Oxidative stress parameters in women and men with suicidal thoughts and following a suicide attempt.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress parameters in individuals with depression and schizophrenia, considering gender differences, and manifesting suicidal behavior, encompassing thoughts without a tendency to be realized, thoughts with a tendency to be realized, and suicide attempts. Methods: From among the patients from Department of Psychiatry 120 individuals were selected who met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria for the study. In the initial phase of the project, patients eligible for the study underwent the M.I.N.I 7.0.2 questionnaire (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Subsequently, in the second phase of the research, venous blood samples were collected from the patients for the purpose of conducting biochemical assessments, focusing on oxidative stress parameters. Results: The obtained results suggest that redox biomarkers, namely TOS (total oxidation state) and OSI (TOS/TAC ratio), in the blood plasma of women increase in tandem with the severity of suicidal behavior. No notable alterations in SOD (Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and GSH (reduced glutathione) concentrations and activity were noted between groups exhibiting suicidal behavior. The observed variations in the concentrations and activity of antioxidant parameters were significant solely in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: Redox biomarkers TOS and OSI could prove valuable in diagnosing women at a genuine risk of committing suicide. On the other hand, antioxidant parameters - SOD, GPx, and GSH may be instrumental in identifying patients with suicidal behaviors, without specifying their intensity.

Estimation of the Impact of Abdominal Adipose Tissue (Subcutaneous and Visceral) on the Occurrence of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Patients with Obesity-A Pilot Study.

Obesity represents a significant global public health concern. The excessive accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue is often implicated in the development of metabolic complications associated with obesity. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of particular deposits of abdominal adipose tissue on the occurrence of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism complications. We established cut-off points for visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and the VAT/SAT ratio at which selected metabolic complications of obesity-related diseases (disorders of carbohydrate and/or lipid metabolism) occur. We conducted an observational study involving 91 subjects with first- and second-degree obesity, accounting for gender differences. Anthropometric measurements were taken, body composition analysis (BIA) was conducted, and biochemical determinations were made. Our findings suggest that commonly used parameters for assessing early metabolic risk, such as BMI or waist circumference, may overlook the significant factor of body fat distribution, as well as gender differences. Both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue were found to be important in estimating metabolic risk. We identified the cut-off points in women in terms of their elevated fasting glucose levels and the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) based on SAT, VAT, and the VAT/SAT ratio. In men, cut-off points were determined for the presence of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) based on VAT and the VAT/SAT ratio. However, the results regarding lipid disorders were inconclusive, necessitating further investigation of a larger population.

Pro-Inflammatory Adipokine and Cytokine Profiles in the Saliva of Obese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)-A Pilot Study.

Undiagnosed and untreated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to the development of many complications, such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or cardiovascular diseases. Obese people are at increased risk of developing NAFLD. Due to the current lack of routine diagnostics, it is extremely important to look for new diagnostic methods and markers for this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of selected pro-inflammatory adipokines and cytokines in the unstimulated saliva of obese people with fatty liver disease in various stages (with or without slight fibrosis) and to analyze them for possible use as early markers of NAFLD diagnosis. The study involved 96 people who were divided into 5 groups based on the criterion of body mass index (BMI) and the degree of fatty liver (liver elastography). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in the concentrations of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9), resistin, and IL-1ß (interleukin 1ß) in saliva. Statistically significant, positive correlations between hepatic steatosis and the concentration of MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2), resistin, and IL-1ß in saliva were also found. Statistically significant positive correlations were also found between the concentration of resistin in saliva and the concentration of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and GGTP (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) in serum. MMP-2, IL-1ß, and resistin may be potential markers of NAFLD development, assessed in saliva. However, further research is needed because this is the first study to evaluate the concentrations of the selected pro-inflammatory parameters in the saliva of patients with NAFLD.

Assessment of the Clinical Condition and Way of Patients' Nutrition before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.

One of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). It is highly effective in reducing body weight, but it carries the risk of developing nutritional deficiencies and their consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical condition of obese patients after LSG in terms of nutritional status, metabolic disorders, and way of nutrition. Thirty participants (15 women and 15 men) took part in the study. A statistically significant reduction in the total body fat mass (women by 37.5% p < 0.05, men by 37.06% p < 0.05) and total fat free mass (women by 10% p < 0,05, men by 12.5% p < 0.05) was demonstrated 6 months after LSG. Moreover, insufficient protein intake has been shown in over 73% of women and 40% of men. Before and 6 months after LSG, insufficient intake of calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin D, and iron was observed. Six months after the LSG, significant decreases of fasting glucose (p < 0.05), insulin (p < 0.05), TG (p < 0.05), and AST (p < 0.05) concentrations, were observed in both groups. Optimization of nutrition in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies and their complications is a key element of the therapy of obese patients treated surgically.

Characteristics of a diet and supplementation of American football team players: following a fashionable trend or a balanced diet?

Background: American football is based on speed and strength efforts players forming both defensive and offensive units in the team. Players' diet's may differ with regard to the variety of physical efforts performed and their different nutritional needs. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a diet and the supplementation, including the comparison of both the defensive and offensive player's formations, which may constitute a background of sportsmen' balanced menus permitting them to achieve better sports results. Material and methods: The study included 44 American football players (24 defensive, 20 offensive players). The study group completed a three-day-dietary recall containing the time of consumption as well as a questionnaire about a type and amount of supplements used, including questions of one or multiple choice. Results: The mean age of defensive players was 25.1±5.8 years, while of offensive players was 23.4±3.7. The mean body mass equaled 101±15.6 kg vs. 88.7±22.2 kg. The mean height of defensive players was 183.8±6 cm vs. 182.4±7.3 cm of offensive players. Offensive players consumed on average 2471.9±838.6 kcal/24 hs, whilst defensive players 3086.1±908.9 kcal/24 hs. The mean level of cholesterol level consumption equaled 667.81±300 mg in defensive players, while 546.2±285 mg in offensive players. Of energizing preparations, protein powder supplement and coffee were most frequently chosen by players. Conclusions: Defensive unit players were characterized by higher consumption of certain nutritional components and more frequent diet supplementation. A too low caloric intakes well as water, vitamin D, carbohydrates and dietary fiber intake was observed in both units. A high intake of high level cholesterol products requires reduced consumption of saturated fatty acids and increased consumption polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Comparison of diet and physical activity of children and adolescents with patients after cancer treatment

Background: Properly balanced diet and exercise are an essential element of healthy living for children and adolescents. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition and physical activity among juniors after cancer treatment, which is one of the most important elements of the convalescence period. Objective: The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of diet, physical activity of healthy children and adolescents with patients after cancer treatment. Material and methods: The study involved 60 children and adolescents; 30 healthy juniors and 30 patients after treatment for cancer. An analysis of diets based on a 3-day 24-hour nutrition diary. The questionnaire surveyed collected data about participation and physical activity preferences. Statistical program-Statistica 12.0, published by StatSoft, was used to develop the results. Results: Both groups were characterized by increased consumption of proteins and carbohydrates. Insufficient fat intake was shown in comparison with the recommended amounts in all study groups. It was observed that in the group of patients after treatment, vitamins B1, A, E and D intake was higher than in their healthy peers. Determinants of the choice of physical activity among children after cancer treatment was pleasure and fun, while among their healthy peers, aesthetic considerations (taking care of appearance). Conclusions: Children and adolescents after cancer treatmentin a much greater percentage covered of daily intake of nutrients than healthy children, and more willingly spent time on physical activity. Greater interest in physical activity in this group was probably due to previous restrictions related to illness and therapy.

Probiotic strains as the element of nutritional profile in physical activity ­ new trend or better sports results?

A diet, individually customized to the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen prepares them better for competition and achievement of better sports results. However, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and frequently recurrent upper respiratory tract infections pose a common problem observed among athletes of disciplines such as triathlon, cycling and marathon. Diarrhea, splashing in the intestines or gastrointestinal bleeding make it difficult to start and win in the race. Recently researchers have paid special attention to the therapeutic effect of probiotic strains on the human body. Various probiotic strains may have a beneficial effect on elimination of disorders mentioned above among athletes of these disciplines. Still, researchers continue looking for answers to the question how a specific probiotic strain is able to reduce the risk of the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory system disorders appearing during training or competition. Attention is also drawn to the possible impact of probiotics on the physical capacity athletes and their athletic performance. Probiotic strains properly applied may have a positive influence on the athletes' bodies, but still randomized controlled trials are required to prove this thesis.