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Introduction: Thrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of the study was the evaluation of inflammation (white blood cells count/WBC, C-reactive protein/CRP, interleukin-6/IL-6) and platelet (platelet count/PLT, mean platelet volume/MPV, large platelet/LPLT, beta-thromboglobulin/β-TG) biomarkers in the groups of ACS patients depending on the severity of signs and symptoms and compared to controls without coronary artery disease. Materials and methods: The study group included 93 patients categorized into 3 subgroups depending on the severity of signs and symptoms of ACS. PLT, MPV, LPLT, and WBC were determined on hematological analyzer, IL-6 and β-TG were measured using the ELISA method. Results: In the whole group of ACS patients WBC, CRP, IL-6, MPV, and β-TG were significantly higher as compared to controls. Analyzing the inflammation and platelet biomarkers depending on the severity of signs and symptoms in comparison to controls, statistically significant differences for above-mentioned parameters were also found. There were no significant differences between the advancement of coronary artery changes and inflammation as well as platelet parameters, except for CRP concentrations. The AUCs for all inflammation parameters tested were similar, however the highest AUCs showed WBC and CRP. Among platelet parameters the highest AUC revealed β-TG. Conclusion: Markers of inflammation and platelet activation may be associated to myocardial ischemia and myocardial injury. WBC, CRP and IL-6 as inflammation parameters and MPV and β-TG as platelet biomarkers may be useful indicators of the presence of coronary artery disease. Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Beta-thromboglobulin, Inflammation biomarkers, Activated platelet

Purpose In most cases gastroesophageal reflux disease proceeds without macroscopic erosions in the esophagus. We aimed to clarify if abnormalities detectable in magnifying endoscopy may offer additional diagnostic criteria for gastroesophageal reflux disease and to what histopathologic structures do they correspond. Patients/methods Esophageal mucosa above and below Z-line was evaluated under x115 magnification in 67 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (11 with erosive reflux disease, 28 with Barrett’s esophagus, 28 with nonerosive reflux disease) and in 12 patients without gastroesophageal reflux disease (negative control group). Features characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux disease were specified by comparing erosive reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus patients with negative control group. Afterwards the presence of identified features were evaluated in nonerosive reflux disease group. Interobserver agreement in the recognition of the proposed criteria was rated. Biopsies collected from the mucosa above Z-line were evaluated histologically after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results Endoscopic lesions characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux disease were: microerosions, abnormal intrapapillary capillary loops, obscured palisade vessels, white points, big triangular indentations of Z-line and villous mucosa below Z-line. The presence of two or more of the above features indicated gastroesophageal reflux disease with 97% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Substantial interobserver agreement was achieved in evaluation of obscured palisade vessels, abnormal intrapapillary capillary loops and white points. Endoscopic lesions were correlated to histology. Lesions identified with magnifying endoscopy were helpful in discerning between negative control group and nonerosive reflux disease patients. Conclusions Magnifying endoscopy reveals abnormalities that can be used as additional endoscopic diagnostic criteria of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

// Olga Martyna Koper 1 , Joanna Kaminska 1 , Anna Milewska 2 , Karol Sawicki 3 , Zenon Mariak 3 , Halina Kemona 1 and Joanna Matowicka-Karna 1 1 Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland 2 Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland 3 Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland Correspondence to: Olga Martyna Koper, email: o.koper@wp.pl Joanna Matowicka-Karna, email: matowic@umb.edu.pl Keywords: cerebrospinal fluid; isoform A of reticulon-4 (Nogo-A); primary brain tumor Received: August 24, 2017 Accepted: April 06, 2018 Published: May 18, 2018 ABSTRACT Background: The influence of isoform A of reticulon-4 (Nogo-A), also known as neurite outgrowth inhibitor, on primary brain tumor development was reported. Therefore the aim was the evaluation of Nogo-A concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of brain tumor patients compared with non-tumoral individuals. Results: All serum results, except for two cases, obtained both in brain tumors and non-tumoral individuals, were below the lower limit of ELISA detection. Cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentrations were significantly lower in primary brain tumor patients compared to non-tumoral individuals. The univariate linear regression analysis found that if white blood cell count increases by 1 × 10 3 /μL, the mean cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentration value decreases 1.12 times. In the model of multiple linear regression analysis predictor variables influencing cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentrations included: diagnosis, sex, and sodium level. The mean cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentration value was 1.9 times higher for women in comparison to men. In the astrocytic brain tumor group higher sodium level occurs with lower cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentrations. We found the opposite situation in non-tumoral individuals. Conclusions: Univariate linear regression analysis revealed, that cerebrospinal fluid Nogo-A concentrations change in relation to white blood cell count. In the created model of multiple linear regression analysis we found, that within predictor variables influencing CSF Nogo-A concentrations were diagnosis, sex, and sodium level. Results may be relevant to the search for cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in primary brain tumor patients. Materials and methods: Nogo-A concentrations were tested by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Introduction The aim of our current study was to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum CXCL9 concentrations and diagnostic usefulness of this molecule in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The study included TBE patients in the acute phase (TBE I) and after 2 weeks of follow-up (TBE II). The control group consisted of patients investigated for suspected central nervous system (CNS) infection, but with normal CSF findings. Material and methods Concentrations of CXCL9 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Cerebrospinal fluid and serum concentrations of CXCL9 in patients with TBE were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.001). This alteration was also observed in the case of the CXCL9 index (ICXCL9; CSF CXCL9 concentration divided by serum CXCL9 concentration) (p < 0.001); moreover, ICXCL9 significantly decreased after 2 weeks (p < 0.001). This is the first study to evaluate the CSF and serum levels of CXCL9 in subjects with TBE. Conclusions CXCL9 is a ligand for CXCR3, which was found on all Th1 memory lymphocytes present in the peripheral blood; therefore the elevated concentrations of CXCL9 in TBE patients as compared to the controls might indicate that this chemokine perhaps takes part in the trafficking of Th1 cells into the CNS. The results presented here support the hypothesis that CXCL9 may play a role in TBE. However, further studies are required to determine whether this protein might be used as a potential tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammation in TBE.

The aim of the study was the evaluation of serum and CSF concentrations of CCL2, IL-8, and sICAM-1 in patients with astrocytic tumors as compared to a group of non-tumoral patients. Chemokine concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Regardless of the parameter tested and the patient group (brain tumor or non-tumoral patients), statistical differences (P

Purpose: Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is one of the most commonly occurring precancerous lesion in pancreas which leads to development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We assessed the presence and grade of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the course of various diseases of the pancreas and its correlations with chosen clinicopathological parameters. null Results: A total of 276 foci of PanIN were identified in 94 patients. The most common lesions were PanIN 1a and PanIN 1b which together constituted 68.2 % of all lesions, whereas the PanIN 2 was present in 21.7% and PanIN 3 in 10.1% of patients. No statistical differences were observed in gender tendency for the development of PanINs. There was correlation between age of patients and degree of PanIN (p=0.034). There is no statistical difference in PanIN frequency among patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts (p=0.592). Conclusions: Our study showed that important factor in development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia is age and the presence of PanIN in nonneoplastic diseases in older people should be included to the group with increased risk of cancer development.

// Beata Gawronska 1 , Joanna Matowicka-Karna 1 , Maciej Kralisz 2 and Halina Kemona 1 1 Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland 2 Department of Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology, The Sniadecki Regional Hospital in Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland Correspondence to: Beata Gawronska, email: polinskabeata@wp.pl Joanna Matowicka-Karna, email: matowic@umb.edu.pl Keywords: ulcerative colitis, platelet activation, nitric oxide, MMP-9, IL-6 Received: November 10, 2016 Accepted: June 19, 2017 Published: July 12, 2017 ABSTRACT Ulcerative colitis is a non-specific inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. We investigated whether severe form of ulcerative colitis may lead to increased number of platelets, changes in platelet parameters and their activation. To address our objectives, we measured concentrations of nitric oxide and markers of inflammation. We found increased number of low-volume platelets in a group of affected patients. However, their activity was not as high as expected. In addition to that we observed eight times higher concentration of nitric oxide in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis than in healthy individuals. Besides, severe form of the disease manifested itself with increased concentrations of interleukine 6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and neopterin. Based on the results we propose that high amounts of nitric oxide inhibit platelet activation in severe form of ulcerative colitis. Moreover, our observations regarding interleukine 6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and neopterin suggest that they may become useful markers of active form of ulcerative colitis.

Platelet size has been demonstrated to reflect platelet activity and seems to be a useful predictive and prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular events. It is associated with a variety of prothrombotic and proinflammatory diseases. The aim is a review of literature reports concerning changes in the mean platelet volume (MPV) and its possible role as a biomarker in inflammatory processes and neoplastic diseases. PubMed database was searched for sources using the following keywords: platelet activation, platelet count, mean platelet volume and: inflammation, cancer/tumor, cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, diabetes, lupus disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, renal disease, pulmonary disease, influencing factors, age, gender, genetic factors, oral contraceptives, smoking, lifestyle, methods, standardization, and hematological analyzer. Preference was given to the sources which were published within the past 20 years. Increased MPV was observed in cardiovascular diseases, cerebral stroke, respiratory diseases, chronic renal failure, intestine diseases, rheumatoid diseases, diabetes, and various cancers. Decreased MPV was noted in tuberculosis during disease exacerbation, ulcerative colitis, SLE in adult, and different neoplastic diseases. The study of MPV can provide important information on the course and prognosis in many inflammatory conditions. Therefore, from the clinical point of view, it would be interesting to establish an MPV cut-off value indicating the intensity of inflammatory process, presence of the disease, increased risk of disease development, increased risk of thrombotic complications, increased risk of death, and patient’s response on applied treatment. Nevertheless, this aspect of MPV evaluation allowing its use in clinical practice is limited and requires further studies.

Selectins probably participate in the interactions between platelets and other inflammatory cells in cancer invasion and metastasis formation. We assessed a potential relationship of P-, L- and E-selectin in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in relation to tumour advancement according to TNM classification, and tumour location.The study group was composed of 53 CRC patients and 25 healthy subjects. Plasma levels of soluble P-, L- and E-selectins were measured using the immunoenzymatic method with Quantikine kits (RD Systems, Minneapolis, MN).The mean levels of all selectins were significantly higher in CRC patients compared to healthy controls. The highest level of sP-selectin was observed in patients with metastases to the liver (stage IV), and was significantly higher than in patients without metastases (stage I/II) and with lymph node metastases (stage III), p = .02. The highest levels of sL- and sE-selectin were observed in patients with lymph node metastasis. We also found sP-selectin to be the best predictor of CRC.Our finding show possible involvement of tested selectins in CRC advancement and forming metastasis. Among sL- and E- selectins, P-selectin plays an important role in the progression of CRC and could be an attractive biomarker with clinical significance.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity (dental plaque and saliva) of patients undergoing systemic eradication therapy. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 49 subjects with H. pylori stomach infection. H. pylori antigens in dental plaque and saliva were evaluated with immunological method. Results: In subjects with initial H. pylori oral infection, the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity 6 weeks after successful or unsuccessful H. pylori eradication therapy in the stomach was 47.0% and 50.0%, respectively. In subjects without initial oral infection with H. pylori, the presence of H. pylori antigens in the oral cavity 6 weeks after successful and unsuccessful eradication therapy in the stomach was 30.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The immunological method detecting H. pylori antigens in the dental plaque and saliva cannot be recommended to evaluate the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in the oral cavity.

INTRODUCTION Little is known about the CD40L-CD40 pathway in hematologic malignancies, especially in multiple myeloma (MM). OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) concentrations in patients with newly diagnosed MM prior to treatment at different stages of disease, compared with healthy controls. To assess the clinical significance of sCD40L, we assessed correlations between the levels of sCD40L and those of angiogenic cytokines: interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble receptor of IL-6 (sIL-6R), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), and platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), as well as with well-established biomarkers of MM activity (lactate dehydrogenase activity and percentage of bone marrow plasma cells) and with a marker of platelet activation (β-thromboglobulin). PATIENTS AND METHODS The study group consisted of 41 patients with newly diagnosed MM; the control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. The level of sCD40L was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The level of sCD40L was significantly higher in patients with MM than in controls and increased with the stage of the disease. Moreover, it significantly correlated with the levels of IL-6, sIL-6R, sVCAM-1, PDGF-AB, as well as the levels of MM activity markers and β-thromboglobulin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that increased serum sCD40L levels may be related to angiogenesis in patients with MM. This protein has potential clinical usefulness in MM and may be considered as an additional prognostic marker. The correlation of sCD40L with β-thromboglobulin may indicate that in patients with MM sCD40L derives from activated platelets.

Growing water and land pollution, the possibility of exhaustion of raw materials and resistance of plastics to physical and chemical factors results in increasing importance of synthetic polymers waste recycling, recovery and environmentally friendly ways of disposal. Polyurethanes (PU) are a family of versatile synthetic polymers with highly diverse applications. They are class of polymers derived from the condensation of polyisocyanates and polyalcohols. This paper reports the latest developments in the field of polyurethane disposal, recycling and recovery. Various methods tested and applied in recent years have proven that the processing of PU waste can be economically and ecologically beneficial. At the moment mechanical recycling and glycolysis are the most important ones. Polyurethanes’ biological degradation is highly promising for both post-consumer and postproduction waste. It can also be applied in bioremediation of water and soil contaminated with polyurethanes. Another possibility for biological methods is the synthesis of PU materials sensitive to biological degradation. In conclusion, a high diversity of polyurethane waste types and derivation results in demand for a wide range of methods of processing. Furthermore, already existing ones appear to be enough to state that the elimination of not reprocessed polyurethane waste in the future is possible.

The aim of this study was to assess the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in cancerous tissue as well as in the serum and plasma concentrations of these proteins in patients with laryngeal cancer and compare the results to the inflammatory reaction in healthy subjects. Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma and selected for total laryngectomy were included in the study group. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression in tissues was assessed using immunohistochemical assays. Immunoenzymatic ELISA methods were used to measure MMP-9 and TIMP-1 concentrations in serum and plasma. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were identified in tumor cells and in the tumor stroma compartment, as well as in macroscopically healthy mucous membrane. MMP-9 expression was more significant in tumor stroma than in the perimatrix of the mucous membrane (p=0.047). TIMP-1 expression was significantly higher in the matrix and perimatrix of the mucous membrane than in cancer tissue (p=0.0093) and the tumor stroma compartment (p<0.0001). Expression of TIMP-1 was observed more frequently in tumors without infiltrated lymph nodes (p=0.009). Serum concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 as well as plasma TIMP-1 concentration were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p=0.0004, p=0.002, and p=0.0001, respectively). A significantly higher TIMP-1 level in plasma was found in patients with poorly differentiated tumors compared to G1 and G2 (p=0.046). MMP-9/TIMP-1 rate in serum was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. The balance between the level of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 is disrupted in laryngeal cancer. The significant correlation between TIMP-1 expression and the presence of lymph node metastases, as well as that between TIMP-1 plasma concentration and stage of cancer histological differentiation, might indicate the importance of this molecule as a prognostic factor during carcinogenesis.

Platelet size has been demonstrated to reflect platelet activity and seems to be a useful predictive and prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular events. It is associated with a variety of prothrombotic and proinflammatory diseases. The aim is a review of literature reports concerning changes in the mean platelet volume (MPV) and its possible role as a biomarker in inflammatory processes and neoplastic diseases. PubMed database was searched for sources using the following keywords: platelet activation, platelet count, mean platelet volume and: inflammation, cancer/tumor, cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, diabetes, lupus disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, renal disease, pulmonary disease, influencing factors, age, gender, genetic factors, oral contraceptives, smoking, lifestyle, methods, standardization, and hematological analyzer. Preference was given to the sources which were published within the past 20 years. Increased MPV was observed in cardiovascular diseases, cerebral stroke, respiratory diseases, chronic renal failure, intestine diseases, rheumatoid diseases, diabetes, and various cancers. Decreased MPV was noted in tuberculosis during disease exacerbation, ulcerative colitis, SLE in adult, and different neoplastic diseases. The study of MPV can provide important information on the course and prognosis in many inflammatory conditions. Therefore, from the clinical point of view, it would be interesting to establish an MPV cut-off value indicating the intensity of inflammatory process, presence of the disease, increased risk of disease development, increased risk of thrombotic complications, increased risk of death, and patient’s response on applied treatment. Nevertheless, this aspect of MPV evaluation allowing its use in clinical practice is limited and requires further studies.

Background Monocyte-platelet interaction may favor the development of a proatherogenic monocyte phenotype. It is still uncertain which of the 3 monocyte subpopulations interact with platelets to form monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs) in acute myocardial infarctions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the monocyte subsets, the percentage of MPAs and the involvement of monocyte subsets in MPA formation among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and compared to patients with stable angina (SA). Methods Monocyte subsets and MPAs formation were measured in blood collected in 3.2% sodium citrate tubes by means of flow cytometry. Results Classical, intermediate and nonclassical monocyte percentages were statistically different when comparing patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. Moreover, classical and intermediate monocytes were statistically different when comparing the STEMI and SA group; however, only the classical monocyte subset was found to be higher in the acute myocardial infarction group compared to the SA group. The percentage of MPAs was significantly higher in STEMI (50.1%) compared to NSTEMI (22.9%). We found no differences in the involvement of monocyte subsets in MPA formation between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI and in comparison with the SA group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the increase in circulating levels of classical monocytes in patients with STEMI as compared to NSTEMI reflects the severity of the acute event. The increased percentage of MPAs may favor the development of STEMI compared to NSTEMI.

The aim of this review is to present data from the available literature concerning CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, as well as their receptor 3 (CXCR3) in selected diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as tickborne encephalitis (TBE), neuroborreliosis (NB), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 lack glutamic acid-leucine-arginine (ELR), and are unique, because they are more closely related to each other than to any other chemokine. The aforementioned chemokines are especially involved in Th1-type response and in various diseases, as their expression correlates with the tissue infiltration of T cells. Their production is strongly induced by interferon gamma (IFN-υ), the most typical Th1 cytokine. They act by binding to the CXC3 receptor. Knowledge about the action mechanism of CXCR3 and its ligands may be useful in the treatment of CNS diseases. However, data in the literature concerning the evaluation of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and their receptor with the use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method is limited.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, “Biernacki’s reaction”) is one of the oldest, routine laboratory tests. ESR is sensitive test with low specificity. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is relatively constant in healthy subjects and unequal between different diseases. ESR technique uses venous blood collected into tubes with anticoagulant (sodium citrate or EDTA), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is assessed after 60 minutes. The results are expressed in mm/1 h and its reference values depend on age and gender. Increased ESR is present in inflammatory, necrotic changes, autoimmune diseases and cancer, anaemias, hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia. The characteristic ESR >100 mm/1 h is observed in patients with multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease and liver cirrhosis. Reduced ESR occurs mainly in polycythemia vera and fibrinogen deficiency. Physiologically, the increased ESR is observed during pregnancy, puerperium, menstruation or while taking certain medications.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. RA affects about 1% of the human population, women suffer three times more often than men, with the peak incidence between the age of 40 to 50. The up-to-date criteria from 2010 for the diagnosis of RA include: occurrence and duration of clinical signs, indicators of inflammation and serological tests. Neopterin, a protein released by macrophages, is a sensitive indicator of inflammation and the severity of RA. Regarding the serological tests, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies represent a well-known marker with the specificity for RA of about 98%. The antibodies may be present in the serum of patients even a few years before the first clinical signs of the disease, heralding erosive changes in the joints and more severe course of RA. The literature also contains reports about autoantibodies anti-CarP and anti-Sa/ anti-MCV, which may occur in people with pain and swelling of joints and precede full-blown development of RA as well as reflect disease activity. Serological diagnosis of RA may be supported by some genetic tests based on PCR for detecting mutations e.g. C1858T in the PNPN22 gene. In turn, the quantitative analysis of different classes of miRNAs seems justified in order to better classify patients showing symptoms of RA. Further studies are needed that take into account the role of different markers in the development of RA, and confirm the high sensitivity and specificity of these markers in the diagnosis of the disease.

