A new cationic liposome encapsulating genetic material. A potential delivery system for polynucleotides.

The endeavour to enhance gene therapy has led to increased research on the development of simple, efficient and safe delivery systems. This study deals with the use of an artificial cationic lipid on the encapsulation of genetic material in liposomes. The addition of a biologically degradable cationic phospholipid, dipalmitoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylethanolamine covalently coupled to L-lysine, in a standard liposome formulation allowed us to obtain vesicles with high entrapment of various polynucleotides.

Design of a short membrane-destabilizing peptide covalently bound to liposomes.

We characterized the physical and biological properties of a 14-residue amphipathic sequence called SFP (for short fusogenic peptide). At acidic pH, this short synthetic peptide interacts with various phospholipidic monolayers. These interactions were correlated with a pH-dependent conformational transition of SFP resulting in a hydrophobic alpha-helical structure.

The role of essential vitamins in the development of thrombosis and hemorrhage--an experimental study.

To evaluate the action of essential vitamins on hemorrhage, coagulation and thrombosis, a multivitaminized solution was daily administered at three different doses for two weeks to male Wistar rats. Two experimental models were carried out: a venous thrombosis and an induced-hemorrhage model. Results indicate a low thrombogenic effect, a large and dose-dependent decrease of hemorrhage and no effect on coagulation.

Effects of immuno-potent drugs and their association with an unfractionated heparin on an experimental venous thrombosis.

Immuno-potent drugs are largely used in human medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the role of two immuno-modulators (sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate, RU 41 740) and two immuno-suppressors (methylprednisolone, cyclosporin A) alone or in association with an unfractionated heparin (Calciparin), on an experimental venous thrombosis made by vena cava ligation in male Wistar rats. Each immuno-potent drug was administered for six days before the thrombus induction at the same dosage (10mg/kg b.

[How to standardize low molecular weight heparins].

Heparin, used in anticoagulant and antithrombotic therapeutic for over fifty years, turns out to mean important side effects and serious haemorrhagic risk. The obtaining, from 1976, of the first low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) preparations is partly allowed to overcome those problems. The LMWH present an identical or greater antithrombotic capacity than the unfractioned heparin and mean a lower haemorrhagic risk.