Annals of Mechnikov's Institute

Calprotectin as a biomarker of inflammation

Valentyna Kozar — 2025-12-14

Despite the fact that Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) has long been recognized as a sensitive marker for inflammatory bowel diseases, current data broaden the understanding of its use as a sensitive indicator in other inflammatory conditions, including systemic ones. The article analyzes data related to the modern perspective on the use of Calprotectin as an effective marker of inflammation. Fecal Calprotectin is considered an important marker of inflammatory bowel diseases and it is currently used in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory and functional bowel disorders. Serum Calprotectin is regarded as a promising laboratory marker with significant clinical relevance in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension in pregnant women, mild and severe preeclampsia, ileitis, inflammatory kidney diseases, allergic airway inflammations, sepsis, and others. Recent studies have demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of serum Calprotectin are comparable to those of well-known acute-phase indicators such as Calprotectin and C-reactive protein, and in certain cases, such as neonatal sepsis, it may even be more promising. Calprotectin has emerged as a highly sensitive biomarker of inflammation across a wide spectrum of pathological conditions. Fecal Calprotectin, in particular, is widely recognized as a validated, non-invasive biomarker for the detection and monitoring of intestinal inflammation. Advances in understanding the activation pathways of various cell types under physiological and pathological conditions have shed light on the involvement of Calprotectin in inflammatory response mechanisms. This has led to increased interest in quantifying S100A8/A9 levels in diverse biological fluids. Recent studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of serum Calprotectin in autoimmune diseases, malignancies, pulmonary disorders, sepsis, and other inflammatory states. The assessment of calprotectin concentrations in urine, synovial fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, and sputum provides clinically relevant information regarding the severity of inflammation and disease progression. Research findings confirm the importance of Calprotectin as an inflammation biomarker in diseases where neutrophils play a key role in pathogenesis, since the neutrophil protein S100A8/A9 is one of the regulators of their activation.

Regulation of bacteriocin production: the role of genes, quorum sensing, and environmental factors (the review)

Oksans Knysh — 2025-12-14

The biosynthesis of bacteriocins requires high metabolic costs, so bacteria have developed regulatory mechanisms for their generation only upon necessity and in response to specific signals. Bacteriocin production is regulated by genetic factors, intricate quorum sensing (QS) systems and various environmental stimuli. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the current knowledge about the mechanisms of regulation of bacteriocin production. Scope of review: The analysis included more than 30 studies, mostly from the last ten years. Conclusions: Currently, the mechanisms of genetic and quorum-sensing regulation of bacteriocin production have been largely elucidated. Factors influencing the ability of bacteria to produce bacteriocins were also identified. Among them, the most important are the media composition (carbon, nitrogen, vitamins, surfactants, etc.), cultivation conditions (temperature, pH, aeration, stirring, etc.), and co-cultivation. It has been experimentally proven that some microorganisms, when co-cultivated, are capable of inducing the production of bacteriocin by inactive bacteriocin-competent strains or enhancing the production of bacteriocin above the baseline level by a bacteriocinogenic strain. Development of co-culture-inducible bacteriocin-producing systems underlies one of the promising strategies for the creation of new effective antimicrobials for food preservation and antimicrobial therapy

Nowaday current status of bacterial (staphylococcal) carriage and known approaches to overcome it

