Insights into the perspective correlation between vitamin D and regulation of hormones: sex hormones and prolactin

Aim. Vitamin D is currently an exciting research target, besides its obvious role in calcium homeostasis and bone health, enormous work is being directed at examining the effects of this vitamin on various biological functions and pathological conditions. Material and methods. The review of the literature and the analysis took about six months and was carried out through PubMed. This is a search engine opening mainly the MEDLINE database of trusted references. We called up all studies written in English that were published between the years 2004 to 2021 and that came through using the applied search terms, and analysed all those that met the criteria. Results. The endocrine system with its many glands and hormones and their essential roles in the maintenance of normal body functioning cannot be far from interactions with vitamin D. Male and female sex hormones are no exceptions and many studies have investigated the correlations between these hormones and vitamin D. As such, direct and indirect relationships have been found between vitamin D, its receptors or one of its metabolising enzymes with sex hormones and the development of reproductive organs in males and females. Conclusion. This review summarises the research investigating the associations of vitamin D with sex hormones and reproductive organs in males and females, and thus may pave the road for future studies that will investigate the clinical significance of vitamin D in the management of reproductive system disorders. Despite some conflicting results about the relationship between VD and the effectiveness of the reproductive system, many studies confirm the presence of receptors for this vitamin in the reproductive system, and this supports the direct or indirect relationship between VD and prolactin or VD and testosterone through PO4 and Ca2+ homeostasis, or production of osteocalcin. Therefore, VD is positively associated with semen quality and androgen status. Furthermore, a direct relationship between VD and the production of progesterone, estrogen and estrone in human ovarian cells has been supported by many studies.

The diagnostic value of immunohistochemical staining of the interstitial vascular C4d complement in membranous nephropathy

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is the most common cause of adulthood nephrotic syndrome. Diagnosis of membranous nephritis is based on light electron immunofluorescence microscopy and clinical signs. Immune complex deposition against podocyte antigens such as phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) activates the complement system. Of this, complement Component C4d (C4d) is involved in the classical and lectin pathways. This marker may be used by immunohistochemistry to diagnose MGN when other methods are not available. In this work, C4d expression was monitored by immunohistochemical analysis in the glomerular capillaries of patients with primary MGN (study group, N=33) versus patients with minimal change disease (MCD, control group, N=20) in a cross-sectional evaluation performed based on the diagnosis confirmed by light microscopy and immunofluorescence. There was no significant demographic difference between the two groups except for age (P=0.002). C4d immune-expression was positive in glomerular capillary (2+ to 4+) in most of the MGN patients, while it was negative in the MCD group. The sensitivity and specificity of C4d immunostaining were 95% and 100%, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.74 between C4d (immunohistochemistry) and immunoglobulins (IgG; immunofluorescence) and 0.65 between C4d (immunohistochemistry) and the C3 complement product (immunofluorescence). Immunohistochemical evaluation of C4d is, therefore, a sensitive and specific method that has a high correlation with IgG immunofluorescence.

Comparison of sensory and rheological properties of green cosmetic creams prepared on different natural, ECOCERT and BDIH certificated self-emulsifying bases

The objective of this paper was to evaluate and compare the rheological and sensory properties of six natural cosmetic creams that use ECOCERT certificated emulsifying bases: Beautyderm, Dub Base Expert, Simulgreen™ 18-2, Olivem 1000, Montanov L and Emulgin Succro against two synthetics: Granthix APP and Lanette W. The use of emulsifying bases in formulas helps to stabilize the product and improve its rheological and sensory attributes. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of several prepared cosmetic creams were determined. Apparent viscosity and thixotropy were evaluated by viscosimeter, while spreadability was ascertained by extensometer. Moreover, a group of 10 trained members evaluated the sensory properties of the formulas. The obtained formulas based upon natural emulsifiers are characterized by very good physical and chemical properties, high stabilization and good usage quality. The results were confirmed by sensory analysis. The cosmetic creams made with synthetic emulsifying bases were rated the worst by the study participants, which correlated with the physical tests.

The mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma – composition analysis and safety assessment

Aesthetic medicine is an intensively developing field, more and more focused on stimulating and regenerating the skin, rather than on emergency treatment. There are many methods used by doctors for biostimulating therapies, but the most popular procedure in recent years is the implantation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used to date successfully in ophthalmology, dermatology, surgery, dentistry and even in orthopedics. The procedure uses autologous material, and its essence is a repair action on damaged cells of the patient as well as the activation of healthy cells and their stimulation for more effective work. The aim of the paper is to present current knowledge about platelet-rich plasma therapy in anti-aging treatment, the effectiveness of therapy with its use, and the mechanism and safety of PRP. The composition of the autologous preparation and its use in aesthetic medicine were also analyzed. PRP is a procedure that uses the patient’s own cells, and growth factors are of key importance in the process of skin regeneration and biostimulation. The correctly performed procedure, including the appropriate collection and administration of a buffy coat to the patient and compliance with all the rules of sterility, results in positive effects of the therapy. Numerous studies prove the effectiveness and safety of the platelet-rich plasma treatment. Highly concentrated platelets in the deposited preparation stimulate the surrounding cells to angiogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and synthesis of components essential for remodeling of the treated area. The therapy is highly effective and safe to use.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of metronidazole and levofloxacin composites with silver nanoparticles

The aim of the work is to to ascertain their antibacterial activity, as well as the toxic effects toward human cells of composites of silver nanoparticles immobilized by electron-beam technology onto crystals of antimicrobial agents metronidazole and levofloxacin The assessment of antibacterial activity and cytotoxic action of silver naonparticled metronidazole and levofloxacin composites was carried out using the MTT-test. Objects of study of antibacterial activity were three strains of microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli dH5α, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027. For the investigation of cytotoxic action, cells of HEK 293 line obtained from human kidney embryos were used. Nanocomposites of metronidazole and levofloxacin were tested at concentrations known as the minimum toxic dose of antibiotics and at concentrations reduced/increased in 2 times. Immobilization of silver nanoparticles on the surface of metronidazole and levofloxacin by electron-beam technology gives a different effect on their antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. Nanocomposites of metronidazole exhibit a weaker antibacterial effect on E. coli than metronidazole alone, while levofloxacin nanocomposites have higher antibacterial activity compared to levofloxacin alone. Nanocomposites of the levofloxacin, compared to free levofloxacin, are characterized by a higher antibacterial effect towards gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), but practically do not differ in activity toward P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Immobilization of silver nanoparticles on metronidazole crystals does not affect on its cytotoxicity relative to pseudonormal human cells line HEK 293, while the nanocomposites of levofloxacin with silver are more toxic to these cells than levofloxacin alone.

Pathogen profile of urinary tract infections in Nephrology Unit

Introduction. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common types of infection in both hospitalized and outpatient settings. The etiology is mostly bacterial, and the typical causative agent is uropathogenic Escherichia coli. There is a noticeable increase in drug resistance of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of the study was retrospective analyses of etiological agents of UTI and their antibiotic resistance patterns in Nephrology Unit patients. Material and methods. An infection was diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms and positive results of urine culture, carried out over 26 months. The clinical material was tested by using the VITEK system, the drug susceptibility of the emerged pathogens was identified. Results. The most common etiological agents of UTI were Gram-negative rods: Escherichia coli (51.23%), Klebsiella spp. (19.3%) and Proteus spp. (13.68%). The analysis of drug resistance profiles of these pathogens showed a high percentage of strains resistant to broad-spectrum penicillins and fluoroquinolones. At the same time, it seems that E. coli isolates presented the most favorable pattern of drug susceptibility in this comparison. Conclusions. The alarming tendency of increasing drug resistance among pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics such as penicillins or fluoroquinolones prompts a careful choice of drugs in empirical therapies. The most appropriate practice in this regard seems to be meticulous control of nosocomial infections and making therapeutic decisions based on the knowledge of local microbiological data.

p-Synephrine and its various pharmacological effects

There is a number of diseases for which, scientists are constantly looking for a promising new treatments. Isolation of novel substances with biological activity from plants gives hope for its use in treatment. In this review, we focused on the biological activity of p-synephrine (4-(2-aminoethyl)phenol) which was previously confirmed during both in vitro and in vivo tests. The main part of the review is dedicated to the anti-obesity activity of p-synephrine, as obesity is a disease of contemporary civilization. However, synephrine also possesses anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity and it is confirmed to be a hypotensive agent in portal hypertension. The review also emphasize that, based on current knowledge, the use of p-synephrine appears to be exceedingly safe with only limited range of side effects. Therefore, it seems that this substance may be of great importance in the pharmacotherapy of many disease states and further research is necessary.

