Can Vitamin D Reduce Inflammation? The Influence of Supplementation on Selected Immunological Markers.

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D (VitD) supplementation may reduce inflammation in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of VitD on selected markers of inflammation in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Participants were divided depending on the supplemented dose of VitD into a high-dose (2000 IU/d; HD) group and a low-dose (15,960 IU/month; LD) group (n = 23 and n = 29, respectively). The concentration of 25(OH)D and the levels of CXCL16, PTX3, ALCAM, IL-1RA, and OPG were measured initially and after six months of VitD supplementation in blood serum. A significant increase in the concentrations of CXCL16, PTX3, and OPG was observed during the study (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, a higher increase in PTX3 and OPG in the LD group was observed (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between the 25(OH)D serum concentration and PTX3 (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) and OPG (R = 0.28, p < 0.05) only at the beginning of the study. In patients with RRMS, such doses of VitD might be too low to induce obvious beneficial effects on the pro-inflammatory and inflammatory balance.

Impact of Human Adenovirus 36 on Embryonated Chicken Eggs: Insights into Growth Mechanisms.

Human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-D36) is presently the sole virus identified to be associated with an elevated risk of obesity in both humans and animals. However, its impact on embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs) remains unexplored. This study endeavoured to examine the influence of HAdV-D36 on embryonic development by utilizing embryonated chicken eggs as a dynamic model. To simulate various infection routes, the allantoic cavity and the yolk sac of ECEs were inoculated with HAdV-D36. Subsequently, embryos from both the experimental (inoculated with virus) and control (inoculated with PBS) groups were weighed and subjected to daily histological examination. The daily embryo weights were assessed and compared between groups using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Histopathological changes in tissues were examined and compared between the tested and control groups to ascertain physiological alterations induced by the virus. Our study confirmed a significant increase in the body weight of ECEs. However, this phenomenon was not attributable to adipose tissue development; rather, it was characterized by an augmented number of cells in all observed tissues compared to control subjects. We posit that HAdV-D36 may impact developing organisms through mechanisms other than enhanced adipose tissue development. Specifically, our findings indicate an increased number of cells in all tissues, a phenomenon that occurs through an as-yet-unexplored pathway.

Relationship of Thyroid Volume and Function with Ankle-Brachial Index, Toe-Brachial Index, and Toe Pressure in Euthyroid People Aged 18-65.

Background and Objectives: The interrelationship between thyroid function and the state of the cardiovascular system has been investigated both in preclinical and human studies. However, it remains unclear whether there is any association between thyroid hormones and features of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction in euthyroid patients. Material and Methods: This study involved 45 people (females: 57.8%) with no thyroid disease who, during planned hospitalization, underwent thyroid ultrasound, determination of biochemical parameters of thyroid function, and measurement of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI). People with signs of acute illness or a deterioration of their health were excluded. Results: Significant correlations were found between free triiodothyronine (FT3) and several parameters of both ABI (R = 0.347; p = 0.019 for the mean ABI taken from right side and left side values) and TBI (R = 0.396; p = 0.007 for the mean TBI taken from right side and left side values), as well as the maximal toe pressure (TP) taken from right side and left side values (R = 0.304; p = 0.045). Thyrotropin (TSH) was shown to be significantly correlated only with the maximal TBI value (taken from right side and left side values) (R = 0.318; p = 0.033), whereas free thyroxin (FT4) was shown to be significantly correlated only with the minimal TBI value (taken from right side and left side values) (R = 0.381; p = 0.01). Thyroid volume (TV) was shown to be correlated with TP (R = 0.4; p = 0.008 for the mean TP taken from right side and left side values) and some parameters of TBI value (R = 0.332; p = 0.028 for the mean TBI taken from right side and left side values), but no significant correlations were found between TVand ABI parameters. Patients with a mean ABI value ≤ 1.0 or a mean TBI value ≤ 0.75 have lower TSH, FT3, FT4, and TV than the rest of the study population, but the difference was statistically significant only for FT3. Conclusions: Even in a population of euthyroid patients with no diagnosed thyroid disease, there are some significant correlations between the volume and function of the thyroid gland and the selected features of subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction such as ABI and TBI.

Liver Oxidative Status, Serum Lipids Levels after Bariatric Surgery and High-Fat, High-Sugar Diet in Animal Model of Induced Obesity.

