Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat, above its physiological needs and adaptive capacity. Causes of obesity are overeating, lack of physical activity, genetic factors, damage to the hypothalamus and abdominal-medial hypothalamic nuclei, some medications, mood disorders and stress. Results of some studies imply that trace heavy metals may represent significant risk factors for the development of obesity, especially in areas that the degree of metal pollution is considerable. Our aim has been to present results of recent research into the role of heavy metals in the development of obesity. There are many studies on the relationship of exposure to heavy metals such as manganese, barium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, zinc, iron, or copper and obesity. The relationship between cadmium and its effects on obesity has been demonstrated. Exposure to cadmium results in a meaningful increase in hepatic GluT2, glucokinase, carbohydrate regulatory element binding protein (Chrebp), and pyruvate kinase mRNA. At the same time, activation of lipogenic proteins was discovered. Cadmium exposure resulted in a significant increase in free fatty acids and serum glucose level. Fat cells exposed to this metal significantly decreased dose-dependent cell viability after Cd2+ exposure. Adipocytes exposed to cadmium are characterized by an elevated rate of lipogenesis from glucose. As for the other heavy metals, further research is needed because not every study has linked these elements, especially cobalt and lead, to obesity. It has been shown that a lower concentration of zinc and a higher concentration of copper in blood can increase the risk of obesity. However, it is necessary to recognize the mechanisms of action of these elements on the process of obesity.

Cadmium is a metal which was discovered in 1817. Because it is easily absorbed and accumulated in living organisms, a high concentration of this chemical element in water, air and soil poses a risk to people and the environment. Cadmium is also used in industry. It is not degraded and has a long half-life. The objective of our study was to search several databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Medline) to find papers relating to the impact of cadmium on male infertility (in both animals and humans). The main sources of cadmium for humans are occupational exposure and food. The major sources of cadmium in the human diet are grains, fish, vegetables and fruit contaminated with this metal. Another important source of cadmium is cigarette smoke, which in some cases may be the main source of exposure. Daily cadmium intake from food by adults in different countries ranges from 11 to 200 micrograms. In Poland, daily intake of this element is 11-30 mu g. The tolerable weekly intake of cadmium, which takes into account safety conditions and the degree of environmental pollution by cadmium, is set at 2.5 mu g kg(-1) body weight/week. Cadmium in the human organism can cause various health consequences, including morphological changes in the reproductive organs. Morphological changes induced by cadmium include necrosis of the seminal tubules and interstitial edema, which leads to decreased testosterone synthesis and impaired spermatogenesis. Cadmium is also a recognized carcinogen, which is mutagenic and genotoxic. Cadmium in animal cells can also cause dysfunction of some metabolic pathways, which can lead to carcinogenesis. The increasingly recognized impairment of fertility in men can be attributed to growing environmental exposure to this chemical element.

Introduction. Diagnostic imaging is an extremely important step towards making the final diagnosis of many diseases. Among the criteria of numerous diseases are cutaneous or mucosal changes, which occur paroxysmal and persist for a short time. Currently, patients are increasingly using technological progress and they document such changes with the help of mobile phone cameras. Purpose of work. The aim of the study was to determine whether patients turn to doctors with photographs or videos documenting their symptoms and whether it is useful in making the final diagnosis. Material and methods. The research method was a questionnaire constructed by authors of the article, which was answered by 107 doctors employees of the Medical University of Lublin and the Medical University of Bialystok. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. Results. 75 (70%) of the respondents admitted that the patients brought them photos and videos documenting their symptoms. 73 (68%) of respondents considered them useful in making final diagnosis of diseases. Pictures and videos of head were shown to the doctors by 39 (36%) patients, pictures of neck by 30 (28%), pictures of upper limb by 37 (34%), pictures of lower limb by 39 (36%), pictures of chest by 38 (35%), pictures of stomach by 26 (24%) patients , pictures of pelvis by 26 (24%) patients, pictures of the back by 12 (11%), pictures of nails by 7 (6.5%), pictures of hair by 5 (4.6%) and pictures of eyes by 7 (6.5%) patients. Conclusions. Documenting short lasting dermal and mucosal symptoms by patients in the form of self photographs or films is a new tool that can help doctors in finding the right diagnosis.

