Pluronics suppress association of low-density lipoproteins inducing atherogenesis.

We studied the effect of pluronics P85, L61, and F68 with different hydrophilic-lipophilic characteristics on association of LDL. It was found that pluronics with pronounced hydrophobic properties (P85 and L61) in concentrations close to or surpassing the critical concentration of micelle formation inhibited LDL association, while hydrophilic pluronic F68 in all concentrations had no effect on LDL association.

[Analysis of the inflammatory processes in the diffuse thickening of the intima of human aorta].

It is generally recognized that the accumulation of lipids and immuno-inflammatory cells are early signs of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we have investigated the relationship between the deposition of lipids, of immuno-inflammatory cells and the expression of HLA-DR molecules (a marker of immune activation), the molecules of the class II of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in diffuse thickening of the intima (DIT). Lipids, including triglycerides, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol and phospholipids were studied by chromatography, Oil Red O histochemisty, as well as by electron microscopic analysis.

[Cholesterol of circulating immune complexes as biomarker of atherosclerosis].

In the present 2-years prospective study, the diagnostic and prognostic significance of immune cholesterol was assessed in 98 asymptomatic men aged 40-74 with early atherosclerosis. The rate of carotid atherosclerosis progression was estimated by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography as the increase in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries. The patients with elevated baseline levels of immune cholesterol were characterized by significantly higher levels of total and LDL (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol as well as significantly increased mean IMT of common carotid arteries.

[The blocking effects of small interfering RNAs on RS-1 gene functions of herpes simplex virus type 2: new perspectives for targeted antiviral exposure].

A new target has been revealed for therapy for herpes simplex type 2. The target is RS1 mRNA whose activation is a key stage in regulating the expression of the early genes of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The targeted knockdown of the function of this gene by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) has been found to result in the complete suppression of HSV-2 infection.

[Cultured cell systems for revelation of new drugs antiatherosclerotic effects and their mechanisms investigation].

Cultured cell models have been developed to study the cholesterol efflux from the arterial wall as an integral indicator of reverse cholesterol transport. The models and the results of in vivo and ex vivo experiments can be used to propose new antiatherosclerotic drugs and elucidate their mood of action.

[Comparative estimation of the indicators of interferon, immune, and cytokine states in the comprehensive study of patients with herpesvirus infections].

The paper provides the data of a comparative analysis of the indicators of immune and interferon states and cytokine profile and the results of virological studies in patients with different (acute and chronic) forms of mixed herpesvirus infection (with virus simplex herpes types 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus type 6, and others). Pronounced changes were found in immune responses in such patients. There were decreases in IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma values in 36 and 13%, respectively; 51% of the subjects showed a reduction in both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma along with the high titers of antibodies to viruses of the Herpesviridae family and their infectious activity.

[Numbers of cells and cell proliferation in intima of different human arteries].

Increased cell proliferation in early atherosclerotic lesions is recognized as an essential event of atherogenesis but the levels of cell proliferation in different stages of atherosclerotic plague formation in different types of human large arteries are still insufficiently studied. In the present work, we studied intima thickness and proliferation of newly "infiltrates" hematogenous and resident cells in atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid and coronary arteries and compared these parameters with those in the aorta, reported by us in earlier publication. Analysis of intima thickness and proliferation in grossly unaffected intima and in different types pf atherosclerotic lesions (initial lesions, fatty streaks, lipofibrous, plaques, and fibrous plaque) revealed that although there were similar tendencies in the change of the infiltration levels of hematogenous cells and proliferation in different types of arteries, there were significant quantitative differences between different types of arteries.

[Inhibitory effect of foscarnet and acyclovir on reproduction of human herpesvirus 6 in cell culture].

Two practically important antiviral agents, i.e. foscarnet (phosphonoformic acid, foscavir) and acyclovir, and their inhibitory effect on reproduction of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) were investigated in an experiment with sensitive lymphoblastoic cell line HSB-2.

Oxidation-induced aggregation of LDL increases their uptake by smooth muscle cells from human aorta.

Oxidative modification of human blood LDL induced by Cu2+, NaOCl, or 2,2-azobis-(2-aminopropane hydrochloride) was followed by their partial aggregation. Separation of oxidized LDL into aggregates and nonaggregated particles showed that they are characterized by a similar degree of oxidative modification. In contrast to nonaggregated particles, LDL aggregates in the same concentration significantly increased cholesterol content in smooth muscle cells from the intact (no involoved in atherosclerosis) human aortic intima.

Antiatherogenic effect of grape flavonoids in an ex vivo model.

The effects of grape phytoestrogens on cholesterol accumulation were studied in primary culture of human blood monocytes incubated with blood serum from postmenopausal women obtained before and 2, 4, and 6 h after single intake of plant components of grapes. Phytoestrogens from grape seeds, pressed out grapes, and fermented grape ridges prevent cholesterol accumulation in cells and can be regarded as prospective components for the development of natural preparations for the prevention of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.

Proteolysis of apoprotein B-100 impairs its topography on LDL surface and reduces LDL association resistance.

Serine proteinases (trypsin and chymotrypsin) cause destruction of apolipoprotein B-100 on the surface of human blood LDL. Incubation of LDL with these enzymes increases the mean size of LDL particles. Proteolysis of apolipoprotein B-100 induces changes in surface structure, destabilizes LDL particles, and reduces their association resistance.

Phospholipid hydrolysis with phospholipases A2 and C impairs apolipoprotein B-100 conformation on the surface of low density lipoproteins by reducing their association resistance.

Modification of apolipoprotein B-100 conformation on the surface of LDL isolated from human blood was demonstrated by enzyme immunoassay with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to this protein. The study by the light transmission fluctuation method showed that incubation of LDL with phospholipases A2 or C led to association of LDL particles. This lipolytic modification seems to impair LDL surface properties inducing association of these particles, which can play an important role in lipid accumulation in the vascular wall and at early stages promote the development of atherosclerosis.

Desialylation decreases the resistance of apo B-containing lipoproteins to aggregation and increases their atherogenic potential.

Subfractions of apo B-containing lipoproteins (VLDL and intermediate-density lipoproteins) with reduced content of sialic acid were found in human blood. These lipoproteins are characterized by high capacity to spontaneous association (aggregation) and stimulated accumulation of cholesterol in smooth muscle cells of human aortic intima. In vitro treatment of apo B-containing lipoproteins with alpha-2,6-sialidase and alpha-2,3-sialidase stimulated aggregation and increased the ability of these particles to potentiate cholesterol accumulation in smooth muscle cells of the intact human aortic intima.

[A comparative study of the lipid phase in native and circulating multiple-modified low-density lipoproteins of human blood by the use of the spin probe method].

Different approaches based on the spin probe method were used to compare the physical state of the surface lipid monolayer in subfractions of low-density lipoproteins: in native low-density lipoproteins constituting the bulk of human blood low-density lipoproteins and in circulating multiple-modified low-density lipoproteins whose portion is minor in healthy persons but significantly increases in atherosclerotic patients. The data obtained in in vitro experiments suggest that circulating multiple-modified low-density lipoproteins possess atherogenic properties. The order parameter S, rotational correlation time tau, and hydrophobicity parameter h were calculated from electron spin resonance spectra of a series of spin probes whose paramagnetic groups are located at different depths of the lipid monolayer.

Resistance of native and circulating modified low-density lipoproteins in human blood to association.

The resistance of native and circulating modified low-density lipoproteins from human blood to spontaneous and polyethylene glycol-induced association was studied by recording light transmission fluctuations. Circulating modified low-density lipoproteins were less resistant to association than native low-density lipoproteins. Polyethylene glycol-induced association of low-density lipoproteins was irreversible.

Low ionic strength promotes association of circulating modified LDL in human blood.

The resistance to association of circulating multiply-modified low-density lipoproteins (LDL) isolated from human blood and characterized by a decreased content of sialic acids in comparison with native LDL was studied by analysing light transmission fluctuations. LDL association was stimulated by decreasing environmental ionic strength. It is established that circulating modified LDL are less resistant to association than native LDL.

Antigenic differences between apo-B in native and circulating modified low-density lipoproteins.

The state of apo-B in native and circulating modified low-density lipoproteins was studied by solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. We studied the interaction of these particles with monoclonal antibodies to apo-B of low-density lipoproteins. Native and circulating modified low-density lipoproteins had different affinity for the studied antigens.

[Laboratory diagnosis of human herpes virus infection].

Reviews modern data on laboratory diagnosis (virological, immunobiochemical, molecular biological methods) and differential diagnosis of herpesvirus infection induced by various Herpesviridae.

[Human type 6, 7, and 8 herpesviruses--new pathogens in the Herpesviridae family].

Presents modern data on a group of novel viruses pathogenic for man: types 6, 7, and 8 human lymphotropic herpesviruses (HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8). HHV-6 and HHV-8 are characterized by wide cell tropism, and HHV-7 is selectively tropic to CD4+ T-lymphocytes. HHV-6 and HHV-7 are etiological agents of exanthema subitum (roseoia infantum), a disease of infancy, and of many grave lymphoproliferative disorders, and HHV-8 is a herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.