[Experimental and clinical studies of mechanisms of the anti-aging effects of chemical compounds in Astragalus membranaceus (review).]

Astragalus membranaceus (webbed astragalus) for more than two millennia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a means of slowing down the aging process and increasing longevity. The article analyzes the data of experimental and clinical studies of recent years, identifying possible mechanisms of the anti-aging effects of the plant. It is noted that the extract or various groups of chemical compounds of this plant activate telomerase, inhibit the processes of replicative senescence, have antioxidant activity, have a neuroprotective effect, affect age-related macular degeneration, skin photoaging and alopecia.

[Quantitative determination of HBsAg in blood sera and hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in liver tissue as markers of chronic viral hepatitis B activity].

AIM: Quantitative evaluation of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) content in liver tissue of patients with moderately active CHBV course compared with inactive HBsAg carriers as well as establishment of a possible link between HBV cccDNA in liver cells and HBsAg level in blood sera in these groups of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 34) with CHBV diagnosis were examined for levels ofALT, HBsAg (qualitatively and quantitatively), anti-HBcor IgG, anti-HBe IgG, anti-HCV IgG+IgM, anti-HDV IgG+IgM, HBV DNA in qualitative and quantitative variant. Liver biopsy was carried out in all the patients. HBV DNA was determined in liver tissue by Pollicino T. et al. (2004). RESULTS: Based on HBV DNA PCR, the patients were allocated to a group of inactive HBsAg carriers (n = 16) and CHBV (n = 18) of moderate activity. Viral load in CHBV patients had a mean of 540 +/- 230 IU/ml. ALT level in carriers was comparatively lower than in patients with CHBV. HBsAg level in blood of inactive carriers was significantly lower, 940 +/- 259 IU/ml against 2559 +/- 982 IU/ml in patients with CHBV (p < 0.05). The quantity of cccDNA per 1 cell in inactive HBsAg carriers--0.15 +/- 0.14, and in patients group of CHBV with moderate activity--1.71 +/- 1.32 (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The method of quantitative determination of HBV cccDNA in liver tissue of patients was worked out. Differences in quantitative content of HBsAg in blood sera of inactive carriers and CHBV patients with moderate activity reflect changes in the extent of hepatocyte infection by HBV.

[Beta-carotene prevention of immune disorders in workers engaged in the fire copper refining]. / Profilaktika narusheniia immunnogo statusa u rabochikh ognevogo rafinirovaniia medi pri prieme beta-karotina.

The paper deals with the studies of the human status and immunological responsiveness of workers engaged in copper-smelting industry. The examinees were found to more frequently develop lower environmentally induced immunological responsiveness followed by leuko- and lymphopenia, higher lymphocytic CD4+/CD8+ ratios, phagocytic dysfunction in peripheral blood. Preventive use of beta-carotene prevented negative changes in immunological parameters.