Phenols and GABAA receptors: from structure and molecular mechanisms action to neuropsychiatric sequelae

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are members of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) family, which are widespread throughout the invertebrate and vertebrate central nervous system. GABAARs are engaged in short-term changes of the neuronal concentrations of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3 -) ions by their passive permeability through the ion channel pore. GABAARs are regulated by various structurally diverse phenolic substances ranging from simple phenols to complex polyphenols. The wide chemical and structural variability of phenols suggest similar and different binding sites on GABAARs, allowing them to manifest themselves as activators, inhibitors, or allosteric ligands of GABAAR function. Interest in phenols is associated with their great potential for GABAAR modulation, but also with their subsequent negative or positive role in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on the GABAergic deficit hypotheses during neurological and psychiatric disorders induced by various phenols. We summarize the structure-activity relationship of general phenol groups concerning their differential roles in the manifestation of neuropsychiatric symptoms. We describe and analyze the role of GABAAR subunits in manifesting various neuropathologies and the molecular mechanisms underlying their modulation by phenols. Finally, we discuss how phenol drugs can modulate GABAAR activity via desensitization and resensitization. We also demonstrate a novel pharmacological approach to treat neuropsychiatric disorders via regulation of receptor phosphorylation/dephosphorylation.

Age-Related Features of the Early Period of Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy in Rats

Regenerative processes in the liver were studied in 3-month-old (young) and 9-month-old (aged) male Wistar rats on day 1 after 30 and 70% hepatectomy. Regardless of the resected liver volume, shifts in the biochemical parameters of the serum in aged rats were more pronounced than in young animals. After 30% hepatectomy, no age differences in the rate of hepatic regeneration were found, while after 70% liver resection this parameter was higher in young rats. Hepatectomy in young rats led to recruitment of MSC, hepatocyte precursors, endothelial and epithelial progenitor cells into the liver parenchyma and increased fluidity of the plasma and mitochondrial membranes of hepatocytes. In aged rats, the recruitment of MSC, hepatocyte precursors, and endothelial progenitor cells into the injured liver was impaired and the rigidity of the mitochondrial membranes of hepatocytes increased.

Various LncRNA Mechanisms in Gene Regulation Involving miRNAs or RNA-Binding Proteins in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Main Signaling Pathways and Networks

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial players in the pathogenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A competing binding of lncRNAs and mRNAs with microRNAs (miRNAs) is one of the most common mechanisms of gene regulation by lncRNAs in NSCLC, which has been extensively researched in the last two decades. However, alternative mechanisms that do not depend on miRNAs have also been reported. Among them, the most intriguing mechanism is mediated by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) such as IGF2BP1/2/3, YTHDF1, HuR, and FBL, which increase the stability of target mRNAs. IGF2BP2 and YTHDF1 may also be involved in m6A modification of lncRNAs or target mRNAs. Some lncRNAs, such as DLGAP1-AS2, MALAT1, MNX1-AS1, and SNHG12, are involved in several mechanisms depending on the target: lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactome and through RBP. The target protein sets selected here were then analyzed using the DAVID database to identify the pathways overrepresented by KEGG, Wikipathways, and the Reactome pathway. Using the STRING website, we assessed interactions between the target proteins and built networks. Our analysis revealed that the JAK-STAT and Hippo signaling pathways, cytokine pathways, the VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway, mechanisms of cell cycle regulation, and neovascularization are the most relevant to the effect of lncRNA on NSCLC.

The Role of Cancer and Somatic Stem Cells in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Effects of Aconitum baicalense Extract on Experimental Breast Cancer

We studied the effects of the extract of the terrestrial part of Aconitum baicalense in BALB/c female mice at the early stages after the injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). The extract reduced inflammatory activity and tumor growth in the mammary gland. The antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract are based on the inhibition of cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and hematopoietic progenitor cells that promote inflammation. The extract of A. baicalense disrupted the recruitment of epithelial progenitor cells and angiogenesis precursors to the mammary gland preventing neovascularization and transformation of epithelial cells into tumor cells.

Effects of Age and Suntan on the Expression of Second Messenger Signaling Pathways of Necroptosis in Skin Cells during Facelifting Surgery

We studied the effects of age and suntan on the expression of necroptosis signaling molecules (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL kinases) and first TNF receptor (TNFR1) in isolated skin cells from women undergoing facelift surgery. In women above 50 years, the expression of the TNFR1, kinases RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL, the phosphorylated forms of these kinases was significantly (p<0.05) increased in comparison with the corresponding parameters in women under 30 years. The expression of all necroptosis proteins and TNFR1 in women with suntan was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in those without tan. Cells from the surgical material were incubated with TNFα to determine the level of induced necroptosis. In women aged >50 years and women with suntan, the expression of phosphorylated forms of kinases was significantly increased, which attested to necroptosis activation. This study allowed identifying the targets on skin cells for prevention of necrosis and inflammation after facelift surgery.

Zinc Inhibits the GABAAR/ATPase during Postnatal Rat Development: The Role of Cysteine Residue

Zinc ions (Zn²⁺) are concentrated in various brain regions and can act as a neuromodulator, targeting a wide spectrum of postsynaptic receptors and enzymes. Zn²⁺ inhibits the GABA_ARs, and its potency is profoundly affected by the subunit composition and neuronal developmental stage. Although the extracellular amino acid residues of the receptor's hetero-oligomeric structure are preferred for Zn²⁺ binding, there are intracellular sites that, in principle, could coordinate its potency. However, their role in modulating the receptor function during postembryonic development remains unclear. The GABA_AR possesses an intracellular ATPase that enables the energy-dependent anion transport via a pore. Here, we propose a mechanistic and molecular basis for the inhibition of intracellular GABA_AR/ATPase function by Zn²⁺ in neonatal and adult rats. The enzymes within the scope of GABA_AR performance as Cl^-ATPase and then as Cl^-, HCO₃^-ATPase form during the first week of postnatal rat development. In addition, we have shown that the Cl^-ATPase form belongs to the β1 subunit, whereas the β3 subunit preferably possesses the Cl^-, HCO₃^-ATPase activity. We demonstrated that a Zn²⁺ with variable efficacy inhibits the GABA_AR as well as the ATPase activities of immature or mature neurons. Using fluorescence recording in the cortical synaptoneurosomes (SNs), we showed a competitive association between Zn²⁺ and NEM in parallel changes both in the ATPase activity and the GABA_AR-mediated Cl^- and HCO₃^- fluxes. Finally, by site-directed mutagenesis, we identified in the M3 domain of β subunits the cysteine residue (C313) that is essential for the manifestation of Zn²⁺ potency.

Analysis of Circulating Tumor and Cancer Stem Cells Provides New Opportunities in Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Current methods for diagnosis and treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) have only a modest efficacy. In this pilot study, we analyzed circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in patients with SCLC to search for new diagnostic and prognostic markers and novel approaches to improve the treatment of the disease. In other forms of lung cancer, we showed a heterogeneity of blood CTCs and CSCs populations, as well as changes in other cell populations (ALDH⁺, CD87⁺CD276⁺, and EGF⁺Axl⁺) in smokers. A number of CTCs and CSCs in patients with SCLC have been shown to be resistant to chemotherapy (CT). High cytotoxic activity and resistance to apoptosis of reprogrammed CD3⁺CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes (rTcells) in relation to naive CD3⁺CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes was demonstrated in a smoking patient with SCLC (Patient G) in vitro. The target for rTcells was patient G’s blood CSCs. Reprogramming of CD3⁺CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes was carried out with the MEK1/2 inhibitor and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blocker nivolumab. The training procedure was performed with a suspension of dead CTCs and CSCs obtained from patient’s G blood. The presented data show a new avenue for personalized SCLC diagnosis and targeted improvement of chemotherapy based on the use of both CTCs and CSCs.

Reprogrammed CD8+ T-Lymphocytes Isolated from Bone Marrow Have Anticancer Potential in Lung Cancer

CD8⁺ T-lymphocytes play a key role in antitumor immune response. Patients with lung cancer often suffer from T-lymphocyte dysfunction and low T-cell counts. The exhaustion of effector T-lymphocytes largely limits the effectiveness of therapy. In this study, reprogrammed T-lymphocytes used MEK inhibitors and PD-1 blockers to increase their antitumor activity. Antitumor effects of reprogrammed T-lymphocytes were shown in vitro and in vivo in the Lewis lung carcinoma model. The population of T- lymphocytes with persistent expression of CCR7 was formed as a result of reprogramming. Reprogrammed T-lymphocytes were resistant to apoptosis and characterized by high cytotoxicity against Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in vitro. Administration of reprogrammed T-lymphocytes to C57BL/6 mice with LLC reduced the number of lung metastases. The antitumor effect resulted from the elimination of tumor cells and cancer stem cells, and the effect of therapy on cytotoxic T-lymphocyte counts. Thus, reprogramming of T-lymphocytes using MEK inhibitors is a promising approach for targeted therapy of lung cancer.

Physiological Role of ATPase for GABAA Receptor Resensitization

γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA_ARs) mediate primarily inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Following fast-paced activation, which provides the selective flow of mainly chloride (Cl⁻) and less bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) ions via the pore, these receptors undergo desensitization that is paradoxically prevented by the process of their recovery, referred to as resensitization. To clarify the mechanism of resensitization, we used the cortical synaptoneurosomes from the rat brain and HEK 293FT cells. Here, we describe the effect of γ-phosphate analogues (γPAs) that mimic various states of ATP hydrolysis on GABA_AR-mediated Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ fluxes in response to the first and repeated application of the agonist. We found that depending on the presence of bicarbonate, opened and desensitized states of the wild or chimeric GABA_ARs had different sensitivities to γPAs. This study presents the evidence that recovery of neuronal Cl⁻ and HCO₃⁻ concentrations after desensitization is accompanied by a change in the intracellular ATP concentration via ATPase performance. The transition between the desensitization and resensitization states was linked to changes in both conformation and phosphorylation. In addition, the chimeric β3 isoform did not exhibit the desensitization of the GABA_AR-mediated Cl⁻ influx but only the resensitization. These observations lend a new physiological significance to the β3 subunit in the manifestation of GABA_AR resensitization.

Severe types of fetopathy are associated with changes in the serological proteome of diabetic mothers

ABSTRACT

Pregestational or gestational diabetes are the main risk factors for diabetic fetopathy. There are no generalized signs of fetopathy before the late gestational age due to insufficient sensitivity of currently employed instrumental methods. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated several types of severe diabetic fetopathy (cardiomyopathy, central nervous system defects, and hepatomegaly) established in type 2 diabetic mothers during 30 to 35 gestational weeks and confirmed upon delivery. We examined peripheral blood plasma and determined a small proportion of proteins strongly associated with a specific type of fetopathy or anatomical malfunction. Most of the examined markers participate in critical processes at different stages of embryogenesis and regulate various phases of morphogenesis. Alterations in CDCL5 had a significant impact on mRNA splicing and DNA repair. Patients with central nervous system defects were characterized by the greatest depletion (ca. 7% of the basal level) of DFP3, a neurotrophic factor needed for the proper specialization of oligodendrocytes. Dysregulation of noncanonical wingless-related integration site signaling pathway (Wnt) signaling guided by pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 (DAAM2) was also profound. In addition, deficiency in retinoic acid and thyroxine transport was exhibited by the dramatic increase of transthyretin (TTHY). The molecular interplay between the identified serological markers leads to pathologies in fetal development on the background of a diabetic condition. These warning serological markers can be quantitatively examined, and their profile may reflect different severe types of diabetic fetopathy, producing a beneficial effect on the current standard care for pregnant women and infants.

Proteomic and electron microscopy study of myogenic differentiation of alveolar mucosa multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in three-dimensional culture

Myocyte differentiation is featured by adaptation processes, including mitochondria repopulation and cytoskeleton re-organization. The difference between monolayer and spheroid cultured cells at the proteomic level is uncertain. We cultivated alveolar mucosa multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in spheroids in a myogenic way for the proper conditioning of ECM architecture and cell morphology, which induced spontaneous myogenic differentiation of cells within spheroids. Electron microscopy analysis was used for the morphometry of mitochondria biogenesis, and proteomic was used complementary to unveil events underlying differences between two-dimensional/three-dimensional myoblasts differentiation. The prevalence of elongated mitochondria with an average area of 0.097 μm² was attributed to monolayer cells 7 days after the passage. The population of small mitochondria with a round shape and area of 0.049 μm² (p < 0.05) was observed in spheroid cells cultured under three-dimensional conditions. Cells in spheroids were quantitatively enriched in proteins of mitochondria biogenesis (DNM1L, IDH2, SSBP1), respiratory chain (ACO2, ATP5I, COX5A), extracellular proteins (COL12A1, COL6A1, COL6A2), and cytoskeleton (MYL6, MYL12B, MYH10). Most of the Rab-related transducers were inhibited in spheroid culture. The proteomic assay demonstrated delicate mechanisms of mitochondria autophagy and repopulation, cytoskeleton assembling, and biogenesis. Differences in the ultrastructure of mitochondria indicate active biogenesis under three-dimensional conditions.

Cancer Stem Cells and Somatic Stem Cells as Potential New Drug Targets, Prognosis Markers, and Therapy Efficacy Predictors in Breast Cancer Treatment

New drug targets, markers of disease prognosis, and more efficient treatment options are an unmet clinical need in breast cancer (BC). We have conducted a pilot study including patients with luminal B stage breast cancer IIA–IIIB. The presence and frequency of various populations of cancer stem cells (CSC) and somatic stem cells were assessed in the blood, breast tumor tissue, and normal breast tissue. Our results suggest that patients with BC can be divided into two distinct groups based on the frequency of aldehyde dehydrogenase positive cells (ALDH1⁺ cells) in the blood (ALDH1^hi and ALDH1^low). In the ALDH1^hi cells group, the tumor is dominated by epithelial tumor cells CD44⁺CD24^low, CD326⁺CD44⁺CD24⁻, and CD326⁻CD49f⁺, while in the ALDH1^low cells group, CSCs of mesenchymal origin and epithelial tumor cells (CD227⁺CD44⁺CD24⁻ and CD44⁺CD24⁻CD49f⁺) are predominant. In vitro CSCs of the ALDH1^low cells group expressing CD326 showed high resistance to cytostatics, CD227⁺ CSCs of the ALDH1^hi cells group are sensitive to cytostatics. Epithelial precursors of a healthy mammary gland were revealed in normal breast tissue of patients with BC from both groups. The cells were associated with a positive effect of chemotherapy and remission in BC patients. Thus, dynamic control of their presence in blood and assessment of the sensitivity of CSCs to cytostatics in vitro can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in BC.

Protective Effects of PGC-1α Activators on Ischemic Stroke in a Rat Model of Photochemically Induced Thrombosis

The pharmacological induction and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), a key regulator of ischemic brain tolerance, is a promising direction in neuroprotective therapy. Pharmacological agents with known abilities to modulate cerebral PGC-1α are scarce. This study focused on the potential PGC-1α-modulating activity of Mexidol (2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine succinate) and Semax (ACTH(4-7) analog) in a rat model of photochemical-induced thrombosis (PT) in the prefrontal cortex. Mexidol (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and Semax (25 μg/kg) was administered intranasally, for 7 days each. The expression of PGC-1α and PGC-1α-dependent protein markers of mitochondriogenesis, angiogenesis, and synaptogenesis was measured in the penumbra via immunoblotting at Days 1, 3, 7, and 21 after PT. The nuclear content of PGC-1α was measured immunohistochemically. The suppression of PGC-1α expression was observed in the penumbra from 24 h to 21 days following PT and reflected decreases in both the number of neurons and PGC-1α expression in individual neurons. Administration of Mexidol or Semax was associated with preservation of the neuron number and neuronal expression of PGC-1α, stimulation of the nuclear translocation of PGC-1α, and increased contents of protein markers for PGC-1α activation. This study opens new prospects for the pharmacological modulation of PGC-1α in the ischemic brain.

[Comparative Analysis of MPTP Neurotoxicity in Mice with a Constitutive Knockout of the α-Synuclein Gene]

Aggregated forms of α-synuclein are core components of pathohistological inclusions known as Lewy bodies in substantia nigra (SN) neurons of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The role of α-synuclein in selective loss of SN dopaminergic neurons (DNs) in PD is studied in mice knocked out in the α-synuclein gene. The new mouse strain delta flox KO with a constitutive knockout of the α-synuclein gene models the end point of in vivo deletion of the α-synuclein gene in mice with a conditional knockout and has no foreign sequence in the modified genomic locus, thus differing from all other α-synuclein knockout mouse strains. The effect of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which is used to model PD, was compared between delta flox KO mice and mice of the well-known α-synuclein knockout strain AbKO. Subchronic MPTP administration, which models early PD, was found to reduce the dopamine content and to change the ratio of dopamine metabolites in the striatum to the same levels in delta flox KO, АbKO, and wild-type mice. Overt locomotor defects were not observed after MPTP treatment, but gait testing in a CatWalk XT (Noldus) system revealed identical gait deviations in mice of the two strains and control wild-type mice. Based on the findings, a similar mechanism of neurotoxic damage to DNs was assumed for delta flox KO and AbKO mice.

Molecular pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy with antenatal complications

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a daunting problem accompanied by severe fetal development complications and type 2 diabetes mellitus in postpartum. Diagnosis of diabetic conditions occurs only in the second trimester, while associated antenatal complications are typically revealed even later. We acquired an assay of peripheral and cord blood samples of patients with different types of diabetes mellitus who delivered either healthy newborns or associated with fetopathy complications. Obtained data were handled with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Pathways of molecular events involved in diabetes mellitus and fetopathy were reconstructed based on the discovered markers and their quantitative alteration. Plenty of pathways were integrated to differentiate the type of diabetes and to recognize the impact of the diabetic condition on fetal development. The impaired triglycerides transport, glucose uptake, and consequent insulin resistance are mostly affected by faulted lipid metabolism (APOM, APOD, APOH, APOC1) and encouraged by oxidative stress (CP, TF, ORM2) and inflammation (CFH, CFB, CLU) as a secondary response accompanied by changes in matrix architecture (AFM, FBLN1, AMBP). Alterations in proteomes of peripheral and cord blood were expectedly unequal. Both up- and downregulated markers were accommodated in the cast of molecular events interconnected with the lipid metabolism, RXR/PPAR-signaling pathway, and extracellular architecture modulation. The obtained results congregate numerous biological processes to molecular events that underline diabetes during gestation and uncover some critical aspects affecting fetal growth and development.

