The Importance of 6-Aminohexanoic Acid as a Hydrophobic, Flexible Structural Element

6-aminohexanoic acid is an ω-amino acid with a hydrophobic, flexible structure. Although the ω-amino acid in question is mainly used clinically as an antifibrinolytic drug, other applications are also interesting and important. This synthetic lysine derivative, without an α-amino group, plays a significant role in chemical synthesis of modified peptides and in the polyamide synthetic fibers (nylon) industry. It is also often used as a linker in various biologically active structures. This review concentrates on the role of 6-aminohexanoic acid in the structure of various molecules.

Therapeutic Potential of Jasmonic Acid and Its Derivatives

A modern method of therapeutic use of natural compounds that would protect the body are jasmonates. The main representatives of jasmonate compounds include jasmonic acid and its derivatives, mainly methyl jasmonate. Extracts from plants rich in jasmonic compounds show a broad spectrum of activity, i.e., anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and cosmetic. Studies of the biological activity of jasmonic acid and its derivatives in mammals are based on their structural similarity to prostaglandins and the compounds can be used as natural therapeutics for inflammation. Jasmonates also constitute a potential group of anti-cancer drugs that can be used alone or in combination with other known chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, due to their ability to stimulate exfoliation of the epidermis, remove discoloration, regulate the function of the sebaceous glands and reduce the visible signs of aging, they are considered for possible use in cosmetics and dermatology. The paper presents a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates that may be helpful in treatment and prevention.

Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences in the Blood of Rats Irradiated with UV: Protective Effect of Cannabidiol

UVA/UVB radiation disturbs the redox balance of skin cells, and metabolic consequences can be transferred into the blood and internal tissues, especially after chronic skin exposure to UV radiation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cannabidiol (CBD), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytocannabinoid, on oxidative stress and its consequences in the blood of nude rats whose skin was exposed to UVA/UVB radiation for 4 weeks. It was shown that CBD penetrated the blood and in UVB-irradiated rats was preferentially located in the membranes of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which promoted reduction of ROS generation and up-regulation of antioxidant ability by increasing the activity of glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase, while the level of reduced glutathione decreased by UV radiation. Consequently, reduction in UV-induced lipid peroxidation, assessed as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 8-isoprostane (8-isoPGF2α) as well as protein modifications, estimated as 4-HNE-protein adducts and protein carbonyl groups, was observed. CBD, by countering the UV-induced down-regulation of 2-arachidonylglycerol, promoted its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects by reducing CB1 and increasing PPARγ receptor activation and consequently ROS and TNF-α down-regulation. The results suggest that CBD applied topically to the skin minimizes redox changes not only at the skin level, but also at the systemic level.

Jasmonate Compounds and Their Derivatives in the Regulation of the Neoplastic Processes

Cancer is a serious problem in modern medicine, mainly due to the insufficient effectiveness of currently available therapies. There is a particular interest in compounds of natural origin, which can be used in the prophylaxis, as well as in the treatment and support of cancer treatment. One such compound is jasmonic acid (3-oxo-2-(pent-2'-enyl)cyclopentane acetic acid; isolated active form: trans-(-)-(3R,7R)- and cis-(+)-(3R,7S)-jasmonic acid) and its derivatives, which, due to their wide range of biological activities, are also proposed as potential therapeutic agents. Therefore, a review of literature data on the biological activity of jasmonates was prepared, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms of jasmonate action in neoplastic diseases. The anti-tumor activity of jasmonate compounds is based on altered cellular ATP levels; induction of re-differentiation through the action of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs); the induction of the apoptosis by reactive oxygen species. Jasmonates can be used in anti-cancer therapy in combination with other known drugs, such as cisplatin, paclitaxel or doxorubicin, showing a synergistic effect. The structure-activity relationship of novel jasmonate derivatives with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects is also shown.

Ceramides Profile Identifies Patients with More Advanced Stages of Colorectal Cancer

Much attention is paid to different sphingolipid pathways because of their possible use in diagnostics and treatment. However, the activity status and significance of ceramide pathways in colorectal cancer are still unclear. We analyzed colorectal cancer patients to evaluate sphingolipid profiles in the blood, colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, and healthy surrounding colorectal tissues of the same patient, simultaneously, using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we measured protein expression of de novo ceramide synthesis enzymes and mitochondrial markers in tissues using western blot. We confirmed the different sphingolipid contents in colorectal cancer tissue compared to healthy surrounding tissues. Furthermore, we showed changed amounts of several ceramides in more advanced colorectal cancer tissue and found a prominently higher circulating level of several of them. Moreover, we observed a relationship between the amounts of some ceramide species in colorectal cancer tissue and plasma depending on the stage of colorectal cancer according to TNM (tumors, nodes, metastasis) classification. We think that the combined measurement of several ceramide concentrations in plasma can help distinguish early-stage lesions from advanced colorectal cancer and can help produce a screening test to detect early colorectal cancer.

Correction to: Methods for 20S Immunoproteasome and 20S Constitutive Proteasome Determination Based on SPRI Biosensors

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s12195-017-0478-7.].

The Possible Pre- and Post-UVA Radiation Protective Effect of Amaranth Oil on Human Skin Fibroblast Cells

Background:

The health effects of Amaranth Oil (AO) are attributed to its specific chemical composition. That makes it an outstanding natural product for the prevention and treatment of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-related pathologies such as sunburn, photoaging, photoimmunosuppression, and photocarcinogenesis. Most of the studies are taken on animal model, and there is a lack of research on the endogenous effect of AO on fibroblast level, where UVA takes it harmful place.

Objective:

The aim of this study was evaluation if AO can protect or abolish UVA exposure effect on human skin fibroblast.

Materials and Methods:

The 0.1% AO, 0.25% AO, and 0.5% AO concentration and irradiation for 15 min under UVA-emitting lamp were studied in various condition. In all experiments, the mean values for six assays ± standard deviations were calculated.

Results:

Pretreatment with various concentrations of AO was tested. The highest concentration of AO where cell survival was observed was 0.5%. Cytotoxicity assays provided evidence for pre- and post-UVA protective effect of 0.1% AO among three tested concentrations. The results also provide evidence that UVA has inhibitory effect on collagen biosynthesis in confluent skin fibroblast, but presence of 0.1% AO abolishes pre- and post-UVA effect comparing to other used AO concentration. The assessment results on DNA biosynthesis show the significant abolished post-UVA effect when 0.1% and 0.5% of AO were added.

Conclusion:

AO gives pre- and post-UVA protection in low concentration. This provides the evidence for using it not as a main protective factor against UV but as one of the combined components in cosmetic formulation.

SUMMARY

The recommended Amaranth Oil (AO) concentration in cosmetic formulation is between 0.1 and 5%

Pretreatment with various concentrations of AO suggests to use the highest 0.5% concentration of AO in human skin fibroblast cultures

The 0.1% of AO in fibroblast cultures, protects and abolishes effect of ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure

UVA has inhibitory effect on collagen biosynthesis in skin fibroblast, but presence of 0.1% AO abolishes pre- and post-UVA effect

The abolished post-UVA effect occurs when 0.1% and 0.5% of AO were added on DNA biosynthesis.

Abbreviations used: AO: Amaranth Oil.

Methods for 20S Immunoproteasome and 20S Constitutive Proteasome Determination Based on SPRI Biosensors

The 20S proteasome, released into the circulation, is a novel cancer biomarker. It exists in two forms: the constitutive proteasome (20Sc) and the immunoproteasome (20Si), which both have separate diagnostic significance. The aim of this work was to develop new methods for 20Si and 20Sc determination. Five alternative specific biosensors usable with the surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRI) technique for 20Si determination have been developed. Specific 20Si entrapment on the biosensor surface from an analyzed solution was achieved by means of an immobilized specific 20Si receptor. Four of the biosensors contain newly synthesized specific 20Si receptors, while the fifth contains the inhibitor ONX 0914. A method for 20Sc determination using an SPRI biosensor containing PSI inhibitor has been developed. By the introduction of an inhibitor blocking 20Si, 20Sc is selectively determined. All of the methods developed for 20Si and 20Sc determination exhibit good selectivity and satisfactory precision, recoveries and dynamic response ranges. 20Si and 20Sc were determined in blood plasma samples from healthy donors and patients with acute leukemia. In the case of these patients 20Si was the major component, and its level was more than one order of magnitude higher than in the healthy donors.

Multiple primary cancers in BRCA 1/2 carriers - A review of literature and our observations

An increasing number of patients with diagnosed synchronous or metachronous neoplasms that arc gene as well as non-gene dependent which are associated with the development of new oncological treatment, and environmental factors, prompted the authors of this study to conduct an analysis in a narrow group of patients with multiple cancers and simultaneous BRCA1I mutations (confirmed by genetic analysis). BRCA1 mutation, as well as multiple cancers were found in seven patients treated between 2007 and 2013. The patients diagnosed with a second cancer shared a uniquely common trait - a 5382insC mutation. The study describes four patients that did not carry a BRCA 1/2 mutation, yet were diagnosed with multiple cancers. A brief review of literature was performed concerning multiple cancers in women.

The role of overweight and obesity in selected gynecological malignancies

A review of literature data related to the effects of overweight and obesity on the development and course of selected gynecological malignancies: endometrial, breast and ovarian cancer is presented. Three hypotheses are included in an attempt to explain this rela- tionship: the adipokinine hypothesis, a hypothesis involving the effects of excessive estrogen levels, and the insulin hypothesis.

Role of cancer stem cells and microRNA in resistance to chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer

Despite the introduction of "the golden standard" in chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (taxanes/platinum), a relapse of the disease is noted in 80% of women treated in this manner. Studies on ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) and attempts at treatment using salinomycin, isolated from Streptonzyces albus and endotoxin of Clostridium peifringens, are promising, in particular because CSC markers have been identified. Resistence of ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel and cisplatin is associated with a reduced expression of miR-30c, miR-130, and miR335, which results in activation of M-CSF, the known factor of resistance to cytostatic drugs. In clear cell ovarian cancer, a reduced expression of miR-449 was detected, which may lead to overexpression of MET phenotype, typical for chemoresistant ovarian cancer. MicroRNAs remain in investigations, but their involvement in the control of genes linked to the development of the cancer and its progression seems to offer the promise of a targeted therapy.

Pathophysiological and clinical aspects of gastric hyperplastic polyps

Gastric polyps become a major clinical problem because of high prevalence and tendency to malignant transformation of some of them. The development of gastric hyperplastic polyps results from excessive proliferation of foveolar cells accompanied by their increased exfoliation, and they are macroscopically indistinguishable from other polyps with lower or higher malignant potential. Panendoscopy allows detection and differentiation of gastric polyps, usually after obtaining histopathological biopsy specimens. Unremoved gastric hyperplastic polyps may enlarge and sometimes spontaneously undergo a sequential progression to cancer. For this reason, gastric hyperplastic polyps larger than 5 mm in size should be removed in one piece. After excision of polyps with atypical focal lesion, endoscopic surveillance is suggested depending on histopathological diagnosis and possibility of confirming the completeness of endoscopic resection. Because of the risk of cancer development also in gastric mucosa outside the polyp, neighboring fragments of gastric mucosa should undergo microscopic investigations. This procedure allows for identification of patients who can benefit most from oncological endoscopic surveillance. If Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection of the gastric mucosa is confirmed, treatment strategies should include eradication of bacteria, which may prevent progression of intestinal metaplasia. The efficacy of H. pylori eradication should be checked 3-6 mo later.

Peptides with 6-Aminohexanoic Acid: Synthesis and Evaluation as Plasmin Inhibitors

Fifteen new peptide derivatives of ɛ-aminocaproic acid (EACA) containing the known fragment –Ala–Phe–Lys– with an affinity for plasmin were synthesised in the present study. The synthesis was carried out a solid phase. The following compounds were synthesised: H–Phe–Lys–EACA–X, H–d-Ala–Phe–Lys–EACA–X, H–Ala–Phe–Lys–EACA–X, H–d-Ala–Phe–EACA–X and H–Ala–Phe–EACA–X, where X = OH, NH₂ and NH–(CH₂)₅–NH₂. All peptides, except for those containing the sequence H–Ala–Phe–EACA–X, displayed higher inhibitory activity against plasmin than EACA. The most active and selective inhibitor of plasmin was the compound H–d-Ala–Phe–Lys–EACA–NH₂ which inhibited the amidolytic activity of plasmin (IC₅₀ = 0.02 mM), with the antifibrinolytic activity weaker than EACA. The resulting peptides did not affect the viability of fibroblast cells, colon cancer cell line DLD-1, breast MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines.

ANTIPROLIFERATIVE EFFECTS ON BREAST CANCER CELLS AND SOME INTERACTIONS OF NEW DISTAMYCIN ANALOGUES WITH DNA, ENDONUCLEASES AND DNA TOPOISOMERASES

The evaluation of a new group of distamycin analogues 1-6 as potential minor groove binders for the treatment of cancer were investigated. The activity of the new compounds against several restriction enzymes was examined. The studied compounds did not block GC-rich sequences regions of DNA but inhibited catalytic action of endonucleases in AA, AT, TT and AG restriction sites. Determination of association constants using calf thymus DNA, T4 coliphage DNA, poly(dA-dT)₂ and poly(dG-dC)₂ have confirmed that the tested compounds bind within minor groove of B-DNA. All of the compounds demonstrated activity against DNA topoisomerases II at the concentration 10 µM, but they did not inhibit activity of topoisomerase I. The studied derivatives were evaluated in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells and showed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in the range of 81.70 µM and 200.00 µM.

Oxidative stress markers in uterine fibroids tissue in pre- and postmenopausal women

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors of the reproductive organ and occur in approximately 50-80% of women of reproductive age. The pathogenesis of uterine fibroids is multifactorial and includes: sex hormones, genetic factors, cytokines, and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress markers in tissue samples of women with uterine fibroids, with further analysis on size and menopausal status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients with the mean age 50.6 (35 premenopausal and 24 postmenopausal) who underwent standard gynecological procedures were recruited in the study. All women had histologically proven uterine leiomyoma. Samples were collected ex vivo immediately after resection. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were measured.

RESULTS

The activity of GPX was significantly higher in fibroid samples than in myometrium (0.070 +/- 0.042 vs. 0.057 +/- 0.027 U/mg of protein, p < 0.05), activity of CAT did not differ between samples (1.13 +/- 0.86 vs. 1.23 +/- 0.51 U/mg of protein, p > 0.05), and FRAP presented higher values in fibroid samples than in myometrium (4.58 +/- 6.29 vs. 3.04 +/- 3.81 mM Fe(+2)/mg of protein), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.06). In the subgroups analyses, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing the activity of GPX, CAT, and FRAP in fibroid samples from pre- and postmenopausal women, as well as when comparing fibroid samples of small size (< 50 mm) and large size (≥ 50 mm) tumors.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress markers are changed in fibroid tissue samples showing that oxidative stress may play an important role in this tumor formation, although without influencing menopausal status nor tumor size.

Late recurrence of ovarian cancer: a literature review and description of two cases

Ovarian cancer is not the most frequent malignancy of female reproductive system, but it causes many deaths in women with this diagnosis. Mostly of the patients with ovarian cancer will have recurrence after first-line standard treatment containing surgery and chemotherapy. This article presents two cases with late recurrence in women with ovarian cancer; both were nine years after the first diagnosis and both were operated and received second-line chemotherapy. The authors reviewed medical literature with late recurrence of ovarian cancer.

Evaluation of residual tumor locations in advanced ovarian cancer patients after incomplete primary cytoreduction

BACKGROUND

Nowadays complete primary cytoreduction can be achieved in a large number of patients suffering from advanced ovarian cancer. However, there is a group of patients in whom complete tumor resection remains impossible. The authors analyzed the intraoperative limiting factors in patients with residual tumor after primary surgery treated in the present institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (FIGO Stage IIIB-IV), who underwent primary incomplete surgery in the present institution between 2006 and 2008 were included in this study. Patients' records were evaluated regarding to intraoperative findings and final surgical results.

RESULTS

The authors identified 39 eligible patients in their registry. Twenty-six (66.7%) patients underwent surgery with residual tumor < 1 cm and 13 (33.3%) ≥ 1 cm. The most frequent location of residual tumor limiting complete surgery was disseminated bowel carcinomatosis in 34 (87.2%) patients. Moreover significant differences in tumor residuals locations and operative time between patients with residuals < 1 cm and ≥ 1 cm were reported (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The most frequent reason for incomplete primary cytoreduction remains disseminated carcinomatosis. However, in patients with residuals under one cm, its frequency is significantly higher. The complication rate is comparable in patients independently of residual tumor < 1 cm and ≥ 1 cm. Therefore the cytoreductive efforts should be made even in primarily not completely operated patients in order to achieve residuals under one cm.

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary of the hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT)--case report

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary of the hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a very rare malignant disease, seen mostly in young women, with a very poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment for patients with this disease and most literature is limited to short series or case reports. This report describes the case of a 34-year-old woman with aggressive course of SCCOHT and poor outcome. What proved difficult was the process of establishing the diagnosis due to non-specific first symptoms of disease and consequently the combined treatment of surgery and chemotherapy with concurrent side effects.

Antimicrobial peptides and their analogs: searching for new potential therapeutics

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an essential part of innate immunity. These compounds have been considered as potential therapeutics because of their broad-spectrum activities and proven ability to avoid antimicrobial resistance, but their clinical and commercial developments have some limitations, such as susceptibility to proteases and a high cost of peptide production. To overcome these problems, many researchers have tried to develop short active peptides, their modifications and mimics with better properties while retaining their basic features of natural AMPs such as cationic charge and the amphipathic structure.

[Lunasin--a novel chemopreventive peptide]

Lunasin is a bioactive peptide originally isolated from soybean and has demonstrated chemopreventive and anticancer properties against: skin, colon, prostate and breast cancers. Lunasin by binding to the receptors of colon cancer cells prevents its adhesion to the liver tissue. When the receptor is blocked, new blood vessels cannot differentiate which prevent the spread of cancer. In the model estrogen-independent breast cancer, lunasin and aspirin administration inhibits cell proliferation, arrest cell cycle in S-phase as well as a decreases expression of cancer genes. Lunasin has also been found to exert potent antioxidant properties, reducing lipopolysaccharide induced production of ROS by macrophage cells, and acting as a potent free radical scavenger. Using the modifying the of DNA method it has been demonstrated that CpG islands were hypomethylated in RWPE-1 cell lines and hypermethylated RWPE-2 in cell line.Despite of numerous and promising evidence of antitumor activity of lunasin, there are still not explained all the mechanisms of its action in the processes of carcinogenesis.

Effect of short peptides containing lysine and epsilon-aminocaproic acid on fibrinolytic activity of plasmin and topoisomerase II action on supercoiled DNA

Effects of eight short peptides containing lysine and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) on prolongation of the clot lysis time, as well as hemolytic and antibacterial activities were investigated. Interaction with plasmids pBR322 and pUC19 with the use of ethidium bromide assay and determination of influence on the activity of topoisomerase I and II were also tested. Examined compounds inhibited fibrinolytic activity of plasmin and five of them were more active than EACA. Amides of dipeptides were most active antifibrinolytics (IC50 < 0.2 mM). According to the obtained data, the significant inhibition of fibrinolytic activity of plasmin was not associated with hemolytic effects. Examined compounds did not show antibacterial activity (MIC > 512 mg/L). DNA binding effects determined with the use of ethidium bromide were weak for all peptides and similar to those observed with EACA. Six compounds inhibited topoisomerase II action on supercoiled DNA.

Global transcriptional regulator KorC coordinates expression of three backbone modules of the broad-host-range RA3 plasmid from IncU incompatibility group

The broad-host-range conjugative RA3 plasmid from IncU incompatibility group has been isolated from the fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. DNA sequencing has revealed a mosaic modular structure of RA3 with the stabilization module showing some similarity to IncP-1 genes and the conjugative transfer module highly similar to that from PromA plasmids. The integrity of the mosaic plasmid genome seems to be specified by its regulatory network. In this paper the transcriptional regulator KorC was analyzed. KorCRA3 (98 amino acids) is encoded in the stabilization region and represses four strong promoters by binding to a conserved palindrome sequence, designated OC on the basis of homology to the KorC operator sequences in IncP-1 plasmids. Two of the KorCRA3-regulated promoters precede the first two cistrons in the stabilization module, one fires towards replication module, remaining one controls a tricistronic operon, whose products are involved in the conjugative transfer process. Despite the similarity between the binding sites in IncU and IncP-1 plasmids, no cross-reactivity between their KorC proteins has been detected. KorC emerges as a global regulator of RA3, coordinating all its backbone functions: replication, stable maintenance and conjugative transfer.

Development of antiangiogenic therapies for ovarian cancer

Angiogenesis is a dynamic process which leads to a development of cancer and metastases. The most recognized and dominant prognostic factor is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. VEGF was identyfied in 1989. There are three receptors for VEGF: VEGFR1 (VEGF receptor 1) and VEGFR2 that play the role in angiogenesis and development of ascites, and VEGFR3 is critical for lymphangiogenesis. There is bevacizumab--a new drug, monoclonal antibody that can block connection VEGF to its receptors. The first notification of activity of bevacizumab in ovarian cancer was in 2005. The aim of the article is to show some clinical trials in ovarian cancer and their results. The bevacizumab was registered in November 2011 in first line with standard chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. There is a new weapon against this disease.

Tripeptides with non-code amino acids as potential serine proteases inhibitors

Eight peptides of the general H-D-Ser-AA-Arg-OH formula, where AA = phenylglycine, phenylalanine, homophenylalanine, cyclohexylglycine, cyclohexylalanine, homocyclohexylalanine, α-methylphenylalanine and 1-aminocyclohexyl carboxylic acid were obtained and tested for their effect on the amidolytic activities of urokinase, thrombin, trypsin, plasmin, t-PA and kallikrein. We tested the hemolytic activity of the peptides against porcine erythrocytes and the antitumor activity against the human breast cancer cells, standard MCF-7 and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231. The most active compounds were H-D-Ser-Chg-Arg-OH towards thrombin and H-D-Ser-Phg-Arg-OH towards plasmin with K(i) value 5.02 μM and 5.7 μM, respectively.

Factors affecting response of chemotherapy in women with ovarian cancer

Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Patients' response to chemotherapy is determined by a variety of acknowledged factors, but one might expect that many of them are yet to be described. The aim of this paper was to present the most essential yet still to be generally assessed in clinical practice, factors, which include: E-cadhedrin, hypoxia inducible factor alpha, survivin, COX-2, clusterin, BRCA1 protein, TP53 protein, YY1 protein, multidrug resistance protein, and interleukin-8.

Municipal wastewater treatment in Poland - efficiency, costs and returns to scale

This paper reports the costs of municipal wastewater collection and treatment in Poland. Our study provides detailed cost estimates for the collection and treatment of municipal wastewater, based on an empirical sample of 1,400 operators, who jointly collect and treat over 80% of wastewater in Poland. The unit costs of collection and treatment, and the nitrogen and phosphorus treatment efficiency were investigated, and the effects of plant capacity on unit costs (scale effects) were explored. Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment cost functions were analysed econometrically using the Box-Cox regression model, indicating high non-linearity and significant scale effects. We found that wastewater treatment costs were increasing with technology efficiency (moving from the primary, through the secondary, to the tertiary treatment), and decreasing with higher wastewater treatment plant capacity. Our results provide a comprehensive picture of municipal wastewater treatment in Poland but potentially, as the technology is fairly generic, they can also be used for applications in other countries, after accounting for capital and labour cost differences. The paper thus provides a valuable input into cost-benefit analyses of nutrient loading reduction achieved by extending or intensifying municipal wastewater treatment.

The effect of hyaluronic acid (Cicatridine) on healing and regeneration of the uterine cervix and vagina and vulvar dystrophy therapy

Procedures aimed at the treatment of precancerous lesions and ectopia on the uterine cervix are frequently linked to lesions of anatomical structures. The application of hyaluronic acid (Cicatridine vaginal ovules) promotes accelerated healing of the uterine cervix and acquisition of a normal shape in the uterine cervix canal. Local application of hyaluronic acid in the vagina following radiotherapy due to cancer in the uterine cervix or endometrium favourably affects the healing of post-irradiation lesions in the vagina and improves quality of life. Over 90% of patients responded positively to the application of hyaluronic acid in the form of a cream on dystrophic lesions in the vulva. Hyaluronic acid aids the healing process of post-procedural wounds in the uterine cervix, following radiotherapy applied due to cancer of the uterine cervix, endometrium and in vulvar dystrophy.

Cytotoxic activity of epsilon-aminocaproylamino acids in breast cancer MCF-7 and fibroblast cell lines

The effect of H-EACA-L-Cys(S-Bzl)-OH, H-EACA-L-Leu-OH, H-EACA-L-Nle-OH and EACA on the viability of MCF-7 and fibroblast cells was examined. The antibacterial activity of these compounds was also tested. H-EACA-L-Leu-OH and H-EACA-L-Nle-OH showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and fibroblast cell lines, particularly in the highest studied 20 mM concentration. None of the examined dipeptides showed antibacterial activity.

Short peptides containing L-lysine and epsilon-aminocaproic acid as potential plasmin inhibitors

Eight short peptides containing L-lysine and epsilon-aminocaproic acid were obtained and their effect on the amidolytic activities of plasmin, thrombin and trypsin was examined. Tripeptide amide Boc-EACA-L-Lys-EACA-NH2 was the most effective and specific plasmin inhibitor.

