The Influence of Single Whole-Body Cryostimulation on Cytokine Status and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers during Exhaustive Physical Effort: A Crossover Study.

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of single whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) preceding submaximal exercise on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in professional, male athletes. The subjects (n = 32, age 25.2 ± 37) were exposed to low temperatures (-130 °C) in a cryochamber and then participated in 40 min of exercise (85% HRmax). Two weeks afterwards, the control exercise (without WBC) was performed. Blood samples were taken before the start of the study, immediately after the WBC procedure, after exercise preceded by WBC (WBC exercise) and after exercise without WBC. It has been shown that catalase activity after WBC exercise is lower in comparison with activity after control exercise. The interleukin 1ß (IL-1-1ß) level was higher after control exercise than after WBC exercise, after the WBC procedure and before the start of the study (p < 0.01). The WBC procedure interleukin 6 (IL-6) level was compared with the baseline level (p < 0.01). The level of Il-6 was higher both after WBC exercise and after control exercise compared with the level recorded after the WBC procedure (p < 0.05). Several significant correlations between the studied parameters were shown. In conclusion, the changes in the cytokine concentration in the athletes' blood confirm that body exposition to extremely low temperatures before exercise could regulate the inflammatory reaction course and secretion of cytokines during exercise. A single session of WBC in the case of well-trained, male athletes does not significantly affect the level of oxidative stress indicators.

Influence of Classical Massage on Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress in Humans: Pilot Study.

Classical massage is one of the most popular forms of conservative treatment in various diseases. Despite the wide scope of research, the mechanisms of massage are not fully known and understood. Apart from the well-described effects on individual body systems, there are few scientific reports on the effects of massage on the human body at the subcellular level. The study was designed to assess changes in oxidative stress parameters in healthy volunteers after a single session of classical massage. 29 healthy volunteers aged 22.24 ± 3.64 participated in the study. Before and 30 minutes after the massage procedures, blood samples were taken by experienced personnel. Biochemical markers of oxidative homeostasis were assessed with highly specific methods for each parameter: oxidase ceruloplasmin, glutathione, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase. The study demonstrates that massage therapy caused statistically significant decrease in the concentration of glutathione peroxidase (red blood cells) and increase in the level of glutathione peroxidase (plasma), superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. In contrast, statistically significant changes in the hematocrit, glutathione, NO2-/NO3-, and oxidase ceruloplasmin were not observed. The results show that complex influence of classical massage therapy on human organism may be reflected in parameters of the oxidative stress. To understand this mechanism clearly, further research is needed.

Assessment of the State of the Natural Antioxidant Barrier of a Body in Patients Complaining about the Presence of Tinnitus.

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is defined as a phantom auditory perception, i.e., sound experience despite the lack of acoustic stimuli in the environment. The aim of this study was to assess the state of the natural antioxidant barrier of a body in patients complaining about the presence of tinnitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a total of 51 patients aged from 20 to 62 years with diagnosed idiopathic tinnitus and 19 healthy subjects as a control group. All patients underwent the audiometric tone test, speech audiometry, distortion otoacoustic emission product testing, study of evoked auditory potentials of short latency, and biochemical analysis of venous blood concerning values of activity or concentration of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, S-transferase, glutathione reductase superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and ceruloplasmin as the selected parameters of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Disorders of the auditory pathway were not only limited to the cochlea but also covered its further episodes. Mean values of activity or concentration of the selected parameters of oxidative stress in the study and control groups showed reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier. DISCUSSION: Patients complaining about the presence of tinnitus showed reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The main indication to undertake further research on the functioning of the antioxidant barrier in people suffering from ailments in the form of tinnitus is to determine a suitable therapy aimed at improving the quality of life of these patients, which might be the administration of antioxidant medications.

Change of the State of the Natural Antioxidant Barrier of a Body and Psychological Parameters in Patients Aged above 60.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study is to assess the natural antioxidant barrier of the organism and selected psychological aspects of the aging process in patients above 60 years old. METHODS: The study included a total of 52 patients aged above 60 (mean age 67 ± 3.4) and 32 healthy subjects (mean age 22 ± 3.4) as a control group. All patients underwent psychological assessment using Test of Attentional Performance version 2.3 (TAP 2.3, four subtests: alertness, cross-modal integration, neglect with central task, and working memory) and biochemical analysis of venous blood concerning values of the selected parameters of oxidative stress (HT, GSH, GPXOS, GPXRBC, GRRBC1, SODRBC1, MDARBC1, NO2-/NO3-, and CP). RESULTS: Disorders of attention were observed mainly in elderly people, but an assumption that elderly people have developed more efficient ways of working memory use than younger people may be true. Results showed the reduced effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant barrier in elderly people. Moderate positive and negative correlations among parameters of oxidative stress and psychological parameters were observed in the control group. DISCUSSION: Intensification of the attention deficits and oxidative stress may be observed as one of the pathogenic factors of age-dependent diseases.

2-Allylaminothiazole and 2-allylaminodihydrothiazole derivatives: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of bioactivity.

ABSTRACT: Some reactions of selected chlorooxoesters and haloesters with a 1-allylthiourea under various conditions have been performed. The reactions have been performed in methanol in alkaline and neutral environment. Condensation of 1-allylthiourea with chlorooxoesters has been further led via acetal as intermediate compound. As a result, the compounds containing thiazole and a 4,5-dihydrothiazole ring with a good yield have been obtained. The structures of the compounds were verified by 1H NMR, 13C NMR as well as X-ray diffraction analysis. Due to the potential biological activity of the synthesized compounds, the parameters of their bioavailability have been determined, and the probability of pharmacological action has been defined. All of the obtained compounds fulfilled the rule of five, which indicate their good absorption after oral intake. The probability of pharmacological action and potential targets calculated for the obtained compounds show that they can be potential drugs.

Use of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate diagnostic value of collagen degradation products.

The concentration of collagen degradation products (CDPs) may reflect the process of left ventricular remodeling (LVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential diagnostic usefulness of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) in assessment of CDPs. The preliminary experiment was designed to establish if CDPs' characteristics might be visible by mean fluorescence lifetime (FLT) in determined conditions. The in vitro model of CDPs was prepared by conducting the hydrolysis of type III collagen. The FLT of samples was measured by the time-resolved spectrometer Life Spec II with the subnanosecond pulsed 360-nm EPLED diode. The FLTs were obtained by deconvolution analysis of the data using a multiexponential model of fluorescence decay. In order to determine the limit of traceability of CDPs, a comparison of different collagen/plasma ratio in samples was performed. The results of our study showed that the increase of added plasma to hydrolyzed collagen extended the mean FLT. Thus, the diagnosis of LVR based on measurements using TRFS is possible. However, it is important to point out the experiment was preliminary and further investigation in this field of research is crucial.

Assessment of the frequency of the transforming growth factor beta-1 sequence polymorphisms in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome.

Alcohol abuse is one of the most significant factors in the development of liver fibrosis. The pathomechanism of liver fibrosis is the same regardless of its etiology. Fibrosis is a sign of an imbalance between the synthesis of the extracellular matrix components and their degradation. Among the many cytokines that affect hepatic stellate cell activation it seems that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) is the most significant, either as the direct factor stimulating polymerase chain reaction (HSC) proliferation and transformation into myofibroblasts, or as the direct factor causing an increase in the activity of genes responsible for the synthesis of extracellular matrix components. The aim of the study was to reveal possible dependencies and differences between the presence of certain alleles of the TGF-ß1 gene and its blood level in the study and control group. Blood samples were obtained from 39 patients, the control group consisted of 21 patients. The results obtained in the course of this study showed no statistically significant differences between the frequencies of particular polymorphisms. In the case of haplotype frequencies, insignificant differences were found for the algorithm Excoffier-Laval-Balding predicted haplotypes while one significant difference between the study and control groups was detected in case of the TC haplotype frequency predicted using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm. However, the difference in frequency of TC haplotype predicted by both algorithms was not significant. Genetic analysis of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon I of the TGF-ß1 gene did not show significant differences between the occurrence of particular polymorphisms and haplotypes in the populations under study.