Increased Expression of the Multimerin-1 Gene in α-Synuclein Knokout Mice

Multimerin-1 (Mmrn-1) is a soluble protein, also known as elastin microfibril interfacer 4 (EMILIN-4), found in platelets and in the endothelium of blood vessels. Its function and role in pathology are still not fully understood. Genetic modifications in alpha-synuclein gene (Snca) locus that mapped 160 Kb apart from Mmrn-1 in mouse genome, could weigh with regulatory elements of Mmrn-1 gene. We have studied the Mmrn-1 expression in brain cortex of three mouse lines with Snca knock-out: B6(Cg)-Snca^tm1.2Vlb/J, B6;129-Snca^tm1Sud/J, and B6;129X1-Snca^tm1Rosl/J. The 35-fold increase for Mmrn-1 mRNA level have been found in B6;129X1-Snca^tm1Rosl/J mice that carry in their genome foreign sequences including bacterial gene neo and a strong promoter of a mouse phosphoglycerate kinase (Pgk1) oriented towards Mmrn-1 gene. This effect on regulatory elements of Mmrn-1 gene as a result of modifications in Snca locus should be taken into consideration when using B6;129X1-Snca^tm1Rosl/J line, that is widely applied for study of neurodegeneration mechanisms.

Ectopic GABAA receptor β3 subunit determines Cl- / HCO 3 - -ATPase and chloride transport in HEK 293FT cells

Neuronal intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl^- ]_i ) is a crucial determinant of transmission mediated by the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA_A R), which subserves synaptic and extrasynaptic inhibition as well as excitation. The Cl^- ion is the main carrier of charge through the GABA_A R; however, bicarbonate ions ( HCO 3 - ) flowing in the opposite direction can also contribute to the net current. The direction of Cl^- and HCO 3 - fluxes is determined by the underlying electrochemical gradient, which is controlled by Cl^- transporters and channels. Accumulating evidence suggests that active mechanisms of chloride transport across the GABA_A R pore can underlie the regulation of [Cl^- ]_i . Measurement of Cl^- / HCO 3 - -ATPase activity and Cl^- transport in HEK 293FT cells expressing homomeric or heteromeric GABA_A R ensembles (α2, β3, or γ2) with fluorescent dye for chloride demonstrated that receptor subtypes containing the β3 subunit show enzymatic activity and participate in GABA-mediated or ATP-dependent Cl^- transport. GABA-mediated flow of Cl^- ions into and out of the cells occurred for a short time period but then rapidly declined. However, Cl^- ion flux was stabilized for a long time period in the presence of HCO 3 - ions. The reconstituted β3 subunit isoform, purified as a fusion protein, confirmed that β3 is critical for ATPase; however, only the triplet variant showed the full receptor function. The high sensitivity of the enzyme to γ-phosphate inhibitors led us to postulate that the β3 subunit is catalytic. Our discovery of a GABA_A R type that requires ATP consumption for chloride movement provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of inhibitory signaling.

Human Melanocyte-Derived Spheroids: A Precise Test System for Drug Screening and a Multicellular Unit for Tissue Engineering

Pigmentation is the result of melanin synthesis, which takes place in melanocytes, and its further distribution. A dysregulation in melanocytes' functionality can result in the loss of pigmentation, the appearance of pigment spots and melanoma development. Tissue engineering and the screening of new skin-lightening drugs require the development of simple and reproducible in vitro models with maintained functional activity. The aim of the study was to obtain and characterize spheroids from normal human melanocytes as a three-dimensional multicellular structure and as a test system for skin-lightening drug screening. Melanocytes are known to lose their ability to synthesize melanin in monolayer culture. When transferred under non-adhesive conditions in agarose multi-well plates, melanocytes aggregated and formed spheroids. As a result, the amount of melanin elevated almost two times within seven days. MelanoDerm™ (MatTek) skin equivalents were used as a comparison system. Cells in spheroids expressed transcription factors that regulate melanogenesis: MITF and Sox10, the marker of developed melanosomes-gp100, as well as tyrosinase (TYR)-the melanogenesis enzyme and melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R)-the main receptor regulating melanin synthesis. Expression was maintained during 3D culturing. Thus, it can be stated that spheroids maintain melanocytes' functional activity compared to that in the multi-layered MelanoDerm™ skin equivalents. Culturing both spheroids and MelanoDerm™ for seven days in the presence of the skin-lightening agent fucoxanthin resulted in a more significant lowering of melanin levels in spheroids. Significant down-regulation of gp100, MITF, and Sox10 transcription factors, as well as 10-fold down-regulation of TYR expression, was observed in spheroids by day 7 in the presence of fucoxanthin, thus inhibiting the maturation of melanosomes and the synthesis of melanin. MelanoDerm™ samples were characterized by significant down-regulation of only MITF, Sox10 indicating that spheroids formed a more sensitive system allowed for quantitative assays. Collectively, these data illustrate that normal melanocytes can assemble themselves into spheroids-the viable structures that are able to accumulate melanin and maintain the initial functional activity of melanocytes. These spheroids can be used as a more affordable and easy-to-use test system than commercial skin equivalents for drug screening.

