Ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen-like protein 2 (OCIAD2) is a novel complex III specific assembly factor in mitochondria

Assembly of the dimeric complex III (CIII₂) in the mitochondrial inner membrane is an intricate process in which several accessory proteins are involved as assembly factors. Despite numerous studies, this process has yet to be fully understood. Here we report the identification of human OCIAD2 (ovarian carcinoma immunoreactive antigen–like protein 2) as an assembly factor for CIII₂. OCIAD2 was found to be deregulated in several carcinomas and also in some neurogenerative disorders; however, its nonpathological role had not been elucidated.  We have shown that OCIAD2 localizes to mitochondria and interacts with electron transport chain (ETC) proteins. Complete loss of OCIAD2 using gene editing in HEK293 cells resulted in abnormal mitochondrial morphology, a substantial decrease of both CIII₂ and supercomplex III₂+IV, and a reduction in CIII enzymatic activity. Identification of OCIAD2 as a protein required for assembly of functional CIII₂ provides a new insight into the biogenesis and architecture of the ETC. Elucidating the mechanism of OCIAD2 action is important both for the understanding of cellular metabolism and for an understanding of its role in malignant transformation.

HPLC Identification of Copper (II)-Trans-Resveratrol Complexes in Ethanolic Aqueous Solution

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography assay with the diode array detector was applied for detection of trans-resveratrol complexes with copper (II). Two complexes with copper to resveratrol ratio 3:2 and 1:1 were identified in ethanolic-aqueous solutions in neutral and acidic conditions. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was used for evaluation of complexes in eluate liquid fraction. The structures of complexes were modeled by Titan, Spartan and HyperChem software. The findings obtained satisfactorily explain the chromatographic data and could provide useful an additional data about these forms in which is present trans-resveratrol in wine (free and/or forming complex with copper).

Erratum to "Epicutaneous immunization with hapten-conjugated protein antigen alleviates contact sensitivity mediated by three different types of effector cells"

The authors wish to note an incorrectly listed financial support grant. The National Science Centre grant 2011/01/B/NZ6/00300 was inadvertently listed. The authors regret this error. The correct Acknowledgements read as follows.

Specificity of mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) in the diagnosis of Babesia canis regarding to other canine vector-borne diseases

The canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) is a term, which describes a range of infectious or/and parasitic diseases whose etiological agents are transmitted by vectors. CVBD are becoming more widely in the world in relation to global warming and the increasing number of infected vectors. The aim of this study was to assess rapid mass spectrometry (MS) - based proteomics analyses for diagnosis of Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi infections in dogs. The study was conducted on four groups of dogs - healthy dogs (group 1, n=10) and dogs infected with B. canis (group 2, n=20), A. phagocytophilum (group 3, n=20) and B. burgdorferi (group 4, n=20) which demonstrated symptoms of the diseases. The MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization with Time of Flight detector) MS technique revealed the presence of specific protein fraction of 51-52 kDa only in the blood serum of all the animals infected with the B. canis protozoa. The proteins are suspected to be disease markers, whereas the MALDI-TOF technique itself has high specificity and sensitivity and can be applied in the diagnosis of canine babesiosis.

KEY WORDS

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi, MALDI-TOF, proteomics.

Application of Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Coagulase-negative Staphylococci Isolated from Milk of Cows with Subclinical Mastitis

The aim of this study was to use matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. The study material consisted of 33 isolates of CNS, identified by the results of API Staph tests, obtained from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Based on the spectra analyses, MALDI-TOF MS tests of 33 bacterial samples allowed identification of the microorganisms in 27 cases (81.8%). The most frequent cause of subclinical mastitis was found to beStaphylococcussciuri (39%), whileS. vitulinuswas detected in 15% of the milk samples. The results obtained indicate that MALDI-TOF MS can be used for the identification of CNS isolated from bovine mastitis as a method supplementary to biochemical tests.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus strains isolated from poultry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of bacteria of the genus Enterococcus in poultry, to identify them by means of matrixassisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF MS), and to analyse the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains to the drugs most frequently used in poultry. The material for the bacteriological tests was obtained mainly from the heart (97%) of the birds investigated. Of a total of 2,970 samples tested, 911 (30.7%) tested positive for Enterococcus spp. Enterococci were detected in broilers (88.1%), laying hens (5.3%), turkeys (3.9%), breeding hens (2.2%), and geese (0.4%). The most commonly identified species were Enterococcus (E.) faecalis (74.7%), E. faecium (10.1%), E. gallinarum (5.5%), E. hirae (4.6%), and E. cecorum (4.1%). The most frequent resistance properties were resistance to sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (88%), tylosin (71.4%), enrofloxacin (69.4%), doxycycline (67.3%), and lincomycin/spectinomycin (56.1%). Only one vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, E. cecorum from a broiler, was found.

Dog Tear Film Proteome In-Depth Analysis

In this study, mass spectrometry was used to explore the canine tear proteome. Tear samples were obtained from six healthy dogs, and one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D SDS-PAGE) was used as a first step to separate intact proteins into 17 bands. Each fraction was then trypsin digested and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS) to characterize the protein components in each fraction. In total, 125 tear proteins were identified, with MCA (Major Canine Allergen), Serum albumin, UPF0557 protein C10orf119 homolog, Collagen alpha-2(I) chain, Tyrosine -protein kinase Fer, Keratine type II cytoskeletal, Beta-crystallin B2, Interleukin-6 and Desmin occuring as the most confident ones with the highest scores. The results showed that the proteomic strategy used in this study was successful in the analysis of the dog tear proteome. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report the comprehensive proteome profile of tears from healthy dogs by 1D SDS PAGE and MALDI-TOF. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003124.

Identification of strains with phenotypes similar to those of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from table chicken eggs using MALDI-TOF MS and genotyping methods

The aim of the study was to identify the affinity of 10 Staphylococcus strains isolated from table chicken eggs to specific species. Preliminary analysis performed by API ID32 Staph test identified these strains as S. aureus, but they exhibited a negative reaction in the tube coagulase test. Thus, the analysed strains were initially characterised as Staphylococcus aureus-like (SAL). Further characterisation was performed by genotypic methods, using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the coagulase gene (coa) and sequencing of the gene rpoB. An attempt was also made to identify the isolated Staphylococcus strains by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The results indicated that none of the strains tested belonged to the species S. aureus. The rpoB sequences of five isolates showed the highest sequence similarity to S. haemolyticus, three isolates to S. chromogenes, and one isolate to S. epidermidis. One strain (SAL4) remained unidentified in this analysis. The results obtained using mass spectrometry were comparable to those based on gene sequence analysis. Strain SAL4, which could not be identified by sequencing, was identified by MALDI-TOF as Staphylococcus chromogenes.

Modified 16S-23S rRNA intergenic region restriction endonuclease analysis for species identification of Enterococcus strains isolated from pigs, compared with identification using classical methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Fast and reliable identification of bacteria to at least the species level is currently the basis for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections. This is particularly important in the case of bacteria of the genus Enterococcus, whose resistance profile is often correlated with their species (e.g. resistance to vancomycin). In this study, we evaluated restriction endonuclease analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region for species identification of Enterococcus. The utility of the method was compared with that of phenotypic methods [biochemical profile evaluation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)]. Identification was based on 21 Enterococcus reference strains, of the species E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. durans, E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum, E. avium, E. cecorum and E. columbae, and 47 Enterococcus field strains isolated from pigs. Restriction endonuclease analysis of the ITS-PCR product using HinfI, RsaI and MboI, in the order specified, enabled species differentiation of the Enterococcus reference and field strains, and in the case of the latter, the results of species identification were identical (47/47) to those obtained by MALDI-TOF MS. Moreover, as a result of digestion with MboI, a unique restriction profile was also obtained for the strains (3/3) identified by MALDI-TOF MS as E. thailandicus. In our opinion, restriction endonuclease analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA gene ITS region of Enterococcus may be a simple and relatively fast (less than 4 h) alternative method for identifying the species occurring most frequently in humans and animals.

Application the mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF technique for detection of Babesia canis canis infection in dogs

The aim of this study was to use rapid mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics analyses for diagnosis of Babesia canis canis infections in dogs. The study was conducted on two groups of dogs—healthy dogs and dogs infected with B. canis canis which demonstrated symptoms of babesiosis. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS technique revealed the presence of a protein fraction of 51–52 kDa in the blood serum of all the animals infected with the protozoa, which was not found in the serum of healthy dogs. The proteins are suspected to be disease markers, whereas the MALDI-TOF technique itself has high specificity and sensitivity and can be applied in analytical laboratories in the diagnosis of canine babesiosis.

Epicutaneous immunization with hapten-conjugated protein antigen alleviates contact sensitivity mediated by three different types of effector cells

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common clinical condition in industrialized countries and often causes occupational diseases. Animal model of contact sensitivity (CS) is commonly used to study ACD in mice and can be induced by skin application of haptens. It has been previously shown that CS is mediated by CD4(+) or CD(8+) T effector cells. More recently it was found that also liver NK cells can play a role of CS effector cells in mice.

METHODS

The aim of the present study was to test whether skin-induced suppression could inhibit CS response in vivo.

RESULTS

Here we show that EC immunization of normal mice with hapten conjugated protein antigen prior to hapten sensitization suppresses Th1, Tc1 and NK mediated CS responses.

CONCLUSIONS

These data strongly suggest that maneuver of EC immunization may have important implications for designing therapeutic schemes aimed at modulating unwanted immune responses in contact hypersensitivity.

Theoretical prediction of gas adsorption kinetics based on equilibrium data

Based on the equilibrium adsorption isotherms, new expressions describing the rate of adsorption were developed. The theoretical model takes into account the influence of diffusional effects on the rate of adsorption. Other nonideal effects such as surface energetic heterogeneity or intermolecular interactions can be taken into account by using the adequate equilibrium isotherm. The accuracy of the presented rate equations was verified using real adsorption systems.

Peripheral mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility in rats with salsolinol induced experimental Parkinson's disease

Gastrointestinal dysmotility in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been attributed in part to peripheral neurotoxine action. Our purpose was the evaluation of the salsolinol effect on intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), duodenal myoelectrical activity (DMA) and vagal afferent activity (VAA) in rats with experimental PD. Twenty rats were divided into 2 equal groups. Experimental PD was produced in one group by 3 weeks of the intraperitoneal salsolinol injections (50 mg/kg/day), whereas the 2-nd group served as control. DMA and VAA were recorded in both groups during fasting and stepwise--gastric distension (GD) of 10 ml. Subsequently fragments of duodenum were removed and intramuscular ICC were assessed as c-Kit antigen percentage in the duodenal muscular zone. Analyses of the fasting DMA and VAA recordings didn't reveal differences between the compared groups. During GD increase of DMA dominant frequency (p=0.04) and VAA frequency (p<0.01) was observed in the controls whereas in the salsolinol group both parameters remained unchanged. Image analysis of duodenum revealed decreased c-Kit expression in the salsolinol-injected animals (p=0.05). The results of our study may suggest the direct effect of salsolinol on both ICC and neuronal pathways of gastro-duodenal reflexes.

Peripheral mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility in the morphine tolerant and dependent rats

Changes of intestinal motility and transit produced by tolerance to and dependence upon morphine have been partly attributed to peripheral mechanisms. We evaluated the effect of chronic peripheral morphine administration and peripheral mu-receptor blockade on vagal afferent activity (VAA) and c-Kit positive intramuscular cells of Cajal (ICCs). Ten rats were subjected to chronic subcutaneous morphine infusion for 72 h with subsequent VAA recording. Potential frequency was evaluated within recordings before and after mu receptor blockade by (D)-Phe -Cys -Tyr -(D)-Trp -Orn -Thr -Phe -Thr (CTOP) i.p. injections. Afterwards the rats were sacrificed and intramuscular c-Kit antigen expression was assessed by image analysis within removed fragments of duodenum and ascending colon. An equal group of rats served as a control for VAA and c-Kit expression. Analysis of VAA revealed similar frequencies of potentials in morphine tolerant / dependent rats before CTOP and in the controls. CTOP increased potential frequency in the morphine group which effect was visible mostly within the first 20 minutes (p=0.01). The morphine infused animals presented also higher c-Kit expression in both the duodenum (p<0.001) and the ascending colon (p<0.001) in comparison to the control group. Results of our study may indicate the involvement of both the intestinal wall and the long vago-vagal reflexes in tolerance to and dependence upon opioids.

