Prevention of cisplatin neurotoxicity with an acth(4-9) analogue in patients with ovarian cancer

Article Abstract:

Cisplatin is a drug commonly used as part of a chemotherapy treatment program in individuals with ovarian and testicular cancer. Unfortunately, multiple neuropathy (the development of neurological disorders) is a significant dose-dependent side effect of cisplatin. Melanocortins are a group of peptides including ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) that have been shown to exert a beneficial effect on nerve repair. These compounds are believed to counteract noxious influences on the nerves and may be used to treat both mechanical injuries and toxic neuropathies. An analogue of ACTH(4-9) called Org 2766 was evaluated and its ability to counteract the toxic effects of cisplatin was assessed. Fifty-five women with ovarian cancer who were receiving cisplatin were evaluated. The method of measuring neurotoxicity was the threshold of vibration perception. This test has been shown in previous studies to provide an accurate quantitative measurement of the level of neuropathy in a patient. The subjects were divided into three groups; the first group received high doses of Org 2766, the second received low doses, and the third group acted as a control group and was given placebos (inert substances). Threshold vibration measurements were performed after four and six cycles of chemotherapy. The fewest symptoms of neurotoxicity were seen in the high-dose group; the protective effects of Org 2766 were evident but less prominent in the low-dose group. The placebo group began to show neuropathies after the first four treatments. It was concluded that Org 2766 was effective in reducing the potentially dangerous side effects that are associated with cisplatin. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Ovarian cancer, Nervous system, Chemotherapy, Cisplatin

---

The antihypertensive effects of fish oil: a controlled study of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements in essential hypertension

Article Abstract:

A study of the impact of dietary fish oils on essential hypertension (high blood pressure without an apparent cause) in a population of 32 adult males was conducted. Fish oils contain both n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fats; these substances have been supposed to have a beneficial effect in preventing atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty material on the lining of arterial walls, and high blood pressure. Research was undertaken to assess the antihypertensive effects of n-3 supplements. Researchers found that dietary supplementation with high doses of fish oil, given for one month, lowered blood pressure in men with mild hypertension. However a lower dose of fish oil, or the same amount of safflower oil or a mixture of saturated and unsaturated oils, produced no significant change. Further study is required to investigate the possible adverse side effects of n-3 dietary supplementation.

Measurement, Physiological aspects, Blood pressure, Nutritional aspects, Diet therapy, Unsaturated fatty acids, Fish oils, Blood pressure measurement, Unsaturated fatty acids in human nutrition, Essential hypertension

---

Long-term treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension with aerosolized iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue

Article Abstract:

Inhaled iloprost may beneficial in treating patients with pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs. It is often treated with intravenous prostacyclin, but patients must have a permanent catheter. A study of 24 patients with pulmonary hypertension showed that a daily dose of inhaled iloprost improved lung function and exercise capacity. Iloprost is a drug that resembles prostacyclin but can be given as an aerosol.

Evaluation, Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Pulmonary hypertension, Prostacyclin, Respiratory therapy

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Isolation of Chlamydia pneumoniae from the coronary artery of a patient with coronary atherosclerosis. Can degenerative aortic valve stenosis be related to persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae infection?
• Abstracts: Impaired tumoricidal function of alveolar macrophages from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Insulitis in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus in man - macrophages, lymphocytes and interferon-gamma containing cells
• Abstracts: Circadian rhythm of serum cytidine deaminase in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during rest and exercise. Effect of circulating immune complexes on the binding of rheumatoid factor to histones
• Abstracts: Effect of lung-volume-reduction surgery in patients with severe emphysema
• Abstracts: Plasma levels and redox status of ascorbic acid and levels of lipid peroxidation products in active and passive smokers

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.