Despite several targeted antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 currently being available, the application of type I interferons (IFNs) still deserves attention as an alternative antiviral strategy. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of IFN-α in hospitalized patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The prospective cohort study included 130 adult patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A dose of 80,000 IU of IFN-α2b was administered daily intranasally for 10 days. Adding IFN-α2b to standard therapy reduces the length of the hospital stay by 3 days (p < 0.001). The level of CT-diagnosed lung injuries was reduced from 35% to 15% (p = 0.011) and CT injuries decreased from 50% to 15% (p = 0.017) by discharge. In the group of patients receiving IFN-α2b, the SpO2 index before and after treatment increased from 94 (92–96, Q₁–Q₃) to 96 (96–98, Q₁–Q₃) (p < 0.001), while the percentage of patients with normal saturation increased (from 33.9% to 74.6%, p < 0.05), but the level of SpO2 decreased in the low (from 52.5% to 16.9%) and very low (from 13.6% to 8.5%) categories. The addition of IFN-α2b to standard therapy has a positive effect on the course of severe COVID-19.

Endometriosis is a disease of epidemiological gravity of unknown primary reason. A complex of constitutional factors including the immune system has been considered as its background. The aim of the study was to identify Th1 and Th2 cells as well as the T-regulatory subset in the endometrium of women with endometriosis associated with infertility upon transcription factors expression. Expression of T-bet, GATA3, and Foxp3 genes was examined using a method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the eutopic endometrial samples of 20 women with endometriosis associated with infertility and 20 women with infertility of tubal origin. An increase in mRNA expression for T-bet and GATA3 with prevailing mRNA level for T-bet and a decrease in Foxp3 expression were observed. In conclusion, the revealed changes in expression of transcription factors may indicate the imbalance between T-helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 type and elimination of regulatory function of T-cells, which can be one of the causes of endometriosis predisposing to the development of infertility associated with this disease.

Purpose: To investigate the levels of melatonin, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in pregnant women with placental insufficiency (PI). Materials and Methods: The PI was manifested as the intrauterine growth restriction syndrome of fetus (IUGR) in the third pregnancy trimester. The control group consisted of 20 women with uncomplicated pregnancy in the same term. The blood concentrations of melatonin, proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrotizing factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1-β (IL-1-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were studied. Results: The concentration of melatonin was found to decrease significantly if pregnancy was complicated by intrauterine fetal growth retardation (study group −126.87 ± 14.87 pg/ml, control group −231.25 ± 21.56 pg/ml, p < .001). The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the study group were significantly higher as compared with the control group (TNF-α: study group −10.05 ± 1.35 pg/ml, control group −5.60 ± 1.50 pg/ml, p < .05; IL-1-β: study group −14.67 ± 2.13 pg/ml, control group −3.96 ± 0.92 pg/ml, p < .001; IL-6: study group −6.91 ± 0.99 pg/ml, control group −2.69 ± 0.99 pg/ml, p < .05). The same is true about anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4: study group −5.97 ± 0.50 pg/ml, control group −3.74 ± 0.62 pg/ml, p < .05; IL-10: study group −11.40 ± 1.50 pg/ml, control group −4.70 ± 3.20 pg/ml, p < .001). A moderate negative correlation between melatonin and IL-1-β in the group with PI (r = −0.3776, p = .0097), a closed negative correlation between the same indexes in the control group (r = −0.6785, p = .001), and a moderate negative correlation between melatonin and TNF-α (r = −0.4908, p = .02) were found. Conclusions: The blood level of melatonin significantly decreases in case of placental insufficiency, manifested as intrauterine fetal growth restriction. Strengthening of the proinflammatory immunity shown as the increasing of the levels of TNF-α, IL-1-β, and IL-6 levels is also present in case of IUGR. Increase of the serum concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-10, in our opinion, can be explained by activation of compensatory mechanisms, which decrease the risk of premature labor.

Background. All over the world, rabbit meat is in consumer demand for its excellent nutritional properties, well-balanced amino acid composition, high content of minerals and vitamins. One of the stages of technological processing of semi-finished products from rabbit meat is the technological process of pickling, which ensures the formation of the necessary technological and consumer properties of raw materials, as well as finished products. The use of viburnum juice and sea buckthorn puree can act as a promising source of raw materials for marinating meat semi-finished products. Results and conclusions. Two samples of marinades were produced: based on viburnum juice and sea buckthorn puree. It was established that the optimal amount of salt for use in the marinade is 10 %, which ensures the production of dietary meat products with a low salt content of 2.2 %. The most favorable for sensory sensations in marinades will be the amount of viburnum juice of 20 % and sea buckthorn puree of 30 % will be the most favorable for sensory sensations in marinades. The optimal time for keeping rabbit meat in a marinade based on viburnum juice and sea buckthorn puree is 12 days, because during this time the marinade has the best effect on the structure of the meat fibers, it becomes soft and tender. Marinating semi-finished rabbit meat in these marinades increases the ability of the meat to bind water, which reduces losses during heat treatment and they are 40.62 and 44.83 % (3rd day), 39.34 and 42.78 % (9th day), 38.97 and 39.57 % (12th day).

This scientific article presents a study on the quality and organoleptic characteristics of roasted venison meat as a potentially promising raw material for producing high-quality food products. The research encompasses an analysis of parameters such as appearance, consistency, aroma, taste, and juiciness. The study's results reveal that venison meat possesses a distinct gamey flavor and aroma, characterized by high taste intensity and meat firmness. The overall quality rating of the finished product stands at 4.82 points, with taste receiving a lower score compared to other attributes. The study also explores the influence of stress on the animal before slaughter on the pH level and moisture-holding capacity of venison meat. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of monitoring the levels of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in food products and confirms that the levels of these metals in venison meat comply with food safety standards. These findings are critical for ensuring consumer safety and determining the suitability of venison meat for consumption. The research also examines the prospects of using venison meat for delicacy production, leveraging its unique taste and aroma. It substantiates the advantages and limitations of utilizing this type of meat to pique consumer interest in new food products and expand the market. Finally, the article underscores the importance of further research into the quality and safety of venison meat, as well as the development and adherence to sanitary and technological procedures during the processing of venison carcasses to ensure a high-quality and safe end product. This scientific article sheds light on essential aspects of utilizing venison meat as a raw material for food production and contributes to a broader understanding of the potential of this type of meat in the food industry. The research findings make a significant contribution to comprehending the organoleptic properties of venison meat, its quality, and safety, which are pivotal for both producers and consumers.