The mode of Scheuermann's disease inheritance and its phenotypic traits in probands and their relatives were studied in 90 pedigrees (90 probands and 385 relatives). The disorder was identified as a genetically related pathology inherited by autosomal dominant type, controlled by a mutant major gene, as a kyphotic deformity without signs of vertebral bodies' anomaly and torsion. Morphological and biochemical studies showed disturbance in the structure of vertebral growth plate anterior aspects at the level of deformity, defects in proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes, and change in proteoglycan spectrum in cells and matrix. Twelve candidate genes were studied in chondrocytes isolated from vertebral growth plates of patients with Scheuermann's disease. The study results included disorder in the IHH gene expression and preservation of the expression of PAX1, two aggrecan isoforms, link protein, types I and II collagen, lumican, versican, growth hormone and growth factor receptor genes, and proliferation gene. Preservation of the SOX9 gene (transcription gene) probably indicates posttranscriptional genetic disorders. The study is under way.

The concentrations of keratan sulfates and unmodified keratan sulfates increased in the vertebral body growth plate in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Sulfation and acetylation of total glycosaminoglycans decreased by 50 and 30%, respectively. These changes reflect the decrease in biological activity of molecules that modulate function of the growth plate.

Background: Acute upper respiratory tract infections (ARI) in children are quite common and often recurrent. Overuse of antibiotics must be avoided, and thus herbal remedies are a useful therapeutic option, as most ARIs can be treated without antibiotics. The aim of this observational study was to demonstrate the effectiveness and tolerability of the herbal combination preparation Tonsilgon® N in Russian children aged 2-11 years in routine practice.

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