Association of Proteins Modulating Immune Response and Insulin Clearance During Gestation with Antenatal Complications in Patients with Gestational or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The purpose of the study is to establish and quantitatively assess protein markers and their combination in association with insulin uptake that may be have value for early prospective recognition of diabetic fetopathy (DF) as a complication in patients with diabetes mellitus during gestation. Methods: Proteomic surveying and accurate quantitative measurement of selected proteins from plasma samples collected from the patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who gave birth of either healthy or affected by maternal diabetes newborns was performed using mass spectrometry. Results: We determined and quantitatively measured several proteins, including CRP, CEACAM1, CNDP1 and Ig-family that were significantly differed in patients that gave birth of newborns with signs of DF. We found that patients with newborns associated with DF are characterized by significantly decreased CEACAM1 (113.18 ± 16.23 ng/mL and 81.09 ± 10.54 ng/mL in GDM and T2DM, p < 0.005) in contrast to control group (515.6 ± 72.14 ng/mL, p < 0.005). On the contrary, the concentration of CNDP1 was increased in DF-associated groups and attained 49.3 ± 5.18 ng/mL and 37.7 ± 3.34 ng/mL (p < 0.005) in GDM and T2DM groups, respectively. Among other proteins, dramatically decreased concentration of IgG4 and IgA2 subclasses of immunoglobulins were noticed. Conclusion: The combination of the measured markers may assist (AUC = 0.893 (CI 95%, 0.785–0.980) in establishing the clinical finding of the developing DF especially in patients with GDM who are at the highest risk of chronic insulin resistance.

Molecular Mechanisms in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Role of miRNAs and Hypermethylated miRNA Genes in Crucial Oncogenic Pathways and Processes

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the third most common urological cancer, and it has the highest mortality rate. The increasing drug resistance of metastatic ccRCC has resulted in the search for new biomarkers. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, such as genome-wide DNA methylation and inhibition of protein translation by interaction of microRNA (miRNA) with its target messenger RNA (mRNA), are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of human cancers, including ccRCC, and may be used in its diagnosis and prognosis. Here, we review oncogenic and oncosuppressive miRNAs, their putative target genes, and the crucial pathways they are involved in. The contradictory behavior of a number of miRNAs, such as suppressive and anti-metastatic miRNAs with oncogenic potential (for example, miR-99a, miR-106a, miR-125b, miR-144, miR-203, miR-378), is examined. miRNAs that contribute mostly to important pathways and processes in ccRCC, for instance, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt-β, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, are discussed in detail. We also separately consider their participation in crucial oncogenic processes, such as hypoxia and angiogenesis, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The review also considers the interactions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and miRNAs of significance in ccRCC. Recent advances in the understanding of the role of hypermethylated miRNA genes in ccRCC and their usefulness as biomarkers are reviewed based on our own data and those available in the literature. Finally, new data and perspectives concerning the clinical applications of miRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of ccRCC are discussed.

Involvement of brain GABAAR-coupled Cl-/HCO3--ATPase in phenol-induced the head-twitching and tremor responses in rats

Phenol-induced neurotoxicity manifests as twitching/tremor and convulsions, but its molecular mechanisms underlying the behavioral responses remain unclear. We assessed the role of the brain Cl^-/HCO₃^--ATPase in behavioral responses in rats following an in vivo intraperitoneal injection of phenol (20-160 mg/kg). Low concentrations of phenol (20-80 mg/kg) increased the ATPase activity as well as the head twitching responses in rat, whereas higher phenol concentrations (>60 mg/kg) increased the tremor but reduced the ATPase activity. At phenol concentrations >120 mg/kg, no ATPase activity was detected. Phenobarbital (10 mg/kg) and picrotoxin (1 mg/kg) as well as o-vanadate (2 mg/kg), significantly prevented (˜55-70%) the phenol-induced change in the behavioral responses and completely restored the enzyme activity. In vitro experiments confirmed that phenol stimulated the Cl^-/HCO₃^--ATPase activity at low concentrations, but had no stimulating effect on other transport ATPases. Low doses of phenol increased the formation of phosphoprotein and the rate of ATP-consuming Cl^- transport by the reconstituted enzyme. The present findings provide evidence that phenol-induced neurotoxicity involves the Cl^-/HCO₃^--ATPase in the behavioral responses in mammals and indicate the potential benefit of this enzyme as a target for the treatment of head twitching and other types of tremor diseases.

[Cellular Model Based on Laser Microsurgery of Cell Spheroids to Study the Repair Process]

In this study, modern techniques of laser microsurgery of cell spheroids have been used to develop a new simple, reproducible model for studying the mechanisms of repair and regeneration in vitro. Nanosecond laser pulses were applied to perform a microdissection of the outer and the inner zones of the spheroids from dermal fibroblasts. To achieve effective dissection and preservation of spheroid viability, the optimal parameters were chosen: 355 nm wavelength, 100 Hz frequency, 2 ns pulse duration, laser pulses in the range of 7–9 μ J. After microdissection, we observed injury of the spheroids : the edges of the wound surface opened and the angular opening reached a value of more than 180°. As early as during the first hour after spheroid microdissection with laser radiation, the surviving cells changed their shape: cells on the spheroid surface and directly in the damaged area became rounded. One day after microdissection, the structure of the spheroids began to partially recover, the cells in the surface layers began to take the original flattened shape; debris of dead damaged cells and their fragments was gradually cleared from the spheroid composition. In the proposed model, the first data on stimulation of structure recovery of injured spheroids from dermal fibroblasts with a P199 synthetic polypeptide, which is used in cosmetology for the initiation of antiaging and regenerative effects in the skin, were received. After microdissection, recovery of the spheroids structure with a few surface layers of flattened imbricated arranged cells and polygonal cells of the inner zone in the presence of P199 peptide was faster than in the control group, and was completed within 7 days, presumably due to the remodeling of the survived cells.

Heat shock protein HSP40 family chaperone DNAJB6/MRJ expression analysis in blood cells obtained from patients with atopic dermatitis in different phases

Heat shock protein HSP40 family molecular chaperone DNAJB6/MRJ expression has been analyzed in blood cells of patients with atopic dermatitis compared with healthy donors. Severity of disease was estimated according index SCORAD.

METHODS

Peripheral blood cells were separated using Percoll density gradient. Purified neutrophils and lymphocytes have been stained with antibodies to the heat shock protein DNAJB6/MRJ. Cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. Real time PCR method has been used to verify the bacterial contamination of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.

RESULTS

Expression of DNAJB6/MRJ protein has been found to be elevated in all samples of cells obtained from patients with atopic dermatitis. The highest level of the DNAJB6/MRJ protein expression was shown in neutrophils at the acute phase of severe atopic dermatitis. DNAJB6/MRJ protein expression in lymphocytes of patients with atopic patients was less extensive compared with neutrophil level and was shown to be higher at subacute phase of disease. The DNAJB6/MRJ protein expression was found to be statistically significant higher in lymphocytes from atopic patients compared with healthy donors. The bacterial contamination of skin (verified by PCR) was shown to influence the DNAJB6/MRJ protein level in lymphocytes of atopic dermatitis patients.

