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Query: "author" (Alojz An%C5%BElovar) .

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1.
Inhibition of cathepsin X enzyme influences the immune response of THP-1 cells and dendritic cells infected with Helicobacter pylori
Miha Skvarč, David Štubljar, Andreja Nataša Kopitar, Samo Jeverica, Bojan Tepeš, Janko Kos, Alojz Ihan, 2013, original scientific article

Abstract: Background. The immune response to Helicobacter pylori importantly determines the outcome of infection as well as the success of eradication therapy. We demonstrate the role of a cysteine protease cathepsin X in the immune response to H. pylori infection. Materials and methods. We analysed how the inhibition of cathepsin X influenced the immune response in experiments when THP-1 cells or dendritic cells isolated from patients were stimulated with 48 strains of H. pylori isolated from gastric biopsy samples of patients which had problems with the eradication of bacteria. Results. The experiments, performed with the help of a flow cytometer, showed that the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), especially TLR-4 molecules, on the membranes of THP-1 cells or dendritic cells was higher when we stimulated cells with H. pylori together with inhibitor of cathepsin X 2F12 compared to THP-1 cells or dendritic cells stimulated with H. pylori only, and also in comparison with negative control samples. We also demonstrated that when we inhibited the action of cathepsin X in THP-1 cells, the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines were lower than when THP-1 cell were stimulated with H. pylori only. Conclusions. We demonstrated that inhibition of cathepsin X influences the internalization of TLR-2 and TLR-4. TLR-2 and TLR-4 redistribution to intra-cytoplasmic compartments is hampered if cathepsin X is blocked. The beginning of a successful immune response against H. pylori in the case of cathepsin X inhibition is delayed.
Keywords: cathepsin X, macrophage, dendritic cells
Published in DiRROS: 22.03.2024; Views: 42; Downloads: 24
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2.
Influence of surgical treatment and radiotherapy of the advanced intraoral cancers on complete blood count, body mass index, liver enzymes and leukocyte CD64 expression
Tadej Dovšak, Alojz Ihan, Vojislav Didanovič, Andrej Kansky, Nataša Ihan Hren, 2009, original scientific article

Abstract: Background. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of the surgery and radiotherapy of the advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma on the complete blood count, body mass index (BMI), acute inflam-matory response, liver enzymes and expression of the CD64 index on leukocytes in the peripheral blood. Patients and method. Venous blood was obtained from 16 patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinomas treated with radical surgery and external beam radiotherapy. Blood samples were collected prior to surgery (T1), after surgery (T2) and after radiotherapy (T3). Blood samples were analyzed for whole blood count, immunoglobulin G levels, liver enzymes (transaminases (ALT and AST) and gammaglutamyl trasferase (?-GT)), inflammatory response markers (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumin, white blood count, leukocyte count and CD64 expression on leukocytes). Assessment of nutrition was done by calculating the body mass index.Results. Surgery caused anaemia, trombocytosis, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, rise in acute phase proteins, elevation of CD64 expression on monocytes and neutrophyls, elevation of liver transaminases and lowering of ?-GT, albumin, protein and bilirubin levels. After radiotherapy haemoglobin, leukocytes, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver transferases, albumin, bilirubin and proteins returned almost to T1 levels, levels of lymphocytes, ?-GT and body mass index lowered. IgG levels remained almost unchanged at T2 and T3. Levels of the CD64 expression on monocytes and neutrophyls also elevated after radiotherapy.Conclusions. Surgery caused a significantly larger acute phase response than radiotherapy, while radiotherapy worsened the already present lymphopenia.
Published in DiRROS: 08.03.2024; Views: 71; Downloads: 26
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3.
Tumor vaccines
Mojca Frank Bertoncelj, Alojz Ihan, 2006, review article

Abstract: Tumor vaccines have several potential advantages over standard anticancer regirrcents. They represent highly specific anticancer therapy. Inducing tumor-specific memory T-lymphocytes, they have potential for long-lived antitumor effects. However, clinical trials, in which cancer patients were vaccinated with tccmor aaccines, have been so far mainly disappointing. There are many reasons for the inefficiency of tumor vaccines. Most cancer antigens are normal self-molecules to which imrrtune tolerance exists. That is why the population of tumor-specific lymphocytes is represented by a small number of low-affinity T-lymphocytes that induce weak antitumor immune response. Simultaneously, tumors evolve many mechanisms to actively evade immune system,what makes them poorly immunogenic or even tolerogenic. Novel irrtmunotherapeutic strategies are directed toward breaking immune tolerance to tumor antigens, enhancing immunogenicity of tumor vaccines and overcoming mechanisms of tumor escape. There are several approaches, unfortunately, all of them still far away from an ideal tumor vaccine that would reject a tumor. Difficulties in the activation of antitumor immune response by tumor vaccines have led to the development of alternative immunotherapeutic strategies that directly focus on effector mechanisms of immune system (adoptive tumor-specific T-lymphocyte transfer and tumor specific monoclonal antibodies).
Published in DiRROS: 15.02.2024; Views: 107; Downloads: 24
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4.
Cysteine proteinase inhibitors stefin A and stefin B in operable carcinoma of the head and neck : Inhibitorji cisteinskih proteinaz stefin A in stefin B pri operabilnem karcinomu glave in vratu
Primož Strojan, Marjan Budihna, Alojz Šmid, Branka Svetic, Ivan Vrhovec, Janko Kos, Janez Škrk, 2002, original scientific article

Abstract: Purpose. To evaluate the significance of cysteine proteinase inhibitors stefins (Stefs) A and B for a treatment decision and prognosis in operable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Patients and methods. Stefs A and B concentrations were determined immunobiochemically using ELISAs in cytosols prepared from the tumor and adjacent normal mucosa from 91 patients with operable SCCHN. The median follow-up period of patients alive atthe close-out date was 5.8 years (range, 5-9.3 years). Results. Stef A concentrations were significantly higher in tumor compared to normal mucosa (FM.05). When a subgroup with clinically palpable nodes) at presentation was taken into consideration (n=57), a significant difference in Stef A (P=0.03) and Stef B (P=0.02) concentrations between those with negative and positive necks, as determined on histopathological examination, was observed. On the univariate survival analysis, higher Stefsć concentrations turned to be prognostically advantageous. Stef A proved its independent prognostic significance also on multivariate setting. Conclusions. With the capability todifferentiate between the pN0- and pN+-stages of the disease in the patientsoriginally presented as node-positive, Stefs A and B could be useful markers when deciding on the extent of neck surgery. In addition, both Stefs proved to be reliable prognosticators for survival in patients with operable SCCHN.
Published in DiRROS: 31.01.2024; Views: 121; Downloads: 30
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5.
Factors influencing rehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer
Irena Hočevar-Boltežar, Alojz Šmid, Miha Žargi, Avgust Župevc, Igor Fajdiga, Janez Fischinger, Ana Jarc, 2000, original scientific article

Abstract: Purpose. The purpose of the prospective study was to identify the factors adversely influencing the post-treatment rehabilitation in patients with head and neck cancer. Patients and methods. One hundred and ten patients with oral cavity, pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer were examined before surgical treatment in order to find unfavorable factors: hearing loss, defective teeth,impaired pulmonary function, and speech disorders. The patients evaluated the success of their rehabilitation 12 months after the treatment. The influence of possible unfavorable factors, tumor site, and type of surgeryon speech, swallowing and reintegration competence was determinated. Results. The site of the tumor and the type of surgery did not influence the quality of rehabilitation in general. Defective teeth influenced the ability of swallowing but not the speech. Hearing loss impaired the patient's reintegration in their home environment. Impaired pulmonary function did not affect patient's speech. Speech was the poorest in laryngectomized patients. However, about two thirds of the patients were satisfied with their capabilityof speech, swallowing and their rehabilitation in general. Conclusions. Early identification of unfavorable factors, and individually planned rehabilitation can ensure a suitable quality of life for patients thathave undergone surgery for head and neck cancer.
Published in DiRROS: 25.01.2024; Views: 119; Downloads: 36
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6.
Ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy of subclinical regional metastases of head and neck carcinoma
Alenka Višnar-Perovič, Aleksandar Aničin, Živa Zupančič, Bojana Černelč, Alojz Šmid, Dubravka Vidmar, Milan Gorenc, 2000, original scientific article

Abstract: Background. Studies concerned with the estimation of ultrasound (US) combined with ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy (USGAB) in the detection of subclinical regional metastases from the planocellular carcinoma of head and neck are promising, but in few cases. Recently, the authors have pointed out the role of lymph node size parameters in order to decide about the use of USGAB. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of US-USGAB for the detection of subclinical regional metastases in patients with planocellular head and neck carcinomas, including the evaluation of lymph node size parameters. Patients and methods. 121 neck sides with no palpable metastases were examined by US in 77 patients with planocellular carcinomas of head and neck. Depending on the results obtained, USGAB was performed on 64 neck sides.After surgery, the results of US-USGAB were compared with histological findings of the dissected lymph nodes. Results. The study showed 77% overall sensitivity of US and USGAB, and 100% specificity, while the versal / longiyudinal diameter was the best predictor of metastatic lymph node involvement. Conclusion. The results of this study established that USGAB is an appropriate method for detection the subclinical regional metastases on neck, and should be included into routine diagnostic work up in the evaluationof the extent of head and necks carcinomas.
Published in DiRROS: 24.01.2024; Views: 140; Downloads: 32
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7.
Cathepsin H in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Primož Strojan, Marjan Budihna, Alojz Šmid, Branka Svetic, Ivan Vrhovec, Janko Kos, Janez Škrk, 1999, original scientific article

Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2024; Views: 136; Downloads: 36
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8.
A correlation of NK cytolitic test and BLT esterase test in determining activity of NK cells, stimulated by tumor target cells
Alojz Ihan, 1999, original scientific article

Abstract: We examined the granule exocytosis in natural killer (NK) cells by measuring N-benzyloxycarboxy-L-lysine esterase activity. As a source of NK cells we usedbuffy-coat isolated NK cells or peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The exocytosis was triggered by incubating cells with ionomycin/PMA or by NK cell susceptible tumour target cells K562. When we stimulated purified NK cells with tumour target cells, a close correlation (Corr=0.84) of cytolitic NK testresults and BLT test results was obtained. We may conclude that BLT test can provide a valuable tool to discriminate further NK cell deficiency in patients with low cytolitic NK test results.
Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2024; Views: 116; Downloads: 41
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9.
Flow cytometric pitfalls in immunophenotyping of lymphomas
Alojz Ihan, 1998, review article

Abstract: Flow cytometry has been introduced as the most reliable method for the analysis of lymphocyte subsets. The advantage of flow cytometry is that it enables application of virtually all monoclonal antibodies (native cells), a quantitative estimation of different lymphoid cells, and that cell can be simultaneously analysed for multiple marker expression. The usage of flow cytometers requiers considerable knowledge of physics and its technical application. Moreover, several problems arise from the complexity of the biolocal systems investigated.
Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 140; Downloads: 33
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10.
Early glottic cancer : the influence of primary therapy on ultimate organ preservation
Hotimir Lešničar, Alojz Šmid, Branko Zakotnik, 1997, original scientific article

Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2024; Views: 148; Downloads: 33
.pdf Full text (215,84 KB)

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