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R Flisiak

Publications and source records attributed to R Flisiak.

52 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Endemic threat of Lyme borreliosis in Bialowicza forestry area].

Lyme Borreliosis is a serious diagnostical and therapeutical problem in regions with high exposure of residents to ticks, which are Borrelia burgdorferi vectors. The aim of this study was to estimate occurrence of specyfic antibodies and symptoms of Lyme Borreliosis in Białowieza area, as a region of potential endemic presence of this disease. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were found, with an immunoenzymatic assay, in 71 from among 143 of examined persons (49.7%). Diagnosis of Lyme Borreliosis was established in 54 persons (37.7% of examined population) according to criterions of Lyme Disease Foundation and Centers for Diseases Control. Symptoms of joints involvement (polyarticular or restricted to knee joints) and peripheral nervous system involvement (predominantly radiculalgia lumbosacralis) were most frequently observed in clinical picture. These results motivate to recognize Białowieza region as an endemic area of Borrelia burgdorferi infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effects of ethanol on prostanoid production by liver fat-storing cells.

Fat-storing cells participate in the development of alcoholic liver disease. To study possible effects of ethanol on prostaglandin metabolism by fat-storing cells, we isolated them from normal rat liver. Cultured fat-storing cells produced substantial amounts (DNA, about 2 ng/micrograms every 24 hr) of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin I2 (measured as 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha) but no significant amounts of prostaglandin F2 alpha. This production was markedly enhanced by the addition of ethanol in concentrations likely to occur in the blood during alcohol consumption. We confirmed the presence of class 1 alcohol dehydrogenase activity and isoenzymes in the cytosol of cultured fat-storing cells in their second passage. The stimulatory effect of ethanol was inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole (an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor), exaggerated by disulfiram (an aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor) and reproduced by concentrations of acetaldehyde likely to occur in the liver. Thus, our results indicate that fat-storing cells produce vasodilatory prostaglandins and that this production is enhanced by the acetaldehyde that results from the oxidation of ethanol catalized by alcohol dehydrogenase present in these cells.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1992

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of the assessment of selected indicators of humoral immunity in alcoholism-related pathology of the liver].

The purpose of the study was evaluation of the usefulness of selected indices of humoral immune responsiveness in the differential diagnosis of post-alcoholic hepatocellular damage. The study was carried out in 105 patients: 10 patients with a history of alcohol abuse without clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatocellular damage, 2) patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, 3) patients with post-inflammatory cirrhosis. The prognostic usefulness of the determinations of serum IgM, C3 and C4 complement components and circulating immune complexes in early diagnostic of alcoholic liver disease was demonstrated. It was noted also that increased serum IgA level may be a useful index differentiating of cirrhosis after hepatitis from alcoholic cirrhosis.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1991

[Incidence of so-called hepatic failure syndrome in relation to infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in epidemiological and environmental studies of the rural population in the Suwałki and Białystok regions 1978-1990].

In years 1979-1991 has been analysed the selected health epidemiological indices is related with liver pathology and viral hepatitis B infections in rural population of Białystok region. In 11,086 analysed persons of an agricultural sector the frequency of antigenemia HBs (0.25-2.5%) was higher that in control groups of urban populations (0.3-0.6%). In 12 years time period observation of chronic hepatopathy syndrome, demonstrated the increased tendency with parallel pathologic increased values of serum A1AT activity and with increased tendency of HBs antigenemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Risk of development of hepatitis B virus infection among alcoholics].

The frequency of incidence of positive serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection among a population of alcoholics in the region of Białystok has been analysed. It was demonstrated that the highest frequency of detection of hepatitis B virus infection appears in a group of patients with post-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (60 percent). Acute virus hepatitis of the B type in alcoholics is characterised by a tendency towards retarded seroconversion of HBe antigen to HBe antibody with a subsequent development of chronic infection and liver cirrhosis.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1991

[Epidemiology of intra-marital infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) among the patients hospitalized in the infectious disease clinics in the Białystok region 1988-1990].

Viral hepatitis B infection is worldwide epidemiological and clinical problem with same prophylactic difficulties concerned first of all married patients. The infection routes could be parenteral or homo/heterosexual contact. During 1988-1990 from hospitalized viral hepatitis B all patients (394), married patients was found 9% (34) persons with epidemiological documented viral hepatitis B infection, from his/her sexual married partner.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Primary liver cell carcinoma among the population of Białystok in 1975-1988 in relation to hepatitis B virus infection].

In presented study, retrospective epidemiological analysis was performed in 84 patients dead due primary hepatocellular carcinoma, selected from among 17,973 persons dead in Białystok hospitals from 1975 till 1988. In the part from among these patients was estimated prevalence of serological markers of Hepatitis B virus infection, as a potential oncogenic factor. Analysis of this carcinoma diagnosis frequency in particular years showed rising tendency: from 1975 till 1979 number of PHC diagnosis was from 0 to 5 a year, whereas in 1988 it was 13. Percentage of necropsy diagnosed PHC was similar and increased to over 1% of all necropsies in 1988. Mean age of patients dead due PHC was 65, and 71.4% were men. Serological markers of HBV infection were observed in 50% and HBsAg in 34.6% from among PHC-dead patients. These percentage values were significantly higher, than observed in control group of Białystok population, which indicate possibility of association between HBV infection and PHC development.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Morphological studies of the effects of protein-free diet and branched-chain amino acids (aminosteril-hepa (Frasenius)) on experimental thioacetamide-induced liver damage].

The studies were performed in two groups of rats in which experimental hepatic encephalopathy was induced with tioacetamide++. One group of rats on protein-free diet was given intraperitoneally a mixture of amino-acids (Aminosteril-Hepa), the other one was given proteins in the diet in a dose 1 g per kg of body weight. Histological and histochemical studies revealed that free-protein diet with a mixture of aliphatic polybranched amino-acids (Aminosteril-Hepa) inhibited hepatotoxic thioacetamide+ action on the rat liver.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1990

[Effect of differentiated diet therapy on the clinical results and biochemical indicators in chronic hepatic encephalopathy].

Effects of differentiated diet with reduced proteins or diet without proteins with simultaneous use of lactulose or the preparation enriched with aliphatic amino acids with aminosteril-hepa chain on the clinical results and the ammonia, phenols, alpha-amino nitrogen, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan++ concentrations in the serum have been studied. It has been demonstrated that limitations of proteins in the diet or diet without proteins with the use of lactulose or amino acids mixtures above does not influence significantly the clinical amelioration or biochemical indices of encephalopathy or coma during the liver cirrhosis course. Homogenates of the liver and brain of patients who died due to encephalopathy and liver cirrhosis showed high contents of ammonia, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan++.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1989

[Studies of the effect of a protein-free diet and branched-chain amino acids (preparation Aminosteril-Hepa) on selected biochemical indicators in chronic experimental hepatic encephalopathy].

The latest observations suggest that a decreased level of serum branched-chain amino acids plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver encephalopathy. In this study we analysed the behaviour of the serum concentrations of: ammonia, phenols, alpha-amino nitrogen, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan in rats with thioacetamide-induced liver encephalopathy. The first group of rats was on protein-free diet and Aminosteril-Hepa (Fresenius FRG)--an amino acids solution with predominance of branched-chain amino acids. The second group of rats received a diet with 1 g/kg b.w. of protein daily. The levels of biochemical indices were analysed 0, 3, 5 and 7 days after liver encephalopathy development. The results of our study indicate a favourable influence of infusion a branched-chain amino acids solution (Aminosteril-Hepa) on the biochemical indices, particularly phenols and alpha-amino nitrogen in experimental liver encephalopathy.

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in serological biomarkers of liver function and connective tissue turnover in chronic hepatitis B during lamivudine therapy.

Assessment of hepatic damage associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) currently relies on measurement of serum transaminases and assessment of hepatic histology. It was determined serum hepatic function tests and the liver fibrosis biomarkers type IV collagen (CIV), amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were of value in monitoring the effect of lamivudine therapy for CHB. Thirty-nine patients received orally 100 mg lamivudine daily for 48 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the patients were then divided into four groups according to the pattern of HBs and HBe antigens. At baseline, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, PIIINP and the PINP/ICTP ratio and at 24 weeks alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the PINP/ICTP ratio had lower values in the complete response compared with complete failure groups. Using receiver-operated curve analysis, only the PINP/ICTP ratio at baseline (area under the curve 0.806) and ALT and the PINP/ICTP ratio at 24 weeks (areas under the curve 0.803 and 0.776, respectively) had significant diagnostic ability in detecting responders. In conclusion, the PINP/ITCP ratio is sensitive and specific in detecting responders to treatment.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mucosal and plasma prostaglandin E2 in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Despite extensive studies, the role of prostaglandins in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases and their possible usefulness as predictive indicators of inflammation, remain largely speculative. The aim of this study was to determine whether mucosal and plasma concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are affected by the clinical course and degree of colonic injury in patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODOLOGY: PGE2 concentration was measured with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in biopsies of rectal mucosa and in the plasma of 38 patients with ulcerative colitis and 12 controls. Patients were divided into groups according to mild or severe clinical course of the disease, and with respect to scored endoscopical picture. RESULTS: Ulcerative colitis resulted in an increase of mucosal and plasma concentrations of PGE2, that was significantly elevated in patients with a severe clinical course of the disease. These concentrations increased depending on degree of mucosal injury. A significant, positive correlation with endoscopical score regarding plasma and mucosal PGE2 concentration, as well as between them, was found. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma and mucosal PGE2 rise simultaneously with degree of colonic injury. Because of a good correlation with mucosal injury and PGE2 content, measurement of plasma PGE2 could be considered as a possible surrogate marker of bowel inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Selected indices of immunoreactivity dependent on HBV infection in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis].

The study involved 85 patients with alcohol-produced liver cirrhosis divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of HBV infection serological markers (HBV+-51; HBV-34). The study was aimed at comparing selected indices of both humoral and cell-mediated reactions in the blood of patients with alcohol-produced liver cirrhosis depending on immuno-serologically confirmed infection with HBV. Statistically significant differences between both groups concerned percentage of OKT4 (HBV+-67.7%; HBV--58.4%), and complement component C4 (0.32 and 0.48 g/L, respectively). Moreover, a significant decrease in percentage of T-cell and significant increase in IgG, IgA, IgM, and immunological complexes levels were noted when comparing with normal values. Results indicate, that the immunopathological reactions resulting from action of the two most frequent, harmful, hepatotropic, factors, i.e. alcohol and HBV, are different.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Plasmapheresis and amino acid mixtures of "Aminosteril-Hepa" type preparations in treating hepatic encephalopathy].

An effect of Aminosteril-Hepa intravenous infusions or plasmapheresis on selected amino acids, ammonia, alpha-aminonitrogen serum levels and serum GGTP activity was analysed in 28 patients with liver cirrhosis with and without hepatic encephalopathy. The patients were given protein controlled dietary treatment. It was found, that plasmapheresis exerted more potent effect on previously elevated ammonia and serum alpha-aminonitrogen levels as well as serum GGTP activity than intravenous infusions of Aminosteril-Hepa. It was clearly seen in patients with liver cirrhosis without hepatic encephalopathy. Aminosteril-Hepa intravenous infusions decreased serum glutamine levels to higher degree than plasmapheresis. Both types of therapy have had no significant effect on serum phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan levels in all patients.

Amino Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of misoprostol on the course of viral hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Some prostaglandins revealed hepatoprotective effects, that was confirmed mostly in experimental liver injury. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of misoprostol on the course of viral hepatitis B and associated gastric mucosal injury. METHODOLOGY: Fifty two male patients with viral hepatitis B were assigned at random to receive either misoprostol (800 micrograms/day), silymarin (210 mg/day) or no drug treatment at all (control group). Biochemical indices of liver injury were measured once a week, and HBsAg clearance was analysed 6 months later. Moreover serum levels of endogenous prostaglandins (PGE2, PGI2) and stomach mucosal injury (scored endoscopically) were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: Decrease of serum concentration of bilirubin, activities of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase as well as hepatomegaly reduction were significantly faster in misoprostol treated patients, that resulted in significantly shorter time of hospitalization. The best effect of misoprostol treatment on liver injury was observed in patients suffering from a severe course of the disease. HBV elimination, evaluated 6 months after the disease onset, was similar in both groups. Misoprostol treatment had a significant effect on the improvement of stomach mucosal injury. Serum concentrations of main endogenous prostaglandins produced by the liver (PGE2 and PGI2), were not affected by exogenous administration of misoprostol. There were no side effects related to misoprostol or silymarin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates the beneficial effect of misoprostol treatment in patients with viral hepatitis B. Faster convalescence related to normalization of biochemical indices of liver injury and healing of associated stomach mucosal lesions was also observed.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