Anna Wojas-Pelc

Publications of Anna Wojas-Pelc

• Utility of post-treatment follow-up visit at 3 months in patients treated for early syphilis.

  Authors: Maciej Pastuszczak, Andrzej K Jaworek, Bogdan Jakiela, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Sexually transmitted infections. 04/2012;

• Potential association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in pigmentation genes with the development of basal cell carcinoma.

  Authors: Agnieszka Kosiniak-Kamysz, Ewelina Pośpiech, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Magdalena Marcińska, Wojciech Branicki

  The Journal of dermatology. 04/2012;

  The risk of developing skin cancers is dependent on a combination of environmental factors and personal genetic predispositions. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been associated with single nucleotideThe risk of developing skin cancers is dependent on a combination of environmental factors and personal genetic predispositions. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms in several pigmentation genes; however, there is still controversy concerning the mechanism by which these variants may increase the risk of BCC. The pathway may lead to pigmentation alone, but evidence for their independent influence is growing. Using a single base extension protocol, candidate polymorphisms within 11 known pigment-related genes were studied for their association with BCC in a population sample consisting of 164 patients and 707 controls. The significance of variation within the MC1R gene was confirmed and, in addition, position rs12203592 within the IRF4 gene was shown to be associated with BCC. These associations remained significant after adjustment for skin color. Gene-gene interactions were found to influence susceptibility to BCC. Among interacting genes are the two above-mentioned loci with main effect on BCC risk and additionally KITLG, TYRP1, ASIP and TYR. The obtained results indicate that polymorphism at MC1R and IRF4 constitute pigmentation-independent risk factor in the development of BCC. Moreover, susceptibility to BCC may be influenced by epistatic effects between pigmentation genes.

• Prediction of Eye Color from Genetic Data Using Bayesian Approach*

  Authors: Ewelina Pośpiech, Jolanta Draus-Barini, Tomasz Kupiec, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Wojciech Branicki

  Journal of forensic sciences. 02/2012;

    Prediction of visible traits from genetic data in certain forensic cases may provide important information that can speed up the process of investigation. Research that has been conducted on the  Prediction of visible traits from genetic data in certain forensic cases may provide important information that can speed up the process of investigation. Research that has been conducted on the genetics of pigmentation has revealed polymorphisms that explain a significant proportion of the variation observed in human iris color. Here, on the basis of genetic data for the six most relevant eye color predictors, two alternative Bayesian network model variants were developed and evaluated for their accuracy in prediction of eye color. The first model assumed eye color to be categorized into blue, brown, green, and hazel, while the second variant assumed a simplified classification with two states: light and dark. It was found that particularly high accuracy was obtained for the second model, and this proved that reliable differentiation between light and dark irises is possible based on analysis of six single nucleotide polymorphisms and a Bayesian procedure of evidence interpretation.

• Plasma platelet activation markers in patients with atopic dermatitis and concomitant allergic diseases.

  Authors: Magdalena Nastałek, Daniel P Potaczek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Anetta Undas

  Journal of dermatological science. 07/2011; 64(1):79-82.

• Gene-gene interactions contribute to eye colour variation in humans.

  Authors: Ewelina Pośpiech, Jolanta Draus-Barini, Tomasz Kupiec, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Wojciech Branicki

  Journal of human genetics. 04/2011; 56(6):447-55.

  Prediction of phenotypes from genetic data is considered to be the first practical application of data gained from association studies, with potential importance for medicine and the forensicPrediction of phenotypes from genetic data is considered to be the first practical application of data gained from association studies, with potential importance for medicine and the forensic sciences. Multiple genes and polymorphisms have been found to be associated with variation in human pigmentation. Their analysis enables prediction of blue and brown eye colour with a reasonably high accuracy. More accurate prediction, especially in the case of intermediate eye colours, may require better understanding of gene-gene interactions affecting this polygenic trait. Using multifactor dimensionality reduction and logistic regression methods, a study of gene-gene interactions was conducted based on variation in 11 known pigmentation genes examined in a cohort of 718 individuals of European descent. The study revealed significant interactions of a redundant character between the HERC2 and OCA2 genes affecting determination of hazel eye colour and between HERC2 and SLC24A4 affecting determination of blue eye colour. Our research indicates interactive effects of a synergistic character between HERC2 and OCA2, and also provides evidence for a novel strong synergistic interaction between HERC2 and TYRP1, both affecting determination of green eye colour.

• Naturally occurring FCER1A N222K mutation - its ethnicity-dependent distribution and a role in atopic dermatitis.

  Authors: Daniel P Potaczek, Magdalena Nastalek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Ko Okumura, Anetta Undas, Chiharu Nishiyama

  Molecular immunology. 01/2011; 48(8):979-80.

• Model-based prediction of human hair color using DNA variants.

  Authors: Wojciech Branicki, Fan Liu, Kate van Duijn, Jolanta Draus-Barini, Ewelina Pośpiech, Susan Walsh, Tomasz Kupiec, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Manfred Kayser

  Human genetics. 01/2011; 129(4):443-54.

  Predicting complex human phenotypes from genotypes is the central concept of widely advocated personalized medicine, but so far has rarely led to high accuracies limiting practical applications. OnePredicting complex human phenotypes from genotypes is the central concept of widely advocated personalized medicine, but so far has rarely led to high accuracies limiting practical applications. One notable exception, although less relevant for medical but important for forensic purposes, is human eye color, for which it has been recently demonstrated that highly accurate prediction is feasible from a small number of DNA variants. Here, we demonstrate that human hair color is predictable from DNA variants with similarly high accuracies. We analyzed in Polish Europeans with single-observer hair color grading 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 12 genes previously associated with human hair color variation. We found that a model based on a subset of 13 single or compound genetic markers from 11 genes predicted red hair color with over 0.9, black hair color with almost 0.9, as well as blond, and brown hair color with over 0.8 prevalence-adjusted accuracy expressed by the area under the receiver characteristic operating curves (AUC). The identified genetic predictors also differentiate reasonably well between similar hair colors, such as between red and blond-red, as well as between blond and dark-blond, highlighting the value of the identified DNA variants for accurate hair color prediction.

• Plasma fibrin clot properties in atopic dermatitis: links between thrombosis and atopy.

  Authors: Magdalena Nastałek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Anetta Undas

  Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis. 08/2010; 30(2):121-6.

  Myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke are associated with formation of dense fibrin clots resistant to lysis. Although pro- and antithrombotic alterations have been reported in atopy, fibrin clotMyocardial infarction and ischemic stroke are associated with formation of dense fibrin clots resistant to lysis. Although pro- and antithrombotic alterations have been reported in atopy, fibrin clot function has not been studied in atopic patients. The aim of the current study was to investigate fibrin clot properties in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Plasma fibrin clot permeability, turbidity and clot lysis were assessed in 130 consecutive AD patients, aged 29.7 +/- 11 [+/-SD] years (mean SCORAD index, 32.4 +/- 14.9), free of thrombotic events. A control group comprised 130 healthy controls matched for demographics. Patients with AD had lower clot permeability (7.12 +/- 1.87 vs. 9.32 +/- 0.86 x 10(-9) cm(2); P < 0.0001), increased fiber thickness (maximum clot absorbancy at 405 nm, 4.03 +/- 0.54 vs. 3.47 +/- 0.25), faster clot formation (the lag phase, 39.16 +/- 4.61 vs. 43.05 +/- 4.56 s), higher maximum D-dimer levels released from clots, reflecting increased clot mass (4.05 +/- 0.57 vs. 3.47 +/- 0.25 mg/l; P < 0.0001), lower rate of D-dimer release (0.073 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.078 +/- 0.01 mg/l/min; P < 0.0001), and prolonged fibrinolysis time (9.26 +/- 1.47 vs. 7.81 +/- 1.17 min; P < 0.0001) compared with controls. Concomitant asthma (n = 36; 27.7%) was related to a higher rate of D-dimer release from clots than the remainder (0.075 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.072 +/- 0.01 mg/l/min, respectively; P = 0.03). Altered plasma fibrin clot properties associated with reduced efficiency of fibrinolysis can be detected in AD patients, which might represent a novel mechanism that modulates a hemostatic balance in atopy.

