Biomedical Papers-Olomouc最新文献

Objectives: This study aims to identify factors possibly contributing to complications in children with acute leukaemia. Despite diverse etiological causes, similar processes trigger the process of cell malignancy. Genomic instability has received considerable attention in this context.

Method: We conducted chromosomal analysis of bone marrow cells and measured the micronuclei (Mn) level in buccal cells over time. Statistical reliability assessment was performed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the data were analyzed and visualized using the SPSS 12 statistical analysis software package.

Results: On the 15th day of treatment, our findings confirmed a statistically significant correlation (χ²=3.88, P=0.04) between the number of blasts in the bone marrow and unfavourable outcome in patients with a near-tetraploid chromosome clone. Additionally, on the 33rd day of treatment, we observed a correlation between an elevated number of Mn and relapses.

Discussion: While it is commonly believed that a hyperdiploid clone with >50 chromosomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia confers favorable outcome, our study revealed partially heterogeneous results and poor prognosis in patients with a near-tetraploid clone. We have also identified a correlation between the Mn level on the 33rd day of treatment and the development of complications. It is possible that the increased Mn values and the occurrence of relapses were influenced by the individual patient's sensitivity to the genotoxic effect of the medication.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to gentamicin nephrotoxicity is a significant concern in clinical medicine, particularly in patients receiving prolonged or high-dose gentamicin therapy. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic frequently used in the treatment of a range of bacterial infections. However, its use is associated with nephrotoxicity which can manifest as AKI. Due to this, it is crucial to diagnose promptly and manage treatment effectively. Ongoing studies are therefore focusing on non-protein-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers for AKI. Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and AKI. They participate in pathways associated with inflammation, cell death, and oxidative stress and each of these factors play critical roles in the development of gentamicin-induced kidney injury. Research studies have demonstrated changes in the expression levels of these miRNAs in response to gentamicin exposure both in vitro and in in vivo models, as well as in human clinical trials involving patients receiving gentamicin therapy. The dysregulation of these miRNAs correlates with the severity of kidney injury and may serve as sensitive biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of AKI induced by gentamicin.

Background: A number of recent studies have shown that the intestinal microbiome, part of the brain-gut axis, is implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. An essential part of this axis, is the intestinal barrier and gastrointestinal disorders with intestinal barrier dysregulation appear to be linked to CNS demyelination, and hence involved in the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the integrity of the intestinal barrier in patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using two serum biomarkers, claudin-3 (CLDN3), a component of tight epithelial junctions, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a cytosolic protein in enterocytes.

Methods: Serum levels of CLDN3 in 37 MS patients and 22 controls, and serum levels of I-FABP in 46 MS patients and 51 controls were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Complete laboratory tests excluded the presence of gluten-related disorders in all subjects. Thirty MS patients received either disease-modifying drugs (DMD), immunosuppression (IS) or corticosteroid treatment.

Results: CLDN3 levels were only significantly higher in the MS patients treated with DMD or IS compared to the control group (P=0.006). There were no differences in I-FABP serum levels between the groups. Serum CLDN3 levels did not correlate with serum I-FABP levels in CDMS, in CIS patients or controls.

Conclusions: In multiple sclerosis patients, the intestinal epithelium may be impaired with increased permeability, but without significant enterocyte damage characterized by intracellular protein leakage. Based on our data, CLDN3 serum levels appear to assess intestinal dysfunction in MS patients but mainly in treated ones.

Aim: The purpose of this project was to compare the characteristics of two experimental murine models of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) and determine which experimental model is most suitable for further investigational research to elucidate the pathophysiology of PIOL and to find new therapeutical strategies.

Methods: In both experimental models PIOL was induced in immunocompetent mice with intravitreal injection of syngeneic B-cell lymphoma cell lines. Murine strain C3H/HeN and cell line 38C13 were used in the first model and BALB/CaNn mice and cell line A20 in the second model. During the experiments, thorough clinical evaluation (using photo documentation, ultrasonography, and MRI) and histological evaluation were performed.

Results: In both models, the percentage of PIOL development was high, reaching nearly 80%. Disease progression was faster in C3H/HeN with exophthalmos occurring on average on day 10. Vitreous involvement was a predominant sign in the clinical presentation of this group. In BALB/CaNn mice exophthalmos occurred on average on day 22. The predominant clinical sign in the BALB/CaNn group was tumorous infiltration of the retina, optic disc, and tumorous retinal detachment.

Conclusion: Slower progression of the disease in BALB/CaNn mice, greater possibility to examine the retina due to mild vitreous involvement, and later occurrence of exophthalmos makes this strain more suitable for further investigational research.

Systematic strategies for preventing and treating esophagogastric variceal rebleeding (EVRB) are currently inadequate. This systematic review aimed to update this critical gap by searching contemporary studies from major guideline websites, databases, and professional associations focused on EVRB prevention in cirrhosis patients. Key findings highlight evaluation methods, risk management, preventive measures, health education, and follow-up strategies. Notably, a hepatic venous pressure gradient exceeding 18 mmHg is identified as a reliable predictor of gastroesophageal varices (GOV) rebleeding. Effective management of primary diseases is crucial, with methods including antiviral and anti-fibrotic therapies, alcohol avoidance, vaccination, and careful medication management. The combination of nonselective β-blockers (NSBBs) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is established as the gold standard for secondary EVRB prevention. For patients experiencing recurrent bleeding despite NSBBs and EVL, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) therapy is recommended. Surgical options, such as surgical shunt and devascularization, are advised for those unsuitable for endoscopic therapy or TIPS, particularly in Child-Pugh A and B patients unresponsive to treatment. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine options, such as Fufang Biejia Ruangan Tablets, Fuzheng Huayu Capsules, and Anluo Huaxian Pills, have shown promise in improving hepatic fibrosis and GOV in cirrhotic patients. This review offers a comprehensive overview of current prevention and treatment strategies for EVRB, providing valuable insights for clinicians and healthcare professionals.

Aims: To present a new method of dynamic Purkinje-metry and to verify it by comparison with a commercially available anterior segment optical coherence tomography CASIA2.

Patients and methods: A dynamic Purkinje-meter with a movable fixation target was assembled. A coaxial circular pattern formed by infrared LEDs was projected onto the eye and evoked Purkinje images (1st, 3rd, 4th = P1, P3, P4). The measurement was performed on 29 eyes with an implanted toric IOL (intraocular lens), under mydriatic conditions, with reference to the visual axis. The IOL tilt was calculated from the position of a fixation target at the moment of P3 and P4 superposition. The IOL decentration was determined based on the relative position of P1 during on-axis fixation and of P3 and P4 superposition during off-axis fixation. A custom-developed software was used for distance measurements. Using CASIA2, the IOL position was fully calculated by the device.

Results: The mean absolute difference between CASIA2 and Purkinje-meter values was 0.6° ± 0.4° for the tilt magnitude and 10° ± 10° for the tilt direction, and 0.11 mm ± 0.08 mm for the decentration magnitude and 16° ± 14° for the decentration direction. There was no statistically significant difference between the values determined by the two methods for the tilt and decentration direction. The differences were statistically significant for the tilt and decentration magnitude.

Conclusion: The values of IOL tilt and decentration direction are similar for both devices. The values of IOL tilt and decentration magnitude measured by Purkinje-meter are higher than those from CASIA2, but overall, they correspond to the values presented in other published studies.

Aims: Multimorbidity is a growing problem in the general population as well as in patients with rheumatic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, patients with SLE have twice the risk of developing multimorbidity than non-SLE patients. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of multimorbidity in patients with SLE treated in a university hospital.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional single-centre study and included patients diagnosed and treated with SLE fulfilling the EULAR/ACR 2019 classification criteria. Multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of at least two chronic diseases in an individual. The multimorbidity status was determined by a simple count of associated diseases, as well as using the Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index (RDCI) and the Multimorbidity Index (MMI).

Results: A total of 122 patients with SLE were included in the study. Multimorbidity was found in 94% of the participants. The median comorbidity score, as measured by RDCI, was 1.5, while the MMI score was 4. The most prevalent comorbidities as measured by the RDCI were hypertension (37%), other cardiovascular disease (28%), pulmonary disease (18%) and depression (9%). No correlation was found for the RDCI and MMI scores and current disease activity as measured by the SLEDAI-2K scoring system. However, there was a marked increase in the multimorbidity indices with increasing patient age.

Conclusion: This study confirmed the high prevalence of the serious and often overlooked issue of multimorbidity in SLE patients. The RDCI and MMI were used to quantify comorbidities, as indices validated for usage in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, especially SLE. Due to the cross-sectional design of the study, it was not possible to determine the frequency of multimorbidity prior to diagnosis and its evolution with disease duration and activity. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of multimorbidity in this cohort underscores the importance of this issue.

Objectives: Postpartum haemorrhage is the most common cause of mortality among women after childbirth. Therefore, this work aims to highlight the possibility of endovascular treatment of postpartum haemorrhage due to remnants in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS disorders) using selective UAE after failure of the standard management. This procedure is a relatively safe and technically nondemanding, with a low risk of recurrent vaginal bleeding.

Materials and methods: This article presents an evaluation of the results of eight patients (age between 19-39 years) who underwent selective transarterial embolisation of uterine arteries from January 2022 to August 2023 at the angio-interventional department of our university hospital center. Based on a multidisciplinary consensus of sonographically detected residues of placenta accreta with typical hypervascularisation, unilateral/bilateral embolisation of the uterine artery was performed with a microcatheter using polyvinyl alcohol embolisation particles, possibly in combination with gelatine foam.

Results: There were no periprocedural complications during embolisation, nor were there episodes of repeated bleeding or other postprocedural complications during the follow-up. Two patients underwent surgical revision of the uterine cavity with extirpation of devascularised residual tissue.

Conclusions: Thus far, this procedure has proven to be a safe and relatively technically nondemanding method supplementing the management of symptomatic patients with PAS disorders with a low risk of rebleeding.

Aims: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may experience other supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) that can trigger AF and cause similar symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectivity of inducing SVT in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for AF.

Methods: In 61 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing CA between January 2022 and March 2023, an electrophysiological study was performed after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) to induce SVT. Induced arrhythmias were mapped and ablated. All patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure; seven-day ECG Holter monitoring was carried out 6 and 12 months after the procedure.

Results: In 24 patients (39%) an SVT was induced during the stimulation protocol. There was no significant difference in procedure time (P=0.408) or fluoroscopy dose (P=0.458) between patients with and without inducible arrhythmia. Further, none of the echocardiographic variables such as left atrial volume index (LAVI) (P=0.936), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.586), or right atrial (RA) area (P=0.716), differed significantly in these subgroups. Age was a significant factor in patients with arrhythmia inducibility compared with those without (64.5 ± 7.6 and 58.2 ± 10.5, P=0.04).

Conclusion: SVT inducibility after successful PVI was 39%. Ablation of nonclinical arrhythmia is safe and did not prolong the total procedure or fluoroscopy time.

Background: Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a well-known laboratory biomarker. In spite of high concentration and the possible biomedical importance of estimating GGT in human seminal plasma (hSP), it has not been widely explored in reproductive physiology. This study aimed to complement existing data on its diversity, previously obtained on seminal extracellular vesicles, by analyzing matched soluble fraction of hSP. The GGT-associated patterns of selected glycoproteins were analyzed in order to establish an adjunct referent parameter for differentiation between known high molecular mass forms of GGT. Getting insight into distinct GGT-associated glycoprotein patterns should contribute to define them together as possible multimarkers.

Methods: GGT forms in soluble, membrane-free-fraction isolated form hSP of normozoospermic men were analyzed using gel filtration and lectin blotting using WGA (wheat germ agglutinin) and Con A (concanavalin A).

Results: Widely distributed GGT (with two to three partially resolved peaks), which may correspond to high molecular mass aggregates, were detected. GGT-associated patterns of selected glycoproteins (at position of big, medium, and small-GGT) all comprised high molecular mass WGA-reactive smears, but differed in the presence of Con A-reactive glycans, as well as mucin-associated antigens CA19-9 and CA125.

Conclusions: GGT contributes to several molecular patterns that differ between the soluble and extracellular vesicle fractions of hSP. Their glycobiochemical heterogeneity is due to difference in the presence of distinct sialylated and mannosylated glycans. Moreover, GGT-associated glycoprotein patterns differentiate between high molecular mass forms of GGT in the soluble fraction of hSP. They hold promise as possible targets for increasing biomarker potential of GGT.