Vitamin D deficiency in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, which is the main factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. In Poland, a high percentage of people with vitamin D deficiency is observed, as well as incidences of type 2 diabetes. In 2013, recommendations regarding vitamin D supplementation for Central Europe inhabitants were published, which recommend the use of vitamin D preparations for obese people with a dose of 600-4000 IU / per Day Purpose of the work: Evaluation of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in obese patients with chronically decompensated type 2 diabetes mellitus and appropriate supplementation in accordance with given recommendations. Material and metod: Evaluation of laboratory tests and applied pharmacotherapy in 40 patients with chronically decompensated type 2 diabetes, aged from 38 to 89 years old. Results: In the experimental group the average concentration of 25 (OH) D3 was 20.3 ng / ml ± 11.7. Supplementation of vitamin D preparations was used by 15% of patients. Only 22.5% of patients had correct concentrations of 25 (OH) D3, but only one person used vitamin D supplements in this group. Conclusions: One in five obese patients with type 2 diabetes have normal levels of vitamin D. Among obese diabetics nearly 90% of patients do not apply the recommendations for vitamin D supplementation. Knowledge about the benefits of vitamin D supplementation should be widely propagated among diabetologists and general practitioners

The importance of adiponectin in the human body

Adipose tissue produces various types of proteins, including adipocytokines, which is why it should be treated as an endocrine organ. Adiponectin is one of the most important adipokines in the human body. We distinguish three factions of adiponectins: low molecular weight (LMW), middle molecular weight (MMW) and high molecular weight (HMW). The purpose of this article is to attempt to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding adiponectin, in particular its role in the human body. Adiponectin significantly influences the metabolism of carbohydrates by stimulating the activity of AMPK and PPAR-α through the AdiopoR1 receptors, which results in an increase in uptake and oxidation of glucose in cells. The literature has repeatedly demonstrated a negative correlation of serum adiponectin concentrations in relation to the BMI index, insulin and triglyceride levels, HOMA-IR and blood pressure. Decreased adiponectin levels have been demonstrated in such diseases as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease or in patients after a stroke. The significant effect of this adipocytokine on the reduction of inflammation, lipid metabolism and effect on the vascular endothelium is of key importance in the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation. In conclusion, the correct concentration of adiponectin is important for maintaining proper function of the whole organism. It affects numerous metabolic processes, mainly the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. It has antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the low concentrations of adiponectin found in patients with chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, there is a need for further research to determine the exact effect of adiponectin on these morbidities

Pyrethroids - could they be dangerous?

Pyrethroids are powerful insecticides, which are worldwide use in pest control, in agriculture, forestry, even in households. The amount of used pyrethroids is growing every year. They were created as the result of a modification of natural pyrethrin, which is botanical insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. The pyrethroids are the substances with powerful effects on insects nervous system due to binding to voltage-gated sodium channels of nerve cells. Despite of relatively low risk of toxicological effect on humans and other mammals, there are many reports of acute or chronic exposure on pyrethroids. Based on available literature implicates that pyrethroids induce adverse health effects on non-target organisms. The associations between exposure to pyrethroids and the effect on nervous, endocrinological and immunological systems were reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze an association between exposure to pyrethroids and its potential poisoning effect on humans

Investigations of new phenothiazine-based compounds for dye-sensitized solar cells with theoretical insight

New D- -D- -A low-molecular-weight compounds, based on a phenothiazine sca old linked via an acetylene unit with various donor moiety and cyanoacrylic acid anchoring groups, respectively, were successfully synthesized. The prepared phenothiazine dyes were entirely characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compounds were designed to study the relationship between end-capping donor groups’ structure on their optoelectronic and thermal properties as well as the dye-sensitized solar cells’ performance. The e ect of -conjugation enlargement by incorporation of di erent heterocyclic substituents possessing various electron–donor a nities was systematically experimentally and theoretically examined. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were implemented to determine the electronic properties of the novel molecules

Sun exposure among young people

We are exposed to ultraviolet radiation every day. The amount of absorbed dose depends on the latitude, time of day, season of the year and the content of melanin in the skin. Deficiencies are the cause of many health problems and deterioration of the course of many disease processes. Negative effects on the cardiovascular system, on the formation of tumors or on the development of autoimmune diseases have been confirmed. In daily consumed foods, the dose of vitamin D is about 10% of the daily requirement. Increased physical activity, sunbathing when using radiation protection and oral supplementation allow you to achieve your goals. The level of vitamin D should be monitored regularly. There was a significant deficiency of vitamin D among athletes regardless of the type of sport performed. In addition to the benefits of sun exposure, we also get the risk of developing skin cancer. Risky behavior in the sun, the occurrence of erythema can contribute to the future of serious skin problems associated with cancer. We can prevent them by applying prophylaxis and individually selected sun protection. Education of patients, parents with small children families of patients with diagnosed melanoma and people with skin cancer may have positive effects in the future. Smoking and drinking alcohol have an adverse effect on sunbathing and the risk of sunburn. Planning for a pro-health policy should be based on preventive and public education programs. The increase in skin cancer cases around the world is alarming

The influence of selenium on thyroid gland

The proper functioning of the thyroid gland depends on many factors, which include adequate supply of various trace elements, including iodine, but also selenium or iron. The purpose of this article was to attempt to summarize the current knowledge on the effects of selenium on the thyroid gland and the clinical implications associated with it. Selenium affects the homeostasis of the entire human body, and its main function in the thyroid gland is to counteract damage of oxidative origin. This microelement is part of selenoproteins, which include glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase. Both selenium deficiency and excess can negatively affect the thyroid gland. The research results show that selenium supplementation may bring benefits in some morbidities, eg Graves-Basedow disease. Currently, I advise recommending semi-annual selenium supplementation in a mild form of thyroid orbitopathy. However, no clinical benefit has been demonstrated in increasing the supply of selenium in the diet of other patients with thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's disease. In conclusion, despite the numerous studies already conducted, further work is necessary to fully explain the mechanisms of action of this element on the thyroid gland, but also to deepen knowledge about the benefits and risks of selenium supplementation in various types of thyroid structural disorders and, most importantly, to establish safe guidelines for possible treatment

The incidence of thyroid diseases in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

WSTĘP: Zespół policystycznych jajników (PCOS) jest najczęstszą przyczyną hiperandrogenizmu i niepłodności u kobiet w wieku rozrodczym. W przebiegu klinicznym tej endokrynopatii należy uwzględniać wpływ zaburzeń tyreologicznych. CEL BADANIA: Ocena częstości występowania chorób tarczycy u pacjentek z PCOS w po­równaniu ze zdrową populacją. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Badaniem objęto 67 pacjentek, hospitalizowanych w Klinice Endokrynologii w Lublinie w latach 2012–2014, w wieku 18–44 lata (średnia wieku 26,5 ± 5,9 r.), u których rozpoznano PCOS według kryteriów rotterdamskich. Analiza retrospektywna dokumentacji medycznej ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem badania podmiotowego, przedmiotowego oraz badań laboratoryjnych. WYNIKI: Choroby tarczycy zdiagnozowano u 21 pacjentek (31,3%), średnia wieku 27,9 ± 7,8 roku, TSH 2,03 ± 0,9 mj./l. Wśród rozpoznań tyreologicznych w badanej grupie chorych dominowało autoimmunizacyjne zapalenie tarczycy u 14 pacjentek (70%), z tego 5 w stadium eutyreozy. Częstość występowania niedoczynności tarczycy na podłożu hipoplazji gruczołu tarczowego wynosiła 15%, wole guzkowe rozpoznano u 10% chorych. U jednej pacjentki nie ustalono etiologii niedoczynności tarczycy. Leczenie substytucyjne preparatami L-tyroksyny stosowano u 65% pacjentek. WNIOSKI: U pacjentek z PCOS częściej niż w populacji ogólnej występują choroby tarczycy, zwłaszcza przewlekłe zapalenie tarczycy o podłożu autoimmunizacyjnym, co wskazuje na konieczność prowadzenia badań przesiewowych w tej grupie kobiet.BACKGROUND: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism and infertility among women of childbearing age. The impact of thyroid disorders must be considered in the clinical course of this endocrinopathy. OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of the incidence of thyroid diseases in PCOS patients compared to the healthy population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 67 patients, aged between 18 to 44 years (the mean age 26.5 ± 5.9 years) hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology in Lublin in the years 2012–2014. Retrospective analysis of the medical documentation with a particular emphasis on the interview, physical examination and laboratory studies. RESULTS: The thyroid diseases were diagnosed in 21 patients (31.3%) with the mean age 27.9 ± 7.8 years, TSH: 2.03 ± 0.9 mU/L. Among the thyroid d iagnoses in the study group the autoimmune thyroiditis dominated 14 patients (70%), including 5 at the stage of euthyreosis. The incidence of hypothyroidism on the ground of h ypoplasia of the thyroid gland was 15%, nodular goiter was diagnosed in 10% of the patients. In one patient the etiology of hypothyroidism was unknown. The replacement therapy with the L-thyroxine was used in 65% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The thyroid diseases are more likely to appear in patients with PCOS than in general population, especially the chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, which indicates the necessity of screening tests in this group of women

Diels-Alder Cycloaddition to the Bay region of perylene and its derivatives as an attractive strategyfor PAH core expansion: theoreticaland practical aspects

PAHs (polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons), the compound group that contains perylene and its derivatives, including functionalized ones, have attracted a great deal of interest in many fields of science and modern technology. This review presents all of the research devoted to modifications of PAHs that are realized via the Diels–Alder (DA) cycloaddition of various dienophiles to the bay regions of PAHs, leading to the π-extension of the starting molecule. This type of annulative π-extension (APEX) strategy has emerged as a powerful and efficient synthetic method for the construction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their functionalized derivatives, nanographenes, and π-extended fused heteroarenes. Then, [4 + 2] cycloadditions of ethylenic dienophiles, -N=N-, i.e., diazo-dienophiles and acetylenic dienophiles, are presented. This subject is discussed from the organic synthesis point of view but supported by theoretical calculations. The possible applications of DA cycloaddition to PAH bay regions in various science and technology areas, and the prospects for the development of this synthetic method, are also discussed

New benzo[h]quinolin-10-ol derivatives as co-sensitizers for DSSCs

New benzo[h]quinolin-10-ol derivatives with one or two 2-cyanoacrylic acid units were synthesized with a good yield in a one-step condensation reaction. Chemical structure and purity were confirmed using NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, respectively. The investigation of their thermal, electrochemical and optical properties was carried out based on differential scanning calorimetry, cyclic voltammetry, electronic absorption and photoluminescence measurements. The analysis of the optical, electrochemical and properties was supported by density functional theory studies. The synthesized molecules were applied in dye-sensitized solar cells as sensitizers and cosensitizers with commercial N719. The thickness and surface morphology of prepared photoanodes was studied using optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. Due to the utilization of benzo[h]quinolin-10-ol derivatives as co-sensitizers, the better photovoltaic performance of fabricated devices compared to a reference cell based on a neat N719 was demonstrated. Additionally, the effect of co-adsorbent chemical structure (cholic acid, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) on DSSC efficiency was explained based on the density functional theory

Farmakoterapia otyłości — obecny stan wiedzy

Obesity, which affects about 13% of the world population, results in significant deterioration of health and serious clinical, mainly meta­bolic and cardiovascular complications. Although the basis of therapeutic treatment is behavioural treatment, often non-pharmacological effects do not produce the desired effect. Currently there are several drugs with a safe action profile that improve the effect of treatment (5–10% weight reduction). The aim of the paper is to present the potential of modern pharmacotherapy in the treatment of obesity, in terms of mechanism of action, efficacy, and side effects, in order to individualise therapy. The drugs already registered include substances with a variety of mechanisms of action, including phentermine, orlistat, lorcaserin, and liraglutide. Compounded preparations (phenter­mine/topiramate, naltrexone SR/bupropion SR) are also available, which, by using low doses of active substances, have beneficial effects while reducing side effects. In addition, several drugs used to treat diabetes, such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and pramlintide, promote weight loss, although their use is reserved for diabetics, especially type 2 patients. Regarding the current alarm­ing epidemiological data there is a need for intensive prevention and treatment of obesity as well as the development of a new form of pharmacotherapy (new substances and treatment regimens) to develop effective, safe, and, above all, long-term effective therapy for the treatment of obesity.Otyłość, która dotyczy około 13% populacji światowej, skutkuje istotnym pogorszeniem stanu zdrowia oraz wystąpieniem poważnych powikłań klinicznych, głównie metabolicznych oraz ze strony układu sercowo-naczyniowego. Chociaż podstawą postępowania terapeutycznego jest leczenie behawioralne, niejednokrotnie działania niefarmakologiczne nie przynoszą pożądanego efektu. Obecnie mamy do dyspozycji kilka leków o bezpiecznym profilu działania, które pozwalają na poprawę efektu leczenia (5–10-procentową redukcję masy ciała). Celem pracy jest przedstawienie możliwości współczesnej farmakoterapii w leczeniu otyłości, w zakresie mechanizmu działania, skuteczności i objawów ubocznych, aby ułatwić indywidualizację leczenia. Do leków już zarejestrowanych należą substancje o różnorodnym mechanizmie działania, między innymi fentermina, orlistat, lorkaseryna i liraglutyd. Dostępne są również preparaty łączone (fentermina/topiramat, naltrekson SR/bupropion SR), które przez jednoczesne zastosowanie małych dawek substancji aktywnych, przynoszą korzystne rezultaty przy ograniczeniu działań niepożądanych. Ponadto kilka leków stosowanych w leczeniu cukrzycy, takich jak metformina, inhibitory SGLT2, agoniści GLP-1 i pramlintyd, promują utratę masy ciała, choć ich stosowanie zarezerwowane jest dla pacjentów z cukrzycą, szczególnie typu 2. Wobec aktualnych, niepokojących danych epidemiologicznych istnieje konieczność intensywnego zapobiegania i leczenia otyłości, a także rozwoju nowej formuły farmakoterapii (nowe substancje i schematy leczenia) w celu opracowania efektywnej, bezpiecznej, a przede wszystkim długotrwale skutecznej terapii w leczeniu otyłości