[TNFalpha and sVCAM plasma levels during standard exercise test are higher in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia]

AIM

The evaluation of serum ICAM, VCAM, endothelin-1 (Et-1), TNF-alpha and its soluble receptor levels and the secretion of nitric oxide in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia.

PATIENTS

26 postmenopausal patients who neither received hormonal therapy nor cholesterol lowering treatment. Group A consisted of 16 women with high serum total cholesterol and group B of 10 women with normal cholesterol level.

METHODS

Basic fasting serum FSH, 17beta-estradiol, as well as total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels were evaluated. Standard exercise test was carried out according to Bruce protocol. Blood samples were taken thrice (prior to, at peak exercise, 15th min of recovery) during the test to evaluate the serum levels of ICAM, VCAM, ET-1, TNF-alpha and its soluble receptors as well as secretion of nitric oxide.

RESULTS

In group A--sVCAM (660.0 +/- 106.4 mg/l versus 518.6 +/- 65.4 mg/l; p < 0.05) and TNF-alpha serum levels (2.2 +/- 1.0 ng/l versus 1.2 +/- 0.4 ng/l; p < 0.05) at peak exercise were higher in group A compared to group B. There was a tendency (p > 0.05) of higher ET-1 plasma levels in group A.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of adhesion molecules and inflammatory mediators were higher during physical exercise in postmenopausal women with atherosclerosis risk factors.

Mechanisms of intestinal dysmotility in morphine dependence: whether central or peripheral?

Changes of intestinal motility and transit due to morphine administration are attributed to its central and peripheral action, however coexistence of both central and peripheral mu receptors in morphine dependence hasn't been clearly demonstrated so far. Our purpose was the evaluation of the effect of either CNS or ENS mu receptor blockade on intestinal motility in morphine dependent rats. Twenty male rats were subjected to chronic subcutaneous morphine infusions for 72 hrs. On each day motility indices (MI) were analysed in the animals' duodenum and ascending colon before and after either intraperitoneal (IP) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) mu antagonist (CTOP) administration. Tolerance of the intestinal motility to morphine developed in both the duodenum and the ascending colon after 72 hrs of the infusion. Dependence was observed at 24 hrs and maintained at 48 and 72 hrs of morphine administration. On each day no differences of MI reaction to mu blockade were visible regarding the IP or ICV CTOP administration. Our results suggest the involvement of both the CNS and the ENS mu opioid receptors in mechanisms of the intestinal tolerance to and dependence upon morphine.

[Character of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation]

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is one of the most frequent cardiac arrhythmias. Our purpose in the current study was the presentation of the main PAF aetiology and the most effective methods of therapy. The study revealed that both coronary artery disease and arterial hypertension are the most frequent reasons of PAF whereas acute physical effort seems to be the main triggering factor. Regarding therapy the pharmacological treatment with chinidine or propaphenon is the best way of the PAF episodes management. The study also evaluated the quality of life (QL) of the PAF patients. The subjects complained of decreased QL, which was due to the necessity of change of the previous occupation and/or style of life.

Myoelectrical activity of small intestine in rats with experimental Parkinson's disease

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility is governed by enteric nervous system being under surveillance of central and autonomic representation. In Parkinson's disease (PD) GI dysmotility has been attributed in part to peripheral action of neurotoxines. We evaluated the effect of chronic salsolinol administration on intestinal myoelectrical activity (IMA) during fasting and in response to gastric distension (GD) in rats. Fasting IMA recordings didn't reveal differences in frequency of migrating myoelectrical complexes (MMC) (p = 0.06) and dominant frequency (DF) of slow waves (p = 0.1) between salsolinol and saline group. However in response to gastrointestinal stimulation with GD in the salsolinol group DF of IMA remained unchanged whereas in the controls increased (p = 0.04). The results suggest the direct effect of salsolinol on gastro-duodenal reflexes in PD rats.

