The influence of plant extracts on viability of ST3 and ST7 subtypes of Blastocystis sp.

Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently detected protozoa during stool specimen examination. In the last decade, the studies about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis sp. have intensified. Additionally, treatment approaches against this parasite are still disputable. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of the substances of natural origin against two subtypes (ST) of Blastocystis sp.-ST3 and ST7. Garlic and turmeric extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory effect in relation to the ST3 viability. While horseradish and turmeric were found to be the most effective extracts to the ST7 viability. The study showed that ginger, garlic, horseradish, and turmeric extracts have potent antimicrobial activity against Blastocystis ST3 and ST7, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 3.8 to 4.8 µg/ml and from 3.3 to 72.0 µg/ml, respectively, and thus may be useful in the prevention and control of Blastocystis infections. Additionally, this research confirmed that Blastocystis ST7 is more resistant to the selected plant extracts treatment than Blastocystis ST3 which in consequence may bring some difficulties in its eradication.

Pulmonary Hypertension and Hypothyroidism-Still an Important Clinical Coincidence in Paediatric Population, an Endocrinologist's Point of View.

There is limited data on hypotheses linking autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) and hypothyroidism with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Moreover, the prevalence of this coincidence, as well as the possible common pathogenic mechanisms, are even less explicit in paediatric population. We present a review of recently published articles regarding relatively large cohorts of children with PH, coming from paediatric PH registries, aiming to clarify the coincidence of PH and AITD, especially hypothyroidism, and discuss its possible mutual impact. Although thyroid disorders have been excluded from the latest PH classification, it is still important to remember the possibility of this coincidence as it may significantly influence patients' clinical outcome. Moreover, children with PH may need multidisciplinary care due to the relatively frequent coexistence with not only hormonal abnormalities but also growth impairment, genetic disorders, and mental delay. Further specific paediatric studies are needed to improve the care in this rare disease, especially in patients with other comorbidities present.

The role of apoptosis and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of Acanthamoeba spp. infection in the kidneys of hosts with different immunological status.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause inflammation, mostly in the brain, lungs and cornea. Recent reports indicate kidney dysfunction in hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. The aim of the study was to analyze the gene expression and protein concentration of NADPH oxidase 2 and 4 (NOX2 and NOX4, respectively) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) in the kidneys of hosts with systemic acanthamoebiasis. We also aimed to determine the protein and gene expressions of Bcl2, Bax, caspases 3 and 9. METHODS:  Mice were divided into four groups based on their immunological status and Acanthamoeba sp. infection: A, immunocompetent Acanthamoeba sp.-infected mice; AS, immunosuppressed Acanthamoeba sp.- infected mice; C, immunocompetent uninfected mice; CS, immunosuppressed uninfected mice. NOX2, NOX4 and Nrf2 were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and ELISA methods, while pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bcl-2, respectively), Cas9, Cas3 were analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot methods.  RESULTS: Increased gene expression and/or protein concentration of NOX2 and NOX4 were found in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba sp. (groups A and AS, respectively). Gene expression and/or protein concentration of Nrf2 were higher in group A than in control animals. Compared to control mice, in the AS group the expression of the Nrf2 gene was upregulated while the concentration of Nrf2 protein was decreased. Additionally in A group, higher gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and lower gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9 were noted. In contrast, the AS group showed lower gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, and higher gene as well as protein expression of Bax, caspases 3 and 9. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to address the mechanisms occurring in the kidneys of hosts infected with Acanthamoeba sp. The contact of Acanthamoeba sp. with the host cell surface and/or the oxidative burst caused by elevated levels of NOXs lead to an antioxidant response enhanced by the Nrf2 pathway. Acanthamoeba sp. have various strategies concerning apoptosis. In immunocompetent hosts, amoebae inhibit the apoptosis of kidney cells, and in immunosuppressed hosts, they lead to increased apoptosis by the intrinsic pathway and thus to a more severe course of the disease.

Protein glycosylation in bacterial and viral infections / Glikozylacja bialek w infekcjach bakteryjnych i wirusowych.

Glycosylated proteins play a key role in the various stages of bacterial and viral invasions. Glycosylation is a common process across all domains of life. Initially, this process was attributed only to eukaryotic organisms, in which the synthesis takes place in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. Over time, it has been shown that many bacteria and viruses express N-glycans and O-glycans on their surface. Prokaryotes are able to synthesize glycans, while virions take over the host's cellular machinery to produce glycans. Pathogens use glycoproteins to regulate adhesion to infected cells (Ebola virus), protect receptor-binding epitopes (HIV) and evade the immune system detection by molecular mimicry (Helicobacter pylori, Haemophilus influenzae). Successful infection also depends on the host surface glycans, mainly in determining the tissue tropism of viruses (Influenza A viruses) and the sliding motility of bacteria (Mycoplasma sp.). Modification of glycan structures, important at various levels of the infectious cycle, creates new therapeutic possibilities that gives a chance to limit the spread of infectious diseases.

Demodex Species and Culturable Microorganism Co-Infestations in Patients with Blepharitis.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of Demodex spp. and bacterial infection in patients with blepharitis and also to investigate the relationship between culturable microorganisms and Demodex spp. in this study. The study included patients diagnosed with blepharitis (n = 128) and volunteers without ocular problems (n = 113). Eyelash sampling was performed by epilating eight lashes, which were then tested for Demodex spp. using a light microscope. The examination consisted of assessing the patient's vision with and without ocular correction and tonus in both eyes and a careful examination of the anterior segment of both eyes. Bacterial identification was performed based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical methods. The prevalence of Demodex spp. was 8.0% in patients from the control group and all patients with blepharitis. Isolated forms of Demodex spp. were detected in all infested patients in the control group and in 58% of patients with blepharitis. A total of 35% of patients with blepharitis had from three to nine forms of Demodex spp., and 7% of patients with blepharitis had more than 10 mites in every field of vision. We found a statistically significant relationship between Demodex spp. infestation and the occurrence of eye dryness and sensations of burning and tearing, redness of the conjunctiva, feeling of a foreign body, loss of eyelashes, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and cylindrical dandruff. There were statistically significant relationships between Demodex sp. infestation and the presence of hyperopia, Meibomian cysts, chronic eyelid inflammation, and the use of eyeglasses. There was also a statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of Demodex spp. and seborrheic dermatitis and diabetes mellitus. Culturable microorganisms of the ocular surface were found in 8.7% of participants who were uninfested and in all patients infested with D. folliculorum. We isolated Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Bacillus spp. from the conjunctival sac only in patients infested with D. folliculorum. This indicates an increased probability of colonization by pathogenic bacteria in patients with demodicosis. Therefore, patients infested with D. folliculorum should undergo a microbiological examination of conjunctival swabs.

Macroelement and Microelement Levels in the Urine in Experimental Acanthamoebiasis.

Free-living amoebas can impact the excretion of macroelements and microelements in urine. The aim of the present study was to examine the concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg), as well as microelements such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and chromium (Cr), in the urine during acanthamoebiasis while considering the host's immunological status. This is the first study to show an increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mn, Cu, Fe, Na, and Cr, along with a decreased excretion of K, in immunocompetent mice 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. In the final phase of infection (24 dpi), there was a further decrease in urinary K excretion and a lower level of P in Acanthamoeba sp. infected immunocompetent hosts. During acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts, increased excretion of Zn, Fe, and Cr was observed at the beginning of the infection, and increased Na excretion only at 16 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection. Additionally, host immunosuppression affected the concentration of Fe, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ca in urine.

The Immunological Changes in the Skin of BALC/c Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are involved in the recognition of numerous pathogens, including Acanthamoeba spp. Thanks to this, it is possible for immune cells to recognize microorganisms and trigger the body's innate immune response. The stimulation of TLRs also leads to the activation of specific immunity. The aim of the study was to determine the TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in the skin of BALC/c mice infected with Acanthamoeba with AM22 strain isolated from a patient. Receptor expression was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the amoeba-infected host with normal (A) and reduced immunity (AS) as well as in the control host with normal immunity (C) and reduced immunity (CS). Statistical analysis of TLR2 gene expression in A and AS groups compared to C and CS groups, respectively, were statistically insignificant. In the A group, we found statistical upregulation of TLR4 gene expression at 8 dpi compared to the C group. While in AS group, TLR4 gene expression was at a similar level, such as in the CS group. Taking into account the host's immune status, the TLR4 gene expression was statistically higher in the skin of host from A group than in host from AS group at the beginning of the infection. Increased TLR4 gene expression in hosts with normal immunity infected with Acanthamoeba suggests the involvement of the studied receptor in the course of acanthamoebiasis. The above research results provide new data on the involvement of the studied receptor in the skin in the host's immune defense triggered during the Acanthamoeba infection.

Red fox as a potential bioindicator of metal contamination in a European environment.

In times of widespread environmental pollution with heavy metals of anthropogenic origin and the increasing dynamics of this process, it is justified to collect as much data as possible on the concentration of metals in terrestial mammals from unpolluted areas. The purpose of this research was to present the concentration of essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), probably essential (nickel, vanadium) and non-esential element (cadmium, lead, silver, strontium, and tin) in the liver, kidneys, muscles and brain of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) inhabiting north-western Poland. We revealed that the concentration of all metals, apart from Ni, was different between studied tissues. Sn and Mo have the highest affinity to the liver, whereas Ag, Sr, Cr had higher concentrations in the brain than in other organs. Various positive relationship between the concentrations of metals were observed in the tissues. Moreover, we noted negative correlations between Ag and Sn in the kidneys and brain, and between Cu and Ag in the liver. In our study the red fox was used as biomonitor for the assessment of exposure of carnivores to metals, in the generally unpolluted areas of Central Europe. Data presented in the report may be used as comparative values in similar ecotoxicological studies.

Iron, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Mercury, and Bone Tissue.

The paper presents the current understanding on the effects of five metals on bone tissue, namely iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury. Iron, zinc, and copper contribute significantly to human and animal metabolism when present in sufficient amounts, but their excess or shortage increases the risk of developing bone disorders. In contrast, cadmium and mercury serve no physiological purpose and their long-term accumulation damages the osteoarticular system. We discuss the methods of action and interactions between the discussed elements as well as the concentrations of each element in distinct bone structures.

Neurotrophic Factors in Experimental Cerebral Acanthamoebiasis.

To date, no studies have addressed the role of neurotrophins (NTs) in Acanthamoeba spp. infections in the brain. Thus, to clarify the role of NTs in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during experimental acanthamoebiasis in relation to the host immune status, the purpose of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba spp. may affect the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) in brain structures. Our results suggest that at the beginning of infection in immunocompetent hosts, BDNF and NT-3 may reflect an endogenous attempt at neuroprotection against Acanthamoeba spp. infection. We also observed a pro-inflammatory effect of NGF during acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts. This may provide important information for understanding the development of cerebral acanthamoebiasis related to the immunological status of the host. However, the pathogenesis of brain acanthamoebiasis is still poorly understood and documented and, therefore, requires further research.

Concentrations of PGE2 and TXB2 in the Eyes of Mice with Disseminated Acanthamoebiasis.

Previous studies have shown that Acanthamoeba spp. may invade the eyes by migrating along the optic nerve to the eyes from the brain. This study aimed to confirm the presence of inflammation in the eyes of mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis by examining prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) concentrations in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice intranasally inoculated with Acanthamoeba spp. The PGE2 concentration was statistically significantly lower in the immunocompromised amoebae-infected mice on 8 dpi compared with the noninfected group of animals, and it was higher in the eyes of immunosuppressed amoebae-infected mice on 16 dpi than in the control group of animals. There was a statistically significant lower TXB2 concentration in the eyes of immunocompetent infected mice compared with the noninfected group on 8 dpi. However, on 24 dpi, we noted statistically significant higher TXB2 levels in the immunocompetent infected mice than in the control group. In immunocompromised mice, there was a lower TXB2 level on 8 dpi than in control mice. This study confirmed the existence of an inflammatory process in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. without damaged corneas.

Selected Metal Concentration in Maternal and Cord Blood.

Essential and non-essential elements deficiencies may lead to various birth complications. The aim of this paper was to determine calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in maternal blood and cord blood. Whole blood and cord blood samples collected from pregnant women (n = 136) were analyzed for the concentration of the elements by spectrophotometric atomic absorption in inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP-OES). The results showed that Ca, Pb, and Sr concentrations were similar in maternal and cord blood, while Fe and K levels were higher in cord blood than in maternal blood. The cord blood Cu, Na, and Zn concentrations were lower than those in maternal blood, suggesting transplacental transfer of these elements were limited. Moreover, checking the influence of studied elements on the anthropometric parameters of the newborns, we found that the highest number of associations was between Cu in cord blood. Due to the fact that the pregnant women were healthy, and the newborns were without any disorders, we suggest that the values obtained in our study are normal values of studied elements in whole blood and cord blood in patients from Poland.

