Journal of Medical and Biological Research

Pathogenetic Role of Bone Metabolism Markers in the Development of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (Review)

Elena A. Galashina, Galina A. Afanaseva — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

According to the World Health Organization, osteoporosis is one of most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Abnormal bone remodelling is known to lead to the progression of osteoporosis and osteopenia and a significant increase in the risk of bone fractures. To study the processes of bone tissue resorption and formation, various indicators are used that reflect the activity of the cellular elements of bone tissue and the state of its matrix. The purpose of this review was to analyse current concepts about the pathogenetic role of bone metabolism markers and regulators in the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia for the earliest possible diagnosis of these pathologies. We reviewed 570 literature sources retrieved from the digital databases PubMed, PubMed Central, eLIBRARY.RU as well as the search platforms Google Scholar, SpringerLink and Elsevier published between 2009 and 2023. The search was performed in Russian and English using the following keywords and their combinations: bone tissue, remodelling, resorption, bone formation, osteoporosis, osteopenia, cytokines, RANKL/RANK/OPG system. The exclusion criteria narrowed the list to 47 most significant studies providing comprehensive insights into certain aspects of osteoporosis and osteopenia. The literature analysis showed that some markers of bone tissue remodelling, as well as inflammatory mediators, have pathogenetic significance in the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia and can be used for early diagnosis of these diseases. Searching for new molecular markers of abnormal bone remodelling appears to be a promising area of research on osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Modern Views on the Neuropeptide Oxytocin. Part II. Oxytocin in the Process of Evolution. The Role of Oxytocin in the Behavioural, Somatic and Autonomic Functions of Humans and Animals (Review)

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents current views of scientists on the physiological effects of oxytocin, its influence on social behaviour and on the psychological state of humans and animals. It is known that at the early stages of invertebrate evolution, signals were transmitted through oxytocin-like substances. In the reviewed papers, the development of oxytocin receptors in vertebrates is considered. Facts are presented about the control the oxytocinergic neurotransmitter system and its homologues exert over social behaviour, both in mammals and other vertebrates. The evolution of communicative behaviour associated with the influence of oxytocin is traced. A number of studies have demonstrated a link of the oxytocinergic neurotransmitter system with aggressive behaviour. A correlation has been established between the level of expression of oxytocin receptors in the brain and partner preference. The effect of oxytocin on the formation of social bonds between humans and domestic animals has been described. In domestic animals, oxytocin concentrations have been shown to be positively correlated with the number of contacts with the owner. The anti-stress and anxiolytic effects of this neuropeptide blocking the effects of the main stress hormone, cortisol, have been detected. Thus, oxytocin has the potential for treatment of stress and its consequences. The oxytocinergic system can modulate the mechanisms of emotions and can be used to alleviate social dysfunction in mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The studied effects of oxytocin confirm the special role of this ancient hormone in anthropogenesis and its importance for human health and socialization, as well as demonstrate its potential use in pharmacotherapy for a number of pathologies.

Use of Modern Rapid Assessment Methods in Schools to Improve the Physical Health of Children Aged 10–12 Years

Viktor V. Gorelik, Svetlana N. Filippova, Igor V. Kastyro — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The health of school-age children in Russia has been declining for the past three decades, producing a negative impact on public health indicators as well as limiting the state’s development potential and slowing down its economic growth. The purpose of this article was to observe the dynamics of the functional state of secondary school children when using modern rapid assessment methods in the educational process. Materials and methods. The research involved 40 boys aged 10–12 years with approximately the same level of health studying in the fifth and sixth forms at Sergei Tkachev School No. 32 (Tolyatti, Russia). The sample was divided into the main group (n = 20) and the comparison group (n = 20). The curriculum of both groups included physical education (PE) classes (four academic hours per week). In the main group, for two academic hours per week the standard programme was replaced with a health improvement programme. Rapid Health Assessment Method and the screening computer program Rapid Health Assessment Method for Schoolchildren were applied; Varikard 2.51 equipment was used to analyse heart rate variability. Results. The data obtained indicate that the application of modern rapid assessment methods in the educational process helps to improve the physical health and functional state as well as optimize health indices and adaptation processes of schoolchildren. Their level of physical health increases, while indicators of health problems decrease. In view of the ongoing informatization of the educational process and increasing academic load, developing PE programmes for schoolchildren with different levels of health becomes critical for controlling their health and adaptation.

