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Aim. To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating mature and aging neutrophils in relation to hypoechoic carotid plaques and short-term progression of carotid and multifocal atherosclerosis.Material and methods. The study included 200 patients (89 males and 111 fe­males), aged 40-64 years. All patients underwent duplex ultrasound of the carotid and lower extremity arteries at the first visit and at a repeat visit after 12-24 months. Ultrasound morphology of carotid plaques was assessed using greyscale median analysis. Phenotyping and differentiation of neutrophil subpopulations was carried out using flow cytometry.Results. The absolute and relative number of mature neutrophils directly correlated with ultrasound indicators of carotid atherosclerosis, while the number of aging neutrophils — with the degree of lower extremity artery stenosis. Patients with hypoechoic carotid plaques were characterized by a significantly higher absolute number of mature neutrophils (p=0,0340). An increase in the number of mature neutrophils over 3023,0 cells/μL made it possible to predict the hypoechoic carotid plaques with a sensitivity of 75,0% and a specificity of 69,5%. Patients with carotid atherosclerosis progression had a higher absolute number of mature neutrophils (p=0,0140), as did patients with progression of multifocal atherosclerosis (p=0,0162). An increase in the number of mature neutrophils more than 3223,0 cells/μL was associated with an increase in the relative risk of polyvascular disease progression by 3,09 times (95% confidence interval, 1,34-7,17; p=0,0082) after adjustment for baseline cardiovascular disease risk.Conclusion. Among patients aged 40-64 years, increased numbers of circulating mature neutrophils are associated with an increased carotid plaque burden and hypoechoic carotid plaques. An increase in the number of mature neutrophils over 3223,0 cells/μL was associated with a 3,09-fold increase in the relative risk of polyvascular disease after adjustment for baseline cardiovascular risk.

Chronic non-infectious inflammation of low intensity is the most important mechanism of development and progression in atherosclerosis. Under the conditions of persistent non-resolving inflammation observed in the vascular wall and atherosclerotic plaque (ASB), permanent tissue damage occurs, thus leading to increased formation of endogenous danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). The non-histone chromosomal protein HMGB1 may be regarded as a prototypical DAMPs. HMGB1 acts as a DAMP if entering the extracellular space, causing inflammation by its binding to pattern-recognizing receptors (TLR2, TLR4, RAGE, CD36, etc.). A number of clinical studies have revealed higher HMGB1 levels in the blood of patients with coronary heart disease and atherosclerotic disease of the lower limb arteries, as well as its interrelations with the burden of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Currently, the mechanisms of HMGB1-mediated atherosclerosis progression are studied only fragmentary. The aim of our study was to investigate relationships between the serum HMGB1 level and subsets of circulating monocyte subpopulations in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis.The study enrolled patients aged 40-64 years with subclinical atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries. Serum HMGB1 concentration was determined using enzyme immunoassay kits (Human HMGB1/HMG-1 ELISA Kit, NBP2-62766, Novus Biologicals, USA). The serum HMGB1 threshold was 18.75 pg/ml, whereas the measurement range was 31.25 to 2000 pg/ml. Phenotyping of the blood monocyte subpopulations was performed by flow cytometry using Navios 6/2 device (Beckman Coulter, USA).An increase in serum HMGB1 concentration was associated with decreased number of classical M2 monocytes, and an increase in intermediate and M1 monocytes. Moreover, an increase in HMGB1 concentration was associated with higher numbers of classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes expressing CD36 and TLR2. Increased HMGB1 concentration (from Q1 to Q4) correlated with higher numbers of classical (p = 0.001) and intermediate monocytes (p = 0.006) but not with non-classical phenotypes (p = 0.147). Upon increase of HMGB1 concentration (Q1 to Q4), we have found an increase in the number of classical (p < 0.0001), intermediate (p < 0.0001), and non-classical (p < 0.0001), CD36-expressing monocytes. An increased number of intermediate (p = 0.022; p1, 4 = 0.034) and non-classical, TLR2-expressing monocytes was also revealed (p = 0.002; p1, 4 = 0.035). By mean of correlation analysis, IL-1β concentrations showed direct correlation with the number of M1 monocytes (r = 0.268; p = 0.035) and inverse relation with the number of M2 monocytes (r = -0.376; p = 0.003).Increased serum HMGB1 concentration in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with decreased numbers of classical and M2 monocytes, as well as higher numbers of intermediate and M1 monocytes, like as with increased contents of intermediate and non-classical monocytes expressing CD36 and TLR2. IL-1β levels directly correlated with HMGB1 concentration and the number of Mi-monocytes.

