Partnership and Motivations for Starting a Family of One's Own in the Opinions of Students with Disabilities.

Creating and maintaining stable, happy intimate relationships is a right every individual has. Previous research has shown that people with disabilities are at risk of building unsatisfactory partner relationships. The aim of the study was to ascertain the beliefs of students with disabilities concerning their motives for starting families and, in regard to potential partners, their tolerance for risky life experiences and the personal qualities accepted. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2847 university students in southeastern Poland. It was found that the following motives for entering into a permanent relationship were considered more important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities: enhancement of self-esteem (p = 0.001), high economic potential of a partner (p = 0.007) and a shared system of values and interests (p = 0.036). Love (p = 0.031) and the mental qualities (p = 0.010) of a partner were considered less important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities. Moreover, students with disabilities are far more likely than students without disabilities to accept disability (p < 0.001) in potential partners. They are also significantly more willing to enter into relationships with people who have risky life experiences, even in the form of violence against previous life partners (p < 0.015) and children (p = 0.001), addiction to alcohol (p < 0.001) or drugs (p = 0.01) and the resulting treatment, and those having served time in prison (p = 0.034). Educational and institutional support for students with disabilities should be intensified with regard to partner selection being satisfactory to both partners.

Physicochemical properties of iodine and selenium biofortified Sparus aurata and Cyprinus carpio during frozen storage.

Fish biofortification with natural ingredients like iodine-rich macroalgae and selenized-yeast is an excellent strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of farmed fish. This study aimed to assess the effect of frozen storage during 12-months on physicochemical quality of biofortified seabream (Sparus aurata) and carp (Cyprinus carpio). Frozen storage reduced iodine content in biofortified seabream fillets (17%), as well as selenium content in biofortified carp fillets (24%). Yet, biofortified fillets still presented enhanced iodine and selenium contents at the end of the storage period. Increased lipid oxidation (3.45 mg MDA kg-1 for seabream and 2.41 mg MDA kg-1 for carp) and decreased water holding capacity (23-29% for seabream and 14-23% for carp) was observed during storage, whereas major changes in colour and texture occurred after 45 days (seabream) and 225 days (carp) of storage. In general, biofortified fish fillets maintained their nutritional value and quality after 360 days of frozen storage.

Effect of Muscle Fibre Type on the Fatty Acids Profile and Lipid Oxidation of Dry-Cured Venison SM (semimembranosus) Muscle.

The aim of the study was to describe the effect of fibre type on the fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation observed in dry-cured ham produced from individual semimembranosus venison (roe-deer, fallow deer, deer and wild boar) muscles. The results indicated that wild boar meat was characterised by the highest percentage of IA fibres and it contained the higher percentage of MUFA, but a low of PUFA and SFA, and was characterised by a(n-6)/(n-3) ratio lower than in the case of deer meat and greater susceptibility to oxidative changes. The highest percentage of SFA, and the lowest of MUFA and PUFA, was recorded in fallow deer meat, which was also characterised by the highest percentage of white fibres. The curing and drying processes increased the percentage share of SFA and the susceptibility of muscle lipids to oxidation, decreased the percentage of PUFA, and caused insignificant changes in the (n-6)/(n-3) ratio of fatty acids. The products were also characterised by a low amount of fat.

Does Production of Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis Hybrids Influence Quality Attributes of Fillets?

The increase in fish and seafood consumption observed in recent years is a consequence of the growing consumers' awareness of proper nutrition. One of the possibilities to provide fish-friendly, qualitatively attractive (both in terms of nutrition and sensory quality) raw fish materials is the production of hybrids, which would improve production rates without compromising their meat quality. This study compares the carcass and fillet yields of Clarias gariepinus (C) and heteroclarias C. gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis (H), and the nutritional (chemical composition, fat quality) and culinary quality (structure, texture, color, cooking loss, sensory characteristics) of their meat. Significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher carcass and fillet yield was shown for H, whose fillets had comparable sensory quality and proximal composition to C. The meat of H can be an attractive raw material for more demanding groups of consumers-for children and adolescents (due to the less intense fish tastiness), as well as for older people who have problems with chewing and digesting food (due to lower sensory chewiness and perception of connective tissue).

Carcass characteristics and selected meat quality traits from commercial broiler chickens of different origin.

The aim of the study was to compare carcass and meat quality traits in 42-day-old Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Forty carcasses were studied. Acidity (pH24 ) and electrical conductivity (EC24 ) of pectoralis major muscle and drumstick were determined 24 h postmortem. After carcass cutting, samples of breast and leg meat were collected for determination of quality traits. Broiler genotype had a significant effect on abdominal fat content in carcass and on water, protein, fat, sodium, and magnesium content in breast meat. Bird origin had an effect on the lightness, yellowness, horizontal diameter of muscle fiber, horizontal:vertical (H:V) diameter ratio, and most textural characteristics of pectoralis major muscle, as well as on the pH (pH24 ), electrical conductivity (EC24 ), and yellowness (b*) of leg muscles. Sex of birds had a significant effect on carcass weight, water, fat and collagen content, L*, a*, b* color attributes, and chewiness and gumminess of breast meat and on water and protein content in leg muscles. The present study provided information on the differences in carcass and meat quality between Ross 308 and Cobb 500 broiler chickens.

A fast HRMA tool to authenticate eight salmonid species in commercial food products.

Atlantic and Pacific salmon are frequently consumed species with very different economic values: farmed Atlantic salmon is cheaper than wild-caught Pacific salmons. Species replacements occur with the high valued Pacific species (Oncorhynchus keta, O. gorbuscha, O. kisutch, O. nerka and O. tshawytscha) substituted by cheaper farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Atlantic salmon by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). Here we use High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA) to identify eight salmonid species. We designed primers to generate short amplicons of 72 and 116 bp from the fish barcode genes CO1 and CYTB. The time of analysis was under 70 min, after DNA extraction. Food processing of Atlantic salmon (fresh, "Bellevue", "gravadlax", frozen and smoked) did not impact the HRMA profiles allowing reliable identification. A blind test was conducted by three different institutes, showing correct species identifications irrespective of the laboratory conducting the analysis. Finally, a total of 82 retail samples from three European countries were analyzed and a low substitution rate of 1.2% was found. The developed tool provides a quick way to investigate salmon fraud and contributes to safeguard consumers.

Semi-industrial development of nutritious and healthy seafood dishes from sustainable species.

This study aimed to devise innovative, tailor-made, appealing, tasty and semi-industrialized dishes, using sustainable and under-utilized seafood species (bib, common dab, common carp, blue mussel and blue whiting), that can meet the specific nutritional and functional needs of children (8-10-years), pregnant women (20-40-years) and seniors (≥60-years). Hence, contests were organised among cooking schools from 6 European countries and the best recipes/dishes were reformulated, semi-industrially produced and chemically and microbiologically evaluated. The dishes intended for: (i) children and pregnant women had EPA + DHA and I levels that reached the target quantities, supporting the claim as "high in I"; and (ii) seniors were "high in protein" (24.8%-Soup_S and 34.0%-Balls_S of the energy was provided by proteins), "high in vitamin B12", and had Na contents (≤0.4%) below the defined limit. All dishes reached the vitamin D target value. Sausages_C, Roulade_P, Fillet_P and Balls_S had a well-balanced protein/fat ratio. Roulade_P presented the highest n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA ratio (3.3), while Sausages_C the lowest SFA/UNS ratio (0.2). Dishes were considered safe based on different parameters (e.g. Hg-T, PBDEs, Escherichia coli). All represent dietary sources contributing to meet the reference intakes of target nutrients (33->100%), providing valuable options to overcome nutritional and functional imbalances of the three groups.

Effects of steaming on health-valuable nutrients from fortified farmed fish: Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as case studies.

Fish fortification with iodine-rich macroalgae (Laminaria digitata) and Selenium-rich yeast is expected to promote nutritional added value of this crucial food item, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet for consumers. However, it is not known if steaming can affect these nutrient levels in fortified fish. The present study evaluates the effect of steaming on nutrients contents in fortified farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified seabream presented enhanced I, Se and Fe contents, whereas fortified carp presented enhanced I, Se and Zn contents. Steaming resulted in increased I and Se contents in fortified seabream, and increased Fe and Zn levels in fortified carp, with higher elements true retention values (TRVs >90%). The consumption of 150 g of steamed fortified seabream contributes to a significant daily intake (DI) of I (up to 12%) and Se (up to >100%). On the other hand, steamed fortified carp contributes to 19-23% of I DI and 30%-71% of Se DI. These results demonstrate that steaming is a healthy cooking method, maintaining the enhanced nutritional quality of fortified fish. Moreover, the present fortification strategy is a promising solution to develop high-quality farmed fish products to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

Structural and molecular indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fed n-3 PUFA enriched diet.

Sustainable freshwater aquaculture has been recently gaining attention owing to the potential of nourishing the world. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of finishing diets on the activity of 21 genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and intestinal homeostasis, liver and intestine histology, and the level of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in common carp fillets. We compared two experimental diets: control diet mimicking a commercial feed (CTRL) and a test diet (CB) fortified with EPA and DHA retrieved from salmon by-products. An additional control (eCTRL) from extensively cultured carps was investigated. The study revealed that the expression of seven hepatic genes, e.g., lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid synthase, and six intestinal genes e.g., claudin-3c and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, was influenced specifically by the experimental diets and farming type. Fish from the eCTRL group had the smallest hepatocytes and the largest nuclei compared with CTRL and CB. No pathological signs were found in intestine samples. Additionally, the levels of EPA and DHA in fillets were significantly higher in fish receiving CB compared with CTRL and eCTRL. The use of fortified diets is a promising solution to produce freshwater species with enhanced nutritional value without compromising the safety of fillets.

Carcass Characteristics, Physicochemical Properties, and Texture and Microstructure of the Meat and Internal Organs of Carrier and King Pigeons.

Pigeons have been the subject of research in the past, but the knowledge gained is incomplete and must be extended. The aim of the study was to provide information about differences in carcass weight and measurements, carcass composition, proximate chemical composition, acidity, electrical conductivity, color attributes, the texture, rheological properties and microstructure of the meat, and some biometric characteristics of the digestive system in carrier and King pigeons, and also to determine if the two compared breeds meet the expectations of pigeon meat consumers to the same extent. The study involved 40 carcasses from carrier pigeons and King pigeons after three reproductive seasons. The chemical composition was determined by near-infrared transmission (NIT) spectroscopy, color coordinates according to CIELab, the texture according to Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) and Warner-Bratzler (WB) tests, and the rheological properties of meat according to the relaxation test. The compared pigeon groups differed significantly (p < 0.05) in carcass weight and measurements, carcass composition (except breast muscle percentage), chemical composition (except leg muscle collagen content) and electrical conductivity, lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*) and hue angle (h*), textural characteristics (except cohesiveness and Warner‒Bratzler shear force), rheological properties, microstructure of the pectoralis major muscle, as well as the total length of intestine and its segments, duodenal diameter, weight of proventriculus, gizzard, liver, heart, and spleen. The sex of the birds had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the carcass weight, chest circumference, carcass neck percentage, breast muscle collagen content, and caeca length. The genotype by sex interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for fat content, collagen content, hardness, sum of elastic moduli and sum of viscous moduli of the pectoralis major muscle, protein and collagen content of leg muscles, duodenal and caecal length, jejunal and ileal diameter, and spleen weight. The obtained results show a significant effect of genetic origin and sex on the nutritive and technological value of the meat, and on the digestive system development of the pigeons.

Validation of Real-time PCR Reference Genes of Muscle Metabolism in Harvested Spiny-Cheek Crayfish (Faxonius limosus) Exposed to Seasonal Variation.

Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is a sensitive and broadly used technique of assessing gene activity. To obtain a reliable result, stably expressed reference genes are essential for normalization of transcripts in various samples. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of reference genes for normalization of RT-qPCR data in spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus). In this study, expression of five candidate reference genes (actb, ß-actin; gapdh, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; eif, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5a; ef-1α, elongation factor-1α; and tub, α-tubulin) in muscle samples from male and female F. limosus in spring and autumn was analyzed. Additionally, the most stable reference genes were used for accurate normalization of five target genes, i.e., tnnc, troponin c; ak, arginine kinase; fr, ferritin; ccbp-23, crustacean calcium-binding protein 23; and actinsk8, skeletal muscle actin 8. Results obtained using the geNorm and NormFinder algorithms showed high consistency, and differences in the activity of the selected actb with eif genes were successfully identified. The spring and autumn activities of the target genes (except ak) in the muscle tissue of males and females differed significantly, showing that both sexes are immensely involved in an array of breeding behaviors in spring, and females intensively recover in the autumn season. Characterization of first reference genes in spiny-cheek crayfish will facilitate more accurate and reliable expression studies in this key species.

Enriched feeds with iodine and selenium from natural and sustainable sources to modulate farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets elemental nutritional value.

Developing tailor-made fortified farmed fish is a promising solution to overcome nutritional deficiencies and increase consumer confidence in these products. This study evaluated the supplementation of three fortified diets with I-rich seaweed and selenised-yeast on essential and toxic elements levels in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified diets resulted in increased I, Se and Fe in fish muscle. Biofortified seabream and carp revealed lower Cu and Br. The reduction of fishmeal and fish oil in fortified diets resulted in lower Hg and Cd in seabream muscle. Contrarily, fortified diets increased As and Hg in carp fillets. The consumption of 150 g of fortified seabream enabled a significantly higher contribution to the daily recommended intake (DRI) of I (10%) and Se (76%) than non-fortified fish, whereas fortified carp fulfilled 23% of I DRI and 91% of Se DRI. Moreover, the exposure to Pb decreased with the consumption of biofortified seabream (23-82% BMDL01) and carp (26-92% BMDL01). These results support the strategy of developing eco-innovative biofortified farmed fish using sustainable, natural, safe and high-quality ingredients in feeds, to enable consumers to overcome nutritional deficiencies without significantly increased feed costs.

Carcass characteristics, chemical composition, physicochemical properties, texture, and microstructure of meat from spent Pekin ducks.

The aim of the study was to compare P33 (Polish Pekin), P8 (Danish Pekin), and LsA (English Pekin) ducks after 2 reproductive seasons for carcass composition and some meat quality traits. A total of 48 duck carcasses (8 male carcasses and 8 female carcasses of each genotype) were studied. Whole carcasses were dissected, and pH and electrical conductivity of the breast and leg muscles were determined 24 h postmortem. After dissection, breast and leg muscles were sampled to determine proximate composition, some minerals, and physicochemical properties. Breast muscles were also analyzed for textural characteristics, microstructural characteristics, and rheological properties. At 112 wk of age, genotype and sex were found to have no significant effect on carcass weight and percentage of carcass components. The genotype of the birds had a significant effect on the water and fat content in the pectoral and leg muscles, as well as protein and collagen in the leg muscles. The origin of the ducks had a significant impact on the magnesium content in pectoral muscles and Warner-Bratzler shear force pectoralis muscle major, as well as the electrical conductivity of the leg muscles. The differences in duck genotype had a significant effect on the sum of elastic moduli, fiber cross-sectional area, fiber perimeter, and vertical fiber diameter of pectoralis major muscle. Regardless of the genetic origin, breast muscles from 112-week-old males had a lower fat content, and male leg muscles contained more water and protein and less fat and collagen than the female muscles. The genotype by sex interaction was significant for the content of breast muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, and neck percentage and for the water and fat content in breast and leg muscles.

Spiny-Cheek Crayfish, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817), as an Alternative Food Source.

The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May-September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people.

Relationships between bone mineral density and new indices of body composition in young, sedentary men and women.

INTRODUCTION: Data concerning the relationship between body fat and BMD are equivocal since both positive and negative effects have been noted. Recently, the index of fat mass (IFM) representing subjects with different body fat and similar lean mass and index of lean mass (ILM) representing subjects with different lean body mass and similar body fat, have been used to evaluate body composition effect on BMD in middle-aged women. This study aimed at determination of ILM and IFM association with BMD in young men and women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 212 university students of Public Health (125 women and 87 men) participated in the study. Body composition was determined by the bioelectrical impedance method (BIA) using BC 418 MA equipment (Tanita Co., Japan). Fat mass and fat free mass were used to calculate ILM and IFM. Bone mineral density was measured on the wrist of the non-dominant hand using the DEXA method and EXA 3000 equipment (HFS Ltd., Korea). BMD was evaluated using Z-score, with values lower than -2.0 indicating inadequate BMD for subject chronological age. RESULTS: Exclusively in women, IFM was markedly and positively correlated with Z-score (r=0.366, P<0.001). In both genders, a significant relationship was found between ILM and Z-scores (r=0.420; p<0.001 and r=0.220; p<0.02 in men and women, respectively). Women with lower than median IFM but similar ILM, were characterized by significantly lower Z-scores vs. women with higher IFM (-1.016 vs. -0.512; p<0.001). Irrespective of gender, participants with higher ILM but similar IFM, were characterized by markedly higher Z-score vs. their counterparts with low ILM. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IFM and ILM in the present study, allowed the observation that in young adults lean body mass was associated with BMD, regardless of gender, while fat mass is significant for bone mineral density only in women.

Influence of marinades on shear force, structure and sensory properties of home-style jerky.

BACKGROUND: Products from dried meat have been sold for many years as snack foods. The most important sensory attributes of this type of food are texture and flavour, determined by the selection of the raw material and the effect of numerous technological factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the structure, sen- sory and mechanical properties of meat snacks produced under non-commercial conditions using wild boar, roe deer and beef as raw material. METHODS: Jerky was prepared from Longissimus muscle treated (24 h, 4°C) with the follow- ing marinades before drying at 55°C for 6 h: (a) spices, (b) lemon & honey marinade, (c) marinating with balsamic vinegar marinade, (d) dipping into pineapple marinade, and (e) using ginger marinade. The jerky’s shear and work forces, structure and sensory properties were compared. RESULTS: An increase in sensory properties and a decrease in WB parameters as a consequence in muscle structural elements changes were found in all marinate-treated samples compared to the control. The greatest changes were observed when the meat was soaked with pineapple marinade before drying. Lower ones were observed when ginger and balsamic vinegar marinades were applying, and the lowest when jerky was produced using lemon & honey. Roe deer jerky, compared to wild boar and beef, received better scores for texture, and worse for overall acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Marinades containing proteolytic enzymes or characterized by a low pH could be used as tenderizers in jerky production from initially tough meat such as wild boar, and marinades based on lemon & honey and also vinegar could be used for flavoring tender meat with an intense aroma, such as roe deer meat.

Self-assessment of striae gravidarum prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Striae are the most frequently occurring pathology of connective tissue during pregnancy. According to the statistical data, 70-90% of women suffer from striae gravidarum. AIM: To assess effectiveness of topical products and massage used by pregnant women in striae gravidarum prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire study was conducted among 299 women who were maximum 6 months after delivery at term. The questionnaire included questions concerning age, occurrence of striae gravidarum during pregnancy, their location, week of gestation when the lesions appeared and used striae prophylaxis as well as its effectiveness in respondents' opinion. RESULTS: Analysis of the correlation between striae gravidarum occurrence and use of different types of cosmetics showed that this kind of prophylaxis is effective when applied at least twice a day (63.7% vs. 77.6%). No correlation between the type of cosmetics and presence of striae was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of prophylactic measures like skin emollients and oils with the appropriate frequency significantly reduces the risk of striae gravidarum occurrence.

48-hours administration of fenoterol in spontaneous preterm labor - does it affect fetal preload?

OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether any changes in the preload index (PLI) occur within the first 48 hours of fenoterol intravenous tocolysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Doppler evaluation of placental and fetal circulation was performed in 36 pregnant women prior to fenoterol administration and after 24/48 hours. Measurements were obtained from a longitudinal section of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and preload index was calculated. To determine changes over time, an all study variable analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements, followed by Tukey-Kramer's multiple comparison test was used. The effects of additional clinical covariates were checked. RESULTS: The maternal heart rate values were significantly increased after 24 hours and 48 hours in comparison to pre-treatment values. No significant changes in fetal heart rate were observed during treatment. The fetal IVC PLI values were significantly reduced after 24 hours and 48 hours of treatment. The increase in PLI values when comparing 24 and 48 hours results were not statistically significant. These observations were consistent with ANOVA post-hoc analysis. CONCLUSIONS: 48 hours intravenous administration of fenoterol appears not to alter inferior vena cava blood flow by itself. The reduction in PLI values may reflect lower fetal preload conditions during the course of successful tocolytic treatment. Therefore, Doppler IVC PLI measurement should be considered as a possible additional assessment method of effectiveness of treatment. However, other Doppler venous blood flow parameters should be assessed to confirm the results and clarify whether maternal corticosteroids administration may be interfering with the results.

Profile of peripheral blood neutrophil cytokines in diabetes type 1 pregnant women and its correlation with selected parameters in the newborns.

PROBLEM: Interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6 and IL-8 alter as pregnancy progresses, implying continuous immune regulation associated with the maintenance of pregnancy. We aimed to evaluate the peripheral blood neutrophil-derived production of these cytokines in the course of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes. METHOD: of study These parameters were measured in samples from healthy non-pregnant (C), diabetic non-pregnant (D), healthy pregnant (P) and pregnant diabetic (PD) women. RESULTS: Neutrophil-derived secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-12 increased along with progression of pregnancy in PD and P groups. The concentration of IL-10 from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated neutrophils increased during the course of uncomplicated pregnancy but decreased in diabetic pregnancy. Concentration of IL-8 decreased with the advancing gestational age in P and PD groups. LPS-stimulated neutrophil-derived IL-6 concentration increased only in PD patients. CONCLUSION: Our results show that diabetes creates pro-inflammatory environment thus potentially influencing the outcome of pregnancy. We conclude that neutrophil-derived cytokine production could contribute to the complications seen in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

Evaluation of lectin pathway activity and mannan-binding lectin levels in the course of pregnancy complicated by diabetes type 1, based on the genetic background.

INTRODUCTION: There are numerous indications that either mannan-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency or its excessive activity are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. High MBL concentrations and corresponding MBL2 genotypes were shown to be associated with microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of MBL and MBL-dependent activity of the lectin pathway (LP) of complement in the course of pregnancy in diabetic mothers, based on genetic background. MATERIALS AND METHODS: These parameters were determined in samples from healthy non-pregnant (control), diabetic non-pregnant, healthy pregnant, and pregnant diabetic women. RESULTS: No significant differences in median MBL levels or LP activities were found in any study group compared to the control. However, statistically significant differences in MBL levels were noted during pregnancy between the 1st and 3rd trimesters in both healthy controls and pregnant diabetics. With regard to LP values, similar trends were evident, but statistically significant results were obtained only in the healthy pregnant group. When data analysis was confined to patients carrying the A/A (wild-type) MBL2 genotype, an increase in MBL level during pregnancy (in both healthy and diabetic pregnant women) was still observed. Similarly, LP activity increased during both healthy and diabetic pregnancies, significantly so for the former. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, an autoimmune disease, is a serious complication of pregnancy. Therefore, determination of MBL status might be beneficial in identifying type 1 diabetic patients who are at increased risk of developing both vascular complications and poor pregnancy outcomes.