[Treatment outcomes in patients with toxic megacolon]. / Výsledky lécby nemocných s toxickým megakolon.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to analyze data of patients threated by surgical intervention for toxic megacolon in period from 2005 till 2009 on 1st. dept. of Surgery of 1st. Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague. Pre-disponding illness of toxic megacolon was studied intimately and evaluation of postoperative course especially for morbidity and letality was estimated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Composit retrospective and prospective analysis of patients that underwent operation for diagnose of toxic megacolon. 19 patients were involved in the study and the method of surgical treatment was subtotal colectomy with formation of terminal ileostomy and rectal occlusion in macroscopically disease-free rectal segment in every case. RESULTS: Determined collection involved 19 patients, 13 male and 6 female patients with mean age of 51 years. The most frequent reason for toxic megacolon occurrence was ulcerative colitis (36.8%, 7 patients), then pseudomembranous colitis (26.3%, 5 patients) and ischemic colitis (15.8%, 3 patients). The method of surgical treatment was subtotal colectomy with formation of terminal ileostomy and rectal occlusion in macroscopically disease-free rectal segment in every case.

Hemodynamic response to thoracoscopy and thoracotomy.

Operations in the pleural cavity are connected with circulatory changes in pulmonary circulation and general changes of hemodynamics. These changes are influenced by the position of patient's body on the operation table and by the introduction of artificial pneumothorax. Thoracoscopy is an advanced surgical approach in thoracic surgery, but its hemodynamic effect is still not known. The aim of the present study was to compare the hemodynamic response to surgeries carried out by open (thoracotomy - TT) and closed (thoracoscopy - TS) surgical approach. Thirty-eight patients have been monitored throughout the operation--from the introduction of anesthesia to completing the surgery. Monitored parameters were systolic blood pressure (BPs), diastolic blood pressure (BPd), O2 saturation (SaO2), systolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAs), diastolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAd), wedge pressure (P(W)), central venous pressure in right atrium (CVP), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). No significant difference has been found in hemodynamic response between TT and TS groups. Significant changes of hemodynamic parameters occurring during the whole surgical procedure were detected in both technical approaches. The most prominent changes were found after the position of patients was changed to the hip position (significantly decreased BPs, BPd, MAP, SaO2 and BPPAs) and 5 min after the pneumothorax was established (restoration of the cardiac output to the initial value and significant decrease of the TPR). It can be concluded that the thoracoscopy causes almost identical hemodynamic changes like the thoracotomy.

Disturbances of gastric electrical control activity after laparotomic cholecystectomy are related to interleukin-6 concentrations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to characterize the disturbances of gastric electrical control activity after cholecystectomy and to correlate electrogastrographic (EGG) findings with inflammatory markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 52 adult patients were examined in conjunction with planned laparotomic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded with a MicroDigitrapper device using three Ag-AgCl disposable skin electrodes. The dominant frequency was calculated using computerized algorithms. Repeated EGG records were correlated with inflammatory parameters - interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Both basal and stimulated gastric electrical frequency decreased significantly in the postoperative phase measured 6 h after the start of surgery (p < 0.01). Postoperative bradygastria (electrical control activity frequency <2.4 cpm) was relatively more expressed after open cholecystectomy. Among the patients with a laparotomic cholecystectomy, IL-6 maximal postoperative concentrations correlated positively with a prolonged restitution of normal gastric activity. CONCLUSIONS: EGG examination showed a high sensitivity in the evaluation of gastric electrical activity after both laparotomic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A significant correlation of prolonged bradygastria and IL-6 plasma levels supports the role of the inflammatory milieu in the pathogenesis of impaired gastric electrical activity in the postoperative period.

Transcutaneous electrogastrography in patients with ileus. Relations to interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the prospective study was to characterize the disturbance of gastric electrical control activity in different types of ileus and to correlate surface electrogastrography (EGG) findings with a set of inflammatory markers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four adult patients with mechanic, vascular and paralytic ileus proven on clinical and radiological exams and 14 age- and sex-matched controls were examined. Gastric myoelectrical activity was recorded using 3 Ag-AgCl disposable skin electrodes connected in pseudo-unipolar mode by Microdigitrapper device. The captured signal was amplified and digitalized. The dominant frequency was calculated using computerized algorithms (Fast Fourier transform and running spectrum analysis). The results were correlated with the known pathological diagnoses and 4 inflammatory parameters--interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: Irregular EGG activity without a dominant frequency or bradygastria (electrical control activity frequency <2.4 cycles/min) was seen in all patients with both vascular and parayltic ileus and in 67.86% of the patients with obstructive ileus. Normogastria (2.4-3.7 cycles/min) was found in 32.14% of the patients with obstructive ileus. Among the patients with obstructive ileus and bradygastria, higher concentrations of IL-6 (642.0 +/- 214.7 ng/l) and PCT (0.93 +/- 0.22 microg/l) were observed compared with the patients with normogastria--IL-6 (354.5 +/- 109.2 ng/l), PCT (0.69 +/- 0.11 microg/l); p < 0.05 for both. The C-reactive protein concentration did not differ in both subgroups on p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: EGG examination confirmed a high sensitivity in the evaluation of gastric electrical control activity in both vascular and paralytic ileus. Significant correlation of EGG findings and both IL-6 and PCT plasma levels supports a role of the inflammatory milieu in the pathogenesis of impaired gastric electrical activity in patients with ileus.

Plasma procalcitonin in patients with ileus. Relations to other inflammatory parameters.

Plasma procalcitonin (PCT) is a highly specific marker for the diagnosis of bacterial infections and sepsis. PCT levels are usually low in viral infections, chronic inflammation or postsurgical states. The purpose of this study was to characterize PCT plasma levels in patients with various types of ileus at preoperative stage, where the other inducing factors such as a surgical stress are excluded. The prospective study was performed on 54 patients admitted to in-patient surgical department with a proven diagnosis of ileus. Patients were divided to three groups--obstructive, vascular and paralytic ileus. Plasma levels of PCT (Kryptor analysis), TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, cortisol (ELISA) and CRP (Kryptor ultrasensitive analysis) were estimated before any invasive procedure was realized. We demonstrated significant elevation of PCT in both obstructive ileus in adhesions and vascular ileus compared with healthy subjects (p 0.01). PCT levels were not elevated in paralytic ileus. The regression coefficient was the highest for PCT and CRP (r=0.78, p 0.01), for TNFalpha and IL-8 (r=0.76, p 0.01) in vascular ileus. There was no significant correlation between PCT and other inflammatory parameters. The different types of ileus induce an elevation of plasma PCT levels and PCT shows itself as an acute phase reactant. The highest PCT concentrations were presented in patients with vascular ileus, whereas paralytic ileus revealed similar cytokine and PCT pattern as in healthy subjects. Plasma PCT estimation extended to a measurement of CRP and IL-6 may become a useful complementary examination for diagnostics of acute abdomen in patients.

[Pathophysiology of postoperative dysfunctions of the intestinal motility. A review]. / Patofyziologie pooperacních poruch strevní motility. Review.

The postoperative motility dysfunction (POI) is a frequent secondary complication of surgical procedures. The POI results from a number of simultaneous factors of both local and systemic nature. Activation of inhibitory neural reflexes and a mediator response to the surgical procedure are among the main ones. Neurohumoral response of the organism to painful stimuli and the effect of the opioid medication used during the perioperative period, are the modulating factors. The intraabdominal procedure with manipulation with the intestine results in activation of the mediator response, followed by increased levels of cytokines and other mediators, inhibiting the smooth intestinal musculature contractility. The extent of the traumatization of the tissue is a principal factor affecting the extent and duration of the POI.

Ghrelin and leptin elevation in postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Both ghrelin and leptin are important signals in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Leptin concentrations are elevated in the majority of obese individuals, and its levels usually correlate with adiposity and body mass index. Ghrelin as a new growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide was discovered in 1999. Ghrelin stimulates food intake and exhibits gastroprotective properties. Many other regulatory effects of both ghrelin and leptin involving cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, and endocrine systems were revealed. New experimental studies show both hormones as new acute phase reactants in animal models of inflammatory reaction. The aim of this study was to characterize the levels of circulating ghrelin and leptin in relation to systemic inflammatory response. We used a postoperative bacterial sepsis after large abdominal surgery as a model of cytokine network hyperstimulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study was performed on 25 surgical patients with proven postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis after large abdominal surgery. Plasma levels of ghrelin (RIA), leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, sIL-2R, IL-6 (ELISA analysis), CRP and alpha1-antitrypsin (nephelometric analysis) were analyzed. RESULTS: Authors demonstrate statistically significant elevation of plasma ghrelin (492.3+/-70.6 ng/l) and leptin (31.6+/-12.2 microg/l) compared with the control group (336.5+/-46,1, p<0.01 for ghrelin, 3.5+/-1.2 microg/l, p<0.001 for leptin). The regression coefficient was the highest for ghrelin and IL-6 (r=0,44, p<0.05), and for ghrelin and TNF (r=0.43, p<0.05) in the sepsis group. In regard to leptin, the regression coefficient was the highest for IL-6 and leptin (r=0.53, p<0.05) and for leptin and CRP (r=0.51, p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between ghrelin and IL-1beta, ghrelin and sIL-2R, and leptin and IL-1beta. CONCLUSIONS: During postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis, both ghrelin and leptin plasma levels are elevated and positively correlate with both inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and main APP member (CRP). It supports experimental finding that TNF-alpha and IL-6 can be important regulatory factors of their synthesis. This hormonal reaction is not specific to sepsis--the significant increase of both ghrelin and leptin occurs during an uncomplicated postoperative response, although in a lesser extent than was shown in sepsis.

The postoperative stress response and its reflection in cytokine network and leptin plasma levels.

The objective of the present report was to clarify the postoperative stress response of some inflammatory markers, namely of proinflammatory cytokines and leptin levels during uncomplicated postoperative periods. The results were compared with the dynamics of these parameters during intraabdominal sepsis. We followed 20 patients after a planned resection of colorectal cancer in stage Ib-IV with uncomplicated healing and 13 obese men after laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding. These were compared to 12 patients with proven postoperative sepsis. The control group consisted of 18 healthy men. The observed parameters included serum levels of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra), IL-6, IL-8, soluble receptor of interleukin-2 (sIL-2R) and leptin. It was found that during the first 24 h after resection there was a significant increase in the serum concentration of IL-6 up to 1125+/-240 ng/l, which declined within the next 48-72 h. Serum concentration of TNFalpha was highest 18-24 h after resection (205+/-22 ng/l) and after banding (184+/-77 ng/l). IL-1 beta had a stable serum concentration without significant elevation. Serum concentration of IL-8 after resection rose to 520+/-200 ng/l after 36-48 h. Maximal cytokine levels after gastric banding were quantitatively lower (IL-6 414+/-240 ng/l, TNFalpha 184+/-77 ng/l) than after resection. We found significant elevation of plasma leptin concentration (32+/-10 ng/ml) 24 h after banding compared with preoperative values (18+/-5 ng/ml, p 0.05). Leptin levels 48 and 72 h after banding rapidly returned to the level before operation. During abdominal surgery leptin shows to be an acute phase reactant. Proinflammatory cytokines can be main regulatory factors of leptin during this period. Significant correlation between leptin and TNFalpha (similarly demonstrated by other authors in models of bacterial inflammation) indicates that TNFalpha can be the crucial regulator of leptin generation in the early postoperative period. On the basis of our results we recommend to observe IL-6 and IL-8 at 24-72 h after the surgery in patients with a high risk of early postoperative septic complications.

[A case of strangulation ilieus of the ascending colon]. / Prípad strangulacního ileu colon ascendens.

Authors present case of strangulation ileus of ascendent colon as a quite rare reason of bowel obstruction. Patient's clinical status has been affected by his social background. And they document importance of proper anamnesis and clinical examination in era of modern investigation methods that may be misinterpreted and entice surgeon from early operative intervention.

[Therapeutic approach for treatment of postoperative ileus]. / Terapeutické moznosti ovlivnení pooperacního ileu.

The postoperative motility disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (POI) is a transient, however a frequent reaction of the gastrointestinal tract to intraabdominal procedures. The cause of the onset of the POI is multifactoral and, therefore, the treatment must also cover all known pathophysiological causes. The management of the POI includes the following basic measures: employment of the minimally invasive surgical techniques, prophylactic administration of the prokinetics, early postoperative mobilisation of the patient and early enteral nutrition.

[The onset of physiological activity in the stomach in the postoperative period. A comparative study with a prokinetic preparation, Ganaton]. / Nástup fyziologické zaludecní aktivity v pooperacním období, srovnávací studie s prokinetikem Ganaton.

UNLABELLED: Postoperative gastroparesis decreases patient's postoperative comfort. The aim of this prospective study was to assess efficacy of the peroperatively administered prokinetic preparation Ganaton (Itopridi hydrochloridum, Abbott) on the postoperative gastroparesis. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study was conducted in the Ist Surgical Clinic of the 1st Medical Faculty in Prague in 2001-2001. The total of 64 patients took part in this study. The patients underwent either a non-adjustable bandaging of the stomach via laparoscopy for a severe obesity, or a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the postoperative period, a subjective status of each patient, as well as objective examinations (auscultaion, gas excretion, stool excretion) and a percutaneous electrographic record were recorded. RESULTS: The patients after both the gastric bandaging and the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, demonstrated faster restoration of the physiological stomach contractions frequency in the group with itopride, compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: The prokinetic preparation was well tolerated and the authors did not record any undesirable side-effects. The preparation significantly speeded up restoration of the physiological stomach contractions frequency compared with the placebo group. Based on our results, its administration is a suitable part of the prophylaxis and treatment of the postoperative gastroparesis.

[Percutaneous electrogastrography in the perioperative period in laparoscopic and classical cholecystectomy and in laparoscopic nonadjustable gastric banding]. / Perkutánní elektrogastrografie v perioperacním období u nemocných podstupujících laparoskopickou a klasickou cholecystektomii a laparoskopickou neadjustabilní bandáz zaludku.

Percutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) is a non-invasive measuring method of gastric myoelectrical activity. We measured myoelectrical activity patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (16 patients), after laparotomic cholecystectomy (9 patients) and after gastric bandage (14 patients). We used a Microdigitrapper (Medtronic) and data were analysed with a spectral analysis and Fournier's transformation. We measured 24 hours and 5 hours before operation procedure and 24 and 48 hours after operation. After operative procedure we compared results with healthy voluntaries. Bradygastria was found in most frequent cases in early postoperative period. Physiologic conditions were renewed in laparoscopic operative procedure in first day, after laparotomic operation in second day after operation.

[Cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors in the perioperative period]. / Cytokiny a solubilní cytokinové receptory v perioperacním období.

