Paweł Paśko

Plasma fatty acid profile in multiple myeloma patients

New membrane formation in the proliferating tumor cells consequently results in hypermetabolism of fatty acids (FA), as seen in many cancer patients, including multiple myeloma (MM). The FA composition of plasma reflects both endogenous synthesis as well as the dietary supply of these compounds. Additionally, obesity is a risk factor for the development of MM. The aim of this study was to compare the FA composition of plasma in 60 MM patients and 60 healthy controls. We noted significant differences in the FA profile of plasma from patients with MM when compared to the control group. Increased levels of saturated and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in MM patients suggest that there may be increased endogenous synthesis of these fatty acids, likely due to increased expression of desaturase and elongase. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed differences in the distribution of FA in plasma from MM patients compared to controls. Dietary fat and a deranged endogenous FA metabolism may contribute to cancer-associated inflammation through an abnormal arachidonic acid metabolism, caused by pro-inflammatory derivatives. Our study supports further research on the biochemistry of lipids in patients with MM.

Interactions between medications employed in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and food − A short review

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common disease in elderly men. BPH symptoms include frequent urination, urgent tenesmus and urination at night, a weak and interrupted urine flow and a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Alpha- 1 adrenergic receptor antagonists and 5 α-reductase inhibitors form the most important groups of medications employed in BPH. Appropriately managed BPH patients shall be subject to counselling on interactions between agents belonging to these groups, and on particular components of the food they have. The present review has been aimed at assessing potential effects of consumed food, alcohol and fruit juices on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The authors reviewed the English PubMed database covering the years 1991-2015. Additionally, a digital version of Stockley Drugs Interaction and other electronic databases such as drugs.com and Medscape were also researched; characterisation charts for particular medical products were also analyzed. Pharmacokinetics of extended-release forms of alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin and silodosin is well known to be food-sensitive. Alfuzosin, tamsulosin and silodosin due to their likely interaction with grapefruit juice and citrus fruits, may intensify adverse effects of the drugs. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists are known to interact with alcohol, leading to orthostatic hypotension. For 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride, or dutasteride, the pharmacokinetic effect due to consumed food is of no clinical importance and thus they may be taken regardless of meals. As in general grapefruit juice and alcohol tend to significantly affect the efficacy and safety of the applied drug therapy, it is highly advisable to be knowledgeable on the subject in order to educate patients.

Voltammetric Determination of Zinc, Copper, and Selenium in Selected Raw Plant Material

The objective of this work was to determine zinc, copper, and selenium content in selected plant raw materials used as pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, or spices. The study included: Chamomillae anthodium, Anisi fructus, Menthae piperitae folium, Equiseti herba, Urticae folium, quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth seeds (Amaranthus cruentus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and oregano (Origanum vulgare). Stripping voltammetry with differential pulse step was used for zinc, copper, and selenium determination after microwave digestion procedure for organic matrix decomposition. Obtained results showed that proposed methods were suitable in determination of selenium, copper, and zinc. Selenium content varied from 11.6 µgkg−1 of dry weight of oregano up to 1031.2 µg kg−1 for amaranth. Zinc content ranged from 11.1 to 42.1 mgkg−1 and copper content was between 0.7 and 12.0 mg kg−1. The proposed method was successfully applied and validated by studying the certified reference material (INCT-MPH-2, bovine liver BCR-185), with recovery 94%–102%; 92%–97%; and 97%–108% for copper, zinc, and selenium, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory activities of garlic sprouts, a source of α-linolenic acid and 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan, in RAW 264.7 cells

The purpose of this study was to analyze the indolic, phenolic, and fatty acid content and antioxidant activity of garlic sprouts growing in the dark and in the daylight. The pro- or anti-inflammatory properties of the garlic sprout extract were investigated by evaluating the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E synthase (cPGES), glutathione S transferase (GSTM1), nuclear factor NF-κB, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein levels in the RAW 264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The highest amount of total indolic (73.56 mg/100 g f.w.) and phenolic compounds (36.23 mg/100 g f.w.) was detected in garlic sprouts grown in the daylight. Studies on antioxidant activity (the FRAP and DPPH method) of garlic sprouts showed that this activity is significantly higher for sprouts grown in full access to light when compared to those grown in the dark. In garlic sprout extracts, α-linolenic acid (ALA) was found to be in greater amount. COX-2 and cPGES level was lower when compared to LPS alone activated cells. After garlic extract treatment, higher level of GSTM1, PPARΥ, cytosolic p50 and p65 protein, as well as a lower NF-ĸB p50/p65 activity was noted in the RAW 264.7 cells which suggested PPARs and AhR transrepression mechanism of NF-ĸB signalling. The obtained results indicate Allium sativum sprouts are a rich source of n-3 fatty acids, indolic and phenolic compounds characterized by anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity, which may support their high therapeutic and dietary potential.