Probiotics, could be functional foods?

Research on functional food (FF) began in the 1980s in Japan, although the term appeared in the journal Nature in 1993. Functional foods can be natural or FF are created via the addition or removal of certain ingredients in technological processes. These treatments are aimed at obtaining food products that have health-promoting effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The best representative example of functional food is probiotic food. According to World Health Organization (WHO) probiotics are live micro-organisms that, in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host. This has the effect of inhibiting the pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli and E. coli translocation in the gastrointestinal tract.. In addition, it can also influence the repair of the damaged intestinal barrier. Probiotics can also improve the host immune system via strong adherence and colonisation of the gut. This results in the secretion of cytokines and chemokines, which are involved in immune processes. More than that, probiotics have the ability to produce peptides directed against microorganisms. These include lantibiotics, bacteriolysins and peptide bacteriocins. The review presented shows that probiotics as functional foods have an important role in human health. Their intake has many benefits and their appropriate use can significantly improve the comfort of a person's life

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), is the disease still dangerous?

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)  belongs to the family Flaviviridae. Flaviviruses are 50 nm viruses having a membrane envelope with an RNA genome. The vector of TBEV is the common tick (Ixodes ricinus) prevalent mainly in Europe. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in 27 countries in Europe. According to the National Institute of Hygiene, there are several hundred cases per year in Poland. Diagnosis of TBEV may be based on serological tests, molecular tests, cerebrospinal fluid examination. Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis is based on several aspects and the most important are the non-compulsory vaccinations. TBEV is a disease characterised by the risk of many complications, which can be irreversible. Fortunately, thanks to developments in vaccinology, vaccinations are available to prevent infection or reduce the severity of the disease

Implementation of experimental cellular (cellular-genetic) therapies on the example of eye diseases

The development of technology and a modern research approach in the 21st century has enabled access to new therapies in many fields of medicine and nanotechnology. Work on the use of cellular therapies is carried out in leading centers around the world. According to the "clinicaltraial.gov" service, it is estimated that there are about 5.5 thousand clinical trials using stem cells. The classification of stem cells is based on their potential to differentiate into other cells, tissues, organs or the whole organism. In cell therapy 3 groups of stem cells are used: Pluripotent Stem Cells (PSC), multipotent and unipotent, which have two common features: the ability to self-revalue, that is, to divide and to differentiate in many directions. To date, there are no objective, randomized clinical trials that would clearly determine the efficacy and safety of the cell therapy used in ophthalmic diseases. Hope is given by gene therapies such as the recently approved Luxturna™ gene therapy used in hereditary retinal degeneration caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. Research is currently underway on experimental cell therapies to treat the following diseases of the optic system: glaucoma, retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), optic nerve atrophy, retinal pigmentation (RP) and Stargardt's disease. Stem cell-based medical therapies are a promising and rapidly developing method of innovative treatment, especially for conditions that were previously considered incurable. The use of experimental cellular gene therapies in diseases of the visual organ gives hope to both patients and scientists, but the age of regenerative medicine has yet to come

Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium Concentrations in the Placenta, Umbilical Cord, and Fetal Membrane from Women with Multiple Pregnancies

Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and magnesium (Mg) are the elements responsible for the fundamental metabolic and biochemical processes in the cells of the body. The demand for these elements increases significantly during pregnancy, where an adequate supply protects women from the hypertension common in pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. This study aimed to evaluate the association between macro-elements (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord and the morphometric parameters of newborns from multiple pregnancies. The study involved 57 pregnant European women with healthy uncomplicated twin pregnancies (n = 52) and triple pregnancies (n = 5); 40 pairs of dichorionic diamniotic twins, 11 pairs of monochorionic diamniotic twins, 1 pair of monochorionic monoamniotic twins, 3 trichorionic triamniotic triplets, and 2 dichorionic triamniotic triplets. Placentas (n = 107), umbilical cords (n = 114), and fetal membranes (n = 112) were collected immediately following delivery, and then weighed and measured. The levels of Ca, K, Na, and Mg were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) in a Thermo Scientific ICAP 7400 Duo (Waltham, MA, USA). The respective mean concentrations of Ca, K, Na, and Mg (mg/kg−1 dry mass) were: 2466, 8873, 9323, and 436 in the placenta; 957, 6173, 26,757, and 326 in the umbilical cord, and 1252, 7460, 13,562, and 370 in the fetal membrane. In the studied materials from northwestern Poland, we found strong positive correlations between Ca and Mg concentrations in both the umbilical cord (r = 0.81, p = 0.00) and the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between K and Mg concentrations in the umbilical cord (r = 0.73, p = 0.00); between Ca and K concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = 0.73, p = 0.00), and we found moderately positive correlations between placental Ca concentration and placental weight (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00) and between umbilical cord Mg concentrations and the length of the pregnancy (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.00). Negative correlations were found between Na and Ca concentrations in the fetal membrane (r = −0.40, p = 0.00) and Na concentrations in the fetal membrane and Mg concentrations in the placenta (r = −0.16, p = 0.02). Negative correlations were confirmed between the length of pregnancy and head circumference (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant weight (ρ = −0.42; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.49; p = 0.00); and between the infant weight and head circumference (ρ = −0.62; p = 0.00), weight before delivery (ρ = −0.36; p = 0.00), infant length (ρ = −0.45; p = 0.00), shoulder width (ρ = −0.63; p = 0.00), and weight gain during pregnancy (ρ = −0.31; p = 0.01). We found statistically significant correlations between cigarette smoking before pregnancy and the women’s weight before delivery (ρ = 0.32, p = 0.00), and a negative correlation between the women’s ages and infant head circumference (ρ = −0.20, p = 0.02). This is probably the first study to evaluate Ca, Na, K, and Mg concentrations in the afterbirth tissues of multiple pregnancies. It adds to the knowledge of elemental concentrations in multiple pregnancies and their possible effects on fetal morphometric parameters

The Role of CXCL16 in the Pathogenesis of Cancer and Other Diseases

CXCL16 is a chemotactic cytokine belonging to the α-chemokine subfamily. It plays a significant role in the progression of cancer, as well as the course of atherosclerosis, renal fibrosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since there has been no review paper discussing the importance of this chemokine in various diseases, we have collected all available knowledge about CXCL16 in this review. In the first part of the paper, we discuss background information about CXCL16 and its receptor, CXCR6. Next, we focus on the importance of CXCL16 in a variety of diseases, with an emphasis on cancer. We discuss the role of CXCL16 in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Next, we describe the role of CXCL16 in the tumor microenvironment, including involvement in angiogenesis, and its significance in tumor-associated cells (cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF), microglia, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC), and regulatory T cells (Treg)). Finally, we focus on the antitumor properties of CXCL16, which are mainly caused by natural killer T (NKT) cells. At the end of the article, we summarize the importance of CXCL16 in cancer therapy

Selected Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Parasite–Host System Hymenolepis diminuta–Rattus norvegicus

The rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta is a parasite of the small intestine of rodents (mainly mice and rats), and accidentally humans. It is classified as a non-invasive tapeworm due to the lack of hooks on the tapeworm’s scolex, which could cause mechanical damage to host tissues. However, many studies have shown that metabolites secreted by H. diminuta interfere with the functioning of the host’s gastrointestinal tract, causing an increase in salivary secretion, suppression of gastric acid secretion, and an increase in the trypsin activity in the duodenum chyme. Our work presents the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of a parasite-host interaction, including the influence on ion transport and host intestinal microflora, morphology and biochemical parameters of blood, secretion of antioxidant enzymes, expression of Toll-like receptors, mechanisms of immune response, as well as the expression and activity of cyclooxygenases. We emphasize the interrelations between the parasite and the host at the cellular level resulting from the direct impact of the parasite as well as host defense reactions that lead to changes in the host’s tissues and organs

Aging and old age in the opinion of high school students in Chojnice

Nowadays, a significant increase in the number of post-working age people can be observed. This is due primarily to the change of life style, taking care of their own health and the development of medicine. Therefore, the perception of old people and their problems have become a common theme and subject of research. Aging and old age are referred to as the next stage in human development, which puts it in front of an extremely severe challenges or difficulties.The aim of this study was to present the views of High School students about aging and old age. In the anonymous and voluntary survey involved 252 students in grades first Chojnice High Schools. The author's questionnaire was used, containing 26 questions. Analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS version 24 and Microsoft Office Excel.In our own research, the relationship between the gender of respondents and the fear of old age was proved, which shows that women are more likely to fear their own old age. The correlation between place of residence and opinion on the need for elderly people in society was also examined. It was shown that among the youth living in the city up to 100,000 inhabitants were people who thought that the old people were unnecessary for the society. However, the vast majority of opinion-makers declared the need for old people in the population.The results of the study showed that young people have a positive attitude to the older generation. There was no stereotypical perception of old people by young people.</p

The Associations between Metalloestrogens, GSTP1, and SLC11A2 Polymorphism and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Background: The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) is still rising. Numerous risk factors including patient characteristics and molecular instability have been identified for EC. The presence of specific molecular markers allows specific diagnostic and prognostic approaches. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified to influence endometrial cancer risk. Metalloestrogens are metal ions which can mimic estrogen activity; however, their role in uterine pathologies remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate total blood trace elements levels and evaluate the distribution of selected genotypes in GSTP1 and SLC11A2 genes. Methods: This retrospective case-control analysis was carried out in peripheral blood samples of 110 women with endometrial cancer (EC; n = 21), uterine fibroma (n = 25), endometrial polyp (n = 48), and normal endometrium (n = 16). Analysis included measurement of metals and phosphor in serum, and of genetic polymorphisms in GST (rs1695) and SLC11A2 (rs224589) in DNA from white blood cells. Serum trace elements were measured using ICP-OES spectrometry. SNPs were identified using Taq Man real-time PCR genotyping assays. Results: The study confirmed higher age (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.69&ndash;2.24), post-menopausal status (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.36&ndash;1.94), and diabetes type 2 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 0.97&ndash;1.72) as independent risk factors for EC. We also found a high level of Cd (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.31&ndash;1.63) and a low level of Co (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.53&ndash;0.59) to be independent risk factors of EC. None of the tested polymorphisms of GSTP1 and SLC11A2 were associated with EC risk. However, high Cd (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15&ndash;1.29) and Ni (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05&ndash;1.18) serum levels were significantly associated with a SLC1A2 TG genotype, and high Cd levels with GSTP1 (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01&ndash;1.13)

Estrogen α and β Receptor Expression in the Various Regions of Resected Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumors and in an In Vitro Model

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant tumor with a higher prevalence in men and a higher survival rate in transmenopausal women. It exhibits distinct areas influenced by changing environmental conditions. This study examines how these areas differ in the levels of estrogen receptors (ERs) which play an important role in the development and progression of many cancers, and whose expression levels are often correlated with patient survival. This study utilized two research models: an in vitro model employing the U87 cell line and a second model involving tumors resected from patients (including tumor core, enhancing tumor region, and peritumoral area). ER expression was assessed at both gene and protein levels, with the results validated using confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Under hypoxic conditions, the U87 line displayed a decrease in ERβ mRNA expression and an increase in ERα mRNA expression. In patient samples, ERβ mRNA expression was lower in the tumor core compared to the enhancing tumor region (only in males when the study group was divided by sex). In addition, ERβ protein expression was lower in the tumor core than in the peritumoral area (only in women when the study group was divided by sex). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the highest ERβ protein expression in the enhancing tumor area, followed by the peritumoral area, and the lowest in the tumor core. The findings suggest that ER expression may significantly influence the development of GBM, exhibiting variability under the influence of conditions present in different tumor areas

Neurotrophic Factors in Experimental Cerebral Acanthamoebiasis

To date, no studies have addressed the role of neurotrophins (NTs) in Acanthamoeba spp. infections in the brain. Thus, to clarify the role of NTs in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during experimental acanthamoebiasis in relation to the host immune status, the purpose of this study was to determine whether Acanthamoeba spp. may affect the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) in brain structures. Our results suggest that at the beginning of infection in immunocompetent hosts, BDNF and NT-3 may reflect an endogenous attempt at neuroprotection against Acanthamoeba spp. infection. We also observed a pro-inflammatory effect of NGF during acanthamoebiasis in immunosuppressed hosts. This may provide important information for understanding the development of cerebral acanthamoebiasis related to the immunological status of the host. However, the pathogenesis of brain acanthamoebiasis is still poorly understood and documented and, therefore, requires further research