Viruses , including poxvirus , are known to possess efficient mechanisms allowing them to escape from the immune system of the infected host. One such mechanism is the possibility of inducing or suppressive effects of viruses on programmed cell death ( apoptosis ) . In this paper, the characteristics of the different ways of suppression of apoptosis by gene products of some chordopokswirusów ( orthopoxvirus , Leporipoxvirus and molluscipokswirusów ) . For proteins that are involved in the suppression of apoptosis by caspase inhibitors include poxvirus ?

The article presents the current state of knowledge of zinc as a modulator of apoptosis. This important trace element in the form of a bivalent cation has the ability to both the inhibitor and inducer of apoptosis. Contribution of Zn2 + ions in the regulation of programmed cell death is still not fully understood. It is suggested that Zn2 + ions can interact with multiple sites in the cell signaling cascade during apoptosis. Supplementation with zinc acts as an inhibitor of apoptosis, while its removal or low level induces programmed death in many cells.

Most of the currently used anticancer drugs and radiotherapy induces apoptosis by DNA damage or inhibition of key enzymes involved in cell survival signaling pathways . This triggers a cascade of reactions leading to the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bcl- 2 family , such as Bad , Bid , Bax or Bak , forming a specific channel or coformation of megachannels ( mPTP ) in the outer mitochondrial membrane , allow the release of apoptogenic proteins , such as cytochrome c , Smac / DIABLO , AIF , Omi/HtrA2 , procaspase 9 and 3 and endonuclease G.