The involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in anti-inflammatory activity of N-stearoylethanolamine.

Background: N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) is a bioactive lipid amine with a wide range of biological activities. Anti-inflammatory properties of NSE were previously confirmed on multiple animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of NSE remain unclear. In the current study, we examined the involvement of nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the NF-kB -dependent pathway of anti-inflammatory action of NSE using different methodological approaches. Methods: Molecular modeling calculated the possibility of NSE binding PPAR. Ex vivo experiment, using selective agonist of PPARα/γ - LY-171883 and antagonist of PPARγ - GW9662, examined the role of PPARα/γ in the NSE's effect on nuclear NF-kB translocation in LPS-activated rat peritoneal macrophages. Finally, the NSE's action on mRNA level of PPARγ-dependent genes was studied in the liver of insulin-resistant rats. Results: The results of molecular docking showed that NSE could bind to PPARγ and compete for the binding site with antagonist GW9662 and agonist LY-171883. These data was supported by in vitro study where pre-treatment with NSE prevented further LPS-induced NF-kB translocation into the nuclei of rat peritoneal macrophages. NSE treatment before GW9662 and LPS addition normalized the level of NF-kB translocation and IL-1ß content. This finding confirmed a competitive binding of NSE with GW9662 for the ligand-binding domain of PPARγ. Additional in vivo study showed that NSE administration changed the mRNA expression of several PPARγ target genes, including SLC27A1 encoding fatty acid transport protein-1 and IL1RN - interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in insulin resistant rats. Conclusion: NSE suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages via PPARγ and changed hepatic mRNA expression of PPARγ target genes (SLC27A1, IL1RN) in insulin resistant rats.

ANALYSIS OF POLYMORPHISM OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE-2 (C-1306 → T) AND TISSUE INHIBITORS OF METALLOPROTEINASE-2 (G303 → A) GENES IN PATIENTS WITH ANASTOMOTIC LEAK IN HOLLOW DIGESTIVE ORGANS.

THE AIM: To analyze the frequency of polymorphic variants of MMP-2 (C-1306 → T) and TIMP-2 (G303 → A) genes in patients with anastomotic leak in hollow digestive organs. The object of the study comprises 61 patients with anastomotic leak and connective tissue pathology, all treated at the Shalimov National Institute of Surgery and Transplantology during 2016-2019. Laboratory, genetic, histological studies and statistical analysis were performed. As a result of genetic and statistical analysis of the MMP-2 (C-1306 → T) and TIMP-2 (G303 → A) gene polymorphisms, genotype variants have been identified that are associated with the risk of anastomotic leak in hollow digestive organs. Significant differences in the distribution of genotypes in the studied groups were revealed. Analysis of the multiplicative model of inheritance of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 genes showed compliance of genotype distribution with Hardy-Weinberg's law. All models of inheritance were analyzed and the best model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion, which turned out to be a recessive model, has been determined. Anastomotic leak in hollow digestive organs is 1.36 times more common in carriers of homozygous CC genotype of the MMP-2 gene and twice less common in minor homozygotes of TT (5.9% vs. 10%, p>0.05). It is statistically significant that in the group of patients with anastomotic leak in hollow digestive organs the GG variant of the TIMP-2 gene was detected 1.6 times more often. Carriers of minor homozygotes of AA genotype in the group with suture failure were not detected, while a similar genotype in the control group was found in 10% (p<0.05).

Changes of the echocardiographic parameters in chronic heart failure patients with Ile337val, Glu23lys, and Ser1369ala polymorphisms of genes encoding the ATP-sensitive potassium channels subunits in the Ukrainian population.

Different allelic variants of genes that encode ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP ) channels' subunits may contribute to the development of heart failure. The purpose of the work to investigate SNPs in genes that encode KATP channels in relation to echocardiographic parameters in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Ninety-nine people with CHF of ischemic origin with left ventricular systolic dysfunction were examined. The control group is represented by 108 clinically healthy subjects. KCNJ11 polymorphisms Ile337Val and Glu23Lys, and ABCC8 polymorphism Ser1369Ala were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. In CHF patients, the frequency of the Ile337Val genotype was: Ile/Ile, 40.4%; Ile/Val, 45.5%; and Val/Val, 14.1%. The patients with the Val/Val genotype had left ventricular (LV) mass that was 334.15 g, which was 27.3% (P < 0.05) lower versus Ile/Val patients (425.48 g). The index of this parameter was also significantly lower (28.4%, P < 0.05). In CHF patients, the frequency of Glu23Lys and Ser1369Ala was: Glu/Glu and Ser/Ser, 43.4%; heterozygote, 44.4%; Lys/Lys and Ala/Ala, 12.2%. The patients with the Lys/Lys and Ala/Ala genotypes had a significantly lower LV mass index and LV end-diastolic volume (22.9% and 26.8%, P < 0.05) versus heterozygotes. Thus, the greatest LV mass and LV end-diastolic volume values are associated with heterozygotes, while the smallest are associated with minor homozygotes.

The protective effect of Hif3a RNA interference and HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibition on cardiomyocytes under anoxia-reoxygenation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway activation in cardiomyocytes under anoxia-reoxygenation (A/R) injury. In this study, rat neonatal cardiomyocytes were pretreated with anti-Hif3A/Hif-3α siRNA or HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor prior to A/R injury. Our results showed that both HIF3A silencing and HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibition effectively increased the cell viability during A/R, led to changes in mRNA expression of HIF1-target genes, and reduced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Furthermore, application of anti-Hif3a siRNA led to an increase in mRNA expression of Epo, Igf1, Slc2a1/Glut-1, and Slc2a4/Glut-4. Similar results were observed with HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibition, which additionally upregulated the mRNA expression of Epor, Tert, and Pdk1. Hif3a RNA-interference and application of HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor during A/R modelling led to an increase of Δψm on 11.5 and 11.9 mV respectively, compared to the control groups. Thus, Hif3a RNA interference and HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibition protect cardiomyocytes against A/R injury via the HIF signaling pathway.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of cerium dioxide nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of silica nanoparticles in rat experimental pneumonia.

A massage with the potent counter-inflammatory material, cerium dioxide nanoparticles, is promising and the antioxidant properties of CeO2 are considered the main, if not the only, mechanism of this action. Nevertheless, the elimination of ceria nano-particles from the organism is very slow and there is a strong concern for toxic effect of ceria due to its accumulation. To overcome this problem, we engineered a combined material in which cerium nanoparticles were immobilized on the surface of silica nanoparticles (CeO2 NP), which is shown to be easily removed from an organism and could be used as carriers for nano-ceria. In our study particle size was 220±5nm, Zeta-potential -4.5mV (in water), surface charge density -17.22µC/cm2 (at pH 7). Thirty-six male Wistar rats, 5 months old and 250-290g were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) CeO2 NP treatment; 3) experimental pneumonia (i/p LPS injection, 1mg/kg); and 4) experimental pneumonia treated with CeO2 NP (4 times during the study in dosage of 0.6mg/kg with an orogastric catheter). Gas exchange and pulmonary ventilation were measured four times: 0, 1, 3 and 24h after LPS injection in both untreated and CeO2 NP-treated animals. The mRNA of TNF-α, Il-6, and CxCL2 were determined by RT-PCR. ROS-generation in blood plasma and lung tissue homogenates were measured by means of lucigenin- and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. Endotoxemia in the acute phase was associated with: (1) pathological changes in lung morphology; (2) increase of ROS generation; (3) enhanced expression of CxCL2; and (4) a gradual decrease of VO2 and VE. CeO2 NP treatment of intact animals did not make any changes in all studied parameters except for a significant augmentation of VO2 and VE. CeO2 NP treatment of rats with pneumonia created positive changes in diminishing lung tissue injury, decreasing ROS generation in blood and lung tissue and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, Il-6 and CxCL2). Oxygen consumption in this group was increased compared to the LPS pneumonia group. In our study we have shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CeO2 NP. In addition, this paper is the first to report that CeO2 NP stimulates oxygen consumption in both healthy rats, and rats with pneumonia. We propose the key in understanding the mechanisms behind the phenomena lies in the property of CeO2 NP to scavenge ROS and the influence of this potent antioxidant on mitochondrial function. The study of biodistribution and elimination of СеО2NP is the purpose of our ongoing study.

Establishment of transgenic lettuce plants producing potentially anti-hypertensive shRNA sequencing data.

Development of RNAi-based therapeutics is a fast growing field of pharmaceutical industry. Using plants for production of pharmaceutically valuable siRNAs may have significant advantages of cost-effectiveness, scalability and low risk of contamination with human pathogens. If edible plant species are genetically engineered to synthesize siRNAs, the costly stage of target product purification may be omitted. We describe the establishment of transgenic lettuce plants producing shRNA targeting delta isoform of protein kinase C (PKC-delta), an effective target for RNAi-based treatment of arterial hypertension. Transgenic lettuce plants were obtained by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with genetic constructs harboring antiPKC and scrambled (control) shRNA genes. The presence of transgenes was proved by PCR analysis, and the accumulation of antiPKC shRNA was estimated using RT-qPCR technique. Six transgenic lettuce lines showed varying levels of antiPKC shRNA expression with the highest value reaching 14 ± 9 % of highly abundant endogenous lettuce micro RNA (miR156a), or 12.7 fmol/g dry weight. Plants carrying either antiPKC or scrambled shRNA genes flowered normally, but did not produce seeds. The described transgenic lettuce plants accumulating antiPKC siRNA are the subject for animal testing and can be considered as a raw material for the development of novel antihypertensive drugs.

siRNA-induced silencing of hypoxia-inducible factor 3α (HIF3α) increases endurance capacity in rats.

Molecular mechanisms of adaptation to exercise despite a large number of studies remain unclear. One of the crucial factors in this process is hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) that regulates transcription of many target genes encoding proteins that are implicated in molecular adaptation to hypoxia. Experiments were conducted on 24 adult male Fisher rats. Real-time PCR analysis was performed for quantitative evaluation of Hif3α, Igf1, Glut-4 and Pdk-1 in m. gastrocnemius, m. soleus, in lung and heart tissues. Mitochondrial respiratory function and electron microscopy were performed. Knockdown of Hif3α using siRNA increases time of swimming to exhaustion by 1.5 times. Level of mitochondrial NAD- and FAD-dependent oxidative pathways is decreased, however efficiency of phosphorylation is increased after Hif3α siRNA treatment. Expression of HIF target genes in muscles was not changed significantly, except for increasing of Pdk-1 expression in m. soleus by 2.1 times. More prominent changes were estimated in lung and heart: Igf1 gene expression was increased by 32.5 and 37.5 times correspondingly. Glut4 gene expression in lungs was increased from undetected level till 0.3 rel. units and by 84.2 times in heart. Level of Pdk1 gene expression was increased by 249.2 in lungs and by 35.1 times in hearts, correspondingly. Some destructive changes in muscle tissue were detected in animals with siRNA-inducing silencing of Hif3α.

PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR GENE POLYMORPHISMS AS GENETIC RISK FACTOR OF THREATENED ABORTION.

Determination of the progesterone receptor gene polymor- phisms rs590688 C/G and rs500760 A/G was provided using PCR method. To investigate the genetical precursors of threatened abortion the next groups were included: 67 patients with threatened abortion and 93 healthy persons. These allelic variants have the significantly different at rs590688 study: C/C - 23,9%, C/G - 44,8%, GIG - 31,3%, and C/C - 27,2%, C/G - 58,7%, GIG - 14,1% in the control group (P<0,05 by x2-test). The allelic variants of the rs500760 polymorphism did not differ statistically in the study group A/A 53,7%, A/G - 40,3%, GIG - 6% in the control group A/A- 52,2%, A/G - 44,6%, GIG - 3,3% (P>0,05 by x2-test). Distribution of minor homozygote GIG polymorphism rs590688 progesterone receptor gene in patients with threatened abortion in our study almost in 10 times higher in comparing with women of Taiwanese Han population, who had idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss. The obtained data indicate significant ethnic differences in PGR and show polymorphism rs590688 clinical significance.

