Smoking as a risk factor of onset and relapse of Multiple Sclerosis - a review.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease caused by damage to myelin in the brain and spinal cord. The cause of the disease is unclear, but it is probably correlated with dysregulation of the immunological system, as well as non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. However, the course of the condition has been shown to be modifiable by treatment and various environmental factors. Cigarette smoking is one of the most common addictions around the world, and may be a key modifiable risk factor in MS. Here, we review data available on Pubmed and Scopus from the last 10 years. The following consecutive key words were used in our search: "multiple sclerosis", "smoking", "cigarette", "impact", "progression", and "tobacco". This search yielded 248 initial articles, 43 of which were included in our review. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: In our review, we have examined the impact of smoking on the immunology, course, treatment, relapse, recurrence, quality of life, and changes visualised on MRI among patients with MS in general. We have also explored these patterns in MS subtypes. In general, smoking is reported to have negative effects on MS, including a decrease in quality of life, as well as cognitive and mental state, and an increase in disability, as well as in the frequency of relapses and recurrences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Smoking has a widespread negative impact on patients with MS. Thus, it is important to educate patients and to help them to give up smoking to improve their health and quality of life. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Further research about the impact of smoking and nicotine on MS and other neurodegenerative diseases is needed; in particular, research on e-cigarettes.

The Promotive and Inhibitory Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Endometrial Cancer Course-A Review.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours in women. The development of this tumour is associated with several genetic disorders, many of which are still unknown. One type of RNA molecules currently being intensively studied in many types of cancer are long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNA-coding genes occupy a large fraction of the human genome. LncRNAs regulate many aspects of cell development, metabolism, and other physiological processes. Diverse types of lncRNA can function as a tumour suppressor or an oncogene that can alter migration, invasion, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune system response. Recent studies suggest that selected lncRNAs are important in an endometrial cancer course. Our article describes over 70 lncRNAs involved in the development of endometrial cancer, which were studied via in vivo and in vitro research. It was proved that lncRNAs could both promote and inhibit the development of endometrial cancer. In the future, lncRNAs may become an important therapeutic target. The aim of this study is to review the role of lncRNAs in the development of carcinoma of uterine body.

Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy : A Practical Focus on Neuroimaging and Reperfusion Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy increases the risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among young women and is responsible for about 5% of maternal deaths and significant disability. Concerns of potential adverse events of imaging and reperfusion therapies in this group of patients can lead to a substantial delay or omission of treatment that can significantly worsen outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to discuss main concerns of diagnosis and therapy of pregnant patients with AIS regarding neuroimaging and reperfusion treatment. RESULTS: The cumulative radiation dose of computed tomography (CT)-based entire diagnostic procedure (noncontrast CT, CT-angiography and CT-perfusion) is estimated to be below threshold for serious fetal radiation exposure adverse events. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based imaging is thought to be safe as long as gadolinium contrast media are avoided. The added risk of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy during pregnancy is thought to be very low. Nevertheless, some additional safety measures should be utilized to reduce the risk of radiation, contrast media and hypotension exposure during diagnostic procedures or reperfusion treatment. CONCLUSION: Fetal safety concerns should not preclude routine diagnostic work-up (except for gadolinium contrast media administration) in childbearing AIS women, including procedures applied in unknown onset and late onset individuals. Due to rather low added risk of serious treatment complications, pregnancy should not be a sole contraindication for neither IVT, nor endovascular treatment.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the kidney in patient with nephron-sparing surgery. Case report and review of the literature.

According to the WHO classification, mesenchymal tumors of the kidney are divided into mesenchymal tumors occurring mainly in adults and children. Accumulating evidence suggests that renal mesenchymal tumors represent a group of histologically heterogeneous diseases. We are reporting the case of a 58-year-old man with a history of nephron-sparing surgery due to renal cell carcinoma in 2014 in his left kidney. He was urgently admitted to the hospital due to left-sided nephrotoxic and anuria. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed and revealed irregular tumor mass. He underwent left-sided nephrectomy. Microscopic appearance and immunoprofile allowed to diagnose the tumor as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the kidney. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the urinary system and male genital organs, IMT is a benign mesenchymal tumor with malignant potential. Typical locations are the liver and biliary tract, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. In the urogenital system, IMT occurs mainly in the bladder. So far, 48 cases have been reported in the kidney.

