Plasma Apolipoproteins A1/B and OxLDL Levels in Patients with Covid-19 As Possible Markers of the Disease.

The COVID-19 infection is associated with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular complications. The aim of the study was to determine the content of ApoA1, ApoB, and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in the plasma of patients (n = 81) with COVID-19, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). ApoA1, ApoB, and oxLDL were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (Elabscience, United States). The measurements were performed at an optical wavelength of 450 nm. It was shown that the level of ApoA1 in the blood of patients with type 2 diabetes and especially with COVID-19 was significantly lower than in the blood of healthy people. Blood ApoA1 levels did not show a further decrease in patients with both COVID-19 and diabetes or CVD compared to patients with COVID-19 without concomitant diseases. It was found that the level of ApoB in the blood of patients with diabetes and, especially, with COVID-19 is significantly higher than in the blood of healthy people. Blood levels of ApoB and oxLDL are higher in patients with both COVID-19 and diabetes or CVD compared to patients with COVID-19 without comorbidities. Thus, levels of ApoA1, ApoB, and oxLDL may be promising markers of COVID-19.

Protein kinase Akt activity in human thyroid tumors.

We studied the expression and activation of the main effector protein kinase of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase cascade (PI3K) ­ Akt in conventionally normal tissues, benign and highly differentiated (with and without metastases) human thyroid tumors. There was a difference in the Akt1 amount in tumor tissue compared with normal tissue in papillary carcinomas and tissue of multinodular goiter. Akt expression both in tumor and conventionally normal tissues of follicular adenoma was significantly lower than in follicular carcinoma. The lowest level of Akt expression was observed in tissues of multinodular goiter. Total activity of all three isoforms of Akt1/2/3 was lower in tumors compared to conventionally normal tissue. Thus, Akt activity (according to Thr308 phosphorylation) is not associated with proliferative processes in the tumor tissue of the thyroid. Apoptosis level detected in these tissues was not associated with the protein kinase activity either. Possible mechanisms of signaling cascade PI3K/Akt inhibition in thyroid tumors are discussed.

30 years of the Chernobyl accident. Molecular genetic mechanisms of carcinogenesis of thyroid gland.

The review presents data on the basic molecular ge-netic mechanisms of formation of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The participation of ionizing radiation in the cancer pathogenesis was analyzed. The role of tu-mor microenvironment, inflammation and nuclear trans-cription factor NF-κB in the initiation and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma was shown.

INHIBITOR OF THE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR NF-κB, DHMEQ, ENHANCES THE EFFECT OF PACLITAXEL ON CELLS OF ANAPLASTIC THYROID CARCINOMA IN VITRO AND IN VIVO.

Anticancer drug paclitaxel (Ptx) effect on biochemical mechanisms, regulating apoptosis in anaplas- tic thyroid carcinoma cells, was studied. It was shown that in addition to apoptotic cell death, Ptx induces signaling cascades that ensure cell survival. Paclitaxel-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) leads to an increase of some antiapoptotic proteins expression such as survivin, cIAP, XIAP. A novel NF-κB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), was found to enhance cytotoxic effect of Ptx in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells. An enhancement of caspase-3 and -9 activation and PARP cleavage as well as the decreased levels of proteins-inhibitors of apoptosis were observed when cells were treated with a combination of both drugs. Mitochondria transmembrane potential (Δψ (m)) loss was observed at higher concentrations of Ptx and DHMEQ. NF-κB inhibition also potentiates paclitaxel effect at tumors formed by xenotransplantation of FRO cells into mice. Tumor mass reduction, significantly different from the effects of each of the compounds alone, was observed in animals, treated with paclitaxel and NF-κB inhibitor. Thus, the combined use of paclitaxel and NF-κB inhibitor inhibits biochemical processes that contribute to the resistance of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells to paclitaxel action.

Effect of ions of potassium and lithium on NO synthase expression in the human adrenal cortex.

The expression of endothelial and inducible NO synthase in the human adrenal glands was studied under a change in the concentration of K(+), which plays a regulatory role in aldosterone secretion. K(+) ions stimulated the expression of both isoforms of NO synthase in the human adrenal cortex. A stimulatory effect of K(+) on NO synthase is probably related to activation of the calmodulin system and potassium-induced translocation of protein kinase C. Lithium produced n inhibitory effect on both isoforms of NO synthase, which suggests that protein kinase C serves a major regulator of expression in the human adrenal glands.

Biochemical effects of combined action of gamma-irradiation and paclitaxel on anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

The aim of the paper was to describe the biochemical effects of Paclitaxel (Ptx), gamma-irradiation (IR) and their combination in undifferentiated thyroid cancer cells (ATC). IR activated common DNA damage-induced signaling and manifested certain mitogenic effect by inactivation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb). There was clear antagonism between Ptx and IR relative to cell cycle regulators--tumor suppressor p53, pRb, CHK2 and c-Abl as well as proapoptotic Bax expression, but combined action of both agents enhanced caspase-3 and, especially, caspase-8 activation. The Ptx at low (1-25 nM) concentrations caused noticeable radioprotective effect. Thus, in ATC cells the ionizing radiation and Ptx exhibited competitive effects upon phosphorylation of cell cycle controllers: p53, pRb, CHK2, cAbl and expression of Bax. At the same time, the combined effect of radiation and Ptx enhanced antiapoptotic Bcl-2 phosphorylation, caspases activation and survivin expression. The net effect of these events during the first 48-72 h of cells incubation can be considered as antiapoptotic--Ptx attenuated cytotoxic effect of IR.

The effect of the combined action of roscovitine and Paclitaxel on the apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory mechanisms in colon and anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

Aim. To study the significance of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) in paclitaxel-dependent apoptosis in colon and undifferentiated thyroid cancer cells. Materials and Methods. Experiments were performed on undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (KTC-2) and colon carcinoma (ARO) cell lines. Cells were treated with paclitaxel (Ptx) and inhibitor of Cdk, roscovitine. Cell survival test and Western blotting were used for characterization of the effects of paclitaxel and roscovitine on cancer cells. Results. It was shown that not c-Jun N-terminal kinase, but cyclin-dependent kinases are responsible for antiapoptotic Bcl-2 phosphorylation. Cdk inhibition enhanced the cytotoxic effects of Ptx at low drug concentrations. There was antagonism between Ptx and roscovitine at higher (25 nM) paclitaxel concentrations. Conclusion. Using of paclitaxel at low (2.5 to 5 nM) concentrations and roscovitine is a promising combination for further preclinical trials for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of colon and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Effects of Paclitaxel and combination of the drug with radiation therapy in an in vivo model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

AIM: To study the effects of Paclitaxel (Ptx), γ-irradiation (IR) and their combination on the growth of xenografted tumors derived from undifferentiated thyroid cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed in nude mice with tumors developing from implanted undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma cells (FRO). Animals were treated with Ptx i.p. and exposed locally to a single dose of 5 Gy of IR. Apoptosis in situ was detected using ApopTag Peroxidase Kit. RESULTS: In the in vivo experiments, IR significantly inhibited but did not abrogate tumor growth. Ptx effect was stronger, and the combination therapy with Ptx and IR led to the decrease of tumor volume to 0-0.3% of the control (P < 0.01). The systemic administration of Ptx to the animals with advanced tumors resulted in a profound tumor growth suppression and in apoptosis in tumor tissues in time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The combination of Ptx and IR is a promising strategy for further preclinical and clinical trials aimed at the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of undifferentiated thyroid cancer.

Effects of low and high concentrations of antitumour drug taxol in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

AIM: To study the changes of cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase activation in response to an antitumour drug Taxol in ARO and KTC-2 cell lines of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: Experiments were done on thyroid anaplastic cancer cell lines ARO and KTC-2 using Western blotting, flow cytometry, light and fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Taxol significantly activated caspases in ARO cells starting from drug concentration of 5 nM. Maximum activation was observed at 25 nM and further increase of Taxol concentration to 100 nM resulted in a reduction of caspase activation. Concomitant to caspase activation, a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. At Taxol concentration of 100 nM, most cells lost their mitochondrial membrane potential. Low Taxol concentrations (10 nM) caused changes in the cell cycle that are typical for apoptosis without cell cycle arrest. Higher drug doses starting from 50 nM arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase. In KTC-2 cell line Taxol concentration as low as 1 nM induced apoptosis. 6-15 nM of the drug caused massive (75-83%) cell death. Upon Taxol action, the increase in the number of cells displaying manifestations of accelerated senescence was insignificant. CONCLUSION: Taxol induces bona fide apoptosis in thyroid cancer cell cultures at low (1-25 nM) concentrations. Higher drug doses cause the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and possibly lead to other types of cell death. No accelerated senescence at different Taxol concentrations was observed. The significance of subG1 and G2/M cell populations at low and high doses of Taxol is discussed.

Differential effects of low and high doses of Taxol in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells: possible implication of the Pin1 prolyl isomerase.

AIM: To study the molecular mechanisms of dose-dependent effects of an anticancer drug, Taxol, on the cell cycle machinery and apoptosis-related proteins in thyroid anaplastic cancer cell lines ARO and KTC-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Western blot analysis was used for the detection of various proteins and of their phosphorylated forms. RESULTS: Low dose of Taxol that cause apoptosis (25 nM) enhanced Rb protein phosphorylation, decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27(KIP1) and p21(WAF1) , and potentiated the accumulation of phosphorylated p53 and of the prolyl isomerase Pin1. High Taxol doses (100 and 1000 nM) that cause necrosis-like cell death drastically decreased Pin1 level in both cell lines. CONCLUSION: Low doses of Taxol promoted G(1)/S transition, thus exhibiting mitogen-like effect. Drug-induced Pin1 accumulation could probably facilitate this transition and in parallel contribute to apoptosis via the p53/p73-dependent mechanism. At higher doses of Taxol, there was a dramatic decrease of Pin1 levels which may be a reason for G(2)/M cell cycle arrest.

Antineoplastic and apoptotic effects of cannabinoids. N-acylethanolamines: protectors or killers?

The proapoptotic and antineoplastic properties of cannabinoids with emphasis on effects of N-acylethanolamines were analyzed. Cannabinoids enhanced apoptotic and necrotic processes in many types of tumour cells and tissues. Involvement of different types of receptors and signaling pathways in mediating the proapoptotic effects of cannabinoids are discussed. The evidences in favour of both proapoptotic, pronecrotic and protective, antiapoptotic effects of cannabinoids and, especially N-acylethanolamines, are evaluated. The hypothesis is suggested that N-acylethanolamines, formed in some tissues under strong stress conditions, can be not a consequence of tissue damage but cause such damage. The conclusion is made on promising of cannabinoids as potential anticancer agents.

Effect of o,p'-DDD and Li+ on apoptotic DNA fragmentation in conventionally normal and tumour tissues of human adrenal cortex.

The actions of 1-(o-chlorophenyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethane (o,p'-DDD), potassium and lithium ions upon apoptotic processes in conventionally normal and tumour tissues of human adrenal cortex were studied. There was no effect of K+ on the apoptosis in tumour tissue. o,p'-DDD--the specific drug for conservative therapy of adrenocortical cancer--enhanced the apoptotic DNA fragmentation in all tested tissues. The conclusion was made that apoptosis may be involved in curative effect of o,p'-DDD in adrenal cortex. Lithium ions, which are used in clinic as antidepressant, inhibited the apoptosis in conventionally normal tissue and in most tumours. On the other hand, lithium enhanced the DNA fragmentation in the postoperative tissue of patients with Cushing disease. The possible mechanisms mediating lithium effects on the adrenal cortex are discussed.

Molecular mechanisms of the effects of low concentrations of taxol in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells.

Understanding the detailed mechanisms of a chemotherapeutic agent action on cancer cells is essential for planning the clinical applications because drug effects are often tissue and cell type specific. This study set out to elucidate the molecular pathways of Taxol effects in human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells using as an experimental model four cell lines, ARO, KTC-2, KTC-3 (anaplastic thyroid cancer), and FRO (undifferentiated follicular cancer), and primary thyrocytes. All cell lines were sensitive to Taxol, although to different extent. In primary thyrocytes the drug displayed substantially lower cytotoxicity. In thyroid cancer cells, Taxol-induced changes characteristic to apoptosis such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and procaspase cleavage and alteration of membrane asymmetry only within a narrow concentration range, from 6 to 50 nm. At higher concentration, other form(s) of cell death perhaps associated with mitochondrial collapse was observed. Low doses of Taxol enhanced Bcl2 phosphorylation and led to its degradation observed on the background of a sustained or increasing Bax level and accumulation of survivin and X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. c-jun-NH(2) terminal kinase activation was essential for the apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells, whereas Raf/MAPK kinase/ERK and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase/Akt were likely to comprise main survival mechanisms. Our results suggest an importance of cautious interpreting of biological effects of Taxol in laboratory studies and for determining optimal doses of Taxol to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in anaplastic thyroid cancers.

[Effect of chlorpromazine on K+-dependent regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis in guinea pig adrenal cortex]. / Vliianie khlorpromazina na K+-zavisimuiu reguliatsiiu biosinteza al'dosterona v kore nadpochechnikov morskikh svinok.

The effects of chlorpromazine, a calmodulin inhibitor, on K(+)-dependent regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis were studied in sections and dispersed adrenocortical cells of guinea pigs. K ions in concentrations 5-11 mM significantly (p < 0.01) stimulated aldosterone and protein biosynthesis and protein phosphorylation in sections and cells of the guinea pig adrenal cortex. Using the radioautography of P-labeled polypeptides separated in polyacrylamide gel, the authors have demonstrated K+ enhancement of phosphate incorporation in the proteins with molecular masses of 40 and 75 kD in the cytosols and of 75 kD proteins in the mitochondria. Chlorpromazine in concentration 50 microM reduced K(+)-stimulated steroidogenesis and protein phosphorylation, simultaneously increasing labeled phosphate incorporation in the proteins in low K+ concentrations, not stimulating steroidogenesis. K(+)-stimulated protein biosynthesis was virtually unchanged in the presence of chlorpromazine. Increased K+ concentration in the medium resulted in reduction of cGMP concentration in adrenal cortex sections. The nucleotide level grew in the presence of chlorpromazine in elevated concentrations of K+ and reduced if the ion concentrations were low (1-3 mM). The mechanisms of chlorpromazine effect on K(+)-dependent steroidogenesis changes, protein phosphorylation and cGMP levels in the adrenocortical tissue are discussed, as is the role of calmodulin in K(+)-dependent regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis.

[Regulation of hormone biosynthesis in guinea pig adrenal glands by potassium ions as affected by dihydropyridines. 1. Analysis of changes in steroidogenesis evoked by dihydropyridines]. / Reguliatsiia biosinteza formonov v nadpochechnykh zhelezakh morskikh svinok ionami kaliia pri deistvii digidropiridinov. Analiz izmenenii steroidogeneza, vyzyvaemykh digidropiridinami.

Influence of Ca2+ channel modulators BAY K 8644, nitrendipine and newly synthesized derivative of 1,4-dihydropyridine: 4-(3', 4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5- diethoxy-carbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-(DHP-51) on aldosterone production by adrenocortical slices depends on K+ content in the incubation medium. The modulators only slightly influence the hormone output at low K+ level in the medium. Intensive synthesis of aldosterone at high level of potassium in the medium was prevented in the presence of DHP-51 and low concentration of BAY K 8644. DHP-51 inhibited [3H]-cholesterol incorporation into all main corticosteroids in the high-potassium medium.

[Regulation of hormone biosynthesis in guinea pig adrenal glands by potassium ions as affected by dihydropyridines. 2. Possible mechanisms of changes in steroidogenesis induced by 1,4-dihydropyridines in dispersed adrenocorticocytes]. / Reguliatsiia biosinteza gormonov v nadpochechnykh zhelezakh morskikh svinok ionami kaliia pri deistvii digidropiridinov. 2. Vozmozhnye mekhanizmy izmenenii steroidogeneza vyzyvaemykh 1,4-digidropiridinami v dispergirovannykh adrenokortikotsitakh.

Formation of aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol and cortisone of labelled cholesterol in the dispersed adrenocorticocytes significantly intensifies at high potassium concentrations in the incubation medium. Labelling of aldosterone and corticosterone in the presence of DHP-51 remains unchanged in the medium containing 3 mmol/l of K+, but is inhibited at 8 mmol/l of potassium. Labelling of 17-hydroxylated corticosteroids, cortisol and cortisone grows at low K+ concentration and falls at the high concentration as a result of DHP-51 addition to the incubation medium. This relationship is disturbed only at high concentration of DHP-51. Incorporation of [3H]-leucine into proteins of adrenocorticocytes grows with K+ concentrations. DHP-51 causes insignificant changes in incorporation of [3H]-leucine into proteins at low potassium content, inhibiting incorporation in the medium at high K+ level. DHP-51 blocked Ca2+ transport into adrenocorticocytes, activated by raised level of potassium in the medium. The mechanism of DHP-51 action on regulation of steroidogenesis in adrenocorticocytes is discussed.

The participation of cAMP and protein kinase C in the regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis by potassium.

The mechanism of the effect of potassium ions (K+) on aldosterone production in guinea pig adrenal cortex was examined. At high K+ concentrations (approximately 8 mM) in the incubation media, aldosterone output and content was elevated, and there was a significant increase in the phosphorylation of intracellular proteins and of protein kinase C activity. Cyclic AMP levels showed a less significant increase. EGTA and lanthanum ions (La3+), and also chlorpromazine with regard to protein phosphorylation, appeared to remove the effect of raised K+ concentrations on steroidogenesis and protein phosphorylation. At low K+ concentrations, addition of EGTA led to a significant accumulation of cyclic AMP. Evidence that steroidogenesis is regulated by a cyclic-AMP-dependent mechanism at low K+ levels is presented, and we also report the first direct evidence of activation of aldosterone synthesis by protein kinase C at high K+ concentration.

[The participation of protein synthesis in the K+-dependent activation of hormonal biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex of guinea pigs]. / Uchastie belkovogo sinteza v K+-zavisimoi aktivatsii biosinteza gormonov v kore nadpochechnikov morskikh svinok.

An in vitro effect of cycloheximide (CHI), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, on the stimulation of steroidogenesis, caused by a rise of K+ concentration in a medium from 1 to 10 mM, was studied. A rise of a K+ level in the incubation of guinea-pig adrenocortical sections resulted in enhanced protein synthesis and activation of aldosterone and corticosterone synthesis from cholesterol. CHI addition completely suppressed these effects of K+. Comparison of incorporation of a cholesterol and corticosterone mark in aldosterone suggests that a rise of a K+ level within physiological limits enhanced hormone biosynthesis at the stage of splitting off a lateral cholesterol chain. The authors discuss a possible involvement of protein synthesis, stimulated by a high K+ concentration, in acceleration of final reactions of aldosterone biosynthesis.