ANDROGEN RECEPTOR MAY EXPLAIN MALE DOMINANCE IN LIVER CANCER

Androgen Receptor May Explain Male Dominance in Liver Cancer

Hepatitis B and liver cancer: why men are more exposed?
Sex hormones play a role in liver cancer associated with hepatitis B, which could finally explain why men infected with the virus are much more likely than women to say the cancer according to a new study published in the journal "Translational Medicine". These findings open new perspectives for treatment of skin cancer including drugs targeting the androgen receptor tumors.

The liver cancer, which affects the largest organ in the body, is the fifth most common cancer and the third in terms of mortality worldwide. Infections due to hepatitis B virus, endemic in many Asian countries including China, are responsible for about half the cases of liver cancer worldwide.

The virus interacts with the androgen receptor:
In this study, researchers have discovered why men with hepatitis B are more likely to develop liver cancer than women. The answer lies in the genome of the virus: it contains a particular sequence of DNA that specifically interacts with the receptor to male sex hormones, androgens. In liver cells, a cascade of reactions harmful to the liver tissue is triggered when the receptor binds to this sequence.

Researchers have discovered that targeting the androgen receptor, rather than hormones themselves, they could inhibit tumor growth in mice significantly. They also produced, for their experiments, the first genetically modified mouse with hepatitis B can develop

liver tumors following exposure to low doses of carcinogen. They then showed the androgen receptor could be removed with a chemical causing the arrest of tumor growth. The treatment had no influence on circulating levels of androgens in the body and showed no apparent toxicity in mice.

These results suggest that drugs capable of targeting the androgen receptor rather that these hormones could be a promising therapy against liver cancer.

References:
Androgen Receptor Promotes Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Through Modulation hepatocarcinogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus RNA Transcript . Ming-Heng Wu, Wen-Lung Ma, Cheng-Lung Hsu, Yuh-Ling Chen, Jing-Hsiung James Or, Charlotte Kathryn Ryan, Yao-Ching Hung, Shuyuan Yeh, Chang Chawnshang. Translational Medicine
Link: http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/2/32/32ra35.abstract

Story Source:
The above story is from materials provided by University of Rochester Medical Center.
Link: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2863

AVAIN FLU: IT's TOO COLD IN THE HUMAN NOSE THAT H5N1 CAN SPREAD

Avian flu: It's too cold in the human nose that H5N1 can spread
While all the media attention at the moment is focused towards the H1N1 influenza A (also known as swine flu), researchers continue to try to understand how the H5N1 avian influenza. In an article published in the journal free online access PLoS Pathogens (reference below), an Anglo-American study reveals that a likely reason why the H5N1 avian influenza infects human with difficulty is the relatively low temperature (32 ° C) environment of the proximal human airway. It is possible that the epidemic of avian influenza (H5N1) in Southeast Asia was in 2007, which inter-species transmission has remained sporadic, never ever be transformed into a human pandemic because the mutations that might have made virus infection in humans have not occurred.

Temperature difference between distal and proximal human airway
Because previous studies showing that the H5N1 virus infecting the more distal (bronchi) that the proximal side (nose, throat) of the human airway, scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (U.S.) and Imperial College London (United Kingdom) have hypothesized that the temperature difference between the two areas have been crucial to prevent zoonosis (transmission of animal disease to humans and vice versa). To provide some answers to their hypothesis, the U.S. and British researchers have used an in vitro model of human ciliated cells from the airways, they were seeded at temperatures of 37 ° C or 32 ° C ( to mimic the existing conditions of distal or proximal). In the first case, the two types of human and avian viruses infecting cell cultures efficiently, while at 32 ° C, only the human virus demonstrated efficiency of infection of cells in culture. These results are consistent with the fact that the infection in birds takes place in the intestine, and then at 40 ° C.

