In vitro Immunostimulant Activity of the Polyphenolic Extract from the Arctic Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus.

Polyphenols (PP) found in brown algae are known for their wide range of biological activities including noteworthy antitumor properties. This article presents a method for obtaining an active polyphenolic extract from the Arctic alga Fucus vesiculosus with 98% purity and radical scavenging activity equivalent to 862 mg of ascorbic acid per gram of extract. Immunostimulant effects of polyphenols were assessed in vitro using venous blood from two groups of people: healthy people (HP) and people with chronic undifferentiated lymphocytic leukemia (LP). Polyphenols activated the surface properties of immunocompetent cells. Specifically, polyphenols dose-dependently increased the percentage of cells' spreading and adhesion by 2-3 times. Additionally, polyphenols increased the number of activated lymphocytes in the LP blood to levels characteristic of HP. Given their natural origin, high activity, non-toxicity, and straightforward production process, these studied polyphenols exhibit immense potential for use as new pharmaceuticals or as active components with immunostimulatory effects.

Distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North.

OBJECTIVE: The level of immunological reactivity of the indigenous inhabitants of the Far North may depend on the extreme-discomfort factors of the climatic environment and genetic traits of the population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the distinctive elements of the immune status of the Kola Saami and Russians living in the Far North (Murmansk Region). METHODS: A complex immunological study of peripheral venous blood composition was performed and involved 67 Saami and 81 Russian inhabitants of the Far North (Murmansk Region) who were aged 21-55. Blood was collected from the cubital vein on an empty stomach in the morning. For the peripheral venous blood, we obtained a hemogram and phagocytic activity of neutrophils, determined the content of lymphocytes with CD4, CD8, CD16, and CD71 phenotypes by indirect immunoperoxidase reaction and flow cytometry using an Epics XL apparatus (Beckman Coulter, United States), obtained concentrations of IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-10, IgA, M, G, E, sCD54, and sCD62L, transferrin, and sCD71 by enzyme immunoassay using the "Evolis" enzyme immunoassay analyzer from Bio-RAD (Germany), and obtained circulating immune complexes by precipitation using 3.5%, 4.0%, and 7.5% PEG-6000. The sIgA content was determined in morning saliva, urine, and gastrointestinal tract secretions. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-criterion, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A decrease in the total number of leukocyte cells in the Saami was associated with a high incidence of leukopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia. Deficiency in active phagocytes and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations was revealed as well as increased contents of CD4+ and CD8+ receptor lymphocytes, membrane and free adhesion molecules, and transferrin. Leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia with increased contents of natural killer cells, IL-6, and IL-10 were recorded more frequently in the Russians. High levels of IgE and IFN-γ, which have the most pronounced cytotoxicity and are indicative of strained immune mechanisms, were characteristic of the Saami and Russians. CONCLUSION: The distinctive aspects of the immune status of the Kola Saami is related to the deficit in the active phagocyte and serum IgA and sIgA concentrations as well as the increase in the contents of cytotoxic lymphocytes, intercellular adhesion molecules, transferrin, and IFN-γ proinflammatory cytokines. The Russian inhabitants of the Far North are characterized by an adaptive response manifested by an increase in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, involving IL-6 and IL-10.

Hematological reactions in the inhabitants of the Arctic on a polar night and a polar day.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the features of hematological reactions in the inhabitants of the Arctic territory of the Kola Peninsula on a polar night and a polar day. METHODS: The study included determining the hemogram, neutrograms, monocytograms, lymphocytograms, and phagocytic activity neutrophil granulocytes, enzyme immunoassay, flow cytometry. RESULTS: It was established that during the polar night, there is an increase in the activity of migration of leukocytes from the marginal pool to the circulating pool, an increase in the intensity of phagocytosis by neutrophils, an increase in the concentrations of noradrenaline, cortisol, as well as an increase in hyperergic reactions involving immunoglobulin E and inhibitory processes due to an increase in interleukin-10. CONCLUSION: A prolonged lack of sunlight causes a decrease in the reserve capacity for regulating homeostasis and forces the body to use proliferative reactions, which is reflected in the increase in stab neutrophils, large lymphocytes in the structure of the lymphocytogram and CD10+ lymphocytes. In winters, the frequency of neutropenia registration also increases to 13% of cases, the deficit of phagocytic activity of neutrophils; lymphopenia is recorded in 20% with T-helper deficiency (37%). A part of the population probably has a relatively high degree of vulnerability to the action of natural environmental factors and is not able to completely restore the initial levels of the effectiveness of adaptation reactions in the summer. So at the end of the polar day in 8% of adults born in the north, neutropenia is recorded and in 21%-lymphopenia.

Cellular reactions in capillary and venous blood in northerners to a short-term period in a climatic chamber.

PURPOSE: The purpose is a comparative study of the cellular reactions in capillary and venous blood in northerners under general hypothermia in a climatic chamber during different photoperiods. The authors examined 108 relatively healthy people (80 women and 28 men aged 21- to 50-years old). METHODS: The study included determining the hemogram, neutrograms, monocytograms, lymphocytograms, and phagocytic activity neutrophil granulocytes, enzyme immunoassay, flow cytometry, indirect immunoperoxidase, bioluminescence, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and body temperature in the ear canal and on the skin of the rear left side of the right hand of volunteers before the effect of general cooling in the room at an air temperature and after 5 minutes of exposure to cold air. RESULTS: It was established that total neutrophil count in venous blood was lower by 8.07% ± 0.41%, monocyte count by 51.32% ± 1.03%, and basophil count by 50.21% ± 1.24% than in capillary blood, but the lymphocyte count was higher by 25.23% ± 0.41% due to smaller forms that are known to be recirculating. After a 5-minute period in a climatic chamber at -25°C in 27.53% of individuals during a polar night and in 16.51% volunteers during a polar day had elevated levels of neutrophils in the venous blood due to the increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in blood and decrease in noradrenaline, adrenaline, and irisin. CONCLUSION: The systematic effect of general cooling, especially during the polar night, leads to a reduction in reserve adaptability with the formation of neutropenia, deficiency of phagocytic defense, and functional insufficiency of T-lymphocytes.

Lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in practical healthy people born and living in the North.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms of the formation of lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in healthy people, who are living and working in the Arctic region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 practically healthy people living and working in the Arctic region were examined. An analysis of the results was carried out, depending on the concentration of lymphocytes in the peripheral venous blood: group 1-with lymphopenia, the content of lymphocytes below 1.5 × 109 cl/L (21 people); group 2-with a normal lymphocyte content from 1.5 to 3.5 × 109 cl/L (47 people); and group 3-with lymphocytosis, lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of more than 3.5 × 109 cl/L (20 people). RESULTS: It has been established that the main mechanism for the formation of lymphopenia in a person living in the Arctic is the activation of the migration of functionally active lymphocytes in the tissue. The decrease in the number of circulating lymphocytes is a consequence of their redistribution from the circulating pool to the marginal one and an increase in the activity of adhesive molecules, in particular, the selectin ligand. It was revealed that an increase in the content of lymphocytes in the blood occurs upon the activation of the intracellular energy-intensive mechanisms of lymphoproliferation with an increase in the consumption of intracellular ATP and the participation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1. It was shown that the restoration of the circulating pool of mature neutrophils is ensured by the principle of reverse regulation in response to neutropenia by stimulating granulocyte-colony stimulating factor granulopoiesis. CONCLUSIONS: The main mechanism for the formation of lymphopenia and lymphocytosis in healthy people was established.

Obesity and obesity-associated cardiometabolic risk factors in indigenous Nenets women from the rural Nenets Autonomous Area and Russian women from Arkhangelsk city.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and obesity-related conditions varies by population groups. Indigenous women of the circumpolar north are believed to be at high risk of obesity. OBJECTIVE: We studied, first the obesity prevalence in indigenous Arctic women, Nenets, compared to urban Russian women. Second, the association between obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors in the combined group of Nenets and Russian women. Third, ethnic differences in the association between obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study performed in 2008-2009. SUBJECTS: 93 Nenets women, aged 19-77 (the indigenous village, the Nenets Autonomous Area) and 132 Russian women, aged 21-72 (Arkhangelsk city). Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI)≥30 kg/m(2), waist circumference (WC)≥88 cm and or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)≥0.85%. We assessed associations between obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors by linear and logistic regression models that included covariates of ethnicity, age, smoking and physical activity. We also tested for interaction between obesity measurements and ethnicity. RESULTS: Prevalence of obesity estimated through BMI, WC and WHR were 42.5, 45.3 and 41.9% in Nenets and 34.4, 46.4 and 29.5% in Russians, respectively, with no differences found. BMI, WC and WHR associated positively with triglycerides, fasting insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance index. In addition, BMI and WC correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and positively with systolic blood pressure and apolipoprotein B/apoliporotein A-I ratio. WC explained significant variation in fasting glucose (FG) level. BMI predicted type 2 diabetes history. FG level associated strongly with ethnicity and was found to be higher in Russians. CONCLUSIONS: We found no differences in prevalence of obesity between Nenets and Russian females. Obesity was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors independently of ethnicity in the sample studied. There was no link between obesity measurements and ethnicity.

Serum apolipoproteins in relation to intakes of fish in population of Arkhangelsk County.

BACKGROUND: Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat were found beneficially associated with blood lipids and cardio-vascular health. Lean reindeer meet and local cold water white-fish species high in omega-3 are among the main sources of nutrients in the rural area of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) in Russia and are not normally consumed by the urban population from the same region. The aims of the study were firstly, to compare serum lipid profiles of residents of urban (Arkhangelsk city) and rural (NAO) regions of Arkhangelsk County, and secondly, to investigate the effects of fish consumption on the predictor of cardiovascular events apolipoprotein (Apo) B/ApoA-I ratio in these populations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in Arkhangelsk County, Russia. Sample size of 249 adults: 132 subjects from Arkhangelsk city, aged 21-70 and 117 subject (87% Ethnic Nenets) from NAO, aged 18-69. RESULTS: We observed more favorable lipid levels in NAO compared to Arkhangelsk participants. Age-adjusted geometric means of ApoB/ApoA-I ratio were 1.02 and 0.98 in men and women from Arkhangelsk; 0.84 and 0.91 in men and women from NAO respectively. Age and consumption of animal fat were positively associated with ApoB/ApoA-I ratio in women (pooled samples from Arkhangelsk and NAO). Body mass index and low levels of physical activity were positively associated with ApoB/ApoA-I ratio in men (pooled samples from Arkhangelsk and NAO). Reported oily fish consumption was not significantly correlated with ApoB/ApoA-I ratio. CONCLUSION: The population sample from rural NAO, consisting largely of the indigenous Arctic population Nenets with healthier dietary sources, had a relatively less atherogenic lipid profile compared to the urban Arkhangelsk group. Fish consumption had no effect on apolipoproteins profile.

Fish consumption and socio-economic factors among residents of Arkhangelsk city and the rural Nenets autonomous area.

OBJECTIVES: The urban Russian and the rural Indigenous populations in the Russian European North have different lifestyles, living conditions and food supplies. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare fish consumption in relation to the socio-economic characteristics of 2 communities in Arkhangelsk County. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: In total, 166 adults (83.1% women) from Arkhangelsk city and 134 adults (80.6% women) from the village of Nelmin-Nos (of which 88.9% are Indigenous people, Nenets), in the Nenets Autonomous Area (NAO), attended a health screening. The screening included a physical examination, blood sampling and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The populations studied had different socio-economic characteristics. In the rural NAO group, education levels were lower, the number of full-time employees was less, the percentage of persons with low monthly income was higher and the number of children per household was higher when compared to the Arkhangelsk group. The median total fish intake was 48.8 g/day for Arkhangelsk city and 27.1 g/day for Nelmin-Nos (p=0.009). Locally caught whitefish constituted a major part of the total fish consumption in Nelmin-Nos, while lean marine fish species were rarely eaten. Cod and cod-family fish species were often consumed by residents of Arkhangelsk city (p < 0.001). Fish consumption was positively related to monthly income. The frequency of fishing in the respondents from the Nelmin-Nos group predicted their fish consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Monthly income had a significant influence on fish intake in both study populations from Northern Russia. Fishing seems to be an important factor for predicting fish consumption in the residents of the rural NAO.

A unique seroepidemiological pattern of HBV, HCV and HTLV-I in Nenets and Komi in northwestern Russia.

An epidemiological study of hepatitis viruses type B (HBV) and type C (HCV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was carried out among 105 residents (male:female=19:86) regarded as Nenets partly mixed with Komi, in the region of Krasnoe, the Nenets Autonomous District of the Arkhangelsk Region, in northwestern Russia in 2004. Blood was drawn from apparently healthy volunteers at ages of 41.6+/-16.5 (range 14-85) years. HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAb and HCV Ab were measured by microparticle enzyme-immunoassay, and HTLV-I Ab was measured by particle agglutination. Prevalences of HBsAg(+), HBsAb(+), HBcAb(+) and HBeAb(+) were 0.0%, 29.5.%, 20.0% and 7.6%, respectively. The overall HBV infection rate (positive HBsAb or HBcAb) was 34.3%, while no positive HCV or HTLV-I Abs could be detected. A serological subgroup with positive HBsAb and negative HBcAb, consisting of 15(14.3%) females, contrasted sharply to other serological subgroups in sex, age, parent's ethnicity, positive HBeAb rate, and HBcAb inhibition%. We conclude that HBV is prevalent with unique serological patterns among the Nenets, while HCV and HTLV-I infections are negligible.