Physical exercise combined with whole-body cryotherapy in evaluating the level of lipid peroxidation products and other oxidant stress indicators in kayakers.

The influence of exercise combined with whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in healthy men was assessed. The study included 16 kayakers of the Polish National Team, aged 22.7 ± 2.6, subjected to WBC (-120°C--145°C; 3 min) twice a day for the first 10 days of a 19-day physical training cycle: pre exercise morning stimulation and post exercise afternoon recovery. Blood samples were taken on Day 0 (baseline) and on Days 5, 11 and 19. The serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, vitamin E, urea, cortisol, and testosterone were determined, along with the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and morphological blood parameters. On 5th day of exercise/WBC, the baseline GPx activity decreased by 15.1% (P < 0.05), while on 19th day, it increased by 19.7% (P < 0.05) versus Day 5. On Day 19 TBARS concentration decreased versus baseline and Day 5 (by 15.9% and 17.4%, resp.; P < 0.01). On 19 Day urea concentration also decreased versus 11 Day; however, on 5th and 11th days the level was higher versus baseline. Combining exercise during longer training cycles with WBC may be advantageous.

[The assessment of metabolism of bone tissue as changes in concentration of biochemical markers of bone turnover in inpatient alcohol dependent women]. / Ocena metabolizmu tkanki kostnej u kobiet uzaleznionych od alkoholu z zastosowaniem markerów obrotu kostnego - osteokalcyny i ctx.

AIM: The aim of this study was the assessment to of metabolism of bone tissue as changes in concentration of biochemical markers of bone turnover in inpatient alcohol dependent women. METHODS: The studied group consisted of 50 alcohol dependent female patients who were divided in two groups: one with an activity ofAST or ALT above referential values and level of bilirubin and the second one with the activity oftransaminases and level ofbilirubin within referential values. The level of sex hormones and markers of bone turnover such as osteocalcin and collagen cross laps (ctx) were indicated. RESULTS: In the group with an AST, ALT or BIL above referential values, the concentration of FSH in the ovulation phase and luteal phase as well as LH in luteal phase was significantly higher, while ctx and osteocalcin was lower compared to the group with AST, ALT or BIL within referential values. The mean concentrations ofFSH in follicular phase and luteal phase as well as LH in the luteal phase and progesterone in the follicular phase were increased in the group of patients with AST, ALT or BIL above referential values. The positive correlation between levels ofctx and osteocalcin was found which suggests a balance between processes. of bone formation and bone resorption in the whole group while a lack of such correlation was observed in patients with AST, ALT or BIL above referential values. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained indicate the multidirectional and mutual relations between the alcohol abuse, liver function, bone turnover and activity of endocrine system.

Whole-body cryostimulation and oxidative stress in rowers: the preliminary results.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) on the biomarkers of oxidative stress, lysosomal enzymes, creatine kinase and cortisol was studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rowers underwent two 6-day training cycles: with pre-training daily WBC (temperature: from -125°C to -150°C) and without cryostimulation (control). Blood samples were taken before and after the third and sixth day of training. RESULTS: The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase was lower (by 44% and 42%, respectively) after the third day of training with WBC than without WBC. The concentration of lipid peroxidation products was also lower after the training preceded by WBC. Moreover, the acid phosphatase activity was 50% lower after the third day of training with WBC than training without WBC. Considering the antioxidant enzymes activity during training without WBC, the increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity was observed after the third day of training (by about 74% and 100%, respectively). The level of lipid peroxidation products also increased after the training without WBC. No statistically significant changes were observed in creatine kinase activity after the training preceded with WBC, while after the training without WBC activity of this enzyme was two-fold higher than before the training. CONCLUSIONS: The use of WBC prior to training may reduce the risk of oxidative stress and the extent of muscle fibre injuries provoked by intense exercise. The WBC seems to be an effective and safe method for limiting exercise-induced damage; thus it may be used in biological regeneration of sportsmen.

The effect of submaximal exercise preceded by single whole-body cryotherapy on the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in blood of volleyball players.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of single whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) session applied prior to submaximal exercise on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the concentration of lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status, and the level of cytokines in blood of volleyball players. The study group consisted of 18 male professional volleyball players, who were subjected to extremely cold air (-130°C) prior to exercise performed on cycloergometer. Blood samples were taken five times: before WBC, after WBC procedure, after exercise preceded by cryotherapy (WBC exercise), and before and after exercise without WBC (control exercise). The activity of catalase statistically significantly increased after control exercise. Moreover, the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was lower after WBC exercise than after control exercise (P < 0.001). After WBC exercise, the level of IL-6 and IL-1ß was also lower (P < 0.001) than after control exercise. The obtained results may suggest that cryotherapy prior to exercise may have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The relations between the level of studied oxidative stress and inflammatory markers may testify to the contribution of reactive oxygen species in cytokines release into the blood system in response to exercise and WBC.

Treatment with double dose of omeprazole increases ß-endorphin plasma level in patients with coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: The proton pump inhibitor empirical trial, besides the analysis of symptoms, is the main method in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-related chest pain. ß-Endorphin acts as an endogenous analgesia system. The aim of the study was verify whether ß-endorphin plasma level is affected by omeprazole administration and influences the severity of anginal symptoms and outcome of the "omeprazole test" in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chest pain of suspected non-cardiac origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Omeprazole was administered to 48 patients with CAD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study design. At the beginning of the study, and again after the 14-day omeprazole and placebo treatment, the ß-endorphin plasma concentration was determined. RESULTS: The level of plasma ß-endorphin after the administration of omeprazole was significantly greater than at the start of the study and following the placebo. Responders to omeprazole had an average lower ß-endorphin plasma concentration than subjects who failed to respond to this therapy. Subjects with symptoms in class III (according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification) after omeprazole administration had a greater ß-endorphin plasma level than subjects in class II for anginal symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen-day therapy with a double omeprazole dose significantly increases the ß-endorphin plasma concentration in patients with CAD. Circulating ß-endorphin does not seem to be involved in the mechanism for the "omeprazole test" outcome, although an individually different effect on pain threshold cannot be excluded.

[The bile acids as an example of patogens destructive hepatocytes in alcoholic liver injury]. / Kwasy zólciowe jako przyklad patogenów degradujacych hepatocyty w alkoholowym uszkodzeniu watroby.

Chronic cholestasis in alcoholic liver disease contributes to the death of hepatocyte by either apoptotic or necrotic pathways. The hydrophobic acid inducing toxins in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes cause the perturbation of their mitochondrial membrane, marginal condensation of chromatin and also proteolytic digestion of the cell structure. In the activation of the apoptosis mechanism in hepatocytes the following cytokines take part: the Fas system, TNF alpha. The proteins Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-w inhibit apoptosis, while Bax and Bad protein promotes it. The Bax protein interacts with mitochondrial pores inducing cytochrome c, which contributes to the release of caspase-activated proteins and starts the apoptosis. The development of the new therapeutic strategies by protecting hepatocytes from apoptosis remains very important research for the nearest future.

[Sense of coherence in persons suffering from psoriasis]. / Poczucie koherencji u chorujacych na luszczyce.

UNLABELLED: Falling ill with psoriasis is associated with the change in a patient's approach to the nearest environment. The patient's family has to face the necessity of acceptance of everything the disease brings with it. Coherence is the factor which has a great impact on the way of fighting the disease, treatment. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To examine sense of coherence in persons suffering from psoriasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 patients with psoriasis were examined. The questionnaire was used as a method of examination. For measurement of the sense of coherence, Life Orientation Questionnaire (SOC-29) was applied. RESULTS: It has been shown that the sense of coherence, comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness are significantly higher in men than in women. The previously mentioned relationship suggests that the increase of the sense of coherence may influence dealing effectively with the stress of falling ill with psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results may be used for formation of a support model for patients suffering from psoriasis and stress, which means that they may be used both in therapy.

[Iron status with particular consideration of soluble transferrin receptors in children and youth with gastritis, with or without Helicobacter pylori infection]. / Stan gospodarki zielazem ze szczególnym uwzglidnieniem I osoczowych receptorów transferyny u dzieci i mlodziezy z przewleklym zapaleniem blony sluzowej ioladka ze wspólistniejacym zaka eniem Helicobacter pylori lub bez zakaienia.

UNLABELLED: Role of Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic gastritis and gastric and/or duodenal ulcers is well known. Simultaneously there are some articles in literature considering H. pylori as a cause of extra-gastrointestinal illnesses such as atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria or acne rosacea, hypotrophy, Schoenlein-Henoch disease, atherosclerosis or hypochromic anaemia. The aim of the study. was to asses iron status in aspect of plasmatic transferrin receptors concentration among children and youth with chronic gastritis with or without Helicobacter pylori infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty one patients were included as a study group. Range of age was 9-18 years. All patients were diagnosed due to chronic abdominal pains. There were 13 males and 28 females. Blood was collected from every patient for blood cell count, iron, transferrin and transferrin receptors concentration (sTfR) assessment before endoscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS: Concentration of sTfR was higher than age norm among 29 (71%) of patients. Among patients with higher level of sTfR 20 (69%) had normal haemoglobin concentration and in this group 10 patients had H. pylori infection. During analysis of 12 patients with nornal level of sTfR normal haemoglobin concentration was found and among five of them H. pylori infection was stated. Among 21 patients without H. pylori infection 14 had normal level of sTfR and 7 had higher level of sTfR which means that 33% had hidden iron deficiency (involuntary of normal Hb concentrations). Among 15 of 20 patients with H. pylori infection level of sTfR was higher which means that 75% patients with infection had hidden iron deficiency (involuntary of normal Hb concentrations). CONCLUSION: Level of plasmatic transferrin receptors can be good and sensitive indicator of iron deficiency and can be helpful in differential diagnosis of hypochromic anaemia and anaemia caused by chronic illness including chronic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection.

The effect of eight weeks of rabeprazole therapy on nitric oxide plasma level and esophageal pH and motility and motility nitric oxide plasma level in patients with erosive esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal clearance, an important pathogenetic factor in gastroesophageal reflux disease, depends mainly on motility. Motility disturbances can be secondary to gastric output reflux. Nitric oxide influences esophageal motility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of gastric acid secretion suppression with rabeprazole (20 mg/day) on esophageal motility. MATERIAL/METHODS: 20 patients with erosive esophagitis were studied. At study start and two weeks after the end of therapy, we recorded the results of interview, endoscopy, gastric and esophageal mucosa biopsy, 24-h esophageal pH-metry and manometry, and NO metabolites plasma concentration, determined spectrophotometrically (OXIS). RESULTS: All patients reported improvement and remained free of symptoms two weeks later. In 60% of cases, improvement of esophageal mucosa appearance was observed in endoscopic and histological examination. In follow-up we found a significantly smaller number of acid gastrooesophageal refluxes (p<0.05), reduced DeMeester score for pH range >7 (p<0.05), and greater % of time within the esophageal pH range 6-7 (p<0.05). Other esophageal pH-metry and 24-h manometry parameters did not change significantly. NO metabolites plasma concentration increased significantly (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical improvement after eight weeks of therapy with rabeprazole was connected with endoscopic changes only in 60% of our patients. Rabeprazole therapy did not influence esophageal motility, despite increased plasma levels of NO metabolites. Patients with erosive esophagitis need maintenance therapy, since as soon as two weeks after the end of treatment the % of monitoring time with esophageal pH<4 was similar to study start.