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The cardiovascular health (CVH) score constitutes a reliable and measurable indicator of CVH proposed by the American Heart Association (AHA) calculated based on seven fundamental parameters, that is, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet score, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose. The size and activity of carotid body (CB) play an important role in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular system. The objective of this study was to define the relationship between the AHA CVH score and the volume of CB (V rCB+lCB ) estimated based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with arterial hypertension. Studies were conducted on a group of 57 patients with arterial hypertension (age: 70.74 ± 8.21 years). The CVH score was calculated, and CTA of carotid arteries was carried out for all patients. The CB analysis was performed based on delayed phase imaging obtained from CTA of carotid arteries. Based on the CVH score value, CVH was determined as optimal (CVH score between 10 and 14 points), average (5 and 9 points), or inadequate (0 and 4 points). CVH score in the studied group of patients was 6.53 ± 1.81, whereas V rCB+lCB value was 38.58 ± 18.43 mm 3 . Patients with an inadequate CVH score (0–4 points) have statistically significantly higher V rCB+lCB , and they are fraught with V rCB+lCB ≥ median much more often than patients with an optimal CVH score (10–14 points). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated a CVH score value of 6 as an optimal cutoff point to predict V rCB+lCB ≥ median. The CVH score ≤6 criterion indicates V rCB+lCB ≥ median with sensitivity of 58.6% and specificity of 71.4%. In the regression analysis, it was indicated that lower partial scores for physical activity, healthy diet score, and blood pressure in the AHA CVH evaluation constitute independent risk factors for higher V rCB+lCB . In the studied group of patients with arterial hypertension, an inversely proportional dependence between the CVH score and the size of CB is observed in CTA of carotid arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemokines are small proteins, that regulate cell migration in many physiological and pathologic processes in human body. They are also responsible for cancer progression. CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is responsible for cell recruitment in inflammation and may be involved in antitumor immune response controlling. Aberrant CCR5 can be found in different kind of cancers, not only hematological, but also solid tumors. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas consist of many lymphoma subtypes. They predominantly derive from B cells and can have very heterogenous clinical course. That is why new prognostic factors are still needed to predict and select high-risk patients. We evaluated CCR5 expression in lymph nodes derived from B-cell lymphomas in comparison to reactive lymphatic tissue (reactive lymph nodes): samples of lymphoma lymph nodes, peripheral blood, and bone marrow aspirates of patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma were taken at diagnosis and after completed chemotherapy. Gene expression was determined by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method. Expression was estimated from 0 AU (no amplificate signal) to 3 AU (maximal amplificate signal). We found low CCR5 expression in lymphomas and reactive lymph nodes. Higher CCR5 gene expression in lymphoma patients was correlated with advanced stage of the disease, high proliferation index (Ki-67), and international prognostic index. Patients with higher CCR5 expression had shorter survival. CCR5 high expression may have a role in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas progression and can influence patients’ survival. CCR5 also can become an immunotherapeutic target for novel treatment options in the future as well as new prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy, which sometimes creates difficulties in diagnosis, based on the presence of monoclonal protein in serum/urine and plasmocyte infiltration in the bone marrow, and on the other hand, synchronous cancers are also a diagnostic challenge. We present a case report of a patient with concurrent breast cancer and multiple myeloma. A 68-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with diagnosis of left breast cancer in first stage of the disease. In the past, she had had several episodes of thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis, and mild anaemia, which were followed by hematologist in outpatient setting. She was operated and started adjuvant chemotherapy. During treatment, episodes of hematological abnormalities were observed. After completion of the chemotherapy for breast cancer, the patient was observed and short time after that multiple myeloma was diagnosed as a synchronous cancer. Patient was first treated for breast cancer, then subsequently for multiple myeloma (2 lines therapy: CTD and VMP). We describe diagnostic problems with multiple myeloma; however, they could be caused by curation of breast cancer, which might have supressed the proliferation of plasmocytes and could delay the diagnosis. All symptoms of multiple myeloma were interpreted as a secondary effect of chemotherapy. Review of the literature shows the clinical approaches in such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daytime