Breastfeeding and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Perimenopausal Women.

Little is known about the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for mother's metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the links between breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in perimenopausal women. The analysis included a group of 7621 women aged 55.4 ± 5.4 years. MetS and its components were defined according to the International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Women who breastfed for 13-18 months and beyond 18 months were at lower risk of MetS (odds ratio OR) = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60-0.95; p = 0.017 and OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.98; p = 0.030, respectively) than those who never breastfed. Meanwhile, women who breastfed for 7-12 months showed increased glucose concentration (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.94; p = 0.012) compared with those who had never breastfed. The additional analysis involving parity showed that women who had given birth to two babies and breastfed them had lower odds of MetS than those who never breastfed (p < 0.05), although there was no significant difference among women who breastfed for >18 months. Women who had given birth to at least three children and breastfed for 1-6 and 13-18 months had lower odds of MetS and increased triglyceride concentration (p < 0.05). Moreover, participants having breastfed for 1-6 months were found to have a reduced risk of abdominal obesity compared with those who had not breastfed (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding is associated with lower prevalence of MetS in perimenopausal women and can be recommended as a way of reducing the risk of MetS and its components.

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Weight Loss and Metabolic Changes in Adults with Obesity.

Methods of treating obesity, such as changes in lifestyle, physical activity, restrictive diets, and psychotherapy, are not sufficient. Currently, it is considered that in the case of patients who meet the eligibility criteria for surgery, the treatment of choice should be bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the weight loss and metabolic changes in a group of adults with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. The study involved 163 patients whose body mass index (BMI) exceeded 40 or 35 kg/m2, concurrent with at least one metabolic sequelae. In 120 of the cases (74%), sleeve gastrectomy was used; in 35 (21%), gastric bypass was used; and in 8 (5%), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass was used. Metabolic parameters such as total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), triglycerides, and glucose were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as the creatinine, creatine kinase (CK-MB), and leptin activity. In patients undergoing bariatric surgery, a significant decrease in excess weight (p < 0.001) was observed at all the analyzed time points, compared to the pre-surgery value. Weight loss after surgery was associated with a significant improvement in glycemia (109.6 ± 48.0 vs. 86.6 ± 7.9 mg/dL >24 months after surgery; p = 0.003), triglycerides (156.9 ± 79.6 vs. 112.7 ± 44.3 mg/dL >24 months after surgery; p = 0.043) and leptin (197.50 ± 257.3 vs. 75.98 ± 117.7 pg/mL 12 months after surgery; p = 0.0116) concentration. The results of the research confirm the thesis on the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in reducing excess body weight and improving metabolic parameters in patients with extreme obesity.

The Influence of Red Meat on Colorectal Cancer Occurrence Is Dependent on the Genetic Polymorphisms of S-Glutathione Transferase Genes.

BACKGROUND: It is postulated that both individual genotype and environmental factors such as diet may modify the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The influences of GST gene polymorphism and red meat intake on CRC occurrence in the Polish population were analyzed in this study. METHODS: Genotyping was performed with the qPCR method. RESULTS: A high frequency of meat consumption was associated with an over 2-fold increase in the risk of colorectal cancer odds ratio (OR) adjusted for sex and age = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.3-4.4). However, after analyzing the genetic profiles, in the absence of polymorphisms of all three analyzed genes, there was no association between a high frequency of meat consumption and the occurrence of CRC. In the case of GSTM1 gene polymorphism, the high frequency of meat consumption increased the risk of CRC by almost more than 4 times (OR adjusted for sex and age = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.6-9.1). For GSTP1 gene polymorphism, a 3-fold increase in CRC risk was observed with a high frequency of meat consumption (OR adjusted for sex and age = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4-8.1). In the case of GSTT1 gene polymorphism, the increase in risk of CRC was not statistically significant (OR adjusted for sex and age = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.4-8.5). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of red meat intake in non-smokers increases the risk of colon cancer in the case of GST gene polymorphisms.

Fournier gangrene - a challenge for the surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier gangrene (FG) is life - threatening condition, defined as the necrotizing fascitis of perineum and can spread to the adjacent areas. It is rare disease and infection is caused by mixed bacterial flora, seldom by fungal infection. Risk factors are: male sex, diabetes, hypertension, malignant neoplasms, alcoholism, immunospression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of four group patients treateted for Fournier gangrene was made about diagnostic and therapeutic process, assessment of prognosis based on Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index). RESULTS: All patients were males. Average age at the moment of diagnosis was 60 years. All of them had comorbidities resulting with the higher risk of susceptibility to FG. Morbitity was 50%, despite of all of patients had less than 9 points in FGSI. DISCUSSION: The FG, despite of better diagnostic tools and technological progres remaines the significant clinical issue because of the mortality - 80%. "The golden standard" is surgical excision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support, equation of fluid, electrolytes and base - acid balance, level of glycemia is very important. The treating results were assessed on the base of FGSI. The significance has the moment of performing the surgical intervention - it is proven, that should be carried out during 24 hours. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy is controversial. Seem to be appropriate if the infection is caused by anaerobic bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier syndrome is significant clinical issue. Its treatment requires early surgical approach with exicision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support and treatment of hyperbaric oxygen in some cases.

