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Introduction: Due to a lack of clear dietary guidelines, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) self-impose dietary restrictions based on their own nutritional experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary perceptions and behavior in IBD patients. Materials and methods: A total of 82 patients (48 with Crohn’s disease and 34 with ulcerative colitis) participated in this prospective, questionnaire-based study. Based on a literature review, the questionnaire was developed to investigate dietary beliefs, behaviors and food exclusions during IBD relapses and remission. Results: The majority of patients (85.4%) believed that diet can be a trigger factor for IBD relapses, and 32.9% believed that diet initiates the disease. The majority of patients (81.7%) believed that they should eliminate some products from their diets. The most often-pointed-out products were spicy and fatty foods, raw fruits and vegetables, alcohol, leguminous foods, cruciferous vegetables, dairy products and milk. Most patients (75%) modified their diets after diagnosis, and 81.7% imposed food restrictions to prevent IBD relapses. Conclusions: The majority of patients avoided certain foods during relapses as well as to maintain remission of IBD, basing this on their own beliefs, inconsistently with current scientific knowledge. Patient education should be a key determinant in IBD control.

Background In Europe, the rate of 25(OH)D deficiency is considered high. Thus, it seems necessary to conduct population-based studies to fully assess vitamin D deficiency in various groups of patients. Objectives To evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels and the frequency of deficiency in women in Poland with endocrine and osteoporotic disorders. The influences of diet, use of vitamin/mineral supplementation and exposure to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation on vitamin D status in women with metabolic disorders were also examined. Material and methods The patient group consisted of 223 women aged 19-81 years diagnosed with endocrine and/or osteoporotic disorders. The control group consisted of 108 clinically healthy women aged 26-72 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was assessed using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). An ad hoc questionnaire was used to assess the participants' exposure to UVB radiation. Food intake was assessed using a three-day 24-hour questionnaire interview. Results The following groups showed significantly higher 25(OH)D levels: women taking vitamin D supplements compared to women not taking vitamin D supplements (29.3 ±3.2 compared to 19.5 ±3.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0024); premenopausal women compared to postmenopausal women (28.9 ±5.2 compared to 21.5 ±4.5 ng/mL, p = 0.0021); women who visited sunny countries in the last 6 months compared to women who did not (28.1 ±3.1 ng/mL compared to 24.5 ±5.3 ng/mL, p = 0.0031); and normal weight or overweight women (according to body mass index (BMI)) compared to obese women (27.4 ±4.5 ng/mL compared to 22.3 ±4.7 ng/mL, p = 0.0431). In addition, 25(OH)D concentration correlated with total dietary vitamin D intake in the patient group (R = 0.17, p = 0.0021). Of all examined food groups, fish consumption affected serum 25(OH)D levels in patients (R = 0.20, p = 0.0421) and controls (R = 0.29, p = 0.0002). Consumption of fish products contributed to statistical differences between the patient group (R = 0.17, p = 0.0072) and healthy subjects (R = 0.19, p = 0.0032). Conclusions The most crucial factors influencing vitamin D status in the studied women were regular fish consumption, spending holidays in sunny destinations and regular intake of vitamin D preparations.

Data obtained in recent years clearly demonstrate the aging process of European populations. Consequently, the incidence of osteoporosis has been rising. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of women with osteoporosis. A total of 260 women participated in this study. The patient group consisted of 170 women with osteoporotic disorders. The control group consisted of 90 healthy women. Participants’ quality of life was measured with the Qualeffo-41 Questionnaire. The total 25(OH)D concentration level was assessed with an assay using the chemiluminescent immunoassay. To assess the pain level, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. To assess dietary behaviors, data were obtained by a 13-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. To assess the nutrition knowledge of participants, the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire was used. Based on the frequency of food intake, participants were classified into three patterns of behavior, i.e., Prudent, Western, and Not Prudent-Not Western. The patients assessed their quality of life as average (36.6 ± 19.9 points). The most favorable scores were obtained in the domains of “Ability to do jobs around the house” and “Mobility”. The worst rated domain among the respondents was “Mental function”. There were significant differences identified in quality of life depending on diet, nutritional knowledge, comorbidities and occurrence of fractures in the subjects. The individuals in the “Prudent” group reported a significantly higher quality of life as compared to the “Not Prudent-Not Western” and “Western” groups and those with high nutritional knowledge as compared to those with moderate and low. Lower quality of life was also observed among women with comorbidities and with bone fractures. Depending on serum 25(OH)D levels, poorer quality of life was characterized women with vitamin D deficiency. Patient education, implementation of effective methods aimed at alleviating pain and maintaining the optimal concentration of vitamin D can help improve the quality of life in patients with osteoporotic disorders.