sleepiness is a common symptom among hypertensive patients. The aim of this study was to determine subjective sleepiness assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and to asses sleep architecture in 304 patients with arterial hypertension. All patients underwent a standardized diagnostic overnight, polysomnography. The control group consisted of 67 normotensives. The hypertensive patients had a decreased sleep efficiency, mean and minimum oxygen saturation levels, and increased apnea/hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index compared with normotensive patients. The lower ratio of N3 sleep, higher of N2 sleep, and decreased sleep efficiency was observed in hypertensives without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In the moderate to severe OSA groups, the total ESS score was significantly lower in hypertensives compared with normotensives. The ESS scores decreased with age in hypertensives, but not in normotensives. The study showed that ESS total score is lower in hypertensives than in normotensives with OSA, making the OSA more difficult to suspect. Thus, the low ESS score in hypertensives should not discourage further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the hyperemic effects of papaverine and dopamine in the renal microcirculation of hypertensive patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS). Although a poor correlation between angiographic lesion assessment and its hemodynamic significance is known, angiography is a major criterion for the decision of renal artery stenting. Assessment of the hyperemic translesional pressure gradient was recently shown to be conducive in identifying patients who may benefit from renal revascularization. The study included 14 patients (mean age, 66 ± 11.2 years) with resistant hypertension and moderate RAS. Using a pressure–sensing catheter, systolic, diastolic, and mean translesional pressure gradients, and the distal pressure (Pd):aortic pressure (Pa) ratio (Pd/Pa) were analyzed at baseline and after administration of 40 mg papaverine and 50 μg/kg dopamine. We did not observe significant changes in DG. Dopamine administration resulted in significant changes in systolic and mean translesional pressure gradients and Pd/Pa when compared with baseline ( P < .05 for all). Changes in these parameters were caused by a decrease in systolic Pd in comparison with baseline conditions (119 ± 34 mm Hg vs. 101 mm Hg; P < .05). Systolic Pd pressure after papaverine (104 mm Hg) did not change significantly. Systolic and diastolic Pa values did not differ from baseline after either dopamine or papaverine bolus administration.This study indicates that, compared with papaverine, the intrarenal bolus of dopamine in hypertensive patients with RAS remains a more powerful hyperemic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterised by bone marrow infiltration and the presence of a monoclonal protein in serum and/or urine. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been identified as one of the most important cytokines that contributes to myeloma cell survival and proliferation. Recent investigations suggest involvement of another cytokine, IL-10, in the activation of MM cells. The present study aimed to determine whether there is an association between the polymorphic features located within the promoter regions of IL-6 and IL-10 genes and progression the disease. IL-6 (-174 G/C) and IL-10 (-1082 A/G, -819 C/T, -592 A/C) promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined by PCR-SSP technique using commercial primers. Our single centre results were compared with the data from literature and combined in cumulative analysis employing the Mantel-Haenszel method. In univariate analysis, only IL-10 ACC genotype tended to prevail in our (Polish) group of patients. None of IL-6 genotypes or IL-10 (-1082) alleles was found to associate with MM disease either in our single centre or in cumulative study. Among patients who died within 36 months of diagnosis, a significant prevalence (P < 0.05) of IL-6 heterozygous cases as opposed to IL-6 homozygotes was observed. IL-6 and IL-10 promoter gene polymorphisms were not found to associate with the susceptibility to the development of MM. However, the IL-6 polymorphic features appeared as factors that might affect the survival of MM patients. The latter observation warrants further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a very heterogeneous malignancy in which standard treatment is based on chemotherapy. Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents remains a big problem in AML, because negatively influences patient overall survival. Several resistance mechanisms have been described, the best of which is the process of drug removal from the cell and/or nucleus by membrane transport proteins. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of polymorphism of genes coding ABCC3, GSTM5 involved in the transport and metabolism of drugs. For this purpose 95 newly diagnosed AML patients and 125 healthy controls were genotyped. We showed that ABCC3 rs4148405 and GSTM5 rs3754446, but not ABCC33 rs4793665, affected overall survival in Polish AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the effectiveness of blood pressure (BP) control and telomerase reverse transcriptase concentration (TERT), the concentration of adipose tissue hormones and endothelium function in hypertensive patients.Methods: The study group included 94 people with arterial hypertension. Two subgroups were distinguished according to effective BP control during 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM): Group A - effective BP control (n=49) and Group B - ineffective BP control (n=45). Telomerase reverse transcriptase concentration, blood visfatin concentration and blood adipsin concentration were determined. The function of the endothelium was measured with the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) method.Results: Telomerase reverse transcriptase concentration, blood visfatin concentration and FMD were higher in Group A compared with Group B. Ineffective BP control was an independent risk factor for lower TERT, lower blood visfatin concentration and lower FMD. Diuretics, β-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers were independent protective factors for lower TERT. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were independent protective factors for lower blood visfatin concentration. Calcium channel blockers were independent protective factors for lower FMD.Conclusions: Ineffective BP control, assessed by ABPM, was associated with decreased TERT, worse metabolic profile of adipose tissue and impaired endothelial function in hypertensives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives: The coexistence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) and sleep bruxism (SB) is often mentioned in the literature. Polysomnography (PSG) with video recording gives the best opportunity to identify both of these phenomena. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between SRBD and SB.Methods: Patients from the Clinic of Prosthetic Dentistry operating at Wroclaw Medical University with diagnosed probable SB were subjected to one-night video-polysomnography. PSGs were evaluated according to standard sleep criteria. The results of the examination were analyzed for the occurrence of SB and SRBD. The Bruxism Episodes Index (BEI) and the types of electromyographical pathways (phasic, tonic, mixed) were used to evaluate SB. The Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) were used to assess respiratory events. Subjects were divided into two groups according to SB occurrence: the studied group (bruxers, BEI ≥ 2) and control group (non-bruxers, BEI < 2).Results: Quantitative analysis showed a lack of a statistically significant relationship between BEI and AHI (p = 0.82) and ODI (p = 0.90) in the studied group and controls. Qualitative analysis showed that the increase in both AHI and ODI was statistically significantly correlated with the increase in the number of tonic types of electromyographical pathways (p = 0.047, p = 0.006, respectively).Conclusions: This study showed a significant relationship between tonic electromyographic pathways in SB episodes and SRBD. Tonic muscle contractions can be cause and effect for the formation of respiratory events. The occurrence of tonic episodes may be the key to understanding the causal relationship between SB and SRBD and should be more precisely examined.Clinical Trial: Evaluation of Selected Disorders with Sleep Bruxism, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03083405. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and heart rate variability (HRV) in a group of patients with clinical suggestion of OSA.Methods: 104 patients with clinical suspicion of OSA were qualified to participate in the study (age: 53.15 ± 13.43 years). All participants took part in a survey and were subjected to laboratory tests, 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring, and polysomnography. The participants were divided into groups depending on the criterion of the presence of OSA.Results: The analysis of time HRV demonstrated lower parameters of SDNN for the entire recording and a 15-minute fragment of daily activity, as well as a lower pNN50 for the entire recording in those patients with diagnosed OSA. A statistically significant difference was observed for the spectral analysis of the LF/HF which was higher in the participants with OSA during the 15-minute fragment of N3 sleep. A negative correlation was observed between AHI and the following parameters: SDSD from the entire Holter recording (r = -0.21, p < 0.05) and from the 15-minute fragment of daily activity (r = -0.19, p < 0.05), mRR from the fragment of N3 sleep (r = -0.19, p < 0.05) and VLF from the entire Holter recording (r = -0.26, p < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation between AHI and LF/HF in 15-minute fragments of N3 sleep was found (r = 0.26, p < 0.05).Conclusions: The study group of patients with OSA is characterized by reduced HRV. The higher AHI constitutes an independent predictor of reduced HRV, both in the sympathetic and parasympathetic components, and the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has recently been established that carotid bodies play a significant role in the regulation of activities of the cardiovascular system as well as in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, heart failure and diabetes. Aim of study was to determinate the influence of polymorphisms within genes of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on the volume of the carotid bodies (CB) in patients with hypertension (HTA). The study group consisted of 77 patients with HTA. All patients were genotyped for