Two ERC Starting Grants for MDC scientists
Two MDC scientists, Dr. Kathrin de la Rosa and Dr. Ilaria Piazza, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to fund their innovative projects in proteomics and immunology.
Drug Interactions
Articles tagged with Drug Interactions
How antibiotics interact
A joint study by University of Cologne researchers predicts the outcomes of combining certain antibiotics using mathematical models. The scientists found that interactions between antibiotics are often caused by bottlenecks in the translation cycle, allowing them to predict the effects of antibiotic combinations without trial and error.
Portland State lab finds finds new levels of detail about key membrane proteins
Researchers at Portland State University used cryo-electron microscopy to image connexin-46/50 membrane proteins at an unprecedented level of resolution, revealing new insights into their structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective targeted treatments for diseases.
Health IT improves engagement in preconception health to reduce racial disparities
A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.
Mail delays may affect medication supply for nearly 1 in 4 Americans over 50
Nearly one in four people aged 50-80 rely on mail delivery for at least one medication, with 29% receiving all their medications via mail. This reliance is largely driven by insurance requirements and cost savings.
Machine learning peeks into nano-aquariums
Researchers developed a machine learning workflow to streamline the analysis of liquid-phase electron microscopy videos, enabling the extraction of valuable information from nanoparticle dynamics. The new technique has potential applications in medicine, energy, environmental sustainability, and biomaterials research.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 24, 2020
Leading-edge technology unmasks protein linked to Parkinson's disease
Scientists at University of California San Diego have produced the first visualizations of LRRK2 inside its natural cellular environment and the first high-resolution blueprint of the protein. They discovered how LRRK2 binds to microtubules, acting as a roadblock for motors that move along these tracks.
Synthetic drug ebselen could be repurposed to treat SARS-CoV-2 by targeting main protease at distant
Researchers identified ebselen's binding activity to SARS-CoV-2 main protease, suggesting its potential as a treatment. The distant binding site may provide an alternative target for repurposed drugs.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 14, 2020
Exploring connections between ovarian cancer and blood cells
Tumors in ovarian cancer interact with platelets through broken blood vessel barriers, enabling metastasis. Organ-on-a-chip technology allows researchers to study this interaction and explore potential treatments.
Cannabinoids may affect activity of other pharmaceuticals
Penn State researchers identified 57 medications with a narrow therapeutic index that may be impacted by concomitant cannabinoid use. This list helps medical professionals make safe prescribing choices for patients using prescription or over-the-counter cannabinoids.
Some 'inert' drug ingredients may be biologically active
Researchers have identified 38 excipient molecules that interact with human enzymes and receptors, highlighting the potential for previously unappreciated effects on health. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to establish whether these substances may contribute to unwanted side effects in human patients.
Some "inactive" drug ingredients may not be inert
Researchers identified 134 previously unknown activities for 38 approved excipients, demonstrating direct activity against biologically relevant molecules. Several excipients exhibit evidence predictive of tissue-level toxicity, including thimerosal and cetylpyridinium.
Microscopy technique reveals nanoscale detail of coatings as they dry
A new microscopy technique reveals the interactions between particles in thin film coatings as they dry, shedding light on their properties and behavior. The research has implications for pharmaceutical devices used to deliver drugs.
Virtually screening antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2 structure may speed up drug and vaccine D
Researchers used a structure-based approach to virtually screen antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2, identifying potential candidates for repurposed therapies and new vaccines. The study found high-affinity binding of several antiviral drugs to the spike protein and main protease, revealing promising leads for further research.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2020
Predicting side effects
A new open-source machine learning tool identifies proteins associated with drug side effects, offering insights into how the human body responds to drug compounds. The algorithm has generated 221 associations between individual proteins and specific adverse drug reactions.
Electronic health records fail to detect up to 33% of medication errors
A study found that electronic health records (EHRs) commonly used in hospitals nationwide failed to detect up to one in three potentially harmful drug interactions and other medication errors. Despite improvements over the past decade, EHR systems consistently failed to detect errors that could injure or kill patients.
Sedative drug in combination with opioids may be especially dangerous
A study found that taking short-acting benzodiazepines and opioids together increases the risk of premature death in patients with kidney failure. The analysis of over 69,000 US adults with kidney disease who initiated hemodialysis revealed a 1.9-fold higher risk of dying among those taking both medications.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 26, 2020
Cell-culture based test systems for anticancer drug screening
Researchers at Kazan Federal University have developed new in vitro test systems for selecting effective antitumor drugs, which take into account the complex interactions between tumor cells and healthy tissue. The new models aim to improve primary screening of substances with antitumor activity.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMay 21, 2020
Good news for menopausal women taking hop supplements: Tests show no drug interactions
Researchers from Oregon State University found that hop-based dietary supplements do not cause significant drug interactions in menopausal women. The study involved 16 participants who took a cocktail of four drugs while also consuming hops extract daily for two weeks, with no enzyme inhibition detected.
Genes may play a role in weight gain from birth control
A recent study found that genetic variations in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) may be linked to clinically significant weight gain when using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Women with two copies of a specific variant on average gained over 30 pounds more while using the implant compared to others.
Novel metrics suggests electronic consultations are appropriate, useful alternative to face-to-face medical appointments
Researchers found that 70% of electronic consultations were appropriate and 81% associated with avoided face-to-face visits. This study suggests that e-consults can improve patient access to specialists and reduce travel costs.
Modeling psilocybin's effects on brain activity
A study modeling psilocybin's effects on brain activity reveals the importance of coupling neuronal and neurotransmitter systems at the whole-brain level. The findings support the development of treatments for depression, anxiety, and addiction using this psychedelic drug.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020
Computer model predicts how drugs affect heart rhythm
UC Davis researchers developed a computer model to screen drugs for unintended cardiac side effects, especially arrhythmia risk. The model uses a drug's chemical formula to predict its impact on heart rhythm and has been validated with comparisons to clinical data from electrocardiogram results of patients.
Potential harms of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for treating COVID-19
Chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and azithromycin can lead to rare but potentially life-threatening adverse events, including cardiac arrhythmias, hypoglycemia, and neuropsychiatric effects. Patients should be aware of the risks before treatment.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2020
Therapy dogs may help lower emergency clinicians' stress
Interacting with therapy dogs for several minutes reduces self-reported anxiety and salivary cortisol levels among emergency providers. The study suggests a small benefit in stress reduction after the interaction, but the extent of the benefit is unclear.
Eleven Kazan University projects receive funding from the Russian Science Foundation
Eleven Kazan University projects have received funding from the Russian Science Foundation, with a focus on medical research and development of new technologies. The funded projects include studies on antimicrobial substances, protein synthesis, and cancer treatment.
Study shows ICU patients with low-risk penicillin allergies can be tested and treated
Researchers have developed a risk-stratification tool to identify patients with low-risk penicillin allergies in the MICU. Direct oral challenge with amoxicillin has been shown to remove up to 60% of all penicillin allergies without symptoms of an allergic reaction.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 2, 2020
UD's Jason Gleghorn receives NSF career award
Jason Gleghorn is developing microfluidic devices to culture entire lymph nodes outside the body, enabling real-time study of cell behavior. The project aims to understand chronic infection and inflammation, as well as drug delivery strategies for chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapies.
Russian scientists propose new approach to measuring atoms
Researchers from ITMO University developed a new statistical analysis method to determine the size of atoms with high accuracy. This approach enables precise data on intermolecular interactions, crucial for assessing drug-protein binding and molecular structure.
Access to forbidden rings
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new technique for creating chains of molecular rings that do not use standard chemical interactions but instead contact with large molecular surfaces. This discovery helps answer an old contradiction in classical chemistry and provides new prospects for molecular cyclization.
Bristol pioneers use of VR for designing new drugs
Researchers at the University of Bristol used virtual reality to predict how common medications work on a molecular level. They successfully 'docked' drug molecules into proteins and were able to accurately predict their binding behavior, including for flu and HIV treatments.
Drug interactions with cannabinoids: 5 things to know
Cannabinoids can interact with various drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Regular marijuana use may also affect the clearance of other medications. Understanding these interactions is crucial for patients and physicians.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 2, 2020
Gladstone scientists identify new human genes controlling HIV infection
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered new human genes controlling HIV infection, which could lead to the development of new therapies. The study used a large-scale genetic approach to uncover host proteins that facilitate infection and identify key genes involved in the process.
Researchers show how Ebola virus hijacks host lipids
Researchers discover how Ebola virus interacts with human lipids and how disrupting this interaction can inhibit infection in cell culture. Two FDA-approved drugs show promise in blocking virus replication and spread.
Study identifies interaction site for serotonin type 3A and RIC-3 chaperone
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have identified the specific region of serotonin type 3A receptor that interacts with the RIC-3 chaperone protein. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.
Intestine-chip populated with organoids demonstrates superior function vs. organoids alone
The Duodenum Intestine-Chip, a living product from Emulate, Inc., was shown to accurately recreate key functions of the human duodenum. The chip demonstrated superior functionality compared to organoids alone in terms of global transcriptomic profile and physiological function.
Interactive virtual counselor promotes patient-provider communication about breast density
Researchers developed an interactive health counselor to educate women about breast density, with participants showing increased knowledge and satisfaction. The prototype aims to empower women with accurate information throughout the breast cancer screening process.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2020
Deep learning, 3D technology to improve structure modeling, create better drugs
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel approach using deep learning and 3D technology to model protein interactions. This innovation aims to create more accurate structure models of proteins involved in various diseases, ultimately leading to the design of targeted drugs that block specific protein-protein interactions.
This drug could save their lives, but less than 2% of them get it
A new study found that less than 2% of people at risk for an opioid overdose received naloxone, a life-saving drug. The study suggests that there are significant gaps in naloxone prescribing, particularly among high-risk groups such as those who have survived previous overdoses or have a history of opioid use disorder.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 8, 2020
Breakthrough study on molecular interactions could improve development of new medicines
Researchers developed a mathematical framework to simulate molecular interactions, making it easier to develop new therapies. The study found that controlling three key parameters can affect how molecule chains interact, leading to new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2020
This 'lemon' could help machine learning create better drugs
Lemon, a new framework, enables faster extraction of biological information from large datasets, enhancing drug development. The software can process PDB data in minutes, reducing time from hours to seconds.
