[Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ: role in pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease and insulin independent diabetes mellitus].

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present review of the modern literature is devoted to the problem of regarding the adipose tissue as not only a repository of energy supplies but an active endocrine organ as well whose activity exerts a definite effect on the function of many bodily systems. Specific emphasis is directed toward aspects of the function of certain secretory proteins involved in the process of the arterial pressure regulation and/or organs injuring.

[Renoprotective effect of monopril in patients with diabetes mellitus in the preclinical stage of diabetic nephropathy].

As many as 15 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus received monopril in a dose of 5 mg daily. Studied in the patients was the drug effect on the functional renal reserve and glomerular filtration rate. Determination of the functional renal reserve has been shown to be a criterion for an early diagnosis of the preclinical stage of diabetic nephropathy.

[Therapeutic efficacy of lacidipine in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy].

A total of 30 patients with diabetic nephropathy were examined together with 30 patients presenting with chronic glomerulonephritis at different stages of the condition. An unquestionable positive effect has been demonstrated of lacidipine on the arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, diuresis, excretion of nitrogenous metabolities in patients with the above pathology presenting with the normal or impaired renal function. A prognostic criterion has been developed for efficiency of treatment with lacidipine making use of the corinfar test.

[Mechanisms of glomerular autoimmunity and a strategy for immunomodulation in glomerular nephritis].

The article is a review of the published foreign literature concerning mechanisms of self-defence of the renal glomerulus and ways for drug correction thereof. The glomerulus self-defence intra- and extracell factors are described in detail. Novel drugs having been approbated in the experiment and in clinical settings intended to slow down the rate of progression of affections of the kidneys are mentioned together with ways for prevention thereof.