Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders) - Volume 9, Issue 3, 2009

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR??) regulates transcription of genes involved both in lipid and glucose metabolism as well as in inflammation. Fibrates are PPARα ligands used to normalize lipid and glucose parameters and exert antiinflammatory effects. In fact, fibrates have already been demonstrated to benefit metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the Read More

The statins are a group of inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase that are used extensively in medical practice because of their ability to reduce cardiovascular mortality and stroke. Although this protective activity was initially ascribed to the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver, clinical trials and basic research studies indicate that, beyond their cholesterol-lowering activity, statins might af Read More

Random mutations of the first nucleotide of a coding triplet alter the hydropathic character of 27 % of the hydrophobic amino acids and of 23 % of the hydrophilic amino acids, while random mutations of the second nucleotide alter the hydropathic character of 82 % of the hydrophobic amino acids and of 47 % of the hydrophilic amino acids. In cases of a change of the hydropathic character, a second random mutation in the p Read More

Differentiated thyroid cancers are the predominant malignancies of the thyroid. Due to advances in the understanding of the activation of the cell proliferation pathway at a molecular level, multiple genetic alterations have been linked to the development of thyroid carcinogenesis. Although the genetic alterations can be categorized into 7 categories, the BRAF mutation, RET/PTC, Pax8/PPARGamma, and dysfunctional Fas pathwa Read More

Endocrine system is one of the most sensitive communication networks of the human body, which influences all aspects of human health and well-being, including reproductive potential, cognitive functions, thyroid and metabolism, digestion and hormonal balance. In recent years, basic laboratory research has been focused on the potential relationship between environmental contaminants and cellular endocrine functio Read More

Micronutrients, mostly iodine and selenium, are required for thyroid hormone synthesis and function. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and its deficiency is considered as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. Nowadays about 800 million people are affected by iodine deficiency disorders that include goiter, hypothyroidism, mental retardation, and a wide spectrum of other Read More

With the development of biologicals that specifically target tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, our therapeutic approach to inflammatory diseases has dramatically changed. There are currently three anti-TNFα drugs available: etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab. Etanercept is a recombinant fusion protein that can be used alone or in combination with other medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheu Read More