[Molecular and genetic aspects of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma].

In most cases, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma are considered multi-factor diseases that lead to irreversible blindness in senior population of developed countries. Among different types of these diseases, around 5% are monogenic. Studying their molecular and genetic aspects can lay the basis for improvement of diagnostic methods, prognosis of the risks of development, manner of progression and treatment outcomes, as well as creation of new therapy methods.

[Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor on angiogenesis and neurogenesis].

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known as a key mediator of angiogenesis, but there is also evidence of its broad significance in neurogenesis and neuroprotection. Cytokines of the VEGF family affect neovascularization and neural development in the brain, particularly during cerebral ischemia, in which there is a coordinated interaction of angiogenesis and neurogenesis that contributes to rapid functional recovery. This review examines the involvement of VEGF family members and their receptors in physiological and pathophysiological processes as well as the relationship between VEGF-A plasma levels and ischemic stroke.

[Comparison of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with myopia of different degrees].

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with myopia of different degrees by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Material And Methods: The study included 42 healthy Caucasian patients (69 eyes) of the same ethnicity (Azeris) with myopia of different degrees. Peripapillary RNFL assessment was performed using RNFL Thickness Average Analysis Report, Stratus OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.

[The experience with the application of non-medicamental methods for the treatment of the patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease].

The present study was designed to estimate the effectiveness of structural resonance electromagnetic therapy, acupuncture, and DMW therapy applied for the treatment of the patients presenting with gastroesophageal reflux disease. It was shown that acupuncture produced beneficial effect on the functional state of oesophagus and neurohumoral regulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter; moreover, it suppressed the acid-producing activity of the stomach. Structural resonance electromagnetic therapy, acupuncture, and DMW therapy decreased the level of vasoactive intestinal peptide in blood sera of the patients with this condition.

[Efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease].

Effectiveness of acupuncture in treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease is investigated. Favourable effect on functional state of esophagus, neurohumoral regulation of lower esophageal sphincter, decrease of acid producing function of stomach is proven. Results obtained establish a ground to advise to a patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease a treatment course of acupuncture on corporeal points as monotherapy combined with a diet.