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Background/Aims: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is responsible for increased expression of genes engaged in angiogenesis. Our previous study indicated capillary rarefaction and atrophy of glycolytic fibers, mainly in locomotor muscles of uremic animals. Perhaps these changes are secondary to disturbances of HIF-1α in skeletal muscles. Methods: Expression of HIF-1α at mRNA and protein levels, as well as mRNA of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in gastrocnemius muscle (MG) and longissimus thoracic muscle (ML) were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. Rats were randomized to subtotal nephrectomy (CKD5/6), uninephrectomy (CKD1/2) or sham operation (controls). Results: For CKD5/6 versus controls, mRNA levels for HIF-1α, VEGF-A, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 were significantly reduced only in MG, while eNOS was significantly decreased and iNOS was significantly increased only in ML. Western blot analysis indicated significantly increased HIF-1α protein levels in MG and ML from CKD1/2 animals versus controls, whereas in the CKD5/6 group, the level of HIF-1α protein decreased significantly in MG and increased significantly in ML versus controls and CKD1/2. Conclusion: The reduced expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in locomotor muscle from CKD5/6 animals may be involved in the pathogenesis of uremic myopathy. Increased expression of iNOS in the postural muscles may act as a protective factor through HIF-1α stabilization.

IntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disorder of the airways. An important element of COPD assessment is the evaluation of immune mechanisms involved in non-specific and specific response to ongoing inflammation.Aim of the studyTo evaluate the level of selected inflammatory and immunological parameters in patients with COPD, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and circulating immune complexes (CIC), as well as CRP/CIC index.Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 49 patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome) hospitalised in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Pulmonology Centre in Bydgoszcz. Patients with COPD were divided into two subgroups, taking into account the severity of the disease according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD; stages B and D). The control group consisted of 30 healthy persons. Levels of CIC were determined by the method of Hasková, and the concentration of CRP in serum by the standard immunoturbidimetric method.ResultsThe median values of examined parameters (neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio – NLR, platelet/lymphocyte ratio – PLR, CRP, CIC, and CRP/CIC index) were significantly higher among patients with obstructive diseases than in the control group. A tendency towards higher lymphocyte count, CRP, and CRP/CIC index in COPD stage D, compared to stage B, was observed.ConclusionsBased on our results, we suggest that the role of non-specific inflammatory mechanisms may increase in more advanced COPD stages (D), compared to less advanced stages (B).

the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of regular physical exercise on cortisol concentration and oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity of neutrophils in peripheral blood in recreational and competitive sport horses (racehorses -ra, trotters -t, jumping horses -J, driving horses -d). the study was conducted on 55 clinically healthy horses. blood samples were collected from the external jugular vein three times: before exercise, immediately after exercise, and after 30-min rest. blood samples were subjected to haematological examination, cortisol concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay (ria) and neutrophil oxygen metabolism of neutrophils was determined using a chemiluminescence method. the analysis showed that cortisol concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) post-exercise only in the blood of sport horses. This finding, along with a significant correlation (P<0.00005) with the heart and respiratory rates, suggests that the magnitude of cortisol secretion is associated with the intensity and duration of exercise. the relatively small post-exercise increase in cortisol concentration during different exercises of horses resulted in a transient increase of chemiluminescence activity of neutrophils, mainly in d (P<0.00001) and J horses (P<0.01). In the studied groups analysis of the correlation between cortisol concentration and other parameters showed significant correlation only in the case of the CL total in T (P<0.02) and D horses (P<0.004). It is therefore apparent that in a limited concentration, this hormone may stimulate the activity of these cells, although the effect of other neurohormonal factors cannot be excluded. This result confirms that regular and moderate training loads have a beneficial effect on the immunological status of horses.