[Multiple bone fractures caused by severe hypophosphatemia in the course of the mandible tumour].

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Assessing the blood concentration of new adipocytokines in patients with ischaemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Ischaemic stroke (IS) is a disease that is a common cause of death and one of the most common causes of disability in adults. There is a continuous need to conduct stroke pathogenesis studies. A certain role here can be attributed to adipose-derived hormones. The aim of this paper is to assess the blood concentration for selected adipocytokines: omentin-1, irisin, protein-1 related with C1q/TNF (CTRP1), vaspin and nesfatin-1 in IS patients, and an attempt to define their role as risk factors for ischaemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients with ischaemic stroke (27 females, 19 males, average 67.6 years of age). The control group consisted of 32 patients (16 females, 16 males, average 64.1 years of age) who had never had cerebrovascular diseases. RESULTS: The concentration of omentin-1 and CTRP1 in the group of stroke patients was higher than in the control group, whereas the concentrations of nesfatin-1 and irisin was significantly lower than in the control group. The vaspin level was similar in both groups of patients. Statistical analysis using logistic regression allows us to find that CTRP1 can be a significant stroke risk factor. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of CTRP1 and NIHSS. However, no correlation between the concentration of other adipocytokines under investigation and the severity of ischaemic stroke was found. CONCLUSIONS: From among the adipocytokines under investigation, higher concentrations of omentin-1 and CTRP1 and lower blood concentrations of nesfatin-1, irisin significantly increase the odds of getting to the group of ischaemic patients. It seems that CTRP1 can be an independent predictive factor of IS.

Selected adipose tissue hormones in the blood of patients with ischaemic cerebral stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Despite considerable progress in knowledge, ischaemic stroke is still a disease that causes serious clinical problems. A role in its pathogenesis can be attributed to i.a. adipose tissue hormones. The aim of this paper is to assess the blood levels of selected adipocytokines in patients during the acute phase of ischaemic stroke as compared to healthy persons, and an attempt to indicate a correlation between their blood concentrations and the level of stroke severity and its outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients with fresh ischaemic stroke (27 females, 19 males, average age 67.6 years). All patients had a CT scan of the head, their neurological condition was assessed using a stroke severity scale, and their blood levels of resistin, chemerin, and visfatin were tested. The control group consisted of 32 patients (16 females, 16 males, average age 64.1 years) who had never suffered cerebrovascular diseases. RESULTS: Elevated levels of both resistin and chemerin were found in the group of patients with ischaemic stroke (9.17 ± 2.95 ng/mL vs. 6.55 ± 2.01 ng/mL for resistin and 265.0 ± 59.3 ng/mL vs. 191.0 ± 43.6 ng/mL for chemerin). It was also found that the blood concentration of chemerin was higher in females than in males with stroke. However, no difference was found in visfatin blood concentration between the group with ischaemic stroke and the control group (1.65 ± 1.09 ng/mL vs. 1.5 ± 1.39 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Higher resistin and chemerin blood concentrations significantly increase the risk of ischaemic stroke. The level of stroke severity at the moment of its occurrence and during its course do not depend on the concentrations of adipocytokines under analysis.

Hypoglycaemia in endocrine, diabetic, and internal diseases [Hipoglikemia w schorzeniach endokrynologicznych, diabetologicznych i internistycznych].

Hypoglycemia is a decrease in blood glucose concentration below the physiological level. It occurs in healthy people and in people with various diseases with inadequate secretion of insulin by ß cells, or deficiency of counterregulatory hormones secreted at the moment of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is also associated with diabetes therapy, regardless of whether behavioral therapy, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin are used. Distinguishing the causes of hypoglycemia is the basis for taking appropriate therapeutic actions that protect patients against subsequent episodes of lowering blood glucose and complications caused by hypoglycemia.

[The role of selected cytokines in the serum of patients with oral cancer as a cancer marker. preliminary report].

