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Introduction Paraoxonase 1 is an enzyme associated with high-density lipoprotein fraction and is considered to present antioxidant activity. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the arylesterase activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in the serum of patients with hypertension, due to effect of therapy and before treatment. Patients and Methods. The study was conducted in 76 patients with primary hypertension and 28 volunteers for the control group. Hypertensive subjects were assigned to one of three groups: well controlled (n=25), poorly controlled (n=26), and newly diagnosed before therapy (n=25) hypertension. We evaluated metabolic parameters in all participants using routine laboratory methods, as well as arylesterase activity of PON1. Results The four study groups differed with arylesterase activity of PON1 and the highest levels were found in patients with well controlled hypertension and the lowest in newly diagnosed. All patients diagnosed with hypertension presented negative correlations between PON1 and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions Effective treatment of hypertension could result in increased PON1 activity, despite unfavorable homocysteine concentrations in blood. Untreated hypertension might decrease activity of PON.

The antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) may limit oxidative stress in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of the study was to determine PON1 gene L55M polymorphism in OSA-positive and OSA-negative subjects, along with paraoxonase activity of the enzyme (PON1-act). Caucasians aged 25–75, with BMI 19.0–53.0 kg/m2 and no acute or severe chronic disorder underwent polysomnography, and OSA-negative (n = 44) and OSA-positive (n = 57) groups were established. The following parameters were assessed: arterial blood pressure and serum glucose, lipids, C–reactive protein, and homocysteine. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified, and automatic sequencing was used to confirm the LL, LM, MM genotypes. PON1–act was measured spectrophotometrically using paraoxon as a substrate. We found that frequency of polymorphisms differed significantly between the OSA–negative and OSA–positive patients (p < 0.05). Increased PON1–act was observed in the LL–genotype versus the LM + MM–genotype in the study population (p < 0.05). PON1–act was higher in the OSA–negative compared with OSA–positive patients (p < 0.001); in general and in the subgroups presenting the LL or LM genotype. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between PON1–act and LDL–cholesterol in the entire study population. The OSA–positive group presented an inverse relationship between PON1–act and fasting glucose. We conclude that patients could benefit from the LL genotype related with higher activity of PON1. OSA pathology might decrease the enzyme activity, despite the presence of L allele.

UNLABELLED The results of epidemiological and clinical tests have shown that in patients with primary arterial hypertension, a chronic mild inflammation develops. The purpose of the study was to determine whether administration of folic acid to patients with primary arterial hypertension influences concentrations of indicators of inflammation: hsCRP, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. MATERIAL AND METHODS The examination was carried out in 41 patients with primary arterial hypertension, aged 19-65 (21 men and 20 women), without complications of hypertension and/or coexisting diseases. The examined patients were administered 15 mg of folic acid once a day for 45 days. Before and after administration of folic acid, concentrations of folic acid, homocysteine, hsCRP, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in serum were assessed. Concentrations of folic acid and homocysteine were determined using the immunoenzymatic method (Abbott) on an AxSYM analyzer. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined with an ultra-sensitive turbidimetric assay on a Dimension analyzer (Siemens). Next, concentrations of adhesion particles sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were assessed with the ELISA technique (R&D). RESULTS After the administration of folic acid in patients with primary arterial hypertension, a significant decrease in median concentrations of homocysteine in blood was observed. Simultaneously, the median hsCRP, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 concentrations in serum in patients with primary arterial hypertension were significantly reduced. CONSLUSIONS Administration of folic acid to persons with primary arterial hypertension in a dose of 15 mg/ day for 45 days caused a decrease in the concentration of homocysteine in serum. That could indirectly result in the decrease in concentrations of the indicators of inflammation (hsCRP, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1), as it is apparent from previous studies that hyperhomocysteinemia stimulates the synthesis of CRP and the expression of adhesion molecules.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of supplementation with folic acid on the concentration of homocysteine, total cholesterol (TC), HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apoprotein AI (apoAI) and apoprotein B (apoB) in patients suffering from primary hypertension. The examined group comprised 42 patients suffering from primary hypertension. All examined patients underwent laboratory tests as follows: concentration of homocysteine, folic acid, TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoAI and apoB. All patients were orally administered with 15 mg of folic acid per day for 45 d. After this period, all laboratory tests were repeated. Homocysteine concentration was measured by the FPIA method, concentrations of apoAI and apoB were measured by the nephelometric method, and other parameters with routine methods. After administration of 15 mg of folic acid to patients with primary hypertension, a considerable decrease in the concentration of homocysteine was observed in parallel with a substantive growth of HDL-cholesterol, as well as apoprotein AI concentrations and a reduction of the apoprotein B concentration. Results of statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between the decline in homocysteine concentration and the increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration, as well as between the increase of folic acid concentration and the increase in apoAI concentration in patients following the intake of folic acid. The drop in homocysteine concentration through the supplementation with folic acid can cause quantitative changes in the lipid and lipoprotein parameters which, in consequence, may lead to the mitigation of risk concerning the development of atherosclerosis.

Introduction: There are two commercially available tests for measurement of serum free light chains (sFLC) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients – Freelite and N Latex FLC. The aim of this study was to perform an assessment and direct comparison of the usefulness of the methods in routine clinical practice.Methods: 40 refractory/relapsed MM patients underwent routine disease activity assessment studies, along with sFLC analysis using both assays. Correlation and concordance between the tests and sensitivity of studied methods of sFLC assessment were established. Special attention was focused on sFLC results in patients finally evaluated after completing the treatment. Results: A weak correlation for the measurement of both κ [Passing–Bablok slope (PB) = 0.7681] and λ chains [(PB) = 1.542] was found. Using Bland–Altman plots, a bias of 0.0467 (κ) and -0.2133 (λ) between the measurements was documented. The concordance coefficient equaled 0.87 for κ, 0.62 for λ and 0.52 for κ/λ ratio. Ten patients had an abnormal Freelite assay κ/λ ratio and normal N Latex FLC κ/λ ratio. Three of these patients had negative serum protein electrophoresis results and fulfilled diagnostic criteria of stringent complete remission (sCR) according to N Latex FLC (but not according to Freelite). When the κ/λ ratio obtained by both methods was compared to patients’ serum/urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation results, sensitivity of Freelite and N Latex FLC was established to be 62.5% and 41%, respectively. Conclusions: There was no strong correlation or concordance between the two assays, and the sensitivity in terms of sFLC detection was different. This may cause problems when diagnosis of sCR is considered.

Objective. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a unifying pathophysiological explanation for movement disorders. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) exhibits deacetylase activity and antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to analyze the mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the SIRT3 activity in patients with movement disorders.Methods. Mitochondrial respiration was analyzed in intact PBMCs using the ROUTINE, LEAK, electron transfer system (ETS), and residual oxygen consumption (ROX) protocol by means of high-resolution respirometry. The SIRT3 expression and PBMC activity were measured using fluorometry. Ultrasound measurements of the echogenicity of the substantia nigra and the diameter of the 3rd ventricle were also performed.Results. Patients with movement disorders exhibited a lower ROUTINE respiration than controls (P = 0.0237). Reduced oxygen fluxes in the LEAK (P=0.033) and ROX (P=0.0486) states were observed in patients with movement disorders compared with controls. Decreased ROUTINE respiration (P=0.007) and oxygen flux in the LEAK state (P=0.0203) were observed in patients with PD with substantia nigra hyperechogenicity compared with controls. Decreased SIRT 3 deacetylase activity was found in patients with movement disorders.Conclusion. Impaired mitochondrial respiration in intact PBMCs was associated with inhibited SIRT3 activity and neurodegeneration measures evaluated using ultrasound in patients with PD.

Aim of the study: Assessment of the concentrations of the soluble forms of the cell adhesion molecules sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in serum of female breast cancer patients. These concentrations were assessed in relation to factors such as: age, clinical stage of disease, histological grade of malignancy, the status of the local axillary lymph nodes, and the size of the primary tumour. Material and methods: A total of 103 patients with primary breast cancer, aged 29 to 89 years, were investigated. The control group consisted of 40 healthy women. The concentration of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The results of the study suggest that the level of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 in the serum of women with breast cancer was significantly higher than that seen in the serum of healthy women. A relationship between the level of adhesion molecules and the stage of clinical disease advancement was discovered. There was a correlation between the increasing concentrations of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 and with the aggressiveness of the disease. Significant differences were also found in the group of women with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes and women with no metastasis. Similar correlations were found between sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels and the size of primary tumour. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that the assessment of the soluble forms of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 may be useful indicators in the assessment of the clinical advancement of breast cancer.

Purposes The main aim of the study was to answer two questions: what are the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apo A-I (apolipoprotein A-I), apo B (apolipoprotein B) and Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) in serum of patients with primary hypertension and with hyperhomocysteinemia? Is there any correlation between the concentration of homocysteine in blood serum and investigated lipid and lipoprotein parameters in patients with primary hypertension? Material/methods We investigated 42 patients with primary hypertension, aged 22–57. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The concentration of homocysteine in serum was evaluated using immunochemical method (FPIA – Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay). The concentration of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum were estimated using enzymatic method. Apo A-I, apo B and lipoprotein(a) were assessed using nephelometric method. Results The analysis of the results revealed statistically significant lower concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and apo A-I in blood serum of patients with primary hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia than in the population with hypertension and normohomocysteinemia. Negative correlation between homocysteine and HDL-cholesterol as well as apo A-I has been revealed. Conclusion Quantitative analysis of the concentration of lipids and lipoproteins in blood serum in patients with primary hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia may suggest that this type of human population might be more susceptible to atherosclerosis than those with primary hypertension and normal values of homocysteine.

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an endogenous, non-structural protein, a sulfur-containing amino acid emerging on the pathway of methionine and cysteine, actively involved in numerous biochemical reactions. Total concentration of homocysteine in plasma of healthy humans is low and its level is between 5.0 and 15.0 mmol/l, assessed with the use of HPLC, or 5.0–12.0 mmol/l, using immunoassay methods. Higher concentration of this amino acid in blood is called hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly correlated with cardiovascular disease and its complications: heart attacks and strokes. It is believed that hyperhomocysteinemia damages endothelial cells, reduces the flexibility of vessels, and adversely affects the process of hemostasis. In addition, hyperhomocysteinemia enhances the adverse effects of risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and impaired glucose, lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, as well as promoting the development of inflammation. The concentration of homocysteine can be effectively lowered by supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6. However, intervention studies conducted in the past decade did not confirm the clinical benefit of vitamin therapy lowering the level of homocysteine in blood of patients with cardiovascular disease. Moreover, there is not clear evidence from genetic studies that the presence of the gene for MTFHR polymorphism 677C>T, which is one of the most common causes of hyperhomocysteinemia, is also associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. These results led the researchers to discuss the role of homocysteine in the development and treatment of cardiovascular disease as well as the need for further research on this issue.

AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to assess the concentration of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in the serum of 103 women with breast cancer. Commonly recognized prognostic factors were taken into account, including age, histological grade of malignancy, stage of clinical advancement of the disease, status of local axillary lymph nodes and the size of the primary tumour. MATERIAL AND METHODS The concentration of uPAR was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (R&D Systems). RESULTS The concentration of uPAR in women with breast cancer was found to be higher than in a control group and the difference was statistically significant. The concentration of uPAR was found to increase in line with increasing disease stage and this too was of statistical significance. Raised levels of uPAR were found in women with breast cancer both with and without metastases to the lymph nodes of the axilla. A positive relationship was also found between the concentration of the tested receptor and the size of the primary tumour. No significant relationship, however, was found between the concentration of uPAR and the histological grade of malignancy of the tumour. No statistically significant results were obtained regarding the menopausal status of the women, that is, whether they were pre- or post-menopausal. CONCLUSIONS Concentration of uPAR in serum of women with breast cancer is positively correlated with the stage of advancement of the disease. Thus, the assessment of this parameter can be useful in the clinical evaluation of women with breast cancer.

Platelet rich plasma is being increasingly used in the modem medicine as a material, stimulating regeneration and accelerating tissue healing. Platelet rich plasma is an autologous platelet concentrate, which is obtained from the peripheral blood of the patient. The method of extraction is based on the isolation of platelets during centrifugation of the whole blood, drew on anticoagulant. With the difference in density between the various cellular components of blood, such as red blood cells, buffy coat and platelet poor plasma, the separation into individual fractions is possible. At the present moment no optimal method of preparation of the platelet rich plasma has been found. On the market there are a number of commercial collection systems available, differing from each other in centrifugation parameters, type of container to which blood is collected and anticogulant used. Unfortunately, this can lead to obtaining platelet rich plasma with a varying number of platelets, leukocytes and resulting in a different concentration of growth factors. This is important, because the studies show, that a positive clinical effect depends on the quality of the used platelet-rich plasma.

It is widely accepted that endothelial dysfunction is the basis of the development of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. With regard to hypertension, endothelial dysfunction is concerned mainly with impaired vascular expansion; however, it is also related to the intensity of the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Among the factors that cause damage to the endothelium, along with classic risk factors, is hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia promotes the formation of oxygen radicals, lowering the oxidation-reduction potential, adversely affects the biosynthesis and function of vasodilator factors in the vascular wall, contributes to the inhibition of endothelial cell division with intense myocyte proliferation and migration, and impairs production of extracellular matrix components in the vascular wall. In addition, high levels of homocysteine and its derivatives contribute to the modification of LDL and HDL particles, inflammation and disorders in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Biochemical effects of the impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on endothelium can lead to damage of endothelial cells, dysfunction of diastolic function of vessels and reduction of their flexibility through its influence on vascular wall remodeling. These changes lead to an increase in blood pressure, strengthening the development of hypertension and target organ damage in patients with this disease.

The biological activity of VEGF depends on the presence of its specific receptors on the endothelial surface: VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and on their soluble forms sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2. The binding of the membrane-bound receptors with VEGF affects the permeability, proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. This creates the necessary conditions for the vascularisation of solid tumours and for the spread of remote metastases. The sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 receptors are believed to be natural inhibitors of VEGF.To determine the clinical usefulness of VEGF and the sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 receptors level assay in women with primary breast cancer. The assessment also took into account: patient's age, stage of the disease, histological grade, status of the axillary lymph nodes and size of the primary tumour.The concentrations of VEGF, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 were ascertained in 103 women with primary breast cancer. The concentrations of VEGF in the plasma, and those of the soluble receptors sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 in the serum, were assessed by ELISA, RD Systems.The study found significantly raised concentrations of VEGF, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 in the serum of women with breast cancer, relative to the values obtained from the control group. It was found that with increasing clinical stages of the disease, the levels of VEGF and concentrations of sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 also increased. Similar findings were noted when assessing the degree of the histological grade of the tumours. Significantly higher values of VEGF protein and the assessed receptors were obtained from women with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes. A positive relationship, though without statistical significance, was noted between the concentration of sVEGFR-2 and the size of the tumour.The high concentrations of the VEGF cytokine and the sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 receptors in women with breast cancer are responsible for giving rise to the processes of tumour angiogenesis. The concentrations of the VEGF protein and the soluble forms of the receptors sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-2 in the serum of breast cancer patients showed positive correlations with the clinical stage of the disease. These results point to the usefulness of VEGF assessment and its soluble receptors in the clinical evaluation of patients with breast cancer.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the value of assessment of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and microvessel density, and to search for correlations between them, in women with breast cancer. The assessment considered factors such as the stage of clinical disease advancement—according to International Union Against Cancer, the grade of histological malignancy, status of axillary lymph nodes and the size of the primary tumour. The concentration of VEGF was assessed in the plasma of 103 women with breast cancer, using an immunoenzymatic method (Quantikine test of R&D Systems). Assessment of microvessel density was performed using histopathological immunoperoxidase methods, using an anti-von Willebrand factor antibody (DAKO A/S). A statistically significant relationship was found between rising VEGF levels and microvessel density in women with breast cancer, when compared to values from a control group. A correlation was found between VEGF concentration and microvessel density (MVD) values. Statistically significant differences were found between VEGF levels of patients in stages I, II and III of clinical disease advancement. For MVD, differences were found only between stages I and III. A statistical relationship was also found between VEGF and MVD and tumour size. Similar results were found between VEGF concentrations in women with metastases to the axillary lymph nodes and cytokine levels in women with no metastases. The results of the study suggest that the degree of tumour vascularization and the concentration of VEGF may represent valuable indicators for the assessment of the angiogenic process in women with breast cancer.