Aleksandra Kurzyńska

Scopus Publications

PET microplastics induce lipotoxicity in the porcine pancreas
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Robert Stryiński, Ismena Gałęcka, et al.
BMC Genomics, 2026
Ingested PET microplastics alter the metabolomic profile of the porcine pancreas
Karol Mierzejewski, Aleksandra Kurzyńska, Monika Golubska, Ismena Gałęcka, Jarosław Całka, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
Environmental Pollution, 2025
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, et al.
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
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2025
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, et al.
Theriogenology, 2024
Lipopolysaccharide affects metabolic processes and energy homeostasis in the corpus luteum
Karol Mierzejewski, Robert Stryiński, Iwona Bogacka, Monika Golubska, Mónica Carrera, et al.
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, et al.
Science of the Total Environment, 2023
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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, et al.
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