Interactions between an M. tuberculosis strain overexpressing mtrA and mononuclear phagocytes.

PURPOSE: It was previously shown that the bacterial two-component regulatory signal transduction (2CR) system MtrAB may be associated with the ability of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) to survive in macrophages. In the present work Mtb mutants: Rv-78 with overexpression of mtrA and Rv-129 with elevated level of phosphorylation-defective MtrA were used for further investigation of the potential influence of the MtrAB system on Mtb interaction with human monocytes. MATERIAL/METHODS: Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of MHC class II molecules. The expression of genes for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cathepsin G was quantified by RT-PCR. The association of Mtb strains with Rab5 and Rab7 positive vacuoles was investigated applying confocal microscopy. IL-10 and IL-12 secretion by monocytes as well as the Mtb susceptibility to cathepsin G were investigated. RESULTS: Mutation-carried and wild type Mtb strains inhibited MHC class II expression on monocytes to a similar extent. Monocyte stimulation with mycobacteria led to the increased production of IL-10 but no detectable amounts of IL-12 or NO were observed. Expression of the gene for iNOS was not detected while that for cathepsin G was shown, however its intensity was not associated with MtrA mutation. Mtb mutant strains were more effectively enclosed in phagosomes containing the late endosome marker Rab7 as compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: The results may confirm the importance of the MtrAB system in mycobacterial capacity for successful survival in phagocytes, especially in the context of high degree of colocalization of Mtb Rv-78 to mature phagosomes.

Cross-species amplification of selected zebrafish, central stoneroller, and finescale dace microsatellites in lake minnow populations.

Fifteen sets of PCR primers designed for the amplification of microsatellite loci from Danio rerio and Phoxinus neogaeus Campostoma DNA that have been proven applicable for molecular studies of several species of cyprinids were tested for amplification of microsatellites from lake minnow DNA. The samples were taken from 298 fish inhabiting 6 distinct populations located in Poland, and DNA was extracted from dried fin clips. There were 6 sets of primer loci that were identified as useful for amplification of microsatellites from lake minnow DNA, which were polymorphic and could be applied in population genetics of this species. Three other sets of primers provided PCR products with a considerable number of stutter bands obscuring the identity of true microsatellite alleles. The amplification of lake minnow microsatellites using the 6 remaining primer sets was unsuccessful.

Polymorphisms of the DNA repair genes XRCC1 and ERCC4 are not associated with smoking- and drinking-dependent larynx cancer in a Polish population.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking generate oxidative DNA damage and may contribute to larynx carcinogenesis. The X-ray repair cross complementing 1 (XRCC1) and excision repair cross-complementing rodent repair deficiency, complementation group 4 (ERCC4(XPF)) genes are important components of DNA excision repair systems, which repair DNA damage induced by various factors, including tobacco smoking and alcohol. AIM: To investigate the association between the genotypes of the XRCC1-Arg399Gln (rs25487) and ERCC4-Arg415Gln (rs1800067) polymorphisms and smoking- and drinking-related larynx cancer in a Polish population. METHODS: The polymorphisms were determined by PCR-RFLP method in 253 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and 253 sex- and age-matched controls. RESULTS: We did not find any association between the investigated polymorphisms and larynx carcinoma, dependent on either smoking or drinking status. No association was found between these polymorphisms and larynx cancer grade, stage or age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that Arg399Gln polymorphism of XRCC1 gene and Arg415Gln polymorphism of ERCC4 gene may not be associated with smoking- and drinking-related larynx cancer in Polish population.

DNA double strand breaks repair and apoptosis induction in peripheral blood lymphocytes of head and neck cancer patients.

AIM: To evaluate the generation and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) as a critical factors that define the efficiency of radiation therapy of cancer patients. METHODS: Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from 18 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and 18 healthy donors were studied. The efficiency of DSBs repair after genotoxic treatment with hydrogen peroxide and gamma-radiation were examined by neutral comet assay. MTT assay was used for cell viability analysis and Annexin V-FITC kit specific for kinase-3 was employed to determine apoptosis. RESULTS: Lymphocytes from HNSCC patients were sensitive to genotoxic treatment and displayed impaired DSBs repair. Finally, as a consequence of this finding we have evidenced higher rate of apoptosis induction after gamma-radiation treatment of lymphocytes from HNSCC patients than those from healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: DSBs repair and increased apoptosis in cells of patients with head and neck cancer is relevant for efficient therapy of HNSCC.

