MedWorm: Colchicine

  How to deal with Behcet's disease in daily practice

Conclusion: Behcet's disease is a systemic disease characterized by mucocutaneous, ocular, vascular and neurologic manifestations, progressing by attacks and remissions. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)

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  Characterization of the Colchicine Binding Site on Avian Tubulin Isotype βVI

Biochemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Biochemistry)

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  Preparation and in vitro, in vivo characterization of elastic liposomes encapsulating cyclodextrin-colchicine complexes for topical delivery of colchicine.

Authors: Singh HP, Tiwary AK, Jain S In the present study, an attempt was made to develop a cyclodextrin-colchicine complex and to study its effect on skin permeation and deposition of colchicine. Colchicine beta cyclodextrin (BCD) complex was prepared by freeze-drying method and complex formation was confirmed by NMR and in vitro drug release study. Formulation containing cyclodextrin-drug complex showed 6-fold increase in transdermal flux in comparison with drug solution. Skin retention studies were carried out with the objective of determining the depot effect of elastic liposomes in skin. The amount of drug deposited was 12.4-fold higher in case of elastic liposomes of colchicine-cyclodextrin complex (567+/-1.5 mug) than drug solution (46+/-1.1 mug). The biological evaluation of va...

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  Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children Presenting with Attacks of Fever Alone.

CONCLUSION: FMF in young children may begin with attacks of fever alone, but it progresses to typical FMF disease over the next 2.9 +/- 2.2 years. Our study demonstrates that clinical heterogeneity at presentation is more likely to indicate a feature of a disease in development, rather than to mark distinct phenotypes of FMF. PMID: 20194447 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

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  Bowel bypass syndrome/bowel-associated dermatosis arthritis syndrome post laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

Bowel bypass syndrome, also known as bowel-associated dermatitis arthritis syndrome, has been described after a range of intestinal bypass procedures. With the increasing trend in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, we report an interesting case of bowel-associated dermatitis arthritis syndrome that developed 12 months following this procedure. A 49-year-old woman presented with ulcerating lesions and pustules on the upper and lower limbs, polyarthralgia, fevers and joint effusions. Before the development of these symptoms she was well, with no significant past medical or family history. A skin biopsy taken from the left shin showed superficial to mid-dermal neutrophilic dermatosis, consistent with bowel-associated dermatitis arthritis syndrome. The patient received corticosteroids, antib...

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  COLCRYS (Colchicine) Tablet, Film Coated [AR Scientific Inc.]

Updated Date: Feb 12, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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  Colchicine overdose: Fatal intoxication: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Hourly Low-Dose Oral Colchicine Is Effective for Early Gout Flare: Study

For acute gout flare, an hourly low-dose oral colchicine regimen offers comparable efficacy and better tolerability than the more common 6-hour high-dose regimen, results of a controlled study indicate. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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  Low dose of oral colchicine appears effective for early gout flare

Source: Arthr Rheum Area: News According to the results of a dose-comparison trial, a low-dose of oral colchicine given over one hour offers comparable efficacy and better tolerability than the more common high-dose regimen given over six hours in acute gout.   The authors note that high-dose (or prolonged) colchicine regimens are commonly described, despite a high risk:benefit ratio.  Lower dose regimens have been suggested but never rigorously studied, therefore the AGREE (Acute Gout Flare Receiving Colchicine Evaluation) study was conducted.  Prior to this a pharmacokinetic study was conducted, which found that the two regimens (see below) produced similar peak blood colchicine concentrations.    The trial included 575 adults with a confirmed past diagn...

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  Intrapericardial triamcinolone for acute pericarditis after electrophysiologic procedures.

Conclusion Intrapericardial administration of triamcinolone acetonide may be an effective treatment for patients with acute pericarditis after electrophysiologic procedures. PMID: 20133530 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP)

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  Dramatic response to IL1-RA treatment in longstanding multidrug resistant Schnitzler’s syndrome: a case report and literature review

We report a case of longstanding multidrug resistant Schnitzler’s syndrome that finally went into clinical remission upon treatment with anakinra and review the literature concerning IL1-RA treatment for Schnitzler’s syndrome. A now 71-year-old patient presenting with recurring episodes of urticaria and fever and secondary weight loss for the past 16 years as well as arthralgia, hearing loss. The patient has anemia, leucocytosis with neutrophilia, thrombocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lymphadenopathy and a monoclonal IgM kappa band that later became oligoclonal with two IgM kappa bands and one IgM lambda band. The patient was treated with moderate effect with combination of prednisolone, azathioprine, and colchicine. In March 2009, a...

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  Colchicine/hydroxychloroquine: Myopathy and neuropathy in an elderly patient: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Single mechano-gated channels activated by mechanical deformation of acutely isolated cardiac fibroblasts from rats

Conclusions: These findings show that rat atrial fibroblasts express two types of MGCs whose activity is governed by cell deformation. We conclude that fibroblasts can sense the direction of applied stress and contribute to mechano-electrical coupling in the heart. (Source: Acta Physiologica)

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  [Seminar] Gout

Gout is a common arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints after chronic hyperuricaemia. It affects 1–2% of adults in developed countries, where it is the most common inflammatory arthritis in men. Epidemiological data are consistent with a rise in prevalence of gout. Diet and genetic polymorphisms of renal transporters of urate seem to be the main causal factors of primary gout. Gout and hyperuricaemia are associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and renal and cardiovascular diseases. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine remain the most widely recommended drugs to treat acute attacks. Oral corticosteroids could be an alternative to these drugs. Interleukin 1β is a pivotal mediator of acute gout and could become...

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  Is FDA approval for safety ... or price gouging?

Colchicine is the latest drug targeted by an FDA plan to take unapproved drugs through its approval process. But does replacing a cheap, unapproved product with a similar, branded one help the public? Doris Webb was diagnosed last year with a rare disease called familial Mediterranean fever. It's a hereditary condition tied to her French ancestry, causing recurrent fevers, arthritis attacks and inflammation of the lining of the lungs and abdomen. The drug colchicine, prescribed by her doctor, was able to relieve her debilitating joint and bone pain, and Webb now takes two to three tablets a day. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

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  Expression of papillomavirus L1 proteins regulated by authentic gene codon usage is favoured in G2/M-like cells in differentiating keratinocytes.

Authors: Ding J, Doorbar J, Li B, Zhou F, Gu W, Zhao L, Saunders NA, Frazer IH, Zhao KN We investigated whether differentiation-dependent expression of papillomavirus (PV) L1 genes is influenced by the cell cycle state in keratinocytes (KCs) grown in vitro or in vivo. In primary keratinocytes, flow cytometry revealed a clear shift from predominantly G0/G1 to G2/M cells from day 1 to day 7, with a three-fold increase in G2/M-like cells in day 7 keratinocytes that showed approximately 50% of the cells expressed a terminal differentiation marker involucrin. The correlation between the levels of the L1 proteins expressed from authentic (Nat) L1 genes of HPV6b and BPV1 and the frequencies of the G2/M-like KCs was significantly positive, while in contrast, a significantly negative correlatio...

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  Is FDA approval for safety ... or price gouging?

Colchicine is the latest drug targeted by an FDA plan to take unapproved drugs through its approval process. But does replacing a cheap, unapproved product with a similar, branded one help the public? Doris Webb was diagnosed last year with a rare disease called familial Mediterranean fever. It's a hereditary condition tied to her French ancestry, causing recurrent fevers, arthritis attacks and inflammation of the lining of the lungs and abdomen. The drug colchicine, prescribed by her doctor, was able to relieve her debilitating joint and bone pain, and Webb now takes two to three tablets a day. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

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  Colchicinoids from Colchicum crocifolium Boiss. (Colchicaceae).

Authors: Alali FQ, Gharaibeh AA, Ghawanmeh A, Tawaha K, Qandil A, Burgess JP, Sy A, Nakanishi Y, Kroll DJ, Oberlies NH A new colchicinoid from Colchicum crocifolium Boiss. (Colchicaceae) was isolated and identified as N,N-dimethyl-N-deacetyl-(-)-cornigerine (5), along with four known compounds, but new to the species: (-)-colchicine (1), (-)-demecolcine (2), (-)-N-methyl-(-)-demecolcine (3) and 3-demethyl-N-methyl-(-)-demecolcine (4). All isolated compounds showed potent cytotoxicity against a human cancer cell panel. PMID: 20077308 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Natural Product Research)

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  Colchicine: Colchicine poisoning in infants and children: 7 case reports

(Source: Reactions)

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  Colchicine: Drug toxicity: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Transient involvement of the cerebral cortex in a flare of Behçet’s syndrome

We describe a flare of Behçet’s syndrome in a 42-year-old man who presented with florid mucocutaneous manifestations, headache and vomiting, but without meningeal or neurologic signs. A single, non-enhancing cortical lesion was found in the frontal lobe by computed tomography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies. Diffusion-weighted analysis and MR spectroscopy were consistent with focal inflammation. The patient improved with colchicine, and after 5 months, a repeat MR scan demonstrated resolution of the inflammatory changes suggesting that involvement of the cerebral cortex may be a self-limiting phenomenon, distinct from other more frequent and destructive parenchymal manifestations of neuro-Behçet’s disease. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.100...

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  An infant with severe refractory Crohn’s disease and homozygous MEFV mutation who dramatically responded to colchicine

Abstract  Previous studies have suggested that inflammatory bowel disease is particulary frequent and severe in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) families. An 8-month-old boy was admitted to our hospital with chronic bloody diarrhea, failure to thrive and high-grade fever. He was diagnosed as Crohn’s disease (CD) based on clinical, laboratory and histological findings and, corticosteroid therapy was started. The patient did not respond to intensive medical therapy including intravenous corticosteroid, mesalazine, azathioprine, intravenous cyclosporine and enteral feeding. MEFV gene mutation analysis revealed homozygous M694V mutation. In addition to azathioprine and cyclosporine therapy, with the diagnosis of FMF, colchicine therapy was started and partial remission was o...

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  Exclusive Colchicine Deal Unfair to Patients

DR. FUDMAN is in private practice in Austin, Texas. He reports that he has no conflicts of interest relevant to this editorial. The price of colchicine is increasing by 50-fold, from about $.10 per tablet to $5 per tablet, unless rheumatologists and patients can convince the Food and Drug Administration to allow the colchicine made by generic manufacturers to stay on the market. A twice-daily dose of colchicine will increase from $6/month to $300/month because one company has taken advantage of FDA rules and the orphan drug law to the detriment of patients. (Source: Rheumatology News)

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  Colchicine Deal Unfair to Patients

DR. FUDMAN is in private practice in Austin, Texas. He reports that he has no conflicts of interest. The price of colchicine is increasing by 50-fold, from about $0.10 per tablet to $5 per tablet, unless physicians and patients can convince the Food and Drug Administration to allow the colchicine made by generic manufacturers to stay on the market. A twice-daily dose of colchicine will increase from $6/month to $300/month because one company has taken advantage of FDA rules and the orphan drug law to the detriment of patients. (Source: Family Practice News)

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  Non-opsonic phagocytosis of homologous non-toxigenic and toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains by human U-937 macrophages

In conclusion, human macrophages in the absence of opsonins may not be promptly effective at killing diphtheria bacilli. The presence of the tox gene influences the susceptibility of C. diphtheriae to human macrophages and the outcome of non-opsonic phagocytosis. C. diphtheriae strains exhibit strategies to survive within macrophages and to exert apoptosis and necrosis in human phagocytic cells, independent of the tox gene. (Source: Microbiology and Immunology)

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  Chamacypanone C, a Novel Skeleton Microtubule Inhibitor, with Anticancer Activity by Trigger Caspase 8-Fas/FasL Dependent Apoptotic Pathway in Human Cancer Cells.

Authors: Hsieh CC, Kuo YH, Kuo CC, Chen LT, Cheung CH, Chao TY, Lin CH, Pan WY, Chang CY, Chien SC, Chen TW, Lung CC, Chang JY Microtubule is a popular target for anti-cancer drugs. Chamaecypanone C, is a natural occurring novel skeleton compound isolated from the heartwood of Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana. The present study demonstrates that chamaecypanone C induced mitotic arrest through binding to the colchicine-binding site of tubulin, thus preventing tubulin polymerization. In addition, cytotoxic activity of Chamaecypanone C in a variety of humantumor cell lines has been ascertained, with IC(50) values in nanomolar ranges. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that chamaecypanone C treated human KB cancer cells were arrested in G(2)-M phases in a time-dependent manner before cel...

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  Etanercept and anakinra can prolong febrile episodes in patients with hyperimmunoglobulin D and periodic fever syndrome

We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who experienced prolonged and severe inflammatory attacks, when she was treated with etanercept, and later with anakinra. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1322-8Authors Hiba M. Shendi, Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast Northern Ireland, UKDeirdre Walsh, Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast Northern Ireland, UKJ. David M. Edgar, Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast Northern Ireland, UK Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International)

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  The effect of colchicine on physical growth in children wıth familial mediterranean fever

In this study, we found that colchicine significantly improved height development in FMF patients. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00431-009-1120-zAuthors Z. Birsin Özçakar, Ankara University Division of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine Ankara TurkeyGülsüm Kadıoğlu, Ankara University Division of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine Ankara TurkeyZeynep Şıklar, Ankara University Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, School of Medicine Ankara TurkeyAslı Kavaz, Ankara University Division of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine Ankara TurkeyF. Nur Aksanal, Gazi University Department of Public Health, School of Medicine Ankara TurkeyMerih Berberoğlu, Ankara University Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, School of Medicine Ankara Turk...

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  An unusual case of undifferentiated connective tissue disease presenting as cardiac tamponade

We describe here, a case of a middle-aged man who presented with symptoms of fatigue, exertional dyspnea and orthopnea. His physical exam was significant for anasarca, elevated JVP and pulsus paradoxus. Chest X-ray showed pleural effusions and cardiomegaly, electrocardiogram revealed electrical alternans and a transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated massive pericardial effusion with hemodynamic compromise. There was clear evidence of tamponade on right heart catheterization. All common causes of pericardial effusion were assiduously excluded before working up the patient for connective tissue disorders, which revealed a high antinuclear antibody titer (1:160), grossly elevated SSA, SSB antibodies and increased C-reactive protein levels (13.04 mg/dl). Patient had no signs or sy...

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  Ammonia triggers exocytotic release of L-glutamate from cultured rat astrocytes

Ammonia toxicity to the brain involves NMDA receptor overactivation and glutamate excitotoxicity. The mechanisms underlying glutamate release from astrocytes in response to ammonia were addressed in this study. In cultured rat astrocytes, glutamate immunoreactivity (IR) was punctate and partly colocalized with transfected VAMP2-YFP. NH4Cl (5 mmol/L) and hypoosmotic exposure (205 mosmol/L) induced a rapid colchicine-sensitive loss of cellular glutamate and glutamate appearance in the extracellular space. The NH4Cl-induced glutamate loss from astrocytes was strongly blunted after transfection of the cells with VAMP2 siRNA. Ammonia-induced exocytosis of VAMP2-YFP expressing vesicles was shown by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF-M). Glutamate exocytosis in response to am...

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  Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide in Hypothalamic Neurones Associated with the Control of Feeding Behaviour

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), an endogenous peptide agonist of the opioid N/OFQ receptor, has been implicated in the regulation of energy balance. In the present study, we have used immunohistochemistry to investigate the cellular localisation and colocalisation of N/OFQ-immunoreactive cell bodies in hypothalamic regions containing neurones producing orexigenic or anorexigenic transmitters. In colchicine-treated rats, N/OFQ immunoreactivity was demonstrated in many cell bodies of the arcuate nucleus (Arc), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). Double-labelling revealed that N/OFQ was present in some neurones located in the ventrolateral part of the Arc producing pro-opiomelanocortin, as shown by the presence of the anorexigenic peptides [alpha]-melanocyte-sti...

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  Design and pharmacophore modeling of biaryl methyl eugenol analogs as breast cancer invasion inhibitors.

Authors: Abdel Bar FM, Khanfar MA, Elnagar AY, Badria FA, Zaghloul AM, Ahmad KF, Sylvester PW, El Sayed KA Cell invasion and migration are required for the parent solid tumor cells to metastasize to distant organs. Microtubules form a polarized network, enabling organelle and protein movement throughout the cell. Cytoskeletal elements coordinately regulate cell's motility, adhesion, migration, exocytosis, endocytosis, and division. Thus, microtubule disruption can be a useful target to control cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The phenolic ether methyl eugenol (1), the major component of the essential oil of the leaves of Melaleuca ericifolia Sm. (Myrtaceae), was used as a starting scaffold to design eleven new and three known anti-tubulin agents 2-15 using carbon-carbon coupling re...

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  Late response to anti-TNF-α therapy in refractory mucocutaneous lesions of Behçet’s disease

We reported those patients who were successfully treated with infliximab and adalimumab, despite their late response. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1276-xAuthors Nádia Emi Aikawa, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo CEDMAC, Disciplina de Reumatologia no 455, 3° andar, sala 3190, Cerqueira César Sao Paulo SP CEP 05403-010 BrazilCarla Gonçalves, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo CEDMAC, Disciplina de Reumatologia no 455, 3° andar, sala 3190, Cerqueira César Sao Paulo SP CEP 05403-010 BrazilClovis Artur Almeida Silva, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo CEDMAC, Disciplina de Reumatologia no 455, 3° andar, sala 3190, Cerqueira César Sao Pau...

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  Anti-tumor activity and mechanisms of a novel vascular disrupting agent, (Z)-3,4′,5-trimethoxylstilbene-3′-O-phosphate disodium (M410)

Summary  Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) have emerged as a new kind of anti-cancer drug in recent years. Structural modification of an active parent compound is an effective approach to developing new agents with more activity and fewer adverse reactions. In our study, six synthesized stilbene derivatives were screened for their cytotoxic activity against human tumor cells, and their mechanisms of action were investigated. The MTT assay was used to determine the anti-proliferative activity of these compounds. Polymerization of tubulin was detected by a tubulin assembly assay, and the cellular microtubule network was observed by immunocytochemical analyses. Cell-cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry. A nude mouse model with xenografted colon cancer was used to ...