Heart rate variability during incremental cycling exercise in healthy untrained young men

BACKGROUND

Linear relationship between the increase of heart rate (HR) and the power output (PO) during sub-maximal exercise is well documented. However the study considering the effect of progressive increase of PO on the parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) remain scarce.

AIM

This study investigated changes of the HRV time and spectral parameters in young, untrained men during incremental cycling exercise.

METHODS

Fifteen young, untrained men aged 21 +/- 1.5 years participated in our study. Preliminary medical examination excluded any cardiovascular diseases. The examined individuals were cycling on the cycle ergometer (Monark 824E, Sweden) with constant frequency, amounting to 60 rev x min(-1). PO was increased by 30 W every 3 minutes. ECG was recorded via shortened limb lead I, using Dual BIO Amp (AD Instruments, Castle Hill, Australia) hardware and Power Lab (AD Instruments) software. Spectral analysis of HRV was based on the fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The time (HR, RMSSD) and spectral (LF, HF) parameters were analysed within 3 minutes time periods, before the exercise and on each level of the generated power output.

RESULTS

The exercise was performed until the subjects reached 80% of the HR max expected for their age. This has occurred at the PO = 202 +/- 33 W (mean +/- SD). Mean HR in this group showed linear increase (p < 0.001) with power output (90 +/- 7 bt x min(-1) at 30 W vs. 166 +/- 11 bt x min(-1) at the power output of 202 +/- 33 W). Significant decrease of time parameters of the HRV (0 W vs. 202 +/- 33 W)--SDNN (p < 0.001) and RMSSD (p < 0.001) were observed in the analysed group. Spectral parameters of the HRV also presented significant reduction. Decreases of total power of the HRV spectrum (TP, p < 0.001), low frequency (LF, p < 0.01) and high frequency (HF, p < 0.01)) spectra as well as LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01) were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In the light of the present study, the applicability of the HRV power spectrum, with its present interpretation, to the assessment of the sympatho-vagal interaction during incremental exercise is indeed very questionable.

Effect of hormonal replacement therapy on autonomic regulation of the heart

BACKGROUND

Increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases frequently reported in postmenopausal women may follow disturbed activity of cardiac autonomic nervous system (cANS). Our purpose was to evaluate the influence of continuous combined hormonal replacement therapy (ccHRT) on cANS reflected by parameters of heart rate variability (HRV).

METHOD

Thirty four healthy postmenopausal women aged 56+/-6 years (7+/-4 years after last menorrhoea) were divided into 2 equal groups--women receiving ccHRT (serum estradiol--81+/-75 ng/l, FSH--45+/-27 IU/l) and control group (serum estradiol--31+/-45 ng/l, FSH--74+/-32 IU/l). The ccHRT women have been receiving daily 50 mg of 17beta-estradiol (Oesclim 50, Fournier) in transcutaneous depot and 5 mg of oral progesterone (Duphaston, Solway Pharma) for recent 1.4+/-0.6 years. All recordings began at 8.00 a.m. and were carried out in supine position and resting conditions (room temperature 24 degrees C). The protocol applied consisted of 5 min. of resting ECG recording, 5 min. of deep breathing (DB) test, 6 min of sham feeding (SF) and 5 min. of ECG recording after SF.

RESULTS

Analysis of the resting HRV didn't reveal any significant differences between the compared groups. In the control group during DB increases of mean LF (455+/-500 vs. 1381+/-1540; p<0.001) and LF/HF (1.5+/-1.1 vs. 5.4+/-4.3; p=0.002) ratio were observed. No influence of SF on HRV was noticed in this group. In the ccHRT women significant increases of mean LF (189+/-125 vs. 728+/-929; p=0.02) and LF/HF ratio (3.1+/-4.8 vs. 9+/-7.3; p=0.002) were observed during DB. SF revealed significant increases of mean RR (841+/-92 vs. 918+/-82; p<0.001), SDNN (35+/-14 vs. 43+/-20; p=0.02), LF (189+/-125 vs. 372+/-434; p=0.03) and HF (150+/-133 vs. 300+/-332; p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed increased reactivity of the HRV parameters to vagal stimulation by DB and SF in the postmenopausal women receiving ccHRT that suggests increased activity of cANS in the analysed group. Application of ccHRT restores the premenopausal reactivity of cANS.

