[Current aspects of the treatment of urogenital atrophy (based on the consensus of britain society of menopause)].

The symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause are considered as typical for late menopausal period. However, these symptoms are increasingly diagnosed in perimenopausal and early menopausal period. Women seldom seek medical care, since autonomic menopausal symptoms are usually more bothersome. In many cases, doctors are not sure in necessity of any hormonal replacement. Moreover, a confusion still exists between systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and local estrogen preparations. Besides moisturizers and local intravaginal estrogens, novel treatment modalities have emerged that extend therapeutic armamentarium.

Dry eye among medical students before and during COVID-19.

Purpose: Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface. It showed an increased incidence during the pandemic situation, which may be due to long hours of exposure to electronic gadgets. We aimed to find the prevalence of dry eye disease among medical students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care teaching institute. This was an institution-based, cross-sectional study conducted among medical students. A modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to find the severity and prevalence of dry eye disease. Considering 95% confidence interval (CI) and prevalence as 50%, the calculated sample size was 271. Online responses were collected and entered in an Excel sheet. The Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Data were collected from 271 medical students; the prevalence of dry eye disease was 41.5 and 55.19 during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, respectively. There was a significant rise in dry eye disease cases during the pandemic when compared to pre-pandemic period (P < 0.05). The odds of getting dry eye disease were 1.7 times more during the pandemic than pre-pandemic. Conclusion: The lockdown situation during the pandemic forced people to use electronic gadgets for work, recreation, and academics. Prolonged screen time predisposes to the development of dry eye disease.

COMPLEX ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF CYTOKINE GENE POLYMORPHISMS AS PROGNOSTIC FACTOR OF THE RISK OF PLASMA CELL MYELOMA IN PERSONS SUFFERED AFTER THE CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT. / KOMPLEKSNYI ANALIZ ROLI POLIMORFIZMU GENIV TsYTOKINIV IaK PROGNOSTYChNOGO ChYNNYKA RYZYKU PLAZMOKLITYNNOÏ MIIeLOMY U OSIB, POSTRAZhDALYKh VNASLIDOK AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KII AES.

OBJECTIVE: to provide a comparative characterization of the prevalence of polymorphic variants of cytokine genes in plasma cell myeloma (PCM) patients suffered after the Chornobyl disaster and patients who were in contact with ionizing radiation within the natural radiation background, based on comparison with population controls to determine their contribution as genetic markers of disease risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Molecular genetic studies of polymorphism of cytokine genes (TNF-α, TGF-ß1, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ) and complex frequency analysis of occurrence in three-, four-, and five-locus combinations of their allelic variants as prognostic markers of the risks of plasma cell myeloma was carried out in 102 patients - 56 victims of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident and 46 patients irradiated within the limits of the natural radiation background, in comparison with the control group (364 practically healthy people, residents of the Central geno-geographical region of Ukraine). RESULTS: The same probable increase in the prevalence of the TGF-ß genotype codon10 T/T of the TGF-ß1 gene was established in the groups of patients irradiated after the Chornobyl NPP accident and non-irradiated patients. In patients with plasma cell myeloma a protective effect for IL-10 -1082 A/G and an association with the risk of disease occurrence for IL-10 -1082 G/G were determined. CONCLUSION: Probable difference in the frequency of the TGF-ß1 genotype codon10 T/T of the TGF-ß1 gene in the observed groups relative to the control group provides grounds for considering this single-nucleotide polymorphism of the TGF-ß1 gene as an immunogenetic factor of predisposition to the development of PCM independent of exogenous factors. The study of the contribution of multigene combinations of «gene-gene¼ interaction indicates their role in the mechanisms of plasma cell myeloma occurrence and confirms the presence of an additive interaction.

[Results of a novel real-time PCR, sequence analysis, Inno-LiPA line probe assays in the detection of hepatitis B virus G1896A precore mutation in French blood donors]. / Résultats de trois méthodes pour la détection de la mutation précore G1896A du virus de l'hépatite B chez les donneurs de sang français : PCR temps réel, séquençage et test Inno-LIPA.

AIM: To screen hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and associated basal core promoter (BCP; T1762A/A1764) and precore (PC; A1896) mutations among the 100 HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive voluntary blood donors in France. METHODS: HBV genotypes were determined by using direct sequence analysis. Three methods were used to detect G1896A mutation: non-commercial real-time PCR (PCRTR°, line probe assay (InnoLiPA HBV PreCore, INNOGENETICS(®)) and direct sequencing of precore gene. HBV viral load was quantified with two commercial real-time PCR (COBAS(®) AmpliPrep/COBAS(®) TaqMan(®) HBV Test/Roche and Real Time HBV/M2000/Abbott). RESULTS: The mean age of donors was 30 (18-64). Patients were from Africa (42%), Europa (50%), and Asia (8%). HBV/D was the most predominant (37%) genotype followed by HBV/A (31%) and HBV/E (22%). PC and BCP mutants were found in 57% with Inno-LIPA HBV test and 59% with both PCRTR and sequencing methods. A significant difference in the viral load of blood donors with wild and PC mutants was observed with the Taqman Cobas real time PCR (3,19 Log(10) UI/ml versus 4,93 Log(10) UI/ml, p < 0.05). Precore phenotype determination was in agreement with the three PC mutation detection methods in 56% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Caucasian genotype E was present in the French blood donors. PC mutation was more common than BCP mutations in this study. As HBV infected blood donors were more often asymptomatic carriers, we could speculate that the G1896A mutation may favour the asymptomatic state, supporting previous observations.

Biotinylated chitosan macromolecule based nanosystems: A review from chemical design to biological targets.

World Health Organization estimates that 30-50% of cancers are preventable by healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and adequate therapy. When the conventional therapeutic strategies are still regulated by the lack of selectivity, multidrug resistance and severe toxic side effects, nanotechnology grants a new frontier for cancer management since it targets cancer cells and spares healthy tissues. This review highlights recent studies using biotin molecule combined with functional nanomaterials used in biomedical applications, with a particular attention on biotinylated chitosan-based nanosystems. Succinctly, this review focuses on five areas of recent advances in biotin engineering: (a) biotin features, (b) biotinylation approaches, (c) biotin functionalized chitosan based nanosystems for drug and gene delivery functions, (d) diagnostic and theranostic perspectives, and (e) author's inputs to the biotin-chitosan based tumour-targeting drug delivery structures. Precisely engineered biotinylated-chitosan macromolecules shaped into nanosystems are anticipated to emerge as next-generation platforms for treatment and molecular imaging modalities applications.

EFFICIENCY OF BONE MARROW PRECURSOR CELL COLONY-FORMING AS A PREDICTOR OF DISEASE COURSE IN PLASMA CELL MYELOMA PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF RADIATION EXPOSURE. / EFEKTYVNIST' KOLONIIeUTVORENNIa KLITYN-POPEREDNYKIV KISTKOVOGO MOZKU, IaK PROGNOSTYChNYI FAKTOR PEREBIGU PLAZMOKLITYNNOÏ MIIeLOMY U OSIB Z RADIATsIINYM ANAMNEZOM.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of role of the bone marrow colony-forming efficiency in plasma cell myeloma patients at different stages of treatment as a prognostic criterion for the disease course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The colony forming efficiency (CFE) was assayed in stage I-II plasma cell myeloma (PCM)patients (n = 37) aged 42-73, namely in patients survived after the Chornobyl NPP accident (n = 21) and persons notexposed to ionizing radiation (n = 16). There were 11 males exposed to ionizing radiation and having got stage I PCM,9 males and 3 females exposed and having got stage II PCM, 3 males and 3 females not exposed and having got stageI PCM, 6 males and 2 females not exposed and having got stage II PCM. Healthy persons (n = 20) were included in thecontrol group. RESULTS: Number of the bone marrow (BM) granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM) in both exposedand not exposed PCM patients depended on a disease stage. CFU-GM was (16.7 ± 1.2) in the stage I PCM patients vs.(11.1 ± 1.1) in the stage II PCM ones both being lower (p < 0.05) compared to control (64.5 ± 2.2). Changes in cluster formation were similar, i.e. (37.7 ± 1.6) and (19.4 ± 1.3) correspondingly in the stage I and stage II PCM patients.Respective values in control were (89.8 ± 3.6). The CFE in stage I and stage II PCM patients at the time of diagnosiswas lower (5.7 ± 1.5 and 2.4 ± 1.1 respectively) vs. control (39.5 ± 1.51, p < 0.05), but has increased in remission upto (29. 6 ± 1.8) and (13.8 ± 1.2) respectively. There was no difference at that between the irradiated and non-irradiated patients. Number of the fibroblast colony-forming units (CFU-F) in the stage I and stage II PCM patients duringdiagnosis, namely (43.9 ± 5.4) and (22.5 ± 3.7), was lower (p < 0.05) vs. control (110.5 ± 4.9). Upon reaching remission the CFU-F value increased significantly (p < 0.05), reaching (87.4 ± 4.2) and (55.6 ± 2.7) correspondingly in thestage I and stage II PCM patients. CONCLUSION: Dependence of the BM cell CFE on the stage of PCM and presence or absence of remission was established. Prognostic value of the CFE of BM CFU-GM in terms of life span of patients was shown (Ro Spearm = 0.39,p < 0.02), namely in case of CFE > 20 before the polychemotherapy administration the life span of PCM patients wassignificantly longer vs. cases of CFE < 20.

IMMUNOGENETIC AND PHARMACOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ABO SYSTEM GLYCOPROTEIN PROPERTIES AS CRITERIA OF INDIVIDUAL SENSITIVITY TO ANTITUMOR AGENT BORTEZOMIB IN THE PLASMA CELL MYELOMA PATIENTS. / IMUNOGENETYChNYY̆ TA FARMAKOKhIMIChNYY̆ ANALIZ VLASTYVOSTEY̆ GLIKOPROTEÏNIV SYSTEMY AVO IaK KRYTERIÏV INDYVIDUAL'NOÏ ChUTLYVOSTI ShchODO PROTYPUKhLYNNOGO PREPARATU BORTEZOMIBU U KhVORYKh NA PLAZMOKLITYNNU MIIeLOMU.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental study of the effect profile of bortezomib in the plasma cell myeloma (PCM) patients depend- ing on a specific phenotype carrier state and a pharmacochemical characteristics of ABO system glycoproteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research was conducted on the 104 PCM patients, including the Chornobyl NPP acci- dent survivors (n = 49) and 65 study subjects in the comparison group. Immunogenetic criteria for positive response to the applied treatment protocols were issued according to the duration of remission, absence of infectious com- plications, and evidence of chronic renal failure as a disease complication. RESULTS: Possibility of glycoproteins A and B participation in the formation of human biological individuality at a level of protein-protein interaction with antineoplastic drug bortezomib, which is widely used in cancer management prac- tice, in particular in the PCM treatment is considered. The glycoprotein B was shown being a selective target for borte- zomib, slowing down the recognition and interaction of antigen B with monoclonal anti-B antibody, while the agglu- tination period lengthens at that by 66 %. Assumption that the formation of bortezomib complex with glycoprotein B provides a background for interaction with the key reaction of proteasome 26S inhibition, which to some extent con- tributes to the drug effect retardation was confirmed through the quantum-chemical calculations. Equilibrium is shift- ed toward the main reaction leading to a higher drug efficacy in patients with blood groups O (I) and A (II). CONCLUSIONS: Since the complexation occurs predominantly in alkaline medium the administration of drugs with alkaline reaction should be restricted for at least round the clock after administration of bortezomib according to its half-life in plasma in patients with B (III) blood group and chronic renal failure.

Assessment of response to imatinib therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia with e13a2 and e14a2 transcripts of BCR/ABL1 gene. / OTsINKA VIDPOVIDI NA TERAPIIu IMATYNIBOM U PATsIIeNTIV Z KhRONIChNOIu MIIeLOIDNOIu LEYKEMIIeIu Z E13A2 TA E14A2 TRANSKRYPTAMY GENA BCR/ABL1.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the influence of e13a2 and e14a2 transcripts of BCR/ABL1 gene on the efficiency of imatinib ther apy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 508 patients with the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia without radi ation in anamnesis as well as 13 patients with the similar diagnosis and with confirmed presence of radiation expo sure due to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. RESULTS: No significant differences in hematologic parameters, rate of additional chromosomal aberrations and f vari ant translocations were observed between patients with е13а2 and е14а2 transcript. Cumulative probability of com plete cytogenetic response did not differ in patients with е13а2 and е14а2 transcript and was 76 and 80 % respec tively (р = 0,981). Median of achieving a complete cytogenetic response was 20 months in both patient groups. Significantly more patients with e14a2 transcript compared to patients with e13a2 achieved major molecular response by 12 month of therapy (61.5 % versus 23.0 %, p = 0.016). The higher incidence of deep molecular response by 24 month of therapy was revealed in this group (38.7 % versus 6.25 %, p = 0.018). The overall survival and pro gression free survival rates were not statistically different between two groups with different transcripts. However, the rate of event free survival was statistically lower for the patients with e13a2 transcript compared to the ones with e14a2 transcript (51 % versus 62.0 %, p = 0.039). The number of primary resistant patients was 40 % regardless of the transcript expressed. A significant prevalence in incidence either of lost complete cytogenetic response or fail ure of the major molecular response was shown in patients with e13a2 transcript compared to patients with e14a2 transcripts (43.5 % versus 24.8 %, p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Imatinib therapy is more effective for CML patients with e14a2 transcript compared to patients with e13a2 transcript expression. The transcript e13a2can be viewed as a adverse prognostic factor for imatinib therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia.

RT-PCR cloning of Rab3 isoforms expressed in peritoneal mast cells.

Rab proteins are ras-like low molecular mass GTP-binding proteins, which are postulated to act as specific regulators of membrane trafficking in exocytosis and endocytosis. We have previously shown that synthetic peptides, corresponding to the effector domain of Rab3 proteins, stimulate a complete exocytotic response in mast cells. We have used a PCR-cloning strategy to investigate the presence of mRNA encoding Rab3 in mast cells. RNA based PCR was then performed on mast cell RNA using degenerate oligonucleotide primers based on two conserved sequences among Rab3 proteins. However, no PCR products were obtained, even for proteins known to be expressed in high copy numbers in mast cells (beta-actin and Fc receptor). We have found that the problem resides in the presence of mast cell secretory granule derived heparin, that copurifies with the RNA; heparin has been shown to inhibit the activity of reverse transcriptase and Taq polymerase in PCR. After treating the RNA (obtained from about 500 mast cells) with heparinase, several PCR products of varying size were obtained using primers specific for Rab3 proteins. These products were cloned and sequenced. We have found clones containing sequences that had a 100% homology at the deduced amino acid level to a portion of Rab3B and Rab3D (amino acids 16 to 83).

Pregnancy after liver transplantation under tacrolimus.

BACKGROUND: The maternal and fetal risk of pregnancy after organ transplantation under tacrolimus has not been reported. This was prospectively studied in 27 pregnancies by 21 female liver recipients who were treated with tacrolimus before and throughout gestation. METHOD: Twenty-seven babies were born between October 1990 and April 1996. In 15 cases, samples were obtained at or after delivery and stored (-40 degrees C) for comparison of tacrolimus concentration in the maternal blood with different combinations of cord and infant venous blood, breast milk, or a section of the placenta. RESULTS: The 21 mothers had surprisingly few serious complications of pregnancy and no mortality. Two infants with 23 and 24 weeks gestation died shortly after birth. The mean birth weight of the other 25 was 2638+/-781 g after a gestational period of 36.6+/-3.3 weeks. Mean birth weight percentile for gestational age was 50.2+/-26.2 (median 40). On the day of delivery, the mean tacrolimus concentrations (ng/ml) were 4.3 in placenta versus 1.5, 0.7, and 0.5 in maternal, cord, and child plasma, and 0.6 in the first breast milk specimens. The infants had a 36% incidence of transient perinatal hyperkalemia (K+>7.0 meq/L) and a mild reversible renal impairment, which were thought to reflect in part maternal homeostasis. One newborn had unilateral polycystic renal disease (the only anomaly). All 25 babies have had satisfactory postnatal growth and development with a current mean weight percentile of 62+/-37 (median 80). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy by postliver transplant mothers under tacrolimus was possible with a surprisingly low incidence of the hypertension, preeclampsia, and other maternal complications historically associated with such gestations. As in previous experience with other immunosuppressive regimens, preterm deliveries were common. However, prenatal growth for gestational age and postnatal infant growth for postpartum age were normal.

Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on serum lipids of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on lipid levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled prospective trial of UDCA was conducted in 177 well-characterized patients with PBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The two treatment groups (placebo and UDCA) were matched at entry with respect to age, sex, histologic stage of PBC, biochemical values, and serum lipid levels. Serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured at entry, 1 year, and 2 years. RESULTS: The decrease in total cholesterol level at 1 and 2 years in the UDCA-treated group was significant in comparison with that in the placebo group. Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels, however, were unchanged. No severe side effects from UDCA were noted. The changes in serum cholesterol levels at 2 years were directly and strongly correlated with changes in serum bilirubin concentrations (r = 0.70; P < 0.001) and inversely correlated with initial serum cholesterol levels (r = -0.86; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The cholesterol-lowering effect of UDCA could be related to amelioration of the underlying liver disease or to a direct effect of the drug on the metabolism of cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Acute hepatitis E by a new isolate acquired in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To report the first case of acute hepatitis E by a novel isolate acquired in the United States and confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We describe the clinical manifestations and the results of associated laboratory studies in a man who was found to have acute hepatitis E infection. RESULTS: A 62-year-old man was hospitalized because of fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice. After an initial evaluation did not provide a cause, his serum was found to be positive for IgG anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) by three antibody assays. Serum was also positive for HEV RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequencing results from the PCR products demonstrated substantial differences at the nucleotide level between this strain and the known Mexican and Burmese strains. CONCLUSION: On the basis of this initial report, HEV should be considered an etiologic agent in patients with acute non-ABC hepatitis in the United States.

Autoimmune liver diseases. Recurrence after liver transplantation.

PBC and AIH recur after OLTx. The recurrence of PSC is less clear. Recurrence of these diseases seems to be of relatively little importance in the short term; however, longer follow-up is required to address the significance of recurrent disease. Immunosuppression in these patients may alter the natural history of these entities in the post-transplant setting.

Detection of plum pox virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in some apricot and peach varieties and hybrids in Romania.

Plum pox virus (PPV) is a potyvirus widely spread in many species of the Prunus genus such as plum, apricot, peach, sweet cherry and others. This potyvirus causes great damage to stone fruit trees in Romania and other European countries as Hungary, Italy, Czech Republic, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Slovak Republic. The Research Station for Fruit Tree Growing Baneasa in Bucharest has realized many studies on the epidemiology and spread of PPV and also on the disease symptomatology and detection possibilities. The control of sharka disease by sanitary selection measures requires corresponding detection techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the presence or absence of PPV in some apricot and peach varieties and hybrids in 1995-1997 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to verify if some of our biological materials evaluated as symptom-free under field conditions for many years are also virus-free and can be considered healthy.

Sexual behaviour and HIV knowledge among Dermatology cum Genitourinary Clinic attendees, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

A study was conducted in the Dermatology cum Genitourinary Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru to determine a local population's knowledge of HIV and their sexual behaviour in relation to it. A total of 231 men and 217 women were interviewed. The sexual culture seen is one of relatively late age of first sexual intercourse, low level of partner change and low level of condom use. Men reported a higher involvement in risk behaviour. Nearly all the respondents (95.8%) have heard of HIV/AIDS but had incorrect perceptions of its mode of transmission and its associations with risk groups. This study enable us to gain background information about our patients sexual behaviour and HIV knowledge. There is a need to continue HIV education to improve our public's HIV knowledge and the results of this study provides a baseline against which future educational interventions can be gauged.

[Prevention and treatment of mental disorders in women during the climacteric period]. / Profilaktika i lechenie psikhicheskikh narushenii u zhenshchin v klimaktericheskom periode.

The authors review problems of the treatment and prevention of mental disorders in climacteric women depending on the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of their origin. Group I included women with mental disorders accompanying vasomotor manifestations of the climacteric syndrome. To prevent and treat these disorders, of great importance is their diagnosis at the initial stage in the premenopausal period, particularly within the framework of the premenstrual syndrome. It is pathogenetically justified that this group patients be administered replacement hormonal therapy. Still, if mental disorders are aggravated, the hormonal drugs or their combinations with psychotropic agents should be withdrawn. Group II included women with psychogenous and endogenous mental diseases that occurred for the first time in the climacteric period. In this group patients, hormonal therapy should be withdrawn to prevent exacerbation of the health status and adequate treatment be instituted.

[Comparative evaluation of Patey's operation in breast cancer (a cooperative study)]. / Sravnitel'naia otsenka operatsii Péiti pri rake molochnoi zhelezy (kooperirovannoe issledovanie).

The results of a 3-year study of two groups of breast cancer patients operated on after Halsted and Patey were compared. The procedure of Patey may be considered an operation of choice in patients with stage TINOMO cancer of the breast.

Current concepts on cardiovascular stent devices.

Coronary artery stents used for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease develop the practice of interventional cardiology after they were first introduced in the mid-1980s. Since then, with dozens of companies involved in the development of new and innovative anti-restenotic drugs, polymeric coatings and stent platforms has made significant progress in this area. Today, the challenge is the conception of the "ideal" coronary stent designed to respond to the patient health difficulty. In this context, the literature in the field is quite dynamic and successful. The aim of this article is to provide a systematic review on the interdisciplinary field literature of the evolution of these medical devices by describing the current status, importance and different types of stents used in clinical practice. After the presentation of cardiovascular problems associated to stenting therapy, the authors describe the bare metal stents, the generations of drug eluting stents and the future in progress directions regarding: the stents based on biodegradable/bioresorbable polymers, polymer-free metal platforms, fully biodegradable scaffolds, as well as drug delivery mediated by stent-targeted magnetic nanoparticles.

The efficiency of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia exposed to ionizing radiation due to the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident. / Efektyvnist'' terapii' ingibitoramy tyrozynkinaz pacijentiv z hronichnoju mijeloi'dnoju lejkemijeju, jaki zaznaly vplyvu ionizujuchogo vyprominjuvannja vnaslidok avarii' na Chornobyl''s''kij AES.

Objective. To study the efficiency of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) exposed to ionizing radiation due to the Chornobyl NPP accident, based on the data of cytogenetic and molecular monitoring. Material and methods. 29 CML patients with confirmed radiation exposure due to Chornobyl NPP accident were examined. Of these, 20 patients were treated with imatinib; 103 patients with CML without radiation history treated with TKI were a comparison group. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic disturbances before and on the different stage of TKI therapy were analysed. Results. Additional chromosomal abnormalities as well as special pattern of BCR/ABL transcripts were not revealed in CML patients exposed to ionizing radiation. Complete cytogenetic response (CCR) was shown in 50 and 48.5 % of patients from study and comparison group, respectively. Major molecular response (MMR) was achieved in 20 % of patients with radiation exposure in anamnesis and in 27.6 % of patients from comparison group. The vast majority of CCR and MMR was reached in patients with the pretreatment term up to 6 months, when imatinib was used as a first line therapy. There were less cases of primary imatinib resistance in the same group of patients. In CML patients who had a history of radiation exposure, secondary resistance developed more frequently than in the comparison group and was 25 %. Conclusion. Laboratory monitoring based on the registration of CCR and MMR demonstrated high efficiency of TKI in the CML treatment of patients, exposed due to Chornobyl accident. Extension of pretreatment term leads to the loss of TKI therapy efficiency and increases the likelihood of primary resistance. CML patients exposed to ionizing radiation develop secondary resistence more often than CML patients without radiation exposure in anamnesis.

Galectin-3 regulates p21 stability in human prostate cancer cells.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional protein involved in cancer through regulation of cell adhesion, cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis, while p21 (Cip1/WAF1) is a negative regulator of the cell cycle, involved in apoptosis, transcription, DNA repair and metastasis. The results presented here demonstrate for the first time that the level of Gal-3 protein is associated with the level of p21 protein expression in human prostate cancer cells and the effects of Gal-3 on cell growth and apoptosis were reversed by modulating p21 expression level. Furthermore, Gal-3 regulates p21 expression at the post-translational level by stabilizing p21 protein via the carbohydrate-recognition domain. This is the first report suggesting a molecular function not yet described for Gal-3 as the regulator of p21 protein stability. This study provides a unique insight into the relationship of these two molecules during prostate cancer progression, and may provide a novel therapeutic target.