Association of Blood MicroRNA Expression and Polymorphisms with Cognitive and Biomarker Changes in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Identifying individuals before the onset of overt symptoms is key in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVES: Investigate the use of miRNA as early blood-biomarker of cognitive decline in older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Two observational cohorts (CHARIOT-PRO, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)). PARTICIPANTS: 830 individuals without overt clinical symptoms from CHARIOT-PRO and 812 individuals from ADNI. MEASUREMENTS: qPCR analysis of a prioritised set of 38 miRNAs in the blood of individuals from CHARIOT-PRO, followed by a brain-specific functional enrichment analysis for the significant miRNAs. In ADNI, genetic association analysis for polymorphisms within the significant miRNAs' genes and CSF levels of phosphorylated-tau, total-tau, amyloid-ß42, soluble-TREM2 and BACE1 activity using whole genome sequencing data. Post-hoc analysis using multi-omics datasets. RESULTS: Six miRNAs (hsa-miR-128-3p, hsa-miR-144-5p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-29c-3p and hsa-miR-363-3p) were downregulated in the blood of individuals with low cognitive performance on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The pathway enrichment analysis indicated involvement of apoptosis and inflammation, relevant in early AD stages. Polymorphisms within genes encoding for hsa-miR-29c-3p and hsa-miR-146a-5p were associated with CSF levels of amyloid-ß42, soluble-TREM2 and BACE1 activity, and 21 variants were eQTL for hippocampal MIR29C expression. CONCLUSIONS: six miRNAs may serve as potential blood biomarker of subclinical cognitive deficits in AD. Polymorphisms within these miRNAs suggest a possible interplay between the amyloid cascade and microglial activation at preclinical stages of AD.

Structural changes of serum albumin in response to oxidative stress caused by Walker-256 carcinosarcoma growth.

AIM: To assess oxidative stress and structural changes of the serum albumin in rats with transplanted Walker-256 carcinosarcoma (W256) strains with varying sensitivity to doxorubicin (Dox). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on female Wistar rats with transplanted W256. On the 9th day after tumor cell transplantation an analysis of peripheral blood, oxidative stress parameters, and structural changes of serum albumin of experimental animals was performed. RESULTS: On the 9th day after W256 transplantation a significant increase in the leukocyte counts was observed in the groups of animals with the Dox-resistant and parental (Dox-sensitive) W256 tumors compared with the group of the intact animals: up to 14.24 ± 1.92 â€¢ 103/µl and 9.78 ± 1.03 â€¢ 103/µl, vs 8.92 ± 1.04 â€¢ 103/µl, respectively, due to the increase of granulocyte and monocyte counts. The number of lymphocytes was within the normal range. The level of hemoglobin and the erythrocyte counts were also within normal limits, but hematocrit in both groups of animals with tumors somewhat increased against the background of 1.2-fold elevation of the mean erythrocyte volume. In the group of rats with Dox-resistant W256, there was observed a decrease in the plateletcrit by almost 22% and thrombocyte counts - by 28%. Analysis of oxidative stress indices revealed a significant increase in the level of reactive oxygen species, 2-fold increase of malonic dialdehyde level and the degree of oxidative damage of blood plasma proteins, as well as a decrease in the activity of catalase in hemolysates (by 12-15%) in both groups of tumor-bearing rats. With the use of differential scanning calorimetry, UV and fluorescence spectroscopy we have revealed anomalous conformational changes of albumin caused by tumor development: structural rearrangements in the region of its first drug binding site located in the IIA domain, separation of globular parts of albumin molecule, and partial "opening" in a protein molecular three-domain structure resulting a loss of its thermal resistance. CONCLUSION: The development of transplanted Walker-256 carcinosarcoma, especially its Dox-resistant variant, results in severe metabolic intoxication reflected in alteration of hematological parameters, and indices of oxidative stress, as well as architectonic changes of serum albumin.

Chlorin e6 combined with albumin nanoparticles as a potential composite photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of tumors.

