Jolanta Kujawa

Effect of low-intensity (3.75-25 J/cm2) near-infrared (810 nm) laser radiation on red blood cell ATPase activities and membrane structure.

OBJECTIVE The biostimulation and therapeutic effects of low-power laser radiation of different wavelengths and light doses are well known, but the exact mechanism of action of the laser radiation with living cells is not yet understood. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of laser radiation (810 nm, radiant exposure 3.75-25 J/cm(2)) on the structure of protein and lipid components of red blood cell membranes and it functional properties. The role of membrane ATPases as possible targets of laser irradiation was analyzed. BACKGROUND DATA A variety of studies both in vivo and in vitro showed significant influence of laser irradiation on cell functional state. At the same time another group of works found no detectable effects of light exposure. Some different explanations based on the light absorption by primary endogenous chromophores (mitochondrial enzymes, cytochromes, flavins, porphyrins) have been proposed to describe biological effects of laser light. It was suggested that optimization of the structural-functional organization of the erythrocyte membrane as a result of laser irradiation may be the basis for improving the cardiac function in patients under a course of laser therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human red blood cells or isolated cell membranes were irradiated with low-intensity laser light (810 nm) at different radiant exposures (3.75-25 J/cm(2)) and light powers (fluence rate; 10-400 mW) at 37 degrees C. As the parameters characterizing the structural and functional changes of cell membranes the activities of Na(+)-, K(+)-, and Mg(2+)-ATPases, tryptophan fluorescence of membrane proteins and fluorescence of pyrene incorporated into membrane lipid bilayer were used. RESULTS It was found that near-infrared low-intensity laser radiation changes the ATPase activities of the membrane ion pumps in the dose- and fluence rate-dependent manner. At the same time no changes of such integral parameters as cell stability, membrane lipid peroxidation level, intracellular reduced glutathione or oxyhaemoglobin level were observed. At laser power of 10 mW, an increase of the ATPase activity was observed with maximal effect at 12-15 J/cm(2) of light dose (18-26% for the total ATPase activity). At laser power of 400 mW (fluence rate significantly increased), inhibition of ATPases activities mainly due to the inhibition of Na(+)-, K(+)-ATPase was observed with maximal effect at the same light dose of 12-15 J/cm(2) (18-23% for the total ATPase activity). Fractionation of the light dose significantly changed the membrane response to laser radiation. Changes in tryptophan fluorescent parameters of erythrocyte membrane proteins and the increase in lipid bilayer fluidity measured by pyrene monomer/excimer fluorescence ratio were observed. CONCLUSIONS Near-infrared laser light radiation (810 nm) induced long-term conformational transitions of red blood cell membrane which were related to the changes in the structural states of both erythrocyte membrane proteins and lipid bilayer and which manifested themselves as changes in fluorescent parameters of erythrocyte membranes and lipid bilayer fluidity. This resulted in the modulation of membrane functional properties: changes in the activity of membrane ion pumps and, thus, changes in membrane ion flows.

Low-Intensity Near-Infrared Laser Radiation-Induced Changes of Acetylcholinesterase Activity of Human Erythrocytes

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate the transformations of red blood cells produced by low-intensity infrared laser radiation (810 nm). BACKGROUND DATA Low-intensity (the output power of a laser device in the milliwatt range) laser radiation as a local phototherapeutic modality is characterized by its ability to induce non-thermic, nondestructive photobiological processes in cells and tissues. However, the exact theory concerning the therapeutic effects of laser biostimulation has not been developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The suspensions of human erythrocytes in PBS (10% hematocrit) were irradiated with near-infrared (810 nm) therapy laser at different light doses (0-20 J) and light power (fluence rate; 200 or 400 mW) at 37 degrees C. As the parameters characterizing the cell structural and functional changes membrane acetylcholinesterase (AchEase) activity, the membrane potential, the level of intracellular glutathione, the level of products of membrane lipid peroxidation, and the cell osmotic stability were measured. RESULTS It was found that near-infrared low-intensity laser radiation produced complex biphasic dose-dependent changes of the parameters of AchEase reaction in the dose-dependent manner: at smaller doses of radiation (6 J) the maximal reaction rate and Michaelis-Menten constant value decreased, and at higher radiation doses these parameters increased. No significant changes of erythrocyte stability, cellular redox state (reduced glutathione or lipid peroxidation product levels), or cell membrane electrochemical potential were observed. CONCLUSION Low-intensity near-infrared laser radiation (810 mn) produced AchEase activity changes, reflecting the effect of light on the enzyme due to energy absorption. Protein molecule conformational transitions and enzyme activity modifications in cells have been suggested as laser radiation-induced events.

Corrections by melatonin of liver mitochondrial disorders under diabetes and acute intoxication in rats

The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanisms of oxidative damage of the liver mitochondria under diabetes and intoxication in rats as well as to evaluate the possibility of corrections of mitochondrial disorders by pharmacological doses of melatonin. The experimental (30 days) streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus caused a significant damage of the respiratory activity in rat liver mitochondria. In the case of succinate as a respiratory substrate, the ADP‐stimulated respiration rate V3 considerably decreased (by 25%, p < 0·05) as well as the acceptor control ratio (ACR) V3/V2 markedly diminished (by 25%, p < 0·01). We observed a decrease of the ADP‐stimulated respiration rate V3 by 35% (p < 0·05), with glutamate as substrate. In this case, ACR also decreased (by 20%, p < 0·05). Surprisingly, the phosphorylation coefficient ADP/O did not change under diabetic liver damage. Acute rat carbon tetrachloride‐induced intoxication resulted in considerable decrease of the phosphorylation coefficient because of uncoupling of the oxidation and phosphorylation processes in the liver mitochondria. The melatonin administration during diabetes (10 mg·kg‐1 body weight, 30 days, daily) showed a considerable protective effect on the liver mitochondrial function, reversing the decreased respiration rate V3 and the diminished ACR to the control values both for succinate‐dependent respiration and for glutamate‐dependent respiration. The melatonin administration to intoxicated animals (10 mg·kg−1 body weight, three times) partially increased the rate of succinate‐dependent respiration coupled with phosphorylation. The impairment of mitochondrial respiratory plays a key role in the development of liver injury under diabetes and intoxication. Melatonin might be considered as an effector that regulates the mitochondrial function under diabetes. Copyright

Influence of various laser therapy methods on knee joint pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of various laser therapy methods on knee joint pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS 125 patients were randomly assigned to 4 groups: • group I received one-wave laser irradiation (wave length 810 nm, dose 8 J/point) • group II received two-wave MLS laser irradiation (power 1100 mW, frequency 2000 Hz, dose 12.4 J/point) • group III received a similar regimen of two-wave MLS laser irradiation, but at a dose of 6.6 J per point • group IV was a placebo group where laser therapy procedures were simulated without actual irradiation. The effectiveness of the therapy was evaluated by means of Lequesnes scale, a modified Laitinen questionnaire and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistical analysis utilised non-parametric Wilcoxons and Mann-Whitneys tests. Calculations were carried out with MedCalc v. 11.6.1.0. RESULTS Statistically significant improvements in knee joint function and pain relief were seen in all groups (I, II and III). When groups I, II and III were compared, the largest improvement was found in group II (MLS laser, dose 12.4 J/point). The degrees of improvement in groups I and III were similar. CONCLUSIONS One-wave laser irradiation at a dose of 8 J per point and two-wave laser irradiation with doses of 12.4 J and 6.6 J per point significantly improved knee joint function and relieved knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.

Quality of life and functional disability in skeletally mature patients with myelomeningocele-related spinal deformity.

The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of life, physical function, self-motivation, and self-perception of skeletally mature patients with spina bifida and scoliosis. This is a prospective study on 19 skeletally mature patients with a mean age of 21.4 years. Several questionnaires were used for the study: Activities Scale for Kids, Quality of Life in Spina Bifida Questionnaire, The Health Self-Determinism Index for Children, Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and the Spina Bifida Spine Questionnaire. This study found no association between spinal deformity or other features related to spina bifida and self-perception, motivation, and overall physical function. More severe scoliosis affects quality of life and is related to the degree of pelvic obliquity and the age of the patients. Individuals with motor-level dysfunction below L3 had significantly better overall physical function compared with those with a higher level of lesions. This was the only factor found to affect physical function. Our findings suggest that most limitations in patients with spina bifida are not related to the degree of scoliosis but to other associated disabilities.

Siting stability in skeletally mature patients with scoliosis and myelomeningocele.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of sitting stability in skeletally mature patients on their quality of life and general physical function. We also aimed to assess the relationship between sitting balance and the severity of scoliosis or other disorders of individuals with myelomeningocoele. MATERIAL AND METHODS The prospective study enrolled 19 patients with a mean age of 21.4 years (min. 13 years). Patients treated operatively for spinal deformity were excluded from the study. Different aspects of the quality of life were assessed with several questionnaires serving to measure overall quality of life, general physical function, self-perception and self-motivation as well as dysfunction related to spine deformity. Walking ability was assessed according to the Hoffer classification and the level of motor neuron injury was evaluated with the International Myelodysplasia Study Protocol. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that sitting stability assessed by examiners or parents positively correlated with overall quality of life, general physical function, pelvic obliquity measured by Osebold method, and the level of motor spine dysfunction. It was not related to self-perception and self-motivation of patients. There was no statistical correlation between sitting balance and the Cobb angle, walking ability, presence of pressure sores and age. CONCLUSIONS The value of the Cobb angle is not a good indicator of sitting balance in patients with scoliosis and myelomeningocoele. Stabile sitting is related to better overall quality of life and physical function.

Comparative evaluation of the direct analgesic efficacy of selected physiotherapeutic methods in subjects with knee joint degenerative disease - preliminary report.

BACKGROUND The goals of the study were to evaluate the efficacy of two physiotherapeutic procedures: low energy laser therapy and low frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) and to compare these modalities with regard to their therapeutic effects in patients with knee osteoarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty (50) subjects were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups of 25 subjects. Group A received 10 MLS laser therapy sessions with a synchronised laser beam at doses of 12 J per treated site. Group B received ten sessions of low frequency TENS. The procedures were carried out every day for two weeks (5 times a week). All patients completed a personal data questionnaire and underwent an examination of knee joint motion range and circumference. Subjective pain intensity was assessed using the VAS pain scale and the modified Laitinen questionnaire. RESULTS An analysis of the results of the treatment demonstrated statistically significant pain reduction in both groups. This improvement was significantly higher in the two-phase laser therapy group vs. the LF-TENS group. No statistically significant improvement was noted in either of the groups regarding the knee joint range of motion. CONCLUSIONS 1. Synchronised laser beam (MLS) therapy and low-frequency TENS contribute to direct pain relief effects in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. 2. The study confirmed better analgesic effects of two-phase laser therapy vs. LF-TENS.

Assessment of Disability and Factors Determining Disability among Inhabitants of South-Eastern Poland Aged 71–80 Years

Introduction The aim of the study was to assess the level of disability in a sample of older people in south-eastern Poland and to identify any potential relationship between their profile of functioning and a complex set of variables including activities, participation, and contextual factors. Materials and Methods The study included 800 people aged 71–80 years. The WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire was applied for the assessment of disability. Results A total of 43.88% of the interviewees showed a moderate level of disability, while 17.75% had severe or extremely high levels of disability. In addition, 7.75% of the interviewees had no functional limitations and 30.62% demonstrated a mild level of disability. The studied individuals reported the greatest difficulties with life activities such as cleaning, cooking, or shopping, followed by Limited Participation and then getting along. Age, number of chronic diseases, a low level of education, a low level of physical activity, poor living conditions, and lack of opportunities for daily help significantly contributed to higher levels of disability. Conclusions Measures intended to reduce the level of disability in older adults should focus on improving medical care, health education, increasing physical activity, adapting housing to the needs of everyday functioning, and providing daily help.

The effect of MLS laser radiation on cell lipid membrane

INTRODUCTION Authors of numerous publications have proved the therapeutic effect of laser irradiation on biological material, but the mechanisms at cellular and subcellular level are not yet well understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effect of laser radiation emitted by the MLS M1 system (Multiwave Locked System) at two wavelengths (808 nm continuous and 905 nm pulsed) on the stability and fluidity of liposomes with a lipid composition similar to that of human erythrocyte membrane or made of phosphatidylocholine. MATERIAL AND METHODS Liposomes were exposed to low-energy laser radiation at surface densities 195 mW/cm2 (frequency 1,000 Hz) and 230 mW/cm2 (frequency 2,000 Hz). Different doses of radiation energy in the range 0-15 J were applied. The surface energy density was within the range 0.46 - 4.9 J/cm 2. RESULTS The fluidity and stability of liposomes subjected to such irradiation changed depending on the parameters of radiation used. CONCLUSIONS Since MLS M1 laser radiation, depending on the parameters used, affects fluidity and stability of liposomes with the lipid content similar to erythrocyte membrane, it may also cause structural and functional changes in cell membranes.

European Organizations of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.

Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) is a basic medical specialty officially recognized in Europe since 1962. This article briefly presents the significance, attainments and tasks recently undertaken by the leading structures responsible for international harmonization and management of the specialty within healthcare systems in Europe and for scientific development: the Section and Board of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-PRM), European Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (AEMR) and European Society of PRM (ESPRM). The concept of rehabilitation according to the biopsychosocial model of functioning recently promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) closely follows the assumptions of the Polish Model of Rehabilitation, formulated in the 1960s and approved by the WHO in 1970. Since its accession to the European Union in 2004, Poland has been gradually increasing active participation in the European structures of PRM.