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  Prognosis of Behcet's syndrome among men with mucocutaneous involvement at disease onset: long-term outcome of patients enrolled in a controlled trial

Conclusions. Being free of major organ involvement during the early years of BS does not indicate a mild prognosis for men developing BS at young age. Whether colchicine will reduce the need for immunosuppressive use among men developing BS at old age awaits formal studies. (Source: Rheumatology)

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  Prescription and comorbidity screening following consultation for acute gout in primary care

Conclusions. Primary care acute gout management is suboptimal. Education of general practitioners about acute gout management and cardiovascular risk is a priority. (Source: Rheumatology)

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  Effects of Photoperiod on Kisspeptin Neuronal Populations of the Ewe Diencephalon in Connection with Reproductive Function

Kisspeptin (Kiss) is a key regulator of reproductive function in both prepubertal and adult mammals. Its expression appears to vary throughout the year in seasonal species. We aimed to determine the impact of a change of photoperiod on the size of Kiss neuronal populations found in the preoptic area (POA) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the ewe brain. Using immunocytochemistry, we first examined the proportion of neurones expressing Kiss, using HuC/D as a neuronal marker, at different time-points after transition from long days (LD; 16 : 8 h light/dark cycle) to short days (SD; 8 : 16 h light/dark cycle). Luteinising hormone (LH) secretion was measured in ovariectomised oestradiol replaced ewes from the month preceding the transition to SD until the sacrifice of the animals at days 0, 45 and ...

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  Therapy of autoinflammatory syndromes

This article reviews the general approach to the therapy of autoinflammatory diseases, focusing on current approved therapies and novel approaches that might be used in the future. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

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  [Four cases of photopheresis treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus refractory to standard therapy.]

We report four cases of women with refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) who responded to this treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated one patient with subacute LE having a contraindication to antimalarials and to thalidomide and three patients with chronic LE (lupus panniculitis, lupus tumidus and disseminated discoid LE) refractory to treatment with hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, thalidomide and dapsone, and also, in some cases, to oral and intravenous corticosteroids, methotrexate, colchicine, acitretine, sulfasalazine, mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment consisted of two 4-hour sessions fortnightly. Only antimalarials were continued during photopheresis. RESULTS: Photopheresis had a positive effect on all four patients. We noticed complete remi...

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  Genetic variation in colchicine-treated regenerated plants of Eucalyptus globulus Labill.

Authors: Liu XZ, Lin H, Mo XY, Long T, Zhang HY PMID: 20086303 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Genetics)

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  Colchicine: Intoxication in elderly patients, including one from an interaction with clarithromycin: 4 case reports

(Source: Reactions)

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  Colchicine: Hepatotoxicity: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Secretagogue stimulation enhances NBCe1 (electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransporter) surface expression in murine colonic crypts

A Na+/HCO3– cotransporter (NBC) is located in the basolateral membrane of the gastrointestinal epithelium, where it imports HCO3– during stimulated anion secretion. Having previously demonstrated secretagogue activation of NBC in murine colonic crypts, we now asked whether vesicle traffic and exocytosis are involved in this process. Electrogenic NBCe1-B was expressed at significantly higher levels than electroneutral NBCn1 in colonic crypts as determined by QRT-PCR. In cell surface biotinylation experiments, a time-dependent increase in biotinylated NBCe1 was observed, which occurred with a peak of +54.8% after 20 min with forskolin (P < 0.05) and more rapidly with a peak of +59.8% after 10 min with carbachol (P < 0.05) and which corresponded well with the time course of ...

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  Flow cytometry peripheral blood micronucleus test in vivo: Determination of potential thresholds for aneuploidy induced by spindle poisons

Non-DNA binding genotoxins (e.g., aneugens), unlike DNA-binding genotoxins, are theoretically expected to show thresholded concentration-effect response curves. This is a major issue in genetic toxicology testing because the identification of thresholds in vivo can provide a safety margin for exposure to a particular compound. In the current study we measured micronucleus induction by flow cytometry to determine the dose-response curves for tubulin interacting agents, a specific class of aneugens. All experiments with aneugens, which include colchicine, vinblastine, vincristine, as well as the clastogen cyclophosphamide (CP) were performed in mice to avoid the splenic elimination of micronucleated reticulocytes, which has been described in rats. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a non-linea...

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  A survey on the management of gout in Malaysia

Conclusions: In Malaysia, anti-inflammatory agents are most commonly used for the treatment of acute and chronic gout, with corticosteroid usage at a low level. However, there are areas of concern regarding the diagnosis of gout and the usage of ALLO which are not consistent with current guidelines. (Source: APLAR Journal of Rheumatology)

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  An integrative approach for the isolation, screening and analysis of antitumor agents by liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry.

Authors: Sun C, Fu J, He S, Pan Y A rapid approach has been developed for screening trace level compounds with antitumor activities based on their interactions with microtubules. This interaction can be quantified with liquid chromatography (LC) by measuring the difference of bioactive compound's concentration before and after the formation of compound-microtubule complexes in the fast dialyzers. To test the effectiveness of this approach, several antitumor drugs such as colchicine, taxol, daunorubicin, and a non-antitumor reagent ketoprofen were used. Results indicate that the antitumor constituents can be identified without any disturbance, and the inactive components can be excluded. This screening method was then successfully applied to some potential antitumor compound mixtures, a...

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  Colchicine: reminder on risk of serious and fatal toxicity in overdose

The online journal Drug Safety Update has a good short discussion of colchicine toxicity in its November issue. It makes the point that colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window and is an especially nasty overdose since there is no antidote and it can cause multi-organ failure.  The risk of toxicity is even greater in patients with renal or liver disease, heart or GI problems, and the very young or very old.  (The authors neglect to mention that colchicine toxicity is also enhanced in patients taking certain other drugs, such as macrolide antibiotics or cyclosporine.) Early symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.  Late manifestations include mental status changes, cardiotoxicity, kidney and liver failure, bome marrow depression, and DIC. Colchicine ...

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  Down syndrome: Comments and reflections on the 50th anniversary of Lejeune's discovery

Over the past some 160 years, the study of Down syndrome (DS) went from early efforts of differentiating it from cretinism (Séguin) to its establishment as a specific nosologic category of mental deficiency (Down) and subsequent attempts to infer its cause. DS was known to be an overwhelmingly sporadic disorder, concordant in MZ and discordant in DZ twins and associated with increased maternal reproductive age (Penrose). Beginning in the 1920s and based in part on phenotype analysis and early cytogenetic insights in Drosophilia, several clinicians (Halbertsma, Waardenburg, Bleyer, Fanconi) and the geneticist C.B. Davenport postulated that DS might be due to a chromosome abnormality; only Davenport, with T.S. Painter, made an actual attempt to perform a clinical/cytological study (with inc...

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  Colchicine: Recurrent and fatal pancytopenia following self-medication: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Clarithromycin/colchicine interaction: Rhabdomyolysis: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Kidney protection during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with somatostatin analogues

Abstract  This review focuses on the present status of kidney protection during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) using radiolabelled somatostatin analogues. This treatment modality for somatostatin receptor-positive tumours is limited by renal reabsorption and retention of radiolabelled peptides resulting in dose-limiting high kidney radiation doses. Radiation nephropathy has been described in several patients. Studies on the mechanism and localization demonstrate that renal uptake of radiolabelled somatostatin analogues largely depends on the megalin/cubulin system in the proximal tubule cells. Thus methods are needed that interfere with this reabsorption pathway to achieve kidney protection. Such methods include coadministration of basic amino acids, the bovin...

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  Colchicine/disulfiram interaction: First report of an interaction, leading to acute colchicine toxicity: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Colchicine for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Pericarditis: An Update(December).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite limitations in study designs, current evidence suggests a role for colchicine in the secondary prophylaxis for recurrent pericarditis. The evidence for use of colchicine as primary prophylaxis in PPS is indeterminate; therefore, colchicine cannot be recommended routinely. While colchicine should be recommended for the prevention of recurrent pericarditis, questions regarding the optimal regimen and long-term safety profile need to be further elucidated. PMID: 19903861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

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  Influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and recurrent pericarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a 24-year-old male with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and cardiac tamponade. Although the patient’s general condition improved after steroid pulse therapy and pericardiocentesis, pericardial effusion re-accumulated. Colchicine and aspirin were administered, together with prednisolone, after which no further relapses occurred. This was a rare case of severe influenza-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and steroid-resistant pericardial effusion in an SLE patient. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10165-009-0241-6Authors Yoshiro Horai, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Clinical Research Institute 1-8-1...

