The Effects of Short-Term Immunosuppressive Therapy on Redox Parameters in the Livers of Pregnant Wistar Rats.

Immunosuppressive drugs are widely used to avoid graft rejection, but they are also known to be strongly hepatotoxic. The goal of the current study was to determine: (i) the immunoexpression of SOD1, CAT, GPX1; (ii) the concentration of MDA, GSH; (iii) the activity of SOD, CAT, GPX, in the native liver of a pregnant female rats undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The study was based on archival material obtained from Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2 at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. The study was carried out on 32 female rats exposed to oral administration of immunosuppressants two weeks before and during pregnancy. The percentage of SOD1 immunopositive hepatocytes in rats treated with cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil, everolimus, and glucocorticosteroid was significantly elevated above that of the control rats. The concentration of MDA in the liver of animals exposed to cyclosporine A, everolimus, and glucocorticosteroid was significantly higher than in other groups. Among the groups of dams treated with immunosuppressive drugs, the highest significant concentration of GSH was found in the livers of rats treated with cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and glucocorticosteroid. Immunosuppressive therapy during pregnancy affects the oxidoreductive balance in the livers of rats, depending on the regimen used.

Garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) - a source of mineral elements and bioactive compounds

The garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae. Native to South America it was brought to Europe in XVI century. It is a plant with numerous healing properties. Medicinal plants such as the garden nasturtium contain trace elements and bioactive compounds which can be easily absorbed by the human body. The flowers and other parts of the garden nasturtium are a good source of micro elements such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and macro elements, especially of zinc, copper and iron. The essential oil, the extract from the flowers and leaves, and the compounds isolated from these elements have antimicrobial, antifungal, hypotensive, expectorant and anticancer effects. Antioxidant activity of extracts from garden nasturtium is an effect of its high content of compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols and vitamin C. Due to its rich phytochemical content and unique elemental composition, the garden nasturtium may be used in the treatment of many diseases for example the illnesses of the respiratory and digestive systems. High content of erucic acid in nasturtium seeds makes it possible to use its oil as treatment in adrenoleukodystrophy. It is also applied in dermatology because it improves the condition of skin and hair. More recently, the flowers of this species have been used as a decorative and edible element of some types of dishes. Aim of the review was to summarize available data concerning garden nasturtium Tropaeolum majus L.

Chaenomeles ­ health promoting benefits

Chaenomeles is a genus of deciduous spiny in the family of Rosaceae (Pomoideae subfamily). For centuries, the plant was used for a treatment of anemia, rheumatism, gout and cardiovascular diseases. The chemical composition studies of Chaenomeles showed the presence of many biologically active compounds, such as: phenolic compounds, organic acids, terpenoids, alcohols, ketones or aldehydes. Fruit of Chaenomeles has the largest applying potential due to extensive use of medicinal and high concentration of vitamin C. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that Chaenomeles fruit can help in the healing process of diabetes, tumor, allergies and liver diseases. Futhermore the plant has many positive qualities, like: hepatoprotective effect, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant action, antimicrobial and neuroprotective effect. Chaenomeles fruit may promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora and contribute to the regulation of body weight. The aim of this review was to summarize the information and data on the chemical composition and therapeutic properties of Chaenomeles.

Macro- and Microelement Content and Other Properties of Chaenomeles japonica L. Fruit and Protective Effects of Its Aqueous Extract on Hepatocyte Metabolism.

This growing interest in the cultivation of Japanese quince Chaenomeles japonica L. results from the potentially beneficial properties of its fruit. Fresh fruits are very firm and too acidic to eat raw, but their bioactive components, distinctive aroma, and high amount of dietary fiber make the fruits well suited for industrial processing. However, not all the properties of the fruit have been investigated. For example, there are no comprehensive reports about the mineral content or potentially harmful effects on liver metabolism. Hence, the purpose of our study was to examine fresh Japanese quince fruit in terms of (1) ascorbic acid, oxalate, fiber, macro- and micronutrients, dry matter, extract, total acidity, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compound levels; and (2) the effect of its extract on in vitro hepatocyte metabolism, measured by the concentration of lipid peroxides (LPO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the severity of apoptosis and necrosis. The fruit of C. japonica had high levels of macro- and microelements, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, and low oxalate levels. Our analysis of macro- and microelements showed that the average content of Fe was 0.516 mg/g, Cu 0.146 mg/g, Zn 0.546 mg/g, Mg 16.729 mg/g, and Ca 22.920 mg/g of fresh fruit. A characteristic feature of the fresh fruit of C. japonica is a high level of polyphenols, which-combined with a high content of vitamin C-affect their high antioxidant potential. In the tested hepatocyte cultures incubated with extract of the Japanese quince, we observed a significant decrease in the concentration of lipid peroxides compared to the control. There were also no signs of increased formation of ROS in the mitochondria of hepatocytes incubated with the extract of quince. Malondialdehyde was strongly negatively correlated with the concentration of Japanese quince extract, which indicates the hepatoprotective properties of Japanese quince. In addition, our analysis of confocal microscopy images showed that the hepatocytes incubated with the extract of Japanese quince at any concentration did not show any signs of apoptosis or necrosis. The aqueous extract of quince fruit has antioxidative and antiapoptotic hepatocytes, thus exerting a hepatoprotective effect.

Influence of temperature and brewing time of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) infusions on vitamin C content

Background: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) can be found in temperate climate zones of Europe, Africa and America Nettle may be a source of nutritional ingredients, mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of temperature and brewing time Urtica dioica L. infusions from different parts of this plant on vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content. Material and methods: Infusions of nettle leaf, stem and root were prepared at room temperature, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C for 10 minutes. Leaf infusions were also brewed for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes at initial water temperature of 60°C. The amount of vitamin C was determined by the spectrophotometric method. Results: The best temperature of brewing nettle infusions, in terms of vitamin C concentration, is between 50 °C and 60 °C as it is sufficient to extract the substance, yet not high enough to destroy it. Conclusions: The optimal time of brewing appeared to be 10 minutes as the prolonged exposure to high temperature appeared to be detrimental for ascorbic acid as well.

[Vitamin C­ structure, properties, occurrence and functions].

In this paper the structure of vitamin C, its physical and chemical characteristics, and occurrence are presented. The biological role of ascorbic acid, the human body's demand for this vitamin, and its deficiency symptoms are specified.

[Study on the quantitative and qualitative of fungi colonizing soybeans (Glycine max L.)].

Introduction: The aim of study was to analyse the qualitative and quantitative composition of fungi in soybeans on RBCA, YpSs, and DG18 culture media at 25, 37 and 45°C. Material and methods: The analysis included 15 samples of soybeans. The highest number of mould species (23) were isolated on RBCA at 25°C, followed by xerophilic species (20) on DG18 at 25°C, and mesophilic (13) and thermophilic species (4) on YpSs medium at 37° and 45°C, respectively. Ninety-five strains belonging to 40 species were isolated from soybean samples. The predominant species were Penicillium chrysogenum and Eurotium herbariorum. Conclusion: This study revealed new species of mycobiota not previously isolated from soybeans.

[State of knowledge and the prevalence of acne (Acne vulgaris) among young people in Szczecin]. / Stan wiedzy oraz wystepowanie tradziku (Acne vulgaris) wsród mlodziezy w Szczecinie.

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease associated with dysfunction of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. The disorder affects approximately 80% of the Polish youth population and has become an important clinical issue. The aim of this study was to examine the state of knowledge about acne among youth in Szczecin, and to attempt to identify the main causes of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 100 young people in Szczecin aged 12 to 25 years. A validated questionnaire was used for the research. RESULTS: The questionnaire analysis showed that acne affects 60% of the surveyed young citizens of Szczecin. The study shows that the prevalence of acne depends on the type of skin, tendency to have skin imperfections, and the age of the respondents. Knowledge of skin care, factors affecting the occurrence of acne, and treatments used depend on the age of respondents. The greatest awareness was found among older students and the smallest among secondary school students. CONCLUSIONS: knowledge about prevention, treatment and skin care is still insufficient, and therefore there is a great need to educate and raise the awareness of young people.

[Study on the quantitative and qualitative composition of moulds colonizing sunflower seeds (Helianthus annus L.)]. / Badania skladu ilosciowego i jakosciowego grzybów zasiedlajacych nasiona slonecznika (Helianthus annus L.).

INTRODUCTION: The aim of study was to estimate the qualitative and quantitative composition of moulds colonizing sunflower seeds on RBCA, YpSs, DG18 media at 25, 37, and 45°C. MATERIAL: Twenty samples of sunflower seeds (not roasted and not salted) were used for the analysis. The highest number of moulds were xerophilic species isolated on DG18 at 25°C (33), followed by mesophilic species (29) on RBCA medium at 25°C, and mesophilic (22) and thermophilic species (10) on YpSs medium at 37, and 45°C, respectively. Eurotium herbariorum was isolated from all samples. A total of 287 strains belonging to 52 mould species were isolated from sunflower seeds. CONCLUSION: The study revealed new species not previously isolated from sunflower seeds mycobiota.

[Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.)--botanical characteristics, biochemical composition and health benefits]. / Pokrzywa zwyczajna (Urtica dioica L.)--charakterystyka botaniczna, biochemiczna i wlasciwosci prozdrowotne.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the family Urticaceae. It grows in the wild form in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa. Stinging nettle is also a widespread ruderal plant found in Poland. Urtica dioica L., as a plant rich in biologically active compounds, is considered one of the most important plants used in phytotherapy. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antiplatelet, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic properties. Research conducted in recent years indicates the possibility of using nettle in chemoprevention, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urologic diseases.

[Spectrophotometric determination of protein content in THP-1 monocytes/macrophages - description of the method]. / Spektrofotometryczne oznaczanie zawartosci bialka w monocytach/makrofagach THP-1 - opis metody.

Proteins are the basic building block of tissue, and are part of enzymes and hormones regulating many important life processes. Changes in their concentration control the metabolic processes of the cell. Quantitative determination of the protein content is divided into indirect methods (e.g. Kjeldahl method) and direct methods (buret method, Lowry, immunoenzymatic, formol method, based on incorporation of dye in the range of ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and based on the phenomenon of selective absorption of radiation in the infrared range). One of the methods for the determination of protein content is the spectrophotometric method described by Bradford. The protein concentration assay procedure utilizes the phenomenon of formation of the dye (Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250)-protein and colour intensity is proportional to the protein content in the solution. The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of this method for determining the protein content in THP-1 cells cultured with extracts of nettle fruit stalks (Urtica dioica L.). Aqueous and alcohol extracts at two concentrations were used. It has been shown that the spectrophotometric determination of protein content by the Bradford method is an effective and accurate method for determining the concentration of protein in THP-1 macrophages. The results indicate that this method can be recommended for the determination of the protein content in other cell cultures.

[The influence of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts on the activity of catalase in THP1 monocytes/macrophages]. / Wplyw ekstraktów z pokrzywy zwyczajnej (Urtica dioica L.) na aktywnosc katalazy w monocytach/makrofagach THP1.

INTRODUCTION: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioicd L.) is one of the most valuable plants used in phytotherapy. The herbal raw material is a herb (Urticae herba), leaves (Urticae folium), roots (Urticae radix) and seeds (Urticae semina). This plant is a good source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein and biologically active compounds with antioxidant properties. The literature provides limited information about the chemical composition and properties of the seed heads. No papers are available on the effect of extracts of this plant on catalase activity in human cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts on the antioxidant activity of catalase in THP1 macrophages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two types of extracts: water and alcohol, at two different concentrations, were used in experiments. Nettle was collected in September and October in 2012 in the area of Szczecin. The collected plant material was frozen and lyophilized. After those procedures water and alcohol extracts of nettle were prepared and then added to THP1 cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant activity of catalase was established with the spectrophotometric method. The study showed that both extracts (water and alcohol) significantly increased the antioxidant activity of catalase in THP1 cells. The increase in catalase was directly proportional to the concentration of the added alcohol extract.