Monitoring of selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters in men and women in Bardejov District.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic and cardiovascular diseases represent a significant and ever-increasing problem, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths and leading to significant morbidity. Lifestyle changes, which introduce new risk factors for cardiovascular disease, are leading to an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The burden of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by careful risk reduction, and as such, primary prevention is an important priority for all. There is strong consensus among international guidelines regarding the necessity of smoking cessation, weight optimization, and the importance of exercise, while guidelines differ slightly in their approach to hypertension and vary greatly in their approach to the optimal lipid profile, which remains a controversial issue. METHODS: The work is focused on the analysis of biochemical (glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerols) and anthropometric (body mass index) parameters in selected probands (n = 140), including men (n = 70) and women (n = 70) in the Bardejov district. Probands were divided into groups depending on age (18-38, 39-50, 51-60, and over 61 years). For statistical evaluation, the program Statistica ver. 12 and ANOVA were used. RESULTS: The results of the study showed statistically significantly higher values of BMI, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerides (TG), and glucose (GLU) (p < 0.001) between men and women in the age groups (18-38 years, 39-50 years). In probands from the age group 51-60 years and over 61 years, we found a high level of cholesterol above the reference limit, but a significant difference between men and women was not confirmed. Correlation analysis confirmed the positive correlation between glucose and BMI. CONCLUSION: Differences in risk-factor (e.g., biochemical and anthropometrics) burden translate into marked differences in the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. These differences are consistent across age groups.

Nutrition habits and physical activity of disabled adolescents in Hungary.

OBJECTIVES: The overall aim of the research is to gain insight into the lifestyle and health behaviour of young people with disabilities aged 12-18 years, and to learn about the factors shaping their health. In this study, our aim was to investigate the eating habits and physical activity of adolescents with disabilities and the influencing factors. METHODS: The study's source population was young people aged 12-18 with disabilities in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. A total of 239 completed questionnaires were processed and analysed. Boys were overrepresented in the study. RESULTS: The results show that inadequate eating habits also exist in the population we studied, the consumption of certain foods correlates with the education level of parents. A more secure social background is a protective factor in terms of physical activity. The survey was made with the aim of intervention much needed. With precise knowledge of the health behaviour of the target group, our goal is to develop a complex intervention programme adapted to the needs of children with disabilities. CONCLUSION: The eating habits of adolescents with disabilities in the Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County are unsatisfactory. Experience and results show that differentiated health promotion of young people with disabilities is necessary.

Cytogenetic analysis of coke oven workers in Eastern Slovakia.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to evaluate the extent of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure in coke oven workers from Eastern Slovakia by cytogenetic analysis of human peripheral lymphocytes. METHODS: A total of 81 peripheral blood samples were collected from PAH-exposed workers (mean age 45.84 ± 9.73 years) and 30 samples constituted the control group (41.93 ± 15.39 years). The samples were processed using routine cytological analysis. Conventional cytogenetic analysis of human peripheral lymphocytes has been used to evaluate the effects of PAHs. RESULTS: Comparison of the aberrant cells in the total exposed with the controls showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). A high level of significance (p < 0.001) was observed when comparing the gaps between the exposed group and the control group. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in aberrant cells and chromatid breaks (p < 0.05) in the GR1 working subgroup compared with the control group. The results of the correlation analysis did not show a significant relationship between the length of occupational exposure and the frequency of aberrant cells (r = 0.071, p = 0.529). Similarly, no association was observed between smoking among coke plant workers and the frequency of aberrant cells (r = 0.117, p = 0.538). CONCLUSION: Cytogenetic analysis showed an increased frequency of chromosomal aberrations in coke oven workers in Eastern Slovakia.

Juniperus horizontalis Moench: Chemical Composition, Herbicidal and Insecticidal Activities of Its Essential Oil and of Its Main Component, Sabinene.

The composition, herbicidal, larvicidal, and toxic activities of Juniperus horizontalis Moench essential oil and sabinene, its main component, were evaluated. The seed germination percentage and root length of eight different plant species (crops and weeds) were measured for in vitro herbicidal activity tests. Different doses (100, 50, 10, 5, 1, 0.5 µg/mL) of the samples were applied to seeds for 120 h. The same doses were applied to test the toxicity of the samples on Tubifex tubifex (sludge worm) and Chironomus aprilinus (blood worm). Four doses (435, 652.5, 870, and 1740) of samples were in a larvicidal test on Tenebrio molitor L. (mealworm), and bioassays were checked after 24 and 48 h. The analysis of the oil allowed for the identification of dominant components as sabinene (38.7%), α-pinene (10.0%), elemol (8.6%), γ-terpinene (8.3%), limonene (7.8%) and α-thujene (5.3%). The results showed that the effect of oil on root length inhibition was significant in all crop species. The doses which affected root growth were not toxic to Tubifex tubifex and Chironomus aprilinus. Finally, the obtained results in the larvicidal bioassay indicate that the potential of J. horizontalis in yellow mealworm survivorship limitation can be a starting point for future research.

Thymol Chemotype Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil as a Potential Selective Bio-Based Herbicide on Monocot Plant Species.

Searching for new bio-based herbicides is crucial for decreasing chemical pollution, protecting the environment, and sustaining biodiversity. Origanum vulgare is considered a promising source of essential oil with herbicidal effect. The mode of action is not known. The present study focused on (1) comparison of phytotoxic activity of Origanum vulgare EO on monocot (Triticum aestivum and Hordeum vulgare) and dicot species (Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba); (2) and evaluating other antimicrobial biological activities against phytopatogen bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas savastanoi, and Xanthomonas campestris); antifungal activity against Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, and Botrytis cinerea; cytotoxic activity and antioxidant activity. According to the GC/MS analyses, the EO belongs to the thymol chemotype O. vulgare with its high content of thymol (76%). Germination of all four species was not influenced by EO. The phytotoxic effect was statistically significant in the monocot species, while in the dicot species the opposite was observed-a stimulation effect, which was also statistically significant. Strong biological activity of O. vulgare EO was noted on all phytopatogen bacteria and fungi in the highest dose. Cytotoxic activity showed an IC50 = 50.5 µg/mL. Antioxidant activity showed an IC50 = 106.6 µg/mL after 45 min experimental time. Based on the presented results, it is possible to conclude that thymol chemotype O. vulgare essential oil could be potentially used as a herbicide with selective effects on monocot plant species.

Potential Phytotoxic Effect of Essential Oil of Non-Native Species Impatiens parviflora DC.

Impatiens parviflora is non-native invasive plant species occupying large areas all over the Europe and threatens native communities by altering their species composition and reducing native biodiversity. The factor responsible for its spreading could be explained by releasing biochemical to the environment. On the other hands, high demand on secondary metabolites as potential source of new ecofriendly biocides could be beneficial. The analysis of I. parviflora essential oil (EO) led us to identify more than 60 volatiles. The main compound was hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, other dominant components were phytol, carvacrol, germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1-α-ol, and pentacosane. The potential phytotoxic effect of I. parviflora EO collected in two vegetation periods (summer and autumn) was evaluated on seed germination and root elongation of three dicot species (Raphanus sativus, Lepidum sativum, and Lactuca sativa) and on one monocot species (Triticum aestivum). The seed germination of only one dicot species, L. sativa, was affected by both EOs. In contrast, seed germination of monocot species T. aestivum was influenced only by the highest doses of EOs isolated from I. parviflora in autumn. The root elongation of tested plant species was less influenced by I. parviflora EOs. L. sativum showed sensitivity to one dose of EOs hydrodistilled in summer, while the monocot species was influenced by both EOs samples in highest doses. Our findings revealed that I. parviflora contained phenolics that were phytotoxic to the germination of some plant species, mainly at higher EOs doses, while root elongation of tested plants was not suppressed by essential oils.

Phytotoxic Effect of Invasive Heracleum mantegazzianum Essential Oil on Dicot and Monocot Species.

Spreading of the plant species in new areas is supported by the hypothesis in which chemicals produced by alien species are allopathic to native plants. A novel weapon hypothesis was tested by using essential oil of dangerous alien species Heracleum mantegazzianum in laboratory conditions. Aboveground plant material was collected in south-east part of Slovakia, dried and hydrodistilled for essential oil isolation. Dominant compounds as octyl acetate (62.6%), hexyl 2-metylbutyrate (10.7%), hexyl isobutyrate (7.5%) and hexyl butyrate (6.5%) were identified by GC-MS. Potential phytotoxic activity was tested on three dicot plant species garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and on one monocot plant species wheat Triticum aestivum L. Germination of the seeds of model plant species after influencing by different doses of essential oil of H. mantegazzianum as well as the roots length was evaluated. Lepidium sativum L. and Raphanus sativus L. were generally not sensitive to applied doses of essential oil although a little stimulation effect at some concentrations prevailed over inhibition effect. Similarly, in monocot species Triticum aestivum L., stimulation was visible in both root length and root number at two or one highest doses, respectively.

Antioxidant responses in the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa of eastern Slovakia: application of principal component analysis as a tool to identify metal contaminated areas.

The soil of Slovak Republic is severely contaminated with heavy metals, creating hazards to soil health. In order to assess the current status with the prospect of selecting the appropriate treatment methods and land use, this investigation aimed to determine a panel of complementary and ecologically relevant biomarkers that reflect adverse biological responses towards terrestrial pollutants. To attain this objective, the concentration of reduced glutathione and enzymes of glutathione antioxidant system were assessed in clitellate earthworm, Aporrectodea caliginosa sampled from selected sites of eastern Slovakia along with the pH and total metal concentration (As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) of soils. Positive, significant (p < 0.05) induction of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities and depletion of reduced glutathione level (negative correlation) were associated with the increased soil metal concentrations. Metal interference was found in the detoxification process and antioxidant defense mechanism does not efficiently counteract the oxidative stress induced by chronic metal exposure. The tested biomarkers confirmed sensitive and affective response to the pollution of soil contaminants, in this case metals. This has a potential use in ecotoxicological field monitoring. The proposed principal component analysis is a multivariate model of data analysis that represents a cost-effective approach to differentiate metalliferous soils of eastern Slovakia with different health status.

Relationship between A163G osteoprotegerin gene polymorphism and other osteoporosis parameters in Roma and non-Roma postmenopausal women in eastern Slovakia.

BACKGROUND: The study was focused on evaluating the possible correlation between biochemical, anthropometric, and genetic indicators of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The frequency of genotypes and differences in measured parameters were evaluated within two ethnically different groups of women in Slovakia. METHODS: The study included 310 postmenopausal women divided into non-Roma and Roma groups. Based on results of densitometry, they were divided into control groups and women with osteoporosis and osteopenia. In all women, a genetic analysis of polymorphism of osteoprotegerin gene promotor region (A163G) was provided along with measurement of indicators of bone tissue metabolism. RESULTS: There is a particularly low incidence of osteoporosis in Roma women. We found a correlation between bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index, and waist and hip circumference in women with osteoporosis and in Roma women with osteopenia. The frequency of the AG genotype was higher in non-Roma women with osteoporosis, but reached only 10.7% in Roma women with osteopenia. While the presence of the G allele in the non-Roma population was accompanied by higher BMD and markers of osteoformation, it was accompanied by significantly higher concentrations of parathyroid hormone in the Roma population. CONCLUSION: The presence of the AG genotype has a different effect on bone metabolism in two ethnically diverse populations of women in Slovakia. In the general population, the presence of the G allele exhibited protective effects consistent with other studies, but in Roma population this appears to be the allele A. However, this requires a further study for confirmation and more detailed characterization of the differences between populations that have this work indicated.

TNFRSF11B gene polymorphisms, bone mineral density, and fractures in Slovak postmenopausal women.

Osteoporosis is a common disease that is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), deterioration in bone microarchitecture, and increased fracture risk. Due to its important role in bone biology, the TNFRSF11B gene, coding for OPG, has been considered as a candidate gene for osteoporosis. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) A163G, T245G, and G1181C (rs3102735, rs3134069, and rs2073618, respectively) within the TNFRSF11B gene were studied for association with BMD and fracture incidence in a cohort of 327 postmenopausal Slovak women. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from peripheral blood leukocytes by the commercial kit JetQuick (Genomed GmbH, Germany) using a standard protocol. Genotyping was performed using the Custom TaqMan® SNP Genotyping Assays. The lumbar L1-L4 spine BMD (g/cm(2)) and T-score in the subgroup of Slovak postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures were significantly lower than those in the subgroup of women without fracture (p = 0.0025; p = 0.0009). We identified the T245G (rs3134069) polymorphism in the TNFRSF11B gene associated with osteoporotic fractures (vertebral fractures: p = 0.0320; non-vertebral fractures: p = 0.0005; all fractures: 0.0000). The polymorphism T245G (rs3134069) in the TNFRSF11B gene could be used together with other genetic markers to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The results from the present study provided more evidence to reveal the role of TNFRSF11B gene polymorphisms in BMD and the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

Comparison of some antioxidant properties of plant extracts from Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Stevia rebaudiana.

Phenolic compounds from plants are known for their antioxidant properties and have been proposed as therapeutic agents to counteract oxidative stress. However, under normal circumstances, the body only receives a very small amount of these substances in the diet. We have investigated the effect of extracts from known and frequently used plants as part of diet, food seasoning, medicinal tea, and sweetener at different concentrations on the ability to scavenge free radicals, to affect antioxidant enzymes, and finally in the survival of cancer cell lines. We found extract concentrations of about 100 µg.ml(-1) more indicative in the assessment of all parameters investigated. Ginseng possessed a very good ability to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, while stevia also manifested significant effects against hydroxyl radicals. Both extracts also showed NO decomposition ability. The antioxidant defense system against the excessive production of radicals in mitochondria was sufficient. In contrast, the range of operating concentrations for sage and oregano mainly presented no significant effects against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Taken together with the significantly reduced activity of glutathione peroxidase, this led to the depletion of glutathione. The demonstrated modulation of redox state capability was sufficient to affect the viability of all tested cancer cell lines, but especially A-549, CEM and HeLa by oregano extract. Results support the promising role of the tested extracts as a source of compounds for further in vivo studies with the ability to powerfully interfere with or modify the redox state of cells according to the type of disease, which is expected to be associated with oxidative stress.

A possible relationship between viral infection and chromosome damage in breeding boars.

A cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was carried out on breeding boars (n = 5) on a farm where viral infections (porcine parvovirosis) had occurred. Several different types of chromosomal aberrations were observed including chromatid breaks (23.60 +/- 2.88%), exchanges (9.60 +/- 8.99%), and fragments (4.26 +/- 3.31%). In addition, 2.94 +/- 1.74% of cells in metaphase showed pulverization. Cells with multiple aberrations were seen in two of five boars. The chromosomal damage in the boars may have been induced by a genotoxic agent such as a viral infection, and may also be related to the reproductive impairment of the pigs.