[Folate-related processes in human placenta: gene expression, aminothiols, proliferation and apoptosis].

The paper contains short information concerning the role of folate-related processes in cell metabolism and multiple diseases which are characterized by hyperhomocysteinemia. The authors represent more detailed information about the folate-related processes in human placenta, namely about the content of aminothiols at different allelic variants of placental methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase during the course of physiological pregnancy and preeclampsia. The existing data concerning the expression and catalytic activity of corresponding enzymes are corroborated by the authors' own results that proved for the first time the functional activity of transsulfuration pathway in human placenta.

[Effect of homocysteine on the structure and functions of human placenta trophoblasts].

Elevated level of homocysteine in blood serum of pregnant women is the risk factor for placental malfunction and fetal abnormalities. Our study has shown the activation of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, destruction of placental trophoblast and activation of the transsulfuration pathway under elevated homocysteine level in the incubation medium in the range of 20-80 microM. The activation of the transsulfuration pathway indicates that placenta may to some extent withstand elevated homocysteine level.

[The level of low molecular thiols and folate in human placenta].

Human placenta is an active metabolic organ. It defines a final set of quantitative and qualitative substances, transferred to the fetus. In view of high level of obstetric complications in Ukraine, in particular, preeclampsia, anemia, etc.

[Some aspects of glutathione S-transferase P1-1 gene transcription regulation in human placenta].

Glutathione S-transferase P1-1 is the main phase II xenobiotic metabolism enzyme in human placenta. Low level of its gene expression and corresponding ineffective protection of fetus from toxic compounds is associated with pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia and abnormalities of fetus development. It was previously reported that environmental radioactive contamination caused down-regulation of GSTP1 transcription in human placenta, but mechanisms responsible for such changes were unclear.

[Effect of N-stearoylethanolamine and ionizing radiation on lipid components of the liver and heart microsomes in rats].

The influence of irradiation and NSE on the microsomal lipid composition of the rat liver and heart was studied. It was shown, that radiation treatment in a dose of 2 Gy had not a significant affect on the heart phospholipid composition, whereas in the liver the amounts of the phosphatidylethnolamine and phosphatidylinositol were increased and the amounts of the phosphatidylcholine and sphyngomieline were decreased. NSE did not impact on these characteristics.