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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a complex arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, characterized by a partial or total replacement of the right ventricular myocytes by fatty and fibrous tissue. In this study, we present a case of ARVD in 17 year old girl, who was admitted to the hospital after syncope with ventricular arrhythmia. The echocardiography did not demonstrate structural cardiac abnormalities but the magnetic resonance recently showed thinning of the right ventricular wall. The girl was treated with the lidocaine, amiodarone and next, after radiofrequency catheter ablation she was receiving metoprolol. The girl has remained asymptomatic for four years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factors-beta (TGF-beta) are multifunctional cytokines involved in the regulation of cell development, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. They are also potent anticancer agents that inhibit uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Incorrect TGF-beta regulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including inflammation and cancer. In humans, the TGF-beta family consists of three members (TGF-beta1, 2, 3) that show high similarity and homology. TGF-betas exert biological activities on various cell types including neoplastic cells via their specific receptors. Inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid, IP6), a phytochemical has been reported to possess various health benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of IP6 on the expression of genes encoding TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, TGF-beta3 isoforms and their receptors TbetaRI, TbetaRII, TbetaRIII in human colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2. The cells were treated with 0.5, 1 and 2.5 mM IP6 for 3, 6 and 12 h. The untreated Caco-2 cells were used as the control. Quantification of genes expression was performed by real time QRT-PCR technique with a SYBR Green I chemistry. The experimental data revealed that the TGF-beta1 mRNA was the predominant isoform in Caco-2 cells and that IP6 enhanced transcriptional activity of genes of all three TGF-beta isoforms and their receptors TbetaRI, TbetaRII TbetaRIII in these cells. At concentrations up to 1 mM, IP6 over-expressed the genes in 6 h lasting cultures, and its higher dose (2.5 mM) caused successively increasing transcript level of TGF-beta isoforms and receptors with the duration of experiment up to 12 h. The findings of this study indicate that one of anti-cancer abilities of IP6 can be realized by enhancing the gene expression of TGF-beta isoforms and their receptors at the transcriptional level.

Intestinal epithelial cells play an important role in the mucosal immune and inflammatory reactions via the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). The expression of both interleukins is regulated by nuclear factor KB (NF-kappaB). Phytic acid (IP6) is an essential component of high fiber diet. It is physiologically present in the human large gut at concentrations reaching 4 mM. It exhibits pleiotropic health beneficial effects including anti-oxidant and anti-tumor activities. Recent studies showed that IP6 can modulate immune functions of intestinal epithelium through regulation of proinflammatory cytokines secretion. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IP6 on the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 as well as p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kappaB and its inhibitor IkappaBalpha in Caco-2 cells stimulated with IL-1beta. A kinetic study of mRNAs expression in cells was performed after their treatment with 1 and 2.5 mM IP6 for 3, 6 and 12 h. Quantification of the genes expression was carried out using real time QRT-PCR technique. IP6 at all used concentrations had no influence on transcription of p65 gene and modulated expression of p50 and IkappaBalpha genes in Caco-2 cells. Treatment of cells with IP6 resulted in a marked decrease in both IL-6 (at 3 and 6 h) and IL-8 expression (3 h). The results of these studies suggest that IP6 may exert immunoregulatory effects on intestinal epithelium by influencing transcriptional activity of genes encoding p50 subunit of NF-kappaB, its inhibitor IkappaBalpha and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8.

The latest studies suggest that adhesion molecules are involved in the arising of malignant changes and in distant metastasis induction. The soluble forms of several adhesion molecules, have recently emerged as novel and potentially useful tumor markers. Among a number of identified, high interest wake soluble molecules similar to the immunoglobulin -- soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin). In the present work, the authors concentrate on one tumor type, colorectal carcinoma, in which distant metastases, are the main cause of failure, in spite of surgical curing of the primary tumor. It is known that TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor - alpha) serum concentration of patients with cancer is raised. The changes in soluble adhesion molecules concentrations in serum and others fluids, could be modulated by many different factors affecting cancer cells. In the case of colon cancer one of the factors is a high-fiber diet, containing an anti-cancer chemical, inositol hexaphosphate (IP6). The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of TNF-alpha on the concentration of sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin in the microenvironment of HT-29 malignant epithelial colorectal cells stimulated with IP6. Additonally, adhesive property of HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell line to collagen I was estimated. The HT-29 cells were treated with TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL - estimation of sICAM and sE-cadherin concentration; 100 ng/mL - adhesion assay), IP6 (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, 2.0 mM) and TNF-alpha in combination with IP6. The level of sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin in cultures of HT-29 cells was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (R&D Systems), and adhesion of the cells to collagen I was investigated by Cyquant Proliferation Assay Kit. The present findings demonstrate that TNF-alpha and inositol hexaphosphate have an effect on the sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin concentration in cultures of HT-29 cells. IP6 at a concentration of 2.0 mM induced a decrease of sE-cadherin concentration in cultures of these cells and significantly reduced their adhesion to collagen I. TNF-alpha at concentration of 100 ng/mL caused the significant increase in the sICAM-1 level, but to a lesser degree in the presence of higher concentrations of IP6. However, TNF-alpha did not cause such a significant increase in sE-cadherin level. The sE-cadherin concentration was most likely associated with inositol hexaphosphate activity.

Soluble adhesion molecules such as soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin) play important role in tumor invasion and the development of metastasis. It was observed that their concentrations in body fluids of patients with colon cancer were elevated. Celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) besides its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity is able to inhibit development of colon cancer and reduce risk of metastasis. The additional factors, e.g., dietary components in colon cancer, may influence therapeutic effect of drugs, such as cytokines. TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor - alpha) is a cytokine, which concentration significantly increases in serum of patients with inflammatory and cancer diseases. The latest studies demonstrate, that phytic acid (IP6), a myo-inositol derivative, abundantly present in high-fiber diets could substantially reduce colon cancer incidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of celecoxib on sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin concentrations in transformed epithelial colon cell cultures simultaneously exposed to IP6 and TNF-alpha. Additionally, the adhesion of the exposed cells to collagen I was assessed. HT-29 and Caco-2 cells were cultured in the presence of 50 ng/mL celecoxib, 1.0 mM IP6, and 100 ng/mL TNF-alpha, and their combination: TNF-alpha plus IP6, TNF-alpha plus celecoxib, IP6 plus celecoxib, and TNF-alpha with celecoxib plus IP6, for 96 h. Nonexposed cell line cultures served as controls. Concentrations of sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin were measured in the culture medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Quantikine - Human sICAM-1/CD54 Immunoassay and Quantikine-Human sE-Cadherin Immunoassay. All the results obtained were expressed as ng per mL. In the adhesion assay, the cells were incubated with IP6 (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mM), TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL), celecoxib (50 ng/mL) and their combination for 90 min. Fluorescence values 480 nm/530 nm reflected concentrations of DNA in cells attached to collagen I. The obtained results indicate that celecoxib (50 ng/mL), the selective COX-2 inhibitor, reduces significantly sICAM-1 and sE-cadherin concentrations in HT-29 and Caco-2 transformed human epithelial colorectal cell line cultures co-treated with IP6 (1.0 mM) and TNF-alpha (100 ng/mL). A decrease of cells adhesion property to collagen I was observed under the influence of 50 ng/mL celecoxib on cell cultures exposed to 1.0 or 2.0 mM IP6 and 1.0 or 2.0 mM IP6 plus 100 ng/mL TNF-alpha.

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring phytochemical, found in abundance in cereals, legumes and other high-fiber-content diets. IP6 has shown promising efficacy against a wide range of cancers. Its anti-cancer activity involves anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic effects. Both matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), are implicated in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is a well-known inflammatory stimulator and tumor promoter that activates PKC and increases the invasiveness of various types of cancer cells by activating MMPs. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of IP6 on the expression of selected MMPs, i.e., MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, 10, -13 and their TIMP-1 and -2 in unstimulated and PMA-stimulated colon cancer cell line Caco-2. Quantification of genes expression in Caco-2 cells treated with 100 ng/mL of PMA, 2.5 mM of IP6 and both for 6 and 12 h was carried out using real time QRT-PCR technique. Stimulation of cells with PMA resulted in an up-expression of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-13 and TIMP-1 mRNAs and decrease in MMP-1 gene expression. The quantity of TIMP-2 transcript was reduced by PMA. A significant decrease in MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-10, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 expression in response to IP6 was observed. IP6 down-regulated MMP-9 transcription induced by PMA and decreased the level of both MMP-2 and MMP-3 mRNAs in PMA-stimulated cells. Caco-2 treated with both PMA and IP6 showed a significant decrease in MMP-1 expression in comparison to PMA-stimulated cells. The results of this study show that PMA can modulate MMP and TIMP genes transcription in colon cancer cells Caco-2. IP6 exerts an influence of basal mRNA expression of some MMPs and their tissue inhibitors and down-regulates MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in cells treated with PMA. IP6 could be an effective anti-metastatic agent that suppresses expression of MMP genes at transcription level.

Phytic acid (IP6) is an essential component of high fiber diet physiologically present in human large gut. It has been recognized to possess various significant health benefits effects including chemopreventive and have antineoplastic activity against various types of cancer. Moreover, its role in immune response through modulation of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines has been postulated. One of the signal transduction pathways involved in a variety of inflammatory responses is p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The aim of this study was to examine effect of IP6 on human p38alpha MAP kinase activity and the expression of gene encoding p38 MAP kinase in unstimulated and IL-1beta-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, the role of signaling pathways involving p38 MAP kinase in IP6-induced down-regulation of IL-8 secretion by unstimulated and IL-1beta-stimulated cells in the presence of p38 MAP kinase activator (anisomycin) and inhibitor (SB 203580) was evaluated. IP6 inhibited activity of recombinant p38 MAPK activity in dose-dependent manner. Treatment of cells with IP6 for 3 h resulted in decreased p38 MAP kinase expression in both unstimulated and stimulated with IL-1beta cells. The similar level of p38alpha mRNA was found in untreated and treated with IP6 cells after 6 and 12 h. Incubation of Caco-2 cells with anisomycin resulted in upregulation of IL-8 secretion and their pretreatment with anisomycin prior to IP6 addition showed down-regulation of IL-8 secretion compared to cells treated with anisomycin alone. The findings of this study show that p38 MAPK could be one of the molecular targets for IP6 in the intestinal epithelial cells and that IP6 inhibitory effect on IL-8 secretion by Caco-2 cells could be mediated by its inhibition of p38 activity.

Introduction: We determined retrospective analysis of the diagnostic value of virus serology in patients with non-ischemic systolic heart failure and parvovirus B19 infection., Material and Methods: Virus serology and endomyocardial biopsy were performed in 31 patients with non-ischemic systolic heart failure hospitalized from 2001 to 2006 in our clinic., Results: The serum specimens from 31 patients were tested for IgM and IgG antibody against parvovirus B19. IgM antibodies were identified in 3 patients and IgG antibodies were identified in 23 patients. All of the patients underwent endomyocardial biopsy which revealed chronic active myocarditis in 10 patients (32.4%), chronic persistent myocarditis in 14 patients (45.1%) and no myocarditis in 7 patients (22.5%)., Conclusions: Virus serology has no relevance for the diagnosis of non-ischemic systolic heart failure caused by parvovirus B19 infection. The result of serological tests are positive more frequently than the biopsy specimens results.

Uncontrolled proliferation and a decrease in cell-cell adhesion are one of the most important characteristics of malignancy. Determination of replication-dependent histone H3 can be applied as a proliferative marker. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) regulates the cell cycle by participating in the control of the G1/S phase transition. Claudins (CLDN) are components of tight junctions and may play an essential role in the loss of tissue cohesion. The aim of the study was to assess the mRNA expression of histone H3, cyclin D1, and claudin 7 genes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and adjacent nonneoplastic tissues. The study group consisted of 32 patients with LSCC. Adjacent nonneoplastic tissues of incision lines were used as controls. Quantification of H3, CCND1 and CLDN7 mRNAs was performed by the use of real-time QRT-PCR assay. Molecular analysis showed a significantly higher expression of CCND1 (P = 0.0001; Wilcoxon test) and H3 (P = 0.0141) genes in tumor tissues than in surrounding nonneoplastic tissues. On the contrary, transcriptional activity of claudin 7 gene was higher in histologically normal tissues; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1499). The data obtained indicate that laryngeal cancer is characterized by high proliferative potential mediated by increase in cyclin D1 and H3 mRNAs expression., (© Springer-Verlag 2010)

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) and 9 (MMP-9) belong to a zinc dependent family of enzymes that degrade components of extracellular matrix. One postulated mechanism by which inositol hexaphosphate (phytic acid, IP6), an ubiquitous plant component, prevents the activation of MMPs may be due to its ability to chelate minerals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression profile of MMP-2, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 at the mRNA level in human colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2 treated with IP6. A kinetic study of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 mRNAs was performed after cells treatment with 1; 2.5; 5 mM IP6 for 1, 6, 12 and 24 h. Quantification of genes expression was carried out using real time QRT-PCR technique. The gene encoding MMP-9 was neither constitutively expressed nor induced by IP6 in Caco-2 cells. IP6 at the concentration of 1 mM evoked increase in MMP-2 transcript level, however, its higher doses (2.5; 5 mM) caused a decrease in this gene expression at 1 h incubation. In 24 h lasting culture along with increasing IP6 concentration, the cells expressed lower and lower MMP-2 mRNA level. In response to 1 and 2.5 mM at 6 h, the cells demonstrated an increased transcriptional activity of the TIMP-2 gene which was accompanied by a decrease in TIMP-1 gene transcription. Treatment of cells with 2.5 mM IP6 at 12 h resulted in a strong increase in both TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 expression. The results of this study show that IP6 modulates MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 genes expression in colon cancer cells at the transcriptional level in a way dependent on its concentration and time of interaction.

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) is characterized by an autosomal dominant transmission, left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial disorganization. So far, 13 genetic loci and more than 130 mutations in ten different genes have been identified. Recent study suggested impaired force production associated with inefficient use of ATP as the main disease mechanism. We performed haplotype analysis with the use of microsatellite markers linked with beta-myosin heavy chain, troponin T, alpha-tropomyosin and cardiac myosin protein C genes in three Polish families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (23 individuals). This method is based on the analysis of distribution of the disease in the family and the alleles of chosen microsatellite markers. In two families, the disease was associated with beta-myosin heavy chain gene. We also found a genetic carrier of the mutated gene among children of the patients. In one family the connection of the disease with the mutation in alpha-tropomyosin gene was confirmed, no sudden cardiac deaths were recorded and the degree of myocardial hypertrophy was small.

Objective: Periodontitis is a destructive disease which is likely to be the result of the activities of different microbial complexes. Recently, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been detected in the oral cavity, and they have been found to be common inhabitants of sites showing periodontal destruction. The aim of study was to evaluate the influence of endotoxins of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans bacteria on human gingival fibroblast HGF-1 line., Methods: The immunological response of gingival fibroblasts was evaluated by determination of their IL-6 and IL-8 secretion upon treatment with D. desulfuricans intestinal and type strain LPS, sodium butyrate (NaB) and IL-1beta. The amounts of cytokines were estimated by ELISA immunoassay. The influence of LPS and NaB on fibroblast proliferation was determined using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit., Results: No significant growth inhibition of cells exposed to LPS was observed, except for the culture growing in the presence of intestinal strain endotoxin at the highest concentration (100 microg/ml). The secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 by fibroblasts was increased by D. desulfuricans endotoxins. Cells stimulated with proinflammatory cytokine 1L-1beta showed very high levels of both cytokines secretion. The release of IL-6 and IL-8 by cells in response to LPS and 1L-1beta was modulated by butyric acid., Conclusions: The observed response of gingival fibroblasts to stimulation by endotoxin suggests that D. desulfuricans can be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Moreover, butyrate present in the oral cavity seems to have immunoregulatory effect on cytokine production by gingival fibroblasts under physiological conditions and during microbe-induced inflammation.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been suggested to play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. It has not yet been established yet whether the possible adverse vascular effect is associated with chronic inflammation process caused by CMV. The aim of our study was to evaluate a possible role of CMV infection in local inflammatory activation in pts with coronary artery disease (CAD)., Material and Methods: We enrolled 55 patients (mean age 62 years, 42 males, 13 females) with angiographically proven CAD scheduled for CABG surgery. Vessel specimens retrieved from ascending aorta (as a part of routine proximal venous graft development procedure) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated for the transcriptional activity of IL-6 and TNF-alpha (the key cytokines involved in atherosclerosis) and for CMV DNA presence. Polymerase chain reaction reaction was performed in order to detect DNA of CMV as well as IL-6 and TNF-alpha transcriptional activity., Results: CMV was present in 67.3% of aortic and in 60% of blood specimens accordingly; median level in aorta tissues: 114.63 +/- 116.54, PBMC: 107.89 +/- 132.39; non statistically significant (NS). An inflammatory response expressed as IL-6 and TNF-alpha transcriptional activity equaled in aorta 159.93 +/- 120.15, 299.55 +/- 154.89 and in PBMC: 190.85 +/- 122.08, 249.64 +/- 32.4; (NS). CMV DNA in PBMC was associated with CMV DNA in aortal tissue p = 0.0049. The analysis revealed positive correlation between IL-6 transcriptional activity and CMV DNA titer in aortic samples R = 0.35, p = 0.036. There were no statistically significant correlations between TNF-alpha transcriptional levels and CMV DNA concentration. Statistical analysis was made by use of Statistica 8.0; StatSoft program. We used arithmetical mean value, standard deviation, Spearmann correlation, X2 and U Mann-Whitney test., Conclusions: A local inflammatory response expressed against CMV could be a marker of longstanding inflammatory response that eventually would cause advanced clinical atherosclerosis. Our findings support the infectious theory and an association between CMV infection and atherosclerosis.

