Karolina Jakubczyk

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.

Fluoride as a factor initiating and potentiating inflammation in THP1 differentiated monocytes/macrophages.

It is well known that exposure to fluorides lead to an increased ROS production and enhances the inflammatory reactions. Therefore we decided to examine whether cyclooxygenases (particular COX-2) activity and expression may be changed by fluoride in THP1 macrophages and in this way may change the prostanoids biosynthesis. In the present work we demonstrate that fluoride increased concentration of PGE2 and TXA2 in THP1 macrophages. Following exposure to 1-10 μM NaF, COX-2 protein and COX-2 transcript increased markedly. COX-2 protein up-regulation probably is mediated by ROS, produced during fluoride-induced inflammatory reactions. Additional fluoride activates the transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which is involved in the up-regulation of COX-2 gene expression. This study indicated that even in small concentrations fluoride changes the amounts and activity of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes taking part in the initiating and development of inflammatory process.

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.

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.

Stan wiedzy oraz występowanie trądziku (Acne vulgaris) wśród młodzieży w Szczecinie

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease associated with dysfunction of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. The disorder affects approximately 80% of the Polish youth population and has become an important clinical issue. The aim of this study was to examine the state of knowledge about acne among youth in Szczecin, and to attempt to identify the main causes of the disease. Material and methods: The study was conducted among 100 young people in Szczecin aged 12 to 25 years. A validated questionnaire was used for the research. Results: The questionnaire analysis showed that acne affects 60% of the surveyed young citizens of Szczecin. The study shows that the prevalence of acne depends on the type of skin, tendency to have skin imperfections, and the age of the respondents. Knowledge of skin care, factors affecting the occurrence of acne, and treatments used depend on the age of respondents. The greatest awareness was found among older students and the smallest among secondary school students. Conclusions: knowledge about prevention, treatment and skin care is still insufficient, and therefore there is a great need to educate and raise the awareness of young people.INTRODUCTION Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease associated with dysfunction of the sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. The disorder affects approximately 80% of the Polish youth population and has become an important clinical issue. The aim of this study was to examine the state of knowledge about acne among youth in Szczecin, and to attempt to identify the main causes of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted among 100 young people in Szczecin aged 12 to 25 years. A validated questionnaire was used for the research. RESULTS The questionnaire analysis showed that acne affects 60% of the surveyed young citizens of Szczecin. The study shows that the prevalence of acne depends on the type of skin, tendency to have skin imperfections, and the age of the respondents. Knowledge of skin care, factors affecting the occurrence of acne, and treatments used depend on the age of respondents. The greatest awareness was found among older students and the smallest among secondary school students. CONCLUSIONS knowledge about prevention, treatment and skin care is still insufficient, and therefore there is a great need to educate and raise the awareness of young people.