To systematically investigate the causal relationships between circadian rhythm-related genes and the pathogenesis of six spinal disorders (scoliosis, spinal osteochondrosis, instability, stenosis, spondylosis, and spondyloarthritis) using an integrated bioinformatics framework. Mendelian randomization and Bayesian colocalization were applied to cis-eQTL data and GWAS summary statistics. Functional enrichment, protein-protein interaction network analysis, drug prediction, and structure-based virtual screening were subsequently performed. Our research identified 16 potential circadian genes, with four (KAT5, EZH2, BMP2, and EDN1) showing moderate to strong colocalization evidence across multiple disorders. Pathway enrichment highlighted relaxin signaling and longevity regulation. Drug prediction and molecular docking nominated Simvastatin, Niacin, and Acid Red 87 as high affinity candidate compounds. This study establishes causal links between circadian gene dysregulation and spinal diseases, pinpoints key genes and pathways, and proposes potential small-molecule therapeutics for experimental validation.

To determine the natural progression of tarsal osteochondrosis (OC) in a cohort of Standardbred foals and assess the impact of gait preference (trotting vs. pacing). Longitudinal observational cohort study. Client-owned Standardbred foals (n = 148). Tarsal radiographs were taken every 2 months from 2 to 12 months of age and foals were video monitored to document time spent pacing or trotting. Differences between groups were assessed using χ2 analysis. Survival analysis was used to determine if lesion healing differed between groups over time. Of 148 horses, 103 (69.6%) had OC lesions at 2 months of age but only 32 (21.6%) still had OC lesions by 12 months. In 28 of these horses, the lesions had progressed to osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). Of 71 horses with lesions that healed, 60 (84.5%) did so by 6 months of age. Gait was not associated with presence or absence of OC lesions or healing of lesions over time. Foals spent less than 1% of their observed time trotting or pacing. Tarsal OC lesions were prevalent in this cohort of young Standardbreds, and most lesions healed within the first few months of life. There was no evidence for direct biomechanical forces from movement at the pace or trot affecting the location of OCD fragment development. The critical window for tarsal OC lesion healing was prior to 6 months of age and further investigation of risk factors present during this time frame is warranted.

INTRODUCTION. An innovative trend in magnetotherapy involves the use of devices generating strong magnetic fields with an induction of 100–700 mTl for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes, among which is the Exotherapy device. AIM. To study the clinical effectiveness of the Exotherapy device in the complex rehabilitation of patients with coxarthrosis and concomitant spinal osteochondrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A clinical prospective randomized trial was conducted at the National Medical Research Center for Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The patients in the control group (n = 30) completed a comprehensive medical rehabilitation programme consisting of laser therapy on the projection area of the hip joint, paravertebral electrotherapy on the lumbosacral region, robotic mechanotherapy, therapeutic massage, and group sessions of exercise therapy sessions. In addition to this, the patients in the main group (n = 30) received high-intensity pulsed magnetic field therapy from an Exotherapy device, according to Method No. 12. The effectiveness of the rehabilitation programme was assessed using functional research methods and scales and questionnaires on the 14th day after its commencement. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. After the rehabilitation course, there was a more pronounced decrease in pain on the visual analog scale in patients of the main group (p = 0.00005). When analyzing the test results on the ProKin device after the rehabilitation course, a more pronounced positive trend was revealed in patients of the main group in terms of postural stability with both open and closed eyes (ellipse area, perimeter). Patients in the main group also showed statistically significant positive dynamics in the indicators of maximum extension of the lower extremities, maximum extension force, average extension force, average force in 0.20 seconds, and peak torque (p 0.05) according to isokinetic dynamometry. According to the video analysis of gait, it was found that in the main group there was a positive trend in the following indicators: the contribution (%) of the support phase increased, the contribution of the transfer phase decreased, the number of steps per minute and walking speed increased. CONCLUSIONS. Thus, the inclusion of the Exotherapy device in the medical rehabilitation program for patients with coxarthrosis and concomitant spinal osteochondrosis can significantly increase the effectiveness of standard rehabilitation programs.

