Publications (19)32.43 Total impact
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Article: Adjuvant effect of Bacillus firmus on the expression of cytokines and toll-like receptors in mouse nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) after intranasal immunization with inactivated influenza virus type A.
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ABSTRACT: Due to the persisting threat of development of new highly pathogenic influenza A subtypes, a mucosal vaccination which would induce a potent and cross-protective reaction is desirable. We succeeded in mucosal immunization of mice with an inactivated influenza A virus by using delipidated Bacillus firmus (DBF) as adjuvant. The mechanism of adjuvant effect was followed in NALT by comparing the response after intranasal immunization by inactivated influenza virus type A (H1N1) alone, adjuvant alone (DBF), or by a mixture of virus+DBF. Expression of selected gene groups was tested via qPCR at 7 different time-points: cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10), type I interferons (IFN-α4, IFN-α11, IFN-α12, and IFN-β), toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9), iNOS and CCR7. Intranasally administered DBF and the mixture of virus+DBF induced an elevated expression of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokines, type I interferons, iNOS, and pDC markers in NALT. Multimarker qPCR data was analyzed by relative quantification and by principal component analysis. DBF has been shown to be a very efficient adjuvant for the stimulation of innate immunity after IN immunization. DBF accelerated, increased, and prolonged the antiviral response.Immunology letters 11/2010; 134(1):26-34. · 2.91 Impact Factor -
Article: Changes of immunological profiles in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the course of treatment.
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ABSTRACT: In the previous paper of ours we compared, prior to start any treatment, a number of immunological parameters in 24 chronic myeloid leukemia patients with the same number of healthy subjects matched by age and sex. We found significant differences in the levels of immunoglobulins, the C4 component of complement, the C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, the composition of lymphocyte population and the production of some cytokines by stimulated CD3+ cells. Eleven of these patients were followed longitudinally. After treatment with hydroxyurea, interferon alpha, imatinib mesylate and dasatinib, or various combinations thereof, hematological remission was achieved in all patients and complete cytogenetic remission in nine of them. There was a nearly general tendency towards normalization of the abnormalities observed in the patients at their enrollment.Clinical and Developmental Immunology 01/2010; 2010:137320. · 1.84 Impact Factor -
Article: The role of environmental factors in autoimmune thyroiditis.
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ABSTRACT: Environmental factors can play an important role in the development of autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) and other autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the role of heavy metals and infectious agents in AT. Currently, the genes responsible for a metal-induced pathology are known in experimental animals but similar knowledge is lacking in man. Metals such as nickel or mercury induce delayed type T cell hypersensitivity (allergy) which is relatively common, especially in women. T-cell allergy can be studied with the lymphocyte transformation test, LTT-MELISA. It has been found that patients with AT and other autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and atopic eczema, show increased lymphocyte reactivity in vitro to inorganic mercury, nickel and other metals compared to healthy controls. The important source of mercury is dental amalgam. Replacement of amalgam in mercury-allergic subjects resulted in improvement of health in about 70% of patients. Several laboratory parameters such as mercury-specific lymphocyte responses in vitro and anti-thyroid autoantibodies were normalized as well. In contrast, no changes in health and laboratory results were observed in mercury-allergic patients who did not have their amalgams replaced. The same was true for non-allergic patients who underwent amalgam replacement. Infectious agents such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp) may cause chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactivity in susceptible subjects. The results of in vitro experiments performed with lymphocytes from Hp infected patients indicate that Hp can cause immunosuppression which might be eliminated by successful eradication therapy. In conclusion, heavy metals and Hp infection may play an important role in AT. Laboratory tests, such as LTT-MELISA, can help to determine the specific etiological agents causing inflammation in individual patients. The treatment of AT and other autoimmune diseases might be improved if such agents are eliminated and any future exposure restricted.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2010; 31(3):283-9. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Protective and cross-protective mucosal immunization of mice by influenza virus type A with bacterial adjuvant.
