Magnoflorine from Berberis vulgaris Roots-Impact on Hippocampal Neurons in Mice after Short-Term Exposure

In search of novel potential drug candidates that could be used as treatments or prophylactics for memory impairment, an aporphine alkaloid magnoflorine (MAG) isolated from the root of Berberis vulgaris was proven to exhibit beneficial anti-amnestic properties. Its effects on immunoreactivity to parvalbumin in the mouse hippocampus were assessed together with a study on its safety and concentration in the brain and plasma. For this purpose, four experimental groups were created: the MAG10 group-treated with 10 mg MAG/kg b.w. i.p., the MAG20 group-treated with 20 mg MAG/kg b.w. i.p., the MAG50 group-treated with 50 mg MAG/kg b.w. i.p., and a control group-injected with saline i.p. at a volume corresponding to their weight. Our results indicated that the hippocampal fields CA1-CA3 were characterized by an elevated number of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons (PV-IR) and nerve fibers in mice at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w. (i.p.). No significant changes to the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 or TNF-α were observed for the above two doses; however, the administration of 50 mg/kg b.w. i.p. caused a statistically significant elevation of IL-6, IL-1beta plasma levels and an insignificant raise in the TNF-alpha value. The HPLC-MS analysis showed that the alkaloid's content in the brain structures in the group treated with 50 mg/kg b.w. did not increase proportionally with the administered dose. The obtained results show that MAG is able to influence the immunoreactivity to PV-IR in hippocampal neurons and might act as a neuroprotective compound.

The cranio-orbital foramen: a meta-analysis with a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The goal of the present study was to provide accurate data on the prevalence and morphometrical aspects of the cranio-orbital foramen (COF), which can surely be of use by surgeons performing procedures on the lateral orbit. Furthermore, the embryology and the clinical significance of this osseous structure were thoroughly discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find all relevant studies regarding COF.

RESULTS

Eventually, a total of 25 studies that matched the required criteria and contained complete and relevant data were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COF was found to be 48.37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.67-55.10%). The occurrence of the COF unilaterally was set to be 71.92% (95% CI: 41.87-96.97%). The occurrence of the COF bilaterally was set at 26.08% (95% CI: 3.03-58.13%).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we believe that this is the most accurate and up-to- -date study regarding the anatomy of the COF. The COF is prevalent in 48.37% of the cases, and it is most frequently unilateral (73.92%). Furthermore, the prevalence of accessory COFs was found to be 16.72%. The presence of these foramina may represent a source of haemorrhage that ophthalmic surgeons should be aware of when performing procedures in the lateral part of the orbit.

Anatomical variations in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The first dorsal compartment of the wrist includes tendons of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). However, many studies have showed multiple anatomical variations including anomalies in the number of both APL and EPB tendons and presence of intercompartmental fibro-osseous septum. Unfortunately, studies describing those variations are not consistent, hence, the aim of this study was to provide most accurate data about these anatomical variations in the population, using systematic review and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this purpose, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and a number of minor online libraries were searched. Articles which included exact data about the number of APL or EPB tendons or a presence of intercompartmental septum were qualified for a more precise evaluation. Therefore, out of 1629 studies initially evaluated, 68 were finally included in this meta-analysis. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 5229 studied wrists have been included in this study. Double APL and single EPB are the most common variations of tendons in the first dorsal compartment, both in cadavers and patients with de Quervain's disease, with no statistically significant differences between those two groups. Presence of intercompartmental fibro-osseus septum is much more common in patients with de Quervain's disease than in cadavers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results should improve the awareness of anatomical variations in the first dorsal compartment, which in turn should have impact on treatment of de Quervain's disease in clinical practice.

The divided zygoma: a meta-analysis of its prevalence with a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Divided zygoma (DZ) is an important structure in the midfacial region. The anatomy of DZ is poorly researched, but knowledge about this entity could be useful during posttraumatic facial reconstructions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and anatomy of DZ in different regions around the world. Therefore, the authors performed a meta-analysis, including all studies that report extractable data on the DZ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main online medical databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Content Connect, Korean Journal Database and Russian Citation Index, were utilised to gather all studies on anatomical characteristics, prevalence, symmetry, and a number of divisions of zygomatic bone.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Data were grouped and analysed in five categories: (1) prevalence of DZ bone, (2) prevalence of DZ skulls, (3) gender prevalence of DZ with sides, (4) divisions of zygomatic bone, (5) symmetry of DZ.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the authors of the present study believe that this study can be considered an up-to-date meta-analysis regarding the prevalence, divisions, and symmetricity of the DZ. The data provided by the present study may be useful information for physicians in recognizing the DZ of the fracture and may be important information during zygomatic bone osteotomy. Detailed anatomical knowledge of the midfacial region can prevent surgical complications when operating in this area.