Two cases of metachronic tumours: cancers of the ovary and endometrium in young women. Case presentation and review

Ovarian and endometrial cancers seldom develop in females under 40 years of age. Manifestation of metachronic cancers before the age of 40 is of casuistic interest. Two cases are presented in whom metachronic cancers were detected: the first localisation involved the ovary, and the second the endometrium. One of the patients had earlier delivered a baby with multiple hereditary defects and was diagnosed with secondary infertility. The second patient was diagnosed with primary infertility. Immunohistochemical tests disclosed the presence of alpha and beta type estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in the tumour cells of the ovary and endometrium. Neither of the patients carried mutations in the BRCA 1 or NOD 2 genes.

Elevated blood active ghrelin and normal total ghrelin and obestatin concentrations in uterine leiomyoma

Ghrelin and obestatin originate from the same peptide precursor, preproghrelin. Both peptides are secreted in the blood. We investigated serum active and total ghrelin and obestatin concentrations in women with uterine myomatosis. Serum concentrations of active ghrelin in uterine leiomyoma were significantly higher compared to women in the control group (86 +/- 3 vs 56 +/- 9 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.02). On the other hand, serum concentrations of total ghrelin and obestatin in uterine leiomyoma did not differ from those in the control group. In the control group the ratio of active to total ghrelin concentrations amounted to 0.62, while in women with uterine myoma it was 0.95, pointing to a prevalence of the active form of ghrelin in women with uterine myoma. Also the ratio of active ghrelin concentration to obestatin concentration was higher in the latter group while the ratio of total circulating ghrelin to obestatin concentrations was similar in the two groups. The data may suggest a role of active ghrelin in the development of a myoma. Moreover, the results indicate that increased blood ratios of active to total ghrelin and to obestatin concentrations are not specific for cachexia.

New cytokine: stromal derived factor-1

Cytokines are proteins which regulate and control the basic functions of cells, including proliferation, differentiation and migration by auto- and paracrine communication. Chemokines are a family of proinflammatory chemotactic cytokines. Chemokines play a significant role in many physiological and pathological processes. Chemokines usually join many receptors, and the same receptors can join many different chemokines. SDF-1 works by its receptor CXCR4. The SDF-1+CXCR4 complex plays a significant role in the creation of metastases of neoplasms and as a response to cytostatic treatment. Identification of this complex may be a useful prognostic factor in the therapy of many types of carcinoma. The ability to block CXCR4 indicates the existence of new targets in breast or ovarian carcinoma treatment as well as in cases of cervical adenocarcinoma.

Activity of telomerase in ovarian cancer cells. Clinical implications

Estimation of telomerase activity in cell nuclei of ovarian malignant tumours may provide an independent prognostic index. The test for telomerase activity in tumour cell nuclei may be accepted as a useful diagnostic test with application for differential diagnoses of benign ovarian tumours vs tumours of a borderline or malignant character.

Elevated blood plasma concentrations of active ghrelin and obestatin in benign ovarian neoplasms and ovarian cancers

Both ghrelin and obestatin are derived from preproghrelin by post-translational processing. The two peptides are secreted into the blood but circulating levels of these peptides have not been assessed in women with ovarian tumours. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate peripheral blood concentrations of active and total ghrelin and obestatin in patients with benign ovarian tumours and those with ovarian cancer. The studies were conducted on 22 patients operated due to benign ovarian tumours, and 31 patients operated due to ovarian cancer. A control group consisted of 32 women, 24 to 65 years of age. Both in women with benign ovarian tumours and those with ovarian cancer blood concentrations of active ghrelin and obestatin were higher than in the control group (active ghrelin: 90 +/- 4, 84 +/- 4 and 56 +/- 9 pg/ml, respectively, obestatin: 660 +/- 36; 630 +/- 30 and 538 +/- 31 ng/ml (x +/- SE), respectively). In contrast, total ghrelin concentrations in blood were similar in the studied groups. The alterations resulted in increased values of active to total ghrelin concentration ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with benign ovarian tumours or with ovarian cancer (0.79 +/- 0.02 and 0.93 +/- 0.05, respectively vs 0.58 +/- 0.02 in the control group). Due to the absence of any convincing proof for the presence of a functional GHS-R-1a receptor for ghrelin in human ovaries it did not seem probable that the observed elevated levels of active ghrelin and obestatin were directly linked to development of ovarian tumours.

Biological activity of amide derivatives of lysine

Five substituted amides of lysine with the general formula: X-Lys-NH-Y, where X= acetyl or ethoxycarbonyl, Y= cyclohexyl, benzyl, hexyl or cadaverine residue were synthesised and their effects on fibrinolytic activity of plasmin, clotting activity of thrombin and amidolytic activities of both enzymes were examined.

In vitro assessment of adhesion molecules expression by human endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-positive and c-erbB2-negative breast carcinoma cell lines

OBJECTIVE

In vitro assessment of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-selectin expression on endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-positive (SK-BR-3) and c-erbB2-negative (MCF-7) breast carcinoma cell lines.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of adhesion molecules was determined by immunofluorescence, and measured by a laser scanning cytometer.

RESULTS

Endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-negative breast carcinoma cell line--as compared to endothelial cells cultured without carcinoma cells--demonstrated an increase in the expression of VCAM-1 and P-selectin, a decrease in the expression of ICAM-1, and an increase of the maximal pixel intensity of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-selectin orange fluorescence. A higher increase of the expression and maximal pixel intensity of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and P-selectin was observed in endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-positive breast carcinoma cells as compared to endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-negative cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells cocultured with c-erbB2-positive breast carcinoma cells may be responsible for the increased adhesion of tumor cells to endothelium and the increased invasiveness of c-erbB2-positive breast carcinomas.

Low molecular peptides as potential inhibitors of plasmin

Ten peptides of the general formula A-Phe-Lys-X where A = H, H-D-Val, H-L-Val, H-D-Ala, H-L-Ala and X = OH, NH2 were obtained and tested for their antiplasmin activity with the use of amidolytic test.

Methylketone inhibitors of plasmin

A series of peptide methylketones with generalformula Y-Phe-Lys-CH3 was prepared as potential inhibitors of plasmin.

Studies on leptin and leptin receptor gene expression in myometrium and uterine myomas of gnRH analogue-treated women

AIM

To test if treatment with GnRH analogue, which leads to a significant reduction in myoma volume, changes expression of leptin genes and gene coding leptin receptor isoforms in uterine myomas and in the surrounding unaltered myometrium.

METHODS

Using RT-PCR, expression of leptin genes and leptin receptor genes was studied in myomas and in the surrounding myometrium in women with uterine myomas, untreated or treated with GnRH analogue. In the randomly selected cases presence of leptin protein and of leptin receptor proteins was examined also by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Expression of leptin genes was demonstrated both in myomas and in the surrounding myometrium, and a similar pattern of expression was found for leptin receptor isoforms. The results of RT-PCR were confirmed by Western blotting, which documented the identical distribution of leptin proteins and leptin receptor proteins in studied tissues. Treatment with GnRH analogue had no effect on the expression pattern of studied genes.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study on the administration of GnRH analogue to females with myomas suggest that no direct or immediate inter-relationship exists between expression of leptin genes in uterine myomas on one hand and estrogen, progesterone and leptin levels in the blood on the other. Expression seems to be of a more durable nature but factors that induce such expression remain unknown.

Further studies on leptin and leptin receptor expression in myometrium and uterine myomas

AIM

Examination of the potential role of leptin in the development of uterine myomas. Expression of the leptin gene and leptin receptor gene was tested in the myometrium of healthy women, and in myomas and the surrounding myometrium of women with benign tumors.

METHODS

Using RT-PCR, expression of the leptin gene and leptin receptor gene were studied in myomas and in the surrounding myometrium in 30 women with uterine myomas at various phases of the menstrual cycle, and in the myometrium of ten women in a control group. Presence of leptin gene proteins and leptin receptor gene proteins in the women was also examined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Using RT-PCR, expression of the leptin gene was demonstrated both in myomas and in the surrounding myometrium. In contrast, expression of the gene could not be detected in the myometrium of healthy women. The results were confirmed by Western blotting, which documented the identical distribution of leptin proteins and leptin receptor proteins in studied tissues.

CONCLUSION

Demonstration of the expression of leptin genes and leptin proteins in uterine myomas and in the surrounding myometrium, and their absence in the myometrium of healthy women suggests the involvement of leptin in the development of uterine myomas.