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ABSTRACT: Mucosal immunization by inactivated viruses often fails to evoke a sufficient immune response. Intensive efforts have been made to enhance the response by suitable adjuvants. We used the G+ nonpathogenic delipidated bacterium Bacillus firmus with pronounced immunostimulatory properties as an adjuvant for immunizing mice with inactivated influenza virus type A. BALB/c mice were immunized intratracheally with inactivated influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. The production of antibodies in sera and secretions was determined by the ELISA. The local situation in the lungs was assessed histologically and by testing the cytokine expression. The protective and cross-protective effect against infection was tested in in vivo experiments after infection with influenza virus A H1N1. B. firmus as adjuvant increased both systemic and mucosal antibody responses, improved protection against homologous virus and induced cross-protection against virus H1N1 after immunization with virus H3N2.Immunology Letters 02/2008; 115(2):144-52. · 2.53 Impact Factor -
Article: Natalizumab in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis: first experience.
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ABSTRACT: Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually develops in young adults with a complex predisposing genetic background. Polymorphisms in the gene for chemokine receptor CCR5 have been proposed to confer susceptibility to or protection from MS. Study of molecules participating in the inflammatory process contributed to the development of a new humanized monoclonal antibody, natalizumab, aimed at the adhesive molecule VLA-4. Natalizumab (Biogen Idec/Elan) went through successful clinical studies and its clinical testing was also carried out in the Czech Republic. Twenty-one patients with MS were included in the AFFIRM study (2-year, placebo-controlled study and consecutive 7-month unblinded natalizumab treatment); immunophenotyping of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)- CD4+CCR5+CXCR3+ lymphocytes, using flow cytometer FACSCalibur and monoclonal antibodies (BD Biosciences), was done at the end of natalizumab treatment and 1 year after the therapy withdrawal. Compared to MS patients receiving other therapy, the patients treated with natalizumab had statistically significantly (P < 0.0001) higher levels of CCR5+ and lower levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes in CSF, whereas the levels of CXCR3+ lymphocytes were almost the same as in other patients. CCR5-positive CSF lymphocytes decreased 1 year after treatment withdrawal. Natalizumab treatment alters the percentage of CCR5+ and CD4+ cells in CSF. In view of the excellent temporary clinical results of the therapy, which are yet to be assessed in the course of a longer time period, our results show a possible explanation for the therapeutic success of this drug as well as for the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 10/2007; 1110:465-73. · 3.15 Impact Factor -
Article: Effect of breast milk of healthy and allergic mothers on in vitro stimulation of cord blood lymphocytes.
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ABSTRACT: Maternal milk has beneficial effects on the development and function of the newborn's immune system. Whether the milk of allergic mother has the same effects as the milk of healthy mothers is not yet quite clear. To contribute to the characterization of its immunomodulatory action, we tested the effect of milk of healthy and allergic mothers on the proliferation and immunoglobulin formation in cultures of cord blood mononuclear leucocytes (CBML) of newborns of healthy and allergic mothers. CBML proliferation was tested by (3)H-thymidine incorporation, IgM, IgG and IgA production by reverse ELISPOT. CBML response was examined in unstimulated cultures and after stimulation with polyclonal activators in the presence or absence of colostrum or milk. The cells of children of allergic mothers have a significantly higher proliferative activity than those of children of healthy mothers. Maternal colostrum/milk in high doses markedly suppresses cell proliferation after stimulation with polyclonal activators, whereas lower milk doses in the cultures have no such effect and exert a rather stimulatory action. Immunoglobulin production by cord blood lymphocytes is also different in the two groups of children. Low basal immunoglobulin formation is increased after stimulation with a strong polyclonal activator of B cells--Bacillus firmus, CBML of children of allergic mothers produce more IgA than those of children of healthy mothers. The stimulated production of all immunoglobulin classes in cells of children of healthy mothers is still enhanced by colostrum/milk. Children of allergic mothers show a markedly increased production of only IgM and IgA. The effect of healthy and allergic colostrum and milk on cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production is similar. The lymphocytes of children of allergic mothers differ from the lymphocytes of children of healthy mothers in their proliferative activity and the ability to form immunoglobulin already at birth.Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 10/2007; 18(6):486-94. · 2.46 Impact Factor -
Article: Autoimmune thyroiditis and Helicobacter pylori--is there a connection?
