Evaluation of potential prevalence of onconeural antibodies in women with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyse onconeural antibodies in the blood serum of breast cancer patients without neurological symptoms.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 48 women with breast cancer. Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes 12 Ag (IgG) Euroline by EUROIMMUN test was used to determine onconeural antibodies: anti-Hu, anti-Yo, anti-Ri, anti-CV2, anti-Ma/anti-Ta, anti-amphiphysin, anti-recoverin, anti-SOX1, anti-tytin, anti-zic4, anti-GAD65 and anti-Tr (DNER). RESULTS: Results: The conducted analysis revealed the presence of onconeural antibodies such as: anti-recoverin, anti-CV2, anti-Zic4, anti-SOX1, anti-MA2/Ta and antititin in blood serum of women with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Further analysis may allow the assessment of the possible clinical usefulness of these determinations.

Sambucus ebulus (Elderberry) Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans.

Sambucus ebulus (SE) fruits are used for immune stimulation and amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of their effects on various aspects of the immune response mechanisms in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of SE fruit infusion intake in healthy humans. Anthocyanin content was determined with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Fifty-three volunteers enrolled in a 4-week SE infusion intake intervention. Blood count, serum total protein, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C3, and C4 levels were measured on automatic analyzers, and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured manually with an ELISA kit. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (48.15 mg/g DW), followed by cyaniding-3-sambubioside (43.41 ± 1.07 mg/g DW), were the most abundant anthocyanins in SE samples. A significant decrease in total protein (2.82%), IL-6 (20.15%), TNFα (5.38%), IL-8 (5.50%), C3 (4.16%), and C4 (14.29%) was established in the whole group. Total protein, IL-8, TNFα, and C4 decreased in women (3.11%, 4.76%, 5.09%, and 11.11%), and IL-6 decreased (40.61%) in men. Hb (1.20%) and hematocrit (1.55%) levels decreased in the whole group and in the women group (1.61% and 2.20%). SE fruits exert immune-modulatory activity as revealed by decreased pro-inflammatory status and complement activity markers in healthy volunteers after a 4-week intervention.

Green Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibition Effects of Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Honey-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles.

In this study, chestnut honey-based silver nanoparticles (CH-AgNPs) were synthesized at different temperatures (30, 60 and 90 °C) and these nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques such as UV-vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the obtained nanoparticles. The inhibition effects of these nanoparticles for some clinically important enzymes such as myeloperoxidase and collagenase were investigated. In addition, the disk diffusion method (DDM), agar well diffusion (AWD), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) techniques were used to determine the antibacterial activity of CH-AgNPs. In honey-based silver nanoparticle production processes using green synthesis, it was determined that the nanoparticle sizes decreased from 55 to 27 nm with an increase in temperature. In addition, it was determined that the rate of inhibition of myeloperoxidase (36.4% to 34.0%) and collagenase enzymes (74.2% to 68.7%) increased with a decrease in particle size. As a result of the antibacterial activity tests, it was observed that CH-AgNPs have antibacterial activity against all target pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results show that CH-AgNPs produced using chestnut honey have the potential to be used in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and cosmetic technology.

The Phenolic Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Polish Propolis on Activated Human Gingival Fibroblasts-1 Cell Line.

