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Rare genetic variations may account for severe reaction to LABA drugs in some people

Researchers found that rare gene variants significantly increased the risk of hospital admission for severe asthma episodes and urgent outpatient visits among patients treated with long-acting beta agonists. Non-Hispanic whites with these variants were more than twice as likely to experience uncontrolled symptoms during LABA therapy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 27, 2014

Higher risk for heart disease and diabetes associated with androgen deprivation therapy

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists increases the risk of incident diabetes among men of all ages diagnosed with local or regional prostate cancer. The study also found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary hear...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 7, 2009

Can EP4 agonist alleviate gastric lesions?

A research team investigated a highly-selective EP4 agonist for treatment of gastric ulcers in mice. The EP4 agonist reduced acute hemorrhagic damage, promoted mucous epithelial regeneration, and accelerated ulcer healing. In vitro, it protected human gastric mucous cells from indomethacin-induced apoptosis.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 2009

Parkinson's disease medication triggers destructive behaviors

A new study at the Mayo Clinic found that one in six patients taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease developed new-onset compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. Researchers analyzed medical records of patients and found no such cases in those taking low doses or other treatments.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 8, 2009

Drug's potential adverse side effect explained

A new study suggests that PPAR-gamma agonists, used to treat diabetes, may cause heart failure due to fat accumulation and cell dysfunction. Increased activity of the receptor leads to glucolipotoxicity, a condition characterized by deterioration in heart function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 6, 2007

McGill study promises faster-acting anti-depressants

A McGill University study has discovered that a new class of serotonin receptor agonists can take effect four to seven times faster than existing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with depression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateSep 5, 2007

A faster class of antidepressants

Researchers have discovered a new class of antidepressants that work by directly enhancing nerve impulses of serotonin neurons. The compounds, RS 67333 and prucalopride, target serotonin type-4 receptors and have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression in rats after just three days of treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateSep 5, 2007

Researchers reveals how certain chemicals protect the brain against cell damage

A recent study published in European Journal of Neuroscience reveals that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can provide protection against brain cell death by stimulating receptors EP2 and EP4. This stimulation results in increased cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels, which reduces the toxic effects of amyloid-beta 1-42, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2005

New drug protects against the hardening of arteries

A new drug, GW7647, demonstrates profound protective effects against atherosclerosis by reducing lipid accumulation in macrophages. The study highlights the potential of targeting multiple PPARs, particularly PPARalpha and PPARgamma, to limit lipid accumulation and reverse atherosclerosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2004