• Cyclin D1 and D3 expression in melanocytic skin lesions.

  Authors: Ana Alekseenko, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Grzegorz J Lis, Alicja Furgał-Borzych, Grzegorz Surówka, Jan A Litwin

  Archives of dermatological research. 05/2010; 302(7):545-50.

  Cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, as well as proteins cooperating with them are responsible for cell cycle regulation which is crucial for normal development, injury repair, and tumorigenesis.Cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, as well as proteins cooperating with them are responsible for cell cycle regulation which is crucial for normal development, injury repair, and tumorigenesis. D-type cyclins regulate G1 cell cycle progression by enhancing the activities of cyclin-dependent kinases, and their expression is frequently altered in tumors. Disturbances in cyclin expression were also reported in melanocytic skin lesions. The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of cyclins D1 and D3 in common, dysplastic, and malignant melanocytic skin lesions. Forty-eight melanocytic skin lesions including common nevi (10), dysplastic nevi (24), and melanomas (14) were diagnosed by dermoscopy and excised. Expression of cyclin D1 and D3 was detected by immunohistochemistry and quantified as percentage of immunostained cell nuclei in each sample. In normal skin, expression of cyclins D1 and D3 was not detected. The mean percentage of cyclin D1-positive nuclei was 7.75% for melanoma samples, 5% for dysplastic nevi samples, and 0.34% for common nevi samples. For cyclin D3, the respective values were 17.8, 6.4, and 1.8%. Statistically significant differences in cyclin D1 expression were observed between melanomas and common nevi as well as between dysplastic and common nevi (p = 0.0001), but not between melanomas and dysplastic nevi. Cyclin D3 expression revealed significant differences between all investigated lesion types (p = 0.0000). The mean cyclin D1 and D3 scores of melanomas with Breslow thickness <1 mm and >1 mm were not significantly different. G1/S abnormalities are crucial for the progression of malignant melanoma, and enhanced cyclin D1 and D3 expression leading to increased melanocyte proliferation is observed in both melanoma and dysplastic nevi. In histopathologically ambiguous cases, lower cyclin D3 expression in dysplastic nevi can be a diagnostic marker for that lesion type.

• The +405 GG variant of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphism is associated with poor prognosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

  Authors: Maciej Pastuszczak, Agnieszka Branicka, Bogdan Jakiela, Ewa Stępień, Andrzej Jaworek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Bogusław Kapelak, Jerzy Sadowski

  Polskie archiwum medycyny wewnetrznej. 11/2009; 119(11):719-725.

  INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with systemic response and increased concentrations of numerous cytokines. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) relatedINTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is associated with systemic response and increased concentrations of numerous cytokines. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) related pathway also seems to be involved in inflammatory response induced by CABG. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the VEGF gene +405 G>C polymorphism (linked to serum VEGF production), and the short-term clinical outcome during the in-hospital period (30 days) in patients undergoing CABG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genotyping for VEGF gene +405 G>C polymorphism was performed in 64 patients with coronary artery disease at a mean age of 66 years (76.6% males), with a mean EuroSCORE (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) of 2.5 (0-2 points: 50% patients, 3-4: 25%, >=5 points: 25%), who underwent CABG surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-one (33%) patients were homozygous for the +405 G allele, 40 (63%) were heterozygous, and 3 were homozygous for the +405 C allele. Ten patients died during the 30-day follow-up (7 subjects with +405 GG genotype, and the other 3 carriers of the +405 C allele). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of death after CABG was increased in patients with +405 GG genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-29.4) and with EuroSCORE >=5 points (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 1.1-18.1). CONCLUSIONS: The VEGF gene +405 G>C polymorphism might be a prognostic factor of an adverse postoperative course in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Apart from its proangiogenic action, VEGF may have additional, possibly proinflammatory properties.

• Interactions Between HERC2, OCA2 and MC1R May Influence Human Pigmentation Phenotype.

  Authors: Wojciech Branicki, Urszula Brudnik, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Annals of human genetics. 03/2009;

  Human pigmentation is a polygenic trait which may be shaped by different kinds of gene-gene interactions. Recent studies have revealed that interactive effects between HERC2 and OCA2 may beHuman pigmentation is a polygenic trait which may be shaped by different kinds of gene-gene interactions. Recent studies have revealed that interactive effects between HERC2 and OCA2 may be responsible for blue eye colour determination in humans. Here we performed a population association study, examining important polymorphisms within the HERC2 and OCA2 genes. Furthermore, pooling these results with genotyping data for MC1R, ASIP and SLC45A2 obtained for the same population sample we also analysed potential genetic interactions affecting variation in eye, hair and skin colour. Our results confirmed the association of HERC2 rs12913832 with eye colour and showed that this SNP is also significantly associated with skin and hair colouration. It is also concluded that OCA2 rs1800407 is independently associated with eye colour. Finally, using various approaches we were able to show that there is an interaction between MC1R and HERC2 in determination of skin and hair colour in the studied population sample.

• [The role of cytokines released by keratinocytes in psoriasis pathogenesis]

  Authors: Lidia Rajzer, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2009; 66(3):150-4.

  The paper presents epidemiology, pathogenesis, environmental triggers and types of psoriasis depending on the first psoriatic lesions. The immunological system by cytokines which source areThe paper presents epidemiology, pathogenesis, environmental triggers and types of psoriasis depending on the first psoriatic lesions. The immunological system by cytokines which source are keratinocytes, plays the important role in psoriatic course. The core feature of the disease is increased number of mitotic figures in the basal lamina of the epidermis and accelerated abnormal maturation of keratinocytes. Keratinocyte is the main cell in psoriasis and source of many cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines and cytokines with inhibitory effect for psoriasis have been described. The authors show results with use of method of blocking cytokines operation (against interleukin TNF alpha) and using of interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 in therapy of psoriasis.

• [Molecular basis of pigmentation disorders in skin diseases]

  Authors: Justyna Drukała, Sylwia Bobis, Ewa Zabińska-Płazak, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2009; 66(3):145-9.

  Skin disorders connected with pigmentation disturbances are most frequent dermatological problems. Different mechanisms are involved in these changes, mainly those which regulate melanocyte function.Skin disorders connected with pigmentation disturbances are most frequent dermatological problems. Different mechanisms are involved in these changes, mainly those which regulate melanocyte function. In this work we focused on molecular basis of pigmentation disorders in dermatological diseases that present clinically with hyperpigmentation (lentigo senilis, Riehl melanosis, seborrhoic keratosis, fibroma, café-au-lait patches melasma, atopic dermatitis) or hypopigmentation (vitiligo, albinism).

• The contribution of melanocortin 1 receptor gene polymorphisms and the agouti signalling protein gene 8818A>G polymorphism to cutaneous melanoma and basal cell carcinoma in a Polish population.

  Authors: Urszula Brudnik, Wojciech Branicki, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Piotr Kanas

  Experimental dermatology. 02/2009; 18(2):167-74.

  In this study, we assessed the role of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and agouti signalling protein (ASIP) polymorphisms in cutaneous melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development in a PolishIn this study, we assessed the role of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) and agouti signalling protein (ASIP) polymorphisms in cutaneous melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development in a Polish population. We enrolled 108 patients with skin malignant melanoma (MM) and 102 patients with BCC. The control group consisted of 93 non-red haired patients, without history of skin cancers and 30 healthy individuals with red hair colour (RHC) phenotype. The complete MC1R exon was sequenced and the A8818G polymorphism of the ASIP gene was analysed using the SnaPshot protocol. Selected MC1R mutations were additionally examined using a convenient minisequencing assay. The study confirmed the important role of MC1R R variants in determining physiological variation in hair and skin colour. Our data show that individuals with R mutations had a 3.7-fold increase in melanoma risk and a 3.3-fold increase in BCC risk. Especially, variant R151C significantly increased the risk of both MM and BCC. The studied ASIP polymorphism was found not to be associated with MM or BCC. Stratified analysis showed that the association between MC1R mutations and the risk of MM and BCC was not significantly influenced by subjects' pigmentation characteristics or the 8818G ASIP variant. Further research is necessary, especially involving analysis of interactions between variation in MC1R and other genes, to find out if analysis of MC1R polymorphisms could be of any importance for skin cancer prevention.

• Association of the SLC45A2 gene with physiological human hair colour variation.

  Authors: Wojciech Branicki, Urszula Brudnik, Jolanta Draus-Barini, Tomasz Kupiec, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Journal of human genetics. 10/2008;

  Pigmentation is a complex physical trait with multiple genes involved. Several genes have already been associated with natural differences in human pigmentation. The SLC45A2 gene encoding aPigmentation is a complex physical trait with multiple genes involved. Several genes have already been associated with natural differences in human pigmentation. The SLC45A2 gene encoding a transporter protein involved in melanin synthesis is considered to be one of the most important genes affecting human pigmentation. Here we present results of an association study conducted on a population of European origin, where the relationship between two non-synonymous polymorphisms in the SLC45A2 gene - rs26722 (E272K) and rs16891982 (L374F) - and different pigmentation traits was examined. The study revealed a significant association between both variable sites and normal variation in hair colour. Only L374F remained significantly associated with hair colour when both SNPs were included in a logistic regression model. No association with other pigmentation traits was detected in this population sample. Our results indicate that the rare allele L374 significantly increases the possibility of having black hair colour (OR = 7.05) and thus may be considered as a future marker for black hair colour prediction.

• [Psychodermatology: psychological and psychiatrical aspects of dermatology]

  Authors: Hanna Korabel, Dominka Dudek, Andrzej Jaworek, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(5):244-8.

  Psychodermatology descibes an interaction between dermatology and psychiatry and psychology. The incidence of psychiatric disorders among dermatological patients is estimated at about 30 to 60%. ItPsychodermatology descibes an interaction between dermatology and psychiatry and psychology. The incidence of psychiatric disorders among dermatological patients is estimated at about 30 to 60%. It appears that a significant group of patients who seek dermatologist's advice are those who can reveal psychiatric disorders. The most often diagnosed psychiatric disturbances are mood disorders, especially depressive, suicidal ideation and tendencies, anxiety disorders, obsessive disorders and delusional disorders. Knowledge of the psycho-dermatological diseases can contribute to more profitable therapy in both dermatology and psychiatry. This article characterises the particular disorders with their dermatological and psychological aspects. The basic principles of therapeutic interventions for each disorder are also discussed.

• [Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome--diagnostic and therapeutic problems]

  Authors: Grazyna Antoszczyk, Aleksander Obtułowicz, Ewa Czarnobilska, Anna Wojas-Pelc

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(9):390-2.

  It is very difficult to differentiate Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrom and macrochelitis granulomatosa. Two neurologists: Ernt Melkersson and Curt Rosenthal in 1928 and 1931 described classical symptomsIt is very difficult to differentiate Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrom and macrochelitis granulomatosa. Two neurologists: Ernt Melkersson and Curt Rosenthal in 1928 and 1931 described classical symptoms of this syndrom: recurring facial paralysis, swelling of the face and lips and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue. In 1945 Miescher described a few cases of primary interstitial inflammation of the lips and gave them the name macrochelitis granulomatosa. Some patients had paralysis of the facial nerve, others folds of the tongue. In the present study the etiopatho-genesis, diagnostic and therapeutic problems are presented.

• [Ultraviolet radiation, tobacco smoke and estrogens pathways of influence on skin aging; capabilities of prevention]

  Authors: Anna Wojas-Pelc, Joanna Sułowicz, Magdalena Nastałek

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(12):862-6.

  Aging refers to the hole human body including the skin, but here it is usually better seen by milieu, repeatedly burdens life quality. There are many theories explaining the process of human aging,Aging refers to the hole human body including the skin, but here it is usually better seen by milieu, repeatedly burdens life quality. There are many theories explaining the process of human aging, but its reasons, irrespectively of their criteria, are numerous and affect one another. Skin aging just like the entire body depends on the influence of genetics, environmental and hormonal factors. Ultraviolet radiation and tobacco smoking have confirmed influence on skin aging. The role of hormonal disorders, particularly estrogens are also underlined. Mechanisms of skin aging induced by UV radiation, tobacco smoke and estrogens are similar and included unfavourable effects of oxidative stress (free radicals) and also disturbances of the TGF beta pathway. Data of many clinical studies proved that avoiding sun and smoking, nucleic acids diet, antioxidant supplementation, everyday use of UV filter, moisturizers, topical use of antioxidants, retinoid derivatives and flavonoids have proved protective the influence to multidirectional process of skin aging.

• [Type I and II collagens and mast cells expression in the skin lesions from the patients with localized scleroderma]

  Authors: Dorota Wielowieyska-Szybińska, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Grzegorz Dyduch, Artur Zawisz

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(4):161-5.

  Morphea en plaques (MP) and atrophoderma Pasini-Pierini (APP) are by most researchers regarded as specific types of localized scleroderma (LS), but their clinical picture is completely different.Morphea en plaques (MP) and atrophoderma Pasini-Pierini (APP) are by most researchers regarded as specific types of localized scleroderma (LS), but their clinical picture is completely different. Fibrosing process is very complicated, and is connected with presence of collagen (I and III type) and extracellulare matrix deposits in the dermis. Probably mast cells also play an important role in this process. The aim of the study is estimation of the expression of type I and III collagens and number of mast cells in lesions from patients with APP and MP. 36 patients were enrolled to the study. Immunohistochemical tests were performed to observe presence of type I and III collagens and presence of mast cells in the dermis. We observed that patients with APP showed lower expression of the I and III type collagens in the dermis than patients with MP. Expression of I type collagen decreases with time only among patients with MP. There was no similar relation for type III collagen. High and very high expression of type I and III collagen was observed more frequently in the active phase of the disease in patients with MP. Number of mast cells was higher in patients with APP than in MP. The number of the mast cells increases with time of disease in patients with MP, and there is correlation between high number of mast cells and low expression of the I and III collagens in the patients with MP.

• [Aggravating factors of rosacea]

  Authors: Andrzej Kazimierz Jaworek, Anna Wojas-Pelc, Maciej Pastuszczak

  Przegla̧d lekarski. 02/2008; 65(4):180-3.

  Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which is mainly localized in the central region of the face. Papules and pustules appear on the erythematic ground. Rosacea is common in population.Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease which is mainly localized in the central region of the face. Papules and pustules appear on the erythematic ground. Rosacea is common in population. Four subtypes of rosacea (erythematoteleangiectatic rosacea, ETR; papulo - pustular rosacea, PPR; ocular rosacea and phymatous rosacea) are classified (according to current classification) and one variant rosacea (granulomatous rosacea, GR). It is considered that an attempt to determine of triggering factors of rosacea should be the first step to treatment. Then it should be tried to eliminate contact with them. The aim of this study was an analysis of triggering factors of rosacea. 43 women and 26 men treated in the Dermatology Outpatient's Clinic of Jagiellonian University School of Medicine in Cracow were enrolled in the study. All patients were asked which factors trigger skin changes according to them. Patients mentioned most often: stress (58 percent), sun exposure (56.5 per. cent), alcohol (33.3 percent), exercise (29 percent), drinking coffee (21.7 percent) and hot meals (20.3 percent). They regarded the sun as the most strongly aggravating factor of rosacea (29.2 percent). It seems, that elimination and reduction of contact with aggravating factors is still an undervalued aspect of rosacea's treatment. Patients' motivation for use of prevention seems to be also very important. Knowledge about aggravating factors of rosacea, coming directly from patients' observations, may help in more effective treatment.