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Oestrogen plays a crucial physiological role in both women and men. It regulates reproductive functions and maintains various non-reproductive tissues through its receptors, such as oestrogen receptor 1/oestrogen receptor α (ESR1/Erα), oestrogen receptor 2/oestrogen receptor β (ESR2/Erβ), and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER). This hormone is essential for the proper functioning of women's ovaries and uterus. Oestrogen supports testicular function and spermatogenesis in men and contributes to bone density, cardiovascular health, and metabolic processes in both sexes. Nuclear receptors Er-α and Er-β belong to the group of transcription activators that stimulate cell proliferation. In the environment, compounds similar in structure to the oestrogens compete with endogenous hormones for binding sites to receptors and to disrupt homeostasis. The lack of balance in oestrogen levels can lead to infertility, cancer, immunological disorders, and other conditions. Exogenous endocrine-active compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and organic phosphoric acid esters, can disrupt signalling pathways responsible for cell division and apoptosis processes. The metabolism of oestrogen and its structurally similar compounds can produce carcinogenic substances. It can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells by regulating genes crucial for cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, with long-term elevated levels linked to hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Oestrogens can also affect markers of immunological activation and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Hormone replacement therapy, oral contraception, in vitro fertilisation stimulation, and hormonal stimulation of transgender people can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cortisol, similar in structure to oestrogen, can serve as a biomarker associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of this review is to analyse the sources of oestrogens and their effects on the endogenous and exogenous process of homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the age and the most common circumstances for smoking initiation along with smoking rates and to evaluate smoking trends for secondary and high school students in Poland during 2009 and 2011.Material and Methods: In 2009, a pilot study was conducted in districts of Poland on high school students and their parents. For statistical analysis, correctly completed questionnaires from 999 students and 667 parents were qualified for use. After the pilot study, a nationwide study of secondary school students and their parents was also conducted in 2009. For statistical analysis, correctly completed questionnaires were used from 9360 students and 6951 from their parents. The research tool was a questionnaire developed by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. These studies were then compared to the nationwide research study from 2011. Questionnaires were obtained from a survey of 3548 students from secondary schools and 4423 of those from high schools.Results: Smoking initiation usually begins at ages 12-15 years. Rates of secondary school student smoking at least once in their lifetime were about the same level in the surveyed years (2009 - 9%, 2011 - 11%), whereas rates of high school student smoking increased (2009 - 15%, 2011 - 24%). Moreover, 34% of secondary school student smoked less than once a week, whereas in 2009, only 8% of students had done so. For high school students, a 1/2 smoked every day; similar to 2009. Students usually smoked in parks, on streets or any other open space areas.Conclusions: From analyzing the smoking trends over the survey period it can be concluded that the problem of smoking increases with respondent age. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):763-773. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells., Material and Methods: Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) can occur in a variety of occupational situations. Ultrafine particles of natural and anthropological origin toxicity has been described in epidemiological studies. Meanwhile, the risks associated with NPs exposure are not comprehensively assessed. A wide spectrum of NPs toxicity has been demonstrated, mainly through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Among the newly described mechanisms of NPs toxicity is the induction of fibrosis via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is also a key mechanism of cancer metastasis. The effect of NPs on EMT in the context of metastasis has not been sufficiently described so far, and the results of studies do not allow for the formulation of unambiguous conclusions. Therefore, the aim of the work was to determine the biological activity of silver NPs against MDA-MB-436 triple-negative breast cancer cells., Results: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause a statistically significant increase in relative expression of all tested mesenchymal EMT markers - cadherin 2, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. At the same time, reduction of epithelial cadherin 1 expression was observed. The level of MDA-MB-436 migration and TGF-beta 1 secretion was slighty increased in AgNPs-treated cells, with no influence on invasion potential., Conclusions: Potentially prometastatic effect of AgNPs encourages further work on the safety of nanomaterials. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):541-8., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Skin acts as a mechanical barrier between human body and environment. Epidermal cells are regularly exposed to many physiological and environmental stressors, such as pesticides, like chlorpyrifos (CPS). It is recognised that CPS may affect metabolism of other exo- and endogenous substances by affecting enzyme activity and expression. This study aims to investigate the effect of CPS on expression of CYP27A1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, the enzymes involved in synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D 3, in human keratinocytes HaCaT and human fibroblasts BJ. Synthesis of vitamin D 3 in cells was initiated by irradiating with UVB. Expression of CYP27A1, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Our experiments revealed that expression of all tested cytochrome P450 isoforms in cells exposed to CPS changed significantly. Exposure of HaCaT keratinocytes to CPS decreased CYP27A1 mRNA levels, but increased CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 mRNA levels. This was confirmed at the protein level, except for the CYP27A1 expression. Outcome for the BJ cells was however less conclusive. Though exposure to CPS decreased CYP27A1 and CYP27B1 mRNA levels, at protein level increasing concentration of CPS and UVB intensity induced expression of CYP27A1 and CYP24A1. The expression of CYP27B1 isoform decreased in line with mRNA level. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that CPS may therefore interrupt vitamin D 3 metabolism in skin cells, but further studies are required to better understand such mechanisms., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To detect and assess the activity of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and to find differences in enzymograms between fungi isolated from wheat and rye samples and grown on Czapek-Dox Broth and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth enriched with cereal (wheat or rye). Isolated strains were also classified in the scale of biosafety levels (BSL)., Material and Methods: The study used 23 strains of fungi cultured from samples of wheat and rye (grain, grain dust obtained during threshing and soil) collected in the Lublin region (eastern Poland). API ZYM test (bioMérieux) was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Classification of BSL (Biosafety levels) was based on the current literature., Results: High enzymatic activity was found in strains cultured in media containing 1% of wheat grain ( Bipolaris holmi, Penicillium decumbens ) and with an addition of 1% of rye grain ( Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus versicolor, Alternaria alternata ). The total number of enzymes varied depending on the type of media, and in most cases it was higher in the culture where an addition of cereal grains was used., Conclusions: Isolated strains of fungi reveal differences in the profiles of the enzyme assay. It can be assumed that the substrate enriched in grains stimulate the higher activity of mold enzymes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Aim of the Study: In Poland testicular tumours are the most frequent cancer among men aged 20-44 years. Testicular tumour incidence since the 1980s and 1990s has been diversified geographically, with an increased risk of mortality in Wielkopolska Province, which was highlighted at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. The aim of the study was the comparative analysis of the tendencies in incidence and death rates due to malignant testicular tumours observed among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province., Material and Methods: Data from the National Cancer Registry were used for calculations. The incidence/mortality rates among men due to malignant testicular cancer as well as the tendencies in incidence/death ratio observed in Poland and Wielkopolska were established based on regression equation. The analysis was deepened by adopting the multiple linear regression model. A p-value < 0.05 was arbitrarily adopted as the criterion of statistical significance, and for multiple comparisons it was modified according to the Bonferroni adjustment to a value of p < 0.0028. Calculations were performed with the use of PQStat v1.4.8 package., Results: The incidence of malignant testicular neoplasms observed among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province indicated a significant rising tendency. The multiple linear regression model confirmed that the year variable is a strong incidence forecast factor only within the territory of Poland. A corresponding analysis of mortality rates among men in Poland and in Wielkopolska Province did not show any statistically significant correlations., Conclusions: Late diagnosis of Polish patients calls for undertaking appropriate educational activities that would facilitate earlier reporting of the patients, thus increasing their chances for recovery. Introducing preventive examinations in the regions of increased risk of testicular tumour may allow earlier diagnosis.

Medications can cause many adverse reactions, both non-immunologic and immunologic ones. Allergies can take many forms, allergic reactions include all types of reactions according to Gell and Coombs. Typically, allergic reactions to drugs are manifested by skin lesions such as maculopapular rash or urticaria and life-threatening systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Allergy to drugs is diagnosed based on medical history and a number of specific tests: skin tests, blood tests. In diagnosing the causes of anaphylaxis, the basophil activation test is used to exclude false negative and false positive results of skin tests and specific IgE levels. Allergic reactions to medications usually resolve themselves after discontinuation of the drug. Sometimes in the treatment anti-allergic drugs are used to inhibit the development of skin lesions. After observing any signs of drug allergy it is important to accurately diagnose the cause, since the subsequent exposure to the drug may lead to a strong anaphylactic reaction and consequently death.