Synthesis of 2-(aryl)-5-(arylidene)-4-thiazolidinone derivatives with potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity

A series of novel N-[5-(arylidene)-2-(aryl)-4-oxo-thiazolidin-3-yl]-4-biphenylcarboxamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid hydrazide was converted to the corresponding aryl hydrazones using aryl aldehydes in the presence of catalytic amount of glacial acetic acid. The aryl hydrazones on reaction with thioglycolic acid in the presence of anhydrous zinc chloride yielded N-[2-(aryl)-4-oxo-thiazolidin-3-yl]-4-biphenylcarboxamide which further on reaction with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of anhydrous sodium acetate and glacial acetic acid furnished the title compounds. All compound exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at the dose 10?mg/kg. The structures of all these newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by their elemental analyses (C, H, N) and spectral data (IR and ¹H NMR).     

Regulated release of nitric oxide by nonhematopoietic stroma controls expansion of the activated T cell pool in lymph nodes

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) are nonhematopoietic stromal cells of lymphoid organs. They influence the migration and homeostasis of naive T cells; however, their influence on activated T cells remains undescribed. Here we report that FRCs and LECs inhibited T cell proliferation through a tightly regulated mechanism dependent on nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2). Expression of NOS2 and production of nitric oxide paralleled the activation of T cells and required a tripartite synergism of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor and direct contact with activated T cells. Notably, in vivo expression of NOS2 by FRCs and LECs regulated the size of the activated T cell pool. Our study elucidates an as-yet-unrecognized role for the lymph node stromal niche in controlling T cell responses.     

Personalized Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease: From Genome to Bedside

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world despite advances in cardiac care over the last few decades. Although most of these advances in cardiovascular medicine have been made through trials of therapies on a population scale, the success of such therapies in a patient often is dependent on particular aspects of each individual. In this review, we present the evidence for the impact that the use of personalized medicine and genetics can have in the cardiac care of a patient, first through risk stratification based on inherent genetic risk inferred from the results of genome-wide association studies, to the use of pharmacogenomics to guide clinical management. Finally, we discuss the coming flood of human genome sequencing and the potential impact it will have on the care of patients from the standpoint of cardiovascular disease.     

Pharmacogenetic approaches to cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia

Research in the area of pharmacogenetics in psychiatry is aimed at identifying clinically relevant genetic variations that can predict treatment response. Ultimately, the goal is to individualize treatment in order to optimize outcome in disorders in which incomplete treatment response is common. Positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia appear to be the most amenable to the currently available agents; however, negative symptoms and cognitive deficits frequently persist even when frank psychosis is well controlled. Given the relationship between these persistent traits and functional disability in schizophrenia, efforts are under way to directly target cognitive impairment and negative symptoms pharmacologically in order to improve quality of life. To date, most pharmacogenetic studies of schizophrenia have been focused on predicting clinical efficacy and side effects. In this review, we discuss the potential use of cognition as a primary outcome measure of interest in future pharmacogenetic trials of schizophrenia.     

Outcome of patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis continuing sulphasalazine and methotrexate after a short course of infliximab therapy—experience from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India

The objective of the study is to evaluate the outcome of patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis continuing on sulphasalazine (SSZ) and methotrexate (MTX) after a short course of infliximab. Patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis on MTX and SSZ were given short course of infliximab therapy at 0, 2, 6 and 14 weeks. Outcome of these patients while continuing on MTX and SSZ was assessed. Clinical features, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were noted at baseline (pre-infliximab), 1 month, 3 months and last follow-up after last dose of infliximab infusion. Twenty-four patients were included in this study. The mean duration of follow-up was 9.1 months. Statistically significant reduction in tender and swollen joint count was noted at all the three visits as compared to baseline. Fall in ESR and CRP was statistically significant at 1 and 3 months, but not at last follow-up. Mean reduction in BASDAI at 1 month ,3 month and last follow-up after last infliximab dose were 3.907 (95% CI 2.98–4.83; p < 0.001), 4.53 (95% CI 3.56–5.49; p < 0.001) and 2.48 (95% CI 1.12–3.84; p = 0.002), respectively. Mean reduction in BASFI at 1 month, 3 months and last follow-up after last infliximab dose were 4.13 (95% CI 3.23–5.04; p < 0.001), 4.34 (95% CI 2.8–5.88; p < 0.001) and 2.38 (95% CI 0.86–3.90; p = 0.005), respectively. Continuing SSZ and MTX after short course of infliximab results in sustained improvement in our patients with seronegative spondyloarthritis in India.