Bacteria of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans species are Gram-negative, anaerobic rods selectively reducing sulphates and colonizing oxygen-free ecosystems. They are ubiquitous in the natural environment and have been also found to reside in the human digestive tract. They are suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis ofulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The D. desulfuricans wild strains were isolated from feces and bioptate of patients suffering from various digestive tract disorders. LPSs were isolated from the wild enteric strains and soil type strain La 2226 of D. desulfuricans and analyzed in terms of their 2-keto-3-deoxyoctulosonic acid (Kdo) component content. The obtained spectrophotometric data indicate that Kdo content is characteristic of each of the investigated strains and it ranges from 0.48% to 2.86% (w/w) of the total LPS mass. Statistically significant interstrain differences of Kdo quantity seem to suggest the differences in the O-antigen content. Comparative analysis of Kdo content in LPSs of D. desulfuricans strains in relation to that of the reference endotoxin from Salmonella spp. allows us to suggest that D. desulfuricans bacteria possess O-antigen polysaccharides composed of diverse number of carbohydrate units.

Over the last years phytic acid, a hexaphosphorylated inositol (IP6) has attracted particular attention due to its anti-cancer activity, however, the molecular mechanisms of its action have not been elucidated, as yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of phytic acid on the expression of genes encoding p65 and p50 subunits of NF-kappaB and of its inhibitor IkappaBalpha in human colorectal cancer cell line Caco-2. A kinetic study of p65 and p50 subunits and IkappaBalpha mRNAs expression was performed on Caco-2 cells after treatment with 1, 2.5 and 5 mM IP6 for 1, 6, 12 and 24 h. Quantification of the genes expression was carried out using real time QRT-PCR technique. Treatment of cells with 5 mM IP6 resulted in a strong increase in IkappaBalpha expression at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. The level of p65 transcript after 1 h was lower in the cells exposed to 1, 2.5, and 5 mM IP6 than in the control cells. The increase in transcriptional activity of p65 gene in response to 5 mM IP6 after 6 h and 12 h was observed. Cells treated for 24 h with 2.5 mM and 5 mM IP6 showed a significant decrease in expression of p65 gene. There were no quantitative changes in the p50 gene expression in the cells treated with IP6 compared to the control cells. High positive correlation between the expression of IkappaBalpha and p65 was detected. The results of this study suggest that IP6 primarily influences p65 and IkappaBalpha genes expression in colon cancer cells. Changes in transcriptional activities of IkappaBalpha and p65 depend on IP6 concentration and time of its action.

Purpose: Cancerogenesis is a multistage process controlled by many cytokines, including growth factors. The aim of the study was the comparison of transcriptional activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) genes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas and adjacent nonneoplastic tissues., Materials and Methods: Tissues samples were obtained from 32 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in histologic grades G1 to G3 who underwent surgical treatment at the ENT Clinics of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. Quantification of gene expression was performed by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique., Results: In tumor cells, expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 isoforms (P < .001) was higher than in normal tissues. There was a positive correlation between the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 genes in tumors (R = 0.78, P = .0000) and adjacent normal tissues (R = 0.77, P = .0000)., Conclusions: The results suggest that TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 messenger RNAs may be useful as molecular markers in distinguishing cancer from nonneoplastic tissues in laryngeal area.

Allergy contact dermatitis is a common occupational disease and the protective ointments are often used by the sensitized subjects. The efficacy of the chelation ability of the barrier creams containing Na2H2EDTA was evaluated. The in vitro test with the diffusion chamber and artificial membrane was performed. The effect of the Na2H2EDTA concentration (3, 5 or 10%), pH of the buffer for Na2H2EDTA dissolving and the vehicle of the ointment on the chelation of Ni2+ and Co2+ were assessed. The ointment with 10% Na2H2EDTA dissolved in the buffer of pH 7.0 or 7.4 buffer was found as optimal for the protection ability. There was no influence of the formula of the ointements on the efficiency of chelation.

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid) is a naturally occurring carbohydrate abundantly present in high-fiber diets and it is also contained in almost all mammalian cells. It plays an important role in signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation. Some natural substances have been shown to elicit an impact on the expression of TNF-alpha and its receptors in cancer cells. TNF-alpha represents cytokine very often deregulated at the level of both gene expression and signal transmission through TNF-alpha receptors (TNFRI and TNFRII). The aim of the present study was to analyze the IP6 influence on the transcription of genes coding for TNF-alpha and its receptors in human colon cancer cells line Caco-2 Real-time QRT-PCR based on TaqMan methodology was applied to analyze quantitatively the transcript levels of these genes. Three concentrations (1, 2.5 and 5 mM) of IP6 were used for Caco-2 cells stimulation for 1, 6, 12 and 24 h. The results showed that IP6 modulated the expression of the listed genes at transcription level in a dose and time dependent manner. The enhanced TNFRI and decreased TNF-alpha and TNFRII transcription in Caco-2 cells stimulated for 12 h with IP6 seems to be the presumptive evidence for anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity of IP6.

We describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of the family, in which the diagnosis of LQT1 had been made. The electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics of this patient indicated the likelihood of LQTS1. Polymorphic ventricular extrasystolies and episodes of polymorphic non-sustained ventricular tachycardia were confirmed by Holter ECG monitoring. On the exertional electrocardiogram polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsade de pointes) was recorded. Direct sequencing of both DNA strands revealed the absence of mutations or polymorphisms in the KCNQ1, HERG, and SCN5A genes.

Phytic acid (PA), a major fiber-associated component of wheat bran and legumes, is physiologically present in the human large gut. The aim of this study was to examine the role of PA in immunologic function of intestinal epithelial cells by analyzing its effect on interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 secretion by colonocytes and its role in the response of these cells to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and IL-1beta. The human colon cell line Caco-2 was exposed to LPS isolated from two strains of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, wild intestinal and type soil strains, as well as to LPS from E. coli. Cells were also treated with IL-1beta and with a combination of LPS and IL-1beta. PA had a suppressive effect on IL-8 basal release and it dose dependently reduced IL-8 secretion by colonocytes stimulated with LPS and IL-1beta. On the contrary, PA increased constitutive IL-6 secretion and exhibited differentiated effects on LPS responsiveness of cells depending on its concentration and LPS origin. PA was also an efficient down-regulator of IL-6 secretion stimulated by binary actions of LPS and IL-1beta. The ability of PA to modulate IL-8 and IL-6 release suggests that PA present in the intestinal milieu may exert immunoregulatory effects on colonic epithelium under physiological conditions or during microbe-induced infection/inflammation in order to maintain the colonic mucosa in a noninflammatory state or to counteract infection.

The majority of Gram-negative bacteria are pathogenic to humans and animals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the most biologically active component of these microorganisms. This compound is also called endotoxin to emphasize its negative impact on a macroorganism. Lipid A, one of the three structural components of the LPS molecule, is responsible for the pathophysiological effects associated with Gram-negative bacteria infections. Although lipid A is considered the conservative component of endotoxin, differences in its structure among species and even strains may occur. These differences concern the type of aminosugars, the degree of substitution of the disaccharide core by fatty acids, phosphate, and/or ethanolamine, and also the type, quantity, and distribution of fatty acids. The lipid A saccharide backbone of the majority of Gram-negative bacteria consists of two glucosamine units in beta (1-->6) glycosidic linkage. Amino groups (at positions 2 and 2') and hydroxy groups (at positions 3 and 3') of glucosamines are commonly substituted by 3-hydroxyfatty acids, most often by 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acid. Other fatty acids (usually saturated, unbranched) are ester-linked to hydroxyacids by their hydroxy group. In lipid A of different microorganisms there is a high diversity of fatty acids, from mirystic (tetradecanoic, 14:0) and lauric (dodecanoic, 12:0) acids and their hydroxylated derivatives to such unique structures as cis-11-octadecenoic acid (Rhodospirillum salinarum 40), 3-hydroxy-5-dodecenoic acid (Phenylobacterium immobile), and iso-2,3-dihydroxytetradecanoic acid (Legionella pneumophila). The saccharide core of some bacterial lipid A may consist of sugars different from glucosamine, e.g., 2,3-diamino-2,3-dideoxy-D-glucose. Other substituents of this part of LPS, besides phosphate groups and ethanolamine, are beta -mannopyranose, 4-aminoarabinose, galacturonic acid, and glycine. Therefore, lipid A, though considered the relatively conservative component of endotoxin, reveals relatively large structural diversity, which influences the variety of LPS biological activity.