Aim: To evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and distinct therapeutic regimens within 3 years of follow-up. Materials and Methods: We recruited 72 male patients with AS and divided them into two groups depending on the therapeutic regimen: 29 patients received infliximab and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while 43 patients received NSAIDs only. BMD was measured annually using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Both therapeutic regimens led to an increase in BMD at the lumbar spine (LI-LIV) compared to baseline after 3 years of follow-up; however, only the combination of infliximab with NSAIDs led to an increase in BMD at the femoral neck compared to baseline. Patients who received infliximab and NSAIDs had significantly higher BMD at the femoral neck compared to those who received only NSAIDs after 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: In patients with AS, the combination of infliximab and NSAIDs has a therapeutic advantage over NSAIDs only.

Aim: To perform a cytogenetic profiling of patients with spring-summer tick-borne encephalitis. Materials and Methods: Cytogenetic profiling of 22 patients with spring-summer tick-borne encephalitis was carried out using a conventional technique immediately after a hospital admission and 30, 60, and 180 days after a hospital dischargeControl group included healthy blood donors. Results: Frequency of cells with chromosomal abnormalities was significantly higher in patients with spring-summer tick-borne encephalitis compared to the controls, particularly at the early stage. Cytogenetic profile became normal only 6 months after hospital discharge. The majority of the aneuploid cells were hypoploid; the most frequently lacking chromosomes were of D and G groups. Chromatid breaks were the most frequent type of the structural chromosomal aberrations. The highest frequency of the structural chromosomal aberrations was observed in the chromosome 2. Conclusions: Spring-summer tick-borne encephalitis is associated with a high frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities within 3 months after hospital discharge. Cytogenetic profile becomes normal only 6 months after hospital discharge.

Aim: To identify the risk factors for treatment failure and recurrent endometrial hyperplasia in women of reproductive age with obesity. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective, case-control study. The study included 92 women of reproductive age with obesity and simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. All patients received norethisterone therapy at a dose of 10 mg per day, 16-25 day cycle for 6 months, followed by endometrial biopsy and histological examination. Group I consisted of 36 patients with relapsing endometrial hyperplasia while group II included 56 patients without relapse. Results: Stepwise discriminant analysis of 162 parameters revealed 11 significant factors associated with endometrial hyperplasia in women of reproductive age with obesity. Severe obesity, android fat distribution, duration of obesity and infertility, metabolic (hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol) and hormonal disorders (hyperestradiolemia, hypertestosteronemia, hyperleptinemia) were the most significant predictors of treatment failure and/or recurrent endometrial hyperplasia in women of reproductive age with obesity. Conclusions: Features of the metabolic and hormonal profile in women of reproductive age with obesity should be taken into account in treatment of endometrial hyperplasia.

Aim: Тo study the bone turnover markers (BTMs) in male patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: We recruited 102 male patients with CAD (mean age 60.8±6.9 years) and performed coronary angiography along with a multislice computed tomography following the measurement of BTMs (osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and cathepsin K). Coronary artery calcification was evaluated by Agatston score. Results: We found a significant increase in serum levels of BAP and cathepsin K in patients with CAD compared to the healthy controls, indicating a high rate of bone metabolism. Serum levels of BAP and osteocalcin were significantly higher in patients with severe coronary artery calcification in comparison with those without calcification. Serum level of cathepsin K was significantly lower in patients with a high risk of fatal coronary events compared to those with a low risk. Conclusions: Increase in BTMs in male patients with CAD indicates a high rate of bone loss that may confirm the common mechanisms of bone resorption and vascular calcification.

Тo develop a comprehensive method for evaluating the risk of an adverse outcome during anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) treatment. Materials and Methods: We recruited 10,398 adult patients with either primary pulmonary TB or TB relapse. All patients were divided into 2 groups: 7,249 patients with a favorable outcome and 3,149 patients with an adverse outcome. We then assessed a number of social and medical factors which could be significant predictors of an adverse outcome. For the statistical analysis, we used the likelihood ratio (LR) method. Results: All variables were stratified into levels or classes. We then calculated LR for each level or class and further calculated diagnostic ratios for the integrated evaluation of each factor in predicting the adverse outcome. Conclusions: Our original integrated system may assist in calculating the risk of an adverse outcome during anti-TB treatment.