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Hymecromone (4-methylumbelliferone; 7-hydroxy-4-methylcumarine) is a well-known drug effective in biliary tract disorders with a very favorable safety profile, which makes it readily used by doctors and patients. The medication has a unique three-phase mechanism of action which includes: choleretic – enhances the secretion of low-density bile; cholekinetic – stimulates the flow and excretion of bile to the intestines, and spasmolytic activity – reduces the tension of smooth muscles of the bile ducts as well as Oddi’s sphincter. In recent years, there have been reports on new features of hymecromone, which arouse great interest in the context of its potential use in other than currently recommended indications, including neoplastic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. In this article, we discuss common and new mechanisms of hymecromone action, with particular emphasis on its role in biliary dyskinesia.

It is already well-known that visceral adipose tissue is inseparably related to the pathogenesis, activity, and general outcome of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are getting closer and closer to the molecular background of this loop, finding certain relationships between activated mesenteric tissue and inflammation within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, relatively new data have been uncovered, indicating a direct impact of body fat on the pattern of pharmacological treatment in the course of IBD. On the other hand, ileal and colonic types of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis appear to be more diversified than it was thought in the past. However, the question arises whether at this stage we are able to translate this knowledge into the practical management of IBD patients or we are still exploring the scientific background of this pathology, having no specific tools to be used directly in patients. Our review explores IBD in the context of obesity and associated disorders, focusing on adipokines, creeping fat, and possible relationships between these disorders and the treatment of IBD patients.

Benign pancreatic hyperenzymemia (Gullo's syndrome) is characterized by a more than threefold increase of the serum pancreatic enzymes lipase and amylase activity in the absence of any pancreatic disease. Recently, there is an increase in describing cases of Gullo's syndrome in medical literature. Gullo's syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, and clinicians should be aware of various other conditions which can cause elevation of pancreatic enzymes. However, the diagnostic pathway should be done with the right accuracy to avoid unnecessary examinations.

Various laboratory parameters are commonly used to assess the efficacy of biological treatment (BT). The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between platelet (PLT) indices: (mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW)), C-reactive protein (CRP) and endoscopic picture in the course of infliximab induction regimen in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The study enrolled 46 patients with UC – 32 men and 16 women. They were administered infliximab (standard induction therapy). Laboratory tests (CRP and PLT indices) and colonoscopy were performed in all patients during the induction regimen – at 0, 2, and 6 weeks and in follow-up six weeks after the completion of induction therapy. The study revealed a statistically significant decrease in CRP and PLT, and an increase in MPV, together with improvement of endoscopic picture (p

Introduction. Efficacy of biological treatment (BT) is a key issue among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Laboratory markers and endoscopic procedures are basic diagnostic tools in the assessment of response to biological agents in the course of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim. The aim of our investigation was to assess the correlation between laboratory parameters and endoscopic picture in the course of BT in patients with IBD – CD and UC–treated with biological agents. Material and methods. The total number of 71 patients were enrolled in the study, 25 with CD and 46 with UC. When it comes to 15 patients with CD, they were treated with infliximab (IFX) and 10 patients with adalimumab (ADA) – one year of therapy. Patients with UC were administered IFX – induction therapy. Laboratory tests (C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet (PLT) count) and colonoscopy were performed in all patients before and during BT. Results. BT improved endoscopic picture (SES-CD, MAYO) in all patients. BT lowered CRP (p Discussion. BT revolutionized a natural history of IBD and its efficacy was approved worldwide. Nevertheless, biological agents do not lead to a full remission of the disease in all patients. Because of this reason, laboratory parameters and endoscopic picture must be carefully monitored during BT to achieve the best outcome in IBD patients. Conclusion. Full clinical and endoscopic remission of IBD was not achieved, although BT lowered CRP level, PLT count and improved endoscopic picture of patients enrolled into our study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Screening colonoscopy is a recommended tool, and the most sensitive and cost-effective method for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to present the results of a 5-year screening for early detection of CRC carried out among the population of the central-eastern regions of Poland, primarily in Lublin Province. MATERIALS AND METHOD Screening colonoscopy was conducted in a group of 1,009 patients - 636 women and 373 men, aged 40-65 years. RESULTS Neoplastic polyps were found in 275 patients, advanced adenomas in 49 patients and adenocarcinoma in 13. 70.55% of neoplastic polyps was located in the distal colon, 18.9% in the proximal part and 10.55% in both regions, advanced adenomas in 79.59%, 8.16% and 12.25%, respectively. Adenocarcinoma was located in the proximal colon in 2 cases and in the distal region in 11 cases. Neoplastic polyps and advanced adenomas occurred significantly more frequently in smokers than in non-smokers. Neoplastic polyps were found statistically more frequent in males than in females, among the overweight and obese patients, than in subjects with normal BMI, and more frequently in the group of urban, compared to rural patients. However, the frequency of advanced adenomas and CRC was not statistically different in those groups. The incidence of CRC was statistically more frequent in males than in females. Smoking and male gender were significant risk factors for developing neoplastic polyps. Male gender seemed to predispose to CRC. Obesity was found to favour advanced adenomas. CONCLUSIONS The results of screening found neoplastic polyps in every third person (mean) who did not have any symptoms suggestive of colon pathology. Advanced adenomas were found in 5% of the examined and CRC was detected in 1.29% of participants. Smoking, male gender and overweight were significant risk factors for developing neoplastic polyps. No correlation was found between gender and the location of neoplastic polyps and advanced adenomas in the colon.

Refractory ascites (RA) refers to ascites that cannot be mobilized or that has an early recurrence that cannot be prevented by medical therapy. Every year, 5–10% of patients with liver cirrhosis and with an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity develop RA while undergoing standard treatment (low sodium diet and diuretic dose up to 400 mg/day of spironolactone and 160 mg/day of furosemide). Liver cirrhosis accounts for marked alterations in the splanchnic and systemic hemodynamics, causing hypovolemia and arterial hypotension. The consequent activation of renin-angiotensin and sympathetic systems and increased renal sodium re-absorption occurs during the course of the disease. Cirrhotic patients with RA have poor prognoses and are at risk of developing serious complications. Different treatment options are available, but only liver transplantation may improve the survival of such patients.

Background Exposure to excessive alcohol consumption dysregulates immune signaling. The programed cell death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand PD-L1 play a critical role in the protection against immune-mediated tissue damage. The aim of our study was evaluation of the PD-1/PDL-1 expression on peripheral T and B lymphocytes, its correlation with markers of inflammation and the severity of liver dysfunction in the course of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Material and Methods Fifty-six inpatients with ALD (38 males, 18 females, aged 49.23 ± 10.66) were prospectively enrolled and assigned to subgroups based on their: (1) gender, (2) severity of liver dysfunction (Child-Pugh, MELD scores, mDF), (3) presence of ALD complications, and followed for 30 days. Twenty-five age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers served as the control group. Flow cytometric analysis of the PD-1/PD-L1 expression on peripheral lymphocyte subsets were performed. Results General frequencies of PD-1/PD-L1 positive T and B subsets did not differ between the ALD and control group. When patients were analyzed based on their gender, significantly higher frequencies of PD1/PD-L1 positive B cells in ALD females compared to controls were observed. ALD females presented with significantly higher frequencies of PD-1+ and PD-L1+ B cells, as well as PD-L1+ all T cell subsets in comparison with ALD males. The same gender pattern of the PD-1/PDL1 expression was found in the subgroups with mDF > 32 and MELD > 20. No correlations of PD-1+ and PD-L1+ lymphocyte percentages with mDF, CTP and MELD scores, nor with complications of ALD were observed. Significant correlations of PD-L1 positive B cell frequencies with conventional markers of inflammation were found. Conclusions Gender-related differences in the frequencies of PD-1/PD-L1 positive T and B cells were observed in patients with ALD. Upregulation of PD-1+/PD-L1+ lymphocytes paralleled both the severity of alcoholic hepatitis and liver dysfunction in ALD females.

Summary Aim. The aim of the present study was to analyse the impact of education of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on their quality of life. Methods. The study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin and Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Regional Specialist Hospital in Lublin in the years 2010–2011. The quality of life was analysed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL-Q R. Schalock, K. Keith). Material. The group of 83 patients with the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome, who gave their consent for inclusion in the study, was provided with information about the essence of the disease, disease-related diet and lifestyle, course of the disease, medications, and check-ups. Results. Our patients educated by the physician, nurse and those provided with written information had substantially higher scores in multi-dimensional aspects of the quality of life after education. Six months after education patients with IBS showed a significantly higher quality of life in all aspects, i.e. Satisfaction, Competence/productivity, Empowerment/ independence and Social inclusion/community integration. The understanding of the essence of their disease contributed to a decrease in anxiety associated with the neoplastic disease and worrying symptoms, which significantly reduced the incidence of complaints. Conclusions. 1. Quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is substantially reduced in all the examined spheres. 2. Education of patients with IBS resulted in enhanced quality of life and reduced disease-related complaints. 3. Education of patients with IBS plays a significant role in the entire therapeutic process.

