Osteoprotegerin Gene as a Biomarker in the Development of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women.

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial and polygenic disease caused by an imbalance between osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis, leading to a decrease in bone mineral density and the occurrence of disorders in the microarchitecture and metabolism of bone tissue. In postmenopausal women, there is a significant decrease in the production of estrogens, which play a key role in maintaining proper bone mineral density. Estrogens have an inhibitory effect on the development and activity of osteoclasts by reducing the synthesis of pro-resorption cytokines and stimulating the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG). Osteoprotegerin is a cytokine that prevents bone loss by inhibiting the process of osteoclastogenesis, reducing bone resorption. The aim of our study was to determine the influence of the rs3102735 (-163A>G), rs3134070 (-245T>G), rs207361 (-950T>C), rs7844539 (6890A>C), and rs2073618 (1181G>C) polymorphisms of the OPG gene on the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal Polish women. The study included 802 unrelated women (osteoporosis: n = 317, osteopenia: n = 110, controls: n = 375) at postmenopausal age (54.7 ± 8.6 years). Genetic analysis was performed using real-time PCR. BMD values as well as clinical and bone parameters with the tested polymorphisms were analyzed among the study population. Analysis of the PPARG rs1801282 variants did not show any association with the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia. However, for the OPG rs207361 polymorphism, we observed a statistically significant association with the risk of osteoporosis, suggesting that the OPG rs207361 variant may be one of the genetic markers associated with the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Radiotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: To Whom, When, and How?

The diagnosis rate of pancreatic cancer is steadily increasing. The average age of onset is close to 70 years. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage. The indications for and techniques of radiotherapy are changing over time. The aim of this thesis is to present the role and possibilities of radiotherapy from the perspective of radiation oncologist. The most common cause of treatment failure in pancreatic cancer remains generalisation. The implementation of new systemic treatment regimens contributes to improved treatment outcomes regardless of the stage of the disease. With improved treatment outcomes in terms of the incidence of distant metastases, the impact of local curability on the length and quality of life of patients increases. Modern radiotherapy offers the opportunity to achieve high local cure rates. Postoperative radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy seems justified in the group of postoperative pancreatic cancer patients with pT3 and pN+ features. In the group of patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, the impact of radiotherapy in combination with the latest chemotherapy regimens is difficult to define clearly. In the setting of a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, radiotherapy, especially stereotactic radiotherapy, in combination with chemotherapy, contributes to improved local curability and allows to achieve a significantly reduced level of pain.

Evaluation of the in vitro permeation parameters of topical ketoprofen and lidocaine hydrochloride from transdermal Pentravan® products through human skin.

In the treatment of pain, especially chronic pain, the rule of multimodal therapy applies, based on various painkillers mechanisms of action. The aim of the conducted study was to evaluate the in vitro penetration of ketoprofen (KET) and lidocaine hydrochloride (LH) through the human skin from a vehicle with transdermal properties. The results obtained with the use of the Franz chamber showed statistically significantly higher penetration of KET from the transdermal vehicle as compared to commercial preparations. It was also shown that the addition of LH to the transdermal vehicle did not change the amount of KET permeated. The study also compared the penetration of KET and LH by adding various excipients to the transdermal vehicle. Comparing the cumulative mass of KET that penetrated after the 24-h study, it was observed that the significantly highest permeation was found for the vehicle containing additionally Tinctura capsici, then for that containing camphor and ethanol, and the vehicle containing menthol and ethanol as compared to that containing Pentravan® alone. A similar tendency was observed in the case of LH, where the addition of Tinctura capsici, menthol and camphor led to a statistically significant higher penetration. Adding certain drugs such as KET and LH to Pentravan®, and substances such as menthol, camphor or capsaicin, can be an interesting alternative to administered enteral drugs especially in the group of patients with multiple diseases and polypragmasy.

Serum Metabolite Biomarkers for Pancreatic Tumors: Neuroendocrine and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas-A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is the most common pancreatic solid malignancy with an aggressive clinical course and low survival rate. There are a limited number of reliable prognostic biomarkers and a need to understand the pathogenesis of pancreatic tumors; neuroendocrine (PNET) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) encouraged us to analyze the serum metabolome of pancreatic tumors and disturbances in the metabolism of PDAC and PNET. METHODS: Using the AbsoluteIDQ® p180 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria) with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we identified changes in metabolite profiles and disrupted metabolic pathways serum of NET and PDAC patients. RESULTS: The concentration of six metabolites showed statistically significant differences between the control group and PDAC patients (p.adj < 0.05). Glutamine (Gln), acetylcarnitine (C2), and citrulline (Cit) presented a lower concentration in the serum of PDAC patients, while phosphatidylcholine aa C32:0 (PC aa C32:0), sphingomyelin C26:1 (SM C26:1), and glutamic acid (Glu) achieved higher concentrations compared to serum samples from healthy individuals. Five of the tested metabolites: C2 (FC = 8.67), and serotonin (FC = 2.68) reached higher concentration values in the PNET serum samples compared to PDAC, while phosphatidylcholine aa C34:1 (PC aa C34:1) (FC = -1.46 (0.68)) had a higher concentration in the PDAC samples. The area under the curves (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves presented diagnostic power to discriminate pancreatic tumor patients, which were highest for acylcarnitines: C2 with AUC = 0.93, serotonin with AUC = 0.85, and PC aa C34:1 with AUC = 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: The observations presented provide better insight into the metabolism of pancreatic tumors, and improve the diagnosis and classification of tumors. Serum-circulating metabolites can be easily monitored without invasive procedures and show the present clinical patients' condition, helping with pharmacological treatment or dietary strategies.

The influence of ESR1 polymorphisms on selected hormonal, metabolic and mineral balance markers in women with hyperandrogenism.

Hyperandrogenism is the most common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by an imbalance in normal estrogen and androgen levels in the blood. Androgens influence bone mineral density, body mass composition, muscle mass, mental state, and the regulation of sexual function.. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) polymorphisms on selected markers of bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with hyperandrogenism. The study group included 80 young women with hyperandrogenism who underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), and determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure leptin, sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand), osteoprotegerin and 25-OH vitamin D total levels. An analysis of ESR1 gene polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. A relationship was demonstrated between the concentration of free estradiol (FEI) and the concentration of 17-OH-progesterone, and the ESR1 gene polymorphisms: rs3020314 (p = 0.031, p = 0.026 respectively) and rs1884051 (p = 0.033, p = 0.026 respectively). In conclusion, the ESR gene polymorphisms may be associated with hormonal disturbances in the concentration of estrogens and androgens, in hyperandrogenism in young women which may indirectly affect bone mineral density. However, no statistically significant relationships between the studied polymorphisms and the selected parameters of mineral metabolism have been demonstrated..

The Role of Forkhead Box O in Pathogenesis and Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that causes numerous complications disrupting the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, new treatments for the disease are being sought. Studies in recent years have shown that forkhead box O (FOXO) proteins may be a promising target for diabetes therapy. FOXO proteins are transcription factors involved in numerous physiological processes and in various pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Their roles include regulating the cell cycle, DNA repair, influencing apoptosis, glucose metabolism, autophagy processes and ageing. FOXO1 is an important regulator of pancreatic beta-cell function affecting pancreatic beta cells under conditions of insulin resistance. FOXO1 also protects beta cells from damage resulting from oxidative stress associated with glucose and lipid overload. FOXO has been shown to affect a number of processes involved in the development of diabetes and its complications. FOXO regulates pancreatic ß-cell function during metabolic stress and also plays an important role in regulating wound healing. Therefore, the pharmacological regulation of FOXO proteins is a promising approach to developing treatments for many diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In this review, we describe the role of FOXO proteins in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the role of the modulation of FOXO function in the therapy of this disease.

Case report: Hydrometrocolpos conditioning recurrent urinary tract infections.

