Thyroid antibodies and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with benign thyroid nodules treated by percutaneous ethanol injections.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of benign thyroid tumors with percutaneous ethanol injections (PEI) is an alternative to radioiodine and surgery. This procedure causes a release of large amounts of denaturated thyroglobulin within the gland which may become an autoantigen, triggering the mechanism of autoimmunization. The aim of the study was to investigate whether ethanol injections can induce increased levels of thyroid autoantibodies and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in patients with nonfunctioning or pre-toxic thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients (31 F, 3 M) with single benign thyroid tumors were enrolled, 23 (20 F/3 M) with nonfunctioning nodule (group 1) and 11 (F) with pre-toxic nodule characterized by normal free thyroid hormones and low TSH (group 2). Under sonographic guidance, sterile 96% ethanol solution was injected into thyroid nodules at 2-week intervals up to a dose of 0.7-1.0 ml of ethanol per 1.0 ml nodule volume. TSH, fT4, thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroperoxidase antibodies as well as TNF-apha levels were assessed prior to alcohol administration and 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: PEI treatment decreased tumor volume by 75.8% in group 1 and by 80.4% in group 2, and normalized TSH level in 90.9% of patients with pre-toxic nodules. No statistically significant differences in thyroperoxidase antibodies and TNF-alpha levels were observed during the study period in both groups. Thyroglobulin antibody levels increased significantly 6 months after treatment in both groups, but returned to the baseline levels after 12 months. No significant difference in peak thyroglobulin antibody levels between the two groups was seen. CONCLUSION: PEI procedure is a safe method for treating nonfunctioning and pre-toxic thyroid nodules since this treatment reduces tumor size significantly without inducing long-lasting autoimmune reactions in the thyroid gland. Transient increase in thyroglobulin antibodies indicates that this procedure should be performed with caution in patients at risk of autoimmune diseases.

[Tumor necrosis factor alpha and its soluble receptors in serum of patients with coronary artery disease]. / Czynnik martwicy nowotworów alpha i rozpuszczalne formy jego receptorów w surowicy u chorych na chorobe wiencowa.

TNF-alpha as a pleiotropic, proinflammatory cytokine seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). TNF-alpha is binding to two cell surface receptors and its serum activity is modified by soluble forms of these receptors: sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II. The aim of this study was to assess serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II in patients (pts) with CAD. We examined serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II by ELISA in: 45 pts with stable exertional angina (group I); 32 pts with unstable angina (group II) within 6, 24, and 48 h after the chest pain; and 23 pts before and 6, 24, and 48 h after PTCA (group III). The control group (group C) consisted of 20 healthy subjects. We evaluated: clinical state of patients and results of some diagnostic examinations (lipids, ECG, echocardiography, coronary angiography). Mean serum concentrations of TNF-alpha were significantly higher in pts ith CAD (group I: 18.25 +/- 5.5 pg/ml; group II: 17.24 +/- 4.0 pg/ml; group III: 18.70 +/- 0.6 pg/ml; p < 0.001) than in healthy pts (8.31 +/- 1.4 pg/ml). In turn mean serum concentrations of sTNF-R I were significantly higher both in group I (1399.6 +/- 536.3 pg/ml; p < 0.05) and III (1544.0 +/- 391.4 pg/ml; p < 0.01) than in control group (1093.9 +/- 456.9 pg/ml). There were not differences in mean serum concentrations of sTNF-R II. We found no differences between mean serum concentrations of TNF-alpha, sTNF-R I and sTNF-R II either after the chest pain (group II); or before and after PTCA (group III). In group I mean TNF-alpha correlated with serum triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.412 and r = -0.424; p < 0.01); sTNF-R I correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = -0.309; p < 0.05); and sTNF-R II correlated with total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.311 and r = 0.316; p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of TNF-alpha are increased in patients with CAD, but this does not reflect the clinical state of patients. In pts with stable angina these increased levels of TNF-alpha may be accompanied with higher concentrations of sTNF-R I--it seems to be the compensatory mechanism in long-term atherosclerosis. Lipid disturbances may influence the cytokines metabolism in pts with CAD.

[P-selectin and E-selectin in serum of patients with coronary artery disease]. / Selektyna P i selektyna E w surowicy krwi chorych na chorobe wiencowa.

UNLABELLED: Evidence for the role of chronic inflammation in atherogenesis has been well documented. Selectins mediate the first step in leukocyte adhesion and may contribute to the pathogenesis of stable and unstable angina. METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 patients (pts) with coronary artery disease (CAD) documented coronarographically: 27 pts with stable exertional angina (group A), 32 pts with unstable angina (group B). 20 healthy persons were the control group (group C). Serum levels of E-selectin and P-selectin were measured by ELISA method both before and after the treadmill ECG stress test (ST) in groups A and C. In group B the measurements were carried out at 6, 24, and 48 hours following an episode of chest pain. RESULTS: There were no differences between the baseline serum levels of selectins as determined in groups A and C. In patients with stable angina, the post-ST concentrations of E-selectin were significantly higher (68.8 +/- 29 ng/ml) in comparison to both baseline (38.7 +/- 15 ng/ml), and group C-values (pre-ST: 35.1 +/- 16; post-ST: 49.9 +/- 15 ng/ml). In unstable patients, serum P-selectin levels were higher when compared to those found in groups A and C (group A: 142.3 +/- 24; group B: 190.1 +/- 99; group K: 136.4 +/- 33 ng/ml). No differences between selectins concentrations were observed at fixed times after an episode of chest pain. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble selectins levels in pts with stable angina are comparable to those of healthy persons. Significant increase of E-selectin concentration as induced by ST may reflect endothelial response to exercise. Patients with unstable angina had elevated levels of P-selectin, which seems to be associated with enhanced platelet and leukocyte activation. The serum levels of selectins may indirectly reflect clinical condition of pts with CAD.

Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and soluble TNF-alpha receptors in obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether weight reducing treatment modulates serum concentration of TNF-alpha and two soluble TNF-alpha receptors in obese subjects. SUBJECTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and two soluble receptors (sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2), plasma glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglicerides were measured in 27 obese subjects (age 48 +/- 12y, body mass index (BMI): 36 +/- 6 kg/m2) before and after 3 months weight reducing treatment consisted of a diet & 1,000 kcal/day and physical exercises. RESULTS: The mean loss of weight during 3 months' treatment was 9.3 +/- 3.3 kg. The serum concentration of TNF-alpha decreased after weight loss and at the same time both of the receptors (sTNF-R1,sTNF-R2) increased significantly. CONCLUSION: The observed decrease of the serum concentration of TNF-alpha and the increase in both TNF soluble receptors after weight reducing treatment in obese subjects, may be a counter-regulation preventing further weight loss.

[Sensitivity of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains to the disinfectants]. / Wrazliwosc szczepów Klebsiella pneumoniae na srodki dezynfekcyjne.

The sensitivity of 2 Klebsiella strains (isolated from hospital environment--Ks and museum--K28) to 7 disinfectants with the sensitivity of referent strain E. coli NCTC 8196 were compared. Suspension method was applied. Determined the sensitivity Klebsiella strains for phenol, septyl, lizol, chloramine, formalin, glutaraldehyde and laurosept in compare with sensitivity of E. coli during 10 minutes of exposure. Certify the insignificant of difference in testing sensitivity of both Klebsiella strains on the majority disinfectants and more sensitive those strains than referent strain E. coli. In the case of chloramine the difference was almost two fold--the value concentration ratio of the solutions giving bactericidal effect for E. coli in comparing the some concentration for Ks was 2.3. Only in the case of formalin the sensitivity of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae was inverse--the value of concentration ratio was 0.51--E. coli strain was 1.9 more sensitive than Ks strain and 1.6 more sensitive than K28 strain.

[The selected pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the patients with coronary heart disease: preliminary communication]. / Wybrane cytokiny pro- i antyzapalne w surowicy krwi chorych z choroba wiencowa--doniesienie wstepne.

Recent findings suggest that inflammation and cytokines regulation may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to assess serum concentrations of selected pro- (TNF alpha) and antiinflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in patients with coronary heart disease. We studied 29 patients with coronary heart disease: 14 with stable angina (group I) and 15 with unstable angina (group II). The control group (group K) consisted of 10 healthy subjects. Patients with inflammatory diseases, previous myocardial infarction (last 6 months) and with ECG abnormalities, that would invalidate ST-segment analysis, were excluded from examined groups. We evaluated: clinical state of patients and results of some diagnostic examinations (lipids, ECG, echocardiography, coronary angiography, concomitant diseases). In each patients serum levels of TNF alpha and IL-10 were measured according to the special protocol by ELISA. The mean serum concentrations of TNF alpha and IL-10 were significantly higher in group I (respectively: 18.75 +/- 11.7 pg/ml, 89.0 +/- 114.9 pg/ml) and II (14.21 +/- 5.9 pg/ml, 49.38 +/- 72.9 pg/ml) in comparison to the healthy subjects (9.41 +/- 1.7 pg/ml, 9.69 +/- 4.5 pg/ml). We found positive correlations between mean TNF alpha and IL-10 concentrations in group II (48 hours after last symptom) and between mean TNF alpha concentration and LVM (left ventricular mass), LVMI (left ventricular mass index) in group I. The concentrations of TNF alpha and IL-10 did not correlate with other clinical parameters. The results of our study suggest that serum concentrations of pro- (TNF alpha) and antiinflammatory (IL-10) cytokines may be increased in patients with stable and unstable angina. These increased concentrations do not reflect the clinical state of patients.

[TSH receptor antibodies in the recurrent goiter after surgical treatment of Graves-Basedow disease]. / Przeciwciala przeciw receptorowi dla TSH w wolu nawrotowym po operacyjnym leczeniu choroby Gravesa-Basedowa.

The serious complication after surgical treatment is goitre renewai. Very important is therefore the correct diagnosis based also on laboratory investigation, enabling early detection of dysthyreosis. The aim of work was assessment of immunological states of thyroid gland of patients with goitre recurrence treated surgically because of Graves-Basedow, based on investigation of TSH receptor antibodies. The time from the surgery to the examination ranged from two to eleven years. The laboratory investigation contained determination of thyroxin, free thyroxin triiodothyronin, thyreotropin and antibodies directed against TSH receptor(TRAb). It has been found that average concentration of TRAb and frequency was significantly higher in recurrent goitre then in group without goitre renewal. The results of investigation indicates usefulness of determination of thyroid antibodies in diagnosis of recurrent goitre after surgical treatment of Graves-Basedow disease.

[Sensitivity of Pseudomonas sp. strain isolated from distilled water to disinfectants]. / Wrazliwosc na srodki dezynfekcyjne szczepu Pseudomonas wyizolowanego z wody destylowanej.

The aim of the study was to compare Pseudomonas sp. strain isolated from distilled water and grown on the sterile filtrate from this water with the referent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6749 grown under the standard conditions, with the respect to their sensitivity to eight common disinfectants. Partly modified EN 1040 method was applied. The reduction factor (RF) for at least five concentrations of each of the products were determined. The linear relationship between concentration of the disinfectants and RF was established in a graphic form. Sensitivity of the strains was compared at the RF = 4. The WS strain was found to be more sensitivity than the referent strain to the disinfectants. The ratio concentrations of the solutions that were effective during 15 minutes against both the strains were; 1.3 for ethyl alcohol; 2.1 for glutaraldehyde; 1.7 for formalin; 1.85 for phenol. In the case of chloramine-T, the sodium salt of dichloroisocyanuric acid, and peracetic acid the ratios of concentrations were 156.0; 96.5 and 21.5 respectively. They indicate much higher sensitivity of the strain isolated from distilled water to these chemicals.

[The action of ultraviolet radiation on microorganisms found in air]. / Dzialanie promieniowania UV na drobnoustroje znajdujace sie w powietrzu.

The effect of a device with UV lamp on the microorganisms in the air was investigated. The air was continuously pumped through the device for 24 h. After that time the number of microorganisms was reduced by 0.3 log.

[Factors modulating the sensitivity of bacterial spores to steam under pressure]. / Czynniki modelujace wrazliwosc spor bakterii na dzialanie pary wodnej w nadcisnieniu.

