Assessment of flax and hemp fibres in terms of their impact on the growth performance and health status of weaned piglets

Weaning is a critical phase in intensive piglet production marked by the frequent occurrence of digestive disorders posing health and economic burden. To stave off such weaning-related problems, antibiotics and supplements containing high levels of ZnO are often used. In this study, we investigated whether natural fibres obtained from two plants known for their dietary fibre profile and antioxidant properties: flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), can serve as a health-promoting diet supplement. The study was conducted on a total of 191 Polish Large White piglets from 18 L, from their birth to 56 days of age. Piglets were divided by litters into six groups: W1.5, F1.5, H1.5, W2.0, F2.0, and H2.0. Groups W1.5, F1.5, and H1.5 received feed supplemented with 1.5% fibre from wood cellulose (W), flax (F), and hemp (H), respectively, while groups W2.0, F2.0, and H2.0 received feed with a higher 2.0% content of the same fibres. Flax and hemp fibres were characterised by a complex composition, antioxidant properties due to the presence of phenolic acids, and low risk of mycotoxin contamination. Flax fibre resulted in best weight gains and feed conversion ratio (P ≤ 0.05) of piglets, while hemp fibre had higher positive effect on antioxidant status (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the other two fibre additives. Neither flax nor hemp fibres had any adverse effect on the haematological and biochemical blood parameters. Piglets receiving a diet with 1.5% added fibre showed better growth performance, while diet supplementation with 2% fibre had a beneficial effect on the content of butyric acid in the small intestinal chyme (P ≤ 0.05). The results suggested that both flax and hemp fibres can be innovative feed additives for weaned piglets. However, further studies should be conducted in commercial farms, as the effects of dietary fibre could vary in more challenging environmental conditions.

Prenatal acrylamide exposure results in time-dependent changes in liver function and basal hematological, and oxidative parameters in weaned Wistar rats

Acrylamide (ACR) is a toxic compound commonly found in fried, baked and heat-processed starchy foods. The current study investigated the time-dependent effects of maternal exposure to non-toxic ACR doses on the oxidative stress, liver function, and basal blood morphology of the rat offspring. Pregnant, Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group or the groups administrated with ACR (3 mg/kg b.w./day): long exposure for 15 days, medium exposure for 10 days and short exposure for 5 days during pregnancy. Body mass, blood morphology and hematology, serum concentrations of growth hormone, IGF-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and insulin, liver histomorphometry, liver activity of beclin1, LC2B and caspase3, markers of oxidative stress and the activity of antioxidative enzymes in blood serum and the liver were measured in offspring at weaning (postnatal day 21). Even short prenatal exposure to ACR led to oxidative stress and resulted in changes in liver histomorphometry and upregulation of autophagy/apoptosis. However, the most significant changes were observed following the long period of ACR exposure. This study has shown for the first time that ACR is responsible for changes in body mass in a time-dependent manner, which could lead to more serious illnesses like overweight and diabetes later in life.

Klinische, radiologische und histopathologische Merkmale des pulmonalen Post-COVID-Syndroms

BACKGROUND

About 10% of patients develop persistent symptoms after mild/moderate COVID-19. We have previously reported detection of antinuclear autoantibodies/extractable nuclear antigens (ANA/ENA) in patients with severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this small pilot study was to characterize long-/post-COVID and to evaluate possible similarities between lung involvement in long-/post-COVID and connective tissue disease (CTD).

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 33 previously healthy patients with persistent pulmonal symptoms after mild/moderate COVID-19 without hospitalization (median age, 39 years). We performed clinical evaluation including pulmonary function tests, computed tomography (CT), and serology for ANA/ENA. In 29 of 33 patients, transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) were taken for histopathological assessment.

RESULTS

Most patients presented with disturbed oxygen pulse in spiroergometry and slight lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The CT pattern showed bronchial wall thickening and increased low-attenuation volume. Autoantibodies were detected in 13 of 33 patients (39.4%). Histopathological assessment showed interstitial lymphocytosis with alveolar fibrin and organizing pneumonia. Ultrastructural analyses revealed interstitial collagen deposition.

CONCLUSION

While histopathology of pulmonary long-/post-COVID alone is unspecific, the combination with clinical and radiological features together with detection of autoantibodies would allow for a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF). Since we observe interstitial collagen deposition and since IPAF/CTD-ILD might progress to fibrosis, the persistence of autoantibodies and possible fibrotic change should be closely monitored in autoantibody-positive long-/post-COVID patients.

Behaviour and stress in three breeds of laying hens kept in the same environment

The aim of the study was to determine whether birds of different breeds, with different preferences for environmental elements and kept in identical conditions, would exhibit different behaviour and stress levels. The research material consisted of 50 laying hens of the Green-legged partridge (Zk), Polbar (Pb), and Leghorn (Lg) breeds. The birds were provided with identical environmental conditions. They were kept on litter in separate boxes, with 25 individuals of one breed per box, in the same building. An open field test was used in determining the behaviour of the birds. Levels of cortisol in serum and corticosterone in feathers were evaluated, and haematological and biochemical analyses of blood were performed. Leghorns proved to be a highly excitable and active breed whose needs cannot be fully satisfied in the standard conditions of large farms. Based on a differential leukocyte count, their hyperactivity was associated with increased stress. The Green-legged partridge exhibited the lowest stress levels. Birds kept in the same environmental conditions were found to differ significantly in the level of stress, probably because of differences in their behavioural needs and the possibilities of satisfying them. To reduce stress levels and improve the welfare of hens, it is necessary to verify their preferences first. Stress indicators are elevated in highly excitable birds, and the conditions on large farms are not conducive to meeting their behavioural needs. Keywords: behavioural test, blood indices, corticosterone, laying hens

The effect of DL-, L-isomers and DL-hydroxy analog administered at 2 levels as dietary sources of methionine on the metabolic and antioxidant parameters and growth performance of turkeys

A hypothesis was verified that dietary methionine (Met) improves the growth and antioxidant status of turkeys, and that its effects depend on dietary inclusion levels and sources. A total of 816 female Hybrid Converter turkeys was fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 3 sources of Met: DL-, L-isomers and DL-hydroxy analog (DLM, LM, and MHA, respectively). In 4 4-week periods (from one to 16 wk of age), dietary Met content corresponded to NRC (1994) recommendations or was increased by approximately 50% (in one to 8 wk by 44 to 46% and in 9 to 16 wk by 55 to 56% vs. the NRC guidelines) to match the recommendations of some breeding companies. Increased Met content resulted in higher final body weights of turkeys (P = 0.002), an improved feed conversion ratio (P = 0.049), increased total glutathione concentration and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) values, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (all P < 0.001) in the blood plasma of turkeys. In comparison with DLM, LM and MHA contributed to an increase in plasma glutathione concentration (P = 0.001), a decrease in plasma triacylglycerol (P = 0.003) and uric acid (P = 0.001) concentrations, and a decrease in liver MDA (P = 0.001) levels. A decrease in plasma MDA (vs. DLM) and lipid peroxides (LOOH) (vs. DLM and LM) concentrations as well as a decrease in plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (vs. DLM and LM) also were noted in the MHA treatment (P = 0.016, P = 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that the antioxidant status of turkeys could be affected by dietary Met levels and sources. The dietary Met content increased by 50% relative to NRC recommendations, improved the growth performance of turkeys, and strengthened their antioxidant defense system. In comparison with DLM, LM and MHA could be considered positive nutritional factors as manifested by a beneficial decrease in plasma and hepatic MDA concentrations as well as an increase in plasma glutathione levels, and the effect of MHA was more pronounced.

The effect of feeding system and sex on the performance and selected gastrointestinal features of fattening pigs

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of two feeding systems for fattening pigs (wet and dry), taking into account their sex, on performance, nutrient digestibility, and some histological and microbiological parameters of the gut. The study was conducted on 450 fattening pigs, divided into 6 groups (n = 75) and housed in pens with 15 pigs per pen. The first three groups, divided according to sex, i.e. gilts, barrows and boars subjected to immunocastration (B-I), received complete dry feed, while the next three, divided in the same manner according to sex, were fed a fermented liquid diet. The nutritional value of the feeds, calculated on a dry weight basis, was similar for the two feeding systems in both stages of the fattening period. The best weight gains were observed in the group B-I pigs which received the liquid diet, and the poorest in the gilts fed the dry feeds. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the boars treated with Improvac®, especially those receiving the liquid diet. The feeding system significantly influenced the digestibility of nutrients, with higher apparent digestibility coefficients for crude protein, fat and fibre noted in the animals fed in the wet system. The liquid feeding system caused an increase in crypt depth in the colon in all groups of pigs, as well as an increase in the width of the muscular layer. A significant decrease in the total bacterial count was observed in the calcium, especially in the animals fed in the wet system.

Modification of the lipid profile and antioxidant status of the blood plasma of turkey hens fed mixtures with raw or extruded linseed

The aim of the study was to determine the most beneficial proportion of raw linseed in complete feed mixtures for turkey hens on the basis of lipid and redox indicators in the blood. In experiment 1, the turkey hens received the complete mixture with 2%, 4% or 6% linseed. On the basis of the results obtained in experiment 1, we selected the most effective proportion of linseed, which was given to the birds in the group receiving a 4% linseed additive. In experiment 2, the birds were fed mixtures with a 4% addition of raw or extruded linseed. The use of 4% raw linseed was found to improve production effects (improvement of weight gain, and lower feed conversion ratios), while extruded linseed in the diet of turkey hens did not affect growth performance. The use of linseed (4% and 6%) as a feed component for turkey hens led to an increase in indicators of antioxidant potential, that is the total antioxidant potential of the plasma, vitamins E and C, bilirubin and creatinine. A benefit resulting from the use of linseed, particularly in the amounts of 2% and 4% was a marked improvement in lipid indicators in the blood. The reduced percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (n-3) following the use of extruded linseed resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation (lower content of malondialdehyde, superoxide and vitamins C and E in the blood). The most effective dose and form of linseed in the diet of turkey hens is 4% raw linseed.

The effect of yeast Yarrowia lipolytica on the antioxidant indices and macro-and microelements in blood plasma of turkey hens

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of different amounts of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast on the redox response and content of macro- and microelements in the blood plasma of turkey hens. The experiment was carried out on 240 turkey hens aged from 1 to 16 weeks. The birds were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups of 80 birds each. Group I served as a control (K) and did not receive any experimental compounds. The turkey hens from the experimental groups (YL3 and YL6) were administered dried Yarrowia lipolytica yeast in their feed mixtures in the amount of 3% (YL3) or 6% (YL6). Yarrowia lipolytica yeast in the feed mixtures for the turkey hens did not induce oxidation reactions in the organism of the birds. However, an increase in catalase activity and a reduction in the level of LOOH, MDA and vitamin C were observed in the blood plasma of the turkey hens whose diet was supplemented with YL yeast. In the case of other indices, such as superoxide dismutase activity and total antioxidant potential (FRAP), the additive caused no significant changes. Administering Yarrowia lipolytica yeast to turkey hens may stimulate the enzymatic response of the antioxidant system (e.g. increasing catalase activity), mainly by increasing the concentration of iron in the plasma.

Pregnant women infected with pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus showed differential immune response correlated with disease severity

BACKGROUND

During pregnancy, immunological and hormonal alterations place women at increased risk for influenza-related severe illnesses including hospitalization and death. Although A(H1N1) pdm09 infection resulted in increased disease severity in pregnant women, the precise mechanisms responsible for this risk have yet to be established.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was aimed to investigate the role of host chemokines and cytokine profiles in A(H1N1) pdm09 infection regarding disease severity in pregnant women.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective survey examined 41 pregnant women with confirmed A(H1N1) pdm09 infection. Of them, 12 died (D), 29 survived (S), and 17 remained uninfected and served as controls (C). Antiviral response was evaluated for IFN-β expression and gene expression profiles of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, TGF-β) and chemokines (IL-8, RANTES, MCP-1, IP-10), and the viral Matrix (M1) gene was quantified and normalized using the housekeeping gene product β-actin mRNA.

RESULTS

Higher IL-8 and TNF-α mRNA expression were found in D and S compared with C, while IL-6 showed higher expression in D. Interestingly, these results were associated with a decrease in the anti-inflammatory response of TGF-β mRNA and IFN-β. These alterations would lead to an imbalance in the immune response of those patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy-related reductions in IFN-β and TGF-β expression levels and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines could explain the increased severity of infection and death of pregnant women. These findings may help improve the understanding of the high susceptibility and disease severity to influenza virus infection during pregnancy.

Efficacy of mannanoligosaccharides additive to sows diets on colostrum, blood immunoglobulin content and production parameters of piglets

The present results suggest that mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) included in a sow nutrition may affect its immune system and humoral antibody production in colostrum and milk, and thus increase the piglet immunity at the postnatal period. The studies involved sows of the Polish Landrace breed mated with boars (Hampshire x Duroc). In each experiment, the sows were assigned to two groups: control and experimental (MOS). Each group consisted of 16 sows managed in pens (2 animals in each) during pregnancy, whereas at farrowing and lactation period they were placed in individual pens. The basal diet during pregnancy (PR-S) and lactation (LC-S) period contained wheat (40% in experiment I--groups 1 and 2) or triticale (40% in experiment II--groups 3 and 4), as well as barley, soybean meal, soybean oil and mineral-vitamin premix. Throughout both experiments, the sows from the experimental group had a dietary supplement of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) preparation for 4 of weeks prepartum and 4 weeks of post partum period. A level of the MOS supplementation (8 g of MOS per sow daily) based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Blood samples were collected from the sows on days 84 (the start of trial) and 110 of pregnancy, after farrowing, and on day 21 of lactation period, while from the piglets at birth and on day 21 of age. Colostrum was collected between 1-3, 12, 24 and 48 h after farrowing. The blood samples taken from sows and piglets as well as the samples of sow colostrum and milk were evaluated for the presence of IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies. The present study has provided considerable evidence that MOS supplementation of sows feedstuff before and after farrowing (4 weeks before and 4 weeks after) exerts a positive effect on IgG content in the colostrum and plasma of sows and following this on serum IgG level in the suckling piglets. Higher level of colostral (passive) immunity influences positively body weight gain and survival rate of the piglets at weaning.

Some physicochemical bone parameters of sows fed microbial phytase-supplemented diet

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microbial phytase addition to sow diets on a mineral content, mineralization level and geometric parameters of femoral and humeral bone. The studies were done on 75 sows assigned to 3 feeding groups. The animals from group I (positive control) were fed a diet of standard calcium and phosphorus dietary contents which complied with the requirements of the Polish Norms for Pig Nutrition (1993). The sows from group II (negative control) received a diet without an inorganic phosphorus content and finally, group III was provided with a diet without an inorganic phosphorus additive, but supplemented with microbial phytase (500 PU kg(-1)) and formic acid. After lactation completion and piglet weaning, 4 sows were selected from each group for slaughter and laboratory evaluation of femoral and humeral bone samples. The bone samples were examined for a content of dry matter, crude ash and minerals (phosphorus, Ca+2, Mg+2, Mn+2, Zn+2, Cu+2). The isolated femurs were analyzed for a mineralization degree and geometric parameters. A combined microbial phytase with formic acid supplementation significantly increased manganese and zinc concentration in femoral bone and a level of phosphorus, calcium, zinc and iron in humeral bone of sows. There was also observed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral density (Td) in the femoral bone as well as the bone volume. The evaluation of geometric parameters and bone cortical indices showed a significant influence of the sow feedstuff supplementation with microbial phytase and formic acid on the parameters studied.

Prevalence of Rho-inactivating epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor toxins in clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Staphylococcus aureus produces exotoxins of the epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor (EDIN) family that ADP-ribosylate and inactivate Rho GTPases. The prevalence of genes encoding EDIN in clinical and nasal isolates of S. aureus was investigated. Of the 196 clinical S. aureus isolates tested, 15 (7.8%) were positive for 1 edin gene, whereas of 81 nasal isolates tested, only 3 (3.7%) were edin positive. Of the total 18 edin-positive isolates, 16 (90%) carried edin-B and 2 (10%) carried edin-C, but none was positive for edin-A. All edin-positive strains could produce the respective EDIN protein. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis suggested that the edin-B-positive S. aureus isolates are derived from one clone, and the edin-C-positive isolates are derived from another clone. Given that toxins acting on Rho GTPases are considered to be important for bacterial virulence, the EDIN toxins of S. aureus should receive more attention in future studies.

How recombinant insulin analogs improve insulin therapy of diabetes mellitus: pathophysiology, clinical practice and recommendations

According to the latest prognoses, 300 million people are expected to suffer from diabetes (particularly type 2) in 2025; diabetes will become a new epidemics of the coming century. Therefore it is so important to get acquainted with the pathomechanism of diabetes-related disorders and the possibilities of effective treatment. During the last decade, numerous prospective epidemiological studies have been completed, which have considerably extended our knowledge of the pathomechanism of disturbances and their effect on late complications of diabetes. Resistance to insulin has an important role in the etiology of type 2 diabetes. However, there is substantial evidence indicating that impairment or regression of rapid insulin secretion phase at the early stage of the disease is a factor of no lesser importance. The lack of appropriate insulin concentration after the stimulation by food ingestion (first 30 min after the meal), leads to permanent, treatment-resistant hyperglycemia. The postulated attempts to obtain a 'nearly normoglycemic' condition, as well as the results of prospective epidemiological studies proving that achieving this aim improves the prognosis of diabetic patients, prompt the researchers to search for the drugs or treatment schedules, which could effectively restore the impaired insulin secretion, and its early phase in particular, in type 2 diabetes. Human insulin analogs and their pre-formulated commercially available mixtures seem very promising in this respect.

[Influence of pre-conception pregnancy planning in women with diabetes mellitus I on the number of spontaneous abortions and major congenital malformations in their children]

OBJECTIVE

The study assesses the relationship between pre-conception pregnancy planning and number of spontaneous abortions and major congenital malformations in their children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

138 pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes without complications or only with simple retinopathy (White B, C, D) were analyzed. Women were treated in the Outpatient Family Planning Center in Warsaw between 1988 and 1998. Thirty women were planning the pregnancy prior to conception, 108 registered already when pregnant. The groups compared did not differ statistically in age, duration of diabetes or diabetic angiopathy. Mean values of HbA1C in consecutive trimesters were: 6.40%, 5.84%, 5.67% in the group of patients planning the pregnancy and 6.99%, 6.29%, 6.15% in the non-planning group. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.01).

RESULTS

In the pre-conception group there were no spontaneous abortions and no and major congenital malformations. Mean value of HbA1C in early pregnancy was significantly higher in women with spontaneous abortions than in the remaining women in the non-planning group (respectively 7.9% and 6.9%). Also, mean value of HbA1C in early pregnancy was significantly higher in women who gave birth to children with major congenital malformations than in women had healthy children (respectively 8.23% and 6.81%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pre-conception pregnancy planning improves metabolic control during pregnancy and decreases the rate of spontaneous abortions and major congenital malformations.

[Prospective studies of diabetic retinopathy in a cohort of patients with type II diabetes mellitus]

To gain current data about epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy in a population of type 2 diabetics a long-term prospective study was started. The study included 1334 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus registered in Warsaw regional Diabetes Center. The prevalence of any form of diabetic retinopathy in this group was 31.4% and proliferative retinopathy-1.3%. It was found that the patients with retinopathy had diabetes mellitus of longer duration, higher fasting and postprandial levels of glycemia and higher daily proteinuria in comparison with diabetics without retinopathy. Apart from that, a frequency of ischemic heart disease and lower extremity ischemic disease was higher in diabetics with retinopathy. 109 new cases of retinopathy were diagnosed during 3-year follow-up. The study allowed us to determine the current epidemiological parameters concerning diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetics and a set of parameters characterizing people at highest risk of a development of retinopathy.

[Microcirculatory evaluation of the early diabetic foot syndrome using laser doppler]

Recognition of early microcirculatory disturbances in feet of diabetics may facilitate the pathogenic interpretation of the diabetic foot syndrome, selection of the patients at risk of developing clinical problems and serve as the base for designing the preventive measures. This could be particularly true in diabetics with peripheral neuropathy. Therefore the study aimed at the assessment of functional parameters of the foot microcirculation in IDDM patients presenting signs of peripheral neuropathy but without any symptoms of the diabetic foot syndrome was undertaken. For comparison 20 IDDM subjects with the signs of peripheral neuropathy and 10 IDDM subjects without this complication were studied both clinically and metabolically. All of them underwent the examination of microcirculation of the feet with the use of Laser Doppler Flowmeter. The parameters measured were: resting blood flow, post-occlusive, hyperemic response, flow change after heating to 44 degrees C and the flow on dependency. In IDDM subjects with peripheral neuropathy the following functional microcirculatory abnormalities were found: delay and decrease in post-occlusive, hyperemic response (4.5 +/- 1.8 s in neuropathic vs 0.5 +/- 2.4 s in non-neuropathic IDDM patients), decrease of the peak flow (36 +/- 7.0 PU in non neuropathic vs 18 +/- 5.0 PU in neuropathic IDDM patients) and also impairment of the response of the skin flow to focal heating peak flow at 44 degrees C (48 +/- 7.0 PU vs 12 +/- 3.0 PU in non neuropathic IDDM patients). Also the venoarteriolar reflex measured as the ratio of resting to standing flow in the feet skin was significantly decreased (80% in non-neuropathic versus 35% in neuropathic IDDM patients).

CONCLUSION

Laser Doppler Flowmetry discovers the very early functional abnormalities in the microcirculation of the skin in the feet of IDDM with peripheral neuropathy, when none of the typical symptoms of the diabetic foot syndrome is present. It points to the significance of the relation between neuropathic and microcirculatory disturbances in the early pathogenesis of diabetic foot syndrome.

[Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for atherosclerosis--a reminder of the facts]

Diabetes mellitus in all its forms is the pathological state, which includes the atherogenic mechanisms of intensive action. This results in a very significant increase of the incidence, morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerotic complications. Such negative relationship is observed since decades and everywhere. Atherosclerosis is the main case of death in the subpopulation of diabetics in the degree much higher than in the general population. Therefore the studies of the mechanisms of the atherogenic influence of diabetes mellitus also of the possibility of preventive and therapeutic interventions are of utmost importance. Many of such studies are documenting, that such interventions are effective in practice. Active prevention and early individual diagnosis of atherosclerotic risk appears as the affective approach. The bare fact of such possibility was reminded in the paper.

[Measurement of treatment efficacy in diabetes: effect of atherosclerosis prevention and general effects]

Numerous indirect and direct, long-term, well designate, multicenter studies are pointing to the fact, that intensification of the hypoglycemic therapy of diabetes mellitus and also the control of the non-hyperglycemic risk factors of atherosclerosis decrease the incidence, morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerosis complications in the subpopulation of diabetics type I as well as type II. This positive finding requires the objective monitoring of the quality of diabetes mellitus care. One has to be sure, that its activity exerts also the anti-atherogenic effect. The respective indices are presented using the suggestions of the experts committees of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

[Highly purified pig insulin (WO-S) preparations--properties and clinical application]

Suggestions are actual trends in insulin production are presented with special stress paid on preparations made by Polfa Tarchomin S.A. Therapeutical indications and practical described according to actual rules.

Rho is a negative regulator of human monocyte spreading

Monocyte spreading is a sequential series of events including cell flattening, formation of new actin structures and focal adhesions, as well as development of cytoplasmic projections. To investigate the involvement of the GTP-binding protein Rho in spreading, we treated human blood monocytes or PMA-stimulated U937 or THP1 cells with Clostridium botulinum C3-transferase (C3), which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho in intact cells. The C3 treatment caused 1) a four- to fivefold increase in the number of THP1 cells that spread on fibronectin within 24 h of PMA stimulation, 2) a greater area covered by the spread cells, and 3) accelerated and enhanced development of macrophage-like filopodial and pseudopodial projections. Similar results were obtained with PMA-stimulated U937 cells and human blood monocytes. Furthermore, cell staining revealed disorganization of subcortical actin in C3-treated THP1 cells, whereas circular actin formations at the substrate-attached part of the cells and vinculin-containing focal complexes/adhesions were unaffected. Finally, we found a decrease in membrane-associated RhoA in normal spreading THP1 cells, which suggests endogenous inactivation of Rho and might provide an explanation for the acceleration of spreading caused by the C3-transferase. In conclusion, these results indicate that active Rho is an important, negative regulator of human monocyte spreading by maintaining cell tension and cortical actin organization.

Rho is a negative regulator of human monocyte spreading

Monocyte spreading is a sequential series of events including cell flattening, formation of new actin structures and focal adhesions, as well as development of cytoplasmic projections. To investigate the involvement of the GTP-binding protein Rho in spreading, we treated human blood monocytes or PMA-stimulated U937 or THP1 cells with Clostridium botulinum C3-transferase (C3), which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho in intact cells. The C3 treatment caused 1) a four- to fivefold increase in the number of THP1 cells that spread on fibronectin within 24 h of PMA stimulation, 2) a greater area covered by the spread cells, and 3) accelerated and enhanced development of macrophage-like filopodial and pseudopodial projections. Similar results were obtained with PMA-stimulated U937 cells and human blood monocytes. Furthermore, cell staining revealed disorganization of subcortical actin in C3-treated THP1 cells, whereas circular actin formations at the substrate-attached part of the cells and vinculin-containing focal complexes/adhesions were unaffected. Finally, we found a decrease in membrane-associated RhoA in normal spreading THP1 cells, which suggests endogenous inactivation of Rho and might provide an explanation for the acceleration of spreading caused by the C3-transferase. In conclusion, these results indicate that active Rho is an important, negative regulator of human monocyte spreading by maintaining cell tension and cortical actin organization.

[Basal and reactive renin and aldosterone secretion in arterial hypertension of insulin dependent diabetics]

The aim of the study was to assess the significance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (R-A-A) in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in patients with diabetes type I (IDDM). Testing was accomplished in the hospital conditions in a group of 131 patients with long-term IDDM, who beside of diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications did not show any symptoms of additional diseases. The patients were divided in 5 groups (A-E) depending on the type of coexisting late diabetic complications. The control group was consisted of 20 healthy persons matched for sex and age. In each case the following tests were performed: measurement of blood pressure in succumbent position, daily profile of glycemia and glucosuria, Hb A1 level, ophthalmoscopy, functional assessment of kidney and autonomic system status. Tenin activity in plasma (ARO) and plasma aldosterone (ALD) were determined in basal (after 6 h of succumbent position) and after i.v. administration of 40 mg of furosemide and 3 h of standing position (reactive values). In all groups under study the significant decrease of average, basal and reactive ARO was found in comparison with the control group. This abnormality was the most distinct in subjects with diabetic nephropathy. The autonomic neuropathy was abolishing this tendency. The mean concentration ob basal ALD was in all diabetic subgroups similar as in the controls. The mean reactive ALD was however significantly decreased. In diabetes complicated by retinopathy the negative correlation between ARO and systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure existed. In diabetes complicated by nephropathy the dependence between blood pressure and ARO and ALD was not found.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Principles of hypotension treatment in patients with diabetes]

Epidemiological studies have revealed, that elevated blood pressure is in diabetics 1.5-3.0-times more frequent that in general population. It is one of the most important factors increasing the morbidity and mortality due to small and big arteries disease. Hypotensive therapy should be commenced in diabetic persons earlier than in patients without diabetes mellitus. In many such diabetic patients blood pressure normalization could be obtained by dietary adaptations and metabolic compensation. In more advanced cases pharmacological treatment should be undertaken. When selecting the drug for a diabetic person one has to balance between positive and adverse actions. The drugs of the first choice are the ACE inhibitors, drugs blocking the slow calcium channel and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors, because they do not influence negatively the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. On contrary, prazosin and ACE inhibitors increase the tissue sensitivity to insulin. The latter group decrease also intraglomerular pressure and albuminuria. As a routine the treatment begins with small, testing dose of a single hypotensive drug. The dosage may be increased slowly up to the average dose level. If this manipulation does not permit normalization of blood pressure one may combine 2 or 3 hypotensive drugs. Selection of the drug and of its dose rely also on the type and intensity of late diabetic complications--at first nephropathy and autonomic neuropathy.

[Relative effectiveness of tolbutamide, chlorpropamide and gliclazide]

In clinical practice of hypoglycemic therapy of diabetes mellitus the problem of the optimal selection of oral hypoglycemic agent, corresponding to the individual patterns of regulatory and metabolic disturbances is of primary importance. The individual, pathophysiological basis should be met as much as possible by the pharmacodynamic properties of the selected, hypoglycemic drug. For this reason group of 23 diabetics type II underwent a prolonged, open trial of controlled pharmacotherapy with 4 sulphonylurea derivatives. Pertinent clinical and metabolic parameters were assessed before, during and after planned periods of therapy with Tolbutamide or Chlorpropamide to Gliclazide and Gliclazide to Glibenclamide. In the same time the levels of serum insulin fasting and after breakfast were determined. Also the comparative efficacy of the exchange of the drug in a subgroup of diabetics with fasting glycemia below and above 160 mg% was assessed. It was shown, that the change of Tolbutamide or Chlorpropamide to Gliclazide or Glibenclamide improved the therapeutical effectiveness in general. The individual responses to such a change were however individually differentiated. The change of Tolbutamide or Chlorpropamide to Gliclazide increased the therapeutical efficacy only in these patients, in whom such a change was associated with an increase of prandial, reactive serum insulin level (IRI). In practice they were patients with the fasting glycemia lower than 160 mg%. In patients with fasting glycemia higher than 160 mg% the change of oral compounds under study was not connected with an increase of prandial serum insulin. The metabolic parameters have not improved either. Perhaps they were patients with diabetes mellitus type II, who should be primarily qualified to insulin.

[Multiple insulin injections with the help of a subcutaneous catheter or metered syringe (Pen)]

Multiple, daily injections of insulin in intensified insulin therapy of diabetes mellitus has many important advantages. From the technical point of view however it requires new instruments, which could further limit the trauma of injection and facilitate the necessary manipulations. For these reasons a combination of typical insulin syringe (Novo-Noraisk Pen) and a special subcutaneous insulin catheter (Vigo-Spectramed Insuflon) was examined in a systematic way. Insuflon was inserted for 7 days. Insulin injection was made with a syringe through the head of the Insuflon. The needle of a syringe easily penetrated the membrane inside the Insuflon 4 times daily for 7 days without any damage. The acceptance of this method was high. It increased the compliance in general. The parameters of diabetes mellitus control changed positively. No side-effects of such procedure were noted.