The aim of the study was to determine the number of lymphocytes, intracellular cytokines produced by lymphocytes, and the cell cycle of lymphocytes isolated from the blood of patients when exposed to various drugs, as well as to assess the functions of cultured lymphocytes when exposed to drugs in vivo and in vitro.Materials and methods. The study involved lymphocytes isolated from the blood of healthy women under various conditions. At the first stage of the study, T-lymphocytes were isolated from the blood of patients before exposure to the drug. The absolute and relative lymphocyte count, the number of intracellular cytokines, and the cell cycle were determined.At the second stage, the drugs were added to the nutrient medium, where lymphocytes isolated from the blood of patients who did not receive systemic drugs were cultured. The placental extract preparation was added to the lymphocytes isolated from the first group of patients, while the hyaluronic acid preparation was added to the lymphocytes isolated from the second group of patients.At the third stage, the lymphocytes isolated from the blood of patients after systemic exposure to the placental extract preparation or hyaluronic acid preparation were isolated and cultured, after which the same lymphocyte parameters were determined.Results. The number of T-lymphocytes increased with the systemic use of the placental extract and hyaluronic acid preparations and practically did not change compared with the baseline data, when these drugs were added to the nutrient medium. Placental extract and hyaluronic acid had a positive effect on the mitotic activity of cells; it is worth noting that the effect of placental extract was greater than that of hyaluronic acid. Both drugs did not have a negative effect on apoptosis of T-lymphocytes. Under the effect of placental extract, lymphocytes secreted more interleukins, which contributed to proliferation of keratinocytes.Conclusion. The placental extract and hyaluronic acid preparations have a stimulating effect on keratinocytes. The placental extract preparation has a stimulating effect on T-lymphocytes after systemic exposure of the body to it.

Background. Immune responses and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.Aim. To analyze the involvement of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.Results. Data on the contribution of neutrophil granulocytes to the development of local sterile inflammation and secondary brain injury in acute ischemic stroke were summarized. Mechanisms of neutrophil influence on thrombosis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis), protease release, and direct interaction with platelets with subsequent formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates were discussed. Available information on the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy and an association of changes in neutrophil activity with development of infectious complications of stroke were presented. In addition, research data were presented on the contribution of neutrophils to atherogenesis, which is one of the most important etiological factors in ischemic stroke. The review showed that the contribution of neutrophils to the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is associated with implementation of their secretory, regulatory, and phagocytic functions, as well as with NETosis.Conclusion. It was shown that neutrophils are involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and modulate a response to treatment.

Introduction. At the current stage of the study of atherosclerosis, it has been established that chronic activation of innate immunity, causing persistent low-intensity sterile inflammation, plays a crucial role at all stages of atherogenesis. Laboratory evaluation of signaling pathways associated with molecular patterns (DAMPs) in atherosclerosis and related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may contribute to the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Objective: to study the relationship between lipid metabolism parameters and CD36 exposure to circulating monocytes in patientwithout established CVD. Material and methods. The study included 42 patients aged 40–64 years without established atherosclerotic CVD, 19 (45.2 %) men and 23 (54.7 %) women. Dyslipidemia was detected in 95.2 % of patients. The blood serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), creatinine were determined with subsequent calculation of glomerular filtration rate. Phenotyping of circulating monocyte subpopulations was performed by flow cytometry on a Navios 6/2 device (Beckman Coulter, USA). Results and discussion. According to the results of correlation analysis, non-HDL cholesterol levels were inversely correlated with absolute (r = –0.394; p = 0.013) and relative (r = –0.432; p = 0.006) content of CD14+ CD16++CD36+ TLR2+ monocytes. LDL cholesterol levels were also inversely correlated with the relative content of CD14+ CD16+ CD36+ TLR2+ monocytes (r = –0.417; p = 0.018). According to correlation analysis, the level of non-HDL cholesterol inversely correlated with the intensity of CD36 expression on classical (r = –0.650; p < 0.0001), intermediate (r = –0.323; p = 0.045) and non classical (r = –0.480; p = 0.002) monocytes. Also, CD36 expression intensity on classical (r = –0.449; p = 0.004) and non-classical (r = –0.382; p = 0.016) monocytes was inversely correlated with remnant cholesterol levels. In addition, increased non-HLA cholesterol levels were associated with decreased TLR2 expression on CD14+ CD16++ monocytes (r = –0.381; p = 0.018). It should be noted that a decrease in CD36 expression on intermediate monocytes was also associated with an increase in hs-CRP (r = –0.657; p = 0.003). Conclusion. In patients without established atherosclerotic CVD, an increase in cholesterol content of atherogenic lipoprotein fractions was associated with a decrease in the number of CD14+ CD16++ and CD14+CD16+ monocytes co-expressing CD36 and TLR2 as well as with a decrease in CD36 expression on classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes.

Introduction. The role of neutrophils in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis as well as in the development of its complications has received scientific attention only in the recent years. Today, there is growing evidence to support a role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in sustained inflammation during different chronic inflammatory diseases by retaining neutrophils at inflammatory sites.The aim of the study is to assess the diagnostic and prognostic significance of circulating CD62LloCXCR4 hi neutrophils in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.Materials and methods. A total of 75 patients (52% of men and 48% of women) aged 40 to 64 years were examined. None of them were diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. All the patients underwent carotid artery duplex scanning. The flow cytometry and CD16, CD11b, CD62L, CD182 (CXCR2) and CD184 (CXCR4) conjugated monoclonal antibodies were used for phenotyping and differentiation of neutrophil subpopulations.Results. Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries were detected in 72% of the patients; most of the patients were diagnosed with stenosis development in more than one of the carotid arteries (CA). The elevated levels of circulating CXCR4h neutrophils were associated with the levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.377; p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (r = 0.293; p = 0.014) and triglycerides (r = 0.388; p = 0.003). The study revealed direct correlation between the circulating CXCR4 hi neutrophil count and the cumulative percentage of CA stenosis (r = 0.300; p = 0.011), including the number of stenosed CA (r = 0.291; p = 0.034). It was also found that CXCR4 hi neutrophil counts demonstrated a statistically significant increase along with the increased number of stenosed CA (p = 0.025). The ROC analysis findings show that the elevated CXCR4 hi neutrophil counts ≥260 cells/μL made it possible to diagnose stenotic lesion of 4 CAs with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity reaching 76.6%.Conclusion. In patients with carotid atherosclerosis, the increased count of circulating CD62LloCXCR4 hi neutrophils was associated with the increased number of stenosed CAs, while no significant changes were observed in the other examined subpopulations of neutrophil granulocytes. The increased CD62LloCXCR4 hi neutrophil count made it possible to diagnose stenotic lesion of 4 CAs with a sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