Circadian heart rate variability in patients with primary arterial hypertension

INTRODUCTION

Abnormalities of autonomic nervous system function (ANS) exist in patients with hypertension and have been considered as one of the important factors in developing of essential hypertension. However the information about the effect of antihypertensive treatment (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors--ACEI) on cardiac ANS activity is scarce. The main aim of our study was to evaluate circadian heart rate variability changes in primary hypertension treated with ACE inhibitors.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with essential hypertension with night/day differences of mean blood pressure of more than 10% (dippers) aged 26 to 61 years (mean 52.9 +/- 9.2) and 14 healthy volunteers, 14 healthy volunteers were recruited and matched for age and gender. Ambulatory 24 hour arterial blood pressure measurement using HolCARD (Aspel, Poland) recorder with simultaneous ECG monitoring using the Mediarc-Premier IV Holter Monitoring System (DRG-International) undertaken in both groups of patients. The hypertensive patients were tested before and after one year of the enalapril treatment. The HRV analysis was performed according to a standard Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). The time and spectral analysis parameters were compared within the examined groups of patients during day and night.

RESULTS

The results obtained in the control group showed the great circadian fluctuations in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. A simultaneous circadian HRV evaluation showed also significant increases in night RMSSD, TP, VLF, LF and HF mean values (p < 0.05) with significantly decreased night LF/HF ratio (p < 0.05) in comparison to the day time recordings. After one year of ACE inhibitors treatment, we noted the following circadian changes: Significant increase of RMSSD, pNN50 (p < 0.05), TP, VLF, LF and HF (p < 0.05) parameters with non-significant increases in LF/HF ratio during night recording. A comparison between daily HRV parameters, before and after 1 year of ACEI treatment, presented significant increases in pNN50 and RMSSD mean values (p = 0.01) and decreases in LF/HF ratio, with simultaneous withdrawal of spectral parameters. However, no significant changes in comparison of night HRV parameters before and after ACEI intake were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations support an attenuation of night vagal activity as an important factor in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The lack of effect of ACEI treatment on circadian heart rate variability parameters in patients with essential hypertension, despite long-term normalisation of blood pressure, suggests persistent circadian cardiac autonomic dysfunction in the "dippers" subgroup of patients.

The effect of the year angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I) intake on circadian heart rate variability in patients with primary hypertension

INTRODUCTION

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) disturbances have been considered as one of the important factors in development of essential hypertension. However information about the effect of antyhypertensive treatment (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors--ACEI) on cardiac ANS activity is ccscarce.

AIM

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the HRV circadian changes in patients with essential hypertension, treated with ACEI throughout the period of one year.

METHODS

Ten patients with essential hypertension, aged 26 to 64 years (mean 54.3 +/- 12.3) and 10 healthy volunteers, matched for age and gender were qualified for the investigation. Twenty four-hour arterial blood pressure measurements with simultaneous ECG monitoring were conducted in both mentioned groups. The hypertensive patients were examined before and after 1 year of ACE inhibitor (enalapril) intake. HRV analysis was carried out by the fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The time and spectral parameters were compared in 8 examined subjects characteristic for dippers, in time periods of day (6 a.m.-10 p.m.) and night (10 p.m.-6 a.m.).

RESULTS

The results obtained before the treatment, likewise in control group, presented night's increases of RMSSD (p < 0.05), pNN50 (NS, p > 0.05), VLF, LF (p < 0.05) and HF (NS) mean values with a decrease of LF/HF ratio (p < 0.05). Similar tendencies in the cardiac ANS activity were observed after 1 year of the enalapril intake. A comparison of day's HRV before and after one year of the ACE inhibition presented the increase in values of the parasympathetic system reflecting parameters: RMSSD, pNN50 (p = 0.01) and HF (NS) with a decrease of LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01). The evaluation of the night's HRV parameters presented the increase of HF mean value (p < 0.05), without any other significant changes between the trials.

CONCLUSIONS

After 1-year of ACE inhibitor administration the only improvement of the day's parasympathetic activity was observed. The night's vagal activity suggested as one of the essential factor in development of hypertension remained unchanged in patients qualified into "dippers" hypertension group.

[Myoelectric activity of the stomach and esophageal pH changes in reflux disease]

The oesophageal inflammation during gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) has been considered to be an acid and pepsine related disorder. The oesophagus remains under the prolonged exposure of gastric acid, which damages the mucosa and causes an esophagitis. Amongst the most important pathogenetic factors of GERD, the delayed gastric emptying and transient episodes of low esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation have been described. The examinations like electrogastrography (EGG) and 24-hours pH-metry are useful for the evaluation of these disturbances.

AIM

The aim of the study was to confirm the co-existence among the abnormal gastric myoelectric activity and the esophageal pH changes in patients with GERD.

METHODS

Ten patients (8 m., 2 f.) 20-61 years of age (mean 46 +/- 15.3 years) with GERD were examined. The EGG recording lasted one hour: 30 min. in fasting state and 30 min. after a standard meal. The 24-hours pH-metry measurement, five cm above the upper edge of LES, was done on separate days. A control group, matched for number and age, for the comparison of the EGG recording, was recruited.

RESULTS

Amongst the patients suffering from GERD the results of fasting EGG showed the lower normogastria (mean 45.3 +/- 21.9% vs. 86.5 +/- 8.8%: p < 0.01) and the high dysrrhytmia time period (mean 54.7 +/- 21.9% vs. 13.5 +/- 9.6%: p < 0.01), than in the control group. After the meal, the dysrrhytmia persisted (mean 43.5 +/- 24.3% vs. 9.6 +/- 11.5%: p < 0.01). The mean increase of the slow waves amplitude after the meal was 0 +/- 55% vs. 80 +/- 146%; p < 0.05. The recording of the 24-hours pH-metry showed an increase of the pH < 4 episodes number (mean 329 +/- 246) and time percentage (mean 12.2 +/- 6.6%). The patients obtained mean 65.5 +/- 61 points in the De Meester and Johnson scoring. A significant correlation among the postprandial dysrrhytmia and reflux episodes time percentages was observed (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our studies suggest the importance of the gastric myoelectric activity disturbances in pathogenesis of GERD.

[The effect of aging on the activity of the autonomic nervous system in long distance runners]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of endurance physical training on the autonomic function in runners. The study was performed on 20 long distance runners, divided into two groups. The first group of runners contained 12 young men of age of 20-24 years (age 21.75 +/- 1.4 years: mean S.D.--standard deviation). Into the second group 9 experienced runners, who practice long distance running for over 40 years, were qualified. The mean age of those runners was 52.9 +/- 7.2 years. Moreover two control groups, matched for age and gender were recruited. One of them was made up of 12 healthy volunteers (age 21.6 +/- 1.23 years), the second contained 9 men (age 52.9 +/- 7.2 years). In this study, the measurement of the cardiac autonomic nervous system, using the HRV computer assisted programme (Proster, Poland), was performed. The characteristics of the HRV (heart rate variability) were estimated. We have observed, that the RR intervals in runners were longer than in healthy volunteers (1033.5 +/- 185.4 ms vs. 888.1 +/- 115.3 ms. p < 0.01). We have observed a tendency towards increasing of the RR intervals with the increase of age, of the tested person, as well. A reverse tendency, a shortening of the RR intervals with ageing, was observed in the control groups. The standard deviation of the RR intervals in runners was higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the young runners we noticed the prevalence of parasympathetic activity, expressed by the HF (high frequency) spectra (875.7 ms2 vs. 816.7 ms2) in comparison with the healthy individuals. In the old runners the prevalence of sympathetic activity, expressed by LF (low frequency) spectra (1088.75 ms2 vs. 220.1 ms2, p < 0.05) and parasympathetic activity (920.38 ms2 vs. 294.25 ms2) in comparison with the control group, was observed. It was expressed by the increase of the LF/HF ratio (0.75 vs. 2.1). The results of our study indicate, that the autonomic, particularly sympathetic, activity in sportsmen is not affected by ageing up to the sixth decade of life.

