The aim of the study was to investigate vasa venarum of great saphenous vein and their endothelial proliferation and to evaluate the modification of the microvessel density in case of atherosclerosis and associated diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods. The present study included nine venous fragments of human saphenous veins collected from the patients whose lower limbs were amputated. The causes of the limb ablation were: trauma (1 case) and atherosclerosis complicated with occlusion or thrombosis of the lower limbs arteries (8 cases). There were two cases presenting associated diabetes mellitus among the eight cases of atherosclerosis. Formalin-fixed tissues were paraffin embedded and cut into 3μm transverse sections. The slides were stained by a double immunostaining technique using the monoclonal antibodies anti-CD34 and anti-Ki67. The microvessel density was determined by counting the vessels of three “hot spots” and represented by the average values of three “hot spot” areas divided on the surface of high power field (0.0625 mm2). The endothelial cell proliferation index was calculated as the percentage of all nuclei of Ki67-stained endothelial cells that also co-expressed positive cytoplasmic staining in CD34-positive cells.

Results. Vasa venarum of the examined segments of human great saphenous veins were found both in the adventitia and the tunica media. In case of the traumatic injury of the lower limb the adventitial vasa venarum were 4.5 times more numerous (299 vessels/mm2) than those of great saphenous vein media (64 vessels/mm2). In case of associated metabolic disorders we found increased number of vasa venarum of saphenous vein media, 247±109 vessels/mm2 and 253±51 vessels/mm2, respectively. However, the adventitial microvessel density was lower in case of atherosclerosis (151±23 vessels/mm2) and associated diabetes mellitus (125±3 vessels/mm2). The endothelial cell proliferation index was between 20% and 25% in saphenous vein from the patient with the traumatic injury. Moreover, the proliferation index was higher, ranged between 25% and 30%, in saphenous vein from the patients with metabolic disorders. In the adventitia and the media sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis were observed.

Conclusions. Under normal conditions, the microcirculatory vessels predominate in the adventitia, but under pathological conditions (atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus) the microvessels of the media can exceed numerically the microvessels of the adventitia. The vasa venarum of the tunica media can be located in its outer layer. The Ki67-endothelial proliferation index can be higher (25–30%) in case of the atherosclerosis and associated diabetes mellitus than that in normal conditions (20–25%). The formation of the neovasa vasorum occur through both sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis.

The aim of the study was to investigate vasa venarum of great saphenous vein and their endothelial proliferation and to evaluate the modification of the microvessel density in case of atherosclerosis and associated diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods. The present study included nine venous fragments of human saphenous veins collected from the patients whose lower limbs were amputated. The causes of the limb ablation were: trauma (1 case) and atherosclerosis complicated with occlusion or thrombosis of the lower limbs arteries (8 cases). There were two cases presenting associated diabetes mellitus among the eight cases of atherosclerosis. Formalin-fixed tissues were paraffin embedded and cut into 3μm transverse sections. The slides were stained by a double immunostaining technique using the monoclonal antibodies anti-CD34 and anti-Ki67. The microvessel density was determined by counting the vessels of three “hot spots” and represented by the average values of three “hot spot” areas divided on the surface of high power field (0.0625 mm2). The endothelial cell proliferation index was calculated as the percentage of all nuclei of Ki67-stained endothelial cells that also co-expressed positive cytoplasmic staining in CD34-positive cells.

Results. Vasa venarum of the examined segments of human great saphenous veins were found both in the adventitia and the tunica media. In case of the traumatic injury of the lower limb the adventitial vasa venarum were 4.5 times more numerous (299 vessels/mm2) than those of great saphenous vein media (64 vessels/mm2). In case of associated metabolic disorders we found increased number of vasa venarum of saphenous vein media, 247±109 vessels/mm2 and 253±51 vessels/mm2, respectively. However, the adventitial microvessel density was lower in case of atherosclerosis (151±23 vessels/mm2) and associated diabetes mellitus (125±3 vessels/mm2). The

endothelial cell proliferation index was between 20% and 25% in saphenous vein from the patient with the traumatic injury. Moreover, the proliferation index was higher, ranged between 25% and 30%, in saphenous vein from the patients with metabolic disorders. In the adventitia and the media sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis were observed.

Conclusions. Under normal conditions, the microcirculatory vessels predominate in the adventitia, but under pathological conditions (atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus) the microvessels of the media can exceed numerically the microvessels of the adventitia. The vasa venarum of the tunica media can be located in its outer layer. The Ki67-endothelial proliferation index can be higher (25–30%) in case of the atherosclerosis and associated diabetes mellitus than that in normal conditions (20–25%). The formation of the neovasa vasorum occur through both sprouting and non-sprouting angiogenesis.

The aim of the article is to study the morphological features of the thymus of the white rats exposed to the inhalation of formaldehyde.

Material and methods. 72 white male rats with an initial body weight of 130–150 g were were exposed to formaldehyde at a concentration of 2.766 mg/m3. Exposures were carried out once a day during 60 minutes. Exposure durations were 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days. We separately studied the thymus of rats, which, after 60 days of exposure to formaldehyde, were kept for 30 days in standard vivarium conditions (rehabilitation group). The structure of the thymus was studied by light microscopy.

Results. The number of cells in an area of 2500 μm2 of the subcapsular zone in animals exposed to formaldehyde for 10, 20, and 30 days was 131.19±4.20, 135.65±7.74, and 135.35±10.83, respectively, which was less than the control set by 4.35%, 4.68% and 3.72%, respectively. After 40 and 60 days, this indicator was below the control by 8.90% and 9.63%.

Conclusion. Inhalation of formaldehyde reduces the area of the thymus cortex. Phenomena of inversion of the cortex and the medulla are observed. Under the influence of formaldehyde, a picture of so called «starry sky» is observed in the cortical substance of the thymus. A decrease in the severity of changes in the thymus of rats belonging to the rehabilitation group, in comparison with animals that received 90 exposures, indicates that the changes are reversible.

The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution and content of neuroglobin in the pyramidal neurons of the frontal and parietal cortex of white rats during simulated cholestasis.

Material and methods. The study included 60 outbred white male rats weighed 200–250 g. Cholestasis was simulated by ligation of the common bile duct in the porta hepatis area (main group, n=30). Animals of the control group (n=30) were performed a false operation preserving physiological bile outflow. Sections of the frontal and parietal cortex of white rats were selected for investigation. The content and distribution of neuroglobin was detected immunohistochemically on paraffin sections using mouse monoclonal primary antibodies Anti- Neuroglobin antibody (Abcam). Cytophotometric analysis was used to perform quantitative assessment of the content of the studied molecular marker; after that statistical analysis was performed.

Results. It was found that the content of neuroglobin in the pericarions of neurons of the frontal and parietal cortex modified in a wave-like mode. After ligation of the common bile duct, the content of neuroglobin significantly decreased in 2, 10 and 45 days (minimum on the 10th day) in the frontal cortex and in 90 days in the parietal cortex, and increased in 5 and 20 days of the experiment (maximum on the 20th day).

Conclusion. In cholestasis, the content of neuroglobin in the pericarions of neurons of the frontal and parietal cortex modifies in waves: a decrease is observed on the 2nd, 10th, 45th day; an increase is observed on the 5th and 20th day; a recovery is observed on the 90th day.

The aim of this research was to study gender and typological features of the morphometric parameters of the alveolar process of the maxilla in the mature population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Material and methods. The study included 100 macerated mature male and female skulls reported in the certificates from the craniological collection of the fundamental museum of the department of human anatomy and medical terminology of the Azerbaijan medical university. The craniometric and variation-statistical methods were used in the study. Measurements were performed according to the generally accepted method using standard instruments for craniometry (Vernier caliper, caliper and a metal ruler). Cranial cuts in the frontal plane at the level of the upper canines, second premolars and molars were performed to measure the height and width of the alveolar ridge.

Results. The results of morphometry demonstrated that the alveolar process of the maxilla has a pronounced gender dimorphism in males and females. Thus, in men morphometric parameters of the alveolar ridge (measured at different levels) are higher than in women. The alveolar ridge is statistically higher in leptoprozopes and mesoprozopes compared with euriprozopes at all studied levels.

Conclusion. The height and width of the alveolar process of the maxilla have significant gender differences. Certain features of the width of the alveolar ridge have been detected for various forms of the facial part of the skull, but no evident relationship has been revealed.

Radiation exposure to the chest organs used in the complex treatment of neoplasms is often accompanied by the development of radiation pneumonitis, fibrosis and respiratory failure.

The aim of the study was to evaluate oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in radio-induced lung damage and possibility of their correction with a pulmonary surfactant preparation.

Material and methods. Lung tissue samples of 82 male Wistar rats were investigated in the study. Single local irradiation of animals was performed with the X-ray RUM-17 unit at a dose 12 Gy. The quantitative content and fractional composition of phospholipids of pulmonary surfactant were determined in the study. Oxidative stress was detected using Raman spectroscopy, endothelial dysfunction was detected immunohistochemically.

Results. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction were registered starting from the first day of the experiment, and manifested by an increased content of free radicals and a decrease in endothelial function indices supported by precise spectroscopic, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods. With application of Surfactant-BL preparation oxidative stress manifestations were eliminated to the beginning of the intermediate stage of the experiment, and were preserved without correction until its completion.

Conclusions. Three-fold intratracheal administration of a pulmonary surfactant preparation implements an antioxidant, immunomodulatory and compensating effect attenuating the alterative effect of oxidative stress and its initiating impact on the development of endothelial dysfunction. Native surfactant having a pronounced effect on all components of the lung tissue including alveolocytes of the first and second types and endothelial cells of the capillaries of the lung results in the correction of endothelial dysfunction.

The article discusses variant anatomy of the renal arteries, potentials of three-dimensional modeling and use of these data in clinical practice. Despite a large number of studies based on both morphological and clinical approaches there is no general consensus regarding options for dividing the renal artery, the number of its branches, their topolocalization. This is due to the fact that most of the research studies are based on cadaveric material, fixed and unfixed. It is difficult to apply these data to explain medical conditions and pathologies of particular patients. Computed tomography allows performing in vivo investigation of various morphometric parameters of the renal arteries, and these findings can subsequently be used in disease diagnostics and treatment.

The aim of the study was to identify patterns of topography, linear dimensions and variant anatomy of the human renal arteries based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) with three-dimensional modeling, and to apply CTA findings in clinical practice.

Material and methods. The study included CTA images of the abdomen of 130 patients, and their threedimensional models. A hardware-software complex "Luch-S" and software complex "Avtoplan" (Russian project) were used to perform morphometric analysis. The diameter of the renal artery mouth, the level of origin of the renal artery mouths, as well as the angles between the renal arteries and the abdominal aorta were analyzed morphometrically and statistically.

Results. The authors have developed recommendations how to use three-dimensional modeling of vascular- organ complexes in patients at the stage of preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation in clinical practice. Generated dataset of personalized morphometric data can be applied to teach basic operation techniques involving possible damage to abnormal vessels, as well as training specific surgical procedures involving the kidney and its vessels in a simulation-based surgical clinic.

The aim of the study was to assess capability and benefits of this method, its technical feasibility and safety regarding a damage of the most essential anatomical structures.

Material and methods. The study involved 15 natural humeral bones; their parameters - the length and shape of the plates – were measured for osteosynthesis. Bone osteosynthesis was further performed on 14 intact upper limbs taken from 7 non-fixed corpses of people died at the age of 63–77 using the discussed method; after that, the operated limbs were studied using preparating technique. Furthermore, after plate application on two shoulder sections, 12 transverse cuts with their epoxy plastination were made at three levels according to the original technology; this was followed by the preparation of histotopographic sections.

Results. The results obtained have demonstrated that for the new method of bone osteosynthesis it is advisable to use metal plates 220–260 mm long with spiral twisting clockwise for the right humerus and counterclockwise for the left. Average distances from the fixed plate to the humerus, tendon of the long head of the biceps of the shoulder muscle, large blood vessels and peripheral nerves were determined using precision preparation and measurements; the measurements were also performed on transparent plate-shaped shoulder cuts. All the above validates safety of the discussed method regarding a damage of the most essential anatomical structures and allow to successfully use it in the clinical practice.

Conclusion. The discussed technique of plastinated transverse shoulder cuts with further experimental fixation of metal implants for osteosynthesis ensures safety of the initial topographic and anatomical relationships of these structures with anatomical structures. In addition, high transparency of the tissues created by epoxy plastination allows determining distances between implants and important anatomical structures with high precision, the fact being of great significance in applied anatomical studies.

The aim of the study was to investigate radiofrequency ablation (RFA) effect on histo- and fibroarchitectonics of plantar aponeurosis in dogs with fasciopathy simulated by alprostan.

Material and methods. Methods of light microscopy (Van Gieson, Weigert–Van Gieson and picro-allory staining with alcian and toluidine blue) and morphometry were used in the study. The study involved sections of plantar aponeurosis in animals of the control group (without fasciopathy, n=8), the main group (with RFA, n=8) and the comparison group (without RFA, n=8).

Results. The study demonstrated that a single exposure to RFA after simulated alprostane fasciopathy (four-time injection of the medication during 35 days) did not cause an increase or occurrence of additional pathological changes in the injection area after 7 days. Edema, microbleeding, infiltration by lymphocytes, plasmocytes and leukocytes, dystrophy in the form of mucoid swelling, collapse and rupture of collagen fibers were revealed in animals of the main group, as well as in animals of the comparison group. Processes of adaptation and regeneration of the connective tissue in both groups were manifested in the form of a large number of activated fibrocytes, fibroblasts, microvessels, and the formation of collagen fibers. All these together resulted in the same type of heterochronous and heteromorphic spatial histotopographic changes in the aponeurosis – its structure became more cellular, but less ordered in space. Foci of the chaotic distribution of damaged and newly formed collagen fibers appeared. However, exposure to RFA under moderate power (energy) conditions destroyed cells, thin and damaged collagen fibers, and prevented the development of irreversible fibrinoid swelling and granulation tissue around the foci of dystrophy. Together, all these changes reduced the possibility of gross cicatricial rearrangements in the foci of pathologically altered collagen networks.

Conclusion. A single exposure to RFA prevented the development of irreversible stromal-vascular dysproteinoses, inflammatory processes and gross cicatricial changes in the connective tissue of the plantar aponeurosis in dogs. These changes can be determined as reasons for the positive clinical effect of RFA on the foci of pathologically altered collagen networks in fasciopathies.

The purpose of this study is to study the efficiency of spermatogenesis in old and young cats in various seasons of the year

Material and methods. The material has been collected from 16 cats of different ages in winter and summer periods in Voronezh veterinary clinics while animals being sterilized. The testicles were fixed in Shtiva’s liquid and Buen’s liquid. The material was poured into paraffin and a series of paraffin sections 4–5 μm thick were prepared. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, iron hematoxylin, Heidengain azane, trichrome-PAS reaction and tetrachrome-PAS reaction. By means of a helical eyepiece-micrometer, the diameter of the testicles tubules and the epididymis (50 measurements for each animal) were measured. To determine the effectiveness of spermatogenesis at an increase in 900 times, the number of first-order spermatocytes in the zigotene and pachitene stage, early spermatid (50 canals for each animal) was estimated. The normality of the distribution was determined using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the Lilliefors adjustment. The measurement results were processed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-criteria. Changes at Р<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results. The maximum diameter of the testicular tubules and the canal of the epididymis was found in animals at two years of age. These parameters in cats at the age of 8 years are reduced by 29.2%, and by17.0%, respectively. Comparing the number of dying cells in old and young animals, it can be noted that in cats at the age of 8 years the number of dying spermatids increases, while spermatogenesis efficiency decrease is statistically significant (by 19.1%).

The aim of this study was to identify the morphological features of organ damage due to shock in deceased with different types of sepsis under modern complex therapy.

Material and methods. We studied archival material of 93 autopsies of the deceased with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Microscopic examination assessed the frequency among the observed groups and the prevalence of signs of damage to the microvasculature vessels, as well as organ parenchyma: myocardium, liver, kidneys, and brain. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out with the determination of significant differences between the observed groups.

Results. 4 observation groups were distinguished: the first group with leukocyte mini-foci and shock (n=10), the second group with mini-foci without shock (n=11), the third group without purulent metastases with shock (n=15), the fourth group without purulent metastases without shock (n=43). It was revealed that the main etiological factor of septic shock is gram-negative microflora. It was found that in septic shock, the activation of the coagulation system is more pronounced, which is confirmed by the greater frequency of detection of blood clots in the lumen of microvasculature blood vessels. In the deceased groups with shock and leukocyte mini-foci leukostasis in the kidney vessels and desquamation of the endothelium were detected reliably (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01) more often than in the group with shock without purulent metastases.

Conclusion. Septic shock is detected in every fourth (26%) deceased with this pathology. Septic shock development is based on the hyperergic response of the body to a generalized gram-negative infection, in 64% of cases presented by Klebsiella pneumonia. Septic shock is characterized by decrease in arteriole tone, absence or minimal manifestations of purulent metastasis , more severe damage to the vessels of the microcirculatory bed, manifested through the widespread exfoliation of endotheliocytes in the lumen of the vessels, frequent development of a sludge phenomenon and blood clots in the vessels of the myocardium, as well as hyaline membranes in the lungs. The detection of at least minimal manifestations of purulent metastasis in the tissues of those who died from septic shock is associated with increased expression of adhesive molecules in the myocardial vascular endothelium, its desquamation, and the appearance of leukostasis in the kidneys. These few morphological differences are associated with the nature of the patient's body reaction to a generalized infection and, accordingly, the rate of its development.

The article focuses on age-related morphofunctional changes in the human brain and the issue of compensatory-adaptive mechanisms developed in normal aging. According to the scientific literature, the volume of white matter is reduced to a greater extent with aging, the fact associating with myelin fibers degeneration, the appearance of Virchow–Robin spaces and a decrease in the effectiveness of the blood-brain barrier. Atrophic processes in gray matter are currently associated not only with the death of neurons, but with degenerative changes in synapses, a decrease in their number, and reduction of dendritic branches and spines. A decrease in the size of pericarions resulting in a decrease in the number of large neurocytes and an increase in the proportion of small neurons is noted in certain brain structures. However, age-related neuronal hypertrophy is observed in the nuclei of the hypothalamus, Meinert’s basal nucleus. This is mostly manifested in the female group, and is undoubtedly associated with a decrease in estrogen levels and the period of menopause. An increase in the metabolic activity of neurons manifested by related changes in the size of the pericarions and nuclei of neurons and their Golgi complex can be attributed to compensatory-adaptive mechanisms that can delay or prevent the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Neurons with a higher metabolic activity have better ability to self-repair. Due to this, neuron reactivation techniques are being developed with aging based on the selection of the correct stimulus. The growth of the glial cell population is also considered to be compensatory, since these cells are crucial for neuron adaptation and able to affect the level of neuronal RNA synthesis. Furthermore, the article highlights literature data on possible triggers of the compensatory capabilities of the brain with aging and under pathological processes.

In modern medicine, various biocompatible materials (based on biodegradable natural biopolymers – collagen, hyaluronic acid, chitin, chitosan, etc.) are widely used, primarily for the purposes of reconstructive and plastic surgery. The development of these materials and their introduction into clinical practice is an extremely urgent task of regenerative biology and medicine. One of the most important properties of bioplastic materials is their ability to undergo biodegradation and gradually be replaced by the recipient's proper tissues. In this case, the intermediate and final metabolic products of these materials should be included in the natural biochemical cycles of the body without their systemic and local accumulation, and degradation products should lack the toxicity effect. Bioplastic materials can also serve as carriers of biologically active substances, for example, growth factors and morphogenetic proteins, antibacterial substances, as well as pharmacological agents that affect the rate of regeneration. The designed three-dimensional porous structure of new materials, morphologically similar to the structure of body tissues, allows them to ensure the migration of fibroblastic cells, the growth of blood vessels in the area occupied by this material, that is, they can serve as a skeleton (matrix), a basis for histio- and organotypic regenerates developing in various organs. Many bioplastic materials have the ability to enhance angiogenesis, and are also able to activate proliferation and cytodifferentiation of epithelial cells and fibroblast differentiation cells of the connective tissue, which leads to the formation of young connective tissue in the transplant zone and epithelization of organ damage. Thus, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers are able to stimulate reparative histogenesis, providing optimal conditions for the formation of histio- and organotypic regenerates of various tissues and organs.

The aim of the study was to investigate the content of the muscular component of the body in girls, aged 16–20, with different somatotypes.

Material and methods. The study included 500 females, aged 16–20, representatives of the Slavic ethnic group, residents of Moscow and the Moscow region. They were divided into two groups: 16–17 and 18–20 years old (250 girls in each group). The diameter of the wrist and ankle, wrist and calf circumferences (mm), thickness of the dermal-fat fold of the back, shoulder, abdomen and thigh (using a calipometry method) were calculated in girls of all groups. The content of the muscular component of the soma was also calculated by bioimpedansometry (using a Russian device "ABC-01 Медасс"). Statistical processing of findings included calculation of their arithmetic mean values, errors. The significance of differences was determined using parametric and nonparametric criteria (Student and Fisher criteria) depending on the type of distribution in the sample.

Results. Heterogeneity of the population was revealed when determining a somatotype: inclusion into a particular constitutional group insignificantly modifies with the transition from 16–17 to 18–20 years of age. Mesosomy was a predominant feature in girls of both age groups (48% of all studied girls aged 16–17 and 40.0% of all studied girls aged 18–20). Girls with megalosomal body type constituted 24.0 and 26.5%, respectively; girls with leptosomal body type constituted 20% in all age groups; girls with undefined body type constituted 8.0% and 13.5%, respectively. The content of the muscular component of the soma demonstrated significant constitutional differences between these parameters. In comparison of the studied groups, there was an insignificant increase in the absolute indices of the muscle component with a decrease in the relative indices - the mass of the muscle component to body weight – with increasing age.

Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate significant constitutional features of the absolute and relative (percentage) content of the muscle component of the body as an important aspect of the female physical status. This information is relevant for both theoretical and practical medicine.

The article is dedicated to the prominent Russian scientist, doctor of medical sciences, professor, honored worker of the higher school of the Russian Federation, excellent health care worker Kondrashev Alexander Vasilievich. On the eve of the 70th anniversary of their teacher, colleagues tell about his life path and scientific Achievements.