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ABSTRACT: In this study we examined the anti-Helicobacter pylori (anti-H. pylori) antibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, with and without different polyglandular involvement, and in healthy controls. Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) were divided into three groups: Group A: 23 patients with isolated AT, Group B: 30 patients with AT as a part of polyglandular activation of autoimmunity, and Group C: 7 patients with AT as a part of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type II. Thirty healthy individuals served as controls (Group D). Anti-H. pylori antibodies were determined first by ELISA for classes IgG, IgA, and IgM, and subsequently by immunoblot for classes IgG and IgA. ELISA: The number of patients with IgA antibodies in Group A (39%) and Group B (30%) differed significantly from controls (7%, p<0.05). Immunoblot: Anti-CagA antibodies were found in 13% of patients in Group A, 7% of Group B, 0% of Group C, and 20% of Group D. A higher seroprevalence, as compared to controls, was found for IgG to the VacA (p=0.01), 30 kDa (p=0.001), and 17 kDa (p=0.008) antigens in Group A and for IgG to the 30 kDa antigen in Group C (p=0.037). A significantly higher seroprevalence, as compared to controls, was likewise found for IgA to the 17 kDa antigen in Group A (p=0.015). A different distribution of antibodies to H. pylori antigens was found in patients with isolated AT compared to patients with AT coupled with a polyglandular syndrome.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2007; 27 Suppl 1:41-5. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: The influence of metals on the expression of surface antigens on human lymphocytes in vitro.
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ABSTRACT: Metals have different effects on the immune functions. Through the experimental in vitro model, we studied the changes in the activation and co-stimulatory surface markers in human lymphocytes cultivated with selected metal salts. Whole human blood was cultivated with cadmium (Cd) or zinc (Zn) sulfate for 18 hours. The number of lymphocytes positive for activation and co-stimulatory markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. Elevation of the CD69 and CD23 markers as well as higher expression of CD28 was found in cultures of lymphocytes incubated with Cd. In cultures incubated with Zn, minor elevation of the HLA-DR antigen expression was observed in comparison to Cd-treated cell cultures. Decrease of CD3 expression was observed after cultivation with both Cd and Zn salts. Cd and Zn exhibit different effects on the expression of human surface activation antigens and co-stimulatory molecules. Cd in non-toxic concentrations stimulated expression of early activation molecules and therefore could change the early phase of immune response. This was not the case for Zn, where the results were similar to untreated cell cultures.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2007; 27 Suppl 1:46-8. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Diagnosis and treatment of metal-induced side-effects.
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ABSTRACT: Environmental factors are recognized as a cause of the increasing frequency of allergic and autoimmune diseases. In addition to external pollutants, metal ions released from dental restorations or from other body implants might trigger inflammation in susceptible subjects. In humans, genes governing metal-induced inflammation and autoimmunity are not yet known. In clinical praxis, metal-sensitive patients will present various symptoms ranging from oral mucosal changes and skin disease to excessive fatigue and autoimmune diseases. Since genetic markers of genetic susceptibility in man are not known, one has to rely on the phenototypic markers. Such biomarkers might be certain detoxification enzymes but also the presence of metal-specific memory cells in the blood. With the increasing use of metal implants in medicine and dentistry, it is important to have a proper tool for the diagnosis of metal allergy in susceptible subjects. After nickel, gold is now the second most common sensitizer. In addition to patch test, an in vitro blood test, an optimized commercially available lymphocyte transformation test (MELISA) is discussed. Both tests were used for the diagnosis of metal allergy in a selected group of 15 patients who suffered from clinical metal sensitivity in addition to other health problems. The concordance of the two tests was good but MELISA detected more metal allergies than patch test. The removal of incompatible dental material (RID) resulted in long-term health improvement in the majority of patients. We postulate that in vivo, metal ions activate T-cells, initiating systemic inflammation, which, through cytokines, affects the brain and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. We postulate that in vivo metal ions will activate T-cells starting systemic inflammation which, through cytokines affect the brain and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The treatment and rehabilitation of metal sensitive patients is based on a firm understanding and recognition of individual susceptibility. RID has to be done done with extreme caution and according to standard working protocol. If performed properly, this treatment can result in decreased systemic inflammation and improved health in sensitized patients.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2007; 27 Suppl 1:7-16. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Metal alloys in the oral cavity as a cause of oral discomfort in sensitive patients.
