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Biomedical subjects

W Wasowicz

Publications and source records attributed to W Wasowicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Serum clara-cell protein and beta2-microglobulin as early markers of occupational exposure to nitric oxides.

Biochemical effects of NOx on 60 workers (both genders) of nitric acid production were studied. The control group consisted of 61 nonexposed people employed elsewhere in the plant. Although the actual threshold limit valuetime weighted averages (TLV-TWA) were not exceeded in the specific conditions of our study, the subjects were exposed to NO2 and NO during several exposure episodes with peak maximal concentrations of 140 ppm and 515 ppm, respectively. Additional cross-week evaluation of several biochemical biomarkers in 15 NOx-exposed workers from one shift was performed. The objective of the study was to evaluate the value of serum Clara-cell protein (CC16) as a marker of bronchoalveolar epithelium activity. Antioxidant status was assessed by measuring activity of enzymes: glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), ceruloplasmin (Cp) in plasma, or superoxide dismutase (SOD), gluthatione S-transferase (GST), and nonenzymatic alpha-tocopherol in erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) determining the connective tissue matrix status of airways, and beta2-microglobulin in serum (beta2M-S) and urine (beta2M-U) as a marker of renal function in occupational exposure to NOx were also employed. Exposure to NOx initiates peroxidative chain depleting of lipoprotein pool (alpha-tocopherol) in blood. Serum CC16 levels in NOx-exposed workers were found to be closely connected with alpha-tocopherol content. In NOx-exposed workers, the beta2M-S level was significantly higher than in the nonexposed ones, with the exception of smokers. Results of the cross-week study confirm cumulative systemic effects of NOx on several examined biomarkers. SOD and GST were found to be depleted. A transient higher level of HA after a 5-d shift significantly inversely correlated with CC16 level. The data imply that NOx-depleted levels of CC16 are detectable already after an 8-h shift. Our results demonstrate that even low NOx human exposure can cause characteristic changes in bronchiolar epithelium cells and renal effects. Serum CC16 level, although a nonspecific marker, was lowest in NOx-exposed subjects. The most sensitive parameters in exposed workers were beta2M-S and a-tocopherol. Spirometric assessment was not useful to describe low occupational exposure to NOx. In studying the effects of NOx on biomarkers, it is essential to carefully select suitable time of sampling. Screening of CC16, beta2M-S, and a-tocopherol can be successfully employed for biological monitoring of exposure to NOx.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Blood and tissue selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities in patients with prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer death. Prostatic gland accumulates reasonably high amount of selenium (Se), the element that prevents the development of PC. It is hypothesized that some selenoproteins inhibit the transformation of normal prostate epithelium into neoplasm. We studied Se levels in whole blood, plasma and prostate of 32 PC and 40 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients and in the control group composed of 39 healthy subjects. The selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was also measured in the patients' red cells, plasma and prostate tissue. Se concentration in whole blood and plasma in both groups of patients was lower as compared with controls, while in prostate gland it was significantly higher in PC than in BPH patients and controls. Red cell GSH-Px activity was the same in PC patients and controls but significantly lower in BPH patients. Plasma GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in PC patients than in the control group, and prostate GSH-Px activity was significantly lower in PC patients as compared with BPH patients. Since Se has anticancer properties, it is very likely that its low level in blood may facilitate the development of cancer. A higher level of Se in prostate of PC patients has no influence on GSH-Px activity in the gland.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Oxidative-stress markers in blood of lung cancer patients occupationally exposed to carcinogens.

The study covered 152 lung cancer patients and 210 controls. The results of the study indicated decreased selenium (Se) concentrations and lowered activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase) in the blood of lung cancer patients, as well as significantly increased concentrations of vitamin E in erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the plasma of the study population. Low plasma Se concentrations (< 45.7 microg/L) enhance the estimated risk of lung cancer (odds ratio = 3.047, p < 0.001). A more precise exposure assessment is required to identify the association between lung cancer incidence and occupational exposure to carcinogens.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Glutathione S-transferase M1 and P1 metabolic polymorphism and lung cancer predisposition.

Individual susceptibility to different environmental agents is expected to be associated with alterations in metabolism of xenobiotics. Thus, genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase (GST) can be recognized as a potential risk modifier in lung cancer development. The distribution of GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes was studied in a group of 138 diagnosed lung cancer patients and in 165 controls living in central Poland and RFLP-PCR technique was applied. The frequency of GSTM1 null genotype and GSTP1 Val single and duplicated alleles was similar among patients and controls. GSTM1 homozygous deletion was most prevalent in small-cell carcinoma groups (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-5.52). In patients and controls, GSTM1A genotype was most frequent (34.1% vs. 37.0%). The estimated lung cancer risk for GSTM1 null, GSTP1 Ile/Val and GSTP1 Val/Val combined genotype was 1.44 (95% CI: 0.73-2.83), suggesting the absence of modifying effect of defective GSTM1 and GSTP1 alleles on lung cancer predisposition.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2002

Genetic polymorphism of N-acetyltransferase and glutathione S-transferase related to neoplasm of genitourinary system. Minireview.

Genetically determined risk factors may considerably contribute to the development of neoplastic diseases, including neoplasm of urinary organs, e.g. bladder and prostate cancers. It is believed that they may result, among others, from the differences in the metabolism of environmental carcinogens and mechanisms of DNA repair. There is a clear evidence that the kind and rate of metabolism is genetically determined by polymorphic enzyme coding genes participating in the process of xenobiotic transformation. Genetic polymorphism has been confirmed for a number of enzymes involved in the reaction of oxidation or conjugation of exo- and endogenous xenobioties. Gene variability may alter the expression or enzymatic activity of coded enzymes. Therefore, the cancer risk assessment should also be based on individual differences in the ability to activate (phase I) or to detoxify (phase II) possible carcinogens. In the present study, the information on the significance of glutathione 5-transferase (GST) and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) gene families in protection of human health and incidence of various diseases is summarized. The role of hereditary polymorphisms of GST and NAT genes involved in the etiology of neoplasm of urinary organs is controversial. That is why, special attention has to be focused on the recent information on a possible role of GST and NAT polymorphisms in the predisposition to urinary bladder, prostate and urothelial transitional cell carcinoma.

Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase↗
PubMed2001

Selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations in the blood and milk of lactating women.

The aim of the study was to determine Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations in blood plasma and milk of lactating women from central Poland who were in different stages of lactation and to investigate the relationship between the content of trace elements in mothers' blood and concentrations of microelements in their milk. Se and Zn concentrations in blood plasma of mothers were the lowest and Cu was the highest on the first 4 d of lactation (colostrum, n = 43) and were found to be 34.9 +/- 11.8 microg/L, 0.51 +/- 0.13 mg/L, and 1.70 +/- 0.55 mg/L, respectively. The highest plasma level of Se and Zn and the lowest content of Cu could be observed between d 10 and 30 of lactation (mature milk, n = 41), and were found to be 54.3 +/- 14.6 microg/L for Se (p < 0.001), 0.76 +/- 0.20 mg/L for Zn (p < 0.001), and 1.03 +/- 0.30 mg/L (p < 0.001) for Cu. The results of Se, Zn, and Cu determination in breast milk samples demonstrate a pattern of decline in their concentration with advancing stages of lactation. We found out that Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations were the highest in colostrum (n = 43) and amounted to 24.8 +/- 10.1 microg/L, 8.2 +/- 2.8 mg/L, and 0.45 +/- 0.11 mg/L, respectively. The content of all determined microelements declined significantly during the time of lactation. Statistically significant linear correlation was found between concentrations of Zn in blood plasma and milk in the first stage of lactation. Weak but statistically significant linear correlations were also found between plasma Se content in plasma and in transitional and mature milk of breast-feeding women.

Colostrum↗
PubMed2001

Significance of genetic polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase multigene family and lung cancer risk.

A vast number of studies are focused on investigating genetic polymorphism in order to estimate genetic contribution to the development of cancer. Possible cancer susceptibility genes have been sought among oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes and genes encoding phase I and phase II enzymes. Large individual differences in the biotransformation of xenobiotics have been explained on the basis of genetic polymorphisms in some detoxifying enzymes, regardless of environmental and occupational exposure. Among these enzymes, glutathione S-transferases (GST) constitute a large multigene family of phase II enzymes involved in detoxification of potentially genotoxic chemicals. Five genetic polymorphisms of GST have been well documented. Total or partial deletions and (or) single nucleotide polymorphisms in alleles encoding GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTPI, GSTT1, GSTZ1 are associated with reduction of enzymatic activity toward several substrates of different GST isoenzymes. In addition, molecular epidemiology studies indicate that a single genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase appears to be a moderate lung cancer risk factor. However, the risk is higher when interactions with more GST polymorphisms and other risk factors (e.g. cigarette smoking) occur. Individuals with decreased rate of detoxification, with "high risk" glutathione S-transferase genotypes have a slightly higher level of carcinogen-DNA adducts and more cytogenetic damages.

DNA Adducts↗
PubMed2001

Blood concentration of essential trace elements and heavy metals in workers exposed to lead and cadmium.

