Molecular alliance of Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus and a short unmodified antisense oligonucleotide of its anti-apoptotic IAP-3 gene: A novel approach for gypsy moth control

Baculovirus IAP (inhibitor-of-apoptosis) genes originated by capture of host genes. Unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides (oligoDNAs) from baculovirus IAP genes can down-regulate specific gene expression profiles in both baculovirus-free and baculovirus-infected insects. In this study, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae infected with multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), and LdMNPV-free larvae, were treated with oligoDNA antisense to the RING (really interesting new gene) domain of the LdMNPV IAP-3 gene. The results with respect to insect mortality, biomass accumulation, histological studies, RT-PCR, and analysis of DNA apoptotic fragmentation suggest that oligoRING induced increased apoptotic processes in both LdMNPV-free and LdMNPV-infected insect cells, but were more pronounced in the latter. These data open up possibilities for promising new routes of insect pest control using antisense phosphodiester DNA oligonucleotides

Molecular Alliance of Lymantria dispar Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus and a Short Unmodified Antisense Oligonucleotide of Its Anti-Apoptotic IAP-3 Gene: A Novel Approach for Gypsy Moth Control

Baculovirus IAP (inhibitor-of-apoptosis) genes originated by capture of host genes. Unmodified short antisense DNA oligonucleotides (oligoDNAs) from baculovirus IAP genes can down-regulate specific gene expression profiles in both baculovirus-free and baculovirus-infected insects. In this study, gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae infected with multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV), and LdMNPV-free larvae, were treated with oligoDNA antisense to the RING (really interesting new gene) domain of the LdMNPV IAP-3 gene. The results with respect to insect mortality, biomass accumulation, histological studies, RT-PCR, and analysis of DNA apoptotic fragmentation suggest that oligoRING induced increased apoptotic processes in both LdMNPV-free and LdMNPV-infected insect cells, but were more pronounced in the latter. These data open up possibilities for promising new routes of insect pest control using antisense phosphodiester DNA oligonucleotides

The prospects of using the silver nanoparticles composition in sodium alginate matrix

A wide range of anti-inflammatory properties of the solution of nanosilver has found its application in medical practice. In this work, nano-silver was used in the treatment of burn wounds in combination with a proteinase inhibitor. An experimental model of a second-degree burn with the use of a nano-silver solution in combination therapy is accompanied by a decrease in the inhibitory potential at the local level and stimulation of regeneration processes, which indicates the anti-inflammatory effects of nano-silver particles. There is also a decrease in the morphological signs of inflammation in the burned areas of the skin of the therapeutic use of a solution of nano-silver. The results indicate that nano-silver solution for prophylactic and therapeutic use has the ability to block a cascade of inflammatory reactions in the focus of damage, as it is evidenced by a decrease in the degree of alteration and intensification of reparative processes in damaged tissues

Grape polyphenols concentrate demonstrates cardioprotection in terms of hypoxic myocardial injury

Objective — Beneficial effects of natural grape polyphenols on human health have been known for a long time and still attract more and more interest of many researchers. The aim of research was to reveal cardioprotective properties of polyphenols contained in grape concentrate "Fenocor" in rats exposed experimental histotoxic hypoxia. Material and Methods — The study was conducted on 21 adult male Wistar rats divided into 3 groups, 2 of which were administered CoCl2 water solution in 60 mg/kg dose for 7 days. The control group consisted of 5 non-exposed animals. The rats of the second group (n=8) after the administration of cobalt chloride did not receive any treatment, the animals of the third group (n=8) after administration of cobalt chloride were additionally given Fenocor – a grape polyphelols water solution at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg diluted in 0.05 ml of water. Morphological study was performed using light and electron microscopy. During the experiment the following biochemical parameters such as contents of malondialdehyde, oxidative modification of proteins were estimated. Results — The outcome of the cobalt toxic exposure on the heart of animals in experiments resulted in the development of severe cardiomyopathy which lead to the need for timely cardioprotection. Histological structure of myocardium observed in the second group of male rats after cobalt intoxication on the background of grape polyphenol concentrate generally reflected a tendency to minimize of the damage extent which was manifested in the form of normalization of cell structures and muscle fibers. Conclusion — Administration of Fenocor has demonstrated its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, promoted myocardial structure preservation in rats exposed to histotoxic hypoxia

Electron Microscopic Characteristics of The Blood-Air Barrier Interstitium in Fibrous Cavernous Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Comparison with Chronic Nonspecifi c Lung Diseases

Aim. To describe the ultrastructural characteristics of the blood-air barrier (BAB) interstitium in fi brous cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis (FCT) in comparison with chronic nonspecifi c lung diseases (CNSLD).Materials and methods. The fragments of the pericavernal zone and lung tissue were taken for the study at the resection border from the dead or operated for CNSLD persons (n = 163), and the perifocal and boundary zone of lung tissue. 116 CNSLD patients were divided into 3 subgroups: 1) chronic lung abscess (n = 42); 2) bronchiectasis (n = 44); 3) lung cyst (n = 30). The lung fragments of 30 patients who died from pathology not associated with lung diseases (myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident) were used as a control group to compare the morphological parameters. The criteria for inclusion of patients in the study: age from 18 to 65 years, negative clinical and laboratory data on the presence of comorbid pathology (viral hepatitis B, C and HIV). For TEM, lung fragments 1×1×1 mm in size were cut out and fi xed in a 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution in phosphate buffer (pH = 7.2–7.4) and washed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH = 7.4), followed by dehydration in alcohols of an ascending concentration and placing in a mixture of Epon and Araldite resins according to the scheme. Ultrathin sections were made with Reynolds staining. Viewing and photographing preparations was carried out on a PEM-100 transmission electron microscope (Ukraine) (magnifi cation range from ×1000 to ×30 000). Results. It was established that changes in BAB components in all groups had similar features in the form of severe interstitial fi brosis, the signs of endothelial cell degeneration and destruction of varying degrees of severity, as well as the heterogeneity of the endothelial and epithelial basement membranes.Conclusion. Ultrastructural changes in the BAB components of the removed lung part in patients with FCT and chronic nonspecifi c lung diseases are characterised by a polymorphism with prevailing dystrophic and destructive changes in the perifocal zone of infl ammation, and compensatory-adaptive processes on the peripheral, especially at the resection border

Anti-Rheumatic Effect of Antisense Oligonucleotide Cytos-11 Targeting TNF-α Expression

The urgency of the search for inexpensive and effective drugs with localized action for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis continues unabated. In this study, for the first time we investigated the Cytos-11 antisense oligonucleotide suppression of TNF-α gene expression in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant. Cytos-11 has been shown to effectively reduce peripheral blood concentrations of TNF-α, reduce joint inflammation, and reduce pannus development. The results achieved following treatment with the antisense oligonucleotide Cytos-11 were similar to those of adalimumab (Humira®); they also compared favorably with those results, which provides evidence of the promise of drugs based on antisense technologies in the treatment of this disease

Advances in the Understanding of Skin Cancer: Ultraviolet Radiation, Mutations, and Antisense Oligonucleotides as Anticancer Drugs

Skin cancer has always been and remains the leader among all tumors in terms of occurrence. One of the main factors responsible for skin cancer, natural and artificial UV radiation, causes the mutations that transform healthy cells into cancer cells. These mutations inactivate apoptosis, an event required to avoid the malignant transformation of healthy cells. Among these deadliest of cancers, melanoma and its ‘younger sister’, Merkel cell carcinoma, are the most lethal. The heavy toll of skin cancers stems from their rapid progression and the fact that they metastasize easily. Added to this is the difficulty in determining reliable margins when excising tumors and the lack of effective chemotherapy. Possibly the biggest problem posed by skin cancer is reliably detecting the extent to which cancer cells have spread throughout the body. The initial tumor is visible and can be removed, whereas metastases are invisible to the naked eye and much harder to eliminate. In our opinion, antisense oligonucleotides, which can be used in the form of targeted ointments, provide real hope as a treatment that will eliminate cancer cells near the tumor focus both before and after surgery