Meta-Analysis of Exploring the Effect of Curcumin Supplementation with or without Other Advice on Biochemical and Anthropometric Parameters in Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD).

Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease. MAFLD is characterized by the excessive presence of lipids in liver cells and metabolic diseases/dysfunctions, e.g., obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes, or hypertension. Due to the current lack of effective drug therapy, the potential for non-pharmacological treatments such as diet, supplementation, physical activity, or lifestyle changes is being explored. For the mentioned reason, we reviewed databases to identify studies that used curcumin supplementation or curcumin supplementation together with the use of the aforementioned non-pharmacological therapies. Fourteen papers were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicate that the use of curcumin supplementation or curcumin supplementation together with changes in diet, lifestyle, and/or physical activity led to statistically significant positive changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and waist circumference (WC). It appears that these therapeutic approaches may be effective in alleviating MAFLD, but more thorough, better designed studies are needed to confirm this.

Association of Left Atrial Sphericity with Risk of Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Sub-Analysis of the ASSAM Study.

PURPOSE: The study was designed to evaluate the value of left atrial (LA) sphericity (LASP) in the identification of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had prior ischemic stroke. The secondary aim was to investigate the possibility of improving stroke risk assessment based on six geometrical variables of LA. METHODS: This prospective observational study involved 157 patients: 74 in the stroke group and 83 in the control. All patients had cardiac computed tomography (CT) performed to analyze LA volume and dimensions. LASP and the discriminant function of six geometrical measurements were calculated. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of stroke with and gender, diabetes, CHA2DS2-VASc score, LA anteroposterior diameter, and LA sphericity. Patients with prior stroke had lower LASP than those without (66.6 ± 10.3% vs. 70.5 ± 7%; p = 0.0062). The most accurate identification of patients with a history of ischemic stroke was achieved by using a function of six geometrical measurements, the sphericity and volume coefficient. The C-statistic was higher for the above discriminant function (0.7273) than for LASP (0.3974). The addition of the discriminant function to the CHA2DS2-VASc score increased the performance of the risk score alone. CONCLUSION: LASP is associated with prior stroke in AF patients. The proposed new formula for identification of AF patients who are at risk of stroke, based on geometrical measurements of LA, is superior to the basic LASP in identification of AF patients with a history of stroke.

Evidence-Based Aerobic Exercise Training in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis evaluates the overall effect of the non-pharmacological intervention, aerobic exercise, upon serum liver enzymes levels, glucose metabolism and anthropometric measures amongst patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It also examines whether the effects on these outcomes are moderated by the aerobic training protocol when considered according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommended FITT (frequency, intensity, time, type) principles. Approach and Results: Fifteen randomized control trials were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with usual care, continuous and interval training showed significant efficacy in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level improvement (MD = -2.4, 95% CI: -4.34 to -0.46 p = 0.015, I2 = 9.1%). Interventions based on all types of aerobic exercise protocols showed significant improvement of intrahepatic triglycerides (MD = -4.0557, 95% CI: -5.3711 to -2.7403, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) and BMI (MD = -0.9774, 95% CI: -1.4086 to -0.5462, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between total intervention time and ALT level (for all aerobic protocols: 6.0056, se = 2.6896, z = 2.2329, p = 0.02; as well as for continuous and interval aerobic protocols: 5.5069, se = 2.7315, z = 2.016, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: All types of aerobic exercise protocols are effective at improving intrahepatic triglycerides and lead to a reduction in body mass index. In addition, continuous and interval aerobic exercise may be more effective at improving ALT ≤12 weeks intervention time benefits the management of MAFLD.

Relationships between osteoarthritic changes (osteophytes, porosity, eburnation) based on historical skeletal material.

Background: Three main diagnostic types of osteoarthritic changes are distinguished in clinical and anthropological literature: osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation. The nature of the relationship between these changes and how lesions progress over time is still unclear.Aim: The aim of the present study is the analysis of the relationships between osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation based on skeletal material.Subjects and methods: The analysis employed the skeletal collection from Cedynia (199 individuals) from tenth to fourteenth-century Poland. Marginal osteophytes (OP), porosity (POR), and eburnation (EB) were examined on a shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.Results: Osteophytes and porosity occurred independently of each other. Combinations of osteophytes and porosity (OP + POR) and osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation (OP + POR + EB) were rarely observed. Combinations of osteophytes and eburnation (OP + EB) or porosity and eburnation (POR + EB) were not found. There was a significant correlation between osteophytes and porosity in the scapula, proximal end of the ulna and proximal end of the femur. Osteophytes and eburnation were correlated at the distal end of the ulna. Porosity and eburnation were correlated at the distal end of the radius and distal end of the ulna. When all joints were considered together, all the types of osteoarthritic changes were correlated. However, the relationship between osteophytes and eburnation and between porosity and eburnation was only slightly significant. Osteophytes preceded porosity, but there were a few cases where more developed porosity accompanied less developed osteophytes.Conclusions: The findings indicate that correlations between osteoarthritic changes are weak, albeit statistically significant and further studies of the relationship between changes are necessary.

Phosphorus fractions in soil fertilised with organic waste.

The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge and composted sewage sludge and municipal waste on the content of various forms of P in soil. The experiment scheme: C, control; NPK; FYM; DGSS, dried and granulated sewage sludge; CSS, composed sewage sludge; CSSS, composted sewage sludge and straw; CMMW, composted mixed municipal waste; CMGW, composted municipal green waste. The content of bound P was determined in the fractions: F1, easily soluble; F2, exchangeable; F3, organic; F4, carbonate; F5, stable organic-mineral and mineral bonds; and F6, residual. The NPK fertilisation as well as the soil fertilisation with organic substances raised the P-total content and of P bound in the fractions: F3, F4, F5 and F6. The highest amount of phosphorus in the studied soil was in fraction F3 (phosphorus in organic compounds) and the lowest in fraction F1 (phosphorus in the ionic form as H2PO4- and HPO42-). Composted sludge and straw introduced into the soil increased the content of readily soluble P (F1), while the NPK effect was reversed. NPK fertilisation and enhancement of soil organic matter (except CSSS, CMGW) led to a reduction of the P content in F2 fraction. The content of available P determined by the Egner-Riehm method depended on the content of C-organic, P-total and CEC soil. Among the determined phosphorus fractions, the content of available P was most strongly correlated with the content of P bound in the carbonate fraction (F4) and residual fraction (F6) and, less strongly, with the organic phosphorus fraction.

Osteoarthritis: A problematic disease in past human populations. A dependence between entheseal changes, body size, age, sex, and osteoarthritic changes development.

Osteoarthritis is a problematic trait in terms of etiology and interpretation in past human populations. The relationships between osteoarthritic changes (osteophytes, porosity, and eburnation) and entheseal changes, body mass, stature, bone massiveness, sex, and age on the basis of skeletal material from Lekno (Poland) are analyzed here. Entheses were the strongest contributor to the prediction of osteophyte expression and when all types of changes and all joints were taken together. Stature demonstrates a negative dependence on porosity. When each joint was analyzed separately, entheses were the strongest contributor to the prediction of arthritis expression in the wrist and hip. Age was the strongest contributor to the prediction of arthritis expression in the elbow. Body mass, stature, bone massiveness, and sex had no effect on osteoarthritic changes in any of the examined joints. The results of the present study suggest an important dependence between entheses and osteoarthritic changes. Other factors had little to no effect on differences in OA severity. These results do not dispel all doubts but enrich knowledge about the effect of etiological factors on osteoarthritic change formation. This knowledge is essential for proper, reliable interpretation of osteoarthritic changes in the context of past human biology, ecology, and behavior.

Prevalence of different Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in north-eastern Poland.

