Effect of morphological and functional changes in the secundines on biometric parameters of newborns from dichorionic twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if, and to what extent, structural and functional changes of the secundines influence biometric parameters of neonates from dichorionic twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included neonates from dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancies, along with their secundines. Based on histopathological examination of the secundines, the mass and dimensions of the placenta, length and condition of the umbilical cord, chorionicity, focal lesions, and microscopic placental abnormalities were determined for 445 pairs of twins. Morphological development of examined twins was characterized on the basis of their six somatic traits, while birth status of the newborns was assessed based on their Apgar scores. Statistical analysis included Student t-tests, Snedecor's F-tests, post-hoc tests, non-parametric chi-squared Pearson's tests, and determination of Spearman coefficients of rank correlation. RESULTS: The lowest values of analyzed somatic traits were observed in twins who had placentas with velamentous or marginal cord insertion. Inflammatory lesions in the placenta and placental abruption turned out to have the greatest impact of all analyzed abnormalities of the secundines. Inflammatory lesions in the placenta were associated with lower values of biometric parameters and a greater likelihood of preterm birth. Neonates with a history of placental abruption were characterized by significantly lower birth weight and smaller chest circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Morphological changes in the secundines have a limited impact on biometric parameters of neonates from dichorionic twin pregnancies. In turn, functional changes exert a significant effect and more often contribute to impaired fetal development.

[Effects of active and passive smoking during pregnancy on the blood flow in uterine artery in third trimester of pregnancy]. / Wplyw aktywnego i biernego palenia tytoniu przez kobiety ciezarne na przeplyw krwi w tetnicach macicznych w trzecim trymestrze ciazy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of active and passive maternal tobacco smoking on the parameters of blood flow in the uterine arteries in the third trimester. of pregnancy. The study was performed among 96 pregnant women in a single full-term pregnancy in the third trimester of pregnancy. A questionnaire assessing the status of the concentration of nicotine and nicotine metaboliteotinine in the serum of pregnant. The plasma was extracted technique of liquid-liquid, and then performed laboratory assays using high performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection using norepinephrine as an internal standard. Based on the concentration of cotinine and interview patients were assigned to three groups: Group 1--patients smoking cigarettes during the entire pregnancy (23), group 2--patients exposed to environmental tobacco smoking (30) and a control group 3--nonsmokers and patients unexposed to passive smoking (43). In the third trimester of pregnancy blood flow in the uterine arteries was performed using "B-mode" technique with function of spectral Doppler. We analized the pulsatility index and resistance index in both uterine arteries, the presence of the indent diastolic "notch" and the scale of the uterine arteries. There were no statistically significant differences with regards to pulsatility index and index of resistance in blood flow in the uterine arteries in different groups of patients. The presence of the indent diastolic "notch" was significantly more frequent among active smokers, compared to women passively exposed to tobacco smoke and non-smoking women (39.1% vs. 20% vs. 4.6%; p = 0.012). The values in the scale of uterine arteries showed no significant difference between groups. Both active and passive smoking had no significant effect on the blood flow in uterine artery in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy.

[Effects of active and passive smoking during pregnancy on the development of gestational hypertension and fetal hypotrophy]. / Wplyw czynnego i biernego palenia papierosów przez kobiety ciezarne na rozwój nadcisnienia tetniczego w ciazy i hipotrofii u plodu.

In prenatal life the fetus can be exposed to more incentires which affect the mother. In case of both active and passive smoking by pregnant women many pernicious substances contained in tobacco smoke can influence the foetus. The components of tobacco smoke can contribute to various antenatal complications. The aim of present work was to assess if the data given by the patient in anonymous questionnaire go along with the real exposure to components of smoke assessed on the basis of concentration of nicotine metabolite- cotinine in mother's serum and next to assess the risk of development of gestational hypertension and hypotrophy. The biological material was extracted with means of liquid-liquid technique and next we performed laboratory determinations with means of liquid chro- matography with sectrophotometric detection, in which norephedrine is used as inner sample. The study was carried out on 106 women in perinatal period who give birth from single, full term pregnancy. On the basis of questionnaire data considering the concentration of cotinine, the patients were divided into three groups: I group--active smokers (n = 27), II group--passive smokers (n = 32), III group--not exposed to tobacco smoke (n = 41). The average concentration of cotinine in blood serum in the first group was 129.6 ng/ml, second group--5.1 ng/ ml, but in all patients from the control group the concentration of cotinine was below the detection level. Gestational hypertension was diagnosed in 17 women (16%) and hypotrophy of the foetus was diagnosed in 15 patients (14%). Tobacco smoking didn't influence the development of gestational hypertension and hypotrophy showered it is more often observed in women exposed to components of tobacco smoke during pregnancy.

[Valproic acid concentration in the blood serum of pregnant women and umbilical cord blood in relation to the condition of the newborn--case studies]. / Stezenie kwasu walproinowego w surowicy krwi kobiet ciezarnych oraz krwi pepowinowej w odniesieniu do stanu noworodka--analiza przypadków.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world. One of the most difficult clinical problems associated with the disease is to treat pregnant women because the use of antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus. The second most common use in pregnant women is an antiepileptic drug valproic acid. Its use is associated with an increased risk of serious birth defects such as neural tube defects, heart defects, cleft palate, urinary tract defects, limb defects, specific syndromes that cause dysmorfizm face or abnormalities of the reproductive organs and developmental disorders affecting cognitive and behavioral functions. To minimize the risk to the fetus can be through the use of contraception and planning for pregnancy, taking valproic acid monotherapy, at a dose of less than 1000 mg/day in 2-3 divided doses, folic acid supplementation, close monitoring during pregnancy and full cooperation with doctors: a gynecologist and neurologist. The aim of this study was to measure the concentrations of valproic acid in maternal serum and cord serum and a reference to the results of the newborn. The concentrations of valproic acid in the serum was performed using high performance liquid chromatography method with fluorometric detection. Valproic acid concentration in the blood serum of patients housed or slightly exceed the therapeutic concentration. In all samples of umbilical cord blood serum were detected, no drug found to have birth defects. Born children should remain under control in order to detect possible birth defects that cannot be detected immediately after birth.

Peripartum prolactin and cortisol level changes. A prospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Although the role of prolactin and cortisol in the human lactation process seems to be undisputed, the changes in postpartum serum concentrations in mothers make data interpretation difficult. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To determine the factors that possibly influence these hormones, we examined a group of patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznan for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor period. The serum levels of cortisol and prolactin were assessed in these full-term pregnant women during admission to labor, in the third stage of labor, and on the second day postpartum. The prolactin and cortisol levels were also measured in the umbilical cord for the assessment of newborn babies. RESULTS: The results showed a significant relationship between maternal age and the level of prolactin measured before childbirth and fluctuations in cortisol level with respect to labor duration. In addition, we observed a strong correlation between the level of prolactin assessed before childbirth and the pH and base excess of the umbilical cord artery. Most importantly, a correlation was noted between breastfeeding within 2 hours after the labor and the level of cortisol measured after childbirth. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significant correlation between a summarized labor duration and maternal and umbilical cord cortisol levels measured right after the labor. The fact of breastfeeding within 2 hours after the labor strongly correlated with lower levels of maternal cortisol as well as a cortisol level in umbilical cord blood and it suggests that immediate initiation of breastfeeding reduces stress level for both, mother and newborn.

[The relationship between selected biochemical parameters, clinical factors and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis]. / Zwiazek pomiedzy wybranymi parametrami biochemicznym i czynnikami klinicznymi a gestoscia mineralna kosci u kobiet z osteoporoza w okresie pomenopauzalnym.

UNLABELLED: Bone loss in women occurs mainly due to postmenopausal estrogen deficiency and impaired balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between selected biochemical parameters, bone turnover markers, clinical parameters and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 85 women treated at the Menopause and Osteoporosis Clinic of the Obstetrics and Gynecological Hospital in Poznan. The average age of the women was 59.9 +/- 5.20 years. Quantitative assessment of bone mass at the lumber spine and proximal femoral epiphysis was performed using DEXA technique. The study included women with BMD expressed as T-score < or = (-2.5) SD. A multifactorial regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between selected biochemical parameters, clinical factors and BMD. RESULTS: As far as biochemical parameters were concerned, the concentration of estradiol correlated with BMD. The assessed bone turnover markers did not show a correlation with BMD. The following clinical parameters correlated with BMD: age, body mass index - BMI, family history of fractures, bisphosphonates treatment, transdermal hormone replacement therapy use, and intensity of physical activity CONCLUSION: It is important to identify risk factors for osteoporosis in women, especially when planning prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women.

[Edwards syndrome--most frequent indications for genetic amniocentesis. Analysis of the last 5 years]. / Zespól Edwardsa--najczestsze wskazania do wykonania amniopunkcji genetycznych. Analiza na przestrzeni ostatnich 5 lat.

Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) occurs in 1: 8000 live births and is closely related to the mother's age. Most of the embryos and fetuses with trisomy of 18 chromosome pair undergo natural abortion. Change in number and structure of chromosomes usually takes place spontaneously. However, the incidence of chromosome mutations increases with the presence of mutagenic factors. One of the chemical mutagenic factors is benzopyrene - present in cigarette smoke. Prenatal cytogenetic diagnostic is used for detecting diseases and clinical syndromes conditioned by chromosome aberrations. To this date the "golden standard" of this diagnostic is the assessment of the fetus karyotype by means of analysis of chromosome banding pattern from amniotic fluid-derived cells. The aim of the study was the analysis of indications for genetic amniocenteses carried out in the last 5 years and in case of which trisomy of chromosome 18 (Edwards syndrome) was diagnosed. The analysis covered 1593 results of fetus karyotypes obtained from Cytogenetic Laboratory of the Central Gynecological-Obstetric Clinical Hospital in Poznan over the last 5 years. The study procedure consisted in producing cell culture from amniotic fluid, appliance of appropriate color techniques and thorough microscopic analysis of chromosome banding pattern. As a result of the analysis it was discovered that in 1538 cases the karyotype was normal, and in 55 cases trisomy 18 was diagnosed, which constituted 3% of all cytogenetic tests. The highest number of trisomy 18 cases was noted in 2009 - 19 cases, which constitutes 5% of all tests. In 2010 and 2011 the results included respectively 2% and 3% of diagnosed trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). In the last 5 years normal results for karyotypes constituted 87%, in 10% cases other aberrations were diagnosed through cystogenetic tests, whereas 3% of the results have shown trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome The most frequent indications for performing genetic amniocentesis, as a result of which trisomy 18 was diagnosed, were defects in ultrasound image, including fetal hydrops which constituted 27.3% of all indications. Malformation syndrome in fetus and hydramnion constituted only 9.1% of indications for cytogenetic tests where trisomy 18 was diagnosed. The highest incidence rate of trisomy 18 was diagnosed in fetuses of women aged between 30 and 34. These were followed by 29 fetuses with Edwards syndrome in mothers aged between 25 and 29.

[Frequency of prevalence of Turner syndrome in fetuses of patients referred to genetic amniocentesis in 2007-2011]. / Czestosc wystepowania zespolu Turnera u plodów pacjentek skierowanych na badanie amniopunkcji genetycznej w latach 2007-2011.

Turner syndrome is a genetic diseases caused by an aberration of sex chromosomes. It is conditioned by structural and/or quantitative aberration of one of the two X chromosomes, with frequent presence of mosaicism in cells. Since there are a few types of the syndrome, its diagnosis is often difficult and, as a consequence, a lot of people live without knowing of their disease. It is only during puberty that symptoms occur, or when full maturity begins it possible to diagnose the disease and start treatment. Genetic amniocentesis is a method thanks to which a material for cytogenetic test is obtained. The method involves puncturing amniotic sac and aspiration of fluid under the control of ultrasound for diagnostic purposes. Microscopic analysis of the chromosomes makes it possible to recognize aberration of one chromosome X which indicates Tuner syndrome phenotype. The objective of the study was the analysis of the frequency of prevalence of Turner syndrome in the patients' fetuses referred for genetic amniocentesis in 2007-2011. The most frequent cause of Turner syndrome in girls is missing one of two chromosomes X. the analysis shows that in 1815 tests Turner syndrome was confirmed in 46 cases which constitutes 2.5%. It is mostly young women, aged 25-29 that are at risk of having a child with this aberration. Indications which were later confirmed by the cases of fetuses with this syndrome included fetal hydrops, cystic hygroma and abnormalities in ultrasound image. In case of indications such as genetic defects in the family, incorrect result of triple test are not confirmed by Turner syndrome.

[Selected biochemical parameters of oxidative stress as a result of exposure to tobacco smoke in animals addicted to ethyl alcohol]. / Wybrane parametry biochemiczne stresu oksydacyjnego w wyniku ekspozycji na dym tytoniowy zwierzat uzaleznionych od alkoholu etylowego.

Smoking cigarettes and alcohol addiction are serious problems in health hazard and life of society. Tobacco smoke leads to many kinds of cancer formation and scientific research indicates, that heart-vascular disease and lung cancer are the most common diseases caused by tobacco smoke. While talking about ethanol, it is responsible for liver, pancreas, mucous membrane damage and leads to central and circular nervous disorder. Scientific research indicates, that many smokers drink alcohol and vice versa. Unfortunately in that case the risk of many diseases increases. Both of these stimulants leads to enlarged production of reactive oxygen species, which is connected with unbalance between pro and antioxidant processes in human organism. Free radicals in normal conditions plays positive role but with tobacco smoke and alcohol connection may lead to serious changes in human organism. They damage organs, it comes to protein structure, nucleic acid and fat violation, which in consequence leads to immunity decrease and many pathological changes. Reactive oxygen species also plays role in pathogenesis of many diseases: diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and Down syndrome. ROS may also increase the risk of pancreas, lung, larynx and urinary bladder cancer formation. Human organism defends oneself from harmful influence of reactive oxygen species owing to enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems presence-Non-enzymatic antioxidants: glutathione, carotene, bilirubin, tocopherol, uric acid and ions metals temporary complex belong to non-enzymatic systems. To enzymatic ones belong: catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. The aim of the study was tobacco smoke and ethyl alcohol influence evaluation in rats addicted to these substances on activity of chosen enzymes responsible for organism defense against toxic compounds action. To this study 63 white, Wistar tribe rats at the age of 3,5 months were used - males addicted to ethyl alcohol. They were divided into 3 groups, each consist of 21 rats. Animals of Group I were exposed on harmful tobacco smoke influence. Group II constitute animals, which were given by stomach probe 10% alcohol dilution once at a dose of 2 g/kg weight. The next Group - III, in which animals at first were exposed on tobacco smoke influence. When exposition was over, animals were given by stomach probe 10% alcohol dilution once at a dose of 2 g/kg weight. Depending on the type of marker and studied organ, changes in the levels of selected enzymes, responsible for defending organism against reactive forms of oxygen has been shown. Both tobacco smoke and ethyl alcohol resulted in a change of glutathione levels in the serum and tissues of animals. Tobacco smoke has the biggest influence on protein nitrozylation in the brain and ethyl alcohol had influence on glutathione level in serum, kidney, brain and superoxide dismutase activity in the brain. Application of many oxidative stress markers allows for evaluation of its differential influence on various organs.

Neonatal breast-suckling skills in the context of lactation and peripartum hormonal changes and additional factors-a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Childbirth and lactation are intricate processes, involving several hormones, the most important of which are prolactin (a protein hormone) and cortisol (one of the glucocorticoids). The early postpartum period is crucial for both mother and newborn and has an impact on the lactation and breastfeeding process. METHODS: The study included 78 patients who were admitted to the Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinical Hospital in Poznan for labor induction and/or in the active phase of the first labor stage. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in serum were assessed in these women during admission in labor, during the third labor stage, and on the second day postpartum. The levels of cortisol and prolactin in the umbilical cord serum were assessed immediately after cord clamping. The "Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills" was used to assess the neonatal breast-suckling skills on the second day postpartum. Some additional parameters were evaluated in mothers via a telephone interview at three and six months postpartum. The study was conducted from January to August 2020, however the study was suspended during April-July 2020 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which led to restrictions in the hospital limiting access to the hospital wards unless necessary. RESULTS: Early breastfeeding with skin-to-skin contact was associated with low levels of hormones, cortisol levels were lower in serum (p = 0.0108) and umbilical vein (p = 0.0273) in mothers who breastfed immediately after childbirth. At three months postpartum, 88% of the mothers who did not offer a pacifier to the child during the first few days of life breastfed the child naturally (p = 0.037), and at six months, 96% of those who did not offer a pacifier continued to breastfeed (p = 0.0008). Multiple, statistically significant correlations were observed between the variables assessed according to the "Protocol for the assessment of breast-suckling skills" and breastfeeding after three months. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, appropriate assessment of the breast-suckling skills of newborns, avoiding pacifiers and infant formula feeding, and offering support to new mothers in the early days after childbirth seem to be important factors for sustaining breastfeeding after three and six months of childbirth.

Differences in sex hormone levels in the menstrual cycle due to tobacco smoking - myth or reality?

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoke contains, among others, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic analogues, aromatic amines, N-nitrosamines, volatile hydrocarbons, aldehydes, phenols, miscellaneous organic compounds, metals, and inorganic compounds. Tobacco smoking can harm women's reproductive system and may reduce fertility. The objective of the study was to explore the effect of tobacco smoke on the menstrual cycle due to smoking and second-hand smoke-exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 153 women of reproductive age, who received care at the Gynaecological-Obstetric Clinical Hospital of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. They were divided into three treatment groups: non-smokers, secondhand smokers, and smokers. Comprehensive assessment of all hormone levels: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17ß-oestradiol (E2), and progesterone (P), in the various phases of the menstrual cycle and with concomitant determinations of serum cotinine concentrations was performed. The menstrual cycle was observed with ultrasonography. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking may be an important factor in disrupting reproduction: 1. The increase in the oestradiol E2 level was accompanied by significantly lowered serum cotinine concentrations in tobacco smokers; 2. In smoking patients, the serum level of LH significantly increased on the first days of the menstrual cycle; 3. The higher levels of P (in the 14th and 21st days) were assumed to be the result of a longer menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Active and passive smoking may be an important contributor to reproductive health issues and deserves greater focus in health education programs directed towards women of reproductive age.

[Effect of tobacco smoke on lipids peroxidation and liver function in streptozotocin diabetic rats--preliminary study]. / Wplyw dymu tytoniu na peroksydacje lipidów i funkcje watroby u szczurów z cukrzyca streptozotocynowa--badania wstepne.

Diabetes is considered a group of diseases with chronic hyperglycemia caused by various organ disorders, failure or damage as a common feature. Hyperglycemia exerts toxic effect on endothelium, promotes oxidative stress, inhibits bioavailability of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and leads to formation of advanced glycation end products. Moreover, hyperglycemia induces production of reactive oxygen specimens (ROS) through several distinct mechanisms, such as: glucose autoxydation activation of polyol (sorbitol-aldose reductase) pathway, non-enzymatic glycation and neutrophil granulocyte's stimulation. These changes lead to uncontrolled oxidation and peroxidation of lipids, nucleic acids, certain enzymes and most of all--oxidative protein damage (OPD) in many tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate influence of exposure to tobacco smoke on lipid peroxidation and liver function in experimentally induced diabetes. The research showed that the protein level in blood serum did not change neither in case of induced diabetes nor after tobacco smoke exposure. However a statistically significant increase of lipid peroxidation was observed in rats with pharmacologically induced diabetes. In animals exposed to tobacco smoke only lipid peroxidation increasing trend was demonstrated, while in animals with induced diabetes and exposed to tobacco smoke a statistically significant decrease of lipid peroxidation was noticed. In the adopted experimental model basically no alterations of hepatic aminotranspherases were observed, with exception of AIAT in the group of diabetic animals compared to rats in the control group. Results of the study do not explicitly explain the influence of tobacco smoking in experimentally induced diabetes on lipid peroxidation and liver functions.

[Develop rapid and inexpensive method for the determination of methadone and its major metabolites for monitoring therapy]. / Opracowanie metody oznaczania metadonu w surowicy dla potrzeb terapii monitorowanej.

Methadone maintenance therapy is one of the most popular treatments for opiate addiction. The easiest and the most reliable way to monitor the accuracy of the therapy is determination of methadone and its metabolites in biological material. The aim of this study was to develop rapid and inexpensive method for the determination of methadone and its major metabolites--EDDP and methandol in drug concentration monitoring therapy and to check its suitability to real samples collected from the patients, who participated in methadone maintenance therapy. The method is characterized by a wide range of linearity--from 50 to 1000 ng/ml for methadone and methadole, and from 20 to 600 ng/ml for EDDP. The lower limit of quantification for methadone and methadole was 50 ng/ml and for 20 ng/ml for EDDP. The repeatability of the method during the day and between days is below 10%. The method allows the determination of minimum concentrations of methadone (before the next dose) in patients treated with standard doses (40-120 mg/day) of this medicine. Different concentration ratios of metabolites to parent drug prove that the polymorphic metabolism leads both to the EDDP, methadone and methadole.

[Effect of combined exposure to ethanol and tobacco smoke on lipid peroxidation in rats]. / Wplyw lacznego narazenia na alkohol i dym tytoniowy na peroksydacje lipidów u szczurów.

Usually, alcohol addicted persons smokes cigarettes. In the study, the effect of combined exposure to alcohol and tobacco smoke in alcohol addicted rats on liver peroxidation was evaluated. Alcohol abuse and its presence in blood did not influence the cotinine level, what indicates the lack of the importance of this factor in nicotine metabolism. Similarly, enzymatic markers of liver damage (AspAT, AIAT, ALP) did not change, what showed lack of hepatotoxic effect studied compounds in applied model of alcohol addiction and tobacco smoke exposure. Combined exposure to alcohol and tobacco smoke increases the level of lipid peroxidation in brain, liver and lungs however decreases in serum. In kidneys the results are not unambiguous.

Interaction between tobacco smoke and alcohol in animal models.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of nicotine and other xenobiotics contained in tobacco smoke on the pharmacokinetics of ethyl alcohol and on the levels of toxic ethanol metabolites such as acetic aldehyde.We also sought to evaluate the impact of a one-time administration of ethyl alcohol on the biotransformation of nicotine, the addictive alkaloid of tobacco smoke, to its main metabolite, cotinine. Rats were divided in three groups. The first group was exposed to tobacco smoke (6 h per day, for 5 days), the second group was treated with alcohol (2 g/kg), and the third group was exposed to tobacco smoke and treated with alcohol. Earlier exposure to tobacco smoke had an insignificant impact on the elimination of alcohol, but caused a significant increase in the volume of distribution, which could be caused by an increase in the first-pass effect. In contrast, inhaling tobacco smoke decreased acetic aldehyde concentrations in the first hour after alcohol administration. The major finding of this study was that a single dose of ethyl alcohol increases the rate of elimination of cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine. This was demonstrated by a reduced biological half-life (t(0.5)) and mean resident time (MRT).

[Tobacco smoking influence on the level of sex hormones--animal model]. / Wplyw dymu tytoniowego na poziom hormonów plciowych--model zwierzecy.

Numerous studies warn that women who smoke can suffer from weakened functioning of their ovaries and disturbed synthesis and metabolism of hormones. This may cause many pregnancy complications or premature menopause and osteoporosis. Moreover, smoking disturbs the menstrual cycle, decreases the effectiveness and increases the undesirable effects of the hormone replacement therapy. Tobacco smoke disturbs gametogenesis, ovulation, Fallopian tube transport, fertilization and the implantation of a fertilized cell, which results in the reduction of fertility. The goal of the present thesis was a toxicological assessment of the influence of tobacco smoke on the level of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, and estradiol in blood serum of female rats, taking into consideration the phases of their sexual cycle. The experiment utilized a cytological method of determining the phases of the sexual cycle, which enabled the researcher to divide the rats into two groups (exposed to tobacco smoke and unexposed). Each of the groups was further divided into four subgroups with six animals for each phase of the sexual cycle (Proestrus, Estrus, Metestrus, Diestrus). The rats from the first group were exposed to tobacco smoke with the concentration of 1500 mg of Carbon Monoxide (CO) per cubic meter of ambient air (per content of Carbon Monoxide) for 5 days for 6 hours a day. Every day before the exposition at the same time the phases of the sexual cycle of female rats were checked in all of the subgroups. On the last 5th day of the experiment, after the exposition to the smoke, smear tests were conducted. The unexposed group was the control group. The evaluation of the exposition of the animals to tobacco smoke was based on the determination of the level of cotinine in blood serum by ELISA method. The measurement of the concentration of hormones was conducted by means of a jurisdiction method of electrochemiluminescence. In the experiment, a statistical difference was observed between the concentration of cotinine in the blood serum of the animals that were in the Proesrtus phase (86.8 ng/ ml), compared to the group in the Metestrus phase (351.0 ng/ml) and Diestrus phase (304.6 ng/ml). In the experiment a very high level of progesterone concentration was marked in the blood serum of the female rats that were exposed to tobacco smoke and that were in the Proestrus phase (195.1 ng/ml). The level of progesterone among the animals exposed to cigarette smoke was statistically higher compared to the control group (99.1 ng/ml). In all probability, this was caused by the slower metabolism of nicotine or faster biotransformation of cotinine. The experiment confirmed the negative influence of cigarette smoke on the course of the sexual cycle. The sexual cycle of the female rats exposed to tobacco smoke changed its rhythm and kept its proper course only in 29% of the examined animals.

[Application of the immunoassay for determination of cotinine in the urine]. / Zastosowanie metody enzymoimmunologicznej do oznaczania kotyniny w moczu.

Verification of the results of questionnaire studies of exposure to tobacco smoke require determination of the biomarkers in body fluids. For performing such measurements the fast and simple method is needed. The aim of this study was to estimate usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in routine cotinine determination in urine of active smokers and compare it with reference high performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC). In the study participated 15 non smoking and 15 smoking women. In the urine of tese women cotinine concentration of cotinine was measured by the means of HPLC and ELISA methods. The ELISA method, used in quantity measurement of cotinine in urine, is of great accuracy, sensitivity and specificity which were proved by comparison with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) reference method. Number of false positive and false negative results obtained by ELISA method did not exceed 10%. A high correlation coefficient, r=0.9056, between results of determining cotinine in urine by means of ELISA and HPLC methods, confirmed the utility of ELISA method to estimate the tobacco smoke exposure. The differences in cotinine concentration values obtained by ELISA and HPLC methods did not depend on cotinine concentrations in the urine samples. Although numerous advantages of ELISA method used to detect and determine cotinine, it should be taken into consideration that results might be overestimated and cross-reactivity with other xenobiotics present in urine must be concern.

Glucocorticoid Metabolism in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Analysis of Plasma and Urinary Cortisol and Cortisone.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the plasma and urinary cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) levels in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women. The parameters known to reflect the function of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11ß-HSD2) were calculated to verify the changes in glucocorticoid balance over the course of gestational hypertension (GH) and pre-eclampsia (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included women in the third trimester of pregnancy, diagnosed with: GH (n = 29), PE (n = 26), or chronic hypertension (CH; n = 22). Normotensive women in their third trimester of pregnancy were also included (controls; n = 43). The plasma and urinary F and E levels were measured with the HPLC-FLD method. The 11ß-HSD2 function was estimated by calculating the following ratios: plasma F/E and urinary free F to urinary free E (UFF/UFE). A statistical analysis was performed based on case-control structure. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: PE was characterized by lower plasma F levels (639.0 nmol/L), UFF/Cr levels (3.80 µg/mmol) and F/E ratio (3.46) compared with that of the controls (811.7 nmol/L, 6.28 µg/mmol and 5.19, respectively) with marked abnormalities observed in the changes of F/E and UFF/UFE ratios with advancing gestation. GH patients showed significant disparities in the urinary steroid profile with lower UFF/UFE ratio (0.330 vs. 0.401) compared with the normotensive controls and abnormal changes in the UFF/UFE throughout pregnancy. The observed tendency towards lower F/E and UFF/UFE ratios in PE and GH patients may reflect more intensive F metabolism over the course of those disorders. In the normal pregnancy group, the plasma F/E and UFF/UFE ratios tended to present inverse correlations with advancing gestation. This trend was much less marked in PE and GH patients, suggesting that the abnormalities in 11ß-HSD2 functions progressed with the GA. The birth weights of neonates born from pre-eclamptic pregnancies were lower than those from uncomplicated pregnancies, although only when the babies were born prematurely. Children born at term to normotensive mothers or mothers suffering from PE had comparable birth weights.

Effect of selected socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical factors on self-reported quality of life among post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of health care with relation to women with osteoporosis is the prevention of fractures, maintenance of independence, and good quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To discover how selected socio-demographic, clinical and biochemical factors affect positively or negatively the overall assessment of the quality of life, and to assess the quality of life in specific domains among women with osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group covered 85 women with osteoporosis. Self-reported quality of life was evaluated using WHOQOL-100. In order to determine factors affecting the self-reported of quality of life the logistic regression analysis was applied. RESULTS: The physical domain was associated with decreased height (OR=2.13; 95%CI 1.04-4.35), anxiety (OR=1.30; 95%CI 1.14-1.49) and depression (OR=1.32; 95%CI 1.09-1.59). The psychological domain was associated with previous fractures (OR=4.76; 95%CI 2.22-11.11), deformities of the back (OR=2.13; 95%CI 1.08-4.17) and anxiety (OR=1.16; 95%CI 1.02-1.16). The level of independence and of social domain were associated with performance of occupational activity, respectively (OR=0.93; 95%CI 0.88-0.97) (OR=0.96; 95%CI 0.88-0.98). The social domain was associated with decreased height (OR=2.38; 95%CI 1.12-5.26), deformities of the back (OR=1.28; 95%CI 1.02-4.35), BMI (OR=1.14; 95%CI 1.05-1.23), anxiety (OR=1.41; 95%CI 1.20-1.64) and depression (OR=1.23; 95%CI 1.03-1.49). CONCLUSION: The factors determining poor quality of life were decreased height, deformity of the back, previous fractures, elevated FSH level, anxiety and depression. The factors determining a good self-reported quality of life were higher level of education and occupational activity.

Exposure to alcohol and tobacco smoke causes oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse causes oxidative stress in humans and underlay numerous chronic degenerative diseases. Liver is the main organ exposed to alcohol toxic metabolites, whereas tobacco smoke is chiefly harmful to the lungs. METHODS: The aim of the current study was the assessment and comparison of selected oxidative stress markers, reduced glutatione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, nitrites and protein nitrosylation and DNA damage in the livers and in the lungs of alcohol-addicted rats exposed to tobacco smoke alone or in combination with a single dose of ethanol. RESULTS: The highest levels of GSH were measured in the liver of smoke only exposed animals and in the lungs of rats exposed to smoke and alcohol. In the liver of animals treated with a single dose of alcohol or with smoke and alcohol, GST was significantly higher than in the group exposed to smoke only. SOD and catalase showed the highest activities in the livers of rats receiving a single dose of alcohol. High concentration of nitrites was observed in the lungs of animals treated with smoke and alcohol in combination, which corresponded to elevated protein nitrosylation in this group, whereas in the livers of these animals relatively low level of nitrites was accompanied with the lowest concentration of nitrosylated proteins. In the liver of alcohol only treated rats the highest nitrites corresponded to the highest protein nitrosylation. In the lungs of all treatment groups the range of DNA damage was higher, than the respective values in the livers. Although alcohol is not considered a specific toxicant to the lungs it was found to cause oxidative stress in this organ. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that in the ethanol-addicted rats combined exposure to smoke and alcohol differentially modulate endogenous antioxidant defense system and reactions to oxidative stress.