The Relationship between the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Polymorphism (Val66Met) and Substance Use Disorder and Relapse.

Substance addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by a recurring desire to continue using a substance despite harmful consequences. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein that plays a role in the activity-dependent remodeling of neural function in adult nervous systems. This study analyzed the association of the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene in a group of patients addicted to psychoactive substances who were participating in addiction treatment for the first time, in a group of post-relapse psychoactive substance abusers and in a control group. The study also assessed personality and anxiety in all study groups. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of genotypes and alleles were found between all study groups. Compared to the control, both study groups had statistically significantly higher scores for trait and state anxiety. Addicted patients in both groups also had higher scores on the Neuroticism and Openness scales and lower scores on the Extraversion and Agreeableness scales. The results of this study provide further evidence that personality traits, anxiety and the rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene may be risk factors for susceptibility to addiction to psychoactive substances. In addition, they can be a predictor of addiction relapse, but further extensive studies are required to confirm these findings.

The Effects of Breastfeeding and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Body Mass Composition and the Levels of Selected Hormones after Childbirth.

Breastfeeding may have a positive effect on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which may reduce the risk of developing diabetes following gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding and GDM on the body mass composition of the studied women, the levels of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, resistin, and insulin, and weight loss during the 6-8-week postpartum period and 1 year after childbirth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group included 42 women with a singleton pregnancy, diagnosed with GDM between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. The control group consisted of 28 non-diabetic women with a singleton pregnancy. This study was carried out at 6-8 weeks as well as at 1 year postpartum. The women were subjected to body weight measurements and body composition analysis performed using a professional body composition analyzer TANITA DC-430 S MA. Waist circumference and subcutaneous fat was measured. Blood for laboratory tests was taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. RESULTS: It was shown that, regardless of diabetes, exclusive breastfeeding had a significant impact on weight loss at 6-8 weeks postpartum (p = 0.014785) and lower insulin levels (p = 0.047). However, there was no effect of breastfeeding on the women's anthropometric measurements or hormone levels one year after delivery, except for the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue, which was significantly lower in breastfeeding women (p = 0.03). One year after delivery, breastfeeding women had a lower BMI (p = 0.0014), less-thick subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0.001), and a lower risk of obesity (p = 0.016). There were also higher insulin and ghrelin levels in both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women (p < 0.001), and lower resistin levels in non-breastfeeding women (p = 0.004). Women who had diabetes during pregnancy had a significantly reduced waist circumference and subcutaneous fat thickness after one year (p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Having diabetes during pregnancy did not significantly affect the results of anthropometric measurements and hormone levels noted at 6-8 weeks after delivery (the only exception was the thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue, which was greater in women without GDM). This may indicate normalization of carbohydrate metabolism after childbirth; however, the observation period is too short to elucidate long-term metabolic effects. This suggests the need for further research related to GDM and breastfeeding.

Assessment of Fatty Acid Content in the Milk of Women from the West Pomeranian Region of Poland with Regard to Supplementation and the Amount of Adipose Tissue.

The total amount of fat in the milk of nursing mothers depends on maternal reserves, as well as food intake and its synthesis in the mammary glands. The aim of this study was to assess the contents of fatty acids in the milk of women from the West Pomeranian region of Poland with regards to supplementation and the amount of adipose tissue. We also wanted to find out whether these women, who have direct access to the sea and potential access to fresh marine fish, have higher levels of DHA. METHODS: We analyzed milk samples obtained 6-7 weeks postpartum from 60 women. The content of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in lipids was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using a Clarus 600 device (PerkinElmer). RESULTS: Women using dietary supplements had significantly higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6 n-3) (p = 0.000) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5 n-3) (p = 0.000). The levels of eicosatrienoic acid (ETA) (C20:3 n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) increased with the amount of body fat, and the level of DHA was lowest in subjects where body fat exceeded 40% (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The contents of fatty acids in the milk of women from the West Pomeranian region of Poland were similar to that reported by other authors. The levels of DHA in women using dietary supplements was also comparable to the values reported worldwide. BMI had an effect on the levels of ETE and GLA acids.

Weight Gain during and after Pregnancy in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-A Preliminary Study.

Appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) favors fewer complications related to pregnancy, delivery, puerperium, and the condition of the fetus and newborn baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate weight gain in women during and after pregnancy, including both women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 42 singleton pregnant women diagnosed with GDM between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. The control group consisted of 28 nondiabetic women with a singleton pregnancy. The pre-pregnancy BMI, intra-pregnancy weight gain, and postpartum body weight were assessed in the participants. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the values of intra-pregnancy weight gain. Only diabetic women who were also overweight or obese had a significantly higher percentage of weight gain during pregnancy. The analysis of the percentage of weight gain during the entire pregnancy showed differences only in the group of women with pre-pregnancy BMI over 30. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in total pregnancy or mid-pregnancy weight gain between women with and without GDM. Most of the women had too high or too low total-pregnancy and mid-pregnancy weight gain. Therefore it is necessary to control GWG and educate pregnant women about it.

Relationship between concentrations of elements and geographic location in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Interactions occur between concentrations of metals in the human body and the environment in various geographic locations, which can be of importance for both the proper development and the course of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cd and Zn:Cu and Zn:Cd molar ratios in the placenta, umbilical cord and in the foetal membrane, and to examine the relationship between concentrations of these elements and the place of residence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material was obtained from 99 healthy women from north-western and central Poland. Data for the study were collected from the medical history and documents of admission to the ward and documents confirming the birth of the newborn. Concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) were determined using the ICP-AES method (spectrophotometry of atomic absorption) in inductively coupled argon plasma. RESULTS: The average concentration of Zn, Cu and Cd in afterbirths was ~ 0.01 mg/kg of dry weight (dw). In central Poland, the results revealed a significant increase in zinc in the membrane (OR=1.098, p=0.002), cadmium in the placenta (OR=1.324, p=0.006), Zn:Cu in the membrane (OR=1.012, p<0.001). In north-western Poland, an increase in copper in the membrane (OR=1.239, p=0.025) was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The use biological materials, such as the placenta, foetal membrane and umbilical cord to assess exposure to heavy metals and necessary elements is justified.

The Relationship between the Concentration of Magnesium and the Presence of Depressive Symptoms and Selected Metabolic Disorders among Men over 50 Years of Age.

BACKGROUND: changes in the concentration of magnesium influence numerous processes in the body, such as hormone and lipid metabolism, nerve conduction, a number of biochemical pathways in the brain, and metabolic cycles. As a result, changes in magnesium concentration may contribute to the emergence of such pathologies as depressive and metabolic disorders, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. METHODS: blood samples were taken from 342 men whose mean age was 61.66 ± 6.38 years. The concentrations of magnesium, lipid parameters, and glucose were determined using the spectrophotometric method. Anthropometric measurements were performed to determine each participant's body mass index (BMI). Additionally, all participants completed two questionnaires: the Beck Depression Inventory and the author's questionnaire. RESULTS: abnormal levels of magnesium were found in 78 people. The analysis showed that these subjects more often suffered from metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), and depressive symptoms (p = 0.002) than participants with normal magnesium levels. CONCLUSION: our research showed that there is a relationship between abnormal levels of magnesium and the presence of self-reported conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and depressive symptoms among aging men. These findings may contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these conditions.

MEDICAL STAFF IN THE CARE OF A PREGNANT PATIENT DIAGNOSED WITH FETAL DEFECT.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The research conducted aims at evaluating the way the medical staff functions in the care of the pregnant patient diagnosed with fetal defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: 158 midwives took part in the study. The MINI-COPE standardized questionnaire and author's questions were used. RESULTS: Results: During the period when the care was provided for the pregnant patients diagnosed with fetal defects, nearly 50% of the midwives under examination complained about the decline of their wellbeing. 75,3% of the respondents seek help and advice on how to deal with a stressful situation. Ideal for providing a systemic support, the midwives most often chose a psychologist and a psychotherapist. The surveyed who reported no need for a systemic support for the medical staff at the workplace, as the causes of their attitude pointed to their diminished trust in the ward nurse and no place for honest conversations. Most of the midwives surveyed during the care of the patient with the fetal defects experienced stress and bigger mental exhaustion. Over half of the surveyed reported lack of systemic psychological support provided for the medical staff at the workplace. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The research indicates the need to introduce courses and training on topics related to how to deal with stressful situations into the education system of medical staff.

Knowledge of nursing students on the subject of pressure ulcers prevention and treatment. What we know about pressure ulcers?

<b>Introduction: </b>Pressure ulcers and their consequences can occur in any patient regardless of the underlying disease, so the knowledge of their prevention and treatment is extremely important. <br><b>The aim of the study:</b> The aim of the study was to analyze the state of students' knowledge on pressure ulcers.<br><b> Material and methods:</b> The research was carried out in the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin among students of nursing. The study involved 203 full-time students. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of 27 questions. The questions addressed the issues of the formation, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The Kolmogorow-Smirnow, Fisher-Snedecor test, (ANOVA) with Spearman's correlation and Student's t-test were applied for statistical analysis. The statistical significance was assumed to be p ≤ 0.05. <br><b>Results:</b> Over half of the respondents (57.64%) had a sufficient level of knowledge on pressure ulcers prevention and treatment. The level increased with the duration of the study, the highest was in the last few years, both I and II cycle of studies. The better (the higher) subjects assessed their knowledge about prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, they were characterized by a higher level of knowledge. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The knowledge of nursing students on pressure ulcers increases with subsequent years of study. The selfassessment of students' knowledge about pressure ulcers, their prevention and treatment is accurate. Students of the consecutive years are better prepared to carry out anti-bedsore prevention. Students are aware of the need to have knowledge, as well as practice in the field of prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

Heterotopic pregnancy - case report.

OBJECTIVE: Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous occurrence of intrauterine and ectopic pregnancy. This situation is very rare (1:30 000 pregnancies), while recently, with the development of assisted reproductive techniques, the incidence has increased to 1:100 - 1:500 pregnancies. The aim of the study is to present the situation of coexistence of intrauterine pregnancy and ruptured tubal pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case concerns a 32-year-old patient in the 12th week of the second pregnancy in whom the only risk factor was the state after Caesarean section and thus possible intraperitoneal adhesions. The ultrasound revealed normal intrauterine pregnancy and a very large amount of free fluid in the smaller pelvis. After immediate surgical intervention, a ruptured right tubal pregnancy was found. Right fallopian tube was removed. After the operation, the patient with the preserved intrauterine pregnancy was discharged from the ward. Further intrauterine pregnancy was normal. Delivery by Caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The described case indicates that the existence of intrauterine pregnancy does not exclude the existence of ectopic pregnancy and emphasizes the great importance of correctly and accurately carried out ultrasound examination in the first trimester of pregnancy along with appendicitis assessment. Early diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy reduces the risk of complications.

Analysis of the Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on the Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life of Perimenopausal Women.

Menopause is a natural period resulting from the decrease in hormonal activity of the ovaries. Growing hormonal deficiencies and changes in the body influence a variety of functions in women, leading to depression and decreased quality of life. The relationship between body composition, the severity of depressive and climacteric symptoms and the quality of life of women with type 2 diabetes and healthy women in the perimenopausal period was studied. Statistically significant differences were observed between the study and control groups regarding all body composition parameters except for protein and the content of torso soft tissues (p < 0.05). In both the study and control groups, resulting symptoms were significantly correlated with numerous body composition parameters (e.g., body mass, fat tissue mass, minerals, abdominal circumference), while symptoms of depression were significantly correlated with similar parameters only in the control group. A statistically relevant relationship was observed between the study and control groups with respect to quality of life in certain domains. The quality of life of women suffering from type 2 diabetes was worse compared with healthy women. Analysis of body composition showed significant differences between healthy women and those with type 2 diabetes. Healthy women showed a tendency to establish a link between body composition and depressiveness.

Dopamine Receptor DRD2 Gene rs1076560, Personality Traits and Anxiety in the Polysubstance Use Disorder.

Development of an addiction is conditioned by many factors. The dopaminergic system has been shown to be the key element in this process. In this paper, we analyzed the influence of dopamine receptor 2 polymorphism rs1076560 in two groups-polysubstance-dependent male patients (n = 299) and the controls matched for age (n = 301). In both groups, we applied the same questionnaires for testing-Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The real-time PCR method was used for genotyping. When we compared the controls with the case group subjects, we observed significantly higher scores in the second group on both the state and trait scales of anxiety, as well as on the Neuroticism and Openness scales of the NEO-FFI; and lower scores on the scales of Extraversion and Agreeability of the NEO-FFI. The model 2×3 factorial ANOVA of the addicted subjects and controls was performed, and the DRD2 rs1076560 variant interaction was found for the anxiety state and trait scales, and for the NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale. The observed associations allow noticing that analysis of psychological factors in combination with genetic data opens new possibilities in addiction research.

The Relationship between Selected Bioelements and Depressiveness Associated with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Aging Men.

Background and Objectives: Abnormal concentrations of bioelements (magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc) have been associated with physical and emotional dysfunctions, including depression. This association, however, has not been analyzed in testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) or patients with depressiveness, i.e., when individual symptoms do not form the picture of a full-syndrome depressive disorder. This study aimed to assess the relationship between concentrations of selected bioelements and the incidence of depressive symptoms in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. Material and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 314 men; the mean age of the population was 61.36 ± 6.38 years. Spectrophotometric method for biochemical analysis of magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) was used. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) was based on the total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels by ELISA. Each participant completed the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-Ia) measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Results: Emotional disturbances manifested as depressive symptoms were diagnosed in 28.7% of all participants and testosterone deficiency syndrome in 49.3%. In the TDS group, the analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of manganese (R = 0.225, p = 0.005) and chromium (R = 0.185, p = 0.021) with the incidence of depression. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated a relationship between manganese and chromium concentrations with the incidence of depression in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. This may indicate that there is a correlation between these bioelements, as well as emotional disorders manifested as depressive symptoms in aging men with a diagnosed testosterone deficiency.

The Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain Containing 1 Gene Polymorphism (ANKK1Taq1A) and Personality Traits in Addicted Subjects.

The Taq1A polymorphism located in the ANKK1 gene is one of the most widely studied polymorphisms in regards to the genetics of behavior and addiction. The aim of our study was to analyze this polymorphism with regard to personality characteristics and anxiety measured by means of the Personality Inventory-(NEO Five-Factor Inventory-NEO-FFI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in polysubstance addicted subjects. The study group consisted of 600 male volunteers, including 299 addicted subjects and 301 controls. Psychiatrists recruited members for both groups. Addiction was diagnosed in the case group. In the control group mental illness was excluded. The same psychometric test and genotyping using the real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method was performed for both groups. The results were investigated by means of multivariate analysis of the main effects Multi-factor ANOVA. Significantly higher scores on the scale of STAI state and Neuroticism and Openness traits, as well as lower scores on the scales of Extraversion, Agreeability, and Conscientiousness, were found in the case group subjects, compared to the controls. Differences in frequency of genotypes and alleles of Taq1A polymorphism between the studied groups were not found. Multi-factor ANOVA of addicted subjects and control subjects and the ANKK1 Taq1A variant interaction approximated the statistical significance for the STAI state. The main effects ANOVA of both subjects' groups were found for the STAI state and trait, the Neuroticism scale, the Extraversion scale, and the Agreeability scale. The ANKK1 Taq1A main effects approximated the statistical significance of the STAI trait. Our study shows not only differences in personality traits between addicted and non-addicted subjects, but also the possible impact of ANKK1 on given traits and on addiction itself.

Comparison between selected hormone and protein levels in serum and prostate tissue homogenates in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and metabolic disorders.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between changes in the levels of selected hormones in serum and prostate tissue homogenate in regard to metabolic disorders in patients with diagnosed, surgically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 154 men with a diagnosis of BPH with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and without MetS. The serum levels of the hormones - total testosterone, free testosterone, insulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) - were determined using the ELISA method. Prostate tissue sections obtained from the patients during transurethral resection of the prostate were frozen in liquid nitrogen. We determined the levels of the same hormones. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of serum SHBG levels, but not in the prostate tissue SHBG levels. A similar relationship was observed in regard to IGF-1, the serum levels of which were significantly higher in patients with MetS. MetS had an effect on the ratio of hormone levels in serum to their levels in the prostate tissue. Correlations between the levels of biochemical parameters and the levels of hormones in serum and the prostate tissue of BPH patients with and without MetS demonstrate that serum SHBG levels correlated weakly with waist size and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of MetS in BPH patients was associated with changes in the levels of hormones and proteins. These changes, however, were not always equivalent to changes in the levels of these parameters in prostate tissue. It should also be mentioned that MetS in BPH patients had an influence on a quantitative balance between the levels of SHBG in serum and prostate tissue.

Cross-Sectional Inverse Associations of Obesity and Fat Accumulation Indicators with Testosterone in Non-Diabetic Aging Men.

