The Clinical Significance and Involvement in Molecular Cancer Processes of Chemokine CXCL1 in Selected Tumors.

Chemokines play a key role in cancer processes, with CXCL1 being a well-studied example. Due to the lack of a complete summary of CXCL1's role in cancer in the literature, in this study, we examine the significance of CXCL1 in various cancers such as bladder, glioblastoma, hemangioendothelioma, leukemias, Kaposi's sarcoma, lung, osteosarcoma, renal, and skin cancers (malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma), along with thyroid cancer. We focus on understanding how CXCL1 is involved in the cancer processes of these specific types of tumors. We look at how CXCL1 affects cancer cells, including their proliferation, migration, EMT, and metastasis. We also explore how CXCL1 influences other cells connected to tumors, like promoting angiogenesis, recruiting neutrophils, and affecting immune cell functions. Additionally, we discuss the clinical aspects by exploring how CXCL1 levels relate to cancer staging, lymph node metastasis, patient outcomes, chemoresistance, and radioresistance.

The Effects of Chronic Immunosuppressive Treatment on Morphological Changes in Cardiac Tissue and the Balance between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and Their Inhibitors in the Rat Heart.

Using different three-drug immunosuppressive treatment regimens in a rat model, we aimed to determine the effects of long-term therapy on metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 activity and the expression of their inhibitors, as well as to assess the morphology of the animals' cardiac tissue. Our results suggest that chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs disrupts the balance between the activity of MMPs and TIMPs. Depending on the type of drug regimen used, this leads to abnormalities in the cardiac structure, collagen fiber accumulation, or cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The information obtained in the present study allows us to conclude that the chronic treatment of rats with the most common clinical immunosuppressive regimens may contribute to abnormalities in the myocardial structure and function. The results presented in this study may serve as a prelude to more in-depth analyses and additional research into the optimal selection of an immunosuppressive treatment with the lowest possible risk of cardiovascular complications for patients receiving organ transplants.

The Effect of Prenatal and Neonatal Fluoride Exposure to Morphine-Induced Neuroinflammation.

Physical dependence is associated with the formation of neuroadaptive changes in the central nervous system (CNS), both at the molecular and cellular levels. Various studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory and proinflammatory properties of morphine. The resulting neuroinflammation in drug dependence exacerbates substance abuse-related behaviors and increases morphine tolerance. Studies prove that fluoride exposure may also contribute to the development of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative changes. Morphine addiction is a major social problem. Neuroinflammation increases tolerance to morphine, and neurodegenerative effects caused by fluoride in structures related to the development of dependence may impair the functioning of neuronal pathways, change the concentration of neurotransmitters, and cause memory and learning disorders, which implies this element influences the development of dependence. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory state of selected brain structures in morphine-dependent rats pre-exposed to fluoride, including changes in cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression as well as microglial and astroglial activity via the evaluation of Iba1 and GFAP expression. We provide evidence that both morphine administration and fluoride exposure have an impact on the inflammatory response by altering the expression of COX-1, COX-2, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in brain structures involved in dependence development, such as the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum. We observed that the expression of COX-1 and COX-2 in morphine-dependent rats is influenced by prior fluoride exposure, and these changes vary depending on the specific brain region. Additionally, we observed active astrogliosis, as indicated by increased GFAP expression, in all brain structures of morphine-dependent rats, regardless of fluoride exposure. Furthermore, the effect of morphine on Iba1 expression varied across different brain regions, and fluoride pre-exposure may influence microglial activation. However, it remains unclear whether these changes are a result of the direct or indirect actions of morphine and fluoride on the factors analyzed.