The sensitivity of spores B. subtilis and B. stearothermophilus to steam under pressure depended on the growth medium and duration of cultivation. B. subtilis and B. stearothermophilus produced the largest number of spores on medium with Mn and yeast extract. However the spores grown on the medium were not the most resistant. The resistant spores was growing up with the age of cultures. The highest level of resistance was obtained in the case of the medium with Ca, after 7-10 days of cultivation. The sporicidal effect of steam under pressure depended on the number of spores on the test.

[Microbiological contamination of disinfectants used in hospitals for the disinfection of medical instruments. Part II: The estimation of sensitivity of isolated strains of bacteria in disinfectants]. / Zanieczyszczenie mikrobiologiczne plynów stosowanych w szpitalach do dezynfekcji narzedzi lekarskich. Czesc II. Okreslenie wrazliwosci wyizolowanych szczepów bakterii na srodki dezynfekcyjne.

The sensitivity, on basic disinfectants, of 30 strains of bacteria isolated from disinfecting fluid used in hospitals were estimated. The sensitivity of isolated strains were compared with that of laboratory test strains.

[The effect of temperature on bactericidal activity of certain disinfectants]. / Okreslenie wplywu temperatury na aktywnosc bakteriobójcza niektórych srodków dezynfekcyjnych.

Increase of the temperature by 10 degrees C (on the temperature range 22-32 degrees C) grows up the bactericidal activity of the disinfectants like Laurosept, Chloramine, Sterinol and Jodoseptan against E. coli and S. aureus. It has not observed the influence on the bactericidal activity of Septyl against S. aureus. Surface-active agents are more effective at higher temperature against S. aureus, phenolic disinfectants and Chloramine against E. coli.

[Microbiological contamination of disinfectants used in the hospitals for the disinfection of medical instruments. Part I]. / Zanieczyszczenie mikrobiologiczne plynów stosowanych w szpitalach do dezynfekcji narzedzi lekarskich. Czesc I.

Among the 10 bactericidal agents which were used in the hospitals to disinfection of medical instruments, Aldesan was the preparation exerting the strongest bactericidal effect. The highest bacterial counts were observed in the used solutions of Sterinol and preparations containing chlorhexidinum gluconicum. The bacterial contamination of ethyl alcohol 70% v/v shows that this solution should not be used to disinfection of "clean" medical instruments. The considerable proportion of samples contained Gram-positive cocci. It is reasonable, therefore, to compare the sensitivity of bacteria strains isolated from hospitals to disinfectants with that of the laboratory test strains.

[Sensitivity of surface microorganisms to disinfectants]. / Wrazliwosc na srodki dezynfekcyjne drobnoustrojów znajdujacych sie na powierzchniach.

The influence of humidity and temperature on survival of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa on the surfaces of titles, glass and blanket carriers has been estimated. The number of CFU was examined after exposure time 6 and 24 hours in temperatures of 21 degrees C, 37 degrees C and RH 35%, 95%. It was observed: 1. The important reduction of numbers of both microorganisms at temperature 37 degrees C and RH 95%, 2. The relatively high number of survival cells of P. aeruginosa on the surface of blankets at temp. 21 degrees C and RH 95%. The microorganisms on the carriers were previously kept for 24 h at temp. 21 degrees C, RH 35% and 95% and then exposed to solutions of chloramine, formalin, lysol and Sterinol (QAC). It was observed that there was a great dependence of the disinfecting effect on the degree of dessication of the surfaces. In all cases the resistance of contaminated carriers stored 24 h was higher at 95% RH than at 35% RH.

[Survival of microorganisms on surfaces in relation to moisture and temperature and the effect of desiccation of microorganisms on resistance to disinfectants]. / Uberlebensfähigkeit von Mikroorganismen auf Flächen in Abhängigkeit von Feuchtigkeit und Temperatur und Einfluss der Austrocknung der Mikroorganismen auf die Desinfektionsmittelresistenz.

In laboratory tests with carriers (glass, slab, blanket) at a high rel. humidity (95%) the survival was distinctly reduced by S. aureus at 37 degrees C and by Ps. aeruginosa at 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Against this after 24 h storing of contaminated carriers (glass) the resistance to disinfectants was higher at 95% rel. humidity as at 35% rel. humidity.