ScienceRise: Medical Science

Bone tissue status in women-nuns: age-related features and correlational analysis

2026-04-30T21:16:46+03:00

Bone health is an important indicator of women’s overall well-being, and its age-related decline is often accompanied by the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. In women living in monastic communities, lifestyle characteristics, dietary patterns, physical activity level, and somatic comorbidities may influence bone remodeling processes, making the assessment of their bone status a relevant task for clinical and preventive medicine.

The aim of research – to assess the bone status of women-nuns using ultrasound densitometry, determine its age-related characteristics, and analyze selected correlation relationships.

Materials and methods. Twenty-nine women-nuns aged 27–70 years were examined. The participants were divided into age groups according to WHO recommendations: 25–44 years, 45–59 years, and 60–75 years. Bone tissue status was assessed using ultrasound densitometry (Sonost 2000, OsteoSys, Korea). Data on somatic pathology were collected through standardized interviews. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Pearson correlation; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results. Ultrasound densitometry parameters demonstrated a clear age-related decline in bone tissue quality. The 60–75-year group had the lowest T-score values, a pronounced reduction of BQI, and decreased SOS and BUA, reflecting impaired microarchitecture and increased bone fragility. Osteopenia predominated (51.7%), while osteoporosis was identified in 6.9% of participants. The frequency of pathological T-scores increased with age. Correlations between the most common types of somatic pathology and bone tissue parameters were weak and statistically non-significant (r ranging from -0.27 to +0.10). Negative correlations were found between T-score and periodontal pocket depth (r = –0.39; p < 0.05), as well as between SOS and this parameter (r = –0.41; p < 0.05). Other correlations between densitometric and periodontal parameters were statistically non-significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. Women-nuns demonstrate a pronounced age-related decline in ultrasound densitometry indices, reflecting reduced mineral density and deterioration of bone quality. Age is the principal determinant of bone status deterioration. The observed negative correlations between bone parameters and selected periodontal indices suggest a possible systemic relationship between structural-functional bone characteristics and the severity of periodontal destruction. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection of bone tissue disorders and comprehensive assessment of oral health among middle-aged and elderly women

Proinflammatory humoral factors and their role in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension (literature review)

2026-05-20T14:45:13+03:00

The aim of the research was to consider the role of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and a list of pro-inflammatory factors (interleukins, chemokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, adipocytokines, metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, growth and inflammatory factors, etc.) as predictors of the onset and progression of left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in individuals with hypertension

Materials and Methods: keywords search of native and foreign sources of literature from scientometric databases Google Scholar, Clarivate, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and its analysis, considering data from modern European and Ukrainian guidelines of recent years was performed.

Results and Discussion. Data on the conditional classification of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their activity in hypertensive heart and diastolic dysfunction, a number of traditional pro-inflammatory factors from the superfamilies of interleukins, pentraxins and transforming growth factor beta 1 are considered, as well as new promising biomolecules that are used as indicators of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, including the experiments on hypertensive animals. The question of the prospects of using a multi-indicator model of pro-inflammatory factors in individuals with arterial hypertension is considered, a brief description of promising targeted therapeutic approaches to inhibit pro-inflammatory mechanisms in patients with is given.

Conclusions. In the research works of the last 10 years, a high scientific interest in the pathogenetically significant role of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, pro-inflammatory factors in the occurrence and progression of hypertensive heart disease and left ventricular hypertrophy has revealed, and the promise of using biomarkers as their indicators for further personalized treatment on this basis for this category of patients has proven

The use of fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease in carbohydrate metabolism disorders

2026-05-21T17:08:16+03:00

Aim. To investigate the diagnostic value of fecal calprotectin levels in patients with isolated colonic diverticular disease and its combination with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods. An open comparative cohort study was conducted, involving 60 individuals. The patients were divided into the following groups: 20 patients with verified colonic diverticular disease combined with type 2 diabetes, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes without intestinal lesions, 19 patients with isolated colonic diverticular disease, and a control group of 11 practically healthy individuals. To assess local inflammation in the intestinal wall, the level of fecal calprotectin was measured in all participants. Statistical processing included ROC analysis with the calculation of the Youden index to determine the optimal diagnostic accuracy thresholds.

Results. It was established that the mean fecal calprotectin level in patients with colonic diverticular disease and concomitant type 2 diabetes was 152.90±57.14 μg/g, which significantly exceeded the values in patients with type 2 diabetes without colonic diverticular disease (68.40±24.65 μg/g). In the group of individuals with isolated colonic diverticular disease, the fecal calprotectin level was 125.26±46.13 μg/g. According to the ROC analysis, the use of the standard fecal calprotectin threshold value (>50.00 μg/g) in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes leads to a sharp decrease in diagnostic specificity to 30.00 % while maintaining sensitivity at
100.00 %. The calculation of the Youden index demonstrated that increasing the threshold to 85.00 μg/g is optimal for this patient cohort. This increase allows for diagnostics with a sensitivity of 95.00% and a specificity of 80.00 %. For patients without concomitant metabolic pathology, using the 85.00 μg/g threshold also contributes to an increase in specificity to 90.91 %.

