Results of HCV antiviral therapy with Direct Antiviral Agents (DAAs) (Viekira Pak) among elderly patients with heart failure are observed in the article. The evaluated group of patients was traditionally out of therapy scope in interferon + ribavirin era. We assessed safety, compliance and efficacy of HCV Genotype 1 antiviral therapy with Viekira Pak in the targeted population group as well as the status of central and peripheral hemodynamics during the course of therapy and follow-up period.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 38 million people are carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The relative risk of cardiovascular events in patients with HIV infection is 1.52 times higher than those without it. An HIV-positive status is associated with a 50% increased risk of acute myocardial infarction. The mechanisms of CVD development caused by HIV activity are not fully understood, and the contribution of traditional risk factors cannot fully explain such a high potential for coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with HIV infection. Data suggest that HIV-associated chronic inflammation and immune system activation may lead to progressive endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and, consequently, CHD in HIV infection is extremely versatile and poorly studied. The key mechanisms in HIV-associated CHD include the effect of HIV proteins on immunocompetent cells and vascular endothelium, immunodeficiency, translocation of microorganisms from the gut, and chronic inflammation with platelet activation. Despite considerable progress in understanding HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, many unresolved questions remain. Even with effective viral suppression, inflammation and immune dysregulation appear to increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The lack of large-scale clinical studies on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in HIV is very important. Nevertheless, some important features should be considered in the management of patients with HIV infection.

Microscopic colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology that presents as chronic watery diarrhea with no endoscopic evidence of the bowel involvement but with the microscopic changes. Diagnosis of microscopic colitis is based on the histological examination of the intestinal biopsy and requires a highly qualified gastroenterologist, endoscopist and histologist. The article presents a clinical case of microscopic colitis in a 42-year-old patient, reflects the main stages of diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

Research into new biological markers may help early diagnosis and effective therapy for cardiology patients. The use of biomarkers to evaluate patients has made a major impact in oncology, but is still in its infancy in the cardiology field. Studies on secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) have revealed its potential use as a marker of cardiovascular pathology. Preclinical studies have highlighted the important role this protein plays in many biological processes. It reduces the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and suppresses the Wnt5A/JNK signaling pathway thus reducing the severity of oxidative stress and inflammation. It normalizes nitric oxide production and has several other effects. However, recent clinical studies of SFRP5 have produced conflicting data. Nevertheless, this protein shows promise as a marker for several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary data also suggest SFRP5 may be a therapeutic target. Further study of SFRP5 and its role in cardiovascular pathology is necessary, and will create new diagnostic and prognostic possibilities for this biological marker.

In recent years, the attention of scientists has been actively focused on studying the role of endocan as a biological marker of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases. Until recent years, endocan has been studied in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and renal replacement therapy. Endocan, formerly known as endothelial cell-specific molecule-1, is a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan expressed and secreted into the circulation from endothelial cells. Currently available studies demonstrate the diagnostic and prognostic value of endocan evaluation in cardiovascular pathology. It is expected that further scientific and clinical studies will demonstrate the possibilities of using endocan as an additional laboratory tool for diagnosing and assessing the prognosis in patients with a cardiac profile. Drug regulation of endocan concentration and expression may be a promising target for the treatment of cardiac and vascular pathology.