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Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by many species of the fungi. The toxic action of patulin mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. The aim of our work was to assess the toxic effect of patulin, based on the analysis of interleukin IL-6 concentrations in the liver of test animals loaded with different doses of this mycotoxin. The research was conducted on mice which were assigned to 6 groups receiving different doses of active substances. After decapitation, their livers were taken for laboratory testing.

The treatment of neoplastic and neurodegenerative diseases is still difficult. This because the cytostatic drugs have adverse effects on healthy organs. Among the drugs that have been investigated in the therapy of cancers and multiple sclerosis are the purine analogues. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the effect of cladribine on the process of autophagy in the healthy pancreas via two dosage models. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats which were placed within the experimental and control groups of two dosage models: model (A) - cladribine being administered in a daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg by weight for 7 days, and model (B) - cladribine being administered in a daily dose of 0.07 mg/kg by weight in 3 cycles of 6 days with 5 weeks break. A-bis and B-bis groups were included within, respectively, groups A and B. Here, decapitation occurred after 4 weeks break in drug administration. In our work, autophagy was investigated via the expression of the LC3B protein (Light Chain 3B protein). The comparison of the results of many independent trials was built upon the use of the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. Significance was set at p < 0.005. In our results, average LC3B expression was observed in 100% of all cells in the group A, 70% in group B and 60% in group B-bis. We not observed average LC3B expression in the other groups. Moreover, a poor reaction was observed in 55% of all cells in group A-bis. We noted significant relationships between control group and group A, between the control group and group B, and between group A-bis and groups B and B-bis. These results demonstrate that cladribine has led to the induction of autophagy in the pancreatic islet cells.

The therapeutic effects of the immunosuppressive agent, cladribine, have been demonstrated by its toxicity to cells. However, its effects on healthy cells of the body is poorly understood. The aim of study was, hence, to, firstly, evaluate the morphology of the endocrine and exocrine pancreas after the administration of cladribine according to the "leukemic" schema, and, secondly, to assess its impact on the intensity of apoptosis. The experiment was carried out on female Wistar rats which were placed within the control group KA, and the experimental groups: A and A-bis. In the experimental groups, Cladribine was administered according to the cycle used to treat human hairy cell leukemia. In group A, the material was taken 24 hours after administration of the last dose of the drug, while in group A-bis, this was done after a 4 weeks break. The reaction was assessed to be average in 80% of all cells in group A, and in 64% of all acinar cells in group KA, while in group A-bis, the majority of the exocrine cells demonstrated a lack of immunohistochemical response (72%). Moreover, most endocrine cells (60%) in group A-bis revealed a strong reaction, while in Group A, the corresponding figure is a little over 34%. A comparison of the severity of the caspase 3 expression in both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas showed significant differentiation results between the group KA and group A-bis, and between group A and A-bis (p < 0.0001). In can be concluded that endocrine cells are more sensitive to cladribine than are exocrine cells.

At the present time, consumers are paying more attention to the food items they purchase, and, hence, organic products, more and more, are a popular choice. Furthermore, there is an increased awareness of the ingredients added as fixatives and taste modifiers. Medical students are assumed to have greater health awareness, and to recognize that proper nutrition has a significant impact on the overall physical well-being. Moreover, they are thought to be aware of the chemical composition of consumed foods. The aim of our study was to truly assess the degree of consumer awareness amongst students of the Medical University of Lublin.

At the present time, back pain and posture problems affect a growing number of young people. This is probably due to a changing lifestyle which has led to less physical activity. The aims of our study were to evaluate the prevalence of pain associated with the spine, as well as to ascertain the relationship of these symptoms with the degree of physical activity among a group of students of the Medical University of Lublin. The research group consisted of 301 students (201 women and 100 men) aged between 19 and 27 years. The survey was performed at the turn of the year 2014/2015.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by millions of people worldwide to neutralize pain that is of different origin, as well as to treat fever and inflammation. However, NSAIDs misuse/overuse can induce many adverse effects and some potentially serious complications. The aim of the our study was to ascertain young people’s knowledge about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The research tool was a questionnaire. This study was carried out among students of the Medical University in Lublin, and it involved 236 persons of an average age of 20 years. The questions were intended to assess the frequency of NSAIDs use and the general knowledge that is held with respect to them. The results of this work show that more than 77% of the respondents confirmed that they use NSAIDs. Our results revealed no statistical correlation between the place of living or origin and the use of this drug. Hence, it can be said that while young adults quite often use NSAIDs, their knowledge about the dangers associated with the use of NSAIDs is low. Therefore, it is necessary to more intensively disseminate knowledge on the potential adverse effects of NSAID utilization.

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Background. Cladribine is a useful immunosuppressive drug for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, leukemias and multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the drug having low toxicity, side effects have been reported connected with myelosuppression, neutropenia and severe anemia. Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of cladribine on lung pathomorphology and the expression of caspase 1 using immunohistochemistry method. Material and methods. The study was conducted on Wistar rats, which were divided into a control group (C) and an experimental group (E). In group C, the rats were given a 0.9% NaCl solution by a subcutaneous injection, at the same dose as the dose of drug used in the experiment. In group E, the animals received cladribine at a dose of 0.07 mg/kg/24 h by a subcutaneous injection. The animals were decapitated 24 h following the last dose. To detect collagen deposition, we utilized Masson's trichrome staining. To evaluate the intensity of the inflammatory process in the lung, an immunohistochemistry reaction was carried out with the use of caspase 1. Results. In group E, we observed an increase in the thickness of space between the alveoli. A statistically significant (p < 0.017243) difference between the thicknesses of the interalveolar septum was seen between the research groups. In E group, we observed regions with collagen deposition, alveolar epithelial cell hyperplasia, hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltration. Caspase 1 activity was higher in group E. The immunohistochemical reaction with caspase 1 was positive in 49% of all the interalveolar cells in group E; however, in group C about 13% of the interalveolar cell showed positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) response. Conclusions. Cladribine-based therapy might have negative influence on lung morphology. The interstitial changes in the lung tissue suggest that cladribine is a drug that may be the cause of drug-induced lung disease and may lead to several respiratory disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladribine is a purine nucleoside analog which initiates the apoptotic mechanism within cells. Moreover, the available data confirms that cladribine, with the participation of the p53 protein, as well as the proapoptotic proteins from the Bcl-2 family, also induces the activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. However, while there has been a lot of research devoted to the effect of cladribine on lymphatic system cells, little is known about the impact of cladribine on the reproductive system. The aim of our study was to evaluate apoptosis in oviduct epithelial cells sourced from 15 different female rats. In so doing, the sections were stained with caspases 3, 9, and 8. Results suggest that cladribine also induces apoptosis in the oviduct epithelial cells by way of the intrinsic pathway. Indeed, the discontinuing of the administration of cladribine leads to a reduction in the amount of apoptotic cells in the oviduct epithelium.

The investigation was carried out on 15 Wistar rats--males weighing about 200 mg each. The animals were divided into three groups: one control group and two experimental groups, with five animals in each. In experimental group I the animals received emulsion of Atorvastatin in distilled water at the therapeutical dose of 80 mg/kg of body mass, by stomach tube for 6 weeks. In experimental group II the animals received atorvastatin at the maximal dose of 800 mg/kg of body mass. Skeletal muscles of experimental animals (rats) after 6 weeks' administration of atorvastatin in therapeutical and maximal dosages did not show any essential differences in comparison with the control group, when examined under light microscope. Degenerative changes were observed after Atorvastatin administration, when examined under electron microscope. These changes were dependent upon dosage and were directly proportional to dosage rate. Six-week administration of Atorvastatin in the therapeutical dose (80 mg/kg b. m.) produced invagination of the nuclear envelope into the cell nucleus, and within the cytoplasm, numerous vacuoles, some of which included the myelin structures, were evident. Atorvastatin administration in maximal dosage (800 mg/kg) under electron microscope examination, showed the following differences: the appearance of numerous vacuoles in the perinuclear spaces, and between myofibrils; dilation of mitochondria; disintegration of sacomers; fibrinosis within the intercellular spaces.

The proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney of white Wistar rats were examined. The animals were given Cladribine (2-CdA) subcutaneously at dosages of 0.07 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 7 days and 0.1 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 6 days in three courses with 5 weeks' break between each. The animals were decapitated 24 hours after the last dose of the drug and 4 weeks after the last dose. The kidney samples were taken for ultrastructural examination. Giving Cladribine at the dose of 0.1 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 7 successive days does not lead to instant changes in the ultrastructure of the proximal convoluted tubules. Changes noticed 4 weeks after Cladribine administration are the following: decrease in amount of mitochondria, the presence of numerous vacuoles, changes in the structure of the brush border, presence of numerous glycogen granules, and the presence of a diluted cytoplasm around the nucleus. Giving 2-CdA at the dose of 0.07 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 6 days in three courses leads to similar changes in proximal convoluted tubules with more extensive damages of the brush border. These were no more intensive after 4 weeks' break in Cladribine administration.

The proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney of the white Wistar rats were examined. The animals were given Cladribine (2-CdA) sub-cutaneously at the dose: 0.07 mg/kg b.w./24 h for 7 days and 0.1 mg/kg b.w./24 h for 6 days in 3 courses, with 5 weeks' break between each. The animals were killed in each instance 24 hours after the last dose of the drug, and 4 weeks after the last dose. The kidney's samples were taken for histological and histochemical examination and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, using the Masson's, the PAS's, and the Feulgen's method. In experimental group I, we observed few changes (in comparison to the control group): cells of the epithelium of some of the proximal convoluted tubules were however, puffy. In a few tubules we observed some unknown substance and the lumen of some of these tubules was narrowed. In experimental group II, a few proximal convoluted tubules and their lumen were wider with an unknown substance within. We also observed hydropic degeneration. The brush border of these tubules was a little lower than in control group. In experimental group III, the cells of the epithelium of proximal convoluted tubules rested on a thicker basement membrane, the lumen of most of the proximal convoluted tubules being narrow and filled with some unknown substance. In experimental group IV, the lumen of the tubules was a little wider, and the epithelial cells were smaller than in the control group, thus the lumen of the tubules was wider. In the cytoplasm of epithelial cells we observed numerous PAS(+) granules. The low brush border appeared damaged.

The renal glomeruli of the kidney of white Wistar rats were examined. The animals were given Cladribine (2-CdA) subcutaneously at dosages of 0.07 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 7 days and 0.1 mg/kg b.m./24 h for 6 days in 3 courses with 5 weeks' break between each. The animals were killed in each instance, 24 hours after the last dose of the drug or 4 weeks after the last dose. The kidney samples were taken for ultrastructural examination. In all of the groups, changes were observed but the intensity differed: widening or narrowing of the urinary space, thickening of the basement membrane of the parietal layer of the Bowman's capsule and the basement membrane of capillaries, and density changes in capillary vessels as well as infiltrations around the renal glomeruli. Most changes were observed in experimental group IV: the picnotic nuclei of epithelium, widening and fusion of the foot processes of podocytes (the narrowing of the filtration spaces) and numerous invaginations of the nuclear envelope of damaged podocytes.

The area of the section of nuclei of the epithelium cells lining the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney of white Wistar rats was examined. The animals were given Cladribine (2-CdA) subcutaneously at the dosages of 0.07 mg/kg b.w./24 h for seven days and 0.1 mg/kg b.w./24 h for 6 days in three courses with 5 weeks' break between each. The animals were killed in each instance, 24 hours after the last dose of the drug and 4 weeks after the last dose. The mean area of the section of the cell's nuclei was measured in projection microscope. Results of the examination were counted statistically. In experimental groups I and III the surface areas of the proximal tubules epithelium nuclei cross-sections are smaller than in the control grous. In the experimental groups II and IV the surface areas of the proximal tubules epithelium nuclei cross-sections are bigger than in the control group.

The rats received atorvastatin in the therapeutical dose and 10x higher, 20% solution of ethanol and ethanol with atorvastatin for 6 weeks. The microscopic investigations (H + E staining, Masson's method, PAS method by McManus) showed no changes in histological picture of intestinal mucosa after giving atorvastatin. The rats receiving alcohol and alcohol with atorvastatin showed similar changes, but different than the first groups. Under the epithelium of intestinal villi there were observed light, vesicle-like spaces, separation of epithelium from connective tissue stroma, also lack of the epithelium of the top of villi and hyperaemia of stroma of villi. The observed changes were stronger in rats receiving simultaneously alcohol and atorvastatin in the dose 10x higher than therapeutical. Hyperaemia of connective tissue of stroma of villi was still visible after month period of administration.

The renal corpuscles of the kidney of white Wistar rats was examined. The animals were given Cladribine (2-CdA) subcutaneously at the dosages of 0.07 mg/kg b.w./24 h for 7 days and 0.1 mg/kg b.w./24 h for 6 days in 3 courses with 5 weeks' break between each. The animals were killed in each instance, 24 hours after the last dose of the drug and 4 weeks after the last dose. The kidney samples were taken for histological and histochemical examination, then stained with hematoxylin and eosin, using the Masson's, PAS, and Feulgen's methods. In all of the groups, changes were observed but the intensity differed, with widening or narrowing of the urinary space, thickening of the basement membrane of the parietal layer of the Bowman's capsule and the basement membrane of capillaries, and density changes in capillary vessels. Hyperaemia in renal glomeruli and in all parenchyma, and infiltrations around the tubules and renal glomeruli, were also observed.

Our investigations concerned the head of the parietal part of quadriceps femoris, and we based our investigation on observations of the ultrastructure of muscle fibers using an electron microscope. We observed tissue samples taken from patients (10 men) 25-35 years old, who had old damage of knee joint ligament (after about 6 week's immobilization). In the first group, segments of tissue of parietal head of quadriceps femoris were taken inter-operationally from patients in whom there was found old damage of knee joint ligament. The second group was of tissue segments of this muscle after surgical repair of knee and rehabilitation, which consisted in power training using resistance machines. The muscle fiber samples of quadriceps femoris which were taken from patients during the first operation, showed big changes in their ultrastructure. These changes included: myofibrils disintegration; disturbance of regularly arranged striation in sarcomers; dissappearance of Z line. In the sarcoplasm, we observed large vacuolisation, and in the interfibrillar spaces--an accumulation of exudate and morphotic elements of blood outside the capillary vessels. Observations of muscle tissue after regeneration, showed a big improvement in the muscle cell's ultrastructure--the myofibrils were regularly arranged, and the sarcomers striations showed no deviations from normal structure. We also observed a considerable increase in the number of properly formed ultrastructure mitochondria when compared with the first group.

The rats in this experiment received gentamicin in intraperitoneal injections in a dose ten times bigger than therapeutical. After ten days of drug administration, in the cells of proximal convoluted tubules of kidney there were observed the dilution of cytoplasm of various intensity, increases in amount and size of lysosomes, widening of endoplasmic reticulum tubules and swelling of mitochondria. The microscopic and ultrastructural pictures, after three weeks' break in gentamicin administration, showed fast regeneration of renal tubules. A large diversity of intensification of changes in particular individuals suggested individual reaction to gentamicin nephrotoxicity.

The Loeventhal gland of the white Wistar rats was examined. The animals were given Metizol for 21 days and 42 days at the dose of 1 mg/kg b.m./24 h. The Loeventhal gland's samples were taken for histological and histochemical examination. Then they there stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's, PAS's, and Feulgen's method. The mean area of section of cell nuclei was measured. Results of examination were counted statistically. The following changes were noticed: after 21 days of administration of Metizol in the Loeventhal gland the mean area of the section of cells nuclei was decreased; after 42 days of administration of Metizol the mean area of the section of cell nuclei was decreased as well, but to a lesser degree than in group 1. New follicles appeared which can be the expression of cell mitotic activity.

The submandibular gland of the white Wistar rats was examined. The animals were given Metizol for 21 days and 42 days at the dose of 1 mg/kg b.m./24 h. The submandibular gland samples were taken for histological and histochemical examination. Then they were stained with hematoxylin and eosine as well as by Masson's, PAS's and Feulgen's method. The mean area of section of cell nuclei was measured. The results of examination were counted statistically. The following changes were noticed: After 21 days of administration of Metizol in the submandibular gland the mean area of the tubules was increased. The quantity of tubules increased as well. In the tubules cells some more secretion was noticed. The follicles shrank. After 42 days of administration of Metizol the appearance, number and stainability of the tubules and follicles were similar to control group.