[Antibodies against alfa-enolase as an indication of inflammatory process in patients with celiac disease--preliminary results]. / Przeciwciala przeciw alfa enolazie, jako wskaznik stanu zapalnego u chorych na celiakie-doniesienie wstepne.

INTRODUCTION: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmunological gluten sensitive enteropathy occuring to genetically predisposed individuals. Active CD is accompanied by presence of multiple antibodies. Anti alpha enolase antibodies were reported in several autoimmunological disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, primary sclerosing cholangitis. Data about its presence and role in CD is avaricious. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine presence of anti alpha enolase antibodies in CD, correlation with gluten exposure, presence of anti tranglutaminase antibodies and Marsh scale. METHODS: Sera from 31 patients with CD (21 females, 10 males) and 6 healthy subjects were collected. Evaluation of CD activity and adherence to gluten free diet were obtained by serology tests (presence of endomyslum antibodies and/or anti transglutamineses in IgA or IgG classes) and histological hallmarks. Anti alpha enolase antibodies were identified in sera using ELISA kit. Titres of anti alpha enolase antibodies were identified among patients with newly diagnosed CD, CD patients non adhering to gluten free diet (GFD), adhering to GFD and among healthy subjects. RESULTS: Mean titre of anti alpha enolase antibodies was higher in CD patients (both treated and non treated) in comparison to control group, respectively 1.1 ng/mL, and 0.795 ngl mL. Among CD patients non adhering to gluten free diet mean titre was 1.4 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Higher anti alpha enolase antibodies titres in non treated CD suggest usefulness of its measurement. These antibodies might be a novel marker of chronic inflammation among CD patients non adhering to GFD.

[Endoscopic and histopathological findings of the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with functional and organic dyspepsia]. / Zmiany endoskopowe i histopatologiczne górnego odcinka przewodu pokarmowego u chorych z dyspepsja organiczna i czynnosciowa.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract (upper GI) with macroscopic and histopathological evaluation provides essential tool to differentiate the organic and functional causes of dyspepsia. The distinction, however, is often smooth and not fully defined. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and type of the macroscopic and histopathological changes in the upper GI endoscopy in patients with symptoms of dyspepsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 212 patients with dyspepsia, at the age of 18-84 years, including 60 patients to 45 years of age (group I) and 152 patients older than 45 (group II) who underwent gastroscopy. The severity of esophagitis was classified according to the Los Angeles Classification and gastritis according the updated Sydney system. Biopsy specimens were taken from the gastric and duodenum for histopathological examination. The presence of H. pylori infection has been established on the basis of histopathological examination and positive rapid urease test. RESULTS: Reflux esophagitis was found in 18 patients (8.5%), slightly more common in people over 45 years of age (group I--5%, group II--9.2%). The mild forms of esophagitis occurred most frequently. A more advanced form of inflammation and Barrett's esophagus was found only in patients over 45 years of age. Normal gastric and duodenal mucosa was revealed in 30% of patients in group I and 9.2% in group II. The most common endoscopic lesion was gastritis, mostly erythematous-exudative and less often atrophic. The presence of H. pylori infection was varied in the different types of inflammation. H. pylori infection occurred most frequently in the case of erosive and follicular gastropathy. The most common location of H. pylori infec- frequent in older patients. Peptic ulcer was found in 4.7% of patients (group I--5%, group II--4.6%). In one patient (61 years old) stomach cancer was diagnosed and in one patient (<45 years old) Crohn's disease of the upper GI was diagnosed. The majority of patients had normal duodenal mucosa. In 3.3% of patients (group I--8.3%, group II--1.3%), who had not previously diagnosed celiac disease, histopathological changes typical of celiac disease has been shown. In all patients, in whom biopsy specimens were taken from normal duodenal mucosa (14% of patients), histopathological examination revealed the presence of non-specific inflammation, regardless of the coexistence of H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the severity of lesions of the upper GI endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia, it is advisable to take biopsy from the gastric and duodenal mucosa, which allows for an individualized management of these patients. Celiac disease should be considered in the diagnosis of the causes of dyspepsia. Further studies of microscopic duodenitis in patients with dyspepsia are needed.

Seasonality and Objective Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour among Older Adults from Four European Countries.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour with seasonality among a sample of older adults living in four European countries. METHODS: A sample of 169 older adults living in Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and Poland (mean age = 72.2 ± 6.0, 68% female) had valid objective physical activity and sedentary behaviour data collected in different seasons of the year: spring and autumn/winter. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were collected with accelerometers (ActiGraph, GT3X), over 7 consecutive days, in both periods. A valid record was defined as at least two weekdays and one weekend day with 10 hours of wearing time. Analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 28.0, using t-test, ANOVA, and binary logistic regressions. RESULTS: Most older adults from the four countries met the physical activity guidelines in spring and autumn/winter. No significant variations were found across seasons for sedentary behaviour and physical activity both for light and vigorous intensity, regardless of sex, country, education, and body mass index (BMI). A decline in moderate physical activity intensity from spring to autumn/winter was found for those with lower education and higher BMI. CONCLUSION: The promotion of physical activity must be considered in programs to promote healthy aging throughout the year, especially considering the moderate intensity and those populations with higher BMI and lower educational levels.

[Hereditary hemochromatosis and mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in patient with ulcerative colitis]. / Wrodzona hemochromatoza i lagodna niezwiazana hiperbilirubinemia u chorego z wrzodziejacym zapaleniem jelita grubego.

We present the case of 51 year old man with 10 year history of ulcerative colitis. Results of laboratory test revealed increased serum levels of iron, ferritin as well as moderate hiperbilirubinemia. Transferrin saturation index was high, 98,7% (N< 50%). Long lasting remission of inflammatory bowel disease, including lack of bleeding from gastrointestinal tract disclosed hereditary hemochromatosis presence in that patient.

[The contribution of food and airborne allergens in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis]. / Udzial alergenów pokarmowych i powietrznopochodnych w patogenezie atopowego zapalenia skóry.

Food hypersensitivity and airborne allergens may play a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the kind of food and airborne allergens which may most often induce and intensify AD lesions and also to assess the variability and the kind of allergens leading to AD. The subjects of this study were 610 persons, aged 3 months-70 years. The clinical status of the patients was estimated by an atopic dermatitis symptom score scale (SCORAD). The laboratory examinations differentiated inflammatory processes from allergic reactions. The skin prick tests (SPT), serum total IgE and specific IgE-antibody levels to chosen food products and standard airborne allergens with the immuno-enzymes method ELISA-DPC were performed. The elevated values of the total IgE were proved in 46.1% children from group 0-15 years and in 31.4% of adolescents and adult persons (above 15 year of age). On the basis of positive SPT and positive specific IgE values it was shown, that most frequent food allergens were: egg protein (13.0%), cow milk (9.5%), egg yolk (8.4%), wheat (3.6%) and chocolate (1.8%). The most often airborne allergens connected with AD were: grass (11.6%), moulds (10.2%), house dust mites (9.3%), pollen like hazel (8.0%) and weeds (6.7%), animal allergens coming from cats (7.2%) and dogs (6.1%). The food hypersensitivity was particularly manifested in children. It may be the predictor of potential future development of allergic disease as well as the indicator of the allergic march.