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Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are known to be involved in carcinogenesis and participate in the defence against reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of serum Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal adenoma (CRA) in a population of low Se and borderline Zn status. Based on clinical examination and colonoscopy/histopathology, the patients (n = 79) were divided into three groups: colorectal cancer (n = 30), colorectal adenoma (n = 19), and controls (CONTROL, n = 30). The serum Se concentration was lower in the CRC group than in the CRA group (by 9.1%, p < 0.0001) and the CONTROL group (by 7.9%, p < 0.0001). In turn, the serum Zn concentration was decreased in the CRA group (by 17.9%, p = 0.019) when compared to the CONTROL group. Plasma TAS was lower in the CRC group (by 27.8%, p = 0.017) than in the CONTROL group. In turn, the serum Zn concentration was decreased in the CRA group when compared to the CONTROL group. Plasma TAS was lower in the CRC group than in the CONTROL group. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that the Se level was of the highest diagnostic utility for the discrimination of the CRC group from both the CRA group (area under ROC curve (AUC) 0.958, sensitivity 84.21%, specificity 100%) and the CONTROL group (AUC 0.873, sensitivity 100%, specificity 66.67%). The Zn and TAS levels were significantly accurate in the differentiation between the groups. An individualised risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer approach could comprise Se, Zn, and TAS assays in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) isolated from Eutrema japonicum is a promising candidate for the treatment of breast cancer, colorectal and stomach cancer, metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, its neuroprotective properties, improving cognitive function and protecting dopaminergic neurons, make it an excellent candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. 6-MSITC acts on many signaling pathways, such as PPAR, AMPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Nrf2/Keap1-ARE, ERK1/2-ELK1/CHOP/DR5, and MAPK. However, despite the very promising results of in vitro and in vivo animal studies and a few human studies, the molecule has not yet been thoroughly tested in the human population. Nonetheless, wasabi should be classified as a "superfood" for the primary and secondary prevention of human diseases. This article reviews the current state-of-the-art research on 6-MSITC and its potential clinical uses, discussing in detail the signaling pathways activated by the molecule and their interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There is an increased risk for childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) when T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are reported in relatives. Objectives. Our objective was to evaluate current family risk factors for T1D development before implementing a national screening program for T1D. Materials and methods. A population of 879 Caucasian children and adolescents with T1D and 286 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All participants completed the same questionnaire, which collected information about family history of diabetes over 3 generations. In statistical analyses, frequency tables and Χ2 tests evaluated possible multicollinearity among risk factors that were significantly associated with the outcomes. Results. Family history of diabetes was more frequent in controls (n = 75, 26.2%) than in patients with T1D (n = 146, 16.6%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.785, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.299-2.452, degrees of freedom (df) = 12.976, p = 0.004), especially with a family history of T2D (n = 62, 21.7% compared to n = 79, 9.0%, respectively, OR = 2.803, 95% CI: 1.948-4.034, df = 32.669, p < 0.001). Also, there was a tendency for the nuclear family of T1D patients to be more frequently affected by T1D (n = 74, 8.4%) than the controls (n = 15, 5.2%, OR = 1.605, 95% CI: 0.937-2.751, df = 3.081, p = 0.079). The risk of T1D was associated with the closest family members being affected and accelerated over generations. Indeed, it was highest in siblings, especially brothers (OR = 12.985, 95% CI: 0.782-215.743, Fisher's test: p < 0.001). A positive family history of T2D burden among second-degree relatives was 2.728 times more frequent in the control group than in the T1D group (OR = 2.728; 95% Cl: 1.880-3.962, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive family history of T1D among first-degree relatives was less frequent in the controls than in the T1D group (OR = 0.124; 95% Cl: 0.030-0.516, p = 0.004). Conclusions. A family history of T1D, but not T2D, is a significant risk factor for T1D development. Indeed, the priority in screening for T1D should be given to first-degree relatives of T1D patients, starting from siblings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glypican-4 belongs to a group of poorly understood adipokines, with potential importance in people with metabolic syndrome, especially in groups of patients with glucose metabolism disorder. This study aimed to assess the effect of physical activity on serum glypican-4 and irisin levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and saliva in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seventy-two Caucasian women aged 25–60 were included in the study (36 women with MetS and 36 women without MetS (control group, CONTR)). The glypican-4 and irisin concentrations, total antioxidant status, glycemia, lipid profile, anthropometric parameters, and blood pressure were analyzed before and after 28 days of controlled physical activity. Serum glypican-4 and plasma TAS levels were higher (p = 0.006 and p = 0.043, respectively) on the 28th day than on the first day of the study only in the CONTR group. In the MetS group, 28 days of physical activity caused a reduction in body fat mass (p = 0.049) without changes in glypican-4, irisin, or TAS levels. In both groups, glypican-4 levels correlated positively with irisin levels and negatively with Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), while irisin levels correlated positively with High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and negatively with waist circumference (WC) and WHR values on the 28th day of the study. To summarize, a 28-day moderate training, accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass, stabilized glypican-4 levels and TAS in female patients with MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The exact role of cytokines in inflammation and metabolic disorders in case of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is under discussion. Methods: In this study, we intended to find the relationship between the selected cytokines in inflammatory and metabolic disorders in patients with CTDs (n = 55) and compared the results with those of control group subjects (n = 25) matched by age and body mass. We estimated their nutritional status by the bioimpedance method. The levels of basic biochemical parameters and the levels of adiponectin, resistin, and chemerin were also estimated. Multiple regressions and area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve were used to find the associations of aforementioned parameters. Results: Patients with CTDs exhibited higher levels of chemerin than that of control group subjects. We found an inverse relationship between chemerin, RBC count, and hemoglobin levels. The concentration of adiponectin inversely correlated with the levels of platelets and concentrations of glucose and triglycerides as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whereas the concentration of resistin was positively correlated with WBC count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the amount of used oral glucocorticosteroids. The mean ± standard deviation for the AUC-ROC curve in case of chemerin was the highest (AUC-RO C=0.714, p=0.0005) than that of both resistin and adiponectin. Conclusions: Chemerin and resistin levels are related to the inflammatory state in patients with CTDs, whereas adiponectin levels seem to be correlated with a protective effect. Chemerin can be considered as a marker differentiating a proinflammatory state present in CTDs.

Adipolin, neprilysin, and chemerin have pleiotropic properties; therefore, their concentrations may influence health complications associated with obesity. The study aimed to search the relationship between adipokine levels and anthropometric and metabolic parameters as well as blood pressure values, taking into account the influence of gender and age. The study group consisted of 88 people aged 30–60 years. It was found that chemerin concentration is positively correlated with glycaemia in the 120′ OGTT (rs = 0.412; p = 0.030) in obese women. There was a negative correlation between adipolin and LDL-C serum concentration (rs = −0.414; p = 0.044) in obese individuals with normal glucose tolerance and a positive correlation between chemerin concentration and triglyceridemia (rs = 0.333; p = 0.033) in the men. Moreover, high chemerin levels (above median values) were observed 3.79 times more frequently (OR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.03–13.91; p = 0.040) in the male population characterized by elevated triglyceride levels (above 1.7 mmol/L). In the logistic regression analyses, we found that the frequency of high plasma adipolin concentrations increases with age (p = 0.005) only in people with a BMI < 30 kg/m2. It was also shown that the concentrations of the studied adipokines are interrelated. Adipolin, neprilysin and chemerin concentrations are associated with selected anthropometric and metabolism exponents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) 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.)

