Expert opinion on biological therapy
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Apr 2014
ReviewThe human microbiome and bile acid metabolism: dysbiosis, dysmetabolism, disease and intervention.
Recent evidence indicates that the human gut microbiome plays a significant role in health and disease. Dysbiosis, defined as a pathological imbalance in a microbial community, is becoming increasingly appreciated as a 'central environmental factor' that is both associated with complex phenotypes and affected by host genetics, diet and antibiotic use. More recently, a link has been established between the dysmetabolism of bile acids (BAs) in the gut to dysbiosis. ⋯ A disrupted gut microbiome, including a reduction of bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-active bacteria, can significantly impair the metabolism of BAs and may result in an inability to maintain glucose homeostasis as well as normal cholesterol breakdown and excretion. To better understand the link between dysbiosis, BA dysmetabolism and chronic degenerative disease, large-scale metagenomic sequencing studies, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics should continue to catalog functional diversity in the gastrointestinal tract of both healthy and diseased populations. Further, BSH-active probiotics should continue to be explored as treatment options to help restore metabolic levels.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Apr 2014
ReviewAdvances in stem-cell--generated transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Human pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into different cell lineages of the human body, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Previous studies have shown that stem-cell--derived DA neurons can improve the motor deficits of Parkinson's disease (PD) animal models. That is why current research interests focus on the development of stem-cell--derived neural cells for transplantation therapies for PD patients. ⋯ Before entering the clinic, transplantable cell populations must be differentiated and characterized according to good manufacturing practice (GMP) regulations both in vitro and in vivo. Taking into account the rapid development of the stem-cell field and technological improvements in cell preparations and GMP facilities, we think that pluripotent stem-cell--derived DA neurons will offer a relevant cell therapy option for treatment of PD in the near future.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Mar 2014
ReviewRecent developments in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: focusing on biologic therapies.
Major trials hoping to obtain optimal disease control in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are ongoing. Given its complex aetiology and pathogenesis, it is not surprising that multiple therapeutic targets have emerged and that none are uniformly successful. ⋯ In addition to targeting B cells, other approaches including biologics, which modulate T-cell function and block interleukin-6 and interferon-α, have been explored. Finally, we review the recent developments in the use of conventional drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate.
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Expert Opin Biol Ther · Feb 2014
ReviewRole of periostin, FENO, IL-13, lebrikzumab, other IL-13 antagonist and dual IL-4/IL-13 antagonist in asthma.
Asthma markedly diminishes quality of life due to limited activity, absences from work or school and hospitalizations. Patients with severe asthma which are not controlled despite taking effective therapy are most in need of new treatment approaches. IL-13 was demonstrated as 'central mediator of allergic asthma'. ⋯ Lebrikizumab block IL-13 signaling through the IL-13Rα1/IL-4Rα receptor. There was a larger reduction in FENO in the high periostin subgroup than in the low periostin subgroup (34.4 vs 4.3%). Serum CCL17, CCL13 and total IgE levels decreased in the lebrikizumab group.