Adenovirus infection among pediatric patients with cancer and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell: A multicenter nationwide study

The aim was to evaluate the incidence, clinical course, and outcome of adenoviral infection (AdVI) in pediatric patients diagnosed and treated due to cancer and in pediatric recipients of hematopoietic stem cell. Over a 72-month period, all-in 5599 children with cancer: 2441 patients with hematological malignancy (HM) and 3158 with solid tumors (ST), and 971 patients after transplantation: 741 after allogeneic (allo-HSCT) and 230 after autologous (auto-HSCT) were enrolled into the study. Among cancer patients, 67 episodes of AdVI appeared in 63 (1.1%) children, including 45 (1.8%) with HM and 18 (0.6%; P < .001) with ST. Within transplanted patients, AdVIs were responsible for 88 episodes in 81 (8.3%) children (P < .001), including 78 (10.5%) patients after allo-HSCT and 3 (1.3%) after auto-HSCT. Time to develop AdVI was short, especially after allo-HSCT. The most common clinical manifestation in cancer patients was enteritis diagnosed in 63 (94.0%) cases, while among HSCT recipient asymptomatic adenoviremia was found in 36 (40.9%) cases and the most common clinical manifestation was urinary tract infection. Cancer patients with disseminated disease, as well as HSCT recipients with either asymptomatic viremia or disseminated disease, received antiviral treatment. The most commonly used first-line therapy was cidofovir. None of the cancer patients died due to AdVI, while within HSCT recipients three patients developed disseminated adenoviral disease and died despite antiviral treatment. In cancer patients, AdVIs are rare and associated with very good prognosis even without specific treatment. However, in allo-HSCT recipients, disseminated disease with fatal outcome is more likely to occur.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not increase the risk of infection-related complications for pediatric patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas: A multicenter nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represent a spectrum of lymphoid malignancies that are often curable with currently applied treatment regimens; however, 15%-30% of lymphoma patients still suffer from relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) disease. Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improves outcomes of second-line therapy for lymphoma in childhood, the complication rates in this group of patients, especially infectious complications (IC), remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this population-based cohort study was a retrospective analysis of incidence, epidemiology and profile of bacterial infections (BI), invasive fungal disease (IFD), and viral infections (VI) in primary or rel/ref lymphoma patients, both HL and NHL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We subdivided lymphoma patients into three groups: patients with primary conventional chemotherapy/radiotherapy regimens (group A), patients with rel/ref lymphoma treated with second-line chemotherapy (group B), and rel/ref lymphoma patients who underwent HSCT (group C). The medical records of the patients were biannually reported by each pediatric oncology center, and the data were analyzed centrally.

RESULTS

Within 637 patients with primary lymphoma, at least one IC was diagnosed in 255 (40.0%), among 52 patients with rel/ref lymphoma 24 (46.2%) ICs were observed, and in transplanted group, 28 (57.1%) out of 49 children were diagnosed with IC (P = .151). The distribution of etiology of IC differed between the patient groups (A, B, C), with a predominance of BI in group A (85.6% vs 72.0% and 47.9%, respectively), VI in group C (9% and 16.0% vs 46.6%, respectively), and IFD in group B (5.4% vs 12.0% vs 5.5%, respectively). Overall, 500 (68.0%) episodes of bacterial IC were diagnosed in the entire group. Apart from HL patients treated with chemotherapy, in all the other subgroups of patients Gram-positives were predominant. The rate of multidrug-resistant bacteria was high, especially for Gram-negatives (41.1% in group A, 62.5% in group B, and 84.6% in group C). The infection-related mortality was comparable for each group.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of IC was comparable during first- and second-line chemotherapy and after HSCT, but their profile was different for primary or re/ref lymphoma and depended on the type of therapy.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation over a 6-year period: analysis of the Polish Pediatric Group for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

