[Strongyloidosis--a case report]. / Wegorczyca (strongyloidosis)--przypadek kliniczny.

A case of Strongyloides stercoralis infection was described.

[Malonyldialdehyde, uric acid and white cell count as markers of oxidative stress in acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary insufficiency]. / Dwualdehyd malonowy, kwas moczowy i leukocytoza jako wykladniki stresu oksydacyjnego w swiezym zawale serca i ostrej niewydolnosci wiencowej.

UNLABELLED: Free radicals, produced in large amounts during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, take part in the degradation of cellular and subcellular membrane structures. The source of oxygen radicals in the ischemic myocardium are neutrophils recruited into the necrotic region, as well as metabolic transformation of hypoxantine and xantine to uric acid. Subsequent reactions generate lipid peroxides and cytotoxic and-products of oxidation, among which is malondialdehyde (MDA). The aim of this study was to measure of MDA, uric acid and white cell count as markers of oxidative stress in patients with acute coronary insufficiency and acute myocardial infarction. We studied 75 participants (20 females and 55 males) aged 38-75, including 13 patients with acute myocardial insufficiency (group I: 6 females and 7 males, aged 40-66 years, mean 59.4 +/- 6.52), 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction (group II: 8 females and 32 males aged 38-72 years, mean 57.3 +/- 9.57) and 22 healthy volunteers (control group: 6 females and 16 males aged 39-75 years, mean 53.1 +/- 9.62). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Elevated levels of MDA in patients with acute myocardial infarction may reflect secondary disorders of cellular metabolism and late appearance of degradation products of lipid peroxides; 2. Uric acid may serve as an additional marker of free radical reactions in patients with acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary insufficiency.

[Vitamin C and uric acid concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosa in patients regularly consuming vegetables, fruits and fruit juices]. / Stezenie witaminy C i kwasu moczowego w osoczu i blonie sluzowej zoladka u osób spozywajacych regularnie warzywa, owoce i soki owocowe.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin C (Asc) as a reactive oxygen species scavenger inhibits detrimental oxidation reactions and counteracts formation of mutagenic compounds which damage DNA in the gastric and duodenal mucosa. It has been considered as an important factor in reducing risk of gastric carcinoma. However, the role of uric acid (UA) as an antioxidant factor and its influence on gastric mucosa has not been so well investigated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between vegetable, fruit and fruit juices intake and water soluble antioxidant (Asc and UA) concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosa. The study also assessed the prevalence and intensity of inflammatory changes in mucosa and Helicobacter pylori infection. 34 patients participated in the study. Asc and UA concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosa samples were examined with the use of liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Histopathological examinations of gastric mucosa were also performed. Higher concentrations of Asc and UA in plasma and less frequent inflammatory changes of gastric mucosa were found in patients regularly consuming vegetables and fruits. It may suggest the protective effect of these compounds on mucosa. No significant relationship was found between H. pylori infection and antioxidant concentrations in plasma and gastric tissue in patients with chronic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: Diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fruit juices helps in reducing prevalence of inflammatory changes in gastric mucosa. It can be associated with higher Asc and UA concentrations in plasma and higher UA concentrations in gastric mucosa. Lower Asc and UA concentrations in patients with gastritis have no significant relationship with H. pylori infection.

[Elevated cortisol level in blood of patients with unstable coronary disease and acute myocardial infarction--new approach]. / Wzrost stezenia kortyzolu we krwi u pacjentów z niestabilna choroba wiencowa i swiezym zawalem serca--nowe spojrzenie.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in serum cortisol concentration, enzymatic markers of myocardial ischemia and necrosis, leucocytosis and glucose in patients with unstable coronary disease and acute myocardial infarction. The study was performed in 75 patients (20 females and 55 males aged 38-75 years; mean age 59.4 +/- 6.52), including 13 patients with unstable coronary disease (6 females and 7 males aged 40-66 years; mean age 59.4 +/- 6.52; group I), 40 patients with acute myocardial infarction (8 females and 32 males aged 38-72 years; mean age 57.3 +/- 9.57; group II) and 22 healthy volunteers (6 females and 16 males aged 39-75 years; mean age 53.1 +/- 9.62; control group). Acute ischemia as well as myocardial infarction are potent stress factors that destabilisate the functional equilibrium of the body. Considering the mechanism of action of cortisol and its physiological role, it seems that current views on elevated plasma cortisol levels as a response to stress and pain in infarction and acute ischemia should be supplemented. Anti-inflammatory properties of cortisol deserve more attention, while elevated levels might be of prognostic value in the above-mentioned diseases.