Exploring the Influence of Gut-Brain Axis Modulation on Cognitive Health: A Comprehensive Review of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Symbiotics

Recent research exploring the relationship between the gut and the brain suggests that the condition of the gut microbiota can influence cognitive health. A well-balanced gut microbiota may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to neurodegenerative conditions. Prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics are nutritional supplements and functional food components associated with gastrointestinal well-being. The bidirectional communication of the gut-brain axis is essential for maintaining homeostasis, with pre-, pro-, and symbiotics potentially affecting various cognitive functions such as attention, perception, and memory. Numerous studies have consistently shown that incorporating pre-, pro-, and symbiotics into a healthy diet can lead to improvements in cognitive functions and mood. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota can support optimal cognitive function, which is crucial for disease prevention in our fast-paced, Westernized society. Our results indicate cognitive benefits in healthy older individuals with probiotic supplementation but not in healthy older individuals who have good and adequate levels of physical activity. Additionally, it appears that there are cognitive benefits in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, while mixed results seem to arise in younger and healthier individuals. However, it is important to acknowledge that individual responses may vary, and the use of these dietary supplements should be tailored to each individual's unique health circumstances and needs.

Improving Cognitive Function with Nutritional Supplements in Aging: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Clinical Studies Investigating the Effects of Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Other Dietary Supplements

Cognitive impairment and dementia are burgeoning public health concerns, especially given the increasing longevity of the global population. These conditions not only affect the quality of life of individuals and their families, but also pose significant economic burdens on healthcare systems. In this context, our comprehensive narrative review critically examines the role of nutritional supplements in mitigating cognitive decline. Amidst growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive enhancement, this review delves into the efficacy of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other dietary supplements. Through a systematic evaluation of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and meta-analysis, this review focuses on outcomes such as memory enhancement, attention improvement, executive function support, and neuroprotection. The findings suggest a complex interplay between nutritional supplementation and cognitive health, with some supplements showing promising results and others displaying limited or context-dependent effectiveness. The review highlights the importance of dosage, bioavailability, and individual differences in response to supplementation. Additionally, it addresses safety concerns and potential interactions with conventional treatments. By providing a clear overview of current scientific knowledge, this review aims to guide healthcare professionals and researchers in making informed decisions about the use of nutritional supplements for cognitive health.

Survival and longevity of European rulers: geographical influences and exploring potential factors, including the Mediterranean diet - a historical analysis from 1354 to the twentieth century

Significant regional variability in lifespan in Europe is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle behaviors, including diet. This study investigates the impact of geographical region on the lifespan of European rulers spanning from the fourteenth century to the present day. By analyzing historical records and literature, we aim to identify region-specific dietary patterns and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to longer lifespans among rulers. The hypothesis to be tested is that rulers from Southern European countries, where the traditional Mediterranean diet is consumed by the local people, may exhibit longer lifespans compared to rulers from other regions, due to the well-documented health benefits associated with this dietary pattern. We extracted comprehensive information for each ruler, encompassing their sex, birth and death dates, age, age of enthronement, duration of rulership, country, and cause of death (natural vs. non-natural). To determine their nationality, we coded rulers based on their hypothetical present-day residence (2023). Utilizing the EuroVoc Geographical classification, we categorized the countries into four regions: Northern, Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe. While Cox regression models did not find significant differences in survival rates among regions, further analysis stratified by time periods revealed intriguing trends. Contrary to our initial predictions, the Northern region displayed better survival rates compared to the Southern region between 1354 and 1499, whereas survival rates were similar across regions from 1500 to 1749. However, after 1750, all regions, except the Southern region, exhibited significantly improved survival rates, suggesting advancements in healthcare and lifestyle factors. These findings underscore the dynamic influence of both region and time period on health and longevity. Interestingly, despite the prevalence of the Mediterranean diet in the Southern region of Europe, rulers from this region did not demonstrate longer lifespans compared to their counterparts in other regions. This suggests that additional lifestyle factors may have played a more prominent role in their longevity. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the intricate relationship between region, time period, and lifespan among European rulers. Although the Mediterranean diet is often associated with health benefits, our findings indicate that it alone may not account for differences in ruler longevity across regions. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of other lifestyle factors on the health and lifespan of European rulers throughout history.

Effective venetoclax-based treatment in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients with translocation t(6;14)

Introduction: The selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax has shown promising therapeutic potential in multiple myeloma, particularly in cases associated with t(11;14) IGH::CCND1 translocation. However, the efficacy of venetoclax in myeloma patients with the t(6;14) IGH::CCND3 translocation remains less investigated. Methods: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to investigate the efficacy of venetoclax-based therapy in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with t(6;14) translocation. The treatment courses of three patients, that included previous therapies and responses to venetoclax, were assessed. Clinical data, laboratory results, and adverse events were analyzed to evaluate treatment outcomes. Results: Our findings demonstrated remarkable therapeutic responses in three consecutive patients with t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma who received venetoclax-based therapy. Patient 1, a lenalidomide-bortezomib-daratumumab and alkylator treatment refractory patient, achieved sustained stringent complete remission (sCR) after combining carfilzomib-dexamethasone with venetoclax, which was his best response ever. Similarly, Patient 2, refractory to frontline bortezomib-thalidomide-dexamethasone therapy, attained CR following a transition to bortezomib-dexamethason-venetoclax treatment. Patient 3, who was immunomodulatory (IMID)-intolerant, showed a highly favorable response to venetoclax-dexamethasone therapy after his first relapse following autologous stem cell transplantation. No significant adverse effects were observed in any of the patients. Discussion: Our study provides compelling preliminary evidence for the efficacy of venetoclax in t(6;14) translocation-associated myeloma. The outcomes observed in our patients suggest that venetoclax-based therapy holds substantial promise as an effective treatment option for this specific genetic subgroup. Furthermore, the similarities in treatment response between t(11;14) and t(6;14) translocation subgroups highlight the importance of personalized approaches targeting specific genetic abnormalities to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

The Possible Role of Food and Diet in the Quality of Life in Patients with COPD-A State-of-the-Art Review

