The effect of tryptophan and serotonin levels on the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The dysfunctional serotonergic system is a factor contributing to the development of depression. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of serotonin and tryptophan on the severity of climacteric and depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved data collection and biochemical analysis. The research instruments were: the Blatt-Kuppermann index, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the proprietary questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of tryptophan (r=0.05; p=0.219) and serotonin (r= -0.03; p=0.537) on the severity of depressive symptoms, or tryptophan on the severity of climacteric symptoms (r=0.019; p=0.657). However, a weak negative correlation was found between the level of serotonin and the severity of climacteric symptoms (r=-0.09; p=0.022). Additionally, it was found that severe depressive symptoms were associated with a significant exacerbation of climacteric symptoms (ß=0.379; p<0.001), while higher serotonin levels alleviated them (ß=-0.604; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Higher severity of depressive symptoms may exacerbate climacteric symptoms. Serotonin levels may influence the severity of climacteric symptoms. Moreover, the higher the serotonin level, the lower the odds of depressive disorders, irrespective of the severity of climacteric symptoms. Tryptophan levels had no effect on the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms in the perimenopausal women.

The effect of repeated whole-body cryostimulation on the HSP-70 and lipid metabolisms in healthy subjects.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to 30 daily whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on lipid metabolic parameters and serum HSP-70 concentration. The study involved 45 volunteers, homogeneous in terms of diet and daily physical activity. Blood samples were collected before and after the 10(th), the 20(th), and the 30(th) session and one month after the intervention. Total cholesterol, HDL, TG concentrations and Apolipoprotein A-I, ApoB and HSP-70 protein levels were determined in serum. Additionally, the LI (Lipid Index) and the LDL level were calculated. During exposure, positive changes in the lipid profile that included a decrease in the TCh, initiated after the 20th WBC session with a simultaneous decrease in TG and LDL levels, and an increase in the HDL concentration were observed. These changes were accompanied by a downward trend in the ApoB concentration and a decrease in the ApoB:ApoA-I ratio after 30 sessions. The nature of these changes persisted for a month after the exposure. The obtained results indicate metabolic benefits that result from prolonged exposure to cryogenic temperatures, confirming the postulate of using WBC in the regulation of lipid metabolism and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Comparison of human erythrocyte purine nucleotide metabolism and blood purine and pyrimidine degradation product concentrations before and after acute exercise in trained and sedentary subjects.

This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of erythrocyte purine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP) in trained and sedentary subjects before and after maximal physical exercise together with measuring the activity of purine metabolism enzymes as well as the concentration of purine (hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid) and pyrimidine (uridine) degradation products in blood. The study included 15 male elite rowers [mean age 24.3 ± 2.56 years; maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 52.8 ± 4.54 mL/kg/min; endurance and strength training 8.2 ± 0.33 h per week for 6.4 ± 2.52 years] and 15 sedentary control subjects (mean age 23.1 ± 3.41 years; VO2max 43.2 ± 5.20 mL/kg/min). Progressive incremental exercise testing until refusal to continue exercising was conducted on a bicycle ergometer. The concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP, IMP and the activities of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) and phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPP-S) were determined in erythrocytes. The concentrations of hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid and uridine were determined in the whole blood before exercise, after exercise, and 30 min after exercise testing. The study demonstrated a significantly higher concentration of ATP in the erythrocytes of trained subjects which, in part, may be explained by higher metabolic activity on the purine re-synthesis pathway (significantly higher PRPP-S, APRT and HGPRT activities). The ATP concentration, just as the ATP/ADP ratio, as well as an exercise-induced increase in this ratio, correlates with the VO2max level in these subjects which allows them to be considered as the important factors characterising physical capacity and exercise tolerance. Maximal physical exercise in the group of trained subjects results not only in a lower post-exercise increase in the concentration of hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid but also in that of uridine. This indicates the possibility of performing high-intensity work with a lower loss of not only purine but also pyrimidine.

Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) as an Index of Metabolic and Hormonal Disorders in Aging Men.

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is an index used for evaluating lipid overaccumulation in adults. Our study aimed at assessing associations between LAP and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, age-related testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS), low-density cholesterol (LDL), as well as HOMA-IR (insulin resistance ratio), insulin level in non-diabetics and total testosterone (TT), estradiol E2, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAs) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in aging men.313 men aged 50-75 were surveyed with regard to the prevalence of diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (HT). Anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference and arterial pressure, were performed. We also determined the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), insulin, TT, SHBG, DHEAs, and E2.Patients with diagnosed MetS, T2DM, HT, obesity, overweight and TDS had a significantly higher LAP compared to those without these conditions. LAP was significantly positively correlated with serum TC, FPG, insulin, DHEAs, as well as APB-systolic concentration, and negatively correlated with HDL, TT, and SHBG.LAP may then be used as a simple and inexpensive biomarker of metabolic disorders, and in risk assessment related to testosterone deficiency in aging men.

Uridine--an indicator of post-exercise uric acid concentration and blood pressure.

Studies have shown that uridine concentration in plasma may be an indicator of uric acid production in patients with gout. It has been also postulated that uridine takes part in blood pressure regulation. Since physical exercise is an effective tool in treatment and prevention of cardio-vascular diseases that are often accompanied by hyperuricemia and hypertension, it seemed advisable to attempt to evaluate the relationship between oxypurine concentrations (Hyp, Xan and UA) and that of Urd and BP after physical exercise in healthy subjects. Sixty healthy men (17.2+/-1.71 years, BMI 23.2+/-2.31 kg m(-2), VO(2max) 54.7+/-6.48 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) took part in the study. The subjects performed a single maximal physical exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Blood for analyses was sampled three times: immediately before exercise, immediately after exercise, and in the 30th min of rest. Concentrations of uridine and hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid were determined in whole blood using high-performance liquid chromatography. We have shown in this study that the maximal exercise-induced increase of uridine concentration correlates with the post-exercise increase of uric acid concentration and systolic blood pressure. The results of our study show a relationship between uridine concentration in blood and uric acid concentration and blood pressure. We have been the first to demonstrate that a maximal exercise-induced increase in uridine concentration is correlated with the post-exercise and recovery-continued increase of uric acid concentration in healthy subjects. Thus, it appears that uridine may be an indicator of post-exercise hyperuricemia and blood pressure.

Insulin resistance induced by maximal exercise correlates with a post-exercise increase in uridine concentration in the blood of healthy young men.

Uridine is postulated to participate in the development of insulin resistance. Since exercise is an effective tool in the treatment of insulin resistance it appeared justified to assess the impact of maximal exercise on plasma uridine and insulin sensitivity indices (e.g. insulin and HOMA-IR) in healthy subjects. The study included forty-four healthy males (18.5+/-2.92 years, VO2max 50.2+/-6.26 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹). Subjects performed a single maximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Blood samples were taken three times: immediately before exercise, immediately after exercise and at the 30(th) min of rest. Uridine concentrations were determined in the whole blood using high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum insulin levels were measured by a specific ELISA method. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR). A maximal exercise-induced increase in the concentration of uridine correlated with post-exercise increases in insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Our results indicate a relationship between the concentration of uridine in the blood and indicators of insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects. We are the first to demonstrate that a maximal exercise-induced increase in the concentration of uridine is correlated with post-exercise increases in insulin levels and HOMA-IR in healthy subjects. It appears that uridine may be an indicator of insulin resistance.

Microbicidal properties of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma/Fibrin (L-PRP/L-PRF): new perspectives.

Platelets, as main actors of the first stage of the healing process, play an important role in tissue repair. Their granules contain many active substances, particularly over 30 growth factors with significant effects on the resident cells at the site of injury, such as mesenchymal stem cells, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, osteoblasts. This potential may be increased by the concentration of the platelets, using platelet-rich plasma/fibrin products. In the four families of platelet concentrates, 2 families contain also significant concentrations of leukocytes: L-PRP (Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma) and L-PRF (Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin). Inductive properties of platelet concentrates were widely described. However, they present also antimicrobial effects. The antibacterial effects of L-PRP were highlighted in only a few in vitro studies. Strong activity comparable to gentamicin and oxacillin for L-PRP against methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was already demonstrated. L-PRP also inhibited the growth of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli. Some authors also reported clinical observations about the reduction of infections and the induction of healing processes after the use of platelet concentrates in cardiac, orthopaedic, oral and maxillofacial surgery. However, very little is yet known about the antibacterial effects of these concentrates. In this manuscript, the current data about the antimicrobial agents and cells present in the platelet-rich plasma/fibrin are highlighted and discussed, in order to introduce this new key chapter of the platelet concentrate technology history.

Growth factor content in PRP and their applicability in medicine.

This paper reviews available reports on the advantages and possibilities of clinical use of platelet-rich plasma preparations, with particular emphasis on platelet growth factors. Platelets, an important reservoir of growth factors in the body, play an important role in many processes such as coagulation, immune response, angiogenesis and the healing of damaged tissues. Numerous proteins are contained in the alpha-granules of platelets: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet factor interleukin (IL), platelet-derived angiogenesis factor (PDAF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor IGF and fibronectin. The development of methods and systems for blood and cell sorting (e.g. CAPSS - compact advanced platelet sequestration system Elektromedics 500, PCCS - platelet concentrate collection system Curasan) have made it possible to obtain significant concentrations of platelets (even by 338 percent) and high concentrations of growth factors, in a form of sterile mass that can be used immediately for clinical purposes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP; autologous platelet-rich plasma - APRP) are platelet concentrates made of autogenous blood with a high number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The clinical efficacy of platelet concentrates depends mainly on the number of platelets and the concentration of their growth factors, which act as transmitters in most processes in tissues, particularly in healing where they are responsible for proliferation, differentiation, chemotaxis and tissue morphogenesis. They operate as part of autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mechanisms. Growth factors derived from centrifuged blood were first used in patients with chronic skin ulcers. The clinical use of PRP for a wide variety of applications has been reported mostly in oral and maxillo-facial surgery, orthopedic surgery, treatment of soft tissue diseases and injuries, treatment of burns, hard-to-heal wounds, tissue engineering and implantology.

Platelet lipidomic.

Lipids account for 16-19 percent dry platelet matter and includes 65 percent phospholipids, 25 percent neutral lipids and about 8 percent glycosphingolipids. The cell membrane that surrounds platelets is a bilayer that contains different types phospholipids symmetrically distributed in resting platelets, such as phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin. The collapse of lipid asymmetry is exposure of phosphatidylserine in the external leaflet of the plasma bilayer, where it is known to serve at least two major functions: providing a platform for development of the blood coagulation cascade and presenting the signal that induces phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. During activation, this asymmetrical distribution becomes disrupted, and PS and PE become exposed on the cell surface. The transbilayer movement of phosphatidylserine is responsible for the platelet procoagulant activity. Exposure of phosphatidylserine is a flag for macrophage recognition and clearance from the circulation. Platelets, stored at room temperature for transfusion for more than 5 days, undergo changes collectively known as platelet storage lesions. Thus, the platelet lipid composition and its possible modifications over time are crucial for efficacy of platelet rich plasma therapy. Moreover, a number of substances derived from lipids are contained into platelets. Eicosanoids are lipid signaling mediators generated by the action of lipoxygenase and include prostaglandins, thromboxane A2, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Isoprostanes have a chemical structure similar to this of prostanoids, but are differently produced into the particle, and are ligands for prostaglandins receptors, exhibiting biological activity like thromboxane A2. Endocannabinoids are derivatives from arachidonic acid which could reduce local pain. Phospholipids growth factors (sphingolipids, lysophosphatidic acid, platelet-activating factor) are involved in tissue regenerating process. Finally, a warning concerning the atherogenic role of platelets, although it should not be exerted in a local therapy, is mentioned. The lipid content of plaletets must be taken into account when these particles are concentrated and used for a local therapy, while the different categories of lipid derivatives could improve or affect the quality of the product.

Adenine, guanine and pyridine nucleotides in blood during physical exercise and restitution in healthy subjects.

Maximal physical exertion is accompanied by increased degradation of purine nucleotides in muscles with the products of purine catabolism accumulating in the plasma. Thanks to membrane transporters, these products remain in an equilibrium between the plasma and red blood cells where they may serve as substrates in salvage reactions, contributing to an increase in the concentrations of purine nucleotides. In this study, we measured the concentrations of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP), inosine nucleotides (IMP), guanine nucleotides (GTP, GDP, GMP), and also pyridine nucleotides (NAD, NADP) in red blood cells immediately after standardized physical effort with increasing intensity, and at the 30th min of rest. We also examined the effect of muscular exercise on adenylate (guanylate) energy charge--AEC (GEC), and on the concentration of nucleosides (guanosine, inosine, adenosine) and hypoxanthine. We have shown in this study that a standardized physical exercise with increasing intensity leads to an increase in IMP concentration in red blood cells immediately after the exercise, which with a significant increase in Hyp concentration in the blood suggests that Hyp was included in the IMP pool. Restitution is accompanied by an increase in the ATP/ADP and ADP/AMP ratios, which indicates an increase in the phosphorylation of AMP and ADP to ATP. Physical effort applied in this study did not lead to changes in the concentrations of guanine and pyridine nucleotides in red blood cells.

Activity of selected enzymes in erythrocytes and level of plasma antioxidants in response to single whole-body cryostimulation in humans.

The influence of extremely low temperatures on the human body and physiological reactions is not fully understood. The aim of this research was to estimate the influence of a single exposure to cryogenic temperature (-130 degrees C), without subsequent kinesiotherapy, on the activity of the most crucial antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (R-GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (T-GSH). In the plasma, the concentrations of glutathione, uric acid, albumins and extra-erythrocyte haemoglobin as components of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system were evaluated. The subjects were 10 healthy young men. Blood was sampled in the morning on the day of cryostimulation, 30 min after cryostimulation and the next morning. The enzymatic response of the antioxidant defence to the influence of the extremely low temperature resulted in an immediate, significant, increase in GPx and R-GSSG activities, but a decrease in CAT and T-GSH activities. We observed an increase in the concentrations of all the examined non-enzymatic antioxidants, especially extra-erythrocyte haemoglobin and uric acid, which had both increased further the day after cryostimulation. The results indicate that a single stimulation with cryogenic temperatures results in oxidative stress in a healthy body, but that the level of stress is not very high. It seems that in this case the most significant role in the antioxidant mechanisms is played by peroxidase.