Low-vacuum SEM imaging and viability test of L929 cells exposed to a Euro 6 diesel exhaust gas mixture in a BAT-CELL chamber in comparison with hydrocarbons emission.

Exhaust emissions, which count among the most common causes of premature death worldwide, can cause irreversible changes in cells, leading to their damage or degeneration. In this research, L929 line cells were observed after exposure in the BAT-CELL chamber to exhaust gases emitted from a Euro 6 compression-ignition engine. Real road traffic conditions were simulated, taking into account air resistance while driving at speeds of 50 km/h, 120 km/h and idling engine. Morphological analysis of the cells was performed using an environmental scanning electron microscope. It has been observed that diesel exhaust fumes can cause inflammation, which can induce apoptosis or leads to necrotic cell death. The impact of the vehicle exhaust gases can inhibit cell proliferation by almost three times. Moreover, a correlation has been observed between the speed of the inflammatory reaction in cells and the presence of specific hydrocarbon compounds that determine the toxicity of exhaust gases. Research has shown that the toxicity of the emitted exhaust gases has been the highest at the driving speed of 120 km/h. In order to reduce the harmful effects of exhaust emissions, ecological alternatives and the supplementation of legal provisions regarding the compounds subject to limitation are necessary.

Chitin scaffolds derived from the marine demosponge Aplysina fistularis stimulate the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

The use of stem cells for tissue regeneration is a prominent trend in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In particular, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have garnered considerable attention. When exposed to specific conditions, DPSCs have the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and odontoblasts. Scaffolds are critical for cell differentiation because they replicate the 3D microenvironment of the niche and enhance cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. The purpose of this study is to present the biological responses of human DPSCs to a purified 3D chitin scaffold derived from the marine demosponge Aplysina fistularis and modified with hydroxyapatite (HAp). Responses examined included proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. The control culture consisted of the human osteoblast cell line, hFOB 1.19. Electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of the cells (transmission electron microscopy) and the surface of the scaffold (scanning electron microscopy). Cell adhesion to the scaffolds was determined by neutral red and crystal violet staining methods. An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay was used for assessing osteoblast/odontoblast differentiation. We evaluated the expression of osteogenic marker genes by performing ddPCR for ALP, RUNX2, and SPP1 mRNA expression levels. The results show that the chitin biomaterial provides a favorable environment for DPSC and hFOB 1.19 cell adhesion and supports both cell proliferation and differentiation. The chitin scaffold, especially with HAp modification, isolated from A. fistularis can make a significant contribution to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Changes in the scar tissue structure after cesarean section as a result of manual therapy.

BACKGROUND: Available statistical data from 2015 show that 28% of pregnancies in developed countries end in cesarean section (CC). Discomfort associated with the scar after surgery is a common complication. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the structure of the cesarean scar after the application of a scheme of manual therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 15 women in the treatment group (TG) and 15 in the control group (CG). The scars were evaluated twice at 5-week intervals with the use of quantitative scales: the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). During each examination, the scar was compared, using the specified criteria, to the physiological skin, i.e., the tissues directly bordering the incision. During therapy, 8 manual techniques were used during a 4-week program consisting of 30-minute sessions 3 times per week. RESULTS: Patients in the TG showed a statistically significant improvement in all of the analyzed characteristics of the scar. A statistically significant difference was also observed between the results obtained during the 2nd examination (after the therapy) in the TG and the CG. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the therapy, the condition of the scar in the TG significantly improved. Onerous scar-related symptoms were alleviated. The vascularity, hyperpigmentation and distortion of the scar were reduced. The elasticity and pliability of the scar increased, and the height of the scar decreased. The texture, finish and contour of the scar improved. Obtained results suggest that manual therapy of the scar after CC should be a part of the treatment in women during the postpartum period.

Targeting SOX18 Transcription Factor Activity by Small-Molecule Inhibitor Sm4 in Non-Small Lung Cancer Cell Lines.

The transcription factor SOX18 has been shown to play a crucial role in lung cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of Sm4, a SOX18 inhibitor, on cell cycle regulation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines LXF-289 and SK-MES-1, as well as normal human lung fibroblast cell line IMR-90. Our results demonstrated that Sm4 treatment induced cytotoxic effects on all three cell lines, with a greater effect observed in NSCLC adenocarcinoma cells. Sm4 treatment led to S-phase cell accumulation and upregulation of p21, a key regulator of the S-to-G2/M phase transition. While no significant changes in SOX7 or SOX17 protein expression were observed, Sm4 treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of SOX17 gene expression. Furthermore, our findings suggest a complex interplay between SOX18 and p21 in the context of lung cancer, with a positive correlation observed between SOX18 expression and p21 nuclear presence in clinical tissue samples obtained from lung cancer patients. These results suggest that Sm4 has the potential to disrupt the cell cycle and target cancer cell growth by modulating SOX18 activity and p21 expression. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the relationship between SOX18 and p21 in lung cancer and to explore the therapeutic potential of SOX18 inhibition in lung cancer.

BCL11A Expression in Breast Cancer.

B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in cell division or apoptosis. A link between high BCL11A expression and a worse prognosis has been demonstrated in patients with various cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of BCL11A in breast cancer (BC) cases and mastopathy samples and to correlate the results with the clinicopathological data. The expression of the BCL11A protein was investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 200 cases of BC and 13 mastopathy samples. The level of BCL11A mRNA was determined using real-time PCR in 22 cases of BC and 6 mastopathy samples. The expression of BCL11A was also examined at the protein and mRNA levels in BC cell lines. A higher expression level of BCL11A in BC cases was shown compared to mastopathy samples. The expression level of BCL11A in BC cases and in the studied cell lines decreased with the increasing grade of histological malignancy (G). It was also negatively correlated with the primary tumor size. A significantly lower expression of BCL11A was found in BC that did not express estrogen or progesterone receptors and in triple-negative cases. The results of our research suggest that BCL11A may be relevant in the development of BC.

Mechanical properties and osteointegration of the mesh structure of a lumbar fusion cage made by 3D printing.

The currently popular 3D printing makes it possible to produce spatial scaffolds, the main purpose of which is to obtain implants that have favourable mechanical properties to promote cell adhesion. This study aims to prove the influence of changes in selected geometrical parameters of scaffolds, used in intervertebral cages, on the mechanical properties obtained and thus on the osteointegration of the studied constructs with osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The stiffness values and maximum failure force of four modifications to geometric dimensions of the meshes were determined from the intendation test. Adhesion assays were conducted (including gentle pendulum motion) for Balb/3T3 fibroblasts and NHOst osteoblasts. The study revealed that an important geometrical parameter affecting the strength of the mesh is the height (h) of the connection point between arms of successive mesh cells. There was no significant effect of the mesh geometry on the abundance and survival of Balb/3T3 and NHOst cells. At the same time, fibroblasts were more likely to form colonies in the area where there is fusion of mesh cells, as opposed to osteoblasts that were more numerous at vertices of the mesh.

Multimodal study of CHI3L1 inhibition and its effect on angiogenesis, migration, immune response and refractive index of cellular structures in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumours with a poor response to treatment and a poor prognosis for patients. One of the proteins expressed in glioblastoma tissue is CHI3L1 (YKL-40), which is upregulated and known for its angiogenesis-supporting and pro-tumour immunomodulatory effects in a variety of cancers. In this paper we present the anti-angiogenic, anti-migratory and immunomodulatory effects of the compound G721-0282, an inhibitor of CHI3L1. The inhibitor-induced changes were investigated using conventional techniques as well as the novel label-free digital holographic tomography (DHT), a quantitative phase imaging technique that allows the reconstruction of the refractive index (RI), which is used as an image contrast for 3D visualisation of living cells. DHT allowed digital staining of individual cells and intercellular structures based only on their specific RI. Quantitative spatially resolved analysis of the RI data shows that the concentration of G721-0282 leads to significant changes in the density of cells and their intracellular structures (in particular the cytoplasm and nucleus), in the volume of lipid droplets and in protein concentrations. Studies in the U-87 MG glioblastoma cell line, THP-1 monocytes differentiated into macrophages, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and in the spheroid model of glioblastoma composed of U-87 MG, HMEC-1 and macrophages suggest that inhibition of CHI3L1 may have potential in the antitumour treatment of glioblastoma. In this paper, we also propose a spheroid model for in vitro studies that mimics this type of tumour.

