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Biomedical subjects

Zofia Ostrowska

Publications and source records attributed to Zofia Ostrowska.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by several metabolic abnormalities that favor the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is possibly a chronic inflammatory process, and the markers of the inflammatory state, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen may be useful to assess the global risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These proteins might be helpful in finding females with subclinical atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the serum CRP and fibrinogen concentrations in young females with PCOS and to clarify the possible correlations between their levels and selected anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal indices. Study assessed a group of 57 females with PCOS (mean age 28.2+/-6.4 years). That group was further divided into two subgroups: the first with body mass index (BMI)</=25 (21 females of mean age 27.4+/-7.0 years) and second with BMI>25 (36 females of mean age 28.6+/-6.0 years). In the control group there were 22 healthy females (mean age 31.6+/-8.5 years). That group was again divided into two subgroups: the first with BMI</=25 (10 females, mean age 30.2+/-8.4 years) and second with BMI>25 (12 females, mean age 31.7+/-8.7 years). Results demonstrated statistically significantly higher CRP concentration in females with PCOS compared to healthy individuals in both BMI subgroups. PCOS females showed also higher plasma insulin levels. There was, however, no statistically significant difference in fibrinogen concentrations. The hormonal profile of females with PCOS seems to influence the concentration of CRP and fibrinogen in different ways. This was evident in the positive correlation between plasma fibrinogen and androstenedione and in the lack of correlation between CRP and androgens and in the positive correlation between CRP and estradiol and the negative correlation between fibrinogen and estradiol. In conclusion, high CRP concentration in females with PCOS probably speaks for a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Detection of colorectal lesions by using autofluorescence colonoscopy in acromegalics and their relation to serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels.

OBJECTIVES: Acromegalics have an increased risk of colorectal neoplasm. The aim of this study was to establish the association between acromegaly and colorectal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 51 patients with active acromegaly: 30 women and 21 men (average age 52.95 +/- 13.49 years). Growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), prolactin (PRL), thyreothropin (TSH), thyroxine (FT4) were measured in the serum when patients were hospitalized for their first diagnosis of acromegaly, before starting the treatment. All patients underwent colonoscopy--in the first phase conventional in white light; in the second phase fluorescence colonoscopy. Autofluorescence of colonic mucosa was assessed by illumination with monochromatic light. Green fluorescence is characteristic for normal colonic mucose, whereas red fluorescence occur in pathological lesions. Material to histopathological examination was taken from every pathological colorectal lesion. RESULTS: Using conventional colonoscopy we detected colonic polyps in 21 acromegalic patients (41.17%). Polyps with red fluorescence were found in 7 (13.7%) acromegalics and with green fluorescence in 16 (31.37%) cases of these patients. Histological diagnoses of colorectal lesions are adenoma, hyperplastic and inflammatic polyps. The number of colorectal polyps was dependent on IGF-I, fT4 and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Acromegaly is associated with high prevalence of colorectal pathology, mainly hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. There is a relationship between number of colorectal polyps and serum IGF-I levels in acromegaly. Adenomas and hyperplastic polyps were associated with higher levels of IGF-I.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed2006

Plasma ghrelin concentrations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after 6months therapy: correlation with androgen levels.

OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin is a natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and has been shown to be a potent stimulant of GH secretion. It has also orexigenic effects and regulates energy homeostasis. Recent studies claim that ghrelin influences the androgen level and probably takes part in PCOS pathomechanism. The aim of the study was an assessment of ghrelin level in plasma in women with PCOS before and after the treatment and ghrelin's influence on androgen level change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 25 women with the diagnosed PCOS (mean age 25.3+/-4.05 yr). The tests were done twice: before the treatment and after 6-month therapy with Diane 35 (cyproterone acetate 2 mg with ethinylestradiol 35 mug). Following hormones were measured: ghrelin, free testosterone, androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH-progesterone and estradiol. RESULTS: The received results in both groups were compared with the control group (11 healthy women, mean age 26.0+/-2.6 yr). No statistically significant differences in ghrelin levels before (187.8+/-8.1 fmol/ml) and after the therapy (185.6+/-9.5 fmol/ml) were found. Similar results were received when two groups of women compared with the control (186.5+/-8.7 fmol/ml). No correlations between ghrelin and androgen levels were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Final conclusion is that there is no direct impact of ghrelin level on PCOS pathogenesis, however, its role in development of obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance co-occurring with metabolic disorders syndrome cannot be excluded.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Melatonin and bone status].

This paper reviews the findings accumulated on the role of melatonin (MEL) on bone status and the role of RANKL/RANK/OPG system (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand/ receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B/osteoprotegerin) in this mechanism. Recent studies indicate that MEL may influence on the bone directly by acting osteoclasts and perhaps osteoblasts, and/or indirectly by down-regulating RANK-mediated osteoclast formation and activation. Induced by MEL, changes in the level of factors which play a role in the regulation of bone remodelling, may secondarily (directly and/or indirectly through RANKURANK/OPG system) influence on bone status.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Serum leptin levels in children with chronic renal failure on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and on hemodialysis treatment].

UNLABELLED: Malnutrition and loss of appetite remain a frequent problem in children with chronic renal failure (CRF). Recent studies in human gave much attention for leptin, polypeptide produced by adipocytes, and its influence on appetite and energetic balance regulation. The study aimed at evaluation of serum leptin levels (SLL) in children with CRF with regard to applied method of treatment. Study included 29 children, mean age 13.9 +/- 4.2 years. Among them 10 on peritoneal dialysis (PD, mean age 11.9 +/- 4.3 years), 10 - on maintenance hemodialysis (HD, mean age 16.3 +/- 2.4 years), 9 - on conservative treatment of CRF (CT, 13.0 +/- 4.3 years). SLL was evaluated by RIA. In all groups of children with CRF SLL was high: group I (PD): 34.3 +/- 44.0, group II (HD): 31.5 +/- 57.4, group III (CT): 16.5 +/- 21.1 ng/ml. There was no difference of SLL in children with CRF regarding to method of treatment. Evaluated SLL/BMI index (body mass index) showed no difference in comparison of examined groups of children with CRF (values respectively: PD: 1.5 +/- 1.8; HD: 1.3 +/- 2.1; CT: 0.8 +/- 1.9 ng/ml +/- kg/m2). Also SLL/creatinine index did not differ between examined groups (values respectively: PD: 5.2 +/- 8.2; HD: 4.4+/-8.4; CT: 4.0 +/- 4.6 ng/mg). In both subgroups on dialysis treatment SLL correlated with BMI, additionally in HD SLL correlated with body weight, in PD - with serum ionised calcium. No correlation with age, dialysis treatment duration, creatinine and urea levels was found. CONCLUSIONS: In children on maintenance dialysis high SLL were observed. The highest SLL in PD patients, when considering CRF group could be related to high dialysate glucose concentration and probably decreased clearance through the peritoneal membrane. The correlation between SLL and BMI was preserved in all groups of children with CRF, irrespective of applied method of treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Quantitative assessment of mRNA TGF-beta1 in liver tissue in connection with serum mean daily level of TGF-1 in chronic hepatitis B patient].

Monitoring of fibrosis process with the use of histopathologic studies on liver's bioptates is limited, so it is attempted to find reliable, obtained with less invasive methods, sensitive and reflecting fibrosis dynamics markers of this process. The aim of the study was simultaneously to assess liver's expression as well as circadian and mean daily TGF-betal concentration in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis type B in comparison to control group. Studies were performed on 50 patients (9 women, 41 men) aged 45.9 +/- 2.3 years with chronic hepatitis type B. Control group consisted of 20 patients (mean age 38.6 +/- 3.7 years), in which so called minimal changes without fibrosis were observed in histophatologic bioptate of liver. Blood for studies was collected every 4 houres during the day. Serum concentration of TGF-betal was assessed with the use of ELISA method, and expression of mRNA TGF-betal in liver with QRT-PCR method. No significant difference between circadian as well as mean daily serum TGF-betal concentration beetwen control group and the group with chronic hepatitis type B was shown. Increased expression of mRNA, TGF-betal in bioptate of liver of patients with chronic hepatitis type B in comparison to control group was noted. In "minimal changes" control group presence of significant positive correlation between expression of mRNA TGF-beta1 in liver and concentration of this cytokine in serum was shown, in the group of patients with chronic hepatitis B this connection was not noted.

Circadian Rhythm↗
PubMed2004

[Circadian rhythm of melatonin in patients with hypertension].

