Chromium nanoparticles improve bone turnover regulation in rats fed a high-fat, low-fibre diet.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of returning to a balanced diet combined with chromium picolinate (CrPic) or chromium nanoparticles (CrNPs) supplementation at a pharmacologically relevant dose of 0.3 mg/kg body weight on the expression level of selected genes and bone turnover markers in the blood and bones of rats fed an obese diet. The results of the study showed that chronic intake of a high-fat obesogenic diet negatively affects bone turnover by impairing processes of both synthesis and degradation of bones. The switch to a healthy diet proved insufficient to regulate bone metabolism disorders induced by an obesogenic diet, even when it was supplemented with chromium, irrespective of its form. Supplementation with CrPic with no change in diet stimulated bone metabolism only at the molecular level, towards increased osteoclastogenesis (bone resorption). In contrast, CrNPs added to the high-fat diet effectively regulated bone turnover by increasing both osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, with these changes directed more towards bone formation. The results of the study suggest that unfavourable changes in bone metabolism induced by chronic intake of a high-fat diet can be mitigated by supplementation with CrNPs, whereas a change in eating habits fails to achieve a similar effect.

Embolization of Perforated Coronary Artery with a Fragment of Balloon Catheter (Cut Balloon Technique)-Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic distal coronary artery perforation can be a life-threatening complication. While there are different dedicated devices for the embolization of distal perforations, there are scarce data about the embolization using the fragmented balloon catheter, the so-called cut balloon technique (CBT). METHODS: We included consecutive patients with distal coronary perforations treated with CBT in four cardiac centers between 2017 and 2023. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics as well as in-hospital outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (68% men, mean age: 71 ± 10.6 years) with 25 distal coronary perforations and one septal collateral perforation were included. Eleven patients (42%) had elective percutaneous coronary intervention, while fifteen patients (58%) were treated for acute coronary syndrome. The site of perforation was most frequently distributed in the left anterior descending artery (40%), followed by the circumflex artery (28%) and right coronary artery (24%). The diameter of balloons for CBT ranged from 1.5 to 4.0 mm, with most balloons (76%) being either 2.0 or 2.5 mm in diameter. Most balloons (88%) were previously used for lesion predilatation. The numbers of cut balloons needed to seal the perforation were 1, 2 and ≥3 in 48%, 20% and 32% of cases, respectively. The in-hospital prognosis was favorable, with cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis in only four (16%) patients. Neither emergency surgery nor cardiac death occurred. CONCLUSIONS: CBT is a safe, efficient and easy-to-implement technique for the embolization of coronary perforations. Most distal coronary perforations can be sealed with one or two fragments of cut balloons, obviating the need for additional devices.

Oxidative, epigenetic changes and fermentation processes in the intestine of rats fed high-fat diets supplemented with various chromium forms.

The aim of the study was to determine how feeding rats a high-fat diet (F) supplemented with various forms of chromium affects the responses of the immune and redox systems, as well as epigenetic changes in the ileal tissue and the course of fermentation processes in the caecum. The rats received a pharmacologically relevant dose 0.3 mg Cr/kg body weight in form of chromium(III) picolinate (Cr-Pic), chromium (III)-methionine (Cr-Met), or chromium nanoparticles (Cr-NPs). The F increased DNA oxidation and raised the level of interleukin IL-6. The F was shown to reduce the intensity of fermentation processes in the caecum while increasing the activity of potentially harmful enzymes in the faeces. The addition of Cr in the form of Cr-NPs and Cr-Met in rats fed F beneficially increased mobilization of enzymes of the DNA repair pathway. All forms of Cr, but especially Cr-NPs, beneficially decreased the activity of caecal bacterial ß-glucuronidase, faecal ß-glucosidase and ß-glucuronidase. However, due to the increase in level of cytokine IL-2 in small intestinal wall, induced by all tested forms of chromium, it is difficult to state conclusively that this element can mitigate unfavourable pro-inflammatory and oxidative changes induced by a F in the small intestinal wall.

Selected morphological and mechanical features of the femur of pregnant rats after exposure to caffeine applied at various temperatures Caffeine in the nutrition of pregnant rats.

