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Background Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Material and Methods Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Results Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause a statistically significant increase in relative expression of all tested mesenchymal EMT markers – cadherin 2, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. At the same time, reduction of epithelial cadherin 1 expression was observed. The level of MDA-MB-436 migration and TGF-beta 1 secretion was slighty increased in AgNPs-treated cells, with no influence on invasion potential. Conclusions Potentially prometastatic effect of AgNPs encourages further work on the safety of nanomaterials. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):541–8.

Abstract Background Although chlorpyrifos (CPS) has been banned in many developed countries, it still remains one of the best-selling pesticides in the world. Widespread environmental and occupational exposure to CPS pose a serious risk to human health. Another environmental factor that can adversely affect human health is ultraviolet radiation B (UVB, 280–315 nm wave length). Here we attempt determine if exposure to CPS can modify toxic effects of UVB. Such situation might be a common phenomenon in agriculture workers, where exposure to both factors takes place. Methods Two skin cell lines; namely human immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT and BJ human fibroblasts were used in this study. Cytotoxicity was investigated using a cell membrane damage detection assay (LDH Cytotoxicity Assay), a DNA damage detection assay (Comet Assay), an apoptosis induction detection assay (Apo-ONE Homogeneous Caspase-3/7 Assay) and a cell reactive oxygen species detection assay (ROS-Glo H2O2 assay). Cytokine IL-6 production was also measured in cells using an ELISA IL-6 Assay. Results Pre-incubation of skin cells with CPS significantly increased UVB-induced toxicity at the highest UVB doses (15 and 20 mJ/cm2). Also pre-exposure of BJ cells to CPS significantly increased the level of DNA damage, except for 20 mJ/cm2 UVB. In contrast, pre-exposure of HaCaT cells, to CPS prior to UVB radiation did not cause any significant changes. A decrease in caspase 3/7 activity was observed in HaCaT cells pre-exposed to 250 µM CPS and 5 mJ/cm2 UVB. Meanwhile, no statistically significant changes were observed in fibroblasts. In HaCaT cells, pre-exposure to CPS resulted in a statistically significant increase in ROS production. Also, in BJ cells, similar results were obtained except for 20 mJ/cm2. Interestingly, CPS seems to inhibited IL-6 production in HaCaT and BJ cells exposed to UVB (in the case of HaCaT cells for all UVB doses, while for BJ cells only at 15 and 20 mJ/cm2). Conclusions In conclusion, the present study indicates that CPS may contribute to the increased UVB-induced toxicity in skin cells, which was likely due to the induction of ROS formation along with the generation of DNA damage. However, further studies are required to gain better understanding of the mechanisms involved.

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, constitute a current public health issue and the dominant cause of deaths among Poles. Cardiac rehabilitation and the innovative programme of managed specialist healthcare for post-myocardial infarction patients – Coordinated Specialist Care Programme (KOS), play a vital role in reducing the mortality rate and disability in this group of patients. The KOS Programme was created in 2017, as a response to difficulties in obtaining complex, easily available specialist care for patients after acute coronary events. The study scrutinizes the patients of cardiac and cardiac rehabilitation wards of the 1st Military Clinical Hospital in Lublin (1WSzK) in order to describe the importance of early cardiac rehabilitation in the process of restoration of patients’ health. Gradual and safe implementation of physical effort adjusted to each patient’s health and fitness is the goal of cardiac physiotherapy. Kinesitherapy, with particular emphasis on endurance and resistance training, as well as breathing exercises, is the primary therapeutic tool in this procedure. It should be emphasized that the continuation of physical activity after the completion of treatment is crucial for maintaining the achieved effects.The analysis performed for this study showed that individual rehabilitation programme is an effective tool for improving the health of patients who had undergone myocardial infarction. The desirability of conducting cardiac rehabilitation in patients after myocardial infarction is determined by the fact that this should be a long-term activity.

