Jolanta Wysocka

Lymphocyte subpopulations in hypertrophied adenoid in children

Adenoid hypertophy is a common feature of childhood. It is currently accepted that it is caused by the antigen-stimulated increased activity of lymphocyte B (D. Bani, O. Gallo, O. Fini-Storchi, Intraepithelial lymphocyte subpopulations and dendritic accessory cells in normal and hypertrophic adenoids, Laryngoscope 10 (1994) 869-873). The adenoid decreases its size with age but the accompanying function alterations are not fully understood (L. Zawadzka-Glos, M. Chmielik, M. Wasik, Cell mediated response in hypertrophied tonsils in children, Nowa Pediatr. 4 (1997) 12-13). The understanding of the adenoid structure that undergoes some changes during the growth period is essential for evaluation of indications for adnoidectomy and assessment of its potential results. The aim of this study was to evaluate lymphocyte subpopulations in adenoid according to age. The analysed material was adenoids removed on the grounds of hypertrophy, which caused obstructive symptoms and/or otitis media with effusion onset. In the present study, we did not find any statistically significant differences among lymphocytes B, Th, and Ts subpopulations, respectively, in the adenoids of any of the age groups. We have found a statistically significant CD3(+) HLA-DR(+) cell percentage decrease in the group of children from 5 to 10 and above 10 years of age, respectively. We have also found a statistically significant increase in the percentage of NK (CD3(-) CD16(+) 56(+)) lymphocytes in relation to age. On the grounds of the current study, it may be stated that some changes in lymphocyte subpopulations in the adenoid take place with age.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone as a Sensitive Marker of Ovarian Function in Young Cancer Survivors

We evaluated ovarian function by measuring the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, and gonadotropins in 83 young women treated for cancer during childhood and adolescence, and classified according to post-treatment gonadal toxicity versus 38 healthy females. Results. The mean AMH values were lower in the entire cohort independently of the risk group as compared to the control, whereas FSH was elevated only in the high risk group. The lowest AMH values were noted in patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and those treated for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Nineteen patients (22.9%) had elevated FSH. They all had low AMH values. Lowered AMH values (but with normal FSH and LH) were observed in 43 patients (51.8%). There was no effect of age at the time of treatment (before puberty, during or after puberty) on AMH levels. Conclusion. Our results show the utility of AMH measurement as a sensitive marker of a reduced ovarian reserve in young cancer survivors. Patients after BMT and patients treated for HL, independently of age at treatment (prepuberty or puberty), are at the highest risk of gonadal damage and early menopause.

Profile of Exoglycosidases in Synovial Cell Cultures Derived from Human Synovial Membrane

Objective Determining the activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in tissue cultures of synoviocytes derived from the knee joints of patients with injured anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods The following exoglycosidases in cultured synoviocytes were analyzed with p-nitrophenyl derivatives of appropriate sugars as substrates: hexosaminidase (HEX) and its isoenzyme A (HEX-A), β-glucuronidase (GluA), β-galactosidase (GAL), α-mannosidase (MAN), and α-fucosidase (FUC). Results In our cell cultures, fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) dominated. In the group of patients with ACL-injuries, and in the groups of patients with JIA and RA, the activity of the investigated exoglycosidases was significantly higher in the intra- rather than in the extracellular compartment. Hexosaminidase was the predominant exoglycosidase. Stimulation of synoviocytes by IL-1β in cell cultures significantly increased the activity of HEX, HEX-A, and GluA in both compartments, as well as of GAL, MAN, and FUC in the intracellular compartment. Stimulation by IL-1β rheumatoidal synoviocytes increased by 128–201% the activity of HEX and HEX A in intracellular compartments and 33–72% in extracellular compartment. Conclusions The profile of lysosomal exoglycosidases in a cell culture of human synoviocytes is similar, but not identical, to those in the knee joint. Hexosaminidase is the dominant glycosidase in cultured unstimulated and IL-1β-stimulated human synoviocytes. The HEX inhibitors may be new drugs for the treatment of inflamed knee joints.

The Progressive Reduction in the Ovarian Reserve in Young Women After Anticancer Treatment

Anticancer treatment can disturb gonadal function and deplete the primordial follicle pool, leading to premature menopause. We made a prospective analysis of serum hormone levels in young female cancer survivors who had been treated during childhood and adolescence. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a marker of ovarian reserve, FSH, LH, and estradiol were measured in 33 women treated previously (6-11 years earlier) for Hodgkin Lymphoma, solid tumours, and after bone marrow transplantation, and in 34 healthy controls. The group of survivors was divided according to the risk of gonadotoxicity into the low risk and median risk group (LR+MR), and into the high risk (HR) group. The measurements were repeated after 5 years. In the HR group, AMH levels were significantly lower than in controls (p=0.001) and in the LR+MR group (p=0.006) at the time of the first examination fell progressively after 5 years (p=0.03), whereas elevated FSH values (p=0.053) increased (p=0.001). Unchanged LH values in the first measurement rose in the second one (p=0.001). In the LR+MR group, the levels of AMH and FSH were normal (compared to the control) at baseline, but after 5 years serum AMH decreased (p=0.027) and FSH increased (p=0.008). Our findings indicate that anticancer treatment during childhood and adolescence is associated with a serious, progressive risk of ovarian failure. It is necessary to inform female cancer survivors, especially the high risk patients, about the risk of premature menopause.

Assessment of aprotinin influence on periodontal clinical status and matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2 and their tissue inhibitors saliva concentrations in patients with chronic periodontitis

PURPOSE Assessment of the effect of treatment with aprotinin-containing drug on the clinical status of the periodontal tissue and on the concentrations of metalloproteinases released in the course of periodontitis (MMP-1, MMP-2) as well as their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIAL/METHODS The study involved 25 subjects with CP (39-68 years), including 16 women and 9 men. The patients were prescribed aprotinin preparation to be taken for 2 weeks. The control group (C) involved 14 healthy subjects (41-65 years), including 10 women and 4 men. Two periodontal indices were assessed: the approximal plaque index (API) and bleeding on probing index (BOP). Periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment level were also evaluated. The concentrations of MMP-1 and MMP-2 as well as TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were determined by the ELISA method. RESULTS The mean salivary MMP-1 concentration in patients with CP was significantly higher before and after treatment, as compared to healthy subjects. The mean salivary MMP-2 concentration in CP patients at baseline was also higher as compared to the C group and increased after treatment. The mean salivary TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 concentration in CP patients was higher as compared to C group and increased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Since the mean MMPs levels were found to be growing it can be assumed that aprotinin has no significant effect on the regulation of MMPs in the saliva of CP patients. It thus seems that aprotinin application after scaling has no additional therapeutic effect.

Chosen factors of T and B cell apoptosis in hypertrophic adenoid in children with otitis media with effusion.

Evaluation of lymphocyte homeostasis within the chronically inflamed adenoid, closely related to the functioning of the immune system, may have a role in qualifying children for adenoidectomy. Apoptosis is a major process maintaining balance between tonsillar lymphocytes. The Fas receptor and Bcl-2 protein family which show pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic actions are of particular significance in apoptosis induction. Adenoid excised due to hypertrophy with or without chronic otitis media with effusion was used as study material. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages of apoptotic lymphocytes and CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+) cells with CD95(+) antigen and Bcl-2 protein in the group of children who underwent adenoidectomy due to adenoid hypertrophy and accompanying otitis media with effusion. The percentages of CD4(+)Bcl-2(+), CD8(+)Bcl-2(+) and CD19(+)Bcl-2(+) lymphocytes in the group of children with adenoid hypertrophy and acute otitis media were lower as compared to the reference group. However, the percentages of CD4(+), CD8(+) and CD19(+) cells with CD95(+) antigen were higher in the study group comparing to the reference group. The tendency of reduced percentages of T and B lymphocytes with Bcl-2 expression and elevated percentages of these cells with CD95(+) expression within the adenoid may reflect local immunity disorders.

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.

Cardiac function in survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Aim:  The study objective was to assess plasma N‐terminal–pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and to evaluate left ventricular mass as well as left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in 44 children who had undergone treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkins lymphoma, with regard to gender, age at disease onset, time that had passed since therapy completion, cumulative dose of antracyclines and mediastinal radiotherapy applied.

Assessment of gonadal function in boys and adolescents at the diagnosis of neoplastic disease

Abstract Objective: We assessed the gonadal function in boys with a newly diagnosed neoplastic disease prior to chemotherapy. Eighty-four boys (48 prepubertal and 36 pubertal) were evaluated, including 50 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 10 with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and 24 with solid tumors. The control group consisted of 24 healthy prepubertal and 24 pubertal boys. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), inhibin B, and testosterone were determined, and testicular volumes were measured. Results: Patients in prepuberty and early puberty (Tanner stages 1–3) diagnosed with ALL/NHL or solid tumor presented normal serum reproductive hormone levels, whereas in ALL/NHL patients in Tanner stages 4–5, the mean values of inhibin B were significantly lower (45.18±33.85 vs. 153.57±71.44 ng/L, p=0.0027). In patients with HL in Tanner stages 4–5, a statistically significant lower mean inhibin B level (100.44±67.45 vs. 153.57±71.44 ng/L, p=0.0027), higher mean FSH level (6.3±3.6 vs. 4.6±2.2 mIU/mL, p=0.05), and higher mean LH level (5.9±4.0 vs. 3.6±1.8 mIU/mL, p=0.05) were observed. No statistically significant differences were noted in assessed hormones in patients with solid tumors, independently of Tanner stage. Conclusion: Our analysis indicates that adolescents with ALL/NHL and HL prior to treatment, exhibit reduced levels of inhibin B, which indirectly suggests the possibility of spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Testicular function after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all) in prepubertal and pubertal boys.

Testicular function was evaluated in 59 male (27 prepubertal and 32 pubertal) survivors treated for ALL according to two different protocols. Serum inhibin B, FSH, testosterone, LH, and testicular volume were measured. In both groups the mean values of inhibin B were lower than control, whereas the other analyzed parameters were comparable. The inhibin B-to-FSH ratio was reduced as compared to the control. Testicular volume was lower than in healthy pubertal patients. The results show that treatment for ALL has a negative effect on spermatogenesis, regardless of the age at treatment and type of therapy.