Potential applications of using tissue-specific EVs in targeted therapy and vaccinology.

Many cell types secrete spherical membrane bodies classified as extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs participate in intercellular communication and are present in body fluids, including blood, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid. The time of EVs survival in the body varies depending on the body's localisation. Once the EVs reach cells, they trigger a cellular response. Three main modes of direct interaction of EVs with a target cell were described: receptor-ligand interaction mode, a direct fusion of EVs with the cellular membrane and EVs internalisation. Studies focused on the medical application of EVs. Medical application of EVs may require modification of their surface and interior. EVs surface was modified by affecting the parental cells or by the direct amendment of isolated EVs. The interior modification involved introducing materials into the cells or direct administrating isolated EVs. EVs carry proteins, lipids, fragments of DNA, mRNA, microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA. Because of EVs availability in liquid biopsy, they are potential diagnostic markers. Modified EVs could enhance the treatment of diseases such as colorectal cancer, Parkinson's disease, leukaemia or liver fibrosis. EVs have specific tissue tropisms, which makes them convenient organ-directed carriers of nucleic acids, drugs and vaccines. In conclusion, recently published works have shown that EVs could become biomarkers and modern vehicles of advanced drug forms.

Myoelectrical activity of muscles stabilizing the sacroiliac joints before and after the use of elastic tapes in women suffering from Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the analysis of activity of selected muscles stabilizing the sacroiliac joints in pregnant women suffering from pelvic pain and changes in the pattern in response to the implementation of Kinesio Taping (elastic tape). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen women with Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain and 20 pregnant women without pain in the lumbar-pelvic complex were enrolled into the study. In patients with pelvic pain, the parameters describing the action of the muscles were assessed: before the tape was applied, immediately after application, 3 days into application and 5 days after the cessation of taping. In the control group, the test was carried out one time. The activity of the muscles was measured during extension of the hip from a four-point kneeling position. RESULTS: The gluteus maximus muscle shows higher resting activity values than in the control group, before and after application of the tape as well as five days after the removal of the tape. Before application, the gluteus maximus activates quicker than in the control group while the ipsilateral extensor spinae had a delayed activation when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of activation of tested muscles and their action potential values are different in the group of women with pelvic pain compared to the group without pelvic pain. The application of KT in the lumbar region appears to alter the activation of the GM muscle as well as improve activation of IES muscle during hip extension from the four-point-kneeling position.

Impact of Kinesio Taping application on pregnant women suffering from pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain - preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain on every day functioning and evaluate how effective Kinesio Taping is in reducing pain for pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 women filled the author's questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire before starting the therapy. Elastic tape was applied onto the lumbosacral area for 5 days and was evaluated 1st day of the test immediately before application, day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 day of the examination. RESULTS: ODI score was 20.09 and showed major disability resulting from severity of the pain. PGQ score was 19.909. Sig-nificant pain reduction was registered on the 3rd day after tape was applied, significant pain reduction on the day of tape removal, and 5 days after tape removal. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic tape decreases pain in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. Pelvic girdle pain deteriorates the quality of life for pregnant women.

The Effects of Aquatic Exercises on Physical Fitness and Muscle Function in Dialysis Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 3-month physical training program, conducted in an aquatic environment with end-stage renal disease patients (ESRD), on the physical fitness and functional parameters of the knee joint muscles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 20 ESDR patients with mean age 64.2 ± 13.1 y. treated with hemodialysis in Dialysis Center of the University Hospital in Wroclaw. Before and 3 months after the physical training in water, a test was performed to evaluate the physical fitness of each patient; additionally, a measurement was taken of force-velocity parameters. The 3-month training program took place on nonhemodialysis days, in the recreational pool of the University of Physical Education in Wroclaw. RESULTS: After aquatic training cycle, an improvement was observed in all parameters measured using the Fullerton test. The value of peak torque and its relation to body mass increased in the movement of flexors and extensors of left and right lower extremities in all tested velocities. CONCLUSIONS: In assessing the physical fitness of studied women, the biggest improvement was achieved in tests assessing the strength of upper and lower extremities as well as lower body flexibility. Higher values of force-velocity parameters are conducive to women achieving better physical fitness test results.

[Physical activity and childbirth classes during a pregnancy and the level of perceived stress and depressive symptoms in women after childbirth]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna i szkola rodzenia w czasie ciazy a poziom postrzeganego stresu i objawów depresyjnych u kobiet po porodzie.

AIM: The aim of this study was to answer the question of whether physical activity during pregnancy and participation in childbirth classes prepare women for childbirth; further, does it influence the levels of perceived stress and the occurrence of depressed mood. METHODS: 100 women participated in the study. Half of the women had taken part in the childbirth classes before giving birth. A questionnaires of own authorship, Edinburgh Postnatal Depressioni Scale (EPDS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were used. RESULTS: There was no significant relationship observed between participation in childbirth classes and the results of EPDS and PSS-10. The mood of women after childbirth correlated significantly with the level of stress in the whole study group (p<0.0001). Best mean well-being and lowest mean perceived stress were observed in women who stayed in a relationship (p =0.0029, p = 0.0008). Women physically active during pregnancy were also characterized by better mood and lower levels of perceived stress (6.7 and 14.4 vs. 8.4 and 16.0). Among women exercising during pregnancy the participants in childbirth classes was far more numerous (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Declared physical activity during pregnancy was linked to lower levels of stress experienced by women and less severe depressive symptoms after childbirth,; espe- cially in the group of childbirth classes participants.