Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Grilled Marshmallows.

The aim of this study was to assess potential health risks among children and adolescents consuming various grilled marshmallows using a survey and to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in these food products. PAH analysis in grilled marshmallows included a dilution stage with deionized water and liquid-liquid extraction with cyclohexane and solid-phase extraction (SPE). PAH fractions were initially analyzed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and PAH concentrations were determined via gas chromatography with a tandem mass detector using the selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. This study on the consumption of grilled marshmallows was conducted among approximately 300 children and adolescents. The preliminary results indicated that "raw" marshmallows did not contain PAHs. However, the obtained data suggested the exposure of young people to carcinogenic PAHs from grilled marshmallows (63.5% of them consumed marshmallows). Carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) was determined in all samples. The profile of PAH concentrations in the extracts isolated from various grilled types of marshmallows was similar (r2 > 0.8000), regardless of the grilling method. Compared to the white sugar confection, higher concentrations of PAHs were determined in multicolored marshmallows. The lack of social awareness about exposure to carcinogenic substances is alarming.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and glycation process.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of unclear causes, which leads to major immunological disorders. It is characterized by an abnormal immune system activity resulting in the production of autoantibodies. In patients, antibodies targeting normal nuclear components, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), and phospholipids (cardiolipin) can be detected. The inflammatory process occurs in various tissues and organs, damaging their functions and structure. Disease's course includes stages of acute symptoms and remissions, and there is no known cure. Pathogenesis and biochemical pathways accompanying systemic lupus erythematosus are widely studied, as existing medication can only bring temporary relief to patients. The recent findings suggest that occurrence of SLE depends on interactions between genetic background of the disease and environmental risk factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, chemical factors, and hormonal therapy. In the addition, chronic inflammation accompanying SLE disturbs oxidative/antioxidative balance. These processes are linked to intensified advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, thus level of AGEs themselves and their receptors (RAGE, sRAGE) are gaining researches attention.

Multiple sclerosis: oral health, behaviours and limitations of daily oral hygiene - a questionnaire study.

CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: Neurological deficits and progressing disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may hamper daily oral hygiene, but their relations with oral problems have not yet been clearly determined. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to identify the most significant dental problems and limitations of daily oral hygiene in Polish patients with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 199 patients with diagnosed MS (median age 37 years) treated in the neurological outpatient clinic were interviewed using a paper-based questionnaire. They provided answers on oral health, behaviours and the limitations of their daily oral hygiene. Clinical information regarding symptoms, MS phenotype, relapses, medication and degrees of disability was based on medical records. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms were dry mouth (43.2%) and bleeding from gums (28.1%). Dry mouth was more frequent in patients with secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) than relapsing-remitting MS (65.4% vs 41.3%, p = 0.023). Patients with bleeding from gums had had MS for a longer duration (median 6 vs 4 years, p = 0.002). Difficulties in daily oral hygiene were more frequent in patients with SPMS (24.0% vs 8.1%; p = 0.016). Greater proportions of patients with muscle weakness of limbs, imbalance or pain brushed their teeth irregularly. Frequent (i.e. at least every six months) visits to the dentist's surgery were uncommon in patients with SPMS (12.0% vs 39.7%, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dry mouth and bleeding from gums are more frequent in patients with longer lasting and more advanced types of MS. Daily oral hygiene and oral health self-control is limited in patients with MS, mainly due to motor deficits, balance problems and pain, and this becomes worse with disease duration. To minimise the burden of the disease, patients with MS require better education and improvement in their awareness regarding proper oral health control, such as the use of electric toothbrushes. In addition, patients with chronic and progressive disability from multiple sclerosis may benefit from better organised access to dental care.

Human exposure to biologically active heterocyclic aromatic amines arising from thermal processing of protein rich food

Frequent consumption of thermally processed meat was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to directly carcinogenic agents for humans. During the heat treatment of high protein food, mutagenic and carcinogenic, as well as neurotoxic heterocyclic aromatic amines are formed. Epidemiological studies confirm that exposure to some of these compounds may increase the risk of cancer in humans, especially the colon cancer. Most heterocyclic amines contain fried and grilled meat products, and the lowest content of these compounds can be found in boiled and slightly baked dishes. The use of spices and vegetable additives with antioxidant properties allows to obtain dishes with reduced content of these xenobiotics. An effective way to reduce human exposure to cancerogenic amines may be simultaneous consumption, together with meat dishes, products containing fiber which can adsorb molecules of heterocyclic amines in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as enrichment of the diet in the crucifers plants, as isothiocyanates released from them can inhibit the metabolic activation processes of heterocyclic amines. Raising the public awareness of the formation of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, including heterocyclic aromatic amines, during the intensive heat treatment of high protein food, as well as the dissemination of knowledge on the conditions regarding the preparation of dishes with reduced content of such compounds could become one of the components of cancer prevention programs in Poland.

[Non-smokers about smokers]. / Niepalacy o palaczach.

Although the knowledge that smoking is a health hazard is widely accessible, this addiction remains serious social problem among young generation. It poses a great challenge to therapists, economic consequences impair both national and family budgets and that is a reason why governments and publicly-founded institutions promote anti-nicotine behaviours. But still rate of young smokers is very high. Aim of work was to get a real picture of smokers seen through nonsmoker's eyes. The used questionnaire was prepared exclusively for that survey. There were 97 students of medicine that participated in the poll. The poll showed 70 of them had a negative picture of smokers. Soft personality given in to addiction was the main feature. The knowledge about compounds of tobacco smoke was very poor, much like its influence on the human body. Survey showed general need for further education in that matter during medical studies.

[Environmental tobacco smoke--assessment of formaldehyde concentration in urine samples of exposed medicine students]. / Srodowiskowy dym tytoniowy--ocena stezen formaldehydu w moczu narazonych studentów medycyny.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is ranked as one of the factors of confirmed carcinogenicity to human. It consists of the mixture of smoke exhaled by the smoker as well as the sidestream smoke and contains many times higher concentrations of some toxic substances in comparison to the amount of toxic compounds inhaled by a smoker. From many years the issue of passive smoking has been the subject of many research and still not all of its aspects of affecting human health have been explored. Apart from the tobacco varieties, also diverse additives added during the process of tobacco manufacturing, including particularly carbohydrates, influence the composition of the environmental tobacco smoke. During smoking they can undergo many complex transformations, as a result of which toxic components of the environmental tobacco smoke are formed, carbonyl compounds in particular, like aldehydes. They are marked by a significant chemical reactivity which enables them to modify amino groups of proteins leading to the changes in their structure, biological functions and often antigenicity. Therefore their influence to the human body is the cause of numerous adverse health effects caused by the increase in free radical processes which can constitute to the source of these compounds. Well known representative of this group of xenobiotics is formaldehyde as a compound that reflects well the environmental exposure to carbonyl compounds. The considerable source of this compound is tobacco smoke. Therefore analysis of formaldehyde in body fluids is a valuable biomonitoring tool of exposure to it. The aim of this study was the evaluation of formaldehyde concentration in urine samples of medicine students exposed to ETS. The study material consisted of 149 urine samples of students from School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia. The concentration of formaldehyde in urine samples was determined by a spectrophotometric method using the Purpald reagent. To verify the collected questionnaire data regarding exposure to constituents of tobacco smoke, the immuno-enzymatic method was used to determine main nicotine metabolites in tested urine samples. This enabled dividing the investigated students' group into active smokers, passively exposed to tobacco smoke and not exposed. Analysis of obtained results showed that mean concentration of formaldehyde in urine of active smokers (68.45 ± 58.67 µmol/l) and passive smokers (79.23 ± 53.64 µmol/l) were significantly higher in comparison to not exposed students (42.99 ± 30.29 µmol/l). Mean concentrations of formaldehyde in urine samples of active and passive smokers are comparable. The results of our study allow to conclude that passive exposure to tobacco smoke is an equivalent source of exposure to active smoking regarding formaldehyde adverse influence to human. Applied method enables to quick evaluation of formaldehyde concentration in biological samples.

Carboxymethyllysine and carboxyethyllysine in multiple sclerosis patients.

Introduction: Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the intensity of the protein glycation process in patients with multiple sclerosis and its possible involvement in disease activity. Material and methods: The study group (n = 45) consisted of patients suffering from MS, and the control group (n = 31) consisted of healthy adults. Concentrations of selected glycation markers such as carboxymethyllysine (CML) and carboxyethyllysine (CEL) in sera of patients with MS and healthy volunteers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Serum CML and CEL concentrations in patients with MS were higher than in healthy volunteers but only for CML the difference was statistically significant. CML concentrations positively correlated with CEL concentrations only in the healthy persons. In MS patients the serum CML and CEL concentrations did not differ significantly depending on the duration of the disease and depending on the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score. Conclusions: Multiple sclerosis is accompanied by an intensification of protein glycation processes, especially within the pathways leading to the formation of carboxymethyllysine. The duration of the disease and the degree of motor impairment do not appear to affect the progression of the glycation processes. However, the disease process associated with multiple sclerosis may affect the relationship between CML and CEL concentrations.

Women suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus are characterized by low blood levels of α-dicarbonyl compounds.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease, often characterised by severe course and unclear etiopathogenesis. The reaction of protein glycoxidation, also known as glycation, may be linked to etiopathogenesis of SLE. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) exhibit cytotoxic properties, affect cellular signalling, impair functions of extracellular proteins, and may act as neoepitopes. Glucosone (GS), glyoxal (GO), and methylglyoxal (MGO) are examples of α-dicarbonyl compounds (α-DCs) partaking in glycoxidation. The study aimed to evaluate concentrations of these three compounds in blood serum of SLE patients, and to compare the results with healthy individuals. Material and methods: 31 women suffering from SLE and 26 healthy individuals were included in the study. High-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was applied to evaluate concentrations of α-DCs in their serum samples. Correlations between the results and parameters such as disease duration time, age, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and creatinine were analysed. Results: The SLE patients exhibited lower concentrations of glucosone, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal than the control group. Analysis of correlations showed a difference between the examined groups. Conclusions: In women suffering from SLE the course of α-DCs metabolism is altered. SLE patients are characterised by low serum levels of α-DCs. We hypothesise that either hindered proteasomal degradation or fast consumption of α-DCs in oxidative conditions may cause the observed low concentration of these compounds.

The Assessment of Serum Concentrations of AGEs and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of AGEs and their soluble receptor (sRAGE) in MS patients and healthy controls and to investigate their possible influence on disease activity. METHODS: Serum concentrations of AGE and sRAGE in patients with MS and healthy controls were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean serum AGE concentration in patients with MS was higher than in healthy controls, whereas the mean serum sRAGE concentration was lower than in the control group. However, the differences were not statistically significant. In MS patients, serum AGE and sRAGE concentrations did not differ significantly, depending on the duration of the disease and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sclerosis may be accompanied by disturbances of the AGE-sRAGE axis. However, further studies are warranted to confirm it. The duration of the disease and the degree of disability do not seem to affect the progression of the glycation process, particularly in the stable phase of the disease.

Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) and Their Soluble Receptor (sRAGE) in Women Suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by abnormal action of the immune system and a state of chronic inflammation. The disease can cause life-threatening complications. Neoepitopes arising from interdependent glycation and oxidation processes might be an element of SLE pathology. The groups included in the study were 31 female SLE patients and 26 healthy female volunteers (the control group). Blood serum samples were obtained to evaluate concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), carboxymethyllysine (CML), carboxyethyllysine (CEL), pentosidine, and a soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE). Compared to a healthy control group, the SLE patients exhibited a higher concentration of AGEs and a lower concentration of sRAGE in serum. There were no statistically significant differences in serum CML, CEL, and pentosidine concentrations between the groups. Therefore, SLE patients could be at risk of intensified glycation process and activation of the proinflammatory receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which could potentially worsen the disease course; however, it is not clear which compounds contribute to the increased concentration of AGEs in the blood. Additionally, information about the cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption of the study participants was obtained.

Antibodies to Heat Shock Proteins 90α and 90ß in Psoriasis.

One of many hypotheses of psoriasis pathogenesis supposes an overexpression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in different skin layers and systemic immunologic response to them. Hsp90 is one of the most abundant chaperone in eukaryotic cells. The number of studies concerning the role of Hsp90 and anti-Hsp90 antibodies in etiopathogenesis of various diseases is also constantly expanding. Still, there are not many reports concerning potential involvement of this Hsp family or anti-Hsp90 immunization in pathomechanism of psoriasis. The aim of the study was the estimation of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90ß IgG antibodies in the sera of the psoriatic patients at different phases of disease activity in comparison to the sera of healthy individuals. The study material consisted of sera from psoriasis patients (n = 80) in active phase and in the remission phase and healthy individuals (n = 80). Concentrations of anti-Hsp90α and anti-Hsp90ß IgG antibodies were determined using ELISA technique. In the patients with psoriasis (both in the active phase of the disease and in the remission phase) concentrations of anti-Hsp90α antibodies were significantly higher than in healthy individuals and they correlated positively with psoriasis area severity index values. The mean concentrations of anti-Hsp90ß antibodies in the psoriatic patients and healthy controls were comparable. The obtained results indicate an existence of increased immunological response to Hsp90α in psoriasis. It may suggest the role of the extracellular form of this chaperone and/or anti-Hsp90α antibodies in etiopathogenesis of this dermatosis. The inhibition of Hsp90α may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat psoriasis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - biomarkers of oxidative stress and methylation and transsulfuration cycle. / Zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu (ASD) ­ biomarkery stresu oksydacyjnego oraz cyklu metylacji i transsulfuracji.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people from all regions of the globe, regardless of nationality, living standards or social group. Currently, it is assumed that ASD pathogenesis is multifactorial because there is no one specific cause of the disorder. According to literature, ASD may result from genetic defects, metabolic disorders or exposure to environmental factors. There is a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain the intensity of emotional and behavioral symptoms or the increased sensory threshold that is characteristic of ASD. It is suggested that neurological changes may be due to oxidative stress occurring in early brain tissue development and reduced antioxidative barrier. Due to the abnormalities in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, often occurring in ASD, autism is investigated for disorders of vital biochemical processes of methylation and transsulfuration. Finding a biomarker for a disturbed oxidative-reduction equilibrium, methylation pathway pathology, or other reason could be an important diagnostic tool and the base for individual treatment for patients with varying degrees of severity. This work provides a review of the potential biological indicators for ASD taking into account the occurrence of oxidative stress and the methylation and transsulfuration cycles.

Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) Concentration in Population of Healthy Young People: Interactions with Tobacco Smoke and Anti-oxidative Status.

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is a high-molecular zinc-binding metalloproteinase that was first detected in the serum of pregnant women. It can also be detected in men and non-pregnant women. Recently, a growing interest in determining the concentration of PAPP-A as a marker of oxidative stress and atherosclerotic processes has been observed. Among the factors that could potentially influence the PAPP-A formation is the exposure to tobacco smoke. Some components of tobacco smoke have an immediate effect on the body and also direct influence on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between PAPP-A concentration and either passive or active exposure to tobacco smoke in the population of medicine students (n = 152). The relation between PAPP-A concentration and chosen markers of inflammatory response and anti-oxidative processes was analyzed. The samples of serum, urine, and saliva were collected and main nicotine metabolites in urine samples were determined using ELISA technique. Comparison of the PAPP-A concentrations in the study group revealed that in the group of active smokers, the concentration of the protein was significantly higher than in the group of passive smokers (p = .04) and the group of not-exposed students (p = .006). PAPP-A concentration showed significant positive correlation with the values of FRAP and main nicotine metabolites. The evident influence of both active and passive tobacco smoke exposure on PAPP-A levels in the studied population of young people who in general are not included in the group of high-risk cardiovascular incidents, shows how important early prevention of anti-health behaviors is.

Prevalence of pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with anxiety, depressive symptoms and quality of life. / Wystepowanie bólu u chorych na stwardnienie rozsiane i jego zwiazek z objawami depresyjnymi, lekiem i jakoscia zycia.

OBJECTIVES: Pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It affects the daily functioning of patients, limits the ability to work and reduces the joy of life. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of pain on quality of life as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with MS. METHODS: The study included 144 patients with diagnosed MS (mean age 41±12 years, mean illness duration 10.3±8.6 years). The study was carried out on the basis of the author's survey on current and previous pain - the Quality of Life Self-esteem Questionnaire (EuroQol5D) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: Among all respondents, 117 (81.3%) reported current pain, and 120 (83.3%) declared the occurrence of pain in the past. Currently, patients have reported: pain in one or more extremities - 79 people (54.9%), headache and facial pain - 72 (50%), back pain - 72 (50%), painful muscle spasms - 54 (38.6%), ocular pain - 37 (25.7%), Lhermitte's sign - 32 (22.2%). Patients reporting pain experienced significantly more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS-L: 8.0±4.3 vs. 5.1±4.3; p< 0.01; HADS-D: 6.0±4.2 vs. 3.4±3.7; p< 0.01), and had significantly worse quality of life (EQ 5D: 8.1±1.9 vs. 6.3±1.4; p< 0.0001). An association between presence of pain and gender (p< 0.01), age (p< 0.05), the degree of disability (p< 0.05), education (p< 0.001), and the professional activity (p< 0.01) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Pain in MS is associated with more severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, and worse quality of life. Female sex, older age, lower level of education, greater disability, and lack of occupational work predispose to the occurrence of pain in MS.

Elevated circulating heat shock protein 70 and its antibody concentrations in chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) play a complex role in cytoprotection, inflammation, and function of the immune system. They may be involved in pathogenesis of various diseases. Our aim was to determine circulating Hsp70 and anti-Hsp70 antibodies concentrations in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Concentrations of Hsp70 in plasma and anti-Hsp70 antibodies in serum as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in CSU patients and in the controls. Plasma Hsp70 concentrations were significantly higher in CSU (all) and mild CSU patients as compared with the controls. Moderate-severe CSU patients tended to show higher Hsp70 concentration as compared with the controls, but not with mild activity of the disease. There were no significant differences in Hsp70 concentration between moderate-severe and mild CSU patients. Serum anti-Hsp70 antibodies concentrations were significantly higher in CSU (all) and mild CSU in comparison to the controls. Association was observed between anti-Hsp70 antibodies and increased CRP concentration; however, no correlation between anti-Hsp70 and Hsp70 concentrations was seen in the patients. It seems that up-regulation of Hsp70 in CSU may induce marked increase in anti-Hsp70 antibodies production, which are accompanied by parallel changes in CRP concentration. We suggest that Hsp may be released in CSU in response to stressful stimuli, such as inflammation.

Determination of advanced glycation end-products and antibodies against them (anti-CML and anti-CEL) in the serum of Graves' orbitopathy patients before and after methylprednisolone treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The glycation process is a non-enzymatic modification of proteins occurring due to the reactions of reductive carbohydrates. The glycated residues lose their biological functions, and their removal process is ineffective. They accumulate, and as a result they cause an immunological response. The aim of this study was a determination of the concentrations of advanced glycation end-products and antibodies against carboxymethyl lysine (anti-CML) and carboxyethyl lysine (anti-CEL) in the sera of Graves' orbitopathy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group were patients from the Division of Endocrinology of the Medical University of Silesia (n = 25) suffering from Graves' orbitopathy. The concentration of AGE-peptides using flow spectrofluorimetry method, and anti-CML and anti-CEL IgG antibodies using immunoenzymatic technique (ELISA), were measured in patients sera before and after methylprednisolone treatment. RESULTS: In sera of the study group the concentrations of AGE-peptides and anti-CML were significantly lower before and after treatment in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Mean values of anti-CEL concentrations were comparable (at both phases of treatment) with the value observed in the control group. After treatment the concentrations of AGE-peptides and anti-CEL significantly decreased (p < 0.05); however, the concentration of anti-CML was also lower but the observed change was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the course of Graves' orbitopathy the glycation process is disturbed. The treatment modifies significantly the process by lowering the concentration of advanced glycation end-products and suppressing the immune response to them. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (4): 383-389).

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is characterized by lower serum advanced glycation end-products.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is associated with activation of acute phase response. On the other hand, it is known that systemic inflammation may lead to increased formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), associated with pathogenesis of various diseases. AIM: We aim to test whether chronic inflammation manifested by activated acute phase response may provide a mechanism for increased serum AGEs concentration in CSU. METHODS: Concentrations of AGEs were measured spectrofluorimetrically in serum of CSU patients and the healthy subjects. RESULTS: Serum AGEs and albumin concentrations in CSU patients were significantly lower as compared with the healthy subjects. Serum CRP concentration was significantly higher in patients with CSU than in the controls. Significant positive correlation was observed between AGEs and albumin concentrations in the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: CSU is not associated with increased circulating AGEs concentrations, despite the enhanced systemic inflammatory response. Paradoxical decrease of serum AGEs concentrations is probably a reflection of lower concentration of "negative acute phase proteins" such as albumin.

Selected adipose tissue hormones, bone metabolism, osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand in postmenopausal obese women.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that changes in the production of adipose tissue hormones in obese postmenopausal women might affect their bone status. The aim of this study was to determine whether obese postmenopausal women exhibited any relationship between serum levels of LP, ADIPO, RES, VISF, APE and bone metabolism markers (OC and CTx), OPG, sRANKL, the OPG/sRANKL ratio as well as BMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 postmenopausal women (60 obese and 20 healthy) underwent BMD measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at lumbar spine L2-L4. Serum levels of selected adipose tissue hormones, OC, CTx, OPG and its soluble ligand, sRANKL, were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: Obese postmenopausal women demonstrated a significant increase in body mass, BMI and WHR associated with significant increases in LP and RES levels, a decrease in ADIPO concentration, suppression of OC, CTx, OPG and sRANKL and an increase in the OPG/sRANKL ratio and BMD. BMI correlated positively with BMD, LP, RES, OPG and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, whereas in the case of ADIPO, OC, CTx, sRANKL the relationship was negative. WHR was positively correlated with the OPG/sRANKL ratio, and negatively with ADIPO and APE. A positive correlation was found between BMD and LP, APE and the OPG/sRANKL ratio, while the correlation between BMD and ADIPO, CTx, sRANKL was negative. Significant positive correlations were also revealed between OC, CTx and ADIPO; OPG and ADIPO; sRANKL and ADIPO, RES; the OPG/sRANKL ratio and LP. OC correlated negatively with LP, RES, VISF, APE; CTx with LP, VISF, APE; OPG with LP; sRANKL with LP and APE; the OPG/sRANKL ratio with VISF. ADIPO was an independent predictor of OC, OPG and sRANKL, while LP turned out to be an independent predictor of CTx, OPG, sRANKL and the OPG/sRANKL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in postmenopausal women can lead to changes in BMD, circulating levels of bone markers, OPG, sRANKL and/or the OPG/sRANKL ratio; these changes are associated with alterations in the concentrations of adipose tissue hormones under investigation. The relationships between bone status indicators and adipose tissue hormones, especially LP and ADIPO, seem to suggest that changes in these hormones observed in obese postmenopausal women might have a protective effect on bone tissue, most probably via a shift in the OPG/sRANKL ratio towards a functional excess of OPG.