Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) induced alterations in gene expression and cytokine secretion in clear cell renal carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by assessing alterations in gene expression and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three ccRCC cell lines (786-O, 769-P, and CAKI-1) and a healthy HEK293 cell line were subjected to ELF-EMF exposure (frequency 50 Hz, magnetic field strength 4.5 mT) for 30 min daily for 5 days. The study examined the expression of ADAM28, NCAM1, and VEGFC genes, along with the secretion of 30 cytokines and chemokines. RESULTS: Notably, primary tumor-derived cell lines, but not those from metastatic sites, exhibited ADAM28 gene expression, which increased following ELF-EMF exposure. A statistically significant reduction in VEGFC gene expression was observed in 769-P cells after ELF-EMF exposure. Additionally, NCAM1 gene expression was upregulated in HEK293, 769-P, and 786-O cells, representing normal embryonic kidney cells and primary tumor cells, but not in CAKI-1 cells, which model metastatic sites. After EMF exposure, there was a statistically significant decrease in transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) concentration in the cell culture supernatants of HEK293 and CAKI-1 cell lines, with no other significant changes in the secretion of tested cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Given the study's findings and available research, caution is warranted when drawing conclusions about the potential inhibitory effect of ELF-EMF on ccRCC progression. Standardization of experimental models is imperative when assessing the effects of EMF in a human context. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):133-141.

Time-dependent effect of desensitization with wasp venom on selected parameters of the immune system.

The emergence of tolerance during Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a complex process. The main goal of VIT is to induce a change from proinflammatory Th2 response to the Th1 response. However, the immune mechanism of acquiring rapid tolerance during VIT has not yet been fully understood. Therefore, we have analyzed (in 4-time points: 0, 2, 6, and 24 weeks after the initiation phase of VIT) the concentration of complement C3, C4, and C5 components, lymphocyte subpopulations (flow cytometry), as well as histamine and tryptase serum concentrations of 43 patients with wasp venom allergy (III and IV Müller grade) classified to ultra-rush treatment and 18 volunteers as the control group (CG). We observed that VIT affected the immune system by inducing changes in the complement system (decreased C3 and C4 compartment protein concentrations) and "normalized" the percentage of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the peripheral blood. Moreover, a significant increase in the percentage of nTreg in the blood of patients treated with VIT was observed. On the other hand, there were no changes in histamine or tryptase concentrations in the blood. Increased percentage of nTreg cells is a well-known mechanism by which VIT affects the immune system. Finally, VIT also modulated the concentrations of the complement components, which may be a previously unknown VIT mechanism of action.

Effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm Laser Irradiation on the Dermal Cells.

Background: The invention of non-ionizing emission devices revolutionized science, medicine, industry, and the military. Currently, different laser systems are commonly used, generating the potential threat of excessive radiation exposure, which can lead to adverse health effects. Skin is the organ most exposed to laser irradiation; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm non-ionizing irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Methods: Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were exposed to a different fluency of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm laser irradiation. In addition, viability, type of cell death, cell cycle distribution, and proliferation rates were investigated. Results: The 445 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥58.7 J/cm2) but not to Ker-CT cells. Exposure influenced the cell cycle distribution of Ker-CT (≥61.2 J/cm2) and BJ-5ta (≥27.6 J/cm2) cells, as well as the Bj-5ta proliferation rate (≥50.5 J/cm2). The 520 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥468.4 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (≥385.7 J/cm2) cells. Cell cycle distribution (≥27.6 J/cm2) of Ker-CT cells was also affected. The 638 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta and Ker-CT cells (≥151.5 J/cm2). The proliferation rate and cell cycle distribution of BJ-5ta (≥192.9 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (13.8 and 41.3 J/cm2) cells were also affected. Conclusions: At high fluences, 455 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm irradiation, representing blue, green, and red light spectra, are hazardous to keratinocytes and fibroblasts. However, laser irradiation may benefit the cells at low fluences by modulating the cell cycle and proliferation rate.

Cytokines and apoptosis in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. AD affects 10-20% of children worldwide and persists into adulthood in a minority of cases, affecting approximately 2-3% of the adult population, with an increased prevalence over the past decades in developed countries. Atopy is a genetic tendency to overproduce IgE class antibodies in response to common antigens found in the environment. Concurrence of different atopy such as allergic rhinitis or asthma in children with AD is estimated at 80%. AD is characterized by a vicious cycle of an allergic immune response. The emerging picture of the AD is a complex disorder with barrier dysfunction, immunological, genetic and environmental factors all playing key roles. Patients with severe or persistent disease and their families experience significant impairment in their quality of life, and in addition, AD places a heavy economic burden on society as a whole. Pathogenesis, the role of the epidermal barrier, mechanisms of cells apoptosis, the role of T cells and cytokines in AD are discussed in this article.

Effect of Different Wavelengths of Laser Irradiation on the Skin Cells.

The invention of systems enabling the emission of waves of a certain length and intensity has revolutionized many areas of life, including medicine. Currently, the use of devices emitting laser light is not only an indispensable but also a necessary element of many diagnostic procedures. It also contributed to the development of new techniques for the treatment of diseases that are difficult to heal. The use of lasers in industry and medicine may be associated with a higher incidence of excessive radiation exposure, which can lead to injury to the body. The most exposed to laser irradiation is the skin tissue. The low dose laser irradiation is currently used for the treatment of various skin diseases. Therefore appropriate knowledge of the effects of lasers irradiation on the dermal cells' metabolism is necessary. Here we present current knowledge on the clinical and molecular effects of irradiation of different wavelengths of light (ultraviolet (UV), blue, green, red, and infrared (IR) on the dermal cells. .

The Influence of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma.

The development of new technologies and industry is conducive to the increase in the number and variety of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources in our environment. The main sources of EMF are high-voltage lines, household appliances, audio/video devices, mobile phones, radio stations, and radar devices. In the growing use of electronic devices, scientists are increasingly interested in the effects of EMF on human health. Even though many studies on the effects of EMF have already been carried out, none of them has shown a significant effect on mammals, including humans. Moreover, it is not entirely clear how EMF influences cell behavior. The International Agency for Research on Cancer on 31 May 2011, classified PEM as a possible carcinogenic factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the electromagnetic field on morphological and functional changes in clear cell renal carcinoma. The research was carried out on in vitro cultures of four cell lines: HEK293, 786-O 769-P, and Caki1. The results of the research showed that the EMF of low frequency had a slight effect on the viability of cells. EMF, which induced cell arrest in the G1 phase, increased the number of early apoptotic cells and decreased the number of viable cells in the 786-O line. EMF did not affect the proliferation and viability of HEK293 cells. Extreme low-frequency EMF (ELF-EMF) also showed an inhibitory effect on the migration and metastatic properties of clear cell kidney cancer cells. Moreover, shortly after the end of ELF-EMF exposure, significant increases in ROS levels were observed in all tested cell lines. As part of the work, it was shown that low-frequency EMF shows an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of primary cancer cells, diminishing their migratory, invasive, and metastatic abilities. It also increases the apoptosis of cancer cells and the amount of reactive oxygen species. Based on the results of our research, we want to point up that the effect of ELF-EMF depends on a specific metabolic state or at a specific stage in the cell cycle of the cells under study.

A Simple Method for the Production of Human Skin Equivalent in 3D, Multi-Cell Culture.

An important problem for researchers working in the field of dermatology is the preparation of the human skin equivalent (HSE). Here, we describe a simple and reliable protocol for preparing a skin model from the commercially available cell lines: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes. Importantly, in our 3D model, the keratinocytes are diverse that brings this model closer to the natural skin. For the production of HSE, we used available primary PCS-200-010, PCS-201-010, PCS-200-013, and immortalized CRL-4048 and CRL-4001 cell lines. We used genipin, which is necessary for collagen cross-linking and studied its cytotoxicity for keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The addition of 20 µM genipin reduced the shrinkage of the collagen in the constructs from 59% to 24% on day 12 of the culture of the construct. A higher concentration (80-200 µM) of genipin reduced shrinkage by 14% on average. Genipin in concentration 10 µM and below was not cytotoxic to the keratinocytes, and 150 µM and below to the fibroblasts. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the morphology of HSEs was identical to that of native human skin. The immunohistochemical staining of the constructs showed the presence of vimentin-positive fibroblasts in the skin layer, while the melanocytes were in the epidermis and in the basal layer. We observed that the longer differentiation of constructs led to the higher secretion of GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-15, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, and MCP-1. We also observed that the longer time of differentiation led to a more stable secretion of all analytes, which was reflected in the coefficient of variation. We described here a simple, reliable, and cost-effective production of the full-thickness human skin equivalents that can be used in the research and industry. With the global trend to decrease animal use for the research and testing, our HSE could be a useful testing tool and an alternative research model.

Immunotropic effects in cultured human blood mononuclear cells exposed to a 900 MHz pulse-modulated microwave field.

The specific biological effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) remains unknown even though devices present in our daily lives, such as smartphones and Wi-Fi antennae increase the environmental level of electromagnetic radiation. It is said that the human immune system is able to react to discrete environmental stimuli like EMF. To investigate the effect of 900 MHz microwave stimulation on the immune system our research aimed to analyze lymphocyte proliferation and observe and assess the basic immunoregulatory activities using a newly developed and improved anechoic chamber. Samples of mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from the blood of healthy donors were exposed to 900 MHz pulse-modulated radiofrequency radiation (20 V/m, SAR 0.024 W/kg) twice (15 min each) or left without irradiation (control group). Subsequently, the control and exposed cells were set up to determine several parameters characterizing T cell immunocompetence and monocyte immunogenic activity. Although the microcultures of PBMC exposed to radiofrequency radiation demonstrated higher immunogenic activity of monocytes (LM index) and T-cell response to concanavalin A than control cultures after first exposure, this parameter decreased after a second stimulation. Saturation of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor rose significantly after the second day of exposure. On the other hand, response to mitogen dropped after EMF stimulation. The results suggest that PBMC are able to overcome stress caused by mitogens after stimulation with 900 MHz radiation.

The effects of radio-frequency radiation (RFR) exposure on the analgesic efficacy of morphine in healthy rats and rats with inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study, conducted at the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Warsaw in 2017, was to evaluate the effects of a single (15 min) and repeated (5 times for 15 min) radio-frequency radiation (RFR) exposure of 1800 MHz frequency on the analgesic efficacy of morphine in healthy rats and rats with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were injected intraperitoneally with morphine (MF) in the dose of 8 mg/kg or drug vehicle 15 min before RFR exposure. The authors used the plantar analgesia meter and the radiant heat paw-withdrawal test to assess the pain threshold. RESULTS: A single RFR exposure slightly influenced paw withdrawal latency (PWL) in healthy rats in the single exposure baseline group, and influenced PWL, 30 and 60 min after morphine or vehicle injection, in the repeated exposure group. There were differences between the sham-exposed groups (vehicle), 30, 60 and 90 min after injection, both in the single and repeated RFR-exposure groups. The antinociceptive effect of morphine in healthy rats was slightly decreased by RFR exposure at 60 and 90 min, both in the single and repeated exposure groups. The PWL was slightly decreased, both in the single and repeated exposure groups with inflammation (CFA and CFA/MF), at 30, 60 and 90 min, and PWL was increased in the sham-exposed groups (CFA and CFA/MF), both in the single and repeated exposure groups, at 30, 60 and 90 min. The antinociceptive effect of morphine in healthy rats was significantly increased by RFR exposure at 30 min after drug injection in the single exposure group, and increased at 30 and 60 min in the repeated exposure group. CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed a minor influence of RFR exposure on the antinociceptive effects of morphine in healthy rats after repeated exposures and a statistically significant influence of repeated exposure on morphine mediated antinociceptive effects in the inflammation group. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):465-74.

Fas/FasL pathway and cytokines in keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis - Manipulation by the electromagnetic field.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most frequent skin diseases. Changes of the keratinocytes functionality play a major role in the development of AD. For example, activation of the Fas (CD95)/FasL (CD178) pathway in AD does not lead to extensive apoptosis in skin. Binding of the Fas receptor to its protein ligand-FasL, which are present on the (AD)-modified keratinocytes, should result in the sequential induction of cell death, but there is no evidence of extensive apoptosis of these cells. This suggests that non-apoptotic mechanism of Fas/FasL pathway is commonly encountered, although not examined in the case of AD, phenomenon. An electromagnetic field, which was used to influence cultured cells in this study, can modulate proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and metabolism in various cells. OBJECTIVE: Here, we evaluate the possibility to manipulate the immune activation of AD keratinocytes and their response to the electromagnetic field, which was not tested before. METHODS: Keratinocytes isolated from the skin of healthy subjects (n = 20) and patients with atopic dermatitis (n = 20) as well as HaCaT and PCS-200-010 cell were exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 60 minutes. Cytometric analysis of viability, Fas/FasL, p-ERK, p-p38 and p-JNK expression and Luminex analysis of cytokine concentration were performed in two-time points: 4 and 24 hours after the exposition. RESULTS: This research has shown upregulated Fas, FasL, p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK expression along with increased cytokine secretion (IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-31 and TNFα) by keratinocytes derived from the skin of patients with the AD when compared with healthy control. Exposure of keratinocyte cultures obtained from AD patients to EMF resulted in a decrease of 1ß, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, I L-13, IL-17, IL-31 and TNFα levels. Keratinocytes derived from the skin of AD patients are characterized by elevated Fas and FasL expression when compared to healthy control. CONCLUSION: Apoptotic and nonapoptotic activation of the Fas/FasL-dependent signaling pathway may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD, by adjusting the local cytokine and chemokine environment at the site of inflammation. Moreover, the electromagnetic field exhibits strong immunomodulatory effects on AD-modified keratinocytes.

Effects of Hexachlorophene, a Chemical Accumulating in Adipose Tissue, on Mouse and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

The hexachlorophene (HCP) is a highly lipophilic chlorinated bisphenol present in hygienic and dermatological products. The HCP accumulates preferentially in adipose tissue that is a privileged source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The evaluation of the potential effects of HCP on MSCs is important for their medical application. Here we examined the effects of HCP on murine adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and human umbilical cord-derived stem cells (UCSCs) in cell culture. We found that 10-4 and 10-5 M HCP inhibits proliferation, osteogenesis and increases apoptosis of ADSCs and UCSCs. While the effect of HCP on proliferation and differentiation potential of these two cell lines was similar, the UCSCs appeared much more resistant to HCP-induced apoptosis than ADSCs. These results suggest that the adipose tissue-derived ADSCs have higher sensitive for HCP than umbilical cord-derived UCSCs and indicate that the umbilical cord can be a preferable source of MSCs for prospective medical applications in the future.

Effect of 3-year education in the Main Fire Service School on the fitness level of students.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine changes in the fitness level among students of the Main Fire Service School during 3-year's education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 75 male and 5 female students took part in the study. Fitness level measurements were carried out before beginning the studies (Measurement 0) and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years at the school (Measurement 1, 2, 3). The following tests were performed to estimate level of physical fitness for men: pull-ups on a bar, a 50 m sprint and 1,000 m run, and for women: sit-ups, medical ball (2 kg) throw from above the head and a 4 x10 m shuttle run. RESULTS: General fitness level (average number of points from 3 attempts) of the male and female students improved. Improvement of fitness level between Measurement 0 (male students 60.3p.±7.58; female students 61.60p.±3.08), and Measurements 1, 2, 3 (men 64.59p.±6.87; 64.41p.±7.17; 64.03p.±7.65 and women 68.40p.±1.99; 66.67p.±2.36; 68.87±1.87 respectively), was found. The same relationship was found while analysing results of individual competitions. Only speed endurance (anaerobic-aerobic) assessed during Measurement 0 at 64.03p.±10.23, decreased after the 1st year at the school (Measurement 1 - 59.29p.±14.14) and remained on the same level during Measurements 2 and 3 (60.25p.±11.20 and 58.56p. ±12.80, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Speed endurance (anaerobic-aerobic) is a capability which decreased among the students in the subsequent years. Because this capability highly correlates with activities that a fire-fighter will perform during rescue operations, it should be treated as a matter of priority during physical education classes in the Main Fire Service School.

