Evaluation of polymorphisms and expression of PTPN22, NLRP1 and TYR genes in vitiligo patients

Introduction

Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder associated with a selective loss of melanocytes in the skin, its appendages and mucous membranes.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the rs2476601 polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene, the rs2670660 and rs6502867 polymorphisms of the NLRP1 gene and the rs1847134 and rs1393350 polymorphisms of the TYR gene and vitiligo. Another aim was to compare the gene expression in lesional and symmetrically non-lesional skin of vitiligo patients and healthy controls.

Material and methods

The experimental group consisted of 42 patients and the control group consisted of 38 healthy volunteers. The polymorphisms of the genes were assessed with PCR-RFLP technique and gene expression with qRT-PCR technique.

Results

We found that the CT genotype of the PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism is more frequent in vitiligo patients, in the case of the NLRP1 rs2670660 polymorphism it was the AG genotype, in the NLRP1 rs6502867 polymorphism they were the CT and CC genotypes and in the TYR rs1393350 polymorphism it was the AG genotype. There was no association between vitiligo and the TYR rs1847134 polymorphism. We found statistically significant differences in gene expression in the lesional and symmetrical non-lesional skin of vitiligo patients compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed genotypes predisposing to vitiligo. We found that the gene expression is different not only in lesional but also in non-lesional skin of vitiligo patients, what may change the approach to treatment of the disease.

Levels of EGF and VEGF in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Aberrant angiogenesis plays a role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in stimulatory parotid saliva and in serum in healthy subjects (HS), patients with primary SS (pSS) and secondary SS (sSS) and to evaluate the expression of EGF, proangiogenic VEGF165 and antiangiogenic VEGF165 b mRNA isoforms. Additionally, we determined the salivary levels of serine/arginine splicing factor (SRSF1), which regulates VEGF165 and VEGF165 b expression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 34 women (16 with pSS and 18 with sSS) and healthy subjects for blood and saliva sampling. EGF and VEGF levels in saliva and serum and salivary SRSF1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of VEGF165 , VEGF165 b and EGF in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

RESULTS

There were no differences in the levels of EGF, VEGF, SRSF1 and in the expression of the EGF, VEGF165 and VEGF165 b between HS and SS patients, or between pSS and sSS patients. The salivary levels of VEGF165 and EGF were significantly higher in pSS, sSS and HS than serum levels. Levels of SRSF1 correlated positively with VEGF and EGF levels. Levels of EGF, VEGF and SRSF1 correlated with each other.

CONCLUSIONS

The balance of VEGF isoforms is not disturbed in SS. Saliva is more sensitive for the detection of EGF and VEGF than serum, but salivary levels of those proteins are not representative for SS.

Artificial Conditioner for Stored Organs

We have developed an artificial organ conditioning system in order not only to condition but also evaluate the viability for transplant graft of kidneys which have been stored for a long time and damaged by warm ischaemia following cardiac arrest. The conditioning system consisted of an artificial lung, a roller pump, an organ chamber and perfusate. The perfusate was prepared with electrolytes, fluorocarbon, amino acid, glucose, an oxygen scavenger and so on. Conditioning was performed by continuous perfusion under mild hypothermia at 24° C. Mildly damaged kidneys (0 and 30 minutes warm ischaemia rabbit kidneys) were well conditioned but severely damaged kidneys failed to produce urination. Our device successfully exposed the viability of stored kidneys and the successful conditioning of damaged kidneys due to warm ischaemia avoiding transplantation. By establishing our method, the harvesting of kidneys following cardiac arrest will be feasible.

Expression of VEGF₁₆₅b, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and CD34 in benign and malignant tumors of parotid glands

