Is Raman Spectroscopy of Fingernails a Promising Tool for Diagnosing Systemic and Dermatological Diseases in Adult and Pediatric Populations?

Background: Raman spectroscopy is a well-known tool used in criminology, molecular biology, and histology. It is also applied to diagnose bone mineral disorders by taking advantage of the similarity of the structure of keratin and bone collagen. Raman spectroscopy can also be used in dermatology and diabetology. The purpose of the present review is to critically evaluate the available research about the use of Raman spectroscopy in the mentioned areas of medicine. Methodology: PubMed was searched for peer-reviewed articles on the subject of use of Raman spectroscopy in bone mineral disorders, dermatology, and diabetes mellitus. Results: Nail keratin and bone collagen are related structural proteins that require disulfide bond for structural stability. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy of keratin may have potential as a diagnostic tool for screening bone quality and distinguishing patients at risk of fracture for reasons different from low bone mineral density (BMD) in the adult women population. Raman spectroscopy can also investigate the changes in keratin's structure in nails affected by onychomycosis and distinguish between healthy and onychomycosis nail samples. It could also reduce the need for nail biopsy by distinguishing between dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic agents of onychomycosis. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy could expedite the diagnostic process in psoriasis (by assessing the secondary structure of keratin) and in diabetes mellitus (by examining the protein glycation level). Conclusions: In adult populations, Raman spectroscopy is a promising and safe method for assessing the structure of fingernails. However, data are scarce in the pediatric population; therefore, more studies are required in children.

Women suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus are characterized by low blood levels of α-dicarbonyl compounds.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease, often characterised by severe course and unclear etiopathogenesis. The reaction of protein glycoxidation, also known as glycation, may be linked to etiopathogenesis of SLE. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exhibit cytotoxic properties, affect cellular signalling, impair functions of extracellular proteins, and may act as neoepitopes. Glucosone (GS), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) are examples of α-dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) partaking in glycoxidation. The study aimed to evaluate concentrations of these three compounds in blood serum of SLE patients, and to compare the results with healthy individuals. Material and methods: 31 women suffering from SLE and 26 healthy individuals were included in the study. High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was applied to evaluate concentrations of α-DCs in their serum samples. Correlations between the results and parameters such as disease duration time, age, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and creatinine were analysed. Results: The SLE patients exhibited lower concentrations of glucosone, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal than the control group. Analysis of correlations showed a difference between the examined groups. Conclusions: In women suffering from SLE the course of α-DCs metabolism is altered. SLE patients are characterised by low serum levels of α-DCs. We hypothesise that either hindered proteasomal degradation or fast consumption of α-DCs in oxidative conditions may cause the observed low concentration of these compounds.

Carboxymethyllysine and carboxyethyllysine in multiple sclerosis patients.

Introduction: Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the intensity of the protein glycation process in patients with multiple sclerosis and its possible involvement in disease activity. Material and methods: The study group (n = 45) consisted of patients suffering from MS, and the control group (n = 31) consisted of healthy adults. Concentrations of selected glycation markers such as carboxymethyllysine (CML) and carboxyethyllysine (CEL) in sera of patients with MS and healthy volunteers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum CML and CEL concentrations in patients with MS were higher than in healthy volunteers but only for CML the difference was statistically significant. CML concentrations positively correlated with CEL concentrations only in the healthy persons. In MS patients the serum CML and CEL concentrations did not differ significantly depending on the duration of the disease and depending on the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score. Conclusions: Multiple sclerosis is accompanied by an intensification of protein glycation processes, especially within the pathways leading to the formation of carboxymethyllysine. The duration of the disease and the degree of motor impairment do not appear to affect the progression of the glycation processes. However, the disease process associated with multiple sclerosis may affect the relationship between CML and CEL concentrations.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Grilled Marshmallows.

The aim of this study was to assess potential health risks among children and adolescents consuming various grilled marshmallows using a survey and to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in these food products. PAH analysis in grilled marshmallows included a dilution stage with deionized water and liquid-liquid extraction with cyclohexane and solid-phase extraction (SPE). PAH fractions were initially analyzed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and PAH concentrations were determined via gas chromatography with a tandem mass detector using the selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. This study on the consumption of grilled marshmallows was conducted among approximately 300 children and adolescents. The preliminary results indicated that "raw" marshmallows did not contain PAHs. However, the obtained data suggested the exposure of young people to carcinogenic PAHs from grilled marshmallows (63.5% of them consumed marshmallows). Carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was determined in all samples. The profile of PAH concentrations in the extracts isolated from various grilled types of marshmallows was similar (r2 > 0.8000), regardless of the grilling method. Compared to the white sugar confection, higher concentrations of PAHs were determined in multicolored marshmallows. The lack of social awareness about exposure to carcinogenic substances is alarming.

Concentrations of N6-Carboxymethyllysine (CML), N6-Carboxyethyllysine (CEL), and Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (sRAGE) Are Increased in Psoriatic Patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, and often severe skin disease which is frequently associated with metabolic disorders and increased risk of cardiovascular complications. One of the postulated links is an intensified process of advanced protein glycation and/or glycoxidation. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess concentrations of N6-carboxymethyllysine (CML), N6-carboxyethyllysine (CEL), and soluble form of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) in psoriasis patients at different phases of the disease activity, in comparison to healthy individuals. The study material consisted of sera from psoriasis patients in active phase, in the remission phase, and healthy controls. Concentrations of CML, CEL, and sRAGE were determined using ELISA technique. In the patients with psoriasis (in both phases of the disease), concentrations of CML, CEL and sRAGE were significantly higher than in healthy individuals but they did not correlate with psoriasis area severity index (PASI) values. The remission of the disease was followed by a significant decrease in CML, CEL, and sRAGE concentrations when compared to active patients; however, these concentrations were still significantly higher than in the controls. Our data suggest that psoriasis is accompanied by an intense glycoxidation process and that high sRAGE levels seem to reflect permanent RAGE overstimulation.

Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Women Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by abnormal action of the immune system and a state of chronic inflammation. The disease can cause life-threatening complications. Neoepitopes arising from interdependent glycation and oxidation processes might be an element of SLE pathology. The groups included in the study were 31 female SLE patients and 26 healthy female volunteers (the control group). Blood serum samples were obtained to evaluate concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), carboxymethyllysine (CML), carboxyethyllysine (CEL), pentosidine, and a soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE). Compared to a healthy control group, the SLE patients exhibited a higher concentration of AGEs and a lower concentration of sRAGE in serum. There were no statistically significant differences in serum CML, CEL, and pentosidine concentrations between the groups. Therefore, SLE patients could be at risk of intensified glycation process and activation of the proinflammatory receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which could potentially worsen the disease course; however, it is not clear which compounds contribute to the increased concentration of AGEs in the blood. Additionally, information about the cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of the study participants was obtained.

The Assessment of Serum Concentrations of AGEs and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of AGEs and their soluble receptor (sRAGE) in MS patients and healthy controls and to investigate their possible influence on disease activity. METHODS: Serum concentrations of AGE and sRAGE in patients with MS and healthy controls were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean serum AGE concentration in patients with MS was higher than in healthy controls, whereas the mean serum sRAGE concentration was lower than in the control group. However, the differences were not statistically significant. In MS patients, serum AGE and sRAGE concentrations did not differ significantly, depending on the duration of the disease and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sclerosis may be accompanied by disturbances of the AGE-sRAGE axis. However, further studies are warranted to confirm it. The duration of the disease and the degree of disability do not seem to affect the progression of the glycation process, particularly in the stable phase of the disease.

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in patients with ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Ovarian cancer remains a very common cause of death among women worldwide. The cause is to be found in too late of a diagnostic process and therapeutic difficulties The presence of heat shock proteins in the serum of ovarian cancer patients is still a new area of study. It is necessary to continue studies on the possibilities for using these markers to predict a patient's response to a specific therapy and to monitor treatment progress. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 52 women with ovarian cancer, hospitalised at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncological Gynaecology, Medical University of Silesia. The control group consisted of 25 healthy women. The levels of HSP27 in the studied sera were determined by an immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean concentration of HSP27 in the group of patients with ovarian cancer was significantly higher than in the control group of healthy women. We have shown that mean HSP27 levels in ovarian cancer patients increase with tumour progression and further depend on the clinical stage of the disease (FIGO). Positivity values analysis revealed in all clinical stages of ovarian cancer, excluding stage 1, it was significantly higher than in the control group, and at the 4th stage, it is significantly higher than at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stages. However, both for the untreated patients and those patients after chemotherapy, the mean HSP27 levels were significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies indicate a significant contribution of HSP27 to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. It seems that serum HSP27 can be a marker for this cancer's development, and a marker for the clinical stage.

Are IgG antibodies to heat shock proteins HSP27 and HSP60 useful markers in endometrial cancer and cervical cancer?

OBJECTIVES: Heat shock proteins are overexpressed in many human malignancies. The role of heat shock proteins as a therapeutic target in cancer as well as their association with drug resistance were widely documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of IgG class HSP27 and HSP60 antibodies in serum of patients with endometrial and cervical cancer, as well as to analyse the variability of concentrations of the examined antibodies depending on the cancer stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 59 women with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and 36 women with cervical cancer, the control group consisted of 54 healthy women. The concentrations of IgG class antibodies against the tested heat shock proteins were determined by an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) using commercial assays. RESULTS: In both endometrial and cervical cancer, the serum concentration of IgG anti-HSP27 antibody was significantly higher than in the healthy control group. The concentration of IgG anti-HSP60 antibody in endometrial cancer, cervical cancer and healthy control was similar. The median IgG anti-HSP27 antibody serum concentration of endometrial cancer patients was not correlated with FIGO-stage. In cervical cancer inverse correlation between concentration of this antibody and FIGO stage was observed. The median IgG anti-HSP60 antibody concentration in serum of endometrial cancer patients was lower in FIGO stage I and II compared to FIGO stage IV and in FIGO stage IA compared to FIGO stage IB. Concentrations of examined antibodies correlated positively with each other, both in the group of women with cancer and in the group of healthy women. The strongest correlations were found in the group of patients with endometrial cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Concentration of anti-HSP27 antibody could help in detection of cervical and endometrial cancer. We need to look for the cut-off point in large cohort studies. Anti-HSP27 and anti-HSP60 antibodies should be further evaluated for their potential usage as biomarkers in cervical and endometrial cancer as they shown some correlation with stage of disease.

Antibodies to Heat Shock Proteins 90α and 90ß in Psoriasis.

One of many hypotheses of psoriasis pathogenesis supposes an overexpression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in different skin layers and systemic immunologic response to them. Hsp90 is one of the most abundant chaperone in eukaryotic cells. The number of studies concerning the role of Hsp90 and anti-Hsp90 antibodies in etiopathogenesis of various diseases is also constantly expanding. Still, there are not many reports concerning potential involvement of this Hsp family or anti-Hsp90 immunization in pathomechanism of psoriasis. The aim of the study was the estimation of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90ß IgG antibodies in the sera of the psoriatic patients at different phases of disease activity in comparison to the sera of healthy individuals. The study material consisted of sera from psoriasis patients (n = 80) in active phase and in the remission phase and healthy individuals (n = 80). Concentrations of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90ß IgG antibodies were determined using ELISA technique. In the patients with psoriasis (both in the active phase of the disease and in the remission phase) concentrations of anti-Hsp90α antibodies were significantly higher than in healthy individuals and they correlated positively with psoriasis area severity index values. The mean concentrations of anti-Hsp90ß antibodies in the psoriatic patients and healthy controls were comparable. The obtained results indicate an existence of increased immunological response to Hsp90α in psoriasis. It may suggest the role of the extracellular form of this chaperone and/or anti-Hsp90α antibodies in etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis. The inhibition of Hsp90α may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat psoriasis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - biomarkers of oxidative stress and methylation and transsulfuration cycle. / Zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu (ASD) ­ biomarkery stresu oksydacyjnego oraz cyklu metylacji i transsulfuracji.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people from all regions of the globe, regardless of nationality, living standards or social group. Currently, it is assumed that ASD pathogenesis is multifactorial because there is no one specific cause of the disorder. According to literature, ASD may result from genetic defects, metabolic disorders or exposure to environmental factors. There is a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain the intensity of emotional and behavioral symptoms or the increased sensory threshold that is characteristic of ASD. It is suggested that neurological changes may be due to oxidative stress occurring in early brain tissue development and reduced antioxidative barrier. Due to the abnormalities in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, often occurring in ASD, autism is investigated for disorders of vital biochemical processes of methylation and transsulfuration. Finding a biomarker for a disturbed oxidative-reduction equilibrium, methylation pathway pathology, or other reason could be an important diagnostic tool and the base for individual treatment for patients with varying degrees of severity. This work provides a review of the potential biological indicators for ASD taking into account the occurrence of oxidative stress and the methylation and transsulfuration cycles.

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) Concentration in Population of Healthy Young People: Interactions with Tobacco Smoke and Anti-oxidative Status.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a high-molecular zinc-binding metalloproteinase that was first detected in the serum of pregnant women. It can also be detected in men and non-pregnant women. Recently, a growing interest in determining the concentration of PAPP-A as a marker of oxidative stress and atherosclerotic processes has been observed. Among the factors that could potentially influence the PAPP-A formation is the exposure to tobacco smoke. Some components of tobacco smoke have an immediate effect on the body and also direct influence on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between PAPP-A concentration and either passive or active exposure to tobacco smoke in the population of medicine students (n = 152). The relation between PAPP-A concentration and chosen markers of inflammatory response and anti-oxidative processes was analyzed. The samples of serum, urine, and saliva were collected and main nicotine metabolites in urine samples were determined using ELISA technique. Comparison of the PAPP-A concentrations in the study group revealed that in the group of active smokers, the concentration of the protein was significantly higher than in the group of passive smokers (p = .04) and the group of not-exposed students (p = .006). PAPP-A concentration showed significant positive correlation with the values of FRAP and main nicotine metabolites. The evident influence of both active and passive tobacco smoke exposure on PAPP-A levels in the studied population of young people who in general are not included in the group of high-risk cardiovascular incidents, shows how important early prevention of anti-health behaviors is.

Circulating soluble LIGHT/TNFSF14 is increased and associated with IL-8 concentration in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxins, exhibiting inducible expression, and competing with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes) has been involved in various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. LIGHT induces the expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is up-regulated in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). To determine circulating soluble LIGHT concentration and its relationship with IL-8 concentration in patients with CSU. Concentrations of LIGHT, IL-8, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined in plasma or serum of CSU patients by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LIGHT plasma concentration was significantly higher in moderate-severe CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects, but not with mild CSU patients. There were significant correlations between increased LIGHT and IL-8 concentrations, but not with increased CRP in CSU patients. Enhanced plasma concentrations of soluble LIGHT and its association with IL-8 concentration suggest the role of LIGHT in systemic inflammatory activation in CSU patients. We hypothesize that LIGHT-mediated immune-inflammatory response plays a role in severe phenotypes of the disease.

Elevated circulating heat shock protein 70 and its antibody concentrations in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) play a complex role in cytoprotection, inflammation, and function of the immune system. They may be involved in pathogenesis of various diseases. Our aim was to determine circulating Hsp70 and anti-Hsp70 antibodies concentrations in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Concentrations of Hsp70 in plasma and anti-Hsp70 antibodies in serum as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in CSU patients and in the controls. Plasma Hsp70 concentrations were significantly higher in CSU (all) and mild CSU patients as compared with the controls. Moderate-severe CSU patients tended to show higher Hsp70 concentration as compared with the controls, but not with mild activity of the disease. There were no significant differences in Hsp70 concentration between moderate-severe and mild CSU patients. Serum anti-Hsp70 antibodies concentrations were significantly higher in CSU (all) and mild CSU in comparison to the controls. Association was observed between anti-Hsp70 antibodies and increased CRP concentration; however, no correlation between anti-Hsp70 and Hsp70 concentrations was seen in the patients. It seems that up-regulation of Hsp70 in CSU may induce marked increase in anti-Hsp70 antibodies production, which are accompanied by parallel changes in CRP concentration. We suggest that Hsp may be released in CSU in response to stressful stimuli, such as inflammation.

Determination of advanced glycation end-products and antibodies against them (anti-CML and anti-CEL) in the serum of Graves' orbitopathy patients before and after methylprednisolone treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The glycation process is a non-enzymatic modification of proteins occurring due to the reactions of reductive carbohydrates. The glycated residues lose their biological functions, and their removal process is ineffective. They accumulate, and as a result they cause an immunological response. The aim of this study was a determination of the concentrations of advanced glycation end-products and antibodies against carboxymethyl lysine (anti-CML) and carboxyethyl lysine (anti-CEL) in the sera of Graves' orbitopathy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group were patients from the Division of Endocrinology of the Medical University of Silesia (n = 25) suffering from Graves' orbitopathy. The concentration of AGE-peptides using flow spectrofluorimetry method, and anti-CML and anti-CEL IgG antibodies using immunoenzymatic technique (ELISA), were measured in patients sera before and after methylprednisolone treatment. RESULTS: In sera of the study group the concentrations of AGE-peptides and anti-CML were significantly lower before and after treatment in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Mean values of anti-CEL concentrations were comparable (at both phases of treatment) with the value observed in the control group. After treatment the concentrations of AGE-peptides and anti-CEL significantly decreased (p < 0.05); however, the concentration of anti-CML was also lower but the observed change was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the course of Graves' orbitopathy the glycation process is disturbed. The treatment modifies significantly the process by lowering the concentration of advanced glycation end-products and suppressing the immune response to them. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (4): 383-389).

IL-6 Transsignaling in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

BACKGROUND: IL-6 trans-signaling is critically involved in the initiation and promotion of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, we investigated the clinical relevance of soluble members of IL-6 trans-signaling system in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). METHODS: IL-6, interleukin 6 soluble receptor (IL-6 sR) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) were measured by ELISA method in plasma from CSU patients and the healthy subjects. The data were related to activation of the acute phase response as indicated by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and compared between patients stratified by the disease activity. RESULTS: Concentrations of IL-6, IL-6 sR, sgp130 in plasma and CRP in serum were significantly elevated in CSU patients compared with the healthy controls. CRP correlated significantly with IL-6 and sgp130, similarly IL-6 correlated significantly with sgp130. By contrast, CRP and IL-6 did not correlate significantly with IL-6 sR. However, significant correlation was noted between IL-6 sR and sgp130. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of IL-6 and its soluble receptors were significantly elevated in patients with CSU, suggesting upregulation of the IL-6 trans-signaling in the disease. In addition, our results support the concept that the system may be involved in pathogenesis of the systemic inflammatory activation in CSU patients.

[Environmental tobacco smoke--assessment of formaldehyde concentration in urine samples of exposed medicine students]. / Srodowiskowy dym tytoniowy--ocena stezen formaldehydu w moczu narazonych studentów medycyny.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is ranked as one of the factors of confirmed carcinogenicity to human. It consists of the mixture of smoke exhaled by the smoker as well as the sidestream smoke and contains many times higher concentrations of some toxic substances in comparison to the amount of toxic compounds inhaled by a smoker. From many years the issue of passive smoking has been the subject of many research and still not all of its aspects of affecting human health have been explored. Apart from the tobacco varieties, also diverse additives added during the process of tobacco manufacturing, including particularly carbohydrates, influence the composition of the environmental tobacco smoke. During smoking they can undergo many complex transformations, as a result of which toxic components of the environmental tobacco smoke are formed, carbonyl compounds in particular, like aldehydes. They are marked by a significant chemical reactivity which enables them to modify amino groups of proteins leading to the changes in their structure, biological functions and often antigenicity. Therefore their influence to the human body is the cause of numerous adverse health effects caused by the increase in free radical processes which can constitute to the source of these compounds. Well known representative of this group of xenobiotics is formaldehyde as a compound that reflects well the environmental exposure to carbonyl compounds. The considerable source of this compound is tobacco smoke. Therefore analysis of formaldehyde in body fluids is a valuable biomonitoring tool of exposure to it. The aim of this study was the evaluation of formaldehyde concentration in urine samples of medicine students exposed to ETS. The study material consisted of 149 urine samples of students from School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia. The concentration of formaldehyde in urine samples was determined by a spectrophotometric method using the Purpald reagent. To verify the collected questionnaire data regarding exposure to constituents of tobacco smoke, the immuno-enzymatic method was used to determine main nicotine metabolites in tested urine samples. This enabled dividing the investigated students' group into active smokers, passively exposed to tobacco smoke and not exposed. Analysis of obtained results showed that mean concentration of formaldehyde in urine of active smokers (68.45 ± 58.67 µmol/l) and passive smokers (79.23 ± 53.64 µmol/l) were significantly higher in comparison to not exposed students (42.99 ± 30.29 µmol/l). Mean concentrations of formaldehyde in urine samples of active and passive smokers are comparable. The results of our study allow to conclude that passive exposure to tobacco smoke is an equivalent source of exposure to active smoking regarding formaldehyde adverse influence to human. Applied method enables to quick evaluation of formaldehyde concentration in biological samples.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is characterized by lower serum advanced glycation end-products.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of acute phase response. On the other hand, it is known that systemic inflammation may lead to increased formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), associated with pathogenesis of various diseases. AIM: We aim to test whether chronic inflammation manifested by activated acute phase response may provide a mechanism for increased serum AGEs concentration in CSU. METHODS: Concentrations of AGEs were measured spectrofluorimetrically in serum of CSU patients and the healthy subjects. RESULTS: Serum AGEs and albumin concentrations in CSU patients were significantly lower as compared with the healthy subjects. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with CSU than in the controls. Significant positive correlation was observed between AGEs and albumin concentrations in the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: CSU is not associated with increased circulating AGEs concentrations, despite the enhanced systemic inflammatory response. Paradoxical decrease of serum AGEs concentrations is probably a reflection of lower concentration of "negative acute phase proteins" such as albumin.

Antibodies against Hsp60 and Hsp65 in the sera of women with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of IgG antibodies against Hsp60 and Hsp65 in sera of patients with ovarian cancer at various stages of clinical progress and for different histopathological types of disease. METHODS: Serum samples from 149 patients with ovarian carcinoma and 80 healthy women were investigated. The concentrations of anti-Hsp60 and anti-Hsp65 antibodies were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of anti-Hsp60 and anti-Hsp65 antibodies in the patients with ovarian cancer did not differ significantly from the mean levels in healthy women. Analysis in relation to the clinical progression stage showed that the concentrations of these antibodies were higher when the neoplastic process was less advanced and at early stages significantly higher than in control group. Mean concentrations of both antibodies were not significantly different in relation to the histological type of the ovarian cancer. The use of chemotherapy as a primary anticancer treatment did not cause a significant change in the concentration of anti-Hsp60 antibodies, but the mean level of anti-Hsp65 after this treatment was significantly higher than in control group. CONCLUSIONS: The immunological response to Hsp60/65 is increased in early clinical stages of ovarian cancer and the level of anti-hsp60/65 antibodies may be then a helpful diagnostic marker. Even antibodies against highly homologous Hsps may be cross-reactive only partially and differ by some functional properties.

Selected adipose tissue hormones, bone metabolism, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand in postmenopausal obese women.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that changes in the production of adipose tissue hormones in obese postmenopausal women might affect their bone status. The aim of this study was to determine whether obese postmenopausal women exhibited any relationship between serum levels of LP, ADIPO, RES, VISF, APE and bone metabolism markers (OC and CTx), OPG, sRANKL, the OPG/sRANKL ratio as well as BMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 postmenopausal women (60 obese and 20 healthy) underwent BMD measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine L2-L4. Serum levels of selected adipose tissue hormones, OC, CTx, OPG and its soluble ligand, sRANKL, were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: Obese postmenopausal women demonstrated a significant increase in body mass, BMI and WHR associated with significant increases in LP and RES levels, a decrease in ADIPO concentration, suppression of OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL and an increase in the OPG/sRANKL ratio and BMD. BMI correlated positively with BMD, LP, RES, OPG and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, whereas in the case of ADIPO, OC, CTx, sRANKL the relationship was negative. WHR was positively correlated with the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and negatively with ADIPO and APE. A positive correlation was found between BMD and LP, APE and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, while the correlation between BMD and ADIPO, CTx, sRANKL was negative. Significant positive correlations were also revealed between OC, CTx and ADIPO; OPG and ADIPO; sRANKL and ADIPO, RES; the OPG/sRANKL ratio and LP. OC correlated negatively with LP, RES, VISF, APE; CTx with LP, VISF, APE; OPG with LP; sRANKL with LP and APE; the OPG/sRANKL ratio with VISF. ADIPO was an independent predictor of OC, OPG and sRANKL, while LP turned out to be an independent predictor of CTx, OPG, sRANKL and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in postmenopausal women can lead to changes in BMD, circulating levels of bone markers, OPG, sRANKL and/or the OPG/sRANKL ratio; these changes are associated with alterations in the concentrations of adipose tissue hormones under investigation. The relationships between bone status indicators and adipose tissue hormones, especially LP and ADIPO, seem to suggest that changes in these hormones observed in obese postmenopausal women might have a protective effect on bone tissue, most probably via a shift in the OPG/sRANKL ratio towards a functional excess of OPG.