Dominika Maciejewska

The Influence of Fluorine on the Disturbances of Homeostasis in the Central Nervous System

Fluorides occur naturally in the environment, the daily exposure of human organism to fluorine mainly depends on the intake of this element with drinking water and it is connected with the geographical region. In some countries, we can observe the endemic fluorosis—the damage of hard and soft tissues caused by the excessive intake of fluorine. Recent studies showed that fluorine is toxic to the central nervous system (CNS). There are several known mechanisms which lead to structural brain damage caused by the excessive intake of fluorine. This element is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and it accumulates in neurons affecting cytological changes, cell activity and ion transport (e.g. chlorine transport). Additionally, fluorine changes the concentration of non-enzymatic advanced glycation end products (AGEs), the metabolism of neurotransmitters (influencing mainly glutamatergic neurotransmission) and the energy metabolism of neurons by the impaired glucose transporter—GLUT1. It can also change activity and lead to dysfunction of important proteins which are part of the respiratory chain. Fluorine also affects oxidative stress, glial activation and inflammation in the CNS which leads to neurodegeneration. All of those changes lead to abnormal cell differentiation and the activation of apoptosis through the changes in the expression of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and MAP kinases. Excessive exposure to this element can cause harmful effects such as permanent damage of all brain structures, impaired learning ability, memory dysfunction and behavioural problems. This paper provides an overview of the fluoride neurotoxicity in juveniles and adults.

Metabolites of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in early stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—A pilot study

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver conditions related to fat infiltration. The role of liver triacylglycerol accumulation in NAFLD is not fully understood. METHODS Twenty-four patients, 12 in the first and 12 in the second stage of NAFLD, were prospectively enrolled in this study. Biochemical parameters and eicosanoids (HETE and HODE) were compared between the first and the second stage of hepatic steatosis and the effect of a 6-month dietary intervention on these parameters was evaluated. Eicosanoid profiles were extracted from 0.5 ml of plasma using solid-phase extraction RP-18 SPE columns. The HPLC separations were performed on a 1260 liquid chromatograph. RESULTS Patients with stage I NAFLD had a significantly higher level of HDL cholesterol and a lower level of 5-HETE. Patients with grade II steatosis had higher concentrations of 9-HODE. Following the six-month dietary intervention, hepatic steatosis resolved completely in all patients. This resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of all eicosanoids (LX4, 16-HETE, 13-HODE, 9-HODE, 15-HETE, 12-HETE, 5-oxoETE, 5-HETE) and key biochemical parameters (BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver enzymes). CONCLUSION A significant reduction in the analyzed eicosanoids and a parallel reduction in fatty liver confirmed the usefulness of HETE and HODE in the assessment of NAFLD.

Nutritional Strategies for the Individualized Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Based on the Nutrient-Induced Insulin Output Ratio (NIOR)

Nutrients play a fundamental role as regulators of the activity of enzymes involved in liver metabolism. In the general population, the action of nutrients may be affected by gene polymorphisms. Therefore, individualization of a diet for individuals with fatty liver seems to be a fundamental step in nutritional strategies. In this study, we tested the nutrient-induced insulin output ratio (NIOR), which is used to identify the correlation between the variants of genes and insulin resistance. We enrolled 171 patients, Caucasian men (n = 104) and women (n = 67), diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). From the pool of genes sensitive to nutrient content, we selected genes characterized by a strong response to the NIOR. The polymorphisms included Adrenergic receptor (b3AR), Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), Apolipoprotein C (Apo C III). Uncoupling Protein type I (UCP-1), Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ2 (PPAR-2) and Apolipoprotein E (APOEs). We performed three dietary interventions: a diet consistent with the results of genotyping (NIOR (+)); typical dietary recommendations for NAFLD (Cust (+)), and a diet opposite to the genotyping results (NIOR (−) and Cust (−)). We administered the diet for six months. The most beneficial changes were observed among fat-sensitive patients who were treated with the NIOR (+) diet. These changes included improvements in body mass and insulin sensitivity and normalization of blood lipids. In people sensitive to fat, the NIOR seems to be a useful tool for determining specific strategies for the treatment of NAFLD.

