[Evaluation of the clinical, psychological and socio-environmental factors, affecting disability of elderly people undergoing surgical myocardial revascularization]

Factors significant for clinical-and-labor prognosis in elderly patients with ischemic heart disease after surgical myocardial revascularization are considered in the article. The authors demonstrate that for each level of the problem there are their own significant factors. Besides, the most essential correlations between investigated factors are marked out. The results obtained will enable to determine more correctly clinical-and-labor prognosis for patients with ischemic heart disease and develop their efficient rehabilitation programs. It is demonstrated that elderly patients have some features of vital activity restriction which are necessary to take into account while medical social expertise and rehabilitation program development.

[Peptides, genome, aging]

During the peptides activity mechanism investigation it was shown that short peptides regulate gene expression and protein synthesis. These peptides stimulated cell proliferation, differentiation and decreased cell apoptosis. This effect is the reason of increasing of various organs function. The peptides injection decreased the frequency of cancerogenesis and increased physiological resource of cells, tissues and organism till 20-42%. Peptides increased vital resource and decreased the mortality rate of elderly people.

[Impact of tetrapeptide pancragen on endocrine function of the pancreas in old monkeys]

Significant increase of the elderly in the demographic structure of a modern society is one of the main reasons for increase in the number of patients with diabetes type 2 and impaired glucose tolerance. The purpose of this research was to study impact of Pancragen (tetrapeptide Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) on endocrine function of the pancreas of non-human primates, female rhesus monkeys, and to elucidate the possibil- ity of its use for correction age-related dysfunction of pancreatic islet apparatus. In old animals after the glucose administration (standard dose) in control period, a reduced glucose "disappearance" rate and a higher values of insulin and C-peptide peaks (5 and 15 min after the glucose injection) were observed in comparison with young animals in similar experiments. Pancragen administration (50 μg/animal per day during 10 days, intramuscularly) to old monkeys caused markedly increased the glucose "disappear- ance" rate, normalized the plasma insulin and C-peptide dynamics in response to glucose administration. The recovering effect of Pancragen on the function of the pancreas partially remained 3 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. Thus, Pancragen is a promising factor for restoring the age-related endocrine dysfunction of primates.

[Tripeptides slow down aging process in renal cell culture]

The mechanism of geroprotective effect of peptides AED and EDL was studied in ageing renal cell culture. Peptide AED and EDL increase cell proliferation, decreasing expression of marker of aging p16, p21, p53 and increasing expression of SIRT-6 in young and aged renal cell culture. The reduction of SIRT-6 synthesis in cell is one of the causes of cell senescence. On the basis of experimental data models of interaction of peptides with various sites of DNA were constructed. Both peptides form most energetically favorable complexes with d(ATATATATAT)2 sequences in minor groove of DNA. It is shown that interaction of peptides AED and EDL with DNA is the cause of gene expression, encoded marker of ageing in renal cells.

[Epigenetic aspects of peptidergic regulation of vascular endothelial cell proliferation during aging]

Short peptides vesugen and D-7 have stimulated proliferation-associated protein Ki-67 decreased during aging in tissue-specific cell cultures received from young and old animals and in dissociated vascular endothelial cell cultures. Peptides vesugen and D-7 have interacted with promoter region of MKI67 gene coding protein Ki-67 that was obtained using methods of molecular docking. Both peptides have contacted with core promoter 5'-agcctcaaccatcaggaaaacaagagt-3' located in MKI67 gene from -14 to +12 base pairs relative to the transcriptional initiation site through sequence CATC(ENSG00000148773). Thus, vasoprotective effect of peptide vesugen revealed previously in elder people could be realized through epigenetic regulation of Ki-67 gene expression.

[Peptides and CCL11 and HMGB1 as molecular markers of aging: literature review and own data]

Cytokines CCL11 (eotaxin) and HMGB1 (alarmin1) are molecular markers of ageing and neurological, cardiovascular and immune diseases. Created in St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology short peptides are known to regulate gene expression and protein synthesis. They promote the mortality decrease and slowdown the development of pathology in the elderly. The article presents the proposed role of dipeptide vilon (Lys-Glu) and tetrapeptide epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) in CCL11 and HMGB1 genes regulation as activators of their expression. Geroprotective action of vilon and epitalon probably realizes in suppression of these genes.

Interaction of short peptides with FITC-labeled wheat histones and their complexes with deoxyribooligonucleotides

Judging from fluorescence modulation (quenching), short peptides (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, Glu-Asp-Arg, Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu, Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly, Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg, and Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) bind with FITC-labeled wheat histones H1, H2B, H3, and H4. This results from the interaction of the peptides with the N-terminal histone regions that contain respective and seemingly homologous peptide-binding motifs. Because homologous amino acid sequences in wheat core histones were not found, the peptides seem to bind with some core histone regions having specific conformational structure. Peptide binding with histones and histone-deoxyribooligonucleotide complexes depends on the nature of the histone and the primary structures of the peptides and oligonucleotides; thus, it is site specific. Histones H1 bind preferentially with single-stranded oligonucleotides by homologous sites in the C-terminal region of the protein. Unlike histone H1, the core histones bind predominantly with double-stranded methylated oligonucleotides and methylated DNA. Stern-Volmer constants of interaction of histone H1 and core histones with double-stranded hemimethylated oligonucleotides are higher compared with that of binding with unmethylated ones. DNA or deoxyribooligonucleotides in a complex with histones can enhance or inhibit peptide binding. It is suggested that site-specific interactions of short biologically active peptides with histone tails can serve in chromatin as control epigenetic mechanisms of regulation of gene activity and cellular differentiation.

Molecular cellular mechanisms of peptide regulation of melatonin synthesis in pinealocyte culture

The effects of epithalone and vilone peptides on the synthesis of melatonin and factors involved in this process, arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme and pCREB transcription protein, were studied in rat pinealocyte culture. Epithalone stimulated AANAT and pCREB synthesis and increased melatonin level in culture medium. Simultaneous addition of norepinephrine and peptides into the culture potentiated the expression of AANAT and pCREB.

[Cytokinis and regulatory peptides: age-related changes, atherosclerosis and trombotic diseases]

The review contains different aspects indicating the participation of cytokines in aging-associated diseases. Authors reveal the role of short peptides in molecular mechanisms of homeostatic regulation in immune, cardiovascular, haemostatic systems which is based on the literature data and own experimental data. It is established that short peptides realize their geroprotective effect by changing gene expression of immune and proinflammatory cytokines and g-interferon.

[Features of living activity limitations of elderly people with heart ischemic disease after surgical myocardial revascularization]

The article presents a comparative analysis of vital activity restriction in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after surgical myocardial revascularization in elderly and working age patients. It is demonstrated that elderly patients have some features of vital activity restriction, which is necessary to take into account in medical social expertise and rehabilitation program development.

[Endovenous laser obliteration and combined phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins in elderly and senile patients]

In the available literature, we have found no comparative data on the efficiency and safety of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and traditional phlebectomy in elderly and senile patients. According to our results, in elderly and senile patients, the pain syndrome is much less pronounced after EVLA as compared with phlebectomy, the frequency of ecchymosis with an area of more than 100 cm2 and distal thrombosis of deep veins is lower. In the analyzed groups, there are no significant differences in the frequency of post-surgical complications after surgical intervention. Both EVLA and phlebectomy eliminate pathological reflux of the great saphenous vein with the same degree of reliability, within the period of examination of 1 year. In elderly and senile patients, the time for return to daily activity is significantly reduced after EVLA as compared to that after combined phlebectomy.

[The tetrapeptide pankragen forte efficiency in elderly people with prediabetic state]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of tetrapeptide pankragen-forte in older people with prediabetic state. A total of 150 healthy people of different ages, including 39 young people (20-39 years), 42 people. middle-aged (40-59 years) and 69 older adults (60 years and older). As a result of screening, 69 seniors were selected 12 patients with impaired glucose tolerance, which, for the correction of glucose metabolism used Pankragen-forte as follows: 500 mkg 2 times a day (morning and evening) for 4 weeks. All included surveyed was defined indicator of glycosylated hemoglobin, conducted a standard oral glucose tolerance test with determination of glucose, insulin in plasma glucose and venous blood at 30, 60 and 120 min after ingestion of 75 g glucose. Pro-insulin levels were determined in plasma, venous blood glucose and 30-min OGTT. Also calculated an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (Matsuda index) and functional activity of β cells of the pancreas (HOMA- %). In 50 percent older people with impaired glucose tolerance use of pankragen forte led to a significant decrease in the concentration of plasma glucose during a standard oral glucose tolerance test, which indicates the normalizing effect of peptide drug in the violation of carbohydrate metabolism, which is consistent with the improvement of the lipid composition of serum blood, endothelial function, decreased platelet aggregation. The use of peptide drug pankragen forte is promising correction prediabetic status in the elderly.

[Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology: achievements and prospects (towards the 20th anniversary)]

The article presents the results of the 20-years' long activity of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology founded to fulfill the basic and applied tasks in the sphere of gerontology and to integrate with medical practice new methods for preventing premature aging and age-related pathology by means of pharmaceuticals based on peptide bioregulators. Among the Institute main achievements are the scientific developments in the field of peptide regulation of aging, creation of a new medical domain--bioregulation therapy, and foundation of the Russian school of biogerontology. As a result of investigations, a key role of peptides in the regulation of aging process has been established, and a method of bioregulators complex application has been developed to increase organism resistance to various unfavorable factors and enhancement of human vital resource. At present 6 drugs and over 60 peptide bioregulators are widely used for prevention and treatment of many diseases. 9 new peptide preparations revealing geroprotective properties are submitted to the Russian Health Ministry to be registered as drugs.

[Peptide bioregulators: the new class of geroprotectors. Message 2. Clinical studies results]

The review summarizes the results of long-term studies of the authors on the clinical efficacy of peptide bioregulators (Timalin, Thymogen, Vilon, Epithalamin, Prostatilen, Cortexin, Retinalamin) for the prevention of diseases and treatment of people of different age. Special attention is given to the analysis of the use of peptide bioregulators as geroprotectors.

[The dynamics of physical work capacity among ageing truck drivers]

The studies of biological age, ageing rate, physical work capacity in professional lorry drivers were conducted. The examination revealed peculiarities of system organization of functions, which determine the physical work capacity levels. Dynamics of the ageing process of professional driver's organism in relation with calendar age and driving experience were shown using the biological age on physical work capacity model. The results point at the premature decrease of the physical work capacity in professional drivers. There was revealed premature contraction of the range of cardio-vascular system adaptive reactions on submaximum physical load in the drivers as compared with control group. It was proved, that premature age-related changes of physiologic indices in drivers are just "risk indicators", while long driving experience is a real risk factor, accelerating the ageing process. The "risk group" with manifestations of accelerating ageing was observed in 40-49-year old drivers with 15-19 years of professional experience. There was demonstrated the expediency of using the following methods for the age rate estimation according to biologic age indices and necessity of prophylactic measures for premature and accelerated ageing prevention among working population.

[Neuroprotective effects of peptides bioregulators in people of various age]

The review presents comparative characteristics of 2 peptide neuroprotective groups: polypeptide complexes (cortexin, cerebrolizin) and short peptides (semax, kortagen, pinealon). The data of clinical applying of peptides in elderly and old age people and cellular and molecular mechanisms of their neuroprotective activity is described.

[Effect of peptide bioregulators and cytokines on life span and age-related changes of hemostasis]

The review considers literature data and own results of research of cytokines functions and their effects on hemostatic system and life span. The data of age-related changes in the hemostatic system is presented in this article. A big part of the review is devoted to the action of regulatory peptides (RP) on various body systems. It is established that the RP can normalize the expression of cytokine genes in humans and animals with stress and pathological conditions. Effect of RP on the cytokines has geroprotective action, which is based on anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory action, stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as a normalizing effect on the immune system and hemostasis.

Effect of tripeptide Lys-Glu-Asp on physiological activity of neuroimmunoendocrine system cells

Tripeptide Lys-Glu-Asp stimulates proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in organotypic cultures of neuroimmunoendocrine system cells. Lys-Glu-Asp accelerates cell renewal processes (decrease of apoptosis marker p53 and increase of proliferation marker Ki-67) in the pineal gland; this effect is more pronounced in cultures derived from old animals than in young cultures. The tripeptide induces the expression of low-differentiated lymphocyte marker CD5 and macrophage marker CD68, but in "old" cultures this effect is less pronounced than in "young" ones. Thus, in tissue culture Lys-Glu-Asp primarily affects the nervous and endocrine tissues during aging and produces a less pronounced effect on the nervous tissue. Physiological activity of the tripeptide consists in modulation of associative learning of honey bee in the model of short-term and the long-term memory.

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH stimulates expression of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins

Tetrapeptide H-Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg-OH enhances the expression of cytoskeletal (actin, tubulin, vimentin) and nuclear matrix proteins (lamin A, lamin C) in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts by 2-5 and 2-3 times, respectively. Thus, the previously reported cardioprotective activity of this tetrapeptide is determined by its capacity to activate synthesis of cytoskeletal and nuclear matrix proteins, which stimulates cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis.

Effect of short peptides on expression of signaling molecules in organotypic pineal cell culture

We demonstrated the influence of short peptides on the expression of signaling molecules in organotypic culture of the pineal gland from 3-month-old rats. Peptides Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and Lys-Glu-Asp stimulate the expression of proliferative protein Ki-67 in pineal gland culture. These peptides as well as Glu-Asp-Arg and Lys-Glu do not affect the expression of apoptosis marker AIF. The synthesis of transcription factor CGRP by pinealocytes was stimulated only by Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. Thus, peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly tissue-specifically stimulates proliferative and secretory activities of pinealocytes, which can be used for recovery of pineal gland functions at the molecular level.

Site-specific binding of short peptides with DNA modulated eukaryotic endonuclease activity

Short peptides (2-4 amino acid residues) inhibit or stimulate hydrolysis of λ phage DNA by eukaryotic endonucleases WEN1 and WEN2 depending on DNA methylation status. Peptide modulation of endonucleases activity most likely appears as a result of their binding to DNA. Peptides discriminate (recognize) not only certain DNA sequences, but also their methylation status. Apart from intact DNA, the test peptides bind to single-stranded DNA structures (oligonucleotides) containing NG- and CG-sites methylated in eukaryotes. Peptides affect the set of hydrolyzed sites during endonuclease hydrolysis of double-stranded structures. The effects of peptides with different primary structure on DNA hydrolysis by endonucleases are different and are modulated by histones (histone H1). Site-specific peptide interactions with DNA may epigenetically control genetic functions of the cell. These interactions probably played an important role at the very early stages of evolution.

Peptidergic regulation of thymocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during aging of the thymus

The effects of T-31, AB-17, and AB-9 peptides on old (passage 8) thymocyte culture were studied. Only AB-9 peptide exhibited a complex geroprotective effect on thymocytes during their aging. Peptide AB-9 stimulated proliferative activity and differentiation of thymocytes and inhibited their apoptosis.

Age-specific dynamics of human thymus immune cell differentiation

The expression of markers of undifferentiated CD5+ cells, B cells, T-killer/suppressors, and T-helpers was verified by immunohistochemical methods in the thymuses of elderly, senile, and long-lived humans. The counts of CD5+ cells in the thymus progressively decreased with age. Positive correlations between the counts of CD5+ cells and differentiated T cells were detected. The capacity of CD5+ thymocytes to differentiate into T-killer/suppressors decreased with age.

Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA

Marked fluorescence in cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus was observed in HeLa cells after incubation with each of several fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptides (epithalon, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly; pinealon, Glu-Asp-Arg; testagen, Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly). This means that short biologically active peptides are able to penetrate into an animal cell and its nucleus and, in principle they may interact with various components of cytoplasm and nucleus including DNA and RNA. It was established that various initial (intact) peptides differently affect the fluorescence of the 5,6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA-ethidium bromide complexes. The Stern-Volmer constants characterizing the degree of fluorescence quenching of various single- and double-stranded fluorescence-labeled deoxyribooligonucleotides with short peptides used were different depending on the peptide primary structures. This indicates the specific interaction between short biologically active peptides and nucleic acid structures. On binding to them, the peptides discriminate between different nucleotide sequences and recognize even their cytosine methylation status. Judging from corresponding constants of the fluorescence quenching, the epithalon, pinealon, and bronchogen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu) bind preferentially with deoxyribooligonucleotides containing CNG sequence (CNG sites are targets for cytosine DNA methylation in eukaryotes). Epithalon, testagen, and pinealon seem to preferentially bind with CAG- but bronchogen with CTG-containing sequences. The site-specific interactions of peptides with DNA can control epigenetically the cell genetic functions, and they seem to play an important role in regulation of gene activity even at the earliest stages of life origin and in evolution.

[Epigenetic aspects of peptide regulation of aging]

Endogenous short peptides presented in the cyto- and nucleoplasm, are products of specific proteolysis of nuclear proteins in the proteasome. They are short blocks in sequence of amino acid residues with charged side groups and are characterized by a high local concentration of electrostatic charges of opposite signs. The peptides are capable of complementarily binding to specific short sequences of nucleotides in DNA strands. This binding can significantly reduce the strength of proton bonds in DNA double helix structure and thus stimulate the process of chain separation required for genes transcription and replication. The aging of organisms is always followed by the decrease in methylation of the genome. Age-related decrease in methylation of repeated nucleotide sequences in the genome leads to an increase in site-specific binding of short peptides to DNA. In turn, the binding of peptide inhibits the hydrolysis of demethylated DNA regions by endonucleases. The experimental data on the peptide interaction with methylated DNA point to the participation of oligopeptides in the epigenetic regulation of the ageing.