Lech Torliński

Analysis of serum copper and zinc concentrations in cancer patients

Several studies have shown that plasma copper concentrations are increased in various carcinomas. Zinc acts as a cellular growth protector, including growth of neoplastic cells, and its deficiency was demonstrated to be involved in several stages of malignant transformation. However, the usefulness of the serum zinc and copper determinations in cancer prevention, detection, monitoring treatment, and prognosis requires further investigations. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum copper and zinc levels in patients with cancer of the lung (PC), breast (BC), gastrointestinal tract (GIC), and gynecological (GYNC) malignancy with progress of the disease. The results of the study have shown a significant increase in the mean total serum Cu levels and the serum Cu/Zn ratio in all patient groups with cancer compared to a control group. Increased mean serum concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios were found in the whole group (ALLC), and for the GIC and GYNC groups with local as well as metastasized (Meta) disease in comparison with the control group. The mean serum concentrations of Zn were decreased only in metastasized ALLC and GYNC groups.

Oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin and concentrations of copper and zinc in serum of cancer patients

A balance between oxidant carcinogens and endogenous antioxidant defence is of particular relevance to the carcinogenesis. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) carries up to 90% of Cu in plasma and performs ferroxidase, antioxidant and amine oxidase activity. Cu and Zn, as trace elements, have been recognized to play an important role as cofactors of SOD. The study presents the relationship of the Cp oxidase activity and concentrations of Cu and Zn in serum of 62 patients with breast (BCA), lung (LCA), gastrointestinal (GICA) and gynecological (GYNCA) cancer. The Cp oxidase activity was determined in serum with o-dianisidine as a substrate. Cu and Zn concentrations in serum were measured by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of the study have shown significant increase in the mean serum Cp oxidase activity and total Cu concentrations in all patient groups compared with the control one. The total mean serum Zn concentration was found to be decreased only in LCA group as compared with the control. The effect of the cancer progress on the Cp oxidase activity and concentrations of Cu and Zn was observed within the group of all cancer patients (ALLCA) and within the GICA group. The only significant difference in Cu concentrations among various stages of the disease was observed in GICA between local and distant one. Significant positive correlation coefficients were caLculated for the Cp activity and Cu concentrations in the control group and all patients groups, also according to the cancer progress. Future research is needed to evaLuate the consequences of the elevation of the serum Cp oxidase activity and concentration of Cp, Cu and Zn for the host antioxidant-oxidant balance.

In situ effect of strontium toothpaste on artificially decalcified human enamel

The aim of this study was to measure the strontium levels in surface and subsurface artificially decalcified enamel exposed in situ to a strontiumsupplemented toothpaste. Twenty healthy premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were cut into blocks and demineralized. The samples were cemented to the teeth of six volunteers who brushed with a hydroxyapatite (HAP) and HAP strontium-supplemented toothpaste for 3 and 6 mo. The strontium content in the enamel surface and in the lateral wall of the enamel samples was evaluated using energy-dispersive spectrometry microanalysis. After 3 mo, the strontium content in the enamel surface increased significantly compared to baseline values. On the lateral enamel surfaces, the strontium level was the same in all of the layers after 6 mo and was higher than the level observed after 3 mo. Regular toothbrushing with a strontium-supplemented toothpaste has been found to increase the strontium content in the exposed enamel, which can be an advantage in the prevention of cariogenesis.

Plasma Selectins in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor in the pathogenesis of -cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze three specific adhesion molecules involved in the development of an atherosclerotic plaque: E-selectin (endothelium), L-selectin (leukocyte surface), and P-selectin (from platelet), circulating in plasma in patients at different OSA severity. Eighty non-smoking male Caucasians aged 30-64 were enrolled into the study after clinical, biochemical, and polysomnographic examinations. The patients were divided into four groups based on the results of apnea/hypopnea index (AHI): OSA-0 with AHI 0-4.9 (n = 20), OSA-1 with AHI 5-15 (n = 21), OSA-2 with AHI 16-30 (n = 18), OSA-3 with AHI ≥ 31 (n = 21). Complete blood count, oral glucose tolerance test, fasting lipid profile, C-reactive protein and insulin, and plasma concentrations of soluble E-selectin, P-selectin and L-selectin were measured. We found a progressive increase in the concentrations of all three selectins with the severity of OSA. In conclusion, the level of plasma adhesion molecules may be indicative of OSA severity and may contribute to cardiovascular sequelae.

Blood Antioxidant Status, Dysglycemia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients present increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress is involved in OSA and cardiovascular pathology. The aim of the study was to assess oxidative stress markers in the blood of OSA males during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The study involved OSA-suspected obese males (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) aged 35-64, with no acute or chronic disorders, appointed for polysomnography to diagnose OSA (AHI ≥ 5). The results of OGTT allowed to select prediabetic (Pre) subjects and normal glucose tolerance (N), excluding newly diagnosed diabetes. Blood was collected at 0 min (fasting) and 120 min of the test. Plasma glucose, total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), and activity of superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD) in erythrocytes, were determined at the two time points and the difference (D) between the 120 and 0 min time points was calculated for either oxidative stress variable (D-TAS, D-SOD and D-TBARS). Fasting serum insulin and lipids also were measured fasting. There were four groups of subjects, each consisting of 22 individuals N-OSA-neg(ative), N-OSA-pos(itive), Pre-OSA-neg and Pre-OSA-pos. The N-OSA-pos and Pre-OSA-pos subjects demonstrated decreased SOD-0 compared with OSA-negative groups. In N-OSA-neg and N-OSA-pos groups, the positive differences D-SOD and D-TAS were observed, while Pre-OSA subjects presented negative differences. In conclusion, prediabetic OSA patients may consume blood antioxidant factors to counter the effects of oxidative stress, more than individuals with normal glucose tolerance.

The way of serum chromium utilization may contribute to cardiovascular risk factors in centrally obese persons

Introduction Obesity-related disturbances are considered to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Chromium is shown to improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Conflicting data on effects of chromium supplementation in humans are published. The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations of serum chromium during the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in obese persons. Material and methods Fourty-eight centrally obese Caucasians, apparently healthy, using neither special diet nor mineral supplementation, were enrolled in the study. During the OGTT, 0-min and 120-min concentrations of plasma glucose (G 0’, G 120’), serum insulin (Ins 0’, Ins 120’) and chromium (Cr 0’, Cr 120’) were determined. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins A and B, and serum uric acid were measured at 0 min only. For parameters assessed during the OGTT, the difference D = [(120’ concentration) – (0’ concentration)] was calculated. Contradictory tendencies of Cr 120’ were observed; thus the difference of serum chromium concentrations, DCr = [(Cr 120’) – (Cr 0’)], was used to establish the positive DCr group with DCr > 0 (PosDCr: n= 24; 9 male/15 female) and the negative DCr group with DCr < 0 (NegDCr: n= 24; 8 male/16 female). Results The studied groups were comparable as far as their metabolic parameters are concerned, except higher G 120’ (p= 0.043) and DG (p = 0.048), and lower Cr 120’ (p < 0.000), which were observed in the NegDCr group. The NegDCr persons showed inverse correlations between Cr 0’ and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions We suggest that the studied centrally obese persons differed in chromium metabolism. In subjects “consuming” Cr during the OGTT, chromium status may be associated with increased risk for CVD.