An Overview of the Potential Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Properties of Ru(II)/(III) Complexes.

This review examines the existing knowledge about Ru(II)/(III) ion complexes with a potential application in medicine or pharmacy, which may offer greater potential in cancer chemotherapy than Pt(II) complexes, which are known to cause many side effects. Hence, much attention has been paid to research on cancer cell lines and clinical trials have been undertaken on ruthenium complexes. In addition to their antitumor activity, ruthenium complexes are under evaluation for other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and HIV. Attempts are also being made to evaluate ruthenium complexes as potential photosensitizers with polypyridine ligands for use in cancer chemotherapy. The review also briefly examines theoretical approaches to studying the interactions of Ru(II)/Ru(III) complexes with biological receptors, which can facilitate the rational design of ruthenium-based drugs.

Breast Cancer and Arsenic Anticancer Effects: Systematic Review of the Experimental Data from In Vitro Studies.

Arsenic is a known environmental carcinogenic agent. However, under certain circumstances, it may exert anticancer effects. In this systematic review, we aim to provide information on recent developments in studies on arsenic antitumor effects in breast cancer. Research included in the review refers to experimental data from in vitro studies. The data was collected using search terms "breast cancer," "arsenic," and "anticancer" (25.05.2021). Only studies in English and published in the last 10 years were included. The search identified 123 studies from the EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Scopus databases. In the selection process, thirty full-texts were evaluated as eligible for the review. The literature of the last decade provides a lot of information on mechanisms behind anticancer effects of arsenic on breast cancer. Similar to arsenic-induced carcinogenesis, these mechanisms include the activation of the redox system and the increased production of free radicals. Targets of arsenic action are systems of cell membranes, mitochondria, pathways of intracellular transmission, and the genetic apparatus of the cell. Beneficial effects of arsenic use are possible due to significant metabolic differences between cancer and healthy cells. Further efforts are needed in order to establish modes and doses of treatment with arsenic that would provide anticancer activity with minimal toxicity.

Overview of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Selected Plant Compounds and Their Metal Ions Complexes.

Numerous plant compounds and their metal-ion complexes exert antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other beneficial effects. This review highlights the different bioactivities of flavonoids, chromones, and coumarins and their metal-ions complexes due to different structural characteristics. In addition to insight into the most studied antioxidative properties of these compounds, the first part of the review provides a comprehensive overview of exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, oxidative stress-mediated damages of lipids and proteins, and on protective roles of antioxidant defense systems, including plant-derived antioxidants. Additionally, the review covers the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of flavonoids, chromones, coumarins and their metal-ion complexes which support its application in medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetology.

Urinary leucine aminopeptidase 3 in population environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental arsenic contamination is a major toxicological problem worldwide due to its carcinogenic and nephrotoxic potential. AIM: The purpose of this observational study was to determine the suspected association between urinary arsenic (uAs) and urinary leucine (or leucyl) aminopeptidase 3 (uLAP3) to evaluate uLAP3 as a candidate biomarker of exposure to airborne arsenic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 918 adults occupationally and/or environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic were enrolled in the study. Baseline information (age; sex; history of smoking; alcohol, fish and seafood consumption) was gathered. Total uAs concentrations [µg/L] of 918 subjects, as well as the sum of arsenic species (ΣiAs) in 259 subjects, were obtained. Urinary LAP3 was measured by an immune-enzymatic assay using an ELISA kit. Urinary creatinine concentration was assessed with the IB/lAB/1289 research protocol (version II, 2015-09-17). The values of uAs and uLAP3 were recalculated per unit of creatinine. The association between uAs and uLAP3 was assessed using a logistic regression model adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: The study identified a positive correlation between the logarithm of uAs and the logarithm of uLAP3 in the study population (r = 0.1737, p < 0.0000) and between urinary creatinine and uLAP3 concentration not adjusted for creatinine level (r = 0.1871, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, there was also an association between increased (≥15 µg/L) uAs and decreased (below the 25th quartile) uLAP3 [OR uLAP3 = 1.22 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.44, p < 0.02)]. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that urinary LAP3 may be a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure, which warrants further study.

Can chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine prove efficient in cancer cachexia? A hypothesis in the era of COVID-19.

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a progressive loss of muscle mass (with or without a decrease of adipose tissue). Gradual deterioration of the patient's fitness is resistant to nutritional intervention. The biochemical foundation of observed catabolism, detrimental protein, and energy balance is complex. However, the generalized inflammatory response plays a vital role. It is a kind of cytokine storm, which involves increased activity of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and INF-γ. Pharmacological treatment of cachexia consists mainly of progestagens and glucocorticosteroids. Still, the assessment of new options limiting the harmful impact of cachexia could be beneficial. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are old antimalarial agents endowed with immunomodulatory properties. Being potent autophagy inhibitors, they could lead to a form of intracellular starvation in both cytokine-releasing cells and cancer cells, thus limiting the harmful impact of CC. CQ and HCQ are also efficient in particular connective tissue disorders. They have gained special attention since the World Health Organization announced the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. According to initial reports, people with a severe inflammatory reaction showed significant benefits. Possibly they could not be attributed to the antiviral activity alone. It is worth noting that the cytokine storm in COVID-19, connective tissue disorders, and cancer cachexia share some similarities. Therefore, we hypothesize that low doses of CQ/HCQ may prove efficient in cancer cachexia.

Linseed oil increases HDL3 cholesterol and decreases blood pressure in patients diagnosed with mild hypercholesterolaemia.

BACKGROUND: Linseed oil has cardio-protective effects. However, its antihypertensive action has not yet been well characterised. AIM: The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of short-term dietary supplementation with linseed oil on blood pressure (BP) and lipid metabolism in patients with mild hypercholesterolaemia. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of linseed oil on nitric oxide pathway and selected serum trace metals. METHODS: 150 volunteers: 43 men (49.9 ± 11.5 years) and 107 women (53.2 ± 10.3 years), diagnosed with mild hyper-cholesterolaemia, were assessed prospectively for BP and lipid levels, before and after lipid-lowering diet plus linseed oil supplementation at a dose of 15 mL daily for four weeks (study groups) or four-weekly lipid-lowering diet (control group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of linseed oil on BP after adjustment for age, sex, height, body weight, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Supplementation with linseed oil significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and non-high-density lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol, and increased HDL- and HDL3- cholesterol levels. Additionally, linseed oil decreased diastolic BP in men (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.0 to -1.1, p < 0.006), whereas in women linseed oil reduced (p < 0.001) systolic BP (-3.6 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -1.5) as well as diastolic BP (-4 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -2.1). Women with higher BP displayed an increase in serum L-arginine level (p < 0.01). In the logistic regression model oil consumption was associated with a decrease in mean BP (adjusted odds ratio 3.85; 95% CI 1.32-11.33). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the benefit of short-term linseed oil use in mild hypercholesterolaemia, particularly in patients with increased blood pressure.

A white man with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease mimicking lymphoma, preceded by frequent episodes of tonsillitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a very rare cause of benign lymphadenopathy affecting mainly young Asiatic females. Little is known about the causative agent of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease; however, there are hypotheses of infectious, autoimmune, or hyperimmune background of the disease that have not yet been confirmed in the conducted studies. Frequent episodes of tonsillitis preceding the onset of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease have not been described as yet. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old white man with a history of over 20 episodes of tonsillitis in the preceding 2 years was admitted to our hospital because of cervical unilateral lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweating, weight loss, and fatigue. On admission, slight tenderness of cervical lymph nodes and asymmetric palate tonsil enlargement were noted. Owing to the patient's general symptoms and history of malignancy in his close family, a malignant disease such as lymphoma was suspected. Histopathological examination of the excised lymph node revealed areas of coagulative necrosis with abundant karyorrhectic debris, with histiocytes and lymphocytes observed at the margins of the necrotic areas. The microscopic examination led to an unexpected diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. The patient was treated symptomatically. All of the patient's symptoms, excluding tonsil enlargement, retreated within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: In the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients with frequent episodes of tonsillitis, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease should be taken into account. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease may convincingly mimic symptoms characteristic of lymphoma.

