A. Scinska - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by A. Scinska
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 2008
Neuroimaging studies suggest a significant overlap between brain regions involved in the regulati... more Neuroimaging studies suggest a significant overlap between brain regions involved in the regulation of olfaction and mood. The aim of the present study was to search for correlations between depressive symptomatology measured by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and olfactory function assessed with Sniffin' Sticks in non-demented older adults (aged 53-79 years). Methods: Taste detection thresholds were also measured by means of electrogustometry on the anterior tongue. Results: No correlation was found between the GDS scores (range: 0-12) and olfactory thresholds or olfactory identification scores. Similarly, there was no relationship between depressive symptoms and electrogustometric thresholds. Subjects (n = 25) scoring Ն5 on the GDS were classified as 'depressed' and all other individuals (n = 60) were classified as 'nondepressed'. The two groups did not differ in terms of the olfactory measures and electrogustometric threshold. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are not associated with any major olfactory deficit in non-clinical older adults.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2009
Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the... more Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the presence of mania (or hypomania) in the course of the latter, significant differences between unipolar and bipolar depression have also been found in clinical studies. The primary aim of the present investigation was to assess pleasantness/unpleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli in depressed patients, including subjects with unipolar and bipolar depression. Sensory aspects (thresholds and identification abilities) of gustatory and olfactory function were also assessed. There were no major differences between a depression group, as a whole, and healthy controls in terms of gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities. Similarly, pleasantness ratings of various gustatory and olfactory stimuli did not differ between the control and depression group. Gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities did not differ between individuals with unipolar and bipolar depression. Bipolar patients tended to rate less gustatory stimuli as unpleasant and more olfactory stimuli as pleasant compared to unipolar patients. The present results suggest that: i) depression is not associated with any major deficit in sensory aspects of gustatory and olfactory function or altered hedonic ratings of chemosensory stimuli; ii) hedonic responses to chemosensory stimuli tend to be increased in bipolar as compared to unipolar depressed patients.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2009
Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the... more Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the presence of mania (or hypomania) in the course of the latter, significant differences between unipolar and bipolar depression have also been found in clinical studies. The primary aim of the present investigation was to assess pleasantness/unpleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli in depressed patients, including subjects with unipolar and bipolar depression. Sensory aspects (thresholds and identification abilities) of gustatory and olfactory function were also assessed. There were no major differences between a depression group, as a whole, and healthy controls in terms of gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities. Similarly, pleasantness ratings of various gustatory and olfactory stimuli did not differ between the control and depression group. Gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities did not differ between individuals with unipolar and bipolar depression. Bipolar patients tended to rate less gustatory stimuli as unpleasant and more olfactory stimuli as pleasant compared to unipolar patients. The present results suggest that: i) depression is not associated with any major deficit in sensory aspects of gustatory and olfactory function or altered hedonic ratings of chemosensory stimuli; ii) hedonic responses to chemosensory stimuli tend to be increased in bipolar as compared to unipolar depressed patients.
Otolaryngologia Polska, 2007
Obustronne pora˝enie nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych nast´puje w wi´kszoÊci przypadków w wyniku int... more Obustronne pora˝enie nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych nast´puje w wi´kszoÊci przypadków w wyniku interwencji chirurgicznych w obr´bie gruczo∏u tarczowego. Ze wzgl´du na przebieg obu nerwów w bezpoÊrednim sàsiedztwie tylnej powierzchni torebki gruczo∏u, w zmiennym po∏o˝eniu w stosunku do t´tnicy tarczowej dolnej, sà one w tym miejscu ∏atwe do uszkodzenia. Innymi, mo˝liwymi przyczynami pora˝enia nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych sà zabiegi wykonywane w obr´bie Êródpiersia i klatki piersiowej, mi´dzy innymi operacyjne leczenie przetok tchawiczo-prze∏ykowych, a tak˝e procesy rozrostowe w obr´bie klatki piersiowej [13, 14]. Ze wzgl´du na odmienny przebieg obu nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych, w przypadku zmian w obr´bie Êródpiersia, zwykle dochodzi do pora˝enia jednostronnego-po stronie lewej. W rzadkich przypadkach choroby nowotworowej toczàcej si´ pierwotnie w obr´bie klatki piersiowej mo˝e wyst´powaç pora˝enie obustronne. Pora˝enie nerwu krtaniowego wstecznego wià˝e si´ przede wszystkim z wy∏àczeniem funkcji wszystkich mi´Êni wewnàtrzkrtaniowych. Napi´cie czynnego nadal mi´Ênia pier-17
Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, 2000
Recent studies have indicated that glutamatergic NMDA receptors in the cochlea may be involved in... more Recent studies have indicated that glutamatergic NMDA receptors in the cochlea may be involved in ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides in animal subjects. Aminoglycoside antibiotics enhance the function of NMDA receptors by interaction with a polyamine modulatory site. Accordingly, high doses of aminoglycosides may increase calcium entry through the NMDA receptor-associated channel and promote degeneration of hair cells and cochlear nerve fibers. In line with the above, a polyamine site antagonist, ifenprodil as well as a high-affinity channel blocker, dizocilpine (MK-801) attenuates ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides in rats. Notably, ifenprodil as well as low-affinity channel blockers (e.g. memantine and amantadine) may be safely used in humans. Taken together, the above findings seem to open new avenues of research on selective pharmacotherapy of aminoglycosides-induced ototoxicity in humans.
