Current Medicinal Chemistry - Volume 14, Issue 30, 2007

Tumor vascularisation, the formation of blood vessels is a central process to allow tumor growth beyond limited sizes and to facilitate metastasis formation. Angiogenesis is regulated by a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory factors. Angiogenic factors have been the focus of intense research since the prospects of new therapeutic approaches seemed enormous. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has emerged as the Read More

γ δ T lymphocytes are involved in the defence from viral and mycobacterial infections; however they are also responsible for autoimmune reactions. Herein, we discuss the characteristics of these cells, focusing on the mechanism(s) underlying extravasation and tissue localization. We show that Vδ1 and Vδ2 γ δT cells display differential expression of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors, the former being pref Read More

Stroke is thought to be a multifactorial disease that is affected by several environmental factors and genetic variants. In 2002, a candidate locus for stroke (STRK1) was identified with a significant logarithm of odds (LOD) score at 5q12 in Caucasians, and in 2003, the PDE4D gene was subsequently identified as a susceptibility gene at this locus. Some investigators have recently examined whether polymorphisms in the Read More

Pharmacological therapies in ischemic stroke have made limited progress in recent years. After many negative neuroprotection trials in humans, considerable concerns have been raised about future research strategies. This led to expert rounds, the so-called STAIR conferences, which critically reviewed previous studies and provided research recommendations. Hopes were raised that STAIR might lead to breakthrough Read More

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe clinical condition characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration for which there is no truly effective treatment. The absence of an effective treatment can be explained in part by the complex and heterogeneous genetic, biochemical, and clinical features of ALS. While ALS accounts for the majority of the motor neuron diseases, the recognition of disease variants and Read More

Opiate alkaloids, such as morphine, are powerful analgesic agents that are the drugs of choice for the treatment of severe pain. The pharmacological effects of opiates are mediated through the binding and activation of membrane-bound opioid receptors that are found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Opioid receptors have been classified into three different types, μ, δ and κ, and are activated b Read More

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a bioactive proinflammatory lipid generated by pathological activities. LPC is also a major phospholipid component of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and is implicated as a critical factor in the atherogenic activity of Ox-LDL. LPC is believed to play an important role in atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases by altering various functions in a number of cell-types, including endothelial Read More

The genetic code plots the relationship between a triplet base sequence on RNA and an amino acid that corresponds to a protein associated with a required function in organisms. Accurate knowledge about the genetic code, including its origin and evolutionary process, would be helpful for determining the causes of genetic disorders and discovering new medical treatments, as well as for understanding the origin of life. This Read More

A wide variety of proteins can bind high-mannose oligosaccharides and are broadly neutralizing against HIV-1. However, success in eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 has been limited to date. The rational design of an HIV-1 vaccine is based on the information gained through the structural analysis of antibodies complexed with their epitopes. Of particular interest to this review are the binding of mannosides to Read More

Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene compound of plant origin. It has a low molecular weight, and it contains five oxygen atoms, two in a lactone function, one is part of a seven membered ring system and two forms a peroxide function bridging over the seven-membered ring. It is a highly energetic molecule prone to lose its activity if circumstances permit. Reduction of its lactone function into dihydroartemisinin makes derivatization Read More