AIM: To synthesize and to study for photodynamic activity a composite photosensitizer consisting of chlorin e6 and human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA NPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Starting from sorption-purified HSA, the albumin nanoparticles with a different degree of lysine residues cross-linking (10; 20; 40, and 100%) were obtained by the coacervation method. The HSA NPs were used for synthesis of nanocomposites with chlorin e6 and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled preparations. Malignant lymphocytes of the MT-4 (human T-cell leukemia) line and normal lymphocytes of healthy donors served as cell targets. For photodynamic treatment, a semiconductor laser was exploited as a light source, and cell viability was assessed by MTT or trypan blue dye exclusion tests. For cell imaging and HSA NPs visualization, the fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were applied, respectively. C57Bl/6 mice were used in animal experiments. RESULTS: The absorption and fluorescence spectra of chlorin e6-HSA NPs composites were characterized, and by the electron microscopy investigation the size of NPs (nanospheres) was estimated: 100-120 nm. FITC-labeled albumin preparations allowed to establish that HSA NPs have much higher exposition and concentration dependent affinity to malignant cell surface than initial HSA. In experiments with MT-4 cells on PDT activity of chlorin e6-HSA NPs, the nanocomposite effectiveness elevated along with increasing percentage of cross-linked amino acid residues, and for the nanocomposite with 100% of albumin cross-linking it exceeded the activity of free chlorin e6. In contrast to malignant cells, the complexation of chlorin e6 with HSA NPs decreased its photodynamic effect on normal human lymphocytes. Intravenous introduction of the chlorin e6-HSA NPs composite to mice showed prolonged circulation of the nanocomposite in blood in comparison with free PS. CONCLUSION: Promising results obtained with chlorin e6-HSA NPs composites warrant conduction of full-fledged PDT studies in vivo using the nanocomposites as photosensitizers.

Molecular characterization of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms in Ukraine.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the JAK2 V617F, the G1691A allele of factor V, and the G20210A prothrombin gene mutation status, and their predictive value for thrombosis in patients with Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in Ukraine, with special emphasize to patient exposed to ionizing radiation due to the Chernobyl accident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 198 patients with Ph-negative MPN included in the study. Of these, 45 patients had experienced radiation exposure due to the Chernobyl accident. The JAK2 V617F mutation, the G1691A of factor V and the G20210A of prothrombin were detected by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia patients in unexposed group and Chernobyl patients were comparable in terms of the JAK2 V617F mutation prevalence with the frequency of anomaly corresponding well to the published data on unselected cases of these types of Ph-negative MPN. The JAK2 V617F mutation was less common on the border of statistical significance (p = 0.08) in Chernobyl primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients than in non-exposed patients. JAK2 V617F positive patients had higher level of leukocytes (p = 0.03), hemoglobin (p =0.04) and splenomegaly (p = 0.04) than those without mutation. The JAK2 V617F mutation was strong predictor for thrombosis in essential thrombocytemia patients (relative risk=3.1, 95% CI = 1.7-16.4, p = 0.03). In PMF, the association with thrombosis was found for the G1691A allele of factor V (p = 0.03). The risk of thrombosis associated with the inherited thrombophilia in PMF patients was 7.0-fold (95% CI = 1.41-33.1, p = 0.03) higher than in polycythemia vera patients. The inherited thrombophilia increased risk of thrombotic complication 5.4-fold (95% CI = 1.41-18.17, p = 0.01) in overall cohort of Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms patients. This trend continued in Chernobyl patients (p = 0.02), but not in unexposed cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm previous results of other studies reporting that the JAK2 V617F mutation significantly and independently influences on a disease phenotype in Ph-negative MPN. The inherited thrombophilia is important risk factors of the thrombosis development in overall cohort primary myelofibrosis patients, and especially in disease developed following radiation exposure.

Chronobiological approaches to antiangiogenic photodynamic therapy of tumors: the first experimental evaluation.

UNLABELLED: In research of the last decade, rhythmic (circadian) variations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by tumors were discovered. The present paper authors have earlier synthesized and characterized a new derivative photosensitizer - an immunoconjugate of hematoporphyrin with antiVEGF antibodies. AIM: To elaborate and to test a novel modification of the photodynamic therapy of tumors (PDT) method, founding upon a timed introduction of the immunoconjugated photosensitizer to tumor-bearing animals, so that this coincides with a maximum content of VEGF in tumor tissues. METHODS: Circadian variations of VEGF contents in murine transplanted tumors, Lewis lung carcinoma and sarcoma 180, were determined by ELISA method. Immunoconjugated photosensitizer concentrations in tumors were estimated by spectrofluorometry. Photoirradiation of the tumors was carried out with a red light (wavelength of 635 nm) from a semiconductor laser. Light doses were chosen, calculating on a partial inhibition of tumor growth, in order that a dependence of PDT efficiency on a daily time-moment (circadian rhythm phase) of the treatment could be observed distinctly. RESULTS: Circadian variations of the VEGF levels in Lewis lung carcinoma and sarcoma 180 were demonstrated with the maximum at 14:00 h and the minimum at 02:00 h. Intra-abdominal introduction into tumor-bearing mice of the immunoconjugated photosensitizer resulted in a greater accumulation of the immunoconjugate in tumors at 14:00 h than at 02:00 h. Laser irradiation of carcinomas and sarcomas at 14:00 h or 02:00 h after introduction of the immunoconjugated photosensitizer to mice the day before at the same time points, induced a significantly enhanced inhibition of tumor growth in animals treated at day-time versus those treated at night-time. CONCLUSION: The obtained results justify further attempts to transfer principles of tumor chronochemotherapy onto photodynamic therapy.