The role of apoptosis and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of Acanthamoeba spp. infection in the kidneys of hosts with different immunological status.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause inflammation, mostly in the brain, lungs and cornea. Recent reports indicate kidney dysfunction in hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. The aim of the study was to analyze the gene expression and protein concentration of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4 (NOX2 and NOX4, respectively) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in the kidneys of hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. We also aimed to determine the protein and gene expressions of Bcl2, Bax, caspases 3 and 9. METHODS:  Mice were divided into four groups based on their immunological status and Acanthamoeba sp. infection: A, immunocompetent Acanthamoeba sp.-infected mice; AS, immunosuppressed Acanthamoeba sp.- infected mice; C, immunocompetent uninfected mice; CS, immunosuppressed uninfected mice. NOX2, NOX4 and Nrf2 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA methods, while pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl-2, respectively), Cas9, Cas3 were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot methods.  RESULTS: Increased gene expression and/or protein concentration of NOX2 and NOX4 were found in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba sp. (groups A and AS, respectively). Gene expression and/or protein concentration of Nrf2 were higher in group A than in control animals. Compared to control mice, in the AS group the expression of the Nrf2 gene was upregulated while the concentration of Nrf2 protein was decreased. Additionally in A group, higher gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and lower gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9 were noted. In contrast, the AS group showed lower gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and higher gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to address the mechanisms occurring in the kidneys of hosts infected with Acanthamoeba sp. The contact of Acanthamoeba sp. with the host cell surface and/or the oxidative burst caused by elevated levels of NOXs lead to an antioxidant response enhanced by the Nrf2 pathway. Acanthamoeba sp. have various strategies concerning apoptosis. In immunocompetent hosts, amoebae inhibit the apoptosis of kidney cells, and in immunosuppressed hosts, they lead to increased apoptosis by the intrinsic pathway and thus to a more severe course of the disease.

Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus.

Hericium erinaceus is a valuable mushroom known for its strong bioactive properties. It shows promising potential as an excellent neuroprotective agent, capable of stimulating nerve growth factor release, regulating inflammatory processes, reducing oxidative stress, and safeguarding nerve cells from apoptosis. The active compounds in the mushroom, such as erinacines and hericenones, have been the subject of research, providing evidence of their neuroprotective effects. Further research and standardization processes for dietary supplements focused on H. erinaceus are essential to ensuring effectiveness and safety in protecting the nervous system. Advancements in isolation and characterization techniques, along with improved access to pure analytical standards, will play a critical role in achieving standardized, high-quality dietary supplements based on H. erinaceus. The aim of this study is to analyze the protective and nourishing effects of H. erinaceus on the nervous system and present the most up-to-date research findings related to this topic.

The Role of CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR5, and CXCR6 Ligands in Molecular Cancer Processes and Clinical Aspects of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of leukemia known for its unfavorable prognoses, prompting research efforts to discover new therapeutic targets. One area of investigation involves examining extracellular factors, particularly CXC chemokines. While CXCL12 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 have been extensively studied, research on other CXC chemokine axes in AML is less developed. This study aims to bridge that gap by providing an overview of the significance of CXC chemokines other than CXCL12 (CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR5, and CXCR6 ligands and CXCL14 and CXCL17) in AML's oncogenic processes. We explore the roles of all CXC chemokines other than CXCL12, in particular CXCL1 (Gro-α), CXCL8 (IL-8), CXCL10 (IP-10), and CXCL11 (I-TAC) in AML tumor processes, including their impact on AML cell proliferation, bone marrow angiogenesis, interaction with non-leukemic cells like MSCs and osteoblasts, and their clinical relevance. We delve into how they influence prognosis, association with extramedullary AML, induction of chemoresistance, effects on bone marrow microvessel density, and their connection to French-American-British (FAB) classification and FLT3 gene mutations.

Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis.

Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. In the final phase of infection (24 dpi), there was a further decrease in urinary K excretion and a lower level of P in Acanthamoeba sp. infected immunocompetent hosts. During acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts, increased excretion of Zn, Fe, and Cr was observed at the beginning of the infection, and increased Na excretion only at 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. Additionally, host immunosuppression affected the concentration of Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca in urine.

Assessment of Serum Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe Concentration in Women with Endometrial Cancer and Different Endometrial Pathologies.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence on the effect of specific micronutrient concentration and cancer risk. In this study, we investigated the differences in serum zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels and different endometrial pathologies, including endometrial cancer. METHODS: 110 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer, benign uterine conditions (endometrial polyp, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma), or normal endometrium were included in the study and assessed in terms of endometrial cancer risk factors. The measurements of serum micronutrients were conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: When assessing for differences between serum concentrations of trace metals, we found significant differences in the distribution of Mn (p < 0.001) and Fe (0.034). There was also a significant difference in Cu/Zn ratio between the analyzed groups (p = 0.002). Patients' BMI was found to influence Cu concentration, with obese patients having higher mean copper concentration (p = 0.006). Also, patients' menopausal status was shown to influence Cu concentration with postmenopausal patients having higher Cu levels (p = 0.001). The menopausal status was found to influence Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis did not confirm that any of the micronutrients significantly influence the risk of endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: The concentration of specific trace metals varies between different histopathological diagnoses of endometrial pathologies. Menopausal status and patient BMI are endometrial cancer risk factors impacted by the concentrations of Cu and Zn and their ratio.

Assessment of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) Blood Concentration on the Risk of Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals with carcinogenic potential. Their increased concentration has been correlated with a risk of malignancies, including breast, lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and gynecological cancers. Most of the studies have evaluated tissue heavy metal concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate blood Cd and lead levels in different uterine pathologies and the risk of endometrial cancer. METHODS: This study included 110 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, uterine myoma, and normal endometrium. The patients included in the study were assessed in terms of their endometrial cancer risk factors and blood heavy metal levels. The analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the Cd and Cd/Pb ratio among the different groups of patients (p = 0.002), with higher a median Cd concentration among the endometrial cancer patients. The differences in Pb concentration were not significant (p = 0.717). There were also no differences in the Cd and Pb concentrations based on the patients' menopausal status nor BMI index. The univariate logistic regression showed a blood cadmium concentration above the median to be associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (OR = 5.25; 95% CI 1.56, 17.72). No significant associations were observed between the Pb concentration or Cd/Pb ratio and endometrial cancer risk. CONCLUSION: The concentration of Cd varies in patients diagnosed with different uterine pathologies. Increased blood cadmium concentration seems to be a risk factor for endometrial studies. Further research on greater populations, accounting for environmental and lifestyle heavy metal exposure, is required to validate our findings.

Preliminary Study of Iron Concentration in the Human Placenta in Twin Pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy significantly increases the demand for iron (Fe) in the female body to facilitate maternal blood volume expansion, placental development, and fetal growth. As Fe flux in pregnancy is significantly influenced by the placenta, the aim of this study was to determine the dependencies between the Fe concentration in the placenta, the infant's morphometric parameters and the woman's morphological blood parameters in the last trimester. METHODS: The study was conducted on 33 women with multiple (dichorionic-diamniotic) pregnancies from whom the placentas were drawn, and their 66 infants, including pairs of monozygotic (n = 23) and mixed-sex twins (n = 10). Fe concentrations were determined based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using ICAP 7400 Duo, Thermo Scientific. RESULTS: The results of the analysis showed that lower placental Fe concentrations were associated with deteriorated morphometric parameters of infants, including weight and head circumference. Although we found no statistically significant dependencies between Fe concentration in the placenta and the women's morphological blood parameters, higher Fe concentration in the placenta of mothers supplemented with Fe correlated with better morphometric parameters in infants compared to those whose mothers received no Fe supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: The research adds additional knowledge for placental iron-related processes during multiple pregnancies. However, many limitations of the study do not allow detailed conclusions to be assessed, and statistical data should be assessed conservatively.

The Trace Element Concentrations and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Afterbirths from Women with Multiple Pregnancies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of oxidative stress by measuring the concentrations of lipid peroxidation products (LPO) in fetal membrane, umbilical cord, and placenta samples obtained from women with multiple pregnancies. Additionally, the effectiveness of protection against oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR). Due to the role of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) as cofactors for antioxidant enzymes, the concentrations of these elements were also analyzed in the studied afterbirths. The obtained data were compared with newborn parameters, selected environmental factors, and the health status of women during pregnancy to determine the relationship between oxidative stress and the health of women and their offspring during pregnancy. The study involved women (n = 22) with multiple pregnancies and their newborns (n = 45). The Fe, Zn, and Cu levels in the placenta, umbilical cord, and fetal membrane were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using an ICAP 7400 Duo system. Commercial assays were used to determine SOD, GPx, GR, CAT, and LPO activity levels. The determinations were made spectrophotometrically. The present study also investigated the relationships between trace element concentrations in fetal membrane, placenta, and umbilical cord samples and various maternal and infant parameters in women. Notably, a strong positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn concentrations in the fetal membrane (p = 0.66) and between Zn and Fe concentrations in the placenta (p = 0.61). The fetal membrane Zn concentration exhibited a negative correlation with shoulder width (p = -0.35), while the placenta Cu concentration was positively correlated with placenta weight (p = 0.46) and shoulder width (p = 0.36). The umbilical cord Cu level was positively correlated with head circumference (p = 0.36) and birth weight (p = 0.35), while the placenta Fe concentration was positively correlated with placenta weight (p = 0.33). Furthermore, correlations were determined between the parameters of antioxidative stress (GPx, GR, CAT, SOD) and oxidative stress (LPO) and the parameters of infants and maternal characteristics. A negative correlation was observed between Fe and LPO product concentrations in the fetal membrane (p = -0.50) and placenta (p = -0.58), while the Cu concentration positively correlated with SOD activity in the umbilical cord (p = 0.55). Given that multiple pregnancies are associated with various complications, such as preterm birth, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and placental and umbilical cord abnormalities, research in this area is crucial for preventing obstetric failures. Our results could serve as comparative data for future studies. However, we advise caution when interpreting our results, despite achieving statistical significance.

Synthesis and Significance of Arachidonic Acid, a Substrate for Cyclooxygenases, Lipoxygenases, and Cytochrome P450 Pathways in the Tumorigenesis of Glioblastoma Multiforme, Including a Pan-Cancer Comparative Analysis.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most aggressive gliomas. New and more effective therapeutic approaches are being sought based on studies of the various mechanisms of GBM tumorigenesis, including the synthesis and metabolism of arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). PubMed, GEPIA, and the transcriptomics analysis carried out by Seifert et al. were used in writing this paper. In this paper, we discuss in detail the biosynthesis of this acid in GBM tumors, with a special focus on certain enzymes: fatty acid desaturase (FADS)1, FADS2, and elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 5 (ELOVL5). We also discuss ARA metabolism, particularly its release from cell membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 (cPLA2, iPLA2, and sPLA2) and its processing by cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), lipoxygenases (5-LOX, 12-LOX, 15-LOX-1, and 15-LOX-2), and cytochrome P450. Next, we discuss the significance of lipid mediators synthesized from ARA in GBM cancer processes, including prostaglandins (PGE2, PGD2, and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2)), thromboxane A2 (TxA2), oxo-eicosatetraenoic acids, leukotrienes (LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4), lipoxins, and many others. These lipid mediators can increase the proliferation of GBM cancer cells, cause angiogenesis, inhibit the anti-tumor response of the immune system, and be responsible for resistance to treatment.

Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium Concentrations in the Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Fetal Membrane from Women with Multiple Pregnancies.

Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and magnesium (Mg) are the elements responsible for the fundamental metabolic and biochemical processes in the cells of the body. The demand for these elements increases significantly during pregnancy, where an adequate supply protects women from the hypertension common in pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between macro-elements (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord and the morphometric parameters of newborns from multiple pregnancies. The study involved 57 pregnant European women with healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancies (n = 52) and triple pregnancies (n = 5); 40 pairs of dichorionic diamniotic twins, 11 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic twins, 1 pair of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, 3 trichorionic triamniotic triplets, and 2 dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Placentas (n = 107), umbilical cords (n = 114), and fetal membranes (n = 112) were collected immediately following delivery, and then weighed and measured. The levels of Ca, K, Na, and Mg were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in a Thermo Scientific ICAP 7400 Duo (Waltham, MA, USA). The respective mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na, and Mg (mg/kg-1 dry mass) were: 2466, 8873, 9323, and 436 in the placenta; 957, 6173, 26,757, and 326 in the umbilical cord, and 1252, 7460, 13,562, and 370 in the fetal membrane. In the studied materials from northwestern Poland, we found strong positive correlations between Ca and Mg concentrations in both the umbilical cord (r = 0.81, p = 0.00) and the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between K and Mg concentrations in the umbilical cord (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between Ca and K concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00), and we found moderately positive correlations between placental Ca concentration and placental weight (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00) and between umbilical cord Mg concentrations and the length of the pregnancy (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00). Negative correlations were found between Na and Ca concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = -0.40, p = 0.00) and Na concentrations in the fetal membrane and Mg concentrations in the placenta (r = -0.16, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were confirmed between the length of pregnancy and head circumference (ρ = -0.42; p = 0.00), infant weight (ρ = -0.42; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = -0.49; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = -0.49; p = 0.00); and between the infant weight and head circumference (ρ = -0.62; p = 0.00), weight before delivery (ρ = -0.36; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = -0.45; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = -0.63; p = 0.00), and weight gain during pregnancy (ρ = -0.31; p = 0.01). We found statistically significant correlations between cigarette smoking before pregnancy and the women's weight before delivery (ρ = 0.32, p = 0.00), and a negative correlation between the women's ages and infant head circumference (ρ = -0.20, p = 0.02). This is probably the first study to evaluate Ca, Na, K, and Mg concentrations in the afterbirth tissues of multiple pregnancies. It adds to the knowledge of elemental concentrations in multiple pregnancies and their possible effects on fetal morphometric parameters.

Distribution of Elements in Beaver (Castor fiber) Tooth Enamel as a Sign of Environmental Adaptation: the Special Role of Fe, Co, Mg, and Fluorides (F-).

The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, P, Zn, Na, K, Cu, Cr, Mo, Co, Se) analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and fluorides (F-) determined potentiometrically using an ion-selective electrode in the enamel of European beaver (Castor fiber) teeth. Material for the study was tooth enamel collected from lower jaws from the skulls of the animals borrowed from museum collections (animals inhabited north-western Poland). The results of our study indicate the important role of F- as an element that can affect the hardness and strength of beaver tooth enamel. Critical to the function of beaver teeth (i.e., shearing and crushing wood) is the presence of elements such as Fe in the central incisor labial aspect (orange layer of the incisor enamel), Mg in the inner side of the incisor enamel, and Co and F- in the enamel of the molars. Thanks to the high content of these elements, the enamel is durable and the teeth are adapted to the nutritional and ecological characteristics of this mammalian species. Our study on the distribution of elements in the enamel of beaver teeth may also be important for the understanding of the enamel mineralization processes, determining how elements change the properties of the materials, and exploring the relationship between the environment and life history of the beaver.

Effects of Fermentation Time and Type of Tea on the Content of Micronutrients in Kombucha Fermented Tea.

The fermented tea beverage Kombucha is obtained through a series of biochemical and enzymatic reactions carried out by symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). It contains organic acids, vitamins, amino acids, and biologically active compounds, notably polyphenols, derived mainly from tea. Kombucha exhibits a range of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant or detoxifying effects. This fermented beverage is traditionally brewed with black tea, but other types of tea are used increasingly, which may have significant implications in terms of chemical composition and health-promoting effects. In this preliminary study, we investigated the content of micronutrients (manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn)) by the ICP-OES method in Kombucha prepared with black, red, green and white tea at different time points of fermentation (1, 7, 14 days). It should be noted that the composition of separate ingredients such as tea, leaven or sugar has not been studied. Kombucha had the highest content of zinc-0.36 mg/L to 2.08 mg/L, which accounts for between 3% and 26% of the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for adults, and the smallest amounts of chromium (0.03 mg/L to 0.09 mg/L), which however represents as much as between 75% and 232% of the RDA. It has been demonstrated that the type of tea as well as the day of fermentation have a significant effect on the concentrations of selected minerals. Kombucha can therefore supplement micronutrients in the human diet.

The Extent of Burn Injury Significantly Affects Serum Micro- and Macroelement Concentrations in Patients on the First Day of Hospitalisation.