[Two cases of rare abdominal hernias]. / Dwa przypadki rzadkich przepuklin brzusznych.

Two cases of rare abdominal hernias were presented: sciatic and obturator. Both presented cases confirm diagnostic difficulties, often leading to delay in therapy. The best way to reduce mortality in these patients seems to be the increase of number of preoperative diagnoses. In obturator hernia's diagnosis the attention is payed to Romberg's symptom, although in sciatic--to symptoms of sciatic nerve irritation or anuria. All diagnostic doubts should be solved with the help of herniography or pelvic CT.

[Complications and failure after partial laryngectomy]. / Powiklania i niepowodzenia po operacjach czesciowych krtani.

The frequency and type of failures and complications after 259 partial laryngectomies in patients treated for cancer of larynx in Otolaryngology Department of Medical University of Lodz from 1980 to 1996 were evaluated. Among the failures a local and nodal recurrence, a distant metastasis and a second primary malignant tumor were taken into consideration. Furthermore, among the complications disfunction of breathing, swallowing, voice emission and abnormal healing were analyzed. The most often failure was local recurrence which had been observed in 36 patients (13.9%) and the most often complication was a granulation in larynx which had been observed in 45 patients (17.4%).

[Neoplasm recurrence after partial laryngectomy]. / Wznowy nowotworowe po operacjach czesciowego usuniecia krtani.

The frequency and type of failures after 121 partial laryngectomies in patients treated for cancer of larynx during 10 years (1980-1989) were evaluated. Failures in treatment (in the from of a local and nodal recurrence, distant metastasis or second primary malignant tumour) were noted in 33 (27.3%) cases. The most often failure was local recurrence which had been observed in 24 (19.8%) patients. In 8 cases--32% of local recurrences they developed in time over 5 years after surgery.

[Second primary malignant neoplasms in patients treated in the Otolaryngology Clinic AM of Lodz in the years 1981-1989]. / Drugie pierwotne nowotwory zlosliwe u chorych leczonych w Klinice Otolarnygologii AM w Lodzi w latach 1981-1989.

The incidence of multiple primary malignant tumours in 913 patients treated during 9 years for malignant neoplasms was investigated. In 24 (2.63%) cases second primary malignant neoplasm was diagnosed, mostly (in 19 cases-2.1%) it was correlated to cancer of larynx. In 18 cases (75% of all multiple tumours) neoplasms were metachronous, in 5-synchronous, and in one case--it was multifocal neoplasm (in both tonsils). In 3 patients three separate primary neoplasms were observed.

[Autogeneic bone transplants in the treatment of nose deformities]. / Przeszczepy autogenne kosci w leczeniu nosów siodelkowatych.

The late results of the nasal reconstruction by means of the autogenic osseous grafts from hip were described. 24 patients were described after being controlled 3 to 15 years after surgery. The deteriorations of the cosmetic effects were observed, because of the graft resorption. The complications at the place of taking graft were also possible. However, the authors stressed the usefulness of this autogenic osseous graft method of surgery.

[Limitation of hand function in workers with Dupuytren's contracture]. / Organiczenie czynnosci reki u pracowników fizycznych z przykurczem Dupuytrena.

A group of 72 physical workers with Dupuytren's contracture, subject to operation, was examined. Such advantages of early operative treatment as facility of surgery, shorter hospitalisation, shorter rehabilitation after operation, and quick return to previous occupation have been pointed out.

[Early mechanical strength of sutures of the finger flexor tendons]. / Frühe mechanische Festigkeit von Nähten der Fingerbeugesehnen.

The authors observed the behaviour of flexor tendon repair under the influence of distracting loads. The methods of Bunnell, Kleinert and Kessler, who use the imbedded suture, were compared with the method of Becker, in which an external cross suture is used. The authors tested their own technique, using transplants or implants of corium, fascia, dura mater and polyester net, internally in the tendons, fastening them with an external cross suture. In the authors' technique the disruption of the tenorrhaphy occurs only with forces much greater than those needed for treatment by controlled mobilization.