Association Between Household Location (Urban versus Rural) and Fundamental Care Provided to Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris) in Northern Ireland.

This study aimed to generate information regarding living conditions (e.g. indoors and outdoors, living space available), fundamental care (e.g. feeding and exercise) and owners' perceptions of dog's preferences (e.g. living conditions) in the urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland via a cross-sectional survey questionnaire. The responses were collected from May to August 2022, at 24 locations across Northern Ireland, including 15 agricultural shows and livestock markets and nine large supermarkets (single supermarket chain) located in an area of the show or market grounds. In all, 548 questionnaires were collected and after exclusion of questionnaires with missing or incomprehensible responses, 507 questionnaires were included in the final database. Out of 507 questionnaires, 264 respondents resided in a city while 243 respondents resided on farms. The majority of respondents from the city locations perceived their dogs as pets, while those living on farms regarded their dogs as working animals. The populations of dogs in the city locations and on the farms in this study were similar regarding the age range and numbers of the animals, but more female dogs were spayed in the city locations than on the farms. Most respondents in this study, regardless of their household location, declared that they did not monitor their animal's body weight or body condition. When feeding their dogs, the respondents from the city locations were predominantly following veterinary advice or instructions on food labels. On the other hand, the respondents from farm locations mostly reported that they fed their dogs based on 'a visual inspection of dog condition'; this type of feeding was associated with a certain type of household occupancy (more frequent in single and adults only households) and respondents' employment status (more frequent by retired and those managing the home). The living conditions of dogs in city and farm locations in this study were different, namely dogs in the city were kept predominantly indoors with access to outdoors while dogs from farm locations were kept predominantly outdoors. The dogs were reported to be walked daily for a shorter time (up to 1 h/day) in the city locations and longer on the farm locations (1-2 h/day). Regardless of household location (city versus farm) respondents believed that exercise needs depend on animal age, body condition and medical condition, that dogs need to be kept active by owners to keep them fit, that dogs cannot self-regulate the amount of food they eat daily, and finally that walking with a dog a few times a day is difficult due to other commitments. On the other hand, the respondents from farm locations more often believe that dogs can get all the exercise they need by themselves if kept outdoors and they are happier with living outdoors, while the respondents from city locations believed that dogs are happier with living indoors. In conclusion, the results of this study have shown a number of differences in basic care and perception of dogs kept in city locations and on farm locations. Further studies are required to understand the provision of health care and fulfilments of all welfare needs of the dogs kept on farms.

Affected brother as the highest risk factor of type 1 diabetes development in children and adolescents: One center data before implementing type 1 diabetes national screening.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased risk for childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) when T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are reported in relatives. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate current family risk factors for T1D development before implementing a national screening program for T1D. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A population of 879 Caucasian children and adolescents with T1D and 286 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All participants completed the same questionnaire, which collected information about family history of diabetes over 3 generations. In statistical analyses, frequency tables and χ2 tests evaluated possible multicollinearity among risk factors that were significantly associated with the outcomes. RESULTS: Family history of diabetes was more frequent in controls (n = 75, 26.2%) than in patients with T1D (n = 146, 16.6%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.785, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.299-2.452, degrees of freedom (df) = 12.976, p = 0.004), especially with a family history of T2D (n = 62, 21.7% compared to n = 79, 9.0%, respectively, OR = 2.803, 95% CI: 1.948-4.034, df = 32.669, p < 0.001). Also, there was a tendency for the nuclear family of T1D patients to be more frequently affected by T1D (n = 74, 8.4%) than the controls (n = 15, 5.2%, OR = 1.605, 95% CI: 0.937-2.751, df = 3.081, p = 0.079). The risk of T1D was associated with the closest family members being affected and accelerated over generations. Indeed, it was highest in siblings, especially brothers (OR = 12.985, 95% CI: 0.782-215.743, Fisher's test: p < 0.001). A positive family history of T2D burden among second-degree relatives was 2.728 times more frequent in the control group than in the T1D group (OR = 2.728; 95% Cl: 1.880-3.962, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive family history of T1D among first-degree relatives was less frequent in the controls than in the T1D group (OR = 0.124; 95% Cl: 0.030-0.516, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A family history of T1D, but not T2D, is a significant risk factor for T1D development. Indeed, the priority in screening for T1D should be given to first-degree relatives of T1D patients, starting from siblings.

Association of Serum Omentin-1 Concentration with the Content of Adipose Tissue and Glucose Tolerance in Subjects with Central Obesity.

Omentin is one of the few adipokines with potentially beneficial metabolic effects. The main aim of this study was to determine the association between serum omentin-1 levels and the occurrence of central obesity and abnormal glucose tolerance, taking into account gender. The study involved 88 participants aged 30-60, including 47 women and 41 men. Two subgroups among the obese subjects were distinguished-those with normal and abnormal glucose tolerance. Anthropometric and biochemical examinations and blood pressure measurements were performed. Omentin-1 concentrations were significantly lower among patients with obesity compared to those without obesity (p = 0.027) and, similarly, comparing men with abnormal glucose tolerance with men with normal glucose tolerance (p = 0.035). In contrast, no such pattern was observed in women. The multivariable regression model showed a significant effect of gender status and important factors of tissue insulin sensitivity, such as OGGT results, WHR and amount of body fat, on the variability of serum omentin-1 concentration in the entire study population (R2adj. = 13.7%; p = 0.003). High omentin-1 levels found in men with obesity and normal glucose tolerance suggest that omentin-1 protects against metabolic disorders associated with obesity in the male population.

Association between Socio-Demographic Factors and Owners' Beliefs and Attitudes to Pet Cats Fundamental Dietary and Physical Exercise Needs, in City of Belfast.

A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was developed in-house to investigate pet cat owners' beliefs and attitudes related to the fundamental care of their pet cats. The questionnaire consisted of questions which were grouped into the following sections: (i) owners' socio-demographics; (ii) cat(s) body weight and body condition monitoring; (iii) owners' attitudes to cats' dietary preferences, needs and satisfaction, (iv) owners' perceptions of their cats' physical exercise needs and satisfaction. The sample size of 376 was estimated to be required to represent the population of the given geographical location (Belfast, NI, UK). Hard copies of the questionnaires were distributed in January and February 2019 and in total 402 completed questionnaires were collected; questionnaires which included >20% of missing or incomprehensible responses were excluded from the database, resulting in 398 questionnaires being included in the final database. The study identified a number of socio-demographic factors associated with owners' beliefs and attitudes that directly affect care provided to pet cats, e.g., the owner's occupation has been identified as a factor associated with owner perception of certain cats' behaviours, e.g., a cat brushing against the owner as food requests by their animal (Chi-Square 7.711 (df1), exact p = 0.006). Furthermore, most female respondents, aged 26−67 years and in an occupation not related to animals, reported selecting cat food based on their animal preferences (Chi-Square 10.332 (df1), exact p = 0.003). In contrast, female owners in animal and veterinary occupations were significantly more likely as compared to other respondents (Chi-Square 15.228 (df1), exact p < 0.001), to select cat food based on its perceived health benefit to the cat. Analysis of the respondents' opinions of cats' abilities to self-regulate physical activity showed that owners age was the main differentiating determinant, i.e., cat owners over 25 years old were significantly more likely than younger adults to believe that pet cats can regulate their own physical activity to keep healthy (Chi-Square 6.313 (df1), exact p = 0.025). Furthermore, respondents' opinions of their cat's ability to self-regulate feed intake were mainly associated with owner's education level (Chi-Square 6.367 (df1), exact p = 0.036). The study results indicated that the attitude and beliefs behind the fundamental care practices provided to pet cats depends on particular demographic factors, especially owners' education and occupation.

The Association of Serum Circulating Neuropeptide Q and Chemerin Levels with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

The potential involvement of neuropeptide Q (NPQ) and chemerin (CHEM) in metabolic disorders is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of NPQ and CHEM and to establish their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals with metabolic syndrome. A total of 66 patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and 83 healthy volunteers (non-MetS) underwent biochemical, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements. The concentration of NPQ in the MetS group was significantly lower (0.47 (0.34 ; 0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.43 ; 0.60) ng/mL, p = 0.015) than in non-MetS, while there were no differences in CHEM level. In the entire study population, we observed several negative correlations between NPQ concentration and waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) along with a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total muscle mass, and CHEM. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed in the MetS group between NPQ and glycemia. CHEM showed no significant correlations with cardiometabolic risk factors in the study population. In a multiple regression model, the total muscle mass proved to be an independent factor determining NPQ concentration in the population (p < 0.00000001, R2adj = 28.6%). NPQ seems to protect against metabolic disorders correlated with obesity. Thus, it is worth considering NPQ level as a candidate protective biomarker of metabolic syndrome complications.

