[New discoveries in the mechanisms of apoptosis and cell survival and novel potential therapeutic strategies].

New discoveries in the mechanisms of apoptosis and cell survival have been a major breakthrough in biological sciences in recent years of the new millennium. Apoptosis is genetically programmed cell death in any nucleated cells of the organism. This type of cell death occurs through different mechanisms from those seen in necrosis and complement lysis of any cell, without affecting the neighboring cells.

Effects of protective and conventional mechanical ventilation on pulmonary function and systemic cytokine release after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of protective and conventional ventilation with or without positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), on systemic tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 levels and pulmonary function during open heart surgery.

Design: Prospective, randomized clinical study.

Setting: Single university hospital.