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Biomedical subjects

S H Mackiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to S H Mackiewicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

[Quantitative ultrasound densitometry (QUS) and dual X-ray densitometry (DXA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to assess of bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the forearm using DXA technique (DTX-200) and to evaluate broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) of the heel using QUS technique (DTU-ONE). We examined 83 RA patients: 73 women and 10 men, at average age (55.0 +/- 12.2 yrs), ranging from 29 to 85 yrs. Average disease duration was 112.6 +/- 98.1 months. Disease activity was assessed according to Mallya and Mace index and radiological stage of the disease according to Steinbrocker index. We found significant correlation between BMC, BMD and BUA (r = 0.6572, r = 0.6081, respectively) and between BMC, BMD and SOS (r = 0.4704, r = 0.4723, respectively). IN CONCLUSION: quantitative ultrasound parameters (BUA and SOS) significant correlate with BMC and BMD values of the forearm assessed by DXA technique in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2000

[Glucocorticosteroid induced osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Glucocorticosteroids have been recognized as a well known risk factor for drug induced osteoporosis. Many studies have shown a decrease in bone mass, bone quality disorders and an increase in the risk of fractures in patients with long-term corticosteroid therapy. Rheumatic patients, particular with rheumatoid arthritis, who are usually chronic steroid users are at the highest risk. On the other hand uncontrolled active inflammatory process is also a main factor for rapid bone loss. Some studies suggest that patients with low dose corticosteroid therapy (prednisone 5 to 7.5 mg per day) are not at increased risk of osteoporosis. Our study of 36 rheumatoid arthritis women treated with daily prednisone doses between 5 to 7.5 mg in comparison with non-steroid control group confirmed the above suggestion.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Bone tissue metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with glucocorticosteroids].

The present study has been undertaken to evaluate bone turn-over in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as well as the influence of low dose glucocorticosteroids (gcs) on bone mass loss. Ninety patients with establish RA has been investigated. The patients have been divided into two groups: 44 patients treated with gcs (age 52.5 +/- 12.4 years, disease duration 122 +/- 102 months, total dose of GCS, equivalent to prednisone -7.4 +/- 8.3 g) and 46 patients who were not treated with gcs (age 54.3 +/- 9.7 years, disease duration 134 +/- 120 month). Fifty patients have been assessed twice (after 12 month). Bone mineral content and bone mineral density have been determined in all patients in distal forearm. Additionally, some biochemical markers of osteoporosis: osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase-bone formation, carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTx), procollagen type I carboxyterminal propeptide (PICP), deoxypyridynoline and some proinflammatory cytokine: IL-1 alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, GM-CSF has been determined. No difference in bone metabolism between RA patients receiving gcs treatment and those treated without gcs was shown. It is concluded that anti-inflammatory effect of gcs may balance the direct effect of gcs on bone mineral content in RA patients, particularly those with short term treatment.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1998

[The role of MHC class II genes in the etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with HLA-DR4 and DR1 antigens. HLA-DRB1 gene sequences analysis demonstrated that only a limited set of alleles is positively associated with RA. Third hypervariable region sequences (70-74, 86) Q(R)R(K)RAA, G(V) are found in up to 95% of erosive RA. The presence of disease-associated allels may predict severe outcome of the disease. Therefore, their presence may allow us to start aggressive therapy in early stage of the disease.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1997

Interleukin-10 and interleukin-6 in lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, correlations with acute phase proteins.

We sought to investigate the influence of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-6 on the acute phase proteins (APP) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-10, IL-6, Creactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and alpha1 antichymotrypsin (ACT) serum levels were determined in one hundred-eight patients (71 with SLE, 37 with RA). Quantification of the serum IL-10 level showed increased levels in SLE and RA patients as compared to healthy controls. Serum IL-6 level was found to be elevated in SLE and RA patients. A correlation between IL-10 and IL-6 serum level was found only in SLE. CRP and AGP serum levels were increased in RA as compared to controls, whereas in SLE only AGP was found elevated. A statistically significant correlation between IL-6 serum level and CRP, AGP and ACT was found only in RA. No correlation between IL-10 and serum level of CRP, AGP and ACT was established. Since IL-10 has a potent immunosuppressive activity, we expected it to be negatively correlated with APP levels. Surprisingly, IL-10 did not correlate with APP either in SLE or RA patients. However, the elevation of IL-10 serum levels in SLE and RA and the correlation between IL-10 and IL-6 in SLE may suggest that IL-10 may play a central role in inflammatory connective tissue diseases.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1997

The effect of intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse on peripheral blood lymphocytes in lupus erythematosus patients.