Olena Isayenko — 2025-12-14

Currently, determining the current state of bacterial (staphylococcal) carriage, analyzing known approaches to overcoming it, determining a strategy for optimizing the latter and developing new directions for combating bacterial carriage is relevant. The purpose of this work is an informational and analytical review of modern literature on bacterial carriage, including staphylococcal, and methods for combating it. The importance of the human microbiota for its health, the effectiveness of the use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, metabiotics in dysbiosis to restore the balance of microorganisms are considered. The significant danger of nosocomial infections for the health care system around the world is shown, as well as the particular severity of the course of hospital-acquired infections, which is inherent in weakened people in conditions of armed conflict. It is noted that in emergency situations there is a need to adapt the country's standard medical care for hospital-acquired infections to modern conditions. The work demonstrates the special place, among nosocomial infections, of staphylococcal infection, in which the most common source of Staphylococcus aureus spread is practically healthy carriers.The importance of monitoring Staphylococcus aureus carriage among different population groups, especially among medical workers, is shown in order to further develop effective strategies for prevention and control of infections. Methods of combating staphylococcal carriage are considered, taking into account the possibility of suspending the initial stage of colonization of the macroorganism by suppressing bacterial adhesion and inhibiting the formation of biofilms of pathogens. The need to develop new approaches to increase the effectiveness of prevention and control of staphylococcal carriage is shown. The information obtained will form the basis for further expansion of current concepts of bacterial carriage, will contribute to the development of a new strategy for the eradication of staphylococci among certain categories of the population, such as medical and pharmaceutical workers, pregnant women, the wounded, etc., which will make it possible to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections of staphylococcal genesis in modern conditions and will contribute to the creation of complex immunobiological preparations of a new generation. The work shows the need to develop new approaches to increase the effectiveness of prevention and control of staphylococcal carriage. The possibility of reducing the persistence of the pathogen on mucous membranes due to blocking adhesive processes by its own surface antigens in combination with stimulation of the local immunity with metabiotics may become an alternative to modern methods of combating nosocomial infections and needs further study.

Nutritional aspects of studying vegetable marrows and Zucchini fruits

Olena Iosipenko — 2025-12-14

Introduction. Nutrition forms the foundation of human life and is one of the most vital factors in reducing the risk of developing nutrition-related diseases. It helps ensure active longevity and supports the body's adaptive potential. Poor nutrition contributes to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, type II diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis, gout, gallstone disease, iron deficiency anemia, and others. Plant-based foods, including vegetable marrows and zucchini, play a key role in providing essential nutrients in the diet. Vegetable marrows (Cucurbita pepo L. var. giromontina Alef.) and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. var. cylindrica Paris) are annual herbaceous bushy plants from the Cucurbitaceae family, subspecies of the common pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). The fruit of vegetable marrows and zucchini is a multi-seeded false berry. Different plant varieties vary in fruit shape, skin surface, and skin and flesh color; they lack a flesh cavity. The quality of raw materials is regulated by DSTU 318-91 "Fresh vegetable marrows. Technical conditions," which states that 8-12-day-old fruits with unformed seeds up to 25 cm long and up to 8 cm in diameter are used. It is known that vegetable marrows and zucchini fruits are sources of phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients confer antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, anabolic, cytotoxic, immunomodulatory, diuretic, and choleretic effects, among others. Vegetable marrows seeds contain fatty oil, which is used similarly to pumpkin seed oil. Vegetable marrows fruits are recommended to be included in the diets of children—especially infants—elderly individuals, and those with digestive or metabolic issues. The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition (fatty acids, amino acids, macro- and microelements) of Aspirant vegetable marrows and Zolotinka zucchini fruits to determine their potential use as a source of macro- and micronutrients. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were vegetable marrows and zucchini fruits, which were dried by convection to an air-dry state and ground. The resulting light cream-colored powders were analyzed to determine the qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, amino acids through ion-exchange liquid-column chromatography, and mineral compounds by atomic emission spectroscopy. Results and discussion. Nine fatty acids were identified and quantified in vegetable marrows and zucchini fruits, with six being unsaturated and three saturated. Their acid profile was consistent in composition. Quantitatively, the fatty acids in zucchini fruits were predominant. Unsaturated fatty acids primarily dominated the overall fatty acid composition of the studied raw materials, with their content nearly twice as high as that of saturated fatty acids. Linolenic acid was the most abundant in both fruits, comprising more than 38%, while linoleic acid was about half as much, at 16-19%. Among saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid was the most prevalent, making up over 21% of the raw material. Conclusions. The qualitative composition and quantities of macro- and micronutrients (fatty acids, amino acids, macro- and microelements) in Aspirant vegetable marrows and Zolotinka zucchini fruits have been determined. The results show that the studied raw materials are sources of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, macro- and microelements that are important for health. These nutrients have a preventive effect against coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and other chronic illnesses. The experimental data obtained allow us to evaluate the nutritional potential of certain varieties of vegetable marrows and zucchini, opening up opportunities for their future use in pharmacy.

