The Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy Corresponds with Corneal Nerve Alterations and Ocular Discomfort of the Patient.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading cause of blindness in the working-age population. Its progression causes gradual damage to corneal nerves, resulting in decreased corneal sensitivity (CS) and disruption of anterior-eye-surface homeostasis, which is clinically manifested by increased ocular discomfort and dry eye disease (DED). This study included 52 DR patients and 52 sex- and age-matched controls.

Double diabetes-when type 1 diabetes meets type 2 diabetes: definition, pathogenesis and recognition.

Currently, the differentiation between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is not straightforward, and the features of both types of diabetes coexist in one subject. This situation triggered the need to discriminate so-called double diabetes (DD), hybrid diabetes or type 1.5 diabetes, which is generally described as the presence of the insulin resistance characteristic of metabolic syndrome in individuals diagnosed with T1D.

VEGFR and DPP-IV as Markers of Severe COVID-19 and Predictors of ICU Admission.

The pathophysiology of the severe course of COVID-19 is multifactorial and not entirely elucidated. However, it is well known that the hyperinflammatory response and cytokine storm are paramount events leading to further complications. In this paper, we investigated the vascular response in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 and aimed to identify novel biomarkers predictive of ICU admission.

Could Vaspin Be a Potential Diagnostic Marker in Endometrial Cancer?

Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for many types of cancer, including endometrial cancer. Adipose tissue is thought to be an endocrine organ that produces various hormones, including one known as vaspin. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes are all associated with higher vaspin levels.

The Diagnostic Role of FGF 21 in Endometrial Cancer and Other Pathologies of the Uterine Corpus.

Endometrial cancer is becoming an increasing problem. Taking into account its pathomechanisms, we aimed to investigate whether FGF 21, an important metabolism regulator, could be used as a biomarker for endometrial cancer. The study included 233 patients who were classified into five subgroups depending on the result of the histological examination: endometrial carcinomas, sarcomas, endometrial polyps, fibroids, and normal endometrium.

Apoptosis Evaluation in Circulating CD34+-Enriched Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Patients with Abnormally Increased Production of Endogenous Glucocorticoids in Course of Cushing's Syndrome.

Abnormalities in hematological parameters of peripheral blood have been noted in patients with endogenous Cushing's Syndrome (CS) in the corticotropin (ACTH)-dependent and ACTH-independent forms. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of glucocorticoids (GCs) action on human hematopoiesis is still not entirely clear. The aim of the study was to determine whether endogenous excessive production of GCs could affect apoptosis of CD34+ cells enriched in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) collected from the peripheral blood of newly diagnosed CS patients.

IgA-Based Secretory Response in Tears of COVID-19 Patients: A Potential Biomarker of Pro-Inflammatory State in Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Mucosal immunity, including secretory IgA (sIgA), plays an important role in the early defence against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the local immune response in tears in relation to blood antibody reservoirs has not yet been conducted. A total of 179 symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in this single-centre study.

Evaluation of Paraoxonase-1 and Pentraxin-3 in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Endometrial Cancer.

It is relevant to find new prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. The study group consisted of 94 cases of endometrial cancer, the control group of 65 cases of normal endometrium. We evaluated PON1 and PTX3 serum levels.

Molecular Changes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia During Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Treatment. Focus on Immunological Pathways.

Introduction: The aim of our research was to investigate changes in the molecular background of the immune response in the chronic phase (CP) of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Methods: Global gene and miRNA expression profiles were assessed using genome-wide RNA and miRNA microarray technology in bone marrow mononuclear cells. Fifty-one patients were recruited, and bone marrow samples were taken at diagnosis before treatment with TKIs and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment with TKIs.

CXCL8, CCL2, and CMV Seropositivity as New Prognostic Factors for a Severe COVID-19 Course.

The exact pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 is not entirely elucidated, but it has been established that hyperinflammatory responses and cytokine storms play important roles. The aim of this study was to examine CMV status, select chemokines, and complement components in COVID-19, and how concentrations of given molecules differ over time at both molecular and proteomic levels. A total of 210 COVID-19 patients (50 ICU and 160 non-ICU patients) and 80 healthy controls were enrolled in this study.

Evaluating Ocular Symptoms and Tear Film Cytokine Profiles in Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients.

Background: This study investigated the presence and duration of ophthalmic symptoms in the early phase of COVID-19 to assess the corresponding local immune response on the ocular surface. Methods: The study included data from 180 COVID-19 patients and 160 age-matched healthy controls. The main finding was the occurrence of ophthalmological manifestations at the time of admission to the hospital and during the preceding 7 days.

Clinical Significance of BTLA, CD27, CD70, CD28 and CD80 as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers in Ovarian Cancer.

It is very important to find new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. A total of 79 patients were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 37 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, and the control group consisted of 42 patients with benign ovarian lesions.

Clinical Relevance of Soluble Forms of Immune Checkpoint Molecules sPD-1, sPD-L1, and sCTLA-4 in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer.

