Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors
Article Abstract:
Colony-stimulating factors are cytokines, or regulatory proteins, found in human blood. They stimulate the growth, development, and function of neutrophils and monocytes (types of white blood cells) and macrophages (cells that are a part of the immune system). Large amounts of colony-stimulating factors can be produced artificially in the bacteria Escherichia coli and in yeast using recombinant technology. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), also referred to as filgrastim, was recently approved to reduce the incidence of infection in patients after cancer chemotherapy. Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), also referred to as sargramostim, was approved to enhance recovery of bone marrow cells after bone marrow transplantation. GM-CSF is used in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease, diseases of the lymphatic system, and in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer associated with increased numbers of lymphoblasts (cells that give rise to lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell). G-CSF and GM-CSF can increase the numbers of white blood cells within two to three days, but require one to two weeks to cause similar increases in patients with depressed bone marrow function. In an unpublished clinical trial, G-CSF reduced the incidence of fever-associated and severe neutropenia (decrease in numbers of neutrophils); hospitalizations; and antibiotic therapy. It also reduced the duration of neutropenia in patients with small-cell lung cancer after chemotherapy. GM-CSF reduced the incidence of infection, antibiotic therapy, and duration of hospitalization in patients with Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. GM-CSF also increased the number of neutrophils and other bone marrow cells that are reduced after antiviral drug therapy in patients with AIDS. This drug also increases neutrophils and decreases infections associated with aplastic anemia, a decrease in red blood cells caused by destruction or defects of the bone marrow. Other uses, adverse effects, recommended dosage, and the cost of G-CSF and GM-CSF are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1991
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U.S. FDA aims to make juices safer
Article Abstract:
Fruit and vegetable juice processors and exporters to the US should ensure that juice that has not been pasteurized is as safe as pasteurized juice and be properly labeled. The rules were proposed by FDA to ensure the safety of fruit and vegetable juices. The agency estimates that juice-related illnesses in the US reach 16,000 to 48,000 cases yearly. Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala said warning labels in unpasteurized juices will alert consumers that these products are not for people at great risk of infection, such as children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
Publication Name: World Disease Weekly Plus
Subject: Health
ISSN:
Year: 1998
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