AIMS

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are an emerging cause of morbidity and mortality after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of the study was to analyse the incidence, clinical characteristics and survival from bacterial infections (BI) caused by MDR pathogens in paediatric HSCT recipients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among 971 transplanted patients, BI were found in 416 children between the years 2012 and 2017. Overall, there were 883 bacterial episodes, which includes 85·8% after allo-HSCT and 14·2% after auto-HSCT. MDR strains were responsible for half of the total number of bacterial episodes. Over 50% of MDR pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae causing mainly gut infections or urinary tract infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding HSCT type, we did not find differences in the profile of MDR BI between allo- and auto-HSCT recipients. However, survival in MDR and non-MDR infections was comparable.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The large sample size enables unique analysis and makes our data more applicable to other paediatric HSCT centres. In the absence of local epidemiological data, presented clinical characteristics of MDR-caused infections may be used to optimize the prophylactic strategies, early identification of infectious complications of MDR aetiology and thus promptly initiate adequate antibiotic therapy and further improve patients' outcome.

Investigation of relationship between precursor of miRNA-944 and its mature form in lung squamous-cell carcinoma - the diagnostic value

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNA (miRNA) are attractive markers of lung cancer, due to their regulatory role in cell cycle. However, we know more about function of miRNA in cancer development, there is still little known about role of their precursors (primary miRNA; pri-miRNA) in tumorgenesis. In present study we investigated potential role of miRNA-944 and its precursor pri-miRNA-944 in development of squamous-cell lung cancer (SCC) and explored interdependence between miRNA precursor and its mature form. This is a first available literature report analyzing pri-miRNA as a cancer diagnostic marker.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Expression of miRNA-944 and its precursor was analyzed in 58 fresh-frozen tissues of non-small cell lung cancer and corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues using qRT-PCR. Expression of pri-miRNA-944 was correlated with TP63 and miRNA-944. Using ROC analysis diagnostic accuracy of studied markers was evaluated.

RESULTS

miRNA-944 and its precursor were significantly overexspressed in SCC compared to adenocarcinoma (AC) and non-cancerous tissue. pri-miRNA-944 strongly and positively correlated with TP63 (r = 0.739, p < 0.001) and with mature miRNA-944 expression (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). Also, TP63 expression significantly correlated with mature miRNA (r = 0.785, p < 0.001). Combined analysis of pri-miRNA-944 and mature miRNA-944 allowed to distinguish SCC tissue form AC with sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 100% (AUC = 0.978), and SCC from non-cancerous tissue with 92.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC = 0.992).

CONCLUSION

We assumed that pri-miRNA-944 and miRNA-944 may be involved in early squamous-type differentiation of lung tumors. Moreover, analysis of both markers provided high diagnostic accuracy for SCC detection.

Levels of renalase and advanced oxidation protein products with regard to catecholamines in haemodialysed patients

INTRODUCTION

The main mediators of the sympathetic nervous system in the effectors part are catecholamines (CA). An increased sympathetic nerve activity observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is due to a raised level of CA in plasma. Renalase is a protein secreted by the kidneys, composed of 342 amino acids, which is able to metabolize the circulating CA and possibly play an important role in the regulation of sympathetic tone and blood pressure. Also, oxidative stress, defined as a disruption of the equilibrium between the generation of oxidants, is a crucial factor in the development of the inflammatory syndrome associated with CKD. The advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) represent exquisite markers of phagocyte-derived oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of renalase and explore the associations between AOPP with regards to CA in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted among 50 residents of the municipality and neighbouring villages in the province of Lublin, central-eastern Poland.

RESULTS

In the studied patients, it was found that an average concentration of renalase was 44.8 ± 6.5 μg/mL, whereas of AOPP plasma levels - 57.5 ± 21.5 μmol/L. The results demonstrated the correlation between levels of renalase and AOPP in the HD patients. Indeed, elevated levels of renalase and AOPP in HD may be due to the presence of uremic toxins in blood. The concentration of urea affects the plasma concentrations of AOPP and renalase causing a direct relationship between renalase and AOPP. However, there is no clear relationship between renalase and circulating catecholamines in HD patients.

