Vilon

With more and more data being collected, modern network representations exploit the complementary nature of different data sources as well as similarities across patients. We here introduce the Variation of information fused Layers of Networks algorithm (ViLoN), a novel network-based approach for the integration of multiple molecular profiles. As a key innovation, it directly incorporates prior functional knowledge (KEGG, GO). In the constructed network of patients, patients are represented by networks of pathways, comprising genes that are linked by common functions and joint regulation in the disease. Patient stratification remains a key challenge both in the clinic and for research on disease mechanisms and treatments. We thus validated ViLoN for patient stratification on multiple data type combinations (gene expression, methylation, copy number), showing substantial improvements and consistently competitive performance for all. Notably, the incorporation of prior functional knowledge was critical for good results in the smaller cohorts (rectum adenocarcinoma: 90, esophageal carcinoma: 180), where alternative methods failed.

Improving the status of elderly patients with diabetes mellitus is an important issue of gerontology and geriatrics. This work was aimed at the study of the effect of thymomimetic Vilon on the immune status and coagulation hemostasis in elderly patients with type I diabetes mellitus. It was found that the administration of Vilon as an addition to the complex therapy for this cohort of patients resulted in optimization of coagulation hemostasis, which was manifested in the increased content of natural anticoagulants: antithrombin III and protein C, as well as in the stimulation of fibrinolysis. In most cases Vilon reduced the dose of insulin necessary for the stabilization of carbohydrate metabolism. The content of T-helpers, T-dependent and non-T-dependent NK cells was reduced, and the level of active T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and IgA was normalized, which points out the stabilizing effect of Vilon on the immune system and hemostasis.

It was revealed that patients suffering from the diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM-1) on the stage of destabilization report accelerated blood coagulability, decreased content of natural anticoagulators (antithrombin III and protein C), increased concentration of fibrogene and soluble fibrinmonomer complexes and reduced fibrinolysis. The obtained data testify the development of chronic form of DIC syndrome, moreover there is a correlation between the age of the patient, the severity of the disease, insulin dose, presence and severity of the complications on the one hand and the intensity of DIC syndrome on the other hand. Generally accepted treatment of the DM-1 patients doesn't exert considerable effect on the processes of intravascular blood coagulation. Meanwhile administration of thymomimetic Vilon (Lys-Glu) in these patients significantly reduces or even totally diminishes DIC syndrome. In elderly patients with severe form of the disease the effect of Vilon on coagulative hemostasis and blood fibrinolytic activity is less pronounced.

Vilon (Lys-Glu) and Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) administered orally for 1 month improved transport characteristics of the small intestine in aged rats. Vilon enhanced passive glucose accumulation in the serous fluid in inverted sac made from the distal region of the small intestine, while Epithalon enhanced this process in the medial region. Vilon stimulated active glucose accumulation in the serous sac of the medial small intestine, Epithalon - in the proximal and distal small intestinal segments. Glycine absorption increased only in the proximal intestinal segment under the effect of Epithalon.

Studies of the effects of vilon and epithalon on functional morphology of the thymus, spleen, and duodenum in intact rats and rats exposed to single whole-body gamma-irradiation in a dose of 6 Gy showed that vilon stimulated proliferative activity of thymocytes and enhanced proliferative potential of stem cells in the intestine, thus stimulating the postradiation recovery of critical organs. Epithalon decelerated metabolic processes in the duodenal mucosa and suppressed hemopoiesis and lymphopoiesis in the spleen.

Subcutaneous administration of vilon (Lys-Glu) to female CBA mice starting from the 6th month of life increased physical activity and endurance, decreased body temperature, prolonged the lifespan, and prevented the development of spontaneous neoplasms. Vilon had no effect on age-related changes of estrous function and free radical processes. Long-term administration of vilon caused no unfavourable effects on animal development. The obtained results show safety of chronic vilon administration and allow to use this preparation for geroprotection and prophylaxis of age pathology.