Diet has been described as a modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of chronic diseases, and emerging evidence increasingly points to its preventive and therapeutic role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the relationship between the underlying disease and diet is natural in conditions such as metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, etc., the direct effect is not so evident in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Poor diet quality and the development of nutrient deficiencies in respiratory diseases, including COPD, can be associated with disease-specific factors such as the exacerbation of respiratory symptoms. These symptoms can be improved by dietary interventions, leading to positive changes in the pathogenesis of the disease and the quality of life of patients. Therefore, our aim was to review the latest randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of dietary interventions in chronic respiratory patients and describe their effects on respiratory function, physical activity, systemic inflammatory parameters, and quality of life. We conducted a literature search on dietary interventions for COPD patients in the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases, focusing on publications from 1 July 2018 to 1 July 2023. We used specific keywords and MESH terms, focusing on RCTs. A total of 26 articles and 1811 COPD patients were included in this review. On the basis of our findings, dietary interventions, in particular components of the Mediterranean diet such as protein, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vegetables, appear to have beneficial effects in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, and their application is beneficial. However, long-term follow-up studies are still needed to examine the effects of dietary interventions in this patient population.

The Effectiveness of Supplementation with Key Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and Specific Nutritional Supplements in COPD-A Review

Currently, an increasing amount of evidence supports the notion that vitamins C, D and E, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against the progression of chronic respiratory diseases. Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) primarily affects the lung, it is often accompanied by extrapulmonary manifestations such as weight loss and malnutrition, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and an excess of harmful oxidants, which can lead to a decline in quality of life and possible death. Recently, the role of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in mitigating the effects of environmental pollution and smoking has received significant attention. Therefore, this review evaluates the most relevant and up-to-date evidence on this topic. We conducted a literature review between 15 May 2018 and 15 May 2023, using the electronic database PubMed. Our search keywords included COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, FEV₁, supplementation: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, omega-3, minerals, antioxidants, specific nutrient supplementations, clinical trials, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We focused on studies that measured the serum levels of vitamins, as these are a more objective measure than patient self-reports. Our findings suggest that the role of appropriate dietary supplements needs to be reconsidered for individuals who are predisposed to or at risk of these conditions.

Delayed spontaneous remission of acquired factor V inhibitor refractory to immunosuppressive therapy with pregnancy-associated improvement

Introduction: Acquired factor V inhibitor (AFVI) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder. The treatment of AFVI is challenging, and patients often require both bleeding control and inhibitor eradication. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of a 35-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with severe AFVI-induced bleeding and subsequent immunosuppressive therapy. Results: To provide haemostasis, rFVIIa was given with good efficacy. The patient was treated with various combinations of immunosuppressive regimens over the course of 2.5 years, including plasmapheresis plus immunoglobulins, dexamethasone + rituximab, cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone + rituximab + cyclosporine, cyclosporin + sirolimus + cyclophosphamide + dexamethasone, bortezomib + sirolimus + methylprednisolone, and sirolimus + mycophenolate mofetil. Although these treatment modalities resulted in intermittent partial reversals of AFVI over 2.5 years, eventually the inhibitor became therapy-resistant. However, following the discontinuation of all immunosuppressive therapy, the patient experienced a partial spontaneous remission, which was followed by a pregnancy. During the pregnancy, the FV activity increased to 54% and the coagulation parameters returned to normal levels. The patient underwent Caesarean section without any bleeding complications and delivered a healthy child. Discussion: The use of an activated bypassing agent for bleeding control is effective in patients with severe AFVI. The presented case is unique because the treatment regimens included multiple combinations of immunosuppressive agents. This demonstrates that AFVI patients may undergo spontaneous remission even after multiple courses of ineffective immunosuppressive protocols. Additionally, pregnancy-associated improvement of AFVI is an important finding that warrants further investigation.

Effectiveness and quality of life in lung cancer, pre-, post- and perioperative rehabilitation - A review

Functional conditions like lung function and exercise capacity are important limiting factors of chest surgery in lung cancer with co-morbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic respiratory diseases). Pulmonary rehabilitation has a favourable effect on the cardiovascular system, metabolism, respiratory and peripheral muscles and lung mechanics. Our aim was to assess the role of pre-, post- and peri-operative pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer in this review. We sought to size up the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients undergoing surgery with or without (neo)adjuvant treatment, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, major physiological impairments and complications. Searches were performed in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases using the terms "exercise", "rehabilitation", "small cell lung cancer", "non-small cell lung cancer", "exercise capacity", "chest surgery" and "quality of life" from inception to February 7th, 2022. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been recognized as an effective intervention to reduce lung cancer related symptoms and improve the pulmonary function, lung mechanics, chest kinematics, respiratory- and peripheral muscle function, physical activity and quality of life (QoL) of the patients. In conclusion, this review shows positive, highly encouraging and effective results of pulmonary rehabilitation in terms of the patients' lung function, functional mobility and quality of life. The tools for complex pulmonary rehabilitation have evolved considerably over the past two decades, thus this research has been conducted on a variety of studies about this subject and serves as a synthesis of the systematic and meta-analytic reviews.

Comorbidities and increased mortality of COVID-19 among the elderly: A systematic review

Purpose

The purpose of current review is to conduct a systematic overview of articles published between 2019 and 2021 on the relationship of comorbidities and mortality due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the elderly population.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search on PubMed for articles published between 2019 and 2021 to identify any cohort and case-control studies that investigated the relationship of comorbidities and COVID-19 mortality among the elderly, defined as 60 years of age and above. Databases were searched independently by two authors. Disagreements were resolved by the inclusion of a third investigator. Reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded from our systematic review.

Results

A total of 15 studies were selected for our systematic review. Of the included studies, 3 were case-control, 3 were prospective cohort studies and 9 were retrospective cohort studies. As for size, 10 studies were conducted on populations of <1000 participants, 3 ranging from 1001 to 10,000, and 2 on populations of >10,000 individuals. The included studies found that the presence of certain conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, renal diseases, malignancies, diseases of the nervous system and diabetes are associated to increased mortality in populations that consisted of elderly patients.

Conclusion

Results of our systematic review suggest that comorbidities contribute to increased COVID-19 mortality among the elderly. The detrimental effect of comorbidities and advanced age on the immune response could lead to a more frequent occurrence of symptomatic and severe infections with COVID-19.

Co-infections in COVID-19 patients and correlation with mortality rate. Minireview

PURPOSE

The goal of our review was to gather information on the most important community-acquired and hospital-acquired co-infections among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, and to examine not only the effect of these co-infections on disease outcomes but also to identify the possible risk factors that predispose COVID-19 patients to co-infections.

METHODS

Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published between January 1st, 2020, and September 31st, 2021, on the topic of co-infections among COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

Among community-acquired and hospital-acquired co-infections, bacterial and fungal co-infections are equally frequent, followed by viral co-infections that affected a relatively smaller portion of patients. Overall, co-infections were more frequent in the hospital than at the community level. Risk factors for acquiring co-infections include male gender, longer length of hospital stay, presence of supportive treatment, such as ventilation, the admission to intensive care units, the administration of medications, such as steroids or antibiotics, and certain blood parameters, such as high C-reactive protein or lymphopenia. The presence of co-infections could aggravate the COVID-19 disease severity, prolong the healing time of patients, and lead to worse disease outcomes overall.

CONCLUSION

Co-infections may increase the mortality of COVID-19 patients, especially in the hospital setting. Paying closer attention to hygiene, adhering to diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs could decrease the occurrence of co-infections and lead to improved outcomes for COVID-19 patients.

Outpatient rehabilitation programs for COVID-19 patients

Összefoglaló. A COVID-19-fertőzésen átesett betegek közül többen elhúzódó panaszokról számolnak be a felépülést követően, sokaknál tartósan fennáll a köhögés, a nehézlégzés, a mellkasi fájdalom, a légszomj attól függetlenül, hogy enyhe vagy súlyosabb tüneteket okozott a koronavírus. A betegek erőtlennek érzik magukat, erős fáradtságérzetre panaszkodnak, míg mások gyomor-bél rendszeri panaszokra, fejfájásra, depresszióra, a szaglás- és ízérzékelés elvesztésére. Számtalan kutatás leírja, hogy a fertőzés még akár hónapokkal később is hatással lehet a tüdő működésére, és korábban egészséges tüdőn is látható a koronavírus-fertőzés a gyógyulás után három hónappal készült kontroll-mellkas-CT-leleten. Éppen ezért szükség van a fertőzés lezajlását követően tüdőgyógyászati kivizsgálásra, ha a betegnek elhúzódó panaszai vannak, vagy ha a betegség tüdőgyulladást okozott. Szükség van a jelenleg működő fekvőbeteg-légzőszervi rehabilitáció mellett a kezelés ambuláns kiterjesztésére is, melynek célja újabb kórházi ápolás nélkül a teljes gyógyulás elérése a betegeknél. A COVID-19-fertőzésen átesett betegeknél a komplex rehabilitáció hatására javul a terhelhetőség, az életminőség, javulnak a légzésfunkciós értékek, csökkennek a panaszok, javul a betegek fizikai és pszichikai állapota. Összefoglaló kutatásunk célja áttekinteni, hogy milyen COVID-19 ambuláns rehabilitációs programok indultak el a koronavírus-fertőzésen átesett betegek esetében nemzetközi és hazai színtereken. Orv Hetil. 22021; 162(42): 1671-1677. Summary. Several patients with COVID-19 infection report prolonged complaints after recovery and many of them suffer from persistent cough, dyspnea, chest pain and shortness of breath regardless of whether the coronavirus caused mild or more severe symptoms. They complain of severe fatigue and weakness while others grizzle about gastrointestinal complaints, headache, depression, loss of sense of smell and taste. Numerous studies describe that the infection can affect lung function even in months and coronavirus infection can be detectable in previously healthy lungs by taking a control chest CT scan three months after recovery. Therefore, chest follow-up is required after the infection if the patient has prolonged complaints or if the disease has caused pneumonia. In addition to the currently operating inpatient respiratory rehabilitation, there is also a need for an outpatient extension of treatment to achieve complete recovery in patients without further hospitalization. For those patients who have had the COVID-19 infection complex rehabilitation can improve their workload, quality of life, improves their respiratory function values, reduces their complaints and also improves their physical and mental condition. The aim of our summary research is to review what COVID-19 outpatient rehabilitation programs have been initiated for patients who went through coronavirus infection on international and domestic scenes. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(42): 1671-1677.

Effect of malnutrition and body composition on the quality of life of COPD patients

BACKGROUND

Pathological alterations in nutritional status may develop in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients through production of inflammatory cytokines and inadequate diet.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine the correlation between nutritional status and quality of life of COPD patients.

METHODS

We evaluated the nutritional status of COPD patients of Hungarian National Koranyi Institute for Pulmonology using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) between January 1 and June 1, 2019. Lung function, physical fitness, and respiratory muscle strength were included in the assessment.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (mean age was 66.3 ± 9.6 years) participated in our study. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 ± 6.1 kg/m2 and mean fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 16.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2. Overweight patients had better lung function values (FEV1ref%: 46.3 ± 15.2) than normal (FEV1ref%: 45.1 ± 20.9) and underweight patients (FEV1ref%: 43.8 ± 16.0). The Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) was significantly associated with various parameters; strongest correlation was found with FFMI (r = -0.537, P < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) (r = -0.530, P < 0.001), and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) (r = -0.481, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that malnourished COPD patients may have reduced lung function and lower quality of life compared to normal weight patients. Thus, our findings suggest that nutritional therapy be included in the treatment of COPD patients combined with nutritional risk screening and BIA during the follow-up.

Health-related quality of life of COPD patients aged over 40 years

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth most frequent disease globally, and its worldwide prevalence is projected to increase in the following decades. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of COPD patients depends on multiple factors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the most important risk factors affecting HRQOL of COPD patients and to measure how specific clinical parameters can predict HRQOL.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study combined with clinical data was conducted among patients diagnosed with COPD (n = 321, 52.6% females, mean age 66.4 ± 9.5) at the National Koranyi Institute for Pulmonology, Budapest in 2019-2020. The inclusion criteria were age ≥40 years and existing COPD. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted on three components of the COPD-specific Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-C) and on the physical (PCS) and mental component scales (MCS) of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of patient and disease characteristics on COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores.

