Associations between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms from the Genes of Chemokines and the CXCR2 Chemokine Receptor and an Increased Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Significant relationships with endometrial cancer were demonstrated, both for CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL8 chemokines and for the chemokine receptor CXCR2. The reported case-control study of genetic associations was designed to establish the role of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, and CXCR2 genes in the onset and progression of endometrial cancer. This study was conducted on 282 women, including 132 (46.8%) patients with endometrial cancer and 150 (53.2%) non-cancerous controls. The genotypes for CCL2 rs4586, CCL5 rs2107538 and rs2280789, CXCL8 rs2227532 and -738 T>A, and CXCR2 rs1126580 were determined, using PCR-RFLP assays. The AA homozygotes in CCL5 rs2107538 were associated with more than a quadruple risk of endometrial cancer (p ≤ 0.050). The GA heterozygotes in the CXCR2 SNP were associated with approximately threefold higher cancer risk (p ≤ 0.001). That association also remained significant after certain adjustments, carried out for age, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, or endometrial thickness above 5 mm (p ≤ 0.050). The A-A haplotypes for the CCL5 polymorphisms and T-A-A haplotypes for the CCL2 and CCL5 SNPs were associated with about a twofold risk of endometrial cancer (p ≤ 0.050). In conclusion, CCL2 rs4586, CCL5 rs2107538 and rs2280789, and CXCR2 rs1126580 demonstrated significant associations with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.

Development of a High-Fibre Multigrain Bar Technology with the Addition of Curly Kale

The aim of this study was to find the effect of kale and dietary fibre (DF) on the physicochemical properties, nutritional value and sensory quality of multigrain bars. A recipe of multigrain bars was prepared with the addition of fresh kale (20% and 30%) and DF preparations (apple, blackcurrant, chokeberry and hibiscus). The bars were baked at 180 °C for 20 min. These snack bars, based on pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and wholegrain oatmeal, are a high-calorie product (302-367 kcal/100 g). However, the composition of the bars encourages consumption. In addition to the ability to quickly satisfy hunger, such bars are rich in many natural ingredients that are considered pro-health (high fibre content (9.1-11.6 g/100 g), protein (11.2-14.3 g/100 g), fat (17.0-21.1 g/100 g, including unsaturated fatty acids), carbohydrates (20.5-24.0 g/100 g), as well as vitamins, minerals and a large number of substances from the antioxidant group. The addition of kale caused a significant increase of water content, but reduction in the value of all texture parameters (TPA profiles) as well as calorific values. The content of polyphenols was strongly and positively correlated with the antioxidant activity (r = 0.92). In the bars with 30% addition of kale (422 mg GA/100 g d.m.), the content of polyphenols was significantly higher than based ones (334 mg GA/100 g d.m.). Bars with the addition of the DF were characterized by a higher antioxidant activity, and the content of carotenoids, chlorophyll A and B and polyphenols. High sensory quality was demonstrated for all (from 4.8 to 7.1 on a 10-point scale). The addition of fibre preparations was also related to technological aspects and allows to create attractive bars without additional chemicals.

Biological Heterogeneity of Chondrosarcoma: From (Epi) Genetics through Stemness and Deregulated Signaling to Immunophenotype

Chondrosarcoma (ChS) is a primary malignant bone tumor. Due to its heterogeneity in clinical outcomes and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapies, there is a need to develop new potential therapies and molecular targets of drugs. Many genes and pathways are involved in in ChS progression. The most frequently mutated genes are isocitrate dehydrogenase ½ (IDH1/2), collagen type II alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), and TP53. Besides the point mutations in ChS, chromosomal aberrations, such as 12q13 (MDM2) amplification, the loss of 9p21 (CDKN21/p16/INK4A and INK4A-p14ARF), and several gene fusions, commonly occurring in sarcomas, have been found. ChS involves the hypermethylation of histone H3 and the decreased methylation of some transcription factors. In ChS progression, changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) and hedgehog pathways are known to play a role in tumor growth and chondrocyte proliferation. Due to recent discoveries regarding the potential of immunotherapy in many cancers, in this review we summarize the current state of knowledge concerning cellular markers of ChS and tumor-associated immune cells. This review compares the latest discoveries in ChS biology from gene alterations to specific cellular markers, including advanced molecular pathways and tumor microenvironment, which can help in discovering new potential checkpoints in inhibitory therapy.

Retrospective analysis of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of simple ovarian cysts

BACKGROUND

The widespread availability of ultrasonography means that transvaginal ultrasonography has become a routine procedure during gynecological examinations, even in asymptomatic patients. Nowadays the imaging technology offered by ultrasonography and tumor biomarkers give us an opportunity to implement transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration as a less radical treatment of simple ovarian cysts (SOC).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was a retrospective evaluation of the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of SOC in postmenopausal and premenopausal patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 84 women, divided into a premenopausal group (38/84) and a postmenopausal group (46/84), underwent transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of small SOC (40-80 mm in diameter). Simple cysts were defined ultrasonographically according to the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) guidelines as cysts with negative risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) scores and CA125 levels. Simple ovarian cyst-related data was obtained from medical documentation (diagnostic tests, medical reproductive and surgical history, and clinical status during SOC aspiration). Follow-up data was collected by means of a telephone interview and medical database. The survey included questions focused on cyst recurrence during the 24-month period following the aspiration of SOC.

RESULTS

We had 100% compatibility with ultrasound diagnosis and cytological examination of aspirated fluid. The cumulative rate of cyst recurrence among 84 patients was 20.2% (17/84). There was a higher percentage of cyst recurrence in the premenopausal group: 27% (10/38) vs 15.2% (7/46) in the postmenopausal group, but the difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.89, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.72-4.97; p = 0.19). Recurrent cysts were treated with laparoscopic cystectomy, adnexectomy or a second aspiration in accordance with individual indications.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of small (<80 mm) adnexal SOC is a diagnostic and alternative therapeutic procedure, which allows cytological examination and may reduce the need for surgery, which is especially beneficial for women of reproductive age.

Impact of MDM2, TP53 and P14ARF Polymorphisms on Endometrial Cancer Risk and Onset

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the joint effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MDM2, TP53, and CDKN2A (P14ARF) genes on the onset and course of endometrial cancer (EC) in postmenopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 144 EC women and 50 non-cancer controls. MDM2 rs22279744, TP53 rs1042522, and P14ARF rs3088440, rs3731217, and rs3731245 SNPs were analysed.

RESULTS

The double-SNP combinations T-C, T-T, or T-G in MDM2 SNP 309 and P14ARF polymorphisms decreased EC risk. The triple-SNP combinations T-C-T, T-C-G, or T-T-G in MDM2 SNP and two P14ARF polymorphisms decreased EC risk. The multiple-SNP combination T-C-T-G in MDM2 and three P14ARF polymorphisms decreased EC risk. The G-Arg-C-T-G carriers were at increased EC risk, while the T-Arg-C-T-G carriers were at decreased EC risk.

CONCLUSION

MDM2 SNP309 plays a role in EC onset in postmenopausal women.

Spectroscopic properties and molecular structure of copper phytate complexes: IR, Raman, UV-Vis, EPR studies and DFT calculations

The copper phytate IP6Cu, IP6Cu₂ and IP6Cu₃ complexes were synthesized changing the phytate to metal mole ratio. The obtained products have been characterized by means of chemical and spectroscopic studies. Spectroscopic ATR/IR, FT-Raman, UV–Vis, EPR and magnetic measurements were carried out. The structures of these compounds have been proposed on the basis of the group theory and geometry optimization taking into account the shape and number of the bands corresponding to the stretching and bending vibrations of the phosphate group and metal–oxygen polyhedron. The role of the inter- and intra-hydrogen bonds in stabilization of the structure has been discussed. EPR studies showed that a local rhombic symmetry of copper ions appears in the studied phytates. Dominant interactions show antiferromagnetic properties depending on the content of paramagnetic ions.

2D/3D ultrasonography for endometrial evaluation in a cohort of 118 postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleedings

OBJECTIVES

2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography in evaluation of endometrium in postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleedings (AUB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

2D/3D transvaginal ultrasonography (TVU) was performed in 118 menopausal women with AUB. Endometrial volume and thickness, uterine volume and endometrial vascularity were evaluated. Complete histologic evaluation of the endometrium was obtained through dilatation & curettage (D&C) and/or hysteroscopy. Accordingly, patients were divided into 3 groups: controls (no endometrial pathology, n = 49), GI (benign endometrial pathology, n = 37), GII (endometrial carcinoma, n = 32).

RESULTS

GII had greater thickness and volume of the endometrium, compared to GI and controls. The presence of arterial vascular flow was identified only in GI and GII (51.35% and 93.75%, respectively). Endometrial volume merged together with uterine volume measurements (TVU-3D) showed a strong, statistical significance between GI and GII, allowing differentiation of begin and malignant endometrial pathologies in postmenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

In TVU diagnostics of postmenopausal women with AUB the following play the most significant role: 1) endometrial thickness (TVU-2D); 2) endometrial volume (TVU-3D); 3) uterine plus endometrial volume (TVU-3D); 4) vascularization within the endometrium, allowing to differentiate between pathological and normal endometrium (TVU-2/3D). Evaluation of the endometrial vascularity, both in TVU-2D and TVU-3D technique, does not allow for reliable differentiation between benign lesions and endometrial cancer.

The blood antioxidant defence capacity during intermittent hypoxic training in elite swimmers

The main objective of this study was to examine the chronic effect of simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia on blood antioxidant defence capacity in swimmers. The study included 14 male and 14 female competitive swimmers performing part of land training under simulated intermittent normobaric hypoxia (O₂ = 15.5%) or in normoxia. Land interval training took place twice per week, with a total of 8 training units during the study, performed with individualized intensity. The activities of blood antioxidant enzymes did not change significantly during the first and last training unit in the hypoxic and normoxic group. However, when comparing individual variables a significant effect of exercise was observed on GPx an CAT activities, whereas training units significantly differentiated GPx and GR activities. The oxygen conditions and gender had a significant influence on CAT activity. The total antioxidant capacity was not significantly affected. Only in male swimmers from the hypoxic group did the training significantly increase resting levels of MDA. In conclusion, training in normobaric hypoxia was not an adequate stimulus for the excessive response of the antioxidant defence system, despite increased oxidative stress in these conditions.

Physiological, physical and on-ice performance criteria for selection of elite ice hockey teams

The purpose of this study was to examine physiological and physical determinants of ice-hockey performance in order to assess their impact on the result during a selection for ice hockey. A total of 42 ice hockey players took part in the selection camp. At the end of the camp 20 best players were selected by team of expert coaches to the ice hockey team and created group G1, while the second group (G2) consisted of not selected players (non-successful group Evaluation of goodness of fit of the model to the data was based on the Hosmer Lemeshow test. Ice hockey players selected to the team were taller 181.95±4.02 cm, had lower% body fat 13.17±3.17%, a shorter time to peak power 2.47±0.35 s, higher relative peak power 21.34±2.41 W·kg(-1) and higher relative total work 305.18±28.41 J·kg(-1). The results of the aerobic capacity test showed significant differences only in case of two variables. Ice hockey players in the G1 had higher VO2max 4.07±0.31 l·min(-1) values than players in the G2 as well as ice hockey players in G1 showed a higher level of relative VO2max 51.75±2.99 ml·min(-1)·kg(-1) than athletes in G2. Ice hockey players selected to the team (G1) performed better in the 30 m Forwards Sprint 4.28±0.31 s; 6x9 Turns 12.19±0.75 s; 6x9 stops 12.79±0.49 s and Endurance test (6x30 m stops) 32.01±0.80 s than players in G2. The logistic regression model showed that the best predictors of success in the recruitment process of top level ice hockey players were time to peak power, relative peak power, VO2max and 30 m sprint forwards on ice. On the basis of the constructed predictive logistic regression model it will be possible to determine the probability of success of the athletes during following the selection processes to the team.

