The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of statins on the secretion of angiogenesis mediators by the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. The study group comprised 30 participants and included: 10 statin-treated patients with diabetes, 10 statin-free diabetic subjects, and 10 statin-free non-diabetic individuals. PBMCs isolated from the blood were cultured in vitro in standard conditions and in an environment mimicking hyperglycemia. Culture supernatants were evaluated for VEGF, MCP-1, Il-10, and Il-12 by flow cytometry using commercial BD^TM. Cytometric Bead Array tests. The secretion of VEGF, MCP-1 and Il-12 by PBMCs, cultured both in standard and hyperglycemic conditions, was significantly lower in the statin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison with the statin-free diabetic patients. Conversely, the secretion of Il-10 was higher in the statin-treated than in the statin-free diabetic patients. VEGF, MCP-1 and Il-12 levels in PBMCs supernatants from the glucose-containing medium were higher than those from the standard medium in each of the diabetic groups. The results of the study suggest that statins in low doses exhibit an antiangiogenic activity, reducing the secretion of potent proangiogenic factors, such as VEGF and MCP-1, and increasing the secretion of antiangiogenic Il-10 by PBMCs, also under hyperglycemic conditions characteristic for type 2 diabetes.

Background: Winter swimming (WS), defined as brief immersion in cold or icy water, is gaining popularity in Poland as a recreational activity and potential health-promoting practice. Regular exposure to cold has been hypothesized to enhance immune function and reduce susceptibility to respiratory infections, yet empirical data on its relationship with influenza are limited. This pilot study aimed to assess the association between WS and the incidence of influenza and other respiratory infections among adults in Western Poland. Methods: Ninety-four participants (46 men, 48 women; mean age 39.0±12.0 years) were surveyed using a structured questionnaire assessing winter swimming frequency, physical activity, and the occurrence of influenza, common colds, and infection-related medication use. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann–Whitney U, and Spearman’s correlation tests, with significance set at p0.05). However, WS participants reported a significantly lower occurrence of common colds compared to non- swimmers (χ²=4.77, p=0.029), with the relationship remaining significant across swimming frequency cat egories (χ²=9.80, p=0.020). Physical activity levels were higher among WS participants (p=0.011) but not independently related to infection outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that regular WS may confer moderate protective effects against mild upper respiratory infections, though its influence on influenza susceptibility remains unconfirmed. Larger longitudinal studies with laboratory-confirmed diagnostics are needed to verify these preliminary observations and clarify underlying mechanisms.