This review focuses on the relationship between h e p a t i t i s C v i r u s ( H C V ) i n fe c t i o n a n d g l u c o s e metabolism derangements. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that the chronic HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The direct effect of HCV on the insulin signaling has been analyzed in experimental models. Although currently available data should be considered as preliminary, HCV seems to affect glucose metabolism via mechanisms that involve cellular pathways that have been implicated in the host innate immune response. IR and T2D not only accelerate the histological and clinical progression of chronic hepatitis C, but also reduce the early and sustained virological response to interferonalpha-based therapy. Thus, a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the HCV-associated glucose metabolism derangements is warranted, in order to improve the clinical management of chronic hepatitis C patients.

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X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) is a scaffold protein and a key element in DNA base excision repair process. Although, the role of XRCC1 polymorphisms in male infertility has been studied broadly, it is still a matter of debate. Hence, in order to shed light on the problem, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the overall effect of XRCC1 polymorphisms in male infertility risk. Databases, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched until September 15, 2018. Afterwards, the genotypes' distribution, genotyping methods, and ethnicity groups were extracted, and overall analyses were conducted. A total number of fi ve researches on 1,407 subjects and 974 controls were found to meet our criteria in this meta-analysis. The XRCC1 Arg399Gln (rs25487) polymorphism was analyzed. This is the fi rst meta-analysis to investigate the association of XRCC1 polymorphisms (codon 399) and male infertility risk. Our results indicated that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was not associated with male infertility risk in the total studied populations (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 26). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Background Adhesion band formation is a common cause of morbidity for patients undergoing surgeries. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of curcumin, a pharmacologically active component of Curcuma longa, have been investigated in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in attenuating post-operative adhesion band (PSAB) formation in both peritoneal and peritendinous surgeries in animal models. Methods Bio-mechanical, histological and quantitative evaluation of inflammation, and total fibrosis scores were graded and measured in the presence and absence of phytosomal curcumin. Results Results showed that phytosomal curcumin significantly decreased severity, length, density and tolerance of mobility of peritendinous adhesions as well as incidence and severity of abdominal fibrotic bands post-surgery. Curcumin may decrease inflammation by attenuating recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in post-operative tissue samples. Moreover, markedly lower fibrosis scores were obtained in the adhesive tissues of phytosomal curcumin-treated groups which correlated with a significant decrease in quantity, quality and grading of fibers, and collagen deposition in animal models. Conclusion These results suggest that protective effects of phytosomal curcumin against PSAB formation is partially mediated by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis at site of surgery. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of this molecule in preventing PSAB.

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Aim: Deficiency in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, participates in abnormal erythrocyte membrane lipids, structural alterations and hemolysis in advanced cirrhosis. Poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins limits full correction of deficiency with standard formulations in cirrhosis with cholestasis. The aim of the present study was to examine safety and effects of tocofersolan, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E, on erythrocyte membrane lipids and anemia in patients with biopsy-proven advanced cirrhosis, vitamin E deficiency and hemolysis. Results: Abdominal pain occurred in one patient. Five patients received blood transfusions due to severe anemia. After 4 weeks, both Chol and Phosph decreased, but changes were not significant. Both plasma vitamin E (P < 0.05) and hemoglobin (P < 0.05) increased, together with a decrease in total (P < 0.05) and conjugated (P < 0.05) bilirubin. Conclusion:In patients with advanced cirrhosis, low vitamin E plasma levels and chronic anemia with hemolysis, oral tocofersolan was overall well tolerated, but did not affect erythrocyte membrane lipid composition.

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