Blood antioxidant status in road cyclists during progressive (VO2max) and constant cyclist intensity test (MLSS)

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two different cycling intensities on the blood antioxidant status in seven road cyclists male (M) (age 25.6±4.9 years; height 1.8±0.0 m; body mass 72.4±3.4 kg, and VO2max 66.8±8.9 mL*kg-1*min-1) and six road cyclists females (F) (age 26.5±2.5 years; height 1.67 ±0.01 m; body mass 56.5±5.3 kg; and VO2max 57.2±4.1 mL*kg-1*min-1).

METHODS

The experiment was carried out with two tests: a progressive test (VO2max) (TP), and a 30-minute submaximal steady state test (TMLSS). The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and creatine kinase, and the concentration of uric acid, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), blood lactate as well as total antioxidant potential, were assayed.

RESULTS

Exercise significantly differentiated the activity and level of antioxidants. In both tests, after exercise a significant increase of CAT (P≤0.05) and CK (P≤0.05) activity was observed, as well as MDA (P≤0.05) level.

CONCLUSION

It was demonstrated that neither the type of test (TP, TMLSS) nor the sex of the subjects exerted significant influence upon the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of low molecular weight antioxidants. Due to the workload in road cycling, where an average race or stage lasts a few hours, the 30-minute test was probably too weak a stimulus for the organism to disturb the pro- and antioxidative homeostasis.

A rare case of a natural contact zone in Morocco between an autopolyploid and an allopolyploid of Centaurea aspera with sterile tetraploid hybrids

A new contact zone between Centaurea aspera and Centaurea seridis was found in Morocco. Chromosome counts and flow cytometry showed that both taxa were tetraploid (4x = 44). A literature review and morphometric analysis established that C. aspera corresponds to the autopolyploid C. aspera subsp. gentilii and C. seridis corresponds to the allopolyploid C. seridis var. auriculata. This contact area was compared with the homologous contact zones in Spain formed by the diploid C. aspera subsp. stenophylla and the tetraploid C. seridis subsp. maritima. Natural hybrids between parental species were frequent in both areas. In Spain, hybrids were triploid (from reduced gametes A and gamete AB), highly sterile and exerted a 'triploid block'. In Morocco, cytometry showed that hybrids were tetraploid and, therefore, probably fertile, but all the capitula lacked achenes. It is likely that the resulting genome of the new tetraploid hybrid (AAAB), through the fusion of reduced gametes AA (from subsp. gentilii) and AB (from var. auriculata), could explain irregularities in meiosis through formation of aneuploid gametes and, therefore, infertility of the hybrid. Moroccan sterile tetraploid hybrids develop, but have the identical irregularities to Spanish triploids, probably due to the odd number of homologous chromosomes. The new hybrid is first described as C. x subdecurrens nothosubsp. paucispinus. In addition, distribution and ecological traits are analysed.

Determination of N-acetylation degree in chitosan using Raman spectroscopy

Application of Raman spectroscopy in determination of the acetylation degree (DA) of chitosan has been developed. The spectra of several chitosan samples characterized by different DD (degree of deacetylation) in the range 50-100% have been measured. The integral intensities of the bands assigned to the vibrations of amine group and glucosidic ring were used to calculate the DA from the intensity ratio. The assignment of the bands to the respective normal modes of chitosan was based on the DFT quantum chemical calculations. This method has a number of advantages over other techniques. It is fast and does not require purification of the sample nor require dissolution of the chitosan in any solvent.

The role of aerobic capacity in high-intensity intermittent efforts in ice-hockey