In the present study we investigated the long-term effect of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide (CY) on lymphocyte surface antigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Blood samples derived from 17 lupus erythematosus patients were analysed using two- and three-colour flow cytometry. During the CY therapy, the total number of T lymphocytes (CD3+) was reduced by 31.4%, B lymphocytes (CD19+) by 67.4% and NK cells (CD16+) by 27.4%. Six months after the end of the CY regimen, these values recovered to entry levels. At the onset of the study we observed increased percentages of CD3+ CD25+, CD3+ CD4- CD8-, CD4+ CD29+, CD19+ and CD19+ CD5+ cells. The CY treatment regimen decreased the CD3+ CD25+, CD3+ CD4- CD8-, CD19+ and CD19+ CD5+ cells, but increased the CD3+ CD8+ subpopulation. Taken together, a deficiency of CD8+ T cells associated with CD4+ CD29+ predominance may imply an immune regulatory imbalance leading to abnormal CD4+ cell activation and in consequence to autoimmunity. Depletion of CD19+ cells combined with an enlargement of CD8 cells as a result of CY therapy may reduce the enhanced immune response in SLE patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Relations between absolute number of CD4 + CD29+ memory cells and levels of interleukin-6, rheumatoid factors, and acute phase proteins in rheumatoid synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid samples from 21 rheumatoid arthritis patients were analyzed for lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry and antibodies to the lymphocyte surface antigens CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19, CD29, and CD45RA. Synovial fluid levels of interleukin-6, rheumatoid factors and acute phase proteins were also measured. Depletion of CD45RA+ cells and predominance of CD29+ cells were found. Interleukin-6 levels were markedly elevated (1155 pg/ml; range, 24-3875 pg/ml), as were levels of IgM, IgG and IgA rheumatoid factors and of acute phase proteins. CD4 + CD29+ counts were significantly correlated with interleukin-6 levels. Interleukin-6 levels were significantly correlated with levels of all three rheumatoid factor classes but not with levels of acute phase proteins. Significant correlations were also found between CD19+ B counts and levels of all three rheumatoid factor classes. These data suggest that synovial fluid CD4 + CD29+ cells may be involved in the immune dysregulation characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. The correlation between CD4 + CD29+ counts and interleukin-6 levels is consistent with the recent hypothesis that, together with monocytes, CD4 + CD29+ cells are an important source of the elevated levels of interleukin-6 seen in rheumatoid synovial fluid.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1997

Cytokine concentration in serum of lupus erythematosus patients: the effect on acute phase response.

In order to get a better insight into cytokine network regulation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we analyzed levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the sera from 36 SLE patients. Moreover, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP), and alpha-1-antichymotripsin (ACT) serum levels were evaluated. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly increased when compared with healthy controls. TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma did not differ from normal values. We established the relationship between IL-10 and IL-6 as well as between IL-10 and TNF-alpha. None of the analyzed cytokines correlated with the acute phase protein levels. Based on the obtained data, we conclude that IL-10 may play the superior regulating role in SLE. A lack of correlation between the cytokines and acute phase proteins suggests their independence from cytokine regulation.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1997

[The effect of immunosuppressive drugs on expression of surface antigens of lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

One hundred and fifty patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with immunosuppressive drugs for 12 months. Fifty nine patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX), 15 with cyclophosphamide (CTX), 30 with prednisone (PRE) and 46 with non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). The cell surface phenotype of lymphocyte was analyzed using immunofluorescence methods ans a variety of monoclonal antibodies. The studies were performed using fluorescence activated cell scanner (FACScan) and epifluorescence microscope. No changes in the percentage of CD3, CD4, CD8 were observed. However, in the MTX treated group the percentage of CD19+ (15.1% before treatment vs 10.2% after 12 months MTX treatment (p < 0.05) and CD5+CD19+ B-cells was decreased. In CTX treated group the percentage of both B cells (17.4% vs 11.0% (p < 0.5)) and activated T cells was decreased (CD25+: 2.8% vs 1.1%, p < 0.05 and HLA-DR+: 22.1% vs 12.7%, p < 0.01). Patients treated with prednisone expressed several changes in lymphocyte phenotype i.e. decreasing of activated T cells (CD3+CD25+: 6.9% vs 3.6%, p < 0.01), B cells (CD5+CD19+: 3.4% vs 0.8%, p < 0.001), and NK cells (CD16+: 14.8% vs 8.5, p < 0.01 and CD56+: 16.3% vs 10.7%, p < 0.01). Analyzing immunosuppressive drugs appeared to be very sufficient in the RA treatment. Moreover, the correlation between percentage of both B lymphocytes and activated T cells, and activity of disease were shown.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The effect of low dose methotrexate on the course of rheumatoid arthritis--four years of observation].

Ninety-six patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis were treated with methotrexate for 48 months. We analyzed the effect of low doses of methotrexate (7.5-15 mg weekly) on the activity of the disease and on the progression in damage score. Clinical improvement was observed few weeks after the study was introduced. Following 48 months observation only 32 (33%) remained in the study. Seven of them needed additionally prednisone administration. In 64 (67%) patients the drug was withdrawn: in 18 (19%) due to the side effects, in 24 (25%) due to the lack of effectiveness, in 22 (23%) due to other reasons. Methotrexate did not affect the progression of damage score in our patients. Methotrexate appeared to be usefull drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, however clinical improvement was observed only during drug administration. After discontinuous of the therapy a flare of the disease was observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Does cyclophosphamide combined with methylprednisolone affect the expression of leukocyte function associated antigen 1 in refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

In the present study, in order to get a better insight into the mechanism of action of cyclophosphamide (CY) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we monitored the changes in lymphocytes' expression of leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). A group of 28 patients with refractory severe RA were treated with CY and methylprednisolone (MO) intravenously. Using flow cytometry we evaluated the changes in LFA-1 molecule expression on peripheral lymphocytes. In the analyzed group of patients the proportion of LFA-1 "dim" cells was reduced. After the treatment the ratio was partly normalized. Twelve months after cessation of the therapy high proportion of LFA-1 "dim" was observed only among CY/MP treated patients. The changes were related to clinical improvement. Based on the obtained data, it seems, that the treatment affecting the expression of LFA-1 may slow down lymphocyte migration and by that limit chronic inflammation within the synovium.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Does the serum level of IgA-alpha-1-antitrypsin complex correlate with radiological progression in early rheumatoid arthritis? A 3-year follow-up study.

We followed the levels of serum IgA-alpha-1-antitrypsin (IgA-AT) complex in 37 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first 3 years of the disease. The changes in IgA-AT were correlated with a radiological damage score (DS) of the hands assessed according to Larsen. At the onset of the disease, the IgA-AT serum concentration was significantly higher as compared to the control group (0.72 +/- 0.22 U vs 0.29 +/- 0.14 U, P < 0.01). The level significantly decreased during the 3-year observation period. The DS was significantly higher after 3 years. However, this difference was due to changes in only 11 patients; in 26 patients the DS was almost unchanged. In the group of 11 patients with radiological progression, the level of IgA-AT either remained high or increased significantly (0.95 +/- 0.18 U at the onset, 0.97 +/- 0.25 U after 3 years), whereas we observed a decrease in IgA-AT in 26 patients without radiological progression (0.63 +/- 0.16 U at the onset of the disease, 0.45 +/- 0.10 U after 3 years, P < 0.01). Moreover, a relationship between changes in IgA-AT serum level and radiological progression was shown (r = 0.60, P < 0.01). Our studies suggested that the relationship between IgA-AT level and radiological progression of the disease should be considered. We cannot exclude the possibility that the constant high level of IgA-AT may cause worsening in bone erosions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Circulating interleukin 10 and interleukin-6 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with methotrexate or gold salts: preliminary report.

