The Link between Inflammation, Lipid Derivatives, and Microbiota Metabolites in COVID-19 Patients: Implications on Eating Behaviors and Nutritional Status.

Extreme inflammation that continues even after infections can lead to a cytokine storm. In recent times, one of the most common causes of cytokine storm activation has been SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cytokine storm leads to dysregulation and excessive stimulation of the immune system, producing symptoms typical of post-COVID syndrome, including chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, trouble concentrating (known as "brain fog"), and even direct organ damage in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. This work summarizes the current knowledge regarding inflammation and the cytokine storm related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, changes in lipid metabolism and microbiota composition under the influence of inflammation in COVID-19, along with the possible underlying mechanisms, are described. Finally, this text explores potential health implications related to changes in eating behaviors and nutritional status in COVID-19 patients. Although research on the cytokine storm is still ongoing, there is convincing evidence suggesting that severe immune and inflammatory responses during the acute phase of COVID-19 may lead to long-term health consequences. Understanding these links is key to developing treatment strategies and supporting patients after infection.

The Associations of SCFA with Anthropometric Parameters and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Pregnant Women.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) mediate the transmission of signals between the microbiome and the immune system and are responsible for maintaining balance in the anti-inflammatory reaction. Pregnancy stages alter the gut microbiota community structure, which also synthesizes SCFAs. The study involved 90 pregnant women, divided into two groups: 48 overweight/obese pregnant women (OW) and 42 pregnant women with normal BMI (CG). The blood samples for glucose, insulin, and HBA1c were analyzed as well as stool samples for SCFA isolation (C2:0; C3:0; C4:0i; C4:0n; C5:0i; C5:0n; C6:0i; C6:0n) using gas chromatography. The SCFA profile in the analyzed groups differed significantly. A significant positive correlation between C2:0, C3:0, C4:0n and anthropometric measurements, and between C2:0, C3:0, C4:0n, and C5:0n and parameters of carbohydrate metabolism was found. SCFA levels fluctuate during pregnancy and the course of pregnancy and participate in the change in carbohydrate metabolism as well. The influence of C2:0 during pregnancy on anthropometric parameters was visible in both groups (normal weight and obese). Butyrate and propionate regulate glucose metabolism by stimulating the process of intestinal gluconeogenesis. The level of propionic acid decreases with the course of pregnancy, while its increase is characteristic of obese women, which is associated with many metabolic adaptations. Propionic and linear caproic acid levels can be an important critical point in maintaining lower anthropometric parameters during pregnancy.

Eicosanoids in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Progression. Do Serum Eicosanoids Profile Correspond with Liver Eicosanoids Content during NAFLD Development and Progression?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major public health problem worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the concentration of eicosanoids in serum and liver tissue during steatosis progression and to assess whether eicosanoid change scores may predict liver tissue remodeling. Thirty six eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were enrolled and sacrificed at different stages of NAFLD. Eicosanoid concentrations, namely lipoxin A4, hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE), hydroxyloctadecadienoic acids (HODE), protectin DX, Maresine1, leucotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, and resolvin D1 measurement in serum and liver tissue with Agilent Technologies 1260 liquid chromatography were evaluated. For the liver and serum concentrations of 9-HODE and 13-HODE, the correlations were found to be strong and positive (r > 0.7, p < 0.05). Along with NAFLD progression, HODE concentration significantly increased, and change scores were more abundant in the liver. The moderate positive correlation between liver and serum (r = 0.52, p < 0.05) was also observed for resolvin E1. The eicosanoid concentration decreased during NAFLD progression, but mostly in serum. There were significant correlations between HETE concentrations in liver and serum, but their associations were relatively low and changes the most in liver tissue. Eicosanoids profile, predominantly 9-HODE and 13-HODE, may serve as a potential biomarker for NAFLD development.

Nutritional Support in Coronavirus 2019 Disease.

The epidemic that broke out in Chinese Wuhan at the beginning of 2020 presented how important the rapid diagnosis of malnutrition (elevating during intensive care unit stay) and the immediate implementation of caloric and protein-balanced nutrition care are. According to specialists from the Chinese Medical Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (CSPEN), these activities are crucial for both the therapy success and reduction of mortality rates. The Chinese have published their recommendations including principles for the diagnosis of nutritional status along with the optimal method for nutrition supply including guidelines when to introduce education approach, oral nutritional supplement, tube feeding, and parenteral nutrition. They also calculated energy demand and gave their opinion on proper monitoring and supplementation of immuno-nutrients, fluids and macronutrients intake. The present review summarizes Chinese observations and compares these with the latest European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines. Nutritional approach should be an inseparable element of therapy in patients with COVID-19.

5-Lipooxygenase Derivatives as Serum Biomarkers of a Successful Dietary Intervention in Patients with NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background: It was previously shown that a bodyweight reduction among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) was connected to the lower concentration of arachidonic and linoleic acid derivatives in their blood. We hypothesized that the concentration of these lipids was correlated with the extent of their body mass reduction and, thus, liver steatosis. Methods: We analyzed 68 individuals who completed the dietary intervention. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their body mass reduction (more or less than 7%). Before and after the dietary intervention, all patients had the following measurements recorded: body mass, waist circumference, stage of steatosis, fatty liver index, liver enzymes, lipid parameters, insulin and glucose. Concentrations of lipoxins A4 (LTX A4), hydroxyeicosatetraenoic fatty acids (5(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE and 16(S)-HETE), hydroxyoctadecaenoic acids (9(S)-HODE and 13(S)-HODE) and 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) were measured in serum samples collected before and after the dietetic intervention using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Patients who reduced their body mass by more than 7% revealed a significant improvement in their steatosis stage, waist circumference, fatty liver index, triglycerides and cholesterol. Conclusion: A reduction in body mass by more than 7% but not by less than 7% revealed a significant improvement in steatosis stage; waist circumference; fatty liver index; and levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, 5-oxo-ETE and LTXA-4.

Comparison of Fatty Acid Profiles in a Group of Female Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD) and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)⁻Similar Trends of Changes, Different Pathophysiology.

Fatty acid (FA) profiles in the plasma of patients with metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD) seem to be identical despite their different etiology (dietary mistakes vs. cachexia). The aim of this study was to compare both profiles and to highlight the differences that could influence the improvement of the treatment of patients in both groups. The study involved 73 women, including 24 patients with chronic kidney disease treated with haemodialysis, 19 patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and 30 healthy women in the control group. A total of 35 fatty acids and derivatives were identified and quantified by gas chromatography. Intensified elongation processes from acid C10:0 to C16:0 were noted in both groups (more intense in MetS), as well as an increased synthesis of arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), which was more intense in CKD. Significant correlations of oleic acid (C18:1n9), gamma linoleic acid (C18:3n6), and docosatetraenoate acid (C22:4n6) with parameters of CKD patients were observed. In the MetS group, auxiliary metabolic pathways of oleic acid were activated, which simultaneously inhibited the synthesis of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from alpha lipoic acid (ALA). On the other hand, in the group of female patients with CKD, the synthesis of EPA and DHA was intensified. Activation of the synthesis of oleic acid (C18: 1n9 ct) and trans-vaccinic acid (C18:1) is a protective mechanism in kidney diseases and especially in MetS due to the increased concentration of saturated fatty acid (SFA) in plasma. The cause of the increased amount of all FAs in plasma in the CKD group, especially in the case of palmitic (C16:0) and derivatives stearic (C18:0) acids, may be the decomposition of adipose tissue and the progressing devastation of the organism, whereas, in the MetS group, dietary intake seems to be the main reason for the increase in SFA. Moreover, in MetS, auxiliary metabolic pathways are activated for oleic acid, which cause the simultaneous inhibition of EPA and DHA synthesis from ALA, whereas, in the CKD group, we observe an increased synthesis of EPA and DHA. The higher increase of nervonic acid (C24:1) in CKD suggests a higher degree of demyelination and loss of axons.

Assessing the Association of Elevated Zonulin Concentration in Stool with Increased Intestinal Permeability in Active Professional Athletes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The causative factors or conditions leading to increased intestinal permeability (IIP) have only been partly elucidated, suggesting excessive zonulin release to be a key factor among them. Likewise, it is known that athletic activity predisposes individuals towards the development of IIP; however, little is understood about the nature of this phenomenon. We decided to test the actual coincidence between IIP and increased stool zonulin (ISZ) in actively training athletes. Materials and Methods: We compared intestinal permeability tested with lactulose/mannitol differential absorption (lactulose/mannitol (L/M) test) and zonulin concentration in stool in 20 professional athletes (PRO), 9 amateur athletes (AMA), and 9 non-athletes (CTR). Results: The results confirmed that professional athletic activity showed significant positive association with intestinal permeability. ISZ was observed exclusively in athletes (CTR vs. AMA vs. PRO, respectively, 0% vs. 22% vs. 55%), and its prevalence was significantly higher in PRO than CTR. When we divided the participants into four categories related to exceeding the upper reference limits for both tested parameters (ISZ + or - and IIP + or -), significant differences were found between CTR and PRO; however, no significant differences were found between CTR and AMA or AMA and PRO. Conclusions: Our trial confirmed previous findings that professional athletic activity predisposes individuals to IIP. We also demonstrated that although ISZ was associated with intense training, there was no statistically significant association between ISZ and IIP in the tested group of professional athletes, which suggests the existence of additional mechanisms causing IIP.

Changes in the IGF-1 and TNF-α synthesis pathways before and after three-month reduction diet with low glicemic index in women with PCOS.

OBJECTIVES: An increase in IGF-I and TNF-α may be a cardioprotective effect. To examine the relationships between IGF-I and TNF-α and test the anthropometric and biochemical parameters before and after a low-glycemic index reduction diet using a correlation matrix. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam's criteria were eligible for this study, which analysed the results before and after a three months dietary intervention. Body composition measurements were determined by bioimpedance and performed twice, along with the labelling of lipid, carbohydrate and hormonal profiles. IGF-I and TNF-α were also determined in the serum. RESULTS: Before dietary intervention, a significant correlation was observed. A correlation was also noted between the increase in TNF-α and DHEA-SO4, FSH, glucose level and total cholesterol. The increase in IGF-I was not related to anth-ropometric measurements: however, its concentration was observed to be related to the level of SHBG and HDL. After dietary intervention, the correlation between TNF-α and muscle mass percentage was confirmed, as was the correlation between WHR and fasting blood glucose levels. A significant negative correlation was observed between extracellular water, provided in litres, and SHBG level. CONCLUSIONS: One important role of IGF-I in PCOS pathogenesis is the stimulation of increased synthesis of SHBG and HDL. The increased level of IGF-I after the reduction diet had a cardioprotective effect. TNF-α inhibits FSH synthesis, preventing the growth of numerous follicles. Its synthesis is also related to DHEA-SO4. After three-month reduction diet does not significantly reduce TNF-α.

Significant Improvement Selected Mediators of Inflammation in Phenotypes of Women with PCOS after Reduction and Low GI Diet.

Many researchers suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In the available literature, there are no studies on the mediators of inflammation in women with PCOS, especially after dietary intervention. Eicosanoids (HETE and HODE) were compared between the biochemical phenotypes of women with PCOS (normal and high androgens) and after the 3-month reduction diet. Eicosanoid profiles (9(S)-HODE, 13(S)-HODE, 5(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, 15(S)-HETE, 5(S)-oxoETE, 16(R)-HETE, 16(S)-HETE and 5(S), 6(R)-lipoxin A4, 5(S), 6(R), 15(R)-lipoxin A4) were extracted from 0.5 ml of plasma using solid-phase extraction RP-18 SPE columns. The HPLC separations were performed on a 1260 liquid chromatograph. No significant differences were found in the concentration of analysed eicosanoids in phenotypes of women with PCOS. These women, however, have significantly lower concentration of inflammatory mediators than potentially healthy women from the control group. Dietary intervention leads to a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators, reaching similar levels as in the control group. The development of inflammatory reaction in both phenotypes of women with PCOS is similar. The pathways for synthesis of proinflammatory mediators in women with PCOS are dormant, but can be stimulated through a reduction diet. Three-month period of lifestyle change may be too short to stimulate the pathways inhibiting inflammatory process.

Nutritional Strategies for the Individualized Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Based on the Nutrient-Induced Insulin Output Ratio (NIOR).

Nutrients play a fundamental role as regulators of the activity of enzymes involved in liver metabolism. In the general population, the action of nutrients may be affected by gene polymorphisms. Therefore, individualization of a diet for individuals with fatty liver seems to be a fundamental step in nutritional strategies. In this study, we tested the nutrient-induced insulin output ratio (NIOR), which is used to identify the correlation between the variants of genes and insulin resistance. We enrolled 171 patients, Caucasian men (n = 104) and women (n = 67), diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). From the pool of genes sensitive to nutrient content, we selected genes characterized by a strong response to the NIOR. The polymorphisms included Adrenergic receptor (b3AR), Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), Apolipoprotein C (Apo C III). Uncoupling Protein type I (UCP-1), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ2 (PPAR-2) and Apolipoprotein E (APOEs). We performed three dietary interventions: a diet consistent with the results of genotyping (NIOR (+)); typical dietary recommendations for NAFLD (Cust (+)), and a diet opposite to the genotyping results (NIOR (-) and Cust (-)). We administered the diet for six months. The most beneficial changes were observed among fat-sensitive patients who were treated with the NIOR (+) diet. These changes included improvements in body mass and insulin sensitivity and normalization of blood lipids. In people sensitive to fat, the NIOR seems to be a useful tool for determining specific strategies for the treatment of NAFLD.

Metabolites of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in early stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease--A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver conditions related to fat infiltration. The role of liver triacylglycerol accumulation in NAFLD is not fully understood. METHODS: Twenty-four patients, 12 in the first and 12 in the second stage of NAFLD, were prospectively enrolled in this study. Biochemical parameters and eicosanoids (HETE and HODE) were compared between the first and the second stage of hepatic steatosis and the effect of a 6-month dietary intervention on these parameters was evaluated. Eicosanoid profiles were extracted from 0.5 ml of plasma using solid-phase extraction RP-18 SPE columns. The HPLC separations were performed on a 1260 liquid chromatograph. RESULTS: Patients with stage I NAFLD had a significantly higher level of HDL cholesterol and a lower level of 5-HETE. Patients with grade II steatosis had higher concentrations of 9-HODE. Following the six-month dietary intervention, hepatic steatosis resolved completely in all patients. This resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of all eicosanoids (LX4, 16-HETE, 13-HODE, 9-HODE, 15-HETE, 12-HETE, 5-oxoETE, 5-HETE) and key biochemical parameters (BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver enzymes). CONCLUSION: A significant reduction in the analyzed eicosanoids and a parallel reduction in fatty liver confirmed the usefulness of HETE and HODE in the assessment of NAFLD.

Improvement of bowel movements among people with a sedentary lifestyle after prebiotic snack supply - preliminary study.

Introduction: Dietary fiber is one of the most important components of food. Fulfilling regulatory and nutritional functions for the intestinal microbiota, it appears to be an essential ingredient for people with a sedentary lifestyle. Aim: We hypothesized that regular intake of a snack containing high amounts of soluble fibre in parallel to a regular diet may rapidly improve bowel habits with simultaneous elevation of synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Material and methods: A total of 20 healthy volunteers, with a stool frequency of less than 3 spontaneous bowel movements per week, completed a 14-day double-blind, parallel-arm, randomized clinical trial with the intervention comprising daily intake of 2 doses (9.99% per 100 g or 13.91% per 100 g) of fibre. Food consumption was evaluated via 72-hour recall diaries at baseline and after 14 days of intervention. Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal comfort, distension, bloating, flatulence, stomach rumbling, number of bowel movements) were monitored via the IBS/VAS scale every day. Results: We found that the elevated fibre intake improved bowel habits significantly (defecation frequency increased from 0.28 to 0.87 times/day; p = 0.0002) in both study arms. After 14 days of the trial, an increase in SCFA concentration (for whole study group: acetic p < 0.036, propionic p < 0.019, and butyric acid p < 0.0012 compared to baseline parameters) with no adverse gastrointestinal symptoms was reported. Conclusions: Short-term, regular intake of a snack containing soluble fibre improves the SCFA synthesis and bowel habits in healthy people living a sedentary lifestyle. The exact mechanism behind this observation requires further investigation.

Qualitative analysis of surgical smoke produced during burn operations.

Burned tissue is necrotic and it is surrounded by a zone of stasis and hyperaemia with changed cell metabolism. The removal of burned tissue using an electric knife releases large amounts of surgical smoke. The aim of the research was to analyse volatile, nonpolar, organic compounds that are released during the excision of burned tissue using an electric knife (mono- and bipolar). The study includes analysis from 40 solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibres, exposed during 10 interventions (6 escharotomy and 4 necrectomy). The analysis of volatile compounds was performed using mass spectrometry gas chromatography (GCxGC-ToFMS).The total analysis covered 432 compounds, whereas after the removal of the "background" compounds - 153 volatile organic substances remained. The analysis of surgical smoke showed that, including derivatives, benzene constituted as much as 17.65% of all of the studied compounds. Cyclic compounds constituted on average 22.5% of the analysed substances, out of which cycloheptatrien constituted 20.26%. Alkanes, alcohols and their derivatives constituted nearly 25% of volatile organic compounds, with chloromethane constituting as much as 13.7%. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences between escharotomy and necrectomy patients (F(1.9) = 5.91, p = 0.007).Our study revealed the presence of complex toxic hydrocarbon derivatives in surgical smoke. We also observed that the content of surgical smoke is different depending on the type of the conducted intervention. So far, no studies focusing on hazards posed by surgical smoke that is released during the resection of burned tissue are in the literature.

Chronic Exposure to Fluoride Affects GSH Level and NOX4 Expression in Rat Model of This Element of Neurotoxicity.

Exposure of neural cells to harmful and toxic factors promotes oxidative stress, resulting in disorders of metabolism, cell differentiation, and maturation. The study examined the brains of rats pre- and postnatally exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF 50 mg/L) and activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), concentration of glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were measured. Additionally, NOX4 expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Rats exposed to fluorides (F-) showed an increase in NOX4 activity in the cerebellum and hippocampus, a decrease in its activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and upregulation of NOX4 expression in hippocampus and its downregulation in other brain structures. Analysis also showed significant changes in the activity of all antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in TAC in brain structures. NOX4 induction and decreased antioxidant activity in central nervous system (CNS) cells may be central mechanisms of fluoride neurotoxicity. NOX4 contributes to blood-brain barrier damage, microglial activation, and neuronal loss, leading to impairment of brain function. Fluoride-induced oxidative stress involves increased reactive oxygen speciaes (ROS) production, which in turn increases the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Bioelements in the treatment of burn injuries - The complex review of metabolism and supplementation (copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium and magnesium).

Appropriate nutrition is a key component of burn treatment and should be regarded as an integral part of the therapeutic process in burn patients. A nutritional intervention plan should not only allow for adequate quantities of energy and protein but also carefully consider the supply of macro- and micronutrients. As a result of the severe inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and hypermetabolic state, accompanied by often extensive exudation in burn patients, there is a considerable loss of macro- and micronutrients, including essential trace elements. This leads to certain complications, involving e.g. more frequent infections and impaired wound healing. Our current body of knowledge is still insufficient, and the studies carried out to date focus for the most part on the imbalances in trace elements, such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). Nevertheless, there are many other trace elements involved in immune functions, regulating gene expression or antioxidant defense, and many of those have not been properly investigated in a clinical setting. Due to the insufficient amount of unambiguous literature data and relatively few, often dated, studies carried out with small patient groups, further evaluation of macro- and microelements in burn patients seems indispensable, e.g. to bring up to date local nutritional protocols.

The Effect of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Risk Factors Associated with Cardiometabolic Diseases in Healthy People-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials.

We aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of probiotic/synbiotic formulations to counteract cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in healthy people not receiving adjunctive medication. The systematic search (PubMed/MEDLINE/Embase) until 1 August 2019 was performed for randomized controlled trials in >20 adult patients. Random-effect meta-analysis subgroup and meta-regression analysis of co-primary (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), glucose, insulin, body weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, and blood pressure) and secondary outcomes (uric acid, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-PAI-1, fibrinogen, and any variable related to inflammation/endothelial dysfunction). We included 61 trials (5422 persons). The mean time of probiotic administration was 67.01 ± 38.72 days. Most of probiotic strains were of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. The other strains were Streptococci, Enterococci, and Pediococci. The daily probiotic dose varied between 106 and 1010 colony-forming units (CFU)/gram. Probiotics/synbiotics counteracted CMR factors (endpoint data on BMI: standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.156, p = 0.006 and difference in means (DM) = -0.45, p = 0.00 and on WC: SMD = -0.147, p = 0.05 and DM = -1.21, p = 0.02; change scores on WC: SMD = -0.166, p = 0.04 and DM = -1.35, p = 0.03) in healthy persons. Overweight/obese healthy people might additionally benefit from reducing total cholesterol concentration (change scores on WC in overweight/obese: SMD: -0.178, p = 0.049). Poor quality of probiotic-related trials make systematic reviews and meta-analyses difficult to conduct and draw definite conclusions. "Gold standard" methodology in probiotic studies awaits further development.

COVID-19, MERS and SARS with Concomitant Liver Injury-Systematic Review of the Existing Literature.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection has been predominantly linked to respiratory distress syndrome, but gastrointestinal symptoms and hepatic injury have also been reported. The mechanism of liver injury is poorly understood and may result as a consequence of viral hepatitis, systemic inflammatory response, gut barrier and microbiome alterations, intensive care treatment or drug toxicity. The incidence of hepatopathy among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear, but studies have reported liver injury in patients with SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We aimed to systematically review data on the prevalence of hepatic impairments and their clinical course in SARS and MERS Coronaviridae infections. A systematic literature search (PubMed/Embase/Cinahl/Web of Science) according to preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA) was conducted from database inception until 17/03/2020 for studies that evaluated the incidence of hepatic abnormalities in SARS CoV-1, SARS CoV-2 and MERS infected patients with reported liver-related parameters. A total of forty-three studies were included. Liver anomalies were predominantly mild to moderately elevated transaminases, hypoalbuminemia and prolongation of prothrombin time. Histopathology varied between non-specific inflammation, mild steatosis, congestion and massive necrosis. More studies to elucidate the mechanism and importance of liver injury on the clinical course and prognosis in patients with novel SARS-CoV-2 infection are warranted.

Fluorine may intensify the mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) development via increased insulin resistance and disturbed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis even at reference levels.

We were interested whether fluorine, at the concentrations regarded as normal, can play a role in PCOS pathogenesis. The effect was not described in PCOS. Women with PCOS were diagnosed according to Rotterdam's criteria. The average age of 40 examined women with PCOS was 26.3 ±â€¯5.5 years, BMI-29.16 ±â€¯0.8, WHR-0.91 ±â€¯0.08. Main Outcome Measures: ECLIA was used to analyse testosterone, FSH, LH, oestradiol, TSH, prolactin, insulin and SHBG. Fluorine content was analysed by potentiometry using ion selective electrode. Fluorine content in serum of women with PCOS did not statistically significantly differ from that of the control group and amounted to 0.224 ±â€¯0.043 and 0.228 ±â€¯0.023 ppm, respectively. There were significant differences in the levels of TSH and HOMA-IR between the groups. Based on the correlation matrix, a negative correlation with the level of SHBG protein and the level of glucose on fasting was showed for the group with a lower of fluorine, and a positive correlation with HDL level was observed in the group with higher concentration of fluorine. In the phenotype with a higher level of androgens, there was a negative correlation with triglycerides level and a positive correlation with HDL. Fluorine, even in concentrations regarded as proper, takes part in PCOS pathogenesis. It increases the synthesis of TSH and increases insulin resistance. Higher insulin resistance leads to the reduced synthesis of SHBG transport protein. Therefore, the key factor in PCOS pathogenesis is testosterone, but fluorine facilitates disruptions in carbohydrates and lipids metabolism leading to increased levels of androgens in blood.

Decrease in the Level of Nervonic Acid and Increased Gamma Linolenic Acid in the Plasma of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome after a Three-month Low-glycaemic Index and Caloric Reduction Diet.

The aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains uncertain and thus dedicated studies are still of much importance. Patients in this group are at high risk for metabolic syndrome, diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Our goal was to use a dietary intervention, facilitating the regression of the disease, through the observation of lipid and hormonal profiles, carbohydrate metabolic parameters and metabolomics of plasma fatty acids. There were 39 Caucasian women with PCOS aged 26.76 ±5.08 that qualified for this study. Fatty acid profiles were investigated using gas chromatography. The results of plasma fatty acids were compared with the initial results and the control group. A three-month caloric reduction diet with low glycemic index (GI) reduces the level of nervonic acid and is a great alternative in PCOS therapy. The introduction of rapeseed oil and olive oil to the lowered GI reduction diet caused the increase in the ratio of average length chain fatty acids (C10:0, C14:0) and the enhancement of synthesis pathways for pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3n-6), but did not inhibit the synthesis of the derivatives of arachidic acid (C20:0). Additionally, a decrease in the level of nervonic acid (C24:1) was observed. Biochemical analysis of blood showed the improvement of plasma lipid fractions, but a significant reduction of androgen levels was not observed. A reduction diet with lowered GI lead to many positive effects in the improvement of the biochemical parameters of women with PCOS. It should be continued for a prolonged period of time, until the synthesis pathways for inflammatory factors are silenced.

Is the Fatty Acids Profile in Blood a Good Predictor of Liver Changes? Correlation of Fatty Acids Profile with Fatty Acids Content in the Liver.

BACKGROUND: Existing data show a correlation between the profile of fatty acids, liver, and blood. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between the fatty acids profile in blood pallets and the liver. METHODS: The experiment was performed on 60 eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The study group (n = 30, 5 groups, 6 rats each) received a cholesterol diet; the control group (n = 30, 5 groups, 6 rats each) received standard food for laboratory rats. The rats from both the study and control groups were sacrificed after 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of dietary exposure. The fatty acids profile was measured using gas chromatography (GC). RESULTS: In both the control and study group, the highest correlations were observed in palmitoleic acid (RHO = 0.68), heptadecanoic acid (RHO = 0.65), vaccenic acid (RHO = 0.72), eicosapentaenoic acid (RHO = 0.68), docosapentaenoic acid (RHO = 0.77), and docosahexaenoic (RHO = 0.77). Among liver indexes, the highest correlations were desaturase-18 (0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Fatty acids profile is a sensitive marker of the development of potentially pathological changes in the liver. The potential markers of fatty liver are: oleic acid, vaccenic acid, EPA, DHA, docosapentaenoic acid, and desaturase index (SCD-18 index).