Basic Research

Discovery could lead to anti-clotting drugs with less risk of bleeding
The UIC researchers discovered that once fibrinogen gets involved, another molecule called G-alpha-13 latches on to integrin and causes the clot to grow much bigger — to ensure the bleeding is stopped. Normally, the enlarged clot will shrink back. But in people prone to developing dangerous clots, or in those with narrowed arteries, the enlarged clots can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Having found that G-alpha-13 is responsible for ramping up the clotting process, the researchers were able to develop a molecule that blocks G-alpha-13 from binding to integrin. Mice given the blocker-drug can form primary clots that stop bleeding but never enter the growth phase. University of Illinois at Chicago

Bumps in the road to developing long-lasting, single-injection nerve blocks
Can a new liposomal bupivacaine product provide long-lasting nerve block with a single injection? An initial study in humans shows promise—but also some "confusing results," reports the November issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS).

A single injection of liposomal bupivacaine produces femoral nerve block lasting longer than 24 hours in volunteers, according to a study by Dr Brian M. Ilfeld and colleagues of University of California San Diego. But the results aren't straightforward, with variable responses and a hard-to-explain "inverse relationship" between dose and response. Eurekalert!

Scientists modify Botox for the treatment of pain
By using elements of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani neurotoxins, commonly known as Botox and tetanus toxin respectively, the scientists were able to develop a molecule with new biomedical properties, without unwanted toxic effects. While the Botox element is able to block neuronal communication – and therefore pain signals - for months, the tetanus component targets the central nervous system very effectively. The combination of the two elements is of great interest for neuroscience and can be applied to the treatment of several neurological disorders, particularly chronic pain conditions and epilepsy. University of Sheffield

New knowledge about serious muscle disease
Recent research from University of Copenhagen sheds light on previously unknown facts about muscular dystrophy at molecular level. The breakthrough is hoped to improve future diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Researchers have developed a method that will make it easier to map the proteins that have an important kind of sugar monomer, mannose, attached. This is an important finding, as mannose deficiency can lead to diseases such as muscular dystrophy. University of Copenhagen

Propofol's effect on the sciatic nerve: Harmful or protective?
Propofol is a rapid, but short-acting, intravenous drug that is preferentially used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Propofol can inhibit inflammation and suppress the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha from astrocytes, and enhance the synthesis and release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10. Consequently, propofol can inhibit damage caused by proinflammatory cytokines and exert protective effects on the central nervous system. Eurekalert!

Drug may reduce chronic pain for spinal cord injuries
Researchers have discovered that a known neurotoxin may cause chronic pain in people who suffer from paralysis, and a drug that has been shown to remove the toxin might be used to treat the pain. The toxin, called acrolein, is produced in the body after nerve cells are injured, triggering a cascade of biochemical events thought to worsen the injury's severity. The drug hydralazine, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hypertension, has been shown to be effective in reducing acrolein levels in the body. MedicalXpress