Current Drug Targets - Volume 3, Issue 1, 2002

Artificial self-assembling systems are currently widely investigated as an alternative approach to recombinant viruses for gene transfection in vitro and in vivo. Cationic lipids are particularly attractive, as a great variety of well-characterized reagents can be synthesized from there. Over the last few years, numerous cationic lipid systems have been developed and shown to be efficient for in vitro transfection. However, although s Read More

The number of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other pathogens causing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is growing dramatically worldwide. Globally, heterosexual transmission may account for as much as 85-90% of new cases of HIV infection. Latex condoms represent an effective barrier against sexually transmitted pathogens, but unfortunately, their use is not generalized. Therefor Read More

Generally speaking, we cannot fully understand the mechanisms of general anesthesia until the molecular mechanisms of consciousness are fully elucidated. Loss of consciousness induced by general anesthetics might involve sensation, motor activity, behavior, memory and self-consciousness. The effects of many anesthetics are not limited to humans but also extend to the animals. Similar levels of minimum ane Read More

Chronic musculo-tendinous pain syndromes are relatively common and associated with very high socio-economic costs. Their aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. In the athletic population, chronic tendon pain is most often seen among recreational male and female athletes in the age group between 30-60 years, and is considered to be associated with overuse of the aged tendon. Treatment is known to be diffi Read More

Hypericin, a naturally occurring pigment, is found in certain species of plants from the genus Hypericum, the most common of which is Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Recent interest in hypericin is provoked by the discovery that it possesses extremely high toxicity towards certain viruses notably the class of enveloped viruses that includes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and toward tumors, and that this toxici Read More

The secosteroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) is a key player in the regulation of bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 has antiproliferative and prodifferentiation effects on various cells in vitro and in vivo. The growth-inhibitory properties of 1,25-(OH)2D3 could be harnessed in the treatment of cancer. However, its use as an anti-cancer drug is limited because of Read More