Click evoked otoacoustic emissions in occupational exposure to lead, concentrations of selected essential elements and markers of oxidative stress.

PURPOSE: This study focused on the selected markers of oxidative stress, impact of elevated lead levels on long-term hearing quality. We investigated whether the presence of certain essential minerals might provide protection to the auditory system against the effects of lead (and cadmium) compounds. METHODS: The research group included 280 male employees of the zinc and lead smelter, which was divided into: L-Pb-low blood lead concentration (PbB) subgroup, H-Pb-high PbB subgroup. Hearing tests were performed using the click evoked otoacoustic emission (CEOAE). RESULTS: Zinc protoporphyrin level was significantly higher in the H-Pb subgroup by 68%. Cd concentration was significantly higher in H-Pb by 33%. The Ca concentration was significantly lower in the H-Pb by - 2%. Selected oxidative stress markers concentration were significantly higher in the H-Pb group: malondialdehyde (MDA) by 4%, and lipofuscin (LPS) by 9%. In the CEOAE results showed statistically significant differences between the L-Pb and H-Pb subgroups. Larger negative changes in otoemission amplitude were observed in H-Pb subgroup. All otoemission results showed a statistically significant negative correlation with age, time of work, MDA concentration, and with PbB. Selected CEOAE parameters showed a significant negative correlation with cadmium blood concentration (CdB), and a positive correlation with Ca and Zn. CONCLUSION: Elevated blood lead content in occupational exposure is associated with an increase in MDA and LPS concentration, which negatively correlates with CEOAE parameters. This suggests an important role of oxidative stress in the long-term deterioration of hearing.

The most common skin symptoms in young adults and adults related to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

Scientists from various areas of the world indicate in their studies that skin lesions occur in the course of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This article is a review of the most frequently described cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the potential pathophysiology of their development, as well as information on abnormalities in histopathological tests. The article describes the impact of some factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases. This work was constructed on the basis of 142 research studies, reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on the methods and materials used in individual works as well as the results and conclusions resulting from them. Some skin lesions may be a potential prognostic marker of the course of the disease and may also be a prodromal symptom or the only symptom of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate some chronic dermatological diseases. A correlation was observed between the type of skin lesions and the patient's age. The occurrence of skin diseases may also be influenced by drugs used to treat infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. A relationship was observed between the patient's ethnic origin and skin lesions occurring in the course of COVID-19. There is a need to further diagnose the cutaneous manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to learn the detailed pathomechanism of their occurrence in order to better understand the essence of the disease and find an appropriate treatment method.

Cognitive dysfunctions in the course of SARS­CoV­2 virus infection, including NeuroCOVID, frontal syndrome and cytokine storm (Review).

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, cognitive impairment of varying degrees of severity began to be observed in a significant percentage of patients. The present study discussed the impact of immunological processes on structural and functional changes in the central nervous system and the related cognitive disorders. The purpose of the present review was to analyse and discuss available information from the scientific literature considering the possible relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection and cognitive impairment, including NeuroCOVID, frontal syndrome and cytokine storm. A systematic literature review was conducted using: Google Scholar, Elsevier and the PubMed database. When searching for materials, the following keywords were used: 'cognitive dysfunctions', 'SARS-CoV-2', 'COVID-19', 'Neuro-SARS2', 'NeuroCOVID', 'frontal syndrome', 'cytokine storm', 'Long COVID-19'. A total of 96 articles were included in the study. The analysis focused on the characteristics of each study's materials, methods, results and conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce or influence existing cognitive disorders of various nature and severity. The influence of immunological factors related to the response against SARS-CoV-2 on the disturbance of cerebral perfusion, the functioning of nerve cells and the neuroprotective effect has been demonstrated. Particular importance is attached to the cytokine storm and the related difference between pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, oxidative stress, disturbances in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the stress response of the body.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair Defects of the Knee via Arthroscopic Implementation on Scaffolds in a Retrospective Study.

Injuries to the articular cartilage of the human knee joint, commonly resulting from trauma, inflammation, or age- and activity-related wear and tear, have significant implications, primarily leading to osteoarthritis (OA). Conservative treatments for such injuries often yield suboptimal clinical outcomes. Surgical interventions using current methods may not consistently provide satisfactory results, largely due to the formation of low-quality scar tissue lacking the biomechanical properties of hyaline cartilage. In this retrospective study, we compared the results of two promising methods for regenerating cartilage defects in the knee joints using scaffolds soaked with stem cells of different origins: bone marrow aspirate concentrate mesenchymal stem cells (BMAC-MSCs) and human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). We evaluated 39 patients (39 knees, hUCB-MSCs: 20 knees, BMAC: 19 knees) at the 12-month follow-up using VAS, KOOS, Lysholm scales and radiologically with M-MOCART 2.0 score. The analysis demonstrated substantial overall improvement in both groups, notably reflected in enhanced quality of life for the patients. Interestingly, the final scores in the hUCB-MSCs group were comparable to those in the BMAC-MSCs group, with no statistically significant differences observed, despite variations in preoperative age and lesion size. Notably, the hUCB-MSCs group consisted of significantly older individuals with larger lesion sizes. Both procedures were found to be safe, and improvement was observed in both groups, which holds promise for future clinical investigations.

Relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG titers in females vaccinated against COVID-19 according to the heterologous vaccination course: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers in a group of females who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses of ChAdOx1 vaccine and then boosted with the BNT162b2 vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 63 women. Basic demographic and clinical data were collected. To assess the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G titers following the vaccination, five blood draws were performed: 1) before the first dose, 2) before the second dose, 3) 14-21 days after the primary vaccination, 4) before the booster, and 5) 21 days after the booster. Blood samples were analyzed using a two-step enzymatic chemiluminescent assay. Body mass index and body composition were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. To select the most distinguishing parameters and correlations between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, factor analysis using the Principal Component Analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Sixty-three females (mean age: 46.52 years) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. 40 of them (63.50%) participated in the post-booster follow-up. After receiving two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine, the study group's anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were 67.19 ± 77.44 AU/mL (mean ± SD), whereas after receiving a heterologous mRNA booster, the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers was about three-times higher and amounted to 212.64 ± 146.40 AU/mL (mean ± SD). Our data shows that seropositivity, obesity, non-fat-related, and fat-related body composition parameters all had a significant effect on the level of IgG titer after a two-dose vaccination of ChAdOx1. However, only non-fat-related and fat-related body composition parameters had a significant effect on the IgG titer after booster vaccination. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection before the first dose of vaccination is not related to IgG titer after booster administration. Body composition has a significant effect on the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after booster vaccination in females.

Relationship between Postural Stability, Lead Content, and Selected Parameters of Oxidative Stress.

This study attempts to determine whether the increased blood lead concentration affects the posturographic test and to determine the relationship between the parameters of posture stability and selected parameters of oxidative stress. The study population consisted of 268 male employees and was divided into two equal subgroups, depending on the lead content in the blood. A posturographic examination was performed. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc protoporphyrin, selected essential elements, and selected markers of oxidative stress in the blood were tested. Higher blood lead concentrations positively affected the values of the sway results: the field and the mean velocity of the center of the feet pressure in posturography. The absolute value of the proprioception ratio was similar in both subgroups. The content of malondialdehyde shows a statistically significantly higher value in a subgroup with high blood lead concentration and exhibits significant correlations only with some of the posturography parameters. The lipofuscin content in erythrocytes correlates with the results of the posturography test. Zinc protoporphyrin, total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, selected minerals, and metals did not correlate with the results of the posturography test. In conclusion, posturographic results correlate only with selected markers of oxidative stress, so it can be assumed that the effect on the body balance is only partial.

The Antibody Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Booster in Healthcare Workers: Association between the IgG Antibody Titers and Anthropometric and Body Composition Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Research shows that in most people, two-dose vaccination helps to shape the humoral response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further studies are required to learn about the vaccine's effectiveness after boosting. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study among 103 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a regional multi-specialty hospital vaccinated with three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. We compared their immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers 14 days after the second dose with those 21 days after the booster. We also compared their anthropometric and body composition parameters with IgG concentrations at the same time points. RESULTS: Twenty-one days after the booster, all study participants were seropositive. Their mean IgG antibody titers were significantly lower than 14 days after the second dose (158.94 AU/mL ± 90.34 AU/mL vs. 505.79 AU/mL ± 367.16 AU/mL). Post-booster Spearman's correlation analysis showed a significantly weak correlation between the IgG antibody titer and parameters related to muscle tissue and adipose tissue (including body fat mass). CONCLUSIONS: The BNT162b2 booster stimulates the humoral response to a lesser extent than the two-dose BNT162b2 primary vaccination. The adipose and muscle tissue parameters show a weak positive correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers.

