Increased Number of Mast Cells in Epicardial Adipose Tissue of Cardiac Surgery Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Chronic inflammation of adipose tissue is associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Mast cells represent an important component of the innate defense system of the organism. In our work, we quantified mast cell number in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and right atrial myocardium (RA) in patients undergoing open heart surgery (n=57). Bioptic samples of EAT (n=44), SAT (n=42) and RA (n=17) were fixed by 4 % paraformaldehyde and embedded into paraffin. An anti-mast cell tryptase antibody was used for immunohistochemical detection and quantification of mast cells. We also demonstrated immunohistochemically the expression of CD117 and chymase markers. In EAT of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), higher incidence of mast cells has been found compared to patients without CAD (3.7±2.6 vs. 2.1±1.2 cells/mm(2)). In SAT and RA, there was no difference in the number of mast cells in CAD and non-CAD patients. Mast cells in SAT, EAT and RA expressed CD117 and chymase. An increased incidence of mast cells in EAT of CAD patients may indicate the specific role of these inflammatory cells in relation to EAT and coronary arteries affected by atherosclerosis.

Increased intestinal permeability in patients with short bowel syndrome is not affected by parenteral nutrition

The aim of our study was to assess the presence and degree of intestinal leakage in subjects suffering from short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its modification by parenteral nutrition. To this end we assessed circulating levels of selected makers of intestinal permeability including zonulin, fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP-2), citrulline and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2). We also measured lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) as a marker of circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide acting through the CD14 molecule. Eleven SBS and 10 age- and BMI-matched control subjects were included into the study. The effect of parenteral nutrition was assessed after 14 days, 6 and 12 months from its initiation, respectively. At baseline, SBS patients had increased gut permeability as measured by zonulin (47.24+/-2.14 vs. 39.48+/-1.20 ng/ml, p=0.006) and LBP (30.32+/-13.25 vs. 9.77+/-0.71 microg/ml, p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, SBS subjects had reduced FABP-2, unchanged citrulline and increased sCD14 and GLP-2 relative to control group. Throughout the whole study period the administered parenteral nutrition had no significant effect on any of the studied parameters. Taken together, our data show that patients with short bowel syndrome have increased intestinal permeability that is not affected by parenteral nutrition.

Insulin-like growth factor axis in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is involved in the regulation of growth and metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine selected parameters of IGF system at systemic and local levels [subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] to assess its possible role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). 37 pregnant women (21 with GDM and 16 without GDM) and 15 age-matched non-pregnant females were included in the study. Blood samples were taken in 28-32 and 36-38 weeks of gestation and 6-12 months after delivery. SAT and VAT samples were obtained during delivery or surgery. Compared with non-pregnant women, serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were increased in both groups of pregnant women. IGF-2 was elevated only in GDM women from 36 weeks of gestation culminating 6 months after delivery (p=0.003). Serum IGFBP-3 was increased and IGFBP-4 decreased in GDM women vs. pregnant women without GDM during the whole study (IGFBP-3: p?0.001 for GDM vs. non-GDM; IGFBP-4: p=0.004 for GDM vs. non-GDM). Pregnant women with GDM had decreased mRNA expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R and IGF-2R and IGFBP-4 in VAT and IGF-1R in SAT compared to pregnant women without GDM. Changes in local activity of IGF are associated with the development of GDM.

Changes in omentin levels and its mRNA expression in epicardial adipose tissue in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: the influence of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease

Omentin is a protein produced by numerous tissues including adipose tissue. Its concentrations are decreased in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Experimental studies suggest that omentin may have anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. In the present study, we measured circulating omentin levels and its mRNA expression in epicardial and subcutaneous fat, intercostal and heart muscle before and after elective cardiac surgery in patients with CAD (CAD+, DM-, n=18), combination of CAD and DM (CAD+, DM+, n=9) or with none of these conditions (CAD-, DM-, n=11). The groups did not differ in baseline anthropometric and biochemical characteristics with the exception of higher blood glucose and HBA(1c) in CAD+, DM+ group. Baseline circulating omentin levels tended to be lower in CAD+, DM- and CAD+, DM+ groups as compared to CAD-, DM- group and cardiac surgery increased its concentration only in CAD-, DM- group. The change in serum omentin levels during surgery inversely correlated with epicardial fat thickness. While baseline omentin mRNA expression did not differ among the groups in any of the studied tissues, its increase after surgery was present only in subcutaneous fat in CAD-, DM- and CAD+, DM- groups, but not in CAD+, DM+ group. Intercostal muscle omentin mRNA expression increased after surgery only in CAD-, DM- group. In conclusion, cardiac surgery differentially affects omentin levels and subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle mRNA expression in patients without coronary artery disease and diabetes as compared to patients with these conditions.

The clinical, biochemical and genetic features associated with RMND1-related mitochondrial disease

Background

Mutations in the RMND1 (Required for Meiotic Nuclear Division protein 1) gene have recently been linked to infantile onset mitochondrial disease characterised by multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain defects.

Methods

We summarised the clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic investigation of an international cohort of affected individuals with RMND1 mutations. In addition, we reviewed all the previously published cases to determine the genotype–phenotype correlates and performed survival analysis to identify prognostic factors.

Results

We identified 14 new cases from 11 pedigrees that harbour recessive RMND1 mutations, including 6 novel variants: c.533C>A, p.(Thr178Lys); c.565C>T, p.(Gln189*); c.631G>A, p.(Val211Met); c.1303C>T, p.(Leu435Phe); c.830+1G>A and c.1317+1G>T. Together with all previously published cases (n=32), we show that congenital sensorineural deafness, hypotonia, developmental delay and lactic acidaemia are common clinical manifestations with disease onset under 2 years. Renal involvement is more prevalent than seizures (66% vs 44%). In addition, median survival time was longer in patients with renal involvement compared with those without renal disease (6 years vs 8 months, p=0.009). The neurological phenotype also appears milder in patients with renal involvement.

Conclusions

The clinical phenotypes and prognosis associated with RMND1 mutations are more heterogeneous than that were initially described. Regular monitoring of kidney function is imperative in the clinical practice in light of nephropathy being present in over 60% of cases. Furthermore, renal replacement therapy should be considered particularly in those patients with mild neurological manifestation as shown in our study that four recipients of kidney transplant demonstrate good clinical outcome to date.

Effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril on endothelial and platelet functions in essential hypertension

Endothelial damage and platelet hyperactivity may play a role in the vascular complications of essential hypertension. Restoration of endothelial function and reduction of increased platelet aggregation in essential hypertension are one of the aims of modern anti-hypertensive therapy. Therefore, the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on endothelial and platelet functions is of interest. In the present study, 23 healthy normotensives and 23 age- and sex-matched patients with non-treated essential hypertension (1st and 2nd stage according to WHO) were investigated. Measurements of endothelial and platelet functions in hypertensives were carried out before therapy, after 1 week of placebo administration, after 1 week and after 1 month of perindopril therapy in a once daily dose of 4 mg. Plasma thrombomodulin (ELISA method) and beta-thromboglobulin (radio immunoassay method) were assayed and platelet aggregation (spontaneous and induced by adrenaline) was measured. The values of plasma thrombomodulin, a novel marker of endothelial function, were compared between age- and sex-matched normotensives and hypertensives. A significant decrease of adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation was observed after 1 month of perindopril therapy in comparison with the values before therapy or after 1 week of perindopril therapy ( P < 0.02 and P < 0.05 respectively). There were no significant changes in plasma thrombomodulin or beta-thromboglobulin following therapy. We failed to find significant changes of plasma thrombomodulin in patients in the early stages of hypertension, but its tendency to be higher than in normotensives does not rule out some vascular damage. The inhibitory effect of perindopril on platelet aggregation may be a further advantage of this drug. Since no changes were found after 1 week of therapy, the reduction of adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation after 1 month of therapy may be explained by an indirect effect of perindopril on platelet function, probably asa result of protective action on the arterial wall.

Vitamin 1,25-(OH)2 D3 concentrations in patients hospitalized long-term

Vitamin D deficiency may be one reason for the onset and development of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence rates of hypovitaminosis D in an unselected group of individuals presenting with common medical conditions and hospitalized for long periods. Concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 were measured in 89 patients (38 males and 51 females). Mean age was 70 years. Thirty-eight patients were tested in the spring and the remaining 51 patients in the autumn. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly reduced in patients tested in the autumn (p < 0.001). The reason for this surprising observation may have been the small number of sunny days and the long hospital stays during the study period, differences in the composition of both groups and the fact that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 reflects the actual vitamin D3 levels rather than those of its reserve in the human body. The results obtained suggesting hypovitaminosis D in an unselected group of elderly patients hospitalized with common diseases, even after the summer season, suggest the need for general supplementation of this vitamin throughout the year, regardless of the risk factors.

Effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril on haemostasis in essential hypertension

Endothelial damage, platelet hyperactivity and other changes of blood coagulation may play a role in the vascular complications of essential hypertension. Undesirable changes of haemostasis induced by some anti-hypertensive drugs can encourage the acceleration of atherogenesis. Therefore, the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors on haemostasis is of interest. The therapeutic dose of perindopril was previously shown to reduce platelet aggregation. In the present study, selected parameters of haemostasis were investigated in 23 patients with first and second stage of non-treated essential hypertension. The measurements were carried out before therapy, after 1 week of placebo administration, and after 1 week and after 1 month of ACE-inhibitor perindopril therapy in a once-daily dose of 4 mg. Plasma prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, plasminogen and antithrombin III activities, protein C and free protein S antigens, total fibrinolytic activity as well as fibrin monomers and D-dimers were assayed. There were no significant changes in any haemostasis variables investigated following placebo administration or perindopril therapy. On the basis of this study, no unfavourable effects on haemostasis induced by this therapy were found. The platelet-inhibitory effect of perindopril, without any harmful effects on coagulation or fibrinolytic activity and coagulation inhibitors, is desirable in the new approach to hypertension treatment. These properties of perindopril may be important in terms of the beneficial role of anti-hypertensive drugs in cardiovascular morbidity.

Plasma cholecystokinin and somatostatin levels in chronic pancreatitis patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The existence of a negative-feedback mechanism between pancreatic enzyme secretion and intraduodenal proteases and the role of cholecystokinin in its mediation in humans is debatable. The presence of such a feedback mechanism in chronic pancreatitis patients with exocrine enzyme deficiency possibly leads to an increase in cholecystokinin plasma levels. Somatostatin has been used in many studies in the therapy of pain in chronic pancreatitis and plays a role in the regulation of cholecystokinin levels, however data on its plasma levels are still lacking.

METHODOLOGY

Basal and the postprandial cholecystokinin and somatostatin levels in 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis (11 with severe chronic pancreatitis and 19 with mild chronic pancreatitis) were measured 14 days after discontinuation of enzymatic substitution therapy and then were compared with the levels taken from 25 healthy subjects.

RESULTS

The cholecystokinin postprandial plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic pancreatitis when compared with those of healthy individuals (P < 0.01). Basal, somatostatin, cholecystokinin and postprandial somatostatin levels were not significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. There was no correlation between basal and postprandial levels of cholecystokinin and somatostatin in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

The cholecystokinin postprandial plasma levels were significantly higher in all patients with chronic pancreatitis when compared with healthy individuals, which suggests the role of cholecystokinin in the feedback control of pancreatic secretion.

[Triple combination antimicrobial therapy of Helicobacter pylori and basal levels of serum gastrin]

BACKGROUND

The etiopathogenic relationship of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection to chronic active antrumgastritis and peptic ulcer disease has been confirmed by a number of studies. The key role in the development of peptic lesions belongs to hypergastrinemia. This is supposed to be related to ammonium synthesis in the antral area influenced (promoted by HP and resulting in interruption) weakening of the negative feedback mechanism maintaining intraluminal acidity.

OBJECTIVES

In our present study we focus our attention to the effectiveness of triple antimicrobial therapy in HP positive patients with chronic active antrumgastritis residing in the lowering of the level of serum gastrin.

METHODS

There was a group of 15 patients in our current study with HP positivity as well as chronic active antrumgastritis documented by endoscopy, histology, microbiology and serology respectively. Endoscopical and histological findings were classified according to "The Sydney System". The whole group was evaluated on an ambulatory basis, those with active ulcer, endocrinopathy and biliary tract disorders were excluded. The basal level of serum gastrin was evaluated by RIA-test-gastrin before and after successful antimicrobial therapy.

RESULTS

In our group of 15 patients with HP infection in coexistence with chronic active antrumgastritis we have found a significant decrease in the basal level of serum gastrin (p = 0,01) after successful therapy.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in the basal level of serum gastrin after eradication of HP confirms the importance of HP infection in the pathogenesis of peptic lesions in stomach and duodenum. We consider the antimicrobial therapy in chronic active antrumgastritis in HP positive patients to be a fully indicated therapeutic approach. (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 10.).

