Background and Aim: Resistance to antifungal agents is a serious public health concern that has not been investigated enough because most studies on antimicrobials are dedicated to antibacterial resistance. This study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe vera extract, and to assess its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reducing Ag nitrate with aqueous A. vera extracts. Physicochemical properties of synthesized AgNPs were determined by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, photon cross-correlation spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. An antifungal investigation was performed against four clinical C. albicans (C1, C2, C3, and C4) and a reference strain, C. albicans ATCC 10321. Results: Cubic AgNPs with a mean X50 hydrodynamic diameter of 80.31 ± 10.03 nm were successfully synthesized. These AgNPs exhibited maximum absorbance at 429.83 nm, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the presence of Ag in AgNPs solution by a characteristic peak in the spectrum at the Ag Kα line of 22.105 keV. Infrared spectra for AgNPs and A. vera extract indicated that the compounds present in the extract play an essential role in the coating/capping of synthesized AgNPs. Different concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 μg/mL) of AgNPs were tested. The antifungal activity was shown to be dose-dependent with inhibition zones ranging from 10 mm to 22 mm against C. albicans ATCC 10231, 0 mm to 15 mm against C1, 0 mm to 16 mm against C2 and C3, and 0 mm to 14 mm for C4. Minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 16 μg/mL to 32 μg/mL against clinical C. albicans (C1, C2, C3, and C4) and was 4 μg/mL against C. albicans ATCC 10231. Conclusion: This study showed the ability of A. vera to serve as an efficient reducing agent for the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs with excellent antifungal activity.

Резолюция экспертного совета “Актуальные вопросы железодефицита в Российской Федерации”

The main aspects of the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of dihydroquercetin (DHQ), which may affect the course of COVID-19, are considered. Given the low toxicity and a wide range of biological activity, aimed not only at suppressing enzymatic reactions with the participation of coronavirus, but also at eliminating the lesions caused by it in all the main target organs, dihydroquercetin can be recommended for inclusion in the complex therapy of the disease and during the recovery period of COVID-19.

It is known that in the first year of life, the most intensive growth, maturation of the digestive tract and intestinal microbiota, the development of the child’s immune and nervous systems occur. A lot of evidence has been accumulated that the optimal composition of mother’s milk regulates the metabolism of the child and contributes to the prevention of diseases of various origins. One of the key components of breast milk that have a positive effect on the growth and development of the child are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Considering the prevalence of омега‑3 PUFA deficiency in the population, the most appropriate is the use of омега‑3 PUFAs (EPA + DHA) as part of IUD before pregnancy, throughout the entire period of gestation and breastfeeding.

For the normal development of pregnancy, a sufficient amount of vitamin A is required. Retinol is involved in the formation of the skeleton of the fetus, provides renewal of epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes, is necessary for the growth and development of cells, so that the normalization of vitamin A levels in the body helps reduce the risk of birth defects. Vitamin A deficiency at the stage of intrauterine development creates the prerequisites for the formation of insulin resistance, sensorineural hearing loss, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, disorders of the structure and function of the kidneys in the postnatal period. Vitamin A is involved in many metabolic processes, having an anabolic effect, and its deficiency can lead to the development of fetal malnutrition. No increase in the risk of birth defects caused by vitamin A has been observed at doses below 3,000 mcg/day (10,000 IU/day) of this micronutrient. Postpartum supplementation of vitamin A-rich foods or supplemental sources of vitamin A to the mother’s diet may improve breast milk composition and the infant’s vitamin A stores. Vitamin A affects the metabolism of lipids, iron; its metabolism, in turn, depends on the availability of protein, zinc and other substances. The absorption of vitamin A requires the presence of fats, vitamin E and proteins. With a lack of any of these components, the absorption of vitamin A is reduced, even if the food is enriched with it.

The basis of the normal course of pregnancy is optimal nutrition as one of the main elements of a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies have established that long-chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have a variety of biological activities: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiallergic, antithrombotic, antisclerotic, etc. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids are necessary for the normal functioning of the body during pregnancy and intrauterine development of the child. Deficiency of omega 3 PUFAs leads to a disruption in the normal development and physiological formation of the structures of the brain, visual analyzer and the immune system of the fetus. The use of omega 3 PUFAs during pregnancy has a positive effect both on the neuropsychic state of the woman, preventing depression, and on the psychomotor development of the child, improving cognitive functions. It is important to ensure adequate intake of these compounds from food or dietary supplements to ensure the normal course and outcome of pregnancy.