Polymorphism of genes associated with infectious lung diseases in Northern Asian populations and in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

The innate immune system is the first to respond to invading pathogens. It is responsible for invader recognition, immune-cell recruitment, adaptive-immunity activation, and regulation of inflammation intensity. Previously, two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of innate-immunity genes - rs5743708 (Arg753Gln) of the TLR2 gene and rs8177374 (Ser180Leu) of the TIRAP gene - have been shown to be associated with both pneumonia and tuberculosis in humans, but the data are contradictory among different ethnic groups. It has also been reported that rs10902158 at the PKP3-SIGGIR-TMEM16J genetic locus belongs to a haplotype race-specifically associated with tuberculosis. Meanwhile, a gradient of its frequency is observed in Asia. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of selection for the genotypes of the above-mentioned SNPs on the gene pools of populations living in harsh climatic conditions that contribute to the development of infectious lung diseases. We estimated the prevalence of these variants in white and Asian (Chukchis and Yakuts) population samples from Northern Asia and among patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Carriage of the rs5743708 A allele was found to predispose to severe CAP (odds ratio 2.77, p = 0.021), whereas the GG/CT genotype of rs5743708/rs8177374 proved to be protective against it (odds ratio 0.478, p = 0.022) in white patients. No association of rs10902158 with CAP (total or severe) was found among whites. Stratification of CAP by causative pathogen may help eliminate the current discrepancies between different studies. No significant difference in rs5743708 or rs8177374 was found between adolescent and long-lived white samples. Carriage of the alleles studied is probably not associated with predisposition to longevity among whites in Siberia. Both white and Asian populations studied were different from Western European and East Asian populations in the variants' prevalence. The frequency of the rs8177374 T (Ser180Leu) variant was significantly higher in the Chukchi sample (p = 0, χ2 = 63.22) relative to the East Asian populations. This result may confirm the hypothesis about the selection of this allele in the course of human migration into areas with unfavorable climatic conditions.

[FEDERAL CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS].

The purpose of development of this clinical practice guidelines was to provide evidence-based protocols that help the practitioner and the patient make the right decision for the health assessment, treatment and prevention of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is the interstitial lung disease of occupational origin caused by prolonged inhalation of inorganic dust, characterized by chronic diffuse aseptic inflammation in lung tissue with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, thereare no treatment that provide a cure pulmonary fibrosis and changes in the dynamics of decline in lung function. Regular, individually tailored treatment should be directed to the pathogenic mechanisms and some clinical symptoms of pneumoconiosis, as well as the prevention of complications. To enhance the effect of pharmacotherapy is recommended to use non-drug therapies that enhance the functionality of the respiratory system.

[Health maintenance strategy for construction industry workers].

The authors analyzed work conditions and health state of workers engaged into construction industry in Kemerovo city. Findings are that complex approach to carrying out the strategy "Health for all in XXI century" causes health preservation.

[Integral methodologic approach to occupational health maintenance for oil industry workers in North-West Siberia (exemplified by JSC "Novosibirsknephtegaz" model)].

The authors analyzed work conditions and health of workers in oil-extracting industry of Novosibirsk region. Findings are that work safety system based on workplace certification concerning work conditions and on occupational safety activities certification is the most important component in primary prevention of occupational hazardous effects on life and health of workers during the occupational activities.

[Possibile application of X-ray and high resolution CT in pneumoconiosis management].

The article covers results of clinical and roentgenologic data analysis. The data were obtained in the study that covered 447 pneumoconiosis patients, 75 of which were subjected to high resolution CT. If compared to chest X-ray, high resolution CT helps more precise forecast of further course in pneumoconiosis.

[Innovative approaches to postgraduate training of occupational therapy specialists: from knowledge to competency through activity].

The authors studied innovative approaches in postgraduate training of occupational therapy specialists. Findings are that combination of technologic and research approaches provides guaranteed prevailing and development of creativity.

[Implementation mechanisms in prevention of occupational diseases in workers exposed to occupational hazards in Far North].

The article covers analysis of work conditions and occupational diseases in diamond mining industry of Far North. Safe length of sevice under exposure to noise is set. The authors specified recommendations on primary and secondary prophylaxis of occupational diseases in workers.

[Improving the system of methods covering clinical and rentgenologic observation over workers exposed to dust aerosol].

The article deals with analysis of clinical and rentgenologic changes in various pneumoconiosis types over 1960 to 2007 in Novosibirsk region. Findings are that analogous plain film fails to diagnose pulmonary pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconioses associated with "minimal" dust invasions in 10-15% of cases are not revealed by plain films.

[Efficiency of aerosol therapy in rehabilitation programs for patients with occupational broncho-pulmonary diseases].

The authors demonstrated efficiency of aerosol therapy using "Dovolenskaya" mineral water in treating patients with occupational pulmonary diseases. Results are improved bronchial drainage, normal pro- and antioxidant status, lower inflammatory activity in patients with pneumoconiosis and occupational dust bronchitis.