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Copyright of Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Folia Cardiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Journal of Allergology / Alergologia Polska is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Folia Cardiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Advances in Biochemistry / Postepy Biochemii is the property of Polish Biochemical Society / Acta Biochimica Polonica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim of the study: The assessment of selected aspects of the quality of life of patients who have undergone amputation of a lower extremity in the course of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: The studies were carried out at the Provincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała at the Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetology and the Department of General and Vascular Surgery, at the Complex of Health Care Facilities in Żywiec at the Department of General Surgery, the Department of Rehabilitation, and at the Surgical Outpatient Clinic. The studies were carried out using the diagnostic poll method with the use of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and the authors' own survey questionnaire. The study results were subjected to statistical analysis. The adopted significance level was p < 0.05. Results: The majority of patients after amputation of a lower extremity assessed their quality of life at a low level. The domain assessed best by the respondents was the environment domain, and the one assessed worse was the physical health domain. Professional activity has an influence on satisfaction with life. The higher the level of amputation, the worse the patients' ability to cope with everyday activities. Patients experiencing pain are to a high degree less satisfied with life than persons who do not experience it. Conclusions: Amputation significantly lowers quality of life. The aspects that are of particular significance are the limited possibility of performing everyday activities, pain, the amputation level, the availability of financial resources, and architectural barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: The analysis of disorders occurring in everyday activities of patients with chronic ischaemia of the lower extremities. Material and methods: The studies were carried out among inpatients of the Department of General and Vascular Surgery of the Provincial Hospital in Bielsko-Biała from April to October, 2017. The studies were conducted using the diagnostic poll method with the help of the following tools: the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) survey questionnaire and our own survey questionnaire. The study results were subjected to statistical analysis, and the adopted level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: The patients reported greatest difficulties in the scope of everyday activities, i.e. walking and standing, travelling, sex life, social life, and lifting heavy items. The activities that were least troublesome for them were sitting, personal care, and sleeping. The greatest disorders in everyday activities and in the psychosocial domain referred to the group with rest pain and gangrene, and the smallest disorders, in turn, referred to the group without pain or with pain occurring after walking a distance of over 200 metres. Persons smoking a higher number of cigarettes had greater pain ailments, and they experienced greater limitations in sleeping. The surveyed subjects smoking for a longer time experienced pain more intensively and had greater limitations related to sleep and sexual activity. Conclusions: Along with the progression of the disease, pain ailments intensified and dysfunctions in the scope of everyday activities appeared. Smoking cigarettes impacted the intensification of pain ailments and caused greater limitations in sleeping and in sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately there are many new, promising low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reducing therapies with PCSK9 inhibitors. We performed selected sampling of the publications in PubMed and made a review according to selected keywords. It summarizes the effect of PCSK9 on vascular aging, directly associated with lipid and glucose metabolism, chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Serum level of PCSK9 is different in patients affected by certain illnesses (whose risk increases with age) than in healthy individuals. The same could be observed in the case of chronic inflammation. In this review we summarize what is known about the role PCSK9 in human metabolism and how this could affect the vascular aging process. Based on the available sources, we prove that PCSK9 is involved in many biochemical pathways associated with vascular aging. In the future, treatments using PCSK9 inhibition may not only reduce the cardiovascular risk but also slow down this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of chronic hair loss. The first reports indicating the relationship between androgenetic alopecia and cardiovascular diseases were published in the 1970s. Epidemiological studies confirmed a more frequent occurrence of ischaemic heart disease, development of atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular death in this group of patients. Metabolic syndrome and the presence of its components: arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and visceral obesity are more frequent in androgenetic alopecia. The pathomechanism of co-occurring androgenetic alopecia and cardiovascular diseases includes several factors such as genetic (increased sensitivity to androgens and activity of 5a-reductase), hormonal (increased concentration of insulin, aldosterone, leptin) and inflammatory (cytokines, free oxygen radicals). Androgenetic alopecia, especially when it begins before the age of 30, has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Women and men with pattern hair loss should be closely monitored for other risk factors to start prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of deaths in the societies of highly developed countries. Despite numerous studies, their pathogenesis is still not fully explained. The chance to improve the situation is related to determining the role of human gut microbiota, which, through metabolites, as well as the interaction with the host, could have an impact on human health. In this study, we compared the results of our research and European studies in order to determine the effect of microorganisms on the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. We have found that selected bacterial taxa may contribute to lipid disorders, which play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. Molecular methods allow to compare the results of microbiome studies and establish microflora compounds with pathological processes in different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can be associated with premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The vascular endothelial inflammatory process plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Recent scientific reports has proved that matrix metalloproteinases participate in the development of atherosclerotic process. The aim of study was to evaluate the activity of MMP-2, MMP- 9 and TIMP-2 and chosen markers of inflammation (IL-6, hsCRP) in children with GHD naïve to rhGH. Material and methods. The study involved 49 children (19 girls and 29 boys) aged 4,3 to 14,5 years (x=8,3±3,0) with diagnosed GHD qualified for rhGH substitution treatment and 23 healthy children (12 girls and 11 boys) aged 3,2 to 12,3 lat (x=7,6±2,3). MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-2, IL-6, hs-CRP serum levels and the anthropometric parameter (height, weight, BMI) were measured in all patients. Results. Patients with GHD had higher concentration of MMP-2 than the control healthy group (303,1±75,2 vs 244,6±44,3 ng/ml, p<0,001), as well as higher MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio (2,99±0,81 vs 2,24±0,61, p<0,001) and lower levels of MMP-9 (206,8±114,6 vs335±135,4 ng/ml, p<0,0001) and TIMP-2 (102,4±13,3 vs 112,0±13,4 ng/ml, p<0,0001). Levels of all other studied markers of inflammation and lipids were comparable. A correlation of MMP-9 concentration with body mass and BMI SDS of examined children was noticed (r=0,4397, p<0,0001 i r=0,4397, p<0,0001). Conclusions. Higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-2/ TIMP-2 ratio indicates higher activity of inflammatory processes in patients with GHD in comparison to healthy children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors belong to the pattern recognition receptor (PRR) group, which plays a major role in maintaining a balance between the host immune system and the microbial invasion. They are key factors in the early, innate defense mechanisms of the immune system, which are manifested by the activation of classical and