BIOELECTRICAL IMPENDANCE ANALYSIS OF BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE.

Evaluation of body composition is important in countries of different populations and morbidities. One of the groups of morbidity consists of patients with chronic heart failure, where the body fat mass as well as fat-free mass and several other parameters are likely to have an impact on severity and/or outcome of the disease and patient's quality of life. The purpose of the study was to analyze the parameters of body composition in patients with chronic heart failure. Study included 86 patients, fit for the purpose of the study, and 30 practically healthy individuals. Body mass and other measurement data (height, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio, anthropometric measurements) were evaluated. Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) was analyzed by BIA 450, BIODYNAMICS (USA) in accordance with standard procedures that are widely accepted. Fat free mass (FFM) was determined by the BIA method. This index was also calculated by prediction equation based on BIA and anthropometric parameters: FFM (kg) = 11.78 + (0.499 x H2/R) + (0.134 x Weight) + (3.449 x gender), where H stands for height in cm, R represents resistance in Ω, Weight is measured in kg and "gender" equals to 0 for females and 1 - for males (3). FFMI equals to the ratio of FFM (kg) to the square of the height; Ratio of FMI - FM (kg) to the square of the height. Study showed that in both patients' and control groups, underweight, as well as overweight individuals are present; also, in both groups, obesity, as BMI category, is most common. Groups (patients vs control) differed in Reactance and FFM (kg) (P<0.009). There was no statistically significant difference between male subgroups of patient and control groups; Valid differences in resistance, lean body mass and fat free mass (kg) were observed between female subgroups. Analysis of body composition characteristics in patients with chronic heart failure revealed that functional classes of heart failure differ in several BIA data, including resistance, Lean body mass (kg) and Fat Free Mass (%).

; ASPECTS OF NUTRITION IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a significant healthcare problem, and is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. The majority of patients have poor quality of life in spite of the modern evidence-based treatment. Malnutrition is more common in patients with HF, especially at the severe stage of HF, and is associated with the risk of complications and mortality. Consequently, evaluation of malnutrition in patients with HF, monitoring of patients in this regard, and identifying the right assessment tools are the basis for developing of an effective nutritional strategy that can have a significant impact on the treatment and management of such patients.; Our aim was to study the prevalence of different markers of malnutrition, their association with nutrient indices, and their correlation with CHF in Georgian population.; The total of 96 patients relevant to the research objective (43 female and 53 male with average age 69.85) were enrolled in the study. Nutritional screening was performed using the GNRI, which was calculated as follows: GNRI=14.89× serum albumin (g/dL) +41.7*body weight÷ideal body weight. Ideal body weight=22* square of height in meters and PNI was calculated as follows: PNI=10* serum albumin (g/dL) +0.005*total lymphocyte (count per mm3) and The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score was calculated by serum albumin score plus total cholesterol score and total lymphocyte score. Peripheral venous blood was tested for acute phase reactant (hsCRP, Interleukin-6, fibrinogen, acid glycoprotein) and for protein-energy malnutrition (prealbumin, albumin, lymphocytes, lipid profile and transferrin).; By examining the correlation between the CONUT, GNRI and PNI indices, a significant negative correlation was found between CONUT and PNI. We quantitatively compared results obtained using CONUT, GNRI and PNI scale risk groups, as the primary picture suggested it in our study group (ambulatory, quite compensated CHF). CONUT and PNI represent best option.; Prealbumin, lipid profile data, transferrin decreases with increasing risk for CONUT and PNI, with Interleukin-6 increasing on both calculators. Changes in other data are not correlated.

DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED IL-6 LEVELS IN AMBULATORY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE.

