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Cancer :: Blocking cancer-causing gene improves radiation effectiveness – Jefferson researchers

Inhibiting a particular cancer-causing gene can enhance the cell-killing effects of radiation, a team of radiation oncologists and cancer biologists has found. Using a combination of zebrafish and antisense technology, they’ve shown that the drug flavopiridol works by blocking the activity of a gene, cyclin D1, which is overexpressed in about half of all breast cancers. Similar techniques in the future, the scientists say, may enable researchers to better gauge the effects of drugs.

Health :: Jefferson researchers find nanoparticle shows promise in reducing radiation side effects

With the help of tiny, transparent zebrafish embryos, researchers are hoping to prove that a microscopic nanoparticle can be part of a “new class of radioprotective agents” that help protect normal tissue from radiation damage just as well as standard drugs. They’ve shown that the nanoparticle, DF-1 — a soccer ball-shaped, hollow, carbon-based structure known as a fullerene — is as good as two antioxidant drugs and FDA-approved Amifostine in fending off radiation damage from normal tissue.

Smoking :: Mayo Clinic Tests New Drug to Help Smokers Quit

The Mayo Clinic Nicotine Research Program is conducting a research study to help smokers who would like to quit. The study will test whether the drug Chantix (varenicline) helps smokers who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stop smoking.

HIV :: Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against HIV

Gene-base therapy may be effective against HIV, U.S. researchers report. An investigational gene-based immunotherapy called VRX496 suggests it can fight the virus, according to a phase I, open-label, non-randomized clinical trial conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Diabetes :: Enzyme may hold key to new treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Northwestern University researchers have found an enzyme, called “ACE2,” may hold the potential to treat diabetic kidney disease, the most common form of kidney disease.The researchers have found low levels of the ACE2 enzyme in kidneys of diabetic mice. When ACE2 was further decreased with an inhibitor drug, kidney disease worsened. Studies are now needed using compounds that increase the level of ACE2 in the kidneys of diabetic mice to see if it reverses or prevents kidney disease.

Health :: Researchers develop novel method for treatment of sickle cell disease

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have developed a unique anti-sickling agent that may one day be effective in treating sickle cell disease, a painful and debilitating genetic blood disorder that affects approximately 80,000 Americans.

Health :: American Thoracic Society publishes new statement on hepatotoxicity of antituberculosis therapy

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) has published a new statement on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of liver damage caused by anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications. The statement, which appeared in the October 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, gives a review of current national and international literature on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or hepatotoxicity, a potential side effect of more than 700 drugs approved for use in the United States.

Contraception :: Male contraception: One door opens, another closes

Researchers have announced a breakthrough on a non-hormonal compound known as Adjudin. When injected as an attachment to a modified hormone that seeks out the testes, a low dose is a safe and effective contraceptive in rats. However, another promising drug, miglustat, has failed to make the leap from mice to men.

Leukemia :: When Gleevec is not enough

Researchers at the Jackson Laboratory, in collaboration with scientists at Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology, discovered is that imatinib does not inactivate all BCR-ABL signaling pathways in the cascade. Proteins called SRC kinases are still activated by BCR-ABL in imatinib-treated mouse leukemic cells. Treatment with dasatinib, which inhibits the SRC proteins as well as BCR-ABL, was not only more effective for CML, but also led to complete B-ALL remission.

Health :: Do not unauthorized products for sexual enhancement due to potential health risks

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the unauthorized natural health products Zimaxx, Actra-Rx, 4Everon, Vigor-25 and Nasutra because they are adulterated with pharmaceutical ingredients that should only be used under medical supervision. The use of these products could pose a serious health risk, especially for patients with existing medical conditions such as heart problems, those who are taking heart medications, or those who may be at risk for strokes.