The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2017/18 simplifies drug discovery research by providing overviews of key properties for human drug targets. The guide features over 4,000 interactions between ligands and targets, allowing researchers to assess potency.
A recent study by Saint Peter's University Hospital found that US resident physicians are unprepared to counsel patients on medical cannabis, citing concerns over safety and addiction potential. The study highlights the need for further education among resident physicians in this area.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered a protein called ISX that helps balance vitamin A metabolism in the gut. Without this protein, mice develop severe inflammation and become immunocompromised, highlighting the link between diet and inflammatory diseases.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that using lamotrigine during pregnancy does not increase birth malformations or neurodevelopmental disorders. The research monitored 83 children born to epileptic mothers who took the medication between 2004 and 2014.
A study published in Genome Research investigated the role of p53 in tumor suppression and found that no single gene serves as a backup 'second in command' to activate its functions. Instead, p53 relies on a multifunctional team of genes contributing to tumor suppression.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered an antidote that rapidly stops the intoxicating effects of synthetic cannabinoids like 'Spice'. The study used mice to test a molecule called AM251, which blocks cannabinoid receptors and leads to a loss of behavioral effects within minutes.
A new analysis highlights the importance of considering pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects in establishing drug doses. The study found that more trials used pharmacology endpoints in 2015 compared to 2007, but some still escalated without documented assessment.
Researchers at Charité found that retinol saturase plays a role in adaptive processes in liver cells, increasing with body weight and reducing negative metabolic effects associated with excess glucose exposure. The enzyme's inactivation may offer a new approach to treating metabolic liver disease and its related issues.
A phase 1 clinical trial found radavirsen to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals. The study suggests that radavirsen may be effective in treating influenza at a dose of 8mg/kg.
A study found neuropsychiatric reactions like depression and aggression associated with montelukast in both children and adults. Clinicians should discuss potential adverse events, especially nightmares in kids, when prescribing this asthma medication.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found a significant reduction in alcohol drinking behavior by mice that had been given a drug blocking a specific response from the immune system in the brain, highlighting the importance of the brain's immune system in driving desire to drink alcohol.
A new study found that statin use can lower the risk of premature death in patients with cirrhosis. Statins may also help alleviate the course of cirrhosis and decrease fibrosis rates.
A new study reveals that urinary markers miR-155-5p and CXCL10 can predict acute rejection and organ dysfunction in kidney transplant patients. The findings suggest a potential for improved patient outcomes through biomarker-based monitoring after transplantation.
Researchers use viral kinetic models to increase understanding of influenza biology and antiviral pharmacology, identifying sources of variation between individuals. These models have been used to support dose optimization and clinical development of potential influenza therapies.
Researchers found melatonin boosts immune response against cancer cells, inhibits growth and protects healthy cells from chemotherapy effects. Timing of melatonin treatments is crucial for their anticancer effects due to its role in regulating circadian rhythms.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a small molecule compound that works like the dimmer switch in an electrical circuit, relieving symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The study provides further evidence that a drug may be possible to treat this rare neurodevelopmental disorder in females.
Exclusion of solid food allows for effective control of Crohn's disease inflammation and promotes faster healing compared to steroid treatment. Liquid nutrition provides a viable option for managing the condition in pediatric patients.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding that an amino acid called methionine may play a crucial role in the development of schizophrenia. Excess methionine during pregnancy has been shown to alter fetal brain development, leading to changes in gene expression and potentially life-long consequences.
A new study introduces a finger prick test for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions taking adalimumab, enabling easy monitoring of drug levels without full blood draws. This method simplifies therapeutic drug monitoring, potentially benefiting patient care.
A new review examines the evolution of animal experimentation ethics, providing strategies for teaching and alternatives like tissue cultures and computer modeling. Practical approaches are offered to improve ethical practices in animal research.
A population-based study found a 16% increased risk of hospitalization among elderly individuals taking potentially inappropriate medications. The study estimated that 27,444 fewer hospitalizations would have occurred if exposure to these medications had been zero.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a compound that inhibits tumor growth by 69% in a mouse model and killed human melanoma cells. The compound targets the Akt1 pathway and human topoisomerase IIα activity, contributing to melanoma tumor growth.
Researchers found that memantine significantly reduced blood levels of neuron-specific enolase, a marker of neuronal damage, in patients with moderate TBI. The study also showed marked improvements in Glasgow Coma Scale scores on day 3, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.
A study analyzing 139,938 births in Quebec found links between clindamycin, doxycycline, and quinolones with organ-specific malformations. Physicians should consider alternative antibiotics for pregnant patients
A study of nearly 2200 older patients found that 44% were prescribed antiplatelet drugs, with 52% of primary prevention patients overprescribed and 31% of secondary prevention patients underprescribed. This highlights the need for personalized treatment strategies in this patient population.
The new journal will publish interdisciplinary research using systems biology and network medicine to personalize patient treatment. It aims to address the need for authoritative information on systems medicine and its integration in clinical care.
Currently available drugs may be used alone or in combination to treat infectious diseases, addressing a pressing need due to slow development of new therapies. Non-profit entities and private industry collaboration is crucial for discovering novel interventions to combat drug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers at Temple University have identified a novel mechanism underlying the efficacy of common heart failure drug beta-blockers. The study reveals that dysfunctional beta-adrenergic receptor 3 and decreased levels of cardioprotective phospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate contribute to treatment resistance in some patients.
A new study shows that sofosbuvir and ledipasvir single pill therapy leads to a sustained virological response in 98% of patients with thalassaemia and HCV. The treatment is expected to be limited by drug-to-drug interactions, but offers a significant benefit for these patients.
Recent studies suggest that excessive neural activity in specific brain regions can impair memory and attention. Inhibitory neurotransmission, mediated by GABA, plays a crucial role in regulating neural activity. The review highlights the importance of balancing aberrant neural activity to restore cognitive function.
SLU researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding muscle regeneration, identifying the nuclear receptor REV-ERB as a key player. By targeting this receptor, scientists may be able to develop new drugs to treat a range of muscle disorders and injuries, including muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia.
A new review investigates the relationship between pain and opioid misuse, revealing that pain can drastically change the brain's natural opioid system. The study aims to understand how pain affects addiction treatment, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective treatments for chronic pain.
Acute or chronic gut issues can arise from excessive exercise, leading to compromised gut function and increased risk of health complications. Low to moderate physical activity may be beneficial for patients with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
A new analysis suggests that non-selective beta-blockers are associated with a 22% increased risk of falling compared to selective beta-blockers. The study of over 10,000 individuals found no association between selective beta-blocker use and fall risk.
A new study found that magnesium sulfate should be administered to obtain a blood level of 3.7-4.4 mg/dL at delivery to prevent cerebral palsy in extremely preterm infants. This tailored approach aims to optimize neuroprotection and reduce cerebral palsy incidence.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a 35-gene signature that indicates higher genetic likelihood of chemotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. This biomarker can help predict relapse and provide a new pharmacologic approach to target chemo-resistant lung cancer.
A recent analysis of 16 studies found that fluoxetine use during the first trimester is associated with a 18% increased relative risk of major malformations and a 36% increased risk of cardiovascular malformations.
The Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics presents novel therapeutic approaches for treating uveitis, including cyclosporine, topical ganciclovir, and regulatory T cell therapy. These advances aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with autoimmune uveitis.
Researchers found that psychological interventions like relaxation and stress management reduced pain in several studies, while two dietary interventions and antibiotics also showed effects on abdominal pain. However, further research is needed due to the small and non-conclusive nature of most studies.
Antiviral drug tenofovir significantly reduces hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from mother to child when administered during pregnancy. Studies show a 77% reduction in transmission rates, from 90% to just 3%, saving countless lives and preventing liver disease.
A study of over 152,000 asthma patients found that current use of inhaled corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. The highest risks were observed with higher doses of fluticasone-equivalent and budesonide.
Research reveals that current or past stimulant use can lead to psychomotor control deficits, affecting everyday tasks. Heavy users experience persistent tremors even after months of detoxification.
A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.
A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with a higher risk of depression despite their ability to improve bladder symptoms by blocking muscarinic receptors.
A new flu vaccine with reduced doses could improve production capacities and increase vaccine availability. The use of whole virion vaccines and aluminium adjuvants may enable significant dose sparing without compromising safety.
A new review suggests targeting the oxytocin system could be an important target for developing medications to treat opioid addiction. Oxytocin-based therapies show promise in preventing relapse and may provide a novel effective approach to treating drug dependence.
A clinical trial found that yoga significantly improved quality of life and reduced colitis activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Regular yoga practice is considered a valuable adjunct to conventional medical therapies for managing the condition.
Researchers at University of Bath have developed a simple and cheap test to measure functional levels of AMACR protein, allowing for the investigation of new cancer treatments. The test turns clear liquid bright yellow in minutes, enabling quick analysis and development of new treatments.
Researchers at Saint Louis University are developing a potential exercise pill for diabetes and obesity by targeting nuclear receptors. The study aims to optimize two drug compounds, REV-ERB and ERR, which have shown promising results in improving muscle metabolism and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
A recent study found that direct acting oral anticoagulants and aspirin may increase heart attack risk compared to vitamin k antagonists like warfarin. Researchers are urging more research on the topic as use of these medications increases.
A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.
Recent clinical trials show biologics like infliximab and adalimumab promote 28-33% mucosal healing in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers aim to develop new treatments targeting inflammation differently.
Researchers develop CelePlum-777, a nanoparticle-based drug combo that kills melanoma cells with minimal side effects. The treatment reduces cancer cell growth and resists resistance development, offering new hope for melanoma patients.
A recent study found that older adults who suffered a hip fracture were more likely to use antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. The analysis measured drug levels in blood samples, revealing a surprising number of patients took the drugs despite no medical record evidence.
A recent review highlights cannabidiol's effects on fear and drug memory processes, suggesting its potential as a treatment for anxiety-related and substance abuse disorders. Cannabidiol is not linked to the cannabis 'high' and may alleviate symptoms without unwanted side effects.
Researchers found that targeting REV-ERB nuclear receptor can suppress cholesterol-related enzyme genes, leading to reduced LDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests that this approach may be an effective method for treating diseases associated with high cholesterol.
A new biosimilar called CT-P13 has been found safe and effective in treating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with a clinical response achieved in over 70% of patients at short-term follow-up. The treatment offers a cost-effective alternative to infliximab, a costly biologic therapy.
A new study combines nanotechnology with gene editing to target HIV brain reservoirs and deliver morphine antagonists to protect neurons from opiate addiction damage. The approach uses Cas9/gRNA system and MENP drug-based delivery system to eliminate latent HIV copies and deliver medications non-invasively.
A breakthrough trial at the University of Minnesota found that a new UMN-developed drug, eBAT, significantly improved the six-month survival rate for dogs with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) to approximately 70%. The study's results suggest potential for translation into human clinical trials.
Researchers have identified B0AT1 inhibitors as a potential replacement for gastric bypass surgery in treating obesity and related disorders. These compounds, including benztropine, could replicate the effects of gastric bypass by reducing nutrient absorption, offering a new treatment option.