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor and could be involved in the pathogenesis of salivary gland tumors. VEGF exerts its biological function by binding to its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. An alternative splice variant of VEGF (VEGFxxxb) is an anti-angiogenic factor. Binding VEGF165b with VEGFR2 results in an impaired angiogenic response. The imbalance of VEGFxxx and VEGFxxxb isoforms can underpin pathological angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of VEGF165b, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and CD34 in benign and malignant parotid gland tumors and to explore the possible correlations between their expression and clinicopathological features of tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed on archived paraffin-embedded tissue samples derived from 70 patients with benign and malignant parotid gland tumors (25 with malignant tumors, 23 with pleomorphic adenoma and 22 with Warthin's tumor). Immunohistochemical staining of selected tissue sections was performed using monoclonal antibodies. Immunohistochemical staining of selected molecules was used for evaluation of their expression in tissue sections.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the expression of the selected proteins localized in the tumor and surgical margin taken from the same patient. Expression of VEGFR2 correlated with VEGF165b in mixed tumors. There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of VEGFR1 in malignant tumors between females and males, and between the expression of VEGFR1 and the score of T classification in malignant tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF165b cannot be treated as a prognostic factor. VEGF receptors correlated with selected clinicopathological data of malignant tumors, indicating their possible role as a prognostic marker. The balance of VEGF isoforms have a limited influence on the development of parotid glands tumors. The correlation between VEGF165b and VEGFR2 in mixed tumors suggests the existence of an additional antiangiogenic pathway in poorly vascularized mixed tumors.

Serum ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and E-selectin levels in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Typical features of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are severe xerostomia and xerophthalmia which are basic diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of soluble (s) intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) and sE-selectin between primary (pSS), secondary (sSS) and healthy subjects (HS). We correlated these results with selected clinical parameters of disease activity and parameters of the severity of xerostomia and xerophthalmia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 16 patients with pSS, 18 with sSS and 15 HS. Eye dryness and xerostomia were assessed by the Schirmer's test, the Fox test and the visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

The levels of sICAM-1 in pSS and sVCAM-1 in sSS patients were significantly higher when compared to HS (p = 0.02 and p = 0.048, respectively). There were no differences between pSS and sSS. In pSS, sVCAM-1 correlated positively with VAS (rS = 0.52, p = 0.04) and the Fox test (rS = 0.66, p=0.01). In sSS, sE-selectin correlated positively with sICAM-1 (rS = 0.54, p = 0.01), the duration of the disease (rS = 0.51, p = 0.03) and negatively with the Schirmer's test (rS = 0.59, p = 0.04). sICAM-1 correlated positively with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value (rS = 0.59, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

sVCAM-1 reflects xerostomia in pSS. sICAM-1 and sE-selectin may be additional parameters of sSS activity.

Oral mucosal manifestations in primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome and dry mouth syndrome

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important symptoms of Sjögren syndrome is xerostomia. The oral cavity deprived of saliva and its natural lubricative, protective and antibacterial properties is prone to a number of unfavourable consequences.

AIM

To present the most important lesions on the oral mucosa in primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome and in dry mouth syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group comprised 55 patients including 52 women and 3 men aged 20-72 years (average: 28.25 years).

RESULTS

Basing on the accepted criteria, primary Sjögren syndrome was diagnosed in 22 (40%) patients, secondary Sjögren syndrome in 18 (32.7%) patients, and dry mouth syndrome in 15 (27.27%) patients. The physical examination and the examination of the mouth were performed and history was elicited from every patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common pathologies appearing on the oral mucosa in primary and secondary Sjögren syndrome are angular cheilitis, cheilitis, increased lip dryness as well as non-specific ulcerations, aphthae and aphthoid conditions.

The benefits and risks of short-term diet changes on the example of the use a 5-week long lactoovovegetarian diet. Analysis of 7-day nutritional surveys of women – preliminary study

Aim. Due to more frequent incidence of diet related diseases, alternative methods of nutrition become more popular. The aim of this paper is to determine the degree of balance of a short-term lactoovovegetarian diet followed by those who do not have any previous experience with such a diet. Moreover, the study aims at comparing its findings with results of a nutritional analysis carried out in the case of volunteers following a long-term lactoovovegetarian diet.Material and methods. The method chosen in this study is a nutritional analysis based on 7-day long nutritional surveys. Diet 5.0 software was used analyze this data. The tests were conducted among 9 lactoovovegetarians females (LVD – long-term vegetarian diet) and 9 females who decided to follow a lactoovovegetarian diet for the duration of 5 weeks (SVD – short-term vegetarian diet). In the latter case, nutritional surveys were performed in the week preceding the experiment (SVD1/control group) and the last week of the diet (SVD2).Results. In LVD group, when compared with SVD1, significant differences in average daily intake of vitamin E, fat and plant fiber have transpired. After analyzing data from nutritional surveys of SVD2 group, significant differences in the amount of basic nutritional elements (e.g. smaller amount of fat and fiber), microelements (e.g. lower supply of calcium, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (vitamin E, thiamine, niacin) have been noted, as compared to LVD group. When comparing data within SVD group, i.e. a traditional diet and a 5 week long lactoovovegetarian diet significantly lower supplies of vitamins B1, B3, B12 and D were observed than before starting the experiment. Conclusions. A short-term change of eating habits from a traditional diet into a lactoovovegetarian one may result in insufficient supply of numerous nutrients.

Selected applications of Er:YAG and CO2 lasers for treatment of benign neoplasms and tumorous lesions in the mouth

INTRODUCTION

Benign neoplasms and hyperplastic tumorous lesions are common oral pathologies. These lesions require to be surgically removed by conventional surgery, laser, or electrosurgery. Surgical treatment aims at complete removal of pathological lesions and ensuring proper healing of the tissues to minimize the risk of lesion recurrence.

AIM

To present possible applications of Er:YAG and CO2 lasers in removal of benign neoplasms and tumorous lesions developing on oral mucosa as well as to specify indications and limitations of these two methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Temperature-induced injuries due to laser light application, possibility of post-operative histopathological evaluation of the removed tissue, efficacy of the cut and coagulation, healing process and completeness of laser surgeries give rise to our special concern.

RESULTS

The main asset of the CO2 laser comparing to Er:YAG laser is an effective coagulation while thermal injury to the tissues is its limitation, especially with multiple passage of the beam and too high power applied. Er:YAG laser application does not exclude histopathological examination of the removed lesion tissue which is its advantage over CO2 laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Still, insufficient coagulation is a limitation ofits use in the case of richly vascularized lesions.

The use of low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes - benefits and risks

The pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes is increasingly being supported by the recommendation of an appropriate diet. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential benefits and risks arising from the use of one of the modern models of low-carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research shows that diet can favourably affect the health of diabetic patients. It has been shown that diet affects positively the concentration of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and also contributes to the reduction of insulin taken in the course of drug therapy. At the same time, short-term studies have demonstrated a positive relationship of nutrition with reduction in body weight, as well as favourable changes in lipid profile of HDL cholesterol and levels of triglyceride. Attention is also drawn to the negative health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet; these include an increased risk of mineral deficiency, hypovitaminosis and reduced intake of dietary fibres. This diet may be associated with very high levels of protein which, in turn, raises the risk of renal dysfunction and the appearance of irregularities in the water and electrolyte balance. The impact of changes in the skeletal system and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis is also observed. Besides the positive impact of this model of diet on the lipid profile parameters, its use significantly increases the risk of adverse changes in other markers predisposing to atherosclerosis occurring in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In composing a nutrition model for diabetes patients, both the benefits and potential risks of a low-carbohydrate diet should therefore take into account. At the same time, it is important to individualize the diet used, based on the current state of health, used pharmacological treatments, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Supplementation with L-arginine favorably influences plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 concentration in obese patients. A randomized, double blind trial

BACKGROUND

Elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI 1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of excess blood coagulability in obese patients. L-arginine supplementation has shown to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and metabolic health. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of L-arginine supplementation on PAI 1 concentration and to evaluate the relation to changes in nitric oxide (NO) plasma level, insulin sensitivity (M value), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in obese patients.

MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted from March 2010 to June 2011. Eightyeight obese patients were randomly assigned to receive either 9 g of L-arginine or placebo daily for 6 months. At baseline and after 6 months, selected anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed, and PAI 1, NO, TAS levels were assessed. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique.

RESULTS

We found that 6-month L-arginine supplementation resulted in significant decrease of PAI 1. Significant increase of NO, TAS, and insulin sensitivity level were noticed. In a group of patients treated with L-arginine, negative correlation between a change of insulin sensitivity value and a change of PAI 1 concentration was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings demonstrate favorable influence of L-arginine supplementation on PAI 1 concentration in obese patients. Beneficial influence is related to insulin sensitivity improvement. The potential therapeutic role of L-arginine administration in patients with obesity needs further investigation.

Assessment of the usefulness of three-dimensional scanner in aesthetic evaluation of post-traumatic rhinoplasty

Preoperative, accurate measurement of spatial parameters of the external nose could be essential in the postoperative assessment of rhinoplasty. The aim of the study was to analyse the relevance of three-dimensional (3D) imaging in aesthetic evaluation after operation, to provide a standardised algorithm of nasal shape measurements, which will enable the development of software for assessing the nose before and after rhinoplasty, to perform analysis of spatial changes of both its shape and asymmetry by the new protocol of measurements. Fifty-four patients were examined preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The following nasal parameters were determined: rates of proportion, angles, and spatial parameters. After the operation, statistically significant differences were observed in all parameters. In conclusion, a 3D scanner can be used as a tool to assess the results of rhinoplasty. This protocol of measurements describes spatial changes of the nose shape resulting from the operation.

Influence of prednisolone on glucose and uric acid transport across peritoneal membrane in vitro

Prednisolone and other glucocorticosteroids are used by some peritoneal dialysis patients because of underlying diseases such as peritonitis. Although corticosteroids are potent inhibitors of various processes during inflammation, their influence on the transport properties of peritoneum is little known. Our study investigated the influence of prednisolone (0.001 g/dL) on glucose (1.8 g/dL) and uric acid (0.02 g/dL) transfer across isolated parietal peritoneum taken from the anterior abdominal wall of white Hyplus 59 rabbits and placed inside a modified Ussing-type chamber. Values for transfer from the interstitial (I) to the mesothelial (M) side of membrane (I-->M) and in the opposite direction (M-->I) were calculated using the mathematical model of mass transport and are expressed as a coefficient of diffusive permeability [P (in centimeters per second)]. Four separate series of experiments were done. In the first and second series, we respectively examined glucose transport under control conditions (for 120 minutes) and then before (15-60 minutes) and after (75-120 minutes) introduction of prednisolone on the M side of the membrane. In the third and fourth series, similar studies of uric acid transfer were done. In the control (first and third) series, the stability of bidirectional transport for solute of interest was observed. The values of P +/- standard error of the mean (all x0.0001) for I-->M and M-->I transfer of glucose were, respectively, 2.489 +/- 0.329 cm/s and 2.259 +/- 0.493 cm/s. In the case of uric acid, the transport values were lower and amounted 1.936 +/- 0.324 cm/s and 1.895 +/- 0.596 cm/s for I-->M and M-->I respectively. Application of prednisolone on the M side of membrane lowered bidirectional transfer of glucose across peritoneal membrane by a mean of 73% (p < 0.02) and transport of uric acid by a mean of 19% (p < 0.003). These results show that, in vitro, prednisolone lowers glucose and uric acid transport across the peritoneal membrane, modifying the transfer dynamics of glucose to a greater extent. These observations may have clinical importance, especially in patients with disorders of peritoneal permeability, diabetes, and hyperuricemia.

Influence of preventive therapy with quinapril on IL-6 level in patients with chronic stable angina

We hypothesized that beneficial role of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) therapy may involve (among others) their anti-inflammatory effects, which may be reflected by serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. For that reason, we have investigated the influence of short-term administration of quinapril on serum IL-6 concentration. 124 patients suffering from stable CAD and matched for some of CAD risk factors were enrolled in our study. Patients were randomized to treatment with quinapril or control (placebo administration). Blood samples were taken twice: before and after four weeks of quinapril administration. The effect of quinapril administration was assessed under double-blind placebo-controlled conditions. We observed that quinapril reduced serum IL-6 concentration in almost all studied subgroups of patients (p < 0.001). Interestingly, such an effect was not observed in smokers. Additionally, we found that baseline IL-6 levels were higher in: smokers as compared with nonsmokers (p < 0.001), patients with total cholesterol (TC) to high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-ch ratio) above 5 as compared with subjects with TC/HDL-ch < or = 5 (p = 0.001), and in patients who did not report any statin therapy in comparison with patients undergoing statin treatment (p = 0.023). In conclusion, quinapril may interfere with cytokine release by lowering IL-6 levels, which may be of particular importance for secondary prevention of stable CAD.

The effects of neurotensin on selected parameters of lipid metabolism in rats

15 nM/kg b.m. of neurotensin (NT) caused a significant inhibition of LMA within 30 min of administration and this effect persisted up for to the 240 th minute of the experiment. A 15 nM/kgb.m. dose also caused a reduction in SLA which persisted up to the 120 th minute. Sixty minutes after an intraperitoneal administration of NT a decrease in the cholesterol and NEFA levels and an increase in the TG and glycerol levels were observed. These effects were inhibited by the NTR2-blocker (levocabastine) and were not subject to change after an in vivo application of SR 48692.

