Literature Watch

("drug-induced" OR "drug-related") AND ("adverse events" OR "side effects" OR "side-effects"); +12 new citations

Drug-induced Adverse Events - Fri, 2018-04-27 09:57

12 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

("drug-induced" OR "drug-related") AND ("adverse events" OR "side effects" OR "side-effects")

These pubmed results were generated on 2018/04/27

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Categories: Literature Watch

Influence of APOA5 Locus on the Treatment Efficacy of Three Statins: Evidence From a Randomized Pilot Study in Chinese Subjects.

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 09:57
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Influence of APOA5 Locus on the Treatment Efficacy of Three Statins: Evidence From a Randomized Pilot Study in Chinese Subjects.

Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:352

Authors: Hua S, Ma C, Zhang J, Li J, Wu W, Xu N, Luo G, Zhao J

Abstract
Pharmacogenetics or pharmacogenomics approaches are important for addressing the individual variabilities of drug efficacy especially in the era of precision medicine. One particular interesting gene to investigate is APOA5, which has been repeatedly linked with the inter-individual variations of serum triglycerides. Here, we explored APOA5-statin interactions in 195 Chinese subjects randomized to rosuvastatin (5-10 mg/day), atorvastatin (10-20 mg/day), or simvastatin (40 mg/day) for 12 weeks by performing a targeted genotyping analysis of the APOA5 promoter SNP rs662799 (-1131T > C). There were no significant differences between the treatment arms for any of the statin-induced changes in clinical biomarkers. Reductions in LDL cholesterol were influenced by the APOA5 genotype in all three treatment groups. By contrast, changes in HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were only affected by the APOA5 genotype in the atorvastatin and simvastatin groups and not in the rosuvastatin group. Our results suggest that future studies may need to consider stratifying subjects not only by genetic background but also by prescribed statin type.

PMID: 29695967 [PubMed]

Categories: Literature Watch

BSG and MCT1 Genetic Variants Influence Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients.

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 09:57
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BSG and MCT1 Genetic Variants Influence Survival in Multiple Myeloma Patients.

Genes (Basel). 2018 Apr 24;9(5):

Authors: Łacina P, Butrym A, Mazur G, Bogunia-Kubik K

Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematologic malignancy characterized by the presence of atypical plasma cells. Basigin (BSG, CD147) controls lactate export through the monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1, SLC16A1) and supports MM survival and proliferation. Additionally, BSG is implicated in response to treatment with immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide and its derivatives). We investigated the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene coding for BSG and SLC16A1 in MM. Following an in silico analysis, eight SNPs (four in BSG and four in SLC16A1) predicted to have a functional effect were selected and analyzed in 135 MM patients and 135 healthy individuals. Alleles rs4919859 C, rs8637 G, and haplotype CG were associated with worse progression-free survival (p = 0.006, p = 0.017, p = 0.002, respectively), while rs7556664 A, rs7169 T and rs1049434 A (all in linkage disequilibrium (LD), r² > 0.98) were associated with better overall survival (p = 0.021). Similar relationships were observed in thalidomide-treated patients. Moreover, rs4919859 C, rs8637 G, rs8259 A and the CG haplotype were more common in patients in stages II⁻III of the International Staging System (p < 0.05), while rs8259 A correlated with higher levels of &beta;-2-microglobulin and creatinine (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results show that BSG and SLC16A1 variants affect survival, and may play an important role in MM.

PMID: 29695106 [PubMed]

Categories: Literature Watch

Different Dose-Dependent Modes of Action of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 09:57
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Different Dose-Dependent Modes of Action of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation.

Pathogens. 2018 Apr 24;7(2):

Authors: Desriac F, Clamens T, Rosay T, Rodrigues S, Tahrioui A, Enault J, Roquigny L, Racine PJ, Taupin L, Bazire A, Dufour A, Leprince J, Bouffartigues E, Chevalier S, Feuilloley MGJ, Lesouhaitier O

Abstract
We have previously shown that the C-type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP), a peptide produced by lungs, is able to impact Pseudomonasaeruginosa physiology. In the present work, the effect of CNP at different concentrations on P. aeruginosa biofilm formation was studied and the mechanisms of action of this human hormone on P. aeruginosa were deciphered. CNP was shown to inhibit dynamic biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the bacterial growth at any tested concentrations. The most effective concentrations were 1 and 0.1 &micro;M. At 0.1 &micro;M, the biofilm formation inhibition was fully dependent on the CNP sensor protein AmiC, whereas it was only partially AmiC-dependent at 1 &micro;M, revealing the existence of a second AmiC-independent mode of action of CNP on P. aeruginosa. At 1 &micro;M, CNP reduced both P. aeruginosa adhesion on glass and di-rhamnolipid production and also increased the bacterial membrane fluidity. The various effects of CNP at 1 &micro;M and 0.1 &micro;M on P. aeruginosa shown here should have major consequences to design drugs for biofilm treatment or prevention.

PMID: 29695043 [PubMed]

Categories: Literature Watch

IMPACT web portal: oncology database integrating molecular profiles with actionable therapeutics.

Drug Repositioning - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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IMPACT web portal: oncology database integrating molecular profiles with actionable therapeutics.

BMC Med Genomics. 2018 Apr 20;11(Suppl 2):26

Authors: Hintzsche JD, Yoo M, Kim J, Amato CM, Robinson WA, Tan AC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the advancement of next generation sequencing technology, researchers are now able to identify important variants and structural changes in DNA and RNA in cancer patient samples. With this information, we can now correlate specific variants and/or structural changes with actionable therapeutics known to inhibit these variants. We introduce the creation of the IMPACT Web Portal, a new online resource that connects molecular profiles of tumors to approved drugs, investigational therapeutics and pharmacogenetics associated drugs.
RESULTS: IMPACT Web Portal contains a total of 776 drugs connected to 1326 target genes and 435 target variants, fusion, and copy number alterations. The online IMPACT Web Portal allows users to search for various genetic alterations and connects them to three levels of actionable therapeutics. The results are categorized into 3 levels: Level 1 contains approved drugs separated into two groups; Level 1A contains approved drugs with variant specific information while Level 1B contains approved drugs with gene level information. Level 2 contains drugs currently in oncology clinical trials. Level 3 provides pharmacogenetic associations between approved drugs and genes.
CONCLUSION: IMPACT Web Portal allows for sequencing data to be linked to actionable therapeutics for translational and drug repurposing research. The IMPACT Web Portal online resource allows users to query genes and variants to approved and investigational drugs. We envision that this resource will be a valuable database for personalized medicine and drug repurposing. IMPACT Web Portal is freely available for non-commercial use at http://tanlab.ucdenver.edu/IMPACT .

PMID: 29697364 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

IMPACT web portal: oncology database integrating molecular profiles with actionable therapeutics.

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
Related Articles

IMPACT web portal: oncology database integrating molecular profiles with actionable therapeutics.

BMC Med Genomics. 2018 Apr 20;11(Suppl 2):26

Authors: Hintzsche JD, Yoo M, Kim J, Amato CM, Robinson WA, Tan AC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the advancement of next generation sequencing technology, researchers are now able to identify important variants and structural changes in DNA and RNA in cancer patient samples. With this information, we can now correlate specific variants and/or structural changes with actionable therapeutics known to inhibit these variants. We introduce the creation of the IMPACT Web Portal, a new online resource that connects molecular profiles of tumors to approved drugs, investigational therapeutics and pharmacogenetics associated drugs.
RESULTS: IMPACT Web Portal contains a total of 776 drugs connected to 1326 target genes and 435 target variants, fusion, and copy number alterations. The online IMPACT Web Portal allows users to search for various genetic alterations and connects them to three levels of actionable therapeutics. The results are categorized into 3 levels: Level 1 contains approved drugs separated into two groups; Level 1A contains approved drugs with variant specific information while Level 1B contains approved drugs with gene level information. Level 2 contains drugs currently in oncology clinical trials. Level 3 provides pharmacogenetic associations between approved drugs and genes.
CONCLUSION: IMPACT Web Portal allows for sequencing data to be linked to actionable therapeutics for translational and drug repurposing research. The IMPACT Web Portal online resource allows users to query genes and variants to approved and investigational drugs. We envision that this resource will be a valuable database for personalized medicine and drug repurposing. IMPACT Web Portal is freely available for non-commercial use at http://tanlab.ucdenver.edu/IMPACT .

PMID: 29697364 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Deep learning in pharmacogenomics: from gene regulation to patient stratification.

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Deep learning in pharmacogenomics: from gene regulation to patient stratification.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Kalinin AA, Higgins GA, Reamaroon N, Soroushmehr S, Allyn-Feuer A, Dinov ID, Najarian K, Athey BD

Abstract
This Perspective provides examples of current and future applications of deep learning in pharmacogenomics, including: identification of novel regulatory variants located in noncoding domains of the genome and their function as applied to pharmacoepigenomics; patient stratification from medical records; and the mechanistic prediction of drug response, targets and their interactions. Deep learning encapsulates a family of machine learning algorithms that has transformed many important subfields of artificial intelligence over the last decade, and has demonstrated breakthrough performance improvements on a wide range of tasks in biomedicine. We anticipate that in the future, deep learning will be widely used to predict personalized drug response and optimize medication selection and dosing, using knowledge extracted from large and complex molecular, epidemiological, clinical and demographic datasets.

PMID: 29697304 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

[Multiplex Genotyping of Allelic Variants of Genes Involved in Metabolizing Antileukemic Drugs].

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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[Multiplex Genotyping of Allelic Variants of Genes Involved in Metabolizing Antileukemic Drugs].

Mol Biol (Mosk). 2018 Mar-Apr;52(2):238-245

Authors: Fesenko DO, Avdonina MA, Gukasyan LG, Surzhikov SA, Chudinov AV, Zasedatelev AS, Nasedkina TV

Abstract
A biochip, primer set, and genotyping protocol were developed to simultaneously address 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms in antileukemic drug metabolism genes, including TPMT, ITPA, MTHFR, SLCO1B1, SLC19A1, NR3C1, GRIA1, ASNS, MTRR, and ABCB1. The genotyping procedure included a one-round multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with simultaneous incorporation of a fluorescent label into the PCR product and subsequent hybridization on a biochip with immobilized probes. The method was used to test 65 DNA samples of leukemia patients. Fluorescence signal intensity ratios in pairs of wild-type and respective mutant sequence probes were analyzed for all polymorphic markers and demonstrated high accuracy of genotyping. The reliability of genotype determination using the biochip was confirmed by direct Sanger sequencing.

PMID: 29695692 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Relevance of the ancestry for the variability of the Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms in a multiethnic Costa Rican population.

Pharmacogenomics - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Relevance of the ancestry for the variability of the Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms in a multiethnic Costa Rican population.

Rev Biol Trop. 2016 Sep;64(3):1067-76

Authors: Céspedes-Garro C, Rodrigues-Soares F, Jiménez-Arce G, Naranjo MG, Tarazona-Santos E, Fariñas H, Barrantes R, Llerena A, CEIBA.FP Consortium of the Ibero-American Network of Pharmacogenetics & Pharmacogenomics RIBEF

Abstract
CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 metabolize around 40% of drugs and their genes vary across populations. The Costa Rican population has a trihybrid ancestry and its key geographic location turns it into a suitable scenario to evaluate interethnic differences across populations. This study aims to describe the diversity of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 polymorphisms in Costa Rican populations in the context of their ancestry. A total of 448 healthy individuals were included in the study: Bribri (n= 47), Cabécar (n= 27), Maleku (n= 16), Guaymí (n= 30), Huetar (n= 48), Chorotega (n= 41), Admixed/Mestizos from the Central Valley/Guanacaste (n= 189), and Afro-Caribbeans (n= 50) from Limón. CYP2C9 (alleles *2, *3, *6) and CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *4, *5, *17) genotypes were determined by Real-Time PCR. African, European and Native American ancestry were inferred using 87 ancestry informative markers. The frequency of the decreased activity allele CYP2C9*2 is lower in the self-reported Amerindian groups compared to the admixed population, and the highest frequencies of CYP2C19*2 (null activity) and the CYP2C19*17 (increased activity) were found in the self-reported Afro-Caribbean population. Moreover, a frequency of 0.7 % CYP2C9 gPMs in the Admixed population and a variable frequency of CYP2C19 gUMs (0.0-32.6 %, more prevalent in Afro-Caribbeans) in Costa Rican populations, was found. Finally, the following alleles were positively correlated with genomic African ancestry and negatively correlated with genomic Native American ancestry: CYP2D6*5 (null activity), CYP2D6*17 (decreased activity), CYP2D6*29 (decreased activity) and CYP2C19*17 (increased activity). No correlation for CYP2C9 polymorphisms and genomic ancestry was found. Further studies assessing the CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 sequence in these populations, preferentially by sequencing these genes, are warranted.

