Articles tagged with Pharmacology
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
The journal has achieved a real-time CiteScore of 2.4, doubling its Impact Factor from the previous year to 1.5. This advancement highlights CPA's commitment to quality and its expanding role in disseminating high-quality research across pharmaceutical sciences.
Researchers develop experimental drugs that encourage mitochondria in cells to work harder and burn more calories. The findings offer a framework for designing safe and effective weight-loss treatments with potential benefits for metabolic health and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a novel enzyme, SCoR2, that removes nitric oxide from proteins controlling fat build-up. Inhibition of this enzyme prevents weight gain and liver injury in mouse models, also lowering bad cholesterol.
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
The study reveals that despite differences in ARG abundance between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and polar regions, their types are similar, with bacitracin and multidrug-resistant ARGs being common. Most ARGs belong to the low-risk category, but high-risk variants were detected, indicating a need for continuous monitoring.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
Acute sepsis alters fluid kinetics and creates a 'third space' resistant to adrenergic modulation, leading to maldistribution of crystalloid fluid. Vasoactive drugs have limited effect on fluid distribution in septic sheep compared to healthy animals.
A blood test may help doctors identify which patients with colon cancer can benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and chemotherapy after surgery. The test measures circulating tumor DNA levels, and high-risk patients who test positive see improved survival rates when taking celecoxib with chemotherapy.
Researchers have created a three-dimensional human heart organoid that can replicate atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The organoids' ability to study heart development, diseases, and drug responses has the potential to revolutionize arrhythmia treatment.
A UBC Okanagan study found that microdosing psychedelics temporarily improves mood, creativity, and wellbeing, but these effects do not persist on non-dosing days. The study, tracking over 1,435 participants from 49 countries, suggests that microdosing may 'reactivate' or build upon prior effects of larger-dose psychedelic experiences.
Transformers and graph neural networks integrated with multiple pre-training tasks improve drug discovery accuracy. Molecule captions facilitate collaboration between large language models and drug discovery.
The study assessed deramciclane's antidepressant potential in two preclinical tests with predictive validity. Deramciclane demonstrated significant anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity in the forced swim test, but showed no effect in the bilateral olfactory bulbectomized rat model.
A new online tool has been developed to detect drug exposure directly from patient samples, revealing a more accurate picture of what drugs are in a person's body than what is listed on their medical record. The tool uses a publicly-available library of chemical fingerprints from thousands of drugs and their breakdown products.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a promising new substance that inhibits the ability of tuberculosis bacteria to produce energy and causes them to die. The compound, PRP020, targets the pathogen's ATP synthase but attacks a different site than existing drugs like bedaquiline.
Researchers found that plant phenolic acids can dramatically boost the activity of existing antibiotics against multidrug resistant E. coli, reducing the chance of new resistance emerging. The compounds also make it easier for antibiotics to enter and stay inside bacterial cells.
MIT chemists successfully synthesized verticillin A, a fungal compound that has shown potential as an anticancer agent. The researchers then generated derivatives of the compound and tested them against pediatric brain tumors, finding that some were effective against cancer cells with high levels of EZHIP protein.
The UK has published a new clinical guideline recommending pharmacogenetic testing for all patients prescribed clopidogrel to determine their individual genetic response to the medication. This is due to variations in the CYP2C19 enzyme, which affects how clopidogrel works in different people.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a mechanism to inhibit the P2X4 receptor, which plays a role in chronic pain, inflammation, and some types of cancer. The findings open up a new pathway for developing effective drugs.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique that reveals influenza viruses actively recruit clathrin proteins to facilitate their entry into living cells. The study provides key insights into the development of antiviral drugs and the behavior of other viruses.
Researchers at LMU uncovered two crucial proteins controlling the assembly of Toxoplasma gondii's invasion machinery. The discovery provides a promising avenue for developing targeted therapies against toxoplasmosis.
Scientists predict that a simple AI-assisted blood test could diagnose cancer earlier and with greater precision by analyzing tiny particles known as exosomes. Exosomes carry molecular signatures of cancerous cells, offering a real-time view of what's happening inside tumors.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
A monthly injection has helped 90% of severe asthma patients reduce their reliance on daily steroid tablets. Treatment with tezepelumab improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and overall quality of life, with two-thirds of patients experiencing no asthma attacks.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind statin-induced muscle damage, paving the way for new statins with reduced side effects. By understanding how statins interact with muscle proteins, scientists can design safer alternatives that preserve cholesterol-lowering benefits.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a deadly form of blood cancer. The FDA-approved medication works by disrupting cellular protein interactions that drive leukemia cell growth and survival, offering patients a potential cure.
The Virtual Cell Pharmacology Initiative (VCPI) aims to build the first standardized framework for virtual cell modeling in drug discovery. Ginkgo Datapoints is offering free high-throughput RNA profiling via its platform, generating over 12 billion data points and aiming to test at least 100,000 compounds.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg develop PROTAC molecule MA203, specifically binding to tumor protein CHK1, leading to its breakdown in cancer cells. This triggers a chain reaction destroying other tumor proteins, ultimately killing the cancer cells.
A new technique has been developed to study interactions between drugs and ion channels, allowing for faster and more economical design of targeted therapies. The method has been tested on P2X7 receptors, which are therapeutic targets for depression, autism spectrum disorders, and certain types of cancer.
Researchers developed a 'humanized' model of aortic valve calcification, enabling testing of potential treatments. The breakthrough could lead to new therapies to stop or reverse calcium buildup, improving outcomes for people with heart disease.
Researchers have developed a chemical compound that degrades beta-amyloid plaques, reducing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The compound was tested on rats and showed promising results, including reduced memory loss and improved spatial awareness.
Researchers discovered a cellular protein, FGD3, that enhances the effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapies. FGD3 weakens cancer cells when attacked by drugs like ErSO or doxorubicin, causing them to rupture and alert the immune system.
A new study by Yale Ancient Pharmacology Program reveals evidence of opium use in ancient Egyptian society, suggesting it was part of daily life. The discovery also raises the possibility that alabaster jars found in King Tut's tomb contained opium as part of an ancient tradition.
A study by Aston University academics found that while access to antiseizure medication is expanding globally, it's not always prescribed safely. Valproate, widely used, poses significant risks during pregnancy, including birth defects and neurodevelopmental problems.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology discovered that enclosed water can influence its surroundings and favor binding between molecules. This finding could lead to the design of more effective drugs and new materials by leveraging the binding force of highly energetic water molecules.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine found that the breakdown of protective brain structures called perineuronal nets leads to social memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Preventing the degradation of these nets may lead to new treatments to prevent or delay the disease.
A major analysis by CNIC and international institutions found beta-blockers offer no clinical benefit for patients with preserved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. The study analyzed data from five global clinical trials, confirming that beta-blocker therapy does not reduce the risk of death or cardiovascular events.
Researchers aim to identify new neurobiological factors for potential intervention in AUD, including a connection between endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and neuroinflammation. The study seeks to investigate ERV expression and genotypes in AUD pathophysiology using innovative bioinformatics tools.
A new study presents positive results for finerenone, a drug that blocks aldosterone receptors, in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The drug reduces protein excretion in urine by about a quarter, indicating reduced kidney damage and improved function.
A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.
Stuart S. Martin, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at UMSOM, bringing over 20 years of success in advancing basic science research efforts and developing new drug therapies. His groundbreaking discovery of microtentacles on cancer cells promises to lead to new life-extending therapies.
Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.
A USC Dornsife team of scientists visualized how opioids like loperamide and naloxone engage a key brain receptor, revealing new avenues for developing painkillers. The study also showed that Narcan blocks the receptor by interrupting the signaling process, providing insight into designing longer-lasting or faster-acting antidotes.
A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal identified GSTP1 as a key regulator that blocks JNK-driven ferroptosis, providing protection against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Overexpression of GSTP1 inhibited ferroptosis and improved DOX-induced heart injury.
A new study predicts that aging populations in Europe will lead to a substantial increase in drug-resistant bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from over 12 million routine blood tests and found that rates are expected to rise more in men than women and older age groups, particularly those over 65.
The POINT platform integrates multiple biological networks, advanced algorithms, and a comprehensive biomedical knowledge graph to analyze drug-disease interactions. It combines node degree with deep learning methods to improve target prediction accuracy.
The editorial highlights how biological sex and gender inequities contribute to suboptimal sepsis treatment, potentially compromising outcomes for women. Hormonal fluctuations, body composition, and renal clearance all influence drug processing, yet these variables are rarely considered in dosing algorithms.
A University of Houston researcher identifies a protein that may reduce high ketone levels in diabetic patients, potentially improving health outcomes. The study also shows that the protein promotes muscle ketolysis and running capacity in mice.
Acute lung injury is characterized by diffuse inflammation and intractable hypoxemia, with N6-methyladenosine methylation playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. The review synthesizes findings from multiple studies, highlighting the dynamic nature of m6A methylation and its associated proteins.
The bioactive components of Scleromitrion diffusum exhibit potent anticancer activity by inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis. Its multi-compound, multi-pathway approach targets several critical pathways in gastric cancer pathogenesis.
A new broad-spectrum antivenom developed by DTU researchers covers 17 African snake species and provides better protection against tissue damage, with a lower risk of immune reactions. The antivenom has shown impressive results in laboratory studies and could revolutionize the treatment of venomous snakebites in Africa.
The study highlights the frequent use of aerosol therapy in critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with bronchodilators being the most commonly prescribed drugs. However, the lack of sound scientific evidence and randomized controlled trials suggests that standardized protocols are needed to align clin...
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles to target lung cancer. By manipulating these tiny messenger particles, scientists can deliver specific instructions to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
A UH crystals expert has shown how to bend and twist crystals without physical force, using a molecule called a tautomer. This discovery has potential applications in drug delivery and material properties, such as optoelectronics and soft robotics.
A new Alliance trial is exploring the effectiveness of a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The study aims to improve disease control and quality of life for patients with limited treatment options.