Images in vascular medicine. Atypical aortic coarctation.
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Aged↗
Biomedical subjects
Ryszard Andrzejak
Publications and source records attributed to Ryszard Andrzejak.
Total and lipid-bound plasma sialic acid as diagnostic markers in colorectal cancer patients: correlation with cathepsin B expression in progression to Dukes stage.
PURPOSE: Serum cathepsin B (CB), Total Sialic acid (TSA), total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid bound sialic acid (TSA) concentrations more useful than the other markers investigated for detecting different malignancies. Our aim was to investigate the possible correlation between serum CB with TSA, LSA in colorectal carcinoma with pathological stages progressed of the disease. METHODS: The study was performed on 177 patients (109 patients with colon and 68 patients with rectal) and 50 healthy individuals comprised the control group. Serum CB activity was determined using fluorogenic substrate. Serum TSA and LSA Concentrations were measured according to the method described by Katopodis. RESULTS: Plasma CB and TSA levels in the tumor group were significantly increased in comparison with the controls group (P < or = 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in LSA level between the tumor group and the controls group. T/N ratios for CB, TSA elevated 2.3-fold, 2.5-fold respectively). LSA 1.8-fold. Serum CB activity, TSA concentrations values in plasma samples of patients were increased significantly with pathological stages progressed (P < or = 0.0001). CB is seen to correlate more strongly with TSA in tumor group (P < or = 0.0001, r= 0.7277) in comparison with controls group. These correlations became more significant as the stage of the disease progressed. CONCLUSION: The present investigations indicate that CB activity, serum TSA, concentrations are sensitive markers for detecting and earliest diagnosis of colorectal cancer. These markers with other clinical and biochemical criteria may play important metabolic roles in cancer progression.
Adult↗
[New image of occupational medicine--current problems, future solutions].
Current problems in occupational medicine result mainly from the situation in which existing structures are not appropriately adapted to the changes in economy, work market structures and social and demographic trends, which rapidly appeared within the last decade. The Act of Occupational Medicine Service in force precisely defines the duties of occupational medicine services. However, although the legal powers seem clear and detailed, the possibility of real actions is not put in order and encounters many barriers. The changes in structures of economy, enterprises and work market result in the situation in which despite the obligatory preventive examination system, there is a large group of people that are not subject to them. Care of workers in bigger companies or institutions is also the source of problems concerning mainly the examination range, but also the identification of new threats connected with ergonomics, psychological or biological factors; their limiting, monitoring and prevention. A broad issue of provided service qualities is closely connected with the problems mentioned above. Another question is defining the quality control system, the execution of post-control suggestions and the possibility of applying possible sanctions. A significant task is also to modify the examining and specialisation acquirement system. In the creation of the new image of occupational medicine in Poland the most significant issue is to correct the current legal grounds by introducing new standards of health protection for working people, enable to provide high- quality services, create the conditions for functioning of multidiscipline teams preventively caring of working people, being a guarantee of health and economic benefits for the society.
Forecasting↗
[The extreme curvature of the coronary artery as a possible cause of myocardial infarction. A case report].
A case of a 60 year old female with angina and remote myocardial infarction is presented. Coronary angiography revealed an extreme curvature of the right coronary artery which was the most probable cause of infarction. A coronary stent was implanted which resulted in clinical improvement.
Angina Pectoris↗
[Trials of casual treatment of silicosis].
Silica-induced lung injury and the development of silicosis is one of the major occupational diseases. Accumulation and deposition of respirable dust containing silica mineral particles in the lung produces chronic lung disease characterized by granulomatous and fibrotic lesions. Knowledge of precise mechanisms, which induce this process is still limited, hence problems faced in the treatment of silicosis, especially the casual one. This article describes various trials of casual silicosis treatment with tetrandrine (Tet), isolated from the root of Stephania tetrandra, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, polyvinyl-pyridine-N-oxide (PVNO), aluminum compounds, corticosteroids or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The existing methods are not sufficient, which warrants further investigations. At present, prevention of the disease and treatment of its complications are most important.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
[Coexistence of pneumoconiosis with myelodysplastic syndrome in a coal miner occupationally exposed to coal dust].
Pneumoconiosis is the most common occupational disease of the respiratory system. The aim of this paper is presentation of case of pneumoconiosis coexisting with myelodysplastic syndrome in a former coal miner occupationally exposed to coal dust. In a mineral coal miner, aged 56 year, with a 15-year duration of work underneath, suffering from pneumoconiosis, pancytopenia was detected. He was admitted to the hospital, where myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed. The patient's condition was gradually worsening, even though chemotherapy was applied, he died from thrombocytopenia manifested by bleeding from the digestive tract in a relatively short time since diagnosis. The presented case seems to be interesting not only in view of possible development of pneumoconiosis as a result of occupational exposure to coal dust, typical in this case, but also in view of the occurrence of clonal disease of blood several years after cessation of exposure.
Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
[Effect of metals, benzene, pesticides and ethylene oxide on the haematopoietic system].
The hematopoietic system, due to intensive cells proliferation, is very sensitive to toxic substances. Many chemicals, including benzene, pesticides (dithiocarbamines), ethylene oxide and metals (mercury, cadmium, chrome, cobalt, lead, aluminum) exert their toxic effect on the hematopoietic system. Exposure to each of these substances may occur in the work place due to environmental pollution and in municipal or residential areas. Exposure to lead, aluminum, cadmium, and benzene results in the incidence of anemia. In addition, exposure to benzene and its metabolites leads to myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia, lymphomas and bone marrow aplasia. Ethylene oxide induces neoplasm of the hematopoietic system and lymphomas, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Arsenic compounds act like immunosuppressants. Mercury and chrome affect the immune system by immunosuppression and by evoking autoimmune reactions. Dithiocarbamates are suspected to induce leukemia. An analysis of the pathophysiology of individual substances reveal universal toxic mechanisms. In this paper, the authors discuss the pathomechanism of toxic effects of the aforesaid chemicals on the haematopoietic system and peripheral blood cells from the viewpoint of mutagenesis, apoptosis, myelotoxicity, anemia, immunomodulation, and individual sensitivity.
Benzene↗
[Sleep apnea syndrome as a cause of secondary hypertension. A case report].
A case of a 51-year old man, suffering from drug-resistant hypertension, complaining of hypersomnia and fatigue during the day, is presented. In the course of diagnostic procedures the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome was established. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was successfully started. Examination carried out 3 months later revealed good response to pharmacological treatment with normal levels of blood pressure.
Antihypertensive Agents↗
[Genotoxicity effect of chronic lead exposure assessed using the comet assay].
BACKGROUND: Lead, an important xenobiotic, is globally well distributed. The IARC has classified inorganic lead compounds as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The study was designed to assess genotoxic effects in workers occupationally exposed to Pb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 62 male workers with chronic exposure to lead and 22 matched non-exposed men. DNA damage was assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis (known as comet assay) using peripheral blood lymphocytes. The level of DNA damage was determined as the percentage of cells with comets. RESULTS: Mean blood Pb (PbB) concentrations in workers exposed to lead were significantly higher than in controls (422.6 +/- 181.2 microg/l vs. 81.0 +/- 37.84 microg/; p< 0.01). The level and the grade of DNA damage were significantly higher in workers exposed to lead (total--12.55 +/- 7.93%; grade 1--9.05 +/- 5.78%; grade 3--1.05 +/- 1.28%; p < 0.05) than in controls (total--6.63 +/- 3.05%; grade 1--5.68 +/- 2.32%; grade 3--0.35 +/- 1.04%; p < 0.05). The highest level and the degree of DNA damage were observed in workers with PbB over 500 microg/l and the lowest in workers with PbB lower than 200 microg/l. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that lead, particularly in people with chronic occupational Pb exposure and high PbB may induce DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes detected by the comet assay, and thus should be regarded as a potential agent harmful to the human chromosome. The comet assay can be used to monitor and evaluate biological toxic effects in humans occupationally exposed to lead.
Adult↗
[Coexistence of occupational exposure to lead and sleep apnea syndrome as a cause of hypertension and arrhythmias. A case report].
A case of a 54-year-old man occupationally exposed to lead with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and implanted artificial pacemaker due to atrioventricular dissociation of the third degree and pauses in sinus rhythm is presented.