We present a case of a 12.5-year-old girl who has suffered from recurrent urinary tract infections for many years but has never undergone a detailed diagnostic process. Only as a teenager did she complain of acute pain in her lower abdomen and it turned out that her genital organs had not properly developed. She had an obstructive defect in the reproductive tract. When there was a significant amount of discharge collected in the lumen of the genital tract and the organs had distended, acute pain appeared, which allowed us to make the diagnosis. In the diagnostic process, transperineal ultrasonography turned out to be extremely helpful, allowing us to establish the type and thickness of the obstruction. The patient underwent excision of transverse vaginal septum, and postoperative silicon dilators were used to prevent the recurrence of the obstruction. There was no recurrence of urinary infection or complications during the 11 months of follow-up.

Corrigendum: Assessment of the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-aging properties and possible use on the skin of hydrogels containing Epilobium angustifolium L. extracts.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896706.].

Genetic variants of progesterone receptor in etiology of preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVES: Preterm delivery (PTD) accounts for around 11% of pregnancies worldwide. Unfortunately, no diagnostic indicator, specific mechanism or genetic predisposition has yet been identified. One of the hypotheses suggest local or functional progesterone decrease as a potential reason for preterm uterine contractions leading to preterm delivery. It is believed that any change in progesterone receptor DNA may be crucial for higher risk of preterm delivery due to abnormal response to prostaglandins, normally inhibited by properly built progesterone. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between progesterone gene polymorphisms (PROGINS and +331G/A) and preterm birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 230 women were enrolled, including 115 cases of preterm deliveries (between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation) and 115 healthy mothers of full-term infants. Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood sample. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out in a final volume of 25 µL. Genotyping was assayed by PCR. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted with p < 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: For both PROGINS (Alu ins/del) and +331G/A (rs10895068) polymorphisms were equally frequent in case and control group. The prevalence of PGR alleles in both groups was also comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed no association between progesterone gene polymorphisms (PROGINS and +331G/A) and risk of preterm delivery. Identifying mechanisms to prolong the length of gestation, particularly in women at risk for preterm delivery, will improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Assessment of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anti-Aging Properties and Possible Use on the Skin of Hydrogels Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is an ethnomedicinal plant known as a medicinal plant in many regions of the world, among others, in various skin diseases. Despite the great interest in this plant, there are still few reports of biological activity of ready-made dermatological or cosmetical preparations containing the E. angustifolium extracts. The antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and toxicity, wound healing, and skin permeation of topical hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts (HEas) was assessed. First, the plant extracts were prepared using three solvents: 70% (v/v) ethanol, 70% (v/v) isopropanol and water, next by preparing hydrogels witch by dry extracts (HEa-EtOH), (HEa-iPrOH) and (HEa-WA), respectively. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the HEas was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the HEas were characterized by high antioxidant activity. The most increased antibacterial activity was observed for a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Enterococcus faecium, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341 and Bacillus pseudomycoides, while the strains of Streptococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus were the least sensitive. All the HEas showed a reduction in the activity of lipoxygenase enzymes, proteases, and inhibition of protein denaturation. The HEa-EtOH and HEa-iPrOH also enhanced the wound healing activity of HDF cells. Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using the Franz diffusion cells. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in E. angustifolium penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. Furthermore, the hydrogels containing E. angustifolium extracts showed a broad spectrum of activity. Therefore, they can be considered as an interesting alternative for dermatologic and cosmetic preparations.

Epilobium angustifolium L. Essential Oil-Biological Activity and Enhancement of the Skin Penetration of Drugs-In Vitro Study.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular medicinal plant found in many regions of the world. This plant contains small amounts of essential oil whose composition and properties have not been extensively investigated. There are few reports in the literature on the antioxidant and antifungal properties of this essential oil and the possibility of applying it as a potential promoter of the skin penetration of drugs. The essential oil was obtained by distillation using a Clavenger type apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by the GC-MS method. The major active compounds of E. angustifolium L. essential oil (EOEa) were terpenes, including α-caryophyllene oxide, eucalyptol, ß-linalool, camphor, (S)-carvone, and ß-caryophyllene. The analyzed essential oil was also characterized by antioxidant activity amounting to 78% RSA (Radical Scavenging Activity). Antifungal activity against the strains Aspergillus niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticum, and Penicillium cyclopium was also determined. The largest inhibition zone was observed for strains from the Aspergillus group. The EOEa enhanced the percutaneous penetration of ibuprofen and lidocaine. After a 24 h test, the content of terpene in the skin and the acceptor fluid was examined. It has been shown that the main compounds contained in the essential oil do not penetrate through the skin, but accumulate in it. Additionally, FTIR-ATR analysis showed a disturbance of the stratum corneum (SC) lipids caused by the essential oil application. Due to its rich composition and high biological activity, EOEa may be a potential candidate to be applied, for example, in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries. Moreover, due to the reaction of the essential oil components with SC lipids, the EOEa could be an effective permeation enhancer of topically applied hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.

