Diabetes-related eye diseases may be treated with steroids

According to a new study that was led by researcher Dr Neil M. Bressler of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, steroids when injected directly into the eye can help in treating Diabetic retinopathy, which is a complication of diabetes and results in vision loss and blindness.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy occurs when new blood vessels are formed on the optic disc or another component of the retina. The study highlighted that there is a need for further studies in identifying other treatment though laser treatments may reduce the risk of vision loss while control of blood glucose can prevent the development of retinopathy.

From Timesofindia.indiatimes.com:

"Use of this intravitreal [injected into the eye] corticosteroid preparation to reduce the likelihood of progression of retinopathy is not warranted at this time because of the increased risk of glaucoma and cataract associated with intravitreal steroid use," the authors write.
"Any treatment to be used routinely to prevent proliferative diabetic retinopathy likely needs to be relatively safe because the condition already can be treated successfully and safely with panretinal photocoagulation.
“Nevertheless, further investigation with regard to the role of pharmacotherapy for reduction of the incidence of progression of retinopathy appears to be warranted," they added.

The study appeared in journal Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Rituximab can prove useful for treating membranous nephropathy

According to findings appearing in the April 2009 print issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN), Rituximab can prove its usefulness in treating patients with membranous nephropathy, a kidney disorder.

It is important to note that present treatment options for treating this ailment are calcineurin inhibitors, steroids, and chemotherapeutic agents, all of which have some side effects.

Andrew Bomback, MD (University of North Carolina Kidney Center), and his colleagues after conducting the first systematic review of rituximab use in patients with membranous nephropathy evaluated the effect of rituximab when it comes to curing patients struggling against nephropathy.

From News-Medical.Net:

To investigate rituximab's potential, Andrew Bomback, MD (University of North Carolina Kidney Center), and his colleagues conducted the first systematic review of rituximab use in patients with membranous nephropathy. They collected and analyzed all of the data available on rituximab therapy in this patient population. They found 21 articles to date, all of which were either case reports or case series without controls, meaning that patients taking rituximab were studied for a certain length of time but were not compared with patients not taking the drug.

Dr. Bomback remarked further that further studies are needed for finding the true and complete value of this drug and the usage must be done in research setting till then.

APP Pharmaceuticals to sell Chlorothiazide Sodium in injectable form

An approval has been received from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., (NASDAQ:APCVZ), for the marketing of Chlorothiazide Sodium for Injection, USP.

This injectable form of Chlorothiazide Sodium is expected to be launched by APP in the fourth quarter of 2009.

From News-Medical.Net:

Chlorothiazide Sodium for Injection, USP is therapeutically equivalent to the reference-listed drug Diuril®, which is marketed by Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals. According to 2008 IMS data, sales of this product in the United States were approximately $51 million1. Chlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), as well as fluid retention in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disorders, or edema caused by taking steroids or estrogen.

It was remarked by Thomas H. Silberg, president and chief executive officer of APP Pharmaceuticals, that the present stream of ANDA approvals reinforces APP's commitments in providing a consistently expanding portfolio of products to the customers and the patients.

Cattle steroid abuse now comes with a new test

Innovative new tests have been devised by scientists at Queen’s University Belfast to identify the illegal use of steroids in the European beef industry. These tests are not only far more accurate and convenient but also cheaper than the conventional doping tests in tracing the illegal drugs.

This study was led by Professor Chris Elliot, the Director of the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use at Queen’s and published in the scientific journal Analytical Chemistry.

From Sciencedaily.com:

Using a commercial blood analyser commonly found in hospitals, the researchers measured 20 different chemical markers, including proteins and cholesterol, in cattle treated with and without the commonly used steroids testosterone and oestrogen over a 42-day study period.
The new test detected the presence of the steroids with a high accuracy rate - between 91 and 96 per cent.
Professor Elliot said: “In recent years, a trend of administration of very low dose cocktails of naturally occurring hormones has made conventional forms of analysis even more problematic.
“Even if minute traces of steroids can be detected, proving definitive illegal administration under these circumstances is close to impossible.
“The ability to detect evidence of such administrations using metabolic markers would be a major scientific advance.

It was remarked by Professor Elliot that a single incidence of steroid administration means that a minimized metabolic response can be generated compared with what could have been achieved through cocktail hormone treatments that are being abused in Europe.

The research was funded by the European Commission and safefood organization in Ireland.

Anabolic steroids can easily result in anti-social behavior

There can be a possible link between anabolic steroids and anti-social behavior as per researchers from Sweden.

Anabolic steroids are drugs related with male sex hormones that are used in oral as well as injectable forms for building muscles and developing lean body appearance. However, long-term use or abuse of steroids can result in serious health complications including liver cancer and kidney disease.

From News-Medical.Net:

Apparently non-prescription steroid use has been linked previously to a number of psychiatric conditions and changes in behaviour and there have been reports of groups such as bodybuilders using anabolic androgenic steroids where hypomania or manic episodes, depression or suicide, psychotic episodes and increased aggressiveness and hostility have been experienced.

Dr. Fia Klötz of Uppsala University in Sweden, and colleagues studied the associations between criminality and steroid use in 1,440 Swedish residents tested for the drugs between 1995 and 2001.

They found that those who tested positive for steroid use were about twice as likely to have been convicted of a weapons offence and one and a half times as likely to have been convicted of fraud.

It was remarked that the use of steroids leads to anti-social behavior due to steroids' effects on mood swings, impulsiveness, depression, paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions and impaired judgment.

Exercises before coming to office enhance workers' productivity

Time management, work quality, and mental performance of workers get improved on days when they reach workplace after spending some time on exercises, according to a presented research at the 52nd American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee.

It was also revealed by the research that workers return more forgiving to themselves and others apart from being more tolerant.

From News-Medical.Net:

“The results are striking,” said lead researcher Jim McKenna, Ph.D. “We weren’t expecting such a strong improvement on productivity linked to exercising. Even more impressive was that these people already thought they were good at their jobs. Participants tracked mood, and as expected, exercising enhanced their mood. However, boosts in productivity were over and above the mood effects; it’s the exercise—or attitude related to exercise—that affects productivity.”
Focus groups confirmed the surprisingly strong effects of workplace exercise. “We expected to hear more about the downside, such as afternoon fatigue,” said McKenna. “But out of 18 themes raised by study participants, 14 were positive. It was almost overwhelming.”
Workplace exercise programs, said McKenna, benefit more than just the workers. “Companies see more productive employees who also work better together. From the public health side, health care costs can be expected to go down for employees who regularly exercise at work. Think of it: fewer sick days, better attendance and more tolerant co-worker relations.”

The research also communicated the fact that more than 65 percent workers showed considerable improvements in time management and output demand levels besides leading a stable, improved mental and interpersonal performance after exercises and before reaching workplace.

Abuse of Human growth hormone may lead to severe health complications

While testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee on behalf of The Endocrine Society, Dr. Alan Rogol outlined the legitimate medical use of human growth hormone.

It was remarked that severe health risks may occur when HGH abuse is initiated by steroid users and that individuals, especially celebrities and sportsmen on HGH, run a high risk of fatal health complications.

From News-Medical.Net:

“There are a number of safe and legitimate FDA-approved uses of growth hormone in adults and children,” said Dr. Rogol. “The off-label use of growth hormone, which primarily is in the anti-aging and body image or athletic market, comes with increased risks.”
One risk factor is that most off-label users are usually unaware of the correct doses. “One can assume that the dose administered would be much greater than that given for legitimate purposes,” said Dr. Rogol.
At higher HGH dosages, it is possible to achieve levels similar to those found in the endocrine disease acromegaly, which is caused by too much growth hormone in the body. This condition can lead to severe muscle weakness and even heart disease.
According to Dr. Rogol, perhaps the most insidious off-label use is by athletes and others who believe they are using actual growth hormone, when in fact they may be receiving an entirely different substance.
“Magazines and the internet are replete with advertisements for substances marketed as ‘growth hormone',” said Dr. Rogol. “Growth hormone, however, can only work if injected, and many of these preparations are taken orally, so they cannot possibly be HGH.”

It was also remarked by Dr. Rogol that human growth hormone obtained from human tissues has already been eliminated from the legal drug market because of the possibility of the rare yet fatal Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

New approach identified for preventing transplant rejection

A subset of cells - named TH17 cells - can prove effective in uncovering the mechanisms resulting in graft-versus-host disease when it comes to improving treatment results without the side effects of traditional immunosuppressive therapy, as per researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The results of this study appeared in the Feb. 5, 2009, issue of Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology.

It is considered that findings of this study would help in charting a course for improved therapies capable of treating and preventing graft-versus-host disease.

From News-Medical.Net:

The UNC study has identified a subset of cells – named TH17 cells – that can bring about the condition. Until now, without a clear understanding of the disease, clinicians have had little choice but to treat transplant patients with toxic regimens of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
"Our hope is that uncovering the mechanisms that cause graft-versus-host disease will allow for treatments that specifically target its causes and do not have the harmful side effects of traditional immunosuppressive therapy," said study lead author Jonathan S. Serody, M.D., a member of the Lineberger Center and the Elizabeth Thomas Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology at UNC. The results of the study appeared in the Feb. 5, 2009, issue of Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology.
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication of transplants that occurs when the donor's marrow (graft) produces immune cells that attack multiple organs of the recipient (host), typically the skin, gastrointestinal tract and liver.

It was remarked by lead author of the study Jonathan S. Serody, M.D., a member of the Lineberger Center and the Elizabeth Thomas Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology at UNC, that new drugs will appear in the market in the next five years for treating immune-based skin diseases.

Asthmatic patients on inhaled steroids get protected from influenza through influenza vaccine

An influenza vaccine can prove to be an effective option when it comes to treating asthmatic patients who are treated with inhaled steroids and fighting against type A influenza, as per a researcher from Baylor College of Medicine in a recent publication. It was also revealed by the researcher that the same could not be said for ensuring protection against type B flu.

From News-Medical.Net:

“The findings of this study should reassure physicians and patients that influenza vaccine does provide protection against influenza in most asthma patients taking inhaled steroids,” said Dr. Nicola Hanania, BCM assistant professor of medicine and director of the Asthma Clinical Research Center. “We certainly don’t want asthmatics to avoid taking their influenza vaccine because of these study results.”

“It works for influenza type A, the most common type that circulates in Houston and the United States,” he said.

There are occasional outbreaks of influenza type B, and in the event this happens, people who use inhaled steroids to control their asthma may need to receive other medications in addition to the vaccine, he said.

Hanania remarked that the immune response of patients receiving inhaled steroids at different doses and the influenza vaccine was higher than those of individuals treating with placebo. It was also remarked that patients being administered with high doses of inhaled steroids had a lower immune response when it came to treatment of type B influenza. The findings of this report were published in an issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Vian resident faces imprisonment due to steroids charges

A Vian resident named Bobby Brown, 38, has been found guilty on two out of three felony counts. He was found guilty of possession and distribution of a controlled substance to persons less than 21 years of age.

According to the statement issued by US Attorney Sheldon Sperling, there was lack of evidence that Brown distributed or manufactured steroids in or near schools.

Sperling said testimonies established that Brown distributed steroids to several Vian High School football players. He also helped administer the drug.

The time of drug sales was between March 2006 and June 2008. Brown was sentenced to spend at least four years and 3 months to five years and 3 months in jail.

The case was related to the steroids case of two law enforcement officers who were indicted by the grand jury due to steroid distribution. Both pleaded guilty to charges.

McIntosh County reserve deputy officer Dusty Lee Burns, 29, of Checotah and Jimmy Russell “Rusty” Hamm II, 31, of Checotah, and a former Creek Nation Lighthorseman still await their sentence.

Burns pleaded guilty in October to charges that he sold anabolic steroids while Hamm pleaded guilty in September to possession of steroids with intent to distribute.

From Tulsa World:

MUSKOGEE - A Vian man was found guilty by a federal jury Thursday in connection with selling steroids to high school football players and others.

Use of anabolic steroids can lead to severe kidney dysfunction

Athletes making the usage of anabolic steroids run a high risk of developing severe kidney dysfunction and the benefits of improved muscle mass and strength may not be beneficial to protect them, according to paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, California.

The findings indicated that long-term and habitual use of steroids can lead to severe complications including damaged kidneys, a fact that was not highlighted by any previous study.

From News-Medical.Net:

Reports of professional athletes who abuse anabolic steroids are increasingly common. Most people know that using steroids is not good for your health, but until now, their effects on the kidneys have not been known. Leal Herlitz, MD (Columbia University Medical Center) and her colleagues recently conducted the first study describing injury to the kidneys following long-term abuse of anabolic steroids. The investigators studied a group of 10 bodybuilders who used steroids for many years and developed protein leakage into the urine and severe reductions in kidney function. Kidney tests revealed that nine of the ten bodybuilders developed a condition called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a type of scarring within the kidneys. This disease typically occurs when the kidneys are overworked. The kidney damage in the bodybuilders has similarities to that seen in morbidly obese patients, but appears to be even more severe.
When the bodybuilders discontinued steroid use their kidney abnormalities improved, with the exception of one individual with advanced kidney disease who developed end-stage kidney failure and required dialysis. Also, one of the bodybuilders started taking steroids again and suffered a relapse of severe kidney dysfunction.
The involved researchers remarked that steroids pose a harmful effect on the kidneys and must be avoided under all circumstances.

The study was conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Vivette D'Agati, MD at Columbia Univeristy Medical Center and the list of co-authors included Glen Markowitz, MD, Joshua Schwimmer, MD, Michael Stokes, MD, Cheryl Kunis, MD, Vivette D'Agati, MD, (Columbia University Medical Center); Alton Farris, MD, and Robert Colvin, MD (Massachusetts General Hospital).

Not just another steroids movie

In this movie, director Christopher Bell depicts steroids not only for its negative effects, but he also cited some evidences disproving steroids as the cause of several deaths and incidence of aggression.

In this documentary, Bell started the film with his own life story as a gym rat and as a weightlifter who used steroids once. He also included his two brothers, both pro-wrestlers, who have been regular steroids users.

He candidly talks about his brothers, one is a football coach who lies about not using steroids to his students while the other one is a failed pro-wrestler, Mike “Mad Dog” Bell, who now works in their father’s accounting business but still continues to use steroids.

Bell also interviewed several prominent people in the documentary such as Rep. Henry Waxman, the congressman who called the steroids in baseball hearings. The interview made it clear that Waxman was not so knowledgeable about steroids.

According to Bell, Lyle Alzado’s brain cancer was not entirely due to steroids use since the type of lymphoma that affected Alzado was one of those types not commonly caused by prolonged steroids use.

He also showed some evidence that steroids do not cause teen suicides. Another topic he emphasized was that before steroids were banned by congress, medical experts were against its prohibition.

From Bloody Elbow:

Last night I watched Bigger, Stronger, Faster a bracing, no bullshit documentary about steroids. Director Christopher Bell, a gym rat and weightlifter who has tried steroids once starts with the story of himself and his two brothers, both sometime pro-wrestlers, who are unrepentant users.

Minnesota Vikings case to be reviewed next week

After the dispute between the Minnesota Vikings players and the NFL authorities regarding their suspension, the US congress will re-examine the Minnesota drug-testing law next week, which prevented the two Viking Pro Bowl tackles, Kevin and Pat Williams from being disciplined by the NFL authorities.

According to Karen Lightfoot, subcommittee chairperson of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer protection, the committee will conduct thorough investigations on November 3, 2009.

Members of the NFL Players Association and executives from the league will be attending the investigations to testify, while the two Vikings players are not yet confirmed if they will be called in as witnesses.

The Williamses were suspended from four games after testing positive for bumetanide in 2008. They were not aware that the weight loss supplement StarCaps contained the said diuretic substance. NFL prohibited bumetanide because it can mask the presence of steroids, although it was clear that the two players were not accused of taking any steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

After NFL decided to suspend the two players, they filed charges against the league, accusing them of violating a Minnesota law by suspending them for testing positive for bumetanide.

They sued NFL in Hennepin County and won a US Court of appeals ruling in September 11, 2009.

From Twin Cities:

Congress has scheduled a hearing next week to scrutinize a controversial Minnesota law allowing Kevin and Pat Williams to fight their suspensions in Hennepin County and thwart the NFL's authority to discipline the Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl tackles.

Public still not safe from nutritional supplements containing steroids

In an interview conducted by CBS news, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter said, nutritional supplements are not subjected to pre-clearance. Hence, it is important that you do a research for a particular product before buying or using it.

Dr. Zeid Kayali, a liver transplant from Loma Linda University Medical Center in California, witnessed the severity of liver damage among a group of patients who has taken the nutritional supplement Tren. He was so alarmed that he reported it to US FDA.

Tyrone LaRose, a 42-year-old bodybuilder and an MBA student was one of those cases affected by Tren. In fact, LaRose is a part of the series of cases who filed a lawsuit against American Cellular Laboratories, the makers of Tren.

LaRose bought the supplement last fall and started using the product for three straight months. According to him, he took the supplement way below the recommend dosage. However, he was surprised to develop jaundice. His father had to take him to the hospital since his eyes were almost cat green and his skin just looks so terrible.

Upon biopsy, it was determined that LaRose had a severe liver damage.

La Rose swore that had he known the product was anabolic steroids, he would not have taken it. He was just not the type to resort to steroids in order to achieve the muscle gain he wanted.

From CBS News:

(CBS) Since the first CBS News story aired last March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun to crack down on designer steroids like Tren, but as CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella reported on "The Early Show," they are still very available -- and very dangerous.

Colorado businessman pleaded guilty in exchange of a plea bargain in steroid case

After more than a year of fighting steroids accusations and money laundering, James A. Abernathy, a Colorado-based businessman finally pleaded guilty to charges filed against him and to eleven more defendants.

Abernathy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute steroids and one count money laundering last week at a Mobile court in Alabama.

He was the first to make such plea among a group of twelve, all involved in the investigations conducted by authorities on Applied Pharmacy Services.

The pharmacy performed its operations in Mobile, Alabama, catering to customers across the whole country. According to court reports, the pharmacy allegedly sold and distributed anabolic steroids in thousands of doses.

Abernathy also agreed to return $5,000 worth of proceeds from their sales of anabolic steroids and he agreed to surrender the money used to facilitate the conspiracy.

In a bargain plea, Abernathy’s legal counsel negotiated with state prosecutors to lessen the terms of imprisonment for their client, based on existing sentencing guidelines advisory.

In addition, if state prosecutors deemed that he has provided “substantial assistance”, his punishments could be further lowered. “Substantial assistance” referred to by prosecutors would mean that Abernathy will testify against his other co-defendants.

From Al.com:

MOBILE, Ala. -- A Colorado businessman pleaded guilty in Mobile last week to steroid charges, representing the first break in a unified front that a dozen defendants have put up since their indictment last year as part of a long-running probe.

Actor playing steroids dealer say he is the real thing

Scott Siegel of New Rochelle, who played the role of a steroids dealer in 'The Wrestler', has pleaded guilty this Friday of distributing anabolic steroids and went on to confess that he even tried to run down the agents who came to arrest him.

The confession, which surprises one and all, is expected to bring a prison term of approximately five years for Siegel.

From TimesUnion.com:

Prosecutors said investigators found 1,500 bottles of steroids and thousands of dollars in cash at Siegel's and his parents' homes. When agents moved in on Feb. 18, prosecutors say Siegel sped away in his car, rammed five police cars and tried to run down an officer who was on foot.
Siegel played the role of a steroid dealer who distributed steroids to the lead character, which was played by Mickey Rourke.

The incident has once again put light on the often untalked relationship between steroids and celebrities and affirmed the fact that steroids have entered into lives of many present-day celebrities.

Turning Point does their best to minimize steroids use and abuse

During the past 18 months, Turning Point’s Smart Muscle sessions have attracted 270 men, one-half of whom had not previously employed anabolic steroids.

Most of them find out about Smart Muscle from acquaintances or at the gym and would otherwise rely on their supplier for information; they buy their vials from friends, their gym or online.

The clinic provides advice on nutrition and how best to. That convinces several that they do not need any chemical help. Still, if a customer wants to go ahead after discovering about potential side effects and the hazards of purchasing fake substances, the clinic suggests on dosage and explains how to inject into the muscle as safely as possible. Smart Muscle also offers liver-function tests and sexual health screening.

More people are taking anabolic steroids and that the profile is shifting to people who are not competitive sportsmen. They are doing it because of peer pressure, the media, and for some there is an economic drive.

Fifty-four anabolic steroids are already controlled substances, legal to have for private use, to supply. The Home Office, however, is consulting on adding another 24 to the controlled list.

From Times Online:

The fashion for pumped-up gym physiques is leading boys as young as 12 to risk their health taking anabolic steroids.

Long lasting aggression triggered by steroids in teens

Steroids can bring a lasting effect on brains of teenagers, as per a U.S. Study. The study also brought forward the fact that steroids can even go to the extent of flipping an adolescent brain's switch for aggression, which can last for at least two years.

It was remarked by the study researchers that anabolic steroids can result in permanent changes to the human brain though some experts are of the view that it is almost impossible to accurately ascertain the length of such an effect in humans.

From News-Medical.Net:

Neuroscientists are deeply concerned about the rising adolescent abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs), given the National Institute on Drug Abuse's estimate that nearly half a million 8th to 10th-grade students abuse AASs each year.
Not only do steroids set kids up for heavier use of steroids and other drugs later in life, it is known that long-term steroid use can cause mood swings, hallucinations and paranoia, liver damage and Hypertension, high blood pressure, as well as increased risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.
Coming off steroids can also lead to depression.
The researchers at Northeastern University, Boston, examined the behaviour of adolescent hamsters when another hamster was put into their cage.
It seems that hamsters naturally defend their territory by play-fighting, wrestling and nibbling, but hamsters injected with commonly used steroids, which were suspended in oil, became extremely aggressive.
According to the researchers even after the drug was withdrawn, the newly vicious hamsters attacked, bit and chased the intruders, and the level of aggressiveness was 10 times greater than that of other hamsters which were only injected with oil.

Dr Richard Melloni, who led the research, remarked that steroids can bring a change in the trajectory if they are administered during development. He also said that people who are making use of such drugs need to consider the long-term health complications along with the severe potential for violence and aggression.

Deficiencies in testosterone linked to cardiovascular disease in men

Testosterone, an androgen, does not only play a role in the development of male sexual characteristics but also has other beneficial effects on men’s health.

In the Journal of Andrology, several published articles suggested a link between androgen deficiencies and increased mortality in men.

Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) think that this is still a debatable issue because androgens allegedly cause prostate cancer in men.

BUSM researchers worked in collaboration with a research team from Lahey Clinic Northshore, Peabody, Massachusetts. They evaluated several of these articles linking androgen hormones and cardiovascular disease. They found that there indeed is a relationship between androgen deficiency and cardiovascular disease.

According to Dr. Abdulmaged M. Traish, lead author, professor of biochemistry and urology, and the director of Laboratories for Sexual Medicine, Institute for Sexual Medicine at BUSM, the relationship could suggest androgen replacement therapy as a possible treatment to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in hypogonadal men. However, careful monitoring must be done to ensure prevention of prostate cancer.

Traish added that further clinical trials, which are long-termed, large, double blind, randomized and placebo controlled must be conducted to further establish and prove the efficiency of androgen in decreasing incidence of cardiovascular disease in men.

From new Kerala:

The deficiency of steroid hormones called androgens, such as testosterone, may be behind cardiovascular disease, according to a study.

John Hopkins experts call for greater caution for prescribing inhaled corticosteroids

Lung disease experts at Johns Hopkins have made a call for greater caution for prescribing inhaled corticosteroids to people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The call came after sufficient evidence was found by the experts that inhaled corticosteroids enhance the risk of pneumonia by a full third.

It is believed that more than 11 million Americans are living with COPD and a vast majority of this population belongs to the former or current smokers' category.

From News-Medical.Net:

Despite the increased pneumonia risk, the team found no clear evidence that the drug therapy also pushes up rates for other steroid-related problems, such as bone fractures, nor was there an increase in deaths.
Senior study investigator and critical care specialist Eddy Fan, M.D., says the results of the analysis should not alarm patients or cause them to stop taking their medications but should spur physicians to screen and monitor their patients to find the lowest possible steroid dose that works, especially in the elderly, people with immune system problems, and people who have had multiple bouts of pneumonia and for whom repeat bacterial infection might be a life-threatening complication.
"Inhaled corticosteroids are not of equal benefit to all, and what we are seeing is that the treatment may be more harmful and pose a greater risk of harm to some," says Fan, an instructor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

According to pulmonologist M. Brad Drummond, M.D., M.H.S., who led the study, the findings are seen to serve as a reminder for all those people with serious lung disease to take steps for ensuring a reduction concerned with chances of getting pneumonia, which doubles their risk of dying.

Gold nanoparticles capable of burning tumors

According to recent research by Romain Quidant, who was recently awarded the Fresnel Prize 2009 as recognition for the highest level of excellence amongst emerging researchers in the field of photonics, identification and treatment of cancer is possible with gold nanoparticles illuminated with laser light.

It was revealed that the idea was to first introduce gold nanoparticles into the tumor cells and following it with a subsequent application of laser light. It is considered that according to this phenomena discovered by the researcher, the concerned nanoparticles can heat up enough to burn the damage cells.

From News-Medical.Net:

The interaction between light and gold nanostructures is not only useful for the treatment of cancer but also for its diagnosis. Romain Quidant is working on a chip that is made up of a multitude of metal nanostructures that are able to send a light signal when they come into contact with cancer markers. This "nanolaboratory" performs a vast number of analyses in parallel from a single drop of blood. Each metal nanostructure is coated in molecules (receptors) that are able to recognize and trap a specific cancer marker. When this happens, the nanostructure responds to the external light differently to when no markers are trapped.

The team led by Romain Quidant in this research line has already developed a nanosensor prototype designed to detect doping substances in the blood, such as the steroids that some sportspeople use.

The main advantages of this type of device are its small size (which makes it easy to use in developing countries where there are no laboratories, for example), and its great sensitivity, which would make it possible to detect cancer in its early stages of development when there is a low density of markers.

Quidant anticipates that the detector will be ready within the next ten years and that its applications will range from agro-food controls to the detection of hazardous industrial substances.

These findings are considered to offer a new dimensional approach to members of the medical world when it comes to effective cancer treatments.

Prolonged usage of a macrolide antibiotic reduces COPD exacerbations

Prolonged usage of a macrolide antibiotic could possible minimize exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) by as much as 35 percent as per a London-based study.

According to lead author of the paper, Terence A. R. Seemungal, Ph.D., and Jadwiga Wedzicha, M.D., principle investigator, there is a considerable effect of low-dose macrolide therapy, reducing exacerbation frequency, and severity with moderate to severe COPD.

From News-Medical.Net:

The researchers found that not only did the patients randomized to receive erythromycin have fewer exacerbations, but among the patients studied, 60 percent of the exacerbations that occurred were within the placebo group. While the number of exacerbation-related hospitalizations was small, more than twice as many occurred among the placebo group—14 versus 6. The median duration of exacerbations from onset to resolution of symptoms was 9 days in the erythromycin group and 13 days in the placebo group.
"Our results did not allow us to determine a mechanism for these findings. However based on in-vitro studies we suspect that the mechanism is likely to involve the anti-inflammatory properties of erythromycin," noted Dr. Seemungal.
While their findings are encouraging, Dr. Seemungal points out that they must be put in context with future findings. Furthermore, the threat of growing antibiotic resistance resulting from widespread prophylactic use of erythromycin is not a trivial concern. "In this scenario, substantial, widespread emergence of macrolide bacterial resistance is virtually foreordained, with attendant reduction in the antimicrobial usefulness of this drug class," wrote Ken M. Kunisaki, M.D. and Denise E. Niewoehner, M.D., of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, in the accompanying editorial. "Balancing benefit against harm could pose a dilemma for which there might be no clear answers."

John Heffner, M.D., past president of the ATS, was of the view that observations that intervention might possibly minimize the frequency and severity of acute exacerbations in COPD showcase present significant public health implications.

The effects of steroids on blood sugar levels

There are certain types of steroids, which have greater effects on the sugar levels than others. For instance, glucocorticoids can have greater effects compared to anabolic steroids.

Glucocorticoids are types of steroids that have an effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism. It includes hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone and betamethasone.

This type of steroids can make the liver generate sugar from substances such as proteins and fats. It acts in the brain, specifically in the appetite control center, by increasing hunger pangs. Finally, steroids inhibits the release of insulin from the pancreas and lowers the action of insulin in our body tissues.

Steroids can affect both non-diabetics and diabetics. However, the effect is more significant with diabetics. If you are a diabetic, you may need to visit your doctor for some adjustments in your diabetic therapy, since greater doses of insulin might be needed to counteract the effects of steroid therapy. Your meals should also be properly planned as steroids can increase hunger.

It is important that your doctor would be able to balance the exact dose of steroids to be given. The type of steroids and route of administration should be properly identified.

Generally, inhaled and topical steroids produce the least effect on blood sugar levels compared to other forms of steroids.

From Caller:

CORPUS CHRISTI — The word steroids has become synonymous with sports and medicine. But these two associations could not be more different. The family of anabolic steroids abused by athletes is quite different than the family of glucocorticoid steroids that patients get.

Dennis “Superman” Hallman returns to UFC

Former state champion wrestler and professional mixed martial artist, Dennis Hallman, had just signed a four-fight deal with UFC last month. He will be making his comeback against John Howard on November 21, 2009 at the UFC 106 to be held in Las Vegas.

According to MMA Junkie, bout agreements are still pending although Hallman and Howard already made some verbal agreement.

Last November 16, 2007, Hallman tested positive for anabolic steroids use. Among the anabolic agents found in his test, include Drostanolone and Nandrolone metabolite.

He was accompanied by fellow Strikeforce fighter Alexander Crispin who tested positive for Desoxymethyltestosterone. Both fighters received a one-year suspension plus a fine of $2,500 from the California State Athletic Commission.

Hallman started his suspension on November 16, 2007 with an additional 38-day extension when he renewed his fighter’s license. This is to comply with the full term of his suspension.

Hallman, also known as “Superman”, who had started his career in mixed martial arts in 1997, perhaps gained his popularity when he defeated welterweight champion Matt Hughes twice. The first fight was in 1998 at Extreme Challenge 21, followed by the December 2000 fight at UFC 29: Defense of the Belts.

From MMA Frenzy:

Welterweight veteran Denis Hallman, who signed a four-fight deal with the UFC, last month, will return to the Octagon against John Howard at UFC 106 on November 21 in Las Vegas.

Multiple Myeloma can be treated well with Lenalidomide-dexamethasone combination

After a comprehensive study that involved 353 patients with myeloma and conducted at 44 centers in the United States and Canada, it was remarked that a combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone can prove to be an effectual option for treating multiple myeloma.

It was found during the study that pairing a new derivative of thalidomide with a steroid can result in slowdown of the progressive nature of myeloma. It was also found that the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone can also help in prolonging the lives of patients who have recently relapsed from previous treatments.

From News-Medical.Net:

"These trials highlight how large-scale cooperation in a team effort by myeloma investigators can quickly confirm benefits and introduce new active agents for patients with this disease," Weber says. "We also owe a debt to the willing patients who participated in this study."

Multiple myeloma is caused by formation of abnormal plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, in the bone marrow. These cells multiply rapidly, crowding out normal red and white blood cells and platelets. Tumors starting in the bone marrow may cause pain, and weaken bones predisposing them to fracture. In the United States about 20,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma annually, and about 11,000 succumb to the disease each year.

Thalidomide, a breakthrough drug for multiple myeloma, is produced and marketed by Celgene Corporation as Thalomid(r). The company chemically altered thalidomide to make lenalidomide, known commercially as Revlimid(r), in hopes of reducing side effects and improving efficacy against the disease. The drugs attack both the malignant cells and the cellular environment that nurtures them.

As per study's lead author Donna Weber, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, a combination of drugs may become the sole option when a disease becomes resistant to one therapy.

Steroid-naive UV patients can finally have a relief

According to a research article published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that came after investigations were concluded by Dr. Masatoshi Kudo from Kinki University School of Medicine of Japan, the therapeutic utility of LCAP (Leukocytapheresis) for steroid-naïve patient can now be handled in a better way as efficacy of LCAP can now be predicted on the basis of endoscopic findings.

Despite the fact that steroid administration is hailed as a second-line therapy for inducing remission in UC if remissions are not attainable by salazosulfapyridine or mesalazine treatment, it was revealed that steroid administration can result in different side effects.

From Eurekalert.org:

In 1995, LCAP was introduced for patients with UC. LCAP is a method where the blood is passed though a leukocyte removal filter before being returned to the body. On average, 1.6 × 1010 leukocytes are removed during one session. These leukocytes include granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Almost 100% of granulocytes and monocytes and 60% of lymphocytes are removed by removal filter. In this study, we found 61.1% of steroid-naive UC patients (11/18) had entered remission eight weeks after the last LCAP session.

Since steroids can induce remission in 45% to 90% of salazosulfapyridine or mesalazine non-responders, it appears that LCAP is as efficacious as steroids as a second-line treatment. Analysis of the endoscopic findings of the patients revealed that while the remission rate of the patients with erosion was extremely high after LCAP; however, that of the patients with geographic ulcers and deep ulcers extremely low. None of the patients experienced any severe adverse effects from LCAP. Given the low rate of adverse events suffered by patients treated with LCAP, we propose that patients with moderately active UC should be treated with LCAP before steroids are considered.

The study went on to reveal that LCAP can an efficacious treatment option for steroid-naive UC patients with moderate activity and endoscopic revelations can be used to predict treatment efficacy.

Untold relationship between financial traders and hormone levels

As per a recently concluded research by Israeli researchers, City Traders tend to gain more when it comes to average profits in the morning times when testosterone levels are high.

It was hypothesized by the involved scientists that the positive return for traders is simply because testosterone is believed to raise the level of confidence apart from raising the appetite for risk.

Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays an important role in competitive encounters and sexual behavior. The 'winner effect', which is possible with testosterone, offers a unique ability to raise the chances of winning and winning on a repeated basis.

From News-Medical.Net:

In order to determine how hormone levels affect those working in the financial sector, the researchers followed 17 City of London male traders for eight consecutive business days. To measure the traders' hormones, they took saliva samples twice per day at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., times that fell before and after the bulk of the day's trading. At each sampling time, traders recorded their profit and loss (P&L).

Using the trader's previous trading history, the scientists determined a daily-average to which they could compare the test results. They found that daily testosterone levels were significantly higher on days when traders made more than their one-month daily average than on other days.

The researchers also speculated that if testosterone continued to rise or became chronically elevated, it could begin to have the opposite effect on a trader's profitability by increasing risk-taking to unprofitable levels. Previous studies have shown that administered testosterone can lead to irrational decision-making. They believe that this is because testosterone has also been found to lead to impulsivity and sensation seeking, to harmful risk taking, and in extreme cases (among users of anabolic steroids) to euphoria and mania.

Dr. John Coates, lead author, remarked that the raised levels of testosterone and cortisol allow traders to take business risks. However, there may be addiction if the level of testosterone reaches physiological limits.