[Effect of amiodarone on the thyroid function and safety of the therapy--what's new].

This paper presents the current state of knowledge on the effects of amiodarone (AM) on the thyroid gland function, including the question of epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognostic factors. Of all the antiarrhythmic drugs hitherto used, AM has the most adverse effects on the thyroid gland. In patients receiving AM, it may lead to a development of a full- symptomatic hyperthyroidism (AIT-Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis) and hypothyroidism (AIH - Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism).

[The etiology of Graves' disease--current state of knowledge].

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune thyroid disease of unknown etiology. Recently, it is assumed that the occurrence of GD co-existence with endogenous factors (genetic and interthyroid) and exogenous (environmental). Autoantibodies against the TSHR are a key element leading to the occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease.

[Osteoprotegerin--a new atherosclerosis marker].

Studies on bones metabolism regulation mechanisms leaded to discovery of RANKL/OPG/RANK signal system (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand/osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB). It was found that beyond bone metabolism regulation Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is involved in some other processes: apoptosis, regulation of immunological system. Data from numerous studies performed in the last years indicate potential association between OPG and cardiovascular pathology.

[Obesity--a challenge for modern ortopedy].

In 1997 World Health Organization regarded obesity as an illness caused by modern civilization. Elevated values of BMI index over 30 kg/m2 increase the risk of movement organ diseases. Growing ailment pains in lumbar part of vertebral column and disfunction of its joints leads to severe disability.

[Influence of regular physical activity on oxidative stress in women with simple obesity].

Unlabelled: Obesity epidemics is a growing medical problem all over the world. Obesity is an independent atherosclerosis risk factor. Commonly known risk factors don't fully explains increased coronary artery disease risk in this group of patients.

[Successful treatment of severe hypertriglyceridemia with plasmapheresis--case report].

Presented case report shows hypertriglycerydemia treatment problem in 26-year-old woman with 2 episodes of acute pancreatitis history. Very high serum triglycerides concentration and clinical symptoms suggested chylomicronemia syndrome with urgent need for treatment. After a course of several subsequent therapeutic plasmapheresis triglycerides significantly decreased.