Application of polymeric membranes for the purification of solutions containing cationic surfactants.

The aim of the study was to examine physicochemical properties of three cationic surfactants and to evaluate the effectiveness of their removal with the use of polymeric membranes. The experiments were performed in a laboratory scale set-up with the use of Microdyn-Nadir® nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes. Cetrimonium bromide (CTAB), benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and Tequat LC90i (TEAQ) were chosen for the test. In the experiments, surfactant solutions in a wide range of concentration were treated (50-3,000 mg L-1). The experimental research included evaluation of the effect of membrane type and solution parameters (surfactant type and concentration, presence of inorganic compounds) on the process efficiency (retention coefficient and permeate flux). It was shown that surfactant removal by means of the pressure-driven membrane processes is an extensive issue and its efficiency depends on many factors. Ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes proved to be usable in CTAB removal (separation exceeded 90%); however, the process effectiveness was affected by surfactant concentration, membrane polymer type and membrane pore size. Separation obtained for BAC was on the lower level - the use of nanofiltration membranes brought maximum retention of 70%. TEAQ separation was very high and reached 100% with the use of ultrafiltration membranes. Mineral salt addition led to significant drop in surfactant retention.

Antioxidant action of six Trifolium species in blood platelet experimental system in vitro.

This study includes a comparative evaluation of antioxidant effects of plant extracts (1.5-50.0 µg/ml), derived from six clover (Trifolium) species: T. alexandrinum L., T. fragiferum L., T. hybridum L., T. incarnatum L., T. resupinatum var. majus Boiss., and T. resupinatum var. resupinatum L. Chemical profiles of the extracts contained three or four groups of (poly)phenolic compounds such as phenolic acids, clovamides, isoflavones, and other flavonoids. Antioxidant properties of Trifolium extracts were assessed as the efficacy to reduce oxidative and nitrative damage to blood platelets, exposed to 100 µM peroxynitrite-induced oxidative stress in vitro. Antioxidant actions of the examined extracts were determined by the following biomarkers of oxidative stress: thiol groups, 3-nitrotyrosine, lipid hydroperoxides, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Despite the significant differences in the chemical composition (the total phenolic concentrations varied between 11.30 and 52.55 mg/g of dry mass) of Trifolium extracts, we observed noticeable protective effects of almost all tested plant preparations. The T. alexandrinum extract, containing the highest concentration of phenols, was the most effective antioxidant among the tested extracts. On the other hand, the T. incarnatum extract, which contained a comparable total phenolic content (49.77 mg/g), was less efficient in prevention of tyrosine nitration and generation of TBARS. These findings indicate on the important role of individual phenolic components of the examined clover extracts for the final antioxidative effects. Antioxidative properties of the remaining extracts were noticeably weaker.

Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 in human obesity: regulation by insulin infusion and relationship with glucose and lipid oxidation.

OBJECTIVE: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) reduces plasma glucose and triglycerides, and increases free fatty acid oxidation in animal models of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationships of serum FGF21 with glucose oxidation (GOx) and lipid oxidation (LOx) in the baseline and insulin-stimulated conditions in lean and obese subjects. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Eighty-four subjects with normal glucose tolerance, 42 lean (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg m(-2)) and 42 overweight or obese (BMI between 25 and 40 kg m(-2)). MEASUREMENTS: Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and indirect calorimetry in the baseline state and during last 30 min of the clamp. The change in respiratory quotient (ΔRQ) in response to insulin was used as a measure of metabolic flexibility. Serum FGF21 was determined in the baseline state and after the clamp. RESULTS: Obese subjects had higher LOx in the baseline and insulin-stimulated conditions, lower insulin-stimulated GOx and ΔRQ (all P<0.05). Fasting serum FGF21 did not differ between the groups. Insulin infusion resulted in an increase in serum FGF21 in the obese (P=0.0001), but not in the lean group (P=0.76). Postclamp serum FGF21 was higher in the obese subjects (P=0.0007). In this group, postclamp FGF21 was related to LOx during the clamp (r=0.32, P=0.044), change in GOx and LOx in response to insulin (r=-0.44, P=0.005; r=0.47, P=0.002; respectively) and ΔRQ (r=-0.50, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in serum FGF21 in response to insulin in obese subjects might represent inappropriate response, possibly associated with metabolic inflexibility in obesity and insulin resistance.

Impact of FTO genotypes on BMI and weight in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: FTO gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to be associated with obesity-related traits and type 2 diabetes. Several small studies have suggested a greater than expected effect of the FTO rs9939609 SNP on weight in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We therefore aimed to examine the impact of FTO genotype on BMI and weight in PCOS. METHODS: A systematic search of medical databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL) was conducted up to the end of April 2011. Seven studies describing eight distinct PCOS cohorts were retrieved; seven were genotyped for SNP rs9939609 and one for SNP rs1421085. The per allele effect on BMI and body weight increase was calculated and subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,548 women with PCOS were included in the study; 762 were TT homozygotes, 1,253 had an AT/CT genotype, and 533 were AA/CC homozygotes. Each additional copy of the effect allele (A/C) increased the BMI by a mean of 0.19 z score units (95% CI 0.13, 0.24; p = 2.26 × 10(-11)) and body weight by a mean of 0.20 z score units (95% CI 0.14, 0.26; p = 1.02 × 10(-10)). This translated into an approximately 3.3 kg/m(2) increase in BMI and an approximately 9.6 kg gain in body weight between TT and AA/CC homozygotes. The association between FTO genotypes and BMI was stronger in the cohorts with PCOS than in the general female populations from large genome-wide association studies. Deviation from an additive genetic model was observed in heavier populations. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The effect of FTO SNPs on obesity-related traits in PCOS seems to be more than two times greater than the effect found in large population-based studies. This suggests an interaction between FTO and the metabolic context or polygenic background of PCOS.

Next- generation sequencing is an effective method for diagnosing patients with different forms of monogenic diabetes.

AIM: Monogenic diabetes (MD) represents 5-7% of antibody-negative diabetes cases and is a heterogeneous group of disorders. METHODS: We used targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) on Illumina NextSeq 550 platform involving the SureSelect assay to perform genetic and clinical characteristics of a study group of 684 individuals, including 542 patients referred from 12 Polish Diabetes Centers with suspected MD diagnosed between December 2016 and December 2019 and their 142 family members (FM). RESULTS: In 198 probands (36.5%) and 66 FM (46.5%) heterozygous causative variants were confirmed in 11 different MD-related genes, including 31 novel mutations, with the highest number in the GCK gene (206/264), 22/264 in the HNF1A gene and 8/264 in the KCNJ11 gene. Of the 183 probands with MODY1-5 diabetes, 48.6% of them were diagnosed at the pre-diabetes stage and most of them (68.7%) were on diet only at the time of genetic diagnosis, while 31.3% were additionally treated with oral hypoglycaemic drugs and/or insulin. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results obtained confirm the efficacy of targeted NGS method in the molecular diagnosis of patients with suspected MD and broaden the spectrum of new causal variants, while updating our knowledge of the clinical features of patients defined as having MD.

[The effect of intragastric balloon on serum lipids level in patients with morbid obesity]. / Wplyw leczenia balonem wewnatrz-zoladkowym na stezienie lipidów w surowicy u pacjentów z otyloscia olbrzymia.

Obesity is recently considered as the twentieth first century epidemy. An excessive accumulation of adipocytes that constitute metabolically active tissue, plays an important role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In the morbidly obese population dyslipidemia is common. AIM OF OUR STUDY: To determine the content of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL) and triacylglicerol (TG) in obese subjects treated with the Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: BIB was placement for 6 months in 21 obese patients, mean age 40 (21-60), with BMI 473 +/- 5.7 kg/m2. The control group consisted of 15 morbidly obese patients treated conservatively. Plasma lipid concentration were assessed by the enzymatic methods. RESULTS: No major complications have been noted in patients with BIB. However, nearly all patients complained of discomfort, nausea and vomiting for the first few days. Over a 6-month-period, a reduction in body mass in the BIB group was 17.1 +/- 8.0 kg as compared to 3.2 +/- 6.4 kg in the control group (p = 0.00003). The biggest reduction in body mass was observed during first month. After one month, total cholesterol (TC) decreased by 17.6% (p < 0.001), triacylglycerol (TG) decreased by 25.5% (p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) decreased by 27.5% (p < 0.001). In the control group, the corresponding levels of TC, TG and LDL remained unchanged. The level of HDL increased in both group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with morbid obesity treated with BIB, weight loss is accompanied by a decrease in concentration TC, LDL and TG and increase in plasma HDL. The reduction of lipid concentration in blood serum may cut down cholesterol-lowering therapy and diminish the risk for development of coronary heart disease.

Homocysteine concentrations and vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well known risk factor for the diseases of the cardiovascular system, which seem to be the main cause of increased mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of homocysteine in patients with type 2 diabetes in respect to the regimen of diabetes treatment as well as the presence of diabetic complications. METHODS: The investigation was carried out in the group of 64 patients with type 2 diabetes and in 18 healthy subjects from the control group. Clinical examination and measurements of homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, glycosylated hemoglobin concentration and evaluation of parameters of the lipid metabolism, microalbuminuria and creatinine were done in both groups. RESULTS: Homocysteine concentration was significantly higher in the group of patients with diabetes in comparison to the control group (p = 0.0007). Diabetic patients had significantly lower concentrations of folic acid (p = 0.028) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.025) together with higher levels of systolic blood pressure (p = 0.007). In the group of patients with diabetes no differences in homocysteine levels were found in respect to diabetes treatment. Diabetic patients with coronary artery disease had significantly higher homocysteine concentration in comparison to the group with diabetes without history of coronary artery disease (p = 0.0097). Homocysteine levels correlated significantly with incidence of ischaemic heart disease (r = 0.44, p = 0.001) and microalbuminuria (r = 0.26, p = 0.019). Negative correlation was noticed in HDL concentrations (r = -0.30, p = 0.013) and the levels of folic acid (r = -0.30, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetic patients may contribute to the development of chronic complications. The influence of diabetes treatment on Hcy levels requires further observations.

Disturbances of glucose metabolism in men referred for coronary arteriography. Postload glycemia as predictor for coronary atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: In some studies, fasting and postload glycemia are a strong predictor of coronary events and cardiac death. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between fasting and postload glucose concentrations and coronary status in 363 men referred for coronary arteriography without a previous history of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 363 men (mean age 53.0 +/- 9.1 years, mean BMI 27.9 +/- 3.7 kg/m2) with positive results of exercise testing were included in the study. A standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with glucose and insulin estimations was performed on all subjects. The concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HbA1c were also measured. All patients were divided into four groups, according to coronary status: no changes in coronary arteries (group 0, n = 61), one-vessel disease (group 1, n = 113), two-vessel disease (group II, n = 116), and three-vessel disease (group III, n = 73). RESULTS: The highest postload glucose concentrations were observed in group III. Also, insulin concentrations and HbA1c increased with the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries. Based on results of the OGTT, 16% of the patients (n = 59) fulfilled the World Health Organization criteria for type 2 diabetes and 36% of the patients (n = 131) met criteria for impaired glucose tolerance. Significant correlations were observed between the number of involved vessels and postload glycemia, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and postload insulin. The multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that age, total cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol independently correlated with the number of involved vessels. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with advanced changes in the coronary arteries experience more pronounced metabolic disturbances. Postload glycemia could be an important predictor of nondiagnosed disturbances of glucose metabolism.

Gammadelta T-cells alterations in the peripheral blood of high risk diabetes type 1 subjects with subclinical pancreatic B-cells impairment.

There is increasing evidence that CD3 + cells bearing gammadelta T-cell receptor (represent the minor subpopulation of the T-cells in the peripheral blood in humans) are involved in autoimmunity development. Gammadelta T-cell receptor (TCR)+ /CD8+ T-cells have been recently found to play a critical role in the pathogenesis and prevention of autoimmune diabetes in the animal model. The aim of the present study was the estimation the gammadelta T-cell subpopulation levels in the peripheral blood of subjects with preclinical and overt type 1 diabetes and their possible associations with the humoral immunity, metabolic parameters and pancreatic B-cells function. The study was carried out in three groups of subjects: 26 first degree relatives of type 1 diabetes patients (prediabetics) with the combinations of autoantibodies against pancreatic B-cells (ICA, GADA, IA-2A, IAA), 22 patients with a recent onset of type 1 diabetes and age and sex-matched 24 healthy volunteers (control group). A decrease was observed in the absolute numbers and percentages of gammadelta+ /CD8+ and gammadelta+ /CD8- T-cell subpopulations in peripheral blood in the prediabetics with the impaired first phase of insulin secretion in comparison to relatives with autoantibodies but still with normal B-cells function, patients with clinical diabetes and healthy controls. In conclusion, the study suggests that the gammadelta T-cells play an important role in the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It is possible that their levels in the peripheral blood could be an additional marker of preclinical detection of the disease, but further prospective studies in high risk of IDDM subjects are needed.

Insulin, leptin, IGF-I and insulin-dependent protein concentrations after insulin-sensitizing therapy in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical, hormonal and biochemical effect of 4-5 months of insulin-sensitizing therapy (hypocaloric diet+metformin) in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Twenty-three obese patients with PCOS, 19 obese patients without menstrual disturbances and 11 healthy control women were recruited from the Department of Endocrinology and Endocrine Gynecology, Medical Academy, Bialystok, Poland. Obese patients received 500 mg metformin together with hypocaloric diet three times daily for 4-5 months, after baseline study. The clinical parameters, menstrual pattern and serum concentrations of insulin, leptin, IGF-I, insulin-dependent proteins (sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)), gonadotropins and sex steroids were determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: In the baseline study, obese patients with PCOS had significantly higher insulin, testosterone and LH concentrations in comparison with the other groups. The serum leptin, IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and SHBG were not different between the two groups of obese patients, but there was a significant difference in comparison with the control group. After metformin therapy a significant reduction in BMI, % of body fat and leptin concentration were observed in both groups of obese patients. Fasting insulin, testosterone and LH concentrations decreased significantly only in the PCOS group. Six out of 11 patients in the PCOS group had more regular menstrual cycles; two patients conceived. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin-sensitizing therapy could be considered as an additional therapeutic option in obese women with PCOS.

Changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha system and insulin sensitivity during an exercise training program in obese women with normal and impaired glucose tolerance.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Plasma levels of the soluble (s) fractions of TNFalpha receptors, especially sTNFR2, are good indicators of TNFalpha system activation in obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of exercise training on the TNFalpha system and to evaluate the relationship with changes in insulin sensitivity. DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixteen obese women (body mass index (BMI)>27.8 kg/m(2)), 8 with normal (NGT) and 8 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), participated in an exercise training program which lasted for 12 weeks and included exercise performed on a bicycle ergometer at an individual intensity of 70% maximal heart rate, for 30 min, 5 days a week. Anthropometrical measurements and blood biochemical analyses were performed, and plasma TNFalpha, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels were assessed. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated using the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp technique (insulin infusion: 50 mU x kg(-1)xh(-1)). RESULTS: At baseline, despite similar anthropometrical parameters, IGT subjects were markedly more insulin resistant and had higher TNFalpha and sTNFR2 concentrations. Exercise training increased insulin sensitivity and decreased TNFalpha and sTNFR2 levels, while sTNFR1 remained unchanged. The decrease in sTNFR2 was significantly related to the increase in insulin sensitivity; that relationship remained significant after adjustment for the concurrent changes in BMI, waist circumference, percentage of body fat, plasma glucose, insulin and free fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical exercise decreases TNFalpha system activity and that decrease may be responsible for the concurrent increase in insulin sensitivity.