Propolis, owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a cariostatic agent, capable of preventing the accumulation of dental plaque and inhibiting inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis are attributed to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is present in European propolis. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and isolated CAPE on stimulated with LPS and IFN-α, as well as the combination of LPS and IFN-α. The cytotoxicity of the tested compounds was determined using the MTT assay. The concentrations of specific cytokines released by the HGF-1 cell line following treatment with EEP (25-50 µg/mL) or CAPE (25-50 µg/mL) were assessed in the culture supernatant. In the tested concentrations, both CAPE and EEP did not exert cytotoxic effects. Our results demonstrate that CAPE reduces TNF-α and IL-6 in contrast to EEP. Propolis seems effective in stimulating HGF-1 to release IL-6 and IL-8. A statistically significant difference was observed for IL-8 in HGF-1 stimulated by LPS+IFN-α and treated EEP at a concentration of 50 µg/mL (p = 0.021201). Moreover, we observed that CAPE demonstrates a stronger interaction with IL-8 compared to EEP, especially when CAPE was administered at a concentration of 50 µg/mL after LPS + IFN-α stimulation (p = 0.0005). Analysis of the phenolic profile performed by high-performance liquid chromatography allowed identification and quantification in the EEP sample of six phenolic acids, five flavonoids, and one aromatic ester-CAPE. Propolis and its compound-CAPE-exhibit immunomodulatory properties that influence the inflammatory process. Further studies may contribute to explaining the immunomodulatory action of EEP and CAPE and bring comprehensive conclusions.

Propolis and Diet Rich in Polyphenols as Cariostatic Agents Reducing Accumulation of Dental Plaque.

Conducted studies indicate the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases. Moreover, the latest research indicated that cariogenic bacteria may severely influence the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase risk of COVID-19 complications. This article aims to review various applications of propolis and pay attention to a healthy diet rich in polyphenols, which may allow the reduction of dental plaque accumulation. A literature review has been conducted from June until November 2021. It showed that propolis could be a useful agent in decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. Moreover, a diet rich in polyphenols prevents cariogenic bacteria and reduces the accumulation of dental plaque. A reduction of a dental plaque may influence the risk of a severe course of COVID-19. Therefore, propolis and a diet rich in polyphenols may play an important role in prophylaxis of systemic diseases. Recently, it has been proven that oral infection may affect cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, nervous system, as well as may be a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. These aspects should stimulate clinicians to further research about polyphenols.

The Influence of Propolis on Dental Plaque Reduction and the Correlation between Dental Plaque and Severity of COVID-19 Complications-A Literature Review.

Current studies suggest that cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque influence the severity of COVID-19 complications since the oral cavity is a reservoir for respiratory pathogens potentially responsible for the development of hospital-acquired pneumonia. This article focuses on the association between dental plaque and COVID-19 concerning the influence of altered oral biofilm on the risk of increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, it concentrates on the usefulness of propolis, with its apitherapeutic antibacterial properties, for treating oral bacterial infections co-occurring with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A review of the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Medline between 2000 and 2021 revealed 56 published articles indicating that a link between dental plaque and COVID-19 complications was probable. Furthermore, they indicated that propolis may minimize COVID-19 severity by reducing dental plaque accumulation. The possibility that improved oral health could reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications should be of interest to scientists.

Bee Venom in Wound Healing.

Bee venom (BV), also known as api-toxin, is widely used in the treatment of different inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis. It is also known that BV can improve the wound healing process. BV plays a crucial role in the modulation of the different phases of wound repair. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial and analgesic properties, all of which have a positive impact on the wound healing process. The mentioned process consists of four phases, i.e., hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. The impaired wound healing process constitutes a significant problem especially in diabetic patients, due to hypoxia state. It had been found that BV accelerated the wound healing in diabetic patients as well as in laboratory animals by impairing the caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activity. Moreover, the activity of BV in wound healing is associated with regulating the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1), vascular endothelial growth factor and increased collagen type I. BV stimulates the proliferation and migration of human epidermal keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In combination with polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan, BV significantly accelerates the wound healing process, increasing the hydroxyproline and glutathione and lowering the IL-6 level in wound tissues. The effect of BV on the wounds has been proved by numerous studies, which revealed that BV in the wound healing process brings about a curative effect and could be applied as a new potential treatment for wound repair. However, therapy with bee venom may induce allergic reactions, so it is necessary to assess the existence of the patient's hypersensitivity to apitoxin before treatment.

A clinical utility assessment of the automatic measurement method of the quality of Meibomian glands.

BACKGROUND: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common diseases observed in clinics and is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye. Today, diagnostics of MGD is not fully automatic yet and is based on a qualitative assessment made by an ophthalmologist. Therefore, an automatic analysis method was developed to assess MGD quantiatively. MATERIALS: The analysis made use of 228 images of 57 patients recorded by OCULUS Keratograph® 5 M with a resolution of 1024 × 1360 pixels concern 30 eyes of healthy individuals (14 women and 16 men) and 27 eyes of sick patients (10 women and 17 men). The diagnosis of dry eye was made according to the consensus of DED in China (2013). METHODS: The presented method of analysis is a new, developed method enabling an automatic, reproducible and quantitative assessment of Meibomian glands. The analysis relates to employing the methods of analysis and image processing. The analysis was conducted in the Matlab environment Version 7.11.0.584, R2010b, Java VM Version: Java 1.6.0_17-b04 with Sun Microsystems Inc. with toolboxes: Statistical, Signal Processing and Image Processing. RESULTS: The presented, new method of analysis of Meibomian glands is fully automatic, does not require operator's intervention, allows obtaining reproducible results and enables a quantitative assessment of Meibomian glands. Compared to the other known methods, particularly with the method described in literature it allows obtaining better sensitivity (98%) and specificity (100%) results by 2%.

Vaspin mRNA levels in the liver of morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic vaspin mRNA in morbidly obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to look for its relationships with metabolic and histopathological features. The study included 56 severely obese women who underwent intraoperative wedge liver biopsy during bariatric surgery. Hepatic vaspin mRNA was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Vaspin mRNA found in all included patients was markedly higher in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 (4.59 ±3.09 vs. 0.44 ±0.33; p = 0.05). An evident but statistically insignificant difference in vaspin mRNA levels was observed between patients with and without hepatocyte ballooning (4.77 ±4.23 vs. 0.45 ±0.29, respectively), with and without steatosis (4.80 ±4.20 vs. 0.41 ±0.29, respectively), without and with fibrosis (0.25 ±0.80 vs. 6.23 ±7.2, respectively), and those without and with lobular inflammation (0.27 ±1.0 vs. 5.55 ±10.1, respectively). There was marked difference in vaspin mRNA between patients with simple steatosis/borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) compared to those with definite NASH (0.24 ±0.96 vs. 10.5 ±10.4). Adiposity is an undoubted confounding factor influencing vaspin levels. Hepatic vaspin mRNA seems to be markedly elevated in morbidly obese patients with more advanced NAFLD and when hallmarks of NASH were observed. Pointing to non-linear mRNA levels within the NAFLD spectrum and an evident increase in patients with fibrosis and definite NASH, the detrimental action of vaspin cannot be excluded.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Drops and Spray Containing Propolis-An EPR Examination.

The influence of heating at a temperature of 50 °C and UV-irradiation of propolis drops and spray on their free radical scavenging activity was determined. The kinetics of interactions of the propolis samples with DPPH free radicals was analyzed. Interactions of propolis drops and propolis spray with free radicals were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. A spectrometer generating microwaves of 9.3 GHz frequency was used. The EPR spectra of the model DPPH free radicals were compared with the EPR spectra of DPPH in contact with the tested propolis samples. The antioxidative activity of propolis drops and propolis spray decreased after heating at the temperature of 50 °C. A UV-irradiated sample of propolis drops more weakly scavenged free radicals than an untreated sample. The antioxidative activity of propolis spray increased after UV-irradiation. The sample of propolis drops heated at the temperature of 50 °C quenched free radicals faster than the unheated sample. UV-irradiation weakly changed the kinetics of propolis drops or spray interactions with free radicals. EPR analysis indicated that propolis drops and spray should not be stored at a temperature of 50 °C. Propolis drops should not be exposed to UV-irradiation.

Adiponectin, Leptin, and Leptin Receptor in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Insulin Detemir.

The aim of the present study is to quantitatively assess the expression of selected regulatory molecules, such as leptin, leptin receptor, and adiponectin in the blood of obese patients with type 2 diabetes both before treatment and after six months of pharmacological therapy with the long-lasting insulin analogue, insulin detemir. A significant decrease in the analysed regulatory molecules, i.e., leptin receptor and adiponectin, was found in blood plasma of the patients with untreated type 2 diabetes. These changes were accompanied by an increase in plasma leptin concentrations. Insulin treatment resulted in the normalization of plasma leptin receptor and adiponectin concentrations. The circulating leptin level did not change following anti-diabetic therapy with insulin detemir. Gender was a significant factor modifying the circulating level of all the analysed regulatory active compounds. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using Matlab with the Signal Processing Toolbox. The conducted discriminant analysis revealed that the leptin receptor, Δw(19), and adiponectin, Δw(21), were the parameters undergoing the most significant quantitative changes during the six-month therapy with insulin detemir. The conducted examinations indicated the contribution of adipocytokines-the biologically-active mediators of systemic metabolism, such as leptin and adiponectin in the pathomechanism of disorders being the basis for obesity which leads to development of insulin resistance, which, in turn, results in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.

Segmentation in dermatological hyperspectral images: dedicated methods.

BACKGROUND: Segmentation of hyperspectral medical images is one of many image segmentation methods which require profiling. This profiling involves either the adjustment of existing, known image segmentation methods or a proposal of new dedicated methods of hyperspectral image segmentation. Taking into consideration the size of analysed data, the time of analysis is of major importance. Therefore, the authors proposed three new dedicated methods of hyperspectral image segmentation with special reference to the time of analysis. METHODS: The segmentation methods presented in this paper were tested and profiled to the images acquired from different hyperspectral cameras including SOC710 Hyperspectral Imaging System, Specim sCMOS-50-V10E. Correct functioning of the method was tested for over 10,000 2D images constituting the sequence of over 700 registrations of the areas of the left and right hand and the forearm. RESULTS: As a result, three new methods of hyperspectral image segmentation have been proposed: fast analysis of emissivity curves (SKE), 3D segmentation (S3D) and hierarchical segmentation (SH). They have the following features: are fully automatic; allow for implementation of fast segmentation methods; are profiled to hyperspectral image segmentation; use emissivity curves in the model form, can be applied in any type of objects not necessarily biological ones, are faster (SKE-2.3 ms, S3D-1949 ms, SH-844 ms for the computer with Intel(®) Core i7 4960X CPU 3.6 GHz) and more accurate (SKE-accuracy 79 %, S3D-90 %, SH-92 %) in comparison with typical methods known from the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Profiling and/or proposing new methods of hyperspectral image segmentation is an indispensable element of developing software. This ensures speed, repeatability and low sensitivity of the algorithm to changing parameters.

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis and CAPE as Cardioprotective Agents against LPS and IFN-α Stressed Cardiovascular Injury.

The inflammatory process is triggered by several factors such as toxins, pathogens, and damaged cells, promoting inflammation in various systems, including the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure. The link between periodontitis as a chronic inflammatory disease and cardiovascular disease is confirmed. Propolis and its major component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), exhibit protective mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and its major component-CAPE-in interferon-alpha (IFN-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS + IFN-α-induced human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). EEP and CAPE were used at 10-100 µg/mL. A multiplex assay was used for interleukin and adhesive molecule detection. Our results demonstrate that EEP, at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in LPS-induced HGF-1. At the same concentration, EEP increases the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS + IFN-α-induced HGF-1. In the case of CAPE, IL-6 in LPS and LPS + IFN-α induced HGF-1 was decreased in all concentrations. However, in the case of IL-10, CAPE causes the highest increase at 50 µg/mL in IFN-α induced HGF-1. Regarding the impact of EEP on adhesion molecules, there was a noticeable reduction of E-selectin by EEP at 25, 50, and100 µg/mL in IFN-α -induced HGF-1. In a range of 10-100 µg/mL, EEP decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) during all stimulations. CAPE statistically significantly decreases the level of ET-1 at 25-100 µg/mL in IFN-α and LPS + IFN-α. In the case of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), EEP and CAPE downregulated its expression in a non-statistically significant manner. Based on the obtained results, EEP and CAPE may generate beneficial cardiovascular effects by influencing selected factors. EEP and CAPE exert an impact on cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.

Application of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to examine free radicals formed in indapamide and torasemide storage under UV irradiation and at the higher temperatures which appear under light exposition.

Free radical formation in two diuretics: indapamide and torasemide was examined during UV irradiation and storage at higher temperatures using X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of storing indapamide and torasemide under UV irradiation and at higher temperatures, which may occur during exposure to light. The diuretic samples were exposed to UVA irradiation for 15, 30 and 45 minutes, and stored at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C by 30 minutes. The EPR spectra were analyzed to determine the amplitudes (A), linewidths (ΔBpp), and integral intensities (I) and g factors. The concentrations of free radical (N) in the diuretic samples were also determined. The influence of microwave power on amplitudes, linewidths and the asymmetry parameter were evaluated. The result showed that the tested indapamide and torasemide samples exhibited high free radical concentrations in the range of 1018-1019 spin/g after UV irradiation and heat treatment. Therefore, due to the significant free radical formation indapamide and torasemide should not be stored under UV light and at temperatures of 40 °C and 50 °C. The complex character of free radical systems in the diuretic samples was proved as evidenced by the changes of the asymmetry parameters of the EPR lines with increasing microwave power. Fast spin-lattice relaxation processes were observed in all tested diuretic samples, regardless of the storage conditions. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is proposed as a useful method in pharmacy to determine the appropriate storage conditions for diuretics.

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Cannabidiol Intervention for Muscular Tension, Pain, and Sleep Bruxism Intensity-A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most prevalent non-dental pain issues in the maxillofacial region. Despite advancements, diagnosing and managing TMDs continues to pose challenges. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) formulations, with different concentrations, in patients experiencing sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs, with a particular emphasis on their myorelaxant, pain-relieving, and bruxism-reducing properties. Methods: The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMDs) was utilized as the diagnostic framework. Sixty patients completed the study, which followed a parallel-group, three-arm, randomized, double-blind clinical trial design, with a 1:1:1 allocation ratio across three groups: 1a, 1b, and 2. Groups 1a and 1b received CBD formulations at concentrations of 10% and 5%, respectively, while Group 2 received a placebo formulation. The trial consisted of four main visits, namely screening, baseline, first follow-up after 14 days, and second follow-up after 30 days, during which surface electromyography (sEMG), the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain assessment, and Bruxoff examinations were conducted. Results: The reduction in pain, as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), among patients using the 10% CBD formulation was 57.4% (p < 0.05), accompanied by a decrease in sEMG activity by 42.1% (p < 0.05). Conversely, individuals using the 5% CBD formulation experienced a 40.8% (p < 0.05) decrease in pain. Regarding the decrease in the sleep bruxism index, users of the 10% CBD formulation saw the highest reduction of 51% (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the efficacy of the proposed treatment in both experimental groups, with a notable advantage observed in Group 1a. Conversely, the outcomes of the selected variables for the control group did not exhibit significant differences throughout the study. Conclusions: The intraoral use of CBD formulations in patients with TMDs have proven to be a successful treatment for reducing pain, muscle tension, and bruxing activity in individuals with sleep bruxism and muscle-related TMDs. Specifically, a concentration of 10% CBD has demonstrated superior results compared to 5% CBD.

Clinical significance of the CXCL8/CXCR1/R2 signalling axis in patients with invasive breast cancer.

The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8)-C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR)1/2 signalling axis is among numerous mechanisms which stimulate the immune system to defend against tumour growth and influence the tumour microenvironment to promote tumour growth. This pathway plays an important role in the development of a number of cancers including breast cancer (BC). The aim of the present study was to analyse the levels of the chemokine CXCL8 and its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, in the serum of female patients with invasive BC and to assess the expression of these parameters at the mRNA level, considering molecular subtypes and degrees of cancer malignancy. The study group consisted of 62 patients with histopathologically confirmed invasive BC. The control group consisted of 18 patients with histopathologically confirmed fibroadenoma, a benign breast tumour. The levels of CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 were determined by sandwich ELISA using the CLOUD-CLONE ELISA kit. CXCL8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 transcript levels were analysed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Results showed that serum CXCL8 levels in female patients with invasive BC were significantly higher compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). In addition, significantly elevated CXCR1 levels were observed in luminal B human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ carcinoma compared with those in the control group. Analysis of CXCL8 in the serum of female patients with BC showed a statistically significant difference between clinical stage G1 and G2 (P<0.05), G2 and G3 (P<0.01), and G1 and G3 (P<0.0001). On the other hand, the analysis of CXCR1 and CXCR2 levels in the serum of the patients revealed a statistically significant difference between G2 and G3 (P<0.05). The current study showed that abnormalities in the immune response involving the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 signalling axis in patients with invasive BC are involved in the development of these tumours. Moreover, the demonstrated severity of changes occurring at protein level may suggest the potential usefulness of their determination as potential diagnostic markers in the clinic.

The Role of Selected Adipocytokines in Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer.

Due to their multidirectional influence, adipocytokines are currently the subject of numerous intensive studies. Significant impact applies to many processes, both physiological and pathological. Moreover, the role of adipocytokines in carcinogenesis seems particularly interesting and not fully understood. For this reason, ongoing research focuses on the role of these compounds in the network of interactions in the tumor microenvironment. Particular attention should be drawn to cancers that remain challenging for modern gynecological oncology-ovarian and endometrial cancer. This paper presents the role of selected adipocytokines, including leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, apelin, chemerin, omentin and vaspin in cancer, with a particular focus on ovarian and endometrial cancer, and their potential clinical relevance.

Propolis as a Cariostatic Agent in Lozenges and Impact of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Propolis.

Propolis is known as a source of compounds with strong antibacterial activity. Due to the antibacterial effect against streptococci of the oral cavity, it seems to be a useful agent in decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. It is rich in polyphenols which are responsible for a beneficial impact on the oral microbiota and antibacterial effect. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Polish propolis against cariogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined on cariogenic streptococci related to the occurrence of dental caries. Lozenges based on xylitol, glycerin, gelatin, water, and ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) were prepared. The effect of prepared lozenges on cariogenic bacteria was assessed. Propolis was compared to chlorhexidine which is used in dentistry as the gold standard. In addition, the prepared propolis formulation was stored under stress conditions to assess the influence of physical conditions (i.e., temperature, relative humidity, and UV radiation). In the experiment, thermal analyses were also performed to evaluate the compatibility of propolis with the substrate used to create the base of lozenges. The observed antibacterial effect of propolis and prepared lozenges with EEP may suggest directing subsequent research on prophylactic and therapeutic properties decreasing the accumulation of dental plaque. Therefore, it is worth highlighting that propolis may play an important role in the management of dental health and bring advantages in preventing periodontal diseases and caries as well as dental plaque. The colorimetric analyses carried out in the CIE L*a*b* system, microscopic examinations, and TGA/DTG/c-DTA measurements indicate the unfavorable effect of the tested storage conditions on the lozenges with propolis. This fact is particularly evident for lozenges stored under stress conditions, i.e., 40 °C/75% RH/14 days, and lozenges exposed to UVA radiation for 60 min. In addition, the obtained thermograms of the tested samples indicate the thermal compatibility of the ingredients used to create the formulation of lozenges.

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