JOHN LECH

NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA

Research Active
Internal Medicine - Hematology & Oncology NPI registered 21+ years 17 publications 1979 – 2026 NPI: 1750387205
Case-Control StudiesRatsColorectal NeoplasmsBreath TestsChromatography, High Pressure LiquidWhite PeopleEstradiolBase SequencePolandMicrosomes, LiverGas Chromatography-Mass SpectrometryChromatography, GasPolymorphism, GeneticDisulfidesCysteine

Practice Location

1604 BURTNER RD
NATRONA HEIGHTS, PA 15065-2845

Phone: (724) 230-3030

What does JOHN LECH research?

John Lech studies the implications of different medical treatments and natural substances on human health. He explores how specific surgeries can be safely performed on populations with unique health conditions, such as HIV-positive patients undergoing jaw surgery. Additionally, he investigates the role of biocomposites and natural enzymes as they relate to environmental and healthcare applications. His research also encompasses the effects that dietary compounds, like garlic, can have on human metabolism and health, as well as the nuanced interactions between hormones and various medications.

Key findings

  • In a case series of three HIV-positive patients who underwent jaw surgery, all patients healed well without complications related to their HIV status, demonstrating that these patients can safely undergo elective surgeries.
  • In a trial involving 146 patients recovering from rotator cuff surgery, combining cryobiomodulation, photobiomodulation, and electrobiomodulation therapies showed a significant improvement in healing assessed by MRI scans one year post-surgery.
  • Research found that certain genetic variations (XPD and hOGG1) are not associated with colorectal cancer risk in a Polish population, clarifying that these factors do not contribute to the disease's occurrence.

Frequently asked questions

Does Dr. Lech study HIV-positive patients?
Yes, Dr. Lech has researched the outcomes of jaw surgery in HIV-positive patients, demonstrating that well-managed HIV does not hinder successful surgical recovery.
What natural substances has Dr. Lech researched?
Dr. Lech has studied garlic and its components, finding that they have measurable effects on human metabolism and health.
Is Dr. Lech's work relevant to patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries?
Absolutely! His research into non-drug therapies for improving healing after rotator cuff surgery may offer better recovery options for those patients.
What role do hormones play in Dr. Lech's research?
Dr. Lech investigates how treatments and dietary substances affect hormone metabolism, which is crucial for understanding health implications for hormone-sensitive conditions.

Publications in plain English

Do HIV-positive patients achieve successful outcomes in elective orthognathic osteotomies?: A case series.

2026

Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology

Lech J, Popa E, Kinard B

Plain English
This study looked at whether HIV-positive patients with well-managed HIV can have successful outcomes after jaw surgery. Researchers reviewed cases of three patients who had certain types of jaw operations, and all three healed well without any complications related to their HIV status. This is significant because it shows that patients with controlled HIV can undergo these surgeries safely, much like patients without HIV. Who this helps: This benefits HIV-positive patients needing jaw surgery and their doctors.

PubMed

Biocomposites of Enzymes and Covalent Organic Frameworks: A Novel Family of Heterogenous Biocatalysis.

2025

Chem & bio engineering

Li M, Lech J, Van Der Voort P

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to use enzymes, which are natural substances that can speed up chemical reactions, by embedding them in special materials called covalent organic frameworks (COFs). The researchers found that COFs are excellent for holding enzymes because they are safe, lightweight, and stable, which helps the enzymes work effectively in various conditions. This matters because improving the performance of enzymes can lead to better applications in areas like clean energy, environmental protection, and healthcare. Who this helps: Patients and researchers working on bio-based solutions.

PubMed

Biomodulating healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: the protocol of a randomised proof of concept trial (BIOHACK).

2023

BMJ open

Allaart LJH, Lech J, Macken AA, Kling A, Lafosse L +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at how combining three non-drug therapies—cryobiomodulation, photobiomodulation, and electrobiomodulation—can improve healing after rotator cuff repair surgery. It involved 146 patients divided into two groups: one received standard care, while the other followed a special therapy program for six weeks after surgery. The main goal was to see how well the rotator cuff healed a year later, using MRI scans to assess the results. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from rotator cuff surgery, offering them potentially better healing options.

PubMed

[Aortic coarctation in the recipient in TTTS--diagnostic problems--a case report].

2012

Ginekologia polska

Ropacka-Lesiak M, Kowalska-Jasiecka J, Kowalska K, Lech J, Malewski W +1 more

Plain English
This paper looks at a rare situation where one twin has a serious heart condition called aortic coarctation while also being affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Researchers found that this heart condition can be hard to detect before birth because the recipient twin showed signs of fluid overload, complicating the diagnosis. They noted that certain ultrasound characteristics, such as a smaller left ventricle and specific blood flow patterns, can help identify the condition, which is crucial because it may require early interventions. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and expectant parents understand and manage serious heart defects in twins.

PubMed

Common polymorphisms in the XPD and hOGG1 genes are not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer in a Polish population.

2009

The Tohoku journal of experimental medicine

Sliwinski T, Krupa R, Wisniewska-Jarosinska M, Pawlowska E, Lech J +2 more

Plain English
This study looked at whether specific variations in two DNA repair genes, XPD and hOGG1, affect the risk of developing colorectal cancer among people in Poland. The researchers examined samples from 100 colorectal cancer patients and 100 healthy individuals, finding no significant link between these gene variations and the occurrence or progression of the disease. This matters because it helps clarify that these particular gene changes do not play a role in colorectal cancer risk for this population, which can inform future genetic studies. Who this helps: Patients and doctors seeking to understand genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer.

PubMed

No association between the Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln polymorphisms of the XRCC1 gene and colorectal cancer risk and progression in a Polish population.

2008

Experimental oncology

Sliwinski T, Krupa R, Wisniewska-Jarosinska M, Lech J, Morawiec Z +2 more

Plain English
This study looked at the connection between two specific genetic variations in the XRCC1 gene and the risk of developing colorectal cancer in Polish individuals. Researchers found that these genetic variations, known as Arg194Trp and Arg399Gln, did not show any link to an increased risk of colorectal cancer or its progression, even after studying 100 patients and 100 healthy individuals. This matters because it suggests that other factors, not these genetic variants, are more important in understanding colorectal cancer risk in this population. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers focusing on colorectal cancer and genetics.

PubMed

Determination of allicin, S-allylcysteine and volatile metabolites of garlic in breath, plasma or simulated gastric fluids.

2001

The Journal of nutrition

Rosen RT, Hiserodt RD, Fukuda EK, Ruiz RJ, Zhou Z +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at how different compounds in garlic affect the body after consumption. Researchers found that allicin, a key component of garlic, breaks down in stomach acid and produces various metabolites, including allyl methyl sulfide, which can be detected in breath and blood. Additionally, S-allylcysteine (SAC) can be absorbed into the bloodstream and measured effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients interested in the health benefits of garlic supplements.

PubMed

Direct thermal desorption-gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) essential oils in support of varietal characterization.

2000

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Eri S, Khoo BK, Lech J, Hartman TG

Plain English
This study examined the essential oils from four types of hops—Nugget, Galena, Willamette, and Cluster—using advanced methods to analyze their chemical makeup. Researchers identified over 100 distinct compounds in each hop variety, confirming that the results matched those obtained through traditional extraction methods. This research is important because it helps to accurately identify and categorize different hop varieties, which is crucial for brewing and the craft beer industry. Who this helps: This benefits brewers and the craft beer industry by improving their ability to select the best hop varieties for flavor and aroma.

PubMed

The determination of metabolites of garlic preparations in breath and human plasma.

2000

BioFactors (Oxford, England)

Rosen RT, Hiserodt RD, Fukuda EK, Ruiz RJ, Zhou Z +3 more

Plain English
This study looked at how garlic supplements break down in the body and what substances they produce in our breath and blood. Researchers found that when people take these garlic products, a key compound called allyl methyl sulfide shows up in their breath and blood, which indicates how garlic affects the body. Understanding these metabolites is important because it helps us see how garlic may improve health and wellness. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health with dietary supplements.

PubMed

Cloning, sequencing, and tissue expression of CYP3A27, a new member of the CYP3A subfamily from embryonic and adult rainbow trout livers.

1998

Archives of biochemistry and biophysics

Lee SJ, Wang-Buhler JL, Cok I, Yu TS, Yang YH +3 more

Plain English
This study focused on a newly identified gene, CYP3A27, found in the livers of rainbow trout. Researchers discovered that this gene codes for a protein that is similar to liver enzymes in other species, with a 56% similarity to human liver enzymes. They found that female trout produce much more of this protein than males, and it is mostly expressed in the small intestine rather than the liver, suggesting it plays an important role in digestion or metabolism. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers studying fish biology and could help improve aquaculture practices.

PubMed

Effect of dietary 2(3)-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole on the metabolism and action of estradiol and estrone in female CD-1 mice.

1997

Cancer research

Zhu BT, Lech J, Rosen RT, Conney AH

Plain English
This study examined the effects of adding 0.75% of a substance called BHA to the diets of female mice for three weeks. The results showed that BHA significantly increased the breakdown of the hormones estradiol and estrone in the liver, with specific increases in the metabolism rates by 20-40%, and some metabolic pathways saw increases as high as 370%. This matters because it suggests that BHA can reduce the effectiveness of these hormones, which could influence treatments and health outcomes related to estrogen in women and other female animals. Who this helps: Patients needing hormone treatments or managing conditions sensitive to estrogen.

PubMed

Two solvents, dimethyl formamide (DMFA) and ethylene glycol (EG), induced the mRNA of vitellogenin in rainbow trout.

1997

Chemico-biological interactions

Lech J

PubMed

Effects of phenobarbital, dexamethasone, and 3-methylcholanthrene administration on the metabolism of 17 beta-estradiol by liver microsomes from female rats.

1996

Endocrinology

Suchar LA, Chang RL, Thomas PE, Rosen RT, Lech J +1 more

Plain English
The study examined how different treatments affect the way the liver processes a hormone called estradiol in female rats. It found that treatments with phenobarbital and dexamethasone led to significant increases in specific forms of estradiol processing—up to five times more in some cases—while 3-methylcholanthrene altered the metabolism in different ways, including reducing one type of metabolite. This research is important because it shows that things like medications and environmental substances can change hormone metabolism, which might have implications for health in humans. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand how medications and environmental factors may affect hormone levels and health.

PubMed

High-performance liquid chromatography separation of hydroxylated estradiol metabolites: formation of estradiol metabolites by liver microsomes from male and female rats.

1995

The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics

Suchar LA, Chang RL, Rosen RT, Lech J, Conney AH

Plain English
This study looked at how male and female rats' liver cells break down a hormone called estradiol (E2). Researchers found that male rats processed E2 much faster and produced a wider variety of breakdown products compared to female rats, identifying over 20 different substances in the process. This is important because understanding how hormones are metabolized can help improve treatments for hormone-related health issues. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on hormone therapies.

PubMed

The major, N2-Gua adduct of the (+)-anti-benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide can be unstable in double-stranded DNA.

1995

Biochemistry

Drouin EE, Lech J, Loechler EL

Plain English
The study focused on how a specific chemical compound from benzo[a]pyrene, a substance related to cancer, affects DNA. Researchers found that heating DNA samples after the compound was introduced led to a roughly 50% decrease in mutation frequency, and changes in the type of mutations that occurred—specifically, more mutations from G-to-C and G-to-A instead of the more common G-to-T. Understanding these changes is important because it highlights how DNA can be altered by toxic compounds, which is crucial for developing cancer prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers studying cancer.

PubMed

Effect of adrenergic antagonists on clonidine-induced inhibition of basal gastric secretion in conscious rats.

1980

Polish journal of pharmacology and pharmacy

Bugajski J, Hano J, Lech J

Plain English
This study looked at how a drug called clonidine affects the production of stomach acid in conscious rats. Researchers found that clonidine significantly reduced stomach acid output, with higher doses completely stopping secretion. Other drugs that block certain receptors in the body partially reversed this effect, with one drug, phentolamine, reducing the impact of clonidine by about 50%. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how certain medications can manage stomach acid production in patients.

PubMed

Effects of neuroleptics on blood glucose, free fatty acids and liver glycogen levels in the rat.

1979

Polish journal of pharmacology and pharmacy

Bugajski J, Lech J

Plain English
This study looked at how certain medications, called neuroleptics, affect blood sugar levels, liver glycogen, and fat in the blood of rats. Researchers found that medications like chlorpromazine and fluphenazine caused a significant increase in blood sugar levels and liver glycogen, with chlorpromazine being the most potent. This is important because understanding these effects can help in managing side effects related to blood sugar for patients taking neuroleptics. Who this helps: Patients who are prescribed neuroleptics for mental health conditions.

PubMed

Frequent Co-Authors

R T Rosen T G Hartman A H Conney R D Hiserodt E K Fukuda R J Ruiz Z Zhou S L Rosen L A Suchar R L Chang

Physician data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry . Publication data from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.