Analysis of PTEN mutation in non-familial pheochromocytoma.

PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, is frequently mutated in a variety of human tumors. In mice, monoallelic inactivation of this gene predisposes animals to neoplasia of multiple organs. Interestingly, Pten heterozygous mice develop bilateral hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla.

Catecholamine excretion and circadian blood pressure profile in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm is often disturbed in patients with secondary forms of hypertension. The aim of the present article was to investigate changes in circadian BP profile parameters using two-step statistical approach by Fourier analysis in relation to day and night urinary catecholamine excretion in 35 patients with pheochromocytoma (mean age 42+/-19 years). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP measurements (ABPM) were obtained using the SpaceLabs 90,207 monitor.

The effects of genetic factors on selected indicators of the activity of the sympathoadrenal system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in twins.

Background: There are numerous data indicating a significant role of the sympathoadrenal system and the reninangiotensin- aldosterone system in the regulation of blood pressure and the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. However, the genetic background of essential hypertension remains unclear.

Aim: To determine the effects of genetic factors on selected indicators of the activity of the sympathoadrenal system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in twins.

Plasma neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity influences left ventricular mass in pheochromocytoma.

Unlabelled: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with arterial hypertension is closely related to the levels of blood pressure (BP), catecholamines, angiotensin II and other mitogenic peptides. Pheochromocytoma (pheo) is a type of hypertension caused by excessive production of catecholamines. The aim of this study was to determinate if left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with pheochromocytoma is related to catecholamines and neuropeptide Y (NPY).

[Non-traditional atherosclerosis risk factors in patients with renal artery stenosis and hypertension].

The most investigated novel risk factors of atherosclerosis are: fibrinogen (Fb), homocysteine (Hcy), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), markers of inflammation and infectious factors. Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a manifestation of generalized atherosclerosis and often coexist with hypertension and renal failure. The aim of the study was to assess plasma concentration of Hcy, von Willebrand factor (VWF), (Lp(a), Fb, PAI-1, and assessment of ACE gene polymorphism in pts with RAS and hypertension.