[Basic directions of research of the department of lipid biochemistry].

The review deals with the scientific activity of the Department of Biochemistry of Lipids of the Palladin Biochemistry Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The estimation of the functional role of some major lipids and of the minor lipid components, namely, N-acylethanolamines (NAE), is the main problem of the scientific investigations of the Department. The role of some lipids in the pathogenesis of diseases accompanied by the oxidative stress was also studied. The Department was the first to find and identify NAE in neuroblastoma C1300 N18 cells. It was shown that NAE with long saturated acyl chains inhibited veratridine-activated fast sodium channels. NAE also activated uterine plasma membrane smooth muscle Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, and inhibited Fe(2+)-induced free radical oxidation in mitochondria. The results of these investigations served as a basis for development of pharmacological substances with membrane protective properties. It was shown that, at different diseases accompanied by the oxidative stress, a significant change in the lipid composition of cell membranes occurred. Sometimes these changes were adaptive in character, which favored the cell viability adaptation to pathological conditions. The new level of regulation of adaptive reactions can be accompanied by the development of additive injuries of cell viability, which may be caused by the altered level of biologically active cell lipid components. Based on the results of these investigations, the preparation intended for treatment of male infertility was developed. The pharmacological substances intended for treatment of morphine abuse and acute ischemia of myocardium were created.