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Objectives The article presents the results of an in vitro study aimed at identifying changes in parameters of oxidative stress – concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and protective antioxidant role of melatonin (MLT) during the exposure of blood platelets to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by monitors. Methods Platelets were exposed to an EMR for 30- and 60 min. generated by monitors (1 kHz frequency, 220 V/m intensity). In each sample the level of SOD-1 activity and concentration of MDA were determined. Results The MDA concentration increased significantly after 30-and 60-min. irradiation, as compared to control values (2.53 vs 1.36; 3.64 vs 1.36 nmol/109 blood platelets) and after the addition of MLT it decreased (2.53 vs 1.55; 3.64 vs 1.12 nmol/109 blood platelets). The activity of SOD-1 increased significantly compared to control values after 30 min. and 60 min. of exposure to EMR (1.97vs 0.75; 2.08 vs 0.75 U/g of protein), and significantly decreased after the addition of MLT only in samples exposed for 60 min. (2.08 vs 0.95 U/g of protein). Discussion The results demonstrated the possibly negative effect of EMR on oxygen metabolism of blood platelets and indicated a possible protective role of melatonin in this process.

Background Thus far, the pathogenesis of these intestinal tumors has not been fully explained. However, the analysis of risk factors and research regarding their formation that have continued for 3 decades have allowed us to demonstrate a significant role of oxidative stress in the processes leading to the development of cancer in the large intestine as well as in some other organs. Objectives The aim of the study was to examine the level of anti-oxidative status and the degree of oxidative protein damage in patients with varying severity of colonic adenocarcinoma (CAC) in relation to healthy individuals. Material and methods The study involved 4 groups (A-D) of patients with increasing severity of CAC stages according to Dukes' classification and a control group of healthy volunteers. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of blood plasma, as well as carbonyl (C=O) group contents in blood plasma proteins as a product of their oxidative damage, were estimated in all participants. Both parameters were determined by spectrophotometric methods using commercial kit to test TAC and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to assay the contents of C=O groups. Results In each of the studied groups, A-D, a statistically significant reduction in the TAC values was noted relative to the control group, which progressed with increased severity of CAC stages: 1.783 mmol/L vs 1.191 mmol/L (group A), 1.07 mmol/L (group B), 0.931 mmol/L (group C), and 0.899 mmol/L (group D). At the same time, significantly increased contents of protein C=O groups were observed compared to the controls, also progressive in the course of growing CAC severity: 0.496 nmol/mg protein vs 0.57 nmol/mg protein (group A), 0.689 nmol/mg protein (group B), 0.804 nmol/mg protein (group C), and 1.054 nmol/mg protein (group D). Conclusions The CAC-related oxidative stress considerably reduces the systemic anti-oxidative status and increases the protein damage; both those changes become worse in parallel with the progression of this cancer.

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.

Introduction Research studies carried out for decades have not solved the problem of the effect of electromagnetic radiation of various frequency and strength on the human organism. Due to this fact, we decided to investigate the changes taking place in human blood platelets under the effect of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by LCD monitors. Material and methods The changes of selected parameters of oxygen metabolism were measured, i.e. reactive oxygen species concentration, enzymatic activity of antioxidant defence proteins – superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and catalase (CAT) – and malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). A suspension of human blood platelets was exposed to electromagnetic radiation of 1 kHz frequency and 150 V/m and 220 V/m intensity for 30 and 60 min. The level of changes of the selected parameters of oxidative stress was determined after the exposure and compared to the control samples (not exposed). Results The measurements revealed an increase of the concentration of reactive oxygen species. The largest increase of ROS concentration vs. the control sample was observed after exposure to EMF of 220 V/m intensity for 60 min (from x = 54.64 to x = 72.92). The measurement of MDA concentration demonstrated a statistically significant increase after 30-min exposure to an EMF of 220 V/m intensity in relation to the initial values (from x = 3.18 to x = 4.41). The enzymatic activity of SOD-1 decreased after exposure (the most prominent change was observed after 60-min and 220 V/m intensity from x = 3556.41 to x = 1084.83). The most significant change in activity of catalase was observed after 60 min and 220 v/m exposure (from x = 6.28 to x = 4.15). Conclusions The findings indicate that exposure to electromagnetic radiation of 1 kHz frequency and 150 V/m and 220 V/m intensity may cause adverse effects within blood platelets’ oxygen metabolism and thus may lead to physiological dysfunction of the organism.

