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Tracing resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine across Africa

Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 13, 2009

Tools for more accurate dosage of drugs against HIV/AIDS and malaria

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to describe and quantify relationships between dose, concentration, and effectiveness of drugs against HIV/AIDS and malaria. The study found that genetic differences can influence efavirenz metabolism and that reducing daily doses can minimize undesired effects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 6, 2009

The Hsp90-Antifungal Combo, please: Compromising fungi in the immunocompromised

Researchers at Whitehead Institute found that combining an antifungal agent with Hsp90 inhibition is effective against multiple types of resistant fungal infections. The treatment could lead to development of novel therapies for patients with compromised immune systems, who suffer high mortality rates from these infections.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2009

HIV drug maraviroc effective for drug-resistant patients

The MOTIVATE trials show maraviroc significantly suppresses the virus at 48 weeks, increasing immune system T-cell counts and providing consistent clinical benefit for treatment-experienced patients with R5 HIV-virus infection. Maraviroc provides a valuable additional treatment option for a wide spectrum of treatment-experienced patients.

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2008

CSHL scientists correlate enzyme expression levels with chemotherapy drug response

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified Top2A and Top1 enzymes as significant contributors to chemotherapy drug resistance. The team developed a novel screening technique to investigate the genetic basis of cancer therapy response, which could be applied widely to explore genetic mechanisms underlying drug resistance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2008

JCI table of contents: June 20, 2008

A study found that chemicals in cigarette smoke activate nerves in guinea pig airways, causing damage. Leptin levels also play a role in weight loss, with low levels helping protect against weight regain.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: June 12, 2008

A new class of natural compounds has been identified that can enhance the sensitivity of mouse cancer cells to standard anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. Fever, on the other hand, is associated with prolonged QT intervals in heart cells of patients with LQT-2, a potentially fatal genetic disease. These findings suggest potential ther...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 12, 2008

Also in the June 10 JNCI

A novel small molecule inhibitor reduced both endogenous and drug-induced resistance to chemotherapy in a mouse model of melanoma. Low melatonin levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a prospective case-control study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 10, 2008

Community-acquired MRSA spreads

MRSA cases have increased 10 times in Denmark over the last decade, with community-acquired strains spreading through family and social networks, says Professor Robert Skov. The Danish health system has introduced guidelines to prevent MRSA transmission, but the rising epidemic remains a concern for public health.

Green tea helps beat superbugs

Egyptian scientists have discovered that green tea boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics against superbugs by up to 99.99%, increasing the killing power of chloramphenicol and making 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to cephalosporin antibiotics.

OHSU Cancer Institute researchers identify new approach to help control drug resistance in leukemia

OHSU Cancer Institute researchers found that SGX393 is effective against Gleevec-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by inhibiting T315I mutant and most, but not all, other Gleevec-resistant mutants. The combination of SGX393 with Sprycel or Tasigna completely suppressed resistance in a pre-clinical study.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2008