Tomasz Mach

Publications of Tomasz Mach

• Anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties of the protein C system in inflammatory bowel disease.

  Authors: Danuta Owczarek, Dorota Cibor, Kinga Sałapa, Andrzej Cieśla, Mikołaj K Głowacki, Halina Pocztar, Tomasz Mach

  Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej. 04/2012;

  INTRODUCTION: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) there has been demonstrated disbalance between procoagulant, anticoagulant and fibrynolytic factors. The hemostasis system is anINTRODUCTION: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) there has been demonstrated disbalance between procoagulant, anticoagulant and fibrynolytic factors. The hemostasis system is an indispensable element of each inflammatory process. Deficiencies in the protein C (PC) pathway not only promote thrombosis, but also amplify the inflammatory process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PC system components (soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), PC, free protein S (PS)) were measured in 55 consecutive patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 50 with Crohn's disease (CD) and in 41 healthy volunteers. Associations of the PC system components with disease activity, hemostatic variables and inflammatory markers were assessed. RESULTS: sTM value in UC was higher as compared to the controls (p=0.0042). In IBD PC activity was higher and PS level was lower as compared to the controls (p<0.001). TNF-alfa level was higher in IBD patients and Il-6 level was higher in CD patients. There was a positive correlation between sTM level and PC as well PS level in UC group (r=0.28 and r= 0.34, respectively, p<0.05). Only PC level correlated with UC activity (r=0.3, p<0.05). No correlations between TNF-alfa, Il-6, CRP and PC, PS, sTM levels were found. CONCLUSIONS: PC pathway is defective in both CD and UC patients. Hypercoagulability in IBD might be associated not only with the inflammatory process but also with disturbances in the anti-coagulant system, since defection in PC pathway was found both in active and non-active disease.

• Activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFIa) is associated with inflammatory markers in inflammatory bowel diseases TAFIa level in patients with IBD.

  Authors: Danuta Owczarek, Anetta Undas, Jonathan H Foley, Michael E Nesheim, Konrad Jabłonski, Tomasz Mach

  Journal of Crohn's & colitis. 02/2012; 6(1):13-20.

  Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Activated TAFI (TAFIa) attenuatesThrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Activated TAFI (TAFIa) attenuates fibrinolysis by cleaving C-terminal lysine residues thus down-regulating plasminogen activation. To date, no reports on TAFIa in IBD have been published. Plasma levels of TAFIa were measured using a functional assay in 55 consecutive patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 50 with Crohn's disease (CD). Associations of TAFIa with disease activity, hemostatic variables and inflammatory markers were assessed. Plasma TAFIa was higher in CD patients than in those with UC. The disease activity correlated positively with TAFIa levels in the UC group, but not in the CD group. In UC patients, there were positive correlations of TAFIa with white blood cells, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen and an inverse correlation with albumin. In the CD group, a positive correlation was shown for C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and platelet count, while a negative correlation was noted for albumin. This study is the first to show that TAFIa is increased in CD patients compared with UC and its levels are associated with inflammatory markers in both forms of IBD. These findings fit in the hypothesis that TAFIa may be a marker of active IBD, and in particular of active UC.

• Role of IL-6 and neopterin in the pathogenesis of herpetic encephalitis.

  Authors: Monika Bociąga-Jasik, Andrzej Cieśla, Anna Kalinowska-Nowak, Paweł Skwara, Aleksander Garlicki, Tomasz Mach

  Pharmacological reports : PR. 09/2011; 63(5):1203-9.

  Herpetic encephalitis (HSE) is one of the most severe infection of the central nervous system (CNS), connected with high mortality rate, even when appropriate therapy has been introduced. BetterHerpetic encephalitis (HSE) is one of the most severe infection of the central nervous system (CNS), connected with high mortality rate, even when appropriate therapy has been introduced. Better understanding of pathomechanisms responsible for neuronal injury during the course of the disease can be useful in the assessment of the risk of the occurrence of severe complications, as well as in potential introduction of additional therapeutic methods. The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between concentration of neopterin and IL-6 in the CSF and serum, and the course of HSE. In this study, 36 patients with HSE were investigated, and the control group consisted of 32 patients in whom the infection of the CNS was excluded. We observed significantly higher concentration of neopterin and IL-6 in the CSF of patients with HSV as compared with the control group. Neopterin and IL-6 levels in the CSF correlated with the course of HSE. Higher values were connected with the risk of respiratory failure, development of permanent neurologic complications and patient death. Negative correlations between concentration of IL-6 and neopterin and patient condition assessed by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were observed. Neopterin with high sensitivity and specificity allowed to predict the risk of death or severe neurological complications. Increased concentration of neopterin and IL-6 in the CSF and serum revealed reciprocal positive correlation. Assessment of the concentration of IL-6 and neopterin in the serum was not useful to predict the course of HSE.