Analysis of primary-miRNA-3662 and its mature form may improve detection of the lung adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Because of the alarming data concerning lung cancer morbidity and mortality, investigation of new molecular markers allowing early cancer detection is desirable. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of miRNA-3662 precursor (pri-miRNA-3662) as potential novel diagnostic marker of lung adenocarcinoma (AC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of miRNA-3662 and pri-miRNA-3662 was analyzed in 56 fresh-frozen tissues of non-small cell lung cancer and corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues using (NCT) qRT-PCR. Using receiver operating curves (ROC) analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of both studied markers for AC detection was assessed.

RESULTS

miRNA-3662 and its precursor were significantly overexpressed in AC compared to squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) and NCT. Combined analysis of pri-miRNA-3662 and mature miRNA-3662 allowed to distinguish AC tissue from SCC with sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 85.7% (AUC = 0.963), and SCC from non-cancerous tissue with 92% sensitivity and 92% specificity (AUC = 0.979).

CONCLUSIONS

miRNA-3662 and its precursor are potentially involved in AC development. pri-miRNA seem to be novel interesting group of potential cancer biomarkers, because they demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy for tumor detection.

Role of circulating microRNA in hemodialyzed patients

MicroRNA (miRNA) belongs to the family of non-coding RNAs, which posttranscriptionally regulate gene function. Moreover, accumulating evidence points to an essential role of miRNAs in development and monitoring of kidney disease, though the role of particular miRNAs in patients undergoing hemodialysis is still unclear. This might have consequences. It is possible that measuring a single miRNA in hemodialyzed patients may not provide adequate information about development of many pathological processes. The goal of this review is to highlight the current knowledge in the field of miRNAs, with a special emphasis on their circulation in hemodialyzed patients.

Cholinergic activation affects the acute and chronic antinociceptive effects of morphine

Current studies indicate that the cholinergic and opioid systems interact to modulate pain. In the present work, we investigated the influence of the cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil (0.5; 1 or 3mg/kg, i.p.) and rivastigmine (0.03; 0.5 or 1mg/kg, i.p.), on the acute antinociceptive effects of morphine (5mg/kg, i.p.) in the hot plate test in mice. Herein, both inhibitors were found to enhance and prolong the analgesic effects of morphine without affecting latencies themselves. In an extension of this work, we determined which cholinergic receptors subtype mediates the enhancement of analgesic effects of morphine, following inhibition of cholinesterases. In this part of the study, scopolamine (0.5mg/kg, i.p.), a muscarinic cholinergic receptors antagonist, but not mecamylamine (3mg/kg, i.p.), a nicotinic cholinergic receptors antagonist, reversed the enhancing effects of donepezil (3mg/kg, i.p.) and rivastigmine (1mg/kg, i.p.) on the morphine antinociception. Moreover, both cholinesterase inhibitors attenuated the development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine. In contrast, acute administration of donepezil (3mg/kg, i.p.) or rivastigmine (1mg/kg, i.p.) on the day of expression of tolerance, had no effect on the already developed morphine tolerance. What is more, in both set of experiments, rivastigmine was slightly more potent than donepezil due to the broader inhibitory spectrum of this drug on acetylcholine degradation. Thus, our results suggest that the cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil and rivastigmine, may be administered with morphine in order to enhance the latter's analgesic effects for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.

Influence of Thermal Processing and in vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant Potential of Ginger and Ginger Containing Products

Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) is a common spice and a medicine widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical climate around the globe, which contains both precious polyphenols and terpenes in its extracts. The ubiquity of ginger in a variety of foods encouraged the authors to assess the influence of thermal processing and digestion of the plant material on its antioxidant capacity. The obtained results of DPPH assay showed marked differences in the antioxidant potential of the processed samples, in comparison with fresh ginger rhizomes. Autoclave and microwave heating procedures were found to evoke the-mildest decomposition of the antioxidants and increase the antioxidant capacity of the plant (from IC50 of 210±10 for a fresh rhizome to ca 160±16 gg/mL for the former, and to 150±18 for the latter technique), whereas frying and boiling for different durations significantly deteriorated the antiradical potential up to IC5o= 940±36 pg/mL. Mouth and stomach digestion decreased the antioxidant potential of the extracts even to ca. 1000i47 μg/mL. A protective role of saliva towards the antioxidant compounds against hydrochloric acid and pepsin activities has been proven. A marked deterioration in antioxidant capacity in digested rhizomes may shed new light on the actual absorption of consumed polyphenols with food products.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 - a key player in cardiovascular disorders?

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a newly discovered adipokine, synthesized by several organs, mostly by the liver, which was introduced as a potent metabolic regulator and insulin-sensitizing factor. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated that FGF21 improves glucose and lipids metabolism and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. However, data obtained from human studies have shown contradictory results, in which circulating FGF21 levels were often elevated in obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes (DM2) and other conditions connected with insulin resistance. This increase in basal FGF21 concentrations observed in patients with obesity and other conditions related to insulin resistance was being explained as a compensatory response to the underlying metabolic disturbances or tissue resistance to FGF21 action. Furthermore, the results of clinical trials have shown that increased FGF21 concentrations were associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and had a prognostic value in CV outcomes. In recent years, it has been reported that FGF21 may exert cardioprotective effects. This mini-review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge about the role of FGF21 in CV disorders, and discuss the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-atherogenic properties of this compound.

Can chronic heart failure induce kidney function damage?

Accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular events have been extensively documented in patients with end stage chronic kidney disease.

The aim of our work was to find evidence supporting the theory that chronic heart failure (CHF) induces renal function damage. In our work, lipids, apolipoprotein (apo)AI, NTproBNP, hsCRP, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and creatinine levels were determined in patients with CHF. A total of 37 patients who were diagnosed with CHF, as well as 15 healthy persons, were recruited for the study. The patients were placed into 2 groups: patients with NYHA class 2 and NYHA class 3. Using routine laboratory methods, NT-proBNP level, and lipids were measured by way of employing a Cobas Integra analyser, while the concentration of hs-CRP was measured by immunonephelometric methods. Moreover, serum LPO concentration was measured using Cayman’s Assay Kit (LPO). The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation analysis. Our work demonstrated that the CHF patients had significantly decrease concentration of HDL cholesterol and apoAI, but increased NT-pro-BNP, hsCRP and LPO levels. In all CHF patients, a significant positive correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and creatinine levels, and a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and apoAI levels, as well as between concentration of creatinine and apoAI levels, was shown. The study results suggest that variation in the concentration of NT-proBNP, LPO, hsCRP, apoAI, creatinine, in addition to chronic heart failure progression, gradually accompany the progress of chronic renal failure. What is more, the disorders may lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular events, consequently, to patient death.

Impact of I/D polymorphism of ACE gene on risk of development and course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 10% of the world's population over 40 years of age. The main exogenous risk factor is cigarette smoking; however, only 20% of smokers develop COPD, indicating that some other factors, e.g. genetic, may play an important role in the disease pathogenesis. Recent research indicates that ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) may be a susceptibility gene for asthma or COPD. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of I/D (insertion/deletion) polymorphism of the ACE gene (AluYa5, rs4646994) on the risk and course of COPD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We investigated ACE I/D polymorphism in 206 COPD and 165 healthy Caucasian subjects.

RESULTS

In the generalized linear model (GLZ) analysis of the influence of selected factors on presence of COPD we found a significant independent effect for male sex (repeatedly increases the risk of COPD, OR = 7.7, p = 0.049), as well as smoking or lower body mass index, but only in combination with older age (OR = 0.96, p = 0.003 and OR = 1.005, p = 0.04 respectively). Interestingly, analysis of factors which may influence the risk of a higher number of exacerbations demonstrated that occurrence of DD genotype, but only in men, is associated with a lower risk (OR = 0.7, p = 0.03) of this complication.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that ACE may not be a susceptibility gene for the origin of COPD but a disease-modifying gene. Since the impact of I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene on COPD risk is moderate or negligible, other molecular changes, that will help predict the development of this disease, should still be sought.

Measurement and comparison of individual external doses of high-school students living in Japan, France, Poland and Belarus-the 'D-shuttle' project

Twelve high schools in Japan (of which six are in Fukushima Prefecture), four in France, eight in Poland and two in Belarus cooperated in the measurement and comparison of individual external doses in 2014. In total 216 high-school students and teachers participated in the study. Each participant wore an electronic personal dosimeter 'D-shuttle' for two weeks, and kept a journal of his/her whereabouts and activities. The distributions of annual external doses estimated for each region overlap with each other, demonstrating that the personal external individual doses in locations where residence is currently allowed in Fukushima Prefecture and in Belarus are well within the range of estimated annual doses due to the terrestrial background radiation level of other regions/countries.

Omentin - a new adipokine with many roles to play

Adipose tissue is at a point of high interest in medical research, not only as an energy depot, but also because it secretes nearly more than 600 cytokines. These are termed‚ adipokines’. Human adipokines are involved in numerous metabolic processes, including the regulation of appetite, energy expenditure, insulin sensitivity, inflammation and cardiovascular activity. Thus, these could be clinically important as a markers of adipose tissue function and increased metabolic risk. The search for novel adipokines linking obesity to related co-morbidities has become a major topic in obesity research. In such work, there is an increasing need to define their function, their molecular targets and their potential clinical relevance as biomarkers or in the treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Omentin (34 kDa) is a recently identified fat deposition-specific adipokine with multiple interactions. Concentrations of omentin have been shown to be decreased in patients with obesity and impaired glucose regulation, in patients afflicted with diabetes type 1 and 2, and in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. These are all diseases commonly associated with insulin resistance and obesity. The aim of this study was to show and compare the latest information about omentin and its relationships with obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome (MetS), inflammation, cardiac problems, sex hormone imbalances and cancer.

The association of omentin with particular metabolic indexes may suggest that an elevation in omentin level may be seen as being a marker for leanness, while a decreased level will underline possible situations of overweight and obesity along with their comorbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and even cancer). However, a challenge for the future is to fully understand the multiple role played by omentin. Thus, more studies in these matter are required.

Plasma and erythrocyte relationship of catecholamines in hemodialysis patients

The function of the autonomic nervous system is based on reciprocal interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts, most frequently in the form of antagonistic action on target organs. The main mediators of the sympathetic nervous system in the effectors part are catecholamines (CA), which are involved in various physiological processes. Moreover, CA also has a profound effect on the kidneys, being factors that impact on renal haemodynamics, and have been reported to be altered in pathological disorders, e.g. extracellular volume expression, hypertension and cardiovascular complications. The increased sympathetic nerve activity, at least in part, can explain the raised in plasma CA observed in chronic kidney diseases. Furthermore, plasma CA levels in ureamic patients cannot be considered a reliable index of sympathetic activity, due to existence of many factors which may affect their values. In addition, CA released into the circulation, as one of many substances, may penetrate across the cellular membranes of erytrocytes (RBC). Taking these observations together, the aim of the presented study was to investigate for the first time the plasma and erythrocyte relationship of catecholamines in haemodialysis. The studies were performed among 37 haemodialysed patients who were inhabitants of the Lublin commune. Plasma and intracellular concentration of CA were measured prior to and following haemodialysis by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The results suggest that RBC are able to accumulate CA at the stage of terminal renal failure; in addition, the levels of adrenaline and dopamine in RBC depend on the accumulation of urea in plasma. It was also found that the dynamic changes in concentration of RBC adrenaline are an independent predictor of mortality in haemodialysis patients.

Relationship between renalase and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) in haemodialysis patients

INTRODUCTION

Our knowledge in the field of cause of deaths in dialysis patients is rapidly expanding, yet we still do not fully understand how renalase regulates the processes of cardiovascular disease developing in end-stage renal disease. Increased sympathetic nerve activity observed in chronic kidney diseases due to raised catecholamines in plasma results from the absence of renalase. Renalase synthesized and secreted by the kidneys participate in the regulation of sympathetic tone and blood pressure. A family of natriuretic peptides has been identified - NT pro-BNP - which seems to be the best predictor of clinical outcome and marker of extracellular fluid overload, as well as predicting mortality, irrespective of renal function.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the presented study was to investigate renalase concentration and investigate associations between NT-proBNP, as well as analyzed parameters in haemodialysis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The study was conducted among residents of the municipality and neighbouring villages in the province of Lublin, central-eastern Poland. 49 male subjects on haemodialysis, aged 65.3 ± 14.2 years, median time on haemodialysis: 37.5 months, were included. All study subjects underwent haemodialysis 3 times a week. The mean concentration of renalase in the entire study population was 126.59 ± 32.63 ng/mL. The circulating levels of NT-proBNP was 813.64 ± 706.96 pg/mL. A significant inverse correlation was found between NT-proBNP and renalase plasma levels (R = -0.3, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Inverse correlation between NT-proBNP and renalase plasma levels in haemodialysis patients were due to impaired kidney function, accompanied by increased sympathetic nerve activity, which have an impact on the development of hypertension and cardiovascular complications.

Level of glycation gap in a healthy subject

INTRODUCTION

The discordance between glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1C)) and fructosamine (FA) estimations in the assessment of glycemia is often encountered. A number of mechanisms might explain such discordance, but whether or not they are consistent is uncertain. Nevertheless, the fact that there is a discrepancy in HbA(1C) and mean blood glucose cannot be ignored in the monitoring of glycemic control. To address the discrepancy between HbA(1C) and mean blood glucose, Robert Cohen proposed the measurement of glycation gap (GG). Recently, the 'Glycation Gap' (GG) has been defined as the difference between the measured HbA(1C). GG has improved the quality of the monitoring of glycemic control, especially for those patients whose HbA(1C) levels do not truly reflect the mean blood glucose levels.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of the statistical analyses were to estimate GG values in a healthy subject. The research was conducted among the inhabitants of the Zwierzyniec commune and nearby villages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 93 subjects: 63 women and 30 men, between the ages of 18-79. Measurements of HbA(1C) and FA in the 93 people were used to calculate GG, defined as the difference between measured HbA(1C) and HbA(1C) predicted from FA, based on the population regression of HbA(1C) on FA.

CONCLUSIONS

In considering the values GG in the study group, particular significance should be attributed to a progressive increase of GG with advancing age. Elderly people who are at risk of developing diabetes, or who have already developed the disease, may not exhibit the classic symptoms expected. Age-related changes can mean that some symptoms will be masked, or more dificult to spot. It is worth pointing out that HbA(1C) together with GG must be taken into account in the correct interpretation of the glycation processes.

Effects of the pollution by petroleum on the tracheids along the stem of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl., Podocarpaceae

Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl. (Podocarpaceae) is native and a member of the Pinophyta (Gymnosperm) of southern Brazil, locally known as "pinheiro-bravo". The present work aims to investigate the effects of petroleum on the tracheids dimensions. Wood samples from twenty individuals were studied along the stem, ten being exposed to pollution and ten used as a control set. The wood samples were collected from incisions at three levels: at the ground level, and one and two metres above the ground level. From these samples, sub-samples were selected at the border of the growth layers in the vascular cambium-medulla direction. The methodology followed that traditionally recommended for plant anatomy studies, with analyses done by light microscopy (OLYMPUS - BX41) assisted by the software Image Pro-plus for measurements. Comparison of the individuals exposed to petroleum with the control set, showed that the length, diameter and cell wall width of the tracheids of the former were smaller, a trend which was statistically significant according to the Student's t-test. These traits were observed mainly on the tracheids of the last growth layer, corresponding to the year in which the individuals were exposed to petroleum.

[Observations related to causes and treatment of iatrogenic esophageal injuries]

One hundred and nine patients were treated in the years 1974-1996 at the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery, Silesian Academy of Medicine, for oesophageal perforation. The group consisted of 72 (66%) men and 37 (34%) women aged 6-89, mean 43 years. In 80 (73%) patients the condition was caused by foreign bodies and endoscopic interventions attempting to remove them, in 9 (8%) by dilation in result of postburn stenosis, in 6 (5%) by trauma, in 8 (7%) by spontaneous rupture, in 6 (5.5%) by other reasons, like tumor or burn. The injury was found within cervical segment in 53 (49%) patients, within thoracic segment in 55 (50%) patients and within abdominal segment in 1 (1%) patients. Fifty seven (52%) patients were admitted sooner than 24 hours after oesophageal injury while 52 (48%) were admitted later than that. A total of 21 (19.3%) patients died, including 3 (5.2%) of the former group and 18 (34.6%) of the latter. Surgical closure of the oesophageal perforation was applied in 40 (37%) patients- of them 4 (10%) died. Four patients with late (exceeding 24 h) diagnosis of oesophageal perforation had thoracotomy and two-layer closure. All of them have survived.