An assessment of the transport mechanism and intraneuronal stability of L-carnosine.

L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a well-known antioxidant and neuroprotector in various models on animals and cell cultures. However, while there is a plethora of data demonstrating its efficiency as a neuroprotector, there is a distinct lack of data regarding the mechanism of its take up by neurons. According to literature, cultures of rat astrocytes, SKPT cells and rat choroid plexus epithelial cells take up carnosine via the H-coupled PEPT2 membrane transporter.

A new derivative of acetylsalicylic acid and carnosine: synthesis, physical and chemical properties, biological activity.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to create and assess biological activity of a new compound based on carnosine and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) that will comprise antioxidant effect with antiplatelet activity, while simultaneously preventing side effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods: Salicyl-carnosine (SC) was synthesized by condensation of ASA and carnosine. Antioxidant activity was determined by spectrophotometric and chemiluminescence methods.

Neovascularization of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque and Quantitative Methods of Its Dynamic Assessment in Vivo.

The study demonstrates significant variety of neovascularization degree and vessel diameter in the carotid atherosclerotic plaque. It is suggested that the increase in the number of vessels with a diameter <20 μ can be indicative of increased atherosclerosis activity, while the increase in the number of vessels with a diameter ≥40 μ indicates "reparative potential" of plaques. Duplex contrast-enhanced ultrasound scanning allows characterization of the localization and number of vessels with a diameter of ≥30 μ in the plaque, while even slight elevation of plasma concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor attests, first of all, to increased content of small vessels <30 μ in the plaque.

[Morphometric characteristics of neovascularization of carotid atherosclerotic plaques].

Objective: to identify the relationship between the magnitude of neovascularization of an atherosclerotic plaque and its other processes, such as atheromatosis, macrophage responses, hemorrhages, and calcification.

Material And Methods: 48 carotid atherosclerotic plaques all their way underwent morphopathological examination, by assessing the magnitude of neovascularization (total vessel density per plague cm; density of vessels of different diameters; localization in section), atheromatosis (a volume fraction), foam cells (a score of 0 to 5), hemorrhages (a score of 0 to 4), and calcification (a score of 0 to 4). The Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman correlation coefficient with p<0.

Rosiglitazone as a Modulator of TLR4 and TLR3 Signaling Pathways in Rat Primary Neurons and Astrocytes.

An antidiabetic drug of the thiazolidinedione class, rosiglitazone (RG) demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties in various brain pathologies. The mechanism of RG action in brain cells is not fully known. To unravel mechanisms of RG modulation of toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways, we compare primary rat neuron and astrocyte cultures stimulated with the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the TLR3 agonist poly I:C (PIC).