The impact of wound-healing assay, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation and siRNA-mediated FURIN gene silencing on endogenous retroviral ERVW-1 expression level in U87-MG astrocytoma cells

PURPOSE

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ubiquitous genomic sequences. Normally dormant HERVs, undergo reactivation by environmental factors. This deregulation of HERVs' transcriptional equilibrium correlates with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Here we sought to explore whether exposing the U-87 MG astrocytoma cells to traumatic injury deregulates the expression of HERV-W family member ERVW-1 encoding syncytin-1. We also examined the expression of FURIN gene that is crucial in syncytin-1 synthesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Scratch assay was used as a model of cells injury in U-87 MG cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB) and migration assay using Boyden chamber were used. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used for cell stimulation and gene expression inhibition, respectively.

RESULTS

Results revealed reduced ERVW-1 expression in cells exposed to injury (p ​< ​0.05) while GFAP gene - a marker of active astrocytes, was upregulated (p ​< ​0.01). These findings were confirmed by both WB and RT-qPCR. Expression of FURIN gene was not altered after injury, but cell stimulation by PMA strongly increased FURIN expression, simultaneously downregulating ERVW-1 (p ​< ​0.01). SiRNA-mediated expression inhibition of ERVW-1 and FURIN influenced the mRNA level for SLC1A5 (ASCT2) - primary syncytin-1 receptor, that was significantly lower. FURIN inhibition by siRNA caused strong upregulation of ERVW-1 expression (p ​< ​0.01).

CONCLUSION

Results showed that mechanical impact affects the expression of endogenous retroviruses in U-87 MG astrocytoma cells by scratch assay. Regulation of FURIN, a crucial enzyme in ERVW-1 turnover may support the therapy of some neurological conditions.

The Impacts of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration of the Spine, Alcohol Consumption, Smoking Tobacco Products, and Glycemic Disorders on the Expression Profiles of Neurotrophins-3 and -4

In the etiology of discogenic pain, attention is paid to the role of neurotrophic factors, which include classic neurotrophins (NTs). This study aimed to assess changes in the concentrations of NT-3 and NT-4 in the intervertebral discs (IVDs) of the lumbosacral (L/S) spine depending on the advancement of degenerative changes, pain severity, habits, and comorbidities. The study group included 113 patients who underwent microdiscectomy due to degenerative IVD disease of the L/S spine. The severity of degenerative IVD changes was assessed using the five-point Pfirrmann scale, and the pain intensity was assessed according to the visual analog scale (VAS). In turn, the control group included 81 participants from whom IVDs of the L/S section of the spine were collected post-mortem during forensic autopsy or organ donation. At the mRNA level, we noted NT-3 overexpression in the test samples compared with the controls (fold change (FC) = 9.12 ± 0.56; p < 0.05), while NT-4 transcriptional activity was decreased in the test samples compared with the controls (FC = 0.33 ± 0.07; p < 0.05). However, at the protein level, the concentrations of NT-3 (134 ± 5.78 pg/mL vs. 6.78 ± 1.17 pg/mL; p < 0.05) and NT-4 (316.77 ± 8.19 pg/mL vs. 76.92 ± 4.82 pg/mL; p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the test samples compared with the control samples. Nevertheless, the concentration of both proteins did not statistically significantly change depending on the advancement of degenerative changes and the pain intensity (p > 0.05). In addition, higher levels of NT-3 and NT-4 were noted in IVD samples from patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared with patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05). Our analysis confirmed that differences in the degenerative process of IVD, energy metabolism, and lifestyle are related to changes in the concentration profiles of NT-3 and NT-4.

High Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies in Jaworzno, Poland: A Retrospective Study Revealing Endemic Lyme Borreliosis

BACKGROUND This retrospective study of 704 adult residents of Jaworzno, Poland, aimed to evaluate medical personnel awareness of episodes of Lyme borreliosis and serum antibody levels for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 704 residents of Jaworzno, Poland, who had no more than 12 months between tick bite and screening. The study consisted of a self-designed questionnaire survey and an analysis of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato using an enzyme-linked assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, when necessary, to confirm the results. RESULTS A total of 558 residents (79.3%) confirmed having contact with a tick, 84 (11.9%) responded that they did not remember having contact with a tick, and 62 (8.8%) denied having contact with a tick. Regarding IgG, the ELISA showed 183 (25.99%) positive, 440 (62.5%) negative, and 81 (11.5%) equivocal results. Regarding IgM, the ELISA showed 180 (25.57%) positive, 435 (61.79%) negative, and 89 (12.64%) equivocal results. Positive and equivocal results for the IgG and IgM classes using the ELISA test were confirmed in 36 cases (13.64%) for IgG and in 53 cases (19.70%) for IgM using Western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS The ELISA method obtained similar values for positive, negative, and equivocal results in the serological test. This was reflected in the survey conducted on residents who reported a tick bite and later received a positive result in the ELISA test as well as an approximate time between the bite and removal of the tick.

Evaluation of the Concentration of Selected Elements in the Serum of Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbosacral Spine

In humans, 23 elements have been shown to have biological activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in the serum of patients diagnosed with lumbar degenerative stenosis when compared to the concentrations of those elements in the serum of healthy volunteers. The study group consisted of 60 patients who were diagnosed with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine and who qualified for hemilaminectomy. The control group included 60 healthy volunteers without degenerative spinal stenosis. The clinical specimens studied had sera collected from both groups. The quantitative analysis of the selected elements revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower concentrations of Zn (740 ± 110 µg/L vs. 880 ± 160 µg/L) and Mg (22,091 ± 4256 µg/L vs. 24,100 ± 4210 µg/L) in the serum of the patients from the study group when compared to the controls. By contrast, K (16,230 µg/L ± 1210 µg/L vs. 13,210 µg/L ± 1060 µg/L) and Fe (141.87 µg/L ± 11.22 µg/L vs. 109.1 µg/L ± 26.43 µg/L) levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls (p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes were detected in the concentrations of the assessed micronutrients and macronutrients in both sexes in either the study group, the control group, or those based on body mass index (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest correlations were noted between the concentrations. In the study group, we showed a significant relationship between the levels of Fe/Zn (r = 0.41), Fe/Na (r = 0.41), Fe/P (r = 0.55), Zn/P (r = 0.68), Zn/K (r = 0.48), Zn/Ca (r = 0.94), Mg/Ca (r = 0.79), and Na/K (r = 0.67). We showed that only Mg concentration varied statistically significantly with the severity of pain (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the assessment of Fe, Zn, Mg, and K concentrations can be helpful in predicting the onset of degenerative changes in the spine.

Effect of Glycemic Disorders and Habits on the Concentration of Selected Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy habits, such as overeating processed and high-calorie foods, alcohol abuse, and smoking, negatively impact human health. It has been suggested that the inflammatory process and the resulting growth of nerve fibers within the intervertebral disc (IVD) fissures is the main reason for the pain accompanying IVD degeneration (IVDD).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, or diabetes comorbidity contribute to the development of IVDD and how the aforementioned factors affect the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in the study and control groups (intervertebral discs, IVDs from cadavers, and serum samples from voluntary blood donors).

METHODS

The study group comprised 113 patients diagnosed with IVDD who qualified for microdiscectomy. Two control groups (I and II) were used in this study. The first included 81 IVDs obtained from Caucasian human cadavers. Control group II, on the other hand, included serum samples obtained from 113 voluntary blood donors. The expression profiles of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Our statistical analysis confirmed that patients who were overweight/obese, smoked tobacco, consumed alcohol, or had diabetes had a higher risk of IVDD (OR > 1). Statistical analysis showed that BDNF, GAP-43, and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in the IVDs and serum samples obtained from the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, higher levels of BDNF, GDNF, and GAP-43 were noted in IVDD patients who consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, were overweight/obese, or had comorbid diabetes compared to patients without these risk factors (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We showed that changes in energy metabolism, habits, and lifestyle, as well as the degenerative process of IVD in the lumbosacral spine contribute to changing the concentration profile of the analyzed neurotrophic factors.