Early and Longitudinal Humoral Response to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers: Significance of BMI, Adipose Tissue and Muscle Mass on Long-Lasting Post-Vaccinal Immunity.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the early and longitudinal humoral response in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine and to assess the association between metabolic and anthropometric parameters and the humoral response after vaccination. METHODS: The study included 243 fully vaccinated HCWs: 25.50% previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 (with prior history of COVID-19-PH) and 74.40%-uninfected, seronegative before the first vaccination (with no prior history of COVID-19-NPH). IgG antibodies were measured, and sera were collected: prior to the vaccination, 21 days after the first dose, and 14 days and 8 months after the second dose. RESULTS: 21 days after the first dose, 90.95% of individuals were seropositive; 14 days after the second dose, persistent immunity was observed in 99.18% HCWs, 8 months after complete vaccination-in 61.73%. Statistical analysis revealed that HCWs with PH had a greater chance of maintaining a humoral response beyond eight months after vaccination. Increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and younger age may positively affect long-term immunity. Smokers have a reduced chance of developing immunity compared to non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Fully vaccinated HCWs with PH are more likely to be seropositive than fully inoculated volunteers with NPH.

Insight into the Evolving Role of PCSK9.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is the last discovered member of the family of proprotein convertases (PCs), mainly synthetized in hepatic cells. This serine protease plays a pivotal role in the reduction of the number of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) on the surface of hepatocytes, which leads to an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood. This mechanism and the fact that gain of function (GOF) mutations in PCSK9 are responsible for causing familial hypercholesterolemia whereas loss-of-function (LOF) mutations are associated with hypocholesterolemia, prompted the invention of drugs that block PCSK9 action. The high efficiency of PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., alirocumab, evolocumab) in decreasing cardiovascular risk, pleiotropic effects of other lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins) and the multifunctional character of other proprotein convertases, were the cause for proceeding studies on functions of PCSK9 beyond cholesterol metabolism. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles that PCSK9 plays in different tissues and perspectives for its clinical use.

The stress of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic and pro-health behaviors among medical personnel - preliminary report. / Stres okresu pandemii wirusa SARS-CoV-2 a zachowania prozdrowotne wsród personelu medycznego - doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate pro-health behaviors as protective measures against symptoms of anxiety and depression in a group of health care workers during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. METHODS: The group of 114 people participated in the study, including 46 medical doctors aged 41.10 ± 11.89 and 68 nurses aged 48.16 ± 8.54 years.The following scales were used for the research: the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Taking into consideration health behaviors, an average score of 79.61 ± 13.08 points in HBI was obtained. In the BDI questionnaire, the respondents obtained an average of 3.7 ± 4.65 points. In the STAI questionnaire, in the part related to state anxiety, the mean result in the study group was 38.08 ± 9.46 points, and for trait anxiety 38.35 ± 8.44 points. Taking into account the components of HBI, only the results obtained in the subscales: positive mental attitude (PMA) and pro-health activities (PhA) correlated negatively with the results obtained in the STAI and BDI scales. Moreover, the pro-health effect of PMA on the symptoms of anxiety and depression was observed. CONCLUSIONS: No significant intensification of anxiety and depression symptoms was observed among medical personnel during the first wave of the pandemic. Health-promoting behaviors, and especially positive mental attitudes, may play a protective role in relation to the symptoms of anxiety and depression in a stressful situations.

Immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in older residents of a long-term care facility: relation with age, frailty and prior infection status.

Clinical and biological assessment of the COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in the frail population is of crucial importance. The study focuses on measuring the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies before and after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination among long-term care facility (LTCF) elderly residents. We conducted a prospective, single-center, observational study among LTCF residents. The study protocol was based on three blood sample acquisitions: first taken at baseline-5 days before the first dose of the vaccine, second-20 days after the first dose, and third-12 days after the second shot of the vaccine. The comparison was made for two cohorts: patients with and without prior COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from January to March 2021. A total number of 78 LTCF residents (55 women and 23 men) aged 62-104, 85.72 ± 7.59 years (mean ± SD), were enrolled in the study. All study participants were investigated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (S) protein IgG, using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Frailty was assessed with the Clinical Frailty Scale. Among elderly COVID-19 survivors in LTCF, a single dose of vaccine significantly increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels. IgG concentration after a single and double dose was comparable, which may suggest that elderly COVID-19 survivors do not require a second dose of vaccine. For residents without a previous history of COVID-19, two doses are needed to achieve an effective serological response. The level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after vaccination with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 did not correlate with the frailty and age of the studied individuals.

Exenatide prevents statin-related LDL receptor increase and improves insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells (1.1E7) in a protein kinase A-dependent manner.