RESULTS

We found that frequent exacerbations, multiple comorbidities and tobacco smoking were associated with worse HRQOL. Engaging in more frequent physical activity and better 6-minute walking distance results were associated with better HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the complex therapy of COPD should focus not only on improving lung functions and preventing exacerbation, but also on treating comorbidities, encouraging increased physical activity, and supporting smoking cessation to assure better HRQOL for patients.

Congenital heart diseases and parental occupational exposure in a Hungarian case-control study in 1997 to 2002

The etiology of congenital heart diseases is not fully understood yet, however, endocrine disrupting chemicals may have a causative role in their development. The purpose of our study was to examine the association between congenital heart diseases and periconceptional parental occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. In our Hungarian population-based case-control study, we examined 2263 live born cases with any congenital heart disease and 6789 matched controls selected between years 1997 to 2002. Occupational exposure was assessed with a job-exposure matrix developed for endocrine disrupting chemicals. Conditional multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to test associations between parental occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and congenital heart diseases of the offspring as a whole and by congenital heart disease subtypes. The prevalence of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals was 4.5% for both case and control mothers and 19.1% and 19.4% for case and control fathers, respectively. We found a positive association between paternal pesticide (adjusted odds ratio = 1.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-2.69) and alkylphenolic compound exposure (adjusted odds ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-2.93) and the development of patent ductus arteriosus in the offspring. Alkylphenolic compound exposure occurred among painters, famers, and those working in the food service industry, while pesticide exposure occurred predominantly among farm workers. We identified that certain occupations may increase the occurrence of certain congenital heart disease phenotypes in the offspring. By paying closer attention to those working in these areas, antenatal detection rates of congenital heart diseases may be improved.

Metabolic consequences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Krónikus obstruktív tüdőbetegségben (COPD) az obesitas mellett a csökkent fizikai aktivitás nagymértékben fokozza a metabolikus szindróma kialakulásának valószínűségét. Célkitűzés: Kutatásunk célja volt felmérni a metabolikus szindróma prevalenciáját COPD-ben, valamint azt, hogy milyen mértékben függ össze az életkorral, a nemmel, a társbetegségekkel, a tüdőfunkció károsodásának mértékével, a tápláltsági állapottal, a fizikai terhelhetőséggel és az életminőséggel. Módszer: Keresztmetszeti vizsgálatot végeztünk az Országos Korányi Pulmonológiai Intézet Légzésrehabilitációs Osztályán fekvő betegek körében 2019. július 1. és december 31. között. A véletlenszerűen kiválasztott 300, 40 év feletti betegnek ismertük az antropometriai, légzésfunkciós vizsgálati eredményét és laboratóriumi paramétereit. Adatokat gyűjtöttünk a dohányzási szokásokról, az előző évi exacerbatiók számáról és a kortikoszteroidok használatáról is. Az életminőség mérésére a betegségspecifikus Szent György-féle Légzési Kérdőív magyar nyelvre validált változatát használtuk. A metabolikus szindrómát a Nemzetközi Diabetes Szövetség kritériumai alapján határoztuk meg. Eredmények: A metabolikus szindróma a betegek 72%-ánál fordult elő, férfi: 65,9% nő: 77,2% (p = 0,031). A metabolikus szindrómás betegek esetében rövidebb 6 perces sétatávolságot mértünk ([m] 250 [150-330] vs. 295 [162-360]; p = 0,384), és szignifikánsan több volt az előző évi exacerbatiók száma (3 [0-6] vs. 1 [1-2]; p<0,001) a nem metabolikus szindrómás betegekhez képest. A BMI-re történő stratifikáció után a metabolikus szindróma jelenléte nagyobb volt BMI≥25 kg/m2 esetén. A hasi elhízás, a magas vérnyomás, a hyperlipidaemia és a hyperglykaemia szignifikánsan gyakoribb volt BMI≥25 kg/m2 esetén (p<0,001). Következtetés: Eredményeink azt sugallják, hogy a metabolikus szindrómás betegekben megnő az együttes morbiditási index, különösen azok körében, akik túlsúlyosak vagy elhízottak. Ezért a COPD-s betegekben nagyon fontos időben felismerni és megfelelően kezelni a metabolikus szindrómát. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(5): 185-191.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Both obesity and the lack of physical activity among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of our study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among COPD patients and to examine its correlation with age, gender, comorbidities, lung function values, nutritional status, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was performed at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the Hungarian National Korányi Institute for Pulmonology between July 1st and December 31st, 2019. A total of 300 patients aged over 40 were selected at random. Anthropometric data were collected along with lung function values, laboratory parameters, smoking status, the number of exacerbations in the previous year, and the use of corticosteroids. Quality of life was measured by the validated Hungarian, COPD-specific Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome affected 72% of COPD patients (male: 65.9%, female 77.2%; p = 0.031). In patients with metabolic syndrome, shorter 6-minute walking distance was measured ([m] 250 [150-330] vs. 295 [162-360]; p = 0.384) and the number of exacerbations in the previous year was significantly higher (3 [0-6] vs. 1 [1-2]; p<0.001) compared to patients with no metabolic syndrome. After stratification for BMI, metabolic syndrome was more frequent in the case of BMI≥25 kg/m2. Central adiposity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia were also significantly more frequent among patients with BMI≥25 kg/m2 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the co-morbidity index increases in patients with metabolic syndrome, especially in overweight or obese patients. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment of metabolic syndrome in patients with COPD is very important. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(5): 185-191.

