Chemical Components of Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa Induce Apoptotic-Type Cell Death of Caco-2 Cells.

Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa plant is used in traditional Mongolian medicine. However, its chemical composition and biological properties are poorly explored. In this study, the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids as well as antioxidant activity were verified in plant extract. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrometric (6.62 mg GAE/g and 10.32 mg QE/g) and chromatographic (17,598 mg/kg and 17,467 mg/kg) assays. The antioxidant potential was investigated by DPPH assay and yielded IC50 at 18.76 µg/mL. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified as components of O. pseudoglandulosa extract. Kaempferol-3-O-robinosyl-7-O-rhamnoside and kaempferol-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinosyl-7-rhamnoside made up 80% of determined components and were found to be the major polyphenolic compounds. The biological properties of O. pseudoglandulosa extracts were determined in vitro using human epithelial adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line. Low concentrations of extract (0-30 µg/mL) exhibited protective effects against cell damage caused by chemically induced oxidative stress. Elevated concentrations, on the other hand, resulted in apoptotic-type cell death induction. Metabolic failure, ROS elevation and membrane permeabilization observed in cells upon incubation with extract dosages above 50 µg/mL allowed us to conclude on O. pseudoglandulosa being predominantly a necrosis inducer.

Polyphenols Content, Antioxidant Properties and Allergenic Potency of Organic and Conventional Blue Honeysuckle Berries.

Blue honeysuckle berries are a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of organic and conventional cultivation on the polyphenols, antioxidant and allergenic potency of blue honeysuckle berry cultivars: 'No 30', 'Jolanta' and 'Indygo' in two growing seasons. Identification of individual polyphenols was performed using the HPLC method; the total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The determination of allergic potency was tested by ELISA. In the second year of the study the total polyphenols were significantly higher in organic blue honeysuckle than in the conventional blue honeysuckle. In both growing seasons, the 'Indygo' cv. was characterized by the highest concentration of all bioactive compounds 3241.9 mg and 3787.2 mg per 100 g-1 D.W. A strong correlation was found between the polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity for organic fruit in both years, as well as for allergenic potency. Contrary to the best bioactive properties was 'Indigo' cv., with the highest allergenic potency (108.9 and 139.2 ng g-1 D.W.). The lowest content of specific allergens was found in the 'No 30' cv. Since honeysuckle is still a new cultivated plant, information about its allergenic potency is insufficient.

Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa Plant of Mongolian Origin.

Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa is used in Mongolian traditional medicine due to its numerous reported health-promoting effects. To date, there are very few scientific reports that describe this species. In this article, its volatile oil composition, lipid extract composition, total phenolic and flavonoid content, antibacterial and allergenic properties are elucidated for the first time. Hexadecanoic acid, fokienol and tricosane were determined as the most notable components of the volatile oil, at 13.13, 11.46 and 5.55%, respectively. Methyl benzoate was shown to be the most abundant component of lipid extract at 40.69, followed by (E)-prop-2-enoic acid, 3-phenyl- and benzenepropanoic acid, at 18.55 and 9.97%. With a TPC of 6.620 mg GAE g-1 and TFC of 10.316 mg QE g-1, the plant extract of O. pseudoglandulosa indicated good antioxidant activity measured by IC50 at 18.761 µg mL-1. Of the 12 tested microorganisms, B. subtilis and S. cerevisiae were the shown to be most susceptible to the plant extract, with MIC at 2.081 and 0.260% (v/v), respectively. Bet v 1-a major birch pollen allergen found in plant-based foods-was determined to be at 192.02 ng g-1 with ELISA. Such a wide spectrum of biological activity indicated by O. pseudoglandulosa lends credence for its application in food industry. Its exerted antioxidant and antimicrobial effects could improve preservation of low-processed food dedicated for consumers afflicted with allergies. Hexadecanoic acid supplemented in foods with dietary plant extracts could add to the potential anti-inflammatory impact. The analysis of lipid makeup suggests O. pseudoglandulosa extract could also be considered as natural pesticide in organic farming.

New allergens from spices in the Apiaceae family: anise Pimpinella anisum L. and caraway Carum carvi L.