Vitamins A, C and E are important parts of the antioxidant barrier. Polish data on antioxidant vitamins deficiency in the population are rare, especially among physically active people with metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamins A, C and E in people with metabolic syndrome (MS) working in agriculture, the prevalence of their deficiency in these workers, and the correlation between antioxidant vitamins concentration and traditional biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases.The study included 332 residents of the Łódź Voivodeship working in agriculture: 231 people with MS and 101 healthy ones. The serum concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were assessed using the chemiluminescent immunoassay technology. The antioxidant vitamins intake was assessed by means of a 24-h recall questionnaire using Diet 5.0 software.The mean serum concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were significantly lower in the MS workers than in the healthy ones No correlation was found between the antioxidant vitamins concentration and the dietary intake but there was a correlation between the antioxidant vitamins concentration and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). A correlation was found between the serum concentrations of vitamins A and C, and vitamins A and E, in the MS workers.The serum concentrations of antioxidant vitamins in the MS workers were significantly lower than in the healthy controls, despite the similar physical activity level. The dietary intake had no impact on the serum concentrations of these vitamins. The HDL-C concentration in the MS workers correlated with the concentrations of all antioxidant vitamins. Med Pr. 2021;72(2):123-9.Witaminy A, C i E stanowią ważną barierę antyoksydacyjną. Danych dotyczących stanu odżywienia populacji polskiej witaminami antyoksydacyjnymi jest niewiele, a szczególnie mało dotyczy osób aktywnych fizycznie z zaburzeniami metabolicznymi. Celem badania była ocena stężenia witamin A, C i E w surowicy krwi i częstości ich niedoborów u osób z zespołem metabolicznym (ZM) pracujących w rolnictwie oraz zależności między stężeniem witamin antyoksydacyjnych w surowicy a tradycyjnymi biomarkerami chorób sercowo-naczyniowych.W badaniu wzięło udział 332 mieszkańców województwa łódzkiego pracujących w rolnictwie: 231 osób z ZM i 101 osób zdrowych. Stężenie witamin A, C i E w surowicy krwi badano za pomocą wysokosprawnej chromatografii cieczowej, a spożycie witamin z dietą oceniano za pomocą programu Dieta 5.0 na podstawie 24-godzinnych wywiadów żywieniowych.Średnie stężenia witamin A, C i E w surowicy krwi osób z ZM były istotnie mniejsze niż w grupie bez ZM. Stężenie nie korelowało ze spożyciem witamin z dietą, ale korelowało ze stężeniem cholesterolu HDL. Stwierdzono korelację między stężeniem w surowicy witamin A i C oraz A i E u pracowników z ZM.Stężenie witamin antyoksydacyjnych w surowicy pracowników z ZM było istotnie mniejsze niż w grupie osób zdrowych, mimo podobnego poziomu aktywności fizycznej. Wysokie spożycie witamin z dietą nie różnicowało ich stężenia w surowicy osób z ZM zatrudnionych w rolnictwie. Stężenie cholesterolu HDL u osób z ZM korelowało ze stężeniem wszystkich witamin antyoksydacyjnych. Med. Pr. 2021;72(2):123–129.

