Helicobacter pylori components increase the severity of metabolic syndrome and its hepatic manifestations induced by a high fat diet.

The metabolic syndrome, often accompanied by hepatic manifestations, is a high-risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Patients with metabolic dysfunction associated with steatohepatic disease (MASDL) are at significant risk of developing coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder in which several factors, including dietary or infectious factors, can cause an inflammatory response. Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria have been implicated in the progression of proatherogenic vascular endothelial lesions, moreover, our previous study in an experimental in vivo model of Cavia porcellus showed that HP components and high-fat substances acted synergistically in promoting vascular endothelial inflammation, leading to an early onset of a proatherogenic environment. In the present study, our goal was to determine the contribution of HP components to the development of hepatic manifestations of metabolic syndrome in an experimental model. Our results showed that HP infection in animals exposed to a high-fat diet increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, followed by endothelial lipid deposition, impaired endothelial apoptosis, cell lysis, and increased vascular stiffness. Finally, histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed signs of MASLD development in HP-infected animals fed a high-fat diet.

The Hormonal Background of Hair Loss in Non-Scarring Alopecias.

Hair loss is a common clinical condition connected with serious psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Hormones play an essential role in the regulation of the hair growth cycle. This review focuses on the hormonal background of hair loss, including pathophysiology, underlying endocrine disorders, and possible treatment options for alopecia. In particular, the role of androgens, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its sulfate (DHEAS), has been studied in the context of androgenetic alopecia. Androgen excess may cause miniaturization of hair follicles (HFs) in the scalp. Moreover, hair loss may occur in the case of estrogen deficiency, appearing naturally during menopause. Also, thyroid hormones and thyroid dysfunctions are linked with the most common types of alopecia, including telogen effluvium (TE), alopecia areata (AA), and androgenetic alopecia. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones (corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol) in stress-induced alopecia. This article also briefly discusses hormonal therapies, including 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), spironolactone, bicalutamide, estrogens, and others.

Non-compliance with medical recommendations results in delayed hospitalization and poorer prognosis in patients with cerebral ischemic stroke in Poland: Non-compliance effects on post-ischemic stroke prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal and analyze the causes of delays in reaching the hospital of patients with cerebral ischemic stroke and to assess their clinical picture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 161 patients with stroke, who reported to the hospital beyond the thrombolytic treatment therapeutic window. The control group consisted of 85 patients recruited consecutively with stroke who received thrombolytic treatment per eligibility criteria. Laboratory and medical imaging tests essential for neurological condition assessment were conducted in the study group. Control group research was based on retrospective analysis of medical records. RESULTS: The rate of deaths during hospitalization was lower in the control group (4.7%) compared to the study group (14.9%). In the study group, more patients (16.8%) admitted to non-compliance with medical recommendations than in the control group (5.9%). There were no statistically significant differences in nicotinism and alcohol dependence syndrome frequency between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on each group inclusion criteria, a lower mortality rate in the control group indicates a crucial role of the therapeutic window in cerebral stroke treatment. Analysis of reasons for delay points out that efficient prophylaxis is the education of patients with stroke risk factors and their families.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Infectious Disease of a Breastfed Child on the Cellular Composition of Breast Milk.

Recent studies suggest that the content of immune components in milk is influenced by the mother's health and also by the infant she feeds. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a child's respiratory tract infection on the cellular composition of breast milk (neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and their subpopulations). Twenty-six breastfeeding mothers whose children were hospitalized for respiratory tract infections were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 23 mothers of healthy children. Regarding the children, baseline laboratory blood tests were performed, and nasal swabs were taken for the presence of RS virus. In the next step, milk samples were collected from the mothers to assess the cellular composition of the milk, including neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and their subpopulations. Significantly higher percentages of T lymphocytes (helper and cytotoxic lymphocytes) were observed in the milk of the studied mothers. There was a significantly higher percentage of milk lymphocytes in the group of affected children with confirmed RSV etiology than in children with excluded RSV etiology. A significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of infection and the percentage of milk NK cells and between milk CD19 lymphocytes and the child's serum leukocytosis. This study may provide evidence of a link between cells in breast milk and disease in the breastfed infant. The severity of the infection, its duration, and the etiological agent of the infection may affect the cellular composition of milk.

Covalent segmented polymer networks composed of poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) and selected aliphatic polyesters: designing biocompatible amphiphilic materials containing degradable blocks.

To promote facile and efficient synthesis of segmented covalent networks, we developed a cross-linking process with reactive polymeric components in a system without catalysts or side products. To achieve the direct formation of amphiphilic networks, an addition reaction was performed between the polyesters containing carboxyl terminal groups with pendant groups distributed along poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) chains. Covalent cross-linking was achieved from predetermined amounts of components dissolved in DMSO at 140 °C. To tune the properties of the resulting networks, the composition and length of the polyester segments and the degree of cross-linking were changed in the feed. The chemical structure of the networks was characterized using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and 13C magic-angle spinning NMR. The swelling ability of the formed networks was investigated in aqueous and organic media. Moreover, mechanical properties were tested during uniaxial compression. The cytocompatibility of the scaffolds was confirmed by MTT assay. Through the results obtained, the first report describing the cross-linking of polyesters on hydrophilic PiPOx was provided to prepare new, biocompatible materials with tuneable properties that are promising for potential biomedical applications.

Clindamycin-Loaded Nanosized Calcium Phosphates Powders as a Carrier of Active Substances.

Bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (CaPs) are one of the building components of the inorganic part of bones. Synthetic CaPs are frequently used as materials for filling bone defects in the form of pastes or composites; however, their porous structure allows modification with active substances and, thus, subsequent use as a drug carrier for the controlled release of active substances. In this study, four different ceramic powders were compared: commercial hydroxyapatite (HA), TCP, brushite, as well as HA obtained by wet precipitation methods. The ceramic powders were subjected to physicochemical analysis, including FTIR, XRD, and determination of Ca/P molar ratio or porosity. These techniques confirmed that the materials were phase-pure, and the molar ratios of calcium and phosphorus elements were in accordance with the literature. This confirmed the validity of the selected synthesis methods. CaPs were then modified with the antibiotic clindamycin. Drug release was determined on HPLC, and antimicrobial properties were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The specific surface area of the ceramic has been demonstrated to be a factor in drug release efficiency.

Antibodies towards TVLLPVIFF Amino Acid Sequence of TNF Receptor Induced by Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Molecular mimicry between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and the host components resulting in induction of cross-reacting antibodies has been suggested as accessory mechanism in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). A potential target for antibodies induced during Hp infection by the components of these bacteria might be amino acid sequence TVLLPVIFF (P1) of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR), which is exposed on vascular endothelium and immunocompetent cells, driving inflammation. AIM: To examine whether anti-P1 IgG are induced during Hp infection in CHD patients. METHODS: Sera from CHD patients infected with Hp (54) vs. sera of uninfected healthy donors (22) were tested by the ELISA for anti-H. pylori antibodies, anti-P1 IgG, and for antibodies towards control sequence IAKEGFEKIS (P2). Sera of Caviae porcellus infected experimentally with Hp (30) or uninfected (10) were included into this study. The same serum samples, which were positive for anti-P1 IgG, were adsorbed with Hp and then subjected to the ELISA. The biological activity of anti-P1 IgG was assessed in complement (C1q) binding assay. RESULTS: Sera of 43 CHD patients seropositive for anti-Hp IgG contained anti-P1 IgG binding C1q. Additionally, 10 serum samples of animals seropositive for anti-Hp IgG contained anti-P1 IgG. Anti-P1 IgG in tested sera were neutralized by their adsorption with Hp. CONCLUSION: In CHD patients infected with Hp, antibodies cross-reacting with TNFR common sequence are produced. Further studies are necessary to define immunogenic Hp determinants and to confirm possible cellular effects of cross-reacting antibodies.

