DNA Methylation of the Dopamine Transporter DAT1 Gene-Bliss Seekers in the Light of Epigenetics.

DNA methylation (leading to gene silencing) is one of the best-studied epigenetic mechanisms. It is also essential in regulating the dynamics of dopamine release in the synaptic cleft. This regulation relates to the expression of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1). We examined 137 people addicted to nicotine, 274 addicted subjects, 105 sports subjects and 290 people from the control group. After applying the Bonferroni correction, our results show that as many as 24 out of 33 examined CpG islands had statistically significantly higher methylation in the nicotine-dependent subjects and athletes groups compared to the control group. Analysis of total DAT1 methylation revealed a statistically significant increase in the number of total methylated CpG islands in addicted subjects (40.94%), nicotine-dependent subjects (62.84%) and sports subjects (65.71%) compared to controls (42.36%). The analysis of the methylation status of individual CpG sites revealed a new direction of research on the biological aspects of regulating dopamine release in people addicted to nicotine, people practicing sports and people addicted to psychoactive substances.

Association of Polymorphism within the Putative miRNA Target Site in the 3'UTR Region of the DRD2 Gene with Neuroticism in Patients with Substance Use Disorder.

The study aims at looking into associations between the polymorphism rs6276 that occurs in the putative miRNA target site in the 3'UTR region of the DRD2 gene in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) comorbid with a maniacal syndrome (SUD MANIA). In our study, we did not state any essential difference in DRD2 rs6276 genotype frequencies in the studied samples of SUD MANIA, SUD, and control subjects. A significant result was found for the SUD MANIA group vs. SUD vs. controls on the Neuroticism Scale of NEO FFI test, and DRD2 rs6276 (p = 0.0320) accounted for 1.7% of the variance. The G/G homozygous variants were linked with lower results on the neuroticism scale in the SUD MANIA group because G/G alleles may serve a protective role in the expression of neuroticism in patients with SUD MANIA. So far, there have been no data in the literature on the relationship between the miRSNP rs6276 region in the DRD2 gene and neuroticism (personal traits) in patients with a diagnosis of substance use disorder comorbid with the affective, maniacal type disturbances related to SUD. This is the first report on this topic.

Adiponectin Is a Component of the Inflammatory Cascade in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Adiponectin is a secretory protein of adipocytes that plays an important role in pathological processes by participation in modulating the immune and inflammatory responses. The pro-inflammatory effect of adiponectin is observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we examined adiponectin plasma levels and the expression of adiponectin in bone marrow tissue samples, synovium samples, and infrapatellar fat pad samples from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and RA. Additionally we examined the expression of adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in synovium samples and infrapatellar fat pad samples from patients with OA and RA. We also assessed the correlations between adiponectin plasma concentrations, adiponectin expression in bone marrow, synovium, infrapatellar fat pad, and plasma levels of selected cytokines. We found increased expression of adiponectin in synovium samples and infrapatellar fat pad samples from patients with RA as compared to patients with OA. There were no statistically significant differences of adiponectin plasma levels and adiponectin expression in bone marrow tissue samples between OA and RA patients. There were no differences in the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 at the mRNA level in synovial tissue and the infrapatellar fat pad between RA and OA patients. However, in immunohistochemical analysis in samples of the synovial membrane from RA patients, we observed very strong expression of adiponectin in intima cells, macrophages, and subintimal fibroblasts, such as synoviocytes, vs. strong expression in OA samples. Very strong expression of adiponectin was also noted in adipocytes of Hoffa's fat pad of RA patients. Expression of AdipoR1 was stronger in RA tissue samples, while AdipoR2 expression was very similar in both RA and OA samples. Our results showed increased adiponectin expression in the synovial membrane and Hoffa's pad in RA patients compared to that of OA patients. However, there were no differences in plasma adiponectin concentrations and its expression in bone marrow. The results suggest that adiponectin is a component of the inflammatory cascade that is present in RA. Pro-inflammatory factors enhance the expression of adiponectin, especially in joint tissues-the synovial membrane and Hoffa's fat pad. In turn, adiponectin also increases the expression of further pro-inflammatory mediators.

Short-Term Functional Outcomes of Short Femoral Neck Stems Are the Same as Those of Conventional Stems in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

(1) Background: In this study, two types of implants were compared-a conventional hip stem and a femoral neck prosthesis. (2) Methods: The femoral neck prosthesis study group included 21 patients, while the conventional hip stem control group was 40 patients. The first examination was the pre-op check, while the next ones were performed 6 weeks, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery. The Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), University of California at Los Angeles Activity Score (UCLA), and Visual Analog Scale EQ (VAS EQ) forms were completed at each clinical study visit. (3) Results: The HHS in the femoral neck prosthesis group and the conventional hip stem group 6 weeks after surgery was 68.8 ± 16.47 and 67.6 ± 8.92, respectively, and 1 year after surgery, this was 93 ± 5.58 vs. 90.6 ± 5.17, respectively. The OHS of the femoral neck prosthesis group was 34.8 points after 6 weeks, 45.5 points after 1 year, and 43.9 points after 3 years. The respective values in the conventional hip stem group were 35.5, 41.55, and 42.13 points. The WOMAC values for the femoral neck prosthesis group were 70.6, 92.7, and 86 points, respectively, while for the conventional hip stem group, they were 74, 88.1, and 86.1 points. The UCLA scores recorded in the conventional hip stem group ranged from 3.15 to 5.05 points, but a higher mean value of 5.33 points was obtained in the femoral neck prosthesis group. VAS EQ was equal to 84 points three years after the operation. (4) Conclusions: The study showed no significant differences in the functional scores of both groups, and the new type of cervical femoral stem could be the first choice in younger patients.

Analysis of Relationships between DAT1 Polymorphism Variants, Personality Dimensions, and Anxiety in New Psychoactive Substance (Designer Drug) (NPS) Users.

The use of 'new psychoactive substances' appears to be increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine biological and personality determinants in individuals who choose to use these substances, which may help in the prevention and treatment of psychoactive substance use disorders. The study group consisted of 374 male volunteers; all were users of 'new psychoactive substances' (NPS). The NPS users were recruited after they had abstained-for at least 3 months-from any substance of abuse in addiction treatment facilities. The NPS patients and the control subjects were examined by a psychiatrist using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. The real-time PCR method was used for genotyping. When we compared the controls with the study group, statistically significant interactions were found between DAT1 polymorphism, neuroticism, and NPS use. NPS use and DAT1 polymorphism were associated with a higher level of neuroticism on the NEO-FFI scale. The study group of NPS users showed a higher severity of anxiety symptoms, both in terms of trait and state, compared to the control group. The results may support the idea that neuroticism and anxiety correlate strongly with coping motives for using NPS.

Lymphorrhoea as an early complication after decompression of C5 and C6 roots through scalenotomy. Successful treatment with VATS preceded by conservative treatment.

Lymphorrhoea is a rare complication after orthopaedic surgeries. This paper presents a case of a patient who demonstrated cervical lymphorrhoea as an early complication of scalenotomy. The lymphorrhoea was success - fully stopped through VATS closure of the thoracic duct following initial ineffective conservative treatment.

[Neglected case of chondrosarcoma causing deformity of the shoulder girdle--case report]. / Zaniedbana postac chrzestniakomiesaka znieksztalcajaca obrecz barkowa--opis przypadku.

We have presented a patient's case with advanced form of chondrosarcoma in the scapula causing enormous deformity of shoulder girdle and additionally presenting with metastases in both lungs. Monstrous extent of deformity was developed due to patient's disagreement with proposed therapy which lasted over two years. We wish to present the adaptation ability allowing the patient to perform active form of life and run business in spite of the huge deformity of the shoulder.

Surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma with massive bone destruction.

Background. The purpose of the study is to present the results of surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma in patients with massive bone destruction. Material and methods. Surgical treatment involved 10 male patients with chondrosarcoma of pelvis (4 cases), shoulder (4 cases), femur (1 case) and ankle (1 case). We performed the following surgical procedures: complete resection without reconstruction, resection with arthroplasty, resection with bonegraft, amputation or disarticulation. Results. Surgical resection without reconstruction was done in 6 patients. Cemented hip and shoulder arthroplasties were performedin 2 patients. Resection en bloc and bone graft was used in one patient. Amputation of the upper limb was performed in one case due to the enormous size of tumor. None of the patients had perioperative complications. Good outcome and no sign of recurrence was seen in 8 cases. One patient had local recurrence and had to be reoperated 6 months after surgery and another one died 12 months following surgery due to lung metastases. Conclusion. The surgical techniques we used allowed most patients to preserve the limb and its function. The apropriate surgical treatment may be one of the most important factors determining good prognosis in chondrosarcoma.

[The role of intramedullary nailing in polytraumatized patients]. / Zespolenie sródszpikowe kosci dlugich w leczeniu obrazen wielomiejscowych i wielonarzadowych.

The authors present the results and methods of long bone fracture treatment by means of intramedullary nailing in polytraumatized patients. The study involved 34 patients hospitalized at The Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin between 2001 and January 2003. The results were estimated both in early period and 12 months after surgery. One year treatment period gave us full recovery and mobility of operated limbs in 20 patients, in 9 there was inability to move resulting from coexisting brain injury, 3 of the whole group presented with bone infections and 5 died due to the extent of trauma.

[Bone tissue harvesting after multiorgan procurements for preparation of preserved bone allografts]. / Pozyskiwanie tkanki kostnej po pobraniach wielonarzadowych celem przygotowywania allogennych przeszczepów kostnych.

Preserved bone allografts are widely used in orthopaedic and traumatology operations. Until now, bone tissue for the preparation of preserved allografts has been collected from cadaveric donors in forensic medicine departments. Increasing demand for preserved bone allografts and limited number of suitable donors led to a prolongation of the waiting time for this kind of allografts. In 1999 a group of orthopaedic surgeons from the Orthopaedics and Trauma Department of the Pomeranian University of Medical sciences started to retrieve bone tissue following vascularized organ procurements. The aim of this paper is to present the technical details and limitations of this enterprise. Between November 1999 and April 2001 bone tissue was received from 12 out of 20 multiorgan donors (60%).

Regional program for bone allograft harvesting following multiorgan procurement in Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin.

In Poland, up to 1999, the bones for allograft preparations had been procured only in mortuaries of forensic medicine departments. The increasing demand for bone transplantations greatly exceeds the supply resulting in a long waiting time for bone allografts. In November 1999, for the first time in Poland, the group of orthopedic surgeons from the Pomeranian Academy of Medicine started the regional program for bone harvesting following vascularized organ procurements. The aim of this paper is to present the technical details and limitations of bone harvesting that occurred in 10 out of 25 multiorgan procurements.

[Chronic, aortic aneurysm rupture as one reason for retrospinal back pain]. / Przewlekle pekajacy tetniak aorty brzusznej jako jedna z przyczyn pozakregoslupowych bólów krzyza.

The authors present the issue of rare causes of retrospinal back pain. Particular attention has been given to abdominal aortic aneurysm--it's clinical picture, diagnostic problems and treatment modes. A retrospective evaluation of 65 operated patients was performed. Diagnostic problems in a 66-year-old patient are also presented: the final diagnosis was determined at the time of surgery, although a low back pain treatment regimen had been formerly applied to this patient. The authors emphasise the frequent occurrence of atypical clinical signs accompanying abdominal aortic aneurysm, frequent correlation with degenerative changes of the spine, and the importance of differential diagnostics in patients with atypical symptoms of low back pain.