Family history of depression is associated with younger age of onset in patients with recurrent depression.

BACKGROUND: Genetic epidemiology data suggest that younger age of onset is associated with family history (FH) of depression. The present study tested whether the presence of FH for depression or anxiety in first-degree relatives determines younger age of onset for depression. METHOD: A sample of 1022 cases with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) was recruited at the Max Planck Institute and at two affiliated hospitals. Patients were assessed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry and questionnaires including demographics, medical history, questions on the use of alcohol and tobacco, personality traits and life events. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to determine whether FH of depression signals earlier age of onset of depression. RESULTS: Patients who reported positive FH had a significantly earlier age of onset than patients who did not report FH of depression (log-rank=48, df=1, p<0.0001). The magnitude of association of FH varies by age of onset, with the largest estimate for MDD onset before age 20 years (hazard ratio=2.2, p=0.0009), whereas FH is not associated with MDD for onset after age 50 years (hazard ratio=0.89, p=0.5). The presence of feelings of guilt, anxiety symptoms and functional impairment due to depressive symptoms appear to characterize individuals with positive FH of depression. CONCLUSIONS: FH of depression contributes to the onset of depression at a younger age and may affect the clinical features of the illness.

[Surgical treatment of diseases of the operated stomach]. / Khirurgicheskaia korrektsiia boleznei operirovannogo zheludka.

The experience of treatment of 303 patients with the operated stomach diseases (OSD) is summarized. It was established that to reduce the frequency of their occurrence it is necessary: to perform vagotomy especially selective proximal (SPV) thoroughly for complete acid producing zone denervation achievement; to examine gastric cardia and pyloroduodenal zone before and intraoperatively thoroughly to select an optimal method of its drainage; to conduct conservative therapy of ulcer disease after vagotomy conduction up to the ulcer defect healing according to endoscopic control data.

Mivazerol, a novel alpha2-agonist and potential anti-ischemic drug, inhibits KC1-stimulated neurotransmitter release in rat nervous tissue preparations.

In this study, we have investigated the effect of mivazerol, [3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl-1]-2-hydroxy-benzamide hydrochloride, a new alpha2-agonist lacking hypotensive properties and a potential anti-ischemic drug, on the evoked release of norepinephrine, aspartate, and glutamate in tissue preparations from hippocampus, spinal cord T1-T5 section, rostrolateral ventricular medulla, and nucleus tractus solitarii of the brainstem of rat. A simple and efficient in vitro procedure to study pharmacologically the release of norepinephrine and glutamate is described. Tissues were chopped into (0.3 x 0.2 x 0.2 mm3) sections and the resulting minces were used for this study. Exposure to KCl (10-75 mM) for 5 min served as a stimulus for the release response. One, S (for aspartate and for glutamate release), or two such stimuli, S1 and S2 (for norepinephrine release) were conducted. The release of norepinephrine (+ 150% above baseline) was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by mivazerol in hippocampus (IC50 = 1.5 x 10(-8) M), spinal cord (IC50 = 5 x 10(-8) M), rostrolateral ventricular medulla (IC50 = 10(-7) M), and nucleus tractus solitarii (IC50 = 7.5 X 10(-8) M), and by clonidine in hippocampus IC50 = 5 X 10(-8) M), spinal cord (IC50 = 4.5 x 10(-8) M), rostrolateral ventricular medulla (IC50 = 2.5 x 10( -7) M), and nucleus tractus solitarii (IC50 = 10(-7) M). This effect was counteracted by the selective alpha2-antagonists yohimbine and rauwolscine. A significant glutamate and aspartate release response was also induced by KCl (35 mmol/L) in hippocampus (+250 and + 135%, respectively) and spinal cord (+120 and +55%, respectively), in vitro. However, neither mivazerol nor clonidine, at doses up to 10 microM, had any significant effect on KCI-induced glutamate release in spinal cord, whereas mivazerol blocked completely the release of both amino acids in hippocampus and only the release of aspartate in spinal cord. On the other hand, clonidine (1 microM) was only effective in reducing by 40% the release of aspartate in hippocampus. These data indicate that (1) inhibition of KCl-induced norepinephrine release by mivazerol is mediated by its action on alpha2-adrenergic receptors; (2) at concentrations selective for alpha2-adrenergic receptors, only mivazerol was effective in blocking the KCl-induced glutamate release in hippocampal tissue; and (3) at the same concentrations, both mivazerol and clonidine were unable to inhibit glutamate release in the spinal cord. These data suggest that prevention of hyperadrenergic activity by mivazerol in perioperative patients may be mediated through its effect on the release of norepinephrine and/or the release of glutamate and aspartate in regions of the CNS that are involved in the control of cardiovascular homeostasis.

[Non-calculous cholecystitis in children]. / Beskamennye kholetistity u detei.

The analysis of treatment of non-calculous cholecystitis in 18 children has been done. Their age was between 5 and 14 years. The diagnosis has been done after several examinations because of recurring pain. The X-ray investigation was most important for the diagnosis and indications for surgery. The indications were: severe recurrent pain, short term remission after acute cholecystitis and gallbladder organic disorders (strangulation, long cystic duct and poor evacuation). Organic disorders of gallbladder and cystic duct were found in all cases intraoperatively. In all patients cholecystectomy has been performed. Long-term results were followed up in 15 patients. Total relieve of chronic pain in all cases shows that timely operation provides good results.

Bone marrow cells as cytostatic effectors responsible for suppressing leukemia growth in vitro.

When bone marrow (BM) cells, isolated from normal (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 mice (H-2b/H-2d), were cultured with leukemic cells for 24 hours, a significant tumor growth suppression, without noticeable tumor cell killing, was found. The level of BM cell-mediated cytostasis of both P815 mastocytoma (H-2d) and L1210 lymphoma (H-2d) cells was dependent on BM-to-tumor cell ratio; 100% growth inhibition was obtained at a ratio of 480/1. In addition, BM cells were found to be able to synergize in suppressing P815 cell growth with lymphoid cells. The synergistic suppressive effects on tumor cell proliferation were observed in BM-spleen, BM-thymus and BM-lymphnode cell co-cultures. The analysis of cytostatic activity of the cell culture supernatants showed that the synergistic leukemia growth suppression could be mediated, at least in part, by cell-derived soluble cytostatic molecules. The data presented herein also indicated that culturing BM cells with either crude supernatant (25%) from allogeneic mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) or recombinant human interleukin(IL)-2 (20 U/ml) for 20 hours led to a 2-fold increase in their cytostatic activity against both P815 and L1210 cells. Taken together, the results suggest that although normal BM cells are ineffective in tumor cell killing, they may play an important role in cell-mediated effector mechanisms responsible for suppressing leukemia development; and that activated T lymphocytes, through producing cytokine(s), may rapidly upregulate leukemia growth inhibitory activity of BM cells.

[Experience with surgical treatment of endemic and diffuse toxic goiter]. / Opyt khirurgicheskogo lecheniia endemicheskogo i diffuznogo toksicheskogo zoba.

The results of operative treatment of 1336 patients operated on for goiter are presented. In presence of nodules in the thyroid gland, subtotal resection of a lobe, or the lobes of the gland was performed, in suspected malignant tumor--its extirpation.

[Cloning preprolactin cDNA from Pacific salmon in Escherichia coli]. / Klonirovanie kDNK preprolaktina tikhookeanskogo lososia v Escherichia coli.

Prolactin coding mRNA was shown to be a prevalent part of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) pituitary poly(A)-RNA during the spawning period. Clone lambda gtPrk12 was selected from the pituitary cDNA library by means of hybridization with the prolactin probe, and a nucleotide sequence of the insertion was determined and compared to the prolactin coding sequences from rainbow trout and Pacific chinook salmon, which had been published earlier. The sequences compared exhibited a significant homology. The deduced amino acid sequence of the chum salmon prolactin differed from a sequence determined directly in a single position. The prolactin-coding sequence can be used for constructing the bacterial strain producing prolactin.

[Fish pituitary gonadotropins. Characteristics of salmon gonadotropic hormones]. / Gonadotropiny gipofiza ryb. Osobennosti gonadotropnykh gormonov lososia.

This review presents an attempt to systematize the fish gonadotropin investigations data, particularly concerning salmons. The common characterization of pituitary glycoprotein hormones of Vertebrata is presented. A brief review of the history of investigating fish gonadotropins is given. Immunological properties, subunit composition, carbohydrate component and gonadotropin receptors are described. The sequence data comparison and analysis are presented.

[Selective proximal vagotomy with stomach-draining operations in the treatment of decompensated pyloric stenosis caused by ulcer]. / Selektivnaia proksima'lnaia vagotomiia s dreniruiushchimi zheludok operatsiiami v lechenii dekompensirovannogo stenoza vykhoda iz zheludka iazvennoi étiologii.

The results of surgical treatment of pyloroduodenal stenosis of ulcer etiology at the stage of decompensation in 123 patients are analysed. Choice of a method of operation with regard for the degree of the impairement in motor and secretory gastric functions, intraoperative conditions and severity of the state of a patient is substantiated.