The Expression of Testin, Ki-67 and p16 in Cervical Cancer Diagnostics.

Testin is a protein expressed in normal human tissues, being responsible, with other cytoskeleton proteins, for the proper functioning of cell−cell junction areas and focal adhesion plaques. It takes part in the regulation of actin filament changes during cell spreading and motility. Loss of heterozygosity in the testin-encoding gene results in altered protein expression in many malignancies, as partly described for cervical cancer. The aim of our study was the assessment of the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of testin in cervical cancer and its analysis in regard to clinical data as well the expression of the Ki-67 antigen and p16 protein. Moreover, testin expression was assessed by Western blot (WB) in commercially available cell lines. The IHC analysis disclosed that the expression of testin inversely correlated with p16 (r = −0.2104, p < 0.0465) and Ki-67 expression (r = −0.2359, p < 0.0278). Moreover, weaker testin expression was observed in cancer cases vs. control ones (p < 0.0113). The WB analysis of testin expression in the cervical cancer cell lines corresponded to the IHC results and showed a weaker expression compared to that in the control cell line. When we compared the expression of testin in cervical cancer cell lines, we found a weaker expression in HPV-negative cell lines. In summary, we found that the intensity of testin expression and the number of positive cells inversely correlated with the expression of Ki-67 (a marker of proliferation) and p16 (a marker of cell cycle dysregulation). This study shows that the combined assessment of testin, Ki-67 and p16 expression may improve cervical cancer diagnostics.

Evaluation of the microbial, cytotoxic and physico-chemical properties of the stainless steel crowns used in pediatric dentistry.

Preformed stainless steel crowns are used in pediatric dentistry to obtain full crown restoration of primary molar teeth. They are consider the best restoration in terms of durability and effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate microbial, cytological and physio-chemical properties to determine whereas stainless steel crown are biocompatible, safe for surrounding tissue and helpful in avoiding micro-organisms influence on the tooth tissue. Based on the results, it was determined that stainless steel crowns used in pediatric dentistry represent no cytotoxic risk to the surrounding tissues, have a low probability of developing hypersensitivity to the coronal material and also that their biological properties make them suitable to use in pediatric dentistry for the reconstruction of damaged primary molar tissue.

Application of Texture and Fractal Dimension Analysis to Evaluate Subgingival Cement Surfaces in Terms of Biocompatibility.

Biocompatibility is defined as "the ability of a biomaterial, prosthesis, or medical device to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application". Biocompatibility is especially important for restorative dentists as they use materials that remain in close contact with living tissues for a long time. The research material involves six types of cement used frequently in the subgingival region: Ketac Fil Plus (3M ESPE, Germany), Riva Self Cure (SDI, Australia) (Glass Ionomer Cements), Breeze (Pentron Clinical, USA) (Resin-based Cement), Adhesor Carbofine (Pentron, Czech Republic), Harvard Polycarboxylat Cement (Harvard Dental, Great Britain) (Zinc polycarboxylate types of cement) and Agatos S (Chema-Elektromet, Poland) (Zinc Phosphate Cement). Texture and fractal dimension analysis was applied. An evaluation of cytotoxicity and cell adhesion was carried out. The fractal dimension of Breeze (Pentron Clinical, USA) differed in each of the tested types of cement. Adhesor Carbofine (Pentron, Czech Republic) cytotoxicity was rated 4 on a 0-4 scale. The Ketac Fil Plus (3M ESPE, Germany) and Riva Self Cure (SDI, Australia) cements showed the most favorable conditions for the adhesion of fibroblasts, despite statistically significant differences in the fractal dimension of their surfaces.

Label-Free Quantitative Phase Imaging Reveals Spatial Heterogeneity of Extracellular Vesicles in Select Colon Disorders.

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and quantitative analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) remain largely unexplored, mainly because of limitations in detection techniques. In this study, EVs from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and ulcerative colitis were examined. To investigate the spatial heterogeneity and 3D refractive index (RI) distribution of single EVs, a label-free digital holographic tomography technique was used at a submicrometer spatial resolution. The presented image-processing algorithms were used in quantitative analysis with digital staining and 3D visualization, the determination of the EV size distribution and extraction of fractions with different RIs. Reconstructed 3D RI distributions revealed variations in the spatial heterogeneity of EVs related to tissue specificity, such as CRC, normal colonic mucosa, and ulcerative colitis, as well as the isolation procedures used. The RI values of EVs isolated from solid tissues of frozen CRC samples were also dependent on the tumor grade and cancer cell proliferation. The simultaneous examination of cell culture models confirmed the association of the RI of EVs with the tumor grade. 3D-RI data analysis generates new perspectives with the optical, contact-free, label-free examination of the individual EVs. Depending on the specific tissue and isolation method, EVs exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. The optical parameters of single EVs enabled their classification into two unique subgroups with different RI values.

The Influence of a Knitted Hydrophilic Prosthesis of Blood Vessels on the Activation of Coagulation System-In Vitro Study.

The replacement of affected blood vessels of the polymer material can cause imbalances in the blood haemostatic system. Changes in blood after the implantation of vascular grafts depend not only on the chemical composition but also on the degree of surface wettability. The Dallon® H unsealed hydrophilic knitted vascular prosthesis double velour was assessed at work and compare with hydrophobic vascular prosthesis Dallon®. Spectrophotometric studies were performed in the infrared and differential scanning calorimetry, which confirmed the effectiveness of the process of modifying vascular prostheses. Determination of the parameters of coagulation time of blood after contact in vitro with Dallon® H vascular prosthesis was also carried out. Prolongation of activated thromboplastin time, decreased activity of factor XII, IX and VIII, were observed. The prolonged thrombin and fibrinogen were reduced in the initial period of the experiment. The activity of plasminogen and antithrombin III and protein C were at the level of control value. The observed changes in the values of determined parameters blood coagulation do not exceed the range of referential values for those indexes. The observed changes are the result of considerable blood absorptiveness by the prosthesis of blood vessels and their sealing.

Naturally Formed Chitinous Skeleton Isolated from the Marine Demosponge Aplysina fistularis as a 3D Scaffold for Tissue Engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) is a field of regenerative medicine that has been experiencing a special boom in recent years. Among various materials used as components of 3D scaffolds, naturally formed chitinous materials seem to be especially attractive because of their abundance, non-toxic and eco-friendly character. In this study, chitinous skeleton isolated from the marine sponge Aplysina fistularis (phylum: Porifera) was used for the first time as a support for the cultivation of murine fibroblasts (Balb/3T3), human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), human keratinocyte (HaCaT), and human neuronal (SH-SY5Y) cells. Characterization techniques such as ATR FTIR, TGA, and µCT, clearly indicate that an interconnected macro-porous, thermostable, pure α-chitin scaffold was obtained after alkali-acid treatment of air-dried marine sponge. The biocompatibility of the naturally formed chitin scaffolds was confirmed by cell attachment and proliferation determined by various microscopic methods (e.g., SEM, TEM, digital microscopy) and specific staining. Our observations show that fibroblasts and keratinocytes form clusters on scaffolds that resemble a skin structure, including the occurrence of desmosomes in keratinocyte cells. The results obtained here suggest that the chitinous scaffold from the marine sponge A. fistularis is a promising biomaterial for future research about tissues regeneration.