Introduction The modern dynamic development of nanotechnology provides many benefits to society. Due to almost unlimited manipulations of the matter at the nanoscale, nanomaterials (NMs) are created, which show different physicochemical properties compared to their counterparts of larger sizes. Objective The aim of this study is presentation of the factors determining the toxicokinetic behaviour of NPs due to inhalation exposure, and the potential fate of NPs in the respiratory system, as well as the toxic effects of their interaction with biological structures. The latest progress and limitations related to the assessment and management of risk of exposure to NPs are discussed. Brief description of the state of knowledge The ability to give NMs the desired characteristics translates into a wide range of applications of these materials in almost every area of life. This entails an increasing risk of human exposure to NMs, including NPs, which should not be treated analogously to other chemical pollutants. NPs exceed the protective barriers of the body by the dermal, ingestion and inhalation routes; however, the latter is of the greatest importance in relation to the toxic effects of exposure. Many engineered NPs have the ability to overcome the physical, biochemical and cellular barriers of the respiratory system and pass through the respiratory surface into the bloodstream. Conclusions Toxicological risk assessment of exposure to NMs should occur simultaneously with the development of new NMs to ensure human health and safety, and environmental protection. A thorough study of the toxicokinetics of inhaled NPs, therefore, is of great importance for a reliable exposure risk assessment.

Introduction and Objective Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway plays a central role in the regulation of cellular response to stress. The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), CdTe quantum dots (CdTeQDs) or their binary mixtures to stimulate NF-κB binding in HepG2 cells. A dual luciferase reporter system was used to investigate NF-κB binding. Material and methods Cells were transiently transfected with a firefly luciferase reporter system and Renilla luciferase expression plasmid as a transfection efficiency control. Twenty- four hours after transfection, the cells were treated with nanoparticles (10 μg/cm 3 AgNPs, 10 μg/cm 3 AuNPs, 3 μg/cm 3 CdTeQDs) or with 10 ng/cm 3 TNFα as a positive control. Six hours later, the cells were lysed and the activities of the luminescence of firefly and Renilla luciferases were measured using the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System. Results AuNPs and CdTeQDs alone significantly inhibited NF-κB binding activity. Co-treatment with AgNPs and CdTeQDs resulted in an additive effect, whereas the presence of AgNPs diminished the inhibitory effect of AuNPs. Interestingly, significant antagonism was observed between AuNPs and CdTeQDs, suggesting a similar mode of action. Conclusions Comparison of the NF-κB binding activity induced by the mixtures of NPs suggests that in some cases NF-κB binding activity might differ from that observed for the NPs alone.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, tendencies and suicide attempts in young people. An attempt was also made to identify factors which, according to those young people, contributed to their suicide attempts. Material and methods The study involved 5,685 individuals aged 13–19 years. The participants were surveyed using an inquiry form designed by the study authors. Results Suicidal behaviour in adolescents correlates with the female gender, intake of psychoactive substances, running away from home, being raised in a single-parent family, addiction of family members to alcohol, and experiences of violence. Conclusions 1) Suicidal ideation was reported by 24.66%, suicidal plans – by 15.55%, and suicide attempts – by 4.37% of the adolescents studied. 2) Girls were significantly more likely to attempt suicide out of a sense of helplessness, loneliness, rejection and guilt, as well as conflicts with parents and peers. Boys were significantly more likely than girls to attempt suicide as a result of pressure from peers or cyber acquaintances. 3) Suicide attempts were significantly more common among girls than boys between the ages of 13–19, and significantly more common among young people living in urban areas than those living in the countryside. 4) Significantly more young people who reported suicidal thoughts and plans and suicide attempts than those not reporting such experiences were raised in single-parent families. 5) Compared with non-suicidal controls, young people who admitted to having suicidal thoughts and plans and to having attempted suicide, were significantly more likely to report alcohol abuse by parents and experiences of psychological and physical violence from family members.

