Treatment regimens and disease activity could alter salivary myeloperoxidase levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) present with alternating periods of exacerbation and remission; therefore, it is necessary to develop noninvasive diagnostic tools to control the disease activity and improve therapeutic effectiveness. Recently, we have found that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who qualified for biologic therapy had significantly lower salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. OBJECTIVES: This cross­sectional study aimed to assess the impact of IBD activity and applied treatment on salivary antioxidant system as reflected by the levels of catalase, total antioxidant status, and MPO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 99 patients diagnosed with Crohn disease (CD) and 61 patients with UC. The Crohn Disease Activity Index and modified Mayo scale were used to estimate the clinical activity of CD and UC, respectively. Unstimulated whole mixed saliva was collected. Salivary levels of selected markers were measured with enzyme­linked immunosorbent assays and colorimetric assays. RESULTS: The patients with clinically active UC showed significantly decreased median (interquartile range) salivary MPO levels (79.4 [30.1-157.5] vs 94.8 [58.2-274.7] ng/ml) with significant correlations with the endoscopic stage on the Mayo scale (R = 0.423; P = 0.02). Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed a potential usefulness of MPO concentrations in predicting clinically active UC (area under the curve = 0.654; P = 0.03; cutoff <210.4 ng/ml). Moreover, in the patients treated with biologics and without steroid therapy, salivary MPO concentrations negatively correlated with neutrophil counts in the individuals with UC and positively with C­reactive protein level in the patients with CD. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary MPO levels changed depending on the disease activity in the patients with UC. Decreased MPO concentration in the saliva could be a predictor of clinically active UC.

Non-HLA Antibodies in Hand Transplant Recipients Are Connected to Multiple Acute Rejection Episodes and Endothelial Activation.

The role of anti-HLA antibodies in transplant rejection is well-known but the injury associated with non-HLA antibodies is now widely discussed. The aim of our study was to investigate a role of non-HLA antibodies in hand allografts rejection. The study was performed on six patients after hand transplantation. The control group consisted of: 12 kidney transplant recipients and 12 healthy volunteers. The following non-HLA antibodies were tested: antibody against angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R-Ab), antibody against endothelin-1 type-A-receptor (ETAR-Ab), antibody against protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1-Ab) and anti-VEGF-A antibody (VEGF-A-Ab). Chosen proinflammatory cytokines (Il-1, IL-6, IFNγ) were used to evaluate the post-transplant humoral response. Laboratory markers of endothelial activation (VEGF, sICAM, vWF) were used to assess potential vasculopathy. The patient with the highest number of acute rejections had both positive non-HLA antibodies: AT1R-Ab and ETAR-Ab. The same patient had the highest VEGF-A-Ab and very high PAR1-Ab. All patients after hand transplantation had high levels of laboratory markers of endothelial activation. The existence of non-HLA antibodies together with multiple acute rejections observed in patient after hand transplantation should stimulate to look for potential role of non-HLA antibodies in humoral injury in vascular composite allotransplantation.

Adaptive changes in muscle activity after cryotherapy treatment: Potential mechanism for improvement the functional state in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The available literature lacks data about the influence of whole body cryotherapy (WBC) on muscle activity in patients with sclerosis multiplex (MS). OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the influence of the 20 WBC series on the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal and the relationship between it and the functional state in patients with MS. METHODS: The study group was 114 of MS patients (aged 45.24±11.88yr.,) which 74 of them received 20 of WBC. An assessment was made of: the hand grip (HGS), Timed 25-Foot Walk, Fatigue Severity Scale, sEMG signal from the dominant limb. RESULTS: After a series of 20 WBC: in the rest electromyograms, an increase of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and a decrease of flexor carpi radialis (FCR) amplitude were demonstrated (non-normalized signal ECR p = 0.0001); significant differences in sEMG rest signals between ECR and FCR have decreased; for voluntary contraction in both assessed antagonistic muscle amplitude was significantly decreased (p = 0.0005; p = 0.0316, p = 0.0185); an increase of HGS (p < 0.001); gait improvement (p = 0.001); decrease fatigue (p = 0.024). No significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Series of 20 WBC improves the functional state and reduces fatigue in patients with MS, which may be due to adaptive changes in bioelectrical muscle activity.

