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Introduction: Over the last four years, COVID-19 has caused more than 3 million deaths around the world. This phenomenon led to the search for diagnostic markers for COVID-19. Considering that the clinical applicability of specific biomarkers for the prediction of the severity of COVID-19 is still debatable, this study analyses the clinical applicability of NT-proCNP, presepsin, SuPAR, Crp, procalcitonin, interleukin-6 and D-dimers in patients who died and survived COVID-19 to establish cross-relevance between the outcome of COVID-19 and markers level. Material and methods: The study sample comprised 84 deceased patients (62 men, 21 women) and 72 survivors (40 men, 32 women). Various immunological techniques were employed to analyse the concentration of specific biomarkers. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test or the Mann-Whitney test according to the distribution of the sample studied. Results: This study revealed that the levels of NT-proCNP, presepsin, SuPAR, procalcitonin, and IL-6 increase due to COVID-19. Thus, nonsurvivors are defined by the higher levels of those markers than the survivors. Conclusions: The study revealed the potential application of NT-proCNP, presepsin, SuPAR, CRP, procalcitonin, IL-6, and D-dimers as markers of progression of the COVID-19-D. However, considering the physiological mechanism of a dimension of a response of the studied markers as a function of disease progress, it may not be concluded that they are singularly unique for the progress of the COVID-19-D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-cigarettes emerged in the early 21st century as a safer health alternative to conventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes use e-liquids based on glycerine and propylene glycol. This results in smaller amounts of toxic substances in the aerosol they produce compared to traditional cigarettes. The rather short existence of such replacements does not make it clear whether they are actually better for smokers’ health. The increasing number and younger age of smokers has prompted researchers to expand their research on the subject. A review of literature has shown that e-cigarettes affect many biochemical mechanisms, affecting the health of their users. They cause oxidative stress and, consequently, a cytotoxic effect; an increase in the production of mucins, taking part in lung diseases; affect the formation of DNA damage, carcinogenesis, sensitivity to chemotherapy, inflammatory response and disrupt cytokine levels in tissues. In addition, they cause thinning of the laryngeal mucosa, autophagy of middle ear epithelial cells, apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts, weakening of the tooth attachment apparatus and promote dental caries. It will take some time to test the theory of whether ecigarettes are a healthier substitute for classic cigarettes, but based on current knowledge, one should be aware that these substances can cause adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in health-related parameters caused by the administration of anabolic-androgenic steroids and "fat-burning drugs" during a 6-month competition preparation period. The physiological, biochemical, and anthropometric parameters studied included serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin, body mass, and percentage of total body fat. Changes in the parameters studied were analyzed at monthly intervals during six months of preparation for competition. The study revealed a continuous increase in body mass, accompanied by a decrease in body fat percentage to the physiologically essential level. Total cholesterol levels remined in the desirable concentration range. The mean levels of triglycerides fluctuated between borderline high and high. Mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained within the low range, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fluctuated between near-optimal / above-optimal, borderline high , and high levels. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase remained within the high concentration. The bilirubin concentration remained in the desirable range. The blood nitrogen urea concentration fluctuated between normal and elevated levels. Sports-enhancing drugs analyzed in this study do not have an immediate detrimental impact on the selected biochemical, physiological, and anthropometric parameters that define health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Many people declare abnormal symptoms after food intake. Up to 35% of general population and up to 67% of IBS patients claim that they suffer from food allergies. Aim of the study. Comparison of the incidence of specific IgE antibodies against selected food allergens in serum of the IBS patients and control group. Material and methods. The study was conducted among 150 IBS patients and 50 healthy subjects. At the first phase the concentration of sIgE against allergens contained in mixes was tested. Then sIgE concentration was analyzed against 8 allergens selected on the basis of the results of phase I and interviews with patients about products suspected as the cause of health problems. The antibody concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay method. Results. Increased levels of sIgE occurred more frequently in the sera of healthy individuals than in IBS patients (93,5% vs. 70,1%). The most frequently elevated sIgE concentrations were found against allergens of egg, lemon (97%) and strawberries (93%) in IBS patients. In all patients in the control group elevated levels of IgE against allergens: egg white, rye, and lemons were found. Conclusions. The results did not confirm the hypothesis that higher levels of IgE against food allergens occur more frequently in the serum of IBS patients than in healthy subjects. Slightly increased concentrations of sIgE (below 3.5 IU/ml) in healthy individuals have no clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is an inflammatory biomarker elevated in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this 3-year follow-up prospective study was to evaluate suPAR levels in patients with a first ischemic stroke in correlation with CRP, PCT, NT-proCNP and endothelin 1-21 and to investigate the impact of suPAR on the outcome. Fifty-one patients (mean age 73.7+ = 11.9 years, 26 female and 25 male) were included. Samples were collected on the first (suPAR 1), third (suPAR 3) and seventh days after stroke onset (suPAR 7). Plasma samples were analyzed using ELISA. A phone interview was conducted to collect follow-up information after 24 and 36 months (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). A positive correlation between suPAR levels and other inflammatory biomarkers (except endothelin 3) was observed. A positive correlation between suPAR 3 and mRS score at 24 months was observed (p = 0.042). The logistic regression model revealed no significant effect of suPAR on death occurrence in the first 24 months: suPAR 1 (p = 0.8794), suPAR 3 (p = 0.2757), and suPAR 7 (p = 0.3652). The suPAR level is a potential inflammatory marker in ischemic stroke, and there is a correlation with other markers. There is no major impact on mortality. However, the suPAR level is associated with a degree of disability or dependence in daily activities 2 years after a stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]