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Background: This work aims to study the effect of reductions in various body mass components on the oxidative, glycemic, and lipid parameters of people with obesity (PWO)., Methods: A total of 53 PWO underwent a six-month individualized low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise, during which anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative parameters were measured. Probands were divided into groups based on weight, visceral fat area (VFA), total body water (TBW), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) losses., Results: Weight reduction normalizes glycemia, but VFA reduction is less pronounced, while SMM and TBW reductions are more pronounced in patients with higher initial concentrations of glucose and fructosamine. Moreover, changes in oxidative parameters correlate with changes in glucose., Conclusions: Weight loss, regardless of the reduced tissue, decreases cardiovascular risk. We observed a significant change in almost all parameters related to the redox state. In general, parameters responsible for antioxidant action improved, and markers of oxidative damage decreased. Malondialdehyde, lipid peroxides, and total oxidative status levels can be considered biomarkers reflecting only the current severity of reactive oxygen species genesis processes. When considering the glycemic state, the results are not as clear due to the substantial differences between normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients. Glycemic status is a factor playing a crucial role in weight reduction.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) with subsequent exercise training (WBC group) or exercise-only training (ET group) on endothelium inflammation parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)., Methods: The WBC procedure lasted 3 min, and exercise training consisted of one 60 min session a day, which was the same in each group. The ET group was compared to the WBC group. Endothelium (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble P-Selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), neopterin), and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), protein sulfhydryl (PSH), lipofuscin, paraoxonase-1(PON-1), and albumin) parameters were estimated 1 day before and 1 day after the completion of the study., Results: A significant decrease in hsCRP, sP-Selectin, sVCAM-1, and neopterin concentrations was observed in the WBC group after the treatment. After the treatment, in both groups, LHP and lipofuscin levels and PON-1 activity decreased significantly. The observed drop in these parameters was higher in the WBC group compared to the ET group. Albumin concentration increased in the WBC group after treatment., Conclusion: Procedures of WBC have a beneficial effect on endothelium parameters in AS patients; therefore, this method can be applied in the treatment of this group of patients.

Background: The issue of vitamin metabolism in children with cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID) is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine the status of vitamins A, D, E, and C in the blood of a group of children with CFSPID., Material and Methods: A total of 89 children were enrolled in the study (Me: 3.6 years, 52.8% boys), as follows: 28 with CFSPID, 31 with CF (cystic fibrosis), and 30 HC (healthy children). Their blood concentrations of vitamins A, D, E, and C, and their dietary intake of these vitamins were analysed in the study groups on the basis of a three-day food diary., Results: The patients with CFSPID had significantly higher serum vitamin D ( p = 0.01) and E ( p = 0.04) concentrations, compared to the children with CF. None of the children with CFSPID revealed vitamin A or E deficiencies. Patients with CF had been consuming significantly higher vitamin D and E amounts ( p = 0.01). The vitamin concentrations did not depend either on the pancreatic/liver function or on anthropometric parameters. In total, 32.14% of patients with CF did not cover the baseline recommended calorie intake, and 53.6% and 36% did not take the recommended vitamin E and vitamin A intake, respectively., Conclusion: Children with CF and CFSPID did not fully cover the dietary recommendations for vitamin supply, but vitamin deficiency was found only in CF.

