Joanna Nowicka

Publications of Joanna Nowicka

• [Smuggling of the cocaine in the gastrointestinal tract ended in sudden death--the first case report from the Upper Silesia].

  Authors: Rafał Celiński, Christian Jabłoński, Rafał Skowronek, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Joanna Kulikowska, Joanna Nowicka, Czesław Chowaniec, Anna Uttecht-Pudełko

  Wiadomości lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960). 01/2011; 64(2):109-12.

  Fifty-year old man was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment. Forensic autopsy was ordered to determine the cause and manner of death. Autopsy revealed the presence of 55 latex "balls" in theFifty-year old man was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment. Forensic autopsy was ordered to determine the cause and manner of death. Autopsy revealed the presence of 55 latex "balls" in the stomach and foregut. In the past the victim was suspected of drug's dealing and smuggling. The content of "balls" and biological material (blood, urine, bloody fluid from internal organs) were analysed with LC MS/MS in the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The range of cocaine' concentration in the "balls" was 91.2-96.1%, whereas concentration in blood - 107.50 microg/ml, in urine - 284.60 microg/ml and in bloody fluid - 192.30 microg/ml. The cause of death was acute cocaine intoxication.

• Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on xenobiotic-metabolizing hepatic enzymes exposed to methanol.

  Authors: Zofia Olszowy, Andrzej Plewka, Ewa Czech, Joanna Nowicka, Danuta Plewka, Grazyna Nowaczyk, Marcin Kamiński

  Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft für Toxikologische Pathologie. 08/2006; 57(5-6):427-35.

  The study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases exposed to methanol. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were given methanol (1/4 LD50 and 1/2 LD50)The study aimed to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases exposed to methanol. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were given methanol (1/4 LD50 and 1/2 LD50) together with L-carnitine (1g/kg body weight). The parameters of microsome electron transport chains I and II and the levels of CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 and CYP1A2 were measured 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure. L-carnitine did not affect cytochrome P450 but it significantly increased at 72 and 96 h NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase. It stimulated cytochrome b5 at 48 and 96 h and NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase activity at 12, 72 and 96 h. Methanol, especially the lower dose, inhibited cytochrome P450 after 48 h, but the higher methanol dose inhibited NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase activity in this time. L-carnitine, combined with the lower dose of methanol, stimulated NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase after 48 h and cytochrome b5 and NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase over the whole period of observation. L-carnitine stimulated CYP2B1/2 but not CYP2E1 and CYP1A2. Methanol stimulated CYP2E1 at 24 h, but CYP1A2 at 96 h in the studied doses. CYP2B1/2 was induced by the lower dose of methanol at 24 h but by the higher one at 96 h. When given together, L-carnitine and methanol (1/2 LD50) significantly stimulated CYP2E1 up to 170% at 24 h and 145% at 96 h.

• Effect of methanol on endogenous and exogenous carnitine levels in rat plasma.

  Authors: Zofia Olszowy, Ewa Czech, Joanna Nowicka

  Archives of toxicology. 11/2005; 79(10):571-81.

  The effect of methanol on the levels of endogenous carnitine and its derivatives was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats aged three months. In addition, the effect of L-carnitine supplementation onThe effect of methanol on the levels of endogenous carnitine and its derivatives was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats aged three months. In addition, the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on metabolic disturbances caused by methanol intoxication was studied. The rats were randomized into six groups, including two control groups. Methanol was given at 1/4 LD(50) and 1/2 LD(50)/kg b.w. (or water in control) through an intragastric tube, and L-carnitine (or 0.9% NaCl in the control) was injected intraperitoneally. The levels of plasma L-carnitine and its derivatives were measured at selected time points for four days. Following methanol administration, the rats exhibited dose-dependent increases in L-carnitine levels and altered ratios of L-carnitine and its derivatives. L-carnitine supplementation accelerated the normalization of metabolic disturbances, as indicated by the acylcarnitine to free carnitine ratio (AC/FC). The protective effect of L-carnitine is supported by the fact that 100% of the methanol-treated rats supplemented with carnitine survived, while 8/60 rats and 27/101 rats died at methanol doses of 1/4 LD(50) and 1/2 LD(50), respectively, in groups without L-carnitine supplementation.

• The influence of L-carnitine on methanol biotransformation in rats.

  Authors: Ewa Czech, Zofia Olszowy, Joanna Nowicka

  Experimental and toxicologic pathology : official journal of the Gesellschaft für Toxikologische Pathologie. 04/2004; 55(5):367-77.

  There persists a need for potent and safe inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), to effectively treat methanol poisoning by slowing its rate of biotransformation to there toxic products,There persists a need for potent and safe inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), to effectively treat methanol poisoning by slowing its rate of biotransformation to there toxic products, formaldehyde and formic acid. Only a few former papers have reported on the significant effectiveness of L-carnitine in treating ethanol poisoning as well as alcohol abuse. As are no reports on the effectiveness of L-carnitine in treating methanol poisoning till now, the current studies were conducted to investigate the influence of L-carnitine on both oxydative metabolism and elimination of methanol in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months with the body weight of 200-230 g were divided into 6 groups at random, with two of the groups considered to be control. Rats were given drinking water (control) or methanol in two different doses of 3220 mg/kg b.m. or 6440 mg/kg b.m. intragastrically and 0.9% NaCl (control) or 6.2 mmol/kg b.m. of L-carnitine intraperitionelly. Within 96 hours after the administration of methanol and 0.9% NaCl or L-carnitine, the urine was collected and then the animals were decapitated. To determine methanol there were taken blood samples for clot, and to determine carnitine and its derivatives blood was taken into heparinized test tubes. During the autopsy liver was also secured. In all the experimental time points stated the methanol concentrations in blood, urine and liver homogenate were determined by a head-space gas chromatography.

• Biogenic amines in striatum of rats that had been treated with ethanol, and their brains later stored in different temperatures.

  Authors: Przemyslaw Nowak, Lukasz Labus, Joanna Stabryla, Artur Durczok, Ryszard Brus, Joanna Nowicka, Jashovam Shani

  Receptors & channels. 02/2003; 9(5):339-42.

  The purpose of this study was to investigate how ethanol pretreatment and storage temperatures of brain striatum affect levels of biogenic amines in this tissue. Adult Wistar male rats were injectedThe purpose of this study was to investigate how ethanol pretreatment and storage temperatures of brain striatum affect levels of biogenic amines in this tissue. Adult Wistar male rats were injected with 25% ethanol (5.0 g/kg i.p.) while the control rats were administered i.p. with the same volume of saline. Two hours later the rats were decapitated, their brains removed, and the striatum separated. Each striatum was divided into three parts: one part was immediately frozen on dry ice and kept at -70 degrees C; a second fragment was kept in a household refrigerator (+4 degrees C); and the third fragment was kept at +22 degrees C. Twenty-four hours later, levels of DA, DOPAC, HVA, 3-MT, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA in the striatum were assayed by HPLC/ED. Immediately after decapitation; ethanol levels were assayed in the serum of ethanol-pretreated and saline-pretreated rats using gas chromatography. Our results indicate that levels of striatal DA, DOPAC, and HVA in saline-pretreated rats decreased significantly when the storage temperature of the striatum was raised from -70 degrees C, through +4 degrees C, to +22 degrees C, while levels of striatal 5-HT and 5-HIAA remained constant within the temperature range tested and levels of 3-MT fluctuated. In ethanol-pretreated rats, striatal levels of DOPAC, HVA, and 5-HIAA were increased in all three storage temperatures, while levels of DA, 5-HT, and 3-MT were decreased in those temperatures. Those decreases were most profound in striatal samples kept at +22 degrees C. We conclude that concern about possible interactions between drugs and biogenic amines should be exercised.

• [The effect of high temperature on the levels of selected endogenous compounds]

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Kulikowska

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 58(2-3):69-72.

  The authors present their research on the levels of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide and ethyl alcohol in the blood of 23 fatalities found in the extreme conditions (methane explosion, fire, highThe authors present their research on the levels of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide and ethyl alcohol in the blood of 23 fatalities found in the extreme conditions (methane explosion, fire, high temperature) associated with a mining disaster. Determinations of the presence of carboxyhemoglobin, hydrogen cyanide, and ethyl alcohol were performed as soon as the blood samples were collected from the deceased. The concentration of ethyl alcohol ranged from 0.2 per thousand to 1.3 per thousand in 18 cases. Blood HbCO levels tested within the range of 11% to 83% in 17 cases. In six cases, HbCO tested negative, and the injuries found at autopsy indicated these individuals to have been killed at the moment of the explosion. Blood cyanide content tested negative in all the examined cases. The extreme conditions of the mining disaster, especially high temperature, to which the bodies were exposed, did not have any effect either on endogenous cyanide or carboxyhemoglobin, causing, however, a significant increase in the level of ethyl alcohol in the blood.

• The influence of L-carnitine on methanol biotransformation in rats

  Authors: Ewa Czech, Zofia Olszowy, Joanna Nowicka

  Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology.

  There persists a need for potent and safe inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), to effectively treat methanol poisoning by slowing its rate of biotransformation to there toxic products,There persists a need for potent and safe inhibitors of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), to effectively treat methanol poisoning by slowing its rate of biotransformation to there toxic products, formaldehyde and formic acid. Only a few former papers have reported on the significant effectiveness of L-carnitine in treating ethanol poisoning as well as alcohol abuse. As are no reports on the effectiveness of L-carnitine in treating methanol poisoning till now, the current studies were conducted to investigate the influence of L-carnitine on both oxydative metabolism and elimination of methanol in rats.Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 3 months with the body weight of 200–230 g were divided into 6 groups at random, with two of the groups considered to be control. Rats were given drinking water (control) or methanol in two different doses of 3220 mg/kg b.m. or 6440 mg/kg b.m. intragastrically and 0.9% NaCl (control) or 6.2 mmol/kg b.m. of L-carnitine intraperitionelly.Within 96 hours after the administration of methanol and 0.9% NaCl or L-carnitine, the urine was collected and then the animals were decapitated. To determine methanol there were taken blood samples for clot, and to determine carnitine and its derivatives blood was taken into heparinized test tubes. During the autopsy liver was also secured.In all the experimental time points stated the methanol concentrations in blood, urine and liver homogenate were determined by a head-space gas chromatography.The results of our research show that:1. L-carnitine slows down the elimination of methanol in rats.2. Toxicokinetic parameters indicate that L-carnitine slows down the methanol biotransformation.3. It was observed that after the administration of L-carnitine and methanol:• the blood methanol concentration was lower in the absorption phase but higher in the elimination phase in comparison with the methanol levels in the rats which were given only methanol• methanoluria lasted significantly longer and was not finished within a 96-hour observation period, and the excreted urine volume was much more higher in this group• methanol was present significantly longer in liver than blood• the rate of methanol elimination in blood, liver and urine depended on the alcohol dose given.4.In the case of methanol poisoning, L-carnitine reveals its protective effects. There were no deaths in the groups of the animals which were simultanously intoxicated with methanol and L-carnitine. There were 8 deaths in the group of 60 animals which were given a lower dose of methanol without L-carnitine and 27 deaths in the group of 101 animals which were given a higher dose of methanol but no L-carnitine.

• [Diagnostic importance of formic acid detection in methyl alcohol poisoning]

  Authors: Zofia Olszowy, Joanna Nowicka, Stanisława Kabiesz-Neniczka

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 53(1):3-7.

  In the paper the authors have presented a possible use of formic acid detection in biological specimens in the diagnosis of methanol poisonings. Formic acid was determined as a volatile methylIn the paper the authors have presented a possible use of formic acid detection in biological specimens in the diagnosis of methanol poisonings. Formic acid was determined as a volatile methyl formate ester by the gas chromatographic head-space method. Based on opinions relating to methanol poisonings, formulated in the Forensic Medicine Department, Silesian School of Medicine, Katowice a potential application of the method mentioned above to forensic medicine was shown, especially in cases of late deaths after methanol intoxication and also a possibility of its use in clinical evaluation of the poisoning phase as well as monitoring the course of treatment.

• Effect of l-carnitine supplementation on xenobiotic-metabolizing hepatic enzymes exposed to methanol

  Authors: Zofia Olszowy, Andrzej Plewka, Ewa Czech, Joanna Nowicka, Danuta Plewka, Grażyna Nowaczyk, Marcin Kamiński

  Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology.

  The study aimed to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine on hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases exposed to methanol. Male Spraque–Dawley rats were given methanol (1/4 LD50 and 1/2 LD50)The study aimed to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine on hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases exposed to methanol. Male Spraque–Dawley rats were given methanol (1/4 LD50 and 1/2 LD50) together with l-carnitine (1 g/kg body weight). The parameters of microsome electron transport chains I and II and the levels of CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 and CYP1A2 were measured 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after exposure.l-carnitine did not affect cytochrome P450 but it significantly increased at 72 and 96 h NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase. It stimulated cytochrome b5 at 48 and 96 h and NADH–cytochrome b5 reductase activity at 12, 72 and 96 h. Methanol, especially the lower dose, inhibited cytochrome P450 after 48 h, but the higher methanol dose inhibited NADH–cytochrome b5 reductase activity in this time. l-carnitine, combined with the lower dose of methanol, stimulated NADPH–cytochrome P450 reductase after 48 h and cytochrome b5 and NADH–cytochrome b5 reductase over the whole period of observation.l-carnitine stimulated CYP2B1/2 but not CYP2E1 and CYP1A2. Methanol stimulated CYP2E1 at 24 h, but CYP1A2 at 96 h in the studied doses. CYP2B1/2 was induced by the lower dose of methanol at 24 h but by the higher one at 96 h. When given together, l-carnitine and methanol (1/2 LD50) significantly stimulated CYP2E1 up to 170% at 24 h and 145% at 96 h.

• [Population genetics of 11 STR loci in the Upper Silesia population].

  Authors: Kornelia Droździok, Jadwiga Kabiesz, Joanna Kulikowska, Joanna Nowicka, Krystian Rygol

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 59(4):285-8.

  The report present the results of population studies of 11 STR loci: D16S5539, D7S820, D13S317, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, VWA, F13B, LPL originating from samples examined in Laboratory ofThe report present the results of population studies of 11 STR loci: D16S5539, D7S820, D13S317, CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, VWA, F13B, LPL originating from samples examined in Laboratory of Biological traces, Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Silesian Medical University. The examinations were performed in the group of 455 non-consanguinated adults, men and women, from Upper Silesia. The purpose of the investigation was to study the distribution of allele frequencies of 11 short tandem repeat representative sample of the Upper Silesia (Poland) population, to show genetic balance in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg's law for the studied population and to compare homogeneity of the usefulness of 11 STR genetic markers for paternity testing and forensic identification purposes. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples and swabs from oral cavity by The Blood DNA Prep Plus kit (A&A Biotechnology) and EZ1 DNA tissue Kit for the use on the BioRobot EZ1. All reactions were carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations (Silver Stain Detection, Promega). POR amplification was performed following the instructions of the GenePrint STR System kit using a GeneAmp PCR System 2700 Thermal Cykler. PCR products and Promega Ladders were separated by vertical electrophoresis on 6% denaturing polyacrilamide gel (Amresco), electrophoresis and visualized by silver staining (Promega Corporation). Allele frequencies, the values of heterozygosity (Ht), polymorphism information content (PIC), power of discrimination(PD), power of exclusion (PE), paternity index (PI), and matching probability (PM) were calculated using FatRec by Dudek's program and TFPGA of Miller. The concordance with HWE was evaluated using the chi-square test. The compared statistic parameters, which make an important component of research work and opinionating, show that 11 STR loci constitutes a very useful tool for individual identification in crime research and in putative paternity research.

• [Methods of carbon monoxide determination in postmortem blood--advantages and disadvantages].

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Kulikowska, Rafał Celiński, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Kornelia Droździok

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):75-9.

  With respect to epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisonings, the diagnostic management of poisonings caused by this xenobiotic is among the fundamental objectives of forensic toxicology. In forensicWith respect to epidemiology of carbon monoxide poisonings, the diagnostic management of poisonings caused by this xenobiotic is among the fundamental objectives of forensic toxicology. In forensic practice, to determine carbon monoxide, colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods, as well as gas chromatography are used. Based on literature data and their own experience, the authors discuss analytical methods universally applied in determinations of carbon monoxide in postmortem blood. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cause of errors resulting from the specificity of the examined material (postmortem blood) are indicated.

• [Assessment of exposure to hydrogen cyanide in fire fatalities in the aspects of endogenous hydrogen cyanide production as a result of putrefaction processes in the deceased].

  Authors: Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Nowicka, Joanna Kulikowska, Stanisława Kabiesz-Neniczka

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):47-50.

  On account of endogenous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production in the deceased, it is not easy to assess exposure to HCN in people who died in fire involving closed rooms (flats, garages, cellars, etc).On account of endogenous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production in the deceased, it is not easy to assess exposure to HCN in people who died in fire involving closed rooms (flats, garages, cellars, etc). In the paper, the authors present the results of blood determinations of hydrogen cyanide in fatalities of explosions and fires occurring in coal-mines, as well as fires in closed rooms. It has been demonstrated that the time of exposure to a high temperature and the temperature itself hamper autolysis processes that lead to production of endogenous HCN in fire fatalities.

• [State under the influence of drugs or psychotropic agents--a comparison of toxicological and medical examinations in materials of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Silesian University of Medicine, Katowice].