IL-6 promotes T cell activation and production in acute inflammatory conditions, initiates B cell differentiation, regulates liver production of acute phase reactants, and stimulates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system, which is important in acute inflammation. Nevertheless prolonged IL-6 exposition activates apoptosis. According to recent studies increased levels of IL-6 increase cardiovascular disease risks. The aim of the study was to explore IL-6 basic levels in chronic congestive heart failure patients, as in risk group in COVID-19, and various factors (demographic or clinical) in various groups of IL-6 basic levels. We used consecutive sampling approach to recruit 96 congestive heart failure patients and 34 persons without the condition as controls. Hematologic, biochemical and immunologic parameters were measured using conventional methods. We used descriptive statistics for demographic parameters. We compared mean values of hematologic and biochemical parameters in cases and controls using independent sample t test and explored differences within the congestive heart failure group (further separated in 3 groups according to IL-6 levels) using one way ANOVA test, with further post-hoc analysis. Levels of IL-6 are statistically significantly higher in CHF patients; groups differ in co-morbidity, also abdominal obesity is more prevalent in diseased group. Difference between groups is significant in a number of pro-inflammation, coagulation, hematology parameters. It is also important to note that the CHF group showed a number of differences in sub-groups according to IL-6 levels, risks of CHF and comorbidity deterioration risks therefore are suggested to be different.

NEW GENETIC MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO EXFOLIATION SYNDROME AMONG GEORGIAN POPULATION.

The aim of this study was to identify susceptibility variants of CACNA1A, POMP, TMEM136, AGPAT1, RBMS3, and SEMA6A genes for Exfoliation Syndrome (XFS) and Exfoliation Glaucoma (XFG) by a case-control association study approach among Georgian population. Self-reported Georgian subjects were recruited between 2015 and 2017 at a specialized ophthalmic center. Patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination to diagnose or exclude Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma. Patients underwent peripheral blood sampling. Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) was performed using Illumina OmniExpress Microarray (USA). One hundred and thirty-two XFS patients (including XFG-affected individuals) and 199 healthy subjects were included into the study. Six genes CACNA1A rs4926244, POMP rs7329408, TMEM136 rs11827818, AGPAT1 rs3130283, RBMS3 rs12490863 and SEMA6A rs10072088 variants were identified. The A alleles of SEMA6A and POMP genes are likely the risk factors of disease development in Georgians with p=0.001; OR= 1.8, 95% CI 1.2676 to 2.6973 and p=0.001; OR=1.6, 95% CI 0.9931 to 2.5634, respectively. SEMA6A homozygotes have 4 times greater risk compared to normal individuals, with p<0.004; OR=4.0, 95% CI 1.1531 to 13.9903. The G allele of CACNA1A in homozygous state increases the risk up to 3-fold with p<0.05, OR=3.15, 95% CI 0.9275 to 10.6658. The A alleles of SEMA6A and POMP increased XFG susceptibility more than 3 times (p=0.04; OR= 3.4; 95% CI: 1.2676 to 2.6973 and p=0.02; OR= 2.7; 95% CI: 0.9931 to 2.5634, respectively). Three high-risk genes have been identified in connection to XFS in Georgian population. Two genes are relevant to XFG. Three other previously described genes are not associated with the disease development.

ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND MALNUTRITION RISK IN HEALTHY ELDERLY GEORGIANS.

The aim of the research was: evaluation of nutritional status and malnutrition risks of Georgian healthy elderly, to use modern assessment methods according to our research goal, development and adaptation of adequate approach considering specificity of Georgian population. Our research is the first study of nutritional status in Georgian elderly. Study group ≥ 60 y (n=75): men (n=14), women (n=61); Subgroup <75 y (n=64): men (n=9), women (n=55); Subgroup 75+ y (n=11): men (n=5), women (n=6). We first time used the standard and alternative anthropometric measurements, SF-BIA and validated equations for FFM (Kyle et al.) and TBW (Vache et al.); clinical, laboratory and dietary (adapted questionnaire) assessment. Estimated energy requirement (EER) was calculated using validated equation, research group was divided into 4 subgroups based on the diet energy intake to EER ratio (over 100%, >75 and ≤100%, >50 and ≤ 75%, ≤ 50%.). The findings of our study have shown the number of research participants with malnutrition according to different indicators: BMI - 0; MUAC - 0; AMA - 4; FFMI - 1; Albumin - 12; TLC - 38. Independet samples T test and ANOVA, Multiple Comparisons, Bonferroni, Paired Samples T test were used to compare variables. The difference between four subgroups was not revealed, except for nutrients and energy consumption indicators. Although there is the undernutrition of protein and energy in certain groups of participants, neither malnutrition screening tool (MNA-SF score 12-14) nor BMI and FFMI as the highest trustworthy diagnostic criteria do not reflect real condition. Predictively significant malnutrition can be left unattended, overlooked and undiagnosed without of energy intake assessment in practically healthy elderly. Therefore, he comparison of recent energy intake and estimated energy requirement is the best criterion for defining malnutrition.

DEVELOPMENT AND ADAPTATION OF DIETARY ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR ELDERLY IN GEORGIA.

The maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life in elderly requires adequate understanding of nutrition needs of older people. The aim of our study was to search and analyze dietary assessment tools existing in modern medical literature intended to evaluate the nutritional status, in order to compile and develop adapted adequate questionnaires for elderly people of Georgian population. Our research is the first study of the elderly nutrition in Georgia. We have analyzed more than 150 questionnaires of 15 types and selected the standard methods for daily and usual eating assessment, also, Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). For final adaptation purpose of selected and compiled/developed questionnaires we have used the study group formed for the nutritional status assessment in Georgian healthy elderly (Study group ≥ 60 y (n=75) - men (n=14) and women (n=61); Subgroup <75 y (n=64) - men (n=9) and women (n=55); Subgroup 75+ y (n=11) - men (n=5) and women (n=6)). The compiled/developed questionnaire consists of 3 parts: 1. Historical Data - includes elements of Health/Medical, Social-Economic, Drug/Medication and Diet histories; 2. Multiple-Pass approach 24-hour Recall (5 steps, 4 nonconsecutive days); 3. Adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire - 42 item non-quantitative or semi-quantitative, open-ended, "face-to-face" interviewer-administered questionnaire. Compiled and developed adequate questionnaire for elderly people of Georgian population allows Georgian medical professionals to use of ready-made reliable/relevant dietary assessment tools in practice. Adaptation of the adequate approach considering specificity of Georgian population is the successful experience for farther studies, also, the best motivation for Georgian practitioners or researchers on proceed to develop these tools.

DIRECT MEASURED AND ALTERNATIVE ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES IN GEORGIAN HEALTHY ELDERLY POPULATION: RELIABILITY/VALIDITY OF ASSESMENT TOOLS.

The aim of the research was standard and alternative measurement of anthropometric indices in Georgian healthy elderly population for determining the reliability/validity of the widely used and recognized assessment tools. Our research is the first study of the anthropometry as the part of of nutritional status assessment in Georgian elderly. For anthropometric assessment we first time used 1. Standard measurements (weight, height, WC, HC, MAC /MUAC, TSF, BMI, WHR, AMA using standard methods and tools for measurable values and standard formulas for calculating values), and 2. Alternative measurements (demispan, demispan equivalent height and BMI (DEH, DE BMI), Mindex for women, Demiquet for men. using Bassey's equations). Our study group formed for the nutritional status assessment in Georgian healthy elderly (Study group ≥ 60 y (n=75): men (n=14); women (n=61). Subgroup <75 y (n=64): men (n=9); women (n=55); Subgroup 75+ y (n=11); men (n=5); women (n=6)). Based on BMI range, the data from 78.7% of participants' were above the norm, 21.3% - normal and 0 - below the norm. The findings of our study have shown that BMI is not height-dependent variable, moreover, BMI as mindex and demiquet is a mass/weight-dependent anthropometric characteristic. BMI, demiquet and mindex had nearly same correlation with other anthropometric parameters (especially for women). High correlation between direct measured/calculated BMI and DE BMI were confirmed by Pearson coefficient 0.979 (p<0.01). The Cohen's Unweighted Kappa index was 0.8518 (0.81 - 1.00 almost perfect or perfect agreement). According to the Paired Samples Test results, there were no difference between BMI and DE BMI. Statistically significant difference between the BMI and DE BMI was determined only for men (0.003 - difference is significant at p<0.05). However, there were only 14 men in our research group and the use of this method recommended in a larger group. Graphical Bland and Altman agreement analysis demonstrated the absence of the trends in differences between BMI and DE BMI. The findings of our research confirm that Demi-span is a reliable measure of stature in Georgian healthy elderly. Demiquet and Mindex are useful indices for our population and suitable for use in clinical practice and in the study of the Georgian elderly when the use of standard weight to height indices may be questionable. Considering to results of statistical analysis, strength of correlation and agreement between direct measured BMI and alternative BMI confirms that the Bassey's equation is valid for Georgian healthy elderly, Demispan equivalent height and BMI is reliable and, accordingly, useful in case of lack of standard calculations or to avoid errors of direct measurements. However, further studies with higher subject numbers are needed to confirm our findings. Additional studies covering other communities in Georgia with different socioeconomic and ethnic composition, also, with different diseases would be necessary to obtain a better anthropometric characterization of the Georgian elderly.

PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF PLASMA MYELOPEROXIDASE LEVEL'S AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS IN CHRONIC HEART FAILURE PATIENTS.

The aim of current study was to investigate the level of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in chronic heart failure patients with different severity and find the correlation with cardiac structural and functional markers and disease outcome. Initially eighty-six patients with different stages of CHF and ten healthy persons were included in our study. Excluded criteria were myocardial infarction or other concomitant acute diseases, renal failure (creatinine >250 µmol/L) in past 3 months. All patients underwent ECG, echocardiographic evaluation, anthropometric and other clinical examination, as well as plasma samples were collected for further analysis. MPO level (ng/ml) was measured by ELISA method, hs-CRP (mg/L) was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay and Leukocyte level (109/L) - by flow cytometry. Echocardiographic studies were performed using standard methods by parasternal and apical view. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 16.0. After 6 month follow up we investigate our research primary outcome (mortality). The data were collected by telephone follow up from patients or members of family. Collection of information had been became possible in 79% of total cases (68 patients), from which 10 patients died: 8 cases were cardiovascular mortality, 1 case - suicide and 1 case from cancer. We found that MPO levels in the patients with CHF (mean value 9.3±7) are different from control group (mean value 4.19±2). MPO correlates with HF severity. MPO significantly were elevated in mortality group p<0,007 , as the level of hs-CRP p˂ 0.001. Changes of RV (right ventricule) sizes from normal ranges also were associated to worse outcome ( p<0.005). Depending on our data certain level of MPO (˃7.1 ng/ml) in studied patients and increased RVDD have independent importance for identification of patients with worse outcome.

INFLUENCE OF NUTRITIONAL STATE ON OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE.

The aim of present study was to investigate the nutritional status of patients with cronic heart failure and find correlation with disease outcomes. Initially 86 patients with different stages of CHF and 10 healthy persons were included in our study. Exclusion criteria were myocardial infarction or other concomitant acute diseases, renal failure (creatinine >250 µmol/L) in past 3 months. All patients underwent ECG, echocardiographic evaluation, clinical examination, as well as plasma samples were collected for further analysis. MPO level (ng/ml) was measured by ELISA method, hs-CRP (mg/L) was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay. The serum albumin level (g/L) was used as an indicator of protein reserves. The serum total cholesterol level (mg/dL) was used as a parameter of caloric depletion. For both tests colorimetric method were used. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 16.0. After 6 month follow up we investigate CHF outcome (mortality). The data were collected by telephone follow up from patients or members of family. Collection of information had been became possible in 68 (79%) of cases. We found that MPO correlates with HF severity. 10 mortality cases were indentified, from which 8 patient died from cardiovasvular (CV) cause, all of them were males. In cardiovascular mortality group, the markers of inflammation (MPO, hs-CRP) were elevated significantly while markers of protein-energetical malnutrition were decreased (total protein, albumin, Total Colesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol). In our study malnutrition and inflammation are important predictors for assessment of disease prognoses in CHF patients. Additional management is necessary for these patients as well as further researches for elaboration of new treatment strategies.

LOXL1 GENE VARIANTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH EXFOLIATION SYNDROME IN GEORGIAN POPULATION.