CONCLUSION

Expression of the heat shock protein DNAJB6/MRJ was elevated in neutrophils and lymphocytes of patients with atopic dermatitis compared with healthy donors. The highest level of the DNAJB6/MRJ protein was found to be in neutrophils at acute phase of severe atopic dermatitis and gradually decline as continue to the disease.

[Peripheral blood cells luminol-dependent chemiluminescence at the different stages of atopic dermatitis]

Aim of this work was to record the luminol-dependent spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence at the different stages of atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

Peripheral blood cells were obtained from adult patient with atopic dermatitis followed by the registration of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence on luminograph. Opsonized zymosan as well as yeasts Candida tropicalis have been used to induce the chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

Spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence were slightly elevated at the mild atopic dermatitis but were decreased at the severe stage of disease. Statistically significant difference has been found between group with mild and severe atopic dermatitis, Skin contamination by yeasts Candida tropicalis causes the increased level of blood cells chemiluminescence at the first week of atopic relapse when the disease was mild. Severe stage of atopic dermatitis was coupled with statistically significant inhibition of both, spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of peripheral blood cells from adult atopic dermatitis patients may be stimulated at the mild stage and suppressed at severe stage of atopic dermatitis.

Neurodevelopment and phenotype-modulating functions of S100B protein: a pilot study

The importance of certain neurotrophic proteins found in maternal blood and milk for breastfed infants has remained ambiguous. This study was conducted to present evidence of the impact of an induced deficit of active S100B protein on neonate development. Newborn mice from two groups of mothers, immunized or sham-immunized against S100B, were subjected to various behavioral tests, and the development of their morphological characteristics was recorded from birth until weaning. Morphological problems, including weight gain and fur coating, a delay in the maturation of neurobehavioral systems and a deficit in neuromotor functions, including visual abilities, somato-sensory and posture reactions, muscular strength, locomotion, and fear/orienting processes, were observed in pups of immunized mothers. The S100B protein of external or internal origin in infants may be considered to be a specific factor that determines neuro- and morphological development and a risk-avoidance ('homeward-bent' or fearful) phenotype. The suppression of activity of the S100B protein results in a slower neonatal development and the formation of a risk-tolerant (fearless) phenotype of the offspring. This study thus considers the mechanism of neuroplastic regulation on the extent of sensation-seeking or risk-taking (homeless-like or fearless) and sensation- or risk-avoidance (home-bound or fearful) features in individual phenotypes.

[Cerebral circulation pathophisiology into pneumocephalus craniocerebral dispoportion]

We included 19 patients with a different intensity postoperative pneumocephalus and an inadequate postoperative awakening. Intracranial CT excluded postoperative complications (oedema, haematoma, hidrocephalus) and diagnosed a pneumocephalus (above the frontal and temporal lobes and in the cerebral ventricular system). In two hours after operation we found systolic linear blood flow velocity (BFV syst.) decrease in the extracranial part of internal carotic artery (ICA) (p < 0.001) in patients with pneumocephalus and inadequate postoperative awakening. But in 24-48 hours after operation we diagnosed BFV syst. elevation in the ICA extracranial part (p < 0.001) and preumocephalus diminution in patients with a recovered consciousness.

[Pathogenesis of the vascular consequences caused by cervical instability and their algorithm for pharmacotherapy]

256 patients with radiologic detected cervical instability were examined. This pathology may be the cause of arterial or venous vertebra-basilar disorders. We realized extensive examination the patients with the cervical instability for the pathogenic correction of vascular consequences. We founded normal blood flow only in 19.9% cases without morphology alterations the vessels of both basins. 80.1% patients had different cerebral hemodynamic disorders variations. According to our examination plan we detected the vertebra-basilar insufficiency pathogenesis and proposed medicinal correction of the cerebral instability consequences.

[Leukocyte elastase, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and C-reactive protein in patients with delayed negativation of serological reactions after treatment of early syphilis]

It was investigated the activity of leukocyte elastase, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and C-reactive protein in patients with delayed negativation of serological reactions after a treatment of syphilis. The patients were divided into three subgroups. The first subgroup consisted of patients who did not have the signs of non-specific immune system response. Second subgroup consisted of patients with clear signs of infection process. The patients this subgroup had elevated values of the contents of inflammatory mediators. The remaining patients with questionable results were attributed in the third subgroup. The obtained results can be of great value to determine further treatment strategy in patients with delayed negativation of serological reactions.

[The effect of the instability of cervical spine on the hemodynamics in the vertebrobasilar system]

256 patients with cephalgia were examined. The main cephalgia cause was a cervical instability. We showed importance of extended examinations for cephalgia pathogenesis. We estimated cerebral circulation by ultrasound (cerebral blood flow registration) methods. We found an intact blood flow in both vascular systems (arterial and venous) in 19.9% cases. Cervical instability more 3 mm vertebra dislocation was not always a cause of vertebral discirculation. Quite often a vertebra dislocation under 3 mm was a result of vertebra-basilar disordes.

[Simulation of repeated local hemorrhagic stroke in rats]

The processes of developed in CNS the complicated stroke and developments of fittings for their pharmaceutical therapy were developed and offering by standardized method of the experimental secondary stroke in rats, suitable for the use in sharp and chronic researches. Variant of repeated hemorrhagic stroke consist of autohemorrhagic right hemisphere stroke by the mechanical damage of brain tissue after 10-daily occlusion of right common carotid artery was studied. A model is comfortable for reproducing of the repeated standardized local damage of brain, is more adequate form of design of transient and chronic cerebrovascular pathology, than the independent use of local hemorrhage of autoblood in the brain of animals. The morphological description of model approaches the clinical variants of development and flow of sharp hemorrhagic stroke after a previous chronic cerebral insufficiency on an ischemic type.