Selenium, a non-metal chemical element, is present in the human body in trace quantities and accumulates mostly in the thyroid gland. Selenium-rich food includes offal, meat and meat products, seafood, milk and dairy products, yeast, and bread. The aim of the study is to collate and discuss research results obtained over the last 13 years regarding the influence of selenium in diseases of the thyroid gland. Selenium deficiency can lead to a number of thyroid diseases. Over 30 proteins containing selenium called selenoproteins, and their numerous functions in the human body, have been identified. Research shows that selenium is essential for proper synthesis, activation and metabolism of thyroid hormones. It also can postpone the development of hypothyroidism, reduce the level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), normalize thyroid echogenicity in ultrasound examination, improve the condition of patients with Graves' disease andautoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), and reduce the incidence of postpartum thyroid dysfunction. The recommended dose of selenium for adults is 45-55 mu g 24 h(-1) (Polish recommendations) or 55 mu g 24 h(-1) (recommendations in the US). Selenium may have a toxic effect in doses above 400 mu g 24 h(-1); therefore a threshold of 400 mu g 24 h(-1) has been adopted as the maximum safe dose. The role of selenium supplementation in diseases of the thyroid gland is still subject to discussion.

Abstract Introduction. The skin is one of the largest organs of the body protecting from external insults in order to maintain homeostasis. It plays many roles: in thermal, electrolyte, hormonal, metabolic, and immune regulation. Proper pH of skin plays a role in creation of skin barrier and resistance to external agents. Cl2 and Fe may irritate skin. If noxious factors are strong, they damage the tissues under the skin. When the insult is severe enough to overwhelm the protective function of the skin, it may manifest itself with acute or chronic skin injury. Therefore, it is important to know if the used skin products are safe. Aim. The objective of the study was to determine pH, Cl2 and Fe content in selected cosmetics. Material and methods. A total of 62 skin product samples were collected and divided into 4 groups: I soaps and gels, II hair cosmetics, III creams and balms, IV facial cosmetics. The pH, Cl2 and Fe content in each sample was determined three times and means were calculated. Data were analyzed with one way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results. The pH in group III was significantly higher than in the other groups. Fe content was significantly higher in hair cosmetics as well as in creams and balms. Cl2 content was high in soaps and hair cosmetics. Conclusions. The majority of the analyzed samples had pH within the healthy range. Traces of Cl2 and Fe present in cosmetics are unlikely to cause skin irritation.

Background . Anti-DFS70 antibodies are a subgroup of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). They are connected with the dense fine speckled autoantigen of 70 kD, known as the lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75. Objectives. The objective of the review is to present the role of anti-DFS70 antibodies in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases on the basis of recent publications. Material and methods . The authors searched for articles in the Pubmed database using the key words: anti-DFS70 antibodies, systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and autoimmune disorders. Results . Anti-DFS70 antibodies can be detected in eye diseases, atopic diseases, alopecia areata, fibromyalgia, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, tumors, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, Behcet’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, neoplasms and in infectious diseases. These antibodies are sometimes detected in patients with ANA-associated rheumatic diseases (AARD ). Up to 20% of serum samples from healthy individuals (HI) are ANA-positive. This is probably due to the presence of monospecific anti-DFS70 antibodies. Monospecific anti-DFS70 antibodies are not associated with AARD , but mixed anti-DFS70 can be found in AARD . Conclusions . Family physicians usually do not order ANA, extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) or anti-DFS70 antibodies, but they should be aware that anti-DFS70 antibodies are biomarkers that can discriminate AARD from non-AARD , save patients from unnecessary, potentially toxic treatment and save finances typically spent on retesting and visits to specialists.

Results. Only 12 individuals (12.12% of total 99 subjects; 7 females and 5 males) declared heavy smoking. Surprisingly, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure values, and total FINDRISC values did not significantly differ between heavy smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions. A low incidence of nicotinism in the examined population proves an effectiveness of a public program encouraging to non-smoking. In opposition to common beliefs, nicotinism is not an efficient tool for weight reduction. The diabetes risk seems to be not increased by cigarette smoking; however this result should be confirmed in a study on the larger group of patients.

Pyrethroids are biocides, which belong to the third generation of insecticides. They are used as biocides, insecticides and medicines. These agents react selectively, because they are less harmful to birds and mammals (due to poor intestinal absorption and rapid detoxification in the body of homeothermic organisms) and they are poisonous for fish and insects.The aim of the article is to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of pyrethroids on the immune system based on the latest scientific research.The mechanism of action of pyrethroids include the delaying closure of voltage- sensitive sodium and chloride channels (including GABA- dependent channels). These compounds are neurotoxic.Studies have shown that they cause numerous immune disorders contributing to lowering of immunity in humans and animals. Exposure to pyrethroids can cause inhibition of proliferation of peripheral blood leukocytes and reducing the concentration of IgG immunolgobulines. They also cause reduced macrophages and decrease in interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Some of these compounds cause increase of liver weight and increase of bone marrow cellularity, and may induce apoptosis of the thymus. Pyrethroids can cause allergies and asthma. Their immunosuppressive effects can impair host resistance against infections. Exposure to these compounds can also contribute to induction of the cancer, especially in patients with impaired immune function.