Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Semisynthetic Derivatives of 7α-Acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone from Plectranthus sp.: An In Silico Approach

The diterpene 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus demonstrates promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its bioactivity may be enhanced via strategic structural modifications of such natural products through semisynthesis. The anticancer potential of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone and five derivatives was analyzed in silico via the prediction of chemicals absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), quantum mechanical calculations, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The protein targets included regulators of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Additionally, network pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and signaling pathways. Derivatives 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone achieved high predicted binding affinities towards their respective protein panels, with stable molecular dynamics trajectories. Both compounds demonstrated favorable ADMET parameters and toxicity profiles. Their stability and reactivity were confirmed via geometry optimization. Network analysis revealed their involvement in cancer-related pathways. Our findings justify the inclusion of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone in in vitro analyses as prospective anticancer agents. Our binding mode analysis and stability simulations indicate their potential as selective inhibitors. The data will guide studies into their structure optimization, enhancing efficacy and drug-likeness.

Improved efficacy of eugenol and trans-anethole in combination with octenidine dihydrochloride against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts from the Ogenus Candida. Considering increasing antifungal resistance rates the activity was analyzed of natural compounds to eradicate Candida spp. The aim of the study was to check the antifungal activity of selected essential oil compounds (EOCs; thymol, menthol, eugenol [E], carvacrol, trans-anethole [TA]) alone, and in combination with octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis reference, and clinical strains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Investigated clinical isolates were obtained from skin wounds of patients treated for superficial wounds candidiasis. The following parameters were studied: antifungal susceptibility testing using the VITEK system, antifungal activity of EOCs alone and in combination with OCT using microdilution and checkerboard assays, antifungal efficacy of selected chemicals using time-kill curve assay, and changes in cell permeability in the presence of selected chemicals using crystal violet assay.

RESULTS

Clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole. The highest inhibition activity against Candida isolates was observed for E. The OCT - TA and OCT - E combinations showed synergistic and additive activities against all strains, respectively. These combinations also appeared to affect the rate of yeast cell killing and increasing the permeability of Candida cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that E and TA potentially used in formulation with OCT might eradicate pathogenic yeasts; however, microbiological and clinical studies are still required.

PD-1 and PD-L1 Expression Levels as a Potential Biomarker of Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Head and Neck Cancers

Inflammation is an etiological factor of various chronic diseases contributing to more than 50% of worldwide deaths. In this study, we focus on the immunosuppressive role of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) in inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers. The study included 304 participants. Of this number, 162 patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 40 patients had head and neck cancer (HNC) and there were 102 healthy subjects. The expression level of the PD-1 and PD-L1 genes in the tissues of the study groups was measured by qPCR and Western blot methods. The associations between the age of the patients and the extent of disease and genes' expression were evaluated. The study showed a significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the tissues of both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups compared to the healthy group. The severity of CRSwNP significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. Similarly, the age of the NHC patients influenced PD-L1 expression. In addition, a significantly higher level of PD-L1 protein was noticed also for both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups. The increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 may be a potential biomarker of inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers.

PD-1 and PDL-1 gene expression in nasal polyp tissue from patients with asthma exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs correlates with the severity of the disease

INTRODUCTION

The clinical syndrome that includes asthma, nasal polyps and hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is referred to as airway disease exacerbated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients usually have the most severe form of nasal polyps. Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps share a common inflammatory profile, involving type 2 helper T lymphocytes. T-cell activity can be inhibited via the programmed death receptor, PD-1, leading to modulation of the immune response. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of genes encoding PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 in nasal polyp tissue in patients with asthma exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to correlate the results with clinical data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material used for the study consisted of 54 tissue sections of nasal polyps. In the specimens, the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes was determined at the mRNA level by qPCR. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the results of the study.

RESULTS

The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes in the tissue of polyps was statistically significantly higher than in the nasal mucosa of patients in the control group. In addition, there was a correlation between the expression of both genes at the mRNA level and the severity of nasal polyps in the paranasal sinuses analyzed from computed tomography images of the paranasal sinuses and assessed using the Kennedy scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Determining the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 genes may provide a marker for the severity of polypoid lesions. In addition, learning more about the PD-1/PD-L signaling pathway and how it can be modulated may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with inflammatory diseases.

Serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 levels in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis correlate with clinical severity

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by epithelial inflammation and tissue eosinophilic infiltration. IL-5, POSTN, and IL-33 are important factors that act as chemoattractants for eosinophils, and a tissue-remodeling protein positively correlated with eosinophils in blood and mediators of eosinophilic infiltration. The aim of the study was to determine the expression of IL-5, POSTN and IL-33, at the gene and protein levels, in eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and to correlate this expression with clinical severity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 40 CRSwNP patients and 53 CRSsNP patients and 40 control subjects. The expression of IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 mRNA was determined in sinonasal mucosal samples and in nasal polyp tissue by real-time PCR. Protein levels in the serum of CRSwNP patients were measured by ELISA. Computed tomography was evaluated according to Lund-Mackay scores, and visual analog scale scores were assessed.

RESULTS

NP tissue demonstrated significantly higher IL-5 and POSTN mRNA expression than the sinonasal tissue in the CRSsNP and CRSwNP groups. CRS groups demonstrated elevated IL-33 mRNA expression in comparison to controls irrespective of the presence of NP. No correlation was found between IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 mRNA expression and disease severity. CRSwNP group demonstrated significantly higher serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 protein levels than controls, and this corresponds to disease severity.

CONCLUSION

Serum IL-5, POSTN and IL-33 levels may be important markers for classification of eosinophilic CRSwNP patients, along with disease severity.

In Vitro and In Silico Studies on Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. Root Extract against Cancer Cells

Background:

Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) is a shrub traditionally used to alleviate inflammatory conditions.

Objective:

The present study aimed at investigating the biological activity of methanolic nontransformed and transformed Rhizobium rhizogenes root extracts from L. nepetifolia against human melanoma cells.

Methods:

Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity properties, the impact on topoisomerase I activity, and proapoptotic activity were evaluated by the MTT test, comet assay, topoisomerase I assay, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Moreover, the expressions of p53 were examined by qPCR and Western blot analysis. Docking studies were conducted to assess the potential interactions of the identified phytochemicals with the p53 binding protein Mdm-2, and computational analyses exhibited their antioxidant potential.

Results:

Both extracts showed cytotoxic potential against human melanoma cells, but generally the activity was more potent for transformed roots than untransformed (IC50 760 μg/mL and 980 μg/mL, respectively). A similar effect was revealed during the evaluation of genotoxic and proapoptotic properties. Moreover, the expression of p53 was also found to be increased after extract treatment. The most dominant identified compounds in both extracts were as follows: (+)- catechin, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, and (+)-rosmarinic acid. Docking studies and computational analysis showed that (+)-rosmarinic acid possesses the highest binding affinity to the p53 binding protein, Mdm-2, and exhibits the best antioxidant property from the most commonly identified phytochemicals.

Conclusion:

Our findings revealed the potential of L. nepetifolia transformed root extract as a source of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic, genotoxic, and proapoptotic activity against human melanoma cells as well as antioxidant properties.

Expression of Programmed Death Receptor 1 (PD-1) Gene and Its Ligand (PD-L1) in Patients with Laryngeal Cancer

(1) Background: The interaction of the programmed death receptor (PD-1) with its ligand 1 (PD-L1) allows cancer cells to escape from the control of the immune system. Research evaluating the expression of immune checkpoint genes in the tissues of laryngeal tumors may contribute to the introduction of new effective immunotherapeutic methods in this group of neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the gene for the programmed death receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) in laryngeal tumors (T1, T2, T3) in patients without lymph node involvement and distant metastases. (2) Methods: The study included 73 patients: 39 of them were diagnosed with carcinoma planoepiteliale keratodes (study group) and 34 with nasal septal deviation undergoing septoplasty (control group). Biological material for molecular tests (Real time PCR) was collected during surgical procedures. Furthermore, all study participants completed a questionnaire regarding, among others, smoking and body weight. (3) Results: Gene expression for programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) was, statistically, significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in tumor tissue than in unchanged mucosa. Moreover, it was found that the greater the tumor size, the higher the expression level of the tested molecules. (4) Conclusions: Although further research on the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in laryngeal tumors is necessary, the presented reports are promising and may constitute a contribution to considerations on the introduction of targeted immunotherapy with anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of these tumors.

Inhibitory Effect of Eugenol and trans-Anethole Alone and in Combination with Antifungal Medicines on Candida albicans Clinical Isolates

One of the most common pathogens among yeasts is Candida albicans, which presents a serious health threat. The study aimed to check the antifungal properties of trans-anethole and eugenol with selected antifungal medicines (AMs) against C. albicans clinical isolates. The checkerboard method was used to tests of interactions between these compounds. Achieved results indicated that eugenol showed synergistic and additive activities with miconazole and econazole against investigated clinical isolates, respectively. Moreover, the combination - trans-anethole - miconazole also showed an additive effect against two clinical isolate. We tried to relate the results to changes in C. albicans cell sheaths under the influence of essential oils compounds (EOCs) performing the Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis to confirm the presence of particular chemical moieties in C. albicans cells. Nevertheless, no strong relationships was observed between synergistic and additive actions of used EOC-AMs combinations and chemical moieties in C. albicans cells.

The use of combined pharmacotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Aim: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) involves acute unexplained hearing loss, nearly always one-sided of 30dB or greater over at least three contiguous audiometric frequencies. The aetiology of SSNHL is mostly unknown. According to the literature, the causes include vascular, microbial and autoimmune problems. There is still no agreed standard treatment. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the results of combined pharmacotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with idiopathic sudden deafness. Material/Methods: The study was carried out on 40 patients with SSNHL. The patients were divided into two groups: group I – 24 patients treated with the combined pharmacotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy and group II – 16 patients treated only pharmacologically. The patients from Group 1 were treated in the Centre of Hyperbaric Therapy CREATOR Ltd. in Lodz, Poland. Each patient underwent 15 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber. In all patients, the percentage of hearing loss for the selected frequencies was assessed before and after the therapy according to Sabine and Fowler. Results: The group of 40 patie nts aged from 33 to 77 years (mean 52.4) included 21 females and 19 males. Group I consisted of 24 patients, 11 females and 13 males, group II consisted of 16 patients, 10 females, and 6 males. After therapy, the mean hearing level in all patients improved by 27.14%, in Group I – by 34.34%, in Group II – by 16.3%. Conclusions: Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with steroid therapy improves prognosis and shows good results in sudden hearing loss treatment.

The Antibacterial Activity of Lavender Essential Oil Alone and In Combination with Octenidine Dihydrochloride against MRSA Strains

In the post-antibiotic era the issue of bacterial resistance refers not only to antibiotics themselves but also to common antiseptics like octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT). This appears as an emerging challenge in terms of preventing staphylococcal infections, which are both potentially severe and easy to transfer horizontally. Essential oils have shown synergisms both with antibiotics and antiseptics. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of lavender essential oil (LEO) on OCT efficiency towards methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains (MRSA). The LEO analyzed in this study increased the OCT’s susceptibility against MRSA strains. Subsequent FTIR analysis revealed cellular wall modifications in MRSA strain cultured in media supplemented with OCT or LEO/OCT. In conclusion, LEO appears to be a promising candidate for an efficient enhancer of conventional antiseptics.

Development, Characterization, and Bioactivity of Non-Dairy Kefir-Like Fermented Beverage Based on Flaxseed Oil Cake

Flaxseed oil cake (FOC) was evaluated as a potential substrate for the production of a novel kefir-like fermented beverage. Three variants containing 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w) of FOC were inoculated with kefir grains and incubated at 25 °C for 24 h. After processing, beverages were stored in refrigerated conditions (6 °C) for 21 days. Changes in microbial population, pH, acidity, levels of proteins, polyphenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and reducing sugars were estimated. Additionally, viscosity, firmness, color, and antioxidant properties were determined. Results showed that lactic acid bacteria as well as yeast were capable of growing well in the FOC without any supplementation. During refrigerated storage, the viability of the microorganisms were over the recommended minimum level for kefir products. As a result of fermentation, the beverages showed excellent antioxidant activity. Because of the functional characteristics conferred to the FOC beverages, the use of kefir grains showed adequate potential for the industrial application. Therefore, this beverages could be used as a new, non-dairy vehicle for beneficial microflora consumption, especially by vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers.

