Janusz Zak

Association among Fas expression in leucocytes, serum Fas and Fas-ligand concentrations and hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C.

Background: Replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) may impair immune functions and establish persistent infection. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of HCV on PBMC and their susceptibility to apoptosis in relation to liver inflammation and fibrosis.

Increase in expression of monocytic tissue factor (CD142) with monocytes and blood platelet activation in liver cirrhosis.

Tissue factor (TF) is one of the proteins that participate in hemostatic and inflammatory processes. Activated monocytes present in the liver increase expression of TF, and while accumulating in the organ they can intensify inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of TF on monocytes in advanced liver cirrhosis with regard to other activation markers. The flow cytometric analysis of TF (CD142), CD14, adhesive molecules CD11b and CD11c, costimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86, and HLA-DR+ on monocytes was carried out in 45 patients with postalcoholic liver cirrhosis (Child Pugh B, 20 patients; Child Pugh C, 25 patients) and in 25 healthy persons. The positive correlation between monocytic TF expression and monocyte [soluble CD14 (sCD14), CD11b, monocyte aggregates] activation, the expression of costimulatory molecules on monocytes (CD40, CD80), blood platelet (soluble P-selectin, microplatelets) activation, the level of tumor necrosis factor-α, biochemical parameters of liver damage (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphate, γ-glutamyltransferase, and bilirubin) as well as coagulation disorders were observed in the study. In conclusion, the study revealed that the activation of monocytes and blood platelets is accompanied by the elevation of monocytic TF expression in advanced liver cirrhosis. The monocytic TF is a significant link connecting clotting processes and inflammatory and immunological phenomena in liver cirrhosis.

ICAM‐1 expression on conjunctival epithelial cells in patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common lethal genetic conditions. The defect is due to mutations in a gene on chromosome 7, named the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which functions as a chloride channel in epithelial membranes It is presumed that the disease affects all secretory epithelia including the eye. The objective of this study is to investigate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) by conjunctival epithelial cells of patients with cystic fibrosis and the correlation between of the expression of ICAM‐1 and the grade of cystic fibrosis severity.