EFFECT OF SCORPION VENOM TOXINS ON STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF INTERNAL ORGANS, INCLUDING KIDNEYS (REVIEW).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To establish patterns of structural and functional changes in internal organs, including kidneys, under the conditions of exposure to scorpion venom toxins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A thorough literature analysis was conducted on the basis of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. When processing the search results, we chose the newest publications up to 5 years old or the most thorough publications that vividly described the essence of our topic. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The venom of various species of scorpions exhibits a wide range of biological activity. Acting on the structures of the central and peripheral nervous system, the toxins of scorpion venom cause the development of paralysis, convulsions, brain inflammation, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. Under conditions of influence on the cardiovascular system, damage to the endothelial lining of the vascular wall, disturbances in heart rhythm, conduction, and the development of destructive changes in the myocardium are characteristic. Data on kidney damage due to scorpion bites require a more detailed study, as information on microscopic and submicroscopic changes in the structure of the organ is too limited. However, cases of the development of tubular necrosis, interstitial nephritis, and kidney infarction are currently known.

PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN THE HEART OF RATS WITH HYPERHOMOCYSTEINEMIA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To investigate the distribution of proteolytic activity and cytokine profile in the heart of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A total of 60 albino non-linear male rats was used in the study. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced by intragastric administration of DL-homocysteine thiolactone. Total proteolytic activity was measured using casein as a substrate. To determine the activity of metal-dependent and serine proteases, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride were used. The level of matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, and cytokines was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Results: It was found an increase in the total proteolytic activity in the heart of young, adult, and old animals. In addition, the redistribution of proteolytic activity was revealed - the portion of metal-dependent enzymes increased in all groups while the percentage of serine proteases decreased in the old animals with hyperhomocysteinemia. The state of mild inflammation, evidenced by the increased level of some pro-inflammatory cytokines, was found in the heart of young and old animals with hyperhomocysteinemia. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The pathogenesis of hyperhomocysteinemia is accompanied by a change in the proteolytic activity in the heart as well as a change in the cytokine profile.

The Role of Hyperhomocysteinemia in the Development of Changes in the Lungs.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, attention of the scientific community has been drawn to the study of the role of homocysteine in the pathology of diseases in general and the respiratory system in particular. Violations of the synthesis and disposal of homocysteine are the cause of its excessive accumulation in the body, which subsequently leads to damage to all organs and systems. METHODS: We conducted this study on 64 white non-linear rats of 6-8 and 24-26 months old rats, which were divided into two control and experimental groups during the experiment. The study of ultrastructural changes in the lungs of rats was performed using an electron microscope. RESULTS: The results of the conducted study show that all the animals of the experimental group, corresponding to 32 (50%) cases, possess conspicuous morphological changes in the structure of the lungs. The specific features of mature animals were the narrowing of the alveolar space of the part of the alveoli and the increase in the number of macrophages in them. Partial desquamation of capillary endothelial lining and a slight increase of collagen fibers in interalveolar membranes were observed compared to control animals. A characteristic feature for older animals was the growth of connective tissue, predominantly collagen fibers, which led to pneumosclerosis. The thickening of the aerogemic barrier was also detected, and the endothelial lining was intermittent or desquamated. CONCLUSION: Mature animals of the experimental group were characterized by activation of inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, due to increased production of macrophages and, as a consequence, the launch of the humorous link of immunity, while in old rats were determined by fibrosis, disorders of the trophic and gas metabolism, as well as damage to the endothelium part of lungs.