Arrhythmia, Sinus↗
[The role of quality management in x-ray protection in cardiologic catheterization laboratory].
Nowadays, there is a growing interest in procedures based on x-ray radiation and their application in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It is associated with still increasing radiation doses absorbed by the laboratory staff as well as by the patients, especially in catheterization laboratories of invasive cardiology, where procedures on the heart and vessels are performed. Current regal regulations impose the need to apply in x-ray laboratories the quality management system in radiological protection. The authors present some problems faced at an early stage of introducing and adopting this system in the catheterization laboratory of intervention cardiology. The possibilities of laboratory certification are discussed in line with international norms of the International Standards Organization (ISO). Some concepts for the future that could enhance the efficacy of x-ray doses monitoring and certain actions aimed at decreasing those doses are also proposed.
Cardiac Catheterization↗
Cathepsin D expression in human colorectal cancer: relationship with tumour type and tissue differentiation grade.
OBJECTIVE: Cathepsin D (CD) is one of the main proteolytic enzymes contributing to the development of cancer. The aim of this study was to CD activity assay in the homogenates of tissues from the centre of the tumour (0) and tumour free area 2 cm, and 5 cm from the tumour border in human colorectal cancer. Activity in the centre of the tumour was compared with immunohistochemical expression CD. METHODS: CD activity was measured using acid denatured Hb as a substrate. For immunohistochemical staining peroxidase method was used. RESULTS: Activity of CD was significantly higher (15-fold) in tumour tissue homogenates in comparison to normal mucosa adjacent (control) (p < or = 0.0001) and raised parallel to the stage of tumour tissue differentiation grade. CD activity decreased significantly (p < or = 0.0001) with the distance from the tumour border 2 cm (12.7 fold) and 5 cm (5.7 fold) in comparison to the centre of the tumour. In immunohistochemical examinations CD was detected as diffuse cytoplasmic as well as fine granular staining of the cytoplasm, with occasional coarse cytoplasmic granules staining in the same cases that were positive for both. Positive staining was observed in 2 of 3 in well-differentiated (66%), 4 of 10 in moderately-differentiated (40%) and 4 of 5 in poorly-differentiated (80%), tubular adencarcinomas represented: 3 of 7 (42%) and 9 of 13 in invasive adencarcinoma (69%). CONCLUSION: We have observed a wide range of cathepsin D and their antigen expressions patterns in colorectal tumours with the development the disease stage, this finding may be used as a daignostic tumor marker in colorectal cancer.
Adenocarcinoma↗
[The influence of occupational exposure to arsenic and heavy metals on the activity of catepsins and their inhibitors in blood serum of copper smelters].
BACKGROUND: Exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium poses the risk of cancer. Cathepsins (CP) and their natural inhibitors (CPI) in blood serum are markers of carcinogensis. The aim of this work was to verify the existence of relationships between the exposure to the airesaid elements and the activity of CP and CPL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of Pb and Cd in blood, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Se CP as well as free and bound CPI in serum, FEP in erythrocytes, and As in urine were measured in 186 production workers of Legnica Copper Smelter (study group) and 56 administrative employees (control group) and then analyzed. RESULTS: CF levels were significantly elevated in both groups and CPI levels were elevated in the study group vs. the control group. There were no statistically significant relationships between CF and CPI levels and the remaining parameters in the study group. whereas they were found for CPI in the control group. The results indicate that occupational and environmental exposures to toxic metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium) may lead to the elevated levels of CF and CPI. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results support the assumptions of the study.
Adult↗
[Occupational risk factors and male breast cancer].
Male breast cancer is rare compared to its female counterpart and makes less than 1% of all breast cancer. Its etiology is less known than that of female breast cancer. Numerous experimental and clinical studies indicate the possibility of an increased risk of male breast cancer in workers occupationally exposed to electromagnetic field, light at night, and high temperature. There are also studies, which reveal the increased risk of this disease induced by occupational exposure to pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons and ionizing radiation. However, irrefutable epidemiologic data from prospective clinical trials have not yet been obtained.
