Effects of Mephedrone and Amphetamine Exposure during Adolescence on Spatial Memory in Adulthood: Behavioral and Neurochemical Analysis.

A synthetic cathinone, mephedrone is widely abused by adolescents and young adults. Despite its widespread use, little is known regarding its long-term effects on cognitive function. Therefore, we assessed, for the first time, whether (A) repeated mephedrone (30 mg/kg, i.p., 10 days, once a day) exposure during adolescence (PND 40) induces deleterious effects on spatial memory and reversal learning (Barnes maze task) in adult (PND 71-84) rats and whether (B) these effects were comparable to amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Furthermore, the influence of these drugs on MMP-9, NMDA receptor subunits (GluN1, GluN2A/2B) and PSD-95 protein expression were assessed in adult rats. The drug effects were evaluated at doses that per se induce rewarding/reinforcing effects in rats. Our results showed deficits in spatial memory (delayed effect of amphetamine) and reversal learning in adult rats that received mephedrone/amphetamine in adolescence. However, the reversal learning impairment may actually have been due to spatial learning rather than cognitive flexibility impairments. Furthermore, mephedrone, but not amphetamine, enhanced with delayed onset, MMP-9 levels in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. Mephedrone given during adolescence induced changes in MMP-9 level and up-regulation of the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) in young adult (PND 63) and adult (PND 87) rats. Finally, in adult rats, PSD-95 expression was increased in the prefrontal cortex and decreased in the hippocampus. In contrast, in adult rats exposed to amphetamine in adolescence, GluN2A subunit and PSD-95 expression were decreased (down-regulated) in the hippocampus. Thus, in mephedrone-but not amphetamine-treated rats, the deleterious effects on spatial memory were associated with changes in MMP-9 level. Because the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor dominates in adolescence, mephedrone seems to induce more harmful effects on cognition than amphetamine does during this period of life.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors among Zingiber officinale Terpenes-Extraction Conditions and Thin Layer Chromatography-Based Bioautography Studies.

Although numerous studies have been conducted on ginger extracts and fractions, the data on the pharmacological activity of single constituents of Zingiber officinale are still insufficient. To assess the antidementia properties of the plant, a thin layer chromatography (TLC)-based bioautography acetylcholinesterase inhibitory assay was performed on the Zingiber officinale diethyl ether extract. It led to the recognition of three active inhibitors among volatile constituents of the plant: ar-curcumene (A), α-sesquiphellandrene (B) and a-zingiberene (C). The identification of the components was possible thanks to the application of a TLC-HPLC-MS interface analysis of active zones and the GC-MS qualitative analysis of the tested samples. Based on the obtained results, the influence of several extraction techniques (hydrodistillation-HD, pressurized liquid extraction or accelerated solvent extraction-ASE, shaking maceration-SM, supercritical fluid extraction-SFE, and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) on the recovery of the active metabolites from plant material was assessed to deliver enriched extracts. As a result, HD and SFE, were found to be the most efficient methods to recover the volatile components and the concentrations of A, B, and C reached 0.51 ± 0.025, 0.77 ± 0.045, and 1.67 ± 0.11 percent, respectively. Only HD and SFE were found to recover monoterpene hydrocarbons from the plant matrix. The remaining techniques provided extracts rich in more complex constituents, like sesquiterpenes.

Fast consumption increases the risk of overweight and obesity

Background: Overweight and obesity are a problem negatively affecting human health. Besides the excess of energy from food, development of overweight can also result from food preferences, the frequency of meals and the speed of eating. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of eating habits and physical activity on the occurrence of overweight and obesity. Material and method: The questionnaire survey concerning eating habits and physical activity was conducted among adults aged 20-59 (n=420) in Lublin province (Poland). The subjects were divided into two groups ­ normal (BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2, n=250) and overweight and obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2, n=170). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's test as well as chi-square independence test were applied. In addition, the relative risk of overweight for groups divided according to their habits was determined. Results: The analysis of speed of eating was on the basis of subjective assessment of the subjects and as a relative speed of eating compared to family members and friends. In both methods of assessment, it has been shown that overweight and obesity facilitates fast food intake rate (p=0.0078 and p=0.0010, respectively) The relative risk of obesity and overweight increases almost twice (RR 1.79) when the number of meals consumed daily is between one and two compared to those having five meals a day. In addition, it has been shown that overweight facilitates low physical activity. Conclusions: Slowly consumed meals, high physical activity and having more than two meals a day promotes maintaining a normal body weight.

Antimicrobial Potential of Single Metabolites of Curcuma longa Assessed in the Total Extract by Thin-Layer Chromatography-Based Bioautography and Image Analysis.

Curcuma longa from Zingiberaceae belongs to the major spices consumed around the world, known from its cholagogue, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Lack of data on the activity of single components of turmeric extract encouraged the authors to apply TLC (thin-layer chromatography) based bioautography studies to reveal its antimicrobial constituents and construct a universal platform for the bioactivity assessment of crude extracts, with help of a freeware ImageJ software. This optimized chromatographic bioassay performed on diethyl ether and methanol extracts of Curcuma longa was successfully applied on the total extract and revealed the antimicrobial potential of single components against a variety of Gram-positive strains, with no need for their isolation from the mixture. The obtained results were further confronted with a classic microdilution antimicrobial assay on the isolates, purified from the crude extracts by centrifugal partition chromatography in the following solvent system: heptane-chloroform-methanol-water (5:6:3:2) (v/v/v/v).

Applications of Tea (Camellia sinensis) and its Active Constituents in Cosmetics.

Studies on the cosmetic applications of plant extracts are increasingly appearing in the scientific literature, which is due to the growing popularity of skincare products around the world. In the light of the observed changes, a return to natural treatment and skincare with cosmetics free of harmful substances or toxic preservatives is visible. Currently, tea extracts, due to their rich composition and various biological actions, play an important role among the dietary supplements and cosmetics. This review is intended to collect the reports on the properties of the tea plant, its extracts and preparations in cosmetology: for skin care products and for the treatment of selected dermatological diseases. Particular attention is paid to its antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, anti-inflammatory, slimming, hair-strengthening, photoprotective and sealing blood vessels properties.

Green Tea Quality Evaluation Based on Its Catechins and Metals Composition in Combination with Chemometric Analysis.

Green tea infusions are one of the most popular beverages consumed across the world, especially is Asian countries. Green tea quality is primarily based on catechin content, however, the concentration of elements could also significantly influence its biological properties and thus quality and safety. The main purpose of the present study was the evaluation of catechin, antioxidant activity and metal content (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni) in different green tea types cultivated in Japan, Sri Lanka, South Korea, India, China and Japan. The chemical analysis of samples was performed using LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS for organic constituents and atomic absorption spectrometry (flame and electrothermal) method for inorganic ones. The obtained results were subjected to chemometric elaboration. EGC (213 mg/100 mL of the tea infusion in South Korean Jeoncha) and EGCG (124 mg/100 mL in Japanese Sencha) were the dominant catechins in all green tea samples. Chinese and Indian green tea samples contained the highest concentration of toxic heavy metals, however these values were far below appropriate limitations for green teas. PCA revealed significant similarities between Japanese samples and Korean Jeoncha. In general the latter one was evaluated to have the best quality based on the investigated parameters.

MAO-A Inhibitory Potential of Terpene Constituents from Ginger Rhizomes-A Bioactivity Guided Fractionation.

BACKGROUND: In the search for novel antidepressive drug candidates, bioguided fractionation of nonpolar constituents present in the oleoresin from ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) was performed. This particular direction of the research was chosen due to the existing reports on the antidepressive properties of ginger total extract. The search for individual metabolites acting as MAO-A inhibitors, which correspond to the apparent effect of the total extract, is the subject of this work. METHODS: Hexane extracts from ginger rhizomes were fractionated by using column chromatography (including silica gel impregnated with silver nitrate) and semi-preparative high-performance chromatography. For the activity assessment, an in vitro monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibition luminescence assay was performed on 10 purified terpenes: 1,8-cineole, α-citronellal, geraniol, ß-sesquiphellandrene, γ-terpinen, geranyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, (E,E)-α-farnesene, and α-zingiberene. RESULTS: Geraniol and (-)-terpinen-4-ol were found to be the strongest enzyme inhibitors with inhibition of 44.1% and 42.5%, respectively, at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. No differences in the inhibition potential were observed for the different groups of terpenes: sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, or sesquiterpene alcohols; however, the two most active compounds contained a hydroxyl moiety. CONCLUSIONS: Terpene constituents from ginger's extract were found to exhibit moderate inhibitory properties against the MAO-A enzyme in in vitro tests.

Application of Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Methods towards the Quality Assessment of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizomes from Ecological Plantations.

The usefulness of ginger in the food industry and pharmacotherapy is strictly related to its content of various components. The study elucidates the chemical composition of Zingiber officinale rhizomes cultivated on ecological plantations on Shikoku Island (Japan). GC-MS analysis of terpene content, LC-MS determination of phenolic content, and the determination of 12 elements using AAS spectrometry were performed to give more detailed insight into the samples. Ninety-five percent of terpene composition was elucidated, with zingiberene as the most abundant sesquiterpene (37.9%); the quantification of gingerols and shogaols was performed, showing the highest contribution of 6-gingerol (268.3 mg/kg); a significant K (43,963 mg/kg of dry mass) and Mn (758.4 mg/kg of dry mass) content was determined in the elemental analysis of the rhizomes and low concentration of toxic elements (Cd, Ni and Pb) remaining below the safe level values recommended by European Commission Directives. The main phenolic compound was (6)-gingerol, which is characteristic of fresh rhizomes and is responsible for their taste and aroma. Surprisingly, high amounts of (6)-shogaol were determined, even though this phenolic compound usually occurs in old or processed material and not in fresh rhizomes. Sesquiterpenes were the major fraction of volatiles. The highest concentrations were determined for α-zingiberene, ß-sesquiphellandrene, (E,E)-α-farnesene, geranial, and ar-curcumene. The volatiles composition of ginger cultivated on Shikoku Island is specific and strongly differs from plants cultivated in China, Nigeria, or Australia. The elemental composition of ginger rhizomes grown in ecological plantations is more beneficial for human health compared to products grown in normal cultivars, as the products contain high amounts of potassium and manganese and are characterized by low sodium content and lower levels of toxic heavy metals.

[Production and assessing release of imipramine and magnesium from tablets]. / Technologia otrzymywania i ocena uwalniania imipraminy i magnezu z tabletek.

BACKGROUND: In the pharmaceutical technology there is a trend to produce tablets composed of several medicinal substances to increase therapeutic effect and reduce the frequency of drug administration. In the literature there are reports concerning pharmacological studies in which a potentiation of the effects has been observed after a co-administration of antidepressant imipramine and magnesium. Currently, there is no formulation on the market comprising imipramine and magnesium, therefore, it was decided to produce uncoated tablets. In order to prepare the tablets by direct compression, it was necessary to select suitable excipients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to elaborate the composition and to prepare the tablets with imipramine and magnesium, as well as to assess the quality of the tablets by physical characteristics and by the release study of the active substances. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to prepare the tablets, compositions of different polymers and other excipients were added. The tablets were produced by direct compression method in a tablet press. Physical properties of the obtained tablets and the release of the active substances into an acidic medium in a paddle apparatus were tested. The contents of imipramine and magnesium were determined by different methods: spectrophotometrically and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. RESULTS: The composition of excipients necessary to produce tablets comprising imipramine and magnesium was established. All of prepared tablets were in compliance with the pharmacopoeial requirements. The release tests showed that above 80% of imipramine was released within 20-35 min and 80-76% of magnesium up to 45 min from the composed tablets and one-ingredient tablets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The compositions of excipients for tablets consisting of imipramine and magnesium were presented. The active substances were released within 45 min in the acidic medium, and the administration of these substances in the composed tablets did not affect pharmaceutical availability.

Application of TLC method with video scanning in estimation of daily dietary intake of specific flavonoids--preliminary studies.

Flavonoids, substances present in foods of plant origin, play an important role in many metabolic processes. Numerous properties of these substances were described, including their anti-allergic, antitumor and antioxidant properties. Therefore, an increased intake of these nutrients may play a beneficial role in human health. The aim of the presented study was to estimate the daily intake of specific flavonoid compounds using thin layer chromatography (TLC) combined with densitometric qualitative and quantitative analysis. Performed investigations revealed the presence of two flavonoids in the extracts from daily food rations--naringenin and hesperidin. Naringenin content in the daily food ration of women was calculated to be 179-537 mg, whereas in the group of men it ranged around 181-550 mg, depending on the conducted method of extraction and solvent system used. Daily dietary intake of hesperidin was calculated to be 193-534 mg in the group of women and 194-562 mg in the group of men. The highest degree of extraction of these flavonoids was obtained for the mixture of acetone and water (7 : 3, v/v) by means of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE).

Selenium prevents lithium accumulation and does not disturb basic microelement homeostasis in liver and kidney of rats exposed to lithium.

INTRODUCTION: Lithium has been used in medicine for almost seventy years. Besides beneficial effects, its therapy may cause serious side-effects, with kidney and liver being the organs most vulnerable to its harmful influence. Therefore, research on protective agents against lithium toxicity has been continuing for some time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of additional selenium supplementation on lithium content, as well as homeostasis of the essential microelements iron, zinc, copper and manganese in kidney and liver of rats undergoing lithium exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 4 groups of male Wistar rats (6 animals each) treated with: control - saline; Li-group - Li2CO3 at a dose of 2.7 mg Li/kg b.w.; Se-group - Na2SeO3 at a dose of 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w.; Li+Se-group - both Li2CO3 and Na2SeO3 at doses of 2.7 mg Li/kg b.w. and of 0.5 mg Se/kg b.w., respectively, in the form of water solutions by stomach tube, once a day for 3 weeks. The content of the studied elements in the organ samples was determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). RESULTS: Lithium administered alone caused a significant increase in its content in liver and kidney. Additional supplementation with selenium reversed these effects, and did not markedly affect other studied microelements compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that selenium could be regarded as an adjuvant into lithium therapy. However, considering the limitations of the present study (the short duration, using only one dose and form of selenium) the continuation of the research seems to be necessary to clarify the influence of selenium supplementation on basic microelements and lithium accumulation in organs during lithium exposure.

Lithium disturbs homeostasis of essential microelements in erythrocytes of rats: Selenium as a protective agent?

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential element which shows protective properties against diverse harmful factors. Lithium compounds are widely used in medicine, but, in spite of undoubted beneficial effects, treatment with these compounds may lead to severe side effects, including renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine and metabolic disorders. This study was aimed at evaluating the influence of selenium and/or lithium on lithium, iron, zinc and copper content in rats' erythrocytes as well as estimate the action of additional selenium on lithium exposure effects. METHODS: The experiment was performed on four groups of rats (six animals each): control - received saline; Li - received 2.7mg Li/kg b.w. as lithium carbonate; Se - received 0.5mg Se/kg b.w. as sodium selenite; Se+Li - received simultaneously 0.5mg Se/kg b.w. and 2.7mg Li/kg b.w. (sodium selenite and lithium carbonate). The administration was performed for three weeks, once a day by stomach tube, in form of water solutions. In erythrocytes the content of lithium, iron, zinc and copper was determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Lithium treatment insignificantly disturbed iron and zinc homeostasis as well as markedly increased lithium accumulation and copper content in rat erythrocytes. Selenium coadministration reversed those effects. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of selenium on disturbances of studied microelements homeostasis as well as on preventing lithium accumulation in erythrocytes in Li receiving animals allows suggesting that further research on selenium application as an adjuvant in lithium therapy is worth carrying on.

Dietary intake of metals by the young adult population of Eastern Poland: Results from a market basket study.

Dietary intake of macro-, trace and toxic elements was determined among the young adult population of Eastern Poland. The study was performed in 2011-2013 and involved 583 participants living in Lublin and its province. Dietary intakes of metals were determined using a 24h dietary recall technique and a market basket method. The analytical quantification of As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn was performed using ICP-MS technique, whereas the content of mercury was determined using the Mercury Analyzer. Performed investigations revealed that daily dietary intakes of the majority of the study elements (macro- and trace) and toxic elements such as As, Pb or Hg are within the range of reference values. However, high consumption of Na and improper Na/K ratio combined with low intake of Mg may be harmful to the health of the population. Moreover, obtained data suggest that the risk of developing diseases among population in Eastern Poland related to high exposure to Ni and Cd absorbed from foodstuffs was high.

Content of Selected Minerals and Active Ingredients in Teas Containing Yerba Mate and Rooibos.

The study aimed to determine the content of selected elements: sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese and active ingredients such as phenolic acids and tannins in teas containing Yerba Mate and Rooibos cultivated in various areas. The study material comprised six samples of Yerba Mate teas and of Rooibos teas, both tea bags and leaves, purchased in Pulawy and online via Allegro. In total, 24 samples were tested. Yerba Mate was particularly abundant in Mn and Fe. The richest source of these elements was Yerba Mate Yer-Vita (2261.3 mg · kg(-1) d.m.) and (691.6 mg · kg(-1) d.m.). The highest content of zinc was determined in Yerba Mate Amanda with lime (106.0 mg · kg(-1) d.m.), while copper was most abundant in Yerba Mate Big-Active cocoa and vanilla (14.05 mg · kg(-1) d.m.). In Rooibos, the content of sodium was several times higher than in Yerba Mate. A clear difference was observed in the content of minerals in dry weight of the examined products, which could be a result of both the taxonomic distinctness and the origin of the raw material. Leaf teas turned out to be a better source of tannins; on the other hand, tea bags contained substantially more phenolic acids. The richest source of phenolic acids was Yer-Vita in bags (1.8 %), and the highest amount of tannins was recorded in the leaf tea Green Goucho caramel and dark chocolate (9.04 g · 100 g(-1) d.m.). In Rooibos products, the highest content of phenolic acids was recorded in tea bags (Savannah with honey and vanilla 0.96 %), and tannins in (Lord Nelson with strawberry and cream 7.99 g · 100 g (-1) d.m.).

Spectrophotometric determination of Fe(II) and Zn(II) in the pharmaceutical multivitamin preparations with microelements.

3-mercapto-5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenylazo-1')-1,2,4-triazole (METRIAP), 3-mercapto-5-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-carboxyphenylazo-1)-1,2,4-triazole (METRIAREZ-gamma) and 2-mercapto-5-(2,4-dihydroxy-5-carboxyphenylazol-)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (METIDAREZ-beta), reagents synthesized in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry of Medical University in Lublin, have been used to determine Fe(II) and Zn(II) in Materna, Centrum, H-Pantoten pharmaceutical multivitamin preparations, containing other trace elements. Zn (II) with METRIAREZ-gamma at pH=7.35, and Fe(II) with METRIAP and METIDAREZ-beta at pH=10.30 or 7.40 constitute soluble in H2O colourful chelate compound at a mole ratio of 1:2 and 1:3, respectively. Volume stability constant of Fe(II) and Zn(II) complexes is equal to log K(METRIAP-Fe(II)) = 16.46; log K(METRIAREZ-beta-Fe(II)) = 14.253; log K(METRIAREZ-gammaZn(II)) = 11.47. Fe(III) and Zn(II) solutions were obtained by wet mineralisation of Materna, Centrum and H-Pantoten preparations with concentrated H2SO4 and 30% H2O2 added. Spectrophotometric determination was carried out in an aqueous-methanolic solution environment. Statistically evaluated results were compared with the results of the AAS (atomic absorption spectrophotometry) determination method. Advantages of the Fe(II) and Zn(II) determination method are its precision RSD = 0.23%-2.09% and repeatability as well as the possibility of Fe(II) determination without the necessity of masking or separating other trace elements.

[Cereal products as a source of selenium in Polish food rations]. / Produkty zbozowe jako zródlo selenu w krajowych racjach pokarmowych.

The aim of the study was to update the data concerning the level of selenium in cereal products and to determine its uptake with daily food rations and percentage of cereal products in the 24-hour pool of selenium ingested. Selenium was determined fluorometrically after the reaction of Se (IV) with 2.3-diaminonaphthalene and extraction of naphtho-[2.3-d]-2-seleno-1.3-diazole to cyclohexane. Compared to the results found several years ago, the selenium levels observed in cereals, flour and bakery products were significantly lower. The mean levels of selenium in the above-mentioned products ranged from 22.9 micrograms/kg to 53.0 micrograms/kg and were markedly lower compared with pasta which reach to level 528 micrograms/kg, especially when pasta was made from semoline or contained eggs. The average daily intake of selenium with reconstructed rations was 37.9 micrograms while with home made rations 60.4 micrograms. The values calculated on the basis of the data collected in the 80-ties were significantly stray to analytical results, and those based on our findings was comparable. The percentage of the most important products in the daily selenium pool changed significantly after taking into account these new results because according to the data from 80-ties, the major sources of selenium in home and reconstructed rations were cereal products which share to 48%. According to the new results the main source of selenium in daily rations were meat one its products about 26% and cereal products somewhat less than 20%.

Dietary exposure to cadmium, lead and nickel among students from south-east Poland.

The dietary intake of cadmium, lead and nickel was determined among students from three universities in the city of Lublin in south-east Poland to assess the levels of exposure to these contaminants, compared to PTWI and TDI values. The study was performed in 2006­2010 and involved 850 daily food rations of students. The technique of 24-hour dietary recall and diet duplicates was used. Cadmium, lead and nickel complexes with ammonium-pyrrolidindithiocarbamate were formed and extracted to the organic phase with 4-methylpentan-2-one­MIBK, in which their content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The highest intake of the elements studied was observed in 2008. The data show that in none of the cases, the level of intake reached 70% of PTWI/TDI values, and thus the risk of developing diseases related to high exposure to these toxic metals absorbed from foodstuffs was low. The parameters of methods were checked during determinations by adding standard solutions to the samples before mineralization and by using two reference materials: Total diet ARC/CL HDP and Bovine muscle RM NIST 8414. The dietary exposure to lead and cadmium has significantly decreased in recent years, whereas the exposures to nickel remains on a stable level.

Alimentary chromium, nickel, and selenium intake of adults in poland estimated by analysis and calculations using the duplicate portion technique.

Chromium, nickel, and selenium have been known to be essential for proper functioning of human organisms. Since the Polish data concerning their content in diets are scarce, the study was undertaken to examine the levels of these elements in daily food rations (DFRs) in adults from the Lublin region in 1990, 1993, 1997, 1998, and 2002. The aim was to compare the results obtained by the calculation technique based on the national database with those of the DFR chemical analysis. Moreover, the study was to determine quantitative shares of the individual food groups in the daily pool of the elements examined. Determinations of chromium and nickel were carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Selenium was evaluated by spectrophotometry and fluorometry. The daily intake of chromium, nickel, and selenium was found to be 60 microg-90 microg, 124 microg-166 microg, and 54 microg-99 microg, respectively.

Metallothioneins and microelements in brain tumours.

Metallothioneins take part in the homeostasis of the ions of the metals which are necessary for the proper metabolism of the organism (zinc, copper), biosynthesis regulation of the zinc containing proteins. They also take part in the detoxication of metals from the tissues. Besides,they protect the tissue from the effects of free radicals, radiation, electrophilic pharmacologic agents used in the cancer therapy and from mutagens. The experimental materials were brain astrocytomas, benign gliomas (astrocytoma G-2) and malignant gliomas (glioblastoma multiforme GM-4). The levels of the metallothionein were determined by cadmium-hemoglobin affinity assay using the cadmium isotope (109Cd). The value of zinc and copper were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In our studies, the level of metallothioneins in the group of malignant neoplasms was slightly higher than the level of these proteins in the group of benign neoplasms. There was a statistical difference, but there is no significant difference in the levels of copper between malignant and benign groups.