Prevalence, subtypes and risk factors of Blastocystis spp. infection among pre- and perimenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis spp. are considered pathogenic or commensal organisms, although the majority of researchers suggest that these are neglected pathogens. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women, with respect to socio-demographic (age and place of residence), and epidemiological factors, as well as drinking tap water, contact with domestic animals, traveling abroad, health status, and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the objective was to compare hematological and biochemical parameters of Blastocystis spp. infected and uninfected women. METHODS: The study included 425 women aged 45-60. Their stool samples were examined microscopically and analyzed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). RESULTS: Blastocystis spp. were detected in 6.1% of pre- and perimenopausal women. Molecular analysis of the stool samples identified seven Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST4, ST6, ST7, and ST9). Blastocystis subtypes 2 and 3 were the most prevalent. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was not significantly related to socio-demographic and epidemiological factors. There were also no significant associations between Blastocystis spp. and blood parameters, or gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study complements the limited available data on the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. in pre- and perimenopausal women. It is also the first report showing the presence of Blastocystis subtype 9 in Poland.

Potential Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Renal Acanthamoebiasis.

Recent studies indicate that Acanthamoeba spp. may play a significant role in kidney dysfunction. The aim of the study was to examine the levels of kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), as well as an activity of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively) in the kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. The levels of KIM-1, NGAL, and MCP-1 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the activity of MMPs was determined by gelatin zymography. The elevated KIM-1 level was found in the kidneys of immunocompetent mice at the beginning of Acanthamoeba spp. infection. In the immunosuppressed mice, the KIM-1 level was statistically different. The statistically decreased NGAL level was found in the kidneys of immunocompetent mice compared to the uninfected mice. In the immunocompromised mice, we found statistically significant differences in MCP-1 levels between the uninfected and infected groups. There was an increase in the expression of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. compared to the uninfected mice. The results indicate that KIM-1, NGAL, MCP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-9/NGAL might be promising biomarkers of renal acanthamoebiasis.

The Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, and Lead on Bone Tissue.

Bones are metabolically active organs. Their reconstruction is crucial for the proper functioning of the skeletal system during bone growth and remodeling, fracture healing, and maintaining calcium-phosphorus homeostasis. The bone metabolism and tissue properties are influenced by trace elements that may act either indirectly through the regulation of macromineral metabolism, or directly by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation or activity, or through becoming part of the bone mineral matrix. This study analyzes the skeletal impact of macroelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), microelements (fluorine), and heavy metals (lead), and discusses the concentration of each of these elements in the various bone tissues.

Pathomechanisms in the Kidneys in Selected Protozoan Parasitic Infections.

Leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, and acanthamoebiasis are protozoan parasitic infections. They remain important contributors to the development of kidney disease, which is associated with increased patients' morbidity and mortality. Kidney injury mechanisms are not fully understood in protozoan parasitic diseases, bringing major difficulties to specific therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in kidneys infected with Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Acanthamoeba spp. We present available mechanisms of an immune response, oxidative stress, apoptosis process, hypoxia, biomarkers of renal injury in the serum or urine, and the histopathological changes of kidneys infected with the selected parasites. Pathomechanisms of Leishmania spp. and Plasmodium spp. infections have been deeply investigated, while Toxoplasma gondii and Acanthamoeba spp. infections in the kidneys are not well known yet. Deeper knowledge of kidney involvement in leishmaniasis and malaria by presenting their mechanisms provides insight into how to create novel and effective treatments. Additionally, the presented work shows gaps in the pathophysiology of renal toxoplasmosis and acanthamoebiasis, which need further research.

Immunopathogenicity of Acanthamoeba spp. in the Brain and Lungs.

Free-living amoebas, including Acanthamoeba spp., are widely distributed in soil, water, and air. They are capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba pneumonia, Acanthamoeba keratitis, and disseminated acanthamoebiasis. Despite low occurrence worldwide, the mortality rate of Acanthamoeba spp. infections is very high, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. Acanthamoeba infections are a medical problem, owing to limited improvement in diagnostics and treatment, which is associated with incomplete knowledge of pathophysiology, pathogenesis, and the host immune response against Acanthamoeba spp. infection. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Acanthamoeba spp.-host interactions, including the expression of Toll-like receptors, mechanisms of an immune response, the activity of metalloproteinases, the secretion of antioxidant enzymes, and the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases. We show the relationship between Acanthamoeba spp. and the host at the cellular level and host defense reactions that lead to changes in the selected host's organs.

The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the kidneys and heart of mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are cosmopolitan protozoans that cause infections in the brain, as well as extracerebral infections in the cornea, lungs and skin. Little is known about the mechanisms of the immunological response to these parasites in organs which are not their main biotope. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the kidneys and heart of Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice, with respect to the host's immunological status. METHODS: The mice were grouped into four groups: immunocompetent control mice; immunosuppressed control mice; immunocompetent Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice; and immunosuppressed Acanthamoeba spp. infected mice. In the study, we used the amoebae T16 genotype which was isolated from a patient. The TLRs expressions in the kidneys and heart of mice were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, we visualized TLR2 and TLR4 proteins in the organs by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: In the kidneys, we observed a higher TLR2 expression in immunosuppressed mice at 24 days post-Acanthamoeba spp. infection (dpi) compared to the uninfected mice. There were no statistically significant differences in TLR4 expression in the kidneys between the immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice, both of infected and uninfected mice. In the heart, we observed a difference in TLR2 expression in immunocompetent mice at 24 dpi compared to immunocompetent mice at 8 dpi. The immunocompetent Acanthamoeba spp.-infected mice had higher TLR4 expression at 8 dpi compared to the immunocompetent uninfected mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that TLR2 is involved in response to Acanthamoeba spp. infection in the kidneys, whereas in the heart, both studied TLRs are involved.

Antioxidant defense in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are ubiquitous pathogens which cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and disseminated infection. Moreover, Acanthamoeba spp. infection of the cornea leads to Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our previous study showed that the infection of an eyeball may also take place via the migration of trophozoites through the optic nerve from the brain to the eyes. The aim of the study was to analyze the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the concentration of non-enzymatic antioxidant in the eyes of immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice with disseminated acanthamoebiasis. RESULTS: In the immunocompetent mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp. we noted a significant decrease in catalase activity at 8 and 16 days post-infection (dpi). Glutathione reductase activity was significantly lower at 16 dpi compared to the control group and glutathione concentration was statistically higher at 24 dpi than in the control group. In the immunosuppressed mice, a statistically significant increase in glutathione concentration in the eye samples was found at 16 dpi compared to those not infected with Acanthamoeba spp. In the immunosuppressed mice infected with Acanthamoeba spp., glutathione peroxidase activity was statistically lower at 8 dpi, and glutathione concentration was statistically significantly higher at 16 dpi compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The inflammatory response in the eyes of hosts with experimental acanthamoebiasis led to changes in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and the content of non-enzymatic antioxidant. Therefore, the dysregulation of antioxidants may play a role in the pathomechanism of Acanthamoeba eye infection.

Impact of Varied Factors on Iron, Nickel, Molybdenum and Vanadium Concentrations in the Knee Joint.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of iron, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium in the knee joint. We also examined the relationships between the concentrations of these metals in the knee joint and the influence of varied factors on the concentration of Fe, Ni, Mo, and V. The study of these trace elements is important, because these elements are used alone and in combination in diet supplements, and they are components of biomaterials implanted in medicine. The study materials, consisting of the spongy bone, cartilage, meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and infrapatellar fat pad, were obtained from 34 women and 12 men from northwestern Poland. The concentrations of Ni, Fe, Mo, and V were determined using spectrophotometric atomic absorption in inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP-AES). We found significantly higher Mo concentrations in the ACL of women than men. There was a significant difference in the Mo concentration in the spongy bone between patients from cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants and patients from cities with more than 100,000 residents. Iron concentrations in the spongy bone were higher in non-smoking patients and those who did not consume alcohol. Vanadium concentrations were higher in the infrapatellar fat pads in abstainers. In patients who had not undergone arthroscopy surgery, V concentration was lower in cartilage. The concentrations of V in the cartilage and infrapatellar fat pad were higher in osteoporotic patients than in non-osteoporotic patients. There were significant differences in Fe concentrations in the meniscus, with the lowest in osteoporotic patients. We noted lower Mo concentrations in the spongy bone of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, we noted some new interactions among metals in the studied structures of the knee joint. The results reported in this study show the influence of gender, place of residence, smoking, consumption of alcohol, arthroscopy surgery, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis on the Fe, Ni, Mo, and V concentrations in the studied structures of the knee joint.