Pathobiont fungi represent an essential component of the human microbiome, forming the so-called mycobiota, which includes hundreds of species, predominantly from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. In the gastrointestinal tract, the most frequently detected genera are Candida, Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, Trichosporon and Malassezia. Among them, Candida albicans is the most extensively studied species of conditionally pathogenic fungal pathobionts. Under certain conditions, C. albicans is capable of transforming from a commensal into an invasive pathogen. Key factors of its virulence include morphological plasticity, expression of adhesins, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, and the ability to form resilient biofilms. Recognition of C. albicans by the immune system occurs through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which initiate the innate immune response; however, the effectiveness of this response is closely linked to the host's micronutrient status. Zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium, while playing crucial roles in supporting immune function, simultaneously act as regulators of C. albicans pathogenicity. Their excess may stimulate morphogenesis, production of virulence factors, and biofilm robustness, whereas their sequestration limits fungal growth. In this context, adjunctive probiotic therapy is considered a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections. Strains of Bacillus spp., Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium spp., and Pediococcus acidilactici, included in modern probiotic formulations, demonstrate anticandidal activity through the production of antimicrobial peptides, suppression of morphogenesis, and reinforcement of the epithelial barrier. Thus, maintaining the balance between the mycobiota, micronutrients, and the immune system is crucial for preventing the transition of commensal fungi into pathogens.

The article analyzes current scientific data on celiac disease within the framework of the classification model of gluten-associated pathologies. The paper provides a detailed discussion of the prevalence of this condition and introduces a contemporary concept of its etiopathogenesis. Particular attention is given to the characterization of clinical manifestations and the challenges of differential diagnosis. Additionally, the work describes a clinical case with a 15-year asymptomatic clinical and laboratory period occurring against the background of gluten-containing products.

This article examines the theoretical aspects of the interaction between the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas (P), as well as various pathologies illustrating these processes. The diseases covered include chronic pancreatitis (CP), acute pancreatitis (AP), diabetes mellitus (DM), pancreatic steatosis, and several others. Data on the prevalence of DM in various pancreatic pathologies and the incidence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in DM are provided. Risk factors for DM in pancreatic pathology are presented. The mechanisms of pathogenesis of these conditions are discussed, and the presented concepts are supported by experimental data. Additionally, several potential therapeutic interventions that may improve treatment efficacy in these conditions are discussed.

Background/Purpose. To study the relationship between levels of antibodies associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and inflammatory markers in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Materials and methods. The sera of 44 healthy donors (HD) and 51 patients with AS were studied: 40 men, 11 women aged 44.0 (34.0–49.0) years with a disease duration of 12.0 (5.0–20.0) years, high disease activity (BASDAI – 5.3; 4.5–6.4; ASDAS ESR – 3.6; 3.0–4.4; ASDAS CRP – 3.7; 2.8–4.5). IBD was diagnosed in 22 % of patients with AS. IgG/IgA antibodies to S. cerevisiae (ASCA), IgG/IgA antibodies to glycoprotein 2 (GP2), IgG antibodies to cathepsin G, elastase, serum calprotectin (sCP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by ELISA.

Results. Patients with AS without IBD and AS with IBD had higher levels of IgA ASCA, IgA aGP2, and elastase antibodies than HD (4.5; 2.6–6.4 U/ml and 4.9; 3.7–7.3 U/ml vs 1.9; 0.6–2.6 U/ml, p=0.0008, p=0.001; 1.2; 0.8–5.5 U/ml and 1.2; 0.9–11.8 U/ml vs 0.7; p=0.007, p=0.02; 8.2; 5.9–9.9 U/ml and 9.1; 8.5–10.5 U/ml vs 5.6; 4.7–8.3 U/ml, p=0.01, p=0.003). The concentration of antibodies to cathepsin G was higher in AS with IBD compared to AS without IBD (0.8; 0.5–1.0 U/ml vs 0.4; 0.3–0.6 U/ml, p=0.02). The levels of IgA ASCA correlated with IL-6 (r=0.3), IgA aGP2 – with sCP (r=0.3), antibodies to elastase – with ESR (r=0.4), antibodies to cathepsin G – with ESR (r=0.4) and BASDAI (r=0.4) (p<0.05).

Conclusion. Elevated levels of IgA ASCA, IgA aGP2, and anti-elastase antibodies in AS without IBD are similar to those in AS with IBD. Hyperproduction of IgA ASCA, IgA aGP2, anti-elastase antibodies, and cathepsin G reflects the inflammatory activity of AS.

The article discusses the causes that contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the body, as well as disorders in the assimilation of nutrients and immunity, which can lead to infections, including those in the pelvic area, which is located in close proximity to the prostate gland.

Matirials and methods. Retrospectively analyzed and/or in patients. Assessed the parameters of the known AVD, used the SF-36 scale, scales of urological pathology, the results of consultations of the surgeon and gastroenterologist to determine the indications for operative rehabilitation and the development of a program of conservative. Conducted statistical processing of the obtained data.

The results of the study of electrolytes and a number of trace elements (especially zinc, vitamins, and, in particular, B 6, which is involved in neuromuscular function and promotes relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestines), as well as the frequency of gastroenterological symptoms and urological manifestations (diagnostic scales are used), are evaluated. As a result of compliance with the regimen, manifestations of physical activity, and avoidance of stress, the risk of exacerbations is reduced and the patient's quality of life improves.

Conclusions. 1. There is a relationship between prostate diseases and gastrointestinal symptoms. 2. A comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation of such patients should include the correction of nutrition.

Acute intestinal infections (AII) constitute a significant proportion of the global burden of infectious diseases, ranking second only to acute respiratory viral infections in terms of economic impact. In the Russian Federation (RF), the incidence of AII of established and unspecified etiology in 2024 was 456.56 per 100,000 population, with the overall incidence among children reaching 1,534.1 per 100,000 population. In 2024, viral AII outbreaks continued to predominate, with noroviruses accounting for 42.2 % (302 outbreaks) and rotaviruses for 14.7 % (105 outbreaks). A notable feature of the past year's group morbidity was an increased proportion of enterovirus infection (EVI) foci within the overall structure of foci with a fecal-oral transmission mechanism, placing EVI foci second in the overall structure at 24.9 % (178 foci) [1]. This article analyzes statistical data from domestic and foreign authors on the epidemiology of enterovirus infection (EVI). A comparative analysis of the infectious process caused by different enterovirus serotypes, the prevalence of the disease in the Russian Federation and worldwide, and recommendations for preventive measures are provided. Based on the conducted reviews, a forecast for the expected incidence of enterovirus infection in the Russian Federation is presented.

The purpose – to study the state of primary and secondary inflammatory messengers in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) combined with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastric dyspepsia syndrome (GDS) against the background of complex treatment with the addition of a herbal preparation based on Iberica salsify and the addition of topical lysates at the stage of outpatient recovery.

Materials and methods. We observed 56 patients with mild CAP, diagnosed with GERD+D at the prehospital stage (study group), who were divided into groups A and B depending on the type of therapy. Patients in group A (30 people) received treatment according to existing clinical guidelines. Patients in group B (26 people) received a herbal preparation in addition to their existing therapy, 20 drops. Three times daily before discharge and then after discharge for 3–4 weeks, along with standardized lyophilisate of topical bacterial lysates, 1 capsule on an empty stomach for 10 days (special treatment). Patients were monitored upon admission to treatment, upon discharge, and a month after discharge on an outpatient basis. Along with routine examinations, the levels of interleukins (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, and IL-10 were determined in patients. The control group consisted of 34 healthy donors. diagnosed with GERD+D at the prehospital stage (the main group), who, depending on the therapy received, were divided into groups A and B. Patients of group A (30 people) received treatment according to existing clinical recommendations, designated as generally accepted. In group B patients (26 people), the drug Iberian bitter (Iberogast) was added to the therapy 20 drops 3 times a day before discharge and then after discharge – up to 3–4 weeks, along with standardized lyophilizate of bacterial lysates (OM-85) 1 capsule on an empty stomach for 10 days (special treatment). Patients were monitored upon admission to treatment, upon discharge, and a month after discharge on an outpatient basis. Along with routine examinations, the levels of interleukins (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4, and IL-10 were determined in patients. The control group consisted of 34 healthy donors.

Results. Clinical manifestations of СAP combined with GERD included, along with characteristic syndromes for СAP, signs of esophageal and extraesophageal manifestations of GERD. During laboratory examination, elevated levels of CRP, pro-inflammatory IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and antiinflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10 were noted. After applying special treatment, more effective results were obtained: a more complete recovery from СAP and the majority of GERD symptoms in group B patients were eliminated, cytokine status was restored during laboratory testing, along with normalization of blood and CRP parameters. In group A patients, all the cytokines studied remained elevated.

Conclusion. The results obtained confirm the need for additional anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating treatment in patients with СAP combined with GERD and dyspepsia to prevent immediate and long-term complications of СAP and GERD.

Introduction. Interest in upper gastrointestinal diseases among combat veterans is due to their high prevalence.

The aim to evaluate the strength of the association between risk factors involved in the development of upper gastrointestinal pathology and esophagogastroduodenoscopy results in combat veterans in the context of developing a program for their prevention and early diagnosis.

Materials and methods. Fifty-five respondents were examined, including officers (n=22) (study group) and contract service members (n=33) (control group). The average age of officers was 42±7.3, while that of contract service members was 38.7±7.1. Respondents underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy to determine Helicobacter pylori. A questionnaire was administered on 28 risk factors. The association between risk factors and endoscopic changes was assessed using rank correlations using the Tau-Kendall coefficient (τ) for each anatomical region. MedCalc^® Statistical Software version 22.009 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https://www.medcalc.org; 2023) was used for data analysis.

Results. The study demonstrates that for career officers, the most pronounced association is between occupational factors and upper gastrointestinal lesions, while in the contract service group, the emphasis shifts to lifestyle and dietary factors. Nutritional risk factors were found to play a dominant role in duodenal bulb lesions, consistent with current understanding of the impact of dysbiosis and metabolic disorders on the duodenal mucosa. Regular screening for Hp infection and monitoring of medication load (NSAIDs and anticoagulants) remain universal.

Conclusions. A differentiated approach to gastrointestinal disease prevention is needed for different groups of military personnel. Career officers require special attention to occupational risk factors, while contract service members should pay particular attention to their diet and daily habits.

Further study of specific risk factors is needed for inclusion in individualized programs for the early diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases.