Interleukin 1α and interleukin 18 in patients with vitiligo - Results of a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder resulting from loss of functional melanocytes in the skin. Variety of inflammatory mediators participate in the regulation of melanogenesis in melanocytes: interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-33, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-γ, prostaglandin E2 have the effect of promoting melanogenesis, while interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor can inhibit melanogenesis. AIM: Evaluation of IL-1α and IL-18 levels in peripheral blood in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients aged 18-81 with vitiligo participated in the study. The control group consisted of 38 healthy people. Venous blood samples were obtained from each participant. Serum IL-1α and IL-18 concentrations were determined using the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Among patients with vitiligo, the mean concentration of IL-1α was 0.13 (± 0.535) pg/mL, while in the control group it was 0.51 (± 1.51). There were no statistically significant differences in IL-1α concentrations between patients in the study group compared to the control group (p > 0.05). In the study group, the mean IL-18 concentration was 141.05 (± 136.33) pg/mL vs 137.33 (± 105.83) pg/mL in the controls. There were no statistically significant differences in IL-18 concentrations between patients in the study group compared to the controls (p > 0.05). In the Spearman correlation test, no correlation was confirmed between IL1α and IL-18 concentrations in the group of patients with vitiligo vs healthy people. CONCLUSIONS: There is no correlation between Il-1 and Il-18 concentration in the blood sera of patients with vitiligo.

Prolonged exposure to transdermal nicotine improves memory in male mice, but impairs biochemical parameters in male and female mice.

INTRODUCTION: Nicotine is an alkaloid that affects the functioning of the central nervous system and produces dependence. In low doses, it acts as a stimulant and relaxant. Nicotine was reported to have pro-cognitive effects in humans and animals. However, high doses of nicotine are harmful for many organs.The aim of the study was to check whether a 30-day exposure to transdermal nicotine affects memory and biochemical parameters in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 mice (16 males and 16 females) were used in the experiment. Mice were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each: I control-females receiving placebo patches for 30 days, II females receiving nicotine patches for 30 days, III control-males receiving placebo patches, IV males receiving nicotine patches. Spontaneous alternation and locomotor activity were examined weekly in a Y-maze. Body mass was recorded daily. On day 30, venous blood samples were obtained and the animals were anaesthetized with CO2. Their blood was used to measure alanine transaminase (ALT), asparagine transaminase (AST), cholesterol, creatinine and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C). RESULTS: Nicotine significantly improved memory in male mice on day 8. It increased ALT and AST activities in males and females, as well as the concentration of cholesterol in their blood sera. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, transdermal nicotine may produce transient improvement in fresh spatial memory in male mice, but it is not a long-term effect and therefore nicotine does not seem to be appropriate for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. It elevates blood cholesterol level and thus may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events; moreover, it negatively affects liver enzymes. Nicotine use is therefore not recommended.

Serum concentrations of interleukin 18 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 correlate with depression severity in men with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis and depression may have common mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and vitamin D3 deficiency. Among men with psoriasis, this study examined whether depression severity was associated with serum concentrations of different metabolic and inflammatory markers. METHODS: The study included 85 men with psoriasis (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 47 ± 14 years) and 65 men without psoriasis (mean age ± SD, 44 ± 13 years). In both groups, we measured the body mass index; blood pressure; and serum concentrations of lipids, uric acid, lipase, interleukins 6 and 18, cortisol, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory. Other variables analyzed included psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, and the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had significantly greater depression severity, higher body mass indices, and higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol and interleukins 6 and 18; moreover, they had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated positively with psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions, and interleukin-18 concentration. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated negatively with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration, but it did not correlate significantly with the serum concentrations of interleukin 6 and cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of interleukin 18 and low concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 may be associated with depression severity in men with psoriasis. Thus, further studies should examine whether effective anti-inflammatory treatments or vitamin D3 supplementation can improve depression outcomes in these patients.

Digestive system in psoriasis: an update.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder associated and often coexisting with many other immune-related clinical conditions including those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Data obtained from the reviewed literature suggest an association between psoriasis and pathologies of the oral cavity, both psoriasis-specific lesions, as well as non-specific, such as geographic tongue or fissured tongue. These findings show the importance of thorough examination of oral mucosa in psoriatic patients. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are also linked with psoriasis. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis share a common genetic background, inflammatory pathways and have an evident iatrogenic anti-TNF treatment link, necessitating dermatological or gastroenterological care in patients with IBD or psoriasis, respectively, as well as treatment adjusted to manifestations. The presence of celiac disease-specific antibodies in psoriatic patients and their correlation with the severity of the disease show the association between these disorders. The linking pathogenesis comprises vitamin D deficiency, immune pathway, genetic background and increase in the intestinal permeability, which suggests a potential benefit from gluten-free diet among psoriatic patients. The link between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease implies screening patients for components of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle changes necessity. Some studies indicate increased prevalence of cancer in patients with psoriasis, probably due to negative influence of skin lesion impact on lifestyle rather than the role of psoriasis in carcinogenesis. However, there are no sufficient data to exclude such an oncogenic hit, which is yet to be confirmed. Therefore, all psoriasis-associated comorbidities establish the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of these patients.

Depressiveness, measured with Beck Depression Inventory, in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify demographic and clinical factors predisposing to depressiveness during the course of psoriasis. METHOD: The study included 239 patients with psoriasis (15-76 years, 31.8% of women) and 123 healthy controls (17-74 years, 32.5% of women). Dependent variable in the analysis was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score. Explanatory variables included: age, sex, marital status, education, occupational activity, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, history of smoking, average number of smoked cigarettes, skin lesions visible to others, comorbidities, including arterial hypertension and arthritis, number of previous hospitalizations and family history of psoriasis. RESULTS: Psoriatics showed higher BDI scores than the controls, and significantly more often presented with depressiveness. Depressiveness correlated with psoriasis, older age, female sex, lack of higher education, occupational inactivity, higher BMI, visible skin lesions, comorbidities, including arterial hypertension and arthritis, greater number of previous hospitalizations and lack of family history of psoriasis. Multivariate analysis showed than independent predictors of any grade depressiveness were psoriasis (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.11-4.60, p=0.024), older age (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.05, p=0.005) and female sex (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.45-5.12, p=0.002). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional, non-prospective analysis. Selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis, irrespective of its severity and related complications, are at increased risk of depressiveness. The risk of secondary depressiveness is particularly high in psoriatic women and older persons (or individuals diagnosed with psoriasis at younger age). Individuals from this group should be monitored for potential depressive symptoms.

The 28-day exposure to fenpropathrin decreases locomotor activity and reduces activity of antioxidant enzymes in mice brains.

BACKGROUND: Fenpropathrin (Fen) is a pyrethroid (Pyr) insecticide. Pyrs are used in veterinary medicine, in agriculture and for domestic purposes. As their use increases, new questions about their side effects and mode of action in non-target organisms arise. The objective of this work was to characterize dose-response relationship for in vivo motor function and memory in mice exposed to Fen for 28 days and to assess its influence on activity of antioxidant enzymes in mice brains. METHODS: The experiment was performed using 64 female mice. Fen at the dose of 11.9mg/kg of body mass, 5.95mg/kg or 2.38mg/kg was administered ip to the mice for 28 consecutive days. Motor function and spatial working memory were tested on days 7, 14 and 28. On day 29, the animals were sacrificed and brains were used to determine activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: Fen significantly decreased locomotor activity in mice receiving the highest dose at every stage of the experiment. Lower doses reduced locomotion on days 7 and 14. Fen did not produce memory impairment. A decrease in activities of SOD and GPx was recorded in mice brains. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of SOD activity in mice brains results from direct inhibition of the enzyme by Fen and/or increased utilization due to excessive free radical formation in conditions of Fen-induced oxidative stress. The reduction in GPx activity is probably due to limited glutathione availability. The reduced locomotor activity is a behavioral demonstration of Fen-induced damage in the dopaminergic system.

The influence of intracerebral streptozotocin and/or cadmium on memory processes in mice exposed to transient cerebral oligemia.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of simultaneous acute exposure to cadmium (Cd) and in the presence of streptozotozin (STZ) on the central nervous system (CNS) memory processes in mice subjected to transient brain ischemia. In order to obtain transient brain ischemia, operative occlusion of common carotid arteries for 30 min was performed. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally (ip) after the surgery at a single dose of 0.1 LD(50) (LD(50) = 14 mg/kg). Disturbances in glucose metabolism in the brain tissue were induced by bilateral intracerebral administration of STZ, a drug that inhibits the function of a neuronal insulin receptor. Long-term memory was evaluated by means of a step-through passive avoidance task. Spatial working memory expressed as spontaneous alternations was tested in the Y-maze test. Coexposure to brain oligemia and STZ on the CNS produced significant impairment of long-term memory processes in mice. An additional exposure to Cd exacerbated the deficits of these processes. These results indicate that brain oligemia, Cd, and altered glucose metabolism may aggravate adverse effects on memory.

[Impact of cigarette smoking on the clinical outcome of Crohn's disease]. / Wplyw palenia na przebieg kliniczny choroby Lesniowskiego-Crohna.

Cigarette smoking is a well known independent risk factor for a more severe course of Crohn's disease, but individual factors determining this impact are poorly known and it is not evident if smoking cessation is associated with an improvement in the disease activity. The aim of our study was to assess the factors determining the harmful impact of smoking in individuals with Crohn's disease. A total of 148 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease and Crohn's disease activity index < 200 were enrolled in a prospective 12-18 month study. Patients were classified into three groups as: current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers. Body mass index, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive use and blood lipid levels were also recorded. The main outcome measure was the rate of fare-up. We observed the flare-up developement in 38% current smokers, versus 21% non-smokers and 26% former smokers. The relative risk of flare-up adjusted for confounding factors was 1.37 (1.09 +/- 1.96) in current smokers. Obesity, dyslipidaemia, and alcohol consumption had no significant effect. Current smoking, particularly heavy smoking, significantly increases the risk of flare-up in Crohn's disease patients. Former smokers have a risk similar to that of non-smokers.

[Smoking among patients hospitalized in SPSK 4 in Lublin]. / Problem nikotynizmu wsród pacjentów hospitalizowanych w SPSK 4 w Lublinie.

Approximately 10 mln of Poles smoke 15-20 cigarettes per day. In total Poles smoke 4,5 billions of packaging each year. Nicotine is not only major threat to humans' health but smoking is also one of the most common elements of any healthy life style. The aim of the work was to analyze factors which influence nicotine addiction as well as to evaluate motivation among patients to stop smoking. The study was conducted among patients hospitalized in the period between January 2006 and December 2007 in SPSK 4 in Lublin. Participation in studies was freewill and anonymous and choice of respondents random. In order to collect necessary information questionnaire was created. First part includes questions as regards age, gender, place of residence, marital status, education and economic situation. Second part includes the right questionnaire which is Fageström and Schneider test. Questionnaire was filled by 2346 patients who were chosen randomly. 36.23% of patients admitted smoking. 79.05% of patients are slightly addicted to nicotine, whereas 20.95% are in medium or in higher group of addiction. Analysis of willingness to give up smoking proved that 56% of respondents want to give up smoking. On the base of performer research we can conclude that: patients, who based on the results of Fageström's test, qualified into high level addiction are at increased risk of developing nicotine-related diseases and healthy behavior as well as nonsmoking should be promoted among patients.

Loss of heterozygosity for Rb locus and pRb immunostaining in laryngeal cancer: a clinicopathologic, molecular and immunohistochemical study.

Several risk factors for the development of laryngeal cancer have been identified, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, but the molecular mechanisms related to the carcinogenesis in the larynx remain under investigation. In this context, deregulations of the cell-cycle-controling mechanisms, Rb-pathway in particular, have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma. Our purpose was to investigate 13q14 LOH and the expression of Rb protein and their possible prognostic value in laryngeal cancer. The group of 67 patients with laryngeal cancer, surgically treated with minimum 5 years observation, was multi-variously analysed. LOH for Rb was investigated by PCR-based techniques using two microsatellite markers, D13S263 and D13S126, flanking the Rb locus. Amplification products from each polymorphism were fractionated by denaturing gel electrophoresis and detected by audioradiography. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin specimens of laryngeal cancers was supervised by the use of monoclonal mouse antibodies IgG1 (Anti-Human Retinoblastoma Gene Product of Dako) in dilution of 1:50. Inactivation of Rb protein was assumed to represent the expression in < or =10% tumour cells. The results of each examined individual factor were compared with clinicopathologic features and the results were statistically transformed (Chi-square test with Yates' correction, Mann-Whitney test). The Kaplan and Meier model was used for overall and disease free survival curves. Only p value of less than 0,05 was considered significant. 13q14 LOH was detected in 7/67 (10,4%) of informative tumours. No correlations were found between Rb genetic alteration (LOH) and gender, age, TNM staging, histological differentiation, nodal and local recurrences (p>0.05). There was a strong association between the loss of Rb and supraglottic localisation of tumour in the larynx (p<0.01). By univariate analysis 13q14 LOH proved to be significantly related to the overall survival whereas it was not related to the quicker relapse (p=0.01, p>0.05 respectively). The genetic data were correlated with the expression of the Rb protein (p=0.001). All tumours with Rb-LOH were immunohistochemically Rb-negative. Inactivation of Rb protein was observed in 9/67 cases (13.49%) and was significantly correlated with the polymorphism of cancer cells, but not with the histological grading. We also found the correlation between reduction of Rb protein and the size of primary tumour (T) (p=0.03) and local recurrence (p=0.035). There was no significant dependence between the level of Rb protein and other histopathological and clinical features (p>0.05). To conclude, analysis of 13q14 LOH enables the assessment of biology of laryngeal cancer and it can be a prognostic factor in overall survival. Immunohistochemical analysis of Rb protein expression in neoplastic cells made it easier to evaluate the mechanisms of cancerogenesis in laryngeal cancer and is closely related to genetic alteration in Rb locus.

[Addiction among patients hospitalized due to peripheral vessels disorders]. / Uzaleznienia u osób hospitalizowanych ze schorzeniami naczyn obwodowych.

The study covered 160 patients - 80 females and 80 males, hospitalised due to arterial and venous vessels disorders. The objective of the study was an attempt to evaluate selected behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, consumption of alcohol and coffee among people with diseases of peripheral vessels. The research tool was a questionnaire form. Participation in the study was voluntary and patients were selected at random. The study showed that 60% of respondents suffered from peripheral vessels disorders, 67.5% of females had venous vessels disorders, and 87.5% of males - arterial vessels disorders. In the total population examined 69.38% of respondents consumed alcohol, 47.5% were current smokers, and 56.88% consumed coffee. The style of life of the people examined may result in the development of peripheral vessel disorders.

[Tobacco smoking among adolescents-self-reported psycho-somatic health]. / Palenie tytoniu wsród mlodziezy w samoocenie psychosomatycznej.

Studies of self-reported psychosomatic health among non-smokers and current smokers were conducted among students aged 19-20 by means of a standardised questionnaire form concerning people actively and passively smoking. The analysis covered the number and type of cigarettes, time of exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as health effects in active and passive smokers. Tobacco smokers constituted 22% of the total number of the population examined, whereas passive smokers - 78%. Females constituted 56.3% of current smokers, and 78.7% of those passively exposed to tobacco smoke. The majority of respondents experienced health effects. Considering self-reported psycho-somatic health, 82.8% of respondents who were passive smokers mentioned irritation by tobacco smoke, the majority of them suffered headaches and burning sensation of the eyes. As many as 96.1% of non-smokers considered smoking as harmful for health. Health effects reported by current smokers concerned headaches, dyspnea, dry cough and general malaise (depression, low mood, anxiety). 70% of the respondents would like to discontinue cigarettes smoking.

[Calcium concentration in the skin of male rats exposed to high doses of ochratoxin A (OTA)]. / Zawartosc wapnia w skórze samców szczurzych eksponowanych na wysokie stizenia ochratoksyny A (OTA).

BACKGROUND: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of mycotoxines that most frequently creates occupational hazards. The aim of the study was to observe calcium concentration in the skin of test animals exposed to high doses of ochratoxin A (OTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tests were carried out in two groups of male rats exposed to high doses of OTA (1 mg/kg(-1)) for 30 days. One of these groups was additionally administered MgCl2 in a dose of 5 mg/kg(-1). The results were compared with the control group. The animals were decapitated and the obtained skins were degreased and mineralized. The element was marked by AAS method on AAS-3 apparatus. RESULTS: After completing the experiment, a significant (p < 0.001) rise in calcium concentration was found in the skin of animals in both tested groups compared with the control one. The group given at the same time OTA and MgCl2 had a significantly lower (p < 0.001) calcium concentration in the skin than that exposed to OTA only. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of high doses of OTA characteristically increases calcium concentration in animal skin. Simultaneous administration of OTA in high doses and magnesium chloride in low doses also significantly increases calcium concentration in animal skin.

[Addictions in young people with different backgrounds]. / Uzaleznienia wystepujace wsród mlodziezy z róznych srodowisk.

The research, carried out among young people of selected groups from different environments estimated the occurrence of addictions, the degree of danger of nicotine addiction, alcoholism and pharmacomania. A questionnaire of the interview standardized into smokers and non-smokers was used among students. Evaluation of addiction to alcohol, drugs and nicotine among young people treated at the Toxicology Ward was done on the basis of clinical material of toxemias. Addiction to psychoactive substances among students amounts to on average of 30%. Most of the smokers would like to drop the habit. Frequency of addictions among young people hospitalized in the clinic is much higher in comparison with the group occupationally passive or working, especially in big cities. Acute toxemias among addicts, especially in the group of alcohols, drugs and psychotropic drugs were quite serious. Toxic coma accompanying toxemia is a danger to health and life.

The occurrence of addictions among high school students.

The usage of psychoactive substances can be related to a vast percentage of teenage population. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or taking drugs during the stage of growth and development can lead to detrimental health effect and, frequently, to serious addictions. The aim of this paper was the evaluation of the spreading frequency of mentioned habits among the high school students. The precise analysis of causes of these pathological phenomena, as well as elaboration and actual usage of broad-scale educational and prophylactic programs seem indispensable.

Magnesium concentration in rat tissues receiving sex hormones and vitamin E.

Magnesium plays very important metabolic and regulatory roles in the animal organism. On this element tissues' concentration may have an influence other factors, such as sex hormones and vitamin E. The aim of our paper was to determine the influence of various testosterone doses given to male rats and various estradiol doses given to female rats on tissue magnesium concentration. Moreover, we analysed the influence of vitamin E applied with sex hormones on magnesium concentration in the tested groups of male and female rats. Testosterone was given to male rats at the doses of 0.01 mg kg(-1) of b.w. and 0.1 mg kg(-1) of b.w. Estradiol was given to female rats at the doses of 0.01 mg kg(-1) of b.w. and 0.1 mg kg(-1) of b.w. Some groups of animals additionally received vitamin E at the dose of 100 mg kg(-1) of b.w. The experiment was conducted for two weeks and next the brain, liver, kidneys and heart were taken for analysis. Tissue magnesium concentration was studied. We showed that sex hormones (estradiol in females, testosterone in males) influenced magnesium concentration reduction in the tested tissues. This decrease depended on the dose of applied hormone and only insignificantly on its kind. It was showed that simultaneously applied vitamin E diminished the effect of sex hormones action on magnesium concentration in the tested tissues.

The influence of sex hormones and vitamin E on ascorbic acid concentration in rat tissues.

Ascorbic acid concentration in a living body undergoes alterations continually. The changes in homeostasis of this important antioxidant may be induced by the effect of sex hormones for example. Based on this, the aim of our work was to estimate the influence of sex hormones administration and vitamin E supplementation on tissue ascorbic acid concentration in female and male rats. It has been showed that estrogen administration to females resulted in vitamin C loss, while testosterone administration to males elevated this level in all the tested tissues. However, the supplementation of vitamin E during sex hormones administration had beneficial effects on the tissue ascorbic acid concentration.

Assessment of health promotion among grammar school students.

The study was performed among 158 students from the third and fourth grades of grammar school in Lublin. The study method was a questionnaire including 41 questions grouped under 13 subjects. In the light of the data it may be concluded that students evaluate their health condition as satisfactory (82% of respondents). Most of the examined students--73.41% declare incorrect nutrition, lack of physical activity--52.53%, chronic fatigue--69.62%. Acceptable answers were obtained on questions concerning prevention of circulatory system diseases, AIDS, prevention of faulty posture, idea of "disease". Respondents did not know the rules of correct nutrition, 87.34% admitted drinking alcohol (27.84% every week, 5.69% every day). Students knew little about adverse effects of smoking, more than a half (51.26%) smoked cigarettes. 34.1% declared taking psychoactive substances. The results indicate that the mass media are the most popular source of information on health and healthy living. Results show that there is a strong need to create a new form of teaching (preferably at school) young people how to live their lives in a healthy way.

Urinary iodine excretion in inhabitants of rural region living in the Lublin Province.

Iodine is the element necessary for the human organism to function properly. Iodine is essential especially for the synthesis of thyroid hormones that regulate the cellular metabolism of the whole organism. The purpose of the work was to estimate the concentration of iodine in urine among the inhabitants of a typical agricultural region as a simple method of detecting deficiency of iodine in the human organism. The biggest iodine excretion was observed in a group above 40 years of age. The amount of the excretion of iodine together with urine was similar among men and women up to 40 years old. Monitoring of iodine concentration in urine is a sensitive marker of iodine deficiency in the human organism.

Life style and the risk of development of circulatory system diseases.

Circulatory system diseases (c.s.d.) belong to the group of civilization diseases. The risk factors of circulatory system diseases are: stress, overuse of alcohol, smoking cigarettes, bad eating habits, sitting life style. Calorie overconsumption, animal fat rich diet, sitting life style result in the development of android obesity, hypercholesterolemia, that enhance atheromatosis. The most dangerous consequences of atheromatosis are: angina pectoris, hypertension, myocardial infarction, brain insult, type II diabetes. The aim of the work was to evaluate life style and its correlation with development of circulatory system diseases. The results obtained significantly indicate how important is health education about the danger of widely understood unhealthy life style. Propagation of staying healthy model with emphasizing real profit resulting from leading healthy life style is the only righteous way to improve it.