Background and AimsAngiogenesis is critically involved in the development of liver fibrosis, portal hypertension (PHT) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regorafenib is a novel second-line therapy for HCC, but might also be beneficial in fibrosis and PHT even in absence of HCC. This study investigated the effects of regorafenib in experimental models without HCC.MethodsFibrosis (in vivo and in vitro), inflammation, liver damage (aminotransferases), angiogenesis (matrigel implantation) and in vivo systemic and portal hemodynamics were assessed in different mouse and rat models (bile duct ligation, CCl4, partial portal vein ligation) after acute and chronic treatment with regorafenib.ResultsLong-term treatment with regorafenib improved portal hypertension most likely due to blunted angiogenesis, without affecting fibrosis progression or regression. Interestingly, acute administration of regorafenib also ameliorated portal hemodynamics. Although regorafenib treatment led to hepatotoxic side effects in long-term treated fibrotic animals, in partial portal vein ligated rats, no liver toxicity due to regorafenib was observed.DiscussionRegorafenib might be especially suitable as therapy in patients with PHT and preserved liver function.

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Introduction:The growing interest in organic products raises the question of who buys organic foods. The existing literature reveals the role of some sociodemographic factors (age, income).Aim: The aim of this article is to study the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of organic food consumers.Materials and Methods: From November 2020-April 2021, 150 consumers from Dobrich district were interviewed about their awareness and attitude to buy organic foods.The results of the study were statistically processed using Jamovi, version 2.2.5. The criterion χ 2 (Pearson's Chi-square) was used, with significance levels α = 0.05 and α = 0.1. Results:The largest relative share of regular consumers is that of individuals buying organic foods once a week. The analysis of the data shows that the relative share of women in the sample predominates.A statistically significant difference was found in nine of the tested hypotheses about the differences between men and women. The data show that more often women are the ones who buy food products, incl. organic foods. Conclusion:The profile of the consumers of organic foods is related to gender. The growing trend towards the consumption of organic food in the world, including in Bulgaria, is due to the potential health benefits, to which mostly women have an attitude.

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Malignant plasmacytoma (MP) (multiple myeloma) is a clonal B cell disease affecting slow-release plasmatic cells accompanied by monoclonal paraprotein production followed by lytic bone lesions. Nearly 50% of the newly diagnosed patients have a reduced glomerular filtration rate and about 9% require dialysis treatment due to severe renal impairment. The aim of this study is to direct nephrologists' attention to seeking and diagnosing patients with unclear fast progression of CKD and to highly sensitive methods of proving especially light chains in urine. Early diagnosis and treatment, rapid and effective reduction in the number and removal of light paraprotein chains by aggressive chemotherapy and/or apheresis may reduce the risk of renal impairment and prevent end-stage renal failure. Rapid and timely diagnosis as well as effective treatment of renal failure combined with conservative and interventional therapy reduces severe complications and significantly prolonged survival in patients with malignant plasmacytoma, delaying the progression of renal involvement.