Deep learning helps tease out gene interactions
A new method, called CNNC, uses convolutional neural networks to infer gene interactions from massive amounts of gene expression data. The approach outperforms existing methods at identifying disease-related genes and developmental pathways that might be targets for drugs.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2019
Researchers say 30% of patients taking opioids experience adverse drug interactions
A new study reveals that approximately 30% of patients taking opioids experience adverse drug interactions, which can lead to decreased efficacy and increased risk of addiction and overdose. The authors emphasize the importance of a thorough medication history and consulting a pharmacist before prescribing opioids.
SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateDec 10, 2019
Fighting bacterial infection with drug-eluting medical devices
Researchers developed a mathematical model to explore interactions between bacteria and drug-eluting medical devices. The model indicates that successful therapy depends on a balance between the drug's action and bacterial proliferation, influenced by coating properties and porosity.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 5, 2019
Cutting nanoparticles down to size -- new study
Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the size and shape of nanoparticles, which could lead to more effective drug delivery systems. By modifying a base nanoparticle with a second polymer, scientists can create nanoparticles of specific dimensions.
We love coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks so much, caffeine is literally in our blood
A study by Oregon State University found that 18 batches of supposedly pure human blood serum contained caffeine, cough medicine, and anti-anxiety drugs, highlighting potential issues with contaminated blood transfusions. The research also tested for interactions between botanical supplements and prescription drugs.
SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·DateNov 26, 2019
Novel mathematical framework provides a deeper understanding of how drugs interact
A novel mathematical framework has been developed to map out precisely how different perturbations of the interactome influence each other. The study reveals that the position of targets of a given drug on the interactome is not random but rather localized within drug modules.
SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2019
US Innovation Program brings international entrepreneurs to Purdue
Purdue University is hosting two international entrepreneurs from Brazil and Uganda as part of the US Department of State's Global Innovation through Science and Technology Initiative. Marcos Valadares and Allan Eden are spending four weeks at the Purdue Foundry, refining their ideas and connecting with business experts.
The truth about misinformation
A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.
33% of people on anticoagulants take OTC supplements with potentially serious interactions
A study found that nearly 98% of people prescribed apixaban, a common anticoagulant, use over-the-counter products, which can cause dangerous internal bleeding. Many patients lack knowledge of these interactions, highlighting the need for education and further research.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 28, 2019
Changing how chemists think about textbook chemical concepts
University of Houston assistant professor Judy Wu is examining a connection between noncovalent interactions and aromaticity, which could control the strengths of noncovalent interactions for drug and materials discovery. Her project aims to bridge computer models with practical impacts in biomedical research.
A simpler way to make some medicines
Chemists at Ohio State University have discovered a new way to synthesize the most common molecule arrangement in medicine, which could make it easier and more efficient for drug makers to produce medicines. This breakthrough could lead to a reduction in waste and an improvement in the production process.
AI could offer warnings about serious side effects of drug-drug interactions
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes data on drug-drug interactions to predict potential negative side effects, including long-term organ damage and death. The system identified over 1,700,000 reports of serious health outcomes from drug-drug interactions, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.
Drug discovery platform may provide new options for treating mental health illnesses
A new drug discovery platform created by Purdue University scientists has the potential to predict the effectiveness of psychoactive drugs in treating mental health illnesses. The platform analyzes compound interactions with proteins and identifies signature patterns for potential therapeutic uses.
Prevention of alcohol and other drug overuse among young adult nightclub patrons
A new Nightlife Safety Plan intervention demonstrates a reduction in alcohol and drug overuse among young adult nightclub patrons. The program increased protective actions among individuals to keep group members safe and reduced blood alcohol concentration.
SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateOct 14, 2019
National focus on overdose prevention should include alcohol too, study suggests
A new study suggests that up to 90% of people in treatment for addiction have a history of alcohol overdose, often combined with other substance use. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing alcohol use as a risk factor for severe overdose events.
Drugs for better long-term treatment of poorly controlled asthma discovered
A USF Health study discovers drugs targeting TAS2R14 can prevent reduced therapeutic effectiveness in poorly controlled asthma. Researchers found that one drug, diphenhydramine, worked better than others to maintain signaling and dilate airways without desensitization.
Hook-on drugs: New delivery strategy for K-Ras disruption
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery strategy targeting K-Ras proteins, responsible for aggressive and untreatable cancers. The approach uses FTase and GGTase I inhibitors to disrupt the lipid modification of mutated K-Ras, blocking its proliferation.
Enhancing the way epilepsy is managed by engaging community pharmacists
A collaborative project between the University of Washington and UCB will explore ways to enhance community pharmacist engagement in epilepsy care. The effort seeks to address fragmented healthcare services and medication adherence issues affecting the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy.
Talking receptors may affect relaxin at work
Researchers at Monash University have discovered that receptors can communicate and interact, affecting the therapeutic actions of relaxin. This finding has implications for clinical trials involving relaxin and other drugs acting on these receptors.