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ABSTRACT: The occurrence of galvanism with its heterogeneous symptomatology is often the source of considerable problems. Abrasion and corrosion not only damage dental alloys but also burden the organism by release of metallic particles. The objective of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that measurement of galvanic currents could be a useful diagnostic method. PATIENT GROUPS AND METHODOLOGY: Three hundred fifty-seven persons with dental metal restorations were divided into groups according to abnormal values of galvanic currents and by oral discomfort. In all persons a detailed examination of the oral cavity was performed, and galvanic currents were measured. In one hundred fifty-nine patients abnormal galvanic currents were found. Measurement of metallic elements in saliva was performed in these patients and in a group of 21 healthy volunteers without any metals in the oral cavity. Thirty-three patients agreed to treatment which involved removal of the causative alloys and their replacement by non-metallic restorations. No correlation was found between the values of measured currents and the number of teeth treated by metal restorations. However, patients with metal restorations had significantly higher contents not only of mercury, but also of tin, silver, copper, and gold in the saliva than patients without metallic restorations. After removal of the electro-active restorations, both the contents of metals in saliva and galvanic currents decreased in comparison with the levels before the treatment. Galvanic effects as well as metal particles may induce a series of local or systemic pathological phenomena in sensitive individuals. The occurrence of pathologically acting galvanic effects is influenced not only by the composition and combination of different dental alloys, but to a significant degree also by the quality of used materials and processing.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2007; 27 Suppl 1:53-8. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Removal of dental amalgam decreases anti-TPO and anti-Tg autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
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ABSTRACT: The impact of dental amalgam removal on the levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies was studied in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) with and without mercury allergy. Thirty-nine patients with AT were tested by an optimized lymphocyte proliferation test MELISA for allergy (hypersensitivity) to inorganic mercury. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 12) with no hypersensitivity to mercury and Group II (n = 27) with hypersensitivity to mercury. Amalgam fillings were removed from the oral cavities of 15 patients with hypersensitivity to mercury (Group IIA) and left in place in the remaining 12 patients (Group IIB). The laboratory markers of AT, anti-TPO and anti-Tg autoantibodies, were determined in all groups at the beginning of the study and six months later. Compared to levels at the beginning of the study, only patients with mercury hypersensitivity who underwent amalgam replacement (Group IIA) showed a significant decrease in the levels of both anti-Tg (p=0.001) and anti-TPO (p=0.0007) autoantibodies. The levels of autoantibodies in patients with or without mercury hypersensitivity (Group I and Group IIB) who did not replace amalgam did not change. Removal of mercury-containing dental amalgam in patients with mercury hypersensitivity may contribute to successful treatment of autoimmune thyroiditis.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2007; 27 Suppl 1:25-30. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Cytokine levels in healthy and allergic mothers and their children during the first year of life.
