Studies on lead and cadmium toxicity in Dianthus carthusianorum calamine ecotype cultivated in vitro.

Information on metallophytes during reclamation of land contaminated with heavy metals is sparse. We investigated the response of D. carthusianorum calamine ecotype to Pb and Cd stress. We focused on in vitro selection of tolerant plant material for direct use in chemically degraded areas. Shoot cultures were treated with various concentrations of Pb or Cd ions. Plantlet status was estimated as micropropagation efficiency, growth tolerance index (GTI) and through physiological analysis. Moreover, determination of plant Pb, Cd and other elements was performed. The application of Pb(NO3 )2 resulted in stronger growth inhibition than application of CdCl2 . In the presence of Pb ions, a reduction was observed of both, the micropropagation coefficient to 1.1-1.8 and the GTI to 48%. In contrast, Cd ions had a positive influence on tested cultures, expressed as an increase of GTI up to 243% on medium enriched with 1.0 µm CdCl2 . Moreover, photosynthetic pigment content in shoots cultivated on media with CdCl2 was higher than in control treatment. The adaptation to Cd was associated with decreased accumulation of phenols in the order: 0.0 µm > 1.0 µm > 3.0 µm > 5.5 µm CdCl2 . It seems that high tolerance to Cd is related to K uptake, which is involved in antioxidant defence. This work presents an innovative approach to the impact of Cd ions on plant growth and suggests a potential biological role of this metal in species from metalliferous areas.

Effect of Disturbances of Zinc and Copper on the Physical and Mental Health Status of Patients with Alcohol Dependence.

The concentrations of copper and zinc in the tissues of alcohol-addicted people can significantly correlate with the variables describing their mental state. Studies on the homeostasis of zinc in alcohol-dependent patients have often been characterized by low hypozincemia detection. This may be caused by a low content of zinc in blood serum (1%) compared to the average zinc level in the body. Unfortunately, most authors have identified extracellular zinc in their studies. In the available literature, data on the level of copper in patients suffering from alcohol dependence are inconsistent. Our study included 100 alcohol-addicted patients (the study group) and 50 healthy subjects (the control group). Mental state was measured using appropriate psychometric scales. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine copper and zinc content. Our results confirm the purposefulness of the use of zinc concentration in erythrocytes as a diagnostic parameter for low zinc status in alcohol-dependent patients. Alcohol-dependent patients with reduced concentrations of zinc in erythrocytes/copper in blood plasma differed significantly from alcohol-dependent patients with normal concentrations in terms of clinical parameters. With regard to zinc in blood plasma and copper in erythrocytes, this situation has not been found. The clinical symptoms of hypozincemia and copper deficiency in patients addicted to alcohol usually relate to disorders in central nervous system functioning, and they result in a decreased quality of physical and mental life.

Comparative Assessment of Response to Cadmium in Heavy Metal-Tolerant Shrubs Cultured In Vitro.

Two species of Pb-adapted shrubs, Alyssum montanum and Daphne jasminea, were evaluated in vitro for their tolerance to elevated concentrations of cadmium. Shoot cultures were treated with 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 µM CdCl2 for 16 weeks and analyzed for their organogenic response, biomass accretion, pigment content, and macronutrient status. Cadmium accumulation and its root-to-shoot translocation were also determined. In both species, rooted microplantlets, suitable for acclimatization, were obtained in the presence of Cd applied as selection agent. In A. montanum, low and moderate dose of Cd stimulated multiplication, rooting, and biomass production. Growth tolerance index (GTI) in Cd-treated shoots ranged from 120 to 215%, while in the roots 51-202%. In turn, in Cd-treated D. jasminea proliferation and rooting were inhibited, and GTI for shoots decreased with increasing doses of Cd. However, roots exposed to Cd had higher biomass accretion. Both species accumulated Cd in developed organs, and its content increased with increasing CdCl2 dose. Interestingly, D. jasminea accumulated higher amounts of Cd in the roots than A. montanum and immobilized this metal in the root system. On the contrary, A. montanum translocated some part of accumulated Cd to the shoots, but with low efficiency. In the presence of Cd, A. montanum maintained macronutrient homeostasis and synthesized higher amounts of phytosynthetic pigments in the shoots. D. jasminea accumulated root biomass, immobilized Cd, and restricted its translocation at the expense of nutrient balance. Considering remediation potential, A. montanum could be exploited in phytoextraction, while D. jasminea in phytostabilization of polluted substrate.

