Antoni Hrycek

Publications of Antoni Hrycek

• Serum levels of selected chemokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

  Authors: Eugeniusz Hrycek, Andrzej Franek, Edward Błaszczak, Justyna Dworak, Antoni Hrycek

  Rheumatology international. 03/2012;

  Chemokines promote leukocyte traffic into the site of inflammation. Serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), interferon-gamma-inducible proteinChemokines promote leukocyte traffic into the site of inflammation. Serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated in 48 treated women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mild-to-moderate disease severity. The results were compared between the whole SLE group and the control (29 women). The relationships between chemokines, their concentrations, and peripheral blood leukocyte count and between the chemokines and individual leukocyte populations (polymorphonuclear leukocytes-PMNs, lymphocytes-Ls, monocytes-Ms, eosinophils) counts were determined. The relationships between the analyzed chemokines were also determined in the control. SLE subjects had significantly higher MCP-1, SDF-1, IP-10, and lower IL-8 concentrations compared to the control. Moderate, positive correlations between MCP-1/SDF-1, SDF-1/IP-10 and a negative correlation between MCP-1/IL8 were observed in the patient group. Moderate, negative correlations were found between SDF-1/total leukocyte count, SDF-1/absolute number of PMNs as well as between IP-10/total leukocyte count, IP-10/absolute PMNs, Ls, and Ms counts in peripheral blood of SLE group. We suggest that the obtained results and correlations observed between the examined parameters might be used to monitor SLE course and progression. However, further randomized clinical studies should be carried out on in untreated and treated patients with SLE.

• Long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in the light of its structure, mechanism of action and clinical implications.

  Authors: Paweł Cieślik, Antoni Hrycek

  Autoimmunity. 03/2012; 45(2):119-28.

  Pentraxins are a group of evolutionarily conserved ancient proteins. Depending on their structure, pentraxins are divided into short and long pentraxin families. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the prototypePentraxins are a group of evolutionarily conserved ancient proteins. Depending on their structure, pentraxins are divided into short and long pentraxin families. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is the prototype of the long pentraxin group. PTX3 synthesis is stimulated by a variety of molecules involved in the inflammatory process. The inflammatory mediator is typically produced at inflammatory sites; however, it can also be released at the sites remote from the original inflammatory insult. Although mainly expressed by vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, PTX3 is also synthesized by myeloid dendritic cells, mononuclear macrophages/phagocytes, vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, cumulus oophorus cells mesangial cells, synovial cells and chondrocytes. PTX3 binds to several ligands including complement component C1q, factor H, ficolin-1 (M-ficolin), mannose-binding lectin, fibroblast growth factor 2, P-selectin, matrix protein TSG6 and Klebsiella pneumoniae; it is also known to play a role in humoral innate immunity as well as in degenerated and apoptotic cells clearance. PTX3 acts as a modulator of inflammatory processes, modifies angiogenesis and atherosclerotic lesion development, and participates in extracellular matrix formation. Due to the fact of PTX3 being primarily produced and released by vascular wall cells, it might be used as a sensitive and independent inflammatory marker.

• Annexin A5 and anti-annexin antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Paweł Cieślik

  Rheumatology international. 02/2011;

  Plasma levels of annexin A5 (ANX A5) and anti-annexin A5 (aANX A5) antibodies were evaluated in 51 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The results were compared between the total SLEPlasma levels of annexin A5 (ANX A5) and anti-annexin A5 (aANX A5) antibodies were evaluated in 51 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The results were compared between the total SLE group, subgroups on/without immunosuppressive therapy and the control (28 women). The relationships between ANX A5/aANX A5 antibodies levels and laboratory variables (anti-cardiolipin antibodies-aCL, total cholesterol, thrombocyte count, activated partial thromboplastin time-APTT, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio-INR) were performed in the total SLE group and in the patient subgroups identified as the arithmetic mean of ANX A5 concentration in the control plus 1-4 standard deviations (SD). The whole SLE group and the subgroup on immunosuppression showed significantly higher ANX A5 and IgG aANX A5 antibodies concentrations. A weak positive correlation was found between ANX A5 and thrombocyte count, a moderate one between IgG and IgM aANX A5 antibodies, a weak negative correlation between IgG aANX A5 and APTT in the whole SLE group. SLE subgroups with ANX A5 concentrations higher than the control mean plus 3 or 4 SD showed a weak/moderate negative correlation of this parameter with aANX A5 antibodies, moderate one with IgG aCL antibodies levels, a moderate positive correlation with cholesterol concentration, moderate/high positive correlations with thrombocyte count. The association between plasma ANX A5/IgG aANX A5 levels and severity of disease was noticed. The role of aANX A5 and IgG aCL antibodies as causative factors of increased ANX A5 levels was suggested, and the relationship between ANX A5 and thrombocyte count was revealed.

• [Can drugs used in type 2 diabetes therapy induce acute pancreatitis?].

  Authors: Anna Borowik, Antoni Hrycek, Jerzy Chudek, Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 01/2011; 65:678-82.

  The increased number of subjects with type 2 diabetes and putting into clinical practice further new hypoglycemic agents and also aspiring to achieve the bettest glycemic control using a fewThe increased number of subjects with type 2 diabetes and putting into clinical practice further new hypoglycemic agents and also aspiring to achieve the bettest glycemic control using a few medications may cause that undesirable actions of these agents may be observed more frequently. One undesirable effect of hypoglycemic drugs is acute pancreatitis; therefore the aim of the present paper is to review data concerning the development of this complication during type 2 diabetes pharmacotherapy.

• [Diagnostic value of antineutophil cytoplasmic antibodies].

  Authors: Agnieszka Zak-Gołab, Antoni Hrycek, Michał Holecki, Jerzy Chudek

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(1):37-42.

  Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) constitute a family of auto-antibodies directed against various components of the neutrophil cytoplasm. The indirect immunofluorecence assays detectedAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) constitute a family of auto-antibodies directed against various components of the neutrophil cytoplasm. The indirect immunofluorecence assays detected three fluorescent staining patterns: cANCA--cytoplasmic; pANCA--perinuclear and aANCA--atypical. Occurence ANCA is mainly associated with Wegener's granulomatosis and vasculitis, but they are also detected in autoimmune diseases (eg. in systemic lupus erythematosus, in rheumathoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, in dermatomyositis) and in inflamatory bowel diseases (Crohn disease, colitis ulcerosa). Presence of ANCA was found also in primary sclerosing cholangitis, in chronic infections and in person using some kinds of drugs. The aim of the study was to review recent investigations concerning prevalence of ANCA and their diagnostic value not only for vasculitis but also for the other disease in which they are detected.

• [Chronic fatigue syndrome with special focus on systemic lupus erythematosus].

  Authors: Dagmara Urbańska-Krawiec, Antoni Hrycek

  Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 11/2010; 29(173):320-4.

  Chronic fatigue is an ailment frequently reported in the course of several pathologies. When fatigue clearly predominates over other symptoms, it is referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).Chronic fatigue is an ailment frequently reported in the course of several pathologies. When fatigue clearly predominates over other symptoms, it is referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Initial CFS definition and diagnostic criteria were published in 1988, and have been several times modified since that time. In 1994, Fukuda et al. presented precise guidelines for the evaluation and study of CFS. The etiopathogenic mechanisms of CFS have not yet been satisfactorily clarified although immune and hormonal responses as well as a decline in neurotransmitter concentrations have been implicated in the development of the disorder. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, with chronic fatigue as a very common symptom observed in as many as 80% of the patients. Owing to its obscure pathogenesis, therapy for CFS remains a difficult and complex issue consisting mostly of the treatment of the underlying disease. Appropriate lifestyle and physical activity should be emphasized. Medications include antidepressants and glucocorticosteroids. Psychological counseling has also been recommended. Complex etiopathogenesis and the involvement of the immune and neurohormonal systems suggest that CFS might be a primary and not secondary disorder. Hence a significant role of medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

• [The thyroid functional tests, antithyroid antibodies and the level of prolactin in treated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Eugeniusz Hrycek, Przemysław Kopczyński, Maria Kopczyńska, Łukasz Romanowski, Anna Walawska

  Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 10/2010; 29(172):231-4.

  The relationships between different autoimmune diseases and among them the connections between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune thyroid diseases have been reported for a few years.The relationships between different autoimmune diseases and among them the connections between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and autoimmune thyroid diseases have been reported for a few years. The aim of this study is the assessment of the laboratory tests findings which are applied in the evaluation of the thyroid function and prolactin (PRL) concentration in serum in women with SLE during therapy. In 41 women with SLE treated in the period of a few months to several years the following laboratory tests were performed: the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), PRL and free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels were measured by chemiluminescence technique, anithyroid antibodies (anti-thyroperoxidase - anti-TPO, and anti-thyroglobulin - anti TG) were tested by immunofluorescence assay. The control group consisted of 17 healthy women of a similar age to the SLE patients. The levels of fT3 and fT4 were statistically significantly lower in SLE patients comparing to the controls but the arithmetic means for the whole investigated patients were within the range of laboratory limits for these hormones. Considering other parameters no statistical differences between the mean values were observed. The results indicate that fT3 and fT4 concentrations are lower in SLE treated women with small and mild disease activity compared to the controls with the mean arithmetic values for the total group of patients which is within the laboratory limits for these hormones. Furthermore, the results seem to support the tendency of connections between the detection of antithyroid antibodies with higher level of serum PRL in SLE treated patients.

• A sequence of pathologic events in a patient after thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek

  Rheumatology international. 12/2009;

  The case of a rare coexistence of myasthenia gravis (MG) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is described. MG was diagnosed prior to SLE which developed after thymectomy. The patient was affectedThe case of a rare coexistence of myasthenia gravis (MG) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is described. MG was diagnosed prior to SLE which developed after thymectomy. The patient was affected by HCV viremia. Therefore, there were therapeutic problems. Metylase treatment was continued for several years and dopamine receptor agonist was effectively administered as adjunctive therapy in SLE.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus and myasthenia gravis.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej. 09/2009; 119(9):582-5.

  This review summarizes current knowledge on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) coexisting with myasthenia gravis (MG). SLE can precede or follow the development of MG. SLE can also be observed inThis review summarizes current knowledge on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) coexisting with myasthenia gravis (MG). SLE can precede or follow the development of MG. SLE can also be observed in patients with MG following thymectomy. Overlapping signs and symptoms of a few different autoimmune diseases in a given patient are presented. Coexistance of SLE and MG is a rare phenomenon. It has already been observed; however, only sporadic clinical cases have been described.

• Selected angiogenic cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Joanna Janowska, Paweł Cieślik

  Autoimmunity. 08/2009; 42(5):459-66.

  The objective of this study was to determine the serum concentration of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; transforming growth factor beta, TGF-beta1; hepatic growthThe objective of this study was to determine the serum concentration of angiogenic factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF; transforming growth factor beta, TGF-beta1; hepatic growth factor, HGF; basic fibroblast growth factor, bFGF; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-alpha; soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, sVEGF-R1; soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, sVEGF-R2), the relationships among them and to assess the relation of their levels with the applied therapy in 48 females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; 37 long-term treated +11 newly diagnosed). The control group consisted of 24 healthy women. A statistically significant increase of sVEGF-R2 and significant decrease of sVEGF-R1 were observed in the subgroup of newly diagnosed SLE patients as compared to the control subjects. No significant differences were found between serum angiogenic factors in the long-term treated subgroup and the control, the long-term treated subgroup and the newly diagnosed SLE patients after a 3-month treatment, and the subgroup of newly diagnosed SLE patients before therapy and after a 3-month treatment. The significant decrease in the serum of sVEGF-R2 was revealed in the subgroup treated for a long-time as compared to the subgroup of newly diagnosed untreated SLE patients. The analysis of relationships between serum concentration of sVEGF-R1 and other cytokines levels revealed positive correlation with concentration of VEGF and TNF-alpha in the total group of patients. In the newly diagnosed untreated subgroup, a strong positive correlation between concentration of sVEGF-R1 and bFGF was observed. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation between concentration of sVEGF-R1 and the level of VEGF was revealed in the long-term treated patients. The association between sVEGF-R2 and HGF was also noted in this subgroup. The obtained data suggest the necessity of further investigations to determine the importance of angiogenic factors in pathogenesis and therapy of SLE.

• Selected growth factors and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Władysław Pierzchała, Anna Osławska-Dzierżęga, Paweł Cieślik

  Rheumatology international. 05/2009;

  The purpose of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of selected growth factors and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in 21 females treated for systemic lupusThe purpose of the study was to evaluate serum concentrations of selected growth factors and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) in 21 females treated for systemic lupus erythematosus. The control group consisted of 24 healthy women. Based on the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), patients were allocated to a subgroup of 11 subjects (HRCT-negative) and a subgroup of 10 with pulmonary abnormalities (HRCT-positive). In HRCT-negative patients a significantly higher level of TNF-alpha as compared with the control was observed and positive correlation between TNF-alpha and bFGF was revealed in this subgroup and in the total group of patients. DLCO was below the predicted value in 13 patients. No correlations between DLCO and growth factors concentrations were observed. DLCO reduction in asymptomatic, with respect to the respiratory system, SLE patients suggests a need for long-term monitoring of this parameter. The role of TNF-alpha in these patients requires further investigations.

• [Search of connections between systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid gland diseases].

  Authors: Piotr Kocełak, Antoni Hrycek

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2009; 62(4):243-7.

  Both systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid gland diseases are characterized by impairments in immunologic system. Sometimes co-occurence of the diseases are observed, but relationsBoth systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid gland diseases are characterized by impairments in immunologic system. Sometimes co-occurence of the diseases are observed, but relations between them are still scarcely known. The present paper is a review of the literature concerning connections between lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid gland diseases.

• Coeliac disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Urszula Siekiera

  Rheumatology international. 04/2008; 28(5):491-3.

  The case of a rare coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with coeliac disease (CD) is described. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed prior to CD and initially SLE treatment wasThe case of a rare coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with coeliac disease (CD) is described. Systemic lupus erythematosus was diagnosed prior to CD and initially SLE treatment was administered. After several years, when CD symptoms developed, the diagnosis was corrected and additional treatment with a gluten-free diet was applied with beneficial effects.

• Erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in workers occupationally exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation.

  Authors: Piotr Klucinski, Aneta Wojcik, Rozalia Grabowska-Bochenek, Jan Gminski, Bogdan Mazur, Antoni Hrycek, Pawel Cieslik, Gayane Martirosian

  Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 02/2008; 15(1):9-12.

  It has been postulated that ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are annihilated by an intracellular enzymatic system composed mainly of superoxide dismutase (SOD),It has been postulated that ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are annihilated by an intracellular enzymatic system composed mainly of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Workers of X-ray departments are occupationally exposed to long-term low levels of ionizing radiation, which may affect their antioxidant status. Erythrocyte activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were measured in 45 workers of X-ray departments and 30 persons who constituted the control group. Subgroups with respect to sex and cigarette smoking were selected. Colorimetric method was used for determination erythrocyte activities of SOD, CAT and GPx. A significant decrease of GPx, SOD and CAT activity in workers as compared to controls was observed. Lower activity of SOD and GPx in female and GPx in male subgroup was found. SOD was significantly more elevated in smoking workers than in the non-smoking staff. Moreover non-smoking employees showed lower SOD and GPx activity in comparison to the non-smoking control. GPx decrease was found in smoking workers in comparison to the smoking control. Additionally, smoking workers showed lower activity of GPx and CAT compared to non-smoking control.

• [Silicosis and systemic lupus erythematosus--case report].

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz

  Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego. 01/2008; 24(139):18-9.

  In the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) genetic predisposition are essential. The role of external factors such as viral infection, exposure to pesticide and silica dust andIn the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) genetic predisposition are essential. The role of external factors such as viral infection, exposure to pesticide and silica dust and cigarette smoking are frequently emphasized in the development of this disease. On the basis of the observed case we decided to describe the problem of connection between silicosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

• Expression of cellular isoform of prion protein on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes among women exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation.

  Authors: Piotr Kłuciński, Bogdan Mazur, Antoni Hrycek, Ewa Maśluch, Paweł Cieślik, Jolanta Kaufman, Gayane Martirosian

  Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM. 01/2008; 14(2):225-8.

  Ionizing radiation affects the expression of adhesive and co-stimulatory molecules in lymphocytes. The physiological function of cellular isoform of prion protein (PrPc) is little known. EvidencesIonizing radiation affects the expression of adhesive and co-stimulatory molecules in lymphocytes. The physiological function of cellular isoform of prion protein (PrPc) is little known. Evidences indicate a link between lymphocytes activation and PrPc expression on their surface; however, no direct effect of radiation on PrPc level in these cells was investigated. The objective of this study was to determinate the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation on the expression of PrPc on the surface peripheral blood lymphocytes in the women operating X-ray equipment. In 36 female workers and 30 persons of the control group the PrPc expression on CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD4 (T helper), CD8 (T cytotoxic) and CD19 (B lymphocytes), as well as the percentage of lymphocytes with PrPc on their surface, were tested. Subgroups with respect to age and length of employment were selected. A significant increase was observed in PrPc expression on CD3 and CD4 with lowered PrPc level on CD8 and percentage of CD8 cells with PrPc in workers compared to control. The PrPc level did not show significant changes in subgroups in relation to age (below and over 40 years old) both in the investigated and control groups, whereas a lower percentage of PrPc expressing CD19 cells showed in employed women below 40 years of age. A significant decrease was found in PrPc expression on the surface of CD3, CD4 and CD8 cells in the subgroup employed for over 10 years than in the subgroup with less than 10 years of employment.

• Selected acute phase proteins and interleukin-6 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with low doses of quinagolide.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Grazyna Pochopień-Kenig, Joanna Scieszka

  Autoimmunity. 06/2007; 40(3):217-22.

