The Relationship between Selected Bioelements and Depressiveness Associated with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Aging Men.

Background and Objectives: Abnormal concentrations of bioelements (magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc) have been associated with physical and emotional dysfunctions, including depression. This association, however, has not been analyzed in testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) or patients with depressiveness, i.e., when individual symptoms do not form the picture of a full-syndrome depressive disorder. This study aimed to assess the relationship between concentrations of selected bioelements and the incidence of depressive symptoms in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. Material and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 314 men; the mean age of the population was 61.36 ± 6.38 years. Spectrophotometric method for biochemical analysis of magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) was used. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) was based on the total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels by ELISA. Each participant completed the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-Ia) measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Results: Emotional disturbances manifested as depressive symptoms were diagnosed in 28.7% of all participants and testosterone deficiency syndrome in 49.3%. In the TDS group, the analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of manganese (R = 0.225, p = 0.005) and chromium (R = 0.185, p = 0.021) with the incidence of depression. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated a relationship between manganese and chromium concentrations with the incidence of depression in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. This may indicate that there is a correlation between these bioelements, as well as emotional disorders manifested as depressive symptoms in aging men with a diagnosed testosterone deficiency.

Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging.

Beyond 30 years of age, men experience a decline in the production of testosterone, yet only a few develop late-onset hypogonadism. This study was designed to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of metals, macro- and micronutrients and age-related testosterone deficiency and associated hormonal changes in aging men. The research involved 313 men aged 50-75 years. We used ELISA to determine the concentrations of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). We calculated free androgen index (FAI). With the use of emission spectrometry in inductively coupled argon plasma, we determined the whole-blood concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and tungsten (W), as well as serum concentrations of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo). The study showed no relationship between TT and FT and the concentrations of metals. Men with TT deficiency had significantly lower concentrations of Mg and Fe and increased Mn. Men with FT deficiency had higher W and Cr levels and lower Fe. Assessing the correlation between the concentrations of hormones, SHBG and FAI, and the concentration of metals and macro- and microelements in the blood of the men, we found positive correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mg, TT-Fe, TT-Mo, FT-Fe, E2-As, SHBG-Mn, FAI-W, FAI-As, FAI-Zn and FAI-Ca, and negative correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mn, FT-Cd, FT-Cr, E2-Hg, E2-Cr, SHBG-W, SHBG-As, SHBG-Zn, SHBG-Ca, FAI-Pb and FAI-Mn. Positive correlations between As and E2 and between As and FAI may suggest a lack of association between this metal and hypogonadism in people not exposed to excess As levels. Our research indicates a positive relationship between the concentrations of Mg, Fe and Zn and endocrine system in aging men, in contrast to Mn and Cr. Toxic metals (Cd, Pb) seemed to negatively affect the level of bioavailable testosterone. In persons not exposed to As, As does not contribute late-onset hypogonadism. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and W) may contribute to a lower concentration of DHEAS. The role of W in men with LOH was found to be ambiguous, as on the one hand its concentration was higher in men with FT deficiency, and on the other hand it positively correlated with FAI, which in turn indirectly indicates testosterone availability. Copper and selenium do not seem to play any significant role in the occurrence of TT deficiency in aging men.

Analysis of relationships between the concentrations of total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and the occurrence of selected metabolic disorders in aging men.

OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of relationships between the concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and total testosterone (TT) and the occurrence of metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHOD: The participants were subjected to anthropometric measurements and were tested for DHEAS, TT, lipid parameters and carbohydrate parameters. RESULT: We observed a lower concentration of DHEAS in the men with hypertension (HT) compared to those without HT. In the men with MetS, HT, overweight and obesity, the concentration of TT was lower than in the men without these problems. We found statistically significant positive correlations (DHEAS- total cholesterol [TCh], DHEAS- low-density lipoprotein [LDL], TT- high-density lipoprotein [HDL], TT-waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) and negative correlations (DHEAS-age, TT-body weight, TT- body mass index [BMI], TT-abdominal circumference [AC], TT-hip circumference [HC], TT- triglyceride [TG], TT- fasting plasma glucose [FPG], TT- serum insulin levels [I], TT- Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]). Using logistic regression it was ascertained that lower TT levels increase the risk of HT, and were also associated with obesity. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates relationships between TT and the occurrence of MetS and its individual components. Excess body weight in men is a factor associated with lower TT levels. It seems necessary to determine TT in men with MetS and overweight or obesity. DHEAS did not show any significant relations with MetS and its parameters. Age was the most crucial factor responsible for the decrease in DHEAS.

Expression and functional regulation of the nuclear receptors AHR, PXR, and CAR, and the transcription factor Nrf2 in rat parotid gland.

Nuclear receptors and transcription factors regulate the functions of many genes involved in cellular physiology and pathology (e.g. tumorigenesis and autoimmune diseases). The present study was performed to define the expression and the regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the rat parotid gland. Constitutive expression, as well as expression after stimulation with specific inducers for AhR [2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzylo-p-dioxin (TCDD)], Nrf2(oltipraz), PXR (dexamethasone), and CAR (phenobarbital), was evaluated using the quantitative PCR. Cellular localization of the nuclear receptors and the transcription factor was visualized by immunohistochemical staining. The study revealed constitutive expression of AhR as well as Nrf2, and their induction by TCDD andoltipraz, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed constitutive, predominantly cytoplasmic, expression of the AhR receptor, especially in interlobular striated duct cells, with nuclear shift upon exposure to TCDD. Inducible expression of Nfr2 was found mainly in the cytoplasm of intralobular striated duct cells. Constitutive expression of PXR and CAR was not found. Bearing in mind the involvement of AhR and Nrf2 in the regulation of many genes, it seems that these factors may play also a role in salivary gland physiology and pathology.

Assesment of psychosocial work conditions of nurses at selected hospital wards.

BACKGROUND: Good organisation of work, clear division of responsibilities, support from superiors are factors that positively influence the satisfaction of the profession. The purpose of the work was the assessment of psychosocial working conditions of nurses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research included 388 nurses working at surgical wards, medical treatment wards, and psychiatric wards. The research method was a diagnostic survey carried out by means of a questionnaire called Psychosocial Work Conditions. The obtained results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Nearly a half of the nurses considers the requirements at work as moderate, and 36.66% as high. Nurses from medical treatment wards indicate the highest level of requirements. Nurses working at psychiatric wards and in a shift system significantly more often feel the requirements relating to overload and resulting from a conflict of roles. Nurses working in the profession for more than 10 years considerably more often describe the level of behavioural control as high in comparison to those working for a shorter time. Regardless of the character of a ward, nurses most often (44.33%) assess the support from co-workers as average, and 1/5 considered this as low. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the correctness of introducing psychosocial training for professionally active nurses.

Tissue immunoexpression of IL-6 and IL-18 in aging men with BPH and MetS and their relationship with lipid parameters and gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids.

Recent studies indicate that inflammation is one of the causes of the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Inflammation may result from past infections, metabolic disorders, but also from the state of functioning of the intestinal microbiota. The aim of the study was to assess whether the diagnostic lipid parameters for metabolic syndrome and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are related to the immunoexpression of interleukins in prostate tissue with benign hyperplasia. The study involved 103 men with BPH, who were divided into two groups depending on the presence of MetS. We analysed tissue immunoexpression of two proinflammatory interleukins: IL-6, which is known to be involved in the development of BPH, and IL-18, which has not been analysed so far. The results of our study indicate that men with BPH + MetS in the stroma of the prostate have a significantly higher overall percentage of IL-6+ cells compared to men without MetS (p = 0.034). The analysis of IL-18 immunoexpression in prostate tissue indicated that in men with BPH + MetS, the glandular part of the prostate had a significantly higher percentage of cells with strong IL-18 expression (p = 0.040). We also noticed a relationship between tissue expression of IL-6 and IL-18 and lipid parameters (TG and HDL). We conclude that lipid disorders occurring in men with BPH increase inflammation in the prostate gland. Moreover, it has also been demonstrated for the first time that, indirectly, through SCFAs, the gut microbiota can act to prevent or create an inflammatory microenvironment in the prostate gland.

Hormone concentrations in the homogenates of ovarian tissue and blood serum in postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy.

Ovaries in postmenopausal women synthesize steroids, mostly androgens. Removal of the ovaries after menopause may be reflected by menopausal symptoms and arterial hypertension observed during postoperative period, along with a significantly increased risk of death due to cardiovascular complications. It is not understood if the clinical consequences of gonad removal at different time points after menopause are similar. The aim of this study was to evaluate ovarian steroidogenesis and consequently to define the role of the ovaries in postmenopausal women depending on the time after menopause. Concentrations of hormones were determined in ovarian homogenates and serum of postmenopausal women. This study included 207 postmenopausal women. They were divided into groups depending on the time after menopause. All participants had laparotomic removal of the ovaries. Concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and androstenedione were measured in ovarian homogenate and serum. The study revealed that ovarian homogenate and serum concentrations of estradiol, testosterone and androstenedione were the highest in women up to 5 years after menopause and since then significantly decreased. This study showed that testosterone, androstenedione and estradiol are synthesized in the postmenopausal ovaries. The peak synthesis of these hormones occurs up to 5 years after menopause and significantly decreases thereafter.

Alterations in fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched short-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) emerge in the process of fermentation of polysaccharides that resist digestion (dietary fiber, resistant starch). SCFAs have a very high immunomodulatory potential and ensure local homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium, which helps maintain the intestinal barrier. We analyzed the association between stool SCFAs levels acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0i), butyric acid (C 4:0n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0i) valeric acid (C 5:0n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0i), and caproic acid (C 6:0n)) in aging man with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy controls. The study involved 183 men (with BPH, n = 103; healthy controls, n = 80). We assessed the content of SCFAs in the stool samples of the study participants using gas chromatography. The levels of branched SCFAs (branched-chain fatty acids, BCFAs): isobutyric acid (C4:0i) (p = 0.008) and isovaleric acid (C5:0i) (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with BPH than in the control group. In healthy participants isocaproic acid (C6:0i) predominated (p = 0.038). We also analyzed the relationship between stool SCFA levels and serum diagnostic parameters for MetS. We noticed a relationship between C3:0 and serum lipid parameters (mainly triglycerides) in both healthy individuals and patients with BPH with regard to MetS. Moreover we noticed relationship between C4:0i, C5:0i and C6:0i and MetS in both groups. Our research results suggest that metabolites of the intestinal microflora (SCFAs) may indicate the proper function of the intestines in aging men, and increased BCFAs levels are associated with the presence of BPH.

Plasma membrane changes during the liquid storage of boar spermatozoa: a comparison of methods.

Studies were performed on boar semen routinely used at the local artificial insemination (AI) centre. The semen was stored in a Safe Cell Plus commercial extender at 17 degrees C for nine days. The aim of our research was focused on changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity. The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane and acrosome as well as sperm motility decreased after dilution and during storage of the semen. The highest percentage of live sperm was identified by the eosin-nigrosin method, a lower percentage by the SYBR-14/PI test, and the lowest percentage of live cells was discovered by the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test (P < 0.01). There were significant differences between the results of staining methods and sperm motility (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the HOS test results and sperm motility. The plasma membrane integrity parameters positively correlated (P < 0.001) with each other and with sperm motility but negatively with aspartate aminotransferase activity. Our findings confirmed that the boar sperm aging changes, which increased during liquid semen preservation, were connected with the loss of function and integrity of the sperm plasma membrane. The employed complementary tests are comprehensive indicators of sperm membrane integrity during long-term semen preservation, and they can help establish the actual number of 'healthy' cells. The assays may be used in AI laboratories and should be incorporated into the routine of semen analysis.

The Effects of Long-Term Immunosuppressive Therapies on the Structure of the Rat Prostate.

Background: Little is known about the overall impact of immunosuppressive drugs on the prostate. The study aimed to determine the impact of different protocols of immunosuppressive treatment on the structure of the rat ventral prostate. Methods: For 6 months, 48 male Wistar rats received immunosuppressive drugs: cyclosporin A, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, rapamycin, and prednisone, according to three-drug protocols. Light and transmission electron microscopic studies, and quantitative evaluation of immunohistochemical expression of selected intermediate filaments, CD117+ mast cells, and CD138+ plasma cells were performed in the rat ventral prostate. Results: In all experimental groups, acini focal hyperplasia, changes to the ultrastructure of the glandular epithelium, changes in the expression of cytokeratins and desmin, and numerous mast and plasma cells in the prostate stroma were found. In cyclosporine-A-based groups, atrophy and numerous intracellular vacuoles were observed. In groups where a three-drug treatment was replaced with rapamycin, morphological alterations were less severe compared to those without conversion. Conclusions: In the rat ventral prostate, (1) immunosuppressive protocols affect the morphology and immunohistochemical expression of intermediate filaments, (2) morphological alterations, expression, and localization of selected proteins are not connected with adenocarcinoma development, and (3) conversion of the treatment to rapamycin may prevent hyperplastic abnormalities.

[The results of surgical treatment urinary stress incontinence of Burch and TVT methods independent of position of pelvic organ]. / Wyniki operacyjnego leczenia wysilkowego nietrzymania moczu metoda Burcha i TVT z uwzglednieniem statyki narzadów miednicy.

UNLABELLED: Urinary incontinence is a social disease. In age-various women groups it appears in abort 15-30%. After menopause urinary incontinence frequency increases to 40%. In most cares stress urinary incontinence (SUI) demands surgical treatment. There are many treatment opinions, but there is no 100% effective method. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this research two surgical treatment methods (Burch suspension vs tension-free vaginal tape - TVT method) for urinary incontinence were compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was undertaken in 295 women. After carefully diagnostic (interview, ultrasound, assessment of risk factors) of SUI patients were qualified to Burch suspension or TVT method. Effects were assessed after 24 postoperative months. RESULTS: Total lost of complaints was obtained in 65% after TVT In case of retroflexio of uterus percent of recoveries was lower--about 30%, independently on a type of operation. Even small agree of cervical descent get worse a treatment effects. Clinical effects were confirmed by ultrasound (angle between urethra and bladder, distance between symphysis and urethra before and treatment). CONCLUSIONS: Result of surgical treatment of urinary incontinence is about 65% of improvement regardless of surgical method. Retroflexio of uterus and cervical descent make this result even worse.

Immunomodulatory potential of gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Intestinal microbiota is an element of the bacterial ecosystem in all mammalian organisms. These microorganisms play a very important part in the development, functioning, and modulation of the immune system from the moment of birth. In recent years, owing to the use of modern sequencing techniques, the microbiome composition in healthy people has been identified based on bacterial 16S rRNA analysis. Currently, more and more attention is being given to the influence of microorganisms on the host's cellular metabolism. Analysis of microbial metabolites, among them short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and disruption of intestinal microbiota homeostasis in terms of their effects on molecular regulatory mechanisms of immune reactions will surely improve the understanding of the etiology of many common diseases. SCFAs, mainly butyrate, propionate, and acetate, occur in specific amounts, and their proportions can change, depending on the diet, age and diseases. The levels of SCFAs are substantially influenced by the ratio of commensal intestinal bacteria, the disturbance of which (dysbiosis) can lead to a disproportion between the SCFAs produced. SCFAs are regarded as mediators in the communication between the intestinal microbiome and the immune system. The signal they produce is transferred, among others, in immune cells via free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), which belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). It has been also confirmed that SCFAs inhibit the activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) - an enzyme involved in post-translational modifications, namely the process of deacetylation and, what is new, the process of histone crotonylation. These properties of SCFAs have an effect on their immunomodulatory potential i.e. maintaining the anti/pro-inflammatory balance. SCFAs act not only locally in the intestines colonized by commensal bacteria, but also influence the intestinal immune cells, and modulate immune response by multi-protein inflammasome complexes. SCFAs have been confirmed to contribute to the maintenance of the immune homeostasis of the urinary system (kidneys), respiratory system (lungs), central nervous system, and the sight organ.

Molecular Analysis of HLA-G in Women with High-Risk Pregnancy and Their Partners with Regard to Possible Complications.

The understanding of the molecular and biochemical characteristics of the human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is important because of the diverse influence of this antigen's polymorphisms on the course of a pregnancy. The aim of our study was to assess how the variation of the HLA-G allele and the HLA-G 14-bp ins/del polymorphism influence predisposition to a complicated pregnancy. The clinical material consisted of parental pairs with complicated pregnancies (210 women; 190 men). The control group included parental pairs without complications during pregnancy (89 women; 86 men). The study involved isolation of genome DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes, sequencing, and analysis of the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the HLA-G gene based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The most common HLA-G allele in the group of women with complicated pregnancies was the HLA-G 10101 allele. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3'UTR of the HLA-G gene between the groups. Our results suggest that the risk of complications in pregnancy is influenced by the HLA-G 10101, HLA-G 10108, and HLA-G 10106 alleles and is not influenced by the 14-bp ins/del polymorphism in the 3'UTR of the HLA-G gene.

The Relationship between Eicosanoid Levels and Serum Levels of Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters Depending on the Presence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Background: The purpose of our investigation was to analyze the relationship between the serum levels of inflammatory mediators (HETE, HODE) and the levels of selected metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with regard to concomitant metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The study involved 151 men with BPH. Blood samples were taken for laboratory analysis of the serum levels of metabolic and hormonal parameters. Gas chromatography was performed using an Agilent Technologies 7890A GC System. Results: We found that waist circumference was the only parameter related to the levels of fatty acids, namely: 13(S)-HODE, 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE. In the patients with BPH and MetS, triglycerides correlated with 9(S)-HODE, 15(S)-HETE, 12(S)-HETE, and 5-HETE, which was not observed in the patients without MetS. Similarly, total cholesterol correlated with 9(S)-HODE, and 15(S)-HETE in the patients with BPH and MetS, but not in those without MetS. In the group of BPH patients with MetS, total testosterone positively correlated with 13(S)-HODE, and free testosterone with 9(S)-HODE. Conclusions: Based on this study, it can be concluded that lipid mediators of inflammation can influence the levels of biochemical and hormonal parameters, depending on the presence of MetS in BPH patients.

Influence of metabolic syndrome on the relationship between fatty acids and the selected parameters in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The purpose of our investigation was to analyze the relationship between the serum levels of fatty acids and their metabolites and the levels of the selected metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with regard to concomitant metabolic syndrome (MetS). We determined serum concentrations of total (TT) and free testosterone (FT), insulin (I), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), luteinizing hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Gas chromatography was performed. The patients differed in terms of hormone levels, but only the differences in SHBG and IGF-1 levels were statistically significant. Analysis of the levels of polysaturated fatty acids in BPH patients showed that MetS contributed to changes in the levels of these acids. We also analyzed the relationship between the levels of fatty acids and diagnostic parameters for MetS. Particular abnormalities were associated with single changes in the levels of fatty acids. In the diabetic patients, changes in the levels of pentadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid and cis-11-eicosenoic acid were demonstrated. Our findings indicate the necessity for further investigation concerning the levels of fatty acids and their impact on the development of MetS, as well as the course and clinical picture of BPH.

The Relationship between the HLA-G Polymorphism and sHLA-G Levels in Parental Pairs with High-Risk Pregnancy.

Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is observed in immune system cells and other organs. It is a class Ib molecule, which plays a pivotal role in the implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum sHLA-G levels and the HLA-G allele in parental pairs with complicated obstetric histories. The clinical material consisted of 210 women and 190 men with the experience of a complicated or an unsuccessful pregnancy. The control group included parents-89 women and 86 men-lacking complicated obstetric histories. We applied genetic analysis methods: isolation of genomic DNA, sequencing, and determination of serum sHLA-G levels. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of the HLA-G -725 C>G polymorphism between particular experimental groups compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The median sHLA-G levels in the women with the HLA-G10101 allele (15.4 U/mL) were significantly higher than in the women with other alleles (p < 0.05). The HLA-G 10101 allele seems to protect against antiphospholipid syndrome, which may be associated with increased serum sHLA-G levels in its carriers. The relationship between serum sHLA-G levels and the HLA-G polymorphisms in the Polish population requires further investigation.

Assessment of morphological changes and steroid receptors in the uteri of postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: The morphology of the endometrium constantly changes in the reproductive period, depending on the levels of ovarian steroid hormones, and undergoes atrophic changes during menopause as a result of their insufficiency. The purpose of this study was to analyze morphological and morphometric changes in the mucous and muscle layers of the uterine wall in postmenopausal women, and to assess localization and number of cells showing the expression of steroid hormone receptors, namely estrogen receptor α (ER-α), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) in glandular epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells in particular groups of women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material consisted of uterine specimens sectioned across the full thickness of the uterine wall, and embedded in 164 paraffin blocks. The specimens came from women without menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) operated due to reproductive organ prolapse or uterine myomas. The material was divided into four groups depending on the time interval from menopause to surgery: group I - from 1 to 5 years after menopause, group II - from 6 to 10 years after menopause, group III - more than 11 years after menopause, and group IV - women over 70 years of age. The sections were stained by standard HE, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical methods (ERα, PR, AR). Quantitative assessment of the results was based on computer image analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of morphological changes in the endometrium and myometrium revealed the presence of increasing regressive changes, such as various types of atrophy, fibrosis, and calcification, augmented over time from the last menstruation. Furthermore, endometrial polyps, foci of endometriosis, and leiomyomas were observed. Based on the results of morphometric measurements, a constant decrease in the endometrial and myometrial thickness was noticed in the studied groups (I-IV). Significant differences between the groups were observed in the number of ER-α positive cells in the myometrium, but not in the endometrial glandular epithelium. Statistically significant differences in the number of AR positive cells were detected in the endometrial epithelium and in the uterine muscle. The analysis the number of PR positive cells demonstrated differences between the groups in the endometrial stroma and the myometrium. CONCLUSION: The uterus of postmenopausal woman undergo major morphological changes (mainly atrophic lesions in the endometrium and myometrium), leading to a decline in their morphometric parameters over time from the last menstruation. Localization and number of cells showing the expression of steroid receptors: ER-α, PR, and AR in the uterus of postmenopausal women, depending on the time interval from the last menstruation.

[Influence of dihydrotestosterone deficit on treatment of prostatic diseases regarding to contemporary methods of prostatic hypertrophy treatments]. / Wplyw deficytu dihydrotestosteronu na leczenie schorze prostaty na te wspólczesnych metod farmakologicznego leczenia przerostu tego gruczolu.

In the prostate the enzyme 5alpha-reductase converts testosterone into more active form--dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone strongly influences prostate function and takes part in its pathology Since the connection between androgens and pathology of this gland has been proved, pharmacological inhibition of conversion became one of the therapy strategies both for benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Last decade has brought numerous, long term clinical trials which involved numerous men being administered finasteride and other 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in bening prostate hypertrophy (BPH) treatment and prostate cancer (PCa) prevention. The results confirmed main assumptions, however revealed complex androgens and other factors' activity overlapping with the effect of therapy on prostate disease.

Changes in the bioelectric activity of the trapezius muscle following the thermal effect of red light and infrared radiation.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic effects of visible light and infrared is especially often used in physiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exposure to radiation on the motor units activity. METHODS: The study included 29 volunteers of whom the spontaneous and voluntary bioelectric activity of the trapezius muscle was evaluated using surface electromyography (value of average amplitude and frequency), before and immediately after a 15-minute irradiation. Additionally, the range of motion of the cervical spine and trigger points pain sensitivity to the pressure were assessed. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes in the pain sensitivity threshold and the range of motion after the irradiation was applied. On the other hand, a 15-minute exposure to radiation induced an increase in the value of average amplitude of rest-related as well as exercise-related potentials and an increase in the average value of frequency of the right side biopotentials at rest and of both sides for active elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Infrared radiation and visible red light have a stimulating effect on the muscle ability to develop active contraction. It is proposed that the observed changes are associated with the thermal effect of radiation as well as with the so-called extra-visual effects.

Cross-Sectional Inverse Associations of Obesity and Fat Accumulation Indicators with Testosterone in Non-Diabetic Aging Men.

Introduction/Objective: The aim of the study was to show which of the adipose tissue accumulation indicators correlate with testosterone disorders in non-diabetic aging men. Material and methods: 455 non diabetic men, recruited at primary care facilities, aged 50⁻75 participated in the study. The participants underwent anthropometric measurement and ELISA determination of total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), sex hormone binding protein (SHBG), and the determination of fasting glucose (FPG), high-density lipids cholesterol (HDL-Ch), and triacylglycerols (TAG) in serum. The following indicators were calculated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Results: Men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) differed in each of the assessed obesity indices from those without TDS. All of the studied parameters correlated significantly negatively with TT concentration in blood serum, with VAI being the strongest predictor of TDS. It was shown that the threshold value at which the risk of TDS increased was 28.41 kg/m² for BMI, 1.58 for VAI, 104 cm for WC, and 37.01 for LAP. Conclusions: Indicators of fat accumulation that take into account biochemical parameters in assessing lipid metabolism are better markers of actual body fat deposition than indicators based solely on anthropometric measurements. Among them, VAI seems the most suitable biomarker of TDS in non-diabetic aging men.