Increased Number of Mast Cells in Epicardial Adipose Tissue of Cardiac Surgery Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

Chronic inflammation of adipose tissue is associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Mast cells represent an important component of the innate defense system of the organism. In our work, we quantified mast cell number in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and right atrial myocardium (RA) in patients undergoing open heart surgery (n=57). Bioptic samples of EAT (n=44), SAT (n=42) and RA (n=17) were fixed by 4 % paraformaldehyde and embedded into paraffin. An anti-mast cell tryptase antibody was used for immunohistochemical detection and quantification of mast cells. We also demonstrated immunohistochemically the expression of CD117 and chymase markers. In EAT of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), higher incidence of mast cells has been found compared to patients without CAD (3.7±2.6 vs. 2.1±1.2 cells/mm(2)). In SAT and RA, there was no difference in the number of mast cells in CAD and non-CAD patients. Mast cells in SAT, EAT and RA expressed CD117 and chymase. An increased incidence of mast cells in EAT of CAD patients may indicate the specific role of these inflammatory cells in relation to EAT and coronary arteries affected by atherosclerosis.

Increased intestinal permeability in patients with short bowel syndrome is not affected by parenteral nutrition.

The aim of our study was to assess the presence and degree of intestinal leakage in subjects suffering from short bowel syndrome (SBS) and its modification by parenteral nutrition. To this end we assessed circulating levels of selected makers of intestinal permeability including zonulin, fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP-2), citrulline and glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2). We also measured lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) as a marker of circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide acting through the CD14 molecule. Eleven SBS and 10 age- and BMI-matched control subjects were included into the study. The effect of parenteral nutrition was assessed after 14 days, 6 and 12 months from its initiation, respectively. At baseline, SBS patients had increased gut permeability as measured by zonulin (47.24+/-2.14 vs. 39.48+/-1.20 ng/ml, p=0.006) and LBP (30.32+/-13.25 vs. 9.77+/-0.71 microg/ml, p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, SBS subjects had reduced FABP-2, unchanged citrulline and increased sCD14 and GLP-2 relative to control group. Throughout the whole study period the administered parenteral nutrition had no significant effect on any of the studied parameters. Taken together, our data show that patients with short bowel syndrome have increased intestinal permeability that is not affected by parenteral nutrition.

Insulin-like growth factor axis in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is involved in the regulation of growth and metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine selected parameters of IGF system at systemic and local levels [subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] to assess its possible role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). 37 pregnant women (21 with GDM and 16 without GDM) and 15 age-matched non-pregnant females were included in the study. Blood samples were taken in 28-32 and 36-38 weeks of gestation and 6-12 months after delivery. SAT and VAT samples were obtained during delivery or surgery. Compared with non-pregnant women, serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were increased in both groups of pregnant women. IGF-2 was elevated only in GDM women from 36 weeks of gestation culminating 6 months after delivery (p=0.003). Serum IGFBP-3 was increased and IGFBP-4 decreased in GDM women vs. pregnant women without GDM during the whole study (IGFBP-3: p?0.001 for GDM vs. non-GDM; IGFBP-4: p=0.004 for GDM vs. non-GDM). Pregnant women with GDM had decreased mRNA expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R and IGF-2R and IGFBP-4 in VAT and IGF-1R in SAT compared to pregnant women without GDM. Changes in local activity of IGF are associated with the development of GDM.

Changes in plasma concentrations and mRNA expression of hepatokines fetuin A, fetuin B and FGF21 in physiological pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus.

We measured plasma concentrations, adipose tissue and placental mRNA expression of hepatokines fetuin A, fetuin B and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in 12 healthy pregnant women (P group), 12 pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and 10 healthy non-pregnant women (N group) to explore their potential role in the etiopathogenesis of GDM. GDM and P group had comparable BMI, C-reactive protein (CRP) and glycated hemoglobin levels while IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels were higher in GDM group. Fetuin A and fetuin B levels were higher in pregnancy as compared to N group and decreased after delivery with no apparent influence of GDM. In contrast, the pattern of changes of circulating FGF21 levels differed between GDM and P group. Fetuin A concentrations positively correlated with CRP, TNF-alpha mRNA expression in adipose tissue and IL-6 mRNA expression in placenta. Fetuin B positively correlated with CRP. FGF21 levels correlated positively with IFN-gamma mRNA in adipose tissue and inversely with IL-8 mRNA in the placenta. Taken together, fetuin A and fetuin B levels were increased during pregnancy regardless of the presence of GDM. In contrast, FGF21 patterns differed between healthy pregnant women and GDM patients suggesting a possible role of this hepatokine in the etiopathogenesis of GDM.

Changes in omentin levels and its mRNA expression in epicardial adipose tissue in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: the influence of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Omentin is a protein produced by numerous tissues including adipose tissue. Its concentrations are decreased in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Experimental studies suggest that omentin may have anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. In the present study, we measured circulating omentin levels and its mRNA expression in epicardial and subcutaneous fat, intercostal and heart muscle before and after elective cardiac surgery in patients with CAD (CAD+, DM-, n=18), combination of CAD and DM (CAD+, DM+, n=9) or with none of these conditions (CAD-, DM-, n=11). The groups did not differ in baseline anthropometric and biochemical characteristics with the exception of higher blood glucose and HBA(1c) in CAD+, DM+ group. Baseline circulating omentin levels tended to be lower in CAD+, DM- and CAD+, DM+ groups as compared to CAD-, DM- group and cardiac surgery increased its concentration only in CAD-, DM- group. The change in serum omentin levels during surgery inversely correlated with epicardial fat thickness. While baseline omentin mRNA expression did not differ among the groups in any of the studied tissues, its increase after surgery was present only in subcutaneous fat in CAD-, DM- and CAD+, DM- groups, but not in CAD+, DM+ group. Intercostal muscle omentin mRNA expression increased after surgery only in CAD-, DM- group. In conclusion, cardiac surgery differentially affects omentin levels and subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle mRNA expression in patients without coronary artery disease and diabetes as compared to patients with these conditions.

Serum transferrin receptor in diagnosis of iron deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the diagnostic value of the serum transferrin receptor in distinguishing IDA (iron deficiency anemia) from ACD (anemia of chronic diseases) and combination of IDA and ACD (COMBI anemia) as compared to conventional laboratory tests of iron metabolism. BACKGROUND: Serum iron and serum ferritin are tests most commonly used for the detection of iron deficiency, however their values may be falsely changed. Serum fransferrin receptor (sTfR) has been introduced as a new tool, and its values are not affected by an increase in cytokine production in ACD patients. METHODS: In the retrospective study, 39 patients with IDA, 29 patients with ACD and 25 patients with COMBI, were evaluated using iron status tests including sTfR assay. The control group consisted of 33 healthy adults. RESULTS: Serum iron values in IDA, ACD and COMBI groups were not significantly different. Serum ferritin values distinguished IDA from ACD reliably but the diagnostic usefulness of ferritin measurements in ACD and COMBI patients is limited for their large variation breadth. Serum TfR concentrations were elevated in the vast majority of the IDA and COMBI patients and distinguished them from the ACD group. The distinguishing of IDA from COMBI of the single basis of iron status is still difficult. However, the detection of iron deficiency in COMBI patients is very useful for the initiation of replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that sTfR measurement is a valuable non-invasive tool for the diagnosis of iron depletion and an attractive supplement to more conventional laboratory tests in the detection of depleted iron stores. (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 25.).