Inhibition of endogenous pancreatic enzyme secretion by oral pancreatic enzyme treatment

BACKGROUND

The existence of a feedback mechanism for exocrine pancreatic secretion in humans is controversial. Exclusion of proteases from the duodenum stimulates exocrine pancreatic secretion. Conversely, addition of exogenous enzymes could reduce the enzyme secretion. Further investigation of the feedback mechanism should be performed under the most physiological conditions. In the present study we investigated exocrine pancreatic function by measuring fecal enzyme output in healthy volunteers consuming a normal diet, before and during a time course of exogenous pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five healthy subjects (HS) were given two different doses (30 and 60 FIP proteases kg(-1) d(-1)) divided by the number of meals. In all subjects, fecal elastase-1 (E1) concentrations and chymotrypsin (ChT) activities were measured without and with enzyme supplements after 7 days of treatment. In eight subjects, E1 concentrations and ChT activities were measured daily for 10 consecutive days. The subjects were given a dose regimen of 100 FIP proteases kg(-1) d(-1)(divided by the number of meals) for the first 7 days.

RESULTS

Oral pancreatic treatment dose-dependently inhibited endogenous pancreatic secretion measured with the use of E1 concentrations. In both regimen groups, the differences were statistically significant. The exogenous enzymes, which interfere with colorimetric method for ChT, dose-dependently increased ChT output. However, only the higher dose resulted in a statistically significant difference. In the subgroup of eight HS, time-dependent changes of fecal enzyme output occurred with a decrease of E1 concentrations and an increase of ChT activity from the second up to eighth or ninth day of the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Exogenous applied pancreatic enzymes, dose- and time-dependently inhibited endogenous pancreatic secretion. The obtained results strongly support the existence of a protease mediated feedback mechanism in humans.

Age dependent changes of insulin receptors in rat tissues

Aging is associated with insulin resistance but the exact molecular mechanism is still unknown. Tissue insulin resistance can be evoked by the decreased sensitivity to insulin, the decreased responsiveness to hormone or both. As the first step in insulin action is its binding to alfa subunits of the receptor we, therefore, studied the insulin binding kinetics in plasma membranes of the liver, heart and skeletal muscle in order to establish whether their ability to bind the hormone is altered with aging. Plasma membranes were prepared and purified according to Havrankowa and binding assay was performed using (125I)-iodoinsulin. The kinetic parameters of the hormone-receptor interaction were analysed by the method of Scatchard using the LIGAND-Pc v.3.1. computer program. The binding potency of insulin was calculated as IC50 using ALLFIT-Pc v.2.7. computer program. We have shown that there are striking differences in insulin binding kinetics in newborn and old rats, depending on kind of tissue tested. The liver plasma membranes ability for insulin binding, number of high (HAIR) and low (LAIR) affinity insulin receptors, values of the dissociation constants and products of association constants and number of insulin receptors, were almost the same, being not dependent on age of the rats. By contrast, there is less high affinity insulin receptors in skeletal muscle of the old animals. The most dramatic changes in insulin binding occur in the heart where both high and low affinity insulin receptors are greatly affected by aging. Our results indicate that the response of the three tissues tested to hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, observed in the old rats, has not been identical and probably can be accounted for by the different distribution of insulin receptor isoforms in the liver, heart and skeletal muscles as shown recently by Vidal et al.

Alternations in free radical erythrocyte-defense mechanisms in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats - effect of antioxidant treatment

The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and the contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde were examined in erythrocytes of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The above mentioned antioxidant systems of erythrocyte were determined after treatment of diabetic rats with superoxide dismutase, trolox, catalase and allopurinol. In erythrocytes of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase as well as the levels of reduced glutathione were lower whereas the contents of oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde were higher than in controls. Superoxide dismutase and trolox treatment of diabetic rats resulted in an increase of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities and in reduced glutathione levels. However the levels of oxidized glutathione decreased after treatment of diabetic rats with superoxide dismutase and trolox. Catalase and allopurinol administration did not have any influence on the activities of the investigated enzymes nor on the levels of glutathione in diabetic rats. The antioxidants under study did not cause any changes in the increased level of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes.

Artificial conditioner for stored organs

We have developed an artificial organ conditioning system in order not only to condition but also evaluate the viability for transplant graft of kidneys which have been stored for a long time and damaged by warm ischaemia following cardiac arrest. The conditioning system consisted of an artificial lung, a roller pump, an organ chamber and perfusate. The perfusate was prepared with electrolytes, fluorocarbon, amino acid, glucose, an oxygen scavenger and so on. Conditioning was performed by continuous perfusion under mild hypothermia at 24 degrees C. Mildly damaged kidneys (0 and 30 minutes warm ischaemia rabbit kidneys) were well conditioned but severely damaged kidneys failed to produce urination. Our device successfully exposed the viability of stored kidneys and the successful conditioning of damaged kidneys due to warm ischaemia avoiding transplantation. By establishing our method, the harvesting of kidneys following cardiac arrest will be feasible.

[Effect of tolbutamide on lipolytic processes in blood and fat tissue of rats maintained in normothermic and hypothermic conditions]

The effect of tolbutamide administered in vivo or added to the incubation medium on lipolysis in adipose tissue and in blood has been studied in rats. Tissue lipolysis was lowered by 118 to 156% in groups of rats receiving tolbutamide in vivo. The addition of tolbutamide directly to the incubation medium caused an increase in the lipid mobilizing activity, while the addition of insulin inhibited lipolysis in each case. The effect of tolbutamide administered in vivo may be indirect through an increase in insulin binding and/or the drug may influence directly the permeability of cell membrane for ions and glucose. An increase in the lipid mobilizing activity observed in experiments consisting in the addition of tolbutamide to the incubation medium may be linked to the low glucose level and greater demand for free fatty acids or to the low level of insulin in the incubation medium.

Pressure-controlled reperfusion improves postischemic recovery of LV-hypertrophied rat hearts

The influence of pressure-controlled postischemic reperfusion (Rp) on functional and metabolic parameters in hearts of sham-operated rats and hypertrophied hearts of rats with aortic constriction were studied. Hypertrophied hearts are considered to be more susceptible to ischemia. The hearts were perfused in the Langendorff-technique for thirty minutes at 35 degrees C with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer at a perfusion pressure (PP) of 75 mmHg and for five minutes at 15 degrees C with St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution at a PP of 60 mmHg. After a period of global ischemia of forty minutes' duration at 15 degrees C, reperfusion was started either abruptly (aRp: PP 75 mmHg immediately) or gently (gRp: PP 75 mmHg within thirty minutes); it lasted for forty-five minutes. Intraventricular peak systolic pressure (ISP) was monitored and energy-rich compounds (ATP, ADP, AMP, CrP, free Cr) were analyzed. In normal hearts, metabolic recovery was not affected by the mode of reperfusion, but functional recovery (ISP) averaged 88% of the preischemic control value after gRp as compared with 73% after aRp. In hypertrophied hearts, gentle reperfusion ameliorated both metabolic and functional recovery. At forty-five minute recovery, CrP averaged 5.1 mumol/g ww after aRp and 6.6 mumol/g ww after gRp (p less than 0.01), and ISP amounted to 73% of the preischemic control after aRp and to 85% after gRp.

Effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on lipolytic processes in blood and adipose tissue of rat

The effect of 2-deoxy-D-glucose on lipolytic processes in the blood and adipose tissue was studied. Rats treated with this antimetabolite showed a significant increase in serum glucose, FFA and glycerol level, as well as in the lipid mobilizing activity. On the other hand, the lipolytic activity of rat serum decreased when compared to control group. From these results it may be concluded that during hypothermia induced by administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose intracellular, but not intravascular, lipolysis is enhanced.

In vitro serum glycogenolytic activity in rats during hypothermia induced with 2-deoxy-D-glucose

During hypothermia induced by intraperitoneal administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (600 mg/kg of body weight) the serum levels of glucose and FFA rise and the hepatic glycogen content falls in relation to rats in control group. The glycogenolytic activity of the serum in vitro determined against liver slices is also higher in the group of rats receiving 2-DG. The obtained results point to an activation of the glycogenolysis process and glycolysis in the organism of rats after administration of hypothermia-inducing doses of 2-DG.