Brachial endothelial function in subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia and its relationships to carotid artery intima-media thickness.

AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery in asymptomatic members of families with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) and to determine the relation between FMD and risk factors accompanying FCH. We also investigated the association between FMD and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery. METHODS: Eighty-two members of 29 FCH families were divided into two groups: probands and hyperlipidemic first-degree relatives (HL) (n=47) and normolipidemic first-degree relatives (NL) (n=35). The control (C) groups, C-HL (n=20) and C-NL (n=20), consisted of sex- and age-matched healthy individuals. FMD was assessed in the brachial artery by measuring the change in brachial artery diameter in response to reactive hyperemia. RESULTS: Both hyperlipidemic subjects and their NL had significantly lower FMD (3.4+/-3% vs 6.3+/-2.8%, P<0.001, 5.2+/-2.3% vs 7.8+/-2.8%, P<0.01, respectively) compared to controls. In multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis, FMD in members of FCH families was independently associated with sex (P<0.001), age (P<0.01), C-peptide (P<0.05) and borderline with glycemia (P=0.052). FMD correlated inversely with IMT in all subjects of FCH families and in hyperlipidemic members. In multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis this relation remained independent (P<0.001, P<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Members of FCH families showed impaired FMD, which was independently associated with markers of insulin resistance. FMD and IMT were independently associated in hyperlipidemic, but not in normolipidemic members of FCH families.     

Temporal bone findings in trisomy 18 and 21 syndromes

The temporal bones from fetuses with known autosomal trisomy syndromes were examined histopathologically after spontaneous or induced abortions. Fetal ages dated from the 17th to the 24th week of pregnancy. In all, 17 temporal bones from nine fetuses were studied and included seven cases of Down's syndrome and two of Edwards' syndrome. Temporal bones from fetuses with Down's syndrome had more abnormalities of the external and middle ears than of the inner ear. The bones from the fetuses with Edwards' syndrome showed abnormalities of the external or middle ear and retarded development of the inner ear (failed ossification of the otic capsule and unformed organ of Corti).     

Virus-like particles in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks

Virus-like particles were found in the brain and salivary glands of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks double infected with Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsiella phytoseiuli. The particles were spherical (diameter of about 70 nm) and consisted of an electron-dense inner core and a dense external coat.     

Stimulation of glycolysis in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells with phenylhydrazonopropanedinitrile and others uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation

The metabolic consequences of the uncoupling effect of phenylhydrazonopropanedinitrile and others uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were investigated. Upon application of uncouplers in concentrations stimulating the respiration of EAC cells the accelerate glucose uptake and lactate production was observed. The maximal glycolysis stimulation was fourfold in relation to control at the given experimental conditions. Simultaneously the degree of conversion of glucose on lactate was increased. The acceleration of glycolysis was accompanied by stimulation of 14C-labeled adenine and valine incorporation indicating the increased rate of biosynthetic processes. The prolongation of uncoupler action time and application of their higher concentrations cause the inhibition of glycolysis and biosynthetic processes which is evoked with nonspecific effects of the compounds.     

Mycotic diseases in patients with AIDS]

The author analyzes factors influencing the occurrence of mycoses in AIDS-patients with different stages of the disease. The clinical picture, the diagnosis and sources of common as well as uncommon mycoses accompanying AIDS are given in detail. Candidosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and dermatomycosis complicate AIDS frequently most. The course of all mycoses in AIDS patients is quite different from the course of the same mycoses complicating other diseases.     

The mechanism of cytolytic and cytostatic activity of benfluron

Benfluron at concentrations of 0.26 and 0.52 mumol l-1 inhibited the formation of V79 colonies in a concentration-dependent way. Diminution of the size of colonies of the treated cells was accompanied by a decrease in protein content per cell. At the same time an increase in metabolic activity was observed. Benfluron blocked the V79 cells in S and G2 phases of the cell cycle and at higher concentrations induced cell lysis documented by alterations in cell membrane permeability and morphology. The in vitro membrane effect of benfluron involved a biphasic modulation of the cardiac sarcolemmal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity.