Certain Heart Medications Better Taken At Night

A new study to be published in the May 17, 2011 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that ACE inhibitors, a class of cardiac drugs, may be more efficacious when administered at night. ACE inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, especially in people who have sustained a heart attack. They reduce the deleterious post-heart attack remodeling of heart tissue which usually occurs at night. By studying mice, the researchers found that those who were given the medication at night demonstrated better heart function and preservation of normal heart size than mice that were given the medication in the morning. The study calls to attention the need for more studies on the best times to administer cardiac drugs, since evidence shows that heart function runs on a cyclic pattern. For example, it is well known that the risk of heart attack is dramatically increased in the mornings for a variety of reasons. Therefore, giving medications to anticipate this would be more beneficial than taking a medication after one awakens.

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glutamate receptors

Glutamate neurotransmission plays an important role in a number of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. Activation of glutamate receptors occurs in pathways involved in pain, neurotoxicity and memory formation.

There are big expectations in the neuropharmacology field about the possible clinical applications of novel agents acting on these receptors. Some of the conditions that might benefit from future glutamatergic drugs include: hyperalgesia, stroke, epilepsy and schizophrenia.

This article overviews the structure and physiology of glutamate receptors.

Outline:

• Classification
  • Ionotropic glutamate receptors
    • NMDA receptors
    • AMPA receptors
    • Kainate receptors
  • Metabotropic receptors

Structure and characteristics

Glutamate receptors are divided into two subgroups: ionotropic (ligand-gated ion channels) and metabotropic (G protein-coupled receptors).

Ionotropic glutamate receptors

These receptors act as cation-selective channels, when activated they allow the flow of Na⁺ , K⁺ and Ca²⁺.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors can be subdivided into three subtypes, according to their activation by selective agonists such as NMDA, AMPA and kainate.

NMDA receptors

NMDA receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, with a primary glutamate-binding site and an allosteric glycine-binding site.These receptors consist of multisubunit oligomeric transmembrane complexes. NDMA receptor subunits include:

• NR1
• NR2A
• NR2B
• NR2C
• NR2D

Smith, S. Diabetic Retinopathy and the NMDA Receptor, Drug News Perspect 2002, 15(4): 226

Three events need to occur simultaneously in order to activate NMDA receptors: binding of glutamate and glycine (which acts as cotransmitter) and membrane depolarization. Under resting conditions,  Mg²⁺ ions block the channel pore in the resting membrane. When NMDA receptors are activated, Mg²⁺ ions are removed from their location, allowing the influx of Ca⁺² ions.

AMPA receptors

AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid) receptors are constituted of four subunits:

• GluR1
• GluR2
• GluR3
• GluR4

These receptors regulate fast excitatory postsynaptic depolarization at glutamatergic synapses. AMPA receptors are located in the CNS, specially in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.

Kainate receptors

Kainate receptors are expressed throughout the CNS, particularly in the hyppocampus and cerebellum where they play a role in both pre- and postsynaptic neurotransmission.

Five kainate receptor subunits have been identified:

• GluR5
• GluR6
• GluR7
• KA1
• KA2

According to recent findings, kainate receptors may be relevant in pain neurotransmission.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) are seven transmembrane-spanning proteins that exert their actions through G protein signalling cascades.

There are eight subtypes of metabotropic glutamate receptors, which are organized into three separate groups (I, II and III).

Recent findings suggest that groups II and III might be located presynaptically, where they function as autoreceptors to block glutamate release. Autoreceptors act as "detectors" of glutamate activity in the synaptic cleft. When ligands activate group II and III mGluRs glutamate release may be reduced. Therefore, activation of presynaptic group II and III mGLURs may inhibit glutamatergic excitatory neurotransmission.

Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors may be located postsynaptically, where they hypothetically enhance excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission.

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New Florida Bill Could Prevent Doctors From Asking About Guns

Florida governor Rick Scott is expected to sign a bill that is penned with the assistance of National Rifle Association (NRA) lobbyists which would effectively make it illegal for doctors to ask their patients whether they have access to guns. The bill is aimed mostly at pediatricians who routinely ask new parents whether there are guns in the home and if they are safely stored. Doctors will routinely ask suicidal patients as well regarding access to firearms. These questions are meant to guide the doctor during the patient encounter by helping to identify and discuss potential safety issues. However, gun rights advocates say physicians have a political agenda because the American Academy of Pediatrics is officially on the record supporting gun control. Similar laws are also being considered in the states of North Carolina and Alabama

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Your Happiness also has genetic basis: Did you know that?

Recently, a study has come up stating links of happiness with the type of genes you possess.

The study of more than 2,500 Americans revealed two variants of a gene that influenced how satisfied – or dissatisfied – people were with their lot. Those born with two long versions of the gene (one is passed down from each parent) were more likely to declare themselves "very satisfied" with life than those who inherited two short versions.The study marks a tentative step towards explaining the mystery of why some people seem naturally happier than others.

"This gives us more insight into the biological mechanisms that influence life satisfaction," said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, a researcher at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

"If you're feeling down, you can say it's your biology telling you life is less rosy that it is," he added.

A greater understanding of happiness genes might in future allow would-be parents to create a child who will be more satisfied with their life.

Happiness is only partly influenced by genetic makeup. Studies in twins suggest that genes account for roughly a third to a half of the variation in happiness between people. It is not yet known how many genes affect how cheerful we are. De Neve looked at the genetic makeup of 2,574 people selected to be representative of the general population, whose medical histories were recorded for the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Among the records were answers to a question participants were asked in their early 20s about life satisfaction.

Writing in the Journal of Human Genetics, De Neve describes how roughly 40% said they were "very satisfied" with life, and among these, 35.4% had two long variants of the gene and only 19.1% had two short versions. Of those who were "dissatisfied" with life, 26.2% had two long variants of the gene, while 20% had two short versions. That indicates a slight over-representation of the long variants in happier people.

The gene, known as 5-HTT, is involved with the transport of serotonin, a feelgood chemical, in the brain. The longer variant leads to more efficient release and recycling of the neurotransmitter.

De Neve calculated that, everything else being equal, having one long version of the gene increased the number of people claiming to be "very satisfied" with life by around 8.5%. Having two long versions raised the number by 17.3%.

De Neve urged caution over the result, however, and emphasised that inheriting two short versions of the gene did not condemn a person to a life of misery any more than two long versions would make someone impervious to sadness.

"This gene has an important influence, but you cannot say it causes happiness. Happiness is hugely complex and your experiences throughout the course of your life will remain the dominant force on that," he said.

Source: London School of Economics and Political Science

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Regeneration of Nerve cells: New Hope for Spinal Cord injuries

 A recent study at Rutgers University suggests innovative new treatment that could help minimize nerve damage in spinal cord injuries, promote tissue healing and minimize pain.

A spinal cord injury leads to an increased production of a protein (RhoA) that blocks regeneration of nerve cells that carry signals along the spinal cord and prevents the injured tissue from healing.

Scientists at the W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience and Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc. have developed a chemically synthesized siRNA molecule that decreases the production of the RhoA protein when administered to the spine and allows regeneration of the nerve cells.

"It is exciting because this minimally-invasive treatment can selectively target the injured tissue and thereby promote healing and reduce pain," says Martin Grumet, associate director of the Keck Center and senior author of a recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

The neuropathic pain, also known as phantom pain that occurs as a result of a spinal cord injury is often associated with an increased production of RhoA. When researchers injected the chemically synthesized molecular substance into the spinal cords of laboratory rats with spinal cord injury using a procedure similar to a spinal tap, there was an overall improvement in tissue healing and recovery.

More than 250,000 people in the United States are living with a spinal cord injury and currently there is no way to reverse the damage. No drugs for early treatment of spinal cord injury have been approved in over a decade. Based on this joint research, Quark Pharmaceuticals, Inc now has a drug development program for the treatment of spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain. This new research is supported by grants from the New Jersey Commission for Spinal Cord Research and Quark

Source: Rutgers University

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bubonic plague

A 58 year-old man in the state of New Mexico has been officially deemed as the first bubonic plague case of 2011 in the U.S. Each year approximately 10 to 15 people in the U.S. contract the disease through contact with infected rodents and animals or through the bites of infected fleas. Symptoms of the disease (historically known as the "Black Death" which killed an estimated 75 million people in the 14th century) include fever, chills, headaches, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits. Although the disease is now treatable with antibiotics, one out of every seven patients die from it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1,000 to 3,000 cases of the disease occurs annually world wide. The disease is particularly prevalent in New Mexico because the state has a high population of rodents and fleas. The gentleman from New Mexico survived after being treated and has been released from a hospita

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Q: I’ve had diabetes for 7 years. My hemoglobin A1C fluctuates between 6.2 to 6.5. Am I subject to developing problems with my feet?

A: Thanks for this very important question. Foot problems are always a concern for diabetics because they can develop temporary or permanent damage to their nerves (diabetic neuropathy). Diabetics are prone to elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels and poor circulation, both of which can lead to nerve damage, especially of nerves which are fed by very small blood vessels, such as those in the feet. When nerve damage occurs in the feet, you may experience sensations of foot tingling, numbness, burning, cramping and even weakness. Nerve damage can occur in other areas of the body as well, such as the eyes, stomach, intestines, bladder, penis, eyelids, etc. This can lead to vision problems, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, eyelid drooping, and more. About 50% of diabetics will develop nerve damage and, on average, these symptoms will develop 10 to 20 years after the diagnosis of diabetes has been made. One of the most important ways to prevent nerve damage is to control your blood glucose level. The latest guidelines dictate that a person has diabetes when their hemoglobin A1C (a measure of your average blood glucose level over the most recent 2-3 month period) level is 6.4 or higher. Therefore, Lorenzo, keep up the good work because your A1C level is very good and, hopefully, that will reduce your risk of future nerve problems.

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Opportunity for M.Sc Life Science to join miRNA research group at SRM University | NET required

Applications are invited for a post of Junior Research Fellow to work in a research project entitled "Regulation of mesenchymal stem cells towards osteogenic cell lineage by microRNAs" funded by the Indian Council for Medical Research, New Delhi.

Name of Post : JRF
No of Post : One
Emoluments :
Rs. 16,000 + 10% HRA = Rs. 17,600 per month (fixed) for 1st year and 2nd year
Rs. 18,000 + 10% HRA = Rs. 19,800 per month (fixed) for 3rd year

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Medicare Will Pay For Pricey Prostate Cancer Drug

Medicare officials announced today that they will pay the $93,000 cost of the drug, Provenge, for patients with incurable late-stage prostate cancer. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid said the biotech drug is a "reasonable and necessary" medication which can extend a patient's life by an average of 4 months, twice as long as patient undergoing chemotherapy (which has notable side effects). Provenge is an advanced medication whereby each dose is customized to work with an individual patient's immune system. The Seattle-based Dendreon Corp., maker of the drug, says Provenge's price point reflects the more than $1 billion spent on research and development of the drug. From a legal standpoint, Medicare is prohibited from considering price when deciding whether to pay for a new treatment or not

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Stroke “Triggers” May Surprise You

According to the American Heart Association health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cigarette smoking and certain heart rhythm disorders can increase one's risk for stroke. But are there certain triggers which can actually cause a stroke to occur. That's what researchers at the University Medical Center in Utrecht, Netherlands set out to find. According to their study, published in the journal Stroke, it appears that there are certain events which may by associated with the onset of stroke. Interestingly, the researchers found that coffee intake had the highest association with having a stroke. Other triggers include:

• Coffee 10.6% (of cases of stroke)
• Vigorous exercise 7.9%
• Nose blowing 5.4%
• Sex 4.3%
• Straining to defecate 3.6%
• Drinking cola 3.5%
• Being startled 2.7%
• Being angry 1.3%

More studies are needed to see if any of these triggers can directly cause a stroke to occur. But, for now, they are just associations which have been noted to have some form of association with stroke.

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