This study evaluated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) release in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), absolute values as well as pattern of its release. There are two different patterns of BNP release in AMI; monophasic pattern--concentration in the first measurement is higher than in the second one, and biphasic pattern--concentration in the first measurement is lower than in the second one. We observed significance of biphasic and monophasic pattern of BNP release related to diagnostic and prognostic value. We included in this prospective observational study total of 75 AMI patients, 52 males and 23 females, average age of 62.3 +/- 10.9 years with range of 42 to 79 years. BNP was measured and pattern of its release was evaluated. In AMI group BNP levels were significantly higher than in controls (462.88 pg/mL vs. 35.36 pg/mL, p < 0.001). We found statistically significant real negative correlation (p < 0.05) between BNP concentration and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) with high correlation coefficient (r = -0.684). BNP concentrations were significantly higher among patients in Killip class II and III compared to Killip class I; Killip class I BNP = 226.18 pg/mL vs. Killip class II 622.51 pg/mL vs. Killip class III 1530.28 pg/mL, p < 0.001. BNP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with; (i) myocardial infarction vs. controls; (BNP 835.80 pg/mL vs. 243.03 pg/mL); (ii) in pts with positive major adverse cardiac events (MACE) vs. negative MACE (BNP 779.08 pg/mL vs. 242.28 pg/mL, p < 0.001); (iii) in pts with positive compared to negative left ventricle (LV) remodelling (BNP 840.77 pg/mL vs. 341.41 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Group with biphasic pattern of BNP release had significantly higher BNP concentration compared to monophasic pattern group. In biphasic pattern group we found significant presence of lower LVEF, Killip class II and III, LV remodelling and MACE. We found that BNP is strong marker of adverse cardiac events in patients presenting with a myocardial infarction. In our AMI group we found significant elevation of BNP and it is suspected that second peak secretion is not only due to systolic dysfunction and subsequent remodeling of LV but also due to impact of ischaemia. Patients with biphasic pattern probably have worse prognosis due to severe coronary heart disease. Besides its diagnostic role as a simple blood marker of systolic function, BNP is also important prognostic marker who helps making clinical decision about early invasive vs. conservative management.

The open prospective combined cytogenetic and clinical study investigated the impact of biological therapy Rituximab on number and structure of chromosomes in Rheumatoid arthritis patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate safety of Rituximab on chromosomes as well as cytotoxic therapy Methotrexate. A total of 8 seropositive Rheumatoid arthritis patients were analyzed for primary end point of eventual cytotoxic effect of Rituximab. Assessment was done before and 1 month later, actually 2 weeks after the administration of full course of Rituximab in infusion. Patients suffering from active Rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned according to established protocol to receive infusion of Rituximab in a full dose of 2.0 grams divided in a two doses of 1.0 gram on days 1 and 15. The lymphocytes from peripheral blood were cultured according to Moorhead method. The results obtained from this investigation showed that normal male and female karyogram was found after the full therapy of Rituximab. The results from this study, that was done on a rather small number of subjects, indicate that Rituximab does not express either clastogenic or aneugenic effects. But, co-finding of this study was that Methotrexate had a side effect on chromosomal aberration in one female RA patient, and after discontinuation of this treatment the normal karyogram was observed.