Serum Lipid Transfer Proteins in Hypothyreotic Patients Are Inversely Correlated with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels.

BACKGROUND Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is often decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas less is known about the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We aimed to evaluate simultaneously serum CETP and PLTP activity in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS The selection criteria for control group members (without thyroid dysfunction) in this case to case study were levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides similar to those in study group patients (101 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism). Serum CETP and PLTP activities were measured by homogenous fluorometric assays using synthetic donor particle substrates. RESULTS Serum CETP and PLTP activities in hypothyreotic patients were lower (p<0.001) compared with those in healthy subjects. This lowering was associated with significant changes in HDL-C subclasses: decrease in HDL2- and increase in HDL3 cholesterol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol drinking showed a strong association between hypothyroidism and activity of lipid transfer proteins. A linear inverse relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and CETP (r=-0.21; p<0.01) and between TSH and PLTP (r=-0.24; p<0.001) was shown. There also was a positive correlation (p<0.001) between CETP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.27) and between PLTP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.37). A negative correlation between CETP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.22: p<0.01) and between PLTP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.24; p<0.001) has been demonstrated as well. CONCLUSIONS The decreased HDL2 and increased HDL3 cholesterol levels in subjects with hypothyroidism are consequences of decreased activity of lipid transfer proteins. These changes are early symptoms of lipid disturbances in hypothyroidism.

Serum CETP and PLTP activity in middle-aged men living in urban or rural area of the Lower Silesia region. PURE Poland sub-study.

INTRODUCTION: The dependence of lipid transfer proteins on significant pro-atherogenic factors is unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity in relation to lipid disturbances in men living in an urban or rural area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 427 men, volunteers for the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) sub-study - 263 urban inhabitants (aged 51.9 ±6.0) and 164 residents of villages (aged 51.1 ±5.9) - were examined. In the multivariable linear regression model, the following factors were included as potential confounders: age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hs-C-reactive protein reaction (hs-CRP) and co-existence of chronic diseases. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, site of residence (urban or rural area) was the most important independent and consistent predictor of CETP and PLTP activity; ß coefficients (95% CI) for CETP (0.18) and PLTP (-0.29) were significant at levels of p < 0.001. Three-way analysis of variance showed no effect of smoking or moderate alcohol consumption on lipid transfer proteins; however, CETP activity showed an interaction effect between these risk factors. In the group of all men, CETP activity was significantly and positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.24), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.18), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.21), whereas PLTP activity was correlated with BMI (r = 0.12). Body mass index in rural men was higher than in the urban male population. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PLTP activity, recognized as a pro-atherogenic factor, and decreased CETP activity, known as a protective factor, both observed in men living in rural areas, are probably conditioned by nutritional and/or genetic factors.

Association between the Type of Workplace and Lung Function in Copper Miners.

The aim of the analysis was to retrospectively assess changes in lung function in copper miners depending on the type of workplace. In the groups of 225 operators, 188 welders, and 475 representatives of other jobs, spirometry was performed at the start of employment and subsequently after 10, 20, and 25 years of work. Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis software was used to estimate changes in group means for FEV1 and FVC. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess an association between workplace and lung function. Lung function assessed on the basis of calculation of longitudinal FEV1 (FVC) decline was similar in all studied groups. However, multiple linear regression model used in cross-sectional analysis revealed an association between workplace and lung function. In the group of welders, FEF75 was lower in comparison to operators and other miners as early as after 10 years of work. Simultaneously, in smoking welders, the FEV1/FVC ratio was lower than in nonsmokers (p < 0,05). The interactions between type of workplace and smoking (p < 0,05) in their effect on FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF50 were shown. Among underground working copper miners, the group of smoking welders is especially threatened by impairment of lung ventilatory function.

[Serum cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE ) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in copper mine miners potentially expose d to hydrogen sulfide]. / ß-syntaza cystationiny (CBS), γ-liaza cystationiny (CSE) i oksydaza cytochromu c (COX) w surowicy górników kopalni miedzi potencjalnie narazonych na emisje siarkowodoru.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of the target enzyme for H2S toxicity--cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of H2S--cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in copper mine miners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The initial and basic study was conducted respectively in 237 and 88 miners, working in 2 mining shafts: I--no H2S emissions recorded in the last 10 years (study group A) and II--H2S emissions occurred (study group B). A medical examination was performed and 10 ml of blood was collected from miners immediately after exiting the mine. RESULTS: There were no clinical or biochemical changes typical for H2S toxicity. Sulfhemoglobine was undetectable and there were no changes in the red-ox system. However, in group B, regulatory changes were found; a tendency to higher concentration of CBS and CSE, a higher activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) compared to group A (p<0.05) and a linear relationship between ACE and CSE (r=0.6927; p<0.001). It has been shown that cigarette smoking decreases COX (p<0.05), however, in miners working in shaft II, the decreased level of COX may result also from the presence of H2S in the gaseous emissions. CONCLUSIONS: COX concentration can be a sensitive indicator of exposure to H2S. The measurements of blood H2S concentrations carried out in workplaces should explain the cause of the changes observed in the COX, CBS and CSE activity.

[Recommendations for prevention of community-acquired pneumonia with bacteremia as the leading form of invasive pneumococcal infections in the population of people over 50 years of age and risk groups above 19 years of age]. / Rekomendacje dotyczace profilaktyki pozaszpitalnego zapalenia pluc z bakteriemia jako wiodacej postaci inwazyjnych zakazen pneumokokowych w populacji osób powyzej 50 roku zycia oraz w grupach ryzyka powyzej 19 roku zycia.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a main cause of mortality associated with pneumococcal infections. Although, IPD is regarding mainly small children and persons in the age > 65 years, the investigations showed that because of IPD exactly sick persons are burdened with the greatest mortality in the older age, rather than of children. The most frequent form of IPD is community acquired pneumonia (CAP) with the bacteremia. The presence of even a single additional risk factor is increasing the probability of the unfavorable descent of pneumococcal infection. The risk factors for IPD and/or pneumonia with bacteremia apart from the age are among others asthma (> 2 x), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis (4 x), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (5 x), bronchiectases (2 x), allergic alveolitis (1.9 x) and pneumoconiosis (2 x), type 1 diabetes (4.4 x), type 2 diabetes (1.2 x), autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (4.2 to 14.9 x), kidney failure with the necessity to dialysis (12 x), immunosuppression, cardiovascular disease, alcoholism and cancers. Examinations show that the best method of IPD and CAP preventing are pneumococcal vaccinations. On the market for ages 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is available covering close the 90% of IPD triggering stereotypes. Her role in preventing CAP is uncertain and the immunological answer after vaccination at older persons and after revaccination is weak. Widely discussed disadvantageous effects of growing old of the immunological system show on the benefit from applying the immunization inducing the immunological memory, i.e. of conjugated vaccines which are activating the T-dependent reply and are ensuring the readiness for the effective secondary response. Examinations so far conducted with conjugated 7-valent and 13-valent (PCV13) vaccines at persons in the age > 50 years are confirming these expectations. Also sick persons can take benefits from PCV13 applying back from so-called IPD risk groups in the age > 19 years. At these work research findings were described above PPV23 and PCV13 at adults and world recommendations of applying both vaccines in risk groups from 19 years up to the advanced years. Also Polish recommendations of optimum applying of these vaccines were presented. They are recommending applying PCV13 at first in them, while PPV23, if to her readings exist should be given to > or = 8 of weeks from PCV13. In persons > or = 19 years which earlier received 1 or should receive more PPV23 doses first PCV13 dose should be given after the year or later than the last PPV23 dose, and then again PPV23 > or = 8 of weeks from PCV13 and the second PPV23 dose not earlier than 5 years from last PPV23. If the PPV23 application seems to be justified, it is irrespective of the more previous state vaccination against pneumococci, PCV13 should be given to as first.

Lipid pattern in middle-aged inhabitants of the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The PURE Poland sub-study.

INTRODUCTION: A decreased serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk. However, total HDL is a very dynamic, changeable fraction, and does not perform the function of atherosclerosis markers. In the presented study, the pattern of serum lipids, including HDL-C subclasses (HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol), in a middle- aged Polish Lower Silesia population was defined. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A group of 746 males and 1,298 females, aged 35-70, were investigated. All subjects were participants in the PURE study. Mean serum lipid levels were determined for groups selected on the basis of gender, age, cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and place of residence (urban/rural area). The data were analyzed using STATISTICA 6.0 PL. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, age was the most important independent and consistent predictor of total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The prevalence of low HDL-C (threshold 40 mg/dL in males, 50 mg/dL in females) was 16.5% for males and 22.6% for females. This gender-conditioned difference in the prevalence of low HDL-C was greater in rural (20.0% vs. 30.9%, respectively, in males and females) in comparison to urban (14.4% vs. 17.1%) areas. The lipid pattern was significantly worse in rural than in urban females. Female rural inhabitants showed higher triglycerides (TG) and lower HDL cholesterol (total and contained in subclasses HDL2 and HDL3). Simultaneously, a higher BMI, higher percent of smokers and drinkers and lower age of smoking female rural inhabitants in comparison to urban females were estimated. In the total population, cigarette smoking or drinking alcohol were associated with significant increases in TC, LDL-C and TG, also with decreased HDL-C (smoking) or HDL2-C (drinking). Two-way analysis of variance showed the existence of interaction between these risk factors in their influence on HDL-C and HDL3-C. CONCLUSION: In the middle-aged population of the Lower Silesian region in Poland the place of residence (urban/rural area) had a significant impact on the lipid pattern. This pattern is more atherogenic in rural women than in urban women.

[The cardiovascular risk in chemical factory workers exposed to mercury vapor]. / Ryzyko sercowo-naczyniowe u narazonych na dzialanie par rteci pracowników zakladów chemicznych.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, are a leading cause of death in developing and developed countries. Mercury can induce hypertension and atherosclerosis in experimental animals and humans. The assessment of the effect of mercury on the occurrence of cardiovascular system disturbances in the population is an essential task. The aim of this study was to assess the association between mercury concentration in urine and the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease during ten coming years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included chemical factory workers who used mercury in the chlorine production. RESULTS: The mean urine concentration of mercury in 154 workers was 4.9 +/- 11.2 microg/g creatinine. The most common disease was hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The cardiovascular risk was higher in workers exposed to small or moderate mercury levels than in workers exposed to mercury vapor in high concentrations. Furthermore, the negative association was observed between mercury exposure and smoking in workers with low urinary excretion of mercury.

The dependence between urinary mercury concentration and carotid arterial intima-media thickness in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanisms of the mercury effect on arterial vessel walls include increased free radicals generation, decreased nitric oxide synthesis and increased reactivity to vasoconstrictors, leading to accelerated development of atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between urinary mercury (Hg-U) concentration and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) or intraventricular septum diastolic diameter (IVSDD) to find the best markers of mercury cardiovascular toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 154 workers of a chemical factory using mercury in chlorine production. Urinary mercury concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum lipids were assessed by routine methods using enzymatic assay. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined by colorimetry. Measurements of IMT and IVSDD were made by ultrasound imaging using MEDISON SA 9900 PRIME system. RESULTS: The mean Hg-U concentration was 1.9+/-2.7 microg/g creatinine in women (n = 29) and 5.6+/-12.2 microg/g creatinine in men (n = 125). In the group of non-smokers (n = 102) there was a positive linear correlation between Hg-U concentration and IMT (r = 0.1728; p < 0.05) and a negative dependence between high density cholesterol (HDL-C) and IMT (r = -0.2109; p < 0.01). The negative linear correlation between serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and carotid IMT (r = -0.2142; p < 0.05), and the positive correlation between HDL-C and TAS (r = 0.1953; p < 0.05) were shown to be valid for the total studied group. Serum lipids in women were normal, but in men the mean triglyceride level was higher than normal. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational exposure to mercury vapour remains in a relationship with early, asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. The dependence between urinary mercury elimination and carotid intima-media thickness is evidenced in non-smoking workers. Defensive anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms in these workers are strongly related with HDL. In smokers, these protective mechanisms are disturbed.

[Giant coronary artery aneurysm successfully treated with surgery--a case report]. / Znacznych rozmiarów tetniak naczynia wiencowego skutecznie leczony kardiochirurgicznie. Opis przypadku wraz z omówieniem etiologii, diagnostyki i leczenia.

We report a case of a 54-year-old woman presenting with nonspecific chest pain and clinical symptoms of heart failure. Various diagnostic tools, including both noninvasive methods and coronary angiography, revealed the presence of a giant aneurysm of the right coronary artery. The aneurysm formed a mediastinal mass of a huge size, with blood flow in it, and caused cardiac displacement within the thorax cavity. Surgical management of this anomaly was effective. Aetiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic tools and treatment options of coronary artery aneurysms are discussed.

[The proinflammatory activity of cadmium]. / Prozapalne dzialanie kadmu.

Prolonged exposure to cadmium may cause damage to various organs. It may especially induce inflammatory reaction in the liver, kidneys, and respiratory system, and research in recent years indicates that this may be the case of the cardiovascular system as well. It is also know that inflammation is one of the pathways in atherosclerosis. This is a short review of current knowledge about this proinflammatory action. In the cardiovascular system, cadmium may interact in the synthesis or regeneration of extracellular matrix compounds, especially glycosaminoglycans, and may act on the structure and metabolism of the endothelium. Damage to the subendothelial matrix and endothelial cells may be responsible for the development of atherosclerotic plaque in cadmium-exposed individuals.

[Effects of cadmium on testis function]. / Wplyw kadmu na funkcje gonad meskich.

The deterioration of male fertility, reported in numerous epidemiological studies over past decades, can be connected with growing exposure to environmental toxins. Heavy metals, especially cadmium, is widely spread and extremely toxic. The mechanisms of cadmium toxic effects vary and involve the damage of vascular endothelium, intracellular junctions, germ cells, Leydig and Sertoli cells. Cadmium can increase activity of reactive oxygen species and induce changes in activity of enzymatic systems and inflammatory reactions. The morphological changes caused by cadmium included the necrosis of seminiferous tubiles and interstitial edema. This metal can reduce testosterone synthesis at various levels and deteriorate spermatogenesis. Cadmium is also acknowledged carcinogen with confirmed mutagenic and genotoxic activity. Increasing environmental exposure to cadmium, currently existing occupational exposure and the prevalence of tobacco smoking results in constant increase in the number of diagnosed fertility impairments.

[Influence of tobacco smoking on endothelial function in lead-exposed male workers]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu na czynnosc sródblonka naczyniowego u mezczyzn zawodowo narazonych na dzialanie olowiu.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a pathology resulting from smoking and occupational exposure to lead. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of cigarette smoking on biochemical parameters of endothelial function in people occupationally exposed to lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 105 men, including 43 lead exposed copper-smelters (mean age 49.9 +/- 4.1) and 62 non-exposed men (mean age 47.3 +/- 9.3) formed the control group. In all subjects, peripheral blood lipid concentrations, biochemical parameters of endothelial function (nitric oxide, endothelin-1, sICAM-1, selectin-E) and inflammation parameters (interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6) were measured. RESULTS: In the group of smokers, including both copper-smelters and control subjects, serum nitric oxide concentrations were lower than in non-smokers. In the serum of men occupationally exposed to lead, sICAM-1 concentrations were higher than in the control group. The lack of physiological correlation between serum concentration of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 resulted from interactions of tobacco smoking with lead exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Workers occupationally exposed to lead should be informed about adverse effects of tobacco smoking in terms of the interaction between nicotine and lead, two combined toxic agents affecting the circulatory system.