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Abstract Oxidative stress is characterized by an excessive concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from a disturbance in the balance between ROS production and their removal by antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, GPx). Prolonged and intense oxidative stress can cause various forms of damage to cells, which markers are total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxygen species modulator (ROMO1), and malondialdehyde (MDA). It has been demonstrated that magnetic fields can positively affect human health, for example, by reducing oxidative stress. Determination of the effect of a rotating magnetic field (RMF) on the activity/concentration of selected oxidative stress markers. A group of 30 healthy volunteers (15 women and 15 men) (mean age 24.8 ± 5.1) in the study classified into the following groups: internal control group (CG);1 h 25 Hz (samples placed in the field for one hour at 25 Hz); 3 h 25 Hz (samples placed in the field for 3 h at 25 Hz), the 1 h 50 Hz group ( placed in RMF for an hour at 50 Hz), and a group of 3 h 50 Hz (samples placed in the field for 3 h at 50 Hz). Serum samples were collected in K2EDTA tubes.. The magnetic induction value obtained for RMF is 37.06 mT and 42.64 mT.Activity/concentration of selected oxidative stress markers was analyzed by ELISA. The influence of an RMF on the activity/concentration of SOD, MDA, TAC, and ROMO1 was demonstrated (p

Bacteria and fungi tend to coexist within biofilms instead of in planktonic states. Usually, such communities include cross-kingdom microorganisms, which make them harder to remove from abiotic surfaces or infection sites. Additionally, the produced biofilm matrix protects embedded microorganisms from antibiotics, disinfectants, or the host immune system. Therefore, classic therapies based on antibiotics might be ineffective, especially when multidrug-resistant bacteria are causative factors. The complexities surrounding the eradication of biofilms from diverse surfaces and the human body have spurred the exploration of alternative therapeutic modalities. Among these options, bacteriophages and their enzymatic counterparts have emerged as promising candidates, either employed independently or in synergy with antibiotics and other agents. Phages are natural bacteria killers because of mechanisms of action that differ from antibiotics, phages might answer worldwide problems with bacterial infections. In this review, we report the attempts to use bacteriophages in combating polymicrobial biofilms in in vitro studies, using different models, including the therapeutical use of phages. In addition, we sum up the advantages, disadvantages, and perspectives of phage therapy.

Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death worldwide. More attention is being paid to the link between the body’s impaired oxidoreductive balance and cancer incidence. Much attention is being paid to polyphenols derived from plants, as one of their properties is an antioxidant character: the ability to eliminate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, chelate specific metal ions, modulate signaling pathways affecting inflammation, and raise the level and activity of antioxidant enzymes while lowering those with oxidative effects. The following three compounds, resveratrol, quercetin, and curcumin, are polyphenols modulating multiple molecular targets, or increasing pro-apoptotic protein expression levels and decreasing anti-apoptotic protein expression levels. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo on animals and humans suggest using them as chemopreventive agents based on antioxidant properties. The advantage of these natural polyphenols is low toxicity and weak adverse effects at higher doses. However, the compounds discussed are characterized by low bioavailability and solubility, which may make achieving the blood concentrations needed for the desired effect challenging. The solution may lie in derivatives of naturally occurring polyphenols subjected to structural modifications that enhance their beneficial effects or work on implementing new ways of delivering antioxidants that improve their solubility and bioavailability.

Platelets are actively involved in tissue injury site regeneration by producing a wide spectrum of platelet-derived growth factors such as PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), etc. A rotating magnetic field (RMF) can regulate biological functions, including reduction or induction regarding inflammatory processes, cell differentiation, and gene expression, to determine the effect of an RMF on the regenerative potential of platelets. The study group consisted of 30 healthy female and male volunteers (n = 15), from which plasma was collected. A portion of the plasma was extracted and treated as an internal control group. Subsequent doses of plasma were exposed to RMF at different frequencies (25 and 50 Hz) for 1 and 3 h. Then, the concentrations of growth factors (IGF-1, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, and FGF-1) were determined in the obtained material by the ELISA method. There were statistically significant differences in the PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, IGF-1, and FGF-1 concentrations between the analyzed groups. The highest concentration of PDGF-BB was observed in the samples placed in RMF for 1 h at 25 Hz. For TGF-β1, the highest concentrations were obtained in the samples exposed to RMF for 3 h at 25 Hz and 1 h at 50 Hz. The highest concentrations of IGF-1 and FGF-1 were shown in plasma placed in RMF for 3 h at 25 Hz. An RMF may increase the regenerative potential of platelets. It was noted that female platelets may respond more strongly to RMF than male platelets.

