Sequence analysis of three canine adipokine genes revealed an association between TNF polymorphisms and obesity in Labrador dogs.

Obesity is an emerging health problem in purebred dogs. Due to their crucial role in energy homeostasis control, genes encoding adipokines are considered candidate genes, and their variants may be associated with predisposition to obesity. Searching for polymorphism was carried out in three adipokine genes (TNF, RETN and IL6). The study was performed on 260 dogs, including lean (n = 109), overweight (n = 88) and obese (n = 63) dogs. The largest cohort was represented by Labrador Retrievers (n = 136). Altogether, 24 novel polymorphisms were identified: 12 in TNF (including one missense SNP), eight in RETN (including one missense SNP) and four in IL6. Distributions of five common SNPs (two in TNF, two in RETN and one in IL6) were further analyzed with regard to body condition score. Two SNPs in the non-coding parts of TNF (c.-40A>C and c.233+14G>A) were associated with obesity in Labrador dogs. The obtained results showed that the studied adipokine genes are highly polymorphic and two polymorphisms in the TNF gene may be considered as markers predisposing Labrador dogs to obesity.

Influence of protoporphyrin IX amino acid substituents on affinity to human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells.

The ability of protoporphyrin IX (PP IX) to enter neoplastic cells is used for diagnosis and photodynamic therapy. We present here the effects of PP IX and three amino acid derivatives on MCF-7 cell viability. The fluorescence of each substance was examined using confocal microscopy. Our results show that diarginine diprotoporphyrinate (PP(Arg)2) has satisfactory fluorescence to evaluate the rate of accumulation within cells. We have determined the times at which the accumulation begins and reaches a plateau, as well as cellular localization of PP(Arg)2 in MCF-7 cells.

Contents of bioelements and toxic metals in a Polish population determined by hair analysis. Part 2. Young persons aged 10-20 years.

The aim of this study was to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) in the hair of Polish young persons aged 10-20 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2004 on a group of over 3420 healthy young persons. Mean concentrations of two toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in over 2000 young men were also investigated. The results of biochemical tests were analyzed with the program STATISTICA 7.0 (StatSoft PL). Significant differences between girls' and boys' hair Ca, Mg and Zn in the same age group were observed (p = 0.0000). It was determined that boys have smaller concentrations of hair Ca, Mg and Zn than girls. No significant differences were observed between concentrations of Cu and Fe in the hair of girls and boys of the same age in the tested period. Significantly greater amounts of Pb and Cd characterize boys. Analyses of correlations confirm significance (p < 0.05000) of synergistic interactions between bioelements: Ca-Mg (r = +0.80), Ca-Zn (r = +0.52), Ca-Cu (r = +0.14), Mg-Zn (r = +0.50), Mg-Cu (r = +0.13), Zn-Cu (r = +0.11), Cu-Fe (r = +0.04). Significance (p < 0.05000) of antagonistic interactions of bioelements with toxic metals: Zn-Pb (r = -0.30), Mg-Pb (r = -0.20), Ca-Pb (r = -0.18) and Zn-Cd (r = -0.07) was confirmed. Significance (p < 0.05000) of synergistic effects with toxic elements: Pb-Cd (r = +0.34), Fe-Pb (r = +0.22), Fe-Cd (r = +0.13) was determined. Compatibility of the statistically mapped basic characteristics of young persons' developmental age with the functions of concentrations in tested hair bioelements was confirmed. Young persons whose concentrations of selected hair bioelements showed values outside the reference ranges and who had higher concentrations of toxic metals should undergo further diagnostic tests since the results of previous tests could be a sign of disturbances leading to various diseases. Analyses of the concentrations of bioelements and toxic metals in humans based on hair analysis can be useful as a convenient, non-invasive and painless method in the diagnosis of pathological states. Combined with other analytical data, this method can be used by practising physicians as a complementary diagnostic procedure.

Contents of bioelements and toxic metals in the Polish population determined by hair analysis. Part 1. Children aged 1 to 10 years.

The aim of this study is to define referential values of 5 basic bioelements (Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the hair of Polish children aged 1 to 10 years, based on the research conducted from 1991 to 2004 on a group of over 4000 formally healthy children. Significant differences between girls' and boys' hair Ca, Mg and Zn were observed, particularly in those aged 7 to 10 years (p = 0.0000). We noticed that boys have less concentration of hair Ca, Mg and Zn than girls do. Maximum concentration of hair Fe in children of both sexes was observed in 3 to 5 years old, diminishing subsequently. No significant differences were observed between concentrations of Cu in the hair of girls and boys of the same age, in the tested period from 1 to 10 years of age. The greatest amounts of Pb and Cd characterize the youngest children aged 1 to 5 years; while the boys possess a tendency to have higher contents of toxic elements than do girls. Children whose concentrations of hair bioelements have shown values outlying from reference ranges and who have higher concentrations of toxic metals should undergo further diagnostic tests since the results of previous tests could be a sign of disturbances in their organism leading to various diseases. The analysis of concentrations of bioelements and toxic metals in organisms based on hair analysis can be useful as a convenient, non-invasive and painless method of diagnosis of pathological states. In combination with other analytical data, this method is a complementary diagnostic procedure for practicing physicians.

Photodynamic activity of the haematoporphyrin derivative with rutin and arginine substituents (HpD-Rut(2)-Arg(2)) against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The impact of the new photosensitizer HpD-Rut(2)-Arg(2)on the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains isolated from infected burn wounds was examined. The susceptibility of the isolates to the photodynamic action of the sensitizer was evaluated by the determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the newly developed microdilution method. The results were compared with the previously investigated HpD-Arg(2). All clinical isolates examined proved to be susceptible to the photodynamic action of HpD-Rut(2)-Arg(2). The MIC of this newly synthetized photosensitizer ranged from 0.8 to 12.5 microg ml(-1) for MRSA, from 0.4 to 6.2 microg ml(-1) for MSSA and from 6.2 to 50 microg ml(-1) for P. aeruginosa. While MBC ranged from 1.6 to 12.5 microg ml(-1) for MRSA, 0.4 to 6.2 microg ml(-1) for MSSA and 6.2 to 100 microg ml(-1) for P. aeruginosa. This photosensitizer is more effective in its bactericidal photodynamic action than previously tested HpD-Arg(2).

[Effects of aluminum and deferoxamine on concentration of essential elements in animals experimentally intoxicated with aluminum]. / Wplyw glinu i deferoksaminy na zawartosc biopierwiastków u zwierzat doswiadczalnych poddanych intoksykacji glinem.

To assess the effect of aluminium intoxication in tissues of experimental animals on Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe concentration, aluminium nitrate was administered intraperitoneally to mice at a daily dose of 0.27 mMol/kg for 5 weeks. Concentration of Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The Al content in liver and tibia was significantly higher in treated mice in comparison with control group. In Al loaded tissues the significant increase of all tested essential elements was found. To evaluate the results of DFO treatment on essential elements, mice received 6 times intraperitoneally 3.5 mMol/kg of DFO. This treatment had generally no effect on reduction of Al concentration in tibia and liver, as well as on changes in essential elements concentration.

Effects of various aluminium compounds given orally to mice on Al tissue distribution and tissue concentrations of essential elements.

To evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal long-term aluminium (Al) exposure, aluminium distribution and the levels of the following essential elements: Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe in tissue were studied. Aluminium was administered in drinking water as aluminium chloride, dihydroxyaluminium sodium carbonate or aluminium hydroxide. Mice (strain Pzh:SFIS) were exposed to a total dose of 700 mg Al in long-term treatment (for each Al compound n = 15). Concentrations of Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe in stomach, kidneys, bone and liver were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. After AlCl3 treatment, aluminium was found to accumulate in all tested tissues. A significant decrease in Fe concentration in liver and Zn in kidneys was observed in comparison to concentrations of these elements in the control group. In the Al(OH)3-treated group, accumulation of aluminium was observed in bone only and decline of Fe concentration in stomach and Cu in liver and kidney. In the NaAl(OH)2CO3-treated group the increase in Al concentration was significant in bone; there was no change in concentration of essential elements in the examined tissues. The observed aluminium accumulation was not accompanied by changes in Ca and Mg concentration except for bone. This study showed that oral administration as a route of Al exposure can result in diverging accumulation of aluminium in tissues, the concentration depending on the chemical form.

Examination of antibacterial activity of the photoactivated arginine haematoporphyrin derivative.

The antibacterial photodynamic effect of arginine haematoporphyrin derivative (HpD-Arg2) was investigated using two methods. The effect proved to be highly antibacterial when it was employed against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus cells floating in the nutrient broth. The reduction of approximately four logarithms of CFU ml-1 after light exposition, as compared to a dark control, was observed. In the second step of the study the photodynamic effect was employed against the same strains of bacteria after their colonization on isolated mouse muscles. In this case the antibacterial effect was observed as well. However, the reduction of CFU ml-1 achieved was much lower and reached one logarithm only. The optimal concentration of photoactivated HpD-Arg2 for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was 25 microg ml-1 and 800 microg ml-1 for the floating bacteria, and 200 microg ml-1 and 1000 microg ml-1 for sessile bacteria, respectively. We have concluded from our study that the antibacterial effect investigated may offer, in the future, an alternative method for treatment of the tissues superficially infected with pathogens resistant to antibiotics. However, further studies in this field are necessary.

Diamino acid derivatives of porphyrins penetrate into yeast cells, induce photodamage, but have no mutagenic effect.

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model eukaryotic organism to study the uptake of diamino acid derivatives of porphyrins and their phototoxicity with particular emphasis on possible mutagenic effects. The water-soluble hematoporphyrin derivatives diarginate (HpD[Arg]2) and 1-arginin di(N-amino acid)-protoporphyrinate used in this study are effective photosensitizers in tumor photodynamic therapy. Depending on the amino acid substituent, the porphyrin derivatives differ in their affinity for yeast cells. It is shown that HpD(Arg)2 and PP(Met)2 (Arg)2 penetrate into the yeast cell and are metabolized. Both compounds sensitize yeast cells to photodamage but have no mutagenic effect on nuclear or mitochondrial genomes.

Protoporphyrin derivatives--the use in localization of neoplasmas by titanium laser-induced fluorescence technique.

Examples of in vivo detection of skin neoplasmas (Mercl, melanoma) and breast carcinoma using laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and bis-1[1-alanylo-N]-ethylodeuteroporphyrin (Ala-PP) are described in this study. Photosensitizer, wave titanium laser and standard CCD camera coupled to vision amplifier enable precise neoplasm imaging, Ala-PP retention monitoring and further photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to a photodynamic effect of the arginine hematoporphyrin derivative.

The photodynamic effect of the arginine hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD-Arg(2)) on the growth of selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates is described as compared to the effect of hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD). Growth inhibition of HpD-Arg(2) of three Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus) and five laboratory strains of Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae) was observed as well. Serratia marcescens strain was resistant to light-activated HpD-Arg(2) or HpD. The antimicrobial activity of light-activated HpD-Arg(2) against P. aeruginosa may offer an additional option in the anti-pseudomonal therapy of wounds.

Synergic influence of Ukrain and protoporphyrin amino acid conjugates on human malignant cell lines.

Simultaneous cytotoxicity of Ukrain and protoporphyrin amino-acid derivatives was tested on four malignant cell lines and the cytotoxic effect after laser irradiation was compared with cytotoxicity of Ukrain and protoporphyrin amino-acid derivatives applied on similar cell lines separately. It was found that Ukrain and protoporphyrin amino-acid derivatives act synergistically as cytotoxic substances on the malignant cell lines.

[Preoperative geriatric assessment in major surgery in the aged]. / Valoración preoperatoria geriátrica en la cirugía mayor del anciano.

The objective of this study is to investigate if a comprehensive geriatric assessment is useful for predicting morbimortality, functional impairment and the risk for institutionalization for elderly patients after major surgery. A prospective study was carried out at a tertiary hospital, between April and June 1993, including those elderly surgical inpatients for whom a preoperative assessment of the Geriatric Department was demanded. Beside traditional parameters of surgical risk (ASA clas, Goldman index, respiratory and nutritional risk), other medical, functional and social parameters were evaluated. A perioperative follow-up was made and a new functional evaluation one month after discharge. 49.5% of the patients presented perioperative complications and the mortality rate was 10%. 11% needed residential accommodation after discharge. Traditional surgical risks as well as previous functional capacity were predictors of perioperative morbimortality. But only previous functional capacity and nutritional status predict institutionalization. No predictors of functional impairment were found, with the exception of perioperative complications.

[Experimental studies on the usefulness of photodynamic method in diagnosis and treatment of melanoma]. / Badania doswiadczalne nad przydatnoscia metody fotodynamicznej w diagnostyce i leczeniu czerniaka.

The authors present results of experimental studies on the usefulness of hematoporphyrin and laser in diagnosis and treatment of intraocular tumors. An amelanotic Greene melanoma was implanted into anterior chamber of 10 rabbits. After administration of HpD the tumor was irradiated with laser light of wavelengths 406 nm for diagnosis and 630 nm for selective destruction of neoplastic cells. During follow-up the tumor was growing pale and its gradual shrinkage was observed. In histopathological examination multiple area of necrosis with total destruction of blood vessels were found.

Protective effect of 13-cis-retinoic acid on hematoporphyrin derivative-induced cell photosensitivity in vitro.

The influence of 13-cis-retinoic acid on the light-caused injury of hematoporphyrin-pretreated nontransformed 10 T1/2 fibroblasts and N2a neuroblastoma cells was investigated. Retinoid reduced the percentage of damaged cells as assessed by the plating efficiency assay. N2a neuroblastoma cells were found to be better protected than 10 T1/2 cells by 13-cis-retinoic acid on hematoporphyrin light-induced injury.