Spices are gaining popularity in individual consumption, food industry, and medicine. While the incidence of allergies is constantly rising, those caused by consumption of herbs and spices are relatively rare. The allergic potential of spices added to many dishes and products is dangerous, as consumers may ingest them unknowingly. At particular risk are persons allergic to both birch and mugwort pollen because of cross-reactivity to proteins similar to birch allergen, Bet v 1 and profilins, who often exhibit a clinical condition termed "mugwort-celery-spice syndrome". The aim of our research was to analyze the extracts of anise and caraway for the presence of major pan-allergens, such as Bet v 1 analogues and profilins. Secondly, we analyzed the prevalence of reactions towards these pan-allergens among patients sensitive to spices. Finally, we tried to identify some of the previously unidentified allergenic proteins in these spices. In order to identify Bet v 1 analogues and profilins in anise and caraway, we conducted immunoblotting of the proteins extracted from the spices with anti-Bet v 1 and anti-profilin antibodies. The identification of new allergens was performed by initial selection of proteins through immunoblotting with sera of patients sensitive to spices. The proteins were subsequently characterized with LC-MS/MS. The presence of Bet v 1 analogues and profilins in anise was confirmed and a new allergen, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, was identified. Moreover, new caraway allergens were found, including Bet v 1 analogue, profilin, and elongation factor α.

Liquid Chromatography-Single-Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry as a Responsive Tool for Determination of Biogenic Amines in Ready-to-Eat Baby Foods.

Baby food has never been the object of biogenic amine profiling. The aim of this study was to develop a highly sensitive method for analysis of biogenic amines in ready-to-eat baby foods. The principle of the developed method involves high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to single-quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS) of dansyl derivatives, presented also in comparison with common diode array and fluorescence detection systems. The confirmation of correct identification of derivatives was performed by in-source fragmentation of the product ion at 170 m/z, performed only in one MS analyzer. The method was used to identify the amine profile and quantify the putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine content in 68 ready-to-eat baby foods. The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 0.07-1.67 and 0.2-5.0 ng mL- 1. The method enabled quantification of amines at ng/g level in almost all analyzed samples, without any preconcentration step. Amine recoveries of 86.0-105.2% were obtained with RSD ≤ 9.7%. The developed method could be used for quantification of the most frequently occurring BAs in foods including vegetables, fish, meat, or fruit at previously undetectable concentration levels, making the method multimatrix applicable and highly-sensitive.

Protein changes in Lepidium sativum L. exposed to Hg during soil phytoremediation.

Some investigations have been carried out in this study to find the best technique of soil reclamation in mercurypolluted soil. In this study, we examined Lepidium sativum L. as a plant useful for Hg phytoextraction. The simultaneous application of compost and thiosulfate was explored as a possible method of enhancing the process of phytoextraction. The results of the investigations of plant protein changes during assisted Hg phytoextraction were also provided. The results of the study show that combined use of compost and thiosulfate significantly increased both the total Hg accumulation and its translocation to aerial plant tissues. Plant protein analysis showed that L. sativum L. has the ability to respond to environmental stress condition by the activation of additional proteins. The additional proteins, like homocysteine methyltransferase, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylases (long and short chains), 14-3-3-like protein, and biosynthesis-related 40S ribosomal protein S15, were activated in plant shoots only in experiments carried out in Hg-polluted soil. There were no protein changes observed in plants exposed to compost and thiosulfate. It suggests that the combined use of compost and thiosulfate decreased Hg toxicity.

