CaCO3 precipitation in multilayered cyanobacterial mats: clues to explain the alternation of micrite and sparite layers in calcareous stromatolites.

Marine cyanobacterial mats were cultured on coastal sediments (Nivå Bay, Øresund, Denmark) for over three years in a closed system. Carbonate particles formed in two different modes in the mat: (i) through precipitation of submicrometer-sized grains of Mg calcite within the mucilage near the base of living cyanobacterial layers, and (ii) through precipitation of a variety of mixed Mg calcite/aragonite morphs in layers of degraded cyanobacteria dominated by purple sulfur bacteria. The d13C values were about 2‰ heavier in carbonates from the living cyanobacterial zones as compared to those generated in the purple bacterial zones.

Epistatic interaction between beta2-adrenergic receptor and neuropeptide Y genes influences LDL-cholesterol in hypertension.

Beta2-adrenergic receptor gene and neuropeptide Y gene may potentially influence lipid metabolism and overall energy balance. Therefore, we examined associations of these genes with lipid fractions and obesity-related phenotypes in hypertensive subjects. A total of 638 white individuals from 212 Polish families with clustering of essential hypertension were phenotyped for cardiovascular risk determinants.

[Monogenic hypertension].

The results of many studies performed on animals and humans strongly suggest that genetic factors lead to the development of hypertension (HT). Syndromes in which mutations in single genes are sufficient to result in large changes of blood pressure are rare. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that their understanding will lead to new insights into forms of hypertension occurring more often, including essential hypertension.

Association of the human Y chromosome with cholesterol levels in the general population.

Objective: Males are at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than females. The aim of the study was to test whether the potential of the Y chromosome to affect cardiovascular risk could be attributed to its influence on lipids.

Methods And Results: 1288 Polish men (1157 subjects from young healthy cohort and 131 individuals from middle-aged hypertensive population) were phenotyped for determinants of cardiovascular risk including BMI, blood pressures, lipids, and testosterone.

Essential hypertension and beta2-adrenergic receptor gene: linkage and association analysis.

A region on human chromosome 5 (5q31.1-qter) contains several genes that encode important blood pressure regulators and thus is a good candidate for analysis of linkage and association with hypertension. We recruited 638 individuals from 212 Polish pedigrees with clustering of essential hypertension.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme and chymase gene polymorphisms - relationship to left ventricular mass in type 2 diabetes patients.

Background: Type 2 diabetic patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Increased left ventricular mass also predicts a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Angiotensin II is a potent mediator of myocardial growth, and angiotensin II can be produced in the heart by angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and heart chymase (CMA).

[Relationship between SA gene Pst1 polymorphism and predisposition to H-gestosis].

Genetic factors have been reported to play an important role in the predisposition to development of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). On the other hand, there is strong evidence that genetic factors play important role in the predisposition to essential hypertension. Recently, the plausible "candidate gene" for the development of hypertension is SA gene.

The Y chromosome effect on blood pressure in two European populations.

Higher blood pressure (BP) in males compared with females is well documented and is thought to be influenced in part by the Y chromosome. To examine whether there is an association between BP and a polymorphic HindIII biallelic marker in the nonrecombining region of the Y chromosome, we genotyped 155 males from a Polish study group and 762 males from a Scottish study group. We also tested for possible interaction between the Y chromosome and a mutation in the steroidogenic factor binding site of the aldosterone synthase gene by genotyping the same group from Scotland.

[Evaluation of the relationship between the occurrence of headache, use of analgesics and realizing a therapeutic effect among patients with hypertension].

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of headaches and analgesic use in hypertensive patients and to evaluate the relationship between taking analgesic drugs and adherence to antihypertensive therapy. 754 consecutive hypertensive patients (446 women and 308 men, aged 18-89 years, median age--58 years) from 7 out-patient centres participated in the study. Anonymous questionnaires consisted of 13 simple questions concerning demographic parameters (age, gender), clinical data (the duration of hypertension and antihypertensive therapy), the history of headache and use of analgesics were distributed among the participants.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene A1166C polymorphism is associated with the increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relation of parental history of hypertension to the development of PIH, and to assess the potential role of plausible candidate loci in the susceptibility to PIH.

Study Design: Five polymorphisms: ACE gene I/D and Pst1 RFLP polymorphism, AGT gene M235T polymorphism, AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism, and chymase gene CMA/B polymorphism were studied in 126 women suffering from PIH in comparison with 150 healthy pregnant women. Genotyping was performed using methods based on polymerase chain reaction.

Angiotensinogen M235T and chymase gene CMA/B polymorphisms are not associated with nephropathy in type II diabetes.

Background: Several studies have suggested that the same genetic factors may be involved in the predisposition to both essential hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, but the molecular mechanism underlying this predisposition still remains unclear. In particular, the role of genes involved in blood-pressure regulation and angiotensin II action is still controversial. This study examines a possible association between angiotensinogen M235T and chymase gene CMA/B polymorphisms with the presence of nephropathy in type II diabetic Caucasians.

[The evaluation of hypertensive patients' adherence to the pharmacological treatment of hypertension].

Evaluation of patients' compliance is very important considering possible influence on the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment. The adherence to the rules of pharmacological therapy was assessed by anonymous questionnaires. 414 patients with hypertension participated in the study.

[Some aspects of non-pharmacologic treatment of hypertension].

Non-pharmacological methods of intervention are often used as individual or complementary forms of antihypertensive therapy. The aim of the study was to assess the level of compliance and acceptance of some life-style modifications in patients with hypertension. 432 hypertensive patients participated in the study.

[Lack of relationship between angiotensinogen gene m235t polymorphism and gene insertion/deletion (I/D-intron 16) and Pst I RFLP (P/M-intron 7) polymorphisms of the angiotensin I converting enzyme(ACE) gene and the development of H-gestosis. Preliminary results].

Genetic and familial factors may predispose to H-gestosis. The aim of our study was to answer the question if angiotensinogen gene m235t polymorphism, and ACE gene I/D and Pst I RFLP polymorphisms may be markers of genetic predisposition to the H-gestosis. 246 pregnant women (median age 26 years) were studied (the studied group consisted of 116 women with H-gestosis and the control group consisted of 130 healthy pregnant women).

Reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake by euglycemic clamp in offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Family studies point to an important genetic element in the genesis of type 2 diabetes. A variety of metabolic abnormalities have been documented in offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes. It has not been shown, however, at what age reduced insulin sensitivity is demonstrable using the sensitive the euglycemic clamp technique.

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene polymorphisms: relationship to nephropathy in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Nephropathy is a frequent complication of long-term diabetes. Strong evidence exists that genetic predisposition plays a major role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The role of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme gene (ACE) in the susceptibility to nephropathy in diabetes, especially in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), remains unclear.

[The role of oxidative stress in development of diabetic angiopathies].

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals production and lipid peroxidation on the one hand, and the activity of antioxidant systems (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) on the other hand. It seems that oxidative stress may cause the development and complications of several diseases including diabetes, atherosclerosis, neoplasms, inflammation, hypertension etc. Prooxidant--antioxidant imbalance in diabetes may be due to non-enzymatic protein glycation, glucose autooxidation, increased sorbitol pathway, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and depletion of some non-enzymatic scavengers.

[Genetic aspects of diabetic retinopathy].

Poor metabolic control, hemodynamic factors and long duration of diabetes may predispose to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Recently the hypothesis that genetic factors may play certain role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy has been also proposed. The angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been the main candidate gene predisposing to the development of diabetic retinopathy.

[Is PstI polymorphism of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene associated with nephropathy development in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (preliminary study)].

Nephropathy is a frequent complication of long term diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is the major determinant of premature morbidity and mortality both in insulin-dependent (IDDM) and in non-insulin dependent-diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). There is good evidence that genetic predisposition plays a major role in development of diabetic nephropathy.

Nephropathy of type II diabetes: evidence for hereditary factors?

Family studies point to an important genetic element in the genesis of diabetic nephropathy, but it is not known whether renal abnormalities are present prior to the onset of diabetes. To address this issue we examined all consecutive patients suffering from type II diabetes with a duration of more than 10 years who attended a diabetes outpatient clinic. Ninety-four patients had nephropathy, 307 did not.

Increased prevalence of salt sensitivity of blood pressure in IDDM with and without microalbuminuria.

In insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) elevated exchangeable sodium (Na) levels are found even in the absence of hypertension, but it is not known whether this is associated with increased sensitivity of blood pressure to sodium level. To clarify this issue we compared 30 patients with IDDM (19 without and 11 with microalbuminuria, i.e.

[Does an association between angiotensin I converting enzyme gene polymorphism and the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in patients with diabetes type II exist?].

In type I diabetic patients association has been found between the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the gene of angiotensin converting enzyme and the presence of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of that study was to assess this association in a cohort of type II diabetics. We examined 109 patients of more than 10 years duration of type II diabetes.

[Activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in euglycemic type I diabetic patients on intensive insulin treatment without diabetic neuropathy].

Arterial hypertension increase progression of late diabetic complications. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays an important role in the regulation of arterial pressure. The aim of the study was the assessment of plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (aldo) in type I euglycaemic diabetic patients on intensive insulin treatment without autonomic neuropathy.