Pluronics suppress association of low-density lipoproteins inducing atherogenesis.

We studied the effect of pluronics P85, L61, and F68 with different hydrophilic-lipophilic characteristics on association of LDL. It was found that pluronics with pronounced hydrophobic properties (P85 and L61) in concentrations close to or surpassing the critical concentration of micelle formation inhibited LDL association, while hydrophilic pluronic F68 in all concentrations had no effect on LDL association.

[Analysis of the inflammatory processes in the diffuse thickening of the intima of human aorta].

It is generally recognized that the accumulation of lipids and immuno-inflammatory cells are early signs of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we have investigated the relationship between the deposition of lipids, of immuno-inflammatory cells and the expression of HLA-DR molecules (a marker of immune activation), the molecules of the class II of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in diffuse thickening of the intima (DIT). Lipids, including triglycerides, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol and phospholipids were studied by chromatography, Oil Red O histochemisty, as well as by electron microscopic analysis.

[Cholesterol of circulating immune complexes as biomarker of atherosclerosis].

In the present 2-years prospective study, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of immune cholesterol was assessed in 98 asymptomatic men aged 40-74 with early atherosclerosis. The rate of carotid atherosclerosis progression was estimated by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography as the increase in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries. The patients with elevated baseline levels of immune cholesterol were characterized by significantly higher levels of total and LDL (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol as well as significantly increased mean IMT of common carotid arteries.

[The blocking effects of small interfering RNAs on RS-1 gene functions of herpes simplex virus type 2: new perspectives for targeted antiviral exposure].

A new target has been revealed for therapy for herpes simplex type 2. The target is RS1 mRNA whose activation is a key stage in regulating the expression of the early genes of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The targeted knockdown of the function of this gene by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has been found to result in the complete suppression of HSV-2 infection.

[Cultured cell systems for revelation of new drugs antiatherosclerotic effects and their mechanisms investigation].

Cultured cell models have been developed to study the cholesterol efflux from the arterial wall as an integral indicator of reverse cholesterol transport. The models and the results of in vivo and ex vivo experiments can be used to propose new antiatherosclerotic drugs and elucidate their mood of action.