Gulzhan H. Gabdulina

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to categorize and combine (according to the source of biomaterial) biomarkers of frailty syndrome and identify challenges in research on these biomarkers by reviewing the current literature from the past five years. Methods: We systematically searching five electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library—for citations from 1 January 2019 to 1 July 2024. We conducted a qualitative data synthesis and categorized the limitations by topics and subtopics. PROSPERO—CRD: 42024491369. Results: A total of 61 papers met the criteria for inclusion in this study. These studies included a total of 56,758 participants, and 1479 unique biomarkers. We categorized biomarkers such as blood, genetic, urinary, and salivary biomarkers. Our analysis identified three major categories of challenges: challenges related to study design, unclear pathophysiological mechanisms, and biomarker-specific challenges. Conclusions: This review underscores the extensive research into biomarkers associated with frailty syndrome, such as blood, genetic, urinary, and salivary biomarkers. However, significant challenges persist, including methodological inconsistencies, biomarker measurement variability, and a limited understanding of underlying mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus infection can negatively impact the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure, exacerbating anxiety and depressive symptoms. These changes should be recognized and addressed promptly. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental and physical status of patients with chronic heart failure who were eligible for treatment in primary care settings. METHODS: The study included patients with chronic heart failure of various origins with or without a history of COVID-19. The physical and mental health of all patients was evaluated using three scales: the Sheehan Patient-Rated Anxiety Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale. Eligible patients with COVID-19 were prescribed sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, based on results of a psychometric evaluation. RESULTS: Sertraline is shown to significantly improve anxiety disorder, particularly severe cases, in patients with chronic heart failure who have recovered from COVID-19. Sertraline was found to be even more clinically effective in the treatment of depression; it improved depressive symptoms in all study groups. Sertraline was found to affect cardiovascular parameters in patients with chronic heart failure after COVID-19. Sertraline decreased heart rate, thereby improving the course of chronic heart failure. In addition, the ejection fraction remained virtually unchanged in the short term, which indicates the efficacy and safety of sertraline. This supports the recommendation to add sertraline to the combined therapy for this patient group. CONCLUSION: The study confirms the significant impact of COVID-19 on the physical and mental status of patients with chronic heart failure. However, the agents used to treat these conditions may affect the cardiovascular system. Patients require a comprehensive treatment strategy that includes support for mental and physical health.

The public health burden of osteoporosis estimated by the results of clinical and population-based researches in most of the former USSR is uncertain for today. The objective of this audit (Audit-2020) was the epidemiological, medico-social and economic analyse of current and future osteoporosis challenges for the future years for eight countries of the Eurasian region.Methods.We did a search and critical analysis of the publications, including of regional in English, Russian or national languages, did organize a structured survey among national osteoporosis societies members in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, as well as explored the demographic trends in these countries.Results.Scientific researches including the wide population-based EVA project discovered that the expected number of patients with osteoporosis varies from 240,000 in Armenia to 16 million in Russia. All the countries should be categorized as a moderate risk of hip fractures for women (200–300 cases /100,000 per year). Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan have moderate risk for men (100–150/100,000), as well as Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are distinguished by a high risk for men (over 150 cases/100,000). Population aging trends are predicting the future growth in the osteoporosis-associated health challenges throughout the region. It is likely the number of osteoporotic fractures to rise in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan the most: 2.5–3.5 times by 2050. However current hospitalization rates for hip fracture persons are low in most countries (33–80%), the diagnostic equipment is insufficient (0.2–1.3 per million), DXA testing are expensive. Although modern treatments are available, the cure expenses remain high. Hereby, immediate action is required in each country of audit, including admit osteoporosis is a priority public health problem.Conclusion.Osteoporosis is a challenge for the countries of the Eurasian region. Its burden is about to get worse due to the expected demographic changes.