Ewelina Wawryk-Gawda

Apoptosis of rats’ cardiomyocytes after chronic energy drinks consumption

Abstract Energy drinks (ED) are beverages containing caffeine, taurine, vitamins, herbal extracts, and sugar or sweeteners. They are marketed as capable of improving stamina, athletic performance and concentration, moreover, as serving as a source of energy. Still, there are very few papers describing the impact of ED on cell biology – including cell apoptosis within tissues. Therefore, in our study, we assessed the symptoms of rat cardiomyocytes apoptosis after 8 weeks consumption of ED. For the research, we used male Wistar rats divided into 2 groups (experimental and control). The experimental animals received ED at a dose average of 0.190 ml per g of body weight per day for a period of 8 weeks. The animals of the control group received just water and food without limitation. After 8 weeks, the rats were decapitated; hearts and other organs were collected. After embedding in paraffin blocks, 5μm thick tissue slides were prepared and stained according to standard hematoxylin and eosine (H&E) staining protocol. Additional slides were stained by immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against either caspaze-3 or p53 protein. Our results showed that the expression of caspase 3 and p53 protein varied depending on the group of rats. The expression of caspase 3 observed in cardiomyocytes was much more intense in the experimental group compared to the control group. Furthermore, the immunoprecipitation of p53 protein was observed more frequently in the cardiomyocytes nuclei of the experimental group than in the control group. Obtained results suggest that chronic use of ED induces intracellular disorders and apoptosis in consumer cardiomyocytes.

Expression of caspase 1and histomorphology of lung after cladribine treatment

BACKGROUND Cladribine is a useful immunosuppressive drug for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, leukemias and multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite the drug having low toxicity, side effects have been reported connected with myelosuppression, neutropenia and severe anemia. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of cladribine on lung pathomorphology and the expression of caspase 1 using immunohistochemistry method. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on Wistar rats, which were divided into a control group (C) and an experimental group (E). In group C, the rats were given a 0.9% NaCl solution by a subcutaneous injection, at the same dose as the dose of drug used in the experiment. In group E, the animals received cladribine at a dose of 0.07 mg/kg/24 h by a subcutaneous injection. The animals were decapitated 24 h following the last dose. To detect collagen deposition, we utilized Massons trichrome staining. To evaluate the intensity of the inflammatory process in the lung, an immunohistochemistry reaction was carried out with the use of caspase 1. RESULTS In group E, we observed an increase in the thickness of space between the alveoli. A statistically significant (p < 0.017243) difference between the thicknesses of the interalveolar septum was seen between the research groups. In E group, we observed regions with collagen deposition, alveolar epithelial cell hyperplasia, hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltration. Caspase 1 activity was higher in group E. The immunohistochemical reaction with caspase 1 was positive in 49% of all the interalveolar cells in group E; however, in group C about 13% of the interalveolar cell showed positive immunohistochemistry (IHC) response. CONCLUSIONS Cladribine-based therapy might have negative influence on lung morphology. The interstitial changes in the lung tissue suggest that cladribine is a drug that may be the cause of drug-induced lung disease and may lead to several respiratory disorders.

Bee pollen in allergy and immunology. Short review

Summary Bee pollen is a natural resource - pollen collected by bees and stored in the beehive with various bee enzymes added as it is a mixture of plants pollen and bee saliva. It is rich source of various nutrients, among them exogenous amino acids. Therefore, it can be a good and natural dietary supplement. New possibilities for bee pollen usage arise every day, yet it can also be a threat. Although bee pollen can act as an immunostimulant and anti-allergic agent, it is also and maybe even primarily allergic or cross-reactive with many allergens. A number of bee pollen allergy cases was described worldwide. A caution is therefore needed before ingestion or any other form of administration, especially in case of children or individuals with atopic predispositions. Anti-allergic attributes and immunostimmulation ability still need further research.

