Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:896-900 "Frequency of the use of biological treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in Lower Silesia"
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic connective tissue diseases. Inadequate treatment of RA and AS results in health failure, disability and premature death. In recent years, development of immunology and genetic engineering techniques has started a new generation of drugs in the treatment of RA and AS, called biologic response modifiers or biologics. It is a very effective therapy of serious RA and AS. In many cases, they represent the only way to improve the quality of life, slowing or even arresting the development of these diseases. According to national statistics, the perc...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - September 1, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Original article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:887-895 "Metastatic potential of NET in neoplastic disease"
In response to various stimuli, neutrophils and eosinophils can release neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) consisting of proteolytic enzymes, DNA and other components of the cell nucleus. The NETosis process has been characterized as a mechanism of programmed cell death, which leads to chromatin decondensation and disintegration of organelles, followed by lysis of the cell membrane. In recent years the significant role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of cancer has been highlighted. The presence of two subpopulations of TAN with different phenotypes and functions – acting antitumor “ N1 ” and the pro-cancerous ...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - September 1, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:881-886 "New peptides players in metabolic disorders"
Among new peptides responsible for the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders and carbohydrate metabolism, adipokines are of great importance. Adipokines are substances of hormonal character, secreted by adipose tissue. Apart from the well-known adipokines, adropin and preptin are relatively newly discovered, hence their function is not fully understood. They are peptides not secreted by adipose tissue but their role in the metabolic regulations seems to be significant. Preptin is a 34-amino acid peptide, a derivative of proinsulin growth factor II (pro-IGF-II), secreted by pancreatic β cells, considered to be a physiologica...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - September 1, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:872-880 "Endothelins and carcinogenesis"
Endothelins are a family of four endogenous peptides (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, ET-4) secreted primarily in an inactive form by the endothelium. They are activated with the participation of converting enzyme. Numerous studies have described their pleiotropic biological activity. These peptides are involved, inter alia, in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Their important role in the regulation of blood pressure, tissue perfusion (especially in the central nervous system), and myocardial systolic function is also known. Moreover, changes in transcriptional activity of end...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 17, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:858-871 "Gingiva as a new and the most accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells from the oral cavity to be used in regenerative therapies"
This article describes the current understanding of oral MSCs and their prospective applications in cell-based therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Special attention is placed on GMSCs as they are easily accessible and may be obtained in a convenient and minimally invasive way. (Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej)
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 17, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:850-857 "The role of probiotics in prevention of oral diseases"
The dynamic development of knowledge in the field of probiotics was commenced at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, many ways of their possible usage in medicine have been established. In accordance with the WHO, probiotics are live microorganisms, which if applied in adequate amounts may benefit the host. Among probiotics, fungi and bacteria are distinguished, and mechanisms of action of these organisms in the oral cavity and gut are parallel. Application in dentistry, in prophylaxis and treatment of oral diseases is still not well known. Most commonly, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bif...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 17, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:844-849 "Role of omentin and chemerin in metabolic syndrome and tumor diseases"
For the past few years adipokines have been a center of appreciation and interest. They are biologically active molecules causing pleiotropic effects. They assist in angiogenesis, adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation, and modulate tissue sensitivity for insulin. Adipokines are produced in adipose tissue, so an abnormal quantity of this tissue leads to impaired levels of these factors. Because of their different concentrations in various conditions, it would be plausible to use them as markers for individual conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, gastric cancer, lung cancer or colon cance...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 12, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:830-843 "Metabolism of endocannabinoids"
Endocannabinoids belong to a group of ester, ether and amide derivatives of fatty acids, which are endogenous ligands of receptors CB1, CB2, TRPV1 and GPR55 that are included in the endocannabinoid system of the animal organism. The best known endocannabinoids are: N-arachidonylethanolamide called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They occur in all organisms, and their highest level is observed in the brain. In this review the mechanisms of synthesis and degradation of both AEA and 2-AG are shown. Endocannabinoids are synthesized from phospholipids (mainly phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 11, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:820-829 "Biochemistry and therapeutic potential of hydrogen sulfide – reality or fantasy?"
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a signaling gasotransmitter, involved in different physiological and pathological processes. H2S regulates apoptosis, the cell cycle and oxidative stress. H2S exerts powerful effects on smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, inflammatory cells, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and nuclear transcription factors. H2S is known to be produced from L-cysteine, D-cysteine and L-homocysteine in the body. Four enzymes – cystathionine-b synthase (CBS), mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), cystathionine- γ lyase (CSE) and cysteine aminotransferase (CAT) – are involved in H2S synthesis. The b...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - August 11, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:803-810 "Mobile antibiotic resistance – the spread of genes determining the resistance of bacteria through food products"
In recent years, more and more antibiotics have become ineffective in the treatment of bacterial nfections. The acquisition of antibiotic resistance by bacteria is associated with circulation of genes in the environment. Determinants of antibiotic resistance may be transferred to pathogenic bacteria. It has been shown that conjugation is one of the key mechanisms responsible for spread of antibiotic resistance genes, which is highly efficient and allows the barrier to restrictions and modifications to be avoided. Some conjugative modules enable the transfer of plasmids even between phylogenetically distant bacterial specie...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:787-796 "Alzheimer ’ s disease against peptides products of enzymatic cleavage of APP protein. Forming and variety of fibrillating peptides – some aspects"
Various and different peptides products resulting from enzymatic protein cleavage of Amyloid Precursor Proteins (APP) are the main agents in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer ’ s disease (AD). Although relatively well-known, they still arouse interest leading to further intense and wide-ranging research. Their biology and physico-chemical properties still are challenging for basic, experimental research and are matter of scientific debate. The APP itself and its functions are still somewhat enigmatic and therefore it is also called the All Purpose Protein. Apart from well known amyloidogenic and antiamyloidogenic (non-amy...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:775-786 "Protease-activated receptors – biology and role in cancer"
The fact that blood coagulation disorders may accompany malignant disease is well established. However, many studies have shown that components of the haemostatic system may also elicit signaling leading to cancer developement and progression. The potential mechanism by which coagulation factors play a role in cancer invasion is not completely understood, but one hypothesis is that protease-activated receptors (PARs) play a prominent role. PARs are transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are activated by a unique proteolytic mechanism. They have important functions in haemostasis and inflammation but may als...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:751-759 "Hen ’ s egg as a source of valuable biologically active substances"
The aim of this article is to show current knowledge concerning valuable substances biologically active present in hen eggs and underline important nutritive role of hen eggs. Hen egg is a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins (A, B2, B6, B12, D, E, K), minerals and lipids. The significant part of lipids is a group of unsaturated phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes, act protectively on the cardiovascular system and contribute to a decrease of cholesterol level and blood pressure. Therefore, the consumption of unsaturated phospholipids is recommended especially in patients suffering from dise...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:743-750 "Macrophages – silent enemies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis"
The inflammatory response by secretion of cytokines and other mediators is postulated as one of the most significant factors in the pathophysiology of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The effect of macrophage action depends on the type of their activation. Classically activated macrophages (M1) are responsible for release of molecules crucial for joint inflammation. Alternatively activated macrophages (M2) may recognize self antigens by scavenger receptors and induce the immunological reaction leading to autoimmune diseases such as JIA. Molecules essential for JIA pathophysiology include: TNF- α , the production of wh...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2016; 70:722-734 "Radioprotectors in radiotherapy – advances in the potential application of phytochemicals"
Radiotherapy, in addition to chemotherapy, is currently the primary method of cancer treatment based on destruction of malignant cells by ionizing radiation. Unfortunately, it also affects normal cells, which is associated with negative consequences for a patient. Radioprotectors are compounds used to prevent/protect the non-tumor cells from the harmful effects of radiation. To play their role these compounds should meet several criteria; among others, they should significantly protect normal cells from radiation without changing the tumor cell radiosensitivity. In general, agents used to alter normal tissue toxicity from ...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - July 22, 2016 Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research