DOXORUBICIN-INDUSED DISTURBANCES OF CARDIOMYOCYTE CONTRACTILE ACTIVITY.

The aim of our study was to find out the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte contractile activity disturbances under the influence of anthracycline antibiotics and curcumin correction capabilities, to clarify the role of the mitochondrial membrane potential changes in cardiomyocyte contractile activity. It was investigated disturbances of contractile activity of the rat neonatal cardiomyocytes under the influence of anthracycline antibiotics (doxorubicin), and the possibility of correcting these violations using antioxidant curcumin. In addition, there was researched the role of mitochondrial membrane potential changes in reducing contractile activity of the cardiomyocytes. We established that doxorubicin causes significant changes in all reduction parameters compared to control: increased frequency of spontaneous contractions, violation of rhythm, lower amplitude and the shortening %, increase in the maximum speed of contraction and relaxation without changes in duration of these processes. Compatible incubation with doxorubicin and curcumin caused a consid- erable decrease of the incidence of spontaneous emission (3 times), restored their rhythm, increasing the amplitude of 2 times and the shortening % (8,15 ± 0,37), rising the maximum speed reduction to 1,8 times and the relaxation speed of 16 %, with no significant change in duration of these processes compared to monoincubation with doxorubicin. In the fluorescence study of neonatal cardiomyocytes mitochondrial potential was detected a significant reduction in mitochondria color brightness under the influence of doxorubicin - in 1,7 times compared to control. A compatible incubation of cells with curcumin and doxorubicin resulted in an elevation of mitochondria fluorescence (2,2 times compared to using of doxorubicin only).

ASSOSIATION ANALYSYS OF 11 POLYMORPHISMS OF SNPS WITH ENDOTHELIUM DEPENDENT VASODILATATION IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 1.

We have studied the association with the level of the endothelium dependent vasodilatation (EDVD) among 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 10 genes in 45 children suffering from diabetes mellitus type 1. Following polymorphisms have been studied: G894→T of the eNOS exon 7 and Т-786→С of the eNOS promotor, А1266→G of the Eln exon 16, Т-381→C of the NPPB promotor, І\D of the ACE, Arg60→His of the LMP2, Met235→Thr of the AGT, A1166→C of the ATR1, C-1562→T of the MMP9, C-1306→T of the MMP2, and С-8→G of the PSMA6. It was shown that children with genotypes G/T by eNOS (G894→T), G/G by Eln (А1266→G), C/C by NPPB (Т-381→C) and І/D by ACE genes have lower EDVD (Р<0,05) than patients with others allelic variants of these genes, and this does not depend on duration of the disease, level of glicated hemoglobin and initial diameter of a humeral (brachial) artery. The combination of the above-stated genotypes influences most significantly on EDVD decrease (r=0,61; Р<0,01), comparing to each genotype separately.

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs11204981) in filaggrin gene and its functional significance for asthma among children with eczema.

The aim of this study was to determine whether SNP in filaggrin gene and expression of filaggrin mRNA in buccal epithelium are associated with childhood eczema and with the phenotype of childhood eczema combined with asthma. Genotyping for FLG (rs11204981) was performed in the following populations: patients with asthma (n = 99); ages 5-18 years (8 ± 2.1), and control group (n = 98); ages 5­18 years (12 ± 2.1) by using Real-time PCR. Level of mRNA expression was estimated by using reverse transcription and following real-time PCR. It was found out that 5.05 % of patients and 2.02 % of control group had minor allele (AA; P>0.05), 27.27 % and 36.36 % of patients and control group, respectively, had heterozygous allele (GA; P>0.05) and 67.68 % and 61.62 % had major allele (GG) (P>0.05). Variants with the AA-genotype of the FLG rs11204981 were found to be 2.5 times more frequently among patients than in control group. We also found out that the level of mRNA FLG expression in GG-genotype is 22.8 ± 11.67 (P>0.05 compared to AA-genotype), 92.95 ± 35.3 in GA genotype (P<0.05compared to GG-genotype) and 21.8 ± 13.4 in AA genotype (P>0.05 compared to GA-genotype). Thus, heterozygous variant has significantly higher expression of filaggrin in buccal epithelium. We suggest that SNP in FLG (rs11204981) may serve as an important predictive marker for the combined eczema plus asthma phenotype, and that the highest level of expression in heterozygous may have a protective role in developing allergy phenotype. Key words: snp; filaggrin; asthma; paediatrics.

[ALLELIC VARIANT FREQUENCY OF PROMOTER (G(-47)-->A) γ-CRYSTALLIN GENE AFFECTS THE LEVEL OF ITS EXPRESSION IN PLATELETS].

To investigate the genetical precursors of cataract development the next groups were included: patients suffering from cataract (96) and 96 healthy persons. The determination of γ-crystallin polymorphism (G(-47)-->A) (rs2289917) was provided using PCR method and further analyses of restriction fragment length polymorphism. These allelic variants have the significant different: G/G--35.37%, G/A--53.66%, A/A--10.98%, and G/G--55.06%, G/A--35.96%, A/A--8.99% comparing with the control group (P = 0.03, by χ2-test). While investigating the level of expression of γ-crystallin gene (CRYGB) in platelets, showed that the quantity of mRNA in homozygotes G/G in 3.9 times (P < 0.05) higher than in carriers of A allele (genotype G/A and A/A). This paper shows the significant difference in distribution of CRYGB promoter (G(-47)-->A) genotypes in patients with cataract compared to the control group. Furthermore, here we provide the data concerning its functional meaning: level of mRNA expression of crystallin is different in carriers of various CRYGB promoter (G(-47)-->A) genotypes.

Modulation of cardiac connexin-43 by omega-3 fatty acid ethyl-ester supplementation demonstrated in spontaneously diabetic rats.

Previous data suggest that type 1 diabetes mellitus leads to the deterioration of myocardial intercellular communication mediated by connexin-43 (Cx43) channels. We therefore aimed to explore Cx43, PKC signaling and ultrastructure in non-treated and omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3) treated spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats considered as type 2 diabetes model. Four-week-old GK and non-diabetic Wistar-Clea rats were fed omega-3 (200 mg/kg/day) for 2 months and compared with untreated rats. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting were performed to determine Cx43, PKC-epsilon and PKC-delta expression. In situ Cx43 was examined by immunohistochemistry and subcellular alterations by electron microscopy. Omega-3 intake reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in diabetic rats and this was associated with improved integrity of cardiomyocytes and capillaries in the heart. Myocardial Cx43 mRNA and protein levels were higher in diabetic versus non-diabetic rats and were further enhanced by omega-3. The ratio of phosphorylated (functional) to non-phosphorylated Cx43 was lower in diabetic compared to non-diabetic rats but was increased by omega-3, in part due to up-regulation of PKC-epsilon. In addition, pro-apoptotic PKC-delta expression was decreased. In conclusion, spontaneously diabetic rats at an early stage of disease benefit from omega-3 intake due to its hypoglycemic effect, upregulation of myocardial Cx43, and preservation of cardiovascular ultrastructure. These findings indicates that supplementation of omega-3 may be beneficial also in the management of diabetes in humans.

[SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN HUMAN PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR GENE AND ITS VALUE IN MISCARRIAGE OR PRETERM DELIVERY].

This article presents the current understanding of progesterone and its role in female reproductive function, described the structure and functionality of the progesterone receptor. The attention is focused on the meaning of the terms miscarriage and preterm delivery. Was described the today known causes of the miscarriage and preterm delivery, shown the value of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the progesterone receptor in miscarriage and preterm delivery by the analysis of publications in recent years in order to find connections between different polymorphisms of the progesterone receptor gene and a spontaneous abortion, premature labor, recurrent miscarriage and its impact on progesterone therapy.

[Association of allelic polymorphisms of genes matrix Gla-protein system with ischemic atherothrombotic stroke].

There are results of the determination of 10 polymorphisms of matrix Gla-protein system (gene MGP-T(-138)-->C (rs1800802), G(-7)-->A (rs1800801), Thr83-->Ala (rs4236), gene VDR-FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236), gene GGCX-Arg325-->Gln (rs699664), gene VKORS1-T(2255)-->C (rs2359612), gene BMP-2-Ser37-->Ala (rs2273073)) into 170 patients with ischemic atherothrombotic stroke (IATS) and 124 healthy individual is (control group). It is established that there is a connection between the IATS and polymorphic variants of genes MGP (G(-7)-->A) and VKORC1 (T(2255)-->C). The risk of IATS in carriers of minor allele A/A (G(-7)-->A polymorphism) in 2.6 times higher than in carriers of the major allele (G/A + G/G), and C/C genotype (T(2255)-->C polymorphism) in 2.2 times higher than the homozygotes of major allele. The coincidence of patients T/C and G/G, C/C and G/A genotypes, and A/A genotype (G(-7)-->A polymorphism) with any genotype T(2255)-->C polymorphism are increases the risk of IATS.

Proteasomal activity in brain tissue following ischemic stroke in Wistar rats.

Functional as well as structural reorganization of brain tissues takes place in the surrounding and remotes brain areas after focal ischemic lesions. In particular, reactive or regenerative processes have been described to occur in the infarction areas and the contralateral hemisphere. Experiments were performed on 63 rats, divided into 3 groups (each consisted of 21 animals): sham operated, short-term occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO) group, and long-term MCAO group. We have studied changes in proteasome proteolysis during transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery using method of Koizumi J., duration 2 and 60 min and made the comparison between changes in different types of proteasome activity and severity of ischemic injury and showed three types of decrease inproteolytic activity (trypsin-, chymotrypsin-like, peptidylglutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing) in the brain tissues. Chymotrypsin-like activity of ischemic areas of the brain for short-term MCAO decreased 4.1 times compared with controls (P > 0.05), for long-term MCAO decreased 5.8 times compared with controls (P < 0.05). Trypsin-like activity of ischemic areas of brain for short-term MCAO decreased 7.1 times compared with controls (P > 0.05), for long-term MCAO decreased 12.5 times compared with controls (P < 0.05). PGPH activity of ischemic areas for short-term MCAO decreased 8 times compared with controls (P > 0.05), for long-term MCAO decreased 2.8 times compared with controls (P < 0.05). The similar dynamics was observed also in the penumbra and the core zone of the brain at 6 h of reperfusion, in the long run there is no significant difference between the core and contralateral zones. Our results suggest that proteasome activity may play also a role in contralateral cortical plasticity occurring after focal cerebral ischemia.

Hippocampus remodeling by chronic stress accompanied by GR, proteasome and caspase-3 overexpression.

Chronic stress is a threat to homeostasis for many brain regions. While hippocampal formation is one of the most stress-sensitive areas of the cortex, molecular changes occurring as a result of increased glucocorticoid neurotoxicity in hippocampus are largely unknown. The aim of these studies was to investigate mRNA expression of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors (MR, GR), proteasome subunits ß5 (constitutive subunit) and ß1i (inducible immunoproteasome subunit), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), bcl-2; as well as caspase-3 immunoreactivity (confocal microscopy) in adult Wistar rat hippocampus following 10-day restraint stress (plastic restrainers, 6h daily). Chronic restraint led to a significant reduction in number of neuronal and astroglial cells in hippocampal regions CA1-3. This reaction was combined with substantial increase in GR and decrease in MR mRNA levels with the greatest response - 1.5-fold amplitude increase - observed in dentate gyrus and CA3 correspondingly. Stress did not change the expression of constitutive ß5 subunit but dramatically enhanced expression of inducible ß1i subunit and increased mTOR, and bcl-2 mRNA expression. Multiple scattered cells demonstrating caspase-3(+) profile were found in hippocampus of stressed animals. The study demonstrates that hippocampal remodeling induced by chronic restraint stress is associated with GR, immunoproteasome, mTOR, caspase-3 and bcl-2 overexpression in hippocampus.

Silencing of TERT decreases levels of miR-1, miR-21, miR-29a and miR-208a in cardiomyocytes.

To test the hypothesis that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase could be involved in the amplification of microRNA (miRNA), we have determined the levels of immature and mature miRNA in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, during the silencing of TERT by siRNA. The silencing of the TERT gene led to the reduction of both telomerase activity and the TERT mRNA expression when compared with scrambled RNA. TERT gene silencing resulted in the decrement of three studied mature miRNAs levels: miRNA-21, miRNA-29a and miRNA-208a when compared with scrambled RNA; but miRNA-1, it was not changed significantly. At the same time, levels of immature miRNA-1 and miRNA-208a were not changed, although the levels of immature miRNA-29a and pri-miRNA-1 were decreased. The data obtained allow us to permit that TERT is a genome-independent source of mature miRNA, and the changes in telomerase activity can significantly influence the level of miRNA in cardiomyocytes.

[Effect of quercetin on proteasome activity in the aorta and heart tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats].

To determine the role of proteasome proteolysis in the pathogenesis of hypertension, we have studied the proteolytic activity of the proteasome in the aorta and heart tissues of rats with spontaneous hypertension (line SHR), and used quercetin, the drug that can inhibit the activity of this multicatalytic complex. In the aorta of SHR, the activities of the proteasome were not significantly different from that observed in Wistar rats. At the same time, in the heart tissues the trypsin-like (at 40%, P > 0.05), and chymotrypsin-like (by 1.7 times, P < 0.03) activities were significantly less in SHR. Significant morphological changes (fibrosis of the left ventricle was 4.7%, aorta intima width was increased and heart weight index was higher by 21.6% (3.7 +/- 0.6 mg/g) compared with Wistar rats (2.9 +/- 0,4 mg/g, P < 0.004) were observed in these animals functional disorders (reduced stroke volume by 3 times (P < 0.0001), ejection fraction by 2.5 times (P < 0.0001), increased end diastolic pressure by 6.5 times (P < 0.005), end systolic pressure by 15% (P < 0.004)) were revealed. Pharmacological drug "Qvercetin" effectively inhibited trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like proteasome activities in the aorta (2.7-fold (P < 0.005) and 2-fold (P < 0.003), correspondingly) and trypsin-like, and peptidyl-glutamyl peptide-hydrolyzing-like activities (2.4-fold, P > 0.05 and 9.3-fold, P < 0.02, correspondingly) activities in the heart, leading to a significant improvement of morphological and functional parameters of the heart. Whereas the drug "Qvercetin" that is widely used in clinical practice (especially in therapy of acute myocardial infarction) it could be recommended for the use in prevention of cardiac remodeling with high level of blood pressure.

[The changes in the activity of tripeptidyl peptidase II in experimental atherosclerosis and hypertension].

The changes in the activity of intracellular proteolytic systems are important mechanisms in the damage of blood vessels walls and arterial hypertension. Tripeptidyl peptidase II (TPP II) is one of the giant intracellular protease that is still poorly known. It fulfils hydrolysis of peptides, coming from proteasomal proteolysis. Modeling of cholesterol atherosclerosis in rabbits (1% of cholesterol in diet for 2 month) results in the significant decrease of TPP II activity in aorta tissues. This diet in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) leads to a decrease of TPP II activity in aorta tissues (on 50%, P < 0.05) but has no influence on the activity of TPP II in Wistar rats. Application of Quercetin prevents the inhibition of TPP II activity in aorta tissues of rabbits and SHR at experimental hypercholesterolemia. The data received show that changes in the activity of TPP II play an important role in pathogenesis of blood vessels wall in atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension.