Polymorphism of the CD36 Gene and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Manifested at a Young Age

This study investigates potential associations between CD36 gene variants and the presence of risk factors in Caucasians with coronary artery disease (CAD) manifested at a young age. The study group consisted of 90 patients; the men were ≤ 50 years old and the women were ≤ 55 years old. Amplicons of exons 4 and 5 including fragments of introns were analyzed by DHPLC. Two polymorphisms were found: IVS3-6 T/C (rs3173798) and IVS4-10 G/A (rs3211892). The C allele of the IVS3-6 T/C polymorphism was associated with higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes, higher hsCRP, lower Lp(a) serum concentrations, and younger age at myocardial infarction. The A allele of the IVS4-10 G/A polymorphism was associated with older age of myocardial infarction and higher white blood cell count. The functional role of CD36 polymorphisms in CAD development needs further research

Fluoride inhibits the response of bone cells to mechanical loading

The response of bone cells to mechanical loading is mediated by the cytoskeleton. Since the bone anabolic agent fluoride disrupts the cytoskeleton, we investigated whether fluoride affects the response of bone cells to mechanical loading, and whether this is cytoskeleton mediated. The mechano-response of osteoblasts was assessed in vitro by measuring pulsating fluid flow-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Osteocyte shape was determined in hamster mandibles in vivo as parameter of osteocyte mechanosensitivity. Pulsating fluid flow (0.7 ± 0.3 Pa, 5 Hz) stimulated NO production by 8-fold within 5 min. NaF (10-50 μM) inhibited pulsating fluid flow-stimulated NO production after 10 min, and decreased F-actin content by ~3-fold. Fluid flow-induced NO response was also inhibited after F-actin disruption by cytochalasin B. NaF treatment resulted in more elongated, smaller osteocytes in interdental bone in vivo. Our results suggest that fluoride inhibits the mechano-response of bone cells, which might occur via cytoskeletal changes. Since decreased mechanosensitivity reduces bone mass, the reported anabolic effect of fluoride on bone mass in vivo is likely mediated by other factors than changed bone cell mechanosensitivity. © 2011 The Society of The Nippon Dental University

The effect of prolonged whole-body cryostimulation treatment with different amounts of sessions on chosen pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines levels in healthy men

Cryotherapy is used in the early treatment of acute injuries (sprains, strains, fractures) yet only a few papers discuss the possible influence of whole-body cryostimulation on inflammation mechanisms or immunology. It is postulated that cold exposure can have an immunostimulating effect related to enhanced noradrenaline response and can be connected with paracrine effects. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different sequences of whole-body cryostimulations on the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in healthy individuals. The research involved 45 healthy men divided into three groups. The groups were subjected to 5, 10 or 20, 3-minute long whole-body cryostimulations each day at -130\ub0C. Blood was collected for analysis before the stimulations, after completion of the whole series, and 2 weeks after completion of the series, for the examination of any long-term effect. The analysis of results showed that in response to cryostimulation, the level of ani-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 increased while Il-1\u3b1 cytokine level decreased. It seems that the most advantageous sequence was the series of 20 cryostimulations due to the longest lasting effects of stimulation after the completion of the whole series of treatments

Recent chemo‐/biosensor and bioimaging studies based on indole‐decorated BODIPY

BODIPY is an important fluorophores due to its enhanced photophysical and chemical properties including outstanding thermal/photochemical stability, intense absorption/emission profiles, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and small Stokes' shifts. In addition to BODIPY, indole and its derivatives have recently gained attention because of their structural properties and particularly biological importance, therefore these molecules have been widely used in sensing and biosensing applications. Here, we focus on recent studies that reported the incorporation of indole-based BODIPY molecules as reporter molecules in sensing systems. We highlight the rationale for developing such systems and evaluate detection limits of the developed sensing platforms. Furthermore, we also review the application of indole-based BODIPY molecules in bioimaging studies. This article includes the evaluation of indole-based BODIPYs from synthesis to characterization and a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of developed reporter systems, making it instructive for researchers in various disciplines for the design and development of similar systems

Rola magnezu w patogenezie migreny. możliwości zastosowania związków magnezu w profilaktyce i leczeniu migrenowych bólów głowy

One of the major functions of magnesium is the maintenance of proper electric potential of neurons. Pathological conditions associated with systemic magnesium deficiencies may be associated with disturbance of numerous neurophysiological processes. These may include neuron function, transmission of nerve impulses, neuromuscular transmission, muscle contraction and vasomotor reflex. Therefore, magnesium deficiencies, particularly those associated with hypomagnesemia, are a source of problems for neurologists. Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders. Despite many years of research, pathophysiology of migraine has not been elucidated. The predominant opinion is that the onset of migraine headaches is associated with cerebral vascular spasms. Based on the available knowledge of biological functions of magnesium, at least several feasible mechanisms for prevention or reduction of the intensity of migraine attacks by magnesium ions have been proposed. The goal of this review is to summarize the literature reports on magnesium in the pathogenesis of migraine and to identify the potential uses for magnesium compounds in prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.Jedną z najważniejszych funkcji magnezu jest utrzymywanie odpowiedniego potencjału elektrycznego komórek nerwowych. W stanach patologii związanych z ogólnoustrojowymi niedoborami magnezu może dochodzić do zakłócenia rozmaitych procesów neurofizjologicznych. Należą do nich m.in.: funkcjonowanie neuronów, przewodzenie impulsu nerwowego, przekaźnictwo nerwowo-mięśniowe i skurcz mięśni oraz odruch wazomotoryczny. Z powyższych względów stany niedoborów magnezu, zwłaszcza te przebiegające z hipomagnezemi ą, stały się problemem w praktyce klinicznej lekarza neurologa. Migrena jest jednym z najczęściej występujących schorzeń neurologicznych. Pomimo wielu lat badań, jej patofizjologia nie została jednoznacznie wyjaśniona. Aktualnie dominuje pogląd, iż pojawianie się migrenowych bólów głowy ma związek ze skurczem naczyń mózgowych. Na podstawie dostępnej wiedzy dotyczącej biologicznych funkcji magnezu zasugerowano istnienie przynajmniej kilku możliwych mechanizmów, za których pośrednictwem jony magnezu mogłyby zapobiegać pojawianiu się ataków migreny lub ograniczać ich nasilenie. Celem pracy było podsumowanie dostępnych w piśmiennictwie doniesień dotyczących roli magnezu w patogenezie migreny, a także wskazanie możliwości wykorzystania preparatów magnezu w profilaktyce i leczeniu migrenowych bólów głowy

The Content of Elements in Infant Formulas and Drinks Against Mineral Requirements of Children

Abstract The present study aimed at analysing the content of fluorine (F), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the drinks for children and infant formulas, a popular supplement or substitute for breast milk produced from cow milk on an industrial scale. Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while F levels using a potentiometric method. F levels in the examined formula samples increased with the intended age range, until the intended age of 1 year, and then decreased. A lower content of Ca, Mg and Zn was observed in formulas intended for children <1 year of age and higher for older children. Fe content increased with the age range. A statistically significant higher content of Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe in samples intended for children with phenylketonuria in comparison to those intended for healthy children or children with food aller-gies was noted. The content of the analysed elements in juices and nectars showed the highest contents in products intended for infants (under 6 months of age). The lowest levels of elements tested were found in drinks for children over 6months of age. In conclusion, the concentrations of the examined elements in infant formulas and juices for children were decid-edly greater than the standards for the individual age groups. Although the absorption of these elements from artificial prod-ucts is far lower than from breast milk, there is still the fear of consequences of excessive concentrations of these minerals