The important role of glycoproteins in the adjustment to room temperature
It is furthermore known that the influenza virus present at position 627 in the PB2 polymerase (element responsible for the replication of influenza virus genome in the host cell), an amino acid plays a crucial role in Adaptation of virus to the environmental temperature within the same host. The replacement of this residue of the human virus by that of avian virus but did not explain the difference between the infectious properties of both viruses at different temperatures. The researchers then used two types of human viruses, the H3N2 and H1N1, and replaced some of their surface proteins (glycoproteins, see box) by surface proteins of influenza virus. The human viruses as amended showed reduced ability to infect human cells ciliated cells cultured at 32 ° C, suggesting an important role of these glycoproteins in the adjustment to room temperature, and therefore a crucial role in limited transmission of H5N1 influenza viruses in humans and in the inter-human contagion.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC Council for Medical Research) in the United Kingdom and by the NIH in the United States is important because in the words of Professor Wendy Barclay, Imperial College London,

"It is impossible to develop vaccines against the 16 subtypes of avian viruses [...]. By studying a range of viruses, we can nevertheless determine what changes come to significantly increase the risk of zoonoses and contagion in the human species. "

The Influenza Virus
The influenza virus belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae, enveloped viruses with single-stranded RNA and having a spherical shape 80 to 100 nm in diameter. There are three types of influenza viruses named A, B and C. Their surface is studded with surface proteins or glycoproteins, also known as surface antigens. Viruses A and B have two types, the hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The hemagglutinin is responsible for virus attachment on a sialic acid residue on the surface of cells of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract, and the fusion of viral and cellular membranes during the penetration phase virus. Neuraminidase, in turn, allows the release into the host cell virions pre-formed, and the posting of the hemagglutinin (and therefore the virus particle) of the cell membrane of the host.

Reference:
Article: Avian Influenza Virus Glycoproteins Restrict Virus Replication and Spread Through Human Airway Epithelium at Temperatures of the Proximal Airways
Authors: Margaret A. Scull, Laura Gillim-Ross, Celia Santos, Kim L. Roberts, Elena Bordonali, Kanta Subbarao, Wendy S. Barclay, Raymond J. Pickles
Published Journal: PLoS Pathogens
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000424

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Source: BE UK number 97
http://www.bulletins-electroniques.com/actualites/59855.htm

NEW THERAPIES AGAINST HIV-AIDS : COMBINATION ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY WITH CHEMOTHERAPY TARGETED

New Therapies Against HIV-AIDS : Combination Antiretroviral Therapy With Chemotherapy Targeted
The discovery opens the way for new therapies against HIV-AIDS. Now, it might be possible to treat HIV / AIDS adding chemotherapy targeted to current treatment called HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral). This new solution would destroy all the viruses circulating in the body than those hidden in immune cells.

The work was led by Dr. Sekaly of the University of Montreal (Canada) and were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

So far the treatment against AIDS is still hampered by the elimination of "reservoirs of HIV" of immune system cells where the virus is hiding and where the current HAART regimens can not achieve. The researchers were able to identify cells where HIV hides and mechanisms that allow the virus to evade current treatments. They thus paved the way for new therapies completely different from what is currently used.

"Our results support a strategy similar to that used against leukemia: chemotherapy, combined with targeted immune therapy,"

said Dr. Sekaly, professor at the University of Montreal, a researcher at the Research Center of Hospital of the University of Montreal, Director INSERM 743 and Scientific Director of the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute in Florida.

"This would destroy the cells containing a virus, while giving the immune system time to regenerate itself with healthy cells."

"For the first time, this study shows that the reservoirs of HIV are not due to insufficient power antiretrovirals but the persistence of the virus in two types of immune CD4 cells for life long memories"

said Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy, hematologist at the MUHC researcher Infection and Immunity Research Institute of the MUHC, and Professor of Hematology at McGill University.

"There are so many types of reservoirs of HIV, each requiring different treatment to be eliminated. "

Indeed, once the virus is hidden in these reservoir cells it becomes dependent: if the cell lives, but the virus lives when the cell dies, the virus dies too. Destroying these immune cells is therefore to eliminate the party best hidden virus. The current HAART regimens effectively destroy viruses circulating in the body but can not reach those hidden in the cell reservoir.

"We now have all new options to explore in the coming years to combat HIV,"

concludes Nicolas Chomont, post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Montreal and one of the co-authors of this study.

"The combination of basic and clinical approaches has led to surprising results that allow us to solve another of the mysteries of this virus with a thousand faces."

These new therapeutic options require many years of research before being validated and to become a reality for patients. However, this study represents an invaluable work plan that will guide many laboratories around the world.
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Reference:
Article: HIV reservoir size and persistence are driven by T cell survival and homeostatic proliferation
Authors: Nicolas Chomont, Mohamed El-Far, Petronela Ancuta, Lydie Trautmann, Francesco A Procopio, Bader Yassine-Diab, Genevieve Boucher, Mohamed-Rachid Boulassel, Georges Ghattas, Jason M Brenchley, Timothy W Schacker, Brenna J Hill, Daniel C Douek, Jean-Pierre Routy, Elias K Haddad & Sekaly
Journal publication: Nature Medicine
DOI: 10.1038/nm.1972
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Source: Eurekalert

PREVENTION : BEWARE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

Prevention: Beware Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

France - National Institute of Prevention and Health Education (INPES) is launching an information campaign about prevention and STI. His credo: the screening.

