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In recent years, Finland has closely cooperated with NATO and Finnish politicians emphasize that Finland may consider joining the Alliance at any point. However, this step is unlikely in the foreseeable future. Russia’s aggressive actions abroad disconcert Finland; as this article shows, even after Russia’s war with Georgia and the breakout of the crisis in Ukraine, the situation is not deemed serious enough by the Finns for them to risk a serious deterioration of relations with their eastern neighbor. Rather than crossing the interests of Moscow, whose perception of the world Finland has been able uniquely to understand thanks to its historical experience, the country opts for a more complex, yet also safer, path of balancing between ever-closer cooperation with NATO, and maintaining the status of a non-member country.

This paper establishes ground for the redesign of Brno-střed city district web page. For the purpose of this study web pages of several municipalities were evaluated: Brno-střed city district, Nové Město na Moravě, Praha 1 and Plzeň. Study shows how the selected municipalities fulfill the legal regulations of the Act no. 106/1999 on free access to information and the Act no. 81/2006 Coll. which states that municipalities are obligated to provide the information on web pages also to handicapped or disabled. Furthermore the usability analysis and quantitative survey were applied to municipality web page in Brno-střed region to determine the public needs and requirements. Presented findings indicate both significant failure in fulfilling the law and public dissatisfaction with Brno-střed web page content and structure. This dissertation provides sample solutions for web page usability.

This bachelor thesis focuses on issues and aspects of science education in secondary schools. The theoretical section describes available options for selecting appropriate teaching methods, including additional student activities such as Olympiads and student research projects. The language skills of high school students are also analyzed. The practical section describes a conducted exploratory probe focused on finding information about the knowledge of high school students on student research and professional activities, Olympiads, and their opinion on the importance of these activities for the University entrance examination. Finally, the listed requirements of selected universities to study applicants are discussed.

Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Consultant: prof. PharmDr. Petr Nachtigal, Ph.D. Candidate: Barbora Matějková Title of Thesis: Evaluation of Cell Adhesion Molecules Expression in Mice Aorta in Animal Model of Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Background: The purpose of the thesis was to observe changes in the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in mice aorta endothelium. The study compares results of a group of mice after the administration of a NASH inducing diet and a group of mice fed by a chow diet. Method: Two groups of C57BL/6 mice were used for this experiment. At the age of ten weeks the experimental group was transferred to a NASH inducing diet which contains 40 % of calories from fat and 0.2 % from cholesterol. In addition to this diet, the experimental group was fed by fructose and glucose dissolved in drinking water with the concentration of 42 g/l (called "FFC-type diet" - high saturated fat, high saturated fructose, high saturated cholesterol). This diet lasted for 25 weeks. The control group was fed by a standard diet for rodents (called "chow-type diet"). The obtained samples were analysed by immunohistochemical methods. For ICAM-1, the indirect three-step avidin- biotin complex method was used. VCAM-1 molecules were...

Author: Marika Šepsová Title: Genetic diseases of the liver Form: Bachelor Thesis University: Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Degree: Medical Laboratory Technician Liver function may be affected by various factors including genetic diseases. The aim of this bachelor thesis is to collect and summarize current information about genetic diseases of the liver. Diseases with the highest incidence in the population are Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and Gilbert's syndrome. They are known as inherited hyperbilirubinemia characterized by an impairment in bilirubin metabolism. These genetic diseases are very rare with exception of Gilbert's syndrome. However, despite low prevalence and incidence it is necessary not to prolong their diagnosis. Most of them do not have any complications and do not require any treatment. The exception is Crigler-Najjar's syndrome, as untreated can have fatal consequences. Wilson's disease and hereditary hemochromatosis are inherited disorders of metal metabolism. Wilson's disease is a rare disease caused by an impairment in copper metabolism. Inherited hemochromatosis causes excessive iron deposition in the liver and other organs. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is characterized by impaired alpha-1 antitrypsin protein...

Author: Nikola Jozefčeková Title: Endoglin and liver Form: Diploma Thesis University: Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Degree: Pharmacy This diploma thesis concludes the available information about endoglin, its isoforms in the liver and its impact on the liver during various pathological conditions. In the first part of the thesis describes morphology and physiology of the liver, its structure, histology and metabolic functions. Second part contains an information about endoglin, its isoforms and role in TGF-β signaling complex, expression of endoglin and regulation of the expression. In the third part are described liver diseases during which is expression of endoglin changed. This part deals with the significance of endoglin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. Endoglin (CD105, TGF-β receptor III) is a homodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein and a membrane co-receptor TGF-β with high expression in endothelial cells. Endoglin plays an important role in the vascular development. Endoglin is involved in the processes of angiogenesis, vascular homeostasis and TGF-β signalization. It affects activity of TGF-βRII, ALK1 and ALK5 receptors. Due to the interactions with TGF-β complex, modulation of activity of ALK receptors and Smads, endoglin controls fibrotic and anti-...

Lucia Kvasnicová Effect of soluble endoglin on bile acids transport in livers Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: Increased plasma levels of soluble form of endoglin (sEng) were observed in patients with hypercholesterolemia, cystic fibrosis associated liver disease, or hepatocellular carcinoma combined with cirrhosis. As there are not available data focused on functional aspects of sEng in the liver, the aim of this diploma thesis was to describe the effect of sEng on the mechanism of bile formation and transport of bile acids in the liver. Methods: In our study were used six months-old transgenic male mice overexpressing human sEng on CBAxC57BL/6J background (sEng) and control mice (n = 8, in each group). Expressions of transport proteins responsible for bile acids homeostasis in the liver at mRNA and protein level were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: High plasma levels of sEng led to decreased plasmatic levels of bile acids. mRNA and protein expression analysis revealed, that this change occurs due to posttranscriptional induction of canalicular transporters, Bsep and Mrp2. Expression of an efflux Mrp4 protein localized at the basolateral membrane of hepatocyte was decreaced, which explains the decreased plasma...

Charles University Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Student: Zuzana Drobná Supervisor: PharmDr. Miroslav Kovařík, Ph.D. Title: Dynamometry as a prognostic and prediction marker Dynamometry is a method for measuring muscle strength. It is one of the methods of biomechanical motion analysis. There are two types of dynamometry. Isokinetic dynamometry is based on isokinetic muscle contraction. In this contraction, the muscles change their length. Isometric dynamometry is based on isometric muscle contraction. The length of the muscle does not change during the contraction. In my master thesis, 22 studies were included. Of this, 18 were engaged in a dynamometer, which measured muscle strength. Studies have been focused on prediction of short and long-term mortality, prognosis of hospitalized and severely ill patients, prediction of disease symptoms (cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease). I searched for studies according to the PubMed database. In 16 studies, it was confirmed that dynamometry can be used in the present time as a reliable diagnostic, predictive and prognostic method. Dynamometry is characterized as a simple, objective, non-invasive, easily transposable and reproducible method. Keywords: dynamometer, muscle...

Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences University of Barcelona, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology Student: Martina Medveďová Supervisor: PharmDr. Eva Doleželová, Ph.D. Consultant: Dr. Francisco José Pérez Cano, Ph.D. Study program: Pharmacy Title of diploma thesis: The effect of dietary prebiotic supplementation on neonatal development in rats Human breast milk is considered a gold standard in infant nutrition due to its multiple evident benefits on human health. However, breastfeeding is not always possible for various reasons; thus, it is a huge challenge to provide infant formulae which best mimic the composition and effects of human milk. Prebiotics added to infant formulae may greatly contribute to these prospective notable improvements in infant nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel dietary prebiotic supplementation (under patent) on growth, fecal consistency, and immune maturation in suckling rats. G14 Lewis suckling rats were distributed into 2 experimental groups (n = 21/group): reference and prebiotic group. Vehicle or the prebiotic was administered by oral gavage daily from day 2 to 16 of life. Animals were weighed daily and their size and...

