I n t r o d u c t i o n . Ovarian cancer (OC) represents the second most common cause of death from gynecologic cancer, with serous cancer being the most common and aggressive of all histologic variants. The search for new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the OC treatment is an urgent task of gynecologic oncology. In recent years, researchers have focused their attention on the study of heat shock proteins (Hsps), which are molecular chaperones synthesized in response to stress factors exposure and contributing to the refolding of damaged proteins and restoring their cellular functions. Molecular chaperones are involved in maintaining cell homeostasis, regulating the activity of oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

A i m . To study the features of the Hsp27 and Hsp90 expression in serous OC compared with borderline ovarian tumors, taking into account the intracellular localization and the potential diagnostic value of these markers.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The study included 23 patients with newly diagnosed serous OC and 6 women with FIGO stage I–IIIC borderline ovarian tumors (mean age 53,4 ± 8,1 years) who were treated at the Tomsk Research Institute of Oncology and/or Tomsk Regional Oncological Center. The study objects were paraffin blocks from tumor tissue obtained during biopsy and surgery intervention during laparoscopic surgical staging before the treatment. The intracellular localization of Hsp27 and Hsp90 in tumor and stromal cells was determined by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

R e s u l t s . The IHC study revealed that the expression of Hsp27 in tumor cells, when calculated by cytoplasm and nucleus, is 10,48 and 7,41 times higher than in the stroma, respectively; the expression of Hsp90 in tumor cells is 40,42 and 86,67 times higher in cytoplasm and nuclei than in stromal cells, respectively. The count of Hsp27-positive tumor cells is 3,2 times higher than the count of Hsp90-positive tumor cells in tissue of ovarian serous adenocarcinoma (p = 0,0006, Wilcoxon test). In borderline ovarian tumors, the count of Hsp27- and Hsp90-positive tumor cells is significantly lower than in OC (p < 0,0001 and p = 0,0018, respectively, Mann-Whitney test).

C o n c l u s i o n . The significant difference in the expression of the molecular chaperones Hsp27 and Hsp90 in the cellular compartments of tumor and stromal cells, as well as a more than fourfold increase in this marker in serous ovarian carcinoma compared with borderline tumors show the diagnostic and prognostic role of Hsp27 and Hsp90 in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of OC, as well as the prospects of Hsp27 and Hsp90 activity modulation targeted therapy.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . The literature increasingly describes an atypical clinical picture of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children, combining the features of both diseases. Histological examination conducted as part of a comprehensive diagnosis in such cases does not provide an unambiguous answer in favor of one or another disease, presenting an undetermined morphological picture in comparison with the classical forms of psoriasis and AD. At the same time, the classical morphological criteria for psoriasis and AD were described without considering the age of patients, so it remains unclear whether morphological criteria for adults can be used in the diagnosis of skin pathological process in children.

A i m . To characterize the pathomorphological changes in the skin lesions of children with an undetermined clinical picture (UCP) of the disease in comparison with changes in the inflammatory skin lesions with a typical clinical picture of psoriasis and AD in children and adults.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . A comparative morphometric study of skin biopsies of children and adults of 6 groups was performed : 2 groups of adult psoriasis and AD patients; 2 groups of children with a typical clinical picture of psoriasis and AD confirmed histologically; a group of children with UCP of the disease (without typical morphological signs of psoriasis and AD); the last, 6th group, comprised biopsies of children’s skin obtained during surgical procedures for non-dermatological diseases.

R e s u l t s . The comparative morphometric analysis of the skin biopsies showed that in typical psoriasis, the structural changes in the epidermis of children and adults were the least. In AD, the structural differences of the skin lesion morpho- logy in children and adults are more pronounced. The inflammatory infiltrate cellularity in the children’s groups was lower than in adults with the same diseases and had a higher count of lymphocytes. At the same time, the skin lesions in children with UCP had more morphological features in common with the skin lesions of children in other groups than with those of adults.

C o n c l u s i o n . According to the selected classical criteria, the structural changes of the epidermis in children with UCP occupied an intermediate position between the psoriasis and AD groups and had more morphological features in common with the skin lesions in other children groups. However, the peculiarity of the inflammatory infiltrate found in skin lesions in UCP of the disease requires further investigation.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the major obstetric syndromes which leads to a high incidence of neonatal admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Timely delivery is the only method to improve perinatal outcomes. However, no predictors have yet been identified to determine the optimal timing and mode of delivery, conside ing an individualized approach.

A i m . To identify the relationship between clinical and anamnestic data, ultrasound parameters and neonatal ICU admission with late-onset FGR.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . A continuous cohort study was carried out at the Perinatal Center of the Arkhangelsk Regional Clinical Hospital from 2018 to 2022. The sample included 314 women with suspected FGR. Multi-variate Poisson regression was used to assess the association between neonatal ICU admission and diferent variables, including ultrasound, clinical data, and medical data. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated.

R e s u l t s . In 111 cases, which are 35,4% of the total, late-onset FGR was detected. Of these, in 41 cases (36,9%), newborns subsequently required ICU admission. Four statistically significant risk factors were included in the parsimonious model. Abnormalities of the uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI) (RR = 1,28; 95% CI: 1,04–1,57), varicose veins of the lower extremities (RR = 1,90; 95% CI: 1,12–3,26) and recurrent FGR (RR = 1,67; 95% CI: 1,03–2,71) were associated with poor status of the newborn at birth. Changes in the umbilical artery pulsatility index (UmA PI) were associated with a lower risk of neonatal ICU admission (RR = 0,78; 95% CI: 0,61–0,99).

C o n c l u s i o n . Abnormal UtA PI values revealed during Doppler ultrasound examination, varicose vein disease in the mother, and recurrent FGR may have a predictive value for deciding on the timing and mode of delivery to improve perinatal outcomes. Abnormal UmA PI values were associated with a lower risk of neonatal ICU admission. It is necessary to reproduce the results in further larger multicenter studies to create valid models with appropriate levels of sensitivity and specificity for predicting perinatal complications.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . Pharmacological treatment of opisthorchiasis remains the relevant challenge due to the limited choice of drugs against opisthorchiasis and their unsatisfactory biopharmaceutical properties. The use of the mechano-chemical method for obtaining solid dispersions (SDs) of albendazole (ALB) with excipients allows to increase its water-solubility and decrease toxicity. Investigation of the stability of SDs of ALB during long-term storage is a relevant objective of the further development of SDs of ALB-based dosage forms.

A i m . A study of the stability of SDs of ALB obtained by mechanochemical solid-phase synthesis.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The objects of the study were SDs of ALB with arabinogalactan (AG) and licorice extract (LE) as complexing agents in various mass ratios and at different machining duration. The stability of SDs of ALB was studied by the method of accelerated ageing at 40°C for 6 months. Stability control was carried out at 3 time points (0, 3 and 6 months, respectively) based on the description parameter and the ALB content that was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.

R e s u l t s . The qualitative and quantitative parameters of the stability of SDs of ALB during storage were studied. The content of the main active substance at the end point for all studied samples is not less than 97% relative to the parent composition. Based on the van’t Hoff ’s rule, the concordance coefficient, the expected shelf life for SDs of ALB and the storage temperature allowing to ensure the estimated shelf life were calculated.

C o n c l u s i o n . SDs of ALB with AG and SDs of ALB with LE obtained by mechanochemical solid-phase synthesis are stable for 182 days of experimental storage, which corresponds to 728 days under natural conditions. The data obtained indicate high stability of the studied SDs of ALB and can be used in further development of dosage forms based on them.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . Peculiarities of the ischemic heart disease (IHD) course are different in men and women. In general, this problem is not studied enough; however, understanding the specific features of the disease can help to adjust the approach to its diagnosis and early detection, which will improve the prognosis for patients.

A i m . To find peculiarities of the course of IHD and statistically significant differences in the expected manifestations of IHD in female and male outpatients.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . An analysis of outpatient medical records of 120 men and 110 women with IHD diagnosed between June and December 2024, retrieved from the archive of the University Clinic of Donetsk State Medical University named after M. Gorky, was performed. The following parameters were assessed: age; IHD duration; results of echocardiography (EchoCG) (ejection fraction), electrocardiography (ECG) / Holter monitoring, blood biochemistry; comorbidities (obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension), history of myocardial infarction (MI) and interventions.

R e s u l t s . When comparing these groups, significant differences were found in the age and duration of IHD: on aver- age, men were diagnosed with IHD earlier and the IHD history was longer. There were no statistically significant differences in hemodynamic parameters according to EchoCG data, but most patients had signs of left ventricular (LV) remodeling (LV mass index over 120 g/m² had 150 patients). According to ECG/Holter monitoring data, significant differences were found in the number of patients with diagnosed atrioventricular (AV) block: 60 in women and 30 in men, and in all cases men had complete AV block, as a result, they were implanted with pacemakers; while in women, the 1st degree AV blockade prevailed. Statistically significant differences were found in achieving the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets (for all patients with IHD ≤1,4 mmol / l): 67% in women vs. 38% in men (p < 0,05). There were more people with a history of MI among men (40 vs. 10 in women). Open coronary revascularization for IHD (multivessel disease / left coronary artery ostium involvement) was performed in 50 men. In the group of women, 20 coronary revascularizations were performed (p = 0,01), and endovascular revascularization was performed significantly more often in this group. Men were diagnosed with NYHA class III, and women – with class II.

C o n c l u s i o n . IHD develops in men on average 5–7 years earlier, and men are much more likely to have a history of MI. With an increase in duration of IHD, the volume of coronary lesions also grows, as well as lesions of other main vessels, in particular, brachiocephalic arteries, progresses, therefore, the open myocardial revascularization is more often used. This trend is observed mainly in men. Men have a higher class of CHF, which may be associated with both a greater number of comorbidities and complications, and a longer duration of IHD.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . The age of 7–8 years is a milestone in the ontogenesis of a child, biologically and socially significant, as it completes the period of “neutral childhood”. This is the time when schooling begins.

A i m . To determine anthropometric parameters of 7–8-year-old children living in the Altai Territory and assess their physical development.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . The study involved 87 boys and 91 girls aged 7–8 years from the secondary school in the city of Barnaul. Anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, limb lengths, and circumferences – 17 parameters in total) were carried out at the beginning and the end of the school year for 2 years from autumn 2019, when the children started school, to spring 2021. The level of physical development was assessed using the Quetelet and Pignet indices.

R e s u l t s . Over 2 years, boys’ body weight increased by 4 kg, height – by 6 cm, chest circumference – by 5 cm, and waist circumference – by 3 cm; girls’ body weight increased by 6 kg, height – by 8 cm, chest circumference – by 7 cm, and waist circumference – by 6 cm. The Pignet index in 7–8-year-old children corresponds to ectomorphic somatotype. At the age of 7, underweight children predominate. At the age of 8, the percentage of overweight children increases significantly, indicating an unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity. Body weight is almost the same for both boys and girls. Boys are taller (p = 0,01). During the summer holidays, a more intense increase in both body weight and height is observed than during the school year. A low percentage of schoolchildren with harmonious development is noted. The proportion of over- weight 8-year-old schoolchildren increases.

C o n c l u s i o n . The 7-year-old schoolchildren had a harmonious development, while the 8-year-olds had a disharmonious one. These children have a slim physique.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . The endocrine system is one of the first to react to changes in homeostasis, and the thyroid gland itself is a target for toxic substances, therefore, the study of its structural and functional organization under chronic inhalation exposure to toxic agents (in particular toluene) seems to be a topical issue for modern medicine. Of interest, as a therapeutic agent, is Echinacea purpurea which has been used for many years as an activator of adaptation mechanisms and a stimulant of the body’s protective functions in order to increase cellular resistance under stress.

A i m . To study morphological changes in thyroid follicles of reproductive-aged rats after a 60-day intoxication with toluene and correction of changes with Echinacea purpurea, as well as to evaluate the dynamics and rate of their recovery 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after discontinuation of experimental exposure.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . An experimental study was performed on 120 mature male rats. The animals were divided into 4 groups: group 1 – intoxication with toluene vapors at a concentration of 500 mg/m³ for 60 days; group 2 – control (intact animals); group 3 – toluene intoxication + Echinacea purpurea tincture at a dose of 200 mg/kg, intragastrically; group 4 – Echinacea purpurea tincture without toluene intoxication. Changes in the areas of follicles, colloid, follicular epithelium in the thyroid gland, as well as the follicular-colloid index were studied.

