Relationship of collagen as the component of the extracellular matrix with the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system under simulated conditions of long-term isolation.

The study of proteins - potential markers, associated signal transduction pathways, and their targets - provides a new understanding of the fundamental mechanisms occurring at the level of regulatory processes in the cardiovascular system (CVS), especially in space flight, as well as in model experiments that reproduce its individual effects on the human body. The article presents the results of studies in an experiment with 120-day isolation within the framework of the SIRIUS project in which 6 volunteers aged 28 to 44 years (three men and three women) participated. SIRIUS (Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station) is the international research project, which studies the issues of biomedical and psychological support of long-term manned space flights. The possible involvement of collagen different types, an extracellular matrix protein, in the mechanisms of autonomic regulation of the CVS was studied. Using chromatic mass spectrometry in urine samples and analysis of heart rate variability, we have established that the extracellular matrix collagen, which is present, in particular, in the structure of the blood vessel wall, are markers associated with the modulating effect of the autonomic nervous system on the regulatory mechanisms of blood circulation. We hypothesized that these proteins may be a biomarker of the autonomic balance in the regulatory mechanisms of the circulatory system. In addition, these proteins can also be markers of the aging process, which increases the risks of developing autonomic dysfunction of the cardiovascular system (dominance of sympathicotonia) and changes in the quality of the tissue of the heart muscle and blood vessels, provoking the development of prenosological conditions and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

[Influence of infrared cold laser radiation emission on free radical processes in various tissues of rats with circulatory cerebral hypoxia].

Influence of infrared cold laser emission (IRCL) on the dynamic equilibrium between lipid peroxidation and tension of the antioxidant defense system in rat's tissues (blood, brain, retina, cornea) was evaluated in animals with circulatory cerebral hypoxia induced by occlusion of the left carotid artery. Tissues of white rats were examined for IRCL effects on hemiluminescence, malonic dialdehyde, SOD and catalase activities on the background of circulatory cerebral hypoxia. Data of the experiment evidenced an antioxidant effect of posthypoxic IRCL therapy as it reduces intensity of the free radical processes in plasma, cerebral tissues and retina. The experiment demonstrated the IRCL ability to modulate LPO, to stiffen the antioxidant defense system in the event of eye diseases originated from circulatory hypoxia of the ocular analyzer.

[Effect of krypton-containing gas mixture on Japanese quail embryo development].

Investigated were effects of gas mixture with up to 3.0 kgs/cm2 of krypton on the embryonic development of domesticated Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica dom.). Results demonstrated absence of a serious krypton effect on Japanese quail embryos. Development of embryos proceeded in due course; morphometrically the experimental embryos were essentially similar to controls. It should be noted that despite exposure to acute hypoxic hypoxia during the initial 12 hours of development in the krypton-containing gas mixture, viability of quail embryos was high enough which can be ascribed to the krypton protective action. Besides, an additional experiment showed that krypton partial pressure of 5-5.5 kgs/cm2 produces the narcotic effect on adult Japanese quails.

[Effects of xenon and krypton-containing breathing mixtures on clinical and biochemical blood indices in animals].

Effects of 24-hr breathing air mixtures containing xenon (XBM) and krypton (KBM) were compared in terms of hormonal status, and blood biochemical indices and morphology in laboratory animals. Some changes observed in blood and hormone indices could be a nonspecific adaptive response. Hence, we should elicit whether these effects are quickly reversible or long. For several indices krypton was a more favorable factor than xenon. However, some of its effects invite to delve into effects of different krypton concentrations on organism.

[The use of warm heliox mixtures in rehabilitation after submaximal physical loads during production activity].

Thirty essentially healthy male gas-rescuers 21 to 53 years of age were treated with warm hellox following scheduled physically demanding repairs in open compressed air respiratory systems. Results of the actual test showed that a single heliox treatment makes for positive changes in the respiration and some psychophysiological parameters. The test allowed refinement of the warm hellox procedure of preventing extreme cooling, fatigue of and cardiovascular problems in gas-rescuers using respiratory systems at work place.

[Cytogenetic impacts of air-argon environment on epitheliocytes of the mice cornea].

The purpose was to look into the effects of 24-hr. exposure in a normoxic air-argon environment (AAE) on the epitheliocyte proliferative system, i.e. chromosomal aberrations dynamics and cornea proliferative activity, in laboratory mice. Argon was found to significantly decrease the percentage of spontaneous mutations in cells and, probably, to induce reversible inhibition of cell division. Subsequent experiments may not only disclose the still unknown properties and advantages of argon but also shed light on cell mechanisms triggered by the noble gases in general.