Objective: To study the blood pressure lowering effect of Cassytha filiformis extract in animal models of hypertension and its correlation with the antioxidant activity. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: endocrine hyper-tension (HTN group) that received a combination of prednisone and salt for two weeks and oxidative stress-associated hypertension (HTN-OS group) that received additional induction of L-Nitro Arginine Methyl Esther (L-NAME) for two days. Each group was subdivided into 4 and treated intravenously with the extract 5; 10; and 20 mg/kg, and vehicle control. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. The blood was taken before and at the end of recording for the measurement of serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO). The changes of blood pressure were analyzed by two-way ANOVA while its correlation with NO concentration was analyzed by Pearson's Correlation. Results: The study showed a significant antihypertensive effect of the extract as compared with control group (P<0.05) in both hypertensive models. Extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg showed the best blood pressure lowering effect. However, the correlation analysis did not show an association between NO increase and blood pressure lowering effect (P>0.05). Conclusions: The study concludes that C. filiformis extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg ex-hibits the best blood pressure lowering effect in both animal models. Antihypertensive activity of the extract is not correlated with its antioxidant effect.

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of congenital conditions of the urogenital tract and reproductive system. Time and spatially controlled transcription factors, signal molecules, and an array of different hormones are involved in the development of sex characteristics, and variations in their pathways and actions are associated with DSD. These conditions may be caused by numerical or structural variations in sex chromosomes as well as autosomes, variations in genes involved in gonadal and/or genital development, and changes in gonadal and/or adrenal steroidogenesis. Endogenous or exogenous (maternal) and possibly endocrine disruptors may also interfere with genital development.

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of congenital conditions of the urogenital tract and reproductive system. Time and spatially controlled transcription factors, signal molecules, and an array of different hormones are involved in the development of sex characteristics, and variations in their pathways and actions are associated with DSD. These conditions may be caused by numerical or structural variations in sex chromosomes as well as autosomes, variations in genes involved in gonadal and/or genital development, and changes in gonadal and/or adrenal steroidogenesis. Endogenous or exogenous (maternal) and possibly endocrine disruptors may also interfere with genital development.

The complement system is a key component of innate immunity. More than 45 genes encoding the proteins of complement components or their isotypes and subunits, receptors, and regulators have been discovered. These genes are distributed throughout different chromosomes, with 19 genes comprising three significant complement gene clusters in the human genome. Genetic deficiency of any early component of the classical pathway (C1q, C1r/s, C2, C4, and C3) is associated with autoimmune diseases due to the failure of clearance of immune complexes (IC) and apoptotic materials, and the impairment of normal humoral response. Deficiencies of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and the early components of the alternative (factor D, properdin) and terminal pathways (from C3 onward components: C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) increase susceptibility to infections and their recurrence. While the association of MBL deficiency with a number of autoimmune and infectious disorders has been well established, the effects of the deficiency of other lectin pathway components (ficolins, MASPs) have been less extensively investigated due to our incomplete knowledge of the genetic background of such deficiencies and the functional activity of those components. For complement regulators and receptors, the consequences of their genetic deficiency vary depending on their specific involvement in the regulatory or signalling steps within the complement cascade and beyond. This article reviews current knowledge and concepts about the genetic load of complement component deficiencies and their association with diseases. An integrative presentation of genetic data with the latest updates provides a background to further investigations of the disease association investigations of the complement system from the perspective of systems biology and systems genetics.
Animals ; Complement Activation ; genetics ; Complement System Proteins ; deficiency ; genetics ; HLA Antigens ; genetics ; Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; genetics ; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes ; genetics ; Lectins ; metabolism ; Multigene Family ; Receptors, Complement ; genetics

Objective To study the blood pressure lowering effect of Cassytha filiformis extract in animal models of hypertension and its correlation with the antioxidant activity. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups: endocrine hypertension (HTN group) that received a combination of prednisone and salt for two weeks and oxidative stress-associated hypertension (HTN-OS group) that received additional induction of L-Nitro Arginine Methyl Esther (L-NAME) for two days. Each group was subdivided into 4 and treated intravenously with the extract 5; 10; and 20 mg/kg, and vehicle control. The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. The blood was taken before and at the end of recording for the measurement of serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO). The changes of blood pressure were analyzed by two-way ANOVA while its correlation with NO concentration was analyzed by Pearson's Correlation. Results The study showed a significant antihypertensive effect of the extract as compared with control group (P < 0.05) in both hypertensive models. Extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg showed the best blood pressure lowering effect. However, the correlation analysis did not show an association between NO increase and blood pressure lowering effect (P > 0.05). Conclusions The study concludes that C. filiformis extract in the dose of 5 mg/kg exhibits the best blood pressure lowering effect in both animal models. Antihypertensive activity of the extract is not correlated with its antioxidant effect.