Are Biogenic and Pyrogenic Mesoporous SiO2 Nanoparticles Safe for Normal Cells?

Silicon dioxide, in the form of nanoparticles, possesses unique physicochemical properties (size, shape, and a large surface to volume ratio). Therefore, it is one of the most promising materials used in biomedicine. In this paper, we compare the biological effects of both mesoporous silica nanoparticles extracted from Urtica dioica L. and pyrogenic material. Both SEM and TEM investigations confirmed the size range of tested nanoparticles was between 6 and 20 nanometers and their amorphous structure. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds and intracellular ROS were determined in relation to cells HMEC-1 and erythrocytes. The cytotoxic effects of SiO2 NPs were determined after exposure to different concentrations and three periods of incubation. The same effects for endothelial cells were tested under the same range of concentrations but after 2 and 24 h of exposure to erythrocytes. The cell viability was measured using spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays, and the impact of the nanoparticles on the level of intracellular ROS. The obtained results indicated that bioSiO2 NPs, present higher toxicity than pyrogenic NPs and have a higher influence on ROS production. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles show good hemocompatibility but after a 24 h incubation of erythrocytes with silica, the increase in hemolysis process, the decrease in osmotic resistance of red blood cells, and shape of erythrocytes changed were observed.

Laser Texturing as a Way of Influencing the Micromechanical and Biological Properties of the Poly(L-Lactide) Surface.

Laser-based technologies are extensively used for polymer surface patterning and/or texturing. Different micro- and nanostructures can be obtained thanks to a wide range of laser types and beam parameters. Cell behavior on various types of materials is an extensively investigated phenomenon in biomedical applications. Polymer topography such as height, diameter, and spacing of the patterning will cause different cell responses, which can also vary depending on the utilized cell types. Structurization can highly improve the biological performance of the material without any need for chemical modification. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of CO2 laser irradiation of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) thin films on the surface microhardness, roughness, wettability, and cytocompatibility. The conducted testing showed that CO2 laser texturing of PLLA provides the ability to adjust the structural and physical properties of the PLLA surface to the requirements of the cells despite significant changes in the mechanical properties of the laser-treated surface polymer.

Assessment of cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of selected gingival haemostatic agents - in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The present research aimed to determine whether and how the aluminium chloride - based materials affect the cell line of the bacterial line and fungi. METHODS: Cytotoxicity of haemostatic astringents: Alustat (liquid), Alustat (gel), Alustat (foam), Alustin, Hemostat, Racestyptine and Traxodent containing AlCl3 was conducted on L929 cell line with the use of MTT and SRB assays. The antimicrobial activity (CFU and MIC) against C. albicans, S. mutans, L. rhamnosus was determined. RESULTS: In the MTT results, cell viability for all agents were very low. In SRB, the lowest cytotoxicity was demonstrated for Hemostat and Alustat (foam), Traxodent and Racestyptine. Total reduction of the CFU of S. mutans was observed. Alustat (gel) and Alustat (liquid) completely inhibited the growth of C. albicans, S. mutans and L. rhamnosus. CONCLUSIONS: The viability of L929 cells obtained in the SRB assay is more reliable than that obtained in the MTT assay, in the case of gingival haemostatic agents.

Correlation of Expression of CHI3L1 and Nogo-A and their Role in Angiogenesis in Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1) is a secretion glycoprotein. Elevated levels of this protein are observed in cancer diseases. The biological role of CHI3L1 is not yet fully known, but the connection between CHI3L1 and angiogenesis has been shown. Recent reports also describe the association of Nogo isoforms and Nogo-B receptor (NgBR) with a proliferative potential, cancer cell invasiveness, and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of CHI3L1, Nogo-A, Nogo-A/B, and NgBR and correlate them with clinical-pathological data, to study their role in angiogenesis in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 IDC cases were used in the study. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the level of expression of CHI3L1, Nogo-A, Nogo-A/B, NgBR and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFA, VEGFC and VEGFD). The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis including clinicalpathological data. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation of CHI3L1 and Nogo-A expression (r=0.474, p>0.0001) and a positive correlation of Nogo-A and VEGFC expression (r=0.280, p=0.013) were found. CONCLUSION: CHI3L1 and Nogo-A are important in angiogenesis in IDC.

Calophyllum inophyllum in vaginitis treatment: Stimulated by electroporation with an in vitro approach.

BACKGROUND: Vaginitis is one of the most common problems in clinical medicine and is cited most often during visits to obstetricians and gynecologists. Most of the inflammation cases are caused by candidiasis trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, treatment of vaginal infections must use antibiotic or antifungal drugs, which often provide quick relief to the patient. The real cause of the problem - disrupting the ecosystem of the vagina - remains unchanged. Thus, new therapeutic compounds are being explored. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of a natural substance: tamanu oil, an extract from the plant Calophyllum inophyllum, applied to the human fibroblast cell line (normal human dermal fibroblasts - NHDFs) and to the isolated human fibroblasts from the vagina (human vaginal fibroblasts - HVFs) in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated the viability of cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after incubation only with tamanu oil and with electroporation (EP). We also examined the immunocytochemical reaction of collagen type III and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) under established conditions. RESULTS: Tamanu oil increased the proliferation of cells and the amount of collagen III. It has been shown that the C. inophyllum extract stimulates the proliferation of commercial fibroblasts. For direct application in patients, one should use C. inophyllum extract in the range of 1:10-1:100 (saline dilution). CONCLUSIONS: The use of this extract (at concentrations indicated by the studies presented here) stimulates the healing processes (increased expression of collagen type III), and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic qualities.

The Role of CHI3L1 Expression in Angiogenesis in Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: An increased level of chitinase 3 like 1 protein (CHI3L1) expression is observed in patients with cancer and may have potential prognostic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CHI3L1 in angiogenesis in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) (n=110). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of CHI3L1, CD31, CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA, VEGFC and VEGFD). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to determine the level of CHI3L1 mRNA and protein. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive correlation between CHI3L1 expression and angiogenesis markers: CD31 (r=0.34, p=0.0003), CD34 (r=0.24, p=0.012), VEGFD (r=0.24, p=0.013). Higher CHI3L1 expression in estrogen receptor-negative (p=0.041) and progesterone receptor-negative (p=0.014) cancer was observed. Higher CHI3L1 expression was reported in cancer tissues in comparison to non-malignant breast lesions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a potential role of CHI3L1 in angiogenesis in IDC and may suggest its involvement in cancer progression.

Venous insufficiency: Differences in the content of trace elements. A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Venous insufficiency is still a serious clinical problem. The exact cause and molecular mechanisms of this disease are still unknown. In this study, we try to identify whether there is a difference in the level of trace elements between healthy and pathological veins. Our results show that insufficient veins have different levels of some trace elements: magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silicon compared to control samples. This study could lead to a better understanding of the molecular causes of venous insufficiency and may help to develop better methods of treatment. OBJECTIVES: Nowadays, venous diseases are a very common clinical phenomenon. Venous insufficiency is thought to be one of the most common vein diseases. The exact mechanisms of its etiology are still unknown, although from a clinical point of view some risk factors include gender, age, changing hormone levels, heredity, and standing or sitting for long periods. An imbalance in trace elements could also play a crucial role in the development and/or progression of venous insufficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trace element content in varicose vein walls and in normal vein walls was measured using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) after sample mineralization. Statistical analysis (the Mann-Whitney U test and the Friedman ANOVA) was performed to compare insufficient veins to controls (healthy veins). RESULTS: This study found statistically significant higher magnesium (Mg) ion levels in varicose veins compared to controls (p = 0.0067) and differences close to statistical significance in calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and silicon (Si) ion levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained could indicate oxidative stress occurring in chronic venous insufficiency as well as free radical neutralization pathways due to superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity with Mg, Mn and copper (Cu) ion involvement. Our results are consistent with literature data and are preliminary in nature.