Articles tagged with Pharmacology
Researchers demonstrate 24-hour rat liver viability in a normothermic machine perfusion system, enabling longer-term studies of liver physiology and pharmacologic effects. The study identifies predictive markers for perfusion success, including liver oxygen consumption and intra-hepatic resistance.
A peptide called PACAP has been identified as a key player in the regulation of compulsive alcohol drinking. The protein acts on the Brain Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis to exert its effects, which are characterized by anxiety-like behavior and spontaneous compulsive alcohol drinking.
A recent analysis found that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular problems, including life-threatening heart rhythm events and heart failure. The study highlights the need for caution when prescribing these drugs for off-label indications, especially in patients with cardiac disorders.
Researchers have developed light-activated tools to influence lipid concentration in living cells, shedding light on the 'lipid code'. This approach could enable medical professionals and biochemists to verify results with quantitative data from living cells.
Researchers have developed biologic pacemaker-like cells using stem cells from fat, offering an alternative treatment for conduction system disorders and cardiac repair after a heart attack. The new cell type can adapt to the body and respond to physiological changes, eliminating the need for regular maintenance by a physician.
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.
The Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative initiative improved the care of opioid-exposed infants by reducing pharmacological treatment duration and length of hospital stay. The project, which monitored 9,648 infants from 2014 to 2018, saw a decline in the proportion requiring treatment from 48% to 42%.
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 systematic evidence review found that behavioral therapy is generally more effective than pharmacologic therapies in improving outcomes for women with urinary incontinence. The review included 84 studies and showed that all interventions studied resulted in better UI outcomes than no treatment.
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.
Researchers found that bee venom and melittin suppress inflammation in atopic dermatitis by regulating T helper cell differentiation. The study suggests bee venom may be an effective treatment for eczema, potentially alleviating inflammatory skin diseases.
Researchers argue that garlic's unique flavor comes from sulfur compounds, which are biologically active within mammalian cells. However, the complexity of preparing garlic affects which sulfur compounds are consumed, leading to inconsistent results in human intervention studies.
PDE5 inhibitors have been approved to treat lower urinary tract symptoms and pulmonary arterial hypertension, with potential benefits in diabetes and cancer treatment due to their blood vessel dilation effects
A new analysis found a link between weight loss surgery and an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with patients having a nearly 2-times higher likelihood of developing IBD. The mechanism behind this association is unclear, but alterations in gut microbes and vitamin D/bile salt deficiencies may play a role.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $8 million to establish a new center for research into alcohol addiction. The Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center will study behavioral and neurobiological factors associated with vulnerability and resilience to alcohol use disorder.
Researchers develop novel method for selective C-H arylation at room temperature, overcoming harsh reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism involves iridium catalyst activation, arylsilane attack, and oxidation of the intermediate to achieve low-energy reaction.
A recent study of publicly available regulatory documents found that biosimilars have a comparable safety profile to their originators. The analysis identified only minor differences in safety concerns for most substances, with the exception of infliximab, where more issues were reported.
Researchers have discovered that low-frequency activities in the hippocampus drive brain-wide functional connectivity in the cerebral cortex, enhancing sensory responses and learning. This breakthrough suggests the hippocampus is a key region in the brain, with potential therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease.
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.
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.
Current smokers with colon cancer are 14-21% more likely to die within five years compared to never smokers. Smoking prevention and cessation efforts may improve survival rates from colon cancer.
A study of nearly 400,000 patients in England and Wales found that use of invasive coronary strategies significantly improved survival following a heart attack. These strategies, such as coronary angiography and stent placement, were associated with a 46% relative decrease in mortality.
Recent literature suggests N-acetylcysteine reduces frequency of COPD exacerbations in stable patients taking 1,200 mg daily. However, its benefits for acute exacerbations are uncertain and require further investigation.
Researchers discover new function of STAT1 in activating natural killer cells to eliminate tumor cells. Without this newly identified function, NK cells are still effective in eliminating tumors.
Researchers have identified a new target for treating asthma, finding that nociceptin reduces both immune response and airway constriction. This discovery offers a potential new approach to preventing or reducing established asthma attacks.
A recent analysis found that using paroxetine during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase newborns' risk of congenital malformations and cardiac malformations. The study suggests that the benefits of antidepressants during pregnancy are questionable, and non-use or alternative treatments like psychotherapy may be a better option.
A survey of 3,000 Swiss university students found that 70% believed using prescription drugs for cognitive enhancement was unfair. The study suggests that universities should provide more information on the risks and benefits of brain-doping to address these concerns.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that menthol, often used as a flavoring, has a significant pharmacologic effect when combined with nicotine. The study revealed that menthol slows or prevents the recovery of sensitivity after the first insult, placing receptors in a desensitized state.
Researchers found that menthol reduces irritation from nicotine by desensitizing airway receptors. The study provides insight into how menthol affects the function of α3β4 receptors, which are expressed in both airways and other neurons.
The serotonin transporter is a crucial pharmacological target of antidepressants, and mifepristone has been shown to inhibit its activity. The study demonstrates that mifepristone directly inhibits the serotonin transporter, suggesting its potential as a treatment for psychotic depression.
The article provides evidence-based information on the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis, highlighting the benefits and risks of various therapies. Steroids are found to be the most effective way to treat relapses, while immunosuppressants like natalizumab and fingolimod have varying degrees of success.
Narine Sarvazyan invents a new organ, the 'mini heart', made of cardiac muscle cells, to help return venous blood flow. The cuff can be created from patient's own adult stem cells, eliminating rejection risk and treating chronic diseases like venous insufficiency.
Research suggests that mephedrone has a higher potential for developing dependence than MDMA, with users experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms after rapid use. The study found that mephedrone's rapid absorption and high psychostimulant action can lead to increased risk of abuse.
Researchers found that silencing synapses in the nucleus accumbens can prevent intensification of cocaine craving. They discovered a chemical receptor known as CP-AMPAR essential for maturation of silent synapses, which revert to silence when removed.
Dr. R. Clinton Webb, a leading expert in hypertension research, is honored with the American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of hypertension and his dedication to mentoring and service.
Autophagy is triggered when cells are starved for nutrients, infected, or damaged. The study reveals that AMPK regulates Vps34 kinase complexes in different ways, inhibiting non-autophagy enzymes and activating autophagic ones.
Researchers at Western University have made a breakthrough in understanding diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a common form of arthritis affecting six to 12 percent of North Americans. The team discovered a mouse model that resembles DISH, pointing to the role of adenosine in causing abnormal mineralization.
Researchers discover fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) increases insulin sensitivity and blocks the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathway, leading to a 30-40% increase in average life span in mice. FGF21 overproduction also results in lean mice with no ill effects from reduced bone density.
A new study published in Drug Testing and Analysis found that DMAA, a stimulant in many pre-workout supplements, does not originate from natural substances but is comprised of synthetic compounds. The FDA should regulate and/or ban products with significant amounts of synthetic pharmacological compounds added.
Researchers have identified a key gene, TAK1, in KRAS mutant colon cancers that promotes disease progression. Pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 shows strong killing of tumor cells with minimal effects on normal cells.
Researchers have discovered that the protein p97/VCP aids DNA repair by unwinding proteins at damaged sites. This mechanism holds potential for improving radio- and chemotherapy effects on cancer cells.
The American Society for Nutrition will present a symposium on responsive feeding and how to promote healthy growth and development for infants and toddlers. Meanwhile, the American Physiological Society will discuss personalized, 'systems' medicine, integrating biologic and informational sciences to address complex biomedical problems.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lose their direction when the protein p55 is absent. This leads to impaired healing and slower response times to infections.
A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that biotransformed blueberry juice has strong anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. The juice was tested on mice prone to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension, and showed a significant reduction in food intake and body weight.
Dr. Huijing Xia, a postdoc at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has been awarded the American Physiological Society's Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physiological Genomics for her research on ACE2, an enzyme that regulates blood pressure. The two-year fellowship will cover $37,000/year in stipend and trainee allowance.
Dr. Rama Ranganathan received the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for his groundbreaking work on understanding how networks of interactions produce complex biological systems. His research aims to develop tailor-made proteins with specific functions, which could lead to new treatments for diseases.
Researchers found that patients with bipolar disorder have a poorer quality of life than the general population, with factors such as early onset, long-term illness, and tobacco dependence contributing to this effect. In contrast, social support from family can improve quality of life.
John van den Anker, MD, PhD, director of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology at Children's National Medical Center, has received the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP) Distinguished Investigator Award. The award recognizes his sustained and prolific contributions to pediatric clinical pharmacology.
Researchers have reviewed literature on stress tests to determine the most effective strategies for physicians. The study highlights the importance of choosing the right stress test to accurately detect coronary artery disease, emphasizing the role of pharmacologic agents and exercise EKGs in maximizing sensitivity and specificity.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that at least 100 of the 599 documented cigarette additives have pharmacological effects, including enhancing or maintaining nicotine delivery. The study highlights a need for regulation of these additives to address concerns over addictiveness and environmental impact.
Medical schools are adopting problem-based learning to improve personal drug selection. Students learn to choose medications based on efficacy, safety, cost, and convenience. This approach leads to better medicine use worldwide.
Dr. Elliot V. Hersh has been recognized for his research on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local anaesthetics used in dentistry, including the approval of articaine by the US FDA. He is a prominent figure in the IADR Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology Group, having served in leadership roles and organized symposia.
Researchers have discovered that spinal cord neurons show irregular firing patterns during network activity, similar to the cerebral cortex. This finding enables exploration of how spinal cords generate movements, shedding light on the complex system controlling human motion.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that the protein CIB1 plays a critical role in proper sperm formation in mice. Mice missing both copies of the gene are infertile, while those with only one copy are fertile. This discovery sheds light on fertility genes and their potential impact on human infertility.
Dr. Meechan has received the IADR Pharmacology, Therapeutics, & Toxicology Research Award for his contributions to dental care management and medically compromised patients. The award recognizes his research interests in local anesthesia and pain control.
Renowned clinicians call for collaborative effort to revive clinical pharmacology in the UK. The Lancet experts advocate for joint action by medical schools, government bodies, and industry partners to bolster this crucial field.
A UK study found that BBC Panorama programmes airing in 2002-04 led to a marked increase in reported adverse drug reactions for paroxetine, an SSRI used to treat depression. This effect was short-lived and less pronounced after regulatory announcements.
A four-year study found a sharp decline in HRT prescribing after the Million Women Study's publication, whereas an earlier study had little effect. Widespread media coverage is believed to have played a significant role in this change.