Is There a Link between Thyroid Peroxidase Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Autoimmune Thyroiditis in the Polish Population?

(1) Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism and one of the most frequent organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Its pathogenesis is polygenic and still requires further research. The aim of the study was to assess, for the first time in the Caucasian population, the role of selected TPO gene promoter polymorphisms (rs2071399 G/A, rs2071400C/T, rs2071402 A/G, and rs2071403 A/G) in the development of AIT. A total of 237 patients diagnosed with AIT and 130 healthy controls were genotyped for four TPO gene polymorphisms, and the results were statistically analyzed to check for the role of these polymorphisms. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the studied TPO gene promoter polymorphisms between patients and controls (p > 0.05). The haplotype distribution (rs2071400-rs2071402-rs2071403) between the two studied groups was similar for the most common variants (CGA, CAG, TGG). Only a rare haplotype (CGG) occurred more frequently among patients compared to controls (p = 0.04). The studied TPO gene promoter polymorphisms did not show an association with susceptibility to AIT in the Caucasian Polish population, contrary to the results in Japanese patients.

Lipomas: genetic basis of common skin lesions and their occurrence in rare diseases.

Lipomas are usually sporadic, asymptomatic lesions, and their clinical and histologic presentation does not pose diagnostic difficulties. In ambiguous cases, however, knowledge of genetics is necessary. HMGA2 expression in adipose cells enables the differentiation of normal adipose tissue from lipoma and liposarcoma. Moreover, lipomas can be associated with genetic diseases, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, neurofibromatosis type 1, Wilson's disease, or mitochondrial diseases. Lipomas can run in families (familial multiple lipomatosis) or be a part of genetic syndromes such as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, Proteus syndrome, and Pai syndrome. This study aims to present the genetic basis of lipomas and diseases in which these lesions occur in the clinical picture.

Selected hormone levels and lipid abnormalities in patients with acne vulgaris.

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Hormonal imbalance affects the skin condition and results in the formation of acne vulgaris lesions. Aim: To evaluate serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in patients with acne vulgaris and compare them to healthy population. Material and methods: Forty-one patients with acne vulgaris and 47 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Results: The mean ± SD testosterone serum level in the study group was 0.45 ±1.03 ng/ml in females and 4.24 ±0.68 in males and in the control group 0.73 ±2.03 ng/ml and 5.3 ±1.3 ng/ml in females and males, respectively. The prolactin serum level was 16.73 ±8.02 ng/ml in the study group and in the control group 13.74 ±8.71 ng/ml (p = 0.011). The FSH serum level was 12.17 ±16.93 mIU/ml and 6.2 ±7.3 mIU/ml in the study and control groups, respectively (p = 0.0001), whereas LH serum levels were 18.44 ±19.71 mIU/ml and 11.26 ±8 mIU/ml, respectively (p = 0.2659). The HDL serum level was 65.63 ±15.67 mg/dl in the study group and 61.53 ±15.89 mg/dl in the control group (p = 0.219), and TG levels were 175.29 ±82.15 mg/dl and 87.32 ±30.64 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates, that hormonal and lipid imbalance could be linked to acne vulgaris formation. Evaluation of hormonal and lipid abnormalities could help in treatment decisions and could affect the occurrence of complications and the course of acne.

Vitamin D-Related Genes and Thyroid Cancer-A Systematic Review.

Vitamin D, formerly known for its role in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, was shown to exert a broad influence on immunity and on differentiation and proliferation processes in the last few years. In the field of endocrinology, there is proof of the potential role of vitamin D and vitamin D-related genes in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer-the most prevalent endocrine malignancy. Therefore, the study aimed to systematically review the publications on the association between vitamin D-related gene variants (polymorphisms, mutations, etc.) and thyroid cancer. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched for relevant studies. A total of ten studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Six vitamin D-related genes were analyzed (VDR-vitamin D receptor, CYP2R1-cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily R member 1, CYP24A1-cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1, CYP27B1-cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1, DHCR7-7-dehydrocholesterol reductase and CUBN-cubilin). Moreover, a meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the data from the studies on VDR polymorphisms (rs2228570/FokI, rs1544410/BsmI, rs7975232/ApaI and rs731236/TaqI). Some associations between thyroid cancer risk (VDR, CYP24A1, DHCR7) or the clinical course of the disease (VDR) and vitamin D-related gene polymorphisms were described in the literature. However, these results seem inconclusive and need validation. A meta-analysis of the five studies of common VDR polymorphisms did not confirm their association with increased susceptibility to differentiated thyroid cancer. Further efforts are necessary to improve our understanding of thyroid cancer pathogenesis and implement targeted therapies for refractory cases.

Insulin resistance in the course of acne - literature review.

Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disease being diagnosed in Westernized populations, however, its multifactorial etiopathogenesis still remains unclear. Recent research has demonstrated a possible linkage between acne and insulin resistance (IR), which is the topic of our review. In addition to an inappropriate diet, excessive androgen production or obesity, it is the IR which might be responsible for lack of efficacy of classical treatment strategy in acne. Interestingly, in all such cases an increased activity of mammalian target of rapamycin kinase complex 1 (mTORC1) has been detected. This observation might be considered as the basis of the possible role of metformin as an adjunct therapeutic modality for patients suffering from acne. The aim of our review is to present the possible etiological correlation between acne and insulin resistance, as well as metformin therapy, which might be highly useful in the treatment to resistant forms of acne.

Is there an association of cortisol, DHEA-S and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio with obesity and selected metabolic parameters?

A growing problem of obesity observed worldwide results in an increased interest of its pathogenesis. One hypothesis is the association between hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and obesity. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess cortisol and DHEA-S secretion and their association with body mass and other selected metabolic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 91 obese patients and 50 non-obese controls were recruited. The obese group was further subdivided into metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy individuals. Blood cortisol was assessed in the morning and in the evening. Other laboratory and anthropometric parameters were also checked. In the obese group, DHEA-S was measured additionally and cortisol/DHEAS ratio calculated. RESULTS: Morning and evening cortisol concentrations were comparable in two studied groups (p>0.05). The only significant difference was the morning to evening cortisol amplitude (212.97±140.24 in the obese vs 171.81±94.00 in the non-obese, p=0.04). Cortisol secretion parameters were not correlated with age, body mass or BMI when whole group was analyzed. In the obese group morning cortisol was negatively correlated with body mass (r=-0.29, p=0.01) and cortisol amplitude with body mass (r=-0.26, p=0.02) and BMI (r=-0.22, p=0.04). DHEA-S was negatively correlated with fasting glucose (r=-0,48 p<0.01) and HOMA-IR (r=-0.26 p =0.03) in the obese group, although it was no longer significant after correcting for age. CONCLUSIONS: There is no strong association between cortisol secretion parameters or DHEA-S and obesity; however, some alterations can be observed with increasing body mass. Further studies should explain their potential role in obesity pathogenesis.

The relationship between the severity of clinical symptoms of chronic urticaria and serum D-dimer levels.

INTRODUCTION: Urticaria and angioedema belong to a heterogeneous group of diseases and it is often very difficult to determine the specific cause of clinical symptoms. Coagulation factors play an important role, and patients with chronic urticaria have elevated plasma concentrations of coagulation factor VII, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 and D-dimers. AIM: To assess the relationship between the severity of clinical symptoms of chronic urticaria and serum D-dimer levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with a diagnosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria, diagnosed and treated in the Dermatology Department of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences were qualified for the tests. The control group consisted of 35 healthy volunteers. All patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria were previously subjected to individual stages of the diagnostic process, in accordance with the guidelines of EAACI and the Polish team of specialists in the field of dermatology and venereology, and allergology. The dermatological condition was assessed using the UAS scale. The serum D-dimer concentration was determined by immunoturbidimetry. RESULTS: In the basic group, statistically significant, positive and high correlations between the serum D-dimer concentration and the severity of urticaria symptoms were shown, as well as between the severity of pruritus and the value of the disease activity index were shown. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of D-imers are significantly correlated with the severity of urticaria.

Endocrine abnormalities induced by the antiviral drugs and frequency of their occurrence.

Viral infections lead to many disorders with a different course and prognosis. Clinical trials are ongoing on new groups of antiviral drugs, which are very promising. However, treatment with antiviral drugs causes numerous adverse effects (AEs) including hormonal dysfunctions. The aim of this article is to discuss endocrine abnormalities induced by the antiviral drugs including frequency of their occurrence. The review is based on the available literature in the Medline database and considers the latest articles describing endocrine disorders with relation to antiviral therapy. The hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions were discussed, including the AEs like: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, hypoand hyperthyroidism, metabolic syndrome, lipodystrophy, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus and others. Awareness of frequency and type of complications caused by antiviral drugs, enables faster linking of the disease with the therapy, so it allows the personalization of treatment. It's necessary to monitor the general condition of the patients and appropriate diagnostic parameters that it can help diagnose hormonal disorders and adjust an individual antiviral therapy for the patient with endocrinopathy.

[Hyponatremia in the light of the most recent guidelines - diagnostics and differential diagnosis]. / Hiponatremia w swietle najnowszych wytycznych ­ diagnostyka i róznicowanie.

Hyponatremia is still considered as a challenge of today's medicine. It is an independent factor responsible for the increased mortality among hyponatremic population and its clinical expression might be made up of threatening neurological symptoms, e.g. brain oedema. Moreover, inappropriate treatment of hyponatremia may be followed with grievous consequences in the form of osmotic demyelination syndrome. Hyponatremia could also arise from iatrogenic origins. Thus, education concerning issues related to hyponatremia as the most frequent, though often underestimated, waterelectrolyte imbalance seems to be fundamental. This paper is a review of the current state of knowledge about hyponatremia with regard to its causes, diagnostics and differential diagnosis based on the prevailing guidelines elaborated by American and European experts independently.

Assessment of serum selenium concentration in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis in Poznan district.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is characterised by infiltration of lymphocytes and destruction of thyroid gland. It results from the interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Among environmental factors some infections, medications and inadequate micronutrients supply like selenium (Se) deficiency are believed to play a role. AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the serum selenium concentration in patients with AIT and healthy volunteers in the Polish population living in the Poznan district, and to compare our results with similar trials conducted on other European AIT groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty three patients with AIT were included in the study. Elevated thyroperoxidase antibodies and/or thyroglobulin antibodies concentration and abnormalities typical for AIT in the thyroid ultrasound were the inclusion criteria. A control group consisted of 36 healthy, age and sex-matched volunteers. RESULTS: The median Se concentration was 56.67 µg/L in the AIT group and 39.75 µg/L in the controls (p>0.05). Decreased Se concentration was observed in 62% of the patients and in 72% of the controls (p=0.47). There was no statistically significant difference in Se status in AIT group when compared to the other Polish, German, Austrian, Dutch and Greek populations with AIT. Significantly higher values were observed in Italian and Greek study when compared to present results in AIT group. CONCLUSIONS: No association between selenium status and prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis in Polish population living in Poznan district was noticed. Nevertheless determination of the normal serum Se concentration for European populations is necessary. Further studies with enlarged studied groups should be implemented.

Thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a skin disease caused by autoantibodies against high affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor and against IgE. It is characterized by hives, erythematous wheals and redness present minimum twice a week for at least 6 weeks. It is observed that there is a strong association between CU and autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (AT). AIM: To verify the frequency of AT in patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to confirm the coexistence of CU and AT in the Polish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-eight patients with CSU were included to the study. The presence of anti-thyroperoxydase antibodies (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg) was checked and thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) concentration was measured. Results were compared with outcomes in a group of 35 patients with no history of skin disease. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with AT. Frequency of elevated anti-TPO (p = 0.0045) and anti-Tg (p = 0.013) levels was much higher in patients with CU. A comparison of the current study and previous ones was conducted. In a group with CU, there was a higher risk of elevated anti-TPO (OR = 6.69) and anti-Tg (OR = 6.01) levels. CONCLUSIONS: There is a statistically significant difference in the presence of AT between the patients with CU and the whole population. Doctors should consider examining patients with CU for AT. Adequate therapy and guidance for patients could be implemented at an early stage of thyroid disease and help induce remission of skin disorders.

[Adipose tissue, adipokines and aging]. / Tkanka tluszczowa i adipokiny a proces starzenia.

Adipokines are substances secreted by white adipose tissue of auto-, para- and endocrine functions. They play part mainly in maintaining energy balance. Aging influences the profile of secreted adipokines, what is caused probably by increasing visceral fat, intensified low grade systemic inflammation (LGSI) and the change in adipocyte size. In this article we focus on some selected adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, vaspin, omentin, chemerin and retinol binding protein 4 - RBP4) paying special attention to the impact of aging on their blood concentrations and functions. Blood concentrations of leptin, vaspin, chemerin and RBP4 increase with age. It is associated with adverse lipid profile, insulin resistance and the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, malignancies and autoimmunity. It has been proved that long-lived people have more beneficial adipokines profile i.e. low leptin and especially high adiponectin concentrations what is additionally connected with higher concentration of HDL cholesterol, lower concentrations of HbA1C hemoglobin and C-reactive protein, lower waist-to-hip ratio and fat mass. Moreoer, it seems that maintaining high adiponectin and omentin blood concentrations with low fat mass and preserved insulin sensitivity promote longevity. Furthermore, it has been proved that intensive exercises in old age lead to beneficial changes in adipokines profile, decrease in visceral fat, better insulin sensitivity and lipid profile.

The reciprocal links between synaptophysin serum levels and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to selected low-grade inflammation indices and age-related androgen serum level changes in men.

UNLABELLED: The correlations between synaptophysin (SYP) plasma levels and the brain neurotransmission activity are still not strictly identified. However, the efficiency of neurotransmission depends, inter alia, on the age, hormonal status, and coexistence of a low-grade systemic inflammation (LGSI) which is regarded as a pathogenic link with obesity and insulin resistance, atherogenesis and aging per se. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between synaptophysin serum levels and age, LGSI indices, homocysteine and selected hormonal parameters (dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate, free-testosterone, SHBG) and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in men over the age of 40. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After randomization, 157 male volunteers aged 40-80 years were included in a retrospective study. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. For the diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) we adopted the criteria proposed by the European Male Aging Study (EMAS). RESULTS: Synaptophysin plasma concentrations in respondents decreased with age, but only between the ages of 40 to 70 years. There were no differences in SYP plasma concentrations in men suffering from MS compared to healthy subjects (p=0.845). Men suffering from MS demonstrated while higher hs-CRP (high sensitive C - reactive protein) levels than healthy (p=0.019), contrary to the α1-antichymotrypsin and transferrin. A positive monotonic correlation between synaptophysin and hs-CRP was demonstrated (r=0.235; p=0.003). No statistically significant relationships between SYP and homocysteine plasma levels were presented (r=0.047; p=0.562), although in men diagnosed with MS higher homocysteine levels compared to healthy subjects were demonstrated. No correlations between synaptophysin and free testosterone (r=-0.036; p=0.651), DHEA (r=-0.122; p=0.128) and its sulphate (r=-0.024; p=0.764) as well as SHBG (r=-0.088; p=0.288) were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Although the correlations between synaptophysin plasma levels and age as well as strong LGSI indicator (hs-CRP) have been demonstrated, the usefulness of determining SYP serum concentration as a marker of age-related studied diseases (MS, LOH) seems to be significantly limited.

Significance of selenium in thyroid physiology and pathology.

Selenium is pivotal element in maintaining homeostasis of human body. It is capable of exerting an influence on immunological responses, cell growth and viral defence. Nevertheless, it is mostly required for the proper thyroid function. There were described 25 selenoproteins, which play various roles in human body. Selenium is an essential particle in the active site of enzymes such as GPXs (glutathione peroxidases), Ds (deiodinases) and TRs (thioredoxin reductases). Owing to this, it has a fundamental importance in the synthesis and function of thyroid hormones, and protects cells against free radicals and oxidative damage. Intake of selenium necessary to maintain suitable selenoenzyme activity ranges from 60 µg to 75 µg per day. Selenium deficiency contributes to decreased activity of GPXs, which can lead to oxidative damage, or Ds, which is connected with impaired thyroid activity. Moreover, a low selenium concentration causes autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland, thus selenium deficiency is essential in pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis or Graves' disease. Because of regulation of the cell cycle, a decreased concentration of selenium impacts on the development of thyroid cancer.

[Pitfalls in the diagnosis of hypercortisolemia]. / Pulapki diagnostyczne w hiperkortyzolemii.

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is relatively rare disorder affecting 2-5 per million per year, although the issue of establishing the diagnosis of CS and differential diagnosis of the disease are a significant clinical problem. CS is usually the result of excessive exogenous glucocorticoids usage (iatrogenic CS), endogenous CS can be divided into ACTH-dependent and ACTH-independent. Regardless of its etiology, the most important steps in establishing the diagnosis of CS are taking careful history and examination. The symptoms with high discriminatory value are myopathy, reddish purple striae, easy bruising and plethora. Knowledge of the pathomechanisms leading to the development of CS symptoms, facilitates establishing the diagnosis and understanding the importance of early diagnosis. Although the sensitivity and specificity of laboratory test have increased and imaging techniques developed, establishing the diagnosis of CS is still a challenging problem in clinical practice. When choosing appropriate diagnostic test we should remember of both advantages and limitations of each of them. The increasing popularity of late night/midnight salivary cortisol measurement as a first line diagnostic test is observed, also urinary free cortisol measurement, 1mg dexamethasone overnight suppression test and midnight serum cortisol measurement are used in the initial testing for hypercortisolemia. Subclinical CS as well as cyclical or episodic CS may be challenging especially. Another diagnostic problem is differentiation between functional hypercortisolism (pseudo-Cushing's syndrome) and pathological hypercortisolism with organic changes (CS). Right and early diagnosis is of vital importance in patients with CS because of large extent of complications resulting from untreated hypercortisolemia. In the course of CS many different organs and systems can be affected, leading to increase in total morbidity and mortality.

[Thyroid hormone and the cardiovascular system]. / Wplyw hormonów tarczycy na uklad sercowo naczyniowy.

It is well established that thyroid hormones affect the cardiovascular system through genomic and nongenomic actions. TRalpha1 is the major thyroid hormone receptor in the heart. T3 suppresses increased mitotic activity of stimulated cardiomyocytes. Hyperthyroidism induces a hyperdynamic cardiovascular state, which is associated with enhanced left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and the chronotropic and inotropic properties of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism, however, is characterized by opposite changes. In addition, thyroid hormones decrease peripheral vascular resistance, influence the rennin-angiotensin system (RAS), and increase blood volume and erythropoetin secretion with subsequent increased preload and cardiac output. Thyroid hormones play an important role in cardiac electrophysiology and have both pro- and anti-arrhytmic potential. Thyroid hormone deficiency is associated with a less favorable lipid profile. Selective modulation of the TRbeta1 receptor is considered as a potential therapeutic target to treat dyslipidemia without cardiac side effects. Thyroid hormones have a beneficial effect on limiting myocardial ischemic injury, preventing and reversing cardiac remodeling and improving cardiac hemodynamics in endstage heart failure. This is crucial because a low T3 syndrome accompanies both acute and chronic cardiac diseases.

[Classification and etiology of hyperthyroidism]. / Podzial i etiopatogeneza nadczynnosci tarczycy.

The prevalence of hyperthyroidism in women is between 0.5-2% and it is 10 times less common in men. The most common causes are Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, and autonomously functioning thyroid adenoma. Rare causes of hyperthyroidisms are as follow: pituitary adenoma, autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashitoxicosis), levothyroxine overdose, inadequate iodine supplementation (including amiodaron induced hyperthyroidism, iodine-based contrast media), hCG excess (pregnancy, gestational trophoblastic disease, germ-cell tumors), drug induced hyperthyroidism, differentiated thyroid carcinomas and/or their metastases, struma ovarii, and familial nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism. This article focuses on the current data of etiopathogenesis of hyperthyroidisms. Genetic factors (like HLA-DR3,CD40, CTLA-4, PTPN22, FOXP3 CD25) and thyroid specific genes (thyroglobulin, TSHR, G(s)alpha) and environmental and endogenous factors (such as age, iodine, selenium, emotional stress, smoking, gender, pregnancy, sex hormones, fetal microchimerism, fetal growth, bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies, drugs (alemtuzumab, interferon alpha, iplimumab/tremelimumab, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, denileukindiftitox, thalidomide/lenalidomide, exposition to fallout and radiotherapy) have been described.

[Evaluation of relationships between plasma androgens level and clinical signs of hipoandrogenism according to age and comorbidity of metabolic syndrome in men]. / Ocena powiazan miedzy androgenemia oraz klinicznymi objawami andropenii u mezczyzn w zaleznosci od wieku i wspólwystepowania zespolu metabolicznego.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of late-onset hipogonadism (LOH) in men is not accurately determined and may be overestimated. Androgen deficiency is causally linked to insulin resistance, regardless of age. Clinical signs of androgen deficiency are not uniquely specific for LOH. The aim of this study was to assess the correlations between androgen serum levels and clinical symptoms of andropenia depending on the age. We evaluated the relationships between the frequency of LOH and metabolic syndrome (MS) and compared different methods of androgen assessment in the context of their clinical relevance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 153 randomly selected men aged 40 to 70 years adrenal (DHEA and DHEAS) and gonadal (total-TT and free testosterone-FT) androgens were evaluated and compared with free (c-FT) and bioavailable testosterone (c-BAT) calculated with a mathematical algorithm. European Male Aging Study criteria for the diagnosis of LOH were used. RESULTS: TT concentration (r = -0.074, p = 0.363) and FT (r = -0.054, p = 0.505) did not correlate with age, in contrast to the c-FT (r = -0.280, p = 0.0005 ), c-BAT (r = -0.297, p = 0.0002) and both adrenal androgens: DHEA (r = -0.318, p = 0.00001) and DHEAS (r = -0.506, p < 0.00001). The clinical signs suggesting andropenia were found in 31.4% of participants and androgen deficiency in 28.8% of men. The incidence of these signs increased significantly with the age of respondents. In contrast, the criteria of LOH in the entire group were fulfilled by only 6.5% of men. Men diagnosed with MS showed significantly lower TT plasma levels: 5.05 (3.70-6.45) vs. 6.30 (5.40-8.30), p < 0.0001--contrary to the FT, c-FT, c-BAT as well as DHEA/DHEAS serum levels, regardless of age. Men meeting the full criteria for LOH (clinical symptoms and laboratory-confirmed hipoandrogenemia) revealed more than a five-fold higher risk of metabolic syndrome in relation to others (OR = 5.533, 95% CI: 1.134-27.+ 01). Total, free, calculated-free and calculated-bioavailable testosterone serum concentrations were strongly correlated with each other. Similarly, the plasma concentrations of both adrenal androgens were mutually positively correlated (r = 0.417, p < 0.0001), but any correlation between the gonadal androgens and DHEA/DHEAS were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of isolated hipoandrogenemia and clinical symptoms suggestive andropenia is clearly greater than the actual frequency of LOH. Fulfilling the criteria for LOH significantly increases the risk of MS.

Health behaviours among women diagnosed with breast tumours.

UNLABELLED: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common neoplasms and the second biggest cause of death among women. The aim of the study was to investigate how separate risk factors influence the development of breast neoplasms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 200 women aged between 17 and 86 years diagnosed with breast neoplasm, who were treated at the Department of Oncological Surgery in Poznan. The study included patients who underwent an operation because of a benign or malignant breast tumor. The questionnaire was completed according to the patients' answers. The histopatological diagnosis was taken from their medical history with the patients'prior consent. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica programme at the Department of Computer Science and Statistics of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The study was accepted by the Bioethics Commission of the University. RESULTS: The correlation between working status, menopausal age, being overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, smoking, and whether BC was observed at present or in the past. Smoking was also related to a two-fold increase in malignant cancer (OR = 1.97). A BMI above 24.5 kg/m2 was associated with a nearly three-fold increase in BC (OR = 2.61). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study offer very important implications because some of the factors which correlated positively with BC can be modified. We may postulate that a modification to the lifestyle in the sense of giving up smoking and a well-balanced diet combined with physical activity, leading to normal weight being maintained, could have a positive effect in decreasing BC development.