The Role of Iron Metabolism in Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin for which there is currently no available cure. In the course of MS, next to neurological disorders, patients often present with chronic fatigue syndrome and depressive disorders, which impact on their daily function and quality of life. The aim of study was to analyse the relationship between serum parameters of iron metabolism and the severity of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in MS patients. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 90 people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, age range 19-67 years, whose functional status evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale in 90% of the participants did not exceed 3.5 points. Venous blood samples were collected for blood cell count determination and for the purposes of obtaining serum analysed for the concentrations of iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The participants were also evaluated according to the Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis. RESULTS: Ferritin levels were significantly correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms (r = -0.22; p = 0.04) and quality of life assessment (r = 0.22; p = 0.04) in the MS patients. Moreover, the severity of fatigue and depressive symptoms was significantly linked to a deterioration in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin deficiency in MS patients is associated with an exacerbation of depressive disorders and a decline in quality of life. Symptoms of fatigue in MS patients are inversely proportional to mood and quality of life.

Characteristics of salivary inflammation in obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The discovery of the secretory function of adipose tissue has led to a new direction in research on obesity­ related health problems. Adipokines are present not only in blood but also in saliva. Numerous studies have indicated that obesity affects salivary concentrations of adipokines. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected inflammatory markers in saliva and to determine their discriminatory value in obese individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 125 patients (82 women and 43 men), aged from 20 to 65 years. There were 59 patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2) and 66 controls with normal body weight (BMI <25 kg/m2). Mixed saliva samples were collected from all participants to determine the concentrations of the following inflammatory markers: tumor necrosis factor­ α receptors 1 and 2, pentraxin 3, interleukin 15, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L). RESULTS: Compared with controls, individuals with obesity had significantly higher levels of all inflammatory markers except sCD40L levels, which were lower. The salivary marker sCD40L seems to have the best discriminatory value in obesity regardless of sex, with the optimal cutoff point of 3.28 pg/ml and the area under the curve of 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity may be associated with altered levels of selected inflammatory markers in saliva. The discriminatory values determined in this study may facilitate the diagnosis of metabolic diseases.

The association of serum soluble Klotho levels and residual diuresis and overhydration in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Klotho, originally identified as an anti-aging factor, is a transmembrane protein expressed in the kidney. It has been reported that Klotho deficiency could be associated with a loss of residual renal function and cardiovascular complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the study was to evaluate whether serum levels of Klotho correlate with residual diuresis and hydration status in PD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study involved 57 PD patients ≥18 years of age who had been on PD ≥ 3 months. Serum Klotho was measured using high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hydration status was assessed with bioimpedance analysis (BIA). RESULTS: Serum levels of soluble Klotho ranged from 100 pg/mL to 700 pg/mL. The patients were divided into 2 subgroups, with Klotho levels below and above the median (260 pg/mL). The data revealed a tendency for lower residual diuresis (1.3 ±1.0 L vs 1.8 ±0.8 L; p = 0.055) in patients with lower levels of Klotho in serum. Serum Klotho correlated negatively with overhydration according to BIA (r = -0.27; p = 0.044) and positively with residual diuresis (r = 0.26; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Soluble Klotho correlates inversely with hydration status in BIA. Residual urine output, but not dialysis parameters, could be associated with the levels of serum soluble Klotho in PD patients.

