Exploring the Impact of Different Milling Parameters of Fe/SiO2 Composites on Their Structural and Magnetic Properties

This research focuses on the production process of soft magnetic composites in the form of 3D bulk compacts made from insulated powder particles using different milling parameters, aiming to enhance their magnetic properties and to study an innovative method of the powder surface "smoothing" technique. A structure analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDS, and optical microscopy is also included. We found out that the samples made by the innovative method have lower density values. This can be caused by a more consistent SiO2 insulation layer on highly pure iron powder particles. A correlation between the mechanical smoothing method and better insulation of powder particles can help to provide eco-friendlier solutions for the preparation of soft magnetic composites, such as less usage of reagents and more consistent coverage of powder particles with lower final insulation thickness. The magnetic properties of these compacts are evaluated by coercive field, permeability, and loss measurements. The particle-level smoothing technique in some cases can reduce the value of coercivity up to 20%. For some samples, the ball-to-powder ratio has a bigger impact on magnetic properties than surface treatment, which can be caused by an increased amount of insulation in the SMC compacts.

Influence of domain walls thickness, density and alignment on Barkhausen noise emission in low alloyed steels

This study deals with the characterization of low alloyed steels of different yield strengths (varying in the range of 235-1100 MPa) via Barkhausen noise emission. The study investigates the potential of this technique to distinguish among the low alloyed steels and all significant aspects contributing to Barkhausen noise, such as the residual stress state, microstructure expressed in terms of dislocation density, grain size, prevailing phase, as well as associated aspects of the domain wall substructure (domain wall thickness, energy, their spacing and density in the matrix). Barkhausen noise in the rolling as well as transversal direction grows along with the yield strength (up to 500 MPa) and the corresponding grain refinement of ferrite. As soon as the martensite transformation occurs in a high strength matrix, this evolution saturates, and remarkable magnetic anisotropy is developed when Barkhausen noise in the transversal direction grows at the expense of the rolling direction. The contribution of residual stresses as well as the domain wall thickness is only minor, and the evolution of Barkhausen noise is driven by the density of the domain walls and their realignment.

Impact of the Surface Irregularities of NiFeMo Compacted Powder Particles on Irreversible Magnetization Processes

One specific group of materials with excellent application potential are powder-compacted soft magnetic materials. These materials have been intensively studied by materials scientists to improve their magnetic properties. This work describes the influence of mechanical smoothing applied to Ni80Fe15Mo5 (wt.%) alloy particle surfaces before the process of compaction. The soft magnetic properties of compacted powders prepared from smoothed and non-smoothed particles were investigated using the following measurements: coercive field, permeability, excess loss, and Barkhausen noise analysis. We found that compactions prepared with smoothed powder particles exhibit a lower value of coercivity (4.80 A/m), higher initial (10,850) and maximum relative permeability (27,700), and low-frequency core losses (1.54 J/m³) in comparison with compactions prepared with non-smoothed particles.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of C-Geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa Steud. Fruit

Prenylated or geranylated flavonoids have been studied for their promising antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities. Twelve natural geranylated flavonoids (1-12) were isolated from the fruit of Paulownia tomentosa Steud. Their structures were elucidated using UV and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configurations were determined using NMR and circular dichroism. Seven of the compounds were characterized as new geranylated derivatives isolated from a natural source for the first time, namely 3'-O-methyl-5'-hydroxyisodiplacone (3), paulodiplacone A (5), tomentone II (6), tomentone B (7), tomentodiplacone P (8), paulodiplacone B (9), and tomentoflavone A (12). After 24 h of incubation at concentrations in the range 1-30 μM, the isolated compounds were tested for their antiproliferative and cytotoxic potentials against the human monocytic leukaemia cell line THP-1, using WST-1 and LDH assays, respectively. Almost all of the test compounds induced a concentration-dependent reduction in the metabolic activity of THP-1 cells and a concentration-dependent reduction in the cell viability. Diplacone (1) was the most potent antiproliferative and cytotoxic agent (IC₅₀ 9.31 ± 0.72 μM, LC₅₀ 18.01 ± 1.19 µM). 3'-O-Methyl-5'-hydroxydiplacone (2) showed relatively strong antiproliferative effect (IC₅₀ 12.61 ± 0.90 μM) and weaker cytotoxic activity (LC₅₀ > 30 μM), indicating that it may serve as a potential lead compound for further testing. The structure-activity relationship for the 12 isolated compounds is discussed.

Bioactivity of Methoxylated and Methylated 1-Hydroxynaphthalene-2-Carboxanilides: Comparative Molecular Surface Analysis

A series of twenty-six methoxylated and methylated N-aryl-1-hydroxynaphthalene- 2-carboxanilides was prepared and characterized as potential anti-invasive agents. The molecular structure of N-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxamide as a model compound was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All the analysed compounds were tested against the reference strain Staphylococcus aureus and three clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S.aureus as well as against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. kansasii. In addition, the inhibitory profile of photosynthetic electron transport in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) chloroplasts was specified. In vitro cytotoxicity of the most effective compounds was tested on the human monocytic leukaemia THP-1 cell line. The activities of N-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-, N-(3-fluoro-5-methoxy-phenyl)- and N-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carbox- amide were comparable with or even better than the commonly used standards ampicillin and isoniazid. All promising compounds did not show any cytotoxic effect at the concentration >30 µM. Moreover, an in silico evaluation of clogP features was performed for the entire set of the carboxamides using a range of software lipophilicity predictors, and cross-comparison with the experimentally determined lipophilicity (log k), in consensus lipophilicity estimation, was conducted as well. Principal component analysis was employed to illustrate noticeable variations with respect to the molecular lipophilicity (theoretical/experimental) and rule-of-five violations. Additionally, ligand-oriented studies for the assessment of the three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship profile were carried out with the comparative molecular surface analysis to determine electron and/or steric factors that potentially contribute to the biological activities of the investigated compounds.

Analysis of Physiological Parameters of Desulfovibrio Strains from Individuals with Colitis

Intestinal sulfate-reducing bacteria are often isolated from patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis, and can be involved in the development of gut inflammation. A comparison of the metabolism of intestinal sulfate-reducing bacteria isolated from individuals with colitis and healthy controls using statistical analysis has never been studied and described before. The aim of our research was to evaluate the parameters of dissimilatory sulfate reduction in Desulfovibrio species that were isolated from the feces of healthy objects and individuals with colitis. Principal component analysis indicates that the strains that were isolated from individuals with colitis grouped in the same cluster by biomass accumulation and sulfide production, same as the strains isolated from healthy individuals. Sulfate and lactate consumption measured over time showed negative correlation (Pearson correlations, p<0.01), healthy: -0.760; colitis: -0.770; healthy: -0.828; colitis: -0.847, respectively. The calculated linear regression (R²) was lower in biomass accumulation and hydrogen sulfide production, 0.531; 0.625 respectively. Thus, biomass accumulation and sulfide production, together with measured kinetic parameters play an important factor in bowel inflammation, including ulcerative colitis. Additionally, acetate production can also synergize with H₂S, while sulfate consumption and lactate oxidation likely represent minor factors in bowel disease.

Prenylated phenols with cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity isolated from Morus alba

This review deals with cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of fifty seven prenylated phenols isolated from Morus alba. Prenyl side chain, which can be variously modified, increases lipophilicity of the substances, thereby improving their penetration through biological membranes and thus results in an increased bioavailability. The objective was to describe the relationship between structure of the prenylated phenols and their cytotoxic effect and to clarify various mechanisms by which cytotoxic prenylated phenols induce apoptosis. The conclusions showed that the cytotoxicity of the substances increases with increasing number of the prenyl side chains and ketal groups. Conversely, modification of the prenyl side chain, such as hydroxylation, reduces cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic activity is also influenced by the presence of prenyl and hydroxyl groups at specific positions.

Synthesis and Profiling of a Novel Potent Selective Inhibitor of CHK1 Kinase Possessing Unusual N-trifluoromethylpyrazole Pharmacophore Resistant to Metabolic N-dealkylation

Checkpoint-mediated dependency of tumor cells can be deployed to selectively kill them without substantial toxicity to normal cells. Specifically, loss of CHK1, a serine threonine kinase involved in the surveillance of the G₂-M checkpoint in the presence of replication stress inflicted by DNA-damaging drugs, has been reported to dramatically influence the viability of tumor cells. CHK1's pivotal role in maintaining genomic stability offers attractive opportunity for increasing the selectivity, effectivity, and reduced toxicity of chemotherapy. Some recently identified CHK1 inhibitors entered clinical trials in combination with DNA antimetabolites. Herein, we report synthesis and profiling of MU380, a nontrivial analogue of clinically profiled compound SCH900776 possessing the highly unusual N-trifluoromethylpyrazole motif, which was envisioned not to undergo metabolic oxidative dealkylation and thereby provide greater robustness to the compound. MU380 is a selective and potent inhibitor of CHK1 which sensitizes a variety of tumor cell lines to hydroxyurea or gemcitabine up to 10 times. MU380 shows extended inhibitory effects in cells, and unlike SCH900776, does not undergo in vivo N-dealkylation to the significantly less selective metabolite. Compared with SCH900776, MU380 in combination with GEM causes higher accumulation of DNA damage in tumor cells and subsequent enhanced cell death, and is more efficacious in the A2780 xenograft mouse model. Overall, MU380 represents a novel state-of-the-art CHK1 inhibitor with high potency, selectivity, and improved metabolic robustness to oxidative N-dealkylation. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(9); 1831-42. ©2017 AACR.

The Chemical Composition of Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch and Its Desirable Effects on Hyperglycemia, Inflammatory Mediators and Hypercholesterolemia as Risk Factors for Cardiometabolic Disease

This study was done to identify the content compounds of Achillea wilhelmsii (A. wilhelmsii) and to evaluate its hypoglycemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic activity and effect on inflammatory mediators. The extracts and fractions of A. wilhelmsii were thoroughly analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the total content of phenols and flavonoids was determined. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated in vivo using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The effect upon inflammatory mediators was evaluated in vitro using the human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1). The anti-hypercholesterolemic activity was evaluated in vitro using the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase assay kit. The water extract (WE)-treated group showed the highest reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL). The chloroform fraction (CF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) both showed a significant ability to reduce the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The EAF, however, also attenuated the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). The CF showed the most significant 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibition activity. The five main compounds in the CF were isolated and identified. Out of the five compounds in the CF, 1β,10β-epoxydesacetoxymatricarin (CP1) and leucodin (CP2) showed the highest anti-hypercholesterolemic potential. A molecular docking study provided corresponding results.

Marine natural products: bryostatins in preclinical and clinical studies

CONTEXT

Bryostatins represent an important group of pharmaceutically promising substances. These compounds are produced by commensal microorganisms naturally occurring in marine invertebrates, mainly in bryozoans. The most frequently investigated substance is bryostatin-1, which is a highly oxygenated macrolide with a polyacetate backbone.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to summarize documented preclinical and clinical effects of bryostatin-class compounds.

METHODS

A literature search was made of Medline and Web of Science databases in 2012.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Our review showed that bryostatins are potent agonists of protein kinase C. In addition to this, their significant antineoplastic activity against several tumor types has also been established and described. Bryostatin's anticancer activity has been proved against various cancer types. Moreover, significant results have been achieved by using bryostatin-1 in combination with other therapies, including combination with vaccine testing. Concerning other important properties that bryostatins possess, their ability to sensitize some resistant cells to chemotherapy agents, or immunoactivity and further stimulating growth of new neural connections, and enhancing effect on long-term memory are worth mentioning. In particular, some new bryostatin analogs could represent potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer and other diseases in future.

A comparison of the impact of amaranth flour and squalene on plasma cholesterol in mice with diet-induced dyslipidemia

Amaranth was identified as a possible component of an anti-sclerotic diet. To date, particular substances responsible for this effect have not been exactly specified. Squalene, which is contained in amaranth, could be responsible for this effect. However, there are also other potential substances and the hypolipidemic effect of amaranth can be caused by a synergistic effect of several components. This study investigated and compared the impact of amaranth flour and squalene on the total cholesterol (CHOL(TOT)) and LDL cholesterol (CHOL(LDL)) levels in mice with dyslipidemia induced by a cholesterol- and sugar-rich diet. The experiment included 40 inbred mice (C57Bl/6J SPF). After a 7-days acclimatization period, animals were divided into four groups by random. Individual groups were fed different diets for 49 days: control (group C), high energy diet (group HED), high energy diet with amaranth flour (group HED+A) and high energy diet with squalene (group HED+S). The sugar- and cholesterol-rich diet in HED resulted in the significant increase in the levels of CHOL(TOT) by 125% (P < 0.05) and CHOL(LDL) by 304% (P < 0.05), and at the same time in a decrease of HDL cholesterol (CHOL(HDL)) levels by 58% (P < 0.05) compared to group C. To the contrary, amaranth flour enriched diet in group HED+A led to a decrease of CHOL(TOT) levels by 33% (P < 0.05) and CHOL(LDL) by 37% (P < 0.05), compared to HED. Both, amaranth flour and squalene, had a positive impact on CHOL(HDL) levels. Compared to group HED, there was a 47% increase in HED+A and a 60% increase in HED+S. Results proved the favorable impact of amaranth flour on the levels of total cholesterol CHOL(TOT) and also on CHOL(LDL). Furthermore, the results imply that amaranth flour contains besides squalene other substances, which can actively participate in its hypolipidemic effect.

Investigation of sanguinarine and chelerythrine effects on LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression in THP-1 cell line

Quaternary benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids sanguinarine and chelerythrine have been used in folk medicine for their wide range of useful properties. One of their major effect is also anti-inflammatory activity, that is not clarified in detail. This study focused on the ability of these alkaloids to modulate the gene expression of pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1, also known as CCL-2), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and IL-10. The effect of these alkaloids was compared with that of conventional drug prednisone. Human monocyte-derived macrophages were pre-treated with alkaloids or prednisone and inflammatory reaction was induced by lipopolysaccharide. Changes of gene expression at the transcriptional level of mentioned cytokines were measured. In our study mainly affected pro-inflammatory cytokines were CCL-2 and IL-6. Two hours after LPS stimulation, cells influenced by sanguinarine and chelerythrine significantly declined the CCL-2 expression by a factors of 3.5 (p<0.001) and 1.9 (p<0.01); for those treated with prednisone the factor was 5.3 (p<0.001). Eight hours after LPS induction, both alkaloids significantly diminished the CCL-2 expression. The lower expression was found for sanguinarine--lower by a factor of 4.3 than for cells treated with the vehicle (p<0.001). Two hours after LPS stimulation, cells treated with sanguinarine decreased the IL-6 mRNA level by a factor of 3.9 (p<0.001) compared with cells treated with the vehicle. Chelerythrine decreased the level of IL-6 mRNA by a factor of 1.6 (p<0.001). Sanguinarine decreased gene expression of CCL-2 and IL-6 more than chelerythrine and its effect was quite similar to prednisone. Four hours after LPS stimulation, cells pre-treated with sanguinarine exhibited significantly higher expression (a factor of 1.7, p<0.001) of IL-1RA than cells without sanguinarine treatment. Our results help to clarify possible mechanisms of action of these alkaloids in the course of inflammation.

Geranylated flavanone tomentodiplacone B inhibits proliferation of human monocytic leukaemia (THP-1) cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Paulownia tomentosa is a rich source of geranylated flavanones, some of which we have previously shown to have cytotoxic activity. To identify members of this class of compounds with cytostatic effects, we assessed the effects of the geranylated flavanone tomentodiplacone B (TOM B) on cell cycle progression and cell cycle regulatory pathways of THP-1 human monocytic leukaemia cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Cell viability was measured by dye exclusion and proliferation by WST-1 assays; cell cycle was monitored by flow cytometry. Regulatory proteins were assessed by immunoprecipitation and kinase assays, and Western blotting.

KEY RESULTS

Tomentodiplacone B had no effect during the first 24 h of cell growth at concentrations between 1 and 2.5 µM, but inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 5 µM or higher. Growth inhibition during the first 24 h of exposure to TOM B was not accompanied by cytotoxicity as cells were accumulated in G1 phase dose-dependently. This G1 phase accumulation was associated with down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity and also protein levels of cyclins E1 and A2. However, key stress-related molecules (γ-H2AX, p53 and p21) were not induced, suggesting that TOM B acts by directly inhibiting the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 signalling pathway rather than initiating DNA damage or cellular stress.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our study provides the first evidence that TOM B directly inhibits proliferation of human monocytic leukaemia cells, and thus is a potential anticancer agent, preventing leukaemia cells from progressing from G1 phase into DNA synthesis.

Natural compound cudraflavone B shows promising anti-inflammatory properties in vitro

Cudraflavone B (1) is a prenylated flavonoid found in large amounts in the roots of Morus alba, a plant used as a herbal remedy for its reputed anti-inflammatory properties. The present study shows that this compound causes a significant inhibition of inflammatory mediators in selected in vitro models. Thus, 1 was identified as a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) gene expression and secretion by blocking the translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in macrophages derived from a THP-1 human monocyte cell line. The NF-κB activity reduction resulted in the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene expression. Compound 1 acts as a COX-2 and COX-1 inhibitor with higher selectivity toward COX-2 than indomethacin. Pretreatment of cells by 1 shifted the peak in an regulatory gene zinc-finger protein 36 (ZFP36) expression assay. This natural product has noticeable anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that 1 potentially could be used for development as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug lead.

Cytotoxic activities of several geranyl-substituted flavanones

Nine geranylated flavanones isolated from the fruits of Paulownia tomentosa (4-12) and two from the roots of Morus alba (13 and 14) were examined for cytotoxicity to selected human cancer cell lines and normal human fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity was determined in vitro using a calcein AM cytotoxicity assay. Cytotoxicity for the THP-1 monocytic leukemia cell line was tested using erythrosin B cell staining. The geranylated compounds tested were compared with the known simple flavanone standards taxifolin (1), naringenin (2), and hesperetin (3) and with the standard anticancer drugs olomoucine II, diaziquone, and oxaliplatin and the antineoplastic compound camptothecin, and showed different levels of cytotoxicity. The effects of structural changes on cytotoxic activity, including geranyl substitution of the flavanone skeleton and the oxidation pattern of ring B of the flavanones, are discussed.

[Semisynthetic cellulose derivatives as the base of hydrophilic gel systems]

The field of drug technology widely ulilizes gel systems of high-molecular substances, which have a number of advantages, such as low toxicity, availability, unique physical properties, biocompatibility, mucoadhesivity, and others. Gel systems are used in the field of local as well as general therapy, in both shape-specific and shape-non-specific dosage forms, in medicaments of the first, second, and third generations. An important group of gels employed in pharmacy are hydrophilic gels or hydrogels, most frequently composed of hydrophilic polymers of natural, semisynthetic and synthetic origin. Though cellulose derivatives as the representatives of polymers of semisynthetic origin are used in pharmaceutical technology for a long time, their research continues and their other possible uses are being searched for. Their advantages include especially safety, easy availability, and a relatively low price. The review paper describes selected cellulose derivatives, their properties and uses in pharmaceutical technology with regard to their use in the field of production of gel systems.

[Hemostatic effects of oxidized cellulose]

Oxidized cellulose ranks among nontoxic and biocompatible biopolymers. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) is manufactured from regenerated cellulose derived from wood pulp containing about 50% of cellulose. To obtain purified cellulose, it is necessary to decompose it in a chemical way and subsequently put it together to make "regenerated" cellulose. Thanks to its good hemostatic effects, high biosolubility and biodegradability, antioxidant and wound-healing properties, oxidized cellulose represents a suitable means for the therapy of bleeding conditions in various fields of medicine. In addition, the confirmed bactericidal effects of oxidized cellulose towards a wide spectrum of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens increase the therapeutic potential of this agent for use in clinical practice. At present there is a renewed interest in its wider use in clinical practice and in an improvement of the knowledge of its mechanisms of effects, which are tested in vitro, on animal models as well as in clinical studies. The present paper attempts to summarize the hitherto knowledge of hemostatic properties of oxidized cellulose and also to characterize other possible biological effects.

Determination of serum zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein in patients with metabolic syndrome by a new ELISA

OBJECTIVES

To develop an assay for the determination of ZAG in human serum, and to investigate its clinical relevance as a marker of metabolic syndrome.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A new sandwich ELISA was introduced and clinically tested.

RESULTS

ZAG serum level did not differentiate healthy subjects (27.4+/-8.3 mg/L; N=132) from patients with metabolic syndrome (24.9+/-8.1; N=92). ZAG correlated with glucose, creatinine and uric acid.

CONCLUSION

The immunoassay offers a new research tool for glucose metabolism.

[Healthy persons versus patients with diabetes mellitus type 2--choosen parameters in serum and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue]

Endocrinal products of adipocytes (PPARgamma, A-FABP, E-FABP, leptin, adiponectin and others) modulate insulin tissue sensitivity enabling them to participate in the ethiopathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2T). Persons with DM2T are characterised by typical changes in lipid spectrum (lower HDL-cholesterol and higherTAG) and in the endocrinal function of subcutaneous adipose tissue; adipocytes produce more PPARgamma, A-FABP and E-FABP and less adiponectin.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To measure chosen markers of metabolic syndrome (MS) in serum and in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in healthy persons and patients with DMT2, to determine basic statistical characteristics of investigated parameters and to discus their role in the genesis and progress of the MS.

METHODS

Samples of blood and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue were collected from each participant (healthy: 7 men and 8 women; diabetics: 18 men, 11 women) to investigate the levels of HDL, TAG, insulin, C-peptide, glycaemia and the concentrations of A-FABP, E-FABP, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, PPARgamma and TNFalpha.

RESULTS

In most cases the average concentration of investigated parameters in serum was higher in persons with DM 2 regardless of gender. Lower values were only found for HDL and adiponectin. The same situation prevailed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Values of most other parameters (A-FABP, E-FABP, and PPARgamma) were also higher in patients. The values of measured parameters not only differed in healthy and in sick persons but depended on gender. The increase/decrease in concrete parameters was greater in diabetic women than diabetic men.

CONCLUSION

Higher concentrations of A-FABP, E-FABP in serum and in subcutaneous adipose tissue in diabetic persons also higher concentrations of PPARgamma in subcutaneous adipose tissue suggest that these investigated parameters are closely associated with obesity and MS. We can assume that in the near future these parameters will be used in clinical work for diagnosis of this syndrome.

[A comparison of inhalatory beta2-mimetics with long-term action (formoterol vs. salmeterol)]

Asthma is a serious global health problem. People of all age groups in all countries of the world suffer from this chronic disease of the respiratory tract, which may have a very serious and sometimes fatal course. Most beta2-mimetics with a rapid onset of effect act for 4 to 6 hours. Inhalatory beta2-mimetics with long-term action (LABA), formoterol and salmeterol, possess a period of action longer than 12 hours. Formoterol and salmeterol represent great progress in asthma management, particularly in combination with inhalatory corticosteroids (IKS). Their effective bronchodilatory properties and long-term improvement of pulmonary functions are a great clinical contribution for the patients. Both formoterol and salmeterol are strong and effective beta2-agonists, but their different chemical structures produce different pharmacological properties. Due to the fact that the onset of the effect of salmeterol is slower, it should not be used to treat acute symptoms or quickly deteriorating asthma. Formoterol exerts a rapid onset of the effect and high internal activity, thanks to which it can be used for relieving treatment. The present paper aims to characterize and compare the properties of long-term acting beta2-mimetics, with detailed focus on their two representatives, formoterol and salmeterol.

[Prophylactic administration of homoisoflavonoid in ischemic-reperfusion damage of the renal tissue in the laboratory rat]

The study aimed to examine the antioxidizing effect of homoisoflavonoid in prophylactic administration under the conditions of renal ischemia-reperfusion in the laboratory rat. The pathological model for the in vivo experiment was unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion of the laboratory rat. The animals were randomized into 5 groups. Homoisoflavonoid was administered to treated groups orally in doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg once a day in 0.5% Avicel solution. The placebo group received Avicel only, and the intact group was without medication and intervention. On day 15 of the experiment, renal tissue ischemia/reperfusion (60/10 mins) was induced in the treated and placebo groups. Then the animals were exsanguinated, biochemical parameters in the blood (superoxidismutase, glutathionperoxidase, total antioxidizing capacity and malondialdehyde) were assayed, and renal samples were withdrawn for histopathological examination. A biochemical examination demonstrated a dependence of the effect of homoisoflavonoid on the dose administered. An obvious effect was demonstrated in the values of GSHPx, AOC, and MDA. On the other hand, a negative dependence was found between the dose of administered homoisoflavonoid and SOD and GSHPx values. The results of biochemical examination correlate with the histopathological pictures of the renal tissue and support the assumption about a protective effect of homoisoflavonoid under the conditions of artificially induced pathological state--renal tissue ischemia-reperfusion.

[Biological effects of resveratrol and other constituents of wine]

In recent years many scientific papers have been published concerning the positive effects of wine and its active principles, the polyphenol resveratrol being the most widely discussed compound. The results of epidemiological and experimental studies in man, animals, and in vitro have shown that polyphenols contained in wine, tea, fruit, and vegetables exert a positive effect on both the progression and regression of atherosclerosis, possess an anticancerogenic action, and due to their antioxidative effects they act against other processes connected with the reactive forms of oxygen production and lipid peroxydation in the blood plasma and membranes. Experimental findings have shown that resveratrol protects the cardiovascular system, affects lipid metabolism, and inhibits low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation and blood platelet aggregation. In addition, this natural product is able to inhibit the growth of some tumours and possesses antiinflammatory properties and a number of other biological effects. This report aims to describe and characterize in a summary the biological properties of the principal active principles of wine--flavonoids and polyphenols, with a detailed focus on resveratrol, which has been described as the most interesting agent.

[Prednicarbate and cetirizin dihydrochloride in the treatment of atopic eczema in the acute phase in children]

The aim of the study was to monitor the impact of local application of prednicarbat (Dermatop, Hoechst-Biotika) and oral administration of cetirizin (Zyrtec, UCB) on the development of the acute stage of atopic eczema (AE) or acute exacerbation of the chronic form of AE in two groups of patients. Effectiveness and safety of both preparations were being evaluated in 80 children undergoing an outpatient treatment. In the first group, only prednicarbat cream was applied to affected places twice a day for a maximum of 10 days, while in the other group also cetirizin was administered once a day in a dosage according to the patient's age. On the treated places, erythema, infiltrate and excoriation were evaluated with respect to the intensity of manifestation. The results of the study show favourable effects of both preparations on AE development, already during the first days of the therapy. In both groups there was a complete remission of the monitored symptoms in more than 80 per cent of the patients. There was no deterioration of the disease in any patient, and no cases of adverse reactions were registered.

[Experimental study of resveratrol and flavonoids in red wine with regard to their possible hypolipemic effects]

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilben) is a polyphenol (phytoalexin) naturally found in wine and different therapeutic plants. It is a substance with an antioxidant and estrogenic effect and the ability to inhibit the growth of some tumours. Some studies mention its possible antiaggregation, neuroprotective and antiallergic effect. In the submitted pilot study the authors investigated the effect of resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) on serum lipid levels, in particular total cholesterol and liver enzymes in the laboratory rat. In the experiments healthy animals were used (fed a standard diet) as well as hypercholesterolemic animals (fed a special sugar diet) and treated animals. The investigated parameters were total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, aminotransferase aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The conclusions of the investigation indicate that resveratrol and flavonoids (anthocyanins, catechins) found in red wine significantly reduce the total cholesterol level in the hypercholesterolemic rat. The resultant effect of resveratrol and flavonoids on liver enzymes in our experiment is not unequivocal.