• [Effectiveness of anti-TNF alpha antibodies in treatment of fistulizing Crohn's disease].

  Authors: Piotr Rozpondek, Małgorzata Zwolińska-Wcisło, Magdalena Przybylska, Tomasz Mach

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2011; 68(9):602-5.

  About 35% of patients with Crohn's disease develop fistulae. Treatment of those changes is a complicated clinical problem. Anti-TNF alpha antibodies are currently the most effective therapy ofAbout 35% of patients with Crohn's disease develop fistulae. Treatment of those changes is a complicated clinical problem. Anti-TNF alpha antibodies are currently the most effective therapy of fistulizing Crohn's disease. Aim of the study is to evaluate results of anti-TNF alpha treatment in patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease. We evaluated results of anti-TNF alpha treatment (both with adalimumab n=10 and infliximab n=19) in 29 patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease treated in years 2008 - 2011 in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic of University Hospital in Krakow. Closure of over 50% of fistulas was achieved by 78,94% patients after induction therapy with infliximab and 50% with adalimumab. Long term remission, evaluated after 52 weeks of treatment, was observed in 46,15% patients treated with infliximab. Best results were observed in perianal fistulas treatment - remission was achieved in 88.2% of patients. Effectiveness of enterocutaneus fistalas therapy was lower, and their healing was observed in 28.57% of patients. We observed no correlation between duration of Crohn's disease, duration of fistulas history or previously used treatment and results of anti-TNF alpha treatment. Anti-TNF alpha treatment has high effectiveness both short and long term in fistulizing Crohn's disease. Tolerance of treatment is very good. We lack clinical data about treatment other fistulas than perianal, but we suspect that effectiveness of anti-TNF alpha in this cases is lower. It is indicated to treat patients with fistulizing Crohn's disease with anti-TNF alpha, because it gives them chance for long remission and improvement of quality of life.

• [Polish multicenter study on safety and efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil in the treatment of lamivudine resistant chronic hepatitis B in adults (HEP 2008)].

  Authors: Rafał Krygier, Robert Flisiak, Viola Bacia, Barbara Baka-Cwierz, Anita Bluszcz-Roznowska, Anna Boroń-Kaczmarska, Teresa Brzostek, Zbigniew Deroń, Magdalena Durlik, Ewa Janczewska-Kazek, Alicja Kalinowska, Tomasz Mach, Iwona Olszok, Arkadiusz Pisula, Marta Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska, Jacek Juszczyk

  Przegla̧d epidemiologiczny. 01/2011; 65(4):615-20.

  Initiated in April 2008 Polish multicenter study HEP2008 aimed clinical data concerning safety and efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV, Hepsera, Gilead Sciences) in adult chronically infected HBVInitiated in April 2008 Polish multicenter study HEP2008 aimed clinical data concerning safety and efficacy of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV, Hepsera, Gilead Sciences) in adult chronically infected HBV with lamivudine (LAM) resistance after earliest treatment. We examined 38 men (70.4%) and 16 women (29.6%) with chronic hepatitis B in age 23-81 (average 53) mostly HBeAg positive (70.4%). Majority of patients received earlier LAM (72%), but others additional entekawir and\ or pegylated interferon. Average time from discovering infection HBV was 95 +/- 77 (10-307) months. Majority of patients received monotherapy ADV, but physicians decided at 12 (22%) persons about continuation of LAM therapy. Median HBV DNA level decreased from a baseline value 6.73 +/- 1.71 (1.8-9.0) to 3.25 log10 copies/mL. At least HBV DNA drop 1 log10 and 2 log10 get 78.8 and 60.6% in 24 week, 84.8 and 69.7% in 48 week. HBV DNA reduction below level 300 and 50 copies/mL it observed in 15.2 and 6.1% in 24 week, 39.4 and 30.3% in 48 week. Patients with undetectable Mean ALT activity dropped significantly and were below limit norm at 24 week in 40%, and at 48 week in 58% of patients. Patients treated ADV and LAM reached great reduction of ALT activity but was no influence on HBV DNA reduction. Results of research have confirmed efficiency and safety 48-week's therapy ADV in patients with LAM resistance.

• Activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFIa) is associated with inflammatory markers in inflammatory bowel diseases TAFIa level in patients with IBD

  Authors: Danuta Owczarek, Anetta Undas, Jonathan H. Foley, Michael E. Nesheim, Konrad Jabłonski, Tomasz Mach

  Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. 01/2011;

• [Interleukin 8 and interferon gamma in ocular toxoplasmosis].

  Authors: Jacek Czepiel, Grazyna Biesiada, Iwona Sobczyk-Krupiarz, Grazyna Miklasszewska, Danuta Fedak, Bogdan Solnica, Tomasz Mach, Aleksander Garlicki

  Klinika oczna. 01/2011; 113(4-6):149-52.

  Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in the world, it is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is typically asymptomatic or the symptoms are very mild. Approximately 10%Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in the world, it is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is typically asymptomatic or the symptoms are very mild. Approximately 10% patients have limphadenopathy, involvement of the others organs, like eyes, nervous system, liver, heart, are observed more rarely. The aim of our study was to assess the level of selected cytokines in blood among patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. We have enrolled in the study 30 patients, 19-42 years old, treated for ocular toxoplasmosis, and 20 healthy volunteers, 20-48 years old, to the control group. Tests for blood morphology, C-reactive protein, the level of IL-8 and IFN-gamma were performed in all patients. The blood parameters in toxoplasmosis group were performed before antiparasitic treatment was given. The level of IFN-gamma in blood was lower among patients with ocular toxoplasmosis comparing with control group (1.52 vs. 4.18 pg/ml; p = 0.002). The level of IL-8 in blood was lower among patients with ocular toxoplasmosis comparing with control group (22.96 vs. 94.3 pg/ml; p = 0,007). There were no correlations between analyzed cytokines and blood morphology or CRP. The low level of IFN-gamma and IL-8 in blood is important factor leading to reactivation of the ocular toxoplasmosis.

• The role of Candida in inflammatory bowel disease. Estimation of transmission of C. albicans fungi in gastrointestinal tract based on genetic affinity between strains.

  Authors: Danuta Trojanowska, Malgorzata Zwolinska-Wcislo, Marianna Tokarczyk, Krzysztof Kosowski, Tomasz Mach, Alicja Budak

  Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 10/2010; 16(10):CR451-7.

  The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is related to the effect of fungal presence in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) on IBD development. One hundred twenty-six patients underwentThe pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is related to the effect of fungal presence in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) on IBD development. One hundred twenty-six patients underwent mycological investigation. We analyzed of the occurrence of fungal infection in the clinical material collected from the GI tract of patients with IBD and control groups. We assessed fungal flora transmission from the oral cavity to further segments of the GI tract based on comparative studies of genotypes of fungal strains. The studies were carried out using conventional methods. The fungal genotypes were determined with the PCR-RAPD method. Of 407 samples, 220 of them had fungi. The most frequently isolated species was C. albicans in patients with IBD and in control group, respectively 84.4% and 81%. Analysis of the streak patterns of the products of the PCR-RAPD reaction carried out for C. albicans strains isolated from the material collected from 10 patients, showed 100% affinity between the strains cultivated from the same patient. Genetic affinity between the strains was confirmed in 3 primers used in the examination. The presence of fungi in the oral cavity of patients with IBD may affect more frequent colonization of the colonic mucosa in the active phase of disease. Genetic affinity of C. albicans strains indicates the possibility of fungal transmission from the oral cavity to further segments of the GI tract.

• An association between functional FceRIalpha polymorphisms and total serum IgE levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

  Authors: Daniel P Potaczek, Danuta Owczarek, Ko Okumura, Tomasz Mach, Anetta Undas, Chiharu Nishiyama

  Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology. 02/2010; 45(6):766-7.

• [Lipodystrophy and metabolic disturbances as complications of antiretroviral therapy].

  Authors: Monika Bociaga-Jasik, Beata Kieć-Wilk, Anna Kalinowska-Nowak, Tomasz Mach, Aleksander Garlicki

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(12):1332-4.

