Cause Of Pathological Changes Research Articles

Психотерапевтическая диагностика и психокоррекция как метод диагностики и лечения угрозы невынашивания беременности

The global prevalence of preterm labor (PL) is 6-12%. Despite the large number of studies focused on exploring the options for diagnosis and prevention of PL, there are currently no methods of absolute diagnostic or prognostic value. Methods. The authors of the paper have developed a psychotherapeutic diagnosis and psychocorrection method (PDPM) for the diagnosis of obstetric and neonatal complications, including threatened miscarriage (TM), PL based on psychotherapeutic criteria and for psychocorrection of women’s disorders, which have been used since 2003 and was amended in 2010, at the Perinatal Center in Saratov. Results and discussion. PDPM makes it possible to recognize the disorders in individuals having abnormalities associated with pregnancy and labor, especially at the early stage of the disorder development, when the emerging disorder cannot be detected by standard assessment methods, helps to find the cause of pathological changes, especially in cases when the use of standard therapy has no significant therapeutic effect, perform psychotherapeutic correction of the disorder in the way most positive for mother, fetus, and the newborn, including reducing the consequences in cases of preterm labor. The advantages of PDPM are rapidity, the lack of various equipment, the fact that the diagnosis engages a pregnant woman, puerpera in adjustment of her condition, the fact that PDPM can be used in emergency, stationary, and extreme situations, before and after surgery, in cases of hemorrhage, acute intrauterine hypoxia, and in other cases. PDPM is based on the woman’s subjective assessment of her condition. Conclusion. PDPM can be the main method for diagnosis and treatment of TM, obstetric, neonatal complications; the method can also be combined with conventional treatment and diagnosis measures in pregnancy. The lack of the earlier reported psychotherapeutic criteria during repeated application of PDPM suggests the effectiveness of TM treatment and the lack of obstetric and neonatal complications in the future.

Reducing huntingtin by immunotherapy delays disease progression in a mouse model of Huntington disease

In Huntington disease (HD), the mutant huntingtin (mtHTT) protein is the principal cause of pathological changes that initiate primarily along the cortico-striatal axis. mtHTT is ubiquitously expressed and there is, accordingly, growing recognition that HD is a systemic disorder with functional interplay between the brain and the periphery. We have developed a monoclonal antibody, C6–17, targeting an exposed region of HTT near the aa586 Caspase 6 cleavage site. As recently published, mAB C6–17 can block cell-to-cell propagation of mtHTT in vitro. In order to reduce the burden of the mutant protein in vivo, we queried whether extracellular mtHTT could be therapeutically targeted in YAC128 HD mice. In a series of proof of concept experiments, we found that systemic mAB C6–17 treatment resulted in the distribution of the mAB C6–17 to peripheral and CNS tissues and led to the reduction of HTT protein levels. Compared to CTRL mAB or vehicle treated mice, the mAB C6–17 treated YAC128 animals showed improved body weight and motor behaviors, a delayed progression in motor deficits and reduced striatal EM48 immunoreactivity. These results provide the first proof of concept for the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of an antibody-based anti-HTT passive immunization approach and suggest this modality as a potential new HD treatment strategy.

Структура та зміст програми корекційно-профілактичних заходів для офісних працівників із різним станом біомеханіки опорно-рухового апарату

Topicality. The harmful effect of the hypodynamic factor on a human body as a result of urbanization also consists in the strengthening of the spine morpho-functional deviations the significant number of children, adolescents and adults, progressing over the years and having adversely affects the reduction of work capacity, the possibility of full-time physical activities and sports. Among the various factors that cause diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in addition to physiological wear-and-tear, its functional overstrain, which is the cause of pathological changes, is of great importance. Pathological phenomena arising from tissue overloading of the musculoskeletal system are manifested in the form of hypoxia and hypoxemia, muscle hypertonicity, microcirculation disorders, and other abnormalities. The Research Purpose is to develop the structure and content of a corrective and preventive measures program for office workers with different biomechanics of musculoskeletal system. The Research Methods. Theoretical analysis of special scientific and methodical literature methods, pedagogical experiment have been used. The Research Results. For implementation the corrective and preventive measures and improving the office workers` musculoskeletal system, it is advisable to use a variety of exercises. While developing physical exercises program, the resarch has been focused on the generally accepted patterns of mature age men`s body development, the peculiarities of musculoskeletal functional disorders at this age and the development of physical qualities and physical exercises effect. A complex of exercises with equipment, in particular with an isotonic ring, short and long resistance bands, dumbbells, chips, as well as a roller for myofascial release has been suggested. Findings. The corrective and preventive measures aimed at increasing the level of functional capabilities of the musculoskeletal system and increasing the level of mature age men`s physical preparedness have been developed.

Anatomical Pathology and Histology of the Trachea and Lungs of Broiler Infected with Avibacterium paragallinarum

This case study aims to determine the causes of pathological changes in anatomy and histology in the trachea and lungs of the broiler. This study was taken from a broiler of Mr Alif Husbandry, who had clinical symptoms of clear discharge from sinuses, anorexia, conjunctivitis and difficulty breathing on July 5th 2022, in Gresik. The anatomical pathology and histological examination results showed changes in the trachea and lungs, showing hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration. The results of microbiological examination from the sinus swab identified Avibacterium paragallinarum. In this study, clinical symptoms, anatomical pathology, and histology of the trachea and lungs of broiler chickens were caused by infection with Avibacterium paragallinarum.

Thyroid hormones and minerals in immunocorrection of disorders in autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Thyroid hormones and essential elements iodine (I), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), etc. play an important role in the work of many organs and systems of the body, including the immune system and the thyroid gland, and a violation of their supply can be the cause of pathological changes in them. In pathology, the interaction between thyroid hormones (TG), minerals and the immune system is disturbed. The review of the literature examines the immunomodulatory role of TG, minerals, their properties, and their participation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The study of the relationship between the excess or deficiency of minerals and AITD is described. The basis of the development of AITD - Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Graves' disease (GD), Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is the loss of immune tolerance to thyroid antigens - thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R). Immune-mediated mechanisms - production of autoantibodies to thyroid antigens and lymphocytic thyroid infiltration - are involved in the pathogenesis of AITD. Insufficiency of regulatory T cells (Treg) and regulatory B cells (Breg), imbalance between Th17-lymphocytes and Treg-lymphocytes, abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has a significant influence on the progression of AITD. With AITD, the balance between oxidants and antioxidants is disturbed and oxidative stress (OS) occurs. The lack of modern effective pharmacological therapy of AITD prompted us to consider the mechanisms of influence, possibilities of immunocorrection of pathogenetic factors using TG, micro/macronutrients. In order to develop a more effective treatment strategy, as well as approaches to prevention, a critical analysis of the ways of immunotherapeutic use of dietary supplements of I, Se, Zn, Mg and other minerals in AITD was carried out.

Surface pathology on the walls of limestone and mortar masonry

The principles of this work are the study of masonry materials with a view to the conservation and rehabilitation of buildings. It is important to preserve and care for the historical heritage. Development and associated innovation require knowledge of the physical and mechanical characteristics of materials.Situational causes of pathologies found in stone masonry can be identified by the photographs presented, showing a horizontal cracking due to physical natural actions, temperature variations and the presence of water.The main causes of pathological changes are air pollution, but the water and the temperature also play a very important role in the development of the deterioration.The test results are essential to obtain the quality and durability of the materials of the limestone and mortar to prevent damage the water in the environment with the incorporation of paint with good quality.

Remote damage after spinal cord injury

After spinal cord injury pathological changes in the lesion site and adjacent segments are described in detail. Data are accumulating on the tissue response in the areas of the spinal cord and even the brain distant from the epicentre of spinal cord injury. The concept of plasticity and post-traumatic responses in remote lumbar regions, which contain a specific circuits of interneurons known as the central pattern generator, is particularly important for the recovery of motor function. Among the factors influencing the plasticity of neuronal connections and regenerative potential in the area remote from the lesion epicentre, myeloid infiltration, microglial reactivity, neuroinflammation, and molecular rearrangements of the extracellular matrix are only beginning to be systematically studied. After thoracic spinal cord injury rapid responses develop in the lumbar cord that are characteristic of disintegration of the axons of the descending tracts. These shifts are accompanied by glial reactivity, synapse elimination, imbalance between excitation and inhibition, and disruption of connections in neural networks. This severity of these remote changes depends on the type and severity of the injury, which determines the different involvement and degree of destruction of the descending motor pathways. The review presents an analysis of experimental data on the responses and reorganization of the neural network in the lumbar spinal cord after injury in the proximal regions. The lesional biomarkers are of particular interest as a possible cause of pathological changes in distant areas. These molecules are released from dying cells at the epicenter of injury, appear in the cerebrospinal fluid, and acting as injury-associated molecular patterns and alarmins, can exert a neurotoxic effect in areas remote from the epicenter of injury.

Insufficient evidence to link human exposure to heavy metals with biomarkers of glioma

Information on molecular mechanisms has implicated potential association between the concentrations of heavy metals and incidences of glioma, but experimental data on human brain tissue remain sparse. To address this data gap, 13 heavy metals were measured in 137 glioma and 35 non-glioma samples collected from 161 alive patients in Guangdong Province, China in 2019 − 2020. All target heavy metals were detected, suggesting they could cross the blood-brain barrier. Concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Zn were higher in glioma than in non-glioma samples, while those of Ni and Se were higher in non-glioma samples, probably suggesting that these five heavy metals are more prone to be altered by changing pathological conditions. In addition, Cu/Zn, Cr/Mn, Cr/Se, Ni/Se, Pb/Mn, and Pb/Se were statistically different between glioma and non-glioma samples by a difference test and a multiple logistic regression model. These concentration ratios may serve as chemical markers to assist pathological analysis for differentiating between tumor and healthy tissues. However, no direct link between heavy metal concentrations or concentration ratios and biomarkers of glioma (i.e., tumor grade, P53, and Ki-67) was observed. No sufficient evidence was obtained to implicate the role of heavy metals in inducing glioma, largely caused by the limited number of samples. Different concentrations and concentration ratios of heavy metals may be the consequence rather than the cause of pathological changes in brain tumors.

Сравнительный анализ эффективности и безопасности гестагенов в поддержке лютеиновой фазы в свежих циклах ЭКО/ИКСИ с переносом одного эмбриона

Objective. To study the efficacy and safety of dydrogesterone and micronized vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer. Patients and methods. A retrospective comparative analysis including 146 women aged 23 to 44 years who entered an assisted reproductive technology (ART) program in 2020 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 67) received dydrogesterone for luteal phase (LP) support in ART, while group 2 (n = 79) received micronized vaginal progesterone (MVP). All patients underwent a single good-quality embryo transfer in a fresh IVF/ICSI cycle. The rate of clinical pregnancy was considered as the primary endpoint, while the rate of live births and the safety profile of medications for mothers and neonates were considered as secondary endpoints. In addition, the incidence of adverse events with dydrogesterone and MVP was evaluated. Results. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with dydrogesterone as LP support in ART programs were 25/67 and 19/67 (37.3% and 28.4%, respectively), with MVP – 27/79 and 19/79 (34.2% and 24.1%, respectively). Thus, there was a tendency to improve the results of ART programs in the dydrogesterone group, but no statistically significant difference in outcomes was found (p > 0.05). In the MVP group, one child was diagnosed with a malformation, syndactyly of the second and third toes. In the dydrogesterone group, one term stillbirth was registered due to chronic fetoplacental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The suspected cause of pathological changes was COVID-19 at 30 weeks’ gestation. Based on the global report, the background risk of congenital malformations due to environmental and genetic factors is 6% of worldwide births. The results obtained did not exceed the population average, indicating a high safety profile of gestagens for a fetus in both groups. The incidence of side effects and adverse reactions was significantly lower in the group of women receiving dydrogesterone compared to MVP (3/67 (4.5%) and 11/79 (13.9%) cases, respectively, p <0.05). Conclusion. LP support with gestagens in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer showed comparable efficacy. Oral dydrogesterone therapy tended to increase the rate of clinical pregnancy and live births in IVF/ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The benefits of dydrogesterone included good tolerability and positive patient satisfaction. The oral route of dydrogesterone administration was reported as the most preferred one among patients and physicians. Key words: ART cycles, single embryo transfer, gestagens, dydrogesterone, micronized progesterone

Early differentiation of neurodegenerative diseases using the novel QSM technique: what is the biomarker of each disorder?

During neurodegenerative diseases, the brain undergoes morphological and pathological changes; Iron deposits are one of the causes of pathological changes in the brain. The Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) technique, a type of magnetic resonance (MR) image reconstruction, is one of the newest diagnostic methods for iron deposits to detect changes in magnetic susceptibility. Numerous research projects have been conducted in this field. The purpose of writing this review article is to identify the first deep brain nuclei that undergo magnetic susceptibility changes during neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this article is to identify the brain nuclei that are prone to iron deposition in any specific disorder. In addition to the mentioned purpose, this paper proposes the optimal scan parameters and appropriate algorithms of each QSM reconstruction step by reviewing the results of different articles. As a result, The QSM technique can identify nuclei exposed to iron deposition in various neurodegenerative diseases. Also, the selection of scan parameters is different based on the sequence and purpose; an example of the parameters is placed in the tables. The BET toolbox in FSL, Laplacian-based phase-unwrapping process, the V_SHARP algorithm, and morphology-enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) method are the most widely used algorithms in various stages of QSM reconstruction.

Возможный случай онкологического заболевания у индивидуума золотоордынского времени (по материалам раскопок могильника Натухаевское 5)

Introduction. When examining the osteological collection, which came from the excavations of the Natukhaevskoye 5 mediaeval burial ground in the Krasnodar Region, the skeleton of a young man was found from a ground burial of the 14th century. The purpose of the study was to consider, within the framework of differential diagnosis, the possible cause of pathological changes found on this skeleton. Materials and methods. Identification and description of the state of preservation of the skeletal remains were carried out in accordance with the standards for adult and juvenile osteology. Pathologically altered bone fragments were studied using microfocus radiography. Results. The preservation of the bones is fragmentary; there are large and small fragments of the cranial vault and different parts of the skeleton of male, 16-20 years old. Indicators of physiological stress (multiple enamel hypoplasia, Cribra orbitalia) and consequences of systemic pathology were identified. Visual and radiographic examination of the cranial vault revealed through and non-through defects up to 5 mm in diameter with both rounded and uneven edges. Most lytic damages were observed on the frontal bone and on a fragment of the parietal. The radiograph shows that the formation of foci of destruction is associated with the development of a network of small and large blood vessels. In the diaphysis of large tubular bones, hypertrophied development of the spongy substance is observed. Discussion. The most common paleo-oncological diagnoses are metastatic carcinoma and multiple myeloma, in this case unlikely due to the young age of the individual and the morphological pattern of the defect margins. In paleopathology, there are known cases of lymphocytic leukemia with a peak in children aged 2–5 years. Conclusion. Multiple lesions of the skull bones testify in favor of the diagnosis of metastatic cancer in a young man buried in the Natukhaevskoye-5 burial ground. Although the poor preservation of the remains prevents a more accurate diagnosis, there is evidence to suggest a hematogenous cause of oncology.

A CASE OF SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE WITH COMPLICATED POSTINFARCTION LEFT VENTRICULAR ANEURYSM

Abstract: Left ventricular aneurysms (LV aneurysms) are a common complication of acute myocardial infarction, in which the scar area of the left ventricular tissue gradually becomes thinner and dyskinetic. The aneurysm often consumes some of the left ventricular ejection, which ultimately leads to chronic heart failure, which may be refractory to drug therapy and require surgical repair with apical left ventricular aneurysm. Surgical techniques to restore the volume and shape of the left ventricle have evolved over the years. Surgical treatment of LV aneurysms was first performed by Charles Bailey [1]. Denton Cooley and colleagues [2] reported about the first resection in cardiopulmonary bypass. Over the next decades, in addition to traditional linear plastics, new methods of patch remodeling were developed and published in order to improve the results [3,6]. Although aneurysmectomy has been performed for almost five decades, the most appropriate surgical approach for a patient with LV dyskinetic aneurysm is still controversial. Myocardial ischemia leads to the loss of a part of the viable myocardium and causes a whole complex of morphological and functional disorders of the heart. The latter, as a rule, are based on the processes of cicatricial transformation of the left ventricular myocardium, leading to disproportionate stretching and thinning of its walls, dilatation and spherization of its cavity, which in turn is the cause of pathological changes in intraventricular spatial-geometric relationships, which together define the concept ischemic remodeling. The formation of a left ventricular aneurysm often occurs with acute occlusion of the LAD, which leads to the development of severe angina pectoris and a clinic of severe heart failure. Plasty of the left ventricular aneurysm according to Dor and modified by Academician L.A. Bokeria - circular narrowing of the orifice of the aneurysmal sac and endoventriculoplasty of the left ventricle with a synthetic patch, in postinfarction LV aneurysms, has proven its safety and effectiveness. This operation is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in other methods of left ventricular reconstruction. It allows for a complete resection of the aneurysm with minimal risk of critical reduction of the LV cavity. Reconstruction of the left ventricular aneurysm and myocardial revascularization leads to a significant improvement in pumping function and a decrease in symptoms of heart failure. As a clinical example, a case of successful surgical treatment of a giant left ventricular aneurysm is presented.

COVID-19. Liver damage – visualization features and possible causes

Item. To evaluate the features of CT imaging of the liver and the possible causes of pathological changes in COVID-19.Materials and methods. An analysis of the literature and our own data on the features of CT imaging of the liver in combination with biochemical analyzes in patients with COVID-19 was performed. The main possible causes of changes in the liver, as well as symptoms with CT, are examined.Results. The main target of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is the respiratory system. But among patients with COVID-19, along with damage to the central nervous system, myocardium, and intestines, cases of liver damage or dysfunction have been reported. This is expressed in an increase in biochemical markers of liver damage, as well as in a diffuse decrease in its density during CT, which is usually observed in the acute stage of the disease.

Clinical case of chemoresistant tuberculosis in the patient with tuberous sclerosis: difficulties of diagnosis, features of the course and treatment.

In the practical activities of a modern doctor, significant difficulties are noted in the diagnostics and proper management of patients with hereditary diseases due to the limited coverage of the population by genetic researches. For a long time, the patients with a variety of complaints are observed by doctors of various specialties, and the therapy often has little effect due to a lack of understanding of the true causes of pathological changes. The situation is complicated by case of a combined course of a hereditarily caused disease and some other disease of an infectious, non-infectious or tumor nature. The aim of the research was to study the characteristics of clinical manifestations, course of tuberculosis with resistance to anti-TB drugs in a patient with a rare hereditary disease from the group of phacomotoses - Bourneville-Pringle disease or tuberous sclerosis. This disease has a wide range of clinical manifestations, accompanied with the development of benign neoplasms in various organs and systems, damages to the skin, brain, organs of vision, lungs, kidneys, heart, as well as the musculoskeletal and endocrine system. It leads to development of various infectious and non-infectious pathologies in these organs. The article covers a 4-year period of observation of a young patient with late diagnosed tuberous sclerosis, suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of urinary system, includes the initial diagnosis of a specific disease, the course, the dynamics against received treatment and the development of relapse with the formation of resistance to anti-TB drugs. The difficulties in the management of tuberculosis in this patient were in the detection of numerous neoplasms and changes in the internal organs, in particular in the kidneys and lungs, which characterized tuberous sclerosis, on the one hand this contributed to untimely diagnosis of tuberculosis, and on the other hand – worsening the course and the progression of a specific process, as well as an unfavourable prognosis for recovery.

Evaluation of elabela, apelin and nitric oxide findings in maternal blood of normal pregnant women, pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, severe pre-eclampsia and umbilical arteries and venules of newborns

Pre-eclampsia is multisystem metabolic diseases, commonly accompanied by hypertension and proteinuria, which are among the important causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. In a pre-eclampsia animal model study in the last year, Elabela (ELA) infusion was reported to correct hypertension and proteinuria and to normalise the birth weights of the offspring. Therefore, our main goal in this human study is to compare ELA, apelin (APLN) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the maternal blood of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia and in their newborns’ venous-arterial cord blood with maternal blood of healthy pregnant women and their newborns’ venous-arterial cord blood. Thirty controls, 28 pre-eclampsia and 24 severe pre-eclampsia cases and their newborns participated in this study. Maternal blood and newborn venous-arterial cord blood samples were collected from these patients. ELA, APLN and NO levels in these samples were measured by ELISA method. When the maternal blood ELA, APLN and NO amounts were compared with control groups, there was a significant decrease in both pre-eclamptic and severe pre-eclamptic women and this was more prominent in the women with severe pre-eclampsia. When ELA, APLN and NO levels in the newborn venous-arterial cord blood of control group was compared with that of severe pre-eclamptic and pre-eclamptic women; it was parallel with maternal findings. ELA, APLN and NO levels appear to play a role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. It is predicted that if these molecules, which are reduced due to pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia, are brought to physiological limits in the future; pre-eclampsia related maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity can be reduced.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? There are two studies (one human and one animal) in the literature evaluating only maternal elabela (ELA) levels in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. The animal study demonstrated decreased blood ELA levels in pre-eclamptic animals and the human study found increased blood ELA levels in pre-eclamptic patients. There are no studies evaluating maternal ELA levels in severe pre-eclampsia patients and also there are no studies evaluating maternal ELA levels in pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia patients. There are no studies evaluating newborns’ venous-arterial blood APLN and NO levels. Apelin (APLN) and nitric oxide (NO) results were controversial in pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia patients.What the results of this study add? The present study, for the first time, demonstrates that decreased blood ELA, APLN and NO levels in maternal blood of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia and in their newborns’ venous-arterial blood. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated for the first time that decreased ELA, APLN and NO are also related with low birth weights.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The low levels of ELA, APLN and NO in maternal blood and newborns’ venous-arterial blood may be the result or the cause of pathologic changes in pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia. Also, ELA, APLN and NO may be new indicator parameters of systemic endothelial dysfunction together. More studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between of ELA, APLN and NO and pre-eclampsia and severe pre-eclampsia and in newborns’ venous-arterial blood.

Clinical and morphological changes in the eye in Fabry's disease (a clinical case study)

The article presents a clinical case of Fabry's disease accompanied by changes in the eye and gives detailed description of standard ophthalmological examination and results of some modern methods of assessing macro- and micro-structure of certain ocular tissues. Fabry's disease (also known as Anderson-Fabry disease, diffuse angiokeratoma of the body, hereditary dystonic lipidosis) is a progressive hereditary multi-systemic disease; more specifically, it is a progressive congenital defect in the metabolism of tissues of the human body. It is included in the list of orphan diseases. One of its local manifestations is development of dystrophic changes in the structure of the cornea with tendency to progress. Early diagnosis of Fabry's disease is crucial, but its extensive and 'mixed' symptoms often mask the true causes of pathological changes, which leads to late diagnosis.

Maternal serum irisin levels in early and late-onset pre-eclamptic and healthy pregnancies

The aim of the study was to investigate whether plasma irisin concentrations differ between uncomplicated, early-onset and late-onset pre-eclamptic pregnancies. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 27 women with early-onset, 27 women with late-onset pre-eclampsia (PE) and 26 healthy pregnant women. Maternal levels of serum irisin were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The mean maternal serum irisin level of early-onset PE was significantly lower than late-onset PE (1.14 ± 0.56 vs. 1.46 ± 0.59, p < .05) and control subjects (1.14 ± 0.56 vs. 3.14 ± 0.81, p < 0.001). The mean maternal serum irisin level of late-onset PE was significantly lower than the control group (1.46 ± 0.59 vs. 3.14 ± 0.81, p < 0.001). Maternal serum irisin levels are decreased in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Low levels of irisin may be the result or the cause of pathologic changes in PE.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? There are only two studies in the literature evaluating maternal serum irisin levels in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. One study demonstrated decreased maternal serum irisin levels in pre-eclamptic patients and the other found no significant difference between pre-eclamptic and control pregnancies.What do the results of this study add? The present study demonstrates that serum irisin levels were significantly lower in pre-eclampsia than normotensive pregnancies. Furthermore, we have also demonstrated for the first time that women with EO-PE had significantly lower levels of serum irsin than women with LO-PE.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Low levels of irisin may be the result or the cause of pathologic changes in pre-eclampsia. More studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between irisin and pre-eclampsia.

Laminin and Collagen IV: Two Polypeptides as Marker of Dystocic Labor.

Collagen IV and Laminin are localized in cells and tissue of numerous human organs including the uterus, where these polypeptides control either age changes, or uterus growth in pregnancy, or ripening and dilatation in labor. Authors examined the polypeptides distribution of collagen IV and Laminin in the human pregnant uterus, in normal and dystocic labor, to clarify their physiologic role, by distribution and/or their changes in prolonged dystocic labor. We collected lower uterine segment (LUS) fragments during cesarean section (CS); these biopsies were treated with basic morphological staining for the observation of microscopic- anatomic details. Other samples were processed with immunohistochemical staining for collagen IV and for membrane bound Laminin. All morphological and immunochemical results were analyzed with quantitative analysis of images and statistical analysis of data. Both Collagen IV and Laminin show changes in the pregnant uterus before 4 hours of full cervical dilatation in patients after 4 hours. All the three types of the human uterine cells, mucosal, submucosal and smooth muscular cells, are more reduced in LUS after 4 hours of cervical dilatation in dystocic labor. The connective tissues (including fibroblast) show the most evident changes in the dystocic LUS, collagen IV and laminin changes during cervical dilatation in prolonged dystocic labor, with a decreased elasticity with increased roughness and dryness. The LUS anatomical modifications during labor can be the cause of pathological changes in protracted dystocic labor. In the dystocic labor that lasts more than 4 hours from the complete cervical ripening and dilatation, the laminin and collagen IV concentration reduces in the LUS tissue. In dystocic labor, delivery should be completed before the 3 hours of full dilation, to avoid a reduction of laminin and collagen IV and a worsening of LUS healing for the next pregnancy.

Male reproductive status after the classical inguinal hernia repair

Aim. To determine the male reproductive status 18-20 years after classic unilateral herniotomy performed in childhood. Methods. Newsletters were sent to 127 patients, of whom 12 (9.45 %) responded. Male patients were invited for examination, including physical examination spermography with mixed agglutination reaction (MAR)-test, scrotum Doppler ultrasonography, prostate ultrasonography. Complete list of abovementioned examinations was performed in 10 male patients, representing 7.87% of the total number of respondents. 10 volunteers who had no medical history of inguinal hernia surgery were tested as a comparison group. Results. Sclerotic changes manifesting as testicular calcification were found in 4 (3.15%) patients who underwent inguinal hernioplasty surgery. No such findings were registered in volunteers who had no inguinal hernia surgery. Besides, 4 patients developed unilateral testicular hypotrophy of the hernia side, accompanied by an increased resistance index of parenchymal vessels in 75% of cases, which indirectly explains the causes of pathological changes in sperm. Considering small number of examined patients, the study had not enough power to state that hernioplasty surgery had the negative impact on male reproductive function; hence, it should be noted that in 7 cases alterations in the semen analysis were found, and 3 patients were infertile. These changes are likely to be related to technical defects of classic inguinal hernioplasty surgery performed in childhood. Conclusion. It is necessary to revise the use of classic inguinal hernioplasty and herniorrhaphy surgery performed in male children.

Drożdże jako model w badaniach chorób neurodegeneracyjnych

At the level of genetics and physiology the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is are the best characterized eukaryotic cells. The yeast cells can be used as a model to study the mechanisms involved in human disease. Yeast shares conserved cellular mechanisms with all eukaryotes including mammals and human. Nowadays, despite the lack of a neural system, yeasts are successfully used in the study of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Exquisite genetics and molecular tools used in biology allow examination of the role of yeast homologues of human genes as well as heterologous expression of human genes in yeast. Yeasts have become a suitable model to study the causes of pathological changes in protein folding, mutations and formation of aggregates.