Researchers have made significant progress in gene editing tools for ocean microbes, enabling functional studies of thousands of new genes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve our understanding of life's origins, biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacology.
A study published in Immunity identifies an enzyme that blocks self-healing in blood vessels during inflammation, hindering regeneration. Removing this enzyme allows cells to fully regenerate, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving endogenous regeneration.
A clinical trial found that electrical stimulation improved symptoms in 53% of women with constipation, with lasting benefits for at least 3 months. The treatment was well-tolerated and offered a promising alternative to laxative medications.
Researchers at UArizona College of Medicine identified prolactin as a key factor in women's pain sensitivity. The study suggests new therapies targeting the prolactin system could greatly benefit women suffering from functional pain syndromes, such as migraines and fibromyalgia.
Researchers have identified calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a link between traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion headaches. A preclinical study found that administering an anti-CGRP treatment before or after injury significantly reduced pain responses and prevented reactivated headaches.
Researchers are developing long-acting formulations for malaria and TB prevention, as well as a single-injection cure for hepatitis C. The project aims to improve patient adherence and reduce disease transmission in low- and middle-income countries.
After a stroke, sticky exosomes accumulate on the lining of blood vessels, activating platelets and causing them to adhere to the vessel walls. This buildup can lead to additional brain damage and worsen stroke outcomes. Synthetic exosomes may hold promise as potential treatment options.
A recent analysis found that one-third of all pregnancies in women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were delivered by Caesarean section, a two-fold increase compared to women without IBD. Women with IBD also face increased risks of gestational diabetes and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.
Scientists reveal key details about how sodium channels power heartbeats and respond to heart rhythm drugs. The study provides a blueprint for understanding cardiac sodium channels, revealing characteristics that distinguish them from other ion channels.
A new study suggests that dofetilide, an FDA-approved antiarrhythmic drug, may counteract pathological changes in potassium channels associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. In experimental models, dofetilide inhibited PAH-related vascular remodeling and improved lung function.
A new trial found that probiotic drops containing Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12 reduced daily crying by 50% in 80% of infants, improving sleep duration and stool frequency.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have launched a project to develop preclinical drug candidates that selectively block nociceptor activity, offering an alternative to opioid-based medications. The STOP PAIN consortium combines experimental and AI-driven approaches to address the critical public health need for new pain treatments.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...
A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that kratom may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption but carries risks of addiction and side effects. The researchers suggest alternative therapies could provide safer treatment options for individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Researchers found over a million variants of nucleic acid analogues, suggesting a vast unexplored universe of chemistry relevant to pharmacology and efforts to understand the origins of life. The molecules revealed by this study could be further modified to give hundreds of millions of potential pharmaceutical drug leads.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that cannabidiol may not have a significant antiepileptic effect on seizure frequency in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, the interaction between cannabidiol and clobazam could be responsible for the reduction in seizures.
A Finnish hospital analysis found that 59.5% of women with preeclampsia used at least one drug during pregnancy, compared to 35.5% of controls. The most commonly used drugs were antibiotics, hypertensive medications, and paracetamol.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism that promotes cocaine craving during prolonged abstinence, increasing the likelihood of relapse. The study found that gene expression changes in response to chromatin remodeler INO80 and E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM3, facilitating drug-craving behavior.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that statin use for as little as 91 days increased the risk of skin and soft tissue infections. Statin use was also associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for these infections.
Scientists at University of Bath have developed a new family of drugs that inhibit the AMACR protein, increasing effectiveness by 20-fold. The research provides promising avenues for treating prostate and other cancers.
A new study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found a strong association between obesity and chronic diarrhea, independent of dietary, lifestyle, or medical factors. Obesity was 60% more likely to cause chronic diarrhea compared to normal weight individuals.
The team aims to understand how genetics contributes to driving aggressive pathology in prostate cancer by combining pathology, computational modeling, and genomics. They plan to identify therapeutic options by testing combinations of genes in mouse models of the disease.
A recent review found that individuals with good medication adherence have a lower risk of needing hospitalisation due to any cause (17% reduction) and long-term mortality risk (21% reduction). Medication non-adherence is associated with increased risks of adverse health outcomes in older populations.
Researchers compared three frontline breast cancer drugs and found significant differences in their biological activity. Abemaciclib was shown to be more effective than other drugs at high doses, affecting proteins beyond CDK4/6, suggesting it may work differently for patients who don't respond to other treatments.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that female rats who binge drink experience more severe liver injury than male rats. The research discovered nearly four times as much fatty build-up in the livers of female rats, triggering additional inflammation and damage.
SLU researchers will investigate GPR160, a small molecule that could turn off pain without side effects or addiction. The discovery of new leads for non-addictive pain medications has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for chronic pain patients in the US.
A new study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment. The growth parameters of newborns were similar in the OMT and comparison groups, supporting the prescription of OMT drugs to pregnant women with opioid use disorders.
Researchers found that smoking did not reduce flares, medication use, hospitalizations, or colon surgery in patients with UC. Smoking cessation also did not worsen the course of disease.
Researchers identify a genetically aberrant protein that promotes rare form of liver cancer in adolescents and young adults. A targeted drug combination slows down uncontrolled cell growth, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers developed a new technique called VEGAS, which enables rapid development of scientific tools and new treatments for diseases in mammalian cells. The method can yield useful new molecules within days, providing scientists with a powerful research tool.
A study of 17,018 individuals with autoimmune diseases found a twofold increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis after treatment with etanercept. This association suggests that anti-TNFα agents may provoke inflammatory bowel disease through common immune dysregulation mechanisms.
Peter Lockhart, a renowned researcher, received the 2019 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology for his groundbreaking work on oral medicine and its association with medically complex patients. His research focuses on the dental management of these patients, exploring the links between oral disease and infective endocarditis.
Research reveals pressure-sensing protein piezo 1 plays a key role in lung edema development. Suppressing its activity or bolstering adherens junctions may prevent fluid entry into the lungs.
A new study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that gastric bypass surgery improves acid reflux symptoms in most patients shortly after surgery. However, symptoms often return within 2 years, especially in women and older individuals with other medical problems.
A new study found significant issues with non-medical use of alprazolam in the UK, particularly among younger adults. The estimated national prevalence of lifetime and recent use was 0.32% and 1.30%, respectively.
A new study found that children with inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have a higher risk of developing cancer and dying early compared to the general population. The study suggests that cancer surveillance and mental health assessment are crucial for young patients with these conditions.
A QUT analysis of studies on attitudes towards medicinal cannabis found that health professionals are broadly supportive but concerned about psychiatric harm and misuse. They also lack knowledge across all aspects, including pharmacology and legislation.
Rapastinel, an antidepressant-turned-opioid-reversal-drug, has shown promising results in reducing withdrawal signs in rats, potentially leading to a new treatment option for opioid dependence. The drug binds to the same receptor as ketamine but with a milder effect, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers found that men taking bodybuilding supplements experienced prolonged and difficult-to-treat liver injuries, often accompanied by jaundice and generalized itching. The study also revealed that many products contained illicit anabolic steroids not accurately listed on the label.
Researchers identified discrepancies in 363 reports (15%) of adverse drug reactions between men and women. Drugs like thyroid hormones and antidepressants showed higher frequencies among female patients.
Researchers discovered that allergic reactions trigger changes in brain behavior development in unborn males and females. This study, published in Scientific Reports, found that immune cells play a critical role in sexual differentiation and may contribute to natural variations in male and female sexual behavior.
The symposia series will focus on the gut microbiome's impact on health and disease, featuring speakers on topics such as gut-brain axes and antibiotic effects. Research highlights include studies on acetate, bioinformatics, and metabolomics.
A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that older patients with Crohn's disease can be safely treated with combined immunosuppression. The research showed that remission rates were similar between older and younger patients, and there was no increase in side effects in older patients.
Researchers from Peking University and Insilico Medicine are collaborating on AI-powered drug discovery methods, aiming to accelerate pharmaceutical research and development. The project will focus on various applications of AI in drug discovery, including target identification, compound generation, and personalized medicine.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered a potential new target for chronic pain treatment by activating the REV-ERBs receptor. This discovery could lead to more effective drugs for various types of chronic pain, including sciatica, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Individuals taking statins may experience higher insulin levels and insulin resistance, leading to a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis found a 38% increased risk among those who used statins for 15 years or more.
A $3.34M NIH grant will aid in understanding how bacteria resist antibiotics by targeting cell-wall strengthening machinery in B. multivorans and identifying peptide-based inhibitors to block this process. Novel peptides may enhance the immune response and synergize with existing antibiotics to treat drug-resistant infections.
Scientists at UCSF have developed the world's largest virtual pharmacology platform, enabling them to screen hundreds of millions of never-before-synthesized compounds for potential drugs. The platform has identified remarkably potent antibacterial and psychiatric drug candidates.
A new review highlights the need for targeted approaches to address cancer therapies' impact on bone health. Efforts to limit these effects have largely relied on anti-resorptive agents with limited assessment of fracture risk reduction.
A study of elderly residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota found nearly one-quarter were overprescribed antidepressant medications. Patients with multiple comorbidities and high clinical complexity were at highest risk.
A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology finds that pharmacist-led follow-up calls can significantly reduce hospital readmission rates and improve patient outcomes. The intervention also had positive effects on healthcare costs, patient beliefs about medicines, and patient satisfaction.
This special collection showcases the potential of 3D cell culture technology in accelerating basic research, drug discovery, and drug development. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide optimized systems for disease modeling, compound pharmacology, and toxicology.
Researchers found that mice exposed to secondhand smoke developed cardiac alternans, a precursor to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The study expands knowledge of tobacco smoke's effects on cardiac function in nonsmokers.
A recent study found that opioids like methadone and buprenorphine can impair cognitive tasks and increase sleepiness, with four participants stopping their tests due to drowsiness. The study's results indicate that patients should be informed about the potential driving impairment caused by these medications.
A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.
A recent study found that statin-induced musculoskeletal adverse events (MAEs) have distinct onset timings for different statins, with high-intensity statins triggering symptoms faster. The study also revealed that concomitant drug use does not alter the timing of MAEs associated with statins.
A study of 1244 patients found a 72% higher risk of heart failure in those receiving androgen deprivation therapy compared to non-users. The researchers recommend counseling patients on modifiable heart failure risk factors and providing cardiovascular examinations.
A study of Australian seniors reveals high rates of nonadherence and discontinuation with prescribed statins. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and type of prescribing doctor influence the likelihood of proper statin use.
A novel antidepressant, vortioxetine, has been shown to improve subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment's multimodal effect on serotonin transport and reuptake may have important clinical implications for addressing sleep problems in depression.
University of Toledo scientists discover that increasing body's supply of beta hydroxybutyrate can regulate high blood pressure without exercise or sodium reduction. The study used lab rats and found significant decrease in blood pressure through kidney repair.