Is Health Education among the Decisive Factors for the Diet Quality of Pregnant Women in Poland?

Health education (HE), an educational process that leads to increased nutritional awareness and improved health, is one of the factors influencing diet quality (DQ) during pregnancy. The aim was to evaluate the DQ of pregnant women and its determinants considering their HE. The study included 122 pregnant women aged 20-40 years. DQ was assessed using the Kom-PAN^® questionnaire and the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI). Data collected included dietary habits, socio-demographic data, education level, place of residence, and maternal lifestyle-related characteristics, namely, pre-pregnancy weight, trimester of pregnancy, and pre-pregnancy and pregnancy physical activity (PA). Weekly energy expenditure was determined using the Polish version of the PPAQ questionnaire. HE at school more than tripled the odds of a higher DQ. Women in their second trimester were 54% more likely to have a higher DQ than women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Undertaking pre-pregnancy PA increased the odds of a higher DQ 2.5 times. Comparative analyses performed in a group of women with HE (HEG, n = 33) and without HE (nHEG, n = 89) showed better DQ in the former, but this was still unsatisfactory in health-promoting properties. The results obtained showed that the HE and trimester of pregnancy and pre-pregnancy Pa influenced DQ in pregnant women.

Somatic characteristic, morphological asymmetry and postural stability of youth male canoeists compared to control. A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationships between selected morphological characteristics and the level of body composition asymmetry with postural stability among canoeists and a control group.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 43 males (21 canoeists 21.8±3.29 years and 22 university students 21.7±1.32 years). Measurements included body height and weight. Segmental body composition analysis was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance by determining: fat mass (FM, kg, %), fat-free mass (FFM, kg) and predicted muscle mass (PMM, kg). Postural stability was tested using the BIODEX Balance System. Anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) and overall stability index (OSI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Our findings suggest that the canoeists had statistically lower level of fatty tissue compared to controls. There was a statistically important difference between groups in lower limb FM (% and kg). In both groups morphological asymmetry was observed, but in most cases-in athletes. Asymmetries between right and left arms appeared in all parameters, while asymmetries between right and left legs were noted in all parameters except FM (kg). There were relationships between stature and body weight with postural stability in canoeists. Canoeists demonstrated better balance than controls, particularly in the APSI. For all stability indices, significant differences were observed between right and left legs across all participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes, with larger asymmetries or poorer balance, require more attention to improve performance and reduce the risk of overload injury. Future studies needed to develop sport-specific level of morphofunctional asymmetry which would be optimal for sport results and health as well.

The level of kinesiophobia in breast cancer women undergoing surgical treatment

Introduction

Lifestyle-associated factors like physical activity (PA) play an important role in cancer prevention and oncology treatment outcomes. The aim of the study is to investigate the level of kinesiophobia (fear of movement) in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing surgical treatment depending on socio-demographic variables, lifestyle before cancer diagnosis, stage and type of BC and comorbidities.

Methods

We interviewed 285 women (132 patients from Greater Poland Cancer Center - age: 55.7 ± 12.4; BMI: 26.7 ± 4.7 and 153 healthy women from control group - age: 49.0 ± 15.7; BMI: 25.7 ± 4.0) using Polish adaptation of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK).

Results

Research results show that women with BC suffer from kinesiophobia (>37 points) signi!cantly. Approximately 3/4 of the surveyed women with BC did not know the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding the weekly dose of PA for healthy people and for people with cancer. Before cancer diagnosis more than a half of women (60%) performed PA in accordance with WHO recommendations. 7% less women performed PA during oncology treatment. Almost a half of patients are not physically active during cancer treatment and 1/5 of the respondents declared that they do not know yet if they will be physically active after oncology treatment. The level of kinesiophobia in BC women with comorbidities was the same as in the group of BC women without comorbidities. However, the highest levels of fear of movement have been observed among women with BC suffering also from osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes. In general, higher levels of kinesiophobia were reported among women in less advanced stages of the disease. There were no differences in the level of kinesiophobia depending on the type of BC (hormonally dependent luminal cancers vs. other types). The level of kinesiophobia did not differ between women who were physically active before BC diagnosis and women who were not. In terms of socio- demographic variables, we found one direct association between the level of kinesiophobia (pain) with age - the greater age, the higher level of pain kinesiophobia.

Discussion

Research on fear of movement in female oncology requires further research (including also chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy) and in order to effectively eliminate hypokinetic attitudes at every stage of cancer treatment.

Polish Adaptation of the Modified Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Fatigue (TSK-F) and the Revision of the Tampa Scale in Terms of Pain for Cancer Patients

The aim of this study was to create a Polish adaptation of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia considering fatigue, and to verify the usefulness of the scale in the context of pain in cancer patients. The study was conducted at the Breast Cancer Unit, operating at the Greater Poland Cancer Centre, and at the Poznan Centre for Specialist Medical Services in Poznan. After considering the exclusion criteria, 100 people qualified for the interviews for the final study: 50 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy respondents (without cancer). Statistical analysis of the CFA score showed that the chi-square test was not significant (χ² = 10.243, p = 0.332), indicating an acceptable fit of items across scales. The reliability of the internal consistency of the scales was tested by examining the Cronbach's alpha scores for each question/statement. The mean values for this indicator were 0.74 for the pain-related scale and 0.84 for the fatigue-related scale. Construct validity was confirmed for the scales; AVE for the pain-related scale was 0.64 and for the fatigue-related scale was 0.68. The results suggest the validity of examining kinesiophobia in the context of pain- and fatigue-related mobility anxiety among breast cancer patients in Poland, and that the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia can be adapted for different dimensions of the condition. Both versions of the scale demonstrated adequately prepared parametric constructs, and all correlations showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05). The use of the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia in oncology patient studies in Poland may ultimately improve rehabilitation programs and enable the development of strategies to assist patients in supporting treatment to reduce movement anxiety.

Pro-Healthy Diet Properties and Its Determinants among Aging Masters Athletes

Qualitative dietary assessments are not common in aging athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate diet quality and its determinants among aging masters athletes. Eighty-six participants of the 8th World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships were enrolled in the study (age range 36-65 years). Three subgroups were distinguished to represent countries with different eating habits. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Eating habits and diet quality were assessed using the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN®, Warszawa, Poland), and the Pro-healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10). Dietary quality determinants were identified by a multiple regression model conducted for each subgroup separately (Great Britain, France, and Poland). The results showed that none of the subgroups adhered to the reference intake of products with beneficial health outcomes. This was particularly noticeable in the insufficient consumption of whole grain products, dairy, and fish. The fish and vegetables consumption frequency significantly differentiated the eating habits of the studied groups. Diet quality determinants varied depending on the group. However, in each of them, fruit consumption was one of the components of a good-quality diet. The obtained results can be used by institutions providing health education among the elderly to develop an appropriate strategy aimed at changing inappropriate eating habits.

Body adaptation to Dance: A Gerontological Perspective

A number of studies have investigated the effectiveness of dance in older adults in the context of healthy aging. Analysing results across studies is important to understand whether dance in older adults is an effective adjunctive intervention for the healthy aging. To summarize the current research results about the effectiveness of dance in older adults in the context of healthy aging, and to identify key areas for future research. The search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the following search string and Boolean logic (‘AND’, ‘OR’) locating studies published between database inception and September 2018: Dance OR contemporary dance OR ballroom dance OR Latin dance OR standard dance OR hip-hop dance OR tango AND Cardiovascular OR circulation AND Emotion OR well-being OR blood pressure OR disease OR thrombosis OR vascular OR glucose OR blood OR cardiac OR mental OR heart rate. Two reviewers independently extracted studies data. Eight suitable publications were included. The results showed that dance promote improvements in cognitive parameters when compared to other types of exercise or no-exercise. Significant effects were found on some physiological parameters, even after a short intervention period. Dance proved to be able to assist older adults in the context of healthy aging. The improvements in the cognitive, physiological and motor control parameters are very relevant for this population, due to the impact in a better quality of life.

