Blood coagulation and its regulation by anticoagulant pathways: genetic pathogenesis Platelet-mediated primary haemostasis and blood coagulation have evolved as important defence mechanisms against bleeding. The formation of the platelet plug provides the initial occlusion of the vascular lesion. This is temporally co-ordinated with the activation of the coagulation system, which occurs in response to the rupture of endothelium and the exposure of blood to the extravascular tissue. The reactions of blood coagulation are carefully controlled by several anticoagulant mechanisms and under normal conditions they prevail over the procoagulant forces. Genetic or acquired disturbances of the natural balance between the pro- and anticoagulant systems may result in bleeding or thrombotic diseases.

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Blood coagulation and its regulation by anticoagulant pathways: genetic pathogenesis of bleeding and thrombotic diseases

The discussion of host–parasite interactions, and of parasite virulence more specifically, has so far, with a few exceptions, not focused much attention on the accumulating evidence that immune evasion by parasites is not only almost universal but also often linked to pathogenesis, i.e. the appearance of virulence. Now, the immune evasion hypothesis offers a deeper insight into the evolution of virulence than previous hypotheses. Sensitivity analysis for parasite fitness and life-history theory shows promise to generate a more general evolutionary theory of virulence by including a major element, immune evasion to prevent parasite clearance from the host. Also, the study of dose–response relationships and multiple infections should be particularly illuminating to understand the evolution of virulence. Taking into account immune evasion brings immunological processes to the core of understanding the evolution of parasite virulence and for a range of related issues such as dose, host specificity or immunopathology. The aim of this review is to highlight the mechanism underlying immune evasion and to discuss possible consequences for the evolutionary ecology analysis of host–parasite interactions.

/pdf/immune-defence-parasite-evasion-strategies-and-their-2h72x7bgnc.pdf

Immune defence, parasite evasion strategies and their relevance for ‘macroscopic phenomena’ such as virulence

Congenital toxoplasmosis—prenatal aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection

2′ and/or 3′ prodrugs of 1′, 2′, 3′ or 4′-branched nucleosides, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives are described. These prodrugs are useful in the prevention and treatment of Flaviviridae infections, including HCV infection, and other related conditions. Compounds and compositions of the prodrugs of the present invention are described. Methods and uses are also provided that include the administration of an effective amount of the prodrugs of the present invention, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives. These drugs may optionally be administered in combination or alteration with further anti-viral agents to prevent or treat Flaviviridae infections and other related conditions.

Modified 2' and 3'-nucleoside prodrugs for treating flaviviridae infections

2′ and 3′-Prodrugs of 1′, 2′, 3′ or 4′-branched β-D or β-L nucleosides, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives are described, which are useful in the prevention and treatment of Flaviviridae infections and other related conditions. These modified nucleosides provide superior results against flaviviruses and pestiviruses, including hepatitis C virus and viruses generally that replicate through an RNA dependent RNA reverse transcriptase. Compounds, compositions, methods and uses are provided for the treatment of Flaviviridae infection, including HCV infection, that include the administration of an effective amount of the prodrugs of the present invention, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives. These drugs may optionally be administered in combination or alteration with further anti-viral agents to prevent or treat Flaviviridae infections and other related conditions.

2' and 3'-nucleoside prodrugs for treating flaviviridae infections

The present review article deals with the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis. The article briefly highlights some important aspects such as different strains, mode of infection and clinical characteristics, entry into host cell, immune response, host parasite interaction, tissue cyst formation and disease recurrence.

Pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis.

Factor VIII (FVIII) functions as a co-factor in the blood coagulation cascade for the proteolytic activation of factor X by factor IXa. Deficiency of FVIII causes hemophilia A, the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder. This review highlights current knowledge on selected aspects of FVIII in which both the scientist and the clinician should be interested.

Blood coagulation factor VIII: An overview.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology has made a revolutionary impact in the area of human healthcare by enabling mass production of safe, pure and effective rDNA expression products. Currently, several categories of rDNA products, viz. hormones of therapeutic interest, haemopoietic growth factors, blood coagulation products, thrombolytic agents, anticoagulants, interferons, inter-leukins and therapeutic enzymes are being produced using rDNA technology for human use. The present article provides information on different aspects, viz. expression systems, production, purification, analysis and therapeutic applications of rDNA products. Further, future of rDNA products and Indian scenario are also highlighted. This article should be beneficial to biotechnology scientists and manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals.

Recombinant DNA expression products for human therapeutic use

Emerging drugs for chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Unfortunately, neither a vaccine nor any effective therapy is available. Efforts are now directed towards the development of an effective vaccine besides chemotherapy. This review briefly summarizes the properties of an effective vaccine for the control of HCV infection. The mechanisms of protective immune response induced by HCV are not well understood. It is presumed that humoral and cellular immune responses play an important role. Even though there are various obstacles in the development of HCV vaccine, we describe a few promising approaches such as DNA vaccine, recombinant virus vaccine, HCV-like particles (HCV-LPs), peptide-based vaccine and plant-derived recombinant subunit vaccine.

G. M. Bhopale

Papers

Pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis.

Blood coagulation factor VIII: An overview.

Recombinant DNA expression products for human therapeutic use

Emerging drugs for chronic hepatitis C.

Prospects for hepatitis C vaccine.