In two surveys conducted in April and May 2013, a total of 1148 unfed ticks belonging to two species, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, were collected by flagging lower vegetation in 15 different localities throughout the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (Podlaskie voivodship; north-eastern Poland) and in its buffer zone. In order to establish their infection rate with Rickettsia spp. individual adult ticks and pooled nymphs were tested by real-time PCR targeting the gltA gene. For the further identification of rickettsial species, positive samples were subjected for nested and semi-nested PCR targeting ompA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively, followed by sequencing analysis. Rickettsial DNA was detected in at least 279 ticks (minimum infection rate [MIR], 23.9%), including 52 nymphal and adult I. ricinus (MIR 8.6%) and 222 adult D. reticulatus (41%). Three species of SFG rickettsiae were identified: Rickettsia helvetica and 'Candidatus R. mendelii' in I. ricinus and R. raoultii in D. reticulatus and I. ricinus. Moreover, unidentified Rickettsia spp. which showed 99.4% identity, among others, with the uncultured Rickettsia sp. isolated from Cicadella viridis leafhopper, Rickettsia endosymbiont of Lasioglossum semilucens bee and R. bellii, were detected in I. ricinus, while Rickettsia sp. 98.3-98.4% homologous to Rickettsia secondary endosymbionts of Curculio spp. weevils was found in D. reticulatus. These results confirm the diversity of rickettsiae occurring in Poland. Further studies are needed to expand the knowledge on the species spectrum, prevalence and epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae in the country.

Kampinos National Park: a risk area for spotted fever group rickettsioses, central Poland?

Ixodid ticks are important vectors of a variety of bacterial and protozoan pathogens which cause infections in humans. In this study, altogether 1041 questing Ixodes ricinus (n = 305) and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (n = 736), sympatrically occurring in Kampinos National Park (KPN), central-east Poland, were analyzed by PCR for Rickettsia species. Overall, the pathogen prevalence in ticks was 27.5 % for I. ricinus and 42.8 % for D. reticulatus. Sequencing analysis showed that the first tick species was exclusively infected with R. helvetica, whereas the latter was infected with R. raoultii. These organism may pose a threat for populations exposed to ticks. Preliminary results of a serosurvey of 74 KPN employees, inhabitants and visitors from the same area showed a 31.1 % total seroprevalence against SFG rickettsiae compared to 13.3 % seropositive blood donors of the control group. Risk factors significantly associated with IgG seropositivity were: occupational exposure to ticks (p = 0.002), frequency of tick bites (p = 0.02) and male gender (p = 0.005). Seropositive and seronegative individuals occupationally exposed to ticks did not differ significantly with respect to age and years of employment.

Diagnostic significance of nitric oxide concentrations in exhaled air from the airways in allergic rhinitis patients.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the human body is very important due its physiological regulation of the following functions of airways: modulation of ciliary movement and maintenance of sterility in sinuses. AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic significance of NO concentrations in exhaled air from the upper and lower airways in patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis (AR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects included in the study were a group of 30 people diagnosed with sensitivity to environmental allergens and a control group consisting of 30 healthy subjects. The measurement of NO in the air exhaled from the lower and upper airways was performed using an on-line method by means of Restricted Exhaled Breath (REB), as well as using the measurement procedure (chemiluminescence) set out in the guidelines prepared in 2005 by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society. RESULTS: In the late phase of the allergic reaction, higher values of the level of exhaled NO concentration from the lower airways were observed in the groups of subjects up to the threshold values of 25.17 ppb in the group of subjects with year-round allergic rhinitis and 21.78 ppb in the group with diagnosed seasonal allergic rhinitis. The difference in the concentration of NO exhaled from the lungs between the test group and the control group in the 4(th) h of the test was statistically significant (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Exhaled NO should be considered as a marker of airway inflammation. It plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of allergy.

Metallothionein as a Scavenger of Free Radicals - New Cardioprotective Therapeutic Agent or Initiator of Tumor Chemoresistance?

Cardiotoxicity is a serious complication of anticancer therapy by anthracycline antibiotics. Except for intercalation into DNA/RNA structure, inhibition of DNA-topoisomerase and histone eviction from chromatin, the main mechanism of their action is iron-mediated formation of various forms of free radicals, which leads to irreversible damage to cancer cells. The most serious adverse effect of anthracyclines is, thus, cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure, which is caused by the same mechanisms. Here, we briefly summarize the basic types of free radicals formed by anthracyclines and the main processes how to scavenge them. From these, the main attention is paid to metallothioneins. These low-molecular cysteine-rich proteins are introduced and their functions and properties are reviewed. Further, their role in detoxification of metals and drugs is discussed. Based on these beneficial roles, their use as a new therapeutic agent against oxidative stress and for cardioprotection is critically evaluated with respect to their ability to increase chemoresistance against some types of commonly used cytostatics.

Mechanical and chemical dental wear in historical population from the Syrian lower Euphrates valley.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was a comprehensive macro- and microanalysis of dental wear observed in the populations inhabiting the Syrian lower Euphrates valley. We may assume that social changes have had an important impact on the dietetic and hygienic habits of the local population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six periods were chosen: Early Bronze (2650-2350 BC), Middle Bronze (2200-1700 BC), Neo-Assyrian (900-700 BC), late Roman (AD 200-400), Islamic (AD 600-1200), and modern Islamic (AD 1850-1950). The dental remains belong to 196 individuals, with a total of 3292 teeth. Mechanical dental wear was evaluated according to Smith's and Shykoluk & Lovell's scale. Also, SEM technique was used to select teeth. RESULTS: Individuals from both Bronze Ages were characterized by a large percentage of severe dental wear, contrary to the younger chronological periods. The rate of dental wear slowed down from the Middle Bronze Age. The frequency of deep scratches, punctures, and pits successively decreased with younger periods, while striae became more frequent. The highest number of teeth diagnosed with erosive loss was from the Neo-Assyrian period. DISCUSSION: In the Early and Middle Bronze Ages the diet was rather hard and more contaminated. The diet in the Neo-Assyrian period was rich in products lowering the pH in the oral cavity. The frequency of dental erosion in two consecutive periods--Islamic and late Roman--took place at a similar level. Thus similar alimentary habits in these periods can be suggested.

The Effect of Preventive Immunization on the Incidence of Allergic Conditions.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of preventive immunization on the incidence of allergies in Poland. 18,617 (53.8% female, 24.2% 6-7 years old, 25.4% 13-14 years old, 50.4% 20-44 years old) were selected by stratified cluster sampling method in 8 cities and 1 rural area. 4783 of whom underwent objective outpatient screening assessments. Study subjects were evaluated for any association between preventive immunization against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, smallpox and incidence of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. There was no increased risk of allergy incidence in the majority of vaccinated subjects against rubella, measles, typhoid fever, or smallpox (OR from 0.42 (p<0.0001) to 1.34 (p<0.0001) with 95% CI from 0.27-0.65 to 1.19-1.50). Slightly increased risk of asthma was after vaccination against typhoid (OR=1.27; p<0.0001) and smallpox (OR=1.21; p=0.02). The risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) was also evaluated following vaccination against rubella (OR=1.34; p<0.0001), typhoid (OR=1.13; p=0.005), varicella (OR=1.18; p=0.003); rhinitis and AR following vaccination against measles (respectively OR=1.22; p<0.0005 and OR =1.21; p=0.0002). No higher risk of allergic diseases was demonstrated in vaccinated individuals diagnosed by doctor in an outpatient setting. These data do not demonstrate a causal relationship between vaccinations and allergic conditions.

The prevalence of sensitization to inhalant allergens in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The role of sensitization to inhalant allergens in atopic dermatitis (AD) in children is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship of AD symptoms with sensitization to aeroallergens in Polish children ages 6-7 and 13-14 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland is a randomized study with medical examination according to the ECRHS II and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood standards in nine selected regions of Poland. We studied 6-7-year-old (n = 4510) and 13-14-year-old children (n = 4721). A total of 1583 children (25%) had a medical examination and a skin-prick test (SPT) with the 15 most common aeroallergens. RESULTS: AD was diagnosed in 235 children (8.9%) (8.7%, 6-7-year-old children; 9.0%, 13-14-year-old children; 8.6% boys and 9.1% girls). AD was more frequent in urban versus rural habitants (9.6% versus 3.7%; p < 0.05) and in participants with a positive atopy history versus those without atopy (9.4% versus 5.1%; p < 0.05). Positive SPT was found in 1165 children (43.9%) (38.5% boys, 49.5% girls) and 64.72% with AD versus 41.9% without AD (p < 0.05) and more common in the rural region versus urban setting among 6-7 year-olds (71.8% versus 35.0%; p < 0.05). The most frequent allergic reaction was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (13.5%), Dermatophagoides farina (11.7%), and grasses/crop plants (11.8%). The same pattern was seen in participants with and those without AD. Children with AD had more frequent positive SPT for all aeroallergens (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AD should be more frequent in children with a positive atopy history and in children who live in the city. Aeroallergens play an essential role in pathogenesis of eczema in children. House-dust mites and grass pollen proved to be the most common relevant aeroallergens.