A study of physical activity levels of pregnant women using the Polish version of Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ-Pl)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal level of physical activity during pregnancy and discuss whether and to what extent biological, social and demographic variables affect the level of total physical activity in studied women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The respondents were 267 pregnant women from Poland aged 28.16 ± 4.67 years. The majority of women under study had a higher and a secondary education and lived in villages near Poznań, i.e. a large urban agglom- eration in Poland. Most of the women were in the first or second pregnancies, at the mean gestational age of 24th week. The study used the Polish version of PPAQ questionnaire to determine the weekly energy expenditure (MET hour/week -1) (Krzepota, Sadowska 2017). The respondents self-assessed their physical activity levels by filling in a questionnaire consist- ing of 33 items grouped into the following activity categories: household/caregiving (15 items), occupational (5 items), sports/exercises (7-9 items), transportation (3 items), and inactivity (3 items).

RESULTS

Pregnant women prefer physical exercises of low and moderate intensity. The test results indicated a significant im- pact of variables such as age, trimester of pregnancy, and number (sequence) of pregnancies on the women's physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study confirm that actions propagating active lifestyles among pregnant women are necessary. It also appears that the recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians regarding the physical activity of pregnant and postnatal women require adjustments and improvements.

Is it worth following the example of a scientist? - or a few words about nutritional status and physical activity of Polish professors

Growing problem of overweight and obesity in Polish society needs corrective measures to limit its negative consequences. The purpose of the study is to assess the levels of nutritional status and physical activity of people with university education, professors of Poznań universities. The study included 288 Polish university professors. Their socioeconomic status and lifestyle were determined. Based on the BMI and waist circumference people with normal body proportions and proportions above normal were identified. The effect of biological and environmental variables on normal body proportions was assessed with the regression equation. Results: 1) The group is at the top of the social stratification ladder. 2) A high physical activity level, determined by leisure activities in the past, age, sex, and smoking, characterises 13% of women and 24% of men. 3) Obesity and overweight are more frequent in men compared to women, and in people aged over 49 years. 4) In models of logistic regression, where age was a controlled variable, sex was the only variable significantly determining body proportions in the younger group. In the older group, self-assessment of income and savings, physical activity level, smoking and the number of meals per day significantly affected body proportions. The significance of environmental factors for maintaining normal body proportions becomes visible for the studied group at the end of adult life, without showing significant effect in earlier life. This indicates that actions promoting benefits of physical activity and healthy behaviour should be implemented also for people with university education.

Eating Habits and Preferences of Polish Women Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer

Objective: The objective of the study is the assessment of the nutrition as well as the eating habits and preferences of Polish women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Material and methods: The study included women undergoing breast cancer treatment aged over 50 years. Data were collected on 112 respondents, residents of a large city, for whom the average time elapsed since the completion of treatment was 5 years. Their eating habits and preferences were determined on the basis of the frequency of consumption of products with potentially beneficial and adverse effects on health, which made it possible to determine the pro-Healthy Diet Index-10 (pHDI-10) and non-Healthy Diet Index-14 (nHDI-14). The intensity of properties beneficially and adversely affecting health was assessed in three intervals: small, moderate, and large. On the basis of the BMI index persons with normal body proportions were identified as well as those above the norm. The effect of lifestyle and socioeconomic status on pHDI-10 and nHDI-14 was determined. Results: More than half of the studied women had normal body weight and 39% were overweight. One in three women was characterised by a low level of physical activity. The participants of the study followed diets with a low intensity of unhealthy properties with a weak influence of protective properties of nutrition. A significant, adverse effect of the nutritional knowledge and health self-assessment on pro-Healthy Diet Index-10 and non-Healthy Diet Index-14 was demonstrated. Bad habits related to lifestyle (excessive energy consumption/overweight, smoking cigarettes in the past) contributed to overconsumption of unhealthy products/dishes. Conclusion: The demonstrated dietary mistakes indicate that actions aiming to promote benefits of undertaking behaviour beneficial for health should also be carried out among women with breast cancer diagnosis after the completion of treatment.