Fournier's gangrene - challenge for surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier gangrene (FG) is life - threatening condition, defined as the necrotizing fascitis of perineum and can spread to the adjacent areas. It is rare disease and infection is caused by mixed bacterial flora, seldom by fungal infection. Risk factors are: male sex, diabetes, hypertension, malignant neoplasms, alcoholism, immunospression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of four group patients treateted for Fournier gangrene was made about diagnostic and therapeutic process, assessment of prognosis based on Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index). RESULTS: All patients were males. Average age at the moment of diagnosis was 60 years. All of them had comorbidities resulting with the higher risk of susceptibility to FG. Morbitity was 50%, despite of all of patients had less than 9 points in FGSI. DISCUSSION: The FG, despite of better diagnostic tools and technological progres remaines the significant clinical issue because of the mortality - 80%. "The golden standard" is surgical excision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support, equation of fluid, electrolytes and base - acid balance, level of glycemia is very important. The treating results were assessed on the base of FGSI. The significance has the moment of performing the surgical intervention - it is proven, that should be carried out during 24 hours. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy is controversial. Seem to be appropriate if the infection is caused by anaerobic bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Fournier syndrome is significant clinical issue. Its treatment requires early surgical approach with exicision of necrotic tissues, antibiotics support and treatment of hyperbaric oxygen in some cases.

Tumor Digital Masking Allows Precise Patient Triaging: A Study Based on Ki-67 Scoring in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Technological advances constantly provide cutting-edge tools that enhance the progress of diagnostic capabilities. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors belong to a family of mesenchymal tumors where patient triaging is still based on traditional criteria such as mitotic count, tumor size, and tumor location. Limitations of the human eye and randomness in choice of area for mitotic figure counting compel us to seek more objective solutions such as digital image analysis. Presently, the labelling of proliferative activity is becoming a routine task amidst many cancers. The purpose of the present study was to compare the traditional method of prediction based on mitotic ratio with digital image analysis of cell cycle-dependent proteins. METHODS: Fifty-seven eligible cases were enrolled. Furthermore, a digital analysis of previously performed whole tissue section immunohistochemical assays was executed. Digital labelling covered both hotspots and not-hotspots equally. RESULTS: We noted a significant diversity of proliferative activities, and consequently, the results pointed to 6.5% of Ki-67, counted in hotspots, as the optimal cut-off for low-high-grade GIST. ROC analysis (AUC = 0.913; 95% CI: 0.828-0.997, p < 0.00001) and odds ratio (OR = 40.0, 95% CI: 6.7-237.3, p < 0.0001) pointed to Ki-67 16% as the cut-off for very high-grade (groups 5-6) cases. With help of a tumor digital map, we revealed possible errors resulting from a wrong choice of field for analysis. We confirmed that Ki-67 scores are in line with the level of intracellular metabolism that could be used as the additional biomarker. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor digital masking is very promising solution for repeatable and objective labelling. Software adjustments of nuclear shape, outlines, size, etc. are helpful to omit other Ki-67-positive cells especially small lymphocytes. Our results pointed to Ki-67 as a good biomarker in GIST, but concurrently, we noted significant differences in used digital approaches which could lead to unequivocal results.

GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk in Polish nonsmokers.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes are responsible for cellular detoxification of many carcinogens and are important anticancer elements. This study assessed potential relationships between GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in Polish nonsmokers. We also analyzed the influence of GST gene polymorphisms on CRC clinical and histopathological features. Our study included 197 CRC patients and 104 healthy controls. GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms were evaluated using qPCR. Polymorphism frequencies observed in our control group corresponded to those in other European populations. The GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotypes were observed with similar frequencies in both CRC patients and controls (GSTM1 null: 46.7% vs. 45.2%; GSTT1 null: 15.7% vs. 20.2%). GSTP1 Ile/Ile, Ile/Val, and Val/Val genotype frequencies were respectively 42.1%, 48.2%, and 9.6% in patients and 48.1%, 42.3%, and 9.6% in controls. GSTT1 polymorphism correlated with higher tumor grade in CRC patients, and the GSTM1 null/null genotype was associated with more frequent metastasis to lymph nodes (pN classification). Our results suggest that GST gene polymorphisms may influence CRC tumor grade and stage.

CTRC gene polymorphism may increase pancreatic cancer risk - preliminary study.

Pancreatic cancer is often fatal due to delayed diagnosis and treatment difficulties. OBJECTIVE: To analyze selected SPINK1, CTRC, CFTR, and PRSS1 gene mutations in cancer tissue and blood samples of patients with pancreatic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We enrolled 16 consecutive patients diagnosed with pancreatic tumors. We collected cancer tissue, normal pancreatic tissue, and blood samples for genetic tests. The control group consisted of 419 healthy individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all study participants in EDTA-coated tubes. RESULTS: Out of 16 patients with pancreatic tumors, 12 had pancreatic cancer on microscopic examination (mean age, 60.2 years). The CTRC polymorphism Hetero p.G60=(c.180C>T) was found in 5 patients with pancreatic cancer (41.7% vs. 18.6% in the control group). One patient with pancreatic cancer and a positive family history had the SPINK1 (p.N34S) mutation [8.3% vs. 2.9% (12/419) in the control group]. One patient with pancreatic cancer had the CTRC (p.R254W) mutation [8.3% vs. 1% (4/419) in the control group]. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary results show that the CTRC polymorphism p.G60= (c.180C>T) is frequent in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, further research is needed to verify our findings.

Reoperations in bariatric surgery - indications and initial evaluation of postoperative complications.

UNLABELLED: Obesity, at present, seems to be a very serious health problem all over the world. The surgery is said to be the most successful treatment of obesity. With the increase in the quantity of conducted bariatric procedures, the number of revision treatments increases as well. The aim of the study was to analyze the indications, results and complications after repeated bariatric surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The repeated bariatric procedures performed in 2009-2015 have been retrospectively analyzed. The endpoint of the study was the evaluation of early surgical treatment results-up to 30th day after repeated surgery. RESULTS: Overall, amongs 103 obese patients with a BMI over 35 kg / m2, qualified for bariatric treatment 7 revision surgeries were conducted (6.8%). Two operations were carried out by laporotomy, other by laparoscopy. In the study group, neither any deaths were noted in perioperative period nor life-threatening complications. The frequency of complications-Surgical site infection and bleeding from the staple lines of stapler in the study group appeared to be 28.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Qualification for repeated bariatric surgeries should be based on a thorough analysis of the condition of the patient, previous outcome of the bariatric treatment: evaluation of weight loss as well as possible complications of the original surgery.

Risk Factors Of Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography--A Retrospective Cohort Study.

UNLABELLED: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most important non-surgical procedure in serious pancreatic and biliary diseases, still burdened with the risk of severe complications. The objective of the study was to distinguish factors which could increase the risk of occurrence of ERCP complication in the form of pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 452 patients who had undergone ERCP. Patients' records were retrospectively analyzed from the aspect of demographic data, indications for the procedure, type and course of the procedure, type and severity of complications, width of the common bile duct (CBD), concomitant diseases and administered medicines which might increase the risk of complications. RESULTS: In 35 patients (7.7%) a complication occurred in the form of pancreatitis (AP). A severe course was confirmed in 11 patients (31%). Cholelithiasis constituted approximately 2/3 of indications for ERCP. AP after ERCP was significantly more often observed in the group of patients aged under 40 (22.9% vs 8.6%; p<0.05). Narrow biliary ducts (3-8 mm) were the factor increasing the frequency of development of AP (25.9% vs 45%; p<0.05). Death occurred in 5 patients (1.1%), including 4 patients (0.96%) in the group without complications, and in 1 patient (2.85%) with complicated AP. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is a very valuable procedure in clinical treatment; however, it is burdened with the risk of complications, such as AP, bleeding, or duodenal perforation. A group especially exposed to the risk of complications in the form of AP are young patients aged under 40 with a narrow CBD.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries--clinical problems.

UNLABELLED: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in surgical wards. Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) incurred during the procedures are among postoperative complications that are most difficult to treat. The risk of bile duct injury is 0.2-0.4%, and their consequences are unpleasant both for the surgeon and for the patient. The aim of the study was analysis of iatrogenic bile duct injuries and methods of their repair, taking into consideration the circumstances, under which the injuries occur. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 16 patients who had suffered IBDI during surgery. The analysed parameters included sex, age, indications for surgery, the setting of the surgical procedure and the type of bile duct injury. Additionally, the time of injury diagnosis, type of repair and treatment outcome were assessed. The IBDI analysis used the EAES classification of injuries. The time of IBDI repair was defined as immediate, early or late,depending on the time that had passed from the injury. The analysis included complications seen after bile duct repair. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 10 women and 6 men, aged 29-84. Patients underwent 6 classic cholecystectomies, 8 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, one gastrotomy to remove oesophageal prosthesis and one laparotomy due to peptic ulcer. IBDI was diagnosed intraoperatively in 4 patients. In 12 patients IBDI was diagnosed within 1-7 days. The diagnosis was based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and the results of biochemistry tests. According to the EAES classification, the injuries were of type 1 (4 patients), type 2 (8 patients), type 5 (3 patients) and type 6 (1 patients). Reconstruction procedures were performed during the same anaesthesia session in 3 patients, and in the early period in 13 patients. The main procedure was Roux-en-Y anastomosis (12 patients), with the remaining including bile-duct suturing over a T-tube (3 patients) and underpinning of an accessory bile duct in the pocket left after gallbladder removal (1 patient). The most common reconstruction complications included bile leak (3 patients), recurrent cholangitis (3 patients) and bile duct stricture (2 patients). Mortality in the study group was 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The procedures of laparoscopic and classic cholecystectomy are associated with a risk of IBDI, especially in the presence of inflammatory state of the gall-bladder. IBDI is a complex complication: its treatment poses a challenge for the operating surgeon, and even the most careful treatment adversely affects the patient's lifedue to complications.