Lumbar spine osteochondrosis remains one of the most common degenerative pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and is accompanied by a wide spectrum of clinical and neurological disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the main clinical and neurological manifestations of the disease and their relationship with magnetic resonance imaging findings. A total of 632 patients were examined, assessing characteristics of pain syndrome, radicular symptoms, neurological findings, and the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration. A correlation was established between the severity of degenerative changes and pain intensity, as well as the frequency of radiculopathies at different levels. Tables summarizing clinical phenotypes, concordance between herniation levels and neurological deficits, and the dependency of symptom severity on Pfirrmann grades are presented. The findings confirm the importance of comprehensive clinical-neurological evaluation in diagnosing and choosing treatment strategies for lumbar osteochondrosis.

The article analyzes modern approaches to the surgical treatment of lumbar spine osteochondrosis, taking into account clinical and neurological manifestations. A total of 148 patients who underwent various surgical procedures—microdiscectomy, endoscopic discectomy, laminectomy, and TLIF/PLIF—were examined. Pain dynamics (VAS), regression of neurological symptoms, and functional status based on the ODI were evaluated. It was established that TLIF/PLIF provides the highest effectiveness in patients with segmental instability, while endoscopic discectomy demonstrates the lowest surgical invasiveness. Microdiscectomy shows high clinical efficacy combined with a low complication rate. The results correlate with international recommendations and emphasize the importance of an individualized approach in selecting surgical tactics.

Abstract: The article is devoted to modern radiological methods for diagnosing spinal osteochondrosis, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main radiological signs, their visualization using various modalities, comparative effectiveness of the methods, as well as the possibilities for early diagnosis and therapy planning are discussed. Tables present classification of changes and comparison of diagnostic methods.

BACKGROUND. On an outpatient basis, a common problem in older patients is osteochondrosis of the spine. His treatment in geriatric patients often forces him to prescribe drugs with multiple undesirable side effects. Possible tools for their prevention are the STOP/START criteria and the modified index of rationality of drug use (Medicine Appropriateness Index ― MAI, 2012), which make it possible to assess the effectiveness and safety of the therapy.OBJECTIVE. Assessment of the safety of drug therapy for spinal osteochondrosis in patients over 60 years of age using STOPP/START criteria and MAI.MATERIALS AND METHODS.A retrospective analysis of medication prescriptions in 315 case histories of elderly patients of day care centers in Kursk with spinal osteochondrosis (2015-2024) was performed. The age of the studied patients was (70.94 ± 0.86) years. To solve the research tasks, STOPP/START criteria and a modified index of the rationality of drug use (MAI, 2012) were used. Statistical analysis of the results ― Microsoft Excel 2010.RESULTS. All the examined corresponded to the elderly age ― (70.94 ± 0.86) year. The subjects received multicomponent drug therapy. So they could use up to 10 medications at a time (the average number of medications per patient was 6.13 ± 0.19).Traditional therapy for spinal osteochondrosis in day hospitals consisted of anti–inflammatory and analgesic components (corticosteroids (GCS) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) and muscle relaxants, more often of central action.The greatest number of limitations in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine were found in non-selective NSAIDs. However, there was no adequate prevention of adverse side effects.Thus, 23.83 % had chronic heart failure (CHF), however, measures and recommendations for the prevention of it and its exacerbations are not recorded in the medical documentation. The proportion of patients with hypertension was 47.99 %. At the same time, the appointment of anti-inflammatory therapy was carried out without proper monitoring of blood pressure levels, which, in turn, provoked episodes of blood pressure destabilization.Despite the large number of undesirable side effects of anti-inflammatory therapy on the part of the kidneys, the glomerular filtration rate was not calculated in 81.54 %, which indicates an almost complete lack of prevention of kidney dysfunction.MAI GCS reached the highest values ― 14.59 ± 0.21. The indices of non–selective NSAIDs MAI were also high ― 14.09 ± 0.12. In selective NSAIDs, this indicator is significantly lower ― 9.15 ± 0.16. The intermediate MAI values for centrally acting muscle relaxants are 11.18 ± 0.14.CONCLUSION. The prescribed anti-inflammatory therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine was carried out without taking into account the pathology of the cardiovascular system and the functional state of the kidneys, creating all the prerequisites for exacerbating the course of concomitant pathology. Extremely high MAI values indicate defects in the safety assessment and underestimation of possible side effects and insufficient control of inter-drug effects and somatic pathology of aging patients. The identified shortcomings require wider implementation of restrictive lists in clinical practice.

A feldsher, as a primary health care specialist, plays a key role in the prevention of complications of spinal osteochondrosis. He or she carries out early diagnostics, informs the population about measures to prevent the disease, organizes follow-ups, and interacts with specialists. Objective. To study the role of a feldsher in organizing preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of complications and progression of spinal osteochondrosis. Results. Key risk factors for the development of osteochondrosis were identified, the level of public awareness of the disease was assessed, and practical recommendations were developed. Conclusion. The study of the role of a feldsher in the prevention of osteochondrosis is relevant for reducing the burden on the healthcare system by decreasing the number of complications, increasing the literacy of the population in matters of maintaining spinal health, and optimizing the work of mid-level medical personnel within the framework of national programs to combat non-communicable diseases.

Introduction. Within modern osteopathic methodology, somatic dysfunctions (SD) may manifest at different levels: local, regional, and global. While the global level can be conditionally viewed as a combination of regional SDs (polyregionality), identifying regional and local SDs undoubtedly requires objective validation. Previous studies have identified impaired peripheral circulation in spinal osteochondrosis complicated by pain syndrome and described cerebral hemodynamics in patients with occupational dorsopathies. However, no studies assessing cerebral hemodynamics in young adults with cervical spine dorsopathy based on SD manifestation levels were found in available literature, thus defining this study′s aim.The aim of the study: to prove differences in hemodynamics at different levels of SD in young patients with cervical dorsopathy.Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the osteopathy department clinic of I. I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University from September 2018 to September 2022. The study included 631 patients diagnosed with dorsopathy. After applying inclusion/non-inclusion/exclusion criteria, 169 patients were excluded. Thus, a group of 462 patients was formed. All observed patients underwent ultrasound duplex scanning of extracranial sections of the head vessels, and osteopathic status was assessed in accordance with the approved clinical guidelines.Results. In young patients with cervical spine dorsopathy, blood fl ow indices in the main arteries of the head do not differ from the age norms. Signs of cerebral venous dyscirculation were detected in 259 (56 %) examined patients. In patients with regional SD at the neck level in comparison with patients with local dysfunction at this level or without any dysfunction at all statistically significantly (p<0,05) more often venous dyshemia is detected, and there is a decrease in the average blood flow velocity along the right vertebral artery. No significant differences were registered in other cerebral hemodynamic parameters.Conclusion. This study revealed specific hemodynamic features in areas of regional SD at the cervical level. The findings further validate distinguishing between local and regional SD levels and partially objectify their hydrodynamic component.

Racing performance in 75 Thoroughbreds after arthroscopic removal of Osteochondritis dissecans from the lateral femoral trochlear ridge before first race start in Korea (2015-2017).

Objective – to study the clinical picture of neurological manifestations of lumbar spine osteochondrosis in modern young patients, taking into account their psychological status and autonomic nervous system to improve diagnostics and optimize treatment. Materials and methods. 95 male patients with neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis aged 19 to 45 years (mean age – 34.05±5.7) were examined. Among the examined patients, there were 45 patients with radiculopathies and 50 patients with reflex manifestations of lumbar spine osteochondrosis. The examination of patients included clinical somatic and neurological examination with a detailed study of the autonomic nervous system state and levels of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The control group consisted of 25 practically healthy individuals of corresponding age and sex. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed with the determination of the Student’s t-test. Differences between groups were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. Results. It has been found that the average duration of the disease in all patients under examination was 6.3 ± 0.4 years, while the duration of the disease with L5 radiculopathy was approximately twice as long as with S1 radiculopathy. Analysis of the neurological status in hernias of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine has revealed that the decrease or complete loss of the Achilles reflex is more characteristic of the LV-SI disc hernia than the LIV-LV disc hernia. The absence of the knee reflex is not characteristic of intervertebral disc hernias, both LIV-LV and LV-SI. Therefore, changes in reflexes in discogenic radiculopathies have relative significance and allow only to suggest the level of damage. Analysis of anxiety and depression indicators according to the HADS scale showed that the average level of anxiety in the control group was 8.33 ±1.24 points, and the level of depression was 0.8 ±1.06 points. In the group of patients with discogenic radiculopathies, the average level of anxiety was 9.78 ±1.58 points, and the level of depression was 4.1± 2.13 points. In the group of patients with reflex lumbar pain, the average level of anxiety was 8.01 ±1.16 points, and the level of depression was 1.53± 1.5 points. The obtained indicators did not statistically uncertainly differ from the indicators of the control group. No statistically significant differences were found in the indicators of anxiety and depression between the group of patients with discogenic lumbar radiculopathies and reflex lumbar pain. Conclusions. A certain discrepancy was found between the classical ideas about the clinical picture of root damage and the modern clinical picture of radicular manifestations of degenerative- dystrophic changes in the spine. A significant level of neurotization of patients with the occurrence of anxiety and autonomic dysfunction was revealed, which should be taken into account when working with this group of patients, as such disorders can contribute to the chronicity of the back pain, and this will have not only medical but also economic consequences.

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the use of a high dose of a vitamin premix (above NRC requirements), combined with the addition of 25(OH)D3, may improve productivity, decrease the incidence of osteochondrosis (OC), and improve pork quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 440 pigs (initial body weight: 25.5 ± 2.84 kg) were housed in 44 pens (10 pigs/pen) with 11 pens per treatment. Pigs were randomized by weight, sex, and litter of origin and allotted to a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement of two doses of a vitamin premix (0.125 or 0.500 kg/ton; Table 1) and two doses of 25(OH)D3 (i.e., 0 or 50 µg/kg). The feeding program included 4 phases each lasting 21 days. Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain to feed (G:F), pork quality, and histopathological evaluation of OC lesions in pigs were determined. Data were analyzed by SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). PROC UNIVARIATE was used to identify outliers and PROC MEANS was used to calculate mean and standard deviation for the measured variables, whereas PROC GLM was used to analyze differences among treatments. For histopathological and macroscopic evaluations of the joints, a non-parametric test using the Kruskal-Wallis method was conducted to compare groups without assuming a normal distribution. Results indicated that there were no differences in ADG, ADFI, or G:F among treatments (Table 2). However, drip loss and compression water loss were reduced (P < 0.05) in carcasses from pigs fed the greater vitamin level and 25(OH)D3. The incidence of OC lesions was less (P < 0.01) in pigs fed the greater vitamin levels and 25(OH)D3. In conclusion, supplementing pig diets with 25(OH)D3 or increased vitamin levels does not enhance productive performance, but reduces the incidence of OC lesions and improves pork quality.

BackgroundOsteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and osteochondrosis (OC) are multifactorial developmental joint diseases that can occur in various anatomical locations, including the tarsus of immature, rapidly growing large breed dogs. The pathogenesis of canine OCD and OC involves a disruption in endochondral ossification, resulting in a failure of matrix calcification and vascular invasion. This study aimed to investigate the subchondral bone density changes in Labrador Retrievers with tarsocrural OCD/ OC.ResultsA total of 8 dogs with unilateral tarsocrural OCD/ OC were included in the study and density was evaluated with Computed Tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM ). The findings revealed a significant decrease in subchondral bone density at the location of the OCD/ OC lesion, particularly at the medial trochlear ridge. This area of low density was surrounded by a higher density rim. Furthermore, the contralateral joint showed a significantly higher overall mineral density.ConclusionThese results highlight the significant changes in bone mineral density associated with tarsocrural OCD/ OC. The lower density in the affected joint suggests pathological alterations in the subchondral bone, which may impact the bone turnover and contribute to the development of secondary osteoarthrosis, subsequently. The higher density observed in the contralateral joint emphasizes the role of altered joint loading and adaptation in the subchondral bone.

Recent literature has shown convincing results of cold vestibular stimulation in central pain syndromes. Galvanic vestibular stimulation is an analog of cold vestibular stimulation. Both methods can be combined under the general name of vestibular neuromodulation.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the method of galvanic vestibular stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes in spinal osteochondrosis.Methods: The study included 46 patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the spine in adults with chronic pain syndrome (more than 3 months). Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of patients who received only conservative therapy according to clinical recommendations, and the second group consisted of patients receiving similar conservative therapy in combination with a course of galvanic vestibular stimulation. The patients of the first and second groups underwent pain syndrome scaling, as well as a study of the psycho-emotional sphere using a number of psychometric techniques.Results: According to all scales and questionnaires, the patients of the second group had better results than the first group. The results obtained were significantly different not only in terms of pain syndrome assessment scales, but also in terms of the results of the psychometric methods used.Conclusion: Medical treatment combined with a course of anodic galvanic vestibular galvanization significantly improves the quality of life and is more effective in reducing the intensity of pain syndrome in patients with chronic pain syndrome in spinal osteochondrosis, compared with the use of conservative treatment alone.

Case series summaryInformation is presented on six new cats with stifle osteochondrosis (OC). In the veterinary literature, there are only four single case reports on cats with this condition. Combining the six new cases with the four previously published cases, we have summarised the current knowledge on stifle OC in the cat. Overall, among the 10 cats, the condition was bilateral in three cats and unilateral in seven. The mean age at presentation was 10.5 months (median 7). Seven cats were male, of which six were castrated, and the three female cats were spayed. Of the cats, five were domestic shorthairs, two were Maine Coons and there was one each of Bengal, Devon Rex and Scottish Fold. The OC lesion affected the lateral aspect of the femoral condyle in seven cats and the medial aspect of the femoral condyle in three cats. All the cats with lesions of the medial aspect of the femoral condyle had unilateral lesions and two of these cats had concurrent medial patellar luxation. All three bilaterally affected cats had lateral femoral condylar lesions. Follow-up of at least 4 weeks was available for 8/10 cats. The lameness resolved or improved in all eight cats: in six cats after surgical debridement of an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion and in two after conservative management.Relevance and novel informationStifle OC or OCD should be a differential diagnosis for immature cats presenting with stifle lameness, stiffness or difficulty jumping and stifle joint effusions. Patellar luxation may be a concurrent diagnosis.

Exercise therapy occupies a special place in the treatment of patients with spinal osteochondrosis. Research conducted by doctors in clinics makes it possible to expand the indications for the use of exercise therapy, since this method, when performed accurately and correctly, does not cause widespread negative effects [1]. This work is devoted to diagnosis and rehabilitation treatment in the early stages of the disease.

Introduction. Both chronic back pain and erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reduce quality of life and can affect the emotional well-being of those affected. The purpose of the study: To determine psychosomatic characteristics and their dynamics against the background of treatment in patients with upper gastrointestinal tract lesions in osteochondrosis (OCh) of the lumbar spine. Object and research methods. 84 patients with lumbar spine osteochondrosis and upper gastrointestinal tract lesions were examined. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the nature of the upper gastrointestinal tract lesions: group I included patients with NSAIDinduced gastropathy (n=44), and group II included patients with GERD (n=40). Patients were prescribed complex therapy using a drug containing magnesium, vitamin B6 and melatonin. Before and after treatment, changes in the psychosomatic status of patients were assessed. Research results and their discussion. GERD combined with OCh leads to more pronounced changes in the psycho-emotional sphere according to the Spielberg-Hanin scale, the Beck Depression Scale, and the Boston Stress Test. The results of the Zung test indicate that patients in group II were 28.4% more likely to have moderate depression before treatment (p<0.01), while patients in group I were more likely to have mild depression before treatment (by 24.5% – p<0.01). However, the alexithymic personality type was diagnosed 3.2% more often in patients in group I. The proposed complex therapy is an effective method of influencing the psycho-emotional sphere in these patients. Conclusions. 1. In patients with lumbar spine osteochondrosis and upper gastrointestinal tract lesions, neuropsychometric testing revealed changes in psychological status, which were more pronounced in individuals with GERD. 2. An effective method of treating patients with lumbar osteochondrosis and upper gastrointestinal tract lesions is the additional prescription of a drug containing magnesium, vitamin B6 and melatonin, which reduces the severity of psychosomatic disorders in these patients.

The study presents the results of using thermoelectric heat meters in locomotor therapy for the rehabilitation of patients with lumbosacral spine injuries. The conducted clinical studies enable the diagnosis of inflammatory processes, particularly in neurological manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis, and allow monitoring the effectiveness of conservative treatment for degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the lumbosacralspine. The effectiveness of thermoelectric heat meters in medical diagnostics has been confirmed.

The goal of this study is to study the role of exercise and dietary modification in the treatment of obesity in young men. Materials and methods. A study was conducted with 10 young men aged 25 to 30 who had a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 30 kg/m², indicative of obesity. The primary intervention combined diet therapy with increased physical activity. Most participants also had obesity-related comorbidities, including arterial hypertension, autonomic-vascular dystonia, type II diabetes, and spinal osteochondrosis. Patient motivation was considered crucial in program development, and thus only individuals with a high motivation level were selected for participation. Results and discussion. Based on data from dynamic observations, we can state that the physical therapy program studied has a positive effect on body weight reduction in cases of mild forms of alimentary obesity. After three months of participation, an average weight loss of 8.5% was observed, which represents a very favorable outcome. The results indicate that physical exercises combined with dietary adjustments positively influence weight loss dynamics in young men with grade 1 alimentary obesity. Weight loss occurred most rapidly during the first month of the program. Conclusion. The physical therapy program for grade 1 obesity involves a comprehensive approach, combining physical exercises conducted in a medical rehabilitation department with a specially designed dietary plan. This program is recommended for individuals with mild forms of alimentary obesity and a body mass index (BMI) up to 35 kg/m². After three months of implementing this approach, participants showed an average reduction in excess body weight of 8.5%. This physical therapy program may be effectively used for managing grade I obesity.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reaction of the cardiovascular system of men with vertebral thoracalgia to manual therapy procedures on the chest during the course of sanatorium-resort treatment of spinal osteochondrosis. Material and methods Under supervision were 26 men aged 32.3 (27.9; 42.9) years who underwent a course of sanatorium-resort treatment for vertebral thoracalgia in the clinical sanatorium named after V.P. Chkalov (Odesa, Ukraine) in 2010-2011. The treatment complex included of 4 thoracic spine manual therapy (TSMT) procedures, which were performed every 5-7 days of sanatorium-resort treatment. The indicators of the cardiovascular system were recorded using the Omron M1 Classic device (Japan) in a supine position before and after every procedure TSMT. Results The results obtained in this study indicated sufficiently characteristic significant changes in heart rate (min-1), which mainly decreases, DBP (mm Hg), which mainly increases, PBP (mm Hg), which mainly decreases in each of the procedures TSMT in men with vertebral thoracalgia. Separately, according to the data of the rank evaluation of changes in indicators, the types of response of the contractile function of the heart (Δ Double product) and autonomic support of hemodynamics (Δ Index Kerdo) in men were characterized. They showed that there are individual differences in response to the TSMT procedure in the course of sanatorium-resort treatment. Conclusion. Determining the changes in Δ Double product and Δ Index Kerdo for the procedure of manual therapy of the thoracic spine made it possible to develop criteria for evaluating the types of response of the contractile function of the heart and autonomic support of hemodynamics. Their analysis in the course of sanatorium treatment of patients with thoracalgia showed that there are individual characteristics of reactions that should be taken into account in order to prevent the occurrence of negative effects of the TSMT procedure.