This study was designed to determine the effect of lavender and cinnamon oils on FtsZ gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213. The cinnamon and lavender oils at least partially results from the inhibition of FtsZ transcription and disruption of cell division process at the level of the septum synthesis, what is similar to mechanisms of drug action used in anti-staphylococcal therapies. The presented results could be an important background for the further detailed research, which is needed to clarify the effect of essential oils on FtsZ synthesis at the posttranscriptional level and other stages of cell division process of S. aureus and other pathogenic bacteria.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) is a hypoxia-inducible signal glycoprotein. VEGFA causes vascular endothelial cell growth and proliferation, that leads to the regeneration of vascular network in brain regions damaged by ischemia. However, this protein is involved in processes of inflammation and edema in early stages of ischemia. Synthetic peptide semax shows neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties and is actively used in the treatment of ischemia.We have previously shown that semax reduces vascular injury and activates the mRNA synthesis of neurotrophins and their receptors under global cerebral ischemia in rats. Here we have analyzed the effects of semax and its C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide upon Vegfa mRNA expression in different rat brain regions after common carotid artery occlusion. The animals were decapitated 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 h after the operation. It was shown that ischemia increases levels of Vegfa mRNA in the rat brain of animals (4 h after the occlusion--in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex and hippocampus, 8 h--in the cortex and hippocampus, and 24 h in the cortex). Semax treatment reduces Vegfa mRNA levels in the frontal cortex (4, 8 and 12 h after the occlusion) and hippocampus of ischemic rats (2 and 4 h). Effect of PGP on the Vegfa gene expression was almost negligible. Our results showed that semax prevents activating effect ofhypoxia on the Vegfa gene expression in early stages of global ischemia. Furthermore, increase in the level of mRNA Vegfa in the hippocampus (24 h after occlusion) perhaps reflects neuroprotective properties of this drug.

Chemokines are small, secreted cytokine peptides, known principally for their ability to induce migration and activation of leukocyte populations under both pathological and physiological conditions. On the basis of previously constructed express sequence tags (ESTs) of the head kidney and spleen cDNA library of the perciform marine fish Rachycentron canadum (common name cobia). We used bi-directional rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and obtained a full-length cDNA of a new CC chemokine gene (designated RcCC3). The RcCC3 putative peptide exhibits sequence similarity to the group of CCL19/21/25 CC chemokines. The reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used in transcript expression studies of RcCC3. We examined the constitutive expression of the transcripts in 12 tissues of non-stressed cobia; RcCC3 transcripts were detected in all tissues examined, with the highest expression in gill and liver, following by head kidney, kidney, spleen, skin, intestine, muscle, stomach, heart, blood and brain. Transcript expression of RcCC3 was examined in immune-related organs, including head kidney, spleen and liver, following intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline control, polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and formalin-killed Vibrio carchariae (bacterial vaccine). The transcripts in these tissues were quickly up-regulated by the injection of poly(I:C) and bacterial vaccine at early time points, although with different expression profiles. These results indicate RcCC3 represents an important component of innate immunity in cobia.

Allapinine (lappaconitine hydrobromide) is a drug for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, it shows IC class antiarrhythmics properties. Its action mechanism is associated with blockade of Na(+)-channels with subsequent inhibition of the depolarization rate and, consequently, of the slowing and reducing the excitability of the cardiac conduction system. At the moment, it is not established, what factors are associated with side effects of Allapinine, and therefore it seems important to study the molecular mechanisms of its action. The target genes were identified in a rat model of aconitine-induced arrhythmia using a commercial kit "Rat Neuroscience Ion Channels & Transporters RT2 Profiler PCR Array" (SABioscienses). Comparison of the expression of 84 genes in the experimental (aconitine arrhythmias/Allapinine) and control (aconitine arrhythmias/saline) animals revealed changes in the mRNA level of 18 genes. It has been shown an increase in mRNA levels of genes encoding various types of K(+)-channels (kcna6, kcnj1, kcnj4, kcnq2, kcnq4), Ca(2+)-channel (cacna 1g), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (slc 18a3). Decrease in the mRNA level was observed for genes encoding the Na(+)-channel (scn8a), K(+)-channels (kcne 1, kcns 1), membrane transporters (atp4a, slc6a9). Taken together, it appears that the effect of Allapinine on aconitine--induced arrhythmias is due to modulation of genes encoding Na(+)-, K(+)-, Ca(2+)-channels, conducting ionic currents (I(Na), I(to), I(Ks), I(K1), I(CaT)), which are involved in the formation of different phases of the action potential. The effect of the drug on the mRNA levels of genes encoding the acetylcholine and glycine transporters, suggesting the participation of these neurotransmitters in the mechanisms of anti-arrhythmic properties of the Allapinine.

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant component in green tea, has a potent anti-apoptotic activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EGCG and their molecular mechanisms on high glucose-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells (HLEB-3). HLEB-3 cells were exposed to various concentrations of glucose and EGCG. Cell death was assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry using annexin V and propidium iodide. The expression of the Bcl-2 family, c-fos, c-myc and p53 was measured by real-time PCR. EGCG decreased the Bcl-2/Bax expression stimulated by a high glucose. Moreover, EGCG suppressed the high glucose-induced expression of c-fos, c-myc and p53. These findings suggest that EGCG protects HLEB-3 cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis by regulating the gene expression of the Bcl-2 family, c-fos, c-myc and p53. Thus, EGCG may have a potential protective effect against diabetic cataract formation.

The specific features of caspase-3 expression were studied in intact tissues and skin melanoma cells, by reducing the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in vivo. Immunohistochemical examination revealed no significant changes in the expression of caspase-3 in the primary tumor cells. There were the greatest changes in the organs having metastastic melanomas (lung, liver, spleen) and significant differences between control and treatment groups (p<0.05), unlike cardiac and nephritic tissues where the similar distinctions were absent.

The influence of afobazole on isoenzyme CYP2C9 production in rats was studied using losartan as the marker drug. Single dose of losartan was administered orally without afobazole in a dose of 30 mg/kg and in the same single (30 mg/kg) on the background of 3- and 4-day administration of afobazole in a dose of 5, 25, 75, 100, and 125 mg/kg. At 5 mg/kg (effective dose for anxiolytic effect), afobazole did not cause any induction/inhibition effect on CYP2C9 isoenzyme. A multiple increase in afobazole dose was manifested by a moderate induction effect. The maximum induction effect of afobazole was achieved in a dose of 75 mg/kg. At doses above 75 mg/kg, the induction effect of afobazole was less pronounced.

Translocator protein TSPO and MAPK signaling partway are important regulators of numerous cell functions including carcinogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. We have studied MAPK inhibitor UO126 and TSPO specific ligand PK11195 effects on TSPO expression level in melanoma cells. Using immunocytochemical staining, we have detected increased expression of TSPO after incubation with PK11195 and UO126 in all concentrations. These results were confirmed by real time PCR: the increase in mRNA TSPO expression level was detected after incubation with PK11195 in concentration 100 nmol/L, and with UO126 in concentration 10 micromol/L. In the case of a combination of treatments with PK11195 and UO126, we also observed an increase in the level of TSPO expression. So, we conclus de that TSPO ligand PK11195 and MAPK signaling partway inhibitor UO126 modulate TSPO expression. These data are crucial for indentifying of regulatory processes for TSPO expression. Pathogenetic interconnection between MAPK signaling partway and TSPO is important for novel therapeutic approaches in melanoma treatment.

On the eighth day after ligation of the common bile duct in rats a significant increase in the serum content of total lipids, cholesterol bilirubin and ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase was observed. In the microsomal fraction there was a marked decrease in the content and activity of microsomal monooxygenases. Introperitoneal injection of berberine (10 mg/kg) for 6 days caused a partial normalization of permeability of hepatocytes plasma membranes and activity microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenases. It is suggested that berberine is a substrate and inducer of flavin-containing monooxygenases. Membrane-stabilizing effect of berberine is probably realized at the level of inhibition of prooxidant status of liver cells.

Oxidizing stress in rats with experimental diabetes mellitis is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction develops. Its biochemical markers are the increase of concentration of blood MDA, the impairments of cell antioxidant depence and a decrease in concentration of total metabolites of NO and expression of endothelial NO-synthetase (e-NOS). Biochemical changes are considered with histopathomorphologic impairments of aortic endothelium. Treatment with afobazole suppressed free-radical oxidation, increased activity of SOD and concentration of total metabolites of NO and a level of eNOS expression and also restored of a histologic pattern of aortic endothelium due to activation of nucleocytoplasmic regenerative processes.

Morphological features of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive neurons were studied in the sensory ganglia of the vagus and thoracic nerves in 3-, 10-, 20-, 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-day-old rats under conditions of chemically-induced deafferentation. We found that, in rats, CGRP-containing neurons appeared in both ganglia immediately after they were born and their number decreased with aging. Most of CGRP-immunoreactive neurons were small in size, i.e., up to 600 microm2. Administration of capsaicin modified age-related changes in the number of CGRP-immunopositive neurons. In the thoracic nerve ganglion, the mean square of these cells and their number substantially decreased, whereas, in the vagus nerve ganglion, positive cells were not observed.

The interconnection of tumor growth process and the provision of the body with vitamin A was studied. The replenishment of vitamin A stores of vitamin-deficient tumor bearing animals modulated Guerin's carcinoma growth rate in a dose dependent manner (r = 0,83). The morphological parameters of tumor growth at different provision with vitamin A positively correlated with hydroxylase (r = 0,81) and demethylase (r = 0,49) activities of the Guerin's carcinoma cytochrome P450 system. The induction of hydroxylase and demethylase activities of cytochrome P450 in Guerin's carcinoma microsomal fraction, observed either under conditions of overdose supplementation, or selective liposomal form of all-trans-retinoic acid, suggests the stimulatory effect of retinoids on tumor growth.

The correlation between changes in activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in heart of rats during development of adrenaline myocarditis and intensity of free radical processes estimated by biochemiluminesce parameters and the content of lipoperoxidation products was demonstrated. The maximal increase of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities (in 1.8 and 1.4 times accordingly) was observed t 24 h after the development of the pathological process; this coincided with the maximum intensity of prosesses of free radical oxidation. Using combination of reverse transcriptions with real-time polymerase chain reaction the cardiac mRNA levels of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes were determined during the development of adrenaline myocarditis in rats. Analysis of expression of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes showed, that the level of this transcripts demonstrated 2,8- and 7,3- increase in rats with adrenaline myocarditis, respectively. Obviously, overexpression of these enzymes can increase the resistance of cardiomyocites to oxidative stress.

One of the causes of drug hepatopathy is hepatocyte apoptosis, the mechanisms of which are still unclear. The experiments were performed in 24 Wistar rats to study the role of hepatoprotectors in the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis in liver damage induced by administration of antituberculosis drugs (ATD). The level of apoptosis (TUNEL) was evaluated, and the expression of apoptosis-associated molecules was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. It was shown that a signaling cascade induced by ATD involved the activation of cell surface receptors (CD95) and caspase-8, i.e. apoptosis was mediated by extrinsic pathway. In addition,ATD induced p53 oncosuppressor synthesis with further activation of caspase-3 effector. Runihol administration during ATD treatment administration improved the condition of the liver, despite some apoptosis stimulating effect, mediated by an intrinsic pathway. It was found that runihol blocked both FAS- and p53-dependent pathways. Ademethionine during drug intoxication acts as a hepatoprotector, blocking extrinsic and p53-dependent pathways.

The behavioral and biochemical effects of a new dipeptide mimetic of the GK-2 nerve growth factor (NGF) have been studied on a model of chronic cerebral ischemia induced by permanent common carotid artery occlusion in rats. It is established that subchronic intraperitoneal injections of GK-2 (0.5 mg/kg) 4 h after surgery, followed by seven more injections made every 24 h, fully prevent the death of operated animals and reduces the development of habitation deficit (open-field test) and decrease in exploratory activity (novel object examination) two weeks after surgery, as well as fully restores the viability of cerebral cortex cells and decreases the hyperexpression of HSP70 in cerebral cortex.

Clock-gene proteins are expressed in mammals in neurons of the hypothalamus suprachiasmatic nucleus and of other CNS structures, in muscles, viscercal organs, and vessels, and form circadian rhythms of many functions. Little is known about the factors of formation of the circadian mechanism at the prenatal period. In rats the E20 stage is characterized by a high level of oxytocin and selective expression of the first protein of the clock-genes PER1. The foal of the present study was to check the suggestion about the positive feedback between PER1 and oxytocin at the prenatal period as well as to elucidate a possible role of PER1 in regulation of interactions between oxytocin and GABA at the period of formation of the cerebral circadian mechanism of clock-genes. With aid of western-blotting, we analyzed the nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions from anterior hypothalamus homogenate in pregnant females and embryos of rats (E20). The retinol metabolites through their nuclear receptor RORalpha are known to be bound to promoters of genes of oxytocin and per 1. Next day after administration of retinol to the females, a rise of PER1 content was noted in their cytoplasm, whereas in their embryos the PER1 content was elevated in the nucleus. In the embryo cytoplasm there was a significant rise of production of oxytocin receptors and a decrease of the level of enzymes of GABA synthesis (glutamate decarboxylases 67 and 65). The results indicate the oxytocin- and retinol-dependent increase of the PER1 expression and the subsequent change of ratio of efficiency of oxytocin and GABA at the prenatal stage of formation of the circadian clock-mechanism of the rat embryo anterior hypothalamus.

Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor of the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Components of tobacco smoke induce changes in the function of thrombocytes, endothelium, macrophages and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Smoking causes changes in activity of enzymes of antioxidant system by inducing production of reactive oxygen species. Alterations of cell function and enzyme activity may accelerate formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The compounds of tobacco smoke also promote atherogenesis by affecting gene expression. Aim of the present article is to review published data about molecular mechanisms underlying harmful effects of ingredients of tobacco smoke such as nicotine and tar on the progression of atherosclerosis.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress - typical molecular pathophysiological process that underlies many cardiovascular, endocrine and other diseases. Violations of the protein conformational maturation processes in the endoplasmic reticulum can cause proteotoxic stress. Compensatory mechanisms are activated in response to ER stress include increased expression of enzymes involved in the formation of disulfide bonds in proteins. The sulfhydryl groups oxidation in the electron transport chain (PDI-ERO1-O2) is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Increased activity of oxidoreductase ERO1 could be one of the mechanisms of oxidative stress - however, a direct relationship of ER stress with the overproduction of ROS remains a subject of debate. In this study we have shown that induced by dithiothreitol (DTT) violation of the redox balance with low ROS production leads to the endoplasmic reticulum stress in Jurkat cells. ER-stress in these cells is not associated with increased ROS production, DTT treatment leads to induction of apoptosis. Modulation of intracellular levels of ROS can influence the apoptosis-inducing effects of ER-stress. Given the possible involvement of ROS in the generation of disulfide bonds, the role of ROS in ER stress may be a modulation of disulfide proteome including client proteins.

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH enhances the expression of cytoskeletal (actin, tubulin, vimentin) and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts by 2-5 and 2-3 times, respectively. Thus, the previously reported cardioprotective activity of this tetrapeptide is determined by its capacity to activate synthesis of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins, which stimulates cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis.

Brain serotonin (5-HT) system has been implicated in pathophysiology of anxiety, depression, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. 5-HT2A receptor is involved in the mechanisms of stress-induced psychopathology and impulsive behavior. Here, we investigated the role of 5-HT2A receptor in the autoregulation of the brain 5-HT system. The chronic treatment with agonist of 5-HT2A receptor DOI (1.0 mg/kg, i.p./14 days) produced considerable decrease of 5-HT2A receptor-mediated "head-twitches" in AKR/J mice indicating desensitization of 5-HT2A receptors. Chronic DOI treatment failed to alter 5-HT2A receptor gene expression in the midbrain, hippocampus and frontal cortex. At the same time, the increase in the expression of the gene encoding key enzyme of 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), the increase in TPH2 activity and 5-HT levels and decreased expression of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene was found in the midbrain of DOI-treated mice. The results provide new evidence of receptor-gene cross-talk in the brain 5-HT system and the implication of 5-HT2A receptor in the autoregulation of the brain 5-HT system.