Evaluation of the InterTAK Diagnostic Score in differentiating Takotsubo syndrome from acute coronary syndrome. A single center experience

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a novel clinical score — the InterTAK Diagnostic Score in differentiating Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Medical records of 40 consecutive patients with ACS and 20 patients with TTS were managed and retrospectively analyzed at the documented center. Each patient was evaluated using the Inter- TAK Diagnostic Score. To illustrate the diagnostic ability of the score, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. Results: Takotsube syndrome patients were more often female compared to the ACS group (70% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.002), an emotional trigger was more prevalent among the TTS group (65% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the score was 0.885 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.97). Using a cut-off value of 45 points, the sum of sensitivity and specificity was the highest. However, when patients with a score of ≥ 50 were diagnosed as TTS, 85% were diagnosed correctly. When patients with score ≤ 31 were diagnosed as ACS, 92% were diagnosed correctly. Conclusions: The InterTAK Diagnostic Score might help in differentiating TTS from ACSs with high sensitivity and specificity. This finding requires further investigation to confirm its clinical utility

Participation of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase in the blood of smoking smelters

Objectives: Metallothionein (MT) and two forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are dependent on zinc and copper ions, are involved in defense against the same superoxide anion radicals and are present in extra- and intracellular compartments. The aim of our study was to investigate MT concentration and Cu/Zn SOD activity in the plasma and erythrocyte lysate of the non-smoking and smoking smelters. Material and Methods: The investigations were performed in the blood of 300 male smelters and 100 non-exposed male subjects. We have measured zinc, copper, malondialdehyde (MDA) and MT concentrations as well as SOD activity. Results: We have observed an increase of Cu/Zn coefficient and decrease of Zn/Cu coefficient in the serum of smelters in comparison with the non-smoking control group. Concentration of MDA in the plasma of smelters was higher in comparison with its concentration in the non-smoking control group. The plasma and the erythrocyte lysate MT concentration increased significantly in the whole group of smelters as compared to the non-smoking control group. The mean value of MT concentration in plasma of the smoking smelters was above 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. The activity of Cu/Zn SOD in plasma of the smoking and non-smoking smelters was decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, respectively. The lowest activity of Cu/Zn SOD, about 2-3‑fold decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, was detected in plasma of the smelters. An inverse relationship was observed in the erythrocyte lysate. The highest activity of Cu/Zn SOD was reported in the erythrocyte lysate of the smoking smelters and it was about 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. Conclusions: In extracellular environment MT plays a crucial role in comparison with the SOD, while in the intracellular compartment Cu/Zn SOD and MT cooperate with each other

Body Composition and Its Impact on the Hormonal Disturbances in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

We investigated the relationship between selected body composition (BC) parameters and included 55 women diagnosed with PCOS and 29 women in which PCOS was excluded. Hormone concentration and BC parameters were assessed during hospitalization. Women with PCOS had higher concentration of luteinizing hormones, total testosterone, androstenedione, and Anti-Müllerian hormones compared to women that were not diagnosed with PCOS. We did not observe any significant differences in the BC parameters between both groups as well as between four PCOS phenotype subgroups. Only in the group of women with PCOS was the concentration of sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone correlated with all investigated BC parameters. Correspondence analysis did not confirm unambiguously associations between phenotypes of PCOS and the value of BC parameters, while logistic regression revealed that increased Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and the value of body mass index could be useful parameters in differentiating women with PCOS and women with other disorders. The ROC analysis performed on the entire group of women also confirmed that the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormones could be a powerful parameter to categorize women as suffering from PCOS

Preparation of mesoporous cobalt and cobalt-aluminum oxides as catalysts for the total oxidation of toluene

Tlenkowe katalizatory kobaltowe i kobaltowo-glinowe (o stosunku Al/Co 2:1, 1:1 i 1:2) uzyskano metodą twardego odwzorowania repliki węglowej CMK-3, nanosząc fazę aktywną metodą suchej impregnacji. Po każdym etapie syntezy określono stabilność termiczną preparatów, oraz ich właściwości strukturalne i teksturalne wykorzystując termograwimetrię, XRD oraz niskotemperaturową sorpcję azotu. Analiza TG pozwoliła określić temperatury otrzymywania materiałów tlenkowych stabilnych w warunkach testów katalitycznych. Badania strukturalne potwierdziły uzyskanie spinelu Co3O4 w próbkach czysto kobaltowych, natomiast nie pozwoliły rozróżnić faz spinelowych w preparatach glinowo-kobaltowych. Badania nie potwierdziły uporządkowanej struktury heksagonalnej tlenków. Przy pomocy sorpcji azotu wyznaczono powierzchnię właściwą, dla tlenków kobaltu wynosiła ona 9-50 m2/g, a dla preparatów z glinem była równa 10-130 m2/g. Większość próbek nie miała zdefiniowanej wielkości porów, a ich właściwości sorpcyjne wynikały z porowatości międzyziarnowej. Aktywność katalityczną tlenków przetestowano w procesie całkowitego utleniania toluenu, tlenki oparte na kobalcie są bardzo dobrymi i selektywnymi katalizatorami. Na najbardziej aktywnych katalizatorach zawierających kobalt lub kobalt i glin uzyskano prawie 100% konwersję toluenu w 325ºC.Oxide cobalt and cobalt-aluminum catalysts (with a ratio of Al/Co 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) were obtained by the replication of a carbon CMK-3 hard template depositing an active phase by incipient wetness impregnation. The products of the syntheses were characterized by thermogravimetry, XRD and low temperature nitrogen sorption. Thermogravimetric analysis enabled to determine the temperature of obtaining oxide systems stable under the conditions of catalytic tests. Powder X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the spinel structure in Co3O4 samples, while it was not possible to distinguish among spinel phases in aluminum-cobalt oxides. The studies did not confirm that the preparations retained the ordered hexagonal structure. By means of nitrogen sorption specific surface area was determined for Co3O4 samples (9-50 m2/g), and for cobalt-aluminum oxides (10-130 m2/g). Most preparations did not exhibit defined pore diameters, and their sorption properties resulted from interparticle porosity. The catalytic activity of the oxide samples was tested in the total oxidation of toluene, oxides based on cobalt are efficient and selective catalysts in this reaction. The most effective catalysts exhibited almost 100% conversion of toluene at 325ºC

Determination of metallothionein in biological fluids using enzyme-linked immunoassay with commercial antibody

Metallothionein (MT) is a low molecular weight cysteine-rich protein with a number of roles in the pro/antioxidant balance and homeostasis of essential metals, such as zinc and copper, and in the detoxification of heavy metals, such as cadmium and mercury. Until now, detection of metallothionein in biological fluids remained difficult because of a lack of a broadly reactive commercial test. Meaningful comparison of the values of metallothionein concentrations reported by different authors using their specific isolation procedures and different conditions of enzyme-linked immunoassay is difficult due to the absence of a reference material for metallothionein. Therefore in the present study, we describe a quantitative assay for metallothionein in biological fluids such as plasma and urine performed by a direct enzyme-linked immunoassay using a commercially available monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody and commercial standards of metallothionein from rabbit liver and a custom preparation of metallothionein from human liver. The sensitivity of the assay for the standard containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II from human liver was 140 pg/well. The reactivity of the commercial standards and standards containing two isoforms MT-I and MT-II isolated from human liver in our laboratory with a commercial monoclonal mouse anti-metallothionein clone E9 antibody were similar. This suggests that the described ELISA test can be useful for determination of metallothionein concentration in biological fluids. The concentrations of metallothionein in human plasma, erythrocyte lysate and in urine of smoking and non-smoking healthy volunteers are reported. Tobacco smoking increases the extracellular metallothionein concentration (plasma and urine) but does not affect the intracellular concentration (erythrocyte lysate)

Participation of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase in the blood of smoking smelters

Objectives: Metallothionein (MT) and two forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are dependent on zinc and copper ions, are involved in defense against the same superoxide anion radicals and are present in extra- and intracellular compartments. The aim of our study was to investigate MT concentration and Cu/Zn SOD activity in the plasma and erythrocyte lysate of the non-smoking and smoking smelters. Material and Methods: The investigations were performed in the blood of 300 male smelters and 100 non-exposed male subjects. We have measured zinc, copper, malondialdehyde (MDA) and MT concentrations as well as SOD activity. Results: We have observed an increase of Cu/Zn coefficient and decrease of Zn/Cu coefficient in the serum of smelters in comparison with the non-smoking control group. Concentration of MDA in the plasma of smelters was higher in comparison with its concentration in the non-smoking control group. The plasma and the erythrocyte lysate MT concentration increased significantly in the whole group of smelters as compared to the non-smoking control group. The mean value of MT concentration in plasma of the smoking smelters was above 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. The activity of Cu/Zn SOD in plasma of the smoking and non-smoking smelters was decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, respectively. The lowest activity of Cu/Zn SOD, about 2-3‑fold decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, was detected in plasma of the smelters. An inverse relationship was observed in the erythrocyte lysate. The highest activity of Cu/Zn SOD was reported in the erythrocyte lysate of the smoking smelters and it was about 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. Conclusions: In extracellular environment MT plays a crucial role in comparison with the SOD, while in the intracellular compartment Cu/Zn SOD and MT cooperate with each other

