Iron excretion in urine in patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass may lead to acute kidney injury caused by an excessive amount of iron. The clinical usefulness of the measurement of total iron concentration in the urine with the use of the atomic absorption spectrometry method for early identification of patients with postoperative acute kidney injury is not well-established. OBJECTIVES: An observational, prospective study was conducted on a group of 88 pre-selected adult patients undergoing a planned coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The amount and concentrations of total iron, creatinine and neutrophil gelatinaseassociated lipocalin (NGAL) were evaluated in urine samples. A comparative analysis of the evaluated biochemical parameters was performed in regard to the occurrence of acute kidney injury 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients in the acute kidney injury group presented more advanced age (p = 0.01), preoperative myocardial infarction (p = 0.02), diuresis reduction (p = 0.04), and lower total iron levels in the 48-hour urine sample (p = 0.01). There was no difference when considering iron concentration in single urine samples in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: The sole result of total iron concentration in single urine samples is unreliable for the diagnosis of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. Decreased excretion of iron in the urine seems to be an important additional element in the multifactorial pathogenesis of acute postoperative kidney failure.

Hymenolepis diminuta: Activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in different parts of rat gastrointestinal tract.

The aim of this study was to assess the intensity of oxidative stress by measuring levels of lipid peroxidation products in the duodenum, jejunum and colon of rats infected with Hymenolepis diminuta and evaluate the effectiveness of protection against oxidative stress by measuring the glutathione levels and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. In exposed rats we observed a significant increase of lipid peroxidation products in the duodenum and jejunum. A significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in all the examined parts of the digestive tract was observed. Additionally, rats from 16 to 40 days post H. diminuta infection (dpi) had a decreased catalase activity in the colon, while at 60dpi it increased. The glutathione peroxidase activity increased significantly in the colon at 60dpi. The increase in glutathione reductase activity was observed in the colon in rats 60dpi. There was a lack of changes in the levels of glutathione in the duodenum and a significant increase in its concentration in the jejunum and colon from 40 to 60dpi and from 16 to 40dpi, respectively. In this study we observed altered activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and glutathione level in experimental hymenolepidosis, as a consequence of oxidative stress. It may indicate a decrease in the efficiency of intestinal protection against oxidative stress induced by the presence of the parasite. The imbalance between oxidant and anti-oxidant processes may play a major role in pathology associated with hymenolepidosis.

Changes in male reproductive system and mineral metabolism induced by soy isoflavones administered to rats from prenatal life until sexual maturity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the influence of high-dose soy isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) administered from prenatal life to sexual maturity on testosterone and estradiol levels, testicular and epididymal morphology, the number of epididymal spermatozoa, and mineral metabolism in rats. METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats received orally soy isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight per day. After separating sucklings from their mothers, male rats received the same dose of isoflavones until reaching the age of sexual maturity, i.e., for 3 mo. RESULTS: In the isoflavone-treated group, statistically significant decreased concentrations of zinc (determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in blood serum and increased concentrations in bone were observed. The isoflavones induced changes in the morphology of the seminiferous epithelium of rat testes. However, there were no significant changes in the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis. The levels of estradiol in serum and cauda epididymis homogenates of rats receiving phytoestrogens were significantly higher than in the control group. No differences were observed in testosterone concentrations in the serum of treated and control rats. The testosterone levels in the homogenates of the treated rat testes were significantly lower than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The relatively mild effects of phytoestrogen administration on the morphology of testes and epididymides and the number of epididymal spermatozoa were observed despite the high dose used. The exposure of rats to genistein and daidzein during intrauterine life until sexual maturity influenced the mineral metabolism of the organism by significant decreases of Zn concentration in serum and increased Zn concentration in bones.

Changes in the concentration of microelements in the teeth of rats in the final stage of type 1 diabetes, with an absolute lack of insulin.

The mineral content of tooth hard tissue may influence the rate of decay change. Considering this fact, we aimed at examining if type 1 diabetes might be a contributing factor to the appearance of tooth decay. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats. To induce diabetes, rats were intravenously injected with 1 mL streptozocine 0.01 M citrate buffer. The control group of rats was injected with 1 mL 0.01 M citrate buffer only. After 10 days, teeth and blood serum samples were obtained. Fluoride concentration was determined by potentiometer method, and calcium and magnesium, by AAS. Serum concentrations of glucose and estradiol in the diabetic rats were significantly higher compared to the control group. In the experimental group, a statistically significant decrease of fluorine concentration in both teeth and serum were observed. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in blood serum and dental magnesium concentration were significantly higher in rats with type 1 diabetes compared with the control. A downward trend in the content of dental calcium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was observed. The results obtained indicate that caries initiation and progression could be promoted by metabolic changes associated with diabetes affecting the mineral composition of tooth hard tissue.

State of the iron metabolism in patients with chronic hepatitis C type C does not influence antiviral treatment with interferon and ribavirin.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Comparison of the iron status in patients who responded and did not respond to combination treatment with interferon alpha and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C. METHODOLOGY: The study group comprised of 61 patients with chronic hepatitis C (genotype 1) treated with alpha 2b interferon and ribavirin. The iron metabolism was evaluated based on serum iron level, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation, serum ferritin concentration and hepatic iron concentration. In the evaluation of antiviral treatment efficacy biochemical and virological responses were taken into account. RESULTS: End of treatment response was observed in 38 patients (62%). Significant differences in iron parameters were not observed between responders and non-responders. Also, sustained viral response, 6 months after treatment completion, was reached in 32 patients (52.5%). Iron metabolism parameters did not differ significantly in the group of sustained responders versus non- responders. Finally, ALT normalization was observed in 42 patients (68.9%). Again, no significant differences in iron status were observed between patients with and without biochemical response excluding significantly higher serum ferritin concentration in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show that iron status does not significantly influence the efficacy of treatment with interferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

[Fluoride content in superficial enamel layers of deciduous and permanent teeth--an in vitro study]. / Porównanie zawartosci fluorkow w powierzchniowych warstwach szkliwa zebów mlecznych i stalych - badania in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: Enamel exhibits the highest degree of mineralization and is the hardest among tissues. Its non-organic material content is 96-98%, out of which 90% is in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals. Exchange of ions is an important property of hydroxyapatite with the hydroxyl ion (OH-) exchanging particularly easily for the fluoride ion (F-). F- ions are capable of stabilizing the structure of hydroxyapatite by reducing its solubility and in consequence increasing enamel resistance to caries. The aim of this work was to compare the content of fluoride in superficial layers of enamel obtained from permanent and deciduous teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We collected 55 human permanent and 11 deciduous teeth without any evident damage to or discoloration of the enamel. Microsamples of enamel from the paragingival part on the buccal surface of the tooth were obtained using acid biopsy. Fluoride content was determined using an ion-selective electrode. Calcium content was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS: We found that enamel of deciduous teeth is more susceptible to acid digestion than in the case of permanent teeth, although the difference was not statistically significant. The content of fluoride decreased with increasing depth of digestion. Deciduous teeth contained significantly less fluoride in every layer studied in comparison with permanent teeth.

[The influence of hygiene and health habits on the concentration of some ions in saliva of postmenopausal women]. / Wplyw nawyków higieniczno-zdrowotnych na zawartosc wybranych jonow w slinie kobiet po menopauzie.

PURPOSE: The study was designed to evaluate the influence of tooth-brushing, milk consumption, hormone therapy, allergy, and cigarette smoking on the content of fluoride, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in saliva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 100 women aged 48-70 years. Biochemical analysis was done to measure ion content. A questionnaire was used to determine hygiene and health habits. Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationships between parameters. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was observed between ion content in saliva and frequency of tooth-brushing, smoking, and use of oral contraceptives. More frequent tooth-brushing was associated with reduced salivary content of calcium and phosphorus. Significantly higher salivary calcium levels were observed in smokers than non-smokers. Oral contraceptives produced significantly higher concentrations of fluoride ions in saliva. No correlation was noted between ion content in saliva and milk consumption, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or allergy.

[Mineral content of enamel, depth of biopsy, and dentition status in postmenopausal women]. / Sklad mineralny szkliwa zebów a glebokosc biopsji i stan uzebienia kobiet w wieku pomenopauzalnym.

PURPOSE: The study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the content of fluoride, magnesium and phosphorus in enamel, depth of biopsy, and dentition status in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dentition status in 81 postmenopausal women aged 48-70 years (mean 54.98 years) was determined using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index. Double-layer superimposed acid biopsies were used for sampling labial enamel of upper permanent central incisor. Biochemical analysis was performed to determine the content of fluoride, magnesium, and phosphorus. Assuming that enamel contains 37% calcium, enamel mass, layer thickness, biopsy depth and concentrations of ions in the surface and subsurface layer were calculated. Correlation analysis was done to disclose relationships between the parameters studied. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the concentration of ions decreased with growing depth of biopsy. Decreasing depth of biopsy correlated with increasing concentration of fluorides and magnesium in surface and subsurface layer of enamel. The total depth of biopsy correlated more exactly with the concentration of fluorides and magnesium in subsurface layer than in surface layer. Increasing concentration of fluoride was associated with increasing concentration of magnesium. No correlation was observed between DMFS and the depth of enamel biopsy.

Copper modifies the activity of sodium-transporting systems in erythrocyte membrane in patients with essential hypertension.

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis if copper could influence the activity of sodium-transporting systems in erythrocyte membrane that could be related to essential hypertension. The examined group of patients consisted of 15 men with hypertension. The control group was 11 healthy male volunteers. The Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) activity in erythrocytes was determined according to Orlov et al. The activity of transporting systems (ATP-Na+/K+; co-Na+/K+/Cl-; ex-Na+/Li+; free Na+ and K+ outflow [Na+, K+-outflow]) was determined according to Garay's method. The concentration of copper in plasma was assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry. The activity of ATP-Na+/K+ (micromol/L red blood cells [RBCs]/h) in hypertensive patients was 2231.5 +/- 657.6 vs 1750.5 +/- 291 in the control (p < 0.05), the activity of co-Na+/K+/Cl- (micromol/L RBCs/h) in hypertensives was 171.3 +/- 77.9 vs 150.7 +/- 53.9 in the control (NS). Na+-outflow (micromol/L RBCs/h) in hypertensives was 118.3 +/- 51.6 vs 113.3 +/- 24.4 in the control (NS). The K+-outflow (micromol/L RBCs/h) in hypertensives was 1361.7 +/- 545.4 vs 1035.6 +/- 188.3 in the control (NS). The activity of ex-Na+/Li+ (micromol/L RBCs/h) in hypertensive patients was 266.1 +/- 76.1 vs 204.1 +/- 71.6 in the control (p < 0.05). NHE activity (mmol/L RBCs/h) in hypertensives was 9.7 +/- 2.96 vs 7.7 +/- 1.33 in the control (p < 0.05). In hypertensive patients, negative correlation was found between the activity of Na+/K+/Cl- co-transport and plasma copper concentration (Rs = -0.579, p < 0.05) and between the activity of ex-Na+/Li+ and plasma copper concentration (Rs = -0.508, p < 0.05). Plasma copper concentration significantly influences the activity of sodium transporting systems in erythrocyte membrane. Copper supplementation could be expected to provide therapeutic benefits for hypertensive patients.

[Effect of 10-15% carbamide peroxide on enamel fluoride concentration in vital bleached teeth]. / Wplyw 10-15% nadtlenku karbamidu na stezenie fluorków w szkliwie wybielanych zebów zywych.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentration of fluoride in human enamel before and after bleaching using 10-15% carbamide peroxide and after application of the fluoride varnish. Microsamples of enamel were collected using acid biopsy and the concentration of fluoride in the superficial and underlying layer was assayed. No significant differences were observed in the concentration of fluoride in both layers of enamel before and after bleaching as well as after varnish application. Bleaching with 10-15% carbamide peroxide has no influence on the concentration of fluoride in enamel.

[Concentrations of fluorine, aluminum and magnesium in some structures of the central nervous system of rats exposed to aluminum and fluorine in drinking water]. / Stezenie fluoru, glinu i magnezu w wybranych strukturach osrodkowego ukladu nerwowego szczurów eksponowanych na glin i fluor w wodzie pitnej.

Fluorine and aluminum are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS) of exposed animals. Chronic intoxication is accompanied by behavioral disorders, degenerative changes, and abnormalities of aerobic metabolism of the neurons. Awareness of the role of aluminum in Alzheimer's disease stems from epidemiological studies demonstrating increased prevalence of this condition in areas with relatively high content of aluminum in drinking water. The uptake of aluminum in the gastrointestinal tract is decreased in the presence of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, or fluoride. Many magnesium-containing enzymes are affected by aluminum, which is able to replace magnesium and thus reduce their activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of fluorine, aluminum, and magnesium in some structures of the CNS of rats exposed to fluorine and aluminum in water. Our material consisted of 64 Wistar rats divided into eight equal groups. Groups I, II and III were female rats exposed, respectively, to 100 ppm fluorine ions, 300 ppm aluminum ions or both at same doses alternating every second day. Groups IA, IIA and IIIA consisted of male rats exposed like the respective female groups. Control groups K1--females and K2--males received distilled water ad libitum. Exposure lasted 31 days whereupon the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and sacrificed. The brain was collected and the cerebellum, brain cortex, and hippocampus were isolated. Concentrations of fluorine, aluminum, and magnesium were measured with prior mineralization of wet tissues in a microwave oven. Fluorine concentrations were determined with a potentiometric method and ion-selective electrode. Aluminum was measured with ICP (inductively coupled plasma) and magnesium with ASA (atomic absorption spectrometry). The highest concentrations of fluorine were observed in rats exposed to fluorine only. The same pattern was true for aluminum. Groups exposed alternatively to both elements demonstrated lower accumulation of fluorine whereas accumulation of aluminum did not change significantly. Apparently, aluminum reduced the availability of fluorine but there was no reciprocal effect. No significant changes in the concentrations of magnesium were noted, regardless of the brain structure or group. It can thus be concluded that exposure to fluorine, aluminum or both has little effect on the concentration of magnesium in the CNS of rats.

[Content of fluoride, calcium and magnesium in superficial layer of enamel from teeth with vital and necrotic pulp]. / Porównanie zawartosci fluorków, wapnia i magnezu w powierzchniowej warstwie szkliwa zebów z zywa i martwa miazga.

This work was designed to determine the content of fluorides, calcium, and magnesium in the superficial layer of enamel of adult teeth. The study group consisted of 25 patients, aged 18 to 35 years, appearing for dental treatment. Two microsamples of the superficial layer of enamel were collected from each patient with the acid biopsy technique. Samples were obtained from pulpectomized teeth treated endodontically and from teeth with necrotic pulp qualifying for endodontic treatment. Control samples were obtained from homonymous, caries-free teeth with vital pulp. The results of biochemical tests in the study group were compared with control teeth.