Associations of physical activity and inactivity with body tissue composition among healthy Polish women and women after mastectomy

The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between physical activity and body composition among healthy women and women who have had mastectomy. This is in order to establish whether physical activity of women after breast cancer treatment improves composition and distribution of body mass components to a degree which will allow to achieve the body composition of healthy women. Research material consists of anthropometric measurements (body height, weight) of women and bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) of body composition (using Akern - BIA 101 composition analyzer). Intensity of activity was assessed using the Physical Activity International Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 76 healthy women (active 44.74%, inactive 55.26%) and 70 females after mastectomy (54.29% and 45.71%, respectively). Mean chronological age of women after mastectomy was 53.40 years, SD=7.55, and of the healthy ones 52.38 years SD=11.01). A significant difference in body composition was noted among active and inactive women after mastectomy; namely the active females had lower weight (by approximately 12 kg), body mass index (BMI), level of fat mass (by approximately 8%) and (by approximately 5%) total body water. The active healthy women had 6% less fat mass, almost 4% more body water and 6% more fat free mass. Programmed physical activity undertaken by women after mastectomy is recommended and produces good results in the form of reduction of excessive body fat tissue. Through physical activity these women are able to achieve the same level of fat mass as healthy women.

[Short athletes in view of anthropometric research]

The aim of this work, which is just a part research introduced in sport environment undertaking morphologic and motoric problems of development conditions, is the description of somatic structure of short growth sportsmen.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Research material consists of measurement results of 254 boys at the age of 15-17, who were at the stage of directed sport training process, Junior Team of Wielkopolska Voivodship.

RESULTS

From 254 examined sportsmen about 12% were short body height people. They are characterized by similar body build proportions. Moreover, those competitors got similar values of analyzed quotient indices and placed similar position on self-note (the same as had sportsmen whose body height is localized above 10 centiles).

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter body height, similar body build to the characteristic one of practicing sport discipline and very good results may suggest, that in case of the analyzed material, the subjects with motor predispositions revealed themselves in a natural way.

[Physical and motor development of preschool children in aspect of short stature]

INTRODUCTION

Anthropometric research of morphological traits and motor ability are recommended in many environmental areas, inter alia among children.

AIM OF STUDY

1. To determine morphological diversification of preschools children aged 3-6 years with proper body height and with short stature. 2. Physical developmental assessment of children in relation to physical fitness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The investigation was carried out in one of Poznań preschool, in 2007. It included 165 children, therein 93 girls and 72 boys, aged 3-6 years. To short stature group of children entered the ones with body height below 10 percentiles. In connection with it, there were 9% of short girls and 14 % of short boys. The analysis was performed for 2 group of children--with proper body height and with short stature girls and boys.

CONCLUSION

1. There was significant diversification within all morphological characteristic in girls and only in body height in boys. 2. It was found that body height has an influence on motor abilities. Children with proper body height have higher motor fitness level in relation to short stature children (both girls and boys). Short stature girls have worse motor fitness in all trials. Short stature boys are much better in one speed trial.

[Physical fitness of short children from the rural area]

INTRODUCTION

In past decades we May observe in Poland the secular trend of somatic features as Wall as the phenomenon of maturity processes acceleration. On the other side physical fitness research results are diversified and are the results of multiple factors influence. From population of children, among which appear the effects of secular trend in somatic parameters we may mark the group of children diversified with body build from, as called "evolutionary norm" which may be described as short children. The aim of this work is determining physical fitness characteristics of short children in rural area of Wielkopolska region, in which we conducted wide population research in 2007.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

For the analyze were used data of 145 females and 140 males at age 7-9, pupils of five basic schools from rural area of Wielkopolska region. For the estimation of physical fitness of children were used test which describe basic motor abilities. For the estimation of speed was used a 5m run. For the estimation of strength was used the dynamometric measurement of hand strength test. Coordination abilities were determined by a run on the figure of eight. Efficiency was determined on the basis of Montoy's step test.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The analyze of data shows a lower level of motor development in comparison to children whose body height is placed over 10th centile. 2. Especially important differences were o observed in the case of muscle strength what may be result of low body height, low body mass as well as low muscle mass level. 3. Low quantity of researched ones characterized with short body height (about 17% among girls and about 13% among boys) points towards delicate concluding, concerning great diversity in this group and strong influation on average values of individual fitness tests.

[Short countryside children in view of anthropometric research]

INTRODUCTION

The present report deals with the analysis of the development, maturity and somatic body proportion of children from Polish country environment during growth. The research allow to describe which factors influence the biological development of children from the village. The aim of the study is the estimation of body build type and body proportions of short village children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data were collected in five village schools from Wielkopolska administrative unit and consist of 140 boys and 145 girls aged 7-9. Within the research some morphological parameters were made. The subjects somatotypes were determined using the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. The human body proportion also was detected. Short children (with stature deficiency) were recognized if they were under the 10 percentile for the Polish children population. The gathered material was calculated by the use of statistic methods.

CONCLUSION

1. It may be assumed that in all two groups of children there are some, but not very big differences in the development of the analysed morphological traits. Those characteristics are reflect in somatotypes of children. Short boys and girls differ a little bit than other two groups of children. They are more mesomorphic, in relation to their greater development of muscles. 2. The early period in school is rather stable in the somatic development so it could be notice that also healthy, short children will probably accelerate their growth rate in the puberty period. 3. There is a need for more research and analysis of anthropometric characteristics within the countryside children to assess physical development conditions.

Listeria monocytogenes infection of HeLa cells results in listeriolysin O-mediated transient activation of the Raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway

In this study we investigated the effect of Listeria monocytogenes infection on the activation of the Raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway in eukaryotic host cells. HeLa cell infection with L. monocytogenes EGD resulted in a rapid, but transient, phosphorylation of the MAP kinases erk-1 and erk-2, a transient phosphorylation of the MAP kinase kinase MEK-1, and a transient activation of the MAP kinase kinase kinase Raf. In parallel to the transient phosphorylation of the MAP kinases, we detected induced expression of the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1. Additionally we present evidence that listeriolysin O is the inducing agent for activation of the Raf-MEK-MAP kinase pathway.

Differential regulation of cytokine and cytokine receptor mRNA expression upon infection of bone marrow-derived macrophages with Listeria monocytogenes

Cytokine and cytokine receptor mRNA expression was analyzed by PCR-assisted amplification of RNA extracted from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM phi) at different time points after infection with Listeria monocytogenes. The mRNAs for the cytokines interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were induced early after infection, whereas IL-6 mRNA appeared later and even nonhemolytic Listeria strains, which are unable to grow inside eukaryotic cells, induced the same cytokine mRNAs at levels similar to those of the wild-type strain. In most cases, the amounts of cytokines determined by various bioassays correlated with the level of mRNA induction. Inhibition of phagocytic uptake of L. monocytogenes by cytochalasin D treatment resulted in adherent bacteria which still induced the proinflammatory cytokines. In BMM phi, the level of IL-1 receptor II mRNA was unaffected, whereas mRNA expression of the two subtypes of tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNF-RI and TNF-RII) was differentially regulated upon infection: transcription of TNF-RI was reduced, and that of TNF-RII mRNA was induced. Similar to the decreased TNF-RI mRNA expression, gamma interferon receptor mRNA was downregulated in L. monocytogenes-infected BMM phi. This dose- and time-dependent induction or downregulation of cytokine receptor mRNA following L. monocytogenes infection of BMM phi was not observed upon infection of established macrophage-like cell lines J774 and P388D1. Induction of IL-6 mRNA as well as IL-1 alpha/beta and TNF-alpha mRNAs upon L. monocytogenes infection of BMM phi occurs independently of autocrine TNF-alpha signaling via TNF-RI or TNF-RII, as shown by infection of TNF-RI- and TNF-RII-deficient macrophages derived from mutant B6 x 129 mice. In contrast to gamma interferon receptor mRNA, both TNF receptor subtype mRNAs were not influenced by L. monocytogenes infection of hybrid (B6 x 129) mouse macrophages. Whereas the proinflammatory cytokine mRNAs were even induced after infection with the nonpathogenic species L. innocua, no alteration of cytokine receptor mRNA expression was observed after challenge of BMM phi with this nonpathogenic species, suggesting that the modulation of cytokine and cytokine receptor expression by L. monocytogenes could be an important way of inhibition of macrophage stimulation.

Synthesis and secretion of bacterial antigens by attenuated Salmonella via the Escherichia coli hemolysin secretion system

We describe a plasmid system which allows the secretion of foreign antigens in attenuated Salmonella aroA strains by the secretion apparatus of E. coli hemolysin. The gene (or gene fragment) encoding the antigen is inserted in frame into a residual position of the hlyA gene, encoding the HlyA secretion signal (HlyAs). Generally, the fused gene is efficiently expressed and the synthesized antigen is in part secreted into the culture supernatant and in part exposed on the surface of the producing Salmonella strain. The successful use of this approach is demonstrated with two antigens of Salmonella typhimurium, PagC and SlyA, both of which are potent virulence factors but produced only in small amounts under in vitro culture conditions and two virulence proteins of Listeria monocytogenes, p60 and listeriolysin. Interestingly the listeriolysin fusion protein proved to be cytolytically active and allowed, when expressed in Salmonella, the escape of these bacteria into the cytoplasm of infected macrophages.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C from Listeria monocytogenes contributes to intracellular survival and growth of Listeria innocua

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular organism that is capable of replicating within macrophage and macrophage-like cells. The species secretes a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) encoded by the plcA gene. A plcA gene from L. monocytogenes was cloned downstream of a gram-positive promoter in the plasmid pWS2-2. To determine what effect plcA would have on intracellular survival when introduced into Listeria innocua, a species that does not growth intracellularly or contain plcA, transformation with the recombinant pWS2-2 plasmid was performed. Phospholipase C activity in Listeria innocua/pWS2-2 was confirmed on a brain heart infusion-phosphatidylinositol agar plate, whereas wild-type L. innocua did not produce PI-PLC activity. Intracellular growth of L. innocua/pWS2-2 was subsequently measured in the macrophage-like cell line J774 by Giemsa staining and viable count determinations at specific time points following infection. The J774 cells infected with wild-type L. innocua showed a falling viable count through 8 h postinfection. Although J774 cells infected with L. innocua/pWS2-2 also initially displayed reduced viable counts, the viable count rose after 6 h postinfection and increased further at 8 h postinfection before a subsequent decline again at 16 h postinfection. Giemsa staining revealed fewer than 6 bacteria in individual macrophage cells at 2 h postinfection, and yet approximately 15% of the J774 cells had 6 to 12 bacteria localized to one area of the macrophage cell after 6 h; moreover, electron micrographs showed that the L. innocua/pWS2-2 cells were replicating inside the phagosome of the host cell. Furthermore, Thoria Sol labeling demonstrated that lysosomes had fused with these phagosomes, and acridine orange staining revealed that the compartments were acidified. These results demonstrate that L. innocua cells transformed with the plasmid-borne plcA gene, and expressing functional PI-PLC, are able to grow intracellularly in what appear to be phagolysosomes, although between 3 and 6 h is needed for this to manifest itself. Intracellular growth specifically in L. innocua may be a secondary function associated with the plcA gene product. The addition of this one gene, plcA, to a species of Listeria that in the wild-type state does not replicate intracellularly apparently can now allow some of the bacteria to transiently multiply inside the phagosomes of host macrophage cells.

Mammalian cells transfected with the listeriolysin gene exhibit enhanced proliferation and focus formation

Mouse 3T6 and 3T3 fibroblasts and rat epithelial L2 cells were transfected with recombinant plasmids containing the listeriolysin gene (hly) of Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterial gene (with and without the 5' signal sequence) was cloned under the control of a murine metallothionein promoter, resulting in elevated transcription of both forms of the hly gene after induction with ZnSO4. However, the gene product could be observed only when the listeriolysin gene lacking the 5' signal sequence was used. Intact listeriolysin could not be detected in the cytoplasm or in the supernatant of the hly-transfected cells. 3T6 and L2 cells transfected with the intact hly gene exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation and increased formation of actin microfilaments upon induction of hly expression with ZnSO4. Both cell types are not contact inhibited and formed large piles of spherical cells after transfection with hly. In contrast, contact-inhibited 3T3 cells transfected with the hly gene showed increased proliferation but no formation of such cell aggregates. When 3T6 fibroblasts were transfected with the hly gene without the 5' signal sequence, inhibition of growth, lack of cell layer confluency, and altered (spherical) cell morphology were observed.