 |
|
Research promising for cystic fibrosis
March 19, 2008New U of T research holds promise for developing innovative therapies against cystic fibrosis and may also serve as a model for future therapies against the HIV virus
Toronto, ON. - New U of T research holds promise for developing innovative therapies against cystic fibrosis and may also serve as a model for future therapies against the HIV virus.
Led by Professor Igor Stagljar, University of Toronto scientists have identified several compounds that block activity of a key protein (exoenzymeS or ExoS). One of these compounds, exosin, significantly inhibited infections in mammalian cells, showing promise for increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics in the treatment of chronic and acute bacterial respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Past studies have shown it is possible to prevent or delay the onset of certain chronic or deadly infections in cystic fibrosis patients with early antibiotic treatment. But the current availability of antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen that can cause urinary tract infections, respiratory system infections, dermatitis, soft tissue infections, bacteremia, bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections and a variety of systemic infections, is limited and the pathogen shows signs of drug resistance.
In an article published in the online edition of the journal PLoS Genetics, a team of investigators, including first author and U of T graduate student Anthony Arnoldo, identified several drugs that block a Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin called ExoS.
"These studies created a road map to the rational design of more potent, highly selective inhibitors against other similar toxins using a totally novel yeast-based approach," says lead author Stagljar. "This innovative approach is an important advance, not only for the value it may have in cystic fibrosis treatment, but also because this technique could be used to design novel therapies for any bacterial pathogen as well as the HIV virus."
In the next phase of their research, Stagljar and his colleagues plan to test the action of their inhibitors in an animal model of cystic fibrosis. If successful, the therapeutics may provide an avenue for the treatment of this debilitating disease.
University of Toronto
Past studies have shown it is possible to prevent or delay the onset of certain chronic or deadly infections in cystic fibrosis patients with early antibiotic treatment. But the current availability of antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen that can cause urinary tract infections, respiratory system infections, dermatitis, soft tissue infections, bacteremia, bone and joint infections, gastrointestinal infections and a variety of systemic infections, is limited and the pathogen shows signs of drug resistance.
In an article published in the online edition of the journal PLoS Genetics, a team of investigators, including first author and U of T graduate student Anthony Arnoldo, identified several drugs that block a Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin called ExoS.
"These studies created a road map to the rational design of more potent, highly selective inhibitors against other similar toxins using a totally novel yeast-based approach," says lead author Stagljar. "This innovative approach is an important advance, not only for the value it may have in cystic fibrosis treatment, but also because this technique could be used to design novel therapies for any bacterial pathogen as well as the HIV virus."
In the next phase of their research, Stagljar and his colleagues plan to test the action of their inhibitors in an animal model of cystic fibrosis. If successful, the therapeutics may provide an avenue for the treatment of this debilitating disease.
University of Toronto
Cystic Fibrosis Current Events and Cystic Fibrosis News RSSChildren with cystic fibrosis not well covered by guidelines for vitamin D needs
Existing recommendations for treating vitamin D deficiency in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are too low to cover the serious need, leaving most at high risk for bone loss and rickets, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
New approach to treating cystic fibrosis lung infection shows promise
Researchers at the University of Calgary have found a new method of fighting severe lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA, this week.
Protein opens hope of treatment for cystic fibrosis patients
Scientists have finally identified a direct role for the missing protein that leaves cystic fibrosis patients open to attack from lung-damaging bacteria, the main reason most of them die before their 35th birthday, scientists heard today (Thursday 11 September 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin.
Rattlesnake-type poisons used by superbug bacteria to beat our defenses
Colonies of hospital superbugs can make poisons similar to those found in rattlesnake venom to attack our bodies' natural defences, scientists heard today (Monday 8 September 2008) at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin.
Clearing the airways in cystic fibrosis
By manipulating the machinery used by our cells for quality control, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have found a way to restore the function of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway cells.
PTC124 shows activity in cystic fibrosis; Phase 2 proof-of-concept data published in Lancet
New phase 2 data published today in The Lancet show that the investigational oral drug PTC124 demonstrates activity in nonsense-mutation cystic fibrosis (CF). The data show that treatment with PTC124 results in statistically significant improvements in the chloride channel function of patients with nonsense-mutation CF. The study was conducted at the Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel and sponsored by PTC Therapeutics (PTC).
Breaking the 'mucus barrier' with a new drug delivery system
Chemical engineers from Johns Hopkins University have broken the "mucus barrier," engineering the first drug-delivery particles capable of passing through human mucus - regarded by many as nearly impenetrable - and carrying medication that could treat a range of diseases. Those conditions include lung cancer, cervical cancer and cystic fibrosis, the research noted in a presentation scheduled for the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.
NIH scientists find a novel mechanism that controls the development of autoimmunity
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found a mechanism in the immune systems of mice that can lead to the development of autoimmune disease when turned off.
Researchers discover cell's 'quality control' mechanism
Researchers in Japan and Canada have discovered a key component of the quality control mechanism that operates inside human cells - sometimes too well. The breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) and some other hereditary diseases, the researchers say. Their results were published July 25 in the journal Science.
Most generalists reluctant to provide primary care for young adults with chronic illness
The majority of general internists and pediatricians in the United States are not comfortable serving as primary care providers for young adults with complex chronic illnesses that originate during childhood, according to findings from a new national survey.
More Cystic Fibrosis Current Events and Cystic Fibrosis News Articles
 | Cystic Fibrosis: Everything You Need To Know (Your Personal Health) by Wayne Kepron Cystic fibrosis afflicts approximately 30,000 Americans. The average age of survival has been steadily increasing, but not quickly enough: a child born with cystic fibrosis today can only expect to live 35 to 40 years. In this valuable new addition to the Your Personal Health series, Dr. Wayne Kepron offers a comprehensive look at the disease that afflicts so many young people. Topics... |
 | With Every Breath: stories by and about people living with cystic fibrosis Over 30,000 people in the US have cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Physically, fighting it is a very perilous struggle. Emotionally, coping can oftentimes be even harder. With Every Breath consists of stories by and about people living with cystic fibrosis. Created to motivate, inspire, and generate positivity for those living... |
 | Cystic Fibrosis (Facts) by Ann Harris, Anne Thomson Cystic Fibrosis: The Facts provides a much needed simple and understandable source book about this disease. It is aimed at those living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), either themselves or members of their families or their friends. The book explains clearly what is happening to the body in CF, what causes it and what treatment options are available for the different aspects of the disease. There... |
 | David's Promise: A Young Man's Struggle with Cystic Fibrosis by Kathy Sykes What would it be like to navigate this life under the shadow of a deadly disease? How would you cope, both physically and psychologically? Approximately 30,000 people in our country live with the devastating illness, cystic fibrosis, and one in twenty Caucasians are carriers of its gene. Many among us are affected by CF, but few really know much about it. David's Promise delivers an in-depth... |
 | The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis by Isabel Stenzel Byrnes; Anabel Stenzel The tragedy of cystic fibrosis has been touchingly recounted before, but this is the first book to portray the symbiotic relationship between twins who share this life-threatening disease through adulthood. Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel tell of their struggle to pursue normal lives while grappling with the realization that they might die young. Their story reflects the physical and... |
 | Cadberry's Letters by Jennifer Racek Cadberry's mom is very forgetful. Every time they visit his doctor together she talks about C & F. She never remembers the other letters. When Cadberry draws a set of letters to help his mother remember them all, he discovers what C & F really mean and how those two tiny letters affect so much of his life. Developed for pre-school-age children, Cadberry's Letters uses simple, easy-to-follow... |
 | Cystic Fibrosis: A Guide for Patient and Family Written by Dr. David Orenstein, director of one of the nation's leading CF centers, this one-of-a-kind guide offers clear explanations and real-world advice on cystic fibrosis and its management. Here you'll find practical and reassuring information on day-to-day concerns--school, travel, exercise, nutrition, medication--as well as on physiological effects, long-term issues, and prospects for a... |
 | ALEX, THE LIFE OF A CHILD - The unforgettable story of a courageous little girl's battle for life against Cystic Fibrosis by Frank Deford |
 | Diseases and Disorders - Cystic Fibrosis (Diseases and Disorders) by Melissa Abramovitz Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder of the lungs and digestive system, and is the most common fatal hereditary disease in the U.S. While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, many recent developments in medicine and gene therapy have made it easier for people to live their lives with this debilitating disease.... |
 | Living on Borrowed Time: Life with Cystic Fibrosis by Debbie Pitts |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |