Biomedical subjects

V Scudla

Publications and source records attributed to V Scudla.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

[Treatment of AL-amyloidosis and some other types of amyloidosis].

Patients with AL-amyloidosis are treated at present by conventional or large-dose chemotherapy with autologous transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells, similarly as patients with multiple myeloma. Only the timing of treatment is different. In myeloma treatment is usually indicated only in clinical stage II or III, in clinical stage I only in case of adverse prognostic factors. In AL-amyloidosis treatment is indicated immediatelyafter establishment of the diagnosis. It was found that high-dose chemotherapy with autologous transpantation of haematopoietic cells is at present the most effective treatment for selected patients with not advanced forms of primary systemic AL-amyloidosis. Allogenic transplantation of the liver is treatment of choice in ATTR amyloidosis. In AA-amyloidosis the basis of treatment is removal or suppression of the chronic inflammatory process, possibly colchicin administration.

Amyloidosis↗

PubMed2000

[Relation of serum levels of the soluble cytoadhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 to selected factors in the cytokine network in multiple myeloma].

BACKGROUND: Contemporary, not very frequent studies have brought only few and often inconsistent findings about the significance of cytoadhesive molecules (CAM) type "vascular cell adhesion molecule-1" (VCAM-1) and "intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1" (ICAM-1) at multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of the study was to interpret relations among levels of soluble forms of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in serum of the peripheral blood (SPB) and in serum of the aspirated bone marrow (SABM) to concentrations of selected elements of the cytokine network (IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-6, sIL-6R, and TNF-alpha) during different phases of MM disease and to recognise whether there are some specific relations of these factor in both tissue fluids. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two groups of patients with MM were analysed: the group of 64 patients examined in different phases of MM disease and group of 39 patients examined when the disease was diagnosed (age median was 63 and 64 years, male to female relation was 1.6 and 1.3 to 1.0). CAM, cytokine and their soluble receptor levels were estimated using ELISA method. Increased levels of sVCAM-1 in APB were found in 87.5 and 87% of patients; in both groups sVCAM-1 medians almost twice exceeded the upper limits of normality (1180 and 1295 ng/ml). Levels in SABM were always higher (1347 and 1546 ng/ml) than that in SPB. Higher values of sICAM-1 in SPB had 35 and 33% of patients; sICAM-1 medians in SPB and in SABM did not exceed in either group the upper limits of normality (691 ng/ml) and they did not differ significantly (519 vs 476 and 518 vs 500 ng/ml). Statistical analysis (Pearson's correlation quotient, p < 0.05) has shown in both groups significant relation among sVCAM-1 in SPB and SABM levels (p-0.0001 and p-0.0012) and sICAM-1 level (p-0.0002 and p-0.0011) in both types of tissues fluids. In the larger group the statistically significant relation of sVCAM-1 in SPK to sIL-2R (0.0001), sIL-6R (0.0001), TNF-alpha (0.0003), and sICAM-1 (0.042) was found as well as to IL-2 (0.034, sIL-6R (0.044), and sICAM-1 (0.007) in SABM. In the group of 39 patients examined when the MM disease was diagnosed, relation of sVCAM-1 in SPB to levels of sIL-6R (0.0002) and TNF-alpha (0.0001), and in SABM only to sIL-2R (0.009). Evaluation of sICAM-1 revealed relation only to levels of sVCAM-1 both in SPK (0.042) and in SABM (0.007) in the larger group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The described concentration changes of soluble CAM in serum of the peripheral blood and in serum of the aspirated bone marrow as well as identified relations to levels of various elements of the cytokine network indicate that CAM and especially sVCAM-1, together with elements of the cytokine network play a role in the complicated MM pathology. Particular activity of serum soluble forms sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in the pathogenesis of myeloma has not been clarified. It shows that analysis of soluble cytoadhesive molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and selected elements of the cytokine network (IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-6, sIL-6R and TNF-alpha) in serum of the aspirated bone marrow has no advantage to analysis of the peripheral blood serum.

Cytokines↗

PubMed2000

[Biological characteristics of multiple myeloma].

On a series of thirty trephine bone marrow biopsies from patients with multiple myeloma, the authors evaluated expression of markers of cell proliferation or of its blockade (Ki-67, PCNA, topoisomerase IIa, cyclin D-1, AgNOR, and p27kip1) and markers indicating multidrug resistance (P-170 and Bcl-2). Expression of Ki-67 and of topoisomerase IIa was unfrequent. Marked positivity of PCNA was expressed in about one third of cases, negative staining was exceptional. No expression of cyclin D-1 was noted. Positivity of p27kip1 was frequent. P-170 was demonstrated in a small number of cases, Bcl-2 was strongly positive in most cases. The results characterise multiple myeloma as a tumour with low proliferation rate and, simultaneously, with high resistance to apoptosis.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

PubMed1999

Single photon bone densitometry in multiple myeloma.

The study was performed in 45 patients with multiple myeloma. There was found significant correlation between diminished bone mineral density of forearm and duration of the disease. No correlation between bone mineral density and biochemical markers of osteolysis (pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline in urine) and serum levels of cytokines was found.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1999

[Relation of the soluble cytoadhesion molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 to selected clinical and laboratory indicators in multiple myeloma].

Hitherto conducted studies concerned with the problem of cytoadhesive molecules (CAM) dealt only in a very limited way with the problem of multiple myeloma (MM). The subject of the submitted paper was evaluation of the relationship of soluble forms of "vascular cell adhesive molecule-1" (sVCAM-1) and "intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1" (sICAM-1) in serum from the peripheral bloodstream (PBS) and serum from a bone marrow aspirate (BMA) with selected clinical and laboratory indicators of MM (beta 2-microglobulin, thymidine kinase, immunochemical type of MM, S-creatinine, S-monoclonal immunoglobulin, S-albumin, Hb, percentage ratio of plasmocytes in bone marrow, age, performance status, stage and substage of MM and activity of disease) and proliferation characteristics of myeloma plasmocytes. The authors analyzed two groups of patients with MM, a group of 64 examined in different stages of MM and a group of 39 examined when the diagnosis of MM was established (median age 63 and 64 years, male/female ratio 1.6 and 1.3:1). The sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels were examined by the ELISA method. Elevated values of sVCAM-1 in PBS were recorded in both groups in 87.5% and 87% patients, medians of sVCAM-1 exceeded the upper range of normal values (714 ng/ml) almost twice (1180 and 1295 ng/ml) whereby median values in BMA (1347 and 1546 ng/ml) were always somewhat higher than in PBS. Elevated sICAM-1 values in PBS were found in 35 and 33% patients, median levels of sICAM-1 in PBS and in BMA did not exceed the upper normal range (691 ng/ml) and did not differ substantially (518 vs. 476 and 518 vs. 500 ng/ml). Correlation analysis (Pearson's correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney's test, p0.05) revealed in both groups a significant relationship of both CAM assessed in PBS and BMA (sVCAM-1 p-0.0000 and p-0.012, sICAM-1 p-0.0000 and p-0.0011). No relationship was found between sVCAM-1 and s-ICAM-1 levels assessed in PBS and BMA with proliferation indexes of myeloma plasmocytes, i.e. values of the propidium-iodide index PI/CD38 and PI/B-B4 (CD138). In the whole group of 64 patients a relationship was found between sVCAM-1 in PBS and values of S-creatinine (p - 0.004), Hb (p - 0.033), S-albumin (p - 0.035), S-beta 2-microglobulin (S-B2M) (p - 0.0000) and S-thymidine kinase (S-TK)(p-0.0000), when evaluating BMA, a relationship with B2M (p -0.011). In the group of 39 patients examined when the diagnosis of MM was made a relationship was found of sVCAM-1 in PBS to S-B2M) (p - 0.0000), S-TK (p-0.0000) and to S-creatinine (p -0.005), in BMA there was only a relationship with B2M (p - 0.020). In the whole group of 64 patients there was no relationship between s-ICAM levels in PBS with any of the examined indicators, when evaluating BMA only a relationship with B2M (p - 0.038) and TK (p - 0.022). In the group of 39 patients examined during the diagnosis of MM a relationship was found of sICAM-1 only with B2M in BMA (p - 0.013). In the total group of 64 a relationship was found between sVCAM-1 in PBS with the patient's age (p - 0.032) and the substage of MM(p-0.024), in the group of 39 patients a relationship between sVCAM on PBS and the substage of MM (p -0.031). On analysis of sICAM-1 a relationship was found between levels in BMA only with the patient's age (p -0.015). From the investigation ensued that despite evidence of a number of correlations between sVCAM and sICAM-1 levels and clinical and laboratory indicators of MM no relationship was found which could be applied under conditions of clinical practice. Assessment of levels of different indicators in serum of bone marrow aspirate did not reveal any advantages over examination in peripheral blood serum.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Importance of determining the propidium-iodide index of plasmacytes in multiple myeloma. I. Relation to selected laboratory indicators of the disease].

In a group of 85 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) incl. 50 patients examined at the time when the diagnosis was established the relationship of the values of the propidium-iodide index (PI index) of myeloma plasmocytes of the patients were examined by flow cytometry using the double staining method, and selected laboratory parameters of the disease were analyzed. It was revealed that the values of the PI index examined with the aid of different "identification" monoclonal antibodies did not differ significantly. The median and average value of the PI index was in the whole group for PI/CD38 2.3 and 2.3%, for PI "UHKT" 1.8 and 1.8% and for PI/B-B4(CD138) 2.2 and 2.4%. In the group of patients examined at the time when the diagnosis of MM was established before chemotherapy the median and average value of the PI/CD38 index was 2.0 and 2.2%, PI/"UHKT" was 1.5 and 1.6%, PI/B-B4 (CD138) 2.6 and 2.5%. In the two analyzed groups no statistically significant correlations of PI/CD38,/"UHKT" and B-B4(CD138) index were found with the number of granulocytes, thrombocytes, immunochemical type and the value of the serum M-component, and levels of S-beta 2 microglobulin, S-urea, S-creatinine, S-calcium, and S-lactic dehydrogenase. A significant positive correlation was found in both groups with the level of S-thymidine kinase, in the whole group of indexes PI/CD38 and PI/B-B4(CD138) with the severity of anaemia, index PI/CD38 correlated with S-albumin and index PI/B-B4(CD138) with the percentage ratio of plasmocytes in bone marrow. It was revealed that examination of the propidium-iodide index is a suitable and prompt method for evaluation of proliferative properties of the myeloma population.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Importance of determining the propidium-iodide index of plasmacytes in multiple myeloma. II. Relation to disease extent and activity].

The authors evaluated in a group of 50 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), examined when the diagnosis was established before onset of treatment, and in a group of 85 patients examined in different stages of MM the relationship of proliferative characteristics of myeloma plasmocytes assessed by means of the propidium-iodide index PI/CD38, PI/"UHKT" and PI/B-B4(CD138) with the progression, "performance status" and the activity of the disease. With the exception of a different value of the PI/CD38 index between stages 1 and 3 evaluated according to Durie-Salmon, in the whole group of patients no relationship was found with the progress of the disease. When evaluating the whole group the authors observed a difference between sub-stages A and B (i.e. between patients without and with a serious impairment of renal function) when using indexes PI/CD38 and PI/B-B4(CD138). Only in the whole group of 85 patients the authors found a significant relationship of all proliferation indexes (PI/CD38PI/"UHKT" and PI/B-B4) with the "performance status" according to ECOG score to or > or = 3 vs. < 3. In both groups there was a very close statistically significant relationship without the activity of the disease whichever of the three proliferation indexes was used. It was revealed that patients with the active but stable form of the disease have different PI/CD38 and PI/B-B4(CD138) indexes within the framework of the same stage of MM (stages 1 + 2 vs. 3). From the investigation ensues that examination of the PI proliferation index, in particular PI/B-B4(CD138) or possibly PI/CD38 using multiparametric flow cytometry is a valuable method extending hitherto used examination procedures in MM, and that it replaces adequately former autoradiographic and microscopic immunofluorescent techniques.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[The importance of determination of interleukin-10 in the blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

BACKGROUND: Hitherto, not very numerous investigations provided so far only few often controversial findings on the importance of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The objective of the present investigation was to assess whether there exist practically applicable relations between the serum level of IL-10, clinical and laboratory indicators of activity of the disease and serum levels of selected cytokines or their soluble receptors. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors analyzed a group of 23 patients with SLE (23 women and 1 man, median age 37 years). Interleukin-10 and other cytokines were examined by the ELISA method, the clinical activity of the disease was evaluated by the ECLAM system (European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement). Elevated IL-10 values (> 5 pg/ml) were assessed in 10 (43%) patients. Correlation analysis (Pearson's test, p < 0.05) revealed statistically significant relations between IL-10 levels and the activity of the disease, values of antibody levels against dsDNA and levels of the soluble receptor IL-2 (sIL-2R) in serum. Conversely, no relationship was revealed between values of IL-10 and values of C3 and C4 complement components, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, sIL-6R, TNF-alpha, sTNFR-alpha and INF-gamma. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated IL-10 serum levels in patients with SLE did not have, with the exception of the index of clinical activity of the disease, antibodies against dsDNA and sIL-2R any statistically significant relations to laboratory indicators of disease activity and levels of selected cytokines and their soluble receptors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Treatment of multiple myeloma with high-dose chemotherapy and transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells and subsequent maintenance therapy with interferon alfa-2b or interferon alfa 2b and dexamethasone. Report of the ongoing study of the "4W" Czech Myeloma Group].

We report our results with high-dose chemotherapy in previously untreated multiple myeloma patients (4 courses of VAD chemotherapy, collection of PBSC after priming with cyclophosphamide, 5 g/m2, high-dose chemotherapy with melphalan, 200 mg/m2). Second transplantation was indicated only for patients who did not achieve remission after the first high-dose therapy (paraprotein lower than 25% of the pretreatment value). For the second transplantation melphalan (200 mg/m2) with methylprednisolone (1.5 g for 5 days) were used as conditioning regimen. After high-dose therapy all patients were randomized into two arms of maintenance therapy: interferon alpha-2b or sequential maintenance therapy (interferon alpha-2b for 3 months followed after 4 week pause by 40 mg of dexamethasone days 1-4, 10-13 and 20-23. The administration of interferon alpha was resumed four weeks after the last dexamethasone for next three months. The maintenance therapy continued for 48 months or until the progression. Fifty-five patients were enrolled in the study from January 1996 to August 1997. Thirty-five patients have undergone the first transplantation and 57% of them reached complete remission. There were 10% of non-responders after the first high-dose regimen. The mean time to reach white blood cell count above 1 x 10(9)/L after the application of high dose melphalan and platelets more than 50 x 10(9)/L were 12.2 (range 6-16 days) and 12.4 (range 0-25 days), respectively. Grade 4 mucositis according to SWOG classification requiring total parenteral nutrition was presented in 40% of the patients. The mean number of 1 unit of platelets and 2 units of packed red blood cells transfusions were given within the posttransplant period. Early transplant related mortality was 3%. This paper describes the response and tolerance of each particular step of therapy. The follow-up has been too short to evaluate event-free and overall survivals.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[Vascular intercellular adhesive molecule-1 (VCAM-1)--a new indicator of activity in systemic lupus erythematosus?].

The objective of the submitted study was to evaluate the role of the serum level of the soluble form of the vascular adhesive molecule-1(VCAM-1) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate the possible relation to selected clinical and laboratory indicators of activity of the disease and cytokine serum levels. The analyzed group comprised 20 women, median age 37 years (range 18-65 years). Elevated VACM-1 serum levels were detected in 18 subjects (90%). Statistical analysis (Pearson's test, p < 0.05) revealed a significant relationship between serum levels of VCAM-1 and the index of clinical activity of SLE evaluated by the ECLAM system (European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement), values of the C3 complement component, the level of antibodies against dsDNA and serum levels of IL-10. No significant correlation was found with levels of the soluble receptor IL-2 (sIL-2R) and the C4 complement component in serum. From the investigation ensues that investigation of serum levels of the adhesive molecule of the VCAM-1 type is a promising method which makes early diagnosis of exacerbation of the disease possible. However, for evaluation of its real asset in clinical practice a more widely conceived longitudinal investigation is needed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

[The autoantibody profile and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

Antinuclear antibodies are a group of autoantibodies which are typical for collagenous diseases. By means of the autoantibody profile different sub-groups of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be identified. This can serve as a certain prognostic factor of the affection. Patients with a negative antibody profile have fewer clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE. Profile A (anti-dsDNA and/or anti-Sm has, as compared with patients with a negative antibody profile, more frequent organ manifestations. Patients with profile B (anti-RNP) have a higher frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon. Profile C (anti-Ro, anti-La) is characterized in particular by photosensitivity of the skin and secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Profile D (antibodies against centromeres and/or Scl-70) are found in subjects with SLE with traits of scleroderma. Finally profile E (antibodies against histones) are found in SLE induced by drugs. In the submitted study in 28 patients with SLE autoantibodies anti-dsDNA, anti-DNP, extracted nuclear antibodies (ENA-Sm,Ro,La, histones, Sm/RNP, Scl-70) were evaluated and different subgroups of SLE were assessed. Attention was paid to their common characteristics and the activity of the disease. Associations of clinical activity of the disease expressed by the ECLAM index (European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement) were tested as well as anti-dsDNA levels and also the association of the disease activity with C3 and C4 constituents of complement, CRP and circulating immunocomplexes in serum. Positivity of the antinuclear factor (ANF) was found in 21 patients, while in 7 subjects who were in clinical and laboratory remission, ANF was negative. A negative antibody profile was recorded in 9 patients, profile A was found in 13, 1 patient had profile B, and 4 patients had profile C. Antibody profile D was not found in the group. When using regression analysis and Pearson s correlation coefficient, correlations were found between anti-dsDNA values and the system ECLAM (r = 0.72, p < 0.01), anti-dsDNA and C3 levels (r = -0.59, p < 0.01), C4 (r = -0.50,, p < 0.01), and between the ECLAM system and C3 (r = -0.60, p 0.01) and C4 (r = -0.52, p < 0.01) and also between C3 and C4 mutually (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). From the submitted investigation ensues that investigation of antinuclear antibody levels in SLE is important not only for assessment of the diagnosis of the disease and its activity but also for assessment of the subgroups of the disease and for prediction of its development. As to other indicators of activity, assessment of the C3 and C4 constituents of complement is still important.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Soluble interleukin-6 receptors in the serum in multiple myeloma].

BACKGROUND: Infrequent studies, having been published so far, have brought few, partly contradictory, results on the importance of soluble receptor of Interleukin-6 (sIL-6R) in serum in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of the study was to find out, if there are applicable relations between the levels of sIL-6R and the values of selected clinical and biochemical indices and the levels of some cytokines in serum. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors analyzed a cohort of 50 patients suffering from MM (age median 64 years, range 34-83 years, ratio of men versus women 1.2:1.0). The soluble IL-6R and other cytokines were examined by ELISA assay, clinical stages of the disease were evaluated according to Durie-Salmon and Bataille. Increased values of sIL-6R (> 90 ng/ml) were in 28 (56%) of patients, median value was 87.4 (range 28.3-220 ng/l). Correlation analysis (Pearson test, p < 0.05) proved a statistically significant relation between the levels of sIL-6R and the values of beta 2-microglobulin (S-B2M) and thymidine kinase (S-TK) in serum. There was no relation to the erythrocyte sedimentation velocity, haemoglobin levels, calcium, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, monoclonal immunoglobulin, C-reactive protein, ferritin, IL-1, IL-2, sIL-2R, IL-6, TNF-alfa, and the occurrence of myeloma plasmocytes in bone marrow. No differences were found between the patients with normal values of S-B2M (< 3 ng/ml) and plasmocytes in bone marrow (< 5%) in comparison with the groups of patients with increased values (3-6, > 6 ng/ml and > 20%, respectively). There was no statistically significant relation of the levels of sIL-6R to clinical stages of MM (1-3) and the degree of activity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Increased values of sIL-6R, detected in more than a half of the cohort, were, with the exception of S-B2M, S-TK and massive infiltration of bone marrow by myeloma plasmocytes, in no applicable relation to selected biochemical indices, to the level of some cytokines and to the degree of advancement and activity of the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Two cases of t(9;20) in multiple myeloma.

Two patients with multiple myeloma with a t(9;20)(p24;q11.2) are reported. To our knowledge the association of this translocation with multiple myeloma has not been described previously.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

[The bromodeoxyuridine index in multiple myeloma. I. Relation with selected laboratory indicators of the disease].

In a group of 70 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), formed by 25 patients examined while establishing the diagnosis and 45 patients examined in different stages of the disease, the authors evaluated the relationship of the bromodeoxyuridine "labelling index" (BrdUrd-LI) of myeloma plasma cells assessed by the method of double immunofluorescence (using antibody BU-1) and selected laboratory indicators of the disease. In the whole group the median and mean values of BrdUrd-LI of myeloma plasma cells were 2.0 (0.6-4.4%) and 2.1 +/- 0.9%, in the group of 25 patients examined during diagnosis it was 1.8 (0.6-4.1%) and 1.9 +/- 0.9%, in the group of 45 patients examined during different stages of MM it was 2.4 (0.6-4.4%) and 2.4 +/- 0.8%. Neither in the whole group nor in the sub-groups any statistically significant correlations were found between BrdUrd-LI values and the degree of anaemia, values of S-creatinine, S-MIG, S-albumin, S-B2M, S-ferritin, S-thymidine kinase, S-IL-6, S-IL-2, S-kIL-2R, the percentage ratio of myeloma plasma cells in bone marrow and the synthetic index of myeloma plasma cells paraprotein.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Determination of the bromodeoxyuridine index in multiple myeloma. II. Relation to level of advancement and disease activity].

In a group of 70 subjects with multiple myeloma (MM) formed by 25 patients examined before establishment of the diagnosis and 45 patients evaluated in different developmental stages of the disease, the authors evaluated the relationship between the value of the bromodeoxyuridine "labelling index" (BrdUrd-LI) and the clinical activity, stage and course of the disease. The authors revealed statistically significantly higher values of BrdUrd-LI in the group of patients in the "active" phase of the disease than in the "stable-plateau" phase of the disease. This applies also to findings within different clinical stages of the disease. The authors did not reveal any relationship of BrdUrd-LI values and the stage of progress of the disease evaluated by means of staging systems according to Durie-Salmon, the British Medical Research Council and Bataille. Patients in the "stationary-plateau" phase with a longer than five-year duration of the disease (61-211 months) had all low BrdUrd-LI values (median 1.4%), while subjects in the "late-preterminal" stage of MM with possible extramedullary spread and leukaemization of the process had in all instances higher values (3.2%). Evidence was provided that examination of the proliferating characteristics of myeloma plasmocytes by means of BrdUrd-LI contributes to a better evaluation of the severity, development and prognosis of the disease.

Bromodeoxyuridine↗

PubMed1995

[Serum interleukin-6 in multiple myeloma: I. Relation to selected laboratory indicators of disease].

In a group of 111 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) comprising a group of 34 patients examined when the diagnosis was established and a group of 77 patients evaluated in different stages of the disease, the author examined the relationship between the interleukin-6 serum level (IL-6), assessed by the method of enzyme immunoanalysis and selected laboratory indicators of the disease. Elevated IL-6 values were recorded in 38% of the patients. In neither of the groups significant relations were found between IL-6 and calcium, urea, creatinine levels, the amount and type of monoclonal immunoglobulin, lacticode dehydrogenase, beta 2-microglobulin, ferritin, IL-2 and its soluble receptor in serum and the incidence of myeloma plasmocytes in bone marrow. In the second (but not in the first) group a significant relationship was recorded between IL-6 levels and the red cell sedimentation rate, the Hb value, the CRP level and serum albumin and the value of thymidinekinase in serum of patients with a value beyond the normal range. From the investigation ensues that examination of IL-6 serum levels in MM contributes so far mainly to improvement of the diagnosis and expedient classification of this disease in clinical practice.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Serum interleukin-6 in multiple myeloma. II. Relation to activity and stage of disease].

In a group of 111 subjects with multiple myeloma (MM) comprising a group of 34 patients examined when the diagnosis was established and a group of 77 patients examined in different stages of development of MM the authors evaluated the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum levels and the clinical activity and the stage of the disease. In both groups a significant relationship was found between IL-6 and the clinical activity of MM; "stable" and "active" stages of the disease differed by the frequency of elevated values and the level of IL-6. In both groups the authors recorded rising levels and a rising rate of subjects with elevated IL-6 levels with advancing stages of the disease. When staging systems were used according to Durie-Salmon, the British Medical Research Council and according to Bataille the highest IL-6 values were recorded in the third stage of the disease, these values being significantly higher than in stages 1 and 2. In the group assembled at the time of assessment of the diagnosis of MM the described differences did not reach (with the exception of the evaluation according to Bataille) statistical significance. The classification of patients in stages 1-3 into sub-groups with regard to the activity of the disease ("stable" and "active") was associated with significantly different IL-6 levels. The investigation revealed that examination of IL-6 levels contributes at present rather to the understanding of the pathogenesis and biology of MM than to practical evaluation of the severity, activity and stage of the disease.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed1995

[Therapeutic use of recombinant human erythropoietin in clinical practice].

The author presents an account of contemporary and perspective indications of the therapeutic use of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO). He discusses the role of endogenous erythropoietin in the pathogenesis of hypoproliferative anaemias (due to its shortage or inadequate effect) and classification of these conditions as a starting point of expedient therapeutic use of r-HuEPO in clinical practice. More detailed attention is paid in particular to the problem of treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic renal failure, anaemia in chronic inflammatory and malignant diseases, in myelodysplastic syndrome and aplastic anaemia. The author mentions also the use of r-HuEPO in preoperative preparation, in the programme of autotransfusions and its perspective use in transfusiology.

Anemia↗