It was assumed that the temperature at which caffeine is consumed may cause changes in the mechanical and morphological properties of bones and affect the bone metabolism of pregnant female. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of caffeine used at different temperatures on selected morphological and mechanical properties of the femur as well as biochemical indicators of bone formation in female rats in pregnancy. It was use test solution at the temperature 10, 25 and 45oC from 8 to 21 day during pregnancy, once a day. It was found that the temperature of administrated caffeine may have an effect on changing the morphometric properties and on the bone metabolism of pregnant female rats. The application of caffeine solution, was administrated at 10oC caused the most constrained growth of the femur and weakened resistance to load, and caused increased susceptibility to cracks. Analysis of bone metabolism indicators showed that caffeine administered in the form of a solution at 10oC and 25oC caused the most negativity effects for bone formation and bone turnover indicators. The administration of caffeine at 10oC causes the largest negative changes in bone morphological and strength indicators and hasn't a beneficial effect on the bone metabolism of pregnant female rats.

Effects of Different Chromium Compounds on Hematology and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats Fed High-Fat Diet.

The aim of the study was to determine how a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects hematological and immune parameters of the blood of rats. The rats received a standard diet or a high-fat diet supplemented with chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in the form of chromium(III) picolinate, chromium(III)-methionine or nano-sized chromium. Selected hematological parameters were determined in the blood of the rats, including total white blood cell (WBC) count, leukogram, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin level (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT) and platelet percentage (PCT), as well as immune parameters: levels of immunoglobulins A and E (IgA and IgE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp); and levels of caspase 3 and 8 (Casp3 and Casp8). Feeding rats a high-fat diet increased blood markers of induction of inflammation, ie pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and also significantly increased IgE. The diet had no effect on the blood count, except for an increase in the number of neutrophils. The chromium compounds tested, particularly Cr-Met and Cr-NPs, stimulated the immune system of the rats, as indicated by increased concentrations of IgA, IgE, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and Cp. Given the increase in inflammatory mediators induced by chromium, it should not be used to mitigate the effects of a high-fat diet. Moreover, chromium picolinate and chromium nanoparticles were shown to increase the content of caspase 3 and 8 in the blood of rats, which indicates a pro-apoptotic effect. The effects of the use of chromium nanoparticles include reductions in the WBC count and in the thrombocyte count (leuko- and thrombopenia). Taking account these data the use of chromium as dietary supplement should be reconsidered.

The effect of the high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium on rats body composition, liver metabolism and organ histology Cr in liver metabolism and histology of selected organs.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we hypothesized that feeding rats a high-fat diet negatively affects liver metabolism and function and disturbs the histology of some internal organs. We also postulated that there is a form of chromium whose administration alleviates the negative effects of a high-fat diet in rats. METHODS: To verify the hypotheses, we tested the effect of various forms of chrome (picolinate - Cr-Pic, Chromium(III)-methionine complex - Cr-Met, and chrome nanoparticles - Cr-NPs) applied in the recommended amount of 0.3 mg/kg of BW on growth parameters, body fat, liver metabolism and functional disorders, and histological parameters of selected internal organs in rats fed a standard (S) or high-fat diet (F). The experiment was conducted on 56 male outbred Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus. Cmdb:WI) randomly divided into eight experimental groups. For eight weeks the rats received a standard or high-fat diet, without Cr or with Cr at 0.3 mg/kg diet in the form of Cr-Pic, Cr-Met or Cr-NPs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The use of a F diet disrupted the lipid-carbohydrate profile, worsened liver metabolism and function, reduced the expression of hepatic PPAR-α and leaded to negative changes in the histological image of internal organs - liver, kidneys and pancreas. The 8-week use of an chromium supplement in a F diet, regardless of the form used, did not improve the ratio of fat tissue to lean tissue, worsened liver function and negatively affected on the histological image of the liver, kidneys and pancreas. However, the most negative changes in lipid-carbohydrate metabolism and liver functioning were observed with CrNPs supplementation.

Assessment of DNA Methylation and Oxidative Changes in the Heart and Brain of Rats Receiving a High-Fat Diet Supplemented with Various Forms of Chromium.

The aim of the study was to determine how feeding rats a high-fat diet supplemented with various forms of chromium affects DNA methylation and oxidation reactions as well as the histology of heart and brain tissue. The rats received standard diet or high-fat diet and chromium at 0.3 mg/kg body weight (BW) in form of chromium (III) picolinate, chromium (III)-methionine, or nano-sized chromium. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG), the level of global DNA methylation and the activity of selected DNA repair enzymes were determined in the blood. In the brain and heart, the content of MDA, PC, 8-OHDG, and levels of global DNA methylation were determined. The brain was subjected to histological examination. The use of a high-fat diet was found to intensify epigenetic changes and oxidation reactions in the heart and brain. It was concluded that epigenetic changes and oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA in the heart and brain of rats resulting from the use of a high-fat diet cannot be limited by supplementing the diet with chromium. It was established that the use of chromium to supplement a high-fat diet intensifies the negative epigenetic and oxidative changes in the heart and brain, especially in the case of chromium nanoparticles.

The effect of the source and dosage of dietary Cu on redox status in rat tissues.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether the amount of Cu added to the diet of rats can be reduced without adversely affecting the antioxidant status of tissues and growth, and whether copper nanoparticles can be used for this purpose. For four weeks, four experimental groups of rats were fed diets with two dosages of added Cu (standard-6.5 or 3.25 mg/kg) in two forms (standard-CuCO3 or copper nanoparticles). Replacing the CuCO3 supplement with CuNPs resulted in a decreased lung weight and an increased Cu content in brain, kidney and lung, intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, and weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and kidneys. This treatment also reduced the Cu content in heart, level of lipid oxidation in the liver and testes and improved antioxidant defence in the brain. Reducing the addition of Cu to the diet from 6.5 to 3.25 mg/kg reduced lung weight and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver, heart and lungs, and also weakened antioxidant defence in the lungs and testes. This treatment also weakened the lipid peroxidation process in the spleen, small intestine and brain and strengthened the antioxidant defence of the brain and kidneys. In conclusion, replacing CuCO3 with CuNPs and reducing the level of Cu in the diet of rats has a particularly unfavourable effect on the respiratory system, causing adverse changes in the lungs. However, these treatments have a clearly positive effect on the redox status of the liver and brain.

Giant breast tumour in a 13-year-old girl.

This study describes a rare case of a giant phyllodes tumor in a 13-year-old girl. The authors have conducted an analysis of the diagnostic process and have shown the results of operative treatment of the tumor. Moreover, organisational aspects of the diagnostics concerning breast diseases in patients from smaller towns in Poland have been discussed. It has been indicated that the availability of suitable diagnostics and treatment of breast diseases in children and teenagers from rural areas and smaller towns is limited.

[Changes of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in women during pregnancy taking caffeine]. / Zmiany gospodarki weglowodanowej i lipidowej u kobiet w okresie ciazy przyjmujacych kofeine.

Adaptive physiological changes that occur in pregnant woman's body can fluctuate with the intake of substances with proven adverse biological effect on the body. Due to the fact that caffeine is one of the most chronically used xenobiotics it required a research for the impact of consuming caffeine on adaptive processes in the glucose and fatty acid homeostasis of a pregnant woman Many researchers emphasize its negative effect on the glucose and fatty acid homeostasis of the mother and her offspring. However, in spite of years of observation, there is no clear answer to what amount or in what period of time the caffeine modulates the adaptive processes during pregnancy. Because of the potential risk the supply of caffeine during pregnancy should be subjected to considerable restrictions.

[Caffeine and adaptive changes in the circulatory system during pregnancy]. / Kofeina a zmiany adaptacyjne ukladu krazenia u kobiet w okresie ciazy.

Adaptive physiological changes that occur in pregnant women can fluctuate with the intake of substances with proven, adverse biological effect on the body. Due to the fact that caffeine is one of the most chronically used xenobiotics, the impact of consuming caffeine on adaptive processes in the circulatory system of a pregnant women required a research. Many researchers emphasise its negative effect on the circulatory system of the mother and her offspring. However, in spite of years of observation, there is no clear answer to what extent dose or in what period of time the caffeine modulates the adaptive processes during pregnancy. Because of the potential risk the supply of caffeine during pregnancy should be subjected to considerable restrictions.

[Late diagnosis of Gaucher's disease - care reports]. / Pózne rozpoznawanie choroby Gauchera ­ opisy przypadków.

Gaucher's disease if one of the most frequent, among extremely rare, lysosomal storage diseases. It is the autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder, which can present in three main clinical forms. Type 1 - the most benign, in a not-neuropathic form, and types 2 and 3, both in neuropathic form, which manifest serious neurological symptoms. AIM: The aim of the study was to draw attention to the late diagnosing of Gaucher's disease in the Polish population and to popularize the knowledge about this ultra-rare disease. CASE REPORTS: Having analyzed the cases of our patients, we have concluded that the diagnosis of Gaucher's disease type 1 is often made with a time delay of up to several years. The lack of deeper knowledge about the disease and its symptoms among the physicians was found a main reason for this time lag. The disease is usually not taken into consideration in difference diagnosis due to its "ultra-rare" character. Furthermore, the course of the disease is usually occult with no spectacular symptoms, whereas the frequently occurring chronic weakness and bone pains are not treated as serious pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of the Gaucher's disease gives patients the chance of an appropriate, effective substitutive therapy, as well as recovery of organ disturbances.

The influence of caffeine administered at 10°C on bone tissue development.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Caffeine is a natural methylxanthine widespread throughout the food industry. Many research studies have shown that caffeine readily crosses the placenta causing teratogenic and embryotoxic effects. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of caffeine, administered at 10°C, on the development of a rat's bone tissue, with particular reference to elemental bone composition using an X-ray microprobe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted on white rats of the Wistar strain. The fertilized females were divided into two groups: an Experimental Group (Group E) and a Control Group (Group C). The females in Group E were given caffeine orally (at 10°C) in 30 mg/day doses from the 8(th) - 21(st) day of pregnancy. The females in Group C were given water at the same temperature. The foetuses were used to assess the growth and mineralization of the skeleton. Qualitative analysis of the morphology and mineralization of bones was conducted using the alcian-alizarin method. For calcium and potassium analysis, an X-ray microprobe was used. RESULTS: By staining the skeleton using the alcian-alizarin method, changes in 47 Group E foetuses were observed. The frequency of the development variants in the Group E rats was statistically higher, compared with Group C. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that caffeine in high doses disturbs the development of bone tissue. An additional factor which enhances the adverse effects of this substance on bone tissue is the temperature of the administered solution (10(o)C). In the Experimental Group, a significant decrease in the calcium level, as well as an increase in the potassium level, was observed. The X-ray microprobe can be a perfect complement to the methods which enable determination of the mineralization of osseous tissue.

Influence of caffeine administered at 45 °C on bone tissue development.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Caffeine is one of the world's most commonly ingested alkaloids which easily permeates the placenta. The teratogenic and embryotoxic influence of large doses of caffeine has been established in many experimental studies on animals. The objective of this work was to assess the influence of caffeine, administered at 45 °C, on the development of the bone tissue of rats, with particular reference to elemental bone composition using an X-ray microprobe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted on white rats of the Wistar strain. The fertilized females were divided into two groups: an Experimental Group (Group E) and a Control Group (Group C). The females in Group E were given caffeine orally (at 45 °C) in 30 mg/day doses from the 8th to the 21st day of pregnancy. The females in Group C were given water at the same temperature. The fetuses were used to assess the growth and mineralization of the skeleton. A qualitative analysis of the morphology and mineralization of bones was conducted using the alcian-alizarin method. For calcium and potassium analysis, an X-ray microprobe was used. RESULTS: By staining the skeleton using the alcian-alizarin method, changes in 52 of Group E fetuses were observed. The frequency of the development variants in the Group E rats was statistically higher, compared with Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving caffeine at a higher temperature may result in different pharmacodynamics and significantly change tolerance to it. In Group E, a significant decrease in the calcium level, as well as an increase in the potassium level, was observed. The X-ray microprobe can be a perfect complement to the methods which enable determination of the mineralization of osseous tissue.

[Morphological and molecular bases of cardiac development]. / Morfologiczne i molekularne podstawyrozwoju serca.

The heart is a mesoderm-derived organ, whose formation is regulated by various genes. Initially, the most important is expression of Nkx2.5, CR1, pitx2, anf and mhc2a, which are responsible for differentiation of cardiomyocytes. In a later phase activation of mhc2b, pitx2c, mesp1, pcmf1, vmhc, xin, mcl2v, mlc2a, mlc2a, mef2, hand1 and hand2 was revealed. Their expression is regulated by various molecules, including transcription (XIN, GATA, MEF, Tbx5, Baf60c, PECAM, tie-2, MEF2) and growth (VEGF, FGF, PDGF) factors, as well as proteins (i.e., dickkopf-1, cerberus, cytotactin, fibrillin, nodal, thrombomodulin, Wnt, bone morphometric ones - BMP2, BMP 4, BMP5, BMP7) and other substances, such as retinoid and folic acid. Crucial steps in cardiac organogenesis are development of the ventricle and atrial formation, as well as septation and valve formation. Any disturbances of such processes may lead to various congenital heart diseases and defects that could be initiated by various genetic, epigenetic or environmental factors. The most common heart malformations are: stenosis (coarctation) of the aorta and pulmonary trunk, bicuspid aortic valve, atrial and/or ventricular septal defect, persistent truncus arteriosus (Botallo duct), transposition of the great vessels, tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left and right heart, as well as syndrome of Lutembachera, Cantrell, Ebstein, Eisenmenger and Shone and trilogy, tetralogy, pentalogy of Fallot.

[Developmental toxicity of the over-the-counter analgetics and antypiretics]. / Toksycznosc rozwojowa leków przeciwbólowych i przeciwgoraczkowych dostepnych bez recepty.

Over-the-counter antipyretics (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen) and/or analgesics (acetaminophen, aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen) are relatively safe for adults. However, data on their developmental toxicity is sparse. Moreover, experimental and clinical findings are commonly incompatible. The highest developmental toxicity was found for aspirin. However, unlike full-dose of aspirin, its low doses are compatible during pregnancy. Over-the-counter nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAID) may induce miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm constriction of the ductus arteriosus with a secondary persistent pulmonary hypertension, reduced fetal renal perfusion that led to oligohydramion, prolonged pregnancy as well as an increase prevalence of intracranial bleeding in newborns. For acetaminophen and ibuprofen an increased risk of cryptorchidism was also pointed. Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may also induce bronchial asthma during childhood, preeclampsia, preterm birth, maternal phlebothrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, epidemiological data suggest higher risk of cardiac, abdominal wall and orofacial defects of evaluated drugs.

[Symbolizm of medical institutions]. / Symboliczny wymiar wizerunku placówki medycznej.

Marketing in health service has become an indispensable tool for creating and maintaining a positive image of medical institutions which to a great extent determines their success on the market. This process entails not only providing professional, reliable and up-to-date patient care but also establishing good reputation among those who already use it and its potential customers. It should be recognizable also for deliverers, investors, competitors, media and particularly for society and local authorities. The key to success is professionalism of personnel and their identification with the mission of the institution and the direction of changes being implemented there. For a complete success and recognition is essential health care facilities, which affects virtually matched the name and symbol, and communication of people responsible for contact with the media.

[The essence of doctor-patient relationship in creating image of a medical institution]. / Istota relacji lekarz-pacjent w budowaniu wizerunku placówki medycznej.

Irrespective of changing standards and continuous reforms in health service, the patient should always remain the principal focus. The patient is a person who should be treated not only as a customer or a recipient of medical services but also as a person being in a situation which is difficult and often unacceptable. Among the factors affecting patients' satisfaction and contentment in the course of the disease it is profoundly important that he cooperates with his doctor. For years it has been attempted to create an ideal model of doctor-patient relationship which would be mutually beneficial and not violating privacy or welfare of any of them. These attempts focused on various theoretical models, among others paternalistic, informative and interpretive. However, special attention should be paid to adherence to principles which is based on respect for patient autonomy, harmlessness, charity and fairness.

[Marketing in health service--a necessity or a temporary whim?]. / Marketing w sluzbie zdrowia--koniecznosc czy chwilowa zachcianka?

Permanent changes occurring in economy and politics, open borders, a greater number of people with higher education as well as growing social awareness concerning taking care of health are followed by changes in healthcare sector. In response to an increased social demand, new medical institutions are being founded. They offer their patients a vast array of services ranging from therapeutic to preventive and highly specialized procedures improving their standard of living. In order to attract regular patients, and therefore receive regular income, it is necessary to stabilize such institutions on services market. It can be achieved by numerous marketing tools which, when applied appropriately, enable to create a positive image of a medical institution.

Anatomical classification of the shape and topography of the stomach.

The aim of the study was to present the classification of anatomical variations of the stomach, based on the radiological and historical data. In years 2006-2010, 2,034 examinations of the upper digestive tract were performed. Normal stomach anatomy or different variations of the organ shape and/or topography without any organic radiologically detectable gastric lesions were revealed in 568 and 821 cases, respectively. Five primary groups were established: abnormal position along longitudinal (I) and horizontal axis (II), as well as abnormal shape (III) and stomach connections (IV) or mixed forms (V). The first group contains abnormalities most commonly observed among examined patients such as stomach rotation and translocation to the chest cavity, including sliding, paraesophageal, mixed-form and upside-down hiatal diaphragmatic hernias, as well as short esophagus, and the other diaphragmatic hernias, that were not found in the evaluated population. The second group includes the stomach cascade. The third and fourth groups comprise developmental variations and organ malformations that were not observed in evaluated patients. The last group (V) encloses mixed forms that connect two or more previous variations.