Connexin-dependent intercellular stress signaling in tissue homeostasis and tumor development

Cellular stress responses determine tissue development, homeostasis and pathogenesis. Paracrine signaling, exchange of mechanical stimuli and intercellular transfer of small metabolites via connexin-built gap junctional channels are involved in the cellular stress detection and propagation of stress stimuli in multicellular networks. Cellular stress responses are also regulated through the activity of unpaired connexons (hemichannels) and via the intracellular interference of connexins with the cell cycle and pro-apoptotic machinery. Therefore, connexins are considered as multidirectional transmitters of the "outside-in" and "inside-out" stress signaling that are crucial for tissue homeostasis, regeneration and pathology. In particular, the disturbance of connexin function during the multi-stage process of tumor development leads to abnormal reactions of tumor cells to stress stimuli. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on the multidirectional role of connexins in the detection of stress signals. We also discuss the role of connexin-mediated intercellular transmittance of stress signals in tumour promotion, progression and metastatic cascade. Highlights: 1. Connexins and gap junctions protect cells from the microenvironmental stress and are involved in propagation and intracellular processing of stress signals. 2. The quality and quantity of stress stimuli, which may lead to cell adaptation or death by apoptosis, is determined by intrinsic properties of connexins and the cell phenotype. 3. Connexin deficiency increases the resistance of tumor cells to the "outside-in" stress signaling. 4. The connexin-mediated "inside-out" stress signaling participates in tumor cell invasion during the metastatic cascade

Tea-break with epigallocatechin gallate derivatives - Powerful polyphenols of great potential for medicine

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol present in green tea (Camellia sinensis), which has revealed anti-cancer effects toward a variety of cancer cells in vitro and protective potential against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Unfortunately, EGCG presents disappointing bioavailability after oral administration, primarily due to its chemical instability and poor absorption. Due to these limitations, EGCG is currently not used in medication, but only as a dietary supplement in the form of green tea extract. Therefore, it needs further modifications before being considered suitable for extensive medical applications.In this article, we review the scientific literature about EGCG derivatives focusing on their biological properties and potential medical applications. The most common chemical modifications of epigallocatechin gallate rely on introducing fatty acid chains or sugar molecules to its chemical structure to modify solubility. Another frequently employed procedure is based on blocking EGCG's hydroxyl groups with various substituents. Novel derivatives reveal interesting properties, of which, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antimicrobial, are especially important. It is worth noting that the most promising EGCG derivatives present higher stability and activity than base EGCG

The different uses of sea space in Polish Marine Areas: is conflict inevitable?

Seven major types of sea space use (Nature Protection Measures, Fisheries Exploitation, Geological Exploitation, Recreation, Large Infrastructures, Navigation, Military uses) in the Polish Marine Areas are presented in terms of how much space is used (km2) for each use and the degree of overlap among the different uses. The greatest degree of conflict is noted with regard to Nature Protection (which overlaps with 60% of the areas used for Recreation and Geological Exploitation), and Fisheries Exploitation (which overlaps with 60% of the areas used for Nature Protection, Recreation, Infrastructure and Navigation). On the other hand, Fisheries Exploitation areas are the least disturbed by other users, and its major competitor is Nature Protection, which claims 20% of the areas used by fisheries. A GIS-based map that illustrates the degree of conflict is included, and the authors suggest participatory management as the proper way to minimize conflicts over sea space use and to promote the effective protection of natural resources

Artysta operator z muzycznym i ksiązkowym zacięciem

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 38 (15-16 II), dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B

Rzeźnicy i kosmici. Biegają z miłości do sportu i do Nowej Huty

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 113 (17-18 V), dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B

Życiowy maraton przy bilardowym stole - nałogowca z Nowej Huty

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 26 (1-2 II), dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B

Strażak z Nowej Huty po godzinach biega z wężem. I kolekcjonuje medale

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 20 (25-26 I),dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B

Hamernicy, czyli podhalańscy hutnicy i nowohuccy górale

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 20 (25-26 I),dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B

Nowa Huta jest jak pitbul. Cieszy się złą opinią i bywa niebezpieczna

Dziennik Polski. - 2014, nr 137 (14-15 VI), dod. Kronika Krakowska, s. B