Assessment of Selected Clock Proteins (CLOCK and CRY1) and Their Relationship with Biochemical, Anthropometric, and Lifestyle Parameters in Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms misalignment is associated with hypertension. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of selected clock proteins-cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) to determine their relationships with biochemical and anthropometric parameters and lifestyle elements (diet, physical activity, and quality of sleep) in hypertensive patients. METHODS: In 31 females with hypertension (HT) and 55 non-hypertensive women (NHT) the CRY1 and CLOCK concentrations, total antioxidant status (TAS), lipid profile, and glycemia were analyzed. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, nutritional, exercise, and sleep analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the HT group, the CRY1 level was 37.38% lower than in the NHT group. No differences were noted in CLOCK concentration between groups. BMI, FBG, and TG were higher in the HT group compared to the NHT group, while TC, LDL, and HDL levels were similar. The study showed no relationship between CRY1 or CLOCK concentrations and glucose or lipids profile, amount of physical activity, or sleep quality, although CRY1 was associated with some anthropometric indicators. In the HT group, increased CLOCK and CRY1 values were associated with a high TAS level. CONCLUSIONS: The serum level of CRY1 could be considered in a detailed diagnostic of hypertension risk in populations with abnormal anthropometric indices.

Vaspin (but not neuropeptide B or neuropeptide W) as a possible predictor of body weight normalization in anorexia nervosa.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the nutritional status of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and levels of vaspin (VASP), neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW) and total antioxidant status (TAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety serum samples collected from 30 teenage female patients during the acute stage of AN and 30 healthy persons (CONTR) were subjected to biochemical analysis; patients with AN were examined at the beginning of the study (AN-I) and after hospitalization (AN-II), as a result of which partial stabilization of anthropometric measurements was achieved (an increase of body mass index (BMI) by 3.5 kg/m2). RESULTS: Vaspin levels dropped at the end of the hospitalization (compared to AN-I, p < 0.05), achieving values comparable to the CONTR; moreover there was a positive correlation between VASP level and the achieved body weight in AN-II (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were also noted with regard to VASP vs. NPB in AN-I (p < 0.02) (and AN-II, p < 0.013), as well as in the case of VASP vs. NPW in the same groups (p < 0.02 and p < 0.015, respectively). NPB concentration was higher in AN-I (p < 0.05) and AN-II (p < 0.018) than in CONTR, whereas there were no differences (p > 0.05) with regard to levels of VASP, NPW, or TAS. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of NPB despite treatment and normalization of VASP level may suggest that there are chronic neuroendocrine disorders at play in anorexia nervosa.

Analysis of Genetic Variants in SCN1A, SCN2A, KCNK18, TRPA1 and STX1A as a Possible Marker of Migraine.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is a polygenetic disease, considered as a channelopathy. The dysregulation of ion functioning due to genetic changes may activate the trigeminovascular system and induce migraine attack both migraine with aura (MA) and without aura (MO). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the following variants of genes encoding ion channels and associated protein: c.3199G>A SCN1A, c.56G>A SCN2A, c.28A>G and c.328T>C KCNK18, c.3053A>G TRPA1, c.31-1811C>T STX1A in migraine patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 170 migraine patients and 173 controls. HRMA and Sanger sequencing were used for genotyping. Meta-analysis was performed for c.28A>G, c.328T>C KCNK18, and c.31-1811C>T STX1A. RESULTS: AA genotype of c.56G>A SCN2A was found only in migraine patients. Patients with c.328T>C KCNK18 mutation had an increased risk of developing migraine before the age of 18. Moreover, individuals with AA/TC haplotype of KCNK18 had higher attack frequency than those with AA/TT (p<0.05). T allele of c.31-1811C>T STX1A was more frequent in MA patients than MO (p<0.05). The c.3053A>G TRPA1 polymorphism was more common in patients with migraine onset before the age of 15 (p<0.05), while c.31-1811C>T STX1A and c.3199G>A SCN1A before the age of 10 (p<0.01). Meta-analysis showed a significant association of c.31-1811C>T STX1A polymorphism with migraine overall (OR=1.22, p=0.0086), MA, and MO. No association was found for c.28A>G KCNK18, c.328T>C KCNK18, and migraine overall. CONCLUSION: Changes in genes encoding ion channels or proteins regulating their functioning may increase the risk of migraines and correlate with clinical features of disease, e.g. age of onset and attack frequency.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Fractions in Obese Hypertensive Patients.

Vitamin D fractions can be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, but their concentrations are rarely determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of vitamin D fractions in obese hypertensive patients and to determine its associations with anthropometric parameters, glucose levels, and lipid profiles. A total of 85 obese hypertensive patients (OBHT) and 40 nonobese nonhypertensive subjects (NOBNHT) underwent biochemical measurements of lipid profiles, glycemia, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), free vitamin D (free25(OH)D), vitamin D binding protein, albumin levels. Moreover, free25(OH)D and bioavailable25(OH)D (bio25(OH)D) concentrations were calculated. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were performed. Differences between groups (p < 0.001) were found for 25(OH)D (OBHT 40.25 ± 18.02 vs. NOBNHT 64.10 ± 22.29 nmol/L), free25(OH)D (9.77 (7.46; 11.49) vs. 13.80 (10.34; 16.82) pmol/L), bioavailable 25(OH)D (3.7 (2.8; 4.4) vs. 5.4 (4.2; 6.7) nmol/L), and calculated free25(OH)D (7.82 (5.54; 11.64) vs. 10.46(8.06;16.28) pmol/L, p = 0.002). The OBHT patients showed no relationship between vitamin D fractions concentration and glucose or lipids level, although it was associated with anthropometric parameters. In the NOBNHT group, vitamin D fractions correlated positively with HDL cholesterol and negatively with triglyceridemia and hip circumference. Vitamin D fractions were decreased in obese hypertensive subjects, and were associated with anthropometric parameters, but not with glucose level or lipid profiles; they thus cannot be considered as a predictive marker of metabolic disorders in this group of patients.

APOE genetic variants and apoE, miR-107 and miR-650 levels in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative dementia in adults. Pathogenesis of AD depends on various factors, including APOE genetic variants, apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype and oxidative stress, which may promote both DNA and RNA damage, including non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Among ncRNAs, microRNA (miRNA) is known to contribute to pathologic processes in AD. The aim of the study was to analyse the plasma concentration of apoE by ELISA as well as the plasma levels of miR-107 and miR-650 by qPCR in relation to APOE genetic variants and clinical features including the age of onset and dementia severity in 64 AD patients and 132 controls. Our data showed that a low apoE plasma concentration was a risk factor for developing AD (OR = 5.18, p = 6.58E-06) and was particularly pronounced in severe dementia (p < 0.001) and correlated with cognitive functions (R = 0.295, p = 0.020), similarly as the level of miR-650 (R = 0.385, p = 0.033). The presence of APOE E4 allele in both AD patients and controls led to a reduction in apoE, while APOE E3/E3 genotype was associated with an increased apoE concentration and level of miR-107 in AD (p < 0.05) which was inversely correlated with the number of APOE E4 alleles (R = -0.448, p = 0.009). Additionally, patients with the onset at 60-69 years of age showed a reduced level of miR-107 (p < 0.05, as compared to AD above 80 years of age). Changed levels of plasma apoE, miR-107 and miR-650 may be a marker of the neurodegenerative process in the course of AD, associated with amyloid ß metabolism and inordinate cell cycle.

Neuropeptide B and neuropeptide W as new serum predictors of nutritional status and of clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with the use of pens or insulin pumps.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW), nutritional and antioxidant status and selected fat- and bone-derived factors in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) treated using pens (T1DM pen group) or insulin pumps (T1DM pump group) in order to investigate the potential role of NPB and NPW in the clinical outcomes of T1DM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with T1DM and twenty-five healthy controls (CONTR) participated in the study. Assessments of NPB, NPW, total antioxidant status (TAS), leptin, adiponectin, osteocalcin, and free soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor κB (free sRANKL) were conducted. RESULTS: NPB, NPW, leptin, and TAS were lower (by 33%, p < 0.013; 34%, p < 0.008; 290%, p < 0.00004; 21%, p < 0.05; respectively), while adiponectin was by 51% higher (p < 0.006) in T1DM vs. CONTR, while osteocalcin and free sRANKL levels were similar in both groups. NPW was lower in the T1DM pen group both vs. the T1DM pump group (36% lower, p < 0.0009) and vs. the CONTR group (35% lower, p < 0.002). In the T1DM pen group, but not in the T1DM pump group or the CONTR group, the Cole index and TAS levels explain (besides NPB) the variation in NPW values. ROC curves showed that serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, NPB and NPW (but not osteocalcin or free sRANKL) were predictive indicators for T1DM. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of NPB and NPW, besides leptin and adiponectin, are worth considering in the detailed prognosis of nutritional status in T1DM, primarily in the T1DM pen-treated population.

Chemerin, Resistin, and Adiponectin in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The exact role of cytokines in inflammation and metabolic disorders in case of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) is under discussion. METHODS: In this study, we intended to find the relationship between the selected cytokines in inflammatory and metabolic disorders in patients with CTDs (n=55) and compared the results with those of control group subjects (n=25) matched by age and body mass. We estimated their nutritional status by the bioimpedance method. The levels of basic biochemical parameters and the levels of adiponectin, resistin, and chemerin were also estimated. Multiple regressions and area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve were used to find the associations of aforementioned parameters. RESULTS: Patients with CTDs exhibited higher levels of chemerin than that of control group subjects. We found an inverse relationship between chemerin, RBC count, and hemoglobin levels. The concentration of adiponectin inversely correlated with the levels of platelets and concentrations of glucose and triglycerides as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whereas the concentration of resistin was positively correlated with WBC count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the amount of used oral glucocorticosteroids. The mean ± standard deviation for the AUC-ROC curve in case of chemerin was the highest (AUC-ROC=0.714, p=0.0005) than that of both resistin and adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: Chemerin and resistin levels are related to the inflammatory state in patients with CTDs, whereas adiponectin levels seem to be correlated with a protective effect. Chemerin can be considered as a marker differentiating a proinflammatory state present in CTDs.

Biothiols and oxidative stress markers and polymorphisms of TOMM40 and APOC1 genes in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease, with frequently observed improper biothiols turnover, homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). GSH protects cells from oxidative stress and may be determined by 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo2dG) level and its repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (OGG1). The presence of unfavorable alleles, e.g., in APOE cluster, TOMM40 or APOC1 is known to facilitate the dementia onset under oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to analyze rs1052452, rs2075650 TOMM40 polymorphisms, rs4420638 APOC1, and their correlation with Hcy, GSH, 8-oxo2dG, OGG1 levels in plasma of AD patients and controls. We recruited 230 individuals: 88 AD, 80 controls without (UC), 62 controls with (RC) positive family history of AD. The TOMM40 genotype was determined by HRM and capillary electrophoresis, while APOC1 by HRM. The concentrations of OGG1, 8-oxo2dG were determined by ELISA, whereas Hcy, GSH by HPLC/EC. We showed that over 60% of AD patients had increased Hcy levels (p<0.01 vs. UC, p<0.001 vs. RC), while GSH (p<0.01 vs. UC), 8-oxo2dG (p<0.01 vs. UC, p<0.001 vs. RC) were reduced. Minor variants: rs10524523-L, rs4420638-G, rs2075650-G were significantly overrepresented in AD. For rs4420638-G, rs2075650-G variants, the association remained significant in APOE E4 non-carriers. The misbalance of analyzed biothiols, and 8-oxo2dG, OGG1 were more pronounced in carriers of major variants: rs10524523-S/VL, rs4420638-A, rs2075650-A. We showed, for the first time, that APOC1 and TOMM40 rs2075650 polymorphisms may be independent risk factors of developing AD, whose major variants are accompanied by disruption of biothiols metabolism and inefficient removal of DNA oxidation.

Pleiotropic effect of vitamin D in cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis - CF - is the most common recessively autosomally and inherited disorder in the Caucasian population. It is incurable, multi-systemic disease with progressive course. CF is caused by CFTR gene mutation, the product of which is Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). CF patients are exposed to fat-soluble vitamins deficiency, including vitamin D. It is due to the fat malabsorption (caused by exacerbation exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), decreased sun exposure (caused by receiving antibiotics photophobia), reduction of adipose tissue and insufficient supply with food. The discovery of vitamin D receptor (VDR) presence outside the skeletal system allowed to conclude, that vitamin D is responsible not only for mineral economy, but also for immunological processes, respiratory status, intestial microflora and cystic fibrosis - related diabetes (CFRD) course. Based on literature data, it is suggested that vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of diseases coexisting with CF. The right dosage of vitamin D allows to maintain a better lung function and prevent chronic pulmonary infections. It has also been shown that normal levels of vitamin D may be important in increasing the chances of successful lung transplant surgery. Taking the wide spectrum of vitamin D effect into account, it is recommended to maintain serum concentrations above the minimum in patients with CF. In summary, maintaining the proper vitamin D levels in patients with CF is important because of its pleiotropic effect. It can be achieved through regular monitoring of vitamin D levels and individual supplementary dose for each patients.

Neuropeptide B and Vaspin as New Biomarkers in Anorexia Nervosa.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the levels of neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW), vaspin (VAS), and the total antioxidant status (TAS) in the blood, as well as nutritional status of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered a cohort of 76 female teenagers, including 46 females with extreme AN and 30 healthy peers (CONTR) aged 12-17. RESULTS: AN persons were characterized by higher (in comparison to CONTR) NPB and VAS concentrations and lower values of TAS levels, body weight, and anthropometric values. Positive correlations between NPB and VAS levels were noted in the AN group (R=0.33; p<0.001) as well as between concentrations of NPW and VAS in the same group (R=0.49; p<0.001). Furthermore, positive correlations existed between NPB and NPW concentrations across the whole studied population (AN+CONTR; R=0.75; p<0.000001), AN (R=0.73; p<0.000001) and CONTR (R=0.90; p<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: In detailed diagnostics of AN it is worth considering testing NPB and VAS levels.

The New *G29A and G1222A of HCRTR1, 5-HTTLPR of SLC6A4 Polymorphisms and Hypocretin-1, Serotonin Concentrations in Migraine Patients.

Migraine is one of the most common primary headache disorders that affects 11% of the adult population. The disease is divided into two main clinical subtypes: migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO). Both serotonergic and hypocretinergic systems are involved in the migraine pathomechanism. Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and the hypocretin receptor 1 gene (HCRTR1) may be risk factors for migraine development due to their ability to affect serotonin and hypocretin-1 (HCRT-1) concentrations. The aim of the study was to analyze, for the first time in the Polish population, the 5-HT transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in SLC6A4, G1222A (rs2271933) and the never before studied *G29A (rs41263963) polymorphisms in the HCRTR1 gene, as well as the 5-HT and hypocretin-1 plasma concentrations in migraine patients (MA, MO) and control subjects. The study included 123 patients that were diagnosed with migraine and 123 control subjects. Methods such as PCR, HRMA and sequencing were used for genotyping, while 5-HT was determined by HPLC/EC and hypocretin-1 by ELISA. No significant differences were observed in 5-HTTLPR frequencies. The A allele of HCRTR1 G1222A occurred more often in MO, while the GA genotype of HCRTR1 *G29A was more frequent among MA when compared to control group (p < 0.05). The mean age of migraine onset in individuals with HCRTR1 *G29A was 18 years old for patients with MA and 26 years old for MO patients. The localization and type of HCRTR1 polymorphisms (G1222A-missense variant in exon 7, *G29A-3'UTR variant) may predispose patients to the clinical subtype of migraine: MO or MA, respectively. In control subjects, the short allele of 5-HTTLPR tended to decrease the 5-HT concentration, while the A allele of HCRTR1 G1222A decreased both 5-HT and hypocretin-1 levels. Serotonin concentrations differed in terms of clinical features of migraine. The relation between genotypes of 5-HTTLPR, HCRTR1 G1222A, and 5-HT concentrations may bedisturbed in migraine. It seems that HCRTR1 *G29A is more strongly associated with regulating the 5-HT in patients with MA than MO, and therefore may contribute to the early age of onset for migraine.