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  Influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and recurrent pericarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

We report a 24-year-old male with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed influenza virus B-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and cardiac tamponade. Although the patient’s general condition improved after steroid pulse therapy and pericardiocentesis, pericardial effusion re-accumulated. Colchicine and aspirin were administered, together with prednisolone, after which no further relapses occurred. This was a rare case of severe influenza-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and steroid-resistant pericardial effusion in an SLE patient. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10165-009-0241-6Authors Yoshiro Horai, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Medical Center Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Clinical Research Institute 1-8-1...

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  MHRA Drug Safety Update November 2009: Colchicine and risk of serious and fatal toxicity in overdose

Source: MHRA Area: Evidence > Medication Safety The MHRA has featured a reminder on the risk of serious and fatal toxicity with colchicine, in the November issue of the Drug Safety Update. The following recommendations are made for healthcare professionals:   . Colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window and is extremely toxic in overdose . Patients at particular risk of toxicity are those with renal or hepatic impairment, gastrointestinal or cardiac disease, and patients at extremes of age . The symptoms of overdose are often delayed . All patients, even in the absence of early symptoms, should be referred for immediate medical assessment   The article also features key points in the initial management of colchicine overdose. (Source: NeLM - Patient S...

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  Study of possible interactions of tubulin, microtubular network, and STOP protein with mitochondria in muscle cells.

Authors: Guerrero K, Monge C, Brückner A, Puurand U, Kadaja L, Käämbre T, Seppet E, Saks V We studied possible connections of tubulin, microtubular system, and microtubular network stabilizing STOP protein with mitochondria in rat and mouse cardiac and skeletal muscles by confocal microscopy and oxygraphy. Intracellular localization and content of tubulin was found to be muscle type-specific, with high amounts in oxidative muscles, and much lower in glycolytic skeletal muscle. STOP protein localization and content in muscle cells was also muscle type-specific. In isolated heart mitochondria, addition of 1 muM tubulin heterodimer increased apparent K (m) for ADP significantly. Dissociation of microtubular system into free tubulin by colchicine treatment only slightly decr...

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  In vivo synthesis and secretion of erythropoietin by genetically modified primary human keratinocytes grafted onto immunocompromised mice

Conclusion: Keratinocytes carry the potential to serve as a genetically modified biofactory synthesizing human EPO. In vivo gene selection does not allow to select for increased EPO secretion, most likely because of altered secretory activity of transduced KC in the stratified, differentiated epidermis. Thus, further studies are necessary to optimize the release of EPO by genetically modified KC. (Source: Experimental Dermatology)

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  Heart rate variability in familial Mediterranean fever

In conclusion, patients with FMF who are continuously treated with low-dose colchicine have not developed amyloidosis and have normal HRV parameters in the supine and upright position. Further investigation of occult dysautonomia in FMF is needed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1214-yAuthors Naomi Nussinovitch, Chaim Sheba Medical Center Hypertension Unit, Department of Internal Medicine D Tel Hashomer IsraelAvi Livneh, Sheba Medical Center, The Heller Institute of Medical Research Department of Medicine F Tel Hashomer IsraelKeren Katz, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv IsraelPnina Langevitz, Sheba Medical Center, The Heller Institute of Medical Research Department of Medicine F Tel Hashomer IsraelOlga Feld, Sheba M...

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  Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) - updated on RxList

Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList (Source: RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs)

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  Derivatives of thiocolchicine and its applications to CEM cells treatment using (19)F Magnetic Resonance ex vivo.

Authors: Bartusik D, Tomanek B, Lattová E, Perreault H, Tuszynski J, Fallone G It was shown, that cultured ex vivo human T-Lymphoblastoid (CEM) cells respond to synthesized thiocolchicine and fluorine thiocolchicine derivatives. The preparation of derivatives with substitution at C-3 and C-7 is described. All compounds were used at concentration from 1nM to 1000nM. Inhibitory effects of these compounds were examined in the three-dimensional (3-D) culture and cells morphology during treatment was monitored using 9.4T MRI system. We performed studies of these compounds in CEM cells ex vivo using (1)H and (19)F Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), (19)F Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Ultra Violet (HPLC-UV) and Electron Impact M...

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  Colchicine: Haematological disorders (including one fatal overdose): 2 case reports

(Source: Reactions)

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  COLCRYS (Colchicine) Tablet, Film Coated [AR Scientific Inc.]

Updated Date: Oct 30, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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  In vitro markers for virulence in Yersinia ruckeri

In this study, different traits that have been associated with bacterial virulence were studied in Yersinia ruckeri. Two isolates that had been shown to cause disease and mortality in experimentally infected rainbow trout were compared with five avirulent isolates. Both virulent isolates showed high adhesion to gill and intestinal mucus of rainbow trout, whereas the majority of non-virulent strains demonstrated significantly lower adhesion. A decrease in adherence capability following bacterial treatment with sodium metaperiodate and proteolytic enzymes suggested the involvement of carbohydrates and proteins. All strains were able to adhere to and invade chinook salmon embryo cell line (CHSE-214), fathead minnow epithelial cell line (FHM) and rainbow trout liver cell line (R1). One non-vir...

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  Guidelines Issued for Combining Colchicines and Calcium-Channel Blockers

A new study provides guidance on the use of colchicine for patients with gout who require calcium-channel blocker therapy for blood pressure control. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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  Editorial Overview - Something old, something new - Colchicine in the 21st century

No description available (Source: Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs)

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  Low-Dose Colchicine (Colcrys) Is Rapid, Effective Treatment For Acute Gout Flares

PHILADELPHIA - New data show that low-dose colchicine (ColcrysTM) rapidly controls acute gout flares. The results, which were presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, are drawn from a secondary analysis of the phase III Acute Gout Flare Receiving Colchicine Evaluation (AGREE) trial... (Source: Gout News From Medical News Today)

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  Low-Dose Colchicine (Colcrys) Is Rapid, Effective Treatment For Acute Gout Flares

PHILADELPHIA - New data show that low-dose colchicine (ColcrysTM) rapidly controls acute gout flares. The results, which were presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, are drawn from a secondary analysis of the phase III Acute Gout Flare Receiving Colchicine Evaluation (AGREE) trial. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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  New Data Presented at ACR Meeting Demonstrates Colcrys (Colchicine, USP) Significantly Reduces Pain of Acute Gout Flare Within 24 Hours With Side Effects Comparable to Placebo

Studies Confirm Clinical Benefit, Reveal New Information on Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Colcrys PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- URL Pharma, Inc., today announced data from a pivotal Phase III study demonstrating that Colcrys(TM)... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

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  FDA Approves Colcrys (colchicine, USP) for Prevention of Gout Flares

New Colchicine Formulation Significantly Reduces Side Effects, Maintains Full Efficacy; Now Indicated for Both Prophylaxis and Treatment of Gout Flares PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- URL Pharma, Inc., today announced that the U.S. Food... (Source: Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals)

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  ACR: Low-Dose Colchicine Cuts Gout Pain in a Day (CME/CE)

PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) -- Low-dose colchicine (Colcrys) appears to be as effective as high doses of the drug in reducing the pain of gout with fewer adverse side effects, a researcher said here. (Source: MedPage Today Meeting Coverage)

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  ACR: Low-Dose Colchicine Cuts Gout Pain in a Day (CME/CE, with video)

PHILADELPHIA (MedPage Today) -- Low-dose colchicine (Colcrys) appears to be as effective as high doses of the drug in reducing the pain of gout with fewer adverse side effects, a researcher said here. (Source: MedPage Today Rheumatology)

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  Serum pharmacological effects of Fuzheng Huayu Decoction on Ito cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in rats) on Ito cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in rats

Conclusion: Inhibition of Ito cells proliferation and collagen synthesis is perhaps one of main mechanism of FZHYD in antifibrotic action. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Experimental Work And ResearchDOI 10.1007/BF02934157Authors Ping Liu, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute of Liver Diseases 200032 ShanghaiChenghai Liu, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute of Liver Diseases 200032 ShanghaiCheng Liu, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute of Liver Diseases 200032 ShanghaiLieming Xu, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute of Liver Diseases 200032 Shanghai Journal Chinese Journal of Integrative MedicineOnline ISSN 1993-0402Print ISSN 1672-0415 Journal Volume Volume 4 Journal Issue V...

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  Old Gout Drug Gets New Indication

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA has extended the indication for the gout treatment and Mediterranean fever drug colchicine (Colcrys) to include prevention of acute gout flares. (Source: MedPage Today Product Alert)

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  New Data Presented At ACR Meeting Demonstrates Colcrys(TM) (Colchicine, USP) Significantly Reduces Pain Of Acute Gout Flare Within 24 Hours

URL Pharma, Inc., announced data from a pivotal Phase III study demonstrating that Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP), a low-dose colchicine, reduced the pain of gout flares within a 24-hour period as effectively as high-dose colchicine with a side effect profile statistically indistinguishable from placebo... (Source: Gout News From Medical News Today)

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  FDA Approves Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP) For Prevention Of Gout Flares

URL Pharma, Inc., announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP) for the prophylaxis (prevention) of gout flares. Colcrys was first approved by the FDA on July 30, 2009 for the treatment of acute gout flares when taken at the first sign of a flare... (Source: Gout News From Medical News Today)

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  FDA Approves Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP) For Prevention Of Gout Flares

URL Pharma, Inc., announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP) for the prophylaxis (prevention) of gout flares. Colcrys was first approved by the FDA on July 30, 2009 for the treatment of acute gout flares when taken at the first sign of a flare. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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  New Data Presented At ACR Meeting Demonstrates Colcrys(TM) (Colchicine, USP) Significantly Reduces Pain Of Acute Gout Flare Within 24 Hours

URL Pharma, Inc., announced data from a pivotal Phase III study demonstrating that Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP), a low-dose colchicine, reduced the pain of gout flares within a 24-hour period as effectively as high-dose colchicine with a side effect profile statistically indistinguishable from placebo. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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  FDA Approves Colcrys(TM) (colchicine, USP) for Prevention of Gout Flares

New Colchicine Formulation Significantly Reduces Side Effects, Maintains Full Efficacy; Now Indicated for Both Prophylaxis and Treatment of Gout Flares PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- URL Pharma, Inc., today announced that the U.S. Food and D... Biopharmaceuticals, FDAURL Pharma, Colcrys, colchicine, gout (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

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  Amlodipine/colchicine/naproxen sodium: Suicide attempt: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  [Crystal-induced activation of the inflammasome: gout and pseudogout.]

Authors: Winzer M, Tausche AK, Aringer M Crystals in tissues lead the innate immune system to the same kind of acute response seen with pathogens. Via activation of the inflammasome, interleukin-1 (IL-1) is released, which upregulates mediators such as cyclooxygenase, tumor necrosis factor, and IL-8 and induces an acute granulocytic inflammation. Therefore, in addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and colchicine, IL-1 blockers appear to be effective. Large clinical trials have already been initiated. Such an approach could constitute a valuable alternative for patients with contraindications or insufficient response to NSAIDs. After the attack has subsided, control of uric acid metabolism is central. At least several of the responsible urate transporters ...

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  [Adult-onset Still's disease, Schnitzler syndrome, and autoinflammatory syndromes in adulthood.]

Authors: Lamprecht P Adult-onset Still's disease (AoSD), Schnitzler syndrome, and cases of adult-onset autoinflammatory syndromes [10-15% of cases of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS)] are characterized by a genetic predisposition, with increased interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-18 production and TNF-alpha signaling, respectively. As a result, periodic fever and inflammation at barrier tissues (synovial tissues, serous membranes, and the skin) are encountered in such patients. Pathophysiological insights into these diseases have renewed interest in research on IL-1beta in rheumatic diseases and have opened new therapeutic avenues. Recently published studies have shown that patients with Schnitzler syndrome, met...

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  The spectrum of MEFV clinical presentations-is it familial Mediterranean fever only?

Conclusions. These findings suggest that the MEFV gene is associated with clinical conditions other than FMF. Changing our concept regarding the MEFV gene and its link to such clinical phenotypes may call for a higher awareness of the existence of additional autoinflammatory diseases. Furthermore, a correct diagnosis of these MEFV gene mutation-associated syndromes will justify a therapeutic trial with colchicine, thereby relieving suffering of many patients who up to now have been misdiagnosed. (Source: Rheumatology)

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  Contribution of the cytoskeleton to the compressive properties and recovery behavior of single cells.

This study focused on the contribution of the main three cytoskeletal elements to the bulk compressive stiffness (as measured by the compressive modulus), volumetric or apparent compressibility changes (as further indicated by apparent Poisson's ratio), and recovery behavior of individual chondrocytes. Before mechanical testing, cytochalasin D, acrylamide, or colchicine was used to disrupt actin microfilaments, intermediate filaments, or microtubules, respectively. Cells were subjected to a range of compressive strains and allowed to recover to equilibrium. Analysis of the video recording for each mechanical event yielded relevant compressive properties and recovery characteristics related to the specific cytoskeletal disrupting agent and as a function of applied axial strain. Inhibition o...

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  Atorvastatin/colchicine interaction: Acute neuromyopathy in an elderly patient with renal failure: case report

(Source: Reactions)

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  Combretastatin-like chalcones as inhibitors of microtubule polymerisation. Part 2: Structure-based discovery of alpha-aryl chalcones.

Authors: Ducki S, Mackenzie G, Greedy B, Armitage S, Chabert JF, Bennett E, Nettles J, Snyder JP, Lawrence NJ Tubulin is an important molecular target in cancer chemotherapy. Antimitotic agents able to bind to the protein are currently under study, commonly used in the clinic to treat a variety of cancers and/or exploited as probes to investigate the protein's structure and function. Here we report the binding modes for a series of colchicinoids, combretastatin A4 and chalcones established from docking studies carried out on the structure of tubulin in complex with colchicine. The proposed models, in agreement with published biochemical data, show that combretastatin A4 binds to the colchicine site of beta-tubulin and that chalcones assume an orientation similar to that of podophylloto...

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  Correlation between anti-fibrotic effect of baicalin and serum cytokines in rat hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION: Baicalin shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis, probably by immunoregulating the imbalance between profibrotic and antifibrotic cytokines. PMID: 19787836 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

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  New Medical Products: New Colchicine Product and Dosing Regimen

FDA has approved the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product. The drug, called Colcrys, is approved to treat acute gout flares and familial Mediterranean fever. Oral colchicine has been used to treat gout in the past, but until now it had n... (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): Patient Safety News)

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  Gastric Changes Following Colchicine Therapy in Patients with FMF

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retraction NoteDOI 10.1007/s10620-009-0937-7Authors Wael Ismail Al-Daraji, University of Nottingham Department of Pathology, School of Molecular Medicine Nottingham NG7 2UH UKRiham M. W. Al-Mahmoud, Ain Shams University Hospital Department of Medicine Cairo EgyptMohammed Ilyas, University of Nottingham Department of Pathology, School of Molecular Medicine Nottingham NG7 2UH UK Journal Digestive Diseases and SciencesOnline ISSN 1573-2568Print ISSN 0163-2116 (Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

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  Prevention of Amyloidosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever with Colchicine: A Case-Control Study in Armenia

Med Princ Pract 2009;18:441-446 (DOI:10.1159/000235892) (Source: Medical Principles and Practice : Last 20 articles)

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  Synthesis, Biological Evaluation of 1,1-Diarylethylenes as a Novel Class of Antimitotic Agents.

Authors: Hamze A, Giraud A, Messaoudi S, Provot O, Peyrat JF, Bignon J, Liu JM, Wdzieczak-Bakala J, Thoret S, Dubois J, Brion JD, Alami M The cytotoxic activities of 23 new isocombretastatin A derivatives with modifications on the B-ring were investigated. Several compounds exhibited excellent antiproliferative activity at nanomolar concentrations against a panel of human cancer cell lines. Compounds isoFCA-4 (2 e), isoCA-4 (2 k) and isoNH(2)CA-4 (2 s) were the most cytotoxic, and strongly inhibited tubulin polymerization with IC(50) values of 4, 2 and 1.5 muM, respectively. These derivatives were found to be 10-fold more active than phenstatin and colchicine with respect to growth inhibition but displayed similar activities as tubulin polymerization inhibitors. In addition, cell cycle...

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  Periodic fever responds to vitamin B12 treatment

Conclusion: we believe that our observation raises interest in systematic evaluation of the therapeutic role of VIT B12 as a treatment option for disorders of the periodic fever spectrum. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1130-1Authors Sody Naimer, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva Department of Family Medicine, Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences Hogla street, 6, Lehavim 85338 Beersheba IsraelIlia Volkov, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva Department of Family Medicine, Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences Hogla street, 6, Lehavim 85338 Beersheba Israel Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISS...

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  Role of sarcoplasmic reticulum in mitochondrial permeability transition and cardiomyocyte death during reperfusion

There is solid evidence that a sudden change in mitochondrial membrane permeability (mitochondrial permeability transition, MPT) plays a critical role in reperfusion-induced myocardial necrosis. We hypothesized that sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ cycling may induce partial MPT in microdomains of close anatomic proximity between mitochondria and SR, resulting in hypercontracture and cell death. MPT (mitochondrial calcein release), cell length, and sarcolemmal rupture (Trypan blue and lactate dehydrogenase release) were measured in adult rat cardiomyocytes submitted to simulated ischemia (NaCN/2-deoxyglucose, pH 6.4) and reperfusion. On simulated reperfusion, 83 ± 2% of myocytes developed hypercontracture. In 22 ± 6% of cases, hypercontracture was associated with sarcolemmal ...

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  Secretagogue stimulation enhances NBCe1 (electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransporter) surface expression in murine colonic crypts.

Authors: Yu H, Riederer B, Stieger N, Boron W, Shull G, Manns M, Seidler U, Bachmann O A Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter (NBC) is located in the basolateral membrane of the gastrointestinal epithelium, where it imports HCO(3)(-) during stimulated anion secretion. Having previously demonstrated secretagogue activation of NBC in murine colonic crypts, we now asked whether vesicle traffic and exocytosis are involved in this process. Electrogenic NBCe1-B was expressed at significantly higher levels than electroneutral NBCn1 in colonic crypts as determined by QRT-PCR. In cell surface biotinylation experiments, a time-dependent increase in biotinylated NBCe1 was observed, which occured with a peak of +54.8 % after 20 minutes with forskolin (p<0.05), and more rapidly with a peak of +59.8 % a...

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  Anti-IL-1 treatment for secondary amyloidosis in an adolescent with FMF and Behçet’s disease

We present a teenager who had severe FMF and Behçet’s disease and developed moderate proteinuria. Renal biopsy showed secondary amyloidosis. Anakinra was started at 1 mg/kg/day subcutaneously along with colchicine treatment. The clinical response was excellent. Acute phase reactants decreased. The level of proteinuria and renal functions remained stable and the hypoalbuminemia returned to normal. Her clinical and laboratory symptoms returned when anakinra had to be stopped at 6 months. Thus, the drug was restarted and she is now clinically in excellent condition a year after the start of therapy. She has normal renal functions, normal serum proteins, and normal acute-phase reactants. However, recently, after 18 months of anakinra treatment, her proteinuria gradually...

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  Activators of P-glycoprotein: Structure-Activity Relationships and Investigation of their Mode of Action.

In this study, a series of 27 different imidazobenzothiazoles and imidazobenzimidazoles structurally related to the known P-gp activators QB102 and QB11 was designed, and their modulating properties were investigated. Most of them were able to stimulate P-gp-mediated efflux of daunorubicin and rhodamine 123 in a concentration-dependent manner, but some compounds also displayed weak inhibitory effects. Additionally, P-gp-mediated efflux of vinblastine and colchicine was inhibited by several compounds. Therefore, we concluded that the novel compounds bind to the H site of P-gp and activate the efflux of specific substrates of the R site in a positive cooperative manner, whereas binding of H-type substrates is inhibited competitively. This hypothesis is confirmed by the observation that the m...

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  The Rationale for Comparative Studies of Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Rheumatic Diseases.

Authors: Gasparyan AY, Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou A, Mikhailidis DP, Toms TE, Douglas KM, Kitas GD The inflammatory pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is now well-established, owing to in vitro and in vivo studies and the application of high sensitivity assays for C-reactive protein (CRP) in the general population and specific groups at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In view of the complexity of inflammation-induced atherosclerosis, the rationale for comparative studies of atherogenesis in rheumatic diseases with diverse inflammatory pathogenesis seems obvious; they are human in vivo models to study inflammatory mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis and the impact of treatment. Factors implicated in atherogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fami...

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  Colchicine treatment in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Many points in common

Summary: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common of the inherited renal cystic diseases and constitutes 10% of the end stage kidney disease population. ADPKD is caused by PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations in 85% and 15% of the cases respectively. Its high prevalence and negative impact on health outcomes fostered efforts to explain pathophysiologic pathways of cyst formation in kidneys. Among these are increased apoptosis, unopposed proliferation of tubule cells, impaired polarization and planar cell polarity, impaired cAMP pathway, cilier dysfunction, activated mTOR pathway, increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Many drugs have been tried in an attempt to halt cystogenesis in some point. Despite success to some extent in experimental studies...

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  Successful Treatment of Prolonged Henoch-Schonlein Purpura With Colchicine

(Source: Clinical Pediatrics)

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  Behçet disease: treatment of vascular involvement in children

In conclusion, features of vascular involvement should be carefully sought for in patients with Behçet disease. Effective management has enabled disease-free survival in the presented patients. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00431-009-1040-yAuthors Seza Ozen, Hacettepe University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit Ankara TurkeyYelda Bilginer, Hacettepe University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit Ankara TurkeyNesrin Besbas, Hacettepe University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit Ankara TurkeyNuray Aktay Ayaz, Hacettepe University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Nephrology and Rheumatology Unit Ankara TurkeyAy...

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  Characterization of CGRP protein expression in "satellite-like" cells and dendritic arbours of the mouse olfactory bulb

The main olfactory bulb (OB) is made up of several concentric layers, forming circuitries often involving dendro-dendritic synapses. Important interactions between OB neurons occur in the external plexiform layer (EPL), where dendrites of tufted and Van Gehuchten cells form synapses with dendrites of deeper lying mitral, tufted, and granule cells. OB neurons display a variety of neurotransmitters. Here, the focus is on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a 37-amino acid neuropeptide transmitter that is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the OB, CGRP-immunoreactive (ir) cell bodies were mostly observed in the mitral cell layer (MCL) of normal mice, and their number increased following colchicine treatment. Sparsely distributed CGRP-ir cell bodies were al...

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  News From the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has formally approved colchicine for treating acute gout flares and for treating familial Mediterranean fever, the agency announced. Although colchicine has been used for years to treat gout and FMF, it had not been approved for these indications. It is among the drugs targeted by the FDA's unapproved drugs initiative, which is bringing under its regulatory framework those drugs that are marketed even though they're unapproved, with the goal of “assuring that marketed drugs meet modern standards for safety, effectiveness, quality and labeling,” according to an FDA statement. Colchicine has been used since the early 1800s to treat gout. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

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  Effects of colchicine or demecolcine on cytoplasmic protrusions and assisted enucleation of golden hamster oocytes.

Authors: Wang L, Jiang H, Li D, Li Z To establish experimental protocols for cloning golden hamsters, optimal concentrations of colchicine and demecolcine were determined for inducing cytoplasmic protrusion (containing chromosomes) and assisting enucleation of their oocytes. Denuded oocytes at different ages were treated with 2.5-10 mug/ml of colchicine for 1-4h or 0.02-0.6 mug/ml of demecolcine for 15-60min. Cytoplasmic protrusions of oocytes were removed with a micromanipulation pipette. The results show that: 1) at 13.5-18h post-hCG injection, approximately 90% of oocytes treated for with 10 mug/ml of colchicine formed cytoplasmic protrusions, and in some oocytes enucleation occurred; 2) when treated with 0.4 mug/ml of demecolcine for 1h, cytoplasmic protrusions 13.5-18h post-hCG tr...

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  Colchicine Revisited

Purified from a Mediterranean plant nearly two centuries ago, colchicine has been discovered to inhibit many steps in the inflammatory process. The drug has good oral bioavailability and some enterohepatic recirculation, requiring dose adjustments for kidney disease and avoidance in liver disease. Toxicities are primarily gastrointestinal, hepatic, and hematologic. Colchicine is approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration for the treatment and prophylaxis of gout flares but has also been tried with varying success in the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever, primary biliary cirrhosis, psoriasis, Behçet's disease, aphthous stomatitis, linear IgA dermatosis, relapsing polychondritis, Sweet's syndrome, scleroderma, amyloidosis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, epidermolysis bullosa, an...

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  Microtubule Mediated NF-kappaB Activation in the TNF-alpha Signaling Pathway.

Authors: Jackman RW, Rhoads MG, Cornwell E, Kandarian SC Abstract The microtubule cytoskeleton is known to play a role in cell structure and serve as a scaffold for a variety of active molecules in processes as diverse as motility and cell division. The literature on the role of microtubules in signal transduction, however, is marked by inconsistencies. We have investigated a well studied signaling pathway, TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, and found a connection between the stability of microtubules and the regulation of NF-kappaB signaling in C2C12 myotubes. When microtubules are stabilized by paclitaxel (taxol), there is a strong induction of NF-kappaB even in the absence of TNF-alpha . Although there was no additive effect of taxol and TNF-alpha on NF-kappaB activity suggesti...

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  [Colchicine poisoning: a case report.]

Authors: Wolf A, Oliver M, Nau A, Boulliat C, Puidupin A, Peytel E, Moalic JL Colchicine is a drug commonly used for treatment of acute and chronic gout. Poisoning is a rare but always serious event. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of a 16-year-old girl who ingested an unknown amount of colchicine in a suicide attempt. At the time of admission she presented with gastrointestinal manifestations and reduced consciousness. After ten days in the intensive care unit she died due to multiple organ failure. This case provides the opportunity not only to review the clinical course and prognostic factors associated with colchicine poisoning but also to underline the difficulty of its management due to the absence of a specific antidote and of emergency pharmacologic doses. ...

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  Recent Development and SAR Analysis of Colchicine Binding Site Inhibitors.

Authors: Chen J, Liu T, Dong X, Hu Y Microtubules are cytoskeletal components that play important roles in a number of cellular processes. Colchicine binding site inhibitors (CSIs) is one major class of tubulin polymerization inhibitors, inhibiting microtubule polymerization and blocking cell proliferation at metaphase during mitosis. Many CSIs were discovered or designed and synthesized as anticancer agents in the past several years and great progress had been made. Here, we discuss the insights gained so far relevant to the mechanism of CSIs and their common pharmacophore. The recent development of CSIs with their biological activity and structure-activity relationship (SAR) are also reviewed. PMID: 19817710 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Mini Reviews in Medicinal C...

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  Recurrent and fatal pancytopenia due to repeated colchicine self administration.