Conclusions. The course of colonic diverticular disease with concomitant type 2 diabetes is accompanied by more pronounced local inflammation compared to the isolated form of the disease. To optimize diagnostics and prevent false-positive results in patients with concomitant carbohydrate metabolism disorders, it is advisable to increase the fecal calprotectin threshold value. Shifting the threshold to 85.00 μg/g ensures the restoration of the optimal balance of high sensitivity and specificity in both comorbid patients and individuals with isolated pathology

The impact of thyroid dysfunction on female reproductive function: a clinical case

2026-05-28T11:15:32+03:00

The impact of thyroid dysfunction (primary and secondary hypothyroidism, Graves' disease, functional autonomy) on female reproductive function is discussed. A clinical case of secondary hypothyroidism of adrenal origin affecting the development of infertility is presented.

The aim of the study. To review the literature on the manifestations of reproductive function disorders and the assessment of thyroid status in women of reproductive age.

Research results. In the case of thyroid hormone deficiency, there is a decrease in the gonadotropic function of the pituitary with the development of hyperprolactinemia and luteal phase insufficiency of the menstrual cycle. A reduction in the synthesis of sex steroid-binding globulin increases the level of free T4, which can cause symptoms similar to polycystic ovary syndrome. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of female infertility. In hyperthyroidism, women experience hyperestrogenism, leading to a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Progesterone levels remain low due to reduced ovarian tissue sensitivity to luteinizing hormone in the context of follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency. Pregnancy is possible in women with Graves' disease, but its course, in the absence of adequate treatment, is characterized by spontaneous miscarriage in 70% of patients.

In primary hypothyroidism, the decreased production of thyroid hormones leads to increased secretion of thyroliberin, which further stimulates prolactin secretion, helping to explain the genesis of galactorrhea. It also reduces progesterone secretion by the ovaries. This results in the development of opsomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility.

One of the causes of central hypothyroidism may be adrenal-origin hyperandrogenism. Since hyperandrogenism blocks TSH secretion, the level of thyroid hormones in the blood decreases. Thyroliberin is activated, leading to the disruption of reproductive function.

Conclusions. In cases of reproductive function disorders in women of reproductive age, it is essential to assess thyroid status and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate therapy. The issues discussed require further in-depth study, as they open up fundamentally new perspectives in the treatment of reproductive system dysfunctions in women

Blood pressure monitoring in pregnant women at risk of developing preeclampsia

2026-05-28T12:43:11+03:00

The aim of research - to determine the hemodynamic patterns of preeclampsia development in pregnant women based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Material and methods. A prospective cohort study included 161 women in the second half of pregnancy. The main group consisted of 77 pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia; the comparison group included 50 women with gestational hypertension; the control group consisted of 34 healthy pregnant women. Blood pressure was sampled by using a non-invasive automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitoring machine for 24h.

Results. Although the average 24-hour BP is lower than the established level of 140/90 mmHg, a more detailed evaluation during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in pregnant women at high risk of developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia at the preclinical stage allows to identify following predictors: an increase systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure and their amplitude; an increase the rate of the morning surge of SBP to 16.4 ± 2 and DBP to 14.5 ± 2.4 mmHg/hour; a decrease circadian index of SBP to 9.8 ± 0.64% and DBP to 7.7 ± 1%; an increase SBP variability (day/night) = 12.2 ± 0.6 / 9.77 ± 0.4 and DBP variability (day/night) = 9.1 ± 0.44 / 8.41 ± 0.45; the occurrence of elevated blood pressure episodes during the daytime (SBP up to 2.0 ± 0.53%, DBP up to 2.15 ± 0.36%) and during the nighttime period (SBP up to 5.6 ± 1.4%, DBP up to 7.85 ± 0.36%).

Conclusions. ABPM allows to detect pathological hemodynamic changes (specifically isolated nocturnal hypertension and increased BP variability) at the preclinical stage. This makes the method indispensable for predicting preeclampsia and the timely adjustment of clinical management strategies for high-risk patients.

Correlation relationships between pain intensity, functional recovery of the knee joint, and clinical-laboratory characteristics in obese patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

2026-05-29T23:03:01+03:00

Aim. To assess the impact of obesity and clinical-anamnestic characteristics of patients with isolated ACL injury on pain intensity and functional status of the knee joint in the early postoperative period.

Materials and methods. A prospective single-center study was conducted involving 38 patients aged 19–67 years with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injury and obesity, defined as body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m². Correlation relationships between pain intensity according to the Visual Analog Scale, knee functional status according to the Lysholm score, and clinical-anamnestic, anthropometric, laboratory, and instrumental characteristics were analyzed. Pain intensity and functional status were assessed at four time points: before surgery, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after reconstruction.

Results. In obese patients, preoperative pain intensity according to the VAS showed statistically significant positive correlations with BMI (r = 0.439; p = 0.006), very low-density lipoproteins (r = 0.575; p = 0.001), and total cholesterol (r = 0.350; p = 0.031), and negative correlations with activated partial thromboplastin time (r = –0.385; p = 0.017) and high-density lipoproteins (r = –0.367; p = 0.024). At 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months, VAS pain scores remained significantly associated mainly with BMI (r = 0.341–0.462; p<0.05), and at 2 months also with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.397; p = 0.014). Lysholm scores before surgery negatively correlated with BMI (r = –0.414; p = 0.010) and triglycerides (r = –0.342; p = 0.036). At 1 week and 1 month after arthroscopic reconstruction, Lysholm scores remained associated with BMI (r = –0.550 and –0.503; p ≤ 0.001) and triglycerides (r = –0.454 and –0.402; p<0.05).

Conclusions. Obesity and an unfavorable metabolic profile are associated with higher pain intensity and slower functional recovery of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction. These findings highlight the need for a personalized approach to analgesia and rehabilitation in overweight patients undergoing arthroscopic ACL reconstruction