Buccal Epithelium Research Articles

Study of tribological properties of human buccal epithelium cell membranes using probe microscopy

In this work demostrates a unique method for determining the absolute value of the friction force of a nanoobject on the surface of a cell membrane using atomic force microscopy. The tribological properties of membranes of adult human buccal epithelium cells in the presence of a protective adsorption buffer layer of ~ 100 nm on their surface were studied using atomic force microscopy in the contact scanning mode. Local mapping of the tribological characteristics of the surface was carried out, viz. friction FL = FL(x, y) and adhesion Fadh = Fadh(x, y) forces were measured. Studies of the friction force Ffr on the membrane surface at the nanolevel showed that its value varies discretely with an interval equal to lLF ≈ 100 nm. It was shown that such discreteness is determined by the interval lLF of the action of adhesive forces Fadh and indicates the fractal nature of the functional dependence of the friction force on the coordinate Ffr = Ffr(x). Thus, for nano-objects with dimensions ≤ lLF, the absolute value of Ffr decreases according to a power law with an increase in the size of the object, which contradicts the similar dependence of the friction force for macro-objects in the global approximation.

The state of the barrier function of the oral cavity of patients with a history of acute respiratory disease of COVID-19

ABSTRACT. The entrance gate for the SARS-CoV virus is the system of mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity, which creates the first line of defense of the body against the invasion of foreign agents. Objective to the study is the nature of insemination of the oral mucosa, the density of bacterial population and the adsorption capacity of the buccal epithelium in the post-covid period. Materials and methods. 162 patients who suffered acute respiratory disease of COVID-19 took part in the study, including 54 people. - light form, 69 people. - of medium difficulty and 39 persons. - heavy form. The control group consisted of 30 healthy patients. The clinical and laboratory examination was conducted on the basis of the dental department of the University Hospital of Ternopil during 2020-2022. The results. In patients with a history of a mild form of COVID-19, there is only a quantitative increase in the autochthonous microflora. The colonization index of the buccal epithelium is lower (1.54±0.09) um. units, than in patients of the control group. In patients with a medium-severe form, there are qualitative and quantitative changes in the microflora of the oral cavity, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are often released in large quantities. The colonization index decreases to 1.23±0.01 um. With a severe form of COVID-19, significant changes in the microecology of the mucous membrane are observed - a decrease in the colonization index to 0.57 units. and significant deviations in the character of the microflora, a feature of which was the presence of associations of pathogenic microorganisms. Significant disturbances in the microecology of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the development of grade III-IV dysbacteriosis are signs of a significant decrease in the protective barrier properties of the mucous membrane. Conclusions. The intensive growth of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic non-resident microorganisms is accompanied by the growth of "quorum sensing", which stimulates the manifestation of their pathogenic properties and reduces the barrier function of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The obtained results of the assessment of the state of the barrier function of the oral mucosa, the detected violations in the colonization resistance of the oral mucosa of the post-covid syndrome dictate the need to develop and implement in clinical practice an algorithm for the examination of a dental patient with post-covid syndrome.

PB1954: COMPARING STR PROFILES OF DNA ISOLATED FROM DIVERSE TUMOR SITES IN MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) course is often complicated by extramedullary lesions - plasmacytomas, which pathogenesis is still not completely understood. Genome instability underlies dissemination in various neoplasias, including MM. An important manifestation of genetic instability is the loss of heterozygosity, i.e., the loss of the second allele in the regions of the genome featuring inherited polymorphisms. STR profiling is a method that allows simultaneously assessing the degree of DNA degradation and giving an integral assessment of the stability of the tumor genome. To assess the heterogeneity of MM, not only the tumor substrate in the bone marrow and plasmacytoma but also in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) present in the peripheral blood plasma could be effectively analyzed. Aims: To compare STR profiles of DNA isolated from various anatomical locations (plasma, bone marrow, plasmacytoma) in MM patients. Methods: The prospective study included 21 patients with newly diagnosed MM (11 women, 10 men) aged 39 to 82 years (median 53 years). MM was diagnosed according to the IMWG-2014 criteria. In 15 patients, MM was complicated by plasmacytoma, in 6 of them a tumor biopsy was performed and tumor DNA was isolated. In all patients, plasma circulating cfDNA and control DNA were isolated from buccal epithelium using a commercial kit (Qiagen, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. In 11 patients, positive immunomagnetic selection of CD138+ bone marrow cells was performed using a monoclonal antibody to CD138 (Miltenyi Biotec, Germany). STR-profiling using COrDIS Plus panel (Gordiz LLC, Russia) of isolated DNA samples (21 plasma circulating cfDNA samples, 11 CD138+ DNA samples of bone marrow cells, 6 plasmacytoma DNA samples) was performed. STR profiles were analyzed using GeneMapper v.4 software (Applied Biosystems, USA). Results: In 10 out of 11 patients, analysis of STR profiles in CD138+ bone marrow cells revealed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) variants with different allelic load, suggesting either a deletion/copy number neutral LOH, or a duplication of one of the two alleles affecting from one to six STR loci for every patient. In all patients for whom plasmacytoma DNA was isolated (n=6), various variants of LOH were also identified (from 1 to 6 loci) (Table 1). Of the 21 plasma circulating cfDNA samples, LOH variants were detected in ten cases (48%) (from 1 to 4 loci), in the other 10 cases, no tumor DNA was detected, the samples matched the control DNA from the buccal epithelium; only in one case, the result turned out to be non-informative due to a significant degree of degradation of the cfDNA. STR profiles of DNA isolated from different tumor sites of the same patient in most cases were identical. In one case aberrant STR loci in plasma circulating cfDNA and bone marrow CD138+ cells were different (patient No. 20). In this patient, MM was complicated by plasmacytomas of various anatomical locations (Th7, 8th rib). One can speculate that the discrepancy between plasma circulating cfDNA and bone marrow CD138+ STR profiles indicates the presence of various MM clones in different tumor loci. Image:Summary/Conclusion: Evaluation of plasma circulating cfDNA might be an effective approach for molecular diagnosis in MM. In 48% of MM patients, it is possible to detect tumor cfDNA in the plasma at the onset of the disease. Comparison of DNA STR profiles from different lesions might reveal the diversity of tumor clones in MM.

Ассоциация самооценок по эмпатии, помощи, агрессии и личностным установкам с пальцевым индексом и полиморфизмом rs53576 гена OXTR у школьников европеоидного происхождения

Introduction. The evolution of mutual help and cooperation in humans has been actively analyzed using the methods of ethology, psychology, anthropometry and genetics. The goal of this study was to identify associations between the finger index (2D:4D), the rs53576 polymorphism of the OXTR gene, gender and age with a willingness to help others and adherence to certain cultural standards in Russian schoolchildren of Caucasian origin. Materials and methods. The samples for this study were collected in the schools of the city Ussuriysk (Primorsky Krai) and the city Yelizovo (Kamchatka Krai) in 2015-2019. The total sample size was 853 (416 boys and 437 girls), represented exclusively by children of European origin. The average age of the participants was 14.2 ± 1.6 years (ranged from 10 to 18 years). Data collection methods included: questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and collection of DNA samples (buccal epithelium or saliva). The data were analyzed using the SPSS-27 software package. Results. Significant differences were obtained for the finger index, 2D:4D, three scales of the Bass-Perry aggression questionnaire (anger, hostility, physical aggression), the generalized Baron-Cohen empathy coefficient and Boyko's level of empathy, dominance and social success, self-esteem, attitudes towards helping others. Readiness to help relatives was significantly associated with the GG variant of OXTR_rs53576 gene polymorphism. Adherence to moral norms (the weak need to be protected) was significantly associated with the finger index. Discussion. The results of our study indicate the significant gender differences in masculinity, including the 2D:4D ratio on the right and left hands, self-assessments of dominance and social status, one's own role in the group, attitudes towards aggression and related (group) solidarity. Boys performed more expressed self-assessments on physical aggression, and showed more parochialism, declaring a willingness to take the side of friends (relatives), regardless of who was right in the conflict and a willingness to follow cultural standards, concerning protection of the weakest. Girls outperformed boys in emotionality, and gave higher scores on anger and hostility. Our data, in combination with the findings of other authors, demonstrate the association of the homozygous variant GG OXTR_rs53576 with prosociality, altruism, and help.

Use of the results of the study of oral fluid and buccal epithellium in the diagnosis of Alzheimer`s disease

IntroductionThe aim of the study was a comparative analysis of the results of neuropsychological tests with the indicators of the study of oral fluid and buccal epithelium cytograms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.ObjectivesIn the main group of 12 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, m=76.25±4.89. There were 12 cognitively healthy people in the control group. The average MMSE score among the observations of the main group was 13.42±3.63.MethodsThe ADAS-COG scale was used to detail the impaired cognitive functions. The concomitant pathology is compensated. The content of BDNF, TNF-α, IL1RA, IL-6, and IL-8 was determined in the oral fluid and in the blood serum.Results When analyzing buccal cytograms, attention was drawn to a pronounced increase in the number of cells with micronuclei in patients with AD to 1.8%; in the control group, the median was 0.1% (p<0.05). A direct correlation was established between the number of binuclear cells and the level of BDNF in the blood serum (r=0.646; p=0.03) in patients with AD. It is also important to note that the level of serum BDNF had a significant direct correlation with immediate memory, and the concentration of salivary BDNF correlates with the parameter of naming objects.ConclusionsCorrelations between amnesia, speech disorders, praxis, gnosis and pathology of the oral fluid and buccal epithelium, especially with the severity of karyopycnosis and karyorexis, have been established, indicating a direct correlation between the neurodegenerative process pathogenetically associated with Alzheimer’s disease and the processes of systemic inflammation and degeneration of the buccal epithelium.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

STR Profiling Reveals Tumor Genome Instability in Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma.

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is the only non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma variant responding to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, approximately in half of the cases; however, no molecular markers predicting a response to ICI therapy in PMBCL have been described so far. In this study, we assessed the incidence of the loss of heterozygosity (LOH), elevated microsatellite alteration at selected tetranucleotides (EMAST), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in the tumor genomes of 72 patients with PMBCL undergoing high-dose chemotherapy treatment at the National Research Center for Hematology (Moscow, Russia). Tumor DNA was isolated from biopsy samples taken at diagnosis. Control DNA was isolated from the blood of patients in complete remission or from buccal epithelium. STR-profiles for LOH and EMAST were assessed by PCR with COrDIS Plus multiplex kit (Gordiz Ltd., Moscow, Russia). LOH was detected in 37 of 72 patients (51.4%). EMAST was found in 40 patients (55.5%); 24 had a combination of EMAST with LOH. MSI-high was not found, while MSI-low was detected only in one patient. The association of certain genetic lesions with the clinical outcome in patients receiving treatment according to the standard clinical protocol R-Da-EPOCH-21 has been estimated (58 patients out of 72) and no associations with the worst overall or event-free survival were found.

Results of Studying Genotoxic Effects of Dioxins Depending on Polymorphisms of Xenobiotic Detoxification Genes and the Length of Service of Firefighters

Introduction: The work of firefighters is associated with a high risk to health and life. During firefighting, firemen are exposed to a combination of various factors, among which chemical agents rank first. Of all the toxic products of combustion, the most dangerous are genotoxic substances having a high cumulative effect and a very long clearance time, including dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls generated during low-temperature combustion of organic chlorine compounds. Objective: To study karyopathological manifestations of the genotoxic effects of dioxins in firefighters, de¬pending on the length of service and various polymorphic variants of the xenobiotic detoxification genes. Materials and methods: The cytogenetic status of firefighters was assessed using an extended micronucleus test of buccal epithelium. The study was conducted in 2019–2022 involving 252 firefighters, 86 rescuers and other professionals. The risk of cytogenetic abnormalities in epitheliocytes was assessed using calculation methods and expressed as an index of accumulation of cytogenetic disorders. For each subject, two smears of buccal epithelium were prepared followed by the analysis of two thousand intact cells. Results: We noted an increase in the frequency of karyotype aberrations in buccal epithelial cells of firefighters compared to controls correlating with the length of service and dioxin concentrations in blood lipids. The analysis of the relationship between various polymorphic variants of xenobiotic detoxification genes, dioxins in blood lipids of firefighters, and the index of accumulation of cytogenetic damage showed that individuals with a combination of six genotypes (EPHX1 Tyr/Tyr, CYP1A1 A/A, GSTT1 I/I, GSTM1 I/I, GSTP1 A /A, and GSTP1 C/C) possessed xenobiotic detoxification enzymes with high activity and better resistance to karyotypic changes induced by genotoxicants. Conclusion: The levels of cytogenetic disorders established in the present study give evidence of adverse health effects of occupational exposure to toxic combustion products in firefighters of the State Fire Service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Fetal inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in newborns from mothers with exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection during the second trimester of pregnancy

Aim. To study the fetal inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in newborns from mothers with an exacerbation of cytomegalovirus infection (CMVI) in the second trimester of pregnancy. Materials and methods. We examined 90 newborns with an antenatal history, uncomplicated and aggravated by the acute phase of chronic CMVI, diagnosed in their mothers at 21-24 weeks of gestation. The concentration of TNFα, IL-6, and endothelin-1 was determined in cord blood serum. The control group consisted of 30 newborns whose intrauterine development proceeded against the background of physiological pregnancy seronegative for cytomegalovirus (CMV). The main group included 60 newborns, which were divided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup 1 included 30 newborns from mothers who had an acute phase of chronic CMVI, leading to the development of chronic compensated placental insufficiency, subgroup 2 consisted of 30 newborns from mothers with exacerbation of CMVI, initiating the formation of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency. Results. In the control group, DNA of CMV, IgM antibodies to CMV and IgG antibodies to CMV were not detected. In the main group, in newborns of subgroup 1, compared with the control, DNA of CMV, both in the cord blood and in the nasopharyngeal aspirate, was isolated in 3.3 % of cases, and was not detected in scrapings of the buccal epithelium. The titers of IgG antibodies to CMV were determined in the ratio of 1: 100 in 36.7 %, 1: 200 in 43.3 %, 1: 400 in 13.3% and 1: 800 in 6.7 % of cases. At the same time, in mother-newborn pairs, higher titers of IgG antibodies to CMV in pregnant women, compared with those in their offspring, were detected in 18 cases, and equal titers of IgG antibodies to CMV were detected in 12 dyads. In the control group, the concentration of TNFα was equal to (Me) 16.2 (12.9-32.7) pg/ml, IL-6 – 1.93 (1.65-2.21) pg/mL, endothelin-1 – 0.52 (0.45–1.21) fmol/mL. In subgroup 1 of the main group, in comparison with the control one, there was an increase in the concentration of TNFα by 2.6 times (p=0.000001), IL-6 – by 2.1 times (p = 0.000001) and endothelin-1 – by 2.1 time (p = 0.000002). In newborns of subgroup 2, compared with subgroup 1, CMV antigens were identified in the blood in 6.7 % (p > 0.05), and in nasopharyngeal aspirate – in 10% (p>0.05) in the absence of identification of the CMV genome in the buccal epithelium. In 6.7%, IgM antibodies to CMV were detected. IgG antibodies to CMV 1:800 were detected more often (in 33.3%, p<0.05), as well as equal titers of IgG antibodies to CMV in 20 mother-offspring pairs (p<0.05). There was an increase in the concentration of TNFα by 1.47 times (p=0.0076), IL-6 - by 1.33 (p = 0.0016) and endothelin-1 - by 1.5 times (p = 0.0161), respectively. Conclusion. In the offspring of mothers who had an exacerbation of CMVI in the second trimester of pregnancy and with the presence of chronic subcompensated placental insufficiency, compared with newborns from women with the acute phase of chronic CMVI at similar gestation periods and formed chronic compensated placental insufficiency, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and endothelin-1 are recorded, indicating activation of the fetal immune system as a result of viral aggression and penetration of IgG to CMV of maternal origin.

Association of rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene with features of androgen status in men

The purpose of the study was to investigate the association of carriage of rs9939609 polymorphism in the FTO gene with features of androgen status in men.Material and methods. The observational one-stage examination of 139 male patients aged 22 to 69 years, admitted to a therapeutic hospital in a planned manner has been carried out in the Clinic of the Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine in the period 2020–2021. All fasting men in the morning (8:00–8:30) were carried out of an anthropometric examination to determine physical development, sampling of venous blood from the cubital vein to assess the hormonal parameters of androgen status, and taking a sample of the buccal epithelium for molecular genetic research. Based on the carriage of the rs9939609 (T>A) polymorphism of the FTO gene, the following groups (G) of patients were distinguished: G1 – wild-type homozygotes (WT/WT), G2 – heterozygotes (WT/A), G3 – homozygotes for the mutant allele (A/A).Results and discussion. The statistically significant differences were found in the levels of total testosterone between G1 and G3 (11.6 vs 14.5 nmol/L, p = 0.010), as well as free testosterone in G1 compared to G2 (0.233 vs 0.287 nmol/L, p = 0.012) and G3 (0.233 vs 0.321 nmol/L, p = 0.002) when analyzing the clinical-anthropometric and hormonal features of the androgen status of the examined male patients in the selected groups. Assessment of the association revealed statistically significant positive correlations between the carriage of the mutant allele and the levels of total (r = 0.247; p = 0.013) and free (r = 0.296; p = 0.003) testosterone, and negative - with the frequency of androgen deficiency according to the free testosterone criteria (r = –0.240; p = 0.016).Conclusions. It has been shown that the carriage of the A/A genotype of rs9939609 polymorphism of the FTO gene is associated with an increase in the levels of total and free testosterone, that indicates a protective effect against the development of androgen deficiency in men. The obtained results suggest that this effect is due to the epigenetic effect of the FTO gene protein product on the expression of other genes involved in the synthesis of androgens in the gonads, but also in the adrenal cortex since no association of the carriage of the rs9939609 polymorphism of the FTO gene with the DHEA-C level was found.

Autosomal dominant intellectual disability associated with the MED13L gene

Intellectual disability is a widespread group of diseases with population frequency 1–3%. More than half of intellectual disability cases are due to various genetic causes, including monogenic ones. The paper describes three clinical cases of MED13L-associated intellectual disability with an autosomal dominant inheritance. Novel probably pathogenic variants p.Cys118delinsTrpSer and p.Gln2111fs, as well as the previously described p.Pro866Leu mutation in the MED13L gene (NM_015335), were detected in patients by massive parallel sequencing. А rare familial case with two affected maternal half-siblings was of particular interest since the mutation detected in both children was not found in the mother (blood cells and buccal epithelium were investigated). We assume the presence of gonadal mosaicism in the mother, which allows to recommend families with confirmed cases of MED13L-associated intellectual disability to plan pregnancies with prenatal or preimplantational diagnostics. The disease has been shown to have a wide clinical variability, even intrafamilial.

KARYOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES IN THE BUCCAL EPITHELIUM OF THE ORAL CAVITY OF HUMANS AFTER COVID-19

Background: Infections can be/are a global factor of mutational damage, causing undesirable changes in heredity both in the present and in future generations. All this makes the problem of infectious mutagenesis extremely urgent and requires timely assessment of the mutagenic effect and therapeutic and preventive assistance to the population in highly pathogenic viral infections. Aim: the study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on the genetic apparatus of buccal epithelial cells in people who had undergone coronavirus infection of varying severity. Methods: The genetic status of people 2-3 months after infection with COVID-19 was studied by karyological and micronucleus analysis in buccal epithelial cells of the oral cavity. Results and Discussion: Reliable increase of karyological indices (cytogenetic disorders (micronuclei), proliferation indices, nucleus destruction indices) in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity was detected. The studied abnormalities were detected in all patients who underwent the disease regardless of disease severity and contacts. In patients with the severe form of COVID-19, a significant increase in cytogenetic abnormalities was noted in comparison with the data of the control group and the indices of patients with moderate and mild forms of the disease. Conclusions: contact with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, regardless of the presence of clinical manifestations, causes karyological abnormalities in the buccal epithelium of the oral cavity. This indicates its significant mutagenic potential.

Cytomorphological study of the health status of Stepnogorsk city’s population

The article evaluates the cytomorphological state of the rhinocytogram and buccal epithelium of the population living in the territory of Stepnogorsk, which is affected by adverse environmental factors. Cytomorphological research methods were used to determine the cytological state of the nasal cavity and mucous membranes in the population on the territory of Stepnogorsk. The obtained cytomorphological results revealed changes in the structural elements that perform the functions of a protective barrier as an integral part of the mucociliary system on the rhinocytogram and the BESCH cytogram. In the population living in Stepnogorsk, an increase in the number of flat epithelial cells damaged by the nasal mucosa by 17.1 times, by 14.1 times-in the affected cuboid and cylindrical epithelial cells, respectively, as well as an increase in the number of epithelial cells with apoptotic bodies in the buccal epithelium by 5.9 times, cells with a sign of karyorrhexis by 2.2 times, dual-core cells by 6.8 times reveal violations of the reparative process of the upper respiratory tract and contribute to the development of chronic pathology. Thus, noninvasive cytomorphological examination of smears of the nasal mucosa and buccal epithelium of the cheeks in residents living in ecologically unfavorable areas revealed the early manifestation of metabolic and pathogenetic changes.

Epigenome-Wide Analysis Reveals DNA Methylation Alteration in ZFP57 and Its Target RASGFR2 in a Mexican Population Cohort with Autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a group of heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology. DNA methylation is particularly relevant for ASD due to its mediating role in the complex interaction between genotype and environment and has been implicated in ASD pathophysiology. The lack of diversity in DNA methylation studies in ASD individuals is remarkable. Since genetic and environmental factors are likely to vary across populations, the study of underrepresented populations is necessary to understand the molecular alterations involved in ASD and the risk factors underlying these changes. This study explored genome-wide differences in DNA methylation patterns in buccal epithelium cells between Mexican ASD patients (n = 27) and age-matched typically developing (TD: n = 15) children. DNA methylation profiles were evaluated with the Illumina 450k array. We evaluated the interaction between sex and ASD and found a differentially methylated region (DMR) over the 5′UTR region of ZFP57 and one of its targets, RASGRF2. These results match previous findings in brain tissue, which may indicate that ZFP57 could be used as a proxy for DNA methylation in different tissues. This is the first study performed in a Mexican, and subsequently, Latin American, population that evaluates DNA methylation in ASD patients.

Paraquat toxicity in different cell types of Swiss albino mice

In this study, toxicity caused by 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w doses of Paraquat herbicide in Swiss albino mice was investigated. Body weight, liver and kidney organ weights, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activities, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in liver and kidney, micronucleus (MN) formation in buccal mucosal epithelium, erythrocyte and leukocyte cells and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in bone marrow cells, viability of liver and kidney cells were investigated. Four groups were randomly formed from male Swiss albino mice (one control and three treatment groups). The control group mice were provided tap water and the mice in the treatment groups were treated orally with three different doses of Paraquat (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w) in the drinking water for 28 days. At the end of the application, all mice were sacrificed and routine preparation procedures were carried out to examine physiological, biochemical, oxidative stress and genetic parameters. Paraquat administration decreased physiological parameters (body, liver and kidney organ weights), and increased biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine and MDA). GSH levels were decreased depending on the dose. Kidney and liver damage were confirmed by the trypan blue test. Paraquat administration promoted MN formation in buccal mucosal epithelium, erythrocyte and leukocyte cells depending on the dose. The highest MN frequency was observed in leukocyte cells exposed to a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w of Paraquat. Deteriorations in DNA integrity as a result of MN formations were supported by the comet assay. In addition, Paraquat promoted CAs such as break, fragment, acentric, dicentric, gap and ring in bone marrow cells. Break damage was the most common among these damages. These observed genotoxic effects occured as a result of the interaction of DNA and DNA-related proteins with Paraquat. Molecular docking studies showed that Paraquat binds to histone H4 protein with high affinity and has a high intercalation potential. As a result, Paraquat herbicide caused a significant toxicity by changing physiological, biochemical, oxidative stress and genetic parameters of Swiss albino mice depending on the application dose.

Transplantation of cells of the oral mucosa in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency

The actual problem of treatment of patients with limbal cell stem deficiency is reviewed. We summarized practical experience in various fields of medicine, aimed at tissue reconstruction using cells of the buccal mucosa. In ophthalmology, an effective method has long been searched to treat patients with the limbal stem cell deficiency causing an intense opacification and vascularization of the cornea and followed by a significant decrease in visual acuity. Recent studies have shown that the transplantation of epithelial cells of oral mucosa can significantly improve the treatment of patients with this disease. Although the mechanisms of oral mucosa epithelial cells' action are still insufficiently studied, the existing positive experience of oral mucosa using for tissue repair has great interest to practitioners, giving potential possibilities of its use, therapeutic effectiveness and ease of obtaining. A brief review of the literature presents the description of the morphological features of the. buccal mucosa and the analysis of published data about the use of buccal epithelium in various branches of medicine and in ophthalmology, in particular.

Influence of the composition of atmospheric air pollution on genotoxic effects in the buccal epithelial cells in children

Introduction. This publication presents the third fragment of a comprehensive multi-parameter pilot study to create a methodology for assessing the open-air odor’ impact on human’s adaptive potential. The pilot study was carried out in the little town (50 thousands of inhabitants), mainly the food industry and agro-industrial complex work, but enterprises of 1-2 classes of danger are absent. Air emissions from operating enterprises have a specific odor that causes complaints of inhabitants. Materials and methods. The effects of genome instability (EGI) in children attending kindergartens located at a distance of 1.7-5.9 km from enterprises - the primary sources of odor - were assessed. EGI was determined non-invasively using a micronucleus test on exfoliating cheek epithelial cells. The epitheliocytes from 112 children of 5 -7 years old were examined simultaneously with a collection of atmospheric air samples from the walking areas of the kindergartens which the examined children attended. These atmospheric air samples were taken for gas chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of their chemical composition. Results. Seventy-eight chemical compounds belonging to different classes of chemicals were identified in the air samples. The groups of children from different kindergartens did not differ statistically in any of the 13 assessed indicators of the cytome analysis of the buccal mucosa epithelium cells, and the levels of genotoxic and toxic effects did not go beyond the average expected values presented in literature and our studies for differents groups of comparison. High-level and statistically significant direct correlations between the total content of air pollutants with proven genotoxic activity and the two main indicators of the micronucleus test on cheek epithelial cells: the frequencies of cells with micronuclei and cells with accepted apoptotic bodies were revealed. No correlation was found between summarized levels of the detected chemicals limited concentrations and the results of cytome analysis of children’s buccal epithelial cells. Limitations. correct formation of groups for examination, the severity of the criteria for cytotome analysis and identity of cytogenetic effects identification in the course of cytotome analysis by different researchers. Conclusion. The effects of genome instability in the buccal epithelial cells in children were shown to be mainly associated with the presence of substances with proven mutagenic, carcinogenic and neogenic activities, but not with the total excess of hygienic standards for the content of chemical compounds in the air.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the device “VEB” ® on the human body

Background. In 2015, a generator for electrotherapy and stimulation oh human nerve centers was created, called “VEB-1”®. Preliminary observation of volunteers revealed a modulating effect of a four-day course of electrical stimulation on the parameters of electroencephalogram, metabolism, as well as gas-discharge visualization (GDV). In this message, we present the results of the approbation of the device on an expanded contingent of volunteers with the use of additional research methods and a new modification of the device. Material and research methods. The object of observation were employees of the sanatorium “Moldova”, patients with chronic cholecystitis: 19 women 30-62 y and 19 men 25-63 y. In the morning registered HRV (“CardioLab+HRV”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”, “KhAI-Medica”, Kharkiv, UA), kirlianogram by the method of GDV (“GDV Chamber”, “Biotechprogress”, SPb, RF), electroconductivity of skin in three pairs of points of acupuncture (“Medissa”), electrokinetic index of buccal epithelium ("Biotest", Kharkiv State University), as well as some endocrine, immune and metabolic parameters. After the initial testing, an transcutaneous electrical stimulation session was performed with a “VEB-1”® or a “VEB-2” devices. The next morning after completing the four-day course, retesting was performed. Results. Electrical stimulation causes a sympathotonic shift in the sympatho-vagal balance and an increase in PSD of delta-rhythm generating neurons combined with a decrease in PSD of beta- and theta-rhythm generating neurons. This is accompanied by increase in phagocytosis and favorable changes in immune, biochemical and biophysical parameters as well as increase in testosterone level in men only. The integral effects on the constellation of registered body parameters of both device modifications do not differ significantly. Conclusion. The "VEB" device exerts an adaptogenic effect on the body through transcutaneous electrical stimulation of neurons.

ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА РОТОВОЙ ЖИДКОСТИ И БУККАЛЬНОГО ЭПИТЕЛИЯ В ОЦЕНКЕ НЕПЕРЕНОСИМОСТИ КОНСТРУКЦИОННЫХ МАТЕРИАЛОВ

Introduction. The phenomena of intolerance to structural materials often occur in patients using removable dentures made of acrylic plastics, in this regard, the problem of intolerance to structural materials does not lose its relevance. However, today, the lack of knowledge in diagnostics forces us to delve into the search for diagnostic criteria. The current level of development of dentistry determines the need to search for diagnostic criteria that can reliably identify patients with a high risk of developing intolerance to structural materials (SIM) and predict the likelihood of its occurrence.
 This study is devoted to assessing the effectiveness of laboratory diagnostics in case of intolerance to structural materials.
 The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of some methods of laboratory diagnostics in identifying non-allergic (toxic) etiology of intolerance to structural materials.
 Methodology. 22 patients were examined, of which 14 healthy volunteers and 8 patients with signs of intolerance to structural materials can be distinguished. An analysis of buccal cytograms (buccal epithelium) was carried out, and a study of the oral fluid was also carried out (a study of dry chemistry).
 Results. When studying the buccal cytogram in the main group, an increase in the apoptosis index (1.12) and a decrease in the reparative index (0.67) were found in patients with intolerance to structural materials. When studying the oral fluid (physicochemical study), signs of minimal inflammation activity were revealed in the main group of patients. We observe a decrease in pH (6), an increase in total protein (0.5 g/L) and an increase in leukocytes (65).
 Conclusions. The data obtained indicate that in patients with intolerance to construction materials, there are signs of minimal inflammation when examining the oral fluid, impaired reparative processes and an increasing index of apoptosis when examining the buccal cytogram.

Vegetative, metabolic and immune accompaniments of changes in the electrokinetic index of the buccal epithelium under the influence of therapeutic factors

Background. In previous studies, we have shown that electrokinetic index of buccal epithelium (EKI) correlated with some functional and metabolic parameters. Subsequent studies have shown that сhanges in EKI correlated with changes in some parameters of EEG, HRV, hemodynamics, metabolism, immunity and fecal microbiocenosis. Further research in this direction was continued on a significantly increased contingent of patients and with the involvement of new methods and factors of influence. This message starts the presentation of the obtained results. Material and methods. Under a observations were 44 men (49±15 years) and 30 women (51±13 years) without clinical diagnosis or with chronic pyelonephritis in the phase of remission (23 men). We registered caused by the various therapeutic factors changes in EKI, state of the vegetative and hormonal regulation as well as immunity and metabolism, then calculated relationships between changes. Results. In 49 patients the changes in EKI were in the range of ±2,5%, in 19 people EKI increased by more than 2,5% (M±SD=+4,0±1,6%), while in 9 people decreased by more than 2,5% (-4,2±1,7%). The canonical correlation between changes in EKI, on the one hand, and HRV and immunity parameters, on the other, is moderate: R=0,478; p=0,023. The method of discriminant analysis revealed 10 immune and 6 HRV parameters as well as triglycerides and cholesterol, whose changes are characteristic of multidirectional changes in EKI. Conclusion. Electrokinetic index of buccal epithelium responds to therapeutic factors in different directions, accompanied by characteristic changes in a number of parameters of HRV, immunity and metabolism.

Investigation of the relief geometry of the membrane of human buccal epithelium cells using atomic force microscopy methods

The analysis of the shape of the Brownian relief of the surface of human buccal epithelium cells was carried out using the method of fractal geometry. The scaling coefficients eta, zeta and the fractal dimension Df were used to estimate their actual areas Sc(fact) and linear characteristics lf. Keywords: atomic force microscopy, buccal epithelium, fractal number.