Aleksandra Kurzyńska

Scopus Publications

PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Robert Stryiński, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Paula Borrajo, Manuel Pazos, Mónica Carrera, Iwona Bogacka
BMC Genomics, 2026
Microplastics are a relatively new discovered environmental hazard that can contribute to the disruption of many physiological processes in the organism. There is evidence that they affect the physiology of the pancreas, but research in this area remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effects of PET microplastics on the global proteomic profile of the pancreas using LC–MS/MS analysis, with the pig as a model organism. The pigs were treated either with a low (0.1 g/day) or a high dose (1 g/day) of PET microplastics for four weeks. The analysis revealed that PET microplastics affected protein abundance in a dose-dependent manner – the low dose altered the abundance of 7 proteins, while the high dose – 17. The differentially regulated proteins were involved in fatty acid biosynthesis (FASN, KAS), lipid peroxidation (CBR1) and digestive enzyme production (trypsinogen). Complementary colorimetric assays confirmed a significant increase in free fatty acids under the influence of a high dose of PET microplastics. Taken together, these results indicate that PET microplastics may affect oxidative status, induce lipotoxic stress and impair pancreatic exocrine function, suggesting a novel pathway through which microplastics may cause metabolic disturbances.
Ingested PET microplastics alter the metabolomic profile of the porcine pancreas
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka
Scientific Reports, 2025
Microplastics and their effects on health are a growing concern. While their full impact is not yet known, they are not harmless. Pancreatic diseases are increasingly common, even in children, which was once rare. This study examined pancreatic changes caused by PET microplastics in young organisms. Gilts received low (0.1 g/day) or high (1 g/day) doses of PET microplastics for four weeks, and their pancreases were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Blood insulin levels and other biochemical parameters were also measured. PET microplastics altered physiological processes in the pancreas, increasing glucose, γ-aminobutyric acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, and lysophosphatidylethanolamine levels in tissues. They also elevated blood insulin concentrations and affected in a dose-dependent manner lipase, cholesterol, and calcium levels. These findings suggest that PET microplastics may contribute to insulin resistance and pancreatitis.
Oral exposure to PET microplastics induces the pancreatic immune response and oxidative stress in immature pigs
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka
BMC Genomics, 2025
Microplastics are a widespread environmental hazard and their impact on human health has become a growing concern in last years. Recently, the potential role of microplastics in the development of various diseases, including diabetes, has been highlighted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PET microplastics on the pancreas using immature pigs as a model organism. We analyzed the global transcriptomic profile of the pancreas by RNA-Seq in piglets treated with either a low (0.1 g/day) or a high dose (1 g/day) of PET microplastics for 4 weeks. The analysis revealed a dose-dependent effect of PET microplastics on gene expression. A low dose changed the expression of one gene, while a high dose affected the expression of 86 genes. The differentially expressed genes, including immune cell markers, cytokines and chemokines, may activate the immune system in the pancreas in a way that is characteristic of the pathogenesis of diabetes. In addition, PET microplastics induced oxidative stress in the pancreas. These above imply that oral exposure to PET microplastics could be a new risk factor for the development of diabetes.
Extracellular vesicles as mediators of metabolomic changes in response to PET microplastics
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka
Environmental Pollution, 2025
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential mediators of intercellular communication. They play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating physiological processes and contribute to the development of various diseases. Microplastics can enter the human body as ubiquitous pollutants and have been detected in various tissues. In the body, they can disrupt physiological functions, leading to increasing health concerns. However, their impact on EV-mediated communication remains poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether PET microplastics - one of the most used materials in plastic packaging - affect the content of EVs using immature pigs as a model organism. The global metabolomic profile of serum-derived EVs was analyzed by UPLC-MS in piglets treated with either a low (0.1 g/day) or a high dose (1 g/day) of PET microplastics for 4 weeks. The analysis showed that a low dose affected the expression of 24 metabolites, while a high dose affected the expression of 31 metabolites. The differentially expressed metabolites were involved in the regulation of lipid signaling pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of glucose metabolism and impaired steroidogenesis. The results of these studies reveal a new pathway of communication in the body in response to PET microplastics.
PET microplastics alter the transcriptome profile and oxidative stress markers in the liver of immature piglets: an in vivo study
Monika Golubska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Karol Mierzejewski, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, Iwona Bogacka
Archives of Toxicology, 2025
The increasing global contamination with microplastics (MPs) poses a significant threat to human and animal health. Recent studies suggest that exposure to microplastics contributes to various detrimental hepatic effects, including oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the global liver transcriptome, oxidative stress and selected liver function markers in immature piglets (n = 15) exposed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs for 4 weeks. The animals were divided into three groups: a low-dose MPs exposure group (0.1 g PET MPs/day), a high-dose MPs exposure group (1 g PET MPs/day), and a control group that did not receive MPs. The transcriptome profile of the liver was assessed using RNA-Seq. In addition, markers of oxidative stress (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase, and malondialdehyde) were determined using specific enzymatic assays, and the levels of selected liver function markers (bilirubin, collagen IV, alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase) were measured by ELISA. The results showed that exposure to MPs, especially at a high dose, significantly altered the hepatic transcriptome profile. A low dose of PET MPs changed the expression of 5 genes, while a high dose affected the expression of 24 genes. The differentially expressed genes were associated with several biological processes such as cholesterol metabolism, transferase activity, and oxidation. Moreover, consumption of MPs resulted in increased catalase activity and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver. We also observed an increase in bilirubin and a decrease in collagen type IV, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase content in the liver. These results suggest that PET MPs ingestion may disrupt systemic homeostasis and contribute to liver dysfunction.
PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR BETA/DELTA LIGANDS AS MODULATORS OF IMMUNE RESPONSE IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-STIMULATED PORCINE ENDOMETRIUM: INSIGHTS FROM AN IN VITRO STUDY
Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka, Karol Mierzejewski, Zuzanna Gerwel, Aleksandra Kurzyńska
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2025
Inflammation in the reproductive organs is a serious threat to human and animal fertility. Recently, the possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands as potential regulators of endometrial inflammation has been proposed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PPARβ/δ ligands on mRNA abundance and protein secretion of selected inflammatory mediators - interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) - in porcine endometrium during physiology and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation in both the mid-luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle. In addition, two experimental setups - an ongoing and a developing inflammation - were considered. Sections of endometrial tissue were incubated in vitro with two selected PPARβ/δ ligands: agonist L-165,041 or antagonist GSK 3787 with or without LPS. The mRNA abundance was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein secretion in the culture medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both PPARβ/δ ligands increased the mRNA abundance of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the inflammatory state and decreased IL-4 protein secretion in the physiological state, mainly in the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In turn, only the antagonist increased TNF-α expression. For all proinflammatory cytokines - IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α - we found that both hormonal and inflammatory status significantly influenced their mRNA levels, while the experimental setup notably affected the expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The results show that PPARβ/δ ligands modulate the expression and secretion of cytokines involved in the inflammatory response in the porcine endometrium. The main effect of PPARβ/δ ligands was noted during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle. During LPS-stimulated inflammation, PPARβ/δ ligands appear to have pro-inflammatory properties by stimulating the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α. The changes in the expression of immune mediators depend on the phase of the estrous cycle or the course of endometritis.
Immunomodulatory dynamics in the porcine myometrium: global transcriptome analysis, including the effects of PPARγ ligands
Aleksandra Kurzynska, Karol Mierzejewski, Monika Golubska, Jan Pawel Jastrzebski, Iwona Bogacka
BMC Genomics, 2024
Background The myometrium is involved in many processes during pregnancy and the estrous/menstrual cycle. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can be regulators of the processes occurring in the myometrium. In the present study, we determined the global transcriptome profile of the porcine myometrium during the peri-implantation period and the late luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In addition, we investigated for the first time the influence of PPARγ ligands on the transcriptome profile. Results The myometrium of gilts (n = 3) was collected on days 10–11 and 14–15 of pregnancy and on the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. The expression of PPARγ was confirmed in the tissue. Based on the mRNA level, further studies were conducted on myometrial explants obtained from pigs at days 14–15 of pregnancy and the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. The tissue sections were incubated in vitro for 6 h in the presence of a PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone (P; 10 µM), or antagonist, T0070907 (T; 1 µM). To identify the transcription profile of the myometrium, RNA-Seq was performed on the NovaSeq 6000 Illumina platform. This study identified 1082 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 609 upregulated and 473 downregulated) in the porcine myometrium on days 14–15 of pregnancy compared with the corresponding days of the estrous cycle. During pregnancy, we detected 6 and 80 DEGs related to PPARγ agonist and antagonist, respectively. During the estrous cycle, we identified 4 and 17 DEGs for P and T vs. the control, respectively. Conclusions The results indicate that the DEGs are involved in a number of processes, including the immune response, prostaglandin synthesis, cell differentiation and communication. In addition, the role of PPARγ activity in regulating the expression of genes related to the immune response and hormone synthesis in the porcine myometrium has been demonstrated.
PPAR beta/delta regulates the immune response mechanisms in the porcine endometrium during LPS-induced inflammation – An in vitro study
Monika Golubska, Łukasz Paukszto, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Karol Mierzejewski, Zuzanna Gerwel, Iwona Bogacka
Theriogenology, 2024
Lipopolysaccharide affects metabolic processes and energy homeostasis in the corpus luteum
Karol Mierzejewski, Robert Stryiński, Iwona Bogacka, Monika Golubska, Mónica Carrera, Aleksandra Kurzynska
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 2024
IntroductionChronic inflammation caused by Escherichia coli infections has a significant negative impact on the reproductive system and impairs fertility. The corpus luteum (CL) plays a central role not only in regulating the ovary cycle, but also in implantation of the embryo and maintenance of early pregnancy through the secretion of progesterone. Understanding the intricate interplay between inflammatory processes and reproductive organ’s function is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to alleviate reproductive disorders and improve fertility.MethodsThe aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the proteomic profile of the porcine CL in the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle using LC-MS/MS analysis. The CL slices were incubated in the presence of LPS for 24 h.ResultsWe identified 12 differentially regulated proteins after treatment with LPS (7 of them were upregulated, while 5 were downregulated). The analysis showed that these proteins are involved in processes such as glucose metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), detoxification processes as well as steroid biosynthesis in the CL. Moreover, we demonstrated that LPS decreases glucose levels and increases progesterone levels in the CL.ConclusionThese findings suggest that LPS modulates key metabolic pathways in the CL, potentially impacting its functional activity.
New insights into the potential effects of PET microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Jarosław Całka, Ismena Gałęcka, Mariusz Szabelski, Łukasz Paukszto, Aneta Andronowska, Iwona Bogacka
Science of the Total Environment, 2023
Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives. In the environment, plastics break down into small pieces (<5 mm) that are referred to as microplastics. Microplastics are ubiquitous and widespread in the environment, and all living organisms are exposed to their effects. The present study provides new insights into the potential effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on organisms via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. The study demonstrated that serum-derived EVs are able to transport plastic particles. In addition, PET microplastics alter the content of miRNA in EVs. The identified differentially regulated miRNAs may target genes associated with lifestyle diseases, such as cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, and carcinogenesis. This work expands our understanding of PET microplastics' effects on organisms via EV-mediated communication and identifies directions for further research and strategies.
