Glycosylation in the thyroid gland : vital aspects of glycoprotein function in thyrocyte physiology and thyroid disorders

The key proteins responsible for hormone synthesis in the thyroid are glycosylated. Oligosaccharides strongly affect the function of glycosylated proteins. Both thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the pituitary gland and TSH receptors on the surface of thyrocytes contain N-glycans, which are crucial to their proper activity. Thyroglobulin (Tg), the protein backbone for synthesis of thyroid hormones, is a heavily N-glycosylated protein, containing 20 putative N-glycosylated sites. N-oligosaccharides play a role in Tg transport into the follicular lumen, where thyroid hormones are produced, and into thyrocytes, where hyposialylated Tg is degraded. N-glycans of the cell membrane transporters sodium/iodide symporter and pendrin are necessary for iodide transport. Some changes in glycosylation result in abnormal activity of the thyroid and alteration of the metabolic clearance rate of hormones. Alteration of glycan structures is a pathological process related to the progression of chronic diseases such as thyroid cancers and autoimmunity. Thyroid carcinogenesis is accompanied by changes in sialylation and fucosylation, β1,6-branching of glycans, the content and structure of poly-LacNAc chains, as well as O-GlcNAcylation, while in thyroid autoimmunity the main processes affected are sialylation and fucosylation. The glycobiology of the thyroid gland is an intensively studied field of research, providing new data helpful in understanding the role of the sugar component in thyroid protein biology and disorders

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights: A “toothless tiger” or a prospect for a regional human rights regime in Southeast Asia?

In 2007, after 15 years of deliberations on human rights within ASEAN, it espoused the creation of a human rights body in its landmark ASEAN Charter. It came into being in 2009 as the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). The odds that AICHR will become a cornerstone of a human rights regime for ASEAN, or perhaps wider East Asia, are elaborated on in this paper. The divergence of opinions on the matter is significant. According to Surin Pitswuan, ASEAN’s current secretary general, it is expected to ‘pave the way for the growth of democracy and human rights in the region’ (ASEAN, 2009a).Thus, he sees the advisory and promotional competences of AICHR in an evolutionary perspective. Critics address its lack of independent enforcement and controlling or monitoring powers, deeming it a “toothless tiger” with little momentum to develop. It is too soon to tell anything definite, but I hypothesise that AICHR can be viably considered as the first piece of an evolving system of human rights protection. A Chinese adage points out that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This being already done, the following paper focuses on the next ones.Udostępnienie publikacji Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego finansowane w ramach projektu „Doskonałość naukowa kluczem do doskonałości kształcenia”. Projekt realizowany jest ze środków Europejskiego Funduszu Społecznego w ramach Programu Operacyjnego Wiedza Edukacja Rozwój; nr umowy: POWER.03.05.00-00-Z092/17-00

IgG glycosylation in autoimmune diseases

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant glycoprotein in human serum. All IgG subclasses have a single-conserved N-linked glycosylation site at Asn297 of the heavy chain and 10–30% of IgGs are N-glycosylated also in a Fab region. N-glycans of Fc are sialylated and fucosylated biantennary complex-type structures. Glycosylation plays a key role in antibody function, and IgG N-glycans are essential for the proper activity of the immune system. Fc glycans are important for IgG effector functions, whereas Fab oligosaccharides modulate antigen binding. Glycosylation changes of IgG are associated with the development of various human diseases, including autoimmune states. The modification of one sugar moiety in N-glycan structure may result in the stimulation or suppression of immune response. The lack of core fucose leads to the enhancement of pro-inflammatory activity, whereas an increase of sialylation determines immunosuppressive properties of IgG. The contribution of IgG Fc glycosylation changes has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. A decrease in IgG galactosylation and sialylation, found in these diseases, activates effector cells and triggers inflammatory reactions. A detailed analysis of changes in IgG glycosylation and their effects on the development of autoimmune diseases is important in the treatment of these diseases. IgGs with modified α2,6-sialylation are used as therapeutic antibodies with anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies on IgG glycosylation have provided evidence of the role of this post-translational modification in the proper functioning of antibodies and the importance of changes in the structure of IgG glycans, mainly incomplete galactosylation and desialylation, in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The continuation of these studies may contribute to explaining the mechanisms of autoimmunity that is still poorly understood

Satysfakcja seksualna kobiet homo-, hetero- i biseksualnych

Introduction: The key of the survey was to find out if there is a difference in sexual satisfaction betweenwoman with different orientations, among which homosexual was the most interesting for us. Material and methods: The results of homosexual woman were compared to these of hetero and bisexual woman. Results: The analyses show that there are differences. In the group of homosexual woman average levelof emotional satisfaction was higher than in the group of heterosexual and bisexual woman. The averagelevel of sexual and physical satisfaction was also higher in the group of homosexual woman than in thegroup of heterosexual ones. There were no differences when it comes to the average control satisfaction. Conclusions: The most important affect of the survey is probably to put openly the question why is so andstart a new path in researches of this subject, too long held in the darkness.WSTĘP: Celem badania było zbadanie różnic w satysfakcji seksualnej w zależności od orientacji seksualnej, ze szczególnym zwróceniem uwagi na kobiety homoseksualne. MATERIAŁ I METODY: Wyniki uzyskane od kobiet deklarujących homoseksualizm porównano z tymi, które określiły się jako biseksualne lub heteroseksualne. WYNIKI: Z przeprowadzonych analiz wynika, że istnieją różnice w poziomie satysfakcji pomiędzy kobietami o różnej orientacji seksualnej.  W grupie kobiet homoseksualnych średni poziom satysfakcji: seksualnej, fizycznej oraz emocjonalnej był wyższy niż w grupie kobiet heteroseksualnych. Średni poziom satysfakcji emocjonalnej był także wyższy w tej grupie niż w grupie kobiet biseksualnych. Nie stwierdzono istotnych różnic w średnim poziomie satysfakcji związanej z kontrolą. WNIOSKI: Przedstawione analizy opisują jedynie wycinek obszaru związanego z kobiecą seksualnością. Pomimo już przeprowadzonych badań pozostaje wiele nieodkrytych zależności i jest to sfera, którą warto dalej eksplorować, bo pozwala mówić o kobiecości w ogóle oraz o seksualności grup przez lata społecznie „niewidzialnych”, o których nie mówiło się, bo „nie wypadało”

a multidimensional Scale Based on a Three-Country Study

We develop and test a multidimensional scale measuring national identification. Drawing on the extant literature on nations and national identity, we propose national identification as an understanding of how individuals subjectively and dynamically relate to different characteristics of nations that we operationalize as the dimensions of symbolic, civic, and solidary identification. We discuss the development of a number of questionnaire items representing each of these dimensions and report results of various validity and reliability tests using data from three surveys we conducted in England, Germany, and Poland. Results in general confirm the three-dimensional structure of the overall construct while at the same time suggesting country-specific adaptations to the scale

National identification: a multidimensional scale based on a three‐country study

"We develop and test a multidimensional scale measuring national identification. Drawing on the extant literature on nations and national identity, we propose national identification as an understanding of how individuals subjectively and dynamically relate to different characteristics of nations that we operationalize as the dimensions of symbolic, civic, and solidary identification. We discuss the development of a number of questionnaire items representing each of these dimensions and report results of various validity and reliability tests using data from three surveys we conducted in England, Germany, and Poland. Results in general confirm the three-dimensional structure of the overall construct while at the same time suggesting country-specific adaptations to the scale." (author's abstract

Ocrelizumab as a breakthrogh in multiple sclerosis treatment

Multiple sclerosis is the most commonly occurring inflammatory disease of the nervous system. It is estimated that over 2 million people suffer from this disease. Currently SM is untreatable, one can only try to stop the progression of the disease or reduce severity of the symptoms. There have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of other monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. A drug that offers a chance for a breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis is ocrelizumab. It is a monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocytes expressing the CD20 antigen. Results of the studie confirm the efficacy of ocrelizumab in inhibiting ongoing nerve fiber degeneration and reducing the inflammation associated with it, as well as the near complete depletion of CD20+ B lymphocytes and partial depletion of CD20+ T lymphocytes. They also suggest that ocrelizumab is a safe and effective treatment for multiple sclerosis.Studies conducted on the therapeutic efficacy of ocrelizumab show that its effect on disease progression is superior compared to some current drugs. Ocrelizumab also has a similar safety profile to the currently used interferon β-1a. An important feature of ocrelizumab is its efficacy in the treatment of the primary progressive form of MS, where significant therapeutic efficacy with other drugs has not been seen to date

Effects of growth hormone-replacement therapy in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome - review of recent clinical trials

Introduction and objective: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a severe genetic disorder being manifested by several symptoms such as infantile hypotonia and poor thriving outcomes, low height, hyperphagia, endocrine, reproductive and internal malfunctions and malformations. In the disease treatment, growth hormone (GH)-replacement therapy is commonly carried on. In this article, we sum up the latest clinical trials’ results concerning the effectiveness and safety of GH-replacement therapy.Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Taking into consideration six clinical trials performed in the years 2019-2020, most of them showed positive results of GH-replacement therapy in PWS patients, not only in case of better motor skills or body composition, but also concerning their social and adaptive functioning. Moreover, as for the cessation of GH treatment, some authors seem to highlight no deterioration in cognitive functioning in patients who attained adult height after GH-treatment.Summary: GH-replacement therapy seems to be a good therapeutic option for PWS-affected individuals. Nonetheless, in our research we did not come across on any clinical trials with more than one-year-long observations. Thus, on the long term, these results can not exclude a gradual deterioration of cognitive functioning

Assessment on society’s opinion about using psychological and psychiatric help

To properly treat diseases related to the human psyche, the help of specialists in psychology or psychiatry is essential. Unfortunately, its use is often negatively perceived by society, which discourages people with mental disorders to use it. It was decided to examine the opinion of society on this issue. For this purpose, we used the original questionnaire " A Survey of public opinion on the use of psychological or psychiatric help", conducted among 238 people. The answers were statistically analyzed.The results of the questionnaire confirm the existence of the problem. In addition, more than 70% of the respondents believe that access to psychological or psychiatric help is not easy. Nearly 60% of the respondents criticized visits to a psychologist or psychiatrist, of which 37.9% were from people close to them. Only half of the respondents decided to use the help of a specialist, and 78% of them felt fear before the visit, associated with the diagnosis (33.6%), the ineffectiveness of therapy (25%), and the opinion of relatives (9.5%). Despite this, only 5.2% experienced a negative perception.The analysis of the literature indicates a large role of stigmatization of people with mental disorders as a factor influencing the occurrence of reluctance to seek help from psychologists or psychiatrists. The influence of gender and age on this state of affairs has also been noted.Increasing social awareness of the positive aspects of seeking help from psychologists or psychiatrists can significantly change public opinion on this issue. This can bring many benefits to people struggling with mental health problems, as well as reduce their fear of visiting a specialist

Telemedicine – assesment of society’s opinion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to use some safety measures due to decrease spreading of the virus. One of them is introducing teleconsultations as a form of medical consultation. It allows patients to talk with the doctor without visiting the hospital.The aim of the study is to present the society’s opinion on teleconsultations and its most common disadvantages. The method of the study was an online survey, conducted on 68 people, whose answers were statistically analyzed.During the pandemic, 85% of the respondents took part in the teleconsultation. After thay, they rated quality of the teleconsultation form 1 to 5, where 5 was the highest rate. Only 26,8% of them rated their teleconsultation 5, 17,9% - 4, 16,1% - 3, 26,8% - 2 and 12,5% - 1. Most of the respondents decided to took part in the teleconsultation because they needed a prescription (53%).According to respondents’ opinion, the most important advantages of the teleconsultation are: ability to stay home (59,7%), lower risk of infection (35,8%), quick help (22,4%) and ability to have the prescription without going out (73,1%).The most important disadvantages were: lack of ability of physical examination (91%), problems with communication (40,3%), problems with describing their own symptoms (43,3%), problems with contacting a doctor (58,2%) and higher risk of wrong diagnosis (82,1%).Teleconsultations provide patients’ safety, however, they are associated with danger of the wrong diagnosis. Although, most patients (73%) would like to be able to take part in the teleconsultation after the pandemic. Because of that, it is crucial for modern medicine to improve the quality of teleconsultation and to learn, how to communicate with patients during the remote conversations