Oxidative Stress in Parasitic Diseases-Reactive Oxygen Species as Mediators of Interactions between the Host and the Parasites

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and course of parasitic infections, both in the attacked host organism and the parasite organism struggling to survive. The host uses large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly superoxide anion (O2•-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to fight the developing parasitic disease. On the other hand, the parasite develops the most effective defense mechanisms and resistance to the effects of ROS and strives to survive in the host organism it has colonized, using the resources and living environment available for its development and causing the host's weakening. The paper reviews the literature on the role of oxidative stress in parasitic diseases, which are the most critical epidemiological problem worldwide. The most common parasitosis in the world is malaria, with 300-500 million new cases and about 1 million deaths reported annually. In Europe and Poland, the essential problem is intestinal parasites. Due to a parasitic infection, the concentration of antioxidants in the host decreases, and the concentration of products of cellular components oxidation increases. In response to the increased number of reactive oxygen species attacking it, the parasites have developed effective defense mechanisms, including primarily the action of antioxidant enzymes, especially superoxide dismutase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)-dependent complexes glutathione and thioredoxin.

The Medical Relevance of Toxoplasma Infections in Terms of the Safety of Blood Recipients under Immunosuppression-A Meta-Analysis

Laboratory diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of blood recipients, especially in the case of immunosuppressed people, such as organ transplant patients. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a potential threat to people with weakened immune systems, and blood transfusions from infected donors can lead to severe complications. In this publication, we analyze the medical relevance of Toxoplasma infection in the context of the safety of blood recipients, focusing on the immunosuppressed patient population. We present various diagnostic methods, such as serological, molecular, and microscopic tests, which can detect the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in donors' blood. We also discuss the importance of adequately interpreting diagnostic results, considering risk factors, and detectability of the infection. We pay special attention to high-sensitivity and -specificity diagnostic techniques, which allow us to minimize the risk of Toxoplasma gondii transmission to blood recipients. Our findings have important implications for clinical practice and organ transplantation guidelines, emphasizing the need to diagnose and monitor Toxoplasma infections in blood donors and recipients.

Changes in the Secretion of Melatonin and Selected Adipokines during the Progression of Parkinson's Disease-Preliminary Studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting elderly people. Considering the gap in the literature on melatonin and adipokine levels in PD patients at various stages of the disease, we conducted a study to investigate the levels of selected parameters in PD patients at the disease's early (ES) and advanced (AS) stages. Melatonin, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations were measured in the blood serum of 20 PD patients without dyskinesia (ES), 24 PD patients with dyskinesia (AS), and 20 healthy volunteers as a control group (CG). The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Melatonin was significantly lower in ES (p < 0.05) and higher in AS patients (p < 0.05) compared to CG. The level of leptin was increased both in ES (p < 0.001) and AS (p < 0.001) versus CG, while resistin was increased only in patients with dyskinesia (p < 0.05). Higher melatonin (p < 0.001) and resistin (p < 0.05) and lower leptin (p < 0.05) levels were found in AS versus ES. The main findings of the study include the changes in inflammatory markers' levels during PD and a surprising increase in melatonin level in dyskinesia patients. Further research is necessary, which will be aimed at modulating the secretion of melatonin and adipokines as a treatment target for PD.

The Influence of Selected Factors on the Detection of Giardia intestinalis by Microscopic and Immunoenzymatic Methods

Background

Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common parasites in humans. Contaminated food and water can be a source of infection. Substances added to food are intended to increase its safety. We aimed to determination of the influence of various microorganisms and compounds that stimulate digestive functions, as well as preservatives and antioxidants on the detection of G. intestinalis by microscopic and immunoenzymatic methods.

Methods

Twenty stool samples, archived in 1998-2018 in the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Bydgoszcz (Poland), collected both from patients referred for parasitic examinations by a doctor of a medical facility and from private individuals, were used to assess the impact of selected factors (such as bacterial strains, viruses and substances added to food) on the detection of G. intestinalis by microscopic and immunoenzymatic methods.

Results

G. intestinalis was detected by both microscopic and immunoenzymatic methods with the same sensitivity (100%). The result of the G. intestinalis determination was positive in 90% of the samples after the addition of potassium sorbate, and in 25% of the samples after the addition of citric acid.

Conclusion

The presence of other microorganism such as bacteria and viruses does not influence on the detection of G. intestinalis by microscopic and immunoenzymatic methods in stool samples. Citric acid as an antioxidant added to foods affects the detection of G. intestinalis. Due to the small number of samples used, it is necessary to continue research on the impact of various factors on the detection of protozoa.

The Influence of Ambient Temperature Changes on the Indicators of Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in Blood after Submaximal Exercise

Physical activity has a positive effect on human health and well-being, but intense exercise can cause adverse changes in the organism, leading to the development of oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of short-term cold water immersion (CWI) and a sauna bath as methods of postexercise regeneration on the indicators of inflammation and oxidative damage in the blood of healthy recreational athletes. Forty-five male volunteers divided into two groups: 'winter swimmers' who regularly use winter baths (n = 22, average age 43.2 ± 5.9 years) and 'novices' who had not used winter baths regularly before (n = 23, mean age 25 ± 4.8 years) participated in the study. The research was divided into two experiments, differing in the method of postexercise regeneration used, CWI (Experiment I) and a sauna bath (Experiment II). During Experiment I, the volunteers were subjected to a 30-min aerobic exercise, combined with a 20-min rest at room temperature (RT-REST) or a 20-min rest at room temperature with an initial 3-min 8 °C water bath (CWI-REST). During the Experiment II, the volunteers were subjected to the same aerobic exercise, followed by a RT-REST or a sauna bath (SAUNA-REST). The blood samples were taken before physical exercise (control), immediately after exercise and 20 min after completion of regeneration. The concentrations of selected indicators of inflammation, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as the activity of indicators of oxidative damage: α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and lysosomal enzymes, including arylsulfatase A (ASA), acid phosphatase (AcP) and cathepsin D (CTS D), were determined. CWI seems to be a more effective post-exercise regeneration method to reduce the inflammatory response compared to a sauna bath. A single sauna bath is associated with the risk of proteolytic tissue damage, but disturbances of cellular homeostasis are less pronounced in people who regularly use cold water baths than in those who are not adapted to thermal stress.

Physical Activity vs. Redox Balance in the Brain: Brain Health, Aging and Diseases

It has been proven that physical exercise improves cognitive function and memory, has an analgesic and antidepressant effect, and delays the aging of the brain and the development of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. There are even attempts to use physical activity in the treatment of mental diseases. The course of most diseases is strictly associated with oxidative stress, which can be prevented or alleviated with regular exercise. It has been proven that physical exercise helps to maintain the oxidant–antioxidant balance. In this review, we present the current knowledge on redox balance in the organism and the consequences of its disruption, while focusing mainly on the brain. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of physical activity on aging and brain diseases, and present current recommendations and directions for further research in this area.

Cutaneous larva migrans imported from a tropical trip - Case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a zoonotic disease caused by hookworms characteristic of tropical and subtropical regions. In Poland, new cases appear every year in patients who have travelled to tropical areas. Most of the cases are initially under-diagnosed, which results in a delay in starting proper treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 49-year-old woman presented to the Outpatient Dermatology Clinic with a pruritic and fibrous cutaneous lesion on the plantar region of her left foot. She had returned from a tourist trip to Honduras one week before the skin lesion erupted.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of CLM due to Ancylostoma sp. infestation was confirmed. Locally applied cryotherapy was ineffective. The oral treatment of albendazole resulted in complete resolution of the symptoms without recurrence after a 6-month follow up period.

CONCLUSIONS

CLM should be considered in travellers to tropical countries. Oral anti-parasitic agents seem to be more effective than topical treatment for dermatosis.

Oxidative Stress as a Possible Target in the Treatment of Toxoplasmosis: Perspectives and Ambiguities

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite causing toxoplasmosis, a common disease, which is most typically asymptomatic. However, toxoplasmosis can be severe and even fatal in immunocompromised patients and fetuses. Available treatment options are limited, so there is a strong impetus to develop novel therapeutics. This review focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and treatment of T. gondii infection. Chemical compounds that modify redox status can reduce the parasite viability and thus be potential anti-Toxoplasma drugs. On the other hand, oxidative stress caused by the activation of the inflammatory response may have some deleterious consequences in host cells. In this respect, the potential use of natural antioxidants is worth considering, including melatonin and some vitamins, as possible novel anti-Toxoplasma therapeutics. Results of in vitro and animal studies are promising. However, supplementation with some antioxidants was found to promote the increase in parasitemia, and the disease was then characterized by a milder course. Undoubtedly, research in this area may have a significant impact on the future prospects of toxoplasmosis therapy.

Plasma α-Glutathione S-Transferase Evaluation in Patients with Acute and Chronic Liver Injury

High concentration of alpha-glutathione S-transferase (α-GST) in the liver and its short half-life make this enzyme clinically useful in assessing hepatocellular damage. We aimed to investigate the significance of α-GST evaluation in monitoring of liver injury in acute and chronic liver diseases. 20 healthy volunteers and 52 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: group I (acute viral hepatitis B or C), group II (chronic hepatitis B or C), and group III (chronic liver disease or cirrhosis with different etiologies). The concentration of α-GST and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in all examined groups. α-GST, ALT, and AST were statistically higher in all patient groups than in the control group. Statistically higher values of all assessed parameters were observed in group I compared with remaining patients. Statistically higher activities of ALT and AST are observed in group III compared with group II. Significant positive correlations were noted between α-GST and ALT/AST in groups I and III. The results indicate that the assay of α-GST in combination with the other conventional markers may be found as a confirmatory test for hepatocellular damage.

Comparative Efficacy of Topical Pertmehrin, Crotamiton and Sulfur Ointment in Treatment of Scabies

BACKGROUND

Scabies is an ectoparasitic infection, which occurs because of direct skin-to skin contact. The ideal treatment modality is still unclear and further research on this topic is warranted. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the topical scabicides: permethrin, crotamiton and sulfur ointment.

METHODS

Fifty four patients with diagnosed scabies were randomly divided into three treatment groups. The first group received 5% permethrin cream twice with one week interval, the patients from the second group were given crotamiton lotion for two days twice with one week interval, while the third group received 10% sulfur ointment for two or three weeks. All patients were followed up at 1, 2 and 4 weeks intervals.

RESULTS

At one-week follow up the cure rate was significantly higher at permethrin-treated group when compared to crotamiton group (P< 0.001) and sulfur group (P< 0.001). At the end of two-week interval, the cure rate at permethrin group was 100%, while at crotamiton group, 66.7% and in sulfur group 38.9% (P< 0.001). At 4-week follow up the applied treatment was effective in all studied individuals.

CONCLUSION

The topical application of permethrin, crotamiton and sulfur was equally efficacious at 4-week follow up, however permethrin cream showed faster improvement at first and second follow up. Acquiring permethrin is considered as expensive option and crotamiton lotion seems to be cost-less alternative to this cream.

The oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium, activities of selected lysosomal enzymes and activity of acute phase protein in peripheral blood of 18-year-old football players after aerobic cycle ergometer test combined with ice-water immersion or recovery at room temperature

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of an aerobic exercise bout followed by ice-water immersion or recovery at room temperature on the redox state, activities of selected lysosomal enzymes and activity of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood of healthy sportsmen. Eleven amateur football players aged 18 were randomly assigned to two similar 30-min aerobic cycle ergometer tests followed by a recovery at room temperature (20 °C; Experiment 1) or ice-water immersion (3 °C, 5 min; Experiment 2). Peripheral blood was collected three times during both study experiments: before (baseline), as well as 20 and 40 min after the recovery or immersion. The concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in blood plasma (plTBARS) and erythrocytes (erTBARS) were measured. The erythrocytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also determined. In the blood serum, the activities of acid phosphatase (AcP), arylsulphatase (ASA), cathepsin D (CTS D) and AAT were evaluated. The activities of AcP, ASA, CTS D and AAT changed similarly during both experiments. The GPx activity decreased 40 min after the exercise/recovery compared to the baseline activity and was lower than 40 min after the exercise/immersion. The exercise followed by the recovery or immersion had no significant effect on the serum lysosomal and AAT activities in the studied men. The exercise/recovery reduced the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the men's erythrocytes, however the exercise/immersion demonstrated the opposite effect.

Effects of body temperature on post-anoxic oxidative stress from the perspective of postnatal physiological adaptive processes in rats

It is well known that decrease in body temperature provides protection to newborns subjected to anoxia/ischemia. We hypothesized that the normal body temperature of 33°C in neonatal rats (4°C below normal body temperature in adults) is in fact a preadaptation to protect CNS from anoxia and further reductions as well as elevations in temperature may be counterproductive. Our experiments aimed to examine the effect of changes in body temperature on oxidative stress development in newborn rats exposed to anoxia. Two-day-old Wistar rats were divided into 4 temperature groups: i. hypothermic at body temperature of 31°C, ii. maintaining physiological neonatal body temperature of 33°C, iii. forced to maintain hyperthermic temperature of 37°C, and i.v. forced to maintain hyperthermic temperature of 39°C. The temperature was controlled starting 15 minutes before and afterword during 10 minutes of anoxia as well as for 2 hours post-anoxia. Cerebral concentrations of lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes had been determined post mortem: immediately after anoxia was finished and 3, 7, and 14 days later. There were no post-anoxic changes in the concentration of MDA, CD and in antioxidant enzymes activity in newborn rats kept at their physiological body temperature of 33°C. In contrast, perinatal anoxia at body temperature elevated to 37°C or 39°C as well as under hypothermic conditions (31°C) intensified post-anoxic oxidative stress and depleted the antioxidant pool. Overall, these findings suggest that elevated body temperature (hyperthermia or fever), as well as exceeding cooling beyond the physiological level of body temperature of newborn rats, may extend perinatal anoxia-induced brain lesions. Our findings provide new insights into the role of body temperature in anoxic insult in vivo.

Deferoxamine prevents cerebral glutathione and vitamin E depletions in asphyxiated neonatal rats: role of body temperature

Hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury involves increased oxidative stress. In asphyxiated newborns iron deposited in the brain catalyses formation of reactive oxygen species. Glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E are key factors protecting cells against such agents. Our previous investigation has demonstrated that newborn rats, showing physiological low body temperature as well as their hyperthermic counterparts injected with deferoxamine (DF) are protected against iron-mediated, delayed neurotoxicity of perinatal asphyxia. Therefore, we decided to study the effects of body temperature and DF on the antioxidant status of the brain in rats exposed neonatally to critical anoxia. Two-day-old newborn rats were exposed to anoxia in 100% nitrogen atmosphere for 10 min. Rectal temperature was kept at 33 °C (physiological to rat neonates), or elevated to the level typical of healthy adult rats (37 °C), or of febrile adult rats (39 °C). Half of the rats exposed to anoxia under extremely hyperthermic conditions (39 °C) were injected with DF. Cerebral concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA, lipid peroxidation marker) and the levels of GSH and vitamin E were determined post-mortem, (1) immediately after anoxia, (2) 3 days, (3) 7 days, and (4) 2 weeks after anoxia. There were no post-anoxic changes in MDA, GSH and vitamin E concentrations in newborn rats kept at body temperature of 33 °C. In contrast, perinatal anoxia at elevated body temperatures intensified oxidative stress and depleted the antioxidant pool in a temperature-dependent manner. Both the depletion of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation were prevented by post-anoxic DF injection. The data support the idea that hyperthermia may extend perinatal anoxia-induced brain lesions.

Correlation of Oxidative and Antioxidative Processes in the Blood of Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

The effect of cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) on oxidative stress parameters was assessed. The study was conducted in 42 patients with CSCI (studied group), 15 patients with cerebral concussion, without CSCI (Control II), and 30 healthy volunteers (Control I). Blood was taken from the basilic vein: before and seven days after the spinal cord decompression surgery (mean time from CSCI to surgery: 8 hours) in the studied group and once in the controls. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD) concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and creatine kinase (CK) activities before the surgery were higher in the studied group than in the controls. Reduced glutathione concentration was similar in all groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the studied group was 16% lower (P ≤ 0.001) than in Control I. Lipid peroxidation products, and GPx and CAT activities in erythrocytes seven days after the surgery were lower (P ≤ 0.001), while SOD was 25% higher (P ≤ 0.001) than before the surgery. CK in blood plasma after the surgery was 34% lower (P ≤ 0.001) than before it. CSCI is accompanied by oxidative stress. Surgical and pharmacological treatment helps to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Plasmodium knowlesi as a Threat to Global Public Health

Malaria is a tropical disease caused by protozoans of the Plasmodium genus. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are strongly associated with higher mortality. In recent years, a greater importance is attributed to Plasmodium knowlesi, a species found mainly in Southeast Asia. Routine parasitological diagnostics are associated with certain limitations and difficulties in unambiguous determination of the parasite species based only on microscopic image. Recently, molecular techniques have been increasingly used for predictive diagnosis. The aim of the study is to draw attention to the risk of travelling to knowlesi malaria endemic areas and to raise awareness among personnel involved in the therapeutic process.

Oxidation-reduction processes in ice swimmers after ice-cold water bath and aerobic exercise

The effect of an ice-cold water (ICW) bath as a recovery intervention from aerobic exercise on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy ice swimmers was determined. Twenty ice swimmers aged 31.2 ± 6.3 years performed a 30-min cycloergometer exercise test at room temperature (20°C, RT), followed by recovery at RT or in a pool of ice-cold water (ICW bath, 3°C, 5 min). Blood for laboratory assays was collected from the basilic vein two times: before the exercise (baseline) and 40 min after the RT or ICW recovery. The concentrations of plasma and erythrocytic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (plTBARS and erTBARS, respectively), serum concentrations of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, 4-hydroxynonenal and malondialdehyde, along with the erythrocytic activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the serum level of total antioxidant capacity, were assessed. No statistically significant changes were observed. However, a statistically significant negative linear correlation between the erTBARS concentration and the SOD activity was found 40 min after the combination of exercise/RT recovery (r=-0.571, P<0.01). The baseline CAT and SOD activities were also linearly correlated (r=0.469, P<0.05). Both the 5-min ICW bath and the 30-min aerobic exercise have practically no impact on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy ice swimmers.

Oxidative stress in blood of healthy people after diving

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diving on the level of lipid peroxidation products and the activity of antioxidant enzyme in blood of healthy volunteers.

METHODS

The studied group consisted of 11 experienced divers, who spent 40 min submerged in water, at an average depth of 6.2 m with water temperature of 13ºC. Blood samples were taken before diving and immediately after surfacing. The concentration of conjugated dienes (CD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was assayed both in blood plasma and erythrocytes, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase of CD level in blood plasma and an increasing tendency in erythrocytes with concomitant decrease of SOD activity was observed after diving. No statistically significant changes in concentration of TBARS both in blood plasma and erythrocytes were revealed.

CONCLUSION

The changes in environmental conditions during diving cause the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, as it is evidenced by observed increase of CD level, which are the primary markers of lipid peroxidation and the decrease of SOD activity. No changes in the level of secondary products of lipid peroxidation - TBARS, may suggest that in studied subjects inhibition of free-radical processes occurs and/or the products of lipid peroxidation are quickly removed due to adaptation, what protect the divers against damages on cellular level.

Cross-sectional study of C1-S5 vertebral bodies in human fetuses

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge on the normative spinal growth is relevant in the prenatal detection of its abnormalities. The present study determines the height, transverse and sagittal diameters, cross sectional area, and volume of individual C1-S5 vertebral bodies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the methods of computed tomography (CT), digital image analysis, and statistics, the size of C1-S5 vertebral bodies in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 17-30 weeks was examined.

RESULTS

All the 5 examined parameters changed significantly with gestational age (p < 0.01). The mean height of vertebral bodies revealed an increase from the atlas (2.39 ±0.54 mm) to L2 (4.62 ±0.97 mm), stabilized through L3-L4 (4.58 ±0.92 mm, 4.61 ±0.84 mm), and then was decreasing to S5 (0.43 ±1.06 mm). The mean transverse diameter of vertebral bodies was increasing from the atlas (1.20 ±1.96 mm) to L1 (6.24 ±1.46 mm), so as to stabilize through L2-L3 (6.12 ±1.65, 6.12 ±1.61 mm), and finally was decreasing to S5 (0.26 ±0.96 mm). There was an increase in sagittal diameter of vertebral bodies from the atlas (0.82 ±1.34 mm) to T7 (4.76 ±0.85 mm), its stabilization for T8-L4 (4.73 ±0.86 mm, 4.71 ±1.02 mm), and then a decrease in values to S5 (0.21 ±0.75 mm) was observed. The values for cross-sectional area of vertebral bodies were increasing from the atlas (2.95 ±5.25 mm(2)) to L3 (24.92 ±11.07 mm(2)), and then started decreasing to S5 (0.48 ±2.09 mm(2)). The volumetric growth of vertebral bodies was increasing from the atlas (8.60 ±16.40 mm(3)) to L3 (122.16 ±74.73 mm(3)), and then was decreasing to S5 (1.60 ±7.00 mm(3)).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a sharp increase in size of fetal vertebral bodies between the atlas and the axis, and a sharp decrease in size within the sacral spine. In human fetuses the vertebral body growth is characterized by maximum values in sagittal diameter for T7, in transverse diameter for L1, in height for L2, and in both cross-sectional area and volume for L3.

Three-dimensional growth dynamics of the liver in the human fetus

Purpose

The fetal liver is indubitably the earliest and the most severely affected organ by abnormal fetal growth. The size of the fetal liver assessed by three-dimensional ultrasonography is indispensable in determining the status of fetal growth, nutrition and maturity, and in the early recognition and monitoring fetal micro- and macrosomias. The aim of the present study was to measure the human fetal liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters to establish their age-specific reference intervals, the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th smoothed centile curves, and the relative growth of the liver calculated for the 50th centile.

Materials and methods

Using anatomical, digital (NIS-Elements AR 3.0, Nikon) and statistical methods (one-way ANOVA test for paired data and post hoc RIR Tukey test, Shapiro–Wilk test, Fisher’s test, Student’s t test, the Altman-Chitty method), length, transverse and sagittal diameters of the liver for the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th centiles were assessed in 69 human fetuses of both sexes (32 males and 37 females) aged 18–30 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions or stillbirths.

Results

No male–female differences (P > 0.05) concerning the three parameters studied were found. During the study period, the fetal liver increased tri-dimensionally: in length from 19.51 ± 1.02 to 39.65 ± 7.05 mm, in transverse diameter from 29.44 ± 3.73 to 53.13 ± 5.31 mm, and in sagittal diameter from 22.97 ± 3.79 to 43.22 ± 5.49 mm. The natural logarithmic models were found to fit the data with gestational age (P < 0.001) in the following five cutoff points: 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th and 97th centiles. The values of liver parameters in relation to gestational age in weeks were calculated by the following logarithmic regressions: y = −82.778 + 35.752 × ln(age) ± Z × (−2.778 + 0.308 × age) for liver length, y = −123.06 + 52.668 × ln(age) ± Z × (3.156 + 0.049 × age) for liver transverse diameter, and y = −108.94 + 46.052 × ln(age) ± Z × (−0.541 + 0.188 × age) for liver sagittal diameter. For the 50th centile, at the range of 18–30 weeks, the growth rates per week were gradually decreasing from 1.93 to 1.21 mm for length, from 2.85 to 1.79 mm for transverse diameter, and from 2.49 to 1.56 mm for sagittal diameter of the liver (P < 0.05). During the study period both the length-to-transverse diameter ratio and the sagittal-to-transverse diameter ratio of the liver changed little, attaining the values of 0.71 ± 0.11 and 0.87 ± 0.12, respectively.

