Features of Cytokine and VEGFA Gene Expression Modified with SARS-CoV-2 Virus in an In Vitro Experiment (Using the Example of the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Antigen).

The influence of SARS-CoV-2 antigen on the cytokine-producing function of immune cells was studied. We observed suppression of the production of proinflammatory cytokines by 11-46% relative to the spontaneous level under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 antigen vaccine simulator, as well as when it was co-administered with cortisol (IL-6 by 1.8 times and IFNγ by 1.57 times) compared with control samples. IL-8 production was reduced by 1.72 times relative to its spontaneous level. IL-8 production was reduced by 1.72 times relative to its spontaneous level. Under conditions of SARS-CoV-2 stimulation with the vaccine antigen in vitro, an increase in the relative scaled expression of the VEGFA gene by 2.16 times relative to the spontaneous level was observed, which can be regarded as a model "cytokine storm" scenario. The obtained experimental data verify the ideas about the pathogenetic mechanisms of the COVID-19 and can contribute to the development of new approaches to the correction of its complications.

Microneedle patch based on dissolving, detachable microneedle technology for improved skin quality of the periorbital region. Part 2: Clinical Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Microneedle patches based on dissolving, detachable microneedle technology (Russian patent No. 2652567; US patent EFS No. 32735812; WO/2019/231360) are novel dermatological products that allow safe, painless and effective reduction of epidermal wrinkles after six procedures. The purpose of this study was two-fold (a) to assess the safety and efficacy of microneedle patches comprising 650 microneedles containing hyaluronic and ferulic acids after 6 procedures of applying the applicator to the skin for 25 min; and (b) to correlate our previously reported ex vivo findings. METHODS: The microneedle applicator contains 650 microneedles, which dissolve in 25 min of exposure. The effectiveness of microneedle applicators was confirmed by a randomized split-phase study involving 82 subjects. Applications of microneedle patches were performed at intervals of two times per week, and the effectiveness was assessed at 6 weeks after the start of the study. RESULTS: The results of the profilometric evaluation of skin smoothness demonstrated a significant reduction in the average roughness index by 65.32 ± 2.99% and in the mean skin waviness by 66.84 ± 1.6% compared with these indicators in the control group (P < 0.05). The therapeutic effect of the procedure was confirmed by an ultrasound examination that registered a 72.2 ± 5.4% and 25 ± 1.4% increase in echo-density of the epidermis and dermis, respectively. An independent blinded skin evaluation by dermatologists revealed steady decrease in puffiness of the application area in 89.9% of patients, increased elasticity in 78.3% of the patients, and reduced severity of epidermal wrinkles in 89.9% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The applicator with 650 soluble microneedles on its surface containing hyaluronic and ferulic acids is considered a safe, effective and convenient way to improve the skin quality in the periorbital region after six procedures. Nevertheless, additional studies of soluble microneedles are required to fully assess the amount and distribution area of the injected hyaluronic acid and other active components, as well as to detail the mechanism of action of soluble microneedles to improve skin quality.

OBJECTIF: Les patchs Microneedle basés sur la technologie de micro-aiguille dissolvante et détachable (brevet russe n ° 2652567; brevet américain EFS n ° 32735812; WO / 2019/231360) sont de nouveaux produits dermatologiques qui permettent une réduction sûre, indolore et efficace des rides épidermiques après 6 procédures. Le but de cette étude était double: a) évaluer l'innocuité et l'efficacité des patchs de micro-aiguilles comprenant 650 micro-aiguilles contenant des acides hyaluronique et férulique après 6 procédures d'application de l'applicateur sur la peau pendant 25 minutes; et b) pour corréler nos résultats ex-vivo précédemment rapportés. MÉTHODES: L'applicateur de micro-aiguilles contient 650 micro-aiguilles, qui se dissolvent en 25 minutes d'exposition. L'efficacité des applicateurs de micro-aiguilles a été confirmée par une étude randomisée en hémi-visage portant sur 82 sujets. Des applications de patchs de micro-aiguilles ont été effectuées à des intervalles de 2 fois par semaine, et l'efficacité a été évaluée 6 semaines après le début de l'étude. RÉSULTATS: Les résultats de l'évaluation profilométrique de la douceur de la peau ont démontré une réduction significative de l'indice de rugosité moyen de 65,32 ± 2,99% et de l'ondulation cutanée moyenne de 66,84 ± 1,6% par rapport à ces indicateurs dans le groupe témoin (p <0,05). L'effet thérapeutique de la procédure a été confirmé par un examen échographique qui a enregistré une augmentation de 72,2 ± 5,4% et 25 ± 1,4% de l'écho-densité de l'épiderme et du derme, respectivement. Une évaluation indépendante de la peau en aveugle par des dermatologues a révélé une diminution constante des poches de la zone d'application chez 89,9% des patients, une augmentation de l'élasticité chez 78,3% des patients et une réduction de la gravité des rides épidermiques chez 89,9% des patients. CONCLUSIONS: L'applicateur avec 650 micro-aiguilles solubles à sa surface contenant des acides hyaluronique et férulique est considéré comme un moyen sûr, efficace et pratique d'améliorer la qualité de la peau dans la région périorbitaire après 6 procédures. Néanmoins, des études supplémentaires sur les micro-aiguilles solubles sont nécessaires pour évaluer pleinement la quantité et la zone de distribution de l'acide hyaluronique injecté et d'autres composants actifs, ainsi que pour détailler le mécanisme d'action des micro-aiguilles solubles pour améliorer la qualité de la peau.

[Liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma in children]. / Transplantatsiya pecheni pri gepatoblastome u detei.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the outcomes in children with hepatoblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 160 children with focal liver lesions who underwent surgery at the department of liver transplantation in 2008-2019. Patients with malignant tumors made up 77% (n=123). Hepatoblastoma (HB) prevailed (86%, n=106). Liver transplantation was performed in 19 (18%) patients with HB. Median follow-up after transplantation was 24.3 months by December 2019. Follow-up period did not exceed 4 years in more than 2/3 of patients. RESULTS: Overall and disease-free 10-year survival was 87.1% and 82.7%, respectively. Similar values were observed after resections (91.1% and 86.6%). At the same time, actuarial 4-year survival after liver transplantation for HB was 68%. CONCLUSION: Improvement of treatment outcomes may be achieved through multidisciplinary interaction ensuring timely drug therapy and liver transplantation.

Western Blotting-Based Quantitative Measurement of Myosin II Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation in Small Amounts of Non-muscle Cells.

Myosin II is the main molecular motor in the actomyosin-dependent motility in cells. Phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) at Ser19 is a prerequisite for smooth muscle/non-muscle myosin II activation and serves as a biochemical equivalent of myosin II activity. Simultaneous phosphorylation at Thr18 further promotes the myosin II ATPase activity. A number of methods have been developed to measure myosin RLC phosphorylation at Ser19 or di-phosphorylation at Thr18/Ser19. While these methods are straightforward and robust in myosin-rich muscle tissues, they demonstrate limited applicability in non-muscle cells that have low myosin II content and are usually available in lesser amounts than muscle tissue. Because of this, dynamic analysis of RLC phosphorylation in multiple samples of non-muscle cells is difficult and requires large number of cells. The use of phospho-specific antibodies increases detection sensitivity but allows estimation of only relative levels of RLC phosphorylation at specific residues, which makes it difficult to estimate the physiologic relevancy of the observed changes in RLC phosphorylation. To measure RLC phosphorylation in small amounts of non-muscle cells, we used external calibration standards of non-phosphorylated and in vitro phosphorylated RLC in standard SDS-PAGE and Western blot procedures with phospho-specific RLC antibodies. Here, we describe the method in detail and demonstrate its application for quantitative measurement of myosin RLC phosphorylation in endothelial cells in response to natural agonists (thrombin or insulin) and intact human platelets. We discuss the advantages and limitations of the proposed method vs other approaches for measuring myosin RLC phosphorylation in non-muscle cells.

Analysis of the Role of Carriership of Polymorphic Genotypes of ESR1, eNOS, and APOE4 Genes in the Development of Arterial Hypertension in Men.

We studied the role of the carrier status for polymorphic loci of genes encoding estrogen receptors (ESR1), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and apolipoprotein E (APOE4) and products of their expression nitrogen oxide (NO) and apolipoprotein (ApoE) in the development of arterial hypertension in men. Conventionally healthy volunteers and 149 men with clinical manifestations of stage I-II arterial hypertension were examined. In men with arterial hypertension, the frequency of minor allele A of ESR1 gene was higher (27.5 vs. 9.5% in the reference group; χ2=4.43, p=0.04). The level of NO in the peripheral blood was also higher in the main group (χ2=3.93, p=0.047). The increase in NO concentration did not depend on the presence of polymorphic genotypes (GG and GT) of eNOS gene, but the decrease in ApoE level in blood serum was associated with TC genotype of APOE4 gene (p=0.04). Our results suggest that minor allele A of ESR1 gene is associated with the development of arterial hypertension in men. Reduced content of ApoE in blood serum of men with arterial hypertension was associated with APOE4 gene polymorphism. However, increased level of NO did not depend on polymorphic genotypes GG and GT of eNOS gene. These polymorphisms are of specific interest as additional markers of genetic predisposition to the development of arterial hypertension in middle-age men.

[Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Betulonic Acid Imidazolides].

Synthesis of lupane C28-imidazolides, contained 3-oxo-, 3-oximino- and 2-cyano-2,3-seco-4(23)-en-frag ments in cycle A was carried out. The most antitumor activity at. in vitro testing showed 3-oximino-lup- 20(29)-en-28-yl-1H-imidazole-1-carboxylate; which inhibited the growth or induced apoptosis of non-small lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, CNS cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, leucosis, melanoma cells. In experiments in mice its moderate antitumor activity against grafted breast adenocarcinoma Ca 755 and adenocarcinima of colon was observed.

[Synthesis and cytotoxicity of triterpenoid seven members cyclic amines].

Synthesis of 3-deoxy-3a-homo-3a-aza-derivatives of betulin and erythrodiol from betulonic and oleanonic acids was carried out. The most antineoplastic activity with a wide range of action at in vitro testing showed 3-deoxy-3a-homo-3a-aza-28-hydroxy-12(13)-oleanene, which by results of profound studying could be recommended for in vivo investigation. Its modification in the C28 position by introduction of amethoxycinnamoyl fragment led to a loss of antineoplastic activity. 3-Deoxy-3a-homo-3a-aza-derivatives of betulin (3-(aminopropyl)-, 28-(2-carboxyethyl)carboxy-, and 28-cinnamoyloxy-) showed moderate antineoplastic activity in the case of Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and Leukemia cell lines.

[Synthesis and cytotoxicity of allobetulin derivatives].

The synthesis and screening of antitumor activity in vitro (cytotoxicity) of various oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and platinum-containing derivatives of allobetulin, including different arrangements of the double bonds in the A and B rings, penta- and hexacyclic ring A, 21-acetyl-20,28-epoxy-18α,19ßH-ursane-isomeric cycle E, was carry out. (3R,5R)-19ß,28-Epoxy-4,5-seco-18α-olean-3(5)-ozonide and 2,3-indolo-21ß-acetyl-20ß,28-epoxy-18α, H-19ß-ursane showed significant cytotoxic activity against melanoma MeWo and Leukemia SR cells, appropriately. (3S,5S)-Diastereomer of the first compound showed no cytotoxicity.

Epitaxial graphene on SiC(0001): functional electrical microscopy studies and effect of atmosphere.

Surface potential distribution, V(CPD), and evolution of atmospheric adsorbates on few and multiple layers (FLG and MLG) of graphene grown on SiC(0001) substrate have been investigated by electrostatic and Kelvin force microscopy techniques at T = 20-120 °C. The change of the surface potential distribution, ΔV(CPD), between FLG and MLG is shown to be temperature dependent. The enhanced ΔV(CPD) value at 120 °C is associated with desorption of adsorbates at high temperatures and the corresponding change of the carrier balance. The nature of the adsorbates and their evolution with temperature are considered to be related to the process of adsorption and desorption of the atmospheric water on MLG domains. We demonstrate that both the nano- and microscale wettability of the material are strongly dependent on the number of graphene layers.

[Synthesis of aminopropylaminoderivatives of betulinic and oleanolic acids].

On the basis of betulinic and oleanolic acids triterpenoids with different with different amine fragments: (3-aminopropoxy)-, 3-acetyl-(3-aminopropyl)amino-, 6-[bis(3-aminopropyl)amino]hexylamino-, (3-aminopropyl)-4-aminosulfonyl-4-phenylamino- at positions C3 and C28 were synthesized. It is shown that betulonic acid amide with 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfonic substituent don't render antitumor effect in mice with transplantable Lewis lung carcinoma, but possess significant anti-inflammatory activity.

[Synthesis, structure and farmacologycal activity of (7R,8S)-epoxy-(13R,17R)-trioxolaneabietic acid].

The synthesis and X-ray diffraction established the structure of (7R,8S)-(see text for symbol)-(13R,17R)-trioxolaneabietic acid. Predicted by the computer system PASS antineoplastic activity and the ability to induce apoptosis, a mechanism of cell death, is correlated with experimentally shown cytotoxic activity against malignant cell line MeWo. Results of tests on animals have shown that abietic acid and its 9R,11S-epoxy-12R,15R-trioxolane derivative have anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity in the absence of adverse effects on animal organisms.

[Quantum-pharmacological aspects of cardiovascular drugs studying].

Quantum pharmacology allows to study the mechanisms of action of cardiovascular drugs, to predict pharmacological activity and identify the most pronounced pharmacodynamic efficacy and therapeutic activity of new compounds. Calculation of quantum-pharmacological parameters for molecules of beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, carvedilol) in aqueous media, research its hydrophobic interaction with receptors allow to form a theoretical basis for the development of new generations of more effective and safe medicines for hypertension treatment. Increased hydrophobicity leads to poor solubility of carvedilol in water and high--in the lipids. The clinical pharmacology of the drug is shown by such indicators as the therapeutic dose, half-life and degree of metabolism in the liver. Due to enhanced interaction with adrenergic receptor effective dose of carvedilol is an order of magnitude lower than other beta-blockers, even with the relatively low bioavailability. Reduced bioavailability of carvedilol versus atenolol, metoprolol and propranolol is caused by elevated metabolism during the first pass through the liver, which is also due to the hydrophobicity of the drug. High solubility in lipids appears to extend the half-life of carvedilol. QSAR studies make an important contribution to the study of the properties of chemical compounds and their pharmacological activity. Software, used for computation of studied properties, has a significant role. A large number of descriptors allows a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the molecules of chemical compounds and prediction of their influence on cardiovascular system.

[Suppression of vascular endothelium hyperpermeability by cell-permeating peptide inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase].

Novel peptides originating from the peptide inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, L-PIK (Arg-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Tyr-Arg-Arg-Lys), have been studied for ability to attenuate the thrombin-induced hyperpermeability of endothelial cell monolayer in culture. Peptides [NalphaMeArg1]-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Tyr-Arg-(D)Arg8-Lys and H-Arg(NO2)Lys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Tyr-Arg-Arg-Lys-NH2 (designated PIK2 and PIK4, respectively) appeared to be the most effective inhibitors of endothelial cell monolayer hyperpermebility, and surpassed other known peptide inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase derived from original L-PIK. Our results validate PIK2 and PIK4 as the leading molecules for the development of novel drugs intended to counteract pathological hyperpermeability of vascular endothelium.

[Quantum-chemical basics of pharmacokinetics (literary review and own investigations)].

The work is devoted to the use of quantum-pharmacological approaches in pharmacokinetic investigations. The main objective of the pharmacological researches is to find new, more active and less toxic drugs. To date, such a search is carried out empirically. The current approach can not fully meet the needs of medicine in the new drugs, requires considerable time and financial costs and does not meet modern standards of bioethics. Quantum pharmacology leads to the synthesis of drugs with desired properties is much faster and more efficient. Computer prediction of pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical properties of biologically active substances can make 50-70% more effective development of original drugs.

Manipulation of Magnetic Skyrmion Density in Continuous Ir/Co/Pt Multilayers.

We show that magnetic skyrmions can be stabilised at room temperature in continuous [Ir/Co/Pt]5 multilayers on SiO2/Si substrates without the prior application of electric current or magnetic field. While decreasing the Co thickness, a transition of the magnetic domain patterns from worm-like state to separated stripes is observed. The skyrmions are clearly imaged in both states using magnetic force microscopy. The density of skyrmions can be significantly enhanced after applying the "in-plane field procedure". Our results provide means to manipulate magnetic skyrmion density, further allowing for the optimised engineering of skyrmion-based devices.

[Synthesis of A-secomethylenamino- and substituted amidoximotriterpenoids].

Development of the functionalization of triterpenoids to A-secoamidoximes, A-secomethylenamines and branched 3-(3-aminopropylamino)-3-(3-aminopropoxy)amidoximes is illustrated by the betulonic acid ketoxime. An effective way to get of the derivatives of 20,29-dihydrolupanes using diborane is suggested. The antiviral and anti-tuberculosis activity data of some compounds are presented.

[Synthesis and antitumor activity of betulin, erythrodiol and uvaol aminopropoxy derivatives].

The synthesis of aminopropoxy derivatives of betulin, erythrodiol, uvaol and oleantriol via cyanoethylation of triterpenoids hydroxyl groups and subsequent reduction of cyanoethyl fragments is described. High and specific in vitro antitumor activity (cytotoxicity) of 3beta,28-di-O-[3-(aminopropoxy)]lupa-20(29)-ene and 3beta-O-hydroxy-28-O-[3-(aminopropoxy)]olean-12-ene towards a wide range of human tumor cell lines is discovered. The aminopropoxy group is shown to be a new perspective pharmacophor group for design of anticancer agents on the basis of triterpenoids.

[Structural and functional characteristics of betulin derivatives].

The effect of betulin derivatives on persistence properties of microorganisms was studied in vitro. It was shown that the antipersistence action of the betulin derivatives depended on their structure and the microbial species. The experimental data on the structure - function relation could be useful in development and synthesis of new agents for therapy of chronic infections associated with persistence of bacterial pathogens in macroorganism.

Synthesis of C17-[5-methyl-1,3]-oxazoles by N-propargylation of triterpenic acids and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity.

A series of unexpected triterpenic C17-[5-methyl-1,3]-oxazoles along with targeted N-propargylamides was synthesized by an interaction of acid chlorides with propargylamine hydrochloride. We proposed that the formation of methyl oxazole passes through an alternative pathway by the participation of the terminal alkyne carbon atom and acid chloride intermediate with following intramolecular rearrangements. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. 28-Nor-17-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)-2-cyano-2,4-seco-3-nor-lup-4(23),20(29)-diene has demonstrated the highest activity with GI50 ranged from 1.03 to 16.4 µM against different cancer cell lines. Molecular docking in Kelch domain of Keap1 protein was performed to study a possible molecular target. Thus, we have shown for the first time that triterpenic C17-[5-methyl-1,3]-oxazoles are alternative products of the interaction of triterpenic acid chlorides with propargylamine hydrochloride and they have an advantage over corresponding N-propargylamides as cytotoxic agents.

Tailoring interfacial effect in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction by helium ion irradiation.

We show a method to control magnetic interfacial effects in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) using helium (He[Formula: see text]) ion irradiation. We report results from SQUID magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance as well as Brillouin light scattering results on multilayers with DMI as a function of irradiation fluence to study the effect of irradiation on the magnetic properties of the multilayers. Our results show clear evidence of the He[Formula: see text] irradiation effects on the magnetic properties which is consistent with interface modification due to the effects of the He[Formula: see text] irradiation. This external degree of freedom offers promising perspectives to further improve the control of magnetic skyrmions in multilayers, that could push them towards integration in future technologies.