Joanna Nowak - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Joanna Nowak

Research paper thumbnail of An In Vitro Study of the Neurotoxic Effects of N-Benzylpiperazine: A Designer Drug of Abuse

Neurotoxicity Research, 2016

Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances has significantly increased. Despite the syst... more Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances has significantly increased. Despite the systematic introduction of prohibition in trade of medicinal products which mimic the effects of illegal drugs, the problem concerning this group of drugs is still important although knowledge about the mechanism of action of those types of substances is scarce. This study aimed to follow the neurotoxic effect of N-benzylpiperazine (BZP), the central nervous system psychostimulant, using the human cancer LN-18 cell model. The statistically significant elevation of LDH levels, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ATP and increased ROS production, increased levels of DNA damage marker (8-OHdG) and activation of caspases: -3 and -9 confirmed by Real-Time PCR imply the activation of mitochondrial proapoptotic pathways induced by BZP after 24 h incubation. This study is a novel, preliminary attempt to explain the toxicity of one of the most popular designer drug of abuse at the cellular level.

Research paper thumbnail of Different population of platelet derived microparticles from Healthy donors stimulate angiogenesis in vitro

Introduction: Platelet derived microparticles (PMPs) are qualitatively and quantitatively diverse... more Introduction: Platelet derived microparticles (PMPs) are qualitatively and quantitatively diverse, depending on the proaggregatory agent challenge. Shedding of procoagulant PMPs is mediated by integrin-related mechanism. However the role of coagulation activators in microparticles formation and their potential angiogenic activity is scarcely known. Aim of this study was to compare pro-angiogenic potential of PMPs obtained by different proaggregatory stimulation on endothelial cells and analysis of gene expression profile and capillary-like structure formation after endothelial cell exposure to different classes of PMPs. Methods: PMPs were obtained by stimulation with agonists: ADP, collagen and thrombin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with 30 ug/ml of PMPs. HUVEC proliferation and pro-angiogenetic gene expression profile (VCAM-1, CD36, AC133, eNOS and vWF) measured by the quantitative real-time PCR method were analyzed. For the angiogenic properties the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity in obese subjects: A randomized placebo controlled trial

BBA Clinical, 2015

dona Dembinska-Kiec, Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid... more dona Dembinska-Kiec, Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity in obese subjects: a randomized placebo controlled trial, BBA Clinical (2015), Abstract 39 Background: Caloric restriction and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) 40

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of supplementation with vitamin E and C on plasma hsCRP level and cobalt–albumin binding score as markers of plasma oxidative stress in obesity

Research paper thumbnail of Incretin mimetic exendin-4 influence the bioenergetics of human adipocytes

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Selected Metabolic Disorders – Pilot Study

Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2014

Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggrav... more Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggravated by the antiretroviral therapy significantly impact their health. Mechanisms responsible for lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence have not been completely understood. Only recently, the free fatty acids (FFAs) metabolic turnover has become considered to be the independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. We designed the follow-up study in which patients were recruited before the introduction of ARV therapy and then observed up to 1 year. The impact of ARV therapy on the development of metabolic complications, inflammation markers and changes in adipokines secretion was investigated. The fasting and postprandial responses of FFAs, triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) were measured. Changes in body composition were followed by impedance and a CT scan of adipose tissue volume of the abdomen and thighs. Significant impact of ARV therapy on metabolic disturbances was reported. Not only fasting, but also postprandial levels of FFAs and TG were found to increase during the follow up. The increased concentration of FFAs is suggested to be the triggering event in the development of hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance during ARV therapy. Changes in postprandial FFAs and TG during the follow up indicate the increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases. We conclude that modern ARV therapy during the period of 12 months does not induce changes in the fat distribution, although increased limb fat correlated with higher plasma leptin level, which may be the marker of increased risk of metabolic driven cardiovascular complications.

Research paper thumbnail of PO20-623 Antioxidative Effect of Combined Vitamin e and C Supplementation in Men With Risk of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Connexin 43 and metabolic effect of fatty acids in stressed endothelial cells

Genes & Nutrition, 2011

Changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (Dw) may lead either to apoptosis or to pro... more Changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (Dw) may lead either to apoptosis or to protective autophagy. Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, is suggested to affect mitochondrial membrane permeability. The aim of our study was to analyze Cx43 gene expression, Cx43 protein localization and mitochondrial function in the human endothelial cells stressed by dietary-free fatty acids (FFA) and TNFa. Human endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with (10-30 uM) palmitic (PA), oleic (OA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) or arachidonic (AA) acids for 24 h. TNFa (5 ng/ml) was added at the last 4 h of incubation. The Cx43 gene expression was analyzed by the quantitative real-time PCR. The Cx43 protein concentrations in whole cells and in the isolated mitochondria were measured. Changes in Dw and Cx43 localization were analyzed by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy. Generated ATP was measured by a luminescence assay. TNFa, PA and OA significantly decreased Dw, while AA (P = 0.047) and EPA (P = 0.004) increased Dw value. Preincubation with EPA or AA partially prevented the TNFa-induced decrease of Dw. Incubation with AA resulted in up-regulation of the Cx43 gene expression. AA or PA significantly increased Cx43 protein content; however, presence of TNFa in general aggravated the negative effect of FFA. Only EPA was found to increase ATP generation in HUVECs. The fatty acid-specific induction of changes in Cx43 expression and protein concentration as well as the normalization of Dw and increase of ATP generation seem to be the separate, independent mechanisms of FFA-mediated modulatory effect in the human endothelial cells pathology.

Research paper thumbnail of Lipotoxic effect of free fatty acid in the in vitro model

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of free fatty acids and quercetin on ROS generation and other mitochondrial function of human preadipocytes

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Different response to fatty acids in metabolism and gene expression of human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and preadipocytes (SVF)

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of An In Vitro Study of the Neurotoxic Effects of N-Benzylpiperazine: A Designer Drug of Abuse

Neurotoxicity Research, 2016

Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances has significantly increased. Despite the syst... more Recently, the number of new psychoactive substances has significantly increased. Despite the systematic introduction of prohibition in trade of medicinal products which mimic the effects of illegal drugs, the problem concerning this group of drugs is still important although knowledge about the mechanism of action of those types of substances is scarce. This study aimed to follow the neurotoxic effect of N-benzylpiperazine (BZP), the central nervous system psychostimulant, using the human cancer LN-18 cell model. The statistically significant elevation of LDH levels, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ATP and increased ROS production, increased levels of DNA damage marker (8-OHdG) and activation of caspases: -3 and -9 confirmed by Real-Time PCR imply the activation of mitochondrial proapoptotic pathways induced by BZP after 24 h incubation. This study is a novel, preliminary attempt to explain the toxicity of one of the most popular designer drug of abuse at the cellular level.

Research paper thumbnail of Different population of platelet derived microparticles from Healthy donors stimulate angiogenesis in vitro

Introduction: Platelet derived microparticles (PMPs) are qualitatively and quantitatively diverse... more Introduction: Platelet derived microparticles (PMPs) are qualitatively and quantitatively diverse, depending on the proaggregatory agent challenge. Shedding of procoagulant PMPs is mediated by integrin-related mechanism. However the role of coagulation activators in microparticles formation and their potential angiogenic activity is scarcely known. Aim of this study was to compare pro-angiogenic potential of PMPs obtained by different proaggregatory stimulation on endothelial cells and analysis of gene expression profile and capillary-like structure formation after endothelial cell exposure to different classes of PMPs. Methods: PMPs were obtained by stimulation with agonists: ADP, collagen and thrombin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with 30 ug/ml of PMPs. HUVEC proliferation and pro-angiogenetic gene expression profile (VCAM-1, CD36, AC133, eNOS and vWF) measured by the quantitative real-time PCR method were analyzed. For the angiogenic properties the ...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity in obese subjects: A randomized placebo controlled trial

BBA Clinical, 2015

dona Dembinska-Kiec, Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid... more dona Dembinska-Kiec, Effect of caloric restriction with or without n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on insulin sensitivity in obese subjects: a randomized placebo controlled trial, BBA Clinical (2015), Abstract 39 Background: Caloric restriction and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) 40

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of supplementation with vitamin E and C on plasma hsCRP level and cobalt–albumin binding score as markers of plasma oxidative stress in obesity

Research paper thumbnail of Incretin mimetic exendin-4 influence the bioenergetics of human adipocytes

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Selected Metabolic Disorders – Pilot Study

Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2014

Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggrav... more Taking into consideration the aging of HIV infected individuals, changes in the metabolism aggravated by the antiretroviral therapy significantly impact their health. Mechanisms responsible for lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence have not been completely understood. Only recently, the free fatty acids (FFAs) metabolic turnover has become considered to be the independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. We designed the follow-up study in which patients were recruited before the introduction of ARV therapy and then observed up to 1 year. The impact of ARV therapy on the development of metabolic complications, inflammation markers and changes in adipokines secretion was investigated. The fasting and postprandial responses of FFAs, triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) were measured. Changes in body composition were followed by impedance and a CT scan of adipose tissue volume of the abdomen and thighs. Significant impact of ARV therapy on metabolic disturbances was reported. Not only fasting, but also postprandial levels of FFAs and TG were found to increase during the follow up. The increased concentration of FFAs is suggested to be the triggering event in the development of hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance during ARV therapy. Changes in postprandial FFAs and TG during the follow up indicate the increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases. We conclude that modern ARV therapy during the period of 12 months does not induce changes in the fat distribution, although increased limb fat correlated with higher plasma leptin level, which may be the marker of increased risk of metabolic driven cardiovascular complications.

Research paper thumbnail of PO20-623 Antioxidative Effect of Combined Vitamin e and C Supplementation in Men With Risk of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis Supplements, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Connexin 43 and metabolic effect of fatty acids in stressed endothelial cells

Genes & Nutrition, 2011

Changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (Dw) may lead either to apoptosis or to pro... more Changes in the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (Dw) may lead either to apoptosis or to protective autophagy. Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, is suggested to affect mitochondrial membrane permeability. The aim of our study was to analyze Cx43 gene expression, Cx43 protein localization and mitochondrial function in the human endothelial cells stressed by dietary-free fatty acids (FFA) and TNFa. Human endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with (10-30 uM) palmitic (PA), oleic (OA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) or arachidonic (AA) acids for 24 h. TNFa (5 ng/ml) was added at the last 4 h of incubation. The Cx43 gene expression was analyzed by the quantitative real-time PCR. The Cx43 protein concentrations in whole cells and in the isolated mitochondria were measured. Changes in Dw and Cx43 localization were analyzed by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy. Generated ATP was measured by a luminescence assay. TNFa, PA and OA significantly decreased Dw, while AA (P = 0.047) and EPA (P = 0.004) increased Dw value. Preincubation with EPA or AA partially prevented the TNFa-induced decrease of Dw. Incubation with AA resulted in up-regulation of the Cx43 gene expression. AA or PA significantly increased Cx43 protein content; however, presence of TNFa in general aggravated the negative effect of FFA. Only EPA was found to increase ATP generation in HUVECs. The fatty acid-specific induction of changes in Cx43 expression and protein concentration as well as the normalization of Dw and increase of ATP generation seem to be the separate, independent mechanisms of FFA-mediated modulatory effect in the human endothelial cells pathology.

Research paper thumbnail of Lipotoxic effect of free fatty acid in the in vitro model

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of free fatty acids and quercetin on ROS generation and other mitochondrial function of human preadipocytes

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Different response to fatty acids in metabolism and gene expression of human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and preadipocytes (SVF)

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics, 2012