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Abstract

Knowledge of uterine fibroids has existed since the time of Hippocrates. However, there are still wide gaps in the understanding of its pathogenesis. No single theory explains the background of uterine fibroid pathology, which affects more than 50% of women worldwide. By contrast, a newly depicted cell type called telocytes was only recently identified in the past twenty years. Th ese cells have evoked ambivalent opinions in the scientific community. The unique features of telocytes coupled with experimental evidence by numerous researchers and our hypotheses and conceptions are discussed in this review. We emphasize the main telocyte interactions in the context of the uterine fibroid architecture. This review reveals the pivotal role of telocytes, describing their contacts with smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, vessels and nerves, inflammatory cells and stem cells. Our data are based on the latest publications and our own results.

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Authors and Affiliations

Veronika Aleksandrovych
Artur Pasternak
Krzysztof Gil
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Abstract

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the American and European population is estimated to be extremely high. Although fewer people today suff er from serious health problems related to calcium and phosphate metabolism resulting from vitamin D deficiency, there are more and more studies suggesting that calcitriol may play an important role in the pathogenesis of other diseases in virtually every body system. A growing body of research shows that through its ubiquitously expressed receptor, calcitriol displays potent anti-angiogenic an anti-inflammatory activity. Th is review summarizes recent discoveries regarding these non-classical eff ects of vitamin D and their clinical implications. Data collection focused on the prevention and treatment of ocular diseases as well as on the underlying mechanisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

Kamil Skowron
Ilona Pawlicka
Krzysztof Gil
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Abstract

Alcohol is a recognized teratogen that affects various aspects of fetal development. Tissue that is particularly susceptible to its teratogenicity is neuronal tissue. The effect of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on the central nervous system has been extensively studied, yet the knowledge on the influence of PAE on the autonomic nervous system is scarce. The purpose of this article is to review the current state of knowledge about the impact of PAE on the autonomic nervous system. Studies conducted on the PAE animal model have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with significant alterations in the autonomic nervous system, but the mechanisms and consequences are not yet clearly defined. It was established that PAE causes decreased heart rate variability (HRV) in fetal cardiotocography. Several studies have revealed that later, in infancy and childhood, reduced parasympathetic activity with or without compensating sympathetic activity is observed. This may result in behavioral and attention disorders, as well as an increased predisposition to sudden infant death syndrome. Both animal and human studies indicate that the relationship between PAE and autonomic dysfunction exists, however large, well-designed, prospective studies are needed to confirm the causal relationship and characterize the nature of the observed changes.

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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Jurczyk
Katarzyna Anna Dyląg
Kamil Skowron
Krzysztof Gil
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Abstract

The need for mass population vaccination against Covid-19 poses a public health problem. Allergic symptoms occurring after the 1st dose of the vaccine may result in resignation from the admin-istration of the 2nd dose. However, the majority of patients with mild and/or non-immediate symptoms may be safely vaccinated. The only absolute contraindication to administration of the vaccine is an anaphylactic reaction to any of its ingredients. Polyethylene glycol (PEG), widely used as an excipient in various vaccines, is considered the primary cause of allergic reactions associated with administration of Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) and Covid-19 Vaccine (Moderna) vaccines. However, hypersensitivity to PEG reported to date seems very rare, considering its widespread use in multiple everyday products, including medicines and cosmetics. In the paper, current literature data describing mechanisms of hy-persensitivity reactions to PEG, their clinical symptoms and diagnostic capabilities are presented. Un-doubtedly, the issue of hypersensitivity to PEG warrants further research, while patients with the diagnosis require individual diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
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Bibliography

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4. CDC COVID-19 Response Team, Administration FDA: Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after receipt of the first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine — United States, December 21, 2020–January 10, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021; 70: 125e9.
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6. Cabanillas B., Novak N.: Allergy to COVID-19 vaccines: A current update. Allergol Int. 2021 Jul; 70 (3): 313–318. doi: 10.1016/j.alit.2021.04.003
7. Kruszewski J., Cichocka-Jarosz E., Czarnobilska E., et al.: Recommendations of the Polish Society of Allergology on the qualification of person with allergies and anaphylaxis to vaccination against COVID-19. Alergologia Polska — Polish Journal of Allergology. 2021; 8, 1: 1–8. doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/pja.2021.10422
8. Hyun-Jun J., Chan Young S., Kyu-Bong K.: Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use. Toxicol Res. 2015 Jun; 31(2):105–136. doi: 10.5487/TR.2015.31.2.105
9. Wenande E., Garvey L.H.: Immediate-type hypersensitivity to polyethylene glycols: a review. Clin Exp Allergy 2016 Jul; 46 (7): 907–922. doi: 10.1111/cea.12760
10. Stone C.A. Jr., Liu Y., Relling M.V., et al.: Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019 May– Jun; 7 (5): 1533–1540.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.12.003
11. Castells M.C., Phillips E.J.: Maintaining Safety with SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines. N Engl J Med. 2021 Feb; 384 (7): 643–649. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2035343
12. Klimek L., Jutel M., Akdis C.A., et al.: ARIA-EAACI statement on severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines — An EAACI-ARIA Position Paper. Allergy. 2021 Jun; 76 (6): 1624–1628. doi: 10.1111/all.14726
13. Klimek L., Bergmann K.C., Brehler R., et al.: Practical handling of allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines: A position paper from German and Austrian Allergy Societies AeDA, DGAKI, GPA and ÖGAI. Allergo J Int. 2021 Apr; 1–17. doi: 10.1007/s40629-021-00165-7
14. Rutkowski K., Mirakian R., Till S., Rutkowski R., Wagner A.: Adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines: A practical approach. Clin Exp Allergy. 2021 Jun; 51 (6): 770–777. doi: 10.1111/cea.13880
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16. Giavina-Bianchi P., Kalil J.: Polyethylene Glycol Is a Cause of IgE-Mediated Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019; 7 (6): 1874–1875. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.05.001
17. Wenande E.C., Skov P.S., Mosbech H., Poulsen L.K., Garvey L.H.: Inhibition of polyethylene glycol- induced histamine release by monomeric ethylene and diethylene glycol: a case of probable polyethylene glycol allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013 May; 131 (5): 1425–1427. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.09.037
18. Borderé A., Stockman A., Boone B., et al.: A case of anaphylaxis caused by macrogol 3350 after injection of a corticosteroid. Contact Dermatitis. 2012 Dec; 67 (6): 376–378. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02104.x
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Authors and Affiliations

Maria Czarnobilska
1
Małgorzata Bulanda
2
Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
1
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  2. Department of Clinical and Environmental Allergology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

I n t r o d u c t i o n: Hydronephrosis is an actual pediatric problem, affecting children in the anteand neonatal periods. Intrinsic stenosis is due to external obstruction and creates a pathophysiological basis of this urological pathology. Co-localization of ureter with a renal vasculature also could not be omitted from this point of view. Mesenchymal cells, partially telocytes, are important for local fibrosis development and hydronephrosis formation as well. In the current study, we focused on identification of telocytes in the human ureters to hypothesize their role in hydronephrosis pathophysiology.

M a t e r i a l a n d Me t h o d s: The samples were taken from 18 surgically treated patients with hydronephrosis (due to ureteral obstruction and crossing renal vessel). The control group consisted of 10 patients suffered from a non-obstructive disease of the urinary tract — predominantly renal tumors. Tissue samples from a ureter were stained for c-kit, tryptase, CD34 and PDGFRα to identify telocytes. Routine histology was performed to analyze tissue morphology, collagen deposits and mast cell’s profile.

R e s u l t s: Telocytes were detected in the ureteral wall. In patients with hydronephrosis we revealed decreasing density of telocytes, the prevalence of collagen, rise in mast cells amount and the ureteral wall thickening. In ureters with crossing renal vessels as a primary etiologic factor more telocytes have been observed in comparison with the obstructive hydronephrosis.

C o n c l u s i o n s: A declined density of telocytes accompanied hydronephrosis development. Increased number of mast cells in the ureteral wall reflects a local inflammation, while detailed observation of collagen/muscle deposits and density of telocytes reveal a difference depended on etiologic factor (obstruction or crossing vessel) in patients with hydronephrosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Wolnicki
Veronika Aleksandrovych
Anna Gil
Artur Pasternak
Krzysztof Gil
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Abstract

Eating disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting mainly young people in devel-oped countries. Among them, anorexia nervosa (AN) is the one with the highest mortality, up to five times higher compared to healthy individuals. The etiology of this medical condition is complex and still un-certain. However, disturbances of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and increased lipolysis resulting in a decrease of the adipose tissue volume are common findings among AN patients. Since ANS is directly connected to adipocyte tissue, thus significantly affecting the body’s metabolic homeostasis, we suspect that this relationship may be a potential pathophysiological underpinning for the development of AN. In this narrative review, we have analyzed scientific reports on ANS activity in AN considering different phases of the disease in humans as well as animal models. Due to the different effects of the disease itself on the ANS as well as specific variations within animal models, the common feature seems to be dysre-gulation of its function without the identification of one universal pattern. Nonetheless, higher norepi-nephrine concentrations have been reported in adipocyte tissue, suggesting local dominance of the sym-pathetic nervous system. Further studies should explore in depth the modulation of sympathetic in adipose tissue factor and help answer key questions that arise during this brief narrative review.
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Authors and Affiliations

Andrzej Boryczko
1 2
Kamil Skowron
1
Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
1
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  2. Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

O b j e c t i v e: The main goal of our studies was to investigate the eff ect exerted by pulsed electromagnetic filed (PEMF) on adipocytokines secretion in cell culture supernatants from rat adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) grown on varied energy-rich diet. Off spring and adult animals were randomly selected for two types of experimental diets: low (LF) or high fat (HF) diet for 7 weeks. After the diet period, serum glucose level was measured, ADSCs were isolated from adipose tissues from different locations. ADSCs from all experimental groups were exposed to PEMF, supernatants collected and adipokines level was determined.

R e s u l t s: HF diet feed in pups/adult animals elevated blood glucose level and increased the level of adiponectin (Apn) and leptin of both genders and age measured in serum. ADSCs cell cultures originated from female pups on LF diet and exposed to PEMF released large amounts of Apn. PEMF effect exerted on Apn release was also observed in ADSCs isolated from male pups HF diet. ADSCs from female pups on LF diet exposed to PEMF released smaller amounts of leptin in comparison to cell cultures without PEMF treatment. PEMF exposure of ADSCs cell cultures originated from female adults on LF diet decreased release of Apn, contrary adult male on LF diet ADSCs under PEMF treatment produced more leptin. PEMF treated male HF diet-originated ADSCs cultures released significantly more leptin than controls.

C o n c l u s i o n: Our results suggest that PEMF exposure is responsible for metabolic physiological balance effects obtained in ADSCs cultures originating from adult animals on HF diet.

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Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Baranowska
Beata Skowron
Krzysztof Gil
Jolanta Kaszuba-Zwoińska
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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to verify if the exposure to the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) infl uenced the release of proinfl ammatory cytokines from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) of normal and overweight rats of various age and sex. Moreover, we compared body temperatures of normal-weight and overweight rats.

Methods: ADSCs of Wistar rats were isolated from the subcutaneous area in females and paratesticular region in males, cultured and exposed to PEMF (7 Hz, 30 mT). Concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were determined in rat sera and supernatant from ADSCs cultures exposed and non-exposed to PEMF. Body temperature (BT) was measured twice a week, using an infrared and rectal thermometer.

Results: Irrespective of age and sex, animals maintained on low-fat (LF) diet had higher BT than those grown on high-fat (HF) diet. Exposure to PEMF reduced the release of TNF-α and enhanced the production of IL-6 in ADSCs cultures from female pups maintained on LF diet. In contrast, a decrease in IL-6 level was observed in PEMF-exposed ADSCs cultures from female pups grown on HF diet. A similar phenomenon, i.e. a post-exposure increase in IL-6 level was also observed in male pups fed with the LF diet. In the case of ADSCs cultures from adult rats maintained on an HF diet, either males or females, PEMF exposure contributed to a dramatic increase in TNF-α production.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PEMF exposure may affect the production of proinflammatory cytokines in ADSCs cultures. The intergroup diff erences in BT may result from the presence of an underlying inflammation in obese rats.

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Authors and Affiliations

Agnieszka Baranowska
Beata Skowron
Krzysztof Gil
Jolanta Kaszuba-Zwoińska
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Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide and the second most deadly cancer. Scientists have projected that by 2040, the prevalence will reach up to 3.2 million new cases annually due to population aging, disadvantageous diet transformations, and elevated exposure to risk factors. In the past decades, the five-year survival rate in colorectal cancer has significantly increased to 65% due to the development of an early endoscopic diagnosis and new chemotherapeutic approaches. Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine, are commonly used to treat CRC. One of the most fundamental mechanisms of 5-FU is based on the inhibition of thymidylate synthase. This action is responsible for the therapeutic, but also toxic, effects of the drug. In this short review, we discuss the possible effects of vitamin D activity on colorectal cancer cells in relation to fluoropyrimidines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched up to January 2022 for studies on vitamin D and 5-fluorouracil interaction mechanisms. Original studies, case reports, and review articles were included.
Vitamin D or its analogs target multiple biochemical pathways and modulate numerous pathophysiolo-gical mechanisms in the course of colon cancer, including those related to the pharmacological sites of fluoropyrimidines. However, the available data concerning vitamin D–fluoropyrimidine pharmacological interactions are limited, especially regarding patients suffering from colon cancer and being treated with fluoropyrimidines.
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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Jurczyk
1
Aleksandra Midro
1
Magdalena Król
1
Weronika Olesiak
1
Dariusz Stąpor
1
Anna Gil
1
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Platelet aggregation contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. After activation it leads to dense granule secretion and 5-HT release. The question arises; how platelet aggregation is endogenously controlled during blood circulation. In preliminary studies, we observed that human plate-lets aggregate more rapidly when suspended in buffer as compared to those suspended in plasma (PRP). These observations point to the presence of an endogenous substance that may inhibit arachidonic acid– induced platelet aggregation. An analysis of plasma Cohn fractions demonstrated that most of the plasma inhibitory activity was associated with albumin–rich and α-globulin rich protein fractions. The identity of plasma endogenous inhibitors of platelet aggregation (EIPA) was established by affinity chromatography on Cibacron Blue F3G-A for specific removal of albumin. The association of α-globulins to EIPA activity was recognized as due to haptoglobin by affinity chromatography on a column of hemoglobin-sepharose. In addition, we also found that the distribution of EIPA activity varies according to sex and physiological state. These findings reveal that EIPA may act by modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism or seques-tering the fatty acid substrate.
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Authors and Affiliations

Nadia Khan
1 2 3
Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
2
Gniewomir Latacz
3
Krzysztof Gil
2
Sheikh Arshad Saeed
1

  1. Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
  2. Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  3. Department of Technology & Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Microvascular angina (MVA) is a condition characterized by the presence of angina-like chest pain, a positive response to exercise stress tests, and no significant stenosis of coronary arteries in coronary angiography, with absence of any other specific cardiac diseases. The etiology of this syndrome is still not known and it is probably multifactorial. Coronary microvascular dysfunction is proposed as the main pathophysiological mechanism in the development of MVA. Altered somatic and visceral pain perception and autonomic imbalance, in addition to myocardial ischemia, has been observed in subjects with MVA, involving dynamic variations in the vasomotor tone of coronary microcirculation with consequent tran-sient ischemic episodes. Other theories suggest that MVA may be a result of a chronic inflammatory state in the body that can negatively influence the endothelium or a local imbalance of factors regulating its function. This article presents the latest information about the epidemiology, diagnostics, etiopathogen-esis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with MVA.
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Authors and Affiliations