Generally, oral squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by a high degree of local invasion and high frequency of cervical lymph node metastases. The invasion and metastasis process consists of many interconnected host and tumor relationships. The prognosis depends on their early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which is why it is important to capture the initial symptoms of cancer. The advancement of the cancer process at the moment of reporting the patient to treatment in most cases does not give a chance to obtain satisfactory results, despite the introduction of modern methods and techniques to fight the disease. The severity of symptoms in the early stage of the disease, significant invasiveness and the ability to metastasis to regional lymph nodes prompts for the search for sensitive markers that could be used in screening patients in groups with a high risk of OSCC incidence.

Alternative method to treat oroantral communication and fistula with autogenous bone graft and platelet rich fibrin

BACKGROUND: Removing a tooth from the jaw results in the occurrence of oroantral communication in beneficial anatomic conditions or in the case of an iatrogenic effect. Popularized treatments of the oroantral communication have numerous faults. Large bone defect eliminates the chance to introduce an implant. Purpose of this work was assessment of the usefulness of autogenous bone graft and PRF in normal bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone regeneration in the site of oroantral communication was assessed in 20 patients. Bone defects were supplemented autogenous bone graft from mental protuberance in 14 cases and from oblique line in 6 cases. The graft was covered with a PRF membrane. RESULTS: In the study group in all cases closure of the oroantral communication was observed. The average width of the alveolar was 13 mm and the average height was 12.5 mm. In 3 patients an average increase of alveolar height of 1.5 mm was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This method may be the best option to prepare alveolar for new implant and prosthetic solutions

Growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis, calciotropic hormones and bone mineral density in young patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic liver disease caused by HBV and HCV infections, due to its great prevalence and serious medical consequences, is at the present time a significant clinical problem. An impaired liver function can provoke severe disturbances in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, and consequently in the bone metabolism resulting in hepatic osteodystrophy. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and/or circadian levels of hormones connected with bone metabolism and bone turnover markers in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Circadian levels (AUC, area under the curve) of GH, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, osteocalcin (BGLAP), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), PTH, 25(OH)D, total calcium and total phosporus were measured in the blood of members of the study group (n = 80). BMD was assessed using the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method of the L2-L4 lumbar spine. Data was compared to that of healthy individuals (n = 40). RESULTS: BMD (1.05 g/cm3 vs. 1.20 g/cm3), total calcium concentration (2.20 mmol/L vs. 2.45 mmol/L), total phosphorus concentration (1.06 mmol/L vs. 1.33 mmol/L), IGF-I (AUC 3,982.32 ng/mL vs. 5,167.61 ng/mL), IGFBP-3 (AUC 725.09 ng/L vs. 944.35 ng/L), 25(OH)D (AUC 356.35 ng/mL vs. 767.53 ng/mL) and BGLAP (AUC 161.39 ng/L vs. 298 ng/L) were lower in the study group. GH (AUC 88.3 ng/mL vs. 48.04 ng/mL), iPTH (AUC 1,201.94 pg/mL vs. 711.73 pg/mL) and ICTP (AUC 104.30 µg/L vs. 54.49 µg/L) were higher in patients with hepatitis. Positive correlations were noted between bone mineral density and IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and BGLAP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic viral hepatitis causes a decrease in bone mineral density. Impaired liver function disrupts homeostasis of the calcium- vitamin D-parathyroid hormone axis and provokes secondary hyperparathyroidism. Chronic viral hepatitis induces a decrease in the synthesis of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and an increase in GH secretion. Hepatic osteodystrophy is probably caused by both changes in calciotropic hormones as well as in the somatotropin hormone axis.

Transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the blood of healthy people and patients with Graves' orbitopathy--a new mechanism of glucocorticoids action?

INTRODUCTION: The first part of this paper is related to healthy people and presents concentrations of TGFß1 and VEGF in blood (with and without dividing data with respect to sex), their single measurement values (at 8 am), Mean Daily Concentrations (MDC), Area Under the Curves (AUC; total daily secretion), and circadian rhythm. The second part of the work is related to Graves' orbitopathy (GO). The aim of the study were: 1) to determine the physiological pattern of TGFß1 and VEGF secretion; 2) to compare the serum TGFß1 and VEGF circadian profile in newly diagnosed thyreotoxic patients with active GO and healthy controls (H); and 3) to estimate the influence of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MP) on TGFb1 and VEGF blood levels in GO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy (H) subjects and 16 hyperthyroid GO patients were treated with MP (6 g/14 days) and followed up by ophthalmological assessment. Blood was collected before and after 2 weeks MP-therapy. TGFß1 and VEGF levels were determined by the ELISA method. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the concentrations of TGFß1 and VEGF in the blood of healthy women and men - in further analysis, a combined healthy male and female cohort was used (H). While the absence of circadian rhythms in the concentrations of TGFß1 and VEGF allows the application of a single measurement approach, MDC and AUC measurements were found to be more precise. There were no differences in TGFß1 MDC/AUC between GO and H. VEGF MDC/AUC in GO were higher than in H. MP-therapy increased TGFb1 MDC/AUC, thus in GO after MP, the TGFß1 MDC/AUC were higher than in H. There were no differences in VEGF MDC/AUC during MP-therapy. MP-therapy was effective in 15/16 patients. CONCLUSIONS: 1. MP-therapy increases MDC and AUC of TGFß1. The effectiveness of MP-therapy in patients with active GO may be related to its influence on TGFß1 concentrations in blood. The results suggest the existence of a new mechanism of glucocorticoids action, consisting of an increase in the secretion of TGFß1.2. The elevated serum VEGF in thyreotoxic patients with active GO may reflect long-standing autoimmune processes in orbital and thyroid tissues and intensified angiogenesis in the thyroid gland.

Transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) in physiology and pathology.

This review describes precisely the consequence of TGFß1 prevalence in the organism, and its significant influence on physiological and pathophysiological processes. Organ and tissue distinctiveness hinder unambiguous characterisation of the cytokine. However, there are constant functions of TGFß1 inducing no controversy: it participates in foetal development, control of cell growth and differentiation, induces fibrosis and scar formation (the process of 'wound healing'), causes the suppression of immune response, is involved in angiogenesis, the development of tumours, and inflammatory processes. Thus, TGFß1 is a multifunctional cytokine. There are three fundamental directions of its activities: I. TGFß1 regulates cell proliferation, growth, differentiation and cells movement. II. TGFß1 has immunomodulatory effects. III. TGFß1 has profibrogenic effects. TGFß1 action can be local and systemic. This review describes TGFß1 in pathology: colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic foot, pulmonary hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. TGFß1 and its receptors are also of interest to endocrinologists. Lack of TGFß1-dependent growth control may result in oncogenesis: papillary, follicular and anaplastic thyroid cancers, prostate, breast and uterine cervical cancer, oesophagus, gastric, colorectal and liver cancers, NSCLC, and malignant melanoma. Excessive TGFß1 activity is an integral part of the fibrotic processes occurring in the response to injury. An increased TGFß1 expression has been observed in patients with pulmonary, kidney, and liver fibrosis. In chronic hepatitis, the prolonged stimulation of hepatic stellate cells being the result of chronic damage to hepatocytes results in the release of profibrogenic abundant factors such as TGFß1 and leads to the development of liver cirrhosis. The results of experimental procedures and treatment known as anti-TGFß1 strategy acting against the fibrosis in various tissues leads to hope regarding the use of anti-TGFß1 strategy in clinical practice.

Adiponectin, leptin, resistin and insulin blood concentrations in patients with ischaemic cerebral stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke, due to its worldwide prevalence, is not only a medical challenge, but also a serious social problem. Recently, ongoing research has examined whether there are associations between adipose tissue hormones and the risk, mechanisms and course of stroke. The aim of our study was to determine whether there are significant differences in blood concentrations of insulin, adiponectin, leptin, resistin and in insulin resistance among patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke, compared to healthy subjects. In addition, we wanted to investigate if those biochemical values show a correlation with the neurological condition of our patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adiponectin, leptin, resistin and insulin were measured in patients (n = 69) with first-ever ischaemic stroke (confirmed by CT), using specific electrochemoluminescence, radioimmunoassay and ELISA methods. Neurological evaluation was performed using Barthel ADL index on the day of admission and on the ninth day of hospitalisation. Insulin resistance value was obtained via the HOMA-IR calculator. Data was compared to that of healthy individuals (n = 26). RESULTS: Insulin concentration (51.08 v. 17.02 uU/mL) and HOMA-IR value (6.3 v. 2.2) were significantly higher in the study group. Leptin (14.98 v. 10.47 ng/mL) and resistin (28.92 v. 12.25 ng/mL) levels were elevated among the stroke survivors compared to controls, but no significant difference was noted in adiponectin. Negative correlations of adiponectin level and Barthel score were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance are involved in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. Hyperleptinaemia and hyperresistinaemia play a role in the mechanism of stroke. The severity of stroke is associated with adiponectin blood concentration.

Mixed germ cells tumour primarily located in the thyroid -- a case report.

Germ cells tumours most frequently occur in the gonads. Extragonadal localisation is rare and concerns mainly the mediastinum, retroperitoneum and pineal. We present the first description of a patient with a mixed germ cells tumour located primarily in the thyroid. A 35-year-old man in a good clinical condition was admitted to diagnose metastasis revealed in an X-ray of his lungs. Abnormal laboratory tests showed high concentrations of beta-HCG and LDH. Ultrasound examination revealed: hypoechogenic area 8 × 4 × 5 mm in the left testicle, and enlarged left thyroid lobe with echogenically heterogenous mass. In cytological examination of the thyroid, carcinomatous cells were found, which suggested metastasis. A diagnosis of cancerous spread of testicular cancer to the lungs and thyroid was made. The left testicle, with spermatic cord, was removed, yet in the histopathological examination no carcinomatous cells were found. Rescue chemotherapy, according to the BEP scheme (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) was started, but during its course the patient died. Histopathology disclosed primary mixed germ cells tumour in the thyroid, predominantly with carcinoma embryonale and focuses of choriocarcinoma. Extragonadal germ cells tumours rarely occur in the thyroid. In medical literature, some cases of teratomas and a single case of yolk sac tumour in the thyroid have been described. The presence of choriocarcinoma was responsible for the high serum concentration of beta-HCG. Surgery of germ cells tumours proves insufficient. The conventional chemotherapy is based on cisplatin. In conclusion, extragonadal germ cells tumours are rare, but should be considered while co-existing with elevated markers such as: AFP, beta-HCG and lack of abnormalities in the gonads.

Plasma levels of NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have assessed natriuretic peptides in patients with thyroid disorders, and these studies have provided contrasting results. This difference may be partially explained by the presence of concomitant disorders of the cardiovascular system in participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 101 patients free of any cardiovascular disorder, who, on the basis of plasma levels of TSH and thyroid hormones, were divided into patients with overt hyperthyroidism, patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism, patients with overt hypothyroidism, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and control subjects with normal thyroid profile. Hyperthyroidism was induced either by nodular thyroid disease or by Graves' disease, while hypothyroidism was secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis or surgery. RESULTS: Compared to control subjects, hyperthyroid patients were characterised by higher plasma levels of NT-pro-BNP. This increase was particularly pronounced in cases of overt disease. On the other hand, neither clinical nor subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with any significant changes in this peptide. Plasma levels of NT-pro-BNP did not differ between patients with Graves' disease and toxic nodular goitre nor between patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism secondary to thyroidectomy. Only L-thyroxine substitutions, but not hyperthyroidism treatment, caused changes in plasma concentration of NT-pro-BNP. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism induce changes of the plasma concentration of NT-pro-BNP. Although both exogenous L-thyroxine and antithyroid drugs restored thyroid function, only the former drug changed plasma NT-pro-BNP content. The thyrometabolic state of a patient should always be taken into consideration when NT-pro-BNP is assessed as a marker of cardiac dysfunction.