Poland is one of the European countries with the highest level of production of dangerous medical waste. Although in Europe the volume of produced cytotoxic and cytostatic waste (used in chemotherapy by oncological patients) has been declining for several years, in Poland a reverse trend has been observed. As this waste puts the safety of medical workers and patients at risk, special handling procedures are required to limit the harmful effect of these drugs on human health. In view of the above, the aim of the work was to present the rules of conduct with cytotoxic and cytostatic drugs, and their waste, in Poland. Med Pr. 2019;70(3):377–91

Nanotechnology has been used in many branches of industry, including agriculture, where nanomaterials are used as carriers of chemical plant protection compounds, as well as active ingredients. Meanwhile, the effects of nanopesticides exposure on the human body are unknown. Due to their occupation, farmers should be particularly monitored. This paper summarizes the use of nanoparticles in agriculture, the route of potential exposure for agricultural workers and the current state of knowledge of nanopesticides toxicity to mammalian cells. The authors also discuss techniques for detecting nanoparticles in the workplace, as well as biomarkers and effects of exposure. The results of this review indicate that the use of nanotechnology in agriculture can bring measurable benefits by reducing the amount of chemicals used for plant protection. However, there is no research available to determine whether or not the use of pesticide nanoformulations increases the harmful effects of pesticides. Moreover, the results of research on cell lines and in animal models suggest that nanoparticles used as active substance are toxic to mammalian cells. Interestingly, there is also a complete lack of epidemiological studies on this subject. In the nearest future the effects of exposure to nanopesticides may require a particular attention paid by scientists and medical doctors who, treat agricultural workers and their families. Med Pr 2017;68(3):423–432

Introduction Taking psychoactive substances constitutes a significant problem for Public Health, particularly in preventing drug abuse and addiction. Objectives To estimate the amount and incidence of drug consumption in middle and high school pupils, including the circumstances in which drug taking first started, and to determine pupils’ knowledge about the consequences of taking psychoactive substances and designer drugs (DDs). Material and Methods A randomised study was conducted throughout Poland on 9,360 pupils attending middle school (junior high school) in 2009 and 7,971 pupils from middle and high school pupils in 2011. The survey consisted of a questionnaire devised by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS) and the replies obtained were subject to the relevant statistical analyses. Results Drug taking was found to have increased between 2009–2011, especially among those attending high school; proportionally rising from 4% – 11%. The numbers who had ever taken designer drugs were 3% for middle school pupils and 4% from high school. Conclusions 1) Adolescent drug consumption has increased, particularly in those of older age and in boys. 2) Despite the only brief interval for which designer drugs were legal, they have gained high popularity among the young. 3) Adolescents have insufficient knowledge about the dangers of using DDs. 4) Faced with the growing threat of a dynamic designer drug market, appropriate counter-measures in education and prevention are therefore necessary.

Objective The electrophysiological characteristics may serve as valuable biomarkers for the genetic vulnerability underlying alcoholism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the SGIP1 gene and the theta ERP quantitative traits. Method The theta band (4–7 Hz) visual ERP occurring in the P300 response in the resting EEG were examined to explore the electrophysiological effects of alcohol on the brain in five regions: frontal, central, parietal, temporal and occipital in patients with alcohol addiction. In addition, we tested the potential associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the SGIP1 gene and ERP quantitative traits. Results We found that the amplitude of the auditory P300 response differed considerably among groups of alcoholics in the frontal, central and temporal areas of the brain and it was lower in the studied brain regions in alcoholics in comparison to non-alcoholics. However, among subjects in the young adult group (GR-1) there was no statistical difference in amplitude of P300 response with control subjects in all studied brain regions in comparison with non-alcoholics. Moreover, we revealed that SNP rs10889635 had a significant effect on P300 amplitude in the central and temporal regions. The reduced P300 amplitude was in AA carriers in comparison to both carriers of GG and GA alleles. Conclusions The present study demonstrated a possible association of target P300 evoked theta and of alcohol dependence with SNPs from the gene SGIP1 in the region of rs10889635, but further studies are required.