Autophagy in the pancreatic islets after the administration of cladribine in accordance to two different modes of therapy

Abstract The treatment of neoplastic and neurodegenerative diseases is still difficult. This because the cytostatic drugs have adverse effects on healthy organs. Among the drugs that have been investigated in the therapy of cancers and multiple sclerosis are the purine analogues. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the effect of cladribine on the process of autophagy in the healthy pancreas via two dosage models. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats which were placed within the experimental and control groups of two dosage models: model (A) - cladribine being administered in a daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg by weight for 7 days, and model (B) - cladribine being administered in a daily dose of 0.07 mg/kg by weight in 3 cycles of 6 days with 5 weeks break. A-bis and B-bis groups were included within, respectively, groups A and B. Here, decapitation occurred after 4 weeks break in drug administration. In our work, autophagy was investigated via the expression of the LC3B protein (Light Chain 3B protein). The comparison of the results of many independent trials was built upon the use of the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. Significance was set at p < 0.005. In our results, average LC3B expression was observed in 100% of all cells in the group A, 70% in group B and 60% in group B-bis. We not observed average LC3B expression in the other groups. Moreover, a poor reaction was observed in 55% of all cells in group A-bis. We noted significant relationships between control group and group A, between the control group and group B, and between group A-bis and groups B and B-bis. These results demonstrate that cladribine has led to the induction of autophagy in the pancreatic islet cells.

Application of mesenchymal stem cells in paediatrics

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were described by Friedenstein in the 1970s as being a group of bone marrow non-hematopoietic cells that are the source of fibroblasts. Since then, knowledge about the therapeutic potential of MSCs has significantly increased. MSCs are currently used for the treatment of many diseases, both in adults and children. MSCs are used successfully in the case of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatic diseases, diabetes mellitus type 1, gastroenterological and neurological diseases. Moreover, treatment of such organ disorders as damage or hypoxia through application of MSC therapy has shown to be satisfactory. In addition, there are some types of congenital disorders, including osteogenesis imperfecta and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, that may be treated with cellular therapy. Most studies showed no other adverse effects than fever. Our study is an analysis that particularly focuses on the registered trials and results of MSCs application to under 18 patients with acute, chronic, recurrent, resistance and corticosteroids types of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). Stem cells currently play an important role in the treatment of many diseases. Long-term studies conducted on animals have shown that cell therapy is both effective and safe. The number of indications for use of these cells in the course of treatment of people is constantly increasing. The results of subsequent studies provide important data justifying the application of MSCs in the course of treatment of many diseases whose treatment is ineffective when utilizing other approaches.

Do medical students have a positive outlook on the world

Abstract Introduction. Upon entering diverse fields of medical science, young people are on the cusp of adulthood. They change their environment and take on new responsibilities, which often translates to stress and depression. Aim. The main objective of the work was to assess the psychological health in students of Medical University of Lublin. Material and Methods. The research tool was a questionnaire containing information regarding mental health of first-year students of medicine. The results were statistically analysed in Statistica 11.0, utilising Pearson’s Chi Squared test of independence, with significance set at p<0.05. Results. Most respondents (55.79%), whether male or female, rarely feel sadness. About 43% of respondents replied that they employ different strategies of coping with stress. 33.47% of all students stated that whenever any problems appear they look for support from their families. Generally, around 47% of all students are happy with their lives. There were, statistical signification between the sex of the students and psychological well-being, and between the sex and the ways of dealing with depression. Conclusions. Despite the significant stress to which these young people are exposed, they are relatively strong mentally and have a positive outlook towards the lives.

Do duties of students of medicine be cause for stress

Abstract Introduction. For young adults, one of the sources of peer interaction problems is the fact that they are burdened with an increasing number of duties and their pace of life increases. Since they are usually burdened with huge amount of study material, medicine students are particularly vulnerable. Aim. The aim of this work was to determine the relationship between their obligations, stress levels and their peer or family relationships. Material and methods. The study involved 242 students (148 women and 94 men) of the first year of daily studies, aged 18-30 (median - 20 years). The assessment was performed in March 2016, and the research tool was an anonymous survey. This took into account, inter alia, data on the demands of their studies, and their peer and family affinities. Results. Using the results, around 71% of all respondents consider themselves to be over-burdened with the obligations resulting from their choice of study. Among these, women were more likely to self-assess themselves as overburdened (65%). Moreover, out of all respondents, approx. 27% of all, considered excessive workload as a major source of stress. This, however, does not significantly affect their peer and family relationships, because approx. 95% of all respondents consider such these to be be either good or rather good. Conclusions. Medical students are burdened with responsibilities. This can be a source of stress, but overall, does not affect social and family associations.

Hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis after chronic administration of ethanol

Abstract Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are a nonparenchymal population of liver cells. In normal conditions, they store vitamin A, control the turnover of the extracellular matrix, and regulate the contractility of the sinusoids. Acute and chronic damage such as that brought about by alcohol activates the stellate cells and they are then responsible for the livers inflammatory fibrotic response. Hence, alcohol consumption leads to hepatitis, steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver by way of different mechanisms depending on effect upon the nonparenchymal cells of the liver. The aim of our study was to assess the histological changes in the liver of rats after chronic alcohol consumption. In our work, we evaluated the intensity of liver fibrosis and the number of Kupffer cells and active hepatic stellate cells present within a test population. In the experiment, we used 10 Wistar rats of 250 gram weight. The animals were placed within one of two groups: A (experimental) and C (control). Group A received alcohol for 4 weeks, while group C received just water. The rats of both groups were decapitated 24 hours after the end of the experiment. The samples of liver were then evaluated after H&E, Masson’s trichrome staining and an immunohistochemical reaction to desmin (a marker of quiescent HSC) and α-smooth muscle actin (marker of active HSC) antibody. In our work, we observed intensive fibrosis in the portal spaces and perivenular areas in group A samples. Moreover, Kupffer cells and stellate cells with positive α-SMA expression were more numerous in group A than in the group C, and these correlate with the area of intensive fibrosis. The expression of desmin in the HSC was seen in both groups to a similar level. Conclusion: Chronic alcohol consumption activates the transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells into the positive α-SMA myofibroblast-like cells which are responsible for fibrogenesis.

Energy drinks – consumption and awareness among students of Medical University of Lublin

Abstract Energy drinks (ED), containing caffeine, taurine and another substances, are one of the more frequently used legal stimulants. Still, because these can endanger consumers’ health, it is thought that their marketing should be legally controlled. In our study, we analyzed the frequency of energy drink consumption, as well as the knowledge held about these drinks among medicine and dentistry students of the Medical University of Lublin. In the study, 131 students participated, and the study was done in the form of a survey. The results of this indicate that 81 students (61.83%) declared a daily consumption, and most respondents (78.48%) stated at least a one time consumption of 250 to 749 ml of energy drink. What is more, 26.25% of respondents combined ED with other substances, most frequently with coffee and alcohol. Regarding knowledge of ED effects, contents and side effects, more males than females actively sought and held this information. Furthermore, more than half of all respondents believed that the availability of EDs in Poland should be limited. Our study showed that the awareness of the effects and mechanisms of action of EDs, among the questioned students is relatively high. Nevertheless, they frequently consume EDs and combine these with other stimulants.

Do you know what you eat? Students of the Medical University of Lublin and food consumption awareness

Abstract At the present time, consumers are paying more attention to the food items they purchase, and, hence, organic products, more and more, are a popular choice. Furthermore, there is an increased awareness of the ingredients added as fixatives and taste modifiers. Medical students are assumed to have greater health awareness, and to recognize that proper nutrition has a significant impact on the overall physical well-being. Moreover, they are thought to be aware of the chemical composition of consumed foods. The aim of our study was to truly assess the degree of consumer awareness amongst students of the Medical University of Lublin. The research study consisted of 301 students of the I and II years, the work being performed at the turn of the year 2014/2015. The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire. This contained questions regarding their degree of healthy food awareness of retailed food products. The results of this study revealed that about 44% of the respondents always or often pay attention to the composition of the food products which they buy. Indeed, the highest percentage of all respondents declared that their purchase of food products is guided by the declared (labeled) composition (48.84% of the students coming from urban settings, and 55.81% coming from rural districts). Of note, regarding products labeled organic, from both urban and rural origin, such items were chosen by approximately 50% of the respondents. Finally, only a small percentage of students (about 9% overall) stated that they avoid foods stated to contain preservatives. In summary, despite the increasing availability of healthy foods, such items are not too often chosen by UM students - Indeed, despite the large biomedical knowledge purportedly held, medical students, in particular, do not avoid foods containing preservatives.