Pub Date : 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.09.001
Piotr Stachurski , Łukasz Kurach , Maryna Khalavka , Maja Ptasiewicz , Wojciech Świątkowski , Renata Żelazowska , Agnieszka Magryś
Purpose
The aim of the study was to evaluate the toxicity of triclosan in the Danio rerio model and mammalian cells, as well as to assess its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against selected bacterial pathogens.
Methods
Triclosan toxicity was assessed in Danio rerio embryos in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 236: Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) Test. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using the MTT assay on human dermal fibroblasts (BJ) and rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2). Antimicrobial activity was assessed via broth microdilution method following EUCAST guidelines and antibiofilm effects were evaluated through minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) assays for each tested strain.
Results
Triclosan exhibited toxicity towards Danio rerio, reducing their survival rate, heart rate, and locomotor activity. In vitro tests revealed cytotoxicity (LC50 = 28.44 μg/mL for BJ cells and 25.36 μg/mL for H9c2 cells). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated MIC values ranging from 0.24 μg/mL (Lactobacillus acidophilus) to 3.9 μg/mL (Enterococcus faecalis), with corresponding MBC values up to 7.8 μg/mL. MBIC values ranged from 0.03 to 0.12 μg/mL, confirming potent antibiofilm activity.
Conclusions
Triclosan demonstrates high antimicrobial efficacy and inhibits bacterial biofilm formation. However, its toxicity towards aquatic organisms, including Danio rerio, and its cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells raise concerns.
{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of triclosan-induced toxicity: impacts on zebrafish development, mammalian cell viability and microbial activity","authors":"Piotr Stachurski , Łukasz Kurach , Maryna Khalavka , Maja Ptasiewicz , Wojciech Świątkowski , Renata Żelazowska , Agnieszka Magryś","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The aim of the study was to evaluate the toxicity of triclosan in the <em>Danio rerio</em> model and mammalian cells, as well as to assess its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against selected bacterial pathogens.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Triclosan toxicity was assessed in <em>Danio rerio</em> embryos in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 236: Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) Test. Cytotoxicity was evaluated <em>in vitro</em> using the MTT assay on human dermal fibroblasts (BJ) and rat cardiomyoblasts (H9c2). Antimicrobial activity was assessed via broth microdilution method following EUCAST guidelines and antibiofilm effects were evaluated through minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) assays for each tested strain.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Triclosan exhibited toxicity towards <em>Danio rerio</em>, reducing their survival rate, heart rate, and locomotor activity. <em>In vitro</em> tests revealed cytotoxicity (LC<sub>50</sub> = 28.44 μg/mL for BJ cells and 25.36 μg/mL for H9c2 cells). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated MIC values ranging from 0.24 μg/mL (<em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em>) to 3.9 μg/mL (<em>Enterococcus faecalis</em>), with corresponding MBC values up to 7.8 μg/mL. MBIC values ranged from 0.03 to 0.12 μg/mL, confirming potent antibiofilm activity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Triclosan demonstrates high antimicrobial efficacy and inhibits bacterial biofilm formation. However, its toxicity towards aquatic organisms, including <em>Danio rerio</em>, and its cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells raise concerns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 367-376"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-30DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.002
Piotr Rola , Olgierd Dróżdż , Adrian Doroszko , Małgorzata Trocha , Krzysztof Kujawa , Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko , Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz , Dorota Bednarska-Chabowska , Maciej Rabczyński , Edwin Kuźnik , Marcin Madziarski , Jędrzej Machowiak , Rafał Małecki , Michał Tkaczyszyn , Joanna Adamiec-Mroczek , Janusz Sokołowski , Jarosław Nowak , Ewa A. Jankowska , Katarzyna Madziarska
Purpose
Cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity, are strong predictors of poor COVID-19 outcomes, though prognosis remains uncertain for overweight individuals. Identifying new tools to assess obesity's impact on COVID-19 severity is vital for early risk stratification. We evaluated the C2HEST-score system's ability to predict unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Material and methods
Consecutive 2183 patients hospitalized due to confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled to this study. Based on the physical examination and past medical history, 332 carefully selected patients were assigned to one of two of the study cohorts, i.e. obese (n = 191) vs. non-obese (n = 141), and allocated to different risk-strata based on the C2HEST score result.
Results
A total of 52 in-hospital deaths (27.2 %) were reported in the obese cohort, while in the non-obese cohort the in-hospital mortality rate was 17 % (24 reported cases). The in-hospital, 3-month and 6-month mortality were the highest in the high-risk C2HEST stratum in both study cohorts, reaching respectively 47.62 %, 57.14 %, and 57.14 % in the obese and 63.64 %, 72.73 %, and 88.89 % in the non-obese cohorts. Among patients with the high-risk C2HEST-score, non-obese individuals were more likely to experience myocardial injury and acute heart failure, whereas obese individuals were more prone to develop acute kidney injury.
Conclusions
This study shows the usefulness and performance of the C2HEST-score in predicting the adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with obesity. In the cohort with normal body mass, the C2HEST score revealed to be far more precise in the risk prediction.
{"title":"Usefulness of the C2HEST score in predicting the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in obese and non-obese cohorts - subanalysis of the COLOS Study","authors":"Piotr Rola , Olgierd Dróżdż , Adrian Doroszko , Małgorzata Trocha , Krzysztof Kujawa , Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko , Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz , Dorota Bednarska-Chabowska , Maciej Rabczyński , Edwin Kuźnik , Marcin Madziarski , Jędrzej Machowiak , Rafał Małecki , Michał Tkaczyszyn , Joanna Adamiec-Mroczek , Janusz Sokołowski , Jarosław Nowak , Ewa A. Jankowska , Katarzyna Madziarska","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity, are strong predictors of poor COVID-19 outcomes, though prognosis remains uncertain for overweight individuals. Identifying new tools to assess obesity's impact on COVID-19 severity is vital for early risk stratification. We evaluated the C<sub>2</sub>HEST-score system's ability to predict unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Consecutive 2183 patients hospitalized due to confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled to this study. Based on the physical examination and past medical history, 332 carefully selected patients were assigned to one of two of the study cohorts, i.e. obese (n = 191) vs. non-obese (n = 141), and allocated to different risk-strata based on the C<sub>2</sub>HEST score result.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 52 in-hospital deaths (27.2 %) were reported in the obese cohort, while in the non-obese cohort the in-hospital mortality rate was 17 % (24 reported cases). The in-hospital, 3-month and 6-month mortality were the highest in the high-risk C<sub>2</sub>HEST stratum in both study cohorts, reaching respectively 47.62 %, 57.14 %, and 57.14 % in the obese and 63.64 %, 72.73 %, and 88.89 % in the non-obese cohorts. Among patients with the high-risk C<sub>2</sub>HEST-score, non-obese individuals were more likely to experience myocardial injury and acute heart failure, whereas obese individuals were more prone to develop acute kidney injury.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study shows the usefulness and performance of the C<sub>2</sub>HEST-score in predicting the adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with obesity. In the cohort with normal body mass, the C<sub>2</sub>HEST score revealed to be far more precise in the risk prediction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 318-325"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-15DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.001
Piotr Prochor, Julia Jagodyńska, Anita Gryko
Purpose
Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that transmit force from bone to bone. One of the most important ligaments in the human body is the knee-joint ligament, which is exposed to large and dynamic forces during daily activities. Owing to their frequent injuries, cruciate ligaments are among the most studied in the current literature. Thus far, research has focused mainly on the study of individual ligament structures and less frequently on analysing entire bone-ligament systems. Therefore, this study examines the mechanical properties of the entire cruciate ligament system.
Materials and methods
Tensile tests were conducted on 18 porcine forelimb knee joints. The joints were mounted on a holder, ensuring freedom of the ligament positioning during the examination. The test consisted of three stages: preconditioning (stage 1), relaxation (stage 2), and breaking (stage 3).