Ghrelin PYY 3-36 serum changes in left ventricular hypertrophic, insulin-resistant, hypertensive obese patients.

AIM: Hypertension is a major health problem and is usually associated with common conditions such as obesity, which contribute to clinical cardiac dysfunction. The role of energy homeostasis hormones such as ghrelin and PYY 3-36 in cardiovascular function remains incompletely understood. Therefore, the aim of our study was to explore the potential differences in concentrations of ghrelin forms and PYY 3-36 circulating in obese patients with grade 1 and grade 2 hypertension, with higher and lower BMI and without and with insulin resistance as well as to determine whether these hormones may be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. METHODS: A total of 142 adult subjects were studied in three subgroups: lean (BMI < 25 kg/m(2)) normotensive subjects and obese subjects (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2)), and obese subjects (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m(2)) under hypertensive treatment for at least 9 years. Fasting blood glucose, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipid profile, urinic acid, acylated ghrelin (A-Ghr), total ghrelin (T-Ghr), and PYY 3-36 were measured. Insulin resistance was determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We also echocardiographically assessed left ventricular mass (LVM) index (LVMI = LVM/height(2.7)). We evaluated the association between plasma T-Ghr, A-Ghr, PYY 3-36 levels with LVMI and other measured factors using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences between BMI, waist circumference (WC), LVMI, hs-CRP and A-Ghr/nonacylated ghrelin (NA-Ghr) ratio (in the two obese subgroups. There was no significant difference between T-Ghr, A-Ghr and PYY 3-36 levels between obese subgroups. T-Ghr and PYY 3-36 were significantly lower in obese patients than in the control group, whereas A-Ghr levels did not differ between obese and controls. A-Ghr/NA-Ghr ratio was significantly higher in patients with second-degree hypertension and BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m(2) than in patients with first-degree hypertension and BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2). There were negative associations between T-Ghr, NA-Ghr or PYY 3-36 and LVMI (r = -0.49, p = 0.0001; r = -0.47, p = 0.0001; or r = -0.18, p = 0.029, respectively) and positive association between A-Ghr/NA-Ghr ratio and LVMI (r = 0.3, p = 0.0003). T-Ghr and NA-Ghr, were associated negatively with fasting insulin (r = -0.31, p = 0.0025; and r = -0.36, p = 0.001, repectively), while A-Ghr/NA-Ghr ratio was positively associated with BMI and fasting insulin (r = 0.23, p = 0.041; r = 0.3, p = 0.0045, respectively). T-Ghr, A-Ghr, and NAGhr were also inversely related to HOMA-IR indices in obese patients (r = -0.43, p = 0.001; r = -0.32, p = 0.0359; r = -0.35, p = 0.001, respectively). In insulin-resistant obese subjects T-Ghr and NA-Ghr correlated negatively with HOMA-IR (r = -0.34, p = 0.0015; r = -0.28, p = 0.0116, respectively). LVMI was associated negatively with T-Ghr, NA-Ghr and PYY 3-36 (r = -0.49, p = 0.0001; r = -0.47, p = 0.0001; r = -0.18, p = 0.029, respectively). In addition, LVMI was positively associated with A-Ghr/NA-Ghr ratio (r = 0.30, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Plasma ghrelin forms and PYY 3-36 levels are associated with LVMI. These associations indicate a possible interaction between gut peptides and the cardiovascular system in hypertension and obesity.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) - part 1: in physiology and pathophysiology.

Angiogenesis is an important component of many physiological processes, such as the female sexual cycle, placenta formation, the processes of growth and differentiation of tissues, and reparative processes including wound healing, fracture repair, and liver regeneration. The formation of new blood vessels during angiogenesis and vasculogenesis allows the growth and functioning of multicellular organisms. Pathological angiogenesis most commonly occurs in ischaemic, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Conditions in the pathogenesis of which angiogenesis plays an important role are sometimes labelled angiogenic diseases. To date, a number of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors have been defined. VEGF is the only specific mitogen for endothelial cells. It stimulates their growth and inhibits apoptosis, increases vascular permeability in many tissues, promotes vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. VEGF signalling activity in relation to the cell is dependent on having its specific membrane receptors (Flt-1, KDR, Flt-4). Angiogenesis plays a protective role in ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction. Angiogenesis extends life for patients after a stroke. Most of the facts about physiological angiogenesis are derived from studies into liver regeneration as a result of an acute injury or partial hepatectomy. Pathological hepatic angiogenesis occurs in the course of inflammation, fibrosis, hypoxia, and during tumourogenesis. There is interesting data relating to liver steatosis and obesity.

Mean daily plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin, leu-enkephalin, ACTH, cortisol, and DHEAS in epileptic patients with complex partial seizures evolving to generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

INTRODUCTION: A multitude of mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. OBJECTIVE: To assess mean daily plasma concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, DHEAS, leu-enkephalin, and beta-endorphin in epileptic patients with complex partial seizures evolving to tonic-clonic in relation to frequency of seizure occurrence (groups with seizure occurrences - several per week and several per year) and duration of the disease (groups less than and more than 10 years). We decided to analyse mean daily values of beta-endorphin and leu-enkephalin because of significant differences in concentrations of these substances in blood during the day. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 17 patients (14 males + 3 females; mean age 31.8 yrs) treated with carbamazepine (300-1800 mg/day). The control group consisted of six age-matched healthy volunteers. Blood was collected at 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 8 p.m., and 2 a.m. Intergroup analysis was performed with the use of ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Mean daily concentrations of ACTH and cortisol in the blood of the patients with epilepsy were higher in comparison with those of the healthy volunteers, independently of the frequency of seizures and duration of the disease. Mean daily concentrations of beta-endorphin in the blood of the patients with epilepsy were higher in the groups of patients with more severe clinical course of disease (with more frequently occurring epilepsy seizures and longer duration of the disease) in comparison with healthy subjects. Mean daily concentrations of leu-enkephalin in the blood of the patients with epilepsy were higher in the group of patients with short duration of the disease in comparison with the group with long duration of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity is observed in patients with clinically active epilepsy, independently of the frequency of seizures and duration of the disease. 2. Changes in endogenous opioid system activity are related to the clinical activity of epilepsy - beta-endorphin concentrations are connected with frequency of seizures and duration of the disease and leu-enkephalin concentrations with duration of the disease. 3. Endogenous opioid peptides might take part in the neurochemical mechanism of human epilepsy. (Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (1): 103-110).

Serum concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in oral squamous cell carcinoma before and after surgery. Preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION: Generally, squamous cell carcinoma carries a poor prognosis because of its tendency to local invasion and subsequent metastasis, which is mediated by multiple factors and angiogenesis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for epithelial cells and regulates cell proliferation and migration and survival tumour angiogenesis and invasiveness. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the serum concentration of HGF in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma before and after initial treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigation was carried out in a group of 10 men and 10 women who had been hospitalised at the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery because of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Blood samples were collected before and four weeks after initial treatment. Concentrations of HGF were determined in all blood serum samples. RESULTS: In patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma daily oscillations of the mean values of HGF were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Serum concentrations of HGF were significantly higher in those patients who had undergone tumour and regional lymph node resection. Serum HGF levels correlated positively with primary tumour stage. In our study no significant association was observed between HGF levels and histological differentiation, but the daily oscillation of HGF was higher in those with G3 than in those with G2 and G1 status. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that the changes can be important pathogenic elements involved in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may be a useful marker for clinical monitoring.

[Natriuretic peptides: their role in diagnosis and therapy]. / Peptydy natriuretyczne: ich znaczenie w diagnostyce i terapii.

Cardiac natriuretic peptide hormones, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), are synthesized and secreted by the heart, producing several biological effects, such as natriuresis, vasorelaxation and hypotension. During the last decade these peptides, especially BNP, have received increasing attention as potential markers of cardiovascular disease. Their measurements can be used to diagnose heart failure, including diastolic dysfunction, and using them has been shown to save money. BNP levels can enable the differentiation between dyspnoic patients secondary to ventricular dysfunction and subjects with primary respiratory disorders. Moreover, there is good evidence that natriuretic peptides may have a diagnostic role in arterial hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, pulmonary hypertension, some valvular heart disease and some disorders affecting other systems (diabetes or thyroid disorders). In this paper we discuss the clinical utility of assessment of natriuretic peptide hormones in the diagnosis of various clinical conditions and their use as pharmacological agents.

[Insulinoma--diagnosis and treatment]. / Insulinoma--diagnostyka i leczenie.

Insulinomas are the most common functioning endocrine tumors of pancreas. Approximately 10% are multiple, less than 10% can be malignant and 5-10% associated with the MEN-1 syndrome. Insulinomas are the most common cause of hypoglycemia resulting from endogenous hyperinsulinism. The aim of this lecture is to present the up-to-date information concerning the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of insulinoma.

[Thyroid hormones and the cardiomyocytes]. / Hormony tarczycy a miesien sercowy.

The authors present the current knowledge on the intracellular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action in the cardiomyocytes. Many of the clinical manifestations of thyroid diseases are due to the ability of thyroid hormone to alter cardiovascular hemodynamics. Triiodothyronine affects the hemodynamic state mainly by its influence on the expression of cardiomyocyte genes. These genes encode both structural and regulatory proteins in the heart (myosin heavy chains, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-activated ATP-ase, phospholamban). The impaired myocardium contractile activity in hypothyreosis reminds findings in heart failure and may warrant further exploration of therapeutic approaches using thyroid hormone to improve cardiac function in heart failure.

Effect of interferon alpha and ribavirin treatment on serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

AIM: To assess the role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the pathogenesis of fibrosis associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to evaluate the influence of the antiviral therapy on above parameter levels depending on the treatment results (complete response or no response). METHODS: Study group included 100 patients with CHC, in whom fibrosis in liver specimens was assessed (Scheuer fibrosis score: 1-4 points). Control group included 30 subjects with antibodies anti-HCV present and persistently normal ALT level, without fibrosis (Scheuer fibrosis score: 0 points). Concentration of studied parameters was assayed in the serum by immunoenzymatic method before and after the therapy with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (35.89 vs 32.37 ng/mL; P=0.023). Such differences were not found in VEGF and bFGF levels. In patients showing complete response (negative HCV RNA and normal ALT level), significant increase in VEGF (112.8 vs 315.03 pg/mL; P<0.05) and bFGF (2.51 vs 15.79 pg/mL; P=0.04) levels were found. Significant decrease in TGF-beta1 level was observed both in responders (37.44 vs 30.02 ng/mL; P=0.05), and in non-responders (38.22 vs 30.43 ng/mL; P=0.043). bFGF levels before the treatment were significantly lower (2.51 vs 5.94 pg/mL; P=0.04), and after the treatment significantly higher (15.79 vs 4.35 pg/mL; P=0.01) in patients with complete response than in those with no response. CONCLUSION: Among the analyzed parameters TGF-beta1 seems to play the most important role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in CHC. Levels of this factor are significantly lower in subjects who do not have fibrosis developed in them. Good therapeutic effect in CHC patients is associated with significant changes in TGF-beta1, VEGF, and bFGF levels. bFGF seems to have the highest usefulness in the prognosis of treatment efficacy.