Vibration Disease Research Articles

Features of the use of ischemic preconditioning for the correction of vibration polyneuropathy of the upper extremities

Introduction. The study of the methods for non-pharmacological correction of vibration polyneuropathy is relevant in view of the high prevalence of vibration disease in various industries, and high occurrence of disability of workers. Ischemic preconditioning has shown its effectiveness in correcting the manifestations of vibration polyneuropathies. The high frequency of nerve compression in tunnels against the background of polyneuropathic lesions in vibration disease dictates the need to study the effectiveness of the method in various forms of vibration polyneuropathy.
 The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning in various forms of vibration polyneuropathy.
 Materials and methods. Twenty nine patients with a proven diagnosis of vibration disease were examined and treated uisng the ischemic preconditioning. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 – 18 individuals with upper extremities polyneuropathy without nerve compression, group 2 – 11 subjects with compression complications of polyneuropathy. The examinations included neurological survey, electroneuromyographic investigation before and after the course of ischemic preconditioning conducted according to a patented technique.
 Results. A decrease in sensory disturbances and improvement in the impulse conduction along the sensory fibers of the nerves of the upper extremities after a course of ischemic preconditioning in the group of the patients without compression neuropathies were noted. In the group of the patients with polyneuropathies complicated by the nerve compression in tunnels, the positive effect was less significant.
 Limitations. The study was limited by the assessment of clinical and electroneuromyographic parameters in 29 patients with vibration disease due to the exposure to local vibration before and after the course of ischemic preconditioning.
 Conclusion. The method of ischemic preconditioning is effective as a method for non-pharmacological correction of vibration polyneuropathy. Compression neuropathies are predictors of lower efficiency of the method, and therefore it is important to select patients for the treatment by this method with the preferred inclusion of the patients with uncomplicated vibration polyneuropathies.

Electroneuromyographic studies in vibration disease

The article describes the results of electroneuromyographic studies that assess the state of the neuromuscular apparatus in case of vibration disease of varying severity using electroneuromyographic research on the basis of the Occupational Pathology Department, Regional Center of Occupational Pathology, Samara City Hospital No. 5. It has been found that patients with vibration disease are characterized by changes in the excitability and functional mobility of the sensorimotor system and the formation of vegetative sensory polyneuropathy, dependent on the severity of vibration disease, exposure to general vibration, and duration of work in contact with vibration.

The impact of factors of the production environment on workers in the foundry

The production factors of working conditions at the workplaces of foundry workers are considered, the actual values of the parameters under consideration and their impact on the body of workers are given. The most common among foundry workers are diseases from exposure to dust (silicosis and dust bronchitis), vibration (vibration disease), and noise (sensor neural hearing loss). When assessing the working conditions of workers in foundries, it is necessary to take into account the impact of a complex of factors of the production environment, the technological processes and equipment used, the duration of stay working in the zone of factors.

Assessment of the immunological parameters and DC-potential level in patients with vibration disease

Introduction. Over the past decades, scientists have been studying questions about the phenomenal similarity of the nervous and immune systems, as systems that ensure an adequate response of the body to environmental changes, the impact of production factors.
 The study aims to assess the phenotypic composition of lymphocytes, cytokines and the level of constant potential of the brain in patients with vibration disease (VD) due to the impact of local vibration.
 Materials and methods. The authors have conducted a neuro-immunological examination of 26 men with vibration disease formed when exposed to local vibration. The comparison group consisted of 15 men who were not exposed to vibration in their professional activities. The authors determined cytokine status indicators (IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, INF-γ) in serum by a solid-phase enzyme immunosorbent method. Registration of DC-potential level was carried out using the neuro-energy mapping method.
 Results. We have established a relationship between the increased content of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD95+ and IL-8 immunocompetent cells with an increase in DC-potential level in the frontal (central, right and left hemispheres), central cortical, right-left parietal parts of the brain. The researchers also established a relationship between a reduced content of CD20+, INF-γ and increased levels of DC-potential level in the right and left temporal, left parietal lobes of the brain in patients with VD from local vibration.
 Limitations. The disadvantage of this work is the small groups of employees.
 Conclusion. The revealed correlations of the content of immunological indicators with an increase of DC-potential level in various parts of the brain in the examined patients may indicate that the formation of vibrational pathology is accompanied by both shifts in peripheral cellular immunity and violations of the hemeostatic stability of intercentral relations in the cerebral cortex, which may be a sign of the neuroinflammatory process and the development of cytotoxic reactions.
 Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with Ethical standards in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association.

