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In modern laboratory diagnostics, the flow of information in electronic form is common, more and more extensive, and complicated. For the flow of this information to be efficient and complete, it should include medical diagnostic laboratories and their complete environment, including nationwide healthcare information systems. Optimizing the electronic flow of information requires standardization of terminology and coding of laboratory procedures and the creation of IT infrastructure, which, with institutional support, will ensure adequate access to laboratory diagnostic data in the healthcare system. In this article, we present a system proposal prepared by the Section for Standardization of Information in Laboratory Medicine of the PSLD in cooperation with experts from other bodies, the purpose of which would be to systematize, improve the quality and certainty of processing information on laboratory diagnostics. The proposed System of Standardization of Information in Laboratory Diagnostics (SSILD) should ultimately allow for the unambiguity of the names and codes of procedures using the LOINC® terminology, certainty as to the key features of the procedures, certainty as to the reference intervals/decision values, access to information necessary for the interpretation of the result and clarity as to whether the procedures are covered by the regulation of the guaranteed benefits basket.

Joanna Kami&nacute;ska,1 Violetta Dymicka-Piekarska,1 Robert Chrzanowski,2 Karol Sawicki,2 Anna J Milewska,3 Justyna Zi&nacute;czuk,1 Marzena Tylicka,4 Marek Jadeszko,2 Zenon Mariak,2 Ewa M Kratz,5 Joanna Matowicka-Karna,1 Johannes Kornhuber,6 Piotr Lewczuk,6,7 Olga M Koper-Lenkiewicz1 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bia&lstrok;ystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, Poland; 2Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Bia&lstrok;ystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-276, Poland; 3Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bia&lstrok;ystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-295, Poland; 4Department of Biophysics, Medical University of Bia&lstrok;ystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-089, Poland; 5Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroc&lstrok;aw Medical University, Wroc&lstrok;aw, 50-556, Poland; 6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, 91054, Germany; 7Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bia&lstrok;ystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, PolandCorrespondence: Joanna Kami&nacute;ska; Olga M Koper-LenkiewiczDepartment of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15A St., Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, PolandTel/Fax +48 85 7468584Email joanna.kaminska@umb.edu.pl; o.koper@wp.plBackground: Studies conducted so far have focused mainly on the assessment of IL-6 levels in patients with ruptured brain aneurysms. Carrying out detailed studies in patients with un-ruptured brain aneurysms (UIA) would be extremely important, as it would answer the question of whether IL-6 plays also a role in primary aneurysm formation and growth.Methods: IL-6, S100, NSE, and albumin concentrations in 67 UIA patients and 17 individuals without vascular lesions in the brain were tested using in vitro diagnostic immunoassays according to the manufacturers’ instructions. IL-6 Quotient was calculated by dividing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 by serum IL-6.Results: We showed that IL-6 Quotient was significantly higher in UIA patients (1.78) compared to the control group (0.87; p< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a growth in IL-6 Quotient increases the probability of UIA diagnosis. In UIA patients CSF IL-6 concentration was significantly higher (4.55 pg/ml) compared to the serum concentration (2.39 pg/ml; p< 0.001). In both the study and control group, the blood-brain barrier was intact, thus the CSF-blood gradient of the IL-6 concentration in UIA patients was likely to be the expression of local synthesis of the cytokine within the central nervous system. Patients with multiple brain aneurysms had significantly higher CSF IL-6 levels (5.08 pg/ml) compared to individuals with a single aneurysm (4.14 pg/ml; p=0.0227).Conclusion: This totality of the may suggest IL-6 as a biomarker for UIA formation; however, further studies are needed to unequivocally confirm clinical application of IL-6 concentration evaluation.Keywords: cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, interleukin 6, IL-6, unruptured intracranial aneurysm, UIA, IL-6 Quotient

Hypertrophic burn scars remain a significant burden for patients and a challenge for clinicians. The aim Assessement of the efficacy of combined Pulsed Dye Laser and Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser therapy on hyperthophic scars and correlation with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen. Patients and methods Twenty five pediatric subjects were enrolled into the study. Control group consisted of age-matched subjects admitted for surgical repair of inguinal hernia. For the assessment of the results of laser treatment we used the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and Patient-Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). We also correlated clinical results with plasma levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen. Results All subjects reported the laser treatment resulted in improvement and were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their experience. No adverse events were reported. The levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen in our patients with scars before laser threatment were higher in comparison to controls. We also found statistically significant decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars Conclusions Our study clearly shows that combined CO2-AFL treatment for burn scars improve texture, colour, function and alleviate pruritus. We believe that decrease in the levels of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and alpha-1 type I collagen after laser treatment of burn scars, reflects reduced dynamic of scar.

Justyna Zi&nacute;czuk,1 Konrad Zar&eogon;ba,2 Joanna Kami&nacute;ska,1 Olga Martyna Koper-Lenkiewicz,1 Violetta Dymicka-Piekarska,1 Anna Pryczynicz,3 Katarzyna Guzi&nacute;ska-Ustymowicz,3 Bogu&lstrok;aw K&eogon;dra,2 Joanna Matowicka-Karna,1 Ma&lstrok;gorzata &Zdot;endzian-Piotrowska,4 Anna Zalewska,5 Mateusz Maciejczyk4 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, Poland; 2 2nd Clinical Department of General and Gastroenterological Surgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-276, Poland; 3Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, Poland; 4Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Ergonomics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-222, Poland; 5Independent Laboratory of Experimental Dentistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-276, PolandCorrespondence: Justyna Zi&nacute;czukDepartment of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 15a St., Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-269, PolandTel +48 85 8 31 87 16Email justyna.zinczuk@umb.edu.plMateusz MaciejczykDepartment of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Ergonomics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2c St., Bia&lstrok;ystok, 15-222, PolandTel +48 85 748 55 85Email mat.maciejczyk@gmail.comPurpose: In this study, we evaluated the total antioxidant capacity, nitrosative stress, and protein/DNA oxidation and glycoxidation products in patients with colorectal cancer regarding histopathological parameters associated with the tumour microenvironment, such as inflammatory infiltration and tumour budding and compare all determined parameters between tumours located in the right and left side of the colon and normal mucosa.Patients and Methods: Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitrosative stress (myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitrogen oxide (NO), peroxynitrite, and nitrotyrosine), protein oxidation products (protein carbonyls (PC), total thiols, and ischemia modified albumin (IMA)), protein glycooxidation products (tryptophan, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, dityrosine, Amadori product, advanced glycation end products (AGE)) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured in homogenates from normal and cancerous tissue of 30 patients with colorectal cancer.Results: Levels of FRAP (p=0.0009), IMA (p=0.0002), kynurenine (p< 0.0001), N-formylkynurenine (p< 0.0001), dityrosine (p< 0.0001), Amadori products (p=0.0024), AGE (p< 0.0001), MPO (p< 0.0001), NO (p< 0.0001) and nitrotyrosine (p=0.0011) were increased, whereas PC (p=0.0004), tryptophan (p< 0.0001), 8-OHdG (p< 0.0001) and peroxynitrite (p=0.0003) were decreased in the left-side tumour compared to the right-side tumour and normal mucosa.Conclusion: Our results showed that colorectal cancer is related with disturbances in antioxidant defense and increased oxidative and nitrosative damages to proteins and DNA. These parameters may be useful for evaluation the progression and differentiation of the tumour location. We also demonstrated that redox indicators may depend on the histological type of the tumour and may influence tumour invasion depth, presence of lymph node and distant metastasis, vascular and neural invasion, inflammatory infiltration, and tumour budding, which are part of the tumour microenvironment.Keywords: oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, redox biomarkers, colorectal cancer

It is well known that various inflammatory cells infiltrate cancer cells. Next to TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages), TAFs (tumor-associated fibroblasts) and TANs (tumor-associated neutrophils) also platelets form the tumor microenvironment. Taking into account the role of platelets in the development of cancer, we have decided to introduce a new term: tumor associated platelets—TAPs. To the best of our knowledge, thus far this terminology has not been employed by anyone. Platelets are the first to appear at the site of the inflammatory process that accompanies cancer development. Within the first few hours from the start of the colonization of cancer cells platelet-tumor aggregates are responsible for neutrophils recruitment, and further release a number of factors associated with tumor growth, metastasis and neoangiogenesis. On the other hand, it also has been indicated that factors delivered from platelets can induce a cytotoxic effect on the proliferating neoplastic cells, and even enhance apoptosis. Undoubtedly, TAPs’ role seems to be more complex when compared to tumor associated neutrophils and macrophages, which do not allow for their division into TAP P1 and TAP P2, as in the case of TANs and TAMs. In this review we discuss the role of TAPs as an important element of tumor invasiveness and as a potentially new therapeutic target to prevent cancer development. Nevertheless, better exploring the interactions between platelets and tumor cells could help in the formulation of new therapeutic goals that support or improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-020-02758-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The spot (random) urine protein to creatinine ratio (P/C ratio) is an alternative, fast and simple method of detecting and estimating the quantitative assessment of proteinuria. The aim of the work was to review the literature concerning the usefulness of spot urine P/C ratio evaluation in the diagnosis of proteinuria in the course of kidney disease, hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, immunological diseases, diabetes mellitus, and multiple myeloma, and in the diagnosis of proteinuria in children. We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following keywords: proteinuria, spot urine protein to creatinine ratio, spot urine P/C ratio, protein creatinine index, PCR (protein to creatinine ratio), P/C ratio and methods, Jaffe versus enzymatic creatinine methods, urine protein methods, spot urine protein to creatinine ratio versus ACR (albumin to creatinine ratio), proteinuria versus albuminuria, limitations of the P/C ratio. More weight was given to the articles published in the last 10-20 years. A spot urine P/C ratio20 mg/mmol (0.2 mg/mg) is the most commonly reported cutoff value for detecting proteinuria, while a P/C ratio value350 mg/mmol (3.5 mg/mg) confirms nephrotic proteinuria. The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy recommends a P/C ratio of 30 mg/mmol (0.3 mg/mg) for the classification of proteinuria in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia. A high degree of correlation was observed between P/C ratio values and the protein concentration in 24-h urine collections. The spot urine P/C ratio is a quick and reliable test that can eliminate the need for a daily 24-h urine collection. However, in doubtful situations, it is still recommended to assess proteinuria in a 24-h urine collection. The literature review indicates the usefulness of the spot P/C ratio in various disease states; therefore, this test should be available in every laboratory. However, the challenge for the primary care physician is to know the limitations of the methods used to determine the protein and creatinine concentrations that are used to calculate the P/C ratio. Moreover, the P/C ratio cutoff used should be determined in individual laboratories because it depends on the patient population and the laboratory methodologies.

Introduction: The risk of developing anemia in diabetic patients is nearly 3-times higher than in non-diabetic patients. Aim: The aim was to assess factors that may affect both the erythrocyte count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) in type 2 diabetes patients. Material and methods: In type 2 diabetes patients (N = 80) and in control subjects with normal carbohydrate metabolism (N = 40) RBC and HGB were determined in whole blood collected in the EDTA-K3 tube. Results: The degree of metabolic compensation of diabetes, measured by the percentage of HbA1c, did not significantly affect RBC and HGB. In diabetic women, unlike men, there was no relationship between RBC and HGB and kidney function, measured with eGFR. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers did not significantly affect RBC and HGB in these patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that in type 2 diabetes women variables that affect the RBC included: systolic BP, arrhythmias, taking fibrates. In the multivariate linear regression model variables that influence the HGB in type 2 diabetes women included systolic BP and fibrate treatment. In type 2 diabetes men a statistically significant model of multivariate linear regression for RBC was not obtained. In the multivariate linear regression model the variables that influence the HGB in type 2 diabetes men included: white blood cell count, age, obesity, and taking statins. Conclusions: In women with type 2 diabetes, the RBC is influenced by other factors (systolic BP, cardiac arrhythmias, fibrates and calcium antagonists) than in men (obesity and the use of oral antidiabetic agents). In type 2 diabetes women also other factors influence HGB (systolic BP, cardiac arrhythmias presence, fibrates, calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors) than in type 2 diabetes men (hypertension, obesity, leukocyte count, age, proton pump inhibitors and statins medication).

Objective.The aim of the study was to establish, by means of linear regressions analysis, whether RANTES and CCL2 have a relationship with age, sex, heart rate, ejection fraction, white blood cells count, monocyte count, platelet count, mean platelet volume, hsCRP concentration, creatinine and eGFR value, applied treatments, and coronary risk factors in polish cardiovascular disease patients.Methods.Plasma chemokines concentrations were measured by ELISA method (R&D Systems Europe Ltd., Abingdon, England) in 115 cardiovascular disease patients (83 myocardial infarction/AMI and 32 stable angina/SA) and in the control group (N=25).Results.Univariate linear regression analysis found that (1) for men mean RANTES plasma level is 1.56 times higher as compared to women; (2) if patient’s age increases by 1 year, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 1.4%; (3) if CCL2 concentration increases by 10 pg/mL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 3.3%; (4) if hsCRP concentration increases by 1 mg/L, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 1.0%. By means of multiple linear regression analysis we found that (1) for men the mean plasma RANTES concentration value increases 1.89 times as compared to women; (2) if CCL2 concentration increases by 10 pg/mL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 3.4%; (3) if MPV increases by 1 fL, the mean RANTES concentration value increases by 12%, if other model parameters are fixed. For CCL2 we did not obtain statistically significant linear regression models.Conclusion.Due to high variability of obtained CCL2 concentrations, it seems that RANTES better reflects the presence of the atherosclerotic lesion than CCL2. RANTES as a marker of atherosclerotic process may be an important therapeutic target, and the assessment of RANTES concentration should be interpreted depending on patient’s sex, age, platelet hyperactivity state, hsCRP, and CCL2 concentration.

Introduction Gene for gastrokine 1 (GKN1) was identified as one of the most significant in gastric cancer and indicated as a potential therapeutic target. Aim The aim was a review of literature reports concerning the role and diagnostic potential of GKN1 in gastric cancer. Materials and methods PubMED database was searched for sources using the following keywords: gastrokine 1/GKN1/AMP-18 and gastric cancer, Helicobacter pylori, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Preference was given to the sources which were published within the past 10 years. Conclusion GKN1 is a stomach-specific protein, and its role consists of maintaining mucosal integrity as well as the replenishment of the surface lumen epithelial cells layer. The evaluation of GKN1 expression seems to be a useful indicator of the presence of neoplastic or inflammatory lesions in the gastric mucosa. GKN1 expression is decreased in gastric tumor tissues and derived cell lines and its upregulation in cell lines of gastric cancer induces cells apoptosis. The mechanism by which GKN1 is inactivated in gastric cancer cells is still not fully understood. The future diagnostic capabilities of gastric cancer concern the assessment of serum GKN1 concentration by means of ELISA method. Serum GKN1 concentration is not related to patients' sex. Moreover, the measurement of GKN1 concentration is possible only after the incubation of samples at 70°C for 10 minutes. Nevertheless, the aspect of quantitative serum GKN1 evaluation is new in the context of available literature and requires further studies.

Taking into account the possibility of myelin-associated proteins having a role in brain tumour development, the study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of myelin-associated proteins (Nogo-A, MAG, OMgp) released into extracellular space in patients with brain tumours. Protein concentration in primary brain tumour (n = 49) and non-tumoural subjects (n = 24) was measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum by means of ELISA. Immunohistochemistry for IDH1-R132H was done on 5-μm thick formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumour sections with the use of an antibody specific for the mutant IDH1-R132H protein. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed that CSF Nogo-A and serum MAG were useful in differentiating patients with primary brain tumour from non-tumoural individuals. This was also true in the case of the separate analysis of the astrocytic tumour versus non-tumoural groups and the meningeal tumour versus non-tumoural groups. Neither Nogo-A nor MAG or OMgp concentrations were significantly different, in serum or CSF, between IDH1 wild-type astrocytic brain tumour patients compared to IDH1 mutant patients. Our results indicated the potential usefulness of CSF Nogo-A and serum MAG evaluation as circulating biomarkers of primary brain tumours. Because blood is relatively easy to obtain, future research should be conducted to explicitly indicate the value of serum MAG concentration evaluation as a brain tumour biomarker.Key messagesMyelin-associated proteins may be circulating brain tumour biomarkers.Nogo-A and MAG proteins seem to be the most useful in brain tumour diagnosis.Decreased CSF Nogo-A concentration is an adverse prognostic factor for patients’ survival. Myelin-associated proteins may be circulating brain tumour biomarkers. Nogo-A and MAG proteins seem to be the most useful in brain tumour diagnosis. Decreased CSF Nogo-A concentration is an adverse prognostic factor for patients’ survival.

The aim of the study was to check whether the plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-11 (IL-11) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL-1) change in children with mild head trauma (N = 29) compared to controls (N = 13). Protein concentration in children with mild head trauma (12 children with mild concussion without loss of consciousness and 17 children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness) and the control group were measured by means of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. IL-8 and BDNF concentration was statistically higher in the group of children with mild head trauma (9.89 pg/mL and 2798.00 pg/mL, respectively) compared to the control group (7.52 pg/mL and 1163.20 pg/mL, respectively). BDNF concentration was significantly higher in children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness (3826.00 pg/mL) than in the control group. None of the tested proteins differed significantly between children with mild concussion without loss of consciousness and children with severe concussion and loss of consciousness. BDNF and IL-8 may be sensitive markers of brain response to mild head trauma in children. The lack of statistical differences for BDNF and IL-8 between children with mild or severe concussion could indicate that their elevated levels may not result from significant structural brain damage but rather reflect a functional disturbance.

Only scarce data pertaining to interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) chemokines in human aneurysm can be found in the current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL-8 and MCP-1 concentration in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients (n = 25) compared to the control group (n = 20). IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations were measured with ELISA method. We demonstrated that CSF IL-8 concentration of UIA patients is significantly higher (p &lt, 0.001) than that presented in the serum, which can indicate its local synthesis within central nervous system. CSF IL-8 concentration was also significantly related to aneurysm size, which may reflect the participation of IL-8 in the formation and development of brain aneurysms. IL-8 Quotient (CSF IL-8 divided by serum IL-8) in UIA patients was statistically higher compared to control individuals (p = 0.045). However, the diagnostic utility analysis did not equivocally indicate the diagnostic usefulness of the IL-8 Quotient evaluation in brain aneurysm patients. Nevertheless, this aspect requires further study.

Conducted studies highlight that a mixture of genetic and environmental factors is responsible for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. This study aimed to analyze the available literature for the relationship between, on the one hand, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the proinflammatory cytokines genes interleukin-1 (IL-1), -6, -8, -15, -17, -18, and -23, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and on the other hand, RA susceptibility, severity, and patients’ response to applied treatment. The PubMed database was searched for sources. Preference was given to articles which were published within the past 20 years. Data indicate that the relationship between selected SNPs in proinflammatory cytokines genes and susceptibility to developing RA is inconclusive, and it depends on the ethnicity of the population. Although the allelic and genotypic frequencies of many SNPs in proinflammatory cytokines genes analyzed did not differ between RA patients and healthy controls, deeper analysis showed that these polymorphisms have a relationship with clinicopathological features of RA. SNPs in proinflammatory cytokines genes also “modify patients’ response” to applied treatment. Further studies, on larger cohorts of subjects and in different populations, should be conducted to elucidate the role of SNPs in IL-1, -6, -8, -15, -17, -18, and -23, and TNF-α genes in RA patients.

IntroductionIn cancer treatment an attempt has been made to pharmacologically regulate the proteasome functions, thus the aim was to test whether 20S proteasome chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L) activity has a role in glial brain tumors. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between proteasome activity and IL-8, CCL2, NF-κB1 and NF-κB2 concentrations, which impact on brain tumors has already been indicated.MethodsPlasma 20S proteasome ChT-L activity was assayed using the fluorogenic peptide substrate Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC in the presence of SDS. IL-8, CCL2, NF-κB1 and NF-κB2 concentration was analyzed with the use of ELISA method. Immunohistochemistry for IDH1-R132H was done on 5-microns-thick formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections with the use of antibody specific for the mutant IDH1-R132H protein. Labelled streptavidin biotin kit was used as a detection system.ResultsBrain tumor patients had statistically higher 20S proteasome ChT-L activity (0.649 U/mg) compared to non-tumoral individuals (0.430 U/mg). IDH1 wild-type patients had statistically higher 20S proteasome ChT-L activity (1.025 U/mg) compared to IDH1 mutants (0.549 U/mg). 20S proteasome ChT-L activity in brain tumor patients who died as the consequence of a tumor (0.649) in the following 2 years was statistically higher compared to brain tumor patients who lived (0.430 U/mg). In brain tumor patients the 20S proteasome ChT-L activity positively correlated with IL-8 concentration.ConclusionsElevated 20S proteasome ChT-L activity was related to the increased risk of death in glial brain tumor patients. A positive correlation between 20S proteasome ChT-L activity and IL-8 concentration may indicate the molecular mechanisms regulating glial tumor biology. Thus research on proteasomes may be important and should be carried out to verify if this protein complexes may represent a potential therapeutic target to limit brain tumor invasion.

Background Despite the previously suggested role of Neudesin in tumorigenesis and its potential as a novel target for the treatment of cancers, its prognostic value has never been examined. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate Neudesin concentrations in primary brain tumor patients and make a comparison with non-tumoral individuals. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum Neudesin concentration was evaluated by means of the ELISA method. Results The total group of brain tumor patients had statistically lower serum Neudesin concentrations compared to the non-tumoral group (P = 0.037). The meningeal tumor subgroup also had statistically lower serum Neudesin concentrations compared to the non-tumoral group (P = 0.012). The Astrocytic brain tumor subgroup had significantly higher CSF Neudesin concentrations compared to the non-tumoral group (P = 0.046). Neudesin Quotient (CSF concentration divided by serum concentration) in the astrocytic brain tumor subgroup was statistically higher compared to the non-tumoral group (P = 0.023). Males had statistically lower concentrations of the serum Neudesin compared to females (P = 0.047). Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that for women the serum Neudesin concentration was 1.53 times higher than for men. In the model of multivariate linear regression analysis, predictor variables influencing serum Neudesin concentrations included CSF Neudesin concentration and the Neudesin Quotient, if other model parameters are fixed. The developed model explains 82% of the variance in serum Neudesin concentration. Both linear regression models, univariate and multivariate, pointed to fewer factors with a potential to influence the Neudesin Quotient compared to serum Neudesin concentration. Conclusions In astrocytic brain tumor patients Neudesin concentrations within the cerebrospinal fluid are higher compared with non-tumoral individuals. Serum Neudesin concentration strongly correlates with its CSF level. In primary brain tumor patients serum Neudesin concentration is clearly gender-dependent. Linear regression models pointed to fewer factors that may influence the Neudesin Quotient value, which suggests it is a better biomarker of astrocytic brain tumors than serum and CSF Neudesin concentrations alone.

Platelet size has been demonstrated to reflect platelet activity and seems to be a useful predictive and prognostic biomarker of cardiovascular events. It is associated with a variety of prothrombotic and proinflammatory diseases. The aim is a review of literature reports concerning changes in the mean platelet volume (MPV) and its possible role as a biomarker in inflammatory processes and neoplastic diseases. PubMed database was searched for sources using the following keywords: platelet activation, platelet count, mean platelet volume and: inflammation, cancer/tumor, cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, diabetes, lupus disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, renal disease, pulmonary disease, influencing factors, age, gender, genetic factors, oral contraceptives, smoking, lifestyle, methods, standardization, and hematological analyzer. Preference was given to the sources which were published within the past 20 years. Increased MPV was observed in cardiovascular diseases, cerebral stroke, respiratory diseases, chronic renal failure, intestine diseases, rheumatoid diseases, diabetes, and various cancers. Decreased MPV was noted in tuberculosis during disease exacerbation, ulcerative colitis, SLE in adult, and different neoplastic diseases. The study of MPV can provide important information on the course and prognosis in many inflammatory conditions. Therefore, from the clinical point of view, it would be interesting to establish an MPV cut-off value indicating the intensity of inflammatory process, presence of the disease, increased risk of disease development, increased risk of thrombotic complications, increased risk of death, and patient’s response on applied treatment. Nevertheless, this aspect of MPV evaluation allowing its use in clinical practice is limited and requires further studies.

The aim of the study was the evaluation whether in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (n = 55): age, sex, TNM classification results, WHO grade, tumor location (proximal colon, distal colon, rectum), tumor size, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), mean platelet component (MCP), levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen (CA 19-9), as well as soluble lectin adhesion molecules (L-, E-, and P-selectins) may influence circulating inflammatory biomarkers: IL-6, CRP, and sCD40L. We found that CRP concentration evaluation in routine clinical practice may have an advantage as a prognostic biomarker in CRC patients, as this protein the most comprehensively reflects clinicopathological features of the tumor. Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that in CRC patients: (1) with an increase in PLT by 10 × 103/μL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 3.4%, (2) with an increase in CA 19-9 of 1 U/mL, the mean concentration of CRP increases by 0.7%, (3) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 3.631 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group, (4) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases by 4.916 times relative to the WHO 1 grade group, (5) with metastases (T1-4N+M+) the mean CRP concentration increases 4.183 times compared to non-metastatic patients (T1-4N0M0), (6) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 2.175 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon, (7) in patients with tumor size &gt, 3 cm, the CRP concentration is about 2 times higher than in patients with tumor size ≤ 3 cm. In the multivariate linear regression model, the variables that influence the mean CRP value in CRC patients included: WHO grade and tumor localization. R2 for the created model equals 0.50, which indicates that this model explains 50% of the variance in the dependent variable. In CRC subjects: (1) with the WHO 2 grade, the mean CRP concentration rises 3.924 times relative to the WHO 1 grade, (2) with the WHO 3 grade, the mean CRP concentration increases 4.721 times in relation to the WHO 1 grade, (3) with a tumor located in the rectum, the mean CRP concentration rises 2.139 times compared to a tumor located in the distal colon, (4) with a tumor located in the proximal colon, the mean concentration of CRP increases 1.998 times compared to the tumor located in the distal colon, if other model parameters are fixed.

This study is the first to assess redox homeostasis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in respect to histopathological parameters associated with the tumour microenvironment such as tumour budding and inflammatory infiltration. Pro-oxidant enzymes (NADPH oxidase (NOX), xanthine oxidase (XO)), antioxidant barrier (Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH)), redox status (total antioxidant (TAC)/oxidant status (TOS)) and oxidative damage products (advanced glycation end products (AGE), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) were determined in both the normal and cancerous tissue of 29 CRC patients. The activity of NOX (p &lt, 0.01) and XO (p = 0.01), as well as SOD (p &lt, 0.0001), CAT (p &lt, 0.0001) and TAC level (p &lt, 0.01) were significantly higher in tumour tissue than in normal colon mucosa. Oxidative damage products (AGE&mdash, p &lt, 0.01, AOPP&mdash, 0.001, MDA&mdash, 0.001, 8-OHdG&mdash, 0.0001) were also higher in cancerous colon tissue. Furthermore, we observed that CAT (p &lt, 0.05) and XO (p &lt, 0.05) activity depends on the intensity of inflammatory infiltration. Oxidative stress index (OSI) (p &lt, 0.05) and MDA (p &lt, 0.01) values were significantly higher in patients with tumour budding (TB) &gt, 5 versus cases with TB &lt, 5. However, OSI level did not differ significantly between cancer and normal tissue. Our results confirm that CRC is associated with enzymatic/non-enzymatic redox imbalance and increased oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA. The determination of these biomarkers could be useful for the evaluation of the tumour progression.

Background Monocyte-platelet interaction may favor the development of a proatherogenic monocyte phenotype. It is still uncertain which of the 3 monocyte subpopulations interact with platelets to form monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs) in acute myocardial infarctions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the monocyte subsets, the percentage of MPAs and the involvement of monocyte subsets in MPA formation among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and compared to patients with stable angina (SA). Methods Monocyte subsets and MPAs formation were measured in blood collected in 3.2% sodium citrate tubes by means of flow cytometry. Results Classical, intermediate and nonclassical monocyte percentages were statistically different when comparing patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. Moreover, classical and intermediate monocytes were statistically different when comparing the STEMI and SA group; however, only the classical monocyte subset was found to be higher in the acute myocardial infarction group compared to the SA group. The percentage of MPAs was significantly higher in STEMI (50.1%) compared to NSTEMI (22.9%). We found no differences in the involvement of monocyte subsets in MPA formation between patients with STEMI and NSTEMI and in comparison with the SA group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the increase in circulating levels of classical monocytes in patients with STEMI as compared to NSTEMI reflects the severity of the acute event. The increased percentage of MPAs may favor the development of STEMI compared to NSTEMI.

Background Susceptibility to Graves' disease (GD) is determined by various genetic factors; the gene encoding protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN22) may be one of those associated with higher risk of GD. The aim was to estimate the association of the PTPN22 gene polymorphism rs2476601:c.C>T (c.1858C>T) with the predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population. Methods PTPN22 gene polymorphism was analyzed in individuals with clinical GD history (n = 166) and healthy subjects (n = 154). The presence of different variants of the investigated gene polymorphism was estimated using the DNA Sanger sequencing method. Results Patients with GD had a more frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to the control group, however, it was not significant (p = 0.257). Analysis of genotype distribution showed significantly more frequent occurrence of TT homozygote in GD patients compared to control individuals (p = 0.016, OR = 9.28). Patients with ophthalmopathy had a less frequent occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene compared to patients without ophthalmopathy, however, it was not significant (p = 0.12). Occurrence of the T gene allele of PTPN22 gene in GD manifestation in those under 40‐year old was more frequent compared to individuals over 40, but the obtained difference was also not significant (p = 0.75). Conclusions Our preliminary study suggest that PTPN22:c.1858C>T gene polymorphism may be associated with a predisposition to GD within the adult north‐eastern Polish population. The studied polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene did not significantly affect the risk of ophthalmopathy developing and disease manifestation before the age of 40.