Relation Between Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Assessed by Serum Cotinine Concentration and Questionnaire Method, and Serum Renalase Concentration-the Importance of the Coexistence of Arterial Hypertension and Other Cardiovascular Diseases.

Exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Renalase is a protein that may play a role in the pathogenesis of CVD. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between ETS and serum renalase concentration. A group of 109 patients was recruited for this study (49.7 ± 14.7 years). In accordance with the questionnaire, patients were divided into the following subgroups: subgroup A- declaring themselves active smokers (n = 36), subgroup B- declaring themselves non-smokers and exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 35), subgroup C- declaring themselves non-smokers and not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 38). The same patients were divided based on cotinine concentration into the following subgroups: subgroup D- active smokers (n = 42), subgroup E- non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 66), and subgroup F- non-smokers not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (n = 1). Serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration were measured using ELISA tests. Serum renalase concentration was statistically significantly higher in subgroup C than in subgroups A and B and in subgroup E and F than in D. There was a negative correlation between serum cotinine concentration and serum renalase concentration (r = -0.41, p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that higher BMI, higher diastolic blood pressure, coronary artery disease and higher serum cotinine concentration are independent risk factors of lower serum renalase concentration. The questionnaire method of assessing exposure to tobacco smoke was characterized by high sensitivity, but only moderate specificity, especially in terms of assessing environmental exposure to tobacco smoke. In summary, the study showed an independent relationship between exposure to tobacco smoke and lower serum renalase concentration.

Selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, and total antioxidant status in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, renalase, total antioxidant status (TAS), mean blood pressure (mBP), and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). METHODS: The study group consisted of 112 patients hospitalized to verify the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The inclusion criteria were consent to participate in the study and age ≥ 18 years. Patients with active proliferative disease, severe systemic diseases, or mental diseases were excluded from the study. Each patient underwent full polysomnography and had blood pressure measured. Blood samples were collected and laboratory test was performed. RESULTS: Among 112 patients enrolled, there was a statistically significant negative linear correlation between blood pressure values (sBP, dBP, mBP) and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels. Similarly, there was a negative linear correlation between AHI and selenoprotein P, renalase, and TAS levels, but none between AHI and peroxiredoxin-5. Based on the obtained regression models, higher selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase levels were independently associated with higher TAS. Lower mBP values were independently associated with the use of antihypertensive drugs, higher TAS, and younger age. Male gender, higher BMI, and higher mBP were independently associated with higher AHI. CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of selenoprotein P, peroxiredoxin-5, and renalase were associated with higher TAS, which confirms their antioxidant properties. There was an indirect connection between tested antioxidants and blood pressure values.

Coexistence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Blood Renalase Concentration.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the biggest health challenges facing health systems around the world. There are certain risk factors (CVRFs) that contribute to CVD. Risk factors associated with lifestyle such as tobacco consumption are particularly essential. Renalase is a recently discovered flavoprotein that may be involved in the progression of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between CVRFs and blood renalase concentration (BRC). The study group consisted of 96 people (51% women) who were hospitalized in the internal medicine department. CVRFs were measured using the AHA Life 7 scale. The E3109Hu ELISA kit was used to assess BRC. We found higher BRC in groups with a lower number of CVRFs (p < 0.05). We found a negative correlation between BRC and the number of CVRFs (r = -0.41). With the regression analysis, obesity, smoking, and a lack of physical activity (LoPE) were independently associated with lower blood renalase concentration. ROC analysis indicated the highest accuracy of BRC < 38.98 ng/mL in patients with ≥5 CVRFs. In conclusion, patients with a higher number of CVRFs had lower BRCs. The CVRFs particularly associated with a lower BRC were obesity, smoking, and LoPE.

A regional comparison of children's blood cadmium, lead, and mercury in rural, urban and industrial areas of six European countries, and China, Ecuador, and Morocco.

OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to evaluate whether blood cadmium (B-Cd), lead (B-Pb) and mercury (B-Hg) in children differ regionally in 9 countries, and to identify factors correlating with exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors performed a cross-sectional study of children aged 7-14 years, living in 2007-2008 in urban, rural, or potentially polluted ("hot spot") areas (ca. 50 children from each area, in total 1363 children) in 6 European and 3 non-European countries. The authors analyzed Cd, Pb, and total Hg in blood and collected information on potential determinants of exposure through questionnaires. Regional differences in exposure levels were assessed within each country. RESULTS: Children living near industrial "hot-spots" had B-Cd 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4-1.9) times higher in the Czech Republic and 2.1 (95% CI:1.6-2.8) times higher in Poland, as compared to urban children in the same countries (geometric means [GM]: 0.13 µg/l and 0.15 µg/l, respectively). Correspondingly, B-Pb in the "hot spot" areas was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6-2.1) times higher than in urban areas in Slovakia and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.9-2.7) times higher in Poland (urban GM: 19.4 µg/l and 16.3 µg/l, respectively). In China and Morocco, rural children had significantly lower B-Pb than urban ones (urban GM: 64 µg/l and 71 µg/l, respectively), suggesting urban exposure from leaded petrol, water pipes and/or coal-burning. Hg "hot spot" areas in China had B-Hg 3.1 (95% CI: 2.7-3.5) times higher, and Ecuador 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2-1.9) times higher, as compared to urban areas (urban GM: 2.45 µg/l and 3.23 µg/l, respectively). Besides industrial exposure, traffic correlated with B-Cd; male sex, environmental tobacco smoke, and offal consumption with B-Pb; and fish consumption and amalgam fillings with B-Hg. However, these correlations could only marginally explain regional differences. CONCLUSIONS: These mainly European results indicate that some children experience about doubled exposures to toxic elements just because of where they live. These exposures are unsafe, identifiable, and preventable and therefore call for preventive actions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):349-64.

Selenoprotein P, Peroxiredoxin-5, Renalase and Selected Cardiovascular Consequences Tested in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Echocardiography.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between chosen antioxidants, namely selenoprotein P (SELENOP), peroxiredoxin-5 (Prdx-5), renalase and selected cardiovascular consequences tested in ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and echocardiography (ECHO). In our work, cardiovascular consequences refer to higher mean blood pressure (MBP) and pulse pressure (PP) on ABPM, as well as to left atrial enlargement (LAE), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%) on ECHO. The study group consisted of 101 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases and Hypertension to verify the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Each patient underwent full polysomnography, blood tests, ABPM and ECHO. Both selenoprotein-P and renalase levels correlated with different ABPM and ECHO parameters. We found no correlation between the peroxiredoxin-5 level and none of the tested parameters. We point to the possible application of SELENOP plasma-level testing in the initial selection of high cardiovascular-risk patients, especially if access to more advanced examinations is limited. We further suggest SELENOP measurement as a possible indicator of patients at increased left ventricular hypertrophy risk who should be of particular interest and may benefit from ECHO testing.

Association Between Serum Selenium Concentration and OPG/RANKL/RANK Axis in Patients with Arterial Hypertension.

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the serum selenium concentration (Se-S) and the blood concentrations of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) and the OPG/RANKL ratio in patients with arterial hypertension. The study group comprised 138 patients with arterial hypertension (age: 56.04 ± 11.59 years). Se-S was determined in all the subjects. Based on the Se-S, the following subgroups were distinguished: a subgroup of patients with a lower Se-S ("low-Se", Se-S < median) and a subgroup of patients with a higher Se-S ("high-Se", Se-S ≥ median). Moreover, the blood concentrations of the parameters of bone metabolism and extraskeletal calcification were assessed: OPG and RANKL. The OPG/RANKL ratio was calculated. In the "low-Se" subgroup, the RANKL concentration was statistically significantly lower, and the OPG/RANKL ratio was statistically significantly higher than in the patients in the "high-Se" subgroup. The correlation analysis showed the negative linear relationships between Se-S and OPG (r = - 0.25, p < 0.05) and between Se-S and OPG/RANKL (r = - 0.47, p < 0.05). Moreover, Se-S positively correlated with RANKL (r = 0.33, p < 0.05). In regression analysis, higher body mass index (BMI), smoking and lower Se-S were independently associated with a higher OPG/RANKL ratio, while lower BMI, use of diuretics, ß-blockers and ACE inhibitors and lower OPG/RANKL ratio with effective blood pressure control. In summary, in the group of patients with arterial hypertension, lower Se-S is associated with an unfavourable prognostic panel of parameters of bone metabolism and extraskeletal calcification. Lower Se-S is an independent risk factor for a higher OPG/RANKL ratio, which is an independent prediction factor of ineffective blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.

Cadmium Body Burden and Inflammatory Arthritis: A Pilot Study in Patients from Lower Silesia, Poland.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cadmium exposure and the likelihood of developing or exacerbating symptoms of inflammatory arthritis (IA). The study included 51 IA patients and 46 control subjects. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected. Haematological and biochemical parameters and blood cadmium levels (Cd-B) were determined. Cd-B correlated positively with age, smoking, living in a high-traffic area, and serum levels of inflammatory markers and negatively with mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The binary logistic regression model implied that high Cd-B (≥0.65 µg/L) is linked with an increased risk of IA in the studied population (odds ratio: 4.4). High levels of DNA oxidative damage marker (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) (≥7.66 ng/mL) and cyclooxygenase-2 (≥22.9 ng/mL) and frequent consumption of offal was also associated with increased risk of IA. High Cd-B was related to increased risk of disease symptoms onset in the group of IA patients, decreased the level of interleukin 10, and positively correlated with the disease activity. Increased Cd-B is associated with intensified inflammatory processes and decreased haemoglobin levels; in IA patients with decreased anti-inflammatory interleukin 10. These changes partly explain why cadmium exposure and a high cadmium body burden may raise the risk of IA and of disease symptoms exacerbation.

Estimation of Aortic Valve Calcium Score Based on Angiographic Phase Versus Reduction of Ionizing Radiation Dose in Computed Tomography.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the estimation efficacy of aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) based on the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) angiographic phase. The evaluation of the reduced amount of ionizing radiation dose was performed because of this estimation. The study included 51 consecutive patients who qualified for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) (78.59 ± 5.72 years). All subjects underwent MSCT: in the native phase dedicated to AVCS as well as angiographic phases aimed to morphologically assess the aortic ostium and arterial accesses for TAVI. Based on the native phase, an AVCS assessment was performed for axial reconstructions at 3.0 mm and 2.0 mm slice thickness (AVCSnative3.0 and AVCSnative2.0). Based on the angiographic phase AVCS was estimated for axial reconstruction at 0.6 mm slice thickness with increased values of lesion density in aortic valve cusps/aortic valve annulus, which is considered a calcification, from a typical value of 130 HU to 500 HU and 600 HU (AVCSCTA0.6 500 HU and AVCSCTA0.6 600 HU). Mathematical formulations were developed, allowing for AVCS native calculation based on AVCS values estimated based on the angiographic phase: AVCSnative3.0 = 813.920 + 1.510 AVCSCTA0.6 500 HU; AVCSnative3.0 = 1235.863 + 1.817 AVCSCTA0.6 600 HU; AVCSnative2.0 = 797.471 + 1.393 AVCSCTA0.6 500 HU; AVCSnative2.0 = 1228.310 + 1.650 AVCSCTA0.6 600 HU. The amount of a potential reduction in dose length product (DLP) in the case of AVCS estimation was 4.45 ± 1.54%. In summary, relying solely on the angiographic phase of MSCT examination before TAVI, it is possible to conclusively estimate AVCS. This estimation results in a marked reduction in radiation dose in MSCT.

Breakfast Frequency and Composition in a Group of Polish Children Aged 7-10 Years.

Breakfast is considered one of the crucial elements of a healthy diet. Most studies evaluate breakfast consumption with the risk of obesity and other health effects. Less attention is paid to the evaluation of breakfast composition and patterns. Thus, this study aimed to describe the most frequently observed breakfast patterns and to assess breakfast composition and quality in a group of Polish early school-age children. The cross-sectional survey study was conducted in school years 2017/2018 and 2018/2019. Information regarding breakfast was obtained with the use of an original paper-based weekly observation diary, and breakfast quality was assessed with a special scoring designed to be used together with the diary. In total, 223 schoolchildren of the second and third grades participated in the study, and 200 diaries were analyzed. More than ¾ of the participants consumed breakfast every day. Nearly 68% of meals were classified as well balanced, but only 16.5% of children eat a well-balanced breakfast every day. The number of children who usually (≥5 times per week) eat a sandwich for breakfast was 94 (47%), and that of those who habitually eat cereal and milk or porridge was 29 (14.5%). Only 7% of children consumed fruit or vegetables for breakfast daily, and 26.5% never eat fruit or vegetables for breakfast. Concluding, most children eat breakfast regularly, but the meal composition and quality might be improved.

Cardiac and vascular disorders as para-occupational diseases - a Polish perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The study presents the difference between occupational and para-occupational diseases in terms of Polish law, and indicates the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered to be work-related, and describes the latest reports on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in workplaces. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present the difference between occupational and para-occupational diseases in terms of Polish law. Also indicated is the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered to be work-related and the latest reports on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in workplaces are described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Polish law distinguishes two groups of diseases that may arise in connection with work: occupational diseases and work-related diseases (so-called para-occupational diseases). Despite the fact that both groups are connected with the work environment they are not equivalent in legal terms. CVDs are one of the greatest threat to human life. The pathogenesis of these diseases is highly dependent on the compilation of adverse risk factors, which are typically divided into modifiable and non-modifiable. To-date, modifiable factors, i.a. excess weight and high blood pressure, were mainly associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. However, a shift in perspective has taken place and currently researchers focus more on the work environment as a possible factor affecting people's health. It is emphasized that an unhealthy work environment increases the risk of CVD. Research shows that workplaces are rich in risk factors specifically related to work, including psychosocial, physical and chemical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Legal principles covering para-occupational diseases in Poland seem incomplete. It is suggested that providing detailed legal authorization and defining the bodies that will objectively and reliably engage in the diagnostic process of para-occupational diseases may be beneficial to employees.

Familial Correlates of Leisure Time Activities among Polish Early School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The after-school period may play a critical role in the accumulation of children's physical activity and sedentary time. The study aimed to characterize familial correlates of early school-age children's leisure time activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 223 children (mean age 8.7 ± 0.5) and their parents. The percentage of children with daily leisure time physical activity (LTPA) >1 h was 23.32%, and with daily screen time <2 h was 32.74%. The average children's leisure time physical activity was significantly higher on weekend days than on weekdays (114.85 vs. 89.43 min, p = 0.005). Similarly, the average screen time was higher on weekend days than on weekdays (95.50 vs. 66.10 min, p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of children's leisure time physical activity were the father's education level and the father's occupational status, whereas at least one parent with higher education correlated negatively with children's longer screen time. The study showed that children's leisure time activities are associated with parental education and differ significantly between weekdays and weekend days. These findings underline the need for screening for unfavorable health behaviors among early school-age children, and indicate that health promotion programs should be oriented on both parents and children aiming to improve parental health consciousness, reduce screen time and increase physical activity, especially during the weekend.

Renalase and hypertension-demographic and clinical correlates in obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Renalase plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder associated with hypertension and cardiovascular complications. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between sleep apnea and renalase concentration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients (n = 113) were evaluated for OSA in a sleep laboratory using polysomnography. The respiratory events were scored according to the standards developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The blood renalase concentration was determined by the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test. RESULTS: OSA (AHI ≥ 5) was diagnosed in 71% (n = 80) of the studied population. Renalase concentration was statistically significantly lower in the group with moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15) compared with the group without OSA (AHI < 5) (139.56 ± 175.72 ng/ml vs. 230.97 ± 240.50 ng/ml, p = 0.042). We have found statistically significant negative correlation between renalase and AHI in hypertensives, but not in normotensives. The statistically significant negative correlation was observed between AHI and renalase in the whole studied group, in males, and in the group of age < 60 years old. There was not such a correlation in females and in the group > 60 years old. Based on the regression model, it was shown that lower renalase concentration, hypertension, higher BMI, and male gender are independently associated with higher AHI. CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the blood renalase concentration and the severity of OSA, which may influence hypertension development in OSA.

The importance of selenium and zinc deficiency in cardiovascular disorders.

Cardiovascular diseases often linked with lifestyle are among the main causes of death, especially in the elderly population. The role of trace elements in health and disease has been emphasized in multiple scientific research. Moreover, supplementation of trace elements to improve health is becoming increasingly popular. The following paper presents current views on the relationship between the concentration of trace elements such as selenium and zinc in the body, as well as morphology and function of the cardiovascular system. Research discussing the effect of selenium and zinc supplementation on the function of the heart and blood vessels was also reviewed. The relationship between selenium and zinc concentration and morphology and function of the cardiovascular system is equally unclear, and therefore there is currently no scientific evidence for its supplementation for preventing cardiovascular diseases. It seems justified to continue scientific research on this subject due to the small number of experimental studies available on the topic of selenium and zinc deficiency and their impact on the cardiovascular system.

Radiation dose and repeatability of aortic valve measurement by multidetector row computed tomography to assess eligibility for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve stenosis is among the most common valvular defects in developed countries. In the assessment of eligibility for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is performed to determine the precise dimensions of the aortic valve, the topography of the aortic ostium and the ability to use various arterial access routes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationships between the radiation dose and the repeatability of measurements of dimensions of the aortic valve in MDCT performed before TAVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 60 consecutive patients undergoing MDCT before TAVI. The radiation dose was expressed as computed tomography dose index volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP). The coefficient of variation (CV) of each measurement was defined as the standard deviation (SD) of the measurements/mean measurement × 100%, based on the measurements performed independently by 2 radiologists. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative linear correlation was observed between the DLP value of the MDCT before TAVI, and the CV of the measurement of the minimum dimension of the aortic annulus (r = -0.25; p < 0.05). Lower DLP doses of the MDCT before TAVI constitute an independent factor associated with a higher CV for the measurement of the minimum dimension of the aortic annulus. CONCLUSIONS: It is proposed that tests using lower radiation doses should be followed by an assessment of the degree of repeatability of the aortic valve sizing.

Assessment of health condition as related to lifestyle among students in the examination period.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of changes in the students' lifestyle during an examination period on their health condition, as evidenced by changes to the body composition and metabolic rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 268 Wroclaw Medical University students (second- and third-year students). The study was performed 3 times (at the beginning of a semester, in the middle of a semester, and in the examination period) and included a completion of a questionnaire on the current lifestyle, as well as measurements of the body composition, the basal metabolic rate, and the waist and hip circumferences. The measurements were carried out with the use of a body composition analyzer (Tanita MC-780 MA) and a tape measure with a waist-hip ratio calculator. RESULTS: In the examination period, as compared with the rest of the semester, a significant decrease was observed in the metabolic rates, and the body water and muscle mass of the examined students. During that period, there were also more frequent adverse changes in the students' lifestyle. In the studied periods, a correlation was found between changes in the frequency of snacking, consuming sweets and cola drinks, and the alterations of the subjects' body fat mass, i.e., r = 0.161, r = 0.135, and r = 0.143, respectively. In turn, differences in the frequency of drinking wine, physical activity, sleep length, and time devoted to learning correlated with changes in the participants' body water, i.e., r = 0.140, r = 0.152, and r = 0.133 (r = -0.142, r = -0.147), respectively, and muscle mass, i.e., r = 0.141, r = 0.142, and r = 0.126 (r = -0.130, r = -0.142), respectively, and metabolism, i.e., r = 0.127, r = 0.145 and r = 0.135 (r = -0.127, r = -0.135), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the body composition and metabolic rates of the students during an examination period indicates that the changes occurring in various elements of their lifestyle (e.g., dietary habits, physical activity) can result in deteriorating their health condition. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(3):339-51.

Total antioxidant status reduction conditioned by a serum selenium concentration decrease as a mechanism of the ultrasonographically measured brachial artery dilatation impairment in patients with arterial hypertension.

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between serum concentrations of selenium (SeS) and zinc (ZnS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and endothelial function assessed by ultrasonographic method of dilatation of the brachial artery in 141 hypertensive patients. Patients with SeS < median were characterized by a statistically significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) than patients with SeS ≥ median. Patients with TAS < median were characterized by a significantly lower FMD than patients with TAS ≥ median. Older age, higher BMI, male gender, higher blood total cholesterol, ischemic heart disease, smoking and lower SeS constitute independent predictors of inferior endothelial function, expressed in lower FMD values. Smoking is an independent predictor of lower TAS, and the use of ß-blockers and higher serum selenium levels are independent predictors of higher TAS. In summary, a decrease in TAS should be considered as a mechanism of inferior endothelial function in hypertensive patients conditioned by a decrease in SeS.

The Relationship between Sleep Bruxism Intensity and Renalase Concentration-An Enzyme Involved in Hypertension Development.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Renalase, a novel amine oxidase, is involved in the development of hypertension. Sleep bruxism (SB) is a sleep-related behavior characterized by rhythmic or non-rhythmic activity of the masticatory muscles, which leads to the mechanical wear of teeth, pain in the masticatory muscles, and disturbed sleep. Recent studies indicate that SB plays a role in increased blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep bruxism intensity and renalase concentration, which may help in the future to elucidate the pathogenesis of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SB was evaluated in 87 adult patients using single-night diagnostic polysomnography with video and audio recordings, and the episodes of bruxism were scored according to the standards of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The levels of serum renalase were measured in the patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: SB (Bruxism Episode Index (BEI) ≥2) was diagnosed in 54% (n = 47) of the studied population, and the mean concentration of renalase was found to be decreased in the hypertensive group compared with the normotensive group (133.33 ± 160.71 vs 219.23 ± 220.58, p = 0.047). In addition, a linear negative correlation was observed between the renalase concentration and the body mass index (BMI) in the SB group (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) but not in controls. Thus, higher BEI and higher BMI were identified as factors independently associated with the lower concentration of renalase, but only in the group of patients which had a blood renalase concentration of >212.5 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: There exists an association between renalase concentration and SB intensity, and further studies are needed to clarify the role of renalase in the pathogenesis of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.

Alleviating Effect of α-Lipoic Acid and Magnesium on Cadmium-Induced Inflammatory Processes, Oxidative Stress and Bone Metabolism Disorders in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium exposure contributes to internal organ dysfunction and the development of chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the alleviating effect of α-lipoic acid and/or magnesium on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and disorders in bone metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hematological and biochemical parameters changes. Male rats were exposed to cadmium (30 mg Cd/kg of feed) for three months. Some animals exposed to Cd were supplemented with magnesium (150 mg Mg/kg of feed) and/or with α-lipoic acid (100 mg/kg body weight, four times a week). Cd intake inhibited body weight gain and lowered hemoglobin concentration, whereas it increased the activities of liver enzymes, as well as the level of oxidative stress, CTX-1 (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, bone resorption marker), and CRP (C-reactive protein, marker of inflammation); it decreased vitamin D3, GSH (reduced glutathione), and the serum urea nitrogen/creatinine index. Mg and/or α-lipoic acid supplementation increased the antioxidant potential, and partially normalized the studied biochemical parameters. The obtained results show that both magnesium and α-lipoic acid decrease oxidative stress and the level of inflammatory marker, as well as normalize bone metabolism and liver and kidney function. Combined intake of α-lipoic acid and magnesium results in reinforcement of the protective effect; especially, it increases antioxidant defense.

Influence of physical training on markers of bone turnover, mechanical properties, morphological alterations, density and mineral contents in the femur of rats exposed to cadmium and/or alcohol.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of physical training on bone parameters of rats exposed to alcohol (Al) and/or cadmium (Cd). Young female rats were divided into one control group and six groups exposed to Cd and/or Al. Al (36% calories of diet) and Cd (20 mg Cd/kg feed) were administered with liquid diet. Half of the rats from the treated groups were subjected to treadmill training (20 m/min for 0.5 h, 4 days a week). The experiment was carried out for 5 months. Al decreased the concentration of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) in the femur, whereas Cd and Cd + Al intake reduced the contents of Ca, Fe and zinc. Al and/or Cd caused an increase in both C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX1; bone resorption marker) and osteocalcin (OC; formation indicator) and enhanced the degree of porosity and flexural strength of the femur. Al partially prevented the loss of Fe from the bone caused by Cd, but intensified the inhibition of growth of body weight in comparison with separate exposure to Cd. In rats co-exposed to Cd + Al, the levels of CTX1 were greater compared with those treated with Al or Cd separately, and the density was less than that in rats exposed to Al separately. The training caused increases of magnesium and Ca contents, decreases in CTX1, as well as increases in OC and bone density, decreasing their porosity. The effect of training on the bone status, however, was limited (especially in rats co-exposed to Cd and Al) because of the increase in their mineralization, stimulated by exercises, was insufficient in relation to collagen production intensity. In conclusion, training had favourable effects on some bone parameters, but did not compensate for the negative effects of Al and/or Cd exposure on the poor mineralization and histopathological and morphological changes in the femur.