Koval T. Proteolytic degradation of proteins as a factor of metabolic dysfunction in the esophagus acid burn

The dissertation is devoted to investigation of proteolytic degradation under II degree of the esophagus acid burn (EAB) in immature rats. The model of EAB was accompanied by proteolytic system dysfunction, antioxidant defences abnormalities and immune disorders. Quantitative alterations in the content of protein fractions, both in blood serum and in the mucosa of the esophagus under experimental EAB were established. The increase in the content of all the studied matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), the fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the mucosa of the esophagus for the 21st day after the burn was demonstrated. Also, during the studied period, caspase-like proteasome activity was increased. An increase in proteasome activity may indicate the formation of fibrosis in post-burn wounds. The total proteolytic activity and the inhibitory activity of α2-macroglobulin on the 7th day after EAB development in the blood was increased. Such changes indicate excessive activity of proteolytic processes and imbalance in the proteolysis system functioning. Besides, the present study revealed increase of lipid peroxidation products content, decrease of antioxidant enzymes activities, due to processes of reactive oxygen species excessive production under esophagus acid burn. It was demonstrated that IgG concentration increased on the 21 day after the esophagus burn. The content of medium- and low-molecular-weight circulating immune complexes (CIC) and proinflammatory cytokines increased by the 1 day after EAB, that was accompanied anti-inflammatory cytokine deficiency. The established changes may indicate development of inflammatory and infectious processes and delay of burn wound healing.