Investigating the Effectiveness of Ceragenins against Acinetobacter baumannii to Develop New Antimicrobial and Anti-Adhesive Strategies.

A growing body of experimental data indicates that ceragenins (CSAs), which mimic the physicochemical properties of the host's cationic antimicrobial peptide, hold promise for the development of a new group of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Here, using a set of in vivo experiments, we assessed the potential of ceragenins in the eradication of an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections, Acinetobacter baumannii. Assessment of the bactericidal effect of ceragenins CSA-13, CSA-44, and CSA-131 on clinical isolates of A. baumannii (n = 65) and their effectiveness against bacterial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix after biofilm growth on abiotic surfaces showed a strong bactericidal effect of the tested molecules regardless of bacterial growth pattern. AFM assessment of bacterial cell topography, bacterial cell stiffness, and adhesion showed significant membrane breakdown and rheological changes, indicating the ability of ceragenins to target surface structures of A. baumannii cells. In the cell culture of A549 lung epithelial cells, ceragenin CSA-13 had the ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to host cells, suggesting that it interferes with the mechanism of bacterial cell invasion. These findings highlight the potential of ceragenins as therapeutic agents in the development of antimicrobial strategies against bacterial infections caused by A. baumannii.

Salivary Gland Function, Antioxidant Defence and Oxidative Damage in the Saliva of Patients with Breast Cancer: Does the BRCA1 Mutation Disturb the Salivary Redox Profile?

: Oxidative stress plays a key role in breast cancer progression. However, little is still known about the relationship between the BRCA1 mutation, the incidence of breast cancer and oral homeostasis. This is the first study to evaluate the secretory function of salivary glands, biomarkers of redox balance, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in the saliva of subjects with the BRCA1 mutation. Ninety eight women were enrolled in the study and allocated to four groups based on molecular DNA testing: generally healthy patients without the BRCA1 mutation, patients with breast cancer but without the BRCA1 mutation, generally healthy patients with the BRCA1 mutation, and patients with both breast cancer and the BRCA1 mutation. We demonstrated that saliva from breast cancer patients with the BRCA1 mutation is characterized by enhanced antioxidant capacity and a higher degree of oxidative damage to proteins and lipids. The BRCA1 mutation can cause a predisposition to early salivary gland dysfunction, both in patients with breast cancer and in healthy individuals, leading to a decrease in salivary proteins. Using cluster analysis, we showed that salivary peroxidase, advanced glycation end-products (AGE), total antioxidant status (TAS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) may have particular clinical significance in non-invasive diagnostics of breast cancer.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of oestrogen receptors α and ß in epithelium of the vaginal mucous membrane in women after oestrogen therapy.

Oestrogens act on target cells through α and ß receptors (ERα and ERß). Expression of oestrogen receptors is associated with the age and menopausal condition of women. The aim of the study was an immunohistochemical evaluation of ERα and ERß receptors in epithelium of the vaginal mucous membrane of women subjected to different forms of hormonal therapy (HTM). Oestrogen receptors ERα and ERß were identified using immunohistochemical methods and evaluated in smears of vaginal mucous membranes collected from 60 patients subjected to HTM (including 20 patients after oral therapy, 20 patients after transdermal therapy, and 20 patients after vaginal therapy). The results showed a significant change in immunoreactivity of both studied receptors after three months of hormone therapy. The biggest differences in the changes of intensity of ERα and ERß reactions were observed in patients subjected to vaginal therapy. Immunostaining for α receptor showed differences between three types of hormone therapy. The highest increase in the overall intensity occurred after three months of topical therapy. Immunostaining for Erß also varied for different types of hormone therapy. The results indicate that hormone therapy administered vaginally is the most effective in the treatment of urogenital ailments during menopause. In addition, topical therapy eliminates adverse effects of systemic oestrogen.

Pathologies of the oral cavity in patients with non-controlled diabetes type 1 and type 2--analysis of periodontal status and periodontal treatment needs.

INTRODUCTION: Decompensated diabetes is a major risk factor in the development of periodontal diseases. This leads to disturbances of carbohydrates, protein, and fat and morphological changes in many organs. These changes also apply to the masticatory system, especially periodontal tissues. The aim of the study was to assess the periodontal status and periodontal treatment needs in patients with non-controlled diabetes type 1 and type 2 (HbA1c > 7%), and to compare the results with the data obtained in a group of generally healthy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 275 patients, 155 of them were patients with non-controlled diabetes during hospitalisation (study group), while 120 subjects constituted the control group of healthy people. The study excluded edentulous people. CPITN index (according to Ainamo et al.) was used to assess the periodontal state and periodontal treatment needs. RESULTS: The average level of glycated haemoglobin HbA1C among patients in the study group was 9.43% in women and slightly more at 9.57% in men. The periodontal status in healthy people was satisfactory, dominated by the maximum values of CPITN = 0, CPITN = 1, and CPITN = 2. The study group more frequently revealed the maximum values of CPITN = 3 and CPITN = 4. This shows the more advanced periodontal changes in this group. Due to the bad condition of the periodontium, the periodontal treatment needs proved to be far greater in the study group and related primarily to comprehensive specialist treatment (TN3). CONCLUSIONS: Decompensated diabetes may be an important cause of changes in periodontal tissues and may cause a significant loss of masticatory function in patients.

Evaluation of estrogen receptor-ß expression in the epithelium of the oral mucosa in menopausal women under hormone replacement therapy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the ERß expression in the epithelium of the oral mucosa in menopausal women treated with oral, transdermal or local (vaginal) menopausal hormone therapy. MATERIAL/METHODS: In this study, we included 60 women treated with oral, transdermal or vaginal menopausal hormone therapy. The study material was obtained from swabs taken from the buccal mucosa before administering HRT, and after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months of therapy. We assessed estrogen receptor-ß (ERß) expression levels in subsequent swabs by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: The highest increase in the ERß expression was observed after 3 months of oral and transdermal hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Oral and transdermal HRT may be an effective method of treatment of oral discomfort in menopausal women.