Conclusions

The fetal liver does not reveal sex differences in its length, transverse and sagittal diameters. The fetal liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters grow logarithmically. The regression equations for the estimation of the mean and standard deviation of liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters allow for calculating any desired centiles according to gestational age. The three-dimensional evolution of the fetal liver follows proportionately. The age-specific reference intervals for evolving liver length, transverse and sagittal diameters constitute the normative values of potential relevance in monitoring normal fetal development and screening for disturbances in fetal growth.

Volumetric growth of the lungs in human fetuses: an anatomical, hydrostatic and statistical study

Purpose

The prenatal assessment of lung volume is becoming increasingly important in determining survival in both preterm infants and newborns affected by pulmonary hypoplasia. This study aimed to examine the lung volumes in the human fetus at varying gestational ages.

Materials and methods

Using anatomical, hydrostatic (water displacement according to Archimedes’ patent) and statistical methods (one-way ANOVA test for paired data and post-hoc Bonferroni test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Levene’s test, Student’s t test, regression analysis), volumes of the right and left lungs were measured in 67 human fetuses of both sexes (35 males, 32 females) aged 16–25 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

Results

No male–female differences concerning the right and left pulmonary volumes were found. The mean volume of the right lung increased from 1.43 ± 0.25 to 8.45 ± 2.66 cm³, according to the cubic function y = –1.592 + 0.0007 × age³ ± 0.851 (R² = 0.84). The volumetric growth of the left lung, from 1.24 ± 0.22 to 6.78 ± 3.03 cm³, followed the cubic model y = –1.110 + 0.0005 × age³ ± 0.794 (R² = 0.78). The total pulmonary volume increased from 2.67 ± 0.47 to 15.22 ± 5.58 cm³, in accordance with the cubic model y = –2.729 + 0.0012 × age³ ± 1.598 (R² = 0.83). The mean volumes of the right and left lungs accounted for 54.9 ± 2.0 and 45.1 ± 2.0 %, respectively, of the total lung volume.

Conclusions

No sex differences are found between the lung volumes in the fetus. The growth of fetal lung volume follows a three-degree polynomial function. Throughout the analyzed period the two lungs grow proportionately to each other, with the volumetric predominance of the right lung. The lung volumes in the fetus are of great relevance in the evaluation of the normal pulmonary growth and the diagnosis of pulmonary hypoplasia.

The effect of submaximal exercise preceded by single whole-body cryotherapy on the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in blood of volleyball players

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of single whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) session applied prior to submaximal exercise on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the concentration of lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status, and the level of cytokines in blood of volleyball players. The study group consisted of 18 male professional volleyball players, who were subjected to extremely cold air (-130°C) prior to exercise performed on cycloergometer. Blood samples were taken five times: before WBC, after WBC procedure, after exercise preceded by cryotherapy (WBC exercise), and before and after exercise without WBC (control exercise). The activity of catalase statistically significantly increased after control exercise. Moreover, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was lower after WBC exercise than after control exercise (P < 0.001). After WBC exercise, the level of IL-6 and IL-1β was also lower (P < 0.001) than after control exercise. The obtained results may suggest that cryotherapy prior to exercise may have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The relations between the level of studied oxidative stress and inflammatory markers may testify to the contribution of reactive oxygen species in cytokines release into the blood system in response to exercise and WBC.

The effect of a single Finnish sauna bath after aerobic exercise on the oxidative status in healthy men

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Finnish sauna as a regeneration method post-exercise on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy men.

MATERIAL

43 men aged 24.0 ± 4.3 years performed a 30-min aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer and rested for 39 min at a room temperature (Day 1; 20°C) or in a sauna for post-workout recovery (Day 2; 90°C, air humidity 10%). Blood was taken 3 times during both study days: Before the exercise (baseline), 20 and 40 min after the recovery. Methods. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was determined in the subjects' erythrocytes. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured both in plasma (TBARSpl) and in the erythrocytes (TBARSer).

RESULTS

A 12.7% increase in the TBARSpl concentration versus the baseline was observed 40 min after the Finnish sauna (p < 0.01). The CAT activity observed 20 and 40 min after the sauna was also found higher by 8.1% and 8.9%, respectively, in comparison with the baseline (p < 0.05). In turn, the TBARSer concentration was lower by 17.5% 40 min after the recovery in the sauna, as compared with the TBARSer concentration 40 min after the recovery at the room temperature (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A single Finnish sauna bath as a source of free radicals per se is able to reduce oxidative stress induced by a 30-min aerobic exercise in healthy men.

The normal growth of the tracheal wall in human foetuses

INTRODUCTION

Tracheal wall thickness is a substantial indicator in various pathological changes. The present study was performed to compile normative data and formulae for the tracheal wall thickness and volume at varying gestational age.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using anatomical dissection, digital image analysis and statistics a range of the wall thickness, proximal internal-to-external cross-sectional area ratio, and wall volume for the trachea in 73 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 14-25 weeks was examined.

RESULTS

No significant male-female differences were found. The values of tracheal wall thickness ranged from 0.36 ±0.01 mm for the 14-week group to 1.23 ±0.17 mm for the 25-week group of gestation, according to the linear function y = -0.823 + 0.083 × age ± 0.087. The tracheal lumen rate, expressed as the proximal internal-to-external cross-sectional area ratio, decreased from 42.61 ±1.11% to 26.78 ±4.95%, according to the function y = 62.239 - 1.487 × age ±3.119. The tracheal wall volume rose from 16.28 ±4.18 mm(3) in fetuses aged 14 weeks to 269.22 ±29.26 mm(3) in fetuses aged 25 weeks, according to the quintic function y = 0.000052 × age(4.894).

CONCLUSIONS

The tracheal wall parameters show no sexual dimorphism. The tracheal wall grows linearly in its length, and according to a quintic function in its volume. A relative decrease in the tracheal lumen at the expense of an increase in both the wall thickness and wall volume of the trachea is found during gestation.

Tracheo-bronchial angles in the human fetus -- an anatomical, digital, and statistical study

Background

Both the advancement of visual techniques and intensive progress in perinatal medicine result in performing airway management in the fetus and neonate affected by life-threatening malformations. This study aimed to examine the 3 tracheo-bronchial angles, including the right and left bronchial angles, and the interbronchial angle, in the fetus at various gestational ages.

Material/Methods

Using methods of anatomical dissection, digital image analysis with an adequate program (NIS-Elements BR 3.0, Nikon), and statistics, values of the two bronchial angles and their sum as the interbronchial angle were semi-automatically measured in 73 human fetuses at the age of 14–25 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

Results

No male-female differences between the parameters studied were found. The 3 fetal tracheo-bronchial angles were found to be independent of age. The right bronchial angle ranged from 11.4° to 41.8°, and averaged 26.9±7.0° for the whole analyzed sample. The values of left bronchial angle varied from 24.8° to 64.8°, with the overall mean of 46.2±8.0°. As a consequence, the interbronchial angle totalled 36.2–96.6°, and averaged 73.1±12.7°.

Conclusions

The tracheo-bronchial angles change independently of sex and fetal age. The left bronchial angle is wider than the right one. Values of the 3 tracheo-bronchial angles are unpredictable since their regression curves of best fit with relation to fetal age cannot be modelled. Both of the 2 bronchial angles and the interbronchial angle are of great relevance in the location of inhaled foreign bodies, and in the diagnosis cardiac diseases and mediastinal abnormalities.

New patterns of the growing L3 vertebra and its 3 ossification centers in human fetuses - a CT, digital, and statistical study

Background

This study describes reference data for L3 vertebra and its 3 ossification centers at varying gestational ages.

Material/Methods

Using CT, digital-image analysis and statistics, the growth of L3 vertebra and its 3 ossification centers in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 17–30 weeks was examined.

Results

Neither sex nor right-left significant differences were found. The height and transverse and sagittal diameters of the L3 vertebral body increased logarithmically. Its cross-sectional area followed linearly, whereas its volume increased parabolically. The transverse and sagittal diameters of the ossification center of the L3 vertebral body varied logarithmically, but its cross-sectional area and volume grew linearly. The ossification center-to-vertebral body volume ratio gradually declined with age. The neural ossification centers increased logarithmically in length and width, and proportionately in cross-sectional area and volume.

Conclusions

With no sex differences, the growth dynamics of the L3 vertebral body follow logarithmically in height, sagittal and transverse diameters, linearly (in cross-sectional area), and parabolically (in volume). The growth dynamics of the 3 ossification centers of the L3 vertebra follow logarithmically in transverse and sagittal diameters, and linearly (in cross-sectional area and volume). The age-specific reference intervals of the L3 vertebra and its 3 ossification centers present the normative values of clinical importance in the diagnosis of congenital spinal defects.

Novel patterns for the growing main bronchi in the human fetus: an anatomical, digital and statistical study

Purpose

Intensive progress in prenatal medicine results in performing airway management in the fetus affected by life-threatening congenital malformations. This study aimed to examine age-specific reference intervals and growth dynamics for length, proximal and distal external transverse diameters, and projection surface areas of the two main bronchi at varying gestational ages, including their relative growth in length and projection surface area.

Materials and methods

Using anatomical dissection, digital image analysis and statistics, length, proximal and distal external transverse diameters, and projection surface areas of the right and left main bronchi were examined in 73 human fetuses (39 males, 34 females) aged 14–25 weeks, derived from spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

Results

Statistical analysis showed no sex differences. Between the 14 and 25th week of gestation, the lengths of the right and left main bronchi increased from 1.43 ± 0.18 to 3.18 ± 0.39 mm, and from 2.97 ± 0.16 to 7.58 ± 1.95 mm, in accordance with the functions: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 4.850 + 2.452 x \; \text{ln}\left( {\text{Age}} \right) \pm 0.400\;{\text{and}}\;y = - 15.005 + 7.093x \; \text{ln} \left( {\text{Age}} \right) \pm 0.579 $$\end{document}y=−4.850+2.452xln(Age)±0.400andy=−15.005+7.093xln(Age)±0.579, respectively. The proximal external transverse diameters of the right and left main bronchi varied from 2.13 ± 0.41 to 4.24 ± 0.20 mm, and from 1.84 ± 0.06 to 3.67 ± 0.66 mm, following the logarithmic models: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 8.666 + 4.018x \; \text{ln}{\rm (Age)} \pm 0.367\;{\text{and}}\;y = - 6.938 + 3.305x{\text{ ln(Age) }} \pm 0.323 $$\end{document}y=−8.666+4.018xln(Age)±0.367andy=−6.938+3.305xln(Age)±0.323, respectively. The distal external transverse diameter rose from 2.09 ± 0.47 to 4.24 ± 0.20 mm, as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 8.723 + 4.021x{\text{ ln(Age)}} \pm 0.392 $$\end{document}y=−8.723+4.021xln(Age)±0.392 for the right main bronchus, and from 1.85 ± 0.04 to 3.67 ± 0.66 mm, like \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 6.924 + 3.280x{\text{ ln(Age)}} \pm 0.348 $$\end{document}y=−6.924+3.280xln(Age)±0.348 for the left one. On either side, there were no statistically significant differences between values of the proximal and distal transverse diameters of the main bronchus. The projection surface areas of the right and left main bronchi ranged from 2.95 ± 0.19 to 13.34 ± 2.12 mm², and from 5.57 ± 0.21 to 28.52 ± 5.24 mm², as \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 10.212 + 0.943x{\text{ Age}} \pm 1.739 $$\end{document}y=−10.212+0.943xAge±1.739 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$ y = - 19.119 + 1.875x{\text{ Age}} \pm 3.054 $$\end{document}y=−19.119+1.875xAge±3.054. The two main bronchi revealed a proportionate increase in both length and projection surface area, since the right-to-left bronchial length ratio and the right-to-left bronchial projection surface area ratio were stable, 0.41 ± 0.07 and 0.47 ± 0.08, respectively, throughout the analyzed period.

Conclusions

The main bronchi show no sex differences. The right and left main bronchi grow logarithmically in length and external transverse diameter, and linearly in projection surface area. The right and left main bronchi evolve proportionately, with the right-to-left bronchial ratios of 0.41 ± 0.07 for length, and 0.47 ± 0.08 for projection surface area.

Whole-body cryostimulation and oxidative stress in rowers: the preliminary results

INTRODUCTION

The effect of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) on the biomarkers of oxidative stress, lysosomal enzymes, creatine kinase and cortisol was studied.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The rowers underwent two 6-day training cycles: with pre-training daily WBC (temperature: from -125°C to -150°C) and without cryostimulation (control). Blood samples were taken before and after the third and sixth day of training.

RESULTS

The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was lower (by 44% and 42%, respectively) after the third day of training with WBC than without WBC. The concentration of lipid peroxidation products was also lower after the training preceded by WBC. Moreover, the acid phosphatase activity was 50% lower after the third day of training with WBC than training without WBC. Considering the antioxidant enzymes activity during training without WBC, the increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity was observed after the third day of training (by about 74% and 100%, respectively). The level of lipid peroxidation products also increased after the training without WBC. No statistically significant changes were observed in creatine kinase activity after the training preceded with WBC, while after the training without WBC activity of this enzyme was two-fold higher than before the training.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of WBC prior to training may reduce the risk of oxidative stress and the extent of muscle fibre injuries provoked by intense exercise. The WBC seems to be an effective and safe method for limiting exercise-induced damage; thus it may be used in biological regeneration of sportsmen.

Morphometric study of the T6 vertebra and its three ossification centers in the human fetus

Purpose

Knowledge on the normative growth of the spine is critical in the prenatal detection of its abnormalities. We aimed to study the size of T6 vertebra in human fetuses with the crown-rump length of 115–265 mm.

Materials and methods

Using the methods of computed tomography (Biograph mCT), digital image analysis (Osirix 3.9) and statistics, the normative growth of the T6 vertebral body and the three ossification centers of T6 vertebra in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses (27 males, 28 females) aged 17–30 weeks were studied.

Results

Neither male–female nor right–left significant differences were found. The height, transverse, and sagittal diameters of the T6 vertebral body followed natural logarithmic functions as y = −4.972 + 2.732 × ln(age) ± 0.253 (R² = 0.72), y = −14.862 + 6.426 × ln(age) ± 0.456 (R² = 0.82), and y = −10.990 + 4.982 × ln(age) ± 0.278 (R² = 0.89), respectively. Its cross-sectional area (CSA) rose proportionately as y = −19.909 + 1.664 × age ± 2.033 (R² = 0.89), whereas its volumetric growth followed the four-degree polynomial function y = 19.158 + 0.0002 × age⁴ ± 7.942 (R² = 0.93). The T6 body ossification center grew logarithmically in both transverse and sagittal diameters as y = −14.784 + 6.115 × ln(age) ± 0.458 (R² = 0.81) and y = −12.065 + 5.019 × ln(age) ± 0.315 (R² = 0.87), and proportionately in both CSA and volume like y = −15.591 + 1.200 × age ± 1.470 (R² = 0.90) and y = −22.120 + 1.663 × age ± 1.869 (R² = 0.91), respectively. The ossification center-to-vertebral body volume ratio was gradually decreasing with age. On the right and left, the neural ossification centers revealed the following models: y = −15.188 + 6.332 × ln(age) ± 0.629 (R² = 0.72) and y = −15.991 + 6.600 × ln(age) ± 0.629 (R² = 0.74) for length, y = −6.716 + 2.814 × ln(age) ± 0.362 (R² = 0.61) and y = −7.058 + 2.976 × ln(age) ± 0.323 (R² = 0.67) for width, y = −5.665 + 0.591 × age ± 1.251 (R² = 0.86) and y = −11.281 + 0.853 × age ± 1.653 (R² = 0.78) for CSA, and y = −9.279 + 0.849 × age ± 2.302 (R² = 0.65) and y = −16.117 + 1.155 × age ± 1.832 (R² = 0.84) for volume, respectively.

Conclusions

Neither sex nor laterality differences are found in the morphometric parameters of evolving T6 vertebra and its three ossification centers. The growth dynamics of the T6 vertebral body follow logarithmically for its height, and both sagittal and transverse diameters, linearly for its CSA, and four-degree polynomially for its volume. The three ossification centers of T6 vertebra increase logarithmically in both transverse and sagittal diameters, and linearly in both CSA and volume. The age-specific reference intervals for evolving T6 vertebra present the normative values of potential relevance in the diagnosis of congenital spinal defects.

Quantitative anatomy of the growing abdominal aorta in human fetuses: an anatomical, digital and statistical study

Background

Advances in perinatal medicine have required an extensive knowledge of fetal aorto-iliac measurements. The present study was performed to compile reference data for dimensions of the abdominal aorta at varying gestational ages.

Material/Methods

Using the methods of anatomical dissection, digital-image analysis (Leica QWin Pro 16 system), and statistical analysis (Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc RIR Tukey test, regression analysis, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test), the growth of length (mm), proximal and distal external diameters (mm), and volume (mm³) of the abdominal aorta in 124 (60 male, 64 female) spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 15–34 weeks was examined.

Results

No significant male-female differences were found. The length ranged from 9.35±1.24 to 36.29±4.98 mm, according to the linear function y=−14.596+1.519 × Age ±2.639 (R²=0.92; p<0.0001). The proximal external diameter varied from 1.18±0.25 to 5.19±0.49 mm, according to the linear pattern y=−2.065+0.212 × Age ±0.348 (R²=0.92; p<0.0001). The distal external diameter increased from 1.03±0.23 to 4.92±0.46 mm, in accordance with the linear model y=−2.097+0.203 × Age ±0.351 (R²=0.92; p<0.0001). Both length and proximal external diameter of the abdominal aorta indicated a proportionate evolution, because the length-to-proximal external diameter ratio was stable, following the linear function y=7.724–0.017 × Age ±0.925. The abdominal aorta volume ranged from 9.6±4.5 to 740.5±201.8 mm³, given by the quadratic function y=911–101 × Age +2.838 × Age² ±78 (R²=0.89; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

There are no significant differences between males and females for morphometric parameters of the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta grows linearly in both length and diameters, and parabolically in volume. These detailed morphometric data of the abdominal aorta provide a database for intra-uterine echographic examinations in the early diagnosis, monitoring and management of aorto-iliac malformations.

Cross-sectional study of the ossification center of the C1-S5 vertebral bodies

Purpose

Knowledge on the normative growth of the spine is relevant in the prenatal detection of its abnormalities. This study describes the size of the ossification center of C1–S5 vertebral bodies.

Materials and methods

Using CT, digital-image analysis, and statistics, the size of the ossification center of C1–S5 vertebral bodies in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 17–30 weeks was examined.

Results

No sex significant differences were found. The body ossification centers were found within the entire presacral spine and in 85.5 % of S1, in 76.4 % of S2, in 67.3 % of S3, in 40.0 % of S4, and in 14.5 % of S5. All the values for the atlas were sharply smaller than for the axis. The mean transverse diameter of the body ossification center gradually increased from the axis to T12 vertebra, so as to stabilize through L1–L3 vertebrae, and finally was intensively decreasing to S5 vertebra. There was a gradual increase in sagittal diameter of the body ossification center from the axis to T5 vertebra and its stabilization for T6–T9 vertebrae. Afterward, an alternate progression was observed: a decrease in values for T10–T12 vertebrae, an increase in values for L1–L2 vertebrae, and finally a decrease in values for L3–S5 vertebrae. The values of cross-sectional area of ossification centers were gradually increasing from the axis to L2 vertebra and then started decreasing to S5 vertebra. The following cross-sectional areas were approximately equivalent to each other: for L5 and T3–T5, and for S4 and C1. The volumetric growth of the body ossification center gradually increased from the axis to L3 vertebra and then sharply decreased from L4 to S5.

Conclusions

No male–female differences are found in the size of the body ossification centers of the spine. The growth dynamics for morphometric parameters of the body ossification centers of the spine follow similarly with gestational age.

Effects of thermal stress on the activity of selected lysosomal enzymes in blood of experienced and novice winter swimmers

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of exposure to cold and heat on the activity of selected lysosomal enzymes as well as on the activity of the protease inhibitor, which are all considered to be markers of cellular damage.

MATERIAL

Two groups of healthy volunteers were included in the study. The first group consisted of experienced winter swimmers who practiced bathing in ice-cold water once a week, while the other group was comprised of persons who had never taken part in winter swimming before. During the experiment all the participants bathed in a river with a water temperature of 0 °C. The same volunteers were later subjected to a sauna bath at an air temperature of 85 °C.

METHODS

The activity of cathepsin D, alpha-1-antitrypsin, arylsulphatase and acid phosphatase was measured in the participant's blood serum.

RESULTS

After exposure to cold water no changes in the parameters studied could be found. However, after the sauna an increase in the activity of arylsulphatase and alfa-1-antitrypsin accompanied by a decrease of cathepsin D activity could be observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Winter swimming seems to have no effect on the activity of the lysosomal enzymes. By contrast, an increase of certain lysosomal enzymes after the sauna suggests that it may be deleterious to the lysosomal membranes. Furthermore it seems that regular winter swimming combined with sauna, according to hormesis theory, induces some adaptive response.

New quantitative patterns of the growing trachea in human fetuses

BACKGROUND

Rapid progress in perinatal medicine has resulted in numerous tracheo-bronchial interventions on fetal and neonatal airways. The present study was performed to compile normative data for tracheal dimensions at varying gestational ages.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Using anatomical dissection, digital image analysis (NIS-Elements BR 3.0) and statistical analysis (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Student's t test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc Bonferroni test, linear and nonlinear regression analysis) a range of the 4 variables (length in mm, middle external transverse diameter in mm, proximal internal cross-sectional area in mm², internal volume in mm³) for the trachea in 73 spontaneously aborted human fetuses (39 male, 34 female) aged 14-25 weeks was examined.

RESULTS

No significant male-female differences were found (P>0.05). The length ranged from 10.37±2.15 to 26.54±0.26 mm as y=-65.098 + 28.796 × ln (Age) ±1.794 (R²=0.82). The middle external transverse diameter varied from 2.53±0.09 to 5.09±0.42 mm with the model y=-11.020 + 5.049 × ln (Age) ±0.330 (R²=0.81). The trachea indicated a proportional evolution because the middle external transverse diameter-to-length ratio was stable (0.23±0.03). The proximal internal cross-sectional area rose from 1.46±0.04 to 5.76±1.04 mm² as y=-3.562 + 0.352 × Age ±0.519 (R²=0.76). The internal volumetric growth from 11.89±2.49 to 119.63±4.95 mm³ generated the function y=-135.248 + 9.919 × Age ±10.478 (R²=0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The growth in both length and middle external transverse diameter of the trachea follows logarithmic functions, whereas growth of both its proximal internal cross-sectional area and internal volume follow linear functions. The length and middle external transverse diameter of the trachea develop proportionally to each other. The tracheal dimensions may be helpful in the prenatal diagnosis and monitoring of tracheal malformations and obstructive anomalies of the upper respiratory tract.

The normal growth of the common iliac arteries in human fetuses - an anatomical, digital and statistical study

BACKGROUND

The present study was carried out to compile normative data for dimensions of the common iliac arteries at varying gestational ages.

MATERIAL/METHODS

We used anatomical dissection, digital-image analysis (system of Leica QWin Pro 16) and statistical analysis (Student T test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc RIR Tukey test, and regression analysis) to examine the increase in length (mm), proximal external diameter (mm), and volume (mm³) of the common iliac arteries in 124 (60 males, 64 females) spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 15-34 weeks.

RESULTS

Neither sex nor right-left significant differences were found (P>0.05). The length ranged from 4.76 ± 1.05 to 15.38 ± 1.60 mm on the right, and from 4.92 ± 1.33 to 14.91 ± 1.25 mm on the left, according to the linear functions y=-3.598+0.585 × Age ± 1.522 (R²=0.83) and y=-3.107+0.554 × Age ± 1.444 (R²=0.83). The proximal external diameter increased from 0.66 ± 0.19 to 2.30 ± 0.42 mm on the right, and from 0.66 ± 0.14 to 2.16 ± 0.42 mm on the left, according to the quadratic models y=1.392-0.110 × Age + 0.004 × Age² ± 0.285 (R²=0.77) and y=1.283-0.099 × Age + 0.004 × Age² ± 0.238 (R²=0.81). The volumes were increasing from 1.93 ± 1.74 to 66.95 ± 29.31 mm³ on the right, and from 1.91 ± 1.65 to 56.86 ± 25.17 mm³ on the left, given by the quadratic functions: y=99.69-10.60 × Age+0.28 7 × Age² ± 14.40 (R²=0.67) and y=82.62-8.86 × Age + 0.242 × Age² ± 11.60 (R²=0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

The common iliac arteries grow linearly in length, and parabolically in both diameter and volume. The right common iliac artery constitutes a predominant vessel in relation to its length, external diameter and volume. The morphometric data on the common iliac arteries may serve as a useful reference in the prenatal diagnosis and monitoring of congenital aorto-iliac abnormalities.

Tracheal dimensions in human fetuses: an anatomical, digital and statistical study

PURPOSE

Rapid advances in perinatal medicine have resulted in increased number of various tracheo-bronchial interventions on fetal and neonatal airways. The present study was performed to compile normative data for external dimensions of the trachea at varying gestational age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using anatomical dissection, digital image analysis (NIS-Elements BR 3.0) and statistical analysis (ANOVA, regression analysis), a range of measurements (prebifurcation and bifurcation lengths, proximal and distal external transverse diameters, proximal external cross-sectional area, and external volume) for the trachea in 73 spontaneously aborted fetuses (39 male, 34 female) aged 14-25 weeks was examined.

RESULTS

No significant male-female differences were found (P > 0.05). The prebifurcation and bifurcation lengths ranged from 8.14 ± 1.90 to 20.77 ± 0.50 mm and from 2.23 ± 0.25 to 5.77 ± 0.76 mm, according to the functions y = -54.291 + 23.940 × ln (Age) ± 1.681 (R (2) = 0.78) and y = -10.756 + 4.860 × ln (Age) ± 0.731 (R (2) = 0.44), respectively. Their relative growth, expressed as the bifurcation-to-prebifurcation length ratio, was stable from the age of 16 weeks and attained the value 0.22 ± 0.05. The proximal external transverse diameter of the trachea was greater (36 fetuses, 49.3%), smaller (34 fetuses, 46.6%) or similar (3 fetuses, 4.1%), when compared to the distal external transverse diameter. The values for proximal and distal transverse diameters ranged from 2.39 ± 0.04 to 5.20 ± 0.17 mm and from 2.42 ± 0.20 to 4.93 ± 0.08 mm, expressed by the functions: y = -9.659 + 4.574 × ln (Age) ± 0.313 (R (2) = 0.79) and y = -10.897 + 4.984 × ln (Age) ± 0.327 (R (2) = 0.81). The values of proximal external cross-sectional area ranged from 3.38 ± 0.12 to 15.98 ± 1.04 mm(2), according to the linear function y = -11.798 + 1.077 × Age ± 1.463 (R (2) = 0.78). The values of external volume of the trachea ranged from 34.3 ± 11.6 to 370.6 ± 94.1 mm(3) and generated the quadratic function y = -154.589 + 0.858 × Age(2) ± 34.196 (R (2) = 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

The tracheal parameters do not show male-female differences. The developmental dynamics of prebifurcation and bifurcation lengths and proximal and distal external transverse diameters of the trachea follow linear functions dependent on the natural logarithm of fetal age, its external cross-sectional area-according to a linear function, and its external volume-according to a quadratic function.

Whole-body cryostimulation in kayaker women: a study of the effect of cryogenic temperatures on oxidative stress after the exercise

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole-body cryostimulation on the activity of selected antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in kayaker women in the course of training.

METHODS

The study was performed on the group of 9 kayaker women, who underwent two training cycles: one typical ten-day training cycle and the another ten-day cycle preceded by cryostimulation sessions twice a day. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was assayed in erythrocytes, while the concentration of lipid peroxidation products was measured both in erythrocytes and in blood plasma.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in erythrocytes and in concentration of conjugated dienes (CD) in blood plasma and erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma was revealed in kayaker women after the first six days of training without cryostimulation. Comparing two performed training cycles, after the first six days of training preceded by cryostimulation lower SOD and GPx activity in erythrocytes was detected, as well as lower CD levels in blood plasma and erythrocytes and lower TBARS concentration in blood plasma of kayaker women than after the six days of training without cryostimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole-body cryostimulation improves the antioxidant capacity of organism exposed to intense exercise. Brief application of cryogenic temperatures is likely related to the activation of adaptive homeostatic mechanisms in accordance with the hormetic dose-response model.

The effect of combined therapy on activity of cathepsin D and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the blood serum of women with cervical cancer

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

The aim of the study was to determine the activity of cathepsin D (CTSD) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood serum of women with cervical carcinoma treated with different modes of therapy.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 68 women suffering from carcinoma of the uterine cervix, that were irradiated intracavitarily by a Selectron LDR brachytherapy unit. Additionally, all patients were treated with different therapy methods according to clinical stage.

RESULTS

In women with cervical cancer, CTSD activity was higher while AAT activity was lower both before and after brachytherapy sessions as compared to controls. Six months after the end of therapy, the activity of CTSD and AAT reverted back to the values characteristic for healthy women.

CONCLUSION

The estimation of cathepsin D and alpha-1-antitrypsin activity during the course of cervical cancer management may be useful in early detection of potential recurrence and/or widespread metastasis formation.

Lack of changes in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and in the activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in alcohol-dependent patients after detoxification

BACKGROUND

Chronic alcohol consumption induces an increase in oxidative stress. There are studies that indicate changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products in the blood of organisms as a result of alcohol consumption, but published results are somewhat conflicting. The aim was to study the effect of alcohol withdrawal and detoxification on the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes and on the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the erythrocytes and blood plasma of alcohol-dependent patients.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The study group consisted of 42 alcohol-dependent men who underwent seven-day detoxification at an addiction treatment department. The control group consisted of 20 healthy male volunteers. Blood for analysis was taken from the antecubital vein before detoxification, after the first detoxification, and after several (> or =3) detoxifications.

RESULTS

Before detoxification, the concentration of TBARS in the men's blood plasma was 40% higher (p<0.001) than in the control group. After detoxification, the concentration of TBARS decreased, but remained higher than in the control group. The activities of SOD and GPx in erythrocytes of alcohol-dependent persons were statistically significantly lower than in the control group both before and after detoxification. However, after detoxification, a slight increase in the activity of SOD was observed compared to that before detoxification.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that alcohol-dependency leads to oxidative stress in the peripheral blood. Seven-day alcohol withdrawal and detoxification has no effect on TBARS concentration and antioxidant enzyme activity.

The effect of whole-body cryostimulation on the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in blood of elite kayakers after training

The effect of whole-body cryostimulation prior to kayak training on the prooxidant-antioxidant balance was evaluated and compared to the effect of a single cryostimulation treatment in untrained men. The kayakers underwent a ten-day training cycle with pre-training daily whole-body cryostimulation for three min (temperature: -120 to -140 degrees C) and training without cryostimulation as a control. Blood samples were obtained before and after the sixth and the tenth day of training and from the untrained men before and 20 min after cryostimulation. In untrained men cryostimulation induced an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 36% (P<0.001) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 68% (P<0.01) in the erythrocytes and an increase in the conjugated dienes (CD) in plasma by 36% (P<0.05) and in the erythrocytes by 71% (P<0.001). In the kayakers comparing both types of training after the sixth day, the level of CD in plasma was 46 (P<0.001) and 40% (P<0.01) lower in erythrocytes, and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma was 24% (P<0.05) lower with pre-training cryostimulation. After the sixth day of training with cryostimulation, SOD activity was also 47% (P<0.001) lower, while GPx activity after the tenth day was reduced by more than 50% (P<0.01) as compared to control training. Whole-body cryostimulation per se stimulates the generation of reactive oxygen species. Yet, the oxidative stress induced by kayak training was reduced by prior exposure to extremely low temperatures.

The effect of whole-body cryostimulation on lysosomal enzyme activity in kayakers during training

Effects of whole-body cryostimulation on lysosomal enzyme activity: acid phosphatase (AcP), arylsulphatase (ASA) and cathepsin D (CTS D), as well as on the creatine kinase (CK), and the cortisol concentration in the serum of kayakers during training were studied. Additionally, the effect of a single cryostimulation treatment in untrained men was evaluated. The kayakers were subjected to a ten-day training cycle, in which training sessions were preceded by whole-body cryostimulation at a temperature ranging from -120 to -140 degrees C, and to a control training without cryostimulation. Blood samples were taken from the kayakers before the training and after the sixth and tenth day of training and from untrained men before and after cryostimulation. The single cryostimulation caused a 30% (P < 0.05) decrease in the CK activity in untrained men. After the sixth day of training with cryostimulation, the activity of ASA was 46% (P < 0.001), AcP 32% (P < 0.05) and CK 34% lower (P < 0.05) than after the sixth day of training without cryostimulation. The results support that preceding training with whole-body cryostimulation alleviates exertion stress by a stabilisation of lysosomal membranes.

Oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pathological skin lesions due to various exogenous and endogenous factors and associated with a number of biochemical and immunological disturbances. Antioxidant enzymes may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the blood of patients with psoriasis before and after treatment by conventional methods.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The patient group consisted of 67 persons with psoriasis vulgaris who were treated at the Department and Clinic of Dermatology. The duration of the disease was from 3 to 34 years. All patients were treated topically. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was determined in the blood plasma. The activity of GPx was determined in erythrocytes.

RESULTS

In the healthy persons, GPx activity was 16.8+/-3.7 U/g Hb and TBARS concentration 0.63+/-0.16 nmol MDA/ml of plasma. In the psoriasis patients, GPx activity in erythrocytes was 14.8+/-4.3 U/g Hb and TBARS concentration was 0.73+/-0.22 nmol MDA/ml of plasma before treatment. The applied external treatment caused improvement in the clinical state and a slow increase in GPx activity as well as a decrease in TBARS concentration to values comparable to those of the healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that disorders in antioxidant defense mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Influence of the management of cervical carcinoma on the activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different types of management on the activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in women with cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

The patients were divided into three groups according to the mode of treatment. Patients from the first group were treated brachytherapy prior to surgery. The second group received teletherapy before brachytherapy and additionally chemotherapy. The third group was treated with teletherapy after brachytherapy sessions.

RESULTS

CAT activity was higher while GPx activity was lower before and during therapy in all groups as compared to controls. Six months after the end of therapy, the activity of studied enzymes reached the values characteristic of healthy women. No significant differences in enzyme activity among the three groups were revealed.

CONCLUSION

Normalization of CAT and GPx activity may prove the efficacy of applied therapy in cervical cancer patients, however enzyme activity recovery was not dependent on treatment mode.

Lipid Peroxidation and Activity of Some Antioxidant Enzymes in Patients with Glioblastoma and Astrocytoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of malondialdehyde-MDA (one of the lipid peroxidation products)-in blood plasma and erythrocytes and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in red blood cells of patients with a primary brain tumour. The study was performed on 24 patients with a brain tumour (9 with glioblastoma and 15 with asrocytoma) treated in the Department and Clinic of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology at Ludwik Rydygier Medical University in Bydgoszcz. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. A statistically significant higher MDA concentration in erythrocytes and blood plasma and a higher activity of SOD or CAT in erythrocytes was shown in patients with a brain tumour as compared to the control group. Neither the histological type of tumour nor surgery has an effect on the tested biochemical parameters.

Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and muscles of some fish

In this study we examined superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration in liver and muscles of four fish species: the carp, the brown trout, the white cod and the flounder. Higher SOD activity and higher TBARS concentration was revealed in the tissues of marine fish in comparison to freshwater fish. The highest SOD activity was observed in the cod while the highest TBARS concentration was in the flounder. The observed differences are probably an effect of the different living mode of the compared fish.

Activity of cathepsin D and alpha(1)-antitrypsin in the blood serum of patients with mammary carcinoma

THE AIM of this study was to determine the activity of cathepsin D and alpha(1)-antitrypsin in the blood serum of patients with mammary carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 52 women operated for a unilateral breast tumor, divided into two groups, according to the number of metastases and tumor size. Cathepsin D activity was determined using the method of Anson, while alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity was determined according to the Eriksson method.

RESULTS

Both groups of patients with mammary carcinoma were found to have higher activity of cathepsin D before the treatment compared to healthy females. After the surgery the enzyme activity increased significantly, whereas 6 months after the surgery it generally decreased. The activity of alpha(1)-antitrypsin was significantly lower in patients before the treatment than in the controls, while after 6 months an increase in alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity was observed. The correlation between activity of cathepsin D and alpha(1)-antitrypsin was revealed. High enzyme activity and low alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity may result from the stage of neoplastic transformation.

CONCLUSION

The determination of cathepsin D activity together with alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity may serve as useful biochemical marker in monitoring of malignant changes in breast tumor.

The effect of antitumor drugs on oxidative stress in B16 and S91 melanoma cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

This study examined the effect of actinomycin-D (AMD), adriamycin (ADR), cisplatin (Cis-Pt), vincristine (VCR), cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and dacarbazine (DTIC) on the survival of B16 and S91 mouse melanoma cells in vitro, and on the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the content of conjugated dienes (CD), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).

MATERIAL/METHODS

B16 and S91 mice melanoma cells were cultivated in culture medium. After the selected drugs had been added to the culture medium, the viability of the melanoma cells was tested using two methods: the cell count in a phase contrast microscope with inverted optics, and the MTT Test.

RESULTS

The survival of melanoma cells after incubation with all cytostatic drugs was significantly lower than in the controls. The concentrations of CD and TBARS and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in melanoma cells after incubation with antitumor drugs were higher than in the controls. The highest concentration of CD and TBARS was shown after incubation with ADR. The highest activity of SOD was noticed after incubation with AMD. The highest activity of CAT was found after incubation with AMD in B16 cells and with Cis-Pt in S91 cells. The highest activity of GPx was found after incubation with Ara-C.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in antioxidant enzyme activity and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products confirm the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytotoxic action of antitumor drugs.

[Changes in arylsulphatase activity in blood serum in patients with breast cancer before and after treatment]

We evaluated arylsulphatase activity in 52 women with breast cancer. In women with breast cancer this enzyme activity is 2,5-fold higher than in healthy women. After operation and chemiotherapy arylsulphatase activity decreased to normal values. There is correlation between enzyme activity and tumor size and number of metastases. In group with bigger tumor and higher number of metastases arylsulphatase activity is markedly higher.