Results
In stage 1, the tissue showed a decrease in reaction force with subsequent conditioning cycles, with a slower decrease at lower tensile velocities. The dissipated energy and stiffness decreased with each cycle, but increased at higher tensile velocities. In stage 2, an increase in stiffness was observed with the elongation of the structure. In stage 3, injuries mainly occurred in the bone fragments and attachments rather than in the ligament structures.
Conclusions
The testing stage and tensile velocity influenced the mechanical response of the tissue. The obtained results are important for a better understanding of the mechanism of intra-articular periarticular injuries.
{"title":"Experimental evaluation of selected mechanical properties of anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament complex","authors":"Piotr Prochor, Julia Jagodyńska, Anita Gryko","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that transmit force from bone to bone. One of the most important ligaments in the human body is the knee-joint ligament, which is exposed to large and dynamic forces during daily activities. Owing to their frequent injuries, cruciate ligaments are among the most studied in the current literature. Thus far, research has focused mainly on the study of individual ligament structures and less frequently on analysing entire bone-ligament systems. Therefore, this study examines the mechanical properties of the entire cruciate ligament system.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Tensile tests were conducted on 18 porcine forelimb knee joints. The joints were mounted on a holder, ensuring freedom of the ligament positioning during the examination. The test consisted of three stages: preconditioning (stage 1), relaxation (stage 2), and breaking (stage 3).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In stage 1, the tissue showed a decrease in reaction force with subsequent conditioning cycles, with a slower decrease at lower tensile velocities. The dissipated energy and stiffness decreased with each cycle, but increased at higher tensile velocities. In stage 2, an increase in stiffness was observed with the elongation of the structure. In stage 3, injuries mainly occurred in the bone fragments and attachments rather than in the ligament structures.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The testing stage and tensile velocity influenced the mechanical response of the tissue. The obtained results are important for a better understanding of the mechanism of intra-articular periarticular injuries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 308-317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144862010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.002
Bahar Kartal , Uygar Saçik , Güven Erbil
Purpose
The hazardous heavy metal cadmium (Cd) has the potential to cause long-term kidney damage, mostly dependent on autophagy. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been recognized as a primary source of Cd-induced toxicity. The ER chaperone GRP78 binds ER stress sensors, keeping them dormant. Exposure to Cd increases ER stress, a well-known inducer of autophagy. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) are potentially useful tissue engineering and cellular treatment tools. Various disorders are treated with human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs). They possess several unique qualities that are necessary for their therapeutic uses. The study aimed to investigate the effects of AD-MSCs and HUC-MSCs on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.
Methods
The study used 36 male Wistar albino rats that were divided into six groups: control, AD-MSC, HUC-MSC, Cd, Cd + AD-MSC, and Cd + HUC-MSC. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were used to stain the renal tissues in preparation for a histological analysis. Furthermore, the ER stress level was assessed by measuring GRP78 immunoexpression. Additionally, LC3B and Beclin-1 immunostaining were used to determine the autophagy.
Results
The histopathological results showed that the glomerular structure, proximal and distal tubules were disrupted in rat kidneys from the Cd group. Treatment with AD-MSCs and HUC-MSCs restored renal histological damage caused by Cd. Additionally, in Cd-induced renal tissues, there was an increase in the immunoexpression of the autophagic sensors LC3B and Beclin-1 and the ER stress indicator GRP78.
Conclusion
MSCs enabled Cd-damaged kidney tissues to regain an almost healthy histological structure.
