World Alzheimer's Day 2008 Special Report: New Alzheimer Targets Take Center Stage Sep 24, 2008
This abnormality, an excess of the molecule TNF in the cerebrospinal fluid, is hypothesized to interfere with brain cell communication in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia ... com is sponsored by , which has developed the perispinal etanercept anti-TNF strategy for dementia. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
The Role of B Lymphocytes in Autoim... Sep 21, 2008
In addition, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors such as Enbrel are reported to evoke improvement in some chronic autoimmune diseases because of their ability to suppress B cells. In another study researchers at Rochester University found that anti-TNF drugs disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers. (Suite101.com)
Estriol Therapy in Multiple Scleros... Sep 21, 2008
After publication of the study, Dr. Voskuhl reported that additional studies performed on the six patients with RRMS showed an increase in IL-5 and a decrease in TNF.. Phase II Study. (Suite101.com)
Experimental Psoriasis Drug Takes on Enbrel Sep 20, 2008
Enbrel is a TNF blocker; that is, it inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In the new study, 903 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis either got ustekinumab (in a higher or lower dose) or Enbrel for 12 weeks. (WebMD)
Autoimmune Endometriosis Sep 19, 2008
In 2007, researchers at National Jewish Hospital in Denver discovered that endometriosis lesions are characterized by the presence of abundant plasma cells, many of which produce IgM, and macrophages that produce BLyS/BAFF/TNFSF13B, a member of the TNF superfamily implicated in other autoimmune diseases. In addition, B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein was found to be elevated in the serum of endometriosis patients. (Suite101.com)
Does probiotic intervention induce the serum global lipid profile change? Sep 18, 2008
There were indications that probiotic LGG intervention may lead to changes in global lipidomics profiles reflected in decreased LysoGPCho and SM, mainly decreased GPCho and mainly elevated TAG. In addition, among the inflammatory variables, IL-6 was moderately associated by changes in global lipidomics profiles, while there was only a weak association between the lipidomics profiles and the two other inflammatory markers, TNF- and CRP.. The new analytical capacity of lipidomics as a branch of... (EurekAlert!)
Home-generated sharps ban Sep 10, 2008
TNF wrote on Sep 9, 2008 10:25 AM:" THE REALLY SUCKY PART ABOUT THIS IS, LAST TIME I ASKED AROUND A FEW MONTHS AGO REGARDING A "SHARPS TAKE BACK PROGRAM", NONE OF OUR AREA MEDICAL OFFICES HAD ONE.... AND NONE OF OUR LOCAL DRUG STORES CARRY SHARPS CONTAINERS!! SO WHAT ARE LOCAL RESIDENTS SUPPOSED TO DO?? SINCE "the preferred disposal option is using a mail-back service or medical facility take-back program" WE ARE LEFT KIND OF DANGLING IN THE WIND!! ANYONE LOCAL WANT TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Health Buzz: Immunosuppressive Drug Warning and Other Health News Sep 7, 2008
The Food and Drug Administration has asked the manufacturers of Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel, and Remicade which belong to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF-alpha blockers) to for risk of fungal infection ... The FDA is also in the of TNF blockers, including an investigation into whether or not the drugs are linked with the development of cancer, particularly lymphoma, in children and young adults. (U.S. News & World Report)
FDA posts list of potential problem drugs Sep 6, 2008
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers, for juvenile arthritis, cancers in children and young adults. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Health)
Researchers Pinpoint Genes Linked to Childhood Inflammatory Bowel Disease Sep 6, 2008
The genetic analysis revealed two new IBD-associated genes: PSMG1 and TNFRSF6B. Little is known about the first gene, although it belongs to a class known as that generally capture and neutralize molecules in the body, Hakonarson says. The second gene, TNFRSF6B, encodes a receptor related to those that bind tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a key chemical signal for triggering inflammation in IBD as well as in patients with other such as rheumatoid and psoriasis ... Children with the TNFRSF6B gene... (Scientific American)
What is histoplasmosis? Sep 6, 2008
HISTOPLASMOSIS The government issued a safety alert after reports of deadly histoplasmosis fungal infections among patients taking TNF inhibitor drugs ... Now drug regulators say a class of medicines called TNF alpha blockers such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia that they pose a serious risk of , a respiratory or blood illness caused by fungi endemic to the Midwest ... We asked to explain histoplasmosis and two similar infections, and , that the FDA says are also linked to TNF blockers. (Scientific American)