Nutritional status is a major determinant of hepatocyte injuries associated with changed metabolism and oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the relations between oxidative stress, bariatric surgery, and a high-fat/high-sugar (HFS) diet in a diet-induced obesity rat model. Male rats were maintained on a control diet (CD) or high-fat/high-sugar diet (HFS) inducing obesity. After 8 weeks, the animals underwent SHAM (n = 14) or DJOS (n = 14) surgery and the diet was either changed or unchanged. Eight weeks after the surgeries, the activity of superoxide dismutase isoforms (total SOD, MnSOD, and CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and lutathione S-transferase, as well as the thiol groups (-SH) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration liver tissue were assessed. The total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were measured in the serum. The total SOD and GPX activities were higher in the SHAM-operated rats than in the DJOS-operated rats. The MnSOD activity was higher in the HFS/HFS than the CD/CD groups. Higher CuZnSOD, GST, GR activities, -SH, and MDA concentrations in the liver, and the triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in the serum were observed in the SHAM-operated rats than in the DJOS-operated rats. The CAT activity was significantly higher in the HFS-fed rats. Lower TAC and higher TOS values were observed in the SHAM-operated rats. Unhealthy habits after bariatric surgery may be responsible for treatment failure and establishing an obesity condition with increased oxidative stress.

Molecular profiling of allergen-antibody IgE might decide about the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy in a patient with atopic dermatitis and allergy to house dust mites.

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has no clear recommendation for atopic dermatitis (AD). Aim: To evaluate the effect of AIT on house dust mites (HDM) in AD patients sensitised to HDM with different baseline molecular profiles of antigens. Material and methods: In this placebo-controlled study, 61 patients with moderate-to-severe AD allergy symptoms and HDM allergy were included. They received a 12 months' AIT with the use of HDM allergen extract or placebo. The authors adopted their AD improvement criterion after 1 year of AIT as a reduction of all examined indicators by at least 50% from the baseline for %BSA, TMS, and EASI scores. Additionally, the influence of individual HDM molecules on the final AIT effect was analysed. Results: Finally, from the 24 desensitised patients, 15 achieved a positive expected effect after 12 months of HDM AIT. None of the patients who received a placebo had an improvement in AD of at least 50% after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with polysensitisation less frequently achieved the expected HDM AIT effect than patients monosensitised to mites (p < 0.05). The presence of sensitisation to rDer p 1 (odds ratio = 4.35, 95% CI: 4.01-4.56) and/or rDer p 2 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.98-2.33) and/or rDer f 2 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.55-1.78) molecules significantly increased the efficacy of AIT. HDM AIT could be helpful for patients with moderate-to-severe AD and sensitised to HDM as an add-on therapy. Various HDM molecules may affect the effectiveness of the expected AIT effect. The presence of sensitisation to rDer p 1 (OR = 4.35, 95% CI: 4.01-4.56) and/or rDer p 2 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.98-2.33) and/or rDer f 2 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.55-1.78) molecules significantly increased the efficacy of AIT. Conclusions: HDM AIT could be helpful for patients with moderate-to-severe AD and sensitised to HDM as an add-on therapy. Various HDM molecules may affect the effectiveness of the expected AIT.

Allergy to Der p 23 influences the cytokine profile in patients with allergic asthma - a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Der p 23 is a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which could contribute to allergic asthma. The study compared the cytokine profile (Il-1beta, Il-4, Il-5, Il-6, Il-13, Il-17, TNF-alpha) in patients with allergic asthma, with confirmed allergy to D. pteronyssinus and with the presence or absence of allergy to Der p 23. METHODS: Among 173 included patients, the following combinations were analyzed: profile A - Der p 1 (+), Der p 2 (+), and Der p 23 (-) observed in 38 (22%) patients; profile B - Der p 1 (+), Der p 2 (+), and Der p 23 (+) in 87 (50.3%) patients; and profile C - Der p 1 (-), Der p 2 (-), and Der p 23 (+) in 15 (8.7%) patients. RESULTS: The mean concentration of Il-1beta was significantly lower in profile A than in profiles B and C: 10.51 ± 5.22 (pg/ml) vs. 21.92 ± 11.34 vs. 23.1 ± 8.56 (A vs. B for p = 0.03 and A vs. C for p = 0.019). Similar trends were observed for Il-5: 38.5 ± 10.45 (pg/ml) vs. 94.8 ± 54.11 vs. 103.61 ± 34.9 (A vs. B for p = 0.008 and A vs. C for p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The higher Il-1 and Il-5 activities observed in profiles B and C with Der p 23 (+) could be responsible for the more effective acceleration of allergic inflammation than in profile A with Der p 23.

Cellular Lactate Spectroscopy Using 1.5 Tesla Clinical Apparatus.

Cellular lactate is a key cellular metabolite and marker of anaerobic glycolysis. Cellular lactate uptake, release, production from glucose and glycogen, and interconversion with pyruvate are important determinants of cellular energy. It is known that lactate is present in the spectrum of neoplasms and low malignancy (without necrotic lesions). Also, the appearance of lactate signals is associated with anaerobic glucose, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was the detection of lactate in cell cultures with the use of proton magnetic resonance (1H MRS) and a 1.5 Tesla clinical apparatus (MR OPTIMA 360), characterized as a medium-field system. In this study, selected metabolites, together with cellular lactate, were identified with the use of an appropriate protocol and management algorithm. This paper describes the results obtained for cancer cell cultures. This medium-field system has proven the possibility of detecting small molecules, such as lactate, with clinical instruments. 1H MRS performed using clinical MR apparatus is a useful tool for clinical analysis.

Multinuclear MRI in Drug Discovery.

The continuous development of magnetic resonance imaging broadens the range of applications to newer areas. Using MRI, we can not only visualize, but also track pharmaceutical substances and labeled cells in both in vivo and in vitro tests. 1H is widely used in the MRI method, which is determined by its high content in the human body. The potential of the MRI method makes it an excellent tool for imaging the morphology of the examined objects, and also enables registration of changes at the level of metabolism. There are several reports in the scientific publications on the use of clinical MRI for in vitro tracking. The use of multinuclear MRI has great potential for scientific research and clinical studies. Tuning MRI scanners to the Larmor frequency of a given nucleus, allows imaging without tissue background. Heavy nuclei are components of both drugs and contrast agents and molecular complexes. The implementation of hyperpolarization techniques allows for better MRI sensitivity. The aim of this review is to present the use of multinuclear MRI for investigations in drug delivery.

HOMOCYSTEINE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - A CURRENT REVIEW.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide for the past 20 years. Of these, ischemic heart disease has the highest mortality rate. In over 98% of cases it is caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Homocysteine is an amino acid, containing a sulfhydryl group, which is formed as a result of the metabolism of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, which is supplied with protein-containing foods. A small amount of it is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, however, an increased concentration in blood plasma, which hyperhomocysteinemia, negatively affects blood vessels leading to the development of atherosclerosis and thrombotic com¬plications. The adverse effect on blood vessels results from various mechanisms, such as: excessive activation of Toll-like 4 receptor, activation N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and impairment of nitric oxide synthesis. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species are associated with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α (tumor necrosis tumor necrosis factor), MCP-1 and intracellular adhesion molecule-1. Another factor contributing to hyperhomocysteinemia is mutation of the MTHFR gene, which in normal conditions is responsible for maintaining homocysteine levels within the normal range. People with MTHFR mutation are more prone to develop atherosclerosis and the following complications: myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombotic episodes and coronary artery disease. The aim of this paper is to present evidence supporting the role of homocysteine in the development of many cardiovascular diseases.

Potential Differences between Local and Systemic Allergic Rhinitis Induced by Birch Pollen.

INTRODUCTION: Different endotypes of rhinitis are known, but its pathomechanism has not been conclusively established. For example, the precise difference between systemic allergic rhinitis (SAR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is still being checked. Comparison of patients with LAR and with allergies to birch of those with intermittent allergic rhinitis, same allergy, or with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) was the purpose of this study. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with LAR, 18 with SAR and allergy to birch, and 21 with NAR were included. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected to undergo the following procedures at baseline: medical examinations, nasal provocation test (NPT), detection of nasal-specific IgE to birch as well as basophil activation test (BAT). All immunological parameters were detected before and after NPT. RESULTS: Concentration of nasal IgE to Bet v1 increased comparably in the LAR and SAR groups after NPT to birch as follows: in 21 (81%) patients with LAR, 14 (78%) with SAR, and in everyone in the NAR group. Serum concentration of allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 increased significantly from a median of 20.7 (25-75% interval: 11.2-35.6) IU/mL to 29.9 (13.6-44.1) (p = 0.028) after NPT in patients with SAR. Allergen-specific IgE to Bet v1 was absent in all patients with LAR and NAR before and after NPT. BAT with Bet v1 was positive in 22 (85%) patients with LAR, in 14 (78%) with SAR, and 2 (9.5%) with NAR. CONCLUSION: These obtained data suggest there are no potential mechanisms that could explain LAR compared to SAR.

Oxysterols Increase Inflammation, Lipid Marker Levels and Reflect Accelerated Endothelial Dysfunction in Experimental Animals.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are thought to exert atherogenic effect thus adversely affecting vascular endothelium. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol on experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits, and the levels of homocysteine (HCY), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and inflammatory parameters (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 8 animals each, and fed with basic fodder (C), basic fodder plus cholesterol (Ch) or basic fodder plus 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol, and unoxidized cholesterol (ECh). Serum concentrations of studied parameters were determined at 45-day intervals. The study was continued for six months. RESULTS: We demonstrated that adding 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol to basic fodder significantly affected lipid status of the experimental animals, increasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as HCY and ADMA levels, whilst leaving the PON-1 activity unaffected. Additionally, the ECh group presented with significantly higher concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP). In the Ch group, lower yet significant (as compared to the C group) changes of levels of studied parameters were observed. CONCLUSION: Exposure of animals with experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia to 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol increases dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory response.

[The influence of methionine and vitamin E on oxidative stress in rats' liver exposed to sodium fluoride] / Wplyw metioniny i witaminy E na stres oksydacyjny oceniany w watrobie szczurów narazonych na dzialanie fluorku sodu

BACKGROUND: Fluorine influences many processes occurring in the organism. Controversies over the evaluation of the biological effects of this substance are due to a small difference between tolerable and toxic fluorine doses. One of the main mechanisms of the fluorine toxic action is its ability to induce oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant defense system impairment. It is important to evaluate possible interactions between fluorine and other substances that may increase or decrease its toxicity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study lasted for 35 days. Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups: the control, with sodium fluoride (NaF) in the diet, with sodium fluoride, methionine and vitamin E (NaF+M+E) in the diet, with sodium fluoride and vitamin E (NaF+E) in the diet. The biochemical analysis conducted in animal liver homogenates included determination of activities of: total superoxide dismutase (t-SOD), superoxide dismutase with copper and zinc (CuZnSOD), superoxide dismutase with manganese (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. RESULTS: The activities of CuZn- SOD, GPX, CAT and MDA concentration were changed significantly. There were no differences in the activities of t-SOD, MnSOD, GR and GST among the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: In the conducted experiment, the run-out of enzymatic protection of liver by decreasing of the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GPX) and increasing the MDA concentration in NaF group was observed. The addition of vitamin E and methionine does not significantly stimulate the enzymatic antioxidant system, however, it causes of MDA concentration decreases. Med Pr 2018;69(4):403­412

Differences in serum oxidative status between glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous cataract patients.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress contributes to both intraocular pressure regulation and glaucomatous neuropathy. The systemic redox status (solitary determination) was examined in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with cataract and nonglaucomatous cataract patients. Cataract-matched group comparisons appear more precise in the context of oxidative stress evaluation. The aim of this study was to establish if systemic oxidative status in POAG patients was elevated compared with the cataract only subjects. METHODS: The study included patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG group, n = 30) and controls (non POAG group, n = 25). Serum concentration of lipofuscine (LPS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and its mitochondrial (Mn-SOD) and cystolic (Cu,Zn-SOD) isoform were measured. Total oxidant state (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in blood were also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant increase of LPS (p = 0.0002) and MDA (p = 0.005) concentration was observed in glaucomatous patients as compared with controls. Total SOD activity was significantly lowered in the glaucoma group (p = 0.003); serum level of Mn-SOD was significantly lower in glaucoma patients (p = 0.048) however, Cu,Zn-SOD was not. Glaucoma patients presented elevated mean TOS (p = 0.016). Both groups presented with comparable TAC. CONCLUSION: Systemic redox balance of cataract patients was significantly altered in the course of glaucoma.

[Effect of α-lipoic acid on free radical processes in serum of rats on high fat diet]. / Wplyw kwasu α-liponowego na procesy wolnorodnikowe w surowicy szczurów utrzymywanych na diecie wysokotluszczowej.

BACKGROUND: Oils are often fried which reduces their beneficial biological and nutritional properties, contributing to disturbances in homeostasis. Some antioxidant substances can improve stability of oils. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on the concentration of sulfhydryl groups, lipid peroxides, malondialdehyde, creatinine and urea in serum of rats fed high fat diet for 3 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty six Wistar rats were equally divided into 6 groups: the control group on standard breeding diet (SB), oxidized oil (OU) group on SB with 10% oxidized oil, ALA10 group on SB with ALA 10 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.), OU+ALA10 group on SB with oxidized oil and ALA (10 mg/kg b.w.), ALA50 group on SB with ALA in a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w., OU+ALA50 group on SB with oxidized oil and ALA (50 mg/kg b.w.). Oil was oxidized in 180°C for 6 h. RESULTS: We observed decrease in concentration of protein sulfhydryl (PSH) groups in all study groups except for ALA10 vs. control group (C) and increase in OU+ALA10 and OU+ALA50 vs. OU; increase in the lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) concentration in OU, OU+ALA10 and OU+ALA50 vs. C and decrease in all study groups vs. OU; increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) in OU vs. all other groups. And also increase in creatinine and urea concentration in OU group. CONCLUSIONS: High fat diet rich in oxidized oil intensifies the lipid peroxidation process and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups. It can also impair kidney function. Administration of lipoic acid in a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. inhibits the lipid peroxidation and protects sulfhydryl groups. Med Pr 2017;68(3):391-399.

Determination of Serum Ceruloplasmin Concentration in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma with Cataract and Patients with Cataract Only: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this article was to describe the role of ceruloplasmin and to report preliminary results of ceruloplasmin concentrations in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with cataract and in patients with only cataract. Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease, is a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), their axons, progressive optic nerve damage, and visual field deterioration. MATERIAL AND METHODS The POAG group included 30 patients and the cataract group included 25 patients. RESULTS Ceruloplasmin plays an essential role in iron metabolism and inactivating free radicals. In the presented pilot study, serum ceruloplasmin level was lower in the POAG group in comparison to the group with only cataract. CONCLUSIONS In treating persistent inflammation in the course of glaucoma, antiglaucoma drugs may increase the permeability of the blood-ocular barrier, which may be connected with the lower concentration of serum ceruloplasmin in the glaucoma patients group.

The metabolism of carbohydrates and lipid peroxidation in lead-exposed workers.

The present study was undertaken to estimate the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the blood concentration of glucose and several enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. To estimate the degree of lipid peroxidation, the concentrations of conjugated dienes were determined. The examined group included 145 healthy male employees of lead-zinc works. Taking into account the mean blood lead levels, the examined group was divided into two subgroups. The control group was composed of 36 healthy male administrative workers. The markers of lead exposure were significantly elevated in both subgroups when compared with the controls. There were no significant changes in fasting glucose concentration and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase activity in the study population. The concentration of conjugated dienes was significantly higher in both subgroups, whereas the activity of malate dehydrogenase was significantly higher only in the group with higher exposure. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were significantly decreased in the examined subgroups. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in the group with higher exposure and could be the cause of the elevated concentrations of conjugated dienes. It is possible to conclude that lead interferes with carbohydrate metabolism, but compensatory mechanisms seem to be efficient, as glucose homeostasis in lead-exposed workers was not disturbed.

Beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress, improves glutathione metabolism and modifies antioxidant defense systems in lead-exposed workers.

The aim of this study was to determine whether beta-carotene administration reduces oxidative stress and influences antioxidant, mainly glutathione-related, defense systems in workers chronically exposed to lead. The population consisted of two randomly divided groups of healthy male volunteers exposed to lead. Workers in the first group (reference group) were not administered any antioxidants, while workers in the second group (CAR group) were treated orally with 10mg of beta-carotene once a day for 12weeks. Biochemical analysis included measuring markers of lead-exposure and oxidative stress in addition to the levels and activities of selected antioxidants. After treatment, levels of malondialdehyde, lipid hydroperoxides and lipofuscin significantly decreased compared with the reference group. However, the level of glutathione significantly increased compared with the baseline. Treatment with beta-carotene also resulted in significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase activity compared with the reference group, while the activities of other glutathione-related enzymes and of superoxide dismutase were not significantly changed. However, the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase, as well as the level of alpha-tocopherol, were significantly higher after treatment compared with the baseline. Despite controversy over the antioxidant properties of beta-carotene in vivo, our findings showed reduced oxidative stress after beta-carotene supplementation in chronic lead poisoning.

The effect of occupational exposure to lead on the non-enzymatic antioxidant system.

BACKGROUND: The role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, and α-tocopherol, in lead poisoning remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the association between occupational exposure to lead and non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations in serum and plasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 278 healthy male employees of lead-zinc plants, with 129 workers classified as having low lead exposure (blood lead level - PbB = 20-39.9 µg/dl) and 149 workers classified as having high lead exposure (PbB = 40-59.8 µg/dl). The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. No one from this group had blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level greater than normal levels, being 10 µ/dl and 2.5 µg/g of hemoglobin, respectively. In addition to the levels of PbB and ZPP, serum levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and bilirubin were determined. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the plasma level of α-tocopherol were also evaluated. RESULTS: Lead exposure indices were significantly elevated in the examined subgroups as compared with the controls. Serum uric acid levels were significantly elevated in both subgroups, particularly in the group with high exposure. Serum bilirubin concentration was significantly elevated in the group with high exposure compared with the control group, while in the group with low exposure, it showed only a non-significant trend towards an increase. In contrast, ferric-reducing ability of plasma was not significantly greater in the examined subgroups as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, levels of albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and α-tocopherol levels were significantly decreased in the exposed subgroups compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to lead interferes with the blood non-enzymatic antioxidant system.

Dupilumab and House Dust Mite Immunotherapy in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease requiring systemic treatment. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of combined therapy consisting of dupilumab and sublingual dust mite allergen immunotherapy (SLIT-HDM) in patients with severe AD and HDM allergies. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with severe AD were included in this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind 12-month trial; they received SLIT for HDMs and/or dupilumab for 12 months and were compared with patients on cyclosporine. The primary outcomes for the treatment arms were changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (%BSA), and Investigator Global Assessment (IsGA) over 12 months. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients who achieved IsGA success and reduced medication scores. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in all analysed groups after 12 months of therapy based on the EASI, %BSA, and IsGA. However, the most substantial changes were observed in the groups treated with dupilumab or a combination of SLIT-HDM and dupilumab. Additionally, the proportion of patients who achieved an IsGA reduction was significantly greater in the group receiving combination therapy than in the other groups (9/14 [64% of the group receiving SLIT-HDM] vs. 11/14 [73% of the group receiving dupilumab] vs. 15/17 [88% of the group receiving dupilumab and SLIT-HDM] vs. 7/13 [53% of the group receiving cyclosporine]) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe AD and HDM allergies, combination treatment with dupilumab and allergen immunotherapy for HDMs may increase the therapeutic benefit over treatment with these methods separately.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidative enzymes as salivary biomarkers of dentofacial infections in children.

BACKGROUND: Dentofacial infection resulting from untreated dental caries or periodontal disease is a serious disease that can spread to deeper tissues of the face and neck. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to analyze the salivary cytokine profile and oxidative stress parameters as potential biomarkers of acute odontogenic infections in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective study group (DI) consisted of 28 children aged 3-17 years with acute dentofacial infections, and the control group (CG) comprised 52 children aged 4-17 years with uncomplicated dental caries. The cytokine profile was analyzed using the Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine 27-plex kit. In addition, oxidative stress parameters, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), manganese SOD (Mn-SOD), copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the saliva of children in both groups were compared. RESULTS: The levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased in children with dentofacial infections as compared to CG. In contrast, the levels of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-1 receptor agonist (IL-Ra), IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and MIP-1ß, did not show statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Among the measured oxidative stress and antioxidative parameters, only CAT and GR were elevated in children with dentofacial infections as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, MIP-1α, TNF-α, CAT, and GR can serve as selective biomarkers of oral cavity inflammation in children. These biomarkers can be useful in identifying and monitoring the progress and treatment of bacterial infections resulting in dentofacial inflammation.