[Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis].

Apoptosis is the vital issue of Biology and Medicine. Recent concept of molecular and cellular mechanisms of apoptosis--a well-controlled form of cell death was reviewed. The aim of a review was to broaden knowledge of apoptosis mechanism and to reveal molecular targets for the modulation of these processes. The data on the apoptosis was analyzed. The biological role of physiological cell death in normal state and in different human pathologies is described. The literature data showed that many molecular mechanisms of apoptosis are still unknown. Three mechanisms are actually known to be involved in the apoptotic process: a receptor-ligand mediated mechanism, a mitochondrial pathway and a mechanism in which the endoplasmic reticulum plays a central role. Morphological and biochemical definitions of poptosis are presented. An original scheme of apoptosis mechanisms is constructed. The term "mediators of poptosis" is introduced. Extra cellular and intracellular mechanisms of apoptosis are examined. The special attention is paid to mitochondrial factors of apoptosis, Ca(2+)-ions, and proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, p-53).