Adaptive reactivity of cerebral energy metabolism in individuals with vibration disease and diabetes mellitus type 2

Introduction. Knowledge of adaptation options on the example of the reactivity of cerebral energy metabolism (CEM) under stress is important for determining the features of the development of vibration disease in the comorbid course of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), the success of recovery in the rehabilitation period. 
 Objective of the study was adaptation options using the example of cerebral energy metabolism reactivity under stress in individuals with vibration disease caused by the simultaneous effect of local and general vibration (SLGV) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
 Materials and methods. Features of adaptation under stress were studied by the method of neuroenergy mapping with the measurement of the level of constant potential (DC-potential level). Groups were formed: I (n = 94) – patients with SLGV, II (n = 38) – with comorbid pathology (SLGV and DM 2), III (n = 39) – with DM2.
 Results. More than 60% of all examined patients were established to be characterized by a rigid response to physical and emotional stress. Adequate CEM recovery reaction in the posthyperventilation period in the predominant number of cases was observed only in group I. In patients of group II, perverse (39%) and rigid (32%) reactions of recovery of DC-potential level were more common, group III – perverted and excessive response (33 % and 28%, respectively), characterizing the disorder of physiological adaptation in the presence of DM2.
 Limitations. The limitations of the work are presented in the form of a brief description of working conditions, lack of study of the impact of industrial noise on cerebral hemodynamics, insufficient depth of the study of foreign literature materials on the issue under study.
 Conclusion. The comorbid course SLGV and DM2 causes a persistent impairment of adaptation to stress, which is confirmed by the rigidity of the 
 DC-potential level in response to hyperventilation, quick verbal response test, and the inadequacy of response during the restoration of neuroenergy exchange in the posthyperventilation period.

Clinical-functional and nutritional-metabolic features of the comorbid phenotype of vibration disease in combination with arterial hypertension

Introduction. Currently, the occupational etiological factors of vibration disease are well studied, but the management of this group of patients against the background of comorbid pathology, the impact on the quality of life of patients and the long-term prognosis of the disease remains an urgent problem.Aim. Study of nutritional and metabolic status in patients with vibration disease in combination with arterial hypertension.Materials and methods. A survey of 336 patients with vibration disease in combination with arterial hypertension was conducted in the conditions of the regional center of occupational pathology on the basis of a specialized department of occupational pathology. A comprehensive assessment of the clinical, nutritional and metabolic status of patients with vibration disease in combination with hypertension was carried out, including the study of clinical parameters, the daily profile of blood pressure, protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the component composition of the body of patients and the assessment of the profile of adipokines and cytokines.Results and discussion. Insufficient reduction of pressure at night (non-dippers) was revealed, an increase in fat mass and extracellular fluid was determined against the background of lean mass deficiency and a decrease in phase angle, proatherogenic dyslipidemia, protein deficiency, impaired carbohydrate metabolism, high levels of adipokine and cytokine activity.Conclusion. As a result of the study, additional markers for the diagnosis of nutritional disorders in the combined course of vibration disease and arterial.Conclusions. As an early diagnosis of nutritional and metabolic disorders in vibration disease in combination with arterial hypertension, the most informative integral indicators characterizing nutritional and metabolic disorders in this phenotype were identified – the waist circumference/hip circumference index and active cell mass.

Issues of cytokine regulation in vibration disease and associated conditions

The article presents the data on the state of cytokine regulation and indicators of endothelial damage when exposed to industrial vibration (general or local) and in combination with arterial hypertension. Changes in the levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are described, and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in the combined course of vibration disease and arterial hypertension are investigated. The study of the cytokine profile and biomarkers of damage to the vascular endothelium in this pathology will allow making early diagnosis of vascular disorders and optimizing preventive measures for workers in vibration hazard industries. Purpose of the study. Improving the quality of early diagnosis and prevention of vibration dis ease in an isolated course and its combination with arterial hypertension based on a study of the cytokine profile and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in this pathology. Material and research methods. A comprehensive study included 84 patients with vibration disease from the exposure to local and general vibration of the first and second degree, 61 patients with a combined course of vibration disease from the exposure to local and general second degree vibration and arterial hypertension, and 30 participants in the control group not exposed to industrial vibration and healthy according to medical examination. The levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4) and the biomark ers of endothelial damage (EDN1, TGF-β1, VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor) were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results. The response of the immune system to the effects of industrial vibration is characterized by a cytokine imbalance — an increase in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, TNFα) and a decrease in the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4). With a combined course of vibration disease and arterial hypertension, the cytokine imbalance is characterized by an even more significant increase in serum concentration of IL-1β, IL-8, TNFα and a decrease in serum IL-4 concentration. Endothelial dysfunction in vibration disease from the exposure to both local and general vibration in combination with arterial hypertension is characterized by a significant increase in the serum concentration of EDN1, TGF-β1, VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, fibronectin, and von Willebrand factor. Conclusion. The study of the cytokine profile and biomarkers of damage to the vascular endothelium in this pathology will allow making early diagnosis of vascular disorders and optimizing preventive measures for workers in vibration hazard industries.

Features of Changes in Exogenous Heat Shock Proteins (HSP 27 and HSP 70) in Patients with Occupational Nervous System Pathology

The aim of the study was to identify and compare changes in serum concentrations of heat shock proteins (HSP 27 and HSP 27) in patients with occupational nervous system pathology induced by exposure to physical and chemical factors. Patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SHL), chronic mercury intoxication (CMI), vibration disease (VD) formed both under the influence of local vibration and combined exposure to general and local vibration were examined. As a result of comparative evaluation and analysis of serum concentrations of heat shock proteins, peculiarities in their change were revealed. In individuals with SHL and VD due to local vibration exposure, a decrease in serum HSP 70 concentration was recorded, and in patients with CMI and VD due to combined local and general vibration exposure, high HSP 27 concentrations were recorded. The examination of patients in the linked sample at 3 years showed the absence of statistically significant differences and the preservation of changes in the content of exogenous HSPs, which confirms the progressive course of these diseases. The conjugation of the number of T-lymphocyte and B-cells subpopulations with the change in serum HSP concentrations was established, which confirms the role of HSP 27 and 70 in the regulation of the immune response in VD and allows them to be regarded as markers of cellular and tissue damage in the chronic course of diseases.

Risk factors for health in medical workers of modern dental practice (literature review)

The analysis of the data of foreign and domestic literature devoted to the main risk factors for health is carried out and presented, the diseases of medical workers of modern dental practice that are more common at present are studied and described. A distinctive feature of the work of practicing dentists is the influence on their body of a complex of unfavourable factors of the production environment of occupational and non-occupational genesis (biological, chemical, physical and factors of the labour process). It is also common for them to be affected by the intensity of the labour process, which is expressed by significant psycho-emotional stress. Dentists are often at high risk of infection and transmission of dangerous pathogens: viruses (herpes, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C, including new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)), bacteria (staphylococcus, tuberculosis), fungi. They have a high prevalence of injuries to the visual organ and upper extremities, allergic reactions. Among dental personnel in countries using amalgam during work, changes in neuropsychiatric reactions, memory loss, and fatigue are described; changes in biochemical parameters of blood, urine analysis are revealed. Physiological and ergonomic loads of dental service specialists and uncomfortable postures associated with work lead to the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the appearance of pain, and affect their quality of life. Despite the harmlessness of the noise level in modern dentistry, the sounds produced by devices at work affect the mental health of dentists. Dental professionals with long work experience are predisposed to the highest risk of hearing loss. Today, dentists continue to show carpal tunnel syndrome and rarely vibration disease from exposure to local vibration. Medical workers of modern dental practice are shown to be affected by a complex of unfavourable factors of the low-intensity production environment and develop diseases associated with their occupational activities.

Cytokine profile in patients with vibration disease, aggravated by hypertension and obesity

Comorbid diseases which include arterial hypertension (AH) accompanied by overweight, and vibration disease (VD) are known to contribute to the mutual aggravation of occupational and cardiovascular pathology. Despite numerous studies indicating that some changes of immune system are observed when exposed to vibration, the contribution of cytokines to the comorbid course of vibration disease has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the work is to evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators in development of hypertension and obesity in vibration disease.The cytokine profile parameters were determined by ELISA immunoassay using “Vector-Best” test systems. Some unidirectional changes in serum cytokine concentrations were found in patients with VD complicatedby AH, and those with VD without AH, being characterized by increase in pro-inflammatory IL-1β, TNFα, IL-17, anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IFNγ, and a decrease in multifunctional IL-2 cytokinem, relative to the comparison group. The groups with versus without AH differed in compensatory increase of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the latter group. At the same time, all patients with combined VD and AH had excessive body weight, with grade 1 obesity in half of the cases, thus being significantly different from those with VD without AH. It is shown that IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, TNFα play an apparent role in the development of obesity. The greatest contribution is observed for IL-1β, as evidenced by the quantitative relationship of body mass index with its concentrations as assessed by logistic regression analysis. The limitation of this study may be a small sample size.It was found that the unidirectional changes in cytokines when compared to the comparison group were revealed in patients with VD complicated by AH, and in patients with VD without AH. In the subjects with VD and AH, these changes were more pronounced, which may suggest the hypertension is an aggravating factor. The established relationship between individual cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, TNFα) and BMI indicates their participation in development of obesity. All these findings may provide a basis for development of preventive and therapeutic measures that reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity in the people working under permanent exposure of vibration.

Immunochemical markers of effect under exposure to risk factors causing vibration disease of different etiogenesis: сomparative assessment

In recent years, it has become especially vital to identify prognostic risks of health disorders in workers exposed to harmful occupational factors. This is necessary for substantiating an occupational origin of a disease and biomarkers of exposure and for optimizing the occupational risk assessment methodology. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze immunochemical markers of effect (cytokines, heat shock proteins, and neuronal antibodies (AB)) in blood serum of patients with vibration disease (VD) induced by exposure to different types of vi-bration in order to substantiate the most informative diagnostic risk indicators concerning the disease development and clinical course. Cytokines, heat shock proteins, and antibodies to regulatory proteins of nervous tissue were identified in blood by ELISA tests. We established unidirectional statistically significantly more apparent changes in patients who had VD caused by combined exposure to both whole body vibration and local vibration against those who had VD caused by exposure to local vibration only. These changes included hyperactivated pro-inflammatory reactions of the immune response (IL-1β, TNF-α, INFγ), growing concentrations of antibodies to proteins: S-100, MBP, NF-200, GFAP, and voltage-gated Ca-channel. The differences were that patients with VD under combined exposure to both types of vibration had greater production of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and HSP27 whereas people with VD caused by exposure to local vibration only had a decrease in HSP70 levels. The study results confirmed more apparent neuro-immune inflammation in patients with VD caused by combined exposure to both whole body vibration and local vibration. This may indicate more significant risk factors of the disease and gives an opportunity to identify the most sensitive biomarkers eligible for diagnosing VD of different etiogenesis.

Сравнительная оценка иммунохимических маркеров эффекта при воздействии факторов риска вибрационной болезни различного этиогенеза

In recent years, it has become especially vital to identify prognostic risks of health disorders in workers exposed to harmful occupational factors. This is necessary for substantiating an occupational origin of a disease and biomarkers of exposure and for optimizing the occupational risk assessment methodology. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze immunochemical markers of effect (cytokines, heat shock proteins, and neuronal antibodies (AB)) in blood serum of patients with vibration disease (VD) induced by exposure to different types of vi-bration in order to substantiate the most informative diagnostic risk indicators concerning the disease development and clinical course. Cytokines, heat shock proteins, and antibodies to regulatory proteins of nervous tissue were identified in blood by ELISA tests. We established unidirectional statistically significantly more apparent changes in patients who had VD caused by combined exposure to both whole body vibration and local vibration against those who had VD caused by exposure to local vibration only. These changes included hyperactivated pro-inflammatory reactions of the immune response (IL-1β, TNF-α, INFγ), growing concentrations of antibodies to proteins: S-100, MBP, NF-200, GFAP, and voltage-gated Ca-channel. The differences were that patients with VD under combined exposure to both types of vibration had greater production of pro-inflammatory IL-8 and HSP27 whereas people with VD caused by exposure to local vibration only had a decrease in HSP70 levels. The study results confirmed more apparent neuro-immune inflammation in patients with VD caused by combined exposure to both whole body vibration and local vibration. This may indicate more significant risk factors of the disease and gives an opportunity to identify the most sensitive biomarkers eligible for diagnosing VD of different etiogenesis.

Гигиеническая оценка условий труда и профессиональной заболеваемости работников горнодобывающей промышленности в Арктической зоне Норильского промышленного района

The development of the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base and its rational use aimed at the economic growth acceleration is a key interest of the Russian Federation in this region. The occupational environment in mining industry is associated with unique working conditions. Underground mining makes workers’ health protection the most significant task. The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of working conditions, occupational incidence and occupational health risks for workers employed in mining industry in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area. Occupational health risks were assessed using indicators outlined in the Guide R 2.2.2006-05 The Guide on Hygienic Assessment of Factors Related to Working Environment and Work Process. Exposure to occupational noise and considerable work hardness are priority factors in the analyzed industry that cause occupational diseases. Occupational diseases among workers employed in mining industry in the Norilsk industrial area belonged to six nosologies. Vibration disease, stages 1 and 2, makes the greatest contribution to the overall structure of occupational incidence since it accounts for 68.6 % in it. The second place belongs to two-sided sensorineural hearing loss, stages 1 and 2, 13.5 %. Radiculopathy occupies the third rank place accounting for 10.9 %. Unacceptable occupational health risks were identified at 76.8 % of workplaces. A high share of workplaces with unacceptable occupational health risks leads to high occupational incidence among mining workers in the Norilsk industrial area, its levels being higher than the national average.

Hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational incidence among mining workers in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area

The development of the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base and its rational use aimed at the economic growth acceleration is a key interest of the Russian Federation in this region. The occupational environment in mining industry is associated with unique working conditions. Underground mining makes workers’ health protection the most significant task. The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of working conditions, occupational incidence and occupational health risks for workers employed in mining industry in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area. Occupational health risks were assessed using indicators outlined in the Guide R 2.2.2006-05 The Guide on Hygienic Assessment of Factors Related to Working Environment and Work Process. Exposure to occupational noise and considerable work hardness are priority factors in the analyzed industry that cause occupational diseases. Occupational diseases among workers employed in mining industry in the Norilsk industrial area belonged to six nosologies. Vibration disease, stages 1 and 2, makes the greatest contribution to the overall structure of occupational incidence since it accounts for 68.6 % in it. The second place belongs to two-sided sensorineural hearing loss, stages 1 and 2, 13.5 %. Radiculopathy occupies the third rank place accounting for 10.9 %. Unacceptable occupational health risks were identified at 76.8 % of workplaces. A high share of workplaces with unacceptable occupational health risks leads to high occupational incidence among mining workers in the Norilsk industrial area, its levels being higher than the national average.

