Assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome working in the agricultural sector.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the main death cause in Poland. Several clinical studies showed association between metabolic syndrome and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, cardiac events and mortality. The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular complications and death risk in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) working in agriculture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 332 people working in agriculture in Lodz voivodeship, 231 with MS and 101 healthy ones. Increased risk of cardiovascular complications was determined for pulse pressure (pp) >63 mmHg. Based on the SCORE index, 10-year death risk due to cardiovascular complications was estimated taking into account sex, age, smoking, systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol concentration. A value ≥5% was accepted as high risk of death within 10 years. RESULTS: Increased risk of cardiovascular complications (pulse pressure >63 mmHg) was found in 31.60% subjects with MS and 6.93% healthy ones. CONCLUSIONS: High risk of cardiovascular complications and death occurs statistically more frequently in subjects with MS than in the rest of the population.

[Evaluation of oxidative-reduction markers of blood in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) subjected to cardiac rehabilitation]. / Evaluation of oxidative-reduction markers of blood in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) subjected to cardiac rehabilitation.

Role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis play a reactive oxygen species. In the case of disturbance of dynamic balance between their production and antioxidant defense mechanisms comes to undesirable consequences - oxidative stress. Excessive exercise can, among others, disrupting the balance. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the exponents of the processes of oxidation - reduction of blood in patients with ACS undergoing rehabilitation in a hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 patients after ACS STEMI, including 19 men and 6 women, aged 51.5±6.5 years, underwent rehabilitation in the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, University Hospital im. WAM in Lodz. Blood samples were taken after an initial exercise test (I) and after the final exercise test (IV). Marked: SOD-1, CAT, GPX- in red blood cells, plasma antioxidant activity (TAS) and the concentration of MDA in the red blood cells. Cardiac rehabilitation program included 15 interval training, each lasting 40-45 minutes. RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed. For the statistically significant level of p<0.05. No significant effect of cardiac rehabilitation on the activity of GPX, SOD-1, MDA and antioxidant activity of plasma. There was only a significant impact on the rehabilitation of CAT activity (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Properly conducted cardiac rehabilitation does not disturb the balance of oxidation - reduction of blood in patients with ACS. Exercise should be selected in such a way that this balance is maintained.

[The usefulness of the scale before exercise and exercise to identify coronary artery disease by physiotherapists]. / Przydatnosc skali przedwysilkowej i wysilkowej do rozpoznawania choroby wiencowej przez fizjoterapeutów.

Myocardial ischemia can be assessed by ECG at rest or doing the stress test, which also serves to evaluate the results of cardiac rehabilitation. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the scale before exercise and exercise to assess the risk of coronary heart disease and recognition by physiotherapists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included three groups of people: 1. 65 patients with stable coronary heart disease (IHD), including 45 men and 20 women, ranging in age from 33 to 79 years, an average of 60.18 ± 9.43 years who exercise test was positive; 2. 24 patients after myocardial infarction undergoing subsequent rehabilitation, including 20 men and 4 women, aged from 42 to 78 years, an average of 58.75 ± 8.45 years; 3. 70 healthy subjects without ischemic heart disease, including 34 men and 36 women, ranging in age from 24 to 70 years, an average of 56.24 ± 12.33 years. All healthy people and patients were hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation, University Hospital im. WAM in Lodz. The study groups were assessed risk of coronary heart disease based on the result obtained in the scale before exercise and exercise. The results were statistically analyzed using Statistica version 12 (StatSoft, Poland). For the statistically significant level of p<0.05. RESULTS: Compared to healthy individuals in both the ischemic heart disease (p=0.04) and in the group treated with rehabilitation (p=0.03) results in a scale before stress was significant higher. Compared to healthy individuals, both in the group of ischemic heart disease (p <0.001) and in the group treated with rehabilitation (p<0.001) The results on a scale of exercise were significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: The use of scale before exercise to assess the risk of coronary heart disease is useful for physical therapists in their professional practice. There legitimacy of the use of scale exercise for the initial diagnosis of coronary artery disease without knowing the interpretation of the ECG stress test.

[Estimation of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Ocena ryzyka sercowo-naczyniowego u chorych z objawami zespolu metabolicznego.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a coexistence of metabolic risk factors affecting development of cardiovascular diseases. The SCORE system estimates fatal cardiovascular disease events over a ten-year period. AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate cardiovascular risk in patients with symptoms of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 268 patients with symptoms of MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005), 136 men and 132 women, mean age 59,62±9,21 years. The cardiovascular risk was estimated on based of pulse pressure and SCORE table in these patients. RESULTS: In subjects with MS the mean value of pulse pressure (pp) was 58,96±2,34 mmHg, increased values of pp was found in 33,21% subjects with MS. High and very high cardiovascular death risk occurred in 80,97% subjects with MS, significantly more often in men than women. CONCLUSIONS: In majority of patients with MS high cardiovascular risk was found. In every three subjects with MS high pulse pressure was stated.

[Estimation of plasma 25(OH)D vitamin level in residents of Lodz]. / Ocena stezenia witaminy 25(OH)D w osoczu mieszkanców Lodzi.

UNLABELLED: Recent evidence for the pleiotropic differentiated effects of vitamin D, coupled with recognition that vitamin D deficiency is common, has revived interest in this hormone. Vitamin D is produced by skin exposed to ultraviolet B radiation or obtained from dietary sources, including supplements. Persons commonly at risk for vitamin D deficiency include those with inadequate sun exposure, limited oral intake, or impaired intestinal absorption. THE AIM: of this study was to evaluate plasma 25(OH)D level in residents of Lodz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 326 residents of Lodz, 156 men and 170 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 57,25±8,24 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) was assessed with the application of the LIAISON® test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology. RESULTS: The mean plasma level of 25(OH)D was 24,96±9,84 ng/ml in studied population and it was not significantly higher in women than men (25,24 ±3,31 ng/ml vs. 23,97±3,71 ng/ml, p>0,05); The highest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in the oldest age group (29,12±2,78 ng/ml)and in summer months (33,21±2,91 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of vitamin D in the plasma of residents of Lodz was significantly lower than its recommendations. Age and season of the year were the factors strongly affecting the level of 25(OH)D in studied group.

[Evaluation of prevalece of plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in residents of Lodz]. / Ocena czestosci wystepowania niedoborów witaminy 25(OH)D w osoczu mieszkanców Lodzi.

UNLABELLED: Only scarce data have been published regarding serum vitamin D status in adult population in Poland. Observational studies have suggested relationship between 25(OH)D deficiency and many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmunological diseases or cancers. Still little is known about plasma 25(OH)D deficiency in Polish healthy adults. THE AIM: The aim of the study was to assess plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in residents of Lodz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 326 residents of Lodz, 156 men and 170 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 57,25±8,24 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The plasma level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/ml was considered normal, between 21 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml - suboptimal (hypovitaminosis) and below 20 ng/ml - insufficient (deficiency). RESULTS: Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed in 23,01% participants, hipovitaminosis - in 46,32%, the recommended 25(OH)D concentration in the plasma was observed only in 30,67%. Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed more often in men than women (25,64% vs. 20,59%, p<0,05);the highest percentage of patients with recommended 25(OH)D vitamin level was observed during summer months (60%). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was very high in residents of Lodz, especially in men, people over 55 years and during winter months.

[Estimation of plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Ocena czestosci niedoborów witaminy 25(OH)D w osoczu chorych z objawami zespolu metabolicznego.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular diseases have been the main cause of mortality in Poland for many years, including premature death and the incidence is systematically growing. These diseases contribute to an increase in the number of disabled people and the cost of medical care. The problem of the so called metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes metabolic risks of atherosclerosis, has been known by doctors for a long time. Results of studies which have been conducted for some years confirm that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor of MS disorders, including obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 268 patients with MS, 136 men and 132 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 59,62±9,21 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The plasma level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/ml was considered normal, between 21 ng/ml and 30 ng/ml - suboptimal (hypovitaminosis) and below 20 ng/ml - insufficient (deficiency). RESULTS: Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed in 80,97% patients with MS, hipovitaminosis - in 17,16%. The recommended 25(OH)D concentration in the plasma was confirmed only in 1,87%. Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was detected more often in men than women (93,38% vs. 68,18%, p<0,05);the lowest percentage of patients with 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was observed during summer months (47,14%). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma 25(OH)D vitamin deficiency was very high in patients with metabolic syndrome, especially in men, people over 55 years and during winter months.

Should antioxidant vitamin supplementation be applied in patients with metabolic syndrome? A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: All cells in the human body are exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disturb the metabolic reactions in the organism. The antioxidant system in the human body consists of enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms, among which vitamins A, C, and E play a major role. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the supply of vitamins A, C, and E from daily food rations (DFR) in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome (MS) in relation to current nutrition standards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 184 women with MS, aged 45-68 years (mean 57.38 ±8.17 years). The control group comprised 90 women, aged 41-65 years (mean 57.48 ±5.79 years) without MS. The food intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. RESULTS: The evaluation of intake of vitamins measured with daily food rations (DFR) demonstrated that the optimal level of 90-110% according to standards was achieved only in 3.62% of women with metabolic syndrome for vitamin A, in 8.88% for vitamin C, and in 11.41% for vitamin E, which was significantly less often found than in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with MS are characterised by diversified intake of vitamins A, C and E, and a subgroup of this patients present low level of antioxidant vitamins intake. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins should be prescribed individually to postmenopausal women with MS.

[Estimation of plasma 25(OH)D vitamin level in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Ocena stezenia 25(OH)D w osoczu chorych z objawami zespolu metabolicznego.

UNLABELLED: Cardiovascular diseases are a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. A number of recent studies point to the pleiotropic differentiated effects of vitamin D, the deficiency of which positively correlates with the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity or metabolic syndrome (MS). Vitamin D deficiency has also been proven to affect the progression of atherosclerosis. THE AIM: of this study was to evaluate plasma 25(OH)D level in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 268 patients with MS, 136 men and 132 women, aged 30-65 years (mean 59,62±9,21 years). The study group was divided according to the age and season. The concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) was assessed with the application of the LIAISON® test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology. RESULTS: The mean plasma level of 25(OH)D was 14,56±7,81 ng/ml in MS patients and it was not significantly higher in women than men (15,14 ±3,29 ng/ml vs. 13,97±3,41 ng/ml, p>0,05). The lowest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in the oldest age group (9,24±4,78 ng/ml). The highest 25(OH)D concentration was noted in summer months (23,71±3,82 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of vitamin D in the plasma of patients with MS was significantly lower than its recommendations. Age and season of the year were the factors strongly affecting the level of 25(OH)D in MS patients.

[Physical activity in patients with symptoms of metabolic syndrome reduces the concentration of plasma antioxidant vitamins - protective effect of vitamin C]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna u chorych z objawami zespolu metabolicznego zmniejsza stezenia witamin antyoksydacyjnych w osoczu - ochronny efekt witaminy C.

UNLABELLED: Patients with cardiovascular diseases, including those with the symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MS), are recommended regular exercise but many studies indicate its role in the production of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C supplementation may enhance the antioxidant barrier in MS patients. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular physical activity (PA)and vitamin C supplementation on plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 62 patients with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria, 32 men and 30 women, aged 38-57 years (mean age 51,24 ± 5,29 years). The patients were divided in two groups: group I (MS+PA) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity; group II ( MS+PA+C) - 31 patients with recommended regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation per os. The control group consisted of 23 healthy individuals without MS, 17 men and 6 women, aged 49-56 years (mean age 53,21 ± 3,6 years), who were not recommended any vitamin supplementation nor physical activity. Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in MS patients with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after regular exercise with and without vitamin C supplementation. In the control group plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins were assessed only once. RESULTS: The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p<0,05) in MS patients than in the control group. After 6 weeks of regular physical activity a significant fall in plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins was observed in MS patients. In the group of patients with regular physical activity and vitamin C supplementation there was detected a significant rise in the level of all the tested vitamins close to the levels in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical activity enhances the decrease in plasma antioxidant vitamin level in patients with MS. Vitamin C supplementation conducted in parallel with regular physical activity normalize plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in these patients.

[Estimation of plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with metabolic syndrome]. / Ocena stezenia witamin A, C i E w osoczu chorych z objawami zespolu metabolicznego.

UNLABELLED: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a coexistence of metabolic risk factors affecting development of cardiovascular diseases. In the pathogenesis of MS there participate reactive oxygen species which are excessively produced in such elements of MS as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and obesity. Vitamins A, C and E are an important part of the non-enzymatic antioxidative barrier in humans. The aim of the study was to estimate plasma vitamin A, C and E levels in patients with symptoms of MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 68 patients with symptoms of MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005), 37 men and 31 women, aged 34-65 years (mean age 57, 76 +/- 8, 29 years). The control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals without MS, 18 men and 6 women, aged 49-67 (mean age 58, 5 +/- 5, 6 years). Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were estimated in patients and the control group with spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments). RESULTS: The plasma vitamin A, C and E levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in MS patients than in the healthy individuals without symptoms of MS. The most significant differences in the level of antioxidative vitamins in both groups were related to vitamin C and vitamin E. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased level of vitamins A, C and E points to the weakening of antioxidative barrier in patients with MS.

Assessment of 25(OH)D vitamin concentration in plasma of residents of Lodz with metabolic syndrome in pre- and postmenopausal period.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome disorders and the occurrence of these disorders greatly contributes to the deficiency of vitamin D. Postmenopausal women are particularly prone to that deficiency. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess vitamin D concentration in the plasma of pre- and postmenopausal women, with or without metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 141 women aged 26-77 (the mean age 58.74 years old), divided into 4 groups depending on the pre- or postmenopausal period and diagnosed or not with metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria (2005). Vitamin D concentration was assessed by LIAISON(®) test using chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) technology. RESULTS: The mean vitamin D concentration was the highest among premenopausal women without metabolic syndrome (24.32 ng/ml), it was insignificantly higher than in postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome (23.52 ng/ml) and significantly higher than in both groups with metabolic syndrome - premenopausal (19.86 ng/ml) and postmenopausal women (9.32 ng/ml). The recommended plasma 25(OH)D concentration was not found in any of postmenopausal women with diagnosed metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome had a significantly lower 25(OH)D vitamin concentration in plasma than postmenopausal women without metabolic syndrome. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in women with metabolic syndrome was very high, significantly higher than in women without metabolic syndrome.

Myostatin and Activin A as Biomarkers of Sarcopenia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

The prevalence of sarcopenia in inflammatory bowel disease patients has received increasing attention. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of determining levels of myostatin (MSTN) and activin A (Act A) as potential markers of disease activity and occurrence of sarcopenia in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. The case-control study included 82 patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers. The serum levels of myostatin and activin A were determined by the quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the EWGSOP2 criteria. The study found lower levels of myostatin and activin A in the IBD patients. There were significantly lower levels of myostatin (80.6 pg/mL vs. 186.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0364) as well as activin A (32.1 pg/mL vs. 35.2 pg/mL; p = 0.0132) in the IBD patients with sarcopenia compared to those without sarcopenia. Positive correlations were found between MSTN levels and Muscle Mass Index (rho = 0.31; p < 0.005) and hand grip strength (rho = 0.34, p < 0.05) in the IBD patients. The determination of serum levels of MSTN and Act A may be useful in the early diagnosis of sarcopenia in IBD patients.

An Evaluation of the Usefulness of Selected Screening Methods in Assessing the Risk of Malnutrition in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition risk in patients with IBD using different scales to evaluate their usefulness as first-step screening tools for the diagnosis of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This study included 82 patients with IBD. The Mini Nutritional Assessment, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Saskatchewan IBD-Nutrition Risk and Malnutrition Screening Tool were used to assess malnutrition risk in the study group. In order to diagnose malnutrition, the GLIM criteria were used. According to the GLIM recommendations, malnutrition was diagnosed in 60 patients with IBD (73.17%). Depending on the applied screening tools, the prevalence of moderate and/or high-risk malnutrition in patients with IBD ranged from 20.25% to 43.59%. The highest level of accuracy (ACC) was noted for the MST and MUST questionnaires (92.50% and 90%, respectively), followed by the SASKIBD-NR test (89.97%) and the MNA questionnaire (83.33%). The results of our study indicate a high prevalence of malnutrition in patients with IBD. Thus, there is a need to conduct routine assessments of malnutrition risk using validated scales. The MUST scale seems promising in the assessment of malnutrition risk in patients with IBD as a first step in the assessment of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria.

[The impact of ascorbic acid on the concentrations of antioxidative vitamins in the plasma of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy]. / Wplyw kwasu askorbinowego na stezenie witamin antyoksydacyjnych w osoczu chorych na niedrobnokomórkowego raka pluca poddanych chemioterapii pierwszorzutowej.

UNLABELLED: One of the main after-effects of chemotherapy used in cancer treatment is an augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In turn ROS become a source of unwanted side effects of chemotherapy, often forcing the discontinuation of the therapy. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), being an antioxidant, can strengthen the antioxidative barrier of an organism. The aim of the study was an assessment of the concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of NSCLC patients undergoing chemotherapy supplemented with vitamin C. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 first-line chemotherapy patients with inoperable NSCLC, including 19 men and 6 women aged between 37-73 years (average age 60.1 +/- 8.8 years) have undergone the examination. Their chemotherapy has been supplemented with ascorbic acid (vitamin C dose of 600 mg per 24 hours). Control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals, including 18 men and 6 women aged between 49-71 years (average age 59.5 +/- 6.6 years). In cancer patients the concentration of A, C and E vitamins was assessed by spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after first-line chemotherapy which was supplemented with vitamin C. In control group the concentrations of antioxidative vitamins was assessed only once. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group the concentrations of the A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of NSCLC patients was significantly lower (p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of chemotherapy supplemented with vitamin C a significant rise of concentrations (p < 0.05) of all the vitamins tested for was observed. The biggest rise was noted for vitamin C (99.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation of the chemotherapy of NSCLC patients with C vitamin leads to rise of the low concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma. This suggests strengthening of the antioxidative barrier in patients.

[Assessment of concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of patients with NSCLC undergoing first-line chemotherapy]. / Ocena stezenia witamin A, C i E w osoczu chorych na niedrobnokomórkowego raka pluca, poddanych chemioterapii pierwszorzutowej.

UNLABELLED: Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer types and it usually takes the form of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ROS take part in the process of carcinogenesis. What more, chemotherapy used in cancer treatment augments their production, leading to the weakening of the antioxidative barrier. As a result in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy the reduction-oxidation processes are imbalanced. Vitamins A, C and E form an important part of the nonenzymatic antioxidative barrier in humans. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was an assessment of concentrations of A, C and E vitamins in the plasma of patients with NSCLC before and after chemotherapy MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 first-line chemotherapy patients with inoperable NSCLC have undergone examination, including 20 men and 5 women aged between 50-75 years (average age 62.6 +/- 6.1 years). 24 healthy individuals including 18 men and 6 women aged between 49-71 years (average age 59.5 +/- 6.6 years) formed a control group. In cancer patients the concentration of vitamins A, C and E was assessed by spectrophotometry using T60V spectrophotometer (PG Instruments) before and after first-line chemotherapy, while in control group it was assessed only once. RESULTS: The concentration of A, C and E vitamins in plasma of NSCLC patients was lower (p < 0.05) than in the control group. After 6 weeks of chemotherapy another significant drop in vitamin concentrations in NSCLC patients was observed (p < 0.05) and was biggest for vitamin C (39.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Lowering of A, C and E vitamins concentrations in the plasma of NSCLCpatients suggests a weakening of antioxidative barrier. Chemotherapy leads to further fall in the concentration of those vitamins in patients' plasma.

Role of Serum Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1ß and Interleukin-10 in Assessment of Disease Activity and Nutritional Status in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are characterised by multifactorial and chronic inflammation. Much attention has been paid to immune dysfunction in inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of serum IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10 in determining the activity and nutritional status in IBD patients. The case-control study was carried out on 82 patients with IBD; the control group consisted of 25 clinically healthy subjects. The serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1 ß and IL-10 were determined by the quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There were no significant differences in IL-6 and IL-1ß levels in UC and CD patients according to disease activity as assessed by the Montreal classification, Partial Mayo Score and CDAI. Significantly higher IL-6 levels were found in patients with low body fat in comparison to patients with normal body fat. Furthermore, significantly higher mean IL-6 levels were observed in patients with excess body fat in comparison to patients with normal body fat, and also in comparison to patients with deficient body fat. IL-6 and IL-1ß may provide extra information regarding the nutritional status of IBD patients. IL-10 can be considered a non-invasive biomarker of IBD activity.

Evaluation of Albumin, Transferrin and Transthyretin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients as Disease Activity and Nutritional Status Biomarkers.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is often accompanied by malnutrition that manifests itself as nutrient deficiencies and body mass loss or deficit. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of albumin, transferrin and transthyretin levels in the assessment of nutritional status and IBD activity. The case-control study included 82 IBD patients. The serum concentrations of albumin, transferrin and transthyretine were determined by a quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Significantly lower median concentrations of albumin were found in the IBD patients vs. controls and in CD patients compared to the UC patients. Significantly higher median transthyretin concentrations were found in the IBD patients compared to the healthy subjects. There were no significant differences in median transferrin concentrations between the IBD patients and the healthy subjects. Significantly higher albumin levels were found in IBD patients in remission compared to patients with moderate and severe exacerbation of IBD symptoms. There were no significant differences in the median transferrin or transthyretin levels in patients with IBD depending on disease activity. No differences were identified in the median transferrin or transthyretin levels in the IBD patients according to nutritional status. The median albumin concentrations in the IBD subjects were significantly higher in patients with normal body fat, normal BMI and normal waist circumferences compared to those with an abnormal nutritional status. The albumin levels reflect both nutritional status and disease activity and therefore cannot be considered a prognostic marker of malnutrition in IBD. As regards the utility of transferrin and transthyretin as markers of activity and nutritional status in IBD patients, further studies are required.

Dietary Behaviors and Beliefs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Due to a lack of clear dietary guidelines, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) self-impose dietary restrictions based on their own nutritional experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary perceptions and behavior in IBD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 82 patients (48 with Crohn's disease and 34 with ulcerative colitis) participated in this prospective, questionnaire-based study. Based on a literature review, the questionnaire was developed to investigate dietary beliefs, behaviors and food exclusions during IBD relapses and remission. RESULTS: The majority of patients (85.4%) believed that diet can be a trigger factor for IBD relapses, and 32.9% believed that diet initiates the disease. The majority of patients (81.7%) believed that they should eliminate some products from their diets. The most often-pointed-out products were spicy and fatty foods, raw fruits and vegetables, alcohol, leguminous foods, cruciferous vegetables, dairy products and milk. Most patients (75%) modified their diets after diagnosis, and 81.7% imposed food restrictions to prevent IBD relapses. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients avoided certain foods during relapses as well as to maintain remission of IBD, basing this on their own beliefs, inconsistently with current scientific knowledge. Patient education should be a key determinant in IBD control.

Dietary Behaviors, Serum 25(OH)D Levels and Quality of Life in Women with Osteoporotic Disorders.

Data obtained in recent years clearly demonstrate the aging process of European populations. Consequently, the incidence of osteoporosis has been rising. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) of women with osteoporosis. A total of 260 women participated in this study. The patient group consisted of 170 women with osteoporotic disorders. The control group consisted of 90 healthy women. Participants' quality of life was measured with the Qualeffo-41 Questionnaire. The total 25(OH)D concentration level was assessed with an assay using the chemiluminescent immunoassay. To assess the pain level, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used. To assess dietary behaviors, data were obtained by a 13-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. To assess the nutrition knowledge of participants, the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire was used. Based on the frequency of food intake, participants were classified into three patterns of behavior, i.e., Prudent, Western, and Not Prudent-Not Western. The patients assessed their quality of life as average (36.6 ± 19.9 points). The most favorable scores were obtained in the domains of "Ability to do jobs around the house" and "Mobility". The worst rated domain among the respondents was "Mental function". There were significant differences identified in quality of life depending on diet, nutritional knowledge, comorbidities and occurrence of fractures in the subjects. The individuals in the "Prudent" group reported a significantly higher quality of life as compared to the "Not Prudent-Not Western" and "Western" groups and those with high nutritional knowledge as compared to those with moderate and low. Lower quality of life was also observed among women with comorbidities and with bone fractures. Depending on serum 25(OH)D levels, poorer quality of life was characterized women with vitamin D deficiency. Patient education, implementation of effective methods aimed at alleviating pain and maintaining the optimal concentration of vitamin D can help improve the quality of life in patients with osteoporotic disorders.