alternative inflammatory pathways. Excessive activity of these receptors has been shown to cause homeostasis disorders, so that the response of cells with these receptors must be strictly regulated to prevent any harmful effects of their abnormal activation. Thus, cellular responses mediated through TLR receptors have to be strictly regulated in order to prevent potentially harmful effects of their abnormal activation. There is an increasing evidence to suggest, that the Toll-like receptors can initiate and accelerate a development of atherosclerosis. Activation of these receptors leads to enhanced proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, promotes accumulation of foam cells in the aorta and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells from tunica to intima media. The major challenge for development of the TLR blocking drugs is to reduce inflammation without affecting the innate immunity of a body. Although preclinical studies confirm that they are promising therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, however it is necessary to fully define their functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of metals and non-metals on the vascular pathologies development. The role of trace elements, including metals and non-metals, on the development of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. Material and methods: The study included 79 patients aged 43-89 year-old who underwent endarterectomy procedure. The acquired atheromatous plaques were quantitatively analyzed for the content of metals and non-metals. The obtained results were analyzed statistically. The study group was divided into groups depending on age and gender. Results: Analysis of the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque showed statistically significant difference in zinc (Zn) level in the atherosclerotic plaque derived from the carotid artery. Male plaques contained significantly more zinc compared to women. In the case of other elements, no statistically significant dependencies were observed. Patients under the age of 70 showed a significantly higher content of boron (B) compared to patients over 70 years of age. In addition, there was a statistically significant negative correlation of the content of this element and the advancement of the examined age. Conclusion: The content of metals and nonmetals in atherosclerotic carotid plaques with the exception of Zn does not show statistically significant differences depending on the sex. With age, the content of these elements has a decreasing tendency, but these differences do not obtain statistical significance except for the level of B. Further research is needed to show possible differences in the chemical composition of atherosclerotic plaques collected from other locations of the arterial system. Interesting analyzes and conclusions could be provided by a comparative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque composition in patients from populations in different geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Paediatrics & Family Medicine / Pediatria i Medycyna Rodzinna is the property of Medical Communications Sp. z o.o. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The pathogenesis and risk of ischaemic stroke are associated with the inflammatory process that is involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The blood level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely used predictor of inflammation. The level of this protein is used for the assessment of risk and prognosis in cardiovascular disorders and stroke. C-reactive protein level depends on genetic and environmental factors such as genetic polymorphism and statin use. The aim of the study was to assess the potential effects of simvastatin on the CRP level and lipid profile in stroke in regard to the variant of -7i7A>G CRP gene polymorphism. Materials and methods: There were 125 subjects enrolled in the study, hospitalized with a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke (95 patients in group 1 and 30 patients in group 2). Patients in group 1 were treated with a 40 mg dose of simvastatin from the 1st day; in group 2 simvastatin was not used. Blood CRP level and lipid profile were measured in all patients on day 1 and 10 after admission. The -7i7A>G CRP gene polymorphism status was genotyped in all patients. Results: In both groups there was a significant increase in CRP level, despite simvastatin treatment. No association was found between genotype and levels of both CRP and lipids change from the 1st to the 10th day. Conclusions: Simvastatin does not affect the CRP level in relation to any of the -717A>G CRP gene polymorphism variants in the acute phase of stroke. Simvastatin significantly changes lipid levels, but it does not depend on -7i7A>G CRP gene polymorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The main mechanisms which are involved are low-density lipoprotein oxidative modification, inactivation of nitric oxide and modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. ROS contribute to several aspects of atherosclerosis including endothelial cell dysfunction, monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activation, stimulation of inflammation, and inducing smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. NADPH oxidase is the main source of ROS in the vasculature. This enzyme consists of a membrane-bound heterodimer of gp91phox and p22phox, cytosolic regulatory subunits p47phox, p67phox and p40phox, and small GTP-binding proteins rac1 and rac 2. Seven distinct isoforms of this enzyme have been identified, of which four (NOX1, 2, 4 and 5) may have cardiovascular function. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the role of oxidative stress and NOX enzymes in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Moreover, we analyze the experimental studies that explore the relationship between the NOX family and atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W ostatnich latach liczba przypadków zakażeń trudno gojących się ran wzrasta. Zjawisko to związane jest między innymi ze starzeniem się społeczeństwa oraz wciąż rosnącą liczbą pacjentów z chorobami cywilizacyjnymi - cukrzycą czy miażdżycą. Z powodu owrzodzeń stóp w 2015 r. leczono w Polsce 176 860 pacjentów, a całkowity koszt opieki medycznej oszacowano na około 85 milionów złotych. Jednym z ważniejszych aspektów etiologicznych zakażeń ran trudno gojących się jest Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Są to Gram-ujemne pałeczki, których obecność w ranie może prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji zdrowotnych. Pałeczki tego gatunku wytwarzają wiele czynników wirulencji utrudniających gojenie się rany. O mechanizmie powstawania zakażenia i zależnościach między komórką bakteryjną a gospodarzem w przypadku zakażenia rany przewlekłej wiemy do tej pory niewiele. W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono częstość występowania zakażeń ran przewlekłych o etiologii Pseudomonas aeruginosa wśród pacjentów hospitalizowanych w Szpitalu Uniwersyteckim nr 1 w Bydgoszczy. Przeanalizowano także antybiotykowrażliwość szczepów, a także obecność genów wirulencji w wybranej grupie szczepów. Ponadto przeanalizowano dostępną literaturę w celu wyjaśnienia podstaw mechanizmów leżących u podłoża zakażenia rany przewlekłej. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Badania naukowe pokazują, że zmiany miażdżycowe mogą rozwijać się jednocześnie w różnych naczyniach. Charakter i mechanizm powstawania tych zmian jest bardzo podobny. Miażdżyca to proces chorobowy, którego istotą jest nadmierna, zapalno-proliferacyjna odpowiedź na uszkodzenie ściany tętnicy. Proces zapalny toczący się w obrębie ściany naczynia wiąże się z rozwojem niestabilnych zmian miażdżycowych. Blaszka tego typu cechuje się bogatszym unaczynieniem, cień- szą, podatną na pęknięcia czapeczką włóknistą oraz zwiększoną liczbą komórek zapalnych. Rdzeń lipidowy blaszki staje się obszerny i bogaty w płynne estry cholesterolowe. Nieprawidłowe i rozrastające się naczynia są głównym źródłem wylewów do blaszki i jej obrzeża, co w efekcie prowadzi do jej pęknięcia. W procesie rozwoju blaszek miażdżycowych biorą udział różnorodne komórki układu immunologicznego, głównie monocyty, makrofagi, limfocyty T i B oraz komórki dendrytyczne. Ponadto udokumentowany został wpływ mediatorów zapalnych, a także czynników wzrostu na rozwój blaszek miażdżycowych. Znalezienie markerów zapalnego podłoża destabilizacji blaszek miażdżycowych w surowicy może stanowić istotne uzupełnienie badań diagnostycznych stosowanych w rozpoznawaniu i monitorowaniu leczenia udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu. Poznanie udziału komórek układu immunologicznego w rozwoju miażdżycy może pozwolić na dokładniejsze zrozumienie mechanizmu powstawania blaszek miażdżycowych oraz przyczynić się do wprowadzenia nowych metod leczenia miażdżycy i jej powikłań, w tym udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu.

Wstęp: Przewlekłe choroby zapalne u dzieci (w tym młodzieńczeidiopatyczne zapalenie stawów – MIZS) zostały uznane za jedenz czynników wysokiego ryzyka rozwoju przedwczesnej chorobyukładu sercowo-naczyniowego. Celem pracy była ocena zależnościmiędzy postacią MIZS, aktywnością choroby, czynnikami ryzykaa wczesnymi zmianami miażdżycowymi u dzieci z MIZS.Materiały i metody: Badaniem objęto 37 dzieci (średnia wieku 12,9roku) z MIZS rozpoznanym co najmniej rok wcześniej. Grupę kontrolnąstanowiło 26 zdrowych dzieci (tab. I). U wszystkich badanychoznaczono: wskaźnik masy ciała (body mass index – BMI),ciśnienie tętnicze, lipidogram, stężenie białka C-reaktywnego(C-reactive protein – CRP), fibrynogenu oraz insulinooporność(wskaźnik HOMA – homeostatic model assessment), jak równieżoceniono ultrasonograficznie grubość kompleksu IMT (intimamediathickness) tętnic szyjnych wspólnych.Wyniki: U dzieci z MIZS w porównaniu z dziećmi zdrowymi wykazanowyższy wskaźnik SDS-BMI: 0,7 vs –0,02, p = 0,02; stężenieCRP: 0,39 vs 0,06 mg/dl, p = 0,008; fibrynogenu: 356 vs 205 mg/dl,p = 0,003; ciśnienie skurczowe krwi: 120 vs 111 mm Hg, p = 0,002;oraz bardziej nasilone zmiany miażdżycowe (IMT): 0,51 vs 0,43 mm,p = 0,001 (tab. II). U 9 dzieci z MIZS i współistniejącą otyłością/nadwagą (24% dzieci chorych) stwierdzono wyższy wskaźnikHOMA: 3,4 w porównaniu z dziećmi zdrowymi – 1,8 (p = 0,04) orazszczupłymi dziećmi z MIZS – 1,7 (p = 0,04), jak również większestężenie triglicerydów i wyższą wartość ciśnienia skurczowegokrwi. Dzieci otyłe miały wyższy wskaźnik IMT: 0,54 vs 0,49 mm(p = 0,001) w porównaniu z dziećmi szczupłymi z MIZS (tab. III,ryc. 1). Analiza korelacji wykazała zależności między IMT a BMI(r = 0,32, p = 0,26), IMT a SDS-BMI (r = 0,38, p = 0,007), IMTa HOMA (r = 0,38, p = 0,035), CRP a BMI (r = 0,33, p = 0,009) orazCRP a ciśnieniem skurczowym krwi (r = 0,41, p = 0,004) (ryc. 2 i 3).Występująca często u dzieci z MIZS nadwaga/otyłość jestzwiązana z insulinoopornością, większym stężeniem triglicerydów,wyższym ciśnieniem skurczowym krwi oraz nasileniem zmianmiażdżycowych. Opieka nad dziećmi z MIZS powinna obejmowaćdziałania zmierzające do utrzymania prawidłowej masy ciaław celu profilaktyki chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego.

Od wielu lat prowadzone są poszukiwania biochemicznych markerów udaru mózgu. Wciąż brakuje jednak ogólnie dostępnego i wystarczająco czułego biomarkera udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu, którego obecność byłaby przydatna zarówno we wczesnej diagnostyce udaru, jak i w monitorowaniu skuteczności jego leczenia. Idealny biomarker udaru mózgu powinien charakteryzować się wysoką specyficznością (tzn. pozwolić na odróżnienie udaru od innych podobnych klinicznie chorób, takich jak: migrena skojarzona, przemijający atak niedokrwienny – transient ischaemic attack, TIA, porażenie ponapadowe czy stwardnienie rozsiane), być łatwo oznaczalny we krwi, a jego stężenie we krwi powinno korelować ze stężeniem w płynie mózgowo-rdzeniowym (PMR). Ponadto powinien pojawiać się w krótkim czasie od zachorowania i umożliwić różnicowanie TIA z udarem dokonanym, a udar krwotoczny – z niedokrwiennym oraz być wskaźnikiem prognostycznym dla oceny skuteczności leczenia. W niniejszej pracy przedstawiamy przegląd potencjalnych biomarkerów zapalnych badanych w klinicznym i doświadczalnym udarze niedokrwiennym mózgu. Najczęściej analizowanymi biomarkerami zapalnymi są: białko C-reaktywne (C-reactive protein, CRP), interleukiny 1, 6, 8, metaloproteinaza 9 (metalloproteinase 9, MMP-9), śródbłonkowy czynnik adhezji komórek-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, VCAM-1), wewnątrzkomórkowy czynnik adhezji komórek (intracellular cell adhesion molecule, ICAM), czynnik martwicy nowotworów alfa (tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α). Dostępne obecnie wyniki badań wskazują, że istnieje kilka potencjalnie interesujących biomarkerów zapalnych udaru mózgu, jednak niezbędne są dalsze badania, aby potwierdzić ich przydatność w tym zakresie.

Chemokiny są cytokinami działającymi na określone subpopulacje leukocytów. Stanowią rodzinę ponad 50 białek o stosunkowo małej masie cząsteczkowej (8-12 kDa). Wyróżniamy kilka grup chemokin: CXC, CC, CX3C, C. Działają one na komórki docelowe za pośrednictwem odpowiednich receptorów C-R, CC-R, CXC-R, CX3C-R. Zidentyfikowano dotąd około 20 receptorów dla chemokin. Wykazano, że z danym receptorem mogą się zwykle wiązać różne chemokiny, a dana chemokina może wykazywać powinowactwo do więcej niż jednego receptora. Chemokiny są zaangażowane w szereg procesów fizjologicznych, m.in. w patogenezę udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu. Zasadnicza rola chemokin polega na ich udziale w rozwoju reakcji zapalnej. Chemokiny odgrywają również kluczową rolę w dojrzewaniu i funkcjonowaniu układu immunologicznego. Ponadto są zaangażowane w patogenezę wielu różnorodnych schorzeń, takich jak zawał mięśnia sercowego, udar mózgu, stwardnienie rozsiane, choroba Alzheimera, nowotwory mózgu. Zwiększona ekspresja chemokin w mózgu jest następstwem działania różnorodnych bodźców, takich jak niedokrwienie, uszkodzenie aksonalne czy obecność substancji o działaniu neurotoksycznym. Dotychczas przebadano wiele chemokin pod kątem ich udziału w rozwoju blaszki miażdżycowej w tętnicach szyjnych, zarówno na materiale zwierzęcym, jak i na materiale ludzkim. Oceniano między innymi ekspresję wybranych chemokin w blaszkach miażdżycowych pobranych od pacjentów z krytycznym zwężeniem tętnicy szyjnej wewnętrznej poddanych zabiegowi endarterektomii. Analizowano chemokiny należące do różnych klas o udowodnionym, ale nie do końca zbadanym udziale w patogenezie miażdżycy i jej powikłań (tj. CCL2, CXCL1, CX3CL1, CCL5, CXCL1). Ponadto oceniano stężenie wybranych chemokin we krwi obwodowej oraz ekspresję wybranych chemokin na komórkach jednojądrzastych krwi obwodowej u pacjentów z restenozą i bez niej. Są one także zaangażowane w patogenezę rozwoju powikłań blaszki miażdżycowej, tj. udaru niedokrwiennego mózgu czy zawału mięśnia sercowego. W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono dane dotyczące udziału różnych chemokin i ich receptorów. Wyniki badań eksperymentalnych z wyciszaniem genów czy zastosowaniem agonistów receptorów chemokinowych pozwalają mieć nadzieję na rozwój nowych terapii chorób naczyniowych.

Cel pracy: Celem pracy była ocena związku pomiędzy obecnościąprzeciwciał anty-HSP70 w surowicy chorych na toczeń rumieniowatyukładowy (systemic lupus erythematosus – SLE) a występowaniemwczesnych zmian miażdżycowych. Materiał i metody: Do badania zakwalifikowano 16 chorych naSLE w wieku 27–60 lat (średnia wieku 44,4 roku). Grupę kontrolnąstanowiło 13 zdrowych ochotników w wieku 24–57 lat(średnia wieku 43,1 roku). U chorych na SLE oraz w grupie kontrolnejwykonano badanie ultrasonograficzne tętnic szyjnychw celu oceny grubości kompleksu błony środkowej (intima-mediathicknes – IMT) oraz oceniono stężenie przeciwciał anty-HSP70w surowicy żylnej. Wyniki: W grupie chorych na SLE stwierdzono obustronnie istotniewiększą wartość IMT w tętnicy szyjnej wspólnej, tętnicy szyjnejwewnętrznej oraz opuszce tętnicy szyjnej wewnętrznej, coświadczy o istnieniu bardziej zaawansowanych zmianmiażdżycowych w tej grupie. W grupie chorych na SLE IMT korelowałaistotnie statystycznie z wiekiem. Ponadto, w grupiepacjentów z SLE stwierdzono ujemną korelację pomiędzystężeniem cholesterolu frakcji HDL a średnią IMT prawej tętnicy szyjnej wspólnej (RP = –0,54, p < 0,05). Grubość kompleksu intima-media w grupie chorych na SLE również korelowała istotniestatystycznie z dawką przyjmowanych glikokortykosteroidów.Stężenia przeciwciał skierowanych przeciwko białku wstrząsucieplnego HSP70 nie różniły się w badanych grupach istotnie statystycznie(116,5 ±188,0 μg/ml vs 236,3 ±319,5 μg/ml; p > 0,05).Nie wykazano także związku pomiędzy IMT a stężeniem przeciwciałanty-HSP70 w badanych grupach. Wnioski: W przedstawionej pracy nie stwierdzono opisywanegow piśmiennictwie związku pomiędzy obecnością przeciwciałprzeciwko HSP70 a rozwojem miażdżycy u chorych na SLE.

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One of adipokines involved in the development of insulin resistance is retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). The physiological role of RBP4 is transport of retinol from the liver to peripheral tissues. One of the first events related to the excessive visceral fat accumulation is the development of inflammation followed by hormonal adipose tissue dysfunction, including excessive RBP4 production. Reduced density of the membrane-type glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is considered as a direct cause for the stimulation of RBP4 release to the circulation by adipocytes. Circulating RBP4 inhibits the signal pathways stimulated by insulin in skeletal muscle cells, resulting in the development of insulin resistance. Drugs stimulating receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma (PPAR?) - thiazolidinediones - inhibit the production of RBP4 by adipose tissue and increase the insulin sensitivity of the tissues. Increased secretion of RBP4 stimulates the expression of adhesion molecules in the endothelial cells, promoting development of atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. Population studies demonstrated an association between serum RBP4 in the circulation, and the severity of atherosclerosis and risk of the cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes. It also appears that the rbp4 gene functional polymorphisms may influence the risk of metabolic complications of obesity, including vascular injury. Therefore, the concentration of RBP4 in the circulation may be considered both as the causative factor and marker of chronic vascular injury. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the potential role of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, particularly related to insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to show current knowledge concerning valuable substances biologically active present in hen eggs and underline important nutritive role of hen eggs. Hen egg is a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins (A, B2, B6, B12, D, E, K), minerals and lipids. The significant part of lipids is a group of unsaturated phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes, act protectively on the cardiovascular system and contribute to a decrease of cholesterol level and blood pressure. Therefore, the consumption of unsaturated phospholipids is recommended especially in patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. Another important substance is egg cystatin, which has a wide spectrum of biological functions, for example the ability to stimulate cell growth, inhibit inflammatory processes and has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Other substance presented in the egg white which helps fight bacteria is lysozyme. It is used in medicine as an aid in antibiotic therapy and analgesic in the course of infection, as well as in tumor malignancies. Among the components contained in the egg yolk there is also immunoglobulin Y which due to its therapeutic importance deserves special attention. Its use offers the possibility of replacing chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of bacterial infections of digestive system, as well as an opportunity for the development of medicine associated with passive immunization of patients. The egg is a rich source of retinol which gradual depletion in the organism causes many eye pathologies. A very important and useful part of the egg, used in medicine is a shell and its membranes, due to the high collagen content relevant in the treatment of connective tissue diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diagnosis based on evaluation of blood pressure ratio measured around the ankle to the highest systolic arm pressure is known as ankle-brachial index (ABI). Reduced blood pressure around the ankle in relation to the blood pressure around the arm indicates the presence of peripheral arterial disease. The aim of this study was the assessment of ABI and co-ocurrance of artherosclerosis risk factors among tested people. Material and methods: The tested group consisted of 128 people (45 women and 83 men) aged from 50 to 93. This group included 64 patients with diagnosed peripheral arterial disease. The study was conducted using own questionnaire. After the research, all tested people had ABI measured for both legs. Results: Average ABI values were as follows: for diabetic people 0.47 ±0.38 (p = 0.006); for smokers 0.51 ±0.39 (p = 0.00045); for people with limited physical activity 0.49 ±0.38 (p = 0.0001) for underweight people 0.13 ±0.18 and for people with correct weight 44 ±0.36 (p = 0.007). Significant differences concerned also the parameters based on the self-assessment of the patients (material status and health status). More than a half of patients (53%) with peripheral arterial disease limits their activity. In terms of physical activity there are significant intergroup differences (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Significantly lower ABI among patients was determined be chosen parameters like: diabetes, smoking, little physical activity, lower BMI. Patients with PAD have significantly worse assessment of their own health, material status and physical activity in comparison to the rest of groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronary artery atherosclerosis presents characteristic patterns of plaque distribution despite systemic exposure to risk factors. We hypothesized that local hemodynamic forces induced by the systolic compression of intramuscular septal perforators could be involved in atherosclerotic processes in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) adjacent to the septal perforators' origin. Therefore we studied the spatial distribution of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, especially in relation to the septal perforators' origin. Material and methods: 64-slice computed tomography angiography was performed in 309 consecutive patients (92 male and 217 female) with a mean age of 59.9 years. Spatial plaque distribution in the LAD was analyzed in relation to the septal perforators' origin. Additionally, plaque distribution throughout the coronary artery tree is discussed. Results: The coronary calcium score (CCS) was positive in 164 patients (53.1%). In subjects with a CCS > 0, calcifications were more frequent in the LAD (n = 150, 91.5%) compared with the right coronary artery (RCA) (n = 94, 57.3%), circumflex branch (CX) (n = 76, 46.3%) or the left main stem (n = 42, 25.6%) (p < 0.001). Total CCS was higher in the LAD at 46.1 (IQR: 104.2) and RCA at 34.1 (IQR: 90.7) than in the CX at 16.8 (IQR: 61.3) (p = 0.007). In patients with calcifications restricted to a single vessel (n = 54), the most frequently affected artery was the LAD (n = 42, 77.8%). In patients with lesions limited to the LAD, the plaque was located mostly (n = 37, 88.1%) adjacent to the septal perforators' origin. Conclusions: We demonstrated that coronary calcifications are most frequently located in the LAD in proximity to the septal branch origin. A possible explanation for this phenomenon could be the dynamic compression of the tunneled septal branches, which may result in disturbed blood flow in the adjacent LAD segment (milking effect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial effects of green tea catechins on human health are known but there is little information on the effects of thermal modification on bioactivity of catechins. The aim of this study was to determine the dose of thermally modified catechins, which can be used as food stabilizers at which the observed inhibition is most effective as far as the processes of initiation and progression of atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout in mice. The development of atherosclerosis was assessed on the basis of the analysis of atherosclerotic: in the aorta by en face method and in heart by cross-section method. Catechins operate most efficiently when introduced into the diet at a dosage of 0.1%. They reduce the surface of atherosclerotic lesions by 27.0% (method en face) and 44.2% (method of cross-section) with respect to the control group. Furthermore, catechins thermally modified at 0.1% and 0.2% caused a reduction of the animals' body weight gain per 1 g of the diet ingested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: In patients with intermittent claudication regular treadmill walking training improves the walking distance. The mechanism of this improvement is a multi-factor one, and one of the probable reasons may be beneficial haemorheological changes. The purpose of the paper was the evaluation of changes of walking ability, values of haematocrit, the concentration of fibrinogen and lipid profile in patients with intermittent claudication taking part in 12-week controlled treadmill walking training. Material and methods: The study included 52 subjects aged 65 ±8 with lower limb atherosclerosis evaluated according to the Fontaine's classification as degrees IIA and IIB. Before and after finishing the training, walking ability evaluation was performed on the basis of walking test according to Gardner protocol along with blood chemistry analysis. Results: The time to claudication was extended by 105% and the maximum walking time by 96%. Blood chemistry parameters were not changed significantly. Conclusions: 12-week controlled treadmill walking training leads to improvement of walking ability in patients with intermittent claudication on the basis of the extended time to claudication and the maximum walking time. Walking training basically does not lead to changed values of haematocrit, concentration of fibrinogen or lipid profile in patients with intermittent claudication. The beneficial changes in the form of the concentration of fibrinogen, the level of haematocrit and the increase of HDL cholesterol may take place in patients with respectively the longest baseline walking time. The improvement of walking time is not connected to the change of lipid profile, haematocrit values and the concentration of fibrinogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Diet plays an important role in prevention of atherosclerosis. The objective of the study was to assess differences in the dietary intake and nutritional status in women and men in terms of atherogenesis risk. Material and methods. The study involved 41 women and 49 men aged 40+. The nutrient intake was assessed using 7-day dietary records. The nutritional status was estimated on the basis of antropometric measurements and biochemical blood parameters. The differences between diets and the nutritional status depending on sex was evaluated by oneway analysis of variance. The dependencies between the nutritional status and the diet factors were assessed using multiple regression. Results and discussion. It was found that a significant proportion of the women and men were overweight or obese, had lipid disorders and impaired fasting glucose. Diets of women and men were poorly balanced. A significant correlation between the level of energy from protein, as well as the energy supply and the LDL cholesterol concetration was found in the women. A positive correlation between energy from protein as well as total energy in the diet and body weight, was observed in women and men. Moreover, protein intake was positively correlated with BMI and waist circumference among the men. In the men, the level of serum triglycerides correlated with an increase in dietary cholesterol and a decrease in energy value. Conclusion. This study indicates that an inadequate diet among both men and women represents a real health danger of developing atherosclerotic plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is one of the basic causes of diseases in the twenty-first century. Positive health behaviors of high intensity can significantly slow down the negative process caused by atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to analyse the health behaviors of patients with atherosclerosis treated surgically, including the impact of gender, education, place of residence, and type of operation to which patients were enrolled. Material and methods: The research used the method of a diagnostic survey, which was conducted from August 2014 until March 2015 on a group of 102 patients enrolled to: endarterectomy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, or by-pass of the lower extremities. The technique of questionnaires was used with a standardised questionnaire of Behavioral Health Inventory written by Zygfryd Juczyński and for complement of the data with the using of author's tool. Results: The examined group of patients showed an average intensification of health behavior patterns. 51.96% of the patients smoked cigarettes, and the average length of addiction lasted 32.05 years. Only 43.14% of respondents checked their cholesterol level once a year. Daily blood pressure measurement was taken by 35.29% of respondents, but 8.18% of respondents did not measure it at all. In terms of physical activity, the largest group were those who did not show any activity - 34.31%. People who had had diabetes accounted for 39.21% of respondents, and 12.50% of them did not check their blood glucose levels at all. Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between gender and education and health behavior, but the influence of place of residence in health behaviors showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). People with diabetes did not differ in the intensity of health behaviors compared to those without diabetes. Patients require constant and individualised education from medical personnel in order to increase motivation to change and to maintain new health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of chronic ischaemia of lower limbs. Patients with the disease have increasing difficulty in performing simple activities in daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adaptation to life of patients with atherosclerosis of the lower limb arteries. Material and methods: The research included 50 patients with atherosclerosis of the lower limb arteries hospitalised in the Department of Vascular Surgery and Angiology at University Hospital Number 1 in Bydgoszcz. The research was conducted with the use of a questionnaire of our own design, consisting of questions relating to ways of adaptation to daily life of patients with lower limb atherosclerosis. Results: Most respondents (42.0%) coped with the pain by taking painkillers. It cannot be concluded that patients with atherosclerosis had bad eating habits. A lack of motivation was the main cause of the failure of stop smoking by the majority of respondents. More than half of the respondents (56.5%) said that the disease had not had any impact on their family relationships. Almost three-quarters of them stated that they were physically active, and half of them had performed exercises every day. Most patients with lower limb atherosclerosis declared that they complied with medical recommendations. Conclusions: Lower limb pain often makes patients take painkillers, but they do not limit their physical activity. Patients with lower limb atherosclerosis are able to adapt to daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide is a simple, non organic chemical compound with the general formula of H2S. It has very characteristic odour similar to rotten eggs. H2S is heavier than air and it has very good dissolution in water (it occurs in the form of ions). Hydrogen sulfide takes part in a lot of important functions and has a positive impact on many systems like the excretory, nervous and circulatory system. Studies have shown that the role of hydrogen sulphide in the cardiovascular system is vast and complex. This compound is involved in many essential processes for our body associated with angiogenesis, blood clotting action and blood platelet activation. It has been investigated that H2S takes part in the protection against atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of knowledge about the role of high density lipoproteins (HDL) indicates that their anti-atherogenic function is mainly related to the effectiveness of their actions (mostly to the participation in reverse cholesterol transport from tissues to liver) rather than the concentration of HDL itself. HDLs are highly heterogeneous in their structure, lipid and protein composition and metabolic pathways and individual HDL subpopulations differ in their biological activity and effectiveness of anti-atherogenic actions. Apolipoproteins play a key role in HDL metabolism, therefore their presence in lipoproteins is one of the main criterion for HDL classification. According to this criterion HDLs containing apolipoprotein E, called HDL-apoE, are distinguished. Although the anti-atherogenic role of apo E has been demonstrated in many scientific reports, understanding of the mechanisms of formation, transformation and the role of HDL-apoE is still the aim of intense research. The results of epidemiological studies are inconclusive; some of them have demonstrated that high HDL- -apoE concentration has been associated with lower risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), while other studies have shown that high levels of HDL-apoE has been an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and positively correlated with other risk factors for CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main cause of mortality in Poland are diseases of the cardiovascular system. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is the beginning of atherosclerosis development. Atherosclerosis, as an inflammatory process involving the vessel wall, evolves through multiple signaling pathways. While the dyslipidemia accelerate its development. Also, blood flow disorders defined as small and oscillating shear stress through the process of mechanotransduction, increases expression of genes, which are responsible for accumulating deposits in vessel walls. Consequently potentiates free radical reactions. There is still lack of clarity about mechanisms of progression from asymptomatic lesions to unstable plaques with high risk of rapture. Considering so many mechanisms participating in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis we already have a lot of pharmacological strategies for preventing and treating its complications. This article discusses the main groups of drugs with documented effectiveness in the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. There are new opportunities offered by nanodrugs due to an effectiveness increase of the treatment while minimizing its complications by acting directly at the target site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The flow of blood in the arterial and venous vessels of various organs is holds according to the difference of the value of systolic and diastolic pressures and is dependent from many factors connected with the control of the change of the vessel diameter. Arteriosclerosis can make difficult the access of the blood in the essential way to organs laid distally. Available diagnostic methods can increase in the essential way to the quicker intervention in the inhibition of the morbid process. The valuation of usability of method of thermography to rating of haemodynamics changes of blood flow in lower limbs at persons with ischaemia in II period according to Fontaine'a is the aim of study. Material and methods. Fifty persons was qualified to surveys in II period of the ischaemia of lower limbs, waiting on the endovascular intervention and 49 persons without the affirmed arteriosclerosis of lower limbs, with diseases coexisting characteristic for this aged group. The measurement of the temperature of lower limbs, was made with termographic camera Trotec IR 060. Results. The assessment of the temperature of lower limbs at persons with their ischaemia showed significant differences in average values in the comparison with healthy persons (35,4 vs. 36,5°C). The time of duration of the disease moreover was factor determining the evaluation of the changes of the value of the temperature - they diminished together with outflow of time of duration of the disease from 35,8 on 35,1°C in the studied group. Conclusions. Conducted studies let certify, that morbid process in the character of the ischaemia of lower limbs found reflection in the average values of the temperature on the skin surface of limbs in studied groups carrying out 1.1°C ± 0.7. The results of the examination with the thermographic camera confirmed dependence between the time of duration of the disease and the changes of the temperature of lower limbs. The registration of the range of the flow blood in the arteries of lower limbs made using the thermal photography can provide many interesting information to the valuation of the changes of the circulation in the indicated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial cells lining the vascular vessels determine intravascular homeostasis. Dysfunction of these cells results in rise of the intravascular inflammatory reaction, clotting of blood with simultaneous impaired fibrinolytic plasma activity. All these disorders predispose to progression of atherosclerosis in arteries or development of the thrombotic diseases in veins. Sulodexide is a mixture of glycosaminoglycans: heparin and dermatan sulphate, which on one hand suppresses the intravascular inflammation and on the other hand have protective effect towards the endothelium. Sulodexide reduced cytotoxicity of hyperglycemia towards endothelium and also suppresses the intracellular oxidative stress and inflammation in the endothelial cells, what results in their slower senescence. Sulodexide also lowers the blood level of lipids, what reduces toxicity of plasma towards the endothelial cells. All listed effects of sulodexide may explain its effectiveness in therapy in a group of patients with the cardiovascular disorders. Treatment with that drug results in reduction of thrombotic and ischemic complications in patients with myocardial infarction. Sulodexide improves also peripheral vascular blood flow in patients with peripheral arteries diseases or in patients with chronic thrombotic venous diseases. Components of sulodexide are naturally present in the human organism, ie. as components of the glycocalix covering the surface of the endothelial cells and that fact may explain a good tolerance of that drug by patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal involvement is still a significant problem in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Reduced kidney function is detected in 5-50% of them and is more prevalent than in the general population. During the last decades the picture of renal disease has changed due to earlier and more aggressive therapy of arthritis. Nephrotoxic drugs are withdrawn or used very rarely. Because of successful reduction of the inflammatory process, amyloidosis has become rare, as have other severe complications of active disease such as vasculitis. Acute renal failure is now very infrequent, but chronic kidney disease (CKD) still makes an important contribution to morbidity and mortality. Recent studies are focused on the association between CKD and chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relation appears comparable to the association observed in diabetes mellitus. In the article we summarize the results of studies on renal disease in RA, including histopathology, risk factors and markers of renal involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular signalling cascades, in which MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) intermediate, are responsible for a biological response of a cell to an external stimulus. MAP kinases, which include ERK1/2 (extracellular signalling-regulated kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p 38 MAPK, regulate the activity of many proteins, enzymes and transcription factors and thus have a wide spectrum of biological effects. Many basic scientific studies have defined numerous details of their pathway organization and activation. There are also more and more studies suggesting that individual MAP kinases probably play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. They may mediate inflammatory processes, endothelial cell activation, monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activation, smooth muscle cell proliferation and T-lymphocyte differentiation, all of which represent crucial mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The specific inhibition of an activity of the respective MAP kinases may prove a new therapeutic approach to attenuate atherosclerotic plaque formation in the future. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge concerning MAP kinase-dependent cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensified oxidative modification of proteins and increased concentration of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are confirmed by many experimental investigations in different pathological states, especially these with well-known participation of oxidative stress (OS) in etiopathogenesis but also these with not well recognized its role. Presented data indicate that AOPPs play a significant role in many disorders with chronic background, because of they reflect both intensification of OS and the degree of pathological changes connected with OS in these diseases. This review sets out the clinical and diagnostic aspects of AOPPs in these diseases such as: renal diseases with different etiology, cardiovascular diseases, as well as connected with metabolic disturbances - e.g. diabetes, atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome. Moreover results of investigation about utility of AOPPs measurement, mainly in plasma/serum, in these diseases are presented. The review and evaluation of application of AOPPs as useful marker in diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring the course of these diseases were performed. This paper also describes the suggested mechanisms of their action which contribute to biochemical and clinic changes undergoing in the condition of increased OS. Diagnostic or prognostic utility of AOPPs are especially indicated in the course of diabetes and its complications (diabetic nephropahy) and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a member of the IL-1 cytokin family. It is expressed by various cells and tissues, mainly epithelial and endothelial cells. It is a cytokine with dual function. It may act both as a traditional cytokine and as intracellular nuclear factor, functioning as transcription regulator. Its biological effect via interaction with membrane-bound ST2 receptor and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) is associated with the induction of Th2-type immune response and IL-5 and IL-13 synthesis. IL-33 has a strong immunoregulatory properties. Depending on the type of activated cells, microenvironment, and costimulatory factors, IL-33 can act either as a pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine. Recent studies indicate various protective effect of IL-33/ST2 sygnaling in atherosclerosis, obesity, disorders in glucose homeostasis and in heart diseases. The paper presents current state of knowledge about the structure and biological function of IL-33 and its receptor ST2, with particular emphasis on its role in pathophysiology of cardiovascular system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wstęp: Miażdżyca jest jedną z najczęstszych chorób cywilizacyjnych XXI wieku. Jednym z ważniejszych czynników ryzyka rozwoju miażdżycy jest stan zapalny w obrębie śródbłonka naczyniowego oraz zaburzenia metabolizmu lipidów rozwijające się w organizmie. Ostatnio coraz częściej sugerowany jest udział czynników zakaźnych wywołujących przewlekły stan zapalny organizmu w progresji wczesnych zmian promiażdżycowych. Do wczesnych zmian promiażdżycowych zaliczane są między innymi: nasilenie stresu oksydacyjnego w śródbłonku naczyniowym prowadzące do peroksydacji lipidów, transformacja makrofagów do komórek piankowatych, będących głównym składnikiem blaszek miażdżycowych, oraz niealkoholowe stłuszczenie wątroby. Cel: Charakterystyka wczesnych zmian promiażdżycowych indukowanych w obszarze śródbłonka naczyniowego przez komponenty bakteryjne H. pylori. Materiały i Metody: Do badań wykorzystano dwie linie komórkowe: HMEC-1 (ludzkie komórki śródbłonka naczyniowego) oraz THP1 (monocyty ludzkie). Komórki HMEC-1 eksponowano na działanie lipopolisacharydu H. pylori i 7-ketocholesterolu, a następnie oceniano pod kątem obecności stresu oksydacyjnego. Monocyty ludzkie przekształcono w makrofagi przy pomocy PMA i stymulowano analogicznie do komórek HMEC-1. Następnie w celu określenia odsetka powstałych komórek piankowatych, komórki wybarwiano przy pomocy hematoksyliny oraz czerwieni oleistej i obrazowano w mikroskopie świetlnym. Dodatkowo w badaniach wykorzystano fragmenty aort oraz wątroby pochodzące od kawii domowych zakażonych H. pylori karmionych paszą normalną lub wysokotłuszczową. Skrawki aorty po barwieniu immunohistochemicznym oceniono pod względem obecności stresu oksydacyjnego, a wątroby po wybarwieniu hematoksyliną i eozyną ocenione zostały pod kątem występowania oznak stłuszczenia wątroby. Wyniki: Przeprowadzone badania wykazały wzrost stresu oksydacyjnego w komórkach śródbłonka naczyniowego w odpowiedzi na stymulację lipopolisacharydem H. pylori oraz 7-ketocholesterolem. Barwienie wykonane ex vivo na skrawkach tkanki aortalnej kawii domowych potwierdziło te obserwacje, wskazując na występowanie najsilniejszego stresu oksydacyjnego u zwierząt zakażonych H. pylori karmionych paszą wysokotłuszczową. Dodatkowo komponenty H. pylori w połączeniu z 7-ketocholesterolem silnie stymulowały makrofagi do transformacji w komórki piankowate. Ocena histopatologiczna tkanek wątroby zwierząt wykazała stłuszczenie w większości wielkokropelkowe występujące wokół naczyń u zakażonych H. pylori zwierząt eksponowanych na dietę wysokotłuszczową. Podsumowanie: Śródbłonek naczyniowy eksponowany na LPS H. pylori oraz oksydowane sterole rozwija silny stres oksydacyjny prowadzący do rozwoju wczesnych zmian promiażdżycowych. Co więcej nasilenie transformacji makrofagów w komórki piankowate indukowany czynnikami bakteryjnymi H. pylori intensyfikuje rozrost blaszki miażdżycowej. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wstęp: Obecne podejście do leczenia cukrzycy nie koncentruje się już tylko na obniżeniu poziomu glukozy, ale również na plejotropowych działaniach leków hipoglikemizujących, które istotnie poprawiają rokowanie pacjentów chorujących na cukrzycę. Flozyny to leki hipoglikemizujące, które zmniejszają ryzyko zgonu z przyczyn sercowo-naczyniowych u pacjentów z cukrzycą typu II. Tak ogromne korzyści nie mogą wynikać tylko z obniżenia poziomu glukozy we krwi, a dokładny mechanizm nie jest w pełni poznany. W naszym badaniu chcemy lepiej poznać mechanizmy ateroprotekcyjne tych leków. Cel: Badanie ma na celu porównanie wpływu trzech inhibitorów SGLT2 (empagliflozyny, kanagliflozyny, dapagliflozyny) na wybrane parametry biorące udział w patogenezie miażdżycy. Materiały i Metody: Badanie zostało wykonane w modelu komórkowym in vitro. Komórki śródbłonka (HUVECs) były preinkubowane z 25-hydroksycholesterolem przez 4 godziny. Następnie, po usunięciu 25-hydroksycholesterolu komórki zostały poddane 24-godzinnej inkubacji z empagliflozyną (1 μM), kanagliflozyną (1 μM) lub dapagliflozyną (1 μM). Następnie została oceniona integralność komórek śródbłonka w systemie xCELLigence i ekspresja mRNA IL-6 i MCP-1. Wyniki: 25-hydroksycholesterol istotnie obniżył integralność komórek śródbłonka i zwiększył ekspresję mRNA IL-6 i MCP-1 w porównaniu z pożywką kontrolną. Następująca inkubacja komórek HUVEC z empagliflozyną (1 μM), kanagliflozyną (1 μM) lub dapagliflozyną (1 μM) znacząco złagodziła szkodliwy wpływ 25-hydroksycholesterolu na integralność bariery śródbłonkowej po 24 godzinach w systemie xCELLigence. Inkubacja komórek z inhibitorami SGLT2 spowodowała obniżenie ekspresji mRNA IL-6 i MCP-1 w real-time PCR w porównaniu do 25-hydroksycholesterolu. Podsumowanie: 25-hydroksycholesterol upośledza funkcje barierowe komórek śródbłonka i wywołuje w nich odpowiedź zapalną. Inhibitory SGLT2 wykazują działanie ateroprotekcyjne, które polega na poprawianiu funkcji barierowych komórek śródbłonka uszkodzonych przez 25-hydroksycholesterol wraz z towarzyszącym łagodzeniem odpowiedzi zapalnej. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Recent studies revealed that mitochondrial function is altered since the earliest stages of atherosclerosis development. Experimental studies results revealed that endothelial dysfunction, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as excessive reactive oxygen species production, which underlie atherosclerosis, result in significant disruptions in the Krebs cycle flux. However, there is little data about the influence of atherosclerosis on the Krebs cycle intermediates concentrations in people. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible influence of chronic cardiac ischemia on plasma concentrations of α-ketoglutarate in people with stable symptomatic coronary heart disease. Material and methods. Blood samples were collected from 53 patients, with stable, symptomatic coronary heart disease confirmed in coronarography who were admitted to the hospital due to persistent severe angina despite pharmacological treatment, without the elevation of cardiac enzymes blood level. The control group included 20 healthy people. Plasma concentrations of α-ketoglutarate were determined using an high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. Patients with stable coronary heart disease had significantly lower α-ketoglutarate plasma concentrations compared to healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in other analyzed clinical and biochemical parameters between both groups. Conclusions. 1. Patients with chronic myocardial ischemia have lower plasma concentrations of α-ketoglutarate comparing to healthy controls. 2. The decrease of plasma α-ketoglutarate concentrations in these patients maybe a consequence of the Krebs cycle disruption due to the influence of endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis, however further investigations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many recent epidemiological studies have shown frequent coexistence of metabolic disturbances (insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases) especially in patients with severe psoriasis. Psoriasis and atherosclerosis have a similar pathomechanism related to the conception of psoriatic march. The same cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17) and lymphocytes (Th1, Th17) play an important role in these disorders. In addition, in both processes similar endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are observed. Almost twice as high obesity occurrence in patients with psoriasis is the source of metabolically active adipokines, which correlate with the severity of the disease and influence the development of metabolic disorders. These observations show that psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory process and dermatologists should not only treat skin lesions, but also diagnose and monitor coexisting disturbances, in order to prevent the development of associated metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]