[Influence of high concentration of antibodies to NGF during early embryogenesis on formation of mice behavior in postnatal period]

In this work the influence of high concentration of antibodies to NGF on mouse's progeny has been investigated. During immunization with NGF the highest concentrations of antibodies were created in the first and third days of pregnancy (in different groups of animals). The dependence of abnormalities of mice postnatal development on level of antibodies to NGF at different stages of early embryogenesis has been established. Increasing of abnormalities in the formation of early behavioral acts and more clinically apparent anomalies in the somatic maturation in case of maximum of antibodies on day I of pregnancy has been showed. Immune responses to NGF during early embryogenesis of mice cause lag in the formation of behavioral acts. The latter are characterized by difficulties in sensor-motor coordination of the limbs and more clinically apparent in mice with a maximum of antibodies on day 1 of embryonic development. Infantilism in developing of contacts between progeny and mothers detected in mice with immune reactions may be a sign of serious mental dysontogenesis. The accelerated development of working memory established in mice with immune response to NGF requires further study of the development of cognitive abilities in these animals. The obtained results illustrate the important regulatory role of NGF at the early stages of development of the nervous system.

[The role of innate immunity system in the course of adenomyosis]

The investigation of leukocytic elastase (LE) and alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) from patients with different stage adenomyosis and in control group was found activation innate immunity system in all the patients with adenomyosis. The degree of LE activity is a prevalence rate of adenomyosis. The degree of alpha1-PI activity is correlated with antiproteolytic potential that blocks the effects shown by LE. It can lead the prognose of disease and timely treatment.

[The course of the diabetes type I in pregnants with different levels of antibodies to insulin]

The course of the diabetes type I at pregnants (n=120) with different levels of idiotypic (ABI) and antiidiotypic (AB2) antibodies to insulin was investigated. It is known that AB2 to insulin can interact with insulin receptor. It was shown that changes of levels AB1 and AB2 to insulin are often observed at pregnants suffered from diabetes type I. Isolated high levels of AB1 to insulin is relatively good prognostic sign of the course of the diabetes type I at pregnants. On the contrary, isolated high levels of AB2 to insulin lead to decompensation of the diabetes type I and deep glycohemia. High levels of AB1 and AB2 to insulin together lead to unstable course of the diabetes type I. The same situation is observed in case of abnormal low levels AB1 and AB2 to insulin, taking into consideration that serum of health people contains the certain level of autoantibodies (AB1 and AB2) to insulin. The conclusion about significance of detection AB1 and AB2 to insulin during pregnancy of patients with diabetes type I was made.

[Perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus and different level of autoantibodies to insulin and its receptors]

The levels of idiotypic (AB1) and antiidiotypic (AB2) antibodies were investigated in pregnants (n = 248) suffer from diabetes. It was proved that AB2 to insulin conditionally can be regards as antibodies to insulin receptor. It was shown that condition of newborns much depends on levels of these antibodies and their proportion. Condition of newborns from women with isolated high levels of AB1 to insulin was much better in comparison with ones from mothers with isolated high levels of AB2 to insulin. Conception about mechanisms of acting of AB1 and AB2 to insulin on fetus was represented.

Influence of high level of antibodies to myelin basic protein in female mice on the postnatal development and behavioral reactions of the progeny

Physical development, behavioral reactions, and training capacity were studied in the progeny of female BALB/c mice with high levels of antibodies to myelin basic protein. The proposed protocol of immunization ensures high levels of antibodies to myelin basic protein in this mouse strain. High level of antibodies to myelin basic protein in pregnant females causes an increase in the blood level of these antibodies in the progeny. Inhibitory effect of antibodies to myelin basic protein on physical development, training process, and memory in mouse pups was detected.

Effect of antibodies to nerve growth factor and serum albumin on the development and behavior of mice

We studied physical development, behavioral characteristics, and learning capacity in the offspring of mice immunized with nerve growth factor and bovine serum albumin. High titer of antibodies to these factors in the blood of pregnant females determines high levels of these antibodies in the blood of their pups. These changes modulate physical development, behavior, and learning capacity of rat pups. The effects of these antibodies differed in the strength and directionality. Antibodies to nerve growth factor more markedly retarded physical development, reduced learning capacity, and considerably increased pain thresholds in animals.

[Interferon-gamma, idiotypic and anti-idiotypic autoantibodies in pyodermias of various etiology]

Sera of 80 patients with pyodermias of varius etiology were analysed for interferon-gamma (IF-gamma), antiinterferon autoantibodies (IF-a-AB), corresponding antiidiotypic antibodies (IF-AIAB) and the ratio IF-a-AB/IF-AIAB using ELISA assay. There was no correlation between serum IF-gamma and IF-a-AB. Progression of this disease was characterized by an increase of serum IF-a-AB and a decrease of IF-AIAB. Prolonged duration of this disease also caused the decrease of serum anti IF-a-AB and IF-AIAB. The ratio of IF-a-AB/IF-AIAB increased with severity and duration of this disease.

[Level of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and antibodies to them in blood serum from Parkinson disease patients]

Serum levels of interferon-gamma (IF gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and autoantibodies (a-AT) to these cytokines were investigated in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The increased levels of TNF alpha (50%) and IF gamma (35%) were found in PD patients. There was close correlation between the serum level of TNF alpha and the manifestation of neurological symptoms (r = 0.434; p < 0.05), and between levels of IF gamma and the duration of this disease (r = 0.4511, p < 0.05) and patients age as well (r = 0.4358; p < 0.05). There was increased level of a-AT to TNF alpha in PD patients versus healthy controls (130.3 +/- 11.92 and 105.3 +/- 4.62, respectively, p < 0.05). The combined increase of levels of a-AT to TNF alpha and IF gamma (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) close reverse correlation between duration of PD and levels of a-AT to TNF alpha and IF gamma (r = 0.4644 and r = 0.606, respectively, p < 0.01) were also recognised. The data obtained suggest the involvement of TNF alpha and IF gamma into the pathological process during PD, which requires further investigation in this direction.

[Nervous tissue protein autoantibodies in hepatolenticular degeneration]

Two novel protein antigens-Hbmp-1 and Hbmp-2 have been isolated from human brain tissue. Test-systems for determining auto-antibodies (a-Ab) to above mentioned proteins, as well as to basic myelin protein, S-100 beta and glial fibrillary acid protein have been developed. Sixty-three HLD patients have been examined. Increased a-Ab levels to the novel proteins has been shown in HLD patients; no difference between HLD patients and control groups being found for a-Ab levels to other proteins. Correlation has been observed between a type and course of the disease, on the one hand, and a-Ab levels to Hbmp-1 and to Hbmp-2, on the other hand.

Changes of maternal serum natural antibodies of IgG class to proteins MBP, S100, ACBP14/18 and MP65 and embryonic misdevelopments in humans

Immunoreactivity that is contents/affinity of natural antibodies (N-Ab) of IgG class to developmentally related proteins MBP, S100, ACBP14/18 and MP65 were measured in serum samples of 1987 women at their pregnancy terms of 3-12 weeks. The pregnancy results of the examined women were analyzed 4-9 months later. It was revealed that frequencies of cases of stopped early pregnancies, intrauterine and antenatal fetal deaths, and births of newborns with coarse inborn defects are directly related to deviation of the examined maternal N-Ab content/affinity from the physiological limits: abnormally high as well as abnormally low reactivity during first trimester of pregnancy, both could be related to unfavorable results of pregnancy.

Possible mechanisms of diabetic fetopathy

By using immunoaffine chromatography and ELISA it was found that 30-35% polyclonal of anti-insulin antibodies (AB1) in sera of diabetes patients has bound with high-affinity to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This indicates the presence of common epitop(s) in both molecules and could be a reason for NGF deprivation during formation of the nervous system in fetuses of diabetic pregnant women. Patient sera also usually characterized by elevated level of antiidiotypic antibodies (AIAb2) which interact with membrane insulin receptors, and may induce the general metabolic disturbances in fetus and newborns from diabetic mothers, fatal sometimes. High levels of anti-insulin/NGF Ab1 may bind excess of AIAb2 and prevents the insulin receptors dysfunction (typical for newborns in satisfactory health state). On the other hand--children with elevated levels of Ab1 at age 1-3 years often revealed clinical signs of neuropathology.

[Effect of antibiotic therapy on embryotropic antibody level in women]

Embriotropic antibodies (e-Ab) serum contents were analysed in 29 serum samples obtained from women suffering with primary lues. Before treatment the content of e-Ab against MBP, S100, ACBP14/18, and MP65 were markedly elevated in 28 samples. Two injections of Retarpen (2.5 mln Units with one week interval) were enough for effective treatment of lues. At the same time treatment caused deep and reversible inhibition of e-Ab production. One or two months later the levels of e-Ab returned to normal values in 21% of women, in 52% patients the hypoproduction, and in 27% the hyperproduction of e-Ab were noted. Deviations of e-Ab production after effective retarpen treatment suggest the existence of additional reasons which may influence e-Ab production, and necessity of additional diagnostic and curative measures for such women during pregravidal period.

Serum anti-S100b, anti-GFAP and anti-NGF autoantibodies of IgG class in healthy persons and patients with mental and neurological disorders

Natural autoantibodies of IgG class to proteins S100b, glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP), and nerve growth factor (NGF) are presented in serum of healthy adults and those levels/affinities are relatively constant and may vary among individuals within narrow limits. In patients with depressive disorder, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease dispersion of such autoantibodies serum levels were often found beyond the normal ranges. Most of the patient groups include cases with significantly elevated as well as abnormally decreased immunoreactivity parameters. This leads us to assumption that changes in some basic mechanisms of individual immune state represent the common features of different forms of pathology of the nervous system.

[The humoral immunity characteristics of women with neurotic depressions]

The levels of autoantibodies and their anti-idiotypes to proteins of nervous tissue (S100b, GFAP, MP65 and nerve growth factor) were studied in 85 women of 18-48 years of age with psychogenic neurotic depressions. It was found that the changes of the levels of autoantibodies to the proteins of nervous tissue correspond to various somatoautonomic manifestations and correlate with severity of depression, its typological variations and duration of the disease. The data obtained show a close relationship between nervous and immune systems that was expressed by some parallelism of the dynamics of the changes of both neurotic depressive symptoms and serum immunoreactivity to neuroantigens.

[Antibodies against nerve tissue proteins S100, GFAP, and MP65 and pregnant women with early toxemia]

Serum levels/affinities of natural autoantibodies to proteins S100, GFAP and MP65 in patients with physiological pregnancy are usually constant and may vary among individuals within relatively narrow range. In patients with early toxicosis in pregnancy dispersion of serum autoantibodies levels were often found beyond the normal range. This group includes cases with significantly elevated as well as abnormally decreased immunoreactivity parameters. Percent of newborns with different deviations from women with abnormal serum levels/affinities of autoantibodies to proteins S100, GFAP and MP65 was higher 1,5-2 fold compared with population.

[Immunochemical correlates of the severity of Parkinson's disease]

The serum samples from 29 patients with Parkinson's disease were analysed for the levels of the autoantibodies (a-AB) and antiidiotype antibodies (AIAB) to the proteins of nervous system S-100, GFAP, NKP and MP-65. High levels of a-AB or AIAB to at least 3 proteins were seen in patients with severe course of the disease. No significant changes of these levels were observed in patients with light course of the disease. The plasmapheresis was carried out to some patients with severe course of the disease. After this procedure the decrease of neurological deficit from number 21 +/- 2 to 8 +/- 1 on Webster's scale and decrease of a-AB and AIAB levels to normal values (in some cases it became lower than normal values) were observed. It can be concluded that the levels of the a-AB to the nervous tissue proteins correlate with clinical condition of the patient.

[Autoantibodies against nerve tissue proteins long after cranio-cerebral injury]

20 samples of serum of patients with remote consequences of brain trauma were tested to detect autoantibodies (a-AB) against brain proteins S-100 and NKP. Essential pathology was not found out by standard solid-phase immunoassay. The original method was used to detect a-AB to the whole complex of antigen determinants. Using this method the elevation of a-AB against S-100 and NKP was shown at 16 cases. The disturbance of idiotype-antiidiotype regulation was revealed at this group of patients. It is suggested that insufficient level of corresponding antiidiotypes creates the conditions for autoimmune aggressor of a-AB against brain tissue.