  Effective treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral drugs significantly improve prognosis. Reduction of mortality and life prolongations in patients receiving such therapy have been alsoEffective treatment of HIV infection with antiretroviral drugs significantly improve prognosis. Reduction of mortality and life prolongations in patients receiving such therapy have been also connected with the risk of side effects development. Among these complications metabolic disturbances such as lipodystrophy, dyslipidaemia, and insulin resistance which are present according some authors in up to 50% of patients receiving HAART play an important role. In spite of different investigations molecular basis of lipodystrophy development during HAART have not be fully understood, and the latest research revealed a lot of new aspects connected w adipocyte tissue pathophysiology, which were not taken up to know into consideration. In the presented publication the most important information about pathogenesis of lipodystrophy development in HIV infected patients treated with ARV drugs have been presented.

• The effect of TCDD dioxin on the rat liver in biochemical and histological assessment.

  Authors: Jacek Czepiel, Grazyna Biesiada, Mariusz Gajda, Wojciech Szczepański, Kinga Szypuła, Zbigniew Dabrowski, Tomasz Mach

  Folia biologica. 01/2010; 58(1-2):85-90.

  Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Two groups received different intraperitoneal doses of TCDD (0.75 and 8 microg) in DMSO solution and the third group (control)Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Two groups received different intraperitoneal doses of TCDD (0.75 and 8 microg) in DMSO solution and the third group (control) received only DMSO on days 0, 7 and 14. On day 21 the animals were sacrificed, and then blood tests, pathological examination and CYP1A1 activity measurement were performed. In rats that received a high dose of dioxin (8 microg) hepatic lobules revealed parenchymal degeneration and vacuolization of hepatocytes was observed, and also an increased CYP reaction was found in central parts of lobules, around the central vein. The reaction in control and low dose groups was weak. The resorufin level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the group receiving a low dose of dioxin as compared to the control group. The study confirmed that TCDD damages the rat liver in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of high TCDD doses causing major liver damage also damaged CYP1A1 (based on higher resorufin levels in epiluminescence). TCDD activates CYP1A1, which was confirmed by increased immunohistochemical reactivity of central areas ofhepatic lobules.

• The reliability of ELISA in predicting H. pylori infection in dyspeptic populations under age 45.

  Authors: Malgorzata Palka, Tomasz Tomasik, Adam Windak, Grzegorz Margas, Tomasz Mach, Agnieszka Bohonos

  Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 01/2010; 16(1):PH24-8.

  Dyspepsia is a common problem worldwide. Many dyspeptic patients have no alarm symptoms and are diagnosed by family doctors. Non-invasive testing of H. pylori is recommended in patients up to the ageDyspepsia is a common problem worldwide. Many dyspeptic patients have no alarm symptoms and are diagnosed by family doctors. Non-invasive testing of H. pylori is recommended in patients up to the age of 55. Testing of asymptomatic high risk groups is now being considered in many countries. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of serology tests (ELISA, HelicoTest) against the benchmark UBT (urea breath test) in the detection of H. pylori infection in young populations. The study was conducted on 238 patients under age 45 (159 with undiagnosed dyspepsia and 79 controls). The gold standard of diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on a positive UBT. UBT, serological ELISA and HelicoTest were performed on each of the patients. By UBT 50.9% and by ELISA 49.7% of dyspeptic patients were infected with H. pylori, while in the control group 38% and 39.2% were infected, respectively. HelicoTest showed the highest positive results in both groups (55.3% study group, 44.3% control). The average level of IgG antibodies from ELISA testing among patients with a positive UBT H. pylori result was 3.16 U/ml. Patients with negative UBT results showed an average IgG level of 0.53 U/ml. There was a correlation of increasing antibody level on ELISA and probability of testing positive on UBT. The majority of patients had moderate dyspeptic symptoms. The ELISA is an easy, cheap and effective method for diagnosing H. pylori infection in the primary care setting.

• [Pathogenesis and diagnosis of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy].

  Authors: Irena Ciećko-Michalska, Tomasz Mach, Agnieszka Słowik

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(2):131-4.

  Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) is a serious clinical problem in patiens with liver damage and precise pathophisiological mechanisms resonsible for encephalopathy are not fully understood.Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) is a serious clinical problem in patiens with liver damage and precise pathophisiological mechanisms resonsible for encephalopathy are not fully understood. Is definied as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities in patients with liver dysfunction after exclusion of other known brain disease. Recent date have shown that increased CNS (central nervous system) ammonia concentration and presence of mild diffuse brain oedema plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SHE. Diagnosis of manifest HE (hepatic encephalopathy) is made on the basis of clinical symptoms, whereas psychometric or neurophisiological tests are required for detection of SHE. PET, MRI, H-MRS allow the rapid and noninvasive evaluation of structural, phisiologic and biochemical features of the brain.

• [Neurological complications among patients with zoster hospitalized in Department of Infectious Diseases in Cracow in 2001-2006].

  Authors: Grazyna Biesiada, Jacek Czepiel, Iwona Sobczyk-Krupiarz, Tomasz Mach, Aleksander Garlicki

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(3):149-50.

  Herpes zoster is an infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). After replication at the place of entry, VZV spreads via the blood into the skin and mucosa, causing the varicella. FromHerpes zoster is an infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). After replication at the place of entry, VZV spreads via the blood into the skin and mucosa, causing the varicella. From these regions VZV migrates into the sensory ganglia where it establishes a latent infection. The aim of our study was to analyze the localization of the skin changes and correlations of neurological complications among patient with zoster. We have reviewed medical documentation of the 67 patients with herpes zoster, hospitalized in our Department during the years 2001-2006. We have studied localization of the herpes zoster changes and frequency of neurological complications among these patients. Neuralgia was less intensive and last shorter time, when antiviral treatment had been started earlier. Neuralgia, meningitis, encephalitis and complications of the eye zoster were present more often among patients over 65 years old.

• [The analysis of epidemiology, clinical symptoms, serological tests in the course of borreliosis].

  Authors: Grazyna Biesiada, Jacek Czepiel, Maciej Leśniak, Aleksander Garlicki, Tomasz Mach

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(3):181-3.

  Lyme disease is an animal-borne disease, caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). The infection is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species. Humans are infected through aLyme disease is an animal-borne disease, caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb). The infection is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus species. Humans are infected through a tick bite to the skin. The aim of the study was evaluation of epidemiology, symptoms and serologic factors in Lyme disease. We have enrolled 39 patients from Malopołska region in the study treated for Lyme borreliosis. History of tick biting, clinical signs and symptoms and serological tests were evaluated. The most common symptoms were headaches and pain of the large joints. Patients with untreated erithema migrans (EM) more often developed symptoms from nervous system (83%) than joints (54%). We found abnormalities which confirmed inflammation in CSF in 24.3% of patients. Patients with positive IgG antibodies against Bb in CSF and confirmed their intrathecal synthesis had never had EM in the past. There is low percentage of the patients who were treated due to EM. Patients with untreated EM more often developed symptoms from nervous system than joints. The most common symptoms among our patients were headaches and pain of large joints.

• [Neopterin in assessing the activity of inflammatory bowel diseases: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease].

  Authors: Irena Ciećko-Michalska, Danuta Fedak, Tomasz Mach

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(12):1262-5.

  The increase in the incidence of non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) makes the research of finding new biochemical markers, which wereThe increase in the incidence of non-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) makes the research of finding new biochemical markers, which were characterized by a high sensitivity and specificity for an objective assessment of severity of the inflammatory process and the effectiveness of treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the usefulness of neopterin in serum in assessing the disease activity in comparison to other markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and TNF-alpha in patients with exacerbation of IBD and healthy volunteers. The study included 32 patients with UC and 31 with CD. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers matched for age and gender. Disease activity in patients with UC was assessed based on a point system Mayo. In patients with CD disease activity was calculated based on the CDAI (Crohn's Disease Activity Index). Serum concentrations of neopterin, CRP and TNF-alpha were measured. For determination of CRP were used immunochemical nephelometric method. TNF-alpha and neopterin was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: In patients with UC and CD increased concentration of serum neopterin was significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.005). We observed a positive correlation between increased concentrations of neopterin in serum and increased levels of TNF-alpha and CRP, increasing the number of leukocytes and platelets count and the degree of disease activity in patients with both UC and CD, but was no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of neopterin concentration in serum may be a useful marker to assess disease activity in patients with IBD.

• [Clinical symptoms variety in adults with celiac disease].

  Authors: Małgorzata Zwolińska-Wcisło, Piotr Rozpondek, Danuta Galicka-Latała, Tomasz Mach

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(12):1325-8.

  Celiac disease, called gluten enteropathy, is a chronic disorder, characterized by the immunologic answer to the gluten contained in the wheat, barley and oat in genetically predisposed patients. TheCeliac disease, called gluten enteropathy, is a chronic disorder, characterized by the immunologic answer to the gluten contained in the wheat, barley and oat in genetically predisposed patients. The frequency of celiac disease is estimated on 0.5-1% in the adult population and proportion of diagnosed to non-diagnosed cases is 1 to 7. The clinical picture of that disease in adults presents wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. There is 5-10 fold increased risk of its coexistence with other autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes mellitus type I, juvenile arthritis or autoimmune thyroiditis. Abnormal liver function or vascular thrombosis are also observed. Acute abdominal pain as the leading symptom is present in 16.3% of celiac cases. Moreover the increased frequency of the microscopic colitis and gastritis may influence on the persistence of clinical symptoms.

• [Evaluation of selected laboratory markers of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis type C].

  Authors: Beata Kuśnierz-Cabala, Bogdan Solnica, Tomasz Mach, Grazyna Biesiada, Paulina Dumnicka

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(7):450-3.

  The aim of the study was to compare 4 non-invasive biochemical scores of liver fibrosis (age/PLT; AST/ALT; APRI and FORNS) with results of hepatic biopsies classified according to Batts-Ludwig scale.The aim of the study was to compare 4 non-invasive biochemical scores of liver fibrosis (age/PLT; AST/ALT; APRI and FORNS) with results of hepatic biopsies classified according to Batts-Ludwig scale. The study included a total of 99 patients: 44 (44.4%) women with mean +/- SD age of 42 +/- 11.9 years and 55 (55.6%) men (43 +/- 12.2) treated for chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS: Levels of several markers changed significantly after 3 months of treatment (with interferon alpha and ribavirin) comparing to values on admission to hospital: we observed statistically significant differences of ALT: 32.6 +/- 15.7 vs. 61.5 +/- 35.6 (U/l), p<0.001; AST: 34.1 +/- 11.1 vs. 48.2 +/- 26.5 (U/l), p<0.05 and total cholesterol concentration: 4.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.9 (mmol/l), p<0.01 in women; AST/ALT ratio in both men (0,8 +/- 0,3 vs. 0.69 +/- 0.25; p<0.05) and women (1.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.84 +/- 0.24; p<0.001) and age/PLT score: 0.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.12 (p<0.01) in men. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive biochemical scores: age/PLT, APRI and FORNS showed acceptable compliance with liver morphological status characterized in Batts-Ludwig scale as we observed significant differences between F0-F1 and F3-F4 groups. Age/PLT, APRI and FORNS seems to be helpful in prediction of early stage of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. After 3 months of standard antiviral therapy (interferon alpha and ribavirin) we did not observe statistically significant differences in values of FORNS and APRI scores. Simultaneously, we noticed significant decrease in activity of aminotransferases and AST/ALT ratio recognized by clinicians as standard markers of inflammatory and necrosis processes.

• [Application of chosen granulocyte markers in diagnostics of Leśniowski-Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis--preliminary research].

  Authors: Danuta Fedak, Dorota Pawlica, Irena Ciećko-Michalska, Bogdan Solnica, Tomasz Mach

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 01/2010; 67(2):114-8.

  About 15% of cases of nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases are difficult to diagnose based on clinical, radiological and histopatological criteria. In this study we tried to find a biochemicalAbout 15% of cases of nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases are difficult to diagnose based on clinical, radiological and histopatological criteria. In this study we tried to find a biochemical marker helpful in differential diagnostics and assessment of activity of Leśniowski-Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Plasma concentrations of leukocyte elastase and calprotectin (neutrophiles' proteins), eotaxin (eosinophils chemoatractant) and C-reactive protein were measured in 22 patients with Leśniowski-Crohn's disease and 28 patients witch ulcerative colitis. Significantly higher plasma levels of leukocyte elastase and calprotectin in patients witch ulcerative colitis as compared to Leśniowski-Crohn's disease were found. Thus leukocyte elastase and calprotectin can be considered additional markers differentiating these two diseases. Moreover, plasma concentrations of CRP and leukocyte elastase were associated with the clinical activity of Leśniowski-Crohn's disease whereas CRP and calprotectin concentrations were related to the clinical activity of colitis ulcerosa.

• Tissue factor -1208D>I polymorphism is associated with D-dimer levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

  Authors: Daniel P Potaczek, Danuta Owczarek, Dorota Cibor, Chiharu Nishiyama, Ko Okumura, Tomasz Mach, Anetta Undas

  Inflammatory bowel diseases. 10/2009;