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The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their adipogenic derivatives on the relative abundances (RAs) noticed for mRNA transcripts of the selected adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) and their receptors. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow (BM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) samples collected post mortem from a total of four gilts (each at the age of 6 months). The stemness of the MSCs was proven via recognizing their abilities to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. By using real-time PCR (RT -qPCR), the quantitative levels of transcriptional activity pinpointed for the adiponectin (ADIPOQ), adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR2), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes were comparatively analyzed between non-differentiated AT -MSCs and BM-MSCs and their cell counterparts undergoing differentiation into adipocytes. A significantly higher RA for ADIPOR1 transcripts was identified in the AT-MSCs compared to the BM-MSCs and their adipogenic derivatives (P≤0.05). Moreover, the quantitative levels of LEPR transcripts were shown to increase significantly among adipocytes originating from differentiated BM-MSCs compared to undifferentiated BM-MSCs, AT -MSCs, and AT -MSC-derived adipocytes (P≤0.05). Nonetheless, there was no significant inter-group variability in the RAs of the ADIPOQ, ADIPOR2, or LEP mRNA transcripts (P>0.05). Cumulatively, the in vitro models focused on the identification and detailed exploration of transcriptomic signatures of undifferentiated pig BM- and AT -MSCs, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the adipogenic differentiation pathways of the above-indicated two distinct sources of stem cells were developed and optimized in the current investigation for the very first time. These ex vivo porcine models might confirm the expedited functional mobilization of ex situ-protected MSCs and their enhanced capacity to be transcriptionally reprogrammed into adipocytes due to physiopathological alterations in the expression profiles of adipokines and their receptors, which are prompted and progressed in obese and superobese women patients at the peri-pubertal period of ontogenesis. Finally, the models providing comprehensive molecular insights into ex situ-protected porcine BM- and AT -derived MSCs and their differentiated derivatives can be largely suitable for the biotechnologically assisted rescue and restitution of endangered representatives of rare native breeds of domestic pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omentin (ITLN1) is a novel adipokine mainly expressed in the white adipose tissue. It plays a crucial role in the metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Our last study documented that ITLN1 levels in the adipose tissue and plasma are lower in fat Meishan (MS) compared to normal weight Large White (LW) pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate transcript and protein concentrations of ITLN1 as well as its immunolocalisation in the ovarian follicles and examine the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of its expression in response to gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and steroids (P4, T, E2). Ovarian follicles were collected from LW and MS sows on days 2–3, 10–12, and 14–16 of the oestrous. We found the elevated ITLN1 expression in the ovarian follicles and the increase of concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of LW pigs vs MS pigs; in both breeds of pigs, the levels of ITLN1 increased with the oestrous progression. We noted ITLN1 signals in oocyte, granulosa and theca cells. Gonadotropins and steroids increased ITLN1 levels in the ovarian follicle cells of LW pigs, while in MS pigs, we observed only the stimulatory effect of LH and T. Both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) were involved in the regulation of ITLN1. Our study demonstrated the levels and regulation of ITLN1 in the porcine ovarian follicles through ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visfatin/NAMPT (VIS), the hormone exerting a pleiotropic effect, is also perceived as an important factor in the regulation of reproductive processes and pregnancy maintenance. Previous studies confirmed its involvement in the control of porcine pituitary and ovary function. In this study, we hypothesized that VIS may affect the global transcriptome of luteal cells and thus regulate the functioning of the ovaries. Illumina's NovaSeq 6000 RNA sequencing was performed to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and long non-coding RNAs (DELs) as well as the occurrence of differential alternative splicing events (DASs) in the porcine luteal cells exposed to VIS (100 ng/mL) during the implantation period. The obtained results revealed 170 DEGs (99 up- and 71 downregulated) assigned to 45 functional annotations. Moreover, we revealed 40 DELs, of which 3 were known and 37 were described for the first time. We identified 169 DASs events. The obtained results confirmed a significant effect of VIS on the transcriptome and spliceosome of luteal cells, including the genes involved in the processes crucial for successful implantation and pregnancy maintenance as angiogenesis, steroidogenesis, inflammation, cell development, migration, and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visfatin (VIS), also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Recently, VIS has been also recognized as an adipokine. Our previous study revealed that VIS is produced in the anterior and posterior lobes of the porcine pituitary. Moreover, the expression and secretion of VIS are dependent on the phase of the estrous cycle and/or the stage of early pregnancy. Based on this, we hypothesized that VIS may regulate porcine pituitary function. This study was conducted on anterior pituitary (AP) glands harvested from pigs during specific phases of the estrous cycle. We have shown the modulatory effect of VIS in vitro on LH and FSH secretion by porcine AP cells (determined by ELISA). VIS was also found to stimulate cell proliferation (determined by Alamar Blue) without affecting apoptosis in these cells (determined using flow cytometry technique). Moreover, it was indicated that VIS may act in porcine AP cells through the INSR, AKT/PI3K, MAPK/ERK1/2, and AMPK signaling pathways (determined by ELISA or Western Blot). This observation was further supported by the finding that simultaneous treatment of cells with VIS and inhibitors of these pathways abolished the observed VIS impact on LH and FSH secretion (determined by ELISA). In addition, our research indicated that VIS affected the mentioned processes in a manner that was dependent on the dose of VIS and/or the phase of the estrous cycle. Thus, these findings suggest that VIS may regulate the functioning of the porcine pituitary gland during the estrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine endometrosis is one of the major causes of equine infertility, often associated with signs of periglandular fibrosis occurring in the endometrium. As the oviduct is a key location of early embryo development, we hypothesized that disturbances in hormonal action may be associated with a loss of contact between mucosal cells in the uterus and oviducts. This study investigates the expression of intermediate filament proteins (vimentin and desmin), oestrogen receptor alpha (ERa), and progesterone receptor A (PRA) in the stroma and epithelia of the endometria and oviducts of healthy mares and mares with endometrosis. Endometrium samples were obtained from 56 mares, culled in a slaughterhouse, and were designated either healthy endometrium (n = 26) or endometrium with signs of moderate to severe endometrosis (n = 20). The phase of the ovarian cycle and the expression of vimentin, desmin, ERa, and PRA were compared between these groups. The expressions of both vimentin and desmin were higher in the endometrial stroma of the endometrosis group than in healthy endometria. The expression of ERa in the healthy endometrial stroma and luminal epithelium during the follicular phase was higher than in the luteal phase, but showed no differences in the endometrium of mares with endometrosis. PRA expression was significantly higher in the stoma oviduct during the follicular phase than in the luteal phase. It seems possible that mucosal cells may support the occurrence of moderate to severe endometrosis through their altered intermediate filament and sex steroid receptor interactions. In addition, the oviduct appears to be less sensitive to hormonal changes than the uterus. Changes in the expression of intermediate filament and steroid hormone proteins may be a leading factor contributing to the functional status of the oviduct in endometrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder with disrupted uterus structure and function. A positive effect of vitamin D3 (VD3) in female reproduction was observed. Chemerin (RARRES2) and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) are the main adipokines whose levels are altered in PCOS patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of VD3 supplementation on RARRES2 and ADIPOQ levels in the uterus of PCOS rats. Methods: We analyzed the plasma levels and uterine transcript and protein expression of RARRES2 and ADIPOQ and their receptors (CCRL2, CMKLR1, GPR1, and ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2, respectively) in rats with letrozole-induced PCOS. Results: In control animals, VD3 did not change plasma levels of both adipokines, while in PCOS rats supplemented with VD3, they returned to control levels. The expression of RARRES2 and all investigated receptors increased in the uterus of VD3-treated rats; however, the levels of Rarres2 and Gpr1 genes remained unchanged. VD3 supplementation decreased RARRES2, CMKLR1, and GPR1 but increased CCRL2 level to the control value. In the uterus of VD3-treated rats, the transcript and protein levels of ADIPOQ and both receptors ADIPOR1 increased. At the same time, VD3 supplementation induced an increase in Adipoq, Adipor1, and Adipor2 gene expression and restored protein levels to control level values. Conclusions: our findings indicate a new mechanism of VD3 action in the uterine physiology of PCOS rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by excessive proliferation of abnormal myeloid precursors accompanied by a differentiation block and inhibition of apoptosis. Increased expression of an anti-apoptotic MCL-1 protein was shown to be critical for the sustained survival and expansion of AML cells. Therefore, herein, we examined the pro-apoptotic and pro-differentiating effects of S63845, a specific inhibitor of MCL-1, in a single-agent treatment and in combination with BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitor, ABT-737, in two AML cell lines: HL-60 and ML-1. Additionally, we determined whether inhibition of the MAPK pathway had an impact on the sensitivity of AML cells to S63845. To assess AML cells' apoptosis and differentiation, in vitro studies were performed using PrestoBlue assay, Coulter electrical impedance method, flow cytometry, light microscopy and Western blot techniques. S63845 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the viability of HL-60 and ML-1 cells and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Combined treatment with S63845 and ABT-737 or MAPK pathway inhibitor enhanced apoptosis but also induced differentiation of tested cells, as well as altering the expression of the MCL-1 protein. Taken together, our data provide the rationale for further studies regarding the use of MCL-1 inhibitor in combination with other pro-survival protein inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the most prevalent classes of environmental pollutants. Some evidence shows that PAHs could be involved in human obesity. However, little is known about the distribution patterns of PAHs in human adipose tissue (AT) and the role of PAHs on adipogenesis/lipogenesis. The aims of this pilot study were to determine concentrations of 16 PAHs defined as high-priority pollutants in the plasma and adipose tissue of French and Polish bariatric patients, as well as their correlation with body mass index (BMI), plasma and AT adipokines expression levels. We finally investigated the role of naphthalene on cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The concentration of most PAHs was similar in the three types of AT and it was significantly higher in AT as compared to plasma, suggesting bioaccumulation. Polish patients had higher PAH levels in AT than French ones. Only the concentration of naphthalene in AT was positively correlated with the BMI and serum or adipose chemerin, adiponectin and resistin expression, in French but not in Polish patients, who had significantly higher BMIs. Moreover, naphthalene exposure increased the cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and lipogenesis, and increased the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis after cell differentiation. Taken together, PAHs and more particularly naphthalene could be an obesogenic molecule and increase the risk of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apelinergic system comprises two peptide ligands, apelin and ELABELA, and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, the apelin receptor APJ. Apelin is a peptide that was isolated from bovine stomach extracts; the distribution of the four main active forms, apelin-36, -17, -13, and pyr-apelin-13 differs between tissues. The mature form of ELABELA-32 can be transformed into forms called ELABELA-11 or -21. The biological function of the apelinergic system is multifaceted, and includes the regulation of angiogenesis, body fluid homeostasis, energy metabolism, and functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. This review summarises the mechanism of the apelinergic system in cell apoptosis. Depending on the cell/tissue, the apelinergic system modulates cell apoptosis by activating various signalling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), 5'AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), and protein kinase A (PKA). Apoptosis is critically important during various developmental processes, and any dysfunction leads to pathological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental defects. The purpose of this review is to present data that suggest a significant role of the apelinergic system as a potential agent in various therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of adult obesity has risen markedly in recent decades. The endocrine system precisely regulates energy balance, fat abundance and fat deposition. Interestingly, white adipose tissue is an endocrine gland producing adipokines, which regulate whole-body physiology, including energy balance and reproduction. Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) include natural substances or chemicals that affect the endocrine system by multiple mechanisms and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. Numerous studies have associated exposure to EDCs with obesity, classifying them as obesogens by their ability to activate different mechanisms, including the differentiation of adipocytes, increasing the storage of triglycerides, or elevating the number of adipocytes. Moreover, in recent years, not only industrial deception and obesity have intensified but also the problem of human infertility. Reproductive functions depend on hormone interactions, the balance of which may be disrupted by various EDCs or obesity. This review gives a brief summary of common EDCs linked with obesity, the mechanisms of their action, and the effect on adipokine levels, reproduction and connected disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, decrease in sperm motility, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction in females and decrease of sperm motility in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy metabolism is tuned to reproductive needs of the body. Obesity and underweight lead to inhibition of ovarian follicle growth, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or luteal phase deficiency. The proposed markers linking female fertility with energy metabolism are adipokines, adipose tissue hormones that regulate the functions of the entire body. Adipokine vaspin stimulates the differentiation of preadipocytes, has anti-inflammatory properties and increases the sensitivity to insulin. Its higher levels have been observed in serum of obese people. This article presents the current knowledge about vaspin expression in the ovary and the mechanism of its influence on ovarian follicular (steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, proliferation, apoptosis) and luteal (endocrinology, angiogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis) cells function. The relationship between vaspin and PCOS, ovarian cancer, and luteal phase deficiency is also discussed. Thus, data about the role of vaspin in the physiology of the ovary may be used to optimize the oestrus/menstrual cycle, or vaspin level in the blood may be used as a simple diagnostic criterion of physiology or pathology of ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corpus luteum is a small gland of great importance because its proper functioning determines not only the appropriate course of the estrous/menstrual cycle and embryo implantation, but also the subsequent maintenance of pregnancy. Among the well-known regulators of luteal tissue functions, increasing attention is focused on the role of neuropeptides and adipose tissue hormones—adipokines. Growing evidence points to the expression of these factors in the corpus luteum of women and different animal species, and their involvement in corpus luteum formation, endocrine function, angiogenesis, cells proliferation, apoptosis, and finally, regression. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the expression and role of adipokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, apelin, vaspin, visfatin, chemerin, and neuropeptides like ghrelin, orexins, kisspeptin, and phoenixin in the physiological regulation of the corpus luteum function, as well as their potential involvement in pathologies affecting the luteal cells that disrupt the estrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaspin, visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor, plays important roles in inflammation, obesity, and glucose metabolism. Our rece nt research has shown the expression and role of vaspin in the function of ovarian follicles. However, whether vaspin regulates steroidogenesis and luteolysis in the corpus luteum (CL) is still unknown. The aim of this study was first to determine the expression of vaspin and its receptor GRP78 in porcine CL at the early, middle, and late stages of the luteal phase. Next, we investigated the hormonal regulation of vaspin levels in luteal cells in response to luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), and prostaglandin PGE2 and PGF2α. Finally, we determined vaspin's direct impact on luteal cells steroidogenesis, luteolysis and kinases phosphorylation. Our results are the firs t to show higher vaspin/GRP78 expression in middle and late vs early stages; immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic vaspin/GRP78 localization in small and large luteal cells. In vitro, we found that LH, P4, PGE2, and PGF2α significantly decreased vaspin levels. Furthermore, vaspin stimulated steroidogenesis by the activation of the GRP78 receptor and protein kinase A (PKA). Also, vaspin increased the ratio of luteotropic PGE2 to luteolytic PGF2α secretion via GRP78 and mitogen-activated kinase (MAP3/1). Moreover, vaspin, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased GRP78 expression, while it, in a time-dependent manner, increased kinases PKA and MAPK3/1 phosphorylation. Taken together, we found that vaspin/GRP78 expression depends on the luteal phase stage and vaspin affects luteal cells endocrinology, indicating that vaspin is a new regulator of luteal cells steroidogenesis and CL formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of enteral administration of obestatin on the development of small intestine, as well as oxidative stress markers and trancriptomic profile of gastrointestinal genes. Suckling rats were assigned to 3 groups treated with: C-saline solution; OL-obestatin (125 nmol/kg BW); OH-obestatin (250 nmol/kg BW) administered twice daily, from the 14th to the 21st day of life. Enteral administration of obestatin in both studied doses had no effect neither on the body weight of animals nor the BMI calculated in the day of euthanasia. Compared to the control group (C), treatment with obestatin resulted in significant changes in the histometry of the small intestinal wall as well as intestinal epithelial cell remodeling. The observed changes and their possible implications for intestinal development were dependent on the dosage of peptide. The enteral administration of high dose (OH) of obestatin significantly decreased its expression in the stomach and increased markers of oxidative stress. The gene profile revealed MAPK3 (mitogen-activated protein kinase-3) as the key regulator gene for obestatin action in the gastrointestinal track. In conclusion, we have showed that enteral administration of obestatin influences the gut mucosa remodeling. It is also suggested that the administration of high dose (OH) has inhibitory effect on the intestinal maturation of suckling rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apelin has been isolated from the bovine stomach extracts as an endogenous ligand of the previously orphan receptor APJ. Expression of the apelinergic system (apelin and APJ) was described in many organs where pleiotropic effects like regulation of food intake, body weight, or cardiovascular and immune function were described. Recent studies have shown that apelin also plays an important role in the regulation of female and male reproduction. Some data showed that the gene and protein of apelin/APJ are expressed in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis tissue. Thus, apelin is synthesized locally in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries, and testis of many species and has autocrine and/or paracrine effects. Most research indicates that apelin has an inhibitory effect on gonadotropin secretion and participates in the direct regulation of steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in gonads. The article summarizes also results of a series of recent studies on the effect of apelin on reproduction pathology, like polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer. Many of these pathologies are still in critical need of therapeutic intervention, and recent studies have found that apelin can be targets in reproductive pathological states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kosmos is the property of Polish Copernicus Society of Naturalists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Monocultures of different placental cells are used for many physiological and toxicological studies; however, they are not a true reflection of the interaction between placenta and fetus. To develop the most appropriate model to study endocrine and metabolic properties of fetoplacental unit we used three co-culture models of placental cells nonfusogenic JEG-3, unsyncytialised BeWo (BeWo) and syncytialised BeWo (syncBeWo) cultured with adrenal (H295R) cells. As an end point of endocrine properties we investigated steroids receptors expression and steroid secretion, while as metabolic properties AhR, CYP1A1and COMT expression. Progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion (ELISA) and 3βHSD, CYP19, estrogen (ERα/β), progesterone (PR) and aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptors, CYP1A1 and COMT protein expression (Western blot) were evaluated. Comparing three co-culture models we observed: (1) there were no differences between JEG-3 and BeWo in the PR expression, however it was higher in BeWo compared to syncBeWo; (2) there were no differences in ERα protein expression in all models, while profile of ERβ expression was the highest in syncBeWo; (3) high P4 secretion in JEG-3 and BeWo while low in syncBeWo; (4) high E2 levels in JEG-3 and syncBeWo, while low E2 secretion in BeWo; (5) the highest hCG secretion in the JEG-3 and syncBeWo than in BeWo (6) the highest AhR, CYP1A1 and COMT expression in syncBeWo. Based on the results showing higher hCG secretion in the JEG-3 than in BeWo, representing villous and extravillous phenotype we suggest that JEG-3 model could be used to study fetoplacental steroidogenesis at the 1st, while BeWo model at the 3rd. Results showing comparable profiles of AhR, CYP1A1 and COMT expression in JEG-3 and BeWo models and the significantly higher expression in synBeWo points to synBeWo as a good model for study the metabolic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of a high-fat (HF) diet on protein expression of leptin and its receptor in the gonads of dams and their offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed a HF diet (30 % fat) or a standard breeding (BD) diet (5 % fat) during pregnancy and lactation. At 21 days of lactation, mothers and both sexes of prepubertal offspring were killed by decapitation. The protein expression of leptin and its receptor was assayed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in gonadal, periovarian, and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT). We demonstrated that leptin protein expression in ovary, and both leptin and ObRb expression in periovarian WAT was decreased in HF dams compared with BD animals. Immunohistochemistry showed lower leptin expression in growing antral follicles and corpora lutea of HF dams. Conversely, in both gonads and epididymal WAT of HF offspring, leptin and its receptor were significantly higher expressed compared with BD. Immunolocalization of leptin system in HF offspring gonads showed higher expression in growing and antral follicles of the ovary, seminiferous tubules, and interstitial tissue of testes. In conclusion, high gonadal and gonadal-WAT expression of leptin system was observed in the offspring of dams fed a HF diet during pregnancy and lactation. This study investigated the effect of a high-fat (HF) diet on protein expression of leptin and its receptor in the gonads of dams and their offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed a HF diet (30 % fat) or a standard breeding (BD) diet (5 % fat) during pregnancy and lactation. At 21 days of lactation, mothers and both sexes of prepubertal offspring were killed by decapitation. The protein expression of leptin and its receptor was assayed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry in gonadal, periovarian, and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT). We demonstrated that leptin protein expression in ovary, and both leptin and ObRb expression in periovarian WAT was decreased in HF dams compared with BD animals. Immunohistochemistry showed lower leptin expression in growing antral follicles and corpora lutea of HF dams. Conversely, in both gonads and epididymal WAT of HF offspring, leptin and its receptor were significantly higher expressed compared with BD. Immunolocalization of leptin system in HF offspring gonads showed higher expression in growing and antral follicles of the ovary, seminiferous tubules, and interstitial tissue of testes. In conclusion, high gonadal and gonadal-WAT expression of leptin system was observed in the offspring of dams fed a HF diet during pregnancy and lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brand and corporate image are one of most important assets (not only advantages) of organisations nowadays helping them become permanent in consumers minds what may lead to loyalty. Sport brings people together and creates bonds based on strong emotions and passion for sports between them and specific brands. The aim of presented study is to investigate how brand and corporate image, customer satisfaction, service quality and switching costs may influence customer loyalty in the case for example of rock climbing. The exploratory research based on focus group method aimed to understand the process of creating loyalty between climbers and campsites designed for them. It was important to find out how important the brand and corporate image is for climbers and what are factors making them choose the place to stay during climbing trips. It was also explored what kind of consumers are climbers who create specific communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)