The Fluoride Content of Yerba Mate Depending on the Country of Origin and the Conditions of the Infusion

There are many reports of the positive effect of yerba mate on the human body. Elemental composition analysis of yerba mate revealed the presence of many microelements and macroelements, but there is no literature data referencing the content and the effect of the method of preparing the yerba mate infusion on the amount of released fluoride and thus the amount of this element supplied to the human body. Therefore, in the traditional way (cold and hot), we prepared infusions of yerba mate from different countries and determined in samples content of fluoride using potentiometric method. Hot infusions resulted in statistically significant (p = 0.03) increases in the amount of fluoride released from the dried material to the water, compared to brewing with water at room temperature. The successive refills of hot water also resulted in a release of the same amount of fluoride, although smaller than the infusion with water at room temperature (at the third refill, it was statistically significantly smaller at p = 0.003). With an increase in the number of hot water refills, the amount of fluoride released from the sample portion significantly decreased. Similar results were recorded when analyzing samples depending on the country of origin. The amount of fluoride released into the water differed statistically significantly depending on the country of origin. The most fluoride was determined in the infusions of yerba mate from Argentina and the least in infusions from Paraguay.

Effect of IGF-I and TNF-α on intensification of steroid pathways in women with PCOS phenotypes are not identical. Enhancement of progesterone pathway in women with PCOS increases the concentration of TNF-α.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between the concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in each woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes based on the levels of androgen. Methods: Two groups of women with PCOS differing in their levels of androgens. The test group composed of 39 women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria in their reproductive age. The hormonal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL), androstenedione, testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. Correlations analysis were performed calculating Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of hormones with relation to TNF-α and IGF-I. Results: There was a medium positive correlation of IGF-1 with LH levels (p < 0.05) and negative medium correlation of TNF-α with of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-SO4 levels (p < 0.05) only in group of PCOS women with elevated androgens. Conclusion: Analysis of TNF-α showed that women with high testosterone negative correlation between level of TNF-α and the concentration of DHEA-SO4. Inflammatory state involving TNF-α in women with PCOS and high concentration of androgens is caused by intensified Δ4 (progesterone) pathway and omitted or limited Δ5 (dehydroepiandrosterone) pathway of testosterone biosynthesis.

Fatty acid changes help to better understand regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM To investigate whether liver steatosis reduction due to a six-month dietary intervention results in significant changes in the concentrations of fatty acids. METHODS A group of 35 Caucasian individuals diagnosed with different levels of steatosis were prospectively enrolled in the present study. Analysis of the fatty acid profiles was performed according to changes in liver steatosis (liver steatosis reduction by one or two degrees) after a six-month dietary intervention. The diet helped reduce body mass in obese and overweight patients, and stabilize both glycemia and dyslipidemia. Fatty acids were extracted according to the Folch method and analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS This study showed significant changes in fatty acid profiles in patients who had reduced liver steatosis by one as well as two degrees. A reduction in liver steatosis by one degree caused a significant increase in the level of the n-3 family: eicosapentaenoic acid (P < 0.055), docosapentaenoic acid-C 22:5 (P < 0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (P < 0.05). A reduction in liver steatosis by two degrees caused a significant decrease in serum palmitoleic acid-C 16:1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Liver steatosis reduction is associated with changes in fatty acid profiles, and these changes may reflect an alteration in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. These findings may help better understand regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Decreases Intestinal Permeability and Stool Concentrations of Zonulin in Athletes

Increased intestinal permeability has been implicated in various pathologies, has various causes, and can develop during vigorous athletic training. Colostrum bovinum is a natural supplement with a wide range of supposed positive health effects, including reduction of intestine permeability. We assessed influence of colostrum supplementation on intestinal permeability related parameters in a group of 16 athletes during peak training for competition. This double-blind placebo-controlled study compared supplementation for 20 days with 500 mg of colostrum bovinum or placebo (whey). Gut permeability status was assayed by differential absorption of lactulose and mannitol (L/M test) and stool zonulin concentration. Baseline L/M tests found that six of the participants (75%) in the colostrum group had increased intestinal permeability. After supplementation, the test values were within the normal range and were significantly lower than at baseline. The colostrum group Δ values produced by comparing the post-intervention and baseline results were also significantly lower than the placebo group Δ values. The differences in stool zonulin concentration were smaller than those in the L/M test, but were significant when the Δ values due to intervention were compared between the colostrum group and the placebo group. Colostrum bovinum supplementation was safe and effective in decreasing of intestinal permeability in this series of athletes at increased risk of its elevation.

Seeking Optimal Nutrition for Healthy Body Mass Reduction Among Former Athletes

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of 6 week Mediterranean diet or 30% calorie restriction on the fatty acid profile and eicosanoids (hydroxyoctadecadienoi acids and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids) concentration. Furthermore, basic biochemical variables such as insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and a lipid profile were estimated. The study enrolled 94 Caucasian former athletes aged 20-42, with body height of 179 ± 16.00 cm and body mass of 89.26 ± 13.25 kg who had not been active for at least 5 years. The subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups: CR group – the 30% calorie restriction (n = 32), MD group - the Mediterranean diet (n = 34), and C group - a control group (n = 28). The pattern of nutrition was analysed before and after the experiment using the 72 h food diaries. In order to evaluate the effect of diet intervention, the following variables were measured: anthropometrics, basic biochemical variables (insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, lipid profile), fatty acids and their blood derivatives profiles. The CR group showed significantly lower levels of several biochemical variables, i.e., BMI, total cholesterol LDL, TG, total lipids, insulin and HOMA – IR (p < 0.05). Subjects consuming the MD diet significantly decreased their BMI and reduced the level of total lipids (p < 0.05). We did not find any significant changes in the C group. The analysis of the fatty acid profile revealed that the CR group had a significantly decreased EPA level (p < 0.05). The MD group showed a significantly increased level of the DHA (p < 0.05) and improvement in the omega - 3 index (p < 0.05). Subjects following the MD also showed significantly lower concentrations of 15 - hydroxyicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE). We did not observe any significant differences between the CR and C groups. Within short time, calorie restriction helps to improve lipid variables and insulin resistance. The MD diet seems to be more advantageous in the decrease of inflammation, but does not improve basic biochemical variables. We can conclude that calorie restriction can be a good choice for former athletes, although EPA and DHA supplementation is needed.

The Health Concern Scale: What Results Does the Analysis of this ScaleBring in a Population of Young Participants of a Music Festival?

Introduction: The main factors that influence human health are: biological hereditary factors, the organisation of healthcare, the environment and lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity which is one of the key risk factors of the diseases of our civilization. To cope with this problem, educational campaigns are created with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle among young people. However, we have limited knowledge about whether young people pay attention to their health and, if yes, to what extent. The aim of the study: To evaluate how much attention young participants of the Woodstock music festival (2015, Poland) pay to their health, and to explore the relationship between the level of attention and gender, age, place of residence, education and anthropometric values. Materials and methods: 1316 participants aged 18-35 took part in the study. The research used the Health Concern Scale developed by Kahkonen and Touril in 1999. Results: A significant association between the concern for health and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was observed (p<0.0001), as well as between the care for health and gender-the results show that women pay more attention to their health than men (p=0.006). It was also shown that women keep their care for health stable independently of age, while men tend to increase their care for health with age (p=0.032). Conclusions: Women pay more attention to health than men, regardless of age. Moreover, their care for health rises along with their BMI. Men become concerned about their health when they are older or when they start having problems with body mass. The findings suggest that it would be worth to initiate a pro-health educational plan directed at young men.

The Digestive Health among Participants of the Woodstock Rock Festival in Poland—A Cross-Sectional Survey

Alterations of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier and the gut-brain axis may be involved in pathophysiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of digestive tract symptoms and identify common variables potentially disrupting the gut-brain axis among participants of the Woodstock Festival Poland, 2017. In total 428 people filled in a questionnaire assessing health of their digestive tract. The investigator collected answers on an electronic device, while the study participant responded using a paper version of the same questionnaire. Liver and gallbladder related symptoms were the most prevalent among our study group (n = 266, 62%), however symptoms related to altered intestinal permeability were found to be the most intensive complaints. In females the intensity of gastrointestinal complaints was higher compared to men (p < 0.05), as well as the incidence of factors with the potential to alter gut-brain axis (p < 0.0001). Chronic psychological distress, intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, were the most common associations with gastrointestinal symptoms, which were the most prevalent in females. Further attention should be focused on stress as one of the main factors negatively influencing public health.