Zenon Mariak

Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in human gliomas

There is a lot of data suggesting that modifications of cell glycoconjugates may be important in progression of cancer. In the present work we studied activities of lysosomal exoglycosidases: β-hexosaminidase and its isoenzymes A and B, β-galactosidase and α-mannosidase, in human gliomas. Enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically based on the release of p-nitrophenol from p-nitrophenyl-derivative of appropriate sugars. The activities of the exoglycosidases tested were significantly higher in malignant glial tumors than in control tissue (normal brain tissue) and non-glial tumors. The highest activities of exoglycosidases were observed in high-grade gliomas, and a positive correlation of enzyme activities and degree of malignancy was noted. Our results suggest that lysosomal exoglycosidases may participate in the progression and dynamical development of glial tumors.

Influence of 17-beta-estradiol on cerebrovascular impedance during menstrual cycle in women

Numerous experimental studies showed that estrogen alters diameters of cerebral arteries by modifying production of vasoactive substances. In this study, we address a question whether increased concentration of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) during a typical menstrual cycle of young, healthy women influences cerebrovascular impedance, as measured with Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the common (CCA), internal (ICA), and external (ECA) carotid arteries using duplex Doppler sonography. PI was determined and correlated with plasma E2 concentration in 14 women (ages 23-25) throughout their menstrual cycle. The concentration of E2 increased in the follicular phase of the cycle and reached a peak of 140-300 pg/ml on days 13 and 14, whereas concentration of progesterone remained low (<1 ng/ml). Along with an increase in E2 concentration, the ICA PI decreased from its initial level on average by 11% on day 13 and by 7% on day 14 (r=-0.41, P<0.05). In contrast, the value of the ECA PI showed an increasing trend during the peak of E2 concentration. There were no significant changes in the CCA PI as well as in the systolic blood pressure, heart rate, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration during the menstrual cycle. Cerebral vascular impedance in young women is modulated by concentration of E2 throughout the menstrual cycle. The decrease in the ICA PI during the late follicular phase seems to be attributed to a decrease in cerebrovascular resistance.

Dietary habits and selenium, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant status in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BackgroundDietary habits and adequate dietary intake of antioxidants in the diet may be one of the most important environmental factors for the prevention of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate selenium (Se) concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) in the serum of patients with MS and the influence of dietary habits on the status.Methods101 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (aged 18-58 years), as well as control group of 63 healthy people (aged 19-65 years) were studied. Food-frequency questionnaires were implemented to collect the dietary data. Se concentration in the serum samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. GSH-Px activity and TAS in examined serum was measured using the ready-made sets of tests by Randox Laboratories Ltd., UK.ResultsSerum Se concentration and GSH-Px activity in the serum of patients with MS (55.2±16.2 μg/L, 6676.1±2386.4 U/L; respectively) were significantly decreased (p<0.01, p<0.05; respectively) compared with control group (79.2±20.6 μg/L, 8029.9±2650.1 U/L; respectively). A significant correlation (r=0.39, p<0.01) was observed between Se concentration and GSH-Px activity in the serum of examined patients. TAS value in the serum of patients with MS (1.03±0.37 mmol/L) was also significantly lower (p<0.01) than in healthy volunteers (1.48±0.41 mmol/L). Frequent consumption of poultry, bakery products, pulses and fish seemed to increase serum Se concentration in the group of patients; whereas frequent consumption of butter, wholegrain bread, sweet beverages and sugar was found to accompany with lower values of Se in the serum. We have observed significant decrease TAS (p<0.05, p<0.01; respectively) in the serum of smokers and those patients who received immunomodulatory drugs (0.95±0.39 mmol/L, 0.92±0.34 mmol/L; respectively) compared with no-smoking patients and not taking immunomodulators (1.14±0.33 mmol/L, 1.31±0.31 mmol/L; respectively).ConclusionsSerum Se concentration, GSH-Px activity and TAS value were significantly lower in patients with relapsing-remitting MS compared with healthy volunteers. Dietary habits have a significant influence on Se status. Smoking cigarettes and intake of immunomodulatory drugs therapy have a negative impact on TAS of examined patients.

TNF-α and sICAM-1 in intracranial aneurismal rupture

IntroductionSubarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) occurring after aneurismal rupture produces an inflammatory response in the cerebral circulation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a major cytokine in this process. Adhesion molecules provide information on inflammatory reactions taking place in the walls of blood vessels. Clinical evidence suggests a role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 in early hemorrhagic events. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of early TNF-α and sICAM-1 serum measurement for the prognosis of patient outcome after intracranial aneurismal rupture.Materials and MethodsThe study consisted of 27 patients with a diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm. SAH was evaluated on admission according to the Fisher scale, patients-consciousness with the Glasgow Coma Scale, clinical grading with the Hunt and Hess scale, and clinical outcome with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Blood samples were drawn within 72 h after arrival at the emergency room. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and sICAM-1 were assayed with the ELISA method.ResultsThe initial serum TNF-α concentration in the aneurismal patients was low and did not correlate with radiological and clinical scores. The serum sICAM-1 level positively correlated with the severity of bleeding assessed by the Fisher scale and negatively with the patient’s scoring in the GOS.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the absence of a systemic TNF-α-mediated inflammatory response at the onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Early measurement of serum sICAM-1 levels offers a potential prognostic value in the assessment of patients-outcome after brain aneurismal rupture.

Median nerve conduction impairment in patients with diabetes and its impact on patients' perception of health condition: a quantitative study.

IntroductionImpaired mobility and compromised manual dexterity leading to difficulties with the activities of daily living (ADL) are an inherent part of the clinical picture in diabetes. Hand function in diabetes is influenced by a variety of pathologies: the median nerve, the most important nerve of the hand, can suffer from metabolic disturbances, ischemia and/or entrapment neuropathies. The resulting deterioration in functional capacity is likely to have significant consequences for the ability to perform ADL, influencing adjustment to diabetes and affecting quality of life. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of hand function as measured by median motor nerve conduction on quality of life, taking into account various aspects of functioning in patients with diabetes, including activities of daily living, psychological status and acceptance of illness.Patients and methodsSeventy one hospital patients with diabetes participated in the study. Electrophysiological recordings of conductance in the median nerve were obtained for both hands and the relationship between hand function and functional status (BI), depression and anxiety (HADS), adjustment to illness (AIS) and their effect on quality of life (SF-36v2 and QLI) was studied.ResultsDamage to the median nerve of the left hand was associated with significant differences in functioning in the physical, but not the mental component of the SF-36v2, p = 0.03 and in functional status (p = 0.006). QOL was associated with depression, patient age, acceptance of illness, functional ability and to a small, but significant extent with median nerve damage to the right hand on the measure of conduction velocities (R2 =0.726).ConclusionsNerve conductance studies demonstrated a small, but significant effect of hand function on quality of life. Impairment of the median nerve in the left hand was associated with functional difficulties in the activities of daily living and a diminished quality of life in the area of physical functioning. No dependencies of this kind were found for the right hand, which may reflect the greater compensatory capacity of the right hand resulting from improved efficiency due to practice.

Expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in meningiomas and their correlation with peritumoral brain edema.

Meningiomas constitute up to 13% of all intracranial tumors. The predictive factors for meningioma have not been unambiguously defined; however some limited data suggest that the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be associated with the presence of peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) and worse clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to analyze the expressions of MMP-9 and VEGF in a group of meningiomas of various grades and to study associations between these two markers and PTBE. The study included patients with supratentorial meningiomas. The patients were divided into low- (G1) and high-grade meningiomas (G2 and G3). PTBE was assessed on MRI. The expressions of VEGF and MMP-9 were determined immunohistochemically. The expression of MMP-9 was observed significantly more often in G3 meningiomas than in lower grade tumors. The presence of stage II or III PTBE was associated with a significant increase in MMP-9 expression. The expression of VEGF did not differ across the PTBE stages. Our findings point to a significant role of MMP-9 and VEGF in the pathogenesis of peritumoral brain edema in low- and high-grade meningiomas.

Normal reference values of ratios of blood flow velocities in internal carotid artery to those in common carotid artery using Doppler sonography.

The ratios of of blood flow velocities in the internal carotid artery (ICA) to those in the common carotid artery (CCA) (VICA/VCCA) are used to identify patients with critical ICA narrowing, but their normal reference values have not been established. We provide reference data for the VICA/VCCA ratios for the peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean velocity (MV), and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) measured in a large group of healthy subjects.

Chirurgia endoskopowa zatok przynosowych i podstawy czaszki ze wspomaganiem neuronawigacją: porównanie systemów optycznych i elektromagnetycznych

Summary Transnasal endoscopic operative methods became increasingly popular in paranasal sinuses and cranial base surgery. Various types of localization systems are recently used to navigate through and between tangled anatomical structures in this region. The aim of this study was to compare (as basing on our own clinical experience), the advantages and limitations of the optical and electromagnetic neuronavigation systems. Material and method Optical neuronavigation system (Stealth Station Treon plus, Medtronic, USA) and electromagnetic neuronavigation systems (DigiPointeur, Collin, France and Fusion ENT, Medtronic, USA) were used during endoscopic operations of paranasal sinuses, anterior skull base, orbits, parasellar region and clivus. The subject of comparison were precision of both system types and additional time necessary for setting up the system. Also assessed were convenience of navigation and easiness of manipulation with neuronavigated instruments during surgical procedures performed using classical endoscopic technique, bimanual technique and four hand technique. Results The accuracy was high and comparable for both system types and did not deteriorate during the procedure. The time needed to set up of the optical system was somewhat longer. Surgeons comfort during operative procedures was assessed as slightly higher for the electromagnetic systems, especially if four hand or bimanual techniques were used and if constant neuronavigation was indispensible. The optical system allows for navigation of a variety of surgical tools and this was considered a great advantage over the electromagnetic systems in this particular application. Conclusions The additional time spent in the operative theatre for getting a system ready is well paid off by better orientation of a surgeon in the operative field consequently increasing safety and higher accuracy of surgical procedure. What system should a surgeon use depends to a great extent on the type of planed procedure and preferred surgical technique.

Influence of Smoking Cigarettes on Cerebral Blood Flow Parameters

Introduction: While chronic cigarette smoking can lead to increased risk of stroke, the acute effects of smoking have not been established. We studied the changes in blood flow parameters in the major cerebral arteries caused by smoking one cigarette. Method: Using transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS), we studied the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and the internal carotid artery (ICA) of 36 healthy male volunteers before and after they smoked one cigarette. Results: Blood flow velocity increased to a different degree in all but one of the arteries examined after participants smoked a single cigarette: The end diastolic velocity increased significantly by 7.8% in the PCA, 8% in the ACA, and 14.4% in the MCA. The peak systolic velocity increased significantly by 7.5% in the MCA. Blood flow velocity remained unchanged in the ICA only. Blood pressure and heart rate increased as did the flow velocity ratio for the MCA/ICA. The pulsatility index decreased after smoking from 0.92 ± 0.13 to 0.87 ± 0.14 in the MCA, 0.93 ± 0.15 to 0.87 ± 0.13 in the ACA, and 0.95 ± 0.17 to 0.89 ± 0.16 in the PCA. Conclusions: The results suggest that the direct effect of smoking on cerebral circulation includes peripheral vasodilatation with possible constriction of the main trunk of the basal cerebral arteries.

The Interaction of Bee Products With Temozolomide in Human Diffuse Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma Multiforme and Astroglia Cell Lines

In the present study, we investigated the influence of extracts from Salix spp. honey (ESH), beebread (EBB), and royal jelly (ERJ) with and without temozolomide (TMZ) on cell lines derived from a patient with diffuse astrocytoma (DASC), human glioblastoma multiforme (U87MG), and normal human astroglia (SVGp12). DASC was identified by immunocytochemistry. TMZ (20 μM) in combination with ESH (30 μg/mL), EBB (50 μg/mL), and ERJ (30 μg/mL) has stronger cytotoxic activity on U87MG cells after 72 h (20.0, 26.5, and 29.3% of control, respectively) than TMZ alone (about 6% of control). An increase of the cytotoxic effect and inhibition of DNA synthesis in SVGp12 were detected after administering TMZ with the studied extracts. NF-κB p50 subunit was reduced in U87MG cells after treatment with ESH (70.9%) and ESH + TMZ (74.7%). A significant decline of MMP-9 and MMP-2 secretion in cultured U87MG was detected after incubation with EBB (42.9% and 73.0%, respectively) and EBB + TMZ (38.4% and 68.5%, respectively). In conclusion, the use of bee products may increase the cytotoxic effect of TMZ in U87MG but also in SVGp12 cell line. It is important to note that the U87MG cells were sensitive to natural bee products, although there was no influence of natural bee products on the DASC cells.