[Eating disorders - diagnosis and characteristics]. / Zaburzenia odzywiania ­ rozpoznanie i charakterystyka.

Eating disorders are characterized by eating and appetite disorders, which develop on a mental basis. Currently, there is a rapid increase in the frequency of these disorders, especially among children and adolescents. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS, which include a dozen or so disorders, but this group is still expanding. Eating disorders are characterized by the highest mortality rate among all mental illnesses. They mainly affect adolescents and young adults as well as the female sex, however, there are more and more cases among men and people from other age groups. Anorexia nervosa is the conscious reduction of food intake in order to reduce body weight. In this disorder there is abnormal body image, underweight and fear of weight gain. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are two types of anorexia nervosa - restrictive (limiting) and bulimic (laxative). Bulimia nervosa is characterized by abnormal food intake (overeating) and co-occurrence of compensatory methods aimed at limiting the absorption of consumed food. These methods include: provoking vomiting, excessive physical effort, taking diuretics and laxatives. Among the eating disorders we also distinguish eating disorders not defined otherwise (EDNOS). This is a group of diseases in which pathological eating behaviour occurs, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria of anorexia or bulimia. The diagnosis of eating disorders is difficult not only because of the lack of specialists dealing with this subject, but also because of the lack of public awareness of these diseases. That is why it is so important to educate both medical staff and the general public about eating disorders.

The Impact of Coffee and Its Selected Bioactive Compounds on the Development and Progression of Colorectal Cancer In Vivo and In Vitro.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Coffee contains bioactive compounds that affect the human body such as caffeine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, diterpenes, and melanoidins. Some of them have demonstrated potential anticarcinogenic effects in animal models and in human cell cultures, and may play a protective role against colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA and other countries. Dietary patterns, as well as the consumption of beverages, may reduce the risk of CRC incidence. In this review, we focus on published epidemiological studies concerning the association of coffee consumption and the risk of development of colorectal cancer, and provide a description of selected biologically active compounds in coffee that have been investigated as potential cancer-combating compounds: Caffeine, caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acids (CGAs), and kahweol in relation to colorectal cancer progression in in vitro settings. We review the impact of these substances on proliferation, viability, invasiveness, and metastasis, as well as on susceptibility to chemo- and radiotherapy of colorectal cancer cell lines cultured in vitro.

[Interaction of oral form anticancer drugs with grapefruit juice]. / Interaction of oral form anticancer drugs with grapefruit juice.

Oral medication (tablets, capsules, suspensions, liquids, etc.) are frequently used in therapy. This may arise due to the fact that oral medication patient can take at home and it reduce the stress associated with taking the drug. On the Polish pharmaceutical market can be observed more frequent registration to trading anticancer drugs in oral form. Is also growing interest about drug interactions with food, but they are still less accented than drug-drug interactions. The results of pharmacokinetic studies on the interaction of drugs used in antineoplastic therapy with food are particularly important because of the characteristics of cancer patients, and a growing number of people suffering from cancer and which may have a problem. The aim of the study was to collect and present clinically relevant interactions of anticancer drugs in oral form used in oncology with grapefruit juice based on the latest scientific reports and the summary of product characteristics.

[Cannabinoid and cathinone designer drugs - the workings and selected methods of analysis]. / Dopalacze z grupy kannabinoidów i katynonów ­ dzialanie oraz wybrane metody analizy.

Recently, there has been an increase in the consumption of designer drugs, substances aimed at producing psychoactive, energizing, euphoric or anesthetic effects. Designer drugs are substitutes of actual narcotics, whose possession is banned under Polish law according to the Act of 29 July 2005. The latest reports suggest that the number of synthetic psychoactive substances is increasing. In the span of 2012, a total of 28 new synthetic cannabinoids were discovered in member states of the European Union. Synthetic psychoactive substances appear in different forms on the market: tablets (often very colourful and interestingly-shaped), seeds, dried product (sprayed with synthetic substance and redried), crystals or powder. The way of application is greatly diverse, and depends on the form in which a drug is produced and dispensed. The methods of intoxication include smoke inhalation (oftentimes blends are smoked), intranasal or oral application, placing crystals on the eye, or injection. Said methods correspond, with varying degrees, to invoking different psychotic effects, such as agitation, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, overall irritation, and aggression. Various cardiovascular effects, such as tachycardia or increase in blood pressure, may follow as well. However, the primary influence is on the nervous system, inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenalin and dopamine, and leading to their increased concentration at the presynaptic cleft, which in turn causes feelings of agitation and pleasure. The knowledge regarding the strength, toxicity, and metabolism of designer drugs is yet sparse. The same pertains to the knowledge regarding the handling of overdose cases.

MOLECULAR EFFECTS OF AMINE DERIVATIVES OF PHENOTHIAZINE ON CANCER CELLS C-32 AND SNB-19 IN VITRO.

Cancer therapy is challenging for scientists because of low effectiveness of so far existing therapies (especially in case of great invasiveness and advanced tumor stage). Such need for new drug development and search for more efficient new findings in therapeutical applications is therefore still valid. There are also conducted studies on modifying so far existing drugs and their new methods of usage in oncology practice. One of them is phenothiazine and its derivatives which are used in psychiatric treatment for years. They also exhibit antiprion, antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties. Cytotoxic activity, influence on proliferation, ability to induce apoptosis suggest also a possibility of phenothiazine derivatives usage in cancer cells termination. The aim of our the study was to evaluate the influence of two amine derivatives of phenothiazine on cancer cells in vitro. Amelanotic melanoma C-32 cell line (ATCC) and glioma SNB-19 cells (DSMZ) were used in this study and two derivatives were analyzed. In view of examined substances tumor potential toxicity cells proliferation and viability exposed to phenothiazine derivatives were established. Cell cycle regulatory genes expression (TP53 and CDKN1A), S-phase marker--H3 gene and intracellular apoptosis pathway genes (BAX, BCL-2) were analyzed using RT-QPCR method. The influence of examined derivatives on total cell oxidative status (TOS), total antioxidative status (TAS), malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) were analyzed. As a result, examined phenothiazine derivatives cytotoxic action on C-32 and SNB-19 and also cells proliferation inhibition were determined. Cell cycle regulatory genes (TP53, CDKN1A) expression and protein products of genes involved in mitochondial apoptosis pathway (BAX, BCL-2) expression are changed by the presence of phenothiazine derivatives during culturing. There were also noted small changes in redox potential in cells exposed to two mentioned phenothiazine derivatives.

Short-term exposure to 50 Hz ELF-EMF alters the cisplatin-induced oxidative response in AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma cells.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cisplatin and an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on antioxidant enzyme activity and the lipid peroxidation ratio, as well as the level of DNA damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in AT478 carcinoma cells. Cells were cultured for 24 and 72 h in culture medium with cisplatin. Additionally, the cells were irradiated with 50 Hz/1 mT ELF-EMF for 16 min using a solenoid as a source of the ELF-EMF. The amount of ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoenzyme activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Cells that were exposed to cisplatin exhibited a significant increase in ROS and antioxidant enzyme activity. The addition of ELF-EMF exposure to cisplatin treatment resulted in decreased ROS levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. A significant reduction in MDA concentrations was observed in all of the study groups, with the greatest decrease associated with treatment by both cisplatin and ELF-EMF. Cisplatin induced the most severe DNA damage; however, when cells were also irradiated with ELF-EMF, less DNA damage occurred. Exposure to ELF-EMF alone resulted in an increase in DNA damage compared to control cells. ELF-EMF lessened the effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage that were induced by cisplatin; however, ELF-EMF alone was a mild oxidative stressor and DNA damage inducer. We speculate that ELF-EMF exerts differential effects depending on the exogenous conditions. This information may be of value for appraising the pathophysiologic consequences of exposure to ELF-EMF.

[The role of paracetamol in transition reactions of alpha-nitrogen and oxidative stress in the liver]. / Rola paracetamolu w reakcjach przemian azotu alfa-aminowego oraz stresu oksydacyjnego w watrobie.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen, PC) is metabolized in liver to N-acetyl-p-benzoquinon-imine (NAPQI), that is in turn conjugated by glutathione S-transferase with glutathione. NAPQI inhibits the respiratory chain. It may cause a 90% decrease of ATP concentration in mitochondria of hepatocytes. The oxidation of paracetamol to quinine form can also generate free radicals. Both above mentioned processes, can injure the mitochondria and cells. There have not been found in accessible literature any data dealing with paracetamol influence on the process elimination of the alpha nitrogen in the liver. The ATP concentration decline may lead to disturbances in mitochondrial enzymes. There are discrepant data of the role of free radicals in the mechanism of toxic action of paracetamol.

Drunkorexia - knowledge review. / Alkoreksja ­ przeglad wiedzy.