Regular physical activity and cardiovascular biomarkers in prevention of atherosclerosis in men: a 25-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to examine the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), cardiovascular biomarkers and atherosclerosis among asymptomatic men with stable LTPA level throughout the 25-year prospective observation. METHODS: Out of 101 asymptomatic men prospectively observed for their lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, the cohort of 62 individuals (mean age 59.9 years) maintained a stable LTPA level during the 25-year observation. Regular check-ups with the assessment of traditional risk factors, detailed measurements of LTPA level and aerobic capacity were performed since baseline. At the latest follow-up (2011/12) a set of cardiovascular biomarkers was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by means of coronary artery calcification score and intima-media thickness (IMT). Endothelial function was evaluated by means of the reactive hyperemia index. The studied biomarkers and indices were analyzed in the three cohorts representing stable low-tomoderate (<2050 kcal/week), high (2050-3840 kcal/week) and very high LTPA (>3840 kcal/week). RESULTS: At baseline the three cohorts were comparable in terms of age and clinical characteristics. At follow-up, the cohort with stable high LTPA (2050-3840 kcal/week) had significantly lower concentrations of hs-CRP (2.20 ± 1.0 mg/L), oxidized-LDL (68.35 ± 67.7 ng/mL), leptin (4.71 ± 3.07 ng/mL) and irisin (0.47 ± 0.13 µmol/L), and the most favorable indices of atherosclerosis and endothelial function as compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Regular marathon runners had increased concentrations of hsCRP (3.12 ± 1.4 mg/L), oxidized-LDL (249.8 ± 129 ng/ml), Interleukine-6 (3.74 ± 2.4 pg/ml). A positive correlation was observed between hsCRP and IMT (r = 0.301; p < 0.01), and irisin and IMT (r = 0.223; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that stable high LTPA (2050-3840 kcal/week) is associated with the most favorable profile of key cardiovascular biomarkers and indices of atherosclerosis. Lifetime very high LTPA is associated with increased lowgrade inflammation and may, therefore, exert an atherogenic effect.

The Characteristics Of Human Bone-Derived Cells (HBDCS) during osteogenesis in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The primary human bone-derived cell culture technique is used as a model to study human osteogenesis. Compared to cell line cultures, primary osteoprogenitor and osteoblast cultures provide more complex information about osteogenesis, bone remodeling and regeneration than cell line cultures. METHODS: In this study, we isolated human bone-derived cells (HBDCs) and promoted their differentiation into osteoblasts. The following parameters were evaluated: cell number and viability, total protein expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagenous matrix production and osteogenic genes expression, i.e., gene coding for type I collagen and alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS: It was proved the results show that HBDCs intensively proliferate during the first 7 days of culture followed by differentiation accompanied by an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, it was observed that during the differentiation of HBDCs, the expression of integrin ß1 increased. CONCLUSIONS: The process was also accompanied by changes in cell shape and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and focal contacts containing FAK and the integrin ß1 subunit. We suggest that the ß1 integrin subunit may be a suitable new target in studies of the differentiation of primary human osteoblasts in culture.

Body composition, nutritional status, and endothelial function in physically active men without metabolic syndrome--a 25 year cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the relationship between body composition, metabolic parameters and endothelial function among physically active healthy middle-aged and older men. METHODS: Out of 101 asymptomatic men prospectively tracked for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (mean observation period 25.1 years), 55 metabolically healthy individuals who maintained stable leisure time physical activity (LTPA) level throughout the observation and agreed to participate in the body composition assessment were recruited (mean age 60.3 ± 9.9 years). Body composition and raw bioelectrical parameters were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Microvascular endothelial function was evaluated by means of the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) using Endo-PAT2000 system. RESULTS: Strong correlations were observed between lifetime physical activity (PA), aerobic fitness and most of analyzed body composition parameters. The strongest inverse correlation was found for fat mass (p < 0.01) while positive relationship for fat-free mass (p < 0.01), total body water (p < 0.05 for current aerobic capacity and p < 0.01 for historical PA), body cell mass (p < 0.001), muscle mass (p < 0.001), calcium and potassium (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 for current aerobic capacity and p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 for historical PA, respectively) and glycogen mass (p < 0.001). Among metabolic parameters, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and uric acid were significantly associated with most body composition indicators. Regarding endothelial function, a negative correlation was found for RHI and body mass (p < 0.05) while positive relationship for RHI and body cell mass (p < 0.05), calcium (p < 0.05) and potassium mass (p < 0.05). Impaired endothelial function was observed among 8 subjects. Among bioelectrical parameters, impedance (Z) and resistance (R) normalized for subjects' height were negatively related with body mass, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (p < 0.001); while reactance (Xc) normalized for patients' height was negatively related with body mass (p < 0.05). The mean phase angle value was relatively high (8.83 ± 1.22) what reflects a good level of cellularity and cell function. Phase angle was positively related with body mass and BMI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both fat mass and muscle mass components are important predictors of metabolic profile. Maintaining regular high PA level and metabolically healthy status through young and middle adulthood may have beneficial influence on body composition parameters and may prevent age-related decrease of fat-free mass and endothelial dysfunction.

Ephemera danica (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae) As a Resource for Two Commensals: Ciliated Protozoans (Sessilida) and Chironomids (Diptera).

The distribution and coexistence of two unrelated commensals, the chironomid Epoicocladius ephemerae (Kieffer 1924) and ciliate Carchesium polypinum L. 1758, on one host species, Ephemera danica Muller 1764, sampled in two small lowland rivers in 2009, 2010 and 2011, were investigated. We analyzed 288 mayfly specimens from the Bzura River and 101 from the Mroga River. The number of commensals on a single mayfly specimen varied between 0 and 18 chironomids, and from 0 to 46 colonies of ciliates. Prevalences were >48% for chironomids and ∼30% for ciliates, whereas mean intensities were low (4.01±6.04 commensals on one host). The spatial distribution of each commensal species was investigated on different parts of the host body. Neither chironomids nor ciliates infected the whole mayfly body. The co-occurrence of these two commensals was not random and showed a negative association. Chironomids were most frequent on two or three parts of the body (two parts of the abdomen, with gills and without gills, and legs), whereas ciliates were found on two parts (the whole abdomen). Coexistence of the two commensal species led to partitioning of resources that was host body size dependent: small mayflies (optimal size 11.63 mm) were primarily settled by ciliated protozoans while larger specimens (optimal size 28.77 mm) were settled by chironomids.

Allergenic Potential of Tomatoes Cultivated in Organic and Conventional Systems.

Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) are a widely consumed vegetables and contain many health beneficial micronutrients. Unfortunately, they may also cause adverse allergic reactions in sensitized people. Many studies, conducted in recent years, indicate that organically produced vegetables have higher nutritional value, improved sensory quality and contain more health-enhancing bioactive compounds than vegetables grown under the conventional system. However, the relation between organic methods of cultivation and allergenic potential of tomatoes has received little scientific attention. This study analyzed samples of five tomato cultivars taken from organic and conventional systems over three consecutive years. The content of profilin, Bet v 1 and lipid transfer protein (LTP) analogues in tomato samples was determined using an indirect ELISA assay. Substantial quantities of these proteins were found in certain cultivars across all three years of cultivation. On the basis of these findings, organically grown tomatoes appear to offer little advantage over conventionally cultivated plants in terms of reduced allergenic potential.

Vaccine-Derived Immunity in Children With Cancer-Analysis of Anti-Tetanus and Anti-Diphtheria Antibodies Changes after Completion of Antineoplastic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survival rates and longevity of patients after therapy have significantly improved during the last decades. Thus durable protection against infections should be provided. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of vaccine-derived antibodies in children with cancer compared to those of healthy children and to investigate how therapy influences the levels of specific antibodies. PROCEDURE: A group of 40 children, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or solid tumor (ST), followed in Poznan University of Medical Sciences Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, were recruited for evaluation of humoral immunity. Antibody levels were checked before treatment and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: In patients with ALL or ST, levels of IgG against tetanus and diphtheria were significantly lower than in the control group. Among ALL patients, 9% remained negative for tetanus and diphtheria antibodies 12 months after therapy. Among patients with ST 3 months after chemotherapy, there were no protective antibodies in 12% against tetanus, and in 18% against diphtheria. All patients reconstituted immunity 6 and 12 months after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that a considerable number of cancer patients lose immunity against diphtheria and tetanus after therapy. Compared to ST, patients with ALL lose protective antibody levels more often. Patients with ST reconstituted antibodies after the treatment cessation, while levels in ALL patients remained low.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the orbit: mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphomas.

BACKGROUND: MALT lymphomas were classified for differential diagnostics of IgG4-dependent disease due to their exceptional predilection to intraorbital localization. Therefore, the goal of our studies was large retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with MALT lymphomas within the orbital tissues, since no such studies have been conducted in Poland. MATERIAL/METHODS: The starting study population consisted of 167 patients with isolated infiltrative tumor diseases within the orbital region treated at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the Medical College Jagiellonian University in Cracow. The immunohistochemical assays using anti-IgG, anti-IgG4 and anti-CD138 antibodies were used to estimate the IgG4+/CD138+ and IgG4+/IgG+ ratios. RESULTS: Of all the studied and analyzed patients, a final group of 19 patients with orbital MALT lymphomas was selected to undergo diagnostic examinations for IgG4-related disease. Detailed analysis and diagnostic screening for IgG4-related disease was performed and results meeting the criteria of IgG4-dependent disease were obtained in 10 out of 19 patients with the diagnosis of MALT tumor established on the basis of immunohistochemical assays. CONCLUSIONS: MALT lymphomas are the most common of all lymphomas occurring within orbital tissues. In this study, results consistent with the criteria of IgG4-related disease were obtained in approximately 50% patients with immunohistochemical diagnosis of orbital MALT lymphoma.

Influence of combined use of iodide and compost on Hg accumulation by Lepidium sativum L.

This study focuses on the influence of adding iodide (KI) and compost in different soil/compost ratios on the efficiency of Hg phytoextraction by Lepidium sativum L. Plant growth and non-enzymatic antioxidants are studied to understand metabolic plant adaptations to Hg stress during soil reclamation and their relations to Hg accumulation. Due to the use of relatively high chelant dosages in current plant-based soil remediation techniques and associated environmental risks, it is necessary to explore alternative approaches to the phytoextraction of Hg from contaminated soils. The results show a coordinated increase in non-enzymatic antioxidants in plants cultivated in growing media containing polluted soil, compost and KI. This indicates that the non-enzymatic antioxidative defence system of L. sativum L. is involved in its strategy to survive conditions of mercury-induced stress. Adding compost and iodide to Hg polluted soil also increases the total accumulation of Hg by L. sativum L. and the translocation of pollutants to aerial plant tissues. Simultaneous application of compost and KI promoted the Hg accumulation by L. sativum L. in a pot experiment.

Estimation of the Impact of Abdominal Adipose Tissue (Subcutaneous and Visceral) on the Occurrence of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Patients with Obesity-A Pilot Study.

Obesity represents a significant global public health concern. The excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is often implicated in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of particular deposits of abdominal adipose tissue on the occurrence of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism complications. We established cut-off points for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and the VAT/SAT ratio at which selected metabolic complications of obesity-related diseases (disorders of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism) occur. We conducted an observational study involving 91 subjects with first- and second-degree obesity, accounting for gender differences. Anthropometric measurements were taken, body composition analysis (BIA) was conducted, and biochemical determinations were made. Our findings suggest that commonly used parameters for assessing early metabolic risk, such as BMI or waist circumference, may overlook the significant factor of body fat distribution, as well as gender differences. Both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue were found to be important in estimating metabolic risk. We identified the cut-off points in women in terms of their elevated fasting glucose levels and the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) based on SAT, VAT, and the VAT/SAT ratio. In men, cut-off points were determined for the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on VAT and the VAT/SAT ratio. However, the results regarding lipid disorders were inconclusive, necessitating further investigation of a larger population.

Reducing Immunoreactivity of Gluten Peptides by Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria for Dietary Management of Gluten-Related Diseases.

Immunoreactive gluten peptides that are not digested by peptidases produced by humans can trigger celiac disease, allergy and non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of selected probiotic strains to hydrolyze immunoreactive gliadin peptides and to identify peptidase-encoding genes in the genomes of the most efficient strains. Residual gliadin immunoreactivity was measured after one- or two-step hydrolysis using commercial enzymes and bacterial peptidase preparations by G12 and R5 immunoenzymatic assays. Peptidase preparations from Lacticaseibacillus casei LC130, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei LPC100 and Streptococcus thermophilus ST250 strains significantly reduced the immunoreactivity of gliadin peptides, including 33-mer, and this effect was markedly higher when a mixture of these strains was used. In silico genome analyses of L. casei LC130 and L. paracasei LPC100 revealed the presence of genes encoding peptidases with the potential to hydrolyze bonds in proline-rich peptides. This suggests that L. casei LC130, L. paracasei LPC100 and S. thermophilus ST250, especially when used as a mixture, have the ability to hydrolyze immunoreactive gliadin peptides and could be administered to patients on a restricted gluten-free diet to help treat gluten-related diseases.

[Orbital tumors treated at the University Hospital Otolaryngology Clinic in Kraków between 1997 and 2011]. / Guzy oczodolów w materiale Kliniki Otolaryngologii Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w Krakowie w latach 1997-2011.

The main aim of the study was to establish the frequency of orbital tumor occurrence in the patients of the University Hospital Otolaryngology Clinic in Kraków as well as to analyze the clinical features, location in the orbit and to identify the group of patients with the highest risk of orbital tumor. The authors retrospectively analyzed 46 patients (29 women and 17 men) between the ages of 23 and 87. This group of patients was compared to a group of 80 patients who were surgically treated at the same clinic 10 years ago and to a group of 70 patients treated 15 years ago. We established that the tumors localized in the orbit were mainly benign. A variety of histological types of tumors arises in the orbit but it was significant that inflammatory pseudotumors were the most common cases in all three groups of patients treated in our clinic now, about 10 and about 15 years ago. Referring to the group of patients at the highest risk, we established that orbital tumors are definitely most common in women than men. It has turned out to be statistically significant that benign tumors were most common in younger patients and malignant in older people. That suggests the conclusion that being female is a risk factor for orbital tumors and age is a risk factor for them being malignant. Comparing different approaches for the resection of orbital tumors, we established that the lateral orbitotomy provides access to orbital tumors in the most common locations (intraconal and in the top corner of the orbit). Malignant and extensive tumors have to be treated by orbital exenteration.

Effect of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Supplement on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Long-Distance Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

As many as 70% of athletes who practice endurance sports report experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as abdominal pain, intestinal gurgling or splashing (borborygmus), diarrhea or the presence of blood in the stool, that occur during or after intense physical exercise. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic on the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and selected biochemical parameters in the serum of long-distance runners. After a 3-month intervention with a multi-strain probiotic, a high percentage of runners reported subjective improvement in their general health. Moreover, a lower incidence of constipation was observed. In the group of women using the probiotic, a statistically significant (p = 0.035) increase in serum HDL cholesterol concentration and a favorable lower concentration of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were observed. These changes were not observed in the group of men using the probiotic. Probiotic therapy may reduce the incidence and severity of selected gastrointestinal symptoms in long-distance runners and improve subjectively assessed health condition.

[Role of Gap junctions in bone tissue]. / Rola polaczen typu Gap w komórkach tkanki kostnej.

Gap junctions are transmembrane channels, that connect the membranes of adjacent cells and are involved in the direct signal transmission between the cells. The intercellular communication involving this type of channels provides the proper functioning of tissues and organs. Gap junctions formation and synthesis of connexins is regulated by hormones, growth factors and signaling molecules. Gap junctions, located between osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes, play a key role in the process of bone turnover, and therefore in the modeling and bone tissue regeneration. They also mediate the regulation of proliferation, differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts, as well as formation and activity of osteoclasts. This paper presents the current state of knowledge on the role of intercellular connections via Gap junctions in bone cells, with particular emphasis on the involvement of connexin 43, in the regulation of osteogenesis.

Food resource partitioning between juvenile and mature weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis.

This study represents a description of the diet composition of one of the largest European cobitids, the weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis. Specimens were collected in a drainage canal, representing a typical habitat for weatherfish, and with gut content analysis conducted with regard to individual total length and maturity stage. Overall, the weatherfish diet mainly consisted of Copepoda, Cladocera, Ostracoda, Oligochaeta, Asellus aquaticus, Chironomidae and Coleoptera larvae, Gastropoda, and detritus. To evaluate size-related patterns of resource use, fish were assigned to two size classes, defined according to size at first maturation. ANOSIM analyses revealed major ontogenetic shifts in feeding strategy, which were related to size and maturity, with a significant ontogenetic shift in feeding pattern, marked by differences in the proportions of the main taxonomic groups of prey consumed. Copepoda and Cladocera dominated in the diet of small and immature individuals, while large weatherfish primarily fed on detritus. Similarly, cluster analysis of diet classified into these food types showed distinct two groups comprising juvenile and mature fish. The weatherfish is a food opportunist using all available resources, but spatially showed a change in feeding sites. Smaller and sexually immature individuals more often use prey caught in the water column and among macrophytes, while larger (sexually mature) individuals occupying the bottom, much more often use detritus as a food base.