Introduction Determination of the type of mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) plays a major role in assessing the risk of progression of the disease, and also allows determination of the clinical management and treatment. More accurate GIST diagnosis is possible by using simultaneously various types of antibodies to immunohistochemistry methods in routine procedures. Aim To evaluate the expression of CD117, DOG-1, and IGF-1R in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours, and analysis of the impact of the examined protein expression on patient survival with emphasis on specific recognition and prognostication of these tumours. Material and methods The protein expression was analyzed in 70 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract, using the immunohistochemical method. Results Positive expression of CD117, DOG-1, and IGF1R included 95.71%, 88.57% and 11.43% of study GISTs, respectively. Statistical analysis showed positive significant correlation between DOG-1 expression and histological type of tumour (p = 0.024). Analysis of overall survival curves of 70 GIST patients according to expression of CD117, DOG-1, and IGF1R did not show a tendency towards longer survival of patients with positive expression (p > 0.05). Conclusions Predictive factors determining the survival time of patients are strongly associated with morphological features of tumours. A thorough analysis of each case plays a key role in predicting survival time of patients and may be a clue in targeting the therapeutic procedure.

Purpose Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) plays a role in the adhesion and migration of leukocytes from blood to arterial intima and correlate with the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to establish whether soluble VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1) may act as an independent risk factor of coronary artery disease occurrence and whether it may reflect a degree of its advancement, if sVCAM-1 has a potential relation with intima-media thickness measurement (IMT), if sVCAM-1 may be useful as a predictor of further cardiovascular events. Material and methods The study group was composed of 78 patients who were consecutively hospitalized in 2010–2011 due to myocardial infarction (MI). Selected clinical and biochemical risk factors were assessed, sVCAM-1 concentrations and IMT were measured. Results Concentrations of sVCAM-1 were significantly higher in the study group as compared to the healthy controls. No significant dependence between sVCAM-1 concentration and the value of IMT in carotid arteries was found. There were no significantly statistical differences between the advancement of coronary artery changes and sVCAM-1 concentration. During the follow-up that lasted from 2 to 4 years (average period – 2.8 years), 4 patients died in the study group (5.1%). sVCAM-1 concentrations (but not IMT values) were significantly statistically higher in the group of patients who died (2248.5 ± 443.5 vs. 990.2 ± 433.6, p = 0.0003). Conclusions sVCAM-1 concentrations are useful indicators of the presence of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, but not its advancement. sVCAM-1 (but not IMT) can be a predictive indicator of an increased risk of death during follow-up in patients after myocardial infarction.

Yersiniosis is an acute or chronic, zoonotic disease caused by infection of Gram-negative rods Yersinia enterocolitica. It can be transmitted by the consumption of originally contaminated food products (pork, unpasteurized milk) or secondarily contaminated with animal or vegetable products. The clinical picture of infection may have a variable course is related to the age and physical condition of the patient, or pathogenic properties of microorganisms. Infection caused by Y. enterocolitica can occur in different clinical forms: food poisoning, colitis, mesentric lymphadenitis, erythema nodosum, arthritis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis. The aim of this study was to present a rare case of infection with Y. enterocolitica mesenteric lymph nodes coexistent with appendicitis.

Disease processes may impair the production and reabsorption of fluid from in the body cavities, which results in its excessive accumulation.The aim of the study was the evaluation of difficulties regarding the classification of fluids from the body cavities into transudate/exudate observing the following: Light's criteria, total fluid protein concentration, and total protein ratio (TP ratio) and lactate dehydrogenase ratio (LDH ratio).Retrospective analysis was conducted on pleural (N=314), peritoneal (N=114) and pericardial (N=10) fluids, which were tested for the total protein concentration and LDH activity both in fluid and serum and calculated on TP ratio and LDH ratio.Based on the total protein concentration, 278 fluids from pleural cavity were classified as an exudate; 36 as a transudate. Applying the Light's criteria 240 fluids were classified as an exudate; the remaining 74 fluids were classified as a transudate. Based on TP and LDH ratios, 229 fluids from pleural cavity were classified as an exudate; 85 as a transudate. Depending on the total protein concentration, 35 fluids from the peritoneal cavity were classified as an exudate; 79 as a transudate. Applying the Light's criteria 54 fluids were classified as an exudate; the remaining 60 fluids were classified as a transudate. Based on TP and LDH ratios, 22 fluids from peritoneal cavity were classified as an exudate; 92 as a transudate. Analysis of pericardial fluids, depending on the total protein concentration classified 9 of them as an exudate and 1 as a transudate. The same results were obtained by applying Light's criteria. Based on TP and LDH ratios, 7 fluids from pericardial cavity were classified as an exudate; 3 - as a transudate.Applying the Light's criteria or the total protein concentration in differential diagnostics of fluids from the body cavities resulted in qualification more of them as an exudates as compared to the analysis of the same fluids depending on the TP and LDH ratios. It can be assumed that some of the transudative/exudative fluids were incorrectly classified. Performed analysis suggest that more adequate criteria of the classification of fluids from the body cavities into transudate/exudate are of great importance.

Deregulation of cell cycle takes place during the development of many cancers as well as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), which develops from precursor lesions, most frequently including pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of p16, p21, and p53 proteins taking part in the regulation of the cell cycle in normal pancreatic ducts and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia at its various advancing stages. The expressions of p16, p21, and p53 were assessed immunohistochemically in 70 patients with different pancreatic diseases (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cysts), showing also pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The results correlated with chosen clinicopathological parameters. Our study revealed a difference in p16, p21, and p53 expressions between normal pancreatic ducts and various stages of PanIN. p16 expression progressively decreased, whereas p21 and p53 increased from normal pancreas to PanIN 1, 2, and 3. The expression of p21 was associated with age, p53 with PanIN location in the pancreas and p16 with the type of primary diseases. Simultaneously, we observed a directly proportional relationship between the expression of p21 and p53 proteins and inversely proportional between the p16 and the p21 and p53 proteins. p16, p21, and p53 proteins play an important role in the deregulation of the cell cycle and participate in the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Immunohistochemical evaluation of their expressions may be helpful in the diagnosis of PanIN.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of autoimmune originate. The main agents responsible for the MS development include exogenous, environmental, and genetic factors. MS is characterized by multifocal and temporally scattered central nervous system (CNS) damage which lead to the axonal damage. Among clinical courses of MS it can be distinguish relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPSM), primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RPMS). Depending on the severity of signs and symptoms MS can be described as benign MS or malignant MS. MS diagnosis is based on McDonald’s diagnostic criteria, which link clinical manifestation with characteristic lesions demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and visual evoked potentials. Among CSF laboratory tests used to the MS diagnosis are applied: Tibbling & Link IgG index, reinbegrams, and CSF isoelectrofocusing for oligoclonal bands detection. It should be emphasized, that despite huge progress regarding MS as well as the availability of differentdiagnostics methods this disease is still a diagnostic challenge. It may result from fact that MS has diverse clinical course and there is a lack of single test, which would be of appropriate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for quick and accurate diagnosis.