Postepy biochemii, 2008
Recently published papers report a large number of mitochondrial DNA mutations in many different ... more Recently published papers report a large number of mitochondrial DNA mutations in many different cancer types, but their significance for electron transport chain proteins remains unknown. This review covers structural mutations of mitochondrial genes, choosing prostate cancer, esophageal cancer and epithelioma as research models. As all mitochondrial genes encode subunits of the electron transport chain, the review focuses on the consequences of structural mutations on cell metabolism.
Otolaryngologia Polska, 2008
Data reported until today suggested a pivotal role of nuclear DNA mutations in the process of car... more Data reported until today suggested a pivotal role of nuclear DNA mutations in the process of carcinogenesis. Recently more and more authors claim that disruption of mitochondrial DNA should not be excluded from this analysis. mtDNA have been reported in many cancers of head and neck region. Mitochondrial D-loop has been proven to be mutation hot-spot with majority of mutations in the positions 303 to 315 of poly-C tract. Data show that 37% of patients with premalignant lesions and 62% with carcinoma in situ are positive for mtDNA mutations. Moreover mutations in genes encoding ND2, ND5, COIII, CYTB, and ATP6 were observed in 17% of patients. Mutations in mitochondrial rRNA genes occured in similar number of cases. Neoplastic cells undifferentiation and disease progression is accompanied by multiplication of mtDNA number and increased mtDNA content. mtDNA content corellates with the stage of the disease. mtDNA mutations faciliate cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis by increasing the production of ractive oxygen species (ROS). Cells harbouring mutated mtDNA have increased proliferation rate, as increased ROS concentration may act as an endogenous growth factor.
Physiology & Behavior, 2004
The Fos family of transcription factors may play a key role in various forms of brain plasticity.... more The Fos family of transcription factors may play a key role in various forms of brain plasticity. Among different genes coding Fos proteins is the fosB gene. Protein products of the fosB gene are thought to be critically involved in neural adaptations produced by chronic treatment with drugs of abuse. fosB gene transcription leads to accumulation of full-length FosB as well as its truncated form, deltafosB. Stable isoforms of deltafosB called chronic FRAs accumulate in the brain after chronic administration of various drugs of abuse. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the fosB gene in two-bottle choice ethanol self-administration. For this aim, ethanol (2-8% v/v) intake and preference was assessed in fosB mutant (n=17) and wild-type (WT) mice (n=16). For comparison, consumption of saccharin (0.05-0.8% w/v) and quinine (15-960 microM) solutions was assessed in the same animals. Ethanol preference in both groups varied from around 50% for the lowest to 20% for the highest ethanol concentration. Neither ethanol intake (g/kg) nor preference differed between the two genotypes. In contrast, saccharin preference, but not intake, was higher in the fosB mutants. Only slight and inconsistent between-group differences were observed in terms of quinine preference. The present results suggest that permanent elimination of fosB gene products does not alter ethanol intake but may enhance preference for sweet solutions in mice.
Physiology & Behavior, 2004
Animal studies suggest that induction of depression-like states may alter preference for sweet ta... more Animal studies suggest that induction of depression-like states may alter preference for sweet tastants. A major goal of the present study was to search for correlations between depressive symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and taste responses to sweet and bitter substances. Thirty-three nonclinical volunteers rated intensity and pleasantness of chocolate and vanilla milk as well as of sucroseand quinine-soaked filter paper disks. Reactivity to citric acid (sour) and sodium chloride (salty) was also tested with the paper disk methodology. Taste detection thresholds were assessed by means of electrogustometry. A weak inverse relationship was found between the BDI scores (range: 3-33) and rated intensity of paper disks soaked in 60% sucrose. No correlations were found between depressive symptoms and intensity, pleasantness or identification of the other samples. Similarly, there was no relationship between the BDI scores and responses to chocolate and vanilla milk. BDI scores were not associated with electrogustometric thresholds. These data suggest that depressive symptoms may not influence taste reactivity in nonclinical population.