Burns exceeding 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) result in considerable hypovolemia coupled with the formation and release of inflammatory mediators, leading to subsequent systemic effects known as burn shock. Because of plasma exudation and the associated losses of large quantities of minerals, severe burns can lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequently disrupt homeostasis and metabolism of the entire body. The study group comprised 62 patients, who were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of burns. Serum samples were tested for concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Na, Cr, Ni, and Al. The mineral concentrations in serum of patients with burn injuries differ significantly from reference values, but this is not affected by the extent of the body burn. There are statistically significant decreases in serum concentrations of elements important for antioxidant protection (Zn, Cu, Se), and significant increases in the concentrations of toxic elements (Al and Ni), which may aggravate the effects associated with the state of burn shock. The Spearman rank correlation analysis did not reveal any statistically significant relationships between the serum concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, K, Na, P, Mg, Zn, Se, Cr and the affected body surface area and severity of the burn-the values were at the lower end of the reference range. The obtained results indicate that proper nutrition, including elements replenishment, is extremely important in the recovery process of burn patients and time to nutrition is an important factor affecting patient survival after severe burn.

Mechanisms Underlying Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties of Stretching-A Review.

Stretching is one of the popular elements in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. When correctly guided, it can help minimize or slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions. Most likely, the benefits are associated with reducing inflammation; recent studies demonstrate that this effect from stretching is not just systemic but also local. In this review, we present the current body of knowledge on the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching at a molecular level. A total of 22 papers, focusing on anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of stretching, have been selected and reviewed. We show the regulation of oxidative stress, the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes and mediators, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, expressed by changes in collagen and matrix metalloproteinases levels, in tissues subjected to stretching. We point out that a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory properties of stretching may result in increasing its importance in treatment and recovery from diseases such as osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and cancer.

Hymenolepis diminuta Infection Affects Apoptosis in the Small and Large Intestine.

The rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta has been shown to cause alterations in gastrointestinal tissues. Since hymenolepiasis induces a number of reactions in the host, it is reasonable to assume that it may also be involved in the mechanisms of apoptosis in the intestines. Individual research tasks included an examination of the effect of H. diminuta infection on; (i) the cellular localization of the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, as well as caspase-3 and caspase-9, and (ii) the effects of the infection on the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cas-3 and Cas-9, at the mRNA and protein levels. Molecular tests (including mRNA (qRT PCR) and the protein (Western blot) expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases-3, -9) and immunohistochemical tests were performed during the experiment. They showed that H. diminuta infection activates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in the small and large intestine of the host. H. diminuta infection triggered the apoptosis via the activation of the caspase cascade, including Cas-3 and Cas-9. Hymenolepiasis enhanced apoptosis in the small and large intestine of the host by increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene and protein Bax and by decreasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene and protein Bcl-2.

The Importance of CXCL1 in the Physiological State and in Noncancer Diseases of the Oral Cavity and Abdominal Organs.

CXCL1 is a CXC chemokine, CXCR2 ligand and chemotactic factor for neutrophils. In this paper, we present a review of the role of the chemokine CXCL1 in physiology and in selected major non-cancer diseases of the oral cavity and abdominal organs (gingiva, salivary glands, stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, and kidneys). We focus on the importance of CXCL1 on implantation and placentation as well as on human pluripotent stem cells. We also show the significance of CXCL1 in selected diseases of the abdominal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity (periodontal diseases, periodontitis, Sjögren syndrome, Helicobacter pylori infection, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), HBV and HCV infection, liver ischemia and reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), obesity and overweight, kidney transplantation and ischemic-reperfusion injury, endometriosis and adenomyosis).

Concentrations of PGE2 and TXB2 in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Previous studies have shown that Acanthamoeba spp. may invade the eyes by migrating along the optic nerve to the eyes from the brain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the eyes of mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis by examining prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice intranasally inoculated with Acanthamoeba spp. The PGE2 concentration was statistically significantly lower in the immunocompromised amoebae-infected mice on 8 dpi compared with the noninfected group of animals, and it was higher in the eyes of immunosuppressed amoebae-infected mice on 16 dpi than in the control group of animals. There was a statistically significant lower TXB2 concentration in the eyes of immunocompetent infected mice compared with the noninfected group on 8 dpi. However, on 24 dpi, we noted statistically significant higher TXB2 levels in the immunocompetent infected mice than in the control group. In immunocompromised mice, there was a lower TXB2 level on 8 dpi than in control mice. This study confirmed the existence of an inflammatory process in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. without damaged corneas.