Role of galectin-3 in subclinical myocardial impairment in psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis has been shown to increase cardiovascular risk, and a contributor to this might be enhanced myocardial fibrosis promoted by the disease-associated pro-inflammatory milieu. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the relationship of galectin-3 (Gal-3) - a recognized mediator of fibrosis with inflammatory activation and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We enrolled 102 psoriatic patients (mean age: 52.5 ± 12.6 years). Sixty-five age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as controls. Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial function included estimation of LV longitudinal systolic deformation (GLS) and diastolic indices: tissue e' velocity and E/e' ratio. Laboratory measurements encompassed blood Gal-3, creatinine, glucose, insulin, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis were characterized by elevated Gal-3 (12.3 [9.3-13.4] vs. 6.3 [5.5-9.4] ng/mL in healthy controls, P < 0.001), ESR (17.0 [11.0-29.0] vs. 8.5 [6.0-13.0] mm, respectively, P < 0.001) and CRP (3.1 [1.7-10.6] vs. 1.9 [1.5-4.0] mg/L, respectively, P < 0.001), and reduced GLS (19.9 ± 3.7 vs. 22.0 ± 3.0%, respectively, P < 0.001). Progressive deterioration of GLS was demonstrated across Gal-3 tertiles. Significant associations between GLS and age (beta = -0.21, P < 0.04), Gal-3 (beta = -0.27, P < 0.01), CRP (beta = -0.22, P < 0.03), ESR (beta = -0.25, P < 0.01), waist circumference (beta = -0.22, P < 0.03) and waist-to-hip ratio (beta = -0.20, P < 0.05) were found. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the independent determinants of GLS in psoriatic patients were Gal-3 (beta = -0.24, P < 0.01) and ESR (beta = -0.21, P < 0.03). Regression-based mediation analysis demonstrated that the relationship between ESR and GLS was partially mediated by Gal-3. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in psoriasis, as evidenced by reduced GLS, is linked with the inflammatory upregulation, and enhanced profibrotic activity (as reflected by elevated serum Gal-3) may be involved in this process. These putative mechanisms may be responsible for the observed higher incidence of heart failure in this disease condition and should be considered as a potential target for preventive and therapeutic measures.

Effective therapy of insulinoma by using long-acting somatostatin analogue. A case report and literature review.

We are reporting a case of 68-year-old woman with insulinoma, after a non-successful tumor surgery and a long-term diazoxide treatment. She had a lot of hypoglycemia cases, and a weight gain of 50 kg. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated a tumor 28 mm in the diameter, in the head of the pancreas. The patient did not agree for the repeated insulinoma surgery. Furthermore, we found a lesion in the left adrenal gland (14 mm in the diameter) and in the right lung (8 mm in the diameter). Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed on the basis of hypertension, elevated levels of normetanephrine in the 24-h urine collection, and an elevated level of norepinephrine in a plasma sample. After the left adrenal gland removal we observed lower blood pressure. Since we had revealed the presence of somatostatin receptors by the somatostatin receptors scintigraphy, we decided to control hypoglycemia by a monthly subcutaneous administration of the long-acting lanreotide. Because of higher glucose levels (300-400 mg/dl) we started an intense insulin therapy. Nowadays, the patient feels better, she has lost 20 kg of her body weight, and we have observed normal blood glucose levels during the long-term lanreotide treatment. We have noticed neither side effects nor hypoglycemic episodes and we have reduced the dose of insulin. The presented case can be an evidence of the effective treatment of the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor of insulinoma type, with somatostatin analogue.

Unusual presentation of recurrent pituitary abscess. A case report and literature review.

Pituitary abscess is a rare pituitary pathology which may be potentially life-threatening if not treated. Therefore, early accurate diagnosis and therapy are extremely important. However, the clinical diagnosis is difficult because there are no clinical symptoms characteristic of pituitary abscess. It is frequently indistinguishable clinically or with neuroimaging studies from other pituitary lesions. The MR diagnosis of pituitary abscess must be suspected in cases of sellar cystic mass with a peripheral rim enhancement after contrast administration. It must be highlighted that pituitary abscess may show various signal intensity on T1-weighted images, as in our case, making the diagnosis even more difficult. We report an unusual case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with a recurrent pituitary abscess, initially misdiagnosed as a pituitary adenoma because of its high signal intensity on T1-weighted images. The woman was operated on three times, using transsphenoidal access with a good final outcome.

Effects of estrogen and estrogen-progesteron on serum nitric oxide metabolite concentrations in post-menopausal women.

UNLABELLED: Estrogens have some anti-atherosclerotic properties and they influence nitric oxide (NO) production. The aim of this study was to determine NOx levels in post-menopausal women and the effect of estrogen/estrogen-progesteron therapy (ET/EPT) on plasma NO levels. Eighty postmenopausal women (M1) comprising 26 with surgically induced menopause (ET1), mean age 50.9+/-2.9 yr, and 54 with physiological menopause (EPT1), mean age 50.5+/-3.0 yr, were studied. Forty healthy pre-menopausal women, mean age 48.3+/-2.3 yr were the controls (C). The post-menopausal women were treated for 4 months: group ET1 with ET and group EPT1 with EPT. Serum estradiol (E2), FSH, NOx and lipid profile before and after therapy were measured. NOx levels were lower in group M1 than in group C (8.75+/-1.57 vs 10.27+/-2.62, p<0.01) and increased after hormonal therapy (10.65+/-2.38). NOx concentration showed significant positive correlation with E2 (r=0.25, p<0.05). Total cholesterol (240.9+/-43.2), LDL-cholesterol (155.2+/-33.6), triglycerides (124.8+/-54.1), and apolipoprotein B (1.52+/-0.33) were higher in group M1 than in group C (223.1+/-44.3, 133.0+/-38.2, 108.3+/-52.9, and 1.12+/-0.36, respectively), and after ET/EPT they decreased to the values observed in group C. There were no correlations between NO and lipids or apolipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS: ET and EPT improve NOx synthesis and endothelial relaxation. Medroxyprogesterone acetate added to E2 does not significantly influence NOx levels.

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their tissue inhibitors 1 and 2 in premenopausal obese women: relationship to cardiac function.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial fibrosis is one of the mechanisms underlying left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in obese patients and may result from dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) represent a regulatory system playing a crucial role in ECM metabolism. OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess plasma levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in obese young women and to evaluate the association between MMP/TIMP system components and LV function in this population. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-one women aged < 35 years with body mass index > 30 kg m(-2) and 30 healthy slim female controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 measurements and echocardiographic studies, including LV strain/strain rate evaluation. RESULTS: We demonstrated increased levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and decreased MMP-2 in the obese population. LV dysfunction shown in patients with obesity was characterized by significantly lower values of strain/strain rate parameters. Plasma MMP-2 correlated positively and TIMP-1 negatively with systolic strain (r = 0.39, P < 0.001 and r = -0.40, P < 0.001, respectively), peak systolic strain rate (r = 0.38, P < 0.001 and r = -0.27, P < 0.03, respectively) and peak early diastolic strain rate (r = 0.40, P < 0.001 and r = -0.24, P < 0.05, respectively). Plasma MMP-2, fasting insulin and body mass index proved the only independent determinants of strain/strain rate parameters of LV systolic and diastolic performance in obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In premenopausal obese women (1) plasma MMP/TIMP profile is altered, (2) abnormalities of LV function are related to the changes in the MMP/TIMP system that might promote attenuated ECM degradation, mainly to the downregulation of MMP-2.

Serum lipid peroxides and total antioxidant status in postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy.

Estradiol (E2) has antioxidant properties. The role of progestins in antioxidant defense is still unknown. We have evaluated the influence of E2 and E2 plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on serum lipid peroxide (LPO) levels, a marker of free radical reactions, and serum total antioxidant status (TAS) in postmenopausal women. Subjects consisted of 26 women with surgical menopause, before and after 4 months of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT; E2), and 54 women with natural menopause on hormone replacement therapy (HRT; E2 plus MPA). Forty premenopausal women served as a control group. Serum E2 was estimated by radioimmunoassay, follicle-stimulating hormone by IRMA methods, LPO and TAS by colorimetric methods. Before therapy, LPO levels in the postmenopausal women were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in the control group. After both ERT and HRT, LPO decreased significantly and did not differ between both groups and the control group. TAS was significantly lower in postmenopausal women (p < 0.001) than in the control group before therapy. After both ERT and HRT, TAS increased significantly and did not differ between both groups and the control group. We conclude that oxidative stress is increased after menopause. ERT and HRT inhibit the generation of free radicals and raise antioxidant potential to the levels found in premenopausal women. MPA did not influence the antioxidant action of E2.

Serum lipid peroxide levels and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Free radical reactions are involved in processes connected with aging. Estradiol acts as antioxidant and free radical scavenger, but the mechanism of this action remains unknown. Estradiol has a hydroxyphenolic structure and may donate hydrogen atoms to lipid peroxyradicals to terminate chain reactions. There are a few reports concerning the influence of estradiol on natural antioxidant enzyme activity, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT). The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between the levels of estradiol and lipid peroxide (LPO), a marker of membrane lipid peroxidation, and the correlation between estradiol and erythrocyte SOD and GSH-Px activity. The study included 13 premenopausal and 13 postmenopausal healthy women. Serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LPO, and erythrocyte SOD and GSH-Px activity were estimated in all subjects. Premenopausal women revealed significantly higher estradiol levels and lower LPO concentrations, as well as significantly higher GSH-Px activity than the postmenopausal group. SOD activity did not differ between the two groups. There was a negative correlation between serum estradiol and LPO levels as well as a positive correlation between estradiol and GSH-Px activity. These results support the hypothesis that estradiol exerts its antioxidant action not only through its chemical structure but probably also through its influence on natural cellular antioxidant enzyme activity.

Coexistence of parathyroid carcinoma and non-medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

A case of 35-year-old woman with parathyroid cancer is presented. Five years ago she underwent surgery for follicular thyroid cancer. Parathyroid cancer was evidenced by palpable, solid, irregularly shaped cervical tumor 5 cm in diameter. The patient had severe hyperparathyroidism confirmed by biochemical findings of hypercalcemia reaching 16 mg%, hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatasemia. Serum parathormone level was 23-fold higher than the norm. These findings were accompanied by polyuria, polidypsia, symptoms of bone damage and renal calcification. After the surgery the patient's condition improved significantly despite persistent hyperparathyroidism. The level of parathormone decreased, but was still 11 times higher than the norm. Two months after the surgery she noticed a single node on her neck. The patient was re-operated for recurrence of parathyroid cancer. Serum parathormone level was then 6-8 times above the norm. Medical treatment with furosemide, calcitonin and biphosphonate resulted in normalization of calcemia and phosphatemia. Further management will aim at localization of foci of hyperactive parathyroid tissue in order to enable radical reoperation. The case is reported because of rare occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma as well as because the carcinoma occurred in a patient who previously had follicular thyroid cancer. There are no reports of coexistence of these two neoplasms in available literature.

[Characteristic features of primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid cancer--based on 2 cases]. / Cechy charakterystyczne pierwotnej nadczynnosci przytarczyc spowodowanej rakiem przytarczyc--na podstawie dwóch przypadków.

Two cases of women with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid cancer were presented. The authors noticed the following characteristic features of primary hyperparathyroidism in the course of the cancer: rich clinical symptomatology usually in form of considerable bone destruction, renal stones and nephrocalcinosis, biochemically very high level of calcium, above 14-16 mg%, threatening with hypercalcemic crisis and considerably higher parathormone serum concentration even up to twenty times above the norm. Parathyroid cancer, more often than adenoma, is a stiff and large neck tumour accessible for palpation. There are no specific biochemical and imagining examination techniques to recognise beyond any doubt the cancer character of primary hyperparathyroidism before operation. The histopathological diagnosis of this cancer is difficult and is not usually done intraoperatively. The recurrences of the malignancy are typical and they require reoperations after stating places of relapse or metastases.

[Pseudohypoparathyroidism]. / Rzekoma niedoczynnosc przytarczyc.

The article presents data concerning pseudohypoparathyroidism (PH TP). It is an unusual disease, which is characterized by the resistance of bones and kidney to PTH, followed by hypocalcaemia, hyperphospha-taemia, glandulary hypertrophy and hypersecretion of PTH. Patients with PTHT clinically manifest tetany seizures, soft tissue calcifications and many congenital malformations. The disease has a genetic etiology, it is connected with chromosome X and more often found in women. Clinical symptoms may be different and depend on genetic defect or its selectivity with reference to the tissues. At present we can distinguish three types of PHPT and pseudo-pseudo-HPT. The disease usually appears in the infancy. Early diagnosis and vitamin D3 or calcium treatment seem to be the most important for patient's condition. Too late treatment threatens with brain calcification followed by neurological defects and mental retardation. The long-lasting effect of PTH in bones can lead to their destruction, if bone receptors are completely sensitive.

[Parathyroid cancer]. / Rak przytarczyc.

Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease, causing 0.5% to 5.2% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases. Hyperparathyroidism accompanying a cancer is usually more severe with richer clinical symptomatology then hyperparathyroidism in the course of benign lesions. Every palpable neck tumour with high blood plasma calcium level should suggest the presence of parathyroid cancer. Development of cancer is slow but life prognosis depends on the extent of the first surgery. The prognosis is most favourable in case of 'en bloc' resection of tumour during the first surgical procedure. Therefore, diagnosis of cancer before operation is very important. If the surgery fails, the treatment should be aimed at lowering hypercalcaemia, which is the most common cause of the fatal sequel.

Influence of dehydroepiandrosterone on platelet aggregation, superoxide dismutase activity and serum lipid peroxide concentrations in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia.

UNLABELLED: Special interest in the role of DHEA dates back to the finding of a correlation between low serum DHEA concentrations and a higher morbidity and mortality rate due to coronary diseases in humans. Animal studies with experimental atherosclerosis confirmed the anti-sclerotic effect of DHEA. The mechanism of DHEA action remains unclear. We determined the influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration, a potential anti-atherogenic agent, on platelet aggregation, platelet superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and serum lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in male rabbits fed on a normal and atherogenic diet. 44 adult male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups: 1--control group fed on standard rabbit food, 2--fed on an atherogenic diet, 3--fed on an atherogenic diet with DHEA, 4--fed on standard food with DHEA. We detected blood platelet aggregation following (ADP) and collagen activation by means of photometry. Platelet SOD activity was detected by means of fluorometry determining the inhibition of adrenaline auto-oxidation. The serum LPO concentration was measured by means of the colorimetric method. The serum DHEA-S concentration was measured by means of RIA methods, and serum lipid levels were measured by means of Biomérieux manufactured kits. Results demonstrate that (1) elevated LPO concentrations in rabbits with hyperlipidemia did not decrease following DHEA administration. (2) In rabbits fed on a normal diet, DHEA caused a decrease of LPO, which emphasizes the positive influence of this steroid on the oxidative stress in healthy animals. Such a result was not seen in the group with severe hyperlipidemia. (3) Rabbits with hyperlipidemia demonstrated a significantly decreased SOD activity. (4) In healthy animals as well as in those with hyperlipidemia, DHEA administration caused an increase of platelet SOD activity, the main enzyme of the antioxidant defence system, which protects the organism against free radical damage (5) (DHEA had no influence on platelets aggregation in both tested groups). IN CONCLUSION: DHEA administration improves platelet SOD activity, which protects cells against oxidative damage. The hypothesis that DHEA administration leads to an increase in antioxidant potency requires further investigations.

The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone on histology of selected organs in rabbits on an atherogenic diet.

The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in fodder on the histology of selected organs in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia and in healthy rabbits was studied. Rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups: (1) control; (2) atherogenic diet; (3) atherogenic diet with addition of DHEA; (4) normal diet with addition of DHEA. After 12 weeks, the rabbits were bled. Tissue samples were collected, fixed in a 0.4% solution of buffered formalin, dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. Fragments of 5-7 microns were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as according to the van Gieson method. Histological analysis showed features of steatosis and intense degenerative changes in analyzed organs of animals from group 2, i.e. liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs and bone. The degenerative changes in the group which in addition to a fat-rich diet received DHEA, were similar to group 2, but much less intense. Histological pictures of organs of the rabbits which received DHEA and normal diet did not differ significantly from the control group. In animals with experimental hyperlipidemia, DHEA acts protectively, decreasing degenerative changes in internal organs caused by an atherogenic diet. DHEA does not change the histological picture of organs in healthy animals.

[A case of pseudohypoparathyroidism]. / Przypadek rzekomej niedoczynnosci przytarczyc.

We presented a case of a 22-year-old woman with pseudohypoparathyroidism type la. She was a typical congenital Albright syndrome patient with osteodystrophy including hands and feet, accompanied by obesity, strabismum, and retardation growth. Her calcium and phosphate levels were within the normal range which was stated during repeated hospitalisation due to infections. The diagnosis of PHPT was made at the age of 22 when the patient suffered twice from tetany seizure accompanied by numbness and tingling sensation in her hands and around the mouth as well as cramps in her legs. Typical phenotype were found: shortness in stature, obesity, rounded face, small hands and shortening of the third, the fourth and the fifth fingers in both hands and the third and the fourth toes in feet together with trophic disorders of nails and valgity of her knees. Somatic sings were accompanied by hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphatemia, hyperphosphatasia, lower calcium and phosphate urinary excretion and three-fold increased PTH serum level. Computerised tomography of the brain showed extensive evidence of cerebral calcification in basal ganglia as well as in dura mater and in skin covering the skull. X-ray and densitometry examinations revealed osteolytic foci in cranial, humeral and forearm bones as well as osteoporosis in palm and feet bones. The patient presented a typical case of PHPT with resistance of the kidney to PTH, what was confirmed by lower calcium and phosphate urinary excretion, with normal bone receptor sensibility to PTH. Elevated PTH levels resulted in osteoporosis and foci of osteolysis. Treatment with calcium and active form of vitamin D3 caused reversal of hypocalcemia symptoms and normalisation of biochemical features. We also found hormonal symptoms of latent hypothyreosis. No coexistence of PTH with thyroid receptor resistance was found. The case was described because it is rare disorder, difficult to diagnose. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to limit the irreversible changes as well as bone and central nervous system injury.

The influence of DHEA on serum lipids, insulin and sex hormone levels in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia.

The authors estimated the influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration, a potential antiatherogenic agent, on serum lipids, sex hormones and insulin levels in male rabbits fed on an atherogenic diet. They concluded that (1) DHEA administration has an unfavorable impact on the serum lipid profile; (2) an atherogenic diet causes insulin resistance; (3) the glucose and insulin levels are not related to DHEA in normally fed rabbits and in rabbits with hyperlipoproteinemia; (4) an atherogenic diet causes a slight increase of estradiol concentration; (5) DHEA treatment has no significant effect on testosterone and estradiol concentrations in both normally fed rabbits and those on an atherogenic diet; (6) DHEA administration has an anti-obesity effect.

[Autoimmunological syndromes of polyglandular insufficiency]. / Autoimmunologiczne zespoly niedoczynnosci wielogruczolowej.

The data is presented on autoimmunological syndromes of polyglandular insufficiency (PGA). PGA I occurs mainly in children and includes chronic candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, adrenal and parathyroid failure. PGA II also called Schmidt syndrome occurs in adults and includes simultaneous development of Addison disease and thyroid failure, in half the cases insulin-dependent diabetes is present. PGA III is simultaneous development of thyroid failure and other immunological syndromes with exclusion of Addison disease. The isolation of PGA III has been questioned. Patients with PGA require substitutional treatment and monitoring for development of accompanying other autoimmune diseases.

