Background. Chronic wounds pose a serious clinical and economic burden, and their effective treatment requires the development of new biomaterials that promote tissue regeneration. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) represent a promising regenerative strategy; however, their biological properties largely depend on the manufacturing protocol. Objective. To compare the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of two porcine acellular dermal matrix variants, dry (d-ADM) and wet (w-ADM), and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the biocompatible matrix in an experimental porcine model of chronic full-thickness wounds. Methods. Biocompatibility was assessed in vitro using human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hU-MSCs) by evaluating cell morphology, viability, proliferation, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. The therapeutic efficacy of the selected ADM was investigated in a porcine chronic full-thickness excisional wound model and compared with non-adhesive dressings and Promogran Prisma. Wound healing was evaluated after 28 days using histological, immunohistochemical (TNF-α, TGF-β, Ki-67), and morphometric analyses. Results. The wet ADM preserved hU-MSC morphology, viability, and proliferative capacity, whereas the dry ADM induced marked cytotoxicity, increased LDH release, and extensive cell death. In vivo, treatment with w-ADM significantly accelerated wound healing compared with both control dressings, resulting in complete and stable re-epithelialization, minimal inflammatory infiltration, organized collagen remodeling, and improved tissue architecture. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significantly lower expression of TNF-α, TGF-β, and Ki-67, indicating resolution of inflammation and transition toward tissue remodeling and regenerative stabilization. Conclusions. Wet acellular dermal matrix demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and superior regenerative performance, whereas the dry matrix exhibited unacceptable cytotoxicity. Wet ADM represents a promising scaffold for regenerative treatment of chronic wounds and warrants further investigation as a clinically applicable biomaterial, including in combination with mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies. Keywords: acellular dermal matrix, biocompatibility, chronic wounds, cytotoxicity, human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells, lyophilization, morphology
Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that affects 10–13% of the worldwide population. The conventional biomarkers, like serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), have poor sensitivity in detecting early stage CKD, especially as it relates to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Recent studies suggest that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are sensitive molecular markers of renal pathology. Objectives. This study quantified the serum levels of miR-21, miR-155 and miR-192 in early-stage CKD patients with or without co-existing T2DM and determined the diagnostic performance of these microRNAs compared to cystatin C and eGFR. Methods. A case-control study was conducted with a total of 100 participants classified into three groups; healthy controls (n = 30), CKD patients with T2DM (n = 35) and CKD patients without T2DM (n = 35). The expression of serum miRNA was measured with real-time quantitative PCR using the 2⁻ΔΔCt method, U6 snRNA as internal reference. Cystatin C was determined by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry; eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI equation. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman partial correlations, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Results. Significant upregulation of all three miRNAs in both CKD groups (P < 0.001) with a differing magnitude of fold-change compared with controls and the highest amplification for miR-192 was detected. ROC analysis identified miR-192 to be the best performing single biomarker (AUC = 0.937; 95% CI: 0.880–0.978). Spearman partial correlation networks showed strong positive relations of miRNAs with cystatin C (ρ = 0.74–0.80) and stronger negative associations with eGFR (ρ = −0.69 to −0.78). Conclusions. Circulating miR-21, miR-155 and miR-192 are promising minimally invasive biomarkers better than conventional markers for early CKD detection. Cystatin C was co-measured with it, yielding a highly accurate diagnostic panel especially in the diabetic nephropathy sub-phenotype. Clinical applicability requires validation in large multicentre cohorts. Keywords: biochemical markers, chronic kidney disease, cystatin C, eGFR, microRNA, ROC analysis
Background. Plasma membrane Na+,K+-ATPase plays an important role in maintaining ionic homeostasis and regulating myometrial contractility. Its inhibition may alter uterine smooth muscle responses to uterotonic stimulation. Objective. This study aimed to determine the mechanism by which calix[4]arene C-1130 inhibits Na+,K+-ATPase activity and to evaluate its effects on oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions. Methods. Na+,K+-ATPase activity was studied in suspensions of perforated plasma membranes isolated from myometrial cells. The kinetic parameters of ATP hydrolysis were determined at different ATP and Mg2+ concentrations. The effects of C-1130 on oxytocin-induced isometric and isotonic contractions were examined in myometrial preparations with preserved endometrium. Results. Calix[4]arene C-1130 decreased the maximum rate of Na+,K+-ATPase-mediated ATP hydrolysis without significantly affecting the apparent affinity or cooperativity parameters for ATP and Mg2+. At a concentration of 10 μM, C-1130 enhanced oxytocin-induced isometric myometrial contraction and increased the normalized maximal rates of both contraction and relaxation phases. Under isotonic conditions, C-1130 increased the velocity and enhanced the power characteristics of muscle contraction. Conclusions. Calix[4]arene C-1130 inhibits myometrial Na+,K+-ATPase through a noncompetitive mechanism. The enhancement of oxytocin-induced contractile muscle activity is likely associated with disruption of ionic homeostasis in myocytes caused by inhibition of the plasma membrane Na+,K+-ATPase. Keywords: ATPase kinetic properties, calix[4]arenes, K+-ATPase, myometrium, Na+, plasma membrane, smooth muscle cells
Background. Calixarenes are supramolecular compounds with a unique three-dimensional structure, the biological activity of which is determined by the chemical groups on the upper or lower rim. It was found that thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 selectively (compared to other ATPases) inhibits plasma membrane Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity that playіs a crucial role in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis in myometrial cell. To expand our understanding of the thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 effects on Ca2+ exchange in myometrial cells, it is necessary to analyze its possible effects on Ca2+ exchange in intracellular pools. Objective. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 affects Ca ion exchange in myometrial mitochondria. Methods. Mitochondria from myometrium of non-pregnant rats were isolated. Ionized calcium concentration in the mitochondria matrix was determined using the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM. Baseline Ca2+ concentration in the absence of exogenous (added) Ca2+ and Ca2+ accumulation in its presence were determined. Ca2+ concentration in the incubation medium was determined using fluorescent probe 1 µM Fluo5F, Pentapotassium Salt. Relative value of mitochondria membrane potential (Δψ) was assayed using a fluorescent probe 100 nM TMRM. The Microsoft Office Excel software package was used for data processing. Results. It was proven that mitochondria incubation in Mg2+– and Mg2+,АТР-medium with 10 μM thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 was accompanied by an increase of both the baseline Са2+ concentration and accumulation of this cation in the matrix and did not affect Са2+ efflux from mitochondria. Mitochondria incubation with 10 μM thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 resulted in reducing of TMRM-loaded mitochondria fluorescence intensity, indicatings the depolarizing effect of this compound. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate the possibility of thiacalix[4]arene C-1087 modulating effect on the Са2+ exchange in mitochondria and polarization of its membranes. Keywords: membrane polarization, mitochondria, thiacalix[4]arene C-1087, Са2+ accumulation and efflux, Са2+ concentration
Background. Thrombin is the key enzyme of blood coagulation that converts fibrinogen into fibrin and activates multiple coagulation factors. However, the temporal relationship between thrombin-mediated fibrin formation and the availability of thrombin for other physiological substrates during the initiation of coagulation remains insufficiently understood. Objective. To investigate the role of fibrinogen and fibrin in regulating thrombin activity during the initiation phase of thrombin generation in plasma. Methods. Thrombin generation was initiated in human plasma using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent or Thromborel. Fibrin formation was monitored turbidimetrically at 405 nm. Thrombin amidolytic activity toward the chromogenic substrate S2238 was measured spectrophotometrically at 405 nm. Fibrin polymerization was inhibited with the synthetic peptide GPRP. The effects of plasma dilution and inhibition of fibrin polymerization on the temporal profiles of fibrin formation and thrombin activity were analyzed. Results. During initiation of thrombin generation with both APTT-reagent and Thromborel, the beginning of cleavage of S2238 by thrombin coincided with the end of fibrin clot formation, marked by turbidimetric curve. At 1:3 plasma dilution, fibrin formation lag time was 210 s, amidase activity lag phase was 410 s. At 1:10 dilution, the lag time for fibrin formation was 73 s, amidase activity was 200 s, indicating that dilution (and lower fibrinogen) accelerates thrombin generation. With 1 mM GPRP, fibrin and amidase activity lag times increased by an order of magnitude. Conclusions. Thrombin generated during initiation of thrombin generation acts primarily on fibrinogen, remaining bound to the molecule throughout its conversion into fibrin and clot formation. Its amidase activity emerges only after protofibrils undergo lateral association into fibrin clot. Once the binding sites in the fibrin clot are saturated, thrombin becomes available for other substrates (FV, FVIII, FXI) and physiological functions. Keywords: fibrin, fibrinogen, thrombin, thrombin generation assay
Atherothrombotic ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of disability and mortality. The search for biomarkers of its recurrence is a key task of modern vascular neurology. Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a multimeric glycoprotein that binds platelets to damaged vessel, is considered a marker of endothelial dysfunction and platelet activity. The aim of the study was to assess the level of von Willebrand factor in the blood plasma of patients in the early stages of recovery after atherothrombotic stroke. 200 patients aged 60.42 ± 7.40 with atherothrombotic ischemic stroke and 50 people from the control group were examined. The prospective observation was conducted for 12 months to record recurrent strokes. Neurological deficit was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and results were interpreted according to the generally accepted stroke grading. The level of vWF was determined by the light-transmission analysis on a laser aggregometer. The data obtained showed that the level of vWF in the early recovery period increased in parallel with the increase in disorder severity to 137.7, 155.7 and 169.7% in the groups with easy, average, and severe stroke, respectively, compared with the control indicator of 95.3%. In patients with the highest vWF level (>170%), the recurrent ischemic strokes were recorded in half of the cases. These results indicate the сlinical significance and prognostic value of von Willebrand factor, in particular, for identifying the patients at high risk of recurrent vascular accidents requiring enhanced secondary prevention measures. Keywords: early recovery period, ischemic stroke, neurological deficit, recurrent stroke., Von Willebrand factor
Background. It is recognized that endometrial physiology and carcinogenesis depend on the balance of estrogen and progesterone. Eхpression status of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors has been utilized clinically as a prognostic predictor of endometrial cancer (EC). Nevertheless there is growing evidence that insulin resistance and changes in adipokine secretory system are also important risk factor of EC. Objective. To investigate the association between tumor estrogen and progesterone receptors expression combined with metabolic hormone serum levels and tumor progression in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods. The study included 100 patients with endometrial cancer patients and 50 age-matched healthy controls. Serum estradiol, progesterone, insulin, leptin and adiponectin were analyzed with a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Tumor tissue samples were stained using monoclonal antibodies against ER and PR with a standard streptavidin-biotin method. Nuclear staining ≥10% was considered positive. Results. It was shown that the majority of the tumors were ER-positive (68%) and PR-positive (54%) while 27% were double-negative. Serum estradiol, leptin, and insulin levels were significantly higher in advanced-stage patients, while progesterone and adiponectin levels were significantly lower compared to early-stage patients. Correlation and regression results showed that the independent variables that predicted tumor progression were ER and PR negativity, high estradiol, high leptin, and low adiponectin. Conclusions. The loss of ER/PR expression and a metabolic hormonal imbalance – characterized by elevated levels of estradiol and leptin and reduced levels of adiponectin – are closely associated with the progression of endometrial cancer. These changes may contribute to proliferative signaling pathways and inflammatory processes, leading to increased tumor aggressiveness and disease progression. Keywords: adiponectin, endometrial cancer, estrogen receptor, insulin, leptin, monoclonal antibodies, progesterone receptor
Background. Telomeric mechanisms are considered important contributors to chronic kidney disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, although data on telomere length in diabetic kidney disease remain limited. Objective. To evaluate the relationship between telomere length and clinical characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without chronic kidney disease. Methods. The study included 100 patients with T2DM, divided into two groups: 50 with and 50 without CKD. Routine clinical and biochemical blood tests were performed for all subjects. Leukocyte telomere length was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction following the method described by Cawthon. Results. T2DM patients with CKD were significantly older, had a longer duration of diabetes, exhibited significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and frequency of cardiovascular complications compared with non-CKD patients. No significant correlations were found between telomere length and age, eGFR, albuminuria, or cardiovascular disease in either group. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus chronic kidney disease was associated with higher frequency of pathologically short telomeres (20.8%) versus non-CKD patients (2.1%), suggesting accelerated cellular aging in CKD independent of chronological age. Conclusions. Shortened telomeres in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease may reflect accelerated cellular aging and could serve as an additional marker for biological risk stratification beyond traditional renal indicators. Keywords: cellular aging, chronic kidney disease, telomeres, type 2 diabetes mellitus
Background. Cardiovascular system is particularly responsive to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels and hypothyroid patients are at an increased risk of worse cardiovascular outcomes. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a recognised biomarker for heart failure. Several studies indicate that thyroid disorders may influence blood NT-proBNP level, nevertheless, a consensus has not been established. Objective. To investigate the impact of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs198389 in NT-proBNP gene on the NT-proBNP serum level in patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism. Methods. The study included 100 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients and 100 healthy controls, with NT-proBNP level measured with enzyme-linked fluorescent assay and genetic analysis conducted via PCR. Results. Our findings indicated significantly elevated NT-proBNP level across all genotypes (CC, CT, TT) in hypothyroid patients compared to controls. This elevation correlated strongly with thyroid-stimulating hormone level. Conclusions. The study demonstrated that NT-proBNP can discriminate between hypothyroid patients and healthy controls, but further studies are needed to establish its role in cardiovascular risk prediction. Keywords: correlation analysis, hypothyroidism, NT-proBNP, single nucleotide polymorphisms, thyroid-stimulating hormone
It is known that 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives form the basis of a wide range of pharmaceuticals with diverse biological activities. A newly synthesized compound of this group – 11-(furan-2-yl)-9-hydroxy-3,11-dihydro-2H-benzo[6,7]thiochromeno[2,3-d]thiazole-2,5,10-trione, designated by Les-6400 laboratory code, is noteworthy for its drug-like properties. The aim of the study was to determine the parameters of glutathione antioxidant system in isolated human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with Les-6400. Saponin-permeabilized lymphocytes from the blood samples of healthy male volunteers aged 20–44 years were used in the study. A significant dose-dependent increase in the lipid peroxidation process was observed upon lymphocytes exposure to Les-6400 at concentrations of 10–5–10–3 M. At the concentrations studied no effect of Les-6400 on GSH level was observed, while in the 10–4–10–3 M concentration range the activity of glutathione antioxidant enzymes was markedly affected: the activity of both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase was increased, while that of glutathione-S-transferase was reduced. Thus, Les-6400 had a pronounced effect on the pro/antioxidant status of blood lymphocytes. Keywords: 1, 4-naphthoquinone derivative, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, lipid peroxidation, lymphocytes
It is known, that the functioning of non-electrogenic 2Na+-Ca2+-exchange system, localized in the myometrium cells plasma membrane, is ensured by the energy of the transmembrane sodium gradient, created by the Mg2+, ATP-dependent sodium pump. The aim of the study was to determine how the inhibitor of this pump calix[4]arene С-1130 affects the mechanokinetics and energy of myometrium contraction-relaxation. The experiments were conducted using female Wistar rats. The contractile activity of the longitudinal smooth muscles of the uterine horns was studied tensometrically. The method of determining the mechanical work А and power N at any time moment t of the of smooth muscle isotonic contraction-relaxation complete cycle was developed and tested in the tensometric experiments. Calix[4]arene С-1130 was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide and introduced into the working solutions in a 10-5 М concentration. It was found that under calix[4]arene С-1130 treatment, the relative values of the mechanical work A were achieved at a time when the contraction-relaxation cycle under control conditions was practically completed, while the maximum values of power N were reached faster than in the control. These results indicate that calix[4]arene С-1130 was capable of inducing the increase in the maximal value of the smooth muscle mechanical work, promoting its relaxation without a considerable change in the contraction power. The developed methodology may be useful for the comparative study of the pharmacological drugs effect on the smooth muscles contractile activity in the “norm-pathology” format. Keywords: alix[4]arene C-1130, contractile activity, kinetics and energy parameters, myometrium smooth muscle
Background. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is proposed as a novel gasotransmitter that is endogenously formed depending on the activity of aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione synthetase, and dihydrogen sulfide content. SO2 and its donors can potentially have a corrective effect in reducing oxidative stress-induced injuries under conditions of adaptation syndrome. Salivary glands are highly sensitive to stressors, but SO2 role in these organs under stress and general adaptation syndrome is largely unknown. Objective. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of the inorganic SO2 donor on the prooxidant-antioxidant balance and dihydrogen sulfide content in the salivary glands of rats under conditions of immobilization stress. Methods. Experiments were performed on 24 white male Wistar rats divided into groups: intact; injected intraperitoneally with SO2 donor Na2SO3/NaHSO3 (0.54 mmol/kg/0.18 mmol/kg) daily; immobilized on their backs for 1 h daily; injected intraperitoneally with Na2SO3/NaHSO3 daily 30 min before immobilization. Animals were withdrawn from the experiment on the 5th day, salivary glands were removed, homogenised, the supernatant was used for biochemical studies. Results. It was shown that the introduction of SO2 donor against the background of the general adaptation syndrome modeling led to a decrease in the blood plasma content of corticosterone, mitigation of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of proteins, cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase activation and dihydrogen sulfide content restoration in the salivary glands. Conclusions. It was concluded that correction of stress-induced changes in the salivary glands of rats with sulfur dioxide led to the prevention of the development of oxidative stress and the restoration of dihydrogen sulfide production from cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase and an increase in the activity of aspartate aminotransferase. Keywords: dihydrogen sulfide, general adaptation syndrome, oxidative stress, salivary glands, sulfur dioxide
Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue is a hallmark of obesity as a critical factor in the development of numerous chronic medical problems. Pancreatic lipase (PLase), which controls the absorption of fats in the intestine, has gained significance as a target in anti-obesity therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Aspirin as a PLase inhibitor and a weight-loss agent compared to the commonly used anti-obesity drug Xenical. Pancreatic lipase was purified 28.5-fold from the plasma of obese male volunteers using ion-exchange chromatography. Enzyme activity was evaluated using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as a substrate. The kinetic analysis of Aspirin effect on purified enzyme activity revealed a competitive inhibition mechanism with Ki of 24.3 mM. In vivo studies were performed using 20 male Wistar rats randomly divided into four equal groups provided with: 1 – control conditions; 2 – high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks; 3 – HFD and Xenical orally (10 mg/kg BW daily); 4 – HFD and Aspirin orally (14.4 mg/kg BW daily). In an HFD group, increased animals body weight and elevated PLase activity in plasma compared to the control were demonstrated. Treatment with both Aspirin and Xenical resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and PLase activity compared with untreated HFD rats. Molecular docking of Human Pancreatic lipase-related protein 1 (PDB ID: 2PPL) binding with Aspirin and Xenical showed the values of binding energy (ΔG) 5.4 and -4.4 kcal/mol, respectively, indicating a stronger protein interaction with Aspirin compared to Xenical. This combined study reinforces the conclusion that Aspirin has the potential to be a novel anti-obesity agent. Keywords: anti-obesity effect, aspirin, human pancreatic lipase-related protein 1, in silico study, kinetic inhibition analysis, obesity, pancreatic lipase, Xenical
Cellulase derived from cellulolytic bacteria plays an increasingly important role in biotechnology and is characterized by hight consumption demand on the global enzyme market. Bacterial strains of the genus Bacillus have been reported to be capable of synthesizing cellulase, which breaks β-1,4-glycosidic bonds, releasing glucose as the end product. Nevertheless, enzyme activity and yield are affected by many factors, especially by bacterial strain and culture medium conditions. This study aimed to assess Bacillus subtilis DSC.03 cellulase activity depending on the strain cultivation parameters. Bacillus subtilis DSC.03 was isolated from durian peel compost samples. Carboxymethyl cellulase (CMC) activity was determined by reaction with 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid in the crude enzyme extract of the bacterial strain. It was shown that cultivation time, temperature and substrate concentration have a significant impact on the CMCase activity of DSC.03. The optimal parameters were as follows: 60 h at 40℃, 1% carboxymethyl cellulose and 2% inoculum. Under these conditions the strain exhibited a maximum CMCase activity of 1.72 U/ml. Keywords: Bacillus subtilis DSC.03, bacterial cellulase, carboxymethyl cellulase activity, culture conditions
Background. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in women due to the resistance to chemotherapy and severe side effects of doxorubicin (Doxo). One of the approaches to overcome this problem is to search for phytocompounds that can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and prevent the development of side effects. Objective. This work aimed to investigate in vitro whether the polyphenol curcumin (Cur) from turmeric (Curcuma longa) in combination with the commercial drug Doxo-HCl can enhance the cytotoxic effect of Doxo on breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 and to exhibit chemoprotective activity against normal HEK-293 cells. Methods. Cell viability was assessed with MTT assay, apoptosis induction by flow cytometry with Annexin V–eGFP and PI, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by the DCFH-DA probe. The combination index (CI) calculation method and CompuSyn, Biosoft software were used to determine the synergism or antagonism of the components. Results. The study revealed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, increased ROS formation, and increased morphological aberrations in cells when using the combination of Cur with Doxo-HCl compared to Doxo-HCl. Cur acted as a chemosensitizer, which synergistically enhanced the antitumor activity of Doxo-HCl while simultaneously reducing its cytotoxic effects in normal cells by reducing ROS production. Conclusions. The use of Cur in combination with Doxo-HCl will likely reduce the effective therapeutic dose of Doxo and increase the effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy. Keywords: apoptosis, breast cancer cell lines, cell viability, chemosensitizer, combination index, combined treatment, curcumin, doxorubicin, oxidative stress
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of the joints that represents the second most common rheumatic disease after rheumatoid arthritis. Arginase, a multifunctional enzyme that plays an important role in disease development, and adenosine deaminase, which is involved in the immune response, are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. The study aimed to estimate both the activity of arginase and adenosine deaminase in the serum of patients with osteoarthritis depending on disease severity, age, and body mass index (BMI). The study included 80 participants, 40 in the control group and 40 with OA, divided into groups with mild or severe degrees of the disease, aged 30-45 and 46-65, with normal or overweight BMI. Enzyme activity was measured colorimetrically. Patients with severe osteoarthritis exhibited a significantly increased level of the activity for both arginase and adenosine deaminase compared to patients with mild osteoarthritis and healthy individuals. A strong positive correlation between the activity of arginase and age was found in the severe group, whereas a weak correlation was found between the activity of arginase and BMI in both mild and severe OA groups. ROC curve analysis showed that arginase exhibited an exceptionally high area under the curve (AUC of 0.923), indicating that arginase has high specificity and sensitivity compared to adenosine deaminase and other indicators in distinguishing between patients with osteoarthritis and healthy individuals. Keywords: adenosine deaminase, arginase, disease severity, osteoarthritis, patient’s age and body weight
The interaction of PRIGs with various antigens differs radically from the interaction of specific antibodies and the corresponding antigen. First of all, this difference lies in the lower specificity of PRIGs, although there are other fundamental differences. For example, the binding of PRIGs and antigen is extremely dependent on the temperature at which the process occurs, whereas the binding of specific antibodies to antigen is not very dependent on temperature. There are also a number of substances, such as Tween 20, that significantly affect the binding of PRIGs to antigens, but have a much weaker effect on the binding of specific antibodies. This article is devoted to studying the degree of non-specificity of the PRIGs and antigen reaction, and the ability of serologically unrelated antigens to inhibit this interaction. According to the data presented in this article, the interaction between PRIGs and antigens is completely nonspecific. Keywords: antigen-antibody interaction, inhibition of interaction, monoclonal antibodies, PRIGs-antigens interaction
Obesity and related metabolic disorders remain one of the most pressing problems of modern biomedicine. Both obesity and aging cause functional and structural changes in the adipose organ, but the age-specificity of adipose tissue’s response to high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. The aim of the study was to analyze correlation between glucose, lipoproteins and adiponectin plasma levels, to determine Δ9-desaturase activity in adipocyte and to explore the morphological state of adipose tissue in rats of different ages. The experiment was carried out on male Wistar rats for 24 weeks, when young animals reached the age of 10 months, and older – 24 months. Animals of both age groups were divided into kept on a standard rodent diet or a diet with addition of pork visceral lard. The fatty acid composition was identified by gas-liquid chromatography with mass-detection, HDL and LDL cholesterol content – by commercial kits, adiponectin levels – using ELISA kit. The activity index of Δ9-desaturase was calculated as the ratio of oleic to stearic acid. It was shown that the saturated/ unsaturated fatty acids ratio in a standard pelleted feed was 1:4, whereas in the lard it was close to 1:1. No correlation between increased body weight and glucose level, and a positive correlation between adiponectin and HDL cholesterol levels were found in younger rats. In the older rats a positive correlation between body weight and glucose level, and a significant negative correlation between adiponectin and LDL cholesterol levels was observed. Activity of Δ9-desaturase in adipocytes was found to be increased with aging. When animals were kept on a HFD diet, Δ9-desaturase activity in younger group was increased to a large extent, while in older group it decreased significantly as compared with age-matched controls. Morphological analysis showed age-related differences in the morphology, cellular adaptation, and inflammation development in brown and white adipose tissue in response to a dietary fat overload. The results of our study facilitate the identification of potential biomarkers for the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated diseases across different age groups. Keywords: adiponectin, adipose tissue, aging, high fat diet, lipoproteins, morphological analysis, obesity, Δ9-desaturase activity
This article aims to highlight the major milestones in the lives of two great women scientists who became icons for many women and girls empowering them in their search for a life path. A double Nobel Prize winner in two different fields (1903 and 1911) Marie Curie discovered new elements polonium and radium, isolated radium and studied its nature and compounds. Her daughter Irène Joliot-Curie, a 1935 Nobel Prize winner, synthesized new radioactive elements. Their scientific and civic activities expanded and deepened understanding of the physical world, made breakthroughs in medicine, and changed society’s ideas on the role of women. Keywords: artificial radioactive elements, Irène Joliot-Curie, Marie Curie, polonium, radium, the Nobel Prize, women – Nobel Prize winners, women-scientists
Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disease with reproductive dysfunction, intricate hormonal imbalance, elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity in women of reproductive age. Apelin, an adipokine, and corin, a serine protease which activates natriuretic peptide as a cardiovascular regulator, could be involved in the connection between reproductive endocrine imbalance and cardiometabolic regulation in this condition. Objective. To determine apelin and corin levels in the blood of women with PCOS and to evaluate whether they can be useful biochemical predictors for characterizing the disease and stratifying risks. Methods. The case-control study was conducted on 60 women, comprising 30 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy age- and demographically-matched controls. The levels of serum apelin and corin were evaluated with ELISA, that of hormones, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and B12 were analyzed with the help of a Finecare analyser. Results. Much higher apelin and corin levels, increased luteinizing hormone (LH) level and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the serum of PCOS patients compared to healthy group were detected. Conclusions. The analysis of ROC curves showed significantly positive relationship between hormonal disturbance and the levels of circulating apelin and corin, indicating their higher PCOS diagnostic accuracy compared to the traditional hormonal markers. Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, apelin, corin, luteinizing hormone, polycystic ovary syndrome
