[Pathogenetic basis for treatment of liver fibrosis].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
R Flisiak
Publications and source records attributed to R Flisiak.
Western blot banding pattern in early Lyme borreliosis among patients from an endemic region of north-eastern Poland.
Aim of this study was evaluation of Western blot banding patterns in different clinical forms of early Lyme borreliosis diagnosed in patients from north-eastern Poland, recognized as endemic for tick-borne diseases. Study was performed on serum samples of 48 patients with Lyme borreliosis and 26 healthy volunteers, as controls. Samples tested routinely for total antibody with enzyme immunoassay were subsequently analysed for specific antibodies with Western blot based on antigen extract of European strain of Borrelia burgdorferi. In patients, IgM antibodies were the most frequently directed against 41 kDa and 58 kDa antigens, whereas in control group only antibodies against 45 kDa and 58 kDa were present. Similar response was observed in respect to IgG antibodies. Evaluation of banding pattern in respect to clinical form of the disease revealed the highest prevalence of IgM and IgG anti-41 kDa antibodies in patients with erythema migrans and Lyme arthritis, and anti-58 kDa in neuroborreliosis patients, who had no anti-21 kDa antibodies. Relatively high frequency of IgG antibodies against 21, 30 and 93 kDa antigens was typical for neuroborreliosis. Bands count was significantly higher in different clinical forms of the disease than in controls, and it was the highest in neuroborreliosis. Combined analysis of Western blot results (IgM/IgG) enabled to achieve higher sensitivity (84%) and specificity (100%) than available with the most recommended EIA kits.
Acute Disease↗
Plasma iPGE2 and i6-keto PGF1 alpha in the course of liver cirrhosis.
Plasma iPGE2 and i6-keto PGF1 alpha were measured with an EIA assay in twenty patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC group) and 13 patients with hepatitis B virus as an etiologic factor of liver cirrhosis (HLC group). Significant increase of both prostanoids was observed irrespectively of the etiology of liver cirrhosis. Their levels increased depending on the degree of liver insufficiency with the highest values in patients classified as Child-Pugh C class. A significant, positive correlation with Child-Pugh score was found regarding PGE2 (r = 0.657; p < 0.001) as well as 6-keto PGF1 alpha (r = 0.736; p < 0.001). Correlation (r = 0.789; p < 0.001) was also observed between levels of both prostaglandins. In conclusion we have shown that plasma iPGE2 and i6-keto PGF1 alpha arise simultaneously with the degree of liver insufficiency, that can be a result of activation of non-parenchymal liver cells accompanying hepatic fibrosis.
6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
Role of Ito cells in the liver function.
Ito cells (perisinusoidal fat-storing cells, stellate cells, lipocytes) of the liver are mesenchymal cells located in the space of Disse. They are the main place of vitamin A storage in characteristic lipid droplets. Moreover, they demonstrate synthetic activity of collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins involved in hepatic fibrosis. Their long, contractile cytoplasmic processes encompass the sinusoids and can affect sinusoidal blood flow. Because of their location in the space of Disse and connection with other sinusoidal and parenchymal cells, they are probably involved in local neurotransmission and paracrine regulation of numerous liver functions. As a source of cytokines, prostaglandins and other bioactive substances, produced in the response to noxious agents, they play a crucial role in the mechanisms of liver injury, regeneration and fibrosis. This article is a review of the current state of knowledge on Ito cells structure and function.
Animals↗
Alpha-fetoprotein serum concentration in different stages of liver cirrhosis.
Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was measured in 41 patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis demonstrated through scored Child-Pugh classification. Mean value was elevated up to 65.9 21.9 U/l, butstatistically significant difference in comparison with control group was observed only in patients classified as Child-Pugh C. AFP concentration revealed significant positive correlation with score values. Dynamics of AFP during one-year follow up demonstrated three-fold and statistically significant increase of its concentration, that was accompanied by elevation of mean score values.
Ascites↗
Tick-borne encephalitis and concomitant infection with Borrelia burgdorferi.
Concomitant tick-borne encephalitis and Borrelia infection in 43 year old farmer living in a village on the border of the Knyszyn Forest was described. Diagnosis was based on anamnesis and objective examination, and was confirmed by serological tests.
Adult↗
Enzyme immunoassay in the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis.
Comparison of serological EIA tests available in Poland, used in diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis: VIDAS Lyme Screen II (LYT II)-bioMérieux (France), Lyme Borreliosis-Dako (Denmark), Borrelia Recombinant-Biomedica (Austria) was carried out in sera of 112 persons: 39 inhabitants of Białowieza area-Lyme borreliosis endemic region, 43 persons with Lyme borreliosis (first of all erythema migrans and neuroborreliosis), 27 healthy persons (control group), 3 persons with serologically confirmed rheumatoid arthritis. Compatibility of results in all tests was 73%, and it was the highest in control group (78%) and in neuroborreliosis patients (76%). Sensitivity of all tests was similar and varied from 77% (Dako) up to 81% (Biomedica). The highest specificity (93%), positive (94%) and negative (74%) predictive values demonstrated bioMérieux test. The lowest error of method for positive results showed bioMérieux (2,48%) and Dako-IgG (2,94%), whereas for negative Biomedica-IgG (0). There were no positive (false) results in sera of patients with rheumatoid factor dependent on cross reaction.
Humans↗
Seasonal prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in Białowieza inhabitants.
The aim of the study was evaluation of seasonal variability in presence of specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in Białowieza area, as an endemic region of Lyme borreliosis. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies against 41-kDa antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi B31 strain were investigated with an enzyme immunoassay in sera of 300 Białowieza inhabitants between September 1993 and May 1994. The highest prevalence of IgM antibodies was observed in September 1993 (43.4%), with decrease during winter and spring (down to 15.7% in April) and accompanying the highest prevalence of IgG antibodies (17.7% in April 1994). Quantitative determination of antibodies level expressed as corrected optical density revealed similar tendency. From 33 persons, that revealed IgM antibodies in September 1993, 26 (79%) had no IgM or IgG antibodies. Specific IgG antibodies found in 7 persons in September, were still present in 4.
Analysis of Variance↗
[Immunologic reaction in patients with arthritis in the course of borreliosis with Lyme disease].
Cell mediated as well as humoral immune response was evaluated in 14 lyme arthritis patients. Significant decrease of T cells percentage was observed in comparison to normal values. It was related particularly to CD4+ subset and resulted in significant decrease of CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Statistically significant increase of B cells percentage was accompanied by elevated concentrations of immunoglobulin M, complement components C3 and C4. Immunoglobulins A and G, as well as circulating immune complexes remained on the normal level. These results indicate suppression of cellular and activation of humoral immune response in patients with Lyme arthritis.
Adolescent↗
[Familial cases of hepatic echinococcosis].
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Adult↗
Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reaction estimated with Multitest CMI in human giardiasis.
Delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reaction performed with Multitest CMI as an indicator of cell-mediated immunity, has been evaluated among 20 adults with giardiasis. There were no correlation found between Multitest CMI score and clinical course of the disease, but significant correlation was observed in relation to CD4/CD8 ratio, an another indicator of cell-mediated immunity. Multitest CMI score revealed lower values in giardiasis patients than in controls, and it was associated with significantly higher frequency of hypoergic reactions among subjects.
Adult↗
Epidemiological and clinical aspects of acute hepatitis C in north-eastern Poland.
The availability of more reliable assays made infections caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) emerging as an extremely common and insidiously progressive disease. Since 1993, in 51 out of 798 patients admitted to Department of Infectious Diseases with acute hepatitis, HCV was diagnosed as a causative agent. Seventy one percent of acute hepatitis C cases were hospital associated and city residents represented the majority of all cases. The epidemiological data and clinical course of acute hepatitis C was analysed and compared with acute hepatitis B. The frequency of acute hepatitis C increased during last 3 years in Białystok region. The clinical course of acute hepatitis C was generally milder than acute hepatitis B, with lower aminotransferases activities and bilirubin level.
Adult↗
[Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of Lyme borreliosis in northeastern Poland].
Lyme borreliosis (LB) caused the tick-borne spirochete B. burgdorferi, is associated with a wide variety of manifestations including dermatologic, rheumatologic, neurologic and cardiac abnormalities, that can differ from one region to another. To define clinical picture of LB in Poland, particularly in north-eastern region, we studied in 46 patients. Diagnosis of LB was established according to criterion, including serological confirmation with ELISA LB seems to be disease, which renal prevalence in Poland is higher, than it was primarily estimated. Clinical picture of the disease does not differ significantly from observed in other parts of the world. The only, but important exception is more frequent manifestation of B. burgdorferi infections with meningitis or/and encephalitis (48% of patients).
Adult↗
[Seasonal prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in Białowiez inhabitants].
The aim of study was evaluation of seasonal prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in Białowieza area, that is Lyme borreliosis endemic region. IgM and IgG antibodies against 41-kDa antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi B31 strain were investigated with ELISA in sera of 300 Białowieza inhabitants between September 1993 and May 1994. Moreover in 40 asymptomatic persons, that were seropositive in September 1993, additional control was performed in May 1994. The highest prevalence of IgM antibodies was observed in September 1993 (43.4%), with decrease during winter and spring (down to 15.7% in April) and accompanying the highest prevalence of IgG antibodies (17.7%) in April 1994). From 33 persons, that revealed IgM antibodies in September 1993, 3 (9%) were still seropositive, 4 (12%) cleared IgM antibodies and became IgG-seropositive, and remained 26 (79%) had no antibodies. Specific IgG antibodies found in 7 persons in September, were still present in 4. Obtained results indicate necessity of taking into consideration seasonal dynamics, when results of seroconversion against Borrelia burgdorferi between different areas and different populations are compared.
Analysis of Variance↗
Effect of misoprostol in ethanol-induced liver injury.
Prostaglandins appeared protective against acute experimental liver injury of different origin. Misoprostol, stable, orally active, synthetic derivative of PGE1 attenuates several functional alterations in liver mitochondria during ethanol administration. To study its possible hepatoprotective effects on ethanol-induced liver injury in rats we measured: serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) and concentrations of ammonia in blood and liver tissue. Histopathological evaluation of liver slices was also performed. Activities of both enzymes and ammonia values were elevated after intragastric ethanol administration for 60 days. Treatment for 30 days with misoprostol resulted in their decrease. This effect was not observed in the control group. Beneficial results were also obtained in histopathological evaluation of the liver tissue. These results indicate potential therapeutic effects of misoprostol on ethanol-induced liver injury in rats.
Alanine Transaminase↗
[Contemporary understanding of diagnosing Lyme borreliosis].
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Cardiovascular Diseases↗
[Epidemiologic situation of Lyme borreliosis in Europe].
The aim of paper was to present epidemiological data related to Lyme borreliosis (LB), including reservoirs and transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (B.b.). Incidence of the disease in Europe was evaluated through review of literature data. Morbidity exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year observed in central Europe, indicate the highest prevalence of LB in this part of continent. Prevalence of antibodies against B.b. among blood donors in particular european countries varied from 0 to 18.8%, whereas in high risk groups (mostly forestry workers) it was 5.7-71%. Diagnostical criterions for surveillance purpose in Europe, which should be established in future, make possible to complete epidemiological data related to LB.
Adult↗
[Macroscopic changes in endoscopy of upper digestive tract and Helicobacter pylori infections in patients with liver cirrhosis].
Endoscopic evaluation of upper gastrointestinal tract in 82 patients with liver cirrhosis, versus 82 controls was performed. In part of them presence of Helicobacter pylori infection was also analyzed. We found significantly higher prevalence of endoscopic changes in cirrhotic patients (87%). Diagnoses of oesophangeal candidiasis and varices, gastritis, ventricular or duodenal erosions and ulcers, duodenal deformations were more frequent in this group of patients in comparison to group of non-cirrhotic patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 83% of cirrhotic patients, that was significantly higher than in non-cirrhotic control group (43%).
Adult↗