The primary objective of this study was to determine a relationship between aerobic capacity (V.O₂max) and fatigue from high-intensity skating in elite male hockey players. The subjects were twenty-four male members of the senior national ice hockey team of Poland who played the position of forward or defence. Each subject completed an on-ice Repeated-Skate Sprint test (RSS) consisting of 6 timed 89-m sprints, with 30 s of rest between subsequent efforts, and an incremental test on a cycle ergometer in the laboratory, the aim of which was to establish their maximal oxygen uptake (V.O₂max). The analysis of variance showed that each next repetition in the 6x89 m test was significantly longer than the previous one (F_5,138=53.33, p<0.001). An analysis of the fatigue index (FI) calculated from the times recorded for subsequent repetitions showed that the value of the FI increased with subsequent repetitions, reaching its maximum between repetitions 5 and 6 (3.10±1.16%). The total FI was 13.77±1.74%. The coefficient of correlation between V.O₂max and the total FI for 6 sprints on the distance of 89 m (r =–0.584) was significant (p=0.003). The variance in the index of players’ fatigue in the 6x89 m test accounted for 34% of the variance in V.O₂max. The 6x89 m test proposed in this study offers a high test-retest correlation coefficient (r=0.78). Even though the test is criticized for being too exhaustive and thereby for producing highly variable results it still seems that it was well selected for repeated sprint ability testing in hockey players.

Raman spectroscopy in determination of horse meat content in the mixture with other meats

A new method based on FT-Raman measurements that allows to determine the content of horse meat in its mixture with beef has been proposed. In the analysis of the Raman spectra of the meat mixtures, the integral intensity ratios of the 937/1003, 879/1003, 856/1003, 829/1003, and 480/1003cm(-1) pairs of bands have been determined the intensities of which were related to the reference intensity of the band at 1003cm(-1). The reasonable results that show good fitting between the spectroscopic parameters and chemical content of the studied samples have been obtained. The analytical equations between these parameters have been proposed.

Polymorphisms of codon 72 of the TP53 gene in endometrial carcinoma of postmenopausal women

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to detect TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism in postmenopausal patients with endometrial cancer (EC), to evaluate the risk of EC connected with it, as well to check for possible relationships with staging, grading and some risk factors of this neoplasm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endometrial samples from 152 women with EC and from 50 cancer-free ones were taken for genetic evaluation to detect TP53 codon 72 variability using PCR-RFLP technique.

RESULTS

The EC group was characterized by higher incidence of Arg/Arg genotype (OR=3.01) as well as lower incidence of Pro/Arg and the Pro allele (OR=0.33 and 0.48). There were no characteristic features linking EC grading and staging with the studied polymorphisms except for stage II with higher incidence of Arg/Arg (OR=4.25) and the Arg allele (OR=1.13), and grade 2 with higher incidence of Arg/Arg (OR=4.49) and lower incidence of the Pro allele (OR=0.22). Overweight and obese EC subgroups revealed higher incidence of Arg/Arg (OR=4.81 and 2.76) and lower incidence of the Pro allele (OR=0.21 and 0.36) compared to controls. The EC subgroup with arterial hypertension had higher incidence of Arg/Arg (OR=3.30) as well as lower incidence of Pro/Arg (OR=0.47) and the Pro allele (OR=0.37)--these differences were more pronounced than in the normotensive EC subgroup.

CONCLUSION

While Arg/Arg genotype is connected with increased and Pro/Arg and the Pro allele with decreased EC risk, we suppose that evaluation of TP53 codon 72 polymorphism may be of prognostic value, being useful for the prophylaxis of EC as well. Obesity and arterial hypertension seem to affect this polymorphism distribution.

IR and Raman studies of oil and seedcake extracts from natural and genetically modified flax seeds

Flax plant of the third generation (F3) overexpressing key genes of flavonoid pathway cultivated in field in 2008 season was used as the plant material throughout this study. The biochemical properties of seed, oil and seedcake extracts from natural and transgenic flax plants were compared. Overproduction of flavonoids (kaempferol), phenolic acids (coumaric, ferulic/synapic) and lignan-secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) in oil and extracts from transgenic seeds has been revealed providing a valuable source of these compounds for biotechnological application. The changes in fatty acids composition and increase in their stability against oxidation along three plant generations were also detected. The analysis of oil and seedcake extracts was performed using Raman and IR spectroscopy. The wavenumbers and integral intensities of Raman and IR bands were used to identify the components of phenylpropanoid pathway in oil and seedcake extracts from control and transgenic flax seeds. The spectroscopic data were compared to those obtained from biochemical analysis.