The current data on some molecular cellular and molecular genetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis and its complications have been presented in the research. Taking into account the significance of lipid transport system for initiation of atherosclerosis plaques we point to major role of lipoprotein modified forms in atherogenesis. Information of key mediators of macrophage transformation into foam cells has been produced. The results of original investigation of some genes’ polymorphism analysis in ethnic groups in Siberia and its connection with ischemic heart disease have been represented.

   Polymorphism genes assay is of importance for estimation of predisposition to multifactorial diseases on population and individual level. We investigated apolipoprotein E polymorphism and its influence on a lipid metabolism in population of Novosibirsk city (the largest scientific and industrial centre of West Siberia). Polymorphism of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene was studied in sample of inhabitants of Novosibirsk city aged 25‐64 years (n=611), in patients with nonfatal myocardial infarction (n=141), in patients with nonfatal stroke (n=167), in men with sudden cardiac death (n=250) and in long‐livers of the same region (n=97). A lipid profile depending on APOE genotypes was analyzed in a population and in a group of long‐livers of Novosibirsk. In male population 25‐64 years of age dynamics (changes) of frequencies APOE genotypes are not revealed. In comparison with frequencies of APOE genotypes in men is more senior than 83 years has appeared, that the frequency of a genotype ε3/ε4 has decreased 4 times, and the frequency of a genotype ε2/ε3 has increased 2 times. Among the persons of senile age and long‐livers, both men, and women the carriers of a genotype ε4/ε4 on APOE gene are not revealed. The highest level of total cholesterol in population of Novosibirsk is characteristic for a genotype APOE ε4/ε4. The introduction of genotyping of human apolipoprotein E in a population of Novosibirsk is expedient.

   Arterial intima-media thickness (IMT) is qualitative and quantitative marker of generalized atherosclerosis as well as a predictor of CVD strongly associated with the presence and level of CVD risk-factors. In the frame of a Siberian WHO MONICA Project and European Project on Genes in Hypertension (EPOGH) the representative population sample aged  18-63 (6 58 pers., mean age - 41.9 yrs) was examined by standard epidemiological methods followed by high-resolution carotid ultrasonography. The mean age-standardized IMT in men was significantly higher than in women (0.64 + 0.007 vs 0.58 + 0.012, p < 0.001). The IMT range in men was of 0.30­ 1.70 mm, 10 %- and 90 % cut-off points of the IMT distribution were 0.50 and 0.90 mm, correspondently. In women IMT range was of 0.30-1.30 mm, 10 %- and 90 % cut-off points of the IMT distribution were 0.40 and 0.80 mm, respectively. IMT consequently increased by age in both sexes, and was more remarkable in men (p < 0.001). The growth of IMT by decade varied in men and women from 0.005 to 0.17 mm. The most intensive IMT increase was observed in men, particularly in 35-44 year decade, comparing to women. Carotid IMT in a Siberian city population is similar to ones in North American and some European populations (Netherlands, Germany) and is higher than in France and Japan. The mean IMT and its growth intensity are higher in men than in women up to the age of 55 when increase rate became equal in both sexes. The sex-specific differences in early atherosclerotic morphology revealed by ultrasound may contribute to excess of coronary risk in middle age Siberian men.

   Hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension, smoking, overweight and low physical activity are known predictors of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease (CHD) Early detection and prevention of risk factors for CHD can suspend and slow down the development of cardiovascular diseases in older age.
   The purpose of the study: To study the prevalence and trends of the main risk factors Coronary heart disease among Novosibirsk adolescents in the context of socio-economic reforms in Russia (1989-2003).
   Design and research methods: From 1989 to 2003, four simultaneous population studies of random representative samples of adolescents aged 14-17 years ‐ residents of one of the districts of Novosibirsk were conducted. A total of 2,569 adolescents (1,214 boys and 1355 girls). The examination program included a survey on a standard questionnaire (smoking, physical activity), a 2-fold measurement of blood pressure, anthropometry, analysis of blood serum for total cholesterol (OHC), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HSLVP and HSLNP).
   Results: According to NCEP‐peds criteria, the frequency of high levels of total cholesterol (≥ 200 mg/dl or ≥ 5.2 mmol/l) in Novosibirsk adolescents for fifteen years decreased in boys from 22 to 8 %, in girls ‐ from 32 to 17% (P < 0.001), similar trends were noted in the prevalence of high levels of LDL cholesterol (≥ 130 mg/dl or ≥ 3.4 mmol/L) and low levels HSLVP (≤ 40 mg/dl or ≤ 1.0 mmol/L). According to the criteria of the 4th report of the Working Group on the Control of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents (2004), the frequency of hypertension in adolescents in the period from 1989 to in 2003 it decreased from 23 to 13 % in boys and from 20 to 7 % in girls (P< 0.001). The prevalence of overweight (IOTF criteria) from 1989 to 1999 decreased in boys in 2.7 times, in girls - 3.2 times, by 2003 its frequency increased again, to a greater extent - among boys.
   The prevalence of regular smoking (at least 1 cigarette per week) among adolescent boys in Novosibirsk for 15 years decreased from 45% in 1989 to 27 % in 2003 (P < 0.05); among girls, on the contrary, the percentage of smokers increased from 19% in 1989 to 27% in 2003 (P< 0.05). The frequency of reduced physical activity among adolescents remained high throughout the entire period (49-55% among boys and 83-73 % among girls).
   Conclusions: The results obtained indicate a change in the levels of classical risk factors for coronary heart disease in adolescents during the period of socio-economic transformations in Russia.