Przemysław Hałubiec

Bio: Przemysław Hałubiec is an academic researcher from Jagiellonian University Medical College. The author has contributed to research in topics: Atopic dermatitis & SCORAD. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 14 publications receiving 192 citations. Previous affiliations of Przemysław Hałubiec include Jagiellonian University.

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles—Current and Prospective Medical Applications

Abstract: The recent, fast development of nanotechnology is reflected in the medical sciences. Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) are an excellent example. Thanks to their superparamagnetic properties, SPIONs have found application in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia. Unlike bulk iron, SPIONs do not have remnant magnetization in the absence of the external magnetic field; therefore, a precise remote control over their action is possible. This makes them also useful as a component of the advanced drug delivery systems. Due to their easy synthesis, biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and possibility of further surface modification with various chemical agents, SPIONs could support many fields of medicine. SPIONs have also some disadvantages, such as their high uptake by macrophages. Nevertheless, based on the ongoing studies, they seem to be very promising in oncological therapy (especially in the brain, breast, prostate, and pancreatic tumors). The main goal of our paper is, therefore, to present the basic properties of SPIONs, to discuss their current role in medicine, and to review their applications in order to inspire future developments of new, improved SPION systems.

Adipokines as Biomarkers of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults.

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by chronic, relapsing, pruritic skin inflammation and does not have a well-understood pathogenesis. In this study, we addressed the contribution of adipokines to AD eczema based on the assessment of blood levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, lipocalin-2, and vaspin in adult non-obese patients suffering from chronic extrinsic childhood-onset AD. We investigated 49 AD patients with a median age of 37 years. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched healthy subjects. Adipokines were assessed in the serum by ELISA assays and the severity of AD with the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. We found that adiponectin and resistin decreased and leptin appreciably increased in AD patients when compared to those in healthy subjects. Further, the levels of adiponectin and resistin were inversely related to the intensity of eczema. In conclusion, apart from the formerly investigated role of leptin in AD, this study points to adiponectin and resistin as the potential candidate adipokine biomarkers involved in shaping eczema intensity and severity, which may help predict disease exacerbations and enable the development of effective targeted therapeutic interventions.

Recent Progress in Discovering the Role of Carotenoids and Their Metabolites in Prostatic Physiology and Pathology with a Focus on Prostate Cancer-A Review-Part I: Molecular Mechanisms of Carotenoid Action.

Abstract: Among the vast variety of plant-derived phytochemicals, the group of carotenoids has continuously been investigated in order to optimize their potential application in the area of dietary intervention and medicine. One organ which has been especially targeted in many of these studies and clinical trials is the human prostate. Without doubt, carotenoids (and their endogenous derivatives—retinoids and other apo-carotenoids) are involved in intra- and intercellular signaling, cell growth and differentiation of prostate tissue. Due to the accumulation of new data on the role of different carotenoids such as lycopene (LC) and β-carotene (BC) in prostatic physiology and pathology, the present review aims to cover the past ten years of research in this area. Data from experimental studies are presented in the first part of the review, while epidemiological studies are disclosed and discussed in the second part. The objective of this compilation is to emphasize the present state of knowledge regarding the most potent molecular targets of carotenoids and their main metabolites, as well as to propose promising carotenoid agents for the prevention and treatment of prostatic diseases.

Melatonin as an Antioxidant and Immunomodulator in Atopic Dermatitis—A New Look on an Old Story: A Review

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common inflammatory dermatosis, typically with chronic and recurrent course, which significantly reduces the quality of life. Sleep disturbances are considered to be remarkably burdensome ailments in patients with AD, and are routinely included during assessment of disease severity. Therefore, endogenous substances engaged in the control of circadian rhythms might be important in pathogenesis of AD and, possibly, be used as biomarkers of disease severity or even in development of novel therapies. Melatonin (MT), the indoleamine produced by pineal gland (but also by multiple other tissues, including skin), plays a pivotal role in maintaining the sleep/wake homeostasis. Additionally, it possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which might directly link chronic skin inflammation and sleep abnormalities characteristic of AD. The objective of this work is to systematically present and summarize the results of studies (both experimental and clinical) that investigated the role of MT in the AD, with a focus on the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of MT.

Methylation and Expression of FTO and PLAG1 Genes in Childhood Obesity: Insight into Anthropometric Parameters and Glucose-Lipid Metabolism.

Abstract: The occurrence of childhood obesity is influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors. FTO (FTO alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase) is a gene of well-established connection with adiposity, while a protooncogene PLAG1 (PLAG1 zinc finger) has been only recently linked to this condition. We performed a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 16 obese (aged 6.6–17.7) and 10 healthy (aged 11.4–16.9) children. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between methylation and expression of the aforementioned genes and the presence of obesity as well as alterations in anthropometric measurements (including waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF_kg) and body fat percent (BF_%)), metabolic parameters (lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin levels, presence of insulin resistance) and blood pressure. Expression and methylation were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using a microarray technique and a method based on restriction enzymes, respectively. Multiple regression models were constructed to adjust for the possible influence of age and sex on the investigated associations. We showed significantly increased expression of the FTO gene in obese children and in patients with documented insulin resistance. Higher FTO expression was also associated with an increase in WC, BF_kg, and BF_% as well as higher fasting concentration of free fatty acids (FFA). FTO methylation correlated positively with WC and BF_kg. Increase in PLAG1 expression was associated with higher BF%. Our results indicate that the FTO gene is likely to play an important role in the development of childhood adiposity together with coexisting impairment of glucose-lipid metabolism.

Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy.

Abstract: Nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanosphere, nanoshells, and nanostars, are very commonly used in biomedical imaging and cancer therapy. They make excellent drug carriers, imaging contrast agents, photothermal agents, photoacoustic agents, and radiation dose enhancers, among other applications. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the use of nanomaterials in many areas of functional imaging, cancer therapy, and synergistic combinational platforms. This review will systematically explore various applications of nanomaterials in biomedical imaging and cancer therapy. The medical imaging modalities include magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computerized tomography, optical imaging, ultrasound, and photoacoustic imaging. Various cancer therapeutic methods will also be included, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review also covers theranostics, which use the same agent in diagnosis and therapy. This includes recent advances in multimodality imaging, image-guided therapy, and combination therapy. We found that the continuous advances of synthesis and design of novel nanomaterials will enhance the future development of medical imaging and cancer therapy. However, more resources should be available to examine side effects and cell toxicity when using nanomaterials in humans.

Biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanorods using Moringa oleifera leaf extract for antibacterial applications

Abstract: Biogenic synthesis of iron oxide nanorods (FeO-NRs) from FeCl3 capped with Moringa oleifera (MO) has been developed in this work. The facile, cost effective, and eco-friendly FeO-NRs formulated were characterized using various techniques. The change in the visible color which leads to the formulation of FeO-NRs was confirmed by the UV–visible spectroscopy analysis. The crystallinity of FeO-NRs was observed in the X-ray diffraction spectroscopy pattern indexed to the spinel cubic lattice in the tetrahedral hematite structure. A rod-like morphology of FeO-NRs with the average particle size of 15.01 ± 6.03 nm was determined by the scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows the various functional groups in the formulatedFeO-NRs. Vibrating sample magnetometer shows that the formulated FeO-NRs are superparamagnetic with good saturation magnetization. The formulated FeO-NRs inhibit the growth of six human pathogens with a higher activity at lower concentrations. It is noteworthy that the bacterial strains show strong and effective susceptibility to the formulated FeO-NRs at lower concentrations compared to the conventional antibacterial drugs. Hence, the formulated FeO-NRs proved to be a good, efficient, and promising antibacterial agent due to its cost-effectiveness, non-toxicity, and facile synthesis procedures in therapeutic biomedical fields.

A review on synthesis, characterization and potential biological applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been recognized in numerous fields including nanobiotechnology, biomedical engineering, and many other fields for its inestimable applications. Superparamagnetic property and the smaller size of SPIONs are the major reasons for its utilization in various fields. In this review, the overall view on work done so far on SPIONS is detailed. Where, it started with different methods of synthesis of SPIONs including various types physical (such as gas-phase deposition, pulsed laser ablation, power ball milling), chemical (chemical co-precipitation, micro-emulsions, hydrothermal synthesis) and biological methods (using bacteria and plant) and are also elaborated. Its properties and characteristics are detailed. The formulation of SPIONs into drug-laden nanocarrier for exhibiting targeted drug delivery and its use in cancer treatment as hyperthermia is emphasised. Its various other applications consist of radiation therapy, environmental remediation, tissue engineering etc., which are also elaborated.

Biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles via a composite of Psidium guavaja-Moringa oleifera and their antibacterial and photocatalytic study

Abstract: Human pathogenic diseases are on the rampage in the list of debilitating diseases globally. The endless quest to salvage this menace through various therapies via innocuous agents is essential to overcome these drug-resistant pathogens. This study engaged a benign, facile, biocompatible, cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO-NPs) via a composite of Psidium guavaja-Moringa oleifera (PMC) leaf extract to address six most debilitating bacterial strain in vitro as an antibacterial agent. Physicochemical analysis of PMC formed nanoparticles (PMC_NPs) was effectuated through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Visible Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The PMC_NPs inhibited the growth of six human pathogens with higher activity at lower concentrations. It is noteworthy from our observations that, the bacterial strains show functional susceptibility to the PMC_NPs at lower concentrations compared to the orthodox antibacterial drugs. Photocatalytic degradation was observed with a decrease in the absorbance of Methylene blue dyes with the help of PMC_NPs apropos irradiation time under visible light irradiation. Consequently, PMC_NPs serve as an enhanced substitute for the orthodox antibacterial drugs in therapeutic biomedical field sequel to its pharmacodynamics against the bacterial strains at lower concentrations and also serves as a good component for water purification.

Synthesis, Principles, and Properties of Magnetite Nanoparticles for In Vivo Imaging Applications-A Review.

Abstract: The current nanotechnology era is marked by the emergence of various magnetic inorganic nanometer-sized colloidal particles. These have been extensively applied and hold an immense potential in biomedical applications including, for example, cancer therapy, drug nanocarriers (NCs), or in targeted delivery systems and diagnosis involving two guided-nanoparticles (NPs) as nanoprobes and contrast agents. Considerable efforts have been devoted to designing iron oxide NPs (IONPs) due to their superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior (SPM IONPs or SPIONs) and their large surface-to-volume area allowing more biocompatibility, stealth, and easy bonding to natural biomolecules thanks to grafted ligands, selective-site moieties, and/or organic and inorganic corona shells. Such nanomagnets with adjustable architecture have been the topic of significant progresses since modular designs enable SPIONs to carry out several functions simultaneously such as local drug delivery with real-time monitoring and imaging of the targeted area. Syntheses of SPIONs and adjustments of their physical and chemical properties have been achieved and paved novel routes for a safe use of those tailored magnetic ferrous nanomaterials. Herein we will emphasis a basic notion about NPs magnetism in order to have a better understanding of SPION assets for biomedical applications, then we mainly focus on magnetite iron oxide owing to its outstanding magnetic properties. The general methods of preparation and typical characteristics of magnetite are reviewed, as well as the major biomedical applications of magnetite.