  The relationship between endocrine regulation and immune system has recently become the subject of intense investigations. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of selected serumThe relationship between endocrine regulation and immune system has recently become the subject of intense investigations. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of selected serum acute phase proteins (APP), IL-6 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients during quinagolide therapy. A further aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the above mentioned parameters. In 25 SLE patients treated with a low dose of quinagolide (12.5-50 microg per day) and in 25 healthy persons who constituted the control group, serum concentration of C-creative protein (CRP), alpha-1-antitripsin (AAT), ceruloplasmin (CER), IL-6 and prolactin (PRL) were estimated at entry and in patients after 3 months of treatment. Moreover, SLEDAI score was calculated at entry and after 3 months of therapy with quinagolide. IL-6 and PRL levels were significantly higher in SLE group whereas the concentrations of CRP, AAT and CER were higher than in the controls, but without statistical significance. After 3 month therapy statistically significant decrease of serum level of IL-6 and PRL was revealed. Statistically significant lower serum concentration of CER was also obtained after 3 months of therapy whereas serum CRP and AAT concentration was lower compared with the mean pretreatment level but the results did not reach statistical significance. A raised SLEDAI score at entry was significantly reduced after 3 month therapy and positive correlation with PRL level in examined group of patients with SLE was noted at entry. The decreased serum concentration of IL-6, APP and SLEDAI score observed during applied therapy with small dose of quinagolide confirms the hypothesis that quinagolide may become a valuable and safe drug in the therapy of patients with mild SLE.

• [Diagnostic difficulties discussed in the case of the patient exposed to dust of silica with systemic lupus erythematosus and lung cancer]

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz, Przemysław Zyciński

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnȩtrznej. 04/2007; 117(3):49-52.

  On the basis at the observed case we decided to describe the diagnostic problems in the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and after a few years of observation the severe development ofOn the basis at the observed case we decided to describe the diagnostic problems in the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and after a few years of observation the severe development of lung cancer with liver metastasis, preceded by long-term exposure to dust of silica. The relations between SLE, lung cancer and exposure to silica were described in the discussion.

• Expression of messenger RNA for transforming growth factor-beta1 and for transforming growth factor-beta receptors in peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with low doses of quinagolide.

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Dariusz Kusmierz, Tomasz Dybała, Longina Swiatkowska

  Autoimmunity. 03/2007; 40(1):23-30.

  The objective of this study was to determine the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 messenger RNA (TGF-beta1 mRNA) and the expression of mRNA for TGF-beta receptors (TGF-beta Rs mRNA) inThe objective of this study was to determine the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 messenger RNA (TGF-beta1 mRNA) and the expression of mRNA for TGF-beta receptors (TGF-beta Rs mRNA) in whole peripheral blood of consecutive (treated from several months to several years) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (21 women). A further aim of this study was to evaluate the association between expression of the above mentioned parameters in relation to the form of applied therapy (9 patients treated with quinagolide and 12 with quinagolide plus prednisone, azathioprine or cyclosporine A). The control group consisted of 15 healthy women. Most of the patients had mild SLE with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score < 10 at time when blood samples were collected. Laboratory measurements included real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-QPCR). The expression levels of TGF-beta1 mRNA and mRNA for TGF-beta RII and RIII were significantly lower in patients whereas the expression level of TGF-beta RI was statistically significantly higher in SLE patients than in the controls. A very high positive correlation between TGF-beta1 mRNA expression and expression levels of TGF-beta Rs mRNA was found. In compared subgroups selected according to the form of the applied therapy no statistically significant differences were observed. We conclude that the TGF-beta signaling pathway can be altered in circulating leukocytes derived from treated patients with SLE and that the assumed forms of the applied therapy in the group of patients under consideration are accompanied by similarity in the expression level of transcripts for TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta Rs determined in whole blood. In our investigations, we cannot exclude the influence of the disease itself on the obtained results.

• [Case report of patient with systemic lupus erythematosus proceed with lymphadenopathy].

  Authors: Antoni Hrycek, Magdalena Olszanecka-Glinianowicz, Maria Wanat-Wiśniewska

  Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej. 08/2006; 116(2):771-6.

  On the basis of observed case we deciding describe the diagnostic problems connected with atypical course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with accompanying of lymphadenopathy and viralOn the basis of observed case we deciding describe the diagnostic problems connected with atypical course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with accompanying of lymphadenopathy and viral infection. In the differentiation diagnostic beside hematologic malignancies and SLE we take into consideration also other diseases, which may be manifested by lymphadenitis, such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, metastasis, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and Kawasaki disease. Corticosteroid treatment cause improvement of clinic condition of subject and standardization of many laboratory results.