A Study of 179 Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbosacral Spine to Evaluate Differences in Quality of Life and Disability Outcomes at 12 Months, Between Conservative Treatment and Surgical Decompression

BACKGROUND This prospective study included 179 patients with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine and aimed to evaluate the outcomes of conservative treatment and surgical decompression on quality of life and disability over 12 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS The surgery group consisted of 96 patients with degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine who qualified for surgical decompression, while the conservative-treatment group included 83 patients who qualified for conservative treatment. We used the Satisfaction with Life Scale questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale to assess the severity of pain, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess the degree of disability, and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale at 0, 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed a positive relationship between conservative and surgical treatment and quality of life (P<0.05). A significant reduction in the severity of pain (P<0.05) and the degree of disability (P<0.05) were both recorded during the 12-month followup period in both groups. Women of both groups declared significantly lower satisfaction than men at every time point (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Most patients in both groups declared an improvement in their quality of life, with the surgery group showing a higher percentage of responses that their quality of life had improved. Based on the results obtained from the FACIT-F questionnaire, degenerative stenosis of the lumbosacral spine had a non-root effect on the patients' lives in the surgery group.

Evaluation of the concentration of selected elements in serum patients with intervertebral disc degeneration

Quantitative analysis of the trace element content of human intervertebral discs (IVDs) is essential because it can identify specific enzymes or metabolites that may be related to human intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The goal of this study was to assess the concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in serum samples obtained from patients with IVDD in comparison to healthy volunteers (a control group). The study group consisted of 113 Caucasian patients qualified by a specialist neurosurgeon for microdiscectomy. The control group consisted of 113 healthy volunteers who met the eligibility criteria for blood donors. The examined clinical material was the serum samples obtained from both groups.Based on the quantitative analysis of selected elements, there were statistically significantly (p 0.05) higher concentrations of Cu (1180 μg/L±800 μg/L vs. 1230 μg/L±750 μg/L), Zn (790 μg/L±300 μg/L vs. 850 μg/L±200 μg/L), and Mg (21730 μg/L±4360 μg/L vs. 23820 μg/L±4990 μg/L) in the serum of healthy volunteers compared to those in the study group. In addition, statistically significant changes were not detected in the concentrations of any elements among either sex in either the study or control group or in their body mass index (BMI) values (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest relationships were noted between the concentrations of Zn and Pb (r = 0.61), Zn and P (r = 0.69), Zn and Ca (r = 0.84), Zn and Cu (r = 0.83), Mg and Ca (r = 0.74), and Ca and P (r = 0.98).It has been indicated that, above all, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg depend on the advancement of radiological changes, according to the Pfirrmann scale. However, no influence on pain intensity was found, depending on the concentration of the assessed elements.The analysis indicates that the determination of serum Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg concentrations may have diagnostic significance in predicting the onset of lumbosacral IVDD. The predictive evaluation of changes in the concentrations of selected elements in patients with degenerative lumbar IVD lesions appears to be a promising, cost-effective strategy.

Assessment of quality of life, pain level and disability outcomes after lumbar discectomy

This study aimed to assess the quality of life of 113 Caucasian patients with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration of the lumbosacral (L/S) spine who qualified for microdiscectomy during a 12-month period after surgery. Based on magnetic resonance imaging before the surgery, the degree of radiological advancement of the degenerative changes was determined according to the Pfirrmann grading scale from 1 to 5. To assess pain intensity, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used; the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to evaluate quality of life; and to assess the degree of ability, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) was employed. The level of pain, assessed using the VAS, significantly changed in the months following the surgery, with the highest values noted before surgery and the lowest a year after. In turn, the results of the SWLS questionnaire revealed a significant increase in satisfaction with life in the subsequent stages of the study. The conducted correlation analysis revealed significant dependencies in terms of quality of life in regard to pain as well as degree of disability. The level of pain and degree of disability were closely related to the degree of radiological advancement of degenerative changes according to the Pfirrmann grading scale.

Reinfections from SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Study from the Gyncentrum Genetic Laboratory in Sosnowiec, Poland, April 2020 to July 2022

BACKGROUND The increasing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfections has opened a new research direction related to analyzing long-term immune response and accurately characterizing individual cases of reinfection to understand its mechanism and estimate the risk of widespread reinfection both locally and globally. This retrospective study from the Gyncentrum Genetic Laboratory in Sosnowiec, Poland aimed to evaluate reinfections from SARS-CoV-2 between April 2020 and July 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study extended the previously published report on SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in Poland by analyzing 8041 reinfections diagnosed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Data were collected on the amount of time elapsed from the first infection to the next and, based on these data, all results were divided into several groups for statistical analysis: 0-44, 45-90, 91-200, 201-310, 311-420, and >420 (days). RESULTS The study showed that of the 8041 patients who experienced reinfection, the vast majority (5505) became reinfected more than 310 days after the original infection, even though the average time between infections was 354.3 days. Statistical analysis revealed that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection increases with time and that this relationship becomes statistically significant after the 200th day following the initial infection (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS We have shown that acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection is relatively short-lived - it starts diminishing about 6 months after the initial positive test. Moreover, the risk of reinfection is very high more than 1 year after the initial infection.

Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Lower Back Pain Associated with Spinal Stenosis: A Narrative Review

Lower back pain (LBP) is an extremely common symptom experienced by people of all ages and is also one of the most frequent causes of disability worldwide. This article aims to review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of lower back pain associated with spinal stenosis. The paper we prepared was classified as a "literature narrative review." Nonetheless, when searching for manuscripts included in our work and reviewing them critically, we concentrated on the keywords: "lower back pain", "lumbar spine stenosis", "diagnostic", "rehabilitation", "neurosurgery", "spine", and "elderly". The incidence of chronic lower back pain (CLBP) increases linearly starting with the third decade of life until 60 years old, and it more often affects women. The course of non-specific LBP above all depends on factors not connected with the spine, which include psychological, behavioral, and social factors, determined by the way the condition is perceived by the patient the environment. Lumbar spine stenosis (LSS) is an age-related process of degeneration of the intervertebral discs, ligamentum flavum, and facet joints, which results in narrowing of the space around the neurovascular structures of the spine. Diagnosis of spinal pain syndromes includes radiography (RTG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on the results of imaging studies, neurological examination, and the severity of the disease, treatment can consist of analgesics and rehabilitation, or, when conservative methods are insufficient, surgical treatment is indicated.

Usefulness of Detecting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration of the Lumbosacral Spine

BACKGROUND In determining the etiology of pain of discogenic origin, attention is paid to the role of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Considering the potential role of BDNF in the etiology of pain during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), this study aimed to assess changes in the number of BDNF-positive nerve fibers and levels of BDNF in IVDD of the lumbosacral spine in comparison to intervertebral discs (IVDs) of the control group (cadavers). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group comprised 113 patients with IVDD of the lumbosacral spine. The control group consisted of 81 people (cadavers). We performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to assess IVD structures (degeneration), immunohistochemistry to determine the number of BDNF-positive nerve fibers, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot to quantify BDNF levels in IVDs. RESULTS Levels of BDNF in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group (17.91±19.58 pg/mg; P<0.05). Furthermore, BDNF levels were significantly higher in the annulus fibrosus compared to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc (5.50±6.40 pg/mg; P<0.05). Neither the number of BDNF-positive nerves (P=0.359) nor BDNF concentration (P=0.706) were significantly correlated with the degree of perceived pain. The number of BDNF-positive fibers per 1 mm2 was not found to differ significantly according to the radiological degree of degeneration of the lumbosacral spine based on the Pfirrmann scale (P=0.735). CONCLUSIONS The level of BDNF expression may be indicative of IVD degeneration, although it does not predict the degree of this degeneration.

A Retrospective Population Study of 385 191 Positive Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests For SARS-CoV-2 from a Single Laboratory in Katowice, Poland from April 2020 to July 2022

BACKGROUND This retrospective population study identified 385 191 positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a single laboratory in Katowice, Poland, from April 2020 to July 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material was nasopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal swab or bronchial lavage, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to confirm or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection with the RT-PCR technique. Personal data are use according to the Provisions on the Protection of Personal Data by the Gyn-Centrum laboratory. RESULTS In 9 months of 2020, the number of SARS-CoV-2 results was 88 986; in 2021, it was 168 439, and in the first 7 months of 2022, it was 12 786. In 2020, the highest number of positive results was recorded in the third quarter (83 094 cases); 2021, in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters (58 712; 37 720; and 71 753 cases, respectively), and in 2022, in the 1st quarter (127 613 cases) of the year. A positive result was observed more often in women and people aged 30-39, followed by those 40-49 years. Patients aged 10-19 years comprised the smallest population of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS In the Polish population studied, from April 2020 to July 2022, the detection rates of SARS-CoV-2 positivity were significantly higher for women than for men and in the 30-49 age group for both sexes. Also, the infection detection rate of 385 191 out of 1 332 659 patient samples, or 28.9%, supports that the Polish society adhered to public health recommendations for infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Effects of Statins on Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Multicenter Study

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to explore the effect of statins on long-term respiratory symptoms and pulmonary fibrosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients were recruited from three tertiary hospitals, categorized into Statin or Non-statin groups, and assessed on days 0, 28, and 90 after symptoms onset to record the duration of symptoms. Pulmonary fibrosis was scored at baseline and follow-up time points by high-resolution computed tomography scans. Each group comprised 176 patients after propensity score matching. Data analysis revealed that the odds of having cough and dyspnea were significantly higher in the Non-statin group compared to the Statin group during the follow-up period. Overall, there was no significant difference in the change in pulmonary fibrosis score between groups. However, Non-statin patients with > 5 years of DM were more likely to exhibit a significantly higher fibrosis score during the follow-up period as compared to their peers in the Statin group. Our results suggest that the use of statins is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic cough and dyspnea in diabetic patients with COVID-19, and may reduce pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 in patients with long-term (> 5 years) DM.

Evaluation of the concentration of growth associated protein-43 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in degenerated intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral region of the spine

Important neurotrophic factors that are potentially involved in degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease of the spine's lumbosacral (L/S) region include glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43). The aim of this study was to determine and compare the concentrations of GAP-43 and GDNF in degenerated and healthy IVDs and to quantify and compare the GAP-43-positive and GDNF-positive nerve fibers. The study group consisted of 113 Caucasian patients with symptomatic lumbosacral discopathy (confirmed by a specialist surgeon), an indication for surgical treatment. The control group included 81 people who underwent postmortem examination. GAP-43 and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in IVD samples from the study group compared with the control group, and the highest concentrations were observed in the degenerated IVDs that were graded 4 on the Pfirrmann scale. In the case of GAP-43, it was found that as the degree of IVD degeneration increased, the number of GAP-43-positive nerve fibers decreased. In the case of GDNF, the greatest number of fibers per mm² of surface area was found in the IVD samples graded 3 on the Pfirrmann scale, and the number was found to be lower in samples graded 4 and 5. Hence, GAP-43 and GDNF are promising targets for analgesic treatment of degenerative IVD disease of the lumbosacral region of the spine.

Pathomechanism of the IVDs degeneration and the Role of Neurotrophic Factors and Concentration of Selected Elements in Genesis of Low Back Pain

Abstract:

Degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is a very common medical problem. An episode of sciatica occurs at least once in the life of 60-90% of the human population. A phenomenon that is closely related to the process of lowering the pH of the extracellular matrix degenerating the intervertebral disc (IVD) is the precipitation of calcium salts, especially pyrophosphate dehydrate and hydroxyapatite. In such an altered environment of the IVD, we can observe an increased influx of monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, as well as non-immunocompetent cells, which are a source of cytokines, e.g., tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin- (IL-1β, IL-8). The above-mentioned mediators of an inflammatory condition contribute to an increase in the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Glial cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in mast cells and chondrocytes, as well as to the descending transport of these mediators along the nerve endings. In the process of degeneration of the IVD as a result of repeated and even slight injuries, there is damage to the connections of the endplate of the vertebral bodies with the IVD, which results in an impairment of the penetration of nutritional substances and water into the disc. As a consequence, there is an overexpression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor GDNF, as well as neuromodulin (GAP-43) in the mast cells, chondrocytes of the IVDs, while descending transport of these mediators along the nerve fibers is also observed.

The Thermal Influence of an Electromagnetic Field with a Radio Frequency Depending on the Type of Electrode Used

Diathermy is a method used in physiotherapy based on obtaining an increase in temperature by supplying energy from the electromagnetic field to the tissues. The aim of this retrospective work, based on the data included in a medical documentation, was to assess the dynamics of temperature changes on the body surface after the application of a high-frequency electromagnetic field depending on the type of electrode used. In order to generate a radio frequency electromagnetic field, an INDIBA ACTIV^® CT9 was used. In order to measure the temperature, an HT-17 thermovision camera was used, enabling measurements within the range of -20 to 300 °C, with an accuracy of ±2% or 2 °C. The participants consisted of 30 healthy subjects (15 women and 15 men) who were physiotherapy students in the Faculty of Public Health in the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland; they were divided into two comparative groups (A and B). It was found that the differences between the groups were not significant in the measurements carried out before using the electrode (p = 0.84; Mann-Whitney U test). On the other hand, at 0, 5 and 15 min, statistically significant differences were noted in the tissue temperature between the groups, depending on the electrode used (p = 0.00; Mann-Whitney U test). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that with the extension of the observation time, the tissue temperature increased (for Group A, Me 30.40 °C vs. 34.90 °C; for Group B, Me 30.70 °C vs. 35.20 °C). Our study confirmed that the use of both a capacitive and resistive electrode during treatment with the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic field statistically significantly increased the surface temperature of the area to which the therapy was applied. The results of the study can be used in clinical practice by physiotherapists to optimize the conditions of therapy.

Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Oligodendrocytes in Selected Areas of the Brain of Male and Female Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus)

This study was carried out on six adult red kangaroos of both sexes. To determine the location of the oligodendrocytes (OLGs) of the hippocampus (Hip) and corpus callosum (CC), the method of impregnation of the neuroglia with silver salts was applied. The iron distribution in the OLGs was determined by the histochemical method. The Nissl method was used to determine the location of the brain structure and to analyze the number of OLGs. In the Hip, these cells are located one beside another, mainly in blood vessels and neurons; in the neocortex (NC), they are located in layers I–VI; and in the CC, they are arranged in characteristic rows and accompany both nerve fibers and blood vessels. The analysis of the results obtained by the chosen methods in the Hip, NC, and CC in males and females did not show statistically significant differences in the distribution and location of the red kangaroo OLGs. The involvement of these cells is a physiological process that proceeds in a similar manner throughout the life of individuals and actively influences the metabolism of neurons and myelin.

Crossroad between current knowledge and new perspective of diagnostic and therapy of late-onset schizophrenia and very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis: An update

Schizophrenia is a chronic, highly individualized disease with many symptoms that can occur with varying severity in different patients. Schizophrenia affects 1% of the population, but occurs in almost 20% of patients after 40 years of age. It should be noted that the next peak in the incidence of schizophrenia occurs at the age of 60 years, affects mostly females, and is closely associated with a high risk of developing memory disorders. Therefore, postadolescent schizophrenia includes two distinct groups of patients: those whose symptoms onset at the age of 45 or 60. The purposes of this literature review were as follows: (1) synthetically characterize the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia; (2) discuss difficulties in the diagnosis of schizophrenia, especially in patients over 40 years of age; (3) discuss the clinical utility of different classes of marker in diagnostic and differentiating schizophrenia from neurodegenerative diseases in elderly people; (4) discuss therapeutic options for schizophrenia, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy, emphasizing the role of caregivers of people with psychosis in therapy, in preadolescence and postadolescence schizophrenia. We have tried to primarily discuss the findings of original articles from the last 10 years with an indication of their clinical implications with the issues discussed in the various subsections. Moreover, despite many years of research, no specific, precise algorithm has been developed that can be used in clinical practice during the diagnosis of schizophrenia. For this reason, the diagnosis of schizophrenia is primarily based on an interview with the patient and his family, as well as on the experience of a psychiatrist. It also seems that schizophrenia treatment should be carried out holistically, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and the support of caregivers of patients who have this psychosis, which increases the achievement of therapeutic success. Finally, we must be aware of the difficulties in diagnosing schizophrenia in the elderly and the need to modify pharmacological treatment. Currently, no guidelines have been developed for the differentiation of negative symptoms in elderly patients with schizophrenia from amotivation/avolition/apathy symptoms in elderly patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

The Influence of Adalimumab and Cyclosporine A on the Expression Profile of the Genes Related to TGFβ Signaling Pathways in Keratinocyte Cells Treated with Lipopolysaccharide A

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, cyclosporine A (CsA) conventional therapy is used and biological, anti-cytokine treatment using, for example, anti-TNF drug-adalimumab.

AIM

This study aimed at investigating the effect of CsA and adalimumab on the profile of mRNAs and protein expression associated with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathways in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) culture previously exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HaCaT culture was exposed to 1 ng/ml LPS for 8 hours+8 μg/ml adalimumab for 2, 8, and 24 hours or 1 ng/ml LPS for 8 hours+100 ng/ml CsA for 2, 8, and 24 hours and compared to the control culture. Sulphorodamine B cytotoxicity assay was performed. The expression profile of mRNA related to TGFβ paths was indicated by microarray and RTqPCR analyses. The ELISA test was used to analyze changes on the proteome level. Statistical analysis consisted of ANOVA analysis and the post hoc Tukey test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity test showed that LPS, adalimumab, and cyclosporine in the concentration used in this experiment did not have any cytotoxicity effect on HaCaT cells. The largest fold changes (FC) in expression in (∣FC | >4.00) was determined for TGFβ1-3, TGFβRI-III, SKIL, SMURF2, SMAD3, BMP2, BMP6, JAK2, UBE2D1, SKP2, EDN1, and PRKAR2B (p < 0.05). In addition, on the protein level, the direct changes observed at mRNA were the same.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the microarray expression profile of genes associated with TGFβ signaling pathways has demonstrated the potential of cyclosporin A and adalimumab to induce changes in their transcriptional activity. The anti-TNF drug seems to affect TGFβ cascades to a greater extent than cyclosporin A. The obtained results suggest that the regularity of taking the drug is important for the efficacy of psoriasis therapy.

Extended magnetic resonance imaging studies on the effect of classically activated microglia transplantation on white matter regeneration following spinal cord focal injury in adult rats

Spinal cord injuries are still a serious problem for regenerative medicine. Previous research has demonstrated that activated microglia accumulate in spinal lesions, influencing the injured tissues in various ways. Therefore, transplantation of activated microglia may have a beneficial role in the regeneration of the nervous system. The present study examined the influence of transplanted activated microglial cells in adult rats with injured spinal cords. Rats were randomly divided into an experimental (M) and control (C) group, and were subjected to non-laminectomy focal injury of spinal cord white matter by means of a high-pressured air stream. In group M, activated cultured microglial cells were injected twice into the site of injury. Functional outcome and morphological features of regeneration were analyzed during a 12-week follow-up. The lesions were characterized by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurons in the brain stem and motor cortex were labeled with FluoroGold (FG). A total of 12 weeks after surgery, spinal cords and brains were collected and subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Lesion sizes in the spinal cord were measured and the number of FG-positive neurons was counted. Rats in group M demonstrated significant improvement of locomotor performance when compared with group C (P<0.05). MRI analysis demonstrated moderate improvement in water diffusion along the spinal cord in the group M following microglia treatment, as compared with group C. The water diffusion perpendicular to the spinal cord in group M was closer to the reference values for a healthy spinal cord than it was in group C. The sizes of lesions were also significantly smaller in group M than in the group C (P<0.05). The number of brain stem and motor cortex FG-positive neurons in group M was significantly higher than in group C. The present study demonstrated that delivery of activated microglia directly into the injured spinal cord gives some positive effects for the regeneration of the white matter.

Abstract P6-11-07: Quantitative p95HER2 levels in primary breast cancers and in matched brain metastases

Background: Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer are at high risk for brain metastases. A large number of HER2-positive tumors also express p95HER2 (p95), a truncated form of HER2 that lacks the trastuzumab binding site but retains kinase activity. Although p95 expression in primary breast tumors is well studied, the prevalence and significance of p95 expression in brain metastases is unknown. In the current study we examined expression of p95 in brain metastases and in matched primary breast tumors.

Methods: Seventy-five pairs of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from matched primary breast cancers and brain metastases were assayed for quantitative p95 protein expression using the p95 VeraTag® assay (Clin Cancer Res, 16:4226, 2010) specific for the M611 form of p95. Sufficient material to obtain p95 data in both primary and matched brain metastasis samples was available in 52 cases. In the remaining 23 cases, a p95 measurement was obtained in either the primary or brain metastasis sample. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status were scored using immunohistochemistry. Hormone receptor positivity was defined as either ER or PR positive. Quantitative HER2 protein expression was measured using the HERmark® assay. Both the p95 VeraTag assay and the HERmark assay measure tumor-averaged protein expression in units of relative fluorescence per mm2 tumor (RF/mm2). Measurements of p95 &gt; 2.8 RF/mm2 and HER2 &gt; 17.8 RF/mm2 were considered as positive results.

Results: There was a net increase in p95 expression in brain metastases relative to the matched primary tumor with a median increase of 1.5-fold (p = 0.001, range 0.2-fold to 35-fold). The increase in p95 expression was only weakly correlated with the increase in quantitative HER2 expression (R2 = 0.18; p = 0.0018). Cases with HERmark-positive tumors were more likely to have the largest (≥ 5-fold) increase in p95 expression compared to those with lower HER2 expression (odds ratio = 6.3; p = 0.018). Changes in p95 levels from primary to brain metastasis were unrelated to hormone receptor status (p = 0.59). P95 positivity in the primary tumor correlated with time from breast cancer diagnosis to first progression (HR = 2.2; p = 0.012) when stratified by hormone receptor status and tumor grade. Although there was a trend towards correlation of p95 positivity in the brain metastasis with time from diagnosis to brain metastasis (HR = 1.7; p = 0.058, stratified as above), p95 positivity did not correlate with overall survival from the time of brain metastasis diagnosis (HR = 1.3; p = 0.42, stratified as above).

Conclusions: This is the first study of quantitative p95 expression in matched primary tumors and brain metastases. Brain metastases of breast cancer show significant increases in p95 protein expression compared to matched primary tumors. These data provide a rationale for future correlative studies on p95 levels in brain metastases.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-11-07.

Molecular characteristics of matched brain metastasis (BM) versus the primary breast cancer (PBC)

Abstract #2028

Background: Brain is increasingly a site of relapse in breast cancer patients, however the molecular patho-physiology of this process is not well understood. Using a novel assay allowing high-throughput analysis of gene expression from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPET) tumor samples, we compared molecular characteristics of BM with those of the PBC in a series of breast cancer patients who underwent excision of brain metastasis.&#x2028; Methods: In each patient we performed molecular analysis of paired archived FFPET specimens from both the PBC and excised BM. Of the 37 pairs of PBC/BM samples, 24 pairs had sufficient pathology material for molecular analysis. Patient characteristics: mean age at PBC diagnosis was 46.7 years (range 27-67 years); 7 (29%) ER+, 17 (71%) ER-, 12 (50%) HER2-positive(3+). We performed cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, extension and ligation (DASL) assay (Illumina Corp) for expression of 502 known cancer genes, using 200 ng RNA. Statistical analysis for microarrays (SAM) accounting for the pairing of the primary and metastasized tumors was used to identify differentially expressed genes while controlling the false discovery rate (FDR &lt;0.01). BeadStudio™ Absolute correlation clustering was used to cluster samples based on their expression profiles.&#x2028; Results: In only 7 (29%) cases matched PBC and BM pair clustered together on unsupervised hierarchical clustering, the pairs in remaining cases clustered apart. Comparison of the two groups (PBC and BM) showed that 41 genes were up regulated in BM, including proliferation genes (CDC2, CDC25a, CCNA2 and E2F family), anti-apoptotic (BIRC5), DNA repair (RAD51, -54b, XRCC2, BRCA2, BARD1, TOP1), angiogenesis (VEGF), and development of drug resistance (ABCB1, -G2). In contrast, the 43 genes that were down regulated in BM included those associated with invasion (MMP2, -3, -14), cellular motility, and epithelial to mesenchymal transformation (CDH11). Additional analysis to validate these trends and to identify potential therapeutic targets is underway.&#x2028; Conclusions: Although some BM retain remarkable similarity to the PBC, majority exhibit considerable deviation in their gene expression profile. These “adaptive” changes include greater resistance to drug therapy, increased DNA repair, a reversal back to the epithelial phenotype and decreased capacity for cell motility and invasion.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 2028.