Berberis vulgaris L. Root Extract as a Multi-Target Chemopreventive Agent against Colon Cancer Causing Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines.

Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) is a shrub that has been widely used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the chemopreventive action of the plant's methanolic root extract (BVR) against colon cancer cells. Studies were conducted in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS180 and HT-29) and control colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. According to the MTT assay, after 48 h of cell exposure, the IC50 values were as follows: 4.3, 46.1, and 50.2 µg/mL for the LS180, HT-29, and CCD841 CoN cells, respectively, showing the greater sensitivity of the cancer cells to BVR. The Cell Death Detection ELISAPLUS kit demonstrated that BVR induced programmed cell death only against HT-29 cells. Nuclear double staining revealed the great proapoptotic BVR properties in HT-29 cells and subtle effect in LS180 cells. RT-qPCR with the relative quantification method showed significant changes in the expression of genes related to apoptosis in both the LS180 and HT-29 cells. The genes BCL2L1 (126.86-421.43%), BCL2L2 (240-286.02%), CASP3 (177.19-247.83%), and CASP9 (157.99-243.75%) had a significantly elevated expression, while BCL2 (25-52.03%) had a reduced expression compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, in a panel of antioxidant tests, BVR showed positive effects (63.93 ± 0.01, 122.92 ± 0.01, and 220.29 ± 0.02 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in the DPPH•, ABTS•+, and ORAC assays, respectively). In the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition test, BVR revealed 62.60 ± 0.87% of enzyme inhibition. The chemical composition of BVR was determined using a UHPLC-UV-CAD-MS/MS analysis and confirmed the presence of several known alkaloids, including berberine, as well as other alkaloids and two derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic and sinapic acid hexosides). The results are very promising and encourage the use of BVR as a comprehensive chemopreventive agent (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic) in colorectal cancer, and were widely discussed alongside data from the literature.

Temperature-Stimulated Morphological Features of Advanced High-Strength Medium-Mn TRIP Steel.

Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSSs) are one of the most rapidly developing group of Fe-based metallic materials. Their excellent combination of high strength, ductility and formability is due to their complex microstructure and strain-induced martensitic transformation of metastable retained austenite (RA), which favors extra ductility of the sheet steels. A deformation temperature is one of the most important factors affecting the phase transformation behavior in these Fe­C­Mn­Al­Si systems. Therefore, the present study aimed at understanding the temperature-dependent phase transformations and structural phenomena in an advanced medium-Mn­Al-alloyed steel. The 3Mn steel was thermomechanically processed and subjected to tensile testing in a temperature range from 20°C to 200°C. The different extent of the strain-induced martensitic transformation and some softening phenomena of bainitic ferrite matrix were revealed using transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. It was found that the thermal stability of RA is strongly dependent on the deformation temperature. Moreover, the dynamic recovery and carbide precipitation play a key role when the deformation temperature is increased to 140°C and higher temperatures.

Targeting Inflammation by Anthocyanins as the Novel Therapeutic Potential for Chronic Diseases: An Update.

Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) and oxidative stress act as cooperative and synergistic partners in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases. Polyphenols, including anthocyanins, are involved in regulating the inflammatory state and activating the endogenous antioxidant defenses. Anthocyanins' effects on inflammatory markers are promising and may have the potential to exert an anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, translating these research findings into clinical practice would effectively contribute to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. The present narrative review summarizes the results of clinical studies from the last 5 years in the context of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative role of anthocyanins in both health and disease. There is evidence to indicate that anthocyanins supplementation in the regulation of pro-inflammatory markers among the healthy and chronic disease population. Although the inconsistencies between the result of randomized control trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses were also observed. Regarding anthocyanins' effects on inflammatory markers, there is a need for long-term clinical trials allowing for the quantifiable progression of inflammation. The present review can help clinicians and other health care professionals understand the importance of anthocyanins use in patients with chronic diseases.

Lifestyle Intervention Program for Amelioration of Dysmetabolism in Overweight Women.

Overweight and obesity, a cluster of multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis such as elevated blood pressure, elevated glucose level, and dyslipidemia, increase the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Physical activity and a proper diet are essential preventive measures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a two-month intervention program consisting of a low-caloric diet (1,500 kcal) and increased physical activity on the anthropometric parameters, body composition, resting metabolic rate, and maximum oxygen uptake. The study was conducted in 22 women aged 20-38 with diagnosed overweight or obesity. We found that after completing the eight-week-long intervention program, there were significant changes in body composition, consisting of a smaller proportion of body fat and increased lean body mass. Further, we observed a decrease in body weight by 4.3 ± 2.5 kg (p < 0.01), a reduction in waist and hip circumference of 2.6 ± 4.5 cm (p < 0.01) and 4.4 ± 2.9 cm (p < 0.01), respectively, and an increase in maximum oxygen uptake by about 5.2 ± 8.4 ml/kg/min (p < 0.01). We conclude that the intervention program consisting of counseling on diet and physical activity may be highly motivational for patients with excess body weight and care givers should give it a try before commencing more aggressive psychopharmacological therapies.

Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life in Liver Transplant Patients.

This study seeks to evaluate the metabolic parameters such as body mass index (BMI), percentage of total body fat percentage (%BF), blood glucose, homeostatic index for quantification of insulin resistance and beta-cell function (HOMA-IR), sleep efficiency, and physical activity in liver transplant patients. The study group consisted of 24 male and 18 female patients, which enabled the inter-gender comparison. We found that a majority of patients had exceeded the norms for BMI and %BF. The excessive weight was distinctly accentuated in male patients. Only 40.5% of patients have a correct BMI and 21.4% of patients have a correct %BF. The indices of glucose metabolism were increased, pointing to enhanced insulin resistance. Resting energy expenditure and metabolic equivalent of task were characteristic of sedentary lifestyle, and they were lower in female patients. Almost 65% of patients had sleep efficiency below the desired 85% cut-off level. Further, sleep efficiency was decreasing with increasing BMI, %BF, and blood glucose level. In conclusion, liver transplant patients are characterized by excessive body mass and less physical activity and have a shortened sleep duration, all of which may lead to a worse glucose metabolism and increased disease risk and may also have an impact on quality of life.

Maternal Nutritional and Water Homeostasis as a Presage of Fetal Birth Weight.

Birth weight is a key determinant of perinatal outcomes which affect physical development and metabolic function. In this study, we evaluated the potential role of maternal body composition and nutritional status in programing fetal birth weight. This was a longitudinal study that included 29 pregnant women and their full-term newborns. Maternal dietary energy and fluid intake and body adipose tissue were assessed. In addition, we measured the serum content of copeptin, aldosterone, and angiotensin II in maternal and umbilical cord blood. The measurements were done across the three trimesters of pregnancy, on average, at 11.6 weeks, 18.3 weeks, and 30.2 weeks. Each newborn's birth weight was determined at the percentile line, using the World Health Organization (WHO) standards based on the gestational age, gender, and weight. We found no appreciable relation of fetal birth weight to the maternal dietary and fluid intakes, and the content of angiotensin II, aldosterone, or copeptin. However, birth weight correlated with increases in body adipose tissue in early pregnancy stages. Further, birth weight correlated positively with copeptin and adversely with angiotensin II in cord blood. We conclude that the present findings may be helpful in the assessment of a critical level of body adipose tissue in women of child-bearing age, above which the potential risk of macrosomia appears. The female population of child-bearing age needs a continual update on the nutritional knowledge to prevent modifiable maternal and fetal perinatal complications.

[Wplyw makroskladników pokarmowych na zwiazane z wiekiem zwyrodnienie plamki zóltej]. / Wplyw makroskladników pokarmowych na zwiazane z wiekiem zwyrodnienie plamki zóltej.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the world and may affect about 30-50 million people. Due to prevalence of this disease and the progressive population aging in recent years, in addition to conventional methods of treatment of AMD, there are more preventive and treatment support factors that can be used. An adequate diet, especially rich in antioxidant compounds, seems to play an important role in this case. Available scientific data suggest that an important role in AMD prevention and / or delay may play the appropriate selection of macronutrients, in particular fats and carbohydrates. In this work, based on the available data, the study reviews the relationship between the intake of selected nutrients and age-related macular degeneration.

[The effect of selected vitamins, minarals and antioxidants on age-related macular degeneration]. / Wplyw wybranych witamin, skladników mineralnych i przeciwutleniaczy na zwiazane z wiekiem zwyrodnienie plamki zóltej.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressively degenerative disease at the central area of the retina, which results in severe visual impairment. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among people aged over 65 in developed countries. Therapies that focus on prevention through optimization of modifiable risk factors such as diet and nutritional status are key approaches to reducing the burden of disease. An adequate diet, especially rich in antioxidant compounds, seems to play an important role in this case. Available scientific data suggest that vitamins A, E, C and carotenoids, in particular lutein and zeaxantine and some minerals, may play an important role in the prevention and / or delay of AMD. There are also new data on the importance of other ingredients such as flavonoids in the AMD development. In this work, based on the available data, the study reviews the relationship between the intake of selected antioxidant nutrients and age-related macular degeneration.

Dietary macronutrients and fluid intakes in a sample of pregnant women with either gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes mellitus, assessed in comparison with Polish nutritional guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy is a critical period during which environmental factors such as nutrition can affect development. Maintaining proper nutrition becomes even more significant when pregnant women have diabetes. The aim of this study was to measure changes in energy and macronutrient intakes among pregnant women and patients diagnosed either with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy, or, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) before pregnancy, and to assess the pregnant women's dietary intakes in comparison with Polish Institute of Food and Nutrition nutritional guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was conducted among 83 pregnant women (29 GDM patients, 26 T1DM patients and 28 normal pregnancy patients - the control group) from whom we gathered nutritional data during the second part of their pregnancies. Data on each woman's diet during pregnancy was collected is self-completed dietary records during seven consecutive 24-hour periods. RESULTS: The mean macronutrient intake of the GDM patients was 32.1% fat, 19.5% protein, and 48.3% carbohydrates; in the T1DM group the results were 34.2%, 19.4% and 46.4% respectively; and in control group they were 31.8%, 17.6% and 50.5% respectively. This study showed that many of the pregnant women did not reach the recommended level of energy intake during pregnancy. Moreover, most of the women exceeded their fat requirements, and fat intake as a proportion of energy intakes also exceeded the guidelines in more than 60% of the women across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implications and possible causes of excessive fat intake during pregnancy and pregnancies complicated by diabetes are underestimated and undertreated by obstetricians and warrant further investigation, especially in association with gestational weight gain, maternal and fetal perinatal complications, and post-gestational diabetes.

Dietary vitamin and mineral intakes in a sample of pregnant women with either gestational diabetes or type 1 diabetes mellitus, assessed in comparison with Polish nutritional guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Maintaining proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for pregnant women and especially for who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: To measure differences in vitamin and mineral intakes among women with normal pregnancies, pregnant women with GDM, and pregnant women with pre-gestational T1DM; and to assess the women's dietary intakes in comparison with Polish nutritional guidelines. The analysis was conducted among 83 pregnant women (29 GDM patients, 26 T1DM patients and 28 normal pregnancy participants) from whom we collected seven-day 24-hour dietary records during the second part of their pregnancies. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences observed for most of the vitamin and mineral intakes across the three groups. However, we did observe a significant difference in the vitamin C and calcium intakes between groups. The mean vitamin C and calcium intakes were significantly higher in the control group than among the diabetic patients. Insufficient dietary calcium intakes were found among 52.3% of the GDM patients and 61.6% of the T1DM participants, while only 28.6% of the normal pregnancy patients experienced a calcium deficiency. The highest incidence of inadequate intake in each of the GDM, T1DM and control groups was observed for vitamin D (100%, 100%, 100%), folate (97.7%, 100%, 100%), iron (97.7%, 100%, 100%), and iodine (97.7%, 92.4%, 85.7%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Diet alone may not be enough to provide adequate levels of vitamins and minerals for most micronutrients. Supplement use reduces the risk of inadequate intake for many micronutrients, but diet-related issues during pregnancy and pregnancy diagnosed with diabetes remain, and they deserve to be addressed during public health interventions.

The role of social support in women's health and recovery processes.

The aim of this study was to assess the psychological state of women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer or cardiac surgery, including examination of the role of social support in both groups. The study included 48 women (mean age: 66.04 ± 8.3 years). They were divided into two groups according to diagnosis: 23 women (mean age: 69.2 ± 8.6 years) who underwent heart surgery (cardiac group, CG) and 25 women (mean age: 63.2 ± 7.0 years) treated for breast cancer and associated with the Women After Mastectomy Club (oncology group, OG). In addition to the assessment of socio-demographic variables, the following self-report questionnaires were administered: Satisfaction with Life Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory as well as Berlin Social Support Scale. In the CG, the severity of depressive symptoms was two times higher than in OG (p = .003). In both groups, there was a high percentage (80%) of women with severe symptoms of anxiety (p = .37). In both groups, the level of life satisfaction was similar (p = .58), but OG was characterized by a higher level of acceptance of the disease (p = .003). The correlation analysis showed that in both groups, social support was related differently to the parameters of emotional state. Women treated for breast cancer were in a better mental condition than women treated for heart disease. The support coming from other women in similar circumstances (Women After Mastectomy Club) seems to be more effective than the support coming from the patient's immediate environment. The results for social support ought to be interpreted not only through the prism of mean values of received support, but also with regard to the information on the sources of support.

Breast cancer metastasis - insight into selected molecular mechanisms of the phenomenon.

Metastasis is a complex, multistep biological process, involving a multitude of genes and biomolecules. Despite the successful therapeutic management of breast cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, that can control primary tumor growth, metastatic disease remains the greatest clinical challenge in oncology, as these methods are still not very effective in preventing relapses or in the management of breast cancer metastases. The knowledge of its mechanisms is still fragmentary and needs to be broadened in order to improve our therapeutic approach and influence on the long-term control of breast cancer progression. Despite the constant progress in understanding of breast cancer progression, it remains a major health problem around the world. Novel therapeutic modalities are being tested and developed, but the incidence and mortality rates are still frightening. In this paper, we review selected aspects of breast cancer metastasis, including the metastatic cascade and models of dissemination, tumor angiogenesis, disaggregation and migration of cells from the primary tumor, breaking the vascular wall, adaptation to a new environment, organotropism and dormant cells. The interactions between cancer cells and normal host cells contributing significantly to the metastatic cascade are highlighted, and a wide range of signaling and stimulating biomolecules and genes involved in the process are introduced.

Flavonoids intake among Polish and Spanish students.

BACKGROUND: Flavonoids are a group of bioactive compounds that are extensively found in foodstuffs of plant origin. Their regular consumption plays an important role in the prevention of degenerative diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, and cancer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to estimate dietary flavonoid intake among Polish and Spanish students and to establish the main dietary sources of flavonoids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 91 Polish and 60 Spanish students. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. The dietary USDA Database for the flavonoid content of selected foods was used to calculate daily and weekly flavonoid intakes by the subjects. RESULTS: The average flavonoid consumption in the Polish students was 801 mg/day, and in Spanish students 297 mg/day. Food categories such as beverages, vegetables and fruits were found to be significant sources of flavonoids, of which tea, oranges, orange juice, dried parsley and oregano were the main contributors among Polish students and oranges, tea, chick-peas, orange juice and dried parsley were the main sources of flavonoids among Spanish students. CONCLUSIONS: Flavonoid consumption in Polish students was more than two times higher than in Spanish students. Compared to other population studies consumption of flavonoids in both students groups was adequate.

Flavonoids--food sources and health benefits.

Flavonoids are a group of bioactive compounds that are extensively found in foodstuffs of plant origin. Their regular consumption is associated with reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurodegenerative disorders. Flavonoids are classified into subgroups based on their chemical structure: flavanones, flavones, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins and isoflavones. Their actions at the molecular level include antioxidant effects, as well the ability to modulate several key enzymatic pathways. The growing body of scientific evidence indicates that flavonoids play a beneficial role in disease prevention, however further clinical and epidemiological trials are greatly needed. Among dietary sources of flavonoids there are fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and spices. Consumption of these substances with diet appears to be safe. It seems that a diet rich in flavonoids is beneficial and its promotion is thus justifiable.

Anthocyanins and Type 2 Diabetes: An Update of Human Study and Clinical Trial.

Anthocyanins are phenolic compounds occurring in fruits and vegetables. Evidence from pre-clinical studies indicates their role in glucose level regulation, gut microbiota improvement, and inflammation reduction under diabetic conditions. Therefore, incorporating these research advancements into clinical practice would significantly improve the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. This narrative review provides a concise overview of 18 findings from recent clinical research published over the last 5 years that investigate the therapeutic effects of dietary anthocyanins on diabetes. Anthocyanin supplementation has been shown to have a regulatory effect on fasting blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin, and other diabetes-related indicators. Furthermore, increased anthocyanin dosages had more favorable implications for diabetes treatment. This review provides evidence that an anthocyanin-rich diet can improve diabetes outcomes, especially in at-risk groups. Future research should focus on optimal intervention duration, consider multiple clinical biomarkers, and analyze anthocyanin effects among well-controlled versus poorly controlled groups of patients with diabetes.

Melanoma in Pregnancy-Diagnosis, Treatment, and Consequences for Fetal Development and the Maintenance of Pregnancy.

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the presence of benign and dysplastic nevi, and a patient or family history of melanoma. Self-examination and careful inspection of nevi are crucial, especially in the context of their progression over time. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the darkening and enlargement of the nevi, delay the diagnosis of CMM. In the fetus, metastases are very rare, and if they do occur, they concern the placenta or fetal tissues. The choice of treatment is influenced by the cancer stage, symptoms, the time of termination of pregnancy, and the patient's decision. Essential procedures which are safe for the fetus are diagnostic biopsy, ultrasound, and the therapeutic excision of the lesion and the affected lymph nodes. Other imaging methods can be used with a safe radiation dose limit of 100 mGy. Immunotherapy and targeted treatments must be carefully considered, because of their possible adverse effects on the fetus. An interdisciplinary approach to the problem of melanoma during pregnancy is necessary, involving doctors of various specialties.

Impact of endocrine-active compounds on adrenal androgen production in pigs during neonatal period.

This study investigated the impact of neonatal exposure to endocrine-active compounds (EACs): flutamide (antiandrogen), 4-tert-octylphenol (an estrogenic compound), and methoxychlor (an organochlorine insecticide exhibiting estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic activities) on androgen production within porcine adrenal glands. The expression of genes related to androgen synthesis and the level of androgen production were analyzed (i) in the adrenal glands of piglets exposed to EACs during the first 10 days of life (in vivo study), and (ii) in adrenal explants from sow-fed or formula-fed 10-day-old piglets incubated with EACs (ex vivo study). EACs affected the expression of genes linked to adrenal androgen biosynthesis. The prominent effect of methoxychlor on downregulation of StAR, CYP11A1 and HSD3B and upregulation of CYP17A1 and SULT2A1 were demonstrated. Furthermore, our study revealed divergent response to EACs between sow-fed and formula-fed piglets, suggesting that natural feeding may provide protection against adverse EACs effects, particularly those interfering with estrogens action.

Modern treatment strategies in pediatric oncology and hematology.

Every year, approximately 400 00 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer. Although treatment results in most types of childhood neoplasms are excellent with survival more than 80%, there are some with poor prognosis. Also recurrent and resistant to treatment childhood cancer remain a therapeutic challenge. Besides chemotherapy, which has been the basis of cancer therapy for years, molecular methods and precisely targeted therapies have recently found their usage. As a result of that, survival has improved and has positively impacted the rate of toxicities associated with chemotherapy (Butler et al. in CA Cancer J Clin 71:315-332, 2021). These achievements have contributed to better quality of patients' lives. Current methods of treatment and ongoing trials give hope for patients with relapses and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. This review focuses on the most recent progress in pediatric oncology treatments and discusses specific therapy methods for particular cancers types of cancer. Targeted therapies and molecular approaches have become more beneficial but research need to be continued in this field. Despite significant breakthroughs in pediatric oncology in the last few years, there is still a need to find new and more specific methods of treatment to increase the survival of children with cancer.

Validation of the Polish Problematic Tinder Use Scale and Its Relationship with Safe Sex Behaviors.

INTRODUCTION: Online dating is a common phenomenon. The manageability and access of the application allows people to quickly reach many potential partners, which can increase risky sexual behaviors. The Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS) was developed and validated in a Polish population by analyzing the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the responses given by Polish-speaking participants. METHODS: Two samples of adult Tinder users were recruited online. The first study aimed to perform the reliability coefficient Cronbach's, interrater analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The second sample was recruited to investigate the factor structure by combining it with the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). The sociodemographic data, such as hours of use and number of dates, were also investigated. RESULTS: The Polish participants' responses to the PTUS (sample 1: N = 271, sample 2: N = 162) revealed the one-factor structure of the tool. The reliability of the measurement was α = 0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The results showed a significant, negative, and weak correlation between the PTUS and SSBQ scores and their subscales: risky sexual behaviors (r = -0.18), condom use (r = -0.22), and avoidance of body fluids (r = -0.17). Moreover, the number of partners met in the real world had a statistically significant, moderate relationship with the PTUS scores. CONCLUSIONS: The PTUS measurement is valid and reliable for the Polish population. The findings highlight the need for harm prevention strategies related to potentially addictive Tinder use, as well as the possible risky sexual behaviors associated with dating app use.

A simplified method for determining potential heavy metal leached from sediments of stormwater and combined sewer systems - importance for public health.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The identification and understanding of interactions between contaminants present in sediments from stormwater and combined sewer systems is a prerequisite for their proper management, and provides a basis for developing effective strategies to minimize their negative impact on humans and the environment. The studypresents the method described in PN-EN 12457-2:2006 as a possible technique for studying the mobility of heavy metals in sediments from stormwater and combined sewer systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The presented PN-EN 12457-2:2006 method is a relatively simple technique for preparing extracts for the determination of heavy metals in sediments from stormwater and combined sewer systems, consisting of one-step leaching, which is quick to perform. In addition, it allows determination of the characteristics of the samples to be analyzed, and indicates procedures and tests for evaluating hazardous substances released from solid waste. RESULTS: The results of the concentrations of leached heavy metals: chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc, obtained in the study, corresponded to the concentrations of the exchange fraction of sludge when using the recommended method with sequential extraction (Student's t-test, p=0.263). In the literature review conducted, no papers were found on the application of the leaching method to prepare extracts for the determination of heavy metals in sediments from stormwater and combined sewer systems. CONCLUSIONS: The PN-EN 12457-2:2006 method is capable of providing important data on the potential risks to humans and the environment from the presence of contaminants in sewage sludge.