Infective and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis in patients with post-COVID-19 viral-immune myocarditis

The possibility of heart inflammation (both myocardial and endocardial) months after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been practically studied, especially since approaches to the treatment of myocarditis in combination with various endocarditis forms have not been developed.Aim. To study the prevalence and mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-associated endocardial injury in patients with morphologically verified post-COVID-19 myocarditis, as well as to develop approaches to comprehensive therapy.Material and methods. The study included 18 patients with severe morphologically verified post-COVID-19 myocarditis (men, 9; 51,1±9,4 years; 35 to 66 years). Patients with prior verified myocarditis/myocardial infarction, rheumatic heart disease, and systemic immune diseases were excluded. The average time after COVID-19 was 6,5 [3.5; 10] months The diagnosis of myocarditis was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy (including immunohistochemical examination with antibodies to CD3, CD20, CD45, CD68, and to SARS-CoV-2 antigens; polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, DNA of cardiotropic viruses). The blood level of anticardiac antibodies was determined by indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (n=8), cardiac multislice tomography (n=1), and coronary angiography (n=14) were performed.Results. Biopsy revealed active (n=12) and borderline (n=3) lymphocytic myocarditis, eosinophilic (n=2) and giant cell (n=1) myocarditis. In 4 patients, nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) with parietal and intravascular thrombosis was diagnosed, and in one patient — infective endocarditis (IE) of the bicuspid aortic valve. Myocardial persistence of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 72% of cases (in 3 patients — with NBTE; in 1 — with IE; in 9 — without endocarditis). Titers of anticardiac antibodies increased by 3-4 times in 94% of patients. Patients with endocarditis were characterized by larger heart chambers, lower ejection fraction (27,5±6,6 vs 36,0±13,4%), more severe pulmonary hypertension, and valvular regurgitation. Intraventricular thrombosis according to echocardiography/magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac embolism was not observed. Treatment in all patients included methylprednisolone at an average dose of 24 mg a day. In 10 patients, the result was monitored for at least 3 months as follows: the ejection fraction was 46,0±12,7% and 44,3±7,3% in patients with and without endocarditis, respectively.Conclusion. Endocarditis in patients with post-COVID-19 myocarditis was detected in 28% (1 patient — IE; 4 — NBTE). The key mechanisms of post-COVID-19 myocarditis and NBTE are long-term (up to 18 months) myocardial persistence of SARS-Cov-2 and the development of an autoimmune reaction. Endocarditis was diagnosed in more severe patients, including those with giant cell and eosinophilic myocarditis. The effectiveness of steroid therapy in combination with anticoagulants in patients with NBTE requires further study. In case of IE, steroids can also be used in the treatment of myocarditis (in combination with antibiotics and immunoglobulin)

АССОЦИАЦИИ ПОЛИМОРФИЗМА ГЕНА ADRA2B С ФАКТОРАМИ РИСКА СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТЫХ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ В ПОПУЛЯЦИИ КОРЕННЫХ ЖИТЕЛЕЙ ГОРНОЙ ШОРИИ

Study objectives: examine the frequency of genotypes and alleles of I/D polymorphism of gene ADRA2B of native people living in Mountain Shoria (the Shors), as well as their association with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.Material and methods. Overall 221 native people of Shoria were examined. The average age is51.07 ± 1.46 among males, 52.93 ± 0.96 among females (p = 0.286). Anthropometric characteristics, lipid levels of blood and I/D polymorphism of ADRA2B were studied.Results. DD genotype of the gene ADRA2B in the native population of the Shor people is associated with adiposis and high index of "waist/hip", hypertriglyceridemia. The average values of Quetelet index is higher in carriers of this genotype compared with carriers of genotype ID. Average waist indications in homozygous insertions were lower than those in homozygous deletions and heterozygotes. Patients with genotype DD have higher average levels of triglycerides, atherogenic index, cholesterol, very low density lipoproteins.Conclusion. DD allele ADRA2B genotype is responsible for adiposis and high levels of TG among native population of Shoria.Научно-исследовательский институт комплексных проблем сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний Сибирского отделения РАН, Кемерово; Новокузнецкий государственный институт усовершенствования врачей, НовокузнецкЦель исследования – изучить частоты генотипов и аллелей I/D полиморфизма гена ADRA2B в популяции коренных жителей Горной Шории (шорцев), а также их ассоциацию с факторами риска сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний.Материал и методы. Проведено клинико-эпидемиологическое исследование коренного населения труднодоступных районов Горной Шории. Сплошным методом обследован 221 человек, выборка состояла из взрослого населения (лица в возрасте 18 лет и старше). Средний возраст обследуемых составил (51,07 ± 1,46) лет у мужчин, (52,93 ± 0,96) лет у женщин (p = 0,286). Изучены антропометрические данные, показатели липидного спектра крови, I/D полиморфизм гена ADRA2B.Результаты. Генотип DD гена ADRA2B в популяции шорцев ассоциируется с ожирением и повышенным индексом «талия/бедро», гипертриглицеридемией. Средние значения индекса Кетле выше у носителей данного генотипа по сравнению с носителями генотипа ID. У гомозигот по инсерции средние показатели окружности талии оказались меньше, чем у гомозигот по делеции и у гетерозигот. Средние уровни триглицеридов, индекса атерогенности, холестерина липопротеинов очень низкой плотности были выше у лиц с генотипом DD.Заключение. В популяции шорцев маркером генетической предрасположенности к ожирению, нарушению распределения жировой ткани и гипертриглицеридемии является аллель D гена а2В-адренорецептора

Модель биомедицинского клеточного продукта для доклинических исследований на крупном лабораторном животном

Objective: to develop a model of a biomedical cell product that is consistent with the «homologous drug» strategy  based on protocols for preparing the cell component and scaffold carrier for preclinical studies on a large laboratory  animal (pig). Materials and methods. Biomedical cell products and skin equivalents (SE), were formed using  plasma cryoprecipitate prepared from blood plasma of healthy donors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of  human adipose tissue. Cryoprecipitate from pig blood plasma and human adipose tissue-derived MSCs were used   to form model skin equivalents (mSE). Bright-field microscopy, phase-contrast microscopy (Leica DMI 3000B)  and fluorescence microscopy (Cytation 5 imager; BioTek, USA) were used to monitor the state of cells in the  culture and in the composition of the equivalents. Scaffolds for equivalents were tested for cytotoxicity (MTT test,  direct contact method). The cell distribution density was characterized by author’s method (Patent No. 2675376  of the Russian Federation). Results. An mSE was developed for preclinical studies on a large laboratory animal  (pig). In the mSE, components that change from halogen to xenogenic conditions during transplantation to the  animal were replaced. A comprehensive approach to preparing mSE was presented. It includes sampling of primary  pig biomaterial, extraction and characterization of adipose tissue-derived MSCs, preparation of a scaffold  carrier for the corresponding «homologous drug» strategy. Cytotoxicity of the mSE scaffold was evaluated. It  was shown that mSE provides mechanical support (similar to SE) to cells, as well as comparable development of  cellular events during cultivation. Conclusion. A model of a biomedical cell product was developed. This model  is consistent with the «homologous drug» strategy for preclinical studies on a large laboratory animal (pig). The  paper presented a comprehensive approach to developing a model equivalent based on protocols for preparation  and testing of the cellular component, the scaffold carrier and the ready-to-use model equivalent.Цель: разработать модель биомедицинского клеточного продукта, согласующуюся со стратегией «гомологичный препарат» на основе протоколов подготовки клеточной составляющей и скаффолда-носителя для доклинических исследований на крупном лабораторном животном (свинье). Материалы и методы. Биомедицинские клеточные продукты – эквиваленты кожи (ЭК) формировали с использованием криопреципитата плазмы крови здоровых доноров и мезенхимальных стволовых клеток (MSCs) жировой ткани человека. Для формирования модельных эквивалентов кожи (мЭК) использовали криопреципитат плазмы крови свиней и MSCs жировой ткани свиней. Наблюдение за состоянием клеток в культуре и в составе эквивалентов проводили с использованием методов светлого поля, фазового контраста (Leica DMI 3000B) и флуоресцентной микроскопии (имиджер Cytation 5; BioTek, USA). Скаффолды эквивалентов тестировали на цитотоксичность (МТТ-тест, метод прямого контакта). Характеристику плотности распределения клеток проводили авторским способом (Пат. № 2675376 РФ). Результаты. Разработан модельный эквивалент кожи (мЭК) для проведения доклинических исследований на крупном лабораторном животном (свинье). В мЭК замещены компоненты, переходящие из алогенных условий в ксеногенные при трансплантации животному. Представлен комплексный подход для подготовки мЭК, включающий забор первичного биоматериала свиньи, выделение и характеристику MSCs жировой ткани, подготовку скаффолда-носителя, соответствующего стратегии «гомологичный препарат». Проведена оценка цитотоксичности скаффолда мЭК. Показано, что мЭК обеспечивает аналогичную эквиваленту кожи (ЭК) механическую поддержку клеток и сопоставимое развитие клеточных событий при культивировании. Вывод. Разработана модель биомедицинского клеточного продукта, согласующаяся со стратегией «гомологичный препарат» для доклинических исследований на крупном лабораторном животном (свинье). Представлен комплексный подход, для разработки модельного эквивалента основанный на протоколах подготовки и тестирования клеточной составляющей, скаффолда-носителя и готового модельного эквивалента

Different Effect of Proteasome Inhibition on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Poliovirus Replication

Proteasome activity is an important part of viral replication. In this study, we examined the effect of proteasome inhibitors on the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and poliovirus. We found that the proteasome inhibitors significantly suppressed VSV protein synthesis, virus accumulation, and protected infected cells from toxic effect of VSV replication. In contrast, poliovirus replication was delayed, but not diminished in the presence of the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and Bortezomib. We also found that inhibition of proteasomes stimulated stress-related processes, such as accumulation of chaperone hsp70, phosphorylation of eIF2α, and overall inhibition of translation. VSV replication was sensitive to this stress with significant decline in replication process. Poliovirus growth was less sensitive with only delay in replication. Inhibition of proteasome activity suppressed cellular and VSV protein synthesis, but did not reduce poliovirus protein synthesis. Protein kinase GCN2 supported the ability of proteasome inhibitors to attenuate general translation and to suppress VSV replication. We propose that different mechanisms of translational initiation by VSV and poliovirus determine their sensitivity to stress induced by the inhibition of proteasomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study that connects the effect of stress induced by proteasome inhibition with the efficiency of viral infection

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

EXPERIENCE OF ORGANIZING OF THE RADIATION SITUATION MONITORING, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO MINIMIZE RISKS OF RADIATION EXPOSURE OF THE MAGADAN REGION POPULATION RELATED TO THE FUKUSHIMA ACCIDENT BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FEDERAL SERVICE FOR SURVEILLANCE ON CONSUMER RIGHTS PROTECTION AND HUMAN WELL-BEING IN MAGADAN REGION AND FEDERAL HEALTH ORGANIZATION "CENTER OF HYGIENE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY IN MAGADAN REGION"

The article presents results of activities of the Administration of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-being in Magadan region and the Federal Health Organization "Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Magadan region" in the context of monitoring of the radiation situation in the Magadan region from 12.03.2011 in connection with the Fukushima accident in Japan. The authors present the data on radiological laboratory studies, the analysis of performed organizational activities, the results of co-operation with the state and other regulatory authorities

Biomedical cell product model for preclinical studies carried out on a large laboratory animal

Objective: to develop a model of a biomedical cell product that is consistent with the «homologous drug» strategy  based on protocols for preparing the cell component and scaffold carrier for preclinical studies on a large laboratory  animal (pig). Materials and methods. Biomedical cell products and skin equivalents (SE), were formed using  plasma cryoprecipitate prepared from blood plasma of healthy donors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of  human adipose tissue. Cryoprecipitate from pig blood plasma and human adipose tissue-derived MSCs were used   to form model skin equivalents (mSE). Bright-field microscopy, phase-contrast microscopy (Leica DMI 3000B)  and fluorescence microscopy (Cytation 5 imager; BioTek, USA) were used to monitor the state of cells in the  culture and in the composition of the equivalents. Scaffolds for equivalents were tested for cytotoxicity (MTT test,  direct contact method). The cell distribution density was characterized by author’s method (Patent No. 2675376  of the Russian Federation). Results. An mSE was developed for preclinical studies on a large laboratory animal  (pig). In the mSE, components that change from halogen to xenogenic conditions during transplantation to the  animal were replaced. A comprehensive approach to preparing mSE was presented. It includes sampling of primary  pig biomaterial, extraction and characterization of adipose tissue-derived MSCs, preparation of a scaffold  carrier for the corresponding «homologous drug» strategy. Cytotoxicity of the mSE scaffold was evaluated. It  was shown that mSE provides mechanical support (similar to SE) to cells, as well as comparable development of  cellular events during cultivation. Conclusion. A model of a biomedical cell product was developed. This model  is consistent with the «homologous drug» strategy for preclinical studies on a large laboratory animal (pig). The  paper presented a comprehensive approach to developing a model equivalent based on protocols for preparation  and testing of the cellular component, the scaffold carrier and the ready-to-use model equivalent