Ginsenoside content in suspension cultures of Panax quinquefolium L. cultivated in shake flasksand stirred-tank bioreactor

Plant suspension cultures are described as a source for the acquisition of medicinal secondary metabolites which in the future may become an alternative to traditional raw materials. This study demonstrates that the cell cultures of one of the ginseng species – Panax quinquefolium L. synthesize ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins having a multidirectional pharmacological effects. Tested suspension cultures were run on a small scale in the shake flasksand in scale up of the process in a 10-liter stirred tank. In the shake flasks,the highest biomass yield (2.28 gl-1 for dry and 33.99 gl-1 for fresh weight) was reached on day 30 of culture, and the highest content of saponins (2.66 mg g -1 dw) was determined on day 28 of culture. In the bioreactor, nearly 2.67 and 3-fold increase of respectively dry and fresh biomass was recorded in relation to the inoculum. Large-scale cultures synthesized protopanaxatriol derivatives such as Rg1 and Re ginsenosides, however, no saponins belonging to the protopanaxadiol derivatives were reported

The assessment of quality of life in patients with excessive body mass using WHOQOL-BREF form

INTRODUCTION. The assessment of quality of life should be an important part of therapeutic process in patients with excessive body mass. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life in overweight and obese patients who sought medical attention. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The WHOQOL-BREF was used with 26 items which analyse four life facets and two extra items from the overall quality of life and general health. Fifty one subjects, who contacted the dietician in ambulatory clinic in Medical University of Gdansk were included (33 F, 18 M, mean age 57.3 ± 11.4 y.; mean BMI 33.9 ± 5.7 kg/m2, range 25.7–51.1 kg/m2). RESULTS. We found reduced life quality in psychological domain in comparison to other facets (physical health, social relationships, environment). The perception of general health and quality of life in all four domains was statistically worse in obese (n = 36) than in overweight (n = 15) subjects. However there were no differences in answering the question about the overall quality of life in both groups. CONCLUSIONS. The WHOQOL-BREF assessment demonstrates the reduction in life quality in obese subjects in comparison to overweight. The complex management of overweight and obesity should include detailed assessment of life quality and consequently help to face the stressful situations and give emotional support to the patient.WSTĘP. Z jednej strony, nadmierna masa ciała często wpływa niekorzystnie na jakość życia, z drugiej zaś obniżona jakość życia może utrudniać uzyskanie zadowalających wyników, szczególnie w przypadku długotrwałej terapii otyłości. Badanie jakości życia powinno być częścią procesu terapeutycznego u osób z nadmierną masą ciała. Celem pracy było zbadanie jakości życia osób z nadwagą i otyłością za pomocą kwestionariusza WHOQOL-BREF. MATERIAŁ I METODY. W badaniu zastosowano kwestionariusz WHOQOL-BREF, który zawiera 26 pytań analizujących cztery dziedziny życia oraz osobno percepcję jakości życia i samoocenę stanu zdrowia. Badaniem objęto 51 osób (33 K, 18 M; śr. wieku 57,3 ± 11,4 roku; średni wskaźnik masy ciała [BMI] 33,9 ± 5,7 kg/ /m2; zakres 25,7–51,1 kg/m2), które zgłosiły się do poradni przy Zakładzie Żywienia Klinicznego i Dietetyki Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w celu zmniejszenia masy ciała. WYNIKI. Wykazano obniżoną jakość życia w dziedzinie psychologicznej w porównaniu z innymi badanymi obszarami (dziedzina fizyczna, relacje społeczne, funkcjonowanie w środowisku) w całej grupie zgłaszających się na leczenie. Osoby otyłe (n = 36) w porównaniu z tymi z nadwagą (n = 15) istotnie gorzej oceniły stan swojego zdrowia oraz jakość życia we wszystkich czterech badanych dziedzinach, choć nie stwierdzono różnic między badanymi grupami w zakresie odpowiedzi na pytanie o ogólną jakość życia. WNIOSKI. Ocena z użyciem formularza WHOQOL-BREF potwierdziła, że jakość życia osób z nadmierną masą ciała jest obniżona; w grupie z otyłością głównym problemem badanych był zły stan zdrowia. W postępowaniu z pacjentami z nadmierną masy ciała powinno się uwzględniać badanie jakości życia i, zależnie od uzyskanej oceny, proponować szczegółowe poradnictwo psychologiczne, gdyż wyniki terapii odchudzającej w znacznym stopniu mogą zależeć od wsparcia psychologicznego

Gaucher’s Disease – current state of knowledge and future perspectives?

Introduction and purpose: Gaucher's Disease (GD), a rare genetic disorder, is a difficult challenge in genetic and metabolic disorders. The aim of this review is to provide an exploration of GD, spanning its pathophysiology to the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. In this review we aimed to underscore the challenges it presents and the ongoing efforts to overcome them. State of knowledge: GD, characterized by the accumulation of glucocerebroside, involves molecular, cellular, and systemic dysfunctions. At the molecular level, mutations in the GBA gene give rise to diverse manifestations, influencing disease severity. Cellular disruptions lead to lysosomal dysfunction, altered calcium homeostasis, and chronic inflammation, impacting various organ systems. Diagnostic approaches involve biomarkers, genetic testing, and imaging studies, each playing a crucial role in confirming the disease type and assessing its grade. Summary: Management and treatment strategies for GD have evolved, with enzyme replacement therapy and substrate reduction therapy serving as the basics. However, challenges persist, including limited efficacy in treating neurological symptoms and the high cost of treatments. The review highlights ongoing research and future perspectives in GD therapy

Gut Microbiota and Its Implications for Cardiovascular Diseases – a Review

Background: The symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiota and cardiovascular health has become a main point in contemporary research, offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review aims to comprehensively examine the bidirectional communication between gut microbial communities and the cardiovascular system, explaining the intricate mechanisms that connect gut dysbiosis to the initiation and progression of CVDs. Material and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to compile and analyze relevant studies investigating the impact of the gut microbiota on cardiovascular health. Emphasis was placed on explaining the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the interaction between gut microbes and cardiovascular function. Results: Our review confirmed evidence linking gut microbiota-derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide and lipopolysaccharides to vascular function and inflammation. Additionally, we explored the modulation of host metabolism and immune responses by gut microbes, providing insights into their roles in atherosclerosis and hypertension. The review highlight the influence of diet and lifestyle on shaping the gut microbiome and, consequently, cardiovascular outcomes. Conclusions: Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health and is involved in the start and development of various heart diseases. The identified molecular and physiological mechanisms highlight the need for complete understanding of the gut-cardiovascular axis. Moreover, the review emphasizes the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation, as innovative strategies for preventing and managing CVDs

Demographic characteristics of children with early clinical manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic condition of the colon and small intestine. The disease is common in young people (children and young adults), but it is rare in children younger than five years of age. Therefore, IBD developing during the first years of life (under the age of 5) is known as an early-onset IBD (EO-IBD), and it is considered to be a specific entity with a distinct phenotype. However, the available data on that issue are still insufficient. Aim: To determine the characteristics and clinical course of children with early-onset IBD. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective database analysis of 47 infants younger than 5 years old diagnosed with IBD. Patient's demographic data, including age, sex, and age at disease onset, were collected in 6 paediatric hospitals in Poland. Disease location was established on the basis of the review of all endoscopic, colonoscopic, histopathological, and radiological records. All possible complications were reported, as well as any treatment and its efficacy. Since the diagnosis was established all patients have been on follow up. Results: Among 47 children registered in the database, 23 (49%) had a diagnosis of CD, 16 (34%) had UC, and 8 (17%) had IC (indeterminate colitis). The mean age at diagnosis was 28.5 ±27.5 months; 57.4% were male. The most common location/type of disease was ileocolonic disease (L3). The most common complication of IBD was anaemia, found in 30 (63.8%) children. The observed course of the disease was either severe or moderate. In 4 children younger than 2 years old, surgery was performed. Conclusions: Inflammatory bowel disease in children younger than 5 years old includes UC, CD, and a relatively high proportion of IC. In early-onset IBD severe and moderate course of the disease is usually observed. Disease manifestation in these patients is predominantly ileocolonic

Link between fibrosis-specific biomarkers and interstitial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and has proven unfavorable clinical significance. Replacement fibrosis is better known, and has already been studied on a larger scale, whereas interstitial fibrosis is less explored. Aims: We aimed to analyze relationship between serum biomarkers and interstitial fibrosis, as assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM. Methods: We performed 3T CMR scans in 50 HCM patients to assess interstitial fibrosis as expressed by extracellular volume (ECV). In all patients, we determined levels of serum cardiac-specific (troponin T [TnT], N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) and fibrosis-specific (procollagen I C-terminal propeptide, procollagen III N-terminal propeptide, transforming growth factor β1, galectin 3) biomarkers. Patients were divided based on their median value of ECV.  Results: The final study population consisted of 49 patients. The median value of ECV in our cohort was 28.1%. Patients stratified according to median ECV differed in terms of several variables: body mass index, late gadolinium extent, NT-proBNP and galectin 3 levels (all P < 0.05). Cardiac biomarkers (TnT and NT-proBNP) and galectin 3 were significantly correlated with ECV (rS  = 0.34; P = 0.02; rS = 0.39; P = 0.006; rS = 0.43; P = 0.002, respectively). Galectin 3 and body mass index were found to be independent predictors of ECV (odds ratio [OR], 2.29 [1.07–4.91]; P = 0.03; OR, 0.81 [0.68–0.97]; P = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: Galectin 3 was an independent predictor of interstitial fibrosis in HCM patients expressed as elevated ECV values. The other fibrosis-specific biomarkers measured were not useful in detecting interstitial fibrosis in HCM. In addition, there was a positive correlation between classical cardiac biomarkers and interstitial fibrosis in HCM patients

Plerixafor for patients who fail cytokine-or chemotherapy-based stem cell mobilization: Results of a prospective study by the Polish Lymphoma Research Group (PLRG)

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT) requires collection of sufficient number of hematopoietic stem cells. The goal of this study was to evaluate efficacy of plerixafor used in patients with lymphoid malignancies failing conventional stem cell mobilization.This was a prospective, non-interventional study. All consecutive patients (n = 109) treated with plerixafor in 11 centers were reported. The drug was used either in case of previous mobilization failure (n = 67) or interventionally, in case of insufficient CD34 cell output during current mobilization (n = 42). Successful mobilization was defined as resulting in collection of ≥ 2 × 10 CD34 cells/kg for single autoHSCT or ≥ 4 × 10 CD34 cells/kg for double procedure.The overall rate of successful mobilization was 55% (55% for single and 56% for double autoHSCT). The median total number of collected CD34 cells/kg was 2.4 (range, 0-11.5) for patients intended for a single transplantation while 4.0 (0.6-16.9) for double procedure. The number of circulating CD34 cells increased after the use of plerixafor regardless of baseline values. The median fold increase was 3.3 (0.3-155). Data from this observational study confirm high efficacy of plerixafor used in routine clinical practice as salvage for patients with lymphoid malignancies failing conventional stem cell mobilization