PMID: 29461783 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Sphingolipids as targets for inhalation treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Sphingolipids as targets for inhalation treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2018 Apr 23;:

Authors: Becker KA, Riethmüller J, Seitz AP, Gardner A, Boudreau R, Kamler M, Kleuser B, Schuchman E, Caldwell CC, Edwards MJ, Grassmé H, Brodlie M, Gulbins E

Abstract
Studies over the past several years have demonstrated the important role of sphingolipids in cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute lung injury. Ceramide is increased in airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages of CF mice and humans, while sphingosine is dramatically decreased. This increase in ceramide results in chronic inflammation, increased death of epithelial cells, release of DNA into the bronchial lumen and thereby an impairment of mucociliary clearance; while the lack of sphingosine in airway epithelial cells causes high infection susceptibility in CF mice and possibly patients. The increase in ceramide mediates an ectopic expression of β1-integrins in the luminal membrane of CF epithelial cells, which results, via an unknown mechanism, in a down-regulation of acid ceramidase. It is predominantly this down-regulation of acid ceramidase that results in the imbalance of ceramide and sphingosine in CF cells. Correction of ceramide and sphingosine levels can be achieved by inhalation of functional acid sphingomyelinase inhibitors, recombinant acid ceramidase or by normalization of β1-integrin expression and subsequent re-expression of endogenous acid ceramidase. These treatments correct pulmonary inflammation and prevent or treat, respectively, acute and chronic pulmonary infections in CF mice with Staphylococcus aureus and mucoid or non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Inhalation of sphingosine corrects sphingosine levels only and seems to mainly act against the infection. Many antidepressants are functional inhibitors of the acid sphingomyelinase and were designed for systemic treatment of major depression. These drugs could be repurposed to treat CF by inhalation.

PMID: 29698625 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

eHealth in Cystic Fibrosis: Promising, but Proof of Concept is Still Needed.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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eHealth in Cystic Fibrosis: Promising, but Proof of Concept is Still Needed.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Martelli V, Stanbrook M, Anand A

PMID: 29698613 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

Reply to: eHealth in Cystic Fibrosis: Promising, but Proof of Concept is Still Needed.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Reply to: eHealth in Cystic Fibrosis: Promising, but Proof of Concept is Still Needed.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Lechtzin N, Mayer-Hamblett N, Khan U, Goss CH

PMID: 29698612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

The Swiss Cystic Fibrosis Infant Lung Development (SCILD) cohort.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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The Swiss Cystic Fibrosis Infant Lung Development (SCILD) cohort.

Swiss Med Wkly. 2018 Apr 26;148:w14618

Authors: Korten I, Kieninger E, Yammine S, Regamey N, Nyilas S, Ramsey K, Casaulta C, Latzin P, For The Scild Study Group

Abstract
The Swiss Cystic Fibrosis Infant Lung Development (SCILD) cohort is a prospective birth cohort study investigating the initiating events of cystic fibrosis lung disease during infancy, and their influence on the trajectory of disease progression throughout early childhood. Infants with cystic fibrosis are recruited throughout Switzerland after diagnosis by new-born screening. It is the first European population-based prospective cohort study of infants with cystic fibrosis taking advantage of a nationwide new-born screening programme. The study was established in 2011 and recruitment is ongoing. The cohort study is currently divided into three study phases (phase 1: diagnosis to age 1 year; phase 2: age 1 to 3 years; and phase 3: age 3 to 6 years). Study participants have weekly telephone interviews, weekly anterior nasal swab collection and two study visits in the first year of life. They also complete follow-up study visits at 3 and 6 years of age. Data for this study are derived from questionnaires, lung function measurements, telephone interviews, nasal swab material and magnetic resonance imaging. To date, 70 infants have been recruited into the study and 56 have completed phase 1, including a baseline study visit at 6 weeks of age, weekly surveillance and a study visit at one year of age. More than 2500 data points on respiratory health and almost 2000 nasal samples have been collected. Phases 2 and 3 will commence in 2018. The dataset of the SCILD cohort combines lung function data, the collection of environmental and sociodemographic factors, documentation of respiratory symptoms, and microbiological analyses. The design not only allows tracking of the cystic fibrosis lung disease independent of clinical status, but also surveillance of early disease prior to severe clinical symptoms. This cohort profile provides details on the study design and summarizes the first published results of the SCILD cohort.

PMID: 29698544 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Influence of the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor on pulmonary function and sputum expectoration in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Influence of the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor on pulmonary function and sputum expectoration in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Ther Adv Respir Dis. 2018 Jan-Dec;12:1753466618770997

Authors: Wheatley CM, Baker SE, Daines CM, Phan H, Martinez MG, Morgan WJ, Snyder EM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Vibralung Acoustical Percussor is a new airway clearance therapy (ACT) utilizing intrapulmonary sound waves in addition to positive expiratory pressure (PEP). We evaluated the safety of the Vibralung and collected preliminary data on its ability to mediate sputum expectoration in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).
METHODS: Over two separate studies, 10 and 11 mild to moderate CF patients were recruited for study I and II, respectively. Study I: Vibralung was used for 20 min with either no sound (NS: PEP only) or sound (S: PEP and sound) on randomized visits. Pulmonary function, diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide (DLCO/DLNO), symptoms, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured at baseline and at 1 and 4 h post treatment. Expectorated sputum was collected over 4 h post treatment. Study II: over 5 days of in-hospital therapy, the Vibralung or vibratory vest therapy (Vest) were used for two therapy sessions per day, with sputum collected for 20 min following each therapy and pulmonary function accessed pre and post each 5-day period (days 1-5 or 7-11) in a randomized crossover design.
RESULTS: Vibralung usage resulted in no change from baseline to 4 h post in pulmonary function, SpO2 or symptoms ( p > 0.05). At 4 h post therapy, the DLCO- and DLNO-derived measure of alveolar-capillary unit function (DM/ VC) showed improvement (DM/ VC = 12.5 ± 5.5 versus 7.3 ± 18.8% change, S versus NS) with no difference between S and NS ( p = 0.74). Sputum expectoration was similar between S and NS conditions (wet sputum = 10.5 ± 4.6 versus 9.9 ± 3.2 g, S versus NS, p = 0.25). There were no differences in the improvement in pulmonary function between Vibralung and Vest during either 5-day period during the hospital stay.
CONCLUSIONS: Vibralung was well tolerated and caused no detrimental changes in pulmonary function metrics. The Vibralung appears to be a safe ACT in individuals with CF.

PMID: 29697011 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Perspectives of adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis and parents on disease-specific sexual and reproductive health education.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Perspectives of adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis and parents on disease-specific sexual and reproductive health education.

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Kazmerski TM, Hill K, Prushinskaya O, Nelson E, Greenberg J, Pitts SA, Borrero S, Miller E, Sawicki GS

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Adolescent girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) face significant disease-specific sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns that are not typically addressed in routine clinical care. Additionally, there is a paucity of developmentally appropriate CF-specific SRH educational resources for this population. The goal of this study was to explore patient and parent attitudes toward SRH educational resources for adolescent girls with CF.
METHODS: Adolescent girls ages 13-18 years with CF and parents of daughters ages 10-18 years with CF completed individual, semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences and preferences around CF-specific SRH education and care. To facilitate discussion, participants provided feedback on the format and design of existing SRH educational resources. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS: We interviewed 26 participants (14 parents and 12 patients). The majority reported they had never discussed SRH in the CF care setting. All participants preferred a comprehensive, online patient educational resource complemented by real patient stories and interactive components. Participants noted that such resources should create a sense of normalcy and community around CF and female SRH. Most desired more frequent communication around SRH between adolescent girls with CF and their healthcare providers as a way to promote SRH knowledge, decision making, and health outcomes.
DISCUSSION: Adolescent girls with CF and their parents desire an online patient educational resource that normalizes SRH and enhances patient-provider communication around these topics. Creation of developmentally appropriate resources would facilitate improved health outcomes around this aspect of comprehensive care in CF.

PMID: 29696829 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

From fundamental supramolecular chemistry to self-assembled nanomaterials and medicines and back again - how Sam inspired SAMul.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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From fundamental supramolecular chemistry to self-assembled nanomaterials and medicines and back again - how Sam inspired SAMul.

Chem Commun (Camb). 2018 Apr 26;:

Authors: Smith DK

Abstract
This feature article provides a personal insight into the research from my group over the past 10 years. In particular, the article explains how, inspired in 2005 by meeting my now-husband, Sam, who had cystic fibrosis, and who in 2011 went on to have a double lung transplant, I took an active decision to follow a more applied approach to some of our research, attempting to use fundamental supramolecular chemistry to address problems of medical interest. In particular, our strategy uses self-assembly to fabricate biologically-active nanosystems from simple low-molecular-weight building blocks. These systems can bind biological polyanions in highly competitive conditions, allowing us to approach applications in gene delivery and coagulation control. In the process, however, we have also developed new fundamental principles such as self-assembled multivalency (SAMul), temporary 'on-off' multivalency, and adaptive/shape-persistent multivalent binding. By targeting materials with applications in drug formulation and tissue engineering, we have discovered novel self-assembling low-molecular-weight hydrogelators based on the industrially-relevant dibenzylidenesorbitol framework and developed innovative approaches to spatially-resolved gels and functional multicomponent hybrid hydrogels. In this way, taking an application-led approach to research has also delivered significant academic value and conceptual advances. Furthermore, beginning to translate fundamental supramolecular chemistry into real-world applications, starts to demonstrate the power of this approach, and its potential to transform the world around us for the better.

PMID: 29696286 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

Tracking Polymicrobial Metabolism in Cystic Fibrosis Airways: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Metabolism and Physiology Are Influenced by Rothia mucilaginosa-Derived Metabolites.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Tracking Polymicrobial Metabolism in Cystic Fibrosis Airways: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Metabolism and Physiology Are Influenced by Rothia mucilaginosa-Derived Metabolites.

mSphere. 2018 Apr 25;3(2):

Authors: Gao B, Gallagher T, Zhang Y, Elbadawi-Sidhu M, Lai Z, Fiehn O, Whiteson KL

Abstract
Due to a lack of effective immune clearance, the airways of cystic fibrosis patients are colonized by polymicrobial communities. One of the most widespread and destructive opportunistic pathogens is Pseudomonas aeruginosa; however, P. aeruginosa does not colonize the airways alone. Microbes that are common in the oral cavity, such as Rothia mucilaginosa, are also present in cystic fibrosis patient sputum and have metabolic capacities different from those of P. aeruginosa Here we examine the metabolic interactions of P. aeruginosa and R. mucilaginosa using stable-isotope-assisted metabolomics. Glucose-derived 13C was incorporated into glycolysis metabolites, namely, lactate and acetate, and some amino acids in R. mucilaginosa grown aerobically and anaerobically. The amino acid glutamate was unlabeled in the R. mucilaginosa supernatant but incorporated the 13C label after P. aeruginosa was cross-fed the R. mucilaginosa supernatant in minimal medium and artificial-sputum medium. We provide evidence that P. aeruginosa utilizes R. mucilaginosa-produced metabolites as precursors for generation of primary metabolites, including glutamate.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa is a dominant and persistent cystic fibrosis pathogen. Although P. aeruginosa is accompanied by other microbes in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, few cystic fibrosis studies show how P. aeruginosa is affected by the metabolism of other bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that P. aeruginosa generates primary metabolites using substrates produced by another microbe that is prevalent in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients, Rothia mucilaginosa These results indicate that P. aeruginosa may get a metabolic boost from its microbial neighbor, which might contribute to its pathogenesis in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients.

PMID: 29695623 [PubMed - in process]

Categories: Literature Watch

Monocyte derived macrophages from CF pigs exhibit increased inflammatory responses at birth.

