Influence of Hemostatic Disorder on Type II Endoleak Development After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Paweł Rynio, Magdalena Kłysz, Rabih Samad, Marta Bieniek, Dagmara Lisman, Anita Rybicka, Patryk Skórka, Paulina Lempek, Miłosław Cnotliwy, Arkadiusz Kazimierczak, Piotr Gutowski, Maria Jastrzębska, Aldona Siennicka International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a widely used minimally invasive treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, postoperative type II endoleak (T2EL) remains a relevant complication associated with a risk of aneurysm rupture and the need for repeated imaging follow-up, resulting in exposure to ionizing radiation. Identification of biological factors predisposing to T2EL may improve risk stratification. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether disturbances in hemostasis are associated with early T2EL development after EVAR. A total of 103 patients treated with EVAR for symptomatic or asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms in a tertiary vascular center were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were collected preoperatively and one month postoperatively to assess fibrinogen, prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2), thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), tissue plasminogen activator antigen (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, and platelet activity. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) during follow-up was used to detect endoleaks and calculate their volume. Patients with T2EL had significantly lower levels of prothrombin fragment F1+2 and higher PAI-1 activity compared with patients without endoleak. No significant association was observed between the analyzed biomarkers and endoleak volume. These findings suggest that reduced thrombin generation and impaired fibrinolysis may contribute to endoleak formation after EVAR and warrant further investigation in larger, confirmatory studies.
Non-medical use of exogenous testosterone and anabolic–androgenic substances in young men: health, psychological, and fertility consequences Krzysztof Kowalik, Patryk Harasny, Laura Kaliczyńska, Konrad Reweda-Kwiatkowski, Dariusz Starzyński, Michał Pawlak, Arkadiusz Waloryszak, Magdalena Ptak, Andrzej Modrzejewski, Dagmara Lisman Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 The non-medical use of exogenous testosterone and other anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) has increased substantially in recent years, particularly among young men engaged in recreational strength training. Although often perceived as a means of enhancing muscle mass and physical performance, this practice represents a growing public-health concern due to its wide-ranging endocrine, reproductive, and multisystem adverse effects. This narrative review synthesizes current international evidence on the non-medical use of testosterone and AAS in non-professional athletic settings, with a primary focus on endocrine disruption and reproductive health. The review outlines the classification of commonly used anabolic–androgenic compounds, discusses their pharmacological mechanisms of action, and integrates clinical, experimental, and epidemiological data on associated adverse outcomes. Particular attention is given to suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, impaired spermatogenesis, fertility disturbances, and the potential for long-term or persistent endocrine sequelae. In addition, psychological and behavioural factors contributing to AAS use—including muscle dysmorphia, social pressure, and body-image concerns—are discussed as important modulators of risk. The review also addresses current clinical approaches to the management of AAS-related complications, including strategies aimed at hormonal recovery and restoration of reproductive function. By presenting a comprehensive, mechanistic, and clinically oriented overview, this article highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians and underscores priorities for future research and preventive interventions in endocrine and reproductive health.
A mysterious burial from the Kerma Culture (second millennium BC) in the Bayuda Desert of Sudan Monika Badura, Henryk Paner, Patryk Muntowski, Tomasz Goslar, Aleksandra Pudło, Dagmara Lisman, Magdalena Moskal del-Hoyo, Agnieszka M. Noryśkiewicz, Karol Szawaryn, Joanna Then-Obłuska Azania, 2026 During work carried out in the Bayuda Desert in Sudan at the site of BP937 in 2018 the grave of a man was discovered. The grave was classified as belonging to the Kerma Culture and dated to the early phase of the Old Kush II period (c. 2050–1750 BC). In addition to faience beads, the grave goods consisted of two clay vessels. One was placed standing upright, while the other was placed upside down. This may constitute an element of the funeral rites. One of the vessels contained charred plant remains (diaspores, wood), animal bone fragments, coprolites and insect fragments. These were probably the remains of a campfire, which was an important element of the funeral ritual, intentionally placed inside the vessel. In addition to archaeological, anthropological, radiocarbon and ancient DNA analyses, anthracological, carpological and entomological analyses were also carried out. As a result, this multi-proxy study provides valuable information on the burial traditions, as well as the environmental conditions, that prevailed in this arid area in the early second millennium BC.
Distribution of High-Risk HPV in Cervical Versus Oropharyngeal Samples: Results from a Prospective Screening Study in a Cohort of European Women of Reproductive Age Dagmara Lisman, Andrzej Ossowski, Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz, Łukasz Tyszler, Rafał Becht, Mateusz Kozłowski, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska Pathogens, 2025 High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection with genotypes such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 is a well-established risk factor for cervical cancer; however, its prevalence in oropharyngeal sites among asymptomatic women remains less clearly defined. We evaluated 400 women aged 20–40 years (mean age 29.6 years) for the presence of HPV-16, HPV-18, and other HR-HPV genotypes in both cervical and oropharyngeal samples. Cervical specimens were collected using flocked swabs, and oropharyngeal specimens using flocked nylon swabs. Samples were preserved in transport medium, transported at 4–8 °C, and stored at –20 °C until DNA extraction. Viral DNA was isolated with the AA Viral DNA Kit and analyzed using the GenoProf HPV Screening Test, which employs multiplex PCR and reverse hybridization. HPV-16 was detected in 9.5% of participants, HPV-18 in 7.3%, and other HR-HPV genotypes in 14.3%. No statistically significant variation in prevalence across age groups was observed (HPV-16: χ2 = 0.10, p = 0.992; HPV-18: χ2 = 0.10, p = 0.992; HR-HPV: χ2 = 0.15, p = 0.985). Importantly, no HPV DNA was detected in oropharyngeal swabs. These findings indicate that, in this cohort of reproductive-age women, HR-HPV infection was confined to the cervix, with oropharyngeal infection being rare or undetectable. The results underscore the importance of prioritizing cervical screening initiatives in similar populations.
Forensic DNA Recovery from FFPE Tissue Using the Maxwell® RSC Xcelerate Kit: Optimization, Challenges, and Limitations Dagmara Lisman, Andrzej Ossowski, Aleksandra Tołoczko-Grabarek, Mateusz Kozłowski, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska Genes, 2025 Background/Objectives: Obtaining reliable DNA profiles from archival tissue preserved as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples remains a major challenge in both forensic and medical evaluations. The quality of DNA isolated from FFPE material is frequently compromised due to formalin-induced fragmentation and chemical modifications. These limitations are particularly relevant in cases of suspected medical malpractice related to cancer diagnosis or treatment, where retrospective molecular analyses may provide critical evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Maxwell® RSC Xcelerate DNA FFPE Kit (Promega) in generating DNA profiles from archival FFPE tissue blocks of endometrial cancer and to identify the limitations associated with this approach. Methods: Archival FFPE blocks of endometrial cancer were analyzed using the Maxwell® RSC Xcelerate DNA FFPE Kit. DNA yield, purity, and degradation indices were assessed using standard real-time PCR-based quantification methods. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling was performed with forensic genotyping kits, and the completeness, allele balance, and reliability of obtained profiles were evaluated. The obtained results were compared with reference quality thresholds commonly used in forensic practice. Results: The Maxwell® RSC Xcelerate Kit allowed for recovery of relatively high DNA yields with consistently low degradation indices, confirming good extraction efficiency from FFPE samples. Nevertheless, despite favorable quantitative values, the generation of complete STR profiles was often unsuccessful. Partial or incomplete profiles were frequent, characterized by allele dropout and imbalance, which substantially reduced their evidentiary value. These findings suggest that DNA fragmentation and fixation-related artifacts impair amplification efficiency and limit the usefulness of STR analysis. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the persistent challenges of DNA profiling from FFPE tissue in forensic-medical contexts. Although the Maxwell® RSC Xcelerate Kit demonstrated effective DNA recovery, the ability to generate complete and interpretable STR profiles remained limited. Further refinement of extraction protocols, as well as improved interpretative strategies, are required to enhance the reliability and evidentiary significance of molecular analyses based on archival FFPE material.
Assessment of the impact of fabric composition and color on the visualization of biological traces and lubricants using the Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO Dagmara Lisman, Ilona Savochka, Emilia Żarczyńska, Andrzej Ossowski Forensic Science International Reports, 2025 The effective visualisation of biological traces, such as blood, semen, saliva, urine, and lubricants, is crucial in forensic investigations. The Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO is a tool used to detect these traces by employing different wavelengths of light. This study investigates how fabric type and colour influence the effectiveness of this device in identifying biological and lubricant traces. This study evaluates how fabric composition and colour affect the effectiveness of biological trace and lubricant visualisation using the Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO device. Various fabrics and substances were analysed to determine the optimal conditions for detection. Both natural and synthetic fabrics were tested under different lighting conditions provided by the device. The visibility of biological traces and lubricants was examined across multiple wavelengths, including the visible and infrared spectra. Key parameters such as fabric composition, colour, and stain concentration were assessed. The findings indicate that both the chemical composition and colour of fabrics play a significant role in the effectiveness of biological trace and lubricant visualisation. The Foster + Freeman Crime-lite® ML PRO device was effective in detecting biological traces when optimal conditions were met. However, the variability in results highlights the need for tailored approaches depending on fabric type and colour. • The composition and colour of the fabric are crucial for the effectiveness of bloodstain visualisation. • The best results were obtained on white viscose and polyester fabrics. • The Foster+Freeman ML PRO facilitates the visualisation of biological traces. • A revealed stain should always be confirmed with a presumptive test.
Facial skin aging: an integrative analysis of genetics, epigenetics, and lifestyle factors Rezvan Noroozi, Aleksandra Pisarek-Pacek, Bożena Wysocka, Kamila Migacz-Gruszka, Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Magdalena Kobus, Dagmara Lisman, Julia Zacharczuk, Joanna Rudnicka, Aleksandra Iljin, Kathryn C. Fitzgerald, Małgorzata Michalczyk, Piotr Kaczka, Michał Krzysztofik, Maciej Kostrzewa, Aneta Sitek, Magdalena Spólnicka, Andrzej Ossowski, Wojciech Branicki, Ewelina Pośpiech Geroscience, 2025 Facial wrinkling is a prominent sign of aging, yet individuals exhibit unique trajectories of biological aging, contributing to the variability in facial appearance. Here, we present a pioneering study exploring the association between lifestyle choices, DNA methylation, and SNP genotypes with a range of facial skin aging phenotypes. The study demonstrated that age-related facial skin phenotypes are influenced by multiple environmental stressors. Epigenome-wide association analyses identified differentially methylated cytosines mapped to 151 loci , including novel genes associated with facial wrinkles, such as EDAR (cg02925966, p = 4.96 × 10 −8 ) and NRG1 (cg26267340, p = 4.64 × 10 −8 ), both involved in wound healing. Sensitivity analysis, conditioning on the top meQTLs, showed minor attenuation, suggesting an association independent of genetic variants. Accelerated epigenetic aging, measured in the blood of over 700 Polish individuals, was found to correlate with facial wrinkle area, photoaging, telangiectasias, and perceived facial age, with the GrimAge and FitAge clocks showing the most robust associations. Genome-wide SNP analysis identified rs73943403 (RP11-78F17.1, p = 3.72 × 10 −8 ) associated with wrinkle area and rs113125564 ( ZC3H4 , p = 1.23 × 10 −8 ) associated with perceived facial age, potentially implicating stress response and adiposity in skin aging. Finally, the study revealed the additive value of methylation and SNP data for predicting two continuous skin phenotypes, with 59.0% of the variation explained in facial wrinkle area and 26.2% in perceived facial age. The findings underscore the relevance of genetic and epigenetic factors, revealing novel candidate genes and molecular pathways involved in skin aging. These insights hold substantial translational value for dermatology, the cosmetics industry, and anti-aging strategies.
Perpetrators from Treblinka: interdisciplinary investigations of seven single graves with “Trawniki Men” Joanna Drath, Joanna Jarzęcka-Stąporek, Julia Zacharczuk, Dagmara Lisman, Sandra Cytacka, Maria Szargut, Ozgur Bulut, Kate Spradley, Marek E. Jasinski, Mirosław Parafiniuk, Andrzej Ossowski Heritage Science, 2024 At the Treblinka extermination and forced labor camp only a few SS soldiers and around a hundred watchmen kept guard over thousands of prisoners. Despite their lower rank in the Nazi hierarchy than SS soldiers, watchmen were vital to implementing “Operation Reinhard” in the field. Prisoners in Nazi camps were terrified by their brutality and ruthlessness.The guards were intermediaries between the camp’s inmates and the commanding crew, so in cases of a prisoners’ riot, they were the first target. The historical records mention several incidents where the watchmen died at the hands of the captives. However, little is known regarding how the dead bodies of the guards were treated nor what the funeral customs looked like in the camps.In 2019, a row of individual burials was discovered at the former Treblinka extermination and forced labor camp. Seven of those graves were explored to identify the people buried in such an unusual manner and to find out what had caused their deaths. A thorough multidisciplinary study, combining the forensic disciplines of archaeology, anthropology, medicine, and genetics provided the answer.Considering archaeological findings, it can be deduced that the graves belong to the Treblinka guards. The analysis conducted by an anthropologist indicates that the assessed biological profile aligns with the antemortem data of the Treblinka watchmen. Moreover, a study examining perimortem trauma has unveiled that out of the seven men studied, at least two met a violent demise. These findings are crucial in narrowing down the identification process.The results of our study contribute to a general understanding of the funerary customs prevalent in concentration camps worldwide. Prior to this work, there had never been any analysis or publication of the characteristics of watchmen graves at Nazi camps, making our results unique.
DNA methylation at AHRR as a master predictor of smoke exposure and a biomarker for sleep and exercise Ewelina Pośpiech, Joanna Rudnicka, Rezvan Noroozi, Aleksandra Pisarek-Pacek, Bożena Wysocka, Aleksander Masny, Michał Boroń, Kamila Migacz-Gruszka, Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska, Magdalena Kobus, Dagmara Lisman, Grażyna Zielińska, Sandra Cytacka, Aleksandra Iljin, Joanna A. Wiktorska, Małgorzata Michalczyk, Piotr Kaczka, Michał Krzysztofik, Aneta Sitek, Magdalena Spólnicka, Andrzej Ossowski, Wojciech Branicki Clinical Epigenetics, 2024 BACKGROUND: DNA methylation profiling may provide a more accurate measure of the smoking status than self-report and may be useful in guiding clinical interventions and forensic investigations. In the current study, blood DNA methylation profiles of nearly 800 Polish individuals were assayed using Illuminia EPIC and the inference of smoking from epigenetic data was explored. In addition, we focused on the role of the AHRR gene as a top marker for smoking and investigated its responsiveness to other lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: ) and three additional CpGs (cg09594361, cg21322436 in CNTNAP2 and cg09842685) was able to predict smoking status with a high accuracy of AUC = 0.8 in the test set. Importantly, a gradual increase in the probability of smoking was observed, starting from occasional smokers to regular heavy smokers. Furthermore, former smokers displayed the intermediate DNA methylation profiles compared to current and never smokers, and thus our results indicate the potential reversibility of DNA methylation after smoking cessation. The AHRR played a key role in a predictive analysis, explaining 21.5% of the variation in smoking. In addition, the AHRR methylation was analyzed for association with other modifiable lifestyle factors, and showed significance for sleep and physical activity. We also showed that the epigenetic score for smoking was significantly correlated with most of the epigenetic clocks tested, except for two first-generation clocks. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a more rapid return to never-smoker methylation levels after smoking cessation may be achievable in people who change their lifestyle in terms of physical activity and sleep duration. As cigarette smoking has been implicated in the literature as a leading cause of epigenetic aging and AHRR appears to be modifiable by multiple exogenous factors, it emerges as a promising target for intervention and investment.
Joanna Drath, Joanna Jarzęcka-Stąporek, Dagmara Lisman, Maria Szargut, Marek E. Jasinski, Kate Spradley, Mirosław Parafiniuk, Andrzej Ossowski Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2023