The influence of ultrasonic treatment on the growth of the strains of Salmonella enterica subs. typhimurium.

This study proposes the destruction of pathogenic bacteria with the use of ultrasound waves because the more commonly used thermal processing methods often result in lowering the nutritional value of food. The study presents the impact of ultrasound of 20, 40 and 100 kHz frequencies and the power of 10.5 W/cm2 on the growth of the strain of Salmonella enterica subs. typhimurium. The tests were carried out both in chilled and non-chilled treatment mediums, with an average bacterial population >105 and >108 CFU/cm3. The total inactivation of Salmonella spp. was observed in the tests in the low-population non-chilled treatment medium after sonication at 20 and 40 kHz for 30 min, and in high bacterial population at 20 kHz for 30 min. A reduction in the average number of bacteria was reported in the low-population non-chilled medium after 15 min of sonication at 20, 40 and 100 kHz; after 15 min of sonication at 20 and 100 kHz of the material of high bacterial population; and in the low-population chilled treatment mediums after 15 and 30 min at 20 kHz. The samples with inactivated bacteria and those with reduced bacterial counts maintained the same levels when stored at 4 °C for 24 and 48 h. Bacteria inactivation obtained after sonication lasted for up to 48 h in storage at 21 °C. For the samples with reduced bacterial counts stored at 21 °C, a rise in the average number of bacteria was recorded.

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in the Polish Armed Forces.

OBJECTIVES: Standard devices used by military personnel that may pose electromagnetic hazard include: radars, missile systems, radio navigation systems and radio transceivers. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the exposure of military personnel to electromagnetic fields. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields was analyzed in the work environment of personnel of 204 devices divided into 5 groups (surface-to-air missile system radars, aircraft and helicopters, communication devices, surveillance and height finder radars, airport radars and radio navigation systems). Measurements were carried out at indicators, device terminals, radio panels, above vehicle seats, in vehicle hatches, by cabinets containing high power vacuum tubes and other transmitter components, by transmission lines, connectors, etc. RESULTS: Portable radios emit the electric field strength between 20-80 V/m close to a human head. The manpack radio operator's exposure is 60-120 V/m. Inside vehicles with high frequency/very high frequency (HF/VHF) band radios, the electric field strength is between 7-30 V/m and inside the radar cabin it ranges between 9-20 V/m. Most of the personnel on ships are not exposed to the electromagnetic field from their own radar systems but rather by accidental exposure from the radar systems of other ships. Operators of surface-to-air missile systems are exposed to the electric field strength between 7-15 V/m and the personnel of non-directional radio beacons - 100-150 V/m. CONCLUSIONS: In 57% of military devices Polish soldiers work in the occupational protection zones. In 35% of cases, soldiers work in intermediate and hazardous zones and in 22% - only in the intermediate zone. In 43% of devices, military personnel are not exposed to electromagnetic field. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(4):565-577.

The effect of 1800MHz radio-frequency radiation on NMDA receptor subunit NR1 expression and peroxidation in the rat brain in healthy and inflammatory states.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated exposure (5 times for 15min) of 1800MHz radio-frequency radiation (RFR) on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit NR1 (NMDA-NR1) expression in the brains of rats in a persistent inflammatory state. We also measured the effect of RFR combined with tramadol (TRAM) to determine the potential antioxidant capacity of this agent. METHODS: The effects of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) modulated 1800MHz RFR exposure on the expression and activity of glutamate receptor channels with antioxidative activity in brain tissue was measured using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and electron spin resonance (ESR) detection of the hydroxyl radical generated by the Fenton reaction. NMDA-NR1 was measured in the cerebral tissue of rats with inflammation (complete Freund's adjuvent) and those injected with tramadol after RFR exposure (RFR, RFR/TRAM) and in non-exposed (baseline, TRAM) rats. RESULTS: No differences between the baseline group and the exposed group (RFR) were observed. NMDA-NR1 expression decreased after CFA injection and RFR exposure, and an elevated expression of NMDA-NR1 was observed in healthy control rats of both groups: TRAM/RFR and RFR. CONCLUSIONS: ORAC assessment revealed a robust effect of RFR, however the other experiments revealed equivocal effects. Further studies examining the combination of ORAC with NMDA are warranted to elucidate more clearly the effect of RFR on the brain.

Involvement of Fas/FasL pathway in the murine model of atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of apoptosis mediated through Fas/FasL pathway using the mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD). MATERIALS AND TREATMENT: AD was induced by epicutaneous application of ovalbumin (OVA) in wild-type C57BL/6, B6. MRL-Faslpr/J (Fas-) and B6Smn.C3-Faslgld/J (FasL-) mouse strains. METHODS: Skin samples were subjected to staining for Fas/FasL expression, M30 epitope and assessment of inflammatory response via immunohistochemical staining. Cytokine and chemokine production was assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: In comparison to wild-type mice, OVA sensitization of Fas- and FasL-deficient mice led to increased epidermal and dermal thickness, collagen deposition and local inflammation consisting of macrophages, neutrophils and CD4+ T cells. Fas- and FasL-deficient mice showed increased total counts of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IgE levels in blood as well as increased expression of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TGF-1ß mRNA in comparison to wild-type mice. On the other hand, expression of CXCL9 and CXCL10, IL-17 mRNAs in the skin samples in Fas- and FasL-deficient mice was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that lack of the Fas-induced apoptosis leads to exacerbation of AD characteristics such as Th2 inflammation and dermal thickening. Therefore, Fas receptor can play an important role in AD pathogenesis by controlling development of the local inflammation.

Modulatory effects of feeding pregnant and lactating mice Rhodiola kirilowii extracts on the immune system of offspring.

Plants of Rhodiola genus are medicinal herbs that have a number of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. The present study aimed to determine whether the use Rhodiola kirilowii as an immunostimulant during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the development of the offspring immune system. Following mating, pregnant mice were placed in three groups that were fed during pregnancy and lactation with R. kirilowii aqueous extract (RKW; 20 mg/kg), R. kirilowii 50% hydro-alcoholic extract (RKW-A; 20 mg/kg) or water (control group), receiving water. Following birth, offspring were given six weeks to develop prior to evaluation of their immune system. Morphometric and morphological examination of the spleen did not reveal any abnormalities or differences between the experimental and control groups. However, both RKW and RKW-A splenic lymphocytes presented a diminished proliferative response to concanavalin A. RKW spleen lymphocytes demonstrated increased metabolic activity following phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation, which was associated with a higher percentage of cluster of differentiation 4 positive spleen cells and lower interleukin-17a (IL-17a) serum concentration. The RKW-A group exhibited a diminished proliferative response of spleen lymphocytes to PHA and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and increased serum concentrations of IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The progeny of mice fed with RKW-A extract demonstrated a significantly lower level of anti-SRBC antibody following immunization compared with progeny of the control (P=0.0305) and RKW (P=0.0331) groups. In conclusion, caution is recommended in the use of RKW and RKW-A extracts as immunostimulants in pregnancy.

Psychoneuroimmunological aspects of cardiovascular diseases: a preliminary report.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Due to their prevalence and negative social effects, cardiovascular diseases belong to a group of civilization diseases. Previous research suggests comorbidity of heart diseases, mood disorders and impaired cognitive functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychoneuroimmunological aspects of functioning in patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten persons, mean age 48.2 years old, diagnosed with primary hypertension, were studied. All of them were treated with beta blockers and ACE inhibitors with unsuccessful therapeutic effect. This group also included 4 subjects with heart rate disturbances. The control group included 10 clinically healthy volunteers in mean age 46.8. All participants had 24-hour ECG monitoring with Holter method in order to evaluate the autonomic activity with time and frequency domain analysis (heart rate variability). Patients also underwent neuropsychological assessment of quality of life and personality traits (EQ-5D, NEO-PI-R, PSS10, SWLS, MHLC). Quantitative evaluation of immune system parameters included: TCD3, TCD4, CD8, CD16/CD56, CD19, HLA-DR+. RESULTS: The cardiovascular disease group showed significantly lower time and frequency domain parameters (p < 0.05) except low/high frequency (LF/HF) power ratio. The heart rhythm disorder group demonstrated significant relationships such as: Quality of life with Total Power of HRV and day-time LF/HF ratio, pNN50 and rMSSD - negative correlation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In cardiovascular disease patients, activity of the autonomic nervous system is significantly reduced. 2. Impaired modulation of the autonomic nervous system activity affects mood and decreases quality of life. 3. In patients with heart rhythm disturbances, increased sympathetic nervous system activity affects prolonged tension and the immune response.

Influence of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) on lipid peroxidation in brain, blood, liver and kidney in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the influence of repeated (5 times for 15 min) exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) of 1800 MHz frequency on tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) both in normal and inflammatory state, combined with analgesic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) as the end-product of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) was estimated in blood, liver, kidneys, and brain of Wistar rats, both healthy and those with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced persistent paw inflammation. RESULTS: The slightly elevated levels of the MDA in blood, kidney, and brain were observed among healthy rats in electromagnetic field (EMF)-exposed groups, treated with tramadol (TRAM/EMF and exposed to the EMF). The malondialdehyde remained at the same level in the liver in all investigated groups: the control group (CON), the exposed group (EMF), treated with tramadol (TRAM) as well as exposed to and treated with tramadol (TRAM/EMF). In the group of animals treated with the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) we also observed slightly increased values of the MDA in the case of the control group (CON) and the exposed groups (EMF and TRAM/EMF). The MDA values concerning kidneys remained at the same levels in the control, exposed, and not-exposed group treated with tramadol. Results for healthy rats and animals with inflammation did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The electromagnetic field exposure (EMF), applied in the repeated manner together with opioid drug tramadol (TRAM), slightly enhanced lipid peroxidation level in brain, blood, and kidneys.

Fas/FasL pathway participates in regulation of antiviral and inflammatory response during mousepox infection of lungs.

Fas receptor-Fas ligand (FasL) signalling is involved in apoptosis of immune cells as well as of the virus infected target cells but increasing evidence accumulates on Fas as a mediator of apoptosis-independent processes such as induction of activating and proinflammatory signals. In this study, we examined the role of Fas/FasL pathway in inflammatory and antiviral response in lungs using a mousepox model applied to C57BL6/J, B6. MRL-Faslpr/J, and B6Smn.C3-Faslgld/J mice. Ectromelia virus (ECTV) infection of Fas- and FasL-deficient mice led to increased virus titers in lungs and decreased migration of IFN-γ expressing NK cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and decreased IL-15 expression. The lungs of ECTV-infected Fas- and FasL-deficient mice showed significant inflammation during later phases of infection accompanied by decreased expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and TGF-ß1 cytokines and disturbances in CXCL1 and CXCL9 expression. Experiments in vitro demonstrated that ECTV-infected cultures of epithelial cells, but not macrophages, upregulate Fas and FasL and are susceptible to Fas-induced apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that Fas/FasL pathway during ECTV infection of the lungs plays an important role in controlling local inflammatory response and mounting of antiviral response.