Weight loss is recommended for obese patients with cardiovascular risk; however, it remains questionable how hyperglycemia affects this process. To address this problem, we aimed to determine the association between weight loss, lipid profile, and body mass parameters in obese normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients. Obese (body mass index30 kg/m 2 ) normoglycemic and hyperglycemic volunteers were placed on a weight reduction program that included a balanced, low-calorie diet and moderate exercise for 6 months. Participants were assessed for serum glucose, β-cell functions, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, lipoprotein profile, and body mass parameters. This weight reduction program fully normalized serum glucose levels only in a subpopulation of patients. These individuals also exhibited a significant reduction in body weight, and significant improvement in serum lipid profile and insulin resistance. In contrast, the patients that remained hyperglycemic were characterized by persistent insulin resistance, increased levels of atherogenic fractions of LDL and HDL lipoproteins, and elevated values of a modified Atherogenic Index of Plasma. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive association between the modified Atherogenic Index of Plasma with atherogenic lipid profile, insulin resistance, and body mass parameters, indicating its usefulness in clinical studies in obese patients. Overall, our data indicate that successful treatment of hyperglycemia facilitates weight loss and improves the composition of blood lipids, while persisting hyperglycemia negatively affects the weight loss process and maintains an atherogenic lipid profile. Because hyperglycemia predisposes to cardiovascular disorders, its correction should be the primary goal during weight reduction therapy., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The current study is focused on the influence of hyperglycemia on weight loss in obese premenopausal women. Specifically, the study evaluated the impact of a six-month individualized low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise on weight reduction and glucose metabolism in obese women with normoglycemia compared to obese women with moderate hyperglycemia. The results indicated that patients with normoglycemia achieved a successful weight loss, which was connected to a decrease in adipose tissue and reflected by diminished content of visceral fat area (VFA) and percent body fat. In contrast, weight reduction in patients with hyperglycemia was connected not only to the loss of VFA but also to undesired decrease in skeletal muscle mass as well as intracellular and total body water. These unfavorable outcomes were observed despite normalization of glucose metabolism reflected by statistically significant lowering glucose, fructosamine, advanced glycation end-products, and HOMA-IR levels. Overall, the obtained results indicate the importance of the measurement of the carbohydrate profile in obese women and the need for an early introduction of weight reduction strategies before the development of hyperglycemia.

Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on inflammatory endothelium and oxidative stress parameters in healthy subjects., Methods: The effects of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 min per day and followed by a 60-min session of kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and inflammatory endothelium parameters in healthy subjects (WBC group n = 32) were analyzed. The WBC group was compared to a kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The following parameters were estimated one day before the start, and one day after the completion of the studies: oxidative stress parameters (the total antioxidant capacity of plasma (FRAP), paraoxonase-1 activity (PON-1), and total oxidative status (TOS)) and inflammatory endothelium parameters (myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), serum amyloid A (SAA), and sCD40L levels)., Results: A significant decrease of PON-1 and MPO activities and TOS, SAA, and sCD40L levels as well as a significant FRAP increase were observed in the WBC group after the treatment. In addition, the SAA levels and PON-1 activity decreased significantly after the treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group., Conclusion: WBC procedures have a beneficial impact on inflammatory endothelium and oxidative stress parameters in healthy subjects, therefore they may be used as a wellness method.

Introduction: Even though uremic pruritus (UP) is very troublesome for haemodialysis (HD) patients, its underlying mechanism is not fully understood., Aim: Due to the possible role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its higher serum concentration in haemodialysis diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic ones, this study is aimed to evaluate its association with UP among diabetic and non-diabetic patients on maintenance HD., Material and Methods: A total of 94 patients were enrolled into the study. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pruritus., Results: No differences were found between the observed study groups in terms of BDNF serum concentration, other biochemical markers, sleep disturbances, or pruritus presentation., Conclusions: BDNF serum concentration was not found to be associated with UP among HD patients, however further studies are worth performing on a larger group of individuals., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Objective: Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are compounds with proven atherogenic and mutagenic effects. However, little is known about the effect of oxidized plant sterol derivatives (oxyphytosterols), whose structure is similar to the one of oxycholesterols. Our previous studies indicate that they have a similar profile of action, e.g., both exacerbate disorder of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in experimental animals. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of epoxycholesterol and epoxyphytosterols (mainly sitosterol) on the severity of nitrosative stress and the concentration of selected proinflammatory cytokines in blood and liver tissue of rats on a low-cholesterol diet. Material and Methods . Forty-five male Wistar rats were fed with feed containing 5 α ,6 α -epoxyphytosterols (ES group, n : 15), 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol (ECh group, n : 15), and oxysterol-free feed (C group, n : 15) for 90 days (daily dose of oxysterols: 10 mg/kg). At the end of the experiment, nitrotyrosine, TNF- α , IL-1 β , IL-6, and lipid metabolism parameters were determined in blood serum. Furthermore, nitrotyrosine, TNF- α , cholesterol, and triglyceride content were determined in liver homogenates., Results: Serum nitrotyrosine, IL-1 β , and TNF- α concentrations as well as TNF- α content in the liver were significantly higher in both groups exposed to oxysterols (ECh and ES groups) as compared to the C group. The serum IL-6 level and nitrotyrosine content in the liver were significantly higher in the ECh group, as compared to the C and ES groups. There was evidence to support the dyslipidemic effect of studied compounds., Conclusions: The results indicate that oxidized plant sterols have a similar toxicity profile to that of oxycholesterols, including nitrosative stress induction, proinflammatory effect, and impaired lipid metabolism., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Tomasz Wielkoszyński et al.)

