Bulletin of RSMU

ISSN Print 2500–1094 ISSN Online 2542–1204

Bulletin of RSMU

BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL OF PIROGOV UNIVERSITY (MOSCOW, RUSSIA)

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Fokin VF, Abaimov DA, Ponomareva NV, Medvedev RB, Konovalov RN, Lagoda OV, Krotenkova MV, Shabalina AA, Tanashyan MM

The study of the role of catecholamines (CAs) in cerebral organization of functions in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is relevant, since their important role as neurotransmitters is well known, along with the association with stress severity and cortisol. The study aimed to assess the impact of stable combinations of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NA), and adrenaline (ADR) on the organization of cerebral functions. A total of 76 patients with CCI were assessed based on the fMRI data (n = 21) converted into a network structure using the SPM-12 and CONN-18 software tools. Significance level estimation involved adjustment for multiple comparisons. Stable combinations of CAs reflecting mutual positive correlation of DA, NA and BP significantly affected cerebral organization of patients with CCI. CA combinations were associated with salivary cortisol (F = 4.8; p = 0.038) and memory (F = 7.5; p = 0.011) indices: the CA level increase was associated with increased cortisol levels and worse memory indices. Based on fMRI data the differences were revealed in connectivity organization of CCI patients with high and low levels of all three CAs. Patients with the CA content below median are characterized by the presence of closed neural networks extending to both brain hemispheres, which contributes to information integration and retention. It is assumed that such networks may be associated with the long-term potentiation mechanisms playing an important role in memory processes and changes in the synaptic connection strength. Thus, the use of non-invasive biochemistry testing methods and fMRI has made it possible to obtain new data on the ring organization of brain neural networks associated with stable CA combinations. Such neural network organization is likely to affect cognitive functions. High catecholamine levels in CCI patients are associated with increased cortisol levels, memory deterioration, and decreased connectivity in neural network of the brain.

Received: 2025-07-29

Published online: 2025-08-21

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.038

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VIEWS 424

Gavrilov PS, Kutukova SI, Polezhaev DA, Pischik VG, Manikhas GM

Non-AIDS-defining cancers represent one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV in developed economies due to successful antiretroviral therapy. Malignant neoplasms (MNs) of the lung occupy leading positions in prevalence and mortality, affecting younger people compared to the general population. Despite the fact that the role of HIV in the direct mechanism underlying the lung cancer carcinogenesis has not been proven, the immunodeficiency-mediated effect, including that on the anti-tumor immunity, contributes to the earlier neoplastic process development and to the features of the disease course and anti-tumor treatment. HIV often becomes an exclusion criterion for multiple oncology clinical trials, and this group of patients is overlooked. The study aimed to assess the impact of the CD4/CD8 ratio as one of the key markers of the state of cell-mediated immunity on the lung cancer course prognosis during anti-tumor treatment. The data of 17 HIV patients with MNs of the lung and 31 non-HIV patients of the control group, who underwent treatment in 2018–2023, were analyzed. The analysis determined the threshold CD4/CD8 ratio value (≤ 0.57) and the fact of its decrease by more than 0.01, which reflected a significant overall survival worsening (p < 0.05) during lung cancer treatment. Furthermore, comparative analysis of patients of the index and control groups revealed no significant differences in progression-free survival and the number of therapy lines, which suggests comparable treatment outcomes in patients with lung cancer against the background of existing HIV (p > 0.05).

Received: 2025-07-20

Published online: 2025-08-16

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.037

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VIEWS 373

Ivanova AV, Lazareva PA, Kuzmichev IA, Vadekhina VV, Kosykh AV, Gurskaya NG, Abakumov MA

Due to the limited availability of advanced methods to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, small molecules and short peptides capable of specifically biniding β-amyloid are of special interest. The study aimed to perform comparative assessment of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of two model peptides, HAEE (His-Ala-Glu-Glu) and HASS (His-Ala-Ser-Ser), as potential platforms for the development of diagnostic kits, as well as to determine the relationship between the peptide structure and organotropism. The study involving BALB/c mice (n = 10) was conducted using the fluorescence labeled compounds. We used in vivo IVIS imaging, ex vivo fluorescence microscopy, and pharmacokinetic analysis. The results showed fundamental differences: the negatively charged HAEE was accumulated mainly in the kidney (T½β = 4.39 h) due to tubular reabsorption, while neutral HASS was soon captured by the liver (T½β = 2.76 h). The data obtained demonstrate the key role of amino acid composition in determining organotropism and open prospects for the development of organ-specific peptide systems.

