«One Small Step for Mouse»: High CO Inhalation as a New Therapeutic Strategy for Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a ubiquitous neurodegenerative disorder for which no effective treatment strategies are available. Existing pharmacotherapy is aimed only at correcting symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease, mainly by replenishing dopamine deficiency. It is assumed that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PD.

Enhancement by Hydrogen Peroxide of Calcium Signals in Endothelial Cells Induced by 5-HT1B and 5-HT2B Receptor Agonists.

Hydrogen peroxide, formed in the endothelium, acts as a factor contributing to the relaxation of blood vessels. The reason for this vasodilatory effect could be modulation by HO of calcium metabolism, since mobilization of calcium ions in endothelial cells is a trigger of endothelium-dependent relaxation. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of HO on the effects of Ca-mobilizing agonists in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Markers and Biomarkers of Endothelium: When Something Is Rotten in the State.

Endothelium is a community of endothelial cells (ECs), which line the blood and lymphatic vessels, thus forming an interface between the tissues and the blood or lympha. This strategic position of endothelium infers its indispensable functional role in controlling vasoregulation, haemostasis, and inflammation. The state of endothelium is simultaneously the cause and effect of many diseases, and this is coupled with modifications of endothelial phenotype represented by markers and with biochemical profile of blood represented by biomarkers.

Accelerated reactivity of blood granulocytes in patients with atopic bronchial asthma out of exacerbation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important in bronchial asthma (BA) pathogenesis owing to accumulation of activated granulocytes in the lungs. But the ROS-producing activity of the cells is insufficiently understood in the blood of BA patients. This study analyzes the kinetics of phagocyte respiratory burst in the blood to improve the methods of BA patients monitoring.

Reactive oxygen species in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

The volume of publications on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological processes has been increasing exponentially over the last decades. ROS in large amounts clearly have detrimental effects on cell physiology, whereas low concentrations of ROS are permanently produced in cells and play a role as signaling molecules. An imbalance in ROS production and defense mechanisms can lead to pathological vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis being among them.