Few reports, especially experimental ones indicate cause-effect connection between melatonin (Mel) and blood pressure. The aim of the study was to assess connection between a daily profile of Mel concentration in saliva and 24-hour cycle of blood pressure in 22 patients with moderate hypertension (12 men, 10 women), 20 patients with severe hypertension (9 men, 11 women) and 25 healthy subjects with normal blood pressure (13 men, 12 women). The age of studied subjects oscillated between 37 and 46 years. Concentrations of Mel were assessed in saliva collected during the day with intervals of 3 hours with the use of RIA method. Blood pressure assessment was done at the same time. A significant decrease of mesor's value and amplitude of Mel rhythm without essential changes in acrophase's value were observed in men and women with severe hypertension. Mean concentrations of Mel in saliva were significantly decreased from 8 pm to 5 am. Significant, negative correlation between nighttime Mel concentrations in saliva and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was shown in patients with moderate and severe hypertension. Correlation coefficients values were in general higher in patients with severe hypertension. Results of our studies seem to confirm the conception that decreased Mel secretion can be one of the causes of hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[The apolipoprotein E polymorphism in age related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate association of apo E polymorphism with AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The included participants of this study were: 45 patients aged 60 to 71 (mean age 66.2 +/- 3.6), treated because of AMD. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and the subsequent analysis of apo E genotypes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In our study the allele frequencies in control group of patients weresimilar to the apo E allele distribution presented by other authors in Caucasian populations. We have not found significant differences between AMD and control group patients for apo (E) genotype or allele frequency. Compared with control group (epsilon4 -13.6%, epsilon2 -2.27%), the frequency of epsilon4 allele was not significantly decreased (11.11%) and epsilon2 allele frequency (7.77%) increased in AMD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our present study have not indicate a significant association between AMD development and apo E allele frequency, in our studied population of AMD patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Blood concentration of homocysteine, vitamin B (12), and folic acid in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration].

PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown a relationship between elevated levels of Hcy and vascular disease including cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarctions. Elevated Hcy plasma is considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and trombosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients with diagnosed exudative form of AMD. We evaluated plasma homocysteine levels, by high performance liquid chromatography and red blood cell folic acid, plasma folic acid and plasma vitamin B12 concentration by radioassay method. RESULTS: The plasma concentration of Hcy in AMD patients had significantly increased when compared with control group. We found not significant decrease of the plasma vitamin B12, red blood cell folic acid and plasma folic acid concentration in AMD group, when compared with the control group.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[Serum aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C].

Fibrosis is the process accompanying majority of chronic diseases of liver, independent of etiological factor and leading to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Monitoring fibrosis process by liver's biopsy is limited, so many attempts are undertaken to assess concentrations of definite proteins in blood, which could be easily accessible marker of intrahepatic process. It seems, that among others, determinations of blood concentration of aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen III--index of collagen's III synthesis and TGF-beta 1--cytokine of antiproliferative action and inhibiting hepatocytes' growth, yet inducing fibroblasts' growth and stimulating fibrosis process brings out such a possibility. The aim of the study was simultaneous determination of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP concentration in blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C before interferone's therapy in comparison to healthy controls, assessment of the parameters in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis and determination of correlation between TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP. Studies were performed in 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CAH B) and 35 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CAH C). Significantly increased serum concentrations of TGF-beta 1 as PIIINP in both groups of patients (CAH B and CAH C; grading 2-3, staging 1-2) in comparison with control group was noted. Significant positive correlation of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP serum concentrations in both groups of patients was observed. There was not significant changes in PIIINP serum levels in patients with hepatitis B and C in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis (staging 1 vs staging 2) but TGF-beta 1 serum levels was significantly increased in CAH B and C patients with higher stage of liver fibrosis process. On the base of obtained results, it seems that changes in TGF-beta 1 concentrations in blood reflect "grading" and "staging" and can be a marker of intensification of intrahepatic fibrosis process whereas PIIINP levels in blood have rather the relation with "grading".

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The influence of pinealectomy and melatonin administration on the dynamic pattern of biochemical markers of bone metabolism in experimental osteoporosis in the rat.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There have been suggestions in literature that characteristic changes of bone mass in osteoporosis may be related to the melatonin (Mel): The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether pinealectomy and Mel administration can affect postmenopausal osteoporosis processes induced in female rats by way of ovariectomy. METHODS: The study included 198 animals; 6 remained intact (0), 96 were ovariectomized (Ox), and the remaining ones underwent a sham operation (SOx). Two weeks after surgery, the rats were divided into eight groups: 1) SOx + SPx, 2) SOx + SPx + Mel, 3) Ox + SPx, 4) Ox + SPx + Mel, 5) SOx + Px, 6) SOx + Px + Mel, 7) Ox + Px, 8) Ox + Px + Mel. Animals from the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th groups were pinealectomized (Px) while the remaining ones underwent a sham operation (SPx). Two weeks after surgery Mel (50microg/100g of bm) were administered intraperitoneally in rats in the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th groups while the remaining animals were administered with solvent only (5% solution of ethyl alcohol in physiological saline). Rats were administered the Mel solution or the solvent daily between 5 and 6 pm during a 4-week period. At the appropriate time, i.e. prior to surgery (group 0) and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks from Px or SPx (time subgroups a, b, c and d) the animals were placed separately in metabolic cages (from 6.30 until 9.30 am) in order to collect urine aliquots for HYP and Ca determinations. The blood for the assay of ALP, PICP and ICTP was collected within the next 24 hours at 8 am (rats killed by decapitation). RESULTS: The study has shown that pinealectomy had inducing, while exogenous Mel suppressing effect upon the level of investigated markers of bone metabolism; these changes were more pronounced in ovariectomized rats. Administration of Mel only partially levelled changes of bone metabolism caused by pinealectomy. In rats with preserved pineal gland effect of Mel on bone turnover markers was less pronounced. After discontinuing administration of Mel distinct tendency to increase studied biochemical markers of bone metabolism was shown. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Mel is an important modulator of experimental osteoporosis processes induced in female rats by way of ovariectomy.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2002

Does the negative correlation found in breast cancer patients between plasma melatonin and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations imply the existence of an additional mechanism of oncostatic melatonin influence involved in defense?

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is probably involved in promoting both normal and neoplastic cell growth, neoplastic transformation processes, angiogenesis, and neoplasma progression. On the other hand, one possible mechanism of the oncostatic action of melatonin is its influence on the action and/or release of the growth factors that stimulate neoplastic cell growth. Quantitative changes in melatonin and IGF-I, as well as an imbalance between melatonin and IGF-I, may affect the growth of breast cancer cells and exacerbate the disease. The aim of our research was to study the interactions between plasma melatonin and IGF-I concentrations in pre-menopausal breast cancer patients. MATERIAL/METHODS: Our research involved 24 breast cancer patients (mean age 43 +/-6) with stage II breast cancer (Bloom and Richardson classification), confirmed by histological studies, and were 4 weeks after radical mastectomy. The control group consisted of 16 healthy women volunteers (mean age 44 +/- 5). RESULTS: No statistically significant relations were found between mean plasma melatonin and IGF-I concentrations in the two study groups. In the breast cancer group the correlation coefficient between IGF-I concentration in plasma and melatonin was r = -0.392 (p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: The negative correlation between the plasma melatonin and IGF-I concentrations in the breast cancer patients we studied could reach statistical significance in a larger population. The presence of such a negative correlation between plasma melatonin and IGF-I concentrations in patients with neoplastic disease may imply the existence of an additional defense mechanism based on the oncostatic influence of melatonin.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Circadian rhythm of melatonin in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was pineal gland function assessment on the base of daily rhythm study and mean daily melatonin (MEL) concentrations in serum in patients with colorectal carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were performed in 12 women at the age of 63.17+/-5.90 years and 21 men aged 58.95+/-11.32 years with large intestine adenocarcinoma. The control group consisted of 28 healthy volunteers at comparable age. During the circadian study blood samples for the measurement of melatonin (MEL) were collected every 4 hours during 12 h. MEL concentrations were assessed with the use of RIA methods. Statistical analysis of circadian rhythms of MEL was carried out with the use of cosinor method according to Halberg. RESULTS: Existence of daily rhythm of MEL secretion was shown in all studied groups. A significant decrease of amplitude of rhythm and secretion of MEL at nocturnal hours in comparison with the control group was shown in the group of women with large intestine carcinoma. A significant decrease of mesor value and amplitude of MEL rhythm as a consequence of decrease of MEL secretion at nocturnal and morning hours was observed in the group of ill men. CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in melatonin circadian rhythm amplitude as a consequence of its lowered nocturnal secretion occurred in all patients with colorectal carcinoma. Abnormalities in daily rhythm of melatonin secretion were more intensified in men with large intestine carcinoma, which leads to suppression of mean daily hormone concentration.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Circadian rhythm of melatonin in postmenopausal asthmatic women with hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to check if in postmenopausal women such a disease as asthma and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) influence daily melatonin (MEL) secretion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were performed in 55 asthmatics (treated and not treated with glucocorticosteroids) and 20 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 48-60) before HRT and after 6 months of transdermal 17beta-estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment (cyclical method). During the circadian study blood samples for the measurement of MEL were collected every 3 hours during the day. MEL concentrations were assessed with the use of RIA methods. Statistical analysis of the circadian rhythm was performed with the use of cosinor test according to Halberg et al. RESULTS: Existence of daily rhythm of MEL secretion was shown in all studied groups, before as well as after HRT. A significant decrease of mesor and amplitude's rhythm was observed in the group of women with asthma treated with glucocorticosteroids (GC) before and after HRT use in relation to women not treated with GC and the control group. Secretion of MEL in these patients was lower at nocturnal hours. A significant decrease of mean daily MEL secretion in relation to values before HRT use was shown in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic postmenopausal women treated with GC show lowered circadian secretion of melatonin as a consequence of lowering its secretion at nocturnal hours. Hormonal replacement therapy causes a decrease of daily melatonin secretion in healthy as well as asthmatic women, not disturbing circadian rhythm of this hormone's secretion.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