{"title":"Investigation of the effects of umbilical cord and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endoplasmic reticulum stress in cadmium-induced rat kidney","authors":"Bahar Kartal , Uygar Saçik , Güven Erbil","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The hazardous heavy metal cadmium (Cd) has the potential to cause long-term kidney damage, mostly dependent on autophagy. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been recognized as a primary source of Cd-induced toxicity. The ER chaperone GRP78 binds ER stress sensors, keeping them dormant. Exposure to Cd increases ER stress, a well-known inducer of autophagy. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) are potentially useful tissue engineering and cellular treatment tools. Various disorders are treated with human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs). They possess several unique qualities that are necessary for their therapeutic uses. The study aimed to investigate the effects of AD-MSCs and HUC-MSCs on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study used 36 male Wistar albino rats that were divided into six groups: control, AD-MSC, HUC-MSC, Cd, Cd + AD-MSC, and Cd + HUC-MSC. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were used to stain the renal tissues in preparation for a histological analysis. Furthermore, the ER stress level was assessed by measuring GRP78 immunoexpression. Additionally, LC3B and Beclin-1 immunostaining were used to determine the autophagy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The histopathological results showed that the glomerular structure, proximal and distal tubules were disrupted in rat kidneys from the Cd group. Treatment with AD-MSCs and HUC-MSCs restored renal histological damage caused by Cd. Additionally, in Cd-induced renal tissues, there was an increase in the immunoexpression of the autophagic sensors LC3B and Beclin-1 and the ER stress indicator GRP78.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MSCs enabled Cd-damaged kidney tissues to regain an almost healthy histological structure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 284-290"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.004
Aleksandra Jarecka-Dobroń , Wojciech Braksator , Paweł Chrom
Purpose
Due to the increased risk of sudden cardiac death, we decided to assess ECG parameters related to the stability of the myocardial repolarization period, i.e. the corrected QT interval (QTc) and derivatives describing its variability (QTV and QTVi).
Methods
Healthy volunteers (n = 187) with visceral obesity, aged 35–65 years, were included. Each participant underwent Holter-ECG and polygraphy simultaneously. According to the severity of breathing disorders during sleep the cohort was divided into 3 groups: Respiratory Event Index (REI) 5–14/hour, REI 15–30/hour, REI ≥ 30/hour. The values of QT parameters were compared between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-positive and -negative group as well as among OSA positive group (depending on the OSA severity degree).
Results
We enrolled 121 patients, mean age 47.57 ± 9.36 (47 % female), mean BMI 32.18 ± 5.98 kg/m2, 70 (58 %) of them were diagnosed with OSA, mean REI 26.79 ± 25.66/hour. In OSA group, QTV and QTVi were higher (p < 0.001) however QTc max was not significantly longer (p = 0.06).
Furthermore, we found significantly increased QTc max and QTVi in OSA positive patients during respiratory events compared to normal breathing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008, respectively). Additionally, we found a positive correlation between REI and QTc max (p = 0.004, R = 0.22). Parameters related to hypoxia (oxygen desaturation index 4 %, time with SpO2 <90 %, SpO2 min, SpO2 mean) also presented a positive correlation with QTc max. Variables were not dependent on age or BMI.
Conclusions
Repolarization of cardiomyocytes is impaired in patients with OSA. The severity of impairment is positively correlated with the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and hypoxemia.
{"title":"QT variability and myocardial repolarization in sleep apnea: implications for cardiac risk","authors":"Aleksandra Jarecka-Dobroń , Wojciech Braksator , Paweł Chrom","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Due to the increased risk of sudden cardiac death, we decided to assess ECG parameters related to the stability of the myocardial repolarization period, i.e. the corrected QT interval (QTc) and derivatives describing its variability (QTV and QTVi).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Healthy volunteers (n = 187) with visceral obesity, aged 35–65 years, were included. Each participant underwent Holter-ECG and polygraphy simultaneously. According to the severity of breathing disorders during sleep the cohort was divided into 3 groups: Respiratory Event Index (REI) 5–14/hour, REI 15–30/hour, REI ≥ 30/hour. The values of QT parameters were compared between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-positive and -negative group as well as among OSA positive group (depending on the OSA severity degree).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We enrolled 121 patients, mean age 47.57 ± 9.36 (47 % female), mean BMI 32.18 ± 5.98 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 70 (58 %) of them were diagnosed with OSA, mean REI 26.79 ± 25.66/hour. In OSA group, QTV and QTVi were higher (p < 0.001) however QTc max was not significantly longer (p = 0.06).</div><div>Furthermore, we found significantly increased QTc max and QTVi in OSA positive patients during respiratory events compared to normal breathing (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008, respectively). Additionally, we found a positive correlation between REI and QTc max (p = 0.004, R = 0.22). Parameters related to hypoxia (oxygen desaturation index 4 %, time with SpO2 <90 %, SpO2 min, SpO2 mean) also presented a positive correlation with QTc max. Variables were not dependent on age or BMI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Repolarization of cardiomyocytes is impaired in patients with OSA. The severity of impairment is positively correlated with the severity of sleep-related breathing disorders and hypoxemia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 301-307"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144726367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.003
Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk , Michał Brzdęk , Krystyna Dobrowolska , Diana Martonik , Anna Parfieniuk-Kowerda , Jakub Janczura , Kinga Brzdęk , Robert Pleśniak , Agnes Piszcz , Robert Flisiak
Purpose
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B/hepatitis D virus (HBV/HDV) co-infections in eastern Poland.
