Treatment with bestatin (the exogenous synthetic inhibitor of metalloproteinases) reduces the activity of metalloproteinase 2 and 12 in the spleen and lung tissues of rats in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis.

Sepsis is caused by an inadequate or dysregulated host response to infection. Enzymes causing cellular degradation are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used in models of sepsis in laboratory settings The aim of the study was to measure MMP 2 and 12 concentrations in spleen and lungs in rats in which septic shock was induced by LPS. The experiment was carried out on 40 male Wistar rats (5 groups of 8): 0. controls 1. administered LPS 2. administered bestatin 3. LPS and bestatin 4.bestatin and after 6 hours LPS Animals were decapitated. Lungs and spleens were collected. Concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-12 were determined using immunoenzymatic methods. Mean (±SD) MMP-2 in the controls was 43.57 ± 20.53 ng/ml in the lungs and 1.7 ± 0.72 ng/ml in the spleen; Group 1: 31.28 ± 13.13 ng/ml, 0.83 ± 0.8 ng/ml; Group 2: 44.24 ± 22.75 ng /ml, 1.01 ± 0.32 ng/ml; Group 3: 35.94 ± 15.13 ng/ml, 0.41 ± 0.03 ng/ml; Group 4:79.42 ± 44.70 ng/ml, 0.45 ± 0.15, respectively. Mean MMP-12 in controls was 19.79 ± 10.01 ng/ml in lungs and 41.13 ± 15.99 ng/ml in the spleen; Group 1:27.97 ± 15.1 ng/ml; 40.44 ± 11.2 ng/ml; Group 2: 37.93 ± 25.38 ng/ml 41.05 ± 18.08 ng/ml; Group 3: 40.59 ± 11.46 ng/ml, 35.16 ± 12.89 ng/ml; Group 4: 39.4 ± 17.83 ng/ml, 42.04 ± 12.35 ng/ml, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Bestatin reduces MMP 2 and 12 levels in spleen and lungs. 2. Treatment with bestatin minimizes the effect of LPS.

Interleukin 1α and interleukin 18 in patients with vitiligo - Results of a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a depigmenting disorder resulting from loss of functional melanocytes in the skin. Variety of inflammatory mediators participate in the regulation of melanogenesis in melanocytes: interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-33, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, interferon-γ, prostaglandin E2 have the effect of promoting melanogenesis, while interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-4, interleukin-6, interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor can inhibit melanogenesis. AIM: Evaluation of IL-1α and IL-18 levels in peripheral blood in patients with vitiligo compared to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients aged 18-81 with vitiligo participated in the study. The control group consisted of 38 healthy people. Venous blood samples were obtained from each participant. Serum IL-1α and IL-18 concentrations were determined using the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Among patients with vitiligo, the mean concentration of IL-1α was 0.13 (± 0.535) pg/mL, while in the control group it was 0.51 (± 1.51). There were no statistically significant differences in IL-1α concentrations between patients in the study group compared to the control group (p > 0.05). In the study group, the mean IL-18 concentration was 141.05 (± 136.33) pg/mL vs 137.33 (± 105.83) pg/mL in the controls. There were no statistically significant differences in IL-18 concentrations between patients in the study group compared to the controls (p > 0.05). In the Spearman correlation test, no correlation was confirmed between IL1α and IL-18 concentrations in the group of patients with vitiligo vs healthy people. CONCLUSIONS: There is no correlation between Il-1 and Il-18 concentration in the blood sera of patients with vitiligo.

A case-control study on immunologic markers of patients with vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a depigmentation skin disease often coexisting with other autoimmune disorders. The prevalence is 0.5-2 % of the world's population. A combination of genetic, environmental and biochemical factors play a role in pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of the study was to measure selected cytokines in the blood sera of patients with vitiligo and to select the best marker of the disease. The study was conducted on 50 patients with vitiligo and 38 controls. The type of vitiligo, body surface area (BSA), disease advancement assessment according to Vitiligo European Task Force, the degree of skin involvement and degree of progression were measured. Patients' skin phototype was determined according to Fitzpatrick's classification. Medical history was recorded. Venous blood samples were obtained, The sera were used for laboratory test. Determinations of IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23 were performed using the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. In the study group 4 cases had phototype I, 38 II, 8 III. In the control group: 3, 29, 6, respectively. Universal vitiligo was found in 38 patients, segmental in 2, acro-facial in 10. In all cases VETF was + 1. Hypothyroidism was recorded in the medical histories of 11 cases vs 2 controls. Significantly higher concentrations of IL-22 and IL-23 were in cases vs controls. IL-22 concentrations were significantly higher in the study group with BSA ≤ 10 than in the control group, and in the group with BSA ≥ 10 they were the highest (p < 0.05). IL-22 is the best marker of active universal type vitiligo, it is directly proportional to the extent of lesions.

Lipoic acid (LA) dose-dependently protects bone losses in the mandible of rats during the development of osteopenia by inhibiting oxidative stress and promoting bone formation.

Our study was carried out to evaluate the effect of lipoic acid (LA) on the densitometric properties, structure and mechanical strength of the mandible of Wistar rats with developing osteopenia. The study used 42 sham-operated (SHO) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The OVX rats were randomly divided (n = 6) onto two controls treated subcutaneously with physiological saline (OVX-PhS) and 17ß-estradiol (OVX-E2), respectively, and onto four experimental OVX groups that received LA in the doses of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the lack of estrogen brought about osteopenic bone changes, especially in the trabecular compartment. In addition, while the usage of LA in the doses of 12.5 and 25 LA had no effect in OVX rats, the dose of 100 effectively inhibited osteopenic changes of the mandible. This dose maintained structural, densitometric and mechanical parameters at levels like that in the SHO and OVX-E2 groups by inhibiting the destructive influence of oxidative stress. Dose 50, however, was revealed to be the most effective. It not only inhibited atrophic changes and the influence of oxidative stress, but also stimulated the formation of mandibular bone tissue. Our results suggest that the administration of LA is effective in preventing atrophic changes in the mandibular bone tissue in conditions of ovarian hormone deficiency and suggest its potential in the therapy of osteoporosis.

Prolonged exposure to transdermal nicotine improves memory in male mice, but impairs biochemical parameters in male and female mice.

INTRODUCTION: Nicotine is an alkaloid that affects the functioning of the central nervous system and produces dependence. In low doses, it acts as a stimulant and relaxant. Nicotine was reported to have pro-cognitive effects in humans and animals. However, high doses of nicotine are harmful for many organs.The aim of the study was to check whether a 30-day exposure to transdermal nicotine affects memory and biochemical parameters in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 mice (16 males and 16 females) were used in the experiment. Mice were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each: I control-females receiving placebo patches for 30 days, II females receiving nicotine patches for 30 days, III control-males receiving placebo patches, IV males receiving nicotine patches. Spontaneous alternation and locomotor activity were examined weekly in a Y-maze. Body mass was recorded daily. On day 30, venous blood samples were obtained and the animals were anaesthetized with CO2. Their blood was used to measure alanine transaminase (ALT), asparagine transaminase (AST), cholesterol, creatinine and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C). RESULTS: Nicotine significantly improved memory in male mice on day 8. It increased ALT and AST activities in males and females, as well as the concentration of cholesterol in their blood sera. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, transdermal nicotine may produce transient improvement in fresh spatial memory in male mice, but it is not a long-term effect and therefore nicotine does not seem to be appropriate for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. It elevates blood cholesterol level and thus may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events; moreover, it negatively affects liver enzymes. Nicotine use is therefore not recommended.

Serum concentrations of interleukin 18 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 correlate with depression severity in men with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis and depression may have common mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and vitamin D3 deficiency. Among men with psoriasis, this study examined whether depression severity was associated with serum concentrations of different metabolic and inflammatory markers. METHODS: The study included 85 men with psoriasis (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 47 ± 14 years) and 65 men without psoriasis (mean age ± SD, 44 ± 13 years). In both groups, we measured the body mass index; blood pressure; and serum concentrations of lipids, uric acid, lipase, interleukins 6 and 18, cortisol, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory. Other variables analyzed included psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, and the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had significantly greater depression severity, higher body mass indices, and higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol and interleukins 6 and 18; moreover, they had significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated positively with psoriasis duration, the Psoriasis Area Severity Index, the percentage of body surface area affected by psoriatic lesions, and interleukin-18 concentration. In patients with psoriasis, depression severity correlated negatively with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration, but it did not correlate significantly with the serum concentrations of interleukin 6 and cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: High concentrations of interleukin 18 and low concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 may be associated with depression severity in men with psoriasis. Thus, further studies should examine whether effective anti-inflammatory treatments or vitamin D3 supplementation can improve depression outcomes in these patients.

Correction to: Digestive system in psoriasis: an update.

In the original publication, the data labels are incorrect in Fig. 3. The corrected Fig. 3 is given here.

Digestive system in psoriasis: an update.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disorder associated and often coexisting with many other immune-related clinical conditions including those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Data obtained from the reviewed literature suggest an association between psoriasis and pathologies of the oral cavity, both psoriasis-specific lesions, as well as non-specific, such as geographic tongue or fissured tongue. These findings show the importance of thorough examination of oral mucosa in psoriatic patients. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are also linked with psoriasis. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis share a common genetic background, inflammatory pathways and have an evident iatrogenic anti-TNF treatment link, necessitating dermatological or gastroenterological care in patients with IBD or psoriasis, respectively, as well as treatment adjusted to manifestations. The presence of celiac disease-specific antibodies in psoriatic patients and their correlation with the severity of the disease show the association between these disorders. The linking pathogenesis comprises vitamin D deficiency, immune pathway, genetic background and increase in the intestinal permeability, which suggests a potential benefit from gluten-free diet among psoriatic patients. The link between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease implies screening patients for components of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle changes necessity. Some studies indicate increased prevalence of cancer in patients with psoriasis, probably due to negative influence of skin lesion impact on lifestyle rather than the role of psoriasis in carcinogenesis. However, there are no sufficient data to exclude such an oncogenic hit, which is yet to be confirmed. Therefore, all psoriasis-associated comorbidities establish the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of these patients.

Depressiveness, measured with Beck Depression Inventory, in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify demographic and clinical factors predisposing to depressiveness during the course of psoriasis. METHOD: The study included 239 patients with psoriasis (15-76 years, 31.8% of women) and 123 healthy controls (17-74 years, 32.5% of women). Dependent variable in the analysis was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score. Explanatory variables included: age, sex, marital status, education, occupational activity, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, history of smoking, average number of smoked cigarettes, skin lesions visible to others, comorbidities, including arterial hypertension and arthritis, number of previous hospitalizations and family history of psoriasis. RESULTS: Psoriatics showed higher BDI scores than the controls, and significantly more often presented with depressiveness. Depressiveness correlated with psoriasis, older age, female sex, lack of higher education, occupational inactivity, higher BMI, visible skin lesions, comorbidities, including arterial hypertension and arthritis, greater number of previous hospitalizations and lack of family history of psoriasis. Multivariate analysis showed than independent predictors of any grade depressiveness were psoriasis (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.11-4.60, p=0.024), older age (OR=1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.05, p=0.005) and female sex (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.45-5.12, p=0.002). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional, non-prospective analysis. Selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis, irrespective of its severity and related complications, are at increased risk of depressiveness. The risk of secondary depressiveness is particularly high in psoriatic women and older persons (or individuals diagnosed with psoriasis at younger age). Individuals from this group should be monitored for potential depressive symptoms.

The 28-day exposure to fenpropathrin decreases locomotor activity and reduces activity of antioxidant enzymes in mice brains.

BACKGROUND: Fenpropathrin (Fen) is a pyrethroid (Pyr) insecticide. Pyrs are used in veterinary medicine, in agriculture and for domestic purposes. As their use increases, new questions about their side effects and mode of action in non-target organisms arise. The objective of this work was to characterize dose-response relationship for in vivo motor function and memory in mice exposed to Fen for 28 days and to assess its influence on activity of antioxidant enzymes in mice brains. METHODS: The experiment was performed using 64 female mice. Fen at the dose of 11.9mg/kg of body mass, 5.95mg/kg or 2.38mg/kg was administered ip to the mice for 28 consecutive days. Motor function and spatial working memory were tested on days 7, 14 and 28. On day 29, the animals were sacrificed and brains were used to determine activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: Fen significantly decreased locomotor activity in mice receiving the highest dose at every stage of the experiment. Lower doses reduced locomotion on days 7 and 14. Fen did not produce memory impairment. A decrease in activities of SOD and GPx was recorded in mice brains. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of SOD activity in mice brains results from direct inhibition of the enzyme by Fen and/or increased utilization due to excessive free radical formation in conditions of Fen-induced oxidative stress. The reduction in GPx activity is probably due to limited glutathione availability. The reduced locomotor activity is a behavioral demonstration of Fen-induced damage in the dopaminergic system.

Subacute poisoning of mice with deltamethrin produces memory impairment, reduced locomotor activity, liver damage and changes in blood morphology in the mechanism of oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Deltamethrin (DEL) is a synthetic pyrethroid (PYR) insecticide, potent neurotoxicant. The current investigation was envisaged to explore behavioral, biochemical and morphologic effects of subacute poisoning with DEL in mice and to find one common mechanism of these changes. METHODS: Mice were daily injected ip with different doses of DEL: 8.3, 20.75 or 41.5mg/kg bw for 28 days. Their memory retention in passive avoidance task (PA), fresh spatial memory in a Y-maze and locomotor activity were measured once weekly. On day 29, blood morphology, alanine transaminase (ALT) activity and creatinine concentration in the blood sera, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured in the livers and kidneys. Livers were examined with light microscopy. RESULTS: Significant impairment of memory retention was recorded on day 2, 7 and 28 after exposure to DEL. Fresh spatial memory was significantly impaired by the highest dose of DEL on day 1, 14 and 28. Locomotor activity was reduced at every stage of experiment in all the groups exposed to DEL. In the animals exposed to the highest dose of DEL activities of alanine transaminase (ALT) and SOD were elevated, GPx was reduced, lymphocyte infiltrates were detected in the livers and there were changes in blood morphology. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate that liver and bone marrow, apart from the central nervous system (CNS) are damaged in the course of subacute poisoning with DEL. The possible common mechanism of the damage is oxidative stress.

Effect of lambda-cyhalothrin on memory and movement in mice after transient incomplete cerebral ischemia.

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCH) is a synthetic pyrethroid used as an insecticide. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of LCH on memory, movement activity, and co-ordination in mice exposed to bilateral clamping of the carotid arteries (BCCA). On the first postsurgical day, the examined animals (BCCA/LCH) were injected with LCH i.p. and trained in the passive avoidance task 30 min. after the injection. Controls were: sham-operated animals (SHAM), with their carotids exposed but not occluded, animals subjected to BCCA (BCCA), and sham-operated mice injected with LCH (SHAM/ LCH). In the following experiments, memory retention, working spatial memory, movement activity, and co-ordination were examined. Neither memory nor movement co-ordination were impaired by BCCA or LCH. Exploratory locomotor activity was significantly reduced in the BCCA/LCH group (p < 0.01 vs SHAM). Spontaneous movement activity was significantly reduced in the BCCA/LCH group (p < 0.001 vs SHAM, p < 0.05 vs BCCA, p < 0.001 vs SHAM/LCH), as well as in the BCCA group (p < 0.01 vs SHAM). Exposure to LCH coexisting with BCCA decreased motor activity in the mice in 2 subsequent 30-min. periods of observation. BCCA itself decreased motor activity in the 31-60 min. of observation. These results show that BCCA combined with exposure to a subtoxic dose of LCH does not impair memory; however, they affect behaviour by reducing the horizontal movement activity in mice.

The influence of intracerebral streptozotocin and/or cadmium on memory processes in mice exposed to transient cerebral oligemia.

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of simultaneous acute exposure to cadmium (Cd) and in the presence of streptozotozin (STZ) on the central nervous system (CNS) memory processes in mice subjected to transient brain ischemia. In order to obtain transient brain ischemia, operative occlusion of common carotid arteries for 30 min was performed. Cadmium chloride was administered intraperitoneally (ip) after the surgery at a single dose of 0.1 LD(50) (LD(50) = 14 mg/kg). Disturbances in glucose metabolism in the brain tissue were induced by bilateral intracerebral administration of STZ, a drug that inhibits the function of a neuronal insulin receptor. Long-term memory was evaluated by means of a step-through passive avoidance task. Spatial working memory expressed as spontaneous alternations was tested in the Y-maze test. Coexposure to brain oligemia and STZ on the CNS produced significant impairment of long-term memory processes in mice. An additional exposure to Cd exacerbated the deficits of these processes. These results indicate that brain oligemia, Cd, and altered glucose metabolism may aggravate adverse effects on memory.

Influence of fenpropathrin on memory and movement in mice after transient incomplete cerebral ischemia.

Fenpropathrin, a synthetic pyrethroid widely used as an insecticide, is known to affect locomotion and memory in mammals. It is possible that exposure to pyrethroids may occur in an elderly population where transient ischemic attacks are a higher risk for occurrence with consequent changes in memory and control of movement. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether bilateral clamping of carotid arteries (BCCA), a model for ischemia, together with fenpropathrin affected memory in tests such as the passive avoidance task and fresh spatial memory in a Y-maze, as well as movement activity and movement coordination on a rotarod in mice. BCCA together with fenpropathrin significantly reduced latency in a passive avoidance task compared to controls. There were no significant differences among the groups with respect to the Y-maze, movement activity, or movement coordination. In conclusion, fenpropathrin needs to be used with caution in the presence of an elderly population at risk for ischemia, as there appears to be evidence of some memory loss in mice.

Influence of the zearalenone on the activity of chosen liver enzymes in a rat.

Zearalenone is a mycotoxin compound produced mainly by Fusarium species of fungi which is present in cereals cultivated all over the world. The aim of the research was to examine the toxic influence of different doses of zearalenone on liver cells through estimating mycotoxin influence on markers evaluation of biochemical liver damage. The research was carried out on male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 9 groups of 10 animals each. Group A was orally given 8% ethyl alcohol. Group B, C, D, E was orally given once a day for 10 days a zearalenone alcohol solution properly in dose of 50, 100, 200, 500 microg/kg b.w. Single doses of zearalenone was given to the animals from groups X, Y, Z and W. Control group W - 8% ethyl alcohol, group X dose 1 mg/kg b.w., group Y dose 2 mg/kg b.w., group Z dose 3 mg/kg b.w. For the research, blood was taken from hearts. The blood was centrifuged and the plasma analyzed using spectrophotometric methods: aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and complete bilirubin. The results of the experiment show that liver cells are exposed to zearalenone activity increased liver aminotransferases (ALT and AST) in blood plasma. Rise of liver aminotransferase level (ALT and AST) in animal's blood plasma after giving zearalenone may confirm the hepatotoxic influence of this mycotoxin. Short-lasting zearalenone influence does not cause changes in the liver aminotransferases.

[Impact of cigarette smoking on the clinical outcome of Crohn's disease]. / Wplyw palenia na przebieg kliniczny choroby Lesniowskiego-Crohna.

Cigarette smoking is a well known independent risk factor for a more severe course of Crohn's disease, but individual factors determining this impact are poorly known and it is not evident if smoking cessation is associated with an improvement in the disease activity. The aim of our study was to assess the factors determining the harmful impact of smoking in individuals with Crohn's disease. A total of 148 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease and Crohn's disease activity index < 200 were enrolled in a prospective 12-18 month study. Patients were classified into three groups as: current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers. Body mass index, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive use and blood lipid levels were also recorded. The main outcome measure was the rate of fare-up. We observed the flare-up developement in 38% current smokers, versus 21% non-smokers and 26% former smokers. The relative risk of flare-up adjusted for confounding factors was 1.37 (1.09 +/- 1.96) in current smokers. Obesity, dyslipidaemia, and alcohol consumption had no significant effect. Current smoking, particularly heavy smoking, significantly increases the risk of flare-up in Crohn's disease patients. Former smokers have a risk similar to that of non-smokers.

Effect of cypermethrin on memory, movement activity and coordination in mice after transient incomplete cerebral ischemia.

Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used as an insecticide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effect of 0.1 LD50 of cypermethrin on memory, movement activity and co-ordination in mice exposed to transient incomplete cerebral ischemia. Transient occlusion of both carotid arteries (BCCA) in adult female mice was performed under ketamine + xylazine anesthesia. Intraperitoneal LD50 for cypermethrin was calculated to be 169.9 mg/kg. Memory retention was evaluated in a step-through passive avoidance task (PA), working spatial memory in a Y-maze, spontaneous movement activity in an automated device fitted with two photocells and a counter in two subsequent 30-min periods, and movement co-ordination on a rod spinning at the rate of 10 rotations/min. Neither memory nor movement co-ordination were significantly affected by transient incomplete cerebral ischemia or cypermethrin. BCCA itself did not impair movement activity in the examined mice. Cypermethrin decreased exploratory motor activity in the mice, and the effect was exacerbated by BCCA. These results show that transient incomplete cerebral ischemia combined with exposure to subtoxic doses of cypermethrin do not impair memory, but do affect behavior, producing transient reduction of spontaneous horizontal movement in mice.

[Smoking among patients hospitalized in SPSK 4 in Lublin]. / Problem nikotynizmu wsród pacjentów hospitalizowanych w SPSK 4 w Lublinie.