The aim of this study was to identify susceptibility variants of LOXL1 gene for Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma by a case-control association study approach in Georgian population. Self-reported Georgian subjects were recruited between 2015 and 2017 at a specialized ophthalmic center. Patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination to diagnose or exclude Exfoliation Syndrome (XFS) and Exfoliation Glaucoma (XFG). Patients underwent peripheral blood sampling. Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) was performed using Illumina OmniExpress Microarray. One hundred and thirty-two XFS patients and 195 healthy subjects were included into the study. Four LOXL1 variants were identified: rs2165241, rs3825942 (G153A), rs4886776 (R141L) and rs8042039 (G153D). Allele A of rs2165241 and allele G of rs3825942 are likely the main risk factors of disease development in Georgians with p=0.0001; OR= 5.8; 95% CI: 1.9986-16.9372 and p=0.002; OR=4.6; 95% CI: 1.7531-12.3146, respectively, both present in 96% of affected patients. The above-mentioned alleles are also encountered in more than 80% of healthy individuals. Two other SNPs have been described for the first time in exfoliation patients, though they appear to have no effect on the disease development in Georgian population. Two high-risk alleles of LOXL1 gene have been identified in Georgian population. As these SNPs are also very prevalent in healthy subjects, further studies are needed to identify the genetic mechanisms of exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma.

IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN GEORGIAN POPULATION.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, representing 30% of all death. In Georgia 36% of all death caused by ischemic heart disease and 23% caused by stroke. There is a limited data on association between socioeconomic status (SES) and CVD risk in Georgia. Our study aims at assessing association between SES and CVD risk factors in a cohort of adult Georgians. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the region of Western Georgia between June 2007 - June 2008. 1196 individuals aged 40-70 years were enrolled in the study. To assess SES we collected information about education, income, ownership of a private transport, and employment. CVD risk was assessed by the WHO/ISH risk classification scale. In addition, anthropometric measurements were conducted in each study participant. Low education level (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57-5.17), obesity (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.16 -3.92) and abdominal obesity (aOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.26 -3.87) were statically significantly associated with more than 10% 10 year risk of a fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular event. Lower education level (not finished high school -aOR 2.21 95% CI 1.44 - 3.38, undergraduate - aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.12 - 2,05), income 120 USD or more (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54 -1.00), overweight (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07 - 2.63), obesity (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04 - 2.41), and abdominal obesity (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01 - 2.03) were found to be statistically significant predictors of CVD in our study population. We found that education level, income, body mass index and waist to hip ratio are CVD risk factors. Public health authorities, as well as clinicians should consider this finding in primary and secondary prevention and organize multidisciplinary teams to address those risk factors.

[Correction of psycho-emotional state by the biofeedback method in patients with metabolic syndrome].

Metabolic syndrome is one of the important clinical problems of medicine. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback method in correction of mental and emotional state in patients with metabolic syndrome. For this task was set to study the dynamics of indicators of mental and emotional stress by biofeedback based hardware-software complex "Amblyocor" in patients with metabolic syndrome. Course of heart rate variability biofeedback passed 10 patients with the metabolic syndrome. During biofeedback sessions conducted tests that assess psycho-emotional state by 5 characters. Data processing was performed using software package «Statistica 8.0¼ and showed a statistically significant decrease in indicators of mental and emotional stress, that demonstrates the effectiveness of biofeedback in the correction of mental and emotional stress in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Clinical and diagnostic features and treatment of giardiasis.

Giardia is the most common causes of protozoan diarrhea that lead to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Giardiasis can be cause of disturbance of host immune response. The treatment of Giardiasis is unsuccessful in some cases. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical features and the content of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) among adults and to evaluate efficiency of new plant preparation "Sausalin". The clinical studies were conducted in Karaganda Regional Infection Hospital (Kazakhstan). 250 patients with giardiasis were randomly assigned to receive sausalin at a dose 720 mg/day or ornidazole at 1500 mg/day. Clinical symptoms of giardisis and efficiency of treatment were evaluated. Protozoal clearance rate and clinical symptoms were assessed. Stool samples were collected from 40 patients and examined the content of sIgA. Our study found the prevalence of abdominal pain, dyspeptic syndrome and the symptoms of intoxication in patients with giardiasis. The increase the level of sIgA was detected, especially in females (88 mg/l). Sausalin was more effectiveness than ornidazole. After the treatment, the clearance rate of giardia (85.71% vs. 42.19%; P<0.05) and the clinical efficacy were significantly higher in the sausalin-treated group than in the ornidazole-treated group. The features of clinic manifestations of giardiasis were identified in population of Kazakhstan. Our data suggest the higher level of sIgA was significantly associated with features of clinic manifestations that the participant had. Treatment with sausalin was more effective than treatment with ornidazole. Further research is needed to explain the existence relationship between Giardia infection and host immune response.

[Activity of lysosomal hydrolases in various rabbit tissues in experimental atherosclerosis]. / Aktivnost' lizosomal'nykh gidrolaz v razlichnykh tkaniakh krolika pri éksperimental'nom ateroskleroze.

Activity of cathepsins D, B, C, H, L, acid lipase, acid cholesterol ester hydrolase, phospholipase A1, A2 and glucuronidase were studied in liver, small intestinal mucosa, intimal aortic cells, blood platelets and monocyte of rabbit after oral administration of cholesterol at daily dose of 300 mg/kg body weight within 100 days. Under this conditions distinct changes functional state of lysosomal systems were found in liver, monocyte and intima aortic cells. A possible mechanism of observed enzymological changes is discussed.

[Structure-activity status of the rat liver lysosomal apparatus upon the action of dithiocarbamate pesticides]. / Strukturno-funktsional'noe sostoianie lizosomnogo apparata pecheni krys pri deistvii pestitsidov ditiokarbamatnogo riada.

Total and non-sedimentable activity of cathepsins A, B, C and D in rat liver tissue as well as activity of these lysosomal proteinases in blood serum were studied during intragastric administration of tetramethyl thiuramdisulfide (TMTD), polymartsine and tsineb within 30 days at a dose of 1/20 LD50. The enzymatic activity alterations, which involved a decrease in total activity of lysosomal proteinases and an increase of the activity in non-sedimentable fraction and blood serum, were distinctly decreased in series: TMTD--polymartsine--tsineb. The data obtained suggest that structure-functional state of lysosomes was considerably altered in response to the effect of dithiocarbamate-containing pesticides.

[The content of cyclic nucleotides in an organ culture of normal and atherosclerosis-affected human aorta]. / Soderzhanie tsiklicheskikh nukleotidov v organnoi kul'ture normal'noi i porazhennoi aterosklerozom aorty cheloveka.

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP content was measured in intima media of unaffected and atherosclerotic areas of human aorta in a short-term organ culture. It was demonstrated that during short-term cultivation the content of both cyclic nucleotides in tissues is constant. The cyclic AMP content in fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques is significantly (2 to 7-fold) lower than in unaffected intima. The cyclic GMP level in atherosclerotic lesions is 1.5 to 3-fold higher than in normal. The content of both cyclic nucleotides in the media underlying fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaques is the same as in the normal tissue. The obtained data indicate serious disorders in the system of cyclic nucleotides during atherosclerosis.

[Effect of silimarine on activity of lysosomal proteinases in the liver and kidneys during tetramethylthiuram disulfide administration]. / Vliianie silimarina na aktivnost' lizosomal'nykh proteinaz pecheni i pochek pri vvedenii tetrametiltiuramdisul'fida.

Total and nonsedimented activities of lysosomal proteinases were studied in rat liver and kidney tissues after administration of silimarine simultaneously with tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD). Silimarine did not affect the pattern of alterations in total activity of lysosomal proteinases, caused by the TMTD treatment, but the nonsedimented activity of the enzymes studied was normalized. Silimarine appears to exhibit the membrane-stabilizing effect.

[Effect of glucagon on lysosomal proteinase activity after administration of tetramethylthiuram disulfide]. / Vliianie gliukagona na aktivnost' lizosomal'nykh proteinaz pri vvedenii tetrametiltiuramdisul'fida.

A pesticide tetramethylthiuram disulfide, administered per os at doses of 1/10 and 1/5 LD50 within 5 days, inhibited the activity of proteolytic system in liver and kidney lysosomes as well as impaired the lysosomal membrane structure in these tissues. Glucagon, injected simultaneously with the pesticide, prevented its inhibitory effect on lysosomal proteinases but did not affect the enzymatic activity in unsedimented fraction and in blood serum.