Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays a central role in the inflammatory process. In the skin, it contributes to immune containment of tick-transmitted pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi. In the saliva of some tick species, active compounds are present that inhibit detection of TNF in specific ELISA. We compared the presence of anti-TNF activity in saliva or salivary gland extract from 11 tick species from the family Ixodidae and demonstrated it in genera Ixodes Latreille, 1795 and Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844. Analysis of anti-TNF activity in Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) saliva during the feeding period showed that it is present in the late, rapid phase of engorgement. Significance of anti-TNF activity for tick feeding and transmission of tick-borne pathogens is discussed., Markéta Rezková, Jan Kopecký., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The changes of the composition of blood lipoproteins caused by menopause could also change the effect of hypolipidemic therapy. Using an experimental model we studied the changes of serum lipids and the effect of immediate or delayed treatment with simvastatin on atherosclerosis after surgical menopause. Female golden Syrian hamster aged 6 months were fed hypercholesterolemic diet during the whole study. Atherosclerotic changes in thoracic and abdominal aortas were assessed by stereomicroscopic method after 12 weeks. Four experimental groups were studied: sham-operated animals (n=5), ovariectomized animals (n=9), ovariectomized animals treated for 12 weeks (n=10), and ovariectomized animals treated 4 weeks after ovariectomy for 8 weeks (n=9). The dose of simvastatin was 10 mg/kg of body weight. After 12 weeks, ovariectomized animals had tenfold higher concentration of triglycerides in LDL fraction and significantly higher prevalence of atherosclerosis than animals without ovariectomy. Treatment with simvastatin substantially decreased the prevalence of atherosclerotic changes, but otherwise did not change individual serum lipids including LDL cholesterol. However, it improved proportions of pro- and antiatherogenic serum lipids mainly by the increase of HDL cholesterol. The timing of simvastatin treatment had no significant effect on atherosclerotic changes or lipid parameters. Simvastatin treatment partly prevented atherosclerotic changes induced by ovariectomy. This effect was not mediated by decrease of LDL cholesterol, but by increase in HDL cholesterol., J. Pitha ... [et al.]., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy
Binding of beta2-GP I to anionic phospholipids is thought to be the major antigen required in the reaction of anticardiolipin antibodies to phospholipids. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of anti-beta2-GP I IgG during the first and second trimester of pregnancy and the relationship between the levels of anti-beta2-GP I and fetoplacental antigens and the correlation between anti-beta2-GP I IgG and antibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein IgG (oLAb) in serum of pregnant women. We determined anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) IgG and maternal serum levels of alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and trophoblast-specific beta1-glycoprotein (SP1) in 204 pregnant women in the first and second trimester. From this group we selected 52 serum samples positive for ACA IgG and 16 samples negative for ACA IgG. In the samples of selected patients, the levels of anti-b2-GP I IgG and oLAb IgG were determined. Anti-b2-GP I IgG levels significantly decreased in the second trimester (6.2±9.3 U/ml, mean ± S.D.) in comparison with the first trimester (8.3±10.4 U/ml) (p=0.05). Multiple of median (MoM) AFP correlated negatively but not significantly in the first trimester with anti-b2-GP I (r = -0.261, p = 0.12). In the second trimester this correlation was significantly negative (r = -0.278, p = 0.04). The Spearman correlation coefficients for MoM HCG and anti-beta2-GP I were 0.158 for the first trimester and 0.174 for the second trimester. MoM SP1 also did not correlate significantly with anti-beta2-GP I in both trimesters. The correlation between anti-beta2-GP I IgG and oLAb IgG was not significant (r = -0.06). In the first trimester 40 % serum samples were positive for anti-b2-GP I IgG and negative for oLAb IgG or vice versa, while 60 % samples in the second trimester were positive only for one determined autoantibody. We can conclude that the levels of a, L. Fialová, I. Malbohan, L. Mikulíková, O. Benešová, A. Zwinger., and Obsahuje bibliografii
a1_Modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles due to oxidation, glycation and binding of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) or malondialdehyde (MDA, a final product of lipid peroxidation) is considered most important in the process of atherogenesis. Oxidatively modified LDL are distinguished by another receptor type, which was discovered on the surface of macrophages and was called the scavenger receptor. Uncontrolled intake of LDL converts macrophages to foam cells; their accumulation under the vascular endothelium is considered as the first stage of atherosclerosis. Oxidation of LDL is a complex process taking place in both the extra- and intracellular space. At the end of this oxidative process, modified LDL particles show chemotactic, cytotoxic and immunogenic properties. Oxidized LDL express a large number of epitopes and cause production of polyclonal autoantibodies against these products, especially against apoB100 modified by MDA and 4-hydroxynonenal. IgoxLDL (antibodies against oxidized LDL) can be demonstrated either directly in intimal lesions or as a component of circulating immune complexes. IgoxLDL do not form a homogeneous group but a varied mixture of antibodies-isoantibodies caused by HDL and LDL polymorphism, antibodies against the lipid phase of LDL and antibodies against modified apoB100 of the immunoglobulin class IgA or IgG. Antibodies against oxLDL were found in many diseases other than atherosclerosis such as diabetes mellitus, renovascular syndrome, uremia, rheumatic fever, morbus Bechtjerev or lupus erythematodes. Newborns have practically the same levels of IgoxLDL as their mothers; however, these values did not differ from those in the healthy population of non-pregnant women of the same age., a2_The decrease in IgoxLDL titer was very slow and lasted many months; that is why this parameter cannot be considered suitable for describing the rapid changes during oxidative stress of the organism. Positive correlation of IgoxLDL with antiphospholipids and other antibodies was repeatedly demonstrated; their determination can thus be used as a marker for the description of total production of autoantibodies in various diseases. The changes and correlations of IgoxLDL, anti-b-2-glycoprotein I IgG and antiphospholipid antibodies support the immunological link between thrombotic and atherosclerotic processes in the human body., A. Steinerová, J. Racek, F. Stožický, T. Zima, L. Fialová, A. Lapin., and Obsahuje bibliografii
a1_Oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxLDL) formed in vivo induce a humoral immune response. Oxidative modification of LDL renders it immunogenic and a heterogeneous population of specific anti-oxLDL antibodies is produced. These antibodies could represent a biological marker of oxidative stress and serve as markers of atherosclerosis. Autoantibodies against oxLDL (oLAb) have been detected in human subjects practically of every age. oLAb also appear in the blood of pregnant women. Some studies have shown that the levels of antibodies to oxLDL were elevated in women with established preeclampsia. The present study was aimed to estimate the oLAb IgG levels in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, we estimated the correlation between maternal serum (MS) levels of oLAb and alpha-1-fetoprotein (MS AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (MS HCG) and trophoblast-specific-beta-1-glycoprotein (MS SP1), because these proteins are determined as a part of prenatal biochemical screening for fetal congenital abnormalities. Our study deals with the oLAb changes in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. We also investigated the correlation between oLAb IgG and anticardiolipin antibodies IgG (ACA) in the serum of pregnant women. We examined 40 pregnant women attending Institute for Mother and Child Care for their antenatal care as outpatients. Routine blood samplings between the 9-13th week of pregnancy and 16-18th week of pregnancy were performed as a part of biochemical prenatal screening for fetal congenital abnormalities (Group 1). Their mean age was 27±4.1 years. Furthermore, we examined 26 women in the second or third trimester with pregnancy-induced hypertension (Group 2). Group 2 was compared with 49 pregnant women in the second or third trimester who were normotensive (Group 3)., a2_We used commercial standardized ELISA kits for determination of oLAb IgG, ACA IgG, MS AFP and MS HCG, MS SP1 was analyzed by single radial immunodiffusion. We did not find any differences in the levels of oLAb IgG in the first and second trimester in the women of Group 1. The correlation between oLAb and ACA IgG was not statistically significant (Spearman coefficient r=0.22, p=0.1). The correlation between oLAb IgG with MS AFP, MS HCG and MS SP1 was not statistically significant. Weak negative correlation for AFP and HCG was suggested both in the first and in the second trimester. The levels of oLAb IgG in the group of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension were significantly lower than in the group of normotensive women (348±388 U/ml v.s. 579±400 mU/ml, p<0.01). We can conclude that the levels of oLAb do not differ in the first and second trimester of gravidity. However, we cannot exclude the possible influence of an inverse relationship between oLAb IgG titers and the synthesis of fetoplacental antigens. This finding is important especially in the context of the results of prenatal biochemical screening. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is associated with lower levels of oLAb. Weak cross-reactivity between oLAb and anticardiolipin antibodies may exist but there is a possibility that there are two different populations of antibodies reacting with various antigens., L. Fialová, L. Mikulíková, I. Malbohan, O. Benešová, S. Štípek, T. Zima, A. Zwinger., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The endothelin axis (endothelins and their receptors) is strongly involved in physiological and pathological processes. ET-1 plays a crucial role in particular in tumor diseases. Endothelin-1 receptors (ETA and ETB) are deregulated and overexpressed in several tumors such as melanoma and glioma. We studied the binding of 24 monoclonal antibodies directed against human ETB receptors (hETB) to different melanoma cell lines. Few of these mAbs bound to all the melanoma cell lines. One of them, rendomab B49, bound to ETB receptors expressed at the surface of human glioma stem cells. More recently, we produced new antibodies directed against human ETA receptor (hETA). Several antibodies have been isolated and have been screened on different tumoral cells lines. As for the mAbs directed against the hETB receptor only some of new antibodies directed against ETA receptor are capable to bind the human tumoral cell lines. Rendomab A63 directed against hETA is one of them. We report the specificity and binding properties of these mAbs and consider their potential use in diagnosis by an in vivo imaging approach., A. Herbet, N. Costa, N. Leventoux, A. Mabondzo, J.-Y. Couraud, A. Borrull, J.-P. Hugnot, D. Boquet., and Seznam literatury