Charles Univerzity in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Candidate: Rebeka Klingová Supervisor: PharmDr. Petra Fikrová, Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: Effect of soluble endoglin to endothelial cells in vitro Aim: We determined the effects of soluble endoglin on endothelial cells, by the means of inflammatory markers. The aim of the study was to point out the possible association of the soluble endoglin with endothelial dysfunction. Methods: For our study we have selected the human endothelial cells from umbilical vein - HUVEC. We have influenced the cells with soluble endoglin in two concentrations and at two different time intervals. The results were evaluated in the statistical program, in which we have compared the control group with influenced cells and two concentrations between each other. The expressions of inflammatory markers were analyzed on the level of mRNA, using the real-time PCR method. Results: Significant changes in the expression of markers were observed on the vascular and intracellular adhesion molecule at both concentrations compared to the control group. Increased values of transcription were available also for cyclooxygenase 2 and decreased values for cadherin 5 compared to the control group. Conclusion: Changes in...

Zuzana Slámová Diagnostics of exanthematic childhood diseases Bachelor thesis Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Health bioanalytics Background: The aim of the bachelor thesis was to determine the morbidity, incidence and prevalence of selected exanthematic childhood diseases (measles, scarlet fever, rubella, fourth disease, fifth disease and chickenpox) in the period 2013 - 2016 at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology of Regional Hospital Liberec, a. s. including a comparison with occurance of diseases in the whole Czech Republic. Methods: The methodical part was focused on the methods which are the basis of specific analyzers at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology of the Regional Hospital Liberec, a. s. These methods are ELISA, CLIA, KFR, PCR and cultivation. Analyzers used to diagnose antibodies against selected diseases are Alegria® (ORGENTEC), LIAISON® XL (DiaSorin) and Chorus Trio (DIESSE). For the direct quick detection of the disease was used quantitative PCR (qPCR) method on the CFX96 Touch ™ Real-Time PCR Detection System (BioRad). Detection of bacterial agents was performed by cultivation. Results: The results were processed over the period 2013 - 2016 from data provided by the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology...

Charles University in Prague, Faculty od Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Progression of endothelial dysfunction in heart in a mouse model of atherosclerosis Author of diploma thesis: Petra Filipová Supervisor: RNDr. Ivana Němečková, Ph.D. Backround: Atherosclerosis is a disease when atherosclerotic lesions are formed in vessels. It represents the major cause of the heart failure and stroke. The endothelial dysfunction, which has been recorded in a large number of animals, is considered one of the main causes of atherosclerosis. In our work we have focused on the detection of the endothelial dysfunction markers in the heart of the ApoE/LDLR double knock-out mouse model. Methods: We detected changes in the expression of eNOS, p-eNOS and HO-1 in two-months and eight-months old ApoE/LDLR double knock-out mice, which were fed standard chow diet. For the semiquantitative evaluation of the observed markers we used the Western blot analysis of the homogenated left ventricle. Results: According to our results there is no difference in the expression of eNOS, p-eNOS and HO-1 in the studied mouse model of atherosclerosis in relation to age. This might mean, that the endothelial dysfunction in the coronary vessels of these mice doesn't develop. However, for further...

Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy Candidate: Lenka Kovářová Supervisor: Pharmdr. Miroslav Kovařík, Ph.D. Consultant: Dr. Angela Ladurner Title of the diploma thesis: Characterization of a synthetic leoligin derivative, with agonistic FXR and enhancing macrophage cholesterol efflux activity Atherosclerosis is a pathologic multifactorial process triggering the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading causes of death in the western world. The initial phase of atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid particles, mainly low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and macrophage-derived foam cells in large arteries, leading to the gradual thickening of the vessel wall. These progressive alterations elicit plaque formation, followed by rupture, thrombosis and finally can lead to a cardiovascular event. Reverse cholesterol transport is an important preventive mechanism, which ensures removal of excessive atherogenic lipoproteins from macrophages. This efflux is facilitated by ATP binding cassette transporters, mainly ABCA1 and ABCG1 and in part by scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1). Several nuclear receptors, including PPARγ, LXRα and LXRβ...

Kristýna Paclíková Influence of resveratrol on bile flow Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: Protective effect of resveratrol is shown in many experimental models of cholestasis, but its effect on bile production in healthy individuals has not been studied yet. As the use of resveratrol is frequent in population, the aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on the bile flow in healthy animals and the clarification of the mechanism of this effect. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 6, in each group, weighing 280 to 320 g) were divided into two groups: control group (Control) and the group of rats administered with resveratrol (10mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 28 days (RES). In vivo clearance study was performed to analyze bile production. Analysis of mRNA and protein expression of the transport proteins was performed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: Resveratrol led to a significant increase in the cumulative bile flow. Analysis of mRNA and protein expression of the transport proteins revealed that bile flow is changed due to posttranscriptional induction of canalicular transporters Bsep and Mrp2. Simultaneously, resveratrol led to induction of Mrp4 efflux protein, expressed at the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes....

Charles university in Prague, Pharmaceutical faculty in Hradci Králové, Department of biological and medical sciences Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology Candidate: Michaela Čajková Supervisor: PharmDr. Miroslav Kovařík, Ph.D. Consultant: Dr. Linda Sarah Hoffmann Title of diploma thesis: Role of Gq-coupled receptors in brown adipocytes In my diploma thesis, we focused on four Gq-coupled receptors (F2R, LPHN1, α1DAR, TSHR) in brown adipocytes (BAs), which were identified in the screen as the highest expressed in immature and mature BAs. Our goal was to validate suggestion, that Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) plays a key role in differentiation of BAs and that F2R, LPHN1, α1D-AR might be important for BAs. In our study, we investigated gene expression of these four receptors in BAs, using analytical methodsquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Results from analysis revealed, that expression of TSHR was increased in mature BAs, it means, that TSHR induce differentiation of BAs. The BAs transduced with short hairpin RNA (sh-RNA) against TSHR were less differentiated, this we proved also with Oil Red-O staining. Expression of adipocyte Protein 2 (aP2), peroxisome proliferator-activated...

Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Western blot analysis of iNOS and HO-1 protein expression in aorta of mice with high soluble endoglin levels Author of diploma thesis: Kristýna Tysoňová Supervisor: PharmDr. Jana Rathouská, Ph.D. Background: The aim of this thesis was to evaluate differences in the expression of iNOS and HO-1 (markers of nitration/oxidative stress) in the aorta of two groups of genetically modified mice on cholesterol diet that differed in levels of human soluble endoglin. Methods: For the study we used 6 months old female transgenic mice on a CBAxC57BL/6J strain backgroud with high level of human soluble endoglin. Using the ELISA analysis, soluble endoglin levels was determined and mice were divided into two groups according to the levels. The study group (Sol-Eng+ ) showed high levels of human soluble endoglin and their sibling mice with low (undetectable) plasma levels of the human endoglin were used as control group. Both groups were fed a special high fat and cholesterol diet for a period of 3 months. Biochemical analysis revealed total cholesterol levels. For detection and quantification of iNOS and HO-1 Western blot analysis was used. Results: After three months on cholesterol diet, the Sol-Eng+...

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN EFFECTS ON AORTIC ENDOTHELIUM IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS Diploma thesis Author: Aleš Kosán Study program: Pharmacy Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation are factors figuring in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This paper is outlined as a pilot study, which represents basis for further research in the question of C-reactive protein influence on endothelium. The expression of four proteins previously associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction, was studied using the Western blot method: endothelin-1, heme oxygenase-1, endoglin and phosphorylated nitric oxide synthase. Analysis was carried out on the samples of homogenized rat aortas of transgenic spontaneously hypertensive rats with expression of human C-reactive protein. A standard spontaneously hypertensive rat strain was used as a control group. The detection was made by chemiluminescence substrate on the X-ray films and data were semiquantitatively evaluated by densitometry. We found increased expression in endoglin levels, valued at 186.3 % contrary to the control group. The expression of phosphorylated nitric oxide synthase was 325.6 % in comparison with the control group. The increase of expression was minimal (109.0 %) in...

Bc. Veronika Krejčíková The effect of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analogues on rat hepatocytes in vitro. Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Specialist in Laboratory Methods Background: We observed the effect of liraglutide (LIRA; a GLP-1 analogue) on rat non-steatotic (ST-1) and steatotic (HF) rat hepatocytes in vitro. We also monitored its potential hepatoprotective effect on the cells damaged by acetaminophen (APAP). Methods: As a model for our experiments we used the primary cultures of rat hepatocytes isolated from the liver of male Wistar rats. For isolation of lean and fatty hepatocytes, we used rats fed by standard laboratory diet (10% energy from fat) and high fat diet (71% energy from fat) for 6 weeks. Hepatocytes were isolated by two-step collagenase perfusion. We used LIRA at concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 nmol/l on intact, ST-1 and HF hepatocytes; we also tested effect of LIRA on hepatocytes after exposure to 2.5; 3.75 and 5 mM APAP. After 24/20-hours incubation, we tested the activity of lactatdehydrogenase (LDH) in culture medium, the viability of hepatocytes, production of albumin, and level of MDA and ROS production. Morphological evaluation of cells was performed by using phase microscopy. Results: LIRA at tested concentrations...

Jan Kolouch Alteration of transport proteins expression during intrahepatic cholestasis in rats Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: The aim of the diploma thesis was the verification of cholestatic liver injury by biochemical analysis of plasma and analysis of the main efflux and uptake hepatic transporters (Ntcp, Oatp1a4, Bsep, Mrp2, Mrp3, Mrp4) at the mRNA level. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 6, in each group; 280 - 320 g) were divided into two groups: Control group (LPS-K) and LPS group (lipopolysaccharide was administred at once i.p., 4mg/kg). Blood and liver samples were collected 12 hours after LPS administration. Biochemical analysis of plasma was performed by Cobas Integra ® 800 and GC/MS. Changes of mRNA expression of the transporters were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: In comparison to control group, LPS group showed significantly elevated plasmatic levels of the bile acids and also elevated activity of ALP and GMT. Plasmatic levels of bile acids were elevated to 818%, activity of ALP was elevated to 311% and activity of GMT to 2167%. Intrahepatic cholestasis led to the significant decrease of mRNA levels - Ntcp to 4.6%, Oatp1a4 to 2.2%, Mrp2 to 1.7% and Bsep to 25%. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is...

Jana Šindelářová Alteration of transport proteins expression during obstructive cholestasis in rats I Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Fakulty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: The purpose of the diploma thesis was the confirmation of liver cholestatic damage induced by bile duct obstruction lastnig for 28 days by biochemical analysis and analysis of mRNA and protein expression of liver uptake transporters in rats (Ntcp, Oatp1a1, Oatp1a4, Oatp1b2, Oat2). Methods: Wistar rats (n = 6, in each group; 280 - 320g) were dividend in two groups: control group of sham-operated animals (Sham) and group with bile duct obstruction lastnig for 28 days (BDO). Biochemical analysis of serum was performed by Cobas Integra ® 800. Changes of mRNA and protein expression of transport proteins were evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: In BDO group, level of bile acids increased to 454%, level of total bilirubin to 4111% and level of conjugated bilirubin to 7313% as compared to control group. In comparison to control group, activity of ALP was elevated to 238%, activity of GMT to 2826%, activity of ALT to 1200% and activity of AST to 1378%. As compared to Sham group BDO group showed decreased mRNA levels of Ntcp to 51% and of Oatp1a4 to 38%. No signifiant changes were found in...

Charles University in Prague Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Candidate: Veronika Mertlíková Supervisor: Doc. PharmDr. Petr Nachtigal Ph.D. Title of diploma thesis: The study of VCAM-1 expression in experimental atherogenesis. The aim of the thesis is to describe the expression of VCAM-1 in the vessel wall of normocholesterolemic C57BL/6J mice, which were fed standard laboratory diet, and hypercholesterolemic apoE-deficient mice. As an experimental model normocholesterolemic C57BL/6J male mice and apoE-deficient mice at the age of 6 weeks were used. The C57BL/6J male mice were fed standard laboratory diet and apoE-deficient mice were fed cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. After this procedure a biochemical analysis of blood and immunohistochemical analysis of segments taken from aortic sinus and aortal arch were made. In comparison with the control C57BL/6J mice a large level of cholesterol was found in the blood of the apoE-deficient mice. Atherosclerotic lesions are thus generated only by the hypercholesterolemic mice. We were monitoring the expression of VCAM-1 in aortas of the normocholesterolemic C57BL/6J mice without atherosclerotic lesions by immunohistochemical methods, and the same methods were used for monitoring of the areas with and without...

Marie Žáková Spirulina platensis effects on atherogenesis in mouse model of atherosclerosis Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: The aim of this diploma thesis was to evaluate possible antiatherogenic and antiinflammatory effects of Spirulina platensis in apoE-deficient mice. Methods: We used C57BL/6J male mice with deficiency of apolipoprotein E (apoE-/-) at the age of 3 months. The animals were divided into 2 groups (control and examined mice). Both groups were fed with cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. In Spirulina group, Spirulina platensis was added at dose of 20 mg/kg/day. The biochemical analysis was performed in order to discover the lipid spectrum of blood. There was also performed the histological staining with oil red in order to visualise the size of atherosklerotic leisons and to detect the lipids. The aim of the immunohistochemical analysis was to approve the amount of VCAM-1 expression. Results: Biochemical analysis did not demonstrate any significant decrease of total cholesterol expect from decreasing of LDL cholesterol. The presence of atherosclerotic lesions with lipids cumulation was illustrated by histological staining with oil red in both mice groups, the results of each group did not differ. In comparison with...

Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Department of Biological and Medical Sciences Candidate Mgr.Lucie Vybulková Consultant Doc.PharmDr.Petr Nachtigal, PhD Title of Thesis Immunohistochemical analysis of expression of phosphorylated form Smad2 after administration of atorvastatin in experimental atherogenesis Background: The aim of this thesis was to describe the effects of atorvastatin treatment on the expression of phosphorylated form of Smad2 in atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE/LDLr-deficient mice by immunohistochemical methods. Furthermore, the influence of atorvastatin on lipid spectrum and size of atherosclerotic plaques was observed. Methods: In our experiment there were used C57BL/6J female mice with double deficit of apolipoprotein E and LDL receptor. There was performed the biochemical analysis of blood samples, histological staining with oil red for detection of tissue lipids, quantitative analysis of size of lesions and immunohistochemical analysis of samples containing semilunar valves and aorta for the detection of expression of Smad2. It was done using the method Avidin-Biotin and detection with DAB. Results: Using biochemical analysis we confirmed increased levels of total cholesterol and VLDL after the administration of atorvastatin. Smaller size of...

Lucie Vybulková The study of transforming growth factor receptor during atherogenesis in mouse model of atherosclerosis Diploma thesis Charles University in Prague, Fakulty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Pharmacy Background: The aim of this diploma thesis was the establishment of methodology for detection of TGF-βRI, subtype ALK-5, and studying its expression in the aortic root in apoE/LDLr- deficient mice. Methods: Using female mice C57BL/6J strain with a double deficit of apolipoprotein E and LDL-receptor was performed biochemical analysis of blood specimens, histologic staining with oil red for detection of lipids in tissues and immunohistochemical analysis of segments of tissue from the aorta and the top half of the heart. To detect expression of ALK-5 was used EnVision method with DAB visualization. Results: Using biochemical analysis, we confirmed increased levels of cholesterol in mice fed cholesterol diet as compared with mice on standard diet. At histologic staining with oil red we detected increased formation of atherosclerotic lesions in mice with cholesterol diet. Immunohistochemical analysis of expression of ALK-5 we demonstrated high expression of ALK-5 in the tunica media and in atherosclerotic plaques with no significant difference in the two groups of mice. Conclusion: The results...