Abstract Introduction Antioxidant enzymes protect the human body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The activity of antioxidant enzymes changes with age and depends on dietary nutrients such as fats and vitamins, which can have a significant impact on minimizing or exacerbating oxidative stress. Aim To examine the effect of age, BMI, diet, physical activity, and smoking status on the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione concentrations in healthy women. Material and methods This study included 98 healthy women aged between 20 and 65 years. All women underwent anthropometric tests: body weight, height, hip, and waist circumference. Antioxidant activity in erythrocytes was measured by spectrophotometric methods. Results Catalase activity increased significantly with age (p

Growing interest in bacteriophage research and use, especially as an alternative treatment option for multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, requires rapid development of production methods and strengthening of bacteriophage activities. Bacteriophage adsorption to host cells initiates the process of infection. The rotating magnetic field (RMF) is a promising biotechnological method for process intensification, especially for the intensification of micromixing and mass transfer. This study evaluates the use of RMF to enhance the infection process by influencing bacteriophage adsorption rate. The RMF exposition decreased the t50 and t75 of bacteriophages T4 on Escherichia coli cells and vb_SauM_A phages on Staphylococcus aureus cells. The T4 phage adsorption rate increased from 3.13 × 10−9 mL × min−1 to 1.64 × 10−8 mL × min−1. The adsorption rate of vb_SauM_A phages exposed to RMF increased from 4.94 × 10−9 mL × min−1 to 7.34 × 10−9 mL × min−1. Additionally, the phage T4 zeta potential changed under RMF from −11.1 ± 0.49 mV to −7.66 ± 0.29 for unexposed and RMF-exposed bacteriophages, respectively.

Phage–antibiotic combination-based protocols are presently under heightened investigation. This paradigm extends to engagements with bacterial biofilms, necessitating novel computational approaches to comprehensively characterize and optimize the outcomes achievable via these combinations. This study aimed to explore the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in optimizing the antibiofilm activity of bacteriophage–antibiotic combinations. We employ a combination of antibiotics (gentamicin, meropenem, amikacin, ceftazidime, fosfomycin, imipenem, and colistin) alongside the bacteriophage vB_AbaP_AGC01 to combat Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm. Based on the conducted biofilm challenge assays analyzed using the RSM, the optimal points of antibiofilm activity efficacy were effectively selected by applying this methodology, enabling the quantifiable mathematical representations. Subsequent optimization showed the synergistic potential of the anti-biofilm that arises when antibiotics are judiciously combined with the AGC01 bacteriophage, reducing biofilm biomass by up to 80% depending on the antibiotic used. The data suggest that the phage–imipenem combination demonstrates the highest efficacy, with an 88.74% reduction. Notably, the lower concentrations characterized by a high maximum reduction in biofilm biomass were observed in the phage–amikacin combination at cA = 0.00195 and cP = 0.38 as the option that required minimum resources. It is worth noting that only gentamicin antagonism between the phage and the antibiotic was detected.

Abstract Background Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a hydroxylase enzyme involved in the metabolism of purines. XOR activity can vary: the homodimer protein can be converted into two different isoforms XD (antioxidant) and XO (prooxidant). Oxidative stress and inflammation that accompanying chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis, and kidney transplantation, resulted in platelet activation. Present study aimed to determine the influence of applied renal replacement therapy on xanthine oxidoreductase and its isoforms activity. Materials and Methods The study group consisted of 117 patients, divided into 4 groups: hemodialysis - 30 patients, peritoneal dialysis - 30 patients, kidney transplant patients - 27 and conservative treatment - 30 patients. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. Results Significant differences were found in XOR activity in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) within the groups studied (p = 0.001). There was a relationship between the type of renal replacement therapy of all oxidoreductase isoforms in PPP (p

The liver has a huge impact on the functioning of our body and the preservation of homeostasis. It is exposed to many serious diseases, which may lead to the chronic failure of this organ, which is becoming a global health problem today. Currently, the final form of treatment in patients with end-stage (acute and chronic) organ failure is transplantation. The proper function of transplanted organs depends on many cellular processes and immune and individual factors. An enormous role in the process of acceptance or rejection of a transplanted organ is attributed to, among others, the activation of the complement system. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the concentration of selected biomarkers’ complement system activation (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9 (terminal complement complex)) in the serum of patients before and after liver transplantation (24 h, two weeks). The study was conducted on a group of 100 patients undergoing liver transplantation. There were no complications during surgery and no transplant rejection in any of the patients. All patients were discharged home 2–3 weeks after the surgery. The levels of all analyzed components of the complement system were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, the correlations of the basic laboratory parameters—C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb), total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and albumin—with the parameters of the complement system (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9) were determined. In our study, changes in the concentrations of all examined complement system components before and after liver transplantation were observed, with the lowest values before liver transplantation and the highest concentration two weeks after. The direct increase in components of the complement system (C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9) 24 h after transplantation likely affects liver damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), while their increase two weeks after transplantation may contribute to transplant tolerance. Increasingly, attention is being paid to the role of C3a and CRP as biomarkers of damage and failure of various organs. From the point of view of liver transplantation, the most interesting correlation in our own research was found exactly between CRP and C3a, 24 h after the transplantation. This study shows that changes in complement activation biomarkers and the correlation with CRP in blood could be a prognostic signature of liver allograft survival or rejection.

Abstract Background Platelet activation is an important side effect of dialysis, resulted in a subsequent release of arachidonic acid (AA) from activated platelets. AA is involved in many pathologic conditions, such as inflammation, asthma, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and the pathogenesis of kidney disease. The aim of this study was to define whether the dialysis type affects the concentration of AA derivatives in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods 117 patients were qualified to the study group. Based on the type of renal replacement therapy, patients were divided into the following groups: hemodialysis (HD A – before/HD B - after hemodialysis), peritoneal dialysis (PD), kidney transplant patients (TE - before/TE A – after transplantation) and conservative treatment (CT) (30; 30; 27; 30 patients, respectively). The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers (NK). The ELISA methods were used to measure the concentrations of TXB2, 5-HETE, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE in the blood serum. Results Renal replacement therapy significantly influences the concentration of TXB2 (mean ± SD [ng/mL]: HD A- 34.6 ± 9; HD B- 28.3 ± 15.2; PD- 28.3 ± 15.2; CT- 34.2 ± 8.0; TE- 36.7 ± 42.9; TE A- 27.9 ± 8.8; NK– 19.6 ± 15; p = 0.010), 5-HETE (mean ± SD [ng/mL]: HD A- 284.2 ± 428.4; HD B- 304.8 ± 516.2; PD – 530.0 ± 553.3; CT- 318.7 ± 366.0; TE- 525.6 ± 358.0; TE A – 409.8 ± 377.1; NK 838.1 ± 497.8; p

Currently, forensic research foundation is comprised of the methods of genetic analysis. The study of DNA polymorphism became a source of highly reliable evidence, which allow the determination of the genetic profile of biological traces containing genetic material of barely a few cells, collected from all possible substrates, and their further comparison with the genetic profile of the victim or suspect. The forensic expertise of such research, supported by relevant statistical calculations is one of the few objective evidence in criminal proceedings.The process of DNA testing for forensic purposes is composed of several stages and a number of analyzes. After securing suitable test specimen, the isolation of genetic material is performed. For the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the isolate, the Real Time PCR reaction is performed. This is a crucial moment for the study because it is the assessment of the suitability of samples for further testing. The next step is the amplification of DNA fragments with Multiplex PCR technique. Then, as a result of electrophoretic separation of the sequencer we obtain a genetic profile. Thus obtained profiling results are interpreted as well as compared by specialists.For analysts in the field of forensic medicine it is necessary to obtain clear genetic profiles. Given the often small amount of DNA that can be obtained and the need for unquestionability of the evidence, it is very important to develop a method with high sensitivity, which allows to obtain completely reliable results. In order to ensure the quality of the research, forensic laboratories must apply the standards and guidelines set by international associations, periodically calibrate their testing equipment, keep complete records of the results and, above all, to validate the used methods. In the laboratory, which intends to apply the procedure in question, internal validation must be carried out. The aim of this process is to determine the reliability and limitations of the method. During the test, the results of manufacturers’ verification are validated and the level of efficiency of the said procedure within a particular lab is checked.

Abstract Background Renalase is a flavoprotein that plays a protective role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular diseases. The secretion and way of action of this protein are still discussed. The aim of our study was to estimate the balance between serum and urine renalase in healthy individuals and CKD patients, using two parameters: fractional excretion (FE) and serum-to-urine renalase ratio (StURR). Methods Our study involved 28 healthy volunteers and 62 patients with CKD in stages I to IV. The concentration of renalase in serum and urine was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (EIAab, Wuhan, China). We analyzed associations between renalase levels in urine and serum, and other parameters: sex, age, GFR, presence of hypertension, diabetes, and proteinuria, and determined the serum-to-urine renalase ratio and fractional excretion of renalase. Results Renalase and serum-to-urine ratio were significantly higher in CKD patients in comparison with the control group. Fractional excretion was lower in CKD patients but this difference did not reach the statistical significance (p = 0.092). Multivariate analysis performed in the CKD group showed, that from mentioned parameters, serum renalase was the only significant independent factor strongly positively associated with urinary renalase concentration. Conclusions The serum-to-urine ratio is significantly and about 6.5-fold higher in CKD patients, and the fractional excretion of renalase is 3-fold, but not significantly lower in CKD patients. Renalase levels in both serum and urine are not related to the glomerular filtration rate and not associated with blood pressure.

Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and magnesium (Mg) are the elements responsible for the fundamental metabolic and biochemical processes in the cells of the body. The demand for these elements increases significantly during pregnancy, where an adequate supply protects women from the hypertension common in pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between macro-elements (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord and the morphometric parameters of newborns from multiple pregnancies. The study involved 57 pregnant European women with healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancies (n = 52) and triple pregnancies (n = 5); 40 pairs of dichorionic diamniotic twins, 11 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic twins, 1 pair of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, 3 trichorionic triamniotic triplets, and 2 dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Placentas (n = 107), umbilical cords (n = 114), and fetal membranes (n = 112) were collected immediately following delivery, and then weighed and measured. The levels of Ca, K, Na, and Mg were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in a Thermo Scientific ICAP 7400 Duo (Waltham, MA, USA). The respective mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na, and Mg (mg/kg−1 dry mass) were: 2466, 8873, 9323, and 436 in the placenta; 957, 6173, 26,757, and 326 in the umbilical cord, and 1252, 7460, 13,562, and 370 in the fetal membrane. In the studied materials from northwestern Poland, we found strong positive correlations between Ca and Mg concentrations in both the umbilical cord (r = 0.81, p = 0.00) and the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between K and Mg concentrations in the umbilical cord (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between Ca and K concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00), and we found moderately positive correlations between placental Ca concentration and placental weight (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00) and between umbilical cord Mg concentrations and the length of the pregnancy (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00). Negative correlations were found between Na and Ca concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = −0.40, p = 0.00) and Na concentrations in the fetal membrane and Mg concentrations in the placenta (r = −0.16, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were confirmed between the length of pregnancy and head circumference (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant weight (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00); and between the infant weight and head circumference (ρ = −0.62; p = 0.00), weight before delivery (ρ = −0.36; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.45; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.63; p = 0.00), and weight gain during pregnancy (ρ = −0.31; p = 0.01). We found statistically significant correlations between cigarette smoking before pregnancy and the women’s weight before delivery (ρ = 0.32, p = 0.00), and a negative correlation between the women’s ages and infant head circumference (ρ = −0.20, p = 0.02). This is probably the first study to evaluate Ca, Na, K, and Mg concentrations in the afterbirth tissues of multiple pregnancies. It adds to the knowledge of elemental concentrations in multiple pregnancies and their possible effects on fetal morphometric parameters.