Seasonal Variations of Mercury Levels in Selected Medicinal Plants Originating from Poland.

The presence of mercury in the living cells may be caused by environmental pollution with this element, which is referred to as a toxic xenobiotic. Many literature reports have provided evidence for toxic effects of low levels of mercury in the human body. Therefore, it seems essential to investigate mercury content in food and in natural environment, particularly its seasonal variations. The objective of this study was to determine trace amounts of mercury in 45 samples of 20 medicinal plant species collected in northern Poland, in various seasons of the year, i.e., in autumn 2012 and then spring 2013. The results obtained showed that the levels of mercury in the herbs were lower in spring (3.66-34.89 ng/g) than in autumn (4.55-81.54 ng/g). The statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the levels of mercury in herbs collected in spring and autumn indicates hazardous accumulation of the element in plants in autumn. The highest levels of mercury were found in leaves and plants growing in the vicinity of busy streets. Perennials plants have a significantly higher mercury levels as compared to those of monocarpic plants. Furthermore, commonly used herbal plants have a significantly higher mercury levels as compared to those less common.

Straminipilous organisms growing on herbivorous pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) and carnivorous piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) from Poland.

We investigated the growth of straminipilous organisms on the skin, muscles and liver of herbivorous pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) and carnivorous piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) in water of three different eutrophication levels. Sixteen straminipilous organism species were found growing on the investigated body parts of both species of fish used as baits. The higher number of species was found on the baits of carnivorous species (15) when compared with the ones from the herbivorous pirapitinga (10 species). The highest number of straminipilous organisms species developed on the skin of both species of fish. The highest number of species of straminipilous organisms was observed growing in the water of the BiaBa river (middle eutrophication), while the lowest number occurred in the baits of vessels with water from the Dojlidy pond (low eutrophication).

[Atrial natriuretic excretion in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)]. / Wydzielanie hormonu natriuretycznego w zespole obturacyjnego bezdechu sródsennego.

UNLABELLED: During obstructive sleep apneas stimuli, that may increase excretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) occur. The aim of the study was the evaluation whether in patients with OSAS levels of ANP are significantly different in relation to sleep or wakefulness and in relation to disturbances of ventilation during sleep and wakefulness. The material of the study consisted of 34 patients with OSAS (age 25-65 years). There were no differences in the levels of ANP late in the evening, during sleep and early in the morning. There were 2 groups of the patients: with low (< 70 pg/ml, mean at 21 p.m. 9.7 +/- 8.7 pg/ml, at. 2 a.m. 12.5 +/- 9.3 pg/ml, at 6 a.m. 14.4 +/- 15.1 pg/ml) and high (> 70 pg/ml, mean at 21 p.m. 148.6 +/- 232.9 pg/ml, at 2 a.m. 119.5 +/- 45.5 pg/ml, at 6 a.m. 164.9 +/- 161 pg/ml) ANP levels. As compared with patients with low ANP levels, patients with high ANP levels were older and more obese, more frequently had concomitant COPD, lower VC and FEV1, higher daytime PaCO2 and lower PaO2; most of them had peripheral edema. In patients with high ANP levels there was more profound mean arterial blood desaturation during sleep apnoeas than in patients with low ANP levels (SaO2 75 +/- 8% vs 81 +/- 4%, p < 0.001), although apnea index and mean apnea duration were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with OSAS the daytime and sleep levels of ANP are similar. High levels of ANP can be found in OSAS patients with impaired daytime ventilation and gas exchange, and profound arterial oxygen desaturation during sleep apnoeas.

[Endothelin concentration in sera of patients with atopic bronchial asthma]. / Stezenia endoteliny w surowicy chorych na astme oskrzelowa atopowa.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an effective vasoconstrictor and has bronchoconstricting property. Recent findings in vivo and in vitro indicate the influence of ET-1 on bronchial smooth muscle tone. ET-1 concentration was detected in BAL-Fluid in patients with bronchial asthma. Previous studies indicated an increase in ET-1 serum concentrations in the course of exacerbation of asthma. The purpose of our study was to compare ET-1 concentrations in sera of asthmatics during the asymptomatic period and after metacholine provocation. The study was performed in a group of 16 patients with mild bronchial asthma and in 11 healthy subjects. ET-1 concentrations in sera were evaluated by Elisa method (kit R&D USA). Bronchial provocation with metacholine was performed in asthmatics using Bronchoscreen. The result was considered as positive with FEV1, decrease of at least 20%. Airway responsiveness to metacholine was expressed as PC20. The results were analyzed statistically by means of the Student's test. The baseline ET-1 levels in sera of healthy donors were lower then in asthmatics group (x1' = 4.72 +/- 1.01, x1 = 11.53 +/- 3.68 pg/ml, p < 0.001). We found a statistically significant increase of ET1-1 concentration in sera after inhalation of metacholine (x1 = 11.55 +/- 3.68; x2 = 24.08 +/- 4.09 pg/ml, p < 0.001). The results indicate that ET-1 may play a role in bronchospasm in asthmatics.

