The relationship between interleukin-13 and angiogenin in patients with bladder cancer.

Participation of anti-inflammatory interleukin-13 (IL-13) in the process of carcinogenesis was well studied. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the process of tumour growth and metastasis. Higher expression of angiogenin (ANG) have been proven in many types of cancers. The aim of the study was to more fully understand the significance of plasma IL-13 as an immunomodulator and ANG as a stimulator of the angiogenesis process in patients with bladder cancer (BC) and to investigate the relationship between parameters. These parameters were examined in the group of BC patients and in subgroups of BC depending on clinical stage: non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), histopathologic malignancy low grade (LG), high grade (HG) and in primary and recurrent BC. The level of IL-13 and ANG in the plasma of BC patients and controls were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All calculations were done using the STATISTICA 13.3 (TIBCO software Inc.). Plasma levels of IL-13 and ANG were significantly higher in BC patients and in all patient subgroups examined than in the controls (p < 0.001). A negative significant correlation was found between ANG and IL-13 levels in BC-patients. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), IL-13 had good diagnostic value in BC. The presented results may suggest a relationship between angiogenesis and inflammation in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and the development of this disease. With the increase of IL-13 level in BC-patients plasma, the ANG level decreased.

The impact of metalloestrogens on the physiology of male reproductive health as a current problem of the XXI century.

In the XXIst century in highly developed countries, progressively decreasing male reproductive potential is indicated. In recent years epidemiological studies indicate the deterioration of semen parameters: reduction of ejaculate volume, sperm count, and mobility, as well as abnormalities in their morphology. Male infertility can result from many different agents, such as: anatomical or genetic abnormalities, systemic or neurological diseases, infections, trauma, iatrogenic injury, gonadotoxins and development of sperm antibodies and lifestyle (especially obesity, heat and tobacco smoking). It is well documented that adverse changes in male fertility also seem to be associated with environmental exposure to different substances, especially endocrine active factors, known as xenoestrogens, and among these metal ions, known as metalloestrogens, are very important. The role of some metalloestrogens in various diseases, both in women and men, is known and particularly well-proven in women, but still little is known about their role in the regulation of male reproductive potential. Thus we decided to analyse the available information exploring this problem. The review was carried out using the Medline and Google Scholar databases, using the keywords: xenoestrogens, metalloestrogens, male fertility, semen quality, male reproductive potential, mechanisms of metalloestrogen action, environmental pollution and the name of the particular metal. Articles published between 2000 - 2019 have been taken into account, including human and vertebrate animal studies and cell lines. The aim of this review is to discuss the role and mechanisms of action of fifteen metalloestrogens in the human organism, as well as in animal models, and cell cultures, paying special attention to their influence on the physiology of male reproductive health, according to the current state of knowledge. The role of certain metals in human reproduction is still poorly investigated and for some of them only single studies are available. Many factors in our daily lives have a significant impact on male fertility, therefore education is necessary on the threats and how they may be eliminated as far as possible.

Induction of immune responses in sheep by vaccination with liposome-entrapped DNA complexes encoding Toxoplasma gondii MIC3 gene.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that has been extensively studied due to its medical and veterinary importance in terminating pregnancies. Consequently, a satisfactory vaccine is required to control its adverse effects on pregnant animals. The microneme protein, MIC3, is a major adhesion protein that binds to the surface of host cells and parasites, and is therefore a potential vaccine against T. gondii. The viability of MIC3 as a vaccine is investigated in this study. Sheep were injected twice, intramuscularly, with plasmids containing DNA encoding for the mature form of MIC3 protein formulated into liposomes. Control sheep were injected with an empty vector or received no injections. The injection of sheep with DNA plasmids encoding for MIC3 elicited an immune response after the first and second injections as indicated by antibody responses and the production of IFN-gamma. The immune response, as measured by the IgG2 and IgG1 serum levels, was boosted after the injection of the MIC3 DNA vaccine together with high anti-MIC3 antibodies. The results demonstrate that the intramuscular injection of sheep with a plasmid containing DNA coding for MIC3 protein induces a significant and effective immune response against T. gondii.

Application of recombinant antigens in serodiagnosis of swine toxoplasmosis and prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pigs in Poland.

In this study, to determine the prevalence of swine toxoplasmosis, 1754 pigs from different regions of Poland were tested for IgG antibodies by an in-house ELISA technique based on native Toxoplasma lysate antigen. Seropositive individuals were found in 19.2% of the examined population. The diagnostic usefulness of three T. gondii recombinant antigens (rMAG1, rSAG1, and rGRA7), either individually or in cocktails (M1: rMAG1 + rSAG1; M2: rMAG1 + rGRA7; M3: rSAG1 + rGRA7; M4: rMAG1 + rSAG1 + rGRA7) were also assessed with serum samples from naturally infected pigs by ELISA analysis. Both rSAG1 and rGRA7 antigens detected specific IgG antibodies with a similar sensitivity (85.3% and 81.3%, respectively), whereas the lower sensitivity was obtained for rMAG1 (only 64%). Better results of reactivity were obtained for mixtures of two antigens: M1 (86.7%), M2 (89.3%) and M3 (92%). Furthermore, the reactivity of three antigens cocktail M4 (97.3%) was much higher than that of individual proteins and combinations containing two antigens. These results suggest that the combination of three recombinant antigens might be useful for the serological detection of T. gondii infection in pigs.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan.

Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii Apicomplexa protozoan, is widespread in humans and other animal species, having already been reported in many countries and different climates. In Pakistan, no data is available on this aspect among food animals. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats. A total of 200 serum samples from sheep and goats, were collected from urban area of Rahim Yar Khan (Punjab), Pakistan and tested for Toxoplasmosis with a commercial latex agglutination kit (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. Japan). The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis was 19%. Goats had a significantly higher (p < 0.01) prevalence (25.4%) as compared to the sheep (11.2%); and higher (p < 0.01) in the female (24%) than in the males (19%) for both species. In the present study the male (both in sheep and goat) are found less seropositive T. gondii (OR = 0.23; 99% C.I. = 0.01, 1.81) as compared to female sheep and goat. The prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in adult sheep than younger animals. Among both the sheep and goats the group from 1-1.5 years are highly seropositive (OR = 1.75; 99% C.I. = 0.47, 6.51) as compared to the group less than one year of age followed by the 2-2.5 years age group (OR = 1.63; 99% C.I. = 0.50, 5.74) whereas group with more than 3 years of age least seropositive.

Usefulness of Toxoplasma gondii recombinant antigens (GRA1, GRA7 and SAG1) in an immunoglobulin G avidity test for the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

The precise diagnosis of an acute and recent Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women and the newborn child is important before treatment. This study describes a new Toxoplasma gondii IgG avidity test based on a combination of recombinant GRA1, GRA7 and SAG1 antigens and shows that this test is useful for diagnostic purposes and may replace the lysed, whole-cell antigens. Although more sera need to be tested, the results obtained here suggest that the IgG avidity test performed with rec-antigens correlated more with the stage of a T. gondii infection than the IgG avidity results obtained with the lysed, whole-cell antigen test, the VIDAS Toxo IgG avidity (bioMérieux).

Styrene and ethylene glycol have a synergetic effect on lipid peroxidation that is better protected than repaired by CoQ10.

Previous study of a group of 22 workers occupationally exposed to styrene, ethylene glycol and their mixture at a paint and lacquer industry indicated significantly elevated concentration of malondialdehyde with 4-hydroxynonenal (MDA+4-HNE) in the blood plasma, successfully decreased with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation. The aim of present study is to evaluate whether the exposure to styrene or/and ethylene glycol could be responsible for the increase in MDA level. The mechanism of a single solvent action and the mixture was examined, specially whether it is connected with hydroxyl radical (*OH) generation. It was also investigated whether coenzyme Q10 could be considered as a protective (given before the solvents) or repairing (given after the solvents) agent in oxidative stress caused by the solvents. The results indicate that ethylene glycol nor styrene increase MDA and *OH, but as a mixture give synergetic interaction, elevating MDA and *OH concentration to a statistically significant extent. Coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 3.0 microg/ml only protects, but does not repair increased lipid peroxidation caused by ethylene glycol with styrene. In order to obtain both a protective and repairing effect, a concentration of 12.0 microg/ml CoQ is needed.

Oxidative stress and coenzyme Q10 supplementation in renal transplant recipients.

Recently some reports about the oxidative stress in renal transplant recipients have been published. The role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as radical scavanger is largely known. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective role of CoQ10 in renal transplant recipients on lipid peroxidation and lipids parameters, as well as its influence on antioxidant enzymes, neutrophils chemiluminescence and urinary enzymes. The study was performed in 11 long term allograft recipients treated additionally with CoQ10 90 mg/day in three doses, 30 mg each for four weeks. The malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the basic parameters of lipid metabolism such as total cholesterol (TC), high and low density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), triglycerides (TG), atherogenicity indicators [LDL/HDL; (TC-HDL)/HDL] were evaluated. The chemiluminescence of neutrophils (luminol, fLMP-method) were mesured and the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanylaminopeptidase (AAP), elastase, alpha-1-antitrypsin. All parameters were estimated before and after CoQ10 treatment. Statistically significant changes were noticed with the LDL and atherogenicity indicators (p < 0.01) (decrease) as well as HDL level (p < 0.001) (increase). Also the significant decrease of fMLP stimulated PMNL chemiluminescence (p < 0.05) confirms the antioxidative properties of CoQ10. The significant increase of NAG activity (p < 0.05) can't be the result of nephrotoxic effect, because NAG-B is unchanged. Serum concentration of creatinine and cyclosporine A in renal allograft recipients was unchanged after CoQ10 treatment. The presented date shows that further study with CoQ10 treatment in renal transplant in larger numbers and over longer periods should be considered.

Usefulness of Toxoplasma gondii-specific recombinant antigens in serodiagnosis of human toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii SAG1, GRA1, and GRA7 recombinant antigens may be regarded as tools for the detection of T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies in persons with chronic and acute toxoplasmosis. GRA7 is more correlated with acute toxoplasmosis. A combination of these antigens will increase the sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Tachyzoite-specific isoform of Toxoplasma gondii lactate dehydrogenase is the target antigen of a murine CD4(+) T-cell clone.

In two-dimensionally separated Toxoplasma gondii lysate, mouse Th1 clone 3Tx15 detects two proteins of apparent molecular weight 40000 and pI of 5.8 and 5.9. Microsequencing of peptide fragments from tryptic digestion of one of these proteins yielded partial sequences of T. gondii lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)1. As shown by Western blot, toxoplasmic LDH co-migrates in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with both T-cell antigenic proteins. With synthetic peptides spanning the complete primary structure of T. gondii LDH1, the T-cell epitope was mapped to a nine amino acid partial sequence which exhibits a motif for binding to I-E(k), the class II restriction element of antigen recognition by clone 3Tx15. From the two known isoforms of T. gondii LDH, clone 3Tx15 specifically recognises tachyzoite LDH1, but not bradyzoite LDH2, as shown with the corresponding epitope peptides and recombinant proteins. Antigen-presenting cells infected with live bradyzoites stimulate 3Tx15 T cells, while killed bradyzoites provide no antigenic stimulus. This finding implies that a transformation into the tachyzoite stage occurs in cells challenged with bradyzoites. Although LDH1 represents one major constituent of the tachyzoite proteome, the protein does not seem to be immunogenic in T. gondii infection of mice. This is evident from the lack of serum anti-LDH immunoreactivity and the failure of adoptively transferred 3Tx15 T cells to protect against lethal challenge. In conclusion, a T-cell-stimulatory Toxoplasma antigen is identified by means of a novel, high-resolution T-cell blot technique, the clones antigenic fine specificity allowing detection of parasite-stage conversion.

[Congenital jejunoileal and colonic atresia]. / Wrodzone zarosniecie jelita cienkiego i rubego.

Jejunoileal and colonic atresias are a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Authors present the aetiology, types of atresias, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, surgical treatment, problems of postoperative management and prognosis in the newborns with congenital intestinal atresia. In the years 1992-2000, in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and in the Department of Pathology and Intensive Care of Newborn at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, 539 newborns were surgically treated (congenital anomalies of gastrointestinal tract, genito-urinary system, central nervous system, defects of abdominal wall and diaphragm). In 21 patients jejunoileal or colonic atresia were confirmed. On the base of the course of treatment the authors analyse prognostic factors: prematurity, certain types of atresia, additional pathology accompanying intestinal defect, necessesity of re-section of the long part of the bowel or multiple anastomosis. Diagnostic and treatment problems in three patients with short bowel syndrome needed additional discussion.

[Preoperative diagnosis and surgical treatment tactics for anorectal malformations in light of personal observations]. / Diagnostyka przedoperacyjna i taktyka leczenia operacyjnego wad odbytu i odbytnicy w swietle doswiadczen wlasnych.

The article presents contemporary views on classification, diagnostics and surgical treatment of congenital anorectal anomalies. The model of one stage or multi stage repair depending on the kind of defect and the necessity the anal sphincter muscles reconstruction was discussed. It was noticed that the most important independent factor which can have influence on the functional outcome is a normally developed sacral bone. The objective method of evaluation of the sacrum proposed by Schneider Hospital in New York is presented.

[Advances in treatment of congenital gastroschisis based on personal examinations]. / Postepy w leczeniu wrodzonego wytrzewienia na podstawie badan wlasnych.

The aim of the study was the definition of standard approach to a newborn with gastroschisis. The rules of treatment introduced in 1992 enabled the closure of the abdominal wall primarily in all newborns and made it possible to decrease the mortality considerably. This was achieved despite the fact that we usually did not have influence on time and method of delivery or quality of transportation to our department. In the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Institute Mother and Child, in the years 1992-1997, twenty three newborns with gastroschisis were admitted. The standard approach in all patients was the following: insertion of the catheters to the small bowel through the appenddicocaecostomy and to the large bowel through the rectum, intraoperative irrigation of the meconium (mucosolvan), forceful stretching of the abdominal wall, returning of extraabdominal viscera under control of central venous pressure or middle airway pressure (anesthesiologic control). In the postoperative period all patients routinely had controlled ventilation, administration of analgesic drugs, catecholamines, antibiotics and total parenteral nutrition. Intestinal catheters were gradually removed every day for irrigations of all levels. Oral nutrition was started after the return of effective peristalsis. From 23 treated newborns 16 are alive. 7 children died, 4 of them were resuscitated before operation because of severe general condition. Two patients died because of sepsis in the second month of life, one because of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in the third week of life. Sixteen children are followed up. The development of all children is normal.

Enzymuria in antibiotic therapy of acute infections.

Activities of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), its isoenzyme NAG-B, alanylaminopeptidase (AAP), elastase and trypsin inhibitor (alpha 1 PI) were evaluated as markers of nephrotoxicity and inflammation in acute infections treated with various antibiotics (vancomycin, netilmicin, pefloxacine, cefoperazone and imipenem).

The chemoprotective effect of coenzyme Q on lipids in the paint and lacquer industry workers.

The influence of coenzyme Q on the lipid parameters in the paint and lacquer industry workers is presented. The examinations were carried out in the group of 24 workers employed at the paint and lacquer production, who received coenzyme Q10 as a chemoprotective agent. Serum concentration of basic lipid parameters: total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG); lipid peroxidation products: malonyldialdehyde (MDA) together with 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and two antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were examined. The above parameters were measured in workers exposed to organic solvents and then after 4 weeks of coenzyme Q treatment. In order to explain, whether the occupational exposure is responsible for the changed level of some parameters, the reference group, not employed in the paint and lacquer industry, was used. The results indicated that the preliminary blood serum concentration of MDA + 4-HNE in workers exposed to organic solvents was significantly elevated in comparison to the control group. Statistically significant decrease in MDA + 4HNE concentration was observed after coenzyme Q treatment what lead to the conclusion that coenzyme Q could be considered as a protective agent against lipid peroxidation in occupational exposure. The changes in other parameters were statistically insignificant.

Effect of integration host factor of RNA II synthesis in replication of plasmid containing orip 15A.

The synthesis rates of the replication control RNAs of plasmid orip15A. RNA I, an inhibitor of replication, and RNA II, the primer, have been determined using lacZ fusion plasmids, hybridization assay, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in Escherichia coli integration host factor-positive (IHF+) and -negative (IHF-) strains containing pACYC184 plasmid (orip15A). In the absence of IHF (E. coli IHF-), expression of the lacZ gene from the PRNAII promoter increased by a factor of 4 compared with the E. coli wild type (IHF+). Also, the increase in expression was more pronounced when the IHF protein was mutated in the ihfB gene than in the ihfA gene. For the PRNAII promoter of oripMB1 (pBR322), no significant differences were found in expression of the lacZ gene in he E. coli strains examined. The level of beta-galactosidase expression from the PRNA promoter of orip 15A shows that the absence of functional IHF in the transformed strains has no effect on expression of the lacZ gene. The synthesis RNA II:RNA I ratio obtained in hybridization assays was 2.4 for E. coli IHF+ and 4.4 for E. coli IHF-. Densitometric analysis of RT-PCR products indicates that the relative levels of RNA I in E. coli IHF+ and IHF-, are equal, but the relative level of RNA II in E. coli IHF is about four times higher than in E. coli IHF+. These results indicate that the IHF protein inhibits transcription from the PRNAII promoter of orip15A plasmid.