microRNA expression profile in Smooth Muscle Cells isolated from thoracic aortic aneurysm samples

PurposeThoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a cardiovascular disease characterized by increased aortic diameter, treated with surgery and endovascular therapy in order to avoid aortic dissection or rupture. The mechanism of TAA formation has not been thoroughly studied and many factors have been proposed to drive its progression; however strong focus is attributed to modification of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Latest research indicates, that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play a significant role in TAA development – these are multifunctional molecules consisting of 19–24 nucleotides involved in regulation of the gene expression level related to many biological processes, i.e. cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, immunity or inflammation.Materials and methodsPrimary SMCs were isolated from aortic scraps of TAA patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Purity of isolated SMCs was determined by flow cytometry using specific markers: α-SMA, CALP, MHC and VIM. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted for miRNA analysis.ResultsWe established an isolation protocol and investigated the miRNA expression level in SMCs isolated from aneurysmal and non-aneurysmal aortic samples. We identified that let-7 g (0.71-fold, p = 0.01), miR-130a (0.40-fold, p = 0.04), and miR-221 (0.49-fold, p = 0.05) significantly differed between TAA patients and healthy controls.ConclusionsFurther studies are required to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying TAA, which may aid the development of novel, targeted therapies. The pivotal role of miRNAs in the cardiovascular system provides a new perspective on the pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysms.     

High frequency of macrophages expressing elevated level of CD80, PD-Ls and TLR1 in nasal polyps of CRS patients

Identification of the association between tissue biomarkers, their surrogates in blood and clinical features, could provide new diagnostic tools and facilitate adequate choices of therapeutic interventions for selected patients suffering from CRS. The aim of present study was the assessment of macrophages in the polyp tissue and monocytes in the peripheral blood in the course of CRSwNP, and their functional immunophenotype. We analyzed 31 patients with CRSwNP. Nasal mucosa tissue was obtained via functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The control group included 10 patients with deviated nasal septum (DNS). Fluorochrome stained cells were proceed to acquisition using FACS Canto flow cytometer, and the results were analyzed using the software FACS Diva. In our study, we observed a significantly higher level of CD80, CD274, CD273 and TLR1 in nasal polyps compared to blood samples from patients with CRSwNP. This finding may suggest the importance of the PD-1 pathway as a therapeutic target in CRS and an important role for TLR1 in nasal polyp formation and maintenance. Our results may provide some insight into potential future targets of recurrent nasal polyp treatment and contribute to a better understanding of the inflammatory process in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.     

Ocena zależności między stosowaniem inhibitorów pompy protonowej a występowaniem uczulenia na wybrane alergeny pokarmowe

Proton pump inhibitors are considered to be highly selective and effective drugs, which have few side effects. They are used in both adults and children (including infants) as well as in pregnant women. By increasing the gastric fluid pH, they impair the activation process and reduce the secretion of pepsin, secretin and pancreatic proteases, thereby impairing protein degradation. The remaining peptides are immunoreactive and lead to the development of an allergic response, while the increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa may also induce sensitization. Observational studies conducted in patients with gastroenterological disorders, children with allergy diseases and experimental studies in animals have demonstrated that the use of anti-ulcer drugs favours sensitization to selected food allergens.     

Treatment procedure in spinal metastases: the orthopedic dimension

Background. The authors have presented the results of the medical treatment of patients with metastatic disease of the spine. The aim of this treatment was to improve the patients quality of life through spinal stabilisation, maintaining neurological functions and the maximum pain relief.
Material and methods. Surgical indications included progressive, neurological deficit, fracture of vertebra, spine instability and histologic diagnosis. The patients underwent anterior, posterior or combined decompression and stabilisation procedures with the use of implants. Neurological examination of the patients has been carried out by means of Frankel grade whereas the tool for measurement of vertebra destruction was Harrington classification.
The results and the treatment for spinal metastatic tumors of the 86 patients were treated from 1997 to 2002.
There were 55 men and 33 women with a median age of 56 years. The mean survival time after surgery was 7,5 months.
Results. The improvement in neurological state of 28 in 59 patients was recorded. 11 patients have died of health conditions during the medical treatment as a consequences of the metastases.
Conclusions. The full decompression and stabilisation of the spine should be carried out in order to avoid the consequences and enable the patients to continue oncological treatment. The early diagnostic and good health conditions have been stressed. The can help in patient's qualification to surgical treatment, improve the general results of the treatment while giving the full satisfaction to the surgeon and the patient, prolonging the patient's life and improving his comfort of life by pain restriction and the protection of neurological consequences.     

Assessment of Synvisc treatment in osteoarthritis

Background. Viscosupplementation is a relatively new method for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The main goal of this project was to assess the safety and clinical utility of Hylan G-F20 (Synvisc(R)) in the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. The type and frequency of additional therapies used during Synvisc(R) treatment were also assessed. It was a prospective project designed for monitoring Synvisc(R)-prescribing habits in usual medical care.
Material and method. One hundred ninety knee joints in 187 patients were studied (OA symptoms were bilateral in 3 women). Synvisc(R) was indicated for the local treatment of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee. After the diagnosis, Synvisc(R) therapy was started at the recommended dose of 2 ml per intra-articular injection once
a week (at 1-week intervals), three injections in total. The data collected, including medical history, physical examination, radiographic examination and treatment efficacy (overall assessment performed at each visit), were recorded on case report forms designed to facilitate statistical analysis. The physicians completed visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for overall assessment of OA pain at each visit. The clinical outcome was recorded after the end of therapy. The patient data were collected by physicians taking part in this project only.
Results. In 156 cases (82.1%) either a substantial improvement or subsidence of symptoms was observed. In 34 cases (17.9%) the improvement was small or there was no change in the patient's condition. There were local adverse reactions in 2 patients (1.07%). There was no need to cease the treatment, to hospitalise a patient or to start any additional treatment. In 167 patients (89.3%) there was no need to start any non-pharmacological concomitant treatment.
Conclusions. In summary, Synvisc(R) viscosupplementation should be rated among the safest and most effective methods for the treatment of OA, for it alleviates OA-related pain, thus reducing the need for NSAIDs and steroid injections. The use of Synvisc(R) in OA patients alleviates pain regardless of sex and age, the effect being the most pronounced in patients with low- and medium-grade radiographic changes.     

Malignant T cells express lymphotoxin α and drive endothelial activation in cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Lymphotoxin α (LTα) plays a key role in the formation of lymphatic vasculature and secondary lymphoid structures. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common primary lymphoma of the skin and in advanced stages, malignant T cells spreads through the lymphatic to regional lymph nodes to internal organs and blood. Yet, little is known about the mechanism of the CTCL dissemination. Here, we show that CTCL cells express LTα in situ and that LTα expression is driven by aberrantly activated JAK3/STAT5 pathway. Importantly, via TNF receptor 2, LTα functions as an autocrine factor by stimulating expression of IL-6 in the malignant cells. LTα and IL-6, together with VEGF promote angiogenesis by inducing endothelial cell sprouting and tube formation. Thus, we propose that LTα plays a role in malignant angiogenesis and disease progression in CTCL and may serve as a therapeutic target in this disease.