Celina Wojciechowska

Publications of Celina Wojciechowska

• The assessment of lipid peroxidation products and the activity of superoxide dismutase in patients with heart failure.

  Authors: Ewa Romuk, Wojciech Jacheć, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Celina Wojciechowska, Kamil Kurza, Agnieszka Wróblewska, Marta Cwieczek, Ewa Birkner

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(2):75-8.

  The study concerns determination of disturbances of the oxidative-antioxidative balance in patients with heart failure. The study group consisted of 37 patients, having the average age of 42.3 +/-The study concerns determination of disturbances of the oxidative-antioxidative balance in patients with heart failure. The study group consisted of 37 patients, having the average age of 42.3 +/- 12.3 years, suffering from idiopathic or inflammatory heart failure. The patients have been qualified as degree II/III in accordance with NYHA scale. A statistically significant increase of anty-oxLDL level (254.28 +/- 80.79 vs 196.64 +/- 83.11 mU/ml; p<0.01) and malondialdehyde level (4.86 +/- 1.74 vs 3.71 +/- 1.19 micromol/l; p<0.05) has been demonstrated after 6-month observation. No statistically significant differences have been found for the activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its isoenzymes--(SOD-Mn) and (SOD-ZnCu). The results of the study indicate that no changes in SOD activity and increase in lipid peroxidation products level may lead to generation of oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure.

• Heart failure mimicking prior myocardial infarction in a patient with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome.

  Authors: Celina Wojciechowska, Anna Gala, Agnieszka Kuczaj, Wojciech Jachec, Ala Foremny, Grzegorz Helbig, Romuald Wojnicz, Ewa Nowalany-Kozielska

  International heart journal. 01/2011; 52(3):194-6.

  Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is characterized by sustained, nonreactive hypereosinophilia with eosinophilia-associated organ damage. Cardiac involvement occurs in about 60% ofIdiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES) is characterized by sustained, nonreactive hypereosinophilia with eosinophilia-associated organ damage. Cardiac involvement occurs in about 60% of patients with HES and it is the major cause of mortality in these patients. Cardiac dysfunction is reversible only after early corticosteroid (CS) initiation.Herein we report a 33-year old male who was referred to our Cardiology Department with electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities suggesting myocardial infarction. At presentation he complained of dyspnea, cough and persistent fever. His white blood cell (WBC) count was elevated, with eosinophil predominance in the differential. After cardiological and haematological work-up, the final diagnosis of HES-associated cardiac involvement was established. Early treatment with CS led to eosinophil count normalization with only moderate cardiac function improvement. Currently, the patient is in good condition overall and is in NYHA class II while still on prednisone.

• Therapeutic window for calcium-channel blockers in the management of dilated cardiomyopathy: a prospective, two-centre study on non-advanced disease.

  Authors: Romuald Wojnicz, Jolanta Nowak, Andrzej Lekston, Przemysław Wilczewski, Ewa Nowalany-Kozielska, Witold Streb, Celina Wojciechowska, Wojciech Stolarz, Krzysztof Helewski, Bożena Szyguła-Jurkiewicz, Lech Poloński

  Cardiology. 10/2010; 117(2):148-54.

  This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the calcium-channel blocker verapamil in non-advanced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This was a randomised trial of 70 DCM patients treated withThis study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the calcium-channel blocker verapamil in non-advanced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This was a randomised trial of 70 DCM patients treated with carvedilol (36 patients) and verapamil (instead of β-blocker; 34 patients) for 12 months. The remaining heart failure (HF) therapy was constant in both groups. The primary outcomes were to determine selected echocardiography parameters and functional status of patients. The secondary outcome included death, heart transplantation and re-hospitalisation due to HF progression. Of the primary outcomes, only the mean ratio of early to late transmitral flow velocities increased significantly in the verapamil-treated patients as compared with the carvedilol-based therapy (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2; 95% CI -0.6 to -0.1; p = 0.015). Simultaneously, the Minnesota Quality of Life improved significantly in the verapamil group (95% CI 5.2-19.9; p = 0.002). It was accompanied by the favourable effect of verapamil therapy on exercise capacity in the 6-min walk test (95% CI 21.3-110.7; p = 0.005). The addition of verapamil to angiotensin-converting enzyme and aldosterone inhibitors in non-advanced DCM patients has been shown to have a neutral or even positive effect in a few patients.

• Analysis of myocardial infarction time course in women compared with men in upper silesia population in 30 day follow-up.

  Authors: Damian Kawecki, Andrzej Robert Tomasik, Beata Morawiec, Wojciech Jachec, Celina Wojciechowska, Renata Rybczyk, Wojciech Milejski, Izabela Switalska-Janiczek, Brygida Przywara-Chowaniec, Ewa Nowalany-Kozielska

  International heart journal. 11/2009; 50(6):711-21.

  The aim of the study was to compare the course of myocardial infarction in women versus men in Upper Silesia, an industrial region in the south of Poland.The study comprised 1003 patients with eitherThe aim of the study was to compare the course of myocardial infarction in women versus men in Upper Silesia, an industrial region in the south of Poland.The study comprised 1003 patients with either ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The patients were divided into group 1 (300 females) and group 2 (control, 703 males). The groups differed significantly with respect to age, incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. In group 1 STEMI occurred significantly less frequently than NSTEMI. Taking this into account, we divided the studied cohort into group A (STEMI patients) and group B (NSTEMI patients), each subdivided into women and men.In the 30 day long follow-up, group 1 patients had significantly lower creatine kinase activity, higher occurrence of ventricular tachycardia, lower percentage of intra-aortic balloon pump use, and longer hospital stay compared with group 2. Group 1 was characterized by significantly higher mortality and target lesion reocclusion (TLR).The medical course of myocardial infarction in women is similar to that in men, as is the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. In our study, patients from both groups underwent invasive examination with consecutive interventional treatment with similar frequency. However, this finding is not reflected in the outcomes. Women had higher risks of death and TLR in 30 day follow-up. Taking this into consideration, we should attempt to identify the factors responsible for this situation by expanding the analysis to a larger population to allow firm conclusions to be drawn.

• Effect of postmenopause and hormone replacement therapy on serum adiponectin levels.

  Authors: Lucyna Sieminska, Celina Wojciechowska, Danuta Niedziolka, Bogdan Marek, Beata Kos-Kudla, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Mariusz Nowak

  Metabolism: clinical and experimental. 01/2006; 54(12):1610-4.

  Little is known about the effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on adiponectin production. The objectives of the study were to compare levels of serum adiponectin in post- andLittle is known about the effects of menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on adiponectin production. The objectives of the study were to compare levels of serum adiponectin in post- and premenopausal women, to test whether adiponectin levels are related to endogenous estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, to determine whether HRT influences serum adiponectin, and to investigate relationships of adiponectin levels with cardiovascular risk factors. One hundred four women matched for body mass index were enrolled in this study, and among them were 34 postmenopausal HRT nonusers, 34 postmenopausal HRT users, and 36 premenopausal healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. We evaluated waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in each women. Serum was assayed for adiponectin, estradiol, SHBG, triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. Post- and premenopausal women showed no significant differences in adiponectin and SHBG concentrations. There were no differences in serum adiponectin levels between postmenopusal HRT nonusers and users; however, SHBG concentrations were higher in HRT users. The simple linear regression analyses of all studied women indicated that serum adiponectin was negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, WHR, and TG levels. Positive correlation was observed between adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as between adiponectin and SHBG levels. There were no relationships between adiponectin and estradiol levels in all studied women and among subgroups. Multiple regression analysis showed that WHR and TG were significant independent predictors of serum adiponectin. In conclusion, serum adiponectin levels are not influenced by menopausal status or serum estradiol levels. Exogenous estrogen treatment does not significantly affect serum adiponectin concentrations.

• [Sildenafil reduces pressure and pulmonary resistance and increases susceptibility of pulmonary arteries to nitric oxide in primary pulmonary arterial hypertension]

  Authors: Jan Wodniecki, Wojciech Jacheć, Lech Poloński, Andrzej Robert Tomasik, Celina Wojciechowska, Ala Foremny

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2005; 62(2):135-8.

  Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease of undetermined origin and fatal prognosis. A better prognosis is associated with at least 20% reduction of either pulmonary arteryPrimary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease of undetermined origin and fatal prognosis. A better prognosis is associated with at least 20% reduction of either pulmonary artery pressure or pulmonary vascular resistance ("responders") in acute vasodilatory trials. Prostacycline (PGI2) or nitric oxide (NO) administration promises valuable results. NO is one of the most powerful vasodilating agents, endogenously produced by endothelial cells. It migrates from these cells to smooth muscle cells and stimulates production of cGMP, that induces smooth muscle relaxation. cGMP is hydrolyzed by 5-phopshodiesterase (PDE-5). Several papers documenting hypotensive effect in pulmonary circulation of specific PDE5 inhibitor--sildenafil (Viagra--Pfizer) have been published recently. We present a case report of a 26 year old female patient with PPH--"nonresponder" in a trial with NO--and NO responder after sildenafil administration. Initial values were: mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 58 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance was 10.9 Wood's units. mPAP and PVR during NO inhalation (40 ppm) decrease from 62 to 54 mmHg and from 11.4 to 10.3 Wood's units, respectively. Measurements performed 60 minutes after 50 mg of sildenafil orally disclosed a 19% reduction of mPAP and 21% reduction of PVR. NO inhalation caused further decrease of both parameters: mPAP was decreased for additional 28% and PVR for additional 36% in comparison to initial results. Neither peripheral hypotension nor other side effects were observed. A month-long administration of sildenafil in a dose 2 x 25 mg daily reduced mPAP and PVR to values reported for the acute trial. Physical capability improved also. It was assessed as increased distance in a six-minute-walk test (280 vs. 400 m in the first week of treatment, and 330 m in a fourth week of treatment). Echocardiography showed moderate decrease of right ventricle and right atrium diameters, along with decrease of the degree of relative tricuspid regurgitation with unchanged maximal velocity of regurgitant wave. Specific PDE-5 inhibitors might be an attractive alternative in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in case the above noted observations are confirmed.

