Confusion of Alcohol Craving With Food Hunger in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals Entering In-Patient Drug Treatment.

AIM: To identify the distinguishing characteristics of alcohol dependent patients who confuse alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger. METHODS: Data were collected at interview on sociodemographic status, clinical status and anthropometry in 179 patients (163 men and 16 women) undergoing in-patient treatment for alcohol dependence. RESULTS: A comparison of the patient subgroups studied showed that patients who did not confuse, and those who did confuse, alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differed significantly in terms of alcohol craving scale scores (9 vs. 4 points). Patients confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger were more likely to recognize that experiencing severe pre-meal hunger can cause relapse (67.9 vs. 22.8%) and that not being able to distinguish between the sensations under study also increases the risk of breaking abstinence (75.0% vs. 50.4%). This was independent of severity of dependence and intensity of recent alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-dependent persons who confuse alcohol craving with pre-meal hunger differ from those who do not confuse these hunger pangs in terms of feeling stronger alcohol craving and more frequent occurrence of symptoms accompanying the feeling of alcohol craving during pre-meal hunger. At the start of treatment for alcohol withdrawal, alcohol-dependent individuals who report confusing alcohol cravings with pre-meal hunger are less confident of maintaining abstinence. This is relevant to treatment. The role of possible confounders (depressive symptoms, cognitive and educational deficiency) could not be elucidated definitively.

Position statement of the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee Human Nutrition Science on the principles for the nutrition of children aged 1-3 years.

The Position Statement on the principles of nutrition for children aged 1-3 years emphasizes that proper nutrition of children at this age determines their optimal psychometric development and has beneficial effects on the process nutritional programming, which reduces the risk of diet-related diseases in adulthood. Continued breastfeeding in the post-infancy period, together with the proper introduction of complementary foods, supplies all the nutritional needs of the child. A varied selection of food products is important to balance out the diet of a child in the context of energy and nutrient needs. Attention should be paid to products not recommended for frequent consumption, due to the possibility of the early development of improper eating habits that can lead to undesirable health consequences. Due to the potential risk of deficiency, adequate intake of iron, iodine, calcium and vitamin D, as well as of n-3 PUFAs (which is often insufficient) should be provided. Adequate dietary energy and protein intake protects children against protein-energy undernutrition and is crucial for their proper growth and development. An important element in the assessment of the development of children involves monitoring their nutritional status and physical development by systematically measuring their body weight and length/height and analyzing their weight gain. It is necessary to diagnose the causes of being underweight/overweight in children. Physical activity (such as outdoor walks, plays, and games) and healthy sleep hygiene are recommended. Physical activity, an adequate number of hours of sleep, and the quality of sleep in early childhood may improve immunity, reduce the risk of excessive weight gain, and consequently reduce the risk of obesity later in life. Other issues discussed include the functioning of the digestive system as one of the determinants of the nutrition of young children, basics of proper nutrition, risk of nutrient deficiencies and development of proper eating habits in early childhood.

The Molecular Basis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Genetics, Epigenetics, and Nutrition in AUD: An Amazing Triangle.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a very common and complex disease, as alcohol is the most widely used addictive drug in the world. This disorder has an enormous impact on public health and social and private life, and it generates a huge number of social costs. Alcohol use stimulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses and is the cause of many physical and social problems (especially liver disease and cancer), accidental injury, and risky sexual behavior. For years, researchers have been trying to identify the genetic basis of alcohol use disorder, the molecular mechanisms responsible for its development, and an effective form of therapy. Genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to the development of AUD, and the expression of genes is a complicated process that depends on epigenetic modulations. Dietary nutrients, such as vitamins, may serve as one these modulators, as they have a direct impact on epigenomes. In this review, we connect gathered knowledge from three emerging fields-genetics, epigenetics, and nutrition-to form an amazing triangle relating to alcohol use disorder.

Anemarrhenae asphodeloides rhizoma Extract Enriched in Mangiferin Protects PC12 Cells against a Neurotoxic Agent-3-Nitropropionic Acid.