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ABSTRACT: To assess the regulatory changes of immune system in children genetically pre-disposed to allergic diseases and in their mothers, we tested cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta in 21 healthy and 21 allergic mothers (serum at the time of delivery, colostrum and milk throughout the suckling period) and their children (cord blood, venous blood and stool filtrates) up to 1 yr of age. Samples were taken at the time of delivery, 4 days post-partum and then after 3, 6 and 12 months. Significant differences between the healthy and the allergic group were found in the levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-gamma. The levels of IL-4 in the allergic group were generally higher; the levels in the sera of children of allergic mothers during the post-natal life decreased, reaching levels typical for the healthy group at 1 yr of age. Allergic mothers exhibited markedly higher IL-10 levels in the serum at the time of delivery and in milk 3 months after delivery than healthy mothers while after 6 months the IL-10 levels in all samples from the allergic group were very low. Children from allergic group had lower intestinal content of IL-13 in comparison with the healthy counterparts. At 1 yr of age, the levels of IFN-gamma in sera and stool of children from the allergic group sharply increased. TGF-beta levels in the sera of both groups were high, while in the milk they were relatively low and substantially lower that in the children's stool. TGF-beta of mammary secretions is therefore unlikely to exert a decisive regulatory influence on the children's immunity. Long-term clinical monitoring of the children will be performed to evaluate the potential prognostic significance of these changes for the future development of allergies.Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 06/2006; 17(3):175-83. · 2.46 Impact Factor -
Article: Serum levels of growth factors HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor), TGFbeta1 (transforming growth factor beta1) and IGF-I (Insulin Like Growth Factor I) in parathyroid tumors.
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ABSTRACT: HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor), TGFbeta1 (Transforming Growth Factor beta1) and IGF-I (Insulin Like Growth Factor I) are cytokines that are involved in the parathyroid tumors formation and growth. We tried to determine, if there are changes and relationships in the production of these cytokines by tumor cells of parathyroid tumors. We determined concentrations of HGF, TGFbeta1 and IGF-I in serum from peripheral blood of 16 patients with parathyroid adenoma and of 8 patients with parathyroid secondary hyperplasia before and after parathyroidectomy. Results were compared with serum levels in healthy people. Both preoperative and postoperative HGF serum levels in patients with parathyroid adenoma and secondary hyperplasia are significantly higher than in healthy people. Preoperative and postoperative serum levels of TGFbeta1 in parathyroid adenoma and postoperative TGFb1 serum levels in parathyroid secondary hyperplasia are higher, compared with those in the healthy population and in parathyroid secondary hyperplasia preoperatively. There are no significant differences of IGF-I serum levels among the all investigated groups of patients. Changes in the growth factors production by parathyroid tumor cells are reflected by their concentrations in peripheral blood. The elevation of HGF serum levels in patients with parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia can be explained by very high HGF production by tumor cells. Nevertheless, there is no decrease of HGF serum levels after the parathyroidectomy. That may be the result of the extratumoral production of this cytokine. Also TGFbeta1 and IGF-I serum levels indicate high possibility of the extratumoral production of these cytokines. Higher postoperative IGF-I serum levels (but not significantly) in parathyroid secondary hyperplasia are in accordance with its bone production.Neuro endocrinology letters 11/2004; 25(5):356-60. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: The beneficial effect of amalgam replacement on health in patients with autoimmunity.
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ABSTRACT: Patients with certain autoimmune and allergic diseases, such as systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroiditis or atopic eczema, often show increased lymphocyte stimulation by low doses of inorganic mercury in vitro. The patients often report clinical metal hypersensitivity, especially to nickel. In this study we examined the health impact of amalgam replacement in mercury-allergic patients with autoimmunity. The suitability of MELISA, an optimized lymphocyte stimulation test, for the selection of susceptible patients and monitoring of sensitization was also examined. Amalgam fillings were replaced with composites and ceramic materials. Follow-up health status and lymphocyte reactivity were assessed and evaluated half a year or later following amalgam removal. Results of lymphocyte reactivity measured with MELISA indicate that in vitro reactivity after the replacement of dental amalgam decreased significantly to inorganic mercury, silver, organic mercury and lead. Out of 35 patients, 25 patients (71%) showed improvement of health. The remaining patients exhibited either unchanged health (6 patients, 17%) or worsening of symptoms (4 patients, 11%). The highest rate of improvement was observed in patients with multiple sclerosis, the lowest rate was noted in patients with eczema. The initial mercury-specific lymphocyte reactivity was significantly higher in the responder group, than in the non-responders, whose health was not improved by amalgam removal. All patients with health improvement after amalgam replacement showed reduced proliferation to inorganic mercury in follow-up MELISA. In vitro responses to phenylmercury and nickel did not differ between the groups. Mercury-containing amalgam may be an important risk factor for patients with autoimmune diseases. MELISA is a valuable tool for selection of patients for amalgam replacement and also for monitoring of metal allergies.Neuro endocrinology letters 07/2004; 25(3):211-8. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Serum levels of angiogenic growth factors in patients with thyroid gland tumors and parathyroid adenoma.