The circadian system synchronizes daily with the day–night cycle of our environment. Disruption of this rhythm impacts the emergence and development of many diseases caused, for example, by the overproduction of free radicals, leading to oxidative damage of cellular components. The goal of this study was to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (R-GSSG), and the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in the circadian rhythm. The study group comprised 66 healthy volunteers (20–50 years; 33 women; 33 men). The blood was collected at 2, 8 a.m., and 2, 8 p.m. All samples marked the serum melatonin concentration to confirm the correct sleeping rhythm and wakefulness throughout the day. The activity of study enzymes and the concentration of GSH were measured by the spectrophotometric method. Confirmed the existence of circadian regulation of oxidative stress enzymes except for GST activity. The peak of activity of study enzymes and GSH concentration was observed at 2 a.m. The increased activity of enzymes and the increase in GSH concentration observed at night indicate that during sleep, processes allowing to maintain of the redox balance are intensified, thus limiting the formation of oxidative stress.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of asymptomatic infection and the occurrence of symptomatic COVID-19 on specific biochemical, renal, and immune parameters—renalase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) cystatin C (CysC), and creatinine—and their weekly fluctuations during a one-month observation period in COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital. The study involved 86 individuals: 30 patients with diagnosed COVID-19, 28 people with asymptomatic infection confirmed with IgG antibodies—the IG(+) group—and 28 individuals without any (IgG, IgE) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies—the IG(−) group. In the COVID-19 group, blood was drawn four times: (1) on day 0/1 after admission to hospital (C1 group), (2) 7 days later (C7 group), (3) 14 days later (C14 group), and (4) 28 days later (C28 group). In the IG(−) and IG(+) groups, blood was drawn once. There were no significant differences in creatinine, Cys C, and uric acid between any of the analyzed groups. NGAL levels were significantly higher in IG(+) and at all time-points in the COVID-19 groups than in controls. A similar observation was made for renalase at the C7, C14, and C28 time-points. Plasma renalase, NGAL, and CysC are unrelated to kidney function in non-critically ill COVID-19 patients and those with asymptomatic infection. Renalase and NGAL are most likely related to the activation of the immune system rather than kidney function. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a rise in plasma NGAL levels similar to those observed in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Therefore, more attention should be paid to tracking and monitoring the health of these people.

Background: Renalase is an enzyme and a cytokine involved in cell survival. Since its discovery, associations between it and both cardiovascular and kidney disease have been noted. Recognizing this, we conducted a study in which we followed patients with chronic kidney disease. Material and methods: The study involved 90 CKD patients with varying stages of the disease and 30 healthy controls. Renalase was measured with an ELISA kit, and patients were followed-up after a median of 18 months. During the follow-up, we asked about the occurrence of MACE, all-cause mortality and the need for dialysis initiation. Results: In CKD subgroups, RNSL correlated with all-cause death only in the HD group (Rs = 0.49, p < 0.01). In the whole CKD population, we found a positive correlation of RNSL concentration and both MACE occurrence (Rs = 0.38, p < 0.001) and all-cause death (Rs = 0.34, p < 0.005). There was a significant increase in MACE occurrence probability in patients with elevated renalase levels (>25 μg/mL). Conclusions: Elevated renalase levels can be used as a risk factor of MACE in patients with CKD, but its long-term utility needs further research. High renalase levels are a risk factor of death among CKD patients. In HD patients, all deaths were observed among patients with >30 μg/mL; this level could be used as a “red flag” marker in future studies.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of blindness in the elderly population, but the pathogenesis of this disease remains largely unknown. Since oxidative stress is suggested to play a major role in AMD, we aimed to assess the activity levels of components of the antioxidant system in patients with AMD. We also investigated whether lifestyle and dietary factors modulate the activity of these endogenous antioxidants and clinical parameters of disease severity. We recruited 330 patients with AMD (39 with early, 100 with intermediate and 191 with late form of AMD) and 121 controls in this study. At enrolment, patients’ dietary habits and physical activity were assessed, and each study participant underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination. The activity of several components of the antioxidant system were measured in red blood cells and platelets using both kinetic and spectrophotometric methods. Patients with AMD consumed much lower levels of fatty fish and eggs than the control group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.04, respectively). In the nAMD group, visual acuity (VA) correlated positively with green vegetable consumption (Rs = +0.24, p = 0.004) and omega-3-rich oil intake (Rs = +0.17, p = 0.03). In the AMD group, the total physical activity MET score correlated positively with VA (Rs = +0.17, p = 0.003) and correlated negatively with the severity of AMD (Rs = −0.14, p = 0.01). A multivariate analysis of patients and controls adjusted for age, sex, and smoking status (pack-years) revealed that AMD was an independent variable associated with a lower RBC catalase (β = −0.37, p < 0.001) and higher PLT catalase (β = +0.25, p < 0.001), RBC GPx (β = +0.26, p < 0.001), PLT GPx (β = +0.16, p = 0.001), RBC R-GSSG (β = +0.13, p = 0.009), PLT R-GSSG (β = +0.12, p = 0.02) and RBC GSH transferase (β = +0.23, p < 0.001) activity. The activities of components of the antioxidant system were associated with disease severity and depended on dietary habits. The observed substantial increase in the activity of many critical endogenous antioxidants in patients with AMD further indicates that the required equilibrium in the antioxidant system is disturbed throughout the course of the disease. Our findings explicitly show that a diet rich in green vegetables, fish and omega-3-rich oils, supplemented by physical exercise, is beneficial for patients with AMD, as it might delay disease progression and help retain better visual function.