A supportive homeostatic function of neutrophilic granulocytes is accomplished in the physiology of diverse tissues and body systems. Neutrophils are found along the entire female reproductive tract (FRT), gradually declining in numbers from the upper parts towards the vagina. At the same time, both quantity and activity of FRT mucosal neutrophils are controlled by hormonal changes at different phases of menstrual cycle. Tissue neutrophils serve as an important source of broad-spectrum proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and elastase necessary for extracellular matrix remodeling as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) required for physiological FRT angiogenesis. During pregnancy, decidual neutrophils play a prominent role in vascular remodeling in pregnant uterus as well as development of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. The influx of neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa due to its trauma or infection not only ensures defense against pathogens, but also leads to increased proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. Neutrophilic granulocytes elicit signals and events protective for the epithelium by marking them with a “hypoxic signature” to trigger transcription of the gene set responsible for production of mucins, mucin-modifying peptides, antimicrobial proteins, в-defensins, ultimately contributing to lesion healing and recovery of epithelial barrier function. “Inflammatory hypoxia” initiated by neutrophils and subsequent stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-induced factor (HIF) in intestinal epithelial cells trigger mechanisms of self-limited and resolved inflammation, which prevent excessive accumulation of neutrophils in the intestinal lumen and development of chronic inflammatory process. Neutrophilic granulocytes dominate in the oral cavity mucosa and comprise more than 95% of total leukocyte population recruited into the gingival sulcus and gingival fluid. Neutrophils maintain physiological amount and stability of symbiotic microflora composition in dental and gingival biofilms, counteracting pathogenic bacteria via phagocytosis, degranulation and extracellular trap formation, thereby ensuring healthy state in periodontal structures. Finally, similar to some other congenital disorders affecting neutrophil quantity and functions it was shown that in case of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1) pathogenesis of periodontitis may not only be associated with a defect in their protective effector activity, but also with altered immunoregulatory function of tissue neutrophils.

After exiting from the bone marrow (BM) into the circulation, mature neutrophil granulocytes undergo a set of sequential phenotypic and physiological changes collectively called “aging” in the absence of inflammation, by constitutively sensing prime signals from commensal microbiota and acquiring higher functional alertness in case of activation upon tissue damage or pathogen invasion. Physiological aging of blood neutrophils and their subsequent return to the BM result in signals modulating size and function of the hematopoietic niche. Circadian physiological infiltration of BM by neutrophils contributes to maintaining baseline level of circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells capable of regeneration and immune surveillance. Apart from the BM, neutrophils actively enter other healthy tissues, probably exerting some effects on their baseline physiologic state. Using lung tissue, it has been shown that neutrophils can “govern” action of gene set regulating cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Neutrophils participate in destruction of endometrial tissues during desquamation phase as well as subsequent repair and physiological angiogenesis during proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle; promote wall rupture of the preovulatory ovarian follicle and oocyte exit; contribute to degradation and resorption of the corpus luteum in pregnancy failure; play an important physiological role in vascular remodeling in pregnant uterus and developing maternal immune tolerance to semi-allogeneic fetus. Neutrophils actively migrating to the surface of intestinal epithelium during local infection and/or damage stimulate epithelial restitution and recovery of its barrier function. On the other hand, neutrophils recruited into the oral cavity regulate quantitative and qualitative composition of microbial communities in oral biofilms, and ensure healthy state of periodontal structures. Being a major player and regulator in healing of skin wounds at early stage, inflammation, neutrophils not only destroy potential pathogens, but also participate in cleansing wounds from cell debris, produce cytokines, enzymes, and growth factors affecting further stages in repair process. Both apoptosis and NETosis underlying neutrophil death greatly contribute to wound healing. However, dysregulation and imbalance in both apoptosis and NETosis may lead to unfavorable consequences as well as developing chronic non-healing wounds.

Regulatory T-lymphocytes play a central role in the immunological tolerance system. To date, existence of many different subpopulations of regulatory T-cells have been described. However, a number of questions related to the function, differentiation, and homeostasis of these subpopulations in a body remain unclear. Interactions between the previously discovered pairs of helper and regulatory T-lymphocytes require further study. The main topic is identification and establishment of the functions of regulatory memory cells. Interstitial migration of activated regulatory T-lymphocytes is also a promising direction. In this review, we summarized the main findings in multiple subsets of regulatory T-lymphocytes, discussed unclear data that will require further studies, and showed an application for regulatory T-lymphocytes in medicine.