The role of arsenic compounds in oxidative stress and in the development of diabetes

For many years arsenic compounds were used in medicine, including treatment of skin diseases, malaria, diabetes, malaria, stomach ulcers, leukemia and in the eighteenth and the nineteenth century formed the basis of contemporary pharmacology. Due to its toxicity and carcinogenic activity, most of the compounds of this element were removed from use. The major cause of human arsenic toxicity is attributed to contamination of potable water from natural geological sources rather than from mining, smelting and agricultural sources (pesticides or fertilizers). Tobacco smoke also contains arsenic compounds. The characteristics of severe acute arsenic toxicity in humans include gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, skin lesions or even death. Chronic exposure frequently causes vascoocclusive disease (such as Blackfoot disease), and the development of lung, skin, liver, kidney and bladder cancers. Arsenic is a pro-inflammatory metal and appears to induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, affect cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Generation of free radicals by arsenic is associated with its genotoxicity and contributes to the development of neoplastic lesions. Exposure to arsenic can also cause damage of the central nervous system, peripheral neuropathies, and behavioral changes. It was shown the association of exposure to arsenic and type 2 diabetes. Compounds with +3 oxidation state are more toxic and can induce tumor development. Arsenic interacts with other heavy metals, e.g. enhances the toxicity of cadmium nephropathy and acts antagonistically relative to selenium. Studies on the mechanism of interacting the toxicity of arsenic in the human body are crucial and point to lack of access to pure potable water in some regions of the world. People should be aware of the risks that are associated with exposure to arsenic because it is ubiquitous in the industry, as well as the environment. Arsenic is also involved in the spread of lifestyle diseases, especially cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, understanding of the mechanisms responsible for toxicity of arsenic compounds is significant

Exploring the Relationship between Antioxidant Enzymes, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Clinical Profile in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

We aimed to investigate the extent of alterations in the pro/antioxidant balance in the blood of patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in relation to drug-modified therapy, gender, disability score, and disease duration. 161 patients (67 men and 94 women, aged 24–69 years, median 43.0) and 29 healthy individuals (9 men and 20 women, aged 25–68 years, median 41.0) were included in the study. We measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) as well as the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipid peroxidation parameters (LPO), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAS). The activity of SOD did not show any significant differences between patients with RRMS and the control group in our study. In contrast, significant decreased GPx activity and increased CAT activity was observed in the blood of patients with RRMS compared to the control group. Additionally, the activity of CAT was influenced by gender and the use of disease-modifying therapies. Disease-modifying therapies also affected the concentration of TOS, TAS, and LPO. Our studies indicated that enhancing GPx activity may be more beneficial to providing potential therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating antioxidant defenses to mitigate oxidative stress in this disease

The impact of dietary nitrates and acrylamide intake on systemic redox status in healthy young adults

Objectives The nitrogen-containing xenobiotics, such as nitrates and acrylamide may potentially influence systemic redox status and contribute to the generation of oxidative stress (OS) in the human body, but there is still a lack of studies that would evaluate the various parameters assessing the oxidative-antioxidant balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to nitrates and acrylamide derived from daily diet and to analyze the impact of these nitrate-containing xenobiotics on the parameters of systemic redox status in healthy young adults. Material and Methods To assess nitrate and acrylamide intake in the study population, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used. Systemic redox status was evaluated by measurement of a panel of biochemical parameters: enzymatic (glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) and non-enzymatic (uric acid, bilirubin and albumin), thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters (total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide) and oxidative/ antioxidant balance indicators (total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, OS index). Results The average consumption of nitrates and acrylamide in the study population was 1.24 mg/kg b.w./day and 0.23 μg/kg b.w./day, respectively, which is within the normal value range. Of 12 measured parameters, significant differences were revealed for disulfide and total thiol levels, which were increased in the subgroup with the highest daily intake of nitrates compared to the subgroup with the lowest intake; for GPx, which was highest in the subgroup of the lowest daily intake of acrylamide; and for native thiols in the subgroup with the highest daily intake. Conclusions The intake of nitrogen-containing xenobiotics within the range considered as normal does not markedly influence redox state parameters in healthy young adults. Some significant changes were revealed only for thiol/disulphide homeostasis parameters, which may be the first line of antioxidant defense, as well as for GPx activity. Compensative mechanisms in healthy young people are efficient enough to neutralize OS induced by slightly increased exposure to nitrogen-containing xenobiotics delivered with food