Clinical value of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: Civilizált világunk, miközben látszólag túltáplált, ómega-3-hiányban szenved. A hosszú szénláncú, többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak számos anyagcsere-megbetegedés (például elhízás, 2-es típusú diabetes mellitus, szív- és érrendszeri megbetegedések) kialakulásában játszhatnak szerepet. A halolajban lévő zsírsavak erősítik az immunrendszert, csökkentik a koleszterin- és trigliceridszintet, csökkentik a gyulladást. Célkitűzés: Vizsgálatunk célja a többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak bevitelének monitorozása, valamint a tüdőfunkcióval és az életminőséggel való kapcsolatuk értékelése krónikus obstruktív tüdőbetegségben (COPD). Módszer: Kérdőívünket az Országos Korányi Pulmonológiai Intézet Légzésrehabilitációs Osztályán, 2019. március 1. és 2020. március 1. között 40 év feletti COPD-s betegek körében vettük fel. Az életminőség mérésére a betegségspecifikus Szent György Légzési Kérdőívet alkalmaztuk, a légzésfunkciós és antropometriai adatokat az egészségügyi elektronikus nyilvántartási rendszerből nyertük ki. Eredmények: A betegek medián életkora 66 (IQR 60-73) év volt, a nemek közötti megoszlást tekintve 47,5% férfi és 52,5% nő. A medián BMI 26,0 (IQR 21,7-30,6) kg/m2, a FEV1 (ref%) 48,0 (IQR 38,1-55,3) volt. Az ómega-3 zsírsavakat a betegek 4,7%-a (n = 19) szedi rendszeresen, elsősorban kezelőorvosa javaslatára, a javasolt napi dózisban (0,25-0,50 g/nap). Esetükben jobb életminőséget tapasztaltunk (65,8 [52,4-79,7] vs. 72,2 [56,2-88,6]; p = 0,044), kevesebb társbetegséggel rendelkeztek (hypertonia: 10 [52,6%] vs. 275 [72,1%]; p = 0,066), kevesebb gyógyszert használtak (gyors hatású béta-2-agonista: 5 [25,3%] vs. 197 [51,7%]; p = 0,031), alacsonyabb volt a fellángolások száma (1 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-4]; p = 0,029), és nagyobb volt a 6 perces sétatávolság (300 [177-387] vs. 251 [150-345]; p = 0,121). Következtetés: Eredményeink arra utalnak, hogy a többszörösen telítetlen zsírsavak bevitele összefüggésben lehet az életminőséggel COPD-s betegekben. Vizsgálatunk szerint a betegek ómega-3-bevitele nem kielégítő - eredményeink alapján szeretnénk felhívni a figyelmet e zsírok fogyasztásának fontosságára. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 23-30.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Our civilized world, while seems to be overweight, suffers from omega-3 deficiency. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can play a role in the development of many metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease). Fatty acids in fish oil strengthen the immune system, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, have been proven to be beneficial, reduce inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to monitor the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and to evaluate their relationship with lung function and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHOD

Our questionnaire was completed at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation of the National Koranyi Institute for Pulmonology between March 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 among COPD patients over 40 years of age. We used the disease-specific St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire to measure the quality of life; the respiratory function and anthropometric data were extracted from the electronic health record system.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 66 (IQR 60-73) years, with a gender division of 47.5% male and 52.5% female. The median BMI was 26.0 (IQR 21.7-30.6) kg/m2, and the median FEV1 (%pred) was 48.0 (IQR 38.1-55.3). In the form of a dietary supplement, 4.7% (n = 19) of patients take omega-3 fatty acids regularly, mainly on the recommendation of their doctor, at the recommended daily dose (0.25-0.50 g/day). Among them, we detected a better quality of life (65.8 [52.4-79.7] vs. 72.2 [56.2-88.6]; p = 0.044), had fewer comorbidities (hypertension: 10 [52.6%] vs. 275 [72.1%]; p = 0.066), consumed fewer drugs (short-acting bronchodilators: 5 [25.3%] vs. 197 [51.7%]; p = 0.031), had fewer exacerbations (1 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-4]; p = 0.029), and higher six-minute walking distance (300 [177-387] vs. 251 [150-345]; p = 0.121).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be related to the quality of life in COPD patients. According to our study, the intake of omega-3 in patients is unsatisfactory, and based on our results, we would like to draw attention to the importance of consuming these fats. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(1): 23-30.

Parental occupational exposure and congenital heart diseases in a Hungarian case-control study

Purpose

Our study aimed to explore the effect of parental occupational exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the development of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in the offspring, and to compare job-exposure matrix (JEM)-assessed and self-reported occupational exposures with each other.

Methods

Live-born infants born in 2007–2008 were selected from the population-based Hungarian Case–Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities Study. 577 cases with any CHDs were compared to 1731 matched controls. Parental periconceptional occupational exposure to EDCs was assessed by a JEM and by questionnaire-based self-reporting of parents. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between parental occupational exposure to EDCs and the entire spectrum of CHDs and by CHD subtypes in the offspring. Kappa statistics were also performed to determine the consistency among JEM-assessed and self-reported occupational exposure of parents.

Results

JEM-assessed paternal exposure to polychlorinated organic substances, phthalates, biphenolic compounds, and solvents were significantly associated with the entire spectrum of CHDs. Ventricular septal defects were significantly associated with paternal self-reported exposure to pesticides, while atrial septal defects were significantly associated to paternal JEM-assessed phthalate exposure. Paternal solvent exposure was significantly associated with atrial septal defects and right ventricle outflow tract obstructions. JEM-assessed and self-reported exposures to pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents exhibited poor agreement for mothers and slight agreement for fathers.

Conclusion

Even though parental occupational exposure to EDCs seems to have a minor impact on the occurrence of CHDs, the results of biological and environmental monitoring should be taken into consideration as well.