Copyright of General Medicine & Health Sciences / Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu is the property of Witold Chodzki Institute of Rural Medicine 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.)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease, with frequently observed improper biothiols turnover, homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). GSH protects cells from oxidative stress and may be determined by 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo2dG) level and its repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1). The presence of unfavorable alleles, e.g., in APOE cluster, TOMM40 or APOC1 is known to facilitate the dementia onset under oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to analyze rs1052452, rs2075650 TOMM40 polymorphisms, rs4420638 APOC1 , and their correlation with Hcy, GSH, 8-oxo2dG, OGG1 levels in plasma of AD patients and controls. We recruited 230 individuals: 88 AD, 80 controls without (UC), 62 controls with (RC) positive family history of AD. The TOMM40 genotype was determined by HRM and capillary electrophoresis, while APOC1 by HRM. The concentrations of OGG1, 8-oxo2dG were determined by ELISA, whereas Hcy, GSH by HPLC/EC. We showed that over 60% of AD patients had increased Hcy levels (p<0.01 vs. UC, p<0.001 vs. RC), while GSH (p<0.01 vs. UC), 8-oxo2dG (p<0.01 vs. UC, p<0.001 vs. RC) were reduced. Minor variants: rs10524523-L, rs4420638-G, rs2075650-G were significantly overrepresented in AD. For rs4420638-G, rs2075650-G variants, the association remained significant in APOE E4 non-carriers. The misbalance of analyzed biothiols, and 8-oxo2dG, OGG1 were more pronounced in carriers of major variants: rs10524523-S/VL, rs4420638-A, rs2075650-A. We showed, for the first time, that APOC1 and TOMM40 rs2075650 polymorphisms may be independent risk factors of developing AD, whose major variants are accompanied by disruption of biothiols metabolism and inefficient removal of DNA oxidation., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the nutritional status of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and levels of vaspin (VASP), neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW) and total antioxidant status (TAS)., Material and Methods: Ninety serum samples collected from 30 teenage female patients during the acute stage of AN and 30 healthy persons (CONTR) were subjected to biochemical analysis; patients with AN were examined at the beginning of the study (AN-I) and after hospitalization (AN-II), as a result of which partial stabilization of anthropometric measurements was achieved (an increase of body mass index (BMI) by 3.5 kg/m 2 )., Results: Vaspin levels dropped at the end of the hospitalization (compared to AN-I, p < 0.05), achieving values comparable to the CONTR; moreover there was a positive correlation between VASP level and the achieved body weight in AN-II ( p < 0.05). Positive correlations were also noted with regard to VASP vs. NPB in AN-I ( p < 0.02) (and AN-II, p < 0.013), as well as in the case of VASP vs. NPW in the same groups ( p < 0.02 and p < 0.015, respectively). NPB concentration was higher in AN-I ( p < 0.05) and AN-II ( p < 0.018) than in CONTR, whereas there were no differences ( p > 0.05) with regard to levels of VASP, NPW, or TAS., Conclusions: The high level of NPB despite treatment and normalization of VASP level may suggest that there are chronic neuroendocrine disorders at play in anorexia nervosa., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2018 Termedia & Banach.)

Breastfeeding is the most appropriate way to nourish infants. It promotes proper physical and intellectual development of the child. Human milk is unique and impossible to replicate with any other kind of food. However, using maternal milk not only has beneficial effects on the infant's health but it can also help to prevent illnesses in adulthood. Breastfeeding improves immunity and consequently decreases the occurrence of infections, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract. Moreover, it helps to reduce the risk of some disorders such as allergies, diabetes mellitus type 1, obesity and arterial hypertension.

Scientists employing methods of genetic engineering have developed a new group of living organisms, termed 'modified organisms', which found application in, among others, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and food distribution. The introduction of transgenic products to the food market resulted in them becoming a controversial topic, with their proponents and contestants. The presented study aims to systematize objective data on the potential benefits and risks resulting from the consumption of transgenic food. Genetic modifications of plants and animals are justified by the potential for improvement of the food situation worldwide, an increase in yield crops, an increase in the nutritional value of food, and the development of pharmaceutical preparations of proven clinical significance. In the opinions of critics, however, transgenic food may unfavourably affect the health of consumers. Therefore, particular attention was devoted to the short- and long-lasting undesirable effects, such as alimentary allergies, synthesis of toxic agents or resistance to antibiotics. Examples arguing for the justified character of genetic modifications and cases proving that their use can be dangerous are innumerable. In view of the presented facts, however, complex studies are indispensable which, in a reliable way, evaluate effects linked to the consumption of food produced with the application of genetic engineering techniques. Whether one backs up or negates transgenic products, the choice between traditional and non-conventional food remains to be decided exclusively by the consumers.

Prednisolone and other glucocorticosteroids are used by some peritoneal dialysis patients because of underlying diseases such as peritonitis. Although corticosteroids are potent inhibitors of various processes during inflammation, their influence on the transport properties of peritoneum is little known. Our study investigated the influence of prednisolone (0.001 g/dL) on glucose (1.8 g/dL) and uric acid (0.02 g/dL) transfer across isolated parietal peritoneum taken from the anterior abdominal wall of white Hyplus 59 rabbits and placed inside a modified Ussing-type chamber. Values for transfer from the interstitial (I) to the mesothelial (M) side of membrane (I-->M) and in the opposite direction (M-->I) were calculated using the mathematical model of mass transport and are expressed as a coefficient of diffusive permeability [P (in centimeters per second)]. Four separate series of experiments were done. In the first and second series, we respectively examined glucose transport under control conditions (for 120 minutes) and then before (15-60 minutes) and after (75-120 minutes) introduction of prednisolone on the M side of the membrane. In the third and fourth series, similar studies of uric acid transfer were done. In the control (first and third) series, the stability of bidirectional transport for solute of interest was observed. The values of P +/- standard error of the mean (all x0.0001) for I-->M and M-->I transfer of glucose were, respectively, 2.489 +/- 0.329 cm/s and 2.259 +/- 0.493 cm/s. In the case of uric acid, the transport values were lower and amounted 1.936 +/- 0.324 cm/s and 1.895 +/- 0.596 cm/s for I-->M and M-->I respectively. Application of prednisolone on the M side of membrane lowered bidirectional transfer of glucose across peritoneal membrane by a mean of 73% (p < 0.02) and transport of uric acid by a mean of 19% (p < 0.003). These results show that, in vitro, prednisolone lowers glucose and uric acid transport across the peritoneal membrane, modifying the transfer dynamics of glucose to a greater extent. These observations may have clinical importance, especially in patients with disorders of peritoneal permeability, diabetes, and hyperuricemia.

Glucose or its polymer is usually added to dialysis solution for the development of sufficient ultrafiltration during peritoneal dialysis. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of glucose and icodextrin on the transport of gentamicin and insulin from the mesothelial to the interstitial side of the peritoneal membrane. Transfer values are expressed as a coefficient of diffusive permeability, P, in centimeters per second. Each of the molecules was tested in 3 series of experiments using rabbit parietal peritoneum, a modified Ussing chamber, and a mathematical model of mass transport. First, transperitoneal transfers of gentamicin (0.040 g/dL) and insulin (0.1 g/dL) were analyzed in control conditions for 120 minutes. Then, transport parameters for gentamicin and insulin were separately determined before (15-60 minutes) and after (75-120 minutes or 75-130 minutes) the application of glucose (1.8 g/dL) or icodextrin (2 g/ dL) on the mesothelial side of the peritoneal membrane. Insulin transport was observed to be stable in the control series. Gentamicin transfer was not stable; its passage declined by 52% (p < 0.01) in the control series. The mean transfer parameters were 7.41 +/- 1.40 cm/s (x0.0001) over 15-30 minutes and 3.21 +/- 0.54 cm/s (x0.0001) over 75-130 minutes. Gentamicin transfer declined less in the series with glucose or icodextrin, by 21% (p < 0.04) and 30% (p < 0.05) respectively, than in the control series. For insulin, the mean P (+ standard error of the mean) was 0.15 +/- 0.02 cm/s (x0.0001) at the first hour of transfer and 0.14 - 0.02 cm/s (x0.0001) at the second. Glucose induced a nonsignificant intensification of insulin transport. Icodextrin increased insulin passage by 107% (p < 0.03). Osmotic and oncotic factors (glucose and icodextrin) both stabilize the transfer of gentamicin across the peritoneal membrane in vitro. Glucose polymer intensifies insulin transport from the mesothelial to the interstitial side of the peritoneum. Similar modifications might be observed in vivo during peritoneal dialysis or continuous intraperitoneal administration of insulin, influencing the efficiency of those treatments.