Sequencing of caprine alpha-S1 casein cDNAs confirms the accuracy of the RT-PCR approach for detecting of the variants of the gene.

Polymorphism of the casein gene in goats determines milk processing quality and cheese flavour. The main 7 alleles belong to 4 groups: strong alleles A, B, C (which code for 3.6 g/l), medium allele E (1.6 g/1), weak alleles F and D (0.6 g/1) and zero allele, connected with lack of alphaS1 casein in milk. Milk cells (mononuclear milk cells plus epithelium cells) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were mRNA sources for reverse transcription. Three specific primers were used for polymerase chain reaction, which enabled to differentiate between alleles from four expression groups. The length of PCR products varied since allele F has a 111- nucleotide (nt) deletion of exons 9-11, allele D has a deletion of 36 nt (exon 9), and the medium allele E is associated with a 457 nt insertion in the 19th non-coding exon. Sequencing of amplified fragments, performed on PCR products isolated from milk, confirmed the correctness of the RT-PCR - based alphaS1 casein genotyping method.

[Evaluation of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium levels in workers exposed to organic solvents, hydrogen cyanide and harmful physical factors]. / Ocena stezen magnezu, cynku, miedzi i wapnia u pracowników narazonych na dzialanie rozpuszczalników organicznych, cyjanowodoru iszkodliwych czynników fizycznych.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the work was to assess te effect of chronic occupational exposure to organic solvents, hydrogen cyanide, and harmful physical factors (noise, vibration and electromagnetic fields) on intra- and extracellular concentration of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium. The study converted 83 persons (25 males and 57 females), aged 20-58 years (median: 37.8 +/- 8.64), employed in the MERA PAFAL SA Factory of Measuring Equipment, Swidnica, for 0.42 +/- 34 years (median: 11.84 +/- 9.28). The subjects were divided into four groups: Group A-25 persons exposed to organic solvents; Group B-24 persons exposed to hydrogen cyanide; Group C-19 persons exposed to noise and vibration; and Group D-8 persons exposed to electromagnetic fields. Blood samples (10 ml) were collected from each person. Intra- and extracellular concentrations of magnesium, zinc, copper and calcium were estimated. CONCLUSIONS: exposure to 1) organic solvents induces depletion of calcium and zinc from the body and intracellular cumulation of magnesium; 2) to hydrogen cyanide induces depletion of intracellular zinc and intracellular cumulation of magnesium and zinc; 3) to noise and vibration induces depletion of calcium, zinc and copper and intracellular cumulation of magnesium; and 4) electromagnetic fields does not induce any significant changes in ionic concentrations.

[Studies of the effect of environmental factors on the visual system (based on the examination of workers at a precision instrument factory)]. / Wplyw czynników srodowiskowykh na stan ukLadu wzrokowego (na podstawie badan przeprowadzonych u pracowników zakladów wytwórczych aparatury precyzyjnej.

The studies involved 254 workers of a Precise Devices Plant. The impact of working conditions (chemical pollutants and lighting) on the sight organ was examined. In the test group a considerable percentage (29.5%) of chronic conjunctivitis was found. The disease results from a long-lasting exposure to dusts of various origin, as well as from improper lighting. The posttraumatic and post-inflammatory impairments of the sight organ, diagnosed by ophthalmological examinations, were not of occupational origin.

[The role of galanin in the endocrine system]. / Rola galaniny w ukladzie wewnetrznego wydzielania.

Galanin, a 29-30 amino-acid neuropeptide is distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the pituitary gland, the gastrointestinal tract and also in the pancreas. The endogenous and exogenous effects of galanin are mediated by three receptor subtypes, which are termed: GALR1, GALR2, and GALR3. Galanin has a significant role in physiological and pathological processes in adults as well as in children. It has an ability to contract smooth muscles in GI (facilitation and inhibition), stimulates reflexes in the CNS, decreases pancreatic amylase secretion, changes transport of electrolytes Na+ and CL-. It takes part in etiopathogenesis of depression, Alzheimer's disease and diarrhoea, exerts tonic inhibition of nociceptive input to the central nervous system and regulates a function of hypothalamic-pituitary system. Galanin decreases insulin and somatostatin secretion, increases glucagon secretion, takes part in prolactin release, stimulates growth hormone-releasing hormone, hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone and corticotropin releasing hormone. It causes increase of somatotropin secretion, luteinizing hormone and foliculotropin release and adrenocorticotropin secretion. The hypothalamic galanin takes part in etiopathogenesis of obesity not only in human reproductive period, but also in adolescence, increasing the appetite and changing fat metabolism. This variety of actions emphasizes the potential importance of this peptide in the regulation of cells function and the need to understand the mechanism by which they act.

[The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system in endocrine diseases]. / Uklad renina-angiotensyna-aldosteron (RAA) w chorobach gruczolów wydzielania wewnetrznego.

Modern, views are presented on the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in certain diseases of endocrine glands. In patients with phaeochromocytoma, virilizing tumours, acromegaly, in Cushing's disease, and in Conn's syndrome at the present state of knowledge it is not possible to formulate unequivocal conclusions concerning the effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system on the mechanism of arterial hypertension development in these endocrinopathies.

[Contemporary views on the subject of male hormonal contraception]. / Wspólczesne poglady na temat meskiej hormonalnej antykoncepcji.

Contemporary studies of male hormonal contraception are presented. The authors used many forms of testosterone (testosterone enanthate, testosterone buciclate), in their works and they estimated its activity in mono- and politherapy. Parallely the effect of this hormone was tested on some parameters of endocrine system, blood cell count, mood and sexuality of normal men. The alternative forms for intramuscular injections can be oral administrations, implants or vaccines.

[Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)--youth hormone?]. / Dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA)--hormon mlodosci?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphated metabolite (DHEA-S) are endogenous steroid hormones, synthesized by the adrenal cortex, gonads and CNS. The secretion profile changes with age and depends on the sex. Human DHEA and DHEA-S levels decline linearly and systematically with age and suggest the potential importance of that parameter as a biomarker of ageing. The counteraction of DHEA against atherosclerotic disease, cancer growth, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity and the influence on immunological functions are observed in researches. DHEA influences the condition of mind, cognition functions, memory and well-being. DHEA hormonal replacement therapy is expected to lengthen human life by the stoppage of physiological degeneration changes and prevention of age-related clinical disorders.

[The role of beta 3-adrenergic receptors in the human organism]. / Rola receptorów beta 3-adrenergicznych w organizmie czlowieka.

Beta 3-adrenergic receptors (beta 3 ARs) are important structures in the human body but the role they play is not yet very clear. Stimulation of beta 3 AR in adipose tissue causes greater energy expenditure and increases thermogenesis and lipolysis. Mutation of the gene coding beta 3 AR in position 64 with thymidine instead of cytosine leads to the replacement of tryptophan (Trp 64) with arginine (Arg 64) and may be the cause of greater increase in body mass and the decrease in basic metabolism. The data however, is differentiated in populations and cannot be conclusive. The connection has been discovered between the state of the beta 3 ARs and the blood lipid concentration (also differing in populations). In some patients beta 3 AR mutation is correlated with high arterial diastolic pressure, increased incidence of noninsulin-dependent diabetes in younger, increased insulin resistance and diabetes in pregnant. beta 3-AR agonists might be used in treatment of many diseases, which obviously demands further investigations.

[Isolated so-called "alone" atrial fibrillation]. / Izolowane, tzw. "samotne" migotanie przedsionków (alone atrial fibrillation).

A 49-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was studied in hospital for detection of the cause of arrhythmia and was qualified into the group of the so called alone atrial fibrillation, with healthy cardiovascular system. He was treated successfully with amiodarone++. This type of atrial fibrillation occurs in only 6% of cases of atrial fibrillation, but is possible occurrence should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis.