The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a brain function-improving herb, is a promising source of neuroprotective substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective action of xanthones from A. asphodeloides rhizomes on the PC12 cell line exposed to the neurotoxic agent-3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). The xanthone-enriched fraction of the ethanolic extract of A. asphodeloides (abbreviated from now on as XF, for the Xanthone Fraction), rich in polyphenolic xanthone glycosides, in concentrations from 5 to 100 µg/mL, and 3-NP in concentrations from 2.5 to 15 mM, were examined. After 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure of cells to various combinations of 3-NP and XF, the MTT viability assay was performed and morphological changes were estimated by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The obtained results showed a significant increase in the number of cells surviving after treatment with XF with exposure to neurotoxic 3-NP and decreased morphological changes in PC12 cells in a dose and time dependent manner. The most effective protective action was observed when PC12 cells were pre-incubated with the XF. This effect may contribute to the traditional indications of this herb for neurological and cognitive complaints. However, a significant cytotoxicity observed at higher XF concentrations (over 10 µg/mL) and longer incubation time (48 h) requires caution in future research and thorough investigation into potential adverse effects.

The role of the BLCA-4 nuclear matrix protein in bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) affects usually older people. According to information provided by the National Cancer Registry in 2012. BC was the 4th, in terms of illness, cancer in men and 11th in women. Early diagnosis of bladder cancer is important because detected later has worse prognosis.Diagnosis of bladder cancer is not simple and it is still very invasive. Usually the cystoscopy or endoscopic bladder biopsy with histopathological evaluation and cytology of urine sediment is used. This prompted researchers to look for alternative noninvasive methods of diagnosis of bladder cancer. Recently, it was described the group of six proteins (BLCA) specific for BC, with special attention to BLCA-4.BLCA-4 belongs to the nuclear matrix protein and has a high specificity for this type of cancer however the value of this marker in BC diagnosis is not yet established. Oxidative DNA damage play an important role in the pathogenesis of some human diseases, including cancer. Determination of 8-hydroxy-2'deoksyguanozyne (8-OHdG) is currently used in the evaluation of genotoxic damage.The aim of the work was to review information on BLCA-4, its function in the process of BC carcinogenesis and diagnostic value also in exposure to genotoxic compounds measured by 8-hydroxy-2'deoksyguanozyne (8-OHdG) level.

Glutathione S - transferases class Pi and Mi and their significance in oncology.

In this article the current data, which shows that glutathione S-transferases (GST) class Pi and Mi are interesting and promising biomarkers in acute and chronic inflammatory processes as well as in the oncology, were presented based on the review of the latest experimental and clinical studies. The article shows their characteristics, functions and participation (direct - GST Pi, indirect - GST Mi) in the regulation of signaling pathways of JNK kinases, which are involved in cell differentiation. Overexpression of glutathione S-transferases class Pi and Mi in many cancer cells plays a key role in cancer treatment, making them resistant to chemotherapy. GST isoenzymes are involved in the metabolism of various types of xenobiotics and endogenous substrates, so their altered expression in cancer tissues as well as in serum and urine could be an important potential marker of the cancer and an indicator of oxidative stress. The study shows the role of glutathione S-transferases in redox homeostasis of tumor cells and in the mechanism of resistance to anticancer drugs.

THE ESTROGENS / CHROMIUM INTERACTION IN THE NITRIC OXIDE GENERATION.

The interaction of estrogens with environmental toxins in free radicals generation: reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which participates in cancerogenesis is not yet recognized. Chromium(VI) is widely present in environment. One of its toxicity pathway is free radicals generation. Estrogens have the ability to scavenge free radicals, but may also act as prooxidants. Both chromium(VI) and estrogens are classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogens, so synergistic effect seems very dangerous. The interaction of chromium and estrogens in ROS generation are partly described but there are no reports on estrogen/chromium interaction on nitric oxide (NO) generation. The aim of the study was to examine the interaction of chromium(VI) and 17-p-estradiol (E2) on NO level in human blood as well as the role of E2 metabolites: 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2) and 16a-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1) in these processes. The NO level was estimated with the diagnostic kit (Nitric Oxide Colorimetric Detection Kit from Arbor Assays) in human blood in vitm. The results showed that Cr(VI) in used concentration (0.5; 1.0 and 5.0 gg/mL) decreases significantly NO level in blood, acting antagonistically to E2 and 4-OHE2. Estrogens (E2, 4-OHE2 and 16α-OHEI) do not protect against inhibiting effect of Cr(VI) on nitric oxide generation in blood because after combined exposure the decreased production of NO in blood was noted. In conclusion, presented results provide the information about the character of estrogen/Cr(VI) interaction in NO level in human blood. It is important knowledge for cardio protected effect e.g., hormone replacement therapy in environmental or occupational exposure to Cr(VI), chromium supplementation, also important for cancer risk evaluation.

[The role of oxidative stress in bladder cancer]. / Rola stresu oksydacyjnego w raku pecherza moczowego.

The review of the knowledge concerning the impact of oxidative and nitrosative stress on signaling pathways and transcription factors involved in the formation of bladder cancer was prepared. In the industrialized countries, bladder cancer is the fourth most frequently occurring malignant tumors. Recent studies indicate the involvement of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the formation and development of this disease. Red-ox disorders are characteristic for both, the initiation and progression of bladder cancer. There are observed changes in the activity of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor NF-kB; transcription factors: AP-1, Nrf2 and STAT3 and hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α. In addition, studies indicate a role for oxidative stress in the regulation of MAPK cascade and its involvement in carcinogenesis consisting bladder. Examples of kinases belonging to the MAPK family are ERK kinases, which expression is proportional to the severity and malignant of bladder cancer. Nitric oxide also plays an important role in tumor biology. Overproduction of NO can both inhibit and promote tumor growth, depending on its concentration, duration of action and tumor microenvironment. Numerous studies show that the bladder cancer is characterized by an intensified production of NO. Reactive forms of nitrogen, similar to oxygen free radicals, could cause oxidative and nitrosative damage to DNA and have capacity to post-translational modification of proteins. In contrast to the ROS, which overproduction result from exposure to carcinogenic xenobiotic, nitrogen oxide in high level is produced during inflammation. Sustained iNOS activity therefore plays an important role in carcinogenesis associated with the inflammatory response, characteristic also for bladder cancer.

SYNTHESIS AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF NEW SULFONAMIDE ISOXAZOLO[5,4-b]PYRIDINE DERIVATIVES.

A series of novel sulfonamide isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridines were synthesized. The substrates for their synthesis were 3-aminoisoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine and selected aryl sulfonic chlorides, chlorosulfonic acid and selected amines. Reactions were carried out using the classical and microwave methods. Selected compounds were tested towards antibacterial and antiproliferative activity. The structure of the obtained new derivatives was determined by elemental analysis and acquired IR and 1H NMR spectra. Among the tested compounds: N- isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine-3-yl-benzenesulfonamide (2) and N-isoxazolo[5,4-b]pyridine-3-yl-4-methylbenzene-sulfonamide (5) showed antimicrobial activity towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) at doses: 125, 250 and 500 µg. Both compounds showed a 50% inhibition of proliferation of breast carcinoma cell line MCF7 at concentrations of 152.56 µg/mL and 160 161.08 µg/mL, respectively.

[Diagnostic significance of protein NMP22 in bladder cancer]. / Znaczenie diagnostyczne bialka NMP22 w raku pecherza moczowego.

