Activity of selected metalloproteinases in neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system as exemplified by dementia and schizophrenia.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine and analyze the correlation between the concentrations of selected metalloproteinases and their inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in patients with dementia and schizophrenia.

Methods: The concentration of two collagenases and metalloendopeptidase was determined in the study. The study included 29 patients with lateonset dementia, 25 patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 25 healthy controls who were age-matched with the study groups.

Assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients treated for schizophrenia.

Objectives: The aim of the study was the analysis of the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, smoking, level of cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, body mass index) among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia as well as searching for correlations between them and length of stay at long-term care facilities and clinical variables, such as severity of positive, negative and general symptoms of schizophrenia, illness duration, and type of pharmacotherapy (neuroleptic type and its dose).

Methods: Medical data were collected from 71 patients (30 women and 41 men) aged between 40 and 86 years who were treated in the residential care facility due to paranoid schizophrenia. Information concerning patient's clinical status was collected during periodic check-ups.