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

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

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

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

Cancer vaccines are predominantly developed to offer treatment against established and growing tumors rather than for prophylaxis. Prophylactic vaccines, although very effective, are difficult to develop as they could mediate autoimmune reactions against tumor antigens, which are modified self-proteins. Now, a recent breakthrough study in mice models has reported the development of a prototype vaccine against breast cancer, which not only prevents breast tumor formation, but also inhibits the growth of the existing tumors. The findings of the study are published in the recent online issue of the journal, Nature. Continue Reading

Several factors, such as race, donor age, and compliance with immunosuppressive agents, affect the survival of grafts after transplantation. There has been recent interest in the role of donor and recipient genetics in allograft survival, with extensive studies being conducted to evaluate this relationship. One such study published in the latest issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the presence of the gene caveolin-1 (CAV1) variant is associated with a high risk of renal allograft failure. Continue Reading

Heart transplant recipients are required to undergo routine biopsy tests throughout their lifetime in order to monitor the risk for organ rejection; the procedure usually being uncomfortable and nerve-wrecking. Now, a recent study reports that the blood test, AlloMap® (XDx, Inc.), in addition to clinical and echocardiogram evaluation, could help determine the risk for rejection and thereby safely reduce the number of endomyocardial biopsies to be performed. The findings of the multicentered, invasive monitoring attenuation through gene expression (IMAGE) trial are published in the recent online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading

Multivitamins, presumed to confer health benefits and prevent chronic diseases, is consumed as dietary supplements by a substantially high number of individuals in the US. Now, a recent prospective cohort study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, cautions the regular multivitamins consumers on the enhanced risk for breast cancer associated with its intake. Continue Reading