Two independent research teams in the UK and US have identified inherited genetic variants that raise the risk of developing childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The findings, claimed to be the first evidence of the role of genetic inheritance in childhood ALL, are published in the recent issue of the journal, Nature Genetics. Continue Reading

Plasma levels of adiponectin have been found to effectively predict glycemic efficacy in healthy as well as type 2 diabetic patients undergoing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-agonist treatment. The findings of the study, conducted by the Biomarker Consortium, a public-private partnership under the management of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, are published in the online issue of the Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Continue Reading

Artemisinin-resistant parasites of malaria have emerged along the Thai-Cambodia border, the World Health Organization (WHO)-supported surveillance programs and research studies have revealed recently. Continue Reading

Human hemoglobin (Hb) is a known source of biologically active peptides with antimicrobial activity. Now, a recent study published in the January issue of the journal Human Reproduction reports that hemoglobin and its derived peptides play a crucial role in maintaining the host defense mechanism against vaginal pathogens. Continue Reading

Bortezomib (Velcade® | Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), a proteasome inhibitor, has been previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Now, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati, has shown that the drug is also effective for the treatment of transplant rejection. The results of study are published in the recent issue of the journal Transplantation. Continue Reading

Plerixafor (Mozobilâ„¢ | Genzyme Corporation), a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer, has gained marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug, in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Continue Reading

MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent a class of short, non-coding RNA molecules, which play a crucial role in several cellular and developmental processes by modulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The aberrant expression of these miRNA molecules has largely been implicated in several cancers, and its role in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has only been recently discovered. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Florida has found that the upregulation of selective miRNA molecules in blood mononuclear cells of RA patients could serve as potential markers for the disease detection and therapy response. The findings of the study are reported in the latest issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy. Continue Reading

Romiplostim (Nplateâ„¢ | Amgen, Inc.), a novel thrombopoiesis-stimulating peptibody protein, has been granted the US FDA approval for the long-term treatment of thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet counts) in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Romiplostim, the first and only FDA-approved platelet producer, raises and maintains the blood platelet counts, offering a new therapeutic approach for this rare, chronic hematological disorder. Continue Reading

Methadone, an analgesic, antitussive, and maintenance anti-addictive for patients on opioids, can now be used to treat leukemia that is highly resistant to conventional anticancerous therapy, according to a research article published in the latest issue of Cancer Research. Continue Reading

Altered levels of thyrotropin, also known as the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), could be associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD) in women, according to a study published in the recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Continue Reading