Clinical effects of ischemic preconditioning in polyneuropathy of various origins

Introduction. Polyneuropathies are widespread among the population. Diabetes mellitus and industrial vibration are common causes of polyneuropathy, having common links of pathogenesis involving the autonomic nervous system. The therapeutic effects of ischemic preconditioning are realized by influencing pathogenetic mechanisms, and therefore their study in polyneuropathies of various genesis is of scientific interest.
 The aim of the study was to investigate the remote clinical effects of ischemic preconditioning in polyneuropathies of various genesis.
 Materials and methods. Twenty-five patients divided into 2 groups with lower extremity polyneuropathy of vibration and diabetic genesis were examined. 
 A clinical and electroneuromyographic study of the peripheral nerves of the lower extremities was performed. An analysis of heart rate variability before and after the treatment with ischemic preconditioning of the upper extremities was executed.
 Results. In both groups of the patients with polyneuropathy a decrease in clinical manifestations in the form of pain syndrome and sensitive disorders (numbness and paresthesia), an improvement in vibration sensitivity, an increase in impulse conduction velocity, mainly along the peripheral sensory nerve fibers were revealed. The analysis of heart rate variability after performing of ischemic preconditioning showed a gaining of the power of very low frequency oscillations, which indicated to an increase in the compensatory capabilities of autonomic regulation.
 Limitations. The investigation was limited by studying the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of the peripheral nervous system in 25 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and vibration disease caused by the exposure to local and whole-body vibration.
 Conclusion. After the course of treatment of the pain syndrome, sensitive and autonomic disorders decrease with an increase in the compensatory possibilities of autonomic regulation, the functions of conducting along sensory nerves improve. Positive distant effects of ischemic preconditioning in the correction of manifestations of vibration and diabetic polyneuropathies indicate to a systemic effect on the mechanisms of autonomic regulation. The distance is manifested in the remoteness of the appearance of effects from the place of application of the technique.

Burnout syndrome and risk factors for the development 
 of cardiovascular pathology in coal industry workers suffering 
 from occupational diseases

Introduction. Emotional burnout is a condition common among workers in “helping” occupations. The syndrome of emotional burnout among workers of the main occupations of the coal industry has not been studied enough, especially in terms of its relationship with such indicators of mental health as personal, situational anxiety and alexithymia. The relationship between emotional burnout syndrome and risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases has not been sufficiently studied.
 The purpose of the study to investigate the relationship of emotional burnout syndrome with the level of personal, situational anxiety and alexithymia, and the frequency of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as smoking, overweight, arterial hypertension and low physical activity in coal industry workers with occupational diseases.
 Materials and methods. Two hundred seventy-two coal miners with occupational diseases (dust lung pathology, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, vibration disease) were examined using questionnaires by V.V. Boyko, Spielberger-Khanin, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. According to the survey, the frequency of smoking and low physical activity was determined, the frequency of arterial hypertension and overweight was identified by the results of a clinical examination.
 Results. The prevalence of emotional burnout syndrome was 27.9%. A higher frequency of personal anxiety (61.1%), situational anxiety (57.1%) and alexithymia (94.7%) was revealed in emotional burnout syndrome. The frequency of smoking, arterial hypertension tended to increase with emotional burnout, the frequency of overweight, and low physical activity did not differ.
 Limitations. The study was limited to a sample of 272 coal miners with occupational diseases, examined using questionnaires by V.V. Boyko, Spielberger-Khanin, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale.
 Conclusions. Emotional burnout syndrome is associated with the development of personal and situational anxiety, alexithymia and may be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Prospects of using Securinega suffruticosa (Securinega suffruticosa (Pall.) Rehd.) as a dietary supplement for theprevention of occupation-caused polyneuropathy (literary review)

Polyneuropathy is the syndrome of vibration disease, which occupies one of the leading places in the structure of occupational diseases in industrialized regions. Vibration impact on the body causes a change in neurohumoral control, functional parameters of the nervous system, leads to the development of tissue hypoxia and damage to the cells of various organs. The key direction in the elaboration of means for the prevention of these disorders is the search for new biologically active compounds with adaptogenic properties. Of particular interest as a medicinal raw material is suffruticous Securinega (Securinega suffruticosa (Pall.) Rehd.). In the extracts of this plant there were found following biologically active compounds: alkaloids, terpenoids, unsaturated styrenes, glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, etc. The most studied alkaloid, securinine, has a wide range of pharmacological activity: anticancer, antimicrobial, and stimulating effects on the central nervous system.
 The review describes the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the adaptogenic action of Securinega in various pathological conditions. In vitro and in vivo experiments extracts from Securinega suffruticosa (Pall.) Rehd. were shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, improve cell metabolism, and have antioxidant properties. It has been established that Securinega can be a potential therapeutic agent for early atherosclerosis, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with systemic neuroinflammatory processes. Continuing the study of the biological effect of the plant can become the base for its scientifically justified preventive use when workers are exposed to harmful production factors, including local and whole-body vibration. 
 The review was prepared using the MedLine, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CyberLeninka, and RSCI databases.

Anxiety in vibration disease and comorbidity problems

When conducting a comprehensive examination of 145 people with various forms of vibration disease (VD) (first degree VD from exposure to local vibration, second degree VD from exposure to local vibration, second degree VD from exposure to local vibration in combination with hypertension, first degree VD from exposure to general vibration, second degree VD from exposure to general vibration, second degree VD from exposure to general vibration in combination with hypertension) and 30 people in the control group during the integrative anxiety test, an increased level of personal anxiety was revealed in patients with VD, both in the local vibration group and in the group of general vibration, as well as in combination with arterial hypertension (AH), regardless of the vibration type. In the study of the structure of personal anxiety, an increase in the level of the asthenic component of anxiety, emotional discomfort,and prospects assessment of more than 6.0 stanines was found. In the study of situational anxiety, the most pronounced changes in its structure were found in patients with vibration disease in combination with hypertension, regardless of the vibration type. In the structure of situational anxiety in patients with second degree VD from exposure to general vibration and in combination with AH, regardless of the vibration type, the levels of the asthenic component of anxiety and prospects assessment were signifi cantly increased, more than 6 stanines. In patients with vibration disease, both from the impact of local and general vibration and in combination with AH, there is a predominance of destructive psychological defenses (denial and projection) over constructive defenses (compensation and rationalization).

Erectile dysfunction from the standpoint of comorbidity in vibration disease

The article presents the data (based on questionnaire results) on the impact of vi bration disease from the exposure to local and general vibration on men’s erectile function. The main changes in the parameters of erectile function (frequency, need, etc.) are described in vibration disease of the first and second degrees from exposure to local vibration, and in vibration disease of the first and second degrees from exposure to general vibration based on the data of a questionnaire survey of male patients and persons in the control group.

Occupational Diseases in Workers Engaged in Hydrocarbon Extraction in the Arctic

Introduction: Literary sources present rather contradictory data on the health of oil and gas industry workers in the Russian Arctic, which requires additional research. Objective: To assess causes and circumstances, structure and number of occupational diseases among employees engaged in hydrocarbon extraction in the Arctic. Materials and methods: We studied data of the public health monitoring on working conditions and occupational diseases in the Russian Arctic and the registry of extracts from occupational disease records (Order 176 of the Russian Ministry of Health dated May 28, 2001). The retrieved data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Epi Info statistical software, version 6.04d. Results: We have revealed a pronounced contrast in working conditions and the number of occupational diseases between coal miners in the Komi Republic (city of Vorkuta) and Chukotka Autonomous Area, on the one hand, and oil and gas production workers of the Nenets and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Areas, on the other, in the years 2007–2021. We estimated that 85.1 % of miners and only 3.1 % of gas and oil workers were employed at facilities characterized by extreme sanitary and epidemiological ill-being. Miners were diagnosed with 98.2 % of all occupational diseases registered in workers employed in the extraction of hydrocarbon resources, and the occupational disease incidence in them (201.71 per 10,000 workers) was 492 times higher than that in oil and gas workers (0.41 per 10,000). The most prevalent occupational diseases in the miners were chronic bronchitis (21.3 %), radiculopathy (21.0 %), and mono- and polyneuropathy (10.3 %) while workers of oil and gas companies mainly suffered from sensorineural hearing loss (46.3 %), radiculopathy (18.5 %), and vibration disease (16.7 %). Conclusion: Our findings confirm good health of oil and gas workers and necessitate urgent priority measures aimed at improvement of working conditions and all types of prevention of occupational conditions in coal miners working in the Arctic.