Approximately 10 mln of Poles smoke 15-20 cigarettes per day. In total Poles smoke 4,5 billions of packaging each year. Nicotine is not only major threat to humans' health but smoking is also one of the most common elements of any healthy life style. The aim of the work was to analyze factors which influence nicotine addiction as well as to evaluate motivation among patients to stop smoking. The study was conducted among patients hospitalized in the period between January 2006 and December 2007 in SPSK 4 in Lublin. Participation in studies was freewill and anonymous and choice of respondents random. In order to collect necessary information questionnaire was created. First part includes questions as regards age, gender, place of residence, marital status, education and economic situation. Second part includes the right questionnaire which is Fageström and Schneider test. Questionnaire was filled by 2346 patients who were chosen randomly. 36.23% of patients admitted smoking. 79.05% of patients are slightly addicted to nicotine, whereas 20.95% are in medium or in higher group of addiction. Analysis of willingness to give up smoking proved that 56% of respondents want to give up smoking. On the base of performer research we can conclude that: patients, who based on the results of Fageström's test, qualified into high level addiction are at increased risk of developing nicotine-related diseases and healthy behavior as well as nonsmoking should be promoted among patients.

Loss of heterozygosity for Rb locus and pRb immunostaining in laryngeal cancer: a clinicopathologic, molecular and immunohistochemical study.

Several risk factors for the development of laryngeal cancer have been identified, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, but the molecular mechanisms related to the carcinogenesis in the larynx remain under investigation. In this context, deregulations of the cell-cycle-controling mechanisms, Rb-pathway in particular, have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of laryngeal carcinoma. Our purpose was to investigate 13q14 LOH and the expression of Rb protein and their possible prognostic value in laryngeal cancer. The group of 67 patients with laryngeal cancer, surgically treated with minimum 5 years observation, was multi-variously analysed. LOH for Rb was investigated by PCR-based techniques using two microsatellite markers, D13S263 and D13S126, flanking the Rb locus. Amplification products from each polymorphism were fractionated by denaturing gel electrophoresis and detected by audioradiography. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin specimens of laryngeal cancers was supervised by the use of monoclonal mouse antibodies IgG1 (Anti-Human Retinoblastoma Gene Product of Dako) in dilution of 1:50. Inactivation of Rb protein was assumed to represent the expression in < or =10% tumour cells. The results of each examined individual factor were compared with clinicopathologic features and the results were statistically transformed (Chi-square test with Yates' correction, Mann-Whitney test). The Kaplan and Meier model was used for overall and disease free survival curves. Only p value of less than 0,05 was considered significant. 13q14 LOH was detected in 7/67 (10,4%) of informative tumours. No correlations were found between Rb genetic alteration (LOH) and gender, age, TNM staging, histological differentiation, nodal and local recurrences (p>0.05). There was a strong association between the loss of Rb and supraglottic localisation of tumour in the larynx (p<0.01). By univariate analysis 13q14 LOH proved to be significantly related to the overall survival whereas it was not related to the quicker relapse (p=0.01, p>0.05 respectively). The genetic data were correlated with the expression of the Rb protein (p=0.001). All tumours with Rb-LOH were immunohistochemically Rb-negative. Inactivation of Rb protein was observed in 9/67 cases (13.49%) and was significantly correlated with the polymorphism of cancer cells, but not with the histological grading. We also found the correlation between reduction of Rb protein and the size of primary tumour (T) (p=0.03) and local recurrence (p=0.035). There was no significant dependence between the level of Rb protein and other histopathological and clinical features (p>0.05). To conclude, analysis of 13q14 LOH enables the assessment of biology of laryngeal cancer and it can be a prognostic factor in overall survival. Immunohistochemical analysis of Rb protein expression in neoplastic cells made it easier to evaluate the mechanisms of cancerogenesis in laryngeal cancer and is closely related to genetic alteration in Rb locus.

[Addiction among patients hospitalized due to peripheral vessels disorders]. / Uzaleznienia u osób hospitalizowanych ze schorzeniami naczyn obwodowych.

The study covered 160 patients - 80 females and 80 males, hospitalised due to arterial and venous vessels disorders. The objective of the study was an attempt to evaluate selected behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, consumption of alcohol and coffee among people with diseases of peripheral vessels. The research tool was a questionnaire form. Participation in the study was voluntary and patients were selected at random. The study showed that 60% of respondents suffered from peripheral vessels disorders, 67.5% of females had venous vessels disorders, and 87.5% of males - arterial vessels disorders. In the total population examined 69.38% of respondents consumed alcohol, 47.5% were current smokers, and 56.88% consumed coffee. The style of life of the people examined may result in the development of peripheral vessel disorders.