Application of collagen matrix in the prevention of anastomotic leaks following D2 gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

Esophagoenteral anastomotic leaks are one of the most serious complications of gastric cancer surgeries. Leaking anastomosis has a negative impact on patient's prognosis as it translates into increased reoperation rates, direct and indirect mortality, as well as increased risk of cancer recurrence. Literature contains reports on the use of additional measures aimed at preventing anastomotic leaks. Collagen matrices with tissue adhesives used to prevent anastomotic leaks following D2 gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis have not been described well in Polish literature. However, international reports on such use of these materials are available. Collagen matrices have been successfully applied in selected patients undergoing total or subtotal gastrectomy at the Department of General, Minimally Invasive, and Gastroenterological Surgery. We hereby present our experience in a group of 6 patients presenting with anastomotic leak risk factors.

IL17A and IL17F genes polymorphisms are associated with histopathological changes in transplanted kidney.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin 17 is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in immune response after allograft transplantation. IL-17 family of proinflammatory cytokines includes IL-17A and IL-17F. Previous studies have demonstrated that the rs2275913 IL17A and the rs11465553 IL17F gene polymorphism are associated with kidney allograft function. Because of the association between these polymorphisms and post-transplant immune response, we assume that these single nucleotide polymorphisms may affect morphological structure of transplanted kidney. The aim of this study was to examine the association of rs2275913 IL17A and rs2397084, rs11465553 and rs763780 IL17F gene polymorphisms with histopathological changes in transplanted kidney biopsies such as: glomerulitis, tubulitis, arteritis, cell infilitration and fibrosis. METHODS: The study enrolled 82 patients after renal graft transplantation in whom a kidney biopsy was performed because of impaired graft function. The rs2397084 T > C (Glu126Gly), rs11465553 G > A (Val155Ile) and rs763780 T > C (His167Arg) polymorphisms within the IL17F gene and the rs2275913 A > G (- 197 A > G) polymorphism within the IL17A gene promoter were genotyped using TaqMan genotyping assays on a 7500 FAST Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, USA). RESULTS: There was a significant association between the rs2275913 IL17A gene polymorphism and the grade of tubulitis, which was more severe among patients with the A allele, compared to recipients with the GG genotype (GG vs. AG + AA, P = 0.02), and with the grade of arteriolar hyaline thickening and mesangial matrix increase, which were more severe among patients with the G allele compared to recipients with the AA genotype (AA vs. AG + GG, P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). Tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis were more severe among individuals with the C allele at the rs763780 IL17F gene polymorphism (TT vs. TC, P = 0.09 and P = 0.017, respectively). However, it should be taken into account that the statistical significance was achieved without correction for multiple testing, and no significant association would remain significant after such correction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study may suggest a possible association between the rs2275913 IL17A and rs2275913 IL17A gene polymorphisms and some histopathological changes in transplanted kidney biopsies.

Useful Points of Geometry and Topography of the Lumbar Triangle for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block.

BACKGROUND: A new look at the topography of the lumbar triangle becomes a challenge for modern anesthesia. The aim of this study was to redefine the topography of the lumbar triangle for transverse abdominis plane block. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We explored 74 lumbar regions in 37 preserved cadavers (17 F and 20 M). RESULTS: The lumbar triangle was identified in 66 (89%) out of all explored cadavers' lumbar regions. The predominant triangle was the acute-angled shaped. It was identified in 39 (59%) out of all explored lumbar regions. The second type of dissected triangles had the obtuse-angled shaped. Most triangles of acute-angled shaped and obtuse-angled shaped (36) had medium surface (range from 3 cm2 to 6 cm2), which accounted for 55% of all dissected lumbar triangles. The mean surface of the lumbar triangle was 3.6±2.2 cm2. Based on other measurements, we demonstrated that the majority of the lumbar triangles (62 triangles) were beyond the posterior axillary line. CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, the randomized searching for lumbar triangle should be limited to the area situated beyond of the posterior axillary line. The region situated anteriorly to the midaxillary line was defined in the study as the critical area for finding the lumbar triangle. Outcomes from the study revealed that the size and the location of the lumbar triangle as the gate for the transverse abdominal plane block may be responsible for difficulties encountered by anesthetists. Thus, establishing the area with the highest probability of localization of the lumbar triangle can improve both safety and efficiency of transversus abdominis plane block.

Evaluation of renal graft function based on standard mathematical formulas.

BACKGROUND: Creatinine is a standard marker for estimation of the transplanted kidney function. Concentration values are used in mathematical equations for GFR (glomerular filtration rate) calculation, with MDRD (modification diet in renal disease) being most commonly used. Cystatin C is an alternative marker for changes in glomerular filtration, which is also used in eGFR (estimated GFR) formulas. The aim of this study was to reveal eGFR <60 ml/min/1.72 m(2) in a population of patients after renal transplant, with stable graft function, using different formulas. MatERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 100 patients (56 females and 44 males) aged 20-78 years, took part in this study. Renal transplantation was conducted from 10 years to 10 months prior to the study. Estimated GFR was calculated with 4 formulas: MDRD, CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration), CKD-EPI cys (using cystatin C), and CKD-EPI mix (using creatinine and cystatin C). We used electronic calculators available on the National Kidney Foundation and the Nephron Information Center websites. RESULTS: The occurrence of eGFR values <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was 28% according to MDRD formula, 23% according to CKD-EPI, 25% according to CDK-EPI cys, and 26%according to CDK-EPI mix. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of GFR <60 ml/min/0.73 m(2) was the highest when calculated by MDRD formula, and the lowest when calculation was done with CDK-EPI. The significant discrepancy with different eGFR formula testing suggests the need for further research to find the best marker and/or formula for graft function estimation.

Impact of kidney donor hemostasis on risk of complications after transplantation--preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the influence the of kidney donor hemostasis on the risk of complications in the kidney recipient after transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 38 deceased kidney donors, of whom 14 donors died from a physical injury and the others died from ischemic or bleeding central nervous system stroke. The donors were categorized into 2 subgroups. If the recipient's postoperative period proceeded smoothly, the kidney donor was assigned to the uncomplicated donors (UD) group. If the recipient's postoperative period was complicated, the donor was assigned to the complicated (CD) Group. The CD group of consisted of 9 donors who died from strokes or bleedings and 2 who died from physical injury. We examined the antithrombin (AT) protein C (PC), complexes of thrombin/antithrombin (TAT), fragments F1+2 of prothrombin (F1+2), plasminogen (Pl), complexes of plasmin/antiplasmin (PAP), and D-dimers (D-d). RESULTS: In the CD group had decreased activity of AT, PC, and Pl and increased activity of F1+2, TAT, and D-d. The UD group had a higher level of PAP. The CD group had evidence of intensive blood coagulation, but the UD group had evidence of fibrinolysis. Fisher's exact test revealed an increased risk in recipients who received a kidney from the CD group. CONCLUSIONS: The hemostasis of the kidney donors had a correlation with the occurrence of some complications in the kidney recipients, especially complications connected with activation of blood coagulation. It seems that the activation of fibrinolysis could be positive prognostic factor, but this requires further investigations.

A case of portomesenteric venous gas detected on computed tomography.

