The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio increased during HD sessions, although their absolute levels were lowered. This change may represent a chronic state of enhanced fibrosis in patients undergoing HD.

The total number of leucocytes, T lymphocyte subsets, mitogen induced proliferation of lymphocytes, Il-2 generation, adherence capacity and chemiluminescence of granulocytes were measured and a leukergy test performed in fifteen young cyclists. The investigations were carried out at rest at the beginning of a training season and after six months of intensive training and a racing season, cycling approximately 500 km a week. Baseline values of the tested immune parameters were within the range observed in 16 non-trained healthy controls except significantly increased non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence. The second cyclo-ergometer test in August showed a marked improvement in the performance capacity of the cyclists. Significant decrease in absolute numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ cells, diminished IL-2 generation and fMLP and PMA stimulated chemiluminescence of neutrophils were noted. Surprisingly, a marked increase in lymphocyte proliferation induced by PHA and anti-CD3 MoAb and normalisation in non stimulated neutrophil chemiluminescence were also observed at rest after the training season. We conclude that long-lasting intensive training may result in significant alterations in lymphocyte number and composition and in neutrophil oxidative burst capacity, but their actual significance for immunity is seen controversially.

No abstract

Maximal physical exercise was performed on a Monark bicycle ergometer according to individual schemes. The investigations were carried out on 11 highly trained cyclists, aged 20 +/- 1 years. Heart rate (HR) amounting to about 200 bts/min and oxygen consumption stabilization were considered as criteria for maximal physical exercise. Lymphocyte phenotypes were determined using monoclonal antibodies. A significant increase in Ts (suppressor, cytotoxic) and a moderate increase in Th (helper, inducer) and NK (natural killer) cell numbers were noted 3 min after maximal physical exercise. At the same time, a significant diminution of the Th/Ts ratio was observed. A significant increase of interleukin 1 production and a diminished interleukin 2 production as well as spontaneous interleukin 2 receptor expression (Tac antigen) were observed at the same time. After a 2-h recovery, there was a normalization of most of the parameters investigated. The results suggest that maximal physical exercise in highly trained bicycle racers generates transient changes in immune cell function.

The objective of the study was to investigate platelet activation markers in whole blood in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children. The study group consisted of 34 children with 45 relapses of INS, 35 children in long-term remission of INS, and 26 healthy controls. Using flow cytometry we measured the percentage of platelet microparticles, platelet-platelet aggregates, and surface expression of CD62P (P-selectin) and CD42b (a component of von Willebrand factor receptor). We found an increased percentage of microparticles and platelet-platelet aggregates, decreased expression of CD42b in the first 2 weeks of INS relapse. CD62P expression was elevated only at the onset of INS relapse when compared with the long-term remission group and healthy subjects. Children in long-term INS remission did not differ from healthy controls. There was no significant correlation between platelet activation markers and selected biochemical factors of blood in children with INS. Activation of the coagulation cascade was confirmed by an elevated serum concentration of F1+2 prothrombin fragment during follow-up. These findings suggest that platelets may contribute independently to the prothrombotic state in the early stages of INS, but their role in triggering relapses remains to be investigated.