A comparative study of angiogenic and cytokine responses after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with standard- and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures enhance production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors that play a pivotal role in the immunological response to surgical trauma and take part in the pathogenesis of tumor growth and adhesions formation. The purpose of the study was to access the influence of low-pressure CO(2) pneumoperitoneum on the inflammatory and angiogenic responses during the postoperative period after laparoscopy. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 patients, operated on due to cholelithiasis using standard-pressure (n = 20) and low-pressure (n = 20) CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. Serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and endostatin were measured before and at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Concentrations of IL-6 increased significantly after the operations in both groups. No differences were observed between the groups in regards to IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels. Concentrations of VEGF-A measured at 6 and 48 h were significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoscopies performed with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. No significant variations were observed in endostatin serum concentration. Concentrations of the studied parameters were not influenced by duration of surgery or by age, gender, or body mass index (BMI) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in our study do not show any significant differences between studied operative procedures with regards to systemic inflammatory response. Changes in the concentrations of VEGF-A and endostatin observed in the studied population may suggest this technique is more favorable with regards to angiogenesis process intensity, along with all its consequences and implications.

Mammary gland anatomy and the role of mammography and ultrasonography in the early diagnostics of breast cancer. A case report.

Progress in imaging techniques has brought a solution to the problem of the early diagnosis of breast cancer. An interesting case of breast cancer is presented here, pictures of the malignant tumour are demonstrated and the usefulness of new diagnostic methods analysed. The presentation of this case may contribute to greater effectiveness in early breast cancer detection.

Selected metabolites of neutrophils in patients with 2-type diabetes complicated and non complicated with diabetic foot syndrome during colonization of E. coli toxin.

Neutrophils play an important role in the pathogenesis of complications of diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the metabolism of neutrophiles activation markers during the colonization of E. coli endotoxin in order to determine their potential role in the treatment of 2-type diabetes complicated and non-complicated with the diabetic foot syndrome and to evaluate production of peroxide anions by stimulated and non-stimulated neutrophils depending on the exposition time. 54 patients were divided into 3 groups (15 healthy volunteers--control group (1), group 2 - 17 patients with 2-type non-complicated diabetes group 3 - 22 patients with diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome). Blood samples from all subjects were examined. Results show significant differences of E.coli endotoxin influence on metabolism of neutrophiles in study groups. Production of peroxide anions by non-stimulated neutrophils in 20th minute of the experiment was 15 times higher in the group with no diabetic foot and 18 times higher in the group with diabetic foot as compared to the control group. Production of peroxide anions produced by neutrophils increased significantly with the exposure time. The results correspond to data in the literature, that suggest, that type, time of exposition and concentration of pathogens may significantly interfere with neutrophiles activity in the course of diabetes.

Dimensions of segmental bronchi of pulmonary lower lobes in humans and Cercopithecus aethiops.

The aim of the study was to determine the bronchial segmental tree dimensions of lower lobes in humans and Cercopithecus aethiops and to estimate the possible relations between them. The study was carried out on a group of 62 human cadavers (aged 20 to 60; 28 men, and 34 women) and 30 sexually mature corpses of Cercopithecus aethiops (14 male and 16 female individuals). The trachea and bronchi were swilled out, injected with duracryl and digested in hydrochloric acid. After washing out an exact model of the topographically unchanged bronchial tree was obtained. Those preparations were dried and the diameters of the segmental bronchi in the lower lobes of both lungs were measured. The statistical analysis was performed using the SAS system v. 6.11. Differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA. If P < 0.05, differences between the mean values were considered statistically significant. In the studied material almost all measured values in Cercopithecus aethiops were higher in female individuals in contrast to the results obtained for humans. In both sexes of Cercopithecus aethiops medial and anterior basal bronchi have the biggest diameter in both sides, but in male and female humans posterior basal bronchus has the biggest diameter. Unlike humans, where the medial segments are small, the medial segments in Cercopithecus aethiops constitute a significant functional part of the lungs.

Morphometry of the pineal gland in overweight individuals.

While obesity is an ever increasing problem in today's world, numerous facts suggest that its side-effects continue to be underestimated. Recent studies link obesity with pineal gland hormone and melatonin. The aim of this study was to determine differences in morphological attributes of the pineal gland in normal and overweight people in terms of pineal width and volume. A lower pineal width and volume in overweight individuals stated in the study may suggest a different excretory activity of the pineal gland.