Objectives The increasing number of devices emitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in people's everyday life attracted the attention of researchers because of possible adverse effects of this factor on living organisms. One of the EMR effect may be peroxidation of lipid membranes formed as a result of free radical process. The article presents the results of in vitro studies aimed at identifying changes in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration - a marker of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant role of vitamin A during the exposure of blood platelets to electromagnetic radiation generated by liquid-crystal-display (LCD) monitors. Material and methods Electromagnetic radiation emitted by LCD monitors is characterized by parameters: 1 kHz frequency and 220 V/m intensity (15 cm from display screen). The time of exposure was 30 and 60 min. The study was conducted on porcine blood platelets. The samples were divided into 6 groups: unexposed to radiation, unexposed + vitamin A, exposed for 30 min, exposed for 30 min + vitamin A, exposed for 60 min, exposed for 60 min + vitamin A. Results The MDA concentration in blood platelets increases significantly as compared to control values after 60 min of exposure to EMR. A significant decrease in MDA concentration after the addition of vitamin A was noticed. In the blood samples exposed to EMR for 30 and 60 min the MDA concentration was significantly increased by addition of vitamin A. Conclusions The results show the possibly negative effect of electromagnetic radiation on the cellular membrane structure manifested by changes in malondialdehyde concentration and indicate a possible protective role of vitamin A in this process. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):695-703.

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.

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.

Newly synthesized allyloxymethyl purine and pyrimidine acyclonucleosides [Fig. 1, comp. 1-6] were tested in Syrian hamster, six days after heterotransplantations of Kirkman-Robbins hepatoma and compared with Th5, Th5P and PMT [Fig. 1, comp. 7 -9 ]. 48 hours after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of AMT and Th5 in a dose of 80 mg per kg body weight, these compounds reduced tumor weight by 42%, while AMU (in the same dose) by 30%. The inhibition of tumor weight is accompanied by a decrease in dThd and dGuo kinase activities in tumor cytosol by AMU (36% and 33%, respectively) by AM T (59% and 53%, respectively) and by Th5 (58% and 55%, respectively). AMU, AMT and Th5 are phosphorylated in vivo by kinases present in cytosol of growing hepatom a to mono, di and triphosphates, but allyloxymethyl residue of AMU and AMT is first hydrated to hydroxypropoxymethyl residue, having CH2OH group. The lack of phosphorylation of PMT in vivo (having saturated propoxymethyl residue) and phosphorylation of Th5P (when used as a substrate for dNMP kinase) only to Th5 diphosphate suggested that AMU, AM T and Th5 triphosphates are responsible for the inhibition of dTMP and dGMP synthesis.

It has been found during last years that vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids, besides previously recognized functions of preventing particular lipido- and avitaminosis, significantly participate in the protection of the human body against oxidation stress that is characterized by balance disturbance between speed of free radical creation and reactive oxygen forms with pace of their neutralization by enzymes and antioxidants. The antioxidative system creates special protective barrier which includes numerous chemical form with antiperoxidative proprieties and vitamins are the most important part of it. The aim of this work was the profile of occurrence and antioxidative action of the vitamins A, C and E.

High doses of synthetic antioxidative vitamins: A, E, C and β-carotene are often used on long-term basis in numerous preventive and therapeutic medical applications. Instead of expected health effects, the use of those vitamins may however lead to cases of hypervitaminosis and even to intoxication. The article points out main principles of safety which are to be observed during supplementation with antioxidative vitamins. Toxic effects resulting from erroneous administration of high doses of those substances on organs and systems of the organism are also discussed. Attention is drawn to interactions of antioxidative vitamins with concomitantly used drugs, as well as intensification of adverse effects caused by various exogenous chemical factors. Moreover, the article presents the evaluation of supplementation with these vitamins, which was performed in large studies.

A nitrogen ring is present in many biological molecules, which play an important part in cell division as well as in genetic information transfer. It is also a part of the purine system, which builds DNA and has potential places/spots of platinum drug co-ordination. Therefore, it may be hoped, that platinum(II) complexes with diazol ligands will have considerable affinity for DNA binding sites. The work was aimed at assessment of biological activity and especially of cytotoxic activity, of new complex connections of the selected diazols with Pt(II) and Pd(II) ions.The MTT test is aimed at the assessment of cytotoxicity of chemical compounds. It consists in the colorimetric determination of a product--farmazon, formed after adding MTT (bromide 3[4,5-dimetylo-2-ilo]-2,5-difenylotetrazolu) to the culture suspension in the presence of the compound subject to the test. All the tested Pt(II) complexes before adding to the cell cultures were dilluted in DMF. MTT tests for individual complexes were conducted on two cell lines L1210 and P388.Compounds 13, 21 and 25 on P388 neoplastic cell revealed about three times smaller in-vitro cytotoxicity, whereas platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes 13, 21, 25, 43, 46, revealed cytotoxicity being about 3-4 times smaller than the reference cisplatin. Complex 45 revealed eight times smaller activity and complex 44 revealed significantly small, about two hundred smaller activity.Based on the MTT tests it may be concluded that compounds 13, 21 and 25 reveal selective cytotoxicity to P388 neoplastic cells.

A pyrazole system is incorporated in many biological molecules which play an important part in genetic processes. It seems that co-ordinating biological molecules, which would serve as carriers, should contribute to minimising the toxic effects of the potential platinic drugs.Assessment of in vivo biological activity, and in particular of antineoplastic activity of new platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes.The assessment of toxicity of the compounds was made with the Deichmann and Le Blanck method. The antineoplastic activity of the new complex compounds--pyrazole derivatives with Pt(II) and Pd(II) ions was tested on mouse L1210 leukemia cell culture and on lymphatic leukemia P388. BDF1 or CDF1 mice divided into groups of 5-9 animals were subject to the tests.Complexes 13, 21, 25, 16, 24 and 28 did not reveal any antineoplastic activity to the mouse L1210 leukemia, whereas complexes 13, 21 and 25 revealed in-vivo antineoplastic activity to the P388 leukemia, extending the mouse's survival time by about 50%. The control group consisted of mice which were administered a 14% methylcellulose solution.As a result of the tests conducted to asses the in-vivo antineoplastic activity it was found that the 25 complex demonstrates the strongest activity to the P388 leukemia. It may be presumed that it is caused by trans configuration of the complex predisposing to the creation of interstrand cross-links. It may be also caused by the presence of the chloromethyl substituents, located on N1 nitrogen atom of the ligand, which increases the capacity of nitrogen N7 guanine alkylation in DNA.

Contemporary coordinative chemistry is still searching new substances that might constitute good ligands for transient metal ions: Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Pt(II), Pd(II) oraz Cr(III). Pyrazole and its derivatives are able to make complexes with transient metal ions. There is a connection between pharmacological and chemical structure among pyrazole derivatives used in a medical treatment. A chemical division is coincident with a pharmacological division. Pyrazole-5 derivatives are mainly analgesic, antipyretic and less anti-inflammatory and diastolic but pyrazolidyn-3.5-dion derivatives are anti-inflammatory. The main part of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs belonging to pyrazolone derivates has a phenyl group at the first position. The activity and toxicity of this drugs are dependent on groups being at the fourth position. For example, the dimethylamino group makes aminophenazon antianalgetic, and yet is also responsible for a big toxicity. Azole derivatives are antimycotic and are ingredients of some ointments and creams. Chemical groups at the fourth position may determine the activity and the toxicity. These days a great attention is paid on a synthesis which is linking pyrazole and ions of platinum Pt(II) and palladium Pd(III) due to anticancer properties but pharmacology is not known very well.