Aim of the study was to investigate the features of the subpopulation composition of circulating NK and NKT cells and their diagnostic value in middle-aged patients, depending on the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries. Material and methods. The study included 80 patients (44 men (55.0 %) and 36 women (45.0 %)), whose age was 49.0 (44.0; 56.0) years. All patients underwent duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) of the arteries of the lower extremities. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed on a Navios 6/2 flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, USA) using labeled mouse monoclonal antibodies CD45-PC7.0, CD16-PE, CD11b-FITC, CD4-APC, CD8-PC5.5, CD3-ECD manufactured by Beckman Coulter, USA. Results. According to the results of the DUS of the arteries of the lower extremities, the patients were divided into two groups: the first group included 46 (57.5 %) patients with lower extremity artery atherosclerosis, the second group included 34 (42.5 %) patients without plaques in lower extremity artery. Patients of first group had significantly higher, than patients of second group, number of circulating NK cells and lower number of CD4+CD11b+ NK cells. The decrease in the CD4+CD11b+ NK cell number ≤16.5 cells/μl allowed to diagnose lower extremity artery atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 80.0 % and a specificity of 58.8 %. According to logistic regression analysis, a decrease in the number of CD4+CD11b+ NK cells ≤16.5 cells/μl was associated with a odds ratio of lower extremity artery atherosclerosis 5.71 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.44-22.6; p = 0.013). Conclusion. Compared with the control group, patients with lower extremity artery atherosclerosis differed in a statistically significantly larger number of circulating NK cells and a smaller number of CD4+CD11b+ NK cells. The decrease in the number of latter ≤16.5 cells/μl allowed to diagnose lower extremity artery atherosclerosis with a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 58.8 %.

Over the last two or three decades, a concept regarding functional capacities of neutrophilic granulocytes has been remarkably extended owing to new technologies. Neutrophil-related effector potential against infectious agents, including phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, degranulation coupled with the released multiple enzymes and antimicrobial peptides, and the extracellular trap formation have been studied in detail. In particular, it was found that many of the factors used by neutrophils to directly destroy pathogens also exert regulatory effects on other immune cells as well as on neutrophils in an autocrine manner. In addition, activated neutrophils are able to de novo synthesize a range of biologically active molecules. Neutrophil-related immunoregulatory effects on macrophages, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes may be mediated both via direct intercellular contacts and indirectly through production of cytokines and other biologically active mediators. Ambiguous proactive and suppressive neutrophil-related effects on immune cells evidence about their important role played both in homeostasis and diverse pathologies, particularly in developing malignant tumors. Diverse, even opposing impact exhibited by neutrophilic granulocytes on immune cells and cells in non-lymphoid tissues, point at their functional plasticity and, probably, heterogeneity. Upon that, modality of effects elicited by neutrophils largely depends on surrounding microenvironment while they exit from the circulation. Widely considered as an inf lammatory response inducer, neutrophils are able to simultaneously trigger mechanisms facilitating restriction and resolution of inf lammatory reaction. Using intravital microscopy in animal models, it allowed to discover that neutrophils are able to re-enter circulation after exiting into the extravascular space, thereby challenging a classical concept about a unidirectional neutrophil migration from the blood vessels to body tissue. In addition, evidence that neutrophils can serve as antigen-presenting cells for T cells under certain conditions and are recruited from inf lammatory sites to draining lymph nodes were also obtained. Although a body of the data were obtained in vitro or in animal models, which therefore require to be further examined and verified, it may be unequivocally acknowledged that a neutrophil-related impact is not only limited to innate immunity.

Over the past few decades, thanks to the use of new technologies, the spectrum of functional capabilities of neutrophil granulocytes has been significantly expanded. Their effector potential with respect to infectious agents, including phagocytosis, the production of active forms of oxygen and nitrogen, degranulation with the release of numerous enzymes and antimicrobial peptides, and the formation of extracellular traps were studied in detail. However, it has been found that many of the factors that neutrophils use to directly destroy pathogens have a regulating effect on other cells of the immune system and the neutrophils themselves. In addition, upon activation, neutrophils are capable of synthesizing a number of de novo biologically active molecules. Traditionally considered as inducers of an inflammatory reaction, neutrophils demonstrate the ability to simultaneously incorporate mechanisms that contribute to limiting and resolving inflammation. Ambivalent both helper and suppressor effects of neutrophils on cells of congenital and adaptive immunity testifies to their important immunoregulatory role both in homeostasis and various types of pathology, particularly in the development of malignant tumors.

Aim. To study the qualitative composition, the quantitative content of microorganisms, to assess the viability and functional status of neutrophils in the oral fluid of patients using removable and non-removable DOC. Materials and methods. The present study used a free oral fluid of 100 patients aged 21 to 79 years. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora was determined using the PCR method by means of the Femoflor-16 system (NPO DNA-technology, Russia). Determination of the total number of leukocytes was carried out in Goryaev's chamber, analysis of their viability was carried out with Trypan blue staining. Acridine orange was used to study the indices of lysosomal activity of neutrophils. Oxygendependent metabolism was studied using the Nitro Blue-Tetrazolium (NBT) test, and the phagocytic function was determined by the absorption of latex particles. Results. In persons using dentures, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora of the oral cavity changes. The method of hygienic care of the DOC significantly does not affect the composition of the microflora of the oral fluid of patients. In persons using DOC, a decrease in the total number of leukocytes and their viable forms in the free oral fluid was established. However we registered the stability of functioning of viable neutrophils in patients with removable DOC and a significant decrease in the phagocytic ability and microbicidal oxygen-dependent potential of neutrophils when using non-removable DOC. Conclusion. Foreign body in the form of a removable or non-removable DOC changes the functioning of the factors of congenital anti-infective protection of the oral mucosa, which can lead to the development of infectious complications during dental prosthetics.

Aim. Of the study is to assess cervical mucus neutrophils functional status depend on dominant lactobacillus strain in I trimester of pregnancy women. Material and methods. We definded 40 lactobacillus strains obtained from the genital tract of the pregnant women. We used mass spectrometry analysis to identify vaginal lactobacilli and evaluated biofilm formation. Also, we studied cervical mucus neutrophils viability, lysosomal activity, spontaneous and induced NBT test (Nitroblue Tetrazolium test), ability to absorb the latex particles. Isolated strains were divided into 3 groups depending on presence or absence of vaginal or cervical channel infectious diseases. Results. We identified 5 lactobacilli types: L. jensenii, L. mspatus, L. аcidophilus, L. gasseri, L. delbrueckii among 40 definded strains. We determined different intensity of phagocytosis depending on dominant strain in normocenosis. With the L. crispatus prevalence demonstrated the least intensity of phagocytosis compared with L. acidophilus and L.jensenii. Lactobacilli able to intensively produce biomatrix in condition of genital infection. Thus blocking antigenic potential and result in absence of NBT-reducing power of neutrophilic granulocytes and reduction antimicrobial protection of pregnant women genital tract mucosa. Conclusion. The indicators of neutrophils functional status depend on dominant lactobacilli strain in I trimester of pregnancy women.

Aim. Study effects of microwave electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of the SHF range in vitro on viability and functional status of neutrophilic granulocytes. Materials and methods. Neutrophils of peripheral blood of 30 conditionally healthy donors aged 18 - 20 years were exposed to the effect of broadband (natural, similar to sun radio emission) and mono-frequency (technogenic, similar to emission of cell phones, PCs, microwave ovens, etc.) EMR with frequency range of 4 - 4.34 GHz, generated by a SHF-generator «А1МТ-1». 16 minutes after the effect, viability of neutrophilic granulocytes, phagocytic activity, lysosome activity of cells were studied, N ВТ-reducing ability and cytokine content in supernatant were evaluated. Results. The amount of viable neutrophils significantly reduced after the effect of modelled EMR with technogenic frequency-temporal structure, functional status of viable cells did not change. Neutrophils retained viability after the effect of EMR of natural origin, increased levels of 1 Lip and TNFa was determined in supernatants, functional status of neutrophils of men remained stable, and in women an increase of phagocytic ability and a reduction of production of oxygen radicals was noted. Conclusion. The detected reduction of the amount of viable neutrophils under the effect of EMR of technogenic origin could result in disturbances in the system of innate immunity, other homeostasis elements of the human organism and development of pathologic conditions. At the same time, the detected effects of EMR of natural origin open perspectives of use of modelled microwave EMR of SHF range in prophylaxis and clinical medicine.

Aim. Evaluation of microbiological effectiveness of longidaze preparation use during therapy of active nonspecific endometritis in women with uterus myoma. Materials and methods. 2 groups of women were formed by a method of random selection. The first was composed of patients with active chronic endometritis, that had received standard etiotropic antibacterial therapy. The second included patients, that had received longidaze in addition to the standard therapy. Therapy effectiveness evaluation was carried out based on the analysis of microbial landscape of cervical canal and uterine cavity 2 months after the therapy during phase I of the menstrual cycle. Results. Nonplasmacoagulating staphylococci, enterococci and anaerobes were established to be present predominately in the examined women of both the first and the second group. Conclusion. The application of longidaze in combination with antibacterial therapy results in the most significant improvement of microbial landscape of cervical canal and uterine cavity.

Abstract. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the contents of some lymphocyte sub-populations in peripheral blood of the children with tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, depending on infectious complication of cytostatic therapy and neutropenia. In all children undergoing cytostatic therapy for acute lympho-blastic leukemia and non-B cell non-Hodgkinґs lymphomas, we found significant decrease in the numbers of CD95 lymphocytes, absolute amounts of natural killer cells (CD16, CD56-lymphocytes) and activated lymphocytes (СD11b, HLA-DR-cells), irrespective of neutrophile numbers in their blood and infectious complications. However, absolute number of CD25- lymphocytes was significantly decreased in the children with neutropenia. Relative contents of CD16, CD56, СD11b, HLA-DR, CD25-lymphocytes did not significantly differ from those in healthy children, or they were found to be significantly increased.

Abstract. Study results of vaginal secretion cytokine system in 25 patients with urogenital trichomoniasis are presented. Concentration of interleukins:IL-1α, IL-1β, RAIL-1, TNFa, IL-8, IFN-γ has been performed. The character of pro-inflammatory cytokines changes in the local immunity system in females with urogenital trichomoniasis has been studied in comparison with these values in healthy females. It has been established that infected females have increased levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, RAIL-1, TNFα, IL-8, while IFN-γ concentration is decreased. The obtained results enable to get a deeper insight into the cytokine-mediated reactions in the local immunity system of genital tracts in case of trichomoniasis.

CD95 (Fas/APO-1) antigen expression was studied on the surface of neutrophil granulocytes from cervical secretions. Sixty-five female patients with established Chlamydia infection were found to have an increased CD95+ antigen expression following basic therapy. CD95+ receptors on neutrophils in the patients with Chlamydia infection have been shown to return to normal levels following a combined magnetic laser treatment.

Characteristics of CD34+ cells mobilization were studied in children suffering with various diseases, like as their dependence on type and extent of inflammatory response. It was revealed that the children with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome exhibit a significant increase of absolute content and percentage of circulating CD34+ cells, whereas children with frequent infections, and with clinical signs of allergy during recurrence of their chronic allergic disease showed a significant decrease in CD34+ cell percentage. Meanwhile, children with allergoses, and those with common recurrent infectious states did not reveal any deviations in CD34+ cells from normal values.

Abstract. Presence of significant genotypic and phenotypic variability in Homo sapiens species has been shown. According to the findings published in the world literature there were demonstrated differences in the referent meanings of blood lymphocyte content in persons of different races. As a result values considered normal for one population might be found abnormally high as well as abnormally low for another population. By means of comparing our own findings with immunological standards for the Russian Federation there were shown differences specific for various regions. It has been suggested to develop and implement a countrywide program to identify the values corresponding to the norm for different regions of Russia and different age groups.

We have performed a complex study of low-intensity magnet/laser effects upon main effector functions of neutrophils in females suffering with chlamydial infection. A dysfunction of neutrophil granulocytes was revealed in this group of patients. First of all, it manifested as decreased number of bactericidal and phagocytic activity and lower rates of phagocytosis. It was found out that the proportion of active intracellular forms of oxygen was considerably decreased in patients, as compared to healthy subjects. A combined treatment by low-intensity laser irradiation and magnetic fields caused elimination of the revealed neutrophilic dysfunction.

Abstract. Employing an in vitro cellular system, we have studied effects of estriol at physiological concentrations corresponding to the 1st, 2nd , and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy upon phagocytic, bactericidal activity of monocytes, and their ability to form extracellular traps. This steroid hormone does not significantly affect phagocytic function of monocytes at concentrations corresponding to the 1st, 2nd , and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, however, leads to increased formation of extracellular traps and increase of oxygen-dependent bactericidal effects.

Abstract. The aim of the work was to evaluate clinical features of purulent wounds trend and functional activity of local wound phagocytes in the patients with odontogenic phlegmones in the course of local treatment with Ronkoleukin. A randomized clinical study was performed which included sixty-five patients with odontogenic phlegmones. Their age ranged from 18 to 74 years old. The group was divided in two parts, i.e., patients of a comparison group (n = 33) receiving a conventional combined drug therapy, and the persons from study group (n = 32) who were subject to local immunotherapy with Ronkoleukin, applied along with conventional therapy. It was established that the local therapy with Ronkoleikin exerts distinct positive effects, i.e., increase in wound-located lymphocytes and macrophages, acceleration of phasic dynamics of inflammatory events, augmentation of an lysosomal luminescence index (2.3-fold), enhancement of phagocytosis intensity in wound neutrophiles and macrophages (1.9-2-fold), strengthening the reserve abilities of wound neutrophils (1.3-fold). These effects create favorable conditions for elimination of pathogen and optimal healing of purulent wounds in the patients with odontogenic phlegmones.

The goal of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microbilogical use of Longidaza in the treatment of active nonspecific endometritis in women with uterine myoma. By a random sample they were divided into two groups of women. The first comprised patients with active chronic endometritis were treated with standard causal antibiotic therapy. The second group included patients, who had an additional Longidaza to standard therapy. It was found that the women surveyed both in the first and second groups predominantly found non plasmacoagulating staphylococci, enterococci and anaerobes. Application of Longidaza in combination with antibiotic therapy leads to a significant improvement in most of the microbial landscape of the cervical canal and uterine cavity, which is confirmed by microbiological methods of investigation.

Aim. To assess the interrelations in the dynamics of immune, clinical, and functional parameters among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and early fluvastatin administration. Material and methods. The study included 129 men, aged from 42 to 67 years (mean age 57 years): 99 MI patients and 30 healthy controls. In all participants, clinical, biochemical, functional, and immune parameters were assessed, with comparisons between healthy individuals vs. MI patients, as well as between MI patients taking fluvastatin (80 mg/d) vs. MI patients not receiving this medication. Results. In men with MI, chronic systemic inflammation was manifested in elevated levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL8, tumor necrosis factor α, immunoglobulin A and G, and complement components, as well as in decreased levels of IL1 receptor antagonist, CD 3, CD 4, CD 16, and CD 4/CD 8, compared to healthy controls. Early fluvastatin administration (first post-MI hours) was associated with reduced severity of immune disturbances and systemic inflammation. Conclusion. In MI patients, early fluvastatin administration is associated with a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, compared to controls, as well as with a substantial increase in exercise capacity at 2 months.