Articles tagged with Pharmacology
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new approach to speed up the development of pharmaceuticals and pesticides. By deconstructing and reassembling common compounds known as heterocycles, scientists can rapidly change their characteristics without extensive synthesis.
A team of researchers at the University of Houston has identified AKAP12 as a promising target for treating heart failure through precision pharmacology. Increased levels of AKAP12 in cardiac myocytes accelerate cardiac dysfunction, but inhibiting PDE8A can reverse this effect and improve contractility.
Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.
Clinical trials show decreased effectiveness of vancomycin in treating C. diff infection, with reduced cure rates and lower sustained clinical responses associated with antimicrobial resistance. The finding poses a significant concern for the management of C. diff infection, with only two recommended antibiotics available.
US pharmaceutical spending surged to $473.12 billion from 2011 to 2020, with diabetic medications accounting for a significant increase. The study found that antidiabetic agents were the most expensive therapeutic area, with Medicare and Medicaid contributing significantly to the costs.
A comprehensive Scandinavian study has found no evidence that popular diabetes medications GLP-1 analogues increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The research analysed data from over 145,000 patients treated with these drugs and compared them to other patient groups.
A new study reveals that home-based palliative care pharmacists can improve medication management and enhance communication between patients and their treating teams. This model of care has been proven successful in rural areas, providing relief and comfort to patients, carers, and family members.
Researchers discovered compounds with untapped therapeutic potential for treating BPH, melanogenesis, and nerve damage. Metformin restored sex hormone homeostasis, epimedin B stimulated pigmentation function, and hydralazine suppressed ferroptosis to aid in axon regeneration.
Researchers identified four weight-gain trajectories and factors associated with rapid or gradual weight gain, including age, sex, ethnicity, and baseline body mass index scores.
Researchers found that chlorogenic acid enhances osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, while inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Administration of chlorogenic acid antagonizes ovariectomized-induced bone loss in rats.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...
Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.
Researchers propose combining osimertinib with gefitinib to increase progression-free survival rates in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. A comprehensive PC approach could dramatically boost PFS for 80% of patients, eliminating harm and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting its twist in the spike protein. These particles show promise as a complementary treatment for COVID-19 when vaccines and other treatments are ineffective, particularly against vulnerable populations.
The study reveals that certain dyes can release more radicals than others, leading to increased energy efficiency and speed in photochemical reactions. By slowing down a reverse reaction, radicals are given more time to leave a solvent cage, resulting in up to ten times higher energy efficiency.
A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.
A large observational study of 148,000 individuals with ADHD found that initial dispensation of ADHD medication was associated with lower all-cause and unnatural-cause mortality. The association with natural-cause mortality was not significant in this study.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing genetic treatments for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss. They created a new type of lipid nanoparticle, called Thio-lipids, that can deliver therapeutic payloads to the lungs and retina.
Scientists have developed a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells using high-frequency radio waves, outperforming traditional industry techniques. The process shows high efficiency and gentleness, with 91% of E. coli cells taking on the DNA after just three minutes.
Researchers from Osaka University found that (R)-ketamine can improve social impairments in mice with depression by restoring neuronal activity in the anterior insular cortex. The study suggests that (R)-ketamine may be a more effective treatment for social cognition than its counterpart (S)-ketamine.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
A recent study found that parents and clinicians are in favor of a mobile app to help manage child cancer pain at home. The app aims to ease the burden on caregivers and provide personalized pain management support. Recommendations for the app include improved accessibility, language options, and gamification features to involve children.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that alpha-santalol, a compound in sandalwood oil, decreases cell proliferation and induces apoptosis to prevent prostate cancer development. The study showed a 53% increase in normal tissue area in treated mice, indicating protection against prostate cancer progression.
A new study found that phenylephrine is the most popular nasal decongestant despite lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. Removal from the market could disrupt supply chains and require significant investment in infrastructure for over-the-counter drug review.
Princeton researchers create a system to control the growth of microtubule branches, enabling precise chemical transport and potential applications in soft robotics, new medicines, and biomolecular transport. The technique harnesses cellular scaffolding to build novel materials and technologies.
A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.
A new study found that cytisine significantly increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than two-fold compared to placebo. The study also suggests that cytisine may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in some cases, making it a promising solution for smokers worldwide.
A phase-one human clinical trial shows that Omadacycline causes a distinctly different effect on the gut microbiome than Vancomycin, making it a safe drug option for patients at high risk for C diff infection. The antibiotic achieves high concentrations in the gut quickly, reducing the risk of long-term colonization.
Researchers have developed a mineral coating that maintains mRNA activity for up to six months at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the storage of mRNA therapeutics like COVID-19 vaccines on medical shelves, bridging the gap between rich and poor communities.
Researchers have identified promising treatment candidates for morphine tolerance and cancer, as well as a biomarker for kidney injury. A monoclonal antibody targeting the mu-opioid receptor has been shown to alleviate morphine tolerance and physical dependence, while inducing excessive mitochondrial fission in tumor cells. Additionall...
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with improving nutrition and human health. The study found 29 genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and 93 genes that aid gel-forming properties of chia seeds.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry calls for improved processes for developing medicines for children and young people. Experts and patients collaborated to define new parameters for the development of these medicines.
Temperature-sensitive emulsions offer a new method to control when droplets dissolve, enabling precise targeting of medicines to specific areas in the body. The discovery could revolutionize methods of delivering medication in higher concentrations to diseased areas.
Researchers developed an AI model to predict borylation positions in drug molecules, improving chemical synthesis efficiency. The method enables late-stage drug diversification by high-throughput experimentation with geometric deep learning.
A team of researchers has made a significant leap forward in molecular chemistry by modifying azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products. Using photoenzymatic systems, they have discovered novel chemical reactions that were previously thought to be out of reach.
A small clinical trial led by the University of Houston demonstrates Riluzole's effectiveness in improving functionality in people with acute spinal cord injuries. The study used an SCI-specific biomarker to show how Riluzole reduces neuron cell damage and improves motor abilities.
Researchers successfully developed a novel method for transforming atropisomers into specific enantiomers using the Pauson–Khand reaction. The reaction achieved high enantiomeric excesses and selectivity, opening up new avenues for synthesizing pharmaceutical compounds.
A study found that people with a specific genetic mutation in the CARD9 gene have higher IL-17 protein levels, making them more responsive to IL-17 inhibitor biologics. This discovery may lead to targeted treatment recommendations for ankylosing spondylitis patients.
A new compound developed at the University of Illinois Chicago potentially offers an alternative to injections for wet age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. The drug targets End Binding-3 and has been shown to reverse damage and promote regenerative processes in animal models.
A study analyzed Medicaid claims data to find that less than 20% of patients treated for opioid overdoses were started on FDA-approved medications, including buprenorphine and naltrexone. Despite the potential for these medications to be lifesaving, crucial opportunities to prevent overdose deaths are being missed.
A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
A recent study has successfully predicted potential drug outcomes and side effects by analyzing the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. Researchers used machine learning to forecast drug approvals, improving reliability over conventional methods that only consider chemical properties.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that aripiprazole modulates the mammalian central circadian clock by disrupting synchronization among clock neurons and enhancing responsiveness to light stimuli in mice. This discovery expands the potential clinical usage of aripiprazole as a treatment for circadian rhythm sleep disorders.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that inflammation-related genes play a significant role in depression. The researchers discovered correlations between immune-related genes, DNA methylation patterns, and brain structure abnormalities in patients with major depressive disorder.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Scientists at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that long-term potentiation requires structural functions of CaMKII, not enzymatic actions. This breakthrough opens the door to therapeutic use of inhibitors targeting only CaMKII activity.
A research team at Ritsumeikan University has identified the elusive ApiT gene in celery, crucial for apiin synthesis. The discovery may pave the way for efficient biosynthesis of apiin, a compound with potential health benefits and medicinal uses.
A genetic study of 44,396 British people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ancestry found that 57% have a genetic variant that renders clopidogrel ineffective in preventing recurrent heart attacks. People with two loss of function variants were more than three times more likely to experience recurrent heart attacks due to treatment failure.
Researchers successfully recreated lung cancer patient's internal environment using hydrogel and 3D bioprinting, preserving specific lung cancer subtype and genetic mutation characteristics. The study enables precise drug evaluation and personalized treatment options for lung cancer patients with underlying diseases.
Researchers found that inhibiting NLRP3 signaling reduces podocyte senescence, improves lifespan, and slows down healthy podocyte aging in mice. This discovery holds promise for treating age-related kidney diseases.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
Researchers propose GABA-modulating treatments as potential therapeutic targets for depression's cognitive and affective symptoms. The study highlights the importance of GABA-A receptors in regulating balance and signals between neurons, and suggests compounds that promote or inhibit these receptors may alleviate depressive symptoms.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a safe and efficient way to create cyclopropanes, key features in many drugs, using a previously undescribed chemical process. The new method uses visible light and common ingredients to transform alkenes into cyclopropanes with no carbene intermediate.
Researchers from Sahmyook University found that phyllodulcin, a natural sweetener found in hydrangeas, can efficiently inhibit amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and dissociate its aggregates in an animal model study. The study suggests that phyllodulcin may be useful in delaying the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed new methods for detecting drug-induced hepatotoxicity using 3D cell cultures and mass spectrometry imaging, identifying biomarkers and effective interventions. A zeolite-based protein corona method was also used to characterize plasma proteins, enabling the identification of low-abundance proteins and their potent...
A vegetarian diet has been shown to modestly but significantly improve cardiometabolic outcomes in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests that vegetarian diets could be a useful addition to standard pharmacological therapy for primary prevention.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized tanzawaic acid B in large amounts, paving the way for new antibiotic development. The breakthrough method could lead to creation of various compounds for pharmaceuticals, including new antibiotic candidates.