Molecular Genetic and Biochemical Markers for Assessing Physical Abilities of Athletes

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Studying athletes’ genetic and biochemical markers allows us to monitor physiological changes and adjust training cycles to improve training efficiency and minimize fatigue. The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between biochemical parameters and polymorphic variants of genes and assess an athlete’s predisposition to certain specialities. Materials and methods. The research involved 22 students from Volgograd State Physical Education Academy aged 16–23 years and doing athletics (n = 22, mean age 19.5 years, length of training 6–10 years, average training frequency 5–7 three-hour sessions a week). The biochemical parameters of blood serum were analysed using the Selectra ProM system (Vital Scientific B.V., Elitech Holding, the Netherlands) with reagent kits from Analyticon (Germany). Genetic markers were studied using the commercial DNA isolation kit Proba-GS-Genetika (DNA-Technology, Russia) and the PCR test system Sports Genetics (Lytech, Russia). Real-time amplification was carried out on a CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad, USA) in microcentrifuge tubes (0.2 ml) using hot start. Results. According to the cluster analysis of the identified genetic polymorphisms, the examined athletes were divided into two groups: stayers and sprinters. No clear groups could be singled out based on the biochemical analysis. Moreover, no correlation was established between the presence of genes responsible for speed, strength and endurance and blood biochemistry.

The Ratio of Morphological Variants of Monocytes During Dermal Regeneration After Frostbite in Rats

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Monocytes and macrophages play one of the key roles in the processes of tissue formation and repair. Currently, there is great interest in the study of these cells due to their potential in therapeutic regeneration as they participate in the immune response and regulation of haematopoiesis. However, data on the role of morphological variants of monocytes, localized in the red bone marrow and circulating in the peripheral blood, in the process of skin repair after thermal damage are extremely scarce and incomplete. The purpose of this study was to analyse the involvement of bone marrow and peripheral blood monocytes with different morphological characteristics in the reparative regeneration following acute local cold injury to the skin in rats. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on apparently healthy mature outbred rats (n = 100) weighing 200–220 g. All experimental animals were divided into 5 groups of 20 individuals each: the control and four experimental (3, 7, 14 and 21 days after frostbite) groups. Third-degree frostbite was modelled by applying a metal weight cooled in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) to the depilated skin of the rat’s back for 3 min. The area of damage was 4.9 cm2. The study used methods of histological analysis of the skin, blood and red bone marrow. Results. During the regeneration of the intercellular matrix of the dermis, no sharp fluctuations in the content of the morphological variants of monocytes (polymorphonuclear monocytes, monocytes proper and promonocytes) were recorded in the bone marrow and the blood. On the 3rd day after injury, proliferation and differentiation were the dominant processes, and by the 7th day, intensive cell migration was observed. By days 14 and 21, the levels of various forms of monocytes returned to their initial values.

Optical and Morphometric Parameters of Neutrophils in Rats Exposed to Copper-Zinc Pyrite Ore

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The method of computer morphometry allows us to study in detail both the morphometric features of neutrophils and their optical properties. The refractive index of cytoplasmic components directly depends on the cytoplasm’s granularity and the presence or absence of organelles and inclusions, while the refractive index of chromatin depends on its structural ordering. Considering this, morphometric and optical parameters can serve as markers of the functional and metabolic activity of neutrophilic leukocytes when exposed to adverse environmental factors. The purpose of the research was to investigate the morphometric and optical characteristics of rat neutrophils at different stages of exposure to copper-zinc pyrite ore. Materials and methods. The experiment involved 68 nonlinear male rats aged 3–4 months (mean weight 210.5 ± 10.5 g), which were divided into the control and 3 experimental groups based on the duration of exposure to the ore (20, 45 and 60 days). Morphometric and optical parameters of neutrophils were determined by computer morphometry using the MECOS-C2 automatic microscopy complex (Russia) for smear analysis installed on the AXIO Lab.A1 microscope (ZEISS, Germany). Results. During all stages of the experiment, the total cell area and the cytoplasmic area of neutrophils was decreasing along with the optical density of the cytoplasm and nucleus. Statistically significant negative correlations between the area and optical density of the nucleus were recorded throughout the experiment. The decreased optical density of the neutrophil cytoplasm under the influence of ore indicates a declining number of granules in the cytoplasm, while the decreased optical density of the nucleus indicates a growing proportion of decondensed chromatin. The reduction in cytoplasm optical density in all spectral components, combined with a decrease in cytoplasmic area, is due to a sharp weakening of the functional capabilities of neutrophil granulocytes under the action of ore. The reduction in the optical density of neutrophil nuclei is, apparently, associated with the functional reorganization of chromatin, i.e. with the conversion of facultative heterochromatin into euchromatin.

Folate Metabolism in Ethnic Russians Living in the Arkhangelsk Region

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The state of physiological processes of folate and homocysteine metabolism depends on a number of modifiable and unmodifiable factors. The former include nutritional status, unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol abuse and imbalanced diet), while the latter include hereditary factors (unfavourable alleles of genes encoding folate metabolism enzymes with low functional activity). The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of phenotypic (lifestyle) and genetic (polymorphism of folate metabolism genes) factors on folic acid and homocysteine metabolism in a sample of ethnic Russians born and living in the Arkhangelsk Region. Materials and methods. This is a prospective one-stage cross-sectional study. The sample consists of healthy ethnic Russians aged between 18 and 44 years and living in the Arkhangelsk Region (n = 318). We analysed lifestyle questionnaires and laboratory test results for folate metabolism, i.e. concentrations of homocysteine and vitamins B9 and B12. Molecular genetic testing of genes encoding folate metabolism enzymes (MTHFR, MTR and MTRR) was performed. Results. We analysed the frequency distribution of alleles of folate metabolism genes and found an association between the carriage of an unfavourable T allele (CT and TT genotypes) of the MTHFR 677 C>T (rs1801133) polymorphism and elevated serum homocysteine levels (p < 0.001). The research demonstrated that in subjects consuming a sufficient amount of folate-rich plant foods daily, the level of folic acid is statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001) and homocysteine lower (p < 0.001) than in those with insufficient plant food intake. Homocysteine level in long-term smokers was found to be significantly higher than in nonsmoking participants (p < 0.001).

Assessment of Vitamin D Status in Overweight Pregnant Women Living in High Latitude Environments

Sof’ya V. Yakovenko, Vladimir I. Korchin — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Researchers pay close attention to vitamin D status in pregnant women due to its influence on a number of physiological processes, including gestation. This is especially relevant for residents of northern territories. The purpose of this paper was to study changes in vitamin D levels by trimester in overweight pregnant women living in high latitudes. Materials and methods. The research involved 53 pregnant women aged between 22 and 39 years and living in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. The anthropometric data were analysed based on the body mass index (BMI) calculation when measuring height and body weight in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. The main group included overweight patients (n = 23; BMI ≥ 25.0–29.9 kg/m²), while the control group consisted of subjects with normal body weight (n = 30; BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m²). Vitamin D concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay using 25(OH)D test systems (Abbott, USA) on the Abbott Architect i2000 SR analyser (Abbott, USA). Blood samples were taken and vitamin D level was determined in overweight pregnant women in each trimester; in the control group, the measurements were taken once. In addition, the distribution of pregnant women by vitamin D status was studied. Results. Low serum vitamin D levels were found in both groups. In the 1st and 2nd trimesters, vitamin D deficiency was identified in 65.3 % of pregnant women. Its concentration increased by the 3rd trimester; however, only in 17.4 % of women it reached the optimal value. For women living in the North, vitamin D level needs to be determined prior to pregnancy and controlled during gestation in order to correct deficiency in a timely manner by means of supplementation.

Adaptive Capabilities and Body Composition of Students with Different Levels of Physical Activity

Svetlana V. Mikhaylova, Tat’yana V. Khrycheva — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of overweight, decreased fitness level, low adaptive capabilities and health problems among young students. The purpose of this paper was to study the adaptive capabilities and body composition of students with different levels of physical activity. Materials and methods. The research was conducted among 866 students (330 men and 536 women) aged 18–25 years at the Health Centre based at Arzamas City Hospital No. 1 using the methods of anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis and cardiointervalography. Results. Half of the examined students (56.3 %) had an average level of physical activity, while the shares of students with low and high levels were almost equal (19.7 and 24.0 %, respectively). Adaptation parameters were assessed using R.M. Baevsky method and spectral analysis data, which allowed us to identify a positive effect of physical activity on students’ adaptive capabilities. Subjects leading a sedentary lifestyle were found to have high activity of the sympathetic division, predominance of the central regulatory circuit and of low-frequency waves over high-frequency waves in the supine and prone positions, as well as unbalanced body composition characterized by decreased active cell mass and water content and excess body fat, which indicates low adaptive capabilities. Physically active students were found to have minimal centralization of heart rhythm control, predominance of the autonomic regulatory circuit and of high-frequency waves over low-frequency waves, as well as greater activity of the parasympathetic division. In the orthostatic test, their total spectrum power decreased during the reduction in the activity of the parasympathetic division. Physically active students had lower body fat mass as well as higher active cell mass, water content and basal metabolic rate. They mostly had good and high scores of body composition index, which helps maintain their adaptive potential at a high level.

Assessment of Exogenous Effects on Spermatogenesis in Rats Based on the Level of Middle Molecules

Aleksandr A. Nikolaev, Pavel V. Loginov, Ayman K. Pameshova — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In experimental and clinical studies, a most important task is to detect the development of oxidative stress. In the process of free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins, a number of intermediate products are formed, which, according to their characteristics, belong to the category of so-called middle molecules. There is a direct relationship between changes in the level of middle molecules and the functional state of organs. In this regard, determining the content of middle molecules in tissues will allow us to characterize their functional state. The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between the functional changes in spermatogenesis under exogenous exposures and the levels of intermediate metabolites (middle molecules) in the homogenates of rat testes and epididymides. Materials and methods. The research involved 50 outbred sexually mature male Wistar rats weighing 210 ± 10 g, divided into the control group and 4 experimental groups (exposure to microwave radiation, exposure to hydrogen sulphide-containing gas, administration of ginger extracts, and exposure to microwave radiation with administration of ginger extracts). Index of the nature of the effect was determined in rat testis and epididymis homogenates based on the levels of middle molecules using a patented method. Results. Under exposure (microwave radiation, hydrogen sulphide-containing gas), the concentration of middle molecules significantly increased compared to the control (p < 0.001). Oral administration of ginger extracts caused an increase in the level of peptide components, accompanied by a 33.3 % decrease in polyene compounds (p < 0.001). Additionally, the study showed a strong direct correlation between the malonic dialdehyde levels in the homogenates of testicular and epididymal tissues and the total content of middle molecules, which was evidenced by a high correlation coefficient (r = +0.932; p < 0.01). The identified patterns were confirmed by the evaluation of the morphofunctional state of testicular tissue. Thus, changes in the levels of middle molecules in rat testis and epididymis homogenates allow us to assess the nature of exogenous effects (positive, negative or neutral) on spermatogenesis.

Sex-Related Features of Haemodynamic Response to Cold Exposure of the Hand in Young People

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Studying the effects of hypothermia on the human body is a pressing issue for modern physiology and practical medicine. The purpose of this article was to establish sex-related features of the haemodynamic response to local cold exposure of the hand in young people. Materials and methods. The research involved apparently healthy young men (n = 27) and women (n = 30) aged 18–20 years, born and permanently living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The stress test included immersion of the hand in 8 °C water for 1 min. It took 25 min to fully recover after cold exposure. The temperature of 24 °C served as the baseline. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded using SIMONA 111 Integrated Monitoring System (Russia). The following were determined: myocardial contractility indices, heart rate, pulsatility index (a marker of peripheral vascular resistance) as well as integral indicators reflecting the overall level of functional capabilities of the circulatory system. Results. Short-term cold exposure of the hand was found to cause a negative inotropic (decreased myocardial contractility) and a negative chronotropic (decreased heart rate) effects. At the same time, an increase in the body’s functional reserves was detected. The analysis of haemodynamic parameters showed differences in the response of the circulatory system between the examined groups of young men and women. The effect of local cooling of the hand on the cardiovascular system was more pronounced in women than in men. In addition, responses of different groups of haemodynamic parameters were identified: while in men changes occurred primarily due to lowered peripheral vascular resistance and increased blood pressure, in women they were caused by a decrease in contractility indices and myocardial parameters.

Working Conditions and Morbidity of Paramedical Personnel (Omsk, Russia)

Natal’ya Yu. Kryuchkova, Irina I. Novikova — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

One of the ways to reduce the shortage of paramedical staff is to improve their working conditions. The purpose of this study is to analyse the working conditions of paramedical personnel using the example of healthcare organizations in Omsk, Russia. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the Centre for Continuing Education of Healthcare Workers (Omsk, Russia) in the period from 2022 to 2024. The study involved 2764 subjects aged 21–64 years (mean age 43.6 years) with working experience ranging between 1 and 47 years. Assessment reports on the working conditions of the paramedical personnel (1728 workplaces) were analysed. A survey and a morbidity analysis of the subjects were conducted. To interpret the results, we used the methods of descriptive and nonparametric statistics as well as cognitive visualization. Results. We found that at 59.2 % of the workplaces of the paramedical personnel at Omsk health facilities, the working conditions can be classified as harmful (class 3.1–3.2 hazard). This is due to the negative influence of biological, physical and psychological environmental factors. The following characteristic features of professional activity of paramedical personnel were identified: 1) shift work; 2) multitasking; 3) working under time constraints; 4) performing additional functions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers are subject to chronic stress and tend to experience emotional burnout, leading to unhealthy lifestyle. The impact of adverse environmental factors accumulates over time; as a result, chronic diseases are more frequently observed and have a more severe course in medical workers than in other population groups. To increase working efficiency and career longevity of paramedical personnel, it is necessary to develop new methods aimed to reduce the impact of negative factors of professional environment on the body and to prevent non-communicable diseases, including through the use of digital technologies.

Adaptation of Medical College Students to the Learning Conditions with Different Educational Standards

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

A comparative analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in medical college students following programmes according to the new educational standard (1 year and 10 months; n = 110) and those studying for 2 years and 10 months (n = 162) was conducted. HRV parameters were recorded using the VNS-Spectrum device (Neurosoft, Russia). We found that the intensification of the educational process overstrains the regulatory mechanisms of cardiac activity in students following programmes of 1 year and 10 months. This demonstrates the importance of using HRV as an indicator of students’ adaptation to the learning process, taking into account the educational standard, as well as the need to develop preventive measures.