[A case of Schmidt's syndrome]. / Przypadek zespolu Schmidta.

A typical case of Schmidt syndrome is reported. The syndrome comprises signs of primary adrenocortical failure and hypothyroidism. Other endocrine and non-endocrine immunopathies may be present also, such as type I diabetes, gonadal failure, Addison-Biermer anaemia, myasthenia gravis, vitiligo or alopecia areata. The possibility of these concomitant changes should be taken into account in the treatment of Schmidt syndrome. The case in a 52-year-old woman is reported in view of rare occurrence of thr syndrome and its few descriptions in the Polish literature as well as diagnostic difficulties.

[Treatment of hyperandrogenic manifestations in polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Leczenie objawów hiperandrogenizmu w zespole wielotorbielowatych jajników.

Etiopathogenesis of the polycystic ovarian disease is not clarified. Therefore, optimum therapy of hyperandrogenic syndromes, menstrual and fertility disorders pose a difficult problem. Sequential therapy with estrogens and progestagens is of value in young women, who are not planning to conceive in order to reduce hirsutism and regulate menses. A reduction of hirsutism, acne and seborrhea is produced within 3 months. However, cessation of the treatment produces the symptoms of excessive androgen production. Another method is therapy with antiandrogens, especially cyproterone acetate. This drug inhibits androgens biosynthesis and has also peripheral activity. Spironolactone is another antiandrogen frequently used, but it is known as a primarily diuretic agent. It acts primarily at the androgen receptor sites. Other antiandrogens such as ketoconazole and flutamide are used less frequently. It has been shown, that cimetidine--known H2 receptor inhibitor--also decreases the symptoms of hyperandrogenism. However, cimetidine has not been used for the treatment of polycystic ovarian disease. In cases of enzymatic defects in adrenocortical steroido-synthesis glucocorticoids are used, mainly low doses of triamcinolone and dexamethasone. Other therapies are preferred in case of polycystic ovarian disease in women, who want to conceive. Clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins, mainly FSH, are used to induce ovulation. If pharmacotherapy does not produce ovulation, wedge resection of the ovaries must be performed.

[Results of treatment for acromegaly with long-acting bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR)]. / Wyniki leczenia akromegalii bromokryptyna o przedluzonym dzialaniu (Parlodel LAR).

Long-acting bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR) was used for treatment of 25 patients with acromegaly during the period of 3 to 24 months. Even after the first intramuscular injection of 50 milligrams of the drug a decrease in growth hormone (GH) concentration by at least 50% of the initial values was observed in 28% of patients and an improvement in a sense of well-being in 44%. After 6 months of administration of 100 mg of Parlodel LAR at intervals of 28 days a decrease in GH level by at least 50% was observed in a larger percentage of patients (36.8%), and in 10.5% of them there was a fall of GH concentration to below 10 microU/ml. Side effects, like nausea, vomiting and orthostatic hypotony, appeared within several hours after the injection of Parlodel and lasted in most cases up to 24 hours. After consecutive injections of the drug the side effects were of lesser intensity or completely disappeared. The results obtained allow to conclude that Parlodel LAR is an effective drug in some cases of acromegaly. In most patients the therapeutic effect can be seen after the first injection, but in some cases it appears only after several months of treatment.

[Activity of the enzyme converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II (ACE) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Aktywnosc enzymu konwertujacego angiotensyne I w angiotensyne II (ACE) w zespole wielotorbielowatych jajników.

Significantly higher values of systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure as compared to the corresponding control group was found in a group of 31 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) of age between 22 and 42 years (mean 34 years). It was demonstrated that the activity of the enzyme converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II (angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE) as determined by the spectrofluorometric method of Friedland and Silverstein did not differ significantly from that found in the control group. No significant correlation was also found between the ACE activity and the concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin and estradiol both in the patients and in the control group.