Thrombopoietin serum concentration in patients with reactive and myeloproliferative thrombocytosis

We wished to test whether thrombopoietin (TPO) is entirely regulated by receptor binding or if other factors may play a role in the mechanism of TPO regulation. Therefore, we analyzed the TPO serum levels in 43 patients with reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis and in 37 with myeloproliferative thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis was defined as a platelet level greater than 440 x 10(9)/l. Forty-two patients (98%) with reactive thrombocytosis had high concentrations of IL-6 correlating with elevated C-reactive protein levels. Twenty-three patients (53%) in this group had TPO serum concentrations of more than 300 pg/ml (normal: below 300 pg/ml). Only nine patients (24%) with myeloproliferative thrombocytosis had TPO serum levels above normal range, whereas 28 patients (76%) had normal levels of TPO. No correlation between the TPO serum levels and the concentrations of IL-6 or EPO was established. The other investigated thrombopoietic cytokines (IL-3, IL-11, GM-CSF) were unmeasurable; therefore, a correlation could not be assessed. We conclude that TPO concentrations are not strictly inversely related to platelet count. TPO serum levels are elevated especially in a considerable percentage of patients with reactive thrombocytosis, arguing for the existence of additional mechanisms of TPO regulation.

Inhibition of L-carnitine biosynthesis and transport by methyl-γ-butyrobetaine decreases fatty acid oxidation and protects against myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The important pathological consequences of ischaemic heart disease arise from the detrimental effects of the accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines in the case of acute ischaemia-reperfusion. The aim of this study is to test whether decreasing the L-carnitine content represents an effective strategy to decrease accumulation of long-chain acylcarnitines and to reduce fatty acid oxidation in order to protect the heart against acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

KEY RESULTS

In this study, we used a novel compound, 4-[ethyl(dimethyl)ammonio]butanoate (Methyl-GBB), which inhibits γ-butyrobetaine dioxygenase (IC₅₀ 3 μM) and organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2, IC₅₀ 3 μM), and, in turn, decreases levels of L-carnitine and acylcarnitines in heart tissue. Methyl-GBB reduced both mitochondrial and peroxisomal palmitate oxidation rates by 44 and 53% respectively. In isolated hearts treated with Methyl-GBB, uptake and oxidation rates of labelled palmitate were decreased by 40%, while glucose oxidation was increased twofold. Methyl-GBB (5 or 20 mg·kg(-1)) decreased the infarct size by 45-48%. In vivo pretreatment with Methyl-GBB (20 mg·kg(-1)) attenuated the infarct size by 45% and improved 24 h survival of rats by 20-30%.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Reduction of L-carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitine content by the inhibition of OCTN2 represents an effective strategy to protect the heart against ischaemia-reperfusion-induced damage. Methyl-GBB treatment exerted cardioprotective effects and increased survival by limiting long-chain fatty acid oxidation and facilitating glucose metabolism.

Detection of IgG binding to Schistosoma mansoni recombinant protein RP26 is a sensitive and specific method for acute schistosomiasis diagnosis

We recently described the first recombinant Schistosoma mansoni protein RP26, which was capable of acute infection diagnosis. The aim of the present work was to further characterize the RP26 diagnostic properties in immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays. Testing sera from uninfected donors and sera from patients with acute or chronic Schistosoma infection by Western blot immunoassay revealed 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity for acute infection identification. Sera from uninfected, acute, and chronic schistosomiasis were also probed for IgG, IgG4, IgA, and IgM reactivity to RP26 plus soluble egg antigens (SEA) in ELISA. The mean IgG reactivity to RP26 by sera from acute schistosomiasis patients was significantly higher than the chronic ones. The IgG4, IgA, and IgM reactivities to RP26 were low and similar in both infected groups. The mean IgA and IgM reactivities to SEA were significantly higher in the group of acute compared to chronic group, whereas mean IgG4 reactivity was higher in chronic group. To estimate the specificity of Schistosoma infection diagnosis sera from patients infected with other different parasites were tested to detect IgG reactivity to RP26 and IgA and IgM reactivity to SEA. For IgA against SEA detection, 72% of sera were positive and 48% of sera were positive for IgM detection. Based on these results we can suggest that detection of sera IgG binding to RP26 is a sensitive and specific method for acute schistosomiasis diagnosis. Therefore, RP26 is a candidate for immunodiagnostic kit development.

Serological differentiation of acute and chronic schistosomiasis using Schistosoma mansoni recombinant protein RP26

We obtained a recombinant protein encoded by Schistosoma mansoni gene which was able to differentiate acute from chronic schistosomiasis when applied as antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A cDNA clone encoding a 26 kDa recombinant protein (RP26) was selected by screening of an adult worm S. mansoni lambdaZAP expression library with rabbit sera produced against PIII, an adult worm protein fraction already known to possess protective and immunomodulating effects. The clone cDNA presented 99% identity with S. mansoni Sm22.3 gene. We assayed IgG reactivity of sera from 18 patients with acute, 25 patients with chronic S. mansoni infection and 20 uninfected donors with RP26 in ELISA. Our results showed that 89% of sera were positive in acute schistosomiasis group, and only 26% in chronic group, without false-positive reactions in uninfected group. In mice the immune response to RP26 increased up to week 9 after infection and then diminished. We proposed that production of antibodies binding to RP26 stopped at the chronic stage of disease. The testing of sera from eight other parasitic infections with RP26 revealed no positive reactions in majority of sera. However, we observed low positive reaction in sera from 20% of leishmaniasis patients. Our results indicate that a recombinant protein RP26 can be used as immunodiagnostic reagent for detection of acute phase of schistosomiasis mansoni.

Loop diuretics decrease the renal elimination rate and increase the plasma levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide

AIMS

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a novel cardiovascular risk marker. We explored the association of commonly used cardiovascular medications with TMAO levels in patients and validated the identified associations in mice.

METHODS

Detailed history of drug treatment was recorded in 300 patients with cardiovascular disease without diabetes in an observational, cross-sectional study. Animal study was performed in CD1 mice.

RESULTS

Median plasma TMAO (interquartile range) level was 2.144 (1.570-3.104) μmol l^-1 . Among nine cardiovascular drug groups, the use of loop diuretics (0.510 ± 0.296 in users vs. 0.336 ± 0.272 in nonusers, P = 0.008) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (0.482 ± 0.293 in users vs. 0.334 ± 0.272 in nonusers, P = 0.007) was associated with increased log-TMAO. Acute concomitant administration of furosemide or torasemide with TMAO in mice significantly influenced TMAO pharmacokinetic profile and almost doubled the plasma TMAO area under the curve. Furosemide decreased the TMAO excretion rate by 1.9-fold during the first 30 min after administration and increased TMAO concentrations in kidney, heart and liver, suggesting the interaction of furosemide and TMAO with efflux transporters. The concentrations of TMAO in blood plasma after the administration of the organic anion transporter inhibitor probenecid were not different from those of the control group, suggesting an effect not mediated by organic anion transporters.

CONCLUSIONS

Loop diuretics increased plasma TMAO concentration by decreasing its urinary excretion rate. Loop diuretic use should be considered a potential confounder in TMAO studies.

Analysis of influence of background therapy for comorbidities in the period before infection on the risk of the lethal COVID outcome. Data from the international ACTIV SARS-CoV-2 registry («Analysis of chronic non-infectious diseases dynamics after COVID-19 infection in adult patients SARS-CoV-2»)

Aim      To study the effect of regular drug therapy for cardiovascular and other diseases preceding the COVID-19 infection on severity and outcome of COVID-19 based on data of the ACTIVE (Analysis of dynamics of Comorbidities in paTIents who surVived SARS-CoV-2 infEction) registry.Material and methods  The ACTIVE registry was created at the initiative of the Eurasian Association of Therapists. The registry includes 5 808 male and female patients diagnosed with COVID-19 treated in a hospital or at home with a due protection of patients' privacy (data of nasal and throat smears; antibody titer; typical CT imaging features). The register territory included 7 countries: the Russian Federation, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The registry design: a closed, multicenter registry with two nonoverlapping arms (outpatient arm and in-patient arm). The registry scheduled 6 visits, 3 in-person visits during the acute period and 3 virtual visits (telephone calls) at 3, 6, and 12 mos. Patient enrollment started on June 29, 2020 and was completed on October 29, 2020. The registry completion is scheduled for October 29, 2022. The registry ID: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04492384. In this fragment of the study of registry data, the work group analyzed the effect of therapy for comorbidities at baseline on severity and outcomes of the novel coronavirus infection. The study population included only the patients who took their medicines on a regular basis while the comparison population consisted of noncompliant patients (irregular drug intake or not taking drugs at all despite indications for the treatment).Results The analysis of the ACTIVE registry database included 5808 patients. The vast majority of patients with COVID-19 had comorbidities with prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Medicines used for the treatment of COVID-19 comorbidities influenced the course of the infectious disease in different ways. A lower risk of fatal outcome was associated with the statin treatment in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD); with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor antagonists and with beta-blockers in patients with IHD, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation; with oral anticoagulants (OAC), primarily direct OAC, clopidogrel/prasugrel/ticagrelor in patients with IHD; with oral antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); and with long-acting insulins in patients with type 1 DM. A higher risk of fatal outcome was associated with the spironolactone treatment in patients with CHF and with inhaled corticosteroids (iCS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Conclusion      In the epoch of COVID-19 pandemic, a lower risk of severe course of the coronavirus infection was observed for patients with chronic noninfectious comorbidities highly compliant with the base treatment of the comorbidity.

Coronavirus syndrome: COVID-19 psychotrauma

The authors propose term "coronavirus syndrome" for the mental disorder that is a psychical response to the global problem of COVID-19 pandemic. This syndrome will affect up to 10% of the population and we could already observe acute stress reactions to the spread of the infection and changes in people's ordinary lifestyle. However, the most severe response will be seen later, in this case the catastrophe is similar to the clinical picture of post-traumatic stress disorder. The problem is that coronavirus syndrome will affect the working capacity of population at the period, when economical recovery is essential. The risk groups are health caregivers who worked in COVID departments; patients recovered from a severe form of the disease; people who have lost their loved ones; and those who have suffered significant financial losses or lost their jobs. Adequate prophylaxis of coronavirus syndrome especially in high-risk groups are important for maintaining global mental health and economy.

Serotonin content in human blood platelets is not stable

A large variation of platelet serotonin content over short time intervals has been shown. This oscillation of platelet serotonin does not result from the accumulation of random technical variations, but can be considered as an objectively existing phenomenon which might be due to alternation of serotonin release and uptake processes in platelet-rich plasma. Sex and age do not influence the variation of platelet serotonin.

[Exercise therapy and bracing in patients with osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures]

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VF) have a negative impact on quality of life within a year after injury. A recent-onset vertebral body compression fracture in the presence of osteoporosis (OP) is generally accompanied by acute back pain, hypokinesia, and a reduction in daily physical and social activities, further leading to social isolation. Rehabilitation measures are of particular importance to restore quality of life in OP patients, especially in the people who have a history of fractures. Exercise therapy is the mainstay of management in patients with OP and VF; however, pain and limited mobility can be a barrier to exercises. Competent bracing is a method that can assist in reducing pain in VF, stabilizing the spine, and increasing motor activity. The use of an orthosis not only improves quality of life, but also gives an opportunity to take physical exercises. Semi-rigid and elastic corsets are preferable to rigid structures that are less convenient to use and associated with a large number of undesirable phenomena. Wearing a brace continuously (with its obligatory taking off overnight) is rational for 6-8 weeks. Above this period, there is an increased risk of muscle atrophy. It is acceptable to longer use orthoses situationally, if there is a need to be in an upright position, during long walks, trips, or physical exercises.

Balance and muscle strength tests in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures to develop tailored rehabilitation programs

Authors perform a cross-sectional study of functional abilities of the patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (VFs). Trunk muscle isometric strength and postural balance impairments were estimated. The development of osteoporotic VFs is associated with a significant decrease in strength of all the body muscles, especially the deep spinal stabilization system, i.e trunk extensor (TE), trunk flexsor (TF), where the VFs contribute to inappropriate distribution of back muscle strength with TE:TF ration of 1:1 instead of 3:2, observed both normally and in patients with uncomplicated osteoporosis. There is also a deterioration of stabilometry and functional coordination assessment tests in patients with pathological VFs, that indicate abnormalities of both static and dynamic postural balance. The obtained data should be taken into account when developing rehabilitation programmes for osteoporosis patients who have suffered compression VFs.

[The effect of basic therapy with calcium and vitamins D3 and B6 on muscle strength, movement and balance functions at patients with osteoporosis undergoing medical rehabilitation]

AIM

Study of the effect of taking a complex biologically active food supplement with calcium and vitamins D₃ and B₆ to the effectiveness and duration of medical rehabilitation effect at patients with osteoporosis and with a high risk of fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 119 men and women with osteoporosis and (or) with a high risk of fractures, beginning a course of medical rehabilitation. The 1st study group (SG1) included 41 patients who had already received antiresorptive therapy. In SG2 and SG3, 39 patients who did not receive pathogenetic therapy of osteoporosis were included by the randomization method. For patients SG1 and SG2, a complex biologically active food supplement Osteomed forte was prescribed to use within 12 months. The dynamics of tensodynamometry, stabilometry and functional tests were evaluated in 20 days, 6 and 12 months after the start of the study.

RESULTS

The muscle strength indicators achieved during the 20-day training session compared to the initial level were maintained for 12 months in extensor and flexor of the back at patients within SG1 and SG2, as well as up to 6 months in the lateral flexor of the back at patients of SG1. At patients within SG3, the effect of medical rehabilitation completely regressed after 6 months. Higher stabilization parameters after 6 and 12 months in comparison with the initial level were observed only in patients within SG1 and SG2. The effect achieved during rehabilitation was supported for 12 months in the 'stand on one leg' test within SG1, comparing in contrast to SG3, where a deterioration in the average value of the test indicator was noted.

CONCLUSION

Long-term use of food supplements containing calcium salts with vitamins D₃ and B₆can be recommended to maintain the effect of rehabilitation measures at patients with osteoporosis and with a high risk of fractures, more preferably in combination with antiresorptive therapy.

Management of Cough in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Results of the Multicenter Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough declines quality of life and increases risk of complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reducing cough severity and associated negative effects is important therapeutic goal in COPD. Rengalin with anti- and protussive activity is based on technologically processed antibodies to bradykinin, histamine and morphine.

AIM

To evaluate efficacy and safety of Rengalin in treatment of cough in patients with COPD.

METHODS

Patients (n=238, mean age 64.3±8.2 years) with stable COPD and persistent cough despite maintenance therapy (anticholinergics, beta-2-adrenergic agonists, inhaled corticosteroids) were included and randomized in the study. The severity of cough assessment (according to the "Cough Severity Score"), COPD impact on patient's life (COPD Assessment Test, CAT), and spirometry were performed at screening. Patients took Rengalin or Placebo 2 tablets 2 times daily for 4 weeks. The endpoints were proportion of patients who responded to treatment, dynamics of cough severity, and severity of COPD symptoms. Intention-to-treat (per protocol) analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Positive response to Rengalin was recorded in 83.6 [85.7]% (vs 72.6 [72.7]% in Placebo group, p=0.0422 [p=0.0163]). Double decrease of cough severity was reported in 42.2 [43.8]% in Rengalin group (versus 32.7 [32.7]% in Placebo; p=0.1373 [p=0.0907]). The total CAT score decreased by 3.3±4.2 [3.6±3.9] points (versus 2.5±4.1 [2.5±4.2] in Placebo group); the difference between groups was 0.79±4.16 [1.04±4.02] points (p=0.0870 [p=0.0416]). The number of patients with adverse events (AEs) in Rengalin (n=13) and Placebo (n=12) groups did not have significant differences (p=1.00). No AEs with certain relationship with study drug were registered.

CONCLUSION

Rengalin is an effective and safe drug in patients with stable COPD and persistent cough, despite stable doses of maintenance therapy according to the GOLD guidelines. Four-week therapy decreases severity of cough by two times in more than 40% of patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (id: NCT03159091).

[Nebulized budesonide in the treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Efficacy, safety, and effects on the serum levels of soluble differentiation molecules]

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of nebulized budesonide and systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS) (SGCS) in the treatment of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their effects on the serum concentration of soluble leukocyte differentiation antigens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight hospitalized patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD were randomized into two groups: 1) 37 patients took nebulized budesonide 4 mg/day; 2) 41 patients received intravenous prednisolone. The symptoms of COPD, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and other spirometric indicators, peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and adverse events were studied. The serum levels of the soluble adhesion molecules CD50 (sCD50) and CD54 (sCD54) and the lymphocyte activation molecules CD38 (sCD38) and CD25 (sCD25) were investigated by an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

There was a significant resolution of the symptoms of COPD, FEV1, and SpO2 in both groups after treatment. The incidence of hyperglycemia episodes was lower in the budesonide group than in the sGCS group. GCSs caused a decrease in the serum level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) in both groups. A prednisolone cycle, unlike a budesonide one, was found to reduce the concentrations of sCD54, sCD50, and sCD38.

CONCLUSION

Nebulized budesonide is an effective and safe alternative to SGCS in treating an exacerbation of COPD. Inhaled GCSs, unlike SGCSs, exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, but exert no immunosuppressive activity.

[The role of micronutrients in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19]

Post-COVID disorders syndrome (PCDS) is an umbrella term for a complex of persistent symptoms that a patient can develop after suffering from COVID-19. The aim of the research was to systematize data on the role of micronutrients in the treatment of PCDS. Material and methods. The authors carried out a systematic analysis of foreign (ncbi. nlm.nih.gov) and Russian (elibrary.ru) scientific publications. Results. The most common symptoms that can persist for a long time after a coronavirus infection can be divided into 4 groups: 1) hypoxic syndrome (respiratory and oxygen deficiency); 2) asthenic syndrome; 3) syndrome of neuropsychiatric disorders; 4) gastrointestinal symptoms. Adequate dietary intake of vitamins and mineral substances is critical for the proper functioning of the immune system and maintenance of the organism functional reserves. The optimal consumption of vitamins D, C and E, zinc and ω-3 fatty acids with ration can be useful for preventing infection, supporting immunity during COVID-19 disease and in the complex of rehabilitation of patients with PCDS. Conclusion. Intake of dietary supplements containing complex of micronutrients can be recommended as a rational adjuvant therapy during the rehabilitation period after COVID-19. However, further research is essential to determine the effective dosage of vitamins and other micronutrients to reduce the manifestations of PCDS.

Evaluation of orphan diseases global burden

Orphan diseases is a significant socio-economic burden for both global and Russian health care systems. The global burden of disease metrics introduced by WHO, such as DALY, QALY, HALE, can be a useful tool for building economic models and prognoses, as well as medicine funding distribution. However, it is very difficult to standardize a heterogeneous group of rare diseases and it is difficult to talk about the cost-effective treatment options search, in cases where patients with an orphan disease may have only one pathogenetic therapy option. Much work needs to be done to find optimal treatment options and establish the standards of care necessary to maintain physical health, work capacity and quality of life.

[The problem of the use of hormonal therapy aimed for sex correction by transgender persons on their own initiative]

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the demand for feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapy has increased significantly among transgender people around the world. There are no such studies in Russia and the amount of medical information on the transgender population is limited.

AIM

to assess the number of transgender patients who take hormone therapy without a doctor's prescription and to characterize the medicines they use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

data from 1117 transgender patients were included in to analysis: 44.01% (n=515) of them were trans women, 55.99% (n=630) were trans men. Patients applied to the "Scientific Center for Personalized Medicine" in order to receive medical care.

RESULTS

Half of transgender people (53.6%) are already taking hormonal drugs. More often transgender women (76.7%), less often transgender men (32.3%). In this case, only 8.6% turned to endocrinologists for the therapy prescription. Many patients used unlicensed drugs, use irrational schemes and combinations, often overdose.

CONCLUSION

A significant number of transgender people start using hormone replacement therapy on their own initiative, without the doctor's supervision. The solution to this problem could be incensement of knowledge level in doctors and patients to create a friendly environment and productive interaction between therapists, endocrinologists and transgender people, as well as the organization of consulting centers within public medical institutions.

[The effect of administration of dietary supplement with calcium and vitamins D3 and B6 on calcium homeostasis and falls incidence in patients with high fracture risk undergoing medical rehabilitation]

Elimination of vitamin D and calcium deficiencies is of particular importance in older patients undergoing medical rehabilitation after a serious illness, surgery or injury and having a high risk of fractures. Preventing falls and fractures, including during the course of rehabilitation, is an important challenge that can be addressed in these patients, in particular through improved nutrition and vitamin D and calcium supplementation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long-term intake of a complex dietary supplement with calcium and vitamins D₃ and B₆ on calcium homeostasis and the frequency of falls in patients with high fracture risk undergoing medical rehabilitation. Material and methods. The study enrolled 109 women and 10 men (mean age 65.5±7.9 years) with high fracture risk who were undergoing medical rehabilitation. After baseline examination, 41 patients have been receiving antiresorptive therapy already comprised group 1, and patients who didn't receive osteoporotic therapy were randomized into groups 2 (n=39) and 3 (control, n=39). Patients in groups 1 and 2 for 12 months were prescribed a dietary supplement containing calcium in a daily dose of 200 mg (in the form of citrate 1000 mg), 600 IU of vitamin D₃ and 2 mg of vitamin B₆. All patients underwent assessment of bone mineral density (BMD), calculation of absolute 10-year fracture risk according to FRAX, assessment of food calcium intake, etermination of biochemical parameters of calcium-phosphorus metabolism and bone remodeling (total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase activity - by colorimetric method in blood serum; immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) and osteocalcin - by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in blood serum; β-isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) and 25(OH)D in blood plasma - by immunochemiluminescence analysis), cases of falls and fractures were fixed. Results. Average daily intake of calcium in the studied sample (n=119) was 782.9±243.4 mg, and 67.2% of patients consumed less than 800 mg of calcium daily. Vitamin D deficit was detected in 38.4% of the examined, its insufficiency - in 32.8%. An increase in 25(OH)D concentration was noted in groups 1 and 2 after 6 and 12 months (p<0.01), while in group 3 there was no dynamics of 25(OH)D (p>0.05). Patients in group 1 showed an increase in the level of osteocalcin and total calcium after 6 and 12 months, as well as alkaline phosphatase activity after 6 months (p<0.05). In group 3, there was an increase of PTH levels after 6 (p<0.05) and 12 months (p<0.01), CTx and alkaline phosphatase activity after 12 months (p<0.05). In group 1, there was an increase in BMD in the spine (+4.2%, p=0.024), femoral neck (+3.0%, p=0.041), and total femur (+2.7%, p=0.045), in patients of group 2 - an increase in BMD in the spine (+1.8%, p=0.048). In group 1, there was also a decrease in proportion of patients who fell after 6 months (χ²=4.97, p=0.026) and a decrease in the total number of falls after 12 months (χ²=4.89, p=0.027). Group 2 showed a decrease in the number of patients who fell after 6 and 12 months (χ²=48.58, p=0.0034 at both stages of the study) and the number of falls in general after 6 months (χ²=6.02, p=0.0142). Conclusion. The obtained data allow us to recommend prescription of dietary supplements containing calcium and vitamin D₃ as a part of complex rehabilitation of patients with high fracture risk.

The Russian scientists' quality of life and cognitive status

Aim of the study was assessment of executive functions and quality of life (QoL) among scientists aged 22-80 years working in state research centers. The screening test included several questionnairs: “Cognitive screening”, “Age is not a barrier”, “Geriatric Depression Scale" (GDS) and Social Functioning 36 (SF-36) survey. According to the assessment, the group of scientists showed problems related to physical health disorders and presence of numerous risk factors for professional efficiency decline. High rate of preasthenia (39.62%) and asthenia syndrome (11.32%) was identified. This might be due to high level of stress and informational load that causes depletion of functional organism reserves. The rate of cognitive executive functions decline was low (3.77%), stated in young age and possibly associated with depression and asthenia. In comparison to general population, Russian scientists showed a generally high level of quality of life (more than 70% in all domains), best indicators on the scales of "Body Pain" and "Vitality", but lower indicators of "Role functioning” due to the emotional state. In general, scientists’ quality of life decreased with age, especially "Physical Functioning" and "Body Pain" scales. Social skills such as "Role functioning due to emotional state" increased with age. In the scientists group, connection between cognitive functions and the quality of life was observed. Specifically, between "Physical Functioning", "General Health", "Vitality", "Social Functioning" and "Mental Health".

ACTIV SARS-CoV-2 registry (Analysis of Chronic Non-infectious Diseases Dynamics After COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients). Assessment of impact of combined original comorbid diseases in patients with COVID-19 on the prognosis

Aim. Study the impact of various combinations of comorbid original diseases in patients infected with COVID-19 later on the disease progression and outcomes of the new coronavirus infection. Materials and methods. The ACTIV registry was created on the Eurasian Association of Therapists initiative. 5,808 patients have been included in the registry: men and women with COVID-19 treated at hospital or at home. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04492384. Results. Most patients with COVID-19 have original comorbid diseases (oCDs). Polymorbidity assessed by way of simple counting of oCDs is an independent factor in negative outcomes of COVID-19. Search for most frequent combinations of 2, 3 and 4 oCDs has revealed absolute domination of cardiovascular diseases (all possible variants). The most unfavorable combination of 2 oCDs includes atrial hypertension (AH) and chronic heart failure (CHF). The most unfavorable combination of 3 oCDs includes AH, coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHF; the worst combination of 4 oCDs includes AH, CHD, CHF and diabetes mellitus. Such combinations increased the risk of lethal outcomes 3.963, 4.082 and 4.215 times respectively. Conclusion. Polymorbidity determined by way of simple counting of diseases may be estimated as a factor in the lethal outcome risk in the acute phase of COVID-19 in real practice. Most frequent combinations of 2, 3 and 4 diseases in patients with COVID-19 primarily include cardiovascular diseases (AH, CHD and CHF), diabetes mellitus and obesity. Combinations of such diseases increase the COVID-19 lethal outcome risk.

[The suicidal activity and comorbid mental pathology in persons with gender dystrophia]

According to foreign publications, 58% of patients with gender disorders had additional psychiatric diagnosis, 39.3% had at least one suicide attempt. The data of suicidal activity and mental comorbidity in Russian population of transgenders are absent.Purpose of the study is to assess suicidal activity and mental comorbidity in persons with gender disorders.The retrospective analysis of records of patients applied with complains on gender disorders from January 2014 to April 2021 was applied. The demographic characteristics, life anamnesis, comorbid mental pathology at time of appliance, frequency of suicidal attempts, suicidal thoughts and auto-aggressive behavior were examined. The data of 926 patients with gender disorders were included: FtM 515 (55.7%), MtF 411 (44.3%). The median age of patients applied for care appliance was 24 years (13-65 years). In group of transgender patients 75.2% had no mental illness, except gender disorders. At that, there was high prevalence of comorbid mental pathology (24.8% on average). Usually, it was background mental illnesses and reversible mental disorders, which were not causes of gender disorders. The suicide rate in transgender group was 12.5%. For 1 patient with suicidal experience, there were 1.3 suicidal attempts (from 1 to 5). The significant dependence of increased suicidal activity, depression, auto-aggressive behavior and rate of comorbid mental pathology on age of debut of gender disorders was established. The transgender patients with debut of gender dysphoria in puberty age are most vulnerable to development of any mental pathology. The suicidal activity of patients with gender disorders depends on both social causes and presence of comorbid mental pathology. A number of modifiable risk factors for suicidal behavior were identified: support of relatives, external correspondence to associated gender, early steps to "change gender", earlier apply for medical care, background compensated mental illnesses.

[Effect of long-term antihypertensive therapy on vaso-regulating function of the brachial artery in patients with arterial hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

AIM

To evaluate the impact of 6-month-to-one-year antihypertensive therapy on the vasoregulating junction of the brachial artery and predictors of its efficiency in 75 patients with stages I-II arterial hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An open randomized study of parallel groups of patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium blockers (verapamil) and their combination and in those who did not take antihypertensive therapy examined endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD) according to the data of ultrasound scanning and Doppler study of brachial arterial blood flow as compared with changes in metabolism and 24-hour blood pressure profile.

RESULTS

A positive effect of verapamil on the baseline impaired EDVD is realized only in the presence of an adequate compensation of glycemia, at the normal blood level of cortisol, occurs in parallel with increased nonendothelium-dependent vasoreactivity, and associates with the magnitude of an antihypertensive effect. ACE inhibitors improve decreased EDVD irrespective of the degree of glycemic control, the blood level of cortisol without a clear correlation with the altered non-endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity and with the degree of an antihypertensive effect. Combined therapy with these agents causes decreases in baseline insulinemia and the athoregenicity index and it can improve impaired vasoreactivity even in case of incomplete antihypertensive therapeutic effect.

CONCLUSION

The differences found in the effect of ACE inhibitors and verapamil on baseline decreased EDVD provide evidence for differential use of these drugs to correct impaired vasoreactivity in patients with AH associated with DM. The combined antihypertensive therapy fails to produce a positive impact if significant hypercholesterolemia (total blood cholesterol being more than 6.5 mmol/l) and stenosing peripheral atherosclerosis are present.