Plasma gastrin levels in alcoholic and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis patients free from Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on gastrin levels in chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients have given conflicting results. These studies did not take into consideration the influence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on gastrin release. Also, there is no previous study that compared alcoholic CP patients to patients with idiopathic pancreatitis. Our aim was to measure basal and postprandial plasma gastrin levels in all CP patients, including subgroups of alcoholic, idiopathic, severe and mild CP patients, and compare them with healthy subjects after the eradication of H. pylori infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Basal and postprandial gastrin levels were measured in 30 patients with CP (10 patients with alcoholic and 20 patients with idiopathic CP) and in 25 healthy subjects. RESULTS: A significant increase in basal gastrin levels was found only in a subgroup of alcoholic CP (P<0.05) in comparison to healthy subjects. A significant increase in postprandial plasma gastrin levels (P<0.01) was found in all chronic pancreatitis compared to healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: In the absence of H. pylori infection, plasma gastrin levels were significantly higher in chronic pancreatitis patients than in healthy subjects. Chronic alcoholism, however, does not appear to be the only factor responsible for the increased plasma gastrin levels in these patients.

Effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor perindopril on haemostasis in essential hypertension.

Endothelial damage, platelet hyperactivity and other changes of blood coagulation may play a role in the vascular complications of essential hypertension. Undesirable changes of haemostasis induced by some anti-hypertensive drugs can encourage the acceleration of atherogenesis. Therefore, the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors on haemostasis is of interest. The therapeutic dose of perindopril was previously shown to reduce platelet aggregation. In the present study, selected parameters of haemostasis were investigated in 23 patients with first and second stage of non-treated essential hypertension. The measurements were carried out before therapy, after 1 week of placebo administration, and after 1 week and after 1 month of ACE-inhibitor perindopril therapy in a once-daily dose of 4 mg. Plasma prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, plasminogen and antithrombin III activities, protein C and free protein S antigens, total fibrinolytic activity as well as fibrin monomers and D-dimers were assayed. There were no significant changes in any haemostasis variables investigated following placebo administration or perindopril therapy. On the basis of this study, no unfavourable effects on haemostasis induced by this therapy were found. The platelet-inhibitory effect of perindopril, without any harmful effects on coagulation or fibrinolytic activity and coagulation inhibitors, is desirable in the new approach to hypertension treatment. These properties of perindopril may be important in terms of the beneficial role of anti-hypertensive drugs in cardiovascular morbidity.

Plasma cholecystokinin and somatostatin levels in chronic pancreatitis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The existence of a negative-feedback mechanism between pancreatic enzyme secretion and intraduodenal proteases and the role of cholecystokinin in its mediation in humans is debatable. The presence of such a feedback mechanism in chronic pancreatitis patients with exocrine enzyme deficiency possibly leads to an increase in cholecystokinin plasma levels. Somatostatin has been used in many studies in the therapy of pain in chronic pancreatitis and plays a role in the regulation of cholecystokinin levels, however data on its plasma levels are still lacking. METHODOLOGY: Basal and the postprandial cholecystokinin and somatostatin levels in 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis (11 with severe chronic pancreatitis and 19 with mild chronic pancreatitis) were measured 14 days after discontinuation of enzymatic substitution therapy and then were compared with the levels taken from 25 healthy subjects. RESULTS: The cholecystokinin postprandial plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic pancreatitis when compared with those of healthy individuals (P < 0.01). Basal, somatostatin, cholecystokinin and postprandial somatostatin levels were not significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. There was no correlation between basal and postprandial levels of cholecystokinin and somatostatin in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The cholecystokinin postprandial plasma levels were significantly higher in all patients with chronic pancreatitis when compared with healthy individuals, which suggests the role of cholecystokinin in the feedback control of pancreatic secretion.

[Effect of alendronate therapy on bone turnover--results of a multicenter study]. / Vplyv liecby alendronátom na kostný obrat--výsledky multicentrickej stúdie.

Sodium alendronate is a bisphosphonate of the IInd generation with a strong antiresorptive effect. Its favourable effect on reduction of the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures was repeatedly confirmed. The objective of the multicentre study was to evaluate the effect of administration of 10 mg of sodium alendronate combined with 1000 mg of elemental calcium administered in the course of three months on the N-terminal telopeptide(NTx) a sensitive marker of bone resorption. The group comprised 275 postmenopausal women with densitometrically confirmed osteoporosis. After three months treatment a 53% decline of NTx values occurred as compared with baseline values. This finding confirms the favourable effect of sodium alendronate on bone remodelling. A decline of the concentration of bone markers is one of the good predictors of the effectiveness of treatment focused on reduction of atraumatic osteoporotic fractures.

[Effect of pancreatic substitutes on fecal and serum elastase and on pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis]. / Vplyu pankreatickej substitúcie na fekálnu a sérovú elastázu a na bolest' u pacientov s chronickou pankreatitídou.

Views on the existence of a negative feedback between pancreatic secretion and intraduodenal of proteases in humans are controversial. The objective of the study was to find out whether enzyme substitution will have an impact on pancreatic enzyme secretion and pain in chronic pancreatitis. The preparation Panzytrate 2500 (2 x 3 capsules/day containing 1250 units of proteases per capsule) was administered for a 4-week period. In 18 patients with chronic pancreatitis (7 with the severe and 11 with the medium severe and mild form of pancreatitis) the faecal and serum pancreatic elastase was assessed one day before and one day after enzyme substitution therapy. A significant reduction of the faecal elastase concentration (p = 0.03) and serum elastase (p = 0.00375) was recorded in patients with mild and medium severe CP. The values of faecal and serum pancreatic elastase 1 were insignificantly reduced also in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis. Pain relief was statistically significant already after two weeks' administration of enzyme substitution therapy (p = 0.0233) and after four weeks' treatment (p = 0.00766). The results support the importance of the negative feedback on regulation of pancreatic secretion and the positive effect of substitution therapy on pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Vitamin 1,25-(OH)2 D3 concentrations in patients hospitalized long-term.

Vitamin D deficiency may be one reason for the onset and development of osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence rates of hypovitaminosis D in an unselected group of individuals presenting with common medical conditions and hospitalized for long periods. Concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2 D3 were measured in 89 patients (38 males and 51 females). Mean age was 70 years. Thirty-eight patients were tested in the spring and the remaining 51 patients in the autumn. Vitamin D3 levels were significantly reduced in patients tested in the autumn (p < 0.001). The reason for this surprising observation may have been the small number of sunny days and the long hospital stays during the study period, differences in the composition of both groups and the fact that 1,25-(OH)2 D3 reflects the actual vitamin D3 levels rather than those of its reserve in the human body. The results obtained suggesting hypovitaminosis D in an unselected group of elderly patients hospitalized with common diseases, even after the summer season, suggest the need for general supplementation of this vitamin throughout the year, regardless of the risk factors.

[The effect of glycosaminoglycan sulodexide on albuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus]. / Ucinok glykozaminoglykanu sulodexidu na albuminúriu u pacientov s diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies showed a decrease in albuminuria, a marker of diabetic nephropathy after administration of heparin or other glycosaminoglycans (GAG). OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of sulodexide on albumin excretion rate (AER) in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Twenty patients (12 of type 1 DM) aged 33-63 yrs (median 45) with microalbuminuria (AER 20-200 micrograms/min) or macroalbuminuria (AER > 200 micrograms/min) were enrolled in open study and received sulodexide 60 mg/day i.m. for 3 weeks with further 6-week follow-up without treatment. In the 2nd phase, sulodexide 100 mg/day was given p.o. for 8 weeks with further 8-weeks follow-up. Albuminuria in overnight urine samples was analyzed by the RIA method and results (medians with lower and upper quartiles) were compared by the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: In the 1st phase, AER (microgram/min) decreased from 167 (54-378) at baseline to 118 (78-220) at week 1 (p < 0.05), 105 (68-341) at week 2 (p < 0.05), and to 114 (56-354) at week 3 (NS). After stopping the treatment, AER gradually raised to baseline values. During the oral phase, AER decreased from 253 (37-961) to 137 (35-323) after 1 month (p < 0.05) and to 144 (47-588) after 2 months (NS). This effect was prolonged for further 2 months after treatment withdrawal (AER 110 (65-363) micrograms/min, p < 0.05). In both phases, the decrease in AER was shown only in patients with macroalbuminuria, but not in those with microalbuminuria. Blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate and metabolic compensation of DM were not changed. CONCLUSION: A short-term treatment with sulodexide i.m. or p.o. significantly decreased albuminuria in DM patients. This effect was prolonged for further 2 months after oral administration. Therefore, sulodexide could be useful in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. (Tab. 3, Ref. 20.)

Effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril on endothelial and platelet functions in essential hypertension.

Endothelial damage and platelet hyperactivity may play a role in the vascular complications of essential hypertension. Restoration of endothelial function and reduction of increased platelet aggregation in essential hypertension are one of the aims of modern anti-hypertensive therapy. Therefore, the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on endothelial and platelet functions is of interest. In the present study, 23 healthy normotensives and 23 age- and sex-matched patients with non-treated essential hypertension (1st and 2nd stage according to WHO) were investigated. Measurements of endothelial and platelet functions in hypertensives were carried out before therapy, after 1 week of placebo administration, after 1 week and after 1 month of perindopril therapy in a once daily dose of 4 mg. Plasma thrombomodulin (ELISA method) and beta-thromboglobulin (radio immunoassay method) were assayed and platelet aggregation (spontaneous and induced by adrenaline) was measured. The values of plasma thrombomodulin, a novel marker of endothelial function, were compared between age- and sex-matched normotensives and hypertensives. A significant decrease of adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation was observed after 1 month of perindopril therapy in comparison with the values before therapy or after 1 week of perindopril therapy ( P < 0.02 and P < 0.05 respectively). There were no significant changes in plasma thrombomodulin or beta-thromboglobulin following therapy. We failed to find significant changes of plasma thrombomodulin in patients in the early stages of hypertension, but its tendency to be higher than in normotensives does not rule out some vascular damage. The inhibitory effect of perindopril on platelet aggregation may be a further advantage of this drug. Since no changes were found after 1 week of therapy, the reduction of adrenaline-induced platelet aggregation after 1 month of therapy may be explained by an indirect effect of perindopril on platelet function, probably asa result of protective action on the arterial wall.

Circadian rhythmicity of plasma somatostatin, gastrin and cortisol in colon cancer patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare somatostatin, gastrin and cortisol levels over a 24 hour period in patients suffering from large bowel cancer and to compare this group with healthy subjects and patients suffering from other large bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, large bowel polyps). MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 11 cancer patients (8 men and 3 women). The plasma levels of somatostatin, gastrin and cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay. Fisher's periodogram and Halberg's cosinor analysis were used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: We confirmed 24-hour rhythm of somatostatin, gastrin and cortisol secretion in patients with colon cancer. The most important findings were a higher mesor (p < 0.01) of gastrin compared to all other groups and a lower 24-hour amplitude (p < 0.05) and a shorter 12-hour acrophase (p < 0.05) of cortisol compared to all other groups were found. CONCLUSION: Chrono-abnormalities in gastrin and cortisol secretion may reflect the role of gastrin in the etiopathogenesis of colon cancer and a reduced responsiveness to stimulus in patients with malignant diseases. Somatostatin blood levels probably do not reflect its antitrophic effect at cellular and subcellular level.

[Triple combination antimicrobial therapy of Helicobacter pylori and basal levels of serum gastrin]. / Trojkombinacná antimikróbna liecba Helicobacter pylori a bazálna hladina sérového gastrínu.

BACKGROUND: The etiopathogenic relationship of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection to chronic active antrumgastritis and peptic ulcer disease has been confirmed by a number of studies. The key role in the development of peptic lesions belongs to hypergastrinemia. This is supposed to be related to ammonium synthesis in the antral area influenced (promoted by HP and resulting in interruption) weakening of the negative feedback mechanism maintaining intraluminal acidity. OBJECTIVES: In our present study we focus our attention to the effectiveness of triple antimicrobial therapy in HP positive patients with chronic active antrumgastritis residing in the lowering of the level of serum gastrin. METHODS: There was a group of 15 patients in our current study with HP positivity as well as chronic active antrumgastritis documented by endoscopy, histology, microbiology and serology respectively. Endoscopical and histological findings were classified according to "The Sydney System". The whole group was evaluated on an ambulatory basis, those with active ulcer, endocrinopathy and biliary tract disorders were excluded. The basal level of serum gastrin was evaluated by RIA-test-gastrin before and after successful antimicrobial therapy. RESULTS: In our group of 15 patients with HP infection in coexistence with chronic active antrumgastritis we have found a significant decrease in the basal level of serum gastrin (p = 0,01) after successful therapy. CONCLUSION: The decrease in the basal level of serum gastrin after eradication of HP confirms the importance of HP infection in the pathogenesis of peptic lesions in stomach and duodenum. We consider the antimicrobial therapy in chronic active antrumgastritis in HP positive patients to be a fully indicated therapeutic approach. (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 10.).

Somatostatin and large bowel polyps.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Somatostatin, a polypeptide hormone, inhibits cellular proliferation of the mucosa. As this cellular proliferation has been observed in large bowel polyps and cancer, the exact pattern of secretion may be of importance to the understanding of such diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The circadian (24 hours rhythmicity) of plasma somatostatin was studied and established in patients suffering from large bowel polyps. Blood was drawn from the study subjects at regular intervals and the plasma somatostatin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In both groups, a circadian rhythm of somatostatin was confirmed. In patients with P higher mesor (p < 0.05), higher 24 hour amplitude (p < 0.05) and longer acrophase (p < 0.05) were found. CONCLUSION: These findings may indicate the defense antiproliferative role of somatostatin in malignant and premalignant states. Somatostatin may prove beneficial as one of the treatment possibilities for large bowel polyps.

24-h ambulatory blood pressure, daytime and nighttime urinary albumin and retinol-binding protein excretion in type I diabetic patients.

We studied 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (SBP, DBP), actual glycemic control assessed from seven blood glucose measurements, 16-h daytime and 8-h nighttime urinary excretion of albumin (UAE) and retinol-binding protein (URBP) in 20 normoalbuminuric (group A, nighttime UAE < 20 micrograms/min) and 20 microalbuminuric and low-proteinuric type I diabetic patients (group B, nighttime UAE 20-500 micrograms/min) matched for age and diabetes duration. Glycemic control was similar in the two groups. Daytime and nighttime SBP and DBP were higher in group B compared to group A (p < 0.01). Nighttime decrease in SBP and DBP correlated with nighttime decrease in UAE in group B (p < 0.05, p < 0.001), but not in group A. There was no correlation between BP and actual glycemic control in either group. We found higher daytime and nighttime URBP in group B compared to group A (p < 0.05). We conclude that, in microalbuminuric and low-proteinuric patients, daytime and nighttime BP was elevated but still in the normal or borderline range, and nighttime decrease in BP correlated with nighttime decrease in UAE but not with actual glycemic control. Increased URBP in these patients suggests slightly impaired proximal tubular function in early stages of diabetic nephropathy.

Effect of long-term celiprolol therapy on haemostasis in essential hypertension.

Undesirable changes of haemostasis induced by some anti-hypertensive drugs can encourage the acceleration of atherogenesis. Therefore, the changes of haemostasis parameters in 22 patients with essential hypertension under long-term celiprolol therapy (> 2 months) were of interest. In the placebo group of 15 essentially hypertensive patients there were no significant changes in platelet activity. On the other hand, the therapeutic dose of celiprolol was shown to reduce total platelet aggregation, without any harmful effects on fibrinolytic activity and coagulation inhibitors such as protein C and antithrombin III. The metabolic neutrality of celiprolol accompanied by the proven platelet-inhibitory tendency is desirable in the new approach to hypertension treatment. Potentially anti-thrombotic or at least neutral prothrombotic properties of celiprolol may be important in terms of the favourable role of anti-hypertensive drugs in cardiovascular morbidity.

Plasma somatostatin levels in ulcerative colitis.

The circadian (24 hour) rhythmicity of somatostatin in healthy subjects and patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) was studied and established. UC patients were found to have a higher 24-hour amplitude, a higher average level and a longer peak level phase of plasma somatostatin. This finding may indicate a defensive role of somatostatin in inflammatory bowel disease.