1
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Sagoe K, Owens WA, Loyd R, Varley R. The impact of ageing on the health and wellbeing of people with thalidomide embryopathy: a comparison of the health impact with the general population. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38318695 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2307357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE As people living with thalidomide embryopathy (TE) are now entering their seventh decade, we examine the impact of ageing and the prevalence of comorbid health conditions reported in holistic needs assessments (HNAs) by individuals with TE, compare it with an age-matched sample of the general population, and explore the relationship between comorbidities and TE pattern of impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The HNA categories were mapped and compared to those of the Health Survey for England (HSE) and analysed across four impairment groups (A-D). RESULTS 94% (392/415) of individuals with TE residing in the UK participated in the HNA and consented to a secondary analysis of the data. Less than 2% (5/392) reported no comorbidities; 94% reported nervous system problems; including pain, pins and needles and numbness. Individuals with TE reported a significantly greater number of health comorbidities, including musculoskeletal problems, than the age-matched HSE population. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with TE report significantly more health and well-being concerns than the general population of a similar age. Long-term monitoring is needed to ensure that support and rehabilitation services can meet their evolving needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Sagoe
- Health and Wellbeing, Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
| | - W Andrew Owens
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
| | - Rick Loyd
- Founder and Consultant at Change by Numbers Ltd, Ventnor, UK
| | - Rosemary Varley
- Thalidomide Trust, Saint Neots, UK
- Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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2
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Fraga LR, de Oliveira MR, Wermann KM, Vargesson N. Assessment of the Teratogenic Effect of Drugs on the Chicken Embryo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:251-260. [PMID: 38285343 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Pre-clinical trials are an essential step that underpins the drug discovery, development, and safety process. During this process, animal testing is performed to determine the safety of new compounds and any potential adverse effects. Developmental toxicity tests are carried out to verify whether the drug has potential to cause congenital anomalies to the developing embryo/fetus. Chicken embryos are very useful for these purposes and present several advantages, such as low cost of production and housing, easy handling and manipulation, and rapid development in addition to sharing similarities to the human embryo at molecular, cellular, and anatomical levels. In this chapter, we bring methods for using the chicken embryo model for testing the teratogenic effects of drugs and assessing the main outcomes of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Maikel Rosa de Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Karina Maria Wermann
- Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Neil Vargesson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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3
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Vargesson N, Hooper G, Giddins G, Hunter A, Stirling P, Lam W. Thalidomide upper limb embryopathy - pathogenesis, past and present management and future considerations. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2023; 48:699-709. [PMID: 37226469 PMCID: PMC10466950 DOI: 10.1177/17531934231177425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This review article provides a comprehensive overview of thalidomide upper limb embryopathy including updates about its pathogenesis, a historical account of the management of the paediatric thalidomide patient, experience with management of the adult patient, as well as creating awareness about early onset age-related changes associated with limb differences. Despite its withdrawal from the market in November 1961, novel discoveries have meant thalidomide is licensed again and currently still in use to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory disorders and some cancers. Yet, if not used safely, thalidomide still has the potential to cause damage to the embryo. Recent work identifying thalidomide analogues that retain clinical benefits yet without the harmful effects are showing great promise. Understanding the problems thalidomide survivors face as they age can allow surgeons to support their unique healthcare issues and translate these principles of care to other congenital upper limb differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences & Nutrition. Institute of Medical Sciences. University of Aberdeen. Aberdeen, UK
| | | | | | - Alastair Hunter
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Paul Stirling
- Fife Hand Clinic, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, UK
| | - Wee Lam
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
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4
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Kaya C, Birgül K, Bülbül B. Fundamentals of chirality, resolution, and enantiopure molecule synthesis methods. Chirality 2023; 35:4-28. [PMID: 36366874 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The chirality of molecules is a concept that explains the interactions in nature. We may observe the same formula but different organizations revolving around the chiral center. Since Pasteur's meticulous observation of sodium ammonium tartrate crystals' structure, scientists have discovered many features of chiral molecules. The number of newly approved single enantiomeric drugs increases every year and takes place in the market. Thus, separation or resolution methods of racemic mixtures are of continued importance in the efficacy of drugs, installation of affordable production processes, and convenient synthetic chemistry practice. This article presents the asymmetric synthesis approaches and the classification of direct resolution methods of chiral molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cem Kaya
- Department of Pharmacy, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Altınbaş University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Kaan Birgül
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bahadır Bülbül
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
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5
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Paulissen SM, Castranova DM, Krispin SM, Burns MC, Menéndez J, Torres-Vázquez J, Weinstein BM. Anatomy and development of the pectoral fin vascular network in the zebrafish. Development 2022; 149:274284. [PMID: 35132436 PMCID: PMC8959142 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pectoral fins of teleost fish are analogous structures to human forelimbs, and the developmental mechanisms directing their initial growth and patterning are conserved between fish and tetrapods. The forelimb vasculature is crucial for limb function, and it appears to play important roles during development by promoting development of other limb structures, but the steps leading to its formation are poorly understood. In this study, we use high-resolution imaging to document the stepwise assembly of the zebrafish pectoral fin vasculature. We show that fin vascular network formation is a stereotyped, choreographed process that begins with the growth of an initial vascular loop around the pectoral fin. This loop connects to the dorsal aorta to initiate pectoral vascular circulation. Pectoral fin vascular development continues with concurrent formation of three elaborate vascular plexuses, one in the distal fin that develops into the fin-ray vasculature and two near the base of the fin in association with the developing fin musculature. Our findings detail a complex, yet highly choreographed, series of steps involved in the development of a complete, functional, organ-specific vascular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Paulissen
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel M Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shlomo M Krispin
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Margaret C Burns
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Javier Menéndez
- Department of Cell Biology, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- Department of Cell Biology, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, NY 10016, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Yamanaka S, Horiuchi Y, Matsuoka S, Kido K, Nishino K, Maeno M, Shibata N, Kosako H, Sawasaki T. A proximity biotinylation-based approach to identify protein-E3 ligase interactions induced by PROTACs and molecular glues. Nat Commun 2022; 13:183. [PMID: 35013300 PMCID: PMC8748630 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27818-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) as well as molecular glues such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and indisulam are drugs that induce interactions between substrate proteins and an E3 ubiquitin ligases for targeted protein degradation. Here, we develop a workflow based on proximity-dependent biotinylation by AirID to identify drug-induced neo-substrates of the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN). Using AirID-CRBN, we detect IMiD-dependent biotinylation of CRBN neo-substrates in vitro and identify biotinylated peptides of well-known neo-substrates by mass spectrometry with high specificity and selectivity. Additional analyses reveal ZMYM2 and ZMYM2-FGFR1 fusion protein-responsible for the 8p11 syndrome involved in acute myeloid leukaemia-as CRBN neo-substrates. Furthermore, AirID-DCAF15 and AirID-CRBN biotinylate neo-substrates targeted by indisulam and PROTACs, respectively, suggesting that this approach has the potential to serve as a general strategy for characterizing drug-inducible protein-protein interactions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamanaka
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Yuto Horiuchi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Saya Matsuoka
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kohki Kido
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Kohei Nishino
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Mayaka Maeno
- Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Norio Shibata
- Department of Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kosako
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sawasaki
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan.
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7
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Swaminathan A, Kalyani KB, Sudhagar SK, Bhuvaneswari S, Nagalatha ST, Raj TLS, Sumantran VN, Chatterjee S. Nitric oxide mitigates thalidomide-induced abnormalities during germination and development of fennel seeds. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:893-901. [PMID: 34484681 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide causes teratogenic effects in several animal species and in humans. Accordingly, the World Health Organization banned thalidomide when mothers who took thalidomide during pregnancy delivered abnormal fetuses. After four decades, thalidomide underwent drug "re-purposing" since its antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects were therapeutic for multiple myeloma. There are no reports of thalidomide's effects on prokaryotes, but it showed teratogenic effects in Arabidopsis thaliana, an ancestor of the plant kingdom. This proof of concept study clearly shows that thalidomide caused a significant and reproducible decrease in germination rate, nitric oxide (NO) production, and chlorophyll content of fennel plantlets. Thalidomide also induced the formation of abnormal fennel plantlets with stunting, wrinkling, and curling of fennel shoots and leaves. Notably, quantitative analysis showed that thalidomide caused a 50% increase in the formation of abnormal fennel plantlets and that these negative effects of thalidomide showed a 2.50- to 4-fold decrease when fennel seeds were co-incubated with an NO donor (Spermine NoNoate) or a stable cGMP analog 8-bromo Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Bromo-cGMP). This study is important because it confirms that thalidomide's negative effects on fennel seed germination and growth are mediated by attenuation of NO and disruption of NO signaling. This reproducible model of thalidomide-induced, NO-dependent damage in a plant system can be used to further investigate the molecular mechanisms of thalidomide action in plants. Importantly, this study establishes a link between the evolution of development of higher plants and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Swaminathan
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - Koneti Brahma Kalyani
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Sudhagar
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvaneswari
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - S Thupali Nagalatha
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - T Leon Stephan Raj
- Department of Botany, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli - 627002, India
| | - Venil N Sumantran
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
| | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Vascular Biology lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Madras Institute of Technology Campus, Chrompet, Chennai-600044, India
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8
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Wachholz GE, Rengel BD, Vargesson N, Fraga LR. From the Farm to the Lab: How Chicken Embryos Contribute to the Field of Teratology. Front Genet 2021; 12:666726. [PMID: 34367238 PMCID: PMC8339958 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.666726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies and its causes, particularly, by external factors are the aim of the field called teratology. The external factors studied by teratology are known as teratogens and can be biological or environmental factors for example, chemicals, medications, recreational drugs, environmental pollutants, physical agents (e.g., X-rays and maternal hyperthermia) and maternal metabolic conditions. Proving the teratogenicity of a factor is a difficult task requiring epidemiology studies as well as experimental teratology evidence from the use of animal models, one of which is the chicken embryo. This model in particular has the advantage of being able to follow development live and in vivo, with rapid development hatching around 21 days, is cheap and easy to manipulate and to observe development. All this allows the chicken embryo to be used in drug screening studies, teratogenic evaluation and studies of mechanisms of teratogenicity. The chicken embryo shares morphological, biochemical and genetic similarities with humans as well as mammalian species, making them ideal to ascertain the actions of teratogens, as well as screen drugs to test for their safety. Pre-clinical trials for new drugs are carried out in rodents and rabbits, however, chicken embryos have been used to screen new compounds or analogs of thalidomide as well as to investigate how some drugs can lead to congenital malformations. Indeed, the chicken embryo has proved valuable in understanding how many congenital anomalies, seen in humans, arise following teratogen exposure. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of the chicken embryo as an experimental model for studies in teratology, exploring its use in drug screening studies, phenotypic evaluation and studies of teratogenic mechanisms of action. Here, we discuss many known teratogens, that have been evaluated using the chicken embryo model including some medicines, such as, thalidomide, valproic acid; recreational drugs including alcohol; environmental influences, such as viruses, specifically ZIKV, which is a newly discovered human teratogen. In addition, we discuss how the chicken embryo has provided insight on the mechanisms of teratogenesis of many compounds and also how this impact on drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Elis Wachholz
- Postgraduate Program of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Teratogen Information Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna Duarte Rengel
- Postgraduate Program of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Teratogen Information Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Teratogen Information Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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9
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Kesserwani H. Death and Rebirth of the Thalidomide Molecule: A Case of Thalidomide-Induced Sensory Neuropathy. Cureus 2021; 13:e13140. [PMID: 33728154 PMCID: PMC7936918 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalidomide molecule is a remarkable molecule that exists in a racemic mixture of optical isomers. In the 1950s, due to its teratogenicity, the levorotatory isomer led to its dramatic downfall. However, the molecule with its panoramic mechanisms of action and its uncanny ability to intercalate within the geometry of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), led to its remarkable renaissance; thalidomide being United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for at least 13 different indications ranging from multiple myeloma to leprosy to glioblastoma. Thalidomide-induced polyneuropathy is usually reversible and is the rate-limiting step in its long-term use. The development of a polyneuropathy is invariably associated with a cumulative dose exceeding 20 grams. However, the polyneuropathy is almost always a sensory neuropathy. Asymmetry, bona fide weakness such as difficulty standing on the heels, a poly-ganglioneuropathy pattern with widespread or patchy numbness and sensory ataxia should raise a red flag and an alternative diagnosis should be considered. We present a typical case of a thalidomide-induced sensory neuropathy in order to highlight the resurgence of thalidomide use in clinical practice. We review the literature and outline the molecular biology of the thalidomide molecule.
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10
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Ria R, Melaccio A, Racanelli V, Vacca A. Anti-VEGF Drugs in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma Patients. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1765. [PMID: 32517267 PMCID: PMC7355441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the bone marrow microenvironment and plasma cells plays an essential role in multiple myeloma progression and drug resistance. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) pathway in vascular endothelial cells activates and promotes angiogenesis. Moreover, VEGF activates and promotes vasculogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry when it interacts with VEGF receptors expressed in precursor cells and inflammatory cells, respectively. In myeloma bone marrow, VEGF and VEGF receptor expression are upregulated and hyperactive in the stromal and tumor cells. It has been demonstrated that several antiangiogenic agents can effectively target VEGF-related pathways in the preclinical phase. However, they are not successful in treating multiple myeloma, probably due to the vicarious action of other cytokines and signaling pathways. Thus, the simultaneous blocking of multiple cytokine pathways, including the VEGF/VEGFR pathway, may represent a valid strategy to treat multiple myeloma. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the role of the VEGF/VEGFR pathway in multiple myeloma, and mainly focuses on the transcription pathway and on strategies that target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.); (V.R.); (A.V.)
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11
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Kiminejad Malaie P, Asadi M, Sadat Hosseini F, Biglar M, Amanlou M. Synthesis, in Vivo and in Silico Studies of N-Aryl-4-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-Yl)Benzamides as an Anticonvulsant Agent. PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.34172/ps.2019.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: These days epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, which can affect on quality of life by unpredictable seizure. Thalidomide is one of the drugs to control the epilepsy but side effects such as teratogenicity, made it difficult to use. Methods: Six new analogues of N-aryl-4-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)benzamides were synthesized and tested for anti-seizure activity. To evaluate the anti-seizure activity of these new derivatives, 40 mice in 8 groups were received 10 mg/Kg of each new derivatives 30 min before the injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 70 mg/kg) to induced seizures. Latency time to first symptom of seizure was measured and compared to vehicle and standard groups. Docking methodology was applied to study on mode of interaction between GABAA receptor and synthetized compounds. Results: Structures of the all synthesized compounds were confirmed by NMR and mass spectroscopy. The latency time and mortality rate were individually measured for an hour after injection of pentylenetetrazole. Docking study revealed that synthesized compounds and thalidomide interact in similar conformation with GABAA receptor. Conclusion: The experimental and docking results were found in good correlation and demonstrated that the most active compound (5a), with 3,4-dimethylphenyl residue increased the duration of seizure inhibition threshold in comparison with thalidomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Kiminejad Malaie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Asadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Sadat Hosseini
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Biglar
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Amanlou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Analysis of exposure margins in developmental toxicity studies for detection of human teratogens. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 105:62-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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13
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Samel C, Albus C, Tebest R, Forster K, Lüngen M, Niecke A, Pfaff H, Peters KM. Behindertenspezifische Herausforderungen bei der pflegerischen Versorgung von contergangeschädigten Menschen – eine Bedarfsanalyse. Pflege 2019; 32:137-145. [DOI: 10.1024/1012-5302/a000670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Zwischen 1957 und 1962 wurden in Deutschland ca. 5000 sogenannte Contergan-Kinder geboren, deren Mütter während der Schwangerschaft das Beruhigungs- und Schlafmittel Contergan genommen hatten. Fragestellung: Das Ziel der Studie war es, die pflegerische Versorgung, ungedeckte Bedarfe und finanzielle Eigenleistungen vor dem Hintergrund der Conterganschädigung mit ihren spezifischen Ausprägungen bei einzelnen Betroffenen sowie eventuelle zukünftige Herausforderungen zu erheben. Methoden: Es wurde eine Befragung mittels Fragebogen zu der pflegerischen Versorgung, den Bedürfnissen und vorliegenden Pflegestufen durchgeführt. Außerdem gab es eine orthopädische und psychische Untersuchung der Betroffenen hinsichtlich ihrer körperlichen Behinderungen und Beeinträchtigungen sowie psychischer Störungen. Ergebnisse: Die Contergangeschädigten teilen sich bezüglich ihrer pflegerischen Bedürfnisse in zwei Gruppen: Personen mit und ohne Beeinträchtigungen der Extremitäten. Das Vorhandensein des pflegerischen Bedarfes und die dafür aufgewendeten privaten Mittel verlaufen entlang dieser Grenze. Viele der Betroffenen werden nur von ihrem sozialen Umfeld pflegerisch betreut, was eine eigene Problematik darstellt, da das Umfeld der Betroffenen mitaltert und sie teilweise sogar noch von ihren Eltern versorgt werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Prävalenz für die Pflege bei Contergangeschädigten ist höher als in der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung derselben Altersgruppe, professionelle Pflegedienstleister sind unterrepräsentiert. Diese sollten häufiger in Anspruch genommen werden und dem spezifischen Bedarf der Betroffenen gerecht werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Samel
- Institut für Medizinische Statistik und Bioinformatik, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln
| | - Christian Albus
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Uniklinik Köln
| | - Ralf Tebest
- Institut für Gesundheitsökonomie und Klinische Epidemiologie der Universität zu Köln
| | - Kristin Forster
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Uniklinik Köln
| | | | - Alexander Niecke
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie der Uniklinik Köln
| | - Holger Pfaff
- Institut für Medizinsoziologie, Versorgungsforschung und Rehabilitationswissenschaft der Universität zu Köln
| | - Klaus M. Peters
- Orthopädie und Osteologie, Dr. Becker Rhein-Sieg-Klinik, Nümbrecht
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14
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Mercurio A, Sharples L, Corbo F, Franchini C, Vacca A, Catalano A, Carocci A, Kamm RD, Pavesi A, Adriani G. Phthalimide Derivative Shows Anti-angiogenic Activity in a 3D Microfluidic Model and No Teratogenicity in Zebrafish Embryos. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:349. [PMID: 31057399 PMCID: PMC6479179 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a crucial event for tumor progression and metastasis. It is the process through which new blood vessels are formed and has become a therapeutic target in many cancer therapies. However, current anti-angiogenic drugs such as Thalidomide still have detrimental teratogenic effects. This property could be caused by the presence of chiral carbons, intrinsic to such compounds. We synthesized four different phthalimide derivatives that lack chiral carbons in their chemical structure. We hypothesized that these achiral carbon compounds would retain similar levels of anti-angiogenic activity whilst reducing teratogenic effects. We tested for their anti-angiogenic functions using an in vitro 3D microfluidic assay with human endothelial cells. All four compounds caused a drastic inhibition of angiogenesis at lower effective concentrations compared to Thalidomide. Quantification of the blood vessel sprouting in each condition allowed us to classify compounds depending on their anti-angiogenic capabilities. The most effective identified compound (C4), was tested in vivo on a zebrafish embryo model. Blood vessel development was measured using number and lengths of the stalks visible in the fli1a:EGFP transgenic line. Potential teratogenic effects of C4 were monitored over zebrafish embryonic development. The in vivo results confirmed the increased potency of C4 compared to Thalidomide demonstrated by results in embryos exposed to concentrations as low as 0.02 μM. The teratogenic analysis further validated the advantages of using C4 over Thalidomide in zebrafish embryos. This study highlights how the use of in vitro 3D model can allow rapid screening and selection of new and safer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Mercurio
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lucy Sharples
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessia Carocci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Giulia Adriani
- BioSystems and Micromechanics IRG, Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Samel C, Albus C, Nippert I, Niecke A, Lüngen M, Pfaff H, Peters KM. Life situation of women impaired by Thalidomide embryopathy in North Rhine-Westphalia - a comparative analysis of a recent cross-sectional study with earlier data. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2019; 19:51. [PMID: 30943953 PMCID: PMC6448387 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-019-0745-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Between 1957 and 1961 the substance Thalidomide was sold in West Germany and taken by many women as a sedative during pregnancy. This lead to miscarriages and infants been born with several severe malformations. The aim of this study was to describe the current situation of women impaired by Thalidomide induced embryopahty in North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), Germany, in comparison with the results found in a study done in 2002 by Nippert et al. Methods Questionnaires as well as examinations were performed. Data were compared using descriptive and inductive statistical methods. Results Both studies show that women impaired by Thalidomide embryopathy face a poorer health status than women their age in the general population and live in fear of further deteriorating health. The majority can only work reduced hours or are already retired due to poor health. Most of those who need assistance are being assisted by their social environment, while professional care is still utilized in only few cases. Conclusions An obvious need for a shift in the provision of assistance and/or care provided was found as the social environment supporting the impaired women is also aging and therefore in high danger of breaking apart. Trial registration The study has been registered at German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010593, on 07.06.2016 retrospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Samel
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology (IMSB), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Bachemer Str. 86, 50931, Cologne, Germany. .,Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Gleueler Str. 176-178, 50935, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Christian Albus
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Irmgard Nippert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Vesaliusweg 12-14, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Niecke
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Lüngen
- Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences, Osnabrück, University of Applied Sciences, Postfach 19 40, 49009, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Holger Pfaff
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany
| | - Klaus M Peters
- Department of Orthopedics and Osteology, Dr. Becker Rhein-Sieg-Klinik, Höhenstr. 30, 51588, Nümbrecht, Germany
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16
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Kalaiselvan V, Srivastava S, Singh A, Gupta SK. Pharmacovigilance in India: Present Scenario and Future Challenges. Drug Saf 2018; 42:339-346. [DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0730-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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Smith RL, Mitchell SC. Thalidomide-type teratogenicity: structure-activity relationships for congeners. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:1036-1047. [PMID: 30542600 DOI: 10.1039/c8tx00187a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Unravelling the molecular basis of thalidomide embryotoxicity, which is remarkably species-specific, is challenging in view of its low toxicity in the mature animal. Employing data derived solely from proven sensitive primate species or susceptible strains of rabbit, the structure-activity relationship of over 50 compounds which are, arguably, congeners of thalidomide has been reviewed. The molecular requirement for 'thalidomide-type' teratogenicity was highly structure dependent. Both the phthalimide and glutarimide groups were essential for embryopathic activity, although minor substitutions in either or both rings could be tolerated without a loss of toxicity. An α-linkage between the two cyclic structures was essential; a β-link resulted in a complete loss of embryopathic activity. Crucially, this α-configuration provided a centre of asymmetry enabling the existence of stereoisomers. The thalidomide molecule is not a static entity and under physiological conditions it undergoes a number of intra- and inter-molecular reactions. Besides irreversible hydrolysis, its keto-enol tautomerism, base-assisted proton transfer and glutarimide ring rotation lead to rapid interconversion of the thalidomide enantiomers. These enantiomers form equilibria between themselves and also between both homochiral and heterochiral dimers. It is proposed that the more energetically favourable and stable heterochiral dimer of thalidomide is an active agent that possesses the structural features of the paired nucleotides of the double-stranded DNA. Its capacity to enter into hydrogen bonding interactions affects DNA expression in a chaotic manner without causing permanent mutations. This disruption may well be concentrated at nucleotide sites known to be involved in specific promoter regions of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Smith
- Computational and Systems Medicine , Faculty of Medicine , Imperial College London , London , UK .
| | - S C Mitchell
- Computational and Systems Medicine , Faculty of Medicine , Imperial College London , London , UK .
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18
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The Primodos components Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol induce developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2917. [PMID: 29440757 PMCID: PMC5811427 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21318-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primodos was a hormone pregnancy test used between 1958-1978 that has been implicated with causing a range of birth defects ever since. Though Primodos is no longer used, it's components, Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol, are used in other medications today including treatments for endometriosis and contraceptives. However, whether Primodos caused birth defects or not remains controversial, and has been little investigated. Here we used the developing zebrafish embryo, a human cell-line and mouse retinal explants to investigate the actions of the components of Primodos upon embryonic and tissue development. We show that Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol cause embryonic damage in a dose and time responsive manner. The damage occurs rapidly after drug exposure, affecting multiple organ systems. Moreover, we found that the Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol mixture can affect nerve outgrowth and blood vessel patterning directly and accumulates in the forming embryo for at least 24 hrs. These data demonstrate that Norethisterone acetate and Ethinyl estradiol are potentially teratogenic, depending on dose and embryonic stage of development in the zebrafish. Further work in mammalian model species are now required to build on these findings and determine if placental embryos also are affected by synthetic sex hormones and their mechanisms of action.
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19
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In vivo screening and discovery of novel candidate thalidomide analogs in the zebrafish embryo and chicken embryo model systems. Oncotarget 2017; 7:33237-45. [PMID: 27120781 PMCID: PMC5078090 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide, a drug known for its teratogenic side-effects, is used successfully to treat a variety of clinical conditions including leprosy and multiple myeloma. Intense efforts are underway to synthesize and identify safer, clinically relevant analogs. Here, we conduct a preliminary in vivo screen of a library of new thalidomide analogs to determine which agents demonstrate activity, and describe a cohort of compounds with anti-angiogenic properties, anti-inflammatory properties and some compounds which exhibited both. The combination of the in vivo zebrafish and chicken embryo model systems allows for the accelerated discovery of new, potential therapies for cancerous and inflammatory conditions.
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20
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Mahony C, McMenemy S, Rafipay AJ, Beedie SL, Fraga LR, Gütschow M, Figg WD, Erskine L, Vargesson N. CPS49-induced neurotoxicity does not cause limb patterning anomalies in developing chicken embryos. J Anat 2017; 232:568-574. [PMID: 29023763 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalidomide notoriously caused severe birth defects, particularly to the limbs, in those exposed in utero following maternal use of the drug to treat morning sickness. How the drug caused these birth defects remains unclear. Many theories have been proposed including actions on the forming blood vessels. However, thalidomide survivors also have altered nerve patterns and the drug is known for its neurotoxic actions in adults following prolonged use. We have previously shown that CPS49, an anti-angiogenic analog of thalidomide, causes a range of limb malformations in a time-sensitive manner in chicken embryos. Here we investigated whether CPS49 also is neurotoxic and whether effects on nerve development impact upon limb development. We found that CPS49 is neurotoxic, just like thalidomide, and can cause some neuronal loss late developing chicken limbs, but only when the limb is already innervated. However, CPS49 exposure does not cause defects in limb size when added to late developing chicken limbs. In contrast, in early limb buds which are not innervated, CPS49 exposure affects limb area significantly. To investigate in more detail the role of neurotoxicity and its impact on chicken limb development we inhibited nerve innervation at a range of developmental timepoints through using β-bungarotoxin. We found that neuronal inhibition or ablation before, during or after limb outgrowth and innervation does not result in obvious limb cartilage patterning or number changes. We conclude that while CPS49 is neurotoxic, given the late innervation of the developing limb, and that neuronal inhibition/ablation throughout limb development does not cause similar limb patterning anomalies to those seen in thalidomide survivors, nerve defects are not the primary underlying cause of the severe limb patterning defects induced by CPS49/thalidomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Mahony
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Scott McMenemy
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alexandra J Rafipay
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Shaunna-Leigh Beedie
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - William D Figg
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lynda Erskine
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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21
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Vargesson N. Developmental angiogenesis. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 70:1-2. [PMID: 28602455 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AB25 5EZ, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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22
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Arterial dysgenesis and limb defects: Clinical and experimental examples. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 70:21-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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23
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Newbronner E, Vargesson N, Atkin K. "The legacy of thalidomide" - A multidisciplinary meeting held at the University of York, United Kingdom, on September 30, 2016. Birth Defects Res 2017; 109:296-299. [PMID: 28398668 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 1957 and 1962 thalidomide was used as a nonaddictive, nonbarbiturate sedative that also was successful in relieving the symptoms of morning sickness in early pregnancy. Infamously, thousands of babies were subsequently born with severe birth defects. The drug is used again, today, to successfully treat leprosy, and tragically, there is a new generation of thalidomide damaged children in Brazil. While the outward damage in babies has been documented, the effects of the damage upon the survivors as they grow up, the lifestyle changes and adaptations required to be made, as well as studies into ageing in survivors, has received little attention and remains understudied. METHODS A unique multidisciplinary meeting was organized at the University of York bringing together thalidomide survivors, clinicians, scientists, historians, and social scientists to discuss the past, the current and the future implications of thalidomide. RESULTS There is still much to learn from thalidomide, from its complex history and ongoing impact on peoples' lives today, to understanding its mechanism/s to aid future drug safety, to help identify new drugs retaining clinical benefit without the risk of causing embryopathy. CONCLUSION For thalidomide survivors, the original impairments caused by the drug are compounded by the consequences of a lifetime of living with a rare disability, and early onset age-related health problems. This has profound implications for their quality of life and need for health and social care services. It is vital that these issues are addressed in research, and in clinical practice if thalidomide survivors are to "age well". Birth Defects Research 109:296-299, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Newbronner
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of York, Area 2 Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, York
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen
| | - Karl Atkin
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of York, Area 2 Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, York
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24
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Sorensen D, Sackett A, Urban DJ, Maier J, Vargesson N, Sears KE. A new mammalian model system for thalidomide teratogenesis: Monodelphis domestica. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 70:126-132. [PMID: 28130151 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
From 1957 to 1962, thalidomide caused birth defects in >10,000 children. While the drug was pulled from the market, thalidomide is currently prescribed to treat conditions including leprosy. As a result, a new generation of babies with thalidomide defects is being born in the developing world. This represents a serious problem, as the mechanisms by which thalidomide disrupts development remain unresolved. This lack of resolution is due, in part, to the absence of an appropriate mammalian model for thalidomide teratogenesis. We test the hypothesis that opossum (Monodelphis domestica) is well suited to model human thalidomide defects. Results suggest that opossum embryos exposed to thalidomide display a range of phenotypes (e.g., heart, craniofacial, limb defects) and penetrance similar to humans. Furthermore, all opossums with thalidomide defects exhibit vascular disruptions. Results therefore support the hypotheses that opossums make a good mammalian model for thalidomide teratogenesis, and that thalidomide can severely disrupt angiogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sorensen
- School of Integrative Biology, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Amanda Sackett
- School of Integrative Biology, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Daniel J Urban
- School of Integrative Biology, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jennifer Maier
- School of Integrative Biology, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Karen E Sears
- School of Integrative Biology, 505 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Institute for Genomic Biology, 1206 W Gregory Drive, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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25
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Tajima T, Wada T, Yoshizawa A, Masuda T, Okafuji T, Nakayama T, Hasuo K. Internal anomalies in thalidomide embryopathy: results of imaging screening by CT and MRI. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:1199.e1-7. [PMID: 27567725 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the prevalence and detailed radiological findings of internal anomalies in thalidomide embryopathy (TE). MATERIALS AND METHODS Whole-body image screening for internal anomalies using unenhanced whole-body computed tomography (CT) and head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 22 patients (13 women and nine men; mean age, 49 years; range, 47-51 years) with TE. RESULTS Among the 22 patients with TE, internal anomalies were detected in 19 (86.4%): anomalies of the auditory organ in 10 (45.5%), anomalies of the vascular system in six (27.3%), agenesis of the gallbladder in six (27.3%), hypoplasia or aplasia of the 7th or 8th cranial nerves in five (22.7%), block vertebrae in five (22.7%), fusion of the left lobe and quadrate lobe of the liver in three (9.1%), and others in five (22.7%), respectively. CONCLUSION In addition to limb defects or hypoplasia, various internal anomalies can be detected at a high incidence in TE using CT and MRI. Understanding these characteristic radiological findings may help radiologists detect a wide range of radiological findings of internal anomalies associated with TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tajima
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan.
| | - T Wada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - A Yoshizawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - T Masuda
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - T Okafuji
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - T Nakayama
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - K Hasuo
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
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26
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Shared mechanism of teratogenicity of anti-angiogenic drugs identified in the chicken embryo model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30038. [PMID: 27443489 PMCID: PMC4957076 DOI: 10.1038/srep30038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is essential for tumor growth, stabilization and progression. Angiogenesis inhibitors are now widely used in the clinic; however, there are relatively few published studies on the mechanism of their presumed teratogenic effects. To address this issue, we screened a variety of angiogenesis inhibitors in developing zebrafish and chicken embryo models to assess for developmental defects and potential teratogenic effects. We confirmed previous reports that sunitinib, sorafenib and TNP-470 are teratogenic and demonstrate that axitinib, pazopanib, vandetanib, and everolimus are also teratogens in these models. A dose response study identified the drugs inhibit HUVEC cell proliferation in vitro, and also target the developing blood vessels of embryos in vivo. This provides further evidence for the potential risk of fetal toxicity when using these drugs in a clinical setting, and emphasizes the importance of the development and maintenance of the vasculature in the embryo. We conclude that angiogenesis inhibitors, regardless of the molecular target, are teratogenic when exposed to chicken embryos.
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27
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Beedie SL, Peer CJ, Pisle S, Gardner ER, Mahony C, Barnett S, Ambrozak A, Gütschow M, Chau CH, Vargesson N, Figg WD. Anticancer Properties of a Novel Class of Tetrafluorinated Thalidomide Analogues. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:2228-37. [PMID: 26269604 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Thalidomide has demonstrated clinical activity in various malignancies affecting immunomodulatory and angiogenic pathways. The development of novel thalidomide analogs with improved efficacy and decreased toxicity is an ongoing research effort. We recently designed and synthesized a new class of compounds, consisting of both tetrafluorinated thalidomide analogues (Gu973 and Gu998) and tetrafluorobenzamides (Gu1029 and Gu992). In this study, we demonstrate the antiangiogenic properties of these newly synthesized compounds. We examined the specific antiangiogenic characteristics in vitro using rat aortic rings with carboxyamidotriazole as a positive control. In addition, further in vitro efficacy was evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and PC3 cells treated with 5 and 10 μmol/L doses of each compound. All compounds were seen to reduce microvessel outgrowth in rat aortic rings as well as to inhibit HUVECs to a greater extent, at lower concentrations than previously tested thalidomide analogs. The antiangiogenic properties of the compounds were also examined in vivo in fli1:EGFP zebrafish embryos, where all compounds were seen to inhibit the extent of outgrowth of newly developing blood vessels. In addition, Gu1029 and Gu973 reduced the anti-inflammatory response in mpo:GFP zebrafish embryos, whereas Gu998 and Gu992 showed no difference. The compounds' antitumor effects were also explored in vivo using the human prostate cancer PC3 xenograft model. All four compounds were also screened in vivo in chicken embryos to investigate their teratogenic potential. This study establishes these novel thalidomide analogues as a promising immunomodulatory class with anticancer effects that warrant further development to characterize their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaunna L Beedie
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Steven Pisle
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Erin R Gardner
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chris Mahony
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Shelby Barnett
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Cindy H Chau
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Neil Vargesson
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - William D Figg
- Molecular Pharmacology Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. Clinical Pharmacology Program, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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28
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Vargesson N. Thalidomide-induced teratogenesis: history and mechanisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 105:140-56. [PMID: 26043938 PMCID: PMC4737249 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 60 years ago thalidomide was prescribed to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. What followed was the biggest man‐made medical disaster ever, where over 10,000 children were born with a range of severe and debilitating malformations. Despite this, the drug is now used successfully to treat a range of adult conditions, including multiple myeloma and complications of leprosy. Tragically, a new generation of thalidomide damaged children has been identified in Brazil. Yet, how thalidomide caused its devastating effects in the forming embryo remains unclear. However, studies in the past few years have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms the drug. This review will look at the history of the drug, and the range and type of damage the drug caused, and outline the mechanisms of action the drug uses including recent molecular advances and new findings. Some of the remaining challenges facing thalidomide biologists are also discussed. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 105:140–156, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today: Reviews Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vargesson
- School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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29
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Rashid A, Kuppa A, Kunwar A, Panda D. Thalidomide (5HPP-33) suppresses microtubule dynamics and depolymerizes the microtubule network by binding at the vinblastine binding site on tubulin. Biochemistry 2015; 54:2149-59. [PMID: 25747795 DOI: 10.1021/bi501429j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Thalidomides were initially thought to be broad-range drugs specifically for curing insomnia and relieving morning sickness in pregnant women. However, its use was discontinued because of a major drawback of causing teratogenicity. In this study, we found that a thalidomide derivative, 5-hydroxy-2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3-dione (5HPP-33), inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 4.5 ± 0.4 μM. 5HPP-33 depolymerized microtubules and inhibited the reassembly of cold-depolymerized microtubules in MCF-7 cells. Using time-lapse imaging, the effect of 5HPP-33 on the dynamics of individual microtubules in live MCF-7 cells was analyzed. 5HPP-33 (5 μM) decreased the rates of growth and shortening excursions by 34 and 33%, respectively, and increased the time microtubules spent in the pause state by 92% as compared to that of the vehicle-treated MCF-7 cells. 5HPP-33 (5 μM) reduced the dynamicity of microtubules by 62% compared to the control. 5HPP-33 treatment reduced the distance between the two poles of a bipolar spindle, induced multipolarity in some of the treated cells, and blocked cells at mitosis. In vitro, 5HPP-33 bound to tubulin with a weak affinity. Vinblastine inhibited the binding of 5HPP-33 to tubulin, and 5HPP-33 inhibited the binding of BODIPY FL-vinblastine to tubulin. Further, a molecular docking analysis suggested that 5HPP-33 shares its binding site on tubulin with vinblastine. The results provided significant insight into the antimitotic mechanism of action of 5HPP-33 and also suggest a possible mechanism for the teratogenicity of thalidomides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijaz Rashid
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Annapurna Kuppa
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Ambarish Kunwar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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30
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Hootnick D. Brief report embryonic arterial and skeletal dysgenesis: Syracuse colloquium on congenital arterial and skeletal birth defects September 28 and 29, 2013. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 100:789-91. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Hootnick
- SUNY Upstate Medical University; Taft Road Liverpool United Kingdom
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