Clinical significance of the CXCL8/CXCR1/R2 signalling axis in patients with invasive breast cancer.

The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8)-C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR)1/2 signalling axis is among numerous mechanisms which stimulate the immune system to defend against tumour growth and influence the tumour microenvironment to promote tumour growth. This pathway plays an important role in the development of a number of cancers including breast cancer (BC). The aim of the present study was to analyse the levels of the chemokine CXCL8 and its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, in the serum of female patients with invasive BC and to assess the expression of these parameters at the mRNA level, considering molecular subtypes and degrees of cancer malignancy. The study group consisted of 62 patients with histopathologically confirmed invasive BC. The control group consisted of 18 patients with histopathologically confirmed fibroadenoma, a benign breast tumour. The levels of CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 were determined by sandwich ELISA using the CLOUD-CLONE ELISA kit. CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 transcript levels were analysed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Results showed that serum CXCL8 levels in female patients with invasive BC were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). In addition, significantly elevated CXCR1 levels were observed in luminal B human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ carcinoma compared with those in the control group. Analysis of CXCL8 in the serum of female patients with BC showed a statistically significant difference between clinical stage G1 and G2 (P<0.05), G2 and G3 (P<0.01), and G1 and G3 (P<0.0001). On the other hand, the analysis of CXCR1 and CXCR2 levels in the serum of the patients revealed a statistically significant difference between G2 and G3 (P<0.05). The current study showed that abnormalities in the immune response involving the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 signalling axis in patients with invasive BC are involved in the development of these tumours. Moreover, the demonstrated severity of changes occurring at protein level may suggest the potential usefulness of their determination as potential diagnostic markers in the clinic.

Cannabidiol Intervention for Muscular Tension, Pain, and Sleep Bruxism Intensity-A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most prevalent non-dental pain issues in the maxillofacial region. Despite advancements, diagnosing and managing TMDs continues to pose challenges. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) formulations, with different concentrations, in patients experiencing sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs, with a particular emphasis on their myorelaxant, pain-relieving, and bruxism-reducing properties. Methods: The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs) was utilized as the diagnostic framework. Sixty patients completed the study, which followed a parallel-group, three-arm, randomized, double-blind clinical trial design, with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio across three groups: 1a, 1b, and 2. Groups 1a and 1b received CBD formulations at concentrations of 10% and 5%, respectively, while Group 2 received a placebo formulation. The trial consisted of four main visits, namely screening, baseline, first follow-up after 14 days, and second follow-up after 30 days, during which surface electromyography (sEMG), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment, and Bruxoff examinations were conducted. Results: The reduction in pain, as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), among patients using the 10% CBD formulation was 57.4% (p < 0.05), accompanied by a decrease in sEMG activity by 42.1% (p < 0.05). Conversely, individuals using the 5% CBD formulation experienced a 40.8% (p < 0.05) decrease in pain. Regarding the decrease in the sleep bruxism index, users of the 10% CBD formulation saw the highest reduction of 51% (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the efficacy of the proposed treatment in both experimental groups, with a notable advantage observed in Group 1a. Conversely, the outcomes of the selected variables for the control group did not exhibit significant differences throughout the study. Conclusions: The intraoral use of CBD formulations in patients with TMDs have proven to be a successful treatment for reducing pain, muscle tension, and bruxing activity in individuals with sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs. Specifically, a concentration of 10% CBD has demonstrated superior results compared to 5% CBD.

Evaluation of potential prevalence of onconeural antibodies in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyse onconeural antibodies in the blood serum of breast cancer patients without neurological symptoms.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 48 women with breast cancer. Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes 12 Ag (IgG) Euroline by EUROIMMUN test was used to determine onconeural antibodies: anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri, anti-CV2, anti-Ma/anti-Ta, anti-amphiphysin, anti-recoverin, anti-SOX1, anti-tytin, anti-zic4, anti-GAD65 and anti-Tr (DNER). RESULTS: Results: The conducted analysis revealed the presence of onconeural antibodies such as: anti-recoverin, anti-CV2, anti-Zic4, anti-SOX1, anti-MA2/Ta and antititin in blood serum of women with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Further analysis may allow the assessment of the possible clinical usefulness of these determinations.

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis and CAPE as Cardioprotective Agents against LPS and IFN-α Stressed Cardiovascular Injury.

The inflammatory process is triggered by several factors such as toxins, pathogens, and damaged cells, promoting inflammation in various systems, including the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure. The link between periodontitis as a chronic inflammatory disease and cardiovascular disease is confirmed. Propolis and its major component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), exhibit protective mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and its major component-CAPE-in interferon-alpha (IFN-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS + IFN-α-induced human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). EEP and CAPE were used at 10-100 µg/mL. A multiplex assay was used for interleukin and adhesive molecule detection. Our results demonstrate that EEP, at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in LPS-induced HGF-1. At the same concentration, EEP increases the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS + IFN-α-induced HGF-1. In the case of CAPE, IL-6 in LPS and LPS + IFN-α induced HGF-1 was decreased in all concentrations. However, in the case of IL-10, CAPE causes the highest increase at 50 µg/mL in IFN-α induced HGF-1. Regarding the impact of EEP on adhesion molecules, there was a noticeable reduction of E-selectin by EEP at 25, 50, and100 µg/mL in IFN-α -induced HGF-1. In a range of 10-100 µg/mL, EEP decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) during all stimulations. CAPE statistically significantly decreases the level of ET-1 at 25-100 µg/mL in IFN-α and LPS + IFN-α. In the case of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), EEP and CAPE downregulated its expression in a non-statistically significant manner. Based on the obtained results, EEP and CAPE may generate beneficial cardiovascular effects by influencing selected factors. EEP and CAPE exert an impact on cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.

Reply to Sergent et al. Comment on "Balwierz et al. Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 4780".

Comments by Sergent et al. (2023) [...].

Application of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine free radicals formed in indapamide and torasemide storage under UV irradiation and at the higher temperatures which appear under light exposition.

Free radical formation in two diuretics: indapamide and torasemide was examined during UV irradiation and storage at higher temperatures using X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of storing indapamide and torasemide under UV irradiation and at higher temperatures, which may occur during exposure to light. The diuretic samples were exposed to UVA irradiation for 15, 30 and 45 minutes, and stored at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C by 30 minutes. The EPR spectra were analyzed to determine the amplitudes (A), linewidths (ΔBpp), and integral intensities (I) and g factors. The concentrations of free radical (N) in the diuretic samples were also determined. The influence of microwave power on amplitudes, linewidths and the asymmetry parameter were evaluated. The result showed that the tested indapamide and torasemide samples exhibited high free radical concentrations in the range of 1018-1019 spin/g after UV irradiation and heat treatment. Therefore, due to the significant free radical formation indapamide and torasemide should not be stored under UV light and at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C. The complex character of free radical systems in the diuretic samples was proved as evidenced by the changes of the asymmetry parameters of the EPR lines with increasing microwave power. Fast spin-lattice relaxation processes were observed in all tested diuretic samples, regardless of the storage conditions. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is proposed as a useful method in pharmacy to determine the appropriate storage conditions for diuretics.

The Phenolic Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Polish Propolis on Activated Human Gingival Fibroblasts-1 Cell Line.

Propolis, owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a cariostatic agent, capable of preventing the accumulation of dental plaque and inhibiting inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis are attributed to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is present in European propolis. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and isolated CAPE on stimulated with LPS and IFN-α, as well as the combination of LPS and IFN-α. The cytotoxicity of the tested compounds was determined using the MTT assay. The concentrations of specific cytokines released by the HGF-1 cell line following treatment with EEP (25-50 µg/mL) or CAPE (25-50 µg/mL) were assessed in the culture supernatant. In the tested concentrations, both CAPE and EEP did not exert cytotoxic effects. Our results demonstrate that CAPE reduces TNF-α and IL-6 in contrast to EEP. Propolis seems effective in stimulating HGF-1 to release IL-6 and IL-8. A statistically significant difference was observed for IL-8 in HGF-1 stimulated by LPS+IFN-α and treated EEP at a concentration of 50 µg/mL (p = 0.021201). Moreover, we observed that CAPE demonstrates a stronger interaction with IL-8 compared to EEP, especially when CAPE was administered at a concentration of 50 µg/mL after LPS + IFN-α stimulation (p = 0.0005). Analysis of the phenolic profile performed by high-performance liquid chromatography allowed identification and quantification in the EEP sample of six phenolic acids, five flavonoids, and one aromatic ester-CAPE. Propolis and its compound-CAPE-exhibit immunomodulatory properties that influence the inflammatory process. Further studies may contribute to explaining the immunomodulatory action of EEP and CAPE and bring comprehensive conclusions.

Reply to Chaudhuri et al. Comment on "Balwierz et al. Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 4780".

Comments by Chaudhuri et al. (2023) [...].

Propolis as a Cariostatic Agent in Lozenges and Impact of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Propolis.

Propolis is known as a source of compounds with strong antibacterial activity. Due to the antibacterial effect against streptococci of the oral cavity, it seems to be a useful agent in decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. It is rich in polyphenols which are responsible for a beneficial impact on the oral microbiota and antibacterial effect. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Polish propolis against cariogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined on cariogenic streptococci related to the occurrence of dental caries. Lozenges based on xylitol, glycerin, gelatin, water, and ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were prepared. The effect of prepared lozenges on cariogenic bacteria was assessed. Propolis was compared to chlorhexidine which is used in dentistry as the gold standard. In addition, the prepared propolis formulation was stored under stress conditions to assess the influence of physical conditions (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, and UV radiation). In the experiment, thermal analyses were also performed to evaluate the compatibility of propolis with the substrate used to create the base of lozenges. The observed antibacterial effect of propolis and prepared lozenges with EEP may suggest directing subsequent research on prophylactic and therapeutic properties decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. Therefore, it is worth highlighting that propolis may play an important role in the management of dental health and bring advantages in preventing periodontal diseases and caries as well as dental plaque. The colorimetric analyses carried out in the CIE L*a*b* system, microscopic examinations, and TGA/DTG/c-DTA measurements indicate the unfavorable effect of the tested storage conditions on the lozenges with propolis. This fact is particularly evident for lozenges stored under stress conditions, i.e., 40 °C/75% RH/14 days, and lozenges exposed to UVA radiation for 60 min. In addition, the obtained thermograms of the tested samples indicate the thermal compatibility of the ingredients used to create the formulation of lozenges.

The Role of Selected Adipocytokines in Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer.

Due to their multidirectional influence, adipocytokines are currently the subject of numerous intensive studies. Significant impact applies to many processes, both physiological and pathological. Moreover, the role of adipocytokines in carcinogenesis seems particularly interesting and not fully understood. For this reason, ongoing research focuses on the role of these compounds in the network of interactions in the tumor microenvironment. Particular attention should be drawn to cancers that remain challenging for modern gynecological oncology-ovarian and endometrial cancer. This paper presents the role of selected adipocytokines, including leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, chemerin, omentin and vaspin in cancer, with a particular focus on ovarian and endometrial cancer, and their potential clinical relevance.

Sambucus ebulus (Elderberry) Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans.

Sambucus ebulus (SE) fruits are used for immune stimulation and amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of their effects on various aspects of the immune response mechanisms in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of SE fruit infusion intake in healthy humans. Anthocyanin content was determined with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Fifty-three volunteers enrolled in a 4-week SE infusion intake intervention. Blood count, serum total protein, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C3, and C4 levels were measured on automatic analyzers, and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured manually with an ELISA kit. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (48.15 mg/g DW), followed by cyaniding-3-sambubioside (43.41 ± 1.07 mg/g DW), were the most abundant anthocyanins in SE samples. A significant decrease in total protein (2.82%), IL-6 (20.15%), TNFα (5.38%), IL-8 (5.50%), C3 (4.16%), and C4 (14.29%) was established in the whole group. Total protein, IL-8, TNFα, and C4 decreased in women (3.11%, 4.76%, 5.09%, and 11.11%), and IL-6 decreased (40.61%) in men. Hb (1.20%) and hematocrit (1.55%) levels decreased in the whole group and in the women group (1.61% and 2.20%). SE fruits exert immune-modulatory activity as revealed by decreased pro-inflammatory status and complement activity markers in healthy volunteers after a 4-week intervention.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibition Effects of Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Honey-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles.

In this study, chestnut honey-based silver nanoparticles (CH-AgNPs) were synthesized at different temperatures (30, 60 and 90 °C) and these nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the obtained nanoparticles. The inhibition effects of these nanoparticles for some clinically important enzymes such as myeloperoxidase and collagenase were investigated. In addition, the disk diffusion method (DDM), agar well diffusion (AWD), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) techniques were used to determine the antibacterial activity of CH-AgNPs. In honey-based silver nanoparticle production processes using green synthesis, it was determined that the nanoparticle sizes decreased from 55 to 27 nm with an increase in temperature. In addition, it was determined that the rate of inhibition of myeloperoxidase (36.4% to 34.0%) and collagenase enzymes (74.2% to 68.7%) increased with a decrease in particle size. As a result of the antibacterial activity tests, it was observed that CH-AgNPs have antibacterial activity against all target pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results show that CH-AgNPs produced using chestnut honey have the potential to be used in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and cosmetic technology.

Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics.

Facial makeup cosmetics are commonly used products that are applied to the skin, and their ingredients come into contact with it for many years. Consequently, they should only contain substances that are considered safe or used within an allowable range of established concentrations. According to current European laws, all cosmetics approved for use should be entirely safe for their users, and the responsibility for this lies with manufacturers, distributors, and importers. However, the use of cosmetics can be associated with undesirable effects due to the presence of certain chemical substances. An analysis of 50 random facial makeup cosmetics commercially available on the European Union market and manufactured in six European countries was carried out, concerning the presence of substances with potential carcinogenic properties, as described in recent years in the literature. Nine types of facial makeup cosmetics were selected, and their compositions, as declared on the labels, were analyzed. The carcinogens were identified with information present in the European CosIng database and according to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee's (IRAC) classification. As a result, the following potential carcinogens were identified: parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben), ethoxylated compounds (laureth-4, lautreth-7, or ethylene glycol polymers known as PEG), formaldehyde donors (imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, and DMDM hydantoin), and ethanolamine and their derivatives (triethanolamine and diazolidinyl urea), as well as carbon and silica. In conclusion, all of the analyzed face makeup cosmetics contain potential carcinogenic substances. The literature review confirmed the suppositions regarding the potential carcinogenic effects of selected cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, it seems necessary to carry out studies on the long-term exposure of compounds present in cosmetics and perhaps introduce stricter standards and laws regulating the potential presence of carcinogens and their activity in cosmetics.

Deploying and Maintaining Standards of New Pharmacy Services Provision in Poland-Introducing the National Pharmacist Competencies Assessment Tool: Pre-Registration Exam-Results of the Pilot Project.

Despite the functioning of the Bologna Declaration, the knowledge and skills of graduates educated in different countries may differ significantly. Therefore, this article aims to present the differences in results of the final exam in pharmacy among Polish pharmacy students. This exam was modeled on the British national exam supervised by the General Pharmaceutical Council. The exam was conducted in three cities in Poland, among a total of 175 final-year students (a full sample of those eligible was 451 with 276 refusals (38.58% response rate)). Taking the exam was voluntary and anonymous. The results indicate that none of the Polish students achieved the 70% mark required to pass the Great Britain exam. Significant differences in test results were noticed between cities. Students achieved the best average exam result in Bydgoszcz (46.35%), then in Warsaw (38.81%) and Lódz (38.35%). The pharmaceutical education system in Poland requires complete changes that will prepare future pharmacists for clinical work.

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Samples from Different Geographical Regions.

Propolis composition depends on several factors. The classification of propolis is based on its geographical location, color and agricultural characteristics. It is also classified according to the flora where the bees collect the resins, which represent the raw material for propolis production. Propolis possesses high antioxidant activity determined by its phenolic compounds. Due to diverse composition and possible impact on human health, eight samples of propolis were evaluated for their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Samples of Polish, Romanian, Turkish and Uruguayan origin propolis were used for phenolic spectrum determination using high performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection and in vitro DPPH and ABTS methods were used to determine the antioxidant activity of the extracts. PCA and HCA models were applied to evaluate the correlation between isolated polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed variability in propolis composition depending on the geographical region of collection and the plant sources, and correlation between chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Results of PCA and HCA analyses confirm that Polish propolis is similar to that from different provinces of Romania, while Turkish and Uruguay are completely different. Polish and Romanian propolis belong to the poplar type. The assessed phenolic compounds of propolis samples used in the study are responsible for its antioxidant effect. The observed antioxidant activity of the analyzed samples may suggest directing subsequent research on prophylactic and therapeutic properties concerning cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cancerous diseases, which are worth continuing.

The Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Breast Cancer.

The extracellular matrix is a structure composed of many molecules, including fibrillar (types I, II, III, V, XI, XXIV, XXVII) and non-fibrillar collagens (mainly basement membrane collagens: types IV, VIII, X), non-collagenous glycoproteins (elastin, laminin, fibronectin, thrombospondin, tenascin, osteopontin, osteonectin, entactin, periostin) embedded in a gel of negatively charged water-retaining glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as non-sulfated hyaluronic acid (HA) and sulfated GAGs which are linked to a core protein to form proteoglycans (PGs). This highly dynamic molecular network provides critical biochemical and biomechanical cues that mediate the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, influence cell growth, migration and differentiation and serve as a reservoir of cytokines and growth factors' action. The breakdown of normal ECM and its replacement with tumor ECM modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) composition and is an essential part of tumorigenesis and metastasis, acting as key driver for malignant progression. Abnormal ECM also deregulate behavior of stromal cells as well as facilitating tumor-associated angiogenesis and inflammation. Thus, the tumor matrix modulates each of the classically defined hallmarks of cancer promoting the growth, survival and invasion of the cancer. Moreover, various ECM-derived components modulate the immune response affecting T cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), dendritic cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). This review article considers the role that extracellular matrix play in breast cancer. Determining the detailed connections between the ECM and cellular processes has helped to identify novel disease markers and therapeutic targets.

Propolis and Diet Rich in Polyphenols as Cariostatic Agents Reducing Accumulation of Dental Plaque.

Conducted studies indicate the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. Moreover, the latest research indicated that cariogenic bacteria may severely influence the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase risk of COVID-19 complications. This article aims to review various applications of propolis and pay attention to a healthy diet rich in polyphenols, which may allow the reduction of dental plaque accumulation. A literature review has been conducted from June until November 2021. It showed that propolis could be a useful agent in decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. Moreover, a diet rich in polyphenols prevents cariogenic bacteria and reduces the accumulation of dental plaque. A reduction of a dental plaque may influence the risk of a severe course of COVID-19. Therefore, propolis and a diet rich in polyphenols may play an important role in prophylaxis of systemic diseases. Recently, it has been proven that oral infection may affect cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, nervous system, as well as may be a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. These aspects should stimulate clinicians to further research about polyphenols.

The Role of Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells in the Pathogenesis and Development of the Inflammatory Response in Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with an underlying excessive immune response directed against resident microbiota and/or dietary antigens. Both innate and adaptive immune cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of UC. In the case of innate immune response cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, macrophages have a crucial impact on the development of the disease, as well as innate lymphoid cells, which have received a particular attention in recent years. On the other hand, mechanisms of the adaptive immune response involve cells such as: cytotoxic lymphocytes, regulatory lymphocytes Treg, or helper lymphocytes Th-Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, among which significant discoveries about Th9 and Th17 lymphocytes have been made in recent years. Due to the presence of antibodies directed against resident microbiota or one's own tissues, the influence of B lymphocytes on the development of UC is also highlighted. Additionally, the impact of cytokines on shaping the immune response as well as sustaining inflammation seems to be crucial. This review briefly describes the current state of knowledge about the involvement of the innate and adaptive immune systems in the pathogenesis of UC. The review is based on personal selection of literature that were retrieved by a selective search in PubMed using the terms "ulcerative colitis" and "pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis". It included systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical trials. Our knowledge of the involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of IBD has advanced rapidly over the last two decades, leading to the development of several immune-targeted treatments with a biological source, known as biologic agents.

Urinary sulphated glycosaminoglycans excretion in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with metformin.

OBJECTIVE: The pattern of urinary excretion of total sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their particular types: chondroitin sulphate/dermatan sulphate (CS/DS) and heparan sulphate (HS) was analysed in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with metformin in monotherapy for the period of six months. METHODS: The urinary sulphated glycosaminoglycans were quantitated using standardised dye (1.9-dimethylmethylene blue)-binding method and normalised to creatinine level. RESULTS: Urinary total GAGs, CS/DS and HS levels were significantly higher in untreated diabetic patients in comparison to healthy subjects. Moreover, it was observed that urinary total GAGs, CS/DS and HS levels in diabetic patients after six-month metformin therapy were significantly decreased versus pre-treatment situation. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that the six-month treatment with metformin in obese patients with T2DM has a regulating influence on the systemic changes in proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, resulting in a decrease in the urinary excretion of total GAGs, CS/DS and HS.

The Influence of Propolis on Dental Plaque Reduction and the Correlation between Dental Plaque and Severity of COVID-19 Complications-A Literature Review.

Current studies suggest that cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque influence the severity of COVID-19 complications since the oral cavity is a reservoir for respiratory pathogens potentially responsible for the development of hospital-acquired pneumonia. This article focuses on the association between dental plaque and COVID-19 concerning the influence of altered oral biofilm on the risk of increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, it concentrates on the usefulness of propolis, with its apitherapeutic antibacterial properties, for treating oral bacterial infections co-occurring with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A review of the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Medline between 2000 and 2021 revealed 56 published articles indicating that a link between dental plaque and COVID-19 complications was probable. Furthermore, they indicated that propolis may minimize COVID-19 severity by reducing dental plaque accumulation. The possibility that improved oral health could reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications should be of interest to scientists.