[Study of lutein and zeaxanthin content in the diet with the assessment of the relationship between the level of alimentary intake of non-vitamin carotenoids and the density of the macular region of the retina at a young age].

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that affect the function of the visual analyzer. They selectively accumulate in the yellow spot of the retina, form macular pigment and determine the density of the retina macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin slow down the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of senior-age blindness. The main food sources of non-vitamin carotenoids are green leafy vegetables, zucchini, pumpkin, green peas, broccoli. The aim of the study is a retrospective assessment of the levels and sources of alimentary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin in young people and research of the effect of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet on macula density. A specially designed questionnaire was used to quantify the content of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet, reflecting the amount of consumption of the main sources of these carotenoids on the day preceding the survey. A non-invasive non-contact method of optical coherence tomography of the retina was used to determine the density of the macula. The study involved 96 students of Sechenov University at the age of 21-27 years. The study found that only 6.25% of the respondents had daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin of 6 mg or more, 8.33% had 4.6-5.9 mg, 8.33% had 3.0-4.5 mg, in 18.75% - 1.5-2.9 mg, in 45.83% <1.4 mg. 12.5% of respondents didn't include sources of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet. The more common sources of lutein and zeaxanthin in the diet were eggs and fresh tomatoes. Retinal density indices corresponded to the age standards in the majority of the examined. In 8.3% surveyed the thickness of the retina was decreased, and 4.2% had higher thickness of the retina in comparison with the standards. Significant differences in the Central subfield thickness in men and women were revealed. There was no dependence of the levels of lutein and zeaxanthin coming from food sources on the retina thickness indicators.

[Evaluation of the effectiveness of Ganfort treatment in patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma associated with diabetes mellitus].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination (Ganfort) in decreasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and uncontrolled secondary neovascular glaucoma (NG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients (51 eyes) with diabetes mellitus and sings of uncontrolled secondary NG, which was later confirmed by the results of ophthalmological assessment. All the patients were offered to change their IOP-lowering medications and if the new regimen is still ineffective--to undergo drainage surgery. Therefore they were switched to Ganfort once daily in the morning. RESULTS: After switching the therapy a decrease of intraocular pressure was observed in 100% of cases. In 72.5% of patients (37 eyes) the average IOP was almost 3 times lower than at the baseline and achieved target values (15-17 mm Hg), thus allowing to avoid surgical intervention. In 27.5% of patients (14 eyes), despite a significant decrease of IOP, surgical treatment was considered still necessary due to glaucoma progression and, therefore, drainage surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: The IOP-lowering combination Ganfort (Allergan) can be used in patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma and diabetes mellitus as the treatment of choice. Even if target IOP is not achieved, Ganfort is still useful as a preoperative medication able to reduce postoperative hemorrhagic complications.

[Structural-functional parameters of the myocardium in patients with chronic iron deficiency anemia].

Aim of the study was investigation of structural-functional parameters of the myocardium and assessment of segmental diastolic left ventricular function with myocardial tissue dopplerography in 56 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We studied parameters of structure of the myocardium, its systolodiastolic function, as well as velocities of early (Ve) and late (Va) diastolic waves, Ve/Va ratio, isovolumic relaxation times in 15 segments of the left ventricle. We revealed changes of myocardial structure appearing as LV hypertrophy, dilation of chambers of the heart, as well as disturbances of global and segmental diastolic LV function. Most pronounced changes were observed in patients with IDA of II and III degree of severity. The method of myocardial tissue Doppler echocardiography allows to diagnose LV diastolic dysfunction at early stages and can be used for detection of preclinical stage of myocardial dystrophy.