Bladder cancer is a malignancy that affects mainly the elderly and males. Up to 90% of these cancers originate from urothelial epithelial cells and therefore they are called Transitional (Urothelial) Cell Carcinoma (TCC). Another types are: Squamous Cell Carcionoma (SCC), which involves about 5% of cases and Adenocarcinoma (less than 2%). The factors that may lead to the development of bladder cancer include: genetic disorders, molecular changes, environmental exposures, industrial carcinogens, chemical contaminants and chronic cystitis. This article depicts the current state of diagnostics of bladder cancer, with particular focus on urine-based tests. Although many markers with different structure are under research, only the following have gained FDA approval for bladder cancer screening: BTAstat, BTA TRAK, UroVysion and NMP22 BladderChek. For follow-up NMP22 ELISA and Immunocyt (uCyt+) are approved. This work is mainly focused on mainly on evaluating the diagnostic value of nuclear matrix protein NMP22 for bladder cancer in terms of the outlined researches among people susceptible to environmental toxins. A review of the current literature depicts that no research on correlation between NMP22 and genetic susceptibility has been conducted so far. There is some evidence that NMP22 protein is particularly important in high-risk groups, e.g. among tobacco smokers. The work also describes the methods of detecting NMP22 protein and factors that may influence the results. The review of current literature showed that NMP22 cannot replace invasive cystoscopy neither in screening for bladder cancer nor in follow-up. The NMP22 test could be useful for determining the frequency of cystoscopy and for early detection of high-grade tumors. Research focused on improving the specificity of this marker seems to be crucial, e.g. through the correlation between NMP22 and other parameters (e.g. other laboratory tests), which is confirmed by preliminary data about combining various markers.

Preliminary study on application of urine amino acids profiling for monitoring of renal tubular injury using GLC-MS.

BACKGROUND: The early diagnosis of the nephrotoxic effect of xenobiotics and drugs is still an unsolved problem. Recent studies suggest a correlation between the nephrotoxic activity of xenobiotics and increased concentration of amino acids in urine. The presented study was focused on the application of GLC-MS method for amino acids profiling in human urine as a noninvasive method for monitoring of kidney condition and tubular injury level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analytic method is based on the conversion of the amino acids present in the sample to tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) derivatives and their analysis by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC-MS). The procedure of urine sample preparation for chromatographic analysis was optimized. RESULTS: The presence of 12 amino acids in most of the tested healthy human urine samples was detected. The significant differences in the levels of particular amino acids between patients with tubular injury and healthy controls were found, especially for lysine, valine, serine, alanine and leucine (on average 30.0, 7.5, 3.6, 2.9 and 0.5 fold respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that this approach based on GLC-MS detection can be used in nephrotoxicity studies for urine amino acids monitoring in exposure to xenobiotics and drugs.

Assessment of soil nitrogen and related enzymes as influenced by the incorporation time of field pea cultivated as a catch crop in Alfisol.

The effect of the time of catch crop (field pea) incorporation [catch crop incorporated in the autumn (A) or in the spring (B) versus plots without a catch crop (C)] on the soil enzymes related to N transformation (urease - UR, protease - PRO, nitrate reductase - NR, arginine ammonification rate - AAR), the total N and mineral N as well as microbial biomass N (MBN) contents were investigated in a 3-year experiment. The catch crop was sown at the beginning of August and plowed in the autumn in 2008, 2009 and 2010 or left as mulch during the winter. Soil samples for microbial activity were taken from spring barley plots that were grown in 2009, 2010 and 2011 before sowing (March), during the tillering phase (May), shooting (June) and after the harvesting of spring barley (August). The use of catch crop significantly increased the soil mineral and MBN contents as well as the activities of PRO and NR as compared to the control soil. The spring incorporation of the field pea significantly increased the MBN content in contrast to the autumn application, while the activity of N-cycle enzymes were clearly unaffected (UR and AAR) regardless of the time of the incorporation of field pea or else the results were inconsistent (PRO and NR). When the catch crop was incorporated in the spring, a significantly higher content of mineral N as compared to autumn incorporation was noted on only two of the four sampling dates. The enzymatic activity (PRO and AAR) was about 1.3-2.8 times higher in May and June as compared with March and August. Both spring or autumn incorporation of catch crop can be a useful management practice to increase the soil mineral N content and enhance the soil biological activity.

The investigation of specific biochemical markers in monitoring kidney function of drug addicts.