Introduction/Objective: The aim of the study was to show which of the adipose tissue accumulation indicators correlate with testosterone disorders in non-diabetic aging men. Material and methods: 455 non diabetic men, recruited at primary care facilities, aged 50⁻75 participated in the study. The participants underwent anthropometric measurement and ELISA determination of total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), sex hormone binding protein (SHBG), and the determination of fasting glucose (FPG), high-density lipids cholesterol (HDL-Ch), and triacylglycerols (TAG) in serum. The following indicators were calculated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Results: Men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) differed in each of the assessed obesity indices from those without TDS. All of the studied parameters correlated significantly negatively with TT concentration in blood serum, with VAI being the strongest predictor of TDS. It was shown that the threshold value at which the risk of TDS increased was 28.41 kg/m² for BMI, 1.58 for VAI, 104 cm for WC, and 37.01 for LAP. Conclusions: Indicators of fat accumulation that take into account biochemical parameters in assessing lipid metabolism are better markers of actual body fat deposition than indicators based solely on anthropometric measurements. Among them, VAI seems the most suitable biomarker of TDS in non-diabetic aging men.

Concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) in afterbirth and their relations with various factors.

The aim of the study was to evaluate Hg and Se concentrations and Se:Hg molar ratios in the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes, and to examine the relationship between the concentrations of the elements and selected factors. The study material consisted of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes obtained from 91 healthy women from northwestern and central Poland. In our study mean Hg and Se concentrations in afterbirth were ~ 0.01 mg/kg dry weight (dw) and ≤ 0.5 mg/kg dw, respectively. Correlation analysis showed negative relationships between placenta weight and Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord, as well as between placenta length and Se levels in the umbilical cord. We found negative correlations between THg concentration in the placenta and birth weight and between Se concentration in the placenta and umbilical cord and the morphological parameters of the placenta. Furthermore, we noted new types of interactions in specific parts of the afterbirth. In our study, Se:THg molar ratios ranged from 5 to 626; these values indicate protection against Hg toxicity.

Molecular Analysis of the SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 Genes in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Regard to Metabolic Parameters and Selected Hormone Levels.

Introduction: The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not so far been fully explicated. However, it is assumed that changes in the levels of hormones associated with aging can contribute to the development of prostatic hyperplasia. Dihydrotestosterone combines with the androgen receptor (AR) proteins of the prostate gland. Enzyme activity is based on two isoenzymes: type 1 and type 2. 5α-reductase type 1 is encoded by the SRD5A1 gene, and type 2 is encoded by the SRD5A2 gene. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of the SRD5A1 (rs6884552, rs3797177) and SRD5A2 (rs523349, rs12470143) genes' polymorphisms, and to assess the relationships between the genotypes of the tested mutations, and the levels of biochemical and hormonal parameters in patients with BPH. Material and Methods: The study involved 299 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. We determined the serum levels of particular biochemical parameters-fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG)-by the spectrophotometric method, using ready reagent kits. The ELISA method was used to determine the levels of the following hormonal parameters and proteins: total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), insulin (I), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone binding protein (SHBG). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. Results: We analyzed the relationships between the incidence of particular diseases and the genotypes of the SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 polymorphisms among patients with BPH. The BPH patients with the CC genotype of the SRD5A2 rs523349 and rs12470143 polymorphisms were considerably less frequently diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS) (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023 respectively). Our analysis revealed that homozygotes with the CC of the SDR5A2 rs12470143 polymorphism had visibly higher HDL levels than those with the TT and CT genotypes (p = 0.001). Additionally, we found that the patients with the CC genotype of the SDR5A2 rs12470143 polymorphism had considerably higher FT levels (p = 0.001) than the heterozygotes with the CT and the homozygotes with the TT of the genetic variant analyzed in our study. Furthermore, the patients with at least one G allele of the SRD5A2 rs523349 polymorphism had significantly lower SGBG levels (p = 0.022) compared with the homozygotes with the CC genotype. The presence of at least one A allele (AA + AG genotypes) of the SRD5A1 rs3797177 polymorphism entailed notably lower serum insulin levels than those observed in homozygotes with the GG genotype (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The study described in this article shows that selected SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 polymorphisms can alter the levels of metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with BPH. Special attention should be paid to the SDR5A2 rs12470143 polymorphism, which is associated with a change in lipid profile, as well as with the inheritance and incidence rate of MetS among these patients. An analysis of the frequency of this polymorphism among BPH patients could be useful in estimating the risk of getting ill, and planning therapies of concomitant diseases for BPH patients.

Serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of soluble human leukocyte antigen, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 10 in patients with selected ovarian pathologies.

BACKGROUND: Although immune system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both endometriosis and ovarian cancer, its function is different. Therefore, we hypothesized, that selected immune parameters can serve as diagnostic markers of these two conditions. The aim of this study was to compare serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of sHLA-G, IL-10 and TNF-alpha in women with selected ovarian pathologies: benign serous cysts, endometrioma and malignant tumors. Clinical significance of using them for diagnostic purposes in women with serous ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and ovarian cancer, which in the future may improve the early diagnosis of ovarian diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: The study included women treated surgically for benign serous ovarian cysts, ovarian endometrioma and serous ovarian adenocarcinomas. Peripheral blood and peritoneal fluid samples were obtained intraoperatively. Patients with benign serous cysts, endometrioma and ovarian malignancies did not differ significantly in terms of their serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of sHLA-G. Ovarian cancer patients presented with significantly higher median serum concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha than other study subjects. Median concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha in peritoneal fluid turned out to be the highest in ovarian cancer patients, followed by women with endometrioma and subjects with benign serous cysts. All these intergroup differences were statistically significant. Irrespective of the group, median concentrations of sHLA-G, IL-10 and TNF-alpha in peritoneal fluid were higher than serum levels of these markers. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha distinguish ovarian malignancies and endometriomas from benign serous ovarian cysts. In contrast to endometriosis, ovarian malignancies are characterized by elevated peritoneal fluid concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha, elevated serum concentrations of IL-10 and low serum levels of TNF-alpha. Serum and peritoneal fluid concentrations of sHLA-G have no diagnostic value in differentiating between ovarian malignancies and endometriomas.

Analysis of the Relationship between Estradiol and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Concentrations and Polymorphisms of Apolipoprotein E and LeptinGenes in Women Post-Menopause.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation due to loss of ovarian follicular activity. A review of the available literature indicates that correlations between the changes that take place in a woman's body after menopause and different genetic variants are still being sought. METHODS: The study was conducted in 252 women who had completed physiological menopause. The women were divided into groups according to the time elapsed since menopause. The total concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone were determined by means of electrochemiluminescence. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) and lepitn (LEP) genotypes were determined by real-time PCR and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, respectively. RESULTS: We observed that people with the APOE3/E3 genotype entered menopause insignificantly later compared to other genotypes. Additionally, in the group of patients with the APOE3/E3 genotypes, differences in the E2 concentration were significantly related to the time since their last menstruation. There is no association found in the literature between these polymorphisms of the LEP gene and hormones. CONCLUSIONS: To date, attempts to formulate a model describing the association between E2 and FSH concentration with the polymorphisms of various genes of menopause in women have not been successful. This relationship is difficult to study because of the number of nongenetic factors. Environmental factors can explain variation in postmenopausal changes in hormone levels.

Personality traits assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) as part of the perinatal depression screening program.

BACKGROUND: As pre- and postnatal depression is a multifactorial disorder, the screening programmes which are currently in use in obstetric clinics remain problematic due to their inadequate standardization and limited efficacy. The evaluation of core risk factors for perinatal depression in the screening process, in addition to routine questionnaire-based tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), might improve the diagnosis and early treatment of women affected by depression. This study was undertaken to analyze the relationship between personality traits and the risk of perinatal depression in pregnant and postpartum women. MATERIAL/METHODS: For the study, 229 patients (pregnant and postpartum women) admitted to an obstetric hospital in Poland were recruited. Two self-report questionnaires were used: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as a screening tool for depressive symptoms and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) for the evaluation of five personality traits in the studied patients. RESULTS: Neuroticism significantly increased the risk of perinatal depressive symptoms in both pregnant and postpartum women (OR=1.23 and OR=1.11, respectively). Personality traits related to a lower risk of perinatal depression in the group of pregnant women included extraversion, openness to experience, high degree of agreeableness and conscientiousness (OR=0.90, OR=0.92, OR=0.90 and OR=0.91, respectively). However, among at-risk postpartum women no additional factors, except neuroticism, affected the prevalence of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Personality trait like neuroticism as measured by the NEO-FFI is associated with a greater risk of perinatal depression. The NEO-FFI is a useful tool, potentially adding significant value to the program of perinatal depression screening.