No effect of anti-TNF-α treatment on serum IL-17 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and CC-chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A correlation has been reported to exist between serum levels of IL-17 and CCL20 and the disease activity. However, such an effect has not been universally demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to investigate if serum levels of IL-17 and/or CCL20 reflect the disease activity and response to anti-TNF-α therapy in patients with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two RA patients qualified to receive anti-TNF-α treatment were prospectively assessed before and after 12 weeks of therapy. Serum concentrations of IL-17 and CCL20 were measured with high-sensitivity immunoassays. Disease activity was assessed by the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). RESULTS: Twelve weeks of therapy resulted in a satisfactory therapeutic response in the majority (91%) of patients (reflected both by clinical and standard biochemical criteria). However, serum concentrations of IL-17 and CCL20 did not change significantly over the course of therapy Moreover, they did not correlate with the disease activity, patient characteristics, and their response to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of IL-17 and CCL20 do not reflect changes in the clinical and biochemical status that occur in patients undergoing anti-TNF-α treatment for RA. The lack of such an association indicates that IL-17 signalling is not affected by anti-TNF-α therapy and is thus not critically involved in the disease pathogenesis.

Serum adiponectin as a predictor of laboratory response to anti-TNF-α therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: While adiponectin is typically viewed as an anti-inflammatory mediator, such an activity of adiponectin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not so obvious. In the present study we examined whether serum levels of adiponectin reflect the clinical phenotype of RA patients and/or correlate with severity of the disease and the response to anti-TNF-α therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one female RA patients qualified to receive anti-TNF-α treatment were prospectively assessed before and after 12 weeks of therapy. Patients underwent full clinical and biochemical assessment. Disease activity was assessed by the Modified Disease Activity Scores (DAS28). Serum concentrations of adiponectin were measured with an immunoassay. The individuals were divided into two subgroups according to whether their baseline serum adiponectin was below or above the median value. The subgroups did not differ in basic demographic, anthropometric, and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Anti-TNF-α treatment resulted in a significant clinical (DAS28) improvement in patients from both subgroups, but no significant differences between basal and post-treatment serum adiponectin concentrations were observed. However, patients with higher baseline adiponectin experienced a significant and more pronounced improvement in laboratory parameters of inflammation (ESR, CRP, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that adiponectin exerts systemic anti-inflammatory effects independently of the local activity of RA.

Anti-inflammatory Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Galinsoga Parviflora Cav.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a hydroalcoholic extract from Galinsoga parviflora herb (GP) in some aspects of the endothelial cell function necessary for anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing and relate these to the GP phytochemical profile. This study demonstrated that the GP extract caused a dose-dependent reduction of IL-6 secretion on IL-1ß-stimulated endothelial cells. The IL-6 release was decreased to 33% ± 9% while this did not influence the IL-6 secretion without stimulation. Additionally, the GP extract exhibited an anti-hyaluronidase activity (IC50 = 0.47 mg/mL), which was evidently stronger than the positive control kaempferol (IC50 = 0.78 mg/mL) as well as a moderate and concentration-dependent, antioxidant activity. The results of the scratch assay showed that exposure of the endothelial cells to GP induced complete healing of the damage after 12 h of the study. The phytochemical profile of the extract was studied by using spectrophotometric (total amount of polyphenols and flavonoids) and UPLC (phenolic acids) methods. The main compound in the GP extract was a chlorogenic acid (2.00 ± 0.01 mg/g by UPLC). The total content of polyphenols was 98.30 ± 0.14 mg of chlorogenic acid equivalent/g of the dry herb and content of flavonoids amounted to 6.15 ± 0.41 mg quercetin equivalent/g of the dry herb. Moreover, the presence of flavonoids in G. parviflora was provided after their isolation and identification by spectroscopic methods. In conclusion, it demonstrated that application of GP in the treatment of skin lesions gives possibility of wound healing based on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hyaluronidase-inhibiting activities of G. parviflora herb extract.

Salivary fingerprint of simple obesity.

BACKGROUND: The nature of a link between poor oral health and obesity is not fully understood. It is also unclear if saliva contributes to it and whether the properties of saliva change as a result of an increase in body mass or rather as a consequence of obesity-associated comorbidities. This pilot study was undertaken in an attempt to determine if salivary biomarkers can identify obesity per se. METHODS: Whole mixed saliva was analysed for 16 soluble parameters covering 4 categories (inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, adipokines). In the discovery group, 19 obese and 25 non-obese women matched for age, with similar hygiene habits, with no comorbidities and not taking any medication known to affect saliva secretion were analysed. In the validation group, a cohort of no-preselected 81 individuals (34 obese) were analysed. RESULTS: Individuals with obesity had significantly higher salivary concentrations of several cytokines and adipokines, of which TNF-R1, serpin A12 and PAI-1 were identified as parameters discriminating between obese and non-obese subjects with the highest sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity per se leads to distinct changes in the concentration of several parameters in saliva. These findings may have diagnostic implications for distinguishing the effects of obesity and obesity-linked comorbidities on oral health.

Indirect Self-Destructiveness in Women who Experience Domestic Violence.

Lives of people experiencing domestic or/and intimate partner violence abound in many unpleasant events and physical and psychological suffering, which affects their psychosocial functioning. The aim of this study was to explore indirect self-destructiveness as a generalised behavioural tendency and its manifestations in women experiencing domestic violence. The "Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale" (CS-DS) was used to study two groups of women: 52 women aged 30-65 years (mean age: 40.15) using assistance of the Crisis Intervention Centre due to experienced domestic violence (V group) and 150 well-matched women not experiencing domestic violence (NV group). Women suffering domestic violence (V) obtained significantly higher scores than women not experiencing domestic violence (NV) for both the general index and a majority of CS-DS subscales; it was only for the A1 (Transgression and Risk) subscale that they achieved somewhat lower scores. Correlation coefficients between particular CS-DS subscales in the V group were higher than in the NV group; there were also certain differences in coefficients between the groups. Subscale factor analysis results were different too: only one factor was isolated in the V group while two were distinguished in the NV group. It can be inferred from the results that the intensity of indirect self-destructiveness as a generalised behavioural tendency as well as of most its categories was higher in women experiencing domestic violence. Tendencies and categories of indirectly self-destructive behaviours in women suffering domestic violence were more closely connected with one another, and the internal coherence of indirect self-destructiveness in those women might also be higher.

Resilience in Women who Experience Domestic Violence.

Violence in the family constitutes a serious social and psychological problem with harmful consequences leading, among others, to changes in the psychological functioning of the victim and, secondarily, also the perpetrator. The aim of this study was to examine resilience in women experiencing domestic violence. The "Ego Resiliency Scale" (ERS) was used to study the group of women suffering domestic violence. The study group included 52 women aged 30-65 years (mean age: 40.15) using assistance of the Crisis Intervention Centre due to experienced domestic violence. They most often reported suffering psychological and physical violence, with the husband or intimate partner being the most common perpetrator. Study women experiencing domestic violence obtained significantly lower scores on the ERS. The lowest scores on the ERS were achieved by women suffering paternal violence, while the highest - by women experiencing violence on the part of the intimate partner. Resilience of study women suffering domestic violence was lower than resilience of the general population, i.e. individuals not experiencing domestic violence. Suffered violence inflicted by the father exerted the greatest adverse impact on resilience. It seems advisable to consider resilience in the process of providing women experiencing domestic violence with psychosocial help.

Trefoil factor-3 is not a useful marker of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease treated with anti-TNF-α antibodies.

AIM: To evaluate whether repeated serum measurements of trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3) can reliably reflect mucosal healing (MH) in Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) antibodies. METHODS: Serum TFF-3 was measured before and after anti-TNF-α induction therapy in 30 CD patients. The results were related to clinical, biochemical and endoscopic parameters. MH was defined as a ≥ 50% decrease in Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD). RESULTS: SES-CD correlated significantly with CD clinical activity and several standard biochemical parameters (albumin, leukocyte and platelet counts, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen). In contrast, SES-CD did not correlate with TFF-3 (P = 0.54). Moreover, TFF-3 levels did not change significantly after therapy irrespectively of whether the patients achieved MH or not. Likewise, TFF-3 did not correlate with changes in fecal calprotectin, which has been proposed as another biochemical marker of mucosal damage in CD. CONCLUSION: Serum TFF-3 is not a convenient and reliable surrogate marker of MH during therapy with TNF-α antagonists in CD.

An increase in serum tumour necrosis factor-α during anti-tumour necrosis factor-α therapy for Crohn's disease - A paradox or a predictive index?

BACKGROUND: Soluble tumour necrosis factor-α (sTNF-α) has been reported to increase in the course of anti-TNF-α therapy for rheumatoid and skin diseases. AIMS: To assess changes in sTNF-α and clinical efficacy of anti-TNF-α agents in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: Sixty-four patients on infliximab or adalimumab were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed by using CD Activity Index after the induction therapy and at week 52. sTNF-α was measured before and after the induction therapy with high-sensitivity immunoassay. RESULTS: In the majority of patients, sTNF-α increased significantly. Those with the greatest increase were more likely to experience long-term response, were more often treated with infliximab, had less frequently isolated small bowel CD, and tended to have sTNF-α levels at baseline that correlated with C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS: Neutralization of sTNF-α does not seem to be critical for the efficacy of anti-TNF-α therapy in CD. Paradoxically - an increase in sTNF-α may reflect an ongoing process that is beneficial for the clinical outcome.

Association of endothelial proliferation with the magnitude of weight loss during calorie restriction.

OBJECTIVES: Substantial weight loss through intense dietary regimens is thought to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction in obesity. It is less clear whether similar improvements can be achieved with modest dietary interventions. This study aimed to identify the parameters of endothelial cell status in obesity that are affected by mild calorie restriction. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926 line) in culture were exposed pairwise to serum from 57 individuals with simple obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) collected before and after 8-week dietary intervention with energy deficit of 300-500 kcal/day. RESULTS: Analysis of endothelial transcriptome suggested that the intervention could impact on endothelial cell growth. Cell proliferation was measured with the MTT test and verified by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation. The participants were categorized according to a change in proliferation over time. Significant decrease in endothelial cell proliferation correlated with the extent of weight loss in men, but not in women. This effect corresponded with changes in serum levels of leptin and adiponectin, but was not related to serum concentrations of several known angiogenic mediators (VEGF, MCP-1, TSP-1, MMP-9, angiopoietin-2). CONCLUSION: Direction and magnitude of changes in serum-induced endothelial cell proliferation identifies patients with the greatest weight loss in response to modest calorie restriction.

Gender Differentiation of Relationships Between Manifestations of Indirect Self-Destructiveness and Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence.

The aim of this study has been to explore the gender differentiation of relationships between individual manifestations of indirect self-destructiveness and particular dimensions of emotional intelligence. A population of 260 individuals (130 women and 130 men) aged 20-30 (mean age of 24.5) was studied by using the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CS-DS) and INTE, i.e. the Polish version of the Assessing Emotions Scale (AES). Manifestations of indirect self-destructiveness showed significant correlations with INTE variables, and those correlations were mainly negative. Relationships between specific dimensions of emotional intelligence and specific manifestations of self-destructiveness differed between women and men. One of the most important differences was the relationship between transgression and ability to recognize emotions. The knowledge of the differentiation of the above relationships may allow to orient prophylactic and therapeutic actions, and adjust them to the specific gender.

Manifestations of Indirect Self-Destructiveness and Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence.

While indirect self-destructiveness exerts a rather negative influence on the life and psychological and social functioning of the individual, emotional intelligence may have a favourable effect. The aim of this study has been to explore possible relationships between manifestations of indirect self-destructiveness and dimensions of emotional intelligence. A population of 260 individuals (130 females and 130 males) aged 20-30 (mean age of 24.5) was studied by using the Polish version of the Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale and INTE, i.e., the Polish version of the Assessing Emotions Scale. Manifestations of indirect self-destructiveness show many significant correlations with variables of the INTE, and those correlations are negative. Generally, it can be said that low emotional intelligence is associated with poor psychosocial and social functioning, which, in turn, is associated with indirect self-destructiveness and its manifestations. It seems advisable to use emotional intelligence in the prophylactic and therapeutic work with individuals suffering from various types of disorders, especially the syndrome of indirect self-destructiveness.

Emotional Intelligence of Women Who Experience Domestic Violence.

Violence in family constitutes serious social and psychological problem with harmful consequences leading, among others, to changes in emotional functioning of victim and, secondarily, also perpetrator. The aim of this study was to examine emotional intelligence of women experiencing domestic violence. INTE, i.e. Polish version of "Assessing Emotional Scale" by Schutte, was used to study two groups of women. Study (criterion) group included 40 women aged 23-47 years (mean age 35.28) using assistance of Crisis Intervention Centre due to experienced domestic violence. Reference (control) group was well-matched in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and consisted of 140 women not experiencing domestic violence. Study women experiencing domestic violence have significantly lower scores on all INTE indicators (general score, Factor I and Factor II). Women not experiencing domestic violence achieved significantly higher scores on Factor I than on Factor II. In this group all INTE components (general score, Factor I, Factor II) are positively correlated, whereas in group of women experiencing domestic violence there is no significant correlation between Factor I and Factor II and coefficients are lower. Emotional intelligence of study women experiencing domestic violence is lower than emotional intelligence of women not experiencing domestic violence. Their abilities and skills making up emotional intelligence are also less developed. The internal structure of emotional intelligence of study women experiencing domestic violence differs from emotional intelligence of women not experiencing domestic violence. It seems advisable to consider emotional intelligence in the process of providing women experiencing domestic violence with psychosocial help.

Changes in lipid profile in response to three different protocols of whole-body cryostimulation treatments.

Systemic cryostimulation is useful treatment, both in sport and medicine, during which human body is exposed to very low, cryogenic temperature (below -100 degrees C). Although there exists some evidence of its beneficial effect in biological regeneration, so far it has not been unequivocally determined if the positive effect of repeated stimulations depends on their number in a series. The aim of this research was to estimate the influence of 5, 10 and 20 sessions of 3 min-long exposures to cryogenic temperature (-130 degrees C) on the lipid profile in physically active men. Sixty-nine healthy volunteers participated in the study. The blood samples were taken in the morning, after overnight fasting, before the first cryostimulation session, and the following morning after the last one (5th,10th, 20th). In serum specimens the concentration of total cholesterol (TCh), HDL cholesterol and triglicerydes were determined using enzymatic methods. LDL cholesterol level was calculated using Friedewald formula. The changes in lipid profile (LDL decrease with simultaneously HDL increase) occurred after at least 10 sessions of cryostimulation.

[The meaning of health evaluation and its assessment in forming healthy behaviors of children and young people]. / Znaczenie wartosciowania zdrowia i jego oceny w ksztaltowaniu sie zachowan zdrowotnych dzieci i mlodziezy.

Healthy behaviour of children and adolescents and their determinants are subject of many research studies in modern psychology and health pedagogy. The most frequently mentioned predictors are: a sense of self-efficacy, coping with stress, optimism and health locus of control. The aim of the conducted study was to try and answer whether such variables as value of health and subjective valuation of own health can be predictors of children and adolescents' health behaviours. The article shows the results of the research on 903 students of primary schools, high schools and secondary schools. The following methods were used: the Juczynski Health Behaviours Inventory, the Juczynski Personal Value Scale (LWO) and VAS scale. The results indicated significant influence of the value of health and its valuation on taking up health behaviours of the researched group. The examined children and adolescents who highly value health take up more wellness behaviours. Those who consider their health to be in a very good condition avoid behaviours and places threatening health, are more active physically and take up health practices more often.