Cytotoxicity test and cytogenetic analysis of effects of aminoguanidine in vitro.

The potential genotoxic activity of chemical substances in vitro is usually assessed by the micronucleus test and by karyological analysis. Use of the fluorescent plus Giemsa (FPG) technique is also recommended in the event that positive results are found in the micronucleus test, or if there is an increased rate of structural and numerical chromosome aberrations compared with controls. The tested substance, aminoguanidine (AG), has a marked ability to inhibit the toxic effects of carbonyl products (carbonyl stress) that arise during the end-phases of non-enzymatic protein glycation both in vitro and in vivo. The importance of this ability follows the finding that the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) is a part of the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to test the cytotoxic and clastogenic effects of AG on cells of the diploid cell line B-HEF-2, derived from a three-month-old male fetus. The results of the test did not reveal any induction of micronucleus production in the analyzed cells at AG concentrations ranging between 1 x 10(-2) and 1 x 10(-4) mol.L-1. Karyological analysis showed no clastogenic effect of the tested substance nor any increased rate of structural chromosome aberrations. The positive properties of AG and to its potential use as a glycoxidation inhibitor and AGE production are somewhat dimmed by its ionic nature, which hampers hydrophobic interaction with the nonpolar components of biological membranes. For this reason, the authors will further study the cytotoxicity and cytogenetic analysis of Schiff bases of AG synthesis on the basis of natural aldehydes (resorcine aldehyde, pyridoxal, etc.) in which antiglycation activity has been detected.

Developmental defects and chromosomal aberrations in spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

The authors analysed 1488 cases of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths in Bratislava. They focused on the course of human embryogenesis and the chromosomal constitution. A high mean frequency rate of both developmental defects (14.4%) and chromosomal aberrations (33.6%) was revealed and both were found to be in close relation with the length of gestation. The most severe developmental defects occurred mostly in early stages of human embryogenesis, i.e. in the 1st trimester of gestation.

[Pathologic karyotypes in autopsy material]. / Patologické karyotypy v súbore nekroptického materiálu.

In 1986-1989 the authors were concerned with the cultivation of necroptic material. Material was collected from five indication groups outlined in advance. A total of 231 specimens of necroptic material were cultivated, incl. 143 specimens subjected to cytological evaluation. From the above material 20 pathological karyotypes were diagnosed. The results of cytogenetic analysis of chromosome abnormalities were compared with the clinical and pathological diagnosis. Post-mortem chromosome analysis is important for elucidation of the aetiopathogenesis of perinatal deaths and for a comprehensive approach to families with genetic risk.

The effect of Hylak drops on symptomatology in persons with irritable bowel syndrome. / Vliv preparátu Hylak kapky na symptomatologii osob s drázdivým tracníkem.

The authors present an account on the therapeutic effect of Hylak drops of Merckle Co. in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. They assume that in the pathophysiological mechanism of the disease an important part is played by intestinal dysmicrobia. After two weeks' administration Hylak, 3 x 40 drops, they recorded in 20 patients with the exception of one female patient (where ex post lactose intolerance was revealed which is a contraindication of this treatment), partial or complete regression of subjective complaints in particular as regards intestinal discomfort and the number of imperative bowel movements. As to objective indicators, they proved changes in the pH of faeces and qualitative as well as quantitative changes of the microbial spectrum in faeces.

[Postmortem chromosome analysis and its significance]. / Postmortálna chromozómová analýza a jej význam.

Cultivation of necroptic material taken by pathologist or obstetrician according to determined indicative groups was performed during the years 1986-1990. Cytogenetical evaluation was feasible in 157 cultivated samples from the total of 252. There were found 32 pathological karyotypes among them.

[69, XXY triploidy in a liveborn infant]. / Triploidia 69, XXY u zivorodeného dietata.

Triploidy 69, XXY was described in a liveborn foetus weighing 760 g. Diagnosis was based on postmortal cytogenetical analysis.

[Cytogenetic examination of amniotic fluid specimens in the 2d trimester of pregnancy (personal experience 1981-1989)]. / Cytogenetické vysetrenie vzoriek plodovej vody v II. trimestri gravidity (nase skúsenosti za roky 1981-1989).

The authors analyze a group of pregnant women examined at the Chair of Biology and Parasitology of the Medical Faculty J. A. Komensky's University between 1981 and the end of August 1989. During this period they cultivated cells from 1755 specimens of amniotic fluid. In the article they evaluate the detection rate of pathological conditions during this period.

[Experience with postmortem chromosome analysis]. / Skúsenosti s postmortálnou chromozómovou analýzou.

Over the years 1986-1988 necroptic material, collected according to 5 established indication groups, was cultured. A total of 202 samples of necroptic material cultured and 122 of these samples were analyzed cytogenetically. Seventeen pathologic karyotypes were diagnosed in the material, namely 7 cases of Down's syndrome, 2 cases of Klinefelter's syndrome, 2 cases of D/D translocation, 1 case of Turner's syndrome, 1 case of gonosomal mosaicism, and 1 case of Patau's syndrome.