UNLABELLED: The common basis of systemic inflammatory response to surgical trauma is the activation of cytokine cascade, accompanied by the release of soluble cytokine receptors. The main cytokine axis stimulates the release of acute phase proteins (APP) form liver, modulates metabolic pathways and hormonal responses. The aim of this study was to assess characteristic changes in levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in early post-op stages after a major intraabdominal surgery and to compare the results with dynamic changes in APP levels. The results will form a basis of evaluation of diagnostic value of certain cytokines and APP in post-operative complications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects fell into three categories: 1--patients after colonic resection for colorectal carcinoma I. and II. grade (N = 20), 2--patients after hemipancreatoduodenectomia (N = 17) and 3--control group of 18 healthy subjects. The levels of following parameters were measured between from one day before to three days after surgery: tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, soluble IL-2 receptors, C reactive protein (CRP) and alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT). RESULTS: Measured parameters exhibited different dynamic changes in reaction to surgical trauma, according to their roles in immune reaction. Main pro-inflammatory cytokines culminated within 24 hours from the onset of surgery, marked elevations were noted in IL-1ra and the soluble IL-2 receptor. Both measured APP were rising until he 72nd hour post surgery, and their rise was markedly delayed compared to cytokines. The extent of immune reaction as measured by the amplitude of changes in both types of surgery was similar in most measured parameters, apart from marked difference in IL-2R. We also noted significant correlation of plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-1ra. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical trauma as any other significant painful stimulus activates the pro-inflammatory cytokine axis with secondary response of APP. The release or pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 is synchronized with the release of antagonistic mediators (i.e. IL-1ra, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-6 soluble receptors), who precede the acceleration of APP production and thus modulate its extent. The evaluation of relationships between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors with regard to prognosis is confounded by unclear interpretation of their changes. The maximum effect of cytokines takes place at local autocrine and paracrine level and systemic levels do not reflect this. This is how we explain minimal changes in plasma levels of IL-1 beta and IL-2, despite their key role as initiators of cytokine cascade. In order to increase their diagnostic value the use a series of measurements is advocated in combination with other clinical and laboratory parameters of inflammation, such as the levels of acute phase proteins.

[Procalcitonin in the diagnosis of postoperative complications]. / Prokalcitonin v diagnostice pooperacních komplikací.

UNLABELLED: The dynamic changes in levels of procalcitonin (PCT), as well as other cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP) in post-operative stages reflect the systemic immune response, integrating perioperative infectious and non-infectious stimuli. This study evaluates PCT in context of 16 other inflammatory parameters in patients with different types of infectious post-operative complications. It analyses the specificity and sensitivity of PCT, cytokines and APP and their relationships during systemic inflammatory response. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study involved the following groups of patients: those with confirmed bacterial sepsis, fulfilling the SIRS criteria (N = 28), those with limited infectious site at the wound (N = 16), those with post-operative pneumonia (N = 15) and a control group of N = 25. In 24-hour interval we assessed plasma levels of: PCT, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, sIL-2R and a spectrum of APP. RESULTS: PCT in patients with wound infection (1.4 +/- 0.31 ng/ml) and in those with pneumonia (0.7 +/- 0.30 ng/ml) does not rise above levels expected in uncomplicated post-op course (1.7 +/- 0.04 ng/ml), but it differs significantly in comparison to healthy controls (0.2 +/- 0.07 ng/ml). Initial levels of PCT as well as their maximum levels were significantly different in septic patients compared to other groups (p < 0.001). According to specificity and sensitivity tests PCT is the most significant marker for diagnosis of sepsis as opposed to uncomplicated post-operative course (AUC 0.91, CI 0.82-1.0). CONCLUSION: Individual inflammatory parameters vary in sensitivity and specificity to causative stimulus. PCT when compared to major cytokines and APP reacts sensitively mainly to systemic stimuli accompanying bacterial infection, notably endotoxin. It is characterized by markedly lower sensitivity to non-bacterial stimuli (trauma of surgery) or localized bacterial inflammations. It is this behaviour that makes it a useful diagnostic tool in post-op courses. Unlike other parameters, PCT allows with sufficient sensitivity and specificity single-test diagnosis of initial sepsis.

Leptin as an acute phase reactant after non-adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: Leptin is a hormone that regulates food intake; its concentrations are elevated in the majority of obese individuals. During inflammation, plasma leptin is usually increased and may contribute to the anorexia and cachexia of infection. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamics of circulating leptin in the early postoperative period in relation to the acute phase response in extremely obese patients undergoing laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding (LNAGB). We compared plasma leptin changes with 4 proinflammatory cytokines and BMI. METHODS: The prospective study was performed on 18 patients with 3rd degree obesity. Plasma concentration of leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), and IL-6 were estimated before operation and 24, 48, and 72 h after NALGB. RESULTS: We demonstrate statistically significant elevation of plasma leptin concentration (32.2 +/- 10.2 micrograms/l) 24 h after operation compared with preoperative status (18.4 +/- 5.2 micrograms/l, p < 0.05). There was diminished correlation of plasma leptin and BMI in this period. Leptin levels +48 and +72 h after banding quickly returned to preoperative levels. The regression coefficient was the highest for leptin and TNF-alpha 24 h after surgery (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and for leptin and IL-6 24 h after surgery (r = 0.29, p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between leptin and IL-1 and between leptin and sIL-2R respectively. CONCLUSIONS: During the non-infectious stress response (as with abdominal surgery), leptin shows itself as an acute phase reactant. Proinflammatory cytokines can be the main regulatory factors of leptin in this period. Significant correlation between leptin and TNF-alpha (similarly demonstrated by other authors in models of bacterial inflammation) indicates that TNF-alpha can be a crucial regulator of leptin generation in the early postoperative period.

[Dynamics of leptin plasma levels after abdominal surgical procedures]. / Dynamika plazmatické hladiny leptinu po abdominálním chirurgickém výkonu.

UNLABELLED: In addition to its basic role as regulator of the amount of body fat and food intake leptin plays a part also as an acute phase reactant. A rise of the leptin level during this period may be associated with anorexia and cachexia in relation to general inflammatory manifestations. The objective of the present study was to characterize the dynamics of the leptin concentration in patients after intraabdominal surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study was implemented in a group of 16 men subjected to planned surgery--resection of colorectal carcinoma. The plasma leptin concentration (RIA), TNF alpha, IL-beta. IL-6, sIL-2R (ELISA), CRP, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and ceruloplasmin (nephelometry) were assessed before surgery and then +24, +48 and +72 hours after the beginning of the operation and compared with concentrations in healthy subjects. RESULTS: Plasma leptin concentrations culminate +24 hours after surgery and in this stage they do not correlate with the BMI. Within 48 hours the concentration reaches rapidly normal levels. TNF alpha, IL-6 and sIL-2R reach maximal levels 24-48 hours after the onset of surgery with a subsequent slow decline. All acute phase proteins (APP) have prolonged dynamics with an elevation within +72 hours. A significant correlation was proved between the leptin concentration and TNF alpha 24 hours after surgery (r = 0.43, p < 0.05) and between leptin and IL-6 24 hours after surgery (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The dynamics of the plasma leptin concentration during the postoperative period differ from the typical development of early indicators of the systemic inflammatory response--cytokines as well as from the dynamics of APP. Leptin elevation during this period may contribute to anorexia of patients after major surgery. However, rapid normalization of the level within 48 hours after surgery indicates however that leptin is involved also in other, so far unspecified factors with an anorectic action.

[Leptin--a new acute phase reactant]. / Leptin--nový reaktant akutní fáze.

Leptin, 16 kDa protein and the product of the Ob gene was discovered six years ago and characterized as a fat cell hormone which maintains via specific receptors in the hypothalamus by a feedback mechanism the energy balance and body weight. Research conducted during the last three years detected further properties of this protein which include it, in addition to its basic role in mammalian metabolism, also among acute phase reactants. Leptin is as to its structure, pattern of the receptor and the postreceptor transduction mechanism close to the group of cytokines of interleukin 6, in particular the granulocytic colony stimulating factor. During infectious and non-infectious inflammatory reactions leptin synthesis is stimulated by a combination of inflammation promoting cytokines. The mechanism of induction is not known so far but the majority of investigations proves an indirect stimulating effect of the tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 1, depending on non-specified cytokines of the second stage. Investigations of cell lines and animal experiments provided evidence of some local and systemic effects of leptin which may play a physiological part in the acute phase reaction. Leptin mediates at least partly the anorectic effect of the tumour necrosis factor and interleukin 1 during inflammation. Synergically with bacterial antigens it activates macrophages, enhances their phagocytic capacity and stimulates secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors from macrophages. Leptin stimulates neovascularization, it has a stimulating effect on precursors of white blood cells and potentiates the effect of erythropoietin on red blood cells. It is obviously an essential factor for T-lymphocyte proliferation and development. The authors discuss also the role of leptin in the modulation of the hypothalamo-pituito-adrenal stress axis. Leptin is a factor of the inflammatory mediator network, probably essential for an adequate course of the inflammatory defence reaction.

[Percutaneous electrogastrography in the perioperative period in laparoscopic gastric banding at the First Surgical Clinic of the General Faculty Hospital in Prague]. / Perkutánní elektrogastrografie v perioperacním období u pacientu podstupujících laparoskopickou bandáz zaludku na I. chirurgické klinice VFN v Praze.

Percutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) is a method which makes non-invasive follow-up of the myoelectric gastric activity possible. The authors present the results of assessment of the myoelectric gastric activity during the perioperative period in patients undergoing, at the First Surgical Clinic General Faculty Hospital, laparoscopic non-adjustable gastric banding. The data were recorded using a Microdigittrapper and evaluated using spectral analysis and Fourier's transformation. The authors mention also briefly conditions which must be met to ensure the study, and the physiological and pathophysiological background of the method. In 14 patients the ECG record was made 24 hours prior to surgery and then 5 hours, 24 and 48 hours after surgery on fasting and after a fluid bolus. The assembled results of the dynamics of perioperative changes on the EGG were compared with results obtained in a group of healthy volunteers. The most frequent finding during the early postoperative period was bradygastria, the return to preoperative values occurred on average 48 hours after surgery. Percutaneous electrogastrography is a non-invasive method which can provide the surgeon during the early postoperative period with information on myoelectric gastric activity.

Serum leptin levels in septic men correlate well with C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-alpha but not with BMI.

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived signaling factor, is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family. However there is no direct evidence of leptin stimulation of the acute phase protein (APP) synthesis which is typical for all other IL-6-like factors. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dynamics of circulating leptin in relation to ten APPs. We used postoperative septic patients as a model of cytokine network hyperstimulation and intensive APP reaction. The prospective study was performed on 22 patients with proven postoperative intraabdominal sepsis after large abdominal surgery. Plasma levels of leptin, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-6 (ELISA analysis) and ten APPs (nephelometric analysis) were estimated. We have demonstrated a statistically significant elevation of plasma leptin concentrations in the septic group compared with healthy subjects (p<0.001). The correlation of plasma leptin and BMI during postoperative sepsis was diminished. The regression coefficient was the highest for leptin and CRP (r=0.48, p<0.05), and for leptin and alpha-1-antitrypsin (r=0.46, p<0.05) in the septic group. There was significant correlation between TNF-alpha and leptin (r=0.47, p<0.05) and between IL-6 and leptin (r=0.45, p<0.05) in septic patients. No significant correlation was found between leptin and "negative" APP and between leptin and IL-1beta. Leptin has thus been shown as an acute phase reactant with a potential hematopoietic, immunomodulatory and hepatocyte stimulating activity during the infectious and non-infectious stress response. The significant correlation between leptin and CRP and leptin and alpha-1-antitrypsin indicates that leptin can participate in APP synthesis regulation during a systemic inflammatory response.