Drug Design Reviews - Online (Discontinued) - Volume 2, Issue 4, 2005

Activation of the central sympathetic nervous system has proved to be a definitive pathophysiological feature in cardiovascular diseases such as primary arterial hypertension, heart failure and arrhythmogenesis during myocardial ischemia. In fact, experimental and clinical evidence suggests sudden cardiac death in ischemic patients to be, at least in part, mediated by the central sympathetic nervous system. In addition to the Read More

The clinical use of doxorubicin and other anticancer anthracyclines is limited by the possible development of a life-threatening form of cardiomyopathy. Here, we briefly review biochemical and pharmacological studies that identify secondary alcohol metabolites as important mediators of cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of secondary alcohol metabolites Read More

Opioids acting through the μ opioid receptor traditionally represent the most effective analgesic agents. Alternatively, ligands acting as agonists at theδopioid receptor have been pursued as analgesic agents lacking the undesirable effects of m opioid agonists including morphine. This interest led to the development of selective peptide and non-peptideδligands, contributing to a better understanding of the physiological role of t Read More

Diabetes mellitus exacts a huge toll in money and human suffering. At its present rate of increase, within few decades it will be one of the world's commonest diseases and biggest public-health problem, with an estimated minimum of half-a-billion cases. The diabetic individual is prone to late onset complications that are largely responsible for the morbidity and mortality observed in the patients. It has been demonstrated that Read More

Leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins are present in over 4700 proteins from viruses to eukaryotes. Many LRR proteins are involved in protein, ligand interactions; these include plant immune response and the mammalian innate immune response. This review describes the present status of our understanding of their structures, functions, evolution and interactions with ligands. Most LRRs are 20 to 30 amino acids lo Read More

Graphical Abstract: Nucleic-acid-based gene silencing molecules, including antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides, ribozymes, DNAzymes and small interfering RNA, have been discussed on their mechanisms of action and potential applications in antiviral therapy. The sequencing of many human viral genomes and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of viral replication as well as signal transduction pathways involved in viral Read More

The chronic painful tendon is well known to be difficult to treat, and the source of pain has not been scientifically clarified. For chronic painful conditions in the Achilles-, patellar-, and ECRB tendons there is no treatment of choice, but a huge variety of proposed treatment regimens. There is sparse scientific evidence for most of the conservative and surgical treatments proposed and used. Recent research, using ultrasonog Read More