Salt Intake of Children and Adolescents: Influence of Socio-Environmental Factors and School Education.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the salt consumption by children and adolescents from the Silesian Province (Poland), taking into account the region's dietary traditions and the age of the students+. (2) Methods: 300 students aged 10-18 from different types of schools were enrolled in the study and divided into groups in terms of school, sex, and the state of their nutrition. A survey questionnaire about dietary habits, including the frequency and serving size with respect to 12 salty products, was used. On the basis of the frequency and the amount of consumed products, as well as the data on salt content, the amount of total daily intake of salt was estimated. (3) Results: The mean daily intake of salt by children and adolescents was 1.083 g (0.433 g of sodium); children aged 10-12 consumed the highest amount of salt (1.296 g/day) compared to pupils aged 13-15 (1.131 g of sodium) and adolescents aged 16-18 (0.863 g/day). (4) Conclusions: With age, as a result of various factors, the consumption of salt declines. The parents' impact and the familial socio-environmental factors begin to wane, and other factors start to have influence, e.g., school education of a healthy lifestyle and health behavior of peers.

Relationship between the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the autophagy process via ubiquitin is associated with the occurrence of a number of diseases, including cancer. The present study analyzed the changes in the transcriptional activity of autophagy-related genes and the ubiquitination process (UPS) in colorectal cancer tissue. (2) Methods: The process of measuring the transcriptional activity of autophagy-related genes was analyzed by comparing colorectal cancer samples from four clinical stages I-IV (CS I-IV) of adenocarcinoma to the control (C). The transcriptional activity of genes associated with the UPS pathway was determined via the microarray technique (HG-U133A, Affymetrix). (3) Results: Of the selected genes, only PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) indicated statistical significance for all groups of colon cancer tissue transcriptome compared to the control. The transcriptional activity of the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene increased in all stages of the cancer, but the p-value was only less than 0.05 in CSIV vs. C. Forkhead box O1 (FOXO 1) and ubiquitin B (UBB) are statistically overexpressed in CSI. (4) Conclusions: The pathological expression changes in the studied proteins observed especially in the early stages of colorectal cancer suggest that the dysregulation of ubiquitination and autophagy processes occur during early neoplastic transformation. Stopping or slowing down the processes of removal of damaged proteins and their accumulation may contribute to tumor progression and poor prognosis.

Do Elevated YKL-40 Levels Drive the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer? Assessment of the Association of the Expression of YKL-40, MMP-8, IL17A, and PD-L1 with Coexisting Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Active Smoking.

The influence of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40 or CHI3L1) expression on the immunological properties of the tumor microenvironment, which may affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy, is currently not sufficiently understood in colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between YKL-40 expression and the immunological properties of the tumor microenvironment in CRC. We performed in silico analysis, including analysis of immune cell infiltration scores and the immune landscape depending on YKL-40 expression, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and analysis of three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. In 48 CRC tissue homogenates and the surgical margin, we analyzed the expression of YKL-40, MMP8, IL17A, and PD-L1. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of YKL-40 in tissue homogenates retrieved from patients with coexisting diabetes, obesity, and smoking. The expression of YKL-40 was significantly higher in CRC tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue and correlated with MMP-8, IL17A, and PD-L1 expression. In silico analysis revealed an association of YKL-40 with disease recurrence, and GSEA revealed a potential link between elevated YKL-40 expression and immunosuppressive properties of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Frailty and Metabolic Syndromes-Two Sides of the Same Coin.

In developed countries, aging is often seen as typical, but it is made complicated by many disorders and co-morbidities. Insulin resistance seems to be an underlying pathomechanism in frailty and metabolic syndromes. The decline in insulin sensitivity leads to changes in the oxidant-antioxidant balance and an accelerated inflammatory response, especially by adipocytes and macrophages in adipose tissue, as well as muscle mass density. Thus, in the pathophysiology of syndemic disorders-the metabolic syndrome and frailty syndrome-an extremely important role may be played by increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory state. Papers included in this review explored available full texts and the reference lists of relevant studies from the last 20 years, before the end of 2022; we also investigated the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. The online resources describing an elderly population (≥65 years old) published as full texts were searched for the following terms: "oxidative stress and/or inflammation", "frailty and/or metabolic syndrome". Then, all resources were analyzed and narratively described in the context of oxidative stress and/or inflammation markers which underlie pathomechanisms of frailty and/or metabolic syndromes in elderly patients. So far, different metabolic pathways discussed in this review show that a similar pathogenesis underlies the development of the metabolic as well as frailty syndromes in the context of increased oxidative stress and acceleration of inflammation. Thus, we argue that the syndemia of the syndromes represents two sides of the same coin.

Transcription of Autophagy Associated Gene Expression as Possible Predictors of a Colorectal Cancer Prognosis.

(1) Background: Autophagy plays a dual role in oncogenesis-it contributes to the growth of the tumor and can inhibit its development. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the transcriptional activity of LAMP-2, BECN1, PINK1, and FOXO1 genes involved in the autophagy process in histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma sections of colorectal cancer: (2) Methods: A gene expression profile analysis was performed using HG-U133A and the RT-qPCR reaction. The transcriptional activity of genes was compared in sections of colorectal cancer in the four clinical stages (CSI-CSIV) concerning the control group; (3) Results: In CSI, the transcriptional activity of the PINK1 gene is highest; in CS II, the LAMP-2 gene is highest, while FOXO1 increases gradually from CSI reaching a maximum in CSIII. There is no BECN1 gene expression in colorectal cancer cells; (4) Conclusions: The observed differences in the mRNA concentration profile of autophagy-related genes in colon cancer specimens may indicate the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of this cancer. Genes involved in autophagy may be diagnostic tools for colorectal cancer screening and personalized therapy in the future.

Are There Differences in Gut Microbiome in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated by Metformin or Metformin and Insulin?

Introduction: Recently, gut microbiota has been described as being involved in the health and diseases of the host, and together with diet and drugs may influence metabolic health. Yet, there is still no answer which type of treatment plays the most important role in the interplay of gut microbiota and type of treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). An attempt was made to answer the question of which factors have the most significant impact on the intestinal microbiome in the context of metformin or metformin+insulin use in treatment of the patients with T2DM. Thus the aim of the study was to compare the gut microbiome profiles of patients with T2DM and two of the most traditional treatment methods. Methods: T2DM patients treated by metformin (Met) and metformin+insulin (Met+Ins), with the treatment duration of 5-10 years were enrolled. Biochemically blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids and kidney function were investigated and the quantitative and qualitative examination of the fecal intestinal flora were performed through the next-generation sequencing. Results: There were no significant differences in the study of the gut microbiome: the dominant bacterial phyla were Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, while Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria shared smaller proportions in both groups. However, the group Met+Ins had worse metabolic control in terms of blood glucose and HbA1c in comparison with the Met group. Conclusion: As there are no differences in gut microbiome in T2DM patients treated with metformin only or metformin plus insulin, adding insulin in the treatment of T2DM may delay late diabetic complications development.

Organization of Medical Assistance in Poland for Ukrainian Citizens During the Russia-Ukraine War.

From 24 February 2022 to 29 March 2022, Poland has taken 2,377,000 refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are mostly women, children, and the elderly. In this article, we present all activities and types of medical resources provided and organized in Poland for refugees from the first days of the conflict. Information has been compiled from the data available on the Polish Ministry of Health, other governmental and non-governmental organizations, foundations, and medical societies.

Metabolic Syndrome in an Aging Society - Role of Oxidant-Antioxidant Imbalance and Inflammation Markers in Disentangling Atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the elderly population is growing. The elements of metabolic syndrome in an aging society are currently being researched. Atherosclerosis is a slow process in which the first symptoms may be observed after many years. The mechanisms underlying the progression of atherosclerosis are oxidative stress and inflammation. Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome. Taking the above into consideration, metabolic syndrome is thought to be a clinical equivalent of atherosclerosis. AIM: The aim of this paper is to review the impact of the interplay of oxidant-antioxidant and inflammation markers in metabolic syndrome in general as well as its components in the pathophysiology which underlies development of atherosclerosis in elderly individuals. METHODS: A systematic scan of online resources designed for elderly (≥65 years) published from 2005 to the end of 2020 were reviewed. This was supplemented with grey literature and then all resources were narratively analyzed. The analysis included the following terms: "atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome" and "oxidative stress or inflammation" and "elderly" to find reports of atherosclerotic disease from asymptomatic to life-threatening among the elderly population with metabolic syndrome . RESULTS: The work summarizes articles that were applicable to this study, including systematic reviews, qualitative studies and opinion pieces. Current knowledge focuses on monitoring the inflammation and oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in disentangling atherosclerosis in patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The population-based studies described inflammation, increased oxidative stress and weak antioxidant defense systems as the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis development. Moreover, there are discussions that these targets could potentially be a point of intervention to reduce the development of atherosclerosis in the elderly, especially those with altered glucose and lipid metabolism. Specific markers may be used as an approach for the prevention and lifestyle modification of atherosclerotic disease in such population. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome and its components are important contributors in the progression of atherosclerotic disease in the elderly population but constant efforts should be made to broaden our knowledge of elderly groups who are the most susceptible for the development of atherosclerosis complications.

The role of oxidant-antioxidant markers and resistin in metabolic syndrome elderly individuals.

In elderly, hormones and oxidant-antioxidant interplay are suggested to mediate biochemical balance between adipose tissue to other tissues. Thus the study attempts to explore metabolic traits, plasma resistin, and oxidant-antioxidant markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (non-MetS) elderly individuals. A total of 541 healthy elderly Caucasians, with no acute and/or chronic disorders were invited. After taking into account inclusion/exclusion criteria's the MetS was defined as the presence of three out of five abnormal findings and allowed to divided groups into: non-metabolic syndrome, non-MetS (n = 25, median age 69.0 years), and newly diagnosed MetS (n = 29; median age 70.5 years) individuals. Glucose, plasma lipids, resistin (Res), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) were measured. The MetS had higher resistin than non-MetS (p < 0.04). The linear correlation (all at p < 0.05) showed correlation for Res&triacylglycerols (R = 0.44), and for Res&diastolic blood pressure (R = -0.58) and for SOD-1&fasting glucose (R = -0.34) in MetS, while in the non-MetS group fasting glucose correlates with Res (R = 0.58) and with TAS (R = -0.43). The multiple regression analysis (alone and in combination) showed that independently from other factors resistin correlated positively with fasting glucose (ß = 0.37; R = 0.58; R2 = 0.23; p < 0.01) in all investigated elderly participants. In the MetS resistin correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure (ß = -0.68; R = 0.80; R2 = 0.53; p = 0.0004) moreover in that group TAS correlated negatively with HDL-C (ß = -0.71; R = 0.72; R2 = 0.37; p = 0.01). While age correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (ß = -0.60; R = 0.62; R2 = 0.14; p = 0.03) independently from other factors in the non-MetS group. Various metabolic factors contribute to maintain serum resistin and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the elderly people in the presence or absence of MetS. Resistin may serve as a predictor of MetS in the elderly, while strong antioxidant defense interactions in older individuals may indicate good health.

The Expression Patterns of BECN1, LAMP2, and PINK1 Genes in Colorectal Cancer Are Potentially Regulated by Micrornas and CpG Islands: An In Silico Study.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy plays a dual role of tumor suppression and tumor promotion in colorectal cancer. The study aimed to find those microRNAs (miRNAs) important in BECN1, LAMP2, and PINK1 regulation and to determine the possible role of the epigenetic changes in examined colorectal cancer using an in silico approach. METHODS: A total of 44 pairs of surgically removed tumors at clinical stages I‒IV and healthy samples (marginal tissues) from patients' guts were analyzed. Analysis of the obtained results was conducted using the PL-Grid Infrastructure and Statistica 12.0 program. The miRNAs and CpG islands were estimated using the microrna.org database and MethPrimer program. RESULTS: The autophagy-related genes were shown to be able to be regulated by miRNAs (BECN1-49 mRNA, LAMP2-62 mRNA, PINK1-6 mRNA). It was observed that promotion regions containing at least one CpG region were present in the sequence of each gene. CONCLUSIONS: The in silico analysis performed allowed us to determine the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms of regulation gene expression, which may be an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Are insulin-resistance and oxidative stress cause or consequence of aging.

IMPACT STATEMENT: Insulin resistance is associated with oxidative stress leading to cardiovascular diseases. However, little research has been performed examining elderly individuals with or without insulin-resistance. We demonstrate that antioxidant defense systems alone is not able to abrogate insulin action in elderly individuals at high risk for atherosclerosis, whereas the combined oxidant-antioxidant markers (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), and total antioxidant status (TAS)) might be more efficient and perhaps produce better clinical outcome. In fact, a decrease in oxidative stress and strong interaction between antioxidant defense can be seen only among insulin-resistant elderly individuals. This is, in our opinion, valuable information for clinicians, since insulin-resistance is considered strong cardiovascular risk factor.

The relationship between plasma lipids, oxidant-antioxidant status, and glycated proteins in individuals at risk for atherosclerosis.

Objective: Ageing is one of the major risks for atherosclerosis. The age-related changes of interactions between plasma lipids, oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and glycation processes are still not established while we age. Thus, the aim of the study was to analyze such relationships in individuals at risk for atherosclerosis due to their age. Methods: Elderly and middle-aged persons with no acute disease or severe chronic disorder were assessed. Fasting plasma lipids (total cholesterol (T-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triacylglycerols), thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), and glucose and glycated proteins (fructosamine (FA) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) were determined. An oral glucose tolerance test allowed exclusion of persons with type 2 diabetes. Results: Lipid profiles were significantly profitable, increased HDL-C especially (p<0.0001), in the elderly versus middle-aged group. Decreased TBARS and TAS were found in the elderly versus middle-aged group (p=0.0001 and p=0.00002, respectively). Increased fructosamine was found in the elderly (255±30 µmol/L) versus middle-aged (236±33 µmol/L) group (p=0.006). Multiple regression analysis showed that in the middle-aged group TBARS correlated with T-C and HDL-C, and in the elderly group with HbA1c and FA independently of other factors. Conclusion: The factors which have an impact on oxidant-antioxidant status are crucial to understanding the pathomechanisms of senescence as well as the development of chronic diseases. Healthy aging may be maintained throughout proper lipid control. Moreover, data support the premise that the balance between lipid metabolism and oxidative stress may play a role in the initial phases of glycation plasma proteins particularly among elderly persons.

The impact of high­density lipoprotein on oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy elderly people.

INTRODUCTION    There is an inverse relationship between high­density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the risk of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES    The aim of the present study was to assess the oxidant-antioxidant balance in elderly people with different concentrations of HDL-C. PATIENTS AND METHODS    A total of 541 people aged 60 years or older were examined, of whom 90 individuals with no acute or severe chronic disorders had their waist circumference, body mass index, percentage of body fat, and blood pressure measured. Fasting and 120­minute glycemia was determined in an oral glucose tolerance test, following which 15 patients with type 2 diabetes were excluded. Fasting plasma levels of lipids, total antioxidant status, and thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), as well ast the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD­1) were assessed. Based on HDL-C levels, participants were divided into the high HDL­C group (≥40.0 mg/dl and ≥50.0 mg/dl for men and women, respectively; n = 50) and the low HDL­C group (<40.0 mg/dl and <50.0 mg/dl for men and women, respectively; n = 25). RESULTS    The groups did not differ in terms of age, blood pressure, body mass index, percentage of body fat, and glucose concentration. The high HDL­C group had lower waist circumference (P <0.02) and lower triglyceride concentrations (P <0.00001). Increased TBARS levels (P <0.0005) was observed in the low HDL­C group. There were no differences in SOD­1 activity and total antioxidant status between the groups. CONCLUSIONS    HDL-C levels, which are known to reflect the antiatherogenic activity of HDL, including antioxidant properties, may indicate increasing oxidative stress in healthy elderly individuals.

Specific metabolic biomarkers as risk and prognostic factors in colorectal cancer.

Advances in genomics, molecular pathology and metabolism have generated many candidate biomarkers of colorectal cancer with potential clinical value. Epidemiological and biological studies suggest a role for adiposity, dyslipidaemia, hyperinsulinemia, altered glucose homeostasis, and elevated expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis members in the risk and prognosis of cancer. This review discusses some recent past and current approaches being taken by researches in obesity and metabolic disorders. The authors describe three main systems as the most studied metabolic candidates of carcinogenesis: dyslipidemias, adipokines and insulin/IGF axis. However, each of these components is unsuccessful in defining the diseases risk and progression, while their co-occurrence increases cancer incidence and mortality in both men and women.

Role of lipid peroxidation products, plasma total antioxidant status, and Cu-, Zn-superoxide dismutase activity as biomarkers of oxidative stress in elderly prediabetics.

UNLABELLED: The relationship between hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in diabetes is well known, but the influence of metabolic disturbances recognized as prediabetes, in elderly patients especially, awaits for an explanation. METHODS: 52 elderly persons (65 years old and older) with no acute or severe chronic disorders were assessed: waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (FAT), and arterial blood pressure. During an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) fasting (0') and 120-minute (120') glycemia and insulinemia were determined, and type 2 diabetics (n = 6) were excluded. Subjects were tested for glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, plasma lipids, total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), and activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD-1). According to OGTT results, patients were classified as normoglycemics, (NGT, n = 18) and prediabetics, (PRE, n = 28). RESULTS: Both groups did not differ with their lipids, FAT, and TBARS. PRE group had higher WC (P < 0.002) and BMI (P < 0.002). Lower SOD-1 activity (P < 0.04) and TAS status (P < 0.04) were found in PRE versus NGT group. SIGNIFICANCE: In elderly prediabetics, SOD-1 and TAS seem to reflect the first symptoms of oxidative stress, while TBARS are later biomarkers of oxidative stress.