Aleksandra Kasperczyk

The effect of occupational lead exposure on blood levels of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and related proteins.

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of occupational lead exposure on blood concentrations of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and proteins related to them, such as transferrin, caeruloplasmin and haptoglobin. The examined group consisted of 192 healthy male employees of zinc–lead works. By the degree of lead exposure, the exposed group was subdivided into three subgroups. The control group was composed of 73 healthy male administrative workers. The markers of lead exposure (blood levels of lead and zinc protoporphyrin) were significantly elevated in the exposed group compared with the control group. Additionally, concentrations of copper and caeruloplasmin were raised. The significant increase in haptoglobin level was observed only in the low exposure group. Selenium levels were significantly decreased, whereas iron, zinc and transferrin levels were unchanged in the exposed group compared with the control group. There were positive correlations between the lead toxicity parameters and the copper and caeruloplasmin levels. In conclusion, the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the metabolism of trace metals appears to be limited. However, significant associations between lead exposure and levels of copper and selenium were shown. Changed levels of positive acute-phase proteins, such as caeruloplasmin and haptoglobin, were also observed.

A review of decellurization methods caused by an urgent need for quality control of cell-free extracellular matrix' scaffolds and their role in regenerative medicine: REVIEW OF DECELLURIZATION METHODS

The natural extracellular matrix (ECM),thanks to its specific properties (e.g., collagenous lattice, a reservoir of growth factors, ECM-cell anchoring areas, an optimal pH and CO2 ),ensures an optimal microenvironment for homeostatic and regenerative cell development. In the context of regenerative medicine, ECM is a lair for residual and infiltrative cells. The aim of the clinical usage of cell-free ECM scaffolds is the enhancement of tissue regeneration with possible minimization of an adverse host reaction on allogeneic or xenogeneic biomaterial. Thus, the objective of decellularization is to obtain acellular grafts characterized by optimal biological properties, such as a lack of remaining cellular elements (e.g., cell membrane phospholipids and proteins, nucleic acids, mitochondria), lack of immunogenicity, lack of calcification promotion and lack of cytotoxicity (e.g., in unrinsed detergents). Furthermore, cell-free ECM scaffolds should present the optimal mechanical and structural properties that may ensure the biocompatibility of the graft. The maintenance of the ultrastructure composition of the ECM is one of the most important goals of decellularization. All physical, chemical, and biological methods proposed (used separately or in combination to extract cells from tissues/organs) are not 100% effective in cell removal and always cause a disruption of the ECM texture, as well as a probable loss of important structure components. Although cell-free ECM scaffolds are generally classified as medical devices, there are no widely accepted or legally defined criteria for quality control/evaluation methods of obtained matrices. Such criteria must be provided. Some of them have been proposed in this manuscript.

The effect of occupational lead exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of occupational lead (Pb) exposure on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and plasma viscosity in workers. The examined group included 283 healthy male employees of manufacturing facilities using zinc and Pb. The mean blood concentrations of Pb and zinc protoporphyrin as well as the mean urine δ-aminolevulinic acid levels were used as markers of exposure for the examined group. Taking into account the obtained mean values of blood lead level, the examined group was divided into three subgroups. When comparing the control group with the subgroups, Pb exposure markers were significantly elevated in all the three subgroups. Concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl groups were also significantly increased. Conversely, the levels of total protein and protein sulfhydryls were significantly decreased in the subgroups compared with the controls. The plasma viscosity was significantly elevated in the subgroups. A dose–response between Pb levels and plasma viscosity was not observed. Pb supposedly elevates MDA and CD in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, occupational Pb exposure induces oxidative stress that results in lipid and protein damage. Moreover, Pb-induced oxidative stress is likely the primary factor that elevates plasma viscosity, despite decreased protein levels.

Environmental exposure to zinc and copper influences sperm quality in fertile males

INTRODUCTIONnThe presented study was designed to investigate the associations between environmental exposure to zinc and copper and levels of the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system and selected cytokines in the seminal plasma of fertile males.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThe study population consisted of 65 fertile male volunteers from the southern region of Poland. Based on the medians of the levels of copper and zinc in seminal plasma, the study subjects were divided into 4 subgroups: groups with low and high environmental exposure to copper (Cu-L and Cu-H), groups with low and high environmental exposure to zinc (Zn-L and Zn-H).nnnRESULTSnSemen volume, pH, count, motility and morphology of sperm cells in the Cu-L and Cu-H groups did not differ significantly. In the Cu-H group, TOS was increased significantly by 243% when compared to the Cu-L group. Similarly, median of IL-10 level in the Cu-H group was increased by 144% compared to the Cu-L group. Spearman correlation showed positive correlations between the levels of copper and TOS and IL-10. Negative correlations between copper and G-CSF and GM-CSF were also shown. In the Zn-L group, the percentage of progressively motile sperm cells after 1 hour was significantly higher by 17%, compared to the Zn-L group. In the Zn-H group, levels of G-CSF and MCP-1 were significantly higher by 70% and 145%, respectively, compared to the Zn-L group. The level of IL-10 was significantly lower in the Zn-H group by 60%, compared to the Zn-L group. Spearman correlation indicated that there is a positive correlation between the level of zinc and thiol groups, G-CSF and GM-CSF. Negative correlations between zinc and TOS and IL-10 were also shown.nnnCONCLUSIONnZinc enhances motility in fertile men. This beneficial effect of zinc may be due to zinc-induced reduction in the plasma oxidative stress intensity and modulations of the immune response. This study confirms the antagonistic relationship between zinc and copper.