It is crucial to find new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 37 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, and the control group consisted of 43 patients with benign ovarian cystic lesions.

Renal and Inflammation Markers-Renalase, Cystatin C, and NGAL Levels in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a One-Month Follow-Up Study.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of asymptomatic infection and the occurrence of symptomatic COVID-19 on specific biochemical, renal, and immune parameters-renalase, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) cystatin C (CysC), and creatinine-and their weekly fluctuations during a one-month observation period in COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital. The study involved 86 individuals: 30 patients with diagnosed COVID-19, 28 people with asymptomatic infection confirmed with IgG antibodies-the IG(+) group-and 28 individuals without any (IgG, IgE) anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies-the IG(-) group. In the COVID-19 group, blood was drawn four times: (1) on day 0/1 after admission to hospital (C1 group), (2) 7 days later (C7 group), (3) 14 days later (C14 group), and (4) 28 days later (C28 group).

Pleiotropic activity of nerve growth factor in regulating cardiac functions and counteracting pathogenesis.

Cardiac innervation density generally reflects the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) produced by the heart-changes in NGF expression within the heart and vasculature contribute to neuronal remodelling (e.g. sympathetic hyperinnervation or denervation).

Could Galectin 3 Be a Good Prognostic Factor in Endometrial Cancer?

Galectin 3 is a modulator of several basic biological functions. It may be involved in the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes-risk factors of endometrial cancer. The study involved 144 patients, after abrasion due to postmenopausal bleeding.

Articulation recovery in ALS patients after lineage-negative adjuvant cell therapy - preliminary report.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most frequently occurring neurodegenerative diseases affecting speech and swallowing. This preliminary study aimed to investigate whether an autologous lineage-negative stem/progenitor cell therapy applied to ALS patients affects the level of selected trophic and proinflammatory factors, and subsequently improves the articulation. We enrolled 12 patients with sporadic ALS, who underwent autologous bone marrow-derived lineage negative (LIN) cells administration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The Suitability of FGF21 and FGF23 as New Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer Patients.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common cancers of the reproductive organ in women. The incidence of it increases from year to year. In our study we assessed role of FGF21 and FGF23 in the diagnostics of patients with endometrial cancer.

The Effect of Intracoronary Infusion of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Lineage-Negative Stem/Progenitor Cells on Remodeling of Post-Infarcted Heart in Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

: Regenerative capacity of the heart is limited, and the post-infarct left ventricle (LV) dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis. Administration of stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) is a promising approach for cardiac regeneration. : In the study, we assessed LV function and post-infarcted remodeling in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarct (STEMI) who received autologous lineage-negative (LIN) SPCs.

Novel Evidence of the Increase in Angiogenic Factor Plasma Levels after Lineage-Negative Stem/Progenitor Cell Intracoronary Infusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Cell therapy raises hope to reduce the harmful effects of acute myocardial ischemia. Stem and progenitor cells (SPCs) may be a valuable source of trophic factors. In this study, we assessed the plasma levels of selected trophic factors in patients undergoing application of autologous bone marrow (BM)-derived, lineage-negative (Lin) stem/progenitor cells into the coronary artery in the acute phase of myocardial infarction.

The role of lipocalin-2 serum levels in the diagnostics of endometrial cancer.

Background: Endometrial cancer is one of the most common tumor of the woman genital organs.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the lipocalin-2 levels in patients with endometrial cancer compared to those with normal endometrium or mild endometrial pathologies.

Methods: Study included 123 patients with BMI > 21 kg/m2 who were admitted due to abnormal bleeding, in which 52 patients with endometrial cancer.

Preclinical Evaluation of Long-Term Neuroprotective Effects of BDNF-Engineered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Intravitreal Therapy for Chronic Retinal Degeneration in Rd6 Mutant Mice.

This study aimed to investigate whether the transplantation of genetically engineered bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to overexpress brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) could rescue the chronic degenerative process of slow retinal degeneration in the rd6 (retinal degeneration 6) mouse model and sought to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. Rd6 mice were subjected to the intravitreal injection of lentivirally modified MSC-BDNF or unmodified MSC or saline. In vivo morphology, electrophysiological retinal function (ERG), and the expression of apoptosis-related genes, as well as BDNF and its receptor (TrkB), were assessed in retinas collected at 28 days and three months after transplantation.

Effects of simvastatin on nuclear receptors, drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

Background: Vascular endothelial cells (EC) are constantly exposed to endo- and exogenous compounds, which may disturb EC function. One of the protecting mechanisms against chemicals consists of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporter proteins regulated by nuclear receptors and transcription factors. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the regulation of nuclear receptors and their coordinated genes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC).

Safety and Feasibility of Lin- Cells Administration to ALS Patients: A Novel View on Humoral Factors and miRNA Profiles.

Therapeutic options for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are still limited. Great hopes, however, are placed in growth factors that show neuroprotective abilities (e.g.