[Influence of dithranol therapy on clinical status and serum calcitonin concentrations in patients with common psoriasis].

The aim of this work was to study the effects of external dithranol therapy of psoriatic patients on the clinical status and serum calcitonin concentrations. This was done on 19 patients with common psoriasis using Cignoderm in the short contact therapy. Calcitonin concentration in serum samples was determined before and after a 14-day therapy. Results obtained before were compared with concentrations after dithranol treatment and with results in control group. Serum TSH was also measured in serum samples from both groups at the very beginning time. The determinations showed statistically significant lower serum TSH level in psoriatic patients before therapy vs. control and significant, negative correlation with calcitonin concentration in those patients. After a 14-day dithranol therapy a significant calcitonin concentration decrease as well as clinical effects were observed in the investigated group.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Acromegaly and the risk of cancer.

Recent studies suggest that acromegaly might predispose to an increased risk of benign and malignant neoplasms, thus influencing the final outcome of the disease. The exact mechanism of neoplastic events in acromegaly has not been completely clarified. Several studies indicate an autocrine-paracrine role for growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in the proliferation of normal and neoplastic cells. The paper reviews the results of molecular, clinical and epidemiological data supporting a role for GH-IGF-I action in colon, prostate, breast and lung carcinogenesis inpatients with acromegaly.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between the daily profile of chosen biochemical markers of bone metabolism and melatonin and other hormone secretion in rats under physiological conditions.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of generating and synchronizing daily rhythms of bone and mineral metabolism markers has not been entirely explained. Most studies indicate that LD cycle and/or feeding schedules provide important synchronizers of these rhythms. It seems that endogenous factors, including systemic and local hormones can be important in the mechanism of dependence of bone and mineral metabolism parameters rhythms on LD cycle and feeding schedule. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the daily profile of chosen biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism (serum ALP, PICP, ICTP and iP and urinary excretion of HYP and total calcium) and daily secretion of MEL, GH/IGF-I axis activity and parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal cortex and gonads function in 48 adult male rats. METHODS: Material for studies was collected every 3 hours within a day. Hormones, PICP and ICTP concentrations were determined with the use of RIA method and ALP, HYP, total calcium and iP values--spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Existence of a negative correlation between daily oscillations of studied markers of osteogenesis (ALP and PICP) and daily profile of MEL and PTH secretion and positive with daily fluctuations of GH and IGF-I was shown. Moreover, ALP values correlated negatively with daily oscillations of CT. Concentrations of bone resorption markers (ICTP, HYP and total calcium) correlated negatively with daily fluctuations of MEL and positively with GH, IGF-I and thyroid hormones. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that physiological daily rhythmicity of PTH, MEL, GH, IGF-I and thyroid hormones most probably play an important role in regulating the daily rhythm of biochemical markers of bone metabolism.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