  Authors: Małgorzata Korczyńska, Joanna Kulikowska, Rafał Celiński, Joanna Nowicka, Sebastian Rojek, Anna Uttecht-Pudełko

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):35-42.

  In the paper, the authors present the results of toxicological examinations of blood samples taken from drivers during road check procedures or from perpetrators of traffic road accidents,In the paper, the authors present the results of toxicological examinations of blood samples taken from drivers during road check procedures or from perpetrators of traffic road accidents, which--taking into consideration the kind of the determined agents and their concentrations--were compared with the results of medical examinations from blood sampling protocols studied in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Silesian University of Medicine. All the blood samples were first analyzed using an immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Then, the LC-MS method was used. The positive results of screening for the presence of cannabinols were verified by GC-MS. Out of 329 blood samples, 145 were positive. The presence of cannabinols, amphetamine or MDMA was the most predominant finding. Diazepam was determined in 4 cases and opiates in 1 case. Only in 31% cases did positive results of toxicological examinations correspond to deviations found during the medical examinations constituting the basis for the final diagnosis of state "under the influence". In practice, appraisal of drug influence during medical examination seems to be limited and dependent on variable reactions of the examined individuals to a psychoactive agent, time lapse between the traffic road event and the examination or concomitant symptoms associated with ethylene alcohol activity. The final diagnosis of state "under the influence of drugs" or "under the influence of psychotropic agents" given by the physician does not result from the effect of these substances observed during the medical examination, but is very often formulated based on the medical history or police findings. The analysis of the above mentioned cases where Delta9THC or/and amphetamine was detected showed no correlation between the concentration of the psychoactive agent determined in blood and symptoms triggered by its action as described by the physician.

• [Toxicological and medico-legal analyses of sudden deaths resulting from butane inhalation].

  Authors: Joanna Nowicka, Joanna Kulikowska, Małgorzata Korczyńska, Rafał Celiński, Czesław Chowaniec

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 61(1):43-6.

  Butane is known to be a suffocating gas with narcotic activity, especially at high concentrations. Within the past five years, a few cases of sudden deaths in teenage boys who had inhaled butane, aButane is known to be a suffocating gas with narcotic activity, especially at high concentrations. Within the past five years, a few cases of sudden deaths in teenage boys who had inhaled butane, a component of gas for lighters, were investigated in the Forensic Medicine Department, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. Analyses of biological materials secured at autopsies and evidence from places of deaths was carried out using GC/FID. Butane was found in blood, lung and brain samples of the deceased. Moreover, histopathological examinations were performed. Results of autopsies and additional analyses were appraised from the point of view of their significance and usefulness in giving medico-legal opinions on the cause of death.

• [Opinionating on the cause of poisoning and death in fire victims]

  Authors: Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Nowicka, Stanisława Kabiesz-Neniczka

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 57(2):231-5.

  In the years 1995-2005, 273 cases of fatalities resulting from a fire were investigated in the Chair of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. To explain the circumstances andIn the years 1995-2005, 273 cases of fatalities resulting from a fire were investigated in the Chair of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice. To explain the circumstances and determine the cause of death, in each case, autopsies, as well as toxicological determinations of toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide, were carried out. Alcohol intoxication status of the victims was also determined. Based on the obtained results, comprehensive toxicological and medico-legal opinions on the cause of death of all the examined fire-associated fatalities were done.

• [The role of ethanol in complex poisonings with carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide in fire victims]

  Authors: Teresa Grabowska, Joanna Nowicka, Zofia Olszowy

  Archiwum medycyny sa̧dowej i kryminologii. 56(1):9-14.

  A total of 230 cases of deaths in burning spaces dating from the years 1995-2003 were investigated in Forensic Medicine Department, Silesian University of Medicine, Katowice. HbCO and HCN found inA total of 230 cases of deaths in burning spaces dating from the years 1995-2003 were investigated in Forensic Medicine Department, Silesian University of Medicine, Katowice. HbCO and HCN found in 177 blood samples ranged from 4-95 % (mean, 31,5 %) and 0,5-40,3 microg/ml (mean, 9,98 microg/ml), respectively. Moreover, ethanol was found in 122 blood samples. Its concentration ranged from 0,89-5,0 per thousand (mean, 1,45 per thousand). A comparative analysis of HbCO and HCN levels in the groups with and without ethanol showed that the range and the mean concentration of both these xenobiotics were higher in the group with no alcohol. It was also shown that the increased ethanol caused a drop in HbCO and HCN levels. To evaluate HbCO and HCN levels, the regression and correlation analysis was used.