Autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes in left ventricular mass loss in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the intensity of autophagy and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis processes occurring in myocardium of left ventricle (LV) in subsequent stages of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine mechanisms responsible for LV mass loss in a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model. LV myocardium samples collected from 32 Wistar rats were analyzed in an early PAH group (n = 8), controls time-paired (n = 8), an end-stage PAH group (n = 8), and their controls (n = 8). Samples were subjected to histological analyses with immunofluorescence staining, autophagy assessment by western blotting, and evaluation of ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in the LV by immunoprecipitation of ubiquitinated proteins.

2024 Guidelines of the Polish Society of Laboratory Diagnostics and the Polish Lipid Association on laboratory diagnostics of lipid metabolism disorders.

Lipid disorders are the most common (even 70%) and worst monitored cardiovascular risk factor (only 1/4 of patients in Poland and in CEE countries are on the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal). To improve this, clear and simple diagnostic criteria should be introduced for all components of the lipid profile. These are the updated guidelines of the two main scientific societies in Poland in the area - the Polish Society of Laboratory Diagnostics (PSLD) and the Polish Lipid Association (PoLA), which, in comparison to those from 2020, introduce few important changes in recommendations (two main lipid targets, new recommendations on LDL-C measurements, calculations new goals for triglycerides, new recommendations on remnants and small dense LDL) that should help the practitioners to be early with the diagnosis of lipid disorders and in the effective monitoring (after therapy initiation), and in the consequence to avoid the first and recurrent cardiovascular events.

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective: Women who develop GDM present a metabolic condition similar to that found in type 2 diabetes, characterized by impaired insulin response. Due to similar pathophysiologic mechanisms found between type 2DM and GDM, there is a great interest in finding markers that will lead to the understanding of a possible common origin to both diseases. The aim of this study was to determine serum FGF21 levels in 2DM and GDM and its correlation with selected metabolic parameters.

Concordance/discordance between serum apolipoprotein B, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol in NATPOL 2011 participants - An epidemiological perspective.

Background: The study compared the distribution of serum LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B (apoB) among participants of the NATPOL 2011 survey and analysed concordance/discordance of results in the context of the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods: Serum levels of apoB, LDL-C, non-HDL-C and small dense LDL-C were measured/calculated in 2067-2098 survey participants. The results were compared between women and men, age groups and in relation to body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose and TG levels, and the presence of CVD.

Plasma Cytokeratin-18 Fragment Level Reflects the Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity.

There is growing interest in the non-invasive identification and monitoring of the outcome of liver damage in obese patients. Plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment levels correlate with the magnitude of hepatocyte apoptosis and have recently been proposed to independently predict the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the study was to analyze the associations of CK-18 with obesity and related complications: insulin resistance, impaired lipid metabolism and the secretion of hepatokines, adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Analysis of tafazzin and deoxyribonuclease 1 like 1 transcripts and X chromosome sequencing in the evaluation of the effect of mosaicism in the TAZ gene on phenotypes in a family affected by Barth syndrome.

Barth syndrome is a rare disease affecting mitochondria structure and function in males. In our previous study, we have shown a new mutation (c.83T>A, p.

[In]In-CP04 as a novel cholecystokinin-2 receptor ligand with theranostic potential in patients with progressive or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer: final results of a GRAN-T-MTC Phase I clinical trial.

Introduction: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare malignant tumour of the parafollicular C-cells with an unpredictable clinical course and currently suboptimal diagnostic and therapeutic options, in particular in advanced disease. Overexpression of cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R) represents a promising avenue to diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, ideally through a theranostic approach.

Materials And Methods: A translational study (GRAN-T-MTC) conducted through a Phase I multicentre clinical trial of the indium-111 labelled CP04 ([In]In-CP04), a CCK2R-seeking ligand was initiated with the goal of developing a theranostic compound.

Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Plasma Level Influences the Effect of n-3 PUFA Supplementation.

Elevated glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) levels in obesity may predict the metabolic benefits of n-3 PUFA supplementation. This placebo-controlled trial aimed to analyze fasting and postprandial GIP response to 3-month n-3 PUFA supplementation (1.8 g/d; DHA:EPA, 5:1) along with caloric restriction (1200-1500 kcal/d) in obese subjects.

The effect of bradykinin on the pro-inflammatory response of human adipocytes.

The proper functioning of adipose tissue is one of the factors in maintaining energy homeostasis. Adipocytes not only store lipids but also produce active molecules such as adipokines and adipocytokines, which are involved in many functions of adipose tissue, including the secretion of hormones that regulate energy and lipid metabolism. Inflammation has been shown to underlie the deregulation of adipose tissue function.

The Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Monoamine Oxidase B, Dopamine D2 Receptor, and DOPA Decarboxylase Receptors Among Patients Treated for Parkinson's Disease.

This study aimed to investigate the association between selected variants of genes related to dopamine metabolism pathways and the risk of and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). This prospective cohort study was conducted in one academic teaching hospital. The study was conducted on 126 patients diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Prevalence of self‑reported heart failure in the adult Polish population: results of the NATPOL 2011 study.

Introduction: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a growing medical and economic problem, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. However, only a few studies analyzed the prevalence of CHF in this region.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of CHF in a representative sample of adult Poles.

The Effect of Caloric Restriction with and without n-3 PUFA Supplementation on Bone Turnover Markers in Blood of Subjects with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Weight loss contributes to an increased risk of hip fracture, especially in postmenopausal women. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation could diminish the adverse effect of weight loss on bone health. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial was to investigate the effect of caloric restriction and n-3 PUFA supplement intake on osteogenic markers (carboxylated osteocalcin (Gla-OC); procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (PINP)), as well as a bone resorption marker (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I)) in a serum of 64 middle aged individuals (BMI 25-40 kg/m) with abdominal obesity.

Gene expression with corresponding pathways analysis in Gaucher disease.

Unlabelled: Gaucher disease (GD) caused by mutation in the GBA gene has a wide spectrum of phenotypes. Besides the storage disorder, secondary alteration of various pathways occurs with modification of the expression of many genes. In our work we analysed the expression profile of genes in adult patients with type 1 GD.

Epigenetic Regulation of Processes Related to High Level of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Obese Subjects.

We hypothesised that epigenetics may play an important role in mediating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) resistance in obesity. We aimed to evaluate DNA methylation changes and miRNA pattern in obese subjects associated with high serum FGF21 levels. The study included 136 participants with BMI 27-45 kg/m.

A proposed Common Training Framework for Specialists in Laboratory Medicine under EU Directive 2013/55/EC (The Recognition of Professional Qualifications).

European Union (EU) Directive 2013/55/EC (The Recognition of Professional Qualifications) allows Member States to decide on a common set of minimum knowledge, skills and competences that are needed to pursue a given profession through a Common Training Framework. To be adopted the framework must combine the knowledge, skills and competences of at least one third of the Member States. Professionals who have gained their qualifications under a Common Training Framework will be able to have these recognised automatically within the Union.

Serum inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and assessment of Crohn's disease activity.

Introduction: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of selected inflammatory markers and the results of multiplication of their concentrations in the diagnosis and assessment of Crohn's disease (CD) activity.

Methods: We studied 49 patients with CD and 31 healthy controls. The CD patients were assigned to subgroups with active and inactive disease based on the Crohn's Disease Activity Index score.

MiRNA Expression in Patients with Gaucher Disease Treated with Enzyme Replacement Therapy.

Aims: The aim of the work was to establish potential biomarkers or drug targets by analysing changes in miRNA concentration among patients with Gaucher disease (GD) compared to in healthy subjects.

Methods: This study was an observational, cross-sectional analysis of 30 adult participants: 10 controls and 20 adults with GD type 1. Patients with GD type 1 were treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for at least two years.

A case of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI in a polish family. Importance of genetic testing and genotype-phenotype relationship in the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis.

Background And Objectives: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient enzymatic activity of -acetyl galactosamine-4-sulphatase, which is caused by mutations in the arylsulphatase B () gene. To date, 163 different types of mutations in the have been reported. However, the full mutation spectrum in the MPS VI phenotype is still not known.

DNA methylation microarrays identify epigenetically regulated lipid related genes in obese patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Epigenetics can contribute to lipid disorders in obesity. The DNA methylation pattern can be the cause or consequence of high blood lipids. The aim of the study was to investigate the DNA methylation profile in peripheral leukocytes associated with elevated LDL-cholesterol level in overweight and obese individuals.

Specific gene expression in type 1 diabetic patients with and without cardiac autonomic neuropathy.

We hypothesized that some molecular pathways might interact to initiate the process of nervous tissue destruction, promoting cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in the course of diabetes type 1 (T1D). The study group consisted of 60 T1D patients (58.33% women/41.

Enhanced GIP Secretion in Obesity Is Associated with Biochemical Alteration and miRNA Contribution to the Development of Liver Steatosis.

Nutrient excess enhances glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion, which may in turn contribute to the development of liver steatosis. We hypothesized that elevated GIP levels in obesity may affect markers of liver injury through microRNAs. The study involved 128 subjects (body mass index (BMI) 25-40).

Bradykinin and oxidative stress in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Introduction: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by genetic dysfunction of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) due to mutations in the SERPING1 gene. The disorder is mediated mainly by bradykinin. The clinical course of the disease is varied and not related to genetic changes.

Brain Metabolic Alterations in Rats Showing Depression-Like and Obesity Phenotypes.

Current data suggest an important role of brain metabolic disturbances in the pathogenesis of depression and obesity, diseases that frequently co-occur. Our aim was to determine whether there are changes in markers characterizing glucose metabolism in prenatal stress (PS; animal model of depression), in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and especially in the model of depression and obesity co-occurrence. The changes in glucose-6-phosphate, glycogen, glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT4), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and mitochondrial complexes levels in the frontal cortex and/or hippocampus were observed.