Soluble BAFF Cytokine Levels and Antibody-Mediated Rejection of the Kidney Allograft.

The B-cell activating factor (BAFF) cytokine has important functions for the survival and maturation of B lymphocytes, which implies that this cytokine might play a role in the development of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after kidney transplantation. In our study, we compared the concentrations of the soluble BAFF cytokine in kidney graft recipients with AMR and patients without rejection with the goal of testing the hypothesis whether BAFF level measurement might be useful as a diagnostic marker of AMR. The study included a cohort of 19 high-risk patients with diagnosed AMR and 17 control patients free of rejection.

[Metabolic syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1, prevalence, impact on morbidity and mortality].

Unlabelled: Aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1Z) at baseline (in 2003) and find the parameters that determine the difference between group with (MS+) and without MS (MS-). Did the presence of MS affect morbidity and mortality in the subsequent 10 years?

Methods: 278 patients were enrolled to the study with age average 39 ± 13 years with medical history of diabetes 15.9 ± 9 years.

The influence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy on mortality in type 1 diabetic patients; 10-year follow-up.

Aim: The aim of our retrospective study was to answer the question if the presence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) affects mortality in type 1 diabetic patients during a 10-year follow-up.

Methods: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus examined for CAN in 2003 were enrolled in this retrospective study. A total of 278 patients were included and divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of CAN (111 CAN+, 167 CAN-).

Recovery of mucosal-associated invariant T cells after myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Immune reconstitution after high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation plays a key role in restoring immunocompetence including defense against infection, immune regulation, and onco-immune surveillance. In this work, we examined the recovery of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, recently discovered innate-like T cells, after various types of myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in 29 patients. We show that MAIT cells are relatively resistant to myeloablative conditioning.

Influence of physiological and supraphysiological hyperinsulinemia on skin microcirculation in healthy volunteers.

Aim: To examine skin perfusion in dependency on insulinemia in healthy subjects.

Methods: All volunteers were informed in detail about the procedures and signed informed consent. The protocol of this study was approved by the ethical committee.