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ABSTRACT: Angiogenic growth factors bFGF and VEGF ensure vascularisation of the growing tumor tissue. We decided to investigate their peripheral serum concentrations in patients with thyroid gland adenoma and papillary carcinoma and with parathyroid adenoma. We wanted to find the possible serum marker of these tumor diseases. 28 patients with thyroid gland tumor (14x adenoma, 14x papillary carcinoma) and 12 patients with parathyroid gland adenoma. Growth factors serum levels were measured by ELISA method. We found significantly higher serum levels of bFGF in both groups of patients with thyroid adenoma (4.93 +/- 3.42 ng/ml) and papillary carcinoma (5.69 +/- 5.58 ng/ml) compared to the healthy population (1.47 +/- 1.77 ng/ml). There were no significant differences of VEGF serum levels between all examined groups of patients (adenoma 213 +/- 197, papillary carcinoma 210 +/- 179, healthy 227 +/- 231 pg/ml). We found significantly higher serum levels of bFGF in patients with parathyroid gland adenoma (7.59 +/- 9.12 ng/ml) compared to those in healthy people (1.47 +/- 1.77 ng/ml). Higher bFGF serum concentrations in patients with thyroid and parathyroid tumors are in accordance with their immunohistochemical tissue levels described in the literature. Not so in VEGF. bFGF may be a serum marker of thyroid and parathyroid neoplasms.Neuro endocrinology letters 01/2004; 24(6):417-9. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Immunomodulatory cytokines in human seminal plasma correlate with immunomodulatory steroids.
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ABSTRACT: 7alpha-Hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and its 7beta-hydroxyepimer, which act as local immunomodulatory agents, dehydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, and major androgens, together with four cytokines-interleukins 2, 4, 10, and IFN-gamma, reflecting the activity of TH1 or TH2 cells present in semen, were measured in seminal plasma from 35 male donors. Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, its sulfate, 7-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone epimers, testosterone, and estradiol were also measured in their blood serum. Steroids and interleukins in semen as well as serum steroids and seminal interleukins were mutually correlated to find out whether a relationship between immunomodulatory steroids and cytokines influencing the immune environment does exist. A highly significant (P<0.001) positive correlation was found between seminal 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and IFN-gamma, while a negative correlation was found between cortisol and IL-10. Highly significant positive correlations were also found between serum 7alpha-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and seminal IFN-gamma and between serum 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone and seminal IL-2, while a negative correlation was found between serum dehydroepiandrosterone and seminal IL-10. Different and in some instances, even contradictory findings concerning the influence of dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol on TH1 and TH2 cytokines were observed in seminal plasma as compared to those found by others in serum. The differences can be ascribed to the different environments of mucosal and systemic immunity. Correlations between the levels of steroids and cytokines in seminal plasma did not always correspond to the correlations between given cytokines and hormones in sera. The results, however, are in agreement with our recent finding of an autonomous production of these steroids in the male reproductive tract.Steroids 11/2003; 68(9):725-31. · 2.83 Impact Factor -
Article: Steroid hormones in human semen with particular respect to dehydroepiandrosterone and its immunomodulatory metabolites.
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ABSTRACT: In addition to many components, seminal fluid contains also hormonal steroids. So far, the studies were focused mostly to androgens, their precursors, estrogens and also cortisol, in most instances in relation to sperm abnormalities. Our group detected for the first time in the ejaculate 7-hydroxylated metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone, believed to function as immunomodulatory and immunoprotective agents. Occurrence of steroids in seminal fluid and their possible role is reviewed in the first part of the article. In a group of 34 men (age 21-46 years) with various problems of fertility the presence of 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone isomers and dehydroepiandrosterone in seminal fluid was found. The concentrations of steroids in seminal fluid and plasma were determined by recently developed radioimmunoassay. In brief, the ejaculate was extracted twice with diethyl ether and the water phase was separated by freezing in solid carbon dioxide and evaporating the solvent to dryness. The dry residue was dissolved in methanol:water:light petroleum ether (1.3:1.0:0.3 ml) and mixed. After separation the water-methanolic phase was evaporated, the dry residue was re-dissolved in phosphate buffer and aliquots were used for RIA. The results were corrected for losses by counting the residual radioactivity of [(3)H] testosterone added initially to the sample of seminal fluid. The concentrations of 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone varied from 1.08 to as much as 15.7 nmol/l, while those of dehydroepiandrosterone were about five times higher. The concentrations of both 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone isomers were close to or even higher than recently reported levels of these substances in blood serum. The presence of steroids derived from dehydroepiandrosterone by 7-hydroxylation with recently reported immunomodulatory activity was for the first time demonstrated in seminal fluid of normal men.Endocrine regulations 07/2002; 36(2):79-86. -
Article: Mercury and nickel allergy: risk factors in fatigue and autoimmunity.
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ABSTRACT: This study examined the presence of hypersensitivity to dental and environmental metals in patients with clinical disorders complicated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Three groups of patients were examined through medical history, dental examination, and by using a modified test of blast transformation for metals-MELISA(R). The three groups consisted of the following: 22 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis with or without polyglandular autoimmune activation; 28 fatigued patients free from endocrinopathy; and 22 fatigued professionals without evidence of autoimmunity. As controls, a population sample or 13 healthy subjects without any evidence of metal sensitivity was included. Healthy controls did not complain of marked fatigue and their laboratory tests did not show signs of autoimmunity and endocrinopathy. We have found that fatigue, regardless of the underlying disease, is primarily associated with hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury and nickel. The lymphocyte stimulation by other metals was similar in fatigued and control groups. To evaluate clinical relevance of positive in vitro findings, the replacement of amalgam with metal-free restorations was performed in some of the patients. At a six-month follow-up, patients reported considerably alleviated fatigue and disappearance of many symptoms previously encountered; in parallel, lymphocyte responses to metals decreased as well. We suggest that metal-driven inflammation may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and indirectly trigger psychosomatic multisymptoms characterizing chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other diseases of unknown etiology.Neuro endocrinology letters 02/1999; 20(3-4):221-228. · 1.30 Impact Factor -
Article: Dental amalgam as one of the risk factors in autoimmune diseases.
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ABSTRACT: Experimental and clinical data published recently show that dental amalgam can give rise to undesirable immunological responses in susceptible individuals. In genetically susceptible strains of experimental animals, mercury and silver can induce autoimmune responses. Sera of patients sensitive to mercury were found to have a higher incidence of autoantibodies relative to controls. The aim of this study was to determine possible presence of antinuclear SSB/La autoantibodies after the in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with HgCl2. Lymphocytes were obtained from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and increased response to mercury in vitro. Mononuclear cells were cultivated for 6 days with 100 microl HgCl2 solution or with pure medium and the levels of antinuclear autoantibodies SSB/La were assayed by a commercial SSB/La ELISA kit. Increased production of SSB/La autoantibodies in the media following stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with HgCl2 was found in all cases. Using the Student's paired test, the results were significant on the p=0.05 significance level. Results imply that, in some patients with thyroiditis, mercury from dental amalgam can stimulate the production of antinuclear antibodies. Dental amalgam may be a risk factor in some patients with autoimmune disease.Neuro endocrinology letters 24(1-2):65-7. · 1.30 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2007
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Institute of Endocrinology
Praha, Hlavni mesto Praha, Czech Republic
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2003–2006
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Charles University in Prague
- Ústav imunologie a mikrobiologie (1. LF)
Praha, Hlavni mesto Praha, Czech Republic
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1999
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National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic
Praha, Hlavni mesto Praha, Czech Republic
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