Histopathological comparison of the salivary glands’ acini and striated ducts after experimental prolonged daily administration of oral ubiquinone doses in rats

Also called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Ubiquinone is a vitamin-like endogenously produced factor essential for Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) mitochondrial production. Several research studies have reported that the exogenous supplementation of CoQ10 can lead to excessive salivation, especially in patients complaining of dry mouth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term daily use of CoQ10 on the salivary glands in experimental animals by comparing the diameters of the glandular acini and striated ducts of a CoQ10-treated group and a control group. Twenty-five white albino rats were randomly divided into two groups; the control group consisted of 10 rats, while the CoQ10-treated group comprised 15 rats. The latter received daily oral treatment of 300 mg/kg CoQ10 for six weeks. Samples of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands were then dissected and examined histologically for comparative measurement of the diameters of the glands’ acini and striated ducts. The CoQ10 treated group had mean diameters of the serous acini for the parotid (79.8±11.2 μm) and submandibular (81.07±13.5 μm) glands that were significantly higher (P<0.05) than their diameters in the control group (67.5±8.4 μm and 73.3±13.8 μm), respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant when comparing the diameters of striated ducts of the CoQ10-treated group and the control group. Continuous and prolonged exposure to exogenous ubiquinone may cause hypertrophic dilation of the acini within the salivary glands, namely the parotid and submandibular glands, which might be the underlying mechanism for excessive salivation. This can be considered a reversible adaptive response.

The COVID-19 – related problems encountered by nursing homes in Poland and the steps undertaken to prevent disease spread in the first phase of the epidemic

Nursing Homes (NHs) are institutions of social assistance run by local governments or non-government organizations. Their purpose is to provide individuals with basic services. On March 20, 2020, the Regulation of the Minister of Health issued the declaration of the COVID-19 epidemic in Poland. The introduction of legal regulations allowed the authorities to take actions to prevent infections at NHs. The aim of the study was to analyze the COVID-19 – related problems encountered by nursing homes in Poland and the steps undertaken to prevent disease spread in the first phase of the epidemic. The survey was conducted with use of an original questionnaire e-mailed to 532 NHs throughout Poland in May 2020. Results were analysed by way of the IBM SPSS Statistics program. A total of 89 completed questionnaires were received from: 40 NHs organized by local government (44.9%), 24 run by churches (27.0%), 13 established by non-governmental organizations (14.6%) and 12 operating privately (13.5%). Among them, 78 NHs had less than 100 employees (87.6%) and 11 had more than 100 employees (12.4%), while 68 had up to 100 inhabitants (76.4%) and 21 had more than 100 inhabitants (23.6%). All NHs had problems with recruiting and retaining enough nursing staff. The most commonly used method of COVID-19 spread prevention at NHs in the first phase of the pandemic was establishing an increased sanitary regime, monitoring of temperature of residents and staff members and preparing isolation rooms. The greatest problem was personnel shortages.

Analysis of the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically significant enterococci isolated in the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Lublin, Poland

The increasing significance of enterococci as healthcare-associated pathogens can be linked to their limited susceptibility to antibiotics. In this study, phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles of 35 [n=18 E. faecium (Efm); n=17 E. faecalis (Efs)] invasive isolates cultured from hospitalized patients were analysed. Phenotypic identification was verified by the multiplex PCR targeting the 16S rDNA and the ddl genes encoding for the Efs and Efm – specific ligases. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method and E-tests. The high-level streptomycin resistance (HLSR), high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) and glycopeptide resistance was verified by amplification of the ant(6)-Ia, aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2’’)-Ia, as well as vanA and vanB genes, respectively. More than 70% of all isolates were cultured from patients in the Intensive Care and Internal Medicine Units. Blood was the predominant (77%) site of isolation. All Efm isolates were resistant to ampicillin, imipenem, and norfloxacin; 17 isolates demonstrated high-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR), including 27.7% with HLSR, 38.8% with HLGR and 27.7% with both phenotypes. HLAR was also common in Efs (HLSR>70%, HLGR>50%), followed by norfloxacin (64.7%) and ampicillin (11.7%) resistance. The ant(6)-Ia and aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2’’)-Ia genes were detected in >90% of the HLSR and HLGR isolates, respectively. Glycopeptide resistance was detected in 4 (22.2%) Efm isolates and mediated by the vanA gene. 19 (54.3%) isolates were multidrug resistant, including 17 (89.5%) Efm. All isolates were susceptible to linezolid. The study constitutes a contribution to the analysis of enterococcal antimicrobial resistance in Polish hospitals. The monitoring of enterococcal prevalence and antimicrobial resistance is crucial to control and prevent infections.