Introduction: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) in patients with Graves' disease (GD). This study assessed the effect of thyroid hormone abnormalities on selected antioxidant parameters in patients with active TAO., Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 56 patients with GD and active TAO treated with antithyroid medication. Depending on the thyroid hormone level, they were subdivided into two groups: Group 1 - hyperthyroid patients (n = 34) and Group 2 - euthyroid patients (n = 22). The total oxidant status expressed as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as well as selected enzymatic and nonenzymatic components of the antioxidant system, including the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and paraoxonase 1 (PON-1), as well as the levels of vitamin C, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation products: malondialdehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes (CD) were assessed in all enrolled participants., Results: The FRAP values in Group 1 were significantly higher than in controls. The FRAP values in Group 2 were lower than in Group 1 and higher than in controls. However, the differences were not significant. In Group 1, the activity of SOD and GPx, as well as serum levels of uric acid, MDA, and CD, were significantly higher than in controls. At the same time, serum PON-1 activity and vitamin C levels were significantly lower in Group 1 than in controls. In Group 2, the SOD activity as well as MDA and CD levels were non-significantly lower than in Group 1 and non-significantly higher than in controls. The activity of GPx in euthyroid patients with TAO was significantly higher than in controls., Conclusions: Hyperthyroidism is a significant contributor to oxidative stress in patients with active TAO, which manifests as upregulated lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system activation. Euthyroid state restoration leads to a relative reduction in activity and levels of most studied antioxidant parameters, which still remain above the normal values. The autoimmune inflammation of the orbital tissue seems to be a thyroid hormone status-independent modifier of oxidative stress.

Objective: Cholesterol oxidation products have an established proatherogenic and cytotoxic effect. An increased exposure to these substances may be associated with the development of atherosclerosis and cancers. Relatively little, though, is known about the effect of phytosterol oxidation products, although phytosterols are present in commonly available and industrial food products. Thus, the aim of the research was to assess the effect of 5 α ,6 α -epoxyphytosterols, which are important phytosterol oxidation products, on redox state in rats., Material and Methods: The animals were divided into 3 groups and exposed to nutritional sterols by receiving feed containing 5 α ,6 α -epoxyphytosterols (ES group) and 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol (Ech group) or sterol-free feed (C group). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD), and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) were assayed in the plasma; anti-7-ketocholesterol antibodies and activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) were determined in serum, whereas the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), S-glutathione transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed in RBCs., Results: During the experiment, the levels of lipid peroxidation products increased, such as CD and anti-7-ketocholesterol antibodies. At the same time, the plasma levels of FRAP and serum activity of PON1 decreased alongside the reduced activity of GPx, GR, and SOD in RBCs. There was no effect of the studied compounds on the plasma MDA levels or on the activity of CAT and GST in RBCs., Conclusions: Both 5 α ,6 α -epoxyphytosterols and 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterols similarly dysregulate the redox state in experimental animal model and may significantly impact atherogenesis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2019 Tomasz Wielkoszyński et al.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and subsequent kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile when performed in a closed cryochamber on healthy subjects., Material and Methods: The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day followed by a 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress and lipid profile in healthy subjects (WBC group, n = 16) was investigated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) and lipid profile were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program., Results: After treatment, in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant capacity were observed. The activity of plasma SOD-Mn and erythrocyte total SOD increased significantly in the WBC group. In the KT group, the erythrocyte activity of total SOD, CAT, and GR decreased significantly after the treatment. The levels of T-Chol and LDL-Chol decreased significantly after treatment in both groups, but the observed decrease of these lipid parameters in the WBC group was higher in comparison to the KT group. The level of TG decreased significantly after treatment in the WBC group only., Conclusion: WBC performed in a closed cryochamber followed by kinesiotherapy improves lipid profile and decreases oxidative stress in healthy subjects., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

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.

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on oxidative stress when performed in a closed cryochamber on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)., Material and Methods: The effect of ten WBC procedures lasting 3 minutes a day with a subsequent 60-minute session kinesiotherapy on oxidative stress in male AS patients (WBC group n = 16) was investigated. To assess the disease activity, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Diseases Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were calculated. The WBC group was compared to the kinesiotherapy only (KT; n = 16) group. The routine parameters of oxidative stress (antioxidant enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation products, total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)) were estimated one day before the beginning and one day after the completion of the research program., Results: After the completion of the treatment in the WBC group, a significant decrease of oxidative stress markers (TOS and OSI) and a significant increase of total antioxidant status were observed. The erythrocyte activity of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase decreased significantly in both groups, but the differences of activity of that enzymes prior to post treatment values (Δ) in the KT group were significantly higher as compared to the WBC group. The activity of erythrocyte catalase and plasma ZnCu isoenzyme of superoxide dismutase showed a decreased tendency; erythrocyte total superoxide dismutase activity showed an increased tendency in the WBC group after the completion of the treatment. The BASDAI and BASFI decreased significantly in both groups, but the differences of value indexes prior to post treatment (Δ) were significantly higher in the WBC than KT group., Conclusion: WBC performed in a closed cryochamber decreases oxidative stress and improves BASDAI and BASFI indexes in male patients during the active phase of ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective: Oxidized cholesterol derivatives are thought to exert atherogenic effect thus adversely affecting vascular endothelium. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol on experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits, and the levels of homocysteine (HCY), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and inflammatory parameters (IL-6, TNF- α , CRP)., Material and Methods: The rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 8 animals each, and fed with basic fodder (C), basic fodder plus cholesterol (Ch) or basic fodder plus 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol, and unoxidized cholesterol (ECh). Serum concentrations of studied parameters were determined at 45-day intervals. The study was continued for six months., Results: We demonstrated that adding 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol to basic fodder significantly affected lipid status of the experimental animals, increasing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as HCY and ADMA levels, whilst leaving the PON-1 activity unaffected. Additionally, the ECh group presented with significantly higher concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF- α , and CRP). In the Ch group, lower yet significant (as compared to the C group) changes of levels of studied parameters were observed., Conclusion: Exposure of animals with experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia to 5 α ,6 α -epoxycholesterol increases dyslipidaemia, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory response.

Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)., Material and Methods: We investigated the effect of WBC with subsequent kinesiotherapy on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile, and atherosclerosis plaque in male AS patients (WBC group). To assess the disease activity, the BASDAI and BASFI were also calculated. The results from the WBC group were compared with results from the kinesiotherapy (KT) group., Results: The results showed that in the WBC group, the plasma hsCRP level decreased without change to the IL-6 level. The ICAM-1 level showed a decreasing tendency. The CER concentration, as well as the BASDAI and BASFI, decreased in both groups, but the index changes of disease activity were higher in the WBC than KT patients. Additionally, in the WBC group, we observed a decrease in oxidative stress markers, changes in the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and nonenzymatic antioxidant parameters. In both groups, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, sCD40L, PAPP-A, and PLGF levels decreased, but the parameter changes were higher in the WBC group., Conclusion: WBC appears to be a useful method of atherosclerosis prevention in AS patients.

Objective: The primary aim of the study was to assess levels of oxidative stress markers, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and placental growth factor (PlGF) as well as carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with active phase without concomitant classical cardiovascular risk factors., Material and Methods: The observational study involved 96 male subjects: 48 AS patients and 48 healthy ones, who did not differ significantly regarding age, BMI, comorbid disorders, and distribution of classical cardiovascular risk factors. In both groups, we estimated levels of oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, and inflammation parameters as well as sCD40L, serum PAPP-A, and PlGF. In addition, we estimated carotid IMT in each subject., Results: The study showed that markers of oxidative stress, lipid profile, and inflammation, as well as sCD40L, PlGF, and IMT, were significantly higher in the AS group compared to the healthy group., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ankylosing spondylitis may be associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis.

Background: Whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) is the therapeutic exposure of the total human body (without underwear) to a very low temperature (below -100°C) for 120-180 s. Currently, WBC is used more frequently not only in the treatment of patients suffering from various diseases, but also by healthy people as a wellness method., Objectives: The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of WBC procedures on oxidative stress parameters in healthy men., Material and Methods: The study involved 32 healthy male subjects who were randomly divided into 2 groups: 16 men exposed to WBC procedures with subsequent kinesiotherapy (WBC group) and 16 men exposed only to kinesiotherapy procedures (KT group). Depending on the group, the subjects were exposed to 10 daily WBC procedures lasting 3 min, with a subsequent 60-min of kinesiotherapy, or exclusively to kinesiotherapy. In subjects from both groups, a day before the beginning of a cycle of treatment and a day after its completion, the level of selected indicators of oxidative stress and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes in serum, plasma and erythrocyte lysates were determined., Results: In the WBC group subjects, we recorded a statistically significant decrease in the concentrations of most of the parameters of oxidative stress with an accompanying increase in plasma concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidants (total antioxidant status and uric acid). We recorded no significant changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (plasma total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its isoenzymes SOD-Mn and SOD-ZnCu, erythrocyte catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase)., Conclusions: The results we obtained confirmed that WBC decreases oxidative stress in healthy men.

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose-response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels., (© The Author(s) 2012.)

We hypothesized that addition of substances with antioxidant activity could decrease the concentrations of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory process, thus inhibiting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development. We investigated the influence of α-lipoic acid (ALA) and garlic administration on the development of adverse changes in rabbit liver and serum under oxidative stress conditions induced with HFD from oxidized oils. We determined 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8 OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver homogenates, total oxidant status (TOS), lipid peroxides (LOO) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in blood serum, and TNFα and IL-1α genes expression in liver. The results indicate that the intake of dietary ALA and garlic was significantly associated with decreases of 8 OHdG and MDA levels in rabbits' liver tissue as well as TOS and LOO levels in rabbits' serum. Similarly, TNFα and IL-1α gene expressions were suppressed due to ALA and garlic supplementation. The histopathological analysis confirmed that HFD results in liver disorder leading to steatosis. This adverse effect of HFD was ameliorated by the supplementation of ALA and garlic. The obtained results indicate a beneficial effect of ALA and garlic administration by reducing the oxidative stress intensity and the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in rabbits fed HFD.

Background: The role of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, and α-tocopherol, in lead poisoning remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the association between occupational exposure to lead and non-enzymatic antioxidant concentrations in serum and plasma., Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 278 healthy male employees of lead-zinc plants, with 129 workers classified as having low lead exposure (blood lead level - PbB = 20-39.9 µg/dl) and 149 workers classified as having high lead exposure (PbB = 40-59.8 µg/dl). The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. No one from this group had blood lead level or zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level greater than normal levels, being 10 µ/dl and 2.5 µg/g of hemoglobin, respectively. In addition to the levels of PbB and ZPP, serum levels of uric acid (UA), albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and bilirubin were determined. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and the plasma level of α-tocopherol were also evaluated., Results: Lead exposure indices were significantly elevated in the examined subgroups as compared with the controls. Serum uric acid levels were significantly elevated in both subgroups, particularly in the group with high exposure. Serum bilirubin concentration was significantly elevated in the group with high exposure compared with the control group, while in the group with low exposure, it showed only a non-significant trend towards an increase. In contrast, ferric-reducing ability of plasma was not significantly greater in the examined subgroups as compared with the control group. Nevertheless, levels of albumin, thiol groups of albumin, and α-tocopherol levels were significantly decreased in the exposed subgroups compared with the control group., Conclusions: Occupational exposure to lead interferes with the blood non-enzymatic antioxidant system.

Objective: Although medicine students express positive attitudes toward providing lifestyle counseling, they require more instruction in many areas of health behavior in order to be helpful to their patients. The presented study included the students' questionnaires analysis regarding their lifestyle and exposure to tobacco smoke. The aim of this study was to examine students' exposure to chosen xenobiotics by determination of selected biomarkers in urine samples, which underlay the basis for exposure assessment towards tobacco smoke., Materials and Methods: The investigated group consisted of first- and second-year medicine students from the Silesian Medical University (N = 133). Data obtained from a questionnaire survey was compared with the results of chosen biomarkers determined in urine samples. The analyses of the main nicotine metabolites were carried out firstly with use of ELISA, followed by the TLC technique with densitometry., Results: According to questionnaires, every third student examined was exposed to passive smoking. The mean concentration of the main nicotine metabolites determined by ELISA in urine samples of smoking students was 1293.52±396.70 μg/g creatinine. The results of the TLC analysis in the group of smoking students were as follows: for cotinine - 523.10±68.10 μg/g creatinine and for trans-3'-hydroxycotinine - 653.81±62.30 μg/g creatinine., Conclusions: Medicine students, regardless of their area of study, are a highly-exposed part of the population to tobacco smoke, not only actively but also passively. Tobacco smoke exposure can be assessed by ELISA as a screening method as well as by more specific TLC technique with densitometry.

The chemical variety of tobacco smoke components induces a multidirectional, not yet fully understood effects on living organisms, including both those actively and passively exposed. The chemical compounds present in tobacco smoke, due to its heterogeneous structure and properties undergo different biotransformation processes. Some components of tobacco smoke (for example, carbon monoxide) have an immediate effect on the body, in this case due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin, and nicotine contained in the tobacco smoke also has direct influence on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, lifestyle imposed by the highly developed society, including a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet cause, that we are exposed to the factors associated with the formation of the so-called lifestyle diseases, like atherosclerosis and cancer. Pregnancy-Associated-PlasmaProtein A (PAPP-A) is a high-molecular zinc-binding metalloproteinase that was first detected in the serum of pregnant women as a protein produced by trophoblasts of properly developing fetus. In the blood of pregnant women PAPP-A exists as heterotetrameric complex (htPAPP-A) consisting of two subunits of PAPP-A. It can also be detected in men and women who are not pregnant but this time labeled PAPP-A is present as a homodimer (dPAPP-A, "free PAPP-A") consisting of two identical subunits devoid of proMBP protein. Recently a growing interest in determining the concentration of PAPP-A as a marker of oxidative stress and atherosclerotic processes is observed, because the increased levels of PAPP-Awere detected in people with a history of cardiovascular incident. PAPP-A is present on the early stages of atherosclerotic plaque instability when it is still possible to prevent a myocardial damage. The influence of smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke on concentrations of PAPP-A is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of PAPP-A levels in the population of healthy young men and non-pregnant women. In the study author's questionnaire was used to assess exposure to tobacco smoke including knowledge of exposure to selected environmental xenobiotics, unhealthy habits and everyday diet. The study group consisted of 169 students of the first and second year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Medicine and Dentistry, and the second year of Emergency Medicine in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia. Blood samples were obtained from 153 students. For the determination of protein PAPP-A ELISA method was used. Mean PAPP-A concentration in the study group was 11.52 [ng/ml]. There was a statistically significant difference in the concentration of PAPP-A regarding gender (women 14.6 [ng/ml] vs. men 20.39 [ng/ml]; p = 0.014). In the study group of smoking students average concentration of PAPP-A was lower in comparison with non-smoking students (regardless of gender). Passive exposure to tobacco smoke also affects the levels of PAPP-A in the tested population of young people.

The effects of administration of oxidized rapeseed oil and α-lipoic acid on activities of blood antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were studied in laboratory rats fed a high-fat diet. Addition of oxidized oil resulted in increased production of oxygen radicals, evidenced by elevated plasma MDA production. Such effect was counteracted by administration of α-lipoic acid. There was an increase of the activities of superoxide dismutase (total and Cu/Zn-SOD) and catalase in rats fed a high-fat diet to which 10% oxidized oil was added. Administration of α-lipoic acid resulted in a decrease of the activities of these enzymes.

Oxidative stress is one of several factors which contribute to the development of colorectal carcinogenesis. The aim of the study was an assessment of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in tumour and corresponding normal distal mucosa in a group of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Samples of tumour and corresponding normal mucosa were obtained during a resection of colorectal cancer from 47 patients aged between 26 and 82 years. The average distance of corresponding normal distal mucosa from the tumour was 4.49 cm. Activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT) were measured in tissue homogenates. The patients were grouped according to the tumour stage (Duke's staging), grading, localization, and size of tumour, as well as age and sex. Statistical analysis was performed. The activity of SOD and GPx was considerably increased, while the activity of GST decreased significantly in tumour as compared with normal mucosa. GR activity in colorectal cancer was evidently higher in tumours of proximal location compared with the distal ones. The distance of corresponding normal distal mucosa from the tumour was analyzed and related to all assayed parameters. A decreased GST activity was observed in corresponding normal mucosa more than 5 cm distant from the tumour in patients with CD Duke's stage. The higher activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in tumour compared to corresponding normal mucosa could indicate higher oxidative stress in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.

Negative attitudes in health such as cigarette smoking and imbalanced diet play important role in pathogenesis of various diseases. Cigarette smoking constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to cancerogenic and procancerogenic xenobiotics among adults as well as among young people. Many studies have proven that cigarettes smokers more frequently follow less varied diet in comparison to non-smokers. Despite increasing knowledge of Poles regarding harmful effects of cigarettes smoking and numerous antinicotine campaigns, still high number of women and men smoke and the smoking percentage among young people remains high and has not decreased in the recent years. The ongoing research shows that free radicals -the man cause of exposure to oxidative stress- play the seminal role in pathogenesis of civilisation diseases and physiological cell aging processes. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species present in cigarette smoke due to induced toxic compounds formation, are closely connected with observed increased risk of cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and arteriosclerosis incidents. Malondialdehyde is one of the most studied product of lipid peroxidation and biomarker of oxidative stress. However, 3-nitrotyrosine is one of the most promising biomarkers regarding changes caused by oxidative stress in living organisms. The presence of 3-nitrotyrosine was observed in many diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer and diabetes. The aim of the study was the evaluation of free radical processes increase related to tobacco smoke exposure and chosen diet habits by determination of 3-nitrotyrosine in plasma samples collected from the group of medicine students. In our investigation we used an author's questionnaire which served to estimate the exposure to tobacco smoke among medicine students. It took also into account the knowledge of the exposure to other xenobiotics and unhealthy habits/behaviours. The investigated group included 150 students of 1-st and 2-nd year of study at Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Division in Zabrze, Silesian Medical University. 120 students provided blood samples for further analysis. In the study group 52 students were active smokers and the control group consisted of 68 non-smokers. 3-nitrotyrosine was determined with the use of ELISA technique. The mean concentration of 3-nitrotyrosine was higher in the group of smoking students in comparison to the control group. Diet habits also influenced the concentration of 3-nitrotyrosine. Eating food products of possibly high acrylamide level and drinking alcohol led in particular to observed increased concentrations of 3-nitrotyrosine in both students groups. The correlation between the food habits and the severity of nitrosative stress was also found.

The effects of administration of oxidized rapeseed oil and α-lipoic acid on activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were studied in laboratory rats. There was an increase of the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in rats fed a high fat diet to which 10% oxidized oil was added. Administration of α-lipoic acid resulted in a decrease of the activities of these enzymes. Addition of oxidized oil also resulted in increased production of oxygen radicals, evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde production. Such effect was counteracted by administration of α-lipoic acid.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ferric-reducing ability of serum (FRAS), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), ceruloplasmin serum oxidase activity and hsCRP level in patients with type1 diabetes mellitus without and with diabetic retinopathy. The study was performed in 76 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 35 without diabetic retinopathy (group 1) and 41 with preproliferative and proliferative retinopathy (group 2). Control group consisted of 35 nondiabetic, age-, gender-, body mass-matched healthy volunteers who came to the outpatient clinic for a routine health check-up. We evaluated FRAS using the method described by Benzie and Strain; PON1 by kinetic spectrophotometric assay with paraoxon as substrate and ceruloplasmin using its oxidative activity with 3-phenylenodiamine as substrate. CRP was measured with a high sensitive enzyme immunoassay. PON1 activity was significantly decreased in patients with diabetic retinopathy (227.66 +/- 123.57 U/l) when compared with control (312.04 +/- 129.77 U/l). FRAS was significantly decreased in group 2 (439.33 +/- 79.87 micromol/l) when compared with group 1 (522.79 +/- 167.56 micromol/l) and control (529.80 +/- 81.99 micromol/l). Ceruloplasmin activity was significantly elevated in group 1 (58.36 +/- 22.56 U/g protein) when compared with control (45.22 +/- 14.96 U/g protein). We have found significant increase in hsCRP level in group 2 (3.71 +/- 2.47 mg/l) when compared with group 1 (1.75 +/- 1.01 mg/l) and control (0.57 +/- 0.46 mg/l). The PON1/CRP ratio in control group was significantly increased when compared with diabetic patients and was significantly decreased in group 2 compared with group 1. We have not found gender-dependent difference in studied parameters in both control and in study groups. We have found tendency to decrease the serum activity of FRAS and hsCRP in elder patients but the difference was significant only in group 2. FRAS and PON 1 activity is decreased in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus with presence of diabetic retinopathy which confirms that oxidative stress could play a role in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Significantly elevated levels of hsCRP in diabetic patients with the presence of diabetic retinopathy compared with patients without diabetic retinopathy providing a link between inflammation and the development of microvascular complication of diabetes. Because of the significant difference in PON1/CRP ratio between patients without and with the presence of diabetic retinopathy, it seems that PON1:CRP ratio may be used as a biochemical marker for progression of retinopathy. The link between the antioxidant concentration, inflammation and the development of diabetes complications needs further longitudinal studies in order to confirm our findings.

Cigarette smoking constitutes one of the main sources of exposure to cancerogenic and procancerogenic xenobiotics in the human population. Smoking is not only a bad habit among adults but also among young people. Despite many anti-tobacco campaigns undertaken by European Union countries still the smoking percentage among young people is high and does not decrease in the recent years. Cigarettes smoking induces formation of reactive oxygen species and increases lipids peroxidation, which ultimately results in the production of MDA (malondialdehyde)--one of the oxidative stress biomarkers. Exposure to oxidative stress and the consequences of its influence can be measured by redox parameters monitoring. One of these methods is determination of total antioxidant activity by means of FRAP test (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) in biological samples. The aim of this work was the evaluation of free radical processes increase related to tobacco smoke exposure by measurement of total antioxidant activity FRAP and MDA concentration in urine samples of medical students. In our study the authors'--designed questionnaire regarding the assessment of exposure to tobacco smoke and chosen xenobiotics was used. The investigated group included 134 students of 1-st and 2-nd year of study at Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Division in Zabrze, Silesian Medical University. 85 students provided urine samples for further analysis. In the study group 40 students were active smokers and the control group consisted of 45 nonsmokers. The mean MDA concentrations in smoking students group were higher in comparison to the control group of non-smoking students. In the group of students exposed to second-hand smoke MDA concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the group of students non-exposed to second hand smoke. The values of FRAP parameter were significantly higher for students who smoked in comparison with students non-exposed to tobacco smoke. Students exposed to second hand smoke had slightly higher FRAP values in comparison to smoking students. Exposure to tobacco smoke increased the intensity of free radical processes. Our study confirmed the harmful influence of second hand smoke that resulted in observed higher concentrations of determined biomarkers in the group of passive smoking students.

Introduction: Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are highly expressed in many malignant human tumors, including tumors of the genital tract. One of the Hsps strongly associated with the process of cancerogenesis is Hsp27. The presence of Hsp27 and anti-Hsp27 in the sera of patients with ovarian carcinoma is still a new research field, and papers contain contradictory results. The aim of this work was to study the concentrations of anti-Hsp27 immunoglobulin G antibodies in the sera of women with ovarian cancer at different clinical stages and with different histopathological types of this cancer., Methods: Serum samples from 158 patients with ovarian carcinoma and 80 healthy women were investigated. The concentrations of anti-Hsp27 antibodies were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique., Results: The mean concentration of anti-Hsp27 antibodies in the patients with ovarian carcinoma was significantly higher than that in the control group. Analysis in relation to the stage of clinical progression showed that the less advanced the cancerogenesis process, the higher the concentration of the anti-Hsp27 antibodies is. The mean concentrations of the anti-Hsp27 antibodies in the patients with ovarian carcinoma were not significantly different in relation to the histological type of the cancer. The use of chemotherapy as a primary anticancer treatment in ovarian carcinoma did not cause a significant decrease in the concentration of anti-Hsp27 antibodies., Conclusions: An immunological response to Hsp27 is increased in women with ovarian carcinoma. Although the diagnostic concentrations of anti-Hsp27 antibodies have not been precisely defined yet, we believe that this may be a helpful diagnostic parameter particularly to detect early stages of clinical advancement of the disease.