Breast Neoplasms, Male↗
[The influence of lead on testis function].
The deterioration of male fertility, found in numerous epidemiological studies of past decades, can be connected to growing exposure to environmental toxins. Heavy metals, especially lead is widely spread and extremely toxic. The mechanism by which lead exerts toxic effects on testis is quite complex. It involves spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, and red-ox system. The chronic lead exposure can induce functional disorder (decrease of testosterone synthesis) or morphological disorder (decrease of testicular weight and seminal vesicle, peritubular fibrosis, seminiferous tubular diameter decrease and decrease in germ cell population related to an apoptotic process). Currently existing environmental and occupational exposure to lead and increasing combined exposure to environmental toxins results in constantly increasing number of diagnosed fertility impairments.
Causality↗
[Individual protection devices--opinion and practice of occupational medicine physician].
Technological developments have led to changes in work conditions and the character of work itself that modify the responsibilities and tasks of occupational medicine physicians. Their major task is to protect workers' health through primary prevention, which means the employment of all available measures to prevent adverse health effects resulting from working conditions unfavorable to human health. Statistical data on the incidence of occupational diseases and accidents at work in Poland show that despite many beneficial changes, better labor organization or new technologies in production and services, social and economic consequences of exposure-related diseases induced by so called hard harmful agents in the work environments are still the major problem, hence the significance of prevention. Activities aimed at preventing hazards at workplace should be carried out by employers, safety and work hygiene services and physicians involved in prophylactics. In addition, the selection and supply of individual protectors as well as their use by workers to protect themselves against dangerous and harmful factors occurring in the work environment play an essential role. The authors discuss the significance of using individual protectors from the viewpoint of occupational medicine physicians, and the tasks of this group of physicians in the light of epidemiology of occupational diseases induced by various agents present in the work environment.
Attitude of Health Personnel↗
[Assessment of cardiac arrhythmias in patients suffering from essential hypertension].
Heart rate turbulence (HRT) analysis is a novel, non-invasive method enabling to estimate sudden cardiac death risk. Up till now it was used to determine cardiac death risk in patients suffering from congestive heart failure and especially after myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to estimate heart rate turbulence parameters in patients with essential hypertension and to find correlations between those parameters and age, left ventricular mass and hypertension stages. Studies were performed in a group of 55 persons: 26 women (54.79 +/- 8.26 years old) and in 29 men (52.34 +/- 5.72 years old) with essential pharmacologically untreated hypertension. Patients were divided into two groups: increased (group I, n = 32) and normal left ventricle mass (group II, n = 23). In each patient 24-hour ECG Holter recording was performed and then turbulence onset (TO) (expressed in %) and turbulence slope (TS) (in ms/RR interval) were estimated. In the group of patients with increased left ventricle mass parameter TO was significantly higher (-0.74 +/- 0.24 vs -1.32 +/- 0.28; p < 0.05) and parameter TS significantly lower (5.26 +/- 1.17 vs 8.46 +/- 2.91; p < 0.01) in comparison to study subjects with normal left ventricle mass. Heart rate turbulence is decreased in people with essential hypertension and increased left ventricle mass in comparison to normal left ventricle mass group. Decreased heart rate turbulence in patients with essential hypertension and increased left ventricle mass may be a predictor of worse prognosis in that group.
Age Factors↗
[Effect of chronic lead poisoning on the parameters of heart rate variability].
BACKGROUND: The dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is one of the effects of chronic exposure to lead. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive method used to estimate the autonomic system. The aim of the study was to estimate HRV in people occupationally exposed to lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 43 copper-smelters and 43 healthy subjects matched individually. A 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring was performed in all men. RESULTS: The HRV time analysis in a 24-hour observation, as well as for daily activities (6:00-22:00) and nocturnal sleep (22:00-6:00) showed that pNN50 parameter, an estimator of the vagus nerve function, was significantly lower in copper-smelters than in healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The majority of time and spectral HRV parameters, estimated at 15-min intervals during day- and night-time in the group of lead exposed men, were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In subjects occupationally exposed to lead, HRV is lower than in healthy men, which results rather from the decreased parasympathetic than from the increased sympathetic activity.
Adult↗