Beta-endorphin concentrations in the sera of asthmatic patients.

Recent findings in animals indicate the influence of beta-endorphins on bronchial smooth muscle tone. The purpose of our study was to compare beta-endorphin concentrations in sera of asthmatics during the asymptomatic period and after histamine provocation. The study was performed in a group of 32 asthmatic patients and 12 healthy subjects. Beta-endorphin concentrations were evaluated by radioimmunoassay (J-125 beta-Endorphin Human) twice daily at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and also before and after histamine provocation. No significant differences were found in endorphin concentrations for both normal controls and asthmatics at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We demonstrated a statistically significant increase in endorphin concentrations in asthmatics as compared to the controls. We found a statistically significant decrease of beta-endorphin concentrations after histamine provocation in the asthmatic group.

[Bronchial reactivity after regular inhalation of salbutamol]. / Reaktywnosc oskrzeli po regularnych inhalacjach salbutamolu.

15 patients with mild bronchial asthma were selected for study. They inhaled salbutamol 2.5 mg three times daily for 8 days. Bronchodilator dose-response studies were performed by administering increasing doses of isuprel intravenously before and after treatment with salbutamol. Histamine provocation was done to estimate airway responsiveness. That was performed prior to and after salbutamol therapy. Regular inhaled salbutamol increased airway responsiveness to histamine--Pc20 was significantly reduced from 1.95 mg/ml--before treatment to 0.44 mg/ml--after salbutamol therapy. The bronchodilatory effect after isuprel was the same before and after treatment with salbutamol.

[Density of beta-adrenergic lymphocyte receptors in health subjects and patients with bronchial asthma]. / Gestosc receptorów beta-adrenergicznych limfocytów osób zdrowych i chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

In this study were involved 45 subjects: 15 healthy (group I), 15 patients with atopic mild bronchial asthma (group II) and 15 asthmatics with moderate bronchial asthma. Peripheral blood lymphocyte beta-2-adrenergic receptor (BAR) density and affinity were determined. Radiolabelled ligandbinding assays determine receptor density and affinity were performed. Significant differences in lymphocyte BAR density were found when healthy subjects and moderate bronchial asthma patients were compared.

[The influence of vitamin A on production of oxygen free radicals and activity of granulocyte catalase in patients with chronic bronchitis]. / Wplyw witaminy A na wytwarzanie wolnych rodników tlenowych i aktywnosc katalazy granulocytów u chorych na przewlekle zapalenie oskrzeli.

The effect of vitamin A on granulocyte chemiluminescence (CT) and catalase activity was studied in 16 patients with COPD. The results obtained show a significant decrease of CL and a significant increase of granulocyte CT activity after incubation with vitamin A, particularly in nonsmoking subjects. This study showed a significant decrease of CT activity after incubation of granulocyte with hydralazine both in cigarette smokers or nonsmokers.

[The influence of n-acetylcysteine on chemiluminescence of granulocytes in peripheral blood of patients with chronic bronchitis]. / Wplyw N-acetylcysteiny na chemiluminescencje granulocytów krwi obwodowej u chorych na przewlekle zapalenie oskrzeli.

The effect of NAC on exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be due to its mucolytic properties due to the thiol group of NAC and to its reducing and antioxidant properties. It has been postulated that NAC may protect lung cells from inhaled oxidants or oxidants produced by inflammatory leukocytes by increasing intra and extra cellular GSH. The FMLP induced granulocyte chemiluminescence (CL) in 6 healthy and 12 patients with COPD was determined. Peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes were incubated with NAC. The results obtained show a significant decrease of CL after incubation with NAC in both groups. We also found higher CL in healthy subjects than patients with COPD. This study showed a significant increase of FVC, FEV1 and a significant decrease of granulocyte CL after treatment with oral NAC 200 mg three times daily for 3 weeks.

[Effect of corticosteroids on tachyphylaxis induced by beta-2- receptor agonists in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Wplyw kortykosteroidów na tachyfilaksje wywolana stosowaniem agonistów receptorow beta 2-adrenergicznych u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

Fourteen patients with moderate bronchial asthma were selected for the study. Asthmatics were treated with intravenous salbutamol for one week. Peripheral blood lymphocyte beta-2-adrenergic receptor density and affinity were determined before and after the treatment. To investigate an effect of corticosteroids on beta-2-agonist induced desensitization of beta-2-receptors, beta-2-receptor density and affinity following prednisone administration have been determined in lymphocytes in 7 asthmatics. Patients have been given prednisone in the dose of 20 mg daily for 1 wk after salbutamol discontinuation. Spontaneous recovery of beta-2-adrenergic receptor density in the lymphocytes was estimated in further 7 asthmatics, not given corticosteroids following salbutamol therapy. Our data showed that down-regulation of beta-2-adrenergic receptors improves spontaneously and to significantly higher degree after corticosteroid therapy.

Studies of aquatic fungi. XX. Seasonal changes of mycoflora in the pool in the palace park.

Studies of aquatic fungi were carried out in the annual cycle in the years 1987-1989 against a background of hydrochemical relations in the pool in the park of the Medical Academy in Bialystok. 59 species of aquatic fungi were found, of which a prevailing number were reported many times in various water reservoirs of Poland. Such species, however, as Diplophlyctis complicata, Nowakowskiella atkinsii, Allomyces moniliformis, Pythium pulchrum, Zoophage phanera, Lemonniera filiforme and Tricladium patulum are new to Polish hydromycoflora. In summer months (July-August) the mycoflora of the pool was poor; the occurrence of various species of aquatic fungi increased in autumn and spring, and less so in winter.

Studies of aquatic fungi. XIX. Aquatic fungi of the Rudawka River.

Studies of aquatic fungi were carried out in the annual cycle in the years 1987-1989 against a background of hydrochemical relations in the Rudawka River, a tributary of the Orlanka. 35 species of aquatic fungi were found, of which a prevailing number were reported many times in various water reservoirs. Such species, however, as Olpidium entophytum, Achlyogeton entophytum, Rhizidium verrucosum, Catenaria sphaerocarpa, Leptolegniella keratinophila and Zoophagus tentaclum are new to Polish hydromycoflora. In summer months (July-August) the mycoflora of this river was poor, the occurrence of various species of aquatic fungi increased in autumn and spring, and less so in winter.

[Effect on beta adrenergic receptors of tachyphylaxis on the sensitivity of smooth muscle in the bronchi to beta adrenergic receptor agonists in bronchial asthma]. / Wplyw tachyfilaksji beta-adrenergicznych receptorów na wrazliwosc miesni gladkich oskrzeli na agoniste receptorów beta-adrenergicznych w dychawicy oskrzelowej.

The study involved 30 subjects: 15 healthy individuals and 15 patients with atopic bronchial asthma of the moderate degree. Salbutamol was administered to asthmatic patients in the intravenous infusion for 7 days. beta-adrenergic receptor density in the lymphocytes and FEV1 were evaluated before and after therapy. Moreover, isoprenaline test was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of the bronchial smooth muscle to beta-agonist. The test was performed prior to and after salbutamol therapy. It was found that beta-receptor agonist statistically significantly decreases beta-adrenergic receptor density. Equivalently, bronchial smooth muscle is less sensitive to beta-agonist in the same degree as a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor density in the peripheral blood lymphocytes.

[Certain aspects of pulmonary hypertension]. / Niektóre aspekty nadcisnienia plucnego.

The study concerned certain aspects of pulmonary hypertension. The most frequent factors in the aetiology of the syndrome are: 1) pressure rise in pulmonary capillaries and/or left atrium, 2) considerable rise of blood flow in the pulmonary artery, 3) reduced total blood flow in the pulmonary vascular bed. Pulmonary hypertension is divided into passive and hyperkinetic. Moreover, pulmonary hypertension of unknown aetiology exists, so called primary pulmonary hypertension, which may occur as one of three types of the disease: thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, primary pulmonary arteriopathy, primary pulmonary thrombophlebitis.