Confusion of Alcohol Craving With Food Hunger in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals Entering In-Patient Drug Treatment.

AIM: To identify the distinguishing characteristics of alcohol dependent patients who confuse alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger. METHODS: Data were collected at interview on sociodemographic status, clinical status and anthropometry in 179 patients (163 men and 16 women) undergoing in-patient treatment for alcohol dependence. RESULTS: A comparison of the patient subgroups studied showed that patients who did not confuse, and those who did confuse, alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differed significantly in terms of alcohol craving scale scores (9 vs. 4 points). Patients confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger were more likely to recognize that experiencing severe pre-meal hunger can cause relapse (67.9 vs. 22.8%) and that not being able to distinguish between the sensations under study also increases the risk of breaking abstinence (75.0% vs. 50.4%). This was independent of severity of dependence and intensity of recent alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-dependent persons who confuse alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differ from those who do not confuse these hunger pangs in terms of feeling stronger alcohol craving and more frequent occurrence of symptoms accompanying the feeling of alcohol craving during pre-meal hunger. At the start of treatment for alcohol withdrawal, alcohol-dependent individuals who report confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger are less confident of maintaining abstinence. This is relevant to treatment. The role of possible confounders (depressive symptoms, cognitive and educational deficiency) could not be elucidated definitively.

Do Circulating Redox Biomarkers Have Diagnostic Significance in Alcohol-Intoxicated People?

The toxic properties of ethanol are inextricably linked to oxidative stress. Despite many reports on the effects of alcohol dependence on blood redox homeostasis, there are no data on the oxidative stress profile in alcohol-poisoned cases. There are also no data on the diagnostic usefulness of redox biomarkers determined post-mortem in various biological fluids. This work investigates the utility of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in different biological fluids (such as blood, urine, vitreous humor, and cerebrospinal fluid) in the post-mortem study of patients with acute alcohol intoxication. The study group included those who died due to acute ethanol intoxication (n = 22). The research showed a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant status, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and tryptophan concentration only in the study group's urine compared to the control. In other circulating fluids, both antioxidant enzyme activities and glycoxidation product concentrations were not significantly different in individuals who died of alcohol overdose compared with those who died suddenly. We also did not observe a connection between oxidation-reduction balance and the amount of alcohol consumed before death. These unexpected observations may be caused by irreversible post-mortem changes occurring at the cellular level due to autolysis and putrefaction. In summary, the use of circulating body fluids to assess redox homeostasis is limited in the post-mortem analysis. Our results indicate the increased stability of urine collected post mortem compared to other circulating bioliquids. Further studies are needed to assess the intensity of oxidative and carbonyl stress in ethanol-damaged organs and the effects of post-mortem processes on cellular redox balance.

Saccadic eye movements in different dimensions of schizophrenia and in clinical high-risk state for psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Oculomotor dysfunction is one of the most replicated findings in schizophrenia. However the association between saccadic abnormalities and particular clinical syndromes remains unclear. The assessment of saccadic movements in schizophrenia patients as well as in clinical high-risk state for psychosis individuals (CHR) as a part of schizophrenia continuum may be useful in validation of saccadic movements as a possible biomarker. METHODS: The study included 156 patients who met the ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia: 42 individuals at clinical high-risk-state for psychosis and 61 healthy controls. The schizophrenia patients had three subgroups based on the sum of the global SAPS and SANS scores: (1) patients with predominantly negative symptoms (NS, n = 62); (2) patients with predominantly positive symptoms (PS, n = 54) (3) patients with predominantly disorganization symptoms (DS, n = 40). CHR subjects were characterized by the presence of one of the groups of criteria: (1) Ultra High Risk criteria, (2) Basic Symptoms criteria or (3) negative symptoms and formal thought disorders. Horizontal eye movements were recorded by using videonystagmograph. We measured peak velocity, latency and accuracy in prosaccade, antisaccade and predictive saccade tasks as well as error rates in the antisaccade task. RESULTS: Schizophrenia patients performed worse than controls in predictive, reflexive and antisaccade tasks. Oculomotor parameters of NS were different from the other groups of patients. Latencies of predictive and reflexive saccades were significantly longer than in controls only in the NS group. The accuracy of predictive saccades was also different from controls only in the NS schizophrenia group. More prominent loss of accuracy of reflexive saccades was found in the DS group and it significantly differed from the one in other groups. Participants from DS group made more errors in antisaccade task compared to NS and PS groups. CHR subjects performed worse than controls as measured by the accuracy of reflexive saccades and antisaccades. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the existence of different relations between the symptom dimensions of schizophrenia and saccades tasks performances. Saccadic abnormalities were revealed in the clinical (schizophrenia) and pre-clinical (clinical high risk) populations that provide further evidence for assessing saccadic abnormalities as a possible neurobiological marker for schizophrenia.

Designer drugs ­ still a threat?

INTRODUCTION: In Poland, an increasing number of psychoactive substances are becoming prohibited by law as psychotropic or narcotic substances, or as new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Owing to the enormous technological possibilities offered by today's science, synthesis of new derivatives of prohibited compounds is no longer a problem. The moment a dangerous substance is outlawed, new designer drugs (in Poland known as 'dopalacze') appear on the market. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: An amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction issued in July 2018 made it possible for the NPS to be considered drugs by law. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone derivatives make up the majority of NPSs identified by the authorities in Poland. Synthetic cannabinoids which can, unlike cannabinoid receptor agonists of plant origin, cause death by somatic toxicity, are particularly dangerous. The ability to quickly recognize poisoning with synthetic opioids is crucial, since an antidote reversing the depressive effect of opioids on the respiratory center can be administered. SUMMARY: This work collects the most important and up-to-date information on designer drugs, based on reports and articles published between 2015 and 2019. The covered aspects include: the current definition of designer drugs in relation to the Polish law, their exact division due to the clinical effects they cause and the description of the threats they pose. Emphasis was given to the current situation of the designer drug market in Poland.

Immune suppression of IgG response against dairy proteins in major depression.

BACKGROUND: Interactions between the digestive system, brain functions and immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediated immunity against food antigens became recently a topic of growing interest in psychiatry research. Psychological stress can activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) with subsequent hypercortisolemia. It can also influence intestinal permeability and dynamics of IgG response. Major depression can by accompanied either by activation of inflammatory response or by immune suppression (e.g. decreased antibody production) where hypercortisolemia is a significant immune modulator. The aim of our study was to assess IgG immune response against 44 food products in depressed patients and controls along with markers of psychological stress, inflammation, psychometric and dietary parameters. METHODS: Serum IgG concentrations against 44 food antigens, plasma cortisol, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1b concentrations were measured and psychometric parameters were evaluated using Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D 17), Perceived Stress (PSS-10), and Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) scales in 34 depressed patients and 29 controls. Dietary parameters such as frequency of exposure to food antigens, appetite and weight change were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significantly lower IgG concentration against dairy in depressed patients compared to controls (post hoc p < 0.05) when there was a high exposure (consumption) to dairy. Our research revealed a significant interaction of IgG concentration against dairy proteins and exposure to dairy between groups (F (2.63) = 3.92, p = 0.025, η2 = 0.12). There was no significant difference in mean IgG concentration against food antigens between patients and controls. We found increased concentration of cortisol in depressed patients (t (1.61) = 2.37, p = 0.02) compared to controls. Patients with melancholic depression had significantly higher (M rank  = 21.27) concentration of cortisol (U = 41, p = 0.006), when compared with the non-melancholic group of patients (M rank  = 12.16). Cortisol concentration significantly positively correlated with HAM-D 17 (r = 0.442, p = 0.009) and with phobias in SCL-90 scale in patients' group (r = 0.531, p = 0.001). There was decreased concentration of TNF-α (t = 4.256, p < 0.001) in depressed patients compared to controls. IgG concentration of 38.63% food products positively correlated with TNF-α concentration in depressed patients compared to 9.09% of those in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an immune suppression of IgG response to dairy proteins in depressed patients. Hypercortisolemia with involvement of decreased concentration of TNF-α might play a significant role in suppression of IgG response in depressed patients.

Antioxidant Defence, Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Damage in Saliva, Plasma and Erythrocytes of Dementia Patients. Can Salivary AGE be a Marker of Dementia?

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in dementia pathogenesis; however, its impact on salivary secretion and salivary qualities is still unknown. This study included 80 patients with moderate dementia and 80 healthy age- and sex-matched individuals. Salivary flow, antioxidants (salivary peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, uric acid and total antioxidant capacity), and oxidative damage products (advanced oxidation protein products, advanced glycation end products (AGE), 8-isoprostanes, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and total oxidant status) were estimated in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva, as well as in plasma and erythrocytes. We show that in dementia patients the concentration/activity of major salivary antioxidants changes, and the level of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins and lipids is increased compared to healthy controls. Non-stimulated and stimulated salivary secretions were significantly reduced in dementia patients. The deterioration in mini mental state examination (MMSE) score correlated with salivary AGE levels, which when considered with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, suggests their potential role in the non-invasive diagnosis of dementia. In conclusion, dementia is associated with disturbed salivary redox homeostasis and impaired secretory function of the salivary glands. Salivary AGE may be useful in the diagnosis of dementia.

Prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) accounts for 95% of all pancreatic cancers. About 230,000 PDA cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. PDA has the lowest five-year survival rate as compared to others cancers. PDA in Poland is the fifth leading cause of death after lung, stomach, colon and breast cancer. In our paper we have analysed the newest epidemiological research, some of it controversial, to establish the best practical solution for pancreatic cancer prevention in the healthy population as well as treatment for patients already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We found that PDA occurs quite frequently but is usually diagnosed too late, at its advanced stage. Screening for PDA is not very well defined except in subgroups of high-risk individuals with genetic disorders or with chronic pancreatitis. We present convincing, probable, and suggestive risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer, many of which are modifiable and should be introduced and implemented in our society.

The differences in level of trait anxiety among girls and boys aged 13-17 years with myopia and emmetropia.

BACKGROUND: A significant increase in myopia among children and teenagers can be observed all over the world. Yet at the same time, there is still an insignificant number of studies concerning this health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the level of trait anxiety among myopic group of teenagers in comparison to teenagers with emmetropia, and to confirm whether the level of trait anxiety relates to age and gender. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-nine students aged 13-17 years were included in the study. The study group comprised 114 persons with myopia (81 girls and 33 boys), while the control group comprised 125 persons without refractive error (79 girls and 46 boys). Volunteers completed a set of questionnaires including: personal data, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) (13-14 year-olds), or State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (15-17 year-olds). The trait anxiety subscales were thus analyzed. RESULTS: Among younger adolescents (13-14 years of age) with myopia there was a significantly higher incidence of pathological intensification of anxiety as a constant trait. After taking into account the distribution of gender, there was a higher level of trait anxiety in the group of boys with myopia than in the control group aged 13-17 years and 13-14 years. There was also a higher level of trait anxiety detected in males than in females. CONCLUSIONS: Myopia may affect the level of trait anxiety among 13-14-year-olds. In both age groups of girls, a higher percentage of patients with high level of anxiety was discovered (≥7 sten), as compared to their peers without vision defects. Our results can contribute to a more accurate analysis of young teenagers' psychological problems, especially among boys diagnosed with myopia.

[Depression and inflammation in rheumatic diseases]. / Depresja i proces zapalny w chorobach reumatologicznych.

It is known that the prevalence of depression in rheumatologic patients is higher than in the general population. Socioeconomic factors are not a sufficient explanation of mood disorder in these patients. Symptoms reported by patients with chronic inflammatory diseases resemble changes defined as "sickness behavior". Mood disorders among somatic patients could be explained by disturbances of the immune system according to the monoaminergic theory of depression. Inflammatory factors such as IL-1 (interleukin-1), IL-2 (interleukin-2), IL-6 (interleukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α), and IFN-γ (interferon-γ) act within the CNS (central nervous system). They get through from peripheral tissues as well as being synthesized de novo by neurons. This cytokine activity correlates positively with depression intensity as well as with genetic polymorphism of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter. The theory of glucocorticoid resistance-mediated depression (limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [LHPA] axis) is also connected with gained proinflammatory cytokines activity. It might assume the form of a vicious circle. Depressed mood is probably linked with depression in immune-mediated diseases. An elevated level of proinflammatory cytokines is able to activate IDO (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase)--an enzyme catabolizing tryptophan (5-HT precursor). Those reactions probably play the main role at the biochemical level. IDO metabolites extensively disturb neurotransmission. 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3OH-KYN), quinolinic acid (Quin) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) are neurotoxic by releasing oxidative stress mediators. Moreover, they activate MAO (monoamine oxidase), which degrades neurotransmitters responsible for stable mood. Bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems is significant for depression treatment, as well as CNS protection against incremental neurodegeneration among seemingly diverse diseases.

Serum ß-glucuronidase as a potential colon cancer marker: a preliminary study.

AIM: Colorectal cancer is characterized by high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. The lack of low-cost, easy-to-use screening diagnostic methods is one of the causes of late diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Beta-glucuronidase (GLU) is a lysosomal exoglycosidase involved in degradation of glycosaminoglycans of the cell membranes and extracellular matrix of normal and cancerous colon tissues. The aim of our research was to evaluate the activity of GLU in the serum of colorectal cancer and estimate its potential value in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 21 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma and 17 healthy subjects. GLU activity was determined by the colorimetric method of Marciniak et al. by measuring the amount of p-nitrophenol released from 4-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucuronide, at λ = 405 nm. RESULTS: We found significantly greater activity of GLU (p<0.0001) in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer, as compared to the healthy subjects. The serum GLU activity significantly differentiates patients with colorectal cancer from healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Serum GLU activity has diagnostic value and may be used in the diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma.

Salivary antioxidants in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: In spite of relatively large amount of evidence that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis, there is no study analyzing antioxidants profile of the saliva of these patients. The aim of this study was to compare salivary antioxidants in subjects with systemic sclerosis and the healthy controls. METHODS: The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow and the specific activity of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase 1, the total amount of uric acid, and total antioxidant status were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis women and healthy controls. RESULTS: A significant increase in the specific activity of peroxidase, a significant decrease in the total amount of uric acid and total antioxidants status in unstimulated saliva as well as a significant increase in all antioxidants examined in stimulated saliva of group with normal salivary flow rate as compared to the healthy controls were observed. Our results showed a significant decrease in the specific activity of peroxidase in unstimulated and a significant decrease in all antioxidants examined in stimulated saliva of the group with hyposalivation as compared to the group with normal salivary flow rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results prove that impairment of the salivary glands in the course of systemic sclerosis may be attributed to free radicals, and it is correlated with disease duration.

Salivary: flow and proteins of the innate and adaptive immunity in the limited and diffused systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: However, there are some informations on the salivary glands involvement in systemic sclerosis, and there is a lack of any data about salivary glands function depending on systemic sclerosis subsets. METHODS: The unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, the activity of peroxidase, the total amount of lactoferrin, lysozyme and sIgA were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis and healthy controls. RESULTS: In the unstimulated saliva of both patients groups, the salivary flow, the output of total protein and peroxidase activity were significantly lower; the total: sIgA and lactoferrin were significantly higher as compared with the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with limited form, the total lysozyme and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with diffused form, the salivary flow was significantly lower and the total sIgA and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. CONCLUSION: Systemic sclerosis regardless of its subset affects salivary defense system of human unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Patients with the limited form experience the same impairment of the submandibular glands function as compared with patients with the diffused form. Only patients with the diffused form are deficient in respect of stimulated saliva secretion; the parotid glands of the patients with the limited form have a good secretory capacity in comparison with the healthy control.

Salivary exoglycosidases as markers of alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND: Some salivary markers of alcohol abuse/dependence have been proposed so far: aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyltransferase, ethanol, ethyl glucuronide, ethyl sulfate, sialic acid, ß-hexosaminidase A, oral peroxidase, methanol, diethylene/ethylene glycol, α-amylase, clusterin, haptoglobin, heavy/light chains of immunoglobulins and transferrin. AIM: To investigate the effect of chronic alcohol drinking and smoking on the activity (pKat/ml) and output (pKat/min) of salivary lysosomal exoglycosidases: α-fucosidase (FUC), α-mannosidase (MAN), ß-galactosidase (GAL), and ß-glucuronidase (GLU), and their applicability as markers of alcohol dependence. METHODS: The activity of FUC, MAN, GAL and GLU was measured colorimetrically in the saliva of healthy social drinkers, alcohol-dependent non-smokers and alcohol-dependent smokers. RESULTS: We observed an increased salivary activity of FUC, GAL, GLU and MAN, as well as an increased output of GAL and GLU, in comparison with controls. The highest increase in the activity/output was found in salivary GLU and MAN (GLU, even 7- to 18-fold), and the least in GAL. We found an excellent sensitivity and specificity and a high accuracy (measured by the area under the ROC curve) for salivary FUC, GLU and MAN activities. The salivary GLU activity positively correlated with the number of days of last alcohol intoxication. Salivary activity of FUC, GAL and MAN, but not GLU, positively correlated with the periodontal parameters such as gingival index and papilla bleeding index. CONCLUSIONS: Although we found an excellent sensitivity and specificity as well as a high accuracy for the salivary activity of FUC, GLU and MAN, the GLU activity seems to be mostly applicable as a marker of chronic alcohol drinking (alcohol dependence).

Glycosylation changes in the salivary glycoproteins of alcohol-dependent patients: a pilot study.

AIM: Glycosylation of serum proteins is affected with prolonged heavy drinking, and carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) is well established and highly specific biomarker of sustained alcohol consumption. However, total amount of sialic acid is not the only glycoepitope that may be altered as a result of the disease. This work is focused on glycan structures altered in salivary glycoproteins of alcoholics, indicating the most efficient carriers of such marker glycoepitopes. METHODS: Salivary glycoproteins of 31 alcohol-dependent patients and 21 healthy controls were studied by means of lectin ELISA and lectin blotting with the lectins specific for core and antennary fucose, α2,3-bound sialic acid as well as T and Tn antigens in O-glycans. RESULTS: In direct lectin ELISA, core fucosylation, α2,3 sialylation and expression of T-antigen were significantly lowered in the saliva of alcohol-dependent patients. In lectin blotting ten glycoprotein bands were analyzed. The profile of disease-related alterations was found to be complex, but all six lectins studied here were able to detect altered glycan structures. In some glycoproteins the tendency to correct the glycosylation profile was observed after 7 weeks of abstinence. CONCLUSION: Alterations in the glycosylation profiles in the salivary glycoproteins of alcohol-dependent people were found. Some of salivary glycoproteins, such as α-amylase, clusterin, haptoglobin, heavy and light chains of immunoglobulins, and transferrin, seem to be worthy of detailed glycosylation analysis in the detection of alcohol dependence. Further studies may allow one to estimate if such glycomarkers may also reflect the amount of alcohol intake or the duration of alcohol intake.

Association between serum testosterone levels, body mass index (BMI) and insulin in male patients with schizophrenia treated with atypical antipsychotics--olanzapine or risperidone.

OBJECTIVE: A sufficient amount of testosterone (T) is essential for adequate sexual functioning but also for cognitive and psychological well-being. Most recent studies have demonstrated that higher BMI and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome are associated with alterations in sex steroid hormone concentrations. Although, neuroleptics are known to cause a significant and sustained weight excess, the relationships between body mass index and the level of testosterone in psychiatric patients have not been thoroughly studied. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the correlations between testosterone, estradiol BMI, and insulin in male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with olanzapine or risperidone. METHODS: The study included 78 males diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV diagnostic classification hospitalized in psychiatric inpatient units (42 on risperidone and 36 on olanzapine). The initial and final evaluation of testosterone (T), estradiol, prolactin (PRL) and insulin serum levels were performed at week 3 and 8 after the onset of the new treatment, respectively. RESULTS: At week 3, the mean serum prolactin was markedly higher, whereas testosterone level was lower in risperidone patients compared to those treated with olanzapine. T level was negatively affected by the studied medication (risperidone), increased prolactin and a higher BMI. At week 8, the mean serum prolactin level was markedly higher in risperidone patients. Higher values of BMI and serum insulin were the most prominent factors independently associated with decreased plasma testosterone levels at that measurement point. Individual changes of T level between week 3 and 8 were positively correlated with the corresponding changes in estradiol levels. CONCLUSIONS: T serum levels appear to be independently linked with BMI, insulin and prolactin in both investigated neuroleptics. Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters in patients with schizophrenia under neuroleptic treatment.

Premenstrual syndrome: new insights into etiology and review of treatment methods.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with an estimated global prevalence of 47.8%, with severe symptoms occurring in 3-8%, significantly affecting daily functioning. GABA conductance and changes in neurosteroid levels, particularly allopregnanolone, are suspected to play a substantial role in the disorder's etiology. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent reports on the etiology and recognized therapeutic approaches, encompassing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Our examination includes studies on SSRIs, hormonal agents, neurosteroids, supplementation, and therapeutic roles. We aim to determine the most favorable treatment regimen by comparing medication effects and alternative methods. The treatment of PMS is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for affected women. Medications used in PMS treatment should be individually selected to achieve the best therapeutic effect, considering the clinical situation of the patients.

Between Dysbiosis, Maternal Immune Activation and Autism: Is There a Common Pathway?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by impaired social interactions and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Growing evidence highlights an important role of the gut-brain-microbiome axis in the pathogenesis of ASD. Research indicates an abnormal composition of the gut microbiome and the potential involvement of bacterial molecules in neuroinflammation and brain development disruptions. Concurrently, attention is directed towards the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and impaired intestinal tightness. This comprehensive review emphasizes the potential impact of maternal gut microbiota changes on the development of autism in children, especially considering maternal immune activation (MIA). The following paper evaluates the impact of the birth route on the colonization of the child with bacteria in the first weeks of life. Furthermore, it explores the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-17a and mother's obesity as potentially environmental factors of ASD. The purpose of this review is to advance our understanding of ASD pathogenesis, while also searching for the positive implications of the latest therapies, such as probiotics, prebiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation, targeting the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation. This review aims to provide valuable insights that could instruct future studies and treatments for individuals affected by ASD.

Oxidative stress parameters in women and men with suicidal thoughts and following a suicide attempt.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in individuals with depression and schizophrenia, considering gender differences, and manifesting suicidal behavior, encompassing thoughts without a tendency to be realized, thoughts with a tendency to be realized, and suicide attempts. Methods: From among the patients from Department of Psychiatry 120 individuals were selected who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria for the study. In the initial phase of the project, patients eligible for the study underwent the M.I.N.I 7.0.2 questionnaire (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Subsequently, in the second phase of the research, venous blood samples were collected from the patients for the purpose of conducting biochemical assessments, focusing on oxidative stress parameters. Results: The obtained results suggest that redox biomarkers, namely TOS (total oxidation state) and OSI (TOS/TAC ratio), in the blood plasma of women increase in tandem with the severity of suicidal behavior. No notable alterations in SOD (Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentrations and activity were noted between groups exhibiting suicidal behavior. The observed variations in the concentrations and activity of antioxidant parameters were significant solely in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: Redox biomarkers TOS and OSI could prove valuable in diagnosing women at a genuine risk of committing suicide. On the other hand, antioxidant parameters - SOD, GPx, and GSH may be instrumental in identifying patients with suicidal behaviors, without specifying their intensity.