24-h ambulatory blood pressure, daytime and nighttime urinary albumin and retinol-binding protein excretion in type I diabetic patients

We studied 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (SBP, DBP), actual glycemic control assessed from seven blood glucose measurements, 16-h daytime and 8-h nighttime urinary excretion of albumin (UAE) and retinol-binding protein (URBP) in 20 normoalbuminuric (group A, nighttime UAE < 20 micrograms/min) and 20 microalbuminuric and low-proteinuric type I diabetic patients (group B, nighttime UAE 20-500 micrograms/min) matched for age and diabetes duration. Glycemic control was similar in the two groups. Daytime and nighttime SBP and DBP were higher in group B compared to group A (p < 0.01). Nighttime decrease in SBP and DBP correlated with nighttime decrease in UAE in group B (p < 0.05, p < 0.001), but not in group A. There was no correlation between BP and actual glycemic control in either group. We found higher daytime and nighttime URBP in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). We conclude that, in microalbuminuric and low-proteinuric patients, daytime and nighttime BP was elevated but still in the normal or borderline range, and nighttime decrease in BP correlated with nighttime decrease in UAE but not with actual glycemic control. Increased URBP in these patients suggests slightly impaired proximal tubular function in early stages of diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of long-term celiprolol therapy on haemostasis in essential hypertension

Undesirable changes of haemostasis induced by some anti-hypertensive drugs can encourage the acceleration of atherogenesis. Therefore, the changes of haemostasis parameters in 22 patients with essential hypertension under long-term celiprolol therapy (> 2 months) were of interest. In the placebo group of 15 essentially hypertensive patients there were no significant changes in platelet activity. On the other hand, the therapeutic dose of celiprolol was shown to reduce total platelet aggregation, without any harmful effects on fibrinolytic activity and coagulation inhibitors such as protein C and antithrombin III. The metabolic neutrality of celiprolol accompanied by the proven platelet-inhibitory tendency is desirable in the new approach to hypertension treatment. Potentially anti-thrombotic or at least neutral prothrombotic properties of celiprolol may be important in terms of the favourable role of anti-hypertensive drugs in cardiovascular morbidity.

Plasma somatostatin levels in ulcerative colitis

The circadian (24 hour) rhythmicity of somatostatin in healthy subjects and patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) was studied and established. UC patients were found to have a higher 24-hour amplitude, a higher average level and a longer peak level phase of plasma somatostatin. This finding may indicate a defensive role of somatostatin in inflammatory bowel disease.

[Catecholamines and changes in blood pressure during stress tests in type 1 diabetics]

The influence of metabolic control on catecholamine secretion and blood pressure during upright posture, mental stress and physical exercise was studied in 34 normotensive normoalbuminuric type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients without autonomic neuropathy. A poor metabolic control did not induce different changes in blood pressure and plasma catecholamines as compared to a good metabolic control, except for an exaggerated rise in plasma adrenaline in patients with asymptomatic hypoglycemia. The lack of correlation between plasma catecholamines and blood pressure suggest that some other factors are also involved in the hemodynamic reaction to mental stress and physical exercise in diabetic patients. (Fig. 2, Tab. 3, Ref. 25.).

[The importance of albuminuria in the detection of diabetic nephropathy and its relation to the development of retinopathy and autonomic neuropathy in type I diabetes]

A series of 72 type I diabetics was grouped according to the mean value of 24-h albuminuria (AU) determined from three 24-h urine collections: group A (n = 49, normoalbuminuria, AU less than or equal to 26 mg/24 h), group B (n = 16, microalbuminuria, AU less than or equal to 26 mg/24 h), group C (n = 7, clinically significant proteinuria, AU greater than 260 mg/24 h). Glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) was examined five times in three-month intervals. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BPs and BPD) were determined from four values taken in the course of one year. Glomerular filtration (GF) was established a single examination of 24-h creatinine clearance. Fluorescent angiography was used to examine the fundus of the eye. The function of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system was assessed on the basis of three tests: variation of heart rate during deep respiration, response of heart rate to upright position, Valsalva's maneuver. Group C had the longest duration of diabetes, the highest GHb, the lowest GF, and the highest BPS and BPD values. The number of diabetics with different findings on the fundus of the eye (normal finding/simple retinopathy/preproliferative and proliferative retinopathy) was as follows: group A--15/31/3, group B--9/6/1, group C--0/3/4. Group C exhibited the most pronounced derangement of the cardiovascular autonomic nervous system, whose extent depended on the length of diabetes duration and on the quality of metabolic compensation. Between the groups A and B no significant differences were found in any of the parameters studied.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)