[The effect of chronic alcohol use on heart rate variability]

A long lasting alcohol intake causes, amongst numerous systemic damages, also the autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, which causes the autonomic heart rate regulation disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate the autonomic regulation of the circulation in chronic alcoholism. Seventeen alcoholics, 24-55 years of age (mean 43 +/- 5.2 years) were examined. They have been abstainers for 2-6 years. The cardiac ANS function was evaluated using the HRV measurement. The HRV was registered using V6 EKG lead. The recording was performed through the 15 min of resting conditions and 5 min of the deep breathing test. A group containing healthy volunteers, matched for age and gender, for the comparison of the HRV results was recruited. In the examined group, during the resting conditions, the significant RR period changes weren't observed (999.7 +/- 139.2 vs. 967 +/- 144.9; p > 0.05). The nonsignificant lower values of the spectral analysis parameters of HRV: LF (954.1 +/- 1162.6 vs. 1456.4 +/- 1327.1; p > 0.05) and HF (676.4 +/- 414.2 vs. 1557 +/- 1854.4; p > 0.05) and LF/HF ratio (1.5 +/- 1.14 vs. 1.38 +/- 1.28; p > 0.05) were also noticed. In response to the DB test, the mean value of the RR period wasn't significantly changed (921.4 +/- 152.3 vs. 930.6 +/- 137.8; p > 0.05). In DB test the significant decrease of LF (3465.8 +/- 2750.1 vs. 11558.6 +/- 7902.5; p < 0.001) and HF (406.1 +/- 366.8 vs. 1665 +/- 1757.1; p < 0.01) was observed. No significant change of LF/HF mean ratio (11.6 +/- 6.97 vs. 14.7 +/- 11.6; p > 0.05) was noticed. The results of our study indicate on the maintenance of the HRV disorders in chronic alcoholics, during the abstinence.

[Autonomic nervous system and gastric myoelectric activities in type 1 and type 2 diabetes]

The aim of the study was to compare autonomic function and gastric myoelectric activity in patients with type 1 and 2 of diabetes. We used the skin electrodes for recording gastric myoelectric activity (EGG) and the heart rate variability (HRV). Patients were divided into two groups. The first group: 19 patients with IDDM. The second-16 patients with NIDDM. We made two comparative control groups, matched with age and gender. We conclude, that decrease in gastric myoelectric activity was observed in both groups of patients, mostly in 1 group (IDDM) of patients. There was increase of heart rate and reduction of spectral analysis parameters in both types of diabetic. In patients with type 1 we noticed the increase of sympathetic activity (LF/HF ratio increased). In patients with type 2 there was the non significant decrease in sympathetic activity (LF/HF ratio decreased). On the basis of our observations we confirmed the correlation among autonomic function tested by HRV and changes of stomach electric activity. Decrease in HRV and gastric myoelectric activity could be indicating damage of parasympathetic system in IDDM.

[Effects of antibiotic therapy on endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract in children with Helicobacter pylori infections]

The aim of the study was defining the antibiotic influence for endoscopic picture of the upper segment of gastrointestinal tract in Helicobacter pylori infection. We remained retrospectively analysis of 790 endoscopies. In 62 of the analysed patients we found Helicobacter pylori infection. We divided these children into two groups. The first group, contained 15 children, who received antibiotics for the previous year, for any reasons. The second, comparative group was made up of 47 children, who didn't receive antibiotics. We compared 18 characteristics of endoscopic picture in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum mucosa. As a result of this study we conclude, that: 1) the most frequently the endoscopic changes were found in the stomach, as an erythema, an oedema and a nodularity of mucosa; 2) the inflammatory changes were in oesophagus and duodenum, as well; 3) we didn't observe the clear influence of antibiotics on the development of endoscopic changes in Helicobacter pylori infection; 4) in children, who didn't receive antibiotics, we observed polypus in the oesophagus, erosions in the stomach and ulcer in the duodenum. This may suggest the preventive role of antibiotics on intensity of gastrointestinal changes in Helicobacter pylori infected children.