Antioxidative assessment of new trans-palladium (II) complexes in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Head and neck neoplasms stand for 6% of all malignant neoplasms worldwide. Chemotherapy has limited use due to the biological properties of the tumor (in the majority of cases moderately and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma). The fundamental molecule used in treatment is cisplatin and its derivates, that can be associated with fluorouracil. The new chemotherapeutic agents are not in common use during the treatment of head and neck malignancies. However, the use of low molecular weight complexes Pd (II) carries the potential of being more effective in therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients, 30 men and 21 women (aged 52.9 ± 12.1 years) with head and neck cancer were included in the study. Fifty-one healthy subjects, 31 men and 20 women, (aged 54.1 ± 14.7 years) years formed the control group. Antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in erythrocytes were examined.

RESULTS

An increased level of antioxidant enzymes was seen in the blood samples from patients with head and neck cancer after incubation with Pd (II) complex. In the group we obtained a statistically significant result p = &lt;0.001.

DISCUSSION

That project may contribute to the development of new, more efficient head and neck cancer treatment strategies. In our opinion, the results can be used in the future to develop a valuable prognostic marker of the disease. This is important because the initial phase of cancer is asymptomatic. The search for factors involved in pathogenesis translates into economic benefits and makes therapy more effectiveness through the reduction of treatment expenses.

Retrospective evaluation of risk factors for oral cavity and oropharynx cancers in patients under the program of head and neck cancers prevention

Introduction: The aim of the study was to analyze the risk factors for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer in people examined under the Head and Neck Cancer Prophylaxis Program. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a total of 300 patients, including 186 women and 114 men, as part of the Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Program in 2014–2018. Before the laryngological examination, the patients completed a demographic and medical questionnaire regarding the risk factors of head and neck cancer, including education, reported disease symptoms, smoking addiction, number of cigarettes smoked daily, alcohol consumption, frequency of visits in a dental office, oral hygiene measures, number of sexual partners, oral sex, family medical history of head and neck cancer. Results: The subjects reported the following symptoms: hoarseness 43.33%, difficulty swallowing 21.33%, pain or mouth burning 20.33% and other symptoms were observed in 46.33%. The main dental symptoms were: bleeding from the gums during teeth brushing in 48.89%, dry mouth 45.56%. Currently 20.33% of respondents smoke, whereas 54% of patients smoked in the past. In the analyzed material, the majority (80%) consumed alcoholic beverages. 27.67% of respondents admitted having oral sex, including 24.73% of women and 32.46% of men. After performing the extended diagnostics, the tumor was found in 10% of the subjects. C onclusions: Statistical significance of differences was found: between hoarseness and alcohol consumption, both in women and in men, between hoarseness and smoking in women, between difficulty in swallowing and smoking in women, between burning/pain in the mouth and smoking in men, between hoarseness and the cultivation of oral sex in men, between the difficulty of swallowing and the practice of oral sex in the studied men and between burning/pain in the oral cavity and the occurrence of malignancy.

Abscisic Acid Regulates the 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA Reductase Gene Promoter and Ginsenoside Production in Panax quinquefolium Hairy Root Cultures

Panax quinquefolium hairy root cultures synthesize triterpenoid saponins named ginsenosides, that have multidirectional pharmacological activity. The first rate-limiting enzyme in the process of their biosynthesis is 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR). In this study, a 741 bp fragment of the P. quinquefoliumHMGR gene (PqHMGR), consisting of a proximal promoter, 5′UTR (5′ untranslated region) and 5′CDS (coding DNA sequence) was isolated. In silico analysis of an isolated fragment indicated a lack of tandem repeats, miRNA binding sites, and CpG/CpNpG elements. However, the proximal promoter contained potential cis-elements involved in the response to light, salicylic, and abscisic acid (ABA) that was represented by the motif ABRE (TACGTG). The functional significance of ABA on P. quinquefolium HMGR gene expression was evaluated, carrying out quantitative RT-PCR experiments at different ABA concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg·L⁻¹). Additionally, the effect of abscisic acid and its time exposure on biomass and ginsenoside level in Panax quinquefolium hairy root was examined. The saponin content was determined using HPLC. The 28 day elicitation period with 1 mg·L⁻¹ ABA was the most efficient for Rg2 and Re (17.38 and 1.83 times increase, respectively) accumulation; however, the protopanaxadiol derivative content decreased in these conditions.