Materials/methods
We included consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in the study, in whom we performed anti-HDV assays verified by molecular testing.
Results
The analysed population consisted of 398 patients, predominantly male with a median age of 50 years, 58.3 % of whom had comorbidities. Forty-three patients (10.8 %) were diagnosed with cirrhosis. Patients were treated with entecavir, tenofovir, or lamivudine for a median of 5 years. At the start of treatment, the median viral load was 5110 IU/ml, and 98 % of patients achieved viral eradication during the therapy. In the study population, anti-HDV antibodies were detected in 6 patients (1.5 %), 3 men and 3 women, of whom in 1 (0.25 %) the presence of genetic material of the HDV was confirmed by molecular testing.
Among anti-HDV-positive patients, 3 (50 %) had cirrhosis, 1 of them underwent liver transplantation, and 2 had extrahepatic malignancy. All of them were negative for hepatitis B virus envelope (HBe) antigen and had antibodies to HBe antigen present at the beginning of antiviral treatment. All anti-HDV-positive patients achieved viral clearance during the therapy.
Conclusion
In a population of almost four hundred patients infected with HBV, we observed a low prevalence of anti-HDV antibodies of 1.5 % and HDV replication of only 0.25 %. Half of the 6 patients with serologic evidence of co-infection had cirrhosis, so HDV likely played a role in disease progression.
{"title":"Prevalence of hepatitis D virus in chronic hepatitis B patients: findings from Poland","authors":"Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk , Michał Brzdęk , Krystyna Dobrowolska , Diana Martonik , Anna Parfieniuk-Kowerda , Jakub Janczura , Kinga Brzdęk , Robert Pleśniak , Agnes Piszcz , Robert Flisiak","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B/hepatitis D virus (HBV/HDV) co-infections in eastern Poland.</div></div><div><h3>Materials/methods</h3><div>We included consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in the study, in whom we performed anti-HDV assays verified by molecular testing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysed population consisted of 398 patients, predominantly male with a median age of 50 years, 58.3 % of whom had comorbidities. Forty-three patients (10.8 %) were diagnosed with cirrhosis. Patients were treated with entecavir, tenofovir, or lamivudine for a median of 5 years. At the start of treatment, the median viral load was 5110 IU/ml, and 98 % of patients achieved viral eradication during the therapy. In the study population, anti-HDV antibodies were detected in 6 patients (1.5 %), 3 men and 3 women, of whom in 1 (0.25 %) the presence of genetic material of the HDV was confirmed by molecular testing.</div><div>Among anti-HDV-positive patients, 3 (50 %) had cirrhosis, 1 of them underwent liver transplantation, and 2 had extrahepatic malignancy. All of them were negative for hepatitis B virus envelope (HBe) antigen and had antibodies to HBe antigen present at the beginning of antiviral treatment. All anti-HDV-positive patients achieved viral clearance during the therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In a population of almost four hundred patients infected with HBV, we observed a low prevalence of anti-HDV antibodies of 1.5 % and HDV replication of only 0.25 %. Half of the 6 patients with serologic evidence of co-infection had cirrhosis, so HDV likely played a role in disease progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 277-283"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in gene expression and is recognized as a key contributor to diabetes-related complications. This study explores the osteogenic differentiation potential of stem cells isolated from the periodontal ligament (PDL) and bone marrow (BM) of diabetic rats. It investigates the effects of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors on the differentiation capacity of diabetic stem cells, searching for underlying mechanisms.
Method
Diabetes was induced in 5-week-old male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ). Bone parameters were assessed via micro-CT, and stem cells isolated from mandibles and femurs were treated with 5-azacytidine or Trichostatin A in osteogenic medium. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, and mRNA expression of osteogenic markers using real-time PCR.
Results
A significant decrease in total BMD and BV/TV of the femur and mandible was observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats compared to control. Cells isolated from diabetic PDL and BM showed impaired mineralization capacity and downregulated osteogenic markers. Treatment with Trichostatin A or 5-azacytidine restored mineralization potential, increased ALP activity, and upregulated the expression of RUNX2 and β-catenin.
Conclusion
Our results revealed the underlying epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the impaired osteogenic differentiation capacity of stem cells in diabetes. These findings highlight the potential of epigenetic modulators to restore stem cell function and enhance bone regeneration. This approach holds promise for improving diabetes-related skeletal complications and advancing tissue engineering strategies, including the development of scaffold-based therapies for fracture repair, periodontal regeneration, and implant integration in diabetic patients.
{"title":"Restoring impaired osteogenic differentiation of diabetic rat stromal cells using epigenetic inhibitors","authors":"Mahshid Hodjat , Fazlullah Khan , Hadiseh Mohammadpour , Nasrin Asadi","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in gene expression and is recognized as a key contributor to diabetes-related complications. This study explores the osteogenic differentiation potential of stem cells isolated from the periodontal ligament (PDL) and bone marrow (BM) of diabetic rats. It investigates the effects of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors on the differentiation capacity of diabetic stem cells, searching for underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Diabetes was induced in 5-week-old male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ). Bone parameters were assessed via micro-CT, and stem cells isolated from mandibles and femurs were treated with 5-azacytidine or Trichostatin A in osteogenic medium. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, and mRNA expression of osteogenic markers using real-time PCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A significant decrease in total BMD and BV/TV of the femur and mandible was observed in STZ-induced diabetic rats compared to control. Cells isolated from diabetic PDL and BM showed impaired mineralization capacity and downregulated osteogenic markers. Treatment with Trichostatin A or 5-azacytidine restored mineralization potential, increased ALP activity, and upregulated the expression of <em>RUNX2</em> and β-catenin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our results revealed the underlying epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the impaired osteogenic differentiation capacity of stem cells in diabetes. These findings highlight the potential of epigenetic modulators to restore stem cell function and enhance bone regeneration. This approach holds promise for improving diabetes-related skeletal complications and advancing tissue engineering strategies, including the development of scaffold-based therapies for fracture repair, periodontal regeneration, and implant integration in diabetic patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 266-276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gastric cancer is often diagnosed late, and is associated with poor long-term prognosis. The aim of the study was to look for non-invasive potential biomarkers involved in gastric carcinogenesis, with diagnostic or prognostic significance.
Material/methods
Gastric tissue samples, from three different regions of the stomach, including the primary tumor, macroscopically unchanged gastric tissues, as well as serum, were collected from patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. Serum samples were also obtained from a control group. The analyzed parameters were: expression levels of PTEN, miRNA-21 and miRNA-200a using qPCR method and the frequency of LOH/MSI at the PTEN locus using four microsatellite markers.
Results
The obtained results revealed significantly decreased expression of PTEN in gastric tumor tissue and statistically significant differences between the studied tissue samples from different stomach regions. PTEN expression in patients with LOH/MSI was decreased two-fold compared to patients without genetic instability, indicating a potential mechanism of gene silencing. Another mechanism of PTEN silencing could be due to miRNA activity: significant negative correlations were found between PTEN and the studied miRNAs expression levels. In serum, miRNA-21 expression was increased in the group of patients, while miRNA-200a expression was decreased, and the differences were statistically significant compared to controls. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for miRNA-200a revealed 92 % sensitivity and 77 % specificity.
Conclusions
The obtained results suggest that miRNA-21 and miRNA-200a could be considered as diagnostic biomarkers differentiating patients with gastric cancer from healthy individuals; however, it should be verified on a larger group of patients.
{"title":"Genetic instability at the PTEN locus and altered miRNA-21 and miRNA-200a expression in gastric cancer patients in Poland","authors":"Magdalena Dzikowiec , Sandra Galant , Przemysław Lik , Monika Migdalska-Sęk , Dariusz Nejc , Janusz Piekarski , Alicja Majos , Ewa Brzeziańska-Lasota , Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Gastric cancer is often diagnosed late, and is associated with poor long-term prognosis. The aim of the study was to look for non-invasive potential biomarkers involved in gastric carcinogenesis, with diagnostic or prognostic significance.</div></div><div><h3>Material/methods</h3><div>Gastric tissue samples, from three different regions of the stomach, including the primary tumor, macroscopically unchanged gastric tissues, as well as serum, were collected from patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. Serum samples were also obtained from a control group. The analyzed parameters were: expression levels of <em>PTEN</em>, miRNA-21 and miRNA-200a using qPCR method and the frequency of LOH/MSI at the <em>PTEN locus</em> using four microsatellite markers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The obtained results revealed significantly decreased expression of <em>PTEN</em> in gastric tumor tissue and statistically significant differences between the studied tissue samples from different stomach regions. <em>PTEN</em> expression in patients with LOH/MSI was decreased two-fold compared to patients without genetic instability, indicating a potential mechanism of gene silencing. Another mechanism of <em>PTEN</em> silencing could be due to miRNA activity: significant negative correlations were found between <em>PTEN</em> and the studied miRNAs expression levels. In serum, miRNA-21 expression was increased in the group of patients, while miRNA-200a expression was decreased, and the differences were statistically significant compared to controls. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for miRNA-200a revealed 92 % sensitivity and 77 % specificity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The obtained results suggest that miRNA-21 and miRNA-200a could be considered as diagnostic biomarkers differentiating patients with gastric cancer from healthy individuals; however, it should be verified on a larger group of patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 248-254"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144186205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-24DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.002
Jeevitaa Kshersagar , Akshay A. Kawale , Leena R. Chaudhari , Mrunal N. Damle , Rakesh Kumar Sharma , Meghnad G. Joshi
Purpose
Endometrium, a dynamic tissue undergoing cyclic changes, plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. Disruptions in its structure and function can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications. Stem cell-based therapies, including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have shown promise in tissue regeneration.
Methods
We investigated the efficacy of bone marrow-derived VSELS combined with thrombin-activated PRP (aPRP) for endometrial regeneration in a murine model of disturbed endometrium (DE). Characterization of bone marrow very small embryonic like stem cells (BM VSELS) revealed pluripotency markers and negative expression for CD34, Tie-2, Thy, CD133, CD90, and delta-like protein (DLK).
Results
Transplantation of BM VSELS-aPRP resulted in their engraftment in the endometrium, with enhanced endometrial thickness, collagen reformation, and improved marker expression compared to controls. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated increased expression of α-SMA, CK-18, CK-19, E-Cad, Cla-1, CX-40, and ZO-1 in the transplant group. Pregnancy outcomes improved in the BM VSELS-aPRP group, with successful conception and delivery of healthy pups.
Conclusion
This study highlights the regenerative potential of BM VSELS-aPRP for endometrial repair and suggests a novel therapeutic approach for endometrial disorders and infertility.
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived very small embryonic-like stem cells followed by thrombin-activated platelet-rich plasma for endometrial regeneration","authors":"Jeevitaa Kshersagar , Akshay A. Kawale , Leena R. Chaudhari , Mrunal N. Damle , Rakesh Kumar Sharma , Meghnad G. Joshi","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Endometrium, a dynamic tissue undergoing cyclic changes, plays a pivotal role in reproductive health. Disruptions in its structure and function can lead to infertility and pregnancy complications. Stem cell-based therapies, including very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have shown promise in tissue regeneration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We investigated the efficacy of bone marrow-derived VSELS combined with thrombin-activated PRP (aPRP) for endometrial regeneration in a murine model of disturbed endometrium (DE). Characterization of bone marrow very small embryonic like stem cells (BM VSELS) revealed pluripotency markers and negative expression for CD34, Tie-2, Thy, CD133, CD90, and delta-like protein (DLK).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Transplantation of BM VSELS-aPRP resulted in their engraftment in the endometrium, with enhanced endometrial thickness, collagen reformation, and improved marker expression compared to controls. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated increased expression of α-SMA, CK-18, CK-19, E-Cad, Cla-1, CX-40, and ZO-1 in the transplant group. Pregnancy outcomes improved in the BM VSELS-aPRP group, with successful conception and delivery of healthy pups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the regenerative potential of BM VSELS-aPRP for endometrial repair and suggests a novel therapeutic approach for endometrial disorders and infertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 255-265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144148812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.001
Ewa Skarżyńska , Artur Jakimiuk , Tadeusz Issat , Krzysztof Krasuski , Barbara Lisowska-Myjak
Purpose
Ferritin amounts that accumulate in the meconium may provide new postnatal insights into intrauterine iron homeostasis and neonatal preparedness for the postnatal period. The most dynamic increases in fetal iron stores and fetal growth occur during the third trimester.
Materials and methods
This study involved 122 neonates born between 36 and 41 weeks of gestation, with birth weights from 2650 g to 4960 g and birth lengths ranging from 50 cm to 60 cm. Ferritin amounts per gram of meconium were determined via ELISA in the first meconium passed after birth.
Results
A significant week-by-week increase in the birth weight and length (p < 0.05) was accompanied by decreasing meconium ferritin amounts (p = 0.021) across the gestational age range of 36–41 weeks. There were negative correlations (p < 0.05) between the systematic decrease in meconium ferritin amounts and the gestational age across the same range (r = -0.18) and between ferritin amounts and the birth weight and length of newborns (r = -0.20 and r = -0.31). Neonates born at 36–37 weeks of gestation had lower birth weight and length, while their meconium ferritin amounts were nearly twice as high as in neonates born at 38–39 weeks or 40–41 weeks (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Systematic decreases in meconium ferritin amounts from 36 to 41 weeks of gestation may suggest a gradual and gestational age-appropriate maturation of the mechanisms responsible for adaptation of the fetus to postnatal life. Determining a cut-off value for meconium ferritin amounts could aid in optimal management of newborns after birth.
{"title":"Meconium ferritin amounts and birth size of neonates: a pilot study","authors":"Ewa Skarżyńska , Artur Jakimiuk , Tadeusz Issat , Krzysztof Krasuski , Barbara Lisowska-Myjak","doi":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.advms.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Ferritin amounts that accumulate in the meconium may provide new postnatal insights into intrauterine iron homeostasis and neonatal preparedness for the postnatal period. The most dynamic increases in fetal iron stores and fetal growth occur during the third trimester.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This study involved 122 neonates born between 36 and 41 weeks of gestation, with birth weights from 2650 g to 4960 g and birth lengths ranging from 50 cm to 60 cm. Ferritin amounts per gram of meconium were determined via ELISA in the first meconium passed after birth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A significant week-by-week increase in the birth weight and length (<em>p</em> < 0.05) was accompanied by decreasing meconium ferritin amounts (<em>p</em> = 0.021) across the gestational age range of 36–41 weeks. There were negative correlations (p < 0.05) between the systematic decrease in meconium ferritin amounts and the gestational age across the same range (r = -0.18) and between ferritin amounts and the birth weight and length of newborns (r = -0.20 and r = -0.31). Neonates born at 36–37 weeks of gestation had lower birth weight and length, while their meconium ferritin amounts were nearly twice as high as in neonates born at 38–39 weeks or 40–41 weeks (<em>p</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Systematic decreases in meconium ferritin amounts from 36 to 41 weeks of gestation may suggest a gradual and gestational age-appropriate maturation of the mechanisms responsible for adaptation of the fetus to postnatal life. Determining a cut-off value for meconium ferritin amounts could aid in optimal management of newborns after birth.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7347,"journal":{"name":"Advances in medical sciences","volume":"70 2","pages":"Pages 237-242"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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