Study of salivary and serum vaspin and total antioxidants in anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are primarily at high risk of multiple somatic complications, including oral diseases. In recent years, a number of new molecules that may play a potentially important role in AN progress and prognosis have been identified in saliva, but their exact roles are still poorly understood. Two such group of substances are antioxidants and vaspin. The purpose of this observational, cross-sectional study was to measure both the salivary and serum total antioxidant status (TAS), and vaspin (VASP) concentrations of patients with AN in comparison to an average population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety subjects participated (30 patients with AN, 60 matched healthy control subjects). A clinical examination was made, and blood and salivary samples were taken during the acute stage of AN (BMI < 15 kg/m2) in the first week of hospitalization. Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) suitable for measuring VASP and colorimetric assay for TAS were used. RESULTS: Anorexic patients had significant reductions in salivary flow, TAS, and an elevation in VASP levels in their saliva and serum. Significant correlations between TAS, VASP, salivary flow, and nutritional status were detected. CONCLUSION: Determination of TAS and VASP in combined biological material confirmed that saliva might be a reliable non-invasive source of information for potent nutritional biomarkers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that VASP cannot be excluded, as its increased concentration in saliva is an adaptive mechanism in reduced TAS, one resulting from diminished salivary secretion. It is therefore worth conducting further research aimed at recognizing the role of TAS and VASP in the saliva of underweight patients.

Impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, free and bioavailable fractions of vitamin D, and vitamin D binding protein levels on metabolic syndrome components.

INTRODUCTION: Various forms of vitamin D and factors involved in their metabolism can play a role in the etiopathogenesis of metabolic disorders. This paper aims to define the relationship between concentration of the hydroxylated form of vitamin D (25(OH)D), the fraction of free and bioavailable vitamin D, and of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) levels on the one hand and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components on the other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were conducted on 79 people, including 52 with metabolic syndrome (MetS+) and 27 without it (MetS-). Biochemical measurements (lipid profile, glycemia, 25(OH)D, VDBP, albumin, calcium, parathyroid hormone) were performed, concentration of free and bioavailable vitamin D was mathematically calculated, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. RESULTS: The mean ± SD concentration of 25(OH)D among MetS+ individuals (41.90 ±13.12 nmol/l) was lower (p < 0.0001) than among the MetS- group (66.09 ±18.02 nmol/l). Differences between groups were observed in relation to medians/means of concentrations of free and bioavailable vitamin D (p < 0.0001) but not in the case of VDBP. In the entire study population, 25(OH)D correlated with all metabolic syndrome components, whereas its free and bioavailable fraction correlated with particular components of the syndrome. In the MetS+ group, VDBP concentration negatively correlated with body mass index (p = 0.037) and levels of diastolic pressure (p = 0.022). In the case of the MetS- group, the free fraction of vitamin D negatively correlated with triglyceridemia (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of various forms of vitamin D and VDBP in different population groups seems to have significant clinical value in evaluating the prevalence of metabolic disorders.

Neurobiochemical and psychological factors influencing the eating behaviors and attitudes in anorexia nervosa

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristic features which contribute to inappropriate eating attitudes in people suffering from anorexia nervosa, based on an analysis of recent data. Factors influencing these attitudes have a genetic, neurobiological, biochemical, affective-motivational, cognitive, and behavioral background. Another important issue addressed in the paper is a description of the mechanism leading to continuous dietary restrictions. The altered activity of neurotransmitters modulating patients’ moods after the consumption of food and a disturbed responsiveness to enterohormones enhance affective-motivational and cognitive aspects which, in turn, impede the improvement of eating behaviors. An understanding of the mechanisms behind the factors affecting the maintenance of inappropriate eating attitudes may contribute to greater effectiveness in the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AU)

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Neurobiochemical and psychological factors influencing the eating behaviors and attitudes in anorexia nervosa.

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristic features which contribute to inappropriate eating attitudes in people suffering from anorexia nervosa, based on an analysis of recent data. Factors influencing these attitudes have a genetic, neurobiological, biochemical, affective-motivational, cognitive, and behavioral background. Another important issue addressed in the paper is a description of the mechanism leading to continuous dietary restrictions. The altered activity of neurotransmitters modulating patients' moods after the consumption of food and a disturbed responsiveness to enterohormones enhance affective-motivational and cognitive aspects which, in turn, impede the improvement of eating behaviors. An understanding of the mechanisms behind the factors affecting the maintenance of inappropriate eating attitudes may contribute to greater effectiveness in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.