Portomesenteric vein gas is a rare condition, which pathogenesis is not completly understood. One of causes is e.g. mesenteric ischemia. Pathogenesis of this condition are: intraabdominal sepsis, interventional procedures, liver transplantation, Crohn disease and trauma. In 15% of causes its idiopathic. Hepatic portal venous gas predict high risk of mortality (>50%). An advanced radiology techniques such as computed tomography can be helpful in recognizing of this pathology stage. We want to report a case of 83-year-old man with acute abdominal pain after cardiovascular procedure, with portomesenteric vein gas and bowel pneumatosis detected on computed tomography.

Program of laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy with retroperitoneoscopic access - a Polish single-center experience - success or disappointment?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (LLDN) is an attractive alternative to open approach and is a widely accepted method of kidney retrieval for transplantation. Here, we present the first Polish series of LLDN performed at a single center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between April 2008 and May 2012, we performed 8 LLDN with an immediate renal transplantation using classical surgical approach and technique. Four men and 4 women were operated on. In all cases of LLDN, left kidneys were retrieved and retroperitoneal approach with 3 trocars was used according to the technique we described previously. RESULTS: No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. The average "skin-to-skin" time of surgery was 138 minutes (min. 80; max. 210). The blood loss ranged from 0 to 280 ml (average, 80). Warm ischemia time did not exceed 3 minutes in any case. All organs were immediately implanted in the second operating room. Postoperative course was uneventful in all donors and recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to many authors, at the beginning of our program we hoped that introduction of LLDN would increase the donor pool in Poland. Unfortunately, so far, these expectations have not been realized. However, we consider our program as a success regarding multidisciplinary cooperation and feasibility of LLDN in our country.

Effect of preservation solutions UW and EC on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase II and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase II genes in rat kidney.

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases play an important role in the regulation of mesangial cell proliferation and may be involved in ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Preservation solutions are thought to diminish the ischemic injury and appropriate choice of the solution should guarantee a better graft function and good prognosis for graft survival. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of preservation solutions UW and EC on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase II and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase II genes in rat kidney. The study was carried out on Wistar rat kidneys divided into 3 groups: kidneys perfused with 0.9% NaCl (control group), with UW, and with EC preservation solution. The results show an enhancement of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 gene expression after 12 min of cold ischemia. This increase was more expressed in kidneys preserved with UW solution in comparison with kidneys perfused with EC solution and 0.9% NaCl. After 24 h of cold ischemia the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 genes in kidney perfused with UW solution decreased, while in kidneys perfused with EC it was increased. After warm ischemia the MMP-2 and TIMP-2 gene expression increased, whereas it was significantly lower in kidneys perfused with EC solution.

The effect of preservation solutions UW and EC on the expression of renin I, angiotensinogen and angiotensin I-converting enzyme genes in rat kidney.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion injury in organ transplantation is a multifactor process that may lead to delayed graft function (DGF), and has a significant impact on short- and long-term graft survival. The activation of the renin-angiotensin system may be important in the pathophysiology of DGF. Preservation solutions are thought to diminish the ischemic injury, and appropriate choice of the solution should contribute to improved graft function and better prognosis for graft survival. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of preservation solutions UW and EC on the expression of renin I, angiotensinogen and angiotensin I-converting enzyme genes in rat kidney. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was carried out on Wistar rat kidneys divided into 3 groups: kidneys perfused with 0.9% NaCl (control group), with UW preservation solution, and with EC preservation solution. We investigated the expressions of renin I, angiotensinogen- and angiotensin I-converting enzyme genes in kidneys perfused with EC and UW solutions after 12 min (minutes) and 24 h (hours) of cold ischemia and 30 min of warm ischemia. RESULTS: The perfusion with UW and EC solution caused an increase of renin I, angiotensinogen and angiotensin I-converting enzyme genes expression in kidneys. This increase was enhanced in kidneys perfused with UW solution in comparison with kidneys perfused with EC solution. The 24 h preservation with UW solution resulted in a decrease of renin-angiotensin activity increased in cold ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: UW preservation of 24 h decreased renin-angiotensin system activity activated in cold ischemia but not in warm ischemia.