The Impact of the IL-10 Gene Polymorphism on mRNA Expression and IL-10 Serum Concentration in Polish Lupus Patients.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a lot of nuclear components. Despite many studies on the genetic background of this disease, the pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the study is to comprehensively evaluate the polymorphism of the IL-10 promoter gene, its mRNA expression, and the serum IL-10 concentration of SLE female patients and females age-matched controls. Analyzing the association between the level of the tested cytokine and the polymorphism genotype-1082; -819; -592, we found statistically higher serum IL-10 levels in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (11.9 ± 2.2 pg/mL vs. 9.4 ± 1.7 pg/mL, accordingly; p < 0.0001). We did not find statistically significant differences in the gene polymorphism of IL-10 among SLE patients and controls. The most significant observation derived from our study is that IL-10 mRNA transcripts are upregulated in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). According to our results, the presence of the IL-10 genetic polymorphism has no clinical significance for the development of SLE, and subsequent differences in mRNA and IL-10 concentration results from the influence of other factors which should be the subject of further research.

Effect of Drugs Used in Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes on Bone Density and Risk of Bone Fractures.

This review summarizes the complex relationship between medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and bone health. T2DM patients face an increased fracture risk despite higher bone mineral density; thus, we analyzed the impact of key drug classes, including Metformin, Sulphonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and Thiazolidinediones. Metformin, despite promising preclinical results, lacks a clear consensus on its role in reducing fracture risk. Sulphonylureas present conflicting data, with potential neutral effects on bone. SGLT-2 inhibitors seem to have a transient impact on serum calcium and phosphorus, but evidence on their fracture association is inconclusive. DPP-4 inhibitors emerge as promising contributors to bone health, and GLP-1 agonists exhibit positive effects on bone metabolism, reducing fracture risk. Thiazolidinediones, however, demonstrate adverse impacts on bone, inducing loss through mesenchymal stem cell effects. Insulin presents a complex relationship with bone health. While it has an anabolic effect on bone mineral density, its role in fracture risk remains inconsistent. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of diabetes medications' impact on bone health is crucial. Further research is needed to formulate clear guidelines for managing bone health in diabetic patients, considering individual profiles, glycemic control, and potential medication-related effects on bone.

The impact of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) on the development of blood vessel damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the preliminary study.

Vascular injury represents one of the most frequent lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the study was to assess the influence of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) on the development of endothelial cell (EC) activation, dysfunction and subsequent vasculitis in women with SLE. Fifty six women with SLE were divided into 2 subgroups, i.e. subjects with positive AECAs (+) and those with negative AECAs (-). The control group consisted of 25 healthy women. Clinical characteristics, routine laboratory tests and circulating markers of EC activation/dysfunction, i.e. monocyte-chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble E- and P-selectin, vascular and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1, sICAM-1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), pentraxin 3 (the marker of vasculitis) the indicator of procoagulant activity i.e. prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) were detected using ELISA and compared between patients with AECA (+), AECA (-) and control subgroups. Serum concentrations of AECAs in AECA(+), AECA(-) and control groups were 4.58 ± 2.97, 0.92 ± 0.50 and 0.72 ± 0.28 AU/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). The study showed significant increases in EC activation markers, i.e. MCP-1, sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and F1 + 2 in SLE AECA(+) compared to SLE AECA(-) and control groups. However, the indicator of vasculitis (PTX3) was significantly lower in SLE AECA(+). Moreover, multivariate analysis of variance showed a positive correlation between AECAs and sE-selectin and sVCAM-1 levels, but not with PTX3. AECAs were involved in the initial stages of vascular damage in SLE, i.e. in EC activation and dysfunction. However, they did not play a role in the development of vasculitis.

Autoimmune Hepatitis-Challenging Diagnosis.

The incidence of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) increases worldwide. If undiagnosed, it may progress end-stage liver disease. Unfortunately, there is no characteristic clinical presentation of this disease, which makes the illness hard to recognize. A case report illustrates the difficulties of diagnosing the patient during his two hospitalizations and his final treatment with prednisolone which improved the patient's condition.

Addison's Disease in the Course of Recurrent Microangiopathic Antiphospholipid Syndrome-A Clinical Presentation and Review of the Literature.

The article presents a male patient with adrenocortical insufficiency in the course of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It also describes recurrent exacerbations of his clinical status, characteristic of microangiopathic antiphospholipid syndrome (MAPS) which had been misdiagnosed as a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) syndrome due to sepsis with multi-organ failure, including heart, kidneys, and liver. Issues related to pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, differential diagnosis, and treatment of APS in the context of presently distinguished subtypes of this syndrome have been addressed. The role of vascular endothelial cell activation and the influence of coagulation patterns on the development of APS continuum clinical symptoms have also been mentioned. In addition, this paper highlights that the diagnosis of APS should be considered in patients with adrenal insufficiency and abdominal pain, even without any prior history of thromboembolic diseases, as well as in the course of DIC, especially without predisposing factors.

Cardiac Amyloidosis-Challenging Diagnosis and Unclear Clinical Picture.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a rare systemic disease determined by the extracellular deposition of amyloid protein in the heart. The protein can accumulate in any part of the heart: myocardium, vessels, endocardium, valves, epicardium and parietal pericardium. The types of CA include the following types: light chain (AL), amyloidosis AA (Amyloid A) and transthyretin (ATTR). The detection of specific subtypes remains of great importance to implement the targeted treatment. We present the case of a 65-year-old woman, who was admitted with severe deterioration of exercise capacity, a bilateral reduction of physiological vesicular murmur, ascites and edema of lower extremities. CA was suspected due to echocardiographic examination results, which led to further examination and final diagnosis. The aim of this study is to improve the disease awareness among clinicians and shorten the delay between the first symptoms and the diagnosis establishment resulting in a better outcome.

Could KIM-1 and NGAL levels predict acute kidney injury after paracentesis? - preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney dysfunction is a common complication in patients with severe liver cirrhosis. There is a need for discovery and validation of novel biomarkers for earlier AKI detection. The aim of this study was to determine if tubular injury markers: NGAL and KIM-1 could be helpful in the early diagnosis of AKI in patients undergoing therapeutic paracentesis. METHODS: This preliminary study included 24 adult patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis who had been hospitalized due to massive ascites requiring paracentesis. Pre- and post-paracentesis plasma samples were taken from each patient and biomarkers were measured. RESULTS: Before paracentesis, the levels of serum and urinary NGAL were similar between patients and controls; while urinary KIM-1 was markedly increased in liver cirrhotic patients (0.76 vs. 0.24 ng/ml; respectively). Although urinary NGAL levels in AKI patients were 5-time greater than in non-AKI subgroup, the difference did not reach statistical significance (13.2 vs 1.5 pg/mL, p = 0.06). Serum NGAL level, post-procedure, was 3 times greater in AKI subgroup. CONCLUSION: Kidney injury markers, especially serum NGAL, may be useful for the early detection of AKI. However, further research is required to determine if biomarkers of kidney injury may help identify patients with cirrhosis who would most likely benefit from early AKI prevention and treatment.

Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension-A Case of Sugar and Salt?

The majority of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have hypertension (HTN). A specific mechanism for the development of HTN in DM has not been described. In the Zucker, Endothel, und Salz (sugar, endothelium, and salt) study (ZEuS), indices of glucose metabolism and of volume regulation are recorded. An analysis of these parameters shows that glucose concentrations interfere with plasma osmolality and that changes in glycemic control have a significant impact on fluid status and blood pressure. The results of this study are discussed against the background of the striking similarities between the regulation of sugar and salt blood concentrations, introducing the view that DM is probably a sodium-retention disorder that leads to a state of hypervolemia.

Osteoprotegerin Assessment Improves Prediction of Mortality in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND: Elevated circulating osteoprotegerin (OPG) level is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for ischemic stroke and coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether OPG assessment may improve the prediction of mortality in patients with stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum OPG, fetuin A, 25-OH-D3, intact parathyroid hormone levels were assessed in serum samples which were left over after routine tests in a hospital laboratory. This assessment was conducted in 240 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted within 24hours after the onset of symptoms to the Stroke Unit. Mortality data were obtained from the local registry office. RESULTS: The mean OPG serum level was 14.6 ± 6.0pmol/L (range: 3.7-43.4). There were no significant differences in the OPG values between men and women (13.9 ± 5.0 versus 15.1 ± 6.7 pmol/L; P = .12). Therefore, tertiles were calculated for the whole group. During the follow-up, 85 (35.4%) patients died and 92 (38.3%) died or had recurrent stroke. OPG level appeared a significant predictors of death and composite end-point (death/recurrent stroke), in addition to the well-established once (age, atrial fibrillation, diabetes RANKIN at admission and discharge, severity of stroke). In multivariable stepwise backward analyses, the OPG level persisted as a significant and independent predictor of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.084 (95% confidence intervals: 1.036-1.134)] and composite and point (HR = 1.082 [1.037-1.129]). CONCLUSIONS: OPG level may be considered as a predictor of mortality in stroke patients.

[Metabolic acidosis in a patient with an orthotopic neobladder].

We present a case of 62-year-old patient after cystectomy with intestinal neobladder due to bladder cancer, complicated by severe acid-balance disturbances. Due to poor clinical condition and metabolic acidosis patient temporarily required renal replacement therapy. After obtaining the stabile clinical status the patient was discharged with the recommendation of chronic oral treatment with the alkalizing agents and regular blood gas control. In the 6 month follow-up there were neither symptoms of uremia nor significant abnormalities in waterelectrolyte balance.

Inflammation but not obesity or insulin resistance is associated with increased plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 concentration in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone involved in calcium-phosphate homoeostasis. The data of recently published studies suggest that FGF-23 may also play a role in some metabolic processes beyond mineral metabolism, such as insulin resistance or energy homoeostasis. The aim of the study was to attempt the relationships between plasma cFGF-23 (C-terminal) and iFGF-23 (intact) concentrations and the occurrence of obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation in elderly population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis included 3115 elderly subjects (1485 women). During three visits, a questionnaire survey, comprehensive geriatric assessment and anthropometric measurements were performed as well as blood and urine samples were collected by trained nurses. Serum phosphorus, calcium, intact parathormone (iPTH), 25(OH)D3 , iFGF-23 and cFGF-23, insulin, glucose, albumin (also in urine), creatinine, hs-CRP, interleukin-6 and NT-proBNP concentrations were assessed. HOMA-IR was calculated according to the standard formula. RESULTS: Both forms of FGF23, iPTH and 25-OH-D3 levels were not related to the occurrence of obesity and insulin resistance. Increase in phosphorus, iPTH and NT-proBNP concentrations is associated with rise in plasma iFGF23 and cFGF23 levels. Additionally, increase in hs-CRP explained the elevated plasma iFGF23 levels. In multiple regression models, circulating iFGF23 and cFGF23 level's variability in elderly population were explained by changes in serum phosphorus, iPTH, eGFR, hs-CRP and NT-proBNP levels but not by BMI and HOMA-IR values. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study shows that increased levels of both circulating Fibroblast growth factor 23 forms in elderly subjects are associated with inflammation but not obesity or insulin resistance per se.

Low Concentration of BDNF in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke as a Factor in Poor Prognosis in Terms of Functional Status of Patients.

BACKGROUND According to recent studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) probably plays a role in development of cerebral ischemia and can be significant for the prognosis of improved mobility after stroke. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the blood concentration of BDNF during the 1st day of first-ever ischemic stroke and find a potential association between BDNF concentration and the neurological status in the acute period, as well as between BDNF and the functional status in the sub-acute phase of stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS The prospective study involved 87 patients aged 39-99 years (42 women, 45 men) with first-in-life complete ischemic stroke. All study subjects underwent analysis as follows: BDNF blood concentration and neurological status according to NIHSS on the 1st day of stroke, comorbidities, etiological type of ischemic stroke by ASCOD, and functional status on the 14th and 90th day after the onset according to mRankin scale. RESULTS Mean concentration of BDNF in the study group was 9.96 ng/mL±5.21, median 10.39 ng/mL. Patients aged ≤65 years (25 individuals) had a significantly higher mean concentration of BDNF (11.94 ng/mL±4.46; median 12.34 ng/mL) than the older subjects (62 individuals) with a mean concentration of 9.17 ng/mL±5.32 (median 8.66 ng/mL). The mean score by mRankin scale on the 90th day was significantly higher among patients with lower concentrations of BDNF on the 1st day of stroke, which reflects their poorer functional status. The functional status on the 90th day was significantly worse (3-6 points by Rankin scale) in patients who had BDNF below the mean value in the acute phase of stroke. The independent factors for poor functional status of patients on the 90th day after stroke were a score >4 points by NIHSS (RR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00-1.31; p=0.027) and the concentration of BDNF below the mean value (assessed on the 1st day of stroke) (RR 14.49; CI 4.60-45.45; p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS The neurological status and concentration of BDNF on the 1st day of ischemic stroke are independent prognostic factors in medium-term observation. Reduction in the concentration of BDNF in the acute phase of stroke is a factor for poor prognosis in terms of the functional status of patients on the 90th day after onset.

[Osteoprotegerin as a marker of atherosclerosis and a prognostic factor in stroke]. / Osteoprotegeryna jako wskaznik nasilenia miazdzycy i czynnik prognostyczny w udarze mózgu.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and lack of independence in activities of daily living in adults. One of the most important factors predisposing to stroke, besides hypertension and atrial fibrillation, is carotid atherosclerosis. Rupture of unstable plaque with formation of a platelet plug is the cause of about 20-25% of ischemic strokes. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an important regulator of bone remodeling under physiological and disease conditions, as well as the regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Elevated plasma OPG level is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and heart diseases, including atrial fibrillation, and is observed in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. Furthermore, the occurrence of certain genotypes of OPG is 10 times more common in people with unstable atherosclerotic plaque, making them an independent risk predictor of plaque instability. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the potential role of OPG as a biomarker and prognostic indicator of stroke.

The impact of anemia on the course and short-term prognosis in patients with first ever ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is the risk factor for cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia among patients with first-ever stroke and its impact on neurological state in the acute phase of the disease and the degree of disability in short-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 107 patients aged 72.81 ± 11.12 with the first-ever stroke. Each patient underwent CT of the head and blood tests, including Hb concentration on the first day of hospitalization. We have analyzed the neurological state on the first day of stroke by NIHSS and the functional status on the 14th day after the onset of stroke by mRankin scale in patients with and without anemia. Patients with anemia were additionally divided according to Hb level (less or over 11g/dl). RESULTS: Patients with Hb≤ 11g/dl significantly more often achieved a score of 4-5 points on mRankin scale on the 14th day of stroke compared to patients with anemia and Hb>11g/dl. Independent predictors of a worse functional status on the 14th day of stroke in patients with anemia include the neurological state on the 1st day and the hemispheric location of stroke; an independent predictor of death was the neurological state on the 1st day of onset. CONCLUSION: Mild anemia did not influence significantly the neurological condition in acute phase of stroke but worsened the functional status in subacute phase of stroke. The neurological state on the first day of stroke and the hemispheric location of cerebral ischemia are independent factors of poor prognosis in patients with anemia in short-term follow-up.

Evaluation of influence of chronic kidney disease and sodium disturbances on clinical course of acute and sub-acute stage first-ever ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disturbance encountered in the neurological and neurosurgical intensive care units, and can exacerbate existing neurological deficits. The objective of this study was to observe the influences of chronic kidney disease and sodium disturbances on the clinical course of acute and sub-acute stages of first-ever ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 464 patients with previously diagnosed chronic kidney disease (aged 70.42±11.49 years; 250 women) who had experienced their first-ever ischemic stroke were qualified. The following examinations were performed: serum levels of sodium, creatinine, lipids, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), neurological state on 1st day of stroke (according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), functional state measured with the Rankin scale, (RS) and mortality rate at 1 month after stroke. RESULTS: The neurological state on 1st day of stroke was worse and the median RS (30 days after stroke) was higher in patients with eGFR ≤60 ml/ (min×1.73). Men with eGFR ≤60 ml had greater neurological deficits and increased mortality within 1 month. In patients with eGFR >60 ml/, male sex was more often associated with worse outcomes at 1 month after ischemic stroke. Hyponatremia was associated with a more severe state in both the acute and sub-acute stages of stroke, with higher incidence of death within 1 month after stroke. Men with hyponatremia had greater neurological deficits on the 1st day and increased mortality within 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Renal impairment and hyponatremia are associated with worse neurological outcomes in patients in the acute stage of their first-ever stroke and within 1 month after the event. Males with impaired kidney function and hyponatremia have a more severe course in their first-ever ischemic stroke, as well as having increased mortality.

Initial clinical, laboratory and radiological features of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and their impact on the course of the disease.

BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2020, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a global threat by the World Health Organization (WHO). It quickly became apparent that reducing inpatient mortality rates and early phase prediction of possible deterioration or severe disease course relied on finding more specific biomarkers. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study assessed initial clinical, laboratory and radiological features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients and explored their impact on mortality and the course of the disease. Such efforts aimed to facilitate the identification of high-risk patients and to improve the formulation of treatment plans for these individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort comprised 111 consecutive adult inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Ward of the University Clinical Center of prof. K. Gibinski of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, a COVID-19 Treatment Unit, between November 16, 2020 and February 15, 2021. All available clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were extracted from electronic records and assessed as possible risk factors for poor prognosis. RESULTS: Clinicasl and radiological features with higher frequency in COVID-19 non-survivors included older age, history of smoking, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, low oxygen saturation (SpO2), and high infection risk assessed on admission as well as high opacity score, percentage of opacity and percentage of high opacity in computed tomography. Non-survivors had decreased serum lymphocytes, monocytes, calcium, magnesium, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation. They also had increased red cell distribution width (RDW), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), D-dimer, troponin, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, as well as a base deficit. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study identified several markers associated with a fatal course of COVID-19. The early assessment of SARS-CoV-2-infected inpatients should consider these markers.

[Diagnostic value of antineutophil cytoplasmic antibodies]. / Znaczenie diagnostyczne przeciwcial przeciw cytoplazmie granulocytów obojetnochlonnych.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) constitute a family of auto-antibodies directed against various components of the neutrophil cytoplasm. The indirect immunofluorecence assays detected three fluorescent staining patterns: cANCA--cytoplasmic; pANCA--perinuclear and aANCA--atypical. Occurence ANCA is mainly associated with Wegener's granulomatosis and vasculitis, but they are also detected in autoimmune diseases (eg. in systemic lupus erythematosus, in rheumathoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, in dermatomyositis) and in inflamatory bowel diseases (Crohn disease, colitis ulcerosa). Presence of ANCA was found also in primary sclerosing cholangitis, in chronic infections and in person using some kinds of drugs. The aim of the study was to review recent investigations concerning prevalence of ANCA and their diagnostic value not only for vasculitis but also for the other disease in which they are detected.

Serum Uric Acid Is a Weak Independent Predictor of Overall Survival in Older Adults.

Hyperuricemia accompanies many pathologies that contribute to overall death rate. The population-based multifaceted study of older adults in Poland made it possible to assess the effect of serum uric acid (SUA) on overall mortality. The PolSenior study performed between 2007-2011 included 3926 participants aged 65 years or above (mean age 79 ± 9 years) not treated with xanthin oxidase inhibitors (XOI) who were stratified by sex and SUA concentration into six subgroups increasing by 1 mg/dL. In 2019, survival data were retrieved from the population register. The crude risk of death was significantly higher in men and women with SUA ≥ 7 mg/dL. After adjustment to statistically significant factors, SUA remained a risk factor of death in men with SUA ≥ 8 mg/dL only, potentially due to the limited number of women with high SUA levels. Furthermore, age, heart failure, diabetes, and activities of daily living ≤ 4 pts were identified as factors increasing mortality risk regardless of sex. The risk of death increased also with smoking, past stroke, COPD/asthma, and hs-CRP > 3 mg/dL for men; and eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, mini nutritional assessment ≤ 7 pts, and loop diuretics use for women. Mild hyperuricemia is a significant health status marker and an independent risk factor for overall mortality in older Caucasians not receiving XOI. Increased mortality is mostly limited to subjects with SUA levels ≥ 8 mg/dL.

Multifocality and Multicentrality in Breast Cancer: Comparison of the Efficiency of Mammography, Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Group of Patients with Primarily Operable Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The multifocality and multicentrality of breast cancer (MFMCC) are the significant aspects that determine a specialist's choice between applying breast-conserving therapy (BCT) or performing a mastectomy. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of mammography (MG), contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women diagnosed with breast cancer before qualifying for surgical intervention to visualize other (additional) cancer foci. METHODS: The study included 60 breast cancer cases out of 630 patients initially who underwent surgery due to breast cancer from January 2015 to April 2019. MG, CESM, and MRI were compared with each other in terms of the presence of MFMCC and assessed for compliance with the postoperative histopathological examination (HP). RESULTS: Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of MFMCC in 33/60 (55%) patients. The sensitivity of MG in detecting MFMCC was 50%, and its specificity was 95.83%. For CESM, the sensitivity was 85.29%, and the specificity was 96.15%. For MRI, all the above-mentioned parameters were higher as follows: sensitivity-91.18%; specificity-92.31%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MFMCC, both CESM and MRI are highly sensitive in the detection of additional cancer foci. Both CESM and MRI change the extent of surgical intervention in every fourth patient.

The influence of weight loss on anaerobic threshold in obese women.

UNLABELLED: Obesity is associated with decreased physical activity. The aim of the study was to assess the anaerobic threshold in obese and normal weight women and to analyse the effect of weight-reduction therapy on the determined thresholds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 42 obese women without concomitant disease (age 30.5 ± 6.9y; BMI 33.6 ± 3.7 kg·m(-2)) and 19 healthy normal weight women (age 27.6 ± 7.0y; BMI 21.2 ± 1.9 kg·m(-2)) performed cycle ergometer incremental ramp exercise test up to exhaustion. The test was repeated in 19 obese women after 12.3 ± 4.2% weight loss. The lactate threshold (LT) and the ventilatory threshold (VT) were determined. Obese women had higher lactate (expressed as oxygen consumption) and ventilator threshold than normal weight women. The lactate threshold was higher than ventilatory one both in obese and normal weight women (1.11 ± 0.21 vs 0.88 ± 0.18 L·min(-1), p < 0.001; 0.94 ± 0.15 vs 0.79 ± 0.23 L·min(- 1), p < 0.01, respectively). After weight reduction therapy neither the lactate nor the ventilatory threshold changed significantly. The results concluded that; 1. The higher lactate threshold noted in obese women may be related to the increased fat acid usage in metabolism. 2. Both in obese and normal weight women lactate threshold appears at higher oxygen consumption than ventilatory threshold. 3. The obtained weight reduction, without weight normalisation was insufficient to cause significant changes of lactate and ventilatory thresholds in obese women. Key pointsResults showed that adolescent young female gymnasts have an altered serum inflammatory markers and endothelial activation, compared to their less physically active peers.Physical activities improved immune system.Differences in these biochemical data kept significant after adjustment for body weight and height.