Alcoholic Liver Disease Is Associated with Elevated Plasma Levels of Novel Advanced Glycation End-Products: A Preliminary Study.

Elucidating the biochemical mechanisms associated with the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) to more advanced stages such as alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains an important clinical and scientific challenge. Several hypotheses point to the involvement of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in alcohol-associated liver injuries. Recently, we determined the structure of a synthetic, melibiose-derived AGE (MAGE), which was an analog of the novel AGE subgroup AGE10.

Bayesian network meta-analysis of face masks' impact on human physiology.

Several concerns regarding the safety of face masks use have been propounded in public opinion. The objective of this review is to examine if these concerns find support in the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of physiological responses to the use of face masks. We have performed a systematic review, pairwise and network meta-analyses to investigate physiological responses to the use of face masks.

Advanced Glycation End-Products in Common Non-Infectious Liver Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Excessive intake of fructose, glucose and alcohol is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). At the same time, these dietetic factors create an environment favorable for the generation of advanced glycation end-products. For this reason, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are hypothesized to play role in the development of NAFLD and ALD.

Changes in the composition of the human intestinal microbiome in alcohol use disorder: a systematic review.

: A growing body of evidence highlights the role of the intestine in the development of various alcohol use disorder (AUD) complications. The intestinal microbiome has been proposed as an essential factor in mediating the development of AUD complications such as alcoholic liver disease.: To provide a comprehensive description of alcohol-induced intestinal microbiome alterations.

Can we better protect patients with inflammatory bowel disease against infections - patient attitude and personal immunization knowledge.

Background And Study Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predisposes patients to a severe course of infections yet adherence to vaccination guidelines is low. Little is known about IBD patient attitude towards immunizations. We aimed to investigate patient attitude towards vaccinations and its influence on personal immunization coverage.

Women with inflammatory bowel diseases have a suboptimal cervical cancer screening rate and are not aware of the recommended human papilloma virus vaccine.

The aim of the study was to assess the self-reported cervical cancer screening rate among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and patient attitude towards human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. A self-designed survey was conducted in hospitalized IBD patients. The survey comprised demographic data, questions regarding cervical smear test frequency and vaccinations recommended for an IBD patient.

Serotonin-Related Gene Variants in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Depressive or Anxiety Disorders.

Aim: To assess the association of six polymorphisms in serotonin-related genes with depressive or anxiety disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods: The lifetime prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders was assessed in 95 IBS patients (85% women) using the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). IBS was diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria.

Inadequate seroprotection against hepatitis B virus and one detected case of hepatitis C virus infection among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from central and eastern European countries is unknown. Postvaccination HBV immunity in an immunocompromised host may wane. The aims of the study were as follows: to assess the immune status for HBV and HCV among IBD patients, the level of HBV seroprotection, and to compare the immune status of patients who received mandatory versus recommended HBV vaccination.

Genetic polymorphism of ABCB1 gene (C3435T) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Is there any gender dependency?

Background: In recent years, an increasing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported, mainly as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The individual susceptibility, the disease's course and response to the applied therapy is likely due to genetic factors such as ABCB1 gene mutations, exemplified by C3435T polymorphism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of C3435T polymorphism regarding the gender in IBD patients and control subjects from Lower Silesia region and its possible association with IBD susceptibility.

The lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders among patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, ranges from 10% to 20% in the general population. It is estimated that from 40% to 90% of persons with a diagnosis of IBS suffer from mental disorders, mainly anxiety and depressive disorders.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders in IBS patients and to compare it with the prevalence of these disorders in a control group of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A 'cocoon immunization strategy' among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background And Aims: A 'cocoon strategy' is defined as the strategy of protecting vulnerable patients from infectious diseases by vaccinating those in close contact with them. In our study, we evaluate the vaccination status among children living with patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to determine the realization of the cocoon strategy and to identify characteristics associated with pediatric vaccine refusal.

Patients And Methods: A self-completed survey was conducted on 136 hospitalized patients with IBD.

Subclinical Cushing's syndrome in adrenal incidentalomas--possible metabolic consequences.

Introduction: The presence of subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) and some features of the metabolic syndrome were evaluated in adrenal incidentaloma patients.

Material And Methods: 165 patients were studied. Plasma cortisol, ACTH, DHEA-S, 17-OH-P, aldosterone, renin activity and 24-h urinary methoxycatecholamines were measured.

Low bone mineral density in adult patients with coeliac disease.

Introduction: Calcium and vitamin D malabsorption in coeliac disease (CD) predispose to skeletal demineralisation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) and calcium deficiencies in adult patients with CD and assess whether a gluten-free diet is sufficiently effective for BMD restoration.

Material And Methods: BMD and biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism were measured in 35 adult CD patients receiving (19) or not receiving (16) a gluten-free diet (GFD) and in 36 controls.

Anorectal function and visceral hypersensitivity in celiac disease.

Objective: To evaluate anorectal function and rectal sensitivity thresholds in patients with celiac disease (CD).

Methods: In 25 unselected patients with CD (16 female, 9 male; mean age 45, range 24 to 75 y) and 20 controls (12 female, 8 male; mean age 41, range 20 to 65 y) anorectal manometry and rectal balloon distension test were conducted using a 4 lumen water perfused catheter with a polyethylene balloon (Zinectics Manometric Catheter, Medtronic).

Results: In celiac patients the maximal anal resting pressure, reflecting the internal anal sphincter function, was significantly higher than that in the controls: 87.