Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties of Extracts Influenced by Their Chemical Composition Associated with the Ripening Stage of the Berries.

The high content of bioactive compounds in fruit offers health benefits. In this study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect of Aronia extracts was assessed. The impact on the level of adhesion molecules and the inflammatory response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was shown in relation to the chemical composition and the stage of ripening of the fruits.

The role of oxidative stress and NADPH oxidase in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The main mechanisms which are involved are low-density lipoprotein oxidative modification, inactivation of nitric oxide and modulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways. ROS contribute to several aspects of atherosclerosis including endothelial cell dysfunction, monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activation, stimulation of inflammation, and inducing smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation.

Synthesis and characterization of genistein conjugated with gold nanoparticles and the study of their cytotoxic properties.

Gold nanoparticles conjugated with drug substances are used in diagnostics and therapies. Apart from the combinations involving gold nanoparticles conjugated with drug substances through linkers, a direct bonding is also known. In our paper the example of such a direct bonding between gold nanoparticles and genistein (AuNPs-GE) is presented.

Mycophenolate mofetil--a new atheropreventive drug?

Atherosclerosis is a form of chronic inflammation in which endothelial cell dysfunction, fibroproliferative process, oxidative stress and inflammatory cell activation are linked to plaque development and destabilization. T-lymphocytes also play a key role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. As a consequence, the suggested concept that modulation of an immunological response could be an appropriate target in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, is an important focus of research.

[Mitogen-activated protein kinases in atherosclerosis].

Intracellular signalling cascades, in which MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) intermediate, are responsible for a biological response of a cell to an external stimulus. MAP kinases, which include ERK1/2 (extracellular signalling-regulated kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p 38 MAPK, regulate the activity of many proteins, enzymes and transcription factors and thus have a wide spectrum of biological effects. Many basic scientific studies have defined numerous details of their pathway organization and activation.

Mycophenolic acid attenuates the tumour necrosis factor-α-mediated proinflammatory response in endothelial cells by blocking the MAPK/NF-κB and ROS pathways.

Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has beneficial effects in cardiac transplant patients beyond the suppression of tissue rejection. Moreover, mycophenolic acid (MPA), its active metabolite, has been associated with positive effects on atherosclerosis in animal models. The attachment of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium and the subsequent migration of these cells into the vessel wall are early events in inflammation and atherosclerosis.