Changes in Histological Structure, Interleukin 12, Smooth Muscle Actin and Nitric Oxide Synthase 1. and 3. Expression in the Liver of Running and Non-Running Wistar Rats Supplemented with Bee Pollen or Whey Protein.

Introduction: Bee pollen is a natural substance obtained from flowers by bees. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins and minerals. It can be used as a dietary supplement. Bee pollen has been investigated for the treatment of some diseases with promising potential. It can be helpful in supportive therapy for dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes type 2, as well the prevention and control of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Whey protein is a rich source of amino acids. It is a basic dietary supplement for many athletes, both professional and amateur. It stimulates muscle growth and provides nutrition for cachectic patients. Aim of the study: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of dietary supplementation of bee pollen or whey protein on the Wistar rat liver histological structure and expression of interleukin 12, smooth muscle actin and nitric oxide synthases among running and non-running rats. Material and methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six equal groups, three running and three non-running. Among both there was one control, one supplemented with bee pollen and one receiving whey proteins. After 8 weeks, all animals were decapitated and their livers were collected. Five micrometer thick slides were prepared and used for classical histological staining and immuno-histochemistry. ImageJ image analysis software was used to measure optical density and immunohistochemistry profile coverage. Results: Among all groups, morphology of liver was similar. In the running control group, expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) was decreased as well as expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in a group of bee pollen supplemented rats. No significant changes in α- smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was observed. Conclusions: Bee pollen is proving to be a questionable choice for athletes as an alternative to whey protein. Bee pollen supplementation affects hepatocyte cellular activity and has hepatoprotective effects. Whey protein performs worse in this regard. Lower antioxidant properties were found in groups supplemented with bee pollen than with whey protein.

Correlation between vitamin D and alterations in MRI among patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of unknown etiology. Diagnosis of MS is primarily based on detection of myelin damage by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and classification of demyelination according to the McDonald Criteria. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) has been shown to affect the onset and progression of MS via its immunomodulating properties. The role of vitamin D in MS pathogenesis and treatment deserves further investigation, as there is sufficient evidence to suggest a correlation between vitamin D blood level and brain MRI lesion load. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Elevated blood vitamin D concentration is linked with demyelination, as determined by T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Blood vitamin D blood levels are affected by sun exposure, among other factors; however, there is no evident connection between abnormalities in myelination and seasonality. Vitamin D supplementation among MS patients has been associated with a lower probability of new lesions and loss of existing lesion volume, as observed seen in T1-weighted MRI scans (p=0.03). An increase in TGF-beta levels was noted among patients using vitamin D supplementation, which may suggest a mechanism by which cholecalciferol may improve MS prognosis. Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) exhibited an inverse correlation between vitamin D concentration and risk of new lesions as seen in T2-weighted MRI scans. Moreover, vitamin D intake among these patients lowered the risk of progression to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS). Daily intake of vitamin D during fingolimod treatment correlated strongly with lower numbers of new lesions. High dose vitamin D supplementation during interferon beta-1a treatment was linked to lower mean percentage of lesions compared with volume pre-treatment seen by T2-weighted MRI. RESULTS: Recent findings advocate for the monitoring of vitamin D blood levels in MS patients. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered in both MS patients and patients with CIS, where other signs of disease may be delayed. Moreover, vitamin D supplementation appears to lower the likelihood of new demyelination changes apparent in MRI examinations.

Application of Citicoline in Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Citicoline is a chemical compound involved in the synthesis of cell membranes. It also has other, not yet explained functions. Research on the use of citicoline is conducted in neurology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. Citicoline is widely available as a dietary supplement. It is often used to enhance cognitive functions. In our article, accessible databases were searched for articles regarding citicoline use in neurological diseases. This article has a systemic review form. After rejecting non-eligible reports, 47 remaining articles were reviewed. The review found that citicoline has been proven to be a useful compound in preventing dementia progression. It also enhances cognitive functions among healthy individuals and improves prognosis after stroke. In an animal model of nerve damage and neuropathy, citicoline stimulated regeneration and lessened pain. Among patients who underwent brain trauma, citicoline has an unclear clinical effect. Citicoline has a wide range of effects and could be an essential substance in the treatment of many neurological diseases. Its positive impact on learning and cognitive functions among the healthy population is also worth noting.