New approaches to the control of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria: an industry perspective

Article Abstract:

New classes of antibiotics are urgently needed to fight infectious organisms that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The genes for drug resistance can be passed from one organism to another, even if the organisms are not related. One strategy is to design drugs that are resistant to enzymatic degradation by the bacteria. Increasing vaccination against infectious diseases may eliminate the need for certain antibiotics. One promising approach is to identify bacterial genes that are only expressed during infection and block their expression. It could take another decade to develop and test new antibiotics, leaving the prospect of potentially deadly diseases that are essentially untreatable.

Research, Product development, Antibiotics, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance

---

Natriuretic Peptides--Relevance in Cardiovascular Disease

Article Abstract:

Researchers are investigating the potential therapeutic use of natriuretic peptides. These are small proteins produced by the heart and brain. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are the most well-known peptides. Both ANP and BNP increase sodium and water excretion and dilate blood vessels. For this reason, they may be effective antihypertensive agents and might also be used to treat congestive heart failure. Blood levels of ANP and BNP are increased in congestive heart failure and heart attack. Measuring these levels could identify patients with early-stage heart disease.

Physiological aspects, Heart diseases, Natriuretic peptides

---

[beta]-Lactam Antibiotic and [beta]-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations

Article Abstract:

The therapeutic use and side effects of beta lactamase inhibitors are reviewed. Penicillin and related antibiotics belong to a class of drugs called beta lactams. However, many bacteria produce an enzyme called beta lactamase that can inactivate penicillin. Consequently, beta lactamase inhibitors are used to inhibit the bacterial enzyme so penicillin can kill the bacteria.

Health aspects, Enzyme inhibitors, Beta lactam antibiotics

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Modest weight gain and the development of diabetes: another perspective. The association between infection with hepatitis C virus and diabetes
• Abstracts: Prospective study of HTLV-I infection in an initially asymptomatic cohort. Growth failure in children with HIV infection
• Abstracts: Respiratory monitoring. Respiratory diphtheria caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans - Terre Haute, Indiana, 1996
• Abstracts: Urine Detection of Survivin and Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer. Ethical Implications of a New Application of Preimplantation Diagnosis
• Abstracts: Inflammation, atherosclerosis, and ischemic events - exploring the hidden side of the moon. Adverse events, including death, associated with the use of 1,4-butanediol

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