Several studies have validated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles of botulinum toxin injection (Botox) for various therapeutic as well as esthetic indications. In contrast to these findings, a recent study published in the journal Emotion reports that the injection may adversely affect the emotional experience of the treated subjects. Continue Reading

Earlier studies have substantiated the role of diverse systemic factors, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Now, the results of a randomized trial, conducted by the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Study Group and ACCORD Eye Study Group reports that intensive glycemic control and a combination lipid therapy, using fenofibrate plus simvastatin, could be effective in reducing the rate of the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The study findings, published online in the New England Journal of Medicine, rules out the effect of intensive blood pressure regulation in attenuating the disease progression. Continue Reading

Previous studies have suggested a direct association between hyperinsulinemia and mammalian carcinogenesis. Now, a recent population-based nested case-controlled study, published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, concludes an elevated risk for contralateral breast cancer (CBC) in diabetics diagnosed with primary breast cancer, perhaps indicating the need for additional screening of breast cancer survivors. Continue Reading

A team of researchers at the Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a novel influenza-vaccine patch containing numerous vaccine-filled, dissolvable micron-scale needles, which facilitate painless intradermal administration. Enabling self-administration, the patch is reported to be easy-to-use, aiding in large-scale immunization programs, especially in developing countries. The promising findings of the study are published in the recent online publication of the journal, Nature Medicine. Continue Reading

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

A recent study by Danish researchers has reported that the intake of psychotropic medications could pose serious adverse effects during pregnancy, including the possibility of birth defects in the offspring. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the open access journal BMC Research Notes. Continue Reading

A recent breakthrough study reports the development of a blood test that helps predict the approximate age at which a woman would attain menopause. The findings of this population-based cohort study were presented at the 26th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) held at Rome from 27^th to 30^th June 2010. The researchers are hopeful that the test could help women determine the age at which they reach menopause and accordingly plan their motherhood. 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

Allopurinol, the prototype xanthine oxidase inhibitor, has been indicated for the management of gout and other conditions associated with hyperuricemia for more than half a century. Recent reports have suggested the probable role of xanthine oxidase in ischemic injuries, thereby prompting researchers to consider allopurinol as a treatment option. Now, a recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, published in the latest issue of The Lancet, reports the potential use of the drug in treating chronic stable angina. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have proposed that the immune reaction to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plays a crucial role in the different phases of atherosclerosis. Reporting that T cells attack normal LDL rather than the oxLDL molecules, a recent breakthrough study suggests that blocking the LDL-recognizing T cell receptors could seize the T cell’s response to LDL, thereby conferring protection against atherosclerosis. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of The Journal of Experimental Medicine. Continue Reading