The effect of exercise training on glucose tolerance and skeletal muscle triacylglycerol content in rats fed with a high-fat diet.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of exercise training on glucose tolerance and glycogen and triacylglycerol (TG) content in different types of skeletal muscles and in the liver of rats fed with a high-fat diet. From 8 to 11 weeks of age male Wistar rats were fed with isocaloric standard (control) or high-fat diet (HFD--59% calories as fat) and were additionally assigned to a sedentary or trained group (4 weeks of training on a treadmill). An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) with the determination of basal and post load insulin was performed before the final tissue sampling. HFD rats developed marked hyperinsulinemia. Exercise training improved glucose tolerance and insulin response in the control group only (AUC for glucose in control sedentary vs control trained, p<0.05; AUC for insulin: control sedentary vs control trained, p<0.005). Liver glycogen was significantly lower in the HFD group (p<0.05 vs control sedentary) and did not increase after exercise training. Muscle and liver TG content was markedly higher in the HFD group in comparison to control (p<0.0001 in all cases). Exercise training increased TG content in the control group in all examined tissues except white gastrocnemius (p<0.001 in all cases compared to sedentary controls), and did not affect tissue TG in the HFD group. After exercise training there was still markedly higher tissue TG content in the HFD group vs control (p<0.0001 in all cases). We conclude that beneficial metabolic effects of training are impaired in high-fat fed rats and that training does not completely reverse metabolic disturbances in this group of animals.

The effect of fasting and physical exercise on plasma leptin concentrations in high-fat fed rats.

The aim of our study was to estimate the effect of fasting and physical exercise on a treadmill on plasma leptin concentrations in high-fat fed rats. Male Wistar rats were injected a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) or buffer at 2 days of age and later fed a standard or high-fat diet (HFD). Plasma leptin was measured by RIA method in all the groups studied in basal conditions, after 48h fasting, a single bout of exhaustive exercise, and 4 weeks of exercise training. Plasma leptin concentrations were markedly elevated in the HFD and STZ/HFD groups compared to the control group. The significant correlation between plasma leptin and body weight was noted. Fasting and exercise training decreased plasma leptin in similar percentage in all the groups studied. The observed decrease was greater than expected from changes in body weight. We conclude that high-fat feeding results in an increase in plasma leptin levels in rats independently of plasma insulin or daily calorie intake. High-fat fed rats have maintained leptin response to fasting and exercise training. The reduction in plasma leptin after exercise training is partly independent on changes in body weight or plasma insulin.

The effect of a single bout of exhaustive exercise on muscle carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the present study was to estimate whether a single bout of exhaustive exercise influences the glycogen and triglyceride (TG) content in red and white gastrocnemius muscle and in the liver of rats with experimental type 2 diabetes. Experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats fed from 8 to 11 weeks of age with isocaloric standard or high-fat diet (HFD) with a previous injection of low-dose of streptozotocin (STZ) or vehicle at 2 days of age (I, control group; II, HFD; III, STZ; IV, STZ + HFD). Group IV (STZ + HFD) represents a model of type 2 diabetes. Basal liver glycogen was markedly lower in all the studied groups compared to controls. Glycogen concentration after exercise fell significantly in the examined tissues in all groups in comparison to basal conditions. A significant TG accumulation in examined tissues was observed in all the studied groups in comparison to controls. Exercise decreased tissue TG content in all the groups, but it remained significantly higher in the experimental groups vs. control. We conclude that in this model of type 2 diabetes, a single bout of exercise reveals defective utilization of tissue carbohydrates and lipids.

[The evaluation of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidative enzymes activity in cord blood and placental homogenates of pregnant diabetic women]. / Ocena stezenia produktów peroksydacji lipidów oraz aktywnosci wybranych enzymów antyoksydacyjnych we krwi pepowinowej i w lozysku u kobiet ciezarnych z cukrzyca.

The aim of our study was to estimate the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and antioxidant system activity in cord blood and placental homogenates of 13 pregnant women with type I diabetes, 15 patients with gestational diabetes and 16 healthy pregnant women. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, glutathione (GSH) content and the activity of CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) (Bioxytech, Oxis International S. A.) were measured. MDA and GSH levels increased significantly, whereas SOD activity was markedly diminished in diabetics, especially in these with type I, in comparison with the control group. Our results support the hypothesis that diabetic pregnant women and their fetuses/neonates are exposed to an increased oxidative stress. Moreover, we suggest that the measurement of oxidative stress level may be useful in clinical practice to assess fetus/neonate state and the risk of possible complications.

[The effect of obesity on ovarian function. I. Serum insulin and insulin dependent protein concentrations in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Wplyw otylosci na funkcje jajnika. I. Insulina i bialka insulinozalezne w surowicy krwi otylych kobiet z zespolem policystycznych jajników.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to estimate the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN: The study was carried out in 21 obese women with PCO, 18 obese women without menstrual disturbances and 9 normal-weight healthy women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all patients antropomethric parameters: weight, height, % of body fat, waist and hip girths were measured and than BMI and WHR were calculated. Oral glucose tolerance test after 75 g glucose was done after overnight fast. Plasma glucose and insulin were measured in 0 min, 60 min and 120 min of the test. The concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, SHBG, LH, FSH, testosterone, cortisol, PRL, estradiol, were estimated. RESULTS: There was statistical significant difference between plasma insulin concentrations in obese patients with PCO in comparison to obese women with normal menstrual cycle (p < 0.05) and control group (p < 0.001). The concentrations of IGFBP-1 and SHBG were similar in both groups of obese patients and differ markedly in comparison to the control group. There were significant correlation between plasma insulin and % body fat, BMI and waist girth in all studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in obese women with PCO insulin influence ovarian androgen production and decreases the serum SHBG and IGFBP-1 which could contribute in the augmentation of the symptoms of PCO.

[The influence of obesity on ovarian function. II. Plasma leptin concentration in women with polycystic ovary syndrome]. / Wplyw otylosci na funkcje jajnika. II. Leptyna w surowicy krwi pacjentek z zespolem policystycznych jajników.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to estimate the leptin role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. DESIGN: The study was carried out in 21 obese women with PCO, 18 obese women without menstrual disturbances and 9 normal-weight healthy women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all patients antropomethric parameters: weight, height, % of body fat, waist and hip girths were measured and than BMI and WHR were calculated. Plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin, LH, FSH, testosterone, cortisol, PRL, estradiol were estimated. RESULTS: There were no statistical significant difference between plasma leptin concentrations in obese patients with PCO in comparison to obese women with normal menstrual cycle. In both groups of obese patients plasma leptin concentrations was significantly higher than in control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). There were significant correlation between plasma leptin and % body fat, BMI and waist girth in all studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that leptin is not directly involved in observed hormonal disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome. The main predictor of plasma leptin concentrations in patients with PCO is amount of body fat.

[IA-2 and anti-GAD antibodies in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and their first degree relatives]. / Przeciwciala antylA-2 i antyGAD u pacjentów z nowo rozpoznana cukrzyca typu 1 i ich krewnych 1 stopnia.

Antibodies recognising different pancreatic autoantigens (Abs) are detected many years before the clinical onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The humoral immune alterations, observed in the susceptible subjects, for example in first degree relatives of IDDM patients, could serve as predictive markers of IDDM development. It has recently been suggested that the predictive value of these humoral markers is associated with the number of the studied antibodies directed against different pancreatic antigens (ICA, GADA, IA-2,A IAA). The aim of the study was the estimation of the prevalence and titre of the antibodies directed against protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (IA-2) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes type 1 and their first degree relatives. The investigations were carried out in 52 diabetics (aged 5-25 years) and 136 first degree relatives. IA-2A and GADA were performed by radiobinding assay (RIA) using 2 microliters of serum and recombinant S35-labelled GAD65 and IA-2 antigens. The threshold of Abs detection was > or = 97.5 centile (of healthy schoolchildren). At least one of the antibody marker was detected in 92.7% of newly diagnosed IDDM patients, slightly more frequently observed were GADA (78.8%) than IA-2A (71.2%). The presence of 2 types of antibodies was found in 8.7% of parents and 9.4% of the siblings. The results of our study confirm high sensitivity and specificity of the combined measurement of IA-2A and GADA in recognising of autoimmune alterations in diabetes type 1 development. Taking into consideration small volume of the serum suitable for Abs measurement and possibility of the combined estimation of these Abs it seems that IA-2A and GADA combined measurement could actually serve as a screening marker for the detection of high risk of IDDM subjects also in the Polish population, but studies concerning their predictive value in the general population are suggested.

[Prevalence of ICA antibodies, anti-GAD and antylA-2 in women with gestational diabetes treated with diet]. / Wystepowanie przeciwcial ICA, antyGAD i antylA-2 u kobiet z cukrzyca ciezarnych leczonych dieta cukrzycowa.

UNLABELLED: Gestational diabetes is considered an important factor complicating foetal development. Furthermore it might potentate the risk of type I maternal diabetes after delivery. Nowadays, on the basis of a detection of antibodies against islet cells (ICA, anti GAD, IA-2 IAA), we can recognize autoimmune disorders typical for the type I diabetes. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of islet cells autoantibodies in women with a history of gestational diabetes and to assess, if they might be a risk factor for foetus development and gestation outcome. Our investigations were carried out in 156 patients with the history of gestational diabetes (treated with diet), 6 weeks after delivery. ICA, anti GAD, IA-2, HbA1c and lipid profiles were estimated. Then IVGTT was performed to measure the first phase of insulin secretion. The number of previous abortions per number of pregnancies and birth weight of children were also assessed. In the population studied the most frequently detected antibodies were anti-GAD--7.0% and ICA--5.1%, less frequently--IA-2--3.2%. The prevalence of Abs was higher than in the healthy population but lower than observed among women with family history of type I diabetes. The presence of 2 types of antibodies was found in 3.8% of patients. In the group with the autoimmune disorders, significantly higher birth weights and more frequent failures of previous pregnancies were found. IN CONCLUSION: the foregoing data suggest that the detection of antibodies against the beta cells in women with gestational diabetes might be a serious risk factor and a possible indication for early insulin treatment. As a result the better prognosis of gestation outcome is expected. However, we believe that the further prospective studies are required to verify our statement.

[Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and acid-base status in cord blood of newborns after diabetes in pregnancy]. / Ocena peroksydacji lipidów i równowaga kwasowo-zasadowa u noworodka z ciazy powiklanej cukrzyca.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation products and scavenging enzyme activity in placenta and cord blood as well as the estimation of acid-base status and blood gases. Seventy five pregnant patients and their newborns were investigated. Twenty eight had pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and 19 gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The following parameters were measured: malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, glutathione (GSH) levels, the activity of CuZn dismutase (SOD) (Bioxytech, France). Base excess, pO2, pCO2 and pH were measured in arterial and venous samples. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test. MDA levels and GSH content increased significantly, while SOD activities declined in diabetic group. Newborns of PDGM mothers had essentially diminished pH and rised both, pCO2 and base deficit. There were no any significant differences in parameters of acid-base balance in newborns of patients with GDM as compared with healthy patients. Our results suggest, that in diabetic patients the fetuses are exposed to increased oxidative stress. The evaluation of antioxidant defence and lipid peroxidation, apart from routine measurement of acid-base balance, might serve as a useful marker of fetal distress in diabetic patients.