R e s u l t s . Morphological changes in thyroid follicles of mature rats after chronic intoxication with toluene vapors indicate a decrease in the functional activity of the organ. The colloid-epithelium ratio in the follicles changes. The maximum differences were revealed during the first week after discontinuation of toxic exposure: the colloid area increases by 25,13%, the epithelial area decreases by 21,37% and the follicular-colloid index – by 36,88%. The strength of the effect of toluene intoxication on all indicators is above 90%. In daily administration of Echinacea purpurea under toluene exposure, the growth of follicular epithelium and colloid resorption influencing the follicular-colloid index increases (r_ху = 0,93 and r_ху = –0,92, respectively). The effect of the herbal preparation persists for a month after discontinuation of experimental exposure: the colloid area decreases by 13,90%, and the follicular-colloid index increases by 21,50% compared to groups of rats that did not receive Echinacea purpurea during intoxication with toluene vapors.

C o n c l u s i o n . The experimental study confirmed the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea in chronic exposure to toxic pollutants, which will contribute to the expansion of its use for medical and preventive purposes, in the combined treatment of endocrine diseases, and as well as to increase the tolerance, resistance and adaptive potential of the body to exogenous agents, in disorders both in the peripheral endocrine organs and in cell membranes and structural components of different cells of the body.

I n t r o d u c t i o n . Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, characterized by high mortality and difficulty in early detection. At the early stages, ovarian cancer is usually asymptomatic, which complicates its diagnosis until the disease reaches advanced clinical stages.

A i m . To demonstrate the clinical, morphological and prognostic features of ovarian cancer with CD117 expression.

M a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . An analysis of various literature sources considering the problem of ovarian cancer associated with CD117 expression was performed. PubMed, Scopus, Research Square and Web of Science databases were used to search for literature. The review includes articles published from 2021 to 2024.

R e s u l t s . The analysis of the literature data confirmed the presence of high CD117 expression in tumor cells in combination with other immunohistochemical markers characteristic of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (SOX2, COT4, and NANOG). CD117 activation in ovarian cancer leads to activation of downstream signaling pathways involving the genes: RAS/ERK, PI3K, SRC, JAK/STAT, Wnt, and Notch, resulting in the formation of cancer stem cell populations, which determines high aggressiveness of the tumor.

C o n c l u s i o n . High expression of CD117 is associated with poor prognosis, more aggressive disease progression and tendency to metastasizing.

In recent decades, obesity and overweight have become one of the significant problems of global public health. The steady growth of morbidity, development of complications and comorbid conditions, disability and an increase in mortality in obese patients indicate the need to develop new methods of treatment and prevention of this disease. It has been proven that some probiotics contribute to weight loss. The review presents an analysis of data from modern domestic and foreign studies concerning the use of certain bacterial strains in obese and overweight people for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Both classic probiotics with anorexigenic effect (Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces boulardii) and next-generation ones (Akkermansia muciniphila, Enterococcus spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides spp., Streptococcus spp., Eubacterium rectale, Blautia spp., Christensenella minuta) are considered. The main pathogenetic aspects of weight loss when using these probiotics (reduced permeability and enhanced protective functions of the intestinal epithelium, effects on the gut microbiome, anti-inflammatory activity) are described.

Aging is an inherent natural process, complex and multicomponent, consisting of the gradual accumulation of biological changes that at the systemic level weaken the body’s ability to resist stress factors, and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. However, thanks to the progressive development of medical technologies, humanity can not only afford to minimize the damage from this process, but also look attractive and healthy even at an advanced age. In the realities of modern life, this is a more than achievable goal. This review highlights, in our opinion, the main morphological factors leading to deterioration in the quality of hair due to age-related alopecia – involutional changes in the vascular bed and the skin lymphatic system with a change in its intercellular substance, depletion of the of stem cell niches of hair follicles, and also the mitochondrial theory of aging is considered. Further detailed study of these factors is necessary to understand the subtle cellular mechanisms of aging, which will slow them down, and, if possible, completely neutralize them. This strategy is profitable over the long term and can significantly advance such areas of medicine as trichology, cosmetology, geriatrics, and also influence the tactical approaches of pharmaceutical companies engaged in the development of drugs for preventing age-related alopecia. Perhaps, after a while, having long, lush, and most importantly, your own hair in old age will be a matter of course.