[Narrow-band imaging endoscopy for diagnosis of adult laryngeal papillomatosis - case raports]

The laryngeal papillomas belong to the group of non-malignant tumours. The risk of getting sick increases with the number of contingent sexual contacts, smoking, alcohol abuse and untreated gastro-oesophageal reflux. This paper describes five cases presenting different levels of exposure to the risk factors and variable course of adult laryngeal papillomatosis. These people, in addition to routine diagnostics, were examined using endoscopy with the use of narrow beam of light, which turns out to be a useful diagnostic tool in the case of laryngeal papillomatosis.

[Cryosurgery in the treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis]

OBJECTIVE

Introduction: Pharmacological treatment of both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis is not always effective. The aim: Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment of patients with allergic and non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis using cryoablation procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Material and methods: The study involved 60 patients, including 28 women and 32 men, aged 17-76 years (the average age 39) with rhinitis. All participants were assigned into two groups: I group - 18 patients with chronic allergic rhinitis; II group - 42 patients with chronic non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis. The research methodology included: anamnesis, otolaryngological physical examination, rhinomanometer test, performed before and 3 months after the procedure. The cryoablation of nasal turbinates was performed under local anesthesia,with a 1&#37; xylocaine solution using the Cryo-S device from CryoFlex Poland.

RESULTS

Results: After the cryoablation treatment, in both groups the statistically significant improvement was observed both in the subjective assessment of symptoms of nasal obstruction and in the mean rhinomanometry of air flows through the nasal passages during inspiration and exhalation.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: Cryosurgical treatment is not the first-line treatment for the treatment of allergic and non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, it does not remove the causes of the disease. However, it may be an effective method of treatment for some patients and a supplement to existing treatment.

The Incidence of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Reactions to Apples Among Patients Allergic to Birch Pollen

The major apple allergen Mal d 1 cross-reacts with the homologous birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 and causes immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions. In some patients, delayed-type hypersensitivity to apples may develop within 72 hours without evidence of specific IgE or a positive skin prick test (SPT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the concomitance of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and immediate IgE-mediated reactions against high- and low-allergenic apple cultivars in patients with birch pollen allergy. Data were obtained from 45 adults with clinical symptoms of birch pollen allergy. Patients were exposed to apple pulp via atopy patch tests (APTs) and SPTs. Levels of IgE specific to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 were measured with a radioallergosorbent test. Patients allergic to birch pollen showed the highest rate of positive SPT responses to Golden Delicious apples and the lowest rate to low-allergenic cultivar Grey French Reinette. Among these patients, 9% developed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to either Golden Delicious or Grey French Reinette apples; these reactions manifested clinically as erythema with papules (class ++). Fifty percent of APT-positive patients were concomitantly SPT-negative. Here, we show for the first time the clinical relevance of T cell-driven allergic reactions to apples. APTs may reveal type IV sensitization in patients who are negative for the corresponding type I sensitization tests. Thus, utilization of the APT procedure with fresh apple appears to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of apple allergy and may improve the accuracy of food allergy diagnoses.

Evaluation of selected indicators of antioxidant status in patients with head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and the antioxidant enzymatic barrier in patients with head and neck cancer and in healthy controls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by spectrometry in red blood cells of 22 patients and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Decreased activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx as well as an increased concentration of MDA was found in cancer patients in comparison to healthy controls.

DISCUSSION

Increased lipid peroxidation in red blood cells of cancer patients indicates an intensification of oxidative stress reactions. Measurements of the activity of the antioxidant enzymes point unambiguously to a reduced antioxidant capacity in head and neck cancer patients. However, this was a pilot study with a low number of participants. Moreover, future research should take into account genetic and extragenetic factors.

Sensitivity evaluation in air and water caloric stimulation of the vestibular organs using videonystagmography

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to compare air and water caloric stimulation of the vestibular organs using videonystagmography (VNG).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study covered 18 women aged 21-63 and 11 men aged 21-74 years hospitalized at the ENT, without complaints for vertigo and/or balance disorders. The alternate binaural bithermal caloric test with cool 30°C and warm 44°C air or water irrigations (after 2h interval for the recordings) with the use of VNG was done.

RESULTS

All parameters of air and water vestibular caloric stimulations, assessed in the VNG, differed significantly but were within the normal range. The research showed a statistically significant difference between canal paresis but only for the left ear at 30°C and 44°C. Absolute directional preponderance, relative directional preponderance, vestibular excitability, slow component velocity, frequency were different statistically for both ears at both temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that both air and water caloric stimulations were able to distinguish physiological and impaired vestibular function. The obtained results showed statistically higher response for water than air stimulation.

Effects of three different types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control in functional endoscopic sinus surgery

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of three different types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control and to analyse the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate in patients undergoing endoscopic paranasal sinus surgery. Ninety patients (30 women and 60 men, aged 18–85 years) scheduled to undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery in the years 2008–2010 were identified as candidates for inclusion in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups (30 patients each) according to the type of general anaesthesia to be administered. Groups I and II both received inhalation anaesthesia (sevoflurane for sedation) and intravenous anaesthesia (fentanyl in group I, remifentanil in group II). Anaesthesia was delivered solely via intravenous route (TIVA) in group III, with propofol used for sedation and remifentanil for analgesia. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during surgery and post-surgically for 4 h. Mean anaesthesia duration in groups I, II and III was 108.7 ± 20.8, 112.6 ± 22.2 and 103.7 ± 17.5 min and the surgery duration was 71.3 ± 16.7, 78.8 ± 24.2 and 66.5 ± 15.5 min, respectively. Mean blood loss during surgery was 365.0 ± 176.2, 340.0 ± 150.5 and 225.0 ± 91.7 ml, with a mean blood loss rate of 5.1 ± 2.4, 4.5 ± 2.2 and 3.4 ± 1.1 ml/min in groups I, II and III, respectively. Technologically advanced control of the drug dose with the TIVA technique allows for better control of perioperative bleeding.

[Role of the -765 G/C polymorphism of COX-2 gene in pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nose polyps in a Polish population]

INTRODUCTION

It is believed that local factors within the nasal cavities contribute to the formation of nasal polyps. The disruption of local homeostasis mechanisms in a chronic inflammatory process is one of those factors. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression is activated in the course of the immune response to extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Also, an increase of the gene expression can be associated with the development of nasal polyps in patients with chronic sinusitis.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was an evaluation of the role of the -765G/C COX-2 polymorphism in sinusitis pathogenesis in patients with nasal polyps.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 100 patients, aged 35-65, with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps and 150 people in the age, sex-, age- and ethnicity-matched control group. The study material included DNA isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of the patients and the controls. PCR-RFLP method was used in genotyping polymorphic variants of COX-2.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group, the group of the patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps showed a statistically significant increase in the occurrence frequency of the -765G/C polymorphic variant of COX-2 gene (OR 4.04; 95% CI 2.32-7.03; p > 0.001) and C allele (OR 3.68; 95% CI 2.38-5.68; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The -765G/C genotype of COX-2 can be associated with an increased risk of the occurrence of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps in the Polish population.

[The comparison of the influence of various types of anaesthesia on perioperative bleeding control in endoscopic paranasal sinus surgery]

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of targeted hypotension with three types of anaesthetics on the amount of blood loss in extensive endoscopic operations of polyps of the nose and paranasal sinuses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety patients, including 30 women aged 31-73 and 60 men aged 21-79, who were operated within the period of 2008-2010 at Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology Military Medical Academy University Clinical Hospital in Lodz, were qualified for the study. The bilateral removal of nasal polyps, bilateral ethmoidectomy, and surgery or revision of the maxillary, sphenoid and temporal sinuses in endoscopy were conducted in each patient. Due to the type of general anaesthesia the patients were divided into three groups, 30 patients each: I – sevoflurane inhalation (sedation) and fentanyl I.V., II – sevoflurane inhalation (sedation) and remifentanil I.V. (analgesia), III – TIVA, propofol sedation and remifentanil analgesia. The drugs were administered via the infusion pomp TCI.

RESULTS

In group I the mean anaesthesia time was 108.67±20.80 min., group II – 112.63±22.17 min., group III – 103.67±17.47 min. The surgery time in the studied groups was as follows: I – 71.33±16.71 min, II – 78.83±24.24 min, III – 66.5±15.49 min. During the operation the mean blood loss was: group I – 365±176.2 ml, group II – 340±150.5 ml, group III – 225±91.7 ml. During the operation the mean rate of blood loss was: group I – 5.118±2.38 ml/min, II – 4.507±2.215 ml/min, group III – 3.416±1.059 ml/min.

CONCLUSIONS

In TIVA the advanced technologically control of a drug dose allows for a better control of hypotension, which, finally, results in lower haemorrhage within the operation area, a favourable condition for both a patient and a physician. Perioperative bleeding was independent on sex in every type of anaesthesia.

[Analysis of histopathological evaluation of pathological lesions removed by endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses in the own material]

INTRODUCTION

The work aimed at evaluating results of histopathological examination of postoperative material in endoscopic paranasal sinus surgery in the own material.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The analysis covered 3,896 results of histopathological examination of routine postoperative material from the Department of Clinical Pathomorphology and Cytopathology Military Medical Academy University Clinical Hospital in Lodz. The study was conducted in hematoxylin and eosin staining according to the principles of this method. The postoperative material included pathological lesions removed by endoscopic surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses in patients who were treated at Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology between 2006 and 2010. The treatment included 1,118 patients, 509 women at the age of 15–79 and 609 men aged 17–77. The material for histopathological examination was sent from merely 1,176 operations because 57 patients were operated twice and one patient was operated three times.

RESULTS

Polyps within the nose and paranasal sinuses were confirmed by histopathological examination in 705 patients, including 289 women and 416 men. Hypertrophic changes were diagnosed in 404 patients, including 218 women and 186 men. Inverted papilloma was recognised in histopathological examination in 9 patients, including 2 women and 7 men. Hypertrophies were slightly more common in women than in men. Both in men and women unilateral hypertrophic changes within the ostiomeatal complex were predominant, 42.66% in women and 40.86% in men.

CONCLUSION

Histopathological examination of postoperative material in patients under endoscopic treatment due to paranasal sinusitis is considerably important for complex evaluation of inflammation type and confirmation of indications for appropriate anti-inflammatory therapy.

[Evaluation of tobacco smoking addiction and passive exposure to tobacco smoke in students of medicine]

Active and passive tobacco smoking by students of medical universities show that medical studies cannot be an effective barrier against continuing or even commencing smoking. The aim of the study was an evaluation of tobacco smoking and passive exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in the Physiotherapy students of Faculty of Military Medicine Medical University of Lodz.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 565 Physiotherapy students of between 1-5th year of studies, including 394 women and 171 men (mean age 22.41), who were covered by the questionnaire research. The author's form of the questionnaire consisted of closed questions about demographic data and data on active and passive smoking. Prior to completing the questionnaire each student signed an informed consent as well as had an opportunity to get familiar with the patient's information form and could ask additional questions.

RESULTS

The results analysis of the questionnaire indicated that 21.42% of the studied subjects are active smokers whereas 78.58% - non-smokers. No statistically significant differences in tobacco smoking due to sex have been noticed. The highest percentage of smokers was found on the 2nd and 3rd year of studies. In the group of 444 non-smokers there were as many as 67.1% of passive smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco smoking rate among Physiotherapy students amounts to 21.42% and is lower than the rate observed in the Polish population. Among non-smoking physiotherapy students there are 67.1% who are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. The obtained result does not largely stray from the result for the adult Polish population.

[Anaphylactic reaction caused by conjunctival provocation with birch recombinant allergen rBet v 1a Mut1-6--case report]

Conjunctival provocations with recombinant allergens are new kind of examinations in allergology but they are estimated as safe. The aim of the work was to present a case of anaphylactic reaction caused by birch recombinant allergen with theoretically decreased allergenity.

RESULTS

A patient allergic to birch pollen revealed strong local and anaphylactic reaction (I/II stage) after conjunctival provocation with recombinant allergen rBet v 1a Mut1-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Provocation tests with allergens are at risk of anaphylaxis and that is why they should be conducted with caution and with resuscitation procedures for a patient safety.

[The influence of desloratadine on course of intermittens allergic rhinitis]

Influence of desloratadine (DL) therapy on intermittens allergic rhinitis was presented. Investigated group consisted of 60 patients, aged average 29, among them 23 women and 37 men. Score of nasal symptoms as discharge congestion, itching, sneezing and eye symptoms was evaluated. All measurements of nose airways resistance were performed by means of rhinomanometer Rhinotest 1000 (MES). The result was a significant statistic improvement both of separate nasal or eye symptoms, total nasal symptom score and global therapeutic assessments of response to DL therapy. At the beginning the investigation a statistically significant improvement after DL therapy was shown by rhinomanometry among patients with severe or moderate nasal resistance in contrast to low nasal resistance group.

[Clinical evaluation of Olbas oil effect on nasal mucosa in acute rhinitis patients during common cold]

The aim of the study was the clinical evaluation of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold. 15 patients with 2-3 days history of acute rhinitis during common cold, both sexes, in the age between 23-47 were investigated. All the examinations were done before using, after the first inhalation, and after 7 days of Olbas oil administration. The investigation before using Olbas oil was comprised of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, saccharin translocation time, olfactometry, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. At the end, after 7 days of Olbas oil inhalation 3 times a day for 4 minutes 4 drops of Olbas oil applied into a handkerchief, all the test were done again, as at the beginning. The study showed a good of the effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in patients with acute rhinitis during common cold.

[Clinical studies of Olbas oil tolerance and its effect on nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers]

The aim of the study was the clinical examinations of the tolerance and effect of Olbas oil on nasal mucosa in healthy volunteers during permanent 4 weeks administration. 23 healthy volunteers both sexes in the age between 20-50 were investigated. This investigations consisted of: history data, general and otorhinolaryngological examination, with particular evaluation of nasal mucosa, anterior rhinomanometry, olfactometry, saccharin translocation time, microbiological cultures, histamine nasal provocation test. Besides, each patient has follow up self evaluating chart of symptoms and adverse effect from the eyes, nose, pharynx and others. All the examined persons showed a very good tolerance of Olbas oil after 28 days of inhalation.

[Evaluation of granulocyte (PMNL) function in patients with chronic inflammation of the middle ear and palatine tonsils]

The evaluation of granulocytes function (PMN) in patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsils. There were 39 people examined and divided into: 28 patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsil, 11 healthy persons. The function of granulocytes in patients with chronic inflammation of middle ear and palatine tonsil were changed more in comparison with the healthy people.

[The evaluation of granulocyte (PMNL) function of patients with chronic hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses]

The evaluation of granulocytes function (PMNL) at patients with chronic hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses. There were 40 people examined and divided into: 10 patients with hypertrophy of larynx, 13 patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and 17 healthy people. There were evaluated: emission of chemiluminescence (CL), absorption of isotope (phagocytic index) in our modification migration in vivo and in vitro and the bacteriotoxic index. The function of granulocytes in patients with hypertrophy of larynx and paranasal sinuses were changed more in comparison with the healthy people.

[The generation of oxygen free radicals in blood in patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx]

The evaluated of oxygen specious generation in blood granulocytes of patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx. There were 33 patients tested (13 with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses, 10 with hypertrophy of larynx and 10 healthy). The superoxide anion generation of peripheral blood granulocytes described by the rate of the reduced cytochrome C at rest and after stimulation with opsonized zymosan according to Bellavite were measured. There were statistically significant differences between the superoxide anion generation in patients with hypertrophy of paranasal sinuses and larynx in comparison with the healthy ones.