[The relations between platelet count, mean platelet volume and HbA1C in patients with type 2 diabetes]. / Zaleznosc pomiedzy liczba plytek krwi, srednia objetoscia plytek a HbA1C u chorych na cukrzyce typu 2.

Considerable interest experimental and clinical researches has been focused on important role of advanced glication and its products and oxidative stress on the structure and functional disorders of platelets in diabetes. The aim of the study of our work was an estimate of platelet count (PLT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) for diabetics and control subjects and diabetics depending on glycated haemoglobin. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the platelet count was 216.4 x 10(9)/l in control subjects 223.60 x 10(9)/l. The mean platelet volume in diabetic was significantly higher than in control subjects and the results totaled 9.81 fl in diabetics. The platelet count in groups: B1 and B2 than in control subjects 9.36 fl, depending on glycated haemoglobin were not significantly important. The mean platelet volume in diabetics with level of glycated haemoglobin below 7.5% was 10.25 fl in group B2 9.83 fl and in control subjects 9.36 fl. One can suppose changes in patelet count and mean platelet volume depend on level metabolic disorders in diabetic.

[GERD and respiratory tract diseases]. / GERD a choroby ukladu oddechowego.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) depends on acid reflux into the distal oesophagus. The typical symptoms of GERD are heartburn, dysphagia, chest discomfort and acid regurgitation. Besides typical symptoms GERD could by manifested by extraesophageal signs. There is increasing number of studies showing that GERD and respiratory diseases coexist frequently.

The effect of gestational age on platelet surface expression of CD62P in preterm newborns.

Hemostasis in preterm newborns is characterized by low reserve functional capacity with special reference to the presence of such risk factors as asphyxia or infection. Platelets play vitally important role in hemostasis. Expression of CD62P is a marker of stimulated or activated blood platelets. The study involved a group of 16 preterm newborns, five girls and 11 boys. DAKO QIFIKIT was applied to calculate the number of these antigens. The mean CD 62P expression was found to be 23,792 per platelet. Correlation was found between antigen density and gestational age r = 0.954, p = 0.01. Evident deficit of P-selectin on the surface of platelets in preterm newborns may be at least in part responsible for platelet dysfunction, with special reference to interaction between circulating leukocytes and combating infection.

Does prematurity affect thrombocytopoiesis?

Data concerning thrombocytopoiesis in newborns are poorly recognized. Platelets have a crucial role in hemostatic physiology, which is deficient in newborns, especially in preterm newborns. A total of 51 preterm newborns (PTN), 25 girls and 26 boys, were recruited for the study. The control group consisted of 25 female and 30 male healthy term newborns (HTN). Plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) was measured using Quantikine human TPO system. Reticulated platelets (PLRET) was estimated by means of Retic-Count Kit. Platelet count (PLT) was determined using Advia(TU) 120 Hematology System. TPO was evidently higher in PTN (110.9 pg/ml) than in HTN (71.5 pg/ml), (p < 0.001). The percentage of reticulated platelets (PLRET) was also twice as high in PTN (3.49%) in comparison to HTN (1.7%), (p < 0.001). The PLT count was lower in PTN (246.7 x 10(3) microL) than in HTN (287.2 x 10(3) microL), (p < 0.01). Increased TPO levels and the percentage of PLRET indicate that thrombocytopoiesis is more active in prematurity. Our finding may be useful in therapeutic strategies.

[Thrombocytopoesis in allergic asthma]. / Trombocytopoeza u chorych na astme alergiczna.

BACKGROUND: Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial inflammation and simultaneous repair processes that results in increased airway obstruction. Recent studies indicate that platelets could play an important role in this process. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the platelet count, the percentage of reticulated platelets, plasma thrombopoietin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations in patients with moderate bronchial asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was performed in 12 allergic chronic asthma patients and 12 nonallergic chronic asthma patients. Patients were treated according to the GINA 2004 recommendations for chronic moderate asthma. Seven healthy individuals served as negative controls. Blood was collected on CTAD from antecubital vein in the morning. RESULTS: The platelet count was statistically higher in allergic asthma patients compared with healthy controls. In nonallergic asthma patients the platelet count was also higher but the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of the reticulated platelets in allergic asthma patients was statistically higher as compared to nonallergic and healthy subjects, who had similiar values. The concentration of IL-6 was significantly elevated in allergic asthma patients as compared to healthy controls. There was no difference in IL-6 levels between both asthma patient groups. In nonallergic asthma patients plasma thrombopoietin levels were slightly higher, but not statistically significant, in comparison with allergic asthma patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that platelets may be involved in allergic inflammation and play a significant role in remodeling of the airways. In patients with allergic asthma we found increased reticulated platelet count suggesting enhanced megakaryocytopoiesis. Further studies on a role of platelets in the pathogenesis of asthma and their potential clinical implications are warranted and may contribute to the development of novel therapies.

Relationship between soluble P-selectin and inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Platelets are an important element in the thrombotic process, inflammation and cancer progression. We tested the hypothesis that there is a relationship between platelet activation and inflammation in colorectal cancer patients (CRC). PATIENTS/METHODS: We measured soluble (s) P-selectin (marker of platelet activation), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (indexes of inflammation) in 42 CRC patients and 38 healthy subjects. CRC patients were divided into two groups: A-24 patients in stages I and II; B-18 patients in stage III. Soluble P-selectin, Interleukin-6 concentration was measured using commercially available immunoenzymatic methods. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (RCRP) concentration was measured by a high sensitivity latex particle turbidimetric immunoassay. RESULTS: Soluble P-selectin, CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly increased as compared to the control group (p<0.001). Plasma levels of sP-selectin, CRP and IL-6 were higher in group B (with metastases) than in group A (without metastases) (p<0.001). CRC patients had a positive correlation between IL-6 and CRP (r=0.7638, p<0.01) and between sP-selectin and IL-6 (r=0.5633, p<0.03). CONCLUSION: We observed hyperactivation of blood platelets and inflammatory response in patients with colorectal cancer, also the inflammatory process and platelet activation progress along with colorectal cancer advancement. Our results seem to confirm the relationship of platelet activation with inflammatory response in colorectal cancer patients.

[Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in allergic asthma patients]. / Aktywowany trombina inhibitor fibrynolizy (TAFI) w astmie alergicznej.

Increased thrombin generation occurs in the airways of asthmatic patients. Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a carboxypeptidase B-like proenzyme which after activation by a thrombin-thrombomodulin complex inhibits fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate TAFI concentration and activity in plasma of bronchial asthma patients challenged with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) extracts. The study was performed on 23 asthma patients mean age 28.7 +/- 9.8 years with a typical history and positive skin prick test with Dp allergens. Seventeen patients developed both early asthmatic reaction (EAR) and late asthmatic reaction (LAR), 6 patients developed only EAR. Blood was collected before allergen challenge (AO), 1 (A1), 8 (A2) and 24 hours (A3) after allergen challenge. Five healthy persons, mean age 24.5 +/- 3.6 years with negative skin prick tests to common aeroallergens served as negative controls. Healthy controls underwent sham bronchial provocation with 0.9% solution of NaCl. TAFI antigen and activity, levels of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (TAT) and prothrombin fragments F 1+2 were measured in plasma by ELISA method. At A0 in dual responders mean TAFI concentration (101.4 +/- 23.82%) and activity (19.6 +/- 5.92 microg/ml) were higher than in healthy controls (69.35 +/- 21.49%; p < 0.05 and 10.49 +/- 3.53 microg/ml; p = 0.01; respectively). Significant fall in TAFI plasma concentration was detected at A1 and the decreased concentration of TAFI persisted until A3 (85.15 +/- 26.36%; p < 0.05). No significant change in plasma TAFI concentration was observed in healthy controls or in patients who responded with an EAR only. Allergen induced inflammation is associated with significant changes in plasma TAFI concentration.

[Tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor during specific bronchial challenge in allergic asthma patients]. / Czynnik tkankowy i inhibitor zewnatrzpochodnej drogi krzepniecia w czasie swoistej próby prowokacyjnej u chorych z astma, alergiczna.

Allergic asthma is characterized by bronchial inflammation and repair processes at the same time, that cause increased airway obstruction. Recent evidences suggest that monocytes and macrophages may play important role in allergic inflammation. Activated by proinflammatory factors they can express tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate TF and TFPI in plasma of bronchial asthma patients. The study was performed on 17 asthma patients with documented Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) allergy. 15 healthy persons served as negative control. Specific bronchial challenge with Dp extracts was performed in asthma patients. Blood was collected before allergen challenge--A0, during the early asthmatic reaction (EAR)--A0 during the late asthmatic reaction (LAR)--A2, and 24 hours after administration of the first allergen dose--A3. The concentrations of TF and TFPI were measured by ELISA method. The concentration of TF in asthmatic patients was significantly higher as compared with healthy controls. In patients that developed only EAR, the concentration of TF increased at A1, then decreased at time when LAR should be developed (A2) and it was comparable with beginning values 24 hours after starting the challenge. In patients that developed EAR and LAR, the mean TF concentration increased during EAR (A,) with subsequent decline during LAR (A2). 24 hours after starting the challenge the TF concentration was higher than beginning values (A3). The concentration of TFPI in patients that developed only EAR was significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. It decreased during EAR (A1) and increased 24 hours after starting the challenge (A3). The mean concentration of TFPI in patients that developed EAR and LAR was not significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. It increased during EAR and LAR with the highest values 24 hours after starting the challenge. Coagulation system seems to be activated during allergic inflammation after allergen challenge. Increased levels of TF and TFPI in asthma patients may be connected with chronic bronchial inflammation and remodeling of bronchial wall.

[Platelet activation in unstable angina depending on troponin I concentration]. / Aktywacja plytek krwi w niestabilnej chorobie wiencowej w zaleznosci od stezenia troponiny I.

UNLABELLED: Platelet activation as a result of atheromatous plaque rupture in ischaemic heart disease can be detected by assesses plasma concentration of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and indirectly by changes in platelet counts (PLT). At the same time myocardial ischaemia and local destruction of cardiomyocyte leads to the increase troponin I concentration. The aim of this study was an evaluation of correlation between markers of platelet activation in vivo (beta-TG and PLT) and the level of troponin I in patients with unstable angina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study 54 patients were divided into three groups depending on the risk of myocardial infarction. The first group - 10 patients, moderate risk of infarction, troponin I plasma concentration below 0.1 ng/ml, the second group - 33 patients, high risk of infarction, troponin I level between 0.2-1.5 ng/ml, and the third group - 11 patients with myocardial infarction, troponin I level above 1.5 ng/ml. The control group - 26 healthy subjects free from cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: In the present study we found a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the beta-TG concentration in group two (18.2 IU/microl) and group three (17.4 IU/microl) compared with control (10.9 IU/microl). The PLT was a significantly lower only in group two (181.2 x 10(3)/microl) compared with the control group (217.3 x 10(3)/microl). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the plasma concentration of beta-TG as a marker of platelet activation increase depends on higher risk of myocardial infarction measured by troponin I plasma concentration. beta-TG may be also useful parameter to help estimate the risk of myocardial infarction.