Background and aims. There is growing evidence that white adipose tissue is an important contributor in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We investigated serum concentrations of total adiponectin (Acrp30), leptin, and resistin in patients with chronic alcohol abuse and different grades of liver dysfunction, as well as ALD complications.Materials and Methods. One hundred forty-seven consecutive inpatients with ALD were prospectively recruited. The evaluation of plasma adipokine levels was performed using immunoenzymatic ELISA tests. Multivariable logistic regression was applied in order to select independent predictors of advanced liver dysfunction and the disease complications.Results. Acrp30 and resistin levels were significantly higher in patients with ALD than in controls. Lower leptin levels in females with ALD compared to controls, but no significant differences in leptin concentrations in males, were found. High serum Acrp30 level revealed an independent association with advanced liver dysfunction, as well as the development of ALD complications, that is, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusion. Gender-related differences in serum leptin concentrations may influence the ALD course, different in females compared with males. Serum Acrp30 level may serve as a potential prognostic indicator for patients with ALD.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. They originate from the myenteric ganglion cells, termed the interstitial Cajal cells. The majority, i.e. 95% of GIST, show expression of the membrane receptor protein CD117 with a tyrosine kinase activity c‑kit. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors constitute less than 1% of all digestive tract tumors. They may be benign or malignant (30%), and occur in every part of the gastrointestinal tract, however the stomach is the most common localization. They develop with the same prevalence in men and in women, usually above the age of 50 years. The peak incidence is observed between the fifth and the sixth decade of life. Symptoms are not typical and depend on the localization and the tumor size. About 10–30% of GIST are completely asymptomatic, and are discovered accidentally during the endoscopy or X‑rays evaluation as well as during surgical interventions performed for various reasons. The malignant tumors metastasize most commonly to the liver and peritoneum. The metastases are rarely found in the lungs, pleura and bones. The detection of GIST is based on imaging, endoscopy, histological and immunohistochemical examinations. A useful and promising diagnostic procedure is positron emission tomography. The final diagnosis is mostly based on the pathologic findings of the removed tumor. The prognosis of GIST depends on its size, mitotic activity in 50 high power fields and mucosal infiltration. Radical surgery is the best treatment of GIST.Key words: diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, epidemiology, prognosis, symptoms

The toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) related to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is well established. However, they may cause injury distal to the duodenum as well – to the small and large intestine and/or to other organs of the digestive system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce small intestinal perforation, ulcers or strictures requiring surgery and inflammation with blood and protein loss called NSAID enteropathy. These drugs can exacerbate pre-existing large bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease) and precipitate relapse of inactive disease or the new onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with rapid resolution of symptoms on their withdrawal. They have been implicated in the development of microscopic colitis. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs-associated toxicity of the small and large bowel is increasingly recognized in clinical practice, as enteroscopic procedures become more frequently used. Liver injury is an uncommon, but potentially lethal complication. It can occur with all NSAIDs, but diclofenac and sulindac seem to be most commonly associated with the problem. These drugs may contribute to acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Hepatotoxicity is likely due to an idiosyncratic reaction resulting from an immunological response or altered metabolic pathways. The major benefits of NSAIDs relate to reports of possible prevention, delay or regression of progress towards cancer of the colon, oesophagus, stomach as well as of cancer of the breast, lung, prostate and skin. Despite their promise, NSAIDs are not yet recommended for prevention or treatment of any cancer, because the balance of hazards and benefits from the treatment must be resolved in the designated patient population. Streszczenie Toksycznośc niesteroidowych lekow przeciwzapalnych (NLPZ) w stosunku do gornego odcinka przewodu pokarmowego jest dobrze udokumentowana. Mogą one jednak powodowac uszkodzenia rowniez dystalnie do dwunastnicy – w jelicie cienkim oraz grubym i/lub w innych narządach ukladu trawiennego. Niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne wywolują perforacje, owrzodzenia i przewezenia jelita cienkiego, ktore wymagają leczenia operacyjnego, oraz stan zapalny z utratą krwi i bialka, zwany enteropatią. Mogą zaostrzyc objawy podstawowej choroby jelita grubego (np. wrzodziejącego zapalenia jelita grubego, choroby uchylkowej), wtornie wzmagac aktywnośc choroby nieaktywnej lub indukowac pierwotny epizod nieswoistych zapalnych chorob jelit, z szybkim ustepowaniem objawow po odstawieniu leku. Sugeruje sie ich udzial w rozwoju mikroskopowego zapalenia jelita grubego. W praktyce klinicznej toksycznośc NLPZ w jelicie cienkim i grubym rozpoznaje sie coraz cześciej ze wzgledu na coraz powszechniejszą dostepnośc procedur endoskopowych. Uszkodzenie wątroby jest rzadkim, lecz potencjalnie śmiertelnym powiklaniem. Moze sie ono pojawic po uzyciu kazdego NLPZ, ale najcześciej problem ten wywolują diklofenak i sulindak. Niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne mogą brac udzial w ostrym stluszczeniu wątroby u kobiet w ciązy. Ich hepatoto ksycznośc jest prawdopodobnie reakcją idiosynkrazji w wyniku odpowiedzi immunologicznej lub zaburzen metabolicznych. Najwazniejsze korzyści z terapii NLPZ wykazaly raporty o mozliwej profilatyce, opoźnieniu lub regresji rozwoju raka w jelicie grubym, przelyku, zolądku, a takze raka piersi, pluc, gruczolu krokowego i skory. Mimo tych doniesien nie sformulowano dotychczas rekomendacji dla profilaktyki i leczenia NLPZ w przebiegu zadnego z tych nowotworow. Stosunek ryzyka do korzyści wynikający z takiego leczenia musi zostac oszacowany w badaniach w odpowiednich grupach chorych.

Angiogenesis is believed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We aimed to explore the usefulness and accuracy of plasma angiogenic biomarkers for noninvasive evaluation of the severity of liver failure and ALD outcome. One hundred and forty-seven patients with ALD were prospectively enrolled and assessed based on their (1) gender, (2) age, (3) severity of liver dysfunction according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and MELD scores, and (4) the presence of ALD complications. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and angiopoietins 1 and 2 (Ang1 and Ang2) were investigated using ELISAs. Multivariable logistic regression was applied in order to select independent predictors of advanced liver dysfunction and the disease complications. Significantly higher concentrations of Ang2 and VEGF-A in ALD patients as compared to controls were found. There was no difference in Ang1 levels in both groups. A positive correlation of Ang2 levels with INR (Rho 0.66;P<0.0001) and its inverse correlation with plasma albumin levels (Rho –0.62;P<0.0001) were found. High Ang2 concentrations turned out to be an independent predictor of severe liver dysfunction, as well as hepatic encephalopathy and renal impairment. Ang2 possessed the highest diagnostic and prognostic potential among three studied angiogenesis-related molecules.

Aim. Determination of risk factors relevant to 90-day prognosis in AH. Comparison of the conventional prognostic models such as Maddrey’s modified discriminant function (mDF) and Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) score with newer ones: the Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score (GAHS); Age, Bilirubin, INR, Creatinine (ABIC) score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and MELD-Na in the death prediction.Patients and Methods. The clinical and laboratory variables obtained at admission were assessed. The mDF, CPT, GAHS, ABIC, MELD, and MELD-Na scores’ different areas under the curve (AUCs) and the best threshold values were compared. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of the 90-day outcome.Results. One hundred sixteen pts fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty (17.4%) pts died and one underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) within 90 days of follow-up. No statistically significant differences in the models‘ performances were found. Multivariate logistic regression identified CPT score, alkaline phosphatase (AP) level higher than 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), and corticosteroids (CS) nonresponse as independent predictors of mortality.Conclusions. The CPT score, AP > 1.5 ULN, and the CS nonresponse had an independent impact on the 90-day survival in AH. Accuracy of all studied scoring systems was comparable.

Little is known about effects of alcohol consumption on dendritic cell (DC) function and resultant immune response. However, quantitative and qualitative disturbances of DCs are speculated to be involved in alcohol-related as well as in other liver pathology. The present study aimed to evaluate changes in circulating DC subsets in alcoholic liver disease ( N = 43), autoimmune hepatitis ( N = 26) and primary biliary cirrhosis ( N = 20). DCs isolated from the peripheral blood of recruited participants were stained with monoclonal antibodies against blood dendritic cell antigens (BDCAs) and estimated using the flow cytometry. Myeloid DCs were defined as BDCA-1+/CD19− cells, and lymphoid DCs as BDCA-2+/CD123+ cells. Total numbers of circulating DCs in subjects with some liver diseases were markedly lower than in the healthy participants ( p = 0.03). There was a significantly lower percentage of circulating BDCA-2+/CD123+ ( p = 0.02), and a tendency for the percentage of circulating BDCA-1+/CD19− cells to decrease in patients with liver diseases compared to the controls ( p = 0.09). These results may suggest that decreased numbers of DCs may be responsible for reduced adaptive immune responses and increased susceptibility to infections and cancer development observed in patients exposed to alcohol. Moreover, numerical abnormalities of DCs may contribute to the breakdown of self-tolerance, a feature of autoimmune diseases.

The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of H. pylori infection in adult inhabitants of Lublin Province. The effects of living conditions and lifestyle on the infection frequency were evaluated. The study included 585 adults randomly chosen for the epidemiological analysis of H. pylori infection in the Lublin region within the project commissioned by the Ministry of Health (PCZ 08-09) and State Committee for Scientific Research (C007/P05/2000). The study was based on a personal questionnaire and determinations of anti/Hp antibodies in IgG class using the ELISA method. High titres of anti/Hp antibodies (24 IU/ml) were demonstrated in 78.5 % of the subjects. In Lublin Province the infected individuals constitute 72 % of inhabitants, in the big towns--74 % and in small towns--95 %. According to the place of birth: among those born in the country 87 % are infected, compared to 78.4 % in the small towns and 64 % in the big towns, respectively. Positive test results were observed in 79 % of farmers, 78 % of manual workers and 75 % of mental workers. The percentage of the affected neglecting basic hygienic rules exceeded 90 %. With increased frequency of hygienic measures the number of the H. pylori infected individuals decreased to 65 %. The prevalence of H. pylori infection among the inhabitants of the Lublin region is lower than that found in town inhabitants. Lublin Province shows the lowest level of H. pylori infection in Poland. The H. pylori infection is strongly affected by the lack of basic rules of personal hygiene and improper diet.

In the recent years, the prevalence of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus has substantially increased. At present its prevalence in the USA is comparable to that of squamous carcinoma (5/100,000 a year). In 80-90% of cases esophageal adenocarcinoma is located in 1/3 of the lower esophagus and is mainly derived from Barrett's esophagus (BE). The role of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in the pathogenesis of gastritis and gastric ulcer disease has been well known and documented. However, its role in the pathogenesis of esophageal reflux disease, its complications, particularly regarding the risk of Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma is still being studied. The relation between Hp infection and BE has been discussed for many years. The importance of the problem is warranted by the wide prevalence of both Hp infection and reflux disease in the population. The above mentioned findings confirm the protective effects of Hp infection in BE. Despite numerous studies some doubts concerning the relations between Hp infection and BE are still to be explained.

The aim of our study was to check the significance of portal blood velocity /PBV/ in evaluation of the severity of liver disease. Duplex doppler sonography evaluation of PBV was performed in 20 patients (pts) with liver cirrhosis (7 women, 13 men, aged 34-75) and 10 pts with normal liver function (controls). We checked it during fasting and 30 minutes after a meal. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on clinical, laboratory and sonographic criteria. The severity of liver cirrhosis was classified according the Child-Pugh score as class A--6 pts.; class B--10 pts. and class C--4 pts. The lowest values of the mean baseline PBV (during fasting) were observed in cirrhotic pts class C (15.9+/-4.2 cm/s vs class B 18,1+/-7.8 cm/s vs class A 20.4+/-8.6 cm/s vs controls 21.6+/-3.8 cm/s). A similar situation appeared after our evaluation of PBV values in the postprandial state (class C 16.5+/-4.8 cm/s vs class B 19.8+/-9.1cm/s vs class A 22.4+/-6.4 cm/s vs controls 29.6+/-10.6 cm/s). The increment of PBV after a meal in pts with the Child-Pugh class C was significantly diminished compared to control group (0.6+/-4.1cm/s vs 8.0+/-5.2 cm/s; p0.05). We concluded that the postprandial portal blood velocity assessment is useful for evaluation of the severity of liver disease.

The aim of our study was assessment of the long-term influence of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment on the serum marker of the hepatocarcinogenesis level-alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-in patients (pts) with chronic viral hepatitis (cvh) B and C. Thirty seven pts (21 with HCV and 16 with HBV infection (20 women, 17 men, aged 24-62) were included in the study. Pts were administered IFN-alpha in the dose of 9-15 MU per week, thrice a week, for 16 weeks (HBV group) or 24-52 weeks (HCV group). Effectiveness of IFN-alpha treatment was evaluated on the basis of the HBV DNA and HCV RNA level in blood. The serum AFP values were determined before and 4-7 years after IFN-alpha treatment. The baseline serum AFP level was increased in 26 out of 37 pts (70%) (14/21 from HCV group; 12/16 from HBV group). After the 4-7 years' follow-up it remained increased only in 2 out of 37 pts (5%). AFP values significantly decreased after IFN-alpha treatment (17.58+/-19.09 IU/ml vs 7.95+/-21.78 IU/ml; p0.05; normal range 0-5 IU/ml) in both HBV and HCV, responder and non- responder groups. These results support the hypothesis that IFN-alpha therapy could diminish the risk of liver carcinogenesis in pts with cvh B and C. It significantly decreases the serum AFP level. Its beneficial effect was observed both in responders and in non-responders.

Acute pancreatitis leads to hypoxia caused by vasoconstriction and to activation of lysosomal and digestive enzymes resulting in pancreas autodigestion and damage. This causes activation of leucocytes and increased expression of adhesive molecules enabling margination and adhesion of activated leucocytes to the endothelium. Activated leucocytes are the source of proinflammatory cytokins and oxygen-free radicals which intensify the inflammatory response. The reports indicating that adenosine may prevent activation of the above-mentioned processes in ischaemia prompted us to undertake this study. The study was performed in two stages. The first stage was to evaluate the effects of agonists and antagonists of adenosine receptors on normal pancreas while the second one was to determine the influence of these substances on the development of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. During the first stage, the animals were injected intraperitoneally with the substances examined: the A1 receptor antagonist--DPCPX, the A2 receptor agonist--CGS 21680, the A2 receptor antagonist--ZM 241385 and the A3 receptor agonist--IB-MECA and then received intravenous saline. The control animals were subjected only to the 12 h intravenous infusion of 0.15 M NaCl. During the second stage, after the intraperitoneal administration of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists (as in the first stage), acute pancreatitis was induced with the 12 h intravenous infusion of 5 micrograms/kg/h caerulein. Identical acute pancreatitis was induced in the control animals, however no other substances were administered. The pancreatic tissue samples were collected directly after intravenous infusion. The severity of inflammatory processes in the pancreas was evaluated on the basis of the plasma amylase activity, pancreatic weight and enhancement of histopathological changes observed in this organ. In the animals infused with saline alone, no effects of the substances examined on the pancreatic weight, plasma amylase activity and histopathological features were observed. The intravenous caerulein infusion induced acute pancreatitis expressed as bigger pancreatic weight, increased plasma amylase activity and tissue damage (oedema, cell vacuolization, leucocyte infiltration). The A2 receptor agonist administration preceding the induction of acute pancreatitis decreased the pancreas damage caused by caerulein. Lower weight of the pancreas and decreased plasma amylase activities were observed; on histopathological examination--oedema, leucocyte infiltration and intensity of alveolar cell vacuolization were lower. On the other hand, intraperitoneal pretreatment with the A2 receptor antagonist intensified the pancreas injury. The A1 receptor blockade and A3 receptor stimulation in the animals injected with caerulein did not affect the pancreatic weight, plasma amylase activity or histopathological picture of the organ. The administration of A2 receptor agonists decreases the organ injury in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. This action may result from modulating effects of these substances on different stages of the cascade of inflammatory reactions. However, the present study did not reveal any effect of the A1 receptor agonist or A3 receptor antagonist on inflammatory processes in the experimental model described.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in Western countries. The lifetime risk of developing CRC is estimated at 5-6%. Available data indicate that the epidemiologic situation in Poland leaves a lot to be desired. Approximately 8000 patients die of CRC each year in Poland and outcomes of the disease treatment expressed as the 5-year survival rate are among the worst in Europe, not exceeding 25%. Colorectal cancer is a disease which requires activities promoting early diagnostics and wide-scale prevention due to the fact that it meets the pathologic criteria suitable for the population screening tests. Different screening tests are used in routine medical practice and their use depends on their availability to a patient, according to the principle of superiority of any screening over no screening. This article reviews different screening methods according to their practical value assessed on the basis of the best available evidence.