CXCR1 (CXC chemokine receptor 1) is an inflammatory receptor, which triggers the growth of cancer stem cells in response to tissue damage and inflammation. A study published in the recent online issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, reports that blockage of CXCR1, an interleukin-8 receptor, selectively destroys human breast cancer stem cell (CSC) lines in vitro and in xenografts. Blocking of the receptor was found to considerably hinder the growth of the tumor and reduce metastasis. Continue Reading

Various studies have established smoking as a prominent and independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, and death linked to cardiovascular and coronary diseases. Although smoking is considered a predictor of type 2 diabetes, the effect of cessation on diabetes risk was unclear. Now, a recent prospective cohort study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine reports an elevated short-term risk for developing type 2 diabetes in individuals who quit smoking. 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

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) or menstrual pain is the most common gynecological condition, with the highest prevalence being reported among adolescents. Despite this, many prefer self-treatment through non-pharmacological or over-the-counter interventions, or avoid treatment instead of consulting a physician. There exists anecdotal belief that behavioral interventions, such as physical exercise, are effective in reducing the pain, as well as in eliminating the need for any pharmacologic treatments to control menstrual cramps and other related symptoms. In stark contradiction to this belief, a recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (BJOG), reports that there is no association between regular exercise, PD, and its associated symptomatology. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented increased incidence of constipation in patients suffering from Parkinson disease (PD) due to the impairment of central or peripheral nervous system or both; however, fewer studies have investigated the occurrence of constipation preceding the onset of the disease. Now, a recent case-control study reports that constipation occurring ≥20 years prior to the onset of motor symptoms is linked to an elevated risk of PD. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal, Neurology. Continue Reading