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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), also known as matrixins, belong to a group of zinc-dependent proteins, which are thought to play a central role in the breakdown of extracellular matrix. Collagen, elastin, gelatin and casein are major components cleaved by MMPs. The breakdown of these components is essential for many physiological processes such as embryonic development, morphogenesis, reproduction, and tissue resorption and remodelling. MMPs also participate in pathological processes such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding these proteins, their participation in physiological and pathophysiological roles, their involvement in activation and inhibition, and their interactions with other metal-binding proteins including metallothioneins.

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of blood count, lymphocyte subpopulations, and immunoglobulin levels alterations in a group of healthy nephroblastoma long-term survivors. The group included 122 nephroblastoma longterm survivors who were at least five years post anticancer therapy and free of any sign of recurrence The proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations was analyzed by flow cytometry using antibodies anti CD45 FITC/CD14 PE, anti CD3 FITC/ CD16+CD56 PE, anti CD4 FITC/ CD8 PE and anti CD20 FITC. Immunoglobulin G, A, and M levels were evaluated by immunoturbidimetry. Total blood count was also examined. The occurrence of decreased immunoglobulin levels, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and granulocytes count, proportion of T lymphocytes and their CD4+ subpopulation are not frequent. The most frequently decreased lymphocyte subpopulation was CD8 (15.5%). The most frequent abnormal findings were increased proportion of NK cells (38.5 %), B lymphocytes (38,52 %), decreased number of erythrocytes (25.2 %), hemoglobin levels (41.7 %) and hematocrit (13.9 %). The only significant differences between results of immunological examination and course of the disease were more frequently decreased proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes in recurrent disease survivors and lower IgA levels in survivors after radiotherapy. We found decreased at least one immunological parameter in one fifth of the survivors. The most frequently altered parameter was hemoglobin, which was decreased in 41.7 % of survivors. Decraesed hemoglobin may worsen quality of survivors life. Key words: nephroblastoma long-term survivors, blood count, lymphocyte subpopulations, immunoglobulin G, A, M serum levels.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a series of reactions resulting in cytoskeletal-related changes varying between focal and diffuse injuries.The patients (n=38) were divided into group of diffuse axonal injuries (DAI, n=10) and focal (n=28) injuries. Serum hyperphosphorylated neurofilaments (NF-H) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured by Biovendor immunoassay, and serum S-100B protein was measured by Cobas e411 (Roche) by immunoassay. Immunohistochemistry was performed with monoclonal antibodies (Chemicon, USA).The median serum S-100B concentration was higher in patients with focal mass lesions (1.72±0.4 μg/l vs. 0.37±0.1 μg/l, p0,05) compared to patients with DAI during 10 days of hospitalisation. With respect to all patients, the highest peak of serum S-100B values (4.21±1.1 μg/l) and GFAP (8.58±2.4 μg/l) were found in expansive lesions. The median serum NF-H was higher in DAI compared to focal TBI (0.625±0.14 vs 0.139±0.02 ng/l, p0.05) during all 10 days after admission. Further, immunohistochemical investigation, in deceased patients with DAI , using NF-H antibody proved positive varicose and waving axons, and retraction balls. Time-dependent profile of serum NF-H demonstrated the increase of values within 4th up to 10th day in both groups. Values ranged from 0.263 up to 1.325 ng/l in DAI, and from 0.103 up to 1.108 ng/l in focal injuries. Patients with expansive contusions had similar levels of serum NF-H as patients without expansive lesions. Immunohistochemistry of cytoskeletal proteins presented strong positive staining of vinculin, vimentin in vessels, GFAP, and S-100B in DAI compared to weak staining in expansive lesions.The time-profile kinetics of all markers may reflect different types of pathophysiological changes of the BBB or axonal damage in focal and diffuse injuries.brain contusions - diffuse axonal injury - S-100B protein - GFAP - hyperphosphorylated neurofilaments.