The Role of Vitamin D in COVID-19 and the Impact of Pandemic Restrictions on Vitamin D Blood Content.

Vitamin D is a hormone regulating the immune system and playing a pivotal role in responses to microbial infections. It regulates inflammatory processes by influencing the transcription of immune-response genes in macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. The proven role of vitamin D in many infectious diseases of the respiratory tract indicated that vitamin D should also play a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vitamin D inhibits cytokine storm by switching the pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 to the anti-inflammatory Th2 and Treg response. Vitamin D is therefore expected to play a role in preventing, relieving symptoms, or treating SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms, including severe pneumonia. There are several possible mechanisms by which vitamin D may reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, such as induction of the transcription of cathelicidin and defensin. Also a nongenomic antiviral action of vitamin D and lumisterol, the molecule closely related to vitamin D, was reported. Despite this enormous progress, currently, there is still insufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that vitamin D supplementation may help treat COVID-19 infection. The pandemic restrictions were also shown to impact vitamin D uptake by limiting exposure to sunlight.

Interference of LPS H. pylori with IL-33-Driven Regeneration of Caviae porcellus Primary Gastric Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) bacteria causes disintegration of gastric tissue cells in vitro. It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-33 is involved in healing gastric injury. AIM: To elucidate whether Hp LPS affects regeneration of gastric barrier initiated by IL-33. METHODS: Primary gastric epithelial cells or fibroblasts from Caviae porcellus were transfected with siRNA IL-33. Such cells, not exposed or treated with LPS Hp, were sub-cultured in the medium with or without exogenous IL-33. Then cell migration was assessed in conjunction with oxidative stress and apoptosis, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), production of collagen I and soluble ST2 (IL-33 decoy). RESULTS: Control cells not treated with LPS Hp migrated in the presence of IL-33. The pro-regenerative activity of IL-33 was related to stimulation of cells to collagen I production. Wound healing by cells exposed to LPS Hp was inhibited even in the presence of IL-33. This could be due to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in conjunction with Erk activation, sST2 elevation and modulation of collagen I production. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery of gastric barrier cells during Hp infection potentially can be affected due to downregulation of pro-regenerative activity of IL-33 by LPS Hp.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic during 2020-2021 on the Vitamin D Serum Levels in the Paediatric Population in Warsaw, Poland.

BACKGROUND: The main source of vitamin D is skin synthesis, which depends on sunlight exposure. During the pandemic, COVID-19 children were obliged to home confinement, which potentially limiting sunlight exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether home confinement led to decreased vitamin D serum levels in children in Warsaw, Poland. METHODS: The study included 1472 children who were divided into two groups, based on the date of 25(OH)D level blood sampling: before and during the pandemic. Children under 1 year of age (infants) were analysed separately. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the average level of vitamin D was observed between groups of children over 1 year of age (35 ng/mL ± 18 vs. 31 ng/mL ± 14). In infants from both groups, the mean vitamin D levels were within the normal range (Group 1 inf 54 ng/mL ± 21 vs. Group 2 inf 47 ng/mL ± 15). The characteristic seasonal variability was observed before the pandemic, with maximal vitamin D levels in summer (40 ng/mL ± 17) and minimal levels in winter (30 ng/mL ± 14). During the pandemic, no seasonal variability was observed (summer 30 ng/mL ± 11 vs. winter 30 ng/mL ± 19). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions led to a significant decrease in vitamin D serum levels in children.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Children with Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

In the course of atopic dermatitis (AD), the overactivity of the immune system, associated with predominant Th2 lymphocyte responses, is observed, which leads to an increased inflammatory reaction. Cases of a severe course of atopic dermatitis lead to the search for new therapeutic options. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatment for severe cases of AD in children. A total of 15 children with severe AD underwent therapy. The influence of HBOT on the clinical course of AD and immunomodulatory effect of the therapy was analyzed by the SCORAD and objective SCORAD (oSCORAD) scales and by determining the serum concentration of immunological parameters (blood: nTreg lymphocytes, CD4+CD25highCD127-FOXP3+, NKT lymphocytes CD3+, CD16/56+, and serum: total IgE, cytokines IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, before and after the 30-day treatment cycle). The study showed a significant effect of the therapy on the improvement of the skin condition. In all children, a reduction in the extent and intensity of skin lesions, reduction of redness, swelling, oozing/crusting, scratch marks and skin lichenification after HBOT was observed. Patients also reported a reduction in the intensity of pruritus and an improvement in sleep quality after therapy. In all children, a statistically significant decrease in the serum level of IgE was observed. However, no statistically significant changes in the blood levels of IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, as well as the percentage of CD4+CD25highCD127-FOXP3+ Treg and NKT lymphocytes, were found. In conclusion, the use of hyperbaric therapy has a positive impact on treatment results in children with a severe course of atopic dermatitis.

Vitamin D and Immunological Patterns of Allergic Diseases in Children.

Vitamin D, in addition to its superior role as a factor regulating calcium-phosphate metabolism, shows wide effects in other processes in the human body, including key functions of the immune system. This is due to the presence of vitamin D receptors in most cells of the human body. In our study, we aimed to assess whether there is a correlation between vitamin D content and the clinical course of allergic diseases as well as establish their immunological parameters in children. We found that vitamin D deficiency was significantly more frequent in the group of children with an allergic disease than in the control group (p = 0.007). Statistically significant higher vitamin D concentrations in blood were observed in the group of children with a mild course of the disease compared to children with a severe clinical course (p = 0.03). In the group of children with vitamin D deficiency, statistically significant lower percentages of NKT lymphocytes and T-regulatory lymphocytes were detected compared to the group of children without deficiency (respectively, p = 0.02 and p = 0.05), which highlights a potential weakness of the immune system in these patients. Furthermore, statistically higher levels of interleukin-22 were observed in the group of children with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.01), suggesting a proinflammatory alert state. In conclusion, these results confirm the positive relationship between the optimal content of vitamin D and the lesser severity of allergic diseases in children, establishing weak points in the immune system caused by vitamin D deficiency in children.

Efficient NIR energy conversion of plasmonic silver nanostructures fabricated with the laser-assisted synthetic approach for endodontic applications.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized with the laser-assisted wet chemical approach at room temperature. The effect of light exposure on the silver nanoparticles' spatial parameters shaping the localized surface plasmon resonance has been evaluated. The optical, structural and morphological characterizations of the Ag nanostructures were conducted with UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, DLS and TEM techniques. The ability of the light-modified Ag nanostructures for energy conversion under the influence of 445 and 880 nm laser radiation is estimated. We have found that the most efficient heat generation can be achieved using triangular Ag nanostructures under the NIR irradiation (880 nm). The temperature effect on the Ag nanostructures' antibacterial properties has been evaluated against the Staphylococcus aureus population. The prospects of triangular Ag nanostructures' application on modern endodontics for the rapid nano-laser disinfection of the root canal system of the human tooth have been demonstrated.

Increased 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 levels in primary cervical cancer.

Infections with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) strains are recognized as the major risk factor for developing malignant lesions in the uterine cervix. However, several findings have demonstrated cooperation between HPV infection and 17ß-estradiol (E2) in cervical carcinogenesis. The 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) is the enzyme involved in the transformation of estrone (E1) into E2. In this study, we identified the HSD17B1 transcript and protein in HeLa, SiHa, Ca Ski and C-33A cervical cancer cells. These cells were able to convert E1 to E2 in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, we identified the HSD17B1 transcript and protein in primary cancerous tissues (n=28) and in histologically unchanged tissues (n=25). We did not observe significant differences (P=0.33) between the HSD17B1 transcript levels in cancerous tissues and histologically unchanged tissues. However, we found an overrepresentation of the HSD17B1 protein in cancerous tissues compared with histologically unchanged tissues (P<0.001). This overrepresentation of the HSD17B1 protein in primary cervical cancerous tissues may be responsible for the local conversion of E1 to E2.