Neopterin is a pyrazino-pyrimidine compound that belongs to the pteridine group. It is known to be a biochemical marker associated with cell-mediated immunity. It is produced by human monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells from guanosine triphosphate (GTP) upon stimulation with interferon gamma (IFNγ), which is released by activated limphocytes Th. Neopterin is a very important clinic parameter, though the physiological role has not been exactly definited thus far. The level of neopterin reflects the stage of activation of the cellular immune system, which is important in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. Measuring its concentration in body fluids is used in many different areas of modern medicine, such as infectious disease, gastroenterology, transplantology and transfusiology, rheumatology or oncology. In neurological, cardio-vascular and autoimmune diseases, cell-mediated immunity is also activated, which is proved by the elevated level of this marker. Measurements of neopterin concentrations are also helpful in monitoring the therapy of patients infected with the HIV virus or treated by using immunomudulating therapy. As a result of measuring levels of neopterin in patients with neoplasms of digestive tract, increased concentration was proved, but it is not routinely used in everyday clinic practice.

Features of central obesity rather than BMI are associated with BE development. Adipokines may be important at the early step of BE development, before the IM occurrence.

SummaryBackgroundAdipokines such as adiponectin and resistin, as well as angiogenin, may be associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The relationship between their levels and prognosis in high risk patients is, however, still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of these adipokines in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease (MCAD).Material/MethodsThe study group comprised 107 MCAD patients (74% males, mean age 63±8 years). Adiponectin, resistin and angiogenin plasma levels were measured at admission and after 1-year follow-up. Primary end point (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events – MACCE) was defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for angina or heart failure over a 1-year period.ResultsAfter 1-year follow-up, 9 (8%) patients died, all from cardiovascular causes. Primary end point was experienced by 32% of patients. Surgical treatment (CABG) was received by 51% of patients, while 49% were treated medically alone. Total cholesterol concentration levels ≥173 mg/dl were associated with a 7-fold increase (OR 7.3; 95% CI, 1.6–33.0); LDL ≥93.5 mg/dl with a 16-fold increase (OR 16.3; 95% CI, 2.8–93.8), and resistin ≥17.265 ng/ml with a 13-fold increase in MACCE risk (OR 13.5; 95% CI, 2.3–80.3). In multivariate analysis, a medical treatment strategy (p=0.001), a higher CCS class (p=0.004), resistin levels (p=0.003) and a higher Gensini score (p=0.03) were independent predictors of MACCE.ConclusionsIn stable patients with MCAD, elevated plasma resistin (as opposed to adiponectin or angiogenin) is a strong, independent predictive factor for the occurrence of MACCE over 1-year follow-up.

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IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease (CD) share some gastrointestinal symptoms. Celiac disease should be considered in a differential diagnosis of IBS.AimTo estimate the prevalence of predispositions to CD in patients with IBS and its subtypes.Material and methodsThe study included 48 patients (40 women, 8 men; average age: 41.1 ±14.6 years) with IBS, and a control group: 20 healthy volunteers. All participants completed a questionnaire on their current gastrointestinal symptoms and had a blood sample taken to determine the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 antigens and serum concentration of anti-tTG IgA and anti-DGP IgA and IgG.ResultsThe presence of HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 was found in 50% of patients (n = 24) with IBS. In the control group the presence of HLA-DQ2 was found in 4 (20%) patients and nobody had HLA-DQ8. Increased levels of anti-tTG IgA were found in 5 (10.42%) patients with IBS, anti-DGP in 4 (8.33%), and anti-DGP IgG in 3 (6.25%). In the control group positive test result for anti-tTG was found in 2 (10%) patients; nobody had elevated anti-DGP IgA or IgG. A concomitant positive result of genetic testing and any elevated serum antibodies specific to CD was found in 12.5% of IBS patients (n = 6) and in none of the control group.ConclusionsPatients with IBS, regardless of the subtype, significantly more often than healthy controls have the predisposing genetic factors (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) underlying the development of CD.