The Influence of Retinol Ointment on Rabbit Skin (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Ion Transport-An In Vitro Study.

Retinoids are known to improve the condition of the skin. Transepithelial transport of sodium and chloride ions is important for proper skin function. So far, the effect of applying vitamin A preparations to the skin on ion transport has not been evaluated. In the study, electrophysiological parameters, including transepithelial electric potential (PD) and transepithelial resistance (R), of rabbit skin specimens after 24 h exposure to retinol ointment (800 mass units/g) were measured in a modified Ussing chamber. The R of the fragments incubated with retinol was significantly different than that of the control skin samples incubated in iso-osmotic Ringer solution. For the controls, the PD values were negative, whereas the retinol-treated specimens revealed positive PD values. Mechanical-chemical stimulation with the use of inhibitors of the transport of sodium (amiloride) or chloride (bumetanide) ions revealed specific changes in the maximal and minimal PD values measured for the retinol-treated samples. Retinol was shown to slightly modify the transport pathways of sodium and chloride ions. In particular, an intensification of the chloride ion secretion from keratinocytes was observed. The proposed action may contribute to deep hydration and increase skin tightness, limiting the action of other substances on its surface.

Chitosan-Glycolic Acid Gel Modification of Chloride Ion Transport in Mammalian Skin: An In Vitro Study.

Chitosan, a polyaminosaccharide with high medical and cosmetic potential, can be combined with the beneficial properties of glycolic acid to form a gel that not only moisturizes the skin, but also has a regenerative effect. Its involvement in the activation of biochemical processes may be associated with the activity of skin ion channels. Therefore, the aim of the research was to evaluate the immediate (15 s) and long-term (24 h) effect of chitosan-glycolic acid gel (CGG) on the transepithelial electric potential and the transepithelial electric resistance (R) of skin specimens tested in vitro. Stimulation during immediate and prolonged application of CGG to skin specimens resulted in a significant decrease in the measured minimal transepithelial electric potential (PDmin). The absence of any change in the R after the CGG application indicates that it does not affect the skin transmission, or cause distortion, microdamage or changes in ion permeability. However, the reduction in potential may be due to the increased transport of chloride ions, and thus water, from outside the cell into the cell interior. Increased secretion of chloride ions is achieved by stimulating the action of the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance). It can be assumed that chitosan gently stimulates the secretion of chlorides, while maintaining a tendency to reduce the transport of sodium ions, without causing deformation or tissue damage.

The Impact of Diclofenac Gel on Ion Transport in the Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Skin: An In Vitro Study.

Diclofenac belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. Diclofenac administration on the skin may be associated with the appearance of side effects. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of diclofenac gel on transepithelial electrophysiological parameters of the 55 rabbit abdomen skin specimens. The electric parameters were analyzed in a modified Ussing chamber. The resistance (R) of the skin specimens treated with diclofenac gel significantly increased, which could be related to the reduction in the water content in intercellular spaces and, consequently, tighter adhesion of the cells. Increased electric potential (PD) was also observed in the skin specimens treated with diclofenac gel. The increase in both R and PD measured under stationary conditions was most likely caused by a transient and reversible increase in sodium ion transport, as the R and PD values decreased after the diclofenac gel was washed away. However, diclofenac gel did not affect the maximum and minimum PDs measured during stimulations. Therefore, it seems that diclofenac gel does not affect the perception of stimuli in the model system used.

Pyrethroids: How They Affect Human and Animal Health?

Pyrethroids are pesticides commonly used in crop protection; in the forestry, wood, and textile industries; as well as in medicine and veterinary medicine to treat parasitic crustacean infestations. They have been found to be relatively safe for humans and animals. Pyrethroids are recommended for personal protection against malaria and virus Zika by the World Health Organization. Pyrethroids act on voltage-gated sodium channels, which cause an influx of sodium ions into the nerve cells and permanent depolarization. They also influence activities of enzymes, especially in nerve and liver cells. Contact of pyrethroids with the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract results in their penetration into the body. Due to the importance of the subject, a summary of the current state of knowledge on the toxic effects of pyrethroids was presented in the comprehensive review by Chrustek et al, published in journal Medicina. Particular attention was paid to nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, cardiotoxic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, and behavioral effects of pyrethroids on human and animal bodies. It could be added that pyrethroids generate oxidative stress, which modifies DNA, RNA, protein, lipid and carbohydrate molecules. However, public awareness of the possible negative effects of the use of insecticides is still low. Further research should be carried out to clarify the molecular basis of the pathomechanism of pyrethroid detrimental action. Proper dissemination of the results seems to be of first importance for public health.

Female Volleyball Players Are More Prone to Cortisol Anticipatory Stress Response than Sedentary Women.

Background and Objectives: Top-level sports performance places heavy physical and psychological demands on elite-level athletes, which can be a source of increased levels of stress. Therefore, high-level volleyball players may present altered cardiovascular and endocrinological stress response during stressful events. Although many previous studies have examined the response to stress on athletes, most of them regarded only males, while the impact of the female menstrual cycle has rarely been taken into account. We aimed to study psychophysiological response to anticipatory stressor through analysis of heart rate, self-reported anxiety level, and salivary cortisol in healthy young female athletes by minimalizing the effect of confounders. Materials and Methods: A total of 55 females (25 members of the best league for female volleyball players in Poland and 30 sedentary-lifestyle control subjects) in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle were exposed to mental arithmetic tasks as an experimental imitation of the stressor. Volleyball players were significantly taller than sedentary individuals (177.1 ± 3.4 cm vs. 173.3 ± 3.4 cm, respectively, p = 0.034), but did not differ in weight (73.6 ± 5.2 kg vs. 70 ± 4.23 kg, respectively, p = 0.081), body mass index (BMI) (23.5 ± 1.13 vs. 24.1 ± 1.45, respectively, p = 0.060), and age (22 ± 1.11 vs. 23 ± 1.14 years, respectively, p = 0.2). Their stress responses were assessed through self-reported anxiety levels and physiological measurements of salivary cortisol concentrations and heart rate (HR). Results: For HR, significant effects of time (F(2,120) = 21.34, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.26) were found, but not for training status (F(1,60) = 2.69, p = 0.106, η2 = 0.04). For cortisol levels, the analysis showed the main effects of time (F(3,180) = 11.73, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.16) and training status (F(1,60) = 4.69, p = 0.034, η2 = 0.07) and a significant interaction between training status and time (F(3,180) = 3.07, p = 0.029, η2 = 0.05). Post-hoc analyses showed higher cortisol concentrations among volleyball players following the math task (all p < 0.001), as well as higher cortisol concentrations in S2, S3, and S4 compared to S1 in volleyball players (all p < 0.001). We observed also a significant increase in state anxiety in both groups (all p < 0.001), but no differences in state anxiety levels between groups. Conclusion: Female volleyball players may not differ in subjective graduation of stressors; however, exposure to training-based stressors seems to promote cortisol response to the anticipated stressor.

Capsaicin Used on Skin Influences Ion Transport Pathways: An in vitro Study.

Acute, adverse skin effects to capsaicin can be activated by inhibition of sodium transport not only in nociceptive neurons, but also in keratinocytes. The aim of the current study was to describe and compare immediate (15 s) and prolonged (30 min) effects of capsaicin on epidermal (not neural) sodium transport using a rabbit skin model. Skin fragments (n = 169) were incubated in 4 conditions: undisturbed ion transport (U; n = 48); inhibited sodium transport (INa; n = 34) with amiloride used as sodium transport blocker; long-term irritation by capsaicin with undisturbed ion transport (CAPSA-U; n = 43) and with inhibited sodium transport (CAPSA-INa; n = 35). After 30 min of incubation, a solution of capsaicin was applied directly to the skin fragments. The study demonstrated that sodium transport inhibition eliminated the effects of both immediate and prolonged capsaicin application. The results could be the basis for future research considering selective sodium transport inhibitors for human skin to reduce the side effects of capsaicin, related to activation of sodium channels in keratinocytes.

The immediate influence of deltamethrin on ion transport through rabbit skin. An in vitro study.