Sexually transmitted infections are caused by different agents (viruses, bacteria, parasites ...) transmitted from one person to another during sex. But some of them, such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, can also be transmitted by means other than sexual.

The seriousness of STIs varies. The worst can be fatal, such as AIDS or hepatitis B. Papilllomavirus warts and can in turn cause cancer, while chlamydia, syphilis or herpes can cause severe complications (severe genital infections, ectopic pregnancy, infertility ...).

The best way to protect themselves against STIs is to use a condom and to use screening. The Inpes stressed today the importance of the latter, which must be completed before the onset of symptoms. While sexually transmitted infections are not always visible, their impact on them can be dramatic.

CURE DIABETES : HOPE TO TRANSPLANT PANCREATIC CELLS

Cure Diabetes : Hope To Transplant Pancreatic Cells
U.S. researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have developed a technique for transplanting pancreatic cells secreting insulin, which causes only a very moderate response of the immune system. This discovery could have important repercussions on how to treat type 1 diabetes. This work was published in the online version of the journal Gene Therapy.

The type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease incurable. In patients suffering from this disease, the immune system attacks the beta cells producing insulin in the pancreas. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose (sugar) in blood. People with type 1 diabetes must constantly monitor their blood sugar and need daily injections of insulin.

Transplantation of pancreatic cells represents a promising alternative. Cells taken from deceased donors are injected into the patient. These new cells replace destroyed cells. The disadvantage of this method is that patients must take powerful immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection. Most transplant patients still end up rejecting the transplanted cells.

In this study the researchers have successfully transplanted cells make invisible recipient's immune system and protecting the rejection. They managed this by using the natural usability of a virus (adenovirus) to escape the immune system. Pancreatic cells producing insulin were transfect with three genes of adenovirus.

These modified cells were then transplanted to diabetic mice. These transplanted mice were able to maintain glucose levels in normal blood until three months after transplantation. In normal cells grafted restore normal blood sugar levels but only for a few days.

Professor Harris Goldstein, who is the principal investigator of the study, acknowledges that the concept is valid but admits he must improve technology in achieving a combination of all genes that prevent rejection.

Source: EurekAlert

The History Of Influenza Virus A Shows Inconsistencies In Its Surveillance

The History Of Influenza Virus A Shows Inconsistencies In Its Surveillance
United Kingdom - Professor Rambaut of the University of Edinburgh, associated with Hong Kong and U.S. researchers has traced the history of the H1N1 virus and discovered how it spreads.

Professor Rambaut used a technique of comparing whole genomes to understand the evolution of the H1N1 virus. Before the epidemic outbreak in Mexico, the influenza virus A was already past the pig to the man for several months. The surveillance of influenza viruses circulating in pigs could then allow to better identify and treat the virus strains during their transmission to humans.

If the Mexican virus is a virus of swine origin, it is actually a combination of strains of avian influenza, human and swine. The subtype of swine influenza from which the virus is an H1N1 virus circulating for over ten years and experienced researchers.

The virus contains elements of Eurasian origin, which means that the precursor virus of influenza A have circulated on the planet for at least a decade. The emergence of the virus has appeared several years after his suit, like other influenza pandemics that have affected the 20th century.

This virus is new to the man who has no defenses against it. Therefore, the researchers stress the importance of monitoring influenza viruses circulating in pigs to better understand them before they hit the man.

TWO NEW ANTIBODIES MAY PAVE WAY FOR POWERFUL AIDS VACCINE

Two new antibodies may pave way for powerful AIDS vaccine
U.S. - Researchers associated with the Global Initiative for Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) have discovered two new antibodies with powerful capabilities of neutralizing HIV. This discovery is very promising in the context of a vaccine.

PG9 and PG16, both antibodies detected are the first to be identified from donors countries in development. More than 1,800 volunteers from ten countries, including seven in Africa, have provided blood samples under the Protocol G, program of IAVI.

