Health Outcomes of Judo Training as an Organized Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review.

Judo, an organized physical activity for children and adolescents, has gained popularity worldwide. Physical activity is vital during times of rising obesity and a sedentary lifestyle in this age group. The article aims to review the current knowledge of the health benefits of judo-specific exercises for children and youth. Six international scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, UpToDate, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) were searched from 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2022. The search focused on health-related factors regarding healthy preschool and school-aged judo practitioners. Sixteen original studies met the inclusion criteria. School-aged children aged 7-15 years were included in the analysis. The average training time was between two and six hours a week, with the judo intervention mainly ranging from nine months to three years. Most studies registered positive changes caused by judo training. The outcomes focused on maintaining or reducing body fat, increasing bone mineralization, and improving the function of the cardiorespiratory system compared to the non-practicing control group. However, there were no differences between judo and other sports groups. The main conclusions presented health benefits from judo-specific training in school-aged children and may support the World Health Organization recommendations concerning daily physical activity.

A non-canonical function of Arabidopsis ERECTA proteins and a role of the SWI3B subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in gibberellin signaling.

The Arabidopsis ERECTA family (ERf) of leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) comprising ERECTA (ER), ERECTA-LIKE 1 (ERL1), and ERECTA-LIKE 2 (ERL2) controls epidermal patterning, inflorescence architecture, and stomata development and patterning. These proteins are reported to be plasma membrane associated. Here we show that the er/erl1/erl2 mutant exhibits impaired gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis and perception alongside broad transcriptional changes. The ERf kinase domains were found to localize to the nucleus where they interact with the SWI3B subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex (CRCs). The er/erl1/erl2 mutant exhibits reduced SWI3B protein level and affected nucleosomal chromatin structure. Similar to swi3c and brm plants with inactivated subunits of SWI/SNF CRCs, it also does not accumulate DELLA RGA and GAI proteins. The ER kinase phosphorylates SWI3B in vitro, and the inactivation of all ERf proteins leads to the decreased phosphorylation of SWI3B protein in vivo. The identified correlation between DELLA overaccumulation and SWI3B proteasomal degradation, and the physical interaction of SWI3B with DELLA proteins indicate an important role of SWI3B-containing SWI/SNF CRCs in gibberellin signaling. Co-localization of ER and SWI3B on GID1 (GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE DWARF 1) DELLA target gene promoter regions and abolished SWI3B binding to GID1 promoters in er/erl1/erl2 plants supports the conclusion that ERf-SWI/SNF CRC interaction is important for transcriptional control of GA receptors. Thus, the involvement of ERf proteins in the transcriptional control of gene expression, and observed similar features for human HER2 (epidermal growth family receptor member), indicate an exciting target for further studies of evolutionarily conserved non-canonical functions of eukaryotic membrane receptors.

The Role of Thyroid Hormones on Skeletal Muscle Thermogenesis.

Nowadays obesity becomes a significant global problem. Hence, recently more and more attention has been paid to substances present in the body that have a significant impact on metabolic processes and thermogenesis, in the context of their potential use in the prevention and treatment of obesity. It is well known that the relationship between thyroid hormones and obesity is multilayered, however recently, more and more information about the possible relation between thyroid hormones and muscle metabolism has been published. The aim of this review is to present the most updated information on the physiological impact of thyroid hormones on muscle tissue, as well as pathological changes related to the occurrence of various types of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and sick euthyroid syndrome. However, the data in humans still remains insufficient, and further studies are needed to fully explore the thyroid-muscle cross-talk.

Principles of Judo Training as an Organised Form of Physical Activity for Children.

When organising judo training for children, it is essential to ensure maximum safety, and use an appropriate training methodology adapted to the age of the youngest judo athletes. This paper aims to review the current literature containing judo training principles and safety-related considerations for preschool (4-6 years) and school-age (7-12 years) children as an organised physical activity. Data were collected until October 2021 from eight international scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, UpToDate, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar). In the overviews, we found various times and frequencies of judo training for children. In preschool, the training time was 30-60 min with a frequency of 2-3 times per week, whereas in the school-age group, the training time was extended from 45 to 90 min 3-4 times per week. The most common injuries included upper arm injuries, followed by those of the lower limbs. In the future, it would be an advantage to systematise the methodology of judo training as an organised form of physical activity that can complement the daily dose of exercises recommended by the World Health Organization for maintaining children's general health.

Evaluation of selected health behaviours in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases - a preliminary report.

In treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), regular physical activity (PA) and healthy behaviours play an increasingly important role. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyse PA with motivation to undertake it, health behaviours, and level of self-esteem in individuals with IBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 50 (mean age 39.1±11.5 years) adults with IBD hospitalised in Poznan. The control group consisted of 50 (mean age 40.7±9.1 years) healthy volunteers. The survey included sociodemographic data, Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives (IPAO), Inventory of Health Behaviours (IHB), and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Differences between groups were calculated using the Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Most respondents of both groups did not undertake any PA. The values of IPAO categories in a group with IBD were significantly higher compared to the control group. Also, people with IBD had a statistically more significant value of general intensity index of health behaviour and statistically higher self-esteem than a group of healthy people. CONCLUSIONS: We found that people with IBD show a greater awareness of the impact of their health behaviour on their health when compared to control. However, the authors recorded the unsatisfactory level of motivation to undertake daily PA and practical pro-health activities. In treating these chronically ill patients, physicians should pay more attention to adequate education and motivation for regular exercise and appropriate health behaviours in everyday life.

PD-L1 Overexpression, SWI/SNF Complex Deregulation, and Profound Transcriptomic Changes Characterize Cancer-Dependent Exhaustion of Persistently Activated CD4+ T Cells.

Growing tumors avoid recognition and destruction by the immune system. During continuous stimulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by tumors, TILs become functionally exhausted; thus, they become unable to kill tumor cells and to produce certain cytokines and lose their ability to proliferate. This collectively results in the immune escape of cancer cells. Here, we show that breast cancer cells expressing PD-L1 can accelerate exhaustion of persistently activated human effector CD4+ T cells, manifesting in high PD-1 and PD-L1 expression level son T cell surfaces, decreased glucose metabolism genes, strong downregulation of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex subunits, and p21 cell cycle inhibitor upregulation. This results in inhibition of T cell proliferation and reduction of T cell numbers. The RNAseq analysis on exhausted CD4+ T cells indicated strong overexpression of IDO1 and genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Some interleukins were also detected in media from CD4+ T cells co-cultured with cancer cells. The PD-L1 overexpression was also observed in CD4+ T cells after co-cultivation with other cell lines overexpressing PD-L1, which suggested the existence of a general mechanism of CD4+ T cell exhaustion induced by cancer cells. The ChIP analysis on the PD-L1 promoter region indicated that the BRM recruitment in control CD4+ T cells was replaced by BRG1 and EZH2 in CD4+ T cells strongly exhausted by cancer cells. These findings suggest that epi-drugs such as EZH2 inhibitors may be used as immunomodulators in cancer treatment.

Influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid gland function: The current knowledge.

The paper summarizes the current knowledge about the influence of SARS-CoV-2 on the thyroid gland and benign thyroid diseases, with emphasis on the situation in Poland. Based on the latest scientific literature published up to May 1, 2021 and the PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Web of Science database searches, keywords related to SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on the thyroid gland and benign thyroid diseases were searched. COVID-19-related thyroid disorders include non-thyroid syndrome, hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. The authors paid special attention to the treatment of thyroid disease during the pandemic. The emphasis was on radioiodine therapy, which is of high clinical value due to the lower risk of neutropenia or agranulocytosis. It is currently unknown whether COVID-19 may lead to de novo thyroid dysfunction or if it can aggravate an existing thyroid disease. Patients with uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis are in a risk group for complications (e.g., cytokine storm) from any infection (especially from SARS-CoV-2 infection). Moreover, this group of patients should receive more extensive care, bearing in mind the neutropenia from taking antithyroid drugs, which may mask the symptoms of COVID-19.

Is low radioiodine uptake a contraindication to radioiodine therapy in patients with benign thyroid disease?

BACKGROUND: Radioiodine therapy (131I) is a standard procedure in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in the course of Graves' disease or toxic nodules. However, the use of 131I in patients with low radioiodine uptake (RAIU) may be controversial. OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of lithium carbonate (Li) on iodine kinetics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with hyperthyroidism and low RAIU (< 30%) were divided into 2 groups: a Li(-) group of 305 patients not receiving Li adjuvant therapy and a Li(+) group of 264 patients receiving adjuvant therapy. The serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed at baseline, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h, and 1, 6 and 12 months after 131I therapy. The RAIU was assessed after 5 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. RESULTS: Levels of fT3 in the Li(+) group compared to the Li(-) group were significantly higher at baseline, lower after 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 1 month, and did not differ significantly after 24 h, 6 months and 12 months. Levels of fT4 in the Li(+) group compared to the Li(-) group were significantly higher at baseline, lower after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h and 1 month, and not differ significantly after 6 and 12 months. The RAIU in the hyperthyroidism Li(-) and Li(+) groups, respectively, was 11.9 ±5.6% compared to 23.9 ±10.1% (p < 0.001) after 5 h; 25.9 ±8.3% compared to 40.5 ±12.4% (p < 0.05) after 24 h; 7.8 ±8.1% compared to 40.9 ±13.7% (p < 0.05) after 48 h; 26.2 ±10.2% compared to 39.5 ±11.2% (p < 0.01) after 72 h; and 24.7 ±7.1% compared to 37.4 ±10.1% (p < 0.01) after 96 h. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant therapy with Li in patients with hyperthyroidism caused a significant increase in RAIU and positive changes in the fT3 and fT4 profiles. The use of lithium carbonate prior to the inclusion of 131I in hyperthyroid patients with low RAIU should be considered.

RRM2 gene expression depends on BAF180 subunit of SWISNF chromatin remodeling complex and correlates with abundance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in ccRCC.

About 40% of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cases carry the pbrm1 mutation inactivating BAF180 subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex (CRC). Here we show that the majority of transcriptomic changes appear at the stage I of ccRCC development. By contrast, the stage II ccRCC exhibits hyperactivation of DNA replication demonstrated by the overexpression of several genes, e.g., RRM1 and RRM2 genes encoding subunits of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) complex. We found that the degree of RRM1 and RRM2 upregulation in ccRCC patients depends on pbrm1 mutation. We show that the BAF180 protein product of the PBRM1 gene directly binds to RRM1 and RRM2 loci. The BAF180 binding regions are targeted by regulatory proteins previously reported as SWI/SNF CRC interacting partners. BAF180 binding to RRMs loci correlates with enrichment of H3K27me3 in case of RRM1 and H3K14Ac on RRM2, indicating the existence of differential regulatory mechanism controlling expression of these genes. We found that the strong overexpression of RRM2 in ccRCC patient samples correlates with T cell infiltration. Surprisingly, the majority of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) consisted of CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, we show that exhausted CD4+ T cells induced the expression of the RRM2 gene in the primary ccRCC cell line. Collectively, our results provide the link between PBRM1 loss, RRM2 expression and T cell infiltration, which may lead to the establishment of new treatment of this disease.

The expression of bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a frequent disease with high social impact and multifactorial pathogenesis. Recently, the bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 has been described to play a role in upper airway innate mucosal defense. The aim was to determine the localization and expression of the TAS2R38 in the selected cell lines and tissue collected from patient suffered from CRS as well as to correlate the results with clinical data. Moreover, the purpose was the estimation of the TAS2R38 distribution changes during acute and CRS. Forty-two patients undergoing nasal surgery were enrolled in the study. The TAS2R38 expression was assessed in the collected tissues using immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry methods. The western blot analysis was performed on human cell lines HeLa, MCF7, MDA-MB-231 to assess the location of the TAS2R38 protein. Moreover, the HeLa cell line was used as a model of acute inflammation induces by lipopolysaccharide. Immunohistochemistry analysis displayed a statistically significant difference of TAS2R38 level in the patients with CRS compared to healthy control and was different in CRS with and without nasal polyps. The results showed the abundance of TAS2R38 receptor in the cell nucleus in patients with CRS and cell lines. The variance in TAS2R38 receptor expression in two CRS types suggests their different pathogenesis. The first time in literature, we confirmed the presence of plasma membrane TAS2R38 receptor in the cell nuclei in CRS as well as in cell lines, what strongly suggests the different than membrane TAS2R38 function.

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and glucose metabolism are deregulated in advanced bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer (BC) is a frequently diagnosed malignancy affecting predominantly adult and elderly populations. It is expected that due to the longer life time, BC will become even more frequent in the future; thus in consequence, it will represent serious health problem of older society part. The treatment of advanced BC is mostly ineffective due to its very aggressive behavior. So far, no effective targeted therapy is used for BC treatment. Here, we found that BC is characterized by lower protein levels of BRM, INI1, and BAF155 main subunits of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex (CRC) which is involved in global control of gene expression and influences various important cellular processes like: cell cycle control, apoptosis, DNA repair, etc. Moreover, the expression of SMARCA2, a BRM encoding gene, strongly correlated with BC metastasis and expression of such metabolic genes as PKM2 and PRKAA1. Furthermore, the analysis of T24 and 5637 commonly used BC cell lines revealed different expression levels of metabolic genes including FBP1 gene encoding Frutose-1,6-Bisphosphatase, an enzyme controlling glycolysis flux and gluconeogenesis. The tested BC cell lines exhibited various molecular and metabolic alterations as well as differential glucose uptake, growth rate, and migration potential. We have shown that BRM subunit is involved in the transcriptional control of genes encoding metabolic enzymes. Moreover, we found that the FBP1 expression level and the SWI/SNF CRCs may serve as markers of molecular subtypes of BC. Collectively, this study may provide a new knowledge about the molecular and metabolic BC subtypes which likely will be of high importance for the clinic in the future.

Radioiodine therapy and Graves' disease - Myths and reality.

INTRODUCTION: Autoimmune reactions in Graves' disease (GD) occur not only in the thyroid gland, but also in the orbital connective tissue, eyelids, extraocular muscles. The occurrence of orbitopathy in the course of GD is influenced by environmental factors, e.g. cigarette smoking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cigarette smoking on the efficacy of activity of radioiodine(131I) therapy in patients with GD. We also studied the influence of cigarette smoking and the efficacy of prednisone prophylaxis on the risk of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) development after radioiodine therapy (RIT) during two years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of hyperthyroid patients treated with radioiodine had been included. Patients were scheduled to visit outpatient clinics at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after RIT. RESULTS: The studied group consisted of 336 patients (274 women, 62 men) diagnosed with GD and treated with RIT; 130 patients received second therapeutic dose of 131I due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. Among all studied patients, 220 (65.5%) were smokers and 116 (34.5%) non-smokers. In the group of smokers 115 (52.2%) of patients received single RIT, 105 (47.8%) received second dose of RAI due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. In non-smokers 91 (78.6%) received single activity of RAI, while 25 (21.4%) patients required second RIT due to recurrent hyperthyroidism. The ophthalmic symptoms in the group of smokers after RIT were less frequent, if the patient received preventative treatment in the form of oral prednisone (P = 0.0088). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that cigarette smoking reduces the efficacy of treatment with 131I in patients with GD. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of steroid prophylaxis against TAO development or exacerbation after RIT.

Assessment of the effect of inflammatory changes and allergic reaction on TAS2R38 receptor expression in patients with chronic sinusitis (CRS).

<b>Background:</b> Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common health complaints affecting 15% of the world's population. Recent reports confirm the participation of sensory organs in the defense process against pathogenic microorganisms. The bitter taste receptor TAS2R38 is described to play a role in the upper airway defense system. <br><b>Purpose:</b> The purpose of this study was to assess the function of the bitter taste receptor in correlation with the severity of CRS, sensory organ disorders and allergic reaction. <br><b>Material and method: </b>The study contained 100 patients undergoing nasal surgery, divided into two groups: CRS with and without nasal polyps. The control group consisted of patients undergoing septoplasty after excluding rhinosinusitis. Sinus mucosa samples obtained during surgery were used to assess TAS2R38 expression using immunohistochemistry. The IgE level was indicated from blood samples collected from patients. The Sniffin' Sticks Test was performed. <br><b>Results:</b> CRS patients had higher expression of TAS2R38 receptor compared to controls (p = 0.0175). A statistically significantly higher TAS2R38 H-score in nasal mucosa was found among patients with a higher inflammation process in CT scan (p = 0.001), higher IgE level (p = 0,04) and an abnormal result of the Sniffin' Sticks Test. <br><b>Conclusions: </b>Patients with CRS had significant TAS2R38 receptor overexpression correlating with the severity of inflammatory changes in CT scans, abnormal perception of smells and higher IgE level. A cumulative impact was found between the inflammatory changes, smell disfunction and the severity of subjective symptoms of CRS (according to EPOS) and the intensity of cell staining (index H-score).

Vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoantibody fluctuations in patients with Graves' disease - A mere coincidence or a real relationship?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D (vitD) and changes in the titers of anti-TSH receptor (TSHR-Abs), antithyroglobulin (Tg-Abs), and antiperoxidase (TPO-Abs) autoantibodies. MATERIALS/METHODS: The study involved 269 patients with Graves' disease (GD), divided into four subgroups (1-4), i.e. 65 smokers treated with vitD(+) (1), 76 smokers not treated with vitD(-) (2), 61 non-smokers treated with vitD(+) (3) and 67 non-smokers with vitD(-) (4). All thyroid parameters were analyzed at entry and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months later. RESULTS: The titer of TSHR-Abs in group 3 was significantly lower than in groups 1 and 2 across all time points. At 3, 6 and 12 months, the titers of TSHR-Abs were also lower in group 4 compared to groups 1 and 2. At 9 months, the titers in group 3 were lower than in all other groups. There was a significant inverse correlation between baseline levels of vitD and baseline titers of Tg-Abs (in group 1 only), Tg-Abs after 12 months (in group 1 only), TPO-Abs after 12 months (in groups 1 and 3), fT4 (in group 4 only), and a significant positive correlation with TPO-Abs (in group 2 only). VitD levels at 12 months were inversely correlated with Tg-Abs in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: VitD measurements in patients with GD, especially smokers with an increased TSHR-Ab titers before 131I therapy, are recommended. Immunological remission is more likely in patients with GD who receive vitD, particularly smokers.

The Effects of Nerve and Tendon Gliding Exercises Combined with Low-level Laser or Ultrasound Therapy in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common medical condition that doctors and physiotherapists come across in clinical practice. There are no explicit recommendations concerning which physical therapy methods should be applied in its treatment; however, there have also been no studies on the effects of combining low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or ultrasound with nerve and tendon gliding exercises. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ultrasound and LLLT combined with gliding exercises. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seventy patients with mild to moderate CTS, divided into two groups, were included in this study. Group 1 received ultrasound treatment, whereas Group 2 underwent LLLT. The treatment lasted 2 weeks (5 sessions/week). In addition, both groups were treated with nerve and tendon gliding exercises three times daily. The clinical evaluation involved an interview on subjective and objective sensory abnormalities, the intensity of pain, the measurement of grip strength, Phalen's test, Tinel's sign, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. The assessment was performed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: A decrease in sensory impairments, improvement in visual analog scale, hand grip strength and the Boston Questionnaire results were significant in all patients after therapy. No meaningful differences between groups were noted in any of the examined variables after treatment. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may suggest the clinical efficacy of LLLT or ultrasound combined with gliding exercises in patients with mild to moderate CTS.

Application of Pilates-based exercises in the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain: state of the art.

According to the current recommendations on the management of chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP), the intervention in this group of patients should include a programme of exercises. Pilates is a system of exercises widely used in patients with low back pain. The practices based on this method have promoted the restoration of the function of muscles involved in lumbopelvic stabilisation, that is, transversus abdominis, multifidus, diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles. During each exercise, specific principles of this method should be followed to restore or sustain the motor control of the lumbar spine and proper body posture. The aim of this study is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the application of Pilates method in the management of CNLBP as well as to define factors (eg, duration, frequency, exercises performed on a mat or specific equipment) influencing the effectiveness of Pilates in these individuals.

Red cell distribution width - a new marker for exacerbation of heart failure in patients with hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases constitute a major cause of health problems and death in developed countries across the world. The increased value of the index of distribution of red blood cells volume (RDW) may be a prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure (CHF). Hypothyroid patients present higher RDW values if compared to healthy controls. Taking into consideration that RDW might be both affected by thyroid status and CHF, we decided to determine the effect of concomitant hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy (RIT) and CHF on hematological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with toxic nodular goiter and heart failure with concomitant anemia were included. Patients underwent treatment with radioiodine before the planned heart transplant or pacemaker implantation (combined ICD/CRT-D). After RIT patients were divided into the three subgroups: with overt hypothyroidism (TSH ≥ 10µIU/mL, Group I), subclinically hypothyroid patients (TSH 4.3-9.0 µIU/mL, Group II) and with high-normal level of TSH (2.6-4.2 µIU/mL, Group III). RESULTS: Significant correlation between TSH and RDW was observed (r=0.46; P < 0.0001) after RIT, whereas no correlation between serum TSH levels and TIBC and Fe was observed. In Group I significant correlation between TSH and RDW (r= 0.48; P = 0.002) after RIT was observed, whereas in two other subgroups there were no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical hypothyroidism or high-normal levels of TSH did not affect RDW in a significant manner in the studied population. Our results demonstrates that overt hypothyroidism may contribute to deterioration of CHF reflected in changes of RDW value. < p > < /p >.

Evaluation of the role of downregulation of SNF5/INI1 core subunit of SWI/SNF complex in clear cell renal cell carcinoma development.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1), and mutations in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene. Additionally, in about 40% of ccRCC cases the mutation in PBRM1 (POLYBROMO1) gene coding for a non-core subunit of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex was found suggesting potential impairment of this complex function in ccRCC. In this study we assessed the extent to which the core SWI/SNF complex subunit - INI1 (hSNF5/SMARCB1) is affected in ccRCC and whether it has any consequences on the development of this type of cancer. The evaluation of INI1 protein level in samples from 50 patients with diagnosed ccRCC, including three displaying rhabdoid features, showed the INI1 positive staining in rhabdoid cells while the conventional ccRCC cells exhibited reduced INI1 level. This indicated the rhabdoid component of ccRCC as distinct from other known rhabdoid tumors. The reduced INI1 protein level observed in all conventional ccRCC cases used in this study correlated with decreased SMARCB1 gene expression at the transcript level. Consistently, the overexpression of INI1 protein in A498 ccRCC cell line resulted in the elevation of endogenous SMARCB1 transcript level indicating that the INI1-dependent regulatory feedback loop controlling expression of this gene is affected in ccRCC Moreover, the set of INI1 target genes including i.e. CXCL12/CXCR7/CXCR4 chemokine axis was identified to be affected in ccRCC. In summary, we demonstrated that the inactivation of INI1 may be of high importance for ccRCC development and aggressiveness.

Medicine and Physiotherapy students: are they physically active? Comparative research on Spanish and German population.

Despite the fact that regular physical activity is beneficial to human life, there are still more and more overweight and obese people throughout the world today. Healthy habits taken from home or socioeconomic situation are factors which might influence on regular physical activity. People who lead a healthy lifestyle in childhood are also active during adulthood. On the other hand academic life might promote less healthy lifestyle. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the level of physical activity of both German and Spanish students of Medicine and Physiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 100 Spanish and 100 German students aged from 19 to 24 years. Based on Eurobarometer 72.3, the respondents were asked a set of questions regarding physical activity. The chi-squared test (χ2) and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The vast majority of students presented a normal BMI value, but it was not related to high physical activity. More than one-third of all students seldom practised any sports. The Spanish students usually did some form of physical activity outdoors, whereas the German students exercised in a fitness centre. Lack of time was to the Medicine and Physiotherapy students the most significant factor that did not allow them to be more physically active. CONCLUSIONS: Medicine and Physiotherapy students should be more physically active in order to promote a good, healthy lifestyle model to society and there should be more physical activity education to encourage more students to practise sports.

The correlation of TAS2R38 gene variants with higher risk for chronic rhinosinusitis in Polish patients.

BACKGROUND: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs), especially T2R38s appear as innovative regulators of innate immunity in the respiratory system. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TAS2R38 gene may contribute to individual differences in susceptibility to respiratory infections especially chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). TAS2R38 genotypes distribution varies by geographic region, race and ethnicity. The aim of the preliminary study was the identification of SNPs in TAS2R38 encoding genes in Polish patients with CRS and finding potential correlation with CRS phenotypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The preliminary study contained 20 CRS patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Fresh sinus mucosa (SM) was obtained during FESS in CRS patients. Patients were genotyped for TAS2R38 using Sanger method and the genotype occurrences of the clinically recalcitrant CRS cohort was evaluated. Analysis of TAS2R38 expression in SM of CRS patients was performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: T2R38 was highly expressed in SM of CRS patients. Patients with CRS demonstrated both common genotypes PAV, AVI. The heterozygotes frequency (AVI/PAV) was the highest. The protective genotype (PAV/PAV) was noticed in the lowest frequency and connected with lower average value of CT score compare to AVI/AVI genotypes (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The work presented in this study provides the hypothesis that airway bitter T2Rs are an innovative sphere of human respiratory innate protection. TAS2R38 polymorphism may influence the susceptibility to CRS. The AVI haplotypes are an independent risk factors for CRS. Additionally, the bitter taste receptors and related signalling pathways might create an unique group of therapeutic targets to treat CRS.