INTRODUCTION: An increasingly important issue in the Polish population is drug abuse. It leads to extensive damage of parenchymal organs, including kidney. Establishing early markers of organ damage and their monitoring during rehabilitation therapy is therefore of pivotal importance. This study evaluated the utility of highly specific and selective markers (NGAL, IL-18, a and π-GST isoenzyme, and ß2-M). The influence of opioid drugs and other factors on kidney function (HIV and HCV infections, duration and the kind of drugs abused) was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine collected from 83 subjects who abused drugs and 33 healthy volunteers was tested with ELISA using specific antibodies (IBL, Biotron, Bioporto-Diagnostics). HIV infection was confirmed with western-blotting and HCV with PCR. CD4 lymphocytes were quantified with flow cytometry. RFLP and PCR were used to determine the viral load of HIV and HCV (genotype). RESULTS: A significant increase of IL-18, NGAL and ß2M activity in heroin addicts compared to the control group was noted as well as the influence of HIV infection on NGAL and ß2M excretion. A statistically significant (p=0.04) correlation between the viral load and IL-18 concentration was noted while no significant influence of the duration and the kind of drugs abused, the route of intake or the age of addicts was seen. Only the NGAL concentration was sex dependent and significantly higher in women. DISCUSSION: This study showed the specific, clinical utility of IL-18, NGAL, and ß2M in the evaluation of renal function in drug addicts. Early detection of nephropathy with biochemical indicators might help prevent severe conditions that require hospitalization and intensive care.

The effects of coenzyme Q10 and baicalin in cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress.

Cisplatin is the alkylating anticancer drug. These drugs show many side-effects including the damage of kidney. The nephrotoxicity of cisplatin is explained mainly by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The increased level of lipids peroxidation was observed in patients treated with this drug. In the toxicity of cisplatin, are also involved reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as nitric oxide (NO*) or peroxynitrite. The lack of cisplatin selectivity and its side effects tend to look for ways to reduce the toxicity in chemotherapy. Our previous studies demonstrated that oxidative stress caused by xenobiotics can sometimes be effectively inhibited by coenzyme Q10 and baicalin. The aim of our research was the evaluation of usefulness of two coenzyme Q10 forms: lipophilic, currently used (QA) and new, produced by nanotechnology, soluble in water, PureSorb-QTM40-P40 (QB). Also the utility of baicalin as free radicals scavenger in reducing the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin was examined. The study was performed on an in vitro model, human erythrocytes and serum. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS method). The concentration of nitric oxide (NO*) and nitrate (NO3) was estimated in serum [Nitric Oxide Colorimetric Detection Kit (Cat. No. K023-H1) of Arbor Assays], based on reaction with Griess reagent. Cisplatin at concentration: 3.5, 10, 30 and 50 pg/mL significantly increased the level of TBARS in erythrocytes. All antioxidants: baicalin and two forms of coenzyme Q10 significantly inhibited TBARS compared to controls (p < 0.05). Both QA and QB studied in a wide range of concentrations (from 1.0 to 120.0 microg/mL) demonstrated their antioxidative effect. In all used doses they statistically significantly decreased TBARS level with the negative correlation (r = -0.751; p = 0.000). In the study of nitrosative stress, all doses of cisplatin increased NO* and NO3 level in serum (p < 0.05). Baicalin and QA showed no statistically significant influence on production of NO* and NO3 in serum, while QB unexpectedly increased these parameters. In joint exposure with cisplatin all three antioxidants, in the most of concentrations, decreased TBARS levels, elevated by cisplatin (p < 0.05). In nitrosative stress-induced by cisplatin, the most effective was QB, however, protective influence of all antioxidants varies and the results are ambiguous.

The Lack of Influence of Homozygous Long Allele of the 5-HTTLPR Gene on the Severity of Alcohol Craving During 6 Weeks of Rehab Hospitalisation in Comparison to Not Homozygous and Homozygous Short Alleles - Preliminary Report.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the severity of alcohol craving according to allelic variants of the 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism during hospitalisation and their association with selected clinical variables in alcohol-dependent patients. Patients and Methods: The study is exploratory. Participants were investigated at the 2nd and 6th week of alcohol-dependence therapy in the addiction treatment unit. Recruitment was conducted among alcohol-dependent patients from several Polish drug treatment centres. The total sample size was 130 persons (12 females and 118 males). Study subjects' mean age was 43.0 years. Patients were investigated twice by using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and once by using Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD) and taking a swab for genetic testing. The polymorphism of the gene encoding the serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR (SLC6A4) was determined from isolated DNA and its homozygous variants of short/short or long/long alleles and heterozygous short/long alleles were analysed. Results: At 6th week of the follow-up, there was a decrease in the severity of alcohol craving in half of subjects with the short/short allele (p = 0.033) and in one-fifth of subjects with the long/short allele (p = 0.002) of the 5-HTTLPR gene. In subjects with long/long allele of the 5-HTTLPR gene, there was no change in the severity of alcohol craving between 2nd and 6th weeks of the study (p = 0.242). Conclusion: There was no statistical influence of the homozygous long allele of the 5-HTTLPR gene on severity of alcohol craving during 6 weeks of rehab hospitalisation in comparison to not homozygous and homozygous short alleles. The s-allele was associated with decrease of alcohol craving. It may point on the potential need for differentiated rehabilitation methods depending on the genetic diversity of addicted patients and its role in the severity of alcohol craving.

Role of estradiol in chromium-induced oxidative stress.

This study investigated the role of 17beta-estradiol in chromium-generated oxidative stress in order to determine whether it has a detoxifying activity or increases the toxic effects of chromium compounds. Reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, membrane lipid peroxidation (levels of malondialdehyde -- MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured in blood. Isolated mitochondria were used to investigate the MDA levels and hydroxyl radical (OHradical) generation. The results showed a varying influence of estradiol on the chromium-induced oxidative stress. This paper demonstrated, that 17beta-estradiol showed a positive effect when erythrocytes were exposed to moderate concentrations of CrVI and increased the levels of erythrocytal GSH. Estradiol did not show any interactions with chromium on the antioxidative enzymes (SOD in erythrocytes and GPx in whole blood) activity measurements. Additionally, estradiol played a generally positive role in the chromium-induced lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes. Unexpectedly, the interaction of estradiol with chromium was found in human mitochondria, where estradiol increased the MDA levels induced by both forms of chromium. Estradiol also increased the OHradical generation triggered with CrVI. It appeared that estradiol acted protectively on lipid peroxidation caused by chromium in erythrocytes but gave an interaction with Cr in mitochondria, which partially correlated with hydroxyl radical formation in this organelle.

Enzymatic Activity and Physicochemical Properties of Soil Profiles of Luvisols.

Most studies on soil enzymes are focused on the upper horizons of the soil profile, even though they transform the soil organic matter at every depth of the soil profile. The aim of this work was to investigate the distribution of ß-glucosidase (GLU), nitrate reductase (NR), urease (UR), phosphatase (PHA), dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CAT) activity through 14 trunked soil profiles of the Luvisols formed from a glacial till. The content of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) as well as physicochemical properties such as organic carbon (CORG), total nitrogen (NTOT), available P, K and Mg, soil density and porosity, pH in KCl and fractional composition were also studied. In general, enzymatic activity was highest in the top 30 cm layer of the profiles and decreased progressively towards the deeper horizons. The exceptions were the NR activity, which was active only in the Ap horizon and whose activity decreased sharply to nearly zero in the Bt horizon and parent rock, and the PHA activity, which was highly active even in the parent rock depth. The decreased availability of carbon and nutrients was the main driver of decreases in microbial abundance and enzymatic activity with depth. The enzymatic activity, when expressed on a CORG and MBC basis, behaves differently compared to the activity expressed on a soil mass basis. The activity decreased (NR), increased (PHA, UR), showed no clear pattern (GLU) or the changes were not significant (DHA, CAT). The content of CORG, NTOT, K and PAVAIL generally decreased with depth, while for Mg, there was no clear direction in the profile distribution. Future studies to characterize the substrate distribution within the soil profile and enzyme stability will provide further insight into the controls on nutrient cycling and related enzymes throughout the soil profiles.

Initial Study on COMT and DRD2 Gene Polymorphisms as Well as the Influence of Temperament and Character Trait on the Severity of Alcohol Craving in Alcohol-Dependent Patients.

The main aim of this work was to determine the impact of COMT and DRD2 gene polymorphisms together with temperament and character traits on alcohol craving severity alcohol-dependent persons. The sample comprised of 89 men and 16 women (aged 38±7). For the sake of psychological assessment various analytic methods have been applied like the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) or Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) test. The SNP polymorphism of the analyzed genes was determined by Real Time PCR test. The results showed, that the COMT polymorphismmay have an indirected relationship with the intensity and changes in alcohol craving during abstinence. The DRD2 receptor gene polymorphisms are related with the intensity of alcohol craving. It seems that the character traits like "self-targeting", including "self-acceptance", are more closely related to the severity of alcohol craving and polymorphic changes in the DRD2 receptor than temperamental traits. Although this is a pilot study the obtained results appeared to be promising and clearly indicate the link betweengene polymorphisms alcohol craving and its severity.

[Application of PCR techniques in toxicology]. / Zastosowanie technik PCR w toksykologii.

Molecular biology techniques have become widely used in toxicology, leading to the creation of a new science--molecular toxicology. The goal of molecular toxicology is to detect and study the changes induced by xenobiotics at the molecular level. The research scope of molecular toxicology includes examination of mutations in genomic DNA, differences in mRNA expression and study of genotype indicating individual sensitivity. The processes of activation and detoxification of xenobiotics, drugs and environmental carcinogens involve several enzymes (xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes--XMEs). Most of the chemicals entering our bodies, regardless of whether they have medical, pathogenic or carcinogenic properties, require metabolic activation by phase I enzymes (cytochrome P-450). In the next process the phase I products are usually detoxified by phase II enzymes, mainly by epoxide hydrolase, glutathione transferase, N-acetyltransferase or sulfotransferase. PCR techniques allow precise study of the effects of xenobiotics on cells and tissues by examining the level of activation of genes coding for phase I and II enzymes, or by testing the activity of other elements of the transcriptome. Studies of sensitivity of individual cells or tissues based on examination of mutation or gene polymorphism presence are also relevant. This paper presents the possibility of using various PCR techniques in toxicology and especially in the study of genetically determined sensitivity to xenobiotics. It also covers the possibilities of applying qPCR and qRT-PCR methods in the search for exposure biomarkers with particular emphasis on individual cytochrome P450 isoforms. Furthermore, it provides information about the possibility of implementing the differential display technique in the identification of new genes activated by toxic agents.

Data-Driven Dietary Patterns and Diet Quality Scores: Reproducibility and Consistency in Sex and Age Subgroups of Poles Aged 15-65 Years.

This study aimed to assess: (i) the test-retest reproducibility of identification of data-driven dietary patterns (DPs) derived using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hypothesis-driven DPs (diet quality scores); (ii) the consistency of data-driven DPs with diet quality scores in sex and age subgroups of Poles aged 15-65 years. The study involved 504 subjects (55.6% of females). Data on food consumption frequency (33 food items) were collected twice with a two-week interval using the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN®) in a self-administered version (test and retest). Two major data-driven DPs ('Prudent' and 'Western') were identified in the total sample, sex groups and four age groups separately from test and retest data. Two diet quality scores were analysed: Pro-Healthy-Diet-Index-10 (pHDI-10) and Non-Healthy-Diet-Index-14 (nHDI-14). Tucker's congruence coefficient indicated fair-to-good similarity of data-driven DPs between test and retest for all study subgroups, except for males. Across study subgroups, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the test and retest ranged from 0.56 to 0.86 for 'Prudent' DP and 0.57 to 0.82 for 'Western' DP, with the lowest values in males. The ICC (test vs. retest) ranged from 0.84 to 0.88 for pHDI-10 and 0.75 to 0.88 for nHDI-14. Comparing the data-driven DPs and diet quality scores, the Spearman's correlations ranged from 0.63 to 0.93 between 'Prudent' DP and pHDI-10, and from 0.60 to 0.81 between 'Western' DP and nHDI-14. The test-retest reproducibility of data-driven DPs and diet quality scores and their consistency were acceptable in most of the study subgroups, with a tendency to be higher for pro-health than unhealthy DPs. Data-driven DPs were more reproducible in females than males. The reproducibility of diet quality scores tended to be better in males than females and was the highest in 25-44-year-olds. The KomPAN® questionnaire can be recommended to use data-driven DPs and diet quality scores to describe the habitual diet in people aged 15-65 years.