Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism L55M in the Gene as a Risk and Prognostic Factor in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The aim of the current study is to explore the possible role of L55M, (rs 854560, 163T > A) SNP as a predisposing factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to assess its potency as a prognostic biomarker for short (1 year) survival and for median (5 years) and 9-year long patients’ outcome. Methods: The current work is a prospective case-control study with 77 patients with acute coronary syndrome (53 with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI, 14 with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, NSTEMI and 10 with unstable angina, UA) and 122 control individuals. Patients were followed-up for 9 years.

Effect of oligosaccharides on the antioxidant, lipid and inflammatory profiles of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.

Prebiotics, gut microbiota-fermentable substances, delay the development of type I diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of two prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides and xylo-oligosaccharides) on the antioxidant protection, lipid profile, and inflammatory activity of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The following markers were studied - malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), triacylglycerols, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6.

Serum and local IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E in allergic rhinitis.

Introduction: Allergic rhinosinusitis (AR) is a clinical manifestation of a type 1 hypersensitive reaction. A complex of reactions involving components of the immune system - cells, mediators, cytokines, neuropeptides, adhesion molecules etc., are involved in the manifestation of the disease symptoms.

Effects of sulphur-containing mineral water intake on oxidative status and markers for inflammation in healthy subjects.

Context: Sulphurous mineral waters (SMW) have a wide range of applications. Sulphur content of mineral waters is considered as possible determinant for their anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory effects.

Objective: To explore the healing properties of Varna basin mineral water by analysing possible antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Epithelial cells expressing cytokeratins-19 and bone marrow micrometastases in patients with breast cancer at the time of primary surgery: clinical outcome during long-term follow-up.

Purpose: To evaluate the detection of epithelial cells in bone marrow of breast cancer patients as an indicator of metastatic disease.

Patients And Methods: Between 2001 and 2005, bone marrow biopsies were taken from 79 breast cancer patients during primary surgery. Specimens were stained immunocytochemically for epithelial cells expressing cytokeratins or epithelial membrane antigen.

Role of dendritic cells in progression and clinical outcome of colon cancer.

Purpose: The dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in the initiation and regulation of immune responses including antitumor immunity. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the role of different subtypes of DCs infiltrating the tumor stroma and invasive margin for tumor progression and survival of patients with colon cancer.

Methods: The presence of immature (CD1a- and S100 protein+) and mature (CD83- and HLA-DR+) DCs was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 145 patients with colon cancer.

Adhesion molecules in chronic ulcerative colitis.

Background And Aims: The adhesion molecule expression in colonic mucosa is pivotal for transition from quiescent to active stage of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study is to reveal the adhesion molecule profile of colonic mucosa in the active stage of UC and in remission.

Materials And Methods: Biopsy specimens obtained from 14 patients with UC (seven with active disease and seven with UC in remission) and from seven controls were used.

Mast cells in human bile duct obstruction.

Surgical biopsy specimens obtained from 50 patients with secondary cholangitis caused by obstruction of the common bile duct were studied immunohistochemically. Data on the number and ultrastructural appearances of mast cells positive for tryptase, chymase, vasointestinal polypeptide (VIP), and substance P (SP) were obtained. The bile ducts from patients presenting combined chronic exacerbated cholangitis and chronic sclerotic cholangitis showed significantly higher numbers of mast cell types compared to the controls (P < 0.