Abstract. In spite of stable opinions concerning clear pathogenetic differences in main disease states (i.e., cancer, atherosclerosis, autoimmune and allergic diseases), there are sufficient reasons to assume some fundamental processes, that are common to development of these diseases, and represent a general factor of their pathogenesis. Such processes include, e.g., DNA methylation and demethylation events, acetylation and deacetylation of histones, the processes of telomere shortening connected with telomerase activity. It proves that, at least, cancer, atherosclerosis, and autoimmune diseases are characterized by total hypomethylation of different cellular elements, against «recurrent» DNA hypermethylation of single specific genes in the background. It is assumed that information about such common developmental mechanisms for different disease states may evoke an issue of a search for some common approaches to treatment of these diseases, along with elaboration of conventional treatment modalities, being specific to individual pathology. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 307-318).

Abstract. A combination of fluorescent staining with Hoechst 33342 dye, and flow cytometry of murine bone marrow cells may be used for separation of a side population (SP), which is highly enriched for hematopoietic stem cells capable of long-term hematopoietic reconstitution in lethally irradiated recipients. Recently, this approach was also applied to analysis of SP cells in several types of non-hematopoietic tissues, and malignant tumours. In spite of yet poor definition of phenotype and functional potency of SP cells from various tissues, the method of SP isolation may be a useful tool for analysis and pre-enrichment of stem cell-like cells of different origin. Present review article presents a brief description of Hoechst 33342-staining approach, and of recent reports concerning SP studies in various normal and malignant tissues. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 319-326).

Abstract. The article concerns interactions between immunoglobulin A and recombinant P6, P7, P8 polypeptides, designed on the basis of externally localized Bac protein of the Group B streptococci, possessing IgA-binding activity.

There is a current demand for immunochemical reagents that are strictly specific for IgA, in order to develop antigenic standards for detection of IgA levels in biological fluids, as well as for affinity purification of IgA and its fragments.

To analyze an opportunity of the abovementioned application ways for these proteins, a special study was performed to assay an interaction capability of recombinant P6, P7, P8 polypeptides binding to Fc regions of different IgA forms (serum IgA, secretory IgA, subclasses of serum IgA – IgA1, IgA2). Selectivity of ligand binding was specially confirmed.

It was found out that, among three presented polypeptides, the structure of recombinant P6 derivative proved to be optimal for IgA-binding ability of Bac protein.

Structural features of IgA-binding fragments of Bac protein, i.e., binding site position on the IgA molecule (proximity to epitopes for three monoclonal antibodies), variability of the site structure, as well as resistance of binding site for P6, P7, P8 in IgA molecule against partial disulfide bonds reduction. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 327-336).

Abstract. Some issues in etiology and pathogenesis of psoriasis are poorly studied. Therefore, a search for new potential markers is actual for diagnostics of psoriasis in less clear cases. In this study, an attempt was undertaken to evaluate contribution of some chemokines and appropriate receptors into pathogenesis of psoriasis. The main group consisted of the patients with psoriatic arthritis (n = 20) and psoriasis vulgaris (n = 9). A group of comparison consisted of patients with sclerodermia (n = 4), and a control group was represented by healthy persons (n = 9). The specimens were taken from visually normal and affected skin areas from psoriatic patients obtained by punch biopsy. Expression of the following chemokines was performed: CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL5/RANTES, CCL11/eotaxin, CCL24/eotaxin-2, CXCL8/IL-8 and their receptors (CCR1, CCR3, CCR5, CXCR1, CXCR2). In cases with PASI values < 10, an increased expression of the following genes was revealed for CCL11/eotaxin (p = 0.03), CXCR1 (р = 0.008), CXCR2 (р = 0.0006) in virtually intact skin and affected skin areas, as well as increased gene expression of CCL24/eotaxin 2 (p = 0.009), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.05) in visually normal skin.

With PASI values of 10 to 20, an increased gene expression was found for CCL11/eotaxin (p = 0.005), CCL24/eotaxin 2 (p = 0.02), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.01), CXCR1 (р = 0.0009), CXCR2 (р = 0.002) in skin biopsies from visually healthy and affected skin, as well as increased expression CXCL8 (IL-8) (p = 0.005) in visually normal skin. In cases with PASI > 20, an increased expression of CCL11/eotaxin (p = 0.001), CCL24/eotaxin 2 (p = 0.001), CCL3/MIP-1α (р = 0.02), CXCR1 (p = 0.0001), CXCR2 (p = 0.001) was detected in visually healthy skin samples and affected skin of the patients, as well as higher expression of CCL4/MIP-1β (р = 0.03) in affected skin areas. A reverse correlation was revealed between expression of chemokines, i.e., CCL24/eotaxin 2 (r = –0,94, p = 0.005), CCL3/MIP-1α (r = –0,94, p = 0.005), CCL4/MIP-1β (r = –0,85, p = 0.03) and their receptors: ССR5 (r = –0,79, p = 0.005) and CXCR2 (r = –0,94, p = 0.005) in visually normal skin of the patients with psoriasis and PASI values < 10.

A direct correlation was found between expression of mRNAs for CCL11/eotaxin (r = 0.69, p = 0.04) in visually healthy skin from psoriatic patients, and CCR5 (r = 0.82, p = 0.006) in affected skin of the patients with psoriasis and PASI values of 10 to 20. In the group of patients with PASI values over 20, no correlations were detectable. These data allow us of concluding aboutan important contribution of chemokine system to pathogenesis of psoriasis. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 337-346).

Abstract. Vascular network of placenta exhibits plasticity, and undergoes various dynamic changes in the course of pregnancy. Placental development is controlled by various cytokines and growth factors, and their ratios show strong fluctuations during pregnancy. The purpose of present study was to evaluate expression and secretion of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors by placental tissue at early stages (1st trimester) and late terms (3rd trimester) of normally proceeding pregnancy. It was established that at earlier stages (1st trimester), placental tissue produced larger quantities of proangiogenic factors (VEGF, PDGF, IL-8, MMP-2), in comparison to the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. By the 3rd trimester, VEGF-R3 expression and bFGF secretion by placental cells was also decreased, accompanied by increased production of angiogenin. Moreover, a suppressed production of antiangiogenic factors TSP-1 and TGFβ and expression of TGFβ-R1, CD105 receptors by placenta tissue was registered by the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. In permanently evolving placental tissue, an excess of angiogenic factors is observed. Meanwhile, antiangiogenic factors also seem to play an essential role in formation of placental tissue, thus providing angiogenesis inhibition.

The study was supported by Presidential grants of Russian Federation N НШ-1066.2008.7, МК-1355.2007.7, and by a grant of Russian Foundation for Basic Research № 070400155. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 347-352).

Abstract. Persisting acyclic hypoestrogenemia and progesterone insufficiency in the women with anovulatory syndrome and altered reproductive functions are associated with disturbed endometrial morphology, increased expression of receptors for estrogenes, progesterone, redistribution of NK cells with predominance of CD16+NK cells in endometrium. Meanwhile, decreased number of CD16+ NK cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in blood was accompanied by increased serum IFNγ levels, and enhanced spontaneous production of TNFα. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 353-360).

Abstract. A role of intracellular proteins of eosinophils and mast cells remains unclear in the patients with hematological neoplasia. There is a substantial evidence that eosinophils possess some common mechanisms of cooperation with mast cells. Therapeutic interventions into key events controlling eosinophil migration may be a leading factor in treatment of hypereosinophylic states in onco-hematological disorders. Due to unknown functions of eosinophils in majority of eosinophilia-associated diseases, it would be useful to establish an algorithm of accurate diagnostics in the patients with eosinophilia, in order to choose more effective treatment in future.

We studied serum levels of secretable eosinophil and mast cells proteins in oncohematological patients with increased eosinophil counts. The aim of our study was to test a significance of quantitative assay for tryptase and ECP in the patients with myelo- and lymphoproliferative diseases. The study group included thirty-eight patients with oncohematological diseases, accompanied by a marked eosinophilia (> 0.4 x 109/L). Eighteen patients with bronchial asthma (BA), and eight cases of solid tumors comprised a reference group for polyclonal eosinophilia. The levels of ECP and tryptase were measured in blood serum using a commercial fluoroimmunoenzyme assay («Pharmacia», Uppsala, Sweden). Total ECP levels were markedly increased in general group with hematological malignancies (p < 0.03), , and in cases of chronic GvHD (p < 0.03), and in a sub-group with lymphoproliferative disorders (р = 0.007) as compared to the group of non-hematological diseases.

Serum levels of tryptase were significantly increased in the patients with chronic GvHD after allo-HSCT and lymphoproliferative diseases, as compared to the group of patients with solid tumors (р = 0.03), as well in GvHD compared with lymphoproliferative disorders (р < 0.05).

A direct correlation was found between serum ECP levels and absolute eosinophil counts in peripheral blood for general hematological group (r = 0.51; р = 0.000001), and for a group of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases (r = 0.9; р = 0.000001). Hence, a quantitative determination of soluble eosinophylic proteins and mast cell-specific enzymes in blood serum are useful for diagnostics and monitoring of various hypereosinophilic conditions in oncohematological disorders. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 361-370).

Abstract. We have performed clinical and immunological investigation in the patients with trauma of face bones before and after stable mandibular ostheosynthesis. Blood samples for analysis were taken upon admission of the patient to clinics, and following treatment (3, 10, and 1-2 months). The patients with initially retarded bone consolidation exhibited low levels of monocytes and lactoferrine before surgical treatment. It was shown that the consecutive stages of bone regeneration (inflammation, osteoblastic proliferation, collagenogenesis, and ossification) are accompanied by certain changes in immune parameters. In particular, we observed increased levels of IgМ, TNF, and activation of leucopoiesis after treatment. The results obtained allow us of discriminating some natural reactions of immune system in cases of normal and retarded bone consolidation. For each of these criteria, diagnostic sensitivity and informativity of tests are calculated, thus providing an opportunity to predict retarded consolidation in surgical treatment of the face bones. (Med. Immunol., 2007, vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 371-388).

Abstract. Temporary immunodeficiency is often associated with various pathological conditions, such as myocardial infarction, severe trauma, or major surgery. However, there are no clinical criterions indicative for presence or absence of such immune deficiency. Meanwhile, clinical signs of infectious complications may be absent because of deficient immune response.

A technique for monitoring septic conditions in the patients with open traumas and during postsurgical period has been proposed, employing a flow-cytometric approach. The evaluation principle for septic conditions consists of measuring expression of HLA-DR antigens at the surface of peripheral blood monocytes.

As a criterion of patient evaluation in septic state, a relative amount of monocytes expressing HLA-DR may be applied, and the disease prognosis is considered as favorable, if the amounts of positive cells exceed 40% by day 5 after the patient was admitted to the hospital, and an adequate treatment was carried out. This technique may find wide application for estimation and monitoring of septic conditions in the patients. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 379-388).

Abastract. The aim of present study was to evaluate a role of certain key immunoregulatory cytokines, IL-2 and IL-4, in development of disturbed intercellular cooperation of immunocytes during long-term antigenemia in tick-borne encephalitis infection. By means of novel immunological and molecular biology testing techniques, an imbalance in production and reception of Th1- and Th2-cytokines (resp., IL-2 and IL-4) by mononuclear leukocytes from peripheral blood towards Th2 response was found in cases of prolonged tick-borne encephalitis viral antigenemia. The study has revealed that, when analyzing effects of IL-4 gene polymorphisms upon predisposition to longer persistence of tick-borne encephalitis virus, there is necessary to observe both promoter allelic variants of IL-4 genes, and polymorphisms of appropriate cytokine receptor genes. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 389-396).

Abstract. The aim of present study was to evaluate a role of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) progression under experimental conditions. To this purpose, structural core-protein and nonstructural proteins of viral replication complex, as well as genomic and replicative RNA chains were determined in PBMCs of CHC patients. Blood samples were analyzed from 83 patients at different stages of the disease. Viral proteins were identified in PBMC by cytochemical staining and flow cytometry using 17 monoclonal antibodies. Genomic and replicative HCV RNA chains were detected by means of RT-PCR. HCV proteins were present in PBMC of 86% patients, the occurrence of NS5A protein being the highest. Viral proteins were located exclusively in cytoplasm of the blood cells, predominantly, monocytes, the number of HCV-positive lymphocytes being much lower. Genomic and replicative HCV RNA chains were detected in 95 and 51% patients, respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was revealed between accumulation of viral proteins in PBMCs, and CHC progression estimated on the basis of alanine aminotransferase level, histological activity index, and degree of liver fibrosis. In majority of the patients, an imbalance in lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was shown. Accumulation of HCV proteins in PBMCs exhibited a statistically significant correlation with a decrease in total number of mononuclears. The data obtained suggest that PBMCs are a site of active viral replication, which may cause immune disorders and result into more severe clinical course of CHC. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 397-404).

Abstract. This study was conducted to develop a predictive model including routinely available laboratory tests to reflect the histological liver fibrosis stage in patients with chronic hepatitis virus infection (HVI). The «training» (preliminary) cohort included 37 healthy volunteers without liver fibrosis (F0) and 126 patients with minimal (F1/2, n = 40) and significant/advanced (F3, n = 39) fibrosis and histological cirrhosis (F4, n = 47). It was revealed that several routine clinical/biochemical parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, platelet count, prothrombin time [PT], serum level of albumin [Alb], bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase [AST], thymol test) and immunological features (IgA, IgG) as well special fibrosis markers (ММР-9, TIMP-1) significantly correlated with severity of liver fibrosis (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient 0.45-0.69; p < 0.0001). To select predictive factors contributing to discrimination of the fibrosis stage, we performed a stepwise logistic multivariate regression of the laboratory variables in F1/2 vs F3, and F3 vs F4 patients, respectively. Based on the multiple regression model, we derived a novel Integral Index of Fibrosis (IIF) defined by five biochemical parameters (PT, glucose, Alb, AST, lactate dehydrogenase). IIF was applied to the validation cohort comprised of 84 patients with chronic HVI (F1/2 n = 42; F3 n = 19; F4 n = 23) to test its diagnostic accuracy. Corresponding values of IIF allow a reliable prediction of fibrosis stages (F1/2 vs F3 vs F4) with a diagnostic accuracy of 86%; with a positive predictive value (PPV is the percentage of positive tests that are truly positive) of 94%; and with a negative predictive value (NPV is the percentage of negative tests that are truly negative) of 91.7%. In conclusion, our study showed that the Integral Index of Fibrosis consisting of five routinely available laboratory tests provides clinically useful information regarding different liver fib rosis stages among patients with chronic hepatitis virus infection. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 405-414).

Abstract. At present time, some conflicting data concern a possible importance of apoptosis in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. A significant role is ascribed to FAS/FAS-L, as a factor of hepatocyte apoptosis. CD95+ levels at the cell surfaces were studied in liver homogenates. A significant decrease in CD95+ cells was revealed in liver samples from the patients with higher histological indexes of hepatitis activity and fibrosis. A reverse relationship between CD95+ level and local concentrations of cytokines (TNFα, IL-1, IL-10), as well as significant direct correlation with IFNγ, IL-2 values were detected, thus suggesting a failure of compensatory mechanisms of immune regulation, and predominance of anti-apoptotic viral potential over protective cellular responses. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 415-422).

Abstract. At present, immunogenicity evaluation of influenza vaccines is performed by quantitative assessment of increased serum antibodies. It was, however, shown that the degree of human defense against influenza is mostly related to their qualitative characteristics, i.e., avidity (functional activity). Leading role of local immunity is demonstrated in protection against influenza. Such immunity is mediated by IgA antibodies from mucosal airways. Meanwhile, the avidity issues for local antibodies still remain open.

In present study, an attempt was undertaken to evaluate post-vaccination local immunological memory for influenza A virus, according to IgA antibodies from upper respiratory secretions. Two techniques were used to evaluate antibody avidity, that were previously applied for studying this phenomenon with serum imunoglobulins, i.e., a dynamic test (measurement of antigen-antibody reaction rates), and a test with urea, a chaotropic agent (avidity is determined as a strength of antigen-antibody complex). A total of 202 persons (18 to 20 years old) were enrolled into the study.

With both tests, a broad range of individual avidity values was observed for the antibodies. A significant cohort (up to 30 per cent) of persons immunized with live influenza vaccine, showed sharply increased avidity of secretory IgA antibodies by both methods, along with accumulation of these immunoglobulins after vaccination. A reverse relationship is revealed between avidity levels of these antibodies before vaccination, and increase of this parameter post-immunization. The data present convincing arguments for specific renewal of local humoral immunological memory, as induced by live influenza vaccine. The study substantiates a necessity for application of the both tests in parallel, when determining avidity of secretory IgA antibodies. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 423-430).

Abstract. Studies in altered functional activity of immunocompetent cells (peritoneal macrophages, lymphocytes and natural killer cells of the spleen), as well as concentrations of glucocorticoid hormones and testosterone were performed in peripheral blood of rats, subjected to cold stress at different regimens. Moreover, a corrective effect of Derinat drug upon the mentioned indices of host defense functions was evaluated. The changes in functional activity of immunocompetent cells were found to be dependent on intensity of stress application, whereas alterations in blood hormone level did not depend on these conditions, i.e., application of both stress models revealed increased corticosterone concentrations and reduced testosterone levels in rat blood. A novel protective effect of Derinat under stress conditions was shown which manifested as a prevention of stress-induced testosterone decrease in blood. In present study, we have demonstrated both immunomodulatory effects and normalizing action of Derinat upon changed activities of immunocompetent cells induced by stress factors. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the strategy of correcting altered functional activity of immune system cells may include, e.g., application of native DNA preparations. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 431-438).

Abstract. Treatment of chronic wounds is a difficult problem of contemporary surgery. An opportunity of curing these wounds by means of cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), is an issue of great interest. A clinical trial of IL-1β was performed in the patients with chronic wounds of different origin. Recombinant human IL-1β was applied in six ointment compositions containing active drug (0.05 to 5000 ng/ml) using a hydrophobic vehicle. The preparations were used to treat non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers in patients with diseases of lower extremities complicated by venous insufficiency or diabetes type I and II. Clinical examinations, wound area measurements and cytological analysis of wound smears were performed before starting the treatment and in the course of therapy. Clinical results for the wound lesions (2nd and 3rd phases) have demonstrated high efficacy of ointments containing IL-1β at 0.5 to 5000 ng/ml. The most efficient concentration was determined as 50 ng IL-1β in 1 ml of ointment. IL-1β treatment caused clinical improvement of wound healing in 90% of the patients, including those with diabetes. IL-1β application during 2nd and 3rd phases of wound process showed good correlations with cytological changes in wound cell smears. When using IL-1β-containing ointments, the terms of granulation and epithelisation terms were reduced, along with 1.5-fold increase in average healing rates, as compared to conventional treatment with Solcoseril and Vulnusan. Mechanisms of IL-1β action were similar for the patients with wounds of different origin. Application of IL-1β-containing requires daily changes of wound dressings with the ointment. What to complications, local allergic reactions were detected only in 1.9% of cases. To summarize, the results of our study provide an evidence that IL-1β-containing ointment is a useful drug for effective treatment of non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers in patients. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 439-448).

Abstract. Immune status has been studied in 111 patients with breast malignancies following reconstructive surgery. Clinical and laboratory features of secondary immune insufficiency were determined during post-surgical period. The immune status of the studied patients was characterized by the marked absolute and relative lymphocytopenia associated with significantly decreased number of CD3+ and HLA-DR+ cells. Pronounced neutrophilia was accompanied by increased spontaneous NBT-reducing activity. Recombinant IL-1 (Betaleukin®) and a new synthetic dipeptide «Bestim» were used for immunotropic therapy. While studying clinical and immunological efficiency of the drugs, it was established that the patients receiving immunotherapy had significantly lower complication rates (resp., 13.33% and 17.64%) than the patients in comparison group (48.43%). A difference for the rates of purulent inflammatory complications was statistically significant. A trend to better survival of grafts and transplants was noted following the course of immunotherapy. Application of Betaleukin and «Bestim» in combined treatment protocols resulted into a significant reduction of hospital staying and decreased duration of antibacterial therapy. These drugs showed a pronounced immunostimulating effect: absolute and relative lymphocyte contents were increased, the number of CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes was maintained within the normal range, whereas a significant decrease of these key values was observed in the comparison group. Following a course of immunotherapeutic drugs, normal levels of certain cytokines were noted, some imbalance of cytokine values being observed in the comparison group. After treatment with «Bestim», increased IL-2 and decreased IL-4 levels were revealed. Hence, Betaleukin and «Bestim» display clinical and immunologic efficiency in management of the patients with malignant breast tumors following reconstructive surgery. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 449-454).

Abstract. It is revealed, that significant disturbances of cellular and humoral immunity are observed in patients with complicated course of appendicitis. Intramuscular administration of Thimalin (10 mg per injection), Epitalamin (10 mg per injection) for 10 days or Vilon (10 mkg per injection) during 5 or 10 days, applied as a complement to conventional treatment, proved to exert immunostimulatory effects. Moreover, it promoted healing of surgical wounds by a primary tension, and also reduced terms of the treatment by a mean of 5-6 days. To achieve similar medical effects, a twofold lesser number of Vilon single doses is required, than those of Thimalin and Epitalamin. (Med. Immunol., 2008, vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 455-462).

Abstract. We analyzed efficiency of application for analytic control parameters, i.e., «T-cell replicates» and «T-cell summary» in a sample of 174 HIV-infected patients, independently of age or disease stage. The patients were divided in two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients with total CD45+CD3+CD4+ and CD45+CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte concentrations being similar to relative and absolute concentrations of CD45+CD3+ lymphocytes, or the difference between absolute measurements not exceeding «T-cell replicates» differences. Group 1 included 36.78% of the whole cohort. Group 2 consisted of patients with total CD45+CD3+CD4+ & CD45+CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes concentrations being lower than relative and absolute concentrations of CD45+CD3+ lymphocytes, and the differences in absolute values being higher than «T-cell replicates» differences (41.38% of total sample). Such difference between control sums may be connected with high concentrations of double-negative γδ-T-cells (CD45+CD3+CD4–CD8–) in the specimens under study. (Med. Immunol., 2008, vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 463-466).

Abstract. This article is devoted to analysis of gene polymorphisms affecting CD14 regulatory molecule, as well as IL-1β, TNFα cytokines and IL-1RN in the patients with nosocomial pneumonias. The influence of single-nucleotide substitution polymorphisms is discussed in terms of clinical severity and outcomes of nosocomial pneumonia. A predisposition for more severe clinical course of pneumonia is revealed in a group of patients with C/Т and Т/Т genotypes of CD14 regulatory molecule. A carriership of –511*Т аllele in the patients’ genotype predisposed for reduced terms of pneumonia evolution, like as development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and more pronounced acute phase response (leukocytosis and high levels of C-reactive protein). IL-RN*2 allele was associated with generally poor outcome, whereas presence of –308 (AG, AA) variant of TNFα polymorphic gene was connected with pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications of nosocomial pneumonia. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 467-472).

Abstract. The article presents results of a study concerning the state of cytokine system and 1-acid glycoprotein in infants with intrauterine pneumonias at the days 1 to 3 of their postnatal life. It was shown that imbalance of immune mechanisms in the newborns with intrauterine pneumonia is accompanied by decreased neutrophilic inflammatory reactions, being expressed as neutropenia, low IL-8 levels, and inefficiency of protective/adaptive immune cell functions. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 473-476).

Abstract. Recently discovered immune–modulating and anti-inflammatory properties of statins have resulted in application of these drugs for treatment of autoimmune disorders. There are few studies investigating therapeutic potential of simvastatin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In present study, we investigated efficacy and safety of simvastatin in active RA patients treated with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Thirty-three patients were enrolled into an open-label, controlled study. The patients received treatment with 40 mg of simvastatin daily for 12 weeks. A group of historical controls consisted of nine patients taking placebo combined with disease-modifying therapy. No differences in demographic characteristics and disease activity were observed between the two groups. By the end of therapy (12 weeks), simvastatin-treated patients exhibited a significant reduction in disease activity scores with 28-joint counts (DAS28), and according to physician’s assessment of disease, as compared with control group. The estimate of trea tment effect (DAS28 scores) was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.01-1.5), thus corresponding to moderate decrease in disease activity. In conclusion, combination therapy with simvastatin and conventional DMARDs results into decreased RA activity. However, additional studies are required in order to specify exact role of simvastatin in RA treatment. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 477-482).

Abstract. The aim was to study the contents TGFα, TGFβ1 and VEGF in blood of patients with local frostbites. 50 men with local frostbites of extremities (II-IV degree) in the age up to 17-45 years old were examined. The patients were classified depending on the time elapsing post-lesion (group 1, early reactive period; group 2, late reactive period; group 3, granulation and epithelization of lesions). Quantitative determination of TGFα, TGFβ1 and VEGF in blood was performed by ELISA techniques. Blood samples were taken at early, late reactive periods and at period of epithelization of local frostbites. It was revealed that the contents of TGFα, TGFβ1 and VEGF were increased in patients’ blood at later terms after local frostbites. VEGF contents in blood of the frostbite patients increased to higher degrees than the values of TGFα and TGFβ1. An imbalance between TGFα, TGFβ1 and VEGF contents in frostbites was observed in cases of lagging repair and unfavorable clinical course. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 483-485).