Nanotechnologies in protein microarrays.

Protein microarray technology became an important research tool for study and detection of proteins, protein-protein interactions and a number of other applications. The utilization of nanoparticle-based materials and nanotechnology-based techniques for immobilization allows us not only to extend the surface for biomolecule immobilization resulting in enhanced substrate binding properties, decreased background signals and enhanced reporter systems for more sensitive assays. Generally in contemporarily developed microarray systems, multiple nanotechnology-based techniques are combined. In this review, applications of nanoparticles and nanotechnologies in creating protein microarrays, proteins immobilization and detection are summarized. We anticipate that advanced nanotechnologies can be exploited to expand promising fields of proteins identification, monitoring of protein-protein or drug-protein interactions, or proteins structures.

Proposed classification of auriculotemporal nerve, based on the root system.

The topography of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) root system is the main criterion of this nerve classification. Previous publications indicate that ATN may have between one and five roots. Most common is a one- or two-root variant of the nerve structure. The problem of many publications is the inconsistency of nomenclature which concerns the terms "roots", "connecting branches", or "branches" that are used to identify the same structures. This study was performed on 80 specimens (40 adults and 40 fetuses) to propose a classification based on: (i) the number of roots, (ii) way of root division, and (iii) configuration of interradicular fibers that form the ATN trunk. This new classification is a remedy for inconsistency of nomenclature of ATN in the infratemporal fossa. This classification system has proven beneficial when organizing all ATN variants described in previous studies and could become a helpful tool for surgeons and dentists. Examination of ATN from the infratemporal fossa of fetuses (the youngest was at 18 weeks gestational age) showed that, at that stage, the nerve is fully developed.

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Types of Health Education on the Adoption and Preservation of Prohealth Attitudes in Preventing Cancer in Juveniles Younger than 18 Years.

Reduction in the incidence of cancer can be achieved through appropriate health behaviors. We hypothesized that education would improve knowledge of cancer prevention, and this, in turn, will affect and individual's readiness to modify lifestyle. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cancer prevention education on adopting and preserving prohealth attitudes among high school students in Poland. Research participants were 307 high school students varying by gender, place of residence, parents' education, and type of school education. Participants were divided into five groups, of which four were educated using different methods according to classification methods based on the concept of multilateral learning. The fifth (control) group was not educated. The effects of education were assessed 1 month and 1 year after education. General knowledge about cancer and healthy lifestyle level before education was low. After education, both increased compared with the control group. There was a clear relationship between level of knowledge and readiness to adopt and healthy attitudes and behavior. The most effective method of education was a discussion and a lecture by means of teaching complex. Education significantly improved generally low knowledge about cancer and healthy lifestyle in high school students. This indicates the urgent need to implement such educational programs.

Comparative study on thiol drugs' effect on tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced luminol chemiluminescence in human erythrocyte lysate and hemoglobin oxidation.

The current studies have investigated the effect of heterocyclic drugs with the single thiol group (thiamazole, mercaptopurine) and dithiol aliphatic drugs (dimercaptosuccinic acid, dithiothreitol) under oxidative stress conditions, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH), in human erythrocyte lysate with the luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence technique. Knowing that oxidative processes induced by t-BuOOH are triggered by (oxy)hemoglobin (Hb), the effect of different thiol drugs (RSH) on isolated human Hb oxidation to methemoglobin (MHb) and hemichromes (HChr) was further considered. Three types of chemiluminescence curves, fitting to logistic-exponential model, have been revealed under influence of RSH. Structure of the data (MHb and HChr production, and free radical activity of RSH) in Principal Component Analysis visualization and kinetic profiles of chemiluminescence integrate information in terms of the diversity of RSH reaction mechanisms depending on the specific molecular context of the given thiol: aliphatic or aromatic nature as well as the number and position of the -SH groups in the molecule. The study conducted in presented in vitro systems indicates the potential role of thiol drugs mediated toxicity in an oxidative stress dependent mechanism.

The impact of osteoporosis on health-related quality of life in patients after liver transplantation - a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (LT) is now a well-established procedure with 5-year survival rates over 70%, and one of its ultimate goals is the improvement of patient health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Osteoporosis remains a serious potential complication of LT, leading to fragility fractures, pain, and functional impairment. AIM: To assess the degree of osteoporosis and the impact of fragility fractures on HRQOL in patients with chronic liver diseases treated with LT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (14 female, 13 male) at a median period of 3.5 years post LT participated in the study. HRQOL was assessed by Short Form-36 and PBC-40 instruments. Bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and hip neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Data on the duration of the liver disease, time from LT, and fragility fractures were also collected. RESULTS: As many as 74.1% of the patients had reduced BMD (t-score < -1.0 SD) in the hip. Mean values of the spine and hip BMD z-scores were -1.1 and -0.9 SD, respectively. Time after LT, percentage of lean tissue, and physical activity were positively associated with BMD. The prevalence of fractures was 48%. We did not find significant differences in age, gender, body composition parameters, physical activity, BMD, and HRQOL scores between the subjects with and without fractures. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of fragility fractures and a decreased BMD in LT recipients. Patients with a history of fractures had similar HRQOL scores to those without fractures.

The application of capillary electrophoresis in the determination of glutathione in healthy women's blood.

The purpose of this work was to compare glutathione status in the blood of women taking oral contraceptives, female smokers and pregnant women using both the capillary electrophoresis (CE) and alloxan methods. The studies were performed on the whole blood prepared by deproteinization by 25% metaphosphoric acid. The reduced glutathione (GSH) was measured by alloxan and CE methods. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was measured by CE and the GSH/GSSG ratio was calculated. In pregnant women (Group A), women taking oral contraceptives (Group B) and female smokers (Group C), lower concentrations of GSH were observed compared with the control group (Group D) as measured by CE and alloxan methods, suggesting the presence of oxidative stress. The level of GSSG in Group C was higher than in Group D, indicating glutathione oxidation. In Groups A and B, reduced levels of GSSG were observed, which indicates that other processes besides oxidation affect glutathione status. In Groups A and C, a lower GSH/GSSG ratio was observed than in Group D, while in Group B no statistical change was observed. In conclusion, the advantage of CE is the possibility of measuring GSSG, which could allow for a more accurate interpretation of the status of GSH in the human body. Oxidation of glutathione in female smokers was indicated, while in pregnant women and women taking oral contraceptives processes other than oxidation can be associated with a decrease in glutathione levels.

The influence of biological and environmental factors on metallothionein concentration in the blood.

The concentration of metallothionein (MT), a low-molecular-weight protein, is regulated by many factors, primarily metals (zinc, cadmium, copper), cytokines, glucocorticoides and free radicals. These factors are determined by such aspects of human biology as gender, pregnancy and age, as well as by environmental factors including the use of oral contraceptives and cigarette smoking, all which may affect MT levels in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of these biological and environmental factors on MT concentrations in erythrocyte lysate and in plasma. MT concentrations were determined by a two-step direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Evaluation of exposure to cigarette smoking was performed by checking cotinine levels in the plasma of subjects. The studies showed higher MT concentrations in both the erythrocyte lysate and plasma of women when compared to men. Furthermore, pregnancy causes an increase of MT concentration in plasma, while oral contraceptives cause an elevated concentration of MT in erythrocyte lysate. Age impacts plasma MT concentrations in men, whereas it does not affect concentrations of MT in erythrocyte lysate.