Neuroscience Letters, 2013
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug acting preferentially at α1-containing GABAA recep... more Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug acting preferentially at α1-containing GABAA receptors expressed in various parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary characteristics of zolpidem-induced catalepsy in Wistar rats. Zolpidem (2.5-10.0mg/kg), but not diazepam and midazolam, produced dose-dependent cataleptic responses in the bar test, which were similar to those produced by a reference antipsychotic drug, haloperidol. Zolpidem-induced catalepsy was abolished by a benzodiazepine site antagonist, flumazenil (5.0mg/kg), D2/3 receptor agonist, quinpirole (1.0mg/kg), and a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.1mg/kg), but not by a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone (3.0mg/kg). The present results indicate that systemic injections of zolpidem may produce short-lasting, neuroleptic-like catalepsy in the rat.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2009
periventricular changes (PVH) and deep subcortical changes (DSC). All patients had MMSE scores an... more periventricular changes (PVH) and deep subcortical changes (DSC). All patients had MMSE scores and depression was identified using the PHQ9 questionnaire. Results: 48 patients fulfilled the above criteria. 26 patients had moderate to severe CI (MMSE < 17) while 22 patients had mild CI (MMSE > 16). The mean age was 66 years and 27 patients were males. Patients with moderate to severe CI had significantly more WMH compared to those with mild CI (M = 10.75 vs. 9.40, p = 0.036). PVH change (M= 5.47 vs. 4.56, p = 0.031) but not the DSC changes (M= 5.23 vs. 4.84, p = 0.267) were more predictive of cognitive impairment. There was no significant difference in the laterality of WMH lesions or the number of microhemorrhages in the two groups (M = 2.05 vs. 1.88, p = 0.78). There was no significant difference in the presence of depression between the 2 groups (p = 0.437). Conclusion: The presence of WMH but not microhemorrhages correlate with the presence of CI in a post stroke population. These findings can potentially be used to identify patients at high risk for developing CI.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2013
Pleasant tastes and odors are considered phylogenetically old natural rewards and their hedonic e... more Pleasant tastes and odors are considered phylogenetically old natural rewards and their hedonic evaluation is regarded as a good indicator of the reward system function. The primary aim of the present study was to compare pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions (1-30%, w/w) and sweet liking/disliking status in 20 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in 20 age-matched healthy controls. In addition, basic sensory aspects of gustatory (intensity ratings, electrogustometric thresholds) and olfactory function (identification abilities in the Sniffin' Stick test) were assessed in both groups. The number of odors rated as pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral was also compared. As expected, the PD patients showed a significant impairment in olfactory identification abilities. There were no differences between the PD patients and controls in electrogustometric thresholds. Rated intensity of higher sucrose concentrations did not differ between the groups. The PD patients tended to rate water taste as more intense in comparison with the controls. Pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions, the proportion of subjects rating 30% sucrose as the most pleasant (sweet likers), and the number of odors rated as pleasant did not differ between the study groups. The present results suggest that PD does not lead to any obvious alterations in pleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli. The study requires replication in larger samples.
Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2009
It has been recently reported that brain damage involving specific cortical regions can lead to d... more It has been recently reported that brain damage involving specific cortical regions can lead to disruption of nicotine addiction. 1 We present a case of a highly dependent smoker with a right thalamic lesion who stopped smoking after an episode of paroxysmal hypersomnia. Case Report A 54-year-old right-handed man with various cardiovascular disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness was diagnosed with a dissociative disorder at a peripheral hospital. In 2007, the patient selfreferred to our center for further psychiatric evaluation. A detailed medical interview revealed a 4-year history of paroxysmal hypersomnia related to stressful life events and lasting up to 72 hours. The first episode was presumably associated with symptoms of stroke, including persistent left hemisensory syndrome and mild reversible hemiparesis. The symptoms were attributed to the patient's dissociative disorder and a CT scan was not performed. Each subsequent episode resulted in various cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, including retrograde amnesia and aggressive behaviors. An episode in 2005 was followed by rapid, easy, and permanent smoking cessation as well as partial loss of olfactory and gustatory identification abilities. The patient experienced symptoms of nicotine abstinence (irritability, depressed mood, increased appetite, and LETTERS
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2005
Preclinical studies indicate that dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia may be involved ... more Preclinical studies indicate that dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia may be involved in processing of both pleasant and unpleasant stimuli. Given this, the aim of the present study was to assess taste responses to sweet, bitter, sour, and salty substances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Rated intensity and pleasantness of filter paper discs soaked in sucrose (10-60%), quinine (0.025-0.5%), citric acid (0.25-4.0%), or sodium chloride (1.25-20%) solutions was evaluated in 30 patients with PD and in 33 healthy controls. Paper discs soaked in deionised water served as control stimuli. In addition, reactivity to 100 ml samples of chocolate and vanilla milk was assessed in both groups. Taste detection thresholds were assessed by means of electrogustometry. Sociodemographic and neuropsychiatric data, including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, tea and coffee drinking, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning were collected. Results: In general, perceived intensity, pleasantness, and identification of the sucrose, quinine, citric acid, or sodium chloride samples did not differ between the PD patients and controls. Intensity ratings of the filter papers soaked in 0.025% quinine were significantly higher in the PD patients compared with the control group. No inter-group differences were found in taste responses to chocolate and vanilla milk. Electrogustometric thresholds were significantly (p = 0.001) more sensitive in the PD patients. Conclusions: PD is not associated with any major alterations in responses to pleasant or unpleasant taste stimuli. Patients with PD may present enhanced taste acuity in terms of electrogustometric threshold.
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 2010
Objective:Apart from its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid is also thou... more Objective:Apart from its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid is also thought to regulate various stages of cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain and periphery. The present study aimed to assess the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid and its biochemical precursor glutamic acid (glutamate) in benign parotid tumours and in unstimulated parotid saliva.Method:Unstimulated parotid saliva was collected bilaterally, using the swab method, in 20 patients with unilateral pleomorphic adenoma or Warthin's tumour. Samples of tumour and adjacent salivary tissue were collected during tumour resection.Results:Concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, but not aspartate, were significantly higher in the tumour tissue than in the non-tumour tissue. There was no significant difference in salivary concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate or aspartate, comparing the involved and non-involved side.Conclusion:The present results provide preliminary ev...
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 2007
Objective:To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients wi... more Objective:To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients with post-tonsillectomy taste distortions, and to show that post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia may originate in the caudal part of the soft palate.Case report:We describe a 29-year-old man who suffered from severe post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia and phantogeusia with secondary weight loss and depression-like symptomatology. The patient had normal electrogustometric thresholds and sensitivity to touch on the posterior tongue. In contrast, elevated taste threshold and reduced sensitivity to touch was found on the caudal part of the soft palate (the palatoglossal arches). More marked elevation of electrogustometric threshold and insensitivity to touch on the right palatoglossal arch correlated with post-operative haemorrhage from the right tonsillar fossa. Psychiatric examination excluded major depression, eating disorders and drug abuse.Conclusions:Dysgeusia constitutes a rare but significant complic...
Journal of biomedical science, Jan 8, 2010
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare female genital neoplasm. Although numerous molecu... more Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare female genital neoplasm. Although numerous molecular changes have been reported in VSCC, biomarkers of clinical relevance are still lacking. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence on the use of mtDNA as a diagnostic tool in oncology. In order to investigate mtDNA status in VSCC patients, haplogroup distribution analysis and D-loop sequencing were performed. The results were compared with available data for the general Polish population, cancer free-centenarians as well as patients with endometrial and head and neck cancer. The obtained data were also compared with the current status of mitochondrial databases. Significant differences in haplogroup distribution between VSCC cohort, general Polish population and cancer-free centenarians cohort were found. Moreover, a correlation between the VSCC patients haplogroup and HPV status was observed. Finally, a specific pattern of mtDNA polymorphisms was found in VSCC. Our results sugges...
Genes, Brain and Behavior, 2011
Inhibitory effects of passive ethanol exposure on brain neurogenesis have been extensively docume... more Inhibitory effects of passive ethanol exposure on brain neurogenesis have been extensively documented in animal models. In contrast, a role of brain neurogenesis in ethanol self-administration has not been addressed, as yet. The aim of this study was to assess intake of, and preference for, ethanol solutions [2-16% (v/v)] in a mouse model of adult neurogenesis deficiency based on permanent knockout (KO) of cyclin D2 (Ccnd2). Wild type (WT) and Ccnd2 KO mice did not differ in 2% and 4% ethanol intake. The KO group consumed significantly more ethanol in g/kg when offered with 8% or 16% ethanol as compared with the WT controls. The WT and KO mice did not differ in 2% ethanol preference, but the KO group showed a significantly higher preference for 4-16% ethanol. Animal and human studies have suggested that the low level of response to the sedative/hypnotic effects of alcohol is genetically associated with enhanced alcohol consumption. However, in this study, there were no between-genotype differences in ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Previous reports have also suggested that high ethanol intake is genetically associated with the avidity for sweets and better acceptance of bitter solutions. However, the KO and WT mice consumed similar amounts of saccharin solutions and the KOs consumed less quinine (i.e. bitter) solutions as compared with the WTs. In conclusion, these results may indicate that Ccnd2 and, possibly, brain neurogenesis are involved in central regulation of ethanol intake in mice.
Frontiers in Bioscience, 2010
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2000
This study examined taste descriptions elicited by ethanol and by other tastants in humans. All s... more This study examined taste descriptions elicited by ethanol and by other tastants in humans. All subjects described 10% ethanol as bitter and :30% of the subjects described it as sweet and/or sour. Highly significant correlations were found between sweetness of some sucrose solutions (0.6-1%) and intensity of the taste of ethanol. In another experiment, quinine (bitter) solutions were rated as similar to 10% ethanol taste and this effect was potentiated by the addition of sucrose. In contrast, citric acid (sour) tended to decrease similarity ratings when added to the quinine solutions. Taken together, these findings suggest that: (1) in humans ethanol tastes both bitter and sweet; and (2) the relationship between sucrose and ethanol intakes previously found in animals and humans may result, at least partially, from similar taste responses elicited by sucrose and ethanol.
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 2008
Neuroimaging studies suggest a significant overlap between brain regions involved in the regulati... more Neuroimaging studies suggest a significant overlap between brain regions involved in the regulation of olfaction and mood. The aim of the present study was to search for correlations between depressive symptomatology measured by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and olfactory function assessed with Sniffin' Sticks in non-demented older adults (aged 53-79 years). Methods: Taste detection thresholds were also measured by means of electrogustometry on the anterior tongue. Results: No correlation was found between the GDS scores (range: 0-12) and olfactory thresholds or olfactory identification scores. Similarly, there was no relationship between depressive symptoms and electrogustometric thresholds. Subjects (n = 25) scoring Ն5 on the GDS were classified as 'depressed' and all other individuals (n = 60) were classified as 'nondepressed'. The two groups did not differ in terms of the olfactory measures and electrogustometric threshold. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are not associated with any major olfactory deficit in non-clinical older adults.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2009
Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the... more Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the presence of mania (or hypomania) in the course of the latter, significant differences between unipolar and bipolar depression have also been found in clinical studies. The primary aim of the present investigation was to assess pleasantness/unpleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli in depressed patients, including subjects with unipolar and bipolar depression. Sensory aspects (thresholds and identification abilities) of gustatory and olfactory function were also assessed. There were no major differences between a depression group, as a whole, and healthy controls in terms of gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities. Similarly, pleasantness ratings of various gustatory and olfactory stimuli did not differ between the control and depression group. Gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities did not differ between individuals with unipolar and bipolar depression. Bipolar patients tended to rate less gustatory stimuli as unpleasant and more olfactory stimuli as pleasant compared to unipolar patients. The present results suggest that: i) depression is not associated with any major deficit in sensory aspects of gustatory and olfactory function or altered hedonic ratings of chemosensory stimuli; ii) hedonic responses to chemosensory stimuli tend to be increased in bipolar as compared to unipolar depressed patients.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 2009
Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the... more Although the crucial distinction between unipolar depressive disorder and bipolar disorder is the presence of mania (or hypomania) in the course of the latter, significant differences between unipolar and bipolar depression have also been found in clinical studies. The primary aim of the present investigation was to assess pleasantness/unpleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli in depressed patients, including subjects with unipolar and bipolar depression. Sensory aspects (thresholds and identification abilities) of gustatory and olfactory function were also assessed. There were no major differences between a depression group, as a whole, and healthy controls in terms of gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities. Similarly, pleasantness ratings of various gustatory and olfactory stimuli did not differ between the control and depression group. Gustatory and olfactory thresholds and identification abilities did not differ between individuals with unipolar and bipolar depression. Bipolar patients tended to rate less gustatory stimuli as unpleasant and more olfactory stimuli as pleasant compared to unipolar patients. The present results suggest that: i) depression is not associated with any major deficit in sensory aspects of gustatory and olfactory function or altered hedonic ratings of chemosensory stimuli; ii) hedonic responses to chemosensory stimuli tend to be increased in bipolar as compared to unipolar depressed patients.
Otolaryngologia Polska, 2007
Obustronne pora˝enie nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych nast´puje w wi´kszoÊci przypadków w wyniku int... more Obustronne pora˝enie nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych nast´puje w wi´kszoÊci przypadków w wyniku interwencji chirurgicznych w obr´bie gruczo∏u tarczowego. Ze wzgl´du na przebieg obu nerwów w bezpoÊrednim sàsiedztwie tylnej powierzchni torebki gruczo∏u, w zmiennym po∏o˝eniu w stosunku do t´tnicy tarczowej dolnej, sà one w tym miejscu ∏atwe do uszkodzenia. Innymi, mo˝liwymi przyczynami pora˝enia nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych sà zabiegi wykonywane w obr´bie Êródpiersia i klatki piersiowej, mi´dzy innymi operacyjne leczenie przetok tchawiczo-prze∏ykowych, a tak˝e procesy rozrostowe w obr´bie klatki piersiowej [13, 14]. Ze wzgl´du na odmienny przebieg obu nerwów krtaniowych wstecznych, w przypadku zmian w obr´bie Êródpiersia, zwykle dochodzi do pora˝enia jednostronnego-po stronie lewej. W rzadkich przypadkach choroby nowotworowej toczàcej si´ pierwotnie w obr´bie klatki piersiowej mo˝e wyst´powaç pora˝enie obustronne. Pora˝enie nerwu krtaniowego wstecznego wià˝e si´ przede wszystkim z wy∏àczeniem funkcji wszystkich mi´Êni wewnàtrzkrtaniowych. Napi´cie czynnego nadal mi´Ênia pier-17
Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego, 2000
Recent studies have indicated that glutamatergic NMDA receptors in the cochlea may be involved in... more Recent studies have indicated that glutamatergic NMDA receptors in the cochlea may be involved in ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides in animal subjects. Aminoglycoside antibiotics enhance the function of NMDA receptors by interaction with a polyamine modulatory site. Accordingly, high doses of aminoglycosides may increase calcium entry through the NMDA receptor-associated channel and promote degeneration of hair cells and cochlear nerve fibers. In line with the above, a polyamine site antagonist, ifenprodil as well as a high-affinity channel blocker, dizocilpine (MK-801) attenuates ototoxic effects of aminoglycosides in rats. Notably, ifenprodil as well as low-affinity channel blockers (e.g. memantine and amantadine) may be safely used in humans. Taken together, the above findings seem to open new avenues of research on selective pharmacotherapy of aminoglycosides-induced ototoxicity in humans.
Postepy biochemii, 2008
Recently published papers report a large number of mitochondrial DNA mutations in many different ... more Recently published papers report a large number of mitochondrial DNA mutations in many different cancer types, but their significance for electron transport chain proteins remains unknown. This review covers structural mutations of mitochondrial genes, choosing prostate cancer, esophageal cancer and epithelioma as research models. As all mitochondrial genes encode subunits of the electron transport chain, the review focuses on the consequences of structural mutations on cell metabolism.
Otolaryngologia Polska, 2008
Data reported until today suggested a pivotal role of nuclear DNA mutations in the process of car... more Data reported until today suggested a pivotal role of nuclear DNA mutations in the process of carcinogenesis. Recently more and more authors claim that disruption of mitochondrial DNA should not be excluded from this analysis. mtDNA have been reported in many cancers of head and neck region. Mitochondrial D-loop has been proven to be mutation hot-spot with majority of mutations in the positions 303 to 315 of poly-C tract. Data show that 37% of patients with premalignant lesions and 62% with carcinoma in situ are positive for mtDNA mutations. Moreover mutations in genes encoding ND2, ND5, COIII, CYTB, and ATP6 were observed in 17% of patients. Mutations in mitochondrial rRNA genes occured in similar number of cases. Neoplastic cells undifferentiation and disease progression is accompanied by multiplication of mtDNA number and increased mtDNA content. mtDNA content corellates with the stage of the disease. mtDNA mutations faciliate cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis by increasing the production of ractive oxygen species (ROS). Cells harbouring mutated mtDNA have increased proliferation rate, as increased ROS concentration may act as an endogenous growth factor.
Physiology & Behavior, 2004
The Fos family of transcription factors may play a key role in various forms of brain plasticity.... more The Fos family of transcription factors may play a key role in various forms of brain plasticity. Among different genes coding Fos proteins is the fosB gene. Protein products of the fosB gene are thought to be critically involved in neural adaptations produced by chronic treatment with drugs of abuse. fosB gene transcription leads to accumulation of full-length FosB as well as its truncated form, deltafosB. Stable isoforms of deltafosB called chronic FRAs accumulate in the brain after chronic administration of various drugs of abuse. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the fosB gene in two-bottle choice ethanol self-administration. For this aim, ethanol (2-8% v/v) intake and preference was assessed in fosB mutant (n=17) and wild-type (WT) mice (n=16). For comparison, consumption of saccharin (0.05-0.8% w/v) and quinine (15-960 microM) solutions was assessed in the same animals. Ethanol preference in both groups varied from around 50% for the lowest to 20% for the highest ethanol concentration. Neither ethanol intake (g/kg) nor preference differed between the two genotypes. In contrast, saccharin preference, but not intake, was higher in the fosB mutants. Only slight and inconsistent between-group differences were observed in terms of quinine preference. The present results suggest that permanent elimination of fosB gene products does not alter ethanol intake but may enhance preference for sweet solutions in mice.
Physiology & Behavior, 2004
Animal studies suggest that induction of depression-like states may alter preference for sweet ta... more Animal studies suggest that induction of depression-like states may alter preference for sweet tastants. A major goal of the present study was to search for correlations between depressive symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and taste responses to sweet and bitter substances. Thirty-three nonclinical volunteers rated intensity and pleasantness of chocolate and vanilla milk as well as of sucroseand quinine-soaked filter paper disks. Reactivity to citric acid (sour) and sodium chloride (salty) was also tested with the paper disk methodology. Taste detection thresholds were assessed by means of electrogustometry. A weak inverse relationship was found between the BDI scores (range: 3-33) and rated intensity of paper disks soaked in 60% sucrose. No correlations were found between depressive symptoms and intensity, pleasantness or identification of the other samples. Similarly, there was no relationship between the BDI scores and responses to chocolate and vanilla milk. BDI scores were not associated with electrogustometric thresholds. These data suggest that depressive symptoms may not influence taste reactivity in nonclinical population.
Neuroscience Letters, 2013
Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug acting preferentially at α1-containing GABAA recep... more Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug acting preferentially at α1-containing GABAA receptors expressed in various parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia. The aim of the present study was to provide preliminary characteristics of zolpidem-induced catalepsy in Wistar rats. Zolpidem (2.5-10.0mg/kg), but not diazepam and midazolam, produced dose-dependent cataleptic responses in the bar test, which were similar to those produced by a reference antipsychotic drug, haloperidol. Zolpidem-induced catalepsy was abolished by a benzodiazepine site antagonist, flumazenil (5.0mg/kg), D2/3 receptor agonist, quinpirole (1.0mg/kg), and a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.1mg/kg), but not by a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone (3.0mg/kg). The present results indicate that systemic injections of zolpidem may produce short-lasting, neuroleptic-like catalepsy in the rat.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2009
periventricular changes (PVH) and deep subcortical changes (DSC). All patients had MMSE scores an... more periventricular changes (PVH) and deep subcortical changes (DSC). All patients had MMSE scores and depression was identified using the PHQ9 questionnaire. Results: 48 patients fulfilled the above criteria. 26 patients had moderate to severe CI (MMSE < 17) while 22 patients had mild CI (MMSE > 16). The mean age was 66 years and 27 patients were males. Patients with moderate to severe CI had significantly more WMH compared to those with mild CI (M = 10.75 vs. 9.40, p = 0.036). PVH change (M= 5.47 vs. 4.56, p = 0.031) but not the DSC changes (M= 5.23 vs. 4.84, p = 0.267) were more predictive of cognitive impairment. There was no significant difference in the laterality of WMH lesions or the number of microhemorrhages in the two groups (M = 2.05 vs. 1.88, p = 0.78). There was no significant difference in the presence of depression between the 2 groups (p = 0.437). Conclusion: The presence of WMH but not microhemorrhages correlate with the presence of CI in a post stroke population. These findings can potentially be used to identify patients at high risk for developing CI.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2013
Pleasant tastes and odors are considered phylogenetically old natural rewards and their hedonic e... more Pleasant tastes and odors are considered phylogenetically old natural rewards and their hedonic evaluation is regarded as a good indicator of the reward system function. The primary aim of the present study was to compare pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions (1-30%, w/w) and sweet liking/disliking status in 20 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in 20 age-matched healthy controls. In addition, basic sensory aspects of gustatory (intensity ratings, electrogustometric thresholds) and olfactory function (identification abilities in the Sniffin' Stick test) were assessed in both groups. The number of odors rated as pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral was also compared. As expected, the PD patients showed a significant impairment in olfactory identification abilities. There were no differences between the PD patients and controls in electrogustometric thresholds. Rated intensity of higher sucrose concentrations did not differ between the groups. The PD patients tended to rate water taste as more intense in comparison with the controls. Pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions, the proportion of subjects rating 30% sucrose as the most pleasant (sweet likers), and the number of odors rated as pleasant did not differ between the study groups. The present results suggest that PD does not lead to any obvious alterations in pleasantness ratings of chemosensory stimuli. The study requires replication in larger samples.
Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2009
It has been recently reported that brain damage involving specific cortical regions can lead to d... more It has been recently reported that brain damage involving specific cortical regions can lead to disruption of nicotine addiction. 1 We present a case of a highly dependent smoker with a right thalamic lesion who stopped smoking after an episode of paroxysmal hypersomnia. Case Report A 54-year-old right-handed man with various cardiovascular disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness was diagnosed with a dissociative disorder at a peripheral hospital. In 2007, the patient selfreferred to our center for further psychiatric evaluation. A detailed medical interview revealed a 4-year history of paroxysmal hypersomnia related to stressful life events and lasting up to 72 hours. The first episode was presumably associated with symptoms of stroke, including persistent left hemisensory syndrome and mild reversible hemiparesis. The symptoms were attributed to the patient's dissociative disorder and a CT scan was not performed. Each subsequent episode resulted in various cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, including retrograde amnesia and aggressive behaviors. An episode in 2005 was followed by rapid, easy, and permanent smoking cessation as well as partial loss of olfactory and gustatory identification abilities. The patient experienced symptoms of nicotine abstinence (irritability, depressed mood, increased appetite, and LETTERS
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2005
Preclinical studies indicate that dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia may be involved ... more Preclinical studies indicate that dopaminergic transmission in the basal ganglia may be involved in processing of both pleasant and unpleasant stimuli. Given this, the aim of the present study was to assess taste responses to sweet, bitter, sour, and salty substances in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Rated intensity and pleasantness of filter paper discs soaked in sucrose (10-60%), quinine (0.025-0.5%), citric acid (0.25-4.0%), or sodium chloride (1.25-20%) solutions was evaluated in 30 patients with PD and in 33 healthy controls. Paper discs soaked in deionised water served as control stimuli. In addition, reactivity to 100 ml samples of chocolate and vanilla milk was assessed in both groups. Taste detection thresholds were assessed by means of electrogustometry. Sociodemographic and neuropsychiatric data, including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, tea and coffee drinking, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning were collected. Results: In general, perceived intensity, pleasantness, and identification of the sucrose, quinine, citric acid, or sodium chloride samples did not differ between the PD patients and controls. Intensity ratings of the filter papers soaked in 0.025% quinine were significantly higher in the PD patients compared with the control group. No inter-group differences were found in taste responses to chocolate and vanilla milk. Electrogustometric thresholds were significantly (p = 0.001) more sensitive in the PD patients. Conclusions: PD is not associated with any major alterations in responses to pleasant or unpleasant taste stimuli. Patients with PD may present enhanced taste acuity in terms of electrogustometric threshold.
