Lucyna Siemińska

Publications of Lucyna Siemińska

• The usefulness of determining the serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor type 2 (sVEGF-2) in the differential diagnosis of adrenal incidentalomas.

  Authors: Wanda Foltyn, Janusz Strzelczyk, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Lucyna Siemińska, Violetta Rosiek, Beata Kos-Kudła

  Endokrynologia Polska. 01/2012; 63(1):22-8.

  Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumour growth, progression and invasiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a recognised angiogenesis-stimulating factor. Soluble VEGF receptorsAngiogenesis plays an important role in tumour growth, progression and invasiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a recognised angiogenesis-stimulating factor. Soluble VEGF receptors (sVEGFRs) have antiangiogenic properties. Recent studies have indicated that serum concentrations of these factors show a good correlation with the aggressiveness of these tumours in various organs. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of determining serum concentrations of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. The study included 51 patients: 38 women aged 53.57 ± 10.12 years and 13 men aged 54.66 ± 12.73 years without a history of cancer but with non-functioning adrenal tumours incidentally detected on a CT scan. The analysis of the CT images included such morphological features of the tumour as: tumour size, tumour homogenicity, tumour density before and after administration of an intravenous contrast medium, and the value of percentage washout of the contrast medium from the tumour. Based on the above criteria, we identified a group of 40 patients with adrenal tumours who met the CT criteria for benign adenomas (Group 1) and 11 patients whose incidentally discovered tumours did not meet the radiological criteria for benign adenomas, thereby providing grounds for referring these patients for surgery (Group 2). The control group consisted of 20 healthy sex- and age-matched individuals. The mean serum concentrations of VEGF in the study and control groups were similar, although patients with adrenal tumours had significantly higher concentrations of sVEGFR-2 than healthy individuals. There were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of VEGF and sVEGFR-2 between the patients undergoing surgery (Group 2) and the patients not undergoing surgery (Group 1), or between the patients undergoing surgery (Group 2) and the control group. Postoperative histopathology of the resected adrenal tumours revealed benign adrenocortical adenoma in eight patients and the following in the remaining patients: adrenocortical carcinoma in one patient, phaeochromocytoma in one patient and ganglioneuroma in one patient. The adrenocortical carcinoma patient had the highest concentration of VEGF, while this patient's concentration of sVEGFR-2 was the lowest in the study group. In the patients diagnosed with ganglioneuroma and phaeochromocytoma, VEGF and sVEGFR-2 concentrations did not differ significantly from their mean concentrations in the study group. There were also no relationships between the serum concentrations of VEGF or sVEGFR-2 and the following parameters: tumour size, precontrast and postcontrast tumour densities or the value of percentage washout. Positive correlations were, however, identified between the concentration of VEGF and the concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Determining the serum concentrations of such angiogenesis markers as VEGF and sVEGFR-2 seems useful in the evaluation of the nature of incidentally detected adrenal masses (incidentalomas), especially in the preoperative differential diagnosis of adrenal masses that do not meet the CT criteria for benign tumours.

• [Dry eye syndrom--multispecialistic disease. Part two: diagnostic procedure and treatment].

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Lucyna Siemińska, Beata Kos-Kudła, Katarzyna Nowak, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(1):49-55.

  The authors present the review of the literature concerning on the diagnostic procedure and current treatment of the dry eye, including anti-inflammatory treatment. To diagnosis of the dry eyeThe authors present the review of the literature concerning on the diagnostic procedure and current treatment of the dry eye, including anti-inflammatory treatment. To diagnosis of the dry eye syndrome is based on the combination of clinical symptoms and clinical tests. These clinical tests evaluate tear clearance, tear stability, ocular surface integrity, tear osmolarity and conjunctival cytology. Measurement of tear osmolarity might provide a "gold standard" of diagnosis, but a practical tear osmolarity test is not yet widely available. Measurement of tear film instability by means of a TBUT test has good overall accuracy and may be more repeatable than many other diagnostic tests. The first step in managing the disease is to identify the underlying etiology and to try to eliminate it and/or treat it. Inflammation and the interruption of the inflammatory cascade seem to be the main focus in the treatment of dry eye, giving the anti-inflammatory therapy a new critical role.

• Selected markers of endothelial dysfunction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

  Authors: Wanda Foltyn, Janusz Strzelczyk, Bogan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Lucyna Siemińska, Anna Zemczak, Jolanta Blicharz-Dorniak, Beata Kos-Kudła

  Endokrynologia Polska. 01/2011; 62(3):243-8.

  The increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has prompted researchers to look for indicators of early atherosclerotic changes in these patients.The increased incidence of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has prompted researchers to look for indicators of early atherosclerotic changes in these patients. One of the earliest stages of atherogenesis is endothelial cell dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selected plasma markers of endothelial injury [E-selectin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) and von Willebrand Factor antigen (vWF:Ag)] in PCOS women before and after six months of treatment. 32 patients with PCOS aged 18-36 years (mean age 25.16 ± 5.80) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women matched for age and body mass. The levels of ET-1, vWF:Ag, E-selectin, fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were assessed. In the PCOS group, all these tests were repeated after six months of treatment. The study showed higher levels of vWF:Ag (p = 0.043), E selectin (p = 0.028), insulin (p = 0.044), glucose (p = 0.036) and LDL (p = 0.006) in PCOS patients versus healthy women. A positive correlation was demonstrated between E selectin and glucose (p = 0.0001), triglycerides (p = 0.014) and uric acid (p = 0.008). vWF:Ag levels showed a positive correlation with glucose (p = 0.04) and triglycerides (p = 0.036). A positive correlation was also found between ET-1 and total cholesterol levels (p = 0.012) in PCOS women. After treatment, there was a significant reduction in E-selectin levels from baseline (p = 0.002) and an increase in the levels of HDL (p = 0.0002) and triglycerides (p = 0.033). Elevated levels of vWF:Ag and E selectin in PCOS women suggest endothelial dysfunction in this group of patients. Glucose and triglyceride are significant factors affecting endothelial function in PCOS.

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

  Authors: Dorota Pakuła, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Robert Krysiak, Beata Kos-Kudła, Piotr Pakuła, Aleksander Gatnar, Halina Borgiel-Marek, Mariusz Nowak, Lucyna Siemińska, Joanna Głogowska-Szeląg, Zofia Ostrowska

  Endokrynologia Polska. 01/2011; 62(6):523-8.

  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 presenceSeveral 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. 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. 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. 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.

• [Dry eye syndrome--multispecialistic disease. Part one: Pathogenesis, signs, classification].

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Lucyna Siemińska, Beata Kos-Kudła, Katarzyna Nowak, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2010; 63(4):374-86.

  The authors presents the review of the literature concerning on the signs, classification, connections between the dry eye syndrome and other diseases and the risk factors of dry eye syndrome. It isThe authors presents the review of the literature concerning on the signs, classification, connections between the dry eye syndrome and other diseases and the risk factors of dry eye syndrome. It is a prevalent, multifactorial disease that is particularly frequent in elderly patients and women, especially in menopausal and postmenopausal period. Dry eye syndrome can be episodic with transient signs and symptoms or chronic with persistent signs and symptoms and is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: burning, itching, foreign body sensation, soreness, dryness, photophobia, redness, and reduced visual acuity. The tear film instability of dry eye syndrome, which is accompanied by increased osmolarity of the tear film, causes inflammation and structural damage to the ocular surface. There are two major etiologic categories of dry eye syndrom: aqueous-deficient and evaporative. The most frequent classification of dry eye for practical clinical use is triple classification based on the ethiology, histopathological changes and severity of the disease.

• Antioxidant potential, paraoxonase 1, ceruloplasmin activity and C-reactive protein concentration in diabetic retinopathy.

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Elżbieta Swiętochowska, Lucyna Siemińska, Jacek Karpe, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Joanna Głogowska-Szeląg, Katarzyna Nowak

  Clinical and experimental medicine. 12/2009;

  The aim of this study was to evaluate the ferric-reducing ability of serum (FRAS), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ceruloplasmin serum oxidase activity and hsCRP level in patients with type1 diabetes mellitusThe aim of this study was to evaluate the ferric-reducing ability of serum (FRAS), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ceruloplasmin serum oxidase activity and hsCRP level in patients with type1 diabetes mellitus without and with diabetic retinopathy. The study was performed in 76 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 35 without diabetic retinopathy (group 1) and 41 with preproliferative and proliferative retinopathy (group 2). Control group consisted of 35 nondiabetic, age-, gender-, body mass-matched healthy volunteers who came to the outpatient clinic for a routine health check-up. We evaluated FRAS using the method described by Benzie and Strain; PON1 by kinetic spectrophotometric assay with paraoxon as substrate and ceruloplasmin using its oxidative activity with 3-phenylenodiamine as substrate. CRP was measured with a high sensitive enzyme immunoassay. PON1 activity was significantly decreased in patients with diabetic retinopathy (227.66 +/- 123.57 U/l) when compared with control (312.04 +/- 129.77 U/l). FRAS was significantly decreased in group 2 (439.33 +/- 79.87 mumol/l) when compared with group 1 (522.79 +/- 167.56 mumol/l) and control (529.80 +/- 81.99 mumol/l). Ceruloplasmin activity was significantly elevated in group 1 (58.36 +/- 22.56 U/g protein) when compared with control (45.22 +/- 14.96 U/g protein). We have found significant increase in hsCRP level in group 2 (3.71 +/- 2.47 mg/l) when compared with group 1 (1.75 +/- 1.01 mg/l) and control (0.57 +/- 0.46 mg/l). The PON1/CRP ratio in control group was significantly increased when compared with diabetic patients and was significantly decreased in group 2 compared with group 1. We have not found gender-dependent difference in studied parameters in both control and in study groups. We have found tendency to decrease the serum activity of FRAS and hsCRP in elder patients but the difference was significant only in group 2. FRAS and PON 1 activity is decreased in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with presence of diabetic retinopathy which confirms that oxidative stress could play a role in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Significantly elevated levels of hsCRP in diabetic patients with the presence of diabetic retinopathy compared with patients without diabetic retinopathy providing a link between inflammation and the development of microvascular complication of diabetes. Because of the significant difference in PON1/CRP ratio between patients without and with the presence of diabetic retinopathy, it seems that PON1:CRP ratio may be used as a biochemical marker for progression of retinopathy. The link between the antioxidant concentration, inflammation and the development of diabetes complications needs further longitudinal studies in order to confirm our findings.

• Blood serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) and endothelial leucocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in diabetic retinopathy.

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Elzbieta Swietochowska, Lucyna Siemińska, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Katarzyna Nowak

  Clinical and experimental medicine. 10/2008; 8(3):159-64.

  BACKGROUND: Interaction between cells via intimate cell-cell contact is facilitated by a cell surface molecules, termed adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to evaluate the blood serumBACKGROUND: Interaction between cells via intimate cell-cell contact is facilitated by a cell surface molecules, termed adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to evaluate the blood serum concentration of soluble forms of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus without and with diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in 75 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 35 without retinopathy (group 1) and 40 with retinopathy (group 2). Soluble forms of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and ELAM-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The serum concentration of sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 were significantly elevated and the concentration sVCAM-1 was elevated but not significantly in diabetic patients when compared with control subjects. There was a significant difference in VCAM-1 concentrations between the control group and group 2 (965.9 +/- 229.0 vs. 1283.7 +/- 387.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05) and between group 1 and group 2 (1115.0 +/- 285.5 vs. 1283.7 +/- 387.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05). There were significant differences in sICAM-1 concentrations between the control group and group 1 (p < 0.05) and between the control group and group 2 (p < 0.05). Where was no significant difference in sICAM-1 concentration between group 1 and 2 (405.2 +/- 135.9 vs. 443.1 +/- 112.7 ng/ml, p = 0.08). ELAM-1 concentration was significantly elevated in group 2 (120.5 +/- 49.3 ng/ml) when compared with the control group (51.7 +/- 18.1 ng/ml, p < 0.005) and with group 1 (81.2 +/- 27.7 ng/ml, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The correlations found between sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sELAM-1 and the presence of retinopathy suggest that cellular adhesion and neovascularization may be linked processes.

• Acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

  Authors: Maja Nasiek, Beata Kos-Kudla, Zofia Ostrowska, Bogdan Marek, Marek Kudla, Lucyna Siemińska, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Wanda Foltyn, Anna Zemczak

  Pathophysiology : the official journal of the International Society for Pathophysiology / ISP. 05/2007; 14(1):23-8.

  Females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by several metabolic abnormalities that favor the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is possibly a chronic inflammatoryFemales with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are characterized by several metabolic abnormalities that favor the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is possibly a chronic inflammatory process, and the markers of the inflammatory state, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen may be useful to assess the global risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. These proteins might be helpful in finding females with subclinical atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the serum CRP and fibrinogen concentrations in young females with PCOS and to clarify the possible correlations between their levels and selected anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal indices. Study assessed a group of 57 females with PCOS (mean age 28.2+/-6.4 years). That group was further divided into two subgroups: the first with body mass index (BMI)</=25 (21 females of mean age 27.4+/-7.0 years) and second with BMI>25 (36 females of mean age 28.6+/-6.0 years). In the control group there were 22 healthy females (mean age 31.6+/-8.5 years). That group was again divided into two subgroups: the first with BMI</=25 (10 females, mean age 30.2+/-8.4 years) and second with BMI>25 (12 females, mean age 31.7+/-8.7 years). Results demonstrated statistically significantly higher CRP concentration in females with PCOS compared to healthy individuals in both BMI subgroups. PCOS females showed also higher plasma insulin levels. There was, however, no statistically significant difference in fibrinogen concentrations. The hormonal profile of females with PCOS seems to influence the concentration of CRP and fibrinogen in different ways. This was evident in the positive correlation between plasma fibrinogen and androstenedione and in the lack of correlation between CRP and androgens and in the positive correlation between CRP and estradiol and the negative correlation between fibrinogen and estradiol. In conclusion, high CRP concentration in females with PCOS probably speaks for a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.

• [Sex hormones and adipocytokines in postmenopausal women]

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Agata Cichoń-Lenart, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Beata Kos-Kudła, Bogdan Marek, Jarosław Lenart, Mariusz Nowak

  Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 07/2006; 20(120):727-30.

  Visceral fat accumulation occuring in postmenopausal women is connected with hypoestrogenism, decreased production of sex-hormone binding globuline (SHBG) and with rise in free testosterone. TheyVisceral fat accumulation occuring in postmenopausal women is connected with hypoestrogenism, decreased production of sex-hormone binding globuline (SHBG) and with rise in free testosterone. They have been identified as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The exact mechanisms mediating relationships between the excess of visceral adiposity, hormonal variations after menopause and metabolic disturbances, remain unknown. We speculate that adipocytokines produced by adipose tissue: adiponectin, leptin and resistin, might play a role. Adiponectin is a hormone which plays a role in insulin sensitivity and lipid oxidation, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Increased levels of androgens post menopause and low SHBG are connected with decreased production of adiponectin. Leptin is another of the adipocytokines which has been shown to be linked to insulin resistance, increased pressure and hypertriglyceridaemia. Sex steroids have effect on leptin secretion but the associations between leptin and menopause are controversial. Recently it was found that resistin, another bioactive substance produced by adipose tissue may related to insulin resistance. Studies on animals indicate that ovariectomy and testosterone significantly increased resistin expression. It seems that adipocytokines may be a link connecting postmenopasual hormonal changes, the excess of visceral fat and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• [Serum adiponectin levels in patients with acromegaly]

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Jarosław Lenart, Agata Cichoń-Lenart, Danuta Niedziołka, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Mariusz Nowak

  Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 11/2005; 19(112):514-6.

  Acromegaly is frequently associated with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Insulin resistance has been reported to be related to low levels of adiponectin, which is exclusively produced byAcromegaly is frequently associated with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Insulin resistance has been reported to be related to low levels of adiponectin, which is exclusively produced by adipose tissue, as well as to decreased concentration of sex hormone binding globuline (SHBG). Growth hormone (GH) excess is associated with increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass. Influence of GH on production and secretion of adiponectin is not completely understood. The aims of this study were to assess serum adiponectin levels in patients with active acromegaly and to compare them with concentrations in the control group and to investigate relationships between adiponectin and indexes: body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) as well as SHBG levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum adiponectin and SHBG levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 30 patients with active acromegaly and in 22 sex-, age-, BMI- and WHR-matched controls. The groups were comparable in prevalence of hypertension and disturbances of glucose metabolism. RESULTS: Serum adiponectin concentrations were higher in acromegalic patients compared with control group (24.03 +/- 9.85 mg/ml vs. 14.46 +/- 3.96 mg/ml, p<0.001). When the subjects were fallen into two groups according to sex, significant differences were also observed. Serum SHBG levels were lower in cases compared with controls (25.36 +/- 22.89 nmol/l vs. 33.54 +/- 15.07 nmol/l, p=0.03). In the control group we found adiponectin positively correlated with SHBG concentrations (r=0.53, p=0.01) and negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.52, p=0.02) and WHR (r=-0.51, p=0.03). However, these relationships were not observed in patients with acromegaly. No significant associations were found between adiponectin and GH or IGF-I. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentration of adiponectin is significantly higher in patients with acromegaly when compared with the control group and is independent of BMI, WHR and SHBG. The results suggest that adiponectinemia does not directly affect development of insulin resistance in acromegaly.

• [Tear film profile in patients with active thyroid orbithopathy]

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Lucyna Siemińska

  Klinika oczna. 02/2005; 107(7-9):479-82.

  Dry eye symptoms and tear film profile were examined in 21 patients with Graves' disease complicated by active thyroid orbitopathy (OT). Dry eye symptoms and clinical tests: break-up time (BUT),Dry eye symptoms and tear film profile were examined in 21 patients with Graves' disease complicated by active thyroid orbitopathy (OT). Dry eye symptoms and clinical tests: break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I, fluorescein and lissamine green staining in OT patients, were comparable with control group. Dry eye symptoms were present in 85% of OT patients compared with 30% in control group. BUT (5.84 +/- 3,31sec.) and Schirmer test (11.11 +/- 9,14mm) were significantly lower when compared with control group (11.4 +/- 3,75sec and 20.5 +/- 9,65mm). Lissamin green staining intensity score (3.61 +/- 1,74) as well as positive fluorescein staining in OT patients, were significantly higher when compared with control.

• [The apolipoprotein E polymorphism in age related macular degeneration]

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Elzbieta Swietochowska, Bozena Szapska, Bogdan Marek, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Henryk Kozioł, Joanna Klimek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Beata Kos-Kudła, Zofia Ostrowska, Jacek Karpe, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Lucyna Siemińska

  Klinika oczna. 02/2004; 106(3 Suppl):427-8.

  PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate association of apo E polymorphism with AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The included participants of this study were: 45 patients aged 60 to 71 (mean age 66.2PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate association of apo E polymorphism with AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The included participants of this study were: 45 patients aged 60 to 71 (mean age 66.2 +/- 3.6), treated because of AMD. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and the subsequent analysis of apo E genotypes was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: In our study the allele frequencies in control group of patients weresimilar to the apo E allele distribution presented by other authors in Caucasian populations. We have not found significant differences between AMD and control group patients for apo (E) genotype or allele frequency. Compared with control group (epsilon4 -13.6%, epsilon2 -2.27%), the frequency of epsilon4 allele was not significantly decreased (11.11%) and epsilon2 allele frequency (7.77%) increased in AMD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our present study have not indicate a significant association between AMD development and apo E allele frequency, in our studied population of AMD patients.

• [Blood concentration of homocysteine, vitamin B (12), and folic acid in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration]

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Bozena Szapska, Elibieta Swietochowska, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Lucyna Siemińska, Zofia Ostrowska

  Klinika oczna. 02/2004; 106(3 Suppl):429-30.

  PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown a relationship between elevated levels of Hcy and vascular disease including cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarctions. Elevated Hcy plasma is consideredPURPOSE: Recent studies have shown a relationship between elevated levels of Hcy and vascular disease including cerebrovascular accidents and myocardial infarctions. Elevated Hcy plasma is considered as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and trombosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients with diagnosed exudative form of AMD. We evaluated plasma homocysteine levels, by high performance liquid chromatography and red blood cell folic acid, plasma folic acid and plasma vitamin B12 concentration by radioassay method. RESULTS: The plasma concentration of Hcy in AMD patients had significantly increased when compared with control group. We found not significant decrease of the plasma vitamin B12, red blood cell folic acid and plasma folic acid concentration in AMD group, when compared with the control group.

• [Serum aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C]

  Authors: Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Ewa Janczewska-Kazek, Marek Beniowski, Elzbieta Swietochowska, Beata Kos-Kudła, Zofia Ostrowska, Urszula Mazurek, Tadeusz Wilczok, Mariusz Nowak, Lucyna Siemińska, Halina Borgiel-Marek, Arkadiusz Strzyzewski, Aleksander Januła, Katarzyna Sierek, Zbigniew Niedzielski

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej. 07/2003; 109(6):603-8.

  Fibrosis is the process accompanying majority of chronic diseases of liver, independent of etiological factor and leading to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Monitoring fibrosis process by liver'sFibrosis is the process accompanying majority of chronic diseases of liver, independent of etiological factor and leading to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Monitoring fibrosis process by liver's biopsy is limited, so many attempts are undertaken to assess concentrations of definite proteins in blood, which could be easily accessible marker of intrahepatic process. It seems, that among others, determinations of blood concentration of aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen III--index of collagen's III synthesis and TGF-beta 1--cytokine of antiproliferative action and inhibiting hepatocytes' growth, yet inducing fibroblasts' growth and stimulating fibrosis process brings out such a possibility. The aim of the study was simultaneous determination of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP concentration in blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B and C before interferone's therapy in comparison to healthy controls, assessment of the parameters in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis and determination of correlation between TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP. Studies were performed in 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CAH B) and 35 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CAH C). Significantly increased serum concentrations of TGF-beta 1 as PIIINP in both groups of patients (CAH B and CAH C; grading 2-3, staging 1-2) in comparison with control group was noted. Significant positive correlation of TGF-beta 1 and PIIINP serum concentrations in both groups of patients was observed. There was not significant changes in PIIINP serum levels in patients with hepatitis B and C in dependence on stage of liver fibrosis (staging 1 vs staging 2) but TGF-beta 1 serum levels was significantly increased in CAH B and C patients with higher stage of liver fibrosis process. On the base of obtained results, it seems that changes in TGF-beta 1 concentrations in blood reflect "grading" and "staging" and can be a marker of intensification of intrahepatic fibrosis process whereas PIIINP levels in blood have rather the relation with "grading".

• Serum free testosterone in men with coronary artery atherosclerosis.

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Celina Wojciechowska, Elzbieta Swietochowska, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Ewa Nowalany-Kozielska

  Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 06/2003; 9(5):CR162-6.

  BACKGROUND: The role of testosterone in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic changes has not been fully explained. The aim of our work was to determine whether levels of serum free testosterone differBACKGROUND: The role of testosterone in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic changes has not been fully explained. The aim of our work was to determine whether levels of serum free testosterone differ between men with and without coronary artery disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: We examined the serum concentration of free testosterone by the radioimmunoassay method in two groups of subjects, carefully matched for body mass index and age: 105 men with angiographically diagnosed coronary artery disease, and 23 control subjects without any changes in coronary arteries. We also evaluated the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides by enzymatic methods. RESULTS: Men with coronary artery disease had significantly lower levels of free testosterone than did controls. The concentration of free testosterone diminished with age, and a negative correlation was found between free testosterone and body mass index. We did not discover any connection between the concentration of free testosterone and lipids. CONCLUSIONS: A low level of free testosterone may be related to the development of coronary artery disease.

• [Importance of adipocytokines in the development of complications of obesity]

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Dagmara Czarnecka, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Arkadiusz Strzyzewski

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej. 04/2003; 109(3):321-7.

• [Adiponectin: a link between obesity, atherosclerosis and diabetes]

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Beata Kos-Kudła, Dagmara Czernecka

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej. 01/2003; 108(6):1245-51.

• [Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis]

  Authors: Wanda Foltyn, Beata Kos-Kudła, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Lucyna Siemińska, Janusz Strzelczyk, Małgorzata Borowska

  Endokrynologia Polska. 58(2):170-5.

  Prolonged glucocorticoids administration is the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of chronic glucocorticoids users experience vertebral or hip fractures.Prolonged glucocorticoids administration is the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis. It is estimated that 30% to 50% of chronic glucocorticoids users experience vertebral or hip fractures. The highest bone loss (up to 30% in some studies) is observed in the first six months of treatment. Only a minority of patients who take chronic glucocorticoids receive optimal osteoporosis diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment. The aim of this paper is to present the pathophysiology of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, as well as some guidelines on diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies for this disorder in an effort to promote the greater awareness of it.

• Polypeptide growth factors in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

  Authors: Jolanta Blicharz-Dorniak, Beata Kos-Kudła, Marek Kudła, Wanda Foltyn, Bogdan Marek, Lucyna Siemińska, Mariusz Nowak

  Endokrynologia Polska. 58(1):42-9.

  Polypeptide growth factors form a potent class of extracellular signal molecules in the regulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation. Disturbances in the expression of growth factorsPolypeptide growth factors form a potent class of extracellular signal molecules in the regulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation. Disturbances in the expression of growth factors influence the normal pathway of differentiation and lead to cellular transformation and tumour progression. Contemporary medical studies report that various growth factors such as those for platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and insulin-like growth factor are expressed in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP/NET). Polypeptide growth factors have great significance in the growth, progression and development of metastases by various tumours. We describe the role of growth factors in GEP/NET on the basis of the available reports of medical research.

• A comparison of the levels of hepatocyte growth factor in serum in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with different stages of diabetic retinopathy.

  Authors: Mariusz Nowak, Tomasz Wielkoszyński, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudła, Elzbieta Swietochowska, Lucyna Siemińska, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Katarzyna Nowak

  Endokrynologia Polska. 59(1):2-5.

  INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients at various stages of retinopathy. We hypothesised that the high level of HGFINTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients at various stages of retinopathy. We hypothesised that the high level of HGF found in diabetic patients may be an important marker of retinopathy progression and that HGF level may be an index of the risk of proliferative retinopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants in the study were 76 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Of these, 35 patients were without retinopathy and formed Group 1. Of the remaining 41 patients with retinopathy, 20 patients had non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and formed Group 2, while 21 patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and formed Group 3. We evaluated the concentration of HGF In the peripheral blood by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Mean serum concentrations of HGF in the control group were significantly lower than in the type 1 diabetic patients. We found a significant increase in HGF serum concentrations in diabetic patients with PDR compared with the control group. Mean serum HGF concentrations were significantly higher in diabetic subjects with PDR than in diabetic patients without retinopathy. CONCLUSION: HGF concentration is increased in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with proliferative retinopathy, and concentrations increase with the progression of retinopathy, suggesting that HGF plays a role in the pathogenesis of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.