Significance of nutritional status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a survey

Bevezetés: COPD-ben szenvedő betegeknél kóros tápláltsági állapot alakulhat ki a gyulladásos citokinek termelődése, valamint a beszűkült étrend miatt. Célkitűzés: A COPD-s betegek tápláltsági állapotának kombinált rizikószűrése, a testtömeg rendellenességének és kapcsolatának vizsgálata a légzőszervi és funkcionális paraméterekkel, valamint e rendellenességek életminőségre gyakorolt hatásának elemzése. Módszer: A tápláltsági rizikó kombinált szűrését végeztük MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) kérdőívvel és a bioelektromosimpedancia-analízis elvén működő InBody 170 géppel, valamint OMRON BF511 testösszetétel-elemző mérőkészülékkel az Országos Korányi Pulmonológiai Intézet Légzésrehabilitációs Osztályán 2019. január 1. és december 31. között, 40 év feletti COPD-s betegek körében. Eredmények: A betegek medián életkora 66 (IQR 61–72) év, a medián BMI 24,5 (IQR 19,1–29,7) kg/m² volt; a 110 COPD-s beteg közül 32% (n = 35) alultáplált volt, és 45% (n = 49) akaratlanul fogyott az előző évben. Az alultáplált betegek gyengébb tüdőfunkcióval rendelkeztek (FEV1ref%: 36 [IQR 29–49]), mint a normál súlyú (FEV1ref%: 46 [IQR 35–52]) vagy túlsúllyal rendelkező (FEV1ref%: 46 [IQR 39–57]) betegek, életminőségük szignifikánsan gyengébb volt (65,63 vs. 56,59 vs. 47,23; p = 0,045). Szignifikáns korrelációt találtunk a BMI – FEV1ref% (ρ = 0,26; p = 0,007) és a BMI – exacerbatiók száma között (ρ = 0,37; p = 0,008). Következtetés: Megállapítottuk, hogy az alultáplált COPD-s betegek gyengébb tüdőfunkcióval és rosszabb életminőséggel rendelkeznek, valamint azt is, hogy a kóros tápláltsági állapot kialakulásának magas kockázata miatt COPD-s betegeknél javasoljuk a tápláltsági állapot rizikójának kombinált szűrését és a táplálásterápia hatékonyságának vizsgálatát. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(40): 1711–1719.

[Medical students' knowledge on vaccinology]

Introduction: The mistrust of vaccinations is already experienced among physicians. It is important for physicians to be well informed, able to convince their patients of the usefulness of vaccinations and set good example for them in this field. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the vaccine knowledge and attitudes of the general medical students of Semmelweis University and their attitudes towards vaccinations before and after the education of 'Public Health and Preventive Medicine'. Emphasis was placed on the students' opinion on the vaccines against influenza, measles and hepatitis B virus and their effectiveness. Method: Data collection was done with volunteer participants, using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. The relationship between education and vaccination coverage was proved by calculating Pearson's correlation and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The knowledge of medical students is incomplete, with negative attitudes towards vaccination against influenza. Generally, respondents found the vaccines useful, but only two-thirds of them considered the influenza vaccine to be important. Students had 6.5% flu vaccination coverage before education, and 24% after education. Two-thirds (67.8%) of the students were aware that the flu vaccine could be given during an epidemic. Surprisingly, the importance of hand washing has been given a greater role in the primary prevention of influenza than flu vaccine. Conclusions: Education plays an important role in shaping the attitudes and responsible behaviour of future physicians. They need to acquire reliable knowledge to persuade their patients as practitioners to use the most effective means of primary prevention of infectious diseases. A change of attitude is needed to stop the route of infection through vaccination, to protect not only their own health but also that of their environment and thus of their patients. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(30): 1193-1199.

[Relationship of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and nutritional status - clinical observations]

Introduction: The increased metabolism of nutrients and the low energy intake may lead to malnutrition among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Aim: The goal of our study was to examine the nutritional status of our population aged over 40, and its relationship with the severity of the disease. Method: We conducted a retrospective study at the National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology in 2017. Pulmonary function and anthropometric data were obtained from the electronic health record system. Inclusion criteria were age over 40 and the diagnosis of COPD. Severity of disease was assessed by forced expiration volume and categorized according to GOLD stages. We used SPSS Statistics V22.0 for data analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 66; 49.3% were men, 50.7% were women. Average BMI was 27.14 kg/m², with values comprising cachexia and severe obesity. According to the FEV₁%pred results of the 3236 patients, 30% fell in the GOLD I, 40% in the GOLD II, 23% in the GOLD III, and 7% in the GOLD IV categories. Pearson coefficient found positive correlation between FEV₁ and nutritional status (H = 0.2297, r = 0.1401), specifically between severity of cachexia and severity of disease. The analysis of variance showed significant correlation between severity of disease and nutritional status; patients with higher BMI had better pulmonary function. Conclusion: Malnutrition had an adverse effect on pulmonary functions and performance of respiratory muscles, whereas higher BMI had a positive effect on FEV₁. Our results suggest that BMI could be used as a lung function prognostic indicator for COPD patients. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(23): 908-913.

Utilisation of water soluble iridium catalysts for signal amplification by reversible exchange

The catalytic hyperpolarisation of pyridine, 3-hydroxypyridine and oxazol by the Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE) process is achieved by a series of water soluble iridium phosphine and N-heterocyclic carbene dihydride complexes.

Multiple metachronous malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the upper limbs - a case report

BACKGROUND

Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare tumors with the incidence of multiple metachronous or synchronous lesions in the extremities being even more uncommon. In effort to preserve the function of upper extremities, limb-salvage surgery became the treatment of choice for soft-tissue sarcomas. Subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy, is believed to decrease local recurrence rates, however, their effect on overall survival remains unclear.

CASE

We report herein a case of symmetrical bilateral metachronous malignant fibrous histiocytomas of the shoulder. A 19-year-old patient presented with stiffness and pain in the right shoulder. The same symptoms developed 1.5 years later in the other shoulder. The culprit tumors are reported metachronous with regard to the succession in the onset of symptoms. Wide tumor resection was performed in both shoulders, and postoperative radiotherapy was then conducted. Chemotherapy was not indicated after the first surgery; whereas, in the second case it was the patient who refused the recommended adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The phenomenon of either metachronous or synchronous incidence of multiple soft tissue sarcomas is very rare and systematic reporting of every new case in the literature could contribute to further knowledge of tumors unique behavior.Key words: malignant fibrous histiocytoma - radiotherapy - upper extremity - neoplasms - multiple primary.

Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst Causing Cord Compression in a 15-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

The authors describe the case of a fifteen-year-old girl with progressive paraparesis of the lower limbs that was caused by an intraspinal extradural dorsal arachnoid cyst at the level of Th 3-6. Diagnosis was established with MRI and MRI myelography. The latter revealed the CSF-like content of the cyst. The patient underwent laminotomy and en bloc resection of the cyst. Ligation of the pedicle of the cyst was done with laminoplasty. Quick and complete recovery was observed after surgery.

Prediction of RNA base pairing probabilities on massively parallel computers

We present an implementation of McCaskill's algorithm for computing the base pair probabilities of an RNA molecule for massively parallel message passing architectures. The program can be used to routinely fold RNA sequences of more than 10,000 nucleotides. Applications to complete viral genomes are discussed.

Automatic detection of conserved RNA structure elements in complete RNA virus genomes

We propose a new method for detecting conserved RNA secondary structures in a family of related RNA sequences. Our method is based on a combination of thermodynamic structure prediction and phylogenetic comparison. In contrast to purely phylogenetic methods, our algorithm can be used for small data sets of approximately 10 sequences, efficiently exploiting the information contained in the sequence variability. The procedure constructs a prediction only for those parts of sequences that are consistent with a single conserved structure. Our implementation produces reasonable consensus structures without user interference. As an example we have analysed the complete HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genomes as well as the small segment of hantavirus. Our method confirms the known structures in HIV-1 and predicts previously unknown conserved RNA secondary structures in HCV.

Plasma lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations in full term infants fed formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol

Recent data indicate that supplementation of infant formula with omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids might offer developmental benefits for full term infants. We investigated biochemical consequences of feeding formula supplemented with egg lipids to provide long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and compared triglyceride, cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL2-cholesterol, HDL3-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol) and apolipoprotein A-I, A-II and B concentrations in full term infants fed either conventional formula (n = 10) or a formula supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol in amounts similar to those found in mature human milk (n = 12). At the age of 5 days, cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher in infants fed supplemented than in those receiving conventional formula. At the age of 30 days, triglyceride concentrations were significantly higher with supplemented than with conventional formula. Thereafter throughout the study, no significant differences were seen between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Full term infants fed formula supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol showed significantly higher plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations than infants receiving conventional formula on day 5 and on days 5 and 30, respectively. Thereafter no appreciable effect of diet on plasma phospholipid, triglyceride, cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein concentrations were seen.

Lipid and apolipoprotein levels and enteral nutrition in very low-birth-weight preterm infants

Lipid, lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I, A-II and B levels were determined in 10 very low-birth-weight (birth weight 1279 +/- 144 g; gestational age 29.2 +/- 1.2 weeks, mean +/- SD) preterm infants on postnatal days 3, 10 and 21. Feeding with pooled human milk began on day 3 +/- 1 and by day 10 all infants were exclusively enterally fed. Both triglyceride and total cholesterol levels increased significantly from day 3 to day 10 (0.84 +/- 0.28 versus 1.53 +/- 0.72 and 2.42 +/- 0.47 versus 3.24 +/- 0.80, mmol/l, respectively) (p < 0.01); thereafter no further increase was observed. The increase in total cholesterol level was primarily due to a significant enhancement of very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.52 +/- 0.34 versus 2.29 +/- 0.73 mmol/l, p < 0.01). Apo A-I, A-II and B levels did not change between day 3 and day 10. From day 10 to day 21, however, a significant increase in apo A-I concentration was noted (0.57 +/- 0.20 versus 0.87 +/- 0.17 g/l, p < 0.01), whereas apo A-II levels increased significantly from day 3 to 21 (0.15 +/- 0.03 versus 0.27 +/- 0.08 g/l, p < 0.01). No change in apo B level was seen.

[Mortality among mature neonates requiring intensive care]

Causes of mortality among term infants hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during a period of five years were investigated. Among the 107 fatal cases analyzed, congenital malformation was the cause of death in 63 and hypoxia/asphyxia in 35 cases, whereas 9 newborns died primarily of infection. Though congenital malformation is the leading cause of mortality, nevertheless, also perinatal asphyxia and primary and secondary infections play an important role. The utmost importance of prevention and proper medical care is emphasized.

[Glycosylated proteins, blood sugar levels and postnatal growth in very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) neonates]

The concentration of HbA1c, glycosilated serum proteins and blood glucose were followed up during the first eight postnatal weeks in 10 preterm babies of mean (+/- SD) birthweight and gestational age of 1259 +/- 140 g and 30.2 +/- 2.0 weeks, respectively. Both blood glucose and the glucosilation of proteins remained unchanged over the study period. No relationship was found either between growth rate and blood glucose level, or the latter and HbA1c concentration. Statistically significant correlationship could be observed between carbohydrate and total calorie intake and growth rate, but only during the first four postnatal weeks.

[Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium status and postnatal growth during 0-8 weeks in low birth weight premature infants]

Mineral intake and biochemical parameters of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium metabolism were studied during the first eight postnatal weeks in 12 very low birthweight preterm infants. However, the intake of calcium and phosphorus was less than that generally advised in the relevant literature, only marginally lowered serum mineral concentration and no rise in alkaline phosphatase activity were found. Urinary calcium/creatinine and phosphorus/creatinine ratio did not reflect mineral deficiency either. At the same time, a significant inverse correlation was found between postnatal growth rate and calcium excretion in the study babies, whose postnatal growth rate was much less than the control foetal growth rate. The authors briefly discuss the main aspects of neonatal mineral supply and homeostasis.

[Glucosylated proteins and perinatal growth]

The concentration of HbA1c and glycosylated serum proteins were measured colorimetrically in 30 and 29 newborn infants of various gestational age, at the postnatal age of 0-24 hrs and 19-23 days, respectively. No relationship was found either between the maturity and the prenatal and early postnatal growth of the studied infants or the concentration of glycosylated haemoglobin and serum proteins.

Membrane receptors for peptides in experimental and human pancreatic cancers

Membrane receptors for [D-Trp6]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [( D-Trp6]-LH-RH), somatostatin (SS-14), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were investigated in experimental N-nitrosobis-(2-oxopropyl)-amine (BOP)-induced pancreatic cancers of hamsters and in specimens of normal human pancreas and human pancreatic cancer obtained from autopsies. Membrane receptors for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH were absent in the pancreas of normal hamsters, but appeared after the carcinoma was induced with BOP. Binding capacity of SS-14 receptors was lower in membranes of BOP-induced pancreatic cancers than in the normal pancreas. In the BOP-induced pancreatic cancers, the receptors were also characterized following in vivo treatment of hamsters with microcapsules of the agonist [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, somatostatin analog RC-160, and the combination of both peptides, which resulted in significant tumor inhibition. Therapy with [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and RC-160, alone or in combination, decreased the binding capacity of receptors for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, but increased Bmax for SS-14. There were no significant changes in characteristics of the EGF receptor following these therapies. Membranes from human pancreatic cancers showed binding sites for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, but no binding was detected in normal human pancreas. The presence of receptors for LH-RH in pancreatic tumors of hamster and humans raises the intriguing possibility that LH-RH could be involved in complex interactions that contribute to the appearance of pancreatic cancer. The binding capacity of receptors for SS-14 in human pancreatic cancer membranes was lower, while Bmax for EGF was higher, as compared to normal pancreas.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Highly potent analogues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone containing D-phenylalanine nitrogen mustard in position 6

The nitrogen mustard derivatives of 4-phenylbutyric acid and L-phenylalanine, called chlorambucil (Chl) and melphalan (Mel), respectively, have been incorporated into several peptide hormones, including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH). The alkylating analogues of LH-RH were prepared by linking Chl, as an N-acyl moiety, to the complete amino acid sequence of agonistic and antagonistic analogues. These compounds, in particular the antagonistic analogues, showed much lower potency than their congeners carrying other acyl groups. To obtain highly potent alkylating analogues of LH-RH, the D enantiomer of Mel was incorporated into position 6 of the native hormone and some of its antagonistic analogues. Of the peptides prepared, [D-Mel6]LH-RH (SB-05) and [Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-Phe(pCl)2,D-Pal(3)3,Arg5,D-Mel6,D-Ala10++ +]LH-RH [SB-86, where Nal(2) is 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine and Pal(3) is 3-(3-pyridyl)alanine] possessed the expected high agonistic and antagonistic activities, respectively, and also showed high affinities for the membrane receptors of rat pituitary cells, human breast cancer cells, human prostate cancer cells, and rat Dunning R-3327 prostate tumor cells. These two analogues exerted cytotoxic effects on human and rat mammary cancer cells in vitro. Thus these two D-Mel6 analogues seem to be particularly suitable for the study of how alkylating analogues of LH-RH could interfere with intracellular events in certain cancer cells.

Highly potent metallopeptide analogues of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Metal complexes related to the cytotoxic complexes cisplatin [cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II)] and transbis(salicylaldoximato)copper(II) were incorporated into suitably modified luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) analogues containing D-lysine at position 6. Some of the metallopeptides thus obtained proved to be highly active LH-RH agonists or antagonists. For instance, SB-40, a PtCl2-containing metallopeptide in which platinum is coordinated to an N epsilon-(DL-2,3-diaminopropionyl)-D-lysine residue [D-Lys(DL-A2pr] at position 6, showed 50 times higher LH-releasing potency than the native hormone. SB-95, [Ac-D-Nal(2)1,D-Phe(pCl)2, D-Pal(3)2, Arg5,D-Lys[DL-A2pr(Sal2Cu)]6,D-Ala10]LH-RH, where Nal(2) is 3-(2-naphthyl)alanine, Pal(3) is 3-(3-pyridyl)alanine, and copper(II) is coordinated to the salicylideneimino moieties resulting from condensation of salicylaldehyde with D-Lys(DL-A2pr)6, caused 100% inhibition of ovulation at a dose of 3 micrograms in rats. Most metallopeptide analogues of LH-RH showed high affinities for the membrane receptors of rat pituitary and human breast cancer cells. Some of these metallopeptides had cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer and prostate cancer cell lines in vitro (this will be the subject of a separate paper on cytotoxicity evaluation). Such cytostatic metallopeptides could be envisioned as targeted chemotherapeutic agents in cancers that contain receptors for LH-RH-like peptides.

[Concentration of C-reactive protein in neonatal pathology]

C-reactive protein concentration was measured in 56 preterm and 61 full term newborn infants with various pathology, at the postnatal age of 0-24 hrs and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks. One third of all study babies had an increased (greater than 10 mg/l) CRP level measured within 24 hrs of birth. On the first day, CRP concentration in neonates with a pronounced perinatal asphyxia was as high as in those who suffered from perinatal infection. Further postnatal changes in CRP level need individual evaluation in every case, considering the diagnosis, clinical course and treatment. In connection with the results the clinical usefulness of CRP determinations in neonatal medicine is shortly discussed.

Presence of membrane binding sites for [D-TRP6]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in experimental pancreatic cancer

Characteristics of binding sites (dissociation constant: Kd and maximal binding capacity: Bmax) for [D-Trp6]-luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [( D-Trp6]-LH-RH]), somatostatin (SS-14) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were evaluated in membrane fractions of N-Nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP)-induced pancreatic adenocarcinoma of hamsters. Intact, normal hamster pancreata did not show any binding sites for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, but specific [D-Trp6]-LH-RH binding sites with low affinity and high capacity were found after pancreatic cancer was induced with BOP. Membrane binding sites for SS-14 and EGF, with high affinity and low capacity were present, both in normal and cancerous pancreata. Normal hamster pancreatic tissue had significantly higher levels of SS-14 binding sites and lower concentration of EGF binding sites as compared to pancreatic carcinoma. In vivo treatment of hamsters bearing pancreatic cancers with microcapsules of agonist [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and the somatostatin analog RC-160 alone, or in combination, caused histopathological regression of tumors and concomitantly decreased the Kd and Bmax of [D-Trp6]-LH-RH, and increased the Bmax of the SS-14 binding sites. These findings represent the first demonstration of binding sites for [D-Trp6]-LH-RH in pancreatic cancers. Our results also suggest that tumor inhibitory effects of [D-Trp6]-LH-RH and RC-160 in pancreatic cancer could be mediated not only indirectly through suppression of sex-steroids, gastrointestinal hormones and growth factors, but also directly by an action on specific binding sites located on the tumor membranes.