Deltamethrin can be absorbed into the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract and through the skin. The study was designed to assess the effect of deltamethrin on electrophysiological parameters of rabbit's skin, studied in vitro, to identify the mechanism of action and effects of short-term dermal exposure to deltamethrin. The objective of the study was to investigate changes in electrophysiological parameters after exposure to 0.01 M deltamethrin under unchanged conditions, in the presence of amiloride (sodium transport blocker) and bumetanide (chloride transport blocker). Exposure to deltamethrin reduced the electrophysiological reaction of examined tissue in unchanged conditions and during the sodium reabsorption phase but did not influence the chloride ion secretion phase. The presented data show that the pyrethroide affects transepithelial ion transport in the external layers of the skin. The inhibition of chloride and sodium ions enabled evaluation of the impact of the pesticide on dermal transport.

Current Research on the Safety of Pyrethroids Used as Insecticides.

Pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives of natural pyrethrins extracted from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. They are 2250 times more toxic to insects than to vertebrates due to insects' smaller size, lower body temperature and more sensitive sodium channels. In particular, three pyrethroid compounds, namely deltamethrin, permethrin, and alpha-cypermethrin, are commonly used as insecticides and are recommended for in-home insect control because they are considered to be relatively non-toxic to humans in all stages of life. However, recent data show that they are not completely harmless to human health as they may enter the body through skin contact, by inhalation and food or water, and absorption level depending on the type of food. Permethrin seems to have an adverse effect on fertility, the immune system, cardiovascular and hepatic metabolism as well as enzymatic activity. Deltamethrin induces inflammation, nephro- and hepatotoxicity and influences the activity of antioxidant enzymes in tissues. Alpha-cypermethrin may impair immunity and act to increase glucose and lipid levels in blood. The aim of the review is to provide comprehensive information on potential hazards associated to human exposure to deltamethrin, permethrin and alpha-cypermethrin. The results of presented studies prove that the insecticides must be used with great caution.

[The application of N-acetylcysteine in optimization of specific pharmacological therapies]. / Zastosowanie N-acetylocysteiny do optymalizacji specyficznych terapii farmakologicznych.

Based on the analysis of data from clinical trials it could be postulated that N-acetylcysteine has a positive impact on the treatment of various diseases. However, less is known about specific molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the reported therapeutic effects. N-acetylcysteine (NAC, N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is an amino acid derivative containing a thiol group. It is a precursor of L-cysteine and glutathione. NAC is well absorbed and safe for the body at doses up to 300 mg per kg of body weight. Side effects are relatively rare. NAC is used as an mucolytic agent in adjunctive therapy of respiratory diseases causing the retention of secretions, as well as an antidote in the treatment of paracetamol poisoning. Moreover, NAC protects against the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species and their active metabolites. NAC is involved in free radical scavenging processes via several independent mechanisms, including a direct reduction of free radicals, providing substrates for oxidation-reduction reactions and activation of antioxidant enzymes. In the blood, NAC decreases the level of low density lipoprotein peroxidation. In various tissues, NAC may increase the levels of glutathione and cysteine and stimulate the superoxide dismutase action. NAC is used as a supplement in the treatment of various diseases associated with impaired exterior and intracellular oxidative balance. NAC increases the concentrations of amino acids and their derivatives, including cysteine, cystine, and glutathione. It also stabilizes the antioxidant status of the cells and the intercellular spaces. NAC changes the levels of transcription factors, modifying the transcription of selected genes and acting on the protein translation. It works on the activation of several enzymes in the cells and outside the cells. Based on the analysis of data from clinical trials it can be concluded, that an administration of NAC may be beneficial for these groups of patients, in whom the reversible accumulation and the negative action of free radicals was observed.

Hairy cell leukemia - etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and modern therapeutic approach.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) represents 2% of all leukemia cases, with men aged above 55 years being the most affected. The most common symptoms of this type of leukemia include splenomegaly, monocytopenia, and neutropenia. In the basic blood count examination, leukopenia with monocytopenia and granulocytopenia, as well as aplastic anemia and/or thrombocytopenia occur. The mutation of ß-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (BRAF) proto-oncogene, which can be found in nearly 100% of patients, is an important feature of HCL. Immunophenotypic analysis of the HCL cells reveals high expression of B-lineage antigens, including CD19, CD20, and CD22. Additionally, CD11c, CD25, CD103, and CD123 belong to specific markers of HCL. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and ß-2-microglobulin concentration are also important in the patient's assessment. The differential diagnosis between HCL, hairy cell leukemia variant (HCL-V) and splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is of first importance. Currently, the main treatment for HCL involves the use of purine analogues, excluding pregnant women, individuals with severe infections, and those with relapsing HCL.

[Soluble selectins in myocardial infarction]. / Rozpuszczalne selektyny w zawale miesnia sercowego.

UNLABELLED: In myocardial infarction, the endothelial activation which induces leukocytes migration into the myocardial tissues, may play an important role in ischemic injury. Selectins, shedding from the surface of activated cells into bloodstream, maybe suggested as markers of endothelial activation and leukocytes stimulation. The aim of the study was evaluation. To evaluate serum soluble E- and P-selectin levels as endothelial activation marker and serum soluble L-selectin level as leukocytes stimulation marker in myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 27 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) The control group (K) consisted of 23 healthy subjects without symptoms of coronary artery disease. The concentration of soluble selectins (sE-, sP-, sL-selectin) were analyzed in venous blood serum. Results of routine laboratory tests: lipid levels, leukocyte count, prothrombin time were also included into statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant decrease in serum sL-selectin level was observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction compared to the control group. However, no difference was found in sE- and sP-selectin levels between the patient group and the control group. The sE-selectin level correlated positively with triglicerides level and inversely with HDL cholesterol level. There were a positive correlation between sP-selectin level and leukocyte count as well as inverse correlation between sP-selectin level and prothrombin time. The sL-selectin level correlated positively with leukocyte count. There were also a positive correlation between sP-selectin level and sE-selectin as well as sL-selectin levels. CONCLUSIONS: The sE-selectin level increases with the severity of atherogenic changes in serum lipid profil, and sP-selectin level increases due to inflammatory and prothrombotic processes. The sL-selectin level is influenced by inflamamatory processes in the vascular wall. The sE- and sP-selectin levels, unchanged compared to the control group, do not reflect adequately the degree of endothelial activation. An decreased sL-selectin level may indicate functional depletion of leukocytes in patients with myocardial infarction and make it difficult to assess the degree of leukocytes stimulation.

Effective Interventions in Obesity: Current Evidence and Concepts.

This Special Issue, entitled "Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Disorders" in the section "Clinical Nutrition" of Nutrients, addresses the metabolic changes that occur in humans as a result of the so-called western lifestyle [...].

Dietary Interventions in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

Here, we present a Special Issue of Nutrients entitled "Specialized Diet, Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases" containing up-to-date scientific data important to both researchers and the public [...].

Reduced sodium absorption in the colon under serotonin is a potential factor aggravating secretory diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin is a substance with a propulsive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It stimulates the intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes, and plays an important role in the pathophysiology of secretory diarrhea. However, the influence of serotonin on intestinal absorption is very poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the serotonin and selected antagonists of serotonin receptors, i.e., ondansetron (5-HT3) and GR113808 (5-HT4), on electrogenic sodium ion absorption in the colon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electrophysiologic method developed by Ussing and modified with a stimulating function on the mucosal side of the isolated colon wall was used. The influence of selected serotonergic compounds on the electrogenic transport of sodium ions under stationary conditions and mechanical stimulation was investigated. For this purpose, experiments were performed on specimens of isolated rabbit colon. Amiloride and bumetanide were used as reagents directly controlling individual ion transport. The data were analyzed using tests for paired samples (paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and one-sided sign test). RESULTS: Serotonin reduced stationary and stimulated colonic sodium absorption. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist did not influence the studied phenomenon, while 5-HT4 antagonists acted contrary to serotonin. CONCLUSIONS: Serotonin reduces both stationary and stimulated sodium ion absorption, thus playing an important role in the pathophysiology of secretory diarrhea. The described phenomenon depends on serotonin's action on 5-HT4 receptors.

The Role of Glutathione in Selected Viral Diseases.

During inflammatory processes, immunocompetent cells are exposed to substantial amounts of free radicals and toxic compounds. Glutathione is a cysteine-containing tripeptide that is an important and ubiquitous antioxidant molecule produced in human organs. The intracellular content of GSH regulates the detoxifying capacity of cells, as well as the inflammatory and immune response. GSH is particularly important in the liver, where it serves as the major non-protein thiol involved in cellular antioxidant defense. There are numerous causes of hepatitis. The inflammation of the liver can be caused by a variety of infectious viruses. The relationship between oxidative stress and the hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not fully known. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between hepatotropic viruses and glutathione status, including reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), as well as antioxidant enzymes, e.g., glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver diseases.

Nickel ions influence the transepithelial sodium transport in the trachea, intestine and skin.

Measurements of transepithelial potential and resistance in tissue and organ model systems enable the evaluation of the Ni2+ effect on the epithelial sodium channels, aquaporin 3, and the sodium-potassium pump in the epithelial cells. The aim of the presented study was to assess the immediate and prolonged effect of nickel ions on the transport of sodium ions in tissues exposed to direct contact with nickel, including airways, digestive tract and the skin. The influence of 0.1 mM nickel solution was performed on the trachea (n = 34), intestine (n = 44), and skin (n = 51) samples descended from 16 New Zealand albino rabbits. The electrophysiological parameters were measured in a modified Ussing chamber in stationary conditions and during a 15-s mechanical-chemical stimulation. A statistically significant decrease in the electric resistance values and the smallest range of the measured potential were observed for the Ni-treated trachea specimens. The use of nickel solution did not affect the sodium transport in the intestine epithelium. The skin fragments showed altered sodium ion transport, as demonstrated by the lower range and intensity of the measured potential. The gastrointestinal tract seems to be an organ best adapted to contact with nickel ions. In airways, nickel ions most likely enter epithelial cells and the space between them, modifying proteins and the airway surface liquid. The skin turned out to be the most sensitive tissue to the intensification of sodium ion transport through nickel ions.

Evaluation of Serum Iron Parameters among Men Performing Regular Physical Activity-A Preliminary Study.

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common issues in clinical practice. It can be caused by intense physical activity, among other things. The aim of the study was to assess serum iron parameters in a group of men who engage in regular physical activity. The study group was composed of 20 men who regularly perform strength or endurance sports, whereas the control group consisted of 20 men without any sports activity. The red blood cell (RBC) parameters, platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell (WBC) count in venous blood samples were assessed with an automated hematology analyzer. The serum concentration of ferritin was determined through an immunology assay. There were no statistically significant differences between groups comparing RBC parameters and WBC. However, statistical analysis showed dissimilarity in PLT count and serum ferritin concentration comparing control and study groups (p < 0.05). It was shown that lower serum ferritin concentration concerns men with regular physical activity, whereas other blood parameters were not affected in this group.

30-Min Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Influences Airway Ion Transport-An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important causes of cancer in humans. However, it has not been proven how long exposure to cigarette smoke is sufficient to induce cancerogenesis. Cigarette smoke can cause changes in ion and water transport and the maintenance of mucociliary transport. The conducted research concerned the assessment of changes in ion transport in rabbit tracheal specimens after 30 min of exposure to cigarette smoke. Materials and Methods: A modified Ussing chamber was used to measure the transepithelial electrical potential under stationary conditions (PD) and during mechanical stimulation (PDmin), and the transepithelial electrical resistance (R) in control and cigarette smoke-exposed tracheal fragments. Results: Significant changes in PD (-2.53 vs. -3.92 mV) and PDmin (-2.74 vs. -0.39 mV) were noted for the samples exposed to smoke, which can be associated with a rise in reactivity after applying a mechanical stimulus. In addition, the measured R (108 vs. 136 Ω/cm2) indicated no changes in the vitality of the samples, but an increase in their permeability to ions in the experimental conditions. Conclusions: A single 30-min exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to be associated with increased permeability of the tracheal epithelium to ions and thus to substances emitted during smoking, which might be sufficient to create the possibility of initiating procarcinogenic processes.