Cystic Fibrosis - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Monocyte derived macrophages from CF pigs exhibit increased inflammatory responses at birth.

J Cyst Fibros. 2017 Jul;16(4):471-474

Authors: Paemka L, McCullagh BN, Abou Alaiwa MH, Stoltz DA, Dong Q, Randak CO, Gray RD, McCray PB

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We sought to address whether CF macrophages have a primary functional defect as a consequence of CFTR loss and thus contribute to the onset of infection and inflammation observed in CF lung disease.
METHODS: Monocyte derived macrophages (MDMs) were prepared from newborn CF and non-CF pigs. CFTR mRNA expression was quantified by rtPCR and anion channel function was determined using whole cell patch clamp analysis. IL8 and TNFα release from MDMs in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation was measured by ELISA.
RESULTS: CFTR was expressed in MDMs by Q-rtPCR at a lower level than in epithelial cells. MDMs exhibited functional CFTR current at the cell membrane and this current was absent in CF MDMs. CF MDMs demonstrated an exaggerated response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of CFTR function, macrophages from newborn CF pigs exhibit an increased inflammatory response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge. This may contribute to the onset and progression of CF lung disease.

PMID: 28377087 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Categories: Literature Watch

Novel NOD2 Mutation in Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Phenotype.

Deep learning - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Novel NOD2 Mutation in Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Phenotype.

Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Apr 25;:

Authors: Girardelli M, Loganes C, Pin A, Stacul E, Decleva E, Vozzi D, Baj G, De Giacomo C, Tommasini A, Bianco AM

Abstract
Background: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is a key intracellular protein of the innate immune system. NOD2 variants are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory phenotypes. We described the case of a baby with a very early-onset IBD who is characterized by a rare homozygous variant in NOD2, found through whole-exome sequencing, Its pathogenic effect was investigated through bioinformatics and functional studies.
Methods: The microbicide activity of the patient's phagocytes was analyzed using Escherichia coli. HEK293 and Caco2 cell lines were transfected with wild-type and mutated NOD2 cDNA to evaluate the NF-kB activity and the protein distribution. The functionality of the NOD2 pathway was assessed through analysis of the expression of tumor nectrosis factor alpha (TNFα) on monocytes. The levels of various cytokines were quantified in the patient plasma by a multiplex suspension array.
Results: A missense NOD2 mutation, c.G1277A; p.R426H in homozygosis, was found. The patient's microbicide activity was comparable to that observed in controls. HEK293 cells transfected with the mutated cDNA showed a 20-fold increase of NF-kB activation in basal condition. Moreover, Caco2 immunostaining revealed a different cytoplasmic distribution of the mutated protein compared with wild-type. A higher production of TNFα by monocytes and elevated levels of plasmatic cytokines and chemokines were evidenced in the patient.
Conclusions: This homozygous mutation is functionally relevant and shows a different NOD2 involvement in the IBD phenotype. In our patient, this mutation caused a gain of function typical of the Blau syndrome phenotype, manifesting, however, an IBD-like phenotype.

PMID: 29697845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Categories: Literature Watch

Mutations in SZT2 result in early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and leukoencephalopathy.

Deep learning - Fri, 2018-04-27 06:52
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Mutations in SZT2 result in early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and leukoencephalopathy.

Am J Med Genet A. 2018 Apr 25;:

Authors: Pizzino A, Whitehead M, Sabet Rasekh P, Murphy J, Helman G, Bloom M, Evans SH, Murnick JG, Conry J, Taft RJ, Simons C, Vanderver A, Adang LA

Abstract
Early-onset epileptic encephalopathies (EOEEs) are a genetically heterogeneous collection of severe epilepsies often associated with psychomotor regression. Mutations in SZT2, a known seizure threshold regulator gene, are a newly identified cause of EOEE. We present an individual with EOEE, macrocephaly, and developmental regression with compound heterozygous mutations in SZT2 as identified by whole exome sequencing. Serial imaging characterized the novel finding of progressive loss of central myelination. This case expands our clinical understanding of the SZT2-phenotype and emphasizes the role of this gene in the diagnostic investigation for EOEE and leukoencephalopathies.

PMID: 29696782 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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