Authors: Demy M, Varache N, Coindre JP, Dernis E, Puéchal X PMID: 19712830 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

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  Levels of retinol-binding protein 4 and uric acid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

In conclusion, RBP4 level was independently associated with uric acid level. (Source: Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental)

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  Colchicine is effective for short-term treatment of slow transit constipation: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Conclusion  This trial shows that low-dose colchicine is effective in treatment of slow transit constipation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00384-009-0794-zAuthors Seyed Alireza Taghavi, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital PO Box 71345-1744 Shiraz IranSanaz Shabani, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital PO Box 71345-1744 Shiraz IranAsie Mehramiri, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital PO Box 71345-1744 Shiraz IranAhad Eshraghian, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital PO Box 71345-1744 Shiraz IranSeyed Moha...

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  Increase in cytosolic calcium maintains plasma membrane integrity through the formation of microtubule ring structure in apoptotic cervical cancer cells induced by trichosanthin.

This study investigates the role of dysregulated cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]c) homeostasis on microtubule (MT) ring structure in apoptotic cervical cancer (HeLa) cells induced by trichosanthin (TCS), a type I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP). The TCS-induced decrease in cell viability was significantly enhanced in combination with the specific calcium chelator, EGTA-AM. Sequestration of [Ca(2+)]c markedly disrupted the special MT ring structure. Furthermore, TCS tended to increase LDH release, whereas no significant differences were observed until 48h of the treatment. In contrast, combined addition of EGTA-AM or colchicine (an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization) significantly reinforced LDH release. The data suggest that TCS-elevated [Ca(2+)]c maintains plasma membrane integrity ...

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  Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis with clofazimine

Conclusion: Clofazimine should be considered for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. (Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics)

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  Induction of Tetraploids from Petiole Explants through Colchicine Treatments in Echinacea purpurea L.

Petiole explants were obtained from in vitro grown diploid (2x=22) Echinacea purpurea plantlets. Shoots were regenerated by culturing the explants on MS basal medium containing 0.3 mg/L benzyladenine (BA), 0.01 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and four concentrations (30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/L) of colchicine for 30 days, or 120 mg/L of colchicine for various durations (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). The regenerated shoots were induced to root on MS basal medium with 0.01 mg/L NAA, and then the root-tips of the regenerated shoots were sampled for count of chromosome number. It was found that a treatment duration of >7 days was necessary for induction of tetraploid (4x=44) shoots, and treatment with 120 mg/L colchicine for 28 days was the most ef...

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  Pulmonary artery aneurysms in Behçet’s disease

Abstract  Behçet’s disease is the most common cause of pulmonary artery aneurysms. Pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare, but they are life-threatening because of their high tendency to rupture. However, there is also a chance that the aneurysms may completely resolve with immunosuppressive therapy. A 30-year-old man was admitted with chest pain, painful oral and genital ulcers, skin rash, weakness, and intermittent hemoptysis. He had a history of Behçet’s disease for 6 years. The chest radiography showed a round opacity superior part of hilus on right. The helical thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiography demonstrated pulmonary aneurysms associated with Behçet’s disease. The patient was successfully treated with colchicine, corticosteroids, and cyclophospham...

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  Variations in the colchicine-binding domain provide insight into the structural switch of tubulin [Biochemistry]

Structural changes occur in the β-tubulin heterodimer during the microtubule assembly/disassembly cycle. Their most prominent feature is a transition from... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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  A case of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with clinical features of Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid showing an excellent response to colchicine

Conclusion: This study suggests that Brunsting-Perry pemphigoid may be a clinical variant of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

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  Role of sarcoplasmic reticulum in mitochondrial permeability transition and cardiomyocyte death during reperfusion.

Conclusion: SR Ca(2+) cycling during reperfusion facilitates partial mitochondrial permeabilization due to the close anatomical proximity between both organelles, favoring hypercontracture and cell death. Key words: calcium, mitochondria, hypercontracture. PMID: 19684187 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology)

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  COLCRYS (Colchicine) Tablet, Film Coated [AR Scientific Inc.]

Updated Date: Aug 13, 2009 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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  Betuletol 3-methyl ether induces G2-M phase arrest and activates the sphingomyelin and MAPK pathways in human leukemia cells

Betuletol 3-methyl ether (BME) is a natural phenylbenzo-[gamma]-pyrone that inhibits cell proliferation in human tumor cell lines and induces apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells. Here we show that BME displays strong cytotoxic properties in several human leukemia cell lines (U937, K-562, THP-1, Jurkat, and Molt-3) and in cells that over-express two anti-apoptotic proteins, namely Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. BME arrested HL-60 cells at G2-M phase of the cell cycle, which was associated with the accumulation of cyclin B1 and p21Cip1. Fluorescence microscopy experiments suggest that BME blocked the cell cycle in mitosis. The in vivo tubulin polymerization assay shows that BME inhibits tubulin polymerization and causes similar changes of cellular microtubule network as colchicine. Our results demonstrat...

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  FDA approval of colchicine product comes with safety update

(Source: Reactions)

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  FDA: Colchicine Toxicity Occurred At Higher Doses

ROCKVILLE, Md. - The Food and Drug Administration on July 30 said that standard doses of colchicine caused fatal toxicity in patients taking it with other drugs, such as clarithromycin. Full story on lexis.com (Source: LexisNexis® Mealey's™ Emerging Drugs & Devices Legal News)

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  Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) - new on RxList

Colcrys (Colchicine Tablets) drug description - FDA approved labeling for prescription drugs and medications at RxList (Source: RxList - New and Updated Drug Monographs)

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  FDA Approves Gout Treatment After Long Years of Use

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The FDA has approved colchicine (Colcrys) for treatment of acute flares of gout and familial Mediterranean fever. (Source: MedPage Today Product Alert)

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  The efficacy of new colchicine derivatives and viability of the T-Lymphoblastoid cells in three-dimensional culture using (19)F MRI and HPLC-UV ex vivo.

Authors: Bartusik D, Tomanek B, Lattová E, Perreault H, Tuszynski J, Fallone G The paper describes ex vivo applications of colchicine derivatives for the treatment of human T-Lymphoblastoid (CEM) cells. Moreover, the role of the substitutions of ring A at C-1 and C-7 side chain of colchicine analogues was probed by the synthesis and examination of their effects on the three-dimensional (3-D) CEM cells' growth. The CEM cells were cultured in the hollow fiber bioreactor (HFB) device. We used (1)H and (19)F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor changes in 3-D CEM cell culture. (19)F MRI was used for visualization of the cellular uptake of new fluorine derivatives. Before and after treatment CEM cells profile was investigated with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV)...

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  FDA Approves Colchicine For Acute Gout, Mediterranean Fever

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Colcrys to treat acute flairs in patients with gout, a recurrent and painful form of arthritis, and patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an inherited inflammatory disorder... (Source: Gout News From Medical News Today)

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  FDA Approves Colchicine For Acute Gout, Mediterranean Fever

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Colcrys to treat acute flairs in patients with gout, a recurrent and painful form of arthritis, and patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an inherited inflammatory disorder. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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  FDA Approves Colchicine for Acute Gout, Mediterranean Fever

Source: Food and Drug Administration Related MedlinePlus Topics: Autoimmune Diseases, Fever, Gout (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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  With More Safety Data on Its Side, Old Gout Drug Wins Approval

The Food and Drug Administration has formally approved colchicine for treating acute gout flares and for treating familial Mediterranean fever, the agency announced last month. (Source: Rheumatology News)

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  Dwarf mutations in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): origin, morphology, inheritance and linkage studies.

Authors: Talukdar D Induction of mutation has been used to create additional genetic variability in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.). During the ongoing investigations on different induced-morphological mutants, the author detected three types of dwarf mutants in grass pea. One mutant, designated as dwf1 type was earlier identified in colchicine-induced C2 generation of grass pea variety BioR-231 while the other two, designated as dwf2 and dwf3 were isolated in 250 Gy and 300 Gy gamma ray irradiated M2 progeny of variety 'BioR-231' and 'Hooghly Local', respectively. As compared to their parental varieties (controls), all the three mutants manifested stunted, erect and determinate stem, early maturity and tolerance to pod shattering habit. The mutants differed from each other, as well as...

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  FDA Approves Colchicine With Drug Interaction and Dose Warnings

The FDA has approved the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever and acute gout flares. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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  FDA Approves Colcrys (colchicine) for Acute Gout, Mediterranean Fever

Agency also provides new information to physicians regarding safe use of drug ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2009--The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Colcrys to treat acute flairs in patients with gout, a recurrent and painful form of... (Source: Drugs.com - New Drug Approvals)

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  FDA Approves Colchicine for Acute Gout, Mediterranean Fever

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Colcrys to treat acute flairs in patients with gout, a recurrent and painful form of arthritis, and patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an inherited inflammatory disorder. The medication’s active ingredient is colchicine, a complex compound derived from the dried seeds of a plant known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale). (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

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  Colchicine (marketed as Colcrys)

Two previously uncharacterized safety concerns associated with the use of colchicine. (Source: FDA MedWatch)

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  Colchicine (marketed as Colcrys)

Audience: Rheumatological healthcare professionals FDA notified healthcare professionals of the approval of the first single-ingredient oral colchicine product, Colcrys, for the treatment of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and acute gout... (Source: Drugs.com - FDA MedWatch Alerts)

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  Adenosine regulation of microtubule dynamics in cardiac hypertrophy

There is evidence that endogenous extracellular adenosine reduces cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in mice subjected to chronic pressure overload, but the mechanism by which adenosine exerts these protective effects is unknown. Here, we identified a novel role for adenosine in regulation of the cardiac microtubule cytoskeleton that may contribute to its beneficial effects in the overloaded heart. In neonatal cardiomyocytes, phenylephrine promoted hypertrophy and reorganization of the cytoskeleton, which included accumulation of sarcomeric proteins, microtubules, and desmin. Treatment with adenosine or the stable adenosine analog 2-chloroadenosine, which decreased hypertrophy, specifically reduced accumulation of microtubules. In hypertrophied cardiomyocytes, 2-chloroadenosine or adeno...

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  Colchicine and ocular surface changes in familial Mediterranean fever

(Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

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  A novel chalcone derivative which acts as a microtubule depolymerising agent and an inhibitor of P-gp and BCRP in in-vitro and in-vivo glioblastoma models

Conclusion: These in vitro and in vivo data suggest that JAI-51 could be a good candidate for a new treatment of tumours of the CNS. Further investigations are in progress to associate the title compound chemotherapy to radiotherapy in a rat model. (Source: BMC Cancer)

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  [Clinical and epidemiological research] Opportunities for improving medication use and monitoring in gout

Conclusions: Important variations were found in patterns of medication use and monitoring in patients with gout with suboptimal care. A concerted effort is needed to improve the overall care of gout. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

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  The Multipurpose 15-Protofilament Microtubules in C. elegans Have Specific Roles in Mechanosensation.

Authors: Bounoutas A, O'Hagan R, Chalfie M Because microtubules perform many essential functions in neurons, delineating unique roles attributable to these organelles presents a formidable challenge. Microtubules endow neurons with shape and structure and are required for developmental processes including neurite outgrowth [1], intracellular transport [2], and synapse formation and plasticity [3, 4]; microtubules in sensory neurons may be required for the above processes in addition to a specific sensory function. In Caenorhabditis elegans, six touch receptor neurons (TRNs) sense gentle touch [5] and uniquely contain 15-protofilament microtubules [6]. Disruption of these microtubules by loss of either the MEC-7 beta-tubulin [7] or MEC-12 alpha-tubulin [8] or by growth in 1 mM colchicin...

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  Colchicine versus placebo in Behçet’s disease: randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial

In conclusion, colchicine, but not placebo, significantly improved the overall disease activity index. The difference between the results for colchicine and placebo was also statistically significant. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10165-009-0200-2Authors Fereydoun Davatchi, Tehran University for Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital Behçet’s Disease Unit, Rheumatology Research Center Kargar Avenue 14114 Tehran IranBahar Sadeghi Abdollahi, Tehran University for Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital Behçet’s Disease Unit, Rheumatology Research Center Kargar Avenue 14114 Tehran IranArash Tehrani Banihashemi, Tehran University for Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital Behçet’s Disease Unit, Rheumatology Research Center Kargar Avenue 14114 Tehran Ira...

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  Uncommon clinical pattern of FMF: protracted febrile myalgia syndrome

We describe a 30-year-old pregnant Turkish woman with known FMF and under colchicine prophylaxis, with severe myalgia for 8 weeks, emphasizing the importance of a different clinical pattern of PFMS even in the absence of other symptoms. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1024-2Authors Gülnihal Tufan, Afyon Kocatepe University Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Afyon TurkeySerap Demir, Afyon Kocatepe University Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Afyon Turkey Journal Rheumatology InternationalOnline ISSN 1437-160XPrint ISSN 0172-8172 (Source: Rheumatology International)

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  Transfer of ascorbic acid across the vascular endothelium: mechanism and self-regulation

To determine how ascorbic acid moves from the bloodstream into tissues, we assessed transfer of the vitamin across the barrier generated by EA.hy926 endothelial cells when these were cultured on semipermeable filter supports. Ascorbate transfer from the luminal to the abluminal compartment was time dependent, inhibited by anion channel blockers and by activation of protein kinase A, but was increased by thrombin. Ascorbate transfer occurred by a paracellular route, since it did not correlate with intracellular ascorbate contents and was not rectified or saturable. Nonetheless, intracellular ascorbate inhibited the transfer of both ascorbate and radiolabeled inulin across the endothelial barrier. The increase in barrier function due to ascorbate was dependent on its intracellular concentrat...

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  Effusive constrictive pericarditis.

Authors: Garg R, Singh A, Chockalingam A Effusive constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a relatively infrequent pericardial condition. The diagnosis is typically made when symptoms and right heart pressure elevation persist despite drainage of pericardial effusion. Visceral and parietal pericardial stripping is an extensive procedure with significant morbidity and mortality but is widely considered the only effective treatment. Recent studies suggest that up to 10% of constriction may be reversible, and a newer series has reported spontaneous complete resolution of symptoms in a subset of ECP patients. In this review, the authors describe 2 patients with ECP who were managed successfully with steroids and colchicine, respectively, thus obviating the need for surgery. The authors also revi...

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  Interference with endothelial cell function by JG-03-14, an agent that binds to the colchicine site on microtubules.

Authors: Dalyot-Herman N, Delgado-Lopez F, Gewirtz DA, Gupton JT, Schwartz EL JG-03-14, a novel tetrasubstituted pyrrole with microtubule-depolymerizing and anti-proliferative activities, was tested for its effect on endothelial cell (EC) functions in vitro. JG-03-14 was a potent inhibitor of EC vessel-like tube formation on extracellular matrix (IC(50) of 40nM) and caused the involution of established vessels, potential anti-angiogenic and vascular-disrupting activities, respectively. These actions were not due to the inhibition of EC proliferation or to the induction of apoptosis by JG-03-14. While similar effects were observed with the microtubule-depolymerizing and vascular-disrupting drug combretastatin-A4 (CoA4), JG-03-14 had a more selective effect on tube formation, relative to...

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  Colchicine attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy.

In conclusion, Col prevents not only inflammatory cell infiltration via inhibition of enhanced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression but also ECM accumulation in DN. These findings provide a new perspective on the renoprotective effects of Col in DN. PMID: 19369290 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology)

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  Abnormal meiosis in tetraploid genotypes of Brachiaria brizantha (Poaceae) induced by colchicine: its implications for breeding.

Authors: Mendes-Bonato AB, Felismino M, Kaneshima AM, Pessim C, Calisto V, Pagliarini M, Valle C Meiotic behavior was analyzed in 6 progenies from 3 artificially induced tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) sexual genotypes (C31, C41, and C48) of the normally apomictic Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf., syn. Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. Webster. These are key plants to allow intraspecific hybridization of this important forage species, widely used for pastures in the tropics. The percentage of abnormal cells among the plants ranged from 39.8% to 63.2%. In the single plant derived from C48, only the common meiotic abnormalities typical of polyploids were observed, while in plants derived from C31 and C41, a distinct behavior was found. In the ma...

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  Flavonoid-induced morphological modifications of endothelial cells through microtubule stabilization.

In conclusion, this study disclosed several SAR that could guide the choice or the rational synthesis of improved flavonoids for cancer prevention or therapy. PMID: 19373604 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nutrition and Cancer)

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  Curcumin prevents liver fibrosis by inducing apoptosis and suppressing activation of hepatic stellate cells

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effects and the mechanisms of curcumin on liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in 72 Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Rats were divided into control, liver fibrosis, high, medium, and low dose curcumin (200, 100, and 50 mg kg−1, respectively), and colchicine (0.1 mg kg−1) groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, histopathological examination was performed on hepatic tissues, and liver fibrosis was graded. Hepatic stellate cells activity was examined by smooth muscle alpha-actin immunohistochemistry staining, and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling. The liver fibrosis score in the high, medium, and low ...

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  Curcumin prevents liver fibrosis by inducing apoptosis and suppressing activation of hepatic stellate cells.

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic effects and the mechanisms of curcumin on liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in 72 Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Rats were divided into control, liver fibrosis, high, medium, and low dose curcumin (200, 100, and 50 mg kg(-1), respectively), and colchicine (0.1 mg kg(-1)) groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, histopathological examination was performed on hepatic tissues, and liver fibrosis was graded. Hepatic stellate cells activity was examined by smooth muscle alpha-actin immunohistochemistry staining, and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling. The liver fibrosis score in the high, medium, and low dose curcumin group (5.79 +/- ...

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  Colchicine attenuates inflammatory cell infiltration and extracellular matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy

In conclusion, Col prevents not only inflammatory cell infiltration via inhibition of enhanced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression but also ECM accumulation in DN. These findings provide a new perspective on the renoprotective effects of Col in DN. (Source: AJP: Renal Physiology)

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