[Ginkgolide B: mechanisms of neurobiological effects, prospects for use in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease]. / Ginkgolid B: mekhanizmy neirobiologicheskikh effektov, perspektivy primeneniya v terapii bolezni Al'tsgeimera.

The review presents an analysis of experimental data on the study of neurobiological effects of ginkgolide B, which may find application in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ginkgolide B is a diterpene trilactone isolated from the leaves of the relict woody plant Ginkgo biloba L., which has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine as a neuroprotective agent. In recent years, this compound has attracted attention because of its wide range of neurobiological effects. The neuroprotective effect of ginkgolide B on brain neurons when exposed to various neurotoxins has been established. This compound has also been shown to effectively protect neurons from the effects of beta-amyloid. Studies have revealed the ability of ginkgolide B to reduce microglia activity and regulate neurotransmitter release. In vivo experiments have shown that this substance significantly increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improves cognitive functions, including memory and learning. It is concluded that ginkgolide B, apparently, may find application in the future as a multi-targeted agent of complex therapy of AD.

[Bacosides: a study of neurobiological activity, prospects for application]. / Bakozidy: izuchenie neirobiologicheskoi aktivnosti i perspektivy primeneniya.

Bacosides are the main biologically active components derived from the plant bacopa monnieri (Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.), which has been used as a nootropic in Indian medicine for many centuries. In recent years, these compounds have attracted attention because of their wide range of neurobiological effects. The neuroprotective effects of bacosides on brain neurons under the influence of various damaging factors (neurotoxins, oxidative stress, beta-amyloid deposition, cigarette smoke, etc.) have been established. It was shown that these substances reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the processes of demyelination of neurons. The anticonvulsant effect of bacosides has been established. These compounds also improve cognitive functions, including memory and learning abilities. The effects associated with the influence on the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of the striatum are of interest for the therapy of morphine addiction. The theoretical justifications for the future use of bacosides as a multipurpose means of complex therapy of individual diseases in neurological and psychiatric practice are presented.

[Neurobiological effects of gastrodin and its possible use in neurology and psychiatry]. / Neirobiologicheskie effekty gastrodina i vozmozhnosti ego ispol'zovaniya v nevrologii i psikhiatrii.

Gastrodin is the main biologically active component of the rhizomes of the Gastrodia elata Blume. In recent years, this compound has attracted attention through a wide range of neurobiological effects. The neuroprotective effect of gastrodin on the brain after ischemic damage and exposure to toxic compounds has been determined. Gastrodin reduces amyloid beta deposition and excess glutamate, inhibits ferroptosis and restores electrophysiological parameters of synaptic plasticity. Moreover, this substance increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stimulates neurogenesis. Studies have revealed the ability of gastrodin to reduce microglial activity and modulate dopamine concentration. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of post-stroke depression. This compound also improves cognitive functions, including memory and learning. The anticonvulsant effect of gastrodin has been established. Theoretical justifications of application of gastrodin in certain neurodegenerative and convulsive diseases, as well as some mental disorders are given.

[Neurobiological effects of tenuigenin and the opportunity of it's using in the therapy of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (literature review).]

The analysis of experimental and partially clinical data about researches of neurobiological effects of tenuigenin - the most important bioactive substance of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. in this review was given. The neuroprotective and neurotrophic action of given substance were described in detail. It was noted, that the capacities of the tenuigenin to decrease the secretion of beta amyloid and to protect of neurons from damage by already made beta ameloids, to inhibit the processes of the tau proteins` hyperphosphorylation and inflammations in microglia, as well as increase the main synaptic transmission can be used by the development of effective therapeutic drugs aimed to reduce the pathogenesis of Alzheimer`s disease. The effects of dopaminergic neurons and mitochondrial membrane potential protection as well as reduction of α-synuclein phosphorylation can influence the processes by Parkinson`s disease. It was concluded, that the tenuigenin deserves further study and possibly will be used as augmentation of Alzheimer`s, Parkinson`s and other neurodegenerative diseases therapy.

[Experimental studies of geroprotective and anti-aging effects of chemical compounds of Portulaca oleracea L. (review).]

The analysis presented in the review of publications shows that extract of Portulaca oleracea L. or its individual components (polysaccharides, oleracea, alkaloids tetrahydroisoquinoline operatein E) is able to increase the lifespan of laboratory animals to activate telomerase and increase telomere length, and provide antioxidant and antistaatiline impact. Various neuroprotective effects (improvement of memory and learning ability, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, protection of dopaminergic neurons, improvement of motor functions, etc.) are of interest for the prevention of syndromes associated with age - related degradation of the nervous system - Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In addition, regular consumption of vegetable portulaca in food leads to a decrease in the percentage of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which also directly affects the increase in the average life expectancy of the population.

[Alzheimer's disease: experimental and clinical researches of Chinese herbal medicine neurobiological effects (a review).]

The analysis of experiments and clinical data about research of neurobiological effects of chinese herbal medicine, which is used by Alzheimer`s disease treatment, was presented in given overview. The rats with injection of Aß1-42 or Aß25-35 peptides, or ibotenic acid, or streptozotocin as well as the natural line of mice SAMP8 with the phenotype of accelerated aging and other were used as the experimental models of Alzheimer`s disease. Various neurobiological effects of various herbal decoctions in the cells of hippocampus were demonstrated - the inhibition of amyloid ß peptides aggregation, increasing of neurons quantity with normal morphology and decreasing of apoptotic cells, decreasing of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production, decreasing of reactive expression level of RAGE and increasing reactive expression level of LRP-1, decreasing of tau protein phosphorylation at Thr231 and Ser422, inhibition of expression of GSK-3ß and CDK-5, decreasing of activation and inflammation of microglia, production of 15 types of N-glycans in the cerebral cortex layers, which are absent in experimental animals. The improvement of memorization and training abilities was established.

[Experimental and clinical studies of mechanisms of the anti-aging effects of chemical compounds in Astragalus membranaceus (review).]

Astragalus membranaceus (webbed astragalus) for more than two millennia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a means of slowing down the aging process and increasing longevity. The article analyzes the data of experimental and clinical studies of recent years, identifying possible mechanisms of the anti-aging effects of the plant. It is noted that the extract or various groups of chemical compounds of this plant activate telomerase, inhibit the processes of replicative senescence, have antioxidant activity, have a neuroprotective effect, affect age-related macular degeneration, skin photoaging and alopecia.

[CONTENT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN BLOOD PLASMA UNDER THE ACTION OF EXTRACTS OF GRATIOLA OFFICINALIS L., HELICHRYSUM ARENARIUM (L.) MOENCH, AND ANTHOCYANIN FORMS OF ZEA MAYS L].

The effect of aqueous solutions of dry ethanol extracts of Gratiola officinalis L., Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench, and anthocyanin forms of Zea mays L. on the dioxidin-induced lipid peroxidation in blood has been studied on rats. It is established that all these extracts are capable of reducing the amount of avera- ge-mass (AM) molecules and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) in rat blood plasma. The extract of Gratiola officinalis L. reduces the concentration of AM and MDA moleules by 43%. The extract of Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench reduces the concentration of AM molecules on the average by 18.66% (within 9.22 -34.81%) and MDA by 49.36% (within 34.12-79.75%). The Extract of anthocyanin forms of Zea mays L. does not reduce the concentration of AM mo- lecules, but reduces the amount of MDA in the blood of rats on average by 27.88% (within 21.58-37.82%) (p < 0.01).

[THE EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON THE CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INDUCTION OF MICRONUCLEUS IN RED BLOOD CELLS OF OUTBRED WHITE MICE].

Antimutagenic properties flavonoids extracts of the three plants Gratiola officinalis L., Helichrysum arenarium L., anthocyanin forms Zea mays L. were investigated. Analysis was performed by counting the micronucleus in peripheral blood erythrocytes outbred white mice; the mutagen was cyclophosphamide. Selected extracts reduce the number of micronucleus. Gratiola officinalis L. extract reduces the mutagenic action of cyclo- phosphamide at a dose of 200 mg/kg, Helichrysum arenarium L. extract--at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (maximum protective effect was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg), anthocyanin forms Zea mays L. extract at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg (a dose of 50 mg/kg--maximum antimutagenic effect).

[AntI-inflammatory, antipyretic and antimicrobial activity of flavonoid-containing extract of Gratiola officinalis L].

The extract of Gratiola officinalis L. has been obtained by an original method ensuring the maximum yield of flavonoids. The extract simultaneously exhibits high anti-inflammatory activity, selective antimicrobial properties (with respect to Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but not to conditionally pathogenic E. coli) and antipyretic effect (observed for the first time in Gratiola officinalis L. preparations). Advantages of the proposed preparation are low toxicity, availability of the raw material, and broad spectrum of therapeutic effects.

[Antituberculous in vitro activity of Helichrýsum arenárium extract].

Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of aqueous solution (50 mg/mL) of alcoholic extract of Helichrýsum arenárium (L.) dried flowers, prepared by a special technique so as to increase the yield of flavonoids, was studied in vitro with respect to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) strains possessing varying degrees of drug resistance, as characterized by replacements Ser R Leu (modification of b-subunit RNA-polymerase of MBT) and Ser R Thr (inactivation of MBT catalase-peroxidase enzyme). The mechanism of this drug action is clearly distinguished from that of the first-line drugs, since strains resistant to these reference drugs have proved susceptible to extract H. arenárium extract. This extract can be recommended for preclinical and clinical studies in the search for new antituberculous drugs and for studying new mechanisms of drug action on MBT. It may also be an effective drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant MBT strains.

[Homoeology of banding sequences and centromeres of Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards, 1929 and G. glaucus meigen, 1818 (Diptera, Chironomidae)].

The karyotype analysis of the Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards, 1929 from water reservoirs of Saratov region has been conducted. In the studied population, the following combination of banding sequences predominated: A1.1, B1.1 and G1.1. The frequency of larvae with heterozygous inversions was 72.9 %, the average number of heterozygous inversions per specimen was 0.667, and the most frequent heterozygous inversions were B1.2 (39.5%) and D1.2 (29.2%). Localization of centromeres in the polytene chromosomes G. paripes was defined with the help of C-banding. Homoeology of polytene chromosomes of two chironomidae species (G. paripes and G. glaucus Mg.) has been analyzed and redesignation of chromosomes arms G. paripes has been offered: instead of par D--par A, instead of par C--par B, instead of par A--par D and instead of par B--par C.

[Cytogenetic characteristics of Stenochironomus gibbus (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera, Chironomidae), an obligate miner of submerged wood].

The karyotype of Stenochironomus gibbus F. (2n = 8) is described for the first time. Chromosomes: I(AB) > or = II(CD) > or = II(EF) > IV(G). Larvae of this species undermine submerged wood. Low degree of polyteny and poor development of active regions is characteristic of this species polytene chromosome structure, which is probably due to diminished function of salivary glands of the larvae that do not build web shelters.

[Chromosomal polymorphism and cytotypes Endochironomus tendens F. (Diptera, Chironomidae) from reservoirs in the Saratov and Samara Regions].

Chromosomal polymorphism of phytophilous chironomidae, Endochironomus tendens F., from reservoirs in the Saratov and Samara Regions has been studied. Cytophotomaps of polytene chromosomes of the species have been worked out in details, and the found chromosomal sequences cadastre has been established. E. tendens F. cytotypes (karyomorphs I and II) have been analyzed.

[Karyotype and karyofund of chironomids Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) sordens (Diptera, Chironomidae)].

Karyotypes and karyofund of chironomids P. Polypedilum (Pentapedilum) sordens (Van der Wulp, 1874) from four water bodies of Saratov region have been analysed. 2n = 6, I (GAB) > II (CD) > III (EF). A cytophotochart of polytene chromosomes of this species was composed, and discovered inversions were identified on its base. The level of inversion polymorphism is high. There are 18 chromosome sequences in the karyofund. The frequency of heterozygote inversions is 1.6-2.5 per specimen. On the base of this cytochart it is possible to produce chromosome charts of other species of subgenus Pentapedilum.

[Karyotype of chironomid Xenochironomus xenolabis (diptera, chironomidae)--obligatory miner of fresh water sponges]. / Kariotip khironomidy Xenochironomus xenolabis (diptera, chironomidae)--obligatnogo minera presnovodnykh gubok.

The karyotype of chironomid Xenochironomus xenolabis has been first described. Chromosomes of X. xenolabis have a peculiar spatial organization: subcentromere areas of all chromosomes join together in one common chromocenter. Seven chromosome arms (A = B = C > D > E > F > G) are conventionally recognized in the karyotype. Each arm is subdivided into sections, beginning with the centromere area. The nucleoli are located in arm B and probably D. No chromosome reorganization was found in X. xenolabis. The strong conservatism and ordered organization of the chromosome set in X. xenolabis seem to be determined by a specific life style of its larvae and, consequently, by a relatively constant habitation conditions.

[Karyotypes and chromosome polymorphism of two phytophilous species of chironomids--Glyptotendipes mancunianus and G.imbecillis (Diptera, Chironomidae]. / Kariotipy i khromosomnyi polimorfizm dvukh fitofil'nykh vidov khironomid--Glyptotendipes mancunianus i G.imbecillis (Diptera, Chironomidae).

Detailed cytophotomaps of polytene chromosomes have been made for Glyptotendipes mancunianus (2n = 8) and G. imbecillis (2n = 8). In the karyotype of G. imbecillis a greater quantity of a near-centromere heterochromatin is noted. In the karyopool of G. mancunianus 10 sequences are revealed. Specimens with heterozygous inversions make 39%, the average number of heterozygous inversions per specimen is 0.34. In the karyopool of G. imbecillis 11 sequences have been met. Specimens with heterozygous inversions make 69%, the average number of heterozygous inversions per specimen is 1.68.