Purpose Infiltration of the bone marrow by neoplastic plasmocytes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients might impair megakaryocytopoiesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate stage-dependent platelet count (PLT) and thrombopoietin (TPO) concentration in comparison to the control group. We also wanted to establish whether TPO might be recognized as a marker of the stage of the disease. Material/methods The study group consisted of 41 patients (mean age 67.7) with newly diagnosed MM prior to treatment and categorized according to the Durie and Salmon diagnostic classification. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age 65.5). PLT, WBC, RBC and Hb were measured with the use of the haematological analyser. TPO was assayed with the use of ELISA and albumin with the use of the immunonephelometry method. The number of plasma cells in the bone marrow was evaluated in bone marrow smears under light microscopy. Results PLT was not statistically different as compared the control groups, but was stage-dependent. Thrombocytopenia was observed in the III stage of MM. TPO median was significantly higher in study group than in healthy subjects and it was increasing considerably with the stage of the disease. TPO concentration was negatively correlated with albumin and PLT. AUC for TPO was 0.9764. The number of plasma cells in the bone marrow was considerably increasing with the stage of the disease. Conclusions PLT and TPO in MM patients were stage-dependent. Elevated TPO concentration in MM patients might be an unfavourable marker of the stage of the disease.

Increased expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), its receptor (EGFR), and c-erb-B2 protein, which is homological with the EGF receptor, in gastric mucosa, may play a role in gastric carcinogenesis. We assessed if the infection and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) affects the gastric expression of growth factors and serum gastrin concentrations.We examined immunohistochemically gastric EGF and both receptors' expression in: gastric cancer (GC; n=29), chronic gastritis with H. pylori infection (GHp+; n=40) before and after eradication and in patients without H. pylori infection (GHp-; n=42).Before the eradication therapy, gastric mucosal EGF and both receptor's expressions in GHp+ patients were increased compared to GHp- (p0.05), but were similar to GC. After eradication, EGF and the receptor's expression significantly decreased in the gastric body. Both EGFR and c-erb-B2 expression in the antrum were still higher than in GHp- (p0.05), and remained comparable to GC.In patients with H. pylori infection the gastric mucosal EGF, EGFR, and c-erb-B2 expressions are similar to those observed in gastric cancer. The persistence of the antral expression of receptors after eradication, at a level comparable to the gastric cancer group, suggests their eventual role in the progression of changes initiated by H. pylori toward carcinogenesis.

Platelet activation observed in cancer patients is associated with the release of various cytokines, including P-selectin and CD40 ligand (CD40L). We analyzed the plasma levels of sCD40L in association with adhesion molecules (sP-selectin and sVCAM-1) to check the hypothesis of a possible involvement in cancer progression. Blood samples were obtained from 59 patients with different stages of colorectal cancer (CRC) and 29 age and gender-matched control subjects. Plasma sCD40L, sP-selectin, and sVCAM-1 concentrations were measured with quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay. All patients with CRC had significantly higher levels of sCD40L (p In our study, the sCD40L correlated with sP-selectin in patients with advanced stage of CRC, which might indicate its possible participation in metastasis formation.

Ménétrier's disease (MD) is a rare type of hypertrophic gastropathy involving the body of the stomach, which is characterized by thickening of the mucous membrane in the form of giant rugal folds, hypochlorhydria and protein loss. The potential for malignant transformation of this lesion remains a controversial topic. Therefore, in the present study, a case of a 51-year-old male exhibiting MD with coexisting advanced gastric cancer is described; a review of the literature is also presented. The present case emphasized that MD requires particular attention and should be regarded as a premalignant condition due to the previously documented cases of its coexistence with gastric cancer, in addition to the lack of knowledge regarding its pathogenesis and effective therapeutic management.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. At least a third of the world human population is infected with the parasite, making it one of the most successful parasitic infections. Primary maternal infection may cause health-threatening sequelae for the fetus, or even cause death of the uterus. Reactivation of a latent infection in immune deficiency conditions such as AIDS and organ transplantation can cause fatal toxoplasmic encephalitis. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of chorioretinitis, especially in individuals with impaired immune systems. In the acute phase, directly after invading the body, T. gondii begins to multiply rapidly. In the majority of cases acquired toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic. In the second week of infection, specific IgM antibodies are present in the blood. IgE antibodies appear at the same time, slightly preceding specific IgA antibodies. The concentration of IgE can be one of the parameters used for diagnosing an infection with T. gondii. Laboratory diagnosis, i.e. IgE and serologic assays, plays the main role in the diagnosis of congenital infection and assists in the confirmatory diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis and ocular toxoplasmosis. This article is a review of IgE in toxoplasmosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of the expression of Fas and Fas-L proteins in gastric carcinoma cells on the occurrence of metastases to regional lymph nodes.The study included 89 patients treated surgically for gastric carcinoma. The evaluated clinicomorphological parameters were verified based on both histopathological material collected at surgery and intraoperative image. Fas and Fas-L expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in the neoplastic tissue of the removed gastric tumors.A statistically significant positive correlation between Fas expression in gastric carcinoma cells and the number of regional lymph nodes affected by metastases was observed (p0.05). No such correlation was noticed with respect to Fas-L. A statistically significant correlation between the depth of neoplastic infiltration of the stomach wall (T feature) and the number of affected lymph nodes was observed (p0.05). No statistically significant correlations in the other examined clinicomorphological features and the number of metastatic lymph nodes was observed.A positive Fas expression correlates with more frequent occurrence of metastases to regional lymph nodes. Determination of this protein expression in cancer cells prior to surgery may be helpful for planning the surgical procedure, especially with respect to the extent of lymph node excision.

Platelets are an important element in the thrombotic process, inflammation and cancer progression. We tested the hypothesis that there is a relationship between platelet activation and inflammation in colorectal cancer patients (CRC).We measured soluble (s) P-selectin (marker of platelet activation), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (indexes of inflammation) in 42 CRC patients and 38 healthy subjects. CRC patients were divided into two groups: A-24 patients in stages I and II; B-18 patients in stage III. Soluble P-selectin, Interleukin-6 concentration was measured using commercially available immunoenzymatic methods. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (RCRP) concentration was measured by a high sensitivity latex particle turbidimetric immunoassay.Soluble P-selectin, CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly increased as compared to the control group (p0.001). Plasma levels of sP-selectin, CRP and IL-6 were higher in group B (with metastases) than in group A (without metastases) (p0.001). CRC patients had a positive correlation between IL-6 and CRP (r=0.7638, p0.01) and between sP-selectin and IL-6 (r=0.5633, p0.03).We observed hyperactivation of blood platelets and inflammatory response in patients with colorectal cancer, also the inflammatory process and platelet activation progress along with colorectal cancer advancement. Our results seem to confirm the relationship of platelet activation with inflammatory response in colorectal cancer patients.

Background Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial inflammation and simultaneous repair processes that results in increased airway obstruction. Recent studies indicate that platelets could play an important role in this process. Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the platelet count, the percentage of reticulated platelets, plasma thrombopoietin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations in patients with moderate bronchial asthma. Patients and methods The study was performed in 12 allergic chronic asthma patients and 12 nonallergic chronic asthma patients. Patients were treated according to the GINA 2004 recommendations for chronic moderate asthma. Seven healthy individuals served as negative controls. Blood was collected on CTAD from antecubital vein in the morning. Results The platelet count was statistically higher in allergic asthma patients compared with healthy controls. In nonallergic asthma patients the platelet count was also higher but the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of the reticulated platelets in allergic asthma patients was statistically higher as compared to nonallergic and healthy subjects, who had similiar values. The concentration of IL-6 was significantly elevated in allergic asthma patients as compared to healthy controls. There was no difference in IL-6 levels between both asthma patient groups. In nonallergic asthma patients plasma thrombopoietin levels were slightly higher, but not statistically significant, in comparison with allergic asthma patients and controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest that platelets may be involved in allergic inflammation and play a significant role in remodeling of the airways. In patients with allergic asthma we found increased reticulated platelet count suggesting enhanced megakaryocytopoiesis. Further studies on a role of platelets in the pathogenesis of asthma and their potential clinical implications are warranted and may contribute to the development of novel therapies.

Most patients with gastric cancer are diagnosed at advanced clinical stages with a high frequency of lymph node metastasis. It is very important to find novel factors for the early diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer. It has been shown that IGF-1R activates mitotic division and inhibits apoptosis of cancer cells through the activation of signaling MAP/ERK and PI3K/Akt-1 pathways. IGF-1R plays a role in cell transformation and maintenance of the phenotype in modified cells. Moreover, an IGF-1 receptor effect influences the processes of adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. The aim of the study was to assess the expression of IGF-1R in gastric carcinoma in correlation with selected anatomo-clinical parameters. The study enrolled a group of 49 patients treated surgically for gastric cancer. 28 patients had no lymph node metastases. The expression of the studied proteins was assessed using the immunohistochemical method. We found that the expression of IGF-1R in gastric cancer is associated with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), is correlated with worse prognosis and high histological malignancy grade, and is an independent predictor of survival in patients with gastric cancer (p < 0.001). IGF-1R may play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis via the lymphatic pathway.

Background. Bcl-2 and BID play a major role in the process of apoptosis and their dysfunction underlies carcinogenesis. The study objective was to assess the expression of Bcl-2 and BID in gastric cancer cells in correlation with chosen clinicopathological parameters, presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, and patients’ survival. Materials and Methods. The study involved 88 patients operated on for gastric cancer. The expressions of Bcl-2 and BID were determined immunohistochemically. Results. Positive Bcl-2 expression was found in 55.7% and, BID in 53.6% of patients. The Bcl-2 expression correlated with stage pT3 and T4 gastric cancer , with the intestinal type according to Lauren , ulcerated type according to Bormann’s classification , and with local lymph node metastases . Conclusion. The Bcl-2 protein plays a key role in the process of gastric cancer formation and is associated with the growth of definite types of gastric cancer.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) inhibits the ability of cancer cells to metastasize, but it can also stimulate cancer development. The aim of this study was to assess the level of TIMP-1 in serum and its expression in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The study group consisted of 43 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 24 healthy volunteers. The level of TIMP-1 was assessed by the ELISA method while the expression of this protein was performed immunohistochemically. The concentration of TIMP-1 in the sera of colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (p = 0.004). Higher level of TIMP-1 in the sera correlated with female gender (p = 0.045), tumor location in colon (p = 0.016), poorly differentiated tumor (p = 0.034) and higher platelet count in whole blood (p < 0.004). A positive reaction of the protein in cancer cells was observed in 31 cases and was found to correlate negatively with its reaction in peritumoral stroma (p < 0.001). According to this study, TIMP-1 protein may play an important role in cancer development. The assessment of this molecule in serum and tissue can be useful at the time of diagnosis and can help us to understand the nature of colorectal pathogenesis.

Background Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) is able to degrade type IV collagen and its activity is mostly regulated by tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2). These proteins might play a role in tumor progression, including gastric cancer (GC). Methods The study included 108 individuals, GC patients and healthy subjects. Serum levels of all analyzed markers were evaluated by the immunological methods, while immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of these proteins in GC, interstitial inflammatory cells and normal tissues. Results The percentage of positive reactions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was higher in GC and inflammatory cells compared to normal tissue, while serum levels of these proteins were statistically lower in GC patients in comparison to healthy subjects. There was a significant positive correlation between TIMP-2 immunoreactivity in inflammatory cells and the presence of lymph node metastasis. Area under ROC curve (AUC) for TIMP-2 was higher than MMP-2, while serum MMP-2 was an independent prognostic factor of GC patients' survival. Conclusion Our findings suggest that TIMP-2 seems to be a predictor of tumor progression, especially for nodal involvement, whereas serum MMP-2 might be useful as an independent prognostic factor of patients' survival.

Hypotrophic newborns in comparison with eutrophic newborns demonstrate a reduced blood platelet count and therefore may have haemostasis disorders. Expression of P-selectin (CD62P) on the surface of platelets is a marker of stimulated, activated blood platelets. The ability of platelets to react can be determined after the addition of the following activators: strong (thrombin) and weak (ADP).We studied 48 hypotrophic newborns, 25 females and 23 males, weighing less than the 10th centile and 55 healthy, full-term newborns, 25 females and 30 males. Expression of CD62P on the surface of platelets was examined in the native state, after the addition of thrombin or ADP.Hypotrophic newborns exhibited almost double the percentage of platelets expressing CD62P compared with the control group, 4.21% versus 2.88%. After the addition of thrombin, the percentage was 31.5% versus 12.5%, p 0.001, whereas after the addition of ADP, the percentage was 9.54% versus 4.5%, p = 0.002.Hypotrophic newborns are capable of greater platelet activation in comparison with healthy term newborns. However, gender does not affect the expression of P-selectin.

Aim Etiology of middle ear cholesteatoma is far from beeing elicidated. Current concepts postulate that cholesteatoma is the result of disturbed wound healing process. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) plays important role in wound healing, so it seemed interesting to assess the expression of KGF and its receptor in the cholesteatoma. Material and methods 25 cholesteatoma and 7 retraction pockets specimens were obtained from the patients during middle ear surgery. The expression of KGF and FGFR2 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies. The results were analyzed depending on clinical features such as: localization, number of anatomic sites involved and presence of purulent discharge. Results KGF expression was detected in the cells of subepithelial tissue. It was observed in 4/7 (57%) of the specimens of retraction pockets and 11/25 (44%) of cholesteatoma specimens. FGFR2 expression was observed mainly in the cells of spinous layer of epithelium in 4/7 (57%) specimens of retraction pockets and 19/25 (76%) of specimens of cholesteatoma. Statistically significant (p = 0.011) relationship between the presence of KGF expression in the subepithelial tissue and the presence of FGFR2 expression in the epithelium was found. There were no differences in the expression of KGF and FGFR2 between retraction pocket and cholesteatoma specimens. Also, no differences in the expression, depending on localization, extend of the cholesteatoma and presence of purulent discharge were observed. Conclusion KGF and its receptor seem to play an important role in paracrine regulation of cholesteatoma growth.

Ulcerative colitis is a non-specific inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. We investigated whether severe form of ulcerative colitis may lead to increased number of platelets, changes in platelet parameters and their activation. To address our objectives, we measured concentrations of nitric oxide and markers of inflammation. We found increased number of low-volume platelets in a group of affected patients. However, their activity was not as high as expected. In addition to that we observed eight times higher concentration of nitric oxide in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis than in healthy individuals. Besides, severe form of the disease manifested itself with increased concentrations of interleukine 6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and neopterin. Based on the results we propose that high amounts of nitric oxide inhibit platelet activation in severe form of ulcerative colitis. Moreover, our observations regarding interleukine 6, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and neopterin suggest that they may become useful markers of active form of ulcerative colitis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with disturbances in bone strength and metabolism. The alterations of the serotonergic system are also observed in CKD. We used the 5/6 nephrectomy model of CKD to assess the impact of peripheral serotonin and its metabolite- 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid on bone biomechanical properties and metabolism in growing rats. The animals were sacrificed one and three months after nephrectomy. Biomechanical properties were determined on two different bone types: the cortical bone of the femoral diaphysis using three-point bending test and the mixed cortico-trabecular bone by the bending test of the femoral neck. Biomechanical tests revealed preserved cortical bone strength, whereas work to fracture (W) and yield load (Fy) of mixed cortico-trabecular bone were significantly lower in CKD compared to controls. Serum activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a bone formation marker, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP 5b) reflecting bone resorption, were similar in CKD and controls. ALP was associated with lower femoral stiffness and strength, and higher displacements and W. TRACP 5b was inversely associated with cortical Fu and W. The elevated peripheral serotonergic system in CKD was: inversely associated with stiffness but positively related to the displacements and W; inversely associated with cortical Fy but positively correlated with this parameter in cortico-trabecular bone; inversely associated with ALP in controls but positively correlated with this biomarker in CKD animals. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the distinct effect of mild degree of CKD on bone strength in rapidly growing rats. The impaired renal function affects the peripheral serotonin metabolism, which in turn may influence the strength and metabolism of bones in these rats. This relationship seems to be beneficial on the biomechanical properties of the cortico-trabecular bone, whereas the cortical bone strength can be potentially reduced.

The p53 protein as well as Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bax, Bak and Bcl-xL regulate apoptosis. The study objective was to analyze the expression of p53, Bak, Bcl-xL and Bax in gastric cancer and in healthy gastric mucosa.The study group consisted of 66 patients with gastric cancer, treated surgically in II Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok. The expression of the studied proteins was assessed using the immunohistochemical method.Significant differences were found in the expressions of the studied proteins as compared to healthy gastric mucosa. The expressions of p53 and Bax were significantly higher (70% vs 13% and 50% vs 13%), whereas those of Bak and Bcl-xL significantly lower (18% vs 83% and 74% vs 97%) in cancer cells than in normal mucosa (p0.001). Significant differences were also noted in the expressions of Bax and Bcl-xL in relation to histological type. In the intestinal type (Lauren I), the expressions of Bax and Bcl-xL were higher as compared to the diffuse type (Lauren II) (93% vs 43% and 91% vs 43%). Simultaneously, correlations were noted between changes in the expression of Bax vs Bcl-xL and Bak. High expression of Bax showed a positive correlation with reduced Bak and Bcl-xL (p0.05). Moreover, positive expression of p53 caused poorer distant survival of patients (p0.05).Our study concluded that disturbances in the expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-xL and Bak proteins are associated with their involvement in the process of carcinogenesis in the stomach. It is suggesting that they might appeared in the early phase of carcinogenesis.

Microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles released by platelets during activation or apoptosis. PMPs stimulate coagulation and cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium, both of which being important in the development of cancer progression. We investigated the correlation between microparticles and cancer advancement. The percentage of PMPs was measured by flow cytometry in 22 colorectal cancer patients and in 20 healthy subjects. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or lack of lymph node metastases. The percentage of PMPs was significantly higher in patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.001). We observed a positive correlation between PMPs and the presence of lymph node metastases (r = 0.63, p < 0.003). This high correlation may suggest that PMPs are associated with lymph node involvement and cancer progression.

The current study aims to determine the involvement of cellular responses in combating Giardia intestinalis invasion. The study group consisted of 44 women and 18 men, aged 18–72 years, infected with G. intestinalis. The diagnosis was established based on laboratory investigations (examination of stool, choloscopy, GSA-65). Blood for analysis was collected before antiparasitic treatment and two weeks after treatment termination. The control group consisted of 22 women and 18 men aged 20–45 years. The serum concentrations of IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF, IFN-γ were assayed using a set of Quantikine human. The concentrations of NO in the serum were determined using a set of Total Nitric Oxide Assay. Patients infected with G. intestinalis showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of NO, IFN-g and IL-13. Even the antiparasitic treatment applied did not reduce the levels of these parameters and only caused a rise in IL-6. Our study showed a lack of acute inflammatory state in the course of G. intestinalis infection. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 280–284)

The current study aims to determine the involvement of cellular responses in combating Giardia intestinalis invasion. The study group consisted of 44 women and 18 men, aged 18-72 years, infected with G. intestinalis. The diagnosis was established based on laboratory investigations (examination of stool, choloscopy, GSA-65). Blood for analysis was collected before antiparasitic treatment and two weeks after treatment termination. The control group consisted of 22 women and 18 men aged 20-45 years. The serum concentrations of IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF, IFN-g were assayed using a set of Quantikine human. The concentrations of NO in the serum were determined using a set of Total Nitric Oxide Assay. Patients infected with G. intestinalis showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of NO, IFN-g and IL-13. Even the antiparasitic treatment applied did not reduce the levels of these parameters and only caused a rise in IL-6. Our study showed a lack of acute inflammatory state in the course of G. intestinalis infection.