Statins are primary drugs in the treatment of hyperlipidemias. This group of drugs is known for its beneficial pleiotropic effects (e.g., reduction of inflammatory state). However, a growing body of evidence suggests its diabetogenic properties. The culpable mechanism is not completely understood and might be related to the damage to pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, we conceived an in vitro study to explore the impact of atorvastatin on pancreatic islet beta cells line (1.1.E7). We evaluated the influence on viability, insulin, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression. A significant drop in mRNA for proinsulin and insulin expression was noted. Concurrently, a rise in LDL receptor at the protein level in cells exposed to atorvastatin was noted. Further experiments have shown that exenatide - belonging to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs that are used in a treatment of diabetes and known for its weight reducing properties - can alleviate the observed alterations. In this case, the mechanism of action of exenatide was dependent on a protein kinase A pathway. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that statin may have diabetogenic properties, which according to our study is related to reduced insulin expression. The concomitant use of GLP-1 receptor agonist seemed to successfully revert insulin expression.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Screening in Healthcare Workers in Non-Infectious Hospitals in Two Different Regions of Southern Poland (Upper Silesia and Opole Voivodeships): A Prospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Detection of asymptomatic or subclinical human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for understanding the overall prevalence of the new coronavirus and its infection potential in public (non-infectious) healthcare units with emergency wards. (2) Methods: We evaluated the host serologic responses, measured with semi-quantitative ELISA tests (IgA, IgG, IgM abs) in sera of 90 individuals in Hospital no. 4 in Bytom, 84 HCWs in the University Hospital in Opole and 25 in a Miasteczko Slaskie local surgery. All volunteers had negative RT-PCR test results or had not had the RT-PCR test performed within 30 days before sampling. The ELISA test was made at two different time points (July/August 2020) with a 2-weeks gap between blood collections to avoid the "serological window" period. (3) Results: The IgG seropositivity of asymptomatic HCWs varied between 1.2% to 10% (Opole vs. Bytom, p < 0.05; all without any symptoms). IgA seropositivity in HCWs was 8.8% in Opole and 7.14% in Bytom. IgM positive levels in HCWs in Opole and Bytom was 1.11% vs. 2.38%, respectively. Individuals with IgA and IgM seropositivity results were observed only in Opole (1.19%). More studies are needed to determine whether these results are generalizable to other populations and geographic as well as socio-demographic locations. (4) Conclusions: 100% of IgG(+) volunteers were free from any symptoms of infection in the 30 days before first or second blood collection and they had no awareness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Asymptomatic HCWs could spread SARS-CoV-2 infection to other employees and patients. Only regular HCWs RT-PCR testing can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 spreading in a hospital environment. The benefit of combining the detection of specific IgA with that of combined specific IgM/IgG is still uncertain.

Anti-androgen hormonal therapy for cancer and other diseases.

The development of targeted therapies has been a consistent goal for hormone-related diseases treatment. As a result of increased knowledge of the role of androgens in different diseases, anti-androgen treatment is becoming increasingly important in targeted therapy. Androgens play an important role in different disorders, therefore, androgen receptor signalling is a crucial factor in pathological conditions. The androgen receptor is a transcription factor activated by the testosterone metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone and regulates the expression of genes related to sexual differentiation, growth and survival of prostate cells, and to a certain extent, cancer progression. Herein, we review anti-androgen therapies in cancer and other selected diseases and provide examples where anti-androgen drugs can be used as both main and supportive treatments in the multimodal therapeutic scheme. Even in diseases with low serum levels of testosterone or DHT, anti-androgen therapy plays an important role in new treatments. Therefore, the use of anti-androgens is an appealing strategy in which to overcome resistance to primary treatment by assuring better therapy results. In this review, we take into account both older generation hormonal drugs and the new drug classes. Additionally, we review recent studies that suggest new anti-androgen agents have not entirely replaced some of the old standards.

The adipokine vaspin reduces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep-3B) cells, associated with lower levels of NO and superoxide anion.

BACKGROUND: Among adipose-derived factors, adipocytokines play roles as hormones and signaling mediators for apoptotic pathway. Among of them, vaspin, regulates the metabolism of adipose tissue itself as an endocrine organ, and stimulates adipocytes to maturation, differentiation, etc. Damaged adipocytes, present in obesity and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond with over-production of inflammatory cytokines. Such pro-inflammatory stimulation remains under adipokine control. Pro-inflammatory pathways are connected to oxidative stress and apoptosis, reported as co-existing with an elevated level of some adipokines in cancer cell lines. However, some hormones, such as vaspin, reduce apoptosis, have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative roles in cancer cell lines. METHODS: Hep-3B cells were cytometrically evaluated under vaspin treatment for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosiss induction. The statistical significant changes to the untreated controls was calculated by T-tests (indicated at value p < 0.05). RESULTS: Here we studied the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in cells of HCC line Hep-3B after vaspin treatment. A decreased level of nitric oxide and superoxide anion 24 h after vaspin addition at 5 ng/ml was correlated with restricted, to the physiological level, apoptosis. A protective role of vaspin was displayed as enhanced cell viability and proliferation, which could be a poor prognostic in liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis was suppressed after vaspin treatment, together with low levels of nitric oxide and superoxide anions.

Visfatin serum concentration and hepatic mRNA expression in chronic hepatitis C.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a viral disease with metabolic disturbances involved in its pathogenesis. Adipokines may influence the inflammatory response and contribute to development of metabolic abnormalities in CHC. Visfatin exerts immunomodulatory and insulin-mimetic effects. The aim was to measure visfatin serum concentrations and its mRNA hepatic expression in non-obese CHC patients and to assess the relationships with metabolic and histological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a group of 63 non-obese CHC patients (29 M/34 F) infected with genotype 1b aged 46.6 ±14.6 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.8 ±3.0 kg/m2, serum visfatin levels and its mRNA hepatic expression were examined and the subsequent associations with metabolic and histopathological features were assessed. RESULTS: Serum visfatin levels were significantly higher in CHC patients compared to controls (22.7 ±5.7 vs. 17.8 ±1.5 ng/ml, p < 0.001). There was no difference in serum visfatin and its mRNA hepatic expression regardless of sex, BMI, insulin sensitivity and lipids concentrations. There was no mutual correlation between serum visfatin and visfatin mRNA hepatic expression. Hepatic visfatin mRNA levels but not visfatin serum levels were higher in patients with steatosis (1.35 ±0.75 vs. 0.98 ±0.34, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Serum visfatin levels may reflect its involvement in chronic inflammatory processes accompanying HCV infection. Increased visfatin mRNA hepatic expression in patients with steatosis seems to be a compensatory mechanism enabling hepatocytes to survive metabolic abnormalities resulting from virus-related lipid droplet deposition prerequisite to HCV replication.

Effects of Resveratrol, Berberine and Their Combinations on Reactive Oxygen Species, Survival and Apoptosis in Human Squamous Carcinoma (SCC-25) Cells.

BACKGROUND: Levels of cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) influence the oxidized/reduced states of cellular proteins, and create redox-signaling pathways that can activate transcription factors, kinases, and phosphatases. ROS levels can be increased radically by external factors, including ionizing and UV radiation or exposure to chemical compounds. These increased ROS levels can, in turn, lead to oxidative damage of DNA. Natural plant treatments against cancer can modulate these processes by inducing or decreasing ROS production. METHODS: Here we report new observations that squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells, exposed to 24 hours of combined resveratrol and berberine treatment, contain increased ROS levels. Using flow cytometry, for drug activity characteristics, an accumulation of ROS was observed. A combination of different dyes, CellROX Green (Life Technologies) and DCFH-DA (Sigma), allowed for flow cytometric estimation of levels of cellular ROS as well as cellular localization. RESULTS: Live staining and microscopic observations confirmed the accumulation of ROS in SCC-25 cells following a combination treatment at concentrations of 10µg/ml. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the compounds was significantly improved after their combined application. Additive effects were observed for doses lower than the calculated IC50 of berberine [IC50=23µg/ml] and resveratrol [IC50=9µg/ml]. Viability (MTS) assays and analysis of isobolograms revealed a significant impact on cell viability upon combination treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that administration of berberine, in the presence of resveratrol, could be decreased even to 50% (half the IC50 for berberine) for cancer treatment.

The Impact of Coffee and Its Selected Bioactive Compounds on the Development and Progression of Colorectal Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Coffee contains bioactive compounds that affect the human body such as caffeine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, diterpenes, and melanoidins. Some of them have demonstrated potential anticarcinogenic effects in animal models and in human cell cultures, and may play a protective role against colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA and other countries. Dietary patterns, as well as the consumption of beverages, may reduce the risk of CRC incidence. In this review, we focus on published epidemiological studies concerning the association of coffee consumption and the risk of development of colorectal cancer, and provide a description of selected biologically active compounds in coffee that have been investigated as potential cancer-combating compounds: Caffeine, caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acids (CGAs), and kahweol in relation to colorectal cancer progression in in vitro settings. We review the impact of these substances on proliferation, viability, invasiveness, and metastasis, as well as on susceptibility to chemo- and radiotherapy of colorectal cancer cell lines cultured in vitro.