In recent years we observed increased interest of free radical processes accompanying varying physiological and pathological reactions. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was an evaluation some of serum microelements (zinc, manganium, chromium, selenium) in serum and antioxidative defense in youth with hypertension.The group of 88 youth aged 9-18 with normal blood pressure, prehypertension and hypertension was examined. Blood was taken to examine microelements content and antioxidative barrier activity. Microelements content was estimated with the method ICP-AES. Superoxide dismuthase activity in red blood cells was estimate with the method by Misra and Fridovich, glutatione peroxidase activity with the method by Sedlak and Lindsay in modification by Little and O'Brien and catalase activity with the method of Beers and Sizer.In subgroup with higher blood pressure we observed decreased tendency in enzymatic antioxidant activity (Cat, GSA-Px, SOD) in red blood cells and lowering levels of vitamins C and E in comparison to persons with normal blood pressure. Concentrations of estimated microelements drowed decreased levels in persons with hypertension.Results of our study suggest that disturbance in pro - and anti-oxidative balance observed in youth with first state of hypertension may play an important role in pathogenesis of hypertension.

Gallbladder and biliary tract cancer is a serious clinical problem. In-spite of wide range of new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the significant improvement of treatment results, has not been noticed so far. The research about prevention methods, seems to be important, among the ways of improvement of the diagnosis and therapy outcomes of these diseases. It is related for example to study about one of the cause of biliary tract carcinogenesis--the imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their inactivation by the antioxidative barrier. One of the components of this organism protection complex are antioxidative vitamins. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of antioxidative vitamins (A, C, E, and beta-carotene) in serum, in patients with cancer of gallbladder and and biliary tract, in comparison to the results of healthy volunteers. The study groups comprised of 56 patients, both sexes with acute and chronic cholecystitis and with above-mentioned neoplasmas. The results shoved, that concentration of antioxidative vitamins in serum of patients with gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, was significantly decreased. The outcomes of this research, seem to confirm the participation of antioxidative barrier in inhibition of carcinogenesis of in those important parts of digestive system.

Ascorbic acid is known antioxidant protecting many organs and tissues. In some circumstances can act as prooxidant, particullary when coexists with high concentration of ferrum and copper jons. Condition like that can take place for example in liver. In this research Vitamin C was administered to the mice in increasing dosages, then the concentration of TBARS-prooxidant markers was measured in homogenats of their livers. The outcomes of the research are equivocal.

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of the skeletal system characterised by reduced bone strength leading to increased risk of fracture. Bone strength is a combined derivative of bone mineral density (BMD) and of bone tissue quality. Osteoporosis is a serious medical problem because of its complications, most frequently manifesting itself in spine fractures, fractures of distal sections of the forearm and, in later periods of life, hip fractures. Reduced BMD is an independent risk factor of osteoporosis. The goal of the study was an evaluation of bone mineral density of the population inhabiting the micro-region of Brześć Kujawski from the 11(th) century until the beginning of the 19th century.Human bones obtained from archaeological excavations at four archaeological sites: Kolonia (11th-13th centuries), SBK-4 (12th-16th centuries), Fara (14th-17th centuries) and Swiety Duch (16th-19th centuries) and from the collections of the Katedra of Anthropology of the University of Łódź were subjected to study. Bone mineral densities of the skeleton populations were compared with those of the control group, namely the present living population of the Łódź Province. The incidence of osteoporosis was evaluated by densitometric assessment, which was performed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) on a DPX device (LUNAR, USA).The densitometric measurements performed enabled differences to be identified in the mineral density of the osseous tissue. The skeletal groups studied were characterised by a significantly higher mean BMD than the contemporary living population. Changes in BMD indicative of osteopenia prevailed in women.On the basis of the results obtained it cannot definitively be stated that the skeletal groups studied, despite their significantly higher BMD, were affected by a lower risk of osteoporosis and its complications. A continuation of studies on the mineral content of bones and on the relationship between the mineral content and bone mineral density is required.

The article presents current state of knowledge about antioxidative action of vitamin E, enabling significant broadening of its possible application in medicine. Mechanisms are discussed due to which it takes a very important part in protection of an organism against effects of oxidative stress. Followed from here consequences of this vitamin deficiencies were indicated. Detailed review was made of its role in counteracting diseases of the largest social significance: cancer and cardiovascular system diseases. Attention was paid to observed controversies and discrepancies in therapeutic effects. Unfavourable effects that could appear with application of large doses of vitamin E, typical for antioxidative therapy, were characterised.

After an ischemic insult, a multi-faceted complex cascade of biochemical reactions occurs that ultimately causes neurons death. Above reactions exert an influence on: immunological changes (activation of the complement system and the generation of antibodies), increased inflammation (actions of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines), the production of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress, diminished mitochondrial function and activation of apoptotic pathways. There is also intensive release and wrong reversible escapement many of neurotransmitters. The last one throught oxidative desamination are one of the main sources most of free radicals. Central nervous system is particularly susceptible to ROS-induced damage due to the high oxygen demands of the brain and low concentration of endogenous antioxidants. lts refer both enzymatic antioxidants: catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and nonenzymatic antioxidants glutathione, vitamin a, c, e, coenzym Q, uric acid etc. Presently there are no neuroprotective treatments and prevention. One way of treatment testing in clinical trials is hypothermia inhibits above-mentioned processes.

Our investigations was to estimate the influence of Aronia anthocyanins (Aronox by Agropharm) on selected parameters of oxidative and antioxidative balance as well as on the concentration of selected metals in red blood cells in men with hipercholesterolaemia.16 men aged 27 +/- 6.4 years old with blood cholesterol concentration on the level of 205-250 mg/dl took 240 mg of anthocyanins a day for 30 days. Before and after the period of anthocyanins administration a blood sample was taken and following parameters were estimated: lead, aluminium, cooper and zinc concentration in erythrocytes with the method of atomic emission spectrometry with induced coupling plasma (AES-ICP), concentration of substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities in hemolysate.30 days long administration of 240 mg of anthocyanins a day, caused a substantial increase of glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. The lead, aluminium and cooper concentration was decreased while zinc concentration in red blood cells was increased.

The review of current informations connected with the non-antioxidative applications of vitamin E in therapy was performed. After explanation indispensable structural and nomenclatural questions, were have talked over was for above mentioned uses: biological activity of this vitamin, food sources and the metabolism. It was presented the systemic non-antioxidative functions and the resulting actions from here with range of prevention. The attention on day requirement, the states of deficiency and hypovitaminosis, and also on normal concentration in blood plasma was emphasized.

The phosphotungstate reagent (PTR) was used for quantitative spectrophotometric determination of physiological forms of vitamin C in blood plasma. An immediate action of PTR on the first half of the tested samples allowed to determine reduced vitamin C concentrations (I) at 700 nm. 10 mм dithiothreitol added to the second half of the samples reduced oxidized vitamin C in it - hence the total amount of this vitamin was reduced with a concentration (II) determined as above (remains of dithiothreitol were removed with N-ethylmaleimide). The difference of results (II) and (I) gave the concentration of oxidized vitamin C. The method is characterised by fault-less analytical parameters: correlation coefficients of analytical curves > 0.99, recovery factor 100.5%, variation coefficients intra- and inter-serial < 3% and < 5%, respectively, detection limit 0.05 μm. The simplicity of the method enables an easy control of the ratio of oxidized and reduced vitamin C concentrations in blood plasma - the biomarker of the level of oxidative damage to cells.

The usefulness of phosphotungstate reagent for vitamin C determination in tissue homogenates has been confirmed. An optimal homogenization medium was selected: 1.8 м solution of HPO3 in 1.3 м CH3COOH. With this medium the analytical curve (at 700 nm) demonstrated the right linearity, correlation and recovery coefficients were appropriately high (0.999 and 99.8%) and the values of intraserial and interserial variation coefficient were low (< 5% and < 10%, respectively). It makes this method sensitive, easily repeatable, and useful for vitamin C determination in animal and human tissues, including neoplastic ones.