Vol 31, No 11 (2024)

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide is recognized as the third gasotransmitter, playing an essential role in both physiological processes and various diseases. Experimental evidence confirms that it is synthesized in body tissues and has a broad range of physiological effects on the cardiovascular, nervous, and other systems. Studies on the role of H₂S in the metabolism of living systems have revealed the existence of donors capable of releasing it, including sulfide mineral water used in balneology.

AIM: To justify the role of sulfide mineral water as a donor of hydrogen sulfide gasotransmitter signaling molecules initiating therapeutic effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of publications from the past 20 years was conducted using the electronic databases RSCI, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline. The search was performed using the following keywords: газотрансмиттеры (gasotransmitters), сероводород (hydrogen sulfide), доноры сероводорода (hydrogen sulfide donors), and сульфидная бальнеотерапия (sulfide balneotherapy). A total of 63 publications most relevant to the topic were selected for analysis.

RESULTS: Hydrogen sulfide belongs to the group of gasotransmitters—gaseous signaling molecules produced by the human and animal body. These molecules play a critical role in cellular regulation and mediate various biological processes. H₂S exerts diverse physiological effects on various body systems, including the brain, where it may influence emotional state and behavior. Sources of H₂S include gaseous hydrogen sulfide, aqueous solutions of sodium hydrosulfide and sodium sulfide, hydrogen sulfide mineral water, and carbonyl sulfide. The therapeutic effect of topically applied H₂S-containing mineral water is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in free, partially bound, and bound forms. Mineral water also contains sulfur, sulfane sulfur (polysulfides), cyclic polynuclear organosulfur compounds, and dialkyl polysulfides. H₂S penetrates the bloodstream via the skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Sulfide balneotherapy promotes reparative regeneration by activating polymorphonuclear leukocytes and enhances the structural organization of collagen fibers in scar tissue. Imbalances in hydrogen sulfide levels—both excess and deficiency—may be associated with several neurodegenerative disorders.

CONCLUSION: Hydrogen sulfide mineral water may serve as a donor of signaling molecules of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide, as evidenced by the positive therapeutic outcomes of balneotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, numerous studies have attempted to compare the results of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) obtained by different authors using various devices. To reach a consensus on standardizing fNIRS parameters, interpreting data, and ensuring reproducibility, comparative assessments of these parameters in healthy individuals from different geographical and climatic regions are needed.

AIM: To characterize standard fNIRS parameters in young adults living in various environmental conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 clinically healthy Caucasian men and women aged 18–25 years, all native residents of three regions in European Russia: Arkhangelsk Oblast, Volgograd Oblast, and the Republic of Crimea. Hemodynamic responses of the cerebral cortex in the near-infrared range were assessed using the Cortivision Poton Cap C20 device (Cortivision, Poland). The experimental protocol consisted of three stages: Stage 1: baseline fNIRS recording with eyes open (30ʹ); Stage 2: administration of the following tasks: Simple Visual-Motor Reaction (2ʹ), Complex Visual-Motor Reaction (2ʹ), and Kraepelin Test (3ʹ); Stage 3: post-task fNIRS recording with eyes open (1ʹ). For subsequent data analysis, mean fNIRS values of HbO and HbR concentrations (mmol/L) were used for both the baseline and post-task stages.

RESULTS: Comparative analysis of regional differences in baseline and post-task fNIRS values revealed no statistically significant differences between participants from the modeled regions, which varied considerably in environmental comfort scores (6 points for Arkhangelsk Oblast, 17 points for Volgograd Oblast, 25 points for the Republic of Crimea). At the same time, clear differences in the baseline expression of fNIRS parameters were observed between the sampled groups of male and female participants. Repeatedly observed unidirectional differences in baseline HbO and HbR concentrations between male and female participants were identified in the same cortical areas. In both cases, statistically significant differences in concentrations were identified in symmetrical frontal (AF4–AFp2, AF3–AFp1) and temporal (FTT8–T8, FTT7–T7) leads. In women, higher values were recorded in the frontal cortex, whereas in men, the concentrations of the studied forms of hemoglobin were higher in the temporal regions.

CONCLUSION: The study characterized standard fNIRS parameters in young adults residing in varied environmental conditions. The presented data will contribute to improving the reliability and reproducibility of studies conducted using fNIRS technology, thereby facilitating the implementation of advanced neuroimaging methods in both research and clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: The risk of developing various disorders in children, including nervous system diseases, is often associated with impaired mineral metabolism, as macro- and microelements play a critical role in the functioning of both the central and autonomic nervous systems. Elemental imbalance in children may result from intrauterine developmental anomalies or from environmental exposure.

AIM: To analyze and assess the elemental composition of hair in children with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A selective cohort study was conducted involving 93 children aged 3 to 6 years. The participants were divided into two groups: the main group, consisting of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia), and the control group. To assess elemental status, 14 chemical elements were measured in hair samples using atomic absorption spectrometry.

RESULTS: Elemental homeostasis in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy was found to be disrupted with respect to both essential and conditionally essential elements, as well as toxic ones. In the hair of children in the main group, significantly elevated levels (p < 0.05) of manganese, chromium, nickel, and lead were observed compared to the upper reference limit and the control group. At the same time, a significant decrease in selenium concentration was noted, relative to both the lower reference limit and the control group (by a factor of 46 and 20, respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Study of the elemental composition of hair may serve as an additional tool in the diagnosis of nervous system disorders in children and in guiding supplemental pharmacologic correction of mineral metabolism.

AIM: To present the design of the study “Determinants of Eating Behavior Among Medical University Students”, aimed at assessing the determinants underlying eating behavior in medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study will include students enrolled at the Northern State Medical University (Arkhangelsk, Russia), aged 18 to 25 years. The expected sample size is 2500 participants. The study object is eating behavior in young adults. The subject is affective-neurotic and sociodemographic determinants of eating behavior. The study materials will consist of data planned to be obtained through an anthropometric and sociopsychological assessment to be conducted at the Northern State Medical University. A control group is not planned to be formed.

EXPECTED RESULTS: The study will assess the prevalence of both underweight and overweight conditions in the target population, determine the frequency of disordered eating behavior, identify affective-neurotic and sociodemographic determinants of eating behavior, and evaluate their contribution to disordered eating. It will also examine the associations between affective-neurotic personality traits (including anxiety, depression, obsessive tendencies, and hypomanic states) and anthropometric parameters (such as weight, height, hip and waist circumference, and skinfold thickness). Based on the data obtained, it will be possible to identify affective-neurotic personality profiles associated with various forms of disordered eating behavior.