Jarosław Jarczewski
1
Aleksandra Jarczewska
1
Andrzej Boryczko
1
Adrian Poniatowski
1
Agata Furgała
1
Andrzej Surdacki
2
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  2. Second Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Background: pharmacists remain on the frontline of public health around the globe and their performance directly impacts patients’ safety. So far, to our knowledge, no European study has been dedicated to their heath-related quality of life (HQoL). Therefore, the primarily aim of our study was to evaluate HQoL of Polish pharmacists utilizing the SF-36 health survey with regard to anthropometric and lifestyle-related variables.
Methods: A total sample screened consisted of 1412 respondents, yet 765 pharmacists (mean age 40, 86.3% females) finally participated in the study. HQoL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
Results: The lowest median scores were noted for general health (GH, 50.0) and vitality (V, 60.0) domains. No gender differences regarding physical and mental summary scores were found. Significant difference of HQoL was found among the assessed age groups in several domains, especially physical functioning (PF) and GH (p <0.001) scores, and especially in the group of 51–60-year-old-respondents. Correlations were found between PF (r = –0.29, p <0.001), GH (r = –0.25, p <0.001) and age as well PF (r = –0.27, p <0.001), GH (r = –0.21, p <0.001) and BMI. Self-assessed dietary habits were correlated with PF (r = 0.22, p <0.001), mental health (r = 0.25, p <0.001), GH (r = 0.27, p <0.001) and V (r = 0.30, p <0.001) scores.
Conclusions: The analysis indicates that pharmacists tend to have similar mental and physical burden according to SF-36, with age, BMI and dietary habits as predominant factors influencing their HQoL. The study presents unique values for future comparative analyses related, for instance, to the influence of the ongoing pandemic on HQoL of health-care providers.
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Authors and Affiliations

Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
1
Paweł Pasieka
1
Agnieszka Górecka-Mazur
1
Elżbieta Rząsa-Duran
2
Jakub Pękala
1
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  2. Pharmacists’ Chamber of Lesser Poland, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d: Stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. We hypothesized that past strong experiences might modulate acute CV autonomic responses to an unexpected acoustic stimulus.
A i m: The study’s aim was to compare acute CV autonomic responses to acoustic stress between students with and without a past strong experience associated with the acoustic stimulus.
M a t e r i a l s and M e t h o d s: Twenty five healthy young volunteers — medical and non-medical students — were included in the study. CV hemodynamic parameters, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) variability were assessed for 10 min at rest and for 10 min after two different acoustic stimuli: a standard sound signal and a specific sound signal used during a practical anatomy exam (so-called “pins”).
R e s u l t s: Both sounds stimulated the autonomic nervous system. The “pins” signal caused a stronger increase in HR in medical students (69 ± 10 vs. 73 ± 13 bpm, p = 0.004) when compared to non-medical students (69 ± 6 vs. 70 ± 10, p = 0.695). Rises in diastolic BP, observed 15 seconds after sound stressors, were more pronounced after the “pins” sound than after the standard sound signal only in medical students (3.1% and 1.4% vs. 3% and 4.4%), which was also reflected by low-frequency diastolic BP variability (medical students: 6.2 ± 1.6 vs. 4.1 ± 0.8 ms2, p = 0.04; non-medical students: 6.0 ± 4.3 vs. 4.1 ± 2.6 ms2, p = 0.06).
C o n c l u s i o n s: The “pins” sound, which medical students remembered from their anatomy practical exam, provoked greater sympathetic activity in the medical student group than in their non-medical peers. Thus, past strong experiences modulate CV autonomic responses to acute acoustic stress.
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Authors and Affiliations

Michał Jurczyk
1
Andrzej Boryczko
1
Agata Furgała
1
Adrian Poniatowski
1
Andrzej Surdacki
2
Krzysztof Gil
1

  1. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  2. Second Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Up to 2% of pregnancies may be extrauterine. Despite reproductive problems, they might increase the risk of serious complications. We present a case report of a 31-year-old woman with two extrauterine pregnancies — tubal and ovarian, which occurred at the same side with little time difference. In addition, we aimed to examine possible reasons underlying this rare pathology. Thus, surgically removed tissue specimens were morphologically assessed and further compared with specimens from healthy control patients. Telocytes were analysed in detail due to their pivotal role in the female repro-ductive system. Our study had observational character and obvious limitations typical for a clinical case. Yet, such a clinical case of two ectopic pregnancies has not been previously reported in the literature.
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Authors and Affiliations

Anna Wrona
1
Veronika Aleksandrovych
2
Anna Gil
3
Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
2
Jerzy A. Walocha
3
Krzysztof Gil
2

  1. Gynecology and Obstetrics Ward with Gynecologic Oncology Subdivision, J. Śniadecki’s Specialistic Hospital, Nowy Sącz, Poland
  2. Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
  3. Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
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Abstract

Introduction: Uterine leiomyoma is the most widespread benign tumor affecting women of childbearing age. There are still gaps in the understanding of its pathogenesiss. Telocytes are unique cells described in greater than 50 different locations inside the human body. The functional relationship of cells could clarify the pathogenesis of leiomyomata. In the current study, we focused on the identification of telocytes in all regions of the human uterus to explain their involvement in leiomyoma development.

Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from a healthy and myomatous uterus were stained for c-kit, tryptase, CD34 and PDGFRα to identify telocytes. Routine histology was performed to analyze tissue morphology and collagen deposits.

Results: Telocytes were detected in the cervix, corpus of the uterus and leiomyoma. The density of telocytes in fibroid foci was reduced compared with normal myometrium.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the existence of telocytes in all parts of the human body affected and unaff ected by leiomyoma of the uterus. In addition, telocytes were also present in leiomyoma foci. Our results suggest that the reduced density of telocytes is important for the pathomechanisms of myometrial growth, demonstrating its value as a main component of the myomatous architecture.

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Authors and Affiliations

Veronika Aleksandrovych
Magdalena Białas
Artur Pasternak
Tomasz Bereza
Marek Sajewicz
Jerzy Walocha
Krzysztof Gil
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Abstract

Background: Anorexia nervosa is a widely prevalent eating disorder that often leads to life-threatening complications. Since it mostly concerns females, many authors have focused on studying the reproductive system in anorexic women. Recently discovered telocytes may give a new insight into the pathophysiology of gynecological complications in these patients.

Material and Methods: We adopted an animal model of anorexia nervosa induced by voluntary physical activity. Sixteen female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and activity-based anorexia. When the weight loss of activity-based anorexia (ABA) rats reached 25% animals were euthanized. Size and weight measurements as well as histopathological analysis of the reproductive organs were performed. Additionally, we used immunohistochemical staining for detection of telocytes.

Results: Telocytes were identified in uteri of anorectic rats but no diff erences were observed when compared to the control group. Nevertheless, in the ABA group the weight of the uteri and the number of follicles in the ovaries decreased significantly.

Conclusions: Our rat model of anorexia nervosa mimics the effects of this eating disorder that occur in the female reproductive system since we reported ovarian dysfunction and uterine involution in the experimental animals. It supports its potential role in the further studies of anorexia pathophysiology and treatment possibilities.

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Authors and Affiliations

Kamil Skowron
Veronika Aleksandrovych
Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
Paulina Stach
Agnieszka Baranowska
Beata Skowron
Krzysztof Gil

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