Spontaneous fractures of the lesser metatarsals secondary to an amputated hallux and peripheral neuropathy

A general overview of the literature concerning the development of diabetic neuropathic arthropathy is discussed. A case report is presented dealing with spontaneous fractures of the lesser metatarsal in a patient with an amputated hallux and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus.     

Complex treatment and care of prostatic carcinoma patients

The authors' 5-year experience in the management and care of prostatic carcinoma are summarized. Their method differs essentially from earlier practice. They have found a new diagnostic and therapeutic method by introducing the TECO irradiation therapy, extensively using bone scintigraphy, by introducing cytostatics, extensively applying the prostate-specific acid phosphatase and by performing rectal biopsy of the prostate. They describe their own observations on the diagnostics and therapy of prostatic carcinoma. They stress that none of the therapies is the method of choice, the use of the various kinds of treatment are defined by strict indications. They state that care of prostatic cancer patients is highly important because only observation of the course of the disease may ensure the evaluation of treatment results and the indication of the adequate therapeutic method.     

Diabetic microangiopathy in subcutaneous fatty tissue

To evaluate diabetic microangiopathy in the subcutaneous fatty tissue objectively and to clarify the relation between pathogenesis of membranocystic lesion (MCL) and diabetic microangiopathy, specimens obtained from 23 diabetics and 23 nondiabetics were examined histologically. Ten of 23 diabetics and 7 of 23 non-diabetics were examined electron microscopically. Using electron micrographs measurements were made of the following areas; entire microvessel section, basal laminae, luminal space, endothelial cells, pericytes, and we scored the following findings: veil cells, cellular debris and vacuoles in the thickened basal laminae, abnormal densities of the endothelial cells. In diabetics, the area of luminal space was smaller and the area of basal laminae was larger than those of non-diabetics. Scored assessment of the veil cells, cellular debris and vacuoles in the thickened basal laminae were statistically significant in diabetics. Veil cells around the subcutaneous microvessels were less frequent and possessed fewer cytoplasmic processes than those around the dermal microvessels. Histologically, MCLs were frequently demonstrated in skin disorders resulting from diabetic microangiopathy, including 3 cases of pigmented pretibial patches, and 1 case of diabetic bulla. MCLs were more frequently demonstrated in diabetic cases with retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy than those without complications. MCLs were detected only on the shins and the feet. MCLs were more frequently seen in cases with larger area of basal laminae than those with smaller area of basal laminae in morphometric measurement of electron micrographs. The present studies suggest that microangiopathy in the subcutaneous tissue is a pathological feature of diabetes mellitus and is a contributory factor to the formation of MCL.     

Circulating immune complex levels in patients with schistosomiasis and complications

Circulating immune complexes (CIC), adult schistosome antibody, and total immunoglobulin concentrations were estimated in sera from 35 chronic Schistosoma mansoni patients with different infection intensities and different pathological complications. High CIC levels were present in about one-third (10/35) of the sera. Most of the patients (9/10) with elevated CIC levels also had hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly. This finding is significant in the pathogenesis of schistosomal liver fibrosis and may also apply to other liver diseases, especially cirrhosis. No correlation was found between infection intensity as judged by stool egg counts and CIC levels. A reverse relationship was observed between the level of anti-adult worm IgG and CIC levels. CIC levels were elevated within 7 and 28 days after treatment in most patients. Hypergammaglobulinaemia was detected in most sera.     

Impaired insulin receptor binding and postbinding defects of adipocytes from normal and diabetic pregnant women

To evaluate the relative contribution of insulin binding and postbinding defects of glucose utilization in peripheral tissue during normal and diabetic pregnancy, we have studied the in vitro insulin action of isolated adipocytes from eight nondiabetic pregnant women and nine pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who were undergoing cesarian section. The pregnant women were compared with a matched group of normal nonpregnant women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Insulin binding to adipocytes measured at tracer insulin concentration was reduced by 45% (P less than 0.01) in normal pregnant women and by 30% (P less than 0.02) in pregnant women with diabetes. In contrast, no changes were found between the three groups in insulin binding to pure monocytes and erythrocytes. The glucose transport system in fat cells from both groups of pregnant women was characterized by impaired maximal (P less than 0.05) and half-maximal (P less than 0.05) response to insulin. When fat cell glucose metabolism was studied, pregnant diabetic women exhibited decreased basal lipogenesis (P less than 0.05) and decreased maximal responses of lipogenesis and glucose oxidation to insulin stimulation (P less than 0.05). Similar but less pronounced abnormalities were seen in glucose metabolism of adipocytes from nondiabetic pregnant women. In conclusion, both in late normal and diabetic pregnancy, insulin binding to adipocytes is significantly reduced and accompanied by decreased insulin sensitivity and reduced maximal insulin responsiveness of glucose transport and by impaired basal and maximally insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism.