Serum betatrophin and irisin levels in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is a complex process with well-known risk factors, however the role of betatrophin/angiopoietin-like protein 8 and irisin has been poorly investigated thus far. The aim of this study is to measure betatrophin and irisin serum levels in HCC, cirrhotic patients and controls, assess their relationship with cancer etiology and grade, metabolic abnormalities and liver dysfunction severity. Serum betatrophin and irisin concentrations were measured with commercially available ELISA kits in 69 cirrhotic patients with HCC, 24 patients with non-viral cirrhosis and 20 healthy volunteers. The severity of liver disfunction was assessed according to Child-Pugh (C-P) score, while HCC grade according to the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system. Serum betatrophin concentration was significantly higher (33.7 ± 13.4 versus 12.3 ± 2.0 ng/ml; P < 0.001), while serum irisin level significantly lower in HCC patients compared to controls (2.52 ± 1.14 versus 4.46 ± 1.34 µg/ml; P = 0.02). Betatrophin level was also significantly elevated among cirrhotic patients compared to healthy volunteers. More evident serum betatrophin increase was found in patients with viral disease (34.8 ± 12.9 versus 26.1 ± 13.8 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Serum irisin concentration was significantly decreased in more advanced HCC cases (stage A versus C according to BCLC: 3.4 ± 1.3 versus 1.89 ± 1.1 µg/ml; P = 0.02). Decline of serum irisin (A: 3.4 ± 1.2; B: 2.42 ± 0.8; C: 1.91 ± 1.19 µg/ml; P = 0.03) and up-regulation of serum betatrophin levels (A: 24.1 ± 13.8; B: 39.3 ± 11.4; C: 46.2 ± 9.4 ng/ml; P = 0.03) were observed in patients with more advanced cirrhosis according to C-P score. We concluded that betatrophin serum level increased in cirrhotic patients, compared to controls. Since there was no difference between cirrhotic patients with and without intercurrent HCC, we suppose it may have an influence on fibrosis development, however not hepatocarcinogensis. Irisin serum level decreased in HCC patients, especially with more advanced disease grade, and was inversely related to the severity of liver disfunction.

Biomechanical Relationships Between Manual Wheelchair Steering and the Position of the Human Body's Center of Gravity.

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the impact of differential steering of a wheelchair with a pushrim on changes in the position of the body's center of gravity. The method assumed measuring the wheelchair trajectory and the body's center of gravity and determining the transverse relocation of the measured body's center of gravity in relation to a point on the wheelchair trajectory. Twenty-seven measurement tests which demonstrated various wheelchair trajectories were carried out within the investigation. The trajectories were 10 to 15 m long and involved moving forward (test 2), reversing (test 3), turning left (test 1) and right (test 4). The factor of deviation of the center of gravity of human body from the wheelchair trajectory was determined for selected characteristic turning maneuvers. The measured values ranged from 51 to 192 mm. The impact of the wheelchair trajectory on the position of the body's center of gravity was demonstrated as a result of this investigation. Consequently, a trajectory deviation factor for relocation of the human body weight on one side of the wheelchair has been demonstrated.

Prognostic usefulness of serum myostatin in advanced chronic liver disease: its relation to gender and correlation with inflammatory status.

In hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), we aimed to evaluate the association between myostatin and muscle mass, its relation to inflammation and to assess the added prognostic value of myostatin for survival. In a prospective single-center cohort study, inclusion criteria were: consecutive hospitalization for ACLD and Child-Pugh score ≥ 7 points. Baseline parameters were myostatin, C-reactive protein (CRP), hand-grip strength (HGS), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAC), transversal psoas muscle index (TPMI). Patients were followed-up for at least 400 days. We included 198 men, 157 women, and 40 controls, median myostatin levels in pg/ml were 1790.1 in women, 1959.4 in men, and 3850.0 and 2996.0 in healthy men and women. Myostatin positively correlated with TPMI, but weakly with MAC and HGS, and not in women. Myostatin negatively correlated with CRP in both genders. In cases with CRP 10 mg/l, regression analysis of myostatin versus HGS, MAC or TPMI showed steeper dependence curve. During follow up, 85 men and 64 women (42.9% versus 40.8%) have died, 22 men and 19 women (11.1% versus 12.1%) underwent liver transplantation. Cumulative incidence of death was higher in men with myostatin levels < 1600.0 pg/ml, but not in women. In men, MELD score and myostatin cut-off were independent predictors of worse survival but did not predict survival in women. In men, myostatin levels directly reflect the muscle mass and low levels independently predict worse survival. In women, myostatin is not associated with muscle mass or survival.

Serum endocan level in diabetes mellitus of patients with cirrhosis and risk of subsequent development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

The presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) which may represent an increased susceptibility to infections. Endocan is a key player in the regulation of inflammatory disorders, and a biomarker in bacteremia and sepsis. To investigate the association between both endocan and DM, and developing SBP, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. Three hundred and thirty patients (179 men, 151 women; mean age 61.0 ± 8.5 years) who were treated for liver cirrhosis were studied between January 2007 and December 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses using age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, severity of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh or MELD score), platelet count, serum proinflammatory cytokines, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and endocan level were conducted to identify factors related to the development of SBP. Among 330 patients with the median follow-up of 6.0 years, the cumulative incidence of SBP at 5 years was 28.6%. On multivariate analysis, a high serum endocan level and DM were independent and significant risk factors for SBP development (hazard ratio (HR) 1.634 (95% CI: 1.012 - 2.638; P = 0.047) and 2.482 (95% CI: 1.134 - 5.412; P = 0.023), respectively). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence rate of SBP in cirrhotic patients with high endocan levels was significantly greater than that in patients with low endocan levels (P = 0.035; log-rank test). Endocan is an independent predictor of SBP development in patients with cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have a higher endocan levels should be monitored carefully for the development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Omentin, vaspin and irisin in chronic liver diseases.

Omentin and vaspin are adipokines potentially considered in the development of liver pathology. Irisin is new myokin potentially participating in energy processes in the organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of these cytokines and the relationships of them with selected parameters of laboratory tests and of histopathological changes in selected chronic liver diseases: non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and alcoholic cirrhosis (AC). The plasma concentration of omentin was the highest in AC group and the lowest in control group (CG). Irisin plasma concentration was the highest in CG and the lowest in AC. Mean vaspin concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. Among many laboratory parameters, only in the AC group positive relationships were found between omentin concentration and bilirubin, as well as glucose, and negative between omentin level and the number of platelets and erythrocytes; there was a positive relationship between the concentration of vaspin and bilirubin, as well as negative between vaspin level and the number of erythrocytes or hematocrit value in this group. INR value had positive correlation with vaspin concentration and negative with irisin level in NAFLD group. No significant dependences between the concentrations of explored cytokines and laboratory tests were found in PBC group. It was found the positive correlation between the plasma concentration of irisin and fibrosis as well as inflammation in PBC group. The negative correlation between irisin level and inflammation in NAFLD was also showed. Omentin can be considered as an indicator for predicting inflammation, steatosis and balloon degeneration in NAFLD and PBC. Summarizing, it is unclear but possible that explored cytokines have some relationships with certain features of liver damage and development of chronic diseases of this organ.

Serum Adipokine Levels in Patients Considered for Lung Transplantation.

The aim of the study was to investigate serum concentration of visfatin, irisin, and omentin in patients diagnosed as having end-stage lung diseases who qualified for lung transplantation (LTx) and to find the relationship between adipokine levels and clinical status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 23 consecutive patients (10 patients diagnosed as having cystic fibrosis, 6 patients diagnosed as having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 7 patients diagnosed as having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) who qualified for LTx. Patients performed pulmonary function tests; visfatin, irisin, and omentin serum levels were assessed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: Mean visfatin serum level was 4.99 ± 3.83 pg/mL; mean irisin serum level was 2.82 ± 0.24 ng/mL; mean omentin serum level was 389.99 ± 320.85 ng/mL. Mean distance in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was 310.62 ± 147.09 m. Average partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) was 55.79 ± 10.33 mm Hg, forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was 26.25 ± 22.38%, and forced vital capacity (FVC) was 56.95 ± 21.91% of a due value. There was no statistically significant correlation between adipokine levels and 6MWT, pO2, FEV1, and FVC in patients waiting for LTx, regardless of underlying lung disease. Significant difference between patients was noted only in 6MWT, FEV1, and pO2 in connection to lung disease. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that adipokines may not have a statistically significant effect on parameters of pulmonary function. Results require further investigation on a larger study group, especially comparison of adipokine serum levels between groups of overweight patients, obese patients, and patients with normal weight who qualify for LTx.

Circulating Levels of Omentin, Leptin, VEGF, and HGF and Their Clinical Relevance with PSA Marker in Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the first in terms of occurrence in Europe and second in Poland. The PCa risk factors include: genetic load, obesity, diet rich in fat, hypertriglyceridemia, and exposure to androgens. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level may be elevated in prostate cancer or other prostate disorders. Fat tissue secretes adipocytokines, which increase the risk of cancer development and metastasis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the relationship between circulating levels of PSA, adipocytokines: omentin, leptin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum obtained from patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed with BPH and forty diagnosed with PCa were assessed for the purpose of the study. The concentrations of omentin, leptin, HGF, and VEGF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (EIA). RESULTS: PSA level was significantly higher in the PCa group than in BPH (18.2 versus 9 ng/mL, p < 0.01), while volume of prostate gland was significantly higher in the BPH group than in PCa (39.1 versus 31.1 cm3, p = 0.02). HGF, VEGF, omentin, and leptin concentrations were significantly higher in PCa group than in BPH (359.5 versus 294.9 pg/mL, p = 0.04; 179.3 versus 127.3 pg/mL, p < 0.01; 478.8 versus 408.3 ng/mL, p = 0.01; 15.7 versus 11.2 ng/mL, p = 0.02, resp.). The multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only omentin and PSA levels were independent predictors of PCa in studied subjects. CONCLUSIONS: PSA level as well as the level of omentin may be valuable markers of PCa with clinical significance, when compared to PSA.

Pharmacological and dietary factors in prevention of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent neoplasm worldwide and fourth most frequent reason of cancer-related death throughout the world. About 70% of malignant tumors are related to lifestyle and environmental factors, and better knowledge of their significance might reduce the prevalence of CRC. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory and other direct and indirect pathways of aspirin are translated to inhibition proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of cancer cells. Many studies showed the benefits of aspirin in reducing the risk of CRC development, cancer-related mortality and adenoma prevalence rate in general population, but not in high risk populations. The role of sulindac in CRC prevention is uncertain and the use of this drug is rather uncommon. Celecoxib - COX-2 selective inhibitor- showed efficacy in decreasing of colon adenoma recurrence only in some studies. The protective role of microelements is controversial. The beneficial effects of supplementation of selenium, calcium, folic acid, methionine, antioxidant supplements and probiotics are still not certain. A high energy diet consisting of red meat, animal fat, highly processed foods and unsaturated fats increases the risk of CRC. Carcinogenic role of fat and cholesterol depends on increased production of primary bile acids. The importance of milk and dairy products in CRC prevention is controversial. Fruits, vegetables and grain are considered to have protective effects against adenoma and CRC. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity are considered as important CRC risk factors. This article briefly summarizes current state of knowledge about the role of pharmacological and dietary prevention of colorectal cancer. Moreover, it indicates that despite many studies some aspects of this issue are not clear and require future studies.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 and omentin-1 hepatic mRNA expression and serum levels in morbidly obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) and omentin-1 have been recognized as potent antidiabetic agents with potential hepatoprotective activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA expression as well as their serum levels as predictive markers of liver injury and insulin resistance in morbidly obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study included 56 severely obese women who underwent intraoperative wedge liver biopsy during the bariatric surgery. Hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, while their serum concentrations were measured with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The FGF21 serum level was significantly higher in patients with a greater extent of steatosis (grade 2 and 3) compared to those without or with mild steatosis (grade 0 and 1) (P = 0.049). Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis, however, showed poor discriminant power for the FGF21 serum levels in differentiating between more and less extensive steatosis with an AUC = 0.666. There was a tendency towards higher levels of hepatic FGF21 mRNA in patients with lobular inflammation and fibrosis and towards lower levels in the case of hepatocyte ballooning and steatosis. There was a positive mutual correlation between hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA levels (r = 0.78; P < 0.001). Fibrosis stage was associated with serum glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Serum omentin-1 was not associated with histopathological features. The hepatic omentin-1 mRNA levels showed a tendency to be lower in patients with advanced steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning. In conclusion, our study, which focused on hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA expression, confirmed marked expression of both molecules in the liver of morbidly obese patients with NAFLD. More extensive steatosis was associated with evident changes in the serum FGF21 concentration in morbidly obese women with NAFLD, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The vast amount of fat, both visceral and subcutaneous, in severely obese patients may be the additional source and influence the FGF21 and omentin-1 serum levels.

Increased circulating endocan in patients with cirrhosis: relation to bacterial infection and severity of disease.

Life expectancy of patients with liver cirrhosis is closely linked to the degree of liver dysfunction and the occurrence of bacterial infection. An early diagnosis of infection helps to initiate adequate and timely measures and improves outcome of cirrhotic patients. Endocan is a newly recognized biomarker of sepsis. However, there have been no studies of the trends in endocan levels in cirrhotic patients with bacterial infection and their associations with markers of infection and inflammation. This study sought to assess the diagnostic value of serum levels of endocan, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 126 patients with cirrhosis: 51 with decompensated infected cirrhosis, 56 with decompensated uninfected and 19 with compensated uninfected cirrhosis at inclusion. We analyzed the association of endocan with clinical factors in cirrhosis by comparison with indicators of infection and inflammation. Endocan, PCT, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were assayed in serum samples by ELISA analyses. Serum levels of endocan, PCT, CRP and TNF-α were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients with clinically overt infections. Endocan levels were correlated to neither PCT levels nor IL-6 levels in each group of patients with cirrhosis. CRP and TNF-α levels and Child-Pugh score correlated only in the infected group of patients with endocan levels, while in the uninfected groups of cirrhotic patients no significant correlation could be detected. The diagnostic accuracy of endocan increased in advanced stage of the disease. Serum endocan levels ≥ 2.05 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 76.1% and specificity of 85% for the diagnosis bacterial infection in decompensated cirrhotic patients. The endocan measured at admission is a good clinical parameter predicting the occurrence of infection in these patients. Elevated endocan may reflect the degree of endothelial cell injury induced by a systemic inflammatory response, a pathologic process that could modify the course of advanced cirrhosis.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) correlates with clinical and endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis but fails to predict activity in Crohn's disease.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a low molecular weight protein released from activated neutrophils and intestine epithelium whose mRNA expression is increased in inflamed intestinal tissue. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between serum NGAL level and activity of inflammatory bowel diseases. A total of 120 patients, 79 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 41 with ulcerative colitis (UC) were prospectively included into the study. Serum NGAL was measured by ELISA. The inflammatory activity of UC was assessed by Mayo score and of CD by CDAI and SES-CD scoring systems. Increasing endoscopic severity of UC from remission/mild to moderate/severe was associated with increasing NGAL levels from 46.9 to 66.4 ng/ml (P = 0.002). NGAL concentrations were significantly lower in patients with complete endoscopic and histologic remission than in the active UC (46.9 versus 66.4 ng/ml, P = 0.009). Also deterioration of the clinical activity of UC patients was associated with increasing level of NGAL from 44.9 in remission/mild to 68.0 ng/ml in moderate/severe grade (P = 0.002). NGAL levels correlated with CRP (r = 0.49), ESR (r = 0.48) and iron concentrations (r = -0.63), but not with faecal calprotectin. NGAL showed ability to distinguish endoscopically active from inactive UC with AUC-ROC of 0.758 (sensitivity 96% and specificity 54%). However NGAL levels showed no significant relationship with either clinical or endoscopic activity of CD. We conclude that serum NGAL level corresponds to clinical and endoscopic activity of UC and accurately predicts disease endoscopic remission.

Viability and oxidative response of human colorectal HCT-116 cancer cells treated with visfatin/eNampt in vitro.

Visfatin/eNampt is a novel adipokine, secreted by visceral and subcutaneous fat, which could be involved in the development of obesity-associated cancer. Only few studies revealed reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent action of visfatin in endothelial cells, myotubes and melanoma cells. The potential pro-apoptotic properties of visfatin/eNampt in human colorectal HCT-116 cells remain unknown. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of visfatin/eNampt on cell viability along with the determination of apoptosis/necrosis extent and ROS level in HCT-116 cells. Additionally antioxidant enzymes' activities (i.e catalase (CAT), gluthatione peroxidase (GSH-Px)), and lipid peroxidation intensity in HCT-116 cells line was evaluated. Viability of HCT-116 cells was decreased after visfatin/eNampt treatment for 24 hours. The number of apoptotic cells in tested cells treated with increasing visfatin/eNampt concentrations (10, 100, 250 ng/ml) was elevated compared to untreated cells (6.4%, 9.7%, 16% vs. 3.2%; respectively). After 24 hours in the visfatin/eNampt treated group (10 - 100 ng/ml) CAT and GSH-Px activities significantly increased and this observation was accompanied by the decrease of ROS level when compared to the control group. Interestingly ROS level (using DCF detection technique) and lipid peroxidation ratio were increased in cells stimulated by visfatin/eNampt in concentration of 250 ng/ml along with the decreased activity of selected antioxidant enzymes when compared to remaining study groups, including control. We concluded that visfatin/eNampt induces decrease of cell viability and apoptosis boost in human colorectal cancer HCT-116 cells line. Visfatin/eNampt affected the level of ROS as well as antioxidant capacity, however the association of ROS level and apoptosis rate was not linear. The role for visfatin/eNampt in cancer redox status in vitro may provide a greater insight into the association between fat derived visfatin/eNampt and its endocrine action in colorectal carcinoma cells.

Serum omentin levels in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and obesity.

It is believed that omentin is secreted by stromal cells of adipose tissue and modulates insulin sensitivity. Data from a few studies have shown lower serum omentin in obese children and higher in anorexia nervosa. However, to date, there is lack of research on serum omentin concentrations in adolescent patients in a wide range of body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. In this cross-sectional study omentin-1 serum concentrations were evaluated using commercially available ELISA kit in 47 Polish girls with restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN), 50 with simple obesity (OB) and 39 healthy controls (C). The mean serum omentin-1 concentration in girls with AN was statistically significantly higher than that of C and OB girls. Statistically significant (P<0.0001) negative correlations between the serum concentrations of omentin-1 and body weight (r=-0.73), BMI (r=-0.75), standard deviation score for body mass index (BMI-SDS) (r=-0.75), insulin (r=-0.81) and HOMA-IR index (r=-0.82) were seen in the entire examined population. We conclude, that omentin-1 is the nutritional marker reflecting body weight and insulin resistance. Our findings support the hypothesized role of omentin in maintenance of body weight and regulation of appetite and suggest the adaptation of its secretion to body weight and glucose metabolism.

Changes in subcellular localization of visfatin in human colorectal HCT-116 carcinoma cell line after cytochalasin B treatment.

The aim of the study was to assess the expression and subcellular localization of visfatin in HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma cells after cytokinesis failure using Cytochalasin B (CytB) and the mechanism of apoptosis of cells after CytB. We observed translocation of visfatin's antigen in cytB treated colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells from cytosol to nucleus. Statistical and morphometric analysis revealed significantly higher area-related numerical density visfatin-bound nano-golds in the nuclei of cytB-treated HCT-116 cells compared to cytosol. Reverse relation to visfatin subcellular localization was observed in un-treated HCT-116 cells. The total amount of visfatin protein and visfatin mRNA level in HCT-116 cells was also decreased after CytB treatment. Additionally, CytB significantly decreased cell survival, increased levels of G2/M fractions, induced bi-nuclei formation as well as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in HCT-116 cells. CytB treatment showed cytotoxic effect that stem from oxidative stress and is connected with the changes in the cytoplasmic/nuclear amount of visfatin in HCT-116 cells.

Influence of melatonin supplementation on serum antioxidative properties and impact of the quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients.

The relationship between the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and sunlight's ultraviolet radiation was proved. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenic traits of MS. Melatonin possesses antioxidative properties and regulates circadian rhythms. Several studies have reported that the quality of life is worse in patients with MS than in healthy controls, with a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances, depression and fatigue. The aim of study was to evaluate 5 mg daily melatonin supplementation over 90 days on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and its' influence on impact of the quality of life of MS patients. A case-control prospective study was performed on 102 MS patients and 20 controls matched for age and sex. The EDSS, MRI examinations and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) questionnaire was completed. Marked increase in serum MDA concentration in all MS patients groups was observed and after melatonin treatment decreased significantly in interferons-beta and glatiramer acetate-treated groups, but not in mitoxantrone-treated group. A significant increase in SOD activity compared to controls only in glatiramer acetate-treated group was observed. After 3 months melatonin supplementation the SOD activity increased compared to initial values in interferons beta-treated groups. A significant increase in both MSIS-29-PHYS and MSIS-29-PSYCH items mean scores only in the MX group as compared to other groups was observed. There were no significant differences in mean MSIS-29-PHYS was observed before and after melatonin therapy. Melatonin supplementation caused a decrease in mean MSIS-29-PSYCH scores compared to initial values in interferons beta-treated groups. Finding from our study suggest that melatonin can act as an antioxidant and improves reduced quality in MS patients.

Diversity of endophytic bacteria in Lolium perenne and their potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and promote plant growth.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of twenty-nine endophytic bacteria isolated from the tissues of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to promote plant growth and the degradation of hydrocarbon. Most of the isolates belonged to the genus Pseudomonas and showed multiple plant growth-promoting abilities. All of the bacteria that were tested exhibited the ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid and were sensitive to streptomycin. These strains were capable of phosphate solubilization (62%), cellulolytic enzyme production (62%), a capacity for motility (55%) as well as for the production of siderophore (45%), ammonium (41%) and hydrogen cyanide (38%). Only five endophytes had the emulsification ability that results from the production of biosurfactants. The 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) gene (acdS) was found in ten strains. These bacteria exhibited ACCD activities in the range from 1.8 to 56.6 µmol of α-ketobutyrate mg(-1)h(-1), which suggests that these strains may be able to modulate ethylene levels and enhance plant growth. The potential for hydrocarbon degradation was assessed by PCR amplification on the following genes: alkH, alkB, C23O, P450 and pah. The thirteen strains that were tested had the P450 gene but the alkH and pah genes were found only in the Rhodococcus fascians strain (L11). Four endophytic bacteria belonging to Microbacterium sp. and Rhodococcus sp. (L7, S12, S23, S25) showed positive results for the alkB gene.

Exogenous administration of visfatin affects cytokine secretion and increases oxidative stress in human malignant melanoma Me45 cells.

Visfatin has recently been established as a novel adipokine that is predominantly expressed in visceral fat. Recombinant visfatin has immunomodulating properties, which can activate human leukocytes in vitro to induce cytokine production (IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6). Only few studies have investigated the effect of visfatin on prostate, breast, ovarian cancer as well as astrocytoma cell biology. There have been no studies on the cytokine secretion in human melanoma cells in response to visfatin stimulation along with intracellular protein kinases inhibitors. ELISA assay was performed in supernatants of Me45 cells stimulated with visfatin in the presence or the absence of specific pharmacological inhibitors of the indicated protein kinases (p38, MEK 1, PI3k and JAK kinase) and nuclear factor kappa B (NK-κB) inhibitor. Intracellular reactive oxygen species level was measured in 2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF-DA)-loaded cells using a fluorescent measurement system. For determination of NF-κB activation, activated NF-κB p65 subunit was determined using an EZ-TFA-detect chemiluminescent transcription factor assay. We report that visfatin led to the significant increase in IL-6 and IL-8 level in culture supernatants of human malignant melanoma Me45 cells. Additionally visfatin resulted in the increase of the intracellular reactive oxygen species level. PI3k and NF-κB pathways were activated upon visfatin stimulation. The results may reflect the fact that PI3k pathway stimulation by visfatin may further lead to NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory response.

The effect of soil bioaugmentation with strains of Pseudomonas on Cd, Zn and Cu uptake by Sinapis alba L.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of selected metal resistant strains of the Pseudomonas genus to increase Zn, Cd and Cu uptake by the metalophyte Sinapis alba L. under laboratory conditions. Moreover, the mechanisms of the plant growth promotion in the tested strains and their impact on the shoots and roots of white mustard biomass were examined. Soil inoculation with the tested strains resulted in higher concentrations of Zn, Cd and Cu in the shoots and roots of the plants in comparison with those grown in non-inoculated soil. The highest phytoextraction enhancement was caused by Pseudomonas fluorescens MH15 which increased Zn, Cd and Cu accumulation in shoot tissue by 60%, 96% and 31%, respectively, in comparison with control plants. Moreover, all the tested strains also exhibited a significant increase of Cd translocation from roots to shoots of the white mustard. Three Pseudomonas putida (MH3, MH6, MH7) and two P. fluorescens biotype G and C (MH9 and MH15, respectively) strains had the ability to produce siderophore, 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, indole 3-acetic acid as well as hydrocyanic acid. Additionally, P. putida strains were also capable of solubilizing inorganic phosphate. The ability of the tested strains to increase the metal uptake in white mustard and their plant growth-promoting properties make them good candidates for supporting heavy metal phytoextraction as well as for plant growth promoting.

Social cognition and metacognition in schizophrenia: evidence of their independence and linkage with outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Research suggests that many with schizophrenia experience deficits in the ability to make discrete judgments about the thoughts and feelings of others as well as to form larger integrated representations of themselves and others. Little is known about whether these difficulties may be distinguished from one another and whether they are linked with different outcomes. METHOD: We administered three assessments of social cognition which tapped the ability to identify emotions and intentions and two metacognitive tasks which called for the formation of more integrated and flexible representations of the self and others. We additionally assessed symptoms, social functioning and neurocognition. Participants were 95 individuals with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. RESULTS: A principle components analysis followed by a varimax rotation revealed two factors which accounted for 62% of the variance. The first factor was comprised of the three social cognition tests and the second of two tasks that tapped the ability to create representations of oneself and others which integrate more discreet information. The first factor was uniquely correlated with negative symptoms, and the second was uniquely correlated with social function. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that deficits in social cognition and metacognition represent different forms of dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Visfatin serum levels in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Visfatin is a new adipokine involved in several processes. The data concerning visfatin in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is small. To assess visfatin serum concentration and to study its association with biochemical and morphological features in CHC. Seventy nonobese patients with CHC (Group 1) confirmed by the presence of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA and 20 healthy volunteers (Group 2), similar in age and BMI with normal fasting glucose and lipid profile were included. Visfatin was significantly increased in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (55.6 +/- 23.1 vs 23.7 +/- 3.8 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Visfatin was negatively associated with necro-inflammatory activity grade (r = -0.36; P = 0.007). The lowest levels were found in patients with the most advanced inflammation: grades 3-4 - 46.8 +/- 17.1, grade 2 - 52.6 +/- 18.4 and grade 1 - 75.2 +/- 27.6 ng/mL; P = 0.017. A significant difference was also shown comparing patients with minimal inflammatory activity to the rest of the cohort (P = 0.009). Visfatin receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for different necro-inflammatory activity - grade 1 vs grades 3-4 with area under the curve 0.81 indicated a good discriminant power for differentiation of moderate/severe inflammation, with the cut-off set at 57.6 ng/mL (sensitivity 75%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 0.90, negative predictive value 0.75). Serum visfatin concentration increases significantly in CHC patients. These findings suggest that visfatin is important in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory process in CHC. Visfatin may play a dual role as a pro-inflammatory or/and protective factor. The measurement of visfatin serum concentration may serve as an additional tool in distinguishing more advanced grades of the necro-inflammatory activity.