The activity and the role of methylarginine in diabetic patients are subject to continuous research. The mechanism through which diabetes or insulin resistance increases asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) serum levels is not fully understood. Studies indicate increased ADMA serum levels in patients with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in ADMA levels and its derivatives related to the current disease process, as well as the levels of selected prothrombotic factors and their changes induced by physical activity. The study included 44 patients: group A (22 patients) - patients with diabetes with no vascular complications with mean age of 55.83 ± 7.37 years; and group B (22 patients) - healthy volunteers with the mean age of 51.16 ± 6.39 years. The authors' questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data in the study group. Physical exercise (Nordic walking) was practiced once per day for 30 min, 5 times a week. The assessment of peripheral blood parameters was performed using the ABX MICROS OT 16-parameter hematology analyzer. Additionally, chromatographic assay of serum levels of L-arginine, ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) was performed. There were statistically significant differences in ADMA levels in the respondents with type 2 diabetes vs healthy volunteers after training (0.763 ± 0.043 vs 0.532 ± 0.046; p = 0.001). ADMA and SDMA levels in diabetic patients significantly exceeded standard values.

A number of epidemiological studies conducted over the last decade indicate a relationship between specific pathogen infections and the development of atherosclerosis, although no pathogenetic pathways connecting these two have been determined. Recent reports support the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in atherogenesis. The HSPs are also believed to be a link between the infection and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. THE AIMS OF STUDY: Immunohistochemical evaluation of carotid artery segments to show the relationship between the presence of heat shock proteins and the serum levels of anti-hsp60 antibodies. An attempt to demonstrate a relationship between an expression of chronic C. pneumoniae and CMV antigens. The study included 41 patients qualified for carotid artery endarterectomy and 18 healthy volunteers of corresponding age. Levels of anti- hsp60, anti-C. pneumoniae IgA and IgG, anti-CMV IgG antibodies as well as hsCRP were determined. The mean serum levels of anti-hsp60 antibodies were higher in patients with advanced atherosclerosis as compared to healthy volunteers (55.3 ± 64.1 vs 32.8 ± 29.8; p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between anti-hsp60 antibodies and the expression of hsp60 in carotid arterial wall, as confirmed by immunohistochemical evaluation. The study group showed statistically significant higher levels of hsCRP. Furthermore, statistically significant higher serum levels of anti-C. pneumoniae IgG and IgA as well as anti-CMV IgG antibodies were found in the study group as compared to controls. No correlation was shown between the markers of chronic infection induced by the tested pathogens and serum levels of anti-HSP and hsCRP. Higher protein expression in vascular walls is closely correlated with the level of anti-hsp60. At the same time, no significant relationship between anti-hsp60 antibodies and serological markers of infection was observed, which may only indicate an indirect role of infection in the assessment of breaking the immunological tolerance against autologous HSPs.

The number of patients with unilateral above-knee amputation (AKA) due to non-vascular causes has remained stable over the years, at 0.92 per 1000 people per year. Post-AKA individuals are at risk of experiencing a higher incidence of chronic pain. Post rehabilitation, it is estimated that between 16–62% of patients with musculoskeletal disabilities fail to meet the minimum criteria for physical activity in comparison to a healthy population. The current study included 14 participants (11 men and 3 women) with a mean age of 46.1 ± 14.2 years, body height of 1.76 ± 0.09 m, and weight of 79.6 ± 18.3 kg, who were all post-unilateral above-the-knee amputees. Patients in the study were divided into two groups: active (AC) and non-active (NAC). This study was conducted in a certified Laboratory of Biomechanical Analysis using the BTS Smart-E system (BTS Bioengineering). In order to investigate the symmetry function (SF) of gait, the only measurements included were the time series assessment of gait variables defining pelvic and lower limb joint motion and ground reaction forces (GRF). Both groups had an asymmetrical gait pattern with a different magnitude and relative position in the gait cycle, which was revealed by SF. The differences in terms of median, minimum, and maximum were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with SF ranging from –25 to 24% for the AC group and from 43 to 77% (59% on average) for the NAC group. The AC’s pattern was more symmetrical compared to the NAC’s pattern, especially in the case of pelvic and hip joint motion.

Insufficiency of blood vessels supplying a limb allograft may lead to loss of the extremity. Thus, a regular evaluation of perfusion of transplants seems a reasonable approach. The purpose of the present study was assessment of allograft perfusion by means of non-invasive methods. Six hand allografts transplanted in 5 patients were included in the study group. The transplant procedure occurred on average 45 months before. The study group comprised 2 allografts at forearm level, 2 transplants of the arm, and 1 bilateral transplant of the forearm. Parameters of blood flow using Doppler ultrasonography, impedance plethysmography, Doppler measurement of segmental pressures, optical pulse oscillography (OPO), and thermography were performed in all participants. DUS revealed increased resistive index in ulnar arteries of transplant hands compared to native hands and an altered blood supply was confirmed by IP. Flow-mediated dilatation within the transplanted extremity was abnormal in most patients and was inversely correlated with number of episodes of acute rejection. Analysis of oscillographic spectrum revealed flattening of the dicrotic notch in transplant hands. A tendency for lower temperature of the skin of transplanted hands compared to native extremities was also observed. In asymptomatic patients after limb transplantation, non-invasive methods disclosed discreet abnormalities of graft perfusion. Thus, regular measurement of perfusion parameters using these methods appears to be a promising approach to detect early and potentially reversible disturbances of blood supply. Further observational studies are required to determine its clinical significance.