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Nowdays, much attention is paid to the study of disorders of immune regulation and methods of effective immune correction in athletes. In this regard, the use of specialized sport foods (SSF), containing nutrients with immunomodulatory properties, is of particular relevance in youth sports. The aim of the work is to study the immunomodulating activity of L-carnitine and coenzyme Q 10 in junior athletes during the training period. Material and methods . The object of the study were 30 junior athletes (masters of sports and candidates for masters of sports in swimming) aged 14-18 years, including 9 girls and 21 boys. Athletes were divided into 3 groups of 10 people each. Athletes of the 1st and 2nd main groups received L-carnitine (600 mg per day) and coenzyme Q 10 (60 mg/day), respectively, for 4 weeks in addition to the basic diet. The dosage of SSF used in the study was 200% of the adequate level of consumption and did not exceed the upper permissible level of consumption. Athletes of the 3rd group (control) received only basic diet without sports' nutrition. Examination of athletes of all groups was performed at the beginning and after 4 weeks of the observation period. Results and discussion . As a result of a comprehensive survey of junior athletes, the positive effect of L-carnitine intake on erythrocyte hemoglobin content (30.2±0.4 vs 28.3±0.3 pg at the beginning) was observed. The relative content of basophilic leukocytes in athletes of the main groups statistically significantly decreased by the end of the observation period: in the L-carnitine group, from 0.64±0.05 to 0.45±0.04%, in the coenzyme Q 10 group, from 0.66±0.07 to 0.50±0.04%, which indicated an increase in the body's resistance to allergic reactions. Conclusion . The biomarkers of the immunotropic effect of L-carnitine and coenzyme Q 10 are a decrease in the expression of the apoptotic marker CD95/Fas on peripheral blood lymphocytes and suppression of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesized by Th1-lymphocytes with switching the response to humoral immunity. An evidence base for the effectiveness of the use of L-carnitine and coenzyme Q 10 in sports nutrition for restoring immune dysfunction and adaptive potential of junior athletes has been provided., Competing Interests: The authors declare no overt and potential conflict of interest related to the publication of this article., (Copyright© GEOTAR-Media Publishing Group.)

Aim: Evaluate cytokine status in patients with malignant liver cells after surgery., Materials and Methods: 33 patients aged 35 to 76 years were included into the study. Blood was obtained before the operation and in the post-operation period: after 6 and 24 hours and at day 7 Cytokine profile (IL-Ib, IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-4, IL-5,IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-9, I-17a, IL-22) was evaluated using Multiplex- 13 system (Bender MedSystems, Austria)., Results: In patients levels of all the studied cytokines (Thl/Th2/Th9/Thl7/Th22) were already increased before the operations, that gives evidence of the presence of an inflammatory proc- ess connected with activation of immune system effectors., Conclusion: Disbalance of cytokine system helper cells resulting in functional and organic alterations through induction of the "cytokine storm" may aggravate the state of these patients. Further studies on the correction of cytokine system in these patients are thus needed.

Aim: Study the production of cytokines in mice during vaccination with polycomponent Immunovac-VP-4 vaccine containing TLR ligands with various administration methods., Materials and Methods: Immunovac-VP-4 was administered to mice by subcutaneous, intranasal or per oral methods. The preparation was administered nasally at a single dose of 500 microg in the volume of 30 microl. Per oral single dose was 2000 microg in the volume of 0.5 ml. 200 microg of the preparation was administered subcutaneously. Cytokines in blood sera were determined by EIA 8 hours after the administration of the vaccine., Results: In mice 8 hours afterthe single administration of Immunovac-VP-4 the levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL- 12, IL-5 increased significantly. However their concentration differed depending on the method of administration. The most active expression of cytokines was observed during subcutaneous administration. The indexes of cytokine expression were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than during non-parenteral administration methods., Conclusion: Mucosal application methods along with parenteral were established to be able to activate effector mechanisms of immune repose with its consequent polarization by Th1/Th2 pathways. These mechanisms lay the groundwork for development of antigen-specific immune responses against antigens/pathogens.

Aim: Study of the interferon system (IFN) and the production of major cytokines in patients with bronchial asthma of various course severity., Materials and Methods: 204 patients with atopic bronchial asthma (BA); 32 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 93 mostly healthy volunteers were examined. Blood cells of patients with BA of various course severity were studied by biological method in HEP cell culture for the ability to produce IFN. Levels of cytokines in the blood sera were determined by EIA method with the corresponding commercial test systems: IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-gamma according to user manual., Results: Disorders in the ability ofleukocytes to produce IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma were detected in patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Misbalance in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines depending on the level of disease severity was noted. The highest serum IFN-gamma was noticed in patients with mild persistence BA course, that is most probably determined by higher frequency of ARVI in this group of patients. Maximum level of IL-10 was detected in mild BA form and was nearly undetected in the severe course of the infection, which is characterized by higher content of IL-4 in blood sera., Conclusion: Increase of course severity of chronic (allergic) inflammation in bronchial tissue and higher frequency of ARVI among patients with persistent BA of medium and severe course is characterized by a lack of interferon link of the immune system and disorders of regulatory mechanisms, that is expressed by a change in the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 parameters and decrease of IL-10 content in blood sera.

Research performed at the Grodno Regional Clinical Center "Phthisiology" was aimed at studying the dynamics of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in serum of patients with widespread forms of pulmonary tuberculosis, treated by polychemotherapy with the use of cycloferon. Results of the clinical and laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of the basic course of treatment are presented. A total of 238 patients, including 32 patients with limited forms of the pulmonary tuberculosis and 206 patients had widespread forms of pulmonary tuberculosis, were randomized into the basic group (BG) and comparison group (CG), where 95 CG patients received only polychemotherapy and 111 BG patients received polychemotherapy with the use of cycloferon. Data on the initial levels of cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-4) in healthy persons and patients with various spread ofa tubercular inflammation in lungs are presented and compared. It is established that, in patients with widespread forms, initially low level of IFN-gamma and high concentration IL-4 (in comparison with the limited forms) shows a severe disbalance between Th1- and Th2-mediated immune response. The administration of cycloferon in the complex therapy of patients with widespread forms leads to an increase in the IFN-gamma concentration at initially low levels (below median level of this cytokine in healthy humans). Activation of the Th1-mediated immune response upon using cycloferon leads to an early elimination of clinical manifestations of the intoxication syndrome, positive roentgenological dynamics, conversion of sputum smear, and successful outcomes of treatment.

It was established in experiments on noninbred rats that their ethanol intoxication (13 days; total dose, 2.6 LD50) significantly reduces the concentration of blood cytokines IFNgamma, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, increases the concentration of IL-6, suppresses the immune responses, and reduces the interrelation IFNgamma/IL-4 in comparison to the control, which testifies to the greater damage of Th1 cells in comparison to Th2 lymphocytes. The immunomodulator polyoxidonium administered for four days at a daily dose of 700 microg/kg fully restores the cellular and humoral immune responses and the synthesis of cytokines IFNgamma, IL-2, and IL-4 and partly restores the production of IL-10.

We have studied the influence of water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from Tussilago farfara L. leaves, Betula verrucosa Ehrh. leaves, Calendula officinalis L. flowers, Acorus calamus rhizomes, Inula helenium L. rhizomes, overground part of Trifolium pretense L., and overground part ofArtemisia absinthium L., on Thl immune response induced by sheep red blood cells and on NO production by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. All the investigated polysaccharides have stimulated a Th1 response. Polysaccharides isolated from Betula verrucosa leaves did not influence NO synthesis, while polysaccharides of Tussilago farfara leaves and Acorus calamus rhizomes stimulated NO synthase of murine macrophages on a level comparable with that of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Polysaccharides from Inula helenium rhizomes, Calendula officinalis flowers, and overground parts of Trifolium pretense and Artemisia absinthium also stimulated NO production, but to a lower extent in comparison to LPS.

Experiments on Wistar rats showed that subacute poisoning by organophosphorus compounds dimethyldichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVF), malation, and dimethylparation (total dose, 1.0 LD50) suppresses both cell and humoral immune responses and significantly decreases the level of blood cytokines (IFNg, IL-4) and the IFNg/IL-4 ratio in comparison to the control, which is evidence for a greater lesion of Th1 cells in comparison to Th2 cells. The immunomodulator polyoxidonium administered for four days in a daily dose of 700 microg/kg under conditions of subacute intoxication with organophosphorus compounds restores the cell and humoral immune responses and the synthesis of cytokines.

Experiments on outbred albino rats showed that administration of acetylcholine and aceclidine in a dose of 0.1 LD50 for 3 days and of dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate (organophosphorus compound) in a single dose of 0.05 LD50 stimulated the function of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and cytokine production by these cells. Dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate in a single dose of 0.5 LD50 produced an opposite effect. Acetylcholine and aceclidine stimulated activity of acetylcholinesterase in T cells, while dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate in a single dose of 0.5 LD50 inhibited it. During acute intoxication, the organophosphorus compound, depending on the dose, can stimulate (acetylcholine effect) and inhibit the immune reactions (acetylcholinesterase inhibition of T cells).

Individual morphofunctional differences were studied in the reaction of target organs and the immune system of Wistar rats given large-dose lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A cluster analysis of the indices characterizing the reaction of target organs and the immune system to PLS administration was used to divide the Wistar rats into 2 groups: 1) those with high production of Th1 cytokines (interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma) and 2) those with their low production. In the high production group, hepatic dystrophic changes and a pulmonary inflammatory reaction were more pronounced, which were associated with the alterative changes in the immune organs. On day 7, the morphofunctional differences in the reaction of target organs and the immune system were less marked and mainly seen at the functional level.

In article is presented, the analysis of the data of the literature and own researches, concerning molecular-genetic mechanisms of antimycobacterial immunity infringements. The role of the factors defining features of a current and an outcome of a tubercular infection, namely of immunity system condition, feature of infecting microbic Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain biological properties (a genotype, a spectrum of drag sensitivity/resistance), influence of combined antitubercular chemotherapy is disc issed. The opinion is expressed that the given factors are necessary for taking into consideration for working out methodology the personalised preventive maintenance and correction of immunity infringements during pulmonary tuberculosis.

Experiments on outbred albino rats showed that subacute intoxication with organophosphorus compounds dimethyldichlorovinyl phosphate and malathion primarily decreased functional activity of Th1 lymphocytes, immune reactions associated with these cells, and interferon-g production compared to that of Th2 lymphocytes and interleukin-4 synthesis. Acrylic acid nitrile and methanol produced the opposite effect. Sulfur mustard and sodium arsenite were equally potent in reducing the function of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes and production of cytokines.

Experiments on Wistar rats showed that acute poisoning with methanol (0.75 LD50) leads to the suppression of cellular and humoral immune responses and decreases the blood concentration of interleukins (IL-2, IL-4) with an increase in the IL-2/IL-4 ratio. These facts indicate that a decrease in Th2 lymphocyte activity is more pronounced in comparison to that of Th1 cells. The immunomodulators mielopide and polyoxidon administered in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg for 4 days upon acute poisoning with methanol virtually completely restore the cellular and humoral immune responses, the activity of natural killers, and the synthesis of interleukins.

Aim: To study a cytokine profile of cytotoxic T-cells and T-helpers at diagnosis of acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia (AML and ALL) and at different stages of its treatment., Material and Methods: T-cell population of peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied in 19 AML patients at diagnosis, 13 AML patients in remission, 5 AML patients in developing recurrence and 5 ALL patients at diagnosis. The control group consisted of 10 healthy donors. A mononuclear fraction of peripheral blood cells was stained with monoclonal antibodies. Surface expression of CD3, CD4, CD8 antigens was estimated with the use of flow cytofluorimeter FACS Calibur. Part of the cells were cultured for production of activated lymphocytes. The cytokine profile of T-cells was investigated according to the modified method of Rostaing et al. in the population of CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD8- T-cells using the flow cytofluorimeter FACS Calibur. The results were processed with the programs CellQuest and WinMDI, Statistica Module Switcher., Results: The percentage of CD3+CD8+ cells producing interferon-gamma (IF-g) was the same in AML patients and donors. The percentage of CD3+CD8- cells (T-helpers) producing IF-g was similar in the patients at diagnosis and in complete remission being higher than in healthy donors. The number of CD3+CD8- cells producing IF-g was reduced in recurrence while the number of CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD8- cells producing interleukin-4 (IL-4) increased. In the onset of the disease, ALL patients had significantly increased percentage of CD3+CD8- IL-4 cells., Conclusion: The results obtained evidence for different polarization of T-cell immunity in AML and ALL patients at the time of diagnosis, remission and recurrence: in the onset of AML there was an increase in the production of Th1--proinflammatory cytokines, in ALL--in percent of Th-2 cytokines. In AML recurrence the balance of cytokines shifted in the direction of Th-2 response.

Individual and combined effects of chorionic gonadotropin (CG), estradiol, and progesterone on the production of IFNgamma and IL-4 by human peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied in vitro together with certain intracellular mechanisms underlying the hormonal effects. High CG dose (100 IU/ml) proved to significantly decrease IFNgamma level in the T cell culture supernatant, although this effect was not observed at the background of steroid hormones. In contrast, progesterone (100 ng/ml) increased IFNgamma production by activated T lymphocytes but proved inefficient in a physiological combination with CG and estradiol. IL-4 production was almost doubled by all studied hormones and their combinations, which considerably decreased the IFNgamma/IL-4 ratio in the culture. Inhibition analysis employing blockers of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (H-89) and L-type calcium channels (verapamil) as well as an antagonist of progesterone nuclear receptors (RU-486) demonstrated that the inhibitory (for IFNgamma) and stimulatory (for IL-4) effects of CG were mediated by cAMP, while the effects of steroid hormones on the production of these cytokines were realized through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms (the latter mechanisms were largely mediated by L-type calcium channel regulation). Overall, the studied reproductive hormones could efficiently regulate synthesis of the main Th1 (IFNgamma) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines by T lymphocytes and seem to play the key role in changing the pregnancy-specific pattern of secreted cytokines.