Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation: Taurine Provides Neuroprotection Against Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration.
Taurine Provides Neuroprotection against Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration.
Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
PLoS One. 2012; 7(10): e42017
Froger N, Cadetti L, Lorach H, Martins J, Bemelmans AP, Dubus E, Degardin J, Pain D, Forster V, Chicaud L, Ivkovic I, Simonutti M, Fouquet S, Jammoul F, Léveillard T, Benosman R, Sahel JA, Picaud S
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration occurs in numerous retinal diseases leading to blindness, either as a primary process like in glaucoma, or secondary to photoreceptor loss. However, no commercial drug is yet directly targeting RGCs for their neuroprotection. In the 70s, taurine, a small sulfonic acid provided by nutrition, was found to be essential for the survival of photoreceptors, but this dependence was not related to any retinal disease. More recently, taurine deprivation was incriminated in the retinal toxicity of an antiepileptic drug. We demonstrate here that taurine can improve RGC survival in culture or in different animal models of RGC degeneration. Taurine effect on RGC survival was assessed in vitro on primary pure RCG cultures under serum-deprivation conditions, and on NMDA-treated retinal explants from adult rats. In vivo, taurine was administered through the drinking water in two glaucomatous animal models (DBA/2J mice and rats with vein occlusion) and in a model of Retinitis pigmentosa with secondary RGC degeneration (P23H rats). After a 6-day incubation, 1 mM taurine significantly enhanced RGCs survival (+68%), whereas control RGCs were cultured in a taurine-free medium, containing all natural amino-acids. This effect was found to rely on taurine-uptake by RGCs. Furthermore taurine (1 mM) partly prevented NMDA-induced RGC excitotoxicity. Finally, taurine supplementation increased RGC densities both in DBA/2J mice, in rats with vein occlusion and in P23H rats by contrast to controls drinking taurine-free water. This study indicates that enriched taurine nutrition can directly promote RGC survival through RGC intracellular pathways. It provides evidence that taurine can positively interfere with retinal degenerative diseases.
HubMed – drug
Glucocorticoid-induced avascular bone necrosis: diagnosis and management.
Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
Open Orthop J. 2012; 6: 449-57
Chan K, Mok C
Glucocorticoid use is one of the most important causes of avascular bone necrosis (AVN). The pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced AVN is not fully understood but postulated mechanisms include fat hypertrophy, fat emboli and intravascular coagulation that cause impedance of blood supply to the bones. Data regarding the relationship between AVN and dosage, route of administration and treatment duration of glucocorticoids are conflicting, with some studies demonstrating the cumulative dose of glucocorticoid being the most important determining factor. Early recognition of this complication is essential as the prognosis is affected by the stage of the disease. Currently, there is no consensus on whether universal screening of asymptomatic AVN should be performed for long-term glucocorticoid users. A high index of suspicion should be exhibited for bone and joint pain at typical sites. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scintigraphy is more sensitive than plain radiograph for diagnosing early-stage AVN. Conservative management of AVN includes rest and reduction of weight bearing. Minimization of glucocorticoid dose or a complete withdrawal of the drug should be considered if the underlying conditions allow. The efficacy of bisphosphonates in reducing the rate of collapse of femoral head in AVN is controversial. Surgical therapy of AVN includes core decompression, osteotomy, bone grafting and joint replacement. Recent advances in the treatment of AVN include the use of tantalum rod and the development of more wear resistant bearing surface in hip arthroplasty.
HubMed – drug
Treating cough and cold: Guidance for caregivers of children and youth.
Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Nov; 16(9): 564-9
Goldman RD,
Despite the widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications (CCMs), the effectiveness of most CCMs has not been proven in children. A meta-analysis summarizing trials using OTC CCMs for viral-induced cough found no evidence for or against the use of OTC medicines in both paediatric and adult populations when cough frequency and severity, as well as physician assessments, were compared. Furthermore, North American data suggest that OTC CCMs may be associated with medication errors and adverse events, resulting in visits to emergency departments and even leading to death. The present article provides information on current evidence for cough and cold therapies, including fluid intake, humidified air, antihistamines, echinacea, zinc, honey and vitamin C, for caregivers of children and youth.
HubMed – drug
Drug research and treatment for children in Canada: A challenge.
Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Nov; 16(9): 560-1
Rieder MJ,
Historically, children have been ‘therapeutic orphans’. Many drugs have not been studied or labelled for use in children and adolescents, making the development and definition of optimally safe and effective drug therapies for the paediatric age group an ongoing challenge. Over the past decade, networks have developed in the United States and Europe to enhance drug research for this group, while no comparable evolution has occurred in Canada. The present statement provides context for the Canadian situation and makes recommendations that address two pressing needs: for more drug research focused on Canadian children and adolescents, including dedicated support for such research; and for increasing human capacity to undertake targeted studies. These initiatives should be undertaken collaboratively, nationally and internationally, and include strategic, innovative approaches to the unique problems and ethical issues posed by drug research in this population.
HubMed – drug
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