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Some studies have shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may impact immune response cells and their functions. The first stage of the defense from pathogens is innate immunity encompassing phagocytosis and phagocytosis-related intracellular effects. Our work aimed to determine the influence of a low-frequency electromagnetic field (7 Hz, 30 mTrms) on the phagocytosis process of latex beads (LBs), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and viability changes in a human monocytic Mono Mac 6 (MM6) cell line as an experimental model of the phagocytosing cells in in vitro cell culture conditions. For these purposes, cells were firstly activated with infectious agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), or the proliferatory agent phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and then a phagocytosis test was performed. Cell viability and range of phagocytosis of latex beads by MM6 cells were measured by flow cytometry, and the level of ROS was evaluated with the use of a cytochrome C reduction test. The obtained results revealed that applied EMF exposure mainly increased the necrosis parameter of cell death when they were pre-stimulated with SEB as an infectious factor and subsequently phagocytosed LBs (P=0.001). Prestimulation with other agents like LPS or PHA preceding phagocytosis resulted in no statistically significant changes in cell death parameters. The level of ROS depended on the used stimulatory agent, phagocytosis, and/or EMF exposure. The obtained effects for EMF exposure indicated only a slight decrease in the ROS level for cells phagocytosing latex beads and being treated with SEB or PHA, while the opposite effect was observed for LPS pre-stimulated cells (data not statistically significant). The results concerning the viability of phagocytosing cells, the effectiveness of the phagocytosis process, and the level of radical forms might result from applied EMF parameters like signal waveform, frequency, flux density, and especially single EMF exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by persistent symptoms and complications resulting from reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are fermentation products of dietary fibres by the gut microbiota and are often studied for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The presence of SCFAs in the upper gastrointestinal tract, including in patients with GERD, has not been previously studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of SCFAs in the saliva of different age groups of patients with GERD. The study included 86 patients diagnosed with GERD, divided into two groups according to age: under and over 60 years of age, treated in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital in Cracow and 39 patients without gastrointestinal tract diseases. After clinical examination, blood was drawn to determine complete blood count, haemoglobin, and CRP. The oral cavity was examined, and unstimulated mixed saliva was collected. The SCFAs analysis was made by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after facile derivatization coupled with liquid-liquid extraction. Of the six SCAFs studied, the highest median concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid were observed in the saliva of patients with GERD and in the control group, in both the younger and older groups of patients. The concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid were also higher compared with the four other fatty acids in the saliva of patients with GERD and in the control subjects. There were no correlations between salivary SCFAs levels and selected clinical and endoscopic parameters, including chronic inflammatory changes of the esophagus and stomach. In conclusions: SCFAs are present in the saliva of patients with GERD and in the control healthy persons. With the exception of valeric and isovaleric acids, salivary levels of SCFAs were significantly higher in patients with GERD compared to the control group. The highest concentrations of acetic acid and propionic acid were observed in patients with GERD and in both the younger and older patient groups. There were no differences in the concentrations of SCFAs in the saliva of female and male groups. We found no correlations between salivary SCFAs levels and selected clinical, laboratory and endoscopic changes of the oesophagus and stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As in other human tissues, determination of the content of elements in dentition may be of significance in disease diagnostics. Zinc and magnesium are bioelements that play an important role in humans. The tissue and serum concentrations of these elements may be linked to numerous diseases; thus, they may be useful biomarkers in the early detection of diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the content of zinc and magnesium in teeth extracted for clinical reasons from patients of both genders in different age groups, who were diagnosed with the following medical conditions: cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, infectious disorders, other chronic diseases, and hereditary diseases. Furthermore, the study attempted to determine the effect of the drugs used by the patients on the content of zinc and magnesium in their teeth. After cleaning and fragmenting, the extracted teeth were mineralized, and subsequently the content of the investigated elements was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In patients with chronic diseases, who continuously received drugs, a statistically significantly higher level of zinc (p < 0.001) and magnesium (p < 0.001) was observed as compared with the patients who did not take those medicines. People without chronic diseases but having cardiovascular diseases also exhibited a higher level of zinc. The highest zinc level in teeth was determined in people aged above 50 (p = 0.11). Furthermore, the levels of zinc and magnesium in the teeth of the study group were related and an increase in zinc concentration was observed with an increase in the concentration of magnesium (p < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the age of the examined people and the level of zinc (p > 0.04). The older patient had the higher the level of zinc in teeth. The level of magnesium was statistically significantly higher in the teeth of persons with other chronic diseases (p = 0.01) and those who were on medication (p < 0.001). The accumulation of zinc and magnesium in the teeth of patients is partially a result of the physiological and pathological processes occurring in aged humans. For this reason, determination of the content of these elements in teeth, which are intended for disposal according to standards, could offer diagnostic information and enable restricting the effect of pathological environmental factors on the patient’s health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A. Szlachcic [1] J. Pytko-Polonczyk [2] Z. Sliwowski [1] E. Karczewska [1] W. Bielanski [1] S.J. Konturek [1] [13/08] Is Helicobacter pylori (Hp) connected with Rosacea? Background: Rosacea is a [...]

Aim: The aim of the study was analyses the relationship between oral health and acute coronary syndrome confirmed by coronary angiography., Materials and Methods: The participants were recruited from patients who had undergone coronary angiography in the Cardiology Department. The study included 128 patients: 68 in a study group - with acute coronary syndrome (ACS-group) and 60 in a control group - no changes in coronary vessels detected by coronary angiography (H-group). A detailed clinical dental examination was performed. The following symptoms of periodontal pathologies were assessed: gingival bleeding, tooth mobility, gingival swelling, changes in gingival colour, a burning sensation in the oral mucosa, the presence of pus, and the need for antibiotic therapy. Moreover, the patients' oral health was assessed on the basis of the following dental indices: Plaque Index (PlI), Approximal Plaque Index (API), their periodontal health on the basis of the following indices - Gingival Index (GI), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and their dental health on the basis of the following components of the DMF-T index: (D-T) - decayed, missing and filled teeth, (F-T) - filled teeth and (M-T) - missing teeth., Results: Oral health in the study group was worse to a degree that was statistically significant in all the indices examined, excluding the filled teeth index (F-T), where there was no statistical significance compared to the control group., Conclusions: The oral health of patients from the ACS group was significantly worse compared to the H-group., (© 2020 MEDPRESS.)

The possible connection between oral health and overall health has been a subject of debate among medical practitioners and theoreticians for millenia., Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of bacterial or fungal mouth infections in myocardial infarction patients treated with primary coronary intervention., Materials and Methods: A total of 128 patients took part in the study (68 patients in the study group and 60 in the control group). The medical histories of the patients were taken, and the following tests were performed: a physical examination and an oral hygiene assessment. The oral hygiene assessment included a mycological evaluation of the oral cavity and bacteriological and mycological analyses of samples taken from gingival pockets., Results: Fungal colonisation of the oral cavity was more prevalent in the study group than in the control group - 33 (50.0 %) vs 15 (25.0 %) p < 0.05. No statistically significant differences between the study and control groups were noted in terms of the number of positive bacteriological cultures. When it comes to predictors of myocardial infarction, fungal infections in the oral cavity were deemed to be a significant prognostic factor (OR 3.0). No similar correlation was identified in the case of bacterial infections., Conclusions: The study results suggest that poor oral health may be one of the predisposing factors for ischaemic heart disease, including in its acute form, i.e. myocardial infarction., (© 2019 MEDPRESS.)

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has been one of the biggest global concerns. Dentists constitute an important group of antibiotic prescribers, and it was shown that their therapeutic decisions are not always rational. In this paper, we present knowledge of antibiotics prescription rules and antimicrobial resistance amongst graduating dentistry students from all dentistry faculties of medical universities in Poland, who will soon join the group of antibiotics prescribers., Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2015., Results: The study group comprised a total of 752 students. About 54% expressed the opinion that dentists overprescribe antibiotics. One-tenth thought that they can be used for the treatment of flu (7%) and common cold (11%). Respondents pointed to amoxicillin (46%) and clindamycin (44%) as the first-choice treatment of dentoalveolar abscess, if medically indicated. More than half of the students (58%) suggested using doxycycline and metronidazole in aggressive periodontitis in an individual allergic to penicillin. The vast majority of students (97%) indicated that penicillins and cephalosporins were suitable for treatment of dental infections in pregnant women. The majority of participants (82%) said that rheumatic disease, chronic immunosuppression, chronic kidney failure and a history of infective endocarditis required a prophylactic administration of antibiotics before or during endodontic treatment., Conclusions: The research showed variable levels of understanding of antibiotics use amongst dental students in medical universities in Poland. Our results emphasise the need to educate dental students further regarding antibiotics and risks related to antibiotic misuse, especially in dental practice., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess oral prophylaxis in patients with myocardial infarction diagnosed by means of coronary angiography compared with a control group., Materials and Methods: The participants were recruited from patients who had undergone coronary angiography in the Cardiology Department. The study included 128 patients - 68 patients in a study group with acute coronary syndrome diagnosed by means of coronary angiography (ACSgroup) as well as 60 patients in a control group in whom coronarography revealed no lesions in coronary arteries (H-group). A detailed clinical dental examination was performed. The level of oral prophylaxis was assessed for both groups. The following factors were considered: the frequency of dental visits per year, the regularity of dental care, the frequency of toothbrushing per day, dental flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, the use of an irrigator, and the use of single-tuft and interdental toothbrushes., Results: Oral hygiene in the case of the study group was characterised by irregular dental care and inadequate hygiene procedures, with the exception of the use of an irrigator as well as single-tuft and interdental toothbrushes, where no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups., Conclusions: The oral hygiene of patients from the ACS-group was poorer than in the case of the H-group and the difference was statistically significant., (© 2019 MEDPRESS.)

Examination of dental materials and their properties at the initial stage of the digestive process requires the development of conditions that mimic the environment of the oral cavity. One of the main components of this area is saliva, where many reactions occur under natural conditions. Human saliva is an important physiological fluid that is essential for the maintenance of good oral health and of the entire human body; it is the place where digestion begins and thus contributes to the supply of those nutrients and health-promoting substances that are essential to the body but may also cause release of potential toxins. Thereby, the main aim of the study was to review the use of artificial saliva models in the context of stomatological and biological research. Biological studies have shown that the amount of biologically active substances in biological material is not the same as their quantity released under the conditions of the human digestive system and thus bioavailable to it. These results show that tables of active ingredients in drugs and food stuffs do not present their actual usefulness and availability to the human body.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition with uncertain aetiology. Dysfunction of immunoregulatory factors and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may contribute to the damage of the gastrointestinal tract. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are involved in protection of cells from the damaging effects of ROS. The aim of the study was to assess activity of antioxidative stress enzymes, GPx and SOD, in plasma and saliva of patients with active and inactive forms of CD. Forty-seven patients with CD were prospectively enrolled in the study. The control group comprised 25 healthy volunteers. Patients' demographics, clinical features, localization of inflammatory changes, CD history, and treatment were recorded. SOD and GPx were assayed in plasma and saliva samples by ELISA method. CD activity index (CDAI) scores correlated inversely with SOD in plasma (r = - 0.46; P = 0.0012), but not in saliva. No correlations were observed in respect to GPx activities in both plasma and saliva and CDAI. Higher activity of plasma SOD was observed in patients with inactive CD in comparison with active CD (P = 0.004). No significant differences in SOD and GPx activity both in plasma and saliva were found between CD remission group and the control group. We concluded that in active CD the antioxidant defence system was diminished and returned to normal values in remission. Results of SOD and GPx assays in saliva are not conclusive, suggesting that saliva seems to be not an appropriate material for further similar studies.

Objective: Nowadays direct and indirect resin composites are frequently applied to build up the occlusion when extensive tooth wear took place. To achieve long-lasting restorations it is essential to obtain knowledge about their interactions due to occlusal contacts. Therefore, the two- and three-body wear between frequently used direct and indirect resin composites was investigated., Materials and Methods: The two- and three-body wear of three direct resin composites and three indirect resin composites, with Clearfil AP-X, Filtek Z250, and Filtek Supreme XT as antagonists, were measured, using the ACTA wear device. The wear rates were determined and the surfaces were evaluated with SEM., Results: The most remarkable outcome was that the two-body wear rate of the different composites opposing the Z250 wheel were significantly higher. Furthermore, it was shown that the three-body wear rate was independent on the antagonist and in general higher than the two-body wear rate., Conclusions: To reduce abrasion of the opposing resin composite surface the resin composite fillers should consist of a softer glass, e.g. barium glass or in case of a harder filler the size should be reduced to nano-size., (Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Physiological process of cell death, apoptosis, plays a beneficial role in organism survival, but in some pathologies, like gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, this process may turn against the host organism causing tissue damage. Knowledge of the mechanisms controlling apoptosis may have potential significance in treatment of these pathologic states. Therefore, we sought to determine whether apoptosis induced in the gastric epithelial cells exposed to live Hp involves the alteration in heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression and activation of caspase-3 in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARgamma dependent manner). Experiments were performed with KATO III, gastric epithelial cells, exposed to CagA and Vac A positive live Hp, water Hp extracts or Hp culture supernatant over different time periods. Total cellular RNA and proteins were isolated for PCR, western-blot and EMSA studies. Genomic DNA was isolated to analyze apoptosis status. We propose new model of Hp induced HSP70 dependent, caspase-3 executed apoptosis in human gastric epithelium. KATO III cells exposed to Hp, showed an increase in caspase-3 activity accompanied and preceeded by activation of nuclear translocation of PPARg peaking at 48 h of culture. Moreover, heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) bound up with phosphorylated STAT-3 was unable to activate HSP70 protein synthesis in KATO III exposed to Hp. Lack of protective effect of HSP70, activation of caspase-3--dependent apoptosis pathway caused by Hp and alteration of the bax/bcl-2 cellular equilibrium led to gastric epithelial cell death. The observed phenomenon might be helpful in understanding of the mechanism of Hp related gastrointestinal tract diseasess, especially gastric cancer.

Rosacea is a common condition of unknown etiology usually accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms and favorably responding to the treatment with antibiotics. This study was designed to examine the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection verified by 13C-UTB-test, CLO, Hp culture and serology (IgG) in patients with rosacea. Gastroduodenoscopy was combined with pentagastrin secretory test and antral and fundic biopsy samples were taken for histological evaluation (the Sydney system). Blood samples were also taken for the determination of plasma gastrin using RIA and plasma interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) using ELISA. This study was performed in 60 patients, 31-72 year old, with visible papules and pustules associated with erythema and flushing on the face and on 60 age- and gender-matched patients without any skin diseases but with similar as in rosacea gastrointestinal symptoms but without endoscopic changes in gastroduodenal mucosa (non-ulcer dyspepsia - NUD). The Hp prevalence in rosacea patients was about 88 % as compared to 65% in control NUD patients. Among rosacea patients, 67% were cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) positive, while in NUD patients only 32% were CagA positive. Rosacea patients showed gastritis with activity of about 2.1 in antrum and 0.9 in the corpus of the stomach while those with NUD only mild gastritis with activity of approximately 1.0) confined to the antrum only. Following initial examination, typical 1 wk anti-Hp therapy including omeprazole (20 mg bd.), clarithromycin (500 mg bd.) and metronidazol (500 mg bd.) was carried out. After eradication, 51 out of 53 treated rosacea patients became Hp negative. Within 2-4 weeks, the symptoms of rosacea disappeared in 51 patients, markedly declined in 1 and remained unchanged in 1 other subject. A dramatic reduction in activity of gastritis (to 0.3 in antrum and to 0.1 in corpus) was observed. Basal plasma gastrin decreased from 48 +/- 5 pM before to 17+/-3 pM after eradication, while pentagastrin-induced maximal (MAO) declined, respectively, from about 16.6 +/- 4.2 to 8.5 +/- 1.8 mmol/h. Plasma TNFalpha and IL-8 were reduced after the therapy by 72% and 65%, respectively. We conclude that: 1) Rosacea is a disorder with various gastrointestinal symptoms closely related to gastritis, especially involving the antrum mucosa, with Hp expressing cagA in the majority of cases and elevated plasma levels of TNFalpha and IL-8; 2) The eradication of Hp leads to a dramatic improvement of symptoms of rosacea and reduction in related gastrointestinal symptoms, gastritis, hypergastrinemia and gastric acid secretion; and 3) Rosacea could be considered as one of the major extragastric symptoms of Hp infection probably mediated by Hp-related cytotoxins and cytokines.

We investigated the influence of inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, using NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or NG-mono-methyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and the effects of exogenous donor of NO, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), on the healing of chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid, on gastric blood flow around the ulcer and on the number of capillaries in the granulation tissue at the ulcer bed. The inhibition of NO synthase resulted in a delay in ulcer healing and in a reduction in blood flow at the ulcer margin and in the number of capillaries in the granulation tissue at the ulcer bed. These effects of inhibition of NO synthase were antagonized, in part, by the administration of GTN or L-arginine but not D-arginine. We conclude that endogenous NO plays an important role in the maintenance of blood flow around the ulcer, in the angiogenesis in the granulation tissue and, thus, in the healing of gastric ulcers.

Cytoprotective drugs, including sucralfate, colloidal bismuth (De-Nol), aluminium-containing antacids (Maalox), carbenoxolone-like agents (sofalcone), and stable PGE2 analogues (nocloprost), are known to prevent acute gastric mucosal damage induced by topical irritants. This effect is usually accompanied by an elevation in mucosal blood flow. Recently, nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasorelaxant, has been implicated in gastroprotection by carbenoxolone, the prototype of cytoprotective drugs. In this study we assessed the involvement of NO in acute gastric damage induced by ethanol and in the prevention of this damage by sucralfate, Maalox, De-Nol, sofalcone, and nocloprost. Each of these drugs dose-dependently reduced the formation of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. The optimal gastroprotective dose was used in further studies to check the possible contribution of NO in this protection. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (12.5-50 mg/kg i.v.), an inhibitor of NO synthase, dose-dependently enhanced the mucosal damage by ethanol itself and reduced the protective effects of sucralfate and Maalox but not those of sofalcone, De-Nol or nocloprost against the ethanol injury. Reduction by L-NNA of the mucosa-protective action of sucralfate or Maalox was accompanied by a decrease in gastric blood flow, which was antagonized by L-arginine (a substrate of NO synthase) but not by D-arginine. This study suggest that gastroprotective agents such sucralfate and Maalox, but not sofalcone or De-Nol, activate the NO system that may contribute to mucosal integrity and preservation of mucosal microcirculation.

Solcoseryl, a deproteinized extract of calf blood, protects the gastric mucosa against various topical irritants and enhances the healing of chronic gastric ulcerations but the mechanisms of these effects have been little studied. This study was designed to elucidate the active principle in Solcoseryl and to determine the role of prostaglandins (PG) and polyamines in the antiulcer properties of this agent. Using both, the radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay, EGF-like material was detected in Solcoseryl preparation. Solcoseryl given s.c. prevented the formation of stress-induced gastric lesions and this was accompanied by an increase in the generation of PGE2 in the gastric mucosa. Similar effects were obtained with EGF. Pretreatment with indomethacin, to suppress mucosal generation of prostaglandins (PG), greatly augmented stress-induced gastric ulcerations and antagonized the protection exerted by both Solcoseryl and EGF. Solcoseryl, like EGF, enhanced the healing of chronic gastro-duodenal ulcerations. This effect was abolished by the pretreatment with difluoromethylornithine, an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of polyamines. The healing effects of Solcoseryl and EGF was also reduced by prednisolone which decreased the angiogenesis in the granulation tissue in the ulcer area. These results indicate that Solcoseryl 1. contains EGF-like material, 2. displays the protective and ulcer healing effects similar to those of EGF and involving both PG and polyamines and 3. acts via similar mechanism as does EGF.