Репозиторий Университета

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has long remained a critical global health issue. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a persistent form of the HBV genome that maintains HBV chronicity. Decades of extensive research resulted in the two therapeutic options currently available: nucleot(s)ide analogs and interferon (IFN) therapy. A plethora of reliable markers to monitor HBV patients has been established, including the recently discovered encapsidated pregenomic RNA in serum, which can be used to determine treatment end-points and to predict the susceptibility of patients to IFN. Additionally, HBV RNA splice variants and cccDNA and its epigenetic modifications are associated with the clinical course and risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver fibrosis. However, new antivirals, including CRISPR/Cas9, APOBEC-mediated degradation of cccDNA, and T-cell therapies aim at completely eliminating HBV, and it is clear that the diagnostic arsenal for defining the long-awaited sterilizing cure is missing. In this review, we discuss the currently available tools for detecting and measuring HBV RNAs and cccDNA, as well as the state-of-the-art in clinical implications of these markers, and debate needs and goals within the context of the sterilizing cure that is soon to come. View Full-Text

Maintaining the epithelial status of cells in vitro and fabrication of a multilayered epithelial lining is one of the key problems in the therapy using cell technologies. When cultured in a monolayer, epithelial cells change their phenotype from epithelial to epithelial-mesenchymal or mesenchymal that makes it difficult to obtain a sufficient number of cells in a 2D culture and to use them in tissue engineering. Here, using buccal epithelial cells from the oral mucosa, we developed a novel approach to recover and maintain the stable cell phenotype and form a multilayered epithelial lining in vitro via the 2D/3D cell self-assembling. Transitioning the cells from the monolayer to non-adhesive 3D culture conditions led to formation of self-assembling spheroids, with restoration of their epithelial characteristics after epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In 7 days, the cells within spheroids restored the apical-basal polarity, and the formation of both tight (ZO1) and adherent (E-cadherin) intercellular junctions was shown. Thus, culturing buccal epithelial cells in a 3D system allowed us to recover and durably maintain the morphological and functional characteristics of epithelial cells. The multilayered epithelial lining formation was achieved after placing spheroids for 7 days onto a hybrid matrix, which consisted of collagen layers and reinforcing poly (lactide-co-glycolide) fibers and was proven promising for replacement of the urothelium. Thus, we offer an effective technique of forming multilayered epithelial linings on carrier-matrices using cell spheroids that was not previously described elsewhere and can find a wide range of applications in tissue engineering, replacement surgery, and regenerative medicine.

The heme in the active center of peroxidases reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form highly reactive intermediates, which then oxidize simple substances called peroxidase substrates. Human peroxidases can be divided into two groups: (1) True peroxidases are enzymes whose main function is to generate free radicals in the peroxidase cycle and (pseudo)hypohalous acids in the halogenation cycle. The major true peroxidases are myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. (2) Pseudo-peroxidases perform various important functions in the body, but under the influence of external conditions they can display peroxidase-like activity. As oxidative intermediates, these peroxidases produce not only active heme compounds, but also protein-based tyrosyl radicals. Hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome c/cardiolipin complexes and cytoglobin are considered as pseudo-peroxidases. Рeroxidases play an important role in innate immunity and in a number of physiologically important processes like apoptosis and cell signaling. Unfavorable excessive peroxidase activity is implicated in oxidative damage of cells and tissues, thereby initiating the variety of human diseases. Hence, regulation of peroxidase activity is of considerable importance. Since peroxidases differ in structure, properties and location, the mechanisms controlling peroxidase activity and the biological effects of peroxidase products are specific for each hemoprotein. This review summarizes the knowledge about the properties, activities, regulations and biological effects of true and pseudo-peroxidases in order to better understand the mechanisms underlying beneficial and adverse effects of this class of enzymes. View Full-Text

The relapse rate in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) remains high, i.e. around 20%–21% at 5 years in thrombotic APS and 20–28% in obstetrical APS [2, 3]. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) appears as an additional therapy, as it possesses immunomodulatory and anti-thrombotic various effects [4–16]. Our group recently obtained the orphan designation of HCQ in antiphospholipid syndrome by the European Medicine Agency. Furthermore, the leaders of the project made the proposal of an international project, HIBISCUS, about the use of Hydroxychloroquine in secondary prevention of obstetrical and thrombotic events in primary APS. This study has been launched in several countries and at now, 53 centers from 16 countries participate to this international trial. This trial consists in two parts: a retrospective and a prospective study. The French part of the trial in thrombosis has been granted by the French Minister of Health in December 2015 (the academic trial independent of the pharmaceutical industry PHRC N PAPIRUS) and is coordinated by one of the members of the leading consortium of HIBISCUS.

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is characterized by inflammation of joints and cartilage degradation leading to disability, discomfort, severe pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joint. It has been shown that adenosine, a purine nucleoside composed of adenine attached to ribofuranose, is enzymatically produced by the human synovium. However, the functional significance of adenosine signaling in homeostasis and pathology of synovial joints remains unclear. Adenosine acts through four cell surface receptors, i.e., A1, A2A, A2B, and A3, and here, we have systematically analyzed mice with a deficiency for A3 receptor as well as pharmacological modulations of this receptor with specific analogs. The data show that adenosine receptor signaling plays an essential role in downregulating catabolic mechanisms resulting in prevention of cartilage degeneration. Ablation of A3 resulted in development of OA in aged mice. Mechanistically, A3 signaling inhibited cellular catabolic processes in chondrocytes including downregulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII), an enzyme that promotes matrix degradation and inflammation, as well as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Additionally, selective A3 agonists protected chondrocytes from cell apoptosis caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines or hypo-osmotic stress. These novel data illuminate the protective role of A3, which is mediated via inhibition of intracellular CaMKII kinase and RUNX2 transcription factor, the two major pro-catabolic regulators in articular cartilage.

Sequential courses of anticancer target therapy lead to selection of drug-resistant cells, which results in continuous decrease of clinical response. Here we present a new approach for predicting effective combinations of target drugs, which act in a synergistic manner. Synergistic combinations of drugs may prevent or postpone acquired resistance, thus increasing treatment efficiency. We cultured human ovarian carcinoma SKOV-3 and neuroblastoma NGP-127 cancer cell lines in the presence of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (Pazopanib, Sorafenib, and Sunitinib) and Rapalogues (Temsirolimus and Everolimus) for four months and obtained cell lines demonstrating increased drug resistance. We investigated gene expression profiles of intact and resistant cells by microarrays and analyzed alterations in 378 cancer-related signaling pathways using the bioinformatical platform Oncobox. This revealed numerous pathways linked with development of drug resistant phenotypes. Our approach is based on targeting proteins involved in as many as possible signaling pathways upregulated in resistant cells. We tested 13 combinations of drugs and/or selective inhibitors predicted by Oncobox and 10 random combinations. Synergy scores for Oncobox predictions were significantly higher than for randomly selected drug combinations. Thus, the proposed approach significantly outperforms random selection of drugs and can be adopted to enhance discovery of new synergistic combinations of anticancer target drugs. View Full-Text

Purpose

The interaction between malignant cells and surrounding healthy tissues is a critical factor in the metastatic progression of breast cancer (BC). Extracellular vesicles, especially exosomes, are known to be involved in inter-cellular communication during cancer progression. In the study presented herein, we aimed to evaluate the role of circulating plasma exosomes in the metastatic dissemination of BC and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon.

Methods

Exosomes isolated from plasma of healthy female donors were applied in various concentrations into the medium of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines. Motility and invasive properties of BC cells were examined by random migration and Transwell invasion assays, and the effect of plasma exosomes on the metastatic dissemination of BC cells was demonstrated in an in vivo zebrafish model. To reveal the molecular mechanism of interaction between plasma exosomes and BC cells, a comparison between un-treated and enzymatically modified exosomes was performed, followed by mass spectrometry, gene ontology, and pathway analysis.

Background

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was detected in cirrhosis in many studies. The aim is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of SIBO in cirrhosis and on the relationship of SIBO with features of cirrhosis.

Methods

PUBMED search (until 14 January 2018) was performed. Specific search terms were: ‘(cirrhosis) AND (SIBO OR bacterial overgrowth)’. Studies not relating to cirrhosis or SIBO, animal studies, and non-original articles were excluded. A meta-analysis of all studies was performed using a random-effects model.

Results

117 references were identified by the PUBMED search. 3 references were added after handsearching the reference lists of all the articles. 99 references were excluded. 21 studies (included in total 1264 cirrhotics and 306 controls) remained for qualitative analysis and quantitative synthesis. Prevalence of SIBO for cirrhosis was 40.8% (95% CI 34.8–47.1), while the prevalence of SIBO for controls was 10.7% (95% CI 5.7–19.0). OR 6.83 (95% CI 4.16–11.21; p < 0.001). Prevalence of SIBO for decompensated cirrhosis was higher than prevalence of SIBO for compensated cirrhosis (50.5% vs. 31.2%; p < 0.001). SIBO in cirrhosis was associated with ascites (p < 0.001), minimal hepatic encephalopathy (p = 0.001), bacterial translocation (p = 0.026), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (p = 0.008), prolonged orocecal transit time (p < 0.001), and was not associated with hypocoagulation. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship of SIBO with hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, overt hepatic encephalopathy in past, esophageal varices and systemic inflammation.

Conclusion

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is more often detected in cirrhosis than in healthy persons and is associated with some features of cirrhosis.

Репликативный полипротеин 1а вируса желтухи свеклы (ВЖС) содержит консервативные домены лидерной папаин-подобной протеиназы (РСР), метилтрансферазы (MTR) и РНК хеликазы (HEL). Центральный район (central region, CR) между MTR и HEL ранее считали «вариабельным». Нами проведен компьютерный анализ CR, который позволил выявить новый консервативный домен между позициями 1287-1390 (здесь и далее приводится нумерация аминокислотных остатков белка 1а вируса желтухи свеклы, BYV), сохраняющийся у всех представителей рода Closterovirus. Этот домен содержит 4 предсказанных альфа-спиральных участка (альфа А – D) и три строго консервативные позиции – глютамат-1291, пролин-1380 и аргинин-1384. Кроме того, биоинформатический анализ позволил предсказать амфипатическую спираль в позициях 1368-1380 (входящую в состав участка альфа D). Гидрофобный домен CR-2 (позиции 1305-1494 белка 1а), вызывающий при экспрессии в растениях реструктуризацию эндоплазматического ретикулюма и образование подвижных глобул диаметром ~1 мкм, включает участки альфа В, С и D. Установлено, что экспрессия в растениях слитных белков CR-2:GFP и GFP:CR-2 вызывает сходный «глобулообразующий» фенотип, т.е. N-концевое или C-концевое положение маркера GFP в слитном белке не влияет на переформатирование мембран эндоплазматического ретикулюма. Проведен делеционный анализ CR-2 BYV. Показано, что делеционные варианты 1355-1494 и 1325-1484 сохраняют фенотип дикого типа (образование глобул и реструктуризация ЭР вокруг ядра клетки). Варианты 1375-1484, 1368-1484 и 1368-1432 индуцировали образование глобул, но утрачивали способность к реструктуризации ЭР. Внесение замен гидрофобных аминокислотных остатков на остатки серина и глицина в «минимальном» делеционном мутанте 1368-1432 блокировало образование глобул. Предложена рабочая гипотеза о влиянии консервативной амфипатической спирали 1368-1385 в белке 1а BYV на ремоделирование мембран ЭР растительной клетки и создание репликативных платформ при клостеровирусной инфекции.

Human B-cell receptor-associated protein BAP31 (HsBAP31) is the endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein involved in protein sorting and transport as well as pro-apoptotic signaling. Plant orthologs of HsBAP31 termed 'plant BAP-like proteins' (PBL proteins) have thus far remained unstudied. Recently, the PBL protein from Nicotiana tabacum (NtPBL) was identified as an interactor of Nt-4/1, a plant protein known to interact with plant virus movement proteins and affect the long-distance transport of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) via the phloem. Here, we have compared the sequences of PBL proteins and studied the biochemical properties of NtPBL. Analysis of a number of fully sequenced plant genomes revealed that PBL-encoding genes represent a small multigene family with up to six members per genome. Two conserved motifs were identified in the C-terminal region of PBL proteins. The NtPBL C-terminal hydrophilic region (NtPBL-C) was expressed in bacterial cells, purified, and used for analysis of its RNA binding properties in vitro. In gel shift experiments, NtPBL-C was found to bind several tested RNAs, showing the most efficient binding to microRNA precursors (pre-miRNA) and less efficient interaction with PSTVd. Mutational analysis suggested that NtPBL-C has a composite RNA-binding site, with two conserved lysine residues in the most C-terminal protein region being involved in binding of pre-miRNA but not PSTVd RNA. Virus-mediated transient expression of NtPBL-C in plants resulted in stunting and leaf malformation, developmental abnormalities similar to those described previously for blockage of miRNA biogenesis/function. We hypothesize that the NtPBL protein represents a previously undiscovered component of the miRNA pathway.

Marine sponges contain a variety of low-molecular-weight compounds including guanidine alkaloids possessing different biological activities. Monanchomycalin B and urupocidin A were isolated from the marine sponge Monanchora pulchra. We found that they act as inhibitors of the TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels, but are inactive against the TRPA1 receptor. Monanchomycalin B is the most active among all published marine alkaloids (EC50 6.02, 2.84, and 3.25 μM for TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3, correspondingly). Moreover, monanchomycalin B and urupocidin A are the first samples of marine alkaloids affecting the TRPV2 receptor. Two semi-synthetic urupocidin A derivatives were also obtained and tested against TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) receptors that allowed us to collect some data concerning the structure-activity relationship in this series of compounds. We showed that the removal of one of three side chains or double bonds in the other side chains in urupocidin A led to a decrease of the inhibitory activities. New ligands specific to the TRPV subfamily may be useful for the design of medicines as in the study of TRP channels biology.

Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved intracellular catabolic process of vital importance to cell and tissue homeostasis. Autophagy is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis but participating cells, molecular mechanisms and functional outcomes have not been fully elucidated. T-cadherin, an atypical glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored member of the cadherin superfamily of adhesion molecules, is upregulated on smooth muscle cells (SMCs)¹ in atherosclerotic lesions. Here, using rat and murine aortic SMCs as experimental models, we surveyed the ability of T-cadherin to regulate autophagy in SMCs during serum-starvation stress. Ectopic upregulation of T-cadherin in SMCs resulted in augmented autophagy characterized by increased autophagic flux, LC3-II abundance and autophagosome formation. Analysis of signal transduction pathway effectors and use of specific pharmacological inhibitors demonstrated that T-cadherin-associated enhancement of the autophagic response to serum-deprivation was dependent on MEK1/2/Erk1/2 activation and independent of PI3K/Akt/mTORC1, reactive oxygen species or endoplasmic reticulum stress. T-cadherin upregulation on SMCs conferred a survival advantage during prolonged serum-starvation which was sensitive to inhibition of MEK1/2/Erk1/2 by PD98059 or UO126 and to blockade of autophagy by chloroquine. Loss of T-cadherin expression in SMCs diminished autophagy responsiveness and compromised survival under conditions of serum-starvation. Overall our findings have identified T-cadherin as a novel positive regulator of autophagy and survival in SMCs.

The goal of this study was to find genes that encode cytoskeletal proteins that are potential candidates for the role of triggers in cell mechanosensitivity in the fruit fly. Centrifugation was used to simulate the hypergravity effects (2g group); the constantly changing orientation of the larvae in the gravity field was performed in order to simulate the effects of microgravity (0g group) for 1.5, 6, 12 and 24 h. mRNA levels of different genes that encode the components of both tubulin and actin cytoskeleton were assessed by qRT-PCR. In the 0g group the mRNA levels of beta-tubulin and Msps were reduced after 1.5 h of the exposure and remained unchanged until 12 h, while they exceeded the control level after 24 h. The mRNA level of chaperonin containing T-complex 1 polypeptide subunits recovered earlier: after 6 and 12 h of the microgravity exposure. At the same time, the hypergravity effect led to more significant changes in the mRNA level of TCP1 complex components compared with those of tubulin and Msps. The mRNA level of beta-actin isoforms under micro- and hypergravity was decreased up to 12 h of the exposure, however, it remained reduced under microgravity conditions, while it recovered (Act87E) and even exceeded (Act57B) the reference level under hypergravity conditions. The mRNA level of supervillin was almost unchanged. Under microgravity conditions the mRNA level of fimbrin was decreased (it recovered by the 24 h time point), while the mRNA level of alpha-actinin was significantly increased by the 12 h time point of the exposure and after 24 h it was reduced to the control level. In contrast, under hypergravity conditions the mRNA level of fimbrin initially increased, and after 24 h it dropped below the control, while the mRNA level of alpha-actinin was significantly reduced, and after 24 h it was higher than the reference level. Similar results were obtained earlier in the experiments in rodents, but similar dynamics were observed for alpha-actinin isoforms 1 and 4, although no changes were observed for fimbrin. Since Drosophila melanogaster has no alpha-actinin isoform 4, it is hypothesized that its role in the cell is played by fimbrin.

Цель. Определить у детей в возрасте от 2 до 7 лет ультразвуковых параметров лимфатических узлов, подверженных наибольшей антигенной стимуляции (шейные, мезентериальные), и установить взаимосвязь этих параметров с относительными размерами селезенки. Пациенты и методы. Проведено открытое скрининговое поперечное одноцентровое исследование на базе ФНЦ медико-профилактических технологий управления рисками здоровью населения г. Перми. В исследование включено 133 ребенка (62 мальчика, 71 девочка) из дошкольных учреждений Пермского края в возрасте от 2 до 7 лет. В течение 2011-2013 гг. проведено анкетирование и интервьюирование родителей респондентов с последующим анализом историй их развития, а всем детям, включенным в исследование, выполнены стандартная клиническая гемограмма, а также ультразвуковое исследование (УЗИ) селезенки с вычислением коэффициента массы селезенки (КМС) по оригинальной формуле и шейных и мезентериальных лимфатических узлов (ЛУ). В зависимости от значения КМС дети были поделены на 2 группы: в основной (n = 46) КМС превышал 4 ед. В группе сравнения (n = 87) этот показатель варьировал от 2,0 до 4,0 ед. Результаты. Дети из основной группы в 2,5 раза чаще (p < 0,05) болели острыми респираторными вирусными инфекциями, которые протекали с осложнениями у 27 (58,7%) детей со спленомегалией; в группе сравнения их было 13 (15,3%, p < 0,01). У детей основной группы в 1,8 раз чаще диагностировали гипертрофию небных миндалин и/или аденоидов 2-3-й степени, они достоверно чаще болели пневмонией. Сравнительный анализ ультразвуковых характеристик глубоких латеральных яремных ЛУ показал статистически значимые различия (p < 0,05) по всем измеряемым параметрам (длина, индекс округлости, толщина коркового слоя), за исключением максимальной систолической скорости кровотока в артерии узлов. Характеристики мезентериальных ЛУ (кроме их длины) в обеих группах пациентов также имели статистически значимые различия. Обнаружено, что у 43 (93,5%) детей из основной группы преобладали цепочки или конгломераты (более 2 в ультразвуковом срезе) шейных ЛУ; в группе сравнения - у 71 (81,6%). Множественные мезентериальные ЛУ обнаружены в 39 (84,8%) и 64 (73,6%) случаях соответственно в группах. Корреляционный анализ выявил достоверную (p < 0,05) прямую связь между значениями КМС и толщиной коркового слоя у глубоких латеральных яремных ЛУ шеи (r = 0,44). Выводы. У практически здоровых детей дошкольного возраста с установленной при УЗИ относительной спленомегалией изменения параметров ЛУ 2-3-го порядка могут отражать процессы онтогенеза иммунной системы и свидетельствуют о повышенной антигенной нагрузке. За детьми, значение КМС у которых превышает 4 ед, рекомендуется динамическое наблюдение с обязательным исследованием параметров мезентериальных и средних глубоких латеральных яремных ЛУ шеи.

В статье представлен аналитический обзор научных статей, опубликованных в электронных библиотеках Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, E-library за последние 15-20 лет и посвященных изучению проблем микробиоценоза кишечника, начиная от общих понятий данного состояния до современных взглядов на терапию нарушений микробного состава тонкого и толстого кишечника. Авторы прослеживают эволюцию лечебных подходов от пробиотиков, пребиотиков, симбиотиков до метаболической терапии. В обзоре анализируются преимущества и недостатки пробиотической терапии, обсуждаются предлагаемые пути решения возникших проблем, таких как риск трансгенной передачи информации между бактериями и эндотелиальными клетками. В современной гастроэнтерологии разрабатываются новые подходы к лечению дисбиоза кишечника. Изучение метаболома эукариотов помогает синтезировать новые препараты - метаболики. Метабиотики, в качестве регуляторов физиологических функций, биохимических и поведенческих реакций, имеют ряд преимуществ по сравнению с пробиотиками и пребиотиками, в связи с благоприятным профилем безопасности и длительным сроком хранения, обладают лучшей абсорбцией, легко распределяются и выводятся из организма. Метабиотики являются эволюцией развития пробиотической концепции. Одним из представителей метаболических препаратов является Хилак форте. Эта свободная от бактерий жидкость содержит метаболиты бактерий Escherichia coli DSM 4087 (25 g), Streptococcus faecalis DSM 4086 (12.5 g), Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 4149 (12.5 g), и L. helveticus DSM 4183 (50 g). Хилак форте имеет долгую историю применения и может быть применен на любом этапе коррекции дисбиотических нарушений широкой категории пациентов.

В области изучения нейробиологии униполярных депрессивных расстройств (УДР) перспективными считаются нейровизуализационные методы, особенно позитронно-эмиссионная томография (ПЭТ) и функциональная магнитно-резонансная томография (фМРТ). В статье приводится обзор современных нейровизуализационных данных, касающихся структурно-функциональных особенностей головного мозга у лиц, страдающих УДР. Результаты отдельных исследований представлены в зависимости от особенностей методов их проведения (состояние покоя, выполнение когнитивных и эмоциональных тестов) и соотнесены с основными нейробиологическими концепциями развития депрессивных расстройств. Отдельно рассмотрены возможности нейровизуализационных исследований для оценки и прогнозирования результатов антидепрессивной терапии.

Цель исследования. Изучение связи между генами иммунной системы и депрессией, а также ее эндофенотипами (невротизм и личностная тревожность) при ишемической болезни сердца (ИБС). Материал и методы. Исследование проведено в группе мужчин с ИБС с депрессией (78 человек) и без нее (91 человек), а также у здоровых добровольцев мужского пола (127 человек). Изучены полиморфизмы генов интерлейкина-4 (IL-4 –589C/T), интерлейкина-6 (IL-6 –174G/C), фактора некроза опухолей-α (TNF-α –308G/A) и С-реактивного белка (CRP –717A/G). Результаты. Обнаружена ассоциация полиморфизма IL-6 –174 G/C с депрессией, коморбидной ИБС (р=0,01; ОШ=2,3 ДИ 95% 1,2—4,3), которая выражалась в повышении частоты высокоэкспрессивного аллеля G в группе больных с депрессией. Полиморфизм IL-4 –589C/T был ассоциирован с ИБС: частота генотипа СС IL-4 –589C/T была выше в группе больных по сравнению с контрольной группой независимо от наличия депрессии (р=0,007; ОШ=2,1 ДИ 95% 1,2—3,4). Полиморфизмы TNF-α –308G/A и CRP –717A/G не были ассоциированы с депрессией при ИБС. Значимых различий в выраженности невротизма и личностной тревожности у носителей различных генотипов по локусам IL-4 –589 C/T, IL-6 –174 G/C, TNF-α –308 G/A, CRP –717A/G выявлено не было. Заключение. Ассоциация полиморфизма IL-6 –174G/C с депрессией, коморбидной ИБС, согласуется с данными литературы о роли IL-6 в развитии депрессии у кардиологических больных.

Objective. To assess antioxidant therapy (ascorbic acid (AA), Cytoflavin) prescribed as part of the standard treatment scheme based on clinical and morphological data in cerebral infarct. Materials and methods. The study was performed from 2010 to 2014 in eight vascular centers in the Russian Federation. A total of 373 patients with acute ischemic stroke in the carotid basin were studied. Group 1 consisted of 132 patients who received 5% AA solution at a daily dose of 20 ml; group 2 consisted of 113 patients receiving the antioxidant Cytoflavin at a daily dose of 20 ml for 10 days; group 3 consisted of 108 patients receiving Cytoflavin for 20 days, the dose being decreased to 10 ml from day 11 to day 20. Patients’ status was evaluated using a set of clinical, laboratory, and instrumented methods. Results and conclusions. Analysis of CT scan results obtained on treatment days 1 and 21 showed that Cytoflavin led to significant regression of the volume of cerebral ischemia, by an average factor of 1.5–1.7. No significant morphological changes were seen in the AA-treated group; among Cytoflavin-treated patients there was a two-fold reduction in the proportion of patients in which the volume of cerebral ischemia increased during the period 1–21 days. In patients with initial assessments of at least 14 points on the NIH scale, Cytoflavin treatment for 20 days promoted more marked improvements in neurological, functional, and cognitive status than seen in patients given infusions for 10 days.

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a neuroprotective cytokine that promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis in the brain. In animal models, it has been shown that environmental enrichment and exercise, two non-pharmacological interventions that are beneficial decreasing the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD) and depressive-like behavior, enhance hippocampal VEGF expression and neurogenesis. Furthermore, the stimulation of VEGF expression promotes neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity processes such as neurogenesis. It is thought that these VEGF actions in the brain, may underly its beneficial therapeutic effects against psychiatric and other neurological conditions.

Conclusion: In this review, evidence linking VEGF deficit with the development of AD as well as the potential role of VEGF signaling as a therapeutic target for cotinine and other interventions in neurodegenerative conditions are discussed.

Background Urethral reconstruction is one of the great surgical challenges for urologists. A cell-based tissue-engineered urethra may be an alternative for patients who have complicated long strictures and need urethral reconstruction. Here, we demonstrated the feasibility of using autologous urine-derived stem cells (USCs) seeded on small intestinal submucosa (SIS) to repair a urethral defect in a rabbit model. Methods Autologous USCs were obtained and characterized, and their capacity to differentiate into urothelial cells (UCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was tested. Then, USCs were labeled with PKH67, seeded on SIS, and transplanted to repair a urethral defect. The urethral defect model was surgically established in New Zealand white male rabbits. A ventral urethral gap was created, and the urethral mucosa was completely removed, with a mean rabbit penile urethra length of 2 cm. The urethral mucosal defect was repaired with a SIS scaffold (control group: SIS with no USCs; experimental group: autologous USC-seeded SIS; n = 12 for each group). A series of tests, including a retrograde urethrogram, histological analysis, and immunofluorescence, was undertaken 2, 3, 4, and 12 weeks after the operation to evaluate the effect of the autologous USCs on urethral reconstruction. ResultsAutologous USCs could be easily collected and induced to differentiate into UCs and SMCs. In addition, the urethral caliber, speed of urothelial regeneration, content of smooth muscle, and vessel density were significantly improved in the group with autologous USC-seeded SIS. Moreover, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were found in the control group with only SIS, but not in the experimental autologous USC-seeded SIS group. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the transplanted USCs differentiated into UCs and SMCs in vivo. Conclusions Autologous USCs can be used as an alternative cell source for cell-based tissue engineering for urethral reconstruction.