single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes coding for: angiotensinogen: rs4762, rs5049, rs5051 and rs699; angiotensin-converting enzyme: rs4343; angiotensin receptor type 1 gene (AGTR1): rs5182 and rs5186; and the aldosterone synthase: rs1799998. The estimation of volumes of CB (V rCB+lCB ) was based on computed tomography angiography. Among individuals with essential hypertension certain relationships were documented between rs5182 and rs5186 polymorphisms of AGTR1 gene and rs1799998 polymorphism of CYP11B2 gene on one hand and the volume of carotid bodies on one other. Patients carrying the C alleles within the rs5182 and rs5186 of AGTR1 gene was associated with higher values of V rCB+lCB . The carriage of the T allele in the rs5182 locus of the AGTR1 gene determine lower values of V rCB+lCB . In summary, in patients with HTA a higher volume of CB may be resulted from the presence of specific genotypes in RAAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The relationship between environmental exposure of non-smokers to cigarette smoke and the coronary artery calcium scores has not been sufficiently documented. The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between environmental exposure to cigarette smoke and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) estimated non-invasively through measurement of coronary artery calcium score by computed tomography in patients with essential hypertension. Material and methods The study was conducted on 67 patients with essential hypertension, non-smokers environmentally exposed to cigarette smoke (group A) and on 67 patients with essential hypertension, non-smokers not exposed to cigarette smoke (group B), selected using the case to case. Environmental exposure to cigarette smoke was evaluated using a questionnaire. The risk of development of coronary artery disease was estimated non-invasively through measurement of coronary artery calcium score (CA CS ) by computed tomography. Results Group A was characterised by significantly higher CA CS and left anterior descending (LAD CS ) calcium scores than group B. Compared to group B, group A had significantly higher percentage of patients with significant risk of CAD estimated on the basis of CA CS values, and significantly lower percentage of patients with practically no risk of CAD estimated with the same method. Advanced age, peripheral artery diseases and environmental exposure to cigarette smoke are independent risk factors associated with increased CA CS and LAD CS values. In addition, higher BMI and hypercholesterolemia are independent risk factors for increased values of LAD CS . Conclusions In patients with essential hypertension environmental exposure to cigarette smoke may result in elevated risk of coronary artery disease estimated non-invasively through measurement of coronary artery calcium score by computed tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed at evaluating the influence of selected polymorphisms of natriuretic peptide B precursor (NPPB) and natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR3) genes on blood lead concentration (Pb-B) and blood zinc protoporphyrin concentration (ZnPP) in persons occupationally exposed to lead. Investigations were conducted on 360 persons (mean age: 44.49 ± 9.62 years), workers exposed to lead compounds. The analysis examined four polymorphisms of BNP gene, i.e.,: rs198388, rs198389, rs632793, and rs6676300; as well as one polymorphism of receptor C for natriuretic peptides, i.e., rs1421811. Heterozygosity in locus rs632793 of NPPB gene may result in higher concentrations of Pb-B, while allele A in locus rs632793 of NPPB gene seems to determine higher concentrations of ZnPP in persons occupationally exposed to lead. Workers exposed to lead and carrying allele C in locus rs198388 of NPPB gene, particularly in the heterozygotic setup, seem to be predisposed to present higher concentrations of ZnPP. Carriership of A allele in locus rs198389 of NPPB gene probably determines higher concentrations of ZnPP in study group. In summary, among persons occupationally exposed to lead, certain relationships were demonstrated between rs632793, rs198388 and rs198389 polymorphisms of NPPB gene and principal toxicological parameters characterizing exposure to lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have suggested that cereblon ( CRBN ) is essential for the anti-myeloma (MM) activity of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), such as thalidomide and lenalidomide, and that dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be one of possible reasons of lenalidomide resistance. This prompted us to analyze the effect of polymorphisms within the genes coding for cereblon ( CRBN (rs121918368 C > T)) and β-catenin ( CTNNB1 (rs4135385 A > G; rs4533622 A > C)). MM patients ( n = 142) and healthy individuals ( n = 123) were genotyped using the Light SNiP assays. The presence of the CTNNB1 (rs4533622) A allele was more frequently detected in patients presented with stage II–III disease according to International Staging System (63/82 vs. 26/44, p = 0.043) and Durie–Salmon criteria (75/99 vs. 14/26, p = 0.049). The CTNNB1 (rs4135385) AA homozygosity was more frequent among patients with better response to CTD, i.e. cyclophosphamide–thalidomide–dexamethasone (18/23 vs. 32/60, p = 0.047). Patients carrying the CTNNB1 (rs4533622) AA genotype were better responders to the first line therapy with thalidomide containing regimens ( p < 0.05). No significant association was observed between the effect of lenalidomide therapy and polymorphisms studied. However, the occurrence of neutropenia during lenalidomide therapy was more frequent among the CTNNB1 (rs4135385) AA carriers ( p = 0.019), while the CTNNB1 (rs4533622) AA homozygosity characterized patients with high grade (3–4) neutropenia ( p = 0.044). No association was found for the CRBN polymorphism. These results suggest that the CTNNB1 polymorphisms may affect the clinical course and response to chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to find a relationship between polymorphisms of ALAD rs1805313, rs222808, rs1139488, VDR FokI and HFE C282Y and H63D and basic toxicological parameters (lead and ZnPP blood concentration) in people occupationally exposed to lead. We collected data of 101 workers (age 25–63 years) directly exposed to lead. The toxicological lab tests included blood lead, cadmium and ZnPP concentration measurement and arsenic urine concentration measurement. Workers were genotyped for ALAD (rs1805313, rs222808, rs1139488), HFE (C282Y, H63D) and VDR (FokI). Individuals with the lead exposure and coexisting F allel in the locus Fok-I of VDR gene are suspected of higher zinc protoporphyrins concentrations. Workers exposed to the lead with the Y allel in the locus C282Y of the HFE gene are predisposed to lower ZnPP levels and individuals with coexisting H allel in the locus H63D HFE gene are predisposed to lower Pb-B levels. The T allel in the locus rs1805313 of the ALAD gene determines lower Pb-B and ZnPP levels in lead–exposed individuals. The heterozigosity of the locus rs2228083 of the ALAD gene has a strong predilection to higher Pb-B levels. The carriage of the C allel in the locus rs1139488 of the ALAD gene might determine higher Pb-B levels and the heterozigosity of the locus rs1139488 of the ALAD gene might result in higher ZnPP levels. Conclusion. The study revealed relationship between VDR, HFE and ALAD genes polymorphism and basic toxicological parameters in occupationally exposed workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Determination of the relationship between the estimated total volume of the carotid bodies (V rCB + lCB ), assessed by computed tomography angiography (CTA), and the autonomic cardiac function in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Materials and methods The study included 69 patients with diagnosed and pharmacologically treated EH. The estimated volume of each carotid body (CB) was evaluated on the basis of scans obtained in the CTA of carotid arteries, using the following formula: 4/3 × π × half of transverse dimension of CB in axial projection × half of longitudinal dimension of CB in the axial projection × half of craniocaudal dimension of CB in the sagittal/coronal projection. Cardiac autonomic function was assessed using time domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Results The mean values of SDNNi, rMSSD and pNN50 at 24-h monitoring, during daily activity and during night rest, were significantly lower in patients with hypertension with the values of V rCB + lCB ≥ median compared to the group of hypertensive patients with the values of V rCB + lCB < median. Moreover, in patients with EH with the values of V rCB + lCB ≥ median, the mean values of SDNN were lower during daily activity. Based on the regression analysis, it was found out that the higher values of V rCB + lCB are an independent risk factor in HRV reduction (expressed as a reduction in the rMSSD). Conclusion In patients with EH, a relationship between the volume of CB, assessed by CTA of carotid arteries, and autonomic cardiac function seems to be probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between endothelial dysfunction and aspirin response in a young healthy population (102 men aged 18–40). Initial concentrations of the NO pathway metabolites (ADMA, l -arginine, SDMA), cardiovascular risk markers, oxidative stress markers (MDA, thiol index), sICAM1, sVCAM1, PAI-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, VEGF, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-PGF 1α and arachidonate-induced platelet aggregation (to separate aspirin resistant from sensitive group) were measured. Flow-mediated-vasodilation (FMD) was measured before and after intravenous infusion of 16.0 g of l -arginine. Measurements were repeated following aspirin administration (75 mg/24 h) for 4 days. Both groups were homogenous regarding demographic and biochemical characteristics reflecting cardiovascular risk. Aspirin resistant subjects were characterized by lower baseline FMD and higher FMD following aspirin and l -arginine treatment, as compared to aspirin sensitive control. MDA and nitrotyrosine were greater, whereas thiol index was lower in aspirin resistant men. The sICAM1, sVCAM1, PAI-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin and VEGF levels were similar in the analyzed groups. Thromboxane in aspirin resistant subjects was greater both at baseline and following aspirin therapy. However, a significant decrease following aspirin treatment was present in both groups. Aspirin resistance in young men is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which could be due to oxidative stress resulting from lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives Iron deficiency (ID) may be an important, treatable co-morbidity complicating cardiovascular diseases, but considerable uncertainty exists about the diagnostic accuracy of blood tests. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between blood tests for ID and iron stores in bone marrow aspirates, the diagnostic gold-standard for ID, in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from 65 patients with stable CAD undergoing cardiac surgery and 10 healthy controls. ID was defined as depleted extracellular iron stores (0-1 grade according to Gale scale) accompanied by =10% of erythroblasts containing iron. Results Bone marrow ID was found in 31 (48%) patients with CAD but in none of the controls (p < 0.01). Amongst patients with CAD, ID was present in 10 of 16 (63%) with and 21 of 49 (43%) without anaemia (p = 0.17). The clinical profiles of patients with and without ID were similar. Of circulating biomarkers of ID, serum soluble transferrin receptor had the strongest association with bone marrow ID (area under curve: 0.876 ± 0.048, 95% confidence interval: 0.762-0.948, for cut-off of =1.32 mg/L-sensitivity: 67%, specificity: 97%). Conclusions Almost half of patients with stable CAD have profound bone marrow iron depletion that can be accurately assessed non-invasively using serum soluble transferrin receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Aim of the study: evaluate echocardiographic changes in workers exposed to Pb. [•] Negative linear correlation between ZnPP and E′ was observed. [•] Higher ZnPP concentration is independent risk factors of lowering E′ mean value. [•] Occupational exposure to Pb is associated with discreet echocardiographic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults in western countries. HS1 protein regulates leukemic cell migration and homing, and can indirectly promote disease progression and influence patient survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate HS1 expression in CLL patients in connection with other known prognostic factors and patients’ survival. Methods: 90 untreated CLL patients were included into the study. The control group consisted of 28 healthy matched people. HS1 detection was performed by western-blotting. Mutational status of IgVH, as well as CD38 and ZAP70 expression was also analyzed. Results: HS1 expression was significantly higher in CLL patients comparing to controls. Positive correlation was shown between HS1 and: age (p =0.0454), Rai stage (p =0.0412), leukocytosis (p =0.0129) and beta-2-microglobulin (p =0.0342). Patients with lymphocyte doubling time shorter or equal to 6 months had higher expression of HS1. Patients with higher HS1 expression had shorter survival than those with lower HS1 expression (p =0.0329). Conclusions: We showed, that high HS1 expression predicts poor survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiovascular diseases often linked with lifestyle are among the main causes of death, especially in the elderly population. The role of trace elements in health and disease has been emphasized in multiple scientific research. Moreover, supplementation of trace elements to improve health is becoming increasingly popular. The following paper presents current views on the relationship between the concentration of trace elements such as selenium and zinc in the body, as well as morphology and function of the cardiovascular system. Research discussing the effect of selenium and zinc supplementation on the function of the heart and blood vessels was also reviewed. The relationship between selenium and zinc concentration and morphology and function of the cardiovascular system is equally unclear, and therefore there is currently no scientific evidence for its supplementation for preventing cardiovascular diseases. It seems justified to continue scientific research on this subject due to the small number of experimental studies available on the topic of selenium and zinc deficiency and their impact on the cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-Se subgroup is characterized by lower FMD than the high-Se subgroup. • Low-TAS subgroup is characterized by lower FMD than the high-TAS subgroup. • No significant differences were observed between subgroups differing with Zn S. • Lower Se S are independent predictor of inferior endothelial dysfunction. • Higher Se S are independent predictor of higher TAS. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of selenium (Se S) and zinc (Zn S), total antioxidant status (TAS) and endothelial function assessed by ultrasonographic method of dilatation of the brachial artery in 141 hypertensive patients. Patients with Se S < median were characterized by a statistically significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) than patients with Se S ≥ median. Patients with TAS < median were characterized by a significantly lower FMD than patients with TAS ≥ median. Older age, higher BMI, male gender, higher blood total cholesterol, ischemic heart disease, smoking and lower Se S constitute independent predictors of inferior endothelial function, expressed in lower FMD values. Smoking is an independent predictor of lower TAS, and the use of β-blockers and higher serum selenium levels are independent predictors of higher TAS. In summary, a decrease in TAS should be considered as a mechanism of inferior endothelial function in hypertensive patients conditioned by a decrease in Se S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]