[Pre-clinical studies of cold exposure to evaluate the efficiency and functionality of a specialized product]

Strengthening the adaptive capabilities of the human body during cold exposure is one of the conceptual elements of solving the problem of the well-being of the population of the northern regions of Russia. The aim of the work was to determine the dynamic performance, endurance and to study the morphological parameters of the rat tracheal mucosa against the background of the consumption of functional confectionery products containing the juice of Chinese lemongrass berries (Schisandra chinensis) and dry extract of eleutherococcus (Eleutherococcus) in regular exposure to cold. Material and methods. The study was carried out on albino rats weighing 190±10 g. Functional confectionery were not introduced into the diet of rats of the 1st group. Rats of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups were fed 1 g of marmalade and 1 g of caramel three times a day. Rats of the 3rd group were additionally regularly exposed to cold in the Memmert climate chamber (Germany) for an hour three times a day for 30 days. The groups were formed according to the principle of analogs, using body weight as a criterion (the difference in average weight did not exceed 10%), while each group had the same number of males and females. The physical performance was evaluated by the swimming time of the albino rats until complete exhaustion. The endurance to static load was determined by the retention time on a vertical metal grid. To study the morphological parameters of the rat tracheal mucosa after removal from the experiment, the isolated lung tissue, carefully treated without crushing, was fixed in 9% formaldehyde, then added to paraffin and stained with a hematoxylin-eosin solution. Results. The studied indices of physical performance and static endurance indicate that the cold exposure statistically significantly increased the swimming time and the hanging time of rats on the grid after thirty days of consumption of functional confectionery. The morphological parameters of the tracheal mucosa of the 2nd experimental group did not differ significantly from those of the 1st experimental group. The content of ciliated and goblet cells in the 3rd experimental group was higher than in the 2nd and 1st groups of laboratory animals (p<0.05). The ratio of goblet cells to ciliated cells in rats of the 3rd group was 1:3.1, in the 2nd group - 1:3.5 vs 1:4.6 in the 1st group (p<0.05). This indicates an important role of secretion in the functioning of the epithelium when consuming functional confectionery products against the background of regular cold exposure. In this regard, it can be assumed that functional confectionery products can serve as a mean of protecting the mucociliary apparatus of rats during prolonged exposure to cold. Conclusion. The inclusion of sugary confectionery products, containing Schisandra chinensis berries juice and dry Eleutherococcus extract, in the diet of albino rats increased physical performance and endurance and the regeneration of the epithelial layer of the tracheal mucosa during cooling.