Preimplantation factor (PIF), a 15 amino acid peptide secreted by viable embryos, is reported to play a crucial role in embryo implantation as well as achievement of maternal tolerance via local and systemic immunomodulation. Now, a recent genomic and proteomic study has provided further credence to the positive influence of PIF in embryo attachment and successful pregnancy. The findings have been published in the current edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Continue Reading

The current long-term therapies used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) are administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, producing local adverse effects at the sites of injection. Hence, the development of an orally administered drug would offer greater convenience and be more acceptable to patients. Teriflunomide is one of five such orally administered disease-modifying agents (used against rheumatoid arthritis) currently under investigation. Now, a Phase II trial conducted by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine reports teriflunomide to be safe and effective when used in conjunction with glatiramer acetate for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Continue Reading

The injectable form of Asclera™ (polidocanol | Chemische Fabrik KREUSSLER & Co.) has been recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat small varicose veins which pose a cosmetic problem. Continue Reading

Non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTE-AMI) correlates with significantly increased risk of recurrent ischemic events and death, indicating poor prognosis. The results of a recent trial voices the efficacy of full-dose atorvastatin therapy (80 mg/day) in reducing ischemic recurrences following NSTE-AMI in severe, diffuse non-revascularizable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The findings of this trial are published in the latest issue of the journal, Current Medical Research and Opinion. Continue Reading

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for PROVENGE® (sipuleucel-T | Dendreon Corporation) for treating asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic, metastatic, hormone-resistant (castrate-resistant) prostate cancer (CRPC). It acts by eliciting an immune response against a prostate cancer-specific antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). The drug formulated from patient-specific white blood cells, is not indicated for preventing the development or progression of prostate cancer. Continue Reading

The hypoglycemic effect of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, has been proven through various well-designed clinical trials. However, since they are reported to cause fluid retention, guidelines from international medical bodies caution the use of these drugs in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure (HF). Now, data obtained from a multi-center open-label trial further corroborates the enhanced risk for HF events in type 2 diabetic patients on rosiglitazone medication. The results of the Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiac Outcomes and Regulation of Glycaemia in Diabetes (RECORD) study, published in the recent issue of the European Heart Journal, support the warnings put forth for the use of TZDs in diabetic patients on treatment with metformin or sulfonylurea mono or combined therapy. Continue Reading

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a cognate ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor, is reported as a crucial mediator of neurogenesis, neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity. Several studies have suggested the therapeutic benefits of administering the neurotrophic factor for treating various neurologic disorders. Now, a recent study published in the journal PNAS reports the identification of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a flavonoid derivative possessing similar neurotrophic properties to BDNF, which could revolutionize the currently adopted therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration. Continue Reading

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research has witnessed significant advancements with regard to isolation, characterization, and regulation of differentiation. Reported to occur in diverse adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and cord blood, MSCs hold great therapeutic interest in the field of cell-based tissue engineering and regeneration. Continue Reading

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the worst pandemic to date, continues its deadly course in contributing to the substantial increase in the number of people contracting the infection every year. As per the reports of UNAIDS, The United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS, the year 2008 had approximately 33.4 million people living with HIV. Among these, half of the cases have been reported in women, especially those of childbearing age; thereby proposing an increased risk for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the condition. Continue Reading

The aberrant expression of several microRNA (miRNA) molecules, which play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, has been associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Now, researchers at the National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Fudan University, University of Hong Kong, and Ohio State University, have identified a miRNA molecule that could help predict the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and also their response to interferon alpha adjuvant treatment, post-surgery. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading