Cancer is increasingly recognized as a neurobiologically integrated entity rather than a mere collection of proliferative cells. This manuscript introduces the concept of the Cancer Nervous System (CNSy) ‒ a dynamic, self-sustaining neural network within the tumor microenvironment that governs oncogenic behavior. Malignant cells exploit adrenergic, cholinergic, and glutamatergic signaling pathways to regulate proliferation, immune evasion, and metastatic dissemination, mirroring physiological neural circuits. Evidence from neurofilament staining, spatial transcriptomics, and molecular profiling reveals de novo neurogenesis within tumors, suggesting an active interplay between cancer and the host nervous system. Beyond local interactions, tumors orchestrate systemic control over distant metastases through neurochemical signaling, exosomal communication, and inflammatory cytokine cascades. Disrupting this neuro-oncological axis presents a paradigm shift in cancer therapy. Pharmacological interventions targeting β-adrenergic signaling, such as β-blockers, have demonstrated potential in attenuating tumor progression and improving clinical outcomes. However, therapeutic strategies must evolve beyond conventional cytotoxic approaches to encompass neural modulation as a cornerstone of oncology. This perspective challenges the traditional view of cancer as a localized disease, reframing it as a neuromodulated malignancy with intrinsic connectivity to the nervous system. By integrating neuroscience into oncology, the CNSy model provides a novel framework for understanding tumor behavior and developing targeted therapies that disrupt neural contributions to malignancy. Recognizing the nervous system’s role in tumor dynamics not only advances our understanding of cancer biology but also unveils new opportunities for precision medicine

Passive immunization, involving administration of antitoxic antibodies obtained against various antigens from a variety of animal species, has been known since 1890 as serum therapy ‒ the effective method for the protection of humans from dangerous pathogens, such as tetanus, diphtheria, botulism, as well as venomous animal bites. Currently, the main animal donors of blood serum antibodies are horses. In 1893, F. Klemperer found that in the sera and egg yolks of chickens immunized with tetanus toxin, there appeared antibodies capable to suppress the venom-induced toxicity. This finding represented a significant breakthrough in medical science, as it provided a relatively simple method for obtaining specific antibodies from chickens. However, this discovery remained unnoticed by the scientists of that time. The growing number of works on chicken yolk antibodies was noted by the 1980s, leading to further development of IgY-technology. By now, the technology allows for the production of avian egg IgY-antibodies not only against infectious agents but also against some pathogen molecules, which expands the range of their potential application for the prevention and therapeutic purposes. The review summarizes the results of the studies of IgY-preparations derived from birds including chickens, quails, ostriches, and ducks. The laboratory and clinical studies have shown that avian IgYs provide high levels of protection against viral and bacterial pathogens, as well as toxins. The use of IgY-technology allows for the rapid production of target antibodies on a large scale, which has particular potential in the face of rapid spread of respiratory infection pandemics. The review aims to identify the advantages of using avian egg yolk IgY antibodies compared to IgG-antibodies derived from mammal sera.

The aim of the study is to systematize current data on the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Material and methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using data from PubMed, Scopus, and eLIBRARY.RU databases. The following keywords were used: «innate lymphoid cells», «ILC», «rheumatoid arthritis», «psoriatic arthritis», «spondyloarthritis», «systemic sclerosis», «systemic lupus erythematosus». This review presents up-to-date information on the role of various ILC subpopulations in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases, the maintenance of chronic inflammation in joints and other target organs, the involvement of ILC in the regulation of pathological remodeling of bone and cartilage tissue, as well as the phenotypic and functional plasticity of ILC. The perspectives of therapeutic modulation of ILC using inhibitors of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Janus kinases (JAK inhibitors) are discussed. Conclusions. ILC play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. ILC regulate inflammation and the immune response, affecting joint tissue destruction and osteoclastogenesis. Under certain conditions, ILC can adapt to changes in the microenvironment, offering opportunities for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. The use of drugs targeting ILC, such as JAK-STAT and IL-17 inhibitors, has shown encouraging results, making it a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions aimed at this immune cell subpopulation. However, further research is needed to deepen the understanding of ILC mechanisms and refine therapeutic strategies.

The article presents a literature review on imaging methods in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The pathogenesis and patterns of neuroimaging in various research methods are considered. Various methods of brain research are reviewed. PD is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Early diagnosis of PD is critical for timely use of drug interventions, slowing disease progression and ensuring the quality of life of patients. This article reviews modern neuroimaging methods used to diagnose PD, including structural and functional approaches. Particular attention is paid to methods that allow visualization of pathological changes in the basal ganglia and dopaminergic pathways. The review analyzes the capabilities and limitations of such techniques as positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography (CT), non-contrast CT scan of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with specific sequences (susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), T2* weighted imaging (T2*)), voxel-based morphometry, magnetization transfer imaging, arterial spin labeling (ASL) for perfusion assessment, resting-state functional MRI, transcranial sonography, in terms of their sensitivity, specificity and availability. Both traditional and promising technologies at the stage of clinical validation are presented. Generalization of data on the use of various visualization methods allows us to develop the most effective approaches to the diagnosis of PD and forms the basis for further research in this area.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) are modern digital imaging technologies that allow the study of the remains of ancient people without destroying the objects of study, with the possibility of obtaining new data. Aim of the study was to investigate the anatomy and possible changes in the skull of a woman of the Pazyryk culture (5th-3rd centuries BC). Material and methods. The bone skeleton of the cranial and facial skull, with residual elements of soft tissues – the head of a 30–35 year old woman of the Caucasian type from the burial in mound 2, Verkh-Kaldzhin 2 burial ground (3rd century BC, Ukok plateau). X-ray, CT and MRI studies were performed. 3D processing of tomogram packages was performed using RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software. Results and discussion. The condition of the dentition fits into the age of the archaeological object within 30–35 years. Based on the identified changes, the life features of people belonging to the ancient culture of pastoralists of the Altai Mountains were modeled. Some time before her death, the woman had suffered a severe craniocerebral injury with deformation and displacement of the cranial bones, with subluxation and rupture of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus of the right temporomandibular joint. She underwent surgery to restore the function of the right temporomandibular joint, which helped ensure the mobility of the lower jaw. After that, woman’s life continued for some time, but at the age of 30–35 she was buried on the Ukok plateau (about 2.5 thousand years ago).

Aim of the study was to establish the interrelations of morphological parameters of the intercellular matrix and the respiratory part of the lungs in the modeling of cardiac surgery with artificial circulation in the experiment. Material and methods. Male domestic sheep (n = 6) underwent a 1.5-hour artificial circulation procedure. During the preoperative preparation phase and the post-operative period, the animals were on artificial lung ventilation. 60 minutes after the restoration of natural circulation, lung fragments were collected for histological examination. On sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, as well as by van Gieson, the tissue parameters of the respiratory part of the lungs were evaluated using computer morphometry: the average linear intercept of the air spaces of the acini (MLI) and the volumetric density of the interalveolar septa (Vv_sep), as well as the specific volume of collagen fibers of the intercellular matrix. The content of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) in the lungs was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The relationships between the studied parameters were evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results. In the lungs of sheep after the procedure of artificial circulation, histological signs of emphysematous expansion of acini and destruction of collagen fibers of interalveolar septa were noted, positive immunohistochemical reaction to MMP-2 and MMP-9. Statistically significant correlations were found between the intensity of immune staining for matrix metalloproteinases and the specific volume of collagen fibers (r_s = –0,706, p = 0,0152 for MMP-2 and r_s = –0,779, p = 0,0047 for MMP-9), as well as the structural parameters of the respiratory department (r_s =0,752, p = 0,0076 for MLI and MMP-2, r_s = 0,861, p = 0,0007 for MLI and MMP-9, r_s= –0,738, p = 0,0095 for Vv_sep and MMP-2, r_s= –0,843, p = 0,0011 for Vv_sep and MMP-9). Statistically significant relationship also has been revealed between Vv_sep and the specific volume of collagen fibers (r_s = 0,709, p = 0,0146). Conclusions. Destruction of the collagen fibers of the lung interstitium under the action of matrix metalloproteinases is associated with the development of emphysematous expansion of the pulmonary acini in cardiac surgery with artificial circulation.

Pediatric stroke is a distinct clinical entity, different from adult stroke, which is determined by the unique and diverse range of its etiologies. It occurs in 5–7 % of all vascular diseases, with adverse effects and high treatment and rehabilitation costs. Delay in stroke diagnosis in children is a common problem. Neuroimaging protocols play an important role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke and its imitations. MRI protocols should be based on the clinical scenario and neurological examination, considering the age and suspected type of infarction. Aim of the study was to investigate the potential of high-tech MRI methods to improve the recognition and treatment of ischemic stroke in children. Material and methods. A retrospective diagnostic study was performed in 99 children with ischemic stroke aged from 6 months to 18 years. Sick children were admitted to the clinic within 1 hour to 32 days from the onset of the disease, about 68 % of them – from non-specialized clinics. The time frame for MRI from the moment of the disease (the onset of headache, loss of consciousness or seizures as the first sign) was from 40 minutes to 24 hours. Results. During the study, reliable data indicating ischemic stroke were obtained in all children and its causes were established. At the same time, a number of MRI parameters were studied and their capabilities and potential in assessing acute stroke based on anatomical, microstructural, functional and metabolic data were demonstrated. Conclusions. For the primary detection of pediatric stroke, the MRI protocol must necessarily include the following parameters: T1- and T2-weighted images (T1WI, T2WI), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), necessarily susceptibility-weighted imaging, or T2*-weighted images (SWI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA), even in a reduced MRI protocol of the brain. This allows for a reliable assessment of the neuroparenchyma, vascular patency and the volume of the stroke core and ischemic penumbra

The study of the expression of proliferation factors by immunohistochemistry is necessary to determine their role in the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop new diagnostic methods and pathogenetically based therapy. Aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of factors involved in proliferation processes (stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)) in the endometrium of reproductive-age patients with adenomyosis. Material and methods. 45 women aged 18 to 35 years were examined. The main group consisted of 34 patients with adenomyosis, the control group included 11 healthy women. Endometrial sampling was performed during hysteroscopy or by aspiration biopsy in the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the endometrium were performed to assess the expression of STIP1 and PTEN. Results. The expression of STIP1 is statistically significantly higher in the glandular component of the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with the control group in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in PTEN expression in the endometrium between the groups, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions. Increased expression of STIP1 in the glandular component of the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle may be one of the reasons for the imbalance of proliferation and apoptosis in adenomyosis. In order to determine the role of PTEN in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, it may be necessary to determine its phosphorylated form, as well as use other research methods

Among the main pathologies of childhood, respiratory tract lesions dominate, with a significant proportion of this category of diseases being chronic inflammatory processes localized mainly in the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) and palatine tonsils. Due to the prevalence of these pathologies, it is necessary to develop new approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients. The aim of the study was to conduct a study of the microbiome of the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract in paediatric patients with chronic adenoiditis for a comparative analysis of the clinical effectiveness of various treatment approaches. Material and methods. We checked out 150 kids aged 3-6 years with chronic inflammation in their nasopharynx. We split the patients into 3 comparable groups based on the treatment and rehabilitation measures carried out. Group 1 included patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. Children in groups 2 and 3 received nasopharyngeal irrigation with a probiotic solution for 30 days after surgery or without surgery, respectively. All children underwent bacteriological testing of the oral and nasopharyngeal microbiome, as well as qualitative and quantitative analysis of the luminal intestinal microflora. Results and discussion. In groups 2 and 3, after treatment, the number of cultures positive for Streptococcus salivarius (by 20 and 28 %, respectively), S. mitis (by 14 and 18 %, respectively) in washings from the mouth and nasopharynx statistically significantly increased, in group 3 − cultures containing Neisseria spp. and S. oralis (by 38 and 20 %, respectively). In groups 2 and 3, a decrease in the number of transient and accessory microflora, including Staphylococcus aureus and S. pyogenes, was detected. The composition of the intestinal microbiome significantly improved: in groups 2 and 3 normal microflora was determined in 94.0 % of patients in group 2 (before treatment – only in 8 %) and in 96.0 % of children in group 3 (before treatment – in 16 %). Conclusions. The data obtained indicate the significant effectiveness of probiotic therapy in the postoperative period, as well as in combination with conventional conservative treatment methods for the correction of the microflora of the upper respiratory tract and intestinal biocenosis in children with chronic infectious and inflammatory processes of the nasopharynx.

Introduction. Modern scientific data emphasize the need for an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region, taking into account the current microbiological profile, local monitoring of resistance and the patient’s comorbid background. The aim of the study is to analyze the main pathogens of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted at the dental purulent department from 2020 to 2024. The objects of the study were the results of microbiological cultures performed upon admission and / or during inpatient treatment of patients with clinically verified infectious and inflammatory processes. Results and discussion. The analysis of 2020–2024 showed the proportion of identified pathogens of 48–64 %, with a dominance of staphylococci (> 60 % of strains). A significant decrease in S. aureus was noted with an increase in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS, p = 0.01) and a twofold increase in MRSA. The proportion of streptococci is stable (p >0.05), enterococci are rare in cultures, but their proportion among pathogens increased in 2024. The frequency of Candida spp., non-fermenting gram-negative rods and enterobacteria is stable (p > 0.05), but a tendency towards an increase in enterobacteria was revealed, the emergence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is especially worrisome (up to 28.87 % in 2024). It was revealed that odontogenic infection pathogens are capable of forming microbial biofilms to varying degrees. Comparison of 2014/2024 revealed a decrease in the proportion of staphylococci (mainly KOS), an increase in streptococci, opportunistic flora, Candida spp. and enterobacteria (especially resistant K. pneumoniae). Conclusions. Thus, the dominance of staphylococci with an increase in KOS and MRSA remains, the proportion of opportunistic microorganisms (enterococci, enterobacteria) and carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae increases. This requires constant microbiological monitoring and adaptation of antimicrobial therapy.

Despite ongoing efforts, limited understanding of the fundamental causes of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to hinder progress in its diagnosis and treatment. Pathogenetic processes that determine the development of AF are closely related to cellular metabolism, in this regard, metabolomics is a promising direction for the search for new biomarkers, studying the metabolic mechanisms of AF, and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Material and methods. The open, crosssectional, retrospective, non-randomized parallel group study included data from 34 female and male patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). The patients were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of patients with CAD and AF (n = 17), the second ‒ of patients with CAD without AF (n = 17). Metabolomic profiling was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results and discussion. In total, 56 metabolites were identified, the content of which in the blood plasma of the groups of patients with and without AF differed statistically significantly. Conclusions. The presented data indicate the involvement of a number of metabolites in energy, amino acid and lipid metabolism, as well as in the mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis. These compounds play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AF and can be considered as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.

The host genotype is one of the key factors determining the likelihood of infection, severity and outcome of the novel coronavirus infection in humans. The aim of this work was to assess the frequencies of common variants of the innate immunity genes rs5743708 (TLR2), rs3853839 (TLR7) and rs8177374 (TIRAP) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Material and methods. Real-time PCR genotyping was performed on DNA samples from 1000 patients hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19 in 2021. Results and discussion. The frequencies of the rs5743708, rs3853839 and rs8177374 alleles in the examined patients did not differ from the population ones, their association with the likelihood of transfer to the intensive care unit and death was not revealed. In hospitalized women, an association was found between the T allele of rs8177374 of the TIRAP gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus (χ² = 5.763; p = 0.020), as well as the G allele of rs3853839 of the TLR7 gene with coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure (χ² = 4.094; p = 0.048 and χ² = 5.573; p = 0.022, respectively). It is possible that the association of the rs3853839 G allele with the severity of COVID-19 described in some studies is determined by the interaction of the genotype for this variant with the phenotype of chronic cardiovascular diseases.

Liver cirrhosis, a widespread disease worldwide, can be the result of various causes, such as hepatitis, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption. The effectiveness of liver cirrhosis therapy is low, as the prescribed medications do not promote the regression of fibrosis or the regeneration of hepatocytes. Therefore, the research and development of new treatment methods for liver cirrhosis remains a pressing task. It is also important to consider age-related features in the course of the disease and responses to therapy. Purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of multicomponent therapy for liver cirrhosis in male Wistar rats of different ages. Material and methods. Experiments were performed on 12- and 36-week-old male Wistar rats. Liver cirrhosis was induced by 40% oil solution of CCl₄ to animals that received 5% ethanol solution and glucose which were freely available throughout the experiment. Polytherapy was carried out according to the following scheme: ketanserin from 85 to 95 days after the first administration of CCl₄ , reserpine on days 96 and 100, endothelial growth factor from 96 to 102 days, hepatocyte growth factor on day 100. The content of total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cholesterol was measured in the blood serum. On histological preparations of the liver, inflammation, fibrosis and the degree of liver damage were assessed, the number of capillaries and the area of connective tissue were calculated. Results. With a course of administration of CCl₄ and alcohol in rats of both age groups, the development of multilobular cirrhosis, a decrease in the number of sinusoidal capillaries, an increase in the area of connective tissue were noted in the liver tissue and the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT. Polytherapy of animals with the liver cirrhosis led to a decrease in the intensity of inflammatory infiltration of the liver parenchyma, a decrease in the area of connective tissue in the liver (by 22 % in 12-week-old rats, by 57 % in 36-week-old rats), an increase in the number of sinusoidal capillaries in the liver, a significant decrease in the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, AST and ALT. In 36-week-old rats, normalization of total and direct bilirubin was observed. Conclusions. The promise of an integrated approach for the treatment of toxic liver cirrhosis in rats of different age groups has been demonstrated: polytherapy prevents the development of the inflammatory reaction, reduces the area of connective tissue and damage in the liver, helps normalize biochemical parameters of blood serum, while in 36-week old rats the effects of the drugs were more pronounced in comparison with 12-week-old animals.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria, ubiquitous microorganisms, are natural inhabitants of the environment and can be found in soil, water, and water-based aerosols and dust. Therefore, human contact with non-tuberculous mycobacteria is a common and almost inevitable occurrence, but there are also epidemiological differences in geographical variability, which are reflected in the species diversity of mycobacteria isolated from clinical samples. The aim of the study is to assess the detection of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the Republic of Mari El during medical care. Material and methods. An epidemiological descriptive and evaluative study was conducted among patients who visited medical organizations in the Republic of Mari El during the period 2015–2023. Statistical analysis was performed using the StatTech v. 4.8.0 program (developed by StatTech LLC, Russia). Results and discussion. The structure of the biological material obtained from patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria was characterized by a predominance of sputum (96.8 %). When analyzing the number of patients over time, a 4.9-fold increase was observed. Men (53.4 %) and urban residents (61.2 %) were predominant among the patients. A total of 31.3 % of patients had repeated excretions. The average age of individuals with non-tuberculous mycobacteria was 58 years. Mycobacteriosis was detected in 81 patients (18.4 %), with Micobacterium intracellulare (44.4 %) and M. avium (27.2 %) being the most common pathogens. In the structure of species diversity, M. gordonae (28.5 %), M. intracellulare (21.0 %), and M. avium (14.4 %) were found to predominate among all the individuals examined. In 19 individuals, different species were detected sequentially or simultaneously. Among urban residents, M. gordonae (26.1 %), M. intracellulare (13.8 %), and M. avium (11.1 %) prevailed, while among rural residents, M. intracellulare (19.4 %), M. gordonae (16.4 %), and M. avium (12.3 %) prevailed. Conclusions. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from the population of the Republic of Mari El are mostly slow-growing mycobacteria, and they predominate among men, urban residents, and the 50–60 age group.

One of the priorities of the state’s activities is to preserve the lives of the younger generation. But today, the state of students’ health is causing concern. Increasingly, people with impaired health, chronic diseases, and limited body functions are being identified. The aim of the study was to investigate the health indicators of 2nd and 3rd year students of the Ogarev Mordovia State University Medical Institute, and to formulate conclusions about their condition. Material and methods. 129 students aged 19–20 years – 56 girls and 73 boys – were studied. The respondents were divided into 3 groups: K1 (people with body weight deficiency, without bad habits), O1 (a control group, students without body weight deficiency and without bad habits) and E1 (respondents with bad habits, without exhaustion). The main indicators of physical development were considered: height, body weight, chest circumference, ideal body weight, waist and hip circumference, type of adipose tissue distribution, strength of the flexor muscles of the hands and the strength index of the muscles of the leading hand. The state of the cardiovascular system was assessed by determining heart rate, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measured by the Korotkov method, minute blood volume (MBV), pulse blood pressure (PP), endurance coefficient (EC), the double product index (DPI) were calculated, and for the respiratory system, vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), minute ventilation (MV), Tiffno index were taken into account. Results and discussion. In the O1 group, 87.5 % of students are characterized by average physical development, 12.5 % of students have above average physical development. 100 % of the K1 group students have disharmonious physical development. In the E1 group, 95 % of students have disproportionate and disharmonious physical development due to excess body weight, while 5 % have average physical development. In those students who abused nicotine or were underweight, there were statistically significant differences in the indicators of VC, FVC, FEV1, MV, Tiffno index, heart rate, SBP, DBP, PP, FVC, EC, DPI. Conclusions. Smoking and body weight deficiency reduce the functional capabilities of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Specialists need to carefully monitor the indicators that form the basis of students’ health.