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 2010
Objective:Apart from its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid is also thou... more Objective:Apart from its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid is also thought to regulate various stages of cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain and periphery. The present study aimed to assess the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid and its biochemical precursor glutamic acid (glutamate) in benign parotid tumours and in unstimulated parotid saliva.Method:Unstimulated parotid saliva was collected bilaterally, using the swab method, in 20 patients with unilateral pleomorphic adenoma or Warthin's tumour. Samples of tumour and adjacent salivary tissue were collected during tumour resection.Results:Concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, but not aspartate, were significantly higher in the tumour tissue than in the non-tumour tissue. There was no significant difference in salivary concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate or aspartate, comparing the involved and non-involved side.Conclusion:The present results provide preliminary ev...
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 2007
Objective:To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients wi... more Objective:To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients with post-tonsillectomy taste distortions, and to show that post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia may originate in the caudal part of the soft palate.Case report:We describe a 29-year-old man who suffered from severe post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia and phantogeusia with secondary weight loss and depression-like symptomatology. The patient had normal electrogustometric thresholds and sensitivity to touch on the posterior tongue. In contrast, elevated taste threshold and reduced sensitivity to touch was found on the caudal part of the soft palate (the palatoglossal arches). More marked elevation of electrogustometric threshold and insensitivity to touch on the right palatoglossal arch correlated with post-operative haemorrhage from the right tonsillar fossa. Psychiatric examination excluded major depression, eating disorders and drug abuse.Conclusions:Dysgeusia constitutes a rare but significant complic...
Journal of biomedical science, Jan 8, 2010
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare female genital neoplasm. Although numerous molecu... more Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare female genital neoplasm. Although numerous molecular changes have been reported in VSCC, biomarkers of clinical relevance are still lacking. On the other hand, there is emerging evidence on the use of mtDNA as a diagnostic tool in oncology. In order to investigate mtDNA status in VSCC patients, haplogroup distribution analysis and D-loop sequencing were performed. The results were compared with available data for the general Polish population, cancer free-centenarians as well as patients with endometrial and head and neck cancer. The obtained data were also compared with the current status of mitochondrial databases. Significant differences in haplogroup distribution between VSCC cohort, general Polish population and cancer-free centenarians cohort were found. Moreover, a correlation between the VSCC patients haplogroup and HPV status was observed. Finally, a specific pattern of mtDNA polymorphisms was found in VSCC. Our results sugges...
Genes, Brain and Behavior, 2011
Inhibitory effects of passive ethanol exposure on brain neurogenesis have been extensively docume... more Inhibitory effects of passive ethanol exposure on brain neurogenesis have been extensively documented in animal models. In contrast, a role of brain neurogenesis in ethanol self-administration has not been addressed, as yet. The aim of this study was to assess intake of, and preference for, ethanol solutions [2-16% (v/v)] in a mouse model of adult neurogenesis deficiency based on permanent knockout (KO) of cyclin D2 (Ccnd2). Wild type (WT) and Ccnd2 KO mice did not differ in 2% and 4% ethanol intake. The KO group consumed significantly more ethanol in g/kg when offered with 8% or 16% ethanol as compared with the WT controls. The WT and KO mice did not differ in 2% ethanol preference, but the KO group showed a significantly higher preference for 4-16% ethanol. Animal and human studies have suggested that the low level of response to the sedative/hypnotic effects of alcohol is genetically associated with enhanced alcohol consumption. However, in this study, there were no between-genotype differences in ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Previous reports have also suggested that high ethanol intake is genetically associated with the avidity for sweets and better acceptance of bitter solutions. However, the KO and WT mice consumed similar amounts of saccharin solutions and the KOs consumed less quinine (i.e. bitter) solutions as compared with the WTs. In conclusion, these results may indicate that Ccnd2 and, possibly, brain neurogenesis are involved in central regulation of ethanol intake in mice.
Frontiers in Bioscience, 2010
Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2000
This study examined taste descriptions elicited by ethanol and by other tastants in humans. All s... more This study examined taste descriptions elicited by ethanol and by other tastants in humans. All subjects described 10% ethanol as bitter and :30% of the subjects described it as sweet and/or sour. Highly significant correlations were found between sweetness of some sucrose solutions (0.6-1%) and intensity of the taste of ethanol. In another experiment, quinine (bitter) solutions were rated as similar to 10% ethanol taste and this effect was potentiated by the addition of sucrose. In contrast, citric acid (sour) tended to decrease similarity ratings when added to the quinine solutions. Taken together, these findings suggest that: (1) in humans ethanol tastes both bitter and sweet; and (2) the relationship between sucrose and ethanol intakes previously found in animals and humans may result, at least partially, from similar taste responses elicited by sucrose and ethanol.