The information on mortality from echinococcosis is important not only for a better understanding of the severity of the disease, but also for evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions. The aim of this research was to study the causes of mortality from echinococcosis. We have collected and analyzed the materials of 1,470 patients in 10 age - groups in the Republic of Armenia (from 2000 to 2016). To find out the causes of mortality from echinococcosis, we have analyzed the medical histories and protocols of postmortem examinations of 19 deaths from echinococcosis and 17 deaths due to other indirect causes not associated with the parasite. The average annual death rate from echinococcosis is 0.007 per 10,000 population, and the mortality is 1.29 (per 100 patients). The highest mortality occurs in people aged 70–79. Mortality from echinococcosis is also recorded among the unoperated children. The rupture of the parasitic cyst and hepatic insufficiency are major among the direct causes of mortality. Sometimes the hydatid cysts unrecognized during the life were first diagnosed at autopsy. Insufficient qualification of doctors in the field of helminthology, as well as the latent course of the disease or manifestation of minor symptoms in echinococcosis over a long period often led to medical errors. Further decline in mortality can be achieved by early diagnosis, timely hospitalization and treatment before the development of severe complications worsening the prognosis and outcomes of surgical intervention.
Armenia ; Autopsy ; Child ; Early Diagnosis ; Echinococcosis ; Echinococcus granulosus ; Echinococcus multilocularis ; Hepatic Insufficiency ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Medical Errors ; Mortality ; Parasites ; Prognosis ; Public Health ; Rupture

Background: Essential oils are of great interest for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to study the content of the essential oil of the Origanum vulgare of the Armenian highlands (OVA) in different periods of vegetation and to investigate its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice (in vivo) and cytotoxic action in cultured cells (in vitro). OVA essential oil was extracted from fresh plant material by hydro-distillation. Methods: For OVA essential oil contents determination the gas chromatographymass spectrometry method was used. Formalin and hot plate tests and analysis of cell viability using the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay were used. Results: The maximal content of β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide in OVA essential oil was revealed in the period of blossoming (8.18% and 13.36%, correspondently). In the formalin test, 4% OVA essential oil solution (3.5 mg/mouse) exerts significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects (P = 0.003). MTT assay shows approximately 60% cytotoxicity in HeLa and Vero cells for 2.0 μL/mL OVA essential oil in media. Conclusions The wild oregano herb of Armenian highlands, harvested in the blossoming period, may be considered as a valuable source for developing pain-relieving preparations.

Apicomplexa are an extremely diverse group of unicellular organisms that infect humans and other animals.Despite the great advances in combating infectious diseases over the past century,these parasites still have a tremendous social and economic burden on human societies,particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.Proteases from apicomplexa have been characterized at the molecular and cellular levels,and central roles have been proposed for proteases in diverse processes.In this work,16 new genes encoding for trypsin proteases are identified in 8 apicomplexan genomes by a genome-wide survey.Phylogenetic analysis suggests that these genes were gained through both intracellular gene transfer and vertical gene transfer.Identification,characterization and understanding of the evolutionary origin of protease-mediated processes are crucial to increase the knowledge and improve the strategies for the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents and vaccines.

Background: To relieve acute and inflammatory pain, preparations of plant and animal origin have been used. The present work aimed to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of a combined preparation based on viper venom and essential oil. Determining effective routes of exposure, optimal doses, the duration of action of the preparation, and possible mechanisms of their action were the areas of interest. Methods: Experiments were carried out on murine. Essential oil content was determined by gas chromatography– mass spectrometry equipment. The formalin, carrageenan, and hot plate tests were used. Certain methods for determining side effects were used as well. To determine the participation of cannabinoid and opioid receptors in the antinociceptive action of combined preparation, SR144528 and naloxone were used. Results: The treatment of the ointment version of the preparation reduced inflammatory pain by more than 68% and decreased the volume of inflammatory edema by up to 36%. The involvement of cannabinoid receptors in the analgesic mechanism of the ointment was approximately 73%, and, for the opioid receptors, about 64%. Physiologically significant side effects were not observed. Conclusions The active components of the ointment are principally different in their mechanism of action and make it possible to relieve pain and inflammation both through the blockade of pain receptors of afferent nociceptive neurons (venom) as well as via cannabinoid and opioid receptors (essential oil).

Background: To relieve acute and inflammatory pain, preparations of plant and animal origin have been used. The present work aimed to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effectiveness of a combined preparation based on viper venom and essential oil. Determining effective routes of exposure, optimal doses, the duration of action of the preparation, and possible mechanisms of their action were the areas of interest. Methods: Experiments were carried out on murine. Essential oil content was determined by gas chromatography– mass spectrometry equipment. The formalin, carrageenan, and hot plate tests were used. Certain methods for determining side effects were used as well. To determine the participation of cannabinoid and opioid receptors in the antinociceptive action of combined preparation, SR144528 and naloxone were used. Results: The treatment of the ointment version of the preparation reduced inflammatory pain by more than 68% and decreased the volume of inflammatory edema by up to 36%. The involvement of cannabinoid receptors in the analgesic mechanism of the ointment was approximately 73%, and, for the opioid receptors, about 64%. Physiologically significant side effects were not observed. Conclusions The active components of the ointment are principally different in their mechanism of action and make it possible to relieve pain and inflammation both through the blockade of pain receptors of afferent nociceptive neurons (venom) as well as via cannabinoid and opioid receptors (essential oil).