Polish data on vitamin D deficiency in the population are incomplete. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be common, but there is a lack of studies concerning the concentration of 25(OH)D in people with high UV exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D in people with and without metabolic syndrome (MS), working in agriculture, the prevalence of its deficiency in these workers, and the correlation between the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D and traditional biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases.The study included 332 people working in agriculture in the Łódź voivodeship, including 231 people with MS and 101 healthy ones. The plasma concentration of 25(OH)D was assessed using the chemiluminescent immunoassay technology. The vitamin D intake was assessed using a 24-h recall questionnaire using Diet 5.0 software.The mean plasma concentration of 25(OH)D was 13.64±8.01 ng/ml in MS workers, and it was significantly lower than in the healthy ones (26.61±10.12 ng/ml, p0.00001); the highest concentration of 25(OH)D was noted in summer months. Deficient plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D were found significantly more often in MS workers than in the controls (81.82% and 20.79%, respectively, p0.00001). No correlation was found between the plasma vitamin D concentration and its dietary intake. The plasma concentration of 25(OH)D correlated with age of the examined workers (r = -0.28, p = 0.023), high density lipoprotein concentration (r = 0.19, p = 0.036) and glucose concentration (Rho = -0.24, p = 0.02). A multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that the body mass index affected significantly the mean value of the 25(OH)D concentration in MS workers.The concentration of vitamin D in the plasma of workers with MS was significantly lower than in the healthy controls despite the same high UV exposure; these workers also manifested significantly higher 25(OH)D deficiency than the control subjects. This study indicates the need for further research on the concentration of 25(OH)D in people with metabolic disorders regardless of UV exposure and vitamin D intake with a diet. Med Pr. 2021;72(1):9-18.Dane dotyczące stanu odżywienia witaminą D populacji polskiej są niepełne. Niedobory witaminy D wydają się powszechne, jednak nie odnaleziono polskich badań, które weryfikowałyby stężenie 25-hydroksywitaminy D [25(OH)D] u osób intensywnie eksponowanych na promieniowanie ultrafioletowe (UV). Celem pracy była ocena stężenia 25(OH)D w osoczu osób z zespołem metabolicznym (ZM) pracujących w rolnictwie, częstość jej niedoborów u tych osób oraz zależność między stężeniem 25(OH)D w osoczu a tradycyjnymi biomarkerami chorób sercowo-naczyniowych.W badaniu wzięło udział 332 mieszkańców województwa łódzkiego pracujących w rolnictwie, w tym 231 osób z ZM i 101 zdrowych. Stężenie 25(OH)D w osoczu oceniano z użyciem testu wykorzystującego technologię chemiluminescencyjnych testów immunologicznych. Spożycie witaminy D z dietą oceniano za pomocą programu Dieta 5.0 na podstawie 24-godzinnych wywiadów żywieniowych.Średnie stężenie 25(OH)D w osoczu pracowników z ZM wynosiło 13,64±8,01 ng/ml i było istotnie niższe niż w grupie badanych bez ZM (26,61±10,12 ng/ml, p0,00001). Najwyższe średnie stężenie 25(OH)D odnotowano w miesiącach letnich. U pracowników z ZM istotnie częściej niż w grupie bez ZM stwierdzono deficytowe stężenie 25(OH)D w osoczu (odpowiednio, 81,82% i 20,79%, p0,00001). Stwierdzono brak korelacji między stężeniem 25(OH)D a jej spożyciem z dietą. Stężenie 25(OH)D korelowało z wiekiem (r = –0,28, p = 0,023) oraz stężeniami cholesterolu HDL (r = 0,19, p = 0,036) i glukozy (Rho = –0,24, p = 0,02) w badanej grupie rolników. Wieloczynnikowa analiza wariancji wykazała, że u pracowników z ZM czynnikiem wpływającym istotnie na średnią wartość stężenia 25(OH)D był wskaźnik masy ciała.Stężenie witaminy D w osoczu osób z ZM było istotnie mniejsze niż u osób zdrowych mimo jednakowej, wysokiej ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV. Ponadto u osób z ZM istotnie częściej stwierdzano deficytowe stężenie 25(OH)D niż u badanych bez ZM. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na konieczność prowadzenia dalszych badań dotyczących stężenia 25(OH)D u osób z chorobami metabolicznymi, niezależnie od wielkości ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV i spożycia witaminy D z dietą. Med. Pr. 2021;72(1):9–18.

INTRODUCTION. Cardiovascular diseases are the main death cause in Poland. Several clinical studies showed association between metabolic syndrome and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cardiac events and mortality. The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular complications and death risk in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) working in agriculture. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study included 332 people working in agriculture in Lodz voivodeship, 231 with MS and 101 healthy ones. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications was determined for pulse pressure (pp) >63 mmHg. Based on the SCORE index, 10-year death risk due to cardiovascular complications was estimated taking into account sex, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol concentration. A value ≥5% was accepted as high risk of death within 10 years. RESULTS. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications (pulse pressure >63 mmHg) was found in 31.60% subjects with MS and 6.93% healthy ones CONCLUSIONS. High risk of cardiovascular complications and death occurs statistically more frequently in subjects with MS than in the rest of the population.

Poor diet and low physical activity play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between nutrient intake, groups of food products and physical exercise undertaken and the components of metabolic syndrome (MS). The study included 330 patients with MS, and the control group comprised of 270 subjects without MS. The food intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall, and a 13-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. To assess nutrition knowledge, a Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire was used. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three patterns of behavior were identified: Prudent-Active, Western-Sedentary, and NotPrudent-notWestern-lowActive. In the Prudent-Active group, as compared to the NotPrudent-notWestern-lowActive subjects, the risk of central obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol and hyperglycemia occurrence was lower. There was also a lower proportion of patients with MS. As compared to the NotPrudent-notWestern-lowActive subjects, in the Prudent-Active group there was more than a two times higher chance of subjects with a high level of nutrition knowledge. Western diets have been proven to exert a detrimental effect on the components of MS. When designing intervention programs, education of patients with MS on dietary habits and physical activity should be considered.

There are speculations that vitamin D may be an important regulator of the energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of serum 25(OH)D concentration and nutritional status on the resting metabolic rate. The study group consisted of 223 women with endocrine and/or osteoporotic disorders. The control group consisted of 108 women, clinically healthy. The total 25(OH)D concentration level was measured with an assay using chemiluminescent immunoassay technology. Indirect calorimetry was applied to assess the resting metabolic rate. The mean resting metabolic rate was significantly lower in the group of women with metabolic disorders than in the control group. A correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D levels in healthy subjects and the resting metabolic rate. Significantly higher resting metabolic rate was found in women with normal serum 25(OH)D levels in comparison to subjects with deficient vitamin D levels. The control group demonstrated a relationship between body fat tissue and fat-free body mass and the resting metabolic rate. Both 25(OH)D concentration and body composition were factors influencing the resting metabolic rate in the group of healthy subjects. More research is needed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D status and metabolic rate in individuals with endocrine and osteoporotic disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease, which primarily includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a group of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Mainly affecting young people, it is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission. In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease worldwide, including Poland. The potential impact of nutrition and selected dietary components that are directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal lesions in IBD is not fully clear. Evaluating the impact of diet on the course of IBD is very complex due to the fact that regardless of a dietary model adopted, each one is based on consumption of many different food groups which affect one another. However, the growing need to produce dietary recommendations for these patients has prompted the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IOIBD) to develop nutrition guidelines for the patients. The present paper characterizes the dietary models most commonly discussed in research studies and their potential impact on IBD activity.

Background The increasing incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity or diabetes have made them a major public health problem. Increasing oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species, which initiate the oxidative adverse changes in the cell, is mentioned, among other risk factors, to underlie these diseases. Vitamin A, C and E are listed among the non-enzymatic mechanisms counteracting this phenomenon. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with cardiovascular diseases. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the risk of vitamin A, C, E and D deficit in the plasma of metabolic syndrome (MS) patients. Material and methods The study included 191 patients with MS and 98 subjects without MS. Loglinear analysis was used in the assessment of mutual interactions between the vitamin concentration and the analysis of classification by ROC curves to predict the frequency of vitamin deficiency in MS patients. Results A correlation was found between the plasma level of vitamins in the group of MS patients. Vitamin A concentration correlated with that of vitamin C (r = 0.51, p = 0.0000), vitamin D (r = 0.49, p = 0.0000) and E (r = 0.32, p = 0.0001). The plasma level of vitamin D correlated with the level of vitamin E (r = 0.46, p = 0.00000) and vitamin C (r = 0.37, p = 0.0000). Regression analysis showed a correlation between the concentration of the tested vitamins in patients with MS. Interactions were observed between vitamins C and A and between C and D. HDL cholesterol level was lower in patients with vitamin A deficiency compared to patients with its normal level. Conclusions The plasma levels of vitamin A, C, E and D were significantly lower in patients with MS than in healthy subjects and they mutually correlated with each other. The normalization of glucose and HDL level may contribute to the regulation of the concentration of vitamin A in patients with MS.

It is not clear whether habitual dietary intake influences the antioxidant or inflammatory status. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of antioxidative vitamins C, E, and β-carotene obtained from daily food rations on plasma and salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), uric acid and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP). The study involved 80 older subjects (66.9 ± 4.3 years), divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 43) with lower and group 2 (n = 37) with higher combined vitamins C, E and β-carotene intake. A 24-h dietary recall was obtained from each individual. TAC was assessed simultaneously with two methods in plasma (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma—FRAP, 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl—DPPH) and in saliva (FRAS and DPPHS test). Lower vitamin C intake corresponded to higher FRAS. There were no other correlations between vitamins C, E or β-carotene intake and antioxidant indices. Salivary CRP was not related to any antioxidant indices. FRAS was decreased in group 2 (p < 0.01) but no other group differences for salivary or for plasma antioxidant parameters and salivary CRP were found. Habitual, not extra supplemented dietary intake does not significantly affect plasma or salivary TAC and salivary CRP.

Role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis play a reactive oxygen species. In the case of disturbance of dynamic balance between their production and antioxidant defense mechanisms comes to undesirable consequences - oxidative stress. Excessive exercise can, among others, disrupting the balance.The aim of the study was to evaluate the exponents of the processes of oxidation - reduction of blood in patients with ACS undergoing rehabilitation in a hospital setting.The study included 25 patients after ACS STEMI, including 19 men and 6 women, aged 51.5±6.5 years, underwent rehabilitation in the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, University Hospital im. WAM in Lodz. Blood samples were taken after an initial exercise test (I) and after the final exercise test (IV). Marked: SOD-1, CAT, GPX- in red blood cells, plasma antioxidant activity (TAS) and the concentration of MDA in the red blood cells. Cardiac rehabilitation program included 15 interval training, each lasting 40-45 minutes.The results were statistically analyzed. For the statistically significant level of p0.05. No significant effect of cardiac rehabilitation on the activity of GPX, SOD-1, MDA and antioxidant activity of plasma. There was only a significant impact on the rehabilitation of CAT activity (p=0.002).Properly conducted cardiac rehabilitation does not disturb the balance of oxidation - reduction of blood in patients with ACS. Exercise should be selected in such a way that this balance is maintained.

Myocardial ischemia can be assessed by ECG at rest or doing the stress test, which also serves to evaluate the results of cardiac rehabilitation.The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the scale before exercise and exercise to assess the risk of coronary heart disease and recognition by physiotherapists.The study included three groups of people: 1. 65 patients with stable coronary heart disease (IHD), including 45 men and 20 women, ranging in age from 33 to 79 years, an average of 60.18 ± 9.43 years who exercise test was positive; 2. 24 patients after myocardial infarction undergoing subsequent rehabilitation, including 20 men and 4 women, aged from 42 to 78 years, an average of 58.75 ± 8.45 years; 3. 70 healthy subjects without ischemic heart disease, including 34 men and 36 women, ranging in age from 24 to 70 years, an average of 56.24 ± 12.33 years. All healthy people and patients were hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, University Hospital im. WAM in Lodz. The study groups were assessed risk of coronary heart disease based on the result obtained in the scale before exercise and exercise. The results were statistically analyzed using Statistica version 12 (StatSoft, Poland). For the statistically significant level of p0.05.Compared to healthy individuals in both the ischemic heart disease (p=0.04) and in the group treated with rehabilitation (p=0.03) results in a scale before stress was significant higher. Compared to healthy individuals, both in the group of ischemic heart disease (p0.001) and in the group treated with rehabilitation (p0.001) The results on a scale of exercise were significantly higher.The use of scale before exercise to assess the risk of coronary heart disease is useful for physical therapists in their professional practice. There legitimacy of the use of scale exercise for the initial diagnosis of coronary artery disease without knowing the interpretation of the ECG stress test.

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome disorders and the occurrence of these disorders greatly contributes to the deficiency of vitamin D. Postmenopausal women are particularly prone to that deficiency. Aim : The aim of the study was to assess vitamin D concentration in the plasma of pre- and postmenopausal women, with or without metabolic syndrome. Material and methods : The study included 141 women aged 26-77 (the mean age 58.74 years old), divided into 4 groups depending on the pre- or postmenopausal period and diagnosed or not with metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005). Vitamin D concentration was assessed by LIAISON® test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology. Results: The mean vitamin D concentration was the highest among premenopausal women without metabolic syndrome (24.32 ng/ml), it was insignificantly higher than in postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome (23.52 ng/ml) and significantly higher than in both groups with metabolic syndrome – premenopausal (19.86 ng/ml) and postmenopausal women (9.32 ng/ml). The recommended plasma 25(OH)D concentration was not found in any of postmenopausal women with diagnosed metabolic syndrome. Conclusions : Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome had a significantly lower 25(OH)D vitamin concentration in plasma than postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in women with metabolic syndrome was very high, significantly higher than in women without metabolic syndrome.

Ewelina Gaszynska,1 Malgorzata Godala,2 Franciszek Szatko,1 Tomasz Gaszynski3 1Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, Poland; 2Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland; 3Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Poland Background: Maintaining good physical fitness and oral function in old age is an important element of good quality of life. Disability-related impairment of oral function contributes to a deterioration of the diet of older people and to the reduction of their social activity.Objectives: Investigate the association between masseter muscle tension, dental status, and physical fitness parameters.Materials and methods: Two hundred fifty-nine elderly care home residents (97men, 162women; mean age, 75.3±8.9years) were involved in this cross-sectional study. Their chewing ability was evaluated by masseter muscle tension palpation, differences of masseter muscle thickness, self-reported chewing ability, number of present and functional teeth, and number of posterior tooth pairs. Masseter muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography. To assess physical fitness, hand grip strength and the timed up-and-go test were performed. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index and body cell mass index (BCMI), calculated on the basis of electrical bioimpedance measurements. Medical records were used to collect information on systemic diseases and the number of prescribed medications. Subjects were also evaluated for their ability to perform ten activities of daily living.Results: Ninety-seven percent of the subjects suffered from systemic diseases. The three most prevalent illnesses were cardiac/circulatory 64.5%, musculoskeletal 37.3%, and endocrine/metabolic/nutritional 29.3%. Of the participants, 1.5% were underweight and more than one third (34.4%) were overweight. Malnutrition (BCMI below normal) was found in almost half (45.2%) of the subjects. Only 5.8% had a sufficient number of functional natural teeth. Statistically significant correlations were found between palpation of masseter muscle tension and perceived chewing ability, number of present teeth, number of functional teeth, number of posterior tooth pairs, timed up-and-go, hand grip strength, body mass index, BCMI, and activities of daily living. In a multivariate model, after adjusting for age, sex, and education, subjects with higher BCMI, higher hand grip strength, and more present teeth had a significantly higher chance of strong masseter muscle tension.Conclusion: There is a relationship between chewing ability and physical fitness in elderly people. Efficiency of masseter muscles is related to physical fitness in the elderly. Masseter muscle tension examined by palpation can be used in public dentistry as one of the indicators of quality of life. Keywords: physical fitness, chewing ability, masseter muscle tension

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a coexistence of metabolic risk factors affecting development of cardiovascular diseases. The SCORE system estimates fatal cardiovascular disease events over a ten-year period.The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular risk in patients with symptoms of MS.The study included 268 patients with symptoms of MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005), 136 men and 132 women, mean age 59,62±9,21 years. The cardiovascular risk was estimated on based of pulse pressure and SCORE table in these patients.In subjects with MS the mean value of pulse pressure (pp) was 58,96±2,34 mmHg, increased values of pp was found in 33,21% subjects with MS. High and very high cardiovascular death risk occurred in 80,97% subjects with MS, significantly more often in men than women.In majority of patients with MS high cardiovascular risk was found. In every three subjects with MS high pulse pressure was stated.

Cardiovascular diseases have been the main cause of mortality in Poland for many years, including premature death and the incidence is systematically growing. These diseases contribute to an increase in the number of disabled people and the cost of medical care. The problem of the so called metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes metabolic risks of atherosclerosis, has been known by doctors for a long time. Results of studies which have been conducted for some years confirm that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor of MS disorders, including obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes.The aim of the study was to assess plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in patients with MS.The study included 268 patients with MS, 136 men and 132 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 59,62±9,21 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The plasma level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/ml was considered normal, between 21 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml - suboptimal (hypovitaminosis) and below 20 ng/ml - insufficient (deficiency).Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed in 80,97% patients with MS, hipovitaminosis - in 17,16%. The recommended 25(OH)D concentration in the plasma was confirmed only in 1,87%. Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was detected more often in men than women (93,38% vs. 68,18%, p0,05);the lowest percentage of patients with 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed during summer months (47,14%).Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was very high in patients with metabolic syndrome, especially in men, people over 55 years and during winter months.

Only scarce data have been published regarding serum vitamin D status in adult population in Poland. Observational studies have suggested relationship between 25(OH)D deficiency and many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmunological diseases or cancers. Still little is known about plasma 25(OH)D deficiency in Polish healthy adults.The aim of the study was to assess plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in residents of Lodz.The study included 326 residents of Lodz, 156 men and 170 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 57,25±8,24 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The plasma level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/ml was considered normal, between 21 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml - suboptimal (hypovitaminosis) and below 20 ng/ml - insufficient (deficiency).Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed in 23,01% participants, hipovitaminosis - in 46,32%, the recommended 25(OH)D concentration in the plasma was observed only in 30,67%. Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed more often in men than women (25,64% vs. 20,59%, p0,05);the highest percentage of patients with recommended 25(OH)D vitamin level was observed during summer months (60%).Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was very high in residents of Lodz, especially in men, people over 55 years and during winter months.

Recent evidence for the pleiotropic differentiated effects of vitamin D, coupled with recognition that vitamin D deficiency is common, has revived interest in this hormone. Vitamin D is produced by skin exposed to ultraviolet B radiation or obtained from dietary sources, including supplements. Persons commonly at risk for vitamin D deficiency include those with inadequate sun exposure, limited oral intake, or impaired intestinal absorption.of this study was to evaluate plasma 25(OH)D level in residents of Lodz.The study included 326 residents of Lodz, 156 men and 170 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 57,25±8,24 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) was assessed with the application of the LIAISON® test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology.The mean plasma level of 25(OH)D was 24,96±9,84 ng/ml in studied population and it was not significantly higher in women than men (25,24 ±3,31 ng/ml vs. 23,97±3,71 ng/ml, p0,05); The highest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in the oldest age group (29,12±2,78 ng/ml)and in summer months (33,21±2,91 ng/ml).The concentration of vitamin D in the plasma of residents of Lodz was significantly lower than its recommendations. Age and season of the year were the factors strongly affecting the level of 25(OH)D in studied group.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. A number of recent studies point to the pleiotropic differentiated effects of vitamin D, the deficiency of which positively correlates with the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity or metabolic syndrome (MS). Vitamin D deficiency has also been proven to affect the progression of atherosclerosis.of this study was to evaluate plasma 25(OH)D level in patients with MS.The study included 268 patients with MS, 136 men and 132 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 59,62±9,21 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) was assessed with the application of the LIAISON® test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology.The mean plasma level of 25(OH)D was 14,56±7,81 ng/ml in MS patients and it was not significantly higher in women than men (15,14 ±3,29 ng/ml vs. 13,97±3,41 ng/ml, p0,05). The lowest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in the oldest age group (9,24±4,78 ng/ml). The highest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in summer months (23,71±3,82 ng/ml).The concentration of vitamin D in the plasma of patients with MS was significantly lower than its recommendations. Age and season of the year were the factors strongly affecting the level of 25(OH)D in MS patients.

Patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those with the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MS), are recommended regular exercise but many studies indicate its role in the production of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C supplementation may enhance the antioxidant barrier in MS patients.The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular physical activity (PA)and vitamin C supplementation on plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with MS.The study included 62 patients with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, 32 men and 30 women, aged 38-57 years (mean age 51,24 ± 5,29 years). The patients were divided in two groups: group I (MS+PA) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity; group II ( MS+PA+C) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation per os. The control group consisted of 23 healthy individuals without MS, 17 men and 6 women, aged 49-56 years (mean age 53,21 ± 3,6 years), who were not recommended any vitamin supplementation nor physical activity. Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in MS patients with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after regular exercise with and without vitamin C supplementation. In the control group plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were assessed only once.The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p0,05) in MS patients than in the control group. After 6 weeks of regular physical activity a significant fall in plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins was observed in MS patients. In the group of patients with regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation there was detected a significant rise in the level of all the tested vitamins close to the levels in control group.Regular physical activity enhances the decrease in plasma antioxidant vitamin level in patients with MS. Vitamin C supplementation conducted in parallel with regular physical activity normalize plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in these patients.

BACKGROUND Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a coexistence of metabolic risk factors affecting the development of cardiovascular diseases. Reactive oxygen species, which are excessively produced in MS, participate in its pathogenesis. Vitamins A, C and E are an important part of the non-enzymatic antioxidative barrier in humans. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to estimate plasma vitamin A, C and E levels and the intake of these vitamins from the diet in patients with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 182 patients with MS, 94 men and 88 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 57.31 ± 8.28 years). The control group was comprised of 91 subjects, 56 men and 35 women, aged 41-65 years (mean 57.75 ± 5.84 years). The MS diagnosis was based on IDF criteria. The determination of the serum level of vitamin A, C and E was performed using the spectrophotometric method. The food intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall. RESULTS The mean plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower in MS patients than in the controls (p = 0.05). No correlation was found between vitamin A, C and E intake from the diet and their plasma concentrations in MS patients. Plasma vitamin A, C and E deficiency was observed significantly more often in MS patients than in the control group (15.38% vs. 2.19%, 79.12% vs. 8.79% and 60.45% vs. 5.49%, p < 0.0001, respectively). BMI was the one factor significantly affecting the mean value of vitamin A, C and E levels in MS patients. CONCLUSIONS MS patients demonstrated significantly lower plasma levels of vitamin A, C and E compared to the healthy subjects. Lower plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins with their high intake from the diet indicate antioxidant barrier impairment in MS patients.

Introduction: Coexistence of lipid and carbohydrate disorders with hypertension and obesity increases the risk of ischaemic heart disease and its complications. The recently observed lack of reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular system diseases is thought to be due to the growing epidemic of MS. The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular complications and death risk in subjects with MS. Material and methods: The prevention study included 581 subjects (213 males and 368 females): 250 born in 1949, 155 born in 1959 and 176 born in 1969. MS was diagnosed (on the basis of NCEP ATP III) in 104 individuals. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications was determined for pulse pressure (pp) >63 mmHg. Based on the SCORE index (algorithm), 10-year death risk due to cardiovascular complications was estimated taking into account sex, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol concentration. A value ³5% was accepted as high risk of death within 10 years. Results: Increased risk of cardiovascular complications (pp >63 mmHg) was found in 21 subjects (20.2%) with MS and 34 (7.1%) without MS (p

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a coexistence of metabolic risk factors affecting development of cardiovascular diseases. In the pathogenesis of MS there participate reactive oxygen species which are excessively produced in such elements of MS as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and obesity. Vitamins A, C and E are an important part of the non-enzymatic antioxidative barrier in humans. The aim of the study was to estimate plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with symptoms of MS.The study included 68 patients with symptoms of MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005), 37 men and 31 women, aged 34-65 years (mean age 57, 76 +/- 8, 29 years). The control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals without MS, 18 men and 6 women, aged 49-67 (mean age 58, 5 +/- 5, 6 years). Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in patients and the control group with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments).The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p0.05) in MS patients than in the healthy individuals without symptoms of MS. The most significant differences in the level of antioxidative vitamins in both groups were related to vitamin C and vitamin E.The decreased level of vitamins A, C and E points to the weakening of antioxidative barrier in patients with MS.

One of the main after-effects of chemotherapy used in cancer treatment is an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In turn ROS become a source of unwanted side effects of chemotherapy, often forcing the discontinuation of the therapy. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), being an antioxidant, can strengthen the antioxidative barrier of an organism. The aim of the study was an assessment of the concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of NSCLC patients undergoing chemotherapy supplemented with vitamin C.25 first-line chemotherapy patients with inoperable NSCLC, including 19 men and 6 women aged between 37-73 years (average age 60.1 +/- 8.8 years) have undergone the examination. Their chemotherapy has been supplemented with ascorbic acid (vitamin C dose of 600 mg per 24 hours). Control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals, including 18 men and 6 women aged between 49-71 years (average age 59.5 +/- 6.6 years). In cancer patients the concentration of A, C and E vitamins was assessed by spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after first-line chemotherapy which was supplemented with vitamin C. In control group the concentrations of antioxidative vitamins was assessed only once.In comparison to the control group the concentrations of the A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of NSCLC patients was significantly lower (p0.05). After 6 weeks of chemotherapy supplemented with vitamin C a significant rise of concentrations (p0.05) of all the vitamins tested for was observed. The biggest rise was noted for vitamin C (99.8%).The supplementation of the chemotherapy of NSCLC patients with C vitamin leads to rise of the low concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma. This suggests strengthening of the antioxidative barrier in patients.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer types and it usually takes the form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ROS take part in the process of carcinogenesis. What more, chemotherapy used in cancer treatment augments their production, leading to the weakening of the antioxidative barrier. As a result in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy the reduction-oxidation processes are imbalanced. Vitamins A, C and E form an important part of the nonenzymatic antioxidative barrier in humans. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was an assessment of concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of patients with NSCLC before and after chemotherapy25 first-line chemotherapy patients with inoperable NSCLC have undergone examination, including 20 men and 5 women aged between 50-75 years (average age 62.6 +/- 6.1 years). 24 healthy individuals including 18 men and 6 women aged between 49-71 years (average age 59.5 +/- 6.6 years) formed a control group. In cancer patients the concentration of vitamins A, C and E was assessed by spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after first-line chemotherapy, while in control group it was assessed only once.The concentration of A, C and E vitamins in plasma of NSCLC patients was lower (p0.05) than in the control group. After 6 weeks of chemotherapy another significant drop in vitamin concentrations in NSCLC patients was observed (p0.05) and was biggest for vitamin C (39.1%).Lowering of A, C and E vitamins concentrations in the plasma of NSCLCpatients suggests a weakening of antioxidative barrier. Chemotherapy leads to further fall in the concentration of those vitamins in patients' plasma.

Ewelina Gaszynska,1 Franciszek Szatko,1 Malgorzata Godala,2 Tomasz Gaszynski3 1Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University ofLodz, Lodz, Poland; 2Department ofNutrition and Epidemiology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; 3Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland Objectives: To determine oral health status, dental treatment needs, and to identify barriers that prevent easy access to dental care by elderly care home residents in Lodz.Background: Studies in many countries show that oral health status of elderly care home residents is poor and there is an urgent need to improve it.Methods: The study included 259 care home residents, aged 65 years and older. The oral examination was performed. In face-to-face interviews, subjects were asked about frequency of cleaning teeth and/or dentures, whether they needed assistance, and whether the assistance was available; they were also asked about the perceived dental needs, and about the time since their last visit to a dentist and the purpose of the visit. If they had not visited the dentist in the past 12 months, they were asked about reasons for failing to visit the dentist.Results: Forty-six percent of the subjects were edentulous. Only 5.8% of all participants had a sufficient number of functional natural teeth. Dental treatment was found to be necessary in 59.8% of the respondents. One in four subjects reported reduced ability of correctly cleaning teeth and dentures themselves, of whom only one-third were helped by others. An insufficient level of hygiene was found in every other subject. About 42% of residents had not visited a dentist for over 5 years, mainly due to organizational reasons.Conclusion: Expanding the current scope of medical care for the elderly care home residents to include dental care would improve their currently poor oral health status. Keywords: dental care, institutionalized elderly, treatment needs, oral behaviors