[Pandemic influenza 2009 in Russia. Characteristics of the isolation and biological properties of viruses].

Research Institute of Influenza, Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia, Saint Petersburg The characteristics of the isolation of pandemic influenza A(H1N1)v viruses were studied on chick embryos (CE) and MDCK cell culture. The materials (nasal swabs and autopsies) were collected in different regions Russia in the period from 20 July to 30 December 2009. The paper gives the data of the antigenic analysis of isolates, their capacity to multiply in different species-specific and tissue cell cultures.

[Etiological characteristics of the influenza epidemics of 2006-2009 in the Russian Federation (according to the data of the Research Institute of Influenza, North-Western Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences)].

The basic trends in the evolution of influenza A and B in the Russian Federation during the epidemic seasons of 2006-2009 were studied on the basis of an antigenic analysis of 1774 Influenza isolated at the Research Institute of Influenza (RII), North-Western Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, and sent from resting bases (the regional centers of the Russian Inspectorate for the Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare, which collaborate with the RII). Although the trends in the substitution of representative strains generally coincide with the world patterns, the authors revealed some specific features of the antigenic drift of influenza viruses in the Russian Federation and regional varieties. Data on some biological properties and those of the antigenic analysis of the first pandemic influenza A(H1NI)v strains isolated at the RII from Saint Petersburg patients in July-August 2009 are also given in the paper.

[Antiviral action of some antioxidants/antihypoxants and their combinations with remantadine against human influenza A(H3N2) virus studied in in vitro models].

The possible antiviral activity of preparations with antioxidant and/or antihypoxant properties was studied on two in vitro models of influenza infection: (i) in cultures of chorio-allantoic membranes of chicken embryos and (ii) in MDCK cells. Preparations under study were hypoxene, reduced glutathione, dihydroquercetin, trolox, coenzyme Q10, and the enzymatic preparation of superoxide-dismutase (recsod). Preparations possessing combined antioxidant/antihypoxic and detoxicating properties (reduced glutathione and hypoxene) produced a significant antiviral effect and enhanced the antiviral effect of rimantadine.

[Design of topically resorptive interferon drugs].

The current data on the development and design of topically resorptive interferon drugs are summarized. In many cases it is advisable to use topically resorptive interferon agents which allows them to topically affect a clinical process, to avoid negative sequelae seen when high-dose interferon is unjustifiably systematically given, by reducing its use to a minimum. Interferon is known to be one of the best antiviral agent, besides, it produces marked antimicrobial and antitumor effects.

[The effect of interleukin-2 on interferon production by human lymphocytes and the importance of this test in autoimmune diseases].

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was demonstrated to induce interferon (IFN) production in the cultured lymphocytes from healthy donors and myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Moreover, IL-2 enhanced lymphocytic IFN production in patients and healthy individuals in response to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A. However, in MG patients, IFN production in response to IL-2 alone or in combination with mitogens is several times lower than that in healthy donors.