Berlinova dichotomie pozitivní a negativní svobody je v akademickém prostředí natolik diskutovanou problematikou, že jakékoli pokusy o její novou interpretaci čelí notnému riziku rozvíjení již řečeného, a tím i možnosti ztráty argumentační síly. Cíl tohoto článku však nespočívá v přispění k debatě týkající se funkčnosti Berlinova rozdělení, ale ve zpochybnění stereotypně přijímaných ideových zdrojů, jimiž se Berlin údajně inspiroval. V rámci linie tradic liberálního myšlení, kterou identifikuje mimo jiné sám Berlin, je totiž jeho rozlišení dvou pojmů svobody běžně ztotožňováno s principy a ideovým poselstvím klasifikace francouzského osvícence Benjamina Constanta. Směšování Berlinovy polarity pozitivní – negativní s Constantovým schématem antická – moderní je pravděpodobně důsledkem četných styčných bodů obou koncepcí, jež však vedou k automatickému vnímání souladu i u těch principů, u nichž je míra koherence problematická. Za hlavní cíl této studie lze tudíž označit jednak prokázání skutečnosti, že pro důslednou komparaci Berlinovy a Constantovy dichotomie je kromě běžně analyzované příbuznosti negativní svobody se svobodou moderní nezbytné vzít v úvahu i provázanost opačných pólů spektra, a především pak obhajobu teze, že v podstatných momentech Constantovo myšlení opouští meze liberální tradice a konotuje Pettitovy republikánské principy svobody jako ne-dominance. Takový závěr vede v konečném důsledku k tomu, že Berlinovo a Constantovo dělení nelze vnímat jako homogenní., Berlin’s dichotomy of positive and negative freedom is, in academic quarters, such a well-discussed problem that any kind of attempt at a fresh interpretation confronts the real risk of developing what has already been said and, in that way, of losing argumentational strength. The aim of this article does not, however, consist in contributing to the debate about the viability of Berlin’s distinction, but in calling into question the stereotypical reception of the intellectual sources that Berlin was inspired by. In the framework of the line of traditions of liberal thinking, which, among others, Berlin himself identifies, is his distinction between two concepts of freedom, usually identified with the principles and intellectual meaning of the classification by the French enlightenment thinker Benjamin Constant. The mixing up of Berlin’s polarity positive–negative with Constant’s scheme of ancient–modern is probably a consequence of the numerous common points in the two conceptions. These, however, lead to the automatic perception of agreement even in those principles for which the level of coherence is questionable. The main aim of this study is, therefore, to indicate, firstly, the proven fact that for a consistent comparison of Berlin’s and Constant’s dichotomy one must examine, in addition to the commonly analysed relationship of negative freedom with modern freedom, the connectedness of the opposite poles in the two cases. Secondly, and more importantly, the thesis is advanced that, in its fundamental properties, Constant’s thinking goes beyond the liberal tradition and points towards Pettit’s republican principles of freedom as non-dominance. This conclusion ultimately leads to the recognition that Berlin’s and Constant’s division cannot be seen as homogenous., Jan Květina., and Obsahuje seznam literatury
Mytogenní vědecká jména plazů často pocházejí od antických nestvůr a podsvětních bytostí. U obojživelníků se setkáváme s vodními božstvy a nymfami. Názvy ryb bývají odvozeny na jedné straně od mýtických oblud, na straně druhé pak od krasavic a krasavců., Mythical scientific names of reptiles are often inspired by ancient monsters and underworld beings. Among amphibians we can meet water gods and goddesses, and nymphs. The names of fishes are frequently derived either from mythic monsters or from beauties and heroes., and Tomáš Pavlík.
Neuroactive steroids represent potential antiepileptic drugs. We tested a newly synthesized analogue of allopregnanolone 3α- hydroxy-21ξ,22-oxido-21-homo-5α-pregnan-20-on (HOHP) against two types of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures (100 mg/kg s.c.) in 12- and 25-day-old rats. Ganaxolone, a neuroactive steroid in clinical trials, served as a reference drug. Pretreatment with either steroid suppressed generalized tonicclonic seizures in both age groups, their efficacy was comparable. HOHP as well as ganaxolone were more active in 12- than in 25-day-old rats (effective doses were 40 and 60 mg/kg, respectively). Minimal clonic seizures, which can be elicited only in 25-day-old rats, were not influenced by any drug. Very short duration of anticonvulsant action of HPOP demonstrated in 12-day-old animals indicates that this drug might be used only in acute treatment in epileptology., P. Mareš, H. Kubová, A. Kasal., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy