Microbial transformation of isoprenoid systems by means of fungi of Zoophthora genus — Microbial transformation of compounds with α-campholenic system by means of fungus Zoophthora (Neopandora) sp.

Unsaturated ketones ( 4 and 10 ) and epoxides ( 2–3 and 8–9 ) were the main products of biotransformation performed by means of Zoophthora (Neopandora) phyllobii. Enantiospecificity of both reactions leading to these compounds strongly depends on the distance of reacting fragment of molecule from the chiral center at C-1′.     

Elevated levels of the NR2C subunit of the NMDA receptor in the locus coeruleus in depression.

Low levels of the intracellular mediator of glutamate receptor activation, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were previously observed in locus coeruleus (LC) from subjects diagnosed with major depression. This finding implicates abnormalities in glutamate signaling in depression. Receptors responding to glutamate in the LC include ionotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). The functional NMDAR is a hetero-oligomeric structure composed of NR1 and NR2 (A-D) subunits. Tissue containing the LC and a nonlimbic LC projection area (cerebellum) was obtained from 13 and 9 matched pairs, respectively, of depressed subjects and control subjects lacking major psychiatric diagnoses. NMDAR subunit composition in the LC was evaluated in a psychiatrically normal subject. NR1 and NR2C subunit immunoreactivities in LC homogenates showed prominent bands at 120 and 135 kDa, respectively. In contrast to NRI and NR2C, very weak immunoreactivity of NR2A and NR2B subunits was observed in the LC. Possible changes in concentrations of NR1 and NR2C that might occur in depression were assessed in the LC and cerebellum. The overall amount of NR1 immunoreactivity was normal in the LC and cerebellum in depressed subjects. Amounts of NR2C protein were significantly higher (+ 61%, p = 0.003) in the LC and modestly, but not significantly, elevated in the cerebellum (+ 35%) of depressives as compared to matched controls. Higher levels of NR2C subunit implicate altered glutamatergic input to the LC in depressive disorders.     

A comparative study of angiogenic and cytokine responses after laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed with standard- and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum

Background  Surgical procedures enhance production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors that play a pivotal role in the immunological response to surgical trauma and take part in the pathogenesis of tumor growth and adhesions formation. The purpose of the study was to access the influence of low-pressure CO₂ pneumoperitoneum on the inflammatory and angiogenic responses during the postoperative period after laparoscopy. Methods  The study group consisted of 40 patients, operated on due to cholelithiasis using standard-pressure (n = 20) and low-pressure (n = 20) CO₂ pneumoperitoneum. Serum concentration of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and endostatin were measured before and at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results  Concentrations of IL-6 increased significantly after the operations in both groups. No differences were observed between the groups in regards to IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels. Concentrations of VEGF-A measured at 6 and 48 h were significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoscopies performed with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. No significant variations were observed in endostatin serum concentration. Concentrations of the studied parameters were not influenced by duration of surgery or by age, gender, or body mass index (BMI) of the patients. Conclusions  The results obtained in our study do not show any significant differences between studied operative procedures with regards to systemic inflammatory response. Changes in the concentrations of VEGF-A and endostatin observed in the studied population may suggest this technique is more favorable with regards to angiogenesis process intensity, along with all its consequences and implications.