The aim of the study was to determine blood concentration of essential trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu) and toxic metals (Pb, Cd), markers of antioxidant (activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxidase dismutase and ceruloplasmin) and prooxidant processes (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) in workers exposed to Pb and Cd. Forty three male workers of the lead-acid batteries department, aged 25-52 years, and twenty two workers, including 15 women, aged 36-51 years, exposed to Cd in the alkaline batteries department were examined. The reference group consisted of 52 healthy inhabitants of the same region. It was found that Se concentration and GPx activity in both erythrocytes and plasma of Cd exposed workers were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the reference group. We found an inverse linear correlation between blood Se and Cd concentrations in the workers exposed to Cd (r = -0.449; p < 0.01). Moreover, the activity of erythrocyte and plasma GPx was shown to be significantly lower in the study group of workers (p < 0.001). It was observed that TBARS concentration in plasma was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the lead exposed workers than in the group without contact with Pb. Our results indicate that exposure to Pb and Cd affects the antioxidant potential of blood in workers exposed to heavy metals.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Selected mechanisms of genotoxic effects of inorganic arsenic compounds.

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic compounds is responsible for the prevalance of various tumors, as well as of other diseases. A major problem is the exposure to inorganic arsenic (i-As) in drinking water that affects millions of people, primarily in Asia and South America. In these regions, the concentration of arsenic in drinking water amounts to several thousand microg/l and considerably exceeds the standard of 50 microg/l, recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. It is interesting that not all populations are equally sensitive to i-As. Therefore, the existing standard should be verified and the environmentally safe i-As concentration should be established. Bearing this in mind, it would be helpful to know the mechanisms of toxicity of inorganic arsenic compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies and examination of people exposed to high concentrations of i-As in drinking water show its genotoxicity. Inorganic As increases the frequency of micronuclei, chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges both in humans and in animals, but it does not induce point mutations. If arsenic does not affect DNA directly, then what is the mechanism of its toxicity? The results of various studies suggest that it may intensify toxic effects of other physical and chemical agents, especially by DNA repair inhibition. Besides, it is believed that inorganic arsenic compounds may cause changes in the cell redox potential and alter DNA methylation and phosphorylation of cell-cycle control proteins. Some data also suggest that i-As increases celluar proliferation and apoptosis. The purpose of this work is to present some views on cytotoxic mechanisms of inorganic arsenic compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The role of reactive oxygen species in the development of malignancies.

Numerous studies on animal models and cell cultures confirm the role of free radicals/reactive oxygen species and oxidative damages in the process of the initiation and promotion of neoplastic diseases. Also epidemiological studies attribute an important role to disturbances in the pro- and antioxidative potential in the development of malignancies and highlight the essential function of antioxidants to protect the cells from the attack of free oxygen radicals. The current literature data on the parameters of the anti- and prooxidant status in patients with malignant diseases and their role in pathogenesis of the disease is reviewed in this article.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Selenium nutritional status and the course of psoriasis].

A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the role of dietary selenium (Se) intake and the selenium nutritional status in the course of psoriasis. The cases studied were 30 psoriatic patients with a history of the disease no longer than 10 months and 29 psoriatics with the disease lasting at least 3 years, 24 other dermatological patients and 14 healthy subjects constituted 2 control groups matched to cases studied by sex and age. Se dietary intake was calculated from 24-hours dietary recall and Se status was assessed with plasma Se level as well as plasma and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity. Dietary Se intake was found to be correlated to erythrocyte GSH-Px (r = 0.50, p < 0.05). The selenium nutritional status seemed to be insufficient, especially in females with psoriasis of no longer than 10 months' duration and males with long-lasting psoriasis. In these males plasma and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity were inversely correlated to the severity of the disease (r = -0.64 and r = -0.41, p < 0.05, respectively). The results obtained suggest that Se dietary intake could be one of the contributing factors in the pathogenesis and course of psoriasis. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Selenium levels, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood of women with gestosis and imminent premature labour.

The aim of the study was to investigate antioxidant status, monitored by selenium and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentrations in blood plasma, and glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes and blood plasma in women with gestosis (n = 26), imminent premature labour (n = 48) and normal pregnancy (n = 23) during 19-38 weeks of pregnancy. Selenium concentrations in blood plasma were significantly higher in women with pathological pregnancies than in normal (45.5 +/- 10.5 micrograms l-1, p < 0.01 and 44.1 +/- 11.6 micrograms l-1, p < 0.05 vs. 38.6 +/- 8.3 micrograms l-1, respectively). In all groups of pregnant women Se concentrations were extremely low as compared with non-pregnant females. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in blood plasma was significantly higher in complicated pregnancies than in healthy ones. There were no significant differences in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance concentrations between all groups of pregnant women. Statistically significant correlations were found between blood plasma Se concentrations and GSH-Px activity in healthy pregnant (r = 0.53, p < 0.01), imminent premature labour (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), and non-pregnant females (r = 0.56, p < 0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Glutathione and glutathione metabolizing enzymes in tissues and blood of breast cancer patients.

Many reports indicate that glutathione and enzymes cooperating with it are important in neoplastic processes. Glutathione (GSH) concentrations and glutathione S-transferase (GSH STr) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined in breast cancer tissue and adjacent healthy tissues, as well as in blood of 28 patients. There were considerable differences in the investigated parameters among individual patients. Therefore we analyzed the paired samples of normal and cancerous tissues from the same individual. In 68% of the patients the activities of GSH-Px and in 85% patients those of GSH STr were found to be higher in the tumor than in the normal tissue. GSH concentration in 48% tumor samples were higher and in 44% lower than in corresponding normal tissues. Statistically significant correlation was found between GSH-Px and GSH STr in normal (r = 0.51, p < 0.005) and in cancer tissues (r = 0.64, p = 0.001). Correlation coefficient between GSH Px activity in normal and corresponding cancer tissues was r = 0.71 (p < 0.001), however this correlation in the case of GSH STr was much lower but still significant (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). No significant correlation in the determined parameters was found between erythrocytes or plasma and normal or cancer tissues.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The influence of atmospheric chromium on selenium content and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood of tannery workers.

The concentration of selenium and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined in blood of 34 workers of a tannery in Gniezno, Poland, who worked in an area containing chromium compounds. Fourteen workers were exposed to chromium compounds at concentrations of 0.11 +/- 0.07 mg Cr/m3 (mean +/- SD) and 20 at concentrations 5-10 times lower i.e., 0.022 +/- 0.009 mg Cr/m3. Excretion of Se in urine was measured in all of the investigated workers. Decreased Se concentration in whole blood and blood plasma and elevated TBARS concentration in blood plasma were found in the whole group of investigated tanners as compared to controls. Tanners working in areas with high chromium concentrations had a statistically significant decrease in Se concentration in blood and plasma and decreased urinary excretion of the microelement as compared with other tanners. TBARS concentration was 2.5 times lower in workers exposed to higher chromium concentrations (p < 0.005) than in other workers. Positive linear correlations were found between the concentration of Se in blood and the amount of the element excreted in urine (r = 0.48; p < 0.005), the concentration of Se in blood plasma and in urine (r = 0.46; p < 0.01), and the concentration of Se in blood and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity (r = 0.42; p < 0.02). The observed differences between Se concentration in blood and urine of tannery workers and people who are not employed in the industry may indicate a kind of specific adaptation of the body to the working environment containing chromium compounds.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Selenium, glutathione peroxidase and TBARS in plasma of children with malignant diseases of the hematopoietic system].

The selenium and TBARS concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity were measured in the plasma of children with leukemia, lymphoma and histiocytosis X. A group of fifty-four children aged 1 to 16 years was divided into the following age groups: 1-3, 3-7, 7-16 years. In the patients aged 3-7 and 7-16 years, plasma selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower than in age-matched healthy children.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood of children with cancer.

In this work we studied 205 children with cancer, aged 6 months to 7 years, who had been diagnosed as suffering from various types of neoplasm. In blood of these children we determined the selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity by fluorometric and spectrophometric methods, respectively. The control group consisted of 128 healthy children. In all groups of children with cancer we observed a significantly lower selenium concentration and lowered glutathione peroxidase activity. We found statistical differences in selenium concentration between first or second and third, and between first and fourth or fifth stages of the disease, only in 3-7 year-old patients. Glutathione peroxidase activity was statistically depressed in the same age group between the first or second and third stages of the disease. Generally, there were no differences in the concentration of the microelement or in the glutathione peroxidase activity between children before and during treatment with cytostatics.

Aging↗
PubMed1993

Plasma trace element (Se, Zn, Cu) concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood in Poland. Relation with birth weight, gestational age, and parity.

Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined in plasma of 64 mothers at delivery, 58 nonpregnant women, 64 neonates, and 12 infants, aged 2-12 mo. Se and Zn concentrations in mothers at delivery were significantly lower, and Cu higher than in nonpregnant women. Mean Se and Cu concentrations in newborns were statistically lower than those in mothers at delivery, and Zn and Cu concentrations in preterm infants (n = 13) were significantly higher than in fullterm infants (n = 51). Maternal parity had no significant influence on the distribution of plasma trace element levels. No significant differences were observed in Se and Zn levels in maternal and cord blood plasma according to birth weight, contrary to maternal Cu concentration. Significant correlations were found between maternal and cord blood Se content, and between maternal plasma Cu concentration and birth weight of neonates.

Adolescent↗