In a research that could lead to new asthma drugs, scientists at Yale School of Medicine, Hydra Biosciences Cambridge and University of California San Francisco, the United States, have found that a protein may be a trigger for allergy-induced asthma in mice. They also demonstrated how a drug known to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain may also inhibit asthma symptoms in mice. The new study tracks the role of the ion channel protein TRPA1. While the exact function of TRPA1 in the airway inflammation of asthma is not completely understood, scientists do know from previous research that this protein is a sensor for chemical irritants such as cigarette smoke and certain chemicals that also trigger asthma. TRPA1 is found in airway nerves that mediate pain and irritation, as well as trigger coughing and sneezing.

The researchers found that mice with no TRPA1 showed fewer signs of asthma. When compared to normal mice, those lacking the gene for TRPA1 had greatly diminished inflammation, airway mucus and bronchoconstriction, said the papers lead author, Dr. Sven-Eric Jordt, assistant professor of pharmacology at Yale School of Medicine. Moreover, administration of HC-030031, a pharmacological agent that inhibits pain related to TRPA1, to mice with asthma reduced their symptoms. Blocking TRPA1 may prevent the infiltration of the lung by the inflammatory cells responsible for asthma symptoms such as wheezing and mucus overproduction, Dr. Jordt explained.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Gastroenterologists at Rush University Medical Centre, the United States, are studying the safety and efficacy of a new chemotherapy system for patients with oesophageal cancer. The unique drug therapy delivers a highly concentrated dose of chemicals injected directly on to the hard-to-reach tumours in the oesophagus non-surgically. Scientists at Rush are trying to determine if the gel treatment can reduce the size of the cancerous tumours.

The experimental drug, called OncoGel, is made of two major components, the ReGel drug delivery system a gel made up of ingredients used in biodegradable stitches, and paxclitaxel, a well established, FDA-approved anti-cancer chemotherapy agent. Patients receive a one-time injection of OncoGel during an endoscopy. Pilot studies showed OncoGel as continuously releasing the chemotherapy agent paclitaxel in concentrated doses at a higher magnitude than in just delivering it through the blood for up to six weeks, reports Dr. Sohrab Mobarhan, the studys principal investigator and clinical director of the Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinic for Gastrointestinal Cancers.
Source: www.esciencenews.com

An understanding of the structure and mode of action of venom found in all octopuses, cuttlefish and some squid can help design drugs for the management of pain, allergies and cancer. The scientists led by Dr. Bryan Fry, a biochemist at the University of Melbourne, Australia, analysed the genes for venom production from different species of octopus and found that a venomous ancestor produced one set of venom proteins, but over time, additional proteins were added to the species chemical arsenal.

The origin of these genes also sheds light on the fundamentals of evolution, presenting a prime example of convergent evolution where species independently develop similar traits. The team will now work on understanding why very different types of venomous animals seem to consistently settle on the similar venom protein composition, and which physical or chemical properties make them predisposed to be useful as toxin.
Source: www.samachaar.in

Scientists in the United Kingdom has developed a treatment that involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones generated from embryonic stem (ES) cells to cure age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness. According to the scientists, in 6-7 years time, it will become a routine, one-hour procedure. In the new therapy, ES cells are transformed into replicas of the missing cells. They are then placed on an artificial membrane that is inserted in the back of the retina. Laboratory trials completed by the scientists have shown that ES cells can prevent blindness in rodents with a disease similar to AMD. They have also successfully tested elements of the technology in pigs.

Lead scientist Prof. Pete Coffey from University College London said the treatment would take less than an hour, so it really could be considered as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Peng Khaw of Moorfields Hospital, a team member, added that stem cell therapy offers a great hope for the patients around the world who cannot be treated with conventional treatment. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical research company, will financially back bringing the new therapy to patients.
Source: www.hindu.com