Introduction The presented study was designed to investigate the associations between iron level in seminal plasma and levels of the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system and selected cytokines in the seminal plasma of fertile males. Material and Methods The study population consisted of 65 fertile male volunteers from the southern region of Poland. Based on the medians of the levels of iron in seminal plasma, the study subjects were divided into 2 groups: with low and high levels of iron in seminal plasma (Fe-L and Fe-H). Results The percentage of unprogressively motile sperm cells after 1 hour was significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. The activities of SOD and Mn-SOD and the level of MDA were significantly lower in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. However, the value of TOC and OSI were significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. Median of IL-1β was significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group, whereas medians of IL-2, IL-5, and GM-CSF were significantly lower in the Fe-H group. Conclusions In fertile males, iron may negatively affect sperm motility and elevate oxidative stress intensity. Iron additionally modulates the levels of several cytokines in human semen.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in many fields of industry and medicine. Despite the well-established antimicrobial activity, AgNPs are foreseen to be used as anticancer drugs due to the unusual feature—inability to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. The aim of the study was to assess biological activity of AgNPs against MDA-MB-436 cells. The cells were derived from triple-negative breast cancer, a type of breast cancer with poor prognosis and is particularly difficult to cure. AgNPs were toxic to MDA-MB-436 cells and the probable mechanism of toxicity was the induction of oxidative stress. These promising effects, giving the opportunity to use AgNPs as an anti-cancer agent should, however, be treated with caution in the light of further results. Namely, the treatment of MDA-MB-436 cells with AgNPs was associated with the increased secretion of several cytokines and chemokines, which were important in breast cancer metastasis. Finally, changes in the actin cytoskeleton of MDA-MB-436 cells under the influence of AgNPs treatment were also observed.

Introduction The presented study was designed to investigate the associations between environmental exposure to zinc and copper and levels of the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system and selected cytokines in the seminal plasma of fertile males. Material and Methods The study population consisted of 65 fertile male volunteers from the southern region of Poland. Based on the medians of the levels of copper and zinc in seminal plasma, the study subjects were divided into 4 subgroups: groups with low and high environmental exposure to copper (Cu-L and Cu-H), groups with low and high environmental exposure to zinc (Zn-L and Zn-H). Results Semen volume, pH, count, motility and morphology of sperm cells in the Cu-L and Cu-H groups did not differ significantly. In the Cu-H group, TOS was increased significantly by 243% when compared to the Cu-L group. Similarly, median of IL-10 level in the Cu-H group was increased by 144% compared to the Cu-L group. Spearman correlation showed positive correlations between the levels of copper and TOS and IL-10. Negative correlations between copper and G-CSF and GM-CSF were also shown. In the Zn-L group, the percentage of progressively motile sperm cells after 1 hour was significantly higher by 17%, compared to the Zn-L group. In the Zn-H group, levels of G-CSF and MCP-1 were significantly higher by 70% and 145%, respectively, compared to the Zn-L group. The level of IL-10 was significantly lower in the Zn-H group by 60%, compared to the Zn-L group. Spearman correlation indicated that there is a positive correlation between the level of zinc and thiol groups, G-CSF and GM-CSF. Negative correlations between zinc and TOS and IL-10 were also shown. Conclusions Zinc enhances motility in fertile men. This beneficial effect of zinc may be due to zinc-induced reduction in the plasma oxidative stress intensity and modulations of the immune response. This study confirms the antagonistic relationship between zinc and copper.

Introduction On the contrary to the adult population exposed to pesticides, mostly on occupational basis, rural children are mostly exposed to pesticides deposited in the environment. However, even this constant, distributed in time exposure to low concentrations of pesticides may led to permanent health disorders and limit children’s harmonious development. Objective The main objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of aacetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity determination as a marker of children’s environmental exposure to pesticides. An additional aim was to evaluate the usefulness of sweat patches as a novel, non-invasive method of detection of pesticides in sweat as a measure of pesticide exposure. Material and Methods A total of 108 children living in areas of intense pesticide use, and as a control group, 92 children living in an agro-tourist area were enrolled in the study. The AChE and BuChE activity was assayed colorimetricaly in diluted whole blood or plasma, respectively. In addition, selected pesticides were measured by GC/MS analysis in samples of the subject’s sweat absorbed onto a sorbent. Results The study demonstrated significantly lower AChE and BuChE activity, respectively, in the diluted whole blood and plasma of children exposed to pesticides, compared to the control group (p

[b]Objective. [/b]The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Internet addiction and the risk of developing this addiction in Polish adolescents attending junior high schools and high school in Lublin Province, to indicate the differences regarding the intensity of Internet addiction symptoms, and the types of online activity of adolescents residing in urban and rural areas. [b]Material and Methods[/b]. The examined group comprised 1,860 participants (1,320 girls and 540 boys) with an average age of 17 years. 760 students lived in urban areas and 1,100 lived in rural areas. The following were used in the study: the Socio-demographic Questionnaire designed by the authors, the Internet Addiction Questionnaire designed by Potembska, the Internet Addiction Test by Young and the Internet Addiction Questionnaire (Kwestionariusz do Badania Uzależnienia od Internetu – KBUI) designed by Pawłowska and Potembska. [b]Results[/b]. The adolescents living in urban areas showed a significantly greater intensity of Internet and computer addiction symptoms measured by the KBUI Questionnaire, compared to those living in rural areas. [b]Conclusions.[/b] The Internet addiction criteria were fulfilled by 0.45% of adolescents living in urban areas and 2.9% of those living in rural areas, whereas 35.55% of urban dwelling students and 30.18% of students living in rural areas showed a risk of developing this addiction. More adolescents living in urban areas, compared to those living in rural areas, use Internet pornography, play computer games, disclose their personal data to unknown individuals encountered on the Internet, use Instant Messaging (IM) services, electronic mail and Facebook social networking service. Compared to their peers from urban areas, significantly more adolescents from rural areas use ‘Nasza Klasa’ (Our Classmates) online social networking service.

The objective of the study was to determine the similarities and differences between adolescents with psychoactive substances use experience living in urban and rural areas as regards the intensity of Internet addiction symptoms as well as the evaluation of prevalence of psychoactive substances use among adolescents depending on the place of residence. The examined group consisted of 1 860 people (1 320 girls and 540 boys) their average age being 17 years. In the study the following research methods were used: the Sociodemographic Questionnaire designed by the authors, the Internet Addiction Questionnaire by Potembska, the Internet Addiction test by Young, the Internet Addiction Questionnaire (KBUI) designed by Pawłowska and Potembska. Statistically significant differences were found as regards the prevalence of psychoactive substances use by the adolescents living in urban and rural areas and as regards the intensity of Internet addiction symptoms in adolescents, both from the urban and rural areas, who use and do not use illegal drugs. Significantly more adolescents living in urban areas as compared to their peers living in rural areas use psychoactive substances, mainly marihuana. The adolescents who use psychoactive substances, as compared to the adolescents with no experience using illegal drugs, living both in urban and rural areas significantly more often play online violent games and use web pornography. The adolescents living in rural areas who use psychoactive substances significantly more often as compared to the adolescents who do not use these substances claim that it is only thanks to the interactions established on the Internet that they can get acceptance, understanding and appreciation.

[b]Introduction and objective[/b]. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often accompanied by lung cancer. Among the genes that may play a role in the occurrence of COPD and lung cancer are those encoding the proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors. The objective of this study was to find MMPs-associated markers useful in the identification of COPD subjects with increased susceptibility to developing lung cancer. [b]Materials and methods[/b]. We compared the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes coding for matrix proteinases ([i]MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP12[/i]) as well as tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases ([i]TIMP1[/i]) in two groups of subjects: COPD patients (54 subjects) and COPD patients diagnosed for lung cancer occurrence (53 subjects).The levels of the respective proteins in blood serum were also analyzed. [b]Results[/b]. The frequencies of 2 genotypes, [i]MMP3[/i] rs3025058 and MMP3 rs678815, were significantly different between the studied groups. In both cases, more heterozygotes and less homozygotes (both types) were observed in the COPD group than in the COPD + cancer group. A significantly higher TIMP1 level in blood serum was observed in the COPD + cancer group than in the COPD group. There were no statistically significant differences in[i] MMPs[/i] blood levels between the studied groups. In addition, no genotype-associated differences in [i]TIMP1[/i] or[i] MMPs[/i] blood levels were observed. [b]Conclusions[/b]. Homozygocity for [i]MMP3[/i] rs3025058 and rs678815 polymorphisms is a potential marker of enhanced susceptibility to lung cancer development among COPD subjects.

[b]Introduction.[/b] The dynamic rise of alcohol consumption in adolescents is a matter of serious concern, requiring frequently updated monitoring. By such means, it is possible to optimise preventative measures for dealing with this problem. [b]Objective[/b]. To estimate the magnitude/amount and frequency of alcohol consumed by middle and high school pupils in Poland, including the circumstances when alcohol was first drunk. [b]Materials and Methods[/b]. A randomised survey was performed throughout Poland on middle school (junior high school) pupils, (n=9360) in 2009, followed by both middle and high school pupils in 2011 (n=7971). The questionnaire was devised by the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS). [b]Results[/b]. A strikingly sharp increase in alcohol consumption (29%) was observed in subjects between 2009 – 2011. In the latter year, 1 month prior to survey, respectively, 50% and 71% of middle school and high school pupils drank alcohol, and correspondingly, 36% and 63% of these pupils ever became intoxicated/drunk. [b]Conclusions[/b]. 1) Adolescent alcohol consumption increases with age and is highest in girls. Monitoring as well as in-depth analysis thus becomes necessary. 2) Systematic monitoring and analysis of changing healthy lifestyle behaviour should be used for taking the necessary corrective action. This should happen concurrently and consist of planned health education programmes, including health promotion.

The function of the autonomic nervous system is based on reciprocal interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts, most frequently in the form of antagonistic action on target organs. The main mediators of the sympathetic nervous system in the effectors part are catecholamines (CA), which are involved in various physiological processes. Moreover, CA also has a profound effect on the kidneys, being factors that impact on renal haemodynamics, and have been reported to be altered in pathological disorders, e.g. extracellular volume expression, hypertension and cardiovascular complications. The increased sympathetic nerve activity, at least in part, can explain the raised in plasma CA observed in chronic kidney diseases. Furthermore, plasma CA levels in ureamic patients cannot be considered a reliable index of sympathetic activity, due to existence of many factors which may affect their values. In addition, CA released into the circulation, as one of many substances, may penetrate across the cellular membranes of erytrocytes (RBC). Taking these observations together, the aim of the presented study was to investigate for the first time the plasma and erythrocyte relationship of catecholamines in haemodialysis. The studies were performed among 37 haemodialysed patients who were inhabitants of the Lublin commune. Plasma and intracellular concentration of CA were measured prior to and following haemodialysis by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The results suggest that RBC are able to accumulate CA at the stage of terminal renal failure; in addition, the levels of adrenaline and dopamine in RBC depend on the accumulation of urea in plasma. It was also found that the dynamic changes in concentration of RBC adrenaline are an independent predictor of mortality in haemodialysis patients.

There are no published studies examining the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration on the non-enzymatic defence systems in humans exposed to lead. In view of this, it was decided to measure the levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, bilirubin and alpha-tocopherol before and after treatment with NAC. An estimation was also made of the degree of oxidative stress by measuring the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), the levels of conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid hydroperoxides (LHP). Male employees who worked with lead were randomized into two groups. The first group included workers who were not administered any drugs (n=49), while the second group (n=122) consisted of workers who were treated with NAC at three different doses (200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg) for 12 weeks. The administration of NAC (400 mg, 800 mg) resulted in significant decreases in the LHP levels. Similarly, a strong tendency toward lower levels of CD was observed in the same groups. The UA levels were significantly lower only in the group receiving the 200 mg dose of NAC. However, the alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly elevated after treatment with NAC (400 mg, 800 mg). NAC administration did not significantly affect the levels of bilirubin and albumin, but a tendency toward higher values was observed for FRAP. NAC reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated concentrations of alpha-tocopherol may have enhanced the beneficial effects of NAC. Treatment with NAC may contribute to the restoration of non-enzymatic antioxidant reserves when administered to lead-exposed workers.

Shiga toxin producing [i]Escherichia coli[/i] (STEC) are the most virulent diarrhoeagenic [i]E. coli [/i]known to date. They can spread with alarming ease via the food chain, as recently demonstrated by the large outbreak of STEC O104:H4 borne by sprouted seeds in 2011, clustered in northern Germany, and subsequently affecting other countries. Indeed, a significant number of infections to verocytotoxin producing [i]Escherichia coli[/i] O104:H4 have been reported from the WHO European Region resulting in many cases of bloody diarrhoea and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in Germany, 15 other European countries and North America. Eventually, the European Food Standards Agency, (EFSA), identified the likely source to a single consignment of fenugreek seeds from an Egyptian exporter as being linked to the two outbreaks in Germany and France. The situation was closely monitored by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate public health authority in Poland where actions undertaken ensured that the public was well informed about the dangers of STEC contamination of food, how to avoid infection, and what to do if infected. Tracing the fenugreek distributors also enabled the identification of suspected batches and their isolation. As a result, there were very few reported cases of STEC infection in Poland. Effective control over such outbreaks is therefore a vital public health task. This should include early detection and rapid identification of the contagion mode, followed by removing the foodstuff(s) from the market, providing consumer advice, and preventing secondary spreading. As a mitigation measure, screening/monitoring those involved in food handling is also warranted to exclude carriers who can be asymptomatic.

Aktualnie stosowane normy i zalecenia żywieniowe są uogólnione. Dotyczy to zarówno zaleceń dla osób zdrowych, gdzie założeniem jest prewencja schorzeń cywilizacyjnych, jak i osób chorujących, gdzie zalecenia mają wspomagać terapię. Najczęściej występującymi chorobami cywilizacyjnymi są otyłość, nadciśnienie tętnicze, cukrzyca typu 2, hiperlipidemia i choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego. Precyzyjne określenie zapotrzebowania na składniki odżywcze oraz opracowanie zaleceń dietetycznych dla poszczególnych jednostek zdrowych i chorych w oparciu o osobnicze predyspozycje genetyczne będzie w przyszłości możliwe dzięki osiągnięciom nutrigenetyki i nutrigenomiki. W pracy przedstawiono przykłady odpowiedzi metabolicznej na składniki diety, w zależności od obecności określonych polimorfizmów genowych z podkreśleniem ich roli w prewencji bądź promocji rozwoju takich jednostek chorobowych jak cukrzyca, hiperlipidemia czy hipertensja. Uzyskane dotychczas wyniki badań stwarzają perspektywę skutecznej prewencji i leczenia chorób cywilizacyjnych w oparciu o indywidualnie dobraną terapię dietetyczną i modyfikację stylu życia. Osiągnięcia nutrigenetyki mogą być szczególnie przydatne w określaniu predyspozycji do wystąpienia cukrzycy typu 2 już u najmłodszych dzieci i jej wczesnej diagnostyki. Jest to istotne z tego względu, że cukrzyca typu 2 stanowi 85-90% wszystkich przypadków cukrzycy, a w momencie (niestety zbyt późnego) rozpoznania choroby, u około połowy osób występują jej powikłania. Korzystne efekty opartej o predyspozycje genetyczne dietoterapii można będzie osiągnąć również w przypadku dyslipidemii, niedoborów witamin bądź nadciśnienia tętniczego. Wszystko to pozwoli na zmniejszenie zachorowalności na te choroby oraz wzrost efektywności ich terapii.

For several decades, epidemics of chronic, non-contagious diseases have been observed in the developed countries worldwide. However, considerable health differences are noted between countries, even on the same continent, as well as between individual population groups in particular countries. These differences are very clearly observable in Europe. Professor Zatoński in his studies (HEM, PONS Study) tries to explain the causes of this phenomenon.