Influence of iron on sperm motility and selected oxidative stress parameters in fertile males – a pilot study

INTRODUCTIONnThe presented study was designed to investigate the associations between iron level in seminal plasma and levels of the parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system and selected cytokines in the seminal plasma of fertile males.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnThe study population consisted of 65 fertile male volunteers from the southern region of Poland. Based on the medians of the levels of iron in seminal plasma, the study subjects were divided into 2 groups: with low and high levels of iron in seminal plasma (Fe-L and Fe-H).nnnRESULTSnThe percentage of unprogressively motile sperm cells after 1 hour was significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. The activities of SOD and Mn-SOD and the level of MDA were significantly lower in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. However, the value of TOC and OSI were significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group. Median of IL-1β was significantly higher in the Fe-H group, compared to the Fe-L group, whereas medians of IL-2, IL-5, and GM-CSF were significantly lower in the Fe-H group.nnnCONCLUSIONnIn fertile males, iron may negatively affect sperm motility and elevate oxidative stress intensity. Iron additionally modulates the levels of several cytokines in human semen.

A 2000 patient retrospective assessment of a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment

Infections in burn patients are still the principal cause of complications in burn injuries. The aim of this study is to assess a new strategy for burn wound management in view of infection prevention and treatment in the experience of the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Śląskie. The applied methodology involved the analysis of patient records describing the hospitals epidemiological situation between 2014 and 2016. The analysis also included the use and cost of antibiotics, silver‐containing dressings, and other antiseptics relative to the number of sepsis cases, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as the mortality ratio. The total costs of prevention and treatment of infections were reduced, while the use of silver‐containing dressings and antiseptics increased. The number of patients with sepsis decreased, including cases caused by P. aeruginosa, and the mortality ratio was reduced. Introducing a strategy for burn wound‐oriented infection prevention and treatment in burn patients provides a number of benefits. It is also cost‐effective. Using locally applied active dressings and antiseptics can be a welcome choice for often‐unnecessary antibiotic therapy of a suspected or existing burn wound infection.

The effects of α-tocopherol administration in chronically lead exposed workers.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether α-tocopherol supplementation for workers who are chronically exposed to lead would normalize/improve the values of parameters that are associated with the lead-induced oxidative stress. Study population included chronically lead exposed males who were divided into two groups. Workers in the first group (reference group) were not given any antioxidants, while workers in the second group (αT group) received supplementation with α-tocopherol. After treatment, the blood lead and leukocyte malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in the αT group compared to the baseline levels and reference group. However, the erythrocyte malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, and lipofuscin levels significantly increased compared to the baseline levels. The glutathione level significantly increased compared with the baseline. Effects of supplementation with α-tocopherol on oxidative damage were not satisfactory. Therefore, there is no reason to administer α-tocopherol to workers chronically exposed to lead as a prophylaxis of lead poisoning.

The association between occupational lead exposure and serum levels of selected soluble receptors

The present study was designed to evaluate soluble receptors as potential targets for lead (Pb). Analyses included the serum levels of soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors 2 (sVEGFR-2), soluble Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (sEGFR), soluble Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (sHER-2/neu), and soluble Interleukin 6 Receptors (sIL-6R) in the groups of chronically and subchronically occupationally exposed workers. The first group consisted of 56 male workers chronically exposed to Pb. The second group (control) comprised 24 male administrative workers. The third group included 36 male workers exposed to Pb for 40 ± 3 days. Examined subjects were employed in the Pb–zinc works to perform periodic maintenance of blast furnaces and production lines. The serum levels of sHER-2/neu and sIL-6R were significantly lower in the group of workers chronically exposed to Pb compared to control values by 45% (p < 0.05) and 44% (p < 0.05), respectively. The values of sVEGFR-2 and sEGFR decreased after a subchronic exposure to Pb compared to baseline by 14% (p < 0.05) and 21% (p < 0.05), respectively. At the same time, the levels of sIL-6R also decreased by 14% (p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that both chronic and subchronic occupational Pb exposures resulted in decreased levels of several soluble receptors (sVEGFR-2, sEGFR, sHER-2/neu, and sIL-6R), probably due to Pb-induced modulations of the transcription factors and metalloprotease activities, that are necessary for soluble receptor synthesis.

A new option for definitive burn wound closure - pair matching type of retrospective case-control study of hand burns in the hospitalised patients group in the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Centre for Burn Treatment between 2009 and 2015: New option of the definitive burn wound closure

Nearly 80% of all burns include the hands of affected individuals. Skin grafting is the gold standard in burns treatment, but in the case of the burn wound bed, it may require the necessity of utilising skin substitutes to facilitate closure. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a porcine‐derived wound dressing (Oasis™) for application to hand burns compared to a synthetic dressing (Suprathel™). Comparative assessments were made, including the time to heal, quality of healing and pain intensity. A retrospective, unblinded, matching pair case‐control of hand burns was performed. A control group of 24 patients was treated with Suprathel dressing, and a study group of six patients underwent application of the Oasis dressing. The wound healing process was evaluated by taking histopathological specimens and also utilising the Bates‐Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. A 10‐cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. Other parameters measured included dressing loss because of infection and the need of rehabilitation. The progress of wound healing on the fourth day in the study group was 30%. A decrease in the level of pain was recorded on the fourth day after surgery. There was a decrease of 5% in the risk of rehabilitation in the treatment group.