• 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.

• Lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions.

  Authors: Wojciech Jacheć, Andrzej Tomasik, Wojciech Ceglarek, Stanisław Woś, Jan Wodniecki, Celina Wojciechowska, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Piotr Walichiewicz, Kazimierz Widenka

  Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry. 05/2003; 330(1-2):121-9.

  BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status within the ex vivo human coronary endarterectomy samples. METHODS: To achieve this, we measured products of lipid oxidationBACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status within the ex vivo human coronary endarterectomy samples. METHODS: To achieve this, we measured products of lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde, 7-ketocholesterol), lipids (cholesterol, cholesteryl esters) and vitamin E in endarterectomy samples. RESULTS: Content of malondialdehyde in the plaque ranged from 0.23 to 37.36 microg/g. Unesterified cholesterol content ranged from 0.30 to 1.94 mg/g. It was 9.04+/-4.32% of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol content ranged from 1.73 to 23.69 mg/g. Cholesteryl palmitate content ranged from 0.57 to 19.10 mg/g, which is 11.43-60.86% of the total esters (mean+/-SD 40.27+/-18.42%). Cholesteryl oleate content ranged from 0.24 to 5.76 mg/g, being 9.97-21.81% of total esters (mean+/-SD 14.35+/-4.51%). Cholesteryl linoleate content ranged from 1.05 to 8.21 mg/g, being 17.84-45.15% of total esters (mean+/-SD 30.78+/-11.69%). Cholesteryl arachidonate content ranged from 0.51 to 4.20 mg/g, which is 7.56-22.87% of total esters (mean+/-SD 14.60+/-5.60%). The cholesteryl linoleate/cholesteryl oleate ratio (CL/CO) ranged from 1.01 to 4.33. Content of 7-ketocholesterol in the plaque ranged from 0.0 to 577.5 ng/g of wet weight. The 7-ketocholesterol/total cholesterol ratio was 0.003+/-0.003% (range from 0.0% to 0.008%). The 7-ketocholesterol/unesterified cholesterol ratio was 0.024+/-0.023% (range from 0.0% to 0.066%). The plaque content of vitamin E ranged from 0.0 to 40.9 microg/g of wet weight. CONCLUSION: The present study, comprising measurements of lipids, products of lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in 12 human coronary endarterectomy samples, lends the evidence for ongoing lipid peroxidation within an atherosclerotic lesion.

• Lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions

  Authors: Wojciech Jacheć, Andrzej Tomasik, Wojciech Ceglarek, Stanisław Woś, Jan Wodniecki, Celina Wojciechowska, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Piotr Walichiewicz, Kazimierz Widenka

  Clinica Chimica Acta.

  Background: We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status within the ex vivo human coronary endarterectomy samples. Methods: To achieve this, we measured products of lipid oxidationBackground: We aimed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status within the ex vivo human coronary endarterectomy samples. Methods: To achieve this, we measured products of lipid oxidation (malondialdehyde, 7-ketocholesterol), lipids (cholesterol, cholesteryl esters) and vitamin E in endarterectomy samples. Results: Content of malondialdehyde in the plaque ranged from 0.23 to 37.36 μg/g. Unesterified cholesterol content ranged from 0.30 to 1.94 mg/g. It was 9.04±4.32% of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol content ranged from 1.73 to 23.69 mg/g. Cholesteryl palmitate content ranged from 0.57 to 19.10 mg/g, which is 11.43–60.86% of the total esters (mean±SD 40.27±18.42%). Cholesteryl oleate content ranged from 0.24 to 5.76 mg/g, being 9.97–21.81% of total esters (mean±SD 14.35±4.51%). Cholesteryl linoleate content ranged from 1.05 to 8.21 mg/g, being 17.84–45.15% of total esters (mean±SD 30.78±11.69%). Cholesteryl arachidonate content ranged from 0.51 to 4.20 mg/g, which is 7.56–22.87% of total esters (mean±SD 14.60±5.60%). The cholesteryl linoleate/cholesteryl oleate ratio (CL/CO) ranged from 1.01 to 4.33. Content of 7-ketocholesterol in the plaque ranged from 0.0 to 577.5 ng/g of wet weight. The 7-ketocholesterol/total cholesterol ratio was 0.003±0.003% (range from 0.0% to 0.008%). The 7-ketocholesterol/unesterified cholesterol ratio was 0.024±0.023% (range from 0.0% to 0.066%). The plaque content of vitamin E ranged from 0.0 to 40.9 μg/g of wet weight. Conclusion: The present study, comprising measurements of lipids, products of lipid peroxidation and vitamin E in 12 human coronary endarterectomy samples, lends the evidence for ongoing lipid peroxidation within an atherosclerotic lesion.

• The relation of serum adiponectin and leptin levels to metabolic syndrome in women before and after the menopause.

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Celina Wojciechowska, Wanda Foltyn, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Beata Kos-Kudła, Bogdan Marek, Maja Nasiek, Mariusz Nowak, Janusz Strzelczyk, Anna Zemczak

  Endokrynologia Polska. 57(1):15-22.

  INTRODUCTION: It is well known that there is a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MS) in postmenopausal women. Recently it has become evident that adiponectinINTRODUCTION: It is well known that there is a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MS) in postmenopausal women. Recently it has become evident that adiponectin and leptin secreted by adipose tissue may be involved in the pathophysiology of MS. The aim of the study: was to assess the effects of the menopause on the relationships between adiponectin and leptin and different cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 postmenopausal women and 75 premenopausal subjects were enrolled in this study. We measured blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference and WHR, triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (cHDL) levels and fasting glucose and applied the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Women were categorised as having 0, 1, 2, 3 or more risk factors. The presence of at least 3 abnormalities was defined as MS. Serum was assayed for adiponectin and leptin by the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. RESULTS: A decline in adiponectin was related to an increased number of MS variables in postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women with MS had significantly lower adiponectin concentrations than premenopausal women with MS. Serum adiponectin concentrations were inversely correlated to leptin in postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women no clear relationships were found between serum leptin and the number of metabolic disturbances. In contrast to young women, postmenopausal women showed an increase in leptin secretion with a growing number of MS elements. Compared to premenopausal women with MS, postmenopausal women with MS had higher levels of leptin. We found associations between leptin and different risk factors, mainly in the postmenopausal group. When the presence of MS was used as a dependent variable (yes/no) and adiponectin, leptin and menopause status as independent factors, adiponectin and leptin remained significant variables related to MS. CONCLUSION: The significant role of adiponectin in the pathophysiology of MS in premenopausal and postmenopausal women is confirmed in this study. Leptin is correlated with several MS components but this adipocytokine appears to play a role only in postmenopausal women.

• Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and interleukin-6 in postmenopausal women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

  Authors: Lucyna Siemińska, Celina Wojciechowska, Beata Kos-Kudła, Bogdan Marek, Dariusz Kajdaniuk, Mariusz Nowak, Joanna Głogowska-Szelag, Wanda Foltyn, Janusz Strzelczyk

  Endokrynologia Polska. 61(1):112-6.

  Leptin and adiponectin are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Very little is known about adipocytokine production in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) playsLeptin and adiponectin are involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases. Very little is known about adipocytokine production in autoimmune thyroid diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays an important role in the inflammatory and autoimmune processes. The aim of this study was to assess the serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and IL-6 in postmenopausal euthyroid women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and compared them with concentrations in control women. Ninety-eight euthyroid women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis was confirmed with elevated thyroid peroxidise autoantibody (TPOAb) levels in serum and typical hypoechogenic pattern on thyroid ultrasound. The control group, matched for body mass index (BMI), consisted of 105 healthy postmenopausal euthyroid women. Serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT(4)), and TPOAbs were determined. When compared with controls, the women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis were characterized by significantly elevated serum concentrations of IL-6, whereas concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were not different. Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients had significantly higher serum levels of TSH than the controls. The simple linear regression analyses of the Hashimoto's thyroiditis group and all of the studied women indicated that serum leptin levels correlated positively with BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR), TSH, and IL-6 and negatively with adiponectin. No correlation was observed between serum adiponectin and TSH, fT(4), or TPOAbs. There were no associations between serum IL-6 levels, TPOAbs, and TSH levels; however, positive correlations between IL-6 and BMI, WHR, and leptin were observed. TSH correlated positively with leptin, age, and TPOAbs. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by an increased production of IL-6 but does not have a direct influence on leptin or adiponectin serum levels. The correlations between TSH and leptin demonstrated in this study highlight the need for future investigations. (Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (1): 112-116).