In order to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6, and acute phase proteins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) or intramuscular gold (IMG) we determined IL-10, IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) in the sera of 35 RA patients. IL-10 and IL-6 levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). AGP and ACT level were measured using rocket immunoelectrophoresis. IL-10 serum level was not increased in RA patients as compared to controls (58.7 +/- 18.1 pg/ml vs. 57.2 +/- 11.9 pg/ml). IL-6 level was significantly elevated (91.6 +/- 46.9 pg/ml vs. 45 +/- 19 pg/ml, p < 0.05). CRP was significantly increased as compared to healthy controls (35 +/- 19 mg/l vs. 3 +/- 2 mg/l, p < 0.05). Patients treated with MTX or IMG presented an increased level of IL-10 and decreased amounts of IL-6, as compared to those treated with NSAID only. However, only changes between patients treated with IMG and NSAID were found to be statistically significant. A good negative correlation between IL-10 and IL-6 serum level was found (r = -0.75, p < 0.05). A positive significant correlation between IL-6 serum level and CRP (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), AGP (r = 0.78, p < 0.05) and ACT (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) was established.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

IgA-alpha-1-antitrypsin complex in systemic lupus erythematosus: preliminary report.

To investigate the role of the complex IgA-alpha-1-antitrypsin (IgA-AT) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and its possible relations to either activity of the disease or a treatment, we examined a concentration of IgA-AT complex in 65 SLE and 9 MCTD sera. Complex IgA-AT was evaluated using a double antibody enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Twenty nine patients with SLE (44.6%) and three patients with MCTD (33.3%) had increased serum IgA-AT levels. The mean values of IgA-AT complex in patients with SLE and MCTD were higher than in healthy controls. Among the SLE group, patients with current neurological manifestation were characterized by an increase in IgA-AT serum concentration (2.45 +/- 2.07 U vs. 0.78 +/- 0.70 U, P < 0.001). No relation was found between this complex and ESR level, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, or hemoglobin level. Ten SLE patients were treated with CTX intravenously. In this group of patients, IgA-AT complex level was found to be increased compared with patients without such a treatment (1.82 +/- 1.30 U vs. 0.80 +/- 0.67 U, P < 0.05). The present study provides two new observations. Firstly, IgA-AT complex is increased in SLE and MCTD compared with healthy controls, and secondly, patients with CNS involvement displayed a striking increased IgA-AT level.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Interleukin 10 inhibits interleukin 6 production and acute phase response in rheumatoid arthritis.

To evaluate the effect of interleukin 10 (IL-10) on acute phase response, we determined serum levels of IL-10, interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), alpha-1-anti-chymotrypsin (ACT) in 34 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. IL-10 and IL-6 levels were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). CRP, AGP and ACT levels were measured using rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The results showed that IL-10 serum level was increased in RA patients as compared to controls (60.0 +/- 17.5 pg/ml vs. 7.2 +/- 1.9 pg/ml). IL-6 level was significantly elevated (87.3 +/- 32.7 pg/ml vs. 45 +/- 19 pg/ml, p < 0.05). CRP was significantly increased as compared to healthy controls (34 +/- 19 mg/1 vs. 3 +/- 2 mg/1, p < 0.05). AGP and ACT serum levels were increased in RA patients, but we did not find these changes to be statistically significant. A good negative correlation between IL-10 and IL-6 serum level was found (r = -0.73, p < 0.05). A positive significant correlation between IL-6 serum level and CRP (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), AGP (r = 0.74, p < 0.05) and ACT (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) was established. Moreover, a negative correlation between IL-10 and serum level of CRP (r = -0.76, p < 0.05), AGP (r = -0.60, p < 0.05) and ACT (r = -0.37, p < 0.05) was also shown. According to the data thus far obtained it seems that IL-10 decreases IL-6 production, and by that indirectly affects acute phase response, decreasing CRP, AGP and ACT synthesis.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