Maciej Misiołek’s research while affiliated with Medical University of Silesia and other places

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has emerged as a promising scaffold for drug delivery, particularly in the context of antimicrobial therapies. This systematic review evaluates the incorporation of antibiotics into PRF to determine its efficacy as a localized antimicrobial delivery system compared to plain PRF without antibiotics. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, including 13 in vitro studies with a moderate risk of bias. Antibiotics were incorporated into PRF using different methodologies, including systemic administration before blood collection, addition to blood before centrifugation, and injection into formed PRF matrices. Outcomes were analyzed regarding antibacterial efficacy, structural integrity of PRF, and release kinetics. Antibiotic-enhanced PRF demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains. The efficacy of the enhanced PRF was dependent on the type of antibiotic, its concentration, and incorporation method. Encapsulation approaches facilitated a sustained antibiotic release, while higher antibiotic concentrations occasionally disrupted PRF integrity. Systemic administration of antibiotics before blood collection enriches PRF effectively, producing significant inhibition zones. The antibacterial effects of PRF outperformed alternative carriers, such as collagen sponges. Antibiotic-loaded PRF is a potent tool for localized antimicrobial delivery, with promising applications in clinical settings. Further research is needed to standardize preparation protocols and explore the impact of different antibiotic delivery methods on PRF’s regenerative properties.

Background: Conventional treatments for cancers of the head and neck region are often associated with high recurrence rates and impaired quality of life. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative, leveraging photosensitizers such as hypericin to selectively target tumour cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of hypericin-mediated PDT (HY-PDT) in treating head and neck cancers. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2000 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials focusing on HY-PDT for head and neck malignancies and its subtypes. Results: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising both in vitro and in vivo investigations. HY-PDT consistently demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against squamous cell carcinoma cells through apoptotic and necrotic pathways, primarily mediated by ROS generation. Hypericin exhibited selective uptake in cancer cells over normal keratinocytes. Additionally, HY-PDT modulated the tumour microenvironment by altering cytokine profiles, such as by increasing IL-20 and sIL-6R levels, which may enhance antitumor immunity and reduce metastasis. Conclusions: HY-PDT emerges as a highly promising and minimally toxic treatment modality for head and neck cancers, demonstrating efficacy in inducing selective tumour cell death and modulating the immune microenvironment. Despite the encouraging preclinical evidence, significant methodological variability and limited clinical data necessitate further large-scale, standardized and randomized controlled trials.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shows promise in the treatment of gliomas, the most prevalent primary malignant tumors in the central nervous system. Despite challenges such as tumor hypoxia and resistance to therapy, PDT can be used alone or in combination with other anticancer treatments. Research indicates that PDT can improve the survival of patients with malignant gliomas, although further efforts are required to standardize and optimize this therapy. Cell cultures are an indispensable tool in glioma research and PDT development. In vitro studies of PDT are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of various photosensitizing agents and light dosages on glioma cells. In vitro tests provide an initial assessment of the efficacy of a substance under controlled conditions, predicting potential effects before moving on to in vivo studies. Interest in glioma research is increasing, and a deep understanding of the molecular basis of PDT is essential to advance this therapeutic approach. This review aims to summarize current knowledge in vitro PDT in glioma cell cultures. The review highlights the importance of in vitro testing for PDT in gliomas, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the factors that influence the efficacy of PDT. Recent advances and the necessity for in vitro studies are underscored.

The Greek roots of the word “photodynamic” are as follows: “phos” (φω~ς) means “light” and “dynamis” (δύναμις) means “force” or “power”. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative treatment method based on the ability of photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species after the exposure to light that corresponds to an absorbance wavelength of the photosensitizer, either in the visible or near-infrared range. This process results in damage to pathological cancer cells, while minimizing the impact on healthy tissues. PDT is a promising direction in the treatment of many diseases, with particular emphasis on the fight against cancer and other diseases associated with excessive cell growth. The power of light contributed to the creation of phototherapy, whose history dates back to ancient times. It was then noticed that some substances exposed to the sun have a negative effect on the body, while others have a therapeutic effect. This work provides a detailed review of photodynamic therapy, from its origins to the present day. It is surprising how a seemingly simple beam of light can have such a powerful healing effect, which is used not only in dermatology, but also in oncology, surgery, microbiology, virology, and even dentistry. However, despite promising results, photodynamic therapy still faces many challenges. Moreover, photodynamic therapy requires further research and improvement.

Hormonal factors, atopy, viral infections, gastroesophageal reflux, ischemic heart disease and swimming in a pool are believed to affect the development of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). It is suggested that patients with PANDO have more advanced inflammatory lesions revealed by the tomographic examination of the paranasal sinuses. The authors’ aim was to answer the question whether there is a connection between the chronic inflammation and disruption of the microbiome of the nasal cavity and sinuses and the development of inflammation in the lacrimal ducts. Pubmed.gov was the information source. Years reviewed included 2018 to 2023. Inclusion criteria included presence of an abstract, pathology of the nasolacrimal ducts, acute and chronic inflammation of the nasolacrimal ducts, papers written in English, studies on humans, publications regarding pathology of the lacrimal sac and paranasal sinuses, case report. The exclusion criteria included: lack of abstract, pathologies of other sections of the drainage system, pathology of the nasolacrimal ducts, other than chronic or acute inflammation, papers written in a language other than English, lack of case report. No gender criterion was used. Based on the data available in the literature, only 7 studies described the co-occurrence of pathologies of the lacrimal ducts and paranasal sinuses. Only 4 publications contained information on the microbiome and identified Streptococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus, and in 2 cases no increase in pathological flora was revealed. The question about the relationship between the microbiome of the lacrimal sac and the paranasal sinuses and their mutual impact on the developing inflammation has not been answered, which, according to the authors, requires further research.

b>Introduction: Sphenoid sinus melanoma is extremely rare – only 7 cases have been described in the available literature. Aim: We present the next case of a 77-year-old female with melanoma of the left sphenoid sinus treated in our ENT Department. Case study: A 77-year-old female was admitted to our department due to the histologically confirmed left sphenoid sinus malignant melanoma. During admission, the patient was treated with Pembrolizumab at the Oncology Center in Gliwice. In our department, she underwent endoscopic surgery of the left sphenoid sinus and nasopharynx six times. The patient’s last admission on 04/2023 was caused by the heavy epistaxis from the left nasal cavity. She died less than a year after the last surgical intervention (04/2023) due to the generalization of the neoplastic disease. Conclusions: Malignant melanoma of the sphenoid sinus is an extremely rare neoplasm. The endoscopic resection of the tumor remains the treatment of choice. However, newer modalities like biologic and immunomodulatory treatments are being studied. The 5-year survival rates in these cases are only 10–15%.

b>Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as the sudden onset of hearing loss of 30 dB or more, across three consecutive frequencies in a pure-tone audiogram occurring within a 72-hour period. The term “sensorineural” indicates that the cause of the hearing loss lies in disturbances within the cochlea or auditory nerve. SSNHL typically presents as unilateral, transient hearing loss that occurs upon awakening. Bilateral hearing loss occurs in less than 2% of patients. Additionally, patients may report sensations of ear fullness or blockage, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Aim: Defining the management of SSNHL in pregnant women. Case report: This article describes the case of a 36-years-old pregnant woman who developed hearing impairment in the left ear in the third trimester along with tinnitus and balance disorders. Discussion: The occurrence of SSNHL in pregnant women is rare and not well understood. Majority of pregnant patients with SSNHL experienced the condition in second or third trimester. Key elements facilitating an accurate diagnosis include: interview and physical examination, hearing tests, balance evaluation, and imaging studies. The exact causes of SSNHL in pregnant women remain unknown. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy can have some contribution to development of this condition. Onset of SSNHL symptoms could resemble Ménière’s disease. Conclusions: Due to rare occurrence of SSNHL in pregnant women, there is no standardized approach to managing this medical issue. Given that most cases of SSNHL are classified as idiopathic, empirical treatment primarily involves steroids.

b> Introduction: Sleep is the physiological state of the body where proper morphology and duration are indispensable for human functions throughout both, physical and mental spheres. Disordered breathing during sleep impairs its morphology and results in major disorders in any age group. Adverse effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in children and poor availability of centers offering children’s polysomnography call for a reliable and easily accessible screening method. Aim: The aim of the study were to evaluate the usefulness of pulse transit time in the diagnostics of disordered sleep breathing in children and to attempt to employ the parameter in screening tests. Pulse transit time is a physiological parameter determining the time needed for the pulse wave to travel between two measurement points. Material and methods: Enrolled in the retrospective study were 153 patients (100 boys and 53 girls) suspected of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who underwent polysomnography at I. Mościcki ENT Hospital in Chorzów. Results: Statistically significant relations between apnea/hypopnea index and pulse transit time were observed in both, individual age groups and all of the patients. Pulse transit time results proved a negative correlation with apnea/hypopnea index values commonly accepted as a parameter concluding the polysomnography procedures. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that pulse transit time measurements may find application in screening tests of sleep-disordered breathing in children.</br

Background The DIAPH2 gene is one of the genes commonly associated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). In our study, we considered the four polymorphisms of this gene, i.e. rs5920828, rs4322175, rs12851931 and rs5921830 as potential genetic risk factors for LSCC. Methods We determined the genotyping of the genetic variants of DIAPH2 in 230 male patients with histologically confirmed LSCC compared to the European population. Demographic and environmental exposure data of each subject were examined. To conduct the genetic tests, extraction of total DNA was performed. We genotyped all four variants in each patient and determined their frequencies. Results In the case of the rs12851931 polymorphism in the DIAPH2 gene, a significant difference was observed in the distribution of the T stage depending on the polymorphism. Heterozygotes were more often associated with T2 stage, while homozygotes were more likely to have higher tumor stages. The rs12851931 homozygotes of DIAPH2 were statistically significantly more prevalent in smokers. The results suggested that rs12851931 polymorphism in DIAPH2 could increase the onset risk of LSCC. Conclusions Our results provide further information on the role of the DIAPH2 gene in the pathogenesis of LSCC.

Background: Aberrant DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification in cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, the analysis of methylation levels appears necessary to improve cancer therapy and prognosis. Methods: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse global DNA methylation levels in OPSCC and OSCC tumours and the margin samples after DNA isolation. HPV detection was conducted by hybridisation using GenoFlow HPV Array Test Kits (DiagCor Bioscience Inc., Hong Kong, China). EBV detection was performed using real-time PCR with an EBV PCR Kit (EBV/ISEX/100, GeneProof, Brno, Czech Republic). Results: OPSCC tumour samples obtained from women showed lower global DNA methylation levels than those from men (1.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049). The margin samples from OPSCC patients with HPV and EBV coinfection showed global DNA methylation lower than those without coinfection (p = 0.042). G3 tumours from OSCC patients had significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation than G2 tumours (0.98% ± 0.74% vs. 3.77% ± 4.97%, p = 0.010). Additionally, tumours from HPV-positive OSCC patients had significantly lower global DNA methylation levels than those from HPV-negative patients (p = 0.013). In the margin samples, we observed a significant negative correlation between global DNA methylation and the N stage of OSCC patients (rS = −0.33, p = 0.039). HPV-positive OPSCC patients had higher global DNA methylation levels than HPV-positive OSCC patients (p = 0.015). Conclusion: We confirmed that methylation could be changed in relation to viral factors, such as HPV and EBV, as well as clinical and demographical parameters.