Connective Tissue Components Research Articles

Fat Is Consistently Present within the Plantar Muscular Space of the Human Foot-An Anatomical Study.

Background and Objectives: The foot comprises of active contractile and passive connective tissue components, which help maintain stability and facilitate movement during gait. The role of age- or pathology-related degeneration and the presence of fat within muscles in foot function and pain remains unclear. The existence of fat has to date not been quantified or compared between individuals according to age, sex, side or subregion. Materials and Methods: 18 cadaveric feet (mean age 79 years) were sectioned sagittally and photographed bilaterally. Fat in the plantar muscular space of the foot (PMSF) was quantified through the previously validated manual fat quantification method, which involved observing photographs of each section and identifying regions using OsiriX. Fat volume and percentage was calculated using a modified Cavalieri’s method. Results: All feet had fat located within the PMSF, averaging 25.8% (range, 16.5–39.4%) of the total PMSF volume. The presence of fat was further confirmed with plastination and confocal microscopy. Conclusions: These findings suggest that fat within the PMSF is a consistent but highly variable finding in elderly cohorts. Fat within the foot muscles may need to be considered a norm when comparing healthy and non-healthy subjects, and for therapeutic interventions to the foot. Further work is required to understand in detail the morphological and mechanical presence of fat in the foot, and compare these findings with pathological cohorts, such as sarcopenia. Additionally, future work should investigate if fat may compensate for the degeneration of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, with implications for both the use of orthotics and pain management.

Microinvasive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Redefined by Using Modified Cajal Trichrome Differential Stain − A Histochemical Study

Introduction: In histopathologic laboratories, hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining is the routine and gold standard technique employed for biopsy tissues. But, few differential stains are being used in questionable diagnostic cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to confirm its final diagnosis. Modified Cajal trichrome stain (CTS) is one such stain which may be employed as an adjunctive supporting aid for arriving at a conclusive diagnosis. To assess epithelial and connective tissue components in normal oral mucosa, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and OSCC cases stained with routine H and E and modified CTS. And also to compare and evaluate the efficacy of Modified CTS with that of H and E stain. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 tissue samples, 10 each of normal oral mucosa and OED, 20 cases of OSCC (10 cases each of microinvasive and frank OSCC) were stained with standard H and E and modified CTS simultaneously. Results: Modified CTS showed statistically significant and better results in differentiated terms of parameters such as depth of tumor invasion and differentiation between epithelial and connective tissue components in OSCC cases. Epithelial basement membrane interface and microinvasion are clearly appreciated in challenging cases of early epithelial malignancies such as microinvasive OSCC using this stain. Conclusion: As this stain can easily delineate epithelial structures from various connective tissue components, it may be utilized as an auxiliary diagnostic support along with routine H and E stain for confirmatory diagnosis.

Сравнительная характеристика четырехглавой мышцы бедра в постнатальном онтогенезе у кур Кобб‑500 и Юрловская голосистая

Histological and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscles in chickens of the meat productivity direction Cobb-500 and egg productivity direction Yurlovskaya golosistaya on the 8-th and 20-th days of postembryonic development were studied. The skeletal striated muscle tissue of the studied bird obeys the general principles of myogenesis inherent in most animal species and is characterized by signs of a definitive structure. It is shown that on the 8-th and 20-th days of postembryonic ontogenesis, the quadriceps femoral muscle of the Yurlovskaya golosistaya breed is ahead of the Cobb-500 cross in terms of the thickness of muscle fibers, while the opposite pattern is established in terms of the thickness of muscle fiber bundles, as well as endomysium and perimysium in the connective tissue component. The area of muscle tissue and the number of muscle fibers in the field of vision in the studied periods of ontogenesis prevail in digital values in Cobb-500 compared to the Yurlovskaya golosistaya. Based on the obtained morphometric parameters of muscle fibers, the concept of histogenesis of skeletal muscles in poultry of egg and meat productivity directions is presented.

MORPHOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LUMBAR ARTERIES IN THE PREVENTION OF SPINAL CORD ISCHEMIA IN ATHEROSCLEROTIC LESIONS OF ABDOMINAL AORTA.

The aim: To investigate atherosclerosis of the abdominal part of the aorta and atherosclerosis of the lumbar arteries, aimed at improving surgical tactics during reconstructive interventions on the abdominal part of the aorta in patients with multifocal atherosclerosis. Materials and methods: 20 autopsies were performed. The macro preparation consisted of the part of the abdominal aorta 1х1 sm taken along with a separated lumbar artery for 1-1,5 sm. Histological cuts were coloured with hematoxylin and eosin. The histochemical research was conducted in order to establish changes in all layers of blood vessels. The immunohistochemical research was carried out along with generally accepted histological methods in 10 cases to determine the morphological vessel wall functional state, connective tissue and smooth muscle components. Results: In all cases there were morphological signs of aortic atherosclerosis with different degrees of damage to the lumen. In none of the analyzed cases did we establish pathomorphological signs of atherosclerosis of the lumbar artery distal to the mouth. In the walls of the lumbar arteries, we noted the preservation of the layered structure, the integrity of the endothelial cells, the normal arrangement of smooth muscle cells. Conclusions: It was established that there cannot be the atherosclerotic occlusion of the lumbar artery, since there are no signs of atheromatous lesions in its walls, the structure of all layers is preserved, the endothelial damage is absent, the location and structure of the lining cells is normal.

Why Human Prepuce is a Valuable Resource in Science? Histological, Ultrastructural, Immunohistochemical and Statistical Analysis

This research was to examine the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of prepuce samples, as well as vimentin and S100 protein localization and statistical analysis. Urologists have long struggled with the prepuce, which is used to treat a variety of urethral problems. Skin biopsies were collected from the prepuce at the moment of circumcision and processed for light microscopy, electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical techniques, and statistical analysis in a total of six boys. Histologically, the prepuce epidermis displayed focal spiky ridges, which are saw-toothed interspersed with sulci, slight hyperpigmentation, looser connective tissue and plentiful vascular components. Immunohistochemically, the existence of melanocytes and Langerhans cells in the epidermis, as well as smooth muscles in the dermis, was stained positively for vimentin. Also, there was a positive reactivity of the Langerhans cells in the epidermis and around Meissner's corpuscles in the dermis for S100 protein staining. Ultrastructurally, the prepuce's intercellular gaps were widened, melanocytes rested on a folded basement membrane, and desmosomal content was reduced, with a prominent active euchromatic nucleus. Cytoplasmic projections were distended and elongated, and the interstitial blood vessels were surrounded by endothelial cells and rested on a basement membrane. There were also minimal collagen fibers in the interstitium. The prepuce's histological and ultrastructural features, as well as immunohistological studies using vimentin and S100 protein as intermediate filaments and statistical analysis, all demonstrated that it is a useful scientific resource.

Умное сложение — это умножение: обзор сочетанного применения препаратов гиалуроновой кислоты и полинуклеотидов для внутрисуставного введения при остеоартрите

The article presents an overview of modern methods to the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). It is focused on intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides (PNs) of natural origin. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of connective tissue that has the ability to restore the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid. Besides, it also has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and antifibrotic characteristics. PNs are natural macromolecules derived from DNA. They have trophic activity and promote cell growth and collagen production, as has been shown in preclinical and clinical studies concerning cartilage regeneration. When injected into the joint cavity, PNs are subjected to enzymatic cleavage with the release of nucleosides, nucleotides and nitrogenous bases, thereby, providing long-term moisturizing and viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid. The efficacy of a combination of hyaluronic acid preparations with PNs for intra-articular administration for the treatment of knee OA has been studied. It has been established that the combined therapy with PNs and hyaluronic acid leads to the development of a more persistent therapeutic effect for 2 years after the treatment course versus with hyaluronic acid monotherapy. KEYWORDS: osteoarthritis, synovial fluid, viscoelastic properties, synovial fluid substitute, intra-articular injections, hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides FOR CITATION: Svintsitskaya I.S., Volkov K.Yu. Smart addition is multiplication: a review concerning combined use of hyaluronic acid and polynucleotides for intra-articular administration in osteoarthritis. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2022;6(4):182–186 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2022-6-4-182-186

Effect of L-Tocopherol on Morphological Reformations of Rat’s Pineal Gland under the Long-Term Impact of Heavy Metal Salts

The article presents the results of the study on morphological rearrangements of structural changes in the rat pineal gland under the influence of heavy metal salts and correction with L-tocopherol during 60 days. General morphological and statistical research methods were used (histological, morphometric, immunohistochemical and statistical methods). The article presents the results of the study on morphological rearrangements of structural changes in the rat pineal gland under the influence of heavy metal salts and correction with L-tocopherol during 60 days. General morphological and statistical research methods were used (histological, morphometric and statistic methods). The protective effect of L-tocopherol caused a number of compensatory-adaptive processes in the pineal gland aimed at neutralizing the effects of stressors on the organ. Under the influence of α-tocopherol acetate, the tension on the part of the synthetic apparatus of pinealocytes decreases compared to the indicators of animals that did not use the corrector drug. The 60-days protective period of L-tocopherol is insufficient to completely neutralize the heavy metals impact on the organ: the glial response activated, the vascular area increased, vascular wall’s permeability impaired, edema was formed and the connective tissue component grew, indicating dysfunctional reorganization of the gland’s secretory activity. The above morphological changes in the pineal gland’s structural components negatively affect the processes of hormones evacuation into the blood, the course of the general adaptation syndrome and homeostasis restoration in the organ.

FEATURES OF THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE COMPONENT OF THE PALATINE TONSILS IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT TONSILLITIS.

The aim: To explore the morphological changes of palatine tonsil at the levels of the epithelial layer and connective tissue; to determine the relative area of the connective tissue component in the tonsillar tissue (fibrosis) in patients with recurrent tonsillitis compared to the control. Materials and methods: This study presents a morphological assessment of the palatine tonsils of 10 people. Tonsils' material with surrounding tissue was fixed in 10% formalin solution. The samples were dehydrated in increasing ethanol concentrations, cleared in xylol, impregnated with paraffin. Microscopy was then performed with samples stained beforehand. Results: In the samples of patients with recurrent tonsillitis pericapsular sclerosis was noted, along with thickening of interlobular septa and pronounced subepithelial fibrosis. A ratio of the dense connective tissue surface area to the total surface area of tonsil tissue was determined. The control group showed a statistically significant decrease in the degree of sclerosis of the tonsil stroma. Conclusions: Multiple changes were found in the tonsils of patients with recurrent tonsillitis at the level of the epithelial layer that manifested in structural alterations. Significant and irreversible changes were also observed in the connective stroma of the tonsil - pericapsular sclerosis, thickening of interlobular septa, and pronounced subepithelial fibrosis. A statistically significant increase in the relative surface area of the connective tissue component of the tonsil (fibrosis) by a factor of 1,26 was noted in patients with recurrent tonsillitis compared to the results of the control group of patients.

Periodontal Ligament: Health, Disease and Regeneration

Understanding of the structure and metabolism of connective tissue components in recent years has increased drastically.The support and attachment of the tooth in the bones of the jaw is provided by a complex comprising of four connectivetissues and is known as the Periodontium. It is attached to the dentine of the root by the cementum and to the bones ofthe jaw via the alveolar bone. Two of the connective tissues are mineralized and comprise of cementum and alveolarbone, while the other two are essentially fibrous in nature and are represented by the periodontal ligament (PDL) and thegingiva. This review article summarizes the current knowledge of the periodontium and will discuss the most importantvital structure in detail that is Periodontal ligament.

Особенности эмбрионального развития скелетных мышц у кур пород Брама и Юрловская голосистая

The article presents the histological and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscles (quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscle) in meat (Brama) and egg (Yurlovskaya golosistaya) chickens of productivity on the 14th day of embryonic development: formed muscle fibers combined in bundles, as well as endomysium and perimysium, in the absence of transverse striation. The quadriceps femoral muscle of the Brama breed (meat productivity direction) surpasses the Yurlovskaya golosistaya (egg productivity direction) due to thicker muscle fibers collected in compact bundles and thin connective tissue components. The superficial pectoral muscle has no significant differences in most of the studied micromorphological parameters (thickness of muscle fibers, endomysium, area of muscle tissue and the number of muscle fibers in the field of view) in both breeds of chickens. The exception is the thickness of the bundles of muscle fibers in the superficial pectoral muscle of the Brama compared to the Yurlovskaya golosistaya, as well as a well-developed perimysium. The results obtained are basic in the formation of the concept of histogenesis of skeletal muscles in the embryonic period of development of the organism of poultry of various productivity directions and can be used.

Особенности развития скелетных мышц у кур породы Юрловская голосистая в эмбриогенезе

The article presents the histological and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscles (quadriceps femoris and superficial pectoral muscle) in chickens of the egg production direction of the Yurlovskaya Golosistaya breed on the 14th and 20th days of embryonic development. By the 14th day of embryogenesis, formed muscle fibers combined into bundles, as well as endomysium and perimysium, in the absence of transverse striation, were noted in the studied muscles. Skeletal muscle tissue by the 20th day of embryogenesis is characterized by a close to definitive structural organization – in muscle fibers, transverse striation is clearly visible, their bundles are identified, as well as endomysium and perimysium. The superficial pectoral muscle in most of the morphometric parameters studied (the thickness of muscle fibers, their bundles and the representation of the connective tissue component) exceeds the quadriceps, with the exception of the thickness of the endomysium, which on the 20th day prevails in the quadriceps femoral muscle compared to the superficial pectoral muscle. The results obtained are basic in the formation of the concept of skeletal muscle histogenesis in poultry of egg productivity and can be used by specialists in improving the technologies of breeding work.

Pathogenesis and methods of diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in cats: retrospective analysis (1981–2007)

The aim: to conduct a retrospective analysis of literature sources on the pathogenesis and methods of diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in cats.
 Materials and methods. The research was conducted by the method of scientific literature open-source analysis: PubMed, Elsevier, electronic resources of the National Library named after V.I. Vernadsky (1981–2007).
 Results. Chronic kidney disease is a common reason for cat owners to go to veterinary clinics. The term “chronic kidney disease” has a broader meaning than the more limited and not very specific name – chronic renal failure; it is also used to indicate the preazotemic stage of the disease. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual deterioration of the clinical condition of animals due to progressive decline in renal function. An idea of the pathogenesis and methods of diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in the period from 1981 to 2007 is presented.
 Conclusions. According to the results of retrospective analysis of literature sources for the period from 1981 to 2007, the basis was identified aspects of the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease in domestic cats, which have not lost relevance today. The main link during chronic kidney disease in cats is the development of hyperazotemia and, as a consequence, endogenous intoxication of the body, which develops gradually and leads to the death of the animal. The morphological basis of chronic kidney disease in cats is the development of diffuse nephrosclerosis, which is reflected in the results of clinical, biochemical and instrumental studies. According to biochemical analysis of blood, in cats recorded an increase in urea and creatinine, the results of clinical studies of urine showed a decrease in its relative density, as well as the development of proteinuria, the appearance of erythrocytes and cylinders. According to the results of hematological research, anemic syndrome develops due to decreased erythropoietin synthesis. With age in cats, ultrasound examination of the kidneys reveals a decrease in their volume due to uniform sclerosis of the parenchyma: it is determined by its thinning and increased echogenicity due to the accumulation of connective tissue components, which is a sign of nephrosclerosis. Although kidney biopsy is the most informative method of diagnosing chronic kidney disease, it has many contraindications, which does not allow its use in the routine diagnosis of nephropathy in domestic cats. its thinning and increase in echogenicity due to the accumulation of connective tissue components, which is a sign of nephrosclerosis, is determined. Although kidney biopsy is the most informative method of diagnosing chronic kidney disease, it has many contraindications, which does not allow its use in the routine diagnosis of nephropathy in domestic cats. Its thinning and increase in echogenicity due to the accumulation of connective tissue components, which is a sign of nephrosclerosis, is determined

MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SOFT PALATINE TISSUES STANDING BEHIND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME: GENERAL PATTERN AND ROLE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS

snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are a serious medical problem, as they lead to a complex of complications from various body systems, disrupt the socio-economic sphere and stigmatize patients. To date, a set of treatments has been developed, the most effective of which are conservative therapy using CPAP and surgical interventions - various modifications of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. However, only a small number of studies have elucidated soft palate tissue pathology in patients with chronic and OSAS. But understanding the morphological changes is one of the key aspects for the development of treatment tactics. The aim of current study is to justify the choice of surgical intervention in the treatment of snoring and OSAS by description of morphological changes of the soft palate and to estimate the impact of HPV infection on the progression of soft palatine remodeling. The study included soft palatine tissue samples, which were removed during surgery for snoring and OSAS in 15 patients. Histological (H&E) and immunohistochemical techniques (Ki-67, p16, Human Papilloma Virus). All patients were divided in two groups according HPV-positivity: 5 persons in HPV-positive group and 10 persons in HPV-negative group. For indicators were estimated: number of cellular layers (CL), number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (per 100 epitheliocytes) (IEL), number of vessels per x100 field (NV), Ki-67 proliferation index (PI). Results shows in HPV+ group: CL - 24,2 (±2,17); IEL - 37,8 (±20,97), NV - 21 (±8,46); PI - 17,6 (±2,51). In HPV- group: CL - 6 (±4,78); IEL - 3,3 (±1,77); NV - 10,7 (±2,67); PI - 7,3 (±2,71). Mann-Whitney criterion shows statistical significant difference between groups for all mentioned indicators. In conclusion: patients with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had hypertrophy of the soft palate structures caused by changes in epithelial and connective tissue components. Subepithelial structures underdo the disorganization of connective tissue components with a violation of the histoarchitectonics of collagen fibers, edema and angiomatosis. Thus, the study revealed a number of irreversible pathological processes of soft palate tissues, which is the basis for the choice of surgical treatment tactics including the resection of excess tissue. At the same time HPV-infection leads to more pronounced changes in the epithelial layer and subepithelial tissue with concomitant inflammation that likely to create a negative background for further treatment of OSA syndrome.

Morphological features of invasion of tumor cells of invasive ductal breast cancer

Background. Nowadays, it has been proven that along with the invasion of individual tumor cells, their group migration occurs in the invasive front of the tumor, and this is an important factor in tumor progression. Objective: to determine the features of tumor cell invasion in the invasive front (IF) of invasive ductal breast cancer (BCa) without special specific features (IC NST) and to establish associative links between them and the clinical and pathological characteristics of the disease. Methods. The study was performed on BCa samples (after hematoxylin and eosin stained) from 120 patients with invasive ductal BCa I-II stage with G2 grade of tumor differentiation that didn’t receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results. Tumors were divided into 3 groups: with predominance of parenchymal component (PC), with the larger component of connective tissue, and relatively equivalent ratio of these components. Within the IF of the studied tumors of patients with ІІ stage of the tumor process, group invasion of tumor structures was mainly determined, both separately and in combination. In particular, an increase in solid structures in tumors with a predominance of the PC, and in neoplasms with expressed desmoplastic changes in connective tissue and their advantage, - alveolar, tubular, discrete. Conclusion. In tumors of patients with invasive ductal BCa in the invasive front is dominated by collective migration of tumor cells, which is the starting mechanism of tumor progression and the first step of the metastatic process. Defined associative links between the features of tumor cell invasion and the clinical and pathological characteristics of the tumor process in BCa patients can be used in predicting this form of cancer.

Histomorphometric study of the soleus muscle under conditions of modeling of spinal cord contusion injury: experimental morphological study

Objective. To conduct a morphometric analysis of the soleus muscle of rats after moderate spinal cord contusion injury.Material and Methods. Experiments were performed on female Wistar rats aged 8–12 months, weighing 270–320 g. Animals of the experimental group (n = 25) underwent laminectomy at the T9 level under general anesthesia and modeling of spinal contusion injury of moderate severity. Intact rats constituted the control group (n = 10). Euthanasia was performed on the 5th, 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 180th days of the experiment. Paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson, the diameters of muscle fibers were determined by computer morphometry, and histograms of their distribution were obtained.Results. In the soleus muscle, the signs of reversible reparative processes prevailed in response to neurotrophic damage. It was evidenced by a local increase in the diversity of myocyte diameters and the loss of polygonality of their profiles, focal destruction of muscle fibers, activation of the connective tissue component, disorganization of some intramuscular nerve conductors, and vascular fibrosis of perimysium. Nevertheless, the histostructure of an intact muscle prevailed in the course of the experiment, which was confirmed by the data of morphometric analysis. All histograms of the distribution of the muscle fiber diameters are unimodal with a mode in the range of 30–41 μm. On the 180th day, the maximum myocyte diameters in the histogram of the left limb muscle belonged to the range of 21–30 μm, which was typical for histograms in the intact group.Conclusion. The nature of the plastic reorganization of the soleus muscle when neurotrophic control is impaired indicates compensatory regeneration of muscle tissue by the type of restitution, which opens up the possibility of predicting the rehabilitation period. It is advisable to take this into account when developing medical and social programs and therapeutic measures, where the most important role is played by superficial neuromuscular and functional electrical stimulation.

Posthypoxic Changes in Rat Offspring under the Intestinal Wall Transformation

The aim of research is to study posthypoxic transformation of the colon wall using light and electron microscopy in an experimental model of rat offspring.
 Materials and methods. Chronic hypobaric hypoxia at different stages of pregnancy was simulated experimentally in 24 female white mongrel rats using a vacuum flow chamber with a rise to a height of 5000 m at a speed of 25 m/sec for 40 minutes. After delivery, the offspring were examined, subjected to hexenal anesthesia, and then removed from the experiment using decapitation. For light microscopy, resected sections of the small intestine and colon were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and studied on Topic (Belgium, 2000) and Bio Blue (the Netherlands, 2013). Electron microscopic analysis was performed in a Morgagni 268D transmission electron microscope (FEI, USA).
 Results. Chronic hypoxia, simulated in the first trimester of pregnancy, led to significant changes in the intestinal mucosa in combination with the growth of the connective tissue component in the muscle layer. The risk of developing dynamic intestinal obstruction occurred in the offspring of all groups, this was supported by an increase in the fibrous tissue of the intestinal wall. Pronounced changes in the microcirculatory bed were detected in animals of groups II and III, as they were predisposed to develop pre-ulcer and ulcerative defects in the wall of the small intestine. At the submicroscopic level, it was detected that both adaptive and destructive processes occurred in the wall ultrastructure of the descending colon of the rat offspring after hypoxic exposure in the prenatal period in animals of all experimental groups. In the microcirculatory bed, there was an increased venous congestion, with the most pronounced changes observed in the third trimester.
 Conclusion. Thus, the study of hypoxia in the experiment allows investigating more about all the mechanisms of the pathological process and to translate theoretical knowledge into practical medicine.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ МОРФОГЕНЕЗА СОЕДИНИТЕЛЬНОТКАННЫХ КОМПОНЕНТОВ ПОДЖЕЛУДОЧНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ ЕНОТОВИДНОЙ СОБАКИ В ПОСТНАТАЛЬНОМ ОНТОГЕНЕЗЕ ПРИ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИИ РАДИАЦИОННОГО ФАКТОРА

There have been no studies devoted to the study of the pancreas of a raccoon dog living in a contaminated area in the world. Therefore, the aim of our research was to study the connective tissue components of the pancreas in a raccoon dog at different stages of postnatal ontogenesis. The material for the study was raccoon dogs seized from former settlements, in the vicinity of lakes Zhartai, Vyura, Gnezdnoye and the Nesvich River in the exclusion zone (30 – kilometer exclusion zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant). As a result of the studies, the features of the morphofunctional state of the pancreatic stroma under the influence of the radiation factor were revealed.

Decorin: a multifunctional proteoglycan involved in oocyte maturation and trophoblast migration.

Decorin (DCN) is a proteoglycan belonging to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. It is composed of a protein core containing leucine repeats with a glycosaminoglycan chain consisting of either chondroitin sulfate or dermatan sulfate. DCN is a structural component of connective tissues that can bind to type I collagen. It plays a role in the assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and it is related to fibrillogenesis. It can interact with fibronectin, thrombospondin, complement component C1, transforming growth factor (TGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor. Normal DCN expression regulates a wide range of cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and autophagy, through interactions with various molecules. However, its aberrant expression is associated with oocyte maturation, oocyte quality, and poor extravillous trophoblast invasion of the uterus, which underlies the occurrence of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Spatiotemporal hormonal control of successful pregnancy should regulate the concentration and activity of specific proteins such as proteoglycan participating in the ECM remodeling of trophoblastic and uterine cells in fetal membranes and uterus. At the human feto-maternal interface, TGF-β and DCN play crucial roles in the regulation of trophoblast invasion of the uterus. This review summarizes the role of the proteoglycan DCN as an important and multifunctional molecule in the physiological regulation of oocyte maturation and trophoblast migration. This review also shows that recombinant DCN proteins might be useful for substantiating diverse functions in both animal and in vitro models of oogenesis and implantation.

Довготривалий вплив забруднювачів водного середовища (важких металів) на морфофункціональний стан гіпофіза статевозрілих щурів

In some northern regions of Ukraine there is an increased accumulation of salts of heavy metals in soil and drinking water, which negatively affect the health of the population and become a risk factor for many diseases. The role of the pituitary gland in the regulation of functional disorders of hormonal homeostasis in various pathological conditions is extremely important. The purpose of the study is to study the morphological, morphometric and biochemical rearrangements of the structural components of the adenohypophysis of adult male rats under conditions of long-term exposure to salts of heavy metals. Materials and methods. The experiment was performed on 24 white adult male rats, which were divided into 1 control and 1 experimental group. The experimental group consisted of rats, which for 90 days consumed ordinary drinking water, saturated with a combination of salts of heavy metals: zinc (ZnSO4 · 7H2O) – 5 mg/l, copper (CuSO4 · 5H2O) – 1 mg/l, iron (FeSO4) – 10 mg/l, manganese (MnSO4 · 5H2O) – 0.1 mg/l, lead (Pb (NO3) 2) – 0.1 mg/l and chromium (K2Cr2O7) – 0.1 mg/l. Results and discussion. Long-term effects on the body of experimental animals of salts of heavy metals caused a pronounced compensatory-adaptive changes in the pituitary gland of experimental animals of hypoxic nature. Morphological changes in the organ were accompanied by plethora of venous bed, deterioration of rheological properties of blood, increase in the area of connective tissue component of the gland, violation of histoarchitectonics of epithelial trabeculae, edema in the parenchyma, increase in linear indicators of the pituitary gland. Toxic effects of salts of heavy metals negatively affected the cellular composition of the adenohypophysis: there was an increase in the number of chromophobes and a decrease in the number of chromophilic acidophiles and basophils compared with control animals. At the same time, the increase in linear parameters, area of nuclei and cytoplasm of adenocytes can be attributed both to their compensatory hypertrophy and due to edema processes in the gland caused by deepening hypoxic effects and impaired blood flow from the organ as a result of venous plethora. Conclusion. Morphometric and biochemical parameters of the structural components of the anterior lobe of the adenohypophysis at 90 days of exposure to salts of heavy metals, of course, indicate a significant stress of adaptive processes by the adenohypophysis in response to stressors (salts of heavy metals)

Взаємозв’язки порушень біохімічного й імунологічного гомеостазу у хворих на ювенільний ревматоїдний артрит з урахуванням тривалості захворювання

Актуальність. Ювенільний ревматоїдний артрит (ЮРА) належить до довічних патологічних станів. Тому актуальними є дослідження, що вивчають закономірності його розвитку, функціонування метаболічних систем, розвиток дистрофічних змін на тлі запального процесу. Мета. Вивчення особливостей метаболізму сполучнотканинних структур відповідно до стану імунного гомеостазу на етапах еволюції ЮРА у хворих дитячого віку. Матеріали та методи. Вивчено особливості структурного складу компонентів сполучної тканини, вмісту мікроелементів, імунологічного гомеостазу у дітей із ЮРА. Проаналізовано 355 клінічних спостережень хворих на ЮРА з урахуванням ретро- і проспективних досліджень за 2012–2016 роки. Клінічна група становила 117 хворих на суглобову форму віком від 2 до 18 років (у середньому 6,0 ± 0,5 року). Результати. Дослідження імунного статусу визначило зниження рівня Т-загальних лімфоцитів (р < 0,001), Т-лімфоцитів-хелперів (р < 0,001), Т-супресорів/цитотоксичних (р < 0,001), підвищення імунорегуляторного індексу (р < 0,05), зменшення бактерицидної активності нейтрофілів (р < 0,001), збільшення показників тесту з нітросинім тетразолієм і зниження показника індексу стимуляції нейтрофілів (р < 0,001), підвищення рівня циркулюючих імунних комплексів (р < 0,001). Аналіз умісту прозапальних цитокінів довів підвищення рівня інтерлейкіну-1 (р < 0,05) та інтерлейкіну-6. Визначено залежність імунологічних показників від тривалості хвороби. Встановлено підвищення вмісту хондроїтин-4- та -6-сульфатів, кератан- і дерматансульфатів крові. Найбільші відхилення відзначались на перших етапах розвитку хвороби, що, безперечно, пов’язано з активністю патологічного процесу до призначення протизапального лікування або на перших етапах його отримання. У віддалені періоди захворювання відбувається зменшення рівня загальних глікозаміногліканів, хондроїтин-4- та -6-сульфатів, сповільнення екскреції уронових кислот (рt < 0,05). Аналіз змін у вмісті неорганічних компонентів залежно від тривалості хвороби виявив незначне зниження втрати організмом фосфору у період 3–5 років ЮРА. Аналіз відхилень імунобіохімічних співвідношень на різних етапах еволюції патологічного процесу виявив зміни кількості та характеру взаємозв’язків між показниками сполучнотканинного метаболізму й імунологічного гомеостазу. Висновки. Висока активність захворювання є основним предиктором розвитку дистрофічних змін, що підтверджується численними кореляційними взаємозв’язками показників обміну сполучної тканини та імунологічних параметрів. Найбільш несприятливими періодами є перші 1,5 року і через 3–5 років від початку захворювання. Виявлені зміни є підставою для проведення медикаментозної корекції біохімічного складу сполучнотканинних структур з метою профілактики розвитку вторинних дистрофічних змін в уражених суглобах у дітей з ЮРА, а також можуть відображати недостатню ефективність проведеного лікування та збереження субклінічної активності запалення.