With the collaboration of several laboratories and research institutes, researchers were able to isolate the antibodies by developing a new test called test micro-neutralization. Test that should enable the discovery of new antibodies in the future.

Researchers will now exploit this vulnerability the virus to develop new approaches to vaccines. Wayne Koff, head of research and development of the IAVI, said: "This discovery is in itself a promising breakthrough towards the goal of developing an effective vaccine against AIDS. Because we have identified this target, we are ready to find more, which should further accelerate global efforts in vaccine development against AIDS".

Antibodies are produced by a minority of infected people. Researchers estimate that to prevent infection, a vaccine against AIDS should teach the body how to produce these antibodies before exposure to the virus. Before this discovery, only four antibodies have been uncovered. A comprehensive study of antibodies PG9 and PG16 expected to reveal new vulnerabilities of the virus.

This study have been published in the journal Science.

NEW VIRUS: NOT SO NEW THAT IT

New Virus: not so new that it
They have names of the more mysterious and disturbing that no one had ever heard before. They regularly lends authority to remove a portion of the human species on the planet ... How to untangle truth from fiction?

In public health, nothing rhymes better with viral psychosis and rumors almost always beats the speed of disease. But if the wise men recommend whether to keep right by not giving in to panic safe, it does not yet pass from one extreme to another and switch between catastrophism stumbled in naive complacency.

The famous "precautionary principle", which are sometimes legitimately fun side of caution, is also designed primarily as an instrument of balance. Zero risk does not exist ... but does not warrant that we take all the risk!

AIDS drama with delayed effect
If the virus does not spread and their long history (roughly the age of onset of life on earth ...) The study of new viruses or "emerging viruses" is it much more recent.

It will thus not until the fifties that health authorities are setting up international monitoring networks. These are first attached to identify viruses transmitted by insects and those present in animals called "reservoirs (rodents, bats, birds, pets). Result: more than 600 new viruses identified in less than 10 years ...

This impressive figure, which today would probably blow a wind of panic did not force 10 at the time raised the passions. For most "orphans", the new virus (or at least newly described) were associated with any known pathology. That is why nobody has really touched until 1981, with the first cases of AIDS in the United States and in Europe. The awareness was all the more painful.

The revelation that the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), present in different species of monkey, had adapted to humans and distributed outside Africa has profoundly shocked the public health strategies, whether scientific research or prevention.

6247 virus identified after Louis Pasteur
The techniques of molecular biological analysis and allowed clear progress in monitoring and diagnosis. Progress which sometimes dizzy. Between the conclusion of the work of Louis Pasteur on rabies in 1885 and 1986, a century, biologists have identified and described 1,700 viruses. Less than 20 years later, in 2004, the International Committee on Taxonomy of viruses by identifying ... 6,247! And it is estimated that this number may be equivalent to 1% of the total.

The restless who think see a new virus each newscast, are probably still far from this ...

Although, obviously, the "virosphère" remains largely unexplored, it has garnered some certainties, however, including that it should not be confused emerging viruses and viruses emerge .... The best specialists in virology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and are part of the virus discovered through an "emergence of knowledge in the field of biology, and viruses" truly emerging "as are those with AIDS or hemorrhagic fevers. As are those of seasonal epidemics of influenza types including avian flu.

More new mutants that
It was understood, the vocabulary is sometimes more misleading still in virology and in other areas. If no virus can be generated spontaneously (there is no "new" viruses), speaking of viruses, however, "new trend". By mutation or recombination, these viruses can then lead to more virulent strains.

Sometimes it is the conditions under which they have existed for millions of years that are modified and disrupt ecosystems, allowing contact between animals carrying the virus and humans and encourage the transmission from human to human.

Whatever precautions vocabulary, these are the facts: over the past three decades, thirty-five new diseases as emerging, have been identified. Twenty-six are viral. So if they are not all serial killers potential, long live the principle of precaution and prevention live!

Small but wicked!
Virus means 'poison' in Latin, which gives an idea of the role that these tiny parasites (one thousandth of a micron) play in our body ... omnipresent on the surface of the earth, are found in air, water, soil and in all living things, from bacteria to humans.

New virus, new vaccines?
99% of viruses existing on earth we are probably still unknown. If we add the time needed to discover a new virus that the invention of the vaccine and the corresponding even its mass production, it is the job for a few millennia.
Our vaccination schedule we sometimes seems a bit loaded? Let us rather it represents the minimum basic preventive. It's quiet ...

Avian flu vaccine before the epidemic?
Of course, the preventive mechanism in place or planned by health authorities to combat avian flu pandemic is impressive and sophisticated. But the component vaccine has yet to close, even if a vaccine pre-pandemic "is already heavily built".

The H5N1 virus now has not effected his transfer he was fortunately not transmissible between humans. A fully effective vaccine can be made however that when the strain of virus causing the pandemic is known and isolated.

THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU, PRECAUTIONS AND TREATMENTS

The symptoms of swine flu, precautions and treatments

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of influenza are similar to those of conventional seasonal influenza, ie a sudden fever, cough, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. The swine flu also seems to cause more diarrhea and vomiting as common influenza.

The seasonal flu each year is between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths worldwide.

The influenza viruses mutate constantly, which explains why the vaccine against the flu changes each year. The last pandemic was in 1968. We then had counted one million deaths.

What are the precautions to take?
In affected areas, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Disease) recall the recommendations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases:

- Wash your hands regularly
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with sick people.

In cases of infection, stay home and limit contact with others.

The virus of swine influenza
Influenza viruses are enveloped viruses, RNA, family Orthomyxoviridae. Depending on internal characteristics, types are defined: A, B, C. Subtypes are defined by 2 surface glycoproteins:

- H for haemagglutinin (that allows attachment to host cells),
- N for neuraminidase.

Structure of Influenza Virus

In influenza type A (common to humans and animals), a total of 15 hemagglutinin (H1 to H15) and 9 neuraminidase (N1 to N9) have been identified.

Low resistance, except in cold weather, Influenza A viruses have a huge global pool: the domestic and wild birds (especially ducks), pigs, many animal species and man.

The same strain that can infect animals and humans because of the flu a zoonosis.

What are the treatment of swine flu?
Tamiflu ® is an antiviral medication proven to treat and prevent flu but experts, including the Directorate General of Health and AFSSAPS in France believe that the vaccine would also be preferable in the case of pandemic flu . But Tamiflu ® has been studied and developed on different strains of influenza and the current strain of swine flu strain H1N1 is constituted for the first time, strains of avian, swine and human. The magnitude of the effect of Tamiflu ® in the treatment and prevention of new strains of influenza is not guaranteed.

Are there any vaccines?
Yes, pigs. Not for humans. Although the vaccine production will be fast enough because it identified the virus is an influenza virus for which we know very well produce antidotes. It takes a little while anyway!

The vaccine against seasonal human influenza do not protect against swine flu.

Swine Flu: 10,000 Cases Reported in 40 Countries : A Vaccine Under Study

Swine Flu: 10,000 Cases Reported in 40 Countries. A Vaccine Under Study
The hour is grave. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers reasonable production in one year than five billion doses of vaccine (enough to cover whole continents) to overcome a possible pandemic.

This is the fourth consecutive morning that the WHO experts awake on hearing a thousand more people are infected with influenza virus A, influenza swine. The scourge will soon be combined with five digits, because the official count reported today 9,830 confirmed cases and 80 deaths in 40 countries. In this ranking, the United States, which has closed schools in New York after sixth death on their territory, consistently tops, with 5,123 cases. Mexico, home of the epidemic size is always second place, with 3,648 patients and 72 deaths. Also on the podium in third place, moved up on Canada, which shows 496 cases of swine flu, including one death. Fourth and last country where death rode the moment, Costa Rica reported one death, while having identified nine confirmed cases of the virus.

While Panama reported 59 infections, Japan has suffered a sudden bout of fever in almost joining the leaders with 159 confirmed cases. This dramatic burst of influenza in Japan (likely home independently of contamination) could decide the WHO officials to raise the alert level at 6 in the coming days. In Europe, Spain (103 cases) is elbow to elbow with the United Kingdom (102 cases), the British Isles having almost caught the Iberian Peninsula.

A little further down the table, France and Germany (14 cases each) are also in a handkerchief. No other country comes to the time bar of 10 cases. It is at this juncture that the Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon has joined the underground headquarters of the WHO in Geneva where the organization specialists prepare an international response to the offensive virus. Officials from major pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi, Solvay, GSK and Novartis are also present to consult on the nature and amount and type of vaccine that would eventually be produced. While experts agree on the fact that the influenza virus A could mutate to give rise to a strain much more harmful, the pharmaceutical industry is awaiting the green light from the WHO.