Hypotrophic newborns demonstrate a reduced blood platelet count and therefore may have haemostasis disorders. The antigen density of CD62P on the surface of platelets may indicate the activation of blood platelets.We have studied 31 hypotrophic newborns, and have divided these into two groups: weighing less than the 5th centile and between the 5th and 10th centiles. The antigen density of CD62P was calculated according to the procedure recommended by DAKO QIFIKIT.Hypotrophic newborns exhibited a median 22 000 of CD62P per platelet. There is a distinct gender difference (female median 29 768, male median 19 044 of CD62P per platelet, p = 0.001). Newborns below the 5th centile demonstrated a median 30 000 of CD62P per platelet, whereas between the 5th and 10th centiles - a median 18 700. A negative correlation (R = -0.53, p = 0.002) was found between the antigen density of CD62P and birth weight.Hypotrophy affects the expression of CD62P. There is a negative correlation between the antigen density of CD62P and birth weight.

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate immunohistochemical expression of PRL-3 protein tumor buds, invasion front, central region of tumor and metastases of colorectal cancer. Material/Methods The PRL-3 expression was analyzed in 103 colorectal carcinoma patients, using the immunohistochemical method with a monoclonal antibody 3B6 anti-PRL-3 (Attogen Biomedical Research, USA) Results Positive reaction for PRL-3 was observed in 36.9% of cases in the central region of tumor, in 64.3% in the invasion front, and in as many as 81.4% in buds (present in 70/103 cases), in 100% in metastases to local lymph nodes, in 100% in metastases to the liver and in 97.1% in metastases to the lungs. The findings indicate that cancer cells obtain this protein already in the early stages of metastasizing. PRL-3 is present not only in metastases to local lymph nodes but also to distant organs. It is likely that PRL-3 protein takes part in the initiation of metastasizing of cancer cells. Also the presence of lymph and blood vessel invasion was found only to correlate with increased percentage of patients with strong PRL-3 expression in tumor buds (p=0.046). Conclusion Our results may suggests the participation of PRL-3 protein as a marker of the presence of colorectal cancer metastasis to the lymph nodes and distant metastases, which is independent of parameters such as gender and age of the patients, tumor location, histological type and grade of histological malignancy and stage of tumor.

Prompt diagnosis and early treatment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage minimizes the risk of severe complications. In patients presenting with clear fluid nasal discharge it is important to identify the nature of the rhinorrhea. The CSF leakage may occur as post-traumatic, iatrogenic, spontaneous or idiopathic rhinorrhea. The differential diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea often presents a challenging problem. The confirmation of CSF rhinorrhea and localization of the leakage may be diagnosed by CT, MRI cisternography and MRI cisternography in combination with single photon emission tomography or radioisotopic imaging. Although these methods allow estimation of the CSF leakage with high accuracy, they are expensive and invasive procedures. Therefore, biochemical methods are still used in the differentiation. Although the most common diagnostic method for screening CSF leakage is glucose oxidase, its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity is generally unsatisfactory. False negative results may occur with bacterial contamination and false positive results are common in diabetic patients. Glucose detection is not recommended as a confirmatory test. As such, other biomarkers of the CSF leakage, such as beta-2-transferrin (beta-2 trf) and beta-trace protein (betaTP) are necessary to identify and confirm of this condition.

The study’s objective was to assess the expressions of Fas and FasL proteins in gastric cancer in correlation with chosen clinicohistological parameters. Fas and FasL expression was analyzed in 68 patients with gastric cancer, using the immunohistochemical method. The expression of Fas was found to be lower in gastric cancer cells than in healthy mucosa, both in the lining epithelium and in glandular tubes (28% vs. 48% and 44%; p < 0.001). The expression of FasL was also markedly lower in cancer cells than in glandular tubes, yet higher than in the lining epithelium (51% vs. 73% and 14%; p < 0.01). Positive expressions of FasL and Fas were lower in less advanced gastric cancer cells (T1, T2), than in more advanced tumors (T3, T4), but only in the case of FasL was this difference statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our findings seem to confirm the theory of the impact of apoptotic disorders at the level of Fas receptor and FasL protein in the process of gastric cancer formation and growth, which is manifested in the varied expressions of these proteins in gastric cancer and in the normal lining and glandular epithelium of the stomach. However, the lack of significant differences in the expressions of Fas and FasL in correlation to other clinicohistological parameters indicates the existence of mechanisms that have a greater impact on the process of differentiation of gastric cancers. This in our opinion eliminates these proteins as prognostic factors. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 142–147)

Ulcerative colitis (colitis ulcerosa) is a non-specific inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology. The symptoms which are observed in the course of ulcerative colitis are: an increase in the number of leukocytes and blood platelets, an increase in the concentration of IL-6 and anemia. Blood platelets are the key element, linking the processes of hemostasis, inflammation and the repair of damaged tissues. Activation of blood platelets is connected with changes in their shape and the occurrence of the reaction of release. P-selectin appears on the surfaces of activated blood platelets and the concentration level of soluble P-selectin increases in the blood plasma. The aim of this study was to define whether the increased number of blood platelets in patients with ulcerative colitis accompanies changes in their activation and morphology. A total of 16 subjects with ulcerative colitis and 32 healthy subjects were studied. Mean platelet count, morphological parameters of platelets and MPC were measured using an ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer. Concentrations of sP-selectin and IL-6 in serum were marked by immunoassay (ELISA). MPC, concentration of sP-selectin and IL-6 were significantly higher in subjects with ulcerative colitis compared to those in the healthy group. There was a decrease of MPV in patients with ulcerative colitis, which is statistically significant. Chronic inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis causes an increase in the number of blood platelets, a change in their morphology and activation. Decreased MPV value reflects activation and the role blood platelets play in the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the colon. A high concentration of sP-selectin, which is a marker of blood platelet activation, demonstrates their part in the inflammatory process. The increase in the concentration of sP-selectin correlated positively with the increase in concentration of IL-6. This is why it may be a useful marker of the activity of colitis ulcerosa. (Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica 2011; Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 119–124)