Healthcare. Pleurisy: clinical and diagnostic guidelines, treatment tactics, legal principles

Oleksandr Nevzghoda — 2025-12-14

Introduction. The study is devoted to clinical diagnostic criteria, treatment tactics, and legal aspects of pleurisy management. Along with clinical diagnostic approaches, emphasis is placed on organizational solutions that guarantee continuity of treatment and prevent unjustified prescription of antibacterial drugs. To support clinical decision-making, the organizational and resource tool ABC/VED-analysis was used.

Objective. To form a transparent, evidence-based approach to the treatment of pleurisy that integrates clinical diagnostic guidelines, legal principles, and resource planning (ABC/VED). To analyze the structure of costs for pharmacotherapy, to identify critically necessary items for continuity of treatment and to develop a prioritization matrix for antibiotic stock management.

Methods. Descriptive-analytical approach with synthesis of modern clinical guidelines and practical algorithms (diagnosis, drainage, antibacterial and intrapleural therapy, surgery), supplemented by ABC/VED analysis of the nomenclature of antibacterial drugs in the context of pleural infection and legal audit of clinical procedures.

Results. Clinical-diagnostic guidelines and treatment tactics of pleurisy with the use of antibiotics were outlined. ABC/VED analysis of organizational and resource support was conducted and clinical-pharmacological groups of antibiotics were studied. It was established that the highest costs are incurred by category A drugs (Doramycine, Rovamycin, Unidox Solutab), which are vital and have the highest level of consumption. Category B antibiotics (Spiracin, Cephalexin suspension, Bicillin-3) provide a moderate resource load, while category C (Erythromycin, Doxycycline-Darnitsa) has a minimal economic impact. According to the VED classification, group E costs (Benzylpenicillin, Bicillin-3, Bicillin-5, Penicillin G sodium salt, Cephalexin) dominate, which emphasizes their importance in supporting therapy. Group V includes vital drugs (Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Cephalexin capsules, Unidox Solutab), and group D is formed by reserve drugs (Doramycine, Zinerit, Rovamycin, Spiracin). Matrix analysis confirmed that the greatest resource burden characterizes category A (A/V, A/E, A/D). The results obtained made it possible to classify antibiotics by clinical significance and determine priorities for rationalizing costs. Additionally, legal principles for the diagnosis and treatment of pleurisy, based on the principles of legality, evidence, safety and protection of patients' rights, were formulated.

Conclusions. The proposed evidence-based approach synchronizes clinical algorithms for pleurisy management with organizational and resource support (ABC/VED), increasing treatment effectiveness, reducing excessive use of antibiotics, and ensuring the stability of the supply of life-saving drugs. The role of legal principles (informed consent, infection control, documentation, data protection) in the safe and high-quality provision of care is emphasized.

Study of carbohydrates in the leaves of the Poltava variety of Common lilac

Andrii Popyk — 2025-12-14

Introduction. Carbohydrates are the most common natural compounds in the plant world and have a wide range of medicinal properties. Due to their chemical structure, carbohydrates are capable of adsorbing radionuclides and heavy metals, improving lipid metabolism, activate the secretory and motor functions of the intestine, regulate the functions of the immune and endocrine systems, and exhibit emollient, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiulcer, antitumour, and antiviral effects. The advantage of carbohydrates is their low toxicity and antigenic and pyrogenic properties, which has led to their use in medical practice. That is why the search for new plant sources of carbohydrates is of great importance for modern medicine. One of the promising plant sources of carbohydrates may be common lilac, which grows widely in Ukraine. In traditional medicine in many countries, the leaves, flowers, fruits, buds and bark of the plant are used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, headaches and to boost immunity. Experimental studies confirm the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, antitumour and antiallergic properties of raw materials from plants of the Syringa genus. The aim of the study was to fractionally isolate, determine the qualitative composition and quantitative content of carbohydrates in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety. Materials and methods. The object of the study was the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety, harvested in the botanical garden (Kharkiv) in May 2025. Carbohydrates were identified using paper chromatography in comparison with standard sugar samples and high-performance liquid chromatography. The quantitative content of polysaccharides and polysaccharide fractions in the leaves of common lilac was determined by the gravimetric method. Results and discussion. As a result of studying the carbohydrate composition of leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety using paper and high-performance liquid chromatography, the presence of glucose, fructose, a mixture of maltose and sucrose was established. Among the identified sugars, fructose prevailed in terms of quantitative content – 0.35±0.02 mg/ml. The content of water-soluble polysaccharides, determined by the gravimetric method, in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety was 9.35±0.27 %. Fractionation of polysaccharides in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety indicates a significant concentration of pectin substances. Conclusions. Using paper and high-performance liquid chromatography methods, the quantitative content of carbohydrates – glucose, fructose, a mixture of sucrose and maltose – was identified and determined in the leaves of the common lilac variety Poltava. Among the identified sugars in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety, fructose dominated in terms of quantitative content – 0.35±0.02 mg/ml. The polysaccharides in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety were fractionated and the quantitative content of the isolated fractions was determined, among which the fraction of pectin substances predominated in terms of content. The studies conducted indicate the promise of further in-depth study of the carbohydrates in the leaves of the common lilac of the Poltava variety, and the results obtained can be used to standardize the raw materials studied.

GAP analysis and SWOT analysis of pharmacopoeial quality standards of Calendulae flos: experience of Ukraine and France

Viktoriia Shapovalova — 2025-12-14

The article considers the issue of harmonization of requirements for standardization of medicinal plant raw materials using the example of Calendula officinalis flowers in the context of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine and the Pharmacopée française. Introduction. The relevance of the topic is substantiated in connection with the need to improve the quality, safety, and competitiveness of domestic herbal medicines, as well as the integration of Ukraine into the European pharmacopoeial space. Purpose. The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine and the Pharmacopée française for Calendulae flos, identify the strengths and weaknesses of domestic regulation and formulate recommendations for harmonization with European standards. Materials and methods. Methods of comparative analysis of regulatory documents, GAP (Gap Analysis Process), and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses were used to identify differences and similarities in the requirements for identification, purity, and quantification of marker substances. Additionally, data from the European Pharmacopoeia, the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency were used as a reference base. Results and discussion. Shown that the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine contains basic requirements for macro- and microscopic characteristics, thin-layer chromatography and purity indicators, but less detailed identification tests, a limited list of purity indicators and a narrower approach to quantification compared to the Pharmacopée française. The French Pharmacopoeia, unlike the Ukrainian one, focuses on specific marker compounds (flavonoids, carotenoids), control of impurities (including pesticides and heavy metals) and modern methods of analysis. SWOT analysis revealed the strengths of both systems, but showed the need to improve domestic standards. Conclusions. The analysis confirmed that the harmonization of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine with the Pharmacopée française and the European Pharmacopoeia is an important condition for increasing the level of standardization of medicinal plant raw materials in Ukraine. The introduction of modern identification methods, expanding the list of marker substances and purity indicators will help guarantee the safety and effectiveness of medicinal products of herbal origin, and will also strengthen the competitive position of domestic products on the international market.

Pharmacotechnological research on the development of a medicinal preparation in the form of granules for comprehensive pharmacocorrection of mastopathy

Polina Palyvoda — 2025-12-14

The aim of the study. To develop the composition and technology of granules based on phytoextracts for complex pharmacocorrection of mastopathy. Materials and methods. During the work, bibliosemantic, marketing, and pharmaco-technological methods of analysis were used. Results. The research materials are model samples of granules manufactured by wet granulation. The basis was a composition of phytoextracts: dry extract of clover flowers, cranberry fruits, amaranth seeds, and parsley leaves. The quality control of the proposed granule samples was carried out according to organoleptic properties (appearance, smell, taste), granule size, which was determined by sieve analysis, flowability, and moisture content, which was determined gravimetrically. Based on the results of the studies, we developed a technology for the production of granules. Quality control of model granule samples showed that the most optimal samples are those containing sodium saccharinate (№ 2, 3), sugar syrup (№ 2), corn starch (№ 2, 3, 6), 5% starch paste (№ 6), 25% PVP-K30 solution (№ 3), fructose, and aerosil (№ 6). Conclusions. Based on the results of pharmacotechnological studies, samples of the developed drug have been identified as promising for further biopharmaceutical, microbiological, and pharmacological studies. Keywords: mastopathy, granules, pharmacotechnological research, original herbal medicinal products.

Marketing research in terms of the prospects for creating a gel based on the phyto-substance Parmelia sulcata

Kateryna Blahovisna — 2025-12-14

The aim of the study. To conduct marketing and analytical research of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine to determine the assortment of domestic and imported drugs with burn-healing and wound-healing effects, as well as to evaluate the prospects for creating a new gel based on Parmelia sulcata liquid extract. Materials and Methods. Information-analytical, bibliosemantic, and marketing research methods were used. The data sources included the State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine, the Compendium reference book, and publications of domestic and foreign scientists. A comparative analysis of the range of medicinal products by dosage forms, active pharmaceutical ingredients, origin, and manufacturers was performed. Results. It was found that most burn-healing drugs are presented in soft dosage forms, particularly ointments (60.4%) and creams (26.4%), while gels account for only 5.6%. Medicines containing synthetic components prevail (over 70%), which leads to the risk of microbial resistance and allergic reactions. The share of herbal-based preparations does not exceed 25%. Parmelia sulcata raw material contains usnic acid, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and amino acids, which provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reparative effects. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of developing a domestic hydrophilic gel containing Parmelia sulcata liquid extract as a promising agent for the treatment of burn injuries. Conclusions. It has been shown that the use of phytosubstances is an effective approach to improving the quality and safety of topical medicinal products. The creation of a gel based on Parmelia sulcata liquid extract has significant potential for the pharmacotherapy of burns and wounds under both military and civilian conditions.

Method for determining the strength of general immunity (information letter)

Mycola Popov — 2025-12-14

Determination of the strength of general immunity is carried out by quantitative and qualitative characteristics of effector molecules and immune cells, which appear as a result of the development of both humoral and cellular immune reactions. Their level and activity reflect all stages of the immune process. It is proposed to determine the level of antibody production in response to ADP vaccination, or the level of antibodies in previously vaccinated, the potential of lymphocytes to produce INF, the biocidality of blood neutrophils, the infectious index.

Method of increasing vaccination effectiveness using pre-vaccination therapy with vitamin D3 (Information Letter)

Andriy Volianskyi — 2025-12-14

The following scheme of pre-vaccination vitamin therapy with vitamin D3 is proposed: two weeks before vaccination, take 2000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. The use of this method optimizes the effect of vitamin D3 on the functioning of both nonspecific defense mechanisms and adaptive immunity, which in turn contributes to the rapid and intensive production of specific antibodies in high titers and an increase in the duration of preservation of intense specific immunity.

Microbial flora in patients with bronchopulmonary pathology

Valery Boyko — 2025-12-14

Introduction. The study of microbial pathogens of acute purulent-destructive diseases of the lungs and pleura significantly affects the further course of the disease and the outcome of treatment. The appointment of antibacterial drugs taking into account the sensitivity to the microbial pathogen has a significant advantage compared to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. Materials and methods. The results of microbiological studies of tracheobronchial tree and pleural cavity washes in 500 patients with bronchopulmonary pathology for the period 2008-2024 were analyzed. This section of the study was completed by patients who made up the control (238 patients (47.6%) and the main group (262 patients (52.4%) of the study. Results and Discussion. This study provided an idea of the significance of the spectrum of microbial flora of bronchial and pleural washes in patients with bronchopulmonary pathology during different periods of its complex treatment. Conclusions. Studies of microbial flora in patients with bronchopleural diseases reflect specific pathological pathways and can become an important tool for making clinical decisions when managing this complex cohort of patients.