In vitro effects of PPAR gamma ligands on gene expression in corpus luteum explants in non-pregnant pigs - Transcriptome analysis
Karol Mierzejewski, Zuzanna Gerwel, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka
Theriogenology, 2023
PPARβ/δ Ligands Regulate Oxidative Status and Inflammatory Response in Inflamed Corpus Luteum—An In Vitro Study
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Zuzanna Gerwel, Monika Golubska, Robert Stryiński, Iwona Bogacka
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023
PPARγ regulates the expression of genes involved in the DNA damage response in an inflamed endometrium
Karol Mierzejewski, Łukasz Paukszto, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Zuzanna Kunicka, Jan P. Jastrzębski, Karol G. Makowczenko, Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka
Scientific Reports, 2022
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands regulate the expression of inflammatory mediators in porcine endometrium during LPS-induced inflammation
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Zuzanna Kunicka, Anna Klepacka, Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka
Theriogenology, 2022
Analysis of changes in the proteomic profile of porcine corpus luteum during different stages of the oestrous cycle: Effects of PPAR gamma ligands
Zuzanna Kunicka, Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Robert Stryiński, Jesús Mateos, Mónica Carrera, Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka
Reproduction Fertility and Development, 2022
PPARγ ligands modulate the immune response mediators in the pig myometrium — An in vitro study
Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Zuzanna Kunicka, Karol Mierzejewski, Monika Golubska, Iwona Bogacka
Animal Reproduction Science, 2021
Transcriptome analysis of porcine endometrium after LPS-induced inflammation: Effects of the PPAR-gamma ligands in vitro
Karol Mierzejewski, Łukasz Paukszto, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Zuzanna Kunicka, Jan Paweł Jastrzębski, Iwona Bogacka
Biology of Reproduction, 2021
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha regulates the expression of the immune response mediators in the porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy
Zuzanna Kunicka, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Anna Szydłowska, Iwona Bogacka
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 2020
PPARβ/δ ligands regulate the expression of immune response mediators in the porcine endometrium – An in vitro study
Zuzanna Kunicka, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Anna Szydłowska, Beata Kaczyńska, Iwona Bogacka
Theriogenology, 2019
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands affect NF-kB and cytokine synthesis in the porcine endometrium—An in vitro study
Zuzanna Kunicka, Aleksandra Kurzynska, Anna Szydlowska, Karol Mierzejewski, Iwona Bogacka
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 2019
Leptin/leptin receptor system in the regulation of reproductive functions and stress response in the European beaver
Katarzyna Chojnowska, Joanna Czerwinska, Tadeusz Kaminski, Barbara Kaminska, Aleksandra Kurzynska, Iwona Bogacka
Current Zoology, 2018
Seasonal differences in the testicular transcriptome profile of free-living European beavers (Castor fiber L.) determined by the RNA-Seq method
Iwona Bogacka, Łukasz Paukszto, Jan P. Jastrzębski, Joanna Czerwińska, Katarzyna Chojnowska, Barbara Kamińska, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Nina Smolińska, Zygmunt Giżejewski, Tadeusz Kamiński
Plos One, 2017
Leptin plasma concentrations, leptin gene expression, and protein localization in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes of the European beaver (Castor fiber)
Katarzyna Chojnowska, Joanna Czerwinska, Tadeusz Kaminski, Barbara Kaminska, Aleksandra Kurzynska, Iwona Bogacka
Theriogenology, 2017
PPAR ligand association with prostaglandin F2α and E2 synthesis in the pig corpus luteum—An in vitro study
A. Kurzynska, K. Chojnowska, M. Bogacki, I. Bogacka
Animal Reproduction Science, 2016
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ligands affect porcine endometrial steroids production during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy: An in vitro study
A. Kurzyńska, M. Bogacki, K. Chojnowska, I. Bogacka
Czech Journal of Animal Science, 2016
Sex- and seasonally related changes in plasma gonadotropins and sex steroids concentration in the European beaver (Castor fiber)
K. Chojnowska, J. Czerwinska, T. Kaminski, B. Kaminska, G. Panasiewicz, A. Kurzynska, I. Bogacka
European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2015
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the regulation of female reproductive functions
Iwona Bogacka, Aleksandra Kurzynska, Marek Bogacki, Katarzyna Chojnowska
Folia Histochemica Et Cytobiologica, 2015
Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ligands affect progesterone and 17β-estradiol secretion by porcine corpus luteum during early pregnancy
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2014
In vitro effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) ligands on prostaglandin E2 synthesis and secretion by porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2013
The involvement of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) in prostaglandin F2α production by porcine endometrium
I. Bogacka, M. Bogacki, A. Kurzyńska, K. Chojnowska
Reproductive Biology, 2013