Ireneusz Całkosiński

Publications of Ireneusz Całkosiński

• [High doses of tocopherol in the prevention and potentiation of dioxin in experimental inflammation-potential application].

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Joanna Rosińczuk-Tonderys, Monika Szopa, Maciej Dobrzyński, Andrzej Gamian

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 01/2011; 65:143-57.

  Emission of toxic and persistent organochlorine compounds into the environment is known to have been recently a very important environmental and health problem. One of the major groups of theseEmission of toxic and persistent organochlorine compounds into the environment is known to have been recently a very important environmental and health problem. One of the major groups of these compounds is the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), commonly named dioxins, including 75 compounds composed of benzene rings with bound chlorine atoms in different positions and quantities. Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to have a similar structure and properties. The biological effects of dioxins in food chains have been widely studied in the literature on the subject for the last four years. The major pathways of their impact on the organism are suspected to stimulate the cascade of inflammatory cytokines and the induction of oxidative stress. An effective way to prevent poisoning may, therefore, be expected to be administration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Recent studies in experimental animals have confirmed the protective action of high doses of tocopherol and mentioned substances against dioxins.

• [The composition, biochemical properties and toxicity of snake venoms].

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Ewa Seweryn, Arkadiusz Zasadowski, Katarzyna Małolepsza-Jarmołowska, Katarzyna Dzierzba, Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko, Magdalena Mierzchała, Ireneusz Ceremuga, Joanna Rosińczuk-Tonderys, Maciej Dobrzyński, Andrzej Gamian

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 01/2010; 64:262-72.

  2.5 million cases of snake bites are noticed in the world every year (within 100,000 is mortal). These bites occur frequently in Asia and Africa. Some reports proved the toxicity and composition2.5 million cases of snake bites are noticed in the world every year (within 100,000 is mortal). These bites occur frequently in Asia and Africa. Some reports proved the toxicity and composition changes of well-known venoms from the same snake species according to the climatic zone. Snake venom is a natural source of many biologically active substances, including those with potential therapeutic properties. These substances contain peptides, proteins, and enzymes which are divided into five subfamilies: three-finger toxins, serine protease inhibitors of the Kunitz type, phospholipases A2, serine proteases, and metalloproteases. All snake venoms are grouped depending on their mode of action. They usually cause neurotransmission disorders, cardiotoxic action, hemostasis disorders, and have central nervous system and necrotic activity.

• [Characterization of an inflammatory response]

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Maciej Dobrzyński, Monika Całkosińska, Ewa Seweryn, Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko, Katarzyna Dzierzba, Ireneusz Ceremuga, Andrzej Gamian

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 02/2009; 63:395-408.

  The intensity of an inflammatory response in a tissue or an organ is dependent on the efficiency of the organism's homeostatic mechanisms, which restrict the extent of the reaction. The type ofThe intensity of an inflammatory response in a tissue or an organ is dependent on the efficiency of the organism's homeostatic mechanisms, which restrict the extent of the reaction. The type of factor inducing a inflammatory response and its strength have significant influence on the dynamics of an inflammatory reaction. The prompt eradication of an inflammatory factor and its biologically adverse effects attest to the efficacious adaptive mechanisms of the organism. The inflammatory response expresses biochemical, hematological, and immunological responses at the local or systemic level.

• [Amphibian skin secretions as a new source of antibiotics and biologically active substances]

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Arkadiusz Zasadowski, Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko, Katarzyna Dzierzba, Ewa Seweryn, Maciej Dobrzyński, Andrzej Gamian

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 01/2009; 63:537-48.

  So far, the main sources of biologically active substances used in medicine have been plants, molds, and propolis. The obtained compounds have either therapeutic features or require additionalSo far, the main sources of biologically active substances used in medicine have been plants, molds, and propolis. The obtained compounds have either therapeutic features or require additional modification. They are sometimes combined with other pharmacological substances to intensify their therapeutic effect. However, the effectiveness of many drugs has been rapidly decreasing.The overuse of antibiotics in the treatment and prophylaxis of human infections (especially in hospitals) as well as their widespread and often unjustified use in the treatment and prophylaxis of farm animal illnesses contribute to the development of a variety of resistance mechanisms by microorganisms. Because of the increasing ineffectiveness of antibiotics used so far and difficulties in obtaining new drugs, it is necessary to find new sources of these compounds, for example in animal organisms. Research has demonstrated that amphibian skin secretions are rich in a variety of active substances which have strong pharmacological properties. In these compounds we can distinguish, for example, toxins, antimicrobial peptides, opioid peptides, steroids, and alkaloids.These compounds show cytotoxic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and even antiviral activities (including anti-HIV). These substances can be used in cell receptor studies and in transmembrane ion transport analysis. Because these compounds are secreted by skin glands,they can be easy obtained without injuring these animals. It is probable that amphibian skin constitutes a potential source of modern drugs.

• [Humoral-circulatory response in the somato-vegetative reflex caused by pain factors]

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Maciej Dobrzyński, Agnieszka Haloń, Katarzyna Fita, Monika Całkosińska, Jacek Majda, Maciej Siewiński

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 02/2007; 61:331-7.

  The somato-vegetative reflex is an organism's answer to physical stress, resulting from the action of miscellaneous stimuli on extero- and proprioreceptors. It is realized in two types of responsesThe somato-vegetative reflex is an organism's answer to physical stress, resulting from the action of miscellaneous stimuli on extero- and proprioreceptors. It is realized in two types of responses of alarm groups: Response to a stressor with superiority of the parasympathetic system. This is not often present and manifests as decrease in pulse, heart stroke volume and pressure. An adrenergic response to a stressor, realized sequntionally in time periods. The neurogenic phase and humoral phase connected with the ejection of amine from the core of the suprarenal gland are separately distingiushed in this type of response. Significant increase in blood pressure, vascular resistance, augmentation of flow of blood in the aorta and tachycardia were observed in these two phases to a considerable extent. An important role in this reflex is performed by the limbic system, whose activation causes a circulation of stimulation in the Papez emotive district, which lies at the basis of the appearance of vegetative symptoms of emotions. Knowledge of the mechanism of this reflex is important, as it may play an important role, without the participation of the consciousness (anesthesia) in diagnosing pain in miscellaneous surgical and dental procedures and sharp pain syndromes, as well as the prevention of the occurrence of this reflex and its hemodynamic repercussion.

• [The multifaceted effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in organisms, especially dentition changes]

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Maciej Dobrzyński, Marek Cegielski, Anna Sieja, Monika Całkosińska

  Postȩpy higieny i medycyny doświadczalnej (Online). 02/2006; 60:237-40.

  Dioxins are by products of various technological processes in many branches of industry and products of the combustion of chlorine compounds at low temperatures. They include polychloratedDioxins are by products of various technological processes in many branches of industry and products of the combustion of chlorine compounds at low temperatures. They include polychlorated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most dangerous to the human organism and is a model substance to define the toxicity of particular dioxins in mixture. TCDD in small doses exerts a toxic influence on embryos and maturing persons. Dioxin exposure to animals and people causes changes in the immunological system, fetus failure, and defects in fertility and in internal organs and is carcinogenic. Knowledge in this area is rather well documented and has expanded. However, there is little information about dioxin's influence on dentition development. In this review, recent literature reports and the results of own investigations of the general biological effects of dioxins, especially for dentition, are presented.

• The search for stem cells of the epithelium in pulmonary alveoli.

  Authors: Marek Cegielski, Ireneusz Całkosiński, Piotr Dziegiel, Maciej Zabel

  Folia morphologica. 06/2004; 63(2):221-3.

  In recent years significant progress has been witnessed in the identification of stem cells, which have now also been identified in the lungs. The aim of this was to induce post-pneumonia alveolarIn recent years significant progress has been witnessed in the identification of stem cells, which have now also been identified in the lungs. The aim of this was to induce post-pneumonia alveolar regeneration to facilitate the identification of stem cells. The studies were performed on Buffalo strain rats. Pneumonia was induced in the animals by a sub-pleural injection of carragenin. On days 4, 5 and 10 of the experiment both the control and experimental animals received intraperitoneal injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Twenty-four hours after the last BrdU injection the rats were sacrificed and samples of the lungs were taken for examination. In order to detect proliferating cells in the paraffin sections, BrdU incorporation was detected with monoclonal antibodies. In pilot experiments BrdU incorporation was demonstrated in individual alveolar cells of variable distribution and of variable intensity in the colour reaction. The results have confirmed the existence of stem cells in pulmonary alveoli but their closer characterisation requires further studies with other techniques to detect pulmonary stem cells.

• Apoptotic changes in the myocardium in the course of experimentally-induced pleurisy.

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Marek Cegielski, Piotr Dziegiel, Robert Skalik, Jacek Majda

  Folia morphologica. 06/2004; 63(2):225-8.

  The secreted proinflammatory interleukins IL-1, IL-6 and TNF in the course of experimentally-induced pleurisy can be the cause of pathological changes in the ultrastructure of cardiac muscle and ofThe secreted proinflammatory interleukins IL-1, IL-6 and TNF in the course of experimentally-induced pleurisy can be the cause of pathological changes in the ultrastructure of cardiac muscle and of apoptosis. The pleurisy was induced in rats by means of carrageenin. The scraps of cardiac muscle obtained during the inflammatory reaction in the pleura were analysed by means of an electron microscope. The scraps were also stained with the TUNEL method in order to find the apoptotic foci. It was proved by the experiment that the inflammatory process affected mitochondria in the cardiomyocytes, enhanced collagen fibre synthesis and contributed to the formation of apoptotic foci in the cardiac muscle.

• [Effect of psychotherapy on autonomic balance in VDT-operators with somatoform disorders]

  Authors: Anna Janocha, Ewa Salomon, Robert Skalik, Ireneusz Całkosiński, Wojciech Woźniak, Anna Tumińska

  Medycyna pracy. 02/2004; 55(6):455-60.

  BACKGROUND: The omnipresence of stress-inducing factors that stems from the permanent development of our civilization results in a constantly growing number of people with neurotic disorders.BACKGROUND: The omnipresence of stress-inducing factors that stems from the permanent development of our civilization results in a constantly growing number of people with neurotic disorders. Computer technology, a very new labor technique, has become a stressful factor. Stressful factors initially affect the central nervous system, which modifies vegetative functions. The autonomic balance can be a measurable indicator of disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 50 VDT-operators with neurotic disorders. Twenty five healthy VDT-operators formed the control group. The autonomic balance was investigated with Holter monitoring. Each of the 50 neurotic VDT-operators were qualified for a 3-month psychotherapy. RESULTS: The analysis of Holter recordings proved that the applied model of psychotherapy significantly reduced the number of sympathicotonics in favor of normotonics in the study group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Holter analysis can be considered as a reliable indicator of the effect of psychotherapy.

• Estimation of the action of three different mechlorethamine doses on biochemical parameters during experimentally induced pleuritis in rats.

  Authors: Ireneusz Całkosiński, Joanna Rosińczuk-Tonderys, Katarzyna Dzierzba, Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko, Ewa Seweryn, Jacek Majda, Monika Całkosińska, Andrzej Gamian

  Pharmacological reports : PR. 63(2):501-17.

  Nitrogranulogen (NTG) may modify the character of inflammatory reactions. These modifications are a result of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. NTG has high affinity to DNA and causes disorders in theNitrogranulogen (NTG) may modify the character of inflammatory reactions. These modifications are a result of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects. NTG has high affinity to DNA and causes disorders in the synthesis of acute phase proteins (e.g., haptoglobin, transferrin, fibrinogen, and complement protein C3). Our previous studies have shown that small doses of NTG can enhance immunological defense reactions in the organism. The aim of the current studies was to determine how different NTG doses cause changes in the values of biochemical parameters in pleuritis-induced rats. The animals were randomized into five groups: Group I - control group; Group II - IP (induced pleuritis) group; Group III - NTG5 group; Group IV - NTG50 group; Group V - NTG600 group. Blood was collected from all groups of animals at 24, 48, and 72 h after the initiation of the carrageenin-induced inflammatory reaction. These investigations revealed that a dose of 5 μg NTG/kg b.w. (body weight) can change the character of the inflammation. Our studies also show that a dose of 600 μg NTG/kg b.w. causes a rapid decrease in the level of C3 at the 72 h of the experiment (after 3 applications every 24 h), which indicates a cytotoxic action of such a large NTG dose. NTG used at doses of 50 and 600 μg/kg b.w. causes the opposite metabolism of albumins and other serum proteins. Our studies show that the different doses of NTG have distinct effects on the inflammatory reaction.