FDA Demands Tougher Warnings on Immunosuppressive Drugs Sep 6, 2008
The drugs, Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel and Remicade, belong to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers (TNF-alpha blockers), which suppress the immune system and are approved to treat several conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease ... The FDA is already in the middle of a safety review of TNF blockers, including an investigation into whether or not the... (MEDLINEplus)
ON THE WEB: See the FDA list Sep 6, 2008
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers. Cancers in children and young adults. (USA Today -- Money)
Scientists ID 2 New Genes for Bowel Disease in Kids Sep 6, 2008
Current treatments of IBD include anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) medications such as infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab. One of the new genes is already known to participate in the biological pathway of TNF. ... "As we better understand the complex gene interactions in IBD, we may be able to diagnose patients by their genetic profile to predict who will better respond to anti-TNF drugs," study leader Hakon Hakonarson, director of the Center for Applied Genomics at The Children's Hospital,... (U.S. News & World Report)
New Genes Found For Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Children Sep 2, 2008
The researchers say that the TNFRSF6B gene on chromosome 20 is a compelling candidate, because it is already known to participate in the biological pathway of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is a cytokine, a chemical messenger that plays a key role in the harmful inflammation characteristic of IBD. ... Some current treatments for IBD use monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind to a type of TNF involved in the disease (Among those drugs are infliximab, adalimumab and... (Science Daily)
HEALTH BLOG: Opening up the medicine chest Sep 2, 2008
Medicine chest - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Grapefruit juice can reduce drug absorption, too. (USA Today -- Money)
HEALTH BLOG: Digging into the latest cancer studies Aug 28, 2008
Known as (TNF) blockers, they're used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (formerly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) and , a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Blocking the protein TNF reduces inflammation but also raises the risk of infection ... "While cancers are known to occur in children and young adults, the reports of these events in children and young adults receiving TNF blockers are of concern and deserve further investigation," the FDA said in a statement. (USA Today -- Money)
Potential Diabetes Treatment Selectively Kills Autoimmune Cells From Human Patients Aug 27, 2008
In several studies over the past decade, Faustman's team showed that triggering the expression of the immune-system modulator tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in diabetic mice led to the death of the T cells responsible for destroying insulin-producing pancreatic islets ... First the researchers found that treatment with TNF killed CD8 T cells, the immune system's "killer" cells, from diabetic patients but not CD4 "helper" T cells ... TNF treatment also induced the death of CD8 T cells from other... (Science Daily)
Study Examines How Rheumatoid Arthritis Destroys Bone Aug 26, 2008
Overproduction of the immune system chemical tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Along with controlling immune cells, TNF alpha also influences bone mass ... It's known that TNF alpha decreases the number of bone-building cells called osteoblasts, but how it does this hasn't been clear. (MEDLINEplus)
Adalimumab in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Aug 21, 2008
Background Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) has a pathogenic role in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of adalimumab, a fully human monoclonal anti-TNF antibody, in children with polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Researchers discover how rheumatoid arthritis causes bone loss Aug 21, 2008
Among the immune chemicals known to play a central in autoimmune disease is tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), which ramps up the production of immune cells and chemicals as part of the body's response to disease. When overproduced in RA patients, TNF alpha signals for the destruction of cartilage and bone ... Beyond its control over immune cells, TNF alpha also influences bone mass. (EurekAlert!)
Elite woman may hold key to AIDS vaccine Aug 13, 2008
One thing the researchers have noticed is that while the husbands T-cells make just one, called gamma interferon, hers made both that one and another called TNF, or tumor necrosis factor. That cannot be the whole story, though, because AIDS researchers have tried using such immune system proteins in patients and they did not work well. (MSNBC -- Health)
Psoriasis and arthritis are they linked? Aug 10, 2008
A newer, but much more expensive type of DMARD agents are called tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) inhibitors. They inhibit a cytokine (a type of enzyme) called TNF, which is an important cytokine in the inflammatory pathway. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
HEALTH BLOG: Read the latest child wellness tips Aug 5, 2008
Parenting and kids' health - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Unhappy about Happy Meals and the like. (USA Today -- Money)
Roche Wins U.S. Panel Support for Arthritis Drug Jul 30, 2008
Other widely used drugs block a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ... Actemra could be reserved for patients who do not respond to current drugs that block a different protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), some panelists said. (ABC News -- Wire)
Health Canada approves ORENCIA(R) (abatacept) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients six years and older Jul 29, 2008
ORENCIA should not be administered concomitantly with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists ... The approval is based on the AWAKEN (Abatacept Withdrawal study to Assess efficacy and safety in Key Endpoints in juvenile idiopathic arthritis Not responding to current treatment) trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of ORENCIA (abatacept) in patients six to 17 years of age with moderately to severely active JIA who had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying... (Canada Newswire)
Imiquimod, an immune response modifier, is dependent on the OGF-OGFr signaling pathway Jul 25, 2008
"Thus our data," Dr. Zagon said, "brings a paradigm shift to our thinking about a drug widely used in the clinics. Rather than imiquimod activity being mediated by induction of various cytokines, including interferon (IFN)- , IFN- , tumor necrosis factor- (TNF ) interleukin (IL)-1 , and IL-12 as currently thought, an entirely new pathway - native to body chemistry - has been discovered to regulate cell proliferation by imidazoquinolines." Co-author, Moshe Rogosnitzky adds: "The elucidation of... (EurekAlert!)
'Stuffy Nose' Mouse: A Promise To Help Treat 31 Million With Sinusitis Jul 24, 2008
Lane's team focused its efforts on one of hundreds of cytokines, specifically, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or TNF;, because of its many links to sinusitis. TNF; is overactive during all kinds of inflammation, and the chemical is also known to accelerate olfactory nerve cell turnover ... Researchers first injected mouse egg cells with a gene for TNF; and a control system so that cells with the gene would secrete the cytokine on demand and only if activated. (Science Daily)
Scientists figure out how the immune system and brain communicate to control disease Jul 22, 2008
When they stimulated the vagus nerve, a long nerve that goes from the base of the brain into thoracic and abdominal organs, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in the spleen decreased ... Their results indicate that the vagus nerve inherently communicates with the splenic nerve to suppress TNF production by macrophages in the spleen. (EurekAlert!)
Discovery Of A New Signaling Mechanism May Lead To Novel Anti-inflammatory Therapy Jul 19, 2008
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor (TNFR) family codes for a large number of cell surface receptors of great biomedical importance, and its signaling mechanisms have been the subject of intense investigation during the past decade. Specific inhibitors of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) activation are being used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease, and receptor activator of NF- B (RANK) inhibitors were recently found to be effective in the treatment of... (Science Daily)
HIV conquers immune system faster than previously realized Jul 19, 2008
The four byproducts of CD4 T cell death include TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand), Fas ligand, TNF receptor type 2 and plasma microparticles, tiny bits of cell membrane that are broken up and left floating around in the plasma when the cell dies and breaks apart. The researchers found that TRAIL levels increased significantly a full week (7. (EurekAlert!)
Case Points to Link Between Crohn's Treatment, Cancer Jul 18, 2008
A woman's lung tumor disappears after anti-TNF medications are stopped, doctors report ... The patient, a 69-year-old female ex-smoker, developed lung cancer while being treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) medications for her Crohn's disease ... The rare case has broader implications and sheds light on the possible effect of anti-TNF medications -- which are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis -- on patients' immune systems, the team say. (MEDLINEplus)
Could Arthritis Wonder Drugs Provide Clues For Other Diseases? Jul 18, 2008
"We further found that by blocking just one cytokine -- Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha -- we were able to block all the cytokines involved in the inflammation, with remarkable clinical results.". The team's research led to the development of three anti-TNF alpha drugs -- infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab -- which have had a dramatic effect on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis patients, protecting the joints from further deterioration in the vast majority of cases ... Blocking TNF alpha... (Science Daily)
Resolution of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer after Withdrawal of Anti-TNF Therapy Jul 17, 2008
NEJM -- Resolution of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer after Withdrawal of Anti-TNF Therapy ... Resolution of Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer after Withdrawal of Anti-TNF Therapy ... Her condition had been diagnosed in 2000 and had required treatment with methotrexate (from 2003 to the present), together with anti tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies initially, episodic infliximab (from 2000 to 2004) and thereafter, maintenance adalimumab, until the tumor was diagnosed in June 2006. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Amgen's Enbrel Cuts Arthritis Symptoms When Patients Use Early, Study Says Jul 16, 2008
The medicine, also known as etanercept, belongs to a class of drugs that block TNF, a substance linked to inflammatory diseases such as , psoriasis and the bowel disorder Crohn's disease. The results of the COMET trial suggest that remission is an achievable goal in patients with early severe RA within the first year of therapy,'' researchers led by Paul Emery, a professor at the in the U.K., said in the study. (Bloomberg -- US)
New Survey Findings Reveal Emotional and Physical Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Advancement of Treatment through "Generations" Jul 15, 2008
"The specialty of rheumatology has made tremendous strides over the last 30 years when my father, also a rheumatologist, was practicing and aspirin was the standard treatment. Today the standard treatment for people living with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis includes disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies that inhibit specific proteins like tumor necrosis factor (TNF)," said Hayes Wilson, MD, Chief of Rheumatology, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia.... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Mud flies among supervisors Jul 13, 2008
TNF wrote on Jul 11, 2008 1:49 PM:" GET RID OF THEM ALL AND WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN!!!!!!!! ". Erin wrote on Jul 11, 2008 12:31 PM:" Hey, this is odd! Last week the GJ report was flawed, subjective and written by inept fools. This week they are used to defend Wilensky and Claudino's position! Which is it? And why do these Sueprvisors persist in using the newspaper as their personal mouthpiece. At least Tyron does his bidding during the board meetings and in front of the public. ". (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Mokelumne River still unhealthy, jury complains Jul 4, 2008
tnf wrote on Jul 3, 2008 12:28 PM:" this is absolutely disgusting!! how long have officials known about this, yet this is the first time i have ever seen anything about the contamination in the news? why are the septic tanks and leach lines located in such a bad area? could it have been (again) a building and planning dept slip-up? who allowed them to built in such close proximity to the water? and as for signs not posted to warn people, that is abominable. how many people have let their... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Small protein may have big role in making more bone and less fat Jul 2, 2008
It inhibits two key inflammatory molecules, NF-kB and AP-1, which turn on inflammatory genes in response to cytokines, such as TNF- and IL-1, involved in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, Dr. Shi showed in research published on the cover of the April 15 issue of Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. That study notes GILZ's potential as a novel anti-inflammatory therapy. (EurekAlert!)
Potential New Way To Block Inflammation In Autoimmune Disease Discovered Jun 25, 2008
It is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of receptors, which bind to molecules related to TNF, a cell-signaling protein that promotes inflammation. Many of today's most potent treatments for inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, interfere with the action of TNF, thereby blocking inflammation ... Since current anti-TNF therapies don't work in all autoimmune diseases, however, the researchers turned to the study of DR3, which is a close relative of... (Science Daily)
Four suspects arraigned Jun 21, 2008
TNF wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:06 AM:" ... and this is a big part of why the united states needs tougher immigration laws and to crack down on illegal immigrants... we now need to pay to house, feed, cloth, and try these individuals, and to ultimately i'm sure, send them back from whence they came. ". DL wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:50 AM:" All here illegally, nothing to see here, move along. ". (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
FDA Panel OKs Enbrel for Psoriasis in Children Jun 20, 2008
the FDA announced that it's investigating whether cancers in about 30 children and young adults are linked to the use of Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, and Cimzia, which make up a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Enbrel got a "black box warning," the FDA's sternest warning, about the risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. (WebMD)
New Role Of Inflammatory Protein In Polycycstic Kidney Disease Identified, Could Lead To Treatment Jun 20, 2008
The team showed that a pro-inflammatory cytokine protein tumor necrosis factor- (TNF- ) disrupts the localization of polycystin 2 (the product of a gene mutated in ADPKD) to the plasma membrane and primary cilia in kidney epithelial cells, thus promoting the formation of cysts. The interaction between TNF- and polycystin in the development of cysts is complicated, said Xiaogang Li, Ph ... Additionally, the team found that the drug etanercept, an inhibitor of TNF- currently used to treat... (Science Daily)
On Colitis and Colon Cancer Jun 19, 2008
2 A recent study by Popivanova and colleagues3 sheds light on some of the molecular mechanisms that may underlie this therapeutic effect and suggests a role for anti TNF. antibodies in the prevention of colitis-associated colon. (New England Journal of Medicine)
FDA sees possible J&J psoriasis drug risks Jun 15, 2008
Those drugs work by blocking an inflammation-causing protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Share. (Reuters)
Psoriasis drug may raise cancer risk Jun 15, 2008
If the drug is approved, it will compete with Amgen Inc and Wyeth's Enbrel and Abbott Laboratories Inc's Humira, which block an inflammation-causing protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Prescription information for these drugs includes a warning about a possible elevated risk of cancer. (Food Consumer)
Targeted Genetics Announces Positive Phase 1/2 tgAAC94 Data Presented at Annual European Congress of Rheumatology Jun 12, 2008
SEATTLE and PARIS, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Targeted Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq: ) announced today that positive results of a Phase 1/2 clinical study demonstrate that tgAAC94, its investigational agent designed to inhibit activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a key mediator of inflammation, is well tolerated and may improve disease symptoms in inflammatory arthritis patients refractory to other therapies, including systemic TNF antagonists ... The Phase 1/2 study... (PR Newswire)
Understanding Kidney Cell Suicide In Diabetes Patients Jun 10, 2008
Among these genes, the Spanish team identified a protein of the Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) family, called TRAIL, as the key to the cell suicide in diabetes affected kidneys. In these kidneys, large quantities of TRAIL can be found that surprisingly do not come from the increased glucose levels that define the disease, but from the inflammation that accompanies the renal damage. (Science Daily)
New Hope For Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers: B Cells As Promising New Therapeutic Targets Jun 10, 2008
In particular, B cell depletion with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab seems to work for RA patients resistant to standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF ) blockers ... The participants, 14 women and 3 men, had a median age of 51 years, a median disease duration of 14 years, and a history of failure to respond to DMARD and/or anti-TNF therapy. (Science Daily)
Breastfed babies lack vitamin D Jun 7, 2008
"At the current time, the FDA believes that the potential benefits of the use of TNF blockers outweigh the potential risks," the agency said in a statement posted on its website. But, it added, "health-care providers, parents and caregivers should be aware of the possible risk of lymphoma and other cancers ... when deciding how best to treat these patients.". (Globe and Mail)
FDA Starts Safety Review of Autoimmune Disorder Drugs Jun 6, 2008
Reports of increased cancer risk among young users of TNF blockers prompts action ... WEDNESDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. health officials have started a safety review of a class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, which are widely prescribed to treat autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease ... The agency is investigating about 30 reports of cancer in this younger age group submitted between 1998, after the... (MEDLINEplus)
UPDATE 1-FDA panel to discuss Roche arthritis drug July 29 Jun 6, 2008
Roche believes it will become an important alternative treatment to established anti-TNF drugs, helping the company diversify its business and to reduce its reliance on cancer medicines. Drugs that target another protein called tumour necrosis factor, or TNF, have helped revolutionise treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, but up to 40 percent of patients do not get an adequate response. (Reuters)
Abbott drugs in FDA risk reviews Jun 5, 2008
The FDA said it is investigating about 30 reports of cancer during the past 10 years in children and young adults taking so-called TNF blockers such as Humira. "The drugs Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade are being reviewed for a possible association between their use and the development of lymphoma and other cancers in children and young adults treated with TNF blockers for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn's disease," the FDA said. (Chicago Tribune)
Clarification on Press Release Issued Earlier Today: Targeted Genetics Confirms Positive, Interim Phase 1/2 Study Findings May 31, 2008
"We believe the data suggest that tgAAC94 has the potential to improve disease symptoms that are refractory to other therapies, including systemic TNF antagonists." Patients in this Phase 1/2 study continue to be followed for safety and measures aimed to assess functional improvement in treated joints. About Targeted Genetics Corporation Targeted Genetics Corporation is a biotechnology company committed to the development of innovative targeted molecular therapies for the prevention and... (PR Newswire)
Arthritis Drugs May Impair Response to Flu Vaccine May 23, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Drugs known as TNF inhibitors used to treat rheumatoid arthritis modestly impair the immune response to influenza vaccination, which may render people who use these drugs more vulnerable to catching the flu, according to a new study ... "Influenza vaccination is still effective in patients treated with anti-TNF," Dr. Luc B. S. Gelinck from Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands, told Reuters Health ... Examples of anti-TNF drugs are Enbrel, Remicade and... (MEDLINEplus)
Tuberculosis not the only risk from new immunological drugs May 21, 2008
Among these drugs are agents that inhibit tumor necrosis factor- (TNF), a cytokine receptor involved in cellular communication. It is known that anti-TNF therapies are associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis ... Kevin Winthrop, MD, of the Oregon Health and Sciences University, said: While much attention has so far focused on tuberculosis cases occurring in patients using anti-TNF therapies, our findings suggest that nontuberculosus mycobacterial infections, histoplasmosis, and... (EurekAlert!)
Professors Marc Feldmann and Sir Ravinder Maini Named Winners of the 2008 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research May 13, 2008
Feldmann and Maini were selected for their role in the discovery of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or TNF-alpha, as an effective therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions afflicting millions worldwide ... Feldmann and Maini investigated the role of cytokines, protein messenger molecules that drive inflammation, and found that a single cytokine, TNF, was capable of driving the disease process ... This led them to seek ways of blocking TNF, and they chose... (PR Newswire)
Gun collection seized, man faces charges May 10, 2008
TNF wrote on May 9, 2008 10:43 AM:" Its about time that Dale Buller be brought forth to face the music for some of his crimes!!! And what about posting some of the money for his bail? Or paying back the county for money they already have spent on him? ". Comments are posted after review by the Web master. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Alzheimer's hope over US therapy Apr 11, 2008
It is a widely used treatment for arthritis, blocking a chemical called tumour necrosis factor-alpha, or TNF, which causes pain and swelling in the joints. TNF may also affect communication between brain cells - and could be partly to blame for the advance of Alzheimer's ... The researchers in Los Angeles believe they have discovered a way of delivering etanercept into the brain via an injection in the neck, allowing it to block the disruption caused by TNF.. (BBC News -- Health)
Traffic exhaust can cause asthma, allergies and impaired respiratory function in children Apr 10, 2008
According to new analyses, variants of another asthma gene, TNF (tumour necrosis factor), also affect sensitivity to air pollution. Children with a particular combination of GSTP1 and TNF variants run a considerably higher risk of developing allergies. (EurekAlert!)
New Genetic Links To Psoriasis Uncovered Apr 8, 2008
The researchers also uncovered significant DNA variations on chromosome 13 in a genetic region involved in modifying proteins, and on chromosome 15, in a region responsible for producing a protein that activates TNF alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) in a specialized immune cell known as a dendritic cell. While TNF alpha normally helps fight infections, it is thought to be a major player in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis ... Several FDA-approved psoriasis medications work by binding to... (Science Daily)
Scientists shine new light on inflammatory diseases Mar 17, 2008
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to play a role in several important inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. While much is known about early signaling pathways activated by TNF, little is known about delayed and chronic TNF responses ... In addition, cells called macrophages produce TNF, but little is known about the effects of TNF on the macrophages themselves. (EurekAlert!)
Dermatology Team Finds Treatment For Rare 'Life-ruining' Condition Mar 15, 2008
The researchers later teamed up with Dr. Ross to discover the chromosomal site for FCAS. Six years after the discovery, Dr. Ross and a group of UK colleagues pinpointed the specific receptor responsible for FCAS. When triggered, the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor starts the symptoms of FCAS. ... Anakinra (marketed by Amgen Corporation as Kineret) prevents the symptoms of FCAS by stopping the TNF receptor from being triggered. (Science Daily)
Arthritis Medications Reduce Risk Of Heart Attacks And Strokes, Study Suggests Mar 8, 2008
"Our study provides further support of the influence of both traditional and RA specific risk factors in the development of cardiovascular events, especially heart attack" the researchers conclude, "As assessed by this study, the risk was lower with the prolonged use of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, glucocorticoids, leflunomide and TNF-; blockers.". In an accompanying editorial, Dr Ronald van Vollenhoven of Karolinska Institute, Sweden, reviews the research article. (Science Daily)
Arthritis pill may cut heart attack risk Mar 7, 2008
Results also suggested that newer drugs that block an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor, or TNF, were also effective at reducing heart attack and stroke risk, although more research is needed, Sokka said. This class of drugs includes Johnson & Johnson's Remicade, Amgen Inc.'s Enbrel, and Abbott Laboratories Inc's Humira. (MSNBC -- Health)