Received: 2025-07-10

Published online: 2025-07-31

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.036

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VIEWS 699

Osikov MV, Shelomentsev AV, Boyko MS, Shishkova YuS, Fedosov AA

With limited efficacy and safety of the methods to treat ischemic stroke (IS), melatonin (МТ) can be considered a promising neuroprotective agent having a pleiotropic mechanism of action. The study aimed to assess the effect of MT contained in original rectal suppositories on the neurological status and microcirculation in the injury focus in experimental acute cerebral ischemia (EACI) in vivo. A total of 30 sexually mature rats were divided into three groups, 10 animals per group: shamoperated (SO) animals; animals with EACI; animals with EACI receiving original rectal suppositories weighing 100 mg with 2.5 mg of melatonin (МТ) throughout 7 days. On days 3 and 7, neurological status was assessed using the Garcia JH score, Placing test, Bederson test; microcirculation rate (MR) was assessed in the brain injury focus by laser flowmetry. A significant decrease in the Garcia JH scores by 58.3% (p = 0.001), Placing Test scores by 57.9% (p = 0.002), along with the significant increase in the Bederson Test scores in animals with EACI compared to SO animals was reported on day 3; the significant decrease in the Garcia JH scores by 75% (p < 0.001), Placing Test scores by 78.9% (p < 0.001) and the significant increase in the Bederson Test scores were reported on day 7. MR decreased by 30% on day 3 (p = 0.02), by 38% on day 7 (p = 0.005). The use of the MT-based rectal suppositories resulted in the neurological deficit restoration in the form of the significant increase in the Gаrcia JH scores by 53.3% (p = 0.008), Placing Test scores by 50% (p = 0.016) and the significant decrease in the Bederson Test scores by 50% (p = 0.029) on day 3; on day 7, the significant increase in the Garcia JH scores by 233% (p < 0.0001), Placing Test scores by 325% (p < 0.0001) and the significant decrease in the Bederson Test scores by 100% (p < 0.0001) were reported. MR increased by 12.5% on day 3 (p = 0.016), by 43.9% on day 7 (p = 0.005). The correlation analysis revealed the association between the neurological status and MR values: the neurological deficit improvement in animals with EACI in the context of receiving the MT-based rectal suppositories was associated with the MR increase in the ischemic focus in the brain. Thus, partial neurological status restoration in the context of using the MT-based rectal suppositories for EACI resulted from the MT vasoactive properties, which was reflected in the MR increase in the ischemic focus in the brain.

Received: 2025-06-24

Published online: 2025-07-26

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.035

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VIEWS 474

Bacteria found in the operating room can lead to surgical site and hospital-acquired infections. This study was conducted in Imam Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah to investigate the contamination levels in the operating rooms. The main goal of the research was to identify the bacteria responsible for contamination and the factors contributing to it. The study also aimed to map these microorganisms' distribution across different operating room areas and their antibiotic resistance pattern using microbiological standards. We gathered 1358 samples for analysis from surfaces and objects in the operating room. The results showed that 3.1% tested positive for bacteria, and 96.9% were negative cultures. Six types of pathogenic bacteria have been identified; Coagulase-negative staphylococci 14.3%, Staphylococcus aureus 11.9%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 19.1%, E. coli 21.4%, Bacillus spp. 11.9%, and Enterobacter spp. 21.4%. We observed moderate to high resistance pattern to amoxicillin and ampicillin, Cefaclor, Cefuroxime, Cefadroxil, Erythromycin. The highest resistance pattern was detected in P. aeruginosa isolates followed by E. coli, it showed different resistance patterns to 14 antibiotics showing susceptibility to Amikacin only. Conclusion: the study at Imam Hussein Hospital found a generally low but notable level of bacterial contamination in orthopedic operating theaters, with specific pathogens posing risks to patients. These findings align with global data, underscoring common challenges in maintaining sterile surgical environments. Identifying contamination hotspots and patterns over time highlights the need for targeted interventions and continuous monitoring.

Received: 2025-06-01

Published online: 2025-07-15

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.034

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VIEWS 512

Ivanova EV, Naumenko VA, Garanina AS, Abakumov MA

The development of effective relief for cancer is one of the most urgent tasks of biomedicine. Despite the success of anti-tumor nanotherapeutics, low targeted delivery effectiveness remains a major limiting factor for widespread introduction of those into clinical practice. Tumor microenvironment is a complex, multicomponent system, the dynamic interaction of which with nanoparticles requires adequate analysis methods. Intravital microscopy presents a unique opportunity for in vivo assessment of drugs and body’s cells in the real-time mode. The review describes the possibilities and prospects of using intravital microscopy to study the nanotherapeutic biodistribution and delivery to tumor cells in preclinical animal models.

Received: 2025-06-17

Published online: 2025-06-30

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.033

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VIEWS 607

Butunts MA, Dyuzhina KA, Nifatova ES, Muradyan TG

Bone marrow transplant is the leading method to treat hematologic malignancies, immunodeficiency, and hereditary metabolic disorders. The Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry effectiveness depends directly on public awareness of bone marrow donation and infrastructure development. A comprehensive approach to public awareness is necessary to increase the system effectiveness. The study aimed to investigate factors that influence joining the Federal Bone Marrow Donor Registry, with a focus on motivation, sources of information, impact of infrastructure, environment, and common myths. The respondents (potential donors registered in the Federal Registry; n = 3100) filled an online questionnaire of 24 questions aimed at studying and assessing the socio-demographic characteristics, motivation, sources of information, influence of the environment, awareness of bone marrow donation, and readiness to donate. It was found that young adults aged 18–36 (n = 1860) more often join the Federal Registry through informal channels, such as work/school events (n = 843; 27.2%), while respondents over the age of 37 (n = 1240) prefer healthcare institutions (n = 1590; 51.3%). Women make up the majority of potential donors (n = 2304; 74.3%), especially in Moscow (n = 1650; 74.5%), while higher prevalence of myths is reported for the regions (n = 1646; 53.1%). The findings emphasize the need for the differentiated approach to information policy, which will make it possible to increase the donor movement effectiveness nationwide. A key factor in scaling this work is partnership with commercial laboratories, which significantly expands the Federal Registry recruitment network and provides convenient conditions for donors to join.

Received: 2025-05-26

Published online: 2025-06-26

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.032

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VIEWS 683

Shishelova AYu, Guseva OYu, Kopetskiy IS, Ansari V

The chewing experience acquired during ontogeny may lead to developing functional asymmetry of the masticatory apparatus, adversely affecting the maxillofacial region functions. The study aimed to assess asymmetry of the masticatory muscle activity in healthy individuals showing no dentofacial system dysfunction. In 17 volunteers (6 males, 11 females aged 18–23 years), motor functional asymmetry of the brain was assessed using standard motor tests, and surface electromyogram (EMG) of the masseter (MM) and temporalis muscle (TMs) was recorded on the right and left sides: in the resting state, with the maximum voluntary bite force, during deliberate unilateral mastication (alternately on the left and right sides), and bilateral voluntary chewing. Three groups with various asymmetry manifestations were distinguished and characterized based on the asymmetry indices of standard EMG parameters (integrated EMG (AIint), average amplitude (AIav), and chewing bursts duration (AId)) of the right and left muscles: 1) showing stable unilateral asymmetry of the MM and TM activity; 2) showing the “dynamic asymmetry” that was different for the MMs and TMs; 3) showing the “adaptive control”, when the muscle activity asymmetry was manifested adequately to the chewing test, and AIint of the MMs and TMs reached 40 ± 18% and 97 ± 20% during chewing on the left side, 242 ± 39% and 127 ± 32% during chewing on the right side, 115 ± 12% and 115 ± 24% during bilateral chewing. The major significant between-group differences in AIint, AIav, and AId were reported for the MMs (the impact of the “group” factor on these indices was as follows: F = 11.0, p < 0.01; F = 5.72 and F = 3.73, p < 0.05; repeated measures ANOVA). Thus, in young adulthood, some people develop functional asymmetry of the masticatory muscles in the form of excessive predominance of electrical activity on one side of the face with changes in both amplitude and duration of the “chewing” EMG bursts.

Received: 2025-05-19

Published online: 2025-06-19

DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2025.031

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VIEWS 549