSA of unknown etiology differ in some parameters of immune response--higher incidence of antinuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies, absence of serum factors suppressing lymphocyte proliferation in response to PHA and paternal alloantigens--in comparison with nonpregnant normal multigravidas.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

CD3-/HLA-DR+, CD3+/HLA-DR+ cell levels and PHA stimulation of lymphocytes obtained from women with recurrent spontaneous abortions and subjected to partner's lymphocyte immunization.

It is assumed that 80% of recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) of unknown etiology are of immunological origin. The proposed experimental treatment of those patients could be immunization with paternal lymphocytes, though the exact mechanism through which this therapy exerts its effect is still unknown. Some authors suggest that lymphocyte alloimmunization alters the number and activity of particular subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferative O activity of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and the percentage of peripheral lymphocytes carrying CD3+/HLA-DR+ and CD3-/HLA-DR+ markers, present in 32 selected for this study RSA women subjected to paternal lymphocytes' alloimmunization performed prior to conception and in early pregnancy. We conclude that, the post-immunization changes seem to have different quantitative and qualitative character comparing to those seen in normal pregnancy. They seem to avert unfavourable immunological phenomena observed in RSA women, allowing for successful continuation of pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed1997

[Cytometric analysis of lymphocyte phenotype in cord and newborn blood].

At birth and in early childhood, phenotypic and functional investigation of the immune system is often necessary to identify primary immunological disorders and may provide additional diagnostic and prognostic information in certain intrauterine infections. We compared, using of flow cytometric immunophenotyping, a broad panel of lymphocyte subsets in paired samples obtained from healthy infants at birth (cord blood) and at 3 days of age. Results were compared to those of normal children (7 to 17 years) evaluated using the same methods. Significant age-related differences were demonstrated in lymphocyte subpopulations. Our data can be used as age-matched reference values for blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The role of receptors for tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the induction of human polymorphonuclear neutrophil chemiluminescence.

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent mediator of inflammation, which exerts profound effects on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). TNF-alpha binds to distinct cell surface receptors termed p55 and p75, expressed in approximately equal amounts on the PMN surface. We have studied the effects of TNF-alpha on the priming of F-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP)-stimulated oxidative metabolism of PMN, using a luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence assay, and have examined the relative roles of PMN receptors for TNF-alpha in priming this oxidative metabolism, using antibodies with p55 and p75 receptor-specific agonistic and antagonistic activities. We have obtained the following results: (1) Antibody Htr-9 with agonistic activity at the p55 receptor mimicked the effect of TNF-alpha; however, a combination of Htr-9 and TNF-alpha did not results in any further increase in chemiluminescence relative to the response observed with TNF-alpha alone. The p75 agonistic antibody MR2-1 actually decreased basal and FMLP-enhanced chemiluminescence. Additionally, MR2-1 substantially inhibited the effects of both TNF-alpha itself and of the p55 agonist Htr-9. (2) Addition of antibodies with antagonistic activities at the p55 (antibody TBP-2) and p75 (antibody Utr-1) receptors resulted in a marked inhibition of the PMN response to TNF-alpha. A combination of both Utr-1 and TBP-2 was most effective at inhibiting the action of TNF. We have confirmed previously published observations that TNF-alpha alone effectively stimulates the oxidative metabolism of PMN in vitro, and that pre-incubation of PMN with TNF-alpha enhances subsequent generation of oxidative metabolites in response to FMLP. We conclude that both p55 and p75 receptors play a critical role in mediating the activation of PMN by TNF-alpha.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Pentoxifylline inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced priming of human neutrophils.

The study was designed to study the effect of pentoxifylline PTX on the chemiluminescence responses of neutrophils and on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced priming of neutrophils. The results demonstrate that TNF-alpha stimulated the respiratory burst by neutrophils and primed them for enhanced response to fMLP but not to PMA. The effect of TNF-alpha on the oxygen metabolism of neutrophils was inhibited when cells were treated with PTX. This reaction was dose-dependent. Additionally, the inhibiting influence of PTX on the chemiluminescence response of neutrophils was observed.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

PubMed1996

Helicobacter pylori infection in the etiopathogenesis of duodenal ulcer in children.

The study evaluates the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, as well as systemic cellular immune response to H. pylori in children with duodenal ulcer (DU). The study group comprised 47 children with DU, aged 6-17 (mean 13, 1 +/- 4, 2). H. pylori detection was based on urease test, histology, culture and serologic tests. Endoscopic and morphologic findings were analysed according to Sydney System criteria. In 12 children from the overmentioned group subsets of blood lymphocytes B and T (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD3/DR, CD19) and NK cells, some neutrophils functions (phagocytosis, chemiluminescence) and phagocytes receptors before and one month after H. pylori triple treatment were investigated. H. pylori infection was detected in 44 of the investigated children. In addition, pathologic examination revealed chronic gastritis in 44 children and chronic duodenitis in 42 of them. In immunosystemic examination decreased percentage of CD8 lymphocytes and NK cells, increased CD4/CD8 ratio, decreased mitogen-induced response and changes of function and receptor expression of neutrophils were found. After H. pylori treatment in follow-up endoscopy no ulcers were found and histologic examination did not reveal chronic active gastroduodenitis, while the rate of nonactive gastritis was increased. Eradication of H. pylori infection in 41 children and normalisation of immune parameters in 11 children were obtained. The results of our investigation indicate, that H. pylori infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DU in children.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Dynamics of some biochemical indices in myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis and creatine phosphate.

There was studied the effect of intravenously administered creatin phosphate (Neoton-drug with cardioprotective effect, Alfa Schiapparelli Wassermann) in the group of 98 patients affected by their first attack of myocardial infarction. In the course of the treatment there were observed the serum level of many biochemical indices, including the cardioselective enzyme activity. We concluded that the patients treated with Neoton, compared with the control group, revealed the significantly higher elevation of the CK, AST and LDH activity levels and the shift of the CK peak activity towards to the earlier hours after the onset of anginal pain.

Female↗

PubMed1995

Characterization of lipid exchange proteins isolated from small intestinal brush border membrane.

Subjecting rabbit small intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) to freeze-thaw cycles releases water-soluble lipid exchange (transfer) proteins into the supernatant. They differ widely in apparent molecular weight and catalyze cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol exchange between two populations of small unilamellar lipid vesicles. In order to determine their interrelations, the smallest water-soluble lipid exchange protein was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 and cation exchange chromatography on Mono S. It is a basic protein of apparent molecular mass of 13 +/- 0.5 kDa. The purified protein was used to raise polyclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies were also produced against a lipid exchange protein of apparent molecular mass of 100-120 kDa. By comparing lipid exchange, lipid binding, and immunological properties of the water-soluble lipid exchange proteins it can be shown that the 13-kDa (peak 3) protein is related to the 100-120 kDa (peak 1) protein; the properties of these two proteins are different from those of the peak 2 lipid exchange protein of apparent molecular mass of 22 kDa. Based on the immunological cross-reactivity observed between the 13 and 100-120 kDa and the lipid binding properties of these two proteins, a working hypothesis is proposed: both proteins are probably part of an integral membrane protein of the brush border membrane that facilitates cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine absorption in this membrane. Evidence derived from immunogold labeling of BBMV supports the notion that this protein is located on the external (luminal) side of the brush border membrane. The analogous behavior of rabbit and human small intestinal brush border membrane in terms of lipid absorption and the release of water-soluble lipid exchange proteins is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effect of pre-S1 antigen on human lymphocyte proliferative responses.

The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients acutely infected with HBV and recovered completely (n = 20), patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB)- (n = 10) and HBsAg-positive carriers (n = 9) and healthy individuals (n = 8) were studied for their in vitro proliferative response to a synthetic pre-S1(20-49)x4 antigen. PBMCs from convalescents showed significant proliferative response in the presence of synthetic pre-S1 antigen. PBMCs from CHB- and HBsAg-positive exhibited reduced proliferative response not only to Pre-S1 antigen but also to nonspecific mitogens. This study suggests that the immune recognition of pre-S1 antigen and response of PBMCs to the pre-S1 antigen may be an important part of the normal human response to HBV infection. Failure to clear the HBV infection with development of the chronic carrier state may be caused by the lack of an efficient pre-S1 antigen-specific response.

Adult↗