[Effect of lead on thyroid function]. / Wplyw olowiu na funkcje tarczycy.

Lead in organic and inorganic compounds is a health risk factor leading after high-grade exposure to poisoning. It can accumulate in the organism and exert toxic effects, especially on the haemopoietic system and nervous system. Its action includes damage to cell membranes and disorders of the oxidoreductive processes in the cells. Hypothyroidism occurring in subjects with occupational exposure to lead may evidence a negative effect of the element on thyroid function.

[The role of the thymus in the human body]. / Rola grasicy w organizmie czlowieka.

The work deals with contemporary opinions on the endocrinological function of thymus. The latest information concerning T cell maturation has also been provided. It has been shown that there is a direct relationship between the process of lymphocyte T proliferation and formation of the organism tolerance to self. The current opinions dealing with the phenomenon of the thymus involution have been given stressing its advantageous significance for human organism. The work shows wide connections of the gland in question with other organs. The participation of thymus in pathogenesis of some disease entities has also been presented.

[The activity of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAA) and possibilities of application angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I) in selected diseases of endocrine glands]. / Aktywnosc ukladu renina-angiotensyna-aldosteron (RAA) i mozliwosci zastosowania inhibitorów enzymu konwertujacego angiotensyne I (ACE I) w wybranych chorobach gruczolów wewnetrznego wydzielania.

The aim of this presentation is evaluation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAA) in selected diseases of endocrine glands. In patients with acromegaly, Conn's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, phaeochromocytoma and Cushing's disease is possible to formulate the temporarily conclusions according to subsidiary meaning of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I) in these endocrinopathies. Whereas the ACE I play an important role in the treatment of nephropathy and hypertension in diabetes mellitus.

[Clinical trial of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with TFX (thymus factor X)]. / Próba leczenia reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów preparatem TFX (Thymus factor X).

The results of rheumatoid arthritis treatment with the preparation TFX (extract of calf thymus) are reported. The drug was given to 11 patients with intense inflammatory process treated previously in typical fashion without evident improvement and in whom immunological studies demonstrated disturbances of cell-mediated and humoral response. The duration of treatment and observation was 6 months. In 9 patients clinical improvement was achieved. We observed no correlation between clinical improvement and immunological indices besides statistically significant changes of skin tests. The results (assessment of health state, laboratory investigations) encourage to TFX use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

[The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in human body]. / Rola wazoaktywnego peptydu jelitowego w organizmie czlowieka.

The quick progress of medical sciences changed somewhat our point of view on the role of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in human body. In the following article we have tried to gather all the latest information concerning VIP and its regulatory function. The role in menstrual cycle regulation, in prolactine and in hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis secretion as well as in pancreas' hormones secretion has been described. We also emphasized the role in maintaining the blood pressure. The influence on the digestion, hematopoiesis, cell growth and differentiation was also discussed.

[The assessment of thyroid gland function in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type II)]. / Ocena funkcji tarczycy u osób chorych na cukrzyce niezalezna od insuliny (typu II).

The aim of the study was to assess thyroid gland function in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients under different therapeutic regimens. There were examined 75 patients with type II diabetes mellitus, age range 33-80 years (average 65.24 +/- 14.32 years) including 46 women and 29 men. Group I was treated with insulin, group II--with diet, and group III--with sulfonylurea derivatives oral antidiabetic agents. Control group consisted of 91 healthy persons in appropriate age. The highest glucose levels were in insulin treated group--174.17 +/- 40.31 mg%, and were significantly higher from the values observed in oral antidiabetic agents treated group (169.89 +/- 41.34 mg%), and in diet treated group, where glucose levels were the lowest--134.57 +/- 25.06 mg%. In both groups--patients treated with insulin and with oral antidiabetic agents a positive correlation between fT4 and glycated hemoglobin levels were observed. Performed experiments and investigations suggest: 1. There are no differences in thyroid gland function in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. 2. Different therapies (diet, insulin therapy, oral antidiabetic agents) have no influence on thyroid gland function.

[The evaluation of a threat of osteoporosis among the employees at the pharmaceutical firm "Jelfa" in Jelenia Góra]. / Ocena zagrozenia osteoporoza wsród zalogi Przedsiebiorstwa Farmaceutycznego "Jelfa" S.A. w Jeleniej Górze.

Nine hundred eight workers of Pharmaceutical Firm "Jelfa" at Jelenia Góra at the age over 35 were examined. Examinations were done in the form of inquiry, what gave all necessary data about age, weight, feeding habits, kind of work, fractures in the past and menstruations in women. The information were elaborated together with densitometric tests. We measured bone density (BMD) with densimeter DTX-200 (Osteometer) in the distal part of not dominant antebrachium. 23% of women and 37% of men had the results of bone density below the norm.

[Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as an integral part of sick (damaged) sinus syndrome]. / Napadowe migotanie przedsionków, jako integralna czesc zespolu chorego (uszkodzonego) wezla zatokowego.

In a studied group of 1727 subjects in 101 cases (of either sex) the sick sinus syndrome with MAS attacks++ was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and electrocardiographic criteria. The most frequent cause of the syndrome with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was ischaemic heart disease. In 42 cases atrial pacing was applied measuring the time of own rhythm return after the end of pacing, and His bundle potentials were recorded. For practical reasons the patients were divided in two groups. Trials of treatment with atropine or isopropylnoradrenaline derivatives++ were undertaken in group A, and in group B antiarrhythmic++ drugs were used (beta-blockers, quinidine, isoptin etc). In group I (38 patients with striking bradycardia) a good therapeutic effect was observed after pharmacological treatment in 8 cases (21%). In group II (63 cases of the tachy-bradycardia syndrome) a good effect was observed in 11 cases (17.4%).

[Thyrotoxicosis: indications and contraindications for radioiodine treatment]. / Tyreotoksykoza--wskazania i przeciwwskazania do leczenia jodem promieniotwórczym.

Treatment of tyrotoxicosis with I131 has been performed successfully for more than 50 years. In the beginning some fears occurred concerning possible oncogenity and gonadal lesions in children. Those restrictions are a history now. Radiotherapy can be used as a method of choice in merely intensified thyrotoxicosis especially with diffused thyroid gland enlargement (with the exception of trachea and oesophagus compression cases), after depletion of other efficient treatment methods, with the lack of patient's consent to operation or to thyrostatic treatment. Gravidity, high possibility of pregnancy (4-12 months after the end of treatment) and breast-feeding time are the obvious contraindications. Though hypothyroidism is inevitable side effect after the therapy (replacement therapy is needed) generally proposed doses of I131 should not be limited to avoid low efficacy of the treatment.

[Activity of angiotensin converting enzyme in women with hypothyroidism]. / Aktywnosc enzymu konwertujacego u kobiet z niedoczynnoscia tarczycy.

Serum activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) has been measured in 13 women (mean age 43.1 years) with primary hypothyroidism by spectrofluorometric method of Friedland and Silverstein. The mean enzyme activity was significantly lower in hypothyroid patients than in healthy persons. There is no significant correlation between ACE activity and thyroid hormones concentration.

[Activity of the enzyme converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II (ACE) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Aktywnosc enzymu konwertujacego angiotensyne I w angiotensyne II (ACE) w zespole wielotorbielowatych jajników.

Significantly higher values of systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure as compared to the corresponding control group was found in a group of 31 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) of age between 22 and 42 years (mean 34 years). It was demonstrated that the activity of the enzyme converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II (angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE) as determined by the spectrofluorometric method of Friedland and Silverstein did not differ significantly from that found in the control group. No significant correlation was also found between the ACE activity and the concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin and estradiol both in the patients and in the control group.