Eating disorders are often accompanied by a lack of ability to manage emotions. Drunkorexia is a phenomenon that occurs mainly among a group of students. This disorder is characterized by significant dietary restrictions and excessive physical activity in order to be able to consume more alcohol without fear of weight gain. It is attributed to peers pressure, the popularisation of a slim figure and the desire to increase the state of intoxication. Women are more likely to report experiencing drunkorexia along with other eating disorders. Like any eating disorder, drunkorexia can lead to serious health consequences, but also increases the risk of violence, sexual assault and car accidents. Drunkorexia requires treatment for alcohol dependence and correction of inappropriate eating habits. Drunkorexia is a relatively new term and requires the development of diagnostic criteria and strategies to help people struggling with this disorder. Drunkorexia should be distinguished from alcohol use disorder and other eating disorders. It is necessary to spread knowledge about this type of behaviour, its consequences and education about coping with stress.

Depressive disorders among long-term care residents in the face of isolation due to COVID-19 pandemic. / Zaburzenia depresyjne wsród pensjonariuszy osrodka opieki dlugoterminowej w obliczu izolacji spowodowanej pandemia COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of social and familial isolation due to COVID-19 on the mental well-being of patients staying in a residential medical care facility and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. METHODS: The study was conducted among the patients of a residential medical care facility (58 patients). A short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess the severity of depressive disorders. The number of medical and psychological interventions during the individual months of isolation was also compared. RESULTS: In February 2020, when there was no isolation, 87.9% of the study group did not suffer from depression compared to 72.4% during the period of full isolation. After introducing controlled methods for contacting loved ones, the number of individuals with no depressive symptoms increased again. A mean of 1.76 medical and 0.23 psychological interventions per one patient were conducted during the period of full isolation. CONCLUSIONS: The number of medical and psychological interventions was higher during the period of full isolation compared to months without compulsory isolation due to COVID-19. After the introduction of full isolation, the scores in the GDS were significantly higher, which means that the residents were at a higher risk of depressive disorders than in the months without isolation.

Ambulophobia as a Specific Phobia-Defining the Problem Among Patients of Long-Term Care Facilities in Poland.

Background: Ambulophobia is a type of specific phobia that involves a fear of walking. This phobia mainly affects older people, who prefer not to leave their bed or home to avoid walking on uneven surfaces and reduce the risk of falling. The problem seems to be very important in terms of public health and the organization of long-term care, as Poland has one of the highest rates of elderly population growth. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ambulophobia among patients of long-term care facilities in Poland and to identify factors increasing the risk of this specific phobia in the study group. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between January and July 2021. Data collected from 379 patients of 16 long-term care facilities located in Poland were analyzed. The study used the diagnostic criteria for specific phobias according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, and standardized questionnaires such as MMSE, GDS-16, DOS and ADL. The χ2 test was used to test the significance of differences (p = 0.05). Results: The prevalence of ambulophobia in the study group was 30.1%. Ambulophobia significantly more often concerned the female sex (37.7%) and people over 70 years of age (42,1%). Factors such as depression, Parkinson's disease, orthostatic hypotonia, a history of falling or being a witness to another person falling, and disability of at least a moderate degree increased the likelihood of ambulophobia. Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, it was found that the protective factors in the development of ambulophobia are male sex, younger age, high independence, fewer drugs used per day and no previous falls or seeing another person fall.

Assessment of the Risk of Depression in Residents Staying at Long-Term Care Institutions in Poland During the COVID-19 Pandemic Depending on the Quality of Cognitive Functioning.

Background: The development of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the implementation of many procedures to safeguard against further increases in illness. Unfortunately, this has drastically reduced residents' contact with their families, which has increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is particularly difficult in long-term care facilities, where the risk of developing depression is higher than in the general population. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the risk of depression among the residents of long-term care institutions in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the relationship between the risk of depression and the occurrence of cognitive impairment in the study group. Methods: The study included 273 residents from long-term care institutions in Poland. The risk of depression was determined based on an originally designed questionnaire. The cognitive state of the subjects was assessed using the screening test Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Both the depression risk assessment and the MMSE test were conducted twice: in March and December 2020. Results: In March, severe dementia was present in 28.2% of the residents and normal MMSE scores were observed in 16.1% of the subjects; in December, the prevalence of severe dementia increased to 31.1% and that of normal scores decreased to 10.3%. In March, no participant was found to be at high risk of depression and moderate risk was observed in 14.3% of the subjects; in December, 2.6% of the residents had a high risk score and 45.4% had a moderate risk score. Statistical analysis revealed that higher MMSE scores correspond with a higher risk of depression. Conclusion: A higher risk of depression was observed with the development of the pandemic. Residents with cognitive impairment were characterised by a lower risk of depression compared to individuals with normal MMSE scores. During the study, progression of cognitive impairment was observed in the residents.

Influence of an extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-EMF) on antioxidative vitamin E properties in AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma culture in vitro.

This study examines the effects of vitamin E and an extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and their combination in different time intervals of exposure of vitamin E (tocopherol) on the AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma line. This study provides insight into the influence of correlations between ELF-EMF and vitamin E supplementation on antioxidant enzyme activity in malignant cells in vitro. Following vitamin E treatment, activity of the antioxidant enzymes is increased in an exposure-dependent manner compared with the untreated group. Application of ELF-EMF alone or with vitamin E increases both superoxide dismutase isoenzymes and glutathione peroxidase activities in comparison to the control group. The results suggest that ELF-EMF alters antioxidative activities of vitamin E in AT478 tumor cells. This study confirms the role of vitamin E in decreasing susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in AT478 tumor cells.

Markers of antioxidant defence system and lipid peroxidation in peripheral blood of female patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

Oxidative stress is an important event in lesional skin of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). In the present study, we assessed blood oxidant/antioxidant status of patients suffering from CIU with positive response to autologous serum skin test (ASST) and with negative ASST, to improve our understanding of biological processes and the part of oxidative stress in this disease. Activities of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and catalase (CAT) as indices of enzymatic antioxidant capacity, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a maker of lipid peroxidation were measured in plasma and erythrocytes from 14 CIU female patients showing positive ASST, 31 CIU female patients with negative ASST and in 19 sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. The antioxidant enzyme activity in plasma and in erythrocytes did not differ significantly among the three groups. Also, the plasma and erythrocytes MDA levels were similar in the three groups. Based on our results, it seems that systemic activity of the enzymatic antioxidants (CuZn/SOD, MnSOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) as well as level of lipid peroxidation determined by MDA may not be increased in the course of immune-inflammatory processes associated with CIU. We also suggest that the systemic oxidant/antioxidant status of CIU patients, showing positive response to ASST, may not be different from that of CIU patients with negative ASST.

Analysis of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble receptors in patients with different forms of chronic urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a powerful enhancer of vascular permeability and inflammatory response; however its significance in chronic urticaria is poorly recognised. AIM: To compare free circulating levels of VEGF and its soluble receptors (sVEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in patients with different forms of chronic urticaria. METHODS: The concentrations of VEGF and its receptors in plateletpoor plasma (PPP)/plasma were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in chronic urticaria: (1) chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) with positive autologous serum skin test (ASST), (2) CSU with negative response to ASST, (3) CSU with concomitant euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (CSU/Hashimoto), (4) delayed pressure urticaria (DPU), and the healthy subjects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in VEGF concentration in PPP between CSU groups and the healthy subjects. Contrary, VEGF concentration was significantly higher in DPU and CSU/Hashimoto patients as compared with the healthy subjects and CSU groups. Furthermore, VEGF value in CSU/Hashimoto patients during the remission was similar to that of the active period and significantly higher than the healthy subjects; VEGF concentration was significantly correlated with TSH. Plasma concentrations of sVEGF1 and sVEGF2 were similar in chronic urticaria patients and the healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Increased free circulating VEGF concentration may result from the urticarial process itself as well as concomitant Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Systemic inflammatory response and calcification markers in patients with long lasting moderate-severe chronic spontaneous urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Low grade inflammation is associated with both chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and atherosclerosis. Data regarding an association between urticarial inflammation and atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular events are scarce. It has been demonstrated that matrix GLA protein (MGP), a biomarker of arterial calcification, is increased in patients with atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate circulating levels of markers of arterial calcification and acute phase response (APR) in patients with CSU. METHODS: Concentrations of MGP and IL-6 were measured in venous blood samples of patients with long-lasting moderate-severe CSU. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in serum MGP concentration between healthy subjects and CU patients. Serum IL-6 concentration was significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that CSU is accompanied by a low grade systemic inflammatory state. However, the long lasting urticarial inflammation was not paralleled by an increased circulating level of the calcification marker matrix Gla protein.

Effects of ghrelin, leptin and melatonin on the levels of reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activity and viability of the HCT 116 human colorectal carcinoma cell line.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer. Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ that produces biologically active substances, such as leptin and ghrelin. Recent research has suggested that adipose-derived hormones may be associated with mechanisms linked to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Furthermore, previous studies have demonstrated that pineal gland-derived melatonin possesses important oncostatic and antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the adipokines ghrelin and leptin, and the melatonin on intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of selected antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase. The effects of these compounds were also determined on the viability of HCT 116 human colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro. The pro-oxidant and growth inhibitory effects of melatonin resulted in an accumulation of ROS and decreased antioxidant capacity in melatonin-treated cells. Ghrelin administration alone caused a significant decrease in the levels of ROS, due to an increased activity of CAT in the HCT 116 cells. In addition, the present study observed increased lipid peroxidation following melatonin treatment, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde following ghrelin or leptin treatment. In conclusion, ghrelin, leptin and melatonin have various influences on the antioxidant capacity of HCT 116 cells. Compared with the adipokines, treatment with melatonin increased ROS levels and decreased cellular viability.

Multiple bystander effect of irradiated megacolonies of melanoma cells on non-irradiated neighbours.

The multicellular megacolonies of human melanoma Me45 line growing on one part of the bottom of culture flasks were irradiated with 5 Gy (60Co), whereas megacolonies growing on the second part of the bottom were shielded. The bystander effect of radiation-traversed cells on non-traversed cells was studied during postradiation co-cultivation. Activity of superoxide dismutase (Mn and CuZn subunits), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Pox) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as a biochemical markers of bystander effect were monitored for a period of 72 h. The DNA damage was measured by the comet assay. Micronucleus induction, mitotic index and cellular death as apoptosis or necrosis were simultaneously estimated, based on morphologic criteria. The bystander effect of irradiated cells on their neighbours was observed as a slight increase of MDA concentration, comparable decrease of GSH-Pox activity, and some fluctuation of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic isoenzymes of SOD. DNA strand breaks and rejoining measured by comet assay as mean tail length, demonstrated clearly the bystander effect for nontraversed radiation cells, additionally verified by tail moment. There was also a significant increase of micronucleation and apoptosis generated by radiation traversed cells in shielded neighbours. Furthermore, significantly higher increase of necrosis in shielded neighbour cells compared to radiation traversed cells was observed. Proliferative activity showed a suppression in both, radiation traversed and shielded neighbour cells in all measured time points. The behaviour of used parameters points to the radical nature of modificators secreted by radiation traversed cells inducing bystander toxic damage in shielded neighbour cells.

Activity of pancreatic antioxidative enzymes and malondialdehyde concentrations in rats with hyperglycemia caused by fluoride intoxication.

The aim of this work was to examine the effect of fluoride ions on antioxidative enzyme activity in the pancreas of rats exposed during 4 months to NaF in drinking water. The study was carried out in 30 four-week-old male Wistar FL rats, that were randomly assigned to three equal groups and given distilled water ad libitum for three weeks. Subsequently, two examined groups of animals were exposed to NaF in drinking water: group 1 (10 rats) at 50 mg F(-)/L (2.63 mmol/L), group 2 (10 rats) at 100 mg F(-)/L (5.26 mmol/L). The control group (10 rats) received distilled water. After 4 months the animals were anesthetized with ether prior to collection of pancreas and cardiac blood. Serum concentrations of glucose and fluoride, as well as activities of the cytoplasmic (CuZn-SOD) and the mitochondrial (Mn-SOD) superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the homogenized pancreas were measured. The activity of CuZn-SOD was reduced by 50% and a tendency to lower activities of Mn-SOD was observed. No changes were noted in the activity of GSH-Px or concentrations of MDA. We conclude that: 1) the fluoride caused hyperglycemia in rats in this study is not accompanied by an activation of the free radical production in the pancreas; 2) the hyperglycemia in the exposed rats cannot be attributed to pancreatic damage caused by fluoride ions (the cause in this case appears to be extrapancreatic); 3) the inhibition of pancreatic CuZn-SOD is probably due to the direct action of fluoride on the enzyme.

[Assessment of antioxidative enzymes activity and intensification of lipids peroxidation in asthmatic patients]. / Ocena aktywnosci enzymów antyoksydacyjnych i nasilenia peroksydacji lipidów u chorych na astme.

Chronic immunoallergic inflammatory reaction plays a key role in pathogenesis of asthma. Importance of free oxygen radicals in mechanism of chronic inflammatory process has been proved. Activity of two antioxidative enzymes: isoenzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (POX), and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and erythrocytes in asthmatics during exacerbation and improvement of disease were assessed. Disturbances in oxidative system in asthmatic patients have been observed